Smooth Layer Research Articles

Enhanced Stability of N‐Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors Via Small‐Molecule Passivation

AbstractOrganic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are of great interest owing to their potential applications in bioelectronics and neuromorphic systems. However, n‐type OECTs suffer from poor stability and facile degradation, mainly due to the oxygen reduction reactions in organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors during device operation. In this study, a small‐molecule passivation strategy is introduced to greatly improve the stability of poly(benzobisimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL)‐based n‐type OECTs. 6,6‐Phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is spin‐coated onto the BBL layer to form a smooth and hydrophobic passivation layer, which effectively inhibits the oxygen reduction reactions while enabling ion permeation in aqueous electrolytes. Consequently, the OECTs employing the PCBM/BBL bilayers with an optimized PCBM thickness exhibit significantly improved operational stability at various electrolyte conditions (0.1 m NaCl or NaOH) and over a wide gate‐voltage sweep range (from −0.7 to 0.7 V). Owing to the high electron mobility of PCBM, the carrier mobility and switching speed of the PCBM/BBL OECTs are also improved compared with those of the pristine BBL OECTs. This study demonstrates the beneficial effects of simple surface passivation in organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors and provides valuable insights for the design of high‐performance and stable OECTs for more specialized and advanced applications.

Interface-enhanced germanium selenide solar cells comprising an ultrathin and uniform antimony selenide buffer layer via hydrothermal approach

Germanium selenide (GeSe) is a promising thin film photovoltaic absorber material owing to its excellent optoelectronic properties, high stability, and low toxicity. Interface engineering by introducing an ultrathin antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) buffer layer between the CdS electron transport layer and GeSe absorber layer is an effective technique for enhancing solar cell performance. However, the key to this technique is the fabrication of a uniform and smooth Sb2Se3 buffer layer with minimal thickness. In this study, instead of the conventional closed-space sublimation method, a hydrothermal method was employed to slowly grow an Sb2Se3 buffer layer with a thickness of approximately 8 nm. The Se/Na2SO3 molar ratio in the selenium source during the hydrothermal synthesis was adjusted; a molar ratio of 1:2 led to an uneven Sb2Se3 buffer layer thickness, whereas a molar ratio of 1:10 resulted in the formation of Sb2O3 particles on the buffer layer surface. When the Se/Na2SO3 molar ratio was 1:6, a smooth, uniform, dense, and impurity-free Sb2Se3 buffer layer was obtained, achieving the highest efficiency of 3.33 % in a GeSe solar cell. Moreover, GeSe solar cells with hydrothermally grown Sb2Se3 buffer layers demonstrated superior device interface properties and efficiency comparable with those using Sb2Se3 buffer layers deposited via closed-space sublimation. This technique offers an effective method for steadily improving the performance of GeSe solar cells.

Ultrasonic Production of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Their Application Against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Present in the Ataulfo Mango

In Mexico, the Ataulfo mango crop faces significant challenges due to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The need to use eco-friendly fungicides is crucial to avoid the use of harmful synthetic chemicals. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles through a simple and effective ultrasound-assisted top-down method, with high antifungal efficiency. The nanoparticles were prepared from chitosan (DD = 85%, MW = 553 kDa) and Tween 20 under constant sonication. The formation of the nanoparticles was initially confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; and their physicochemical properties were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antifungal potential of the chitosan nanoparticles against the phytopathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was evaluated with isolated fungi obtained directly from mango tissues showing anthracnose symptoms in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The fungus was identified through SEM imaging, showing a regular and smooth conidial layer, with cylindrical shape (r = 2 µm, h = 10 µm). In vitro tests were conducted with three different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles to assess their inhibitory effects. After seven days of incubation, a maximum inhibition rate of 97% was observed with the 0.5% nanoparticle solution, corresponding to a fungal growth rate of 0.008 cm/h. At this time, the control mycelial growth was 7 cm, while the treated sample reached a radius of 0.55 mm. These results demonstrated the antifungal effect of the nanoparticles on the membrane and cell wall of the fungus, suggesting that their composition could induce a resistance response. The inhibitory effect was also influenced by the particle size (30 nm), as the small size facilitated penetration into fungal cells. Consequently, the parent compound could be formulated and applied as a natural antifungal agent in nanoparticle form to enhance its activity. The method described in this study offers a viable alternative for the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles, by avoiding the use of toxic reagents.

Research on the path planning integrated with multi-steer modes for heavy reconfigurable unit

Heavy reconfigurable units (HRUs) can form the heavy transportation vehicular platform (HTVP) to perform transportation for large equipment, by combining with each other. With all-wheel-independent-steered, the HRU can realize multi-steer modes (MSMs) such as Ackermann steer mode (ASM), diagonal steering mode (DSM), and zero radius steer mode (ZSM). However, with heavy weight and long wheelbase, the HRU’s mobility is poor if it only employs ASM. Therefore, this paper proposes a hierarchical path planning architecture, realizing path planning integrated with the above steer modes. This architecture includes the MSMs behaviors planning layer (upper layer) and smooth path planning layer (low layer). Firstly, this paper innovative proposes the MSM graph-based search algorithm in the upper layer, which extends nodes through graph-based searching on the grid map considering MSMs information. Then, the upper layer generates MSMs nodes sequence considering improved cost function for MSMs. Secondly, smooth path planning methods for the MSMs are respectively applied to the ASM sequence, DSM sequence, and ZSM sequence. Comparative simulations are shown as results based on measured parameters from real HRU. The results from the proposed method have the lowest or one of the lowest time cost compared with pure ASM planner and special steer modes planner used in the simulations. The maximum optimization rate can reach 10% or more.

PTFE layer formation during brush electroplating of nickel

Brush electrodeposition of Ni/PTFE composite coatings was explored using a nickel high speed solution and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles 6–9 μm in diameter. A novel bilayer-like, partially intercalated structure was produced, consisting of a rough nickel sublayer covered by an outer, compact, smooth PTFE layer. The study of the coating growth revealed that the PTFE particles bind together on the nickel coating valleys and grow until all the surface is covered by a polymer layer without the need of a baking stage. The resulting coating presents a hydrophobic surface with a low coefficient of friction (0.10) and higher corrosion resistance to salt spray testing than the nodular nickel coating. The coatings were produced using an aqueous nickel plating solution, where the hydrophobic PTFE particles were suspended using different substances: cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) cationic surfactant, isopropyl alcohol premixed with the particles, and ethanol premixed with the particles. High concentrations of the suspending products were detrimental for the deposition process, but optimal values of 0.1 g/l, 3 ml/l and 3 ml/l respectively were found. All compounds successfully suspended the PTFE particles and both alcohols produced the Ni/PTFE coating described before, but the CTAB failed to co-deposit the polymer.

Cyclosulfate additive inhibits Li dendrite disorder growth to achieve stable cycles of Li metal battery

ABSTRACT The high reactivity of lithium metal leads to the uncontrolled growth of lithium dendrites during the charging and discharging process of lithium metal batteries, which results in the poor cycle performance of batteries. In this paper, we innovatively utilized 1, 3-propanediol cyclic sulfate (PCS) as an additive to successfully construct a smooth and dense SEI layer containing sulfur element on the lithium metal anode surface. Under the action of PCS, the cells show excellent performance. After 200 cycles, cells with baseline electrolyte (BE) + 1 wt.% PCS still has a high capacity of of 148mAh g−1 and 81.38% capacity retention compared with cells with BE. In-situ optical microscopy is pioneeringly applied to showcase the generation and growth of lithium dendrites which showed that PCS participated in the formation of the SEI layer, indicating that this optimized SEI layer has better conductivity of Li+ and chemical stability, thus inhibiting malignant lithium deposition and electrolyte decomposition above the lithium metal anode.

Effect of wall microstructure on conical hypersonic boundary layer flow

As an effective boundary layer flow control method, wall microstructure has an important application prospect in heat and drag reduction of hypersonic. In this paper, based on experimental techniques such as high-frequency pressure fluctuation testing, the effects of different microstructure configurations (V-shaped and rectangular) and distribution modes (streamwise and transverse) on the flow of hypersonic conic boundary layer under the condition of Mach 6 hypersonic incoming flow are studied. The experimental results show that compared with the flow of the smooth wall boundary layer, the wall microstructure has a greater influence on the eigenfrequency of the second-mode wave in the boundary layer, and the streamwise increases by about 20 kHz to the rectangular microstructure and decreases by about 30 kHz to the transverse rectangular microstructure. At the same time, the transverse V-shaped microstructure can increase the amplitude of the second mode in the boundary layer by 5.5 times compared with the smooth wall. For the evolution of boundary layer flow, the microstructure arranged along the flow direction will accelerate the linear development of the disturbance wave during the transition, so that the laminar flow will be transformed into turbulent flow in a shorter distance. The microstructure arranged along the transverse direction prolongs the linear development stage of the disturbance wave during the transition, so that the laminar flow turns into turbulent flow over a longer distance. Downstream of different structures, it is shown that transverse rectangular microstructure has lowest temperatures.

Anion-cation coupled electrolyte additive enhancing the performance of lithium-oxygen batteries

The rational design of electrolyte via introducing additive is an efficient strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs). In this work, coupling LiCl and Sn(TFSI)2 as the anion-cation electrolyte additive achieved the high-performance of LOBs by promoting the oxygen electrode reactions, regulating the Li+ solvation structure, and inducing the growth of the SEI protective layer. Specifically, Cl− with strong coordination affinity to Li+ could weaken the binding between Li+ and TEGDME solvent molecules, leading to the formation of an anion-dominant Li+ solvation structure, which facilitates the diffusion of Li+ in the electrolyte bulk and electrolyte/electrode interface. On the other hand, Sn2+ can serve as a redox mediator to catalyze ORR on the cathode and participate in the growth of smooth and dense SEI protective layer on Li metal anode surface, thus effectively promoting the oxygen electrode reaction kinetics and suppressing the corrosion of Li anode. As a consequence, the LOBs with coupled LiCl and Sn(TFSI)2 additive exhibited a ultra-high discharge capacity of 21517.1 mA h g−1 and an excellent cycling life of 334 cycles. This work provides a deep understanding for designing efficient electrolyte with additive for LOBs.

Construction of sub-10nm ultra-thin polyamide layer using porous GOQDs-AGQDs interlayer

The application of high-performance polyamide nanofiltration membranes with controllable structures shows promising prospects in fields such as seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. In this study, a high-performance polyamide composite nanofiltration membrane with sub-10nm ultra-thin separation layer was designed and fabricated using a hydrophilic porous GOQDs-AGQDs (graphene oxide quantum dots-amino graphene quantum dots) interlayer to reconstruct the substrate architecture. The GOQDs-AGQDs interlayer not only improved the uniformity and smoothness of the microporous substrate, but also could form hydrogen bond with amine monomers to effectively inhibit its diffusion, thereby effectively slowing down the interfacial polymerization process and facilitating the formation of an ultra-thin, smooth and dense polyamide (PA) layer. The results demonstrate that the optimized PA/GOQDs-AGQDs/PES membrane achieved a PA separation layer thickness as low as 9.4 nm, with a permeation flux of 27.2 L·m−2 ·h−1·bar−1, nearly three times that of the original PA/PES membrane. Simultaneously, it enhanced the Na2SO4 rejection rate to 97.1 %, achieving synchronous improvements in permeability and selectivity. Additionally, the PA/GOQDs-AGQDs/PES composite membrane exhibited relatively low surface roughness and demonstrated excellent long-term stability. This work presents a novel strategy for the controllable fabrication of high-performance nanofiltration membranes.

A dictionary learning based unsupervised neural network for single image compressed sensing

In the field of Compressed Sensing (CS), the sparse representation of signals and the advancement of reconstruction algorithms are two critical challenges. However, conventional CS algorithms often fail to sufficiently exploit the structured sparsity present in images and suffer from poor reconstruction quality. Most deep learning-based CS methods are typically trained on large-scale datasets. Obtaining a sufficient number of training sets is challenging in many practical applications and there may be no training sets available at all in some cases. In this paper, a novel deep Dictionary Learning (DL) based unsupervised neural network for single image CS (dubbed DL-CSNet) is proposed. It is an effective trainless neural network that consists of three components and their corresponding loss functions: 1) a DL layer that consists of multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and convolution neural networks (CNN) for latent sparse features extraction with the L1-norm sparsity loss function; 2) an image smoothing layer with the Total Variation (TV) like image smoothing loss function; and 3) a CS acquisition layer for image compression, with the Mean Square Error (MSE) loss function between the original image compression and the reconstructed image compression. In particular, the proposed DL-CSNet is a lightweight and fast model that does not require datasets for training and exhibits a fast convergence speed, making it suitable for deployment in resource-constrained environments. Experiments have demonstrated that the proposed DL-CSNet achieves superior performance compared to traditional CS methods and other unsupervised state-of-the-art deep learning-based CS methods.

Influence of silicon interlayers on the structural and reflective X-ray characteristics of Ni/Ti multilayer mirrors

The influence of Si interlayers on the microstructure of the films and boundaries and on the reflective characteristics of Ti/Ni multilayer mirrors has been studied using X-ray reflectometry and diffractometry. We established that these Si interlayers perform different functions at different interfaces. An Si interlayer at an Ni-on-Ti interface acts as a diffusion barrier. An Si interlayer at a Ti-on-Ni interface mainly acts as a smoothing layer with a slight diffusion barrier effect. The largest increase in the reflectance, from 62 to 65.7%, at a wavelength of 1.54 Å, is observed when Si interlayers are deposited on both boundaries. The reason for the increase in reflectivity is the decrease in the widths of the transition layers from 6.5 Å on Ni and 7.5 Å on Ti, to 6.0 Å on Ni and 5.0 Å on Ti, respectively. Here, we explain this through the `barrier' effect of Si interlayers, which results in less mixing of film materials at the interfaces. Data on the reflectance of Ni/Ti multilayer mirrors in the spectral range of the `water window' at a wavelength of 27.4 Å are presented for the first time. The maximum reflectivity for an Ni/Ti multilayer mirror at a grazing angle of 7.2° was about 56%.

Direct Writing of graphene/graphitic foam through picosecond pulsed laser-induced transformation of soluble polyimide suspension

We report the direct writing of graphene/graphitic foam with high electrical conductivity using laser-induced-transformation of polyimide (PI) resin films on glass surfaces. Raman spectroscopy of the treated surfaces indicated that average laser power irradiation between 900 and 1500 kW/cm2 transformed the PI film into a few layered graphene-dominated film, and the increase in irradiation power above 1500 kW/cm2 led to the formation of graphitic (multilayered graphene) material. The electrical conductivity of the transformed film was between 5800±750 S m-1 (lower power irradiation) and 1250±300 S m-1 (higher laser power irradiation). SEM imaging showed that the transformed material has a closed cell foam morphology enclosed between the smooth top and bottom layers. The results indicate that heat treatment of the polyimide suspension films, and subsequent ultra-short, pulsed laser irradiation resulted in a closed-cell graphene/graphitic foam with high electrical conductivity. The pore aspect ratio, density, and film conductivity are used to estimate the conductivity of the solid phases in the laser-treated films at different powers. Laser-induced transformation of the PI suspension into graphene/graphitic foam is conducive to additive manufacturing and may enable the direct printing of graphitic foam-based three-dimensional components.

A scanning electron microscope evaluation of surface roughness of different clear aligners – A comparative in-Vitro study

Clear aligner are thermoplastic polyurethane materials which produces small increments of tooth movements by each aligner tray. Clinical effectiveness of the treatment largely depend on the mechanical properties of the material. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in invitro environment allows to evaluate the surface morphology of the aligners The aim of the study is to compare the surface roughness of different types of clear aligners after thermoforming and after invitro aging. A sample of 15 aligners from Group A (DURAN), Group B (ERKODUR), Group C (MONOFLEX) were taken for this study. After screening the subjects were scanned by intraoral scanner and STL file were imported to Maestero 3D software. Then resin models were printed and aligners were fabricated in the models by thermoforming machine. The first set of aligners were scanned by Scanning Electron Microscope and another set of aligners were placed in chewing simulator for simulating intraoral environment. Then the second set of aligners were sent for SEM evaluation. Mean comparison of surface roughness and root mean square surface roughness was compared by paired t test and comparison among the groups was done by one way ANOVA test. The surface roughness of both aligners increased after thermoforming. This could be due to thermoforming process which could be due to temperature variation. After the ageing of the aligners in the invitro environment, there is homogenous and smooth layer of the aligner surfaces which could be due to adhesion of biofilm and polishing effect by chewing strokes.

The roles of geometry and viscosity in the mobilization of coarse sediment by finer sediment

In rivers, the addition of finer sediment to a coarser riverbed is known to increase the mobility of the coarser fraction. Two mechanisms have been suggested for this: a geometric mechanism whereby smaller sizes smooth the bed, increasing near-bed velocity and thus mobility of the larger sizes, and a viscous mechanism whereby a transitionally smooth turbulent boundary layer forms, rendering the coarser grains more mobile. Here, we report on experiments using two sediment mixtures to better understand these proposed mechanisms. In Mixture 1, we used 0.5 and 5 mm grains, and in Mixture 2, we used 2 and 20 mm grains. If the entrainment of coarse gravel by finer sediment is a purely geometric effect, then the addition of finer material should produce the same effect on the mobility of the coarser material for both mixtures because they have the same size ratio. We show that addition of finer material has a different effect on the two mixtures. We observed an increase in the mobility of the coarse fraction for both mixtures, but the increase in coarse fraction mobility for Mixture 1 was almost twice that for Mixture 2. Our experiments show that in addition to the geometric effect, enhancement of coarse gravel transport by finer sediment is also driven by a viscous effect.

Enhancing Fire Safety and Softness: Efficacy of Ethanolamine Polyphosphate as a Fire Retardant for Textiles.

The rising awareness of fire safety among consumers has driven the demand for fire retardants (FRs) that are both cost-effective and efficient across various industries, particularly in textiles. Traditional FRs often compromise fabric softness, resulting in undesirable tactile texture and stiffness changes. While the external addition of softeners can mitigate the stiffness, it may introduce issues such as a greasy texture and increased flammability. This study introduces ethanolamine polyphosphate (EAPP), an innovative organic polyphosphate, as an effective fire retardant that preserves the softness of textiles. Comprehensive evaluations are conducted on EAPP-treated textiles, revealing significant improvements in fire retardancy without compromising fabric quality. EAPP treatment (15wt.% aqueous solutions) increases the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of pure cotton textiles from 17% to 36% and significantly reduces the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total smoke rate (TSR) as measured by cone calorimetry. Unlike conventional FR products that form FR-salt crystal particles on the fabric surface after drying, EAPP forms a smooth FR protective layer on the fabric, enhancing mechanical fastness and maintaining tactile qualities. These findings highlight EAPP's potential as a non-washing durable, spray-on fire retardant solution for textiles, combining safety with user comfort.

Superior electrochemical performances of Lithium vanadium oxide with coconut shell-based porous carbon as the anode of the aqueous Li ion battery

Carbon materials, as the skeleton structure of electrode materials, are composited with lithium-ion anode materials, which not only increase the electrical conductivity of the materials, but also enhance the electrochemical performance of the electrode materials. In this paper, LiV3O8@C composites were prepared by using coconut shell-based porous carbon to structurally modulate aqueous lithium-ion anode materials. And three composites with different structures and sizes were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method, hydrothermal stirring method and improved solid-phase method. After XRD and SEM analyses, it was found that all three composites maintained the monoclinic crystal system structure of LiV3O8, and the materials prepared by the hydrothermal method showed a smooth layer structure, while the materials prepared by the hydrothermal stirring method and the solid-phase method showed nanorods with different sizes. The prepared anode materials and LiFePO4 cathode materials were assembled into an aqueous lithium-ion full battery, and were subjected to charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that the electrochemical performances of the three composites are significantly improved compared with the pure LiV3O8. Specifically, the discharge capacities of the two groups of nanorod-like composites were 112.2 mAh/g and 85.5 mAh/g at a rate of 0.2 C, which were improved by as much as two times compared with the pure LiV3O8. However, the composite material with layered structure not only reaches an initial discharge specific capacity of 148.39 mAh/g, which is 2.7 times higher than that of the pure LiV3O8, but also effectively slows down the dissolution effect of LiV3O8 by compositing with the carbon material, and at the same time, it shows excellent rate performance.

Investigation of planar sliding deformation and analysis of the damage mechanism of a rocky landslide in Yaoping triggered by highway excavation in Hubei, China

During projects to build roads in China's mountainous areas, which are often characterized by the poor stability of rocky slopes, cases of deformation damage occur frequently. Because of the wide distribution of rocky landslides in the smooth layer, the unavoidable perturbation caused by engineering construction and the seriousness of landslide disasters, the destruction of this type of landslide and the research into prevention of the mechanism cannot be ignored. On 6 February 2023, a rock slide occurred in Yaoping village, Hubei Province, China. Using field investigations, Google satellite images, unmanned aerial vehicle photography, indoor testing and numerical simulations, we analysed the geological situation, deformation characteristics, damage process and triggering mechanism. The results show that the Yaoping landslide is a typical downward plane-sliding rock slide induced by the excavation of a highway. When strain softening occurs, the shear strength and friction coefficient of the slip zone soil are significantly reduced. Excavation caused the factor of safety of the slope to decrease substantially, with a maximum decrease rate of 60.7%. Excavation is considered to be the extrinsic factor that triggered the occurrence of the Yaoping landslide, while the reduction of landslide resistance caused by strain softening of the soil in the slip zone is the intrinsic direct factor that led to the occurrence of this type of landslide. The Yaoping landslide has obvious traction landslide characteristics. The landslide from deformation to destruction has four stages: creep at the leading edge of the landslide; traction deformation in the middle and back of the landslide; slip belt softening; and integral sliding. The prevention and control of this type of landslide requires a larger scope and depth of investigation, in order to identify in advance the possible soft surface in the rock layer, to speculate on the possible formation of landslide destruction mode, and to determine the support scheme and scope according to the geological conditions of the slopes on both sides of the highway. The slip zone soil of the Yaoping landslide was used to obtain the strength index of slip zone soil, which provides data support for the overall deformation characterization of the landslide. The results can provide a reference for the risk management and prevention of rock slides caused by human engineering activities during the excavation of roads.

Inhibition of restenosis after balloon injury in rabbit vessels by integrin αvβ3-targeted 10058-F4 nanoparticles

This study investigated whether 10058-F4, a small molecule inhibitor of the c-Myc gene, could play a corresponding inhibitory role in the vascular proliferation process. The efficacy and targeting ability of the synthesised drug-loaded nanoparticles were first measured at the cellular level, while 16 rabbit femoral arteries were then balloon damaged to establish a vascular model and treated locally with targeted αvβ3-10058-F4 nanoparticles (experimental group) and αvβ3 nanoparticles (control group), and vascular specimens were obtained after 4 weeks for analysis. The vascular specimens were found to have a vascular lumen area of 0.34 mm2 ± 0.12 mm2 in the experimental group compared to 0.79 mm2 + 0.21 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.05), and in terms of neovascular smooth muscle area, 0.22 mm2 + 0.12 mm2 in the experimental group compared to 0.64 mm2 ± 0.17 mm2 in the control group (p < 0.05), indicating a significant inhibition of vascular proliferation after drug application. The small molecule inhibitor of the c-Myc gene, 10058-F4, can play a significant inhibitory role in the process of vascular proliferation, and the locally targeted nano-delivery method allows the drug to be activated within the smooth muscle cell layer to prevent stenosis and does not retard endothelial healing.

Pathological evaluation of predictors for delayed endothelial coverage after currently available drug-eluting stent implantation in coronary arteries: Impact of lesions with acute and chronic coronary syndromes

BackgroundThe optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after currently available drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation to prevent stent thrombosis (ST) remains controversial. Delayed healing is frequently identified as a leading cause of ST in the early phase. However, a thorough pathological investigation into strut coverage after currently available DES implantation is lacking—a gap addressed in the current study. MethodsFrom our autopsy registry of 199 stented lesions, 4,713 struts from 66 currently available DES-stented lesions with an implant duration ≤370 days were histologically evaluated. Endothelial coverage was defined as the presence of luminal endothelial cells overlying struts and an underlying smooth muscle cell layer. The stented lesions were classified into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 40) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) (n = 26) groups and were compared. Endothelial coverage predictors were identified through logistic analysis. ResultsAlthough ACS and CCS lesions presented comparable clinical characteristics, including age, sex, and cause of death, the latter exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis than the former (33.3% vs. 65.2%; p = 0.02, 7.7% vs. 30.4%; p = 0.02). The poststent implant median duration was significantly shorter in ACS lesions than in CCS lesions (13 [IQR 5–26 days] vs. 40 [IQR 16–233 days]; p < 0.01). The endothelial coverage percentage was 3.5% at 30 days and 27.7% at 90 days after currently available DES implantation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis implicated implant duration of ≤90 days [odds ratio (OR), 0.009; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.006–0.012; p < 0.01], superficial calcification (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07–0.17; p < 0.01), ACS culprit site (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.09–0.94; p = 0.039), and circumferentially durable polymer-coated DES (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.24–0.41; p < 0.01) as delayed endothelial coverage predictors. ConclusionsEndothelial coverage was limited at 90 days after currently available DES implantation, and the ACS culprit site and circumferentially durable polymer-coated DES were identified as independent predictors of delayed endothelial coverage. Our findings suggest the importance of underlying plaque morphology and stent technology for vessel healing after such implantation.

Supramolecular Metal-Organic Framework for the High Stability of Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable Zn batteries (AZBs) are considered to be promising next-generation battery systems. However, the growth of Zn dendrites and water-induced side reactions have hindered their practical application, especially with regard to long-term cyclability. To address these challenges, we introduce a supramolecular metal-organic framework (SMOF) coating layer using an α-cyclodextrin-based MOF (α-CD-MOF-K) and a polymeric binder. The plate-like α-CD-MOF-K particles, combined with the polymeric binder create dense and homogeneous Zn2+ ion conductive pore channels that can vertically transport Zn2+ ions through the cavity while restricting the contact of water molecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation verifies that Zn2+ ions can reversibly migrate through the pores of α-CD-MOF-K by partial dehydration. The uniform Zn deposition/dissolution promotes a smooth solid-electrolyte interface layer on the Zn metal anode and effectively suppresses side reactions with free water molecules. The α-CD-MOF-K@Zn symmetric cell exhibits stable cycling and a small polarization voltage of 70 mV for 800 h at 5 mA cm-2, and the α-CD-MOF-K@Zn|α-MnO2 full cell shows only 0.12% capacity decay per cycle at a rate of 1 A g-1.