bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waterproof and Flexible Aquatic Tactile Sensor with Interlocked Ripple Structures for Broad Range Force Sensing
Authors: Zhang Zhongtan , Xiang Feihe , Mei Deqing , Wang Yancheng
Published: December 2023

Underwater perception of a broad range of force holds great importance in aquatic explorative activities, while flexible tactile sensors face technical challenges to realize. This paper presents a novel flexible aquatic tactile sensor based on waterproof graphene (GR)/carbon nanotube (CNT)/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites. The prepared GR/CNT/PDMS composites possess excellent hydrophobic and electromechanical properties with a water contact angle over 134° and an ultrahigh gauge factor of 2296, making them an ideal piezoresistive sensing material for underwater broad‐range force sensing. The proposed tactile sensor has 3 × 3 sensing units and uses dual interlocked water‐ripple structures to improve its sensitivity and force detection range. The fabricated tactile sensor is characterized by two distinct sensitivities: a high sensitivity of 0.0338 kPa−1at 0.062–150 kPa and a low sensitivity of 0.00357 kPa−1at 150–450 kPa. Further, the sensor exhibited excellent resistance response, fast dynamic recovery, and both mechanical and electrical stability in aquatic environments. Then, the aquatic tactile sensor is worn on the palm of the human hand to detect the distribution and variation of contact forces when grasping objects with different shapes and hardness, demonstrating the potential underwater applications of the developed aquatic tactile sensor for broad‐range force sensing.
In Situ Generation of Molybdate‐Modulated Nickel‐Iron Oxide Electrodes with High Corrosion Resistance for Efficient Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Shao Li , Han Xindi , Shi Lei , Wang Tongzhou , Zhang Yusheng , Jiang Zhiqi , Yin Zexiang , Zheng Xuerong , Li Jihong , Han Xiaopeng , Deng Yida
Published: December 2023

The realization of seawater electrolysis requires the development of electrode materials that can meet the requirements of high activity, high selectivity, and corrosion resistance. Herein, this work successfully prepares a molybdate (MoO42−)‐modulated nickel‐iron oxide electrode for seawater electrolysis via a quick and easy thermal shock method, with high activity and extraordinary durability in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for seawater electrolysis. The experimental analyses and theoretical calculations reveal that the in situ generated MoO42− on the surface of electrode can modulate and stabilize the catalytic active phase γ‐(Ni, Fe)OOH, improving the OER activity, as well as play a critical role in protecting electrode from chloride ions (Cl−) corrosion for extended service life. This catalyst thus displays an evidently slow degradation rate of 20 µV h−1 during a long‐term operation (>1500 h) at 100 mA cm−2. This work provides a new viewpoint for the design of oxyanion‐modified catalysts and can be widely used to address the challenges in seawater electrolysis.
Asymmetrically‐Fluorinated Electrolyte Molecule Design for Simultaneous Achieving Good Solvation and High Inertness to Enable Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Lequan , Dong Lutan , Wang Zhaofen , Liu Yaoyao , Zhan Jun , Wang Shuhua , Song Ke‐Peng , Qi Dongqing , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Chen Hao
Published: December 2023

Electrolyte molecule engineering, especially symmetrically fluorinated molecules, is recognized as an efficacious approach for solving the insufficient stability of conventional none‐fluorinated electrolyte molecules to stabilize the energy‐dense Li metal batteries (LMB). However, the weak solvation and low ionic conductivity of symmetrically fluorinated electrolyte molecules, and the formation of low‐ionic‐conductivity unstable interphase derived from the electrolyte, are the main challenges that limit the applications of symmetrically fluorinated electrolyte for improving LMB performance. Here, an asymmetrically‐fluorinated electrolyte molecule design principle is proposed by combining a high‐inertness fluorinated structure on one side of the molecule with a solvation‐promoting none‐fluorinated structure on the other side, successfully integrating the high stability of fluorinated electrolyte and strong solvation/ion‐conduction advantages of none‐fluorinated electrolyte while remedying their limitations at the same time. The LMB using asymmetrically‐fluorinated electrolyte exhibits significantly improved performances of 98.97% Li plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency, decent cathode protection, 240 stable cycles in Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full‐cell under ultralow anode amount, uniform Li deposition morphology and excellent fire‐retardancy that overwhelm the similar electrolyte with none‐fluorinated or symmetrically‐fluorinated molecule structure. The asymmetrically‐fluorinated electrolyte molecule design provides a new molecule‐level understanding of fluorination degree/position‐related structure‐property relationship in electrolytes and solves the fluorination‐related dilemma for achieving practical high‐performance LMB.
Recent Advances in Designing Catalysts and Reaction Systems for Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia
Authors: Liu Honghong , Zhou Zhejian , Chen Gao‐Feng , Ding Liang‐Xin
Published: December 2023

The current industrial synthesis of ammonia involves an energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, significantly contributing to a massive carbon footprint. An electrochemical synthetic pathway for nitrogen fixation has recently garnered significant attention. It allows ammonia production through a green process without generating harmful pollutants. However, due to the robust N≡N bond, the limited nitrogen solubility, and the competing reactions of hydrogen extraction, the synthesis of ammonia by electrochemical nitrogen reduction (e‐NRR) is far from achieving industrialization. The intrinsic properties of the catalyst, the gas‐solid‐liquid interface, and the specific design of reaction system are the key factors that affect e‐NRR performance. Therefore, this review discusses recent efforts in enhancing e‐NRR performance towards ammonia production with regards to catalyst design, reaction interface optimization, and modulation of the reaction system (including lithium mediated ammonia synthesis). Finally, various promising research strategies and remaining tasks are presented. It is anticipated that this review could be beneficial for the further development of highly efficient and selective e‐NRR to ammonia.
Discovery of (2‐(4‐Substituted phenyl)quinolin‐4‐yl)(4‐isopropylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methanone Derivatives as Potent Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Zhang Lihui , Wang Xue , Zhu Dongqi , Xu Guangzhao , Li Honggang , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2023

Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. In pursuit of potent small molecules that block the PCSK9/low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) protein−protein interaction (PPI), a series of 2‐phenylquinoline‐4‐carboxylic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized based on previously derived molecules. In the in vitro PPI inhibition test, compounds M1, M12, M14, M18 and M27 exhibited potent activities with IC50 values of 6.25 μM, 0.91 μM, 2.81 μM, 4.26 μM and 0.76 μM, respectively, compared with SBC‐115337 (IC50 value of 9.24 μM). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed the importance of hydrophobic interactions in the binding of inhibitors to the PPI interface of PCSK9. In LDLR expression and LDL uptake assays, the tested compounds M1, M12 and M14 were found to restore LDLR expression levels and to increase the extracellular LDL uptake capacity of HepG2 cells in the presence of exogenous PCSK9. Collectively, novel small‐molecule PCSK9/LDLR PPI inhibitors (especially M12) with in vitro lipid lowering ability, were discovered as lead compounds for further development of hypolipidemic drugs.
The diagnostic utility of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase immunohistochemistry for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in FNA and small biopsy specimens
Authors: Yu Sanhong , Doyle Leona A. , Hornick Jason L. , Mito Jeffrey K.
Published: December 2023

Background

Accurate diagnosis of pancreatic lesions by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) or fine‐needle biopsy can be challenging. Although surrogate immunohistochemical markers for genetic alterations associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been identified, they have modest sensitivity. Biallelic loss of CDKN2A occurs in up to 46% of PDACs, and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been identified as a reliable surrogate marker for this alteration. The current study evaluates the utility of MTAP IHC for the diagnosis of PDAC.

Methods

In total, 136 cases of EUS‐FNA cell block or core biopsy targeting solid pancreatic masses were identified. MTAP IHC was performed and evaluated for complete loss of expression in neoplastic cells. These results were correlated with available clinical next‐generation sequencing that was performed on a subset of cases.

Results

Complete loss of MTAP expression was identified in 23 of 80 (29%) PDACs. A subset of cases classified as suspicious (4 of 21) and atypical (4 of 22) showed MTAP loss. All morphologically indeterminate cases with MTAP loss were confirmed as PDAC on resection/additional sampling. No benign samples (n = 13) showed loss of MTAP. In samples that had available clinical next‐generation sequencing data (n = 13), copy number loss of CDKN2A was detected in all cases that had loss of MTAP expression (n = 4).

Conclusions

Loss of MTAP was identified in approximately 30% of PDAC small biopsy specimens. As loss of MTAP expression is not expected in nonneoplastic cells, and these findings suggest that MTAP IHC can support a diagnosis of PDAC in small biopsy samples.
Recurrent heart failure hospitalizations in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an analysis of TOPCAT trial
Authors: Wang Qi , Yu Fei , Su Hao , Liu Zhiquan , Hu Kai , Wu Guohong , Yan Ji , Chen Kangyu , Yang Dongmei
Published: December 2023

Aims

Recurrent heart failure hospitalization (HFH) is an important feature of the progression of heart failure (HF). In the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial, we analysed risk factors for recurrent HFH events in HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and developed a risk prediction model for recurrent HFH.

Methods and results

This analysis focused on the subset of TOPCAT participants enrolled in the Americas (n = 1767). Recurrent HFH was defined as two or more hospitalizations for HF during the follow‐up period. Lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen the risk factors, and the risk prediction model of recurrent HFH was established. During a median follow‐up period of 3.4 (95% confidence interval: 3.3–3.6) years, 72.2% (542 of 751 total hospitalizations) of HFH events occurred in 9.4% (n = 163) of patients with recurrent HFHs. Patients in the recurrent HFH group had higher cardiovascular mortality rate [6.2 per 100 patient‐years (PY) vs. 3.8 per 100 PY, P = 0.016] and all‐cause mortality rate (10.0 per 100 PY vs. 6.8 per 100 PY, P = 0.015) than those in the non‐recurrent HFH group. The model consisting of nine predictors has moderate predictive power for recurrent HFH events in patients with HFpEF (AUC = 0.75, Brier score = 0.08). Decision curve analysis showed a net clinical benefit from the application of the prediction model.

Conclusions

In patients with HFpEF, the majority of HFHs occur in a small proportion of patients with repeated hospitalizations, who typically have more comorbidities and are at higher risk of death. The predictive model developed in this study helps to identify patients at high risk of recurrent HFH.
Too little money or time? Using justifications to maintain a positive image after self‐control failure
Authors: Steinmetz Janina
Published: December 2023

Research has shown that people frequently fail at exerting self‐control. Yet, having good self‐control is essential for being trusted and relied on. In this research, I test which common and frequent excuses for self‐control failures (i.e., resulting from lack of time vs. money) allow people to maintain an image of good self‐control despite failure. In six studies (five pre‐registered), using different types of self‐control domains, I show that participants perceived someone who failed at a resolution to nevertheless have good self‐control if they failed because they lacked money (vs. time) to follow through (Study 1). This effect was due to the mediated (Study 2a) and manipulated (Study 2b) perceived controllability of the excuse. This effect had downstream consequences for participants’ hypothetical and real behaviour toward the individual when their outcomes were interdependent (Studies 3 and 4). Finally, participants lacked insight into these patterns when communicating their own self‐control failures, which they attributed to a lack of time over money (Study 5).
Analysis of Joule heating and viscous dissipation on electromagnetohydrodynamic flow with electroosmotic effect in a porous microchannel: A heat transfer miniature enhancement
Authors: Rilwan Usman S. , Oni Michael O. , Jha Basant K. , Jibril Haruna M.
Published: December 2023

This work investigates the effect of Joule heating and viscous dissipation due to electric double layer (EDL) and electroosmotic effect on steady fully developed electromagnetohydrodynamic flow in a porous microchannel. Dimensionless formulations of the Poisson–Boltzmann, momentum, and energy equations are derived for the electric potential, velocity profile, and temperature distribution in the microchannel. Exact solutions for the temperature distributions and velocity profiles were obtained using the method of undetermined coefficients. The Debye–Hückel linearization is used to get an exact solution for the electric potential. The results showed that the Brinkmann number , Joule heating parameter , Debye–Hückel parameter , Hartmann number , electric field , and suction/injection parameter have a substantial impact on flow formation and heat transfer. Using MATLAB software, graphical simulations are provided to deliver a greater understanding of the influence of relevant parameters on the results achieved.
Cycloaddition reactions via “on water” protocol reactions: A density functional theory study
Authors: López‐Sosa L. , Calaminici P.
Published: December 2023

In this work, the reactions of quadricyclane with dimethyl azodicarboxylate (DMAD) and of quadricyclane with diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) in gas phase and in water environments were studied by a first‐principles investigation within the framework of auxiliary density functional theory (ADFT). For these type of organic reactions is known that water is required to accelerate them. Since the reason of why this occur is still unknown, this work aims to gain insight into this reaction mechanism. For this investigation, the generalized gradient approximation as well as a hybrid functional were employed. The obtained optimized structures for the reactants, of the products and of the transition states are reported, together with the corresponding frequency analysis results and the reaction profiles. Along the proposed concerted reaction mechanism, a critical points search of the electron density and a charge analysis were performed. The calculated potential energy barriers of these reactions in gas phase and in water environments are compared. In agreement with experiment, the obtained results indicate that both reactions occur faster in water than in gas phase. This study shows that there is a change in the polarity of the two most important carbon atoms of the formed compounds along the reactions and that the decrease of the activation energy barrier which occurs in liquid phase in these reactions is because the structures of the main transition states are stabilized by the water environment. Therefore, the here obtained results demonstrate the important role played by the water‐molecule framework into the activation energy barrier and structures of the molecules that participate in the DMAD and DEAD cycloaddition reactions.
Interplay of early negative life events, development of orbitofrontal cortical thickness and depression in young adulthood
Authors: Backhausen Lea L. , Granzow Jonas , Fröhner Juliane H. , Artiges Eric , Paillère‐Martinot Marie‐Laure , Lemaître Hervé , Sticca Fabio , Banaschewski Tobias , Desrivières Sylvane , Grigis Antoine , Heinz Andreas , Brühl Rüdiger , Papadopoulos‐Orfanos Dimitri , Poustka Luise , Hohmann Sarah , Robinson Lauren , Walter Henrik , Winterer Jeanne , Schumann Gunter , Martinot Jean‐Luc , Smolka Michael N. , Vetter Nora C. ,   the IMAGEN Consortium
Published: December 2023

Background

Early negative life events (NLE) have long‐lasting influences on neurodevelopment and psychopathology. Reduced orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) thickness was frequently associated with NLE and depressive symptoms. OFC thinning might mediate the effect of NLE on depressive symptoms, although few longitudinal studies exist. Using a complete longitudinal design with four time points, we examined whether NLE during childhood and early adolescence predict depressive symptoms in young adulthood through accelerated OFC thinning across adolescence.

Methods

We acquired structural MRI from 321 participants at two sites across four time points from ages 14 to 22. We measured NLE with the Life Events Questionnaire at the first time point and depressive symptoms with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at the fourth time point. Modeling latent growth curves, we tested whether OFC thinning mediates the effect of NLE on depressive symptoms.

Results

A higher burden of NLE, a thicker OFC at the age of 14, and an accelerated OFC thinning across adolescence predicted young adults' depressive symptoms. We did not identify an effect of NLE on OFC thickness nor OFC thickness mediating effects of NLE on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Using a complete longitudinal design with four waves, we show that NLE in childhood and early adolescence predict depressive symptoms in the long term. Results indicate that an accelerated OFC thinning may precede depressive symptoms. Assessment of early additionally to acute NLEs and neurodevelopment may be warranted in clinical settings to identify risk factors for depression.
Prenatal developmental sequences of the esophageal epithelium in the New Zealand white rabbits: Light and electron microscopic analysis
Authors: Gaber Wafaa , Khalil Fatma , Mohamedien Dalia
Published: December 2023

Several morphogenetic sequences occur during esophageal development and birth defects occur due to defects in foregut morphogenesis. This work aimed to record the cellular events in the morphogenesis of rabbits' esophageal epithelium. On the 16th day of gestation, the esophageal epithelium varied from stratified ciliated columnar to stratified squamous type. The surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes occupying their supranuclear cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all layers of the esophageal epithelium at this age. On the 18th gestational day, some light cells could be detected in the middle portion of the epithelium, while others occupied the whole epithelial length. On the 21st day, mucous cells are more frequently observed at the apical esophageal part as well as at the surface epithelium. Numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells. On the 24th gestational day the number of the mucous cells reached its peak. Reaching the 30th gestational day, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased. Collectively, detection of surface mucous and dark cells together with the non‐cornified surface in some regions of the rabbit esophageal epithelium at the end of gestation ensure a postnatal development to reach the adult epithelium essential to sustain the passage of the harsh raw food. Future immunohistochemical studies are recommended to investigate the components of secretions in mucous cells and functional studies to highlight the dark cells significance.

Research Highlights

Esophageal epithelium of fetal rabbit was analyzed by light and transmission microscopy.

Surface epithelium presented mucous cells with mucigen granules of various sizes. They reached their maximum number on 24th day then decreased.

On the 16th day, cytoplasmic vacuolation was evident in all epithelial layers.

On the 21st day, numerous elongated dark cells could be distinguished embedded between the basal cells.

Before birth, several lamellar bodies, a keratinized layer and mitotic divisions could be demonstrated, and the number of both mucous and dark cells was greatly decreased.
Soil greenhouse gas flux and nitrogen mineralization following manure application from tannin‐fed dairy cows
Authors: Romanko Claire A. , Gay Justin D. , Powell J. Mark , Wattiaux Michel , Barford Carol , Larson Rebecca A. , Ruark Matthew D.
Published: December 2023

Growing concerns about environmental impacts of dairy farms have driven producers to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and nitrogen (N) losses from soil following land application of dairy manure. Tannin dietary additives have proved to be a successful intervention for mitigating GHG and ammonia (NH3) emissions at the barn scale. However, it is unknown how land application of dairy manure from cows fed tannin diets affects crop–soil nitrogen dynamics and soil GHG flux. To test this, cows were fed diets at three levels of tannins (0.0%, 0.4%, and 1.8% of dry matter intake) and their manure was field applied at two N rates (240 and 360 kg N ha−1). Soil NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, corn silage yield, and soil GHG flux were then measured over a full growing season. Soils amended with tannin manure had lower initial NH4+‐N concentrations and lower total mineral N (NH4+‐N + NO3−‐N) concentrations 19 days after application, compared to soils amended with no tannin manures. Despite lower early season N availability in tannin‐fertilized plots, there were no differences in corn silage yield. No differences in soil GHG and NH3 emissions were observed between manure‐amended treatments. These results demonstrate that while tannin addition to dairy cow feed does not offer short‐term GHG or NH3 emissions reductions after field manure application, it can promote slower soil N mineralization that may reduce reactive N loss after initial application.
A High MCT‐Based Ketogenic Diet Suppresses Th1 and Th17 Responses to Ameliorate Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice by Inhibiting GSDMD and JAK2‐STAT3/4 Pathways
Authors: Zhang Qianye , Sun Wei , Wang Qingpeng , Zheng Xuexing , Zhang Ruiyan , Zhang Ning
Published: December 2023

Scope

Inflammation and pyroptosis play important roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of ketogenic diet (KD) in EAE.

Methods and results

The administration of KD reduces demyelination and microglial activation in the spinal cord of EAE mice. Meanwhile, KD decreases the levels of Th1 and Th17 associated cytokines/transcription factors production (T‐bet, IFN‐γ, RORγt, and IL‐17) and increases those of Th2 and Treg cytokines/transcription factors (GATA3, IL‐4, Foxp3, and IL‐10) in the spinal cord and spleen. Corresponding, KD reduces the expression of chemokines in EAE, which those chemokines associate with T‐cell infiltration into central nervous system (CNS). In addition, KD inhibits the GSDMD activation in microglia, oligodendrocyte, CD31+ cells, CCR2+ cells, and T cells in the spinal cord. Moreover, KD significantly decreases the ratios of p‐JAK2/JAK2, p‐STAT3/STAT3, and p‐STAT4/STAT4, as well as GSDMD in EAE mice.

Conclusions

this study demonstrates that KD reduces the activation and differentiation of T cells in the spinal cord and spleen and prevents T cell infiltration into CNS of EAE via modulating the GSDMD and STAT3/4 pathways, suggesting that KD is a potentially effective strategy in the treatment of MS.
Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anodes Enabled by Exploring Polar‐Face‐Rich 2D ZnO Interfacial Layers for Rechargeable Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Xueqing , Borowiec Joanna , Zhu Yijia , Liu Xiaopeng , Wu Ruiqi , Ganose Alex M. , Parkin Ivan P. , Boruah Buddha Deka
Published: December 2023

Zinc metal is a promising candidate for anodes in zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), but its widespread implementation is hindered by dendrite growth in aqueous electrolytes. Dendrites lead to undesirable side reactions, such as hydrogen evolution, passivation, and corrosion, causing reduced capacity during prolonged cycling. In this study, an approach is explored to address this challenge by directly growing 1D zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) and 2D ZnO nanoflakes (NFs) on Zn anodes, forming artificial layers to enhance ZIB performance. The incorporation of ZnO on the anode offers both chemical and thermal stability and leverages its n‐type semiconductor nature to facilitate the formation of ohmic contacts. This results in efficient electron transport during Zn ion plating and stripping processes. Consequently, the ZnO NFs‐coated Zn anodes demonstrate significantly improved charge storage performance, achieving 348 mAh g−1, as compared to ZnO NRs (250 mAh g−1) and pristine Zn (160 mAh g−1) anodes when evaluated in full cells with V2O5 cathodes. One significant advantage of ZnO NFs lies in their highly polar surfaces, promoting strong interactions with water molecules and rendering them exceptionally hydrophilic. This characteristic enhances the ability of ZnO NFs to desolvate Zn2+ ions, leading to improved charge storage performance.
Continuous Anhydrous Synthesis of Oxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers by Reaction of Dimethyl Ether with Molecular Formaldehyde
Authors: Billion Andreas , Schulte Jonas , Vogel Andreas , Hilfinger Felix , Krossing Ingo
Published: December 2023

A novel gaseous synthesis route to oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEn, n = 3−5) starting from CO2 and green H2 by using molecular formaldehyde (FA) and dimethyl ether (DME) is presented. The anhydrous reaction runs in a pressure free, gaseous, and continuous reaction setup. Hetero‐geneous cata‐lysts including zeolites and ion exchange resins (IER) are investigated, if they catalyze this reaction. While IER is almost inactive, zeolites with a 3D pore structure and an acidity exceeding ρm,H+(NH3,ads) = 250 µmol·gcat.−1 proved to be catalytically active. DME conversions of up to 2.76 mol‐% are observed. The observed product gas stream compositions confirm thermo‐dynamic considerations with back reactions / OMEn decomposition occurring as part of the equilibria under the investigated reaction conditions (90…180 °C). However, feed gas ratio variations (FA:DME = 1:2 to 1:9.5) highlighted the possibility to shift the product selectivity in favor of OMEn and suppress FA disproportionation to methyl formate. FA trimerization to trioxane is almost completely suppressed by running the reaction at 120 °C. The results presented here provide an important and unprecedented contribution to understand the complex reaction network in the OMEn synthesis reaction necessary to establish an energy efficient sustainable OMEn production process.
Underwater Biomimetic Lateral Line Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Dynamic Pressure Monitoring and Trajectory Perception
Authors: Liu Jianhua , Xu Peng , Liu Bo , Xi Ziyue , Li Yuanzheng , Guo Linan , Guan Tangzhen , Zhu Peng , Meng Zhaochen , Wang Siyuan , Wang Hao , Xu Minyi
Published: December 2023

Developing desirable sensors is crucial for underwater perceptions and operations. The perceiving organs of marine creatures have greatly evolved to react accurately and promptly underwater. Inspired by the fish lateral line, this study proposes a triboelectric dynamic pressure sensor for underwater perception. The biomimetic lateral line sensor (BLLS) has high sensitivity to the disturbance amplitude/frequency, good adaptability to underwater environments and (relative) low cost. The sensors are deployed at the bottom of the test basin to perceive various moving objects, such as a robotic fish, robotic seal, etc. By analyzing the electrical signal of the sensor, the motion parameters of the objects passed over can be obtained. By monitoring signal variations across multiple sensors, the ability to sense different disturbance movement trajectories, including linear and angular trajectories, is achievable. The study will prove significant in forming an unconventional underwater perceiving method, which can back‐up the sonic/optical sensors when are impaired in complex underwater environments.
Multifunctional Imidazolidinyl Urea Additive Initiated Complex with PbI2 Toward Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tu Yibo , Li Guodong , Ye Jingchuan , Deng Chunyan , Liu Ruochuan , Yang Gaoyuan , Shao Tianxiang , Li Yu , Zang Yue , Wang Yu , Zhou Qin , Wu Jihuai , Yan Wensheng
Published: December 2023

High‐quality perovskite absorption layer is the fundamental basis for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Due to the ionic nature of perovskite components, plentiful charged defects and suspension bonds remain on the surface of perovskite grains after continuous high‐temperature annealing. Here, the complex initiated by the introduction of a multifunctional imidazolidinyl urea (IU) additive into the PbI2 precursor solution could serve as nucleation sites and crystallization templates for perovskite crystals to optimize the growth of high‐quality perovskite films. By anchoring at the grain boundaries of perovskite films, IU molecules could passivate various types of defects, improve the hydrophobic properties, and inhibit lead leakage. Attributed to reduced defect density, improved charge transport, and inhibited α‐FAPbI3 transition, the PSCs prepared based on IU additives achieved a champion power conversion efficiency of 23.18% (21.51% for the control PSCs) with negligible hysteresis and satisfactory stability.
Spontaneous Built‐In Electric Field in C3N4‐CoSe2 Modified Multifunctional Separator with Accelerating Sulfur Evolution Kinetics and Li Deposition for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liang Ziwei , Peng Chao , Shen Jiadong , Yuan Jujun , Yang Yan , Xue Dongfeng , Zhu Min , Liu Jun
Published: December 2023

The discovery of the heterostructures that is combining two materials with different properties has brought new opportunities for the development of lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs). Here, C3N4‐CoSe2 composite is elaborately designed and used as a functional coating on the LSBs separator. The abundant chemisorption sites of C3N4‐CoSe2 form chemical bonding with polysulfides, provides suitable adsorption energy for lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). More importantly, the spontaneously formed internal electric field accelerates the charge flow in the C3N4‐CoSe2 interface, thus facilitating the transport of LiPSs and electrons and promoting the bidirectional conversion of sulfur. Meanwhile, the lithiophilic C3N4‐CoSe2 sample with catalytic activity can effectively regulate the uniform distribution of lithium when Li+ penetrates the separator, avoiding the formation of lithium dendrites in the lithium (Li) metal anode. Therefore, LSBs based on C3N4‐CoSe2 functionalized membranes exhibit a stable long cycle life at 1C (with capacity decay of 0.0819% per cycle) and a large areal capacity of 10.30 mAh cm−2 at 0.1C (sulfur load: 8.26 mg cm−2, lean electrolyte 5.4 µL mgs−1). Even under high‐temperature conditions of 60 °C, a capacity retention rate of 81.8% after 100 cycles at 1 C current density is maintained.
Chemical Bath Deposition of Planar Nickel Oxide Films for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Mini‐Modules
Authors: Sheng Hongqing , Zhao Qiangqiang , Sun Xiuhong , Zhang Bingqian , Huang Qi , Wang Kai , Wang Li , Pang Shuping
Published: December 2023

Chemical bath deposition (CBD) is an economical method for the large‐scale preparation of high‐quality inorganic transport layers. In the field of the n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the devices based on n‐type CBD–SnO2/CBD–TiO2 structures demonstrate significant advantages in efficiency and stability. However, using CBD method to deposit high‐quality planar p‐type NiOx is challenging due to the anisotropic growth of nickel‐based intermediate phase. Herein, NH4Cl additive is introduced to modulate the intermediate phase by adjusting the concentration of [Ni(H2O)x(NH3)6−x]2+ cations. As a result, dense and uniform NiOx films are finally obtained after thermal annealing. Simultaneously, the energy level and hole conductivity of NiOx materials are carefully controlled by adjusting the annealing temperature. Benefited from the excellent electronic properties of CBD–NiOx hole‐transport layer, the inverted PSCs based on MAPbI3, (FA0.98MA0.02)0.95Cs0.05Pb(I0.95Br0.05)3 achieve the power conversion efficiency of 19.75% and 23.30%, respectively. Furthermore, the unencapsulated devices maintain over 90% of their initial efficiency after continuous operation for 700 h. Scaling up this novel intermediate phase regulation CBD method yields a mini‐module with an active area of 14 cm2, achieving an efficiency of 19.36%.
Dynamics and clouds in planetary atmospheres from telescopic observations
Authors: Sánchez-Lavega Agustín , Irwin Patrick , García Muñoz Antonio
Published: December 2023

This review presents an insight into our current knowledge of the atmospheres of the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, the satellite Titan, and those of exoplanets. It deals with the thermal structure, aerosol properties (hazes and clouds, dust in the case of Mars), chemical composition, global winds, and selected dynamical phenomena in these objects. Our understanding of atmospheres is greatly benefitting from the discovery in the last 3 decades of thousands of exoplanets. The exoplanet properties span a broad range of conditions, and it is fair to expect as much variety for their atmospheres. This complexity is driving unprecedented investigations of the atmospheres, where those of the solar systems bodies are the obvious reference. We are witnessing a significant transfer of knowledge in both directions between the investigations dedicated to Solar System and exoplanet atmospheres, and there are reasons to think that this exchange will intensity in the future. We identify and select a list of research subjects that can be conducted at optical and infrared wavelengths with future and currently available ground-based and space-based telescopes, but excluding those from the space missions to solar system bodies.
Families of degenerating Poincaré–Einstein metrics on $$\mathbb {R}^4$$
Authors: Alvarado Carlos A. , Ozuch Tristan , Santiago Daniel A.
Published: December 2023

We provide the first example of continuous families of Poincaré–Einstein metrics developing cusps on the trivial topology$$\mathbb {R}^4$$R4. We also exhibit families of metrics with unexpected degenerations in their conformal infinity only. These are obtained from the Riemannian version of an ansatz of Debever and Plebański–Demiański. We additionally indicate how to construct similar examples on more complicated topologies.
Koszul Monoids in Quasi-abelian Categories
Authors: Savage Rhiannon
Published: December 2023

Suppose that we have a bicomplete closed symmetric monoidal quasi-abelian category $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
with enough flat projectives, such as the category of complete bornological spaces $${{\textbf {CBorn}}}_k$$

CBorn
k

or the category of inductive limits of Banach spaces $${{\textbf {IndBan}}}_k$$

IndBan
k

. Working with monoids in $$\mathcal {E}$$
E
, we can generalise and extend the Koszul duality theory of Beilinson, Ginzburg, Soergel. We use an element-free approach to define the notions of Koszul monoids, and quadratic monoids and their duals. Schneiders’ embedding of a quasi-abelian category into an abelian category, its left heart, allows us to prove an equivalence of certain subcategories of the derived categories of graded modules over Koszul monoids and their duals.
Investigation of Graphene Oxide/Mesoporous Silica Supports for Enhanced Electrochemical Stability of Enzymatic Electrodes
Authors: Kaya Şevval , Şimşek Veli , Şahin Samet
Published: December 2023

Mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) are widely used materials in many applications due to their diverse pore structures. However, the electrical conductivity of MSMs is poor which limits their use in electrochemical applications. In this study, widely used MSMs of different structural properties such as MCM-41, MCM-48, SBA-15, and SBA-16 were synthesized and reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) to obtain conductive composite supports for enzyme immobilization. MSMs were first synthesized using a hydrothermal method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray, and MAPPING techniques. Aqueous dispersion of GO:MSM composites were prepared with as-synthesized materials and coated on screen-printed electrodes (SPE). The best composites were chosen based on their electroanalytical performance. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was then immobilized on modified SPEs using a simple drop-casting method to produce enzymatic electrodes. The electroanalytical performance of the enzymatic electrodes was investigated using different glucose concentrations to demonstrate biocatalytic activity. Stability tests were performed using intraday and interday measurements which revealed that SPE/GO:MCM-41/GOx electrode showed a more stable performance (3-folds) than SPE/GO/GOx electrode. This study presents an investigation of MSM mixed with GO in enzymatic electrochemical systems providing insight into the use of such materials to preserve enzyme activity.

Graphical Abstract
Solid electrolytes based on cellulose nanocrystals with protic ionic liquid for next-generation fuel cells
Authors: Jankowska I. , Bielejewski M. , Ławniczak P. , Pankiewicz R. , Tritt-Goc J.
Published: December 2023

The search for solid electrolytes which have good proton conductivity in anhydrous conditions, thermal and mechanical stability, and are at the same time environmentally friendly and easy to manufacture is a big challenge which we have undertaken. This work presents new solid electrolytes based on cellulose nanocrystals with protic ionic liquid 1-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (PIL) which have been obtained and whose thermal and conductivity properties and nanoscale organization has been determined. Two membranes were synthesized which differ as to the amount of absorbed PIL. They show excellent thermal stability up to 200 °C. The maximum value of ionic conductivity is about 10−2 S/m at 200 °C in anhydrous conditions and falls in the range of 10−3–10−2 S/m for temperatures from 150 to 200 °C. The correlation between the transport properties of membranes and their nanostructure has been probed by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermal and conductivity properties of the new materials can compete with currently available membranes. Further work on a composite with a similar chemical composition should lead to obtaining a membrane capable of operating in next-generation fuel cells (T > 120 °C).
Profiling Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Traits in Children with SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability
Authors: Wright Damien , Kenny Aisling , Mizen Lindsay A. M. , McKechanie Andrew G. , Stanfield Andrew C.
Published: December 2023

SYNGAP1-related ID is a genetic condition characterised by global developmental delay and epilepsy. Individuals with SYNGAP1-related ID also commonly show differences in attention and social communication/interaction and frequently receive additional diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We thus set out to quantify ASD and ADHD symptoms in children with this syndrome. To assess ASD and ADHD, parents and caregivers of a child with SYNGAP1-related ID (N = 34) or a typically developing control (N = 21) completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, the Social Communication Questionnaire with a subset of these also completing the Conners-3. We found that those with SYNGAP1-related ID demonstrated higher levels of autistic traits on both the SRS and SCQ than typically developing controls. On the SRS, those with SYNGAP1-related ID scored highest for restricted repetitive behaviours, and were least impaired in social awareness. On the Conners-3, those with SYNGAP1-related ID also showed a high prevalence of ADHD traits, with scores demonstrating difficulties with peer relations but relatively low occurrence of symptoms for DSM-5 conduct disorder and DSM-5 oppositional defiant disorder. Hierarchical clustering analysis highlighted distinct SYNGAP1-related ID subgroups for both ASD and ADHD traits. These findings provide further characterisation of the SYNGAP1-related ID behavioural phenotype, guiding diagnosis, assessment and potential interventions.
Parenting Practices and Parenting Program Preferences of Chinese Immigrant Parents in New Zealand
Authors: Wei Yun , Keown Louise J. , Franke Nike , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: December 2023

Participation in evidence-based parenting programs benefits parents and children, but these programs have limited reach. This study utilized a mixed-method design to investigate the parenting concerns and parenting program needs of Chinese immigrant parents in New Zealand. Parents (n = 159) were surveyed about their perceived levels of child adjustment problems, parenting confidence, and parenting risk and protective factors. Parents’ knowledge and experience with parenting programs, and their program preferences were also examined. Eight Chinese parenting practitioners were interviewed about parenting challenges, parental concerns, and barriers to program participation of Chinese immigrant parents. Survey results showed that parents who gave their child higher ratings on behavior problems reported less parental self-efficacy, and more parental adjustment, family relationship, teamwork, and parenting difficulties. Parents’ knowledge and experience of available parenting programs was low. Barriers to program participation included time constraints, lack of program awareness, cultural and language barriers, and no childcare provision. Parents indicated a preference for a range of delivery options including group-based, seminar, and individually tailored programs. Program features most likely to influence attendance were content that addresses personally relevant issues and children’s self-development (such as coping with failure, managing negative emotions, and increasing confidence), and convenient location of program. Practitioners indicated that managing difficult child behavior and maintaining positive parent-child relationships were key parenting challenges. These concerns were linked to cultural expectations about child obedience, academic performance, and parent/grandparent relationships. Findings highlight program preferences that could be offered to meet Chinese immigrant parenting support needs and increase program participation.
MHD Flow in Simple Cubic Periodic Array Geometry
Authors: Buligins L. , Bucenieks I. , Grants I. , Kaldre I. , Kravalis K. , Mikanovskis O.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the behaviour of liquid metal flow in Capillary Porous System (CPS) under strong external magnetic field. Overlapping simple cubic (SC) periodic array of electrically non-conducting spheres with diameter 6 mm and distance between spheres centres 5.6 mm is 3D printed from PLA electrically non-conducting filament. At room temperature, flow of up to 50 mL/s of In–Ga–Sn in pore space in magnetic field of superconducting magnet up to 5T is investigated. Three orientations of magnetic field in relation to the main flow in SC cell are considered—colinear with main flow and perpendicular to it. The values of Reynolds, Hartmann and Stuart numbers in experiment are up to 1160, 90 and 350, respectively. The results indicate that parallel to the main flow orientation of magnetic field has little influence on the flowrate, while perpendicular orientation strongly reduces flowrate with dependence close to 1/Ha, which agrees well with ANSYS Fluent simulations in a unit SC cell, resembling results for channel flow in magnetic field.
Battles of the Soul: Validation of the Scale of Religious and Spiritual Struggles (RSS) for the Portuguese Population
Authors: Tomás Carla , Moreira Ana
Published: December 2023

This study aims to adapt and validate the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale for the Portuguese population. The sample consisted of 732 participants with various religious affiliations. The exploratory factor analysis showed that it consists of six dimensions, similar to the initial instrument. A KMO of 0.91 was obtained. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the existence of six factors and showed adequate fit indices. Internal consistency and construct reliability were above 0.70. The analysis of the psychometric qualities of this instrument indicates that it can be applied to the Portuguese population and is a valuable instrument for psychotherapeutic practice and studies in the psychology of religion and spirituality.
Like No Other? A Family-Specific Network Approach to Parenting Adolescents
Authors: Boele Savannah , Bülow Anne , Beltz Adriene M. , de Haan Amaranta , Denissen Jaap J. A. , de Moor Marleen H. M. , Keijsers Loes
Published: December 2023

Numerous theories suggest that parents and adolescents influence each other in diverse ways; however, whether these influences differ between subgroups or are unique to each family remains uncertain. Therefore, this study explored whether data-driven subgroups of families emerged that exhibited a similar daily interplay between parenting and adolescent affective well-being. To do so, Subgrouping Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation (S-GIMME) was used to estimate family-specific dynamic network models, containing same- and next-day associations among five parenting practices (i.e., warmth, autonomy support, psychological control, strictness, monitoring) and adolescent positive and negative affect. These family-specific networks were estimated for 129 adolescents (Mage = 13.3, SDage = 1.2, 64% female, 87% Dutch), who reported each day on parenting and their affect for 100 consecutive days. The findings of S-GIMME did not identify data-driven subgroups sharing similar parenting-affect associations. Instead, each family displayed a unique pattern of temporal associations between the different practices and adolescent affect. Thus, the ways in which parenting practices were related to adolescents’ affect in everyday life were family specific.
A semi-physical thermodynamic transient rolling resistance model with nonlinear viscoelasticity
Authors: Hyttinen Jukka , Österlöf Rickard , Jerrelind Jenny , Drugge Lars
Published: December 2023

Rolling resistance dictates a large part of the energy consumption of trucks. Therefore, it is necessary to have a sound understanding of the parameters affecting rolling resistance. This article proposes a semi-physical thermodynamic tyre rolling resistance model, which captures the essential properties of rolling resistance, such as transient changes due to temperature effects and the strain-amplitude dependency of the viscous properties. In addition, the model includes cooling effects from the surroundings. Both tyre temperature and rolling resistance are obtained simultaneously in the simulation model for each time step. The nonlinear viscoelasticity in rubber is modelled using the Bergström–Boyce model, where the viscous creep function is scaled with temperature changes. The cooling of the tyre is considered with both convective and radiative cooling. Moreover, the article explains different material parameters and their physical meaning. Additionally, examples of how the model could be used in parameter studies are presented.