Grafting Of Functional Groups Research Articles

Novel Nonthermal Plasma Injector for the in-Flight Synthesis and Coating of Battery Materials

As CO2 emissions continue to rise and the demands for electric vehicles and energy storage grow, efforts need to be made to produce higher performing lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Therefore, it is critical to improve the performance of the anode materials. Graphite has gained recognition as the most popular anode for commercial LIBs due to its low cost, low toxicity and cycle stability. However, there are a number of disadvantages with graphite, such as its limited storage capacity, which hinders further LIB development. As a result, silicon has emerged as a promising anode material due to its high charge storage capacity, which is approximately 10 times larger than graphite. Despite this, silicon as an anode for LIBs faces its own challenges, namely its extreme volume expansion during the lithiation and delithiation process, which leads to poor cycle performance. To combat this, silicon nanoparticles with carbon coatings have been identified as a promising candidate for LIBs anodes. The carbon will provide continuous conduction during cycling and prevent pulverization, and the core-shell structure will reduce volumetric expansion and therefore improve the anode stability.Ideally, silicon nanopowder (core) with carbon coating (functional shell) should be integrated in a single process. This would prevent the synthesized nanoparticle from immediately oxidizing upon contact with air or agglomerating, irreversibly affecting the sought-after surface properties. However, the successful one-step synthesis of core-shell nanopowders still remains a challenge. Therefore, the bottleneck for the integration of silicon anodes with carbon coatings into LIBs is the development of a cost-effective and environmentally friendly synthesis method.A number of industries have adopted inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactors since they are well-suited for large scale production of nanopowders, but these currently lack the ability for in-situ modification of nanopowder surfaces. This is where non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) come into play. NTPs host high-temperature electrons that initiate the formation of chemical radicals and ions in the gas phase which, upon reaction with a nanopowder surface, form coatings and/or graft functional groups. In this work, we developed a novel radial non-thermal plasma injector that can be added to our ICP reactor for the in-flight synthesis and coating of nano silicon with carbon. Here, we show that ICP produces nano silicon particles which is then coated by an organic carbon layer in-flight by the NTP injector using an Ar/C2H6 gas mixture. To evaluate the success of the injector, the phase composition was evaluated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), the morphology and particle size was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the chemical composition was validated using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The novel NTP injector developed in this work coupled with ICP provides an efficient pathway for the synthesis of core-shell anodes necessary for further battery development.

Identification of mitophagy-related gene signatures for predicting delayed graft function and renal allograft loss post-kidney transplantation

BackgroundIschemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable consequence post-kidney transplantation, which inevitably leads to kidney damage. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mitophagy is implicated in human cancers. However, the function of mitophagy in kidney transplantation remains poorly understood. This study aims to develop mitophagy-related gene (MRGs) signatures to predict delayed graft function (DGF) and renal allograft loss post-kidney transplantation. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and intersected with the MRGs to obtain mitophagy-related DEGs (MRDEGs). Functional enrichment analyses were conducted. Subsequently, random forest and SVM-RFE machine learning were employed to identify hub genes. The DGF diagnostic prediction signature was constructed using LASSO regression analysis. The renal allograft prognostic prediction signature was developed through univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis. In addition, ROC curves, immunological characterization, correlation analysis, and survival analysis were performed. ResultsNineteen MRDEGs were obtained by intersecting 61 DEGs with 4897 MRGs. Seven hub genes were then identified through machine learning. Subsequently, a five-gene DGF diagnostic prediction signature was established, with ROC curves indicating its high diagnostic value for DGF. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that many immune cells were more abundant in the DGF group compared to the Immediate Graft Function (IGF) group. A two-gene prognostic signature was developed, which accurately predicted renal allografts prognosis. ConclusionsThe mitophagy-related gene signatures demonstrated high predictive accuracy for DGF and renal allograft loss. Our study may provide new perspectives on prognosis and treatment strategies post-kidney transplantation.

Application value of ultrasonic contrast imaging and ultrasonic parameters in post-transplant renal surgery.

Utilize VUEBOX quantitative analysis software to perform quantitative analysis dynamic ultrasound contrast images of post-transplant renal patients were assessed quantitatively five parameters of ultrasonic contrast and two-dimensional ultrasound are examined to explore their six value in Diagnosing Renal Graft Dysfunction. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 post-transplant renal patients who underwent ultrasound contrast examinations at Yiyang Central Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023, They were diagnosed clinically and pathologically. Based on pathological and clinical diagnostic results, the patients were divided into three groups: 47 cases in the stable renal function group, 18 cases in the acute rejection (AR) group, and 8 cases in the delayed graft function (DGF) group. All patients underwent routine ultrasound and ultrasound contrast examinations post-transplantation. By comprehensively assessing renal function test results, clinical course, and pathological findings, differences in ultrasonic contrast quantitative parameters were analyzed. Additionally, ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound contrast in discriminating between transplant renal rejection reactions and delayed renal function recovery. Statistically significant differences in characteristics, such as renal segmental artery resistance index, were observed among the stable renal function group, AR group, and DGF group (all P < 0.05), while peak systolic velocity showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Differences in cortical time to peak (TTP), medullary time to peak(TTP), main renal artery rise time (RT), main renal artery(TTP), and main renal artery fall time (FT) were statistically significant among the stable renal function group, AR group, and DGF group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the accuracy of quantitative parameters for the DGF group and AR group was as follows: Renal artery TTP = Renal artery RT > Renal artery FT > Medulla TTP > Cortex TTP (with respective area under the curve values of 0.828, 0.828, 0.758, 0.742, 0.719). Among these, Renal artery TTP and Renal artery RT exhibited larger AUC values, with sensitivities of 87.5% each and specificities of 81.2 and 87.5%, respectively. There are discernible differences in VUEBOX quantitative parameters between post-transplant AR and DGF cases, thereby providing imaging references for diagnosing of acute rejection and functional impairment following renal transplantation.

Evidence of Perivascular Mesenchymal Bone Marrow Microenvironment Affection in Poor Graft Function Post Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is regarded as a curative treatment option for a variety of hematological disorders. The prognosis of allogenic (HSCT) patients is dependent on a variety of factors that affect the bone marrow microenvironment. One of these factors is the number and function of CD146+ perivascular mesenchymal cells that support the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and help their proliferation. Aim of the Study The aim of this study was to assess how the bone marrow microenvironment is being affected in patients with poor graft function post allogenic stem cell transplantation targeting the perivascular mesenchymal cells using multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of CD146 antibody. Patients and Methods Forty patients were enrolled in this study with both benign and malignant hematological diseases who underwent allogenic HSCT from matched related donors. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups: poor graft function (PGF) group and good graft function group (GGF). Patients were subjected to full history recording, clinical examination, full laboratory and radiological work-up, tissue typing and chemotherapeutic conditioning before transplantation. After transplant, bone marrow aspirate was obtained and analyzed for CD146+ perivascular mesenchymal cells using Quantitative tri-color Flow cytometric assay. Results PGF group showed significantly lower counts of WBCs, platelets and hemoglobin concentration compared to GGF group. In addition, CD34 dose showed significantly lower concentration in PGF group compared to GGF group. CD146 expression intensity on non-stem cells was significantly higher in PGF group compared to the GGF group to increase the function of these cells in supporting the proliferation of stem cells in the bone marrow. Conclusion CD146 can have a potential therapeutic role if CD146+ selected mesenchymal cells are infused in patients with refractory poor graft function to enhance the proliferation of stem cells and help in recovery of patients with PGF however further studies are warranted to document its suggested therapeutic role.

Evidence of Endothelial Bone Marrow Microenvironment Affection in Poor Graft Function Post Allogenic Stem Cell Transplanration

Abstract Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered a curative option for several hematological disorders. The prognosis of patients undergoing allogenic (HSCT) is dependable on various factors that affect bone marrow microenvironment and poor prognosis can results from poor graft function. On of these factors is the numbers of CD31+ endothelial cells that support the hematopoietic stem cells. Aim of the Study The aim of this study was to assess how the bone marrow microenvironment is being affected in patients with poor graft function post allogenic stem cell transplantation targeting the endothelial cells using multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of CD31 antibody. Patients and Methods Forty patients were enrolled in this study with both benign and malignant hematological diseases who underwent allogenic HSCT from matched related donors. Patients were divided into 2 equal groups: poor graft function (PGF) group and good graft function group (GGF). Patients were subjected to full history recording, clinical examination, full laboratory and radiological work-up, tissue typing and chemotherapeutic conditioning before transplantation. After transplant, bone marrow aspirate was obtained and analyzed for CD31+ endothelial cells using Quantitative tri-color Flow cytometric assay. Results PGF group showed significantly lower counts of WBCs, platelets and hemoglobin concentration compared to GGF group. In addition, CD34 dose showed significantly lower concentration in PGF group compared to GGF group. PGF group had statistically significant lower percentage of stem cells total count compared to GGF group in addition, PGF Group had a significantly higher mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD31 on non-stem cells compared to GGF group. Conclusion PGF had significant increase in MFI of CD31+ve on non-stem cells compared to GGF group. In addition, PGF group had statistically significant lower percentage of CD31+ stem cells total count compared to GGF group.

Carbon Structure Regulation Strategy for the Electrode of Vanadium Redox Flow Battery.

Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a type of energy storage device known for its large-scale capacity, long-term durability, and high-level safety. It serves as an effective solution to address the instability and intermittency of renewable energy sources. Carbon-based materials are widely used as VRFB electrodes due to cost-effectiveness and well-stability. However, pristine electrodes need proper modification to overcome original poor hydrophilicity and fewer reaction active sites. Adjusting the carbon structure is recognized as a viable method to boost the electrochemical activity of electrodes. This review delves into the advancements in research related to ordered and disordered carbon structure electrodes including the adjusting methods, structural characteristics, and catalytic properties. Ordered carbon structures are categorized into nanoscale and macroscale orderliness based on size, leading to improved conductivity and overall performance of the electrode. Disordered carbon structures encompass methods such as doping atoms, grafting functional groups, and creating engineered holes to enhance active sites and hydrophilicity. Based on the current research findings on carbon electrode structures, this work puts forth some promising prospects for future feasibility.

Homogeneously dispersed silicon/graphite composite toward enhanced lithium-ion batteries

At present, silicon/graphite composite is the most promising anode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. However, during the preparation, nanoscale silicon will inevitably undergo agglomeration, which will cause serious volume changes and breakage during the charging/discharging process. How to achieve uniform dispersion of nanoscale silicon onto the surface of graphite becomes a great challenge. Here, by grafting functional groups on the surface of silicon, both the repulsive force between silicon particles and the binding force between silicon/graphite have been improved, thereby highly uniform dispersed silicon is achieved. After being coated with asphalt and etching off the functional groups, the conductivity and ion migration ability of the composite are further improved. Resultantly, the modified composite provides a high discharging capacity of 598.4 mAh·g−1 at 0.2C and can still maintain a high-capacity retention of 90.7 % and a small volume expansion rate of 30.8 % after 500 cycles.

Study on the mechanical properties and ballistic resistance of interface-modified fabrics with environmentally friendly shear thickening liquid

Based on the modification of industrial solid waste and surface grafting of functional groups to prepare new ballistic composites with green shear thickening functionality, ammonia-modified silica (NH4-SA) particles were successfully prepared from industrial solid waste through APTMS surface modification, and the modified NH4-SA was used as the shear thickening dispersed phase to regulate the green shear thickening solution, and in order to better achieve the grafting loading of the particles of the dispersed phase, the aramid fabric (AF) was metal ion modified. Ballistic resistance was tested by combining a solid waste-based modified shear thickening fluid (NH4-SA@STF) with a metal ion modified AF fabric. Characterization tests confirmed that NH4-SA@STF exhibited a significant shear thickening effect due to the addition of reactive functional groups on the surface of NH4-SA. Yarn pull-out tests showed that NH4-SA@STF/Fe-AF had a 4-fold increase in pull-out force and better friction properties compared to AF fabrics. Ballistic tests demonstrated that NH4-SA@STF increased the ballistic limiting velocity (Vbl) of AF fabrics from 52 m/s to 99 m/s. Both layer impregnation modification and individual impregnation treatment of each layer showed strong ballistic performance, indicating that NH4-SA@STF/Fe-AF composites exhibited superior ballistic performance compared to AF fabrics. The doping of NH4-SA enhanced the friction between the yarns and increased the load-bearing area of the fabric, resulting in improved ballistic performance of NH4-SA@STF/Fe-AF composites. The study successfully achieved the regulation of ballistic properties in NH4-SA@STF/Fe-AF composites, providing a promising approach for the development of new ballistic materials with green shear thickening functionality.

Ligand Functionalization of Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic H2O2 Production

AbstractH2O2 production by photocatalysis has received considerable attention, while using MOF‐based materials as photocatalysts is still less explored. Ligand functionalization of MOFs is a decoration way at the molecular level, which provides the basis for the further modification of MOFs. In this concept, ligand functionalization of MOFs for photocatalytic H2O2 production has been systematically and extensively discussed. The strategies of ligand functionalization include grafting of functional groups (e. g. amino, methoxyl, boron and alkyl) and multiple ligand decoration. Correspondingly, some specific effects are achieved, e. g. improved charge carrier separation, enhanced O2 adsorption and hydrophobicity, which can realize efficient H2O2 production by photocatalysis. Meanwhile, reaction conditions and activities of photocatalytic H2O2 production have also been explicitly introduced in these studies. At last, the future perspectives are proposed. This concept sheds fresh light on the great potential of ligand functionalization of MOFs for photocatalytic H2O2 production.

Green and efficient radiation-based preparation of crosslinked poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine (PVP-I)-introduced polypropylene (PP) sheets for antibacterial wound dressing application

In this study, we developed an efficient method to prepare a crosslinked poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate) (PVP/PEGDA) copolymer-grafted non-woven polypropylene (PP) sheet for which water can be used as a green solvent while providing a large amount of grafting functional groups on the PP matrix without diminishing mechanical properties. It was demonstrated that subsequent iodine complexation of the PP-g-PVP/PEGDA produces a strong antibacterial activity desirable for wound dressings. Efficient functionalization of hydrophobic non-woven PP sheet was achieved using electron beam (EB)-induced graft polymerization of vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) with the addition of hydrophilic crosslinker (PEGDA), resulting in the PP-g-PVP/PEGDA. In this preparation method, the grafting degree was remarkably increased up to 3-fold, even in the water solvent, and was found to be controlled by the concentration of VP and PEGDA. To impart antibacterial activity, the PP-g-PVP/PEGDA subsequently underwent iodine complexation, yielding PP-g-PVP/PEGDA-I. Structural analysis and water absorptivity studies confirmed that excellent water-absorbing PVP/PEGDA-I complexes were successfully introduced in the non-woven PP sheet without significant change in the porous structure of the PP sheet. Moreover, the PP-g-PVP/PEGDA-I exhibited strong antibacterial activities against Gram-negative E. coli, Gram-positive S. aureus, and MRSA bacterial species in a time-killing assay, and the activities showed high dependence on the grafting degree. This finding demonstrates that the PP-g-PVP/PEGDA-I can effectively and immediately inactivate external bacteria upon invasion. This green and efficient strategy is thus promising to produce PVP-I complex-based wound dressings with rapid antibacterial activity.

Hyperparathyroidism in kidney transplant candidates and postoperative parathyroid gland function in recipients

Objective: to evaluate the effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in kidney transplantation (KT) candidates on recipients’ parathyroid gland function in the first postoperative year.Materials and methods. The retrospective cohort study included 210 patients (103 women, 107 men, age 45 ± 9 years) with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (stage 5 CKD, including dialysis-dependent patients), who had undergone cadaveric KT. Biochemical screening before kidney transplantation and in the postoperative period at 3 and 12 months determined serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase activity, albumin and creatinine using standard methods. PTH levels of 130–595 pg/mL and ≤130 pg/mL were taken as the target level in the pre- and post-transplant periods, respectively.Results. Fifty-six KT candidates (group 1) had HPT and 154 (group 2) had the target PTH levels. PTH level was 897 (722; 1136) and 301 (229; 411) pg/mL, respectively, p &lt; 0.001. PTH decreased in all recipients at 3 months after KT: by 595 (420; 812) in group 1 and 148 (77; 230) pg/ mL in group 2, p &lt; 0.001, to 254 (180; 455) and 150 (118; 212) pg/mL, respectively, p &lt; 0.001; the target level was detected in 10.7% and 42.2% of recipients, respectively, p &lt; 0.001. At 12 months, blood PTH was 171 (94; 239) pg/mL in group 1 and 112 (90; 135) pg/mL in group 2, p = 0.004; target level was found in 48.2% and 73.4% of recipients, respectively, p &lt; 0.001. Kidney graft function was identical in both recipient groups: acute tubular necrosis in 41.1% and 54.5%; at 3 months, median glomerular filtration rates (GFR) of 60 and 65 mL/min (n.d.); at 12 months, 56 and 54 mL/min (n.d.). Post-transplant PTH levels correlated directly with preoperative levels in both groups and inversely with renal graft function in group 2 recipients.Conclusion. HPT in kidney transplant candidates is a major, graft function-independent predictor of excess PTH secretion in recipients, increasing the risk of persistent HPT 1.9-fold, one year after KT.

Longitudinal Blood Count Analysis Reveals That Poor Graft Function after Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Is a Common Complication Associated with Poor Outcome

Background Poor graft function (PGF) is an important complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), predisposing to infections, bleeding complications and mortality. The reported incidence and outcome of PGF differ between studies, which may partially be explained by differences in patient cohorts and HCT strategies. Pediatric HCT differs from the adults setting in several aspects, such as the underlying disease and use of relatively young donors, including cord blood. To date, however, information on the incidence and outcome of PGF in pediatric HCT recipients is limited. Aim To determine the incidence, risk factors and outcome of poor graft function in pediatric HCT recipients. Methods Longitudinal blood count and transfusion data from 63.219 measurements were retrieved from the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database (ten Berg et al., Clin Chem Lab Med, 2007) to investigate PGF in pediatric recipients of a first HCT. Patients with less than 5 measurements within the first 30 days or 10 measurements within the first 100 days post-HCT were excluded. In line with published definitions, PGF was defined as cytopenia and/or transfusion dependence for 3 consecutive days after day 28 in ≥2 lineages simultaneously, and patients with relapse, grade III-IV GvHD and/or rejection were excluded (Müskens et al., Blood Reviews, 2023). Cytopenias were defined as thrombocytes &amp;lt;20x10 9/L, neutrophils &amp;lt;0.5x10 9/L and hemoglobin &amp;lt;7 g/dL (Kong et al., Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, 2013). Individual and cohort-wide reconstitution patterns of thrombocytes, neutrophils, and hemoglobin after HCT were analyzed and used to identify patients with PGF. Cumulative incidence and survival analyses were conducted using the {survival} R package. Probability of overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), defined as retransplantation-free, stem-cell-boost free survival, were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate and compared at one year using the log-rank test. Risk factors for PGF and EFS were assessed in univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results Among 348 pediatric recipients who met the inclusion criteria, we identified 53 patients that fulfilled the criteria for PGF, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 0.15 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11-0.18). Risk factors for PGF included HCT for hematological disease (p = 0.03) and from an HLA-mismatched donor (p &amp;lt; 0.01). No difference in PGF incidence was observed between recipients of cord blood and bone marrow donors. The one-year OS (1Y OS) of patients in the PGF group was 71% (95% CI: 59-85%), compared to 91% (95% CI: 87-94%) in the good graft function (GGF) group (p &amp;lt; 0.0001, Figure 1A). Infectious disease was the cause of death in 47% in the PGF group, compared to 27% in the GGF group (p = 0.21). The 1Y EFS was 53% (95% CI: 41-68%) in the PGF group, compared to 90% (95% CI: 86-93%) in the GGF group (p &amp;lt; 0.0001, Figure 1B). Conclusion PGF is a common complication in pediatric HCT recipients. No difference in PGF incidence was observed between bone marrow and cord blood grafts. Both patient-specific (underlying disease) and donor-specific (HLA-matching) may contribute to its pathophysiology. PGF patients show a marked reduction in overall and event-free survival, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or treat PGF after HCT.

Boosting of polyurethane elastomer nanocomposites by low doped graphene

Graphene reinforced polyurethane elastomer (PUE) nanocomposites have been developed for decades, and much work has focused on grafting functional groups and eliminating agglomeration to reduce the number of layers for achieving enhanced performance can meet in various requires. Generally, graphene with low oxygen functional groups is considered to be unable to compatible with polymers due to their mismatched polarity and low interfacial interaction. However, our study reported a new strategy by endowing graphene a low oxygen content, via solvent-free casting synthesis method, the small size graphene (SG) with slight polarity could be well soaked in the polyether polyols and then be uniform dispersed in PUE nanocomposites at low loading level and exhibit a multi-enhanced performance. Our research indicating that no more effort needs to be devoted to the grafting or exfoliating of graphene, this low-cost green synthesis is of great significance for the industrial application.

Decorating Channel Walls in Metal-Organic Frameworks with Crown Ethers for Efficient and Selective Separation of Radioactive Strontium(II).

Nuclear accidents and the improper disposal of nuclear wastes have led to serious environmental radioactive pollutions. The rational design of adsorbents for the highly efficient separation of strontium(II) is essential in treating nuclear waste and recovering radioactive strontium resources. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential materials for the separation of aqueous metal ions owing to their designable structure and tunable functionality. Herein, a novel 3D MOF material MOF-18Cr6, in which 1D channels are formed using 18-crown-6-ether-containing ligands as channel walls, is fabricated for strontium(II) separation. In contrast to traditional MOFs designed by grafting functional groups in the framework pores, MOF-18Cr6 possesses regular 18-crown-6-ether cavities on the channel walls, which not only can transport and intake strontium(II) via the channels, but also prevent blockage of the channels after the binding of strontium(II). Consequently, the functional sites are fully utilized to achieve a high strontium(II) removal rate of 99.73 % in simulated nuclear wastewater. This study fabricates a highly promising adsorbent for the separation of aqueous radioactive strontium(II), and more importantly, can provide a new strategy for the rational design of high-performance MOF adsorbents for separating target substances from complex aqueous environments.

Decorating Channel Walls in Metal–Organic Frameworks with Crown Ethers for Efficient and Selective Separation of Radioactive Strontium(II)

AbstractNuclear accidents and the improper disposal of nuclear wastes have led to serious environmental radioactive pollutions. The rational design of adsorbents for the highly efficient separation of strontium(II) is essential in treating nuclear waste and recovering radioactive strontium resources. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential materials for the separation of aqueous metal ions owing to their designable structure and tunable functionality. Herein, a novel 3D MOF material MOF‐18Cr6, in which 1D channels are formed using 18‐crown‐6‐ether‐containing ligands as channel walls, is fabricated for strontium(II) separation. In contrast to traditional MOFs designed by grafting functional groups in the framework pores, MOF‐18Cr6 possesses regular 18‐crown‐6‐ether cavities on the channel walls, which not only can transport and intake strontium(II) via the channels, but also prevent blockage of the channels after the binding of strontium(II). Consequently, the functional sites are fully utilized to achieve a high strontium(II) removal rate of 99.73 % in simulated nuclear wastewater. This study fabricates a highly promising adsorbent for the separation of aqueous radioactive strontium(II), and more importantly, can provide a new strategy for the rational design of high‐performance MOF adsorbents for separating target substances from complex aqueous environments.

Mechanism of the impact of the sizing agent chain length on the interfacial mechanical properties of carbon/epoxy composites

The mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites can generally be improved by interfacial design, and one of the possible strategies involves the manipulation of the sizing agent polymer. Although this approach can be industrialized with relative ease compared to grafting functional groups and chemical deposition nano-fillers on the surface of fibers, elucidating its regulatory mechanisms remains a challenge. Herein, molecular simulations are utilized to study the interfacial modification of typical carbon fiber/epoxy composites with different sizing chain length structures, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the interface are firstly quantified. An inhomogeneous distribution of the interfacial phase is further divided into three layers, and each layer is correlated with the evolution of the mechanical properties of the composite. The first layer in the interfacial phase is closest to the fiber surface, which is highly restrained by physical diffusion and exhibits poor mechanical properties. However, the first layer can be considered as an equivalent to a “softener”, which is beneficial for conferring better pull-out and bending strength. The second layer has the strongest interaction between the sizing agent and matrix, is controlled by a combination of physical diffusion and chemical interaction, which are particularly significant for interfacial transfer. The interfacial properties of the third layer are controlled by chemical reactions, which are closer to that of the resin matrix. The present study emphasizes the importance of gradient design of mechanical properties between the first and second layers in the hierarchical interface, paving the foundation and direction for a systematic framework of gradient design, optimization, and matching of interfaces in carbon fiber composites.

Influence of Functionalization on the Crystallinity and Basic Thermodynamic Properties of Polyethylene

Polymer functionalization, the grafting of functional groups onto polymer chains with strong intermolecular interactions, is a promising approach currently being explored to improve the recyclability and field use properties of commercially important polymeric materials. The mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE) are closely tied to the degree of crystallinity, which is expected to be influenced by polymer functionalization. We perform atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the effect of the functional groups on the change of the degree of crystallinity, as well as thermodynamical and local mechanical properties of a linear PE melt. In particular, we consider ester and amide groups as model polar functional groups. In both of these functionalized PE materials, we observe the densification and suppression of crystallization for functionalized PEs in the melt. Our simulation findings inform on the potential use of functionalization of PE as an approach to improve the recyclability of petroleum-based polymer materials.

Mesoporous Silica‐Guided Synthesis of Metal–Organic Framework with Enhanced Water Adsorption Capacity for Smart Indoor Humidity Regulation

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for indoor humidity regulation due to steep stepwise water uptake and moderate regeneration temperature. Current approaches for performance improvement of MOFs such as impregnating hygroscopic salts and grafting functional groups face the challenge of corrosion and instability. Herein, a template‐guided tuning strategy is proposed to synthesize binary nanocomposite. Highly ordered mesoporous channels of MCM‐41 provide uniform nucleation sites for MOF growth, enabling a 21.5% promotion of specific surface area (3188.14 m2 g−1) and 23.4% improvement of water uptake (1.53 g g−1 at 20°C/90% relative humidity) for the nanocomposite compared with parent MIL‐101(Cr). The fast kinetics and superior stability together guarantee its practical application. Further, a paradigm of continuous indoor humidity regulation driven by sunlight is demonstrated, which realizes smart regulation of the indoor humidity to the human comfort zone (40–60%) with near‐zero energy input.

Increased frequency of CD39+CD73+ regulatory T cells and Deltex-1 gene expression level in kidney transplant recipients with excellent long-term graft function

BackgroundThe ability of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to limit inflammatory responses has been demonstrated. However, different subpopulations of this cell have varying abilities to suppress alloreactive immune responses. The primary goal of this study was to assess the frequency of CD4+FOXP3+CD39+CD73+ Tregs and Deltex-1 gene expression on long-term renal transplant function. MethodsA total of 49 subjects were divided into 3 groups: (i) the excellent long-term graft function (ELTGF) group, (ii) the chronic graft dysfunction (CGD) group, and (iii) the healthy control (HC) group. Following sample collection, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, and the Deltex-1 gene expression level and the frequency of CD4+FOXP3+CD39+CD73+ Tregs were evaluated. ResultsThe ELTGF group had more CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs than the CGD group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). However, the frequency of CD4+FOXP3+CD39+CD73+ Tregs and the ratio of these cells to total CD4+ lymphocytes significantly increased in the ELTGF group than in the CGD group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02 respectively). In addition, the expression level of the Deltex-1 gene was significantly lower in the CGD group than in the other 2 groups (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04 respectively). ConclusionsGiven the increased frequency of CD4+FOXP3+CD39+CD73+ Tregs and the expression level of the Deltex-1 gene in the ELTGF group, it appears that these factors probably improved function and long-term survival of the transplanted organ through the suppression of alloreactive responses and reduction of inflammation. In other words, one of the immunological mechanisms involved in the CGD group may be a deficiency in Tregs.

Study of Applying Naturally Occurring Mineral Materials for Silicone Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

Silicones are commonly used as adhesives when high-quality materials are required due to harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, humidity, etc. To ensure high resistance to environmental conditions, including high temperatures, modifications of silicone adhesives are made using fillers. The characteristics of a modified silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive with filler are the focus of this work. Functionalized palygorskite was prepared in this investigation by grafting 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) onto palygorskite (palygorskite-MPTMS). The palygorskite was functionalized using MPTMS under dried conditions. FTIR/ATR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis were all used to characterize the obtained palygorskite-MPTMS. MPTMS loading onto palygorskite was also proposed. The results demonstrated that palygorskite's initial calcination favors the grafting of functional groups on its surface. New self-adhesive tapes based on palygorskite-modified silicone resins have been obtained. This functionalized filler allows for the improvement of the compatibility of palygorskite with specific resins for application in heat-resistant silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives. The new self-adhesive materials showed increased thermal resistance while maintaining good self-adhesive properties.