bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improve Teaching-learning Processes for Computer Systems Engineering of the Courses in Distance Education in TecNM
Authors: Hernández María , Ríos Beatriz , Oliva Dubelza , Jorge Maricarmen , Ocaña Joan
Published: January 2020

In the Technological National of Mexico in San Luis Potosí (TecNM of SLP), Studies in computer systems in Engineering are taught, with a distance education model. However, it is detected that sometimes some classes are lost, which implies little effectiveness of the model. In the present study, a collection of data on connection effectiveness was carried out, to propose a reinforcement in the courses taught. Teachers were surveyed between January 2018 and December 2018, for each session and the results showed that 96.42% of the sessions were connected and were of good quality. Even so, it was proposed the realization and use of virtual courses to which the students could have asynchronous and timeless access, as an extra support, in case the students do not attend the campuses, they want to return to the class to clarify any doubt or review the class for preparation of practical work or evaluation.
Plant Regeneration from Mature Inflorescence of Date Palm by Using Moringa Extract
Authors: Zayed Eman M. M. , Rasmia S. S. Darwesh , Hamed Khaled Abd-El
Published: January 2020

Plant tissue culture is becoming an important technique for the massive propagation of date palm and the available source lead to the success of this process. The mature female inflorescence is a novel and available source for in vitro propagation of date palm, nowadays become needed at the large scale to usage of organic nature materials in agriculture practice which are rich in plant growth regulators as well as micro elements. This study describes in vitro plant regeneration from mature female inflorescence explants of evaluating date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) by using the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves which has great potential to be used as a natural source of nutraceutical in micropropagation. Mature inflorescences explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of an extract of  Moringa leaves with or without add TDZ at 0.2 and 0.6 BA mg/l. Indoles, phenols,  proteins,  amino acids, and carbohydrates were determined. The addition of different concentrations of an extract of Moringa oleifera leaves with TDZ at 0.2 and 0.6 BA mg/l gave the highest significant average percentage of callus formation, friable callus, germination of embryos and numbers of embryos comparing with other treatments. Also, given the highest significant values of free amino acids and carbohydrates were noted in callus and embryo germination stage.
Impact of Irrigation with Saline Water on the Production of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under Soilless and Traditional Techniques
Authors: Ibrahim Alaa , Elfaki Jamal
Published: January 2020

A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to saline water irrigation under soilless and traditional techniques. A special fertigation technique with two different salinity levels (1 dS m-1 and 4 dS m-1) of water was used under different soilless media, namely, perlite, gravel, and pozzolana as inert media, in addition to traditional techniques. Results showed that among the three soilless substrates, perlite medium produced the highest total yields with larger fruit sizes. Furthermore, the perlite medium enabled significant savings in water, compared to gravel (-15%) and pozzolana (-20%). Moreover, the results corroborated the existing knowledge on the tolerance of tomato to brackish water irrigation, since there was no significant difference in yield of plants grown in the soil irrigated with water with salinity levels of 1.1   dSm-1 and 4-5  dS m-1. Plant biometric data revealed a better and quicker development of plants grown in the soilless media compared to those grown in the soil, even in the case of freshwater irrigation.
Biodegradation Potentials of Aspergillus sydowii and Fusarium lichenicola on Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon in an Oilfield Wastewater in Rivers State
Authors: Janet Olufunmilayo Williams, , Owhonka Aleruchi
Published: January 2020

This study investigated the potential of Aspergillus sydowii and Fusarium lichenicola as mixed cultures in the biodegradation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons TPHs in oilfield wastewater. Oilfield wastewater was collected from an onshore oil producing platform and biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons was investigated using standard methods. Fungi were isolated from oilfield wastewater contaminated soils obtained from the vicinity of the oil producing platform. Experimental control set-up and treatment with mixed culture of fungal isolates were periodically analyzed on days 7 and 21 intervals for total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation using Gas Chromatography (GC). The total amount of TPHs on day 1 recorded 381. 871 mg/l.  The amount of TPHs on days 7 and 21 in the mixed culture of fungi was 108.975 mg/l and 21.105 mg/l respectively while TPHs in control was 342.891 mg/l and 240.749 mg/l respectively. There was a significant difference between the mixed culture and the control on days 7 and 21 at p≤0.05. The results therefore revealed actual and significant reduction of TPHs in the mixed culture. In addition, there was clearance of n-alkanes by the mixed culture. This suggests that fungi have great potentials in biodegradation of TPHs and in remediation of TPH contaminated environments.
How to Increase Living Kidney Donation—A Tale of Two Donors
Authors: Macis Mario , Plummer Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint describes constraints to living kidney donation in the US and ways to improve the process for both donors and recipients.
Early Screening for Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults to Improve Care—Beyond the Routine
Authors: Keller Camryn L. , Yelamanchili Ankita , Concejo Bruno Álvarez
Published: December 2024

This Teachable Moment describes a man in his 30s who presented with a right diabetic foot ulcer and hyperglycemia and was assumed to have type 2 diabetes and was subsequently diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
Patterns in California Ambulance Patient Offload Times by Local Emergency Medical Services Agency
Authors: Feldmeier Madeline , Reyes Karen Patricia , Chen Crystal , Sporer Karl A. , Konik Zita , Garzón Hernando , Hsia Renee Y.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Ambulance offload delays are a timely and crucial issue with implications for patients, emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, hospitals, and communities. Published data on recent patterns in ambulance patient offload times (APOTs) are sparse.

Objective

To examine patterns in APOT by California local EMS agency and variation between and within local agencies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used APOT reports from the California EMS Authority and local EMS agencies between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023, to examine patterns in ambulance offload times. County-level population data were collected from the US Census Bureau to calculate mean annual offloads per 1000 population.

Exposure

Ambulance transport to emergency departments.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ambulance offload volumes, mean annual offloads per 1000 population, APOT-1 (a reporting metric that includes the 90th percentile ambulance offload time and number of offloads to a specific hospital) weighted means (SDs), and APOT-1 medians (IQRs).

Results

A total of 5 913 399 offloads across 34 California local EMS agencies were analyzed. The APOT-1 weighted mean (SD) across the state was 42.8 (27.3) minutes, and the median (IQR) monthly hospital-level APOT-1 was 28.9 (14.9-46.3) minutes. Nearly one-half of local EMS agencies (16 of 34 [47.1%], accounting for 79.2% of all offloads) experienced an APOT-1 weighted mean greater than the 30-minute standard set by the state. Moreover, 20 of 33 local EMS agencies (60.6%) reported an annual APOT-1 weighted mean that was worse in 2023 than 2021.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, approximately half of all agencies consistently reported ambulance offload times greater than the 30-minute state standard, and there was significant variation between and within agencies. These findings may spur collaborative efforts between stakeholders to determine the most effective strategies for addressing systemic issues resulting in long APOT across California.
US FDA Approval of Pediatric Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning–Enabled Medical Devices
Authors: Brewster Ryan C. L. , Nagy Matthew , Wunnava Susmitha , Bourgeois Florence T.
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study analyzes the availability of artificial intelligence and machine learning–enabled devices authorized for children by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and assesses reporting of algorithm validation in the pediatric population.
Corrugated Horn Antennas
Authors: Gentili Gian Guido , Nesti Renzo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: December 2024

In this work, the basic theory of circular corrugated horn antennas is presented, using easy concepts with simple mathematics. The aim is to give the reader an understanding of the fundamental electromagnetic properties of these devices and to provide a set of quantitative design tools for the electromagnetic engineer.

The wave propagation problem in corrugated waveguides is approached by approximating the field boundary conditions on the corrugation limit surface and by making further assumptions, suggested by practical considerations, with a consequent mathematical simplification of the theory. This approach has the major advantage of providing an analytical solution for the electromagnetic field, which is accurate as far as the approximate boundary conditions are valid, highlighting the most relevant features of corrugated waveguides.

The problem of radiation from corrugated horns is addressed in a similar way by choosing an approximated model sufficiently accurate for almost all practical needs. This model, the “Gaussian beam model,” has a simple analytical formulation and is rigorously treated. The final result of this approach is a set of analytical formulas relating electromagnetic properties to geometric parameters that are very useful in the design.

Then, further design aspects concerning the throat region, the phase center, and cross‐polarization are introduced and numerical methods for highly accurate analysis of corrugated horns are described, ending with some design examples.
Electromagnetic Wave Propagation
Authors: Teixeira Fernando L. , Moreira Fernando J. S. , Pereira‐Filho Odilon M. C.
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the nature of electromagnetic wave propagation. After a brief historical overview and a description of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum, plane waves are introduced as fundamental solutions to Maxwell's equations. Basic concepts such as wavelength, Poynting vector (power flux density), and phase velocity are explained in view of such waves. The transverse nature of electromagnetic waves in free space and its relation to polarization are also discussed. The chapter continues with an examination of the relation between electromagnetic waves and sources, followed by a description of spherical and cylindrical waves. Next, the nature of electromagnetic wave propagation in lossy media is considered, where concepts such as frequency dispersion and group velocity are introduced. The interaction of electromagnetic waves with obstacles is treated next by considering scattering and diffraction phenomena, and, in more detail, the reflection and transmission (refraction) of electromagnetic waves across material boundaries. This is followed by a description of guided wave propagation, and a description of surface and leaky waves. Finally, the chapter briefly explains the distinction between coherent and noncoherent waves and discusses research challenges related to the wave propagation in manmade media such as metamaterials and in natural media such as the troposphere and the ionosphere.
Monopole Antennas
Authors: Gandhi Om. P. , Lazzi Gianluca , Furse Cynthia M.
Published: December 2024

This chapter describes the concepts underlying monopole antennas and their many applications, such as for broadcasting, car radios, cellular telephones, ablation, and sensing.
Radar Cross Section
Authors: Jenn David C.
Published: December 2024

Radar cross section (RCS) is a measure of the magnitude of the scattered electromagnetic (EM) wave from a body relative to the magnitude of the wave incident on the body. It is an indicator of the strength of an object's signal returned to a radar sensor. To many people, RCS is synonymous with stealth. Stealth technology has become an integral part of all military systems since it was first employed in the 1970s. However, RCS is just one aspect of stealth, the design philosophy that seeks to make a platform (such as an aircraft, ship, or ground vehicle) undetectable to a wide range of sensors. Recently, there has been a rapid expansion of radar sensors for commercial applications like autonomous vehicles and robotics. These applications necessitate the characterization of the RCS of a wide range of objects commonly found in the urban environment, such as cars, bicycles, and even pedestrians.
Reconfigurable Antennas
Authors: Bernhard Jennifer T.
Published: December 2024

High‐speed wireless systems continue to require more functionalities from antennas than can be provided by classic designs. One approach to this challenge is to develop and implement reconfigurable antennas. The goal of a reconfigurable antenna—one that can adjust its operating frequency, bandwidth, and/or radiation pattern to accommodate changing system requirements—poses significant challenges to both antenna and systems designers. This chapter first defines antenna reconfigurability, provides insight into early related historical developments, and then highlights some of the more recent advances in the area of antenna reconfiguration. Additionally, some of the barriers that still need to be overcome to arrive at realizable, fieldable technologies are discussed. These barriers include the development of reliable, cost‐effective, and mass‐manufacturable switching and tuning elements, the design of bias networks that will not interfere with antenna operation, and the continued expansion of signal processing and feedback algorithms to fully exploit this new antenna functionality.
Reflectarray Antennas
Authors: Encinar Jose A. , Martinez‐de‐Rioja Daniel , Martinez‐de‐Rioja Eduardo
Published: December 2024

This chapter gives an overview of reflectarray antennas, covering from their historical development to the latest applications. A reflectarray antenna consists of an array of phase‐shifter cells, which are preadjusted to generate a collimated or shaped beam, when illuminated by an external source. The chapter describes different types of reflectarray cells, analysis and design techniques, as well as some realizations for bandwidth improvement, multifrequency operation, and beam scanning. Various selected applications of reflectarray antennas in radar, imaging, and communications are described. Some of them are already commercialized as automotive radars and imaging scanners for security. Finally, some challenging examples of satellite antennas are shown, such as spaceborne interferometer radars, contoured‐beam antennas for broadcasting, large inflatable reflectarrays, multibeam antennas for satellite communications, and high‐gain antenna for data transmission in CubeSats.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Webb Andrew
Published: December 2024

This article describes the basic theory of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and highlights the recent advances in hardware design and image acquisition and processing strategies for increased speed and signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Harmonic Oscillators
Authors: Rodríguez‐Vázquez Ángel , Vornicu Ion
Published: December 2024

Oscillators are circuits conceived to generate AC signals with only DC excitations. Here the term AC refers to either voltages or currents that change with time, and includes periodic and aperiodic waveforms of whatever shape.
Multimode Equivalent Network Representations: Recent Advances
Authors: Guglielmi Marco , Boria Vicente
Published: December 2024

The objective of this chapter is to describe recent advances in the multimode equivalent network (MEN) theory for the full‐wave modeling and electromagnetic simulation of waveguide junctions. This paper is the second entry in this Encyclopedia in the context of the MEN theory. Although some of the theoretical development described in this second entry can be applied also to the theory described in the first entry, it is important to note that the two contributions are complementary and that they are both valid on their own merit.
Oscillators
Authors: Rohde Ulrich L. , Poddar Ajay K. , Apte Anisha M.
Published: December 2024

In the past a large number of oscillator papers presented were cookbook type summaries with insufficient support data. Here we have a rigorous scientific presentation with all the necessary information to successfully design various oscillators. This team of experts has a proven record to trust the approach.
Transient Analysis
Authors: Feely Orla , Mulkeen Brian , King Justin
Published: December 2024

This chapter reviews the basic principles of transient circuit analysis, which is a long‐established branch of circuit theory with a wide range of applications. It examines transient behavior in linear circuits and explains the type of behavior that can occur in these circuits. It shows how this behavior can be analyzed by solving appropriate differential equations or by applying the Laplace transform. A brief discussion of transient simulation for nonlinear radio frequency (RF) circuits is also provided, showing how arbitrary frequency‐defined models may be handled via a rational model and time‐domain convolution.
Radio Reception
Authors: Zvonar Zoran
Published: December 2024

Multiple factors influence the radio system performance, including radio propagation, radio link design, radio receiver design, and radio network design. The focus of this section is on the key elements of the radio reception that are starting point for the radio system design.

Radio propagation addresses fundamentals of path loss prediction models, outdoor and indoor prediction models, and effects of environment and small‐scale variations resulting in multipath fading. The emphasis is on channel characterization and statistical propagation models. Radio link design part covers link budget and frequency planning. Section on man‐made noise and interference completes the list of external factors that influence radio performance. The aspects of radio receiver design include introduction to radio front‐end parameters, diversity techniques, modulation and coding, and interference suppression techniques.
Hybrid CAD Techniques
Authors: Arndt Fritz
Published: December 2024

Microwave components, antennas, and systems that meet the tight requirements of today's advanced wireless terrestrial and satellite‐based communication systems—in particular concerning increased specifications and performance—demand
fast
EM‐based computer‐aided design (CAD) tools yielding accurate, highly optimized components within adequately short design times. This goal makes flexible and efficient hybrid solutions desirable, which typically go beyond the design capabilities of the involved single methods. The chapter presents an overview of the state of the art of hybrid CAD mode‐matching (MM)/finite‐element (FE)/method‐of‐moments (MoM) techniques applied for the rigorous, fast CAD and optimization of waveguide components, antennas and arrays and describes recent advances. The hybrid techniques presented combine advantageously the efficiency of the MM method with the flexibility of the FE method and the efficiency and flexibility of MoM for radiating structures. Typical application examples illustrate the versatility and high efficiency of these hybrid techniques.
Integral Equations
Authors: Rao S. M.
Published: December 2024

In this chapter, we present simple and efficient numerical solution methods for solving several types of integral equations encountered in electromagnetic engineering problems. All these methods can be categorized into a single method popularly known as the method of moments (MOM). Initially, we present the method for simple one‐ and two‐dimensional problems and later extend the method to more complex three‐dimensional problems. Although the MOM solution technique is the most popular method for calculating radar cross section (RCS) of complex objects, it is limited by prohibitively large computational and memory requirements if attempted to use in the millimeter wave region (30–300 GHz). Lastly, in this work, a new procedure is described to estimate RCS of truly complex and practical problems and to overcome the limitation imposed by conventional MOM scheme.
Monte Carlo Simulation in Reliability
Authors: Leemis Lawrence M.
Published: December 2024

Simulation is a generic term used loosely in engineering, with application areas ranging from flight simulators used in cockpit design to simulated annealing used in optimization. Simulation is presented here as a mathematical and computational technique used to analyze probabilistic models. Simulation can be divided into
Monte Carlo simulation
, in which
static
models are analyzed, and
discrete‐event simulation
, in which
dynamic
models involving the passage of time are analyzed. This chapter surveys algorithms for generating random variates for simulation in the setting of a reliability application.
Piezoelectricity
Authors: Uchino Kenji
Published: December 2024

Certain materials produce electrical charges on their surfaces as a consequence of applied mechanical stress. The induced charges are proportional to the mechanical stress. This is called the direct piezoelectric effect and was discovered by Jacques and Pierre Curie in 1880. Materials showing this phenomenon also conversely have a geometric strain proportional to an applied electric field. This is the converse piezoelectric effect. The root of the word “piezo” means “pressure”; hence, the original meaning of the piezoelectricity implied “pressure electricity.”

Piezoelectric materials provide coupling between electrical and mechanical parameters. The material used earliest for its piezoelectric properties was single‐crystal quartz. Quartz crystal resonators for frequency control appear today at the heart of clocks and are also used in computers and mobile phones. Ferroelectric polycrystalline ceramics such as barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate exhibit piezoelectricity when electrically poled. Since these ceramics possess significant and stable piezoelectric effects, that is, high electromechanical coupling, they are capable of producing large strains/forces and hence are extensively used as transducers. Piezoelectric polymers, notably polyvinylidene difluoride and its copolymers with trifluoroethylene and piezoelectric composites combining a piezoelectric ceramic with a passive polymer, have been developed that offer a high potential. Thin films of piezoelectric materials have received attention recently because of their potential utilization in microsensors and ‐actuators.

Piezoelectricity is being extensively utilized in the fabrication of various devices such as transducers, actuators, surface acoustic wave devices, and frequency control. In this article, we discuss the piezoelectric effect, a brief history of piezoelectricity followed by present‐day piezoelectric materials that are used, and finally various potential applications of piezoelectric materials.
Intermodulation Measurement
Authors: Abuelma'atti Muhammad T.
Published: December 2024

Whenever a number of signals of differing frequencies pass through a nonlinear device, energy is transferred to frequencies that are sums and differences of the original frequencies, that is, intermodulation products. This article presents a simple intermodulation theory and discusses its limitations and extensions. Methods of characterizing and measuring the intermodulation performance of nonlinear devices are presented, and their merits and demerits are discussed.
Engaging grade school learners with an interactive medical imaging activity
Authors: Fagerstrom Jessica M. , Alvarez Alyssa C. , Cohen Ethan O. , Yorke Afua A.
Published: December 2024

This case report describes a 45‐min active learning lesson plan that engages 4th–5th and 6th–8th grade school students in spatial reasoning through a review of medical imaging. The lesson plan reviews different planar orientations and cross‐sections of computed tomography (CT) images of familiar objects. The lesson is designed to introduce students to the idea that scientists are key contributors to healthcare, including in medical imaging technologies that facilitate the visualization of internal structures of patients without invasive procedures. The lesson demonstrates the three standard anatomical planes, axial, sagittal and coronal, by guiding students through CT image datasets of various objects. Students then are led in an interactive “dissection” of fruit to compare internal structures with medical images. The lesson plan aligns with key aspects of Next Generation Science Standards and aims to spark interest in the field of medical physics among a young student population through an introduction to imaging technologies. Worksheets and imaging datasets are included as supplementary materials to facilitate interested physicists adapting this work for educational purposes in their own communities, with minimal repeated effort.
Tipsy Testimonies: The Effect of Alcohol Intoxication Status, Crime Role and Juror Characteristics on Mock Jury Decision‐Making
Authors: Martin Erica , van Golde Celine , Monds Lauren A.
Published: December 2024

Victims and witnesses are regularly intoxicated with alcohol during crimes and jurors must evaluate their testimony when making decisions. The current study employed a 2 (crime role: victim, witness) × 4 (victim/witness intoxication status: sober, low, moderate, severe) between‐subjects design. Juror characteristics (e.g., alcohol expectancies, personal alcohol consumption, alcohol‐related work experience, demographic factors) were also explored as predictors of mock jury decision‐making. Participants (N = 181) read a trial transcript and completed a survey assessing trial‐related judgements, demographics, and expectations about and experiences with alcohol. Lower victim/witness intoxication was associated with higher credibility ratings, lower cognitive impairment ratings, and more convictions. Crime role did not impact dependent variables and juror characteristics had a limited influence: only alcohol‐related work experience and the perceived gender of the victim/witness predicted a minority of decision types. The current study asserts the need for evidence‐based jury education about alcohol and eyewitness memory with a focus on delivery via familiar metrics.
Amplifying Synergistic Effects of Cuproptosis and Bacterial Membrane Vesicles‐Mediated Photothermal Therapy by Multifunctional Nano‐Biohybrid for Anti‐Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Niu Mei‐Ting , Li Qian‐Ru , Huang Qian‐Xiao , Qin You‐Teng , Meng Dan , Liang Jun‐Long , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: December 2024

The other functions of bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) except serving as immune adjuvants and vaccine platforms are yet to be further explored. This study investigates the photothermal properties of Rhodobacter sphaeroides‐derived BMVs (RMVs) beyond their immunostimulatory properties. A multifunctional nano‐biohybrid, termed CuM@RR, is constructed by encapsulating Cu‐based metal–organic framework (CuM) nanoparticles into DSPE‐PEG2000‐RGD‐functionalized RMVs, leveraging the functionalization and cargo capacity of BMVs. The DSPE‐PEG2000‐RGD modification facilitates the targeted delivery of CuM@RR to tumor sites. CuM core within CuM@RR decomposes in acid tumor microenvironment, releasing Cu2+ and inducing tumor cell cuproptosis. Under 808 nm near‐infrared irradiation, the photothermal effect‐induced apoptosis synergizes with copper ions overload‐induced cuproptosis, causing irreversible mitochondrial damage in tumor cells and triggering strong immunogenic cell death (ICD). The released damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) during ICD, along with the inherent immunoadjuvant properties of CuM@RR, elicit robust anti‐tumor immune responses. In vivo experiments confirm that CuM@RR significantly suppresses tumor growth and prevents tumor rechallenge without obvious systemic toxicity under the synergistic effects of cuproptosis, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy, suggesting the great potential of this multifunctional nano‐biohybrid in developing safe and effective multi‐therapeutic anti‐tumor strategies.
Mechanical Properties of Nanoporous Graphenes: Transferability of Graph Machine‐Learned Force Fields Compared to Local and Reactive Potentials
Authors: Kabylda Adil , Mortazavi Bohayra , Zhuang Xiaoying , Tkatchenko Alexandre
Published: December 2024

Nanoporous and chemically‐bridged graphene nanosheets span a wide chemical space with a broad set of applications in sensing and electronics. Modeling the structure and dynamics of such nanosheets is challenging, as chemical bond making and breaking as well as non‐covalent interactions must be captured accurately and on equal footing. Here it is showed that recent graph‐based machine‐learned force field (MLFF) SO3krates [J. T. Frank et al., Nat. Commun. 15, 6539 (2024)] is able to reliably model the dynamics and mechanical response for a broad class of nanoporous graphenes when trained on accurate density functional theory data that includes long‐range many‐body dispersion (MBD) interactions. In contrast, local moment tensor potentials and empirical reactive potentials are much less accurate. It is also found that recent MLFFs trained on solid‐state datasets must be used with care, since even empirical potentials occasionally yield more accurate results. These findings highlight the potential of properly‐trained graph MLFFs in modeling the properties of whole chemical spaces of complex functional materials.
Progress and Challenges of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathodes for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zheng Haonan , Peng Shuang , Liang Suzhe , Yang Weiyou , Chen Chaoyi , Wang Changhong , Yu Ruizhi
Published: December 2024

Ni‐rich layered oxides are recognized as one of the most promising candidates for cathodes in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) due to their intrinsic merits, such as high average voltage and specific capacity. However, their application is profoundly hindered by sluggish interfacial lithium‐ion (Li+)/electron transfer kinetics, which is primarily caused by surface lithium residues, structural transformation, Li/Ni mixing, H2/H3 phase transition, and microcracks. Furthermore, electro‐chemo‐mechanical failures at the cathode/solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) interface, including interfacial side reactions, space‐charge layer (SCL) formation, and interfacial physical disconnection, accelerate capacity fading. This work provides a systematic overview of these challenges and fundamental insights into utilizing Ni‐rich layered cathodes in ASSLBs. Additionally, several key parameters, such as cost, energy density, pressure, and environmental temperature, are evaluated to meet the specific requirements of ASSLBs for commercial applications. Moreover, the representative modification strategies and future research directions for exploring advanced Ni‐rich layered cathode‐based ASSLBs are outlined. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and essential insights to expedite the application of Ni‐rich layered cathodes in ASSLBs.
Oxidation‐Driven Enhancement of Intrinsic Properties in MXene Electrodes for High‐Performance Flexible Energy Storage
Authors: Cheng Yongfa , Koo Kunmo , Liu Yukun , Barsoum Michael L. , Cai Zizhen , Farha Omar K. , Hu Xiaobing , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: December 2024

MXenes, a novel class of 2D materials, exhibit great potential for energy storage due to their unique layered structure and excellent electrical conductivity. However, improving the intrinsic electrochemical storage capacity of MXenes remains a significant challenge, often requiring the incorporation of other Faradaic materials. Oxidation, in particular, poses a key issue that impacts the capacity of MXene devices. In this study, controlled oxidation is employed to create nanoscale holes within MXene, transforming them into holey MXene (H‐MXene) nanosheets. These porous structures shorten ion transport distances and increase ion transport pathways, thereby significantly enhancing the electrochemical storage capacity of MXenes. The resulting H‐MXene micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) demonstrate exceptional performance, achieving an aerial capacitance 2.5 times that of unmodified MXene electrodes, along with excellent cycling stability, retaining 91.7% of their capacitance after 10 000 cycles. Additionally, a flexible integrated system combining energy storage and sensing functionalities is developed, showcasing its scalability in self‐powered sensing applications. The incorporation of self‐healing polyurethane (PU) enables the device to retain 90% of its storage capacity after undergoing self‐healing. This study presents a novel approach for developing high‐performance MXene‐based energy storage devices and provides valuable insights into efficient ion transport and storage in 2D materials.
High‐Crystallinity Wrinkled Hard Carbon via Molecular‐Level Anchoring Glucose Molecules with Cooperative‐Assembly of Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yanni , Li Wenwen , Huang Chengxiang , Jiang Zhou , Liu Fuxi , Zhou Xinyan , Zhang Wei , Zheng Weitao
Published: December 2024

Tuning of micro‐ and macro‐structures of hard carbon is important for expanding its properties. However, achieving controlled and integrated modulation of the micro‐ and macro‐structures of such materials remains a challenge. An intermolecular hydrogen bond‐driven interfacial cooperative‐assembly and then polymerization strategy is reported herein: micelles‐glucose molecules are used for the synthesis of wrinkled hard carbon spheres with precisely tunable crystallinity. As intermolecular hydrogen is positioned bonds to achieve an anchoring effect, which facilitates immobilization of glucose molecules at the molecular level during the assembly and subsequent dehydration‐aromatization. In virtue of controlling the micelle concentration, the density of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions is precisely regulated. As a result, the yielded hard carbon spheres exhibited excellent sodium‐ion storage performance because of their high crystallinity and exposed surfaces. By establishing a simple micelle–based interfacial reaction strategy, the study leverages optimized intermolecular hydrogen bond anchoring effects to tailor the properties of materials at a molecular level.
Enhancing Membrane Materials for Efficient Li Recycling and Recovery
Authors: Tian Xingpeng , Ye Chunchun , Zhang Liyuan , Sugumar Manoj K. , Zhao Yan , McKeown Neil B. , Margadonna Serena , Tan Rui
Published: December 2024

Rapid uptake of lithium‐centric technology, e.g., electric vehicles and large‐scale energy storage, is increasing the demand for efficient technologies for lithium extraction from aqueous sources. Among various lithium‐extraction technologies, membrane processes hold great promise due to energy efficiency and flexible operation in a continuous process with potential commercial viability. However, membrane separators face challenges such as the extraction efficiency due to the limited selectivity toward lithium relative to other species. Low selectivity can be ascribed to the uncontrollable selective channels and inefficient exclusion functions. However, recent selectivity enhancements for other membrane applications, such as in gas separation and energy storage, suggest that this may also be possible for lithium extraction. This review article focuses on the innovations in the membrane chemistries based on rational design following separation principles and unveiling the theories behind enhanced selectivity. Furthermore, recent progress in membrane‐based lithium extraction technologies is summarized with the emphasis on inorganic, organic, and composite materials. The challenges and opportunities for developing the next generation of selective membranes for lithium recovery are also pointed out.
Unveiling Charge Carrier Dynamics at Organic–Inorganic S‐Scheme Heterojunction Interfaces: Insights From Advanced EPR
Authors: Gu Miaoli , Zhang Jianjun , Kurganskii Ivan V. , Poryvaev Artem S. , Fedin Matvey V. , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo , Zhang Liuyang
Published: December 2024

Understanding charge carrier transfer at heterojunction interfaces is critical for advancing solar energy conversion technologies. This study utilizes continuous wave (CW), pulse, and time‐resolved (TR) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to explore the radical species formed at the TAPA (tris(4−aminophenyl)amine)‐PDA (Terephthaldicarboxaldehyde)/ZnIn2S4 (TP/ZIS) heterojunction interface. CW and pulse EPR identify stable radical defects localized near the interface, accessible to water molecules. Time‐resolved EPR reveals a photoinduced electron transfer from TP to ZIS, leading to the generation of spin‐correlated radical pairs under light irradiation, signifying efficient charge carrier separation and spatial transfer within the S‐scheme heterojunction. This electron transfer mechanism, confirmed through in situ X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, suppresses undesirable carrier recombination, extending charge carrier lifetimes. These findings provide novel insights into the transport direction of charge carriers at the S‐scheme heterojunction interface, offering valuable guidance for designing highly efficient and stable organic–inorganic heterojunction photocatalysts for solar energy applications.
Spin‐Orbit‐Locking Vectorial Metasurface Holography
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Gao Xinyue , Yao Jing , Li Haoran , Shi Yuzhi , Li Bo , Xie Zhenwei , Yuan Xiaocong , Lai Puxiang , Song Qinghua
Published: December 2024

Vectorial metasurface holography, allowing for independent control over the amplitude, phase, and polarization distribution of holographic images enabled by metasurfaces, plays a crucial role in the realm of optical display, optical, and quantum communications. However, previous research on vectorial metasurface holography has typically been restricted to single degree of freedom input and single channel output, thereby demonstrating a very limited modulation capacity. This work presents a novel method to achieve multi‐channel vectorial metasurface holography by harnessing spin‐orbit‐locking vortex beams. In each channel, the optical vectorial field is encoded with a pair of total angular momentums (TAMs) featuring two orthogonal spin angular momentums (SAMs) independently locked with arbitrary orbital angular momentums (OAMs). The methodology relies on a modified Gerchberg‐Saxton algorithm, enabling the encoding of various TAM channels within a single phase profile. Consequently, a pure geometry‐phase metasurface with a non‐interleaved approach can be used to support such multi‐channel vectorial holography, achieving high selectivity of both SAM and OAM, and offering precise routing and manipulation of complex light channels. The work presents a paradigm shift in the field of holography, offering promising avenues for high‐density optical information processing and future photonic device design.
Conjugation Strategies for Low Solubility Proteins to Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Sensitive Fluorescent Assay to Protease Activity
Authors: Hejazi Sepehr , Masud Nabila , Hasib Md. Hasibul Hasan , Bertrand Cole , Sarkar Anwesha , Reuel Nigel F
Published: December 2024

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)‐based optical biosensors are shown to detect hydrolase activity directly on target substrates. This study presents a metastable protein conjugation approach to immobilize hydrophobic proteins and enhance  sensitivity of protease detection. The method combines covalent conjugation of substrate proteins via carbodiimide chemistry with non‐covalent polymer wrapping of SWCNT, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The formation of protein‐SWCNT complexes as a result of multi‐site conjugation between the proteins and carboxyl groups, enabled iterative pelleting, washing, and resuspension steps to be applied to the probes which allowed for the removal of unbound proteins and residual materials, enhancing the sensor's sensitivity by approximately threefold, reaching a limit of detection (LOD) of 6.4 ng ml−1 in a 5 minute reaction. This immobilization approach is applied to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as gelatin and collagen to detect ECM degrading enzyme activity. ECM degrading enzymes caused a fluorescent intensity decrease of the SWCNT probes, enabling quantification of enzyme concentration between the range 160 ng ml−1 to 100 µg ml−1 within 5 minutes of reaction. This hybrid approach provides a rapid and sensitive platform for detecting extracellular degrading enzymes with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, wound healing, high‐throughput screening for enzyme inhibitors, and drug discovery.
β‐Sheets Orientation in Physisorbed Protein Layers
Authors: Piscitelli Matteo , Bajrami Diellza , Franco Cinzia Di , Sarcina Lucia , Catacchio Michele , Macchia Eleonora , Torsi Luisa , Mizaikoff Boris , Scamarcio Gaetano
Published: December 2024

Physisorption of antibodies onto surfaces is a low‐cost, rapid, and effective approach for immobilizing bioreceptors in applications such as bioelectronic sensors. However, there is a prevailing notion that physisorbed protein layers lack structural order, thus potentially compromising their stability and sensitivity compared to antibody films that are covalently attached to the substrate surface. This study demonstrates the preferential orientation of β‐sheets within the secondary structure of protein layers, specifically anti‐immunoglobulin G (anti‐IgG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), when physisorbed onto gold (Au) thin films. Using polarization modulation infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy (PM‐IRRAS) and infrared attenuated total reflection (IR‐ATR) spectroscopy, it has been confirmed that the β‐strands in these protein layers are tilted relative to the surface normal by average angles of 75.3° ± 0.4° for anti‐IgG and of 79.3 ± 0.2° for BSA. These results are obtained by analyzing the orientation of the transition dipole moments (TDMs) associated with the amide I molecular vibrations derived from a comparison between experimental and simulated mid‐infrared spectra assuming isotropically oriented TDMs. The simulations incorporate refractive and absorption index dispersions obtained from the IR‐ATR spectra. Thus obtained findings offer valuable molecular‐level insights facilitating the design and optimization of biofunctionalized interfaces in advanced biomedical and biosensing applications.
Kinetics‐Tunable Photochromism and Dual‐Mode Luminescence Modulation in BaTiO3‐Based Phosphors for Dynamic Anti‐Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Fu Shasha , Huang Anjun , Zhao Heping , Zi Yingzhu , Bai Xue , Gao Ziwen , Haider Asif Ali , Liu Yue , Cun Yangke , Song Zhiguo , Qiu Jianbei , Tatiana Cherkasova , Yang Zhengwen
Published: December 2024

The security level of traditional optical anti‐counterfeiting agents is increasingly insufficient to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing society, resulting in significant losses for individuals and corporations. In this study, a series of pure and lanthanides‐doped BaTiO3 （BTO） phosphors are synthesized, exhibiting reversible photochromic and bleaching phenomenon through alternating UV light irradiation and thermal treatment. The maximum coloration contrast of the samples is influenced by the choice of dopants, primarily due to the variation in oxygen vacancy concentrations. Notably, lanthanide doping accelerates the photochromic response compared to the undoped sample, attributed to enhanced carrier mobility and concentration from the introduction of intermediate energy levels. Multi‐mode upconversion luminescence modulation (UCL) is achieved through the re‐absorption effect, yielding maximum green (λex = 980 nm) and red (λex = 1550 nm) UCL modulation rate of 67% and 59%, respectively. Furthermore, an application in temporal encryption is demonstrated, leveraging the kinetics‐tunable photochromism and multi‐mode UCL of BaTiO3‐based phosphors.
Stimuli‐Responsive Smart Glass with Switchable Unidirectional Light Source for Enhanced Privacy/Indoor Illumination
Authors: Wu Chun‐Ting , Selvaraj Pravinraj , Tsai Yuan‐Chang , Huang Chi‐Tang , Sun Ching‐Cherng , Cheng Ko‐Ting
Published: December 2024

Light manipulation is in high demand in science and industry. Smart glasses enable dynamic light control for indoor illumination, privacy protection, automobiles, and displays. However, existing technologies often limit single‐functionality (simultaneous bidirectional transparency or opacity) and strongly inherent user preferences. Here, a novel class of stimuli‐responsive smart glass featuring a switchable unidirectional light source using 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPAP)‐doped twisted hybrid polymer network liquid crystals (TH‐PNLCs) with a linear polarizer is developed. These DMPAP‐doped TH‐PNLCs exhibit a blue‐shift in spectra under cross‐polarizer, enhanced twist angle, and increased light amplitude compared with undoped devices. When subjected to external electric stimuli and edge light, the device emits light bi‐directionally with different polarizations. As a proof of concept, placing a transmissive polarizer in front of the homogeneous alignment layer (Surface A) enables light absorption and scattering toward vertical alignment (Surface B), ensuring privacy by blocking visibility from Surface A while keeping Surface B visible. Replacing the transmissive linear polarizer with a reflective one enhances light scattering, boosting intensity from Surface B, making the device ideal for energy‐efficient indoor lighting. Featuring fast switching times and robust endurance, this stimuli‐responsive smart glass offers a pioneering solution for green buildings and automobiles with enhanced privacy and indoor illumination.
Cis‐Regulation of an m6A Eraser by an Insertion Variant Associated with Survival of Patients With Non‐Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Lei , Hu Qiangsheng , Wang Yanan , Nie Wei , Lu Haijiao , Zhang Bo , Zhao Genming , Ding Shiyun , Pan Feng , Shen Yinchen , Zhong Runbo , Zhang Ruoxin
Published: December 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) serves as one of the crucial RNA modifications for genes involved in cancer progression. Here, 7273 expression quantitative trait loci potentially regulating 30 m6A pathway genes are identified from the GTEx database, with 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with survival of non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients (n = 1523) from the ongoing genome‐wide association study after false positive probability tests. Notably, the rs151198415 locus, situated in a potential enhancer region, demonstrated a prolonged survival effect with the C>CCACG insertion, which is validated in an independent prospective cohort (n = 237), yielding a pooled hazard ratio of 0.72 (p = 0.007). Mechanistically, the rs151198415 C>CCACG insertion engaged in long‐range interaction with the promoter of m6A eraser ALKBH5, promoting ALKBH5 transcription by the creation of an EGR1 binding site. Then, ALKBH5 upregulated FBXL5 expression by m6A demethylation, which is dependent on the ALKBH5 H204 amino acid site and specific m6A sites on FBXL5 mRNA. Finally, the ALKBH5‐FBXL5 axis reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, leading to PI3K/AKT and NF‐kB pathway inhibition and consequently suppresses NSCLC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Triggered by an insertion variant, this remote cis‐regulation of m6A eraser and the downstream molecular events modulate the survival of NSCLC patients.