bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on the Potential Enhancement of Organic Terahertz Sources through Tilted Pulse Front Pumping
Authors: Polónyi Gyula , Tibai Zoltán , Tóth György , Krizsán Gergő , Hebling János
Published: December 2024

Organic crystals offer promising potential for THz generation, but face limitations in wavelength tunability and damage threshold. By applying tilted pulse‐front pumping to organic crystals an additional degree of freedom is introduced into the pumping conditions enabling a wider range of pumping wavelengths without compromising phase matching. Additionally, the lifespan of organic materials can be extended by using longer pumping wavelength and eliminate lower‐order multi‐photon absorption, allowing for higher pumping intensity without significant free‐carrier absorption, thus increasing the damage threshold. Simulations predict significant improvement for four out of six investigated crystals when tilted pulse‐front pumping is applied. By using volume phase holographic grating one can achieve pulse‐front tilt in organic crystals in collinear geometry with high diffraction efficiency. Design parameters are also presented.
CFD Code Parallelization on GPU and the Code Portability
Authors: Tomanović Ivan , Belošević Srdjan , Milićević Aleksandar , Crnomarković Nenad , Stojanović Andrijana , Deng Lei , Che Defu
Published: December 2024

Goal of this paper is to develop a fully functional parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code that is optimized to run on a single Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). This is achieved by writing the code in FORTRAN and OpenACC (Open Accelerators), providing them with an easily portable, platform independent code. Existing CFD code is significantly modified to allow for parallel asynchronous execution. Also, due to strong recursive dependencies in Tridiagonal Matrix Algorithm (TDMA) solver, it is replaced with Jacobi, which provides fast execution in environments with large number of parallel cores. In this research a computer code for simulation of 2D flow of water through the axisymmetric channel is used as a base for development. The parallel code is executed on GPU, single, and multicore Central Processing Unit (CPU), and the execution times are compared between platforms. Even though that Jacobi solver performs worse on single core computers, compared to its Gauss‐seidel counterpart, it is used to provide a baseline for comparison. In this work, it is shown that computation on finer grids takes less time on GPU than on CPU. The computation time increase with the number of cells in grid on GPU should follow the observed linear trend until the GPUs physical limitations are reached depending on memory size and core count.
Dynamic Scattering‐Channel‐Based Approach for Multiuser Image Encryption
Authors: Taghavi Mohammadrasoul , Marengo Edwin A.
Published: December 2024

Conventional scattering‐based encryption systems that operate based on a static complex medium which is used by all users are vulnerable to learning‐based attacks that exploit ciphertext‐plaintext pairs to model and reverse‐engineer the scattering medium's response, enabling unauthorized decryption without the physical medium. In this contribution, a new dynamic scattering‐channel‐based technique for multiuser image encryption is developed. The established approach employs variable, dynamic scattering media which are modeled as tunable aggregates of multiple scattering nanoparticles. The proposed system supports multiple users by allowing distinct combinations of scattering matrices for different time blocks, each combined with user‐specific complex‐valued coefficients, enabling the creation of unique, hard‐to‐guess encryption keys for each user. The derived methodology enhances the practical feasibility of multiuser secure communication and storage channels employing scattering media as the encryption mechanism.
Proprioceptive and Exteroceptive Information Perception in a Fabric Soft Robotic Arm via Physical Reservoir Computing with Minimal Training Data
Authors: Wang Jun , Qiao Zhi , Zhang Wenlong , Li Suyi
Published: December 2024

Over recent decades, soft and reconfigurable robots have rapidly emerged thanks to their ability to interact safely with humans and adapt to complex environments. . However, their softness makes accurate control challenging, requiring high‐fidelity sensing for posture and contact estimation.Traditional camera‐based sensors and load cells have limited portability and accuracy, and they will inevitably increase the robot's cost and weight. In this study, instead of using specialized sensors, only distributed pressure data inside a pneumatics‐driven soft arm are collected and the physical reservoir computing principle is applied to simultaneously predict its kinematic posture (i.e., bending angle) and payload status (i.e., payload mass). Results show that, with careful readout training, one can obtain accurate bending angle and payload mass predictions via simple, weighted linear summations of pressure readings. In addition,analysis show that, to guarantee low prediction errors within 10%, bending angle prediction requires less training data than payload prediction. This reveals that balanced linear and nonlinear body dynamics are critical for the physical reservoir to accomplish complex proprioceptive and exteroceptive information perception tasks. Finally, the method of exploring efficient readout training methods presented here could be extended to other soft robotic systems to maximize their perception capabilities.
Prophylactic Fetal Creatine Supplementation Improves Post‐Asphyxial EEG Recovery and Reduces Seizures in Fetal Sheep: Implications for Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Tran Nhi T. , Ellery Stacey J. , Kelly Sharmony B. , Sévigny Juliane , Chatton Madeleine , Lu Hui , Polglase Graeme R. , Snow Rod J. , Walker David W. , Galinsky Robert
Published: December 2024

Objective

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of perinatal brain injury. Creatine is a dietary supplement that can increase intracellular phosphocreatine to improve the provision of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to meet the increase in metabolic demand of oxygen deprivation. Here, we assessed prophylactic fetal creatine supplementation in reducing acute asphyxia‐induced seizures, disordered electroencephalography (EEG) activity and cerebral inflammation and cell death histopathology.

Methods

Fetal sheep (118 ± 1 days’ gestational age [dGA]; 0.8 gestation) were implanted with electrodes to continuously record EEG and nuchal electromyogram activity. At 121 dGA, fetuses were randomly assigned to sham control (i.v. saline infusion without umbilical cord occlusion [UCO]; SalCon), continuous i.v. creatine infusion (6 mg/kg/h; CrUCO) or isovolumetric saline (SalUCO) followed by UCO at 128 ± 2 dGA that lasted until the mean arterial blood pressure reached 19 mmHg. Brain tissue was collected for histopathology after 72 hours of recovery.

Results

Creatine supplementation had no effects on basal systemic or neurological physiology. UCO duration did not differ between CrUCO and SalUCO. After reperfusion, CrUCO fetuses had improved EEG power and frequency recovery and reduced electrographic seizure incidence (SalUCO, 86% vs CrUCO, 29%) and burden. At 72 hours after UCO, cell death in the cerebral cortex and astrogliosis in the periventricular white matter were reduced in CrUCO fetuses compared with SalUCO.

Interpretation

Creatine supplementation reduced post‐asphyxial seizures and improved EEG recovery. Improvements in functional recovery with creatine were associated with regional reductions in cell death and astrogliosis. Prophylactic creatine treatment has the potential to mitigate functional indices of HIE in the late gestation fetal brain. ANN NEUROL 2024
Polyhydroxybutyrate Synthesis by the Halophilic Bacterium, Halomonas boliviensis, in Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Hydrolysate
Authors: Arcila‐Echavarría Diana Catalina , Lu‐Chau Thelmo Alejandro , Gómez‐Vanegas Natalia Andrea
Published: December 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are biodegradable, natural polyesters with the potential to replace petroleum‐based plastics. However, high production costs limit their competitiveness. This study assessed the ability of Halomonas boliviensis, a halophilic bacterium, to synthesize polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from an agricultural residue, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), in highly saline solutions that minimize contamination risk. OPEFB, containing glucose, xylose, and arabinose, offers a cost‐effective alternative to pure sugar substrates and aids in waste management. PHB production from OPEFB was compared with fermentations using these sugars. H. boliviensis successfully synthesized PHB from all substrates, achieving the highest PHB content from glucose (54.63%), followed by xylose (40.18%), OPEFB (33.59%), and arabinose (33.52%). Glucose in the OPEFB hydrolysate was entirely depleted after 72 h, while xylose showed minimal consumption. This research highlights the potential of using low‐cost carbon sources like OPEFB for PHB production. Future research should focus on optimizing the fermentation process to increase PHB yields, making it a more viable alternative to traditional plastics.
To be Green Is to Live Forever: The Impact of Environmental Information Types on Green Consumption Behavior
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Ding Zhihua , Sun Wenbin , Jiang Xin , Duan Zhaoping
Published: December 2024

Environmental problems threaten human health and safety. Promoting green consumption has become a vital measure for alleviating environmental problems. How to promote the consumption of green products has also become an important issue for businesses. This paper argues that displaying damaged environmental information to consumers can stimulate their defense mechanism and promote green consumption behaviur. According to terror management theory (TMT), humans have a fundamental desire to live forever. This innate desire motivates people to take action against the threats of death. However, previous studies have reached mixed conclusions about how the threats of death affect pro‐environmental behavior. Through three online between‐subject experiments with Chinese consumers (N = 856), this research illustrates that compared with undamaged environmental information, showing damaged environmental information significantly motivates participants' green consumption behavior, and this effect is mediated by green consumption values. Additionally, when participants were reminded of their heroes, they consumed significantly more green products under the damaged environmental information condition. However, no effect was observed in the group with no hero reminders. The results of this research extend the application of the TMT and mortality salience in green consumption and provide practical suggestions for green product strategies and green policies.
Osteocyte Dendrites: How Do They Grow, Mature, and Degenerate in Mineralized Bone?
Authors: Guerra Rosa M. , Fowler Velia M. , Wang Liyun
Published: December 2024

Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, form an extensive cellular network via interconnecting dendrites. Like neurons in the brain, the long‐lived osteocytes perceive mechanical and biological inputs and signal to other effector cells, leading to the homeostasis and turnover of bone tissues. Despite the appreciation of osteocytes' vital roles in bone biology, the initiation, growth, maintenance, and eventual degradation of osteocyte dendrites are poorly understood due to their full encasement by mineralized matrix. With the advancement of imaging modalities and genetic models, the architectural organization and molecular composition of the osteocyte dendrites, as well as their morphological changes with aging and diseases, have begun to be revealed. However, several long‐standing mysteries remain unsolved, including (1) how the dendrites are initiated and elongated when a surface osteoblast becomes embedded as an osteocyte; (2) how the dendrites maintain a relatively stable morphology during their decades‐long life span; (3) what biological processes control the dendrite morphology, connectivity, and stability; and (4) if these processes are influenced by age, sex, hormones, and mechanical loading. Our review of long, thin actin filament (F‐actin)‐containing processes extending from other cells leads to a working model that serves as a starting point to investigate the formation and maintenance of osteocyte dendrites and their degradation with aging and diseases.
Band edge engineering of lead halide perovskites using carboxylic‐based self‐assembled monolayer for efficient photovoltaics
Authors: Shi Yiheng , Sui Xinyuan , He Jingjing , Wei Zhanpeng , Yang Hua Gui , Niu Qiang , Hou Yu , Yang Shuang
Published: December 2024

Perovskite solar cells are promising candidates for low‐cost and efficient photovoltaic markets, but their efficiency is usually limited by the non‐radiative recombination losses at the mismatched interface of perovskite and transport layers. Herein, we show that the band edges of perovskite thin films can be on‐demand engineered by a series of carboxylic‐based self‐assembled monolayers. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the functionalized perovskite inherits the polarity of the monolayer with linear dependence of work function on the molecular dipole moments, which enables the management of interfacial charge transport process. Solar cells with 4‐bromophenylacetic acid SAMs achieve about 6.48% enhancement in power conversion efficiency with the champion values over 23%.
Amino‐Modified Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Enhanced Lithium‐Ion Dissociation and Transport in Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Ma Ruyi , Lv Chengwei , Li Zhangnan
Published: December 2024

Enhancing the ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes and accelerating ion transport are pivotal challenges in achieving lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density and excellent electrochemical performance. In this study, amino‐modified porous aromatic frameworks (AMPAF) are prepared. The amino group in AMPAF stabilizes the anion through hydrogen bonding to reduce the dissociation energy barrier of Li+, enabling Li+ to be more easily dissociated from lithium salts. Additionally, the abundant pores of AMPAF promote the rapid transport of Li+. The prepared quasi‐solid polymer electrolyte (AMPAF‐QSPE) exhibited a high Li+ conductivity of 7.62 × 10−5 S cm−1 and a Li+ transference number as high as 0.55, which proves the restriction of the amino group in AMPAF on the movement of anions and the ability to dissociate lithium salts. The discharge specific capacity of Li//AMPAF‐QSPE//LiFePO4 reached as high as 137 mAh g−1 at 0.2 °C, and the capacity retention rate was stable at 85% after 200 cycles. This article presents an effective attempt to enhance the overall performance of polymer electrolytes using amino‐modified PAF, offering an innovative perspective for the development of electrochemical energy storage technologies.
Compression‐Assisted Improvement of Electrochemical Performances of Carbon Nanotube in Symmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Sun Yunkuo , Ding Baohong , Jiao Yonghua , Sun Wei
Published: December 2024

The unique geometry of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) contributes to their excellent rate capability when used as electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs). However, the practical application of low‐cost commercial CNTs is limited by their moderate specific capacitance due to the relatively low surface area which is around 220 m2 g−1. This limitation can be addressed by applying proper compressive stress to the CNTs, resulting in improved capacitance. The effects of compression on capacitance vary depending on the length and inner diameter of the CNTs, which have been systematically investigated. It has been found that longer and narrower CNTs exhibit more significant improvements in capacitance due to compression. Specifically, under 12 MPa, there is an ≈135% increase in specific capacitance compared to that under 1 MPa, with the optimum value of 68.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. An excellent rate capability of 93.5% at 40 A g−1 is also obtained by compression. Furthermore, when an light emitting diode light is powered by a compressed CNT‐based SC, both brightness and lasting time are dramatically enhanced compared to the case without compression. This cost‐efficient strategy for improving the energy storage performance of CNTs may facilitate their practical application as electrode materials for ultrafast supercapacitors.
Hyena architecture enables fast and efficient protein language modeling
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Bian Bian , Okumura Manabu
Published: December 2024

The emergence of self‐supervised deep language models has revolutionized natural language processing tasks and has recently extended its applications to biological sequence analysis. Traditional language models, primarily based on Transformer architectures, demonstrate substantial effectiveness in various applications. However, these models are inherently constrained by the attention mechanism's quadratic computational complexity, , which limits their efficiency and leads to high computational costs. To address these limitations, we introduce ProtHyena, a novel approach that leverages the Hyena operator in protein language modeling. This innovative methodology alternates between subquadratic long convolutions and element‐wise gating operations, which circumvents the constraints imposed by attention mechanisms and reduces computational complexity to subquadratic levels. This enables faster and more memory‐efficient modeling of protein sequences. ProtHyena can achieve state‐of‐the‐art results and comparable performance in 8 downstream tasks, including protein engineering (protein fluorescence and stability prediction), protein property prediction (neuropeptide cleavage, signal peptide, solubility, disorder, gene function prediction), protein structure prediction, with only 1.6 M parameters. The architecture of ProtHyena represents a highly efficient solution for protein language modeling, offering a promising avenue for fast and efficient analysis of protein sequences.
Effects of fermented tea by Aspergillus cristatus on the characteristic aroma and non‐volatile components of Jiang‐flavor baijiu
Authors: Li Chenggang , Li Xiaoying , Liu Xinyu , Dai Wei , Xu Xiuli , Ma Linlin , Song Fuhang
Published: December 2024

Background

Fu Brick tea (FBT) extract has been demonstrated to lower blood lipids, protect liver, and prevent obesity. Despite these benefits, there are no products on the market that combine FBT with other foods or beverages.

Result

In this study, we developed a novel product by combining FBT with high‐alcohol Jiang‐flavor baijiu, resulting in FBT‐baijiu. High‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) analysis revealed that FBT‐baijiu contains health‐promoting alkaloids, including eurocristatine (13.60 ± 0.13 mg/L), (−)‐neoechinulin A (10.26 ± 0.09 mg/L), neoechinulin D (7.89 ± 0.05 mg/L), variecolorin G (6.94 ± 0.05 mg/L), and echinulin (25.46 ± 0.27 mg/L), which are known to be present in FBT. The aroma compounds of the FBT‐baijiu and the base baijiu were analyzed using comprehensive gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry (GC‐O‐MS) technology. The major volatile compounds of two baijiu samples were identified using relative odor activity values (r‐OAVs) analysis. The FBT‐baijiu showed a significant reduction in ester content, but a remarkable enhancement in aromatic properties. The findings show that combining FBT with baijiu not only offers functional components but also enhances the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of utilizing FBT as a functional food ingredient or additive, paving the way for the development of new health‐promoting products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Scalability of Ultralow‐Loss Calibration‐Free Silicon Photonic Mach‐Zehnder Switches
Authors: Song Lijia , Jiao Xiaomin , Cao Zian , Liu Weixi , Zou Shangtong , Fang Xiaoyu , Fan Siwen , Li Huan , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) based on deep neural networks, large‐scale photonic switches are essential components for the fast and efficient communication of unprecedentedly large amounts of data between processing units and memories. In this paper, a comprehensive Monte Carlo analysis is provided on the scalability of Mach–Zehnder switch (MZS) networks utilizing Benes topologies as an example, employing the transfer matrix method. The results show that iterative calibration algorithms with high time complexities are infeasible for large‐scale MZSs with significant random phase imbalances, which, instead of the excess loss, is the dominant fundamental obstacle for scaling up MZS. Therefore, calibration‐free MZSs are crucial for scaling up. To further validate the key assumptions of the Monte Carlo analysis above, ultralow‐loss 2 × 2 MZSs and 4 × 4 Benes MZSs fabricated with standard 180‐nm silicon photonics foundry processes are systematically characterized. Drawing from the statistical experimental results of random phase imbalance and excess loss, the scalability of the Benes topology is projected and concludes that it is promising to realize large‐scale, low‐excess‐loss, calibration‐free N × N photonic switches (e.g., N ≥ 64) based on these proposed MZS for agile, flexible, and scalable optical packet/burst switching (OPS/OBS) in data centers.
Disentangling Structural Domains in Solution‐Processed 2D Lead Halide Perovskite by Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Song Mu‐Sen , Wang Hai , Zhang Yu‐Peng , Hu Zi‐Fan , Zhang Jia , Wang Yuan , Zhao Le‐Yi , Wang Hai‐Yu
Published: December 2024

2D lead halide perovskites (LHPs) exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties, making them utilized in various emerging applications. Understanding their fundamental properties is urgent for improving device performance. Here, the structural domains in 2D PEA2MAn‐1PbnI3n+1 films are studied by temperature‐dependent transient absorption (TA) measurements. For  = 1 film at low temperatures, the ground state bleach (GSB) shows obvious splitting when the high‐energy state is resonantly excited, whereas only one GSB exists under low‐energy resonant excitation, indicating that the two split energy states correspond to different structural domains. For  = 2 film, similar phenomena are observed, but the energy level difference between the two domains is decreased. With further increase of the inorganic layers number, the two domains can no longer be distinguished. In addition, by changing the organic cations, it is demonstrated that the two structural domains originate from distortions in the inorganic PbI6 octahedral frames. Finally, the possibility that the two energy states are from the formation of polaron states is ruled out by TA measurement on CsPbBr3 QDs. The results provide new insights into the structural domain properties of 2D LHPs, which directly influence the suitability of these materials for future optoelectronic devices.
Toxin for Tics: Practical Guidance for Clinicians from a Registry‐Based Naturalistic Study
Authors: Pringsheim Tamara , Martino Davide
Published: December 2024

Background

Botulinum toxin is a recommended treatment for tics. There is little practical guidance on the use of this treatment.

Objectives

Our aim is to describe our experience using botulinum toxin injections for tics in adults. We provide information on tics treated, muscles injected, and dosages used to give practical guidance.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Calgary Adult Tic Registry on tic severity, the tics and muscles injected, and dosages. We assessed treatment length, reasons for discontinuation, and concurrent medications.

Results

Botulinum toxin was the most used medication for tics, received by 32 of 95 (33.7%) registry participants. Participants receiving botulinum toxin were significantly older and had significantly lower vocal tic severity and total tic severity. The most common motor tics treated were blinking, head turns, and shoulder raising. The mean length of treatment was 40.4 months.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for adults with tics.
A Population‐Wide Exploration of the THAP11 CAG Repeat Size and Structure in the 100,000 Genomes Project and UK Biobank
Authors: Clarkson Chris , Chen Zhongbo , Rocca Clarissa , Jadhav Bharati , Ibañez Kristina , Ryten Mina , Sharp Andrew J. , Houlden Henry , Tucci Arianna
Published: December 2024

Background

A CAG repeat expansion in THAP11 was recently found to be associated with spinocerebellar ataxia in two Chinese families. Expanded repeats ranged from 45 to 100 units, with CAA sequence interruptions in the 5′ region and an uninterrupted CAG tract in the 3′ tail.

Objective

Here, we assess the population distribution of the THAP11 repeat, and its contribution to neurological diseases.

Methods

We interrogated data from 54,788 individuals from Genomics England, 10,686 patients from the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in‐house database (UCL IoN), and 424,340 individuals from the UK Biobank.

Results

We identified expanded repeats in four individuals with learning difficulties without ataxia and in three individuals in UK Biobank, one with hereditary ataxia, one with hereditary neuropathy, and one with neurodegenerative disease. We showed a linear relationship between the number of CAA interruptions and overall repeat length.

Conclusions

These results indicate that THAP11 expansions are rare in the British population and that sequence structures predisposed to expansions may be more common in non‐British ancestries. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Evaluation of the physico‐mechanical properties, mineralization capability, degradability and biological behavior of PCL/SBG composite scaffolds fabricated by three‐dimensional fiber deposition
Authors: Li Fulong , Liu Ping , Jiang Jiaqi , Chen Xiaohong
Published: December 2024

In bone tissue engineering, polycaprolactone (PCL) has been extensively employed as a bone substitute due to its good biocompatibility, outstanding mechanical properties, controllable degradation rate, and excellent processability. However, PCL is a bioinert polymer with poor hydrophilicity, and it fails to actively induce new bone formation after implantation into the lesion. Therefore, it is generally necessary to find a bioactive material to improve these deficiencies of PCL. In this study, we first prepared a silicate‐based bioactive glass (SBG, 48SiO2‐24Na2O‐24CaO‐4P2O5, in mol%) using the melt‐quenching method, and then fabricated a series of PCL/SBG composite scaffolds with varying SBG powder contents (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.%) by 3D fiber deposition. The physico‐mechanical properties, mineralization capability, degradability and biological behavior of PCL/SBG scaffolds were systematically characterized. The results showed that the contact angle of the scaffolds decreased from 121.90 ± 3.74° to 86.29 ± 3.46° with the increase of SBG content, implying that the hydrophilicity was improved, and meanwhile the porosity and mechanical strength of PCL/SBG scaffolds first increased and then decreased, but they were within the range of human cancellous bone. Additionally, the degradation rate of PCL/SBG groups can be regulated by adjusting the SBG content. Finally, compared to the pure PCL group, the cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3‐E1 on PCL/SBG groups were significantly enhanced. In the present work, the PCL/30SBG group exhibited great potential as a viable alternative to autografts and offers promising clinical applications for bone defect repair in the future.

Highlights

The addition of SBG powders accelerates the degradation of PCL.

The addition of SBG powders enhances the hydrophilicity of PCL scaffolds.

The degradation rate and bioactivity of PCL/SBG scaffolds can be regulated.

The mechanical strength is within the range of human cancellous bone.

PCL/30SBG shows improved cell viability and ALP activity.
Orientation control of magnetically functionalized graphene oxide nanohybrids in unsaturated polyester resin with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and fire safety performance
Authors: Tang Tao , Huo Junjie , Li Weijin , Lin Chubin , Yu Fuhao , Wang Bibo , Dai Kang
Published: December 2024

Both the distribution and orientation of 2D graphene nanomaterials in polymer matrices can significantly affect the performance of polymer composites. Still, preparing high‐performance graphene polymer nanocomposites with a controlled distribution state is challenging. In this work, magnetically functionalized graphene oxide (MFGO), a ternary nanohybrid, was prepared using a facile method. The resulting MFGO nanofillers were incorporated into unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) with the assistance of an external magnetic field to achieve oriented alignment in the UPR matrix. Attributing to the uniform dispersion as well as the magnetic field‐induced orientation of MFGO in UPR, the oriented UPR/MFGO (UPR/OMFGO) nanocomposites demonstrated much‐improved mechanical and thermal properties, as the oriented UPR/MFGO2.0 (UPR/OMFGO2.0) achieved a notable increase in tensile strength to 46.71 MPa and storage modulus to 1.24 GPa. Moreover, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and peak smoke production release (PSPR) of UPR/OMFGO2.0 nanocomposite were reduced by 34.0% and 33.6%, respectively, as compared with the neat UPR. In addition, SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy were employed to investigate the char residues of UPR samples, and a possible mechanism for the improved fire safety performance of the UPR/OMFGO nanocomposites was proposed. This work provides a promising strategy to design high‐performance UPR nanocomposites.

Highlights

Magnetically functionalized graphene oxide (MFGO) nanohybrids were successfully synthesized.

MFGO nanohybrids were well dispersed and orderly arranged in UPR under a magnetic field.

The well‐oriented MFGO significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of UPR.

The mechanism for the enhanced fire safety performance of UPR nanocomposites was elaborated.
A Novel Turn‐On Fluorescence Probe for Selective Picomolar Detection of Uric Acid Using Green Carbon Dots (G‐NCDs) from Waste Brachyura Shells
Authors: Ramachandran Raghul , Jini Ayun R. , Vergheese Thomas Mary
Published: December 2024

In the current study, a Novel synthesis of fluorescent Green carbon dots (G‐NCDs) is reported from waste Brachyura shells using a simple, green technique. G‐NCDs function as a TURN‐ON fluorescent probe for the selective detection Uric Acid (UA) in presence of Dopamine (DA). The synthesized carbon dots are sand colored under visible light and exhibit pale green fluorescence under UV radiation. The G‐NCDs are characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, XPS, SEM‐EDAX, HR‐TEM, X‐ray diffraction, and PL spectroscopic technique. The SEM‐EDAX data of G‐NCDs shows a layered, fibrous morphology and confirms the presence of only Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in the matrix. FTIR and XPS response confirms the presence of functional groups like ─C≡N, ─C≡C─, CH, ═C─H, O─H on the surface of G‐NCDs. XRD data confirms G‐NCDs to be crystalline with a particle size of 4.51 nm. The quantum yield found to be 99.8%. PL response confirms a TURN OFF fluorescence with increased addition of DA. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), a form of dynamic quenching is responsible for the DA quenching, confirmed through linear Stern‐ Volmer plot. With increase in addition of UA in presence of DA fluorescence TURNs ON with a minimum selective detection limit of UA as 0.23 × 10−12 M. Selective detection of UA in presence of DA is due to the following reasons i) decrease in bandgap of G‐NCDs in presence of UA ii) electrostatic attraction between negatively charged carboxyl group of G‐NCDs and positively charge secondary amine group of UA molecule ii) UA molecules near to the surface of G‐NCDs switches off the formation of polydopamine iv) formation of surface defects due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the ketone/hydroxyl group in the UA molecule and the amino group on the surface of G‐NCD resulting in fluorescence. The first time the lowest detection limit of 0.23 × 10−12 M of UA is been reported in presence of DA using G‐NCDs. In future, G‐NCDs will be used for the detection of UA in biological fluids.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Photocatalytic Application of ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Sattigeri Nayana I. , Patil Vismitha S. , Sharath Sirigere Chandraiah , Nagaveni Gowdru Halappa , Basayya Maheshkumar , Gunnagol Raghu M. , Mawazzan Mohammedhamidraza A. , Rabinal Mohammad Hussain Kasim , Kalasad Muttanagoud N.
Published: December 2024

Herein, we report the synthesis of Zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS QDs) by chemical precipitation method using air‐stable complex of hydrazine hydrate‐sulfur is reported. The hydrazine hydrate‐sulfur complex plays a vital role in the growth of ZnS QDs. The structural studies confirm that ZnS QDs are highly stable, spherical in shape, monodisperse, and exhibit wurtzite structure. The estimated particle size is in the range of 3–6 nm. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the ZnS QDs for the photodegradation of methyl orange is explored. The ZnS QDs exhibit interesting size dependent degradation performance. The photodegradation efficiency increases with increase in the size of ZnS QDs and the highest observed photodegradation efficiency is 66.31%.
Insight Into Factors Influencing the Aggregation Process in Wild‐Type and P66R Mutant SOD1: Computational and Spectroscopic Approaches
Authors: Farrokhzad Roghayeh , Seyedalipour Bagher , Baziyar Payam , Hosseinkhani Saman
Published: December 2024

Disturbances in metal ion homeostasis associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been described for several years, but the exact mechanism of involvement is not well understood. To elucidate the role of metalation in superoxide dismutase (SOD1) misfolding and aggregation, we comprehensively characterized the structural features (apo/holo forms) of WT‐SOD1 and P66R mutant in loop IV. Using computational and experimental methodologies, we assessed the physicochemical properties of these variants and their correlation with protein aggregation at the molecular level. Modifications in apo‐SOD1 compared to holo‐SOD1 were more pronounced in flexibility, stability, hydrophobicity, and intramolecular interactions, as indicated by molecular dynamics simulations. The enzymatic activities of holo/apo‐WT SOD1 were 1.30 and 1.88‐fold of the holo/apo P66R mutant, respectively. Under amyloid‐inducing conditions, decreased ANS fluorescence intensity in the apo‐form relative to the holo‐form suggested pre‐fibrillar species and amyloid aggregate growth due to occluded hydrophobic pockets. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that apo‐WT‐SOD1 and apo‐P66R exhibited a mixture of parallel and intermolecular β‐sheet structures, indicative of aggregation propensity. Aggregate species were identified using TEM, Congo red staining, and ThT/ANS fluorescence spectroscopy. Thermodynamic analyses with GdnHCl demonstrated that metal deficit, mutation, and intramolecular disulfide bond reduction are essential for initiating SOD1 misfolding and aggregation. These disruptions destabilize the dimer‐monomer equilibrium, promoting dimer dissociation into monomers and decreasing the thermodynamic stability of SOD1 variants, thus facilitating amyloid/amorphous aggregate formation. Our findings offer novel insights into protein aggregation mechanisms in disease pathology and highlight potential therapeutic strategies against toxic protein aggregation, including SOD1.
Energy Absorption in a Rotating Rigid Honeycomb Based on Reinforced Ribbed Plates
Authors: Wang Chengming , Deng Xiaolin
Published: December 2024

This article proposes a rotationally reinforced ribbed honeycomb structure by incorporating struts into the rotationally rigid honeycomb to enhance its stiffness. Finite element models of the honeycomb are developed using Abaqus/Explicit and validated through quasistatic experiments for accuracy. Based on the models, a series of studies on the honeycomb's structural behavior are conducted. Initially, the mechanical properties of the honeycomb under varying loading conditions and rib angles are analyzed. The results indicate that the RSH‐45 configuration exhibits the most favorable mechanical properties under both X‐direction and Y‐direction loading conditions. Specifically, under impact in the X‐direction, the RSH‐45 and RSH‐60 configurations demonstrate increases in energy absorption of 114.64% and 96.9%, respectively, compared to the RSH‐90 configuration. Subsequently, the mechanical properties of the RSH at different impact velocities are examined. The negative Poisson's effect of the RSH is most pronounced at low‐velocity, with the deformation modes changing as velocity increases. Under medium‐velocity impacts, RSH‐45 and RSH‐60 configurations exhibit a significant negative Poisson's ratio effect, while RSH‐75 and RSH‐90 configurations display a positive effect. In summary, reinforcing ribs produces a significant negative Poisson's ratio effect only at specific angles.
Direct Solvent‐Free Amide Bond Formation Catalyzed by Anatase‐TiO2 Surface: Insight from Modeling
Authors: Fois Ettore , Tabacchi Gloria
Published: December 2024

Amide bond formation processes are of paramount relevance for a broad spectrum of applications. Conventional amidation protocols typically rely on drastic reaction conditions and the use/disposal of large amounts of chemicals. These limitations may be bypassed by heterogeneously catalyzed amidation at dry conditions. However, progress is hindered because the mechanisms of these processes are largely unexplored. By using ab initio metadynamics, a concerted one‐step mechanism is proposed for the solvent‐free condensation of methylamine and formic acid on TiO2(101)‐anatase, leading to methylformamide with concomitant release of molecular water. The activation barrier—14.3 kcal mol−1—is in line with the mild conditions experimentally adopted in amide bond syntheses on TiO2 nanoparticles. The mechanism disclosed herein reveals the key role of Ti4+ sites located on stoichiometric (101) anatase surfaces in promoting amide‐bond formation at the TiO2/vapor interface. The acid strength of the adsorbed HCOOH molecules may be tuned by the HCOOH surface coverage, thus influencing the outcome of the amidation reaction. These molecular‐level insights may foster further endeavors to improve/upscale TiO2‐catalyzed amide syntheses at dry conditions, while raising the interest toward amidation processes at the surface/vapor interface promoted by economically and environmentally sustainable metal oxide nanomaterials.
Low‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound‐Responsive Nanobubbles Enhance Thrombus Targeting and Penetration for Highly Effective Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Sun Maoyuan , Xu Lian , Chen Sijin , Rong Xiyue , Wang Junrui , Liu Jia , Liu Bo , Xu Jie , Luo Ying , Du Qianying , Wang Yi , Liu Yun , Wang Zhigang , Ran Haitao , Guo Dajing
Published: December 2024

Owing to the short half‐life, restricted targeting capability, and high bleeding risk associated with thrombolytic drugs, safe and effective thrombolytic therapy remains challenging. Based on the natural targeting and immune escape functions of platelets during thrombosis, spatiotemporally controlled nanobubbles (PAF@M) are developed to specifically target thrombus sites. These nanobubbles are designed by loading an air core of perfluoropentane (PFP) and l‐arginine within a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) shell and coating it with a platelet membrane. Under stimulation with low‐intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), physical shear stress promotes deep penetration of the nanobubbles into the thrombus. Moreover, the liquid–gas phase transition of PFP and the release of nitric oxide synergistically enhance ultrasonic cavitation to disrupt the thrombus structure. In terms of mechanism, these gas molecules induce acoustic pore action to disrupt the fibrin network structure, loosening the interior of the thrombus, and act specifically on the surfaces of red blood cells and activated platelets, launching a comprehensive attack on the thrombus. It is believed that PAF@M nanobubbles will delay the progression of thrombosis and achieve safe and highly effective thrombolytic therapy. This simple LIFU response principle has the potential to be a safer and more effective alternative to current pharmaceutical approaches.
Solution Process–Based Facile Flame–Boosted Low‐Valence Transition Metal Doping on Pristine Oxide for Highly Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Solar Water Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Roh Seung Hun , Kwak Eujin , Hong Won Tae , Xia Chengkai , Kim Sungsoon , Chae Heeyeop , Yu Xu , Yang Wooseok , Park Jongwook , Kim Jung Kyu
Published: December 2024

As for the high sustainable solar hydrogen production via water splitting, transition metal doping on an oxide photoanode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells has been recognized as an effective approach. However, conventional thermal‐diffusion‐mediated doping strategies face the challenge of resolving sluggish catalytic kinetics for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and its practical utilization for the synthesis of photoanode films. Herein, we introduce facile ultrafast flame‐boosted doping of Mo into a BiVO4 (FL MoBVO) film for 20 s to achieve an efficient PEC OER. Mo elements in a low‐valence state (i.e., Mo6−δ) and Mo6+ are successfully doped into the photoanode, which manipulate the energy band structure, facilitating the downward shift of band edges and promoting the surface catalytic kinetics. Consequently, the flame‐boosted Mo‐doping results in superior PEC performance in a mild environment with neutral electrolyte without introducing any other additives or co‐catalysts, where the photocurrent density at 1.23 VRHE under 1 sun illumination in pH 7 is outstandingly enhanced, over 9‐fold higher than that of a pristine BiVO4. The flame‐boosted doping induces significantly enhanced photoexcited charge transport and catalytic reaction kinetics performances simultaneously. Our report provides the effective strategy boosting both the thermodynamic and kinetic charge migration properties for sustainable materials.
Fluidized Bed Reactors: Operational Fundamentals
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

Fluidization facilitates a dynamic interplay between solid particles and upward-flowing gases, essential to a multitude of industrial processes such as drying, coating, granulation, casting, pyrolysis, gasification, and energy storage.
Oxy-Fuel Combustion in FBRs
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

Oxy-fuel combustion, also known as O2/CO2 combustion or oxy-fuel, is one of the most promising CO2 capture technologies for coal-fired power plants, technically or economically. Oxy-fuel combustion represents a pivotal advancement in carbon capture technologies, characterized by fuel burning in an oxygen-rich environment rather than in the air.
Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) in FBRs
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

To date, the chemical looping combustion (CLC) technology has been recognized as a highly promising CO2 capture strategy for the combustion of fossil fuel attributed to its inherent ability of CO2 separation.
Calcium Looping in FBRs
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

The calcium looping process, an emerging technology in carbon capture, hinges on the reversible reaction of calcium oxide (CaO) with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Low-Temperature Sorption in FBRs
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

For the CO2 capture from low-temperature exhaust gas, two technical routes were generally used: (1) physisorption-based CO2 capture by using porous materials; and (2) chemisorption-based CO2 capture using solid alkaline sorbents.
Challenges and Outlooks
Authors: Duan Lunbo , Lu Dennis
Published: December 2024

The utilization of FBR offers numerous advantages for implementing innovative CO2 capture technologies. However, these novel CO2 capture technologies introduce unique challenges due to their distinct properties compared to conventional applications.
A Swim in the Rough Surf—Deaf, Aboriginal, and at the Biggest School of All
Authors: Avery Scott
Published: December 2024

Professor Scott Avery has crafted a beautiful allegory, which compellingly combines narratives of Country (ocean), wisdom of Elders and intersectionality. The cultural vibrance of the story is juxtaposed with a thorough meditation on the risks and (occasional) benefits of representing two diversity ‘ticked boxes’. Professor Avery very incisively deploys a football metaphor to characterise his context and tackles head on the question of capacity. He asks challenging questions about who has the right to speak, actively contexts disciplinary approaches that seek to contain and restrain and calls out institutional practices that assume knowledge and decision-making primacy. Professor Avery also pays respect to Elders and to the advocacy which has opened up university spaces to Indigenous people.
Lessons Along the Way—8 Rules for Surviving Academia as an Aboriginal Early Career Researcher
Authors: Newton BJ
Published: December 2024

Dr BJ Newton’s chapter is addressed to Indigenous ECR colleagues who might be starting out in their postdoctoral careers. Dr. Newton outlines 8 rules for surviving academia for ECRs. The chapter also touched on the benefits and pitfalls of taking up a leadership role in the ECR period. The ‘rules’ cover advice for self, advice about how and who to collaborate with, and the potential for a greater good. Dr. Newton suggest that knowing your own values and priorities will help to guide both what you do and what you don’t do and help you to pursue your own research. Finding culturally nurturing environments, respectful collaborator and trustworthy leaders can help you to build the next phase of your career. Driving outcomes for the next generation of Indigenous researchers is a rewarding aspect of your newfound leadership.
Paving the Way from Latchkey Kid to Big Sky Dreaming
Authors: Sullivan Corrinne T.
Published: December 2024

Professor Corrinne Sullivan’s chapter juxtaposes raw talent, absolute determination and sheer will to ‘do more’ with the barely visible structures and attitudes designed to keep Indigenous people ‘in their place’. Reflecting on a career journey that spans schooling to the achievement of a senior academic role, Professor Sullivan charts a recurring theme of underestimation, first in her family and later in her workplaces. She sagely uses this underestimation to refute low expectations, whether winning awards for her honours and doctoral work, or accolades for her research. As well, Professor Sullivan powerfully illustrates the connection between ‘dreaming big’, individual agency and how opportunities seized can build momentum for the next career goal. A key lesson from this chapter is not to underestimate Indigenous ability, particularly where early signs of success demonstrate ample prospect of future possibilities, but rather to create opportunity for talent to flourish.
Faith, Dreams and Lessons
Authors: Townsend-Cross Marcelle
Published: December 2024

Dr Marcelle Townsend-Cross’ work is driven by her commitment to social justice for Indigenous people, which drives her Indigenous Studies teaching research. This chapter sends a clear message to universities that providing creative and innovative options for Indigenous scholars can result in retaining talent, underlining the value of supporting Indigenous ECRs as they develop their new professional identities. Dr Townsend-Cross also highlights the importance of finding like-minded collaborators who can help to navigate the institutional and research practices that are not always known to Indigenous ECRs. Collaborators and mentors can help to demystify processes such as journal publishing and can lead to further invitations, bolstering opportunity and reputation. Dr Townsend-Cross reminds us of the critical role of journal reviewers and editors in supporting the development of beginning scholars.