Lisocabtagene maraleucel in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (TRANSCEND CLL 004): a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 1-2 study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma for whom treatment has failed with both Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor and venetoclax have few treatment options and poor outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel) at the recommended phase 2 dose in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. METHODS: We report the primary analysis of TRANSCEND CLL 004, an open-label, single-arm, phase 1-2 study conducted in the USA. Patients aged 18 years or older with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma and at least two previous lines of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor, received an intravenous infusion of liso-cel at one of two target dose levels: 50 × 106 (dose level 1) or 100 × 106 (dose level 2, DL2) chimeric antigen receptor-positive T cells. The primary endpoint was complete response or remission (including with incomplete marrow recovery), assessed by independent review according to the 2018 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia criteria, in efficacy-evaluable patients with previous BTK inhibitor progression and venetoclax failure (the primary efficacy analysis set) at DL2 (null hypothesis of ≤5%). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03331198. FINDINGS: Between Jan 2, 2018, and June 16, 2022, 137 enrolled patients underwent leukapheresis at 27 sites in the USA. 117 patients received liso-cel (median age 65 years [IQR 59-70]; 37 [32%] female and 80 [68%] male; 99 [85%] White, five [4%] Black or African American, two [2%] other races, and 11 [9%] unknown race; median of five previous lines of therapy [IQR 3-7]); all 117 participants had received and had treatment failure on a previous BTK inhibitor. A subset of patients had also experienced venetoclax failure (n=70). In the primary efficacy analysis set at DL2 (n=49), the rate of complete response or remission (including with incomplete marrow recovery) was statistically significant at 18% (n=9; 95% CI 9-32; p=0·0006). In patients treated with liso-cel, grade 3 cytokine release syndrome was reported in ten (9%) of 117 (with no grade 4 or 5 events) and grade 3 neurological events were reported in 21 (18%; one [1%] grade 4, no grade 5 events). Among 51 deaths on the study, 43 occurred after liso-cel infusion, of which five were due to treatment-emergent adverse events (within 90 days of liso-cel infusion). One death was related to liso-cel (macrophage activation syndrome-haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). INTERPRETATION: A single infusion of liso-cel was shown to induce complete response or remission (including with incomplete marrow recovery) in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma, including patients who had experienced disease progression on a previous BTK inhibitor and venetoclax failure. The safety profile was manageable. FUNDING: Juno Therapeutics, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Enhanced exclusive enteral nutrition delivery during the first 7 days is associated with decreased 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with normal lactate level: a post hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EN) is often observed during the first week of ICU admission because of the extra costs and safety considerations for early parenteral nutrition. This study aimed to assess the association between nutrition intake and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients receiving exclusive EN. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a cluster-randomized clinical trial that assesses the effect of implementing a feeding protocol on mortality in critically ill patients. Patients who stayed in the ICUs for at least 7 days and received exclusive EN were included in this analysis. Multivariable Cox hazard regression models and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the relationship between the different doses of EN delivery and 28-day mortality. Subgroups with varying lactate levels at enrollment were additionally analyzed to address the potential confounding effect brought in by the presence of shock-related hypoperfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 1322 patients were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range) daily energy and protein delivery during the first week of enrollment were 14.6 (10.3-19.6) kcal/kg and 0.6 (0.4-0.8) g/kg, respectively. An increase of 5 kcal/kg energy delivery was associated with a significant reduction (approximately 14%) in 28-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.865, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.768-0.974, P = 0.016). For protein intake, a 0.2 g/kg increase was associated with a similar mortality reduction with an adjusted HR of 0.868 (95% CI 0.770-0.979). However, the benefits associated with enhanced nutrition delivery could be observed in patients with lactate concentration ≤ 2 mmol/L (adjusted HR = 0.804 (95% CI 0.674-0.960) for energy delivery and adjusted HR = 0.804 (95% CI 0.672-0.962) for protein delivery, respectively), but not in those > 2 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: During the first week of critical illness, enhanced nutrition delivery is associated with reduced mortality in critically ill patients receiving exclusive EN, only for those with lactate concentration ≤ 2 mmol/L. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN12233792, registered on November 24, 2017.

Switchable optical ring lattice in free space.

Optical lattices with spatially regular structures have recently attracted considerable attention across physics and optics communities. In particular, due to the increasing emergence of new structured light fields, diverse lattices with rich topology are being generated via multi-beam interference. Here, we report a specific ring lattice with radial lobe structures generated via superposition of two ring Airy vortex beams (RAVBs). We show that the lattice morphology evolves upon propagation in free space, switching from a bright-ring lattice to dark-ring lattice and even to fascinating multilayer texture. This underlying physical mechanism is related to the variation of the unique intermodal phase between the RAVBs as well as topological energy flow with symmetry breaking. Our finds provide an approach for engineering customized ring lattices to inspire a wide variety of new applications.

Topological spatial differentiation via complex amplitude filtering in Fourier space.

Various approaches to implementing optical analog differentiation have been studied extensively and applied in edge-based image processing. Here, we report a topological optical differentiation scheme based on complex amplitude filtering, i.e., amplitude and spiral phase modulation in Fourier space. The isotropic and anisotropic multiple-order differentiation operations are demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. Meanwhile, we also achieve multiline edge detection corresponding to the differential order for the amplitude and phase objects. This proof-of-principle work could open up new avenues for engineering a nanophotonic differentiator and realizing a more compact image-processing system.

Promotion of Interface Fusion of Solid Polymer Electrolyte and Cathode by Ultrasonic Vibration.

All-solid-state polymer lithium batteries have good safety, stability, and high energy densities and are employed in wireless sensors. However, the solid contact between the polymer electrolyte and the cathode leads to high interface resistance, limiting the broad application of solid-state lithium batteries. This paper proposes an ultrasonic fusion method to reduce the interface resistance between the polymer electrolyte and the cathode. The method applied a high-frequency ultrasonic vibration technique to impact the polymer electrolyte/cathode structure, melting the electrolyte at the interface and thus generating good contact at the interface. The experimental results showed that the ultrasonic fusion method decreased the interface resistance between the polymer electrolyte and the cathode by 96.2%. During the ultrasonic fusion process, high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations generated high temperatures at the interface, and the polymer electrolyte became molten, improving the contact between the electrolyte and the cathode. The ultrasonic fusion method eliminated the gaps at the interface, and the interface became more compact. Furthermore, ultrasonic vibrations made the molten electrolyte fill the holes in the cathode, and the contact area was enhanced, providing more Li+ ions transmission paths.

Selecting an anti-malarial clinical candidate from two potent dihydroisoquinolones.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing global malaria eradication campaign requires development of potent, safe, and cost-effective drugs lacking cross-resistance with existing chemotherapies. One critical step in drug development is selecting a suitable clinical candidate from late leads. The process used to select the clinical candidate SJ733 from two potent dihydroisoquinolone (DHIQ) late leads, SJ733 and SJ311, based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic (PK), and toxicity profiles is described. METHODS: The compounds were tested to define their physicochemical properties including kinetic and thermodynamic solubility, partition coefficient, permeability, ionization constant, and binding to plasma proteins. Metabolic stability was assessed in both microsomes and hepatocytes derived from mice, rats, dogs, and humans. Cytochrome P450 inhibition was assessed using recombinant human cytochrome enzymes. The pharmacokinetic profiles of single intravenous or oral doses were investigated in mice, rats, and dogs. RESULTS: Although both compounds displayed similar physicochemical properties, SJ733 was more permeable but metabolically less stable than SJ311 in vitro. Single dose PK studies of SJ733 in mice, rats, and dogs demonstrated appreciable oral bioavailability (60-100%), whereas SJ311 had lower oral bioavailability (mice 23%, rats 40%) and higher renal clearance (10-30 fold higher than SJ733 in rats and dogs), suggesting less favorable exposure in humans. SJ311 also displayed a narrower range of dose-proportional exposure, with plasma exposure flattening at doses above 200 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: SJ733 was chosen as the candidate based on a more favorable dose proportionality of exposure and stronger expectation of the ability to justify a strong therapeutic index to regulators.

Blocking an N-terminal acetylation-dependent protein interaction inhibits an E3 ligase.

N-terminal acetylation is an abundant modification influencing protein functions. Because ∼80% of mammalian cytosolic proteins are N-terminally acetylated, this modification is potentially an untapped target for chemical control of their functions. Structural studies have revealed that, like lysine acetylation, N-terminal acetylation converts a positively charged amine into a hydrophobic handle that mediates protein interactions; hence, this modification may be a druggable target. We report the development of chemical probes targeting the N-terminal acetylation-dependent interaction between an E2 conjugating enzyme (UBE2M or UBC12) and DCN1 (DCUN1D1), a subunit of a multiprotein E3 ligase for the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. The inhibitors are highly selective with respect to other protein acetyl-amide-binding sites, inhibit NEDD8 ligation in vitro and in cells, and suppress anchorage-independent growth of a cell line with DCN1 amplification. Overall, our data demonstrate that N-terminal acetyl-dependent protein interactions are druggable targets and provide insights into targeting multiprotein E2-E3 ligases.

Endothelial markers are associated with pancreatic necrosis and overall prognosis in acute pancreatitis: A preliminary cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial injury is believed to play an important role in the evolution of pancreatic microcirculatory dysfunction and pancreatic necrosis (PN) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of three endothelial markers (von Willebrand factor, vWF; E-selectin; endothelial protein C receptor, EPCR) in the early phase of AP, especially the relationship between endothelial markers and PN. METHODS: From March 2015 to March 2016, 57 AP patients admitted within 72 h of symptom onset in our hospital were included for this study. Blood samples were taken on admission and the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were recorded. The levels of vWF, E-selectin and EPCR were measured using ELISA for analysis and compared with other severity markers of AP. RESULTS: All the three markers were significantly different in healthy control, mild, moderate and severe AP patients. Moreover, the endothelial markers, especially vWF, also showed significant difference in patients with different extent of PN, as well as those with or without MODS. Additionally, the levels of endothelial markers correlated well with other commonly used markers of AP severity. CONCLUSION: Elevated endothelium-related mediators (vWF, E-selectin and EPCR) appear to participate in the development of PN and may be a potential indicator of overall prognosis. Our results may help clinicians better understand the pathophysiological process of the development of PN.

Sirt1 decreased adipose inflammation by interacting with Akt2 and inhibiting mTOR/S6K1 pathway in mice.

Sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1) and protein kinase B (Akt2) are associated with development of obesity and inflammation, but the molecular mechanisms of Sirt1 and Akt2 interaction on adipose inflammation remain unclear. To explore these mechanisms, a mouse model was used. Mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, with interventions of resveratrol (RES) or nicotinamide (NAM) during the last 15 days. The HFD reduced Sirt1 mRNA in adipose tissue and elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression. RES reduced the adipose tissue weight, increased the Sirt1 mRNA level, and reduced both mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, MCP-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and TNF-α by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt2 in adipose tissue. Additionally, macrophage type I marker genes were reduced while macrophage type II marker genes were elevated by RES addition. Moreover, activation of Akt2 signal by using insulin significantly blunted the inhibitory effect of RES on adipose inflammation. Immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that RES enhances the protein-protein interaction between Sirt1 and Akt2, but NAM inhibits this interaction. Furthermore, Sirt1 significantly reduced the levels of raptor and inactivated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)C1 signal by interacting with Akt2, and confirmed that RES attenuated adipose inflammation by inhibiting the mTOR/S6K1 pathway via rapamycin.

Predicting the clinical manifestations in necrotizing acute pancreatitis patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) is a relatively rare but important complication of necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NAP). Clinical manifestations and severity of this complication in different patients vary greatly, ranging from mild abdominal discomfort even asymptomatic to lethal gastrorrhagia or hepatic failure. The aim of the present study was to develop a model to predict the clinical manifestations of SVT in NAP patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of Jinling Hospital. Patients with the presence of both pancreatic necrosis and SVT were selected for possible inclusion. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied using 12 indices including age, gender, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (APACHE II), CRP(C - reactive protein) levels, etc to assess potential predictors for symptomatic pancreatic splanchnic venous thrombosis (PSVT) in this cohort. A prognostic nomogram was also applied to develop an easy-to-use prediction model. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NAP) and splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) from January 2012 to December 2013 were enrolled for analysis. A quarter of study subjects (26 of 104, 25%) developed variable symptomatic manifestations including variceal bleeding, persistent ascites and enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance during the disease course. In the multivariable regression model, the following factors were found to be associated with the occurrence of symptomatic SVT: Balthazar's computed tomography (CT) score (OR = 1.818; 95% CI: 1.251-2.641; P = 0.002), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) (OR = 1.172; 95% CI: 1.001-1.251; P = 0.043 and presence of SMVT (OR = 6.946; 95% CI: 2.290-21.074; P = 0.001). A prediction model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.842. CONCLUSIONS: Balthazar's CT score, IAP and SMVT are predictors of symptomatic SVT in NAP patients. The nomogram we conducted can be used as an easy-to-use risk stratification tool in either clinical practice or future studies.

A myristoylated cell-penetrating peptide bearing a transferrin receptor-targeting sequence for neuro-targeted siRNA delivery.

Many neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are characterized by aggregation of aberrant proteins and extensive oxidative stress in brain cells. As a treatment option for NDDs, RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising approach to suppress the activation of abnormal genes and negative regulators of antioxidant genes. Efficient neuro-targeted siRNA delivery requires a delicate optimization of nucleic acid carriers, quite distinct from putative pDNA carriers in regard to stable condensation and serum protection of siRNA, blood-brain barrier (BBB) bypass, effective siRNA delivery to brain cells, and functional release of bioactive siRNA at therapeutic levels. Here, we propose that a myristic acid conjugated, cell-penetrating peptide (transportan; TP), equipped with a transferrin receptor-targeting peptide (myr-TP-Tf), will lead to stable encapsulation of siRNA and targeted delivery of siRNA to brain cells overcoming the BBB. Myr-TP-Tf was successfully prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis with high purity. Myr-TP-Tf-siRNA complexes formulated at a 20:1 (peptide-siRNA) molar ratio provided prolonged siRNA stability against serum and ribonuclease treatment. Fluorescence images clearly indicated that siRNA uptake was successfully achieved by myr-TP-Tf complexes in both a murine brain endothelioma and a human glioma cell line. The luciferase assay and the human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP) reporter assay results demonstrated the functional gene silencing effect of myr-TP-Tf-siRNA complexes in a human glioma cell line as well as in primary murine neurons/astrocytes, supportive of successful release of bioactive siRNA into the cytosol. Finally, the transcytosis assay revealed that favorable siRNA transport via receptor-mediated transcytosis was mediated by myr-TP-Tf complexes. In summary, these data suggest that myr-TP-Tf peptides possess promising properties as a vehicle for neuro-targeted siRNA delivery. We will further study this peptide in vitro and in vivo for transport mechanism kinetics and to validate its capability to deliver siRNA to the brain, respectively.

Tumour eradication using synchronous thermal ablation and Hsp90 chemotherapy with protein engineered triblock biopolymer-geldanamycin conjugates.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suffers high tumour recurrence rate after thermal ablation. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) induced post-ablation is critical for tumour survival and progression. A combination therapy of thermal ablation and polymer conjugated Hsp90 chemotherapy was designed and evaluated for complete tumour eradication of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thermo-responsive, elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based tri-block biopolymer was developed and conjugated with a potent Hsp90 inhibitor, geldanamycin (GA). The anti-cancer efficacy of conjugates was evaluated in HCC cell cultures with and without hyperthermia (43 °C). The conjugates were also administered twice weekly in a murine HCC model as a single treatment or in combination with single electrocautery as the ablation method. RESULTS: ELP-GA conjugates displayed enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro and effective heat shock inhibition under hyperthermia. The conjugates alone significantly slowed the tumour growth without systemic toxicity. Four doses of thermo-responsive ELP-GA conjugates with concomitant simple electrocautery accomplished significant Hsp90 inhibition and sustained tumour suppression. CONCLUSION: Hsp90 inhibition plays a key role in preventing the recurrence of HCC, and the combination of ablation with targeted therapy holds great potential to improve prognosis and survival of HCC patients.

Relative bioavailability of fedratinib through various alternative oral administration methods in healthy adults.

Fedratinib is an oral Janus kinase 2-selective inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis; however, some patients have difficulty with oral dosing. This randomized, phase 1, open-label, 2-part crossover study evaluated the relative bioavailability, safety, tolerability, taste, and palatability of fedratinib resulting from various alternative oral administration methods in healthy adults. Participants could receive fedratinib 400 mg orally as intact capsules along with a nutritional supplement; as contents of capsules dispersed in a nutritional supplement, delivered via nasogastric tube; or as a divided dose of 200 mg orally twice daily as intact capsules with a nutritional supplement. Fifty-eight participants received treatment. Total exposure to fedratinib was similar after oral administration of intact capsules or when dispersed in a nutritional supplement (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the time of the last quantifiable concentration geometric mean ratio [AUC0-t GMR] [90% CI], 1.007 [0.929-1.092]). Total exposure to fedratinib was slightly reduced following nasogastric administration (AUC0-t GMR 0.850 [0.802-0.901]) and as a divided dose (AUC0-t GMR 0.836 [0.789-0.886]). No new safety signals were identified for fedratinib, and most participants found the taste and palatability acceptable when dispersed in a nutritional supplement. Overall, results suggest no clinically meaningful differences in total exposure to fedratinib between the tested oral administration methods. These findings may facilitate administration of fedratinib to patients who are intolerant of swallowing the capsule dosage form. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05051553).

Antitrypanosomal Chloronitrobenzamides.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg) or Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr), remains a significant public health concern with over 55 million people at risk of infection. Current treatments for HAT face the challenges of poor efficacy, drug resistance, and toxicity. This study presents the synthesis and evaluation of chloronitrobenzamides (CNBs) against Trypanosoma species, identifying previously reported compound 52 as a potent and selective orally bioavailable antitrypanosomal agent. 52 was well tolerated in vivo and demonstrated favorable oral pharmacokinetics, maintaining plasma concentrations surpassing the cellular EC50 for over 24 h and achieving peak brain concentrations exceeding 7 µM in rodents after single oral administration (50 mg/kg). Treatment with 52 significantly extended the lifespan of mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense and T. brucei rhodesiense. These results demonstrate that 52 is a strong antitrypanosomal lead with potential for developing treatments for both human and animal African trypanosomiasis.

Theoretical Analysis and Verification on Plastic Deformation Behavior of Rocket Nozzle Using a Novel Tube Upsetting-Bulging Method.

The rocket nozzle is one of the core components to ensure the safe flight of rockets. To overcome the problems of multi-step forming, the occurrence of defects, and severe plastic deformation in traditional technology, a novel forming method named tube upsetting-bulging (TUBG) is put forward. With the support of internal pressure, a tube is deformed with an upsetting and bulging process at the same time. The tube is thickened at the small end and thinned at the large end. A nozzle with sharply varying diameters can be obtained. A theoretical model of TUBG that considers wrinkles and rupture is built. The influence factors of internal pressure during TUBG are discussed. Experiments and simulation works are conducted to analyze the plastic deformation process of TUBG. Results show that mechanical properties and geometrical parameters have an obvious influence on critical internal pressure. The proposed theoretical model can be used to predict a forming zone without wrinkles, rupture, and severe strain values. A well-formed nozzle can be obtained using the predicted forming zone, which verifies the correctness of the theoretical analysis. It can be found that TUBG is a novel potential method to fabricate rocket nozzles with high efficiency and quality without defects.

A Novel PLLA/MgF2 Coating on Mg Alloy by Ultrasonic Atomization Spraying for Controlling Degradation and Improving Biocompatibility.

Problems of rapid degradation and poor biocompatibility (endothelialization and hemocompatibility) limit magnesium (Mg) alloy's further applications in vascular stents. To solve these problems, a novel composite coating was designed on Mg alloy via a two-step method. First, a Mg alloy sample was immersed in hydrofluoric acid. Then, a poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) coating was made by ultrasonic atomization spraying with 5 and 10 layers (referred to as PLLA(5)-HF-Mg and PLLA(10)-HF-Mg). Characterizations were analyzed from the microstructure, element distribution, and wettability. The degradation behavior was tested with an electrochemical test and immersion test. Endothelialization was investigated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Hemocompatibility was examined with a platelet adhesion test. The results showed that the PLLA coating could not only cover the surface, but also could permeate through and cover the holes on the MgF2 layer, mechanically locked with the substrate. Thus, the composite coating had higher corrosion resistance. The PLLA/MgF2 coating, especially on PLLA(10)-HF-Mg, enhanced HUVECs' viability and growth. While incubated with platelets, the PLLA/MgF2 coating, especially on PLLA(10)-HF-Mg, had the lowest platelet adhesion number and activity. Taken together, the novel PLLA/MgF2 coating controls Mg alloy's degradation by spraying different layers of PLLA, resulting in better endothelialization and hemocompatibility, providing a promising candidate for cardiovascular stents.

Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Bending Deformation of Fiber Metal Laminates.

Fiber metal laminates have been widely used as the primary materials in aircraft panels, and have excellent specific strength. Bending deformation is the most common loading mode of such components. An accurate theoretical predictive model for the bending process for the carbon reinforced aluminum laminates is of great significance for predicting the actual stress response. In this paper, based on the metal-plastic bending theory and the modified classical fiber laminate theory, a modified bending theory model of carbon-fiber-reinforced aluminum laminates was established. The plastic deformation of the thin metal layer in laminates and the interaction between fiber and metal interfaces were considered in this model. The bending strength was predicted analytically. The FMLs were made from 5052 aluminum sheets, with carbon fibers as the reinforcement, and were bonded and cured by locally manufacturers. The accuracy of the theory was verified by three-point bending experiments, and the prediction error was 8.4%. The results show that the fiber metal laminates consisting of three layers of aluminum and two layers of fiber had the best bending properties. The theoretical model could accurately predict the bending deformation behaviors of fiber metal laminates, and has significant value for the theoretical analysis and performance testing of laminates.

Reducing Interface Defects and Porosity of Adhesive Bonded Aluminum Alloy Joints via Ultrasonic Vibration.

The surface microstructure formed by physical or chemical modification is essential for the desired joint strength. However, defects in the bonding interface and adhesive can be found. Such defects decrease shear strength and durability. In this study, ultrasonic vibration was applied to liquid adhesive on the sandblasted aluminum alloy plates. With ultrasonic treatment, the joints obtained the compact bonding interfaces and lower porosity of the adhesive layer. The treatment improved the shear strength by 9.1%. After two weeks of hydrothermal aging, the shear strength of joints only sandblasted decreased drastically by 48.9%, while it was 14% for the joints with ultrasonic vibration. The cavitation effect in the adhesive was detected by the aluminum foil erosion method. The result showed that a great number of micro-jets generated by the cavitation effect have intensive impact on the bonding interface which provide the adhesive with powerful force to fill the micro-grooves. Another finding in this work is that bubbles were gathered in the adhesive away from the vibration area. This mechanism was successfully used to reduce the porosity of the adhesive layer of joints.

Engineering carbon semi-tubes supported platinum catalyst for efficient oxygen reduction electrocatalysis.

Innovation of catalyst structure is extremely important to develop the high-performance electrocatalysts for oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon semi-tube (N-CST) is used as a functional support for stabilizing the microwave-reduced Pt nanoparticles with an average size of ∼2.8 nm to synthesize the semi-tubular Pt/N-CST catalyst. The contribution of interfacial Pt-N bond between N-CST support and Pt nanoparticles with electrons transfer from N-CST support to Pt nanoparticles is found by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. This bridged Pt-N coordination can simultaneously help ORR electrocatalysis and promote electrochemical stability. As a result, the innovative Pt/N-CST catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance, realizing ORR activity and electrochemical stability superior to the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations suggest that the interfacial Pt-N-C site with unique affinity of O∗ + OH∗ can provide new active routes for the enhanced electrocatalytic ORR capacity.

Manipulating Pt-skin of porous network Pt-Cu alloy nanospheres toward efficient oxygen reduction.

Designing Pt-skin on the catalyst surface is critical to developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this paper, an acidic reductant is proposed to synchronously manipulate in-situ growth of Pt-skin on the surface of alloyed Pt-Cu nanospheres (PtCuNSs) by a facile one-pot synthesis in an aqueous solution. Ascorbic acid can create a Pt-skin of three atomic layers to make the typical PtCu-alloy@Pt-skin core/shell nanostructure rather than the uniform alloys generated by using alkaline reductants. Surfactant as soft-template can make the alloyed PtCuNSs with a three-dimensional porous network structure. Multiple characterizations of XRD, XPS and XAFS are used to confirm Pt-alloying with Cu and formation of core/shell structure of such a catalyst. This PtCuNSs/C exhibits a half-wave potential of 0.913 V (vs. RHE), with mass activity and specific activity about 3.5 and 6.4 times higher than those of Pt/C, respectively. Fuel cell tests verify the excellent activity of PtCuNSs/C catalyst with a maximum power density of about 1.2 W cm-2. Moreover, this catalyst shows excellent stability, achieving a long-term operation of 40,000 cycles. Furthermore, theoretical calculations reveal the enhancement effect of characteristic PtCu-alloy@Pt-skin nanostructure on both catalytic ORR activity and stability.