bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Label‐Free Metal‐Oxide Transistor Biosensors for Metabolite Detection in Human Saliva
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Faber Hendrik , AlGhamdi Wejdan S. , Naphade Dipti , Lin Yen‐Hung , Heeney Martin , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: February 2024

Metabolites are essential molecules involved in various metabolic processes, and their deficiencies and excessive concentrations can trigger significant physiological consequences. The detection of multiple metabolites within a non‐invasively collected biofluid could facilitate early prognosis and diagnosis of severe diseases. Here, a metal oxide heterojunction transistor (HJ‐TFT) sensor is developed for the label‐free, rapid detection of uric acid (UA) and 25(OH)Vitamin‐D3 (Vit‐D3) in human saliva. The HJ‐TFTs utilize a solution‐processed In2O3/ZnO channel functionalized with uricase enzyme and Vit‐D3 antibody for the selective detection of UA and Vit‐D3, respectively. The ultra‐thin tri‐channel architecture facilitates strong coupling between the electrons transported along the buried In2O3/ZnO heterointerface and the electrostatic perturbations caused by the interactions between the surface‐immobilized bioreceptors and target analytes. The biosensors can detect a wide range of concentrations of UA (from 500 nm to 1000 µM) and Vit‐D3 (from 100 pM to 120 nm) in human saliva within 60 s. Moreover, the biosensors exhibit good linearity with the physiological concentration of metabolites and limit of detections of ≈152 nm for UA and ≈7 pM for Vit‐D3 in real saliva. The specificity is demonstrated against various interfering species, including other metabolites and proteins found in saliva, further showcasing its capabilities.
Microwave Speech Recognizer Empowered by a Programmable Metasurface
Authors: Zhang Hongrui , Ruan Hengxin , Zhao Hanting , Wang Zhuo , Hu Shengguo , Cui Tie Jun , del Hougne Philipp , Li Lianlin
Published: February 2024

Speech recognition becomes increasingly important in the modern society, especially for human–machine interactions, but its deployment is still severely thwarted by the struggle of machines to recognize voiced commands in challenging real‐life settings: oftentimes, ambient noise drowns the acoustic sound signals, and walls, face masks or other obstacles hide the mouth motion from optical sensors. To address these formidable challenges, an experimental prototype of a microwave speech recognizer empowered by programmable metasurface is presented here that can remotely recognize human voice commands and speaker identities even in noisy environments and if the speaker's mouth is hidden behind a wall or face mask. The programmable metasurface is the pivotal hardware ingredient of the system because its large aperture and huge number of degrees of freedom allows the system to perform a complex sequence of sensing tasks, orchestrated by artificial‐intelligence tools. Relying solely on microwave data, the system avoids visual privacy infringements. The developed microwave speech recognizer can enable privacy‐respecting voice‐commanded human–machine interactions is experimentally demonstrated in many important but to‐date inaccessible application scenarios. The presented strategy will unlock new possibilities and have expectations for future smart homes, ambient‐assisted health monitoring, as well as intelligent surveillance and security.
Unlocking Charge Transfer Limitation in NASICON Structured Na3V2(PO4)3 Cathode via Trace Carbon Incorporation
Authors: Huang Ren , Yan Dong , Zhang Qianyu , Zhang Guowei , Chen Bingbing , Yang Hui Ying , Yu Caiyan , Bai Ying
Published: February 2024

NASICON‐type cathode with remarkable ionic conductivity is perspective candidate for fast‐charging sodium‐ion battery. However, severely restricted by low electrical conductivity and poor interfacial kinetics, it usually delivers poor charge transfer kinetics. Different from traditional carbon compositing with high carbon contents, herein, a trace carbon incorporation tactic is proposed based on a typical NASICON‐structured Na3V2(PO4)3. First, particle‐growth process of Na3V2(PO4)3 is regulated via incorporating carbon dot, significantly reducing its particle size to shorten charge diffusion path. Second, electrical conductivity of Na3V2(PO4)3 is improved without sacrificing its high electrochemical activity due to the incorporated trace carbon content (0.76 wt.%). Third, Na3V2(PO4)3‐electrolyte interface structure is optimized by abundant functional groups from the incorporated carbon dot, enabling a thin and stable NaF‐rich CEI layer to boost interface kinetics. As a result, carbon dot endows Na3V2(PO4)3 with ultrastable cyclability up to 20 k cycles (capacity retention of 98.4%) and excellent rate capability (up to 200 C) in half cell, as well as high energy density (368.7 Wh kg−1) and fast charging property (≈110.2 s per charging with 250.8 Wh kg−1 input) in full cell. This study carves a new path for developing fast‐charging cathode, as is increasingly desired for present energy storage applications.
What the experts see: A qualitative analysis of the behaviors of master adaptive learners in emergency medicine
Authors: Hopson Laura R. , Branzetti Jeremy , Gisondi Michael A. , Regan Linda
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The Master Adaptive Learner (MAL) model postulates that learners develop adaptive expertise through cycles of self‐regulated learning. Despite a robust theoretical basis, the actual observable behaviors of MALs are not well characterized. We sought to define behaviors that characterize MALs within emergency medicine (EM) training.

Methods

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we analyzed semistructured interviews with expert EM educators. These experts reflected on observable behaviors as well as factors in the clinical learning environment that may modulate these behaviors. We recruited using purposive sampling until thematic saturation.

Results

We identified four overall themes, of which three described groups of learner behaviors and a fourth described modifiers of these behaviors. Learner behaviors include: (1) critical interrogation of practice, (2) intellectual risk‐taking, and (3) intentional curation of a learning network. Critical interrogation of practice encompasses several observable behaviors including learner‐driven feedback conversations, independent synthesis of clinical information, appropriate deviation from algorithms based on their conceptual understanding of core principles, intentional use of case variation and hypothetical questioning, and continuous refinement of decisions. MALs also engage in intellectual risk‐taking for their development by communicating clinical decision‐making processes even at the risk of being wrong, openly addressing errors and gaps, and intentionally seeking out uncomfortable experiences. Intentional curation of a learning network is the deliberate development of a consortium of trusted individuals who serve as mentors and sounding boards. We also identified a fourth theme related to the expression of learner behaviors: learning environment modulates behaviors. Active promotion of psychological safety is necessary for learners to express these behaviors. This safety is mediated through trusting relationships and expert supervisors who serve as colearners and role models.

Conclusions

We present several behaviors that allow identification of MALs among EM trainees. These data expand our understanding of MALs and the critical influence of the learning environment. Identification of these behaviors may allow for more precise categorization of targeted curricular interventions and meaningful learning outcomes.
Benzotriazolium Ylides‐Assisted Multicomponent Diastereoselective Synthesis of Activated Tetra‐ and Penta‐Substituted Cyclopropanes
Authors: Xia Yaolin , Zhang Qian , Lin Xinkui , Lin Shuizhen , Ma Xiaoyu , Xiao Xiaohui , Huang Xiaolei
Published: February 2024

A one‐pot three component reaction of benzotriazolium ylides, aldehydes or ketones, and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds has been developed for the synthesis of activated tetra‐ and penta‐substituted cyclopropanes. The transformation features high reactivity and diastereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, room temperature, and simple operation.
Surface Lattice Modulation Enables Stable Cycling of High‐Loading All‐solid‐state Batteries at High Voltages
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Shen , Lei Xin‐Cheng , Su Dong , Guo Si‐Jie , Zhu Jia‐Cheng , Wang Xue‐Feng , Zhang Xing , Wu Ting‐Ting , Lu Si‐Qi , Li Yu‐Tao , Cao An‐Min
Published: February 2024

Halide solid electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity at room temperature and good oxidative stability, face notable challenges in all–solid–state Li–ion batteries (ASSBs), especially with unstable cathode/solid electrolyte (SE) interface and increasing interfacial resistance during cycling. In this work, we have developed an Al3+–doped, cation–disordered epitaxial nanolayer on the LiCoO2 surface by reacting it with an artificially constructed AlPO4 nanoshell; this lithium–deficient layer featuring a rock–salt–like phase effectively suppresses oxidative decomposition of Li3InCl6 electrolyte and stabilizes the cathode/SE interface at 4.5 V. The ASSBs with the halide electrolyte Li3InCl6 and a high–loading LiCoO2 cathode demonstrated high discharge capacity and long cycling life from 3 to 4.5 V. Our findings emphasize the importance of specialized cathode surface modification in preventing SE degradation and achieving stable cycling of halide–based ASSBs at high voltages.
Pt(II)/Pd(II)‐Based Metallosupramolecular Architectures as Light Harvesting Systems and their Applications
Authors: Bokotial Dikshit , Acharyya Koushik , Chowdhury Aniket , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: February 2024

The development of artificial light‐harvesting systems mimicking the natural photosynthesis method is an ever‐growing field of research. Numerous systems such as polymers, metal complexes, POFs, COFs, supramolecular frameworks etc. have been fabricated to accomplish more efficient energy transfer and storage. Among them, the supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) formed by non‐covalent metal‐ligand interaction, have shown the capacity to not only undergo single and multistep energy migration but also to utilize the harvested energy for a wide variety of applications such as photocatalysis, tunable emissive systems, encrypted anti‐counterfeiting materials, white light emitters etc. This review sheds light on the light‐harvesting behavior of both the 2D metallacycles and 3D metallacages where design ingenuity has been executed to afford energy harvesting by both donor ligands as well as metal acceptors.
MXene‐mediated Interfacial Growth of 2D‐2D Heterostructured Nanomaterials as Cathodes for Zn‐based Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Zhang Guangxun , Yang Hui , Zhou Huijie , Huang Tianyu , Yang YiFei , Zhu Guoyin , Zhang Yizhou , Pang Huan
Published: February 2024

In this study, we introduce a novel approach for synthesizing two‐dimensional (2D) MXene heterostructures featuring a sandwiched and cross‐linked network structure. This method addresses the common issue of activity degradation in 2D nanomaterials caused by inevitable aggregation. By utilizing the distinct surface characteristics of MXene, we successfully induced the growth of various 2D nanomaterials on MXene substrates. This strategy effectively mitigates self‐stacking defects and augments the exposure of surface areas. In particular, the obtained 2D‐2D MXene@NiCo‐layered double hydroxide (MH−NiCo) heterostructures exhibit enhanced structural stability, improved chemical reversibility, and heightened charge transfer efficiency, outperforming pure NiCo LDH. The aqueous MH−Ni4Co1//Zn@carbon cloth (MH−Ni4Co1//Zn@CC) battery demonstrates exceptional performance with a remarkable specific capacity of 0.61 mAh cm−2, maintaining 96.6 % capacitance after 2300 cycles. Additionally, it achieves an energy density of 1.047 mWh cm−2 and a power density of 32.899 mW cm−2. This research not only paves the way for new design paradigms in energy‐related nanomaterials but also offers invaluable insights for the application and optimization of 2D‐2D heterostructures in advanced electrochemical devices.
Developing thermally stable beverage emulsions using mildly fractionated pea proteins
Authors: Devaki Neksha Diwakar , Ghosh Supratim
Published: February 2024

Oil‐in‐water emulsions are widely used as the base flavoring or clouding agents in various beverages. Pulse proteins can play a major role as a natural emulsifier in beverages. However, the presence of insoluble components greatly minimizes their potential application in beverage emulsions. In this work, pea protein concentrate was mildly fractionated by aqueous centrifugation to recover a soluble fraction with 71% protein yield, which was then used to develop 5% oil‐in‐water emulsions using a high‐pressure homogenizer. Emulsion stability was tested by heat treatment (90°C, 30 min) in the presence of NaCl (0–1 M) at pH 7.0 and 2.0. Stability increased upon the addition of salt at pH 7, while at pH 2, proteins and droplets aggregated. Heat treatment led to extensive aggregation at both pH values, which was further worsened by salt. To prevent thermal destabilization, the proteins were heat‐treated at 75°C for 30 min for partial denaturation before emulsification under hot conditions. The heat‐treated protein‐stabilized emulsions at pH 7 had superior thermal stability at all salt concentrations without aggregation. However, a similar improvement was not observed at pH 2. Pre‐heating the soluble protein exposed the hydrophobic patches, leading to better adsorption on the droplet surface, which did not show additional aggregation upon further heating the emulsions at pH 7. Interestingly, heat‐treated protein‐stabilized emulsions showed a 44% drop in lipid digestibility compared to the original emulsions. The proposed approach could be a valuable addition to the utilization of pea proteins in beverage emulsions that could withstand heat treatment during food processing.
Toughness enhancement of polylactide with low amounts of poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) through in situ reactive compatibilization
Authors: Li Lin , Li Tian‐xiang , Zhao De‐fang , Xie Yu‐hui , Feng Dong , Wu Feng , Xie Delong , Wang Chi , Liu Yuxin , Mei Yi
Published: February 2024

Polylactide (PLA) was melt blended with low amounts of poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) using a simple reactive extrusion process herein, aiming to address the inherent brittleness of PLA without significantly compromising its stiffness. PLA/PBAT (90/10) blends with a small amount of peroxide (0.02 phr) and a second crosslinker agent triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) were produced to explore the structure‐performance relationship evolution in reactive extrusion. The results showed that the PLA blend with an appropriate amount of TAIC (i.e., 0.3 phr) exhibited a remarkable increase in elongation at break, reaching as high as 96%. The sample with high elongation also demonstrated a high stiffness, boasting a Young's modulus of 2.4 GPa and a yield strength of 43 MPa. It was evident that the combination of enhanced compatibility and optimized homogeneous PBAT phase size of approximately 0.6 μm worked synergistically to enhance the toughness of PLA. Conversely, higher TAIC contents resulted in over‐crosslinking, despite considerable improvements in compatibility. This study offers a versatile, scalable, and practical method to prepare fully biodegradable PLA blends with high toughness.
Kinetic migration of PBS and PBSA biopolymers prepared by cast film extrusion and biaxial stretching: A combined experimental and modeling approach
Authors: Jariyasakoolroj Piyawanee , Chongcharoenyanon Busarin , Wadaugsorn Kiattichai
Published: February 2024

The kinetic migration of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA) biopolymers, prepared by cast film extrusion (thin film) and biaxial stretching (biaxially oriented [BO] film) techniques, were investigated based on experimental and mathematical modeling. MATLAB coding was used to fit the migration data to a diffusion model. BO films significantly reduced the migration rate compared with thin films, with reductions of 29% and 41% for BO‐PBS and BO‐PBSA, respectively, due to the increased degree of molecular crystallinity. Higher ethanol content increased the quantity of substance diffusing from plastic film. PBS and PBSA are more suitable for packaging hydrophilic foods than alcoholic beverages. PBS exhibited a lower migration rate than PBSA due to its more rigid polymer matrix. Remarkably, BO‐films exhibited 31% and 41% lower diffusion coefficients (D) compared with thin films, but significantly higher partition coefficients (KP,F) by 44% and 267% for BO‐PBS and BO‐PBSA, respectively. This suggests a stronger affinity of migrant for BO film matrix. However, at 70°C, PBSA films may be hydrolyzed with a high ethanol, resulting in an inadequate diffusion model. The diffusion–reaction concept should be implemented for a better fit. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate packaging materials and predicting migration under diverse conditions, ultimately promoting consumer safety.
Rational design and synthesis of 2,4‐dichloro‐6‐methyl pyrimidine derivatives as potential selective EGFRT790M/L858R inhibitors for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Duan Lei , Chu Cilong , Huang Xiaoling , Yao Huizhi , Wen Jie , Chen Rui , Wang Caolin , Tu Yuanbiao , Lv Qiaoli , Pan Qingshan , Xu Shan
Published: February 2024

Many patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initially benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy. Unfortunately, varying degrees of resistance or side effects eventually develop. Overcoming and preventing the resistance and side effects of EGFR inhibitors has become a hot topic of research today. Based on the previous studies on AZD‐9291, we designed and synthesized two series of 2,4‐dichloro‐6‐methylpyrimidine derivatives, 19 compounds in total, as potential inhibitors of the EGFR kinase. The most promising compound, L‐18, showed better inhibitory activity (81.9%) and selectivity against EGFRT790M/L858R kinase. In addition, L‐18 showed strong antiproliferative activity against H1975 cells with an IC50 value of 0.65 ± 0.06 μM and no toxicity to normal cells (LO‐2). L‐18 was able to dose‐dependently induce the apoptosis of H1975 cells and produced a cell‐cycle‐blocking effect, and it can also dose‐dependently inhibit the migration and invasion of H1975 cells. L‐18 also showed in vivo anticancer efficacy in H1975 cells xenograft mice. We also performed a series of in vivo and in vitro toxicological evaluations of compound L‐18, which did not cause obvious injury in mice during administration. These results suggest that L‐18 may be a promising drug candidate that warrants further investigation.
Spin period evolution of Vela pulsar based on the wind emission: Application to the long period radio pulsars GPM J1839‐10 (P = 21 min) and GLEAM‐X J1627 (P = 18 min)
Authors: Sun Yi‐Hong , Wang De‐Hua , Zhang Cheng‐Min , Cui Xiang‐Han , Zhang Jian‐Wei , Yu Jing , Zhou Yun‐Gang , You Zi‐Yi
Published: February 2024

The Vela pulsar is a young neutron star with spin period of P = 89 ms and a measured low braking index (˜1.4) that is much less than the standard value of 3 predicted by the magnetic dipole radiation (MDR) model; however, its spin period evolution has been a mystery. In this article, we assume that the spin‐down of the Vela pulsar is attributed to both MDR and wind flow (hereafter MDRW), and find that the ratio of wind flow to the magnetic dipole radiation is about 80%, which is higher than that of the Crab pulsar (25%). In other words, the spin‐down torque of the Vela pulsar is dominated by the wind flow. The spin period (P) evolution of the Vela pulsar depends on its real age, where its supernova remnant age is assumed to be an indicator of its true age, estimated from 10 to 20 kyr, and then we obtain their initial spin periods of ˜53.89 and ˜20.90 ms, respectively, which are consistent with the observed initial spin period ranges of young pulsars. Furthermore, we find that the Vela‐like pulsar by MDRW can evolve to the long spin period of a thousand of seconds in less than million years, which can conveniently help the astronomers understand the recently observed ultra‐long period radio pulsars like GPM J1839‐10 (P = 21 min), GLEAM‐X J1627 (P = 18 min), as well as PSR J0901+4046 (P = 76 s).
Use of an inexpensive carbon source for the production of a cellulase enzyme complex from Penicillium ucsense S1M29 and enzymatic hydrolysis optimization
Authors: da Silva Lima Deise Juliana , Couto Rafaela , Souza Juçara Cristina Pereira , Camassola Marli , Fontana Roselei C. , Dillon Aldo José , da Cruz Pradella José Geraldo
Published: February 2024

The high cost of cellulolytic enzyme complexes (CECs) has been a significant impediment to the commercial production of bioproducts from lignocellulose biomass. This study aimed to develop a cost‐effective CEC derived from Penicillium ucsense (former Penicillium echinulatum), utilizing diverse forms of pretreated sugarcane bagasse as the primary carbon/inductor source. Among the different pretreatments used, the hydrothermal pretreatment followed by NaOH delignification (BHD) produced higher FPase and xylanase activities (4.5 FPU mL–1 and 120 IU mL–1) in bioreactor experiments at 20 g BHD L–1 initial concentration. A batch‐mode assay conducted across a range of initial carbon source (5 to 60 g L–1) confirmed the highest FPase activity (4.0 to 5.0 FPU mL–1 at 120 h), in the range of 20–40 g BHD L–1. During these assays the agitation rate, controlled by dissolved O2, tended to stabilize at lower levels, indicating substrate limitation. Conversely, higher initial carbon source concentrations led to an excess of glucose, likely triggering carbon catabolite repression and inhibiting cellulase production. This insight prompted the development of a controlled pulsed fed‐batch strategy, resulting in FPase activity of 11 FPU mL–1 at 220 h using 90 g L–1 BHD controlled fed into the bioreactor. An enzymatic hydrolysis procedure using the generated CEC was also optimized using a central composite rotational design (CCRD). The optimized enzyme hydrolysis conditions achieved a reducing sugar concentration of 80.9 g L–1 in 48 h using 170 g L–1 of BHD as the substrate at a ratio of 15 FPU of enzyme substrate per g of BHD. A preliminary economic assessment demonstrated that, for a first‐ and second‐generation (1G + 2G) ethanol biorefinery, the cost contribution of enzymes would be about US$0.2/L of biofuel. In conclusion, an efficient and highly productive procedure was developed successfully for the production of a CEC. It was particularly effective for the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse.
Delayed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis with subtle cardiac manifestations: Was anchoring bias contributory?
Authors: Cherin Neyha , Patel Shivani , Jukic Michelle
Published: February 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. Throughout medical training, it is taught that the most recognizable clinical presentation involves both motor and bulbar changes. Given the complexity of the diagnosis however, it is no surprise that there is significant multisystem involvement secondary to the autonomic dysfunction associated with the disease. The clinical cognitive biases that exist due to prior educational training and patient provided chief complaint can mislead clinicians and prevent a holistic, inclusive approach toward each patient encounter. This can delay diagnosis and increase unnecessary healthcare spending. In a disease with such a poor prognosis, this effect can be catastrophic, resulting in unacceptable medical, functional, and psychosocial outcomes. As clinicians, it is imperative to acknowledge these cognitive biases through introspection, which can improve clinical outcomes and ultimately patient quality of life for those facing this devastating disease. We report a case of a 55‐year‐old female who presented with a chief complaint of palpitations and minimal slurred speech on multiple encounters, subsequently leading to a focused cardiovascular workup. It was not until after several hospital encounters that a thorough functional and neuromuscular exam was performed, which ultimately helped to broaden the differential and lead to the diagnosis of ALS. Unfortunately, due to this delayed diagnosis, the patient's functionality was beyond repair. Given the underlying cognitive biases that are present in all clinicians, we hypothesize this patient's sex, presenting symptom, and primary chief complaint misled clinicians to perform limited history and physical examinations, therefore, leading to a narrowed differential. If diagnosed in a timely fashion, vital services such as rehabilitation could have provided this patient with the necessary medical, functional, and psychosocial support to face this devastating disease.
Metal Oxides Derived from Perovskite or Spinel for the Selective Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes: A Mini–Review
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Xin Huiyue
Published: February 2024

Mixed metal oxides with perovskite ABO3 or spinel AB2O4 structure can provide uniformly and highly dispersed metal oxides, which can be adopted as catalyst supports, as catalysts directly or as catalysts after reduction. When they are used as catalyst supports, the spatial isolation of A‐site ions with B‐site ions not only makes these ions highly dispersed, but also enhances the intimate contact with the active components supported on them, leading to electron transfer or synergistic effect to promote the catalytic ability. After reduction, highly dispersed A/B nanoparticles supported on BOx/AOx can be achieved for the relevant applications. Herein, recent developments in the liquid–phase selective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, with metal oxides derived from perovskite or spinel as supports or catalyst precursors, were summarized.
Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine at a Novel Poly(2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzaldehyde) Film Modified Electrode
Authors: Elugoke Saheed E. , Fayemi Omolola E. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Adesanya Funmilola A. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: February 2024

In this study, a novel electrodeposition of poly(2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzaldehyde) on bare glassy carbon electrode for dopamine detection was reported. 2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzaldehyde and the electrodeposited poly(2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzaldehyde) were characterized using Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The bare electrode modified with the optimum amount of 2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzaldehyde (PTGCE) was used for dopamine electroanalysis. The linear dynamic range and the limit of detection of DA at PTGCE were 0.70‐19.48 μM and 19.48–53.30 μM, and 0.64 μM, respectively. The modified electrode showed outstanding discriminatory dopamine detection in the presence of uric acid and ascorbic acid due to a dopamine‐uric acid and a dopamine‐ascorbic acid peak‐to‐peak separation of 160 mV and 200 mV, respectively. The proposed sensor showed considerable reproducibility of dopamine current response and excellent % dopamine recovery of 99.70 % from the real sample solution.
On the Preparation and Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of Certain 2,5‐Bis(het)aryl Substituted Thiophenes
Authors: Dmitrieva Evgenia , Barche Jens , Popov Alexey A. , Hartmann Horst
Published: February 2024

In this work, a series of novel 2,5‐bis(het)aryl and 2,5‐bis‐thienyl substituted thiophenes have been synthesized and characterized by ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared (UV‐Vis‐NIR) absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. From the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)/UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemical data, information about the optical and magnetic properties of the charged species of these compounds have been provided. The spin distributions in the electrochemically generated radical ions were estimated experimentally and compared with theoretical data.
Reinforced SnO2 tensile‐strength and “buffer‐spring” interfaces for efficient inorganic perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Gao Lei , Wang Qiurui , Zhang Qiang , Yang Xiya , Zhu Jingwei , Huang Hao , Duan Jialong , Tang Qunwei
Published: February 2024

Suppressing nonradiative recombination and releasing residual strain are prerequisites to improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, long‐chain polyacrylic acid (PAA) is used to reinforce SnO2 film and passivate SnO2 defects, forming a structure similar to “reinforced concrete” with high tensile strength and fewer microcracks. Simultaneously, PAA is also introduced to the SnO2/perovskite interface as a “buffer spring” to release residual strain, which also acts as a “dual‐side passivation interlayer” to passivate the oxygen vacancies of SnO2 and Pb dangling bonds in halide perovskites. As a result, the best inorganic CsPbBr3 PSC achieves a champion power conversion efficiency of 10.83% with an ultrahigh open‐circuit voltage of 1.674 V. The unencapsulated PSC shows excellent stability under 80% relative humidity and 80°C over 120 days.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation Reaction of Indole/Pyrrole Involving HCFO‐1233zd (E)
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Wei , Zhu Wen‐Qing , Yu‐Jing  , Shi Yi‐Ran , Zhang Jin , Li Hong , Yang Min‐Ge , Fan Qiang‐Wei , Li Yang
Published: February 2024

3‐Indole‐3‐one is a key intermediate in the synthesis of many drugs and plays an important role in synthetic chemistry and biochemistry. A new method for synthesizing trifluoromethylated 3‐indoleketones by Pd(0)‐catalyzed carbonylation was introduced. In the absence of additives, 1‐chloro‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl (an inexpensive and environmentally friendly synthetic block of trifluoromethyl) reacts with indole and carbon monoxide to generate trifluoromethylindole ketones with good yields, regioselectivity, and chemical selectivity; furthermore, the products exhibit strong resistance to basic functional groups, such as alkynes, aldehydes, and esters. In addition to the conversion of indole compounds into corresponding products, pyrrole and heteroindole may be suitable for corresponding chemical transformations. This study provides a synthetic method for the further construction of trifluoromethylated 3‐indole ketones.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloaddition of 4‐Vinylbenzodioxinones with Barbiturate‐Derived Alkenes: Con‐struction of Chiral Spirobarbiturate−Chromanes
Authors: Tang Yi , Huang Mingxia , Ding Siyuan , Liu Xinyao , Huyang Xiaochun , Wang Bo , Guo Hongchao
Published: February 2024

In this paper, Pd‐catalyzed [4+2] decarboxylative cycloaddition of 4‐vinylbenzodioxinones with barbiturate‐derived alkenes has been developed, leading to various spirobarbiturate−chromane derivatives in high yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities. The scale‐up reaction and further derivation of the product were demonstrated. A plausible reaction mechanism was also proposed.
Reversible Coupling of Germylone with Isocyanates
Authors: Tho Nguyen Minh , Gusev Dmitry G. , Dmitrienko Anton , Pilkington Melanie , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: February 2024

The germylone dimNHCGe (5, dimNHC=diimino N‐heterocyclic carbene) undergoes a [2+2] cycloaddition with isocyanates RNCO (R=4‐tolyl or 3,5‐xylyl) to furnish novel alkyl carboxamido germylenes 7 (R=4‐tolyl) and 8 (R=3,5‐xylyl), featuring a C−C bond between the former carbene carbon and the isocyanate moiety. Heating a mixture of 8 with 4‐tolyl isocyanate to 100 °C results in isocyanate metathesis, demonstrating reversible C−C bond formation on the reduced germanium compound. DFT calculations suggest that this process occurs via the reductive dissociation of isocyanate from 8 that regenerates the parent Ge(0) compound 5.
Probing the Molecular Structure and Dynamics of Membrane‐Bound Proteins during Misfolding Processes by Sum‐Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxuan , Ni Zijian , Pei Quanbing , Wang Mengmeng , Tan Junjun , Bai Shiyu , Shi Fangwen , Ye Shuji
Published: February 2024

Protein misfolding and amyloid formation are implicated in the protein dysfunction, but the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified due to the lack of effective tools for detecting the transient intermediates. Sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG‐VS) has emerged as a powerful tool for identifying the structure and dynamics of proteins at the interfaces. In this review, we summarize recent SFG‐VS studies on the structure and dynamics of membrane‐bound proteins during misfolding processes. This paper first introduces the methods for determining the secondary structure of interfacial proteins: combining chiral and achiral spectra of amide A and amide I bands and combining amide I, amide II, and amide III spectral features. To demonstrate the ability of SFG‐VS in investigating the interfacial protein misfolding and amyloid formation, studies on the interactions between different peptides/proteins (islet amyloid polypeptide, amyloid β, prion protein, fused in sarcoma protein, hen egg‐white lysozyme, fusing fusion peptide, class I hydrophobin SC3 and class II hydrophobin HFBI) and surfaces such as lipid membranes are discussed. These molecular‐level studies revealed that SFG‐VS can provide a unique understanding of the mechanism of interfacial protein misfolding and amyloid formation in real time, in situ and without any exogenous labeling.
New Chemistries for Degradable Pressure‐Sensitive Adhesive Networks
Authors: Abu Bakar Rohani , Keddie Joseph L. , Roth Peter J.
Published: February 2024

With the increasing use of pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) in various industries, there is a need for greater sustainability, particularly in developing polymer materials from renewable resources, as well as the reuse and recycling of materials to reduce environmental impact, reduce waste, or extend their life. Here, we outlined the required properties of PSAs which are governed by the molecular parameters (molecular weights, dispersities, molecular weight between entanglement, molecular weight between cross‐links and gel content) of polymer materials which subsequently define the physical properties (storage and loss moduli, glass transition temperature) that are required for good performance in peel, tack and shear tests. The sustainable approach discussed here is the development of degradable polymer materials featuring selectively degradable linkages in the backbone. This provides a viable alternative for the design of PSAs that could overcome the ‘stickies’ problem and make the recycling of glass and cardboard more efficient.
ESG, ESG rating divergence and earnings management: Evidence from China
Authors: Mao Zhihong , Wang Siyang , Lin Yu‐En
Published: February 2024

The existing studies on the relationship between ESG and earnings management provide mixed evidence and ignore ESG rating divergence. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2021, we examine the effect of ESG performance on earnings management under different levels of ESG rating divergence. The results reveal a negative association between ESG performance and earnings management. Meanwhile, among firms with high (low) ESG rating divergence, our results show that the degree of earnings management rises (falls) when the firms engage in ESG practices. Our findings are robust to alternative variable definitions and the Heckman two‐stage selection model. In addition, we exclude alternative explanations and consider the effect of greenwashing. Cross‐sectional analyses show that the moderating effect of ESG rating divergence is significant only among firms with greater CEO power and higher agency costs, suggesting that agency problems are the mechanism by which ESG rating divergence positively moderates the relationship between ESG performance and earnings management. This study advances the existing research on ESG and earnings quality by presenting new empirical evidence and revisits ESG rating divergence through the lens of agency theory, revealing that management could use ESG for opportunistic behavior in the presence of ESG rating divergence. Our study shows that the divergence in ESG ratings can affect the economic consequences of firms' ESG practices, offering insights for future research on ESG and ESG rating divergence and for regulators to improve the regulation of ESG disclosure and rating.
Electrodeposition of PdPt Nanoparticles on Edges and S‐Vacancies in Exfoliated MoS2 Nanosheets for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Gautam Sakshi , Chugh Sachin , Gates Byron D.
Published: February 2024

Deposition of metal nanoparticles onto the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets is an efficient method to tune the electronic structure of the MoS2 and maximize its catalytic performance towards the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report the electrodeposition of Pd and Pt nanoparticles onto desulfurized MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2–x) to achieve an improved HER activity in an acidic electrolyte. The initial MoS2 powder was exfoliated and isolated through centrifugation, followed by electrochemical desulfurization to create defect sites. Subsequently, Pt and Pd nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto the S‐vacancies of MoS2–x nanosheets. The resulting PdPt nanoparticles, with a diameter of 3.3 ±1.7 nm, were distributed across the surfaces of the nanosheets. A preferential deposition was evident at the edges of the nanosheets, particularly when Pd was deposited first followed by Pt. Owing to this preferential deposition of Pd and Pt and the synergistic interaction of MoS2–x with Pd and Pt, the prepared catalyst exhibited a low overpotential of 30 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is 2.7× lower than the MoS2–x alone. The prepared catalyst exhibited a 1.7× increase in the mass activity at 20 mV overpotential, relative to that of a commercial Pt/C nanocatalyst, showcasing its promising potential as an alternative catalyst.
Optimal allocation of resources among general and species‐specific tools for plant pest biosecurity surveillance
Authors: Nguyen Hoa‐Thi‐Minh , Chu Long , Liebhold Andrew M. , Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca , Kean John M. , Kompas Tom , Robinson Andrew P. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Moore Joslin L.
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a surveillance model for plant pests that can optimally allocate resources among survey tools with varying properties. While some survey tools are highly specific for the detection of a single pest species, others are more generalized. There is considerable variation in the cost and sensitivity of these tools, but there are no guidelines or frameworks for identifying which tools are most cost‐effective when used in surveillance programs that target the detection of newly invaded populations. To address this gap, we applied our model to design a trapping surveillance program in New Zealand for bark‐ and wood‐boring insects, some of the most serious forest pests worldwide. Our findings show that exclusively utilizing generalized traps (GTs) proves to be highly cost‐effective across a wide range of scenarios, particularly when they are capable of capturing all pest species. Implementing surveillance programs that only employ specialized traps (ST) is cost‐effective only when these traps can detect highly damaging pests. However, even in such cases, they significantly lag in cost‐effectiveness compared to GT‐only programs due to their restricted coverage. When both GTs and STs are used in an integrated surveillance program, the total expected cost (TEC) generally diminishes when compared to programs relying on a single type of trap. However, this relative reduction in TEC is only marginally larger than that achieved with GT‐only programs, as long as highly damaging species can be detected by GTs. The proportion of STs among the optimal required traps fluctuates based on several factors, including the relative pricing of GTs and STs, pest arrival rates, potential damage, and, more prominently, the coverage capacity of GTs. Our analysis suggests that deploying GTs extensively across landscapes appears to be more cost‐effective in areas with either very high or very low levels of relative risk density, potential damage, and arrival rate. Finally, STs are less likely to be required when the pests that are detected by those tools have a higher likelihood of successful eradication because delaying detection becomes less costly for these species.
High‐resolution environmental and host‐related factors impacting questing Ixodes scapularis at their northern range edge
Authors: Crandall Kirsten E. , Millien Virginie , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: February 2024

The geographic range of tick populations has expanded in Canada due to climate warming and the associated poleward range shifts of their vertebrate hosts. Abiotic factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and snow, are known to directly affect tick abundance. Yet, biotic factors, such as the abundance and diversity of mammal hosts, may also alter tick abundance and consequent tick‐borne disease risk. Here, we incorporated host surveillance data with high‐resolution environmental data to evaluate the combined impact of abiotic and biotic factors on questing Ixodes scapularis abundance in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. High‐resolution abiotic factors were derived from remote sensing satellites and meteorological towers, while biotic factors related to mammal hosts were derived from active surveillance data that we collected in the field. Generalized additive models were used to determine the relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on questing I. scapularis abundance. Combinations of abiotic and biotic factors were identified as important drivers of abundances of questing I. scapularis. Positive and negative linear relationships were found for questing I. scapularis abundance with monthly mean precipitation and accumulated snow, but no effect was found for the relative abundance of white‐footed mice. Positive relationships were also identified between questing I. scapularis abundance with monthly mean precipitation and mammal species richness. Therefore, future studies that assess I. scapularis should incorporate host surveillance data with high‐resolution environmental factors to determine the key drivers impacting the abundance and geographic spread of tick populations and tick‐borne pathogens.
Acoustic features as a tool to visualize and explore marine soundscapes: Applications illustrated using marine mammal passive acoustic monitoring datasets
Authors: Cominelli Simone , Bellin Nicolo' , Brown Carissa D. , Rossi Valeria , Lawson Jack
Published: February 2024

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is emerging as a solution for monitoring species and environmental change over large spatial and temporal scales. However, drawing rigorous conclusions based on acoustic recordings is challenging, as there is no consensus over which approaches are best suited for characterizing marine acoustic environments. Here, we describe the application of multiple machine‐learning techniques to the analysis of two PAM datasets. We combine pre‐trained acoustic classification models (VGGish, NOAA and Google Humpback Whale Detector), dimensionality reduction (UMAP), and balanced random forest algorithms to demonstrate how machine‐learned acoustic features capture different aspects of the marine acoustic environment. The UMAP dimensions derived from VGGish acoustic features exhibited good performance in separating marine mammal vocalizations according to species and locations. RF models trained on the acoustic features performed well for labeled sounds in the 8 kHz range; however, low‐ and high‐frequency sounds could not be classified using this approach. The workflow presented here shows how acoustic feature extraction, visualization, and analysis allow establishing a link between ecologically relevant information and PAM recordings at multiple scales, ranging from large‐scale changes in the environment (i.e., changes in wind speed) to the identification of marine mammal species.
Coexistence mechanism of ecological specialists and generalists based on a network dimension reduction method
Authors: Duan Dongli , Hang Jiale , Wu Chengxing , Bai Xue , Rong Yisheng , Hou Gege
Published: February 2024

As an ecological strategy for species coexistence, some species adapt to a wide range of habitats, while others specialize in particular environments. Such ‘generalists’ and ‘specialists’ achieve normal ecological balance through a complex network of interactions between species. However, the role of these interactions in maintaining the coexistence of generalist and specialist species has not been elucidated within a general theoretical framework. Here, we analyze the ecological mechanism for the coexistence of specialist and generalist species in a class of mutualistic and competitive interaction ecosystems based on the network dimension reduction method. We find that ecological specialists and generalists can be identified based on the number of their respective interactions. We also find, using real‐world empirical network simulations, that the removal of ecological generalists can lead to the collapse of local ecosystems, which is rarely observed with the loss of ecological specialists.
The cumulative niche approach: A framework to assess the performance of ecological niche model projections
Authors: Arlé Eduardo , Knight Tiffany Marie , Jiménez‐Muñoz Marina , Biancolini Dino , Belmaker Jonathan , Meyer Carsten
Published: February 2024

Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) are often used to project species distributions within alien ranges and in future climatic scenarios. However, ENMs depend on species‐environment equilibrium, which may be absent for actively expanding species. We present a novel framework to estimate whether species have reached environmental equilibrium in their native and alien ranges. The method is based on the estimation of niche breadth with the accumulation of species occurrences. An asymptote will indicate exhaustive knowledge of the realised niches. We demonstrate the CNA framework for 26 species of mammals, amphibians, and birds. Possible outcomes of the framework include: (1) There is enough data to quantify the native and alien realised niches, allowing us to calculate niche expansion between the native and alien ranges, also indicating that ENMs can be reliably projected to new environmental conditions. (2) The data in the native range is not adequate but an asymptote is reached in the alien realised niche, indicating low confidence in our ability to evaluate niche expansion in the alien range but high confidence in model projections to new environmental conditions within the alien range. (3) There is enough data to quantify the native realised niche, but not enough knowledge about the alien realised niche, hindering the reliability of projections beyond sampled conditions. (4) Both the native and alien ranges do not reach an asymptote, and thus few robust conclusions about the species’ niche or future projections can be made. Our framework can be used to detect species’ environmental equilibrium in both the native and alien ranges, to quantify changes in the realised niche during the invasion processes, and to estimate the likely accuracy of model projections to new environmental conditions.