bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzo[d]thiazole Based Wide Bandgap Donor Polymers Enable 19.54% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Along with Desirable Batch‐to‐Batch Reproducibility and General Applicability
Authors: Pang Bo , Liao Chentong , Xu Xiaopeng , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Peng Qiang
Published: March 2023

The limited selection pool of high‐performance wide bandgap (WBG) polymer donors is a bottleneck problem of the nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) based organic solar cells (OSCs) that impedes the further improvement of their photovoltaic performances. Herein, a series of new WBG polymers, namely PH‐BTz, PS‐BTz, PF‐BTz, and PCl‐BTz, are developed by using the bicyclic difluoro‐benzo[d]thiazole (BTz) as the acceptor block and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) derivatives as the donor units. By introducing S, F, and Cl atoms to the alkylthienyl sidechains on BDT, the resulting polymers exhibit lowered energy levels and enhanced aggregation properties. The fluorinated PBTz‐F not only exhibits a low‐lying HOMO level, but also has stronger face‐on packing order and results in more uniform fibril‐like interpenetrating networks in the related PF‐BTz:L8‐BO blend. A high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.57% is achieved. Moreover, PBTz‐F also exhibits a good batch‐to‐batch reproducibility and general applicability. In addition, ternary blend OSCs based on the host PBTz‐F:L8‐BO blend and PM6 guest donor exhibits a further enhanced PCE of 19.54%, which is among the highest values of OSCs.
Strain‐Driven Superlubricity of Graphene/Graphene in Commensurate Contact
Authors: Cheng Ziwen , Feng Haochen , Sun Junhui , Lu Zhibin , He Q.‐C.
Published: March 2023

The occurrence of structural superlubricity (SSL) requires that two sliding surfaces be in incommensurate contact. However, the incommensurate contact between two sliding surfaces is fundamentally an instable state whose maintenance over time is extremely laborious. To circumvent this difficulty, it is proposed in the present work to change the paradigm of making appear superlubricity and keeping it over time. Two graphene layers in sliding commensurate contact, which are subjected to an isotropic in‐plane synchronous strain, are considered and studied. First, by DFT calculations, it is demonstrated that the synchronous strain‐driven superlubricity (SSDSL) takes place for some particular sliding paths or for all sliding paths, once the compressive strain prescribed reaches 15% or 35%. Next, the Prandtl‐Tomlinson (P‐T) model is used to explain how to modulate stick‐slip, continuous and frictionless slides by the strain. Finally, the SSDSL of two graphene layers in commensurate contact is justified in detail by the interfacial charge density transfer due to the strain. The results obtained by the present work open a new perspective of realizing superlubricity in a robust way.
Importance of Low Humidity and Selection of Halide Ions of Octylammonium Halide in 2D–3D Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated in Air
Authors: Kwon Su Yeon , Kang Byungsoo , Won Jong Hyeon , Lee Chae Young , Hwang Kahee , Kim Hong Hee , Park Donghee , Choi Won Kook , Kim In Soo , Kim Gee Yeong , Jang Yoon Hee , Lee Phillip , Im Sang Hyuk , Kim Taehee
Published: March 2023

Air fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells with substantial reproducibility is of importance for commercialization of perovskite solar cells. There has been little consensus on which halide is the best selection for thin 2D perovskite layer on 3D perovskite when processing in ambient air. In this work, the influence of humidity and halide ions in alkylammonium halide (OAX)‐treated perovskite layer on photovoltaic performance is investigated. The authors find that a combination of high humidity and the presence of chloride ions can induce the deprotonation of methylammonium (MA+) ions. With X‐ray diffraction, cross‐sectional scanning electron microscope, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, the authors elucidate that the deprotonation reaction in the octylammonium chloride (OACl)‐treated perovskite layer makes MA+ ions (CH3NH3+) volatile MA (CH3NH2), which results in void volumes and defects in the bulk of perovskite layer as well as at the interface. The defective perovskite solar cells induced by the deprotonation reaction have the suppressed hole transfer at the interface between the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer, yielding the reduced internal quantum efficiency and JSC. Space charge‐limited current analysis reveals that the reduced VOC is caused by the high trap density estimated from VTFL of hole‐only devices.
Terahertz Nonreciprocal Beam Deflection and Isolating Based on Magneto‐Optical Anisotropic Metadevice
Authors: Tan Zhiyu , Fan Fei , Guan Shengnan , Wang Hao , Cheng Jierong , Ji Yunyun , Chang Shengjiang
Published: March 2023

Active beam manipulation has significant potential in terahertz (THz) applications such as radar, wireless communication, and imaging, but they are still suffering from low efficiency and tunability. Here, by combining the gyroelectric semiconductor InSb with the anisotropic phase‐gradient metasurface, a nonreciprocal beam manipulation device actively controlled by the magnetic field is demonstrated experimentally. Due to the diffractive angle‐frequency dependence, the deflection waves are dispersed ranging from 35° to 22.5° in space corresponding to the frequencies of 0.7–1.1 THz. Importantly, two main functions of this device are developed for different polarization conversion and nonreciprocal transmission mechanisms. For the linear polarization (LP) to circular polarization output, this device modulates the diffraction efficiency from 2% to 70% by tuning the magnetic fields. For the LP to LP output, this device can separate the two orthogonal LPs in space, i.e., x‐ and y‐LP, and switch them between 25° and 35° with different magnetic fields. Moreover, the metadevice achieves the nonreciprocal one‐way transmission. This nonreciprocal beam manipulation mechanism and the related magneto‐optical metadevice provide a new scheme for multifunctions combining beam steering, one‐way transmission, polarization conversion, and magneto‐optical modulation.
Thermo‐Responsive Microemulsions Containing Deep Eutectic‐Based Antibiotic Formulations for Improved Treatment of Resistant Bacterial Ocular Infections
Authors: Pedro Sónia N. , Gomes Ana T. P. C. , Vilela Carla , Vitorino Carla , Fernandes Rosa , Almeida Adelaide , Amaral Maria Helena , Freire Mara G. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Freire Carmen S. R.
Published: March 2023

The rise of antibiotic resistant strains, as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), challenges the current treatment of infections. In the case of ocular infections, antibiotic eye drops are commonly prescribed. However, their efficacy is usually compromised by the low viscosity of these formulations and the eye drainage. To overcome these drawbacks, deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based microemulsions with thermo‐responsive character, that increase their viscosity upon contact with the eye have been developed. Using betaine‐based DES aqueous solutions, it is possible to increase up to 140‐fold the water solubility of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, typically used in ocular infections. The DES solutions containing the antibiotic are applied as water phases in water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (w/o/w) microemulsions, being stable up to 3 months. Furthermore, a sustained‐release and a higher permeation of the antibiotic through the cornea than that of commercialized eye drops is achieved, while presenting comparable cytotoxicity profiles (cell viabilities > 88%). Higher antimicrobial activity and faster action of the antibiotic in case of infection with MRSA is observed compared to the commercialized formulations (7 log10 of inactivation in 48 h vs 72 h). Overall, these microemulsions comprising DES are a promising strategy to achieve higher antibiotic effectiveness in the treatment of resistant bacterial infections.
A Brain‐Targeting NIR‐II Ferroptosis System: Effective Visualization and Oncotherapy for Orthotopic Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Han Lulu , Wu Haigang , Zhong Yong , Shangguan Ping , Liu Yisheng , He Mu , Sun Han , Song Chenhui , Wang Xin , Liu Yang , Wang Jiefei , Zheng Lei , Shi Bingyang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2023

Near‐infrared‐II (NIR‐II) ferroptosis activators offer promising potentials in in vivo theranostics of deep tumors, such as glioma. However, most cases are nonvisual iron‐based systems that are blind for in vivo precise theranostic study. Additionally, the iron species and their associated nonspecific activations might trigger undesired detrimental effects on normal cells. Considering gold (Au) is an essential cofactor for life and it can specifically bind to tumor cells, Au(I)‐based NIR‐II ferroptosis nanoparticles (TBTP‐Au NPs) for brain‐targeted orthotopic glioblastoma theranostics are innovatively constructed. It achieves the real‐time visual monitoring of both the BBB penetration and the glioblastoma targeting processes. Moreover, it is first validated that the released TBTP‐Au specifically activates the effective heme oxygenase‐1‐regulated ferroptosis of glioma cells to greatly extend the survival time of glioma‐bearing mice. This new ferroptosis mechanism based on Au(I) may open a new way for the fabrication of advanced and high‐specificity visual anticancer drugs for clinical trials.
Single‐Shot Reconfigurable Femtosecond Imaging of Ultrafast Optical Dynamics
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Lihong V.
Published: March 2023

Understanding ultrafast dynamics in the femtosecond timescale plays a pivotal role in fundamental research and technology innovation. Spatiotemporal observation of those events in real‐time requires imaging speeds greater than 1012 frames per second (fps), far beyond the fundamental speed limits of the ubiquitous semiconductor sensor technologies. In addition, a majority of femtosecond events are non‐repeatable or difficult‐to‐repeat since they either work in a highly unstable nonlinear regime or require extreme or rare conditions to initiate. Therefore, the traditional pump‐probe imaging approach fails since it heavily depends on precise event repetition. Single‐shot ultrafast imaging emerges as the only solution; however, existing techniques cannot reach more than 15×1012 fps, and they only record an insufficient number of frames. Compressed ultrafast spectral photography (CUSP) is proposed to overcome these limitations. Here, CUSP's full design space is explored by manipulating the ultrashort optical pulse in the active illumination. Via parameter optimization, an extraordinarily fast frame rate of 219×1012 fps is achieved. This implementation of CUSP is also highly flexible, allowing various combinations of imaging speeds and numbers of frames (several hundred up to 1000) to be readily deployed in diverse scientific studies, such as laser‐induced transient birefringence, self‐focusing, and filaments in dielectric media.
An Integrated Analog Front‐End System on Flexible Substrate for the Acquisition of Bio‐Potential Signals
Authors: Shi Runxiao , Liu Xuchi , Lei Tengteng , Lu Lei , Xia Zhihe , Wong Man
Published: March 2023

The application of a versatile, low‐temperature thin‐film transistor (TFT) technology is presently described as the implementation on a flexible substrate of an analog front‐end (AFE) system for the acquisition of bio‐potential signals. The technology is based on semiconducting amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (IGZO). The AFE system consists of three monolithically integrated constituent components: a bias‐filter circuit with a bio‐compatible low cut‐off frequency of ≈1 Hz, a 4‐stage differential amplifier offering a large gain‐bandwidth product of ≈955 kHz, and an additional notch filter exhibiting over 30 dB suppression of the power‐line noise. Respectively built using conductive IGZO electrodes with thermally induced donor agents and enhancement‐mode fluorinated IGZO TFTs with exceptionally low leakage current, both capacitors and resistors with significantly reduced footprints are realized. Defined as the ratio of the gain‐bandwidth product of an AFE system to its area, a record‐setting figure‐of‐merit of ≈86 kHz mm−2 is achieved. This is about an order of magnitude larger than the < 10 kHz mm−2 of the nearest benchmark. Requiring no supplementary off‐substrate signal‐conditioning components and occupying an area of ≈11 mm2, the stand‐alone AFE system is successfully applied to both electromyography and electrocardiography (ECG).
Direct Patterning of Conductive Structures on Hydrogels by Laser‐Based Graphitization for Supercapacitor Fabrication
Authors: Miyakoshi Rikuto , Hayashi Shuichiro , Terakawa Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2023

Hydrogels have emerged as promising supporting materials for wearable or implantable electronic devices, owing to their high biocompatibility. Among the many techniques for patterning conductive structures on supporting materials, laser‐based graphitization allows the simultaneous synthesis and patterning of conductive structures. Here, it has been demonstrated for the first time, the direct patterning of conductive structures on hydrogels by laser‐based graphitization, and the application of this method to the fabrication of hydrogel‐based supercapacitors. Conductive graphitic carbon is formed on the hydrogel along the trajectory of laser scanning. One‐step fabrication of supercapacitors is achieved by laser irradiation of hydrogels containing both lignin and NaCl electrolyte. Notably, the areal capacitance of the fabricated supercapacitor is retained after drying and swelling, indicating its reusability. The method realizes rapid fabrication of hydrogel‐based supercapacitors that can be stored in a dry state, providing a facile method for storing and delivering energy‐storage devices.
Effect of Residual Carbon on Spin‐Polarized Coupling at a Graphene/Ferromagnet Interface
Authors: Jugovac Matteo , Cojocariu Iulia , Genuzio Francesca , Bigi Chiara , Mondal Debashis , Vobornik Ivana , Fujii Jun , Moras Paolo , Feyer Vitaliy , Locatelli Andrea , Menteş Tevfik Onur
Published: March 2023

Vertical stacks of graphene and ferromagnetic layers are predicted to be efficient spin filters, while the experimentally observed figures of merit systematically remain below the theoretical predictions. According to general consensus, a vaguely defined interface contamination is found responsible for this discrepancy. Here, it is demonstrated how the spin‐polarized electronic structure of single‐layer graphene supported on a ferromagnetic cobalt substrate is affected by the presence of an interfacial carbidic buffer layer, formed by residual carbon present in the Co substrate. It is found that the Co‐C hybridized single‐spin state near the Fermi level disappears upon thermal segregation of bulk carbon at the graphene–Co interface, which determines the electronic decoupling of graphene from the ferromagnetic support and consequently, the suppression of net spin polarization. These observations are shown to be independent of the graphene azimuthal orientation with respect to the high symmetry directions of the substrate. The findings provide clear evidence that the realization of highly polarized spin currents in graphene/ferromagnet heterostacks depends on careful control of the graphene growth process in order to eliminate interfacial carbon.
Role of Scaffold Architecture and Excess Surface Polymer Layers in a 3D‐Interconnected Ceramic/Polymer Composite Electrolyte
Authors: Sahore Ritu , Armstrong Beth L. , Tang Xiaomin , Liu Changhao , Owensby Kyra , Kalnaus Sergiy , Chen Xi Chelsea
Published: March 2023

3D‐interconnected ceramic/polymer composite electrolytes offer promise to combine the benefits of both ceramic and polymer electrolytes. However, an in‐depth understanding of the role of the ceramic scaffold's architecture, and the associated polymer/ceramic interfaces on the electrochemical properties of such composite electrolytes is still incomplete. Here, these factors are systematically evaluated using an interconnected composite electrolyte with a tunable and well‐defined architecture. The ionic conductivity of the ceramic scaffold is strongly dependent on its porosity and tortuosity, as demonstrated experimentally and via theoretical modeling. The connectivity of the ceramic framework avoids the high interfacial impedance at the polymer/ceramic electrolyte interface within the composite. However, this work discovers that the interfacial impedance between the bulk composite and excess surface polymer layers of the composite membrane dominates the overall impedance, resulting in a 1–2 order drop of ionic conductivity compared to the ceramic scaffold. Despite the high impedance interfaces, an improved Li+ transference number is found compared to the neat polymer (0.29 vs 0.05), attributed to the ceramic phase's contributions toward ion transport. This leads to flatter overpotentials in lithium symmetric cell cycling. These results are expected to guide future research directions toward scalable manufacturing of composite electrolytes with optimized architecture and interfaces.
Enabling an Intrinsically Safe and High‐Energy‐Density 4.5 V‐Class Lithium‐Ion Battery with Synergistically Incorporated Fast Ion Conductors
Authors: Wang Lifan , Liu Guicheng , Xu Rui , Wang Xindong , Wang Liguang , Yao Zhenpeng , Zhan Chun , Lu Jun
Published: March 2023

The Ni‐rich layered oxide cathode is pushing the frontier of battery powered electric vehicles toward longer driving range and lower cost, whilst facing a major challenge with the compromised cycle life and thermal robustness. It is well recognized that irreversible oxygen evolution at the cathode‐electrolyte interphase is critical to the electrochemical and thermal stability of the Ni‐rich cathode. Herein, combining experiments with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the authors focus on manipulating the irreversible oxygen evolution to solve the performance degradation and safety hazard. An oxygen ion conductor introduced to the surface of the cathode restrains the activated surficial lattice oxygen ions by its stable oxygen vacancies. Meanwhile, a Li‐rich fast ion conductor incorporated in the coating layer synergistically reinforces the Li diffusion path through the cathode‐electrolyte interphase. This sophisticated multifunctional surficial modification implemented by a neat one‐step treatment represents a successful design and development of a thermally stable Ni‐rich cathode and approximately 400‐cycle state‐of‐health up to 80% with the operating voltage range extended up to 4.5 V. Therefore, this study provides an encouraging strategy to overcome the capacity versus robustness dilemma of high‐energy cathodes.
Dendrite‐Free Sodium Metal Anodes Via Solid Electrolyte Interphase Engineering With a Covalent Organic Framework Separator
Authors: Kang Tianxing , Sun Chenhao , Li Yang , Song Tianyi , Guan Zhiqiang , Tong Zhongqiu , Nan Junmin , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: March 2023

Solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) play a crucial role in keeping sodium metal anodes (SMAs) intact and improving battery life. However, the SEIs arising from irreversible reactions between metallic Na and electrolytes fail to suppress Na dendrite growth and have sluggish Na+ kinetics. Herein, a functionalized separator modified by a sp2 carbon conjugated‐covalent organic framework (sp2c‐COF) is proposed to induce a robust SEI. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the SEI is rich in NaF because the structure of NaPF6 is unstable due to influences from the COF separator. In situ observations show that the Na dendrite is effectively suppressed even at a high current density of 20 mA cm−2. Satisfactorily, the COF separator exhibits a high transference number of 0.78, achieving a fast Na plating/stripping process. Based on these superiorities, a symmetric cell Na|COF|Na shows stable cycling for over 1500 h at 20 mA cm−2. In addition, full cells Na|COF|NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTPO) present good rate performance (30 and 50 C) and excellent cycling stability over 5000 cycles at 5 and 10 C. The application of COFs to improve SMAs in this work demonstrates a new strategy for improving sodium metal batteries.
Circ_0102543 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression through the miR‐942‐5p/SGTB axis
Authors: Yang Shiming , Wang Dianye , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most serious cancers. Circular RNA (circRNA) has been reported to regulate the progression of HCC. Herein, the role of circ_0102543 in HCC tumorigenesis was investigated.

Materials

The expression levels of circ_0102543, microRNA‐942‐5p (miR‐942‐5p), and small glutamine rich tetratricopeptide repeat co‐chaperone beta (SGTB) were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay, thymidine analog 5‐ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EDU) assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the function of circ_0102543 in HCC cells and the regulatory mechanism among circ_0102543, miR‐942‐5p and SGTB in HCC cells. Western blot examined the related protein levels.

Results

The expression of circ_0102543 and SGTB was decreased in HCC tissues, while the expression of miR‐942‐5p was increased. Circ_0102543 acted as a sponge for miR‐942‐5p, and SGTB was the target of miR‐942‐5p. Circ_0102543 up‐regulation hindered tumor growth in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of circ_0102543 significantly repressed the malignant behaviors of HCC cells, while co‐transfection of miR‐942‐5p partially attenuated these effects mediated by circ_0102543. In addition, SGTB knockdown increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells inhibited by miR‐942‐5p inhibitor. Mechanically, circ_0102543 regulated SGTB expression in HCC cells by sponging miR‐942‐5p.

Conclusion

Overexpression of circ_0102543 suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells by regulating the miR‐942‐5p/SGTB axis, suggesting that circ_0102543/miR‐942‐5p/SGTB axis may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Pathways explaining racial/ethnic disparities in incident all‐cause dementia among middle‐aged US adults
Authors: Weiss Jordan , Beydoun May A. , Beydoun Hind A. , Fanelli‐Kuczmarski Marie T. , Banerjee Sri , Hamrah Armin , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION

Racial disparities in dementia incidence exist, but less is known about their presence and drivers among middle‐aged adults.

METHODS

We used time‐to‐event analysis among a sample of 4378 respondents (age 40‐59 years at baseline) drawn from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III) with administrative linkage–spanning the years 1988‐2014—to evaluate potential mediating pathways through socioeconomic status (SES), lifestyle, and health‐related characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared with Non‐Hispanic White (NHW) adults, Non‐White adults had a higher incidence of AD‐specific (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21, 3.49) and all‐cause dementia (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.98). Diet, smoking, and physical activity were among characteristics on the pathway between race/ethnicity, SES, and dementia, with health‐mediating effects of smoking and physical activity on dementia risk.

DISCUSSION

We identified several pathways that may generate racial disparities in incident all‐cause dementia among middle‐aged adults. No direct effect of race was observed. More studies are needed to corroborate our findings in comparable populations.
Janus Effect of Lewis Acid Enables One‐Step Block Copolymerization of Ethylene Oxide andN‐Sulfonyl Aziridine
Authors: Song Qilei , Qiu Hong , Liu Lijun , Zhang Guangzhao , Peruch Frédéric , Carlotti Stéphane , Zhao Junpeng
Published: March 2023

One‐step sequence‐selective block copolymerization requires stringent catalytic control of monomers relative activity and enchainment order. It has been especially rare for AnBm‐type block copolymers from simple binary monomer mixtures. Here, ethylene oxide (EO) andN‐sulfonyl aziridine (Az) compose a valid pair provided with a bicomponent metal‐free catalyst. Optimal Lewis acid/base ratio allows the two monomers to strictly block‐copolymerize in a reverse order (EO‐first) as compared with the conventional anionic route (Az‐first). Livingness of the copolymerization facilitates one‐pot synthesis of multiblock copolymers by addition of mixed monomers in batches. Calculation results reveal that a Janus effect of Lewis acid on the two monomers is key to enlarge the activity difference and reverse the enchainment order.
Fabrication and characterization of different braid‐reinforced PVC hollow fiber membranes to use in membrane bioreactor for wastewater treatment
Authors: Keskin Başak , Eryıldız Bahriye , Paşaoğlu Mehmet Emin , Türken Türker , Vatanpour Vahid , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: March 2023

In this research, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer was applied for the first time in the fabrication of braid‐reinforced hollow fiber membranes for ultrafiltration applications. Different concentrations of PVC solutions were cast on tubular braids and coagulated by the phase inversion method in a pure water bath to produce membranes with various porosities and pore sizes. The characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy, overall porosity, contact angle and mean pore size were done to understand membrane morphology. The antifouling property of membranes was explained using bovine serum albumin (BSA). The contact angles of membranes were increased from 64.9° ± 2.2 to 72.8° ± 2.1, while the overall porosity decreased from 43.8 ± 1.2% and 19.6 ± 3.3% for 11 wt% and 17 wt% PVC membranes, respectively. Permeate flow decreased due to decreased pore size of membranes as a result of increased PVC content. Besides, the flux recovery ratio, reversible and irreversible fouling studies showed that better antifouling characteristics observed with increasing of PVC content. A high removal efficiency of 87.2% for BSA was also demonstrated by the optimal membrane (15 wt% PVC), along with an increased flux recovery ratio of 96.6%. After investigating the rejection of COD in a membrane bioreactor setup, all membranes revealed that they were higher than 98%.
Augmentation in proton conductivity of crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) through the introduction of polyvinyl pyrrolidone
Authors: Bawazir Wafa A. , Alsulami Qana A. , Keshk Sherif M. A. S.
Published: March 2023

We aimed to augment the proton conductivity of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by crosslinking polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with PVA without any crosslinkers for the first time to form polyvinyl ketal (PVKL). Several characterization techniques were used, including Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To investigate the wettability and proton conductivity performances of the PVKL film, the contact angle, water uptake, and proton conductivity were also evaluated. The PVKL film exhibited excellent water uptake ability (>400%); its proton conductivity was 100 mS cm−1 at 110°C. The proton conductivity of PVKL film increases because PVKL film has a larger charge carrier concentration owing to ketal ring formation. The results point to the longer lifespan for the PVKL film and reveal that the film exhibits excellent proton conductivity rather than PVA film. Thus, it can be potentially used in various optoelectronic applications.
Preparation and properties of stover cellulose grafted poly (acrylic acid‐potassium humate) with water‐retention and slow‐release fertilizer
Authors: Yang Lanwen , Xie Guiming , Li Hongping , Nie Chenchen , Zhou Jun , Liu Hao
Published: March 2023

To improve the utilization of stover and fertilizer and also save water resources, a degradable slow‐release fertilizer of corn stover cellulose graft poly (acrylic acid‐potassium humate) (CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA)) was prepared using corn stover cellulose (CSC), acrylic acid (AA) and potassium humate (KHA) by aqueous solution polymerization. Characterization of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques provided evidence for the successful preparation. The product prepared exhibited excellent water absorbency (792.89 g·g−1 and 72.69 g·g−1 in deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively) and enhanced soil's capacity of water holding and water retention. After 5 cycles, the water absorptivities of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) in deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were 51.71% and 49.97% of their initial water absorption, respectively. The degradation rate of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) was 32.02% after 50 days. Soil column leaching test and pot experiment demonstrated the slow‐release effect and plant growth promotion of CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA). CSC‐g‐P(AA‐KHA) showed desirable application potential in agriculture and is expected to become a functional fertilizer that integrates water absorbing, water‐holding and slow‐release properties.
Continuous extrusion foaming process of biodegradable nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/carbonaceous nanoparticles with different geometric shapes: An insight into involved physical, chemical and rheological phenomena
Authors: Soleimanpour Amirali , Khonakdar Hanieh , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Banaei Nastaran , Hemmati Farkhondeh , Arjmand Mohammad , Ruckdäschel Holger , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: March 2023

One‐step extrusion foaming process of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based nanocomposites in the presence of chemical foaming agent and chain extender has great complexity to control. In this work, PLA‐based nanocomposites containing different carbonaceous nanoparticles with different geometric shapes were obtained through a co‐rotating twin‐screw extrusion process to get insight into the dominant phenomena, which control the structural and final properties of PLA foams. The reactive extrusion foaming of PLA melt was investigated in the presence of carbon black, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and a chain extender additive as well as a chemical foaming agent. Nanoparticles affect the continuous extrusion foaming of PLA melt through several phenomena, including providing bubble heterogeneous nucleation sites, intensifying the chemical decomposition of the foaming agent, improving the PLA structural modification reaction, increasing PLA molecular weight and restricting the dissolved gas removal from the melt. By influencing the involved phenomena in process, the nanoparticles at low levels, especially CNT and GO, increased the void content and cell size of PLA foams. The incorporation of CNT and GO nanofillers at the 0.5 phr level increased the electrical conductivity of PLA foams sharply by 9 and 10 orders of magnitude, resulting in lightweight, biodegradable semi‐conductive foams.
Antimicrobial andUVprotective chitosan/lignin multilayer nanocoating with immobilized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Marković Darka , Petkovska Jovana , Mladenovic Nina , Radoičić Marija , Rodriguez‐Melendez Danixa , Ilic‐Tomic Tatjana , Radetić Maja , Grunlan Jaime C. , Jordanov Igor
Published: March 2023

Poor antimicrobial activity and lack of protection against UV irradiation are weaknesses of cotton textiles. In an attempt to impart superior antimicrobial and UV‐protective properties to cotton, layer‐by‐layer deposition of chitosan and magnesium lignosulfonate, and in situ synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), was performed. Lignin, in a chitosan/lignin multilayer, simultaneously acts as a UV protective macromolecule and natural reducing and stabilizing agent, allowing formation of Ag NPs. Four bilayers of this coating is sufficient for fabrication of a chitosan/lignin/Ag‐NP textile nanocomposite treatment with 50+ UV protection. 100% reduction of Gram‐negative bacteriaEscherichia coli, gram‐positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureus,and yeastCandida albicanscan be achieved with a 12‐bilayer coating, when 20 mM silver nitrate solution and sodium borohydride are applied. On the other hand, four bilayers impregnated with Ag NPs, using 10 mM silver nitrate solution, provides sufficient antimicrobial activity independent of an added reducing agent. This treatment exhibits no inhibition of human keratinocyte cells growth on the skin, indicating low cytotoxicity.
A green method for preparing mechanically robust poly(propylene carbonate) with full biodegradability via incorporating hybrid natural filler
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Ji Guangyao , Yang Jianing , Jiang Jie , He Jianzhong , Li Ting , Huang Jing , Chen Mingqing , Dong Weifu
Published: March 2023

Strong, tough, and biodegradable polymers from renewable raw materials are of great importance in circumventing environmental issues. Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), a biodegradable carbon dioxide (CO2)/propylene oxide copolymer, has been simultaneously strengthened and toughened by incorporating a hybrid natural filler (CNF@xyl). The CNF@xyl is formed by coating cellulose nanofibril (CNF) with small xylitol (xyl) particles using evaporation‐induced self‐assembly. In CNF@xyl, the xyl cladding around CNF can improve the dispersion of CNF in PPC by inhibiting the contact among CNF, and can enhance the interfacial interaction by providing high‐density hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the CNF can minimize the size of xyl particles by being a substrate for xyl spreading. Consequently, by incorporating the hybrid fillers at small fraction, PPC/(CNF0.4@xyl2.0) exhibits a Young's modulus of 1318 ± 65 MPa, a tensile strength of 19.07 ± 0.98 MPa, and a toughness of 77.64 ± 3.21 MJ/m3, which is 161%, 145%, and 130% of that of neat PPC, respectively. More importantly, CNF, xyl, and PPC are fully biodegradable while CNF and xyl are renewable. This work offers a novel yet green method for optimizing the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers and provides an alternative way to circumvent environmental issues.
Mechanical behavior and essential work of fracture of surface‐modified exfoliated graphite filled polypropylene/ethylene‐vinyl acetate blend nano‐composites
Authors: Fotoohi Abuzar , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Fasihi Mohammad , Rajaee Pouya
Published: March 2023

Polymer nano‐composites have an extensive diversity of applications in many areas, including automotive, construction, healthcare, and electronics. Excellent tensile and fracture properties are commonly required to achieve the appropriate properties. In this research, the tensile and fracture behavior of polypropylene (PP)/ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA)/exfoliated graphite (EG) blend nano‐composites are investigated. The exfoliated graphite was either unmodified or surface‐modified with ammonium polyphosphate (APP). When the modified exfoliated graphite (EG‐g‐APP) was added to PP/EVA compounds, the tensile properties were more enhanced compared to unmodified EG. The elongation at break was around 2 times greater in the blend containing EG‐g‐APP. The essential work of fracture (EWF) approach was utilized to evaluate the effect of EG and EG‐g‐APP on the fracture behavior of PP/EVA blends. The we and βwp values of the nano‐composites including EG‐g‐APP were mainly higher than nano‐composites containing EG at the same nano‐filler concentration. Also, according to SEM imaging, the EWF analysis results suggested that the preeminent mechanism of fracture in various compounds is the debonding of EVA from PP, which causes shear yielding and fibrillar structures on the surface of the compounds. It was observed that as EVA increased, the number of cavities and the size of fibrillar structures were increased. Enhancement in fracture toughness and matrix resistance was attributed to a growth in the number of nano‐voids and a decrease in voids' size.
Recent Advancements on Metal‐Free Vicinal Diamination of Alkenes: Synthetic Strategies and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Khanna Yugam , Kaushik Parul , Kamal Raj , Khokhar Shiwani
Published: March 2023

The oxidative aminative vicinal difunctionalization of alkenes or related chemical feedstocks has emerged as sustainable and multipurpose strategies that can efficiently construct two −N bonds, and simultaneously prepare the synthetically fascinating molecules and catalysis in organic synthesis that typically required multi‐step reactions. This review summarized the impressive breakthroughs on synthetic methodologies (2015‐2022) documented especially over inter/intra‐molecular vicinal diamination of alkenes with electron‐rich or deficient diverse nitrogen sources. These unprecedented strategies predominantly involved iodine‐based reagents/catalysts, which resent the interest of organic chemists due to their impressive role as flexible, non‐toxic, and environmentally friendly reagents, resulting in a wide variety of synthetically useful organic molecules. Moreover, the information collected also describes the significant role of catalyst, terminal oxidant, substrate scope, synthetic applications, and their unsuccessful results to highlight the limitations. Special emphasis has been given to proposed mechanistic pathways to determine the key factors governing the issues of regioselectivity, enantioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity ratios.
A Bipyridine‐Promoted Csp3−Csp3 Coupling of beta‐Chlorophenones
Authors: Li Bao , Wang Junrui , Wang Jie , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: March 2023

A novel, direct Csp3−Csp3 coupling reaction of β‐chlorophenone with alkanes using 2‐(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2‐methylpropane (DTBP) as the oxidant and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) as the effective additive was developed. A variety of β‐chloropropiophenones were well tolerated, and afforded alkylated products in moderate to good yields. A mechanistic study indicated a free radical pathway was involved in this alkyl‐alkyl cross‐coupling reaction.
Schwinduntersuchungen zu einer fugenlosen 24,4 m langen Carbonbetonschale – ZiE TWIST
Authors: Schmidt Angela , Frenzel Michael , Scheerer Silke
Published: March 2023

Für die Errichtung des Carbonbetonhauses CUBE waren umfangreiche Untersuchungen zur Festlegung von Materialkennwerten ungeregelter Baustoffe, von neuen Anwendungsbereichen bereits zugelassener Bauprodukte und von untypischen Bauweisen erforderlich, die Voraussetzung für die Erlangung von Zustimmungen im Einzelfall (ZiE) und vorhabenbezogenen Bauartgenehmigungen (vBG) waren. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden einige der Untersuchungen zur Erlangung der ZiE/vBG für den Gebäudeteil TWIST vorgestellt. Zunächst wird erläutert, wie die Schwindmaße der Betone für die Trag‐ und Wetterschalen der TWIST‐Elemente ermittelt wurden. Anschließend widmet sich der Beitrag dem Schwindverhalten von zwei 24,4 m langen Plattenstreifen, die einen Ausschnitt aus dem ebenso langen TWIST‐Element darstellten. Die Untersuchungen gestatteten Prognosen zum Verformungsverhalten der Carbonbetonwetterschale. Basierend auf den gemessenen bzw. durch Modellkalibrierung ermittelten und schließlich in der ZiE/vBG erfassten Werten konnten die Verformungen der Carbonbetonschalen im Grenzzustand der Gebrauchstauglichkeit rechnerisch realitätsnah bestimmt werden. Sie waren so gering, dass die Schalen auf der Baustelle fugenlos hergestellt werden konnten.
Optimierte Konzepte für den sprengtechnischen Rückbau von Naturzugkühltürmen
Authors: Fickler Nicolas , Demmer Martin
Published: March 2023

Der Rückbau von Naturzugkühltürmen stellt einen wesentlichen Beitrag im Zuge der Umnutzung alter Kraftwerksstandorte dar. Aus monetären Gründen im Zusammenspiel mit Gründen der Nachhaltigkeit, die sich besonders in der Wiederverwendbarkeit der Flächen und im Recycling der Ressource Stahlbeton niederschlagen, ist ein zeitnaher Rückbau der Naturzugkühltürme nach Betriebsende in den meisten Fällen empfehlenswert. Der Beitrag zeigt neben dem etablierten Stand der Technik Potenziale zur Weiterentwicklung von Konzepten für den Rückbau von Naturzugkühltürmen auf. Dabei bieten komplexe numerische Simulationen mittlerweile die Möglichkeit, sowohl die Standsicherheit für temporäre, vorgeschwächte Bauzustände als auch das Kollapsverhalten der Stahlbetonbauwerke bei Sprengung zielgenau beurteilen zu können. Den zentralen Aspekt bildet hier die Sicherheit in verschiedenen Facetten, die insbesondere auch für unmittelbare Nachbarbebauungen zu betrachten und zu gewährleisten ist. Die vorgestellten neuen Rückbaukonzepte, für die noch keine praktischen Erfahrungswerte vorliegen, werden vergleichend den etablierten Konzepten gegenübergestellt und hinsichtlich der Aspekte Standsicherheit, Kollapssicherheit, Erschütterungsprognose, erforderliche Sicherungsmaßnahmen, Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt, Arbeitsaufwand und Kosten bewertet.
CUBE – Demonstrationsflächen und Ausstellungsobjekte
Authors: Frenzel Michael , Stelzmann Mario , Söhnchen Andreas
Published: March 2023

In dem Bericht werden die am Forschungshaus CUBE installierten Demonstratorflächen und ‐objekte aus Carbonbeton vorgestellt. Dazu gehören die Innenwände der Teeküche und Garderobe, die Versuchsstände und Austauschflächen im Fassadenbereich der BOX sowie verschiedene Ausstellungsobjekte im Außen‐ und Innenbereich. Dabei wird gezeigt, wie vielfältig und vorteilhaft Carbonbeton eingesetzt werden kann, z. B. als gestalterisches Element für raumgebende Bauteile oder als Teil von Inventar‐ und Möbeleinheiten. Er lässt sich vorspannen, aufheizen und an der Oberfläche bedrucken. Zudem können in Carbonbetonplatten elektrische Schaltelemente und Hochleistungsdämmungen integriert werden.
Herstellung von Carbonbetonbauteilen im Spritzverfahren – Technologieentwicklung
Authors: Stelzmann Mario , Frenzel Michael , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: March 2023

Die beiden geometrisch verwundenen, je 24 m langen CUBE‐TWIST‐Schalen aus Carbonbeton wurden zum überwiegenden Teil im Spritzverfahren hergestellt. Aufbauend auf Erfahrungen zur Anwendung von Textil‐/Carbonbeton bei Verstärkungsmaßnahmen von Stahlbetonbetonteilen wurde im Vorfeld verschiedenen baupraktischen Fragestellungen nachgegangen. Ziel der Untersuchungen war die Entwicklung einer Verfahrensweise zur Herstellung der TWIST‐Bauteile unter Baustellenbedingungen. Dabei war es wichtig, die statisch‐konstruktiven Randbedingungen und die optimale Sichtbetonqualität mit einer baupraktischen Herstellbarkeit zu verknüpfen. Der Beitrag beschreibt u. a. Untersuchungen zum Spritzen von massiven Balken, zum Sichabzeichnen von Carbonbewehrung auf der Schalseite und die Herstellung eines Teildemonstrators im Maßstab 1:1. Näher erläutert werden Prüfungen zur Konsistenzhaltung des verwendeten Spritzbetons und der Einbettung von Carbonfasergelegen in den Spritzbeton. Ferner beschreibt der Beitrag die Nachbehandlung der TWIST‐Wetterschale durch Benebelung der Frischbetonoberfläche auf der Baustelle.
Geometry‐derived statistical significance: A probabilistic framework for detecting true positive findings in MRI data
Authors: Bansal Ravi , Peterson Bradley S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The false discovery rate (FDR) procedure does not incorporate the geometry of the random field and requires high statistical power at each voxel, a requirement not satisfied by the limited number of participants in imaging studies. Topological FDR, threshold free cluster enhancement (TFCE), and probabilistic TFCE improve statistical power by incorporating local geometry. However, topological FDR requires specifying a cluster defining threshold and TFCE requires specifying transformation weights.

Methods

Geometry‐derived statistical significance (GDSS) procedure overcomes these limitations by combining voxelwisep‐values for the test statistic with the probabilities computed from the local geometry for the random field, thereby providing substantially greater statistical power than the procedures currently used to control for multiple comparisons. We use synthetic data and real‐world data to compare its performance against the performance of these other, previously developed procedures.

Results

GDSS provided substantially greater statistical power relative to the comparator procedures, which was less variable to the number of participants. GDSS was more conservative than TFCE: that is, it rejected null hypotheses at voxels with much higher effect sizes than TFCE. Our experiments also showed that the Cohen's D effect size decreases as the number of participants increases. Therefore, sample size calculations from small studies may underestimate the participants required in larger studies. Our findings also suggest effect size maps should be presented along withp‐value maps for correct interpretation of findings.

Conclusions

GDSS compared with the other procedures provides considerably greater statistical power for detecting true positives while limiting false positives, especially in small sized (<40 participants) imaging cohorts.
Prediction of violence: Part contagious disease, part unpredictable individual: Is a public health assessment approach an additional option and at what cost?
Authors: Hall Ryan C. W. , Iannuzzi Gregory
Published: March 2023

On a population level, violence shares many similarities with communicable disease states and other public health issues. Therefore, there has been a push to apply public health interventions to the problem of societal violence and for some to even identify violence as the product of a disease state (e.g., changed brain). This conceptualization could lead to the development of new risk violence assessment tools and approaches predicated more on the public health model rather than existing instruments that have often been based on inpatient mental health populations or incarcerated populations. In this article, we will discuss aspects of legal obligation for risk violence “prediction/stratification”, the application of the public health communicable disease model to violence, as well as identify why it may not always translate to the individual with whom a clinician or forensic mental health evaluator interacts.
Role of YES1 signaling in tumor therapy resistance
Authors: Zhou Hai , Sun Dantong , Tao Junyan , Xu Mingjin , Zhang Xiaochun , Hou Helei
Published: March 2023

YES proto‐oncogene 1 (YES1) is an SRC family kinase (SFK) that plays a key role in cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion, survival, and angiogenesis during tumorigenesis and tumor development. Reports suggest that YES1 amplification is associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in human malignancies. However, the mechanisms of drug resistance have not been fully elucidated. In this article, we review the literature on YES1 and discuss the implications of YES1 signaling for targeted therapy and chemotherapy resistance in malignancies. Moreover, recent advances in targeted therapy for YES1‐amplified malignancies are summarized. Finally, we conclude that targeting YES1 may reverse drug resistance and serve as a valuable tumor treatment strategy.
Butanol Extract of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms Alleviates Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E‐Deficient Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Jia Ailing , Shi Yuwen , Zhang Yuhang , Diao Yuanyuan , Chang Baijin , Jiang Mengcheng , Liu Weipeng , Qiu Zhidong , Fu Chaomei , Qiu Ye
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the effect of butanol extract of AS (ASBUE) on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. The mice were administered ASBUE (390 or 130 mg/kg/day) or rosuvastatin (RSV) via oral gavage for eight weeks. In ApoE−/− mice, ASBUE suppressed the abnormal body weight gain and improved serum and liver biochemical indicators. ASBUE remarkably reduced the aortic plaque area, improved liver pathological conditions, and lipid metabolism abnormalities, and altered the intestinal microbiota structure in ApoE−/− mice. In the vascular tissue of ASBUE‐treated mice, P‐IKKβ, P‐NFκB, and P‐IκBα levels tended to decrease, while IκB‐α increased in high fat‐diet‐fed atherosclerotic mice. These findings demonstrated the anti‐atherosclerotic potential of ASBUE, which is mediated by the interaction between the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism and regulated via the Nuclear Factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. This work paves the groundwork for subsequent studies to develop innovative drugs to treat atherosclerosis.