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Starting from simplex drug delivery system, the graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO) materials have been developed to be "combo" nanoplatforms containing multiple therapeutic modalities, such as the targeted drug delivery, imaging, as well as photothermal therapy (PTT) due to their distinctive physical/chemical and optical properties including excellent biocompatibility, modifiable active groups, ultra-large surface area, and intense photothermal effect. The graphene-based nanoplatforms were used for the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, showing excellent therapeutic effects activated by endogenous stimuli including low pH, overexpressed enzymes, biomolecules, elevated glutathione, and exogenous stimuli including light, magnetic/electric field, and ultrasound. More importantly, for multimodal synergistic therapy originated from the enhanced collaborative interactions among several monotherapy types, the obtained remarkable super-additive effects were not the results just through single therapy or their theoretical combination. In this review, the recent progresses of smart graphene-based nanoplatforms for integrated cancer therapy and bio-imaging are presented. Current challenges and future perspectives of graphene-based nanoplatforms in the biomedical field are also discussed. In this review, the recent progresses of smart graphene-based nanoplatforms for integrated tumor therapy and bio-imaging are presented. Current challenges and future perspectives of graphene-based nanoplatforms in the biomedical field are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the structural effects on the cross-plane thermal conductivity of Li4Ti5O12-based anode active material. Three structures are investigated: a basic structure consisting of LiBr/LiCl/Li4Ti5O12, polyvinylidene difluoride, and Super P (sample #1); a structure without Li4Ti5O12 (sample #2); and a structure without LiBr/LiCl (sample #3). Despite its high porosity level (77%), sample #1 exhibits higher thermal conductivity than sample #3 (64% porosity) in both air and vacuum conditions, potentially due to the extra structural bonding provided by LiBr/LiCl. The observed difference in cross-plane thermal conductivity between air and vacuum conditions provides insights into the configuration of the anode's active material in the heat transfer direction. The lower limit corresponds to the parallel thermal circuit configuration of active material and air, which is the product of the sample's porosity and thermal conductivity of air. Our analysis suggests that in sample #2, the anode's active material and air inside the pores demonstrate a more serial configuration, while in sample #3, they exhibit a more parallel configuration in the heat transfer direction. However, the thermal conductivity difference observed for sample #1 falls below the theoretical lower bound indicating significant thermal radiation within the pores. Furthermore, the in-plane thermal conductivity is predominantly controlled by the copper foil. Sample #2 exhibits the lowest in-plane thermal conductivity. This is attributed to the severe oxidization of the copper foil by LiBr/LiCl, which is confirmed by structure characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled drug release is a promising technique that is used in the treatment of cancer. Herein, drug nanocarriers were developed based on Fe3O4@mSiO2 (mesoporous silica-coated Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) gated by a lipid bilayer. The nanocarriers exhibited near-infrared (NIR) light-stimulated drug release in a remote and stepwise pattern. Mesoporous silica surrounds Fe3O4 NPs and ensures high drug capacity and easy modification of the lipid bilayer. Heat generated from the Fe3O4 NPs upon NIR irradiations increases the permeability of the lipid bilayer, which in turn causes drug release. Based on in vitro experiment results, DOX-loaded nanocarriers exhibited the highest cell death percentage of 75.7% with NIR laser irradiation for 5 min at the doxorubicin (DOX) dose of 10 μg mL−1. Because of the flexible and precise control of NIR laser, the nanocarriers have great potential in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of ultra-compliant power sources is crucial for their seamless integration with next-generation skin-like wearable and implantable biomedical systems for long-term health monitoring. Toward this goal, stretchable energy storage and conversion devices (ESCDs), including supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), solar cells, and generators are now attracting intensive worldwide research efforts. The purpose of this review is to discuss the latest achievements in the development of such stretchable energy devices in the context of biomedical applications. We first review the viable strategies and methodologies of fabricating stretchable energy storage and conversion devices. Then, we focus on description of various types of soft energy devices from a materials point of view. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the design of truly conformal soft energy systems, including various key parameters, such as energy density, stability, and scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betulin, a natural product isolated from the bark of the birch trees, exhibits multiple anticancer effects. Activation of mTOR signaling pathway has been found in numerous cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, we attempted to study whether mTOR signaling was essential for betulin to treat RCC. Based on cell survival and colony formation assays, we found that mTOR hyperactive RCC cell line 786-O cells were more sensitive to betulin treatment compared with mTOR-inactive Caki-2 cells. Knockdown of TSC2 in Caki-2 cells had similar results to 786-O cells, and mTOR silencing in 786-O cells rescued the inhibitory effect of betulin, indicating that betulin inhibited RCC cell proliferation in an mTOR-dependent manner. Furthermore, betulin treatment decreases the levels of glucose consumption and lactate production in 786-O cells, while minimal effects were observed in Caki-2 cells. In addition, betulin significantly inhibited the expression of PKM2 and HK2 in 786-O cells. Finally, knockdown of PKM2 or HK2 in 786-O reversed the anti-proliferative effects of betulin, and overexpression of PKM2 or HK2 in Caki-2 cells enhanced the sensitivity to betulin treatment. Taken together, these findings demonstrated the critical role of mTOR activation in RCC cells to betulin treatment, suggesting that betulin might be valuable for targeted therapies in RCC patients with mTOR activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most sparse coding based image restoration and image classification problems, using the non-convex ℓ p -norm minimization (0≤ p <1) can often deliver better results than using the convex ℓ 1 -norm minimization. Also, the high computational costs of ℓ 1 -graph in Sparse Subspace Clustering prevent ℓ 1 -graph from being used in large scale high-dimensional datasets. To address these problems, we in this paper propose an algorithm called Locality Constrained- ℓ p Sparse Subspace Clustering ( k NN- ℓ p ). The sparse graph constructed by locality constrained ℓ p -norm minimization can remove most of the semantically unrelated links among data at lower computational cost. As a result, the discriminative performance is improved compared with the ℓ 1 -graph. We also apply the k nearest neighbors to accelerate the sparse graph construction without losing its effectiveness. To demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed Locality Constrained- ℓ p Sparse Subspace Clustering algorithm, comparative study was performed on benchmark problems of image clustering. Thoroughly experimental studies on real world datasets show that the Locality Constrained- ℓ p Sparse Subspace Clustering algorithm can significantly outperform other state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tripod suction buckets offer many advantages as foundations for offshore wind turbines including fast and economic installation and high overturning resistance. In this application, tripod suction buckets are subjected to dynamic loads such as wind and waves as well as earthquakes. However, their dynamic and seismic performance characteristics in cohesive soils are not well covered in the literature. This study investigates the dynamic behavior of tripod foundation installed in clay employing advanced three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. Its rotation mechanism is analyzed considering different load cases including environmental loads, seismic load or combined action of seismic and environmental loads. The dynamic response was evaluated considering ground motions with varying intensity and frequency content, and environmental loads with varying magnitudes. It was found that even though the OWTs system may not experience instability failure due to the combined action of seismic and environmental loads, it is likely to fail to meet the requirements of SLS due to large permanent rotation associated with large settlement of the leeward bucket compared to that of the windward bucket. It was found that the frequency content of the ground motion has a significant effect on dynamic response of tripod foundation; larger permanent rotation can occur when the seismic predominant frequency is close to the frequency ranges of 1p and 3p for the wind turbine structure. The rotation angle of wind turbine structure depends on both the predominant frequency and intensity of the ground motion. These observations should be considered in the seismic design of tripod foundations of OWTs. • Numerical method is proposed to simulate response of tripod suction bucket to seismic and environmental loading. • Rotation mechanism of tripod suction bucket is analyzed under seismic and environmental loading. • Effect of seismic intensity and frequency content on dynamic response of tripod foundation is investigated. • Effect of magnitude of environmental loads on dynamic response of tripod foundation is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of heat conduction-enhanced shape-stabilized PCM (HCE-SSPCM) was utilized in the under-floor heating system for house heating in winter. This system charges heat by using cheap nighttime electricity and provides heating needs throughout all day. The effect of thermal conductivity of the PCM on energy savings and economic benefits of the system were theoretically and experimentally studied. HCE-SSPCM plates, made of (solid paraffin + liquid paraffin)/high density polyethylene/expanded graphite, were introduced to a test room with under-floor heating system. And the operating characteristics of the system were compared with that of the non-phase change energy storage system and the conventional air conditioning system. The results showed that enhancing the thermal conductivity of PCM in a certain range could significantly improve the energy efficiency of the heating system and reduce the thickness of thermal insulating materials. But the improving effect was not obvious when the thermal conductivity was beyond 1.0 W/m K. The phase change energy storage system had a comfortable temperature environment and the best economic benefits among the three different heating types especially when the ratio of peak-valley electric price was high. Therefore, increasing the thermal conductivity of SSPCM will be of great significance for house heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, crystalline form II ammonium polyphosphate (APP-II) was microencapsulated with melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin, which was prepared by in situ polymerization. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses demonstrated that APP-II was successfully microencapsulated with the MF resin. Polypropylene (PP)/APP-II/pentaerythritol (PER) and PP/MFAPP-II/PER composites were prepared and the flame retardancy, thermal stability, and microstructure of the corresponding composites were investigated based on the limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 testing, TG, EDS, SEM, and cone calorimetry. Compared with PP/APP-II/PER composites, the PP/MFAPP-II/PER composites had a higher LOI value and passed the V-0 rating more easily. The results of the TG, EDS, SEM, and cone calorimetry analyses demonstrate that MFAPP-II is beneficial for forming a compact and strong intumescent char, thereby reducing the rates of the maximum-rate decomposition temperature (T max), heat release rate (HRR), total heat release rate (THR), and mass loss (ML) for the PP/MFAPP-II/PER composites, as well as improving the thermal stability, compatibility, and dispersion of MFAPP-II in PP/MFAPP-II/PER composites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stretchable electronics (i.e., Elastronics) are essential to the realization of next‐generation wearable bioelectronics for personalized medicine, due to their unique skin‐conformal features ideal for seamless integration with the human body. Significant progress has been made to nanowire‐based elastronics with promising applications ranging from electronic‐skin to advanced energy harvest systems. However, it remains a key challenge to rationally control over the nanowire morphology and configurations to achieve desired multifunctionality. Herein, a stretchable jellyfish‐like gold nanowires film with high conductivity and stretchability is presented by using gold nanostar‐seeded nanowire growth method. They exhibit unique hierarchically oriented structure with gold nanostars as the multi‐branched active sites (top layer) and vertically intertwined nanowires (bottom layer) trailing below the nanostars. Such nanowires film can be stretched up to 200% with a retaining low normalized resistance of 13.8 due to the unique hierarchical structure. Furthermore, the film can be used as stretchable supercapacitor with a 92% capacitance retention and superior durability even after 5000 electrochemical scanning cycles. The method is general, which can be further expanded to other metallic seeds, hence, representing a low‐cost yet efficient strategy for the fabrication of stretchable elastronics and robust energy storage devices for on‐body biosensing and bioelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size, shape, composition, andcrystalline structures of noblemetal nanoparticles are the key parameters in determining their electrocatalyticperformance. Here, we report on a robust chemical-tethering approachto immobilizing gold nanoparticles onto transparent indium tin oxide(ITO) glass electrode surfaces to systematically investigate theirsize- and shape-dependent electrocatalysis toward a methanol oxidationreaction (MOR) and an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Monodisperse20 nm nanospheres (NS20s), 45 nm nanospheres (NS45s), and 20 nm ×63 nm nanorods (NRs), which could be chemically tethered to ITO-surface-formingsubmonolayers without any aggregation, were synthesized. These nanoparticle-modifiedITO electrodes exhibited strong electrocatalytic activities towardMOR and ORR, but their mass current densities were highly dependenton the particle sizes and shapes. For particles with similar shapes,the size determined the mass current densities: smaller particle sizesled to greater catalytic current densities per unit mass because ofthe greater surface-to-volume ratio (NS20s > NS45s). For particleswith comparable sizes, the shape or crystalline structure governedthe selectivity of the electrocatalytic reactions: NS45 exhibiteda higher mass current density in MOR than did NRs because its dominant(111) facets were exposed, whereas NRs exhibited a higher mass currentdensity in ORR because its dominant (100) facets were exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of addition of high-alcohol surfactant (HAS, i.e. 1-Octanol or 2-ethyl-hexanol) on the heat transfer enhancement of water spray cooling were studied experimentally. For comparison, the heat transfer performances of water spray cooling with dissolving salt additive (DSA, i.e. NaCl or Na2SO4) were tested also. For the addition of 200ppm 1-Octanol or 150ppm 2-ethty-hexanol, the heat transfer of spray cooling on the hot surface at about 80°C increased 28% or 36% than that without any additive, while for addition of 1.76% NaCl or 2.76% Na2SO4, the heat transfer performance increased about 29% or 31%. It showed that both HAS and DSA could significantly enhance the heat transfer of water spray cooling at a suitable concentration, and the HAS, especially 2-ethyl-hexanol, showed higher performance in the heat transfer enhancement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The correction of a thermal model for a thermally controlled satellite in ground test conditions is studied using a Monte Carlo hybrid algorithm. First, the global and local parameters are summarized according to sensitivity analyses on uncertain parameters, and then the model correction is treated as a parameter optimization problem to be solved with a hybrid algorithm. Finally, the correction of the thermal model is completed using a layered correction method. The sensitivity analysis showed that the effective emissivities across the multi-layer insulation (MLI) and the emissivities of the thermal control coating are global parameters, while the contact heat transfer coefficients are local parameters. After correction, the deviations between the calculated and test values were all within ±3°C. The final results prove that the method in this study is superior to traditional methods and satisfies the requirements for thermal model correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel thermal probe method is proposed for the simultaneous measurement of the thermal properties by the Monte Carlo stochastic approximation method. In this method, thermal capacity of probe and thermal contact resistance between probe and sample are considered. An experimental system is set up with the method to validate the measurement accuracy of the method. The thermal properties of several liquid samples as well as solid samples are measured. The results show that: (1) the thermal conductivity and the volumetric heat capacity can be measured with an error of less than 1.2% and 3% respectively, therefore, the measurement accuracy by the method is much higher than the conventional method and (2) the thermal contact resistance has a great effect on thermal conductivity for solid sample, while little influence on thermal conductivity for liquid sample and volumetric heat capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Suction buckets are widely used as foundations for offshore wind turbines because of its many advantages such as simple structure, convenient installation, low construction cost and reusable. It is very essential to perform the seismic response analysis of suction bucket foundations for the design of offshore wind turbines. However, the related research is still relatively rare. In this research, three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to predict seismic responses of suction buckets for offshore wind turbines in clays by using a simplified kinematic hardening constitutive model available in the Abaqus library. The seismic bearing mechanism of bucket foundation in clays is investigated, and various factors affecting seismic responses of suction bucket are analyzed, including the soil strength, seismic intensity and frequency, and bucket geometry. The research results can provide a reference for the seismic design of suction bucket foundations for offshore wind turbines. • A simplified kinematic hardening model for undrained dynamic responses of saturated clay is introduced. • Three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to predict the seismic responses of suction bucket. • Bearing mechanism of suction bucket for offshore wind turbine under seismic loads is revealed. • Effects of various factors on seismic responses of suction bucket foundation are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eighteen-nanometer gold and 3.5-nm silver colloidal particles closely packed by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to form its positively charged shell. The DNA network was formed on a mica substrate firstly. Later, CTAB–capped gold or silver colloidal solutions were cast onto DNA network surface. It was found that the gold or silver nanoparticles metallized networks were formed owing to the electrostatic-driven template assembling of positive charge of CTAB–capped gold and silver particles on the negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA molecules by the characterizations of AFM, XPS and UV–vis. This method may provide a novel and simple way to studying nanoparticles assembly conjugating DNA molecules and offer some potential promising applications in nanocatalysis, nanoelectronics, and nanosensor on the basis of the fabricated metal nanoparticles network. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trigonal phase of tellurium (t-Te) nanorods with tapered ends have been synthesized through spontaneous oxidation of NaHTe by dissolved oxygen at room temperature. Utilization of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate was found to help to obtain high-quality nanorods. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the possible nucleation and growth mechanism of the t-Te nanorods was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We synthesized a kind of gold nanoparticle protected by a synthetic lipid (didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, DDAB). With the help of these gold nanoparticles, hemoglobin can exhibit a direct electron transfer (DET) reaction. The formal potential locates at −169 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Spectral data indicated the hemoglobin on the electrode was not denatured. The lipid-protected gold nanoparticles were very stable (for at least 8 months). Their average diameter is 6.42 nm. It is the first time to use monolayer-protected nanoparticles to realize the direct electrochemistry of protein. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CTAB-stabilized silver nanoparticles were synthesized by NaBH4 reduction. The as-prepared nanoparticles can be self-assembled on 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) modified gold electrode, which was supported strongly by XPS measurements. Exceptional long-term stability of the as-prepared colloidal silver aqueous solution and the desorption of silver nanoparticle ensemble on MPA after alcohol rinsing proved that these CTAB molecules adsorbed on silver core formed interdigitated bilayer structure. DPV and differential capacitance measurements were performed to characterize the as-prepared silver nanoparticle ensemble, and the interesting quantized capacitance charging behaviors were observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plasmonic nanostructures are important building blocks in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Significant research efforts have been directed toward developing solution‐based or rigid‐substrate‐supported metallic nanostructures for novel applications in biophotonics, sensing, energy, and medicine. In parallel, there has been an increasing interest in the fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures on elastomeric substrates and exploring the impact of mechanical deformation including bending, torsion, and stretching on the collective plasmonic resonance properties. This burgeoning field may be defined as soft plasmonics (or soft mechanoplasmonics), analogous to soft electronics. This review describes the recent progress in the design, fabrication, characterization, properties, and applications of soft plasmonics. Soft plasmonics are expected to afford complementary features and functions to the field of soft electronics, enabling applications that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional rigid plasmonic structures, such as conformal attachment or integration with soft biological systems for real‐time sensing, actuation, and close‐loop feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free‐standing 2D nanoassemblies are ultrathin nanomembranes or nanosheets constructed from constituent nanoscale building blocks including metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, and magnetic nanoparticles, typically by a bottom‐up self‐assembly approach. Such free‐standing nanoassemblies are a new class of advanced functional materials that can integrate the unique optoelectronic properties of nanomaterials with thin film mechanics into confined 2D space. This offers attributes such as minimizing substrate effects, facile transfer, and soft devices in comparison to the corresponding substrate‐supported system. This review covers the recent progress in fabrication, characterization, and application of the free‐standing 2D nanoassemblies. To begin with, the attributes of free‐standing 2D nanoassemblies are discussed, followed by the description of fabrication methodologies. Then their novel optical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and stimuli responsible properties are covered, and their potential applications in filtration membrane, nanomechanical devices, and chemical sensing are further discussed. Finally, perspectives on the challenges and future opportunities of the free‐standing 2D nanoassemblies are shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop rotation affects the decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) and thereby alter the composition of SOM fractions. It remains unclear how different SOM fractions impact soil nitrogen (N) transformation in various rotation systems. The aim of this study was to ascertain the role of particulate organic matter (POM)-a labile SOM fraction-in soil N transformation under various crop rotations. A paired plot experiment was conducted under two common cropping patterns, i.e., rice–rapeseed rotation (RR) vs. rice–wheat rotation (RW). Soil chemical composition and organic matter fraction before rice transplanting were compared between RR and RW systems after four years of crop rotations (2017–2021). With the same N inputs, the rice yield and N uptake under RR were 16.4 % and 13.2 % higher than those under RW, respectively. Compared with RW, RR resulted in higher carbon (C) and N contents in soil POM, despite minimal differences in total SOM. A larger potentially mineralizable N pool and a higher N mineralization rate occurred under RR than under RW, based on the results of soil net mineralization experiment. When POM was incubated alone, its contribution to potentially mineralizable N was 65.1 % and 61.3 % in RR and RW soils, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that in contrast with RW, RR promoted the accumulation of organic matter with high bioavailability (e.g., amides, carbohydrates, polysaccharides) in soil POM. This might be responsible for the higher gross mineralization and nitrification rates but lower gross immobilization rate under RR than under RW. Consequently, RR not only increased the contents of POMC and POMN but also improved the quality of POM fraction in soils. Findings of the present study demonstrate that POM plays a distinct role in soil N mineralization in various rotation systems. The discrepancy in POM content and composition resulting from various crop rotations leads to differences in soil N mineralization, which in turn affects the N supply and rice yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human skin comprises multiple hierarchical layers that perform various functions such as protection, sensing, and structural support. Developing electronic skin (E‐skin) with similar properties has broad implications in health monitoring, prosthetics, and soft robotics. While previous efforts have predominantly concentrated on sensory capabilities, this study introduces a hierarchical polymer system that not only structurally resembles the epidermis‐dermis bilayer structure of skin but also encompasses sensing functions. The system comprises a polymeric hydrogel, representing the "dermis", and a superimposed nanoporous polymer film, forming the "epidermis". Within the film, interconnected nanoparticles mimic the arrangement of interlocked corneocytes within the epidermis. The fabrication process employs a robust in situ interfacial precipitation polymerization of specific water‐soluble monomers that become insoluble during polymerization. This process yields a hybrid layer establishing a durable interface between the film and hydrogel. Beyond the structural mimicry, this hierarchical structure offers functionalities resembling human skin, which includes (1) water loss protection of hydrogel by tailoring the hydrophobicity of the upper polymer film; (2) tactile sensing capability via self‐powered triboelectric nanogenerators; (3) built‐in gold nanowire‐based resistive sensor toward temperature and pressure sensing. This hierarchical polymeric approach represents a potent strategy to replicate both the structure and functions of human skin in synthetic designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of Internet-of-things, many things can stay connected; however, biological systems, including those necessary for human health, remain unable to stay connected to the global Internet due to the lack of soft conformal biosensors. The fundamental challenge lies in the fact that electronics and biology are distinct and incompatible, as they are based on different materials via different functioning principles. In particular, the human body is soft and curvilinear, yet electronics are typically rigid and planar. Recent advances in materials and materials design have generated tremendous opportunities to design soft wearable bioelectronics, which may bridge the gap, enabling the ultimate dream of connected healthcare for anyone, anytime, and anywhere. We begin with a review of the historical development of healthcare, indicating the significant trend of connected healthcare. This is followed by the focal point of discussion about new materials and materials design, particularly low-dimensional nanomaterials. We summarize material types and their attributes for designing soft bioelectronic sensors; we also cover their synthesis and fabrication methods, including top-down, bottom-up, and their combined approaches. Next, we discuss the wearable energy challenges and progress made to date. In addition to front-end wearable devices, we also describe back-end machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence, telecommunication, and software. Afterward, we describe the integration of soft wearable bioelectronic systems which have been applied in various testbeds in real-world settings, including laboratories that are preclinical and clinical environments. Finally, we narrate the remaining challenges and opportunities in conjunction with our perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of dissipating large heat power with cyclical operating modes of satellite, one mechanically pumped two-phase loop (MPTL) coupled with a novel phase change energy storage device was designed and constructed. The phase change energy storage device integrating with filament tube heat exchanger and form-stable phase change material (PCM) with expanded graphite (EG) was designed and employed to increase the conductivity. The two-phase change behavior of liquid-vapor change for MPTL and solid-liquid transition for PCM was used to acquire, transport and store the heat. Results indicated that the time of heat storage for PCM device was more than 598.0 s, and the temperature at the outlet of the device increased from −2.0 °C to 15.0 °C under the heating power of 6.7 kW. The flowrate decreased from 0.059 kg/s to 0.034 kg/s due to the length increase of two-phase section during the melting process of PCM device. Lowering the rotation speed of pump increased the oscillating amplitude of flowrate, and its maximum value reached to 0.008 kg/s. The total working period for PCM device for lower rotation speed of 8000 r/min was 48.0 s longer than that for higher speed of 10000 r/min due to decreased heat transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold, one of the noble metals, has played a significant role in human society throughout history. Gold's excellent electrical, optical and chemical properties make the element indispensable in maintaining a prosperous modern electronics industry. In the emerging field of stretchable electronics (elastronics), the main challenge is how to utilize these excellent material properties under various mechanical deformations. This review covers the recent progress in developing “softening” gold chemistry for various applications in elastronics. We systematically present material synthesis and design principles, applications, and challenges and opportunities ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmene is recently defined as 2D arrays of plasmonic nanoparticles, which could be fabricated by the bottom‐up self‐assembly approach and demonstrated a wide range of applications in sensing, energy harvesting, nanophotonics and encryption. Herein, this work further demonstrates a 3D helical plasmonic nanostructures that can be fabricated from 2D plasmene nanosheet. Inspired by chocolate curls‐making process, a micro‐spatula‐based strategy is developed to selectively scrape substrate‐supported plasmene to free space, which spontaneously folds the plasmene nanosheet into various complex helical nanostructures with controlled dimensions. 3D nanospirals can also be obtained by focus ion beam (FIB)‐based lithography on free‐standing plasmene. Helical plasmene structures are robust, exhibiting elastic mechanical properties and chiral optical response. This methodology represents a versatile fabrication route combining both bottom‐up and top‐down approaches to create soft plasmonic helical structures for potential applications in next‐generation flexible nanophotonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back pain is a serious medical problem especially for those people sitting over long periods during their daily work. Here we present a system to help users monitoring and examining their sitting behavior. The Virtual-Spine Platform (VSP) is an integrated system consisting of a real-time body position monitoring module and a data visualization module to provide individualized, immediate, and accurate sitting behavior support. It provides a comprehensive spine movement analysis as well as accumulated data visualization to demonstrate behavior patterns within a certain period. The two modules are discussed in detail focusing on the design of the VSP system with adequate capacity for continuous monitoring and a web-based interactive data analysis method to visualize and compare the sitting behavior of different persons. The data was collected in an experiment with a small group of subjects. Using this method, the behavior of five subjects was evaluated over a working day, enabling inferences and suggestions for sitting improvements. The results from the accumulated data module were used to elucidate the basic function of body position recognition of the VSP. Finally, an expert user study was conducted to evaluate VSP and support future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The refining characteristics of the highly concentrated water-in-oil emulsion, which are used as ‘emulsion precursors’ for the preparation of emulsion explosives, were investigated to elucidate the manner in which the refining time influences its microstructure and rheological behaviour. The development of microstructure at various stages of the emulsification process has been studied in detail and an empirical correlation between the characteristic droplet size and refining time has been proposed. The evolution of rheological characteristics of the emulsion during the microstructure refinement has been investigated through different protocols of the dynamic and steady-state rheology. An extended refining led to a finer microstructure and resulted in an increase in the elastic modulus, yield stress and viscosity of the emulsion. The droplet size dependency of the elasticity and the yield stress during the refining have also been discussed. The network structure of the dispersed phase, the droplet size and the corresponding interdroplet interactions all govern the rheological characteristics of the final emulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-viral gene delivery has been well recognised as a potential way to address the main safety limitations of viral gene carriers. A new redox-responsive PEI derivative was designed, synthesized and evaluated for non-viral delivery applications of GFP DNA. Glycol chitosan was covalently attached to highly branched LMW PEI via bio-cleavable disulfide bonds to synthesize a new redox-responsive gene carrier (GCS-ss-PEI). Results showed the enhanced buffering capacity of GCS-ss-PEI, 43.1%, compared to the buffering capacities of both LMW PEI and HMW PEI, 23.2% and 31.5%, respectively, indicating more likely endosomal escape of the entrapped gene for GCS-ss-PEI. Moreover, electrophoretic gel retardation assay, performed to investigate the binding strength of GCS-ss-PEI to GFP DNA, showed stronger complexation with GFP DNA in GCS-ss-PEI at non-GSH condition. Employing GCS and incorporation of disulfide bonds in the structure of the PEI-based gene carrier resulted in improved redox-responsivity, reduced toxicity, enhanced endosomal escape and GFP DNA transfection. The facilitated intracellular gene release along with excellent redox-responsive characteristics and dropped cytotoxicity suggests the potential of GCS-ss-PEI as a candidate for developing highly efficient and safe gene vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommender system has been recognized as a superior way for solving personal information overload problem. Rating, as an evaluation criteria revealing how much a customer likes a product, has been a foundation of recommender systems for a long period based on the popular latent factor models. However, review texts as the valuable user generated content have been neglected all the time. Recently, models integrating ratings and review texts as training sources have attracted a lot of attention, which may model review texts by topic model or its variants and then link latent factor vectors to topic distribution of review texts. For that, the integrated models need complicated optimization algorithms to fuse the heterogeneous sources, that may cause greater errors. In this work, we aim to propose a novel model, called Aspect-based Latent Factor Model (ALFM) to integrate ratings and review texts via latent factor model, in which by integrating rating matrix, user-review matrix and item-attribute matrix, the user latent factors and item latent factors with word latent factors can be derived. Our proposed model aggregates all review texts of the same user on the respective items and builds a user-review matrix by word frequencies. Similarly, an item’s review is considered as all review texts of the same item collected from respective users. According to different information abstracted from review texts, we introduce two different kinds of item-attribute matrix to integrate the item-word frequencies and polarity scores of corresponding words. Experimental results on real-world data sets from amazon.com illustrate that our model can not only perform better than traditional models and art-of-state models on rating prediction task, but also accomplish cross-domain task through transferring word embedding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal desalination is one of renewable energy-driven desalination technologies. Due to the continuous decrease of geothermal fluid temperature, desalination rate changes with running of the system. Therefore, this paper presents a theoretical study on the transient performance of geothermal desalination with variable geothermal fluid temperature. Firstly, a comprehensive model coupling with transient geothermal extraction and heat and mass transfer in desalination unit was built to simulate the transient performance. Deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger is used for geothermal extraction and humidification-dehumidification unit is taken for thermal desalination. Then the transient performances of the system, freshwater production rate, geothermal fluid temperature and extraction were studied and the effects on the transient performances were also investigated. The simulation results show that freshwater production rate drops by about 60 % during 20-years operation with continuous declination of geothermal fluid temperature and extraction, and the drop trend is strengthened with BHE depth and geothermal gradient rising, but weakened with increase of rock thermal conductivity. The production rate increases with air flow rate rising but decreases with increase of seawater flow rate. Both production rate and humidifying capacity can be enhanced by improving air temperature at inlet of humidifier and reducing the inlet relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the optical response of a gold nanocube antenna supported by a high-permittivity dielectric nanocuboid substrate and propose schemes for broadband tailoring of its plasmonic resonances via alteration in image-charge screening. Based on finite-element-method (FEM) simulations-in agreement with filtered-coupled-dipole-approximations (FCDA)-we explore the tunability and spectral evolution of the substrate-supported nanocube's hybridized plasmon modes as functions of the relative permittivity and dimensions of the dielectric substrate. Besides numerical calculations, we also derive simple analytical expressions using image-charge theory to readily estimate the resonance spectral shift-gauging the intense particle-substrate interaction-for a substrate-supported nanocube. Strong localized electric field, around the nanocube's vertices and edges near the substrate, is observed due to the image charges induced in the substrate by the coupled bonding mode arising from hybridization of the primitive dipolar and quadrupolar modes of the nanocube. By introducing slots on the dielectric substrate in the areas around the nanocube's edges where electric field is highly concentrated, we achieve substrate's surface-mediated wideband tunability of plasmonic resonance as functions of the geometric parameters of the slots while maintaining the overall dimensions and material of the nanocuboid substrate. These slots enable dynamic tunability of plasmon resonance by placing graphene flakes on them, which facilitates electrical tailoring of nanocube's plasmon resonance over visible and near-infrared regions. Thus, these proposed schemes would allow one to widely tune the optical responses of any plasmonic nanoantennas using a slotted finite high-permittivity-dielectric substrate for numerous applications in nanophotonic integrated circuits and plasmonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intrinsically stretchable jellyfish-like gold nanowire film: a versatile wearable platform for simultaneous detection of chemical and physical biometrics. • Multifunctional wearable: Electrochemical electrodes, strain, temperature, pressure, and noncontact humidity sensors. • Versatile monitoring: Effectively tracks diverse human motions and physiological signals. • Adaptable integration: 3D printing hydrogels enable customized patterning and collaboration with other disruptive wearable technologies for remote health monitoring anytime, anywhere. We report on an intrinsically stretchable jellyfish-like gold nanowires film as a multifunctional wearable platform that can detect both chemical and physical biometrics. The film inherently exhibits multifunctionality, serving directly as an electrochemical electrode, strain sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and noncontact humidity sensor without the need of any additional materials. Our results highlight the excellent electrochemical properties, evidenced by a large electrochemical active surface area (EASA) of approximately 22.39 cm2 and the ability to withstand significant strain values up to 70 %. Leveraging these attributes, a stretchable electrochemical glucose biosensor was further designed with high sensitivity (45.40 μA·mM−1·cm−2) and low limit of detection (10 μM). In addition, its sensing applications in strain, temperature, pressure and noncontact humidity were systematically explored. Impressively, the gold film is capable of monitoring multiple human motions and physiological signals, including joints bending, pulse motions, throat motions (e.g. , drinking, speaking, swallowing and pronunciation recognition) and breathing. Furthermore, the film exhibited great versatility by integrating with 3D printing hydrogels, enabling customized patterning. The results demonstrate that our gold nanowires coating approach represent a new route to design multimodal soft wearable platforms for applications in personalized medicine and next- generation healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First study of the fouling behaviour of water-soluble poly(2,4-dialkyl-2-oxazoline)s. • Poly(2,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PdMeOx) of different handedness, alongside racemic PdMeOx are prepared with high end-group fidelity. • PdMeOx is revealed as low-fouling polymer. • Chirality of PdMeOx influences protein corona formation. Low-fouling polymers play a crucial role in the development of therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs), which are commonly described as nanomedicines. These hydrophilic polymers are typically designed to favourably alter the protein corona that forms around a NP by reducing the binding of opsonins, resulting in reduced immune recognition and clearance. The polymer specific proteome of the corona is mainly dictated by the physicochemical properties of the polymer and several parameters such as hydrophilicity and charge have been explored to regulate its composition. To date, there has been little attention given to the influence of the chirality of the hydrophilic polymer on the composition of the corona. Water-soluble poly(2,4-dialkyl-2-oxazoline)s (PdOx) are a unique synthetic polymer class to explore the effect of chirality as they can be rendered optically active if enantiopure monomers are used for their synthesis. Herein we prepared two water-soluble poly(2,4-dimethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PdMeOx) of different handedness, alongside racemic PdMeOx and the well-established low-fouling structural isomer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx). All polymers were equipped with sulphur-containing xanthate moieties with high end-group fidelity, which enabled anchoring to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a useful handle for evaluation of the polymer-specific fouling. It was revealed that a hard corona formed after exposing the coated AuNP to human plasma proteins as investigated by dynamic light scattering, SDS-PAGE and PierceTM bicinchoninic acid protein assay (BCA) revealing a similar protein adsorption between PEtOx and all three PdMeOx. Moreover, a detailed proteomics study using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was performed and analysed by label-free quantitation (LFQ). Overall, the PdMeOx systems showed similar human plasma protein corona profiles compared to the PEtOx control. However, between the R- and S-PdMeOx enantiomers differences in protein population abundances were observed, suggesting the propensity for specific interaction of chiral PdOx with different elements of the proteome. Overall, the present study introduces PdMeOx as a chiral, low fouling polymer system, which can reduce protein fouling in a similar magnitude to the PEtOx control. Importantly, we provide a first insight into how changes in the chirality of PdMeOx can influence the components of the protein corona, which will inform the future design of PdOx nanotherapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the image charge theory and finite element methods, we present the first comprehensive study on the optical properties of substrate-supported, three-layer, metal/dielectric/metal nanospheres. By adopting dipolar and quadrupolar approximations of the quasistatic image charge theory, we derive analytical expressions for the polarization-dependent polarizabilities of a three-layer nanosphere near a substrate and use them to find the nanosphere's plasmon resonance wavelengths as functions of the geometric and material parameters of the nanosphere-substrate system. By calculating the resonance wavelength of substrate-supported gold/silica/gold nanosphere over a sufficiently large domain of the nanosphere's dimensions, we show that this wavelength can be tuned from visible to infrared regions by altering only the size of the nanosphere's core. We also show that the resonance position as well as the enhancement and confinement of the near-field can be dynamically tuned over broad ranges by changing the polarization of the excitation light. Of significance for the applicability of our results in practice is that we employ size-dependent permittivity of gold, which allows experimentalists to readily produce these substrate-supported nanospheres with desired optical responses. Upon comparing our analytical results with the results of numerical simulations, we reveal the range of the nanospheres' outer radii within which the dipolar and quadrupolar approximations adequately describe the nanosphere-substrate interaction. Since majority of the optical functions are realized with light polarized parallel to the substrate, our results allow one to readily engineer the broadband optical responses of substrate-supported metal/dielectric/metal nanospheres for applications in resonance-enhanced sensing, in light harvesting, and in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over more than 20years of development has led to the substantial progress made in the wet chemical synthesis of elementary nanoparticle building blocks including metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, and magnetic particles. However, it remains challenging to rationally assemble them into well-defined molecule-like architectures. DNA was first used to program nanomaterials synthesis in 1996, and more recently highly-ordered structures have emerged, including finite-number assemblies (nanoparticle molecules), regularly spaced nanoparticle chains (nanoparticle polymers) and extended two- and three-dimensional ordered arrays (nanoparticle superlattices). In this review, we largely focus on the use of DNA to grow nanoparticle superlattices. First, typical synthetic approaches and characterization methodologies for monodisperse nanoparticle building blocks used in DNA-based nanoparticle superlattices are described; secondly, the viable conjugation and characterization methods are discussed; finally, the three representative self-assembly strategies are introduced in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Through electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly, AuCl4- anions and [tetrakis(N-methylpyridyl)porphyrinato] cobalt (CoTMPyP) cations were alternately deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates, and 4-aminobenzoic acid modified glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical reduction of AuCl4- anions sandwiched between CoTMPyP layers leads to the in situ formation of Au nanoparticles in the multilayer films. Regular growth of the multilayer films is monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy. UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry confirm the formation of Au nanoparticles in the multilayer films after electrochemical reduction of AuCl4- anions. Atomic force spectroscopy verifies that the as-prepared Au nanoparticles are uniformly distributed with average particles diameters of 20–25nm. The resulting composite films containing Au nanoparticles with high stability exhibit high electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of dioxygen. Rotating disk electrode voltammetry and rotating ring-disk electrode voltammetry demonstrate the Au nanoparticles-containing films can catalyze two-electron reduction of O2 to H2O2 in O2-saturated 0.1M H2SO4 solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A virtual world has now become a reality as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology become commercially available. Similar to how humans interact with the physical world, AR and VR systems rely on human–machine interface (HMI) sensors to interact with the virtual world. Currently, this is achieved via state of‐the‐art wearable visual and auditory tools that are rigid, bulky, and burdensome, thereby causing discomfort during practical application. To this end, a skin sensory interface has the potential to serve as the next‐generation AR/VR technology because skin‐like wearable sensors have advantages in that they can be ultrathin, ultra‐soft, conformal, and imperceptible, which provides the ultimate comfort and immersive experience for users. In this progress report, nanowire‐based soft wearable HMI sensors including acoustic, strain, pressure sensors, and physiological sensors are reviewed that may be adopted as skin sensory inputs in future AR/VR systems. Further, nanowire‐based soft contact lenses, haptic force, and thermal and vibration actuators are covered as potential means of feedback for future AR/VR systems. Considering the possible effects of the virtual world on human health, skin‐like wearable artery pulses, glucose, and lactate sensors are also described, which may enable imperceptible health monitoring during future AR/VR practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of Chinese milk vetch (MV) as green manure is an effective practice for improving paddy soil fertility and rice yields in China. However, few studies have investigated the effects of MV on phosphorus (P) availability and the risk of P loss. An 11-year field experiment was conducted to analyze the effects of returning MV to paddy soil on soil P forms, late rice yield and soil fertility, as well as the related mechanisms. The experiment included seven treatments: (1) F0M0 (no-fertilizer and no-MV); (2) F1M0 (chemical fertilizer alone), (3) F2M0 (70% of chemical fertilizer), and F2MV1–4 (70% of chemical fertilizer and 7500 kg ha-1 MV, 15000 kg ha-1 MV, 22500 kg ha-1 MV, 30000 kg ha-1 MV). The Olsen-P of F2M1–4 were significantly higher (38.3–54.5%) than that of F2M0 and the CaCl 2 -P levels of F2M1–4 were significantly lower (47.7–61.6%) than that of F1M0. The Olsen-P was mainly influenced by soil total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), pH, free Fe/Al (Fe DCB /Al DCB), organic bound Fe (Fe o), noncrystalline amorphous Al (Al ox) and exchange Mg2+, while the CaCl 2 -P was mainly influenced by TP, pH Al ox , Fe DCB , Al DCB, and exchange Mg2+/Ca2+. Partial least squares path model analysis indicated that chemical fertilizer played more important role on the Olsen-P and the CaCl 2 -P. MV application had the negative effect (the total effect value −0.48) on the CaCl 2 -P and decreased the risk of P loss yet. Two-segment regression analyses indicated the critical Olsen-P levels were 19.39 mg kg-1 for late rice yield and 31.94 mg kg-1 for soluble P, respectively. In conclusion, the continuous application of MV not only improved P availability to enhance late rice yield, but also reduced the risk of P loss in paddy soil in double rice systems. [Display omitted] • MV improved rice yield and soil fertility in double rice systems. • MV inhibited the risk of P by influencing soil fertility and exchange Ca/Mg. • MV improved P availability to enhance rice yield, and reduced the risk of P loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology's rapid development of nanostructured materials with disruptive material properties has inspired research for their use as electrocatalysts to potentially substitute enzymes. Herein, a novel electrocatalytic nanomaterial was constructed by growing gold nanograss (AuNG) on 2D nanoassemblies of gold nanocubes (AuNC). The resulting structure (NG@NC) was used for the detection of H 2 O 2 via its electrochemical reduction. The NG@NC electrode displayed a large active surface area, resulting in improved electron transfer efficiency. On the nanoscale, AuNG maintained its structure, providing high stability and reproducibility of the sensing platform. Our nanostructured electrode showed excellent catalytic activity towards H 2 O 2 at an applied potential of −0.5 V vs Ag/AgCl. This facilitated H 2 O 2 detection with excellent selectivity in an environment like human urine, and a linear response from 50 µM to 30 mM, with a sensitivity of 100.66 ± 4.0 μA mM−1 cm−2. The NG@NC-based sensor hence shows great potential in nonenzymatic electrochemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of studies conducted about nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors has increased in recent years due to the development of more stable and robust electrodes using noble metals. One of the key aspects for achieving high sensing performance including detection limit and sensitivity is the design of electrode architecture. Herein, we report a new electrochemical sensing platform featuring ultrathin standing gold nanowires (AuNWs) for nonenzymatic detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The use of AuNWs resulted in an increased electron transfer efficiency due to the higher active surface area compared to traditional gold film electrodes. This sensor demonstrates good selectivity, reproducibility, a linear range up to 49.5 mM of H2O2 with a sensitivity of 0.185±0.003 mAmM−1cm−2 and a limit of detection of 111 μM. The biological relevance of this sensor was tested in cell culture media to illustrate the performance of the proposed sensing electrode in complex biological media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heat conduction enhanced flexible phase change material (FPCM) film is developed. • FPCM film thermally manages the compact electronics almost without occupying space. • FPCM film lowers the chip's temperature with a maximum drop of 14.3 ℃. • Graphene film enhances heat transfer of FPCM film along the inplane direction. • Latent heat capacity utilization rate of the FPCM film is significantly increased. Strict internal space limit of compact electronics makes it hard to use cooling tubes for the forced convection or phase change materials (PCMs) block to thermal control. In this paper, two types of high thermal conductive flexible phase change material (FPCM) with latent heat of 160.2 J/g and 153.1 J/g were developed into film morphology with the thickness of 0.4 mm, and were used to manage heat dissipation of the compact electronics. The experimental results show that temperature of the analog chip controlled by FPCM film is indeed lowered with a maximum drop of 14.3 ℃. The promotion of FPCM's thermal conductivity increases the effective thermal control time but still is insufficient to the heat dissipation along the inplane direction inside electronics. Therefore, the graphene film with plane thermal conductivity of 1500 W/m·K is employed to fabricate the composite heat-diffusion FPCM film to enhance transverse heat transfer. The result shows the latent heat capacity utilization rate of the FPCM film and heat diffusion area along the inplane direction are significantly increased with the extension of thermal control time by 32.4% at 3.2 W. These results are expected to provide a strong basis for the implementation and optimization of phase change thermal management technique in compact electronic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An artificial basilar membrane (ABM) is an acoustic transducer that mimics the mechanical frequency selectivity of the real basilar membrane, which has the potential to revolutionize current cochlear implant technology. While such ABMs can be potentially realized using piezoelectric, triboelectric, and capacitive transduction methods, it remains notoriously difficult to achieve resistive ABM due to the poor frequency discrimination of resistive‐type materials. Here, a point crack technology on noncracking vertically aligned gold nanowire (V‐AuNW) films is reported, which allows for designing soft acoustic sensors with electric signals in good agreement with vibrometer output—a capability not achieved with corresponding bulk cracking system. The strategy can lead to soft microphones for music recognition comparable to the conventional microphone. Moreover, a soft resistive ABM is demonstrated by integrating eight nanowire‐based sensor strips on a soft trapezoid frame. The wearable ABM exhibits high‐frequency selectivity in the range of 319–1951 Hz and high sensitivity of 0.48–4.26 Pa−1. The simple yet efficient fabrication in conjunction with programmable crack design indicates the promise of the methodology for a wide range of applications in future wearable voice recognition devices, cochlea implants, and human–machine interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification with Au nanoparticles on the surface of semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) is a simple and effective mean to improve the sensing performance of pristine SMO sensor. ZnO nanorods are prepared via a simple precipitation reaction and subsequently modified by catalytic Au nanoparticles with effect on the surface through an ammonia deposition method. The gas response of sensor based on ZnO nanorods modified by Au nanoparticles is improved by 6.6 times to 100 ppm acetone at the optimal operating temperature of 172 °C, which is reduced from 219 °C for pristine ZnO sensor. Meanwhile, the response/recovery time is shortened to 1 s/20 s from 13 s/29 s. In addition, the sensing enhancement mechanism can be attributed to the electronic and chemical sensitization effects of Au nanoparticles. Image 1 • The synthesis of ZnO nanorods is simple and the modification of Au NPs is easy. • The response of Au-ZnO sensor is improved by 6.6 times to 100 ppm acetone. • Au-ZnO sensor exhibits lower working temperature and shorter response/recovery time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold‐nanowires (AuNWs)‐coated mesostructured silica fibers that have the appearance of a cat's tail have been successfully designed and synthesized. The silica fibers had a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area of 347 m2 g−1 and Barret‐Joyner‐Halenda (BJH) pore size of 3.8 nm. Negatively charged gold seeds could be anchored onto the surface of mesoporous silica fibers through electrostatic attraction. Further treatment with growth solution (including HAuCl4, 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid, and ascorbic acid) enabled successful growth of vertically aligned AuNWs with controllable lengths on the silica fiber surfaces. These coaxial mesostructured silica microfibers conjugated with AuNWs exhibit excellent stability and real‐time response with high durability (≥2500 cycles) as a sensitive flexible microelectronic material. The fabricated device is able to detect the human pulse (measured at the wrist), as well as small‐amplitude finger motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Special morphology: hierarchical and hollow porous Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes through annealing process of Prussian blue (PB) nanocubes. • The sensor based on Pt-Fe 2 O 3 presents superior sensing properties to 100 ppm of acetone at operating temperature of 139 °C. • The response of sensor based on Pt-Fe 2 O 3 is 8 times to pure Fe 2 O 3 and the optimum operating temperature is obviously reduced. Nanosized Pt-loaded Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes are prepared through, successively, a simple hydrothermal reaction, two-step annealing process and finally reduction with NaBH 4 of H 2 PtCl 4. The resultant Pt decorated Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes, made up of Fe 2 O 3 nanoplatelets, are hierarchical, hollow and porous, with an average edge length of 200–300 nm. The sensor based on Pt decorated Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposites exhibits higher response (R air /R gas = 25.7) to 100 ppm of acetone gas at lower temperature (139 °C), with a short response-recovery time (3 s/22 s), compared with pure Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes sensor. The Pt-Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposite sensor shows excellent potential to act as a low cost, low temperature sensor for acetone gas, with high acetone selectivity under high humidity conditions and with the interference of other gases. Under various environmental conditions designed to mimic exhaled air, the sensor is able to detect ppb amounts of acetone, with high repeatability and stability, making it suitable for applications such as oral diabetic sensors. The attractive chemical and electronic sensitizations of partially oxidized Pt nanoparticles are responsible for the enhancement of acetone sensing performance. Based on the high acetone selectivity, high stability and fast dynamic response, the Pt enhanced Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes sensor is an exceptionally suitable candidate for a low cost acetone sensor, and the proposed approach provides a route to develop gas sensors that can operate at low temperatures for a wide variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freestanding layered membrane–based devices have broad applications in highly efficient energy‐storage/conversion systems. The liquid–solid interface is considered as a unique yet versatile interface for constructing such layered membrane–based devices. In this review, the authors outline recent developments in the fabrication of soft materials to functionalize layered devices from the aspect of liquid–solid interfacial assembly and engineering arts. Seven liquid–solid interfacial assembly strategies, including flow‐directed, superlattice, solvent‐casting, evaporation‐induced, dip‐coating, spinning, and electrospinning assemblies, are comprehensively highlighted with a focus on their synthetic pathways, formation mechanisms, and interface engineering strategies. Meanwhile, recent representative works on layered membrane–based devices for electrochemical energy applications are presented. Finally, challenges and opportunities of this research area are highlighted in order to stimulate future developments. This review not only offers comprehensive and practical approaches to assemble liquid–solid interfaces with soft materials for various important layered electrochemical energy devices but also sheds lights on fundamental insights by thoughtful discussions on performance enhancement mechanisms of these electrochemical energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]