bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrophilic Surface Modification of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) Composite Film by Surface Activation
Authors: Sun Xin , Hu Keling , Wang Kai , Su Chengkun , Wang Rui , Ma Zhengfeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFocusing on hydrophilic surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) (PMMA/PMMA‐co‐PAA) composite film, a copolymer is synthesized to improve the hydrophilicity and compatibility with PMMA matrix, and the composite film is subjected to surface activation using a sodium hydroxide solution. The infrared absorption peaks corresponding to –OH and –C═O functional groups become progressively weaker with the increase of copolymer content, indicating the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The hydroxyl absorption peak is significant and two new absorption peaks corresponding to the symmetric contraction and antisymmetric contraction of –COO– appear, indicating that sodium hydroxide solution can disrupt the intermolecular hydrogen bond and react with acrylic acid to form sodium acrylate to make the surface contain sodium elements. The elemental sodium content on the composite film can reach 1.9% and the nanostructures contain 20 times more sodium than the smooth parts, indicating the sodium acrylate can induce surface segregation of PMMA and form nanoparticle‐like structures to improve surface roughness. The hydrophilic component combined with the surface structure makes the contact angle less than 10°. Furthermore, thermostability can be slightly promoted by introducing the copolymer which is closely related to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed directly between the copolymer and the PMMA matrix.
On‐Line Monitoring Device for Gas Phase Composition Based on Machine Learning Models and Its Application in the Gas Phase Copolymerization of Olefins
Authors: Huang Xu , Zheng Shaojie , Yao Zhen , Li Bogeng , Yuan Wenbo , Ding Qiwei , Wang Zong , Hu Jijiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study addresses the challenges of time‐delay and low accuracy in online gas‐phase composition monitoring during olefin copolymerization processes. Three flowmeters based on different mechanisms are installed in series to measure the real‐time exhaust gas flow rate from the reactor. For the same gas flow, the three flowmeters display different readings, which vary with the properties and composition of the gas mixture. Consequently, the composition of the mixed gas can be determined by analyzing the reading of the three flowmeters. Fitting equations and three machine learning models, namely decision trees, random forests, and extreme gradient boosting, are employed to calculate the gas composition. The results from cold‐model experimental data demonstrate that the XGBoost model outperforms others in terms of accuracy and generalization capabilities. For the concentration of ethylene, propylene, and hydrogen, the determination coefficients (R2) were 0.9852, 0.9882, and 0.9518, respectively, with corresponding normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values of 0.0352, 0.0312, and 0.0706. The effectiveness of the online monitoring device is further validated through gas phase copolymerization experiments involving ethylene and propylene. The yield and composition of the ethylene and propylene copolymers are successfully predicted using the online measurement data.
Effect of different modifiers on tobacco stalk fiber/high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Gao Limin , Li Shaoge , Lv Jinyan , Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Long , Li Xin , Yang Menghao , Zhang Wei , Wang Yi , Bo Xiangfeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAgricultural waste fiber has huge utilization potential due to its abundant sources, renewability, and low recycling costs. In this process, up to 30 wt% tobacco stalk fiber (TSF) was compounded with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and interfacial modifiers using a grinder, melting‐blending mixer, and injection molding machine to prepare environmentally friendly TSF/HDPE composites, which have excellent mechanical properties and good water resistance. On this basis, the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was enhanced by adding a silane coupling agent KH550, titanate coupling agent 201, and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA‐g‐PE), which led to the improvement of mechanical properties of composites. The mechanical properties of the composites with 2% MA‐g‐PE were the best, while the tensile strength and flexural strength increased by 72% and 38%, respectively, compared with the unmodified composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that TSF was modified by different coupling agents and new chemical bonds were formed. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the interfacial compatibility between TSF and HDPE was improved by the interface modifiers. This work confirms that it is possible to use TSF to prepare composites and provides a new way for resource utilization of tobacco stalk fiber.Highlights
TSF was incorporated into composites, boosting material sustainability.
The interface compatibility between TSF and HDPE was greatly improved.
Thermal and water absorption analysis can be used for composites design.
Composites modified by 2 wt% MA‐g‐PE had optimal comprehensive properties.
Polyelectrolyte complex gels used for CO2 absorption
Authors: Huang Junjie , Wu Dianguo , Liu Weidong , Sun Jianfeng , Zhao Xuezhi , Zhang Yan , Feng Yujun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPolymer gels have shown application potential in minimizing gas channeling during CO2 enhanced oil recovery and storage processes, but the pumping pressure of preformed gels was too high, and the in‐situ cross‐linking in reservoirs was uncontrollable. Here we developed polyelectrolyte complex gels through the columbic attraction between sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and protonated polyethyleneimine (PEI+) by CO2 in the presence of water. Without CO2, the viscosity of polymer complex solution is relatively low; after streaming CO2, the viscosity of the NaCMC‐PEI+ mixture aqueous solution increases significantly, forming a gel. It was also found that the complex solution shows an evolution of “sol–gel‐separated phase” as the polymer concentration increases, which could be attributed to the enhanced electrostatic attraction between CMC− and PEI+. The viscosity of the gel decreases upon increasing salinity owing to the reduced charge repulsion by the introduced inorganic salt. The CMC−‐PEI+ complex can retain its gel behavior until 60°C, after which the complex collapses. The uptake tests show that 11.34 mg CO2 can be absorbed by each gram of gel composed of 0.9 wt% NaCMC and 0.15 wt% PEI at room temperature and ambient pressure. This work provides an inexpensive route to control gas leakoff and improve CO2 absorption.
Insight into thermal decomposition behavior of ammonium dinitramide‐based liquid propellant through reactive molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Meng Weifeng , Zhang Ting , Guo Zhuiyue , Qin Weihua , Lan Yanhua , Zhai Jinxian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe thermal decomposition characteristics and fuel oxidation mechanism of ammonium dinitramide (ADN)‐based liquid propellant are of great practical significance, but it is difficult to detect the whole intermediates and products using traditional experimental methods. In this paper, the thermal decomposition of ADN‐based liquid propellant at different temperatures (1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 K) was simulated using the reactive molecular dynamics method. The effect of temperature on the thermal decomposition of propellant and the distribution of the main products were investigated. The results showed that the temperature played a role in promoting the decomposition of propellant. The main products of ADN‐based liquid propellant were N2, H2O, NH3, HNO3, ⋅NHO, CH2O, CO2, and NO2, while their evolution and generation pathways were also described in detail. The initial decomposition of ADN was the breakage of N−H bonds in ⋅NH4 or N−N/N−O bonds in ⋅N(NO2)2, and methanol generated free radicals by dehydrogenation. There was no direct chemical reaction between ADN and methanol, and the interaction was accomplished through the generation and consumption of free radicals. H2O provided a large amount of ⋅H and ⋅HO leading to a lower activation energy of ADN in propellant than that from reference. The overall reaction mechanism of the liquid propellant was deduced. The results would help to further investigate the reaction mechanism of ADN‐based liquid propellants.
Conformation state‐specific monobodies regulate the functions of flexible proteins through conformation trapping
Authors: Nakamura Ibuki , Amesaka Hiroshi , Hara Mizuho , Yonezawa Kento , Okamoto Keisuke , Kamikubo Hironari , Tanaka Shun‐ichi , Matsuo Takashi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSynthetic binding proteins have emerged as modulators of protein functions through protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Because PPIs are influenced by the structural dynamics of targeted proteins, investigating whether the synthetic‐binders‐based strategy is applicable for proteins with large conformational changes is important. This study demonstrates the applicability of monobodies (fibronectin type‐III domain‐based synthetic binding proteins) in regulating the functions of proteins that undergo tens‐of‐angstroms‐scale conformational changes, using an example of the A55C/C77S/V169C triple mutant (Adktm; a phosphoryl transfer‐catalyzing enzyme with a conformational change between OPEN/CLOSED forms). Phage display successfully developed monobodies that recognize the OPEN form (substrate‐unbound form), but not the CLOSED form of Adktm. Two OPEN form‐specific clones (OP‐2 and OP‐4) inhibited Adktm kinase activity. Epitope mapping with a yeast‐surface display/flow cytometry indicated that OP‐2 binds to the substrate‐entry side of Adktm, whereas OP‐4 binding occurs at another site. Small angle X‐ray scattering coupled with size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC‐SAXS) indicated that OP‐4 binds to the hinge side opposite to the substrate‐binding site of Adktm, retaining the whole OPEN‐form structure of Adktm. Titration of the OP‐4–Adktm complex with Ap5A, a transition‐state analog of Adktm, showed that the conformational shift to the CLOSED form was suppressed although Adktm retained the OPEN‐form (i.e., substrate‐binding ready form). These results show that OP‐4 captures and stabilizes the OPEN‐form state, thereby affecting the hinge motion. These experimental results indicate that monobody‐based modulators can regulate the functions of proteins that show tens‐of‐angstroms‐scale conformational changes, by trapping specific conformational states generated during large conformational change process that is essential for function exertion.
Unclassified glutathione‐S‐transferase AiGSTu1 confers chlorantraniliprole tolerance in Agrotis ipsilon
Authors: Yang Hao‐Lan , Yu Jia‐Min , Cao Fu , Li Wu‐Ye , Li Bin , Lei Xiao , Li Shi‐Guang , Liu Su , Li Mao‐Ye 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDChlorantraniliprole (CAP) is a diamide insecticide with high efficacy against many pest insects, including the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon. Agrotis ipsilon is a serious pest causing significant yield losses in crops. Glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) belong to a family of metabolic enzymes that can detoxify a wide range of pesticides. However, little is known about the functions of GSTs in CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon.RESULTSA cDNA sequence (designated AiGSTu1) encoding an unclassified GST was identified from A. ipsilon. AiGSTu1 is highly expressed during the 3rd‐instar larval and the pupal stages. Most of the mRNA transcripts were found in larval Malpighian tubules. Exposure to CAP strongly enhanced AiGSTu1 expression, GST activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde levels in larvae. H2O2 treatment upregulated the transcription level of AiGSTu1, suggesting that CAP‐induced oxidative stress may activate AiGSTu1 expression. The activity of recombinant AiGSTu1 was inhibited by CAP in a dose‐dependent manner. Metabolism assay results demonstrated that AiGSTu1 is capable of depleting CAP. Overexpression of AiGSTu1 enhanced the tolerance of Escherichia coli cells to H2O2 and the oxidative stress inducer, cumene hydroperoxide. Silencing of AiGSTu1 by RNA interference increased the susceptibility of A. ipsilon larvae to CAP.CONCLUSIONThe findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential role of AiGSTu1 in CAP detoxification and will improve our understanding of CAP tolerance in A. ipsilon. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Innovative Morphology Control Method: Modulating Metal Ratios in NixCoP@NF for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Du Mingxuan , Xi Wenshan , Zhang Weikai , Liu Shengzhong , Yan Junqing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe use of non‐precious metal materials for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) holds significant importance for the widespread application of new energy technologies. In this study, we prepare a novel foam nickel (NF) supported NixCoP (NixCoP@NF) nanocrystal through a one‐pot hydrothermal method and high‐temperature phosphorization, involving a straightforward process. Innovatively, we achieve morphology control of NixCoP@NF by altering the Ni : Co ratio to maximize its active surface area. The resulting ′petal‐like′ Ni0.5CoP@NF nanostructure exhibits high activity and long‐term durability in an alkaline medium (1 M KOH), with an overpotential of 58 mV at a current density of 10 mA ⋅ cm−2, a Tafel slope of 60.82 mV ⋅ dec−1, and demonstrates lower impedance compared to most non‐precious metal HER electrocatalysts. Furthermore, the variation in activation energy (Ea) reflects the thermodynamic advantages during the electrolysis process. This work offers a new approach for the development of simple and cost‐effective HER catalysts.
How much stressful life events really matter? Conceptual and methodological difficulties in assessing the impact of self‐reported events on adolescents' subjective stress
Authors: Milas Goran , Ćavar Filipa , Ribar Maja 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNumerous studies have pointed to the strong impact of stressful life events on subjective stress and indirectly on the adolescents' mental health. However, the results of many such studies contain bias caused by the choice of measurement method or an incomplete theoretical framework. To estimate the extent of possible bias when using self‐reports, we conducted research on a representative sample of 2201 Croatian adolescents aged 14–18 years. Using manipulation we examined the influence of measurement method and the number of constructs included in the model on the variance of subjective stress explained by stressful events. Structural equation modelling indicated that different measurement methods, occurrence‐based and severity‐based, provide a marked discrepancy in the impact size estimation. The occurrence‐based method provided estimates of a much smaller proportion of the explained variance (6%–25%) compared to the severity‐based approach, which estimated the explained variance in the range of 25%–55% depending on the model. The complexity of the tested models additionally contributed to the variation in the estimates. It is recommended that when using self‐reports to measure stressful life events, occurrence‐based and severity‐based methods are used simultaneously and that impact estimates are expressed within intervals.
Application of Bifacial Semitransparent CuInSe2 Absorber to the Bottom Cell in Bifacial Semitransparent Perovskite/CuInSe2 Tandem Solar Cell for Albedo Environment
Authors: An Jin Gi , Tran Huyen , Kim Dongryeol , Lee Sang Min , Lee Ahreum , Ahn Seung Kyu , Cho Jun‐Sik , Gwak Jihye , Kim TaeWan , Jeong Inyoung , Park Joo Hyung 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough various types of bifacial solar cells exist, few studies have been conducted on bifacial semitransparent CuInSe2 solar cells (BS‐CISe SCs) despite the attractive potential in power generation from both sides in an albedo environment. The optimized BS‐CISe SCs with 300 and 800 nm‐thick absorber via a streamlined single‐stage co‐evaporation process exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.32% and 10.6%, respectively. When double‐sided total 2.0 sun illumination is assumed in an albedo environment, the bifacial power generation densities (BPGD) of them increases to 9.41% and 13.9%. Four‐terminal bifacial semitransparent tandem solar cells (4T‐BST SCs) are fabricated to increase the BPGD by mechanically stacking a BS‐perovskite (PVK) top cell on top of a BS‐CISe bottom cell with the 300 and 800 nm‐thick absorber layers. When summed up, the best top and bottom cell PCEs of the 4T‐BST SC with 300 and 800 nm‐thick BS‐CISe SC are 18.8% and 21.1%, respectively. However, the practical BPGD values of the 4T‐BST SC under total 2 sun illumination are interestingly 23.4% and 24.4%, respectively. This is because the BS‐CISe bottom cell's thickness affects how much rear‐side illumination is transmitted to the BS‐PVK top cell, increasing its current density and BPGD.
Copper Phosphide Nanostructures Covalently Modified Ti3C2Tx for Fast Lithium‐Ion Storage by Enhanced Kinetics and Pesudocapacitance
Authors: Zhong Jianjian , Li Jianling 
Published: October 2023

Abstract2D layer Ti3C2Tx material attracts enormous attention in lithium ion energy storage field owing to the unique surface chemistry properties, but the material still suffers from restacking issue and the restriction on capacity. Herein, copper phosphide (Cu3P) nanostructures@Ti3C2Tx composites are prepared by the in situ generation of Cu‐BDC precursor in the bulk material followed with phosphorization. The uniformly distributed copper phosphide nanostructures effectively expand the interlayer spacing promoting the structural stability, and achieves the effective connection with the bulk material accelerating the diffusion and migration of lithium ions. The electrochemical activity of Cu3P also provides more lithium ion active sites for lithium storage. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis verifies that Ti─O─P bond with strong covalency allows the upper shift of maximum valence band and Fermi level, stimulating the charge transportation between Cu3P and the bulk Ti3C2Tx for better electrode kinetics. 3Cu3P@Ti3C2Tx exhibits excellent rate performance of 165.4 mAh g−1 at 3000 mA g−1 and the assembled 3Cu3P@Ti3C2Tx//AC Lithium‐ion hybrid capacitorsLIC exhibits superior energy density of 93.0 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 2367.3 W kg−1. The results suggest that the interfacial modification of Ti3C2Tx with transition metal phosphides will be advantageous to its high energy density application in lithium‐ion storage.
Light‐Assisted Lithium Metal Anode Enabled by In Situ Photoelectrochemical Engineering
Authors: Bao Weizhai , Wang Ronghao , Qian Chengfei , Shen Hao , Yu Feng , Liu He , Guo Cong , Li Jingfa , Sun Kaiwen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRechargeable battery devices with high energy density are highly demanded by the modern society. The use of lithium (Li) anodes is extremely attractive for future rechargeable battery devices. However, the notorious Li dendritic and instability of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) issues pose series of challenge for metal anodes. Here, based on the inspiration of in situ photoelectrochemical engineering, it is showed that a tailor‐made composite photoanodes with good photoelectrochemical properties (Li affinity property and photocatalytic property) can significantly improve the electrochemical deposition behavior of Li anodes. The light‐assisted Li anode is accommodated in the tailor‐made current collector without uncontrollable Li dendrites. The as‐prepared light‐assisted Li metal anode can achieve the in situ stabilization of SEI layer under illumination. The corresponding in situ formation mechanism and photocatalytic mechanism of composite photoanodes are systematically investigated via DFT theoretical calculation, ex situ UV–vis and ex situ XPS characterization. It is worth mentioning that the as‐prepared composite photoanodes can adapt to the ultra‐high current density of 15 mA cm−2 and the cycle capacity of 15 mAh cm−2 under light, showing no dendritic morphology and low hysteresis voltage. This work is of great significance for the commercialization of new generation Li metal batteries.
Supramolecular Polyurethane “Ligaments” Enabling Room‐Temperature Self‐Healing Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Mini‐Modules
Authors: Yang Zhengchi , Jiang Yue , Wang Yuqi , Li Gu , You Quanwen , Wang Zhen , Gao Xingsen , Lu Xubing , Shi Xinbo , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun‐Ming , Gao Jinwei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFlexible perovskite solar cells (F‐PSCs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional silicon solar cells for applications in portable and wearable electronics. However, the mechanical stability of inherently brittle perovskite, due to residual lattice stress and ductile fracture formation, poses significant challenges to the long‐term photovoltaic performance and device lifetime. In this paper, to address this issue, a dynamic “ligament” composed of supramolecular poly(dimethylsiloxane) polyurethane (DSSP‐PPU) is introduced into the grain boundaries of the PSCs, facilitating the release of residual stress and softening of the grain boundaries. Remarkably, this dynamic “ligament” exhibits excellent self‐healing properties and enables the healing of cracks in perovskite films at room temperature. The obtained PSCs have achieved power conversion efficiencies of 23.73% and 22.24% for rigid substrates and flexible substrates, respectively, also 17.32% for flexible mini‐modules. Notably, the F‐PSCs retain nearly 80% of their initial efficiency even after subjecting the F‐PSCs to 8000 bending cycles (r = 2 mm), which can further recover to almost 90% of the initial efficiency through the self‐healing process. This remarkable improvement in device stability and longevity holds great promise for extending the overall lifetime of F‐PSCs.
Perspectives from Europe region
Authors: Lewis Ben , Engel Sven H. , Bloomfield John , Moriarty Paul , Giovannucci Gian Luca , Melfi Mariagrazia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article highlights the establishment of development efforts of four different associations to meet the needs of higher education, ministries, and the European Union. Each association has its niche on how students are supported based on the history of higher education, culture, and work with or on behalf of students.
Looking back and looking forward
Authors: Schreiber Birgit , Roberts Dennis C. , Leask Betty 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article examines the question of the purpose and benefit of professionalization of student affairs. We discuss how student affairs is positioned and positions itself at the “third space,” in the intersection of administration, management, and the teaching and learning of students. In addition, the student affairs domain often straddles boundaries and multi‐disciplinary contexts, which results in complexity, ambiguity, and hybridity. We conclude by discussing key influences that need to be considered in the process of advancing debates and mitigating the risks of professionalization of student affairs in higher education.