bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Porous Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuator Enabled by Mof Loading
Authors: Jiang Jie , Ma Yaru , Cheng Ruidong , Zhao Yue
Published: December 2023

A porous actuator is prepared using a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) loaded with metal‐organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles (MIL‐88A). While the swellable MOF additive endows the LCE actuator with nanoscale pores, after its removal by chemical etching, macroporous LCE actuator is obtained. This LCE‐MOF actuator displays several interesting features. 1) Selective etching allows the actuator in water to curl in one direction and then reverse the curling direction owing to differential water absorption of the nano‐ and macroporous layers. 2) The stretching‐induced alignment of mesogens in the actuator is little affected by the presence of MOF and substantially retained after water uptake, so that an actuation deformation can be generated either by water absorption or thermally induced order‐disorder phase transition. 3) Assisted by the UV irradiation used for polymer cross‐linking, magnetic iron oxide FeO appears to be formed after chemical etching, which allows the actuator to gain the ability to move on water surface guided by a magnet. 4) The in situ formation of magnetic iron oxide in the macroporous actuator also provides an enhanced photothermal effect, making light‐driven locomotion of the actuator more effective. The use of active porogen like MOF opens a new way to explore porous LCE actuators.
Highly Selective Nano‐Interface Engineering in Multishelled Nanocubes for Enhanced Broadband Electromagnetic Attenuation
Authors: Zhang Huibin , Zhou Xiaodi , Yuan Mingyue , Xiong Xuhui , Lv Xiaowei , Liu Yihao , Lv Hualiang , Lai Yuxiang , Zhang Jincang , Zhang Huiran , Pan Deng , Che Renchao
Published: December 2023

Within the nanoscale, methodically reconfiguring interface charges, and leveraging this newly structured interface to modify the energy‐momentum dynamics of heterojunction energy bands, hold profound implications for microwave electronics because of the intensified interaction between external microwaves and interfaces of materials. Mastering the orderly reconstruction of interface charges, contingent upon precise control over composition, orientation, and electronic structure remains a challenge at this scale. Herein, an in situ hierarchical assembly approach is used to successively deposit layers of Cu2S, C, and MoS2 on a hollow cubic framework with a thickness of 20 nm. Additionally, by harnessing the quasi‐graphitic characteristics and elevated work function of graphitized carbon in the middle layer, its inherent charge is steered toward both the outer and inner layers, establishing a structured configuration for the crafted Cu2S@C and C@MoS2 interfaces. Employing advanced off‐axis electron holography, microwave dielectric measurements, and first‐principle calculations, the dynamic reconstruction of interface charges and the resulting microwave response is ascertained. The synergistic effect revealed that the Cu2S@C@MoS2 materials exhibited exceptional microwave absorption, with an effective absorption band covering 7.03 GHz at 2.0 mm thickness. Furthermore, the orderly reconstruction of nano‐interfaces paves the way for research into novel electromagnetic protection materials and their unique electronic behaviors.
Polarization‐Sensitive Photodetectors Based on Highly In‐Plane Anisotropic Violet Phosphorus with Large Dichroic Ratio
Authors: Liu Huawei , Zhu Chenguang , Chen Ying , Yi Xiao , Sun Xingxia , Liu Yong , Wang Hui , Wu Guangcheng , Wu Jiaxin , Li Yi , Zhu Xiaoli , Li Dong , Pan Anlian
Published: December 2023

Anisotropic 2D layered materials with distinctive anisotropic electronic band structures and optical response are promising for practical applications in polarization imaging and sensors. Nonetheless, many of the currently reported polarized photodetectors based on anisotropic 2D materials are constrained by the low polarization responsivity and low linear dichroism ratio. Here a high‐performance polarization‐sensitive photodetector based on the novel in‐plane anisotropy 2D violet phosphorus (VP) crystal is reported. The angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy (ARPRS) study and the anisotropic electrical transport measurements revealed the highly in‐plane anisotropy phonon vibration and electrical properties of VP crystal. The anisotropic ratio of electron mobility is calculated to be 2.7 at room temperature. Moreover, a polarization‐sensitive photodetector based on the VP nanosheet shows high photoresponsivity of up to 341 A W−1 and a linearly dichroic ratio of up to 3.9, which is much larger than most other anisotropic 2D materials. These results indicate that the anisotropic VP crystal would be suitable for polarization‐sensitive photodetectors, which leads to a promising perspective for future novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Synergic Delocalized‐Conjugate and Electron‐Deficient Effect and Mesoporous Channel Promote Photocatalytic Coupling H2 Evolution with Benzyl‐Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Pan Ronglan , Ge Xin , Liu Qiong , Yin Hao , Guo Yuanlong , Shen Jiachao , Zhang Danyu , Chen Peng , Yuan Jili , Xie Haibo , Liu Chengbin
Published: December 2023

Photocatalytic merging H2 evolution with benzyl‐alcohol (BA) oxidation offers a promising approach to producing H2 and value‐added chemicals due to water photocatalysis with a sluggish kinetic process and gas‐mixed H2/O2 gas security concern. Herein, incorporating electron‐deficient pyromellitic dianhydride into large π‐conjugate polymeric carbon nitride builds an effective in‐electric field (IEF). The resultant photocatalyst shows the dependence on the ratio of H2O and BA for H2 and benzaldehyde production, particularly the highest yield rate of H2 (13.87) and benzaldehyde (7.71 mmol h−1 g−1), 69.2% at 400 nm of internal quantum efficiency for H2‐evolution, and 2.15% of solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency under simulated AM 1.5G irradiation. Mechanism analysis suggests that the strong driving force of effective IEF originates from the cooperating large delocalized π‐conjugate and electron‐deficient effect, which overwhelms the intrinsic binding energy of charge carrier to enhance its separation and migration efficiency dramatically. Moreover, extended light response and mesoporous channel in photocatalyst improve the absorption edge and tail, the n→π* transition, and mass transport of BA. In situ characterizations revealed that the enhanced H2 production is due to the releasing protons from BA oxidation via carbon‐centered radical‐mediated. These findings provide a novel strategy and deep understanding of photocatalytic coupling H2 with added‐value chemical production.
Interstitial Oxygen Modulating Reversible Upconversion Luminescence
Authors: Hu Junshan , Kong Weilong , Bian Xiaomin , Hao Jiazheng , Wang Ruonan , Wu Shaoyi , He Lunhua , Shen Lei , Fu Hao
Published: December 2023

Reversible upconversion luminescence (RUCL) through defect engineering holds great promise for various applications, including photoswitches, information recording, and storage devices. However, the reversible photoluminescence in inorganic crystals is rarely reported. Crucially, the underlying mechanism of reversible luminescence remains unclear, which challenges the design of high‐performance reversible luminescence inorganic materials. Herein, an anomalous RUCL in a class of β‐Ba2ScAlO5:Yb3+/RE3+ (RE = Er, Ho, Tm, Tb, Sm, or Eu) phosphors is reported. By alternating annealing environments (air or hydrogen), a robust and repeatable cycle of luminescence and quenching is observed. The first‐principles calculations reveal that porous β‐Ba2ScAlO5:Yb3+/RE3+ can host oxygen interstitials (during annealing in air) with a low formation energy. The interstitial oxygen state, close to the Yb 4f state, leads to luminescence quenching. Removal of oxygen interstitials (during annealing in hydrogen) can restore the luminescence by initiating radiative energy transfer. Experimentally, the existence of interstitial oxygen is confirmed with neutron diffraction technology. It is worth noting that the strong chemical bonds in crystals make adding and removing anion vacancies challenging, unlike the more “free” interstitials. The findings offer new insights into manipulating upconversion luminescence in inorganic crystals by defect engineering and provide motivation for future research in this field.
Organic Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conductors for Bioelectronic Sensors: Materials and Operation Mechanisms
Authors: Kim Hyunwook , Won Yousang , Song Hyun Woo , Kwon Yejin , Jun Minsang , Oh Joon Hak
Published: December 2023

The field of organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors (OMIECs) has gained significant attention due to their ability to transport both electrons and ions, making them promising candidates for various applications. Initially focused on inorganic materials, the exploration of mixed conduction has expanded to organic materials, especially polymers, owing to their advantages such as solution processability, flexibility, and property tunability. OMIECs, particularly in the form of polymers, possess both electronic and ionic transport functionalities. This review provides an overview of OMIECs in various aspects covering mechanisms of charge transport including electronic transport, ionic transport, and ionic–electronic coupling, as well as conducting/semiconducting conjugated polymers and their applications in organic bioelectronics, including (multi)sensors, neuromorphic devices, and electrochromic devices. OMIECs show promise in organic bioelectronics due to their compatibility with biological systems and the ability to modulate electronic conduction and ionic transport, resembling the principles of biological systems. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on OMIECs offer significant potential for bioelectronic applications, responding to external stimuli through modulation of ionic transport. An in‐depth review of recent research achievements in organic bioelectronic applications using OMIECs, categorized based on physical and chemical stimuli as well as neuromorphic devices and circuit applications, is presented.
Nanoreactors Encapsulating Built‐in Electric Field as a “Bridge” for Li–S Batteries: Directional Migration and Rapid Conversion of Polysulfides
Authors: Li Junhao , Wang Zhengyi , Shi Kaixiang , Wu Yujie , Huang Wenzhi , Min Yonggang , Liu Quanbing , Liang Zhenxing
Published: December 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries (Li–S) are recognized as the next generation of secondary batteries due to their satisfactory theoretical specific capacity and energy density. However, a series of problems such as disordered migration behavior, sluggish redox kinetics, and serious shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) greatly limit the commercial application. Herein, nanoreactors encapsulate heterostructure to guarantee sulfur conversion in the hosts where the heterostructure consists of FeP with moderate adsorption ability, excellent catalytic active and low work function, and Fe3O4 with strong adsorption ability and high work function. This rational configuration of heterostructure controls the direction of the interface built‐in electric field (BIEF) between catalyst and adsorbent, realizing the successive “trapping‐directional migration‐conversion” reaction mechanism to sulfur species. Thanks to BIEF as a bridge to connect the trapping site and catalytic site, Fe3O4/FeP@C─S cathode delivers an ultrahigh initial specific capacity of 1402 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and remains more than 450 mAh g−1 at 5 C after 350 cycles. Even with a sulfur loading of 5.20 mg cm−2, it displayed the initial specific capacity of 970 mAh g−1. This work provided an effective strategy to design high‐performance electrocatalysts for commercial Li–S batteries.
Pathways Toward Efficient and Durable Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers Enabled By Electro‐Active Porous Transport Layers
Authors: Tricker Andrew W. , Ertugrul Tugrul Y. , Lee Jason K. , Shin Jason R. , Choi Woong , Kushner Douglas I. , Wang Guanzhi , Lang Jack , Zenyuk Iryna V. , Weber Adam Z. , Peng Xiong
Published: December 2023

Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable electricity, will play a crucial role in decarbonizing industrial and heavy‐duty transportation sectors. Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) can overcome many of the performance and cost limitations of incumbent technologies, however, still suffer from durability challenges due to oxidative instability of anion‐exchange ionomers. Herein, the use of an electro‐active porous transport layer as anode (PTL‐electrode) is demonstrated to enable efficient and durable AEMWEs. The stainless‐steel PTL‐electrodes are shown to have superior performance and durability compared to traditional catalyst layers containing ionomer and nanoparticle catalysts. An AEMWE cell operating at 2 A cm−2 for over 600 h exhibited a degradation rate of just 5 µV h−1. During operation, the surface composition of the stainless steel transforms into a mixture of iron and nickel oxyhydroxides, contributing to enhanced oxygen‐evolution reaction activity. The combination of experimental work and modeling elucidates how the bulk structure of the PTL‐electrode offers an additional design dimension to further improve electrolyzer performance. Lastly, a surface modification strategy is applied to a PTL‐electrode to achieve an even higher performing AEMWE (2.3 vs 2.0 A cm−2 at 1.8 V). Overall, this work lays out pathways toward more efficient, durable, and affordable AEMWEs.
Current status of total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for chronic and recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yamane Kei , Anazawa Takayuki , Nagai Kazuyuki , Ito Takashi , Hatano Etsuro
Published: December 2023

Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is an established and effective treatment modality for patients diagnosed with intractable chronic pancreatitis (CP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP). TPIAT primarily aims to manage debilitating pain leading to impaired quality of life among patients with CP or RAP, which can be successfully managed with medical, endoscopic, or surgical interventions. TPIAT is significantly successful in relieving pain associated with CP and improving health‐related quality of life outcomes. Furthermore, the complete loss of pancreatic endocrine function attributed to total pancreatectomy (TP) can be compensated by autologous islet transplantation (IAT). Patients receiving IAT can achieve insulin independence or can be less dependent on exogenous insulin compared with those receiving TP alone. Historically, TPIAT has been mainly used in the United States, and its outcomes have been improving due to technological advancements. Despite some challenges, TPIAT can be a promising treatment for patients with CP‐related intractable pain. Thus far, TPIAT is not commonly performed in Japan. Nevertheless, it may improve health‐related quality of life in Japanese patients with CP, similar to Western patients. This review article aimed to provide an overview of the indications, related procedures, and outcomes of TPIAT and to discuss future prospects in Japan.
Cultural humility development in adults serving as mentors for youth: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Anderson Amy J. , Jones Kristian V. , DuBois David L. , Çifci Fatmanur , Teger Zara
Published: December 2023

This qualitative review synthesizes evidence regarding how cultural humility (i.e., critical self‐reflection, challenging inequity) may be influenced by the experience of serving as a mentor in a youth program. A systematic search identified 35 qualitative studies with findings that address this question. Thematic synthesis of extracted data identified the following six themes, all but one of which pertains to ways in which serving as a mentor appeared to have enhanced the cultural humility of the adults involved: (1) humanizing others: awareness of experiential differences, (2) reflecting inward on one's own identity, biases, and opportunities, (3) connecting with others, (4) recognizing environmental influences on human development, (5) envisioning contributions to community change, and (6) counterevidence: deficit‐oriented attributions. Findings indicate that mentor cultural humility development primarily entailed individual and interpersonal awareness with relatively less evidence of increased awareness of and action to change inequality. The identified themes provide promising directions for future research as well as potentially useful avenues for incorporating consideration of cultural humility more intentionally in the development and evaluation of mentoring programs for youth.
Narrowband Near‐Infrared Multiple‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters towards High‐Performance and Stable Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hua Tao , Li Nengquan , Huang Zhongyan , Zhang Youming , Wang Lian , Chen Zhanxiang , Miao Jingsheng , Cao Xiaosong , Wang Xinzhong , Yang Chuluo
Published: December 2023

Multiple‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials are highly coveted for their high efficiency and narrowband emission in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Nevertheless, the development of near‐infrared (NIR) MR‐TADF emitters remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we design two new NIR MR‐TADF emitters, PXZ−R−BN and BCz−R−BN, by embedding 10H‐phenoxazine (PXZ) and 7H‐dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (BCz) fragments to increase the electron‐donating ability or extending π‐conjugation on the framework of para‐boron fusing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Both compounds emit in the NIR region, with a full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 49 nm (0.13 eV) for PXZ−R−BN and 43 nm (0.11 eV) for BCz−R−BN in toluene. To sensitize the two NIR MR‐TADF emitters in OLEDs, a new platinum complex, Pt‐1, is designed as a sensitizer. The PXZ−R−BN‐based sensitized OLEDs achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of nearly 30 % with an emission band at 693 nm, and exceptional long operational stability with an LT97 (time to 97 % of the initial luminance) value of 39084 h at an initial radiance of 1000 mW sr−1 m−2. The BCz−R−BN‐based OLEDs reach EQEmax values of 24.2 % with an emission band at 713 nm, which sets a record value for NIR OLEDs with emission bands beyond 700 nm.
Multicomponent Cyclizative 1,2‐Rearrangement Enabled Enantioselective Construction of 2,2‐Disubstituted Pyrrolinones
Authors: Li Xing‐Zi , He Yu‐Ping , Wu Hua
Published: December 2023

The 1,2‐rearrangement reaction is one of the most important approaches to construct carbon‐carbon bonds in organic synthesis. However, the development of catalytic asymmetric 1,2‐rearrangements is still far from mature and often suffers from problems such as complex substrates, single product structure, and lack of synthetic application. Multicomponent reaction has been recognized as a robust tool for the synthesis of diverse and tunable products from readily available starting material. Conceptionally and practically, the development of multicomponent asymmetric 1,2‐rearrangements is highly desirable. In this regard, we report herein a three‐component benzilic acid‐type rearrangement of 2,3‐diketoesters, aromatic amines and aldehydes for the asymmetric construction of synthetically challenging pyrrolinones bearing aza‐quaternary stereocenters. To the best of our knowledge, this reaction represents the first example of organocatalyzed multicomponent asymmetric 1,2‐rearrangements.
Nano‐BN/Nano‐TiO2and micro Mg(OH)2loaded hybrid ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer composites for outdoor high‐voltage insulation application
Authors: Rizwan Mohammed , Shaik Aabid Hussain , Rahaman Ariful , Patro T. Umashankar , Rahaman Mostafizur , Periyasami Govindasami , Chandan Mohammed Rehaan
Published: December 2023

This work deals with the synthesis, characterization of hybrid ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites loaded with nano‐boron nitride (nano‐BN)/nano‐titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO2) and micro Mg(OH)2particles for its suitability towards high‐voltage insulation application. The elastomer samples were prepared by carefully dispersing the micro and nano fillers during the mastication process of EPDM polymer using a two roll mill, followed by vulcanization. The samples were characterized for mechanical, morphological, thermal, and electrical insulation properties. The highest tensile strength among the composite samples was noted for 1 phr nanoparticles loaded samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results show no change in the chemical moiety upon addition of nano‐BN/nano‐TiO2in EPDM composites. Enhancement in hydrophobicity is observed for 3 phr nano‐TiO2loaded composites, which shows a maximum static contact angle of 110°. Meanwhile remarkable enhancement in the thermal conductivity and volume resistance of the composites are contributed to the addition of nano‐BN, thereby achieving maximum dielectric breakdown voltage (i.e., ~21 kV/mm for EMB3). Scanning electron microscope images and atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography highlight that low concentration (i.e., 1 phr) based composites have homogeneous dispersion in matrix and excessive nano filler addition deteriorates properties by forming filler aggregates and increasing surface roughness.
Carbonylbis(hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide) derivatives as a new class of α‐glucosidase inhibitors and their mechanistic insights via molecular docking and dynamic simulations
Authors: Naseem Saira , Fatima Shamool , Ullah Saeed , Khan Ajmal , Mali Suraj N. , Jawarkar Rahul D. , Syed Asad , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Shafiq Zahid
Published: December 2023

In the past, efforts have been made to find a cure for diabetes, mainly evaluating new classes of compounds to explore their potency. In this study, we present the synthesis and evaluation of carbonylbis(hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide) derivatives as potential α‐glucosidase inhibitors, employing both in vivo and in silico investigations. The in vitro experiments revealed that all tested compounds were significantly potent for α‐glucosidase inhibition, with the lead compound 3a displaying approximately 80 times higher activity than acarbose. To delve deeper, in silico induced fit docking, pharmacokinetics, and molecular dynamics studies were conducted. Significantly, compound 3a exhibited a docking score of −7.87 kcal/mol, surpassing acarbose, which had a docking score of −6.59 kcal/mol. The in silico ADMET indicated that most of the synthesized compounds have properties conducive to drug development. Molecular dynamics analysis demonstrated that, when the ligand 3a was coupled with the target 3TOP, Cα‐RMSD backbone RMSD values below 2.4 Å and “Lig_fit_Prot” values below 2.7 Å were observed. QSAR analysis demonstrates that the “fOC8A” descriptor positively correlates with α‐glucosidase inhibition activity, while “lipoplus_AbSA” positively contributes and “notringC_notringO_8B” negatively contributes to this activity.
Association between thyroid hormone levels in the acute stage of stroke and risk of poststroke depression: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Jie , Zhao Qin , Li Jinglun , Chen Xiu , Peng Lilei
Published: December 2023

Background

Thyroid hormones have been indicated to be associated with depression, but their relationship with poststroke depression (PSD) remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to explore the correlation between thyroid hormone levels in acute stroke and PSD.

Methods

We searched databases for eligible studies. Standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to evaluate the association among levels of thyroid hormones, including thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4), in acute stroke patients and the risk of PSD.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included in the analysis. Compared to non‐PSD patients, PSD patients had remarkably lower serum TSH and FT3 levels (TSH: SMD = −0.59, 95%CI = −1.04 to −.15, p = .009; FT3: SMD = −0.40, 95%CI = −.51 to −.30, p = .000) and higher serum FT4 levels (SMD = 0.33, 95%CI = .07–.59, p = .013). Subgroup analysis showed that there may be a more statistically significant association between FT3 and the risk of PSD compared to TSH and FT4.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that patients with lower serum TSH and FT3 levels as well as higher serum FT4 levels in the acute stage of stroke may be more susceptible to PSD.
Synthesis and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Novel Benzimidazole/Thiazolidin‐4‐one Hybrid Derivatives
Authors: Khraisat Leen Mohammad Amin Farhan , Sabuncuoğlu Suna , Girgin Gözde , Unsal Tan Oya
Published: December 2023

In this study, novel 3‐(phenylamino)thiazolidin‐4‐one 2 a–d and 3‐(phenyl)thiazolidin‐4‐one 3 a–g derivatives which are having benzimidazole moiety were synthesized and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity were investigated. The structures of the target compounds were elucidated using 1H/13C−NMR, IR and MS. The structure of 2 b was also characterized using HSQC NMR technique. Among the target compounds, 3 b–g demonstrated stronger tyrosinase inhibitory activity (IC50 values for 3 b–g ranged from 80.93 to 119.20 μM), compared to the positive control kojic acid (IC50: 125.08 μM). With IC50 value of 80.93 μM, 5‐(2‐(4‐(1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)phenyl)‐4‐oxothiazolidin‐3‐yl)‐2‐methylbenzenesulfonamide 3 g was found to be the most active derivative of the series. Molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate the binding interactions between compounds and tyrosinase. The MTT assay studies used to determine the cytotoxicity of 3 b–g showed that 3 c, 3 d, 3 f and 3 g were not cytotoxic in the range of 0–200 μM. Considering its tyrosinase inhibitory activity and cytotoxic effect, 3 g exhibits promising potential for further research and development as a novel tyrosinase inhibitor.
Unique Possibilities of Dynamic Metal–Polymer Interactions in Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Park Younghwan , Hyun Kyunglim , Yun Seongho , Choi Minkee
Published: December 2023

Rationally designed polymers can function as supports or promoters for metal catalysts, imparting distinct catalytic properties in selective hydrogenation. With strongly metal–ligating functional groups, mobile polymer chains can spontaneously decorate the metal catalyst surfaces under mild conditions, forming stable metal–polymer interfaces. We have termed this phenomenon ‘dynamic metal–polymer interaction (DMPI),’ which can be roughly considered as an organic version of the strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) concept. The polymer chains that dynamically interact with the metal surface can control the adsorption of reactants and products through competitive adsorption, significantly improving selectivity and catalyst stability. One of the remarkable advantages of using polymers as catalytic materials is that their molecular structures, such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and chemical functionality, can be tailored using rich organic chemistry. This, in turn, allows us to precisely tune the metal–polymer interactions and catalytic properties. In this Concept, we will discuss how metal–polymer interfaces can be designed and utilized for selective hydrogenation, with a particular emphasis on the industrially relevant acetylene partial hydrogenation reaction.
Analysis of the combined effect of rs699 and rs5051 on angiotensinogen expression and hypertension
Authors: Powell Nicholas R. , Shugg Tyler , Leighty Jacob , Martin Matthew , Kreutz Rolf P. , Eadon Michael T. , Lai Dongbing , Lu Tao , Skaar Todd C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Hypertension (HTN) involves genetic variability in the renin‐angiotensin system and influences antihypertensive response. We previously reported that angiotensinogen (AGT) messenger RNA (mRNA) is endogenously bound by miR‐122‐5p and rs699 A > G decreases reporter mRNA in the microRNA functional‐assay PASSPORT‐seq. The AGT promoter variant rs5051 C > T is in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs699 A > G and increases AGT transcription. The independent effect of these variants is understudied due to their LD therefore we aimed to test the hypothesis that increased AGT by rs5051 C > T counterbalances AGT decreased by rs699 A > G, and when these variants occur independently, it translates to HTN‐related phenotypes.

Methods

We used in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and retrospective models to test this hypothesis.

Results

In silico, rs699 A > G is predicted to increase miR‐122‐5p binding affinity by 3%. Mir‐eCLIP results show rs699 is 40–45 nucleotides from the strongest microRNA‐binding site in the AGT mRNA. Unexpectedly, rs699 A > G increases AGT mRNA in an AGT‐plasmid‐cDNA HepG2 expression model. Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) and UK Biobank analyses demonstrate liver AGT expression and HTN phenotypes are not different when rs699 A > G occurs independently from rs5051 C > T. However, GTEx and the in vitro experiments suggest rs699 A > G confers cell‐type‐specific effects on AGT mRNA abundance, and suggest paracrine renal renin‐angiotensin‐system perturbations could mediate the rs699 A > G associations with HTN.

Conclusions

We found that rs5051 C > T and rs699 A > G significantly associate with systolic blood pressure in Black participants in the UK Biobank, demonstrating a fourfold larger effect than in White participants. Further studies are warranted to determine if altered antihypertensive response in Black individuals might be due to rs5051 C > T or rs699 A > G. Studies like this will help clinicians move beyond the use of race as a surrogate for genotype.
Anthraquinodimethane‐Based Molecular Switches Tethered by Four‐Arm Star‐like Polymers
Authors: Yan Mengwen , Hou Liman , Deng Xianjun , Shi Xinyuan , Jiang Feng , Wang Mingfeng
Published: December 2023

Molecular switches that reversibly change their structures and physical properties are important for applications such as sensing and information processing at molecular scales. In order to avoid the intermolecular aggregation that is often detrimental to the stimuli‐responses of molecular switches, previous studies of molecular switches have been often conducted in dilute solutions which are difficult for applications in solid‐state devices. Here we report molecular design and synthesis that integrates anthraquinodimethane as molecular switching units into polymers with amenable processibility in solid states. Optical and electron spin resonance characterizations indicate that the four‐arm polymers of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) or poly(D,L‐lactide) tethered from anthraquinodimethane slow down the dynamics of the conformational switching between the folded and the twisted conformations, enhance the photoluminescence in solid states and impart materials with a small energy gap from singlet ground state to thermally accessible triplet state.
Hydride‐Containing Pt‐doped Cu‐rich Nanoclusters: Synthesis, Structure, and Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Brocha Silalahi Rhone P. , Liang Hao , Jo Yongsung , Liao Jian‐Hong , Chiu Tzu‐Hao , Wu Ying‐Yann , Wang Xiaoping , Kahlal Samia , Wang Qi , Choi Woojun , Lee Dongil , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Liu C. W.
Published: December 2023

A structurally precise hydride‐containing Pt‐doped Cu‐rich nanocluster [PtH2Cu14{S2P(OiPr)2}6(CCPh)6] (1) has been synthesized. It consists of a bicapped icosahedral Cu14 cage that encapsulates a linear PtH2 unit. Upon the addition of two equivalents of CF3COOH to 1, two hydrido clusters are isolated. These clusters are [PtHCu11{S2P(OiPr)2}6(CCPh)4] (2), which is a vertex‐missing Cu11 cuboctahedron encaging a PtH moiety, and [PtH2Cu11{S2P(OiPr)2}6(CCPh)3] (3), a distorted 3,3,4,4,4‐pentacapped trigonal prismatic Cu11 cage enclosing a PtH2 unit. The electronic structure of 2, analyzed by Density Functional Theory, is a 2e superatom. The electrocatalytic activities of 1–3 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were compared. Notably, Cluster 2 exhibited an exceptionally excellent HER activity within metal nanoclusters, with an onset potential of −0.03 V (at 10 mA cm−2), a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec−1, and consistent HER activity throughout 3000 cycles in 0.5 M H2SO4. Our study suggests that the accessible central Pt site plays a crucial role in the remarkable HER activity and may provide valuable insights for establishing correlations between catalyst structure and HER activity.
Impact of well placement and flow rate on production efficiency and stress field in the fractured geothermal reservoirs
Authors: Wu Xinghui , Cai Meifeng , Wu Xu , Zhang Ketong , Yin Ziqing , Zhu Yu
Published: December 2023

Geothermal energy has gained wide attention as a renewable alternative for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The advancements in enhanced geothermal system technology have enabled the exploitation of previously inaccessible geothermal resources. However, the extraction of geothermal energy from deep reservoirs poses many challenges due to high‐temperature and high‐geostress conditions. These factors can significantly impact the surrounding rock and its fracture formation. A comprehensive understanding of the thermal–hydraulic–mechanical (THM) coupling effect is crucial to the safe and efficient exploitation of geothermal resources. This study presented a THM coupling numerical model for the geothermal reservoir of the Yangbajing geothermal system. This proposed model investigated the geothermal exploitation performance and the stress distribution within the reservoir under various combinations of geothermal wells and mass flow rates. The geothermal system performance was evaluated by the criteria of outlet temperature and geothermal productivity. The results indicate that the longer distance between wells can increase the outlet temperature of production wells and improve extraction efficiency in the short term. In contrast, the shorter distance between wells can reduce the heat exchange area and thus mitigate the impact on the reservoir stress. A larger mass flow rate is conducive to the production capacity enhancement of the geothermal system and, in turn causes a wider range of stress disturbance. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimization of geothermal energy extraction while considering reservoir safety and long‐term sustainability. This study deepens the understanding of the THM coupling effects in geothermal systems and provides an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for a geothermal energy system.
Skills‐based online self‐help program for carers of people with an eating disorder (SupportED): A case series evaluation
Authors: Miskovic‐Wheatley Jane , Schlage Jasmin , Pehlivan Melissa J. , Simone Rachel , Koreshe Eyza , Hunt Caroline , Maguire Sarah
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of “SupportED,” a novel, online, self‐paced skills‐based program for carers/support people of those with lived and/or living experience of an eating disorder (ED).

Method

Carers of a loved one with an ED were invited to undertake a five‐module skills‐based (one core module, four optional modules) online program at their own pace. Modules cover general information about EDs, communication, practical skills, treatment engagement, and recovery. Participants completed demographics and were assessed using EDSIS, CASK, and DASS‐21 for caregiver burden, skills, and distress, respectively, at program completion and 3‐month follow‐up. Feedback on the program and modules was also collected.

Results

Most carers (65%; 82/126) completed the core module of the program, which is on par with other online learning programs. Nearly half of program completers responded to the 3‐month follow‐up (n = 39). On average, carers rated the program as relevant and useful and found the information validating and easy to understand, albeit a few carers found the program time‐consuming and technically challenging. Intent‐to‐treat (ITT) linear mixed models demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness of the program for improving carer burden and skills, although the change in carer distress was non‐significant.

Conclusions

Results of this case series evaluation suggest SupportED is an acceptable and feasible program for carers and may improve burden and support skill development. Although the online, self‐paced format was highly rated, small improvements to improve acceptability were suggested. Reasons for a lack of impact on carer distress are discussed.

Public significance

This article describes a case series evaluation of “SupportED,” an online skills‐based support program for families, carers, and supporters of people with lived experience of an eating disorder. This is the first online carer support program that is designed to be inclusive of all carer types (e.g., partners, siblings) for all eating disorder presentations. Findings suggest the program's suitability and helpfulness for reducing carers’ load and bolstering skills and knowledge.
Between‐year and spatial variation in body condition across the breeding cycle in a pelagic seabird, the Red‐billed Tropicbird
Authors: Beard Annalea , Thomas Robert J. , Medeiros Mirra Renata , Clingham Elizabeth , Henry Leeann , Saldanha Sarah , González‐Solís Jacob , Hailer Frank
Published: December 2023

Body condition in pelagic seabirds impacts key fitness‐related traits such as reproductive performance and breeding frequency. Regulation of body condition can be especially important for species with long incubation periods and long individual incubation shifts between foraging trips. Here, we show that body condition of adult Red‐billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus) at St Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean, exhibited considerable variation between years (2013–2017) and between different stages of the breeding cycle. Females took the first incubation shift following egg laying, after which males and females alternated incubation shifts of varying length, ranging from <1 to 12 days. Body condition declined in both sexes during an incubation shift by an average of 22 g (2.83% of starting mass) per day and over the incubation period; mass loss was significantly greater during longer incubation shifts, later within a shift and later in the total incubation period. There was also significant differences in incubation behaviour and body condition between years; in 2015, coinciding with a moderate coastal warming event along the Angolan‐Namibian coastlines, adults on average undertook longer incubation shifts than in other years and had lower body condition. This suggests that substantial between‐year prey fluctuations in the Angola Benguela upwelling system may influence prey availability, in turn affecting incubation behaviour and regulation of body condition. Adults rearing chicks showed a significant reduction in body condition when chicks showed the fastest rate of growth. Chick growth rates during 2017 from two localities in the Atlantic Ocean: an oceanic (St Helena) versus neritic (Cabo Verde) population were similar, but chicks from St Helena were overall heavier and larger at fledging. Results from this multi‐year study highlight that flexibility and adaptability in body condition regulation will be important for populations of threatened species to optimise resources as global climate change increasingly influences prey availability.
A common polar dye additive as corrosion inhibitor and leveling agent for stable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries
Authors: Wang Hao , Hu Chao , Yang Zefang , Wu Tingqing , Li Yihu , Zhang Qi , Tang Yougen , Wang Haiyan
Published: December 2023

The industrial application of zinc‐ion batteries is restricted by irrepressible dendrite growth and side reactions that resulted from the surface heterogeneity of the commercial zinc electrode and the thermodynamic spontaneous corrosion in a weakly acidic aqueous electrolyte. Herein, a common polar dye, Procion Red MX‐5b, with high polarity and asymmetric charge distribution is introduced into the zinc sulfate electrolyte, which can not only reconstruct the solvation configuration of Zn2+ and strengthen hydrogen bonding to reduce the reactivity of free H2O but also homogenize interfacial electric field by its preferentially absorption on the zinc surface. The symmetric cell can cycle with a lower voltage hysteresis (78.4 mV) for 1120 times at 5 mA cm−2 and Zn//NaV3O8·1.5H2O full cell can be cycled over 1000 times with high capacity (average 170 mAh g−1) at 4 A g−1 in the compound electrolyte. This study provides a new perspective for additive engineering strategies of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Magnetic r‐graphene oxide‐doped tin‐lanthanum intercalated thiosulfate layered double hydroxide as a new nanocomposite sorbent for the extraction of tetracycline and oxytetracycline residues in pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Malmir Maryam , Shemirani Farzaneh
Published: December 2023

A new analytical method combining magnetic micro‐solid phase extraction (μ‐SPE) in tandem with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) analysis was developed and used for the simultaneous extraction/preconcentration of tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in drug manufacturing effluents. The μ‐SPE conducted by the introduction of iron oxide reduced‐graphene oxide (MrGO) doped tin‐lanthanium intercalated with thiosulfate ions to produce magnetic LDH (MrGO/Sn‐La‐S). The adsorbent was synthesized and characterized using x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray, elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and value stream mapping techniques. The effective parameters, including the extraction and desorption steps, were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LOD) for TC and OTC were obtained as 5.42 and 3.31 μg.L−1, respectively, while the linearity was in the range of 10.0–500.0 μg.L−1 for both antibiotics with satisfactory determination coefficients (R2) of 0.9811 and 0.9846 for TC and OTC, respectively. The recovery percentages for the analytes in real samples were achieved in the ranges of 89.2%–101.6% and 91.0%–101.3% for TC and OTC antibiotics, respectively. All these features proved the potential of the developed method and adsorbent for real world applications.
Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray attenuates high‐fat diet‐induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE−/− mice are related to the modulation of gut microbiota and the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bile acids in fecal bile acid profile
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Hui , Tan Tingting , Lu Lu , Mi Jia , Rehman Abdul , Yan Yamei , Ran Linwu
Published: December 2023

Previous findings showed that anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) reduced HFD‐induced hypercholesterolemia by regulating gut microbiota, but the mechanism has not been fully understood. The objective of this research was to know whether the cholesterol‐lowering impact of ACN in HFD‐induced ApoE−/− mice is related to the gut microbiota‐bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty‐four male ApoE−/− mice were divided into three groups: the Control group, the HFD group, and the HFD + ACN group. Here, we showed that ACN intervention reduced HFD‐induced body weight serum concentrations of TC and LDL‐C and ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues. Besides, ACN altered gut microbiota composition in HFD‐fed ApoE−/− mice. Moreover, UHPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed that ACN intervention significantly increased the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated BAs in feces induced by HFD, attributed to the increase in conjugated BAs and decrease in unconjugated BAs. Finally, the correlation analysis indicated that the above changes in fecal BA profile were linked with an increase in Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum and a decrease in Ileibacterium, Helicobacter, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter. In summary, ACN could alleviate HFD‐induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE−/− mice, which was associated with the improvement of gut microbiota and modulation of fecal BA profile.
Fault propagation in pull‐apart basins and its implication on depocenter migration: A discontinuum‐based numerical study
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Lei
Published: December 2023

Understanding of fault propagation in pull‐apart basins is important due to its control on the depocenter migration, which is a common characteristic of pull‐apart basins; nevertheless, the evolution law of faults in the pull‐apart basin is not very clear. Most studies based on physical simulations have rarely paid attention to the relationship between fault propagation and migration of the depocenter. In this study, we simulate the fault propagation in the underlapping, neutral and overlapping releasing bend via the discrete element simulation method and discuss the corresponding migration of the depocenter. In this paper, more parameters (maximum shear force, distribution of tensile contact force, measuring stress) were used together to find out the evolution law of faults in line with natural basins. The results reveal the process of fault propagation, which has not been proposed in the previous simulating and case studies: the fault propagates from the ends of the master faults to the centre of the releasing bend and then proceeds externally. Consequently, the depocenter of the basin, which has undergone migration, experiences a transition from the dual depocenter state at the ends of the master faults to being a single depocenter at the centre of releasing bend and finally further expands in an outward direction. The characteristics of fault development and depocenter migration for the Khanguet Sidi Neji‐Gafsa (KSG) Basin, the Vienna basin and the Gulf of California are in accord with the results observed in the simulation. This study provides a new understanding of the fault propagation in pull‐apart basins and can assist in the interpretation of the evolutionary stages that pull‐apart basins undergo.
The use of practice assignments in cognitive processing therapy to promote cognitive and emotional change: A case study
Authors: Wachen Jennifer Schuster
Published: December 2023

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a first‐line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The primary goals of CPT are to identify and challenge dysfunctional cognitions resulting from the trauma to promote a more balanced set of beliefs and reduce manufactured emotions; encouraging expression of natural emotions further promotes symptom improvement. Between‐session assignments (homework) are an integral part of learning and practicing the skills developed during CPT, and these assignments are theorized to reinforce the proposed mechanisms of symptom change. This article begins with a brief description of the theoretical foundations of CPT and an overview of the session content of the CPT protocol, followed by a case study illustrating the use of CPT with the written account (CPT + A) with a survivor of childhood sexual assault. Although the client demonstrated some avoidance, her successful completion of practice assignments throughout treatment allowed her to identify and examine thoughts contributing to feelings of guilt and self‐blame as well as negative beliefs about the world. She was able to reduce her assimilated and overaccommodated stuck points to form a more balanced view of the trauma, and also process her natural emotions, resulting in a significant reduction of PTSD symptoms. The role of homework at each session and how the assignments addressed the proposed mechanisms of change in CPT are discussed, and recommendations to increase clients’ engagement in practice assignments in CPT are provided.