bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Optimized Design of Sandwich Structured SiO2/C@SiC/SiO2 Composites Through Numerical Simulation for Temperature‐Resistant Radar and Infrared Compatible Stealth
Authors: Liu Chuyang , He Taian , Hu Congcong , Qian Qi , Hao Yilin , Xu Lu , Lu Hengyi , Ji Guangbin
Published: December 2024

In contemporary times, radar and infrared‐compatible stealth materials have emerged as a pivotal domain of research globally, aimed at augmenting the survivability of military assets. However, current candidates generally exhibit subpar compatibility performance in elevated temperature environments due to the imbalanced interplay between the two spectral bands. In this work, a meticulously designed sandwich‐structure SiO2/C@SiC/SiO2 composite is proposed to cope with the challenge. The middle layer of C@SiC composites possesses excellent microwave absorption performance even at high temperatures. The outer layers of SiO2 aerogels serve not only to inhibit the infrared radiation intensity, but also reinforce the microwave absorption capacity by optimizing the impedance matching and reducing the heat transferred to the middle layer. Based on the numerical simulation outcomes, the thickness of each layer has been optimized to attain a harmonious balance between microwave absorption and infrared radiation properties. Ultimately, the sandwich structured SiO2/C@SiC/SiO2 composites demonstrate low RL (reflection loss) values (←5 dB) across nearly the entire X band (8–12 GHz), alongside minimal surface temperatures hovering ≈44 °C at an ambient temperature of 200 °C. The comprehensive investigation into impact patterns and underlying mechanisms offers invaluable insights to develop radar and infrared‐compatible stealth materials for high‐temperature applications, which can be applied as stealth coatings on the skin of high Mach number aircraft.
Cobalt Catalytic Regulation Engineering in Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries: Facilitating Rapid Polysulfides Conversion and Delicate Na2S Nucleation
Authors: Mei Tiehan , Li Xu , Lin Xitao , Bai Lixin , Xu Maowen , Qi Yuruo
Published: December 2024

The sluggish conversion kinetics and uneven deposition of sodium sulfide (Na2S) pose significant obstacles to the practical implementation of room temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na─S) batteries. To tackle these challenges, herein, a cathode host (Co‐NMCN) that enables rapid polysulfides conversion and delicate Na2S nucleation is developed via integrating Co nanoparticles into N‐doping multilayer carbon network. The freestanding carbon network expedites electronic transport and relives the electrode expansion, while the Co nanoparticles perform strong chemical adsorption with soluble sodium polysulfide (NaPSs) via Co─S bonds and exhibit remarkable electrocatalytic effect on the multi‐electron conversion of NaPSs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal a low energy barrier for NaPSs diffusion and Na₂S oxidation, which facilitates the uniform deposition of Na₂S across the scaffold in a controlled 3D nucleation process. This effectively mitigates the formation of irreversible by‐products and prevents electrocatalyst passivation, thus enhancing the overall reaction efficiency. As a result, the as‐prepared S@Co‐NMCN electrode delivers an impressive reversible capacity of 934.2 mA h g−1 at 0.5C and maintains a low decay rate of 0.064% per cycle over 800 cycles at 0.5C.
Specific gFET‐Based Aptasensors for Monitoring of Microbiome Quality: Quantification of the Enteric Health‐Relevant Bacterium Roseburia Intestinalis
Authors: Zhang Yiting , Xing Hu , Li Runliu , Andersson Jakob , Bozdogan Anil , Strassl Robert , Draphoen Bastian , Lindén Mika , Henkel Marius , Knippschild Uwe , Hasler Roger , Kleber Christoph , Knoll Wolfgang , Kissmann Ann‐Kathrin , Rosenau Frank
Published: December 2024

Roseburia intestinalis, enriched in the gut, is closely associated with obesity, intestinal inflammation, and other diseases. A novel detection method for R. intestinalis to replace the commonly used 16S rRNA sequencing technique is aim to developed, thus enabling real‐time and low‐cost monitoring of gut microbiota. The optimal solution is to utilize rGO‐FET (reduced graphene oxide field‐effect transistor) functionalized with aptamers. Due to the high sensitivity of graphene sensors to electronic changes in the system, it is anticipated to achieve detection sensitivity that traditional fluorescence detection techniques cannot attain. The previous work reported a nucleic acid aptamer library, Ri 7_2, capable of quantitatively tracking R. intestinalis in complex systems. However, due to the complexity of the aptamer library itself, large‐scale industrial synthesis is challenging, significantly limiting its further commercial application potential. Therefore, in this study, through Next‐Generation Sequencing analysis, four representative single aptamers from the aptamer library is strategically selected, named A‐Rose 1, A‐Rose 2, A‐Rose 3, and A‐Rose 4, and confirmed their excellent performance similar to the aptamer library Ri 7_2. Furthermore, aptamer‐modified rGO‐FET demonstrated universality in detecting R. intestinalis in a series of biochemical analyses, providing a novel and powerful diagnostic tool for the clinical diagnosis of R. intestinalis.
In‐Ear Electronics with Mechanical Adaptability for Physiological Sensing
Authors: Zhuo Shuyun , Wu Zihuan , Williams Chris , Sundaresan Chithiravel , Ameri Shideh Kabiri
Published: December 2024

Significant developments have been made in the field of wearable healthcare by utilizing soft materials for the construction of electronic sensors. However, the lack of adaptability to complex topologies, such as ear canal, results in inadequate sensing performance. Here, we report an in‐ear physiological sensor with mechanical adaptability, which softens upon contact with the ear canal's skin, thus reducing the sensor‐skin mechanical mismatch and interface impedance. An efficient strategy of mechanical adjustment and switching is exploited to increase the softness of the device, leading to a significant decrease in Young's modulus from 30.5 MPa of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to 0.86 MPa of TPU/Ecoflex foam (TEF).The mechanical adaptability at body temperature endows the in‐ear device improved device‐canal contact area and interface stability. As a result, the TEF‐based in‐ear device demonstrates reliable sensing, low motion artifact, and high comfort in electroencephalography (EEG) and core body temperature sensing. High quality EEG signals of alpha, beta, delta, and gamma are measured during different activities. Moreover, the TEF‐based in‐ear device exhibits high reusability for over 4 months, which makes it suitable for long‐term healthcare monitoring.
Topological Transformation and Dimensional Reduction in Multicomponent Metal–Organic Frameworks for Gas Separations
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Huiyue , Pu Xinya , Xu Yitang , Zhu Kai , Xue Chaozhuang , Huang Hongliang , Gan Lei , Yang Huajun
Published: December 2024

Multicomponent MOFs have offered a wide range of opportunities to harness new properties. However, the synthesis of multicomponent MOFs remains challenging. This work demonstrates the synthesis of a family of multicomponent MOFs by topological transformation from well‐established multicomponent partitioned acs (pacs) structures. Such transformation is based on the new understanding on the self‐assembly process of pacs MOFs. A key to this understanding is that pacs structures, topologically regarded as the introduction of a pore‐partitioning ligand into MOF‐235/MIL‐88 type framework, are likely to be formed in a layer‐pillar‐layer fashion in practical reactions. As the π–π interaction between layers and other chemical interactions during the self‐assembly process are recognized, the structural transformation can be modulated from 3D pacs structures to 2D interrupted pacs structures (denoted i‐pacs). It is especially noteworthy that such dimensional reduction is first observed in metal‐organic frameworks and the i‐pacs MOFs contain four structural modules and up to five components, which have the highest complexity among 2D MOFs. Interestingly, the i‐pacs MOFs have significantly enhanced performance for CO2/N2 separation in comparison with pacs MOFs.
Regulating Charge Separation Via Periodic Array Nanostructures for Plasmon‐Enhanced Water Oxidation
Authors: Gao Yuying , Zhu Qianhong , Zhao Jianfeng , Xie Yuxin , Fan Fengtao , Li Can
Published: December 2024

Plasmonic resonance intensity in metallic nanostructures plays a crucial role in charge generation and separation, directly affecting plasmon‐induced photocatalytic activity. Engineering strategies to enhance plasmonic effects involve designing specific nanostructures, such as triangular nanoplates with sharp corners or dimer nanostructures with hot spots. However, these approaches often lead to a trade‐off between enhanced plasmonic intensity and resonance energy, which ultimately determines local charge density and photocatalytic performance. Here, inspired by theoretical predications, it is shown that a flexibly controlled plasmonic photocatalyst, consisting of an ordered array of Au nanoparticles on a SrTiO3 surface, exhibits an enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) intensity while maintaining a constant SPR resonant energy, due to the presence of surface lattice resonance. This trade‐off results in improved charge separation efficiency and an increase in local charge density at catalytically active sites, as verified by theoretical simulations, surface photovoltage microscopy, and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, the optimized periodic photocatalyst shows a 7‐fold increase in water oxidation activity over disordered nanostructures. This work provides a novel approach for balancing the intensity and energy of SPR, which will contribute to optimizing photocatalytic activity on plasmonic platforms.
Substrate‐Free Inorganic‐Based Films for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Liang Zhongxin , Shu Rui , Xu Congcong , Wang Yu , Shang Hongjing , Mao Jun , Ren Zhifeng
Published: December 2024

The development of highly integrated electronic components and the Internet of Things demands efficient thermal management and uninterrupted energy harvesting, which provides exciting opportunities for thermoelectric (TE) technology since it allows direct conversion between electricity and thermal energy. The improved output performance of TE devices has traditionally been driven by advancements in inorganic materials. Recently, there has been growing interest in studying substrate‐free inorganic‐based TE thin films because they provide improved adherence to curved surfaces and offer a more compact size compared to the corresponding rigid form of these materials. This review begins by summarizing various methods for fabricating freestanding inorganic‐based TE films, including leveraging the intrinsic plasticity of certain materials, exfoliating layered‐structure materials, using sacrificial substrates, and creating composites with flexible components such as polymers and carbon‐based materials. A key challenge in achieving high device performance is determining how to maintain the favorable TE properties of inorganic materials. This can be addressed through strategies such as high inorganic content loading, multicomponent engineering, and interfacial structure design. The review also discusses the applications of substrate‐free inorganic‐based TE devices in both power generation and solid‐state cooling. Finally, it outlines current challenges and proposes potential research directions to further advance the field.
Amylopectin‐based Hydrogel Probes for Brain‐machine Interfaces
Authors: Qin Yanxia , Zhao Hao , Chang Qi , Liu Yan , Jing Zhen , Yu Dehai , Mugo Samuel M. , Wang Hongda , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2024

Implantable neural probes hold promise for acquiring brain data, modulating neural circuits, and treating various brain disorders. However, traditional implantable probes face significant challenges in practical applications, such as balancing sensitivity with biocompatibility and the difficulties of in situ neural information monitoring and neuromodulation. To address these challenges, this study developed an implantable hydrogel probe capable of recording neural signals, modulating neural circuits, and treating stroke. Amylopectin is integrated into the hydrogels, which can induce reorientation of the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) chain and create compliant interfaces with brain tissues, enhancing both sensitivity and biocompatibility. The hydrogel probe shows the capability of continuously recording deep brain signals for 8 weeks. The hydrogel probe is effectively utilized to study deep brain signals associated with various physiological activities. Neuromodulation and neural signal monitoring are performed directly in the primary motor cortex of rats, enabling control over their limb behaviors through evoked signals. When applied to the primary motor cortex of stroke‐affected rats, neuromodulation significantly reduced the brain infarct area, promoted synaptic reorganization, and restored motor functions and balance. This research represents a significant scientific breakthrough in the design of neural probes for brain monitoring, neural circuit modulation, and the development of brain disease therapies.
Implantable Ultrasound‐Powered MXene/PVA Hydrogel‐Based Generator for Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Hu Xiaoping , Qiu Ziyi , Yang Yilin , Xu Ting , Sheng Kai , Lu Weicheng , Xie Jingdun , Xu Bingzhe
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal disease with a poor prognosis due to its strong infiltration, which makes it difficult to remove completely. In this study, an implantable, modulus‐tunable, and ultrasound‐powered MXene/PVA hydrogel‐based tumor treatment device (UP‐MPH‐TTD), which generates specific electromagnetic alternating fields that disrupt the mitosis of cancer cells without adversely affecting normal neurons is developed. The MXene/PVA hydrogel is used to form a tumor treatment field due to its high biocompatibility, excellent flexibility, and high conductivity, which improves ultrasonic electrical conversion efficiency and significantly reduces the size of the equipment. The implantable UP‐MPH‐TTD is wirelessly ultrasound‐powered, small‐sized, lightweight, and simply structured, significantly boosting therapeutic efficiency and reducing restrictions on patient movement. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the device's therapeutic effect, demonstrating a ≈92% inhibition rate in the growth of clinical tumor cells and a 73% reduction in tumor area in tumor‐bearing mice. The promising results indicate the broad application potential of the device in the treatment and prognostic improvement of GBM.
Highly Sensitive In Vivo Imaging of Bacterial Infections with a Hydrophilicity‐Switching, Self‐Immobilizing, Near‐Infrared Fluorogenic β‐Lactamase Probe Enriched within Bacteria
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Li Yuyao , Peng Yan , Zhu Yifan , He Gao , Zhang Zhengwei , Xie Hexin
Published: December 2024

The emergence of antibiotic resistance, particularly bacterial resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics, the most widely prescribed therapeutic agents for infectious diseases, poses a significant threat to public health worldwide. The discovery of effective therapies against antibiotic‐resistant pathogens has become an urgent need, necessitating innovative approaches to accelerate the identification and development of novel antibacterial agents. On the other hand, the expression of the β‐lactam‐hydrolyzing enzyme (β‐lactamase), the major cause of bacterial resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics, provides a distinctive opportunity to visualize bacterial infection, evaluate the efficacy of existing antibiotics, screen for novel antibacterial agents, and optimize drug dosing regimens in live animals. Herein, a hydrophilicity‐switching, self‐immobilizing, near‐Infrared fluorogenic β‐lactamase probe for the highly sensitive imaging of bacterial infection in live mice is reported. This probe, in addition to a significant increase in fluorescence upon selective hydrolysis by β‐lactamases as conventional β‐lactamase probes, also massively enriches within β‐lactamase‐expressing bacteria (over 1500‐folds compared to the incubation medium), which renders excellent sensitivity in the imaging of bacterial infections in living animals. This agent has proven to enable the assessment of antibiotic therapeutic efficacy and potency of β‐lactamase inhibitors in living animals in a non‐invasive and much more convenient manner.
Polyester Upcycling to Glycine via Tandem Thermochemical–Electrochemical Catalysis
Authors: Ma Yingxin , Chen Wenxuan , Yuan Wenfang , Chen Zhuan , Du Mengmeng , Cai Lejuan , Wang Wenlong , Xing Mingyang , Qiu Bocheng
Published: December 2024

Deconstruction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics into commodity chemicals such as glycine presents a promising route for waste valorization. However, directly upcycling PET into glycine via thermocatalysis typically requires harsh conditions (e.g., high H2 pressure and elevated temperature) while suffering from limited selectivity and high carbon footprint. Herein, a cascade thermochemical–electrochemical catalysis is developed to exploit glycine from end‐of‐life PET plastics with high selectivity and yield, without the use of hydrogen gas in the entire process. PET is first degraded into oxalic acid via thermochemical oxidative depolymerization using an active and robust HY‐zeolite‐supported Au catalyst under a low O2 pressure (0.3 MPa), and then valorize oxalic acid intermediate into glycine via a two‐step electroreduction over an earth‐abundant TiO2 catalyst. The proposed cascade catalysis approach is resilient to impurities from realistic PET waste streams, and enables a continuous conversion of various PET goods into glycine with an overall yield of 75%. Techno‐economic analysis and life cycle assessment demonstrate that the cascade approach is a cost‐effective and low‐carbon route for PET upcycling. This hybrid thermochemical–electrochemical technology paves a way to leverage cascade catalysis for mitigating plastic pollution while producing high‐value chemicals.
SAHA inhibits lung fibroblast activation by increasing p66Shc expression epigenetically
Authors: Dong Yiheng , Peng Jieting , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Qiong , Lyu Xing
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on lung fibroblast activation and to examine the role of p66Shc in this process.

Methods

An in vitro pulmonary fibrosis model was established using transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐induced MRC‐5 lung fibroblasts. The proliferation and migration capacities of MRC‐5 cells, along with the expression of fibrosis‐related genes, were assessed following treatment with SAHA and/or silence of p66Shc.

Results

In TGF‐β‐induced MRC‐5 lung fibroblasts, SAHA treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration, as well as the expression of fibrosis‐related genes, including collagen I and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA). Western blot and immunofluorescence assays revealed that SAHA increased p66Shc expression in both whole cells and mitochondria. Additionally, mito‐SOX assay confirmed that SAHA treatment led to a marked accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, silencing of p66Shc significantly reversed the aforementioned effects of SAHA on MRC‐5 cells. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that SAHA enhanced active histone markers, H3K9Ac and H3K4Me3, in the p66Shc gene region.

Conclusions

SAHA alleviates lung fibroblast activation and migration by increasing p66Shc expression and mitochondrial ROS generation through epigenetic modifications of histone 3.
Relationships Between Mechanical Behavior and Structure/Properties for Macroscopically Homogeneous Porous Composites Containing Randomly Shaped Filler
Authors: Černý Miroslav , Menčík Přemysl
Published: December 2024

The work focuses on researching relationships between structure/properties and mechanical behavior of porous composites. The primary data comes from tensile testing. The observed properties include elastic modulus, ultimate strength, ultimate strain, and energy need for ultimate strength achievement. The studied materials include composites based on different polyurethane matrices and one rubber filler with various filler and porosity contents. Presented work expands the possibilities of an approach based on measured data fitting by a suitable function followed by obtained parameters interpolation. The utilization of new structural parameters leads to a spatial linear function shape instead of spatial exponential. The newly introduced equation is z

c
 = z

m
 + z

m
· (b · p
1 + c · p
2), where z

c
/z

m
is generally labeled mechanical property value for composite/nonporous matrix, p
1/p
2 are suitable structural parameters, and b/c are fitting parameters subjected to interpolations by logarithmic function containing values of properties typical for matrices. The work focuses on studying the case of different matrices and one kind of filler. The work includes all potentially valuable interpolations for earlier mentioned properties with the most interesting results in cases of pairs p
1/p
2 containing two from three parameters: n (porosity), 1 − v

m
(v

f
 + porosity), and v

f
(filler volume fraction).
Noncovalent Cross‐Linked Network‐Reinforced High‐Toughness Polyvinyl Alcohol/Hyperbranched Polyester Films Obtained Through Solution Blending
Authors: Wang Yaomin , Zou Kaijuan , Wang Jun , Kang Jun , Yu Wenxia , Tian Huafeng , Ouyang Yuge , Jin Yujuan , Kumar Rajesh , Luo Xiaogang
Published: December 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) exhibits good water solubility, biocompatibility, and gas barrier properties. It is an important renewable and biodegradable polymeric material and is widely used in drug delivery, food packaging, tissue engineering, etc. However, its application is limited by insufficient mechanical performance. Hyperbranched polymers are a class of highly branched, structured macromolecular polymers with multiple branching sites and rich end functional groups. In this work, blend films were prepared by mixing PVA with water‐soluble hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) using the solution casting method. The results showed that the hydroxyl groups of HBPE could form a hydrogen‐bond‐based cross‐linking network with the hydroxyl groups of PVA. This, in turn, will effectively improve the mechanical properties, water absorption, thermal stability, etc. of the blend film. When the mass ratio of HBPE to PVA is 1:4, the elongation at break of the blend film was 404.23% with a tensile strength of 39.97 MPa. The prepared PVA/HBPE blend material is expected to be more widely applied in fields such as tissue engineering, packaging materials, etc.
Effects of 6FAP on the Electrical Properties of Al2O3/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Zheng Huan , Zhang Jinyu , Jiao Shuqing , Han Yongsen , Wang Xinyu , Li Zhonghua
Published: December 2024

The fluorination of Al2O3/epoxy composites is achieved through the grafting of 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoro propane (6FAP) onto the epoxy molecule via ring‐opening reactions. The microstructures, Fourier infrared spectra, and water contact angle of the untreated and fluorinated Al2O3/epoxy composites are characterized. The composites' dielectric properties and DC conductivity, DC breakdown, surface flashover, and surface potential decay are also measured. The results demonstrate that 6FAP has been successfully grafted onto the epoxy molecules, and Al2O3 particles are uniformly distributed in the composite. The hydrophilicity of the fluorinated Al2O3/epoxy composite is enhanced. The fluorinated Al2O3/epoxy composite exhibits more favorable electrical properties than the untreated composite. The breakdown strength and surface flashover voltage of the fluorinated Al2O3/epoxy composite increased by 12.98% and 11.10%, respectively. Compared to the untreated composite, the deep trap density of the fluorinated Al2O3/epoxy composite increases, which contributes to the reduction in carrier mobility and to the enhancement of breakdown strength and surface flashover voltage. This work suggests that fluorination via 6FAP has potential applications in the improvement of electrically insulating materials.
Glucopyranosylamine‐Derived Dinuclear Mo(VI) Complex: An Efficient Catalyst for the Oxidation of Thiols into Uronium Aryl/Alkyl Sulfonates
Authors: Parikh Anuvasita , Parikh Parmeshthi , Kumar Madduluri Vimal , Sah Ajay K.
Published: December 2024

A combination of dinuclear molybdenum complex of bis‐(4,6‐O‐ethylidene‐β‐D‐glucopyranosylamine)‐1,4‐dihydroxy‐2,5‐dibenzylidene with urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) has been used as an efficient catalyst for the selective oxidation of thiols into corresponding uronium sulfonate salts (Ur+R/ArSO₃−). The reaction was carried out in ethanol at room temperature using sixteen different aliphatic and aromatic thiols, which afforded an excellent isolated yield of products (89–98 %). We have established the evolution of hydrogen gas during the oxidation process by gas chromatography, however no such reports are available for similar reactions in the past. The products have been characterized by several analytical techniques like FTIR, NMR, HRMS, etc., and the molecular structure of two compounds has been established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The mechanistic insights of the catalytic process have also been explored, and during this process, the formation of disulfides, sulfinothioates, and sulfinic acids has been noticed. Two representative reactions have also been reported where (i) uronium p‐chlorobenzene sulfonate has been converted to corresponding sulfonic acid and (ii) diphenyl diselenide has been oxidized to corresponding selenonate salt.
Polybenzimidazole Based Porous Organic Polymers with Dipyridine Units for Iodine Capture
Authors: Du Ziwei , Wang Zhixuan , Wang Ruoting , Liu Chao
Published: December 2024

Clean energy nuclear power generation is always accompanied by the release of harmful radioactive iodine. Therefore, developing efficient adsorbents has become a universal strategy to deal with this problem. Two distinct porous organic polymers (BTM‐POP and DAB‐POP) containing dipyridine units and benzimidazole structure were synthesized by 5,5′‐([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐5,5′‐diyl) diisophthalaldehyde with 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetramine (BTM) or 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (DAB), respectively. The structures and morphologies of BTM‐POP and DAB‐POP were confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, N2 sorption isotherm measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, iodine vapor capture of BTM‐POP and DAB‐POP reach 3.26 g g−1 and 3.58 g g−1, respectively. Mechanism study reveals that the adsorbed iodine in the material mainly exists in the form of I3− and I5− and the adsorption sites are mainly bipyridine and benzimidazole units. The results show that two POPs exhibit good thermal/chemical stability, high pore properties, and offer more adsorption sites. In combination with rich N atom content, large conjugated structure, synergistically influences the iodine vapor capture capacity of POPs.
Exploring the Multifaceted Health Benefits of Tripolium pannonicum: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Prebiotic Properties With Phytochemical Insights
Authors: Aydın Betül
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the multifaceted potential of Tripolium pannonicum methanolic extract, focusing on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties alongside a comprehensive phytochemical analysis. The antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract was demonstrated through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and iron ion chelating assays, revealing an IC50 value of 0.073 mg/mL and 5.79 ± 0.04 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the prebiotic activity of T. pannonicum was evaluated, showing enhanced growth of probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum and L. fermentum, compared to standard prebiotics, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides. The study also identified 27 bioactive phytochemical compounds in the methanolic extract, including 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and palmitic acid, which were further explored through molecular docking analyses, revealing significant interactions with the human pregnane X receptor. These findings underscore the potential of T. pannonicum as a sustainable health solution in both agricultural and medicinal contexts, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action.
Microstructure Optimization of Nickel–Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Nanofibers for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Zhang Qiyu , Wen Shuo , Wang Chenxu , Ayeza  , Zhang Yating , Hu Chao
Published: December 2024

The utilization of renewable energy for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2RR) represents a significant advancement in green carbon conversion technologies. Single atom catalysts (SACs) featuring a transition metal‐nitride‐carbon (M‐Nx‐C) architecture exhibit catalytic activity for the reduction of CO2 to CO. However, the impact of the morphology of carbon supports, particularly their pore structure, on the electrocatalytic performance of CO2RR warrants further investigation. In this study, we fabricated a series of Ni‐based SACs supported by porous carbon nanofibers through electrospinning and sacrificial template method. We examined variations in microstructure of these porous carbon nanofiber carriers at different pyrolysis temperatures and elucidated their effects on CO2RR catalytic performance. The catalyst obtained at 1000 °C demonstrated efficient electrocatalysis for converting CO2 to CO due to its large specific surface area, abundant hierarchical pore structure, and high content of Ni‐Nx species resulting from both the sacrificial template method and high‐temperature pyrolysis. A Faradaic efficiency exceeding 90% was sustained across potentials ranging from −0.7 V to −1.3 V (versus RHE), with a peak efficiency reaching 96.1% at −1.0 V (versus RHE). Kinetic analysis indicated that this sample exhibited the highest reaction kinetics alongside minimal charge transfer resistance.
The Designs and Applications of Tetraphenylethylene Macrocycles and Cages
Authors: Li Dong‐Mi , Zuo Ruhai , Wang Jinhua , Le Zhiping
Published: December 2024

Macrocycles and cages are very attractive for the development of functional materials due to their unique inner cavities. Building blocks with interesting functions and synthetic conveniences are especially attractive. Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) is such an entity with C2 symmetry and tetrakis‐functional groups easily modifiable. As a typical aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) active compound, TPE perfectly unites the functions of fluorescence and structural building blocks together. The unique marriage of the two roles into one component makes TPE an ideal platform for the development of functional molecular systems including macrocycles and cages. The TPE macrocycles and cages are not merely a simple combination of those two but also generate added values unseen in either component alone. The fluorescence properties of TPE in macrocycles/cages are greatly improved or modulated, which makes them more suitable for various applications compared to their linear counterparts. In this review, the chemistry and design principles of TPE macrocycles/cages are surveyed first. The unique properties of those compounds are also discussed to provide general guidance for their functionalization. A brief discussion of their applications focusing on the utilization of their unique fluorescence is also presented. In the last, outlooks and future perspectives of TPE macrocycles/cages are provided for further developments.
Ganz Ohr statt ganz Auge
Authors: Semmler Rainer
Published: December 2024

Acoustic Testing (AT) setzt neue Maßstäbe in der Instandhaltung chemischer Anlagen. Durch den Einsatz fortschrittlicher Sensortechnik und Datenanalyse können Betreiber frühzeitig Schäden und Fehlfunktionen von Druckbehältern erkennen. Dies ermöglicht eine gezielte und effektive Planung von Instandhaltungsmaßnahmen, das Testverfahren reduziert Prüfnebenkosten und minimiert Produktionsausfälle. Erfahren Sie, wie AT die Effizienz und Nachhaltigkeit Ihrer Anlage steigern kann.
Discriminatory dose determination for DMI fungicides for Clarireedia jacksonii and mycelial growth variation across active ingredients
Authors: Kahiu M. M. , Kaminski J. E.
Published: December 2024

In addition to cultural practices, dollar spot disease management requires frequent application of fungicides. Demethylation inhibitor (DMIs) fungicides are applied repeatedly to manage dollar spot in turfgrass systems. This facilitates reduction in DMI fungicide sensitivity among Clarireedia spp. populations. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify EC50 and relative mycelial growth (RMG) values for Clarireedia spp. across nine commercially available DMI fungicides, (2) determine the discriminatory dose for each of these fungicides, and (3) elucidate differences among isolates exhibiting varying degrees of sensitivity to propiconazole across all commercially available DMI fungicides. Discriminatory doses were determined to be 0.01 for propiconazole and prothioconazole, 0.1 for flutriafol and tebuconazole, and 1.0 µg active ingredient (a.i.) mL−1 potato dextrose agar for triadimefon, mefentrifluconazole, metconazole, triticonazole, and myclobutanil. Mefentrifluconazole completely inhibited mycelial growth of sensitive isolates. There were varying levels of mycelia suppression across highly insensitive isolates (RMG > 80%). Across highly insensitive isolates, prothioconazole provided the least suppression of growth, while mefentrifluconazole and myclobutanil provided the highest suppression of mycelial growth. However, none of the fungicides completely inhibited mycelial growth of the moderately sensitive and highly insensitive isolates. Results suggest variable suppression may exist among commercially available DMIs among sensitive and insensitive isolates of Clarireedia jacksonii.
Relationship of Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations, Diabetes, Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Incident Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Xiang Hao , Zhou Chun , Gan Xiaoqin , Huang Yu , He Panpan , Ye Ziliang , Liu Mengyi , Yang Sisi , Zhang Yanjun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qin Xianhui
Published: December 2024

Aims

The association between vitamin D and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the association of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) with incident VTE among participants with and without diabetes, and examine the modifying effect of genetic susceptibility of VTE and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms on this association.

Materials and Methods

A total of 378,082 participants free of VTE at baseline from the UK Biobank were included. Serum 25OHD concentrations were measured by the chemiluminescent immunoassay method. The primary outcome was incident VTE, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The genetic risks of VTE were estimated using 297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with VTE. The VDR gene polymorphisms included SNPs of rs7975232, rs1544410, rs2228570 and rs731236.

Results

During a median follow‐up duration of 12.5 years, 10,645 VTE cases were recorded. Serum 25OHD had a significantly stronger inverse association with incident VTE in participants with diabetes (per SD increment, adjusted HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81–0.93) than in those without diabetes (per SD increment, adjusted HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95–0.99; p‐interaction = 0.003). Similar trends were found for incident DVT and PE. Among participants with diabetes, the genetic risk of VTE did not significantly modify the association between serum 25OHD and incident VTE (p‐interaction = 0.607). However, a stronger inverse association of serum 25OHD with incident VTE was found in the VDR rs2228570 AA genotype (vs. GG/AG; p‐interaction = 0.031).

Conclusions

Serum 25OHD was inversely associated with the risk of VTE, especially among participants with diabetes, regardless of genetic risks of VTE.
Recurrent Heatwaves Slow Down the Recovery of a Phytoplankton Community
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Hermann Markus , Crettaz‐Minaglia Melina , Rico Andreu
Published: December 2024

Heatwaves (HWs) are predicted to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. Yet, there is limited information about how ecological resilience of aquatic communities is going to be impacted by recurrent HWs. Here, we used data from an outdoor freshwater mesocosm experiment where a semi‐natural phytoplankton community was exposed to three subsequent HWs. The data were used to test two different hypotheses regarding community and ecosystem responses to recurrent perturbations: critical slowing down and rescue. Slowing down would determine a reduction in resilience and eventually a community or ecosystem collapse, whereas rescue would increase community or ecosystem resilience and maintain stable community and ecosystem properties. The results of our experiment showed evidence for critical slowing down, but not for community or ecosystem rescue. The recovery capacity of phytoplankton biomass and dissolved oxygen gradually decreased after the first two HWs and sharply declined after the third one. The decline in these community and ecosystem properties were linked to a significant compositional turnover in the phytoplankton community. Although we did not find evidence for a transition into an alternative stable state, our results provide insights into how the overall resilience of a phytoplankton community may decline in the presence of recurrent heatwaves. Thus, we highlight the importance of monitoring the slowing down of recovery of aquatic communities experiencing repeated exposure to severe perturbations.
Seascape Genomics of the Smooth Hammerhead Shark Sphyrna zygaena Reveals Regional Adaptive Clinal Variation
Authors: Grobler D. L. , Klein J. D. , Dicken M. L. , Mmonwa K. , Soekoe M. , van Staden M. , Hagen S. B. , Maduna S. N. , Bester‐van der Merwe A. E.
Published: December 2024

Globally, hammerhead sharks have experienced severe declines owing to continued overexploitation and anthropogenic change. The smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena remains understudied compared to other members of the family Sphyrnidae. Despite its vulnerable status, a comprehensive understanding of its genetic landscape remains lacking in many regions worldwide. The present study aimed to conduct a fine‐scale genomic assessment of Sphyrna zygaena within the highly dynamic marine environment of South Africa's coastline, using thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (3RAD). A combination of differentiation‐based outlier detection methods and genotype‐environment association (GEA) analysis was employed in Sphyrna zygaena. Subsequent assessments of putatively adaptive loci revealed a distinctive south to east genetic cline. Among these, notable correlations between adaptive variation and sea‐surface dissolved oxygen and salinity were evident. Conversely, analysis of 111,243 neutral SNP markers revealed a lack of regional population differentiation, a finding that remained consistent across various analytical approaches. These results provide evidence for the presence of differential selection pressures within a limited spatial range, despite high gene flow implied by the selectively neutral dataset. This study offers notable insights regarding the potential impacts of genomic variation in response to fluctuating environmental conditions in the circumglobally distributed Sphyrna zygaena.
Quantifying the Detection Sensitivity and Precision of qPCR and ddPCR Mechanisms for eDNA Samples
Authors: Guri Gledis , Ray Jessica Louise , Shelton Andrew Olaf , Kelly Ryan P. , Præbel Kim , Andruszkiewicz Allan Elizabeth , Yoccoz Nigel , Johansen Torild , Wangensteen Owen S. , Hanebrekke Tanja , Westgaard Jon‐Ivar
Published: December 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection employing quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) offers a non‐invasive and efficient approach for monitoring aquatic organisms. Accurate and sensitive quantification of eDNA is crucial for tracking rare and invasive species and understanding the biodiversity abundance and distribution of aquatic organisms. This study compares the sensitivity and quantification precision of qPCR and ddPCR for eDNA surveys through Bayesian inference using latent parameters from both known concentration (standards) and environmental samples across three teleost fish species assays. The results show that ddPCR offers higher sensitivity and quantification precision, particularly at low DNA concentrations (< 1 copy/μL reaction), than qPCR. These findings highlight the superior performance of ddPCR for eDNA detection at low concentrations, guiding researchers towards more reliable methods for effective species monitoring. Additionally, this study indicates that a two‐step (detection and concentration) model increased the precision of qPCR results, useful for enhancing the robustness of eDNA quantification. Furthermore, we investigated the lower limit of quantification for ddPCR, providing insights on how such limit can be extended, which could also be applied to qPCR.
Progression and prognostic significance of electrocardiographic findings in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Argirò Alessia , Zampieri Mattia , Mazzoni Carlotta , Fumagalli Carlo , Baccini Michela , Mattei Alessandra , Cipriani Alberto , De Michieli Laura , Porcari Aldostefano , Sinagra Gianfranco , Merlo Marco , Tini Giacomo , Musumeci Beatrice , Russo Domitilla , Vianello Pier Filippo , Canepa Marco , Licordari Roberto , di Bella Gianluca , Rapezzi Claudio , Perfetto Federico , Cappelli Francesco
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the change of the main electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics and their prognostic role across the main subtypes of cardiac amyloidosis [light‐chain amyloidosis (AL) and hereditary (ATTRv) and wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt)].

Methods and results

This multicentre, retrospective study was performed in six referral centres for cardiac amyloidosis. Clinical and ECG data were collected at the first and last evaluations. Three hundred fifty‐six patients were included (AL, n = 105; ATTRv, n = 50; ATTRwt, n = 201). The median age was 76 (67–81) years, and 271 (74%) were men. At baseline, patients with ATTRwt showed a higher prevalence of conduction abnormalities compared with those with AL [first‐degree atrioventricular block, n = 51 (40%) vs. n = 13 (34%), P < 0.01; left bundle branch block, n = 23 (11%) vs. n = 2 (2%), P < 0.01], and patients with AL more often had low QRS voltage [n = 58 (55%); in ATTRv, n = 17 (34%); in ATTRwt, n = 67 (33%), P value < 0.01] and T wave inversion compared with those with ATTR [n = 39 (37%); in ATTRv, n = 9 (18%); in ATTRwt, n = 37 (18%)]. After a median follow‐up of 15 (8–26) months, the adjusted differences in mean PR, QRS interval, total, peripheral, and precordial QRS scores were similar across subtypes of amyloidosis (P value for linear regression > 0.05). The adjusted odds ratios for the development of right bundle branch block were higher in AL compared with ATTRwt [odds ratio 4.7 (95% confidence interval 1.5–15), P < 0.05]. QRS duration at baseline remained independently associated with patient survival in the overall population even after adjustment for relevant clinical variables [hazard ratio 1.78 (95% confidence interval 1.13–2.8), P < 0.01].

Conclusions

The progression of the ECG abnormalities seems similar across amyloidosis subtypes. QRS duration could be a marker of more advanced disease.
MRI findings in patients with psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures: Prevalence, distribution, and classification of the findings. A single tertiary epilepsy center experience
Authors: Jareno‐Badenas Aleix , Matute‐González Mario , Pintor Luis , Conde‐Blanco Estefanía , Carreño Mar , Setoain Xavier , Pineda Camilo , Choque‐Chávez Fernando Diego , Fernández Tomás , Bargalló Núria , González‐Ortiz Sofía
Published: December 2024

Objective

Psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures (PNES) mimic epileptic seizures without electroencephalographic correlation. Although classified as psychiatric disorders, their neurobiological or structural basis remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of MRI abnormalities in patients with PNES and those with comorbid epilepsy, compared to the general population, to enhance radiological evaluation and management.

Method

We retrospectively identified patients with a definitive diagnosis of PNES, evaluated in the refractory epilepsy unit of our tertiary epilepsy center. Patients were classified into two groups according to their comorbidity with epilepsy (PNES and PNES+). The MRI findings were evaluated and classified by two radiologists, who reported the category of the findings, laterality, and location. The two groups were compared using the chi‐square test, as well as the frequencies of findings in the general population extracted from the literature.

Results

Forty‐six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty females and 16 males. MRI findings were present in 25/35 (71.4%) patients in the PNES group and 9/11 (81.8%) In the PNES + group, showing statistically significant differences in the frequency of findings with the general population (8.4–28.1%).

Significance

MRI anomalies are common in PNES patients and even more prevalent in complex cases referred to epilepsy units, underscoring the necessity of correlating MRI findings with clinical‐electrical patterns.

Plain Language Summary

In this article, we observed a higher frequency of cerebral magnetic resonance findings in patients with psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures than in the general population. We also observed a higher frequency of this pathology among women, as well as right cerebral hemisphere affections. The exposed findings suggest a potential structural basis of this pathology. This hypothesis requires confirmation with larger studies.
From British Associationism to the Hippocampal Cognitive Map: A Personal View From a Ringside Seat at the Cognitive/PDP Revolution
Authors: Sharp Patricia E.
Published: December 2024

The mandate for this special issue of Hippocampus was to provide a few examples of one's own work in a relatively personal context. Accordingly, I will discuss some of my own work here, but will also provide a broader arc of ideas and discoveries within which the efforts of myself and many others have taken place. This history begins with the associationists, who proposed that the human mind could be understood, in part, as a compounding of simple associations between contiguously occurring items and events. This idea was taken up by the behaviorist traditions, which made significant progress toward refining this simple idea. Subsequently, as interest turned toward neural mechanisms, Donald Hebb provided a foundational proposal for how synaptic changes could provide for this associative learning. The associationist view was, however, challenged by gestaltists who took a more wholistic, cognitive approach. Stunning support was provided for Tolman's cognitive map idea with the discovery of place cells in the hippocampus, and the subsequent treatise provided in O'Keefe and Nadel's The Hippocampus as a Cognitive Map. I propose that, ultimately, this associationist versus cognitive debate was settled by the development of the Parallel Distributed Processing (PDP) approach, which incorporated Hebbian synapses into large, neural‐like networks, which could accomplish complex cognitive tasks. My own work took place within the framework provided by O'Keefe and Nadel. One aspect of my work followed Jim Ranck's discovery of Head Direction cells. Tad Blair and others in my lab traced a brainstem circuit, which we proposed could explain the origins of the directional code. In other work, I investigated cells in the subicular region. These provided a contrast to the hippocampal place cells in that each subicular cell kept the same spatial pattern across different environments, whereas the hippocampal cells formed a different map for each context.