bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Harnessing Phase Transitions in Antiferroelectric ZrO2Using the Size Effect
Authors: Lomenzo Patrick D. , Materano Monica , Mittmann Terence , Buragohain Pratyush , Gruverman Alexei , Kiguchi Takanori , Mikolajick Thomas , Schroeder Uwe 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe unique nonlinear dielectric properties of antiferroelectric (AFE) oxides are promising for advancements in solid state supercapacitor, actuator, and memory technologies. AFE behavior in high‐k ZrO2is of particular technological interest, but the origin of antiferroelectricity in ZrO2remains questionable. The theory of reversible electric field‐induced phase transitions between the nonpolar P42/nmc tetragonal phase and the polarPca21orthorhombic phase is experimentally tested with local structural and electromechanical characterization of AFE ZrO2thin films. Piezoresponse force microscopy identifies signature evidence of a field‐induced phase transition. A significant size effect in AFE ZrO2is experimentally observed as film thickness is scaled down from 14.7 to 4.3 nm. The size effect is explained by modifications to the phase transition energy barrier heights ranging from 0.6 to 7.6 meV f.u−1depending on crystallite size and in‐plane compressive strain with decreasing ZrO2film thickness. Using the size effect, it is possible to double the energy storage density in ZrO2from 20 J cm−3to greater than 40 J cm−3, thus highlighting a feasible route for superior performance in AFE fluorite supercapacitors.
Energetic Couplings in Ferroics
Authors: Zhao Hong Jian , Chen Peng , Prosandeev Sergey , Paillard Charles , Patel Kinnary , Íñiguez Jorge , Bellaiche Laurent 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFerroics include diverse degrees of freedom (such as structural distortions and magnetic moments) among which cross couplings occur, rendering a large variety of interesting phenomena. Determining such couplings, based on symmetry analysis, is not only important to interpret observed phenomena but can also result in novel predictions to be then experimentally checked. Often, such energetic couplings are difficult to construct without a deep knowledge of group theoretical symmetry principles. In the present review, a crash course toward the derivation of energetic couplings, without using much group theoretical language, is provided. Rather, the present approach relies on a graphical technique and suitable symbolic language, which naturally yields some known couplings (resulting in, e.g., spin/dipole canting, magnetically driven polarization, and antipolar/antiferroelectric states). This review also reports and discusses other symmetry‐allowed energetic terms, including some leading to the occurrence of an electric polarization in a variety of materials, and “exotic” ones that generate complex phases and phenomena in, for example, nanostructures and heterostructures.
Hypercrosslinked Polymerization Enabled N‐Doped Carbon Confined Fe2O3 Facilitating Li Polysulfides Interface Conversion for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Lu Yun , Qin Jin‐Lei , Shen Tao , Yu Yu‐Feng , Chen Ke , Hu Ye‐Zhou , Liang Jia‐Ning , Gong Ming‐Xing , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Wang De‐Li 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFacilitating phase conversion efficiency of Li polysulfides to Li2S and restraining the dissolution of Li polysulfides are critical for stable lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, an in situ formed sulfiphilic superfine Fe2O3 nanocrystals confined in lithiophilic N‐doped microporous carbon (Fe2O3/N‐MC) is derived from one‐step hypercrosslinked polymerization. Uniquely, the dual active sites (Fe2O3 and N) in Fe2O3/N‐MC tend to form “FeS, LiO or LiN” bonding, and then synchronically enhancing the chemisorption and interface conversion ability of Li polysulfides. As a result, 80 wt% S is loaded on Fe2O3/N‐MC and the hybrid cathode delivers high mass capacity (730 mA h g‐1) and excellent cycling stability (87.1% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 5.0 C). Especially, the cathode also exhibits a high reversible areal capacity of 3.69 mA h cm‐2 at a high areal loading (5.1 mg cm‐2) and a lean electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio (7.5 µL mg‐1) over 500 cycles. This work is anticipated to deepen the comprehension of complex Li polysulfides interphase conversion processes and afford new thoughts for designing new host materials.
Upscaling Solution‐Processed Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Fu , Jang Dongju , Dong Lirong , Qiu Shudi , Distler Andreas , Li Ning , Brabec Christoph J. , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe performance of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells has reached a certified efficiency of 25.5% over the past decade, which has attracted significant attention as a promising candidate for photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the most efficient perovskite solar cells were produced by the technique of spin coating, which is extremely limited in terms of upscaling production for the commercialization of the technology. Furthermore, the efficiencies of large‐area perovskite modules are still significantly lower than those of lab size solar cells. Thus, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome to bridge the efficiency gap between small‐area perovskite solar cells and large‐area perovskite devices. The first challenge lies in preparing high‐quality perovskite layers by low‐cost and scalable techniques with high reproducibility. Second, selecting and depositing charge extraction layers as well as bottom and top electrodes by scalable and low‐cost techniques are essential tasks. In this review, recent progress and challenges of scalable technologies for solution‐based coating and printing of perovskite PVs are summarized and analyzed. Based on the analysis, strategies and opportunities are proposed to promote the development of stable and efficient large‐area perovskite PV toward commercialization.
Co/CoP Heterojunction on Hierarchically Ordered Porous Carbon as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Jing , Guo Peifang , Li Haozhe , Fei Ben , Guo Yanhui , Pan Hongge , Sun Dalin , Fang Fang , Wu Renbing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDesigning non‐precious electrocatalysts to synergistically achieve a facilitated mass/electron transfer and exposure of abundant active sites is highly desired but remains a significant challenge. Herein, a composite electrocatalyst consisting of highly dispersed Co/CoP heterojunction embedded within a hierarchically ordered macroporous‐mesoporous‐microporous carbon matrix (Co/CoP@HOMC) is rationally designed through the pyrolysis of polystyrene sphere‐templated zeolite imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) assemblies. The combined experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that Co/CoP interfaces not only provide richly exposed active sites but also optimize hydrogen/water absorption free energy via electronic coupling, while the interconnected macroporous structure enables a superior mass transfer to all accessible active sites. As a result, the as‐developed Co/CoP@HOMC composites exhibit outstanding catalytic activity with overpotentials of only 120 and 260 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in 1.0 m KOH, respectively. Moreover, an alkaline electrolyzer constructed by Co/CoP@HOMC requires an ultralow cell voltage of 1.54 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2, outperforming that of the Pt@C||IrO2@C couple (1.64 V).
Chemical Design Rules for Non‐Fullerene Acceptors in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Markina Anastasia , Lin Kun‐Han , Liu Wenlan , Poelking Carl , Firdaus Yuliar , Villalva Diego Rosas , Khan Jafar I. , Paleti Sri H. K. , Harrison George T. , Gorenflot Julien , Zhang Weimin , De Wolf Stefaan , McCulloch Iain , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Baran Derya , Laquai Frédéric , Andrienko Denis 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEfficiencies of organic solar cells have practically doubled since the development of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). However, generic chemical design rules for donor‐NFA combinations are still needed. Such rules are proposed by analyzing inhomogeneous electrostatic fields at the donor–acceptor interface. It is shown that an acceptor–donor–acceptor molecular architecture, and molecular alignment parallel to the interface, results in energy level bending that destabilizes the charge transfer state, thus promoting its dissociation into free charges. By analyzing a series of PCE10:NFA solar cells, with NFAs including Y6, IEICO, and ITIC, as well as their halogenated derivatives, it is suggested that the molecular quadrupole moment of ≈75 Debye Å balances the losses in the open circuit voltage and gains in charge generation efficiency.
Cu‐MOFs Derived Porous Cu Nanoribbons with Strengthened Electric Field for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to C2+ Fuels
Authors: Huo Hang , Wang Jin , Fan Qikui , Hu Yanjing , Yang Jian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe electroreduction of carbon dioxide is a promising strategy to synthesize value‐added feedstocks and realize carbon neutralization. Copper catalysts are well‐known to be active for selective electroreduction of CO2 to multicarbon products, although the role played by the surface architecture is not fully understood. Herein, mesoporous Cu nanoribbons are constructed via in‐situ electrochemical reduction of Cu based metal organic frameworks for the highly selective synthesis of C2+ chemicals. With the mesoporous structure, a high C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 82.3% with a partial current density of 347.9 mA cm−2 is achieved in a flow‐cell electrolyzer. Controlled electroreduction of CO2 with Cu nanoribbons exhibited clearly greater selectivity towards C2+ products than Cu nanoleaves and Cu nanorods without porous structures. Finite difference time domain results indicate that the mesoporous structure can enhance the electric field on the catalyst surface, which increases the concentration of K+ and OH−, thus allowing the authors to promote CO2 reduction pathways towards C2+ products.
Electrochemically Activated Cu2–xTe as an Ultraflat Discharge Plateau, Low Reaction Potential, and Stable Anode Material for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Half and Full Batteries
Authors: Li Wei , Ma Yongsong , Li Peng , Jing Xiaoyun , Jiang Kai , Wang Dihua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe utilization of Zn anodes to build aqueous Zn–metal batteries has captured extensive attention in the domain of energy storage, but this task faces scientific challenges, such as Zn dendrites and unsatisfactory stripping/plating efficiency as well as gas evolution. Herein, cation‐deficient Cu2–xTe (Cu1.81Te) is proposed as an attractive intercalated anode material for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries. It delivers an ultraflat discharge plateau of 0.2 V (vs Zn2+/Zn) and a capacity of 158 mAh g−1, of which 86% capacity is contributed from the discharge plateau at 0.2 V. Moreover, it shows superior cyclability with 100% capacity retention over 2000 cycles at 2.5 C (1 C = 242 mA g−1). Experimental characterization reveals that it undergoes sequential insertion and conversion mechanism: Zn2+ is first inserted into the Cu2‐xTe which is further converted into Cu and ZnTe. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the crystal defects in Cu2–xTe can manipulate the electronic structure to enhance reactivity and simultaneously reduce diffusion barriers. Moreover, an aqueous “rocking‐chair” Cu2–xTe//Na3V2(PO4)3 Zn‐ion full battery is demonstrated. It delivers an energy density of 58 Wh kg−1 with a voltage output of 0.98 V, and keeps 92% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. This research provides an ultralow discharge plateau and stable anode material for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries.
Clinical impact of the triple‐layered circular stapler for reducing the anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery: Porcine model and multicenter retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Nakanishi Ryota , Fujimoto Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Masahiko , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Nakanoko Tomonori , Ando Koji , Ota Mitsuhiko , Kimura Yasue , Oki Eiji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the impact of the triple‐layered circular stapler compared with the double‐layered circular stapler on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery.MethodsThe bursting pressure was compared between porcine ileocolic anastomoses created using a double‐ or triple‐layered stapler. We also retrospectively analyzed the incidence of severe anastomotic leakage in 194 patients who underwent colorectal anastomosis using a double‐ or triple‐layered circular stapler during rectal cancer resection performed in two cancer centers between January 2015 and April 2021.ResultsIn the porcine model, the bursting pressure was higher in anastomoses created using the triple‐layered stapler than the double‐layered stapler (end‐to‐end anastomosis: 26.4 ± 6.2 mm Hg vs 14.5 ± 4.3 mm Hg, P = .0031; side‐to‐side anastomosis: 27.7 ± 5.0 mm Hg vs 18.0 ± 2.9 mm Hg, P = .0275). Intersectional leakage occurred in 41% and 83% of anastomoses created using the triple‐ or double‐layered stapler, respectively (P = .0821). In the clinical cohort, the double‐ and triple‐layered stapler was used in 153 and 41 patients, respectively. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was lower for anastomoses created using the triple‐layered stapler vs the double‐layered stapler (0.0% vs 5.8%, P = .0362). In multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage were female sex (odds ratio: 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.01‐0.90, P = .0354) and triple‐layered stapler usage (odds ratio: 0.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.00‐0.96, P = .0465).ConclusionAnastomoses created using a triple‐layered circular stapler had high bursting pressure, which might contribute to a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery.
Unraveling the impact of phase separation induced by thermal annealing on shape memory effect of polyester‐based thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Valim Fernanda Cabrera Flores , Oliveira Gustavo Peixoto , da Cunha Vasconcelos Gibran , de Paiva Lucilene Betega , Santillo Chiara , Lavorgna Marino , Andrade Ricardo Jorge Espanhol 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this study polyester‐based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) samples were annealed at 110°C for 0, 8, 16, and 24 h. To elucidate the relationship between the hard and soft phase separation and the shape memory properties, the samples were characterized within a rheometer, by selecting well defined thermal cycles. The results showed an enhancement of the shape recovery ratio (Rr ~ 65%) for all the annealed samples, when compared to the non‐annealed TPU (Rr ~ 60%). This behavior was attributed to the modifications of hard‐soft domain morphology occurring during the thermal annealing treatment, as it was shown both by differential scanning calorimetry with the shift in thermal transitions toward higher temperature, due the formation of new short‐range ordered hard domains and infrared spectroscopy, with the increase in degree of phase separation. Analyzing small‐angle X‐ray scattering, the decrease of the invariant also confirmed the enhancement of short‐range domains. The formation of these new short‐range domains acted as crosslinking points in TPU's morphology leading to an increase in stiffness, presented by higher Young and storage modulus. Based on these results, a model mechanism is proposed to correlate the morphology and structure of the annealed materials with their shape memory effect.
Investigation on thermal properties and flame retardancy of glass‐fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites filled with aluminum hypophosphite and melamine cyanurate
Authors: Li Chongyi , Yu Xiaoguang , Tan Ying , Xie Guirong , Liu Hong , Tang Gang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHerein, this paper perhaps reports for the first time that a series of glass fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) composites (GRPBS) using the flame‐retardant system composed of aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) and melamine cyanurate (MC) are fabricated by melt blending method. When the composite is loaded of 20 wt% AHP/MC with mass ratio about 2:1, it achieves UL‐94 V‐0 rating with the value of limited oxygen index (LOI) significantly increasing to 30%. Meanwhile, the thermo‐gravimetric analysis also well proves that the composite can produce more char residues because of the addition of AHP, however, its thermal stability would slightly decreases. In addition, the results obtained from micro‐scale combustion calorimetry testing reveal that total heat release and peak of heat release rate for GRPBS composites combined with AHP and MC both significantly reduce, and the similar results are easily found in cone calorimeter testing. Additionally, the residues after LOI testing are further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy, which definitely confirm the formation of the compact char layer with crater‐like structure. Mechanism analysis indicates the significant enhancement of flame‐retardant efficiency principally benefits from the cooperative work dominated by AHP and MC.
Valorization of starch nanoparticles on microstructural and physical properties of PLA‐starch nanocomposites
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao , Nguyen Duc Vien , Thuc Chi Nhan Ha , Bui Quoc Bao , Perré Patrick , Nguyen Dang Mao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractStarch nanoparticles, synthesized from native starch through the hydrolysis approach, are considered as potential reinforcers to sustainable biodegradable nanocomposite with poly(lactic)acid. Some properties of nanocomposites are upgraded to expand their applications compared to poly(lactic) acid. As relevant, starch nanoparticles are spherically shaped with mainly distributive sizes under 80 nm. Especially, they are homogeneously dispersed in the matrix polymer at high content, resulting in improving the interfaces between matrix polymer and starch nanoparticles, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites.
Acupuncture therapy for Alzheimer's disease: The effectiveness and potential mechanisms
Authors: Yin Wei , Lv Guoying , Li Chuangang , Sun Jinhao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that accounts for approximately 70% of dementia. Following the global escalation of the aging process, the morbidity of AD is increasing rapidly. The current treatment for AD is mainly limited to medications, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, the efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in improving memory and cognitive functions is not satisfactory. It is a challenge to find an effective alternative therapy for ameliorating AD symptoms. As an important therapeutic technique in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been proved effective in treating many neurologic diseases including AD. The efficacy of acupuncture is also acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health of the United States. Here, we summarized the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating AD. Especially, the role of acupuncture at certain acupuncture points in modulating the brain function through meridians activity based on Chinese meridian theory is discussed. How acupuncture at a certain acupoint can improve AD symptoms is also described. Furthermore, the possible molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for AD are reviewed, and the role of acupuncture in modulating signaling molecules in neural protection and homeostasis is highlighted. This study may help to understand the theoretical basis and potential molecular mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for AD.
An introduction to traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture
Authors: Zhang Shan‐Qiang , Li Ji‐Cheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs an independent medical system, the scientific value behind traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining appreciation because of growing evidence about mechanisms and efficacy. The aim of this special issue is to introduce this ancient medicine to readers through the compiled research papers focusing on TCM. The papers in this issue cover many research fields such as TCM theory, traditional Chinese prescription, syndrome biomarkers, and acupuncture. In particular for acupuncture, the focus on the history of acupuncture, the importance of precise acupoint positioning, the effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling among patients with shoulder pain, and the effect of electroacupuncture on senile plaque and insulin signaling pathway in the olfactory bulb of transgenic mice. By combining, the papers in this issue and TCM papers published elsewhere provide scientific evidence to improve understanding this ancient Oriental form of medicine.
Research status and prospects of acupuncture for prevention and treatment of chemo‐ andradiotherapy‐inducedsalivary gland dysfunction in head and neck cancer
Authors: Zhang Shan‐Qiang , Chen Hai‐Bin , Liu Jun , Dai Wen‐Jie , Lu Qi‐Qi , Li Ji‐Cheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSalivary gland dysfunction (SGD) induced by chemo‐ and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) has always been a difficult problem in modern medicine. The quality of life of a large number of HNC patients is severely impaired by SGD such as xerostomia and dysphagia. In recent years, several studies have found that acupuncture can improve patients' salivary secretion, but it has not yet been approved as an alternative therapy for SGD. For this reason, we collected the clinical study reports on acupuncture in the treatment of SGD induced by chemo‐ and radiotherapy in HNC patients in the past 20 years, and analyzed and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these studies with respect to tumor types, group setting, intervention modality, acupoints selection, outcome evaluation, and safety. We believed that acupuncture is beneficial for SGD, but the existing objective evidence is insufficient to support its effectiveness. Therefore, improving the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture, selecting the optimal combination of acupoints through scientific and rigorous study design, and exploring the potential mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of diseases combined with the meridian theory may be effective ways to promote the acceptance of acupuncture as an alternative therapy for SGD in future. The significance of this review is to provide a reference for researchers to carry out high‐quality clinical trials of acupuncture in the treatment of SGD in future from the perspective of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.