bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential radiosensitive germline biomarkers in the testes of wild mice after the Fukushima accident
Authors: Tokita Syun , Nakayama Ryo , Fujishima Yohei , Goh Valerie Swee Ting , Anderson Donovan , Uemura Ippei , Ikema Hikari , Shibata Jin , Kinoshita Yoh , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Shinoda Hisashi , Goto Jun , Palmerini Maria Grazia , Hatha Abdulla Mohamed , Satoh Takashi , Nakata Akifumi , Fukumoto Manabu , Miura Tomisato , Yamashiro Hideaki
Published: December 2024

We investigated potential germline‐specific radiosensitive biomarkers in the testes of large Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) exposed to low‐dose‐rate (LDR) radiation after the Fukushima accident. Fukushima wild mice testes were analysed via RNA‐sequencing to identify genes differentially expressed in the breeding and non‐breeding seasons when compared to controls. Results revealed significant changes during the breeding season, with Lsp1 showing a considerable upregulation, while Ptprk and Tspear exhibited significant reductions. Conversely, in the non‐breeding season, Fmo2 and Fmo2 (highly similar) were significantly upregulated in radiation‐exposed Fukushima mice. qPCR analysis results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing, detecting Lsp1 and Ptprk regulation in the testes of Fukushima mice. While differences in gene expression were observed, these do not imply any causal association between the identified biomarkers and chronic LDR exposure, as other factors such as the environment and developmental age may contribute. This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive biology is affected by environmental radiation and highlights the value of assessing the effects of chronic LDR radiation exposure on testicular health in wild mice.
ELECTROMAGNETIC MODELING
Authors: Chen Zhizhang D. , Hoefer Wolfgang J. R.
Published: December 2024

Electromagnetic modeling is a critical analysis and design methodology in various fields such as radio‐frequency (RF) and microwave engineering, antennas, radar, remote sensing, medical diagnostics, bio‐electromagnetics, physics and radio astronomy, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference. It formulates and solves electromagnetic field problems using mathematical, physical, or computational models that relate the electromagnetic functionality of devices to their geometrical and material parameters or predict how electromagnetic fields interact with physical objects and materials. This chapter presents the most common methods for modeling electromagnetic scenarios in the frequency, the spectral, and the time domain, as well as their hybrid combinations. They are introduced as projective approximations of field solutions using the method of weighted residuals (MWR). This unified perspective best illustrates their properties, differences, and their suitability for solving a particular electromagnetic problem, thus helping the reader to appreciate the connections, similarities, and differences among the various methods. It also reflects historical and methodological developments and aims to provide a foundational understanding of current electromagnetic modeling methods.
PERMITTIVITY AND MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Komarov Vyacheslav V. , Wang Shaojin , Tang Juming
Published: December 2024

This article provides an overview of the dielectric properties of food, agricultural products, biological tissues, resins, plastics, ceramics, soils, and wood at radio and microwave frequencies. The influence of three main factors, namely, microwave frequency, temperature, and material moisture contents, on complex dielectric properties of lossy materials is analyzed. The most popular measurement techniques, such as the open-ended coaxial probe method, transmission line method, and perturbation method, are described. Relevant dielectric property data are provided in tables and figures.
PHASE NOISE AND MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Chang Heng‐Chia
Published: December 2024

The phase of the electric signals or electromagnetic fields from the circuits and devices is often modulated or demodulated with important information in modern communication systems. However, there are always some random fluctuations in the phase of the signals caused by thermal noise (thermal motion of the carriers), or shot noise (discrete properties of the electric current sources), or several other mechanisms inside the devices, circuits, wired or wireless medium. The term phase noise is used for describing such short‐term random fluctuations of the signals. In this chapter the author especially describes the phase noise in the oscillators, because most of the phase noise sources in the communication systems come from the oscillators. The author explains the oscillator phase noise by theory, describes several techniques to improve phase noise, and illustrates several popular measurement techniques. The author concludes this chapter with some references for the interested readers to study by themselves the phase noise and the related measurement techniques further.
QUASI‐OPTICAL CIRCUITS
Authors: Shiroma Wayne A. , DeLisio Michael P.
Published: December 2024

Quasioptical circuits use components typically associated with optics, such as lenses, mirrors, and polarizers but are targeted toward the millimeter‐ and sub‐millimeter‐wave regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum between 30 GHz and a few terahertz. This chapter focuses on active quasioptical circuits used for generating, amplifying, and processing millimeter‐wave beams.
RADAR TARGET RECOGNITION
Authors: Eom Kie B.
Published: December 2024

Recent advances in radar target recognition are presented. Modern radar systems provide information not available in other sensors with sufficient details for target recognition. Target recognition approaches using different types of radar systems are presented, and recent advances in target recognition approaches are discussed. Approaches to improve the performance of target detection by the fusion of information from different types of radars are presented. The reduction of speckle noise in radar images is important as imaging radar is inherently noisy. Recent advances in speckle noise reduction approaches are also presented.
RF BIOMETRICS
Authors: Pizzillo Thomas J.
Published: December 2024

This report is a concise summary of research on radio frequency (RF) biometrics published in the open literature and informed by my own research as the Principal Investigator of the United States Army Research Laboratory's RF Biometrics program between 2007 and 2012. I provide a functional definition of RF Biometrics and define a concept of operations to provide context for the cited research. I explore the origins and evolution of RF Biometrics particularly in the context of security and defense applications, and provide a brief assessment of the current and future trends for RF Biometrics.
MULTISCALE COMPUTATIONAL ELECTROMAGNETICS
Authors: Yang Ming‐Lin , Huang Xiao‐Wei , Wu Bi‐Yi , Sheng Xin‐Qing
Published: December 2024

Maxwell's equations are valid from the atomic to intergalactic length scales. Hence, features at various spatial or temporal scales may all be significant in electromagnetic (EM) problems of interest and may affect the results of multiscale modeling and simulation in computational electromagnetics (CEM). Solving electromagnetic problems that involve multiscale structures efficiently is challenging and is of growing interest in CEM. In recent decades, various approaches have been proposed for addressing the multiscale issue of electrically large problems. These methods can be roughly categorized into three types: the “geometry‐based,” “algebra‐based,” and “physics‐based” approaches. In this chapter, we introduce these three representative approaches for modeling multiscale problems in CEM: (1) the discontinuous Galerkin integral equation method (DGIE), which is a general domain decomposition framework for dealing with structures with mesh nonconformity; (2) the nested dissection accelerated H‐LU‐based fast direct solver for sparse matrices, which is used to construct effective preconditioners; and (3) the resistive sheet boundary condition‐based hybrid finite element‐boundary integral‐multilevel fast multipole algorithm (FE–BI–MLFMA), which can simulate electromagnetic field interactions with microwave‐absorbing honeycomb structures efficiently. After we present the formulation for each approach, we present examples to demonstrate its accuracy, capability, and performance.
POWER AMPLIFIER LOAD‐MODULATION RATIO
Authors: Hou Rui
Published: December 2024

Load modulation is a technique to enhance the energy efficiency of power amplifiers for non‐constant envelope signals. These types of signals are very often used for wireless communication systems. Most cellular base stations today employ Doherty power amplifiers, which utilize load modulation as the underlying mechanism.

The load‐modulation ratio quantifies how much the load impedance of a power amplifier varies during its operation. In principle, a higher load‐modulation ratio yields efficiency enhancement of a power amplifier at a lower‐power level from its peak capacity. In practice, this ratio needs to be designed carefully to optimize the performance of power amplifiers.
Cerebral hypoperfusion reduces tau accumulation
Authors: Gheni Ghupurjan , Shinohara Mitsuru , Masuda‐Suzukake Masami , Shindo Akihiko , Watanabe Atsushi , Kawai Kaori , Bu Guojun , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Hasegawa Masato , Sato Naoyuki
Published: December 2024

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) often coexists with cerebrovascular diseases. However, the impact of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke on AD pathology remains poorly understood.

Methods

This study examines the correlation between cerebrovascular diseases and AD pathology. The research was carried out using clinical and neuropathological data collected from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database and an animal model in which bilateral common carotid artery stenosis surgery was performed, following the injection of tau seeds into the brains of wild‐type mice.

Results

Analysis of the NACC database suggests that clinical stroke history and lacunar infarcts are associated with lower neurofibrillary tangle pathology. An animal model demonstrates that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion reduces tau pathology, which was observed in not only neurons but also astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we found that astrocytes and microglia were activated in response to tau pathology and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Additionally, cerebral hypoperfusion increased a lysosomal enzyme, cathepsin D.

Interpretation

These data together indicate that cerebral hypoperfusion reduces tau accumulation likely through an increase in microglial phagocytic activity towards tau and an elevation in degradation through cathepsin D. This study contributes to understanding the relationship between tau pathology and cerebrovascular diseases in older people with multimorbidity.
Advances in Single‐Halogen Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nie Ting , Jia Lingbo , Feng Jiangshan , Yang Shangfeng , Ding Jianning , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Fang Zhimin
Published: December 2024

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) (Eg ≥ 1.65 eV) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) made from mixed‐halide strategy experience severe photo‐induced halide segregation, leading to detrimental effects on the long‐term operational stability. Developing single‐halogen WBG perovskites can be the fundamental solution to prevent halide segregation. In this review, the recent advances in single‐halogen WBG PSCs, focusing on the cesium (Cs)‐based pure‐iodide (I) perovskite and all the pure‐bromine (Br) perovskite species is summarized. A detailed discussion is conducted on the crystallization dynamics of different perovskite systems. The key challenge for all single‐halogen WBG PSCs is the huge energy loss due to inferior interfacial energy level alignment and high defect density in perovskite films, which greatly hinders efficiency improvement. To this end, it is systematically discuss optimization strategies, including regulating crystallization, passivating defects, achieving aligned energy levels, and eliminating interfacial microstrain, to enhance the photovoltaic performance of solar cells. Furthermore, it is highlighted that Cs‐based pure‐I WBG perovskites encounter significant stability issue due to their low structural tolerance factor, warranting substantial attention. Finally, perspectives are outlined to suggest ways to further advance the development and application of single‐halogen WBG PSCs.
Manipulating Interlayer Carrier Relaxation Dynamics in Type‐II Heterostructures of 2D Hybrid Perovskites Through Organic Spacer Engineering
Authors: Han Bin , Qiu Qi , Tang Yanren , Lian Bingtao , Liu Bo , Ding Shukai , Ma Shufang , Luo Min , Wang Wei , Xu Bingshe , Hsu Hsien‐Yi
Published: December 2024

Type‐II heterostructures are crucial components in optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaics and photodetectors. Previous studies have shown that interlayer charge transfer (CT) is the dominant carrier relaxation mechanism in type‐II heterostructures of 2D materials. In this study, it is demonstrated that in type‐II heterostructures composed of 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs), the conventional CT process can transition to an energy transfer (ET) process without requiring an additional charge‐blocking interlayer. The results indicate that CT predominates in heterostructures in which both layers have the same organic spacer, particularly in BA2PbI4/BA2MA2Pb3I10. Notably, when the organic spacer BA is replaced with PEA in one layer of the heterostructure, that is BA2PbI4/PEA2MA2Pb3I10, the carrier relaxation process shifts from CT to ET. Although both BA2PbI4/BA2MA2Pb3I10 and BA2PbI4/PEA2MA2Pb3I10 exhibit type‐II band alignment, density functional theory calculations reveal that the substitution of BA with PEA creates a novel type‐II band alignment. This new alignment inhibits electron and hole separation, thereby favoring ET over CT. This study not only provides significant insight into the interlayer carrier relaxation dynamics but also is crucial for the future deterministic design of 2D OIHPs heterostructure‐based optoelectronic devices.
3D Printed Ultra‐Fast Plastic Scintillators Based on Perovskite‐Photocurable Polymer Composite
Authors: Giuri Antonella , Chekkallur Amal C , Calora Mario , Mastria Rosanna , Martinazzoli Loris , Auffray Etiennette , Padmanabhan Sanosh Kunjalukkal , Carturan Sara , Moretto Sandra , Quarta Gianluca , Calcagnile Lucio , Polo Matteo , Quaranta Alberto , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Caricato Anna Paola , Rizzo Aurora , Esposito Corcione Carola
Published: December 2024

Additive manufacturing technology is exploited for the first time to build a complex geometry scintillator using a thermosetting photocurable resin filled by lead halide perovskite as an active material. To this aim, an innovative nanocomposite is developed based on Cs4PbBr6 perovskite powders as fillers and photocurable resin as matrix, adopting stereolithography as a manufacturing process. The use of high‐Z lead‐based perovskite filler is needed for the detection of ionizing radiation and the conversion into visible light, while the polymer matrix provides 3D printability. On the one hand, the inclusion of the perovskite‐based filler in the photocurable resin does not affect the rheological behavior and photocuring properties of the polymer matrix, making the composite suitable for 3D printing by stereolithography. On the other hand, the presence of the polymer does not affect the emission properties of the perovskite leading to the development of a fast response scintillator with significantly improved environmental stability. This work opens the avenue to the development of a completely new class of plastic scintillating materials.
Designing Better Electrocatalysts via Ion Exchange for Water Splitting
Authors: Li Yu , Chen Gao , Fei Liangshuang , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: December 2024

Green hydrogen, produced through electrocatalytic water splitting, stands as a promising clean energy source for future large‐scale applications. Significant efforts have been dedicated to advancing high‐performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction. Ion exchange, a widely adopted technology, facilitates the chemical transformation of materials by substituting the cations or anions in original electrocatalysts with guest ions. By finely tuning the atomic structure of electrocatalysts, ion exchange enables leveraging strengths and compensating for weaknesses. This review begins with an exploration of the fundamentals of water splitting and ion exchange reactions, stating the regulatory impact of ion exchange on performance. Special emphasis is placed on distinguishing the structural characteristics of different electrocatalysts in the context of ion exchange. The review also underscores the significance of reaction conditions for ion exchange, revealing their dynamic effects. Finally, the review proposes perspectives aimed at inspiring further research efforts to design novel electrocatalysts beyond applying in water splitting.
Ferroelectric‐Switchable Single Photodetector Implementing Complex Optoelectronic Logics
Authors: Jiang Yurong , Song Yifan , Zhang Yan , Yu Leiming , Zhang Suicai , Li Xueping , Song Xiaohui , Xia Congxin
Published: December 2024

Optoelectronic logic gates (OELGs) are promising building blocks of edge extraction, image recognition, and data encryption in logic circuits. However, implementing complex OELGs based on CMOS devices needs additional circuit configuration due to the fixed photodetection mode, which inevitably makes the manufacturing process of chip complicated and large. This work proposes a ferroelectric‐switchable photodetector (FeS‐PD) in 2D α‐In2Se3/WSe2 heterojunction, which can implement the complex OELG functions. The FeS‐PD exhibits the ferroelectric‐tunability between the photovoltaic and photoconductive mode via the sign and amplitude of polarization voltage, as well as accompanied by a high current photo/dark ratio. Moreover, the non‐volatile‐tunability of photovoltaic voltage (opening circuit voltage) distinctively enables the bias one input of logics, which enables a single device to implement the complex XOR and AND logic functions via programming gate pulse voltage, light input, and bias. Compared to the traditional CMOS‐based logic gate, FeS‐PD significantly reduces the transistor number by 91.7% and 50% for nonlinear XOR and linear AND logics, respectively. The research provides a simple platform for on‐chip optoelectronic‐logic computing circuits.
Enhanced Carrier Mobility and Thermoelectric Performance by Nanostructure Engineering of PEDOT Thin Films Fabricated via the OCVD Method Using SbCl5 Oxidant
Authors: Heydari Gharahcheshmeh Meysam , Dautel Brian , Chowdhury Kafil
Published: December 2024

Air‐stable, lightweight, and electrically conductive conjugated polymers have attracted significant attention for thermoelectric applications, especially in low‐temperature environments. However, their low carrier mobility has limited broader adoption. This study addresses this challenge by investigating the nanostructure of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) thin films fabricated via oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) at various deposition temperatures. Through systematic control of the semi‐crystalline orientation and π–π stacking distance, a substantial enhancement in carrier mobility (23.58 ± 1.71 cm2 V−1 s−1) and electrical conductivity (6345 ± 210 S cm−1) is achieved. The thermoelectric power factor demonstrates a direct correlation with deposition temperature, achieving a maximum value of 112.57 ± 4.33 µW m−1 K−2. PEDOT thin films fabricated at higher deposition temperatures show minimal reductions in electrical conductivity as absolute temperature decreased, reflecting a lower resistivity ratio and extended metallic state, as indicated by the metal–insulator transition in the Zabrodskii plot. Incorporating the Seebeck coefficient into the parabolic energy band diagram revealed strong agreement between theoretical and experimental carrier mobility, while also indicating that the energy barrier for intercrystalline charge transport decreases as deposition temperature increases. The highly face‐on orientation and reduced π–π stacking distance in PEDOT thin films facilitate quasi‐1D conduction, thereby enhancing carrier mobility.
Superior Hard yet Flexible, Highly Transparent, and Scratch‐Repairable Waterborne Antiadhesive Coatings Enabled by Multi‐Magnitude Dynamic Bonds Synergy Strategy
Authors: You Tianlong , Pan Yuetong , Guo Guixuan , Yang Xiaoguang , Li Wenbo , Ma Chunfeng
Published: December 2024

With the advent and proliferation of foldable displays, the demand for hard yet flexible antiadhesive coatings with healability has significantly increased. Unfortunately, reports on such materials are scarce, with existing research generally facing the challenge of reconciling the “trade‐off” effect among hardness, flexibility, and dynamic performance and containing high levels of volatile organic compounds which causes irreversible environmental damage. Herein, this study presents a waterborne antiadhesive coating with ceramic‐like hardness, polymer‐like flexibility, and healability. The coating is fabricated through a multi‐magnitude dynamic bond synergy strategy, wherein the synthesized amino‐rich oligosiloxane with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains is dynamically linked with the amino‐rich oligosiloxane containing ureidopyrimidinone moieties via coordination reaction between aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O) and amino, enabling the coating comprising Al─N coordination bonds and hierarchical hydrogen bonds. The as‐prepared coating exhibits 99.95% self‐healing efficiency while possessing superior hardness (9H), flexibility (2 mm bending radius), and transparency (>99% transmittance). In addition, the incorporation of PDMS endows the coating with excellent antiadhesive properties. More importantly, the coating formulation is entirely waterborne, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices. This research offers valuable insight for advancing the development of waterborne coatings with well‐balanced comprehensive performance, particularly suited for applications in foldable displays and other fields.
Root‐Growth‐Inspired Self‐Morphology‐Evolution of Microsized Bismuth Surrounded by Microsized Hard Carbon for Stabilized Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Fang Ziyi , Fan Sicheng , Yan Zerui , Tang Dafu , Gao Xiang , Huang Xiaojuan , Zheng Hongfei , Wang Binhao , Jiang Qinyao , Han Jiuhui , Lin Jie , Xie Qingshui , Peng Dong‐Liang , Wei Qiulong
Published: December 2024

Alloy‐type materials are desirable for high‐energy sodium‐ion batteries. Different from nanoengineering with pre‐reserving void space and confined carbon coatings, microsized particles promise high specific/volumetric capacities, easy manufacturing, and low cost but are prone to rapid capacity loss. Herein, inspired by the process of “root growth in soil”, microsized Bi particles (µm‐Bi, as “seeds”) surrounded by microsized hard carbon particles (µm‐HC, as “soil”) are ingeniously dispersed through a simple mixing approach. This design utilizes the morphological self‐evolution of µm‐Bi into Bi‐nanonetworks between dispersed µm‐HC during repeated (de)sodiations, leading to a stable capacity retention of 99.8% for 2000 cycles, higher than that of the µm‐Bi electrode (7.2%) at a high mass loading of 5.5 mg cm−2. The interconnected Bi‐nanonetworks and µm‐HC particles provide continuous electron pathways and facilitate electrolyte infiltration, which effectively boosts electrical contact, stable cycling, and high‐rate capability. Especially, the hybrid Bi40HC60 (optimized weight ratio) thick‐film electrode shows boosted comprehensive electrochemical performance, superior to HC and µm‐Bi electrodes. The Bi40HC60||Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell, assembled without any pre‐treatment, delivers 4500 stable cycles. This nature‐inspired strategy provides a simple yet practical approach for employing the electrochemically driven evolution of micro‐sized active materials and realizing high specific/volumetric capacities, fast kinetics, and long‐term cycling stability.
Testing of Marine Fouling‐Inhibiting Enzymes in a Water‐Based Methacrylate Polymer Matrix
Authors: Gnanasampanthan Thuvarakhan , Koschitzki Florian , Özcan Onur , Höppner Anne , Wanka Robin , Finlay John A. , Clare Anthony S. , Rosenhahn Axel
Published: December 2024

Commonly used antifouling coatings rely on the continuous release of biocidal ingredients and are becoming increasingly restricted by legislation. The resulting demand for nonbiocidal technologies involves the search for alternative ingredients and in particular enzymes have received increasing attention. While screening of the antifouling activity of active compounds in solution is well established, the analysis of their activity and in particular anti‐biofouling activity when embedded into a coating and even more so in an activated leachate layer is very demanding. Among the challenges is the even distribution throughout the coating and retention of the enzymatic activity. Here a water‐based HEMA‐methacrylate polymer matrix is presented that aims to mimic the leachate layer and to incorporate active compounds. This technology is used to incorporate several hydrolytically active enzymes‐cellulase, protease, and lipase‐in a grafting‐through approach. After immersion, the enzymes are released in a controlled way during several days. The enzyme‐loaded polymer films reduced the attachment of fouling organisms through a combination of their hydrophilic nature and activity of the enzymes. The active contribution of the enzymes became visible in a significant suppression of the accumulation of diatoms and green algal spores compared to the enzyme‐free and heat‐denatured control coatings.
Review on Icephobicity of Materials Surface Enhanced by Interface Action Force
Authors: Zhao Lingfeng , Shen Yizhou , Tao Jie , Liu Weilan , Wang Ting , Liu Senyun
Published: December 2024

In response to the hazards of icing in the energy, transportation, and aerospace sectors, extensive research has been conducted on anti‐icing materials based on the solid‐liquid/ice interface theory, as well as reliable chemical and electro‐thermal de‐icing systems. However, there is an urgent need for modernizing anti‐icing systems to address diverse application scenarios. Gaining insights into the influence of interface action forces on water droplet behavior can proactively prevent detrimental icing occurrences. Nevertheless, under severe conditions where ice formation is inevitable, leveraging interface action forces to induce cracking and expansion of ice facilitates its rapid detachment despite potential challenges associated with complete removal. A comprehensive review elucidating the mechanisms through which interface action forces impact water/ice formations encompasses various approaches toward designing mechanically‐driven de‐icing systems.
Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Rich Heterostructured CeO2‐CuO Nanowires for Urea Electrosynthesis via Co‐Reduction of Nitrate and CO2
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Zhang Rencong , Wang Yile , Yu Hongjie , Deng Kai , Xu You , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: December 2024

The mild electrosynthesis of urea presents a promising approach to replace the energy‐intensive conventional manufacturing processes, and identifying highly active and selective electrocatalysts is of paramount importance. Herein, the synthesis of oxygen‐vacancy‐rich CeO2‐CuO heterostructure nanowires on copper foam (CeO2‐CuO/CF) are reported. The CuO‐CeO2 heterostructure notably enhances electron transfer and quickens reaction dynamics, and the increased oxygen vacancies greatly promote the C‐N coupling of nitrate and CO2 to urea. As such, the CeO2‐CuO/CF achieves a remarkable faraday efficiency of 31.96% and urea yield of 720.9 µg cm−2 h−1, along with outstanding stability. This research offers a promising electrocatalyst for the sustainable on‐site production of urea.
Leveraging Interfacial Electric Field for Smart Modulation of Electrode Surface in Nitrate to Ammonia Conversion
Authors: Zhang Kouer , Xu Yifan , Liu Fatang , Wang Qing , Zou Xiaohong , Tang Mingcong , Leung Michael K.H. , Ao Zhimin , Zhao Xunhua , Zhang Xiao , An Liang
Published: December 2024

The efficiency of nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) at low nitrate concentration is predominantly hindered by the poor affinity of nitrate ions and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), particularly in neutral and acidic media. Here, an innovative strategy to leverage the interfacial electric field (IEF) is introduced to boost the NO3RR performance. By in situ constructing tannic acid‐metal ion (TA‐M2+) crosslinked structure on the electrode surface, the TA‐M2+‐CuO NW/Cu foam sample exhibits an exceptional Faraday efficiency of 99.4% at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and 83.9% at 0.0 V versus RHE under neutral and acidic conditions, respectively. The computational studies unveil that the TA‐Cu2+ complex on the CuO (111) plane induces the increasing concentration of nitrate at the interface, accelerating NO3RR kinetics over HER via the IEF effect. This interfacial modulation strategy also contributes the enhanced ammonia production performance when it is employed on commercial electrode materials and flow reactors, exhibiting great potential in practical application. Overall, combined results illustrated multiple merits of the IEF effect, paving the way for future commercialization of NO3RR in the ammonia production industry.
Regulating Compressive Strain Enables High‐Performance Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jin Jialun , Zhang Zhihao , Zou Shengli , Cao Fangfang , Huang Yuanfang , Jiang Yiting , Gao Zhiyu , Xu Yuliang , Qu Junyu , Wang Xiaoxue , Chen Cong , Xiao Chuanxiao , Ren Shengqiang , Zhao Dewei
Published: December 2024

Tin (Sn)‐based perovskites have emerged as promising alternatives to lead (Pb)‐based perovskites in thin‐film photovoltaics due to their comparable properties and reduced toxicity. Strains in perovskites can be tailored to modulate their optoelectronic properties, but mechanisms for the effects of strains on Sn‐based perovskite films and devices are unrevealed and corresponding strain engineering is unexplored. Herein, a strain engineering strategy is developed through incorporating 4‐fluorobenzylammonium halide salts (FBZAX, X = I, Br, Cl) into the perovskite precursor to regulate the strain effects in resultant Sn‐based perovskite films. It is found that a moderate level of compressive strain achieved by FBZABr alleviates the dislocations within perovskites to enhance carrier transport and reduces the defect density to prolong carrier lifetime. These improvements enable a champion efficiency exceeding 14% of Sn‐based perovskite solar cells with excellent operational stability.
Nanoscale Poly(Dopamine)‐Modified ZIF‐8 Particle Hybrid Solvent‐Resistant Thin Film Nanocomposite (TFN) Membranes via Interfacial Polymerization on a Robust Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Substrate
Authors: Huang Qiuyang , Gao Zhuofan , Yan Pengcheng , Zhou Zhihui , Wu Hongdan , Li Jiazheng , Han Wei , Huang Zhuo , Chen Xia , Zhou Xian , Xiang Yuan , Chen Lei , Fan Zeyu , Peng Ziling , Lu Qi , Wu Ji
Published: December 2024

This study introduces an innovative approach to fabricating a poly ether ketone (PEEK)‐based thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) nanofiltration membrane. Ultrafine polydopamine (PDA) modified zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles were integrated into the polyamide (PA) layer through a process of interfacial polymerization. The impacts of PDA@ZIF‐8 nanoparticle loading on composite membranes were examined, and their separation performances with different solvents and small molecular organics with various molecular weights and charges were evaluated. The PDA modification is credited with inducing a thinner, less crosslinked PA layer, culminating in the formation of a selective barrier that is both loose and ultra‐thin, improving the separation capabilities of membranes. The TFN‐3 membrane, with a 0.01 wt% loading of PDA@ZIF‐8 nanoparticles, emerged as a standout, demonstrating notably enhanced hydrophilicity. The pure water and organic solvent permeances through the TFN‐3 membrane were remarkably enhanced, with recorded values of 6.19 ± 0.26 L h−1 m−2 bar−1 for pure water and 3.44 ± 0.21 L h−1 m−2 bar−1 for methanol. Furthermore, the TFN‐3 membrane showcased impressive molecular retention in ethanol solutions for compounds with a molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of 464 g/mol. The PEEK‐based TFN‐3 membrane also exhibited exceptional creep resistance, ensuring consistent performance during long‐term testing. In a 5‐day ethanol separation test, the TFN‐3 membrane maintained a Rose Bengal (RB) retention rate exceeding 99%, underscoring its stability and reliability. The newly developed PEEK‐based TFN membrane not only promises robust solvent resistance and stability but also delivers efficient separation and purification capabilities. It holds great potential for offering effective and sustainable solutions across a spectrum of industries, particularly in pharmaceutical production and chemical processing, where the separation, recovery, and purification of solvents are paramount.
Analysis of linear‐quadratic optimal control via a hybrid control lens
Authors: Feng Lechen , Ni Yuan‐Hua
Published: December 2024

Linear‐quadratic regulator (LQR) is a landmark problem in the field of optimal control, which is investigated based on the method of hybrid dynamic system and continuous‐time optimization algorithms. We show that the above‐mentioned hybrid system converges exponentially to the optimal feedback gain with any order, and the solution trajectory is Zeno‐free. Then, the forward‐Euler method is utilized to discretize the hybrid system, and a new algorithm called hybrid dynamics‐based gradient descent (HGD) is proposed that could converge to the optimal controller exponentially.
Betone mit ternären klinkereffizienten Zementen
Authors: Schack Tobias , Haist Michael
Published: December 2024

Zur Herstellung möglichst klinkerreduzierter Betone werden in der Praxis bereits seit Jahrzehnten Zementersatzstoffe (Supplementary Cementitious Materials, SCMs) eingesetzt. Da die Verfügbarkeit etablierter SCMs wie Hüttensand oder Flugasche mittelfristig jedoch rückläufig ist und alternative SCMs wie kalzinierte Tone (noch) nicht ohne Weiteres verfügbar sind, sind ternäre oder auch quaternäre Mischungen, bei denen Portlandzementklinker mit Hüttensand oder Flugasche und Kalksteinmehl gemischt wird, ein hochinteressanter Ansatz in der Bindemitteloptimierung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die technischen Eigenschaften, die mechanische Leistungsfähigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit von Betonen, die mit ternären Bindemittelgemischen (sog. klinkereffiziente Zemente) hergestellt wurden, vergleichend betrachtet und in Relation zu den mit der Betonherstellung verbundenen Treibhausgas‐Emissionen (THG‐Emissionen) gestellt. Hierzu wurde eine systematische Literatursichtung durchgeführt und Daten zur Zusammensetzung, zu den Frischbetoneigenschaften, zur Druckfestigkeit, zu den dauerhaftigkeitsrelevanten Eigenschaften und zu den spezifischen THG‐Emissionen der Betone recherchiert und in Form einer Datenbank mit 94 Datensätzen aus verschiedenen Literaturquellen gespeichert. Auf Basis der betrachteten Literaturdaten können die mechanischen sowie dauerhaftigkeitsrelevanten Eigenschaften unter Berücksichtigung der resultierenden THG‐Emissionen systematisch bewertet werden. Hierdurch wird nach Auffassung der Autoren eine zentrale Lücke bei der Bewertung der Nachhaltigkeit neuer ökologischer Betone geschlossen.
International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on School Violence and Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Cyber Deviance: An Introductory Essay
Authors: Chen Ji‐Kang , Chan Heng Choon (Oliver)
Published: December 2024

School violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance have become subject matters of great concern for various disciplines, such as social work, criminology, psychology, education, medicine, public health, and nursing. In the past years, scholars in different countries have adopted the theoretical perspectives developed in their respective disciplines to separately examine issues of school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. For example, researchers in the field of social sciences tend to adopt psychosocial theories and perspectives, while public health scholars tend to adopt medical‐ or health‐related theories. There is a call for the international and interdisciplinary perspectives to examine these topics and their potential interconnectedness. There is also an urgent need to systematic strategies, policies, and intervention to tackle school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber deviance. The purpose of this special issue is to deepen our understanding of issues related to school violence and bullying, cyberbullying, and cyber‐deviance, to expand our cross‐disciplinary and integrated perspectives on these topics, and to provide potential legal strategies, policy, and intervention to tackle these social problems.
Molecular Characterization and Clinical Relevance of MGMT‐Silenced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Nichetti Federico , Silvestri Marco , Agnelli Luca , Franza Andrea , Pircher Chiara , Rota Simone , Ambrosini Paolo , Fotia Giuseppe , Hüllein Jennifer , Randon Giovanni , Lajer Panna , Perrone Federica , Tamborini Elena , Leoncini Giuseppe , Coppa Jorgelina , Busset Michele Droz Dit , Pusceddu Sara , Milione Massimo , Morano Federica , Pietrantonio Filippo , Pruneri Giancarlo , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Lipka Daniel B. , Köhler Bruno Christian , Hübschmann Daniel , Fröhling Stefan , de Braud Filippo , Niger Monica
Published: December 2024

Background

The identification of actionable molecular targets of pancreatic cancer (PAC) is key to improving patient outcomes. We hypothesized O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) silencing may occur in a subset of PAC tumors, with unexplored clinical and molecular correlates.

Experimental Design

We leveraged sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium 3 (CPTAC‐3), and the (Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative) PACA‐AU cohorts to characterize MGMT‐silenced PAC. Genomic, transcriptomic, methylation, and clinical data were investigated, and findings were validated in silico using methylation, transcriptomic and drug sensitivity data from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) project, and in a real‐world cohort of PAC patients profiled for MGMT status at Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan (INT).

Results

On the basis of Human Methylation 450k data, MGMT silencing was identified in ~6% of PAC cases and was enriched in tumors with non‐ductal histology, with a trend toward longer overall survival. MGMT‐silenced tumors were associated with a lower frequency of KRAS mutations and showed features of immune exclusion. In the INT cohort, MGMT‐silencing was confirmed in ~7% of cases and prevalent in KRAS wild type tumors, with a favorable prognostic impact. In silico analysis suggested a higher sensitivity to alkylating and DNA damaging agents in MGMT‐silenced PAC cell lines.

Conclusions

MGMT silencing occurs in a small subgroup of PACs and is enriched in KRAS wild type cases, with a favorable prognostic impact. Our findings provide the rationale to explore combinations of alkylating with DNA damaging agents in MGMT‐silenced PAC.
Exploring the noodle‐making potential and digestibility of native oat starch and citric acid cross‐linked resistant oat starch
Authors: Alexander Vanessa , Sobhi Babak , Joseph Sijo , Beta Trust , Malunga Lovemore Nkhata
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the noodle‐making potential of oat starch and how addition of chemically modified oat starch affects quality and digestibility. An oat starch noodle preparation method was optimized and subsequently used for substituting varying levels of native oat starch (NOS) with citrate‐modified oat starch (COS) (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%).

Findings

Results indicated that NOS noodles showed similar cooking loss, cooking time, and color to commercial rice noodles. Significant differences emerged between COS and NOS noodles concerning cooking time, adhesiveness, and color values. Noodles with a 25% substitution of COS demonstrated favorable quality characteristics. In terms of in vitro digestibility, noodles with COS substituted at 25% of NOS released the least amount of glucose over the 300‐min digestion period compared to NOS and commercial noodles.

Conclusions

The partial replacement of NOS with COS significantly reduced the cooking time of noodles without affecting their adhesiveness and color compared to NOS‐only noodles. Furthermore, the in vitro digestion experiments showed that partial substitution of NOS with COS results in lower glucose release than NOS‐only noodles, which is desirable for the management of postprandial blood glucose levels.

Significance and Novelty

Oat starch by‐products show potential for human consumption through starch noodle preparation, presenting promising avenues for the utilization of oat starch within the food industry.
Photogeneration and Direct Observation of a 2H‐phosphirene and a Closed‐shell Singlet Arylphosphenium Ion
Authors: Lu Zi‐Gang , Lee Phillips David , Li Ming‐De
Published: December 2024

Phosphenium ions are highly reactive species with the formula of RR‘P+. Although phosphenium ions were proposed as the invaluable intermediates of various important chemical processes, the methods to generate and characterize them were very limited. In this study, a novel photoprecursor to give rise to the arylphosphenium ions, 1‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)phosphirane, was synthesized and investigated by femtosecond to nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopies, photoproduct analysis, and density functional theory calculations. Subsequent to photoexcitation, the S1 state of the photoprecursor of interest is populated from the higher excited states, accompanied by the generation of an unexpected 2H‐phosphirene, 7bH‐naphtho[1,2‐b]phosphirene. After that, the resulted 2H‐phosphirene is protonated by H2O in the solvent to generate the naphthalen‐2‐yl(hydryl)phosphenium ion, which can be attacked by H2O and oxidized by O2 to give naphthalen‐2‐ylphosphinic acid as the major final product. The presence of these transient species is supported by density functional theory calculation and control experiments with different solvents. This study provides an understanding of the reactivity of arylphosphenium ions as well as 2H‐phosphirenes, and provides a novel method to generate and characterize these reactive species, which may help to further reveal their reactivity and explore their chemistry and use in a range of applications.
Insights into Structural Diversity and Morphotropic Evolution in A4Th(WO4)4 (A=Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs) Family
Authors: Yu Yi , Xiao Bin , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Alekseev Evgeny V.
Published: December 2024

A series of four new thorium tungstates, A4Th(WO4)4 (A=Li, K, Rb, Cs), were synthesized using high‐temperature solid‐state method. Structural studies of the materials reveal distinct structural changes with underlying similarities influenced by the nature of A‐site cations. Li4Th(WO4)4 exhibits a two‐dimensional corrugated sheet structure stabilized by Li+ cations, crystallizing in P
space group. K4Th(WO4)4 crystallizes in I41/a space group and exhibits a three‐dimensional framework consisting of ThO8 antiprisms and WO4 tetrahedra. Rb4Th(WO4)4 forms in C2/c space group, showcasing a framework with two‐dimensional sheet structure. Cs4Th(WO4)4 is isostructural to Rb4Th(WO4)4 but displays increased interlayer spacing due to the larger ionic radius of Cs. Raman spectroscopy confirms the structural data, revealing distinct vibrational modes that correlate with tungsten coordination changes from WO6 in Li4Th(WO4)4 to WO4 in the Cs4Th(WO4)4. This study demonstrates how variation of alkali metals affects the structural properties of thorium tungstates series, showing a morphotropic evolution as a factor of the ionic radii of the alkali metals.
Deciphering Co(III)‐Catalyzed Oxidative C−H/C−H Annulation Towards Maleimide‐Fused Imidazopyridine AEEgens
Authors: Ghosh Subhendu , Khandelia Tamanna , Panigrahi Pritishree , Mandal Raju , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: December 2024

A cobalt(III)‐catalyzed dual C(sp2)−H/C(sp2)−H activation of 2‐arylimidazopyridines and its annulation with N‐substituted maleimides leads to polycyclic aromatic heterocycles. This sustainable oxidative annulation uses earth‐abundant, less toxic, and cost‐effective cobalt(III) catalyst that complement expensive 2nd and 3rd‐row metals. This oxidative annulation features a broad substrate scope with very good functional group tolerance. These maleimide‐fused imidazopyridines display strong fluorescence in the region of 527− 536 nm with a Stokes shift of 83−87 nm and possess an excited state lifetime of 14.6−16.1 ns. Interestingly, such luminescent compounds show aggregation‐enhanced emission (AEE) behavior in the iPr‐OH/hexane mixed solvent system. Furthermore, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) reveals their spherical nano‐aggregates with an average diameter of ~216.8 nm. They can also be used as cellular‐imaging and picric acid‐sensing probes.
Spinal Afferent Innervation From Left Dorsal Root Ganglia in the Flat‐Mounts of Whole Atria of Rats: Anterograde Tracing
Authors: Ma Jichao , Bizanti Ariege , Kwiat Andrew M. , Barton Kayla , Nguyen Duyen , Madas Jazune , Toledo Zulema , Bendowski Kohlton , Chen Jin , Cheng Zixi Jack
Published: December 2024

The spinal afferent innervation of the heart helps to regulate cardiac functions by sending sensory information through the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to the brain. However, the distribution and morphology of spinal afferents in the heart are not well characterized due to tracer selections, the surgical access to upper thoracic DRGs, and the thickness of the heart tissues. In this study, we injected tracer dextran biotin (DB) into the left DRGs (C8‐T3) of male Sprague–Dawley rats (3–5 months). After 16 days, flat‐mounts of the whole left and right atria were prepared and diaminobenzidine stained. Then, the DB‐labeled axons in the tissues were imaged, traced, and digitized using the Neurolucida system. Our results showed that the DB‐labeled axons from left DRGs entered the left precaval vein and projected to the left and right atria, with predominant projection in the left atrial wall. DB‐labeled varicose axons were observed in different layers, mostly in the epicardium and myocardium, but much less in the endocardium. In those layers, these spinal afferent axons branched out into simple to complex terminal arborizations, forming close appositions with cardiac muscles, intrinsic cardiac ganglia, blood vessels, and fat tissue. This work, for the first time, characterized cardiac spinal afferent distribution of the rat atria using anterograde tracing, which will provide the foundation for future studies of topographical cardiac spinal afferent innervation and remodeling in heart disease models.