bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating Tandem Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia via Multi‐Site Synergy in Mesoporous Carbon‐Supported High‐Entropy Intermetallics
Authors: Zhu Guihua , Bao Weichao , Xie Meng , Qi Chunhong , Xu Fangfang , Jiang Ying , Chen Bingwei , Fan Yuchi , Liu Bin , Wang Lianjun , Jiang Wan , Qiu Pengpeng , Luo Wei
Published: December 2024

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3
−RR) for ammonia (NH3) synthesis represents a significant technological advancement, yet it involves a cascade of elementary reactions alongside various intermediates. Thus, the development of multi‐site catalysts for enhancing NO3
−RR and understanding the associated reaction mechanisms for NH3 synthesis is vital. Herein, a versatile approach is presented to construct platinum based high‐entropy intermetallic (HEI) library for NH3 synthesis. The HEI nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly supported on a 2D nitrogen doped mesoporous carbon (N‐mC) framework, featured with adjustable compositions (up to eight elements) and a high degree of atomic order (over 90%). Guided by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and atomic structural analysis, a quinary Pt0.8Fe0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2 HEI NPs based N‐mC catalyst is designed, which demonstrates a large ammonia Faradaic efffciency (>97%) and a remarkable recyclability (>20 cycles) under both acidic and basic conditions. The combined in situ experimental analysis and further DFT calculation suggests that the well‐defined multi‐sites nature of the HEI NPs cooperate for a tandem reduction mechanism, in which the Pt‐X (X represents the other four transition elements) bridging sites offer optimal adsorption for key nitrogen–oxygen species while the Pt sites facilitate the generation and adsorption of *H species.
Clickable, Thermally Responsive Hydrogels Enabled by Recombinant Spider Silk Protein and Spy Chemistry for Sustained Neurotrophin Delivery
Authors: Li Yue , Yang Chao , Fang Shiyu , Zhou Yiren , Li Manjia , Liu Zhewei , Zhang Xin , Duan Liting , Liu Kai , Sun Fei
Published: December 2024

The ability to deliver protein therapeutics in a minimally invasive, safe, and sustained manner, without resorting to viral delivery systems, will be crucial for treating a wide range of chronic injuries and diseases. Among these challenges, achieving axon regeneration and functional recovery post‐injury or disease in the central nervous system remains elusive to most clinical interventions, constantly calling for innovative solutions. Here, a thermally responsive hydrogel system utilizing recombinant spider silk protein (spidroin) is developed. The protein solution undergoes rapid sol‐gel transition at an elevated temperature (37 °C) following brief sonication. This thermally triggered gelation confers injectability to the system. Leveraging SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry, the hydrogel, composed of SpyTag‐fusion spidroin, can be functionalized with diverse SpyCatcher‐fusion bioactive motifs, such as neurotrophic factors (e.g., ciliary neurotrophic factor) and cell‐binding ligands (e.g., laminin), rendering it well‐suited for neuronal culturing. More importantly, the intravitreous injection of the protein materials decorated with SpyCatcher‐fusion CNTF into the vitreous body after optic nerve injury leads to prolonged JAK/STAT3 signaling, increased neuronal survival, and enhanced axon regeneration. This study illustrates a generalizable material system for injectable and sustained delivery of protein therapeutics for neuroprotection and regeneration, with the potential for extension to other chronic diseases and injuries.
Manipulation of Unconventional Spin Polarization in Non‐Collinear Exchange‐Spring Magnetic Structures
Authors: Wu Chuangwen , Cui Shuting , Guo Yaqin , Zhang Zhaowei , Zhang Jing , Deng Xiao , Zeng Guang , Ren Chuantong , Li Peizhi , Zhou Xiangqing , Zhang Xu , Li Jingfeng , Zhu Tao , Han Xiufeng , Zhao Jinkui , Wang Hao , Zhang Yue , Liang Shiheng , Wu Hao
Published: December 2024

Manipulating the polarization of spin current is essential for understanding the mechanism of charge‐to‐spin conversion and achieving efficient electrically driven magnetization switching. Here, a novel exchange‐spring magnetic structure is introduced formed by the coupling of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) CoTb and in‐plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA) Co films. When a spin current with the polarization along the y‐direction flows through this exchange‐spring (x‐z plane) structure, the interaction between the y‐spin and the local exchange field with a non‐collinear spatial distribution gives rise to substantial unconventional spin polarizations in the x‐ and z‐directions, enabling field‐free spin‐orbit torque driven perpendicular magnetization switching at room temperature. More importantly, the polarization directions of this unconventional spin current can be reversed depending on whether the interfacial exchange coupling is ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. This work establishes a platform to explore emergent mechanisms for manipulating unconventional spin polarization with rich non‐collinear magnetic exchange spin structures.
Hollow Mo/MoSVn Nanoreactors with Tunable Built‐in Electric Fields for Sustainable Hydrogen Production
Authors: Gong Feilong , Chen Zhilin , Chang Chaoqun , Song Min , Zhao Yang , Li Haitao , Gong Lihua , Zhang Yali , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yonghui , Wei Shizhong , Liu Jian
Published: December 2024

Constructing built‐in electric field (BIEF) in heterojunction catalyst is an effective way to optimize adsorption/desorption of reaction intermediates, while its precise tailor to achieve efficient bifunctional electrocatalysis remains great challenge. Herein, the hollow Mo/MoSVn nanoreactors with tunable BIEFs are elaborately prepared to simultaneously promote hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR) for sustainable hydrogen production. The BIEF induced by sulfur vacancies can be modulated from 0.79 to 0.57 to 0.42 mV nm−1, and exhibits a parabola‐shaped relationship with HER and UOR activities, the Mo/MoSV1 nanoreactor with moderate BIEF presents the best bifunctional activity. Theoretical calculations reveal that the moderate BIEF can evidently facilitate the hydrogen adsorption/desorption in the HER and the breakage of N─H bond in the UOR. The electrolyzer assembled with Mo/MoSV1 delivers a cell voltage of 1.49 V at 100 mA cm−2, which is 437 mV lower than that of traditional water electrolysis, and also presents excellent durability at 200 mA cm−2 for 200 h. Life cycle assessment indicates the HER||UOR system possesses notable superiority across various environment impact and energy consumption. This work can provide theoretical and experimental direction on the rational design of advanced materials for energy‐saving and eco‐friendly hydrogen production.
Improved Efficiency and Stability in Pure‐Red CdSe Nanoplatelet LEDs Enabled by Gradient Alloyed CdSeS/CdZnS Crown/Shell
Authors: Zeng Yicheng , Yu Wenke , Liu Yuan , Chen Weiwei , Wang Qingya , Cao Fan , Wei Jing , Liu Fangze , Yang Xuyong , Li Hongbo
Published: December 2024

Anisotropic nanoplatelets (NPLs) possess strong in‐plane transition dipole moments and out‐of‐plane emission, which enable a maximum photon out‐coupling efficiency of 40% and a high gain coefficient, making them ideal candidates for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers. However, the unbalanced surface energy between the side and top facets of NPLs results in poor thermal stability and high susceptibility to ripening at elevated temperatures, which complicates the growth of the shell. To address this issue, a gradient crown (CdSeS) around the CdSe NPLs is designed to stabilize the high energy side facets. Consequently, the gradient alloyed shell (CdZnS) is successfully grown, and the CdSe/CdSeS/CdZnS core/crown/shell NPLs exhibited near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield. The CdSeS/CdZnS crown/shell structure suppressed non‐radiative Auger recombinations, achieving a record‐low amplification spontaneous emission threshold of 2.11 µJ cm−2 under femtosecond laser excitation. In addition, by selecting the carrier transport layers with matched energy levels, the NPL‐LEDs demonstrate a record‐high external quantum efficiency of 30.1% in the pure‐red range, driven by the 94% in‐plane transition dipole moment distribution of NPL film. The NPL‐LEDs also exhibited a long operational lifetime of T95 > 600 h at a luminance of 1000 cd m−2.
Bias‐Switchable Photodetection and Photosynapse Dual‐Functional Devices Based on 2D Perovskite/Organic Heterojunction for Imaging‐to‐Recognition Conversion
Authors: Zhao Zijin , Hu Zijun , Deng Ming , Hong Enliu , Wang Peixi , Li Ziqing , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: December 2024

Optoelectronic devices with imaging and recognition capabilities are crucial for developing artificial visual system (AVS). Bias‐switchable photodetection and photosynaptic devices have been developed using 2D perovskite oxide/organic heterojunctions. This unique structure allows for modulated carrier dynamics under varied bias conditions, enabling the devices to function as photodetectors without bias and as photosynapses with bias. At zero bias, the device achieves high responsivity (≈0.36 A W−1 at 320 nm) and rapid response speed (0.57 s). Under a −0.5 V bias, it exhibits persistent photoconductivity (PPC), resulting in neuromorphic synaptic behaviors with a paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) index exceeding 300%. Moreover, an 8 × 8 sensor array demonstrates image sensing and memory capabilities, showing in situ enhanced imaging when switching the bias from 0 to −0.5 V, and over 200 s of image memory. The image processing and recognition abilities are further explored by constructing an AVS using a 28 × 28 device array combined with an artificial neural network (ANN). The adjustable synaptic weight under different reverse biases allowed for optimized simulated recognition, achieving an accuracy of 92% after 160 training epochs. This work presents a novel method for creating dual‐functional photodetection and photosynaptic devices, paving the way for a more integrated and efficient AVS.
Boron Trioxide‐Assisted Post‐Annealing Enables Vertical Oriented Recrystallization of Sb2Se3 Thin Film for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Sheng Shuwei , Che Bo , Cai Zhiyuan , Li Jianyu , Peng Xiaoqi , Xiao Peng , Zhao Qi , Yang Junjie , Tang Rongfeng , Chen Tao
Published: December 2024

Crystallization process is critical for enhancing the crystallinity, regulating the crystal orientation of polycrystalline thin films, as well as repairing defects within the films. For quasi‐1D Sb2Se3 photovoltaic materials, the preparation of Sb2Se3 thin films still faces great challenges in adjusting orientation and defect properties, which limits the device performance. In this study, a novel post‐treatment strategy is developed that uses a low melting point B2O3 coating layer as a flux to drive the recrystallization of Sb2Se3, thereby regulating the micro‐orientation of thermal evaporation‐derived Sb2Se3 films and optimizing their electrical properties. Mechanistic investigations show that B2O3 exhibits stronger adsorption with (hk1) planes of Sb2Se3 to induce a vertical orientation growth of the film, while blocking the volatilization channels of Se and inhibiting Se vacancy defects by interacting with Sb2Se3. The Sb2Se3 film with [hk1] preferential orientation and suppressed deep‐level defects promotes the effective transport of charge carriers in solar cells. As a result, the B2O3‐treated device delivers a champion efficiency of 9.37% without MgF2 anti‐reflection coating, which is currently the highest efficiency in Sb2Se3 solar cells achieved by thermal evaporation method. This study provides a new method and mechanism for regulating optical and electrical properties of low‐dimensional inorganic thin films.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Aliphatic α‐Amino Acids by Chemo‐Enzymatic Hydroamination‐Hydrodesulfurisation
Authors: Nobbio Celeste , Birmingham William R. , Brenna Elisabetta , Turner Nicholas J. , Tessaro Davide , Parmeggiani Fabio
Published: December 2024

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzymes have been extensively exploited to produce differently substituted arylalanine analogues, but their use in the stereoselective synthesis of aliphatic fatty amino acids has never been addressed. In this work, a two‐step hydroamination‐hydrodesulfurisation process has been investigated for the production of aliphatic L‐α‐amino acids from thienylacrylic acids, easily accessible by condensation from the corresponding arylaldehydes. Wild‐type PALs from Planctomyces brasiliensis and Streptomyces rimosus were selected as the most promising candidates and improved by site‐directed mutagenesis, thus unlocking the hydroamination of a broad panel of 10 different thienylacrylic acids bearing aliphatic and aromatic substituents. The subsequent hydrodesulfurisation step, accomplished by means of inexpensive Raney nickel in mild conditions and aqueous medium, afforded the corresponding aliphatic α‐amino acids in 10–63% overall isolated yield and perfect enantiopurity. This chemo‐enzymatic process represents the first example of aliphatic amino acid production using PALs, circumventing a major limitation of those biocatalysts.
Green Nanoengineered Keratin Derived Bio‐Adsorbent for Heavy Metals Removal from Aqueous Media
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Roopesh M. S. , Ullah Aman
Published: December 2024

Exploiting poultry chicken feathers, a keratin‐rich by‐product offers a sustainable raw material for bio‐adsorbents in water remediation. This study developed a bio‐adsorbent from chicken feathers keratin (CFK), functionalized with surface‐modified graphene oxide (SMGO). The bio‐adsorbent was tested for adsorbing metal cations (Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Co) and oxyanions (As, Se, Cr) from water contaminated with 600 µg/L of each metal at pH 5.5, 7.5, and 10.5. Results showed optimal removal efficiencies at pH 7.5, with anions achieving ≥91.10% for As (III), ≥89.55% for Cr (VI), and ≥74.33% for Se (IV). Cations removal reached 96.34% for Co (II), 97.36% for Ni (II), 99.03% for Cd (II), 99.21% for Pb (II), and 59.06% for Zn (II). Kinetic studies indicated rapid initial uptake within the first 6 hours, reaching equilibrium at 24 hours. The bio‐adsorbent maintained high adsorption capacities over four regeneration cycles with minimal efficiency loss, showing strong stability and reusability. Removal efficiency followed the order: Pb (II) 〉 Cd (II) 〉 Ni (II) 〉 Co (II) 〉 Zn (II), correlating with their ionic radii. Ni2+ adsorbed more effectively than Co2+ due to a smaller ionic radius and stronger electrostatic attraction. These findings highlight CFK‐SMGO's efficacy in wastewater treatment, promoting bio‐based sustainable adsorbents.
Field‐Induced Antiferromagnetic Correlations in a Nanopatterned Van der Waals Ferromagnet: A Potential Artificial Spin Ice
Authors: Noah Avia , Fridman Nofar , Zur Yishay , Markman Maya , King Yotam Katz , Klang Maya , Rama‐Eiroa Ricardo , Solanki Harshvardhan , Ashby Michael L. Reichenberg , Levin Tamar , Herrera Edwin , Huber Martin E. , Gazit Snir , Santos Elton J. G. , Suderow Hermann , Steinberg Hadar , Millo Oded , Anahory Yonathan
Published: December 2024

Nano‐patterned magnetic materials have opened new venues for the investigation of strongly correlated phenomena including artificial spin‐ice systems, geometric frustration, and magnetic monopoles, for technologically important applications such as reconfigurable ferromagnetism. With the advent of atomically thin 2D van der Waals (vdW) magnets, a pertinent question is whether such compounds could make their way into this realm where interactions can be tailored so that unconventional states of matter can be assessed. Here, it is shown that square islands of CrGeTe3 vdW ferromagnets distributed in a grid manifest antiferromagnetic correlations, essential to enable frustration resulting in an artificial spin‐ice. By using a combination of SQUID‐on‐tip microscopy, focused ion beam lithography, and atomistic spin dynamic simulations, it is shown that a square array of CGT island as small as 150 × 150 × 60 nm3 have tunable dipole–dipole interactions, which can be precisely controlled by their lateral spacing. There is a crossover between non‐interacting islands and significant inter‐island anticorrelation depending on how they are spatially distributed allowing the creation of complex magnetic patterns not observable at the isolated flakes. These findings suggest that the cross‐talk between the nano‐patterned magnets can be explored in the generation of even more complex spin configurations where exotic interactions may be manipulated in an unprecedented way.
Two Birds With One Stone: A Novel Nanocomposite Combining Silicon Nanoparticles and Carbon‐Doped Titania as the Fluorescence Probe and Visible Light Photocatalyst for Simultaneous Detection and Removal of Oxytetracycline
Authors: Ma Liyun , Li Zhi , Shi Yiyi , Xie Yuchen , Jiang Ming , Yu Xu , Xu Li
Published: December 2024

The monitoring and removal of environmental pollutants are vital for the sustainable development of society. Herein, a novel nanocomposite combining silicon nanoparticles and carbon‐doped titania, C‐TiO2/SiNPs, is designed as a fluorescence probe and visible‐light photocatalyst to simultaneously monitor and degrade oxytetracycline (OTC). C‐TiO2/SiNPs emit blue fluorescence, which can be quenched by OTC through inner filter effect. Meanwhile, green fluorescence is turned on upon OTC addition by aggregation‐induced emission. Thus, C‐TiO2/SiNPs successfully act as a fluorescence colorimetric probe for quantitation and semi‐quantitation of OTC. Additionally, C‐TiO2/SiNPs show adorable visible‐light photocatalytic activity toward OTC, achieving a removal rate of 93.3% in 30 min. This process is driven by the superoxide radicals, holes and hydroxyl radicals produced by C‐TiO2/SiNPs under visible light irradiation. The total toxicities obviously reduce after OTC is degraded by C‐TiO2/SiNPs. The concentration during the OTC degradation can be estimated by naked eyes through the change of fluorescence color, but also precisely quantified by a fluorometer. This study innovatively develops a one‐stone‐two‐birds strategy to achieve simultaneous degradation and in situ real‐time detection of OTC, paving a promising paradigm for the highly efficient monitoring and removal of residual drugs.
High Spatiotemporal Near‐Infrared II Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging for Quantitative Detection of Clinical Tumor Margins
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Linjian , Gao Duyang , Bao Zhouzhou , Hu Dehong , Zheng Wei , Chen Jing , Liao Jiuling , Zheng Hairong , Sheng Zonghai
Published: December 2024

Accurate detection of tumor margins is essential for successful cancer surgery. While indocyanine green (ICG)‐based near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence (FL) surgical navigation enhances the visual identification of tumor margins, its accuracy remains subjective, underscoring the need for quantitative approaches. In this study, a high spatiotemporal fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging technology is developed in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) for quantitative tumor margin detection, utilizing folate receptor‐targeted ICG nanoprobes (FPH‐ICG). FPH‐ICG exhibits a significantly prolonged NIR‐II FLT (750 ± 7 ps vs 260 ± 3 ps) and increased NIR‐II FL brightness (FPH‐ICG/ICG = 3.8). In vitro and in vivo studies confirm that FPH‐ICG specifically targets folate receptor‐α (FRα) on SK‐OV‐3 ovarian cancer cells, achieving high‐contrast NIR‐II FL imaging with a signal‐to‐background ratio of 10.8. Notably, NIR‐II FLT imaging demonstrates superior accuracy (90%) and consistency in defining tumor margins compared to NIR‐II FL imaging (58%) in both SK‐OV‐3 tumor‐bearing mice and clinical tumor samples. These findings underscore the potential of NIR‐II FLT imaging as a quantitative tool for guiding surgical tumor margin detection.
Long‐Durable Potassium Ion Batteries Enabled by Medium‐Entropy Lattice Engineering on Prussian Blue Analogues Cathodes
Authors: Wang Yangsu , Zhou Shenghui , Li Nan , Han Jiajia , Zhang Shilin , Zhuang Zilong , Sun Zhefei , Wang Xuechun , Wu Xiaoyu , Chen Zhilin , Pan Jianhai , Shen Yanbin , Xu Jijian , Zhu Yujie , Peng Dong‐Liang , Guo Zaiping , Zhang Qiaobao
Published: December 2024

Given their structural merits and electrochemical benefits, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) hold great promise as cathode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, these cathodes face formidable hurdles by structural failure and poor rate capability, primarily resulting from significant volumetric changes and sluggish kinetics during repeated intercalation/deintercalation of bulky K+ ions. Theoretically, the study reveals explicitly that quaternary medium‐entropy PBAs (Q‐ME‐PBAs), composed of Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu, demonstrate minimal lattice volume variations and low diffusion barriers during K+ ion interactions. This endows Q‐ME‐PBA with favorable ability to induce significant 3D lattice distortion, enabling the material to endure structural alterations during K+ ion movements and reinforce phase stability. Consequently, leveraging the structural and compositional advantages, the resultant Q‐ME‐PBAs cathode showcases exceptional cycling performance, maintaining over 90% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 0.25 C with a high initial coulombic efficiency of 94.4% and retaining 74.7% capacity even after an ultra‐long 10 000 cycles at 3.75 C over 147 days. Notably, full cells paired with hard carbon and graphite anodes show outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. This study charts fresh design directions for crafting high‐performance and durable cathodes through medium‐entropy lattice engineering for advanced PIBs.
Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Co9S8 in Neutral Media Leveraging Oxophilic CrOx Mosaic Dopant
Authors: Park Yeji , Kim Hong Ki , Kwon Taehyun , Jun Minki , Kim Doyeop , Kim Taekyung , Kim Byeongyoon , Baik Hionsuck , Kim Ki‐Jeong , Lee Ji Yeong , Kim Jin Young , Baik Mu‐Hyun , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: December 2024

The electrochemical production of sustainable hydrogen under neutral conditions is advantageous, as it allows for the use of wastewater or seawater without the need for pH adjustments. However, the low ion concentration in neutral electrolytes typically results in limited adsorption of reactants on the catalyst surfaces, leading to sluggish reaction kinetics. Therefore, enhancing absorption capacity is a key challenge in the development of neutral hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. Hetero‐structured catalysts may improve surface adsorption through extensive interfacing between phases, enabling active transportation of reaction intermediates. Integrating metal sulfides and oxides, in particular, holds the potential for generating efficient electrocatalysts with improved HER activity and surface adsorption capacity. Herein, the synthesis of CrOx‐doped Co9S8/CuCrS2 mosaic hetero‐nanostructures is reported as a proficient HER catalyst. Facile Cr‐cation migration at the Co9S8/CuCrS2 interface enables the preparation of Cr‐oxide sub‐nano domains within the sulfide matrix, boosting the HER catalysis in neutral media. The exceptional electrochemical performance is demonstrated in a pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution, including low overpotential, small Tafel slope, and stability over 60 h. The formulation of catalyst design and synthetic approaches has the potential to pave the way for diverse catalytic applications utilizing metal oxide‐doped hetero‐nanostructures.
Lattice modulation strategy toward efficient and durable RuO2‐based catalysts for acidic water oxidation
Authors: Han Linkai , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: December 2024

Rutile RuO2 is recognized for its outstanding acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and notable cost advantage compared to iridium oxide for proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). However, the unsatisfactory stability of RuO2 hinders its practical application. Here, we report a lattice modulation strategy to enhance both the OER activity and stability of RuO2. Interestingly, the newly synthesized Mo0.15Nb0.05‐RuO2, with Mo doped first and then Nb, presents the greatest lattice spacing and possesses an overpotential of merely 205 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which significantly outperforms Nb0.05Mo0.15‐RuO2 (239 mV), where Nb was doped first followed by Mo, as well as the initial RuO2 (323 mV). Remarkably, Mo0.15Nb0.05‐RuO2 requires only 1.76 V to achieve 1 A cm−2 and exhibits exceptional stability in PEMWE testing, with a voltage rise of only 58 mV at 200 mA cm−2 for more than 80 h.
Structure matching mechanism of nRu/FeCo2O4 for highly‐selective oxidation of HMF toward FDCA
Authors: Wang Qiong‐Yu , Zhu Yucheng , Jiang Run , He Gan , Zhao Jun , Hu Jun , Liu Tao , Liu Honghai , Loo Siew‐Leng , Chen Zhong , Wang Jie‐Xin , Pan Zhiyan , Li Xiaonian , Cao Dapeng , Hu Zhong‐Ting
Published: December 2024

The selective oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) toward 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) offers a promising green pathway to obtain monomers for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics. However, developing a high‐selectivity catalyst and understanding the catalytic mechanism are still great challenge. Here, we synthesize a nRu/FeCo2O4 catalyst with Ru nanoparticles loaded on FeCo2O4. The nRu/FeCo2O4 presents excellent HMF oxidation activity with 100% HMF conversion efficiency and 99% FDCA yield under optimized conditions. Density‐functional theory calculations further reveal the structure matching mechanism of nRu/FeCo2O4 for high‐selective oxidation of HMF toward FDCA, that is, Ru loading in FeCo2O4 provides a more suitable structure matching configuration for adsorption of two‐side chains in HMF, which could optimize the adsorption energy and thus increase reactivity. In short, this work provides a promising structure matching strategy for designing dual‐active‐site relay catalyst to oxidize ‐CHO and C‐OH groups in HMF and thus achieve highly‐selective oxidation of HMF toward FDCA.
Electron Push‐Pull Effects for Solution and Solid‐State Emission Control in Naphthalene 2,7‐Position‐Based Donor–Acceptor–Donor
Authors: Kim Min‐Ji , Nam Gwiung , Lee Soyoon , Ahn Mina , Cho Dae Won , Wee Kyung‐Ryang
Published: December 2024

Organic luminescent materials have garnered significant attention owing to their potential applications, particularly due to their inherent flexibility and ease of processability. Accordingly, the development of strategies that enable precise control over both intra‐ and intermolecular interactions, which directly influence their emission properties, is of paramount importance. In this study, a series of naphthalene (NAP) 2,7‐position‐based donor–acceptor–donor (D−A−D) compounds were designed and synthesized to investigate the electron push‐pull effect on intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. The energy bandgaps of the compounds were controlled by the electron push‐pull effect, resulting in red‐shifted emission within 48 nm in the order of increasing electron‐donating ability in solution state. Experimental data and theoretical calculations show that the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) properties of D−A−D compounds are systematically controlled by electron push‐pull effects. In particular, the solid‐state emission of the compounds showed a redshift in the same order as that observed in solution. This solid‐state emission behavior is explained by the electron push‐pull effect‐dependent intermolecular interactions. Consequently, an efficient single‐molecule and multi‐molecule emission control strategy by electron push‐pull effect in NAP 2,7‐position‐based D−A−D was successfully demonstrated.
Incisor Geometry, Relief, and Diet in Anthropoid Primates With Implications for Antillothrix
Authors: Cobb Savannah E. , Tennant Courtney Alexandria , La Darrell , Torres‐Chiriboga Fernando , Cooke Siobhán B.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Previous studies report that geometric measures of incisor size and curvature in extant anthropoid primates correspond to dietary differences. However, other methodologies of assessing incisor shape variation, such as dental topographic analysis, have not been considered.

Materials and Methods

This study measures Relief Index (RFI), linear dimensions, and curvature of central mandibular incisors (I1) for a sample of extant anthropoids (n = 107). The utility of these measures in enhancing dietary separations across Anthropoidea is further investigated using traditional and phylogenetic statistics, principal component analysis, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Two‐way ANOVAs find significant dietary differences and no sexual differences in I1 height, width, breadth, and RFI across crown anthropoids. Phylogenetic ANOVAs also detect significant dietary differences in these measures despite the presence of high and significant phylogenetic signal in height and RFI, indicating that dietary signals are robust. Predictive models combining I1 geometry and RFI outperform those using solely I1 geometry. A mixed‐feeding ecology is inferred for the fossil platyrrhine Antillothrix.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that I1 RFI and linear dimensions are robust dietary proxies in anthropoid primates that may be beneficial to future ecomorphological and paleontological analyses. The presence of phylogenetic signal merits further investigation, and we recommend a nuanced approach if applying I1 RFI or height as a dietary proxy for fossil primates.
Trabecular Bone Ontogeny of the Human Distal Tibia
Authors: Reid Rebecca A. G. , Davies Catriona , Cunningham Craig
Published: December 2024

Objectives

There is an increasing understanding of how trabecular bone adapts to biomechanical changes during ontogeny. However, limited research exists regarding the distal tibia, which is important in weight‐bearing locomotion as part of the ankle joint. This study aims to document the ontogenetic trabecular patterns of the distal tibia, in addition to changes in its structural heterogeneity.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐eight distal tibiae, ranging in age from 28 intrauterine weeks to 8 postnatal years, from the Scheuer juvenile skeletal collection were examined. Trabecular bone was analyzed using a quantitative volume of interest approach and qualitative whole bone mapping following microcomputed tomography.

Results

Fetal and perinatal tibia lack mature organization and are associated with high bone volume fraction. During the first year of life, there is a decrease in bone volume fraction and an indication of early re‐organization of trabecular struts in the distal tibia. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits increased trabecular structural heterogeneity.

Discussion

The trabecular architecture of the fetal and perinatal distal tibia lacks mature organization and instead reflects ossification patterns. At these stages, there is a rapid accumulation of bone mass associated with gestational overproduction, hypothesized to be in preparation for subsequent postnatal changes. During the first year of life there is a decrease in volume fraction, associated with constructive regression. It is postulated this is related to changing biomechanical forces associated with the bipedal gait, in addition to growth demands. After one year of age, the distal tibia exhibits structural heterogeneity with trabecular adaption to accommodate specific bipedal stresses.
Polymer‐MOF Network Enabling Ultrathin Coating for Post‐Combustion Carbon Capture
Authors: Fan Shuting , Liang Canzeng , Feng Fan , Wong Karchun , Wang Kaiyu , Jia Shuyue , Bhuwania Nitesh , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Sui
Published: December 2024

Permeance‐selectivity trade‐off and high temperature resilience are key challenges in development of membranes for post‐combustion carbon capture. While mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) consisting of polymers and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer the potential to address the challenges, they are limited by the low loading of MOFs in the thin film layer. Herein, we propose an inverse synthesis strategy to form polymer‐MOF networks by copolymerizing monomers with functionalized UiO‐66 nanoparticles. This process yields a finely dispersed, easily processable solution, enabling defect‐free, thin polymer‐MOF coatings with up to 40 wt % MOF loading within the polyethylene oxide‐based polymers on polyacrylonitrile supports. The membrane with 40 wt % MOF demonstrated a 212 % increment in CO2 permeance at 25 °C and maintained a selectivity of 20 at 60 °C, which is attributed to the stable diffusivity selectivity of MOFs at high temperature. Furthermore, the membrane was evaluated with mixed gas and 83 % relative humidity (RH) at 60 °C, achieving a CO2 permeance up to 2793 GPU and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 21.6. This work offers insights into the design of practical mixed matrix membranes, which not only paves the way towards energy efficient carbon capture from flue gas, but also provides more possibilities for other applications.
Identifying N Coordination Types of Single‐Atom Catalysts by Spin‐Modulated Luminol Cathodic Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Liu Mengru , Liu Mingxin , Chen Wenjie , Li Feiming , Cai Shunyou , Lin Shu‐Juan , Chen Xi , Cai Zhixiong
Published: December 2024

The type of coordinated N atoms in the metal‐N coordination structure is of paramount importance to the catalytic property of N‐modified carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts (SACs). Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for analyzing the coordination environments of SACs. Despite its efficacy, the limited availability of synchrotron light sources and the complexity of data analysis have constrained its broader application in identifying metal‐N coordination types within SACs. In this work, two kind of CoN4 SACs, were prepared by varying the N source. Then their electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behavior in the luminol/dissolved oxygen system during cathodic scanning were investigated. In comparison to CoN4(pyridinic N), for which the spin density displays dz2 orbital characteristics, CoN4(pyrrolic N) exhibits dxz orbital features, which was more conducive to the subsequent cleavage of the O−O bond in O2⋅− to ⋅OH, resulting in the generation of more active intermediates *OH and the promotion of cathodic ECL emission. This work demonstrates that the ECL technique provides a novel method for the rapid identification of Co−N coordination types and the spin nature of the metal center in CoN4 SACs.
The Amplification of Alpha‐Synuclein Amyloid Fibrils is Suppressed under Fully Quiescent Conditions
Authors: Farzadfard Azad , Mason Thomas O. , Kunka Antonin , Mohammad‐Beigi Hossein , Bjerregaard‐Andersen Kaare , Folke Jonas , Aznar Susana , Kallunki Pekka , Buell Alexander K.
Published: December 2024

Seed amplification assays (SAAs) are a promising avenue for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. However, when amplifying fibrils from patient‐derived samples in multiwell plates, it is currently highly challenging to accurately quantify the aggregates. It is therefore desirable to transfer such assays into a digital format in microemulsion droplets to enable direct quantification of aggregate numbers. To achieve transfer from conventional plate‐based to the microfluidic digital format, effective seed amplification needs to be achieved inside the microdroplets. Therefore, we establish a new set of assay conditions that enable highly efficient seed amplification in plates without any shaking. However, the same set of conditions displayed a very different behavior upon transfer to a microfluidic platform where no amplification was observed. We demonstrate that this is caused by the suppression of all secondary processes that could amplify the seeds in the complete absence of mechanical perturbations inside the microdroplets. We further show that the amplification inside droplets can be achieved by subjecting the microemulsions to high‐frequency vibrations using a piezo device. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into the physical requirements of alpha‐synuclein seed amplification and demonstrate a pathway towards the development of effective digital SAAs.
Reaction Pathway Regulation for Gaseous and Liquid Products of Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction under Adsorbate Interactions
Authors: Hu Feng , Xu Xiaoqian , Sun Yajie , Hu Chuan , Shen Shuning , Wang Ying , Gong Lei , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie
Published: December 2024

Halide anion adsorption on transition metals can improve the performance of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), while the specific reaction mechanisms governing selective CO2RR pathways remain unclear. In this study, we reveal for the first time the distinct pathway switching between gaseous (CO) and liquid products (formate and ethanol) on the well‐defined Ag−Cu nanostructures with controlled chlorination. We show that CO2 conversion to CO on Ag/AgCl can be tuned by adjusting the thickness of AgCl layer, achieving a high selectivity over a broad potential range in a 0.5 M KHCO3 using flow cell. In contrast, the optimized Cl−Ag/Cu system enables the conversion of CO2 into liquid products including formate and ethanol with a total Faradaic efficiency (FE) nearing 100 %, delivering high current densities of 136.3 and 20.8 mA cm−2 at −1.3 V, respectively. In situ infrared experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that the lateral adsorbate of *OCHO intermediate facilitates the thermodynamics of both the CO pathway on Cl−Ag(111) and the formate pathway on Cl−Ag/Cu(111) by reducing Gibbs free energy barriers of each potential‐limit step. This work uncovers the role of chlorination in the tuning of C‐bound or O‐bound intermediates during CO2RR on Ag−Cu catalysts, determining the reaction pathway under lateral adsorbate effects.
Lactonase activity of α‐carbonic anhydrases allows identification of novel inhibitors
Authors: Giovannuzzi Simone , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: December 2024

Lactones, a diverse and abundant class of molecules found in nature, exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, including anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. Among them, acyl homoserine lactones (AHSLs) play a crucial role in quorum sensing, influencing bacterial pathogenicity and biofilm formation in Gram‐negative bacteria. Paraoxonases (PONs), calcium‐containing enzymes known for their lactonase activity, have been shown to hydrolyze AHSLs and reduce the biofilm formation of several pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we explored the potential lactonase activity of a class of zinc(II) enzymes, the carbonic anhydrases (CAs), aiming to uncover new insights into their catalytic versatility. Using LC‐MS and MS/MS analyses, we investigated the lactonase activity of CAs and assessed several lactones through a stopped‐flow kinetic assay as substrates/inhibitors. Our findings reveal that lactones are novel “prodrug” inhibitors of CAs, with lactones DHC and 6 showing the most promising inhibition constants (KIs) in the low micromolar range against both human and bacterial isozymes.
Naked eye three‐dimensional teaching assistant system applied to undergraduate medical imaging education: A pilot study
Authors: Ma Li‐Na , Peng Rui , Xu Jing‐Ji , Yang Qing‐Ling , Li A‐Ceng , Han Ye , Yuan Lei , Shen Fan , Yin Dan‐Qing , Zheng Min‐Wen , Huang Ya‐Yu , Ren Jing
Published: December 2024

The traditional approach of using PowerPoint (PPT) presentations in medical imaging theory classes hinders the spatial thinking ability of most students. Consequently, the learning outcomes are often unsatisfactory. This article proposes a naked eye three‐dimensional (3D) medical imaging teaching assistant app based on augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance learning interest, teaching interaction, and effectiveness. The control group consisted of 50 undergraduate students from the 2018 clinical medicine major who receive traditional teaching, while the experimental group includes 52 undergraduate students from the 2019 cohort who utilize an AR‐based naked eye 3D teaching assistant app in addition to traditional teaching methods. Based on Bloom's cognitive learning taxonomy (Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create), corresponding teaching curricula and assessment methods were designed in order to achieve more in‐depth learning of the curriculum. The evaluation of the teaching effectiveness between the two groups relied on exam scores and student satisfaction questionnaires, with statistical analyses conducted using t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test in SPSS. The experimental group and control group showed statistically significant differences in the theoretical examination scores (62.06 ± 3.06 vs. 59.82 ± 3.38), practical testing scores (22.90 ± 2.35 vs. 21.06 ± 2.65), and total scores (84.96 ± 4.58 vs. 80.88 ± 6.01). Likert scores showed the experimental group scored significantly higher in enjoyment, satisfaction, participation, efficiency, and understanding. They also reported high convenience scores for the app and desired continued use. The naked eye 3D teaching assistant system is an innovative and effective teaching model for undergraduate medical imaging education, enhancing student interest, student interaction, and teaching effectiveness and promising future applications.
Influence of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation on temperature and precipitation in South Korea
Authors: Jung Yoo‐Rim , Lee Woo‐Seop
Published: December 2024

The boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) is a major mode of sub‐seasonal variability that regulates the summer climate in East Asia. This study investigates the four possible effects of two different time‐scale BSISOs on temperature and precipitation variations in South Korea. When active BSISO convection is positioned over the subtropical western Pacific, it induces anomalous anticyclonic circulation accompanied by subsidence, leading to significant positive temperature anomalies. Conversely, the anomalous cyclonic circulation near the Korean Peninsula, resulting from suppressed convection in the subtropical western Pacific, along with low‐level cold advection anomalies, contributes to a decrease in temperature. The spatial distribution of BSISO convection, which drives precipitation variation, shows a distinctive pattern of three meridionally narrow cells extending from the Philippines to the Korean Peninsula. Suppressed (enhanced) convection to the north of 20°N in the western North Pacific (WNP) promotes the northwestward expansion (eastward contraction) of the WNP Subtropical High in conjunction with a southwesterly (northeasterly) moisture flux anomaly. Furthermore, enhanced (reduced) moisture flux convergence and intensified ascending (descending) motion create favorable conditions for positive (negative) precipitation anomalies in South Korea. The combined effect of BSISOs not only amplifies the mean temperature and precipitation anomalies compared to individual modes but also increases the frequency of warmer, wetter, and drier events. Therefore, monitoring both BSISO modes together is crucial for comprehending and predicting the anomalous summer climate in South Korea.
Planung der neuen Gänstorbrücke in Ulm
Authors: Klähne Thomas , Sweers Bastian , Roth Timo
Published: December 2024

Die neue Gänstorbrücke wird die von Ulrich Finsterwalder im Jahr 1950 errichtete Spannbetonrahmenbrücke über die Donau zwischen den Städten Ulm und Neu‐Ulm ersetzen. Der Bauwerksentwurf geht aus einem 2019/2020 ausgeschriebenen Realisierungswettbewerb hervor. Das geplante Bauwerk ist ein einfeldriges integrales Verbundrahmenbauwerk mit einer lichten Weite von 86,50 m und damit eines der längsten Bauwerke seiner Art in Deutschland. Es besteht aus zwei Teilbauwerken. Der Überbau jedes Teilbauwerks ist ein fünfzelliger Hohlkasten aus Stahl mit einer 25 cm dicken Stahlbetonplatte, der in tiefgegründete Widerlager eingespannt wird. In Anlehnung an die alte, als herausragendes Beispiel für die Ingenieurbaukunst geltende Spannbetonbrücke besticht der Entwurf durch sein schlankes Erscheinungsbild. Die große Schlankheit wird neben der Wahl des statischen Systems durch die Querschnitts‐ und Materialwahl sowie die Montagereihenfolge erreicht. Im Beitrag wird über die statische Konzeption, die Herstellung sowie die Planung maßgebender Details wie u. a. die Ausbildung der Rahmenecke und die Leitdetails des Stahlbaus berichtet. Dabei war die integrierte Planung des Stahl‐ und Massivbaus mithilfe von 3D‐Modellen in der Statik und Konstruktion von großem Vorteil.
F Doped δ‐MnO2 Nanoflowers for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Zhou , Ye Zhongqiang , Liu Guangzhan , Jiang Ziyan , Jiang Wenjia , Luo Junwei , Liu Shaoxiong , Hu Hai , Huang Zhifeng , Liu Li
Published: December 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention from researchers in recent years due to their low cost, high safety and high theoretical capacity. Among them, δ‐MnO2 is considered one of the most promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries because of its layered structure, which facilitates the intercalation and deintercalation of zinc ions. However, its narrow layer spacing and poor structural stability limit its future practical applications. To tackle these issues, herein, we report a two‐step strategy to introduce anionic fluoride ions into the δ‐MnO2 nanoflowers. The flower‐like spherical structure, composed of interspersed nanosheets, increases the active sites for electrochemical reactions. Fluorine doping can expand the interlayer spacing available for ion insertion/extraction, and the formed fluorine‐manganese chemical bonds could stabilize the manganese‐oxygen octahedral ([MnO6]) structure. The F‐doped δ‐MnO2 nanoflowers show a reversible capacity of 435.1 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, which is obviously higher than that of undoped δ‐MnO2 (212 mAh g−1). These results indicate the potential of anion introduction in enhancing the electrochemical performance of δ‐MnO2 in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Ritual or Reform? Untangling the B Corp Certification Process From a Routines Perspective
Authors: Pedersen Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum , Andersen Kirsti Reitan , Pedersen Frederik Hovmark , Bjartmarz Thordis Katla
Published: December 2024

Several studies have focussed on the impacts of B Corp certification, whereas little attention has been rendered to the experiences of organisations undergoing the certification process. This study provides deeper insights into how managers perceive the B Corp certification process by focussing on the relationship between certification requirements and existing sustainability routines. Based on interviews with 26 B Corp certifying organisations, this study demonstrates how the certification process can inspire actions ranging from validation of existing practices to more deep‐rooted changes in sustainability routines. Moreover, the study highlights the internal organisational conditions, which shape the routine performances in relation to B Corp certification. It is concluded that regular revisits of the organisation's sustainability performance and the mobilisation of local actors in sustainability work promote routine changes. This study expands on sustainability certification discussions by demonstrating how these tools shape, and in turn are shaped by, dominant patterns of sustainability work within the organisation.