bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeal of Subminimum Wages and Social Determinants of Health Among People With Disabilities
Authors: Kakara Mihir , Bair Elizabeth F. , Venkataramani Atheendar S.
Published: November 2024

Importance

People with disabilities experience pervasive health disparities driven by adverse social determinants of health, such as unemployment. Section 14(c) of the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act has been a controversial policy that allows people with disabilities to be paid below the prevailing minimum wage, but its impact on employment remains unknown despite ongoing national debates about its repeal.

Objective

To estimate whether state-level repeal of Section 14(c) was associated with employment-related outcomes for people with cognitive disability.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This quasi-experimental, synthetic difference-in-differences study used individual-level data from the 2010-2019 American Community Surveys. Outcomes before and after subminimum wage law repeal in 2 states (New Hampshire and Maryland) that repealed Section 14(c) were compared with a synthetic group of control states that did not implement repeal. Individuals aged 18 to 45 years who reported having a cognitive disability were included. Data were analyzed from May 2023 to May 2024.

Exposure

Repeal of Section 14(c) in New Hampshire (2015) and Maryland (2016).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were labor force participation and employment rates. Secondary outcomes were annual wages, annual hours worked, hourly wages, and proportion earning above state minimum wage among employed individuals.

Results

The sample included 450 838 individuals. Of these, 253 157 (55.7%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 31.3 (8.4) years. In state-specific analyses, New Hampshire’s labor force participation and employment had a statistically significant increase by 5.2 percentage points (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0-0.10; P = .04) and 7 percentage points (β = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.13; P = .03), respectively, following Section 14(c) repeal. Labor force participation and employment both increased in Maryland, although estimates were not statistically significant. Pooling both states, Section 14(c) repeal was associated with a statistically significant 4.7–percentage point (β = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08; P = .01) increase in labor force participation and a nonsignificant 4.3–percentage point (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0-0.09; P = .07) increase in employment.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, repeal of Section 14(c), a policy allowing subminimum wages for people with disabilities, led to increases in labor force participation, though with heterogeneity at the state level. These findings suggest the importance of state-level factors in shaping program effects, especially as national-level Section 14(c) repeal is being debated.
A vision for the future conservation evidence landscape
Authors: O'Connell M. J. , White R. L. , Haysom K. A. , Seo M. , Dooner P. , Macadam C. , Plowman A. , Bulman C. R. , Hayns S. , Nason M. , Groves L. , Orr H. G. , Meakin K. , Dagley J. , Stringer A. , Smart A. , Hynes J. , Stone D. , Hails R. S. , Webb J. , Hutchinson N. , Higgins S. , Wilson J. D. , Burns F. , Robinson S. L. , Doar N. , Smith R. K. , Sutherland W. J. , Rogers L. , Jackson H. A.
Published: November 2024

Evidence‐based conservation has made some major steps forward in the last two decades. However, the ‘landscape’ in which evidence is generated, funded and disseminated still has some elements that will need to be further developed if the UK's conservation sector is to achieve its collective nature recovery goals.

This paper articulates a shared vision of the conservation evidence landscape in 2035. It was developed by representatives of 27 organisations involved in conservation and nature recovery across the UK.

Solution: the authors identified a range of issues that will need to be addressed to allow the evidence base to support and guide nature recovery efforts. These will require action in four key areas: (1) evidence creation, (2) access to evidence, (3) evidence culture, and (4) enabling evidence‐based conservation.
Automated assessment of EEG background for neurodevelopmental prediction in neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Lagacé Micheline , Montazeri Saeed , Kamino Daphne , Mamak Eva , Ly Linh G. , Hahn Cecil D. , Chau Vann , Vanhatalo Sampsa , Tam Emily W. Y.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Assess the capacity of brain state of the newborn (BSN) to predict neurodevelopment outcomes in neonatal encephalopathy.

Methods

Trends of BSN, a deep learning‐based measure translating EEG background to a continuous trend, were studied from a three‐channel montage long‐term EEG monitoring from a prospective cohort of 92 infants with neonatal encephalopathy and neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition (Bayley‐III) at 18 months. Outcome prediction used categories “Severe impairment” (Bayley‐III composite score ≤70 or death) or “Any impairment” (score ≤85 or death).

Results

“Severe impairment” was predicted best for motor outcomes (24 h area under the curve (AUC) = 0.97), followed by cognitive (36 h AUC = 0.90), overall (24 h AUC = 0.84), and language (24 h AUC = 0.82). “Any impairment” was best predicted for motor outcomes (12 h AUC = 0.95), followed by cognitive (24 h AUC = 0.85), overall (12 h AUC = 0.75), and language (12 and 24 h AUC = 0.68). Optimal BSN cutoffs for outcome predictions evolved with the postnatal age. Low BSN scores reached a 100% positive prediction of poor outcomes at 24 h of age.

Interpretation

BSN is an excellent predictor of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in survivors of neonatal encephalopathy after therapeutic hypothermia, even at 24 h of life. The trend provides a fully automated, objective, quantified, and reliable interpretation of EEG background. The high temporal resolution supports continuous bedside brain assessment and early prognostication during the initial dynamic recovery phase.
Barriers to Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Comparison of High‐Poverty and Low‐Poverty Communities
Authors: Gibbons J. Alex B. , Mannstadt Insa , Amen Troy B. , Rajan Mangala , Young Sarah R. , Parks Michael L. , Figgie Mark , Bass Anne , Russell Linda , Mehta Bella , Navarro‐Millán Iris , Goodman Susan M.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Our aim was to determine the most significant barriers to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for people living in high‐poverty communities relative to low‐poverty communities.

Methods

We created a 21‐question survey based on interviews with underrepresented minority patients with osteoarthritis targeting five barriers to TJA: trust in surgeon, recovery concerns, cost and/or insurance issues, fear of poor surgical outcomes, and timing considerations. Participants rated the importance of each barrier on a 5‐point Likert scale, dichotomized into “very or extremely important” and “not as important.” The survey was distributed at New York City clinics and nationally through an arthritis advocacy group. We used geocoding to link addresses to census tracts, defining high‐poverty communities as those with ≥20% of residents living below the poverty level. Logistic regression models assessed the association between community poverty status and rating barriers as very or extremely important, with adjustment for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

Of the 702 survey participants, 16.8% were residents of high‐poverty communities. After adjustment, participants from high‐poverty communities were more likely to rate trust in surgeon (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–2.82) and fear of poor surgical outcome (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.08–2.61) as very or extremely important.

Conclusion

People from high‐poverty communities identified lack of trust in surgeons and fear of poor surgical outcomes as more significant barriers to TJA compared to people from low‐poverty communities.
Predictions from Regina LaBelle on drug policy under Trump
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2024

Regina LaBelle, director of the Center on Addiction and Public Policy at the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center, released her predictions on what steps the Trump administration could take. Her report came out November 7, the day after the election. Here is a summary.
Ionic Gel Chemical Sensors with Damage Tolerance for Monitoring Lithium‐ion Battery Electrolyte Leakage and Battery Safety
Authors: Li Li , Chen Ying , Sun Tongrui , Zhang Junyao , Xiong Chonghao , Guo Pu , Dai Shilei , Zhang Shiqi , Li Weimin , Lu Qinghua , Huang Jia
Published: November 2024

Given the frequent occurrence of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) incidents, gas sensors monitoring LIB safety are imperative yet deficient. Here, a new class of LIB electrolyte sensors based on ionic gels is presented, in which ions instead of electrons act as charge carriers and interact with analyte molecules for improved sensitivity. The ionic gels are readily synthesized through the photopolymerization of ionic liquids (ILs) incorporating C═C bonds with structurally analogous ILs devoid of C═C bonds. Through systematic investigation, PF6− is identified as the optimal ion carrier for LIB electrolyte sensing. Trace amounts of LIB electrolyte (20 nL) leakage can be detected within seconds. Interestingly, the devices exhibit decent damage tolerance. More importantly, multiple sensors with decent consistency can be batch‐fabricated on a large scale, which is essential for practical applications. Remarkably, the devices exhibit an extended operational lifespan, endowing them with significant potential for long‐term safety monitoring. The sensors are integrated into a monitoring system and demonstrate exceptional capability in differentiating the various stages of LIB thermal runaway, which paves the way for their potential applications in power storage stations and electric vehicles.
Enhanced Photo‐Thermal CO2 Methanation with Tunable RuxNi1‐x Catalytic Sites: Alloying Beyond Pure Ru
Authors: Guo Chan , Wang Lige , Tang Yunxiang , Yang Zhengyi , Zhao Yufei , Jiang Yanyan , Wen Xiaodong , Wang Fenglong
Published: November 2024

Developing solid‐solution nano‐alloys from immiscible metals has garnered significant interest; however, the high formation entropy poses substantial challenges in synthesis, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the catalytic mechanisms under alloying effects. Herein, the synthesis of small‐sized (≈2.5 nm) RuxNi1‐x solid‐solution alloy nanoparticles with precisely controlled Ru/Ni ratios across a broad compositional range is reported for the first time, despite their bulk immiscibility. The Ru0.76Ni0.24/TiO2 catalyst, with an optimized Ru/Ni ratio, delivers superior photo‐thermal catalytic activity for CO2 methanation, achieving a CH4 production rate of 3.58 mol gmetal−1 h−1 with 94% selectivity at 250 °C under light irradiation, representing a 2.82‐fold enhancement over monometallic Ru/TiO2. Comprehensive investigations reveal that the reconstruction of electronic structure at Ru–Ni active sites enhances the adsorption/activation of reactants, promotes the transformation of intermediate HCO3* to HCOO*, and facilitates the separation of the photo‐generated charge carriers witnessed by the femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption (fs‐TA) spectroscopy. These combined effects collectively result in significantly enhanced CH4 formation performance. This work highlights the potential of regulating catalytic sites in immiscible metal combinations for photo‐thermal catalytic CO2 conversion, underscoring the promise of these cost‐effective alloys in heterogeneous catalysis.
Advanced Lignin‐Based Hydrogels with Superior Stiffness, Toughness, and Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Li Xinhong , You Xiangyu , Wang Xuelian , Kang Jia , Zhang Hui Jie
Published: November 2024

Hydrogels, known for their 3D polymer networks and high water content, are widely used in applications ranging from agriculture to tissue engineering and soft electronics. However, balancing toughness and stiffness in hydrogels remains a significant challenge due to the inverse relationship between these properties. In this study, a dual‐network hydrogel is developed composed of lignin/poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) and sodium alginate/Ca2⁺ (SA/Ca2⁺) using a solvent exchange method. This hydrogel incorporates multi‐level energy dissipative structures, resulting in both high stiffness and toughness. Specifically, the DL/S0.1Ca0.5 hydrogel exhibited impressive mechanical performance, including a tensile stress of 3.7 MPa, a tensile strain of 1100%, and a tensile modulus of 8.7 MPa, along with remarkably high toughness of 97,000 J m−2 and work of extension of 25 MJ m−3. Additionally, it demonstrates exceptional rupture and collision resistance, outstanding conductivity of 19.7 S m−1, and high strain sensitivity with a gauge factor up to 7.78. These features highlight its potential for use in extreme sports protection and wearable sensors, representing a significant advancement in the development of multifunctional hydrogels.
Bimodal Visual Sensors Based on Mechanoluminescence and Biosensing for Artificial Intelligence‐Assisted Orthodontics
Authors: Feng Hao , Lv Yuesong , Yang Xin , Wang Jian , Zhang Xinxing , Pei Xibo
Published: November 2024

Flexible visual sensors hold great potential for application in wearable electronics and health monitoring. However, the separate acquisition of various visual signals without mutual interference and their functional integration in internal biomedical devices remains a significant challenge. Here, a functional material that integrates mechanoluminescent units with biosensing units through supramolecular interactions, enabling bimodal non‐interfering visual detection of orthodontic force and bacterial infection is presented. The orthodontic force induces fluorescence by facilitating the release of electrons from trapped energy levels, caused by the disruption or rearrangement of defect structures within strontium aluminate crystals. Meanwhile, the seamlessly integrated biosensing component can effectively detect lactic acid in a dose‐dependent manner, underscoring its multifunctional capabilities in biosensing applications. Moreover, the development of a cloud‐based deep learning server can achieve a 97.7% accuracy in the precise decoupling of visual signals, facilitating remote monitoring and enabling early intervention during orthodontic treatment. The proposed artificial intelligence‐enhanced bimodal visual sensors represent a new paradigm for orthodontic monitoring, suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Remarkably Boosted High‐Temperature Electrostatic Energy Storage of Polyetherimide Film Induced by TiO2@Au@AlOx@Au Core‐shell Nanofibers
Authors: Ren Zengliang , Lei Li , Zhu Linwei , Xia Shuimiao , Fan Runhua , Dastan Davoud , Cui Hongzhi , Shi Zhicheng
Published: November 2024

Polymer dielectrics have broad applications in advanced electronics and power systems. However, they suffer from low energy density and poor breakdown performance at high temperatures, limiting their applications in high‐temperature environments. Herein, TiO2@Au@AlOx@Au nanofibers with double coulomb blockade nanolayers are obtained via a physical sputtering strategy to improve the high‐temperature energy storage performance of polyetherimide composites. Experimental studies and finite elemenet phase‐field simulations demonstrate that the double‐layer coulomb blockade effect and micro‐capacitor effect of Au nanoparticles synergistically enhance the breakdown strength and dielectric permittivity of polyetherimide composite at high temperatures. Notably, the composite exhibits ultra‐high discharged energy densities of 11.33 and 9.70 J cm−3 at 150 and 200 °C, respectively, along with high charge–discharge efficiencies of 93.4% and 84%, which far exceed that of the polymer nanocomposites reported so far. Furthermore, the composite exhibits excellent charge–discharge cycling performance (>50000 cycles at 400 MV m−1) and high‐power density (1.16 MW cm−3) at 200 °C, making it an ideal candidate for high‐temperature capacitors. Hopefully, these nanofibers not only serve as excellent nanofillers for high‐temperature energy storage dielectric composites but also holds tremendous potential and inspirational significance for other applications such as electronics, biomedical fields, optics, and catalysis.
Electric‐Field‐ and Stacking‐Tuned Antiferromagnetic FeClF Bilayer: The Coexistence of Bipolar Magnetic Semiconductor and Anomalous Valley Hall Effect
Authors: Zhang Long , Liu Yuqi , Wu Menghao , Gao Guoying
Published: November 2024

Valley polarization from broken inversion symmetry provides a new degree of freedom for carriers, bipolar magnetic semiconductor (BMS) generates a purely spin‐polarized current under a gate voltage, but few systems possess the coexistence of valley polarization and BMS. Based on the recent experimental FeCl2 flakes, reversible electric‐field effect on the valley‐ and spin‐polarized Janus FeClF bilayer with different stackings are investigated herein. Janus FeClF bilayers in all three stacks possess interlayer antiferromagnetic (AFM) and intralayer ferromagnetic (FM) couplings. The most stable A (Cl‐Fe‐F‐Cl‐Fe‐F) stack possesses concurrent and spontaneous BMS nature and valley polarization with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), while B (Cl‐Fe‐F‐F‐Fe‐Cl) and C (F‐Fe‐Cl‐Cl‐Fe‐F) stacks exhibit AFM semiconductor characters without valley polarization. Electric‐field achieves a transition of BMS and AFM semiconductor. Large ferrovalley (≈108 meV) exists and is mainly contributed by Fe‐dxy and orbitals. With the out‐of‐plane to in‐plane to out‐of‐plane transition of the easy axis, anomalous valley Hall effect (AVHE) can be manipulated to presence and disappearance by perpendicular electric‐field, indicating the valley switch effect (VSE). The coexisting BMS feature, PMA, AVHE and VSE make Janus FeClF bilayer a promising candidate for multifunctional valleytronic and spintronic applications, favoring broad explorations for the low‐dimensional Janus family.
The Electron‐Rich Interface Regulated MBene by S‐Bridge Guided to Enhance Nitrogen Fixation under Environmental Conditions
Authors: Cheng Kun , Li Shaobin , Cheng Qingyu , Zhang Li , Jiang Yufeng , Li Fengbo , Ma Huiyuan , Zhang Deqing
Published: November 2024

The underutilization of active sites limits the performance enhancement of 2D transition metal boride (MBene) in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, a highly efficient NRR electrocatalyst with S atoms bridging Fe and Mo atoms on the surface of MBene is successfully constructed by using an active site electron optimization strategy, which increases the charge density around the Mo active site and enhances the activation ability of the catalyst to N2 molecules. It is noteworthy that FeS2‐MBene demonstrates a low intrinsic potential for NRR (−0.2 V vs RHE). It is more favorable for the adsorption of nitrogen atoms in comparison to hydrogen atoms, thereby it can effectively inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Under a potential of −0.2 V versus RHE, the ammonia yield rate is 37.13 ± 1.31 µg h−1 mg−1, and the FE is 55.97 ± 2.63%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that Mo on the surface of MBene serves as a site for the adsorption of N2. The formation of the heterostructure enhances electron transfer, resulting in the Mo active site becoming an electron‐rich state in favor of subsequent hydrogenation steps. This work offers significant insights into the design and utilization of 2D MBene‐based catalysts in NRR.
Genetically Engineered Bacteria as A Living Bioreactor for Monitoring and Elevating Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Chen Linfu , Chen Qian , Chen Qiufang , Zhou Jun
Published: November 2024

Tirapazamine (TPZ), an antitumor prodrug, can be activated in hypoxic environment. It specifically targets the hypoxic microenvironment of tumors and produces toxic free radicals. However, due to the tumor is not completely hypoxic, TPZ often fails to effectively treat the entire tumor tissue, resulting in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Herein, a low pathogenic Escherichia coli TOP10 is utilized to selectively colonize tumor tissues, disrupt blood vessels, and induce thrombus formation, leading to the expansion of hypoxic region and improving the therapeutic effect of TPZ. Additionally, a thermosensitive hydrogel is constructed by Pluronic F‐127 (F127), which undergoes gelation in situ at the tumor site, resulting in sustained release of TPZ. To monitor the therapeutic process, it is genetically modified TOP10 by integrating the bioluminescent system luxCDABE (TOP10‐Lux). The bioluminescent signal is associated with tumor hypoxia enhancement and thrombus formation, which is beneficial for therapeutic monitoring with bioluminescence imaging. In the murine colon cancer model, the TOP10‐Lux combined with TPZ‐loaded F127 hydrogel effectively suppressed tumor growth, and the treatment process is efficiently monitored. Together, this work employs genetically modified TOP10‐Lux to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TPZ and monitor the treatment process, providing an effective strategy for bacteria‐based tumor‐targeted chemotherapy and treatment monitoring.
Production, Characterization, and Application of Hydrophobin‐Based IR780 Nanoparticles for Targeted Photothermal Cancer Therapy and Advanced Near‐Infrared Imaging
Authors: Yang Jiyuan , Wang Wenjun , Huang Siyuan , Guo Dingyi , Yu Long , Qiao Wanjin , Zhang Xu , Han Zhiqiang , Song Bo , Xu Xiaoting , Wu Zhenzhou , Dordick Jonathan S. , Zhang Fuming , Xu Haijin , Qiao Mingqiang
Published: November 2024

As a promising approach for breast cancer treatment, photothermal therapy (PTT) features high spatial selectivity, noninvasiveness, and minimal drug resistance. IR780 (a near‐infrared fluorescent dye) serves as an effective photosensitizer in PTT cancer therapy. However, the clinical application of IR780 in PTT has been hindered by its poor water solubility and unstable photostability. In this study, a genetically engineered dual‐functional fusion protein tLyP‐1‐MGF6 is successfully constructed and expressed, which presents a novel use of hydrophobin MGF6 for its amphiphilicity combined with the tumor‐penetrating peptide tLyP‐1 to create an innovative carrier for IR780. These results show this fusion protein serving as a biodegradable and biocompatible carrier, significantly improves the water solubility of IR780 when formulated into nanoparticles. These studies demonstrate that the IR780@tLyP‐1‐MGF6 nanoparticles significantly enhance tumor targeting and photothermal therapeutic efficacy in comparison with control in vitro and in vivo. These advancements highlight the potential of the unique combination hydrophobin‐based IR780 delivery system as a multifunctional nanoplatform for integrated imaging and targeted photothermal treatment of breast cancer.
Fe/Cu Bimetallic Nanozyme Co‐Assembled with 177Lu and Tanshinone for Quadruple‐Synergistic Tumor‐Specific Therapy
Authors: Zhu Xianyu , Zheng Lingling , Zhao Pengfei , Gao Lingli , Wang Liang , Liu Jun , Yang Xu , Wei Hanrui , Zhang Mingyu , Yan Liang , Lv Han , Gong Jianhua , Yang Ji gang , Wang Zhenchang
Published: November 2024

The co‐loading of radionuclides and small‐molecule chemotherapeutic drugs as nanotheranostic platforms using nanozymes holds tremendous potential for imaging‐guided synergistic therapy. This study presents such nanotheranostic platform (177Lu‐MFeCu@Tan) via co‐assembling 177Lu radionuclide and tanshinone (Tan) into Fe/Cu dual‐metal nanozyme (MFeCu). This platform simultaneously enables single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and a quadruple‐synergistic tumor therapy approach, including internal radioisotope therapy (RIT), catalysis therapy, chemotherapy, and MFeCu‐mediated ferroptosis and cuproptosis therapy. In this platform, the MFeCu can catalyze excessive intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate radical oxygen species (ROS) and deplete glutathione (GSH). The excess of H2O2 and GSH are main factors for radioresistance and chemoresistance, reducing them can enhance chemotherapy and RIT. The generated ROS and depleted GSH further induce mitochondrial dysfunction and promote the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S‐acetyltransferase and lipid peroxidation, causing the enhance of ferroptosis and cuproptosis. The in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that this quadruple‐synergistic approach shows significant therapeutic efficacy to complete tumor eradication and reduced recurrence in vivo. In conclusion, this work presents a promising strategy for designing SPECT imaging‐guided quadruple‐synergistic therapy and highlights the feasibility of developing a self‐assembled radionuclide and small molecule chemotherapy drugs nanotherapeutic platform for combined treatment of cancer.
A Polymeric Hole Transporter with Dual‐Interfacial Interactions Enables 25%‐Efficiency Blade‐Coated Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Feifei , Liu Tianxiao , Liu Yangyang , Zhou Yuhan , Dong Xiaorui , Zhang Yaoyao , Shi Xiaoyu , Dou Yunjie , Ren Zhijun , Wang Lingyuan , Zhao Yu , Luo Siwei , Hu Xiaodong , Peng Xiaoxiao , Bao Chunxiong , Wang Wei , Wang Jingyang , Hu Wenbing , Chen Shangshang
Published: November 2024

Self‐assembly monolayer (SAM) hole transporters, consisting of anchoring, spacer, and terminal groups, have played a significant role in the development of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the weak interaction between perovskite and hydrophobic terminal group of SAMs limits surface wettability and interface stability. To address this issue, two novel hole transporters (named DBPP and Poly‐DBPP) with centrosymmetric biphosphonic acid groups are developed. Unlike conventional SAM hole transporters, the biphosphonic acid groups in DBPP and Poly‐DBPP can anchor to the underlying conductive substrate and interact with the perovskite layer simultaneously, improving surface wettability and suppressing interface recombination. Furthermore, compared to the small‐molecular DBPP, Poly‐DBPP exhibits higher conductance and excellent uniformity. This translates to a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 25.1% for blade‐coated PSCs and 22.0% for large‐area modules, respectively. Additionally, the PSCs based on Poly‐DBPP demonstrate impressive operational stability, retaining 92% of their initial PCE after 1,600 h of light soaking. This work presents a promising strategy for designing multifunctional hole transporters, paving the way for highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Low‐Spin Fe3+ Evoked by Multiple Defects with Optimal Intermediate Adsorption Attaining Unparalleled Performance in Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Yihao , Li Shanqing , Hou Xu , Cui Tingting , Zhuang Zechao , Zhao Yunhe , Wang Haozhi , Wei Wei , Xu Ming , Fu Qiang , Chen Chunxia , Wang Dingsheng
Published: November 2024

Electrocatalytic water splitting is long constrained by the sluggish kinetics of anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and rational spin‐state manipulation holds great promise to break through this bottleneck. Low‐spin Fe3+ (LS, t2g5eg0) species are identified as highly active sites for OER in theory, whereas it is still a formidable challenge to construct experimentally. Herein, a new strategy is demonstrated for the effective construction of LS Fe3+ in NiFe‐layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) by introducing multiple defects, which induce coordination unsaturation over Fe sites and thus enlarge their d orbital splitting energy. The as‐obtained catalyst exhibits extraordinary OER performance with an ultra‐low overpotential of 244 mV at the industrially required current density of 500 mA cm−2, which is 110 mV lower than that of the conventional NiFe‐LDH with high‐spin Fe3+ (HS, t2g3eg2) and superior to most previously reported NiFe‐based catalysts. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical studies reveal that LS Fe3+ configuration effectively reduces the adsorption strength of the O* intermediate compared with that of the HS case, thereby altering the rate‐determining step from (O* → OOH*) to (OH* → O*) of OER and lowering its reaction energy barrier. This work paves a new avenue for developing efficient spin‐dependent electrocatalysts for OER and beyond.
Gradient Distribution of Zincophilic Sites for Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Based Flow Batteries with High Capacity
Authors: Wei Zhiquan , Qu Guangmeng , Huang Zhaodong , Wang Yiqiao , Li Dedi , Yang Xinru , Zhang Shaoce , Chen Ao , Wang Yanbo , Hong Hu , Li Qing , Zhi Chunyi
Published: November 2024

Current collectors, as reaction sites, play a crucial role in influencing various electrochemical performances in emerging cost‐effective zinc‐based flow batteries (Zn‐based FBs). 3D carbon felts (CF) are commonly used but lack effectiveness in improving Zn metal plating/stripping. Here, a current collector with gravity‐induced gradient copper nanoparticles (CF‐G‐Cu NPs) is developed, integrating gradient conductivity and zincophilicity to regulate Zn deposition and suppress side reactions. The CF‐G‐Cu NPs electrode modulates Zn nucleation and growth via the zincophilic Cu/CuZn5 alloy has been confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finite element simulation demonstrates the gradient internal structure effectively optimizes the local electric/current field distribution to regulate the Zn2+ flux, improving bottom‐up plating behavior for Zn metal and mitigating top‐surface dendrite growth. As a result, Zn‐based asymmetrical FBs with CF‐G‐Cu NPs electrodes achieve an areal capacity of 30 mAh cm−2 over 640 h with Coulombic efficiency of 99.5% at 40 mA cm−2. The integrated Zn‐Iodide FBs exhibit a competitive long‐term lifespan of 2910 h (5800 cycles) with low energy efficiency decay of 0.062% per cycle and high cumulative capacity of 112800 mAh cm−2 at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2. This gradient distribution strategy offers a simple mode for developing Zn‐based FB systems.
Asymmetric and Ultrasensitive Structural Color Response in Nanochain‐Embedded Photonic Composites
Authors: Lyu Quanqian , Lin Zhuoyuan , Wang Peng , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: November 2024

Mechanochromic photonic crystals, capable of altering structural colors in response to external forces, are emerging intelligent materials in various fields, such as visual sensors and anti‐counterfeiting technologies. However, conventional mechanical responses of photonic crystals mainly rely on stretching or compression, resulting in symmetric and limited mechanochromic effects due to restricted changes in lattice spacing, particularly limiting the recognition of the direction of force. Here, asymmetric and ultrasensitive structural color responses are reported in colloidal photonic composites featuring embedded one‐dimensional (1D) photonic nanochains of colloidal particles based on shear‐induced lattice orientation change. It is shown that shearing deformation tilts the photonic nanochains within the polymer matrix, leading to a remarkable and asymmetric color shift depending on shear force and observing directions. The asymmetric response encourages to develop ultrasensitive twist sensors capable of detecting subtle twisting movements as low as 0.2° and twist direction. Furthermore, by integrating magnetic and deformation orientation control, dynamic optical anti‐counterfeiting labels capable of displaying highly intricate patterns are devised. This unique shear‐induced color‐shifting mechanism expands the responsiveness of mechanochromic materials, with broad implications in many other areas, including structural health monitoring, soft robotics, and artificial skin.
Modulating RuO2 Electrocatalysis via Introducing Lanthanides for Enhanced Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Ding Qi , Xie Linfeng , Lin Zijie , Qin Zhuhuang , Li Yunan , Li Qing
Published: November 2024

The low activity of ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) and the rapid dissolution of the ruthenium (Ru) site during acid oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at high current density restricts its application in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. In this work, a series of rare‐earth (RE) elements doped RuO2 nanorods is developed as high‐performance OER electrocatalysts. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy suggests that RE doping regulates the local coordination environment around Ru sites, lowers the valance of Ru, and shortens the Ru─O─Ru(M) bond length, which enhances structural stability. Among the RE‐RuO2 samples, Sm‐RuO2 exhibits remarkable performance with a low overpotential of 283 mV to reach 100 mA cm−2 and maintained stability for over 140 h at 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, the PEM electrolyzer using Sm‐RuO2 as the anode can be stably operated at 500 mA cm−2 for 15 h. Electrochemical analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in situ Raman spectroscopy show that Sm doping lowers the d‐band center, reduces the adsorption energy of O intermediates to enhance the OER activity, and restrains excessive oxidation of Ru sites while stabilizing lattice oxygen during the OER process, thereby enhancing OER stability. This work offers valuable insights into improving the stability of metal oxide catalysts in acidic electrolytes.
Biomaterial Cues for Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Function in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Shariati Kaavian , Bedar Meiwand , Huang Kelly X. , Moghadam Shahrzad , Mirzaie Sarah , LaGuardia Jonnby S. , Chen Wei , Kang Youngnam , Ren Xiaoyan , Lee Justine C.
Published: November 2024

Tissue regeneration involves dynamic dialogue between and among different cells and their surrounding matrices. Bone regeneration is specifically governed by reciprocity between osteoblasts and osteoclasts within the bone microenvironment. Osteoclast‐directed resorption and osteoblast‐directed formation of bone are essential to bone remodeling, and the crosstalk between these cells is vital to curating a sequence of events that culminate in the creation of bone tissue. Among bone biomaterial strategies, many have investigated the use of different material cues to direct the development and activity of osteoblasts. However, less attention has been given to exploring features that similarly target osteoclast formation and activity, with even fewer strategies demonstrating or integrating biomaterial‐directed modulation of osteoblast‐osteoclast coupling. This review aims to describe various biomaterial cues demonstrated to influence osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast function, emphasizing those that enhance a material construct's ability to achieve bone healing and regeneration. Additionally discussed are approaches that influence the communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, particularly in a manner that takes advantage of their coupling. Deepening the understanding of how biomaterial cues may dictate osteoclast differentiation, function, and influence on the microenvironment may enable the realization of bone‐replacement interventions with enhanced integrative and regenerative capacities.
Pnictogen Atom Substitution to Modify the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of SiS2${\rm SiS}_{2}$ Monolayer: A DFT Study
Authors: Han Nguyen Thi , Guerrero‐Sanchez J. , Hoat D. M.
Published: November 2024

The density functional theory (DFT) is employed to study the modulation of electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer through doping with pnictogen (P and As) atoms. monolayer is intrinsically non‐magnetic, exhibiting the semiconductor nature with indirect bandgap of 1.39(2.26) eV provided by standard(hybrid) functional. This 2D material is metallized under effects of single Si vacancy, single S vacancy, and pair Si─S vacancies. In the latter case, significant magnetism with a total magnetic moment of 1.55 is produced mainly by S atoms around the vacancy sites. The monolayer metallization takes place also when doping with P and As atoms at Si sublattice, preserving the nonmagnetic nature. Meanwhile, P and As substitution leads to the emergence of magnetism with total magnetic moments of 0.93 and 0.99 , respectively. Herein, magnetic properties are produced mainly by the outermost orbital of pnictogen impurities. Interestingly, the results assert the emergence of the half‐metallicity, which gives evidence of new highly spin‐polarized 2D materials. Further, doping with pair P/P, As/As, and P/As atoms are also considered with different doping configurations. It is found that the nonmagnetic semiconductor nature is preserved upon doping with pair pnictogen atoms, however, the indirect‐to‐direct gap transition is induced. Moreover, the energy gap exhibits large reduction between 51.80% and 77.70%. The findings in this work may suggest the formation of prospective optoelectronic and spintronic 2D materials by doping monolayer with pnictogen atoms.
Manganese‐Based Composite‐Structure Cathode Materials for Sustainable Batteries
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Wang Yulong , Du Haozhe , Li Yuming , Wang Yinzhong , Wang Guoqing , Wang Jian , Liao Qianyong , Guo Xianwei , Yu Haijun
Published: November 2024

Manganese‐based cathode materials have garnered extensive interest because of their high capacity, superior energy density, and tunable crystal structures. Despite their cost‐effectiveness, challenges like Mn dissolution and gas evolution originating from the irreversible structural degradation pose risks to stability and prolonged electrochemical behaviors, ultimately constraining their practical applications and market prospects. While the material characteristics and redox mechanisms of Mn‐based cathodes are extensively investigated, a systematic iterative approach to material design that balances performance and application demands remains both necessary and urgent. Recent strategies for enhancing cathode performances emphasize the innovative introduction and customization of composite structures in Mn‐based cathode materials to address the challenges above. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of composite‐structure construction methodologies and offers practical guidelines for effectively designing high‐stability Mn‐based composite‐structure cathode materials. This encompasses the classifications of composite scales, the discussions for the extent of composite‐structure construction inside and outside of the cathode grains, and an exploration of the development potential of these materials, especially for grid‐scale applications.
Comparison of short‐term outcomes and perioperative costs in laparoscopic versus robotic surgery for rectal cancers: A real‐world cohort study using Japanese nationwide inpatient database
Authors: Hamamoto Hiroki , Ota Masato , Shima Takafumi , Kuramoto Toru , Kitada Kazuya , Taniguchi Kohei , Asakuma Mitsuhiro , Oura Yasuhiro , Ito Yuri , Lee Sang‐Woong
Published: November 2024

Aim

Many studies have revealed the benefits of robotic surgery for rectal cancer; however, real‐world data are insufficient. This study aimed to compare the short‐term outcomes and perioperative costs of laparoscopic and robotic surgery for rectal cancer using a real‐world database.

Methods

The data of patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery for rectal cancer between January 2018 and January 2021 from a nationwide Japanese inpatient database provided by Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. were analyzed. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to compare the in‐hospital mortality, morbidity, readmission rate, reoperation rate, length of postoperative stay, and medical costs between the two groups.

Results

We performed PSM analysis on 18 952 eligible patients. After PSM, 1396 patients in the laparoscopic group and 1396 in the robotic group were compared. The robotic group had a lower surgical site infection rate (2.9% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.010), lower respiratory failure rate (1.3% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.049), and higher operative medical costs (1 291 371 vs. 1 312 462 JPY, p = 0.013). The total medical costs of the two groups were comparable (1 862 439 vs. 1 895 822 JPY, p = 0.051).

Conclusions

PSM analysis revealed that robotic surgery was associated with better outcomes than laparoscopic surgery in terms of surgical site infection and respiratory failure rates. The operative medical costs of robotic surgery were significantly higher than those of laparoscopic surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the total medical costs between robotic and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.
Optimizing supramolecular interactions within metal–organic frameworks for ultra‐high purity propylene purification
Authors: Li Tong , Zhang Lu , Wang Yong , Jia Xiaoxia , Chen Hui , Li Yongjian , Shi Qi , Sun Lin‐Bing , Li Jinping , Chen Banglin , Li Libo
Published: November 2024

Purifying ultra‐high purity propylene (>99.995%) with an energy‐efficient adsorptive separation method is a promising yet challenging technology that remains unfulfilled. Instead of solely considering the effect of adsorbents on guest molecules, we propose a synergistic adsorption mechanism for the deep removal of propane and propyne, utilizing supramolecular interactions in both “host‐guest” and “guest‐guest” systems. Through modulation of the pore environment, Ni‐DMOF‐DM exhibits exceptionally high adsorption capacities for propane and propyne (171 and 197 cm3/g at ambient temperature and pressure, respectively), and unprecedented propane/propylene separation selectivity (2.74). Theoretical calculations confirm the geometric interactions of C‐H···π bonds and C‐H···O hydrogen bonds resulting from host‐guest interactions, alongside C‐H···H guest‐guest interactions within the confined pore space. Breakthrough experiments demonstrated that ultra‐high purity propylene (propane < 0.005% and propyne < 1.0 ppm) can be directly collected from ternary mixtures on Ni‐DMOF‐DM, achieving a productivity of up to 152.14 L/kg.
A case of penetrating neck injury in zone II treated with combined endovascular and surgical management
Authors: Nakamura Youhei , Nakao Shunichiro , Nishida Takeshi , Ito Hiroshi , Ozaki Tomohiko , Oda Jun
Published: November 2024

Background

We report a case of zone II penetrating neck trauma with active bleeding in which endovascular treatment was performed prior to neck exploration to identify and control the bleeding point.

Case Presentation

A man in his 50s presented to our emergency department in hemorrhagic shock stemming from a penetrating knife wound injury to the right side of his neck. He was bleeding massively from the right neck wound and oral cavity. Cervical angiography showed bleeding from the right external carotid artery and intimal injury to the right internal carotid artery. Balloon occlusion at the common carotid artery origin and distal to the injured internal carotid artery controlled active bleeding. During vascular balloon occlusion, definitive hemostatic treatment was achieved through ligation of the proximal external carotid artery.

Conclusion

Neck exploration combined with endovascular treatment may be one option as a treatment strategy for patients with zone II penetrating neck injury.
Global Profiling Lysine Reactivity and Ligandability with Oxidant‐Triggered Bioconjugation Chemistry
Authors: Zhou Mengya , Li Shengrong , Tan Yi , Huang Weizhen , Li Yifang , Yuan Xia , Li Zhengqiu
Published: November 2024

Due to the high abundance and diverse functions of lysine residues, both in the interior and on the surface of proteins, the development of new methods to characterize their reactivity and ligandability could significantly expand the pool of druggable targets. To date, only a limited number of aminophilic electrophiles have been assessed for interactions with the lysine proteome, resulting in a substantial fraction remaining inaccessible to current probes. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first oxidant‐triggered bioconjugation platform for in‐depth profiling of lysines. We quantified over 7000 covalently modifiable lysine residues, which significantly expands the coverage of ligandable lysines in the whole proteome. Chemical proteomics enabled the mapping of more than 100 endogenous kinases, thus providing a comprehensive landscape of ligandable catalytic lysines within the kinome. Moreover, we identified a suite of new ligandable lysines such as K60 of ENO1 and K31 of PPIA, offering insights for exploring new functional and targetable residues. These findings could provide valuable clues for the development of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs).
Prolonging Charge Carrier Lifetime via Intraband Defect Levels in S‐Scheme Heterojunctions for Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: Xu Feiyan , He Ying , Zhang Jianjun , Liang Guijie , Liu Chengyuan , Yu Jiaguo
Published: November 2024

S‐scheme heterostructure photocatalysts, distinguished by unique charge‐transfer pathways and exceptional catalytic redox capabilities, have found widespread applications in addressing challenging chemical processes, including the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with a high reaction barrier. Nevertheless, the influence of intraband defect levels within S‐scheme heterojunctions on charge separation, carrier lifetime, and surface catalytic reactions has, for the most part, been overlooked. Herein, we develop a tunable defect‐level‐assisted strategy to construct an electron reservoir, effectively prolonging the lifetime of charge carriers through the rapid capture and gradual release of photoelectrons within WO3‐x/In2S3 S‐scheme heterojunctions, as authenticated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and theoretical simulations. The surface photoredox mechanism, unraveled by Gibbs free energy calculations, demonstrates that oxygen‐vacancy‐induced defect states in WO3‐x/In2S3 heterojunctions unlock the rate‐determining H2O oxidation into free oxygen molecules by forming metastable oxygen intermediates, contributing to the facilitation of H2O photooxidation. This distinct role, combined with the extended carrier lifetime, results in boosted CO2 photoreduction with nearly 100 % CO selectivity in the absence of any photosensitizer or scavenger. Our work sheds light on the role of controllable defect levels in governing charge transfer dynamics within S‐scheme heterojunctions, thereby inspiring the development of more advanced photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis.
A Noncovalent π‐Stacked Dual‐Pore Molecular Crystal for Ethanol/Water and Benzene/Methanol Azeotrope Separation
Authors: Meng Xiang , Zou Shuixiang , Li Jiawei , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jie , Wu Mingyan
Published: November 2024

Separation of ethanol/water or benzene/methanol azeotrope mixtures presents significant challenges, not only due to the limitations of conventional distillation techniques but also because of the constraints in developing and utilizing of new generation adsorbents. Porous organic molecular frameworks constructed via noncovalent π‐interactions are emerging as novel adsorbents with vast potential in gas adsorption and molecular separation. Herein, we report a permanent two‐dimensional porous structure, namely TDTBA‐1, which consists of two different kinds of pores through π‐stacking of a single organic molecule with highly Td symmetry. Activated TDTBA‐1 exhibits excellent hydrophobicity, thermal stability, recoverability and high selectivity for ethanol over water, and benzene over methanol. Therefore, activated TDTBA‐1 can be used as an efficient stationary phase for the separation of ethanol/water and benzene/methanol azeotropes by high‐resolution gas chromatography.
Covalent Folding of Fluorinated Polyphenylene by Sulfur Fluorine Annulative Substitution
Authors: Zhu Yanpeng , Lin Chaojun , Zhao Chaoqun , Ou Yiqiang , Li Zhongshu , Zhu Kelong , Wang Jiaobing
Published: November 2024

We report that fluorinated polyphenylene P50 undergoes folding‐like sulfur fluorine annulative substitution (SFAS) to form a well‐defined tubular helix H50. This is achieved with atomic precision in an exceptionally efficient manner, involving the simultaneous transformation of 98 C−F bonds with the yield per reaction site approaching 99.9 %. The desired product H50 features a fully fused dibenzothiophene skeleton of 5.8 helical turns in total. It is truly monodisperse (Đ=1.0) in nature, allowing for thorough spectroscopic characterizations. Unambiguous single crystal X‐ray structure, distinct chiroptical properties, and intriguing through‐cavity threading complexation are described. These results, in addition to those of H50’s lower congeners, H34 and H18, illustrate the great potential of folding‐like SFAS in shaping random‐coiled polymer chains into higher‐order functional structures.