bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimetallic Metasurfaces for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxidations in Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
Authors: Yalavarthi Rambabu , Yesilyurt Omer , Henrotte Olivier , Kment Štěpán , Shalaev Vladimir M. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Naldoni Alberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPlasmonic metasurfaces enable unprecedented manipulation of light by using periodic arrangement of resonant unit cells or nanoantennas. Here, multimetallic metasurfaces made of self‐standing Ni/Au‐Pt nanostructured films are shown to significantly enhance an electrocatalytic oxidation reaction employed in direct alcohol fuel cells. The Ni/Au metasurfaces support photonic and plasmonic modes, which are leveraged for the site‐selective deposition of Pt electrocatalysts within the electromagnetic hot spots, where their reactivity can be strongly increased. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is primarily attributed to electronic effects due to the excitation of hot charge carriers and plasmonic near fields, as supported by electromagnetic simulations and kinetic isotopic experiments. Wavelength‐dependent photoelectrochemical investigations suggest that Ni/Au‐Pt metasurfaces enhances MOR over a broad spectral range and favors different light‐induced reaction mechanisms depending on the selected energy window.
Novel Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Nanoprobe Synthesized by the RAFT‐Mediated PISA Strategy for Hypoxia‐Triggered Tumor Imaging and Azoreductase‐Responsive Drug Release
Authors: Wang Shuyuan , Wang Yuqing , Lei Huali , Li Lishan , Cheng Liang , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDrug carriers and visual tracking play an important role in accurate and efficient drug delivery systems for targeted drug therapy. Polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), a powerful strategy for the fabrication of stimuli‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles has been a focus over the past decade due to its promising applications in biomedical fields such as targeted drug delivery and fluorescent nanoprobes used for tumor imaging. Herein, hypoxia‐responsive near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoprobes of amphiphilic block copolymers (PPEGMA14‐ADP‐Azo‐PBzMAx) are reported, the first example synthesized by RAFT‐mediated PISA strategy in situ to realize synchronous drug release and cell imaging. First, a series of nanoparticles with different morphologies and sizes, including spheres and vesicles, are synthesized by the PISA strategy using PPEGMA14‐ADP‐Azo‐CDPA as macro‐RAFT agents link with near‐infrared Aza‐BODIPY fluorogen and azobenzene groups. Hypoxia‐triggered dissociation of the nanoprobes and NIR fluorescence emission is then observed because of the cleavage of azo bonds. Meanwhile, the in situ DOX‐loaded nanoprobes by the PISA demonstrate synchronous drug release and NIR fluorescence enhancement against mouse colon cancer cells (CT26) under hypoxia (1% O2) compared with under normoxia (16% O2).
Composite Aerogel of Electropolymerized Polyaniline and SWCNTs with High Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Yin Sixing , Wu Xin , Wang Ruoyuan , Guo Cun‐Yue 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAerogels are promising in the preparation of high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) materials due to their ultralow thermal conductivity. However, the TE performance of aerogels remains unsatisfactory. Herein, polyaniline/single‐walled carbon nanotubes (PANI/SWCNT) composite aerogel with high thermoelectric performance is synthesized through dynamic three‐phase interfacial electrochemical polymerization of aniline and subsequent physical mixing of PANI with SWCNTs followed by liquid nitrogen quenching and freeze‐drying. By adjusting the content of SWCNTs, the PANI/SWCNT aerogel (50 wt% SWCNTs) achieves a high power factor (PF) of 73.33 ± 2.03 µW m−1 K−2. The ultralow thermal conductivity of around 2.30 × 10−2 W m−1 K−1 for the composite aerogel is superior to that of most conventional organic TE materials, rendering an excellent figure of merit (ZT) value of ≈0.95 at room temperature and great potential in improving TE performance of organic and organic/inorganic composites. Thermal treatment of the composite aerogel further enhances the PF to 96.28 ± 1.89 µW m−1 K−2. This work provides an effective method in the formation of PANI/SWCNT TE composites and it puts forward insights into the preparation of other high‐performance TE composites.
Copolymerization of Aniline, Melamine and p‐Phenylenediamine for Enhanced Pseudocapacitance Hydrogel Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Gao Chen , Zhang Yulin , Wang Xiangdong , Duan Yuhan , Peng Jun , Luo Ping , Peng Yinjie , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Shisen , Ran Rong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA novel double‐crosslinked 3D network hydrogel, poly(aniline‐co‐p‐phenylenediamine‐co‐melamine) (PD2M4) is synthesized through the chemical oxidative copolymerization of aniline, melamine, and p‐phenylenediamine, and its properties are compared with those of polyaniline (PANI), poly(aniline‐co‐p‐phenylenediamine) (PPDA2), and poly(aniline‐co‐melamine) (PMA4) hydrogels. The morphologies, mechanical properties, and chemical compositions of the hydrogels are investigated by nitrogen physisorption, rheological test, microscopic measurements, and spectroscopic techniques, while electrochemical techniques are used to evaluate their electrochemical performances. In accordance with PANI, PPDA2, and PMA4 hydrogels, the PD2M4 hydrogel exhibited an interconnected long nanofiber structure that encouraged the diffusion of electrolyte ions. Its double‐crosslinked 3D network and high nitrogen‐doping content (6.3 at. %) offered synergistic effects that generated an impressive pseudocapacitance of 657 F g −1 at 0.2 A g−1, a superior rate capability of 72% retention at a high current density of 30 A g−1, and good cyclic stability of 62% after 2000 charge/discharge cycles. The present work, therefore, provides a novel copolymerization strategy for N‐doping and hierarchical network structure to enhance the electrochemical performances of PANI hydrogel electrodes in supercapacitor applications.
An Overview of Self‐Healable Polymers and Recent Advances in the Field
Authors: El Choufi Nadim , Mustapha Samir , Tehrani B. Ali , Grady Brian P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe search for materials with better performance, longer service life, lower environmental impact, and lower overall cost is at the forefront of polymer science and material engineering. This has led to the development of self‐healing polymers with a range of healing mechanisms including capsular‐based, vascular, and intrinsic self‐healing polymers. The development of self‐healable systems has been inspired by the healing of biological systems such as skin wound healing and broken bone reconstruction. The goal of using self‐healing polymers in various applications is to extend the service life of polymers without the need for replacement or human intervention especially in restricted access areas such as underwater/underground piping where inspection, intervention, and maintenance are very difficult. Through an industrial and scholarly lens, this paper provides: a) an overview of self‐healing polymers; b) classification of different self‐healing polymers and polymer‐based composites; c) mechanical, thermal, and electrical analysis characterization; d) applications in coating, composites, and electronics; e) modeling and simulation; and f) recent development in the past 20 years. This review highlights the importance of healable polymers for an economically and environmentally sustainable future, the most recent advances in the field, and current limitations in fabrication, manufacturing, and performance.
Chemical Modification for the “Off‐/On” Regulation of Enzyme Activity
Authors: Yu Huaibin , Feng Jiayi , Zhong Fangrui , Wu Yuzhou 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEnzymes with excellent catalytic performance play important roles in living organisms. Advances in strategies for enzyme chemical modification have enabled powerful strategies for exploring and manipulating enzyme functions and activities. Based on the development of chemical enzyme modifications, incorporating external stimuli‐responsive features—for example, responsivity to light, voltage, magnetic force, pH, temperature, redox activity, and small molecules—into a target enzyme to turn “on” and “off” its activity has attracted much attention. The ability to precisely control enzyme activity using different approaches will greatly expand the chemical biology toolbox for clarification and detection of signal transduction and in vivo enzyme function and significantly promote enzyme‐based disease therapy. This review summarizes the methods available for chemical enzyme modification mainly for the off‐/on control of enzyme activity and particularly highlights the recent progress regarding the applications of this strategy.
Comparative genomic analysis of Thermus provides insights into the evolutionary history of an incomplete denitrification pathway
Authors: Jiao Jian‐Yu , Lian Zheng‐Han , Li Meng‐Meng , Salam Nimaichand , Zhou En‐Min , Liu Lan , Ming Hong , Nie Guoxing , Shu Wensheng , Zhao Guoping , Hedlund Brian P. , Li Wen‐Jun 
Published: April 2022

Impact statementFor decades, Thermus was always considered to be aerobic. However, recent studies have suggested that the denitrification abilities of Thermus species may be widely underestimated. In the present study, we used comparative genomic analysis to investigate the evolutionary history of the denitrification pathway in Thermus and other members of the phylum Deinococcota. We revealed incomplete denitrification pathways to be common in Thermus and showed they are inherited mostly vertically, which further supports the importance of Thermus as a significant denitrifier in hydrothermal environments.
Reliability‐based topology optimization of continuum structure under buckling and compliance constraints
Authors: Guo Liangbing , Wang Xuan , Meng Zeng , Yu Bo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBuckling failure mainly occurs in slender rod structure under pressure, which incurs great concern and should be addressed in topology optimization (TO). However, due to the internal defects of material and the external environment interference of engineering system, the practical engineering structure inevitably produces many uncertain factors in the manufacturing and service stages. Therefore, a reliability‐based topology optimization (RBTO) model under buckling and compliance constraints is established to operate the structural lightweight design considering reliability and stability requirements. To reduce the number of probabilistic constraints, the Kreisselmeier–Steinhauser aggregation function is adopted for combining the multiple constraints into a single smooth and differentiable constraint. Then, a single‐loop approach combining modified chaos control strategy is applied to guarantee the robustness, effectiveness, and computational efficiency of RBTO. In addition, the sensitivities of the probabilistic constraint with respect to design and random variables are deduced, and the accuracy of sensitivities is verified by finite difference method. Finally, the validity of the RBTO method is verified by comparing with deterministic TO, in which three numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the robustness and computational accuracy.
Stiffness and strength topology optimization for bi‐disc systems based on dual sequential quadratic programming
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Ye Hongling , Li Zonghan , Sui Yunkang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAiming at solving the lightweight design problems for bi‐disc systems with consideration of the stiffness and strength simultaneously, a two stage topology optimization framework based on independent continuous and mapping (ICM) method is developed. First, topology optimization formulations are established to guarantee the optimized design satisfying the key nodal displacement and stress constraints. Second, an information function is introduced to realize the transformation of the material properties between elements and components. Composite exponential filter functions are selected to establish the relationship between the properties of elements and corresponding topology design variables. Third, approximate explicit quadratic programming model is obtained by the sensitivity analysis and Taylor expansion. In the process of solving, the duality theory is used to establish the approximate dual model with less design variables. Finally, a series of topology optimization design problems for bi‐disc systems are presented and discussed to illustrate the robustness and feasibility of the method. This study finds some new torsional bi‐disc designs and can also provide some theoretical references for the lightweight topology optimization of a multicomponent system.
Phase‐field modeling of brittle fracture along the thickness direction of plates and shells
Authors: Ambati Marreddy , Heinzmann Jonas , Seiler Martha , Kästner Markus 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe prediction of fracture in thin‐walled structures is decisive for a wide range of applications. Modeling methods such as the phase‐field method usually consider cracks to be constant over the thickness which, especially in load cases involving bending, is an imperfect approximation. In this contribution, fracture phenomena along the thickness direction of structural elements (plates or shells) are addressed with a phase‐field modeling approach. For this purpose, a new, so called “mixed‐dimensional” model is introduced, which combines structural elements representing the displacement field in the two‐dimensional shell midsurface with continuum elements describing a crack phase‐field in the three‐dimensional solid space. The proposed model uses two separate finite element discretizations, where the transfer of variables between the coupled two‐ and three‐dimensional fields is performed at the integration points which in turn need to have corresponding geometric locations. The governing equations of the proposed mixed‐dimensional model are deduced in a consistent manner from a total energy functional with them also being compared to existing standard models. The resulting model has the advantage of a reduced computational effort due to the structural elements while still being able to accurately model arbitrary through‐thickness crack evolutions as well as partly along the thickness broken shells due to the continuum elements. Amongst others, the higher accuracy as well as the numerical efficiency of the proposed model are tested and validated by comparing simulation results of the new model to those obtained by standard models using numerous representative examples.
Advocating with a commercial mindset: The impact of commercial income on nonprofit advocacy engagement
Authors: Dong Qiang , Lu Jiahuan , Lee Cheon 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNonprofits' growing reliance on commercial income has aroused wide concern that commercialization discourages nonprofit engagement in policy advocacy to promote positive social changes. Despite this concern, empirical studies on this relationship are lacking and existing evidence is mixed. This research note proposes that the relationship between commercial income and advocacy engagement is curvilinear, following an inverted U‐shaped pattern. Specifically, as a nonprofit's proportion of commercial income increases, its advocacy engagement will initially increase, but after a tipping point, further increases in the nonprofit's commercial income will reduce its advocacy engagement. An analysis of survey data from 336 service‐delivery nonprofits in mainland China supports the curvilinear relationship. The finding adds new knowledge from a non‐Western, authoritarian context to the literature and has implications for nonprofits in addressing the mission‐market tension.
Effects of a person‐centred and thriving‐promoting intervention on nursing home residents’ experiences of thriving and person‐centredness of the environment
Authors: Sjögren Karin , Bergland Ådel , Kirkevold Marit , Lindkvist Marie , Lood Qarin , Sandman Per‐Olof , Vassbø Tove Karin , Edvardsson David 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effects of a person‐centred and thriving‐promoting intervention on nursing home residents´ experiences of thriving and person‐centredness of the environment, and to evaluate if the effects varied between female and male residents.DesignA multi‐centre, non‐equivalent controlled group before‐after intervention design.MethodsSix nursing homes in Australia, Norway and Sweden were allocated to either intervention or control group. The intervention comprised a staff educational programme. A survey using proxy‐ratings by staff was administered before (T0), immediately after (T1) and six months after (T2) the intervention. The sample varied between 205 and 292 residents. Linear regression models were used to explore effects.ResultsStatistically significant effects were found on experiences of thriving and person‐centredness of the environment. These effects were significant for male residents but not for female residents. The results emphasize the importance of individually tailored social and recreational activities.
COVID‐19 and health in children and adolescents in the US: A narrative systematic review
Authors: Mayra Selicia T. , Kandiah Jayanthi , McIntosh Constance E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the United States, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic necessitated nationwide closures of kindergarten through twelfth grade (K‐12) schools. Stay‐at‐home orders and social distancing mandates were also implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID‐19. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on how COVID‐19 impacted K‐12 students' eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in the United States. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted between October and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were studies focused on COVID‐19 and eating patterns, physical activity, and sleep in students enrolled in K‐12 schools since March 2020. International studies were excluded. Mixed findings were observed for eating patterns whereby the consumption of unhealthful savory and sweet items and healthful snacks (e.g., fruit and vegetables) increased. Reductions in physical activity and disrupted sleep routines were also observed. Heterogeneity in methodological procedures may limit the generalizability of these findings. In the United States, preliminary data suggest that select health‐promoting behaviors were negatively impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Given that prolonged unhealthful eating patterns, physical inactivity, and poor sleep contribute to chronic disease risk, initiatives that increase health‐promoting behaviors are warranted.
Highly Graphitized Porous Carbon Microspheres Derived from Copolymer of Glucose and Melamine for Advanced Electrodes
Authors: Lin Zhen‐Hang , Li Xia , Song Yun‐Fei , Jing Lai‐Ying , Zhang Yun‐Qiang , Li Mei , Cui Jia‐Xi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe N/O co‐doped hierarchical porous graphitized carbon microspheres (N/O‐PCs) are successfully prepared by condensation polymerization of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and melamine, and subsequent KOH activation strategy. The obtained carbon materials have a high specific surface area (1685.58 m2g–1), rich micro‐ and mesopores, and appropriate pore volume (0.828 cm3g–1). The degree of graphitization for N/O‐PCs is improved because the ratio ofIGandIDincreases from 0.88 to 1.03. The layer spacing of the lattice plane (002) for the N/O‐PCs is enlarged, facilitating the transmission of electrolyte ions. The high graphitization degree and enlarged layer spacing bring excellent electrical conductivity and wettability for N/O‐PCs as electrode materials. Besides, owing to the higher N (3.59 at%) and O (12.67 at%) content, the N/O‐PCs show excellent specific capacitances of 412 and 284 F g–1at the current densities of 1 and 10 A g–1in 2mH2SO4aqueous electrolytes, respectively. Outstanding rate performance (200 F g–1at 50 A g–1) and ideal cycle stability (>10 000 cycles) are achieved. Moreover, the N/O‐PCs‐based symmetric supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 9.6 Wh kg–1at 100.8 W kg–1. Thus, the N/O‐PCs provide the potential for high‐performance supercapacitor electrodes.
Synthesis of 3‐carene‐derived nanocellulose/1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐amide complexes with antifungal activity for plant protection
Authors: Zou Renxuan , Li Baoyu , Duan Wengui , Lin Guishan , Cui Yucheng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDNanopesticides have been proved to be a powerful and promising tool to solve the issues in agriculture. The purpose of the present study was to develop ecofriendly nanopesticide systems by the strategy of comprehensive utilization of two natural biomass resources (bagasse and turpentine oil) because of their incomparable advantages.RESULTSIn this research, a series of nanocellulose carriers ETOCN‐1–ETOCN‐4 (ETOCN, esterified TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers) with different degrees of substitution were prepared and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then, 21 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐amide compounds 8a–8u containing gem‐dimethylcyclopropane ring were designed, synthesized and characterized. A preliminary bioassay indicated that compound 8i (R = p‐Br Ph) exhibited broad‐spectrum antifungal activity against the tested fungi. Furthermore, drug‐loading complexes 8i/ETOCN‐1–8i/ETOCN‐4 were fabricated by integration of nanocellulose‐based carriers ETOCN‐1–ETOCN‐4 with bioactive compound 8i, and the drug‐loading capacities, microstructures and sustained‐releasing performance of these complexes were also investigated. According to the observation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of complex 8i/ETOCN‐2, the small‐molecule drug and the carrier formed a well‐distributed and compact complex, which led to the excellent drug‐loading capacity and sustained‐releasing performance in the ethanol/water (1:1, v/v) system.CONCLUSIONSComplexes 8i/ETOCN‐1–8i/ETOCN‐4 deserved further study as the promising candidates for the development of nanopesticides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) α‐amylase inhibitors as safe nutraceutical strategy against diabetes and obesity: An update review
Authors: Peddio Stefania , Padiglia Alessandra , Cannea Faustina B. , Crnjar Roberto , Zam Wissam , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Rescigno Antonio , Zucca Paolo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOverweight and obesity are constantly increasing, not only in Western countries but also in low‐middle‐income ones. The decrease of both the intake of carbohydrates and their assimilation are among the main dietary strategies to counter these conditions. α‐Amylase, a key enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, is the target enzyme to reduce the absorption rate of carbohydrates. α‐Amylase inhibitors (α‐AIs) can be found in plants. The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris is of particular interest due to the presence of protein‐based α‐AIs which, through a protein–protein interaction, reduce the activity of this enzyme. Here we describe the nature of the various types of common bean seed extracts, the type of protein inhibitors they contain, reviewing the recent Literature about their molecular structure and mechanism of action. We also explore the existing evidence (clinical trials conducted on both animals and humans) supporting the potential benefits of this protein inhibitors from P. vulgaris, also highlighting the urgent need of further studies to confirm the clinical efficacy of the commercial products. This work could contribute to summarize the knowledge and application of P. vulgaris extract as a nutraceutical strategy for controlling unwanted weight gains, also highlighting the current limitations.