Hybrid Layer Research Articles

Metalloproteinase inhibitors in the adhesion process dental

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in tooth physiological development, caries processes, and hybrid layer degradation, in addition to being associated with dentin collagen breakdown. The interplay of MMP activity, masticatory forces, and biofilm action may, over time, compromise composite resin restorations. To reduce hybrid layer degradation by endogenous proteases and extend the longevity of resin restorations, MMP inhibitors and collagen cross-linking agents have been extensively studied. This work aims to identify, through a literature review, agents capable of inactivating MMPs at the dentin adhesive interface. This integrative review, based on studies retrieved from PUBMED/MEDLINE, LILACS, BBO, and VHL databases, identified 19 agents able to inhibit MMP activity at the adhesive-dentin interface in studies published between January 2018 and June 2023. It can be concluded that several agents can partially or completely block MMP activity, thereby enhancing restoration longevity. However, further studies are required to facilitate the clinical use of these agents, beyond chlorhexidine, in dental practice, with the application techniques suited to dentists’ daily clinical routines.

Optimally accurate second-order numerical scheme on layer-resolving graded mesh for singularly-perturbed boundary turning point problems exhibiting power-of-type-1 and hybrid layers

The paper discusses singularly-perturbed problems with boundary turning points. It describes constructions of layer-resolving grids based on layer-eliminating coordinate transformations and analyses the convergence of numerical solutions obtained using the upwind scheme on the layer-resolving grids and Richardson extrapolations. Theoretical error estimates and numerical experiments confirm that the upwind scheme with Richardson extrapolation on the proposed layer-resolving grids is uniformly convergent of order two without any logarithmic factor.

Intercalation of g-C3N4/Ag2S heterostructure on boronized Ni-MOF for enhanced water splitting and energy storage applications

The increasing global demand for energy conversion and storage technologies including water electrolysis, fuel cells, batteries & supercapacitors depend critically on the performance of their electrode components. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), particularly Nickel Zeolite Imidazole Frameworks (Ni-ZIF) have drawn significant attention due to their greater electrocatalytic performance. Still, their restricted active sites & stability hinder their broader implementation in alkaline/saline water electrolysis & supercapacitor applications. Here, we are reporting the intercalation of heterostructure consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) on Boronized Ni-ZIF (B:NZ) for empowered alkaline/saline water splitting and supercapacitor applications. These heterostructure addition over Boronized Ni-ZIF demonstrated minimal overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (324 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (78 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) in alkaline medium (1 M KOH). The observed improvement in activity is ascribed to the decreased charge transfer resistance (Rct) & the augmented electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Furthermore, Ag2S/g-C3N4/Boronized Ni-ZIF exhibited high specific capacitances of 1076.6 F/g and areal capacitance of 2584 F/cm2 at 0.50 A g-1 in supercapacitor applications. The incorporation of the g-C3N4 layer has enhanced the surface area and roughness facilitating stronger adhesion between hybrid layers which in turn resulted in prolonged stability exceeding 20 h in water splitting and 86 % retention in supercapacitor application.

Morphological Analysis and Bond Strength to Root Canal Dentin of Endodontically Treated and Retreated Teeth: An Ex Vivo Study.

To assess the bond strength and the hybrid layer (HL) micro-morphological characteristics at the cement-dentin interface (CD-i) between root canal walls and two adhesive resin cements [self-etch (SERc) and self-adhesive (SARc)] in root-canal-treated (RCT) and naturally aged retreated teeth (RCR-T). Vital (n = 16) and RCT (n = 16) teeth were, respectively, endodontically treated or retreated. Fiber posts were luted either with SERc (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick + DC Core Plus) or SARc (iCEM). Samples were then sectioned into 1 mm thick slices perpendicular to the fiber post and submitted to push-out bond strength test. Vital (n = 4) and RCT (n = 4) first maxillary molars were also selected and prepared to evaluate CD-i morphology through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc tests were assessed to statistically analyze the obtained data (p 0.05). Bond strength was significantly jeopardized in retreated teeth and in the root apical half, while the cements had no significant influence. Most failures occurred between dentin and resin cement. HL thickness was also hindered in retreated teeth. iCEM produced a thinner HL compared to SERc. Resin tag formation was significantly hampered in the root apical half. SARc performed as well as SERc on aged RCT radicular dentin. Clinicians can rely on simplified one-step luting systems when adhesion is required in unfavorable substrates such as the root canal post space of aged RCT teeth.

Selective Void Deposition by Continuous, Ultrathin Ag Film Enabled Stable, High-Performance AgNWs-Based Transparent Heaters.

Metallic nanowire-based transparent conductors (MNTCs) are essential to various technologies, including displays, heat-regulating windows, and photo-communication. Hybrid configurations are primarily adopted to design stable, high-functioning MNTCs. Although hybrid MNTCs enhance electrical performance, they often suffer from optical degradation due to losses associated with the hybrid layers. Highly conductive hybrid MNTCs with minimal reduction in transparency are achieved with AgNWs/Ag(O)/Al-doped ZnO (AZO) design. The design provides a high visible light transmittance of 95.1%, representing a minimized optical loss of 3% compared to pristine AgNWs by optimizing optical interference between the AZO and Ag(O) layers. Furthermore, it allows for enhanced mobility of metallic nanowires by controlling the selective formation of conductive layers in the voids of the nanowire networks. The oxygen additive enables a continuous Ag ultrathin film of 6nm in the macro-voids of AgNWs system, corresponding to 25 times higher mobility for AgNWs/Ag(O)/AZO than that of sole AgNWs. The significant enhancement in the mobility of AgNWs/Ag(O)/AZO induces a reduction of sheet resistance of MNTCs by 73%. The AgNWs/Ag(O)/AZO, with an optimized sheet resistance of 24 Ω sq-1, is explored for transparent heater applications, demonstrating a fast thermal response with reliable stability, as evidenced by consistent high-temperature profiles during prolonged operation.

Effect of propolis added to single-bottle adhesives on water permeation through the hybrid layer.

Water treeing and water droplets are observed within adhesive layers and on the hybridized surface after bonding sound dentin using single-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesives, indicating permeability of the hybrid layer to water. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of dentin sealing by adhesives containing propolis by quantifying the area of water transudation from dentinal tubules after dentin hybridization. Brazilian red propolis was added to experimental adhesive and Single Bond (3M/ESPE) adhesive; experimental adhesive and Single Bond without propolis were used as controls. Under simulated pulp pressure, two layers of adhesive were applied to etched human dentin discs. Three minutes after light-curing, the hybridized dentin surface was replicated, and epoxy resin replicas were created to obtain scanning electron microscope images. Data were evaluated using ANOVA and Tukey's test. Single Bond containing propolis significantly decreased water permeation through the hybrid layer compared with the control group. Three minutes after polymerization, the experimental adhesive without propolis had formed a permeable hybrid layer. The addition of Brazilian red propolis significantly reduced surface water on hybridized dentin in a concentration-dependent manner. Two-step etch-and-rinse adhesives containing propolis were effective in reducing water permeation through the hybridized dentin surface.

Riboflavin-ultraviolet-A collagen crosslinking treatments in improving dentin bonding and resistance to enzymatic digestion

Background/purposeThe efficacy of riboflavin-ultraviolet-A (RF-UVA) treatment in crosslinking collagen and improving dentin bonding has been proven. However, biodegradation of the hybrid layer may compromise the bonding. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different RF-UVA treatments regarding their ability to preserve dentin bonding from enzymatic digestion. Materials and methodsCollagen subjected to different RF (0.1 %, 1 %)-UVA (1, 2, 5 min) treatments and 5 % glutaraldehyde (GA), without or with enzymatic digestion, were examined by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Twenty-five teeth with exposed dentin were primed with one of three RF-UVA treatments (0.1 %RF/1-minUVA, 0.1 %RF/2-minUVA, and 1 %RF/1-minUVA), GA, or distilled water after acid-etching, then restored with an adhesive and a resin composite. After 24-h storage, these teeth were sectioned into microbeams. Half of them received an early microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test, while the other half was stored in enzyme solution for 7 days before testing. Nanoleakage and hybrid layer degradation were examined by TEM. ResultsAccording to SDS-PAGE results, all groups showed the dissipation of intense γ bands of collagen after digestion. For the early bonded specimens and after enzymatic digestions, 0.1 %RF/2-minUVA treated group presented the highest μTBS and none of premature failure. Its TEM images showed less nanoleakage after digestion, which is contributed to the well suspended collagen fibrils and resin infiltration in the hybrid layer. ConclusionRF-UVA treatment attained collagen crosslinking effects to improve resin-dentin bonding. 0.1 %RF/2-minUVA effectively enhanced dentin bond strength and resistance to enzymatic digestion by optimally expanding dentinal collagen matrix to facilitate hybrid layer formation.

Colloidal platinum nanoparticles enhance resin-dentin bonding durability

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the effect of colloidal platinum nanoparticles (CPN) on the durability of resin-dentin bonding performance with contemporary adhesives. MethodsSixty non-carious human maxillary premolars were subjected to microtensile bond strength (µTBS) testing and divided into two main groups: CPN-treated and untreated. Within each group, specimens were randomly allocated to Clearfil Megabond 2 (MB2), Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive with self-etch mode (SE-SUP), and etch-and-rinse mode (ER-SUP) subgroups (n = 10/group). CPN was applied to dentin in the MB2 and SE-SUP groups for 20 s, followed by rinsing before adhesive application. In the ER-SUP group, CPN was applied after etch-and-rinse. The µTBS was tested after 24 h, 6 months, and 1 year, and the fracture modes were observed using SEM. The µTBS data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). An additional twelve premolars underwent TEM/STEM/EDX for ultra-morphological observations. ResultsThe application of CPN significantly prevented a decline in the µTBS of both the MB2 and SE-SUP groups. No significant decrease was observed in the ER-SUP group, either with aging or CPN application. Ultra-morphological images revealed platinum nanoparticles attaching to the collagen fibrils of the hybrid layer regardless of aging. It was highlighted that the nanoparticles attached to the banded collagen in the aging groups were observed. SignificanceCPN exhibits the potential in enhancing the longevity of resin-dentin bonding in SE mode.

Development of a novel papain gel formulation: Exploring different concentrations for smear-layer deproteinization and enhanced dentin bonding

BackgroundThe self-etch adhesive system modifies but does not completely remove the smear layer, leading to the weakening of the bond strength due to the formation of a hybridized layer. Smear-layer deproteinization with papain enzyme partially removes the smear layer, and increases the bond strength with self-etch adhesive. The aim was to develop a deproteinizing agent with a high papain enzyme concentration to enhance dentin bonding with self-etch adhesives. MethodsPapain enzyme gel formulations (15 and 30 IU/g) were prepared and tested for physical stability, viscosity, pH, homogeneity, and organoleptic properties. Moreover, 64 teeth were used to test the deproteinization efficiency of the formed gel. Fourier transform infrared was used to calculate the ratio of organic to inorganic components of smear-layer after deproteinization with 15 and 30 IU/g papain gel and a 6 IU/g commercial papain gel. Moreover, tensile bond strength was measured after deproteinization and dentin bonding with self-etching adhesive for the same groups. A molecular modeling simulation was also performed to evaluate the protein-protein binding interaction, predict the conformational/orientation patterns, and estimate the binding energies of papain with collagen target protein. ResultsBoth 15 and 30 IU/g gels exhibited similar viscosity, pH, homogeneity, and organoleptic properties. However, after 60 s, the 15 IU/g gel was solid, while the 30 IU/g gel was half-solid. All tested groups decreased the amide:phosphate ratio and increased tensile bond strength. Binding complexes between papain and three deposited collagen-1 structures formed strong binding energies with high negative values and residue-wise binding patterns. ConclusionsThe production of the papain enzyme gel with a concentration of 15 IU/g was successful. In addition, it demonstrated promising results when used as a smear-layer deproteinization agent. Clinical significanceEnzymatic smear-layer deproteinization may improve dentin adhesion, and high concertation papain enzyme gels may improve dentin adhesion with the use of self-etch adhesive

Highly Stable Sodium Metal Batteries Enabled by Manipulating the Fluorinated Organic Components of Solid‐Electrolyte‐Interphase

AbstractNa metal batteries (NMBs) stand at the forefront of advancing energy storage technologies, but are severely hampered by Na dendrite issues, especially when using carbonate electrolytes. Suppressing the growth of Na dendrites through constructing NaF‐rich solid‐electrolyte‐interphase (SEI) is a commonly‐used strategy to prolong the lifespan of NMBs. In contrast, fluorinated organic SEI components are often underutilized. Inspired by unveiling the adsorption configuration of fluorinated organic compounds on the surface of Na metal, an optimized SEI architecture for stabilizing NMBs is proposed by investigating the C4H9SO2F‐/C4F9SO2F‐treated Na metal anodes. It is revealed that the SEI built on a fluorinated inorganic/organic hybrid layer exhibit favorable Na passivation capability, significantly improving Na deposition behavior. As a result, the NMB with a high‐loading cathode (15 mg cm−2) and a negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P) ratio of 4 shows a long‐term life span over 1000 cycles with 92.8% capacity retention at 2 C. This work opens a new pathway for developing robust and high‐energy‐density NMBs.

FACTORS INFLUENCING UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFER AMONG PARTICIPANTS OF ADOPTED VILLAGE EXTENSION PROJECT IN KADUNA AND NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the factors influencing utilization of agricultural technologies transfer among participants of Adopted Village Extension Project (AVEP) in Kaduna and Niger State, Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 246 participants of AVEP for the study comprising of 131 and 115 participants from Kaduna and Niger States, respectively. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire complemented with an interview schedule. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Technology Adoption Index (TAI) and Tobit regression analysis. The results reveal that the mean age of the participants in Kaduna and Niger States were 38 and 31 years, with a mean household size of 7 and 5 people, and mean farming experience of 14 and 10 years, respectively. The various agricultural technologies transferred to participants in Kaduna State among crop production were storage techniques (83.5%), improved seeds (80.0%) and weed management techniques (78.3%) ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively, while participants in Niger State indicated improved seed (90.1%), weed management techniques (83.2%) and planting techniques (78.6%) ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. More so, among the livestock production technologies transferred to participants in Kaduna State were improved animal breeds (8706%), hybrid broilers (80.0%) and improved feed formulation (80.0%) ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively, while participants in Niger State indicated improved animal breeds (92.4%), hybrid broilers (82.4%) and hybrid layers (74.1%) ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Respondents’ age (-2.05; p<0.05), education (1.76; p<0.10), awareness of technology (2.16; p<0.05), compatibility (4.35; p<0.01), relative advantage (1.98; p<0.10) and cost (-3.22; p<0.01) influences participants’ utilization of agricultural technologies transferred through AVEP in Kaduna State, while age (-2.41; p<0.05), education (2.02; p<0.05), farm size (2.54; P<0.01), awareness of technology (2.09; p<0.05), compatibility (3.12; p<0.01), relative advantage (1.74; p<0.10) and cost (-2.97; p<0.01) influences participants’ utilization of agricultural technologies transferred through AVEP in Niger State. The study concluded that socio-economic and institutional factors highlighted above significantly influences utilization of agricultural technologies by the respondents in the study area. It was therefore recommended that, for efficient transfer of agricultural technologies, there is need for increased sensitization by the research institutes on relative advantages of technologies adoption and utilization for greater output and income.

Electrochemical Engineering of Anode with Zincophilic Polymer Interface for Reversible Zinc Battery

AbstractAqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries are emerging as green and safe energy devices owing to their high energy density and eco‐friendliness. The bottleneck is the inhomogeneous nucleation resulting in the growth of Zn dendrites and the parasitic side reactions at the anode. Herein, an electrochemical anode engineering strategy is demonstrated to curb the uncontrolled dendritic growth and side reactions. It involves the in situ generation of a solid‐electrolyte interface based on a Zn nanoparticle‐embedded poly(acrylic acid) hybrid layer (PAA‐nZn) on the anode. The homogeneously distributed polar functionalities and porous nature of the polymer regulate the uniform zinc ion flux, and the embedded zinc particle serves as nucleation sites for zinc plating. The hybrid layer reduces the nucleation overpotential and promotes instantaneous nucleation. The symmetrical cell made with PAA‐nZn@Zn has a lifecycle of >860 h with a voltage gap of 28 mV. The full cell fabricated by pairing the engineered anode with α‐MnO2 cathode showed a high discharge specific capacity of 238.3 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 with a capacity retention of 81.76% after 200 cycles and a long lifecycle. The electrochemical engineering of the anode suppresses the dendritic growth and protects the anode from unwanted side reactions and passivation.

Hybrid Aromatic Fluoro Amine‐Modified SnO2 Electron Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency and Stability

SnO2 is a widely used electron‐transporting layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells. Despite the high compatibility with the perovskite absorber layers, the presence of traps at the perovskite|SnO2 interface results in performance losses; hence, their modification to improve the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is therefore important. Herein, the SnO2 ETL is enhanced by incorporating a bifunctional aromatic amino fluorine molecule into the SnO2 precursor solution. The fluorine molecule is found to partially substitute the Sn and alter the energy levels while the aniline group aids in regulating the nucleation/growth rate of the perovskite crystalline films. Herein, a hole transporting material‐free carbon‐based PSCs (CPSCs) is fabricated. It is found that perovskite absorber layers deposited on these modified SnO2 hybrid layers have higher optoelectronic quality, resulting in enhanced photovoltaic performance, device stability, and reduced hysteresis in CPSCs. Devices made with the modified hybrid SnO2 layers exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 15.6% significantly better than unmodified SnO2 with 13.5%. CPSCs with these modified SnO2 films also exhibit remarkable retention of 88.7% of their initial PCE for a shelf‐life period (ISOS‐D1I) exceeding 1200 h.

Multifunctional carbon Fiber@TiO2/C aerogels derived from MXene for pressure tunable microwave absorption

Developing microwave absorption (MA) materials with dynamically tunable performance stands as a pivotal endeavor to fulfill the escalating demands of electronic devices and military equipment in complex electromagnetic environments. This study presents advanced hierarchical CF@TiO2/C aerogels with pressure tunable MA performance, engineered through a novel in-situ oxidation process of MXene on carbon fiber (CF) substrates. This process facilitates the formation of a two-dimensional (2D) TiO2/C hybrid layer, which significantly enhances the polarization loss capabilities of the aerogels while maintaining excellent mechanical resilience. The unique architecture of these aerogels facilitates the modulation of their electrical conductivity and permittivity via pressure, thus enabling dynamically adjustable MA performance. Upon compression (50 %), the CF@TiO2/C aerogels showcase an outstanding effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 7.84 GHz, accompanied by a remarkable minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −74.38 dB. Notably, the EAB of CF@TiO2/C aerogels can be precisely tuned from 4 to 18 GHz (covering the C-band, X-band, and Ku-band), with maximum changes in RLmin values (ΔRLmin) reaching as high as 59.30 dB, indicating substantial tunability under varying pressure. Moreover, the CF@TiO2/C aerogels also demonstrate outstanding thermal insulation and pressure sensing performance, highlighting their potential for multifunctional applications. This research not only sheds light on the intricate interplay between nanostructured materials and electromagnetic waves interactions but also sets a new strategy for the design of multifunctional, tunable microwave absorbers suitable for complex electromagnetic environments in modern electronic and military applications.

Effect of the anti-Alzheimer drug GSK-3β antagonist on numerical modeling of the energy dissipation through the resin-dentin interface

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the viscoelastic performance and energy dissipation of conditioned dentin infiltrated with polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) doped with tideglusib (TDg) (TDg-NPs). MethodsDentin conditioned surfaces were infiltrated with NPs and TDg-NPs. Bonded interfaces were created, stored for 24 h and submitted to mechanical and thermal challenging. Resin-dentin interfaces were evaluated through nano-DMA/complex-loss-storage moduli-tan delta assessment and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. ResultsDentin infiltrated with NPs and load cycled attained the highest complex modulus at hybrid layer and bottom of hybrid layer. Intertubular dentin treated with undoped NPs showed higher complex modulus than peritubular dentin, after load cycling, provoking energy concentration and breakdown at the interface. After infiltrating with TDg-NPs, complex modulus was similar between peri-intertubular dentin and energy dissipated homogeneously. Tan delta at intertubular dentin was higher than at peritubular dentin, after using TDg-NPs and load cycling. This generated the widest bandwidth of the collagen fibrils and bridge-like mineral structures that, as sight of energy dissipation, fastened active dentin remodeling. TDg-NPs inducted scarce mineralization after thermo-cycling, but these bridging processes limited breakdown zones at the interface. SignificanceTDg-based NPs are then proposed for effective dentin remineralization and tubular seal, from a viscoelastic approach.

Assessment of Bond Strength of Different Bonding Systems to Eroded Dentin Using Sonic Activation: In Vitro Study

Abstract Objective Bonding to dentin is a great challenge, and erosion makes it difficult. This study evaluated the effect of sonic agitation on bond strength to eroded dentin using total etch (TE) and self-etch (SE) adhesive systems. Material and Methods A 96-sound human maxillary premolar teeth were prepared to obtain a flat dentin surface, randomly divided into two groups of 48 teeth each. One group was erosive demineralized with 0.05-M citric acid solution to produce an erodedlike dentin surface using de- and remineralization cycles, and the other group was considered a control with no erosive treatment. Each group was bonded with two different bonding strategies, TE (Single Bond 2) and SE (AdheSE One F). Each bonding system was applied with and without sonic activation, and the effect of bond agitation on shear bond strength (SBS) was tested after the application of composite to bonded dentin surface under shear load (0.5 mm/min). Two samples from each group were randomly selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation of the hybrid layer quality. An independent sample t-test was used to assess the effect of erosion, activation, and adhesive type on the SBS. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Result Concerning dentin substrate type, eroded dentin has lower SBS mean values than sound dentin, although it was not significant. Regarding the bonding strategy, TE produced higher SBS values than the SE bonding strategy; it was significant only in sound dentin; despite the bonding strategy and the substrate dentin type, sonic activation produced a significant rise in SBS values except when the SE bonding strategy was applied to eroded dentin where the rise was of no significant value (p > 0.05). Conclusion Sonic agitation effectively improves the SBS value of composite bonded to eroded and sound dentin in both TE and SE strategies.

Polyoxometalate Initiated In situ Conformal Coating of Multifunctional Hybrid Artificial Layers for High Performance Zinc Metal Anodes

AbstractAqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries are very attractive owing to the high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), meritable electrode potential (−0.76 V vs SHE), low cost, and environmental friendliness of Zn metal anodes. However, the dendrite formation, corrosion, and water decomposition on Zn metal anodes should be resolved for their practical applications. Herein, conformally coated multifunctional organic/inorganic hybrid artificial layers are demonstrated for the reversible and stable Zn deposition. These hybrid layers are synthesized through polyoxometalate (POM) initiated polymerization into poly(1,3‐dioxolane) (Poly(DOL)) and directly coated onto the Zn surface. Moreover, POM acted as chemical bridge connecting Poly(DOL) with Zn metal anode to construct mechanically robust layers with a thickness of ≈40 nm. The fast and selective Zn2+ ion transport of multifunctional POM/Poly(DOL) hybrid layer (POMDOL) and their preferential growth into (002) crystalline plane are attributed to the reversible Zn deposition. Accordingly, POMDOL coated Zn (PDOLZn) anodes achieves an extended cycling period up to 2,876 hours with a cumulative capacity of 29 Ah g−1 at 20 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Moreover, depth of discharge (DOD) of 40% is achieved. Consequently, the PDOLZn || β‐MnO2 full cells delivered the high specific capacity of 245 mAh g−1 and long‐term stability over 1 000 cycles.

Long-term hybrid stability and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition by fucosterol in resin-dentin bonding biomechanics

Fucosterols have been widely studied for their antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, they have not yet been studied in the field of dentistry. This study aimed to determine whether pretreatment of dentin with fucosterol before resin restoration enhances bond stability in resin-dentin hybrid layers. After applying 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% fucosterol to demineralized dentin, microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and nanoleakage tests were performed before and after collagenase aging, and the surface was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The fucosterol-treated group showed better bond strength and less nanoleakage both before and after collagenase aging, and the corresponding structures were confirmed using SEM. MMP zymography confirmed that the activity of MMPs was relatively low along the concentration gradient of fucosterol, and the FTIR analysis confirmed the production of collagen crosslinks. In addition, fucosterol exhibits cytotoxicity against Streptococcus mutans, the main cause of dental decay. The results of this study suggest that fucosterol pretreatment improves bond strength and reduces nanoleakage at the resin-dentin interface, possibly through a mechanism involving collagen cross-link formation via the inhibition of endogenous and exogenous MMP activity. This study demonstrates the potential of fucosterol as an MMP inhibitor in dentin, which contributes to long-term resin-dentin bond stability and can be used as a restorative material.

Plasmonic perovskite photodetector with high photocurrent and low dark current mediated by Au NR/PEIE hybrid layer

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite photodetectors have gained significant attention due to their superior potential for optoelectronic applications, offering various advantages such as low-cost processing, high charge carrier mobility, and lightweight properties. However, these perovskite photodetectors exhibit relatively low absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) range, which limits their potential applications. Here, to address this challenge, the integration of gold nanorods (Au NR) utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects in the NIR range has been developed, leading to enhanced light absorption in the active region and higher photocurrent generation. Additionally, ∼7.9 nm of thin polyethyleneimine ethoxylated (PEIE) interlayers were incorporated into the Au NR photodetectors, suppressing dark current by blocking charge injection. As a result, the synergistic effect of the Au NR/PEIE hybrid layer has led to a high-performance photodetector with a responsivity of 0.360 A/W and a detectivity of 1.81 × 1010 Jones, demonstrating a noticeable enhancement compared to the control device. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations, morphological characterizations, and photoluminescence studies further support the mechanism for enhancing the performance of the device. We believe that our plasmon-enhanced protocol holds strong potential as a promising platform for perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Demonstration of metaplectic geometrical optics for reduced modeling of plasma waves.

The Wentzel, Kramers, and Brillouin (WKB) approximation of geometrical optics is widely used in plasma physics, quantum mechanics, and reduced wave modeling, in general. However, it is well-known that the approximation breaks down at focal and turning points. In this paper, we present an unsupervised numerical implementation of the recently developed metaplectic geometrical optics framework, which extends the applicability of geometrical optics beyond the limitations of WKB, such that the wave field remains finite at caustics. The implementation is in 1D and uses a combination of Gauss-Freud quadrature and barycentric rational function inter- and extrapolation to perform an inverse metaplectic transform numerically. The capabilities of the numerical implementation are demonstrated on Airy's and Weber's equations, which both have exact solutions to compare with. Finally, the implementation is applied to the plasma physics problem of linear conversion of X mode to electron Bernstein waves at the upper hybrid layer and a comparison is made with results from fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. In all three applications, we find good agreement between the exact results and a reduced wave modeling paradigm of metaplectic geometrical optics.