Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ali J. Mazaltarim, John J. Bowen, Jay M. Taylor, Stephen A. Morin
Summary: Materials and strategies for dynamic transport of microdroplets are relevant to various applications such as surface fluidics and analytical devices. Advanced techniques based on electrowetting, micropatterns, and gradients have been developed, but challenges remain in dynamic microdroplet transport. This study highlights the fabrication of mechano-tunable microtextured chemical gradients on elastomer films for controlled microdroplet transport. The interplay between driving forces and microtopography enables accurate prediction of conditions for successful transport.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Ali J. Mazaltarim, Stephen A. Morin
Summary: This study describes the fabrication of surfaces with mechanically tunable anisotropic microtopography and their use in programmable microdroplet transport. The interplay between chemical gradient intensity, microwrinkle orientation, and droplet velocity/trajectory was investigated, enabling the rational synthesis of surface fluidic systems capable of mechanically programmable 2D droplet manipulations, vertical droplet transport, and droplet combination.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Valeria Guzman-Jacob, Nathaly R. Guerrero-Ramirez, Dylan Craven, Gustavo Brant Paterno, Amanda Taylor, Thorsten Kroemer, Wolfgang Wanek, Gerhard Zotz, Holger Kreft
Summary: Variation in leaf functional traits along environmental gradients can reveal the response of vascular epiphytes to different scales of environmental changes. In this study, the variation in morphological and chemical leaf traits of vascular epiphytes along two different environmental gradients in Mexico was examined. The results showed that environmental gradients explained more variation in chemical traits than in morphological traits. Leaf carbon isotope signatures varied systematically along both environmental gradients, reflecting changes in water-use efficiency.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Perricelli, Massimo Boscaglia, Massimiliano Cantiano, Luca Spitaleri, Maria Elena Fragala, Antonino Gulino
Summary: In this study, the morphological and chemical modifications of fluorinated photodefinable polybenzoxoles (F-PBOs) induced by Ar plasma treatments were investigated using atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This process, which aims to remove surface contaminants and increase surface roughness for better adhesion, is crucial in the manufacturing of microelectronic devices. The study found that Ar plasma treatments significantly increase the polymer surface roughness but also lead to the formation of unwanted silver fluoride species when a patterned silver layer is present on F-PBO.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michal Brandis, Gregory Gershinsky, Assaf Bolker, Eyal Elish, Arnon Rubinshtein, Zohar Yungrais, Maor Assulin, Yacov Carmiel, Yevgeni Zakon, Itzhak Hershko, Ofer Aviv, Itzhak Sedgi, Tal Riemer, Aldo Shemesh, Irina Gouzman, Leigh Peles Strahl, Ami Leifer, Adi Dahan, Dan Breitman, Amiram Moyal, Daniel Vaknin, Boaz Astrachan, Hanan Datz
Summary: This paper describes the nuclear forensics material characterization conducted in the Israeli National Nuclear Forensic Laboratory during an international exercise. The study focused on characterizing physical parameters, elemental and isotopic composition, morphology, and chemical composition of uranium and cerium metal ingots. By analyzing the samples, a connection between different materials was identified, such as between ES-1 and ES-2, and comparisons were made with theoretical samples. The conclusion of the study was that ES1 and ES2 were suggestively connected to their theoretical sources based on isotopic ratio.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Han Wang, Runxi Wang, Sandy P. Harrison, Iain Colin Prentice
Summary: Leaf morphological traits vary systematically along climatic gradients, and their variations are influenced by climate conditions and phylogenetic factors. In wet climates, leaves are generally large, mid- to dark green, and have drip tips, while in dry climates, leaves tend to be small and glaucous. Seasonal climates are associated with thinner leaves with serrated edges, while less seasonal climates have thicker and entire leaves. In colder climates, leaves are thicker, involute, and hairy, while in warmer climates, leaves have distinct surface structures. Distinctive leaf clusters are linked to the driest and most seasonal climates, while multiple leaf clusters co-occur in wetter climates.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rayhan Bin Ahmed, Kamal Hossain, Ramez M. Hajj
Summary: Through experimental study, it was found that the variability of free fatty acid compositions in rejuvenators may affect pavement performance, rejuvenation alters the surface microstructure of binders, and rejuvenation significantly improves the moisture damage resistance of binders.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lili Xu, Liang Cao, Wei Huang, Jinhu Liu, Shuozeng Dou
Summary: Plastic pollution in the surface water and sediments of the Bohai Sea is mainly composed of microplastics, with significant variations in abundance and characteristics among different regions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qingqing Sun, Jing He, Jiabo Chen, Chunhong Chen, Xiaokai Guo, Fahe Cao, Shuai Wang
Summary: An Al-2Mn binary alloy with gradient microstructure and chemistry near its surface was fabricated by combining surface mechanical treatment and post-ageing treatment. The research reveals that the gradient distribution in microstructure and chemistry can significantly improve both hardness and corrosion resistance of the alloy, offering a new approach to overcome the trade-off between strength and corrosion in 3000 series Al alloys.
NPJ MATERIALS DEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Haoyun Wang, Feng Wu, Min Li, Xiaokun Zhu, Changshuang Shi, Guijie Ding
Summary: The study found that different light intensities have varying effects on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of Pinus massoniana seedlings. A light intensity of 70% RI has a positive impact on seedling growth and photosynthesis, while a light intensity of 20% RI can lead to seedling death.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Anne-Deborah C. Nguindjel, Pieter J. de Visser, Mitch Winkens, Peter A. Korevaar
Summary: Living organisms use chemical self-organization to build structures, inspiring new strategies for designing synthetic systems. However, controlling spatial programmability is challenging. This perspective discusses out-of-equilibrium gradients driven by chemical reactions, diffusion, and hydrodynamics to achieve spatial differentiation in the self-organization of building blocks. Four design principles are highlighted: reaction-diffusion coupling, reaction-convection, the Marangoni effect, and diffusiophoresis. These concepts have the potential to translate chemical reactions and assembly into patterns, self-assembled architectures, and collectively moving swarms in solution.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Panhui Yang, Lei Wu, Guoyuan Zhang, Yuqing Ge, Ting Liu, Hongju Mao, Jianlong Zhao
Summary: Cancer cell spheroids are used for in vitro drug screening as they can imitate the tumour microenvironment in vivo. Microfluidic technology offers convenience for spheroid assays, such as high-throughput capabilities and simplified manual operation. This study introduces a concentration gradient generator based on microfluidic technology for cell spheroid culture and assay, offering a promising approach for high-throughput and standardized anti-cancer drug screening.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matheus de Pra Andrade, Diego Piazza, Matheus Poletto
Summary: The study found that PNS has high extractive content and holocellulose, thermal degradation starts at 250 degrees C, and has potential application in polymer composites, limited by processing temperature requirements.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Irina Stambolova, Daniela Stoyanova, Maria Shipochka, Nelly Boshkova, Alexander Eliyas, Silviya Simeonova, Nikolay Grozev, Nikolai Boshkov
Summary: ZrO2-TiO2 coatings with amorphous structure were prepared using the sol-gel method, and their protective ability in corrosive medium with chloride ions was investigated. The coatings showed good anticorrosion performance, with structural and surface parameters playing a crucial role in their effectiveness.
Article
Agronomy
Siyuan Wang, Wenna Wang, Shaozhong Wang, Lixue Yang, Jiacun Gu
Summary: The study revealed significant intraspecific variations in morphological, anatomical, and chemical traits of leaves and roots in Ginkgo biloba and Eucommia ulmoides under different environmental conditions. Leaf traits tended to be conservative in resource-poor sites, while roots exhibited resource acquisitive traits in the same environments.
Article
Oncology
Yuting Sun, Brooke A. Meyers, Barbara Czako, Paul Leonard, Faika Mseeh, Angela L. Harris, Qi Wu, Sarah Johnson, Connor A. Parker, Jason B. Cross, Maria Emilia Di Francesco, Benjamin J. Bivona, Christopher A. Bristow, Jason P. Burke, Caroline C. Carrillo, Christopher L. Carroll, Qing Chang, Ningping Feng, Guang Gao, Sonal Gera, Virginia Giuliani, Justin K. Huang, Yongying Jiang, Zhijun Kang, Jeffrey J. Kovacs, Chiu-Yi Liu, Anastasia M. Lopez, Xiaoyan Ma, Pijus K. Mandal, Timothy McAfoos, Meredith A. Miller, Robert A. Mullinax, Michael Peoples, Vandhana Ramamoorthy, Sahil Seth, Nakia D. Spencer, Erika Suzuki, Christopher C. Williams, Simon S. Yu, Andy M. Zuniga, Giulio F. Draetta, Joseph R. Marszalek, Timothy P. Heffernan, Nancy E. Kohl, Philip Jones
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ankita Ray, Korinne Liosi, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Nicholas D. Spencer, Akinori Kuzuya, Yoko Yamakoshi
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Polymer Science
Lucca Trachsel, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Matteo Romio, Nicholas D. Spencer, Edmondo M. Benetti
Summary: The polymer composition and topology of surface-grafted polyacids play a crucial role in determining the extent of pH-induced swelling transition. Cyclic polymers exhibit enhanced repulsive interactions between charged segments upon deprotonation, leading to amplified expansion compared to their linear analogues. Additionally, the hydration of polyacid grafts is controlled by their composition, affecting the swelling behavior during pH-induced transition.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiao-Peng Hsu, Joydeb Mandal, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Nicholas D. Spencer, Lucio Isa
Summary: The study demonstrates that the relative contributions of friction, adhesion, and surface roughness in discontinuous shear thickening can be tuned in situ by modifying temperature, allowing the phenomenon to be switched on and off as needed. By characterizing at the single-colloid level, a more direct way to design smart non-Newtonian fluids is identified.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Divandari, Andrea Arcifa, Mathieu A. Ayer, Christophe Letondor, Nicholas D. Spencer
Summary: Despite advancements in low-surface energy surface fabrication, environmental consequences can be a serious issue, especially in industrial contexts.
A new fluorinated-polymer coating has been developed, applied simply from an aqueous environment, and provides an oleo/hydrophobic surface.
The coating is achieved through copolymerizing three different methacrylate monomers, each with a specific function, and treating the system with UV light to yield the desired surface properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ashlie Martini, David L. Burris, Juliette Cayer-Barrioz, Nicholas D. Spencer
Summary: In the past 25 years, significant changes have occurred, especially in scientific publishing. This article focuses on key breakthroughs in the field of tribology, as well as the unique features of the journal and future developments. It also encourages publication decisions that benefit the entire tribology community.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rok Simic, Nicholas D. Spencer
Summary: The study introduces a method for controlling the frictional properties of hydrogel surfaces by utilizing oxygen inhibition of the free-radical polymerization reaction, allowing for control over friction on a magnitude scale and spatial control, showcasing its universality and potential applications in various gel-based products.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tobias A. Gmuer, Joydeb Mandal, Juliette Cayer-Barrioz, Nicholas D. Spencer
Summary: A macromolecular design approach was used to synthesize a series of block copolymers for friction reduction, with those having roughly equal block lengths and moderate molecular weights proving significantly more effective. These polymers formed thin films of around 17 nm thickness on surfaces, indicating the formation of a polymer brush.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ankita Ray, Cristiana Passiu, Masayuki Nasuda, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Antonella Rossi, Akinori Kuzuya, Nicholas D. Spencer, Yoko Yamakoshi
Summary: A novel tripod molecule incorporating a C-60 photocatalyst was designed and immobilized onto an AFM tip for single-molecule level oxidative damage of DNA origami. The localized and temporally controlled oxidation of DNA origami was successfully achieved through singlet-oxygen generation from immobilized C-60 on the AFM tip under visible-light irradiation. This method allows for manipulation of various species on surfaces via controlled oxidation reactions triggered by locally generated singlet-oxygen from C-60 on the AFM tip.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sebastien Delamarre, Tobias Gmur, Nicholas D. Spencer, Juliette Cayer-Barrioz
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between adsorption and lubricity using polymeric friction modifiers. Through various measurements, it is found that the molecular organization and mechanical properties of the boundary layers play a crucial role in friction behavior.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Nakia D. Spencer, Christopher A. Bristow, Virginia Giulani, Meredith A. Miller, Alessandro Carugo, Angela L. Harris, Rosalba Minelli, Ningpeng Feng, Qing Chang, Michael J. Soth, Kang Le, John N. Weinstein, Philip L. Lorenzi, Jinsong Liu, Wei-Lien Wang, Timothy A. Yap, Giulio Draetta, Philip Jones, Timothy P. Heffernan, Jeffrey J. Kovacs
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Erika Suzuki, Jennifer Molina, Nakia D. Spencer, Christopher A. Bristow, Angela L. Harris, Ningping Feng, Mikhila Mahendra, Sonal Gera, Michael J. Soth, Kang Le, Timothy A. Yap, Giulio Draetta, Philip Jones, Timothy P. Heffernan, Jeffrey J. Kovacs
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Jeffrey J. Kovacs, Nakia D. Spencer, Christopher A. Bristow, Alessandro Carugo, Virginia Giluiani, Meredith A. Miller, Angela Harris, Ningping Feng, Michael L. Soth, Kang Le, Elisa de Stanchina, Charles M. Rudin, Giulio Draetta, Timothy A. Yap, Philip Jones, Timothy Heffernan
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rok Simic, Joydeb Mandal, Kaihuan Zhang, Nicholas D. Spencer
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that some molding materials release oxygen during polymerization, inhibiting free-radical polymerization near the interface. Removal of oxygen from the system resulted in homogeneously cross-linked hydrogel surfaces, allowing for the controlled adjustment of surface structures and mechanical properties through the regulation of oxygen levels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ahmet F. Demirors, Alex Stauffer, Carmen Lauener, Jacopo Cossu, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Joost de Graaf, Carlos C. J. Alcantara, Salvador Pane, Nicholas Spencer, Andre R. Studart
Summary: Precise control over the motion of magnetically driven Janus colloids on solid substrates is achieved through electrically induced attractive interactions, allowing manipulation of forward velocity. Experimental data suggest a transition in frictional coupling from a hydrodynamic regime to mixed contact coupling with increasing load force. These colloidal microrobots can probe the local friction coefficient of various solid surfaces and are able to manipulate porous cargos, showing promise for bio-analytical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
