bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An All‐Colloidal and Eco‐Friendly Quantum‐Dot Laser
Authors: Wu Yuting , Cai Wenbing , Huang Zhigao , Ren Yinjuan , Wu Yiming , Wang Yue
Published: February 2024

Colloidal zinc‐chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as the promising heavy‐metal‐free light–emitters, however, the development of light amplification and lasing therein remains challenging. Here, corroborated by comprehensive in situ and transient spectroscopy, it is unraveled that the ultrafast photooxidization‐induced trapping process (≈2 ps) and the sub‐bandgap photoinduced absorption under intense excitation are the main hindrances to light amplification in ZnSeTe QDs. Upon tackling the hurdle by heterostructure engineering, this study demonstrates that the ZnSeTe QDs exhibit intrinsically superior gain performance, including the high gain cross‐section (5.6 × 10−16 cm2), long gain lifetime (615 ps), low pump threshold (≈25.9 µJ cm−2) and high fatigue resistance. On this basis, a microfluidic channel is designed to mass‐produce the micellar cavities whose surfaces are treated to combine with the ZnSeTe QDs. The active QD‐micelle hybrids show state‐of‐the‐art lasing performance and allow the fiber‐based micro‐manipulation toward the single‐mode lasers. These findings not only provide essential knowledge on the gain physics in ZnSeTe QDs, but also open a new avenue to develop high‐performance eco‐friendly lasers.
Plasmonic Architectures Boosting Performance in Terahertz Photodetectors
Authors: Zhang Kaixuan , Han Li , Hu Zhen , Xiao Kening , Jiang Mengjie , Yu Anqi , Pan Xiaokai , Wang Dong , Zhang Libo , Lv Xuyang , Tian Shijian , Lan Shiqi , Xing Huaizhong , Zhang Ning , Politano Antonio , Wang Lin
Published: February 2024

In terahertz (THz) photodetection, the efficient interaction between light and matter is crucial for enhancing material properties in nonequilibrium states. This work introduces an innovative approach using spiral plasmonic architectures to effectively control inversion‐symmetry coupling, promoting the operational efficiency of light‐induced hot‐carrier effects in the THz band. The strategic design of the spiral structures, focusing on chirality and symmetry, enables the successful manipulation of a self‐driven photocurrent, adapting its direction and magnitude as needed. This design facilitates the improvement of THz detectors in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness. Additionally, the integration of asymmetric metallization and black phosphorus in the detectors has achieved noteworthy performance metrics, such as a maximum responsivity of 70.2 V W−1 at 0.30 THz, a fast response time below 6 µs, and a noise‐equivalent power lower than 1.95 × 10−10 W Hz−1/2. Harnessing the potential of light‐induced hot carrier effects and advanced band‐structure engineering, this research offers a pragmatic approach for the development of high‐efficiency THz photodetectors, opening new avenues for applications like remote sensing and rapid imaging.
Causal discovery to understand hot corrosion
Authors: Varghese Akhil , Arana‐Catania Miguel , Mori Stefano , Encinas‐Oropesa Adriana , Sumner Joy
Published: February 2024

Gas turbine superalloys experience hot corrosion, driven by factors including corrosive deposit flux, temperature, gas composition, and component material. The full mechanism still needs clarification and research often focuses on laboratory work. As such, there is interest in causal discovery to confirm the significance of factors and identify potential missing causal relationships or codependencies between these factors. The causal discovery algorithm fast causal inference (FCI) has been trialled on a small set of laboratory data, with the outputs evaluated for their significance to corrosion propagation, and compared to existing mechanistic understanding. FCI identified salt deposition flux as the most influential corrosion variable for this limited data set. However, HCl was the second most influential for pitting regions, compared to temperature for more uniformly corroding regions. Thus, FCI generated causal links aligned with literature from a randomised corrosion data set, while also identifying the presence of two different degradation modes in operation.
Evaluation of coated steels in supercritical CO2
Authors: Pint Bruce A. , Pillai Rishi , Su Yi‐Feng , Lance Michael J. , Keiser James R.
Published: February 2024

The carburizing supercritical CO2 (sCO2) environment limits the use of lower cost steels in the lower temperature (450–650°C) portions of the sCO2 Brayton cycle because of concerns about internal carburization and embrittlement. Results on a ferritic–martensitic steel and conventional and advanced austenitic steels at 450–650°C in 30 MPa sCO2 with and without 1% O2 and 0.1% H2O additions have indicated that sCO2 environments will have lower maximum operating temperatures compared to steam plants. Pack Al and Cr coatings were evaluated at 650°C on T91 and 316H substrates and showed some benefit for up to 2000 h at 650°C, especially without impurities. However, characterization indicated Al2O3 was not formed and Cr‐rich carbides formed in the Cr coatings. With the addition of impurities in the sCO2, the coatings were less protective at 650°C. Subsequent exposures at 600°C in sCO2 showed similar behavior. Postexposure evaluations included measuring the bulk C content and room temperature tensile properties. Improvements were indicated but the tensile results were complicated by the high temperature pack coating process affecting the substrate properties.
A pH/Redox Dual‐Responsive Nanocarrier for Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug and Anticancer Prodrug in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Ho Jhin Chen , Chen Ching‐Yi
Published: February 2024

Tumor microenvironment heterogeneity (TMH) remains a challenge in cancer treatment. Nanocarrier prodrugs based on small‐molecular drug or macromolecular drug conjugates emerge as an efficient approach for multidrug delivery at tumor sites and activating the prodrugs by endogenous stimuli resulting from TMH. Herein, a redox/pH dual‐sensitive micelle conjugated is developed via disulfide linkage with naphthalimide‐based prodrug (PNA), assigned as PDM to encapsulate hypoxia‐activated prodrug, banoxantrone (AQ4N), for combination therapy. These micelles have several interesting features, including sufficiently stable with less drug release under physiological conditions and dual stimuli‐triggered intracellular release, high drug loading content, and negligible cytotoxicity. More importantly, in vitro cytotoxicity of AQ4N‐loaded PDM micelles exhibits a combinational anticancer efficacy between chemotherapy of PNA and hypoxia‐activated chemotherapy of AQ4N under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, the developed PNA as a new chemotherapeutic drug displays good therapeutic efficiency and fluorescent properties, which can be used for monitoring drug release in real time. This study not only offers an attractive strategy for an effective combination of traditional chemotherapy and hypoxia‐activated chemotherapy, but also provides an important concept to develop dual stimuli‐sensitive prodrug nanoplatform targeting for endogenous TMH.
Anatomical features of a crossing vein connecting left and right internal mammary veins: A preliminary study with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ueno Mayu , Mori Hiroki , Uemura Noriko , Kato Sayuri , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: February 2024

Background

In breast reconstruction with free flaps, retrograde venous anastomosis into the internal mammary vein (IMV) is often unavoidable. Utility of a crossing vein between the right and left IMV, one of the anatomical foundations which make retrograde flow possible, has been reported but only with a few detailed features. This study evaluated the presence, actual location, and diameter of the crossing veins using preoperative imaging such as contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT), or contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI). Moreover, this is a preliminary non‐invasive study to clarify these processes on a larger scale.

Methods

We included 29 cases of unilateral breast reconstruction performed between July 2018 and September 2023 at our institution using unipedicled or bipedicled free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps with retrograde venous anastomosis to only one IMV at the level of anastomosis. No congestion or necrosis was observed. In the final 24 cases with sufficient imaging coverage of preoperative contrast‐enhanced images (15 CECT and 9 CEMRI), the crossing veins of IMVs were detected and the number, localization, and diameter were measured.

Results

In 20 cases of 24 images, the crossing veins between IMVs were completely identified (83%). In 18 of the cases, only one crossing vein was established immediately ventral to the xiphoid process, averaging 19.3 ± 7.18 mm caudal to the fibrous junction between the sternal body and xiphoid process. The average diameter of the veins was 1.57 ± 0.42 mm. In two other cases, the second crossing vein originated on the dorsal surface of the sternum, but it was a very thin vein of about 0.4 mm. Three images indicated incomplete identification of the crossing vein at the xiphoid process, and in one case, no crossing vein was observed between bilateral IMVs.

Conclusion

The contrast‐enhanced imaging study revealed an anatomic feature that the crossing veins (about 1.5 mm in diameter) connecting the right and left IMVs are located just ventral to the xiphoid process. Furthermore, the crossing veins can be identified on contrast‐enhanced images, and refinement of this method is expected to lead to future non‐invasive anatomical investigations in an even larger number of cases.
A tightly‐coupled planar absorber with broadband and wide‐angle
Authors: Chen Zhi , Lin Xian Qi , Yang Xinmi , Fan Yu Lu , Kang Yu Xin
Published: February 2024

Most planar absorbers are designed under normal incidence, leading to a sharp decline in absorber performance under oblique incidence, especially when the incidence angle exceeds 30°. Three‐dimensional structured absorbers ensure the performance of the absorber under oblique incidence, but they lack practicality due to their complex processing and assembly. In this letter, a tightly‐coupled planar absorber (TCPA) is proposed. Its design method combines the reciprocity principle and tightly‐coupled structure, incorporating a wide‐angle matching layer and interdigitated structures to improve planar absorber's performance under oblique incidence. A sample is fabricated and measured for verification. The measurement results show that the absorber has a fractional bandwidth of 102.0% with an absorption rate of at least 90% under normal incidence. When the incident angle reaches 50°, the absorber maintains good performance under both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarization.
Inverse design of reflective metasurface antennas using deep learning from small‐scale statistically random pico‐cells
Authors: You Xi Chong , Lin Feng Han
Published: February 2024

A small‐scale data‐selection method is proposed for deep‐learning‐based inverse design of reflective metasurface antennas (MAs). The overall design process involves discretization, coding, data selection, simulation, feature representation, training, prediction, and metasurface design. Unlike conventional method that selects the training data empirically after simulation from a large quantity of unit cells, the proposed statistically random data filtering (SRDF) method selects the training data set randomly before simulation by leveraging the geometric‐coding statistics of the unit cells. The advantages of the proposed data‐selection method include lower simulation cost (due to fewer simulations needed), improved generality, and higher design accuracy simultaneously. The design process starts from the discretization of a unit cell into a grid array of binaurally‐coded pico‐cells. Afterwards, the proposed SRDF method selects 0.01% of all the possible unit cells for simulation. With the simulated results, a deep‐convolutional‐variational‐autoencoder network is trained, leading to an accurate and bidirectional prediction of both the geometry and reflection phase of a unit cell in seconds. The proposed data‐selection method is validated by designing two reflective MAs with the predicted unit cells, each pointing a pencil beam off the boresight by 30° and 60°, respectively. Experiments are in line with full‐wave simulations.
Any‐nucleus distributed active programmable transmit coil
Authors: Han Victor , Reeder Charlie P. , Hernández‐Morales Miriam , Liu Chunlei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

There are 118 known elements. Nearly all of them have NMR active isotopes and at least 39 different nuclei have biological relevance. Despite this, most of today's MRI is based on only one nucleus—1H. To facilitate imaging all potential nuclei, we present a single transmit coil able to excite arbitrary nuclei in human‐scale MRI.

Theory and Methods

We present a completely new type of RF coil, the Any‐nucleus Distributed Active Programmable Transmit Coil (ADAPT Coil), with fast switches integrated into the structure of the coil to allow it to operate at any relevant frequency. This coil eliminates the need for the expensive traditional RF amplifier by directly converting direct current (DC) power into RF magnetic fields with frequencies chosen by digital control signals sent to the switches. Semiconductor switch imperfections are overcome by segmenting the coil.

Results

Circuit simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the ADAPT Coil approach, and a 9 cm diameter surface ADAPT Coil was implemented. Using the ADAPT Coil, 1H, 23Na, 2H, and 13C phantom images were acquired, and 1H and 23Na ex vivo images were acquired. To excite different nuclei, only digital control signals were changed, which can be programmed in real time.

Conclusion

The ADAPT Coil presents a low‐cost, scalable, and efficient method for exciting arbitrary nuclei in human‐scale MRI. This coil concept provides further opportunities for scaling, programmability, lowering coil costs, lowering dead‐time, streamlining multinuclear MRI workflows, and enabling the study of dozens of biologically relevant nuclei.
Survivors of infant atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors present with severely impaired cognitive functions especially for fluid intelligence and visual processing: data from the German brain tumor studies
Authors: Traunwieser Thomas , Loos Elena , Ottensmeier Holger , Gastberger Katharina , Nemes Karolina , Mynarek Martin , Bison Brigitte , Kandels Daniela , Neumayer Petra , Neumann‐Holbeck Anne , Lüttich Peggy , Baust Katja , Faulstich‐Ritter Kristin , John Rainer , Kreisch Andrea , Landmann Judyta , Manteufel Eva , Nest Alexandra , Prüfe Jenny , Schubert Lisa , Stamm Walther , Timmermann Beate , Gerss Joachim , Rutkowski Stefan , Schlegel Paul‐Gerhardt , Eyrich Matthias , Gnekow Astrid K. , Frühwald Michael C.
Published: February 2024

Background

The contribution of tumor type, multimodal treatment, and other patient‐related factors upon long‐term cognitive sequelae in infant brain tumor survivors remains undefined. We add our retrospective analysis of neuropsychological and quality of survival (QoS) outcome data of survivors of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) and extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumors of the soft tissues (eMRT) and kidneys (RTK) treated within the same framework. Neuropsychological data from children with ATRT were compared to data from children with non‐irradiated low‐grade glioma (LGG).

Patients and methods

Following surgery, patients (0–36 months at diagnosis) had received radio‐chemotherapy (up to 54 Gy; ATRT: n = 13; eMRT/RTK: n = 7), chemotherapy only (LGG: n = 4; eMRT/RTK: n = 1) or had been observed (LGG: n = 11). Neuropsychological evaluation employing comparable tests was performed at median 6.8 years (ATRT), 6.6 years (eMRT/RTK), and 5.2 years (LGG) post diagnosis.

Results

We detected sequelae in various domains for all tumor types. Group comparison showed impairments, specifically in fluid intelligence (p = .041; d = 1.11) and visual processing (p = .001; d = 2.09) in ATRT patients when compared to LGG patients. Results for psychomotor speed and attention abilities were significantly below the norm for both groups (p < .001–.019; d = 0.79–1.90). Diagnosis predicted impairments of cognitive outcome, while sex‐ and age‐related variables did not. QoS outcome for all rhabdoid patients displayed impairments mainly in social (p = .008; d = 0.74) and school functioning (p = .048; d = 0.67), as well as lower overall scores in psychosocial functioning (p = .023; d = 0.78) and quality of life (p = .006; d = 0.79) compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

Survivors of infant ATRT experience various late effects in cognition and QoS following multimodal treatment, while infant LGG patients without radiotherapy demonstrated comparable impairments in psychomotor and attention abilities. Early onset and multimodal treatment of rhabdoid tumors require close monitoring of neuropsychological and QoS sequelae.
First Principles Calculation of Gas Sensitive Properties of Pd3‐Modified Monolayer PtSe2 to SF6 Decomposition Products
Authors: Li Mengting , Cen Weifu , Tian Zean , Zheng Quan
Published: February 2024

Based on density functional theory (DFT), the effect of Pd3 cluster modification on the surface properties of PtSe2 monolayer and the gas sensitive detection performance of PtSe2/Pd3–PtSe2 on sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) decomposition is studied, in terms of the adsorption energy, density of states (DOS), and sensing characteristic. It is found that that the Pd3 cluster exhibit stable modified structure on monolayer PtSe2, the adsorption capacity of Pd3–PtSe2 monolayer is the highest, significantly improves the surface activity and sensing performance of PtSe2 monolayer. Further, the large charge transfer, bandgap, and conductivity changes indicate that the monolayer Pd3–PtSe2 has strong chemical interaction and high sensitivity to SO2, H2S, and SO2F2 gas molecules. Pd3–PtSe2 can be used as a potential candidate for gas sensors. Finally, the sensing performance analysis of the system shows that the recovery time of Pd3–PtSe2 for SO2F2 is only 10.7 s, which can be repeated for a long time. These analyses illustrate the potential application of Pd3–PtSe2 in the detection and removal of harmful gases in gas insulated switch‐gear (GIS). The calculations may provide new insights for researchers to explore gas‐sensitive materials based on PtSe2.
Characterization of Regolith And Trace Economic Resources (CRATER): An Orbitrap‐based laser desorption mass spectrometry instrument for in situ exploration of the Moon
Authors: Ray Soumya , Arévalo Ricardo , Southard Adrian , Willhite Lori , Bardyn Anais , Ni Ziqin , Danell Ryan , Grubisic Andrej , Gundersen Cynthia , Llano Julie , Yu Anthony , Fahey Molly , Hernandez Emanuel , Graham Jacob , Lee Jane , Ersahin Akif , Briois Christelle , Thirkell Laurent , Colin Fabrice , Makarov Alexander
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Characterization of Regolith And Trace Economic Resources (CRATER), an Orbitrap™‐based laser desorption mass spectrometry instrument designed to conduct high‐precision, spatially resolved analyses of planetary materials, is capable of answering outstanding science questions about the Moon's formation and the subsequent processes that have modified its (sub)surface.

Methods

Here, we describe the baseline design of the CRATER flight model, which requires <20 000 cm3 volume, <10 kg mass, and <60 W peak power. The analytical capabilities and performance metrics of a prototype that meets the full functionality of the flight model are demonstrated.

Results

The instrument comprises a high‐power, solid‐state, pulsed ultraviolet (213 nm) laser source to ablate the surface of the lunar sample, a custom ion optical interface to accelerate and collimate the ions produced at the ablation site, and an Orbitrap mass analyzer capable of discriminating competing isobars via ultrahigh mass resolution and high mass accuracy. The CRATER instrument can measure elemental and isotopic abundances and characterize the organic content of lunar surface samples, as well as identify economically valuable resources for future exploration.

Conclusion

An engineering test unit of the flight model is currently in development to serve as a pathfinder for near‐term mission opportunities.
Identification and quantification of both isomers of hexahydrocannabinol, (9R)‐hexahydrocannabinol and (9S)‐hexahydrocannabinol, in three different matrices by mass spectrometry
Authors: Bottinelli Charline , Baradian Pauline , Poly Amélie , Hoizey Guillaume , Chatenay Camille
Published: February 2024

Context

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a compound derived from synthetic production using cannabidiol (CBD) or delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), has gained recent attention due to its presence in seized materials across Europe. Sold legally in various forms, HHC poses potential health risks, particularly as a legal alternative to THC in some countries. Despite its historical description in the 1940s, limited toxicology data, pharmacological understanding, and analytical methods for HHC exist.

Method

This study proposes analytical techniques using mass spectrometry to detect, identify, and quantify (9R)‐HHC and (9S)‐HHC, concurrently with THC and CBD in various matrices, including oral fluid, whole blood, and seized material. Three distinct methods were employed for different matrices: GC/MS for seized material, GC/MS/MS for whole blood, and UHPLC/MS/MS for oral fluid. Methods were validated qualitatively for oral fluid with a FLOQSwab® device and quantitatively in whole blood and seized material according to Peters et al's recommendations and ICH guidelines.

Results

Validated methods were considered reliable in detecting and quantifying HHC isomers in terms of repeatability, reproducibility, and linearity with r2 systematically >0.992. These methods were applied to authentic cases, including seized materials and biological samples from traffic control (whole blood and oral fluid). In seized materials, (9R)‐HHC levels ranged from 2.09% to 8.85% and (9R)‐HHC/(9S)‐HHC ratios varied from 1.36 to 2.68. In whole blood sample, (9R)‐HHC and (9S)‐HHC concentrations were, respectively, 2.38 and 1.39 ng/mL. For all analyzed samples, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD were also detected.

Conclusion

This research contributes analytical insights into differentiating and simultaneously analyzing (9R)‐HHC and (9S)‐HHC, using widely applicable mass spectrometric methods. The study emphasizes the need for vigilance among toxicologists, as new semisynthetic cannabinoids continue to emerge in Europe, with potential health implications. The findings underscore the importance of reliable analytical methods for monitoring these compounds in forensic and clinical settings.
Hedge fund activism in family firms
Authors: Feldman Emilie R. , Amit Raphael (Raffi) , Chen Siwen
Published: February 2024

Research Summary

This article examines the antecedents and outcomes of hedge fund activism in family versus nonfamily firms. We find that activist hedge funds are less likely to initiate campaigns against family firms than nonfamily firms, but the cumulative abnormal returns to announcements of campaigns against family firms exceed those of nonfamily firms. The presence of one or more family members on a firm's board of directors appears to be a key impediment to hedge fund activism in family firms. Additionally, activist hedge funds are more likely to use hostile tactics and demand more substantive changes in their campaigns against family firms than nonfamily firms. Together, these findings contribute to the agency theory‐based literatures on hedge fund activism, family firms, boards of directors, and corporate governance.

Managerial Summary

Activist hedge funds are a significant force in corporate governance, driving the companies they target to change their strategies, structures, and leadership. Family firms are prevalent and economically important, accounting for a third to a half of companies worldwide. This article compares hedge fund activism in family versus nonfamily firms. Activist hedge funds are about 41% less likely to initiate campaigns against family than nonfamily firms, but the average returns to successful activist hedge fund campaigns against family firms are about 2% higher than in nonfamily firms. These effects are especially pronounced when family members serve on a company's board of directors. Furthermore, activist hedge funds are more likely to use hostile tactics and demand more substantive changes in campaigns against family than nonfamily firms.
The Multiple Roles of Na Ions in Highly Efficient CZTSSe Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Wentong , Ji Yixiong , Chen Wangxian , Pan Yining , Chen Zifei , Wu Shaoyang , Russo Salvy P. , Xu Yang , Smith Trevor A. , Chesman Anthony , Mulvaney Paul , Liu Fangyang
Published: February 2024

Sodium (Na) doping is a well‐established technique employed in chalcopyrite and kesterite solar cells. While various improvements can be achieved in crystalline quality, electrical properties, or defect passivation of the absorber materials by incorporating Na, a comprehensive demonstration of the desired Na distribution in CZTSSe is still lacking. Herein, a straightforward Na doping approach by dissolving NaCl into the CZTS precursor solution is proposed. It is demonstrated that a favorable Na ion distribution should comprise a precisely controlled Na+ concentration at the front surface and an enhanced distribution within the bottom region of the absorber layer. These findings demonstrated that Na ions play several positive roles within the device, leading to an overall power conversion efficiency of 12.51%.
Tumor Homing Chimeric Peptide Rhomboids to Improve Photodynamic Performance by Inhibiting Therapy‐Upregulated Cyclooxygenase‐2
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yu Bai‐Xue , Chen Xia‐Yun , Yan Meng‐Yi , Liu Qian‐Qian , Liu Yi‐Bin , Yang Ni , Cai Hua , Yan Ni , Kong Ren‐Jiang , Cheng Hong , Li Shi‐Ying , Chen A‐Li
Published: February 2024

Negative therapeutic feedback of inflammation would extensively attenuate the antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this work, tumor homing chimeric peptide rhomboids (designated as NP‐Mel) are fabricated to improve photodynamic performance by inhibiting PDT‐upregulated cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). The hydrophobic photosensitizer of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and palmitic acid are conjugated onto the neuropilin receptors (NRPs) targeting peptide motif (CGNKRTR) to obtain tumor homing chimeric peptide (Palmitic‐K(PpIX)CGNKRTR), which can encapsulate the COX‐2 inhibitor of meloxicam. The well dispersed NP‐Mel not only improves the drug stability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production ability, but also increase the breast cancer targeted drug delivery to intensify the PDT effect. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that NP‐Mel will decrease the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) after PDT treatment, inducing the downregulation of IL‐6 and TNF‐α expressions to suppress PDT induced inflammation. Ultimately, an improved PDT performance of NP‐Mel is achieved without inducing obvious systemic toxicity, which might inspire the development of sophisticated nanomedicine in consideration of the feedback induced therapeutic resistance.
Creation of Interfacial S4–Sn–N2 Electron Pathways for Efficient Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yin Yihang , Xiang Peng , Zhou Yujie , Meng Huiyuan , Xiao Xudong , Shao Yugui , Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Jing , Li Qi , Guo Chuanyu , Ma Xuena , Zhang Luoming , Zhang Liping , Zhang Qun , Jiang Baojiang
Published: February 2024

Establishing effective charge transfer channels between two semiconductors is key to improving photocatalytic activity. However, controlling hetero‐structures in situ and designing binding modes pose significant challenges. Herein, hydrolytic SnCl2·2H2O is selected as the metal source and loaded in situ onto a layered carbon nitriden supramolecular precursor. A composite photocatalyst, S4–Sn–N2, with electron pathways of SnS2 and tubular carbon nitriden (TCN) is prepared through pyrolysis and vulcanization processes. The contact interface of SnS2–TCN is increased significantly, promoting the formation of S4–Sn–N2 micro‐structure in a Z‐scheme charge transfer channel. This structure accelerates the separation and transport of photogenerated carriers, maintains the stronger redox ability, and improves the stability of SnS2 in this series of heterojunctions. Therefore, the catalyst demonstrated exceptional photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency, achieving a reaction rate of 86.4 µmol h−1, which is 3.15 times greater than that of bare TCN.
Interfacial Electronic Modulation of Mo5N6/Ni3S2 Heterojunction Array Boosts Electrocatalytic Alkaline Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Fang Bin , Jin Jutao , Li Yanqin , Dang Haifeng , Shao Mengmeng , Zhao Liyuan , Yin Nianliang , Wang Wenlong
Published: February 2024

Bifunctional electrocatalysts with excellent activity and durability are highly desirable for alkaline overall water splitting, yet remain a significant challenge. In this contribution, palm‐like Mo5N6/Ni3S2 heterojunction arrays anchored in conductive Ni foam (denoted as Mo5N6‐Ni3S2 HNPs/NF) are developed. Benefiting from the optimized electronic structure configuration, hierarchical branched structure and abundant heterogeneous interfaces, the as‐synthesized Mo5N6‐Ni3S2 HNPs/NF electrode exhibits remarkably stable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity in 1 m KOH solution. It only requires ultralow overpotentials of 59 and 190 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 m KOH solution, respectively. Importantly, the overall water splitting electrolyzer assembled by Mo5N6‐Ni3S2 HNPs/NF exhibits an exceptionally low cell voltage (1.48 V@10 mA cm−2) and outstanding durability, surpassing most of the reported Ni‐based bifunctional materials. Density functional theory (DFT) further confirms the heterostructure can optimize the Gibbs free energies of H and O‐containing intermediates (OH, O, OOH) during HER and OER processes, thereby accelerating the catalytic kinetics of electrochemical water splitting. The findings provide a new design strategy toward low‐cost and excellent catalysts for overall water splitting.
A Graphene‐Mica‐Based Photo‐Thermal Actuator for Small‐Scale Soft Robots
Authors: Gu Ming , Echtermeyer Tim J.
Published: February 2024

Small‐scale soft robots demonstrate intricate life‐like behavior and allow navigation through arduous terrains and confined spaces. However, the primary challenges in soft robotics are 1) creating actuators capable of quick, reversible 22D‐to‐3D shape morphing with adjustable stiffness, 2) improving actuation force and robustness for wider applications, and 3) designing holistic systems for untethered manipulation and flexible multimodality in practical scenarios. Here, mechanically compliant paper‐like robots are presented with multiple functionalities. The robots are based on photothermally activated polymer bimorph actuators that incorporate graphene for the photo‐thermal conversion of energy and muscovite mica, with its high Young's modulus, providing the required stiffness. Conversion of light into heat leads to thermal expansion and bending of the stress‐mismatched structures. The actuators are designed on the basis of a modified Timoshenko model, and numerical simulations are employed to evaluate their actuation performance. The membranes can be utilized for light‐driven programmable shape‐morphing. Localized control allows the implementation of active hinges at arbitrary positions within the membrane. Integrated into small‐scale soft robots in mass production, the membrane facilitates locomotion, rolling, and flipping of the robots. Further, grasping and kicking mechanisms are demonstrated, highlighting the potential of such actuators for future applications.
N‐Decorated Main‐Group MgAl2O4 Spinel: Unlocking Exceptional Oxygen Reduction Activity for Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xue , Wu Fengqi , Hu Haidong , Li Jinyu , Sun Yong , Wang Jing , Zou Guodong , Chen Xiaobo , Wang Yong , Fernandez Carlos , Peng Qiuming
Published: February 2024

The development of economical and efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is crucial to accelerate the widespread application rhythm of aqueous rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). Here, a strategy is reported that the modification of the binding energy for reaction intermediates by the axial N‐group converts the inactive spinel MgAl2O4 into the active motif of MgAl2O4‐N. It is found that the introduction of N species can effectively optimize the electronic configuration of MgAl2O4, thereby significantly reducing the adsorption strength of *OH and boosting the reaction process. This main‐group MgAl2O4‐N catalyst exhibits a high ORR activity in a broad pH range from acidic and alkaline environments. The aqueous ZABs assembled with MgAl2O4‐N shows a peak power density of 158.5 mW cm−2, the long‐term cyclability over 2000 h and the high stability in the temperature range from ‐10 to 50 °C, outperforming the commercial Pt/C in terms of activity and stability. This work not only serves as a significant candidate for the robust ORR electrocatalysts of aqueous ZABs, but also paves a new route for the effective reutilization of waste Mg alloys.
Au Micro‐ and Nanoelectrodes as Local Voltammetric pH Sensors During Oxygen Evolution at Electrocatalyst‐Modified Electrodes
Authors: Li Lejing , Limani Ndrina , P Antony Rajini , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Santana Santos Carla , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

The scarcity of state‐of‐the‐art oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts has led to intensive research on alternative viable electrocatalytic materials. While activity and cost are the main factors to be sought after, the catalyst stability under harsh acidic conditions is equally crucial. Considering that OER is a proton‐coupled electron‐transfer reaction that involves local acidification of the reaction environment by liberation of H+, the catalyst stability can be largely compromised in such conditions. Consequently, probing the pH value near the catalyst surface under operation leads to a deeper understanding of this process. The applicability of bare Au microelectrodes and nanoelectrodes as sensitive local pH probes during OER is shown in this work by using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Two case studies are presented, including the state‐of‐the‐art OER catalyst (IrO2) in acidic media and a ZnGa2O4 catalyst in alkaline buffered solution, demonstrating the suitability of the Au probe to accurately determine the local pH value in a wide pH range.
Research on seismic response and dynamic lateral pressure of the silo model under dynamic interaction between granular materials and the silo wall
Authors: Zhang Daying , Yang Qinghe , Wang Shuming
Published: February 2024

The purpose is to study seismic response and dynamic lateral pressure of the silo wall with different storage conditions under the earthquake. FEM was used to conduct dynamic time history analysis of the silo. The seismic response of the empty silo was smaller than that of the filled silos, and for the latter, under seismic action, the bulk sand particles and the silo wall had a more complex dynamic interaction, and nodes displacements on the wall and columns mainly fluctuated rising. For the deformation of the bulk sand, it was similar to a parabolic pattern in section, the closer to the silo center the greater the deformation was, and the farther away from the silo center the smaller the deformation was. The maximum acceleration was near the top of the wall in the empty silo, near the middle of the wall in contact with bulk sand in the filled silos. Nodes maximum overpressure coefficient was 1.6 and 2.9 in half fully and fully filled silos, respectively, but the coefficient 2.9 was greater than the standardized value of 2.0, therefore, the suggested overpressure coefficient was proposed. Meanwhile, Mises stress was investigated, and it was smaller in the empty silo, but larger in the filled silos, particularly in and around the ring beam due to the dynamic interaction between the sand and the silo wall, where the stiffness had a sudden change, and the maximum stress at the ring beam increased gradually with the seismic action.
A comprehensive review on the fate and impact of antibiotic residues in the environment and public health: A special focus on the developing countries
Authors: Sikder Sadia , Toha Mohammad , Anik Amit Hasan , Sultan Maisha Binte , Alam Mahbub , Parvin Fahmida , Tareq Shafi M.
Published: February 2024

The widespread application of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has led to the pervasive presence of antibiotic residues in the environment, posing a potential hazard to public health. This comprehensive review aims to scrutinize the fate and impact of antibiotic residues, with a particular focus on the context of developing nations. The investigation delves into the diverse pathways facilitating the entry of antibiotics into the environment and meticulously examines their effects on human health. The review delineates the current state of antibiotic residues, evaluates their exposure in developing nations, and elucidates existing removal methodologies. Additionally, it probes into the factors contributing to the endurance and ecotoxicity of antibiotic residues, correlating these aspects with usage rates and associated mortalities in these nations. The study also investigates removal techniques for antibiotic residues, assessing their efficiency in environmental compartments. The concurrent emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, engendered by antibiotic residues, and their adverse ecological threats underscore the necessity for enhanced regulations, vigilant surveillance programs, and the adoption of sustainable alternatives. The review underlines the pivotal role of public education and awareness campaigns in promoting responsible antibiotic use. The synthesis concludes with strategic recommendations, strengthening the imperative for further research encompassing comprehensive monitoring, ecotoxicological effects, alternative strategies, socio‐economic considerations, and international collaborations, all aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of antibiotic residues on human health and the environment.

Practitioner Points

Antibiotic residues are widely distributed in different environmental compartments.

Developing countries use more antibiotics than developed countries.

Human and veterinary wastes are one of the most responsible sources of antibiotic pollution.

Antibiotics interact with biological systems and trigger pharmacological reactions at low doses.

Antibiotics can be removed using modern biological, chemical, and physical–chemical techniques.
Electrophoresis analysis of a hydrophobic spherical particle in a micropolar electrolyte solution
Authors: Faltas Moukhtar Shenouda , Sherief Hany H. , Ismail Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

The general expression for the time‐independent electrophoretic velocity of a spherical colloidal particle with a slippage surface in a microstructure electrolyte solution is derived. The two extreme cases of nonconducting and perfect conducting particles are investigated. The derived expression is valid for arbitrary Debye length and low particle zeta potentials. The concept of velocity spin slip is incorporated with the usual velocity slip at the particle's surface. The effect of the microstructure of fluid particles on the electrophoresis phenomena is discussed based on a micropolar fluid model. The influences of velocity slip and velocity spin slip are shown through various plots of electrophoretic velocity. The limiting case of electrolyte viscous solution is recovered. The principal findings of this research can be summarized as follows: As the micropolarity parameter increases, the normalized electrophoretic velocity decreases and reaches its peak in the case of Newtonian fluids. Additionally, the velocity slip acts as a counteracting factor that promotes an increase in the electrophoretic velocity. In the context of nonconducting particles, the normalized electrophoretic velocity rises as the spin slip parameter and Debye length decrease. Conversely, for perfectly conducting particles, it increases as the spin slip parameter and Debye length increase.
Innovationism and the New Public Intellectuals
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: February 2024

Public intellectuals were once honest and knowledgeable academics who engaged in critical debate and spoke truth to power, but seem today rather to be celebrities who make vast amounts of money from selling an oversimplified message to policymakers and the public. This chapter discusses the role of the new public intellectuals for the rise of oversimplified and misguided innovation policy, both in the wider context of the recent spread of the ideology of “innovationism” and with specific attention to the sociological mechanisms involved. With the help of a conceptual discussion and some key examples, the chapter issues some warnings of what might happen when public intellectuals give up essential virtues of academic work in favor of fame and fortune, and the role they can then come to play in the spread of “innovationism” and misdirected innovation policy agendas.
Found Down
Authors: Hess Christopher P. , Smirniotopoulos James G.
Published: February 2024

Consciousness is believed to arise from two inter-related brain functional states: wakefulness, reflecting an individual’s level of arousal and response to external stimuli, and awareness, representing the content of one’s conscious experience and the ability to interact with the external environment. Disruption to either or both states may result in a patient being “found down.” The inability to take an accurate medical history, the limitations of physical examination in the obtunded patient, and the need to rapidly make treatment decisions position imaging centrally within the evaluation of most of these patients. Radiologists should be prepared to help decide on an appropriate imaging strategy, suggest a limited differential diagnosis as to root causes for the patient’s condition, identify problems that mandate emergent medical or surgical intervention and, in some cases, assist in defining short- and long-term prognosis.
Child with Acute Neurological Emergency
Authors: Mertiri Livja , Rossi Andrea , Huisman Laura M. , Huisman Thierry A. G. M.
Published: February 2024

Children with acute neurological emergencies present to the ER with a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs. Neuroimaging plays an important role because of limitations such as gathering an accurate patient history and difficulties in performing a detailed neurological examination in the ER, particularly in young patients. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the neuroimaging findings of the most frequent causes of acute emergencies in children, as well as of some less frequently encountered entities.
Nontraumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Schaefer Pamela W. , Edjlali Myriam
Published: February 2024

Spontaneous ICH is usually intraparenchymal or subarachnoid in location. Intraparenchymal hemorrhages, encompassing lobar or centrally located hematomas, have diverse underlying causes, with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, characterized by lobar hemorrhage, being the most common. Hypertension is the second most common cause with a predilection for the basal ganglia, pons, and cerebellum. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is linked to aneurysm rupture in 85% of cases. Other relatively common causes of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage include hemorrhagic conversion of ischemic infarction, cerebral arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas, venous sinus thrombosis, cavernous malformations, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, coagulopathy, and underlying tumors.

Computed tomography followed by CT angiography is used for initial assessment of spontaneous ICH. However, MRI is more sensitive than CT for the detection of ICH and plays an important role in their etiology characterization. In this paper, the authors present a logical approach to imaging spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage including identifying prognostic factors, determining etiology, and establishing treatment.
Dysregulated palmitic acid metabolism promotes the formation of renal calcium-oxalate stones through ferroptosis induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids/phosphatidic acid
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Jingdong , Ren Haotian , Qi Shiyong , Xie Linguo , Xie Haijie , Shang Zhiqun , Liu Chunyu
Published: February 2024

The pathogenesis of renal calcium-oxalate (CaOx) stones is complex and influenced by various metabolic factors. In parallel, palmitic acid (PA) has been identified as an upregulated lipid metabolite in the urine and serum of patients with renal CaOx stones via untargeted metabolomics. Thus, this study aimed to mechanistically assess whether PA is involved in stone formation. Lipidomics analysis of PA-treated renal tubular epithelial cells compared with the control samples revealed that α-linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid were desaturated and elongated, resulting in the formation of downstream polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In correlation, the levels of fatty acid desaturase 1 and 2 (FADS1 and FADS2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in these cells treated with PA were increased relative to the control levels, suggesting that PA-induced upregulation of PPARα, which in turn upregulated these two enzymes, forming the observed PUFAs. Lipid peroxidation occurred in these downstream PUFAs under oxidative stress and Fenton Reaction. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis revealed significant changes in the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes in PA-treated renal tubular epithelial cells, induced by PUFA peroxides. In addition, phosphatidyl ethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1) formed a complex with 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) to exacerbate PUFA peroxidation under protein kinase C ζ (PKC ζ) phosphorylation, and PKC ζ was activated by phosphatidic acid derived from PA. In conclusion, this study found that the formation of renal CaOx stones is promoted by ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells resulting from PA-induced dysregulation of PUFA and phosphatidic acid metabolism, and PA can promote the renal adhesion and deposition of CaOx crystals by injuring renal tubular epithelial cells, consequently upregulating adhesion molecules. Accordingly, this study provides a new theoretical basis for understanding the correlation between fatty acid metabolism and the formation of renal CaOx stones, offering potential targets for clinical applications.