bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Concentric Generalized Perfect Vortex Beams by Hybrid Phase Metasurfaces
Authors: Shen Chongyang , Li Qingyuan , Li Jianyao , Tao Wei , Deng Xiaoxu
Published: August 2024

Metasurface‐based vortex beams are expected to overcome the current communication challenges of massive data and limited bandwidth by their theoretical infinite and mutually orthogonal states. However, limited by the spatial extension of array vortices, only finite orbital angular momentum (OAM) eigenstates are available, of which the expansion will boost the bandwidth toward an inexhaustible stage. In this manuscript, multi‐concentric generalized perfect vortex beams (G‐PVBs) are experimentally generated by the fabricated hybrid phase metasurfaces integrating generalized focusing phases and circular domain function into vortex phases. Diverse vortex shapes and helical lobes within beam patterns and spiral interferograms are both arranged in a non‐overlapping concentric manner instead of spatial arrays, respectively, breaking the limitation of symmetric shape while avoiding inter‐modal cross‐talk. The vortex shape, topological charge and vortex number are decoupled mutually in orthogonal polarization states, realizing both space and polarization multiplexing. Furthermore, shaped into anomalous profiles with asymmetric states of polarization, multi‐concentric vector G‐PVBs are experimentally generated to transmit parallelly stable order information with high robustness in turbulence environments. The proposed multi‐concentric G‐PVBs simultaneously expanded the novel vortex dimension by anomalous shapes and information channels of multi‐concentric OAM modes, providing potential application in high‐capacity vortex optical communication and information encryption.
A highly accurate and efficient Genocchi‐based spectral technique applied to singular fractional order boundary value problems
Authors: Izadi Mohammad , Ansari Khursheed J. , Srivastava Hari M.
Published: August 2024

This article focuses on an efficient and highly accurate approximate solver for a class of generalized singular boundary value problems (SBVPs) having nonlinearity and with two‐term fractional derivatives. The involved fractional derivative operators are given in the form of Liouville–Caputo. The developed algorithm for solving the generalized SBVPs consists of two main stages. The first stage is devoted to an iterative quasilinearization method (QLM) to conquer the (strong) nonlinearity of the governing SBVPs. Secondly, we employ the generalized Genocchi polynomials (GGPs) to treat the resulting sequence of linearized SBVPs numerically. An upper error estimate for the Genocchi series solution in the
norm is obtained via a rigorous error analysis. The main benefit of the presented QLM‐GGPs procedure is that the required number of iteration in the first stage is within a few steps, and an accurate polynomial solution is obtained through computer implementations in the second stage. Three widely applicable test cases are investigated to observe the efficacy as well as the high‐order accuracy of the QLM‐GGPs algorithm. The comparable accuracy and robustness of the presented algorithm are validated by doing comparisons with the results of some well‐established available computational methods. It is apparently shown that the QLM‐GGPs algorithm provides a promising tool to solve strongly nonlinear SBVPs with two‐term fractional derivatives accurately and efficiently.
Mathematical analysis of a non‐convex optimal control problem for age‐structured mosquito populations
Authors: Filho Cícero Alfredo da Silva , Boldrini José Luiz
Published: August 2024

We present a rigorous mathematical analysis of a non‐convex optimal control problem for mosquito populations. The nonlinear model for the dynamics of the mosquito population takes in consideration the iterations among the immature (aquatic) subpopulation, the adult winged subpopulation, and the environment resources; the immature subpopulation is assumed to be age‐structured. Moreover, the action of certain control mechanisms on these subpopulations is also taken in account. The cost functional to be minimized is non‐convex. The proof of the existence of an optimal control is done by using fixed point arguments and a special minimizing sequence obtained with the help of Ekeland's variational principle.
Deep learning‐based dose prediction for magnetic resonance‐guided prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Fransson Samuel , Strand Robin , Tilly David
Published: August 2024

Background

Daily adaptive radiotherapy, as performed with the Elekta Unity MR‐Linac, requires choosing between different adaptation methods, namely ATP (Adapt to Position) and ATS (Adapt to Shape), where the latter requires daily re‐contouring to obtain a dose plan tailored to the daily anatomy. These steps are inherently resource‐intensive, and quickly predicting the dose distribution and the dosimetric evaluation criteria while the patient is on the table could facilitate a fast selection of adaptation method and decrease the treatment times.

Purpose

In this work, we aimed to develop a deep‐learning‐based dose‐prediction pipeline for prostate MR‐Linac treatments.

Methods

Two hundred twelve MR‐images, structure sets, and dose distributions from 35 prostate patients treated with 6.1 Gy for 7 or 6 fractions at our MR‐Linac were included, split into train/test partitions of 152/60 images, respectively. A deep‐learning segmentation network was trained to segment the CTV (prostate), bladder, and rectum. A second network was trained to predict the dose distribution based on manually delineated structures. At inference, the predicted segmentations acted as input to the dose prediction network, and the predicted dose was compared to the true (optimized in the treatment planning system) dose distribution.

Results

Median DSC values from the segmentation network were 0.90/0.94/0.87 for CTV/bladder/rectum. Predicted segmentations as input to the dose prediction resulted in mean differences between predicted and true doses of 0.7%/0.7%/1.7% (relative to the prescription dose) for D98%/D95%/D2% for the CTV. For the bladder, the difference was 0.7%/0.3% for Dmean/D2% and for the rectum 0.1/0.2/0.2 pp (percentage points) for V33Gy/V38Gy/V41Gy. In comparison, true segmentations as input resulted in differences of 1.1%/0.9%/1.6% for CTV, 0.5%/0.4% for bladder, and 0.7/0.4/0.3 pp for the rectum. Only D2% for CTV and Dmean/D2% for bladder were found to be statistically significantly better when using true structures instead of predicted structures as input to the dose prediction.

Conclusions

Small differences in the fulfillment of clinical dose‐volume constraints are seen between utilizing deep‐learning predicted structures as input to a dose prediction network and manual structures. Overall mean differences <2% indicate that the dose‐prediction pipeline is useful as a decision support tool where differences are >2%.
Determining a time‐varying potential in time‐fractional diffusion from observation at a single point
Authors: Cen Siyu , Shin Kwancheol , Zhou Zhi
Published: August 2024

We discuss the identification of a time‐dependent potential in a time‐fractional diffusion model from a boundary measurement taken at a single point. Theoretically, we establish a conditional Lipschitz stability for this inverse problem. Numerically, we develop an easily implementable iterative algorithm to recover the unknown coefficient, and also derive rigorous error bounds for the discrete reconstruction. These results are attained by leveraging the (discrete) solution theory of direct problems, and applying error estimates that are optimal with respect to problem data regularity. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Decolonisation beyond Independence: Reflections from the Papua New Guinea Experience — An Afterword
Authors: Martin Keir
Published: August 2024

Discussions of colonialism and decolonialism often take as a starting point an assumption that these processes can be defined in particular ways and consequently morally evaluated. Whilst defining terms can act as a theoretical or political simplification that is indispensable for certain kinds of discussion, it is important to remember that to evoke ‘colonialism’ is to make a claim about and on social relations and obligations. The papers in this collection draw our attention to the ways in which ‘colonialism’ was never a simply defined bilateral relationship between an easily defined coloniser and an equally easily defined colonised. The experience of PNG around the time of political independence instead draws our attention to the multiplicity of ways in which particular relations were described as or denied as being ‘colonial’. This historical re‐examination acts as a useful nuance to contemporary discussions of decolonisation that potentially paradoxically reinscribe old colonial binaries.
Patient perspectives on incretin‐based weight loss medications and relationship with demographic factors
Authors: McVay Megan A. , Moore Wendy S. , Wilkins Francesca L. , Jackson Jalen R. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Treatment of obesity has been transformed by the recent approval of incretin‐based therapies for weight loss (e.g., glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist semaglutide), but little is known about patient perspectives on these medications.

Methods

Between December 2023 and March 2024, healthcare patients from an academic medical center in the Southeast United States with Body Mass Index ≥30 kg/m2 completed a cross‐sectional online survey on attitudes toward incretin‐based medications.

Results

Compared to patients with a bachelor's degree, those without a degree were less likely to be aware of incretin‐based pharmacotherapies (96% vs. 78%) and to have discussed pharmacotherapies with a doctor (43% vs. 27%) but had greater interest in using these pharmacotherapies (4.3 vs. 4.7). These pharmacotherapy‐related variables did not differ significantly according to gender, race, or financial security. Concerns about side effects, long‐term health risks, and potential for weight regain were highly endorsed and were associated with lower interest in using incretin‐based therapies and with some demographic factors. Patients reported high interest in lifestyle programs designed for individuals taking anti‐obesity medications.

Conclusion

Demographic considerations, notably education level, should be factored into the strategy to promote equitable utilization of incretin‐based therapies, particularly as their accessibility expands.
Electrospinning of porous polyvinylidene fluoride microspheres alloyed fibrous membrane with enlarged strain for efficient piezoelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Shao Zhuzhu , Liu Jintao , Liu Xingang , Zhang Chuhong
Published: August 2024

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) developed from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers offer flexibility and superior piezoelectric output, making them promising for self‐powered systems and sensors. Nonetheless, the electromechanical conversion efficiency of conventional electrospun PVDF fibers is impeded by their limited pressure‐strain range. Herein, elastic porous PVDF microspheres are introduced in‐situ via electrospinning to craft a piezoelectric membrane with higher compressive strain. The PVDF microspheres are uniformly embedded between the fibers in a sandwich fashion, and their dimension is easily tunable by varying spinning solution's concentration. Moreover, the micropores on the PVDF microspheres created by removing pre‐mixed SiO2 template not only elevates the β crystal content of PVDF to 82.19%, but also improves the compressibility, significantly boosting the piezoelectric output. The microsphere alloyed PVDF PEH delivers a piezoelectric output of 33.0 V and a power density of 8 μW/cm2, over 5.8 times that of conventional electrospun PVDF membrane, and can consistently charge lithium‐ion batteries. Our research unveils a novel strategic path to modify fiber structured PEHs, advancing their applications in self‐powered systems.
Nutrition and behavioral health in cystic fibrosis: Eating and body image
Authors: Lyons Emma R. , Muther Emily , Sabharwal Sabina
Published: August 2024

People with CF (pwCF) are at high risk for malnutrition, making nutritional management a critical aspect of CF care. Over the past several decades, optimal nutritional status for pwCF has been defined by body mass index (BMI) based on evidence linking suboptimal BMI to decreased lung function and life expectancy, although more recent changes in CF care may also bring changes to how nutritional health is defined. The historical focus on weight, BMI, and nutrition as key parts of multidisciplinary CF care starting at an early age places pwCF at increased risk for body image concerns and disordered eating. The landscape of CF care is evolving with the approval of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) and resulting improvements in growth; however, issues related to body image and eating remain important to consider, especially as past difficulties gaining weight may shift to discomfort with one's weight gain and/or physical appearance. This review aims to describe how body image concerns and disordered eating occur in pwCF across the lifespan; to discuss evidence‐based approaches to addressing these concerns; and to identify future directions for research and clinical practice in assessing and treating eating disorders and body image concerns in this population.
The gastrointestinal microbiome, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and microbiome modulators in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Green Nicole , Chan Christopher , Ooi Chee Y.
Published: August 2024

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) have an altered gastrointestinal microbiome. These individuals also demonstrate propensity toward developing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The dysbiosis present has intestinal and extraintestinal implications, including potential links with the higher rates of gastrointestinal malignancies described in CF. Given these implications, there is growing interest in therapeutic options for microbiome modulation. Alternative therapies, including probiotics and prebiotics, and current CF transmembrane conductance regulator gene modulators are promising interventions for ameliorating gut microbiome dysfunction in pwCF. This article will characterize and discuss the current state of knowledge and expert opinions on gut dysbiosis and SIBO in the context of CF, before reviewing the current evidence supporting gut microbial modulating therapies in CF.
Constipation and DIOS: Diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management
Authors: Saikumar Pavithra , Sadauskas Marisa , Izhar Sophia , Moshiree Baha , Patel Dhiren
Published: August 2024

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a complex disorder that requires multidisciplinary expertise for effective management. The GALAXY study estimated the prevalence of constipation to be about 25% among People with Cystic Fibrosis (PwCF), identifying it as one of the common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms within this patient population. Quality of Life (QoL) assessments uncovered high patient dissatisfaction, highlighting the imperative need for enhanced treatment strategies. Similarly, Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS) is a unique condition exclusive to PwCF that, if left undiagnosed, can lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. Given the broad spectrum of differential diagnoses for abdominal pain, including constipation and DIOS, it is paramount for healthcare providers to possess a clear understanding of these conditions. This paper aims to delineate various differentials for abdominal pain while elucidating the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for managing constipation and DIOS in PwCF.
Understanding the association between (im)mobility and life satisfaction in Australia
Authors: Borsellino Rosabella , Charles‐Edwards Elin , Bernard Aude , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Stayers are an important component of the internal migration system, yet despite their numerical significance, they are often treated as ancillary to movers in the migration literature. As a result, there is a conflict between the mobility‐centric view of immobility as undesirable and developing narratives which recognise staying as an active and consciously made decision. We therefore need to rethink immobility conceptually and empirically to shed light on a numerically dominant component of the population that has largely been neglected. Using Australia as a case study, this paper examines whether being a stayer has a positive or negative association with life satisfaction, and whether this relationship varies by (1) preference for staying or leaving, (2) between cities and regional areas, and (3) before and during the onset of the pandemic. By first reconceptualising staying as an active process and distinguishing between voluntary and involuntary stayers, life satisfaction outcomes are examined using four migration preference‐behaviour types: desired stayer, undesired stayer, desired mover and undesired mover. Drawing on nationally representative survey data and regression modelling, results reveal important differences in life satisfaction outcomes between individuals expressing a preference for staying or leaving. Findings highlight that while satisfaction of stayers generally declined, being an undesired stayer was associated with a significantly greater loss of life satisfaction compared to being a desired stayer. The magnitude of this association was greater for undesired stayers in regional areas and those surveyed during the pandemic. These results illuminate the varied characteristics and outcomes of stayers within the Australian migration system, demonstrate the importance of acknowledging preference in theorisations of (im)mobility and emphasise the value of adopting an immobility‐focused perspective on internal migration.
How many moves are too many? Repeat internal migration and subjective well‐being in young adulthood in Australia
Authors: Wu Jing , Bernard Aude
Published: August 2024

Despite growing calls to analyse internal migration as a life‐course trajectory, most studies use the last recorded migration based on a dichotomy between migrants and non‐migrants. Leveraging the maturation of longitudinal surveys and methodological advances, this paper establishes the diversity and complexity of individual migration trajectories and their long‐term association with subjective well‐being. We apply sequence and cluster analysis to the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey data to establish the migration trajectories of millennials from the ages of 15–18 to 27–30 based on the timing, frequency, and direction of migration between regions. We then combine data mining techniques, machine learning algorithms and regression analysis to explore the association between internal migration trajectories and economic and social subjective well‐being (SWB). We find that a full third of young adults are repeat migrants split between return migrants, serial onward migrants, and circular migrants. Repeat migrants often exhibit lower levels of life satisfaction. Successive migrations cumulatively shape life satisfaction, as shown by a negative association between serial onward migration and social SWB. Additionally, return migrants are less satisfied with their economic outcomes, particularly when return migration occurs after two consecutive onward migrations or when return migration occurs early in adulthood. Collectively, these results reveal heterogeneity in migration trajectories that are missed when migration is treated as a one‐off event while suggesting that internal migrants operate a trade‐off between social and economic outcomes over the life course.
Gear fault diagnosis based on small channel convolutional neural network under multiscale fusion attention mechanism
Authors: Du Xuejiao , Liu Bowen , Gai Jingbo , Zhang Yulin , Shi Xiangfeng , Tian Hailong
Published: August 2024

Due to the insufficient feature learning ability and the bloated network structure, the gear fault diagnosis methods based on traditional deep neural networks always suffer from poor diagnosis accuracy and low diagnosis efficiency. Therefore, a small channel convolutional neural network under the multiscale fusion attention mechanism (MSFAM‐SCCNN) is proposed in this paper. First, a small channel convolutional neural network (SCCNN) model is constructed based on the framework of the traditional AlexNet model in order to lightweight the network structure and improve the learning efficiency. Then, a novel multiscale fusion attention mechanism (MSFAM) is embedded into the SCCNN model, which utilizes multiscale striped convolutional windows to extract key features from three dimensions, including temporal, spatial, and channel‐wise, resulting in more precise feature mining. Finally, the performance of the MSFAM‐ SCCNN model is verified using the vibration data of tooth‐broken gears obtained by a self‐designed experimental bench of an ammunition supply and delivery system.
Fate and Transport of Chloroform in VI Evaluations
Authors: Eklund Bart , Rago Rich
Published: August 2024

Chloroform is frequently detected in indoor air in vapor intrusion (VI) studies. At many sites, initial screening shows potential indoor air impacts for chloroform at unacceptable levels. During follow‐up site characterization, however, the VI pathway for chloroform is rarely found to be the primary source of chloroform in indoor air. This paper sets forth a conceptual model for understanding these results and summarizes data from 10 field sites from various US Environmental Protection Agency regions to illustrate the concepts. Chloroform is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is categorized as being a trihalomethane. It is well documented that it can be formed when chlorine is used to disinfect water. Chloroform also may be emitted directly into indoor air from treated water and may be formed and/or emitted from various cleaning products. The typical indoor air background concentration in residential buildings is approximately 0.5–1 µg/m3, but results will vary, and values of 10 µg/m3 or higher have been measured. The indoor air background concentrations presented in the literature are well above typical screening level concentrations for residential buildings. Field data are presented that demonstrate that the attenuation factor for chloroform often differs widely from attenuation factors of other VOCs that may pose a potential risk via the VI pathway.
Asynchronous control for nonlinear switched stochastic delayed systems with weighted mode‐dependent average dwell time
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Longsuo , Chen Yong
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the asynchronous control for a class of nonlinear switched stochastic delayed systems. In response to this issue, the weighted mode‐dependent average dwell time is first applied to switched stochastic systems as a more general switching signal. In addition, the asynchronous phenomenon is considered to address the mismatch in practical applications, where “mismatch” means the switching of the controllers has a delay to the switching of system modes. Then by selecting new multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, sufficient conditions for mean‐square exponential stability and an performance are derived. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Multiple‐Text Comprehension and Evaluation: The Influence of Reading Goal, Belief Consistency, and Argument Type
Authors: Savvidou Sylvia M. , Diakidoy Irene‐Anna , Mason Lucia
Published: August 2024

The present study examined how argument type (science based vs. personal case based), belief consistency (belief consistent vs. inconsistent) and reading goals (read to evaluate vs. read to learn) influence comprehension and trustworthiness evaluations for claim‐conflicting multiple texts. Undergraduates read four conflicting texts about the effects of vegan nutrition and completed four corresponding single‐text comprehension and trustworthiness tasks before completing a multiple‐text comprehension task. The results indicated better memory for personal case‐based texts that capitalized on everyday life experiences and emotions than science‐based texts in the multiple‐text comprehension task. Reading to evaluate benefitted memory only for the belief‐inconsistent personal text and contributed to lower trustworthiness ratings for all texts in comparison to reading to learn. The present study's findings highlight the importance of factors pertaining to argument quality, namely argument type, in comprehension and trustworthiness judgments.
Practical measures of science teacher learning: Conceptualizing organizational functions and affordances
Authors: Anderson Eleanor R. , Richards Jennifer
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we build on a growing body of research on practical measurement for educational improvement, contributing a conceptualization of the organizational functions of measurement in processes of persistence and change. Our work is grounded in theoretical understandings of micro‐institutional change that foreground processes of reproduction and disruption of organizational categories, priorities, assumptions, and practices. Drawing together measurement discourses from multiple fields of study, we identify four metaphors for organizational functions that measures can serve: carriers, windows, exercises, and drivers. We propose a conceptual framework illustrating relationships and pathways among these functions as they operate in context. We then apply the framework in the context of co‐designing three practical measures of science teacher learning in a large urban district, illustrating varied pathways through which the practical measures seemed to function, and documenting their respective affordances and constraints in driving reproduction and/or disruption in the organization's work to support science teacher learning. This line of work extends prior research on practical measurement through its focus on measures of science teacher learning and its attention to how practical measures can function to shape broader processes of organizational transformation and stability. This paper is part of the special issue on Teacher Learning and Practice within Organizational Contexts.
Natural resource abundance, governance, and government expenditure: Empirical insights from environmental sustainability
Authors: Donkor Mary , Kong Yusheng , Manu Emmanuel K.
Published: August 2024

This study examines the quest for environmental sustainability in Africa by analyzing the roles of natural resource abundance, governance quality, and government expenditure. It explores the relationships between these variables, employing the N‐shaped hypothesis across 42 African countries from 1986 to 2020 grouped into resource‐rich and resource‐poor countries. Utilizing the Lewbel 2SLS modeling technique, the research evaluates how these factors interact and impact carbon and nitrous emissions in the region. The findings reveal distinct patterns: resource‐poor countries exhibit an N‐shaped relationship between natural resource abundance and emissions. In contrast, resource‐rich countries show such patterns between government expenditure and carbon emissions. Moreover, in resource‐rich countries, higher natural resource abundance, government expenditure, and governance effectiveness tend to increase carbon emissions but decrease nitrous emissions. Conversely, in resource‐poor economies, carbon emissions decrease with natural resource abundance and governance quality but increase with government expenditure and effectiveness. Additionally, regulatory quality positively correlates with nitrous emissions across all contexts. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to foster environmental sustainability, emphasizing tailored strategies based on the diverse impacts of natural resources, governance, and government spending across different economic contexts.
Cyclotides Versus Acyclotides: Discovery, Characterization and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Nguyen Uyen N. P. , Pham Son H. , Tien Dung Le , Ngo Nhu T. Q. , Luu Hong Truong , Dang Tien T.
Published: August 2024

Protein‐ and peptide‐based therapies have emerged as a possible alternative to antibody‐ and small molecule‐ based therapies for treating cancer, aiming to improve drug localization and enhance effectiveness. Peptides such as cyclotides and acyclotides are known for their exceptional stability, which is attributed to the presence of a cystine knot. These peptides exhibit a diverse array of biological activities, making them promising candidates for therapeutic development. Transcriptomics approaches are frequently employed to gain insights into gene organization and identify variations in transcript expression levels. Furthermore, proteomics and NMR spectroscopy techniques are highly regarded as a potent method for analyzing peptide structures. This review offers a thorough examination of the most recent advancements and developments in the methods employed to isolate and characterize the peptides, including purification, proteomics, and transcriptomics. Furthermore, the article thoroughly analyzes the unique structural features of cyclotides and acyclotides, providing valuable insights into their potential groundbreaking applications. The discussion also explores the issuance of numerous patents in the medical and pharmaceutical field, highlighting the growing interest and potential applications of cyclotides in cancer treatment.
Stable Sub‐2‐nm Fe3O4 Particles Confined in P, N Co‐Doped Carbon Derived from the Assembly of DPPF with PCN‐222: A Promising Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wang Yiming , Chen Xin , Yu Wenqian , Zhang Wenhui , Du Cengceng , Jiang Tong , Li Chengrui , Zhang Xinyue , Jiang Jiali , Guo Rongxiu , Sun Hong‐bin
Published: August 2024

The nanoconfinement approach for constructing ultra‐small nanoparticles has been effectively utilized in the development of non‐precious metal catalysts. Herein, the catalyst precursor was prepared by host‐guest assembly method, using PCN‐222 as the host and 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino) ferrocene (DPPF) as the guest. After calcination, the sub‐2 nm iron oxide nanoparticles within a phosphorus‐nitrogen co‐doped carbon matrix (Fe3O4@P/N‐CDCM) was obtained. Benefiting from the nanoconfinement effect, the sub‐2 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the P/N‐CDCM matrix. As a representative application, Fe3O4@P/N‐CDCM‐600 showed remarkable catalytic activity in the reduction of various nitroaromatic compounds. Under ambient conditions, the efficient reduction of nitro compounds in aqueous solution led to excellent conversion rates (96–99 %) and selectivity (99 %) within 45 minutes. Additionally, the catalyst maintained high efficiency over 5 cycles without experiencing a noticeable decrease in activity. This work provides an innovative and cost‐effective strategy for fabricating highly dispersed non‐precious metal nanoparticles.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Capsaicin Derivatives Containing Phenolic Hydroxyl Groups
Authors: Yuliang Wang , Zihao Liu , Tong Liu , Wenjun Zhou , Zhijia Zhang , Songsong Zhang , Guojun Wang , Qiang Wang , Teng Ma , Hao Wei
Published: August 2024

Bacterial infections tend to cause a series of cytopathic reactions and have become a major threat to human life. Among them, phenolic compounds are widely used as a natural antibacterial derivative for antifouling and antibacterial applications. In this study, four phenolic hydroxyacrylamide monomers have been successfully prepared using capsaicinoid derivatives as inspiration (named as OHABA, PHABA, AHMA, and AMTHBA, respectively) and the chemical structures were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay and plate antibacterial assay were measured to explore the antibacterial properties of the monomer. The results showed that four capsaicin derivatives exhibited antibacterial activity, and the antibacterial properties of the four monomers from strong to weak were PHABA, OHABA, AHMA and AMTHBA. The best antibacterial activity was PHABA (MIC for E. coli: 1.6 mg/mL, bacteriostasis rate: 82.46 %, MIC for S. aureus: 1.6 mg/mL, bacteriostasis rate: 69.58 %). Both the cluster effect of monomers and the spatial distribution of phenolic hydroxyl groups in the structure of derivatives affect the antibacterial properties.
A Metallo‐ Silsesquioxane Synthesized from Cu (II) via a Cyanide Fe (III) Bridge: Synthesis and Application as an Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: da Silva Carvalho Victor Aparecido , Peixoto Murilo Santos , dos Santos Felipe Alexsandro , Sales Abner Santos Baroni , Masteralo Valmor Roberto , Dias Filho Newton Luiz , do Carmo Devaney Ribeiro
Published: August 2024

A new metallohybrid silsesquioxane (S) was synthesized herein from copper and ferricyanide via a cyanide bridge to produce a new electroactive hybrid material (SCuH), which was then characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and cyclic voltammetry. The voltammetric behavior of SCuH employing a graphite paste electrode indicates a well‐defined redox couple with formal potential Eθ′=0.76±0.01 V. The electrode exhibited high sensitivity to nitrite and was successfully tested for nitrite detection. The linearity of the analytical curve was 2.0×10−4 mol L−1 − 1.0×10−3 mol L−1, with a limit of detection of 2.65×10−5 mol L−1, and sensitivity amperometric value of 57.63 mA/mol L−1. These findings suggest that this material displays exceptional potential for application in electrochemical sensors designed for nitrite detection.
Nitrofuran Derivatives with Benzyl Groups are Promising Candidates as Antibacterial Agents Against Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Di Fang , Peiyu Li , Jiaoyang Zheng , Yingying Lai , Yanpeng Xiong , Ruolan Yi , Han Deng , Zhijian Yu , Shiqing Han
Published: August 2024

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a particular concern due to its high resistance to most antibiotics. We designed and synthesised a series of nitrofuran derivatives based on the chemical structure of nitrofurantoin. Among these derivatives, compared to nitrofurantoin, the nitrofuran derivatives with n‐alkyl groups did not effectively inhibit S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values ranging from 16 to >128 μM, while these with benzyl groups displayed potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus with MIC values ranging from 4 to 16 μM. It suggests benzyl groups play an important role in the nitrofuran derivatives against S. aureus. The nitrofuran derivatives with benzyl groups also displayed potent antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis with MIC values ranging from 2 to 8 μM. Especially, compound 20 exhibited MIC 2 μM (0.814 μg/mL) against S. epidermidis. The CC50s of compound 20 in 293 T cells and LX‐2 cells were 3.131 μg/mL and 30.51 μg/mL, respectively. While at 128 μg/mL of compound 20, no obvious red blood cell rupture was observed. It showed minimal cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. These findings suggest that compound 20 could function as a potential antibacterial agent for treating Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by S. epidermidis.
p‐Toluene Sulphonic Acid (PTSA): An Efficient Catalyst for One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Novel 3‐Pyrazolyl‐Thiazolidin‐4‐One Derivatives
Authors: Das Sharmistha , Paul Subhankar , Mitra Bijeta , Chandra Pariyar Gyan , Ghosh Pranab
Published: August 2024

This research article focuses on the pathway for metal‐free unprecedented one‐pot three‐component synthesis of biologically active 3‐pyrazolyl‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives through cyclo‐condensation of aromatic aldehydes, 1H‐pyrazol‐3‐amine and thioglycolic acid in aqueous medium. p‐Toluene sulphonic acid (PTSA), a non‐toxic, cheaper, easily accessible, eco‐benign, organic acid‐catalyst was explored to mediate this reaction. Formation of novel 3‐pyrazolyl‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives, environment‐benign conditions, quick reaction time, excellent functional group acceptance and moderate to high yield of the products are some of the chief advantages of the reaction. Further, this methodology will surely contribute in various fields of synthetic organic methodology, pharmaceutical industry and natural bio‐active product synthesis.
Nanostructure and Dynamics of the Locally Concentrated Ionic Liquid 2:1 (wt:wt) HMIM FAP:TFTFE and HMIM FAP on Graphite and Gold Electrodes as a Function of Potential
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Jianan , Warr Gregory G. , Atkin Rob
Published: August 2024

Video‐rate atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to record the near‐surface nanostructure and dynamics of one pure ionic liquid (IL), 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (HMIM FAP), and a locally‐concentrated IL comprising HMIM FAP with the low viscosity diluent 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl ether (TFTFE), on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and Au(111) electrodes as a function of potential. Over the potential range measured (open‐circuit potential ± 1 V), different near‐surface nanostructures are observed. For pure HMIM FAP, globular aggregates align in rows on HOPG, whereas elongated and worm‐like nanostructures form on Au(111). For 2:1 (wt:wt) HMIM FAP:TFTFE, larger and less defined diluent swollen IL aggregates are present on both electrodes. Long‐lived near‐surface nanostructures for HMIM FAP and the 2:1 (wt:wt) HMIM FAP:TFTFE persist on both electrodes. 2:1 (wt:wt) HMIM FAP:TFTFE mixture diffuses more rapidly than pure HMIM FAP on both electrodes with obviously higher diffusion coefficients on HOPG than on Au(111) due to weaker electrostatic and solvophobic interactions between near‐surface aggregates and Stern layer ions. These outcomes provide valuable insights for a wide range of IL applications in interface sciences, including electrolytes, catalysts, lubricants, and sensors.
Platinum‐Ruthenium Bimetallic Nanoparticle Catalysts Synthesized Via Direct Joule Heating for Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Deng Yeyu , Liu Heng , Lai Leo , She Fangxin , Liu Fangzhou , Li Mohan , Yu Zixun , Li Jing , Zhu Di , Li Hao , Wei Li , Chen Yuan
Published: August 2024

Platinum‐Ruthenium (PtRu) bimetallic nanoparticles are promising catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) required by direct methanol fuel cells. However, existing catalyst synthesis methods have difficulty controlling their composition and structures. Here, a direct Joule heating method to yield highly active and stable PtRu catalysts for MOR is shown. The optimized Joule heating condition at 1000 °C over 50 microseconds produces uniform PtRu nanoparticles (6.32 wt.% Pt and 2.97 wt% Ru) with an average size of 2.0 ± 0.5 nanometers supported on carbon black substrates. They have a large electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of 239 m2 g−1 and a high ECSA normalized specific activity of 0.295 mA cm−2. They demonstrate a peak mass activity of 705.9 mA mgPt−1 for MOR, 2.8 times that of commercial 20 wt.% platinum/carbon catalysts, and much superior to PtRu catalysts obtained by standard hydrothermal synthesis. Theoretical calculation results indicate that the superior catalytic activity can be attributed to modified Pt sites in PtRu nanoparticles, enabling strong methanol adsorption and weak carbon monoxide binding. Further, the PtRu catalyst demonstrates excellent stability in two‐electrode methanol fuel cell tests with 85.3% current density retention and minimum Pt surface oxidation after 24 h.
Aqueous Multivalent Metal‐ion Batteries: Toward 3D‐printed Architectures
Authors: De Puja , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2024

Energy storage has become increasingly crucial, necessitating alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries due to critical supply constraints. Aqueous multivalent metal‐ion batteries (AMVIBs) offer significant potential for large‐scale energy storage, leveraging the high abundance and environmentally benign nature of elements like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum in the Earth's crust. However, the slow ion diffusion kinetics and stability issues of cathode materials pose significant technical challenges, raising concerns about the future viability of AMVIB technologies. Recent research has focused on nanoengineering cathodes to address these issues, but practical implementation is limited by low mass‐loading. Therefore, developing effective engineering strategies for cathode materials is essential. This review introduces the 3D printing‐enabled structural design of cathodes as a transformative strategy for advancing AMVIBs. It begins by summarizing recent developments and common challenges in cathode materials for AMVIBs and then illustrates various 3D‐printed cathode structural designs aimed at overcoming the limitations of conventional cathode materials, highlighting pioneering work in this field. Finally, the review discusses the necessary technological advancements in 3D printing processes to further develop advanced 3D‐printed AMVIBs. The reader will receive new fresh perspective on multivalent metal‐ion batteries and the potential of additive technologies in this field.
Modulation of Electron Push–Pull by Redox Non‐Innocent Additives for Long Cycle Life Zinc Anode
Authors: Manna Arghyadip , Pal Souvik , Das Bidisa , Ogale Satishchandra , Bhunia Manas K.
Published: August 2024

Application of an aqueous Zn‐ion battery is plagued by a water‐induced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), resulting in local pH variations and an unstable electrode–electrolyte interface (EEI) with uncontrolled Zn plating and side reactions. Here, 4‐methyl pyridine N‐oxide (PNO) is introduced as a redox non‐innocent additive that comprises a hydrophilic bipolar N+–O− ion pair as a coordinating ligand for Zn and a hydrophobic ─CH3 group at the para position of the pyridine ring that reduces water activity at the EEI, thereby enhancing stability. The N+–O− moiety of PNO possesses the unique functionality of an efficient push electron donor and pull electron acceptor, thus maintaining the desired pH during charging/discharging. Intriguingly, replacing ─CH3 (electron pushing +I effect) by ─CF3 group (electron pulling ─I effect), however, does not improve the reversibility; instead, it degrades the cell performance. The electrolyte with 2 m ZnSO4 + 15 mm PNO enables symmetric cell Zn plating/stripping for a remarkable > 10 000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and exhibits coulombic efficiency (CE) ≈99.61% at 0.8 mA cm−2 in Zn/Cu asymmetric cell. This work showcases the immense interplay of the electron push–pull of the additives on the cycling.
Quantum Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Huang Zhehao , Geilhufe Richard Matthias
Published: August 2024

Quantum materials and metal‐organic framework (MOFs) materials describe two attractive research areas in physics and chemistry. Yet, with very few exceptions, these fields have been developed with little overlap. This review aims to summarize these efforts and outline the huge potential of considering MOFs as quantum materials, called quantum MOFs. Quantum MOFs exhibit macroscopic quantum states over wide energy and lengths scales. Examples are topological materials and superconductors, to name but a few. In contrast to conventional quantum materials, MOFs exhibit promising unconventional degrees of freedom such as buckling, interpenetration, porosity, and rotations, stimulating the design of novel quantum phases of matter.
An Organic–Inorganic Superlattice with Nanocrystal‐Amorphous Composite Nanolayers for Ultrahigh Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Palani Indirajith , Nguyen Duyen Thi , Kim Jongchan , Nguyen Quang Khanh , Nguyen Long Van , Song Da Som , Lim Jong Sun , Kim Chang Gyon , Cho Kyeongjae , Sung Myung Mo
Published: August 2024

Thermoelectric materials play a crucial role in converting heat into electricity, offering significant potential for applications in waste heat recovery and cooling. Herein, an innovative approach that combines an organic–inorganic hybrid superlattice structure with nanocrystal‐amorphous composite nanolayers is introduced. The nanocrystal‐amorphous composite enhances the Seebeck coefficient resulting in a notable twofold improvement in the power factor. The superlattice, alternating self‐assembled organic monolayers and inorganic nanolayers, effectively reduces lattice thermal conductivity by creating multiple interfaces that scatter phonons effectively. The integration of the nanocrystal‐amorphous composite nanolayers into the superlattice provides a dual advantage, simultaneously boosting the power factor and suppressing thermal conductivity. This synergistic effect leads to exceptional thermoelectric performance in the 4‐mercaptophenol/Sb2Te3 superlattice, with achieved figure of merit (ZT) values of 3.48 at 300 K and reaching a peak ZT value exceeding 4.0 at 400 K while surpassing 2.5 over the temperature range from 300 to 500 K. These results suggest that this innovative approach paves the way for the development of highly efficient thermoelectric materials, propelling efforts toward more energy‐efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.
High‐Performance Cooperative DNA Nanodevice Enables Sensitive Circular RNA Imaging and Precise Tumor Growth Suppression
Authors: Zhang Ye , Chen Siting , Luo Shihua , Li Wenbin , Zhang Lifeng , Lan Fei , Zhu Yitong , Du Huijun , Li Ke , Liu Chunchen , Situ Bo , Li Bo , Yan Xiaohui
Published: August 2024

The utility of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as emerging biomarkers and regulatory factors in medical diagnostics and therapeutics is hampered by the challenges associated with their sensitive detection and precise modulation. Herein, a high‐performance cooperative DNA nanodevice (HCDN) based on DNA tetrahedron‐confined catalytic DNA assembly reaction (DT‐CDA) that enables both imaging and regulation of circRNAs is developed. Activation of the DT‐CDA is contingent upon the presence of the target circRNA, which, together with a replicative fuel probe, catalyzes the sequential opening of additional DT‐CDAs. This cooperative exponential signal amplification with negligible background interference allows HCDN to effectively detect minute quantities of circRNAs. Employing circSATB2 as a model, the HCDN demonstrates substantial downregulation of Cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA and protein levels in cellular and in vivo models, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. The innovative design of HCDN sets the stage for a powerful methodology conducive to enhanced clinical diagnostics and biomolecule manipulation, thereby advancing the capabilities and applications of DNA nanotechnology.
Water disinfection: Advances in photocatalysis and piezo/triboelectric catalysis with progressively enhanced energy utilization
Authors: Chen Zhidi , Pan Mengyao , Cheng Chong , Luo Jing , Deng Xu
Published: August 2024

Increasing climate‐related extreme weather events and conflicts hinder safe water sanitation for vulnerable populations. In developing areas, centralized water systems are impractical due to high costs and poor infrastructure. Thus, technologies utilizing renewable energy like solar and mechanical energy for water treatment hold promise. It is critical to develop photocatalysts and piezoelectric/triboelectric catalysts that capture solar energy as well as mechanical energy to generate disinfectants to maximize energy utilization. The latest advancements in principles, materials, and processes utilizing solar and mechanical energy for water disinfection are highlighted in this review. First, we elucidate both direct and indirect mechanisms of sunlight‐mediated water disinfection, discuss the evolution of photocatalysts from simple UV absorption to visible‐light utilization, and even near‐infrared light exploitation to enhance solar spectrum utilization efficiency. Furthermore, we delve into the fundamental principles of piezoelectricity and triboelectricity relying on mechanical energy conversion as well as summarize the development of piezo/triboelectric catalysts from being driven by high‐frequency energy to utilizing low‐frequency mechanical energy from the environment. Finally, challenges and directions for efficient systems are outlined to inspire rational design strategies and accelerate the production of superior catalytic systems applicable across a broad range.