bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Parental Distraction by Technology and Mental Health Among Emerging Adolescents
Authors: Deneault Audrey-Ann , Plamondon André , Neville Ross D. , Eirich Rachel , McArthur Brae Anne , Tough Suzanne , Madigan Sheri
Published: August 2024

Importance

The digital phenomenon termed technoference refers to interruptions in routine social interactions due to technology use. Technoference may negatively affect parents’ attention to cues necessary for supporting children’s mental health.

Objective

To explore whether there are directional prospective associations between perceived parental technoference and emerging adolescents’ mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, inattention, and hyperactivity).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study assessed a general population of mothers and emerging adolescents in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Women were recruited during pregnancy between May 3, 2008, and December 13, 2010, with convenience sampling and repeated follow-up; eligible women were 18 years or older, spoke English, had a gestational age of at least 24 weeks, and received local prenatal care. Data collection for the present study took place when emerging adolescents were aged 9 (May 20 to July 15, 2020), 10 (March 4 to April 30, 2021), and 11 (November 22, 2021, to January 17, 2022) years. Mothers provided consent for their child to participate, and emerging adolescents provided assent. Data were analyzed from December 1 to 31, 2023, using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models.

Exposure

Perceived parental technoference.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Emerging adolescents completed questionnaires about their perception of parental technoference and their mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and inattention) at the 3 study times. This study did not rely on statistical significance, but instead on the magnitude of effect sizes to determine meaningful effects.

Results

Participants included 1303 emerging adolescents (mean [SD] age, 9.7 [0.8] years at time 1; of the 1028 reporting information, 529 [51.5%] were girls). Cross-sectional associations indicated correlations between perceptions of parental technoference and emerging adolescents’ mental health (r range, 0.17-0.19). Higher levels of anxiety at 9 and 10 years of age were prospectively associated with higher parental technoference scores at 10 (β = 0.11 [95% CI, −0.05 to 0.26]) and 11 (β = 0.12 [95% CI, 0.001-0.24]) years of age, with small magnitudes of effect size. Higher parental technoference scores at 9 and 10 years of age were prospectively associated with higher hyperactivity at 10 (β = 0.07 [95% CI, −0.07 to 0.22]) and 11 (β = 0.11 [95% CI, −0.02 to 0.24]) years of age and inattention at 11 years of age (β = 0.12 [95% CI, 0.001-0.24]), with small magnitudes of effect size. No gender differences were identified.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this 3-wave longitudinal birth cohort study, perceived parental technoference was associated with emerging adolescents’ mental health. The findings speak to the need to discuss digital technology use and mental health with parents and emerging adolescents as a part of routine care.
Output feedback control of stochastic nonlinear systems with external disturbances and inverse dynamics
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Gao Yang , Zhang Zhongcai , Wu Yuqiang
Published: August 2024

This work presents an approach to control a type of stochastic cascade nonlinear systems, which involve external disturbances and nonlinear terms. The external disturbances under the consideration are not measurable and regarded as extended states. The proposed method addresses the problem of unmeasured states and external disturbances by introducing an extended state observer (ESO). Based on the above work, a new stochastic nonlinear system including ESO is established. To ensure the stability and boundedness of the system, an adaptive output feedback controller is designed by using stochastic integrated input‐to‐state stability and backstepping design technique. This controller guarantees that all the states remain almost surely bounded and globally asymptotically stable in probability. Simulation experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Coupling of Piezo/Flexoelectricity and Its Effect on the Band Structure of Wrinkled ZnO Monolayers
Authors: Yin Pei , Jia Dongliang , Lv Jiale , Du Pei , Willatzen Morten , Yang Rusen , Tan Dan
Published: August 2024

Wrinkles are used in manufacturing stretchable electronics, soft materials, smart displays, and microstructures. The emerging 2D materials enable the investigation of the intertwined piezoelectric and flexoelectric coupling effect in wrinkled structures and their energy, sensing, and other applications. However, current studies of the electromechanical coupling effect often consider it one effect or even overlook one of the two effects. This oversimplification leads to inaccuracies in the analysis. Here, a theoretical model is proposed to separate the piezoelectric and flexoelectric coefficients by fitting polarization formulas with discrete polarization values calculated using density functional theory. Wrinkled ZnO monolayers are built to mimic the realistic situation, where six nonzero coefficients are successfully isolated, revealing that the coupling of piezo/flexoelectricity and the contribution of piezoelectric and flexoelectric polarizations to the total polarization vary in different directions. Combined with the dipole moment analysis, the relationship between the polarization, piezoelectric coefficient, flexoelectric coefficient, and wrinkle amplitude is established. This study demonstrates that increasing the wrinkle amplitude significantly decreases the energy gap of 560 meV. The separation and quantification of piezoelectric and flexoelectric effects advance the understanding of wrinkles' mechanical and electromechanical properties and lay the foundation for their future applications.
Vacuum Thermal Treatment for Achieving Macroscale Superlubricity by Nanodiamond and Hexagonal Boron Nitride on H‐DLC Film Surfaces in Dry Nitrogen
Authors: Huang Peng , Chen Xinchun , Qi Wei , Tian Jisen , Xu Jianxun , Wang Kai , Deng Wenli , Zhang Chenhui , Luo Jianbin
Published: August 2024

Hydrogenated diamond‐like carbon (H‐DLC) films are limited by their poor thermal stability, which significantly affects the tribological applications and needs improvement. Accordingly, nanodiamond (ND) and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) are used to address this issue. When the H‐DLC surface is deposited using ND+h‐BN mixture with mass ratio of 1:1 and a concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1 and vacuum‐heated at 200 °C and 1 × 10−5 Pa, a superlow friction coefficient of 0.0015 can be obtained, with a reduction of 98.33% as compared to pure H‐DLC. Correspondingly, the wear rates of wear scar and wear track decreased by 81.95% and 24.83%, respectively. High vacuum thermal treatment can purify the adsorbed species on the surfaces of ND and h‐BN, and produce newly‐exposed dangling bonds. Simultaneously, new bonds of C‐N are formed between ND and h‐BN, and the nanoparticles adhere together to form a polymer‐like structure under friction. Furthermore, the ND can support h‐BN and reduce its agglomeration. Under the action of tribochemical reaction, the layer spacing of hexagonal boron nitride is increased to obtain a better shear slip. The combination of these factors resulted in ultra‐low friction. This study paved the way for developing functional anti‐friction additives for durable and high‐performance lubrication.
Tuning Internal Accessibility via Nanochannel Orientation of Mesoporous Carbon Spheres for High‐Rate Potassium‐Ion Storage in Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Park Jongyoon , Kim Kangseok , Lim Eunho , Hwang Jongkook
Published: August 2024

Enhancing the accessibility and utilization of active sites through mesopores in carbon anode materials is crucial for developing high‐power potassium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (PIHCs). Here, a multiscale phase separation method combining block copolymer (BCP) microphase‐ and homopolymer (HP) macrophase‐separation is utilized to produce two model carbon materials with controlled mesopore orientation: open‐end (oe‐MCS) and closed‐end mesoporous carbon sphere (ce‐MCS). BCPs form identical cylindrical micelles, and HPs encapsulate these cylindrical micelles within spheres and control their orientations relative to the interface. This approach manipulates only the degree of mesopore openings in the MCS materials while maintaining all other factors at similar levels. Opening mesopores in carbon anode materials primarily enhances K+ adsorption capacity, reduces K+ diffusion length, and improves ion transport. Thus, oe‐MCS anode exhibits a higher specific capacity with a significant capacitive‐controlled contribution. The resulting PIHC device displays maximum energy and power densities of 103 Wh kg−1 and 12 300 W kg−1, respectively, along with capacity retention of 86.1% after 20 000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. This study significantly advances the understanding of mesopore design to improve capacitive K+ storage in hard carbon materials, paving the way for the development of high‐power PIHCs.
Pd‐Embedded NiFe Layered Double Hydroxides for Biomass Upgrading: Precision Construction of Dual‐Functional Synergistic Sites
Authors: Liu Guihao , Nie Tianqi , Song Ziheng , Sun Xiaoliang , Shen Tianyang , Bai Sha , Yu Tianrui , Zheng Lirong , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: August 2024

The key challenge for 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation reaction (HMFOR) lies in understanding the synergistic interactions between active sites and adsorption sites, but the uncertain spatial positions of these two sites largely limit their synergistic effect. Here, an embedded Pd/NiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) with Pd nanoparticles (NPs) (3.6 nm) far larger than the interlayer spacing of LDH is reported, which results in the in situ generation of the defective structures at the interface of the NiFe laminate. The Pd/NiFe shows a lower onset potential of 1.34 V compared to NiFe (1.42 V). Experimental and theoretical calculations reveal that the Pd NPs exhibit a high level of orbital overlap with HMF, leading to a strong adsorption tendency and an increased local concentration of HMF near the Pd NPs. The Ni defects generated around Pd NPs result in the 3d‐orbitals of adjacent Ni sites approaching the Fermi level, reducing the oxidation barrier from Ni2+‐OH to Ni3+‐O active sites. Furthermore, this work provides crucial evidence for the hydration interactions between the aldehyde groups in HMF and the hydroxyl groups on the catalyst surface, demonstrating that the removal ability of the latter one can have an important influence on HMFOR activity.
Interfacial Assembled Hydrogel Evaporator for Highly Efficient Thermal Management and Photothermal Coupled Water Splitting Reaction
Authors: Li Wenjie , Li Jinghan , Ding Lingling , Zhu Xinyi , Sun Ruixue , Chang Kun
Published: August 2024

This study presents the design and synthesis of a hydrogel composite optimized for Interface Solar Steam Generation (ISSG), merging photothermal MoS2 hollow nanospheres, enhanced via polydopamine (PDA) coating for superior light absorption, with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel matrix. The composite achieves a photothermal conversion efficiency of 95.6% at the interface, highlighting its effectiveness in solar energy harvesting. Under 1 kW m⁻2 solar irradiance, remarkable evaporation rates of 5.41 kg m⁻2 h⁻¹ (pure water) and 5.07 kg m⁻2 h⁻¹ (seawater) are recorded, alongside conversion efficiencies of 93.7% and 90.8%. Outdoor testing confirms a steady freshwater production at 3.11 kg m⁻2 h⁻¹. Incorporating the photothermal evaporation coupled with water splitting for hydrogen production, this system effectively mitigates the corrosive effects of chloride ions typically encountered in seawater, ensuring the integrity of the catalyst and thereby maintaining a high hydrogen production rate of 45.5 mmol m⁻2 h⁻¹. It exemplifies a sophisticated approach to balancing thermal dynamics and water transportation in solar evaporation technology. By demonstrating the feasibility of concurrent efficient photothermal evaporation and catalytic hydrogen production, this research introduces a pivotal strategy for enhancing the practicality and versatility of ISSG systems, thereby advancing sustainable energy and water treatment solutions.
Optical‐Propulsion Metastructures
Authors: Rao Senlin , Yi Wendi , Jiang Haoqing , Zhang Shizhuo , Yi Junchao , Cheng Gary J.
Published: August 2024

Pulsed laser micropropulsion (PLMP) offers a promising avenue for miniature space craft, yet conventional propellants face challenges in balancing efficiency and stability. An optical‐propulsion metastructure strategy using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is presented to generate graphene‐metal metastructures (GMM), specifically GMM‐(HKUST‐1), which significantly enhances PLMP performance. This novel approach leverages the unique interaction between pulsed lasers and the precisely engineered GMMs—comprising optimized metal nanoparticle size, graphene layers, and inter‐particle gaps—to boost both propulsion efficiency and stability. Experimental and numerical analyses reveal that GMM‐(HKUST‐1) achieves aspecific impulse of 1072.94 s, ablation efficiency of 51.22%, and impulse thrust per mass of 105.15 µN µg−1, surpassing traditional propellants. With an average particle size of ≈12 nm and a density of 0.958 g cm−3, these metastructures exhibit 99% light absorption efficiency and maintain stability under atmospheric and humid conditions. The graphene nanolayer efficiently absorbs and converts laser energy, while the metal nanostructures enhance light‐matter interactions, promoting energy transfer and material stability. These findings suggest that this GMM‐based optical‐propulsion strategy can revolutionize microspacecraft propulsion and energy systems, offering significant advancements across various domains.
Electric Field‐Manipulated Optical Chirality in Ferroelectric Vortex Domains
Authors: Han Haojie , Li Wei , Zhang Qinghua , Tang Shiyu , Wang Yue , Xu Zongqi , Liu Yiqun , Chen Hetian , Gu Jingkun , Wang Jing , Yi Di , Gu Lin , Huang Houbing , Nan Ce‐Wen , Li Qian , Ma Jing
Published: August 2024

Manipulating optical chirality via electric fields has garnered considerable attention in the realm of both fundamental physics and practical applications. Chiral ferroelectrics, characterized by their inherent optical chirality and switchable spontaneous polarization, are emerging as a promising platform for electronic‐photonic integrated circuits applications. Unlike organics with chiral carbon centers, integrating chirality into technologically mature inorganic ferroelectrics has posed a long‐standing challenge. Here, the successful introduction of chirality is reported into self‐assembly La‐doped BiFeO3 nanoislands, which exhibit ferroelectric vortex domains. By employing synergistic experimental techniques with piezoresponse force microscopy and nonlinear optical second‐harmonic generation probes, a clear correlation between chirality and polarization configuration within these ferroelectric nanoislands is established. Furthermore, the deterministic control of ferroelectric vortex domains and chirality is demonstrated by applying electric fields, enabling reversible and nonvolatile generation and elimination of optically chiral signals. These findings significantly expand the repertoire of field‐controllable chiral systems and lay the groundwork for the development of innovative ferroelectric optoelectronic devices.
Enabling Stable Operation of Lithium‐Ion Batteries under Fast‐Operating Conditions by Tuning the Electrolyte Chemistry
Authors: Cui Zehao , Liu Chen , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: August 2024

Inferior fast‐charging and low‐temperature performances remain a hurdle for lithium‐ion batteries. Overcoming this hurdle is extremely challenging primarily due to the low conductivity of commercial ethylene carbonate (EC)‐based electrolytes and the formation of undesirable solid electrolyte interphases with poor Li+‐ion diffusion kinetics. Here, a series of EC‐free fast‐charging electrolytes (FCEs) by incorporating a fluorinated ester, methyl trifluoroacetate (MTFA), as a special cosolvent into a practically viable LiPF6–dimethyl carbonate–fluoroethylene carbonate system, is reported. With a solvent‐dominated solvation structure, MTFA facilitates the formation of thin, yet robust, interphases on both the cathode and anode. Commercial 1 Ah graphite|LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 pouch cells filled with the FCE exhibit ≈80% capacity retention over 3000 cycles at 3 C and 4 C (15 min) charging rates in the full range of 0–100% state‐of‐charge. Moreover, even at a low operating temperature of −20 °C, the 1 Ah cell retains a high capacity of 0.65 Ah at a 2 C discharge rate and displays virtually no capacity fade on cycling at a C/5 rate. The work highlights the power of electrolyte design in achieving extra‐fast‐charging and low‐temperature performances.
Substrate Induced p–n Transition for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cui Zhengbo , Li Wen , Feng Bo , Li Yunfei , Guo Xuemin , Yuan Haobo , Weng Qiang , You Tengyi , Zhang Wenxiao , Li Xiaodong , Fang Junfeng
Published: August 2024

The p‐ or n‐type property of semiconductor materials directly determine the final performance of photoelectronic devices. Generally, perovskite deposited on p‐type substrate tends to be p‐type, while perovskite deposited on n‐type substrate tends to be n‐type. Motived by this, a substrate‐induced re‐growth strategy is reported to induce p‐ to n‐transition of perovskite surface in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). p‐type perovskite film is obtained and crystallized on p‐type substrate first. Then an n‐type ITO/SnO2 substrate with saturated perovskite solution is pressed onto the perovskite film and annealed to induce the secondary re‐growth of perovskite surface region. As a result, p‐ to n‐type transition happens and induces an extra junction at perovskite surface region, thus enhancing the built‐in potential and promoting carrier extraction in PSCs. Resulting inverted PSCs exhibit high efficiency of over 25% with good operational stability, retaining 90% of initial efficiency after maximum power point (MPP) tracking for 800 h at 65 °C with ISOS‐L‐2 protocol.
Improved Self‐Powered Photoresponse of ZnO Nanorods/SnS Nanosheets/PEDOT:PSS Heterostructure by Pyro‐Phototronic Effect
Authors: Ouyang Weixin , Geng Haoxuan , Wang Jianyuan
Published: August 2024

A ZnO nanorods/SnS nanosheets/PEDOT:PSS (ZSP) heterostructure is constructed by vapor growing a SnS nanosheets layer and spin‐coating a PEDOT:PSS layer onto ZnO nanorods arrays. By controlling the growth time of the ZnO nanorods, a series of ZSP heterojunction samples with various ZnO layer thicknesses are prepared. The formation of heterostructures contributed to the improved pyroelectric performance and fast response speed of these as‐prepared ZSP photodetectors (PDs). The thickness of the ZnO nanorod layer plays an important role in tuning the photoelectric performance of these PDs. For the optimized ZSP PD with an 800 nm thick ZnO layer, the pyroelectric effect improves its photocurrent by 137% at 365 nm and 0 V bias, and the ratio of the pyroelectric current to the photoelectric current reaches as high as 870% at 532 nm. This device also displays an ultra‐short rise/decay time of 0.64/0.95 ms at 405 nm. Moreover, the pyroelectric responses of these ZSP heterojunction PDs are further improved by increasing the light illumination frequency. These results demonstrate that the rational construction of novel heterojunctions and utilization of the pyroelectric effect holds great potential for fabricating high‐performance self‐powered PDs.
Aloe Vera‐Based Green and Sustainable Electrolyte for Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Yuksel Recep
Published: August 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) present significant promises for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, challenges such as the zinc (Zn) dendrite formation and parasitic side reactions during Zn plating‐stripping hinder their development. Herein, an aloe vera (AV)‐based green and sustainable electrolyte is formulated to increase the electrochemical stability of the ZIBs, reducing the free water molecules, and decreasing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Zn dendrite formation. The obtained results confirm that the AV‐based electrolyte enhances the electrochemical stability and boosts the performance of the ZIBs. The formulated AV‐based electrolyte in symmetrical Zn//Zn cells demonstrates an outstanding cycle life of 4500 h, significantly longer than the aqueous electrolytes for ZIBs. The quinone moiety of the AV‐based electrolytes provides higher specific capacities for VO2(D) and activated carbon cathodes in full devices. AV‐based green electrolytes allow the realization of sustainable and safe energy storage systems for next‐generation applications.
Canine Breast Carcinomas: Recent Advances in Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Rath Pritish , Jaiswal Chitra , Pal Debajyoti , Nandi Samit Kumar , Mandal Biman B.
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer in canines is one of the leading causes of death globally due to client misinterpretation and improper diagnosis and treatment. In past centuries, the diagnosis and treatment of breast carcinoma in dogs followed conventional techniques adopted from human oncology. However, with increasing demand and scientific advancements in the upcoming future, there is an emerging necessity to modernize the diagnostic and treatments in canine breast cancer (CBC) patients. This review explores recent advances in diagnostic techniques and novel therapeutic approaches such as adjuvant‐based targeted therapy, nanomaterial therapy, immune‐based therapy, adoptive cell therapy, tumor vaccine, oncolytic virotherapy, and the use of noncoding RNAs in CBCs. In addition, the review discusses the healthcare policies aimed at improving diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy and future directions for translation from human oncology into veterinary oncology. By adopting these modern strategies, the quality of care can be significantly enhanced by translating them into practical applications with better outcomes and improved survival rates for canine patients.
Investigation of Back Surface Field Layer for High Efficiency Ultrathin In2S3 based CIGS Solar Cell
Authors: Robin Mohammad Sijanur Rahaman , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: August 2024

A comprehensive study of a novel structure for In2S3 based CIGS solar cell has been observed. The effects of the absorber layer and temperature with various back surface field (BSF) layers (SnS/SnTe/MoTe2/GeTe) are analyzed with the SCAPS‐1D simulator. Performances of the ultrathin CIGS solar cell enhanced with the proposed structure of ZnO:Al/i‐ZnO/In2S3/CIGS/BSF/Mo and efficiency reached over 24% with 1000 nm CIGS absorber layer. The cell with SnS BSF layer has obtained 24.41% efficiency but shows less stability with temperature variation. On the other hand, the cell with MoTe2 BSF shows better stability at a higher temperature and reached an efficiency of 24.14%. Besides, the cell with SnTe BSF also suitable for ultrathin In2S3/CIGS, which results in an efficiency of 23.27%. However, the cell with GeTe BSF can give just over 18% efficiency, but it shows greater stability with temperature changes. This study highlights the potential of BSF layer in In2S3/CIGS solar cell enhancing the performance and stability of cells by reducing recombination losses. The incorporation of a 50 nm BSF layer allows further thinning of the absorber layer, reducing material consumption in the fabrication process without sacrificing overall efficiency.
Promoting Electroreduction of CO2 and NO3− to Urea via Tandem Catalysis of Zn Single Atoms and In2O3‐x
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Zhuohang , Chen Kai , Yang Xing , Zhang Hu , Liu Xijun , Chu Ke
Published: August 2024

Urea electrosynthesis from co‐electrolysis of CO2 and NO3− (UECN) offers an innovative route for converting waste CO2/NO3− into valuable urea. Herein, Zn single atoms anchored on oxygen vacancy (OV)‐rich In2O3‐x (Zn1/In2O3‐x) are developed as a highly active and selective UECN catalyst, delivering the highest urea yield rate of 41.6 mmol h−1 g−1 and urea‐Faradaic efficiency of 55.8% at −0.7 V in flow cell, superior to most previously reported UECN catalysts. In situ spectroscopic measurements and theoretical calculations unveil the synergy of In/Zn1 sites and OVs in promoting the UECN process via a tandem catalysis mechanism, where Zn1‐OV site activates NO3− to form *NH2 while In‐OV site activates CO2 to form *CO. The formed *CO spontaneously migrates from the In‐OV site to the nearby Zn1‐OV site and then couples with *NH2 to generate *CONH2 which is ultimately converted into urea.
Carbon neutral energy systems: Optimal integration of energy systems with CO2 abatement pathways
Authors: Lameh Mohammad , Linke Patrick , Al‐Mohannadi Dhabia M.
Published: August 2024

Reducing emissions requires transitioning towards decarbonized systems through avoiding, processing, or offsetting. Decisions on system design are associated with high costs which can be reduced at the planning stage through optimization. The temporal variations in power demand and renewable energy supply significantly impact the design of a low‐emissions energy system. Effective decision‐making must consider such impact in a comprehensive framework that accounts for the potential synergies between different options. This work presents a mixed integer linear programming model that considers the impacts of energy supply and demand dynamics to optimize the design and operation of an integrated energy system while adhering to a set emissions limit. The model integrates renewable power with CO2 capture, utilization, and sequestration by considering H2 production and storage. The case study showed including negative emissions technologies and CO2 capture and processing with renewable energy allows achieving net zero emissions power.
Hyperaccumulation of nickel but not selenium drives floral microbiome differentiation: A study with six species of Brassicaceae
Authors: Cullen Nevin P. , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: August 2024

Premise

Intraspecific variation in flower microbiome composition can mediate pollination and reproduction, and so understanding the community assembly processes driving this variation is critical. Yet the relative importance of trait‐based host filtering and dispersal in shaping among‐species variation in floral microbiomes remains unknown.

Methods

Within two clades of Brassicaceae, we compared diversity and composition of floral microbiomes in natural populations of focal nickel and selenium hyperaccumulator species and two of their non‐accumulating relatives. We assessed the relative strengths of floral elemental composition, plant phylogenetic distance (host filtering), and geography (dispersal) in driving floral microbiome composition.

Results

Species in the nickel hyperaccumulator clade had strongly divergent floral microbiomes, the most of that variation driven by floral elemental composition, followed by geographic distance between plant populations and, lastly, phylogenetic distance. Conversely, within the selenium hyperaccumulator clade, floral microbiome divergence was much lower among the species and elemental composition, geography, and plant phylogeny were far weaker determinants of microbiome variation.

Conclusions

Our results show that the strength of elemental hyperaccumulation's effect on floral microbiomes differs substantially among plant clades, possibly due to variation in elements as selective filters or in long‐distance dispersal probability in different habitats.
Comparative morphology at a crossroads
Authors: Jeiter Julius , Smets Erik
Published: August 2024

Morphology has been the fundamental and most important source of information in biology. We strongly believe that in the current molecular era of biology, comparative morphology still has an important role to play in understanding life on Earth and ecosystem functioning, bridging the knowledge gap between evolution, systematics, and ecology.
Silane‐Mediated Alkylation of Arenes via Reductive Friedel‐Crafts Reaction Using Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Khan Jabir , Mahato Rina , Kanhaiya  , Kumar Hazra Chinmoy
Published: August 2024

A metal‐free one‐pot synthesis route has been documented for the production of 1,1‐unsymmetrical di‐aryl alkanes via reductive Friedel−Crafts alkylation of arenes with carbonyl compounds in 1,1,1,3,3,3,–hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent. This approach exhibits a wide substrate scope accommodating diverse functionalities. The transformation of carbonyl compounds into alkylated products is facilitated by dimethylchlorosilane (Me2SiClH) reduction, succeeded via nucleophilic attack of arenes. The established protocol demonstrates a promising strategy for converting indoline‐2,3‐dione into α‐aryl oxindoles with high yields. The reaction involves reduction with Me2SiClH, followed by the attack of arenes in the presence of a TfOH catalyst. The devised protocol offers scalability and remarkable tolerance towards various functional groups. Control experiments provide insights into the reaction mechanism, highlighting the crucial roles of HFIP and Me2SiClH. Furthermore, the method is adaptable for late‐stage functionalization of numerous natural products and pharmaceuticals such as Sesamol, Thymol, Paracetamol, Menthol, and Nerol. Significantly, the technique has proven effective in efficiently synthesising the anticoagulant drug Phenprocoumon and the rodent control agent Coumatetralyl.
Regional variation in diagnostic intensity of dementia among older U.S. adults: An observational study
Authors: Bynum Julie P. W. , Benloucif Slim , Martindale Jonathan , O'Malley A. James , Davis Matthew A.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Geographic variation in diagnosed cases of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) could be due to underlying population risk or differences in intensity of new case identification. Areas with low ADRD diagnostic intensity could be targeted for additional surveillance efforts.

METHODS

Medicare claims were used for a cohort of older adults across hospital referral regions (HRRs). ADRD‐specific regional diagnosis intensity was measured as the ratio of expected new ADRD cases (estimated using population demographics, risk factors, and practice intensity) compared to observed ADRD‐diagnosed cases.

RESULTS

Crude new ADRD diagnosis rate ranged from 1.7 to 5.4 per 100 across HRRs. ADRD‐specific diagnosis intensity ranged from 0.69 to 1.47 and varied most for Black, Hispanic, and the youngest (66–74) subgroups. Across all subgroups, ADRD diagnosis intensity was associated with 2‐fold difference in receiving an ADRD diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Where one resides influences the likelihood of receiving an ADRD diagnosis, particularly among those 66–74 years of age and minoritized groups.

Highlights

Rate of new Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) case identification varies geographically across the United States.

Variation in case identification is greatest in Black, Hispanic, and young‐old groups.

Intensity of diagnosis (ie, case identification) unrelated to population risk differs across place.

Likelihood of receiving an ADRD diagnosis varies 2‐fold based on place of residence.
Ergodic Concepts for a Self‐Organizing Trivalent Spin Network: A Path to (2+1)$(2+1)$‐D Black Hole Entropy
Authors: Cordula Dantas Christine
Published: August 2024

From a dynamical systems point of view, a trivalent spin network model in Loop Quantum Gravity is considered, which presents self‐organized criticality (SOC), arising from a spin propagation dynamics. A partition function is obtained for the domains of stability connecting gauge non‐invariant avalanches, leading to an entropy formula for the asymptotic SOC state. The microscopic origin of this SOC entropy is therefore given by the excitation‐relaxation spin dynamics in the avalanche cycle. The puncturing of trivalent spin networks (TSN) edges participating in the avalanche are counted in terms of an ensemble perimeter over the implicit avalanches. By identifying this perimeter with that of an isolated ‐D black hole horizon, it is conjectured that the SOC entropy reduces to the Bekenstein‐Hawking perimeter‐entropy law for the Bañados, Teitelboim, and Zanelli (BTZ) black hole, by an appropriate adjustment of a potential function based on the thermodynamical formalism of Sinai, Ruelle, and Bowen.
Diaminonaphthalene Boronic Acid (DANBA): New Approach for Peroxynitrite Sensing Site
Authors: Gong Jiankang , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Jiao , Yoon Changyu , Kim Yujin , Zou Jingwen , Mao Zhiqiang , Kim Jong Seung
Published: August 2024

Selective detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is vital for studying their role in brain diseases. Fluorescence probes can distinguish ONOO− species from other ROS; however, their selectivity toward ONOO− species depends on the ONOO− recognition group. Aryl‐boronic acids and esters, which are common ONOO− recognition groups, are not selective for ONOO− over H2O2. In this study, we developed a diaminonaphthalene (DAN)‐protected boronic acid as a new ONOO− recognition group that selectively reacts with ONOO− over H2O2 and other ROS. Three DAN‐protected boronic acid (DANBA)‐based fluorophores that emit fluorescence over visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions, Cou‐BN, BVP‐BN, and HDM‐BN, and their aryl‐boronic acid‐based counterparts (Cou‐BO, BVP‐BO, and HDM‐BO), were developed. The DANBA‐based probes exhibited enhanced selectivity toward ONOO− over that of their control group, as well as universality in solution assays and in vitro experiments with PC12 cells. The NIR‐emissive HDM‐BN was optimized to delineate in vivo ONOO− levels in mouse brains with Parkinson's disease. This DAN‐protected boronic acid belongs to a new generation of recognition groups for developing ONOO− probes, and this strategy could be extended to other common hydroxyl‐containing dyes to detect ONOO− levels in complex biological systems and processes.
Navigating Ball Mill Specifications for Theory‐to‐Practice Reproducibility in Mechanochemistry
Authors: Jafter Orein F. , Lee Sol , Park Jongseong , Cabanetos Clément , Lungerich Dominik
Published: August 2024

The rising prospects of mechanochemically assisted syntheses hold promise for both academia and industry, yet they face challenges in understanding and, therefore, anticipating respective reaction kinetics. Particularly, dependencies based on variations in milling equipment remain little understood and globally overlooked. This study aims to address this issue by identifying critical parameters through kinematic models, facilitating the reproducibility of mechanochemical reactions across the most prominent mills in laboratory settings, namely planetary and mixer mills. Through a series of selected experiments replicating major classes of organic, organometallic, transition metal‐catalyzed, and inorganic reactions from literature, we rationalize the independence of kinematic parameters on reaction kinetics when the accumulated energy criterion is met. As a step forward and to facilitate the practicability of our findings, we provide a freely accessible online tool[†] that allows the calculation of respective energy parameters for different planetary and mixer mills. Our work advances the current understanding of mechanochemistry and lays the foundation for future rational exploration in this rapidly evolving field.
Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by a Fullerene‐Based Hole Transport Molecule
Authors: Luo Jiefeng , Zhang Hui , Sun Chao , Hou Enlong , Wang Xin , Guo Sai , Chen Jingfu , Cheng Shuo , Chen Shanshan , Zhao Xinjing , Xie Liqiang , Meng Lingyi , Tian Chengbo , Wei Zhanhua
Published: August 2024

Designing an efficient modification molecule to mitigate non‐radiative recombination at the NiOx/perovskite interface and improve perovskite quality represents a challenging yet crucial endeavor for achieving high‐performance inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we synthesized a novel fullerene‐based hole transport molecule, designated as FHTM, by integrating C60 with 12 carbazole‐based moieties, and applied it as a modification molecule at the NiOx/perovskite interface. The in situ self‐doping effect, triggered by electron transfer between carbazole‐based moiety and C60 within the FHTM molecule, along with the extended π conjugated moiety of carbazole groups, significantly enhances FHTM's hole mobility. Coupled with optimized energy level alignment and enhanced interface interactions, the FHTM significantly enhances hole extraction and transport in corresponding devices. Additionally, the introduced FHTM efficiently promotes homogeneous nucleation of perovskite, resulting in high‐quality perovskite films. These combined improvements led to the FHTM‐based PSCs yielding a champion efficiency of 25.58 % (Certified: 25.04 %), notably surpassing that of the control device (20.91 %). Furthermore, the unencapsulated device maintained 93 % of its initial efficiency after 1000 hours of maximum power point tracking under continuous one‐sun illumination. This study highlights the potential of functionalized fullerenes as hole transport materials, opening up new avenues for their application in the field of PSCs.
Horizontal Transport in Ti3C2Tx MXene for Highly Efficient Osmotic Energy Conversion from Saline‐Alkali Environments
Authors: Qian Han , Peng Puguang , Fan Hongzhao , Yang Zhe , Yang Lixue , Zhou Yanguang , Tan Dan , Yang Feiyao , Willatzen Morten , Amaratunga Gehan , Wang Zhonglin , Wei Di
Published: August 2024

Osmotic energy from the ocean has been thoroughly studied, but that from saline‐alkali lakes is constrained by the ion‐exchange membranes due to the trade‐off between permeability and selectivity, stemming from the unfavorable structure of nanoconfined channels, pH tolerance, and chemical stability of the membranes. Inspired by the rapid water transport in xylem conduit structures, we propose a horizontal transport MXene (H‐MXene) with ionic sequential transport nanochannels, designed to endure extreme saline‐alkali conditions while enhancing ion selectivity and permeability. The H‐MXene demonstrates superior ion conductivity of 20.67 S m−1 in 1 M NaCl solution and a diffusion current density of 308 A m−2 at a 10‐fold salinity gradient of NaCl solution, significantly outperforming the conventional vertical transport MXene (V‐MXene). Both experimental and simulation studies have confirmed that H‐MXene represents a novel approach to circumventing the permeability‐selectivity trade‐off. Moreover, it exhibits efficient ion transport capabilities, addressing the gap in saline‐alkali osmotic power generation.
Versatile Light‐Mediated Synthesis of Degradable Bottlebrush Polymers Using α‐Lipoic Acid
Authors: Lee Dongjoo , Wang Hanqing , Jiang Shu‐Yan , Verduzco Rafael
Published: August 2024

Bottlebrush polymers have a variety of useful properties including a high entanglement molecular weight, low Young's modulus, and rapid kinetics for self‐assembly. However, the translation of bottlebrushes to real‐world applications is limited by complex, multi‐step synthetic pathways and polymerization reactions that rely on air‐sensitive catalysts. Additionally, most bottlebrushes are non‐degradable. Herein, we report an inexpensive, versatile, and simple approach to synthesize degradable bottlebrush polymers under mild reaction conditions. Our approach relies on the “grafting‐through” polymerization of α‐lipoic acid (LA)‐functionalized macromonomers. These macromonomers can be polymerized under mild, catalyst‐free conditions, and due to reversibility of the disulfide bond in LA, the resulting bottlebrush polymers can be depolymerized by cleaving disulfide backbone bonds. Bottlebrushes with various side‐chain chemistries can be prepared through the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of LA‐functionalized macromonomers, and the backbone length is governed by the macromonomer molecular weight and solvent polarity. We also demonstrate that LA‐functionalized macromonomers can be copolymerized with acrylates to form degradable bottlebrush networks. This work demonstrates the preparation of degradable bottlebrush polymers with a variety of side‐chain chemistries and provides insight into the light‐mediated grafting‐through polymerization of dithiolane‐functionalized macromonomers.
Anti‐Swelling Microporous Membrane for High‐Capacity and Long‐Life Zn−I2 Batteries
Authors: Chen Qianru , Hao Junnan , Zhu Yilong , Zhang Shao‐Jian , Zuo Peipei , Zhao Xun , Jaroniec Mietek , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: August 2024

Zinc–iodine (Zn−I2) batteries are gaining popularity due to cost‐effectiveness and ease of manufacturing. However, challenges like polyiodide shuttle effect and Zn dendrite growth hinder their practical application. Here, we report a cation exchange membrane to simultaneously prevent the polyiodide shuttle effect and regulate Zn2+ deposition. Comprised of rigid polymers, this membrane shows superior swelling resistance and ion selectivity compared to commercial Nafion. The resulting Zn−I2 battery exhibits a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.4 % and low self‐discharge rate of 4.47 % after 48 h rest. By directing a uniform Zn2+ flux, the membrane promotes a homogeneous electric field, resulting in a dendrite‐free Zn surface. Moreover, its microporous structure enables pre‐adsorption of additional active materials prior to battery assembly, boosting battery capacity to 287 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. At 2 A g−1, the battery exhibits a steady running for 10,000 cycles with capacity retention up to 96.1 %, demonstrating high durability of the membrane. The practicality of the membrane is validated via a high‐loading (35 mg cm−2) pouch cell with impressive cycling stability, paving a way for membrane design towards advanced Zn−I2 batteries.
The First‐In‐Class Deubiquitinase‐Targeting Chimera Stabilizes and Activates cGAS
Authors: Deng Zhijie , Chen Li , Qian Chao , Liu Jing , Wu Qiong , Song Xiangyang , Xiong Yan , Wang Zhen , Hu Xiaoping , Inuzuka Hiroyuki , Zhong Yue , Xiang Yufei , Lin Yindan , Dung Pham Ngoc , Shi Yi , Wei Wenyi , Jin Jian
Published: August 2024

Deubiquitinase‐targeting chimera (DUBTAC) is a promising technology for inducing targeted protein stabilization (TPS). Despite its therapeutic potential, very few proteins have been stabilized by DUBTACs to date. The limited applicability of this technology is likely due to the modest DUBTAC‐induced protein stabilization effect, and the scarcity of effective deubiquitinase ligands that can be harnessed for DUBTAC development. Here, we report the discovery of MS7829 and MS8588, the first‐in‐class DUBTACs of cGAS, a key component of the cGAS‐STING pathway. While these DUBTACs are based on a cGAS inhibitor, they effectively stabilized cGAS and activated the cGAS/STING/IRF3 signaling. To develop these cGAS DUBTACs, we optimized EN523, an OTUB1 covalent ligand, into an improved ligand, MS5105. We validated MS5105 by generating a MS5105‐based CFTR DUBTAC, which was approximately 10‐fold more effective in stabilizing the ΔF508‐CFTR mutant protein than the previously reported EN523‐based CFTR DUBTAC. Overall, this work advances the DUBTAC technology for TPS.
Improved synthesis of cobalt‐doped TiO2 catalyst using ultrasound and subsequent application for Acid Violet 7 degradation
Authors: Pandey Prerna , Gogate Parag R.
Published: August 2024

The current investigation deals with improving the synthesis of cobalt‐doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) utilizing both ultrasound‐assisted and conventional impregnation methods with an objective to obtain better catalyst characteristics. The impacts of process parameters such as sonication power, irradiation time, duty cycle and precursor doping on the catalyst characteristics have been analysed to optimize the catalyst characteristics including its particle size. Different characterization methods, including XRD, BET, TEM and FTIR have been used to compare the catalysts produced using both approaches under optimal conditions. Catalyst synthesized at 1 mol% doping, 90 min as irradiation time, 80 W as sonication power and 50% as duty cycle showed a minimum particle size of 231 nm and surface area of 9.2 m2/g. The catalyst obtained utilizing the ultrasound‐assisted technique was obtained in significantly lesser time (90 min) compared to the catalyst obtained using the conventional approach (24 h). Photocatalytic oxidation tests carried out to determine the activity also showed that the Co‐doped TiO2 catalyst obtained ultrasonically showed maximum activity for degradation of Acid Violet 7 in conjunction with H2O2 at the optimal loading.
Amination of polypropylene‐g‐(maleic anhydride) using reactive extrusion
Authors: Kay Ian P. , Goddard Julie M.
Published: August 2024

We report synthesis of a radical scavenging aminated thermoplastic polymer through reactive extrusion of polyethyleneimine (PEI) with a polypropylene and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) meltblend. The reaction was confirmed using acid orange 7 (AO7) amine density assay, toluidine blue O (TBO) carboxylic acid density assay, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a migration assay. FTIR spectra revealed a reduction of the asymmetric stretching of the maleic anhydride (MA) carbonyl group at 1777 cm−1 and the emergence of the maleimide carbonyl peak at 1702 cm−1. AO7 supported surface orientation of grafted amine groups by introduction of 7.22 nmol cm−2 primary amines, corresponding to the reduction of surface carboxylic acids quantified by TBO from 12.46 nmol cm−2 to 0.43 nmol cm−2. After incubation (40°C, 10 days) in ethanol, acetic acid, and water, < 0.1 mg cm−2 PEI migrated from the materials, supporting the covalent nature of the grafting. Antioxidant activity was demonstrated exhibiting 5.90 and 4.31 nmol Troloxeq cm−2 in aqueous and organic environments, respectively. Results indicate a successful condensation reaction during reactive extrusion, producing an aminated thermoplastic polymer with antioxidant activity for target applications such as food packaging, wastewater treatment, carbon capture, and others.
Preparation and performance study of self‐crosslinking functionalized poly(aryl piperidine) anion exchange membrane
Authors: Tang Xunwang , Yu Zongxue , Tang Junlei , Huang Jiaqiang , Zhang Xiuzhu , Hou Jiajia , Yang Guangcheng
Published: August 2024

The durability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and the balance between ionic conductivity and dimensional stability have been the focus of research. To this end, we propose a new type of AEMs with vinyl imidazole as the in situ cross‐linking monomer. The rigid‐flexible balance within the membrane was adjusted by changing the arrangement of the internal segments of the polymer and introducing different monomers into the main chain. The results showed that the performance of AEMs could be effectively improved by adopting an ether‐free backbone and a cationic cross‐linking strategy. The swelling rate of all AEMs was less than 20%. The ionic conductivity of BDCP‐80 reached 102.74 mS cm−1 at 80°C. Alkaline stability tests showed that the ionic conductivity of all AEMs remained above 82% after 720 h immersion in 2 M NaOH solution at 80°C. This study demonstrated that the simple in situ cross‐linking method can effectively improve the overall performance of AEMs and provide an effective way to develop high‐performance AEMs.