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Titanium niobium oxide (TNO) exhibits great potential as a lithium‐ion battery anode due to its high capacity, minimal volume change during cycling, and safe good operation characteristic enabled from its voltage profile. However, its intrinsically low electronic and ionic conductivity hinders its potential for practical applications. This work proposes a facile coprecipitation method to address these limitations by incorporating a nano‐macro structure and in situ Sn ion doping into bulk TNO. This approach ensures homogeneous integration of TNO precursors and the Sn dopant at a molecular level within the co‐precipitation nanoparticles. Additionally, the use of low toxicity solvents facilitate scalability of the synthesis process. Excellent rate capability, high reversible capacities, and good capacity retention are achieved simultaneously due to synergistic effects of the bulk doping, which expands the crystal volume and enhances Li+ diffusion, combined with abundant surface area of the nano‐macro structures. The specific capacity of Sn‐doped TNO nanospheres remains at 180 mAh/g at a high current density of 40 C (1 C=400 mA g−1), which is nearly four times higher than that of undoped samples. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry analysis at various scanning rates reveals an increased Li+ diffusion rate in Sn doped titanium niobium dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the primary risk factor for the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays pivotal roles in mRNA metabolism and hnRNPA2B1 as an m6A reader is shown to exert m6A‐dependent mRNA stabilization in cancer. This study aims to explore the role of hnRNPA2B1 in H. pylori‐associated GC and its novel molecular mechanism. Multiple datasets and tissue microarray are utilized for assessing hnRNPA2B1 expression in response to H. pylori infection and its clinical prognosis in patients with GC. The roles of hnRNPA2B1 are investigated through a variety of techniques including glucose metabolism analysis, m6A‐epitranscriptomic microarray, Ribo‐seq, polysome profiling, RIP‐seq. In addition, hnRNPA2B1 interaction with poly(A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) is validated using mass spectrometry and co‐IP. These results show that hnRNPA2B1 is upregulated in GC and correlated with poor prognosis. H. pylori infection induces hnRNPA2B1 upregulation through recruiting NF‐κB to its promoter. Intriguingly, cytoplasm‐anchored hnRNPA2B1 coordinated PABPC1 to stabilize its relationship with cap‐binding eIF4F complex, which facilitated the translation of CIP2A, DLAT and GPX1 independent of m6A modification. In summary, hnRNPA2B1 facilitates the non‐m6A translation of epigenetic mRNAs in GC progression by interacting with PABPC1‐eIF4F complex and predicts poor prognosis for patients with GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dithioacetals are heavily used in organic, material and medical chemistries, and exhibit huge potential to synthesize degradable or recyclable polymers. However, the current synthetic approaches of dithioacetals and polydithioacetals are overwhelmingly dependent on external catalysts and organic solvents. Herein, we disclose a catalyst‐ and solvent‐free acetal‐thiol click‐like reaction for synthesizing dithioacetals and polydithioacetals. High conversion, higher than acid catalytic acetal‐thiol reaction, can be achieved. High universality was confirmed by monitoring the reactions of linear and cyclic acetals (including renewable bio‐sourced furan‐acetal) with aliphatic and aromatic thiols, and the reaction mechanism of monomolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN1) and auto‐protonation (activation) by thiol was clarified by combining experiments and density functional theory computation. Subsequently, we utilize this reaction to synthesize readily recyclable polydithioacetals. By simple heating and stirring, linear polydithioacetals with M‾ ${\bar M}$ w of ~110 kDa were synthesized from acetal and dithiol, and depolymerization into macrocyclic dithioacetal and repolymerization into polydithioacetal can be achieved; through reactive extrusion, a semi‐interpenetrating polymer dynamic network with excellent mechanical properties and continuous reprocessability was prepared from poly(vinyl butyral) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate). This green and high‐efficient synthesis method for dithioacetals and polydithioacetals is beneficial to the sustainable development of chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters offer a promising solution to mitigate plastic pollution, but high content of aliphatic units (>40 %) often suffer from diminished comprehensive performances. Poly(butylene oxalate‐co‐furandicarboxylate) (PBOF) copolyesters were synthesized by precisely controlling the oxalic acid content from 10 % to 60 %. Compared with commercial PBAT, the barrier properties of PBOF for H2O and O2 increased by more than 6 and 26 times, respectively. The introduction of the oxalic acid units allowed the water contact angle to be reduced from 82.5° to 62.9°. Superior hydrophilicity gave PBOF an excellent degradation performance within a 35‐day hydrolysis. Interestingly, PBO20F and PBO30F also displayed obvious decrease of molecular weight during hydrolysis, with elastic modulus >1 GPa and tensile strength between 35–54 MPa. PBOF achieved the highest hydrolysis rates among the reported PBF‐based copolyesters. The hydrolytic mechanism was further explored based on Fukui function analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Noncovalent analysis indicated that the water molecules formed hydrogen bonding interaction with adjacent ester groups and thus improved the reactivity of carbonyl carbon. PBOF not only meet the requirements of the high‐performance packaging market but can quickly degrade after the end of their usage cycles, providing a new choice for green and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has considerably high morbidity and mortality but we do not have proper treatment for it. There is an urgent need to develop new prevention or treatment methods. Gut microbiota has a close connection with renal diseases and has become the new therapy target for AKI. In this study, we found the oral administration of the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri had a prevention effect on the AKI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It reduced serum concentration of creatinine and urea nitrogen and protected the renal cells from necrosis and apoptosis. Meanwhile, L. reuteri improved the gut barrier function, which is destroyed in AKI, and modulated the gut microbiota and relevant metabolites. Compared with the LPS group, L. reuteri increased the proportion of Proteobacteria and reduced the proportion of Firmicutes, changing the overall structure of the gut microbiota. It also influenced the fecal metabolites and changed the metabolite pathways, such as tyrosine metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, galactose metabolism, purine metabolism, and insulin resistance. These results showed that L. reuteri is a potential therapy for AKI as it helps in sustaining the gut barrier integrity and modulating gut microbiota and related metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corneal epithelium is the outermost transparent barrier of the eyeball and undergoes continuous self‐renewal by limbal stem cells (LSCs) during its lifetime; however, the impact of aging on LSCs remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that the healing ability of the cornea in elderly macaques (Macaca fascicularis) was significantly decreased compared to that of younger macaques. This delayed wound closure accompanied a disordered cell arrangement and corneal opacity. A novel cytokine, Secreted and Transmembrane 1 (SECTM1), was found to facilitate corneal healing and was upregulated in young macaques upon wounding. Mechanistically, SECTM1 is essential for LSC migration and proliferation, and may partially function through Cell Division Cycle Associated 7 (CDCA7). Notably, the topical application of SECTM1 to aged wounded corneas dramatically promoted re‐epithelialization and improved corneal transparency in both mice and macaques. Our work suggests that aging may impair the expression of healing response factors and injury repair in non‐human primate corneas, and that SECTM1 application could potentially benefit corneal wound healing in clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant that is generated and degraded via the GSH cycle. Quantification of the main components in the GSH cycle is necessary to evaluate the process of GSH. In this study, a robust ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of 10 components (GSH; γ‐glutamylcysteine; cysteinyl‐glycine; n‐acetylcysteine; homocysteine; cysteine; cystine; methionine; glutamate; pyroglutamic acid) in GSH cycle was developed. The approach was optimized in terms of derivative, chromatographic, and spectrometric conditions as well as sample preparation. The unstable thiol groups of GSH, γ‐glutamylcysteine, cysteinyl‐glycine, n‐acetylcysteine, cysteine, and homocysteine were derivatized by n‐ethylmaleimide. The derivatized and underivatized analytes were separated on an amino column with gradient elution. The method was further validated in terms of selectivity (no interference), linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (% relative standard deviation [RSD%] range from 0.57 to 10.33), accuracy (% relative error [RE%] range from ‐3.42 to 10.92), stability (RSD% < 5.68, RE% range from ‐2.54 to 4.40), recovery (RSD% range from 1.87 to 7.87) and matrix effect (RSD% < 5.42). The validated method was applied to compare the components in the GSH cycle between normal and oxidative stress cells, which would be helpful in clarifying the effect of oxidative stress on the GSH cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the effects of curcumin on the aberrant biological behaviors of prolactinoma cells and the downstream pathways through which curcumin exerts its antitumor effects. We used quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays to measure miR‐206 expression levels in peripheral blood samples from patients with prolactinoma before and after curcumin treatment. We also investigated the proliferation level, viability, and invasion ability of groups of cells treated with different concentrations of curcumin using 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3‐di‐phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assays, cell cloning assays, and Transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the levels of autophagy‐related proteins and protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway‐related proteins in each group of treated cells by western blot. Curcumin treatment upregulated miR‐206 expression levels in the peripheral blood of patients with prolactinoma and in GH3 cells. Knockdown of miR‐206 expression enhanced the proliferation and invasive ability of GH3 cells, while curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the aberrant biological behavior of GH3 cells enhanced by miR‐206 knockdown. miR‐206 knockdown also activated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy in GH3 cells, and these changes were effectively reversed by curcumin treatment. Thus, curcumin inhibited the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted cell autophagy by miR‐206 upregulation, resulting in antitumor effects that inhibited prolactinoma cell proliferation and invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) has been recognized as the next frontier in innovative anode materials, set to revolutionize lithium‐ion batteries. Anticipated to replace graphite anodes, SnO2 boasts an ideal capacity of 782 mAh g−1 and an appropriate operating potential conducive to advanced battery technology. Nonetheless, the challenges posed by volume expansion and intricate synthesis route of Sn‐based anode materials have impeded their commercial viability. Herein, SnO2@graphene nanoparticles are synthesized through hydrogen bonding‐mediated self‐assembly process, utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tin tetrachloride as starting materials. The resultant nanoparticles exhibit uniform distribution, forming a sandwich structure with graphene. Sample SP‐0.3, obtained by incorporating 6 g of PEG, demonstrates remarkable capacity for reversible energy storage. It retains a capacity of 703.1 mAh g−1 even after 900 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Coupled with the straightforward, convenient, and expeditious preparation method, the proposed technique positions the composite material as an invaluable candidate for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrimers represent an emerging class of polymeric materials that combine the desirable characteristics of both thermoplastics and thermosets achieved through the design of dynamic covalent bonds within the polymer networks. However, these materials are prone to creep due to the inherent instability of dynamic covalent bonds. Consequently, there are pressing demands for the development of robust and stable dynamic covalent chemistries. Here, we report a catalyst‐free α‐acetyl cinnamate/acetoacetate (α‐AC/A) exchange reaction to develop vitrimers with remarkable creep resistance. Small‐molecule model studies revealed that the α‐AC/A exchange occurred at temperatures above 140 °C in bulk, whereas at 120 °C, this reaction was absent. For demonstration in the case of polymers, copolymers derived from common vinyl monomers were crosslinked with terephthalaldehyde to produce α‐AC/A vitrimers with tunable thermal and mechanical performance. All resulting α‐AC/A vitrimers exhibited high stability, especially in terms of creep resistance at 120 °C, while retaining commendable reprocessability when subjected to high temperatures. This work showcases the α‐AC/A exchange reaction as a novel and robust dynamic covalent chemistry capable of imparting both reprocessability and high stability to cross‐linked networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased importance of nanostructured lignin exhibits a plethora of multifunctional groups, making it a highly adaptable material basis with significant potential for use in the rapidly expanding composite sector. Initially, lignin nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into epoxy networks via an in situ polymerization process where isophorone diamine functioned as a hardener to produce lignin/epoxy resin nanocomposites (lignin@TN). These lignin@TN exhibit promising characteristics, enhancing UV‐blocking efficiency (35.69% at 404 nm with 3.72 wt% lignin) in transparent nanocomposite films while simultaneously improving mechanical properties compared with neat epoxy resin. Adding lignin nanoparticles to epoxy nanocomposites boost up tensile strength by an impressive 24% compared with the pristine epoxy but it affected the glass transition temperature (Tg). After all, this study has opened new possibilities for utilizing renewable, sustainable, and economic lignin feedstocks as a potential ingredient for reinforcing with thermoset polymers like epoxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a highly enantioselective intermolecular C−H bond silylation catalyzed by a phosphoramidite‐ligated iridium catalyst. Under reagent‐controlled protocols, propargylsilanes resulting from C(sp3)−H functionalization, as well the regioisomeric and synthetically versatile allenylsilanes, could be obtained with excellent levels of enantioselectivity and good to excellent control of propargyl/allenyl selectivity. In the case of unsymmetrical dialkyl acetylenes, good to excellent selectivity for functionalization at the less‐hindered site was also observed. A variety of electrophilic silyl sources (R3SiOTf and R3SiNTf2), either commercial or in situ‐generated, were used as the silylation reagents, and a broad range of simple and functionalized alkynes, including aryl alkyl acetylenes, dialkyl acetylenes, 1,3‐enynes, and drug derivatives were successfully employed as substrates. Detailed mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations suggest that an η3‐propargyl/allenyl Ir intermediate is generated upon π‐complexation‐assisted deprotonation and undergoes outer‐sphere attack by the electrophilic silylating reagent to give propargylic silanes, with the latter step identified as the enantiodetermining step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two kinds of biomass fillers including reed and wheat straw with similar sizes at micrometer scale were used as filler and poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) as matrix to prepare high‐performance composite materials and to use for the research of enzymatic degradation. Accordingly, hard PBAT composites with average bending strength and modulus at 12 and 1100 MPa were prepared. With the progress of enzymatic degradation, water absorption of the biomass fillers to promote the degradation of PBAT matrix was clearly revealed. The strong water absorption of biomass filler led to the large degradation rate. During the degradation within 90 days, the mechanical properties of PBAT/biomass fillers composites decreased to 23.7%. This study revealed the important factors of biomass fillers affecting the degradation behavior of PBAT in composite. Highlights: • Two different biomass fillers are blended into PBAT to fabricate the composites. • All of the biomass fillers are similarly controlled at the micrometer level. • Water absorption of biomass filler promotes the degradation of the PBAT matrix. • Stronger water absorption induces quicker degradation rate. • After degradation, bending properties of PBAT composites obviously decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, dioctyl 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylate (DOT), a potentially bio‐based plasticizer, was synthesized and evaluated as an alternative to traditional petroleum‐based plasticizers. The chemical structure of DOT was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR. Besides, its plasticization effect on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated in detail, and dioctyl 2,5‐furandicarboxylate (DOF) as well as dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP) with similar chemical structures were used as references. The DMA results showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVC/DOT, PVC/DOF, and PVC/DOIP was 45.1°C, 33.6°C, and 51.3°C, respectively, indicating that the plasticizing efficiency of DOT was better than that of DOIP but lower than that of DOF. However, the tensile test results exhibited that the elongation at the break of PVC/DOT was higher than that of PVC/DOF, which was attributed to the easy phase separation between DOF and PVC. In addition, DOT displayed the best volatility resistance and exudation resistance among the three plasticizers, attributed to its highest molecular weight. Moreover, the migration loss of DOT in non‐polar solvents was much smaller than that of DOIP because of its stronger molecular polarity. In conclusion, DOT has good potential to replace traditional petroleum‐based plasticizers and be used as a primary plasticizer for PVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as one of the most widely used elastomers, has received rapid development, and its recycling becomes increasingly urgent. In this work, a TPU is upcycled to PU covalent adaptable networks (CANs) via chain breaking‐crosslinking strategy of being extruded with polyol and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) on a micro twin‐screw extruder. The carbamate exchange between the polyol and TPU breaks the chain of TPU and introduces plenty of reactive hydroxyl groups, which activates the TPU chain. Long‐chain‐branched TPU with hydroxyl groups is obtained during the chain‐breaking step and then crosslinked with IPDI to obtain highly crosslinked networks. PU‐CANs exhibit improved mechanical properties and elastic recovery rate, which is propitious to elastomers. Moreover, the crosslinked network greatly enhances the creep resistance and solvent resistance of the material. PU‐CANs maintain favorable reprocessability, suitable for screw extrusion and hot‐press processing. This work provides a simple and efficient method to upcycle TPU into reprocessable highly‐crosslinked polymers and improve the properties of polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) maintains gut homeostasis. Dopamine promotes GDNF release in astrocytes. We investigated the regulation by dopamine of colonic GDNF secretion. Experimental Approach: D1 receptor knockout (D1R−/−) mice, adeno‐associated viral 9‐short hairpin RNA carrying D2 receptor (AAV9‐shD2R)‐treated mice, 6‐hydroxydopamine treated (6‐OHDA) rats and primary enteric glial cells (EGCs) culture were used. Incubation fluid from colonic submucosal plexus and longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus were collected for GDNF and ACh measurements. Key Results: D2 receptor‐immunoreactivity (IR), but not D1 receptor‐IR, was observed on EGCs. Both D1 receptor‐IR and D2 receptor‐IR were co‐localized on cholinergic neurons. Low concentrations of dopamine induced colonic GDNF secretion in a concentration‐dependent manner, which was mimicked by the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393, inhibited by TTX and atropine and eliminated in D1R−/− mice. SKF38393‐induced colonic ACh release was absent in D1R−/− mice. High concentrations of dopamine suppressed colonic GDNF secretion, which was mimicked by the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole, and absent in AAV‐shD2R‐treated mice. Quinpirole decreased GDNF secretion by reducing intracellular Ca2+ levels in primary cultured EGCs. Carbachol (ACh analogue) promoted the release of GDNF. Quinpirole inhibited colonic ACh release, which was eliminated in the AAV9‐shD2R‐treated mice. 6‐OHDA treated rats with low ACh and high dopamine content showed decreased GDNF content and increased mucosal permeability in the colon. Conclusion and Implications: Low concentrations of dopamine promote colonic GDNF secretion via D1 receptors on cholinergic neurons, whereas high concentrations of dopamine inhibit GDNF secretion via D2 receptors on EGCs and/or cholinergic neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3,5‐Difluoro‐2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (DFTNP) was designed as energetic compounds, based on the "NO2FNO2" strategy. Its structure was fully characterized by IR, NMR, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Physico‐chemical characterization of this compound was investigated based on several theoretical techniques. The result indicated that DFTNP is less sensitive to external stimuli, with a thermal sensitivity of 213 °C, impact and friction sensitivity of 15 J and 240 N. It also shows particularly high density (ρ=1.949 g cm−3) and detonation performance (D=8440 m s−1, P=32.60 GPa), which far exceeds the performance of picric acid. Its crystal packing and the intermolecular interaction of DFTNP play an important role inreducing localized heating. In addition, this compound also has great potential for building ionic salts, and its ammonium salt performance exhibits better performance. Good performance not only highlight this compound as a suitable replacement for picric acid, but also suggests that "NO2FNO2" may be a good choice in designing energetic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of tactile sensation resembling human skin, the electronic skin (E‐skin) has long been a subject of interest and inspires the exploration of various biomimetic structures. Nevertheless, the exceptional functionality of living organisms arises from the synergistic interplay of multiple internal factors, i.e. the coupling enhancement effect, which has received limited attention in existing studies. Here, a tactile E‐skin featuring a multicoupled biomimetic structure that mimics three coupling elements found in the skin: Stratum spinosum, Meissner corpuscle, and Piezo2 protein, is proposed. By amalgamating their distinguishing characteristics, this bionic E‐skin surpasses the performance of conventional counterparts such as sensitivity as high as 388.5 kPa−1, hysteresis as low as 0.76%, and response times as short as 10 ms. Furthermore, its fabrication methodology of efficient 3D printing shows great advantages in terms of production cost and customization. Finally, the sensor is expanded to a 9 × 9 pixels array for a machine learning‐assisted intellisense system to recognize the fruits as a human does, achieving an accuracy of 91.4%. All of these prove the promising potential of this multicoupled biomimetic structure in wearable electronics, human–machine interface, soft robotics, and artificial sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the inferior dispersibility of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) and weak interfacial interaction with the matrix, the performance of BNNS‐based composites is usually far below theoretically predicted values. Here, binary multiscale BNNSs (LDH‐BNNSs) fillers are synthesized through in situ growth of layered double hydroxide (LDH) on the BNNSs' surfaces. LDH‐BNNSs with a multiple mosaic interface show superior dispersion of nanosheets in matrix and extraordinary filler‐matrix bonding. Density functional theory simulations reveal the stable dispersion mechanism of LDH‐BNNSs. Moreover, the bio‐based poly(ethylene furandicarboxylate) composites with 0.2 wt% LDH‐BNNSs loading exhibit simultaneous improvements in tensile strength (≈140 MPa), Young's modulus (≈6.5 GPa), toughness (≈2.0 MJ m−3), and gas barrier properties. Regulation of the interfacial structures of binary multiscale BNNSs significantly increases the filler utilization of the nanosheets, leading to extraordinary stress transfer efficiency and a physical shielding effect. Therefore, this simple, efficient, and novel strategy has promised in enhancing composite performance, and it provides a novel way to develop strong, tough, and high‐barrier bio‐based polyester composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Scaphoid nonunion remains a challenging problem to manage with no general consensus on its treatment recommendations. We propose a novel minimally invasive (MIS) technique of arthroscopic bone grafting (ABG) with robot‐assisted fixation for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. Methods: Patients with radiographically proven scaphoid nonunion treated by this novel surgical technique were included. Following arthroscopic debridement and iliac crest bone grafting, the scaphoid was fixed percutaneously using either multiple Kirschner (K)‐wires or a headless compression screw using a robotic navigation system. Results: Six male patients with an average age of 29.2 years were enrolled. Four patients had scaphoid waist fractures, and the other two were proximal pole fractures. During wrist arthroscopy, punctate bleeding of the proximal scaphoid fragment was observed in four out of the six patients. Half of the patients were fixed using a headless compression screw and the other half using multiple K‐wires. All the guidewires were placed with a single‐attempt using the robotic navigation system. Postoperatively, all the scaphoid fractures had complete radiographic union by 16 weeks. At a mean follow‐up of 18.3 months, there were significant improvements in wrist range of motion, grip strength, and patient‐rated outcomes. No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were encountered in any of our patients. Conclusion: Arthroscopic bone grafting with robot‐assisted fixation is a feasible and promising therapeutic option for scaphoid nonunions, regardless of the vascularity of the proximal pole fragment. This novel technique allows for anatomic restoration of the scaphoid alignment and accurate, targeted placement of implants into the scaphoid nonunion site within a single‐attempt using a robotic navigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen capable of infecting both humans and animals and causing various severe diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the biological features and pathogenicity of S. aureus strain Sa9, of the incomplete hemolysis phenotype, isolated from bovine milk. Sa9 was classified as ST97 by multilocus sequence typing, and it showed increased β‐hemolysin expression and lower Hla and Hld expression levels compared with that in the S. aureus USA300 strain LAC. RT‐PCR and ELISA results showed that the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were higher in Sa9‐induced mouse primary peritoneal macrophages compared with those induced by the LAC strain. However, the Sa9 strain also mediated anti‐inflammatory effects by upregulating IL‐10 and IFN‐β in macrophages, which were not apparently induced by S. aureus culture supernatants. Phagocytosis and whole‐blood survival assays were also performed to assess the in vitro survival of bacteria, and the virulence was evaluated in mice. Although the Sa9 strain showed lower ability of intracellular survival in macrophages than LAC, similar multiplication in human whole blood and pathogenicity toward mice were observed. Taken together, we report that the distinctive immune response induced by the S. aureus strain with an incomplete hemolysis phenotype occurs in cattle, and its potential pathogenicity and risk of transmission to humans require attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By virtue of remarkable biocompatibility and their promising applications in biomedical fields, biomass‐regenerated fibers, such as wool keratin fiber and cellulose fiber, have attracted extensive attention. However, the insufficient mechanical performance still hinders their yarn manufacturing capability and further large‐scale applications. Herein, an ultra‐strong and ultra‐tough regenerated wool keratin fiber by regulating keratin conformation with high‐quality small‐size graphene (HQSGr) and mechanical training treatment (M‐HQSGr‐RWKF) is fabricated. With the assistance of mechanical training, a small addition of HQSGr (0.1 wt.%) remarkably augments the secondary structure transition from α‐helix to β‐sheet of the keratin, which delivers a tensile strength of 215.4 ± 5.2 MPa, surpassing all reported natural wool and regenerated wool or even poultry fibers. Benefiting from the excellent mechanical strength, wet‐state toughness (158.9 MJ m−3), and recoverable strain (205.0%), M‐HQSGr‐RWKF has been demonstrated as a biocompatible artificial muscle to drive the biomimetic motion, which manifests ultrahigh actuation strain greater than 100.0% and stress of 16.7 MPa. The derived ultra‐strong and ultra‐tough keratin fiber opens a new avenue for developing smart fiber from biomass resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti–6Al–4V is a prevalent material utilized in various industrial applications, and its microstructure modification commences with quenching, followed by diverse heat treatments. Although many works have concentrated on the mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V with tailored microstructures resulting from heat treatments, their corresponding corrosion behavior still lacks attention. In this study, the corrosion behavior of water‐quenched Ti–6Al–4V that undergoes heat treatment between 700 and 850 °C in Hank's solution is investigated. Various electrochemical methods, such as open‐circuit potential tests, potentiodynamic/potentiostatic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Mott–Schottky tests, are jointly employed. The water‐quenched Ti–6Al–4V displays a quick‐cooling microstructure with a plentiful amount of martensite α/α′ phase. Heat treatment at 700 °C significantly alters the microstructures of the samples. Due to competitive factors, heat treatment at low temperatures results in uneven alloy composition, leading to poor uniformity of the passive film. At this phase, negative effects dominate, and the corrosion resistance of the samples deteriorates. When the heat‐treatment temperature increases to 850 °C, the content of β phase, which possesses better corrosion resistance, increases and becomes dominant. Consequently, the corrosion resistance of the samples improves in Hank's solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we prepared a series of bio‐based poly(butylene adipate‐co‐furandicarboxylate) (PBAF) copolyesters with BF segments ranging from 20 to 80 mol% through a two‐step polycondensation. Then, their thermal, mechanical, gas barrier, and degradable properties were investigated. With the increase of BF content, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and melting temperatures (Tm) of PBAFs increase constantly. Besides, PBAF copolyesters exhibit excellent mechanical performance with elongation at break in the range of 140% to 870%. The elastic modulus and tensile strength of PBAF60 are 138 and 17 MPa respectively, which are comparable to those of commercial poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT). Moreover, thanks to the structural characteristics of the furan ring, the barrier performances against CO2, O2, and H2O of PBAFs are 4.6–147.5 folds, 4.0–76.0 folds, and 0.8–8.7 folds of PBAT, respectively. Finally, the degradation tests reveal that the weight losses of PBAFs increase with decreasing BF contents. It is worth emphasizing that although the compost degradation rate of PBAF60 is slightly lower than that of PBAT, it is still a prospective alternative to PBAT due to its improved barrier properties. And it provides a possibility for applications in food packaging, mulch films, and structural elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of fluorescent cellulose with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics is usually achieved by grafting tetraphenylethylene (TPE) to the cellulose backbone using TPE derivatives with highly active functional groups such as carboxylic, isothiocyanate, and alkynyl groups. However, besides the complicated synthetic routes of these TPE derivatives, conversion of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose chain to more reactive groups such as amine or azide groups is usually involved, and the resulting products have a degree of substitution (DS) of TPE lower than 0.08. Herein, a facile one‐pot strategy for the grafting of a TPE group to the cellulose backbone with high DS of up to 0.22 in a CO2 switchable solvent under mild reaction conditions is reported. The hydroxyl groups in the cellulose are in situ converted to cellulose carbonate intermediately during the dissolution step. Subsequently, nucleophilic substitution between the intermediate and a halogenated TPE derivative with bromine atom as leaving group is carried out to achieve the effective grafting of TPE. The synthetic route for this promising TPE derivative is much more convenient than those of TPE derivatives reported in previous studies. This work suggests a new and facile pathway for the synthesis of high‐emission fluorescent cellulose with AIE functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotics comprise effective feed additives that can replace antibiotics in animal livestock production. However, mono‐strain probiotics appear less effective because of their instability. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate dietary supplementation with compound probiotics (CPP) on growth performance, diarrhea rate and intestinal mucosal barrier, as well as the possible molecular mechanism, in chicks. In total, 360 1‐day‐old chicks of the Hy‐Line Brown Chicks were randomly divided into the control group (CON, basal diet), chlortetracycline group (500 mg kg−1 CTC) and compound probiotics group (1000 mg kg−1 CPP, consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Enterococcus faecium and yeast). The experiment period was 56 days. Results: The results showed that, in comparison with the CON group, CPP significantly increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of chicks and reduced diarrhea (P < 0.05). The probiotic group exhibited increased immune organ (i.e. spleen and thymus) mass and increased levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM and IgG (P < 0.05) compared to the CTC group. In addition, the jejunal mass and morphology were improved in the probiotic group (P < 0.05). Moreover, CPP reinforced jejunal barrier function, as indicated by increased transepithelial electrical resistance, protein expression of occludin and claudin‐1, and diamine oxidase levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Likewise, enhanced fluorescence signals of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐labeled mitotic cells and villin‐labeled absorptive cells in the jejunum (P < 0.05) suggested that CPP promoted intestinal stem cells activity. Mechanistically, the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, including β‐catenin, TCF4, c‐Myc, cyclin D1 and Lgr5, was amplified in the jejunum by CPP addition (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CPP reinforced the jejunal epithelial integrity by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and enhanced immune function in chicks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerated wool keratin fibers (RWKFs) have heretofore attracted tremendous interest according to environmental friendliness, ample resource, and intrinsic biocompatibility for broad applications. In this realm, both uncontrollable keratin fibril assembly procedure and resultant insufficient mechanical strength, have greatly hindered their large‐scale manufacture and commercial viability. Herein, a continuous wet‐spinning strategy is put forward to rebuild wool keratin into compact regenerated bio‐fibers with improved strength via disulfide re‐bonding. Dithiothreitol (DTT) has been introduced to renovate disulfide linkage inside keratin polypeptide chains, and bridge keratin fibrils via covalent thiol bonding to form a continuous backbone as mechanical support. A thus‐derived RWKF manifests a tensile strength of 186.1 ± 7.0 MPa and Young's modulus of 7.4 ± 0.2 GPa, which exceeds those of natural wool, feathers, and regenerated wool or feather keratin fibers. The detailed wet‐spinning technical parameters, such as coagulation, oxidation, and post‐treatment, have been systematically optimized to guarantee the continuous preparation of high‐strength regenerated keratin fibers. This work offers insight into solving the concurrent challenges for continuous manufacture of regenerated protein fibers and sustainability concerns about biomass waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding of the early immune response in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) breakthrough infections is limited. Methods: Ninety‐eight patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) breakthrough infections were divided into two groups, with intervals from receiving the second dose of inactivated vaccine to the onset of illness <60 or ≥60 days. Results: The median lymphocyte count and the median anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers were higher in the <60‐day interval group compared with the corresponding medians in the ≥60‐day interval group (p = 0.005, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The median interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) level in the <60‐day interval group was significantly lower than the median IL‐6 level in the ≥60‐day interval group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results highlight the different anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike IgG and IgM antibody titers among patients with different intervals from receiving the second dose of inactivated vaccine to the onset of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here a new strategy of catalyst‐free direct synthesis of covalent adaptable network polyurethanes (LPUs) from lignin with editable shape memory effect is reported. Using unmodified lignin, PEG, and isocyanate under the condition of the isocyanate index less than 1.0 (NCO/OH<1.0), a variety of LPUs are obtained. When NCO/OH=0.8, a stable cross‐linked network can be formed (ex. the gel content of LPU50‐0.8 was 98±0.3 %). The activation energy (Ea) value of LPUs is similar to that of polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs), at around 110 kJ mol−1. With an increase of lignin content, the LPUs show a transition from ductile fracture to brittle fracture mode. And the mechanical properties of LPUs are significantly enhanced after extrusion processing, with the maximum modulus reaching 649±26 MPa and the maximum toughness up to 9927±111 kJ m−3. The improvement in mechanical properties is due to the homogenization of complex cross‐linked network under the powerful external force of the extruder and the lignin that originally was free in the system participated in the exchange reactions. Moreover, LPUs can also be prepared continuously in one step by using an extruder as the reactor. In addition, LPU50‐0.8 has an editable shape memory effect. This study develops a novel method for the synthesis of LPU from lignin with NCO/OH<1.0, showcasing new possibilities for value‐added utilization of lignin, and expands the bio‐based products portfolio from biomass feedstock to help meet future green manufacturing demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The asynchronous filtering problem for networked fuzzy non‐homogeneous Markov jump systems is investigated, with the consideration of packet dropout and quantization. An event‐triggered dynamic quantization scheme is proposed, and a stability criterion is given to ensure the stochastic stability of the filtering error systems with desired extended dissipative performance. This performance provides a unified framework in the sense that it can degenerate to H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$, l2−l∞$$ {l}_2-{l}_{\infty } $$, dissipativity and passivity filter, respectively, under certain parameter sets. Furthermore, an asynchronous filter design method with extended dissipative performance is given based on the proposed stability criterion. In this method, the existence of the quantizer is ensured by dynamic quantization levels and the solution scope of the filter is enlarged by a free‐connection weighting matrices method. The theoretical design and analysis is finally evaluated using a practical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, large‐size reeds were introduced into PBAT to prepare high‐performance biodegradable composites by high‐speed blending without compatibilizer. Subsequently, the effects of large‐size reeds on the composite properties and biodegradation behavior were further investigated. The length of the reed in composites reaches to ~1.88 mm. It was found that all composites showed larger modulus and flexural strength than PBAT, and a significant increase in heat deflection temperature. By mixing 60% reed and PBAT, the bending strength, bending modulus, and heat deflection temperature reached 23.9 ± 0.4 MPa, 1237 ± 143 MPa, and 71.8°C, respectively. Biodegradation tests showed that the primary bond‐breaking site of PBAT was the C=O group. Compared with pure PBAT, the composites exhibited more significant mass loss, decreased thermal stability, increased melting point, and decreased crystallinity during degradation. A surface erosion degradation model for the composites was proposed. The research provides a scientific basis for applying high‐performance biodegradable composites to biodegradable blister and injection molded products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) possess multiple functions including reprocessing (or recyclability), self‐healing, welding, shape shifting, 3D printing, etc., due to the network rearrangement from dynamic bonds, and favorable performance from their cross‐linked feature, and they are supposed to be as sustainable alternatives to thermosets. However, the thermal and mechanical properties, and stability of CANs are often sacrificed for rapid network rearrangement. In this paper, fast‐reprocessing CANs with high performance are facilely constructed by in situ polymerization and dynamic cross‐linking of styrene (St), maleic anhydride (MA), and acetal diol (BHAD). The rigid and hydrophobic polymer backbone endow the materials with high glass transition temperatures, mechanical performance, and water resistance. Besides, carboxylic group‐catalyzed dual dynamic ester and acetal‐based networks exhibit faster stress relaxation and realize extrusion reprocessing. This work provides an ingenious and simple strategy of construction of CANs combining rapid network rearrangement and excellent comprehensive performance, which is beneficial for the application of CANs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resin is an attractive traditional thermoset that is widely used in a variety of applications. And its flammable problem has drawn an increasing number of researchers to solve it. As flame retardants, ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum hydroxide (ATH) were mixed in the epoxy matrix to create composites with an interesting synergistic flame retardant effect, and its mechanism were thoroughly investigated. When 10 wt% APP and ATH were added at a mass ratio of 3/1, the peak of heat release rate and total heat release were reduced by 48% and 38%, with a LOI of 28.9% and a UL‐94 of V‐0 rating. During the combustion process, polyphosphoric acid formed by the decomposition of APP could catalyze matrix decomposition to form a charring barrier and react with alumina formed by the decomposition of ATH to produce extremely stable aluminum metaphosphate, which covered the surface of burning matrix and hampered further combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the relaxation digital‐to‐analog converter (ReDAC) architecture and the capacitor charge/discharge function under discrete time conditions, this paper proposes a new mathematical model for the output voltage of the ReDAC to implement the unconstrained relaxation DAC (Uc‐ReDAC). The system clock calibration is not required. An adaptive probabilistic binary particle swarm optimization (AP‐BPSO) algorithm is proposed for solving the binary coding configuration problem under the Uc‐ReDAC model. Simulation results show that the 8‐bit (10‐bit) Uc‐ReDAC has an average sampling rate of 7.9 MS/s (6.76 MS/s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) exhibit recyclability such as reprocessing, but it's a challenge to address the contradiction between reprocessing rate and performance. Here, pendent aliphatic chain anhydride monoesters are innovatively introduced into epoxy CANs based on transesterification, which efficiently accelerates the reprocessing without sacrificing thermal and mechanical properties. The transesterification rate is raised on account of the flexible aliphatic chain‐promoted segment movement and dynamic transfer auto‐catalysis. When the carbon number reflecting the length of the pendent chain is 12, the epoxy CAN exhibits the fastest stress relaxation or reprocessing. Computation via molecular dynamics simulation demonstrates that the increased segmental mobility from the pendent aliphatic chains contributes to enhanced reprocessability. Interestingly, the crystallization of the pendent aliphatic chains maintains or even improves the thermal and mechanical properties. Thus, introducing a flexible and crystallizable aliphatic side chain is an innovative and efficient approach to accelerate dynamic reactions and network arrangement while improving performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new self‐healing and biodegradable copolyesters, poly(ethylene‐co‐diethylene glycol adipate‐co‐furanoate) (PEAF), were synthesized from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid, dimethyl adipate, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol by transesterification and polycondensation. Their number average molecular weight (Mn) varied from 49,400 g/mol to 71,500 g/mol while the polydispersity index ranged from 1.47 to 1.97. The study showed that by adjusting the proportion of adipate segments from 25 mol% to 65 mol%, the tensile modulus was found to be ranging from 4.95 to 0.29 MPa at room temperature, which was close to or even lower than the modulus of human skin. The excellent biodegradability of PEAFs was certified by the weight loss of 34.5% to 80.9% during enzymatic degradation. Finally, self‐healing properties were also discovered in PEAFs and the fastest self‐healing rate observed was 23.1 μm/h for PEAF‐65 at 37 °C. Due to these outstanding properties, PEAFs absolutely possess the potential to be used as human soft tissues, electronic skin, human‐machine interface and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyesters with high Tg (≥100°C) and good clarity are desired in fabricating heat‐resistance containers such as baby bottles, cups, medical apparatus, and kitchen appliances. In this work, a series of poly(butylene bis[4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy) phenyl] sulfone 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PBSCFs) that show superior thermal and mechanical properties against current bio‐based polyesters were synthesized via a melt polycondensation method. The accurate chemical structures of PBSCFs were confirmed by 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. The SEC results show that PBSCFs have number averaged molar mass (Mn) in the range of 9700–28,500 g/mol. The Tg of PBSCFs increase from 94°C for PBSF to 108°C for PBSCF‐50 as the increasing of CHDM unit. Meanwhile, the ductility of PBSCFs also improved with the elongation at break of PBSCF‐40 increased to 223%. In addition, the PBSCF‐40 sample reported in this paper shows thermal decomposition temperature of 427°C, transmittance of 84.6%, haze of only 0.17%, tensile strength of 74.1 MPa, and tensile modulus of 2287 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article takes into account a class of wireless networked control systems in which the plant structure is subject to random abrupt variations and signals may be lost due to packet dropout over unreliable transmission channels. Firstly, a discrete‐time Markovian jump linear system with two independent Markov chains is established to model such systems where structural variation is governed by one Markov chain while packet dropout is governed by another. Secondly, a control‐decision strategy is introduced where decision is utilized to decrease signal losses and controller is to guarantee system stability. Meanwhile, a generalized quadratic performance with both control and decision cost is formulated to evaluate the proposed strategy. For the optimization of such generalized performance, an optimal control‐decision strategy, which is dependent on the decision, can then be deduced via stochastic dynamic programming. Based on this, a gradient descent algorithm is proposed for obtaining the optimal decision together with its convergence proof. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) are a new type of polymers, which possess excellent performance of thermosets and reprocessability of thermoplastics. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to realize rapid reprocessing and postadjusting (adjust properties after preparation). Herein, for the first time, a method of combining Schiff base and Diels–Alder adduct in one network is developed to achieve rapid reprocessing and postadjusting. Through the dissociation of the Diels–Alder adduct at high temperatures, the cross‐link densities of the networks are reduced, thereby accelerating the rearrangement of the networks and realizing the rapid reprocessing and self‐healing. Moreover, the reconnecting degree of network after dissociation of Diels–Alder adduct can be easily controlled by annealing; as a result, the properties of the obtained CANs are postadjustable. This work provides a simple and promising approach of achieving excellent reprocessing and postadjusting for CANs via the synergism of an associative dynamic chemistry with a dissociative dynamic chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the hot flow behavior of homogenized AZ80 magnesium alloy containing 0.8 wt% yttrium, isothermal hot compression tests are conducted among the different temperature ranges of 340–420 °C under the strain rates of 10−2–101 s−1 by using a Gleeble‐3800 thermo‐simulator. The flow stress variation of high temperature and strain rate on the microstructure is analyzed. In the constitutive equation for the AZ80‐0.8wt%Y, it is conducive to obtain the deformation activation energy and the change law of strain of the material constant through the relationship between peak stress, deformation temperature, and strain rate. The deformation activation energy is found to be about 119.03 kJ mol−1. Subsequently, the values of the correlation coefficient (R) and the average absolute relative error (AARE) are 0.9826 and 7.29%, respectively. Consequently, the results indicate that the strain‐dependent constitutive equation has a good agreement with the calculated and measured flow stresses in the elevated temperature range for the AZ80–0.8wt%Y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNA (circRNA) have been found to play an important role in the progression of many diseases, including interstitial cystitis (IC). However, the role of circTHBS1 in IC progression is still unclear. Exploring the role and potential molecular mechanism of circTHBS1 in the development of IC. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The expression levels of circTHBS1, microRNA (miR)‐139‐5p, and mitofusin 2 (MFN2) were evaluated using quantitative real‐time PCR. Cell proliferation and migration were determined using MTT assay, Edu staining, and transwell assay. The protein levels of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and MFN2 were examined using western blot analysis. The relationship between miR‐139‐5p and circTHBS1 or MFN2 was confirmed using the dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. CircTHBS1 was highly repressed in IC tissues and cells, and its expression was positively correlated with the inflammatory response of IC patients. CircTHBS1 could promote the proliferation, migration, EMT process, and inflammation of IC cells, while its knockdown had an opposite effect. CircTHBS1 could serve as a sponge of miR‐139‐5p, and miR‐139‐5p could participate in the regulation of circTHBS1 on IC cell progression. In addition, miR‐139‐5p could target MFN2, and it could inhibit the progression of IC cells by targeting MFN2. Furthermore, circTHBS1 sponged miR‐139‐5p to positively regulate MFN2. CircTHBS1 promoted IC cell proliferation, migration, EMT process, and inflammation by regulating the miR‐139‐5p/MFN2 axis indicating that circTHBS1 might be a potential target for IC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute fiber with high content and large aspect ratio is directly used to prepare PLA composites to show the effect on structure and properties. By comparing with bamboo powder, it is found that the large aspect ratio of jute fiber is helpful to form a crisscross structure in PLA composites to provide a strong framework. And the larger amount of jute fiber leads to the stronger framework in the PLA composites. Accordingly, the high comprehensive mechanical properties are produced of the PLA composites with jute fiber. Only through the simple blending of 70% jute fiber and PLA, the flexural strength and flexural modulus respectively reach 94.0 ± 4.4 MPa and 9116.7 ± 127.2 MPa, which obviously exceed the mechanical properties of PLA/bamboo blends. The addition of jute fiber also improves the thermal resistance of PLA composites as well as the crystallization ability and perfection of PLA. All the results exhibit the advantages of high content filling of jute fiber with large aspect ratio to modify PLA. Utilization of biomass filler with high content and large aspect ratio will provide an important methodology to expand the application capacity of fully degradable composites in many areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 11 advocate industrial innovation and sustainable cities, respectively, although how sustainable urban development ensures the protection of innovative achievements remains understudied. Employing the Spatial Durbin Model, this study examines how the protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) has affected sustainable urbanization using the case of the Huaihai economic zone (HEZ), China. Adopting a theoretical and empirical approach, the study seeks to understand how sustainable urbanization affects the protection of IPRs, and explores the spatial spillover from the perspectives of economic growth structure, technological progress, economic agglomeration and social welfare enhancement, taking into account also the protection of IPRs at a sub‐national level. The results indicate that sustainable urbanization is positively related to the protection of IPRs (as can be understood from the four abovementioned aspects of sustainable urbanization), that the spatial spillover effects of sustainable urbanization on the protection of IPRs and distance from the central city are significant, and that foreign direct investment (FDI)—a significant driving force in China's urbanization—has a negative impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]