Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katinka Ronnow Holler, Mette A. Rasmussen, Joe E. Baio, Cherno Jaye, Daniel A. Fischer, Stanislav N. Gorb, Tobias Weidner
Summary: Geckos have the ability to climb on vertical surfaces due to the adhesive properties of fibrous setae at their toe tips. The adhesive mechanism is based on keratin fibrils that assemble to form the setal structure. Molecular structure analysis revealed that the gecko setae consist of a β-sheet structure aligned with the adhesion direction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Chohei Pang, Qicheng Wang, Kinwing Mak, Hongyu Yu, Michael Yu Wang
Summary: This paper introduces a new adaptive gecko gripper called Viko 2.0, which effectively combines the advantages of adhesives and visuotactile sensors to solve the difficulty of grasping large objects for robotic grippers. Compared with a non-hierarchical structure, the hierarchical structure with a multi-material design achieves a significant increase in adhesion and contact area, while the integrated visuotactile sensor can measure contact area, shear force, and incipient slip detection in real-time.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Iakov A. Lyashenko, Valentin L. Popov, Roman Pohrt, Vadym Borysiuk
Summary: In this study, we present the design of a high-precision tribometer laboratory setup. The entire design process is described, starting from concept development to the creation of an accurate 3D model and final assembly of functional parts. The setup is based on a previously designed device, with modifications made to address its limitations. An example is provided to demonstrate data processing and correction for backlash and signal drift errors. The flexibility of the equipment is highlighted, as peripheral parts can be modified without changing the main frame.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chin-Hung Tseng, Kuo-Hsiung Chang, Ho-Wen Chen
Summary: The study shows that strategic orientation has a positive impact on EMS and eco-innovation for firms; EMS acts as a mediator between strategic orientation and eco-innovation; absorptive capacity moderates the relationship between strategic orientation and EMS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehreen Ghias, Syed Wadood Ali Shah, Fakhria A. Al-Joufi, Mohammad Shoaib, Syed Muhammad Mukarram Shah, Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, Muhammad Zahoor
Summary: This study investigates the antioxidant and antistress effects of synthetic flavonoids. The results show significant antioxidant potential in vitro and the ability to mitigate the negative effects of stress in vivo.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petar Todorov, Borislav Assenov, Dimo Angelov, Elena Dzhambazova, Daniela Pechlivanova
Summary: This study reveals the antinociceptive mechanisms and behavioral effects of valorphin and its derivative. These peptides can reduce acute and inflammatory pain by activating different types of opioid receptors. In addition, valorphin induces depression-like behavior, while V2p shows a tendency towards anxiolysis and short-term impairment of motor coordination.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi Cui, Bing Chen, Lei Lang, Yongrui Wang
Summary: This study investigates and compares the impact of the wet process and the semi-dry process on the properties of polymer-modified bentonite. Response surface methodology is used to establish relationship models between various factors and the swell index. It is found that the semi-dry process results in greater expansibility and the dosage of CMC is a critical factor affecting performance. Recommendations are made for practical production based on the findings. Microscopic experiments reveal that the semi-dry process leads to a higher degree of exfoliation and stronger interactions between the polymer and bentonite, resulting in better modification effects.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shanel C. Pickard, David J. Bertsch, Zoe Le Garrec, Roy E. Ritzmann, Roger D. Quinn, Nicholas S. Szczecinski
Summary: The interaction with the environment depends on external cues and internal states. The behavioral responses of praying mantises are influenced by satiety levels, with starvation leading to more stereotyped behavior sequences motivated by prey capture while increased satiety results in more flexible behavior sequences.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Maria Elisa Ramos-Sepulveda, Ashly Cabas
Summary: The study found that site effects play a role in the directionality of ground motions, and directional resonance can be observed even at sites without significant topographic features. Additionally, the values of beta at depth do not correlate with the expected polarization direction from S-wave radiation patterns, indicating non-negligible path contributions to the observed directionality of ground motions at the study sites.
SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shrouk Mohamed Ali, Eman Kolieb, Samar Imbaby, Abeer M. Hagras, Horeya Erfan Korayem Arafat, Eman Mohamed Kamel, Mohamed A. Abdelshakour, Maha Ismail Mohammed Ali
Summary: The study aims to determine the acute toxicity effects of MDMB-4en-PINACA compounds on behavior, neurochemistry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. The results showed impaired motor skills and coordination, decreased spatial learning and memory, and a dose-dependent decrease in neurotransmitter concentrations after injection of MDMB-4en-PINACA. Histopathological examination revealed degeneration of small pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This study highlights the cognitive risk associated with synthetic cannabinoid abuse.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Youxue Ban, Changwen Mi
Summary: This paper investigates the adhesive nanocontact properties between a rigid cylindrical punch and an exponentially graded coating bonded with a homogeneous half-plane substrate. The study provides a generalized solution framework to the nanocontact problems of graded materials and structures in the presence of adhesive and surface effects. The results show the competitive relationship between adhesive and surface effects in determining the nanocontact behaviors.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATION
(2022)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Daniel Albalate, Javier Campos, Juan Luis Jimenez
Summary: This paper examines the impact of high-speed rail on the number of visitors in three small cities in Spain and finds that the actual effects are insignificant and may even have a negative influence, suggesting caution in the short-term expected impacts of transport improvements in smaller cities.
CURRENT ISSUES IN TOURISM
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Fernando B. de Moura, Alexander Sherwood, Thomas E. Prisinzano, Carol A. Paronis, Jack Bergman, Stephen J. Kohut
Summary: The study investigated the abuse of synthetic cathinones and its relation to the selectivity in binding dopamine or serotonin transporter sites. Results showed that the reinforcing strength of synthetic cathinones is not related to their transporter selectivity.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Management
Chandrasekararao Seepana, Fahian Anisul Huq, Antony Paulraj
Summary: This study explores the independent impacts of entrepreneurial orientation, strategic intent, and potential absorptive capacity on operational and innovation performance, as well as their complementary effects in horizontal coopetitive relationships. The results indicate that these capabilities can positively impact performance outcomes, but their interaction with entrepreneurial orientation varies in coopetitive relationships.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi, Moad Hamod Saleh, Dileep B. Borade
Summary: Through empirical analysis of survey data from 171 manufacturing SMEs in the Sana'a region, Yemen, the study found that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) can improve supply chain resilience (SCR) through absorptive capacity (AC) and innovation as mediators, indicating an indirect relationship.
Article
Ecology
Alexander E. E. Hausmann, Marilia Freire, Sara A. A. Alfthan, Chi-Yun Kuo, Mauricio Linares, Owen McMillan, Carolina Pardo-Diaz, Camilo Salazar, Richard M. Merrill
Summary: Why warning patterns are so diverse in Heliconius butterflies remains a puzzle. This study suggests that interlocus sexual conflict may contribute to their diversification, as male Heliconius use warning patterns as mating cues. Simulations show that sexual conflict can assist pattern diversification, but drift alone is unlikely to cause it. Furthermore, genetic architecture influences the evolution of male preferences for warning patterns.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongbo Fu, Alfred J. J. Crosby
Summary: The elasto-adhesion length (l(EA)) is a materials property that characterizes the transition in importance between adhesion and elastic forces in defined structures and functions. A new method is introduced to determine l(EA) solely through visual inspection, by introducing a controlled void in a soft material and deriving a relationship between the observed equilibrium configuration of the void and l(EA). This method allows for easy measurement of l(EA) for difficult-to-handle soft materials and can be adapted for different chemistries and materials.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dylan M. Barber, Todd Emrick, Gregory M. Grason, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate a photocreasing design that encodes local curvature and twist into mesoscale polymer filaments, enabling their programmed transformation into target 3-dimensional geometries. The patterned photocreasing of filament arrays drives autonomous spinning to form linked filament bundles that are highly entangled and structurally robust. Photocreases in individual filaments unlock paths to arbitrary, 3-dimensional curves in space.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michelle K. Gaines, Imani Y. Page, Nolan A. Miller, Benjamin R. Greenvall, Joshua J. Medina, Duncan J. Irschick, Adeline Southard, Alexander E. Ribbe, Gregory M. Grason, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: Hair is a natural polymer composite primarily composed of keratin proteins. The appearance and classification of hair play a significant role in society. In recent decades, there has been a shift towards accepting and styling curly hair based on its innate properties, leading to the development of new hair classification systems. This research aims to identify quantitative geometric parameters representative of curly hair to guide the development of personalized hair care products and correlate these parameters with mechanical properties.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Elayne M. Thomas, Matthew K. McBride, Owen A. Lee, Ryan C. Hayward, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: Electroadhesion is a technology that modulates adhesive forces through electrostatic interactions and has potential applications in next-generation technologies. This study presents a fracture mechanics framework for understanding electroadhesion in soft materials, incorporating geometric and electrostatic contributions. The results emphasize the importance of material compliance and geometric confinement in enhancing electroadhesive performance and designing electroadhesive devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Luca H. Fuller, Kourosh F. Karimy, Paige L. Ruschke, Meredith M. Taghon, Alfred J. Crosby, Seth W. Donahue
Summary: This study reveals that the velar bone tissue in bighorn sheep rams' horncore has energy absorption capabilities, which helps reduce brain cavity accelerations during high-energy head impacts. The study also found that the velar bone tissue has lower flexibility and toughness compared to other mammalian cortical bone tissues. The presence of osteons in the velar bone, which are rarely found in trabecular struts, was also discovered. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of how bighorn sheep avoid brain injuries during head-to-head impacts.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Chi-Yun Kuo, Hao-En Chin, Yu-Zhe Wu
Summary: This study found that faster explorers among lizards are better at learning to avoid attacking unprofitable prey. Factors such as sex, population, and prey color also play a role in learning outcomes. The study suggests that individual variation in avoidance learning and exploration tendency should be further examined.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shachar Keren, Cynthia Bukowski, Maya Barzilay, Myounguk Kim, Mikhail Stolov, Alfred J. Crosby, Noy Cohen, Tamar Segal-Peretz
Summary: Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) is an emerging technique for fabricating hybrid organic-inorganic materials with nanoscale precision and controlled properties. This work studies the nanocomposite morphology and its effect on the mechanical behavior of SIS-based hybrid thin films of AlOx -PMMA under aqueous environments. Results show that the AlOx content affects the modulus and yield stress of the material. Additionally, the presence of AlOx induces water uptake, which further influences the performance of the hybrid materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyemin Kim, James J. J. Watkins, Alfred J. J. Crosby
Summary: Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) bottlebrush elastomers (BBEs) are soft materials with controlled bulk mechanical properties. A study of the adhesion of PDMS BBEs to glass reveals that the critical energy release rates, G(c), for initiating separation are independent of crosslink density. The monomer chemistry of side chains plays a primary role in defining surface properties, while the faster dissipative relaxation mechanisms within BBEs contribute to their lower G(c) and less velocity dependence compared to linear chain networks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos A. Lugo, Chiara Airoldi, Chao Chen, Alfred J. Crosby, Beverley J. Glover
Summary: We study the origin and propagation of surface nano-ridges in plant petal epidermal cells using the model system Hibiscus trionum. By tracking the development of cell shape and cuticle, we observe the formation of two distinct sub-layers in the cuticle and propose a mechanical model assuming it behaves as a growing bi-layer. Our numerical investigations in two- and three-dimensional settings replicate the observed developmental trajectories in petals and provide insights into the factors influencing the pattern features.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elayne M. Thomas, Hongbo Fu, Ryan C. Hayward, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: Soft materials interfaces can develop complex morphologies during separation due to mechanical instabilities, and a model has been expanded to account for geometry and material properties of two soft materials forming an interface. Experimental validation shows that geometric asymmetry can influence stress in each layer and provide means of controlling interface separations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Henzel, Japinder Nijjer, S. Chockalingam, Hares Wahdat, Alfred J. Crosby, Jing Yan, Tal Cohen
Summary: This study reveals interfacial cavitation as a previously unconsidered failure mechanism and provides experimental evidence confirming its prevalence in both natural and synthetic material systems. The research demonstrates interfacial cavitation phenomena at two different length scales through experimental observation and theoretical model, highlighting the competition between bulk and interfacial cavitation modes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ipek Sacligil, Christopher W. Barney, Alfred J. Crosby, Gregory N. Tew
Summary: Reconfigurable polymer networks are smart materials that have the potential applications as self-healing, recyclable, and stimuli-responsive. In this study, transition metal-terpyridine networks were used to modulate the network stress relaxation time, and it was found that the stress relaxation time can be tuned by the metal center, counterion, and crosslink density. It was also observed that networks crosslinked with covalent-like interactions have a longer stress relaxation time but are qualitatively similar to other networks in terms of properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christopher W. Barney, Ipek Sacligil, Gregory N. Tew, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the molecular structure of materials and their expansion mechanism. The results show that the expansion mechanism can be altered by adjusting the ratio between the elastofracture length and the crack geometry under specific conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chao Chen, Hua-Feng Fei, James J. Watkins, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: In this study, a soft, solvent-free, double-network polydimethylsiloxane (DN-PDMS) material was developed, which achieves ultralow stiffness and improved toughness through one network, and self-healing functionality through another network.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
