bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Carbon Dots In Situ Confined Hydrogel for Optical Communication, Drug Delivery, pH Sensing, Nanozymatic Activity, and UV Shielding Applications
Authors: Marvi Parham Khoshbakht , Das Poushali , Jafari Arman , Hassan Shiza , Savoji Houman , Srinivasan Seshasai , Rajabzadeh Amin Reza
Published: January 2025

Inspired by the emerging potential of photoluminescent hydrogels, this work unlocks new avenues for advanced biosensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery applications. Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are deemed particularly promising among various optical dyes, for enhancing polymeric networks with superior physical and chemical properties. This study presents the synthesis of CDs derived from Prunella vulgaris, a natural plant resource, through a single‐step hydrothermal process, followed by their uniform integration into hydrogel matrices via an in situ free radical graft polymerization. The resulting CD‐integrated hydrogels exhibit multifunctionality in biomedical applications, featuring a diffusion‐controlled drug release mechanism, permit concurrent delivery of photoluminescent CDs and therapeutic agents, enabling real‐time monitoring over 32 h. In addition, these hydrogels function as a broad‐range optical pH sensor (pH 3–11), provide robust ultraviolet (UV) shielding, and demonstrate nanozyme‐like peroxidase activity. Critically, biocompatibility tests confirm their non‐cytotoxicity toward fibroblast cells, establishing these hydrogels as promising candidates for diverse biomedical applications. These include advanced wound dressings that monitor the healing process and detect infection through pH sensing, and promote healing through the nanozymatic activity, all while maintaining a moist wound microenvironment. These hydrogels demonstrate exceptional suitability for advanced smart drug delivery, effective UV‐blocking, and as innovative platforms for in vivo sensing and bioimaging.
Polycationic γ‐Cyclodextrin with Amino Side Chains for a Highly Efficient Anti‐Heparin Coagulant
Authors: An Wen‐Jin , Lei Zhuo , Yu Xiao‐Yong , Liu Chu‐Han , Zhang Chen , Chen Yong , Liu Yu
Published: January 2025

Multicharged cyclodextrins have attracted significant attention because of their applications in biology and pharmaceuticals. This study reports an aminoethoxy‐phenyl‐pyridinium‐modified γ‐cyclodextrin (PyA‐γ‐CD) as a highly efficient coagulant for heparin through multivalent interactions. The UV titration experiment is performed to obtain apparent binding constants (Kobs) between PyA‐γ‐CD and heparin as high as 9.85 × 106 M−1. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) experiment in porcine plasma indicates that PyA‐γ‐CD not only exhibits nearly complete neutralization activity for unfractionated heparin (UFH), but more importantly, it also effectively neutralizes three LMWHs (dalteparin (Dalte), enoxaparin (Enoxa), and nadroparin (Nadro)) with a broader therapeutic window compared to protamine. The top neutralization activity of PyA‐γ‐CD for UFH, Dalte, Enoxa, and Nadro is 94%, 91%, 99%, and 85%, respectively. Interestingly, in vivo assays in mice further suggest that PyA‐γ‐CD significantly reverses the severe bleeding caused by heparin overdose while exhibiting remarkable biocompatibility. Therefore, PyA‐γ‐CD holds significant potential as a heparin antidote for clinical applications.
Silicene‐Based Quantum Dots Nanocomposite Coated Functional UV Protected Textiles With Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: A Versatile Solution for Healthcare and Everyday Protection
Authors: Das Poushali , Ganguly Sayan , Marvi Parham Khoshbakht , Hassan Shiza , Sherazee Masoomeh , Mahana Mohamed , (Shirley) Tang Xiaowu , Srinivasan Seshasai , Rajabzadeh Amin Reza
Published: January 2025

The predominant adverse health effects in care delivery result from hospital‐acquired (nosocomial) infections, which impose a substantial financial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrating contact‐killing antibacterial action, gas permeability, and antioxidant properties into textile coatings offers a transformative solution, significantly enhancing both medical and everyday protective applications. This study presents an innovative, pollution‐free physical compounding method for creating a fluorescent biopolymer composite embedded with silicene‐based heteroatom‐doped carbon quantum dots for the production of functional textiles. The resulting coated fabric shows superior ultraviolet (UV) protection behavior (UVA and UVB), thermal stability, breathability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant capabilities as demonstrated by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) experiment (>78%) and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) ABTS assay (>90%). Rigorous testing against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria confirms that the coated fabric has excellent antibacterial activity. Results from time‐dependent antibacterial assays indicate that the nanocomposite can markedly inhibit bacterial proliferation within a few hours. Molecular dynamics modeling, in conjunction with experimental investigations, is employed to elucidate the intermolecular interactions influencing the components of the treated cotton fabrics. The ongoing research can result in the creation of cost‐effective smart textile substrates aimed at inhibiting microbial contamination in healthcare and medical applications, possibly rendering them commercially viable.
Environmental Sustainability of Natural Biopolymer‐Based Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Sijun , Chen Junqing , Chen Chaoji , Lizundia Erlantz
Published: January 2025

Biopolymer based electrolytes can overcome current performance limitations of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Biopolymers enable electrolytes with high ionic conductivities and wide electrochemical stability windows. While the biobased character of natural materials is claimed as an inherent advantage in meeting current environmental sustainability challenges, further research is required to quantify and compare their environmental impacts as electrolytes. The challenge is addressed by identifying the most promising biopolymer electrolytes for LIBs, measuring ionic conductivities and electrochemical stability windows, and quantifying environmental impacts using life cycle assessment. The environmental impacts of the cost to isolate cellulose derivatives, nanocelluloses, chitin/nanochitin, chitosan, lignin, agar, and silk are reported for climate change, acidification, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine eutrophication, human toxicity, and water use. Material criticality, circularity index, and material circularity indicator, emerging impact categories are prioritized to help integrate biopolymers into circular and sustainable materials. The electrochemical properties and environmental impacts of natural biopolymer membrane‐liquid electrolyte pairs, gel electrolytes, and solid electrolytes are quantified and benchmarked against conventional fossil‐based electrolytes, providing consistent and comparable electrochemical properties of the most relevant biopolymer electrolytes fabricated so far. This study highlights the significant functional and environmental benefits of biopolymer electrolytes and identifies the most electrochemically competitive biopolymer electrolytes in LIBs.
Elastomeric Nanocomposite with Solvent‐Free, One Step, In Situ Shear Exfoliation of Graphite to Graphene
Authors: Rahman Ashiqur , Salam Abdur Rahman Bin Abdus , Boebinger Matthew G. , Touhami Ahmed , Lynch Jennifer , Ashraf Ali
Published: January 2025

A graphene nanoflake (GNF)‐enhanced elastomeric nanocomposite (G‐EMC) is fabricated following an innovative, cost‐effective, single‐step, in situ shear exfoliation (ISE) method from low‐cost bulk material, graphite, where uniform mixing happens simultaneously within the elastomer matrix. Electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and photo‐induced force microscopy results show good dispersion of GNFs with exfoliation to a few layers and uniform distribution in the elastomer matrix. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows less than 1% oxygen‐containing functional groups/impurity, enhanced bonding through the formation of edge sites as fracture occurs across the GNF basal plane, and pi‐pi interactions with newly exfoliated planar basal plane surfaces of the GNFs. Raman spectroscopy results confirm the formation of GNFs with only a few layers of graphene formed by the ISE process. Fabricated 10 wt.% G‐EMC nanocomposites show a 400%–500% increase in strength and fracture toughness. And 35 wt.% G‐EMCs provide an electrical conductivity of 25.64 S m−1 and a sensor gauge factor of 45. The resulting intrinsic piezo resistivity of the fabricated nanocomposite has been exploited to fabricate a multi‐functional wired and wireless sensor for detecting different body movements, speech, human vital functions, solvents, and biomolecules.
Quasi‐Static Compression Response and Energy Absorption of CNTF/EP Origami Thin‐Walled Tubes
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Men Chuanling , Kong Ying , Lv Zhengqiang , Li Changwei , Hu Dongmei
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the quasi‐static compression response and energy absorption characteristics of origami‐inspired thin‐walled tubes fabricated from carbon nanotube film/epoxy (CNTF/EP). The quasi‐static compression tests are performed on the origami tubes, square tubes, circular tubes, and thin‐walled tubes made from other common materials for comparison, and key mechanical performance indicators, including initial peak force (PF), energy absorption (EA), specific energy absorption (SEA), mean crushing force (MCF), and crushing load efficiency (CLE), are evaluated. The deformation modes of the tubes during compression are observed and analyzed, revealing four typical patterns. Among them, there are both good deformation modes and bad deformation modes, which significantly affect the compressive performance of the thin‐walled tube. Additionally, the effects of introducing creases at different positions on the quasi‐static compression behavior are explored. Tests are conducted to verify the reusability of the thin‐walled tubes. The origami tubes exhibited significant improvements in PF, SEA, and MCF after manual recovery and cyclic testing, indicating their potential for reusability. With excellent compressive energy absorption properties, foldability, and reusability, CNTF/EP origami thin‐walled tubes are suitable for various impact mitigation applications.
Aqueous Synthesis of Poly(ethylene glycol)‐Amide‐Norbornene‐Carboxylate for Modular Hydrogel Crosslinking
Authors: Dimmitt Nathan H. , Lin Chien‐Chi
Published: January 2025

Poly(ethylene glycol)‐norbornene (e.g., PEGNB) is a versatile macromer amenable to step‐growth thiol‐norbornene photopolymerization and inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) click reaction. The translational potentials of PEGNB‐based hydrogels have been realized in the areas of stem cell differentiation, in vitro disease modeling, implantable therapeutic devices, and controlled release of therapeutics. Even with these advances, prior methods for synthesizing PEGNB all required heavy use of organic solvents that pose significant environmental and personal health burdens. Here, an all‐aqueous synthesis of PEG‐amide‐norbornene‐carboxylate (PEGaNBCA) is reported via reacting carbic anhydride (CA) with multi‐arm amino‐terminated PEG. Like previously reported ester‐bearing counterparts (i.e., PEGNB and PEGeNBCA), PEGaNBCA is readily crosslinked into modular hydrogels by either thiol‐norbornene photopolymerization or tetrazine‐norbornene iEDDA click reaction. Unlike its ester‐bearing counterparts, PEGaNBCA crosslinked thiol‐norbornene hydrogels provided long‐term hydrolytic stability. However, through blending PEGaNBCA with hydrolytically labile PEGeNBCA, hydrogels can be engineered to undergo tunable hydrolytic degradation. The versatility of PEGaNBCA is further demonstrated via high‐fidelity digital light processing printing and in situ encapsulation and maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
Achieving Fast Mn Redox Kinetics with Solvothermal Synthesized (010) Facet Preferential LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 Nanoplates for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Wei , Wu Yulu , Hu Xinyu , Yang Peng , Wen Hong , Zhao Tianfu , Wang Lianbang , Shen Chaoqi
Published: January 2025

A well‐designed solvothermal approach has been employed to synthesize olivine LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 (LMFP) cathode material with a nanoplate configuration. This method precisely controls crystal growth to achieve a high proportion of (010) facets while minimizing intrinsic defects. These modifications significantly enhance lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics and optimize the electrochemical performance of LMFP. The nanoscale of the (010) facets and the reduced anti‐site defect concentration in the MP‐PRO sample functionalize jointly to promote lithium‐ion transport during the long‐cycle. Furthermore, the superior electrochemical performance is closely linked with significantly reduced impedance and enhanced Mn redox kinetics. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results indicate that the confinement effect induced by 1,3‐propanediol directs facet orientation and confines nanoplate growth. Compared to the product synthesized using water (MP‐H2O), the 1,3‐propanediol‐based sample (MP‐PRO) delivers a high specific capacity of 130.7 mAh g−1 at 5C and demonstrates excellent cycling stability, with an 84.6% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. This study provides new insights into the kinetics of Mn redox in LMFP electrodes and reveals an effective electrode structure design to realize long‐life high rate batteries.
Efficient Narrow Bandgap Pb‐Sn Perovskite Solar Cells Through Self‐Assembled Hole Transport Layer with Ionic Head
Authors: Zhumagali Shynggys , Li Chongwen , Marcinskas Mantas , Dally Pia , Liu Yuan , Ugur Esma , Petoukhoff Christopher E. , Ghadiyali Mohammed , Prasetio Adi , Marengo Marco , Pininti Anil R. , Azmi Randi , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Laquai Frédéric , Getautis Vytautas , Malinauskas Tadas , Aydin Erkan , Sargent Edward H. , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: January 2025

Single‐junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved certified power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 26.1%, which approaches their practical performance limit. Multi‐junction tandem solar cells can unlock even higher PCEs, where narrow‐bandgap lead‐tin (Pb‐Sn) perovskites, with a bandgap of 1.21–1.25 eV, are well‐suited as the bottom photo absorber in all‐perovskite tandems. Bulk engineering and surface treatments of Pb‐Sn perovskites using Lewis base molecules have been shown to reduce the defect density within the bulk and at the electron transport layer interface, thereby improving device performance. Nevertheless, the buried interface between Pb‐Sn perovskite and the commonly used hole transport layer PEDOT:PSS remains problematic due to the reactivity of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) with Sn2+ ions, which negatively impacts device performance. To overcome this issue, a novel carbazole‐based self‐assembled monolayer, BrNH3‐4PACz is synthesized, that provides a suitable dipole moment at the indium‐tin oxide interface for efficient hole extraction and features an ionic ammonium head group that passivates the perovskite at the buried interface. This dual functionality enabled the fabrication of a p‐i‐n architecture Pb‐Sn PSC with a bandgap of 1.24 eV, achieving a champion PCE of 23% and an open‐circuit voltage of 0.88 V, which ranks among the highest reported values in the literature.
Manipulating Intermediate Surface Energy for High‐Performance All‐Inorganic Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Lu Hui , Wen Qian , Qin Ru , Han Yunhui , Wang Jiaqi , Yang Wenzhi , Wu Lei , Liu Longhui , Ma Bo , Zhao Kui , Zhang Zhengguo , Farhadi Bita , Li Hongxiang , Wang Kang , Wang Kai , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2025

The complete phase transition from DMAPbI3 and Cs4PbI6 intermediates to the final CsPbI3 perovskite phase is pivotal for fabricating high‐quality inorganic perovskite films. In this study, the reaction energy barrier between DMAPbI3 and Cs4PbI6 is sought to be reduced by increasing their surface energy, where a perfluorinated compound is designed using DFT modeling to saturate the surface of the intermediates to effectively prevent their crystalline growth. Consequently, the smaller intermediates with ultrahigh surface energy react more energetically to facilitate a rapid conversion to the desired perovskite phase. It is found that the resultant inorganic perovskite shows improved crystallinity and morphology, as demonstrated by suppressed non‐radiative recombination and prolonged carrier lifetimes. As a result, the optimized inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 20%, along with significantly improved light and thermal stability. This work provides a way to regulate crystallization dynamics for advanced quality of inorganic perovskites.
The Charge Self‐Regulation Effect Induced by Microcrystalline‐Amorphous Heterointerface Network Toward Fast Charging Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Ge Jinyu , Huang Man , Li Chenzhe , Ji Xuebiao , Meng Xianghui , Tan Hua , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: January 2025

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), recognized for their abundant resource availability, are emerging as a viable alternative to conventional batteries. Nevertheless, sluggish electrons/ions kinetics impedes further advancement in SIBs technology. Herein, a novel microcrystalline‐MoSe2/amorphous‐MoSexOy (C‐MoSe2/A‐MoSexOy) is developed through in situ low‐temperature oxidation of crystalline MoSe2. The microcrystalline MoSe2 acts as a robust framework, while the amorphous MoSexOy phase fills the interstitial spaces. This anode material is characterized by an optimized microcrystalline‐amorphous heterointerface. The resultant charge self‐regulation effect can be exploited to modulate active electron states, thereby ensuring high‐speed and stable sodium storage performance. The heterointerface demonstrates an ultrahigh specific capacity (641.0 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and maintains splendid rate performances up to 100 A g−1 (324.2 mAh g−1). Detailed theoretical and experimental researches indicate that the enhanced performance results from the production of active electronic states, which are initiated by the charge self‐regulation effect at the microcrystalline‐amorphous heterointerface in C‐MoSe2/A‐MoSexOy, featuring active Mo─Se bonds, which regulates the interfacial charge redistribution and facilitate electron transfer across the active interface between the microcrystalline and amorphous phases. The findings suggest that the charge self‐regulation effect, prompted by the heterointerface network, inherently accelerates electron/ion transport, offering a promising electrode design strategy for fast‐charging batteries.
Constructing Stable Perovskite with Small Molecule Bridge Interface Passivation
Authors: Wang Kai , Yu Bo , Lin Changqing , Yao Ruohe , Yu Huangzhong , Wang Hong
Published: January 2025

The interfaces of each layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have a significant impact on the charge transfer and recombination. Especially, the interface between perovskite and the hole transport layer (HTL) in p‐i‐n type PSCs significantly affects the contact characteristics between the HTL and perovskite, hindering further improvements in performance and stability. Herein, a small molecule 9‐Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (9‐YT) is introduced as a molecule bridge for p‐i‐n PSCs, which enhances the interaction between self‐assembly molecules (SAMs) and perovskite. The conjugated backbone of 9‐YT can interact with the SAM molecule (MeO‐2PACz) by π–π stacking reaction. Moreover, 9‐YT also improves the interfacial contact through strong interactions with the perovskite, where the carbonyl groups and Cl atoms in 9‐YT interact with uncoordinated Pb2+ in perovskite layer. The incorporation of a molecule bridge is demonstrated to markedly enhance hole extraction at the perovskite/hole transport layer interface, optimize energy level alignment, mitigate interface charge recombination, and passivate the uncoordinated Pb2+ and defects in the perovskite. Finally, the device treated with 9‐YT achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.82%. At the same time, PSCs can still maintain 92.6% of the original PCE after a long‐term stability test of 1200 h.
Constructing Iron Vacancies in Thiospinel FeIn2S4 to Modulate Fe D‐Band Center and Accelerate Sodiation Kinetics Enabling High‐Rate and Durable Sodium Storage
Authors: Wu Naiteng , Shen Jinke , Zhou Xinliang , Li Shuoyan , Li Jin , Liu Guilong , Guo Donglei , Deng Wentao , Yuan Changzhou , Liu Xianming , Hou Hongshuai
Published: January 2025

The bimetallic synergies effect and combined conversion/alloying mechanism endow thiospinel FeIn2S4 with great potential as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, their inconsistent synthesis, severe volumetric expansion, and sluggish reaction kinetics typically lead to unsatisfactory cyclic stability and rate capability. Herein, bimetallic organic framework derived FeIn2S4@N/S‐C microrods with Fe vacancies is presented for fast, durable, and reversible sodium storage. The presence of Fe vacancies significantly modulates the d‐band center of Fe and decreases the strength of the Fe─S bond for facilitating the sodiation reaction kinetics jointly. Moreover, a thin and stable solid electrolyte interface film with inorganic‐rich components is formed by Fe vacancies induction. Combined with the N, S co‐doped porous carbon matrix, the optimal sample delivers an excellent rate capability of 381 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a stable cyclic performance (448 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1). Furthermore, the assembled full‐cells also exhibit superior electrochemical performance with 87.5% capacity retention after rate and long‐term cyclic evaluations. This work presents a promising strategy for the structural regulation of bimetallic sulfides as advanced anodes for SIBs.
Responses of waterhemp and horseweed to cereal rye cover crop termination timing in soybean
Authors: Hamberg Ryan C. , Dearden Edward S. , Yadav Ramawatar , Owen Micheal D. K.
Published: January 2025

Field experiments were conducted in soybeans (Glycine max L.) to determine the effects of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (CC), two CC termination timings (TTs), and four herbicide programs (HP) on the emergence, biomass, and seed production of waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D. Sauer) and horseweed (Erigeron canadensis L.). The early cereal rye CC termination occurred seven days (d) before soybean planting, and the late termination occurred 12 days after soybean planting. The presence of a cereal rye CC, regardless of the TT, reduced waterhemp emergence by 39% and 44% compared to no CC at 5 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP), respectively. The late termination of the CC reduced waterhemp population density and biomass by 49% and 44%, respectively, compared to no CC 10 WAP. The presence of a cereal rye CC reduced horseweed population density and biomass at 5 WAP by 90% and 80%, respectively, compared with no CC. Horseweed seed production was 89% lower with a CC compared to no cover crop and was reduced to 0 seeds plant−1 at the late TT. Delayed cereal rye CC termination reduced soybean plant width but not yield. This research highlights the utility of multi‐tactic strategies for controlling waterhemp and horseweed in soybeans.
Do Socialized Agricultural Services Promote Smallholder Participation in Large Markets? Evidence From Grain Farmers in China
Authors: Ma Xiaochen , Hou Xiaokang , Cui Yuxin , Ma Jiyuan
Published: January 2025

Integrating small‐scale farmers into large markets is crucial for agricultural modernization. To this end, China—as a ‘large country, small farmer’—has fostered socialized agricultural services (SASs). Although some studies have examined specific service components of SASs, a systematic analysis is missing and the mechanisms of SAS's effects on farmers' market participation has not been clarified. To address this gap, we use data from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey to construct a motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) framework for farmers' market participation behavior, uniquely introducing SASs to assess their impact on small farmers' market participation. This comprehensively examines farmers' market and deep‐market participation, as measured by their sales decisions and channel selections, respectively, and addresses model endogeneity using the conditional mixed process and Heckman model. The findings reveal that SASs promote farmers' market and deep‐market participation, augmenting the probability of participation by 39.6% and 14.2%, respectively. Mechanisms analysis reveals that this positive impact is brought about by increasing farmers' motivation to produce marketable products, providing farmers with direct access to heavily capitalized buyers, and increasing farmers' market participation ability. The heterogeneity analyses demonstrates that SASs improve the market participation of rice and corn farmers, having the greatest impact on the former. The findings provide policy guidelines concerning how to promote farmers' market participation in China, and provide a “Chinese experience” for other developing countries.
Infinite Coordination Polymer Polydopamine Nanocomposites Dual‐Pathway Multistep Induction of Long‐Term Hyperimmunity Combined With Photothermal‐Chemo Synergistic Therapy Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaojiang , Zhang Yujie , Wang Pengqian , Shi Feiyu , Du Siyuan , Zhang Zhe , Wu Daocheng , She Junjun , Wang Ya
Published: January 2025

To improve the long‐term therapeutic efficacy of colorectal cancer, we propose a synergistic treatment strategy involving dual‐pathway, multistep induction of long‐term hyperimmunity combined with photothermal‐chemotherapy. To implement this strategy, infinite coordination polymer nanoparticles (SN38‐Mn(II)‐EGCG ICP NPs) were prepared by coordinating SN38, EGCG, and Mn2+. These nanoparticles were then coated with polydopamine (PDA) and grafted with folate‐PEG‐thiol (FA‐PEG‐SH) onto their surfaces, producing tumor‐targeting folate‐modified PDA infinite coordination polymer nanocomposites (ICP@FA‐PDA nanocomposites). These nanocomposites exhibit a particle size of 94.9 ± 1.6 nm with a high drug loading capacity (83.3% ± 1.5%), drug release under acidic conditions while maintaining stability in physiological environments. Furthermore, each component within the nanocomposites serves multiple functions. Notably, the incorporation of multiple components triggers a powerful antitumor immune effect and establishes enduring immune memory through a dual‐pathway and multistep approach, which is produced with the activation of the cGAS‐STING pathway and immunogenic cell death (ICD) by a four‐component multistep process. Under a low‐dose regimen, this approach induces dual‐pathway hyperimmunity effect and generates ultra‐long immunological memory, marked by a ninefold increase in CD8+ T cell infiltration, a fourfold increase in CD4+ T lymphocytes, a fourfold reduction in Treg cells, and a fivefold increase in memory T cells. The remarkable therapy efficacy is achieved by hyperimmunity effect combination of SN38 and EGCG chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. In vivo studies demonstrated that mice treated with ICP@FA‐PDA nanocomposites achieved complete eradication of cancer within 21 days, with no recurrence observed within 60 days. These nanocomposites hold significant promise and potential for future clinical translation.
Correlation of the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22 With the University of Washington Quality of Life in Assessing Quality of Life in Sinonasal Malignancy Utilizing a Multicenter Prospective Observational Cohort Registry
Authors: Fleseriu Cara M. , Wang Eric W. , Beswick Daniel M. , Maoz Sabrina L. , Hwang Peter H. , Kuan Edward C. , Adappa Nithin D. , Geltzeiler Mathew , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Getz Anne E. , Humphries Ian M. , Le Christopher H. , Traylor Katie S. , Chang Eugene H. , Jafari Aria , Kingdom Todd T. , Kohanski Michael A. , Lee Jivianne K. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Palmer James N. , Patel Zara M. , Smith Timothy L. , Snyderman Carl H. , St. John Maie A , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Marilene B. , Choby Garret
Published: January 2025

Key points

In this multi‐center sinonasal malignancies (SNM) cohort, the Sino‐nasal Outcome Test has a correlation with the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) for assessing QOL.

The use of both instruments remains recommended to provide complete and complementary information.

Future design of an easy‐to‐use tool specific to SNM is needed to encompass all aspects of QOL.
Bidirectional Controlled Quantum State Preparation in High‐Dimensional Quantum System
Authors: Du Si‐Qi , Wei Hai‐Rui
Published: January 2025

High‐dimensional quantum system exhibits unique advantages over the qubit system in some quantum information processing tasks. A program is presented for implementing deterministic bidirectional controlled remote quantum state preparation (BCRSP) in arbitrary ‐dimensional (quNit) system. By introducing two generalized Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) states as quantum channels, two communication parties can simultaneously prepare a single‐particle high‐dimensional state at each other's site under the control of Charlie. Compared with the previous counterparts, the significant advantage of our scheme is that the high‐dimensional CNOT operations are not required. Moreover, the performance of this scheme is evaluated. The evaluation of the performance shows that if the quNit is encoded in the spatial mode of single photons, this scheme can be accomplished solely using only linear optical elements.
Structure‐Activity Relationships for s‐Block Metal/Co(III) Heterodinuclear Catalysts in Cyclohexene Oxide Ring‐Opening Copolymerizations
Authors: Butler Frederica , Fiorentini Francesca , Eisenhardt Katharina H. S. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: January 2025

In homogeneous catalysis, uncovering structure–activity relationships remains very rare but invaluable to understand and rationally improve performances. Here, generalizable structure–activity relationships apply to a series of heterodinuclear polymerization catalysts featuring Co(III) and s‐block metals M(I/II) (M=Na(I), K(I), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(II)). These are shown to apply to polycarbonate production by the ring‐opening copolymerizations (ROCOP) of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), conducted at high (20 bar) and low (1 bar) CO2 pressures, and to polyester production by copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and phthalic anhydride (PA). For the CHO/PA and high‐pressure CHO/CO2 copolymerizations, activity increases exponentially with s‐block metal acidity peaking at the Co(III)K(I) catalyst, whilst for the low‐pressure CHO/CO2 copolymerization it increases linearly to the same metal combination. The polymerization kinetics fit second order rate laws and the correlations support dinuclear metallate mechanistic hypotheses. These relationships help understand and identify key metal complex structural features in synergic polymerization catalysis.
Solvent‐Free Preparation of Reactive Flame‐Retardant Polyurethane Resin for Synthetic Leather Applications
Authors: Zhao Jinbiao , Duan Huimin , Yang Hao , Huang Zhichao , Qi Dongming
Published: January 2025

In order to reduce the high pollution and flammability of polyurethane in high‐performance automotive synthetic leather, the development of a solvent‐free flame‐retardant reactive polyurethane (RPU) coating material has become a research focus. However, solvent‐free environments not only place higher requirements on the fluidity and processability of materials but also present significant technical challenges in achieving a balance between strength and flame retardancy. In this paper, inorganic ionic polymer particle ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was used as filler and reactive polyurethane resin as a carrier to prepare a flame‐retardant modified polyurethane composite membrane with a foaming structure through a two‐step method. The results showed that adding 4% APP could extend the molding time of reactive polyurethane to 550 s—an increase by about 53%—and increase its mechanical strength to 23.01 MPa. Thermal analysis verified that the cross‐linking degree of reactive polyurethane resin was increased due to APP, and its thermal stability could be effectively improved. The reactive polyurethane modified with 4% APP had a residual carbon content exceeding 12% after heat treatment, and its limiting oxygen index can reach 23.7%. Additionally, the peak value of heat release rate (PHRR) was reduced by 10.7% and total heat release rate (THR) by 25.1%, enhancing the flame retardant effect. This method was of great significance to the production of polyurethane for automotive leather.
Differences in motivation for biology learning: A measurement invariance testing and latent mean comparison approach
Authors: Dai Ting , Xing Kuan , Kaplan Avi , Cromley Jennifer G. , Mara Kyle R. , Perez Tony
Published: January 2025

Educational and psychological research often involves comparing motivation across groups. It is critical to ensure that observed differences in motivation are true variations by group, not due to measurement biases. With a diverse sample of undergraduate students (N = 2200), this study measured internal consistency and gathered validity evidence based on the internal structure of five motivation scales. To compare motivation for biology between groups of undergraduate students, this study tested for measurement scalar invariance by group and, accordingly, conducted latent factor mean comparisons to understand true group differences. On average, female students held lower expectancy beliefs and self‐efficacy for biology learning than males. Female students perceived higher attainment value and utility value for biology learning and higher psychological cost. First‐generation college students held lower expectancy beliefs and self‐efficacy but perceived higher attainment value for biology learning than continuing‐generation students. No differences in average motivation for biology learning were found between underrepresented racial minority (URM) and non‐URM students. The implications of these findings and future research directions are also discussed.
Distributed control for automated vehicle groups using control barrier and control Lyapunov functions
Authors: Hayashi Yuzuki , Cao Wenjing , Mukai Masakazu
Published: January 2025

With the increasing demands for courier services, economic losses and environmental problems resulting from driver shortages, traffic accidents, and congestion continue to plague the logistics industry. Consequently, many studies of platooning exist to solve the above problems. This paper presents a procedure for the composition of automated vehicle groups required for platooning in real‐world vehicle control. In particular, adaptive cruise control is considered, and each automated vehicle is equipped with velocity, intervehicular distance, relative velocity, and slope monitoring sensors. Distributed control is performed using the controllers installed on each vehicle. The adopted control method uses quadratic programming with a control barrier function and a control Lyapunov function formulated as constraints. On solving the optimization problem, we discover that the driving forces can be optimized, and a group of vehicles maintaining a constant convergence intervehicular distance can be configured using mathematical equations and simulations.
Asymptotic stability of fractional order switching nonlinear system based on short memory principle
Authors: Mu Qianqian , Long Fei , Wang Qixiang
Published: January 2025

Fractional order derivatives have memory effects and are widely used in real world applications. However, they require large storage space and lead to low computational efficiency. Therefore, fractional order systems based on the short memory principle have gradually attracted the scholars' attention. In this paper, the asymptotic stability of Caputo fractional order switching nonlinear systems is investigated based on the Markov process and short memory principle. Firstly, a model of Caputo fractional order Markovian switching nonlinear systems (CFMNSs) based on the short memory principle is constructed so that the lower bound initial time and the corresponding initial state values are updated synchronously with switching. Secondly, the stability of the system is investigated based on the probabilistic analysis method and stochastic multi‐Lyapunov functions and the sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability of the system are given. Using a similar method, we also study the asymptotic stability of CFMNs with variable fractional order. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed stability scheme is effective and reasonable.
Made With Love: Examining Consumer Engagement With Handmade Versus Machine‐Made Production Cues
Authors: Degirmenci Tuba , Mathmann Frank , Mortimer Gary
Published: January 2025

Advancing technologies have led to structural change in production methods, influencing not only business practices but also significantly reshaping consumer mindsets. Businesses increasingly utilise production cues, such as ‘handmade’, to differentiate their products and foster consumer engagement. While prior studies demonstrate that production cues can affect consumer responses, it remains unclear how the impact of these cues (e.g., handmade vs. machine‐made) differs between consumer segments. Marketers remain uncertain about how to strategically leverage these effects across consumer profiles and product portfolios. Addressing this gap, this research applies regulatory mode theory, providing a nuanced understanding of production cues' impact on consumer engagement, with a focus on locomotion regulatory mode. Study 1, an online survey experiment, presents a moderated mediation analysis: while the effect of production cues on willingness to pay is mediated through love, this impact significantly varies with consumers' locomotion regulatory mode (low vs. high). Study 2 extends these findings through an automated text analysis of social media data (n = 9380), validating the moderating role of locomotion in a real‐world context by analysing the marketer‐generated content of Facebook posts. The findings of both studies confirm our predictions that production cues elicit distinct engagement responses depending on consumer segments: high‐locomotion consumers, who value efficiency, show diminished engagement with production cues. This research advances the theory of production cue effects by offering novel insights and provides marketers with actionable implications for segmentation and targeted communication.
Circadian clock gene BMAL1 is involved in transforming growth factor β1‐induced fibrotic response in NRK‐49F cells
Authors: Takaguri Akira , Noro Ryuta , Shinohe Sari , Murayama Reina , Sakuraba Mei , Nomura Reo , Satoh Kumi
Published: January 2025

The transcription factor brain and muscle Arnt‐like protein‐1 (BMAL1) is a clock protein involved in various diseases, including atherosclerosis and cancer. However, BMAL1's involvement in kidney fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, a gap addressed in this study. Analysis through Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining revealed that all groups exposed to unilateral ureteral obstruction showed increased BMAL1 protein expression accompanied by increased TGF‐β1 expression and elevated key fibrosis markers, including α‐SMA, compared with sham groups. Although TGF‐β1 induced BMAL1 protein expression accompanied by increased α‐SMA expression in NRK‐49F cells, the REV‐ERBα agonist GSK4112, a transcriptional repressor of BMAL1, or siRNA targeting BMAL1 significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced α‐SMA expression. Furthermore, BMAL1 knockdown significantly suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced NOX4/ROS/p38 pathways in NRK‐49F cells. Thus, BMAL1 positively regulates TGF‐β1‐induced signaling associated with fibrotic responses via the NOX4/ROS/p38 pathway. Overall, this study uncovers BMAL1 as a promising therapeutic target for preventing and treating kidney fibrosis, potentially preventing renal failure.
Paclitaxel‐Coated Balloon for the Management of In‐Stent Coronary Restenosis: An Updated Meta‐Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Vinícius M. R. , Paiva Arthur Marot , Alencar Pedro Lucas Alves , Oliveira Izadora Caiado , Alencar João Victor Alves , Zalaf Felipe Schmaltz , Piai Ricardo Figueiredo Paro , de Sousa André Maroccolo , Moreira Humberto Graner
Published: January 2025

Background

Drug‐coated balloons present a potentially advantageous therapeutic approach for managing coronary in‐stent restenosis (ISR). However, the comparative benefits of paclitaxel‐coated balloons (PCBs) over uncoated balloons (UCBs) remain unclear.

Aims

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with PCBs and UCBs.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for studies comparing PCBs and UCBs in managing coronary ISR. We used a random‐effects model to pool risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool.

Results

We included seven randomized controlled trials with 1349 patients, of whom 840 underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with PCB. In our pooled analysis, patients treated with PCB had lower risks of target lesion revascularization (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.18–0.52; p < 0.01), target vessel revascularization (0.53, 0.42–0.67; p < 0.01), major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (0.25, 0.16–0.38; p < 0.01), and myocardial infarction (MI) (0.59, 0.37–0.95; p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in all‐cause mortality (0.79, 0.37–1.70; p = 0.54), cardiac death (0.46, 0.03–8.12; p = 0.60), while tendencies for a significant difference were found for target lesion failure (0.39, 0.13–1.11; p = 0.08), or stent thrombosis (0.21, 0.03–1.35 p = 0.10).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PCBs are superior to UCBs regarding the occurrence of target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, MACEs, and MI, but they do not differ in all‐cause mortality, and cardiac death, while trends to significant differences favoring PCB were found to stent thrombosis and target lesion failure.
Valve Thrombosis Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Duarte Fabiana , Aguiar‐Neves Inês , Guerreiro Cláudio Espada , Silva Mariana , Ferreira Nuno D. , Fontes‐Carvalho Ricardo
Published: January 2025

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well‐established treatment for severe aortic stenosis, especially in patients over 75 or those at high surgical risk. While these prosthetic valves have a lower thrombogenic profile than mechanical heart valves, leaflet thrombosis in transcatheter aortic valves (TAV) occurs in an estimated 5%–40% of cases. Most TAV thromboses are subclinical and can be detected via cardiac computed tomography (CCT), which reveals hypo‐attenuating leaflet thickening and reduced leaflet motion in asymptomatic patients without elevated transprosthetic gradients on echocardiography. The mechanisms behind TAV thrombosis involve local mechanical triggers, patient predisposing factors, and device and procedure‐related aspects. The ideal antithrombotic therapy post‐TAVR depends on individual patient characteristics, balancing bleeding risks with the need for oral anticoagulants. Data on the optimal management of TAV thrombosis and the routine use of CT post‐TAVR are limited. While anticoagulation effectively resolves clinically significant prosthesis thrombosis, its benefit in subclinical cases is unclear. There is an ongoing debate about whether subclinical leaflet thrombosis precedes clinical valve thrombosis, making the ideal follow‐up after valve implantation uncertain. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review, summarizing current data on the incidence of TAVR thrombosis, underlying mechanisms, clinical and imaging diagnosis, management strategies, preventive measures, and long‐term follow‐up.
The Impact of Cardiac Damage on In‐Hospital Outcomes for Patients With Aortic Stenosis in the United States: An Analysis From The National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Bennett Sadie , Joshi Mithilesh , Qureshi Adnan I. , Elsayed Khaled , Appaji Anikethana , Holroyd Eric , Pibarot Philippe , Redfors Bjorn , Genereux Philippe
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The objective of this study is to determine if cardiac damage based on hospital discharge codes is associated with in‐hospital outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospital admissions between 2016 and 2021 with a diagnosis of AS in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The cardiac damage stages 0−4 were determined based on hospital discharge codes. Logistic and linear regressions were used to determine the association between cardiac stage and in‐hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS) and cost.

Results

A total of 2,980,150 hospital admissions were included in the analysis (82.5% conservative management, 11.2% transcatheter aortic valve replacement [TAVR], 6.3% surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR]). The association between cardiac damage stage and in‐hospital outcome was most significant for patients who had SAVR treatment (stage 4 vs. stage 0: mortality OR 27.70 95% CI 17.35−35.17, LoS 7.34 95% CI 6.34−8.35, cost 70,710 95% CI 65,110−76,310) compared to TAVR treatment (stage 4 vs. stage 0: mortality OR 9.15 95% CI 5.52−15.15, LoS 6.27 95% CI 5.63−6.90, cost 28,384 25,084 to 31,684) and conservative treatment (stage 4 vs. stage 0: mortality OR 3.55 95% CI 3.13−4.04, LoS 2.09 95% CI 1.87 to 2.31, cost 6362 95% CI 5642−7083).

Conclusions

Cardiac damage can be evaluated using diagnostic codes in patients with AS and it is associated with in‐hospital mortality, LoS and cost, and has more impact on these outcomes in patients treated with SAVR versus those treated with TAVR.
The effect of main component interactions on the rheological and pasting properties of naked oat flour during Sanshu thermal processing of oat‐based food
Authors: Peng Pai , Rafique Hamad , Wang Xiaolong , Dong Rui , Zou Liang , Hu Xinzhong
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

The molecular interactions in naked oat flour are crucial to its processing quality. To investigate interaction mechanisms during oat‐food Sanshu thermal processing, this study analyzed starch structure properties, rheological properties, and interactions between starch and other components in naked oat flour.

Findings

The rheological and pasting properties of oat starch were closely related to its structure during different thermal stages. X‐ray diffraction revealed the formation of amylose–lipid complexes, and the starch–lipid/starch–protein interactions were confirmed by specific functional groups from Fourier transform infrared spectra. The formation of complexes during roasting thermal treatment significantly increased G′ and G″, while the decomposition of starch during boiling and steaming thermal treatment reduced the rheological properties. SEM showed the dispersion and decomposition of starch, which further provided evidence for the interaction of starch and other components during Sanshu processing. The digestibility increased gradually, as the starch gelatinized during Sanshu processing. During steaming thermal treatment, RDS did not change significantly, while SDS transformed into RS (RS content increased to 9.36%).

Conclusions

The interaction of starch–lipids/starch–protein occurred during oat‐food Sanshu thermal processing. The alterations in the rheological and pasting properties of naked oat flour were observed to be intimately linked to these complexes.

Significance and Novelty

The structure of naked oat flour is closely related to its processing quality. The observed changes in starch short‐range order and the formation of a microcrystalline structure are closely related to RS, which can be used as a signal of interaction‐resistant starch formation.