bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Transport in Ti3C2Tx MXene for Highly Efficient Osmotic Energy Conversion from Saline‐Alkali Environments
Authors: Qian Han , Peng Puguang , Fan Hongzhao , Yang Zhe , Yang Lixue , Zhou Yanguang , Tan Dan , Yang Feiyao , Willatzen Morten , Amaratunga Gehan , Wang Zhonglin , Wei Di 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOsmotic energy from the ocean has been thoroughly studied, but that from saline‐alkali lakes is constrained by the ion‐exchange membranes due to the trade‐off between permeability and selectivity, stemming from the unfavorable structure of nanoconfined channels, pH tolerance, and chemical stability of the membranes. Inspired by the rapid water transport in xylem conduit structures, we propose a horizontal transport MXene (H‐MXene) with ionic sequential transport nanochannels, designed to endure extreme saline‐alkali conditions while enhancing ion selectivity and permeability. The H‐MXene demonstrates superior ion conductivity of 20.67 S m−1 in 1 M NaCl solution and a diffusion current density of 308 A m−2 at a 10‐fold salinity gradient of NaCl solution, significantly outperforming the conventional vertical transport MXene (V‐MXene). Both experimental and simulation studies have confirmed that H‐MXene represents a novel approach to circumventing the permeability‐selectivity trade‐off. Moreover, it exhibits efficient ion transport capabilities, addressing the gap in saline‐alkali osmotic power generation.
Versatile Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Degradable Bottlebrush Polymers Using α‐Lipoic Acid
Authors: Lee Dongjoo , Wang Hanqing , Jiang Shu‐Yan , Verduzco Rafael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBottlebrush polymers have a variety of useful properties including a high entanglement molecular weight, low Young's modulus, and rapid kinetics for self‐assembly. However, the translation of bottlebrushes to real‐world applications is limited by complex, multi‐step synthetic pathways and polymerization reactions that rely on air‐sensitive catalysts. Additionally, most bottlebrushes are non‐degradable. Herein, we report an inexpensive, versatile, and simple approach to synthesize degradable bottlebrush polymers under mild reaction conditions. Our approach relies on the “grafting‐through” polymerization of α‐lipoic acid (LA)‐functionalized macromonomers. These macromonomers can be polymerized under mild, catalyst‐free conditions, and due to reversibility of the disulfide bond in LA, the resulting bottlebrush polymers can be depolymerized by cleaving disulfide backbone bonds. Bottlebrushes with various side‐chain chemistries can be prepared through the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of LA‐functionalized macromonomers, and the backbone length is governed by the macromonomer molecular weight and solvent polarity. We also demonstrate that LA‐functionalized macromonomers can be copolymerized with acrylates to form degradable bottlebrush networks. This work demonstrates the preparation of degradable bottlebrush polymers with a variety of side‐chain chemistries and provides insight into the light‐mediated grafting‐through polymerization of dithiolane‐functionalized macromonomers.
Anti‐Swelling Microporous Membrane for High‐Capacity and Long‐Life Zn−I2 Batteries
Authors: Chen Qianru , Hao Junnan , Zhu Yilong , Zhang Shao‐Jian , Zuo Peipei , Zhao Xun , Jaroniec Mietek , Qiao Shi‐Zhang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractZinc–iodine (Zn−I2) batteries are gaining popularity due to cost‐effectiveness and ease of manufacturing. However, challenges like polyiodide shuttle effect and Zn dendrite growth hinder their practical application. Here, we report a cation exchange membrane to simultaneously prevent the polyiodide shuttle effect and regulate Zn2+ deposition. Comprised of rigid polymers, this membrane shows superior swelling resistance and ion selectivity compared to commercial Nafion. The resulting Zn−I2 battery exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.4 % and low self‐discharge rate of 4.47 % after 48 h rest. By directing a uniform Zn2+ flux, the membrane promotes a homogeneous electric field, resulting in a dendrite‐free Zn surface. Moreover, its microporous structure enables pre‐adsorption of additional active materials prior to battery assembly, boosting battery capacity to 287 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. At 2 A g−1, the battery exhibits a steady running for 10,000 cycles with capacity retention up to 96.1 %, demonstrating high durability of the membrane. The practicality of the membrane is validated via a high‐loading (35 mg cm−2) pouch cell with impressive cycling stability, paving a way for membrane design towards advanced Zn−I2 batteries.
The First‐In‐Class Deubiquitinase‐Targeting Chimera Stabilizes and Activates cGAS
Authors: Deng Zhijie , Chen Li , Qian Chao , Liu Jing , Wu Qiong , Song Xiangyang , Xiong Yan , Wang Zhen , Hu Xiaoping , Inuzuka Hiroyuki , Zhong Yue , Xiang Yufei , Lin Yindan , Dung Pham Ngoc , Shi Yi , Wei Wenyi , Jin Jian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDeubiquitinase‐targeting chimera (DUBTAC) is a promising technology for inducing targeted protein stabilization (TPS). Despite its therapeutic potential, very few proteins have been stabilized by DUBTACs to date. The limited applicability of this technology is likely due to the modest DUBTAC‐induced protein stabilization effect, and the scarcity of effective deubiquitinase ligands that can be harnessed for DUBTAC development. Here, we report the discovery of MS7829 and MS8588, the first‐in‐class DUBTACs of cGAS, a key component of the cGAS‐STING pathway. While these DUBTACs are based on a cGAS inhibitor, they effectively stabilized cGAS and activated the cGAS/STING/IRF3 signaling. To develop these cGAS DUBTACs, we optimized EN523, an OTUB1 covalent ligand, into an improved ligand, MS5105. We validated MS5105 by generating a MS5105‐based CFTR DUBTAC, which was approximately 10‐fold more effective in stabilizing the ΔF508‐CFTR mutant protein than the previously reported EN523‐based CFTR DUBTAC. Overall, this work advances the DUBTAC technology for TPS.
Improved synthesis of cobalt‐doped TiO2 catalyst using ultrasound and subsequent application for Acid Violet 7 degradation
Authors: Pandey Prerna , Gogate Parag R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe current investigation deals with improving the synthesis of cobalt‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) utilizing both ultrasound‐assisted and conventional impregnation methods with an objective to obtain better catalyst characteristics. The impacts of process parameters such as sonication power, irradiation time, duty cycle and precursor doping on the catalyst characteristics have been analysed to optimize the catalyst characteristics including its particle size. Different characterization methods, including XRD, BET, TEM and FTIR have been used to compare the catalysts produced using both approaches under optimal conditions. Catalyst synthesized at 1 mol% doping, 90 min as irradiation time, 80 W as sonication power and 50% as duty cycle showed a minimum particle size of 231 nm and surface area of 9.2 m2/g. The catalyst obtained utilizing the ultrasound‐assisted technique was obtained in significantly lesser time (90 min) compared to the catalyst obtained using the conventional approach (24 h). Photocatalytic oxidation tests carried out to determine the activity also showed that the Co‐doped TiO2 catalyst obtained ultrasonically showed maximum activity for degradation of Acid Violet 7 in conjunction with H2O2 at the optimal loading.
Amination of polypropylene‐g‐(maleic anhydride) using reactive extrusion
Authors: Kay Ian P. , Goddard Julie M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe report synthesis of a radical scavenging aminated thermoplastic polymer through reactive extrusion of polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a polypropylene and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) meltblend. The reaction was confirmed using acid orange 7 (AO7) amine density assay, toluidine blue O (TBO) carboxylic acid density assay, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a migration assay. FTIR spectra revealed a reduction of the asymmetric stretching of the maleic anhydride (MA) carbonyl group at 1777 cm−1 and the emergence of the maleimide carbonyl peak at 1702 cm−1. AO7 supported surface orientation of grafted amine groups by introduction of 7.22 nmol cm−2 primary amines, corresponding to the reduction of surface carboxylic acids quantified by TBO from 12.46 nmol cm−2 to 0.43 nmol cm−2. After incubation (40°C, 10 days) in ethanol, acetic acid, and water, < 0.1 mg cm−2 PEI migrated from the materials, supporting the covalent nature of the grafting. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated exhibiting 5.90 and 4.31 nmol Troloxeq cm−2 in aqueous and organic environments, respectively. Results indicate a successful condensation reaction during reactive extrusion, producing an aminated thermoplastic polymer with antioxidant activity for target applications such as food packaging, wastewater treatment, carbon capture, and others.
Preparation and performance study of self‐crosslinking functionalized poly(aryl piperidine) anion exchange membrane
Authors: Tang Xunwang , Yu Zongxue , Tang Junlei , Huang Jiaqiang , Zhang Xiuzhu , Hou Jiajia , Yang Guangcheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe durability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and the balance between ionic conductivity and dimensional stability have been the focus of research. To this end, we propose a new type of AEMs with vinyl imidazole as the in situ cross‐linking monomer. The rigid‐flexible balance within the membrane was adjusted by changing the arrangement of the internal segments of the polymer and introducing different monomers into the main chain. The results showed that the performance of AEMs could be effectively improved by adopting an ether‐free backbone and a cationic cross‐linking strategy. The swelling rate of all AEMs was less than 20%. The ionic conductivity of BDCP‐80 reached 102.74 mS cm−1 at 80°C. Alkaline stability tests showed that the ionic conductivity of all AEMs remained above 82% after 720 h immersion in 2 M NaOH solution at 80°C. This study demonstrated that the simple in situ cross‐linking method can effectively improve the overall performance of AEMs and provide an effective way to develop high‐performance AEMs.
Thermoresponsive blends formed by poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) and thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Oliveira Djalma A. , Cerqueira Grazielle R. , Feitosa Rhodivam L. M. , Marini Juliano , Almeida Yêda M. B. , Morelli Carolina L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPoly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) is a thermoresponsive polymer, which presents a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior close to the physiological temperature, being promising for biomedical applications. However, the production of finished products with PNVCL is difficult due to its high mechanical fragility in the solid state. In the present work, in order to prepare a thermoresponsive film with good mechanical properties, a blend of PNVCL with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was prepared. Three compositions of PNVCL/TPU were studied with mass proportions of 90/10, 70/30, and 50/50, respectively. The films were flexible, miscible and presented different thermoresponsive behaviors, with changing from transparent to opaque varying from 31 to 40°C. Contact angle analysis showed significant changes in the hydrophilicity of the films' surfaces with temperature variation. Moreover, it was possible to induce a change in solid films from transparent to opaque by varying the temperature and verify the reversibility of this change. In addition, tensile tests were carried out, which proved, for PNVCL/TPU blends, the reduction of film brittleness with TPU increase. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first work that presents thermoresponsive properties of solid films formed by a blend of PNVCL and TPU.
UiO‐66‐NH2 anchored sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide proton exchange membrane with high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability
Authors: Luo Shenghan , Zhang Mengen , Xi Qiyang , Li Zhenhuan , Zhang Maliang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study loaded different amounts of UiO‐66‐NH2 onto sulfonated polyphenylene sulfide fibers (SPPS), successfully loading UiO‐66‐NH2 on SPPS fibers confirmed by energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM were then impregnated in Nafion solution to obtain UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM/Nafion composite membranes. The thermal stability, dimensional stability, mechanical properties, proton conductivity, methanol resistance, and other properties of the UiO‐66‐NH2‐X@SFM/Nafion composite membranes were subsequently comprehensively characterized. The proton conductivity of the UiO‐66‐NH2‐8@SFM/Nafion composite membrane at 80°C and 100% RH was measured to be 0.286 S cm−1, which exhibited a significant enhancement of 1.75 times compared with the original membrane. Simultaneously, the composite membrane demonstrated a remarkable reduction in methanol permeation rate. At 40°C and 100% RH, the UiO‐66‐NH2‐8@SFM/Nafion composite membrane has a selectivity of up to 20.7 × 104 S s cm−3 and a single cell density of 88.3 m W cm−2 at 60°C and 100% RH.
Effects of different penetration‐grade asphalt binders on the microstructure, mechanical, and aging properties of cold‐mixed epoxy asphalt binder
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Ding Gongying , Yu Xin , Si JingJing , Wang Junyan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe aim of this research was to investigate asphalt effects on the storage stability, mechanical properties and micro‐properties of cold‐mixed epoxy asphalt binder (CEAB). Firstly, four CEAB were prepared with four base asphalt types and storage stability, miscibility analyses were performed by fluorescence microscopy (FM). Then, cured CEAB and epoxy resin (ER) were treated by ultraviolet aging. Tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were applied to clarify the mechanical properties and micro‐properties of aged and unaged CEAB. Also, bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted to study low‐temperature performance of CEAB. The results revealed that the CEAB prepared with asphalt with penetration grade 60 ~ 80 presented superior storage stability, miscibility, mechanical properties and that prepared with penetration graded 80 ~ 100 showed slightly better low‐temperature performance. Moreover, asphalt properties were found to have little impacts while epoxy resin played a key role in the mechanical properties of CEAB. Glass transition temperature () of the CEAB containing penetration‐graded asphalt 80 ~ 100 decreased more significantly than that with penetration‐graded asphalt 60 ~ 80, and it was also found that the CEAB prepared with base asphalt with higher molecular weight polydispersity index had better ductility performance.
Enhanced mechanical property and flame resistance of phosphorylated cellulose nanofiber based‐aerogel combined with boric acid
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Lin , Yang Yu‐Qin , Wang Shuai , Zhang Shanshan , Jiang Baiyu , Li Qian , Wu Qiang , Li Shi‐Neng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs for cellulose‐based aerogels, a feature of inadequate mechanics and easy‐flammability seriously restricts their practical applications. To address this issue, herein a lightweight, mechanical elastic and flame‐retardant phosphorylated lignin‐based cellulose nanofiber (PLCNF‐B) aerogel with the aid of boric acid was successfully obtained by freeze‐drying method. Due to the uniform and tough network structure benefitting by strong hydrogen bond between phosphorylated fibers and boric acid, the resultant aerogel showed excellent mechanical performance, that is, high compressive strength of 8.9 kPa (strain: 50%) and outstanding cyclic reliability (remain 90% after 10 cycles). Meanwhile, PLCNF‐B aerogel possesses highly improved flame‐retardant property, that is, a high LOI value (up to 46%), significantly reduced peak heat release rate (11.2 W/g) and total heat release rate (0.47 kJ/g). Based on structural observation and analysis, the flame‐retardant behavior should be attributed to the formation of PxOy/amorphous boron oxide protective layer, which is derived from the phosphorus containing group of PLCNF and boric acid. The splendid overall performance of aerogel material offers a potential material tactic for design and development of advanced bio‐based aerogels for practical applications.
Electrolyte Developments for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: Classifications, Recent Advances and Synthesis Methods
Authors: Hei Chan Cheuk , Ho Wong Hon , Liang Shipeng , Sun Mingzi , Wu Tong , Lu Qiuyang , Lu Lu , Chen Baian , Huang Bolong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe developments of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have become promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage devices. Compared to conventional lithium batteries, ASSLBs possess higher safety, energy density, and stability, which are determined by the nature of the solid electrolyte materials. In particular, various types of solid electrolyte materials have been developed to achieve similar or even superior ionic conductivity to the organic liquid electrolyte at room temperature. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to the mechanistic understanding of solid electrolyte materials, the unsatisfactory electrochemical and mechanical performances limit the commercialization and practical application of ASSLBs. To further improve their performances, the current developments of different advanced solid electrolytes and their performances are highly significant. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive performance of the common solid electrolytes and their fabrication strategies, including inorganic‐based solid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes, and composite solid electrolytes. The performances of the ASSLBs constructed by different solid electrolytes have been systematically compared. The practical challenges of ASSLBs will also be summarized in this review. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current developments of solid electrolytes in ASSLBs and discuss the strategies for advanced solid electrolytes to facilitate the future commercialization of ASSLBs.
Teachers’ understandings of barriers to Indigenous children's academic success in Taiwan
Authors: Nesterova Yulia , Couch Daniel , Nguyen Hang Thi Thanh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper explores how non‐Indigenous teachers understand challenges and barriers to academic progress and success for Indigenous students in Taiwan. Drawing on data from a study with 17 teachers of Han Taiwanese and Hakka background who had worked closely with Indigenous students from elementary to high school across Taiwan, we utilise Expectancy‐Value Theory to explore teacher participants’ views of the barriers and challenges to educational success for their Indigenous students. Previous research suggests a deficit view among majority background teachers, depicting them as biased against Indigenous peoples and lacking relevant knowledge that would allow them to teach Indigenous students and about Indigenous cultures and histories. In contrast with this previous research, the teachers we interviewed exhibited a good and nuanced understanding of the obstacles and challenges of Indigenous students, families and communities which prevent their success. The teachers in our study indicated that they lack agency and are limited by structural forces in effecting meaningful change. Far from holding deficit views, the teachers interviewed pointed to the importance of working together with Indigenous families and communities to support the learning of Indigenous students. In our conclusion we point to ways of capitalising on the non‐deficit positive views captured here to effect long‐term sustainable change to support teachers to, in turn, support the learning of Indigenous students.
Semiparametric Additive Modeling of the Restricted Mean Survival Time
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Schaubel Douglas E. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTAnalysis of the restricted mean survival time (RMST) has become increasingly common in biomedical studies during the last decade as a means of estimating treatment or covariate effects on survival. Advantages of RMST over the hazard ratio (HR) include increased interpretability and lack of reliance on the often tenuous proportional hazards assumption. Some authors have argued that RMST regression should generally be the frontline analysis as opposed to methods based on counting process increments. However, in order for the use of the RMST to be more mainstream, it is necessary to broaden the range of data structures to which pertinent methods can be applied. In this report, we address this issue from two angles. First, most of existing methodological development for directly modeling RMST has focused on multiplicative models. An additive model may be preferred due to goodness of fit and/or parameter interpretation. Second, many settings encountered nowadays feature high‐dimensional categorical (nuisance) covariates, for which parameter estimation is best avoided. Motivated by these considerations, we propose stratified additive models for direct RMST analysis. The proposed methods feature additive covariate effects. Moreover, nuisance factors can be factored out of the estimation, akin to stratification in Cox regression, such that focus can be appropriately awarded to the parameters of chief interest. Large‐sample properties of the proposed estimators are derived, and a simulation study is performed to assess finite‐sample performance. In addition, we provide techniques for evaluating a fitted model with respect to risk discrimination and predictive accuracy. The proposed methods are then applied to liver transplant data to estimate the effects of donor characteristics on posttransplant survival time.
Virtual body and emotions: A pilot study on the use of virtual reality for the management of unpleasant sensations after cancer
Authors: Sebri Valeria , Durosini Ilaria , Strika Milija , Pizzoli Silvia Francesca Maria , Mazzocco Ketti , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundWomen who receive a breast cancer diagnosis often have to cope with physical and psychological issues, even some years after diagnosis and treatments. Physical changes and negative inner sensations damage body image, leading to reduced contact with the body and social relationships due to shame and increased fear of cancer recurrence. Several psychological interventions have been conducted to manage psycho‐emotional issues involving bodily sensations and emotions.AimsThis study aimed to propose a virtual reality (VR) intervention to improve awareness and management of bodily sensations.Materials and MethodsThirteen women participated in a study design in which they were guided to focus their attention on three different parts of their body (i.e. arms, chest and legs) in a randomised way. Participants followed a light as a virtual visual stimulation and heard the researcher's voice.ResultsFindings showed that physical discomfort and negative emotions related to the body significantly decreased after the VR intervention. Additionally, the present VR intervention decreased anxiety. Accordingly, women qualitatively stated being satisfied with the intervention, considering VR as a helpful tool to be more focused on their inner sensations and decrease discomfort.DiscussionIn conclusion, VR may be implemented to promote bodily awareness in women with a breast cancer diagnosis, improving bodily awareness and the management of negative emotions.ConclusionDirections for future research and clinical implications are given.