bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress‐Free Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymers with Dual‐Crystalline Phase Based on Poly(Tetramethylene Ether Glycol) and Poly(ε‐Caprolactone)
Authors: Zhang Bingyan , Jiang Jie , Li Jinjin , Lin Shaoliang , Zhao Ling , Xi Zhenhao , Yuan Weikang
Published: February 2025

Two‐way shape memory polymers (2W‐SMPs) are a class of smart materials and can undergo spontaneously reversible deformation after specific stimuli. It is crucial to develop 2W‐SMPs to achieve precise control of two‐way shape memory behavior without external forces and reveal their structure‐property relationships. In this study, dual‐crystalline phase crosslinked polymer networks based on poly(tetramethylene ether glycol) (PTMEG) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are fabricated via thiol‐ene click reactions. The networks with two independent melting temperatures are gained by adjusting the ratio of the two segments and the two‐way shape memory is enabled using the temperature difference between the two phases. The effects of network composition, pre‐tensile strain, and actuation temperature on the two‐way shape memory properties are investigated and the two‐way shape memory mechanism of dual‐crystalline phase polymers is further elucidated. Among the various compositions of networks, PTMEG8‐PCL2 exhibits the optimal two‐way shape memory properties, with the actuation strain of 24.25% and reversible strain of up to 10.35% at the actuation temperature and pre‐stretch strain of 45 °C and 15%, respectively, which is potential for soft robotics applications. It is believed that this work guides the design of semicrystalline networks with two‐way shape memory properties.
Price Stickiness in a Dual‐Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Saglam Ismail
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigate price stickiness in a dual‐channel supply chain where a manufacturer sells its product directly through an online retailer and indirectly through an offline retailer. We construct a noncooperative game where the manufacturer and the offline retailer decide whether or not to costlessly adjust their prices after a demand shock. If the demand shock is positive, then no price can be sticky at the unique Nash equilibrium. If the demand shock is negative, then we additionally observe equilibria where some or all prices can be sticky. We also show that no equilibrium is always Pareto optimal.
Elementary Wave Interactions in Two‐Layer Blood Flow Model
Authors: Mondal Rakib , Minhajul
Published: February 2025

In this work, we consider the Riemann problem for a hyperbolic system of partial differential equations (PDEs) governing two‐layer blood flows through arteries. The characteristics of Riemann invariants lead us to employ a projection of the elementary curves onto the reduced phase plane. Furthermore, exploiting the properties of these elementary curves, we establish the solution of the associated Riemann problem in this phase plane. Moreover, we have provided a necessary and sufficient condition on Riemann data for the existence of a vacuum. Finally, we investigate all possible cases of wave interaction rigorously in the phase plane.
Fishing for Solutions: How Pre‐Conceptional Fish Oil Supplementation in Obese Fathers Reduces Risk of Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Offspring Mice
Authors: Yang Junhui , Shrestha Akriti , Ramalingam Latha
Published: February 2025

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic condition with hepatic fat accumulation. The intergenerational effect of obesity has predominantly focused on mothers, with limited studies on paternal obesity. Nutritional intervention with fish oil (FO) has beneficial effects in reducing markers of obesity. We hypothesized that supplementing obese fathers with FO before conception could enhance the metabolic health of their offspring liver. Male mice were assigned to low‐fat (LF), high fat (HF), or HF supplemented with FO for 10 weeks. Subsequently, these males were mated with females on a chow diet. Offspring were sacrificed at 8 weeks, and liver tissues were analyzed for gene expression and histology. Offspring body weight was not significantly impacted by paternal diet. However, male offspring of HF fathers had higher levels of markers of inflammation and fatty acid synthesis compared to offspring of LF fed fathers. Paternal FO supplementation significantly reduced fatty acid synthesis and glucose metabolism, while increasing fatty acid oxidation in male offspring, with a less pronounced effect in female offspring. These findings suggest that FO supplementation in obese fathers prior to conception attenuates the development of MAFLD in male offspring. This data underscores the significance of paternal nutritional intervention in promoting offspring health.
Fast and accurate peak skin dose estimation method for interventional fluoroscopy patients
Authors: Han Haegin , Streitmatter Seth W. , Kitahara Cari M. , Lee Choonsik
Published: February 2025

Background

In fluoroscopy, particularly fluoroscopically guided interventions (FGIs), accurate estimation of peak skin dose (PSD) is crucial for identifying potential radiation‐induced skin injuries. Most current methodologies for PSD calculation methods rely on analytical methods, which may introduce uncertainty due to their limited consideration of the complexities of x‐ray beam conditions, patient geometry, and positioning. Methods based on full Monte Carlo (MC) simulations can enhance accuracy, but their practical application is limited due to the intensive requirement of computational resources and time.

Purpose

We aimed to develop a novel method that combines MC simulation with a noise reduction technique to calculate PSD, as well as skin dose distributions, more efficiently and accurately. The goal was to overcome the limitations of current methods, providing a more practical solution for clinical and academic use.

Methods

Our method to calculate the PSD and skin dose distributions consists of two steps of rough MC simulation and iterative noise reduction. The performance of the methodology was demonstrated for six fluoroscopy scenarios, with results compared against those from full MC simulation with high particle history, which is considered a gold standard for radiation dosimetry relative to conventional analytical methods.

Results

Our method was demonstrated for various fluoroscopy scenarios, and the result showed that the iterative noise reduction procedure successfully estimates PSD and skin dose distribution for rough MC simulations with a maximum dose statistical error of up to 20%. For successful dose estimations, PSD discrepancies from the values obtained by full MC simulation were within 3%, and voxel‐wise dose differences in skin dose distributions were less than 10% of the average skin dose. The computation time of our method was on the order of a few seconds on a personal computer, which is estimated to be at least 104 times faster than full MC simulation when using the same computing resources.

Conclusion

Our method rapidly and accurately calculates PSD and skin dose distribution, making it a useful tool for research and clinical applications. The planned integration of our method into the National Cancer Institute Dosimetry System for Radiography and Fluoroscopy (NCIRF) will enhance accessibility. Additionally, future upgrades of NCIRF will include a comprehensive phantom library and pregnant phantoms that will enable our method to account for patient‐specific body shapes, further improving the accuracy and personalization in dose assessments.
Design, Synthesis, and In Silico Insights of new 4‐Piperazinylquinolines as Antiproliferative Agents against NCI Renal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: La Monica Gabriele , Bono Alessia , Alamia Federica , Martorana Annamaria , Lauria Antonino
Published: February 2025

In the search for new anticancer compounds, quinoline and piperazine moieties represent the most promising pharmacophoric fragments for the development of more effective drugs. A particularly interesting approach in medicinal chemistry is molecular hybridization, where different known components are integrated into a single chemical entity, resulting in hybrid molecules with enhanced biological activity. In this study, we have developed a new series of 4‐(4‐benzoylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐6‐nitroquinoline‐3‐carbonitrile compounds (8 a–l), with potential anticancer effect, by combining the quinoline, the piperazinyl and the benzoylamino moieties. The rationalized compounds (8 a–l) were first evaluated in silico to assess the ADMET and drug‐likeness profiles, synthesized using appropriate synthetic strategies and then tested in vitro under the National Cancer Institute DTP‐NCI60 program. The entire series exhibited potent anticancer activity against the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell line UO‐31, with compounds 8 c and 8 g effectively inhibiting cancer cell growth without excessive cytotoxic effects (growth percentages of −7 and −19, respectively). In silico induced fit docking (IFD) and molecular dynamics (MD) studies provided further insights into the putative mechanisms of action for both compounds, which were predicted to strongly bind key oncogenic proteins involved in RCC progression. The promising in vitro and in silico results herein presented provide a solid foundation for the development of a new series of small heterocyclic molecules with anticancer activity.
Temporal Relationships Between General Self‐Efficacy, Social Support and Health‐Related Quality of Life Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A 9‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Aili Katarina , Jarfelt Marianne , Ivarsson Andreas , Arvidsson Susann , Olsson Maria , Nygren Jens M
Published: February 2025

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood malignancy. To improve long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in adult survivors of childhood ALL, more longitudinal studies are needed to assess outcomes and risk factors throughout treatment and survivorship. The aim of this study was to examine the long‐term changes in HRQOL, self‐efficacy, and social support among adult survivors of childhood ALL and to explore the temporal relationship between HRQOL, self‐efficacy, and social support.

Procedure

The study includes 148 adult childhood ALL survivors who responded to a questionnaire assessing HRQOL (SF36), self‐efficacy (General Self‐Efficacy Scale, GSE), and quantitative and qualitative social support (AVSI and AVAT in SS13) in 2012 and 2021. Changes in the HRQOL, GSE, and social support were calculated using paired t‐tests. Bayesian path models were specified, and separate models were estimated for each relationship between GSE and AVSI, and AVAT and HRQOL. Cross‐sectional associations, autoregressive effects within constructs over time, and cross‐lagged effects between two variables over time were specified within each model.

Results

The mean of six of the eight HRQOL dimensions, as well as quantitative and qualitative social support, deteriorated during the 9‐year follow‐up. Self‐efficacy was unchanged. Temporal positive relationships were found between baseline GSE and the HRQOL dimension of social functioning, as well as between social support and the HRQOL dimensions of physical functioning, vitality, and mental health at follow‐up.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of self‐efficacy and social support as potential buffering factors for HRQOL in adult survivors of childhood ALL over time.
Preparation and thermal conduction mechanism of highly thermally conductive PA6/Al2O3/GNP composites via dynamic reactive blending
Authors: Wu Fangjuan , Ji Caofeng , Huang Haitao , Zhong Huolin , Fang Hui
Published: February 2025

Highly thermally conductive polyamide 6 (PA6)/aluminum oxide (Al2O3)/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) composites were fabricated through dynamic reactive blending. By utilizing the synergistic effect of low viscosity monomer and dynamic shear, uniform dispersion of Al2O3 and GNP in the PA6 matrix was achieved, forming efficient thermal conductive networks. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of fillers and good interfacial bonding characteristics. The results showed that when Al2O3 and GNP contents were 43 and 7 wt%, respectively, the thermal conductivity reached 2.71 W/m·K, representing a 984% enhancement over neat PA6 and a 45.7% improvement compared to melt‐blended composites. The P‐S theoretical model was employed to understand the underlying mechanism, showing good agreement between theoretical calculations and experimental results. LED heat dissipation tests demonstrated excellent thermal response characteristics and temperature stability of the composites in practical thermal management applications, indicating their promising potential in electronic cooling applications.

Highlights

Dynamic reactive blending was used to prepare thermal conductive composites.

Low viscosity of monomer and dynamic shear promoted uniform dispersion of fillers.

The composites showed thermal conductivity of 2.71 W/m·K, 984% higher than neat PA6.

P‐S model showed enhanced parallel effect reduced interfacial thermal resistance.

Composites demonstrated effective heat dissipation in LED thermal management tests.
Ballistic performance analysis of PBO fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites through resin matrix rigidity and toughness modulation
Authors: Peng Xuejiao , He Huiwen , Liu Yulong , Ma Meng , Shi Yanqin , Zhu Yulu , Chen Si , Wang Xu
Published: February 2025

The rigidity and toughness of the resin matrix significantly influence the impact resistance of ballistic composites. However, the relationship between the properties of the resin matrix and the ballistic performance of the composites remains inadequately defined. In this study, the ballistic performance of composites with various matrix resins was investigated to assess how matrix toughness affects energy absorption. A series of epoxy resins exhibiting different rigidity and toughness were combined with PBO (poly‐p‐phenyl‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole) fibers, and their quasi‐static mechanical properties were evaluated to analyze their effectiveness in resisting ballistic impacts. In ballistic test, the brittle matrix composite demonstrated concentrated fiber breakage and localized damage, while the toughened matrix composite exhibited more dispersed damage characterized by reduced fiber breakage and minimal delamination, suggesting enhanced energy absorption via deformation within the matrix. Compared with the specific energy absorption value of the brittle matrix composite material, which is only 9.28 Jm2/kg, the specific energy absorption value of the tough matrix composite material has increased by 125% to 20.88 Jm2/kg. These findings underscore the critical role that matrix toughness plays in improving ballistic‐resistant performance by facilitating better energy distribution while mitigating fiber damage.

Highlights

Matrix toughness significantly enhances ballistic energy absorption in composites.

Toughened matrix reduces fiber breakage and delamination under ballistic impact.

Toughened matrix composite achieves a 125% higher specific energy absorption.

Findings offer insights for designing high‐performance ballistic‐resistant materials.
Micro‐scale fiber/matrix stress concentrations in unidirectional glass/carbon hybrid composites under transverse loading
Authors: Turan Ecem , Guerrero García José Manuel , Lomov Stepan V. , Sabuncuoglu Baris
Published: February 2025

Fiber/matrix interface stresses and micro‐scale stress concentrations (SCs) under transverse loading were analyzed for hybrid composites, reinforced with glass and carbon fibers. A finite element model was implemented using parametric modeling technique to determine the stresses in the matrix and fiber/matrix interface. Several micro‐scale finite element models were generated for the analyses with various combinations of fiber material, fiber size, volume ratio and fiber spatial distribution models. Models with single fiber type (non‐hybrid composites) were also analyzed to understand the hybridization effect on the stresses. The results reveal the effect of the presence of different fiber types and their arrangement on the micro‐scale stress distributions and fiber/matrix interface behavior. Under transverse loading, when the same type of fibers are aligned with the loading direction, the SCs on the stiffer fibers are larger than the case in the composite with the single stiffer fiber type. When these fibers are aligned with the direction perpendicular to the loading, the SCs on the stiffer fibers are lower. Fiber material type was more effective than the fiber size and fiber volume ratio enhances the effect of hybridization on the stress distributions. According to the authors' knowledge this is the first study investigating the transverse SCs in hybrid composites at the micro‐scale level.

Highlights

Different representative volume elements (RVE) used: triple, hexagonal, random.

Transverse loading, and shear loading studied and results are given.

Combined effects of some parameters are investigated.

Stress concentration (SC) distributions are calculated and compared in each case.
Mobile Phone Addiction, Self‐Control, Mind Wandering, and Cognitive Failure in Chinese Adolescents: A Network Analysis and a Chain Mediation Model
Authors: Li Jiayi , Lu Aitao , Ye Liwen , Chen Guoping , Ling Hong , Chen Wanyi , Zhong Yingjie , An Yuening , Ke Xiayao
Published: February 2025

Mobile phone addiction (MPA) has become a prevalent issue among adolescents, which is closely associated with cognitive failure. The present study seeks to explore the network structure of the association between MPA and cognitive failure among adolescents by network analysis, as well as the mediating roles of self‐control and mind wandering by chain mediation techniques. Data were collected from 1036 Chinese adolescents using self‐report measures. Results of the network analysis, based on the bridge strength, showed that “Distractibility” and “Productivity Loss” at the domain level, as well as the two nodes of cognitive failure and one node of MPA (i.e., “Do you daydream when you ought to be listening to something?”, “Do you start doing one thing and get distracted into doing something else (unintentionally)?”, and “You find yourself engaged on the mobile phone for longer period of time than intended.”) at the item level were the bridge indicators between MPA and cognitive failure. The chain mediation analysis demonstrated that the relation between MPA and cognitive failure was mediated by self‐control and mind wandering separately and sequentially. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing adolescents’ self‐control in reducing the negative impact of MPA on cognitive functioning.
Parent‐Reported Usability of a Patient Portal‐Based Asthma Care Tool for Parents of Children With Asthma
Authors: Ross M. K. , Clark E. J. , Chan W. , Kafashzadeh D. , Radparvar I. , Gao E. , Gomez A. , Tran M. , Sim M. S. , Rong G. , Friedman S. , Szilagyi P. G. , Ryan G. , Bui A. A. T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study evaluates our new EHR‐integrated patient portal for asthma care (PAC) management module for parents of children with asthma. The module includes a previsit asthma intake questionnaire via the portal. The parent answers are integrated into the provider's clinic progress note to support clinical decision‐making. Our goals were to measure the functionality and usability of the PAC module and to understand facilitators and barriers to its use for parents.

Methods

Parents of children ages 0–11 years old (n = 45) completed the PAC module's asthma intake questionnaires prior to their upcoming pediatric pulmonology clinic visit. To assess functionality, provider progress notes were manually reviewed to measure the amount of key asthma‐related data captured. Differences in percent data captured with and without the PAC module were compared. Electronic surveys capture demographics, usability data (the System Usability Scale [SUS]), and open‐ended experiential feedback about the module. Analysis included descriptive statistics for demographics and usability, as well as the constant comparative method for open‐ended feedback.

Results

The PAC module at this early stage of design significantly improved the capture of key asthma data in physician notes, increasing from 77% to 92% (p < 0.001). The average SUS score (83.8) indicated high usability. Favorable aspects of the module that were identified included time savings and ease of use.

Conclusion

Our PAC module enhanced data capture of key asthma management elements and demonstrated high parental usability. We will continue to refine the module through an iterative approach based on end‐user feedback, with future expansion planned for broader patient populations.
Electronic Noise Considerations for Designing Integrated Solid‐State Quantum Memories
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Yung , Hopper David A. , Omirzakhov Kaisarbek , Idjadi Mohamad Hossein , Breitweiser S. Alexander , Aflatouni Firooz , Bassett Lee C.
Published: February 2025

As quantum networks expand and are deployed outside research laboratories, a need arises to design and integrate compact control electronics for each memory node. It is essential to understand the performance requirements for such systems, especially concerning tolerable levels of noise, since these specifications dramatically affect a system's design complexity and cost. Here, using an approach that can be easily generalized across quantum‐hardware platforms, a case study based on nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers in diamond is presented. The effects of phase noise and timing jitter in the control system in conjunction are modeled and experimentally verified with the spin qubit's environmental noise. The impact of different phase noise characteristics on the fidelity of dynamical decoupling sequences is also considered. The results demonstrate a procedure to specify design requirements for integrated quantum control signal generators for solid‐state spin qubits, depending on their coherence time, intrinsic noise spectrum, and required fidelity.
Quantum Repeater Protocol for Deterministic Distribution of Macroscopic Entanglement
Authors: Pyrkov Alexey N. , Lazarev Ilia D. , Byrnes Tim
Published: February 2025

Distributing long‐distance entanglement is a fundamental goal that is necessary for a variety of tasks such as quantum communication, distributed quantum computing, and quantum metrology. Currently quantum repeater schemes typically aim to distribute one ebit at a time, the equivalent of one Bell pair's worth of entanglement. Here, a scheme is presented to distribute a macroscopic amount of entanglement across long‐distances using a number of operations that scales only linearly with the chain length in the ideal case (without decoherence). The scheme involves ensembles of qubits and entangling them with an interaction, which can be realized using atomic gas ensembles coupled by a shared optical mode. Using only local measurements on the intermediate ensembles, this leaves the ensembles at the ends of the chain entangled. It is showed that there are particular “magic” interaction times that allow for distribution of entanglement with perfect fidelity, with no degradation with chain length. The scheme is deterministic, such that with suitable local conditional unitary corrections, the same entangled state can always be prepared with good approximation.
Detection of Unknown Functional Departure in Generalized Functional Regression
Authors: Chen Mengkun , Kim Inyoung
Published: February 2025

Detecting statistical differences among functional dataset or streaming signal dataset is of interest to many diverse fields, including neurophysiology, imaging, biomedical engineering, and public health. For example in our study, our interest is to provide the guideline for detecting the lowest drug dosage level for glioblastoma as quickly as possible in which the intensity functional curves are different among dosage groups. However, such functional data often have unknown and nonlinear massive correlated curves that lead to difficulties in detecting their significant differences without explicit likelihood functions. Existing detecting procedures mainly test a linear, quadratic, or specific parametric form of departure and require explicit likelihood functions due to estimating specific models. In this paper, we propose a flexible detecting method to test any unknown functional departure in a generalized functional regression without estimating models. We develop our detecting method under a generalized semiparametric functional model framework in which the explicit likelihood function does not exist. We develop our detecting method using the approximated Bayes factor, a score‐type test, and the estimating equations. The decision of rejecting (or not) the null hypothesis is made using the Frequentist p‐values. We also studied the asymptotic properties of our method. We compare our detecting method to the alternative method regarding the type‐I error and power under various simulation settings. We demonstrate the advantages of our method by applying two real datasets: functional data of drug‐exposed glioblastoma cell line and diffusion tensor imaging tractography.
Operative System for Strategic Sustainable Development—Coordinating Analysis, Planning, Action, and Use of Supports Such as the Sustainable Development Goals, Planetary Boundaries, Circular Economy, and Science‐Based Targets
Authors: Broman Göran Ingvar , Robèrt Karl‐Henrik
Published: February 2025

The number of sustainability supports keeps growing. However, they are typically not capable of bridging planetary‐to‐organizational scales and therefore in themselves provide limited guidance for how organizations can contribute strategically to global sustainability. This is severe since the power of change that organizations represent is essential for humanity to succeed with the transition to sustainability. Furthermore, a specific sustainability support typically lacks a clear description of what gap it is designed to fill. This may add confusion to an already complex area and can result in organizations selecting supports that are not the most appropriate for the organization's purpose and transition plan. The aim of this study was therefore to prototype an approach for SWOT analyses of sustainability supports and for guiding effective and coordinated use of them. We tested the approach for some examples of supports that are currently receiving much attention: the sustainable development goals, planetary boundaries, circular economy, and science‐based targets. We argue that the tested approach can be generalized and makes it possible to clarify limitations and value of any support from a systemic, systematic, and strategic sustainability perspective and, therefore, also to clarify how the supports relate to each other and can be selected and used in an effective and coordinated way. This is similar to how an operative system of, say, a smartphone, facilitates an effective and coordinated use of apps. We argue that the presented approach addresses one of the most dangerously, still most commonly, missed pieces in public and private discourses on sustainability.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Nanofiltration Concentrated Landfill Leachate with High‐efficiency Ti/RuO2‐IrO2‐Pt 8% Anode
Authors: Zhu Yunqing , Dong Gaigai , Wan Xuequan , Ji Minghui , Zhang Linbo , Wang Hanlin
Published: February 2025

The treatment of nanofiltration concentrate has always been a critical technical challenge in the application of membrane technology for landfill leachate treatment. This study attempts to address this challenge using electrocatalytic oxidation technology. A Pt‐modified Ti/RuO2‐IrO2 anode was synthesized using a solution method. The results show that Pt was uniformly dispersed within the Ru‐Ir composite oxide phase, and Pt doping induced the formation of numerous disordered and mismatched lattices on the electrode coating surface. The interaction between Pt and the RuO2‐IrO2 system can enhance the stability of the ternary composite electrode, improve electron transport efficiency, and reduce surface resistance of the electrode coating, thereby increasing the efficiency of chemical reactions. In the treatment of nanofiltration concentrate of landfill leachate, it was found that under conditions of a current density of 20 mA·cm−2, electrode distance of 0.5 cm, and pH = 5, the removal rates of COD, TOC, and NH4+‐N were 93.5%, 46%, and 98% respectively, with an energy consumption of only 0.66 kWh·(kg TOC)−1. After 20 repeated experiments, the Ti/RuO2‐IrO2‐Pt 8% anode also demonstrated good stability and catalytic activity.
PVP‐I Catalyzed Hydroxysulfurization of α‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐Styrenes with Thiols: Access to Trifluoromethyl Tertiary Alcohol
Authors: Zeng Qian‐Ding , Yuan Xinxin , Wang Jian , Yao Hongmiao , Zeng Bu‐Bing , Ren Jiangmeng , Yang Wu‐Lin
Published: February 2025

An efficient method for the synthesis of β‐hydroxy‐β‐CF3‐thioether has been developed, utilizing povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) as a recyclable catalyst and air as the oxidant. The reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature, yielding the desired β‐hydroxy‐β‐CF3‐thioether in moderate to good yields. This method can be scaled up to gram‐scale without losing any reaction efficiency. The catalyst was also recyclable up to 8 repetitions. The reaction mechanism was investigated and plausible reaction pathway was proposed.
Efficient Synthesis of 3,3′‐Spirooxindole γ‐Butyrolactone via Rongalite‐Mediated Domino Reductive Aldol and Spiro‐Lactonization Reactions
Authors: Chaudhari Suryakant S. , Nichinde Chandrakant B. , Patil Baliram R. , Girase Amardipsing S. , Kinage Anil K.
Published: February 2025

In this study, we develop a novel methodology involving rongalite‐mediated domino reductive/aldol reaction, followed by spiro‐lactonization of 2‐oxoindolin‐3‐ylidene acetates/malonates in presence of base to synthesis of 3,3′‐spirooxindole γ‐butyrolactone. The detail study, such as effect of solvent, effect of different base and substrate has been carried out. Scale up of this methodology is also done. Sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate dihydrate (rongalite) concurrently has a dual role in this context; it acts as a reducing agent as well as C1 synthon. This approach offers several advantages, such as being metal‐ and catalyst‐free, involving a simple reaction protocol, having a wide substrate scope, using water as a green solvent, and providing good to excellent yields of the products under mild reaction conditions.
Palladium Nanocubes with {100} Facets for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Synthesis, Experiment and Theory
Authors: Saldan Ivan , Moumaneix Lilian , Umer Muhammad , Pavlinak David , Rihova Martina , Kolibalova Eva , Petrus Josef , Kallio Tanja , Vandichel Matthias , Macak Jan M.
Published: February 2025

Spatially separated palladium nanocubes (Pd NCs) terminated by {100} facets are synthesized using direct micelles approach. The stepwise seed‐mediated growth of Pd NCs is applied for the first time. The resulting Pd NCs are thoroughly characterized by HR‐TEM, XPS, Raman, ATR‐FTIR, TGA, and STEM‐EDX spectroscopies. Some traces of residual stabilizer (polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) attached to the vertices of Pd NCs are identified after the necessary separation‐washing procedure, however, it is vital to avoid aggregation of the NCs. Pd NCs are subsequently and uniformly loaded on Vulcan carbon (≈20 wt.%) for the electrochemical hydrogen cycling. By post‐mortem characterizations, it is revealed that their shape and size remained very stable after all electrochemical experiments. However, a strong effect of the NCs size on their hydrogen interaction is revealed. Hydrogen absorption capacity, measured as the H:Pd ratio, ranges from 0.28 to 0.48, while hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions (HER and HOR) kinetics decrease from 15.5 to 4.6 mA.mg Pd−1 between ≈15 and 34 nm of Pd NCs, respectively. Theoretical calculations further reveal that adsorption of H atoms and their penetration into the Pd lattice tailors the NCs electronic structure, which in turn controls the kinetics of HER, experimentally observed by the electrochemical tests. This work may pave the way to the design of highly active electrocatalysts for efficient HER stable for a long reactive time. In particular, obtained results might be transferred to active Pd‐alloy‐based NCs terminated by {100} facets.
Compatible Interfaces Constructed by Surficial Indiumization on Garnet Solid Electrolyte for Long‐Cycling All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Zhou Xiaoming , Ouyang Zejian , Liu Jin , Liu Fangyang , Zhang Zongliang , Lai Yanqing , Li Jie , Jiang Liangxing
Published: February 2025

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) and Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) show great potential in building high energy density all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSBs). Nevertheless, the Li2CO3 passivation layer formed on the LLZTO surface not only induces dehydrofluorination of PVDF‐HFP but also blocks Li+ transport at the interfaces of PVDF‐HFP/LLZTO and CSE/electrodes. Herein, lithium acetate‐assisted surficial indiumization with a thickness of 4 nm is carried out to convert the detrimental Li2CO3 into a stable Li+ conductor of LiInO2 (LIO) on LLZTO. With this modification, high air stability of CSEs is achieved which prevents Li2CO3 regeneration and PVDF‐HFP dehydrofluorination effectively. Attributed to the unblocked Li+ transport paths at the LLZTO@LIO/PVDF‐HFP (LIO‐CSE) interface, high ionic conductivity of 3.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and the Li+ transference number of 0.673 are attained. The Li2CO3‐free LLZTO also contributes to constructing robust solid electrolyte interphase with predominantly inorganic components, which successfully decreases the side reactions and ultimately realizes good compatibility at the LLZTO/polymer and electrolyte/electrode interfaces. The assembled Li|LIO‐CSE|Li cells exhibit excellent electrochemical stability for 3100 h at 0.5 mA cm−2. The Li/LIO‐CSE/LiFePO4 ASSB delivers high‐capacity retention of 81.8% after 1000 cycles at 25 °C. This work provides a promising method toward remarkable interfacial compatibility for ASSBs.
Unlocking Efficient Electrosynthesis of α‐Amino Acids: Adsorption Geometry Modulation and Electronic Structure Reconstruction in the Ag/Cu Bimetallic System
Authors: Shi Yujie , Sun Xiaowen , Zhang Baokun , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Yu Xiaowen
Published: February 2025

Electrosynthesis of α‐amino acids from α‐keto acids is a promising strategy but faces challenges such as high reduction potential and limited efficiency due to sluggish reaction kinetics and competitive side reactions. Here, this study presents a bimetallic Ag/Cu nanowires (NWs) catalyst that effectively addresses these issues, demonstrating an exceptionally low onset‐potential of −0.18 V versus RHE for alanine electrosynthesis and achieving a remarkable alanine yield of 690 µmol h−1 cm−2. The reaction reaches 94.71% conversion within 2.5 h and yields gram‐scale alanine powder over ten cycles. Theoretical calculations reveal that Ag incorporation exerts additional weak interactions with intermediates and modulates their adsorption geometries. Simultaneously, electron transfer between Ag and Cu reconstructs the catalyst's electronic structure. These modifications enhance the adsorption and activation of intermediates, significantly lowering the energy barrier for the potential‐determining step. Additionally, the presence of Ag effectively suppresses the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, thus improving the selectivity for alanine production. This Ag/Cu NWs catalyst also exhibits broad applicability for synthesizing various α‐amino acids. This study presents a novel strategy for enhancing electrosynthesis efficiency by modulating the catalyst's electronic properties and intermediate adsorption behaviors, providing valuable theoretical insights and technical support for sustainable chemical production.
Microfluidic Production of Spatially Structured Biomimetic Microgels as Compartmentalized Artificial Cells
Authors: Allen Matthew E. , Hindley James W. , Law Robert V. , Ces Oscar , Elani Yuval
Published: February 2025

Artificial cells serve as promising micro‐robotic platforms that replicate cellular features. One ubiquitous characteristic of living cells is compartmentalization of content in distinct and well‐defined locations. Herein, a microfluidic strategy to mimic compartmentalization is developed through the production of micron‐scale two and three compartment biomimetic microgels, where hydrogel compartment number, composition, size, and shape can be controlled. Our lab‐on‐chip system enables the incorporation of various synthetic organelles into spatially separated compartments within the microgels. This design concept allows for the introduction of a variety of individually triggered bioinspired behaviors, including protein capture, enzyme‐mediated content release, and stimuli‐triggered motility, each isolated in a distinct compartment enabling the use of the microgels as compartmentalized artificial cells. With this approach, the division of content and function seen in biological cells can be mirrored, which will underpin the generation of increasingly sophisticated and functional soft matter microdevices using bottom‐up synthetic biology principles.
Highly Selective Ethylene/Ethane Separation in MOF Composites through Pore Contraction and Particle Size Enlargement Strategy
Authors: You Rimin , Ma Yixuan , Yu Cong , Ding Qi , Bo Yawen , Yang Lifeng , Suo Xian , Gong Qihan , Xing Huabin , Cui Xili
Published: February 2025

The discrimination of ethylene (C2H4) and ethane (C2H6) by the precise regulation of porous materials is important and challenging. In this work, the quasi‐exclusion of C2H6 from C2H4 is realized through a facile polymer modification and shaping method of metal–organic framework ZnAtzPO4 (Atz = 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole). The polymer (carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) modification and shaping of ZnAtzPO4@CMC result in pore contraction and particle size enlargement, which impedes the diffusion of larger C2H6 molecules and improves the kinetic separation of C2H4/C2H6. The C2H6 capacity decreases steeply from 1.63 (ZnAtzPO4 powder) to 0.27 mmol g−1 (ZnAtzPO4@CMC), and the resulting C2H4/C2H6 uptake ratio increases from 1.38 to 6.67. Kinetic adsorption experiments confirm that ZnAtzPO4@CMC presents a negligible C2H6 dynamic capacity and the diffusion difference between C2H4 and C2H6 is amplified significantly. The corresponding kinetic C2H4/C2H6 separation selectivity of ZnAtzPO4@CMC increases from 13.06 (ZnAtzPO4) to 34.67, superior to the most reported benchmark materials. Furthermore, ZnAtzPO4@CMC exhibits excellent breakthrough performance for equimolar C2H4/C2H6 mixture separation. This study provides guidance to discriminate similar gases through polymer modification of MOFs.
The Role of Fluorine in Polyanionic Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Jinqiao , Zhao Wenxi , Wang Yuqiu , Jiang Shikang , Yu Binkai , Dou Shi‐Xue , Liu Hua‐Kun , Chen Shuangqiang , Zhang Kai , Zhou Limin , Chen Mingzhe
Published: February 2025

With the growing global demand for renewable energy and the increasing scarcity of lithium resources, sodium‐ion batteries have received extensive attention and research as a potential alternative. Among many cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries, polyanion materials are favored for their high operating voltage, stable cycling performance, and good safety. However, the low electronic conductivity and low energy density of polyanionic materials limit their potential for large‐scale commercial applications. To overcome this challenge, various strategies have been explored to improve their electrochemical performance. Among them, fluorine doping has been proven to be an effective means. In this study, we have systematically explored the effects of trace fluorine doping and mass fluorine substitution on the structure, dynamics, and electrochemistry of polyanionic cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries and deeply analyzed their reaction mechanisms. The analysis results show that trace fluorine doping can effectively improve the electronic conductivity of the material, thus enhancing its electrochemical performance. A large amount of fluorine substitution can effectively improve the voltage plateau of the material, thus enhancing its energy density. However, the environmental and safety challenges associated with the introduction of fluorine should also be addressed. Overall, the introduction of fluorine in polyanionic cathode materials can further optimize the electronic structure and electrochemical performance, thus realizing the wide application of high‐performance sodium‐ion batteries and making them a competitive battery technology.
Can Arterial Blood Gas, Electrolyte and Acid–Base Analysis at Admission be Used to Predict Survival to Hospital Discharge for Different Causes of Colic?
Authors: Milner Peter I. , Bardell David
Published: February 2025

Background

Predicting outcome in horses presenting with colic remains challenging.

Objectives

To test whether arterial blood samples in horses admitted for colic predict outcome to hospital discharge for different colic types.

Methods

Arterial blood samples collected on admission from 358 horses undergoing medical or surgical management of colic were evaluated for pH, PaO2, PaCO2, Na+, K+, iCa2+, Cl−, HCO3− (P), HCO3− (P, set), Base (B), Base (ecf) and anion gap. Categories were small intestinal non‐strangulating (SINS) or strangulating (SIS) lesions, large colon non‐volvulus (LCNV) or volvulus (LCV), small colon non‐strangulating (SCNS) or strangulating (SCS) lesions, viscus rupture or other. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed based on survival, or not, to hospital discharge. Odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and area under the curve receiver operator characteristics (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated at a cut‐off value of p = 0.5.

Results

A total of 295/358 (82.4%) horses survived to hospital discharge. Variables retained as significantly associated with survival were PaO2 for SINS (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.04–1.27), PaO2 (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11) and Na+ (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02–1.52) for SIS, Ca2+ (OR 175.1, 95% CI 2.20–13958) and HCO3− (P) (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.37) for LCNV and PaCO2 (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.06) for LCV. AUROCs showed acceptable‐excellent discrimination (range: 0.7–0.9), excellent sensitivity (range: 91%–100%) but poor–fair specificity (range: 8%–50%).

Conclusions

Arterial blood is good at predicting survival based on colic type but less accurate at predicting those horses which do not survive to hospital discharge.
Protective Effect of B1 and B12 Vitamins on Post‐Thaw Sperm Quality Parameters and Seminal Plasma Antioxidant Status in Rams
Authors: Tabatabaei Vakili Saleh , Zeidi Roghayeh , Nabhani Robab
Published: February 2025

Background

Sperm membranes, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress significantly impacts sperm function, and B‐group vitamins play a crucial role in mitigating this damage.

Objective

This study investigated the effects of vitamins B1 (VitB1) and B12 (VitB12) on sperm quality and seminal antioxidant status following cryopreservation in Arabi rams.

Methods

Semen was collected from 10 Arabi rams and pooled. The pooled semen was diluted and cryopreserved with varying concentrations of VitB1 and VitB12 (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL). Post‐thaw sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, membrane integrity and morphology, were assessed. In addition, seminal antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation were evaluated.

Results

Supplementation with 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5–1 mg/mL VitB1 significantly enhanced post‐thaw sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and morphology. This was accompanied by a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was observed with 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5 mg/mL VitB1 (p < 0.05), positively correlating with sperm motility and viability (p < 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was highest in the 1 mg/mL VitB12 and VitB1 groups and negatively correlated with sperm abnormalities (p < 0.01). Catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased in the 1–2 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5–2 mg/mL VitB1 groups, positively correlating with sperm progressive motility and viability (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that incorporating 1 mg/mL VitB12 and 0.5 mg/mL VitB1 into the cryopreservation extender effectively mitigates oxidative stress, enhances antioxidant defences and improves post‐thaw semen quality in Arabi rams.
Insights into freeze–thaw and infiltration in seasonally frozen soils from field observations
Authors: Sanchez‐Rodriguez Ines , Ireson Andrew , Brannen Rosa , Brauner Haley
Published: February 2025

Snowmelt infiltration into frozen soils in seasonally frozen landscapes is a critically important hydrological process, with consequences for agriculture, water resources, and flooding. The partitioning of snowmelt between infiltration and runoff in any given location and in any given year is highly uncertain. While it is intuitive to expect lower infiltration capacities in frozen soils, extensive past field research has shown that infiltration is often the dominant flux over runoff during this process, and this is attributed to infiltration into air‐filled macropores. Despite this understanding, we still lack models that can predict frozen soil infiltration reliably. In this study, we examine detailed field observations from the seasonally frozen Canadian Prairies to determine the controls on soil freeze/thaw, snowmelt partitioning, and groundwater recharge. We show how soil moisture, water table depth, snow water equivalent, and air temperature are all significant and confounding factors that determine soil freezing depth and snowmelt partitioning.
Half-wormholes in a supersymmetric SYK model
Authors: Förste Stefan , Natu Saurabh
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We identify half-wormhole contributions to the non averaged

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric SYK model in which time has been reduced to a point. As in previously studied examples, the inclusion of half-wormholes restores factorisation in the large N limit. Wormholes as well as half-wormholes break supersymmetry.
Merge-proofness and cost solidarity in shortest path games
Authors: Bahel Eric , Gómez-Rúa María , Vidal-Puga Juan
Published: February 2025

We study cost-sharing rules in network problems where agents seek to ship quantities of some good to their respective locations, and the cost on each arc is linear in the flow crossing it. In this context, Core Selection requires that each subgroup of agents pay a joint cost share that is not higher than its stand-alone cost. We prove that the demander rule, under which each agent pays the cost of her shortest path for each unit she demands, is the unique cost-sharing rule satisfying both Core Selection and Merge Proofness. The Merge Proofness axiom prevents distinct nodes from reducing their joint cost share by merging into a single node. An alternative characterization of the demander rule is obtained by combining Core Selection and Cost Solidarity. The Cost Solidarity axiom says that each agent’s cost share should be weakly increasing in the cost matrix.