bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational Tailored Polyfluorosubstituted Amide Molecule for Stabilizing PbI6 Framework and Inhibiting Ion Migration Toward Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Shidong , Gao Jie , Wu Yongjing , Zou Yaqing , Liang Jiading , Li Yaoyao , He Xiafeng , Cai Qingrui , Wang Mingliang , Huang Xiaozhen , Wang Xuran , Sajid Sajid , Wei Dong , Zhang Ruidan , Song Dandan , Wang Yang
Published: September 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), while highly efficient, face stability challenges that hinder their commercial application. These instability issues mainly arise from the fragile nature of Pb─I bonds in perovskites, which easily break under environmental stresses such as heat and light, leading to the breakdown of the [PbI6] framework and irreversible degradation. To address these issues, a multifunctional molecule, N1,N4‐bis(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐4‐iodophenyl)terephthalamide (FIPh‐A), is designed and synthesized to enhance the stability of perovskite films and devices. FIPh‐A molecule possesses carbonyl, amino, and iodotetrafluorophenyl groups that bind and stabilize Pb2+ ions and [PbI6]4− octahedra structure, preventing ion migration in perovskite films. The activation energy of ion migration increases obviously from 0.28 eV to 0.39 eV by adding FIPh‐A verified by experiment results. The residual strain is also released efficiently by introducing FIPh‐A molecule into perovskite films characterized by grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction. The champion PSC with FIPh‐A achieves a power conversion efficiency of 24.60%. After 500 h of continuous illumination (ISOS‐L‐1) and 300 h of thermal aging at 80 °C (ISOS‐D‐2I), these PSCs with FIPh‐A maintained 93% and 77% of their initial efficiency, respectively. These results emphasize the potential of multifunctional additives in overcoming the stability challenges of PSCs, thereby facilitating their commercial advancement.
Design and Synthesis of D‐A Polymer as Cathode Material for Na‐Based Dual‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cycling Performance
Authors: Chen Jingfu , Yin Haoyu , Xue Qianwen , Zhang Jingwei , Chen Xin , Liu Xiaorui , He Rongxing , Zhu Linna , Wu Fei
Published: September 2024

Organic bipolar electrodes can undergo both n‐type and p‐type reactions for energy storage due to numerous active sites, which can usually deliver a high theoretical specific capacity. Herein, a new bipolar polymer cathode material PQPZ is designed and synthesized. The electron‐donating phenazine group undergoes a two‐electron redox reaction which can store anions, the electron‐withdrawing phenanthraquinone can store sodium‐ions through a two‐electron redox reaction. Notably, as a bipolar cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries, PQPZ exhibits a reversible specific capacity of up to 270 mAh g−1 in the voltage range of 1.0–4.0 V (vs. Na+/Na) and achieves a high energy density of 696 Wh kg−1 in a half‐cell. A capacity retention rate of 90% is obtained after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.5C. More excitingly, even after being cycled for 10000 cycles at 10C, the PQPZ electrode shows an average decay rate as low as 0.0036% per cycle, manifesting a very stable cycling performance. In addition, PQPZ also shows excellent performances when tested at −10 °C, making it promising in practical applications. Considering the bipolar character of PQPZ, symmetric batteries are also successfully constructed, fulfilling the “ready‐to‐charge” property without a pre‐activation process. The results reveal the potential application of PQPZ in practical use.
Phase Separation Manipulated Gradient Conductivity for A High‐Precision Flexible Pressure Sensor
Authors: Zeng Mingze , Ding Jie , Tian Yuan , Zhang Yusheng , Liu Xiaoyin , Chen Zhihong , Sun Jing , Wu Chengheng , Yin Huabing , Wei Dan , Fan Hongsong
Published: September 2024

Piezoresistive pressure sensors, analyzing and converting external pressure signals to readable electrical signals for monitoring human health, are always subjected to simultaneously possess high signal‐linearity and signal sensitivity. Analogous to the control of sophisticated microstructure for increasing active sensing area, the control of gradient conductivity should enable a linear response via regulating the formed saturation current. Here, inspired by phase separation showing the feasibility of controlling material microstructure and conductivity, a high‐performance flexible pressure sensor via the simultaneous control of microgroove structure and wide‐range gradient conductivity is demonstrated. First, a laser‐etching and dopamine (DA)‐doping synergistic approach is used to induce selective phase separation in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS), achieving broad conductivity modulation (from 297 to 4525 S cm−1) and precise microgroove pattern (15.5 µm). Then, by designing conductivity‐gradient PEDOT: PSS‐based multi‐sublayers and microgroove interlocked structure, the sensor shows extraordinarily comprehensive performance of excellent stress‐sensing sensitivity (4 × 105 kPa−1), high linear responsiveness (99.85%) and wide‐range sensing ability (up to 100 kPa). Consequently, this sensor reveals excellent capability in detecting multi‐mode pressure changes and is expected to branch out into other electronic device designs as a general strategy for the precise manipulation of material physical‐chemical properties.
Revealing the Universal Pressure‐Driven Behavior of Hybrid Halide Perovskites and Unique Optical Modifiability in Extremely Soft 2D Tin‐Based System
Authors: Kong Lingping , Gong Jue , Spanopoulos Ioannis , Yan Shuai , Li Zhongyang , Zhu Zhikai , Liu Xingyi , Zhu Yinning , Dong Hongliang , Shu Haiyun , Hu Qingyang , Yang Wenge , Mao Ho‐kwang , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Liu Gang
Published: September 2024

As promising photovoltaic materials, halide perovskites display large structural modifiability specific to their organic‐inorganic hybrid lattices, thus providing key to unlock many enhanced and novel physical properties. In particular, hybrid perovskites exhibit extraordinary functional responses to mechanical stimulation due to their soft lattices. However, a general pattern describing the evolution of perovskite properties under pressure is missing, rendering such research without theoretical guidance and further the optimization of optoelectronic performance. Here, a framework delineating the pressure‐dependent evolutions of lattice structure, bandgap, and photoluminescence (PL) across four distinct regions in all perovskites assuming 3D and 2D structures is unveiled, accrediting long‐range disorderness to be the common origin of bandgap blueshift, PL annihilation, and structural amorphization. Using such developed model as an instructional guideline, an optical bandgap and luminescent evolutions in quasi‐2D tin(II) iodide perovskites are revealed, where (C4H9NH3)2(CH3NH3)Sn2I7 (C4H9NH3+: butylammonium; CH3NH3+: methylammonium) is found to be the softest perovskite (bulk modulus ≈4.8 GPa) known so far. By meticulously choosing appropriate peak pressure ≈4 GPa, (C4H9NH3)2(CH3NH3)Sn2I7 shows irreversible defect healing (carrier lifetime prolongation from 7 to 22 ns) and permanent PL enhancement upon decompression to ambient condition, signifying practicality of the pressure‐driven behaviors unveiled in this work.
Atomically Engineered Chlorine Coordination of Iron in Active Centers for Selectively Catalytic H2O2 Decomposition Toward Efficient Antitumor‐Specific Therapy
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Daomei , Min Chungang , Ma Xiaoqian , Yang Xikun , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: September 2024

The intervention of endogenous H2O2 via nanozymes provides a potential antitumor‐specific therapy; however, the role of the nanozyme structure in relation to the selective decomposition of H2O2 to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) is yet to be fully understood, which limits the development of this therapeutic approaches. Herein, an iron single‐atom nanozyme (Fe─N2Cl2─C SAzyme) is reported, which is prepared through precise Fe─Cl coordination based on the construction of a characteristic Fe‐containing molecule. Fe─N2Cl2─C exhibits efficient catalytic H2O2 decomposition (2.19 × 106 mm−1 s−1), which is the highest among reported SAzymes. More importantly, it is found that H2O2 selectively decomposed into •OH on the Fe─N2Cl2─C surface, which is attributable to the d orbitals of the Fe active center matching the O‐2p electrons of the adsorbed hydroxide (*OH) intermediate. Fe─N2Cl2─C is strongly cytotoxic toward a variety of cancer‐cell lines in vitro but not to normal cells. Furthermore, Fe─N2Cl2─C shows an outstanding specific therapeutic effect in vivo; it efficiently destroys solid malignant tumors without injuring normal tissue. Altogether, these findings highlight the selective catalytic decomposition of H2O2 to •OH, which is achieved by engineering the active center on the atomic level, thereby providing an avenue for the development of specific nanomedicines with efficient antitumor activities.
The Effect of Organic Semiconductor Electron Affinity on Preventing Parasitic Oxidation Reactions Limiting Performance of n‐Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Alsufyani Maryam , Moss Benjamin , Tait Claudia E. , Myers William K. , Shahi Maryam , Stewart Katherine , Zhao Xiaolei , Rashid Reem B. , Meli Dilara , Wu Ruiheng , Paulsen Bryan D. , Thorley Karl , Lin Yuanbao , Combe Craig , Kniebe‐Evans Charlie , Inal Sahika , Jeong Sang Young , Woo Han Young , Ritchie Grant , Kim Ji‐Seon , Rivnay Jonathan , Paterson Alexandra , Durrant James R , McCulloch Iain
Published: September 2024

A key challenge in the development of organic mixed ionic‐electronic conducting materials (OMIEC) for high performance electrochemical transistors is their stable performance in ambient. When operating in aqueous electrolyte, potential reactions of the electrochemically injected electrons with air and water could hinder their persistence, leading to a reduction in charge transport. Here, the impact of deepening the LUMO energy level of a series of electron‐transporting semiconducting polymers is evaluated, and subsequently rendering the most common oxidation processes of electron polarons thermodynamically unfavorable, on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) performance. Employing time resolved spectroelectrochemistry with three analogous polymers having varying electron affinities (EA), it is found that an EA below the thermodynamic threshold for oxidation of its electron polarons by oxygen significantly improves electron transport and lifetime in air. A polymer with a sufficiently large EA and subsequent thermodynamically unfavorable oxidation of electron polarons is reported, which is used as the semiconducting layer in an OECT, in its neutral and N‐DMBI doped form, resulting in an excellent and air‐stable OECT performance. These results show a general design methodology to avoid detrimental parasitic reactions under ambient conditions, and the benefits that arise in electrical performance.
Dual‐Functional Interfacial Layer Enabled by Gating‐Shielding Effects for Ultra‐Stable Zn Anode
Authors: Liu Mingquan , Wang Yahui , Li Yu , Wu Feng , Li Huanyu , Li Ying , Feng Xin , Long Bo , Ni Qiao , Wu Chuan , Bai Ying
Published: September 2024

Large‐scale application of low‐cost, high‐safety and environment‐compatible aqueous Zn metal batteries (ZMBs) is hindered by Zn dendrite failure and side reactions. Herein, highly reversible ZMBs are obtained by addition of trace D‐pantothenate calcium additives to engineer a dual‐functional interfacial layer, which is enabled by a bioinspired gating effect for excluding competitive free water near Zn surface due to the trapping and immobilization of water by hydroxyl groups, and guiding target Zn2+ transport across interface through carboxyl groups of pantothenate anions, as well as a dynamic electrostatic shielding effect around Zn protuberances from Ca2+ cations to ensure uniform Zn2+ deposition. In consequence, interfacial side reactions are perfectly inhibited owing to reduced water molecules reaching Zn surface, and the uniform and compact deposition of Zn2+ is achieved due to promoted Zn2+ transport and deposition kinetics. The ultra‐stable symmetric cells with beyond 9000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 with 0.5 mAh cm−2 and over 5000 h at 5 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2, and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.8% at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2, are amazingly realized. The regulated‐electrolyte demonstrates high compatibility with verified cathodes for stable full cells. This work opens a brand‐new pathway to regulate Zn/electrolyte interface to promise reversible ZMBs.
Sequential Targeted Enzyme‐Instructed Self‐Assembly Supramolecular Nanofibers to Attenuate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Liu Yang , Sun Xun , Wang Lianlei , Dou Yiming , Tian Ye , Yu Tianyu , Zhang Yiming , Zhao Qingqian , Lu Jiayi , Feng Yinyin , Wang Jiayu , Liu Xinyu , Shang Yuna , Li Chunju , Yang Qiang
Published: September 2024

As an age‐related disease, intervertebral disc degeneration is closely related to inflammation and aging. Inflammatory cytokines and cellular senescence collectively contribute to the degradation of intervertebral disc. Blocking this synergy reduces disc extracellular matrix damage caused by inflammation and aging. In this study, drug‐loaded nanofibers with sequential targeting functions are constructed through intelligent response, hydrophilicity, and in situ self‐assembly empowerment of flurbiprofen. The peptide precursor responds to the cleavage of overexpressed MMP‐2 in the degenerative intervertebral disc microenvironment (intracellular and extracellular), resulting in the formation of self‐assembled nanofibers that enable the on‐demand release of flurbiprofen and COX‐2 response. In vitro, Comp. 1 (Flurbiprofen‐GFFYPLGLAGEEEERGD) reduces the expression of inflammation‐related genes and proteins and the polarization of M1 macrophages by competitively inhibiting COX‐2 and increases the expression of extracellular matrix proteins COL‐2 and aggrecan. Additionally, it can reduce the expression of Senescence‐Associated Secretory Phenotype and DNA damage in aged nucleus pulposus cells and promote the recovery of proliferation and cell cycle. In vivo, drug‐loaded nanofibers delay intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting inflammation and preventing the accumulation of senescent cells. Therefore, the sequentially targeted self‐assembled drug‐loaded nanofibers can delay intervertebral disc degeneration by blocking the synergistic effect of inflammatory cytokines and cellular senescence.
Efficient Permeable Monolithic Hybrid Tribo‐Piezo‐Electromagnetic Nanogenerator Based on Topological‐Insulator‐Composite
Authors: Shao Beibei , Lu Tzu‐Ching , Lu Ming‐Han , Chen Yi‐Ting , Wu Tai‐Chen , Peng Wei‐Chen , Ko Tien‐Yu , Chen Jiann‐Yeu , Sun Baoquan , Chen Chih‐Yen , Liu Ruiyuan , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Lai Ying‐Chih
Published: September 2024

Escalating energy demands of self‐independent on‐skin/wearable electronics impose challenges on corresponding power sources to offer greater power density, permeability, and stretchability. Here, a high‐efficient breathable and stretchable monolithic hybrid triboelectric‐piezoelectric‐electromagnetic nanogenerator‐based electronic skin (TPEG‐skin) is reported via sandwiching a liquid metal mesh with two‐layer topological insulator‐piezoelectric polymer composite nanofibers. TPEG‐skin concurrently extracts biomechanical energy (from body motions) and electromagnetic radiations (from adjacent appliances), operating as epidermal power sources and whole‐body self‐powered sensors. Topological insulators with conductive surface states supply notably enhanced triboelectric and piezoelectric effects, endowing TPEG‐skin with a 288 V output voltage (10 N, 4 Hz), ∼3 times that of state‐of‐the‐art devices. Liquid metal meshes serve as breathable electrodes and extract ambient electromagnetic pollution (±60 V, ±1.6 µA cm−2). TPEG‐skin implements self‐powered physiological and body motion monitoring and system‐level human‐machine interactions. This study provides compatible energy strategies for on‐skin/wearable electronics with high power density, monolithic device integration, and multifunctionality.
General Design of Aligned‐Channel Porous Carbon Electrodes for Efficient High‐Current‐Density Gas‐Evolving Electrocatalysis
Authors: Gong Zhichao , Chen Pengzhao , Gong Haisheng , Huang Kang , Ye Gonglan , Fei Huilong
Published: September 2024

Gas‐evolving reactions (GERs) are important in many electrochemical energy conversion technologies and chemical industries. The operation of GERs at high current densities is critical for their industrial implementation but remains challenging as it poses stringent requirements on the electrodes in terms of reaction kinetics, mass transfer, and electron transport. Here the general and rational design of self‐standing carbon electrodes with vertically aligned porous channels, appropriate pore size distribution, and high surface area as supports for loading a variety of catalytic species by facile electrodeposition are reported. These electrodes simultaneously possess high intrinsic activity, large numbers of active sites, and efficient transport highways for ions, gases, and electrons, resulting in significant performance improvements at high current densities in diverse GERs such as urea oxidation, hydrogen evolution, and oxygen evolution reactions, as well as overall urea/water electrolyzers. As an example, the carbon electrode decorated with Ni(OH)2 demonstrates a record‐high current density of 1000 mA cm−2 at 1.360 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, largely outperforming the conventional nickel foam‐based counterpart and the state‐of‐the‐art electrodes.
Targeted Microforming of Borosilicate Glass Induced by a Laser‐Ablation‐Free Process Using Femtosecond Pulses
Authors: Skiba Marina , Resche Steffen , Seiler Michael , Lasagni Andrés Fabián , Bliedtner Jens
Published: September 2024

The use of ultrashort pulse lasers opens up a wide range of possibilities for processing dielectric materials. The present study focuses on the investigation of the ablation‐free microscopic surface modification of borosilicate glass using femtosecond laser radiation (350 fs at 515 nm wavelength) in a scanning machining process. Furthermore, its aim is to analyze the relationship between the laser process parameters and the microscopic changes in the surface topography observed. The characteristic of the generated surface structure, which takes place below the ablation threshold, shows both elevations and depressions within the irradiated field (2 × 2 mm2). The realized structures reach a profile height Peak‐to‐Valley (PV) of up to 10 µm. The amount of surface deformation depends on the selected parameters such as laser fluence, number of passes, and scanning strategy. The microdeformation is detected on both the top and bottom sides of the processed glass material with a thickness ≤1 mm. The influence of the temporal and spatial energy distribution on the material modification is discussed, demonstrating the possibilities of microforming of silicate glasses using ultrashort pulsed laser radiation.
Plasmonic Radiation from Spin‐Momentum Locking
Authors: Lei Yu‐Lu , Zhu Juan‐Feng , Zhang Zi‐Wen , Yang Ji‐Tao , Zhang Feng , Chen Hong‐Sheng , Du Chao‐Hai
Published: September 2024

Chiral light emission plays a key role in sensing, tomography, quantum communication, among others. Whereas, achieving highly pure, tunable chirality emission across a broad spectrum currently presents significant challenges. Free‐electron radiation emerges as a promising solution to surpass these barriers, especially in hard‐to‐reach regimes. Here, chiral free‐electron radiation is presented by exploiting the spin‐momentum locking (SML) property of spoof surface plasmons (SSPs). When the phase velocity of free electrons matches that of the SSPs, the SSPs can be excited. By implementing wavenumber compensation through perturbations, the confined SSPs are transformed into free‐space free‐electron radiation. Owing to the law of angular momentum conservation, this process converts the transverse spin angular momentum of SSPs into the longitudinal spin angular momentum of free‐electron radiation during the process, producing pure, tunable, and chiral free‐electron radiation across a broad spectrum. This method achieves an optimal degree of circular polarization approaching −1. The innovative methodology can be adapted to SML‐enabled guided states or silicon photonics platforms, offering new avenues for achieving chiral emission.
Synergistic Regulation of Polyselenide Dissolution and Na‐Ion Diffusion of Se‐Vacancy‐Rich Bismuth Selenide toward Ultrafast and Durable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Zeyu , Zhang Wei , Peng Jian , Li Qinghua , Liang Zhixin , Wang Gaoyu , Wang Junlin , Wang Guang , Huang Zhijiao , Huang Shaoming
Published: September 2024

Metal selenides (MSes) have great potential as candidate anode materials in high‐specific‐energy sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) but are plagued by rapid capacity degradation and slow kinetics. Here, it is reveal that the Bi2Se3 anode discharge process involves multiple‐types of sodium polyselenides (Na‐pSex) which suffer from terrible dissolution and shuttling properties. Based on these observations, a nanoflower‐like composite of dual carbon‐confined Bi2Se3−x crystallites is designed via facile defect chemistry. The robust dual N‐doped carbon layer suppresses the precipitation and aggregation of Bi2Se3, significantly alleviating the dissolution and shuttle effect of Na‐pSex. Theoretical calculations indicate that the pyridine/pyrrole nitrogen sites exhibit strong van der Waals resistance and chemisorption properties against Na2Se4 and Na2Se2. Furthermore, the abundant Se vacancies improve the inherent conductivity of Bi2Se3, reduce the diffusion barrier of Na+, and accelerate the reaction kinetics. Consequently, the resulting Bi2Se3−x@DNC electrode exhibits extraordinary durability (over 2000 cycles at 10.0 A g−1) and high‐rate capability (354.4 mAh g−1 at 75.0 A g−1), propelling the battery performance to new heights. Encouragingly, the assembled hybrid capacitor displays competitive rate performance and an ultra‐long lifespan exceeding 40 000 cycles, making the Bi2Se3−x@DNC electrode a promising candidate for SIBs.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Stable CaZn2P2 Zintl Phosphide Thin Films as Candidate Top Absorbers
Authors: Quadir Shaham , Yuan Zhenkun , Esparza Guillermo L. , Dugu Sita , Mangum John S. , Pike Andrew , Hasan Muhammad Rubaiat , Kassa Gideon , Wang Xiaoxin , Coban Yagmur , Liu Jifeng , Kovnir Kirill , Fenning David P. , Reid Obadiah G. , Zakutayev Andriy , Hautier Geoffroy , Bauers Sage R.
Published: September 2024

The development of tandem photovoltaics and photoelectrochemical solar cells requires new absorber materials with bandgaps in the range of ≈1.5–2.3 eV, for use in the top cell paired with a narrower‐gap bottom cell. An outstanding challenge is finding materials with suitable optoelectronic and defect properties, good operational stability, and synthesis conditions that preserve underlying device layers. This study demonstrates the Zintl phosphide compound CaZn2P2 as a compelling candidate semiconductor for these applications. Phase‐pure, ≈500 nm‐thick CaZn2P2 thin films are prepared using a scalable reactive sputter deposition process at growth temperatures as low as 100 °C, which is desirable for device integration. Ultraviolet‐visible  spectroscopy shows that CaZn2P2 films exhibit an optical absorptivity of ≈104 cm−1 at ≈1.95 eV direct bandgap. Room‐temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements show near‐band‐edge optical emission, and time‐resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) measurements indicate a photoexcited carrier lifetime of ≈30 ns. CaZn2P2 is highly stable in both ambient conditions and moisture, as evidenced by PL and TRMC measurements. Experimental data are supported by first‐principles calculations, which indicate the absence of low‐formation‐energy, deep intrinsic defects. Overall, this study shall motivate future work integrating this potential top cell absorber material into tandem solar cells.
Current State and Future Prospects of Environmentally Catalytic Zn‐NOx Batteries
Authors: Yu Wanqiang , Wang Yujie , Tan Hua , Huang Man , Yu Jiayuan , Chen Lili , Wang Jingang , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: September 2024

Zn‐based catalytic batteries, recognized as eco‐friendly alternatives, are attracting significant research interest for their applications in energy storage, conversion, pollutant degradation, and ammonia synthesis. This review compiles the latest developments in Zn‐nitrogen oxides (NOx) batteries, covering various types including Zn‐nitrate, Zn‐nitric oxide, and Zn‐nitrite batteries. This study explores the electrode reactions and structural evolutions of these batteries, emphasizing the different challenges posed by cathodic reactions. Advanced design strategies for cathode materials, such as inhibiting hydrogen production, utilizing tandem sites, and enhancing reactant enrichment, are presented and evaluated. These strategies have markedly improved NOx reduction performance and have driven significant progress in Zn‐NOx battery. The future directions for research are outlined, highlighting the need for more efficient NOx reduction catalysts, optimization of Zn anodes, development of alternative metal anodes, battery structure improvements, and exploration of charging reactions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the development of eco‐friendly and high‐energy‐density Zn‐NOx batteries.
Global economic effects of war‐induced agricultural export declines from Ukraine
Authors: Countryman Amanda M. , Litvinov Valentyn , Kolodiazhnyi Ivan , Bogonos Mariia , Nivievskyi Oleg
Published: September 2024

The war in Ukraine caused export disruptions that jeopardized the availability and affordability of agricultural and food products around the world. This research employs a computable general equilibrium modeling framework to understand the global economic effects of war‐induced agricultural export declines from Ukraine, given the inability to export through the Black Sea. Results show net global welfare losses ranging from more than $5 billion to nearly $20 billion depending on the success of transport through European Solidarity Lanes.
Self‐Sustained Artificial Internet of Things Based on Vibration Energy Harvesting Technology: Toward the Future Eco‐Society
Authors: Li Yunfei , Sun Zhongda , Huang Manjuan , Sun Lining , Liu Huicong , Lee Chengkuo
Published: September 2024

Clean energy has emerged as the focal point of global energy and power development. With the advancement of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for sustainable energy supply has become more pressing, leading to widespread attention to vibration energy harvesting technology. This technology enables the conversion of vibrational energy from natural phenomena such as ocean waves and wind, as well as machinery operation and human activities, into electrical energy, thus supporting the expansion of self‐sustained IoT systems. This review provides an overview of the progress in vibration energy harvesting technology and discusses the integration of this technology with self‐powered sensors and artificial intelligence. These integrations are reflected in the enhanced accuracy of environmental monitoring, increased efficiency in intelligent transportation and industrial production, and improved quality of life through intelligent healthcare and smart home. Such applications demonstrate the significant potential of self‐sustained artificial IoT in promoting environmental sustainability and elevating the level of intelligent living. In summary, exploring and applying vibration energy harvesting technology to support the autonomous operation of IoT devices is key to building a more sustainable, intelligent, and interconnected world.
Educator's blueprint: A how‐to guide for creating high‐quality slides
Authors: Gottlieb Michael , Natesan Sreeja , Haas Mary , Kalantari Annahieta , Riddell Jeffrey
Published: September 2024

Didactics are the primary modality in which educators disseminate knowledge. The accompanying slides are a critical element, which can enhance or distract from the corresponding presentation. This Educator's Blueprint provides 10 strategies for creating high‐quality presentation slides. These strategies include keeping the slides simple, ensuring consistency, making text easy to read, using images wisely, optimizing video integration, presenting data effectively, embedding active learning, avoiding long reference lists, ensuring cultural humility, and optimizing slide design via artificial intelligence. By incorporating these strategies, educators can enhance their slides and improve knowledge translation and retention for learners.
Novel Abietane Type Sugar Triazole Hybrids and Amides against SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Glycoprotein and Influenza A Virus
Authors: Tretyakova Elena , Hua Liwen , Smirnova Anna , Kazakova Oxana , Zarubaev Vladimir , Jin Hongwei , Xu Huan , Xiao Sulong
Published: September 2024

Abietane type diterpenic (dehydroabietic, 2,3‐dihydroquinopimaric and maleopimaric) acids were converted by the acid chloride method into a series of aliphatic and heterocyclic amine spacered conjugates. A number of structurally novel derivatives holding 1,2,3‐triazole moieties were designed and synthesized by treating of the propargylated amides and esters with a sugar azides using the Cu(I)‐catalyzed click chemistry approach. The synthesized N‐containing diterpene derivatives were tested for their potential inhibition of influenza A/PuertoRico/8/34 (H1N1) virus in MDCK cell culture and SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus in BHK‐21‐hACE2 cells. Among tested forty‐five compounds ten derivatives were the most efficacious against influenza virus A with IC50 0.7–63.4 μM together with high selectivity index SI value from 11 from 94. Dihydroquinopimaric acid N‐ethylpiperazine‐amide and dehydroabietic acid 1,2,3‐triazoles spacered with glucose and lactose showed anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus activity with EC50 values of 1.79–25.46 μM. Molecular docking and dynamics modeling investigated the binding mode of the lead compounds into the binding pocket of influenza A virus M2 protein and the RBD domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein.
HBr/TMSO/HFIP Mediated Chemoselective Modifications of Pyrrolo[2,1‐a]Isoquinolines
Authors: Li Yun‐Meng , Jiang Man , Zhou Jing , Cui Hai‐Lei
Published: September 2024

The combination of HBr, TMSO (tetramethylene sulfoxide) and HFIP (hexafluoroisopropanol) has been utilized in the modification of pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives through bromination, dimerization and sulfenylation respectively. In these processes, HBr serves as the source of bromine and TMSO acts as an oxidant. HFIP also plays an essential role for the oxidative dimerization. Chemoselectivity can be easily controlled by adjusting the parameters such as reaction time, ratio of reagents and the addition of nucleophile.
“How handy was early hominin ‘know‐how’?” An experimental approach exploring efficient early stone tool use
Authors: Eteson Brienna , Affinito Simona , Moos Elena T. , Karakostis Fotios Alexandros
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The appearance of early lithic industries has been associated with the gradual development of unique biomechanical and cognitive abilities in hominins, including human‐like precision grasping and basic learning and/or communicating capacities. These include tools used for activities exclusively associated with hominin contexts (cutting flakes) and hammerstones utilized for behaviors shared with non‐human primates (e.g., nut‐cracking). However, no previous experimental research has focused on comparing the factors affecting efficiency between these two key behavioral patterns and their evolutionary implications.

Materials and Methods

Here, we address this gap with an experimental design involving participants with varying tool‐related experience levels (i.e., no experience, theoretical‐only experience, and extensive practical knapping expertise) to monitor their success rates, biometrics, and surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings from eight important hand and forearm muscles.

Results

Our results showed that practical experience had a substantial impact on flake‐cutting efficiency, allowing participants to achieve greater success rates with substantially less muscle effort. This relationship between success rates and muscle effort was not observed for the nut‐cracking task. Moreover, even though practical experience did not significantly benefit nut‐cracking success, experts exhibited increased rates of self‐improvement in that task.

Discussion

Altogether, these experimental findings suggest that the ability to practice and retain tool‐using knowledge played a fundamental role in the subsistence strategies and adaptability of early hominins, potentially providing the cognitive basis for conceptualizing the first intentional tool production strategies.
Considering the animating ethos of designing digital first unemployment services: On the motivation of others
Authors: Griffin Ray , Jordan Antoinette , Tuite Aisling
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the animating ethos of digital unemployment services. Unlike human‐to‐human services, where the intention of policy is normally mediated by professionals, digital services are fully designed in the policy imagination. As a result, it is a pressing issue to understand the ethos that animates their development. To address this, we report on design thinking focus groups undertaken to support the development of a disruptive digital unemployment service that sought the views and responses of three different groups—senior policymakers, caseworkers and unemployed people in four European countries. Without prompting, each conversation variously problematised the imputed motivations of unemployed people, suggesting a form of paternalistic motivation that should only risked in‐person. From this, we suggest that the design of digital unemployment services may well be dominated by the axiomatic, uncritical mobilisation of motivation theory. Going further, we offer a brief genealogy of the form of motivation theory that surfaced in the study, highlighting its interesting, shared history in seminal studies on unemployment. As a result, we conclude, that rather than altering welfare, digitisation may reanimate, essentialise and make durable activation in new ways that deepen longstanding processes of “double activation”—activating public employment services as well as the unemployed.
The ADNI4 Digital Study: A novel approach to recruitment, screening, and assessment of participants for AD clinical research
Authors: Miller Melanie J. , Diaz Adam , Conti Catherine , Albala Bruce , Flenniken Derek , Fockler Juliet , Kwang Winnie , Sacrey Diana Truran , Ashford Miriam T. , Skirrow Caroline , Weston Jack , Fristed Emil , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Korecka Magda , Wan Yang , Aisen Paul S. , Beckett Laurel , Harvey Danielle , Lee Edward B. , Petersen Ronald C. , Shaw Leslie M. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Mindt Monica Rivera , Weiner Michael W. , Nosheny Rachel L. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated preliminary feasibility of a digital, culturally‐informed approach to recruit and screen participants for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI4).

METHODS

Participants were recruited using digital advertising and completed digital surveys (e.g., demographics, medical exclusion criteria, 12‐item Everyday Cognition Scale [ECog‐12]), Novoic Storyteller speech‐based cognitive test). Completion rates and assessment performance were compared between underrepresented populations (URPs: individuals from ethnoculturally minoritized or low education backgrounds) and non‐URPs.

RESULTS

Of 3099 participants who provided contact information, 654 enrolled in the cohort, and 595 completed at least one assessment. Two hundred forty‐seven participants were from URPs. Of those enrolled, 465 met ADNI4 inclusion criteria and 237 evidenced possible cognitive impairment from ECog‐12 or Storyteller performance. URPs had lower ECog and Storyteller completion rates. Scores varied by ethnocultural group and educational level.

DISCUSSION

Preliminary results demonstrate digital recruitment and screening assessment of an older diverse cohort, including those with possible cognitive impairment, are feasible. Improving engagement and achieving educational diversity are key challenges.

Highlights

A total of 654 participants enrolled in a digital cohort to facilitate ADNI4 recruitment.

Culturally‐informed digital ads aided enrollment of underrepresented populations.

From those enrolled, 42% were from underrepresented ethnocultural and educational groups.

Digital screening tools indicate > 50% of participants likely cognitively impaired.

Completion rates and assessment performance vary by ethnocultural group and education.
Targeting STAT3 signaling pathway by curcumin and its analogues for breast cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Golmohammadi Maryam , Zamanian Mohammad Yassin , Al‐Ani Ahmed Muzahem , Jabbar Thaer L. , Kareem Ali Kamil , Aghaei Zeinab Hashem , Tahernia Hossein , Hjazi Ahmed , Jissir Saad Abdul‐ridh , Hakimizadeh Elham
Published: September 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) continues to be a significant global health issue, with a rising number of cases requiring ongoing research and innovation in treatment strategies. Curcumin (CUR), a natural compound derived from Curcuma longa, and similar compounds have shown potential in targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in BC progression.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin and its analogues on BC based on cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Materials & Methods

The literature search conducted for this study involved utilizing the Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases in order to identify pertinent articles.

Results

This narrative review explores the potential of CUR and similar compounds in inhibiting STAT3 activation, thereby suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting metastasis. The review demonstrates that CUR directly inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3, preventing its movement into the nucleus and its ability to bind to DNA, thereby hindering the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. CUR also enhances the effectiveness of other therapeutic agents and modulates the tumor microenvironment by affecting tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). CUR analogues, such as hydrazinocurcumin (HC), FLLL11, FLLL12, and GO‐Y030, show improved bioavailability and potency in inhibiting STAT3, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.

Conclusion

CUR and its analogues hold promise as effective adjuvant treatments for BC by targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway. These compounds provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of CUR and its potential to enhance the effectiveness of BC therapies.
Hemilabile and Redox‐Active Quinone Ligands Unlock sp3‐Rich Couplings in Nickel‐Catalyzed Olefin Carbosulfenylation
Authors: Li Zi‐Qi , Alturaifi Turki M. , Cao Yilin , Joannou Matthew V. , Liu Peng , Engle Keary M.
Published: September 2024

A three‐component coupling approach toward structurally complex dialkylsulfides is described via the nickel‐catalyzed 1,2‐carbosulfenylation of unactivated alkenes with organoboron nucleophiles and alkylsulfenamide (N−S) electrophiles. Efficient catalytic turnover is facilitated using a tailored N−S electrophile containing an N‐methyl methanesulfonamide leaving group, allowing catalyst loadings as low as 1 mol %. Regioselectivity is controlled by a collection of monodentate, weakly coordinating native directing groups, including sulfonamides, amides, sulfinamides, phosphoramides, and carbamates. Key to the development of this transformation is the identification of quinones as a family of hemilabile and redox‐active ligands that tune the steric and electronic properties of the metal throughout the catalytic cycle. Density functional theory (DFT) results show that the duroquinone (DQ) ligand adopts different coordination modes in different stages of the Ni‐catalyzed 1,2‐carbosulfenylation‐binding as an η6 capping ligand to stabilize the precatalyst/resting state and prevent catalyst decomposition, binding as an X‐type redox‐active durosemiquinone radical anion to promote alkene migratory insertion with a less distorted square planar Ni(II) center, and binding as an L‐type ligand to promote N−S oxidative addition at a relatively more electron‐rich Ni(I) center.
Curvature‐Induced Electron Spin Catalysis with Carbon Spheres
Authors: Qiao Zirui , Cao Huaqiang , Wang Jiadao , Yang Haijun , Yao Wenqing , Wang Jiaou , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: September 2024

Here, we report curvature‐induced electron spin catalysis by using solid carbon spheres as catalysts, which were synthesized using positive curvature molecular hexabromocyclopentadiene as a precursor molecule, following a radical coupling mechanism. The curvature spin of carbon is regarded as an overlapping state of σ‐ and π‐radical, which is identified by the inverse Laplace transform of pulse‐electron paramagnetic resonance. The growth mechanism of carbon spheres abiding by Kroto's model, is supported by the density functional theory study of thermodynamics and kinetics calculations. The solid carbon spheres present excellent catalytic behaviour of oxidation coupling of amines to form corresponding imines with the conversion of >99 %, selectivity of 98.7 %, and yield of 97.7 %, which is attributed to the predominantly curvature‐induced electron spin catalysis of carbon, supported by the calculation of oxygen adsorption energy. This work proposes a view of curvature‐induced spin catalysis of carbon, which opens up a research direction for curvature‐induced electron spin catalysis.
Development of Controllable Hetero‐Pauson‐Khand Polymerization to Functional Stimuli‐Responsive Poly(γ‐lactam)s
Authors: Du Wutong , Liu Xinyue , Sun Feiyi , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Yang Jinglei , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2024

Polymers containing lactam structures play a crucial role in both natural biological systems and human life, and their synthesis, functions and applications are of utmost importance for biomimetics and the creation of new materials. In this study, we developed an efficient heterogeneous Pauson–Khand polymerization (h‐PKP) method for the controlled synthesis of main‐chain poly(γ‐lactam)s containing α, β‐unsaturated γ‐lactam functionalities using readily available internal alkynes and imines. The molecular weights of the resulting poly(N−Ts/γ‐lactam)s can be precisely controlled by adjusting the ratio of phenyl formate and nickel. These polymers exhibit high solid‐state luminescence and demonstrate rapid and sensitive dual responsiveness to light and acid stimuli. They further demonstrate strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability. The unique dual‐emission peaks observed in poly(N−H/γ‐lactam)s obtained through post‐treatment under acidic conditions demonstrate a mechanism of aggregation‐induced intermolecular excited‐state proton transfer specific to lactam structures. The efficient one‐pot synthetic method for poly(γ‐lactam) provides a novel strategy for constructing polymers with γ‐lactam structures in the main chain and the simple and efficient post‐modification method offer a versatile toolbox for functionalizing poly(γ‐lactam)s to expand their potential applications.
Calibrating the Oxidative Capacity of Microdroplets
Authors: Majumder Tirthick , Eremin Dmitry B. , Delibas Berk , Sarkar Archishman , Fokin ValeryV. , Dawlaty Jahan M.
Published: September 2024

Recently, redox chemical transformations have been reported to occur spontaneously in microdroplets. The origins of such novel reactivity are still debated, and any systematic correlation of the oxidative/reductive yield with the reactivity of the reactant is yet to be established. Towards this end, we report the simple, outer‐sphere, one‐electron oxidation of a series of ferrocene derivatives spanning a range of oxidation potentials from −0.1 V to +0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl in acetonitrile microdroplets generated via nebulization and measured by mass spectrometry of the corresponding ferrocenium ions. The reaction environments and dynamics in the droplets are complex, and it is still unclear whether such reactivity correlates with any bulk thermodynamic values. Our key finding is that the ion yields decrease monotonically with the oxidation potential of the ferrocenes, which is a thermodynamic quantity. The ion yields emphatically do not obey the Nernstian ratio, revealing the redox processes in the droplets do not follow the assumptions of bulk steady‐state electrochemistry. Furthermore, oxidative competition in the mixture of several ferrocenes suggest a finite oxidative capacity or oxidant concentration. These results demonstrate that even though ion generation could be an out‐of‐equilibrium and kinetically limited process, the oxidative yield in microdroplets does correlate with thermodynamics, suggesting a possible free energy relationship between the kinetics and thermodynamics of the process.
Highly Selective Synthesis of Acetic Acid from Hydroxyl‐Mediated Oxidation of Methane at Low Temperatures
Authors: Wu Bo , Yin Haibin , Ma Xinlong , Liu Rongjia , He Bingxuan , Li Hongliang , Zeng Jie
Published: September 2024

Direct methane conversion and, in particular, the aerobic oxidation to acetic acid, remain an eminent challenge. Here, we reported a zeolite‐supported Au−Fe catalyst (Au−Fe/ZSM‐5) that converted methane to acetic acid with molecular oxygen as an oxidant in the presence of CO. Specifically, Au nanoparticles catalyzed the formation of hydroxyl species from the reaction of CO, O2, and H2O, meanwhile ZSM‐5‐supported atomically dispersed Fe species were responsible for the hydroxyl‐mediated coupling of CH4 and CO to generate acetic acid. The reaction over 50 mg of Au−Fe/ZSM‐5 under 62 bar (CH4 : CO : O2=14 : 14 : 3) at 120 °C for 3.0 h yielded 5.7 millimoles of acetic acid per gram of the catalyst (mmol gcat−1) with the selectivity of 92 %, outperformed most of reported catalysts. Significantly, the catalyst remained active even at 60 °C. We anticipate that this hydroxyl‐mediated route may guide the design of optimized catalysts for the direct methane functionalization at low temperatures.
A Pyridazine‐Based Cadmium(II) Organic Framework With pcu Topology as a Luminance Sensor to Nitrobenzene, Al(III), and Cu(II) Ion
Authors: Pei‐Pei Huang , Ting‐Ting Wu , Meng‐Qi Tuo , Rui‐Ying Zhang , Chun‐Jiang Shuai , Bo Liu , Juan Song , Sheng‐Rui Zhang , Jiu‐Fu Lu
Published: September 2024

In the field of water decontamination, the design of luminance sensor for sensitive detection of heavy metal ion toxic and nitroaromatic compounds are important and challenging. Herein, a new luminescent Cd(II) metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Cd2(H2O)3(4‐CPCA)2]·2H2O}n (SNUT‐27) (H2(4‐CPCA) = 1‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyridazine‐3‐carboxylic acid) was obtained by the reaction of flexible ligand H2(4‐CPCA) and Cd(II) ions, characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, PXRD, FT‐IR, and TGA, the samples were further analyzed. The analysis of single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that SNUT‐27 possesses a distinct three‐dimensional spatial arrangement and demonstrates impressive fluorescence properties. Particularly, SNUT‐27 showed a highly sensitive response to the nitro‐aromatic compounds nitrobenzene by fluorescence quenching, and in contrast, showed a fluorescence enhancement response to Al3+ and Cu2+. SNUT‐27 can be effortlessly recycled by simply rinsing with water post‐sensing experiments, showcasing its reusability. Additionally, potential detection mechanisms have been explored.