bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cultural control practices and fertilization on snail abundance and peanut yield
Authors: Calixto E. S. , Singh H. , Paula‐Moraes Silvana V.
Published: November 2024

The invasive land snail Bulimulus bonariensis has become a significant pest in the Southern United States. This pest poses a threat to various crops, including cotton, citrus, and peanut, leading to potential yield losses, irrigation issues, and food contamination. This study investigated the effects of tillage and calcium fertilization on snail populations in peanut. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four plot replications using the peanut cultivar Georgia 12Y. Treatments combined tillage methods with dolomitic lime or gypsum fertilization. The results showed that conventional tillage with the addition of dolomitic lime significantly reduced the number of snails compared to tillage plus gypsum, no‐tillage plus dolomitic lime, and no‐tillage plus gypsum. A slight increase in yield was noted in plots with tillage and gypsum application. These findings highlight the potential of tillage, especially when combined with dolomitic lime, as an effective strategy for managing B. bonariensis in peanut.

Core Ideas

The invasive snail, Bulimulus bonariensis, poses a significant economic threat to peanut crops in Southeastern United States.

Tillage has been shown to significantly decrease adult snail population in peanut.

Conventional tillage combined with dolomitic lime reduced snail populations compared to other treatments.
Leadership training in emergency medicine: A national survey
Authors: Palmer Shea , Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye Amanda , Hooper Gareth , Khan Aanika , Leech Caroline , Moore Amanda , Pawar Bhupinder , Szczepura Ala , Turner Chris , Kneafsey Rosie
Published: November 2024

Background

Emergency medicine (EM) is a uniquely stressful environment in which leadership training could improve individual and team performance, patient outcomes, well‐being, and EM career intentions. The primary aim was to evaluate EM‐specific leadership training (EMLeaders) compared to no leadership training. A secondary comparison was with other forms of leadership training.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) members in England. Three groups were recruited: those who reported receiving EMLeaders training, no training, and other training. Information was collected on group demographics, job roles, responses to 14 leadership knowledge and skills items, well‐being at work, and EM career intentions.

Results

A total of 417 responders (177 EMLeaders, 148 no training, 92 other training) were largely representative of RCEM members, although the EMLeaders group were at less senior career grades. Although all groups provided generally positive responses, EMLeaders demonstrated more positive ratings for seven of 14 leadership items relative to no training (all p < 0.05): knowledge about clinical leadership, application of clinical leadership, empowerment to make decisions, managing the emergency department environment, ability to influence the EM environment, confidence in leadership, and confidence in facilitating teams. The other training group demonstrated superior ratings for five of seven of the same items, except empowerment to make decisions and ability to influence the EM environment. Direct comparison of EMLeaders with other training identified ability to influence the EM environment as a unique benefit of EMLeaders (p < 0.05), while knowledge about clinical leadership favored other training (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

EMLeaders improved many aspects of perceived leadership knowledge and skills, but there was little evidence of impact on well‐being or EM career intentions. EMLeaders particularly appears to enhance perceived ability to influence the EM environment. Considering that the EMLeaders group were generally earlier in their career, the findings are promising and can inform the refinement of future EM‐specific training.
Dynamic optimization of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers considering usage‐based degradation
Authors: Schofield Landon , Paren Benjamin , Macdonald Ruaridh , Shao‐Horn Yang , Mallapragada Dharik
Published: November 2024

We present a techno‐economic optimization model for the design and dynamic operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, for enabling cost‐effective hydrogen production. This model integrates a 0‐D model of the electrolyzer stack, process‐wide mass and energy balances, operational constraints, and an empirical relation to characterize degradation as a function of operating current density. Utilizing a decomposition‐based solution approach, the model predicts optimal electrolyzer size, operation, and necessary hydrogen storage to satisfy hydrogen demand across various technology and electricity price scenarios. Analysis for 2022 electricity prices and technology costs shows that including use‐dependent degradation raises the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from $4.56/kg to $6.60/kg and increases frequency of stack replacement (2 vs. 7 years). However, by 2030, we anticipate a significant reduction in LCOH to $2.50/kg due to lower capital expenses, leading to longer stack lifetimes and less hydrogen storage. The proposed modeling framework is adaptable to study other electrochemical systems relevant for decarbonization.
Self‐tuning moving horizon estimation of nonlinear systems via physics‐informed machine learning Koopman modeling
Authors: Yan Mingxue , Han Minghao , Law Adrian Wing‐Keung , Yin Xunyuan
Published: November 2024

In this article, we propose a physics‐informed learning‐based Koopman modeling approach and present a Koopman‐based self‐tuning moving horizon estimation design for a class of nonlinear systems. Specifically, we train Koopman operators and two neural networks—the state lifting network and the noise characterization network—using both data and available physical information. The first network accounts for the nonlinear lifting functions for the Koopman model, while the second network characterizes the system noise distributions. Accordingly, a stochastic linear Koopman model is established in the lifted space to forecast the dynamic behaviors of the nonlinear system. Based on the Koopman model, a self‐tuning linear moving horizon estimation (MHE) scheme is developed. The weighting matrices of the MHE design are updated using the pretrained noise characterization network at each sampling instant. The proposed estimation scheme is computationally efficient, as only convex optimization needs to be solved during online implementation, and updating the weighting matrices of the MHE scheme does not require re‐training the neural networks. We verify the effectiveness and evaluate the performance of the proposed method via the application to a simulated chemical process.
Synthesis of Bis(alkenyl)oligosilanes via Double Hydrosilylation and Their Structures and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Kanno Ken‐ichiro , Kajima Keisuke , Suzuki Yudai , Honma Ryuya , Kyushin Soichiro
Published: November 2024

A series of novel bis(alkenyl)oligosilanes was synthesized via ruthenium‐catalyzed double hydrosilylation of alkynes with dihydrooligosilanes. The structural and photophysical features of the bis(alkenyl)oligosilanes were studied by X‐ray crystallography and UV and fluorescence spectra. The functional groups on the alkenyl moieties significantly affect not only their conformation and arrangement in crystals but also the UV and fluorescence spectra.
Plasma pTau217 ratio predicts continuous regional brain tau accumulation in amyloid‐positive early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Devanarayan Viswanath , Charil Arnaud , Horie Kanta , Doherty Thomas , Llano Daniel A. , Andreozzi Erica , Sachdev Pallavi , Ye Yuanqing , Murali Leema Krishna , Zhou Jin , Reyderman Larisa , Hampel Harald , Kramer Lynn D. , Dhadda Shobha , Irizarry Michael C. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

This study examines whether phosphorylated plasma Tau217 ratio (pTau217R) can predict tau accumulation in different brain regions, as measured by positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), for staging Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Plasma pTau217R was measured using immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry. Models for predicting tau PET SUVR, developed with 144 early AD individuals using [18F]MK6240, were validated in two validation sets, VS1 (98 early AD) and VS2 (47 preclinical/early AD with a different tracer, flortaucipir (Tauvid)), all amyloid‐beta positive (Aβ+).

RESULTS

The pTau217R‐based model predicted tau levels up to an SUVR of 2 in multiple brain regions, effectively assessing tau status at different tau levels with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve areas of 0.84–0.95 in VS1 and 0.71–0.88 in VS2 (using a different tracer). It reduced PET scan needs by 65% while maintaining 95% sensitivity.

DISCUSSION

PTau217R reliably predicts regional tau accumulation in early AD, reducing reliance on tau PET scans and broadening its clinical application.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03887455 (ClarityAD)

Highlights

Developed a model using plasma pTau217R to predict tau levels across brain regions.

pTau217R model outperformed models based on clinical, MRI, and other blood biomarkers.

The model reliably predicted tau levels exceeding tau positivity and higher thresholds.

Screening with pTau217R could reduce tau PET scans by 65% at 95% sensitivity.

pTau217R model aids in disease staging and monitoring in early AD.
Pioneering Built‐In Interfacial Electric Field for Enhanced Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Huang Huawei , Xu Liangliang , Zuo Shouwei , Ren Yuanfu , Song Lu , Zou Chen , Wang Xingkun , Martínez Javier Ruiz , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Zhang Huabin
Published: November 2024

As a half‐reaction in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) technology, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode is severely hindered by the sluggish reaction kinetics involved in additional water dissociation step, which results in large overpotentials and low energy conversion efficiency. Here, we develop a nano‐heterostructure composed of ultra‐thin W5N4 shells over Ni3N nanoparticles (Ni3N@W5N4) as efficient catalysts, in which built‐in interfacial electric field (BIEF) is created owing to the distinct lattice arrangements and work functions of biphasic metal nitrides. The BIEF facilitates the electron localization around the interface and enables high valence W and more exposed binding sites in the surface W5N4 shell for accelerating the water dissociation step, ultimately leading to a remarkable reduction in the energy barriers of RDS from 1.40 eV to 0.26 eV. Theoretical calculations and operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analysis results demonstrated that surface W5N4 serves as the active species for HER. Moreover, the ultra‐thin shell characteristics enable the optimized W5N4 with enhanced intrinsic catalytic activity to be fully exposed as active sites. Consequently, the Ni3N@W5N4 exhibits exceptional performance in alkaline HER (60 mV@10 mA cm−2) and remarkable long‐term stability (500 mA cm−2 for 100 hours). When employed as the cathode in the AEMWE device, the synthesized Ni3N@W5N4 demonstrates stable performance for 90 hours at a current density of 1 A cm−2.
Switching Residues: Eine Plattform zur Synthese von Fidaxomicin Antibiotika
Authors: Jung Erik , Griesser Tizian , Costafrolaz Jordan , Duverger Ondine , Mattenberger Yves , Dittmann Silvia , Dorst Andrea , Major Alexander , Dailler David , Schäfle Daniel , Sievers Susanne , Brodolin Konstantin , Viollier Patrick H. , Sander Peter , Gademann Karl
Published: November 2024

Periphere Modifikation ist ein weit verbreiteter Ansatz zur Optimierung von Naturstoffen hinsichtlich biologischer Aktivität oder gewünschter physikochemischer Eigenschaften. Dieses Verfahren führt unweigerlich zu einer Erhöhung des Molekulargewichts, häufig begleitet von größerer Lipophilie. Umgekehrt wird die Entfernung von Strukturelementen aus Naturstoffen nicht immer toleriert: So hat sich jede Strukturkomponente als essenziell für die Wirkung des Antibiotikums Fidaxomicin (Fdx) erwiesen. In dieser Arbeit zeigen wir, dass die biologische Aktivität von Fdx‐Derivaten aufrechterhalten werden kann, wenn der Rhamnosid‐Dichlorohomoorsellinat‐Substituent von Fdx durch kleinere, polarere Bausteine ersetzt wird. Wir installierten selektiv N‐Nukleophile durch eine palladiumkatalysierte allylische Substitution am Makrozyklus von Fdx. Diese neuen Derivate wurden konzipiert, um die Bindung von Fdx an die bakterielle RNA‐Polymerase zu imitieren. Die Evaluierung gegen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Clostridioides difficile und den Gram‐negativen Modellorganismus Caulobacter crescentus zeigte, dass die neu eingeführten Bausteine die antibiotische Aktivität wiederherstellen können, was durch enzymatische RNA‐Polymerase Assays weiter bestätigt wurde. Ausserdem haben wir die allylische Substitution mit einem organokatalysierten Noviosid‐Acylierungsprotokoll kombiniert, um die Funktionalisierung von zwei Vektoren von Fdx in derselben Reaktionssequenz zu ermöglichen. Diese Plattform erweitert den zugänglichen chemischen Raum für Fdx‐Derivate erheblich und ermöglicht die künftige Entwicklung von systemischen Fdx‐Antibiotika‐Derivaten.
Anti‐Stokes Emission Utilizing Reverse Intersystem Crossing
Authors: Kohata Shintaro , Nakanotani Hajime , Hosokai Takuya , Yasuda Takuma , Tsuchiya Youichi , Adachi Chihaya
Published: November 2024

Photon‐upconversion (PUC) processes in organic molecular systems, such as triplet‐triplet upconversion and hot‐band absorption, are promising technologies for future energy harvesting. Although these processes can generate high‐energy excitons compared to excitation energy, a PUC process with a high yield and no energy loss has not been established and, therefore, is highly desired. Here, we propose an alternative PUC mechanism that uses reverse intersystem crossing on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules. This process combines a triplet sensitizer and a TADF molecule, generating a triplet in the former and transferring it to the latter. Specifically, the triplet energy transfer from Ir(ppy)3 (sensitizer) to CzBSe (TADF) results in anti‐Stokes emission with an anti‐Stokes energy of 0.18 eV. We found that the triplet energy transfer rate strongly depends on the triplet radiative decay rate of TADF molecules and the difference in Gibbs energy between the energy acceptor and donor. Our findings will contribute to understanding triplet energy transfer dynamics in organic energy donor‐acceptor systems and will lead to various applications, such as future optical cooling systems.
Hydrogen Radical Enabling Industrial‐Level Oxygen Electroreduction to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Xue Song , Li Xiaohui , Sun Yuanyuan , Cui Wangyang , Cao Fengliang , Cao Zhisheng , Huang Yin , Shao Mingzheng , Li Zhongtao , Zhi Linjie
Published: November 2024

The electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen and water, powered by renewable electricity, provides a highly attractive alternative to the energy‐intensive autoxidation process presently used in industry, but much remains unknown about this two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR), especially the local proton effect. Here, we have investigated the function of hydrogen‐associated intermediates in the 2e‐ORR using a rationally designed cooperative electrode material with cobalt (II) clusters embedded onto the oxidized carbon nanotube composites (Co‐OCNT). We found that the local proton availability can determine both the reaction kinetics and selectivity. A 2e‐ORR process involving hydrogen radical transfer is confirmed. Specifically, the carbon sites from the OCNTs promote proton production, and the cobalt sites from the Co cluster facilitate ORR intermediate formation. The high local proton availability and the cooperative dual‐active sites both contribute to the superior reaction kinetics and selectivity of the Co‐OCNT, reaching an H2O2 production rate of ~40.6 mol gcat−1 h−1 and a faradaic efficiency of 90 % at a current density of 300 mA cm−2. Further cascading the 2e‐ORR with the electro‐Fenton process shows a high selectivity of oxalic acid up to 97 % for the valorization of ethylene glycol.
Development and Applications of an Amide Linchpin Reagent
Authors: Uppalapati Bhavana , Aubry Maxime A. , Wang Qiang , Abdelhamid Dalia , Gill Monica A. , Beauchemin André M.
Published: November 2024

Linchpin reagents are building blocks that can be chemoselectively functionalized to afford products with a common, useful functional group. In this work, we describe the development and validation of the first amide linchpin reagent and demonstrate its use as a doubly electrophilic building block for the synthesis of a variety of amides, including challenging classes. The linchpin reagent was first functionalized via rhodium‐catalyzed electrophilic amination. Selected masked C‐isocyanate products were then further derivatized with Grignard reagents to produce secondary amides, or tertiary amides if an alkylating agent was added subsequently. The success of this sequence relies on fully controlled reactivity at each electrophilic site, first exploiting the weak N−O bond and then, the ability to form the free isocyanate intermediate in situ. The overall transformation proceeds with high chemoselectivity, demonstrating the ability of this new linchpin reagent to form amides through atypical bond construction. Finally, the potential of this reagent as a more broadly applicable NCO linchpin is demonstrated by the formation of lactams and unsymmetrical ureas.
Hydrothermal Stability of Active Sites in Cu‐Exchanged Small‐Pore Zeolites for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx
Authors: Wenig Mirjam , Khare Rachit , Jentys Andreas , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: November 2024

Combining operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and computational modelling shows unequivocally the distribution of active species in fresh and hydrothermally aged Cu‐CHA and Cu‐AEI zeolites during NH3‐assisted selective catalytic reduction of NOx. Four principal species co‐exist: (i) CuI cations coordinated to NH3, (ii) CuI cations coordinated to the zeolite framework, (iii) solvated CuII cations, and (iv) framework‐coordinated CuII species (CuIIst) formed upon hydrothermal ageing of the zeolite sample. The CuIIst species were only observed in the hydrothermally aged zeolite samples and are formed upon the interaction of hydrated CuII cations with extra‐framework Al (EFAl) generated during the hydrothermal treatment. These sites are inactive for NOx reduction, leading to a decrease in the catalytic performance of the hydrothermally aged zeolites. CuIIst formation was higher in Cu‐CHA (~46 %) than in Cu‐AEI (~28 %). The better hydrothermal stability of Cu in the AEI framework is attributed to the tortuous channel structure of AEI that hinders the migration of hydrated CuII cations during hydrothermal ageing.
A Chiral COFs Membrane for Enantioselective Amino Acid Separation
Authors: Manoranjan Narmadha , Fang Wangxi , Zhu Yuzhang , Jin Jian
Published: November 2024

Incorporating chiral molecules in the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with uniformly ordered pores results in chiral COFs, which have been highly promising candidates for enantioseparation. Herein, a homochiral COF nanochannel membrane is reported by introducing chiral centers (L‐phenylalanine methyl ester) into one of the organic ligands for the enantioseparation of chiral amino acids. The separation results show that the D‐isomer is preferentially transported through the porous membrane channel. This composite membrane exhibits excellent selectivity for racemic phenylalanine with the highest enantiomeric excess value of up to 99.4 %. The adsorption and molecular modeling studies substantiate the experiment results by showing higher bonding affinity towards D‐isomer over L‐isomer. The excellent enantioselective gating performance unveils the porous COF skeleton with chiral selectors and the size‐matching synergy for stereoselective interactions with chiral isomers.
Single Atomic Cu‐C3 Sites Catalyzed Interfacial Chemistry in Bi@C for Ultra‐Stable and Ultrafast Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Guochang , Tang Yifan , Wang Yuhui , Cui Shuangxing , Chen Hao , Hu Yaoping , Pang Huan , Han Lei
Published: November 2024

Regulating interfacial chemistry at electrode‐electrolyte interface by designing catalytic electrode material is crucial and challenging for optimizing battery performance. Herein, a novel single atom Cu regulated Bi@C with Cu−C3 site (Bi@SA Cu−C) have been designed via the simple pyrolysis of metal‐organic framework. Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations indicate the Cu−C3 sites accelerate the dissociation of P−F and C−O bonds in NaPF6‐ether‐based electrolyte and catalyze the formation of inorganic‐rich and powerful solid electrolyte interphase. In addition, the Cu−C3 sites with delocalized electron around Cu trigger an uneven charge distribution and induce an in‐plane local electric field, which facilitates the adsorption of Na+ and reduces the Na+ migration energy barrier. Consequently, the obtained Bi@SA Cu−C achieves a state‐of‐the‐art reversible capacity, ultrahigh rate capability, and long‐term cycling durability. The as‐constructed full cell delivers a high capacity of 351 mAh g−1 corresponding to an energy density of 265 Wh kg−1. This work provides a new strategy to realize high‐efficient sodium ion storage for alloy‐based anode through constructing single‐atom modulator integrated catalysis and promotion effect into one entity.
Highly Efficient Chiral Separation Based on Alkali‐proof Protein Immobilization by Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Yang Mingfang , Zheng Yunlong , Cai Yuqing , Guo Jinbiao , Zuo Along , Yu Jiangyue , Zhang Sainan , Zhang Zhenjie , Chen Yao
Published: November 2024

Chiral separation plays a pivotal role in both practical applications and industrial productions. However, traditional chiral stationary phases (CSPs) exhibit inherent instability in alkaline environments, presenting a significant challenge despite their importance. Herein, basophilic alcalase is creatively developed to fabricate ultrastable protein‐based CSPs that can efficiently work under alkaline conditions. An in‐depth theoretical simulation is conducted to unveil the unique three‐dimensional conformation of alcalase, showing selective affinity towards various enantiomers of chiral amino acids and drugs, especially acidic substrates. Subsequently, an in situ assembly strategy is used to immobilize alcalase within a hydrazone‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) platform. The generated protein‐based CSPs enable successful baseline separation (Rs≥1.50) for various value‐added compounds (e.g., non‐steroidal drug, RS‐flurbiprofen; nucleotide analog, RS‐tenofovir) via high‐performance liquid chromatography, surpassing the commercial chiral column. Furthermore, a systematic study reveals that increasing hydrophilicity and pore sizes of COFs can enhance the separation performance. Remarkably, the obtained CSPs demonstrated exceptional durability, maintaining performance for >2,400 runs. This study provides a new member to the protein library for CSPs, and represents an innovative and effective platform for CSPs with immense potential for the enantioseparation of acidic drugs.
Peri‐operative and anaesthetic considerations for gender‐affirming vocal surgery
Authors: Lim A. , Myatt J. , Inglis D. , Al Yaghchi C.
Published: November 2024

The number of people identifying as transgender and/or gender diverse has increased significantly in recent years. As there are no pharmacologic options for raising vocal pitch and voice therapy may have limited benefit, vocal feminisation surgery is important for this group of patients. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the procedures which may be carried out and the implications for subsequent airway management. In this article, we present the case of a 46‐year‐old transgender woman who underwent gender‐affirming vocal surgery. We will discuss the modified Wendler glottoplasty surgical technique, anaesthetic management and postoperative recovery. We also discuss future peri‐operative implications, including airway management for those undergoing general anaesthesia for subsequent operations.
A Near Room Temperature Curie Temperature in a New Type of Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor (Ba,K)(Zn,Mn)2As2
Authors: Peng Yi , Li Xiang , Shi Luchuan , Zhao Guoqiang , Zhang Jun , Zhao Jianfa , Wang Xiancheng , Gu Bo , Deng Zheng , Uemura Yasutomo J. , Jin Changqing
Published: November 2024

Achieving room‐temperature ferromagnetism is one of the major challenges for diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS). (Ba,K)(Zn,Mn)2As2 (BZA) belongs to a new type of DMS materials that feature independent spin and carrier doping. In previous studies, BZA shows a reliable Curie temperature (TC) of 230 K, a record among these types of materials. In this work, progress in further experimentally enhancing TC of BZA to 260 K is reported by increasing Mn concentration with parallel K doping, as supported by complementary first‐principles calculations. A sufficient carrier concentration can suppress the short‐range antiferromagnetic interaction of the nearest Mn─Mn pair, which suppresses ferromagnetism in DMS materials. Consequently, a higher TC has been obtained in BZA with improved Mn‐ and K‐doping levels by using high‐pressure synthesis that effectively eliminates structural distortion and overcomes the limitation of chemical solution in BZA. The work demonstrates an effective strategy to enhance TC in DMS systems.
Robust Cd(4,5‐Imdb)‐MOF for Lewis‐Acid Assisted Catalysis and Selective Sensing of 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol
Authors: Sachan Sharad Kumar , Rajora Anjali , Ojha Subham , Anantharaman Ganapathi
Published: November 2024

Developing multifunctional metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for effective catalysis and sensing remain a significant challenge. This study presents the synthesis of an imidazole‐based angular linker, 4,4′‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐diyl)dibenzoic acid (4,5‐H2Imdb), which is used in the synthesis of the Cd(4,5‐Imdb)‐MOF. This MOF demonstrates robust and recyclable properties, making it suitable for solvent‐free Strecker synthesis and in the detection of the secondary explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) molecule, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.5 ppb in methanol. The material's hydrolytic stability and reusability are thoroughly evaluated. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into the selective detection mechanism of TNP. These findings highlight the potential of Cd(4,5‐Imdb)‐MOF in catalysis and sensing applications.
Co3O4/CuO Hybrid Hollow Microspheres as Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zhu Jingchao , Fu Lichao , Zuo Xintao , Liu Dapeng , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2024

Co3O4/CuO hybrid hollow microspheres have been successfully prepared via thermal decomposition of CoCu glycolates, whose size can be adjusted by varying the molar ratio of Co2+/Cu2+. As lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode, Co3O4/CuO microspheres exhibited excellent electrochemical performance due to synergistic effects and the hollow structural design, the best Co3O4/CuO sample could maintain a high specific capacity of 1170.4 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1 A g−1, and still retain a capacity of 514.5 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Thus obtained Co3O4/CuO hybrid hollow microspheres hold great potential as anode materials for high‐performance LIBs.
In‐Situ Sulfuration of Ni(OH)2 to Heterostructured Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2@Ni Catalyst for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Dai Xinxin , Tang Zhen , Yan Xinyuan , Tao Shiyi , Wang Shanshan , Liu Yi , Cao Jiafeng , Deng Xiaolong , Bo Xin
Published: November 2024

The exploring and developing non‐precious transition metal‐based catalysts for practical water electrolysis with the low cost, high efficiency and easy macroscopic preparation was still a challenge. Herein, Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2 heterojunction with different sulfuration time was proposed and hydrothermally synthesized using a simple two‐step approach, which served as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting in alkaline solution at industrial temperature. Among these catalysts, Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2‐5h displayed the smallest overpotentials (237 mV@100 mA cm−2 and 360 mV@100 mA cm−2) for OER and HER at room temperature, along with low Tafel slopes of 62.0 mV dec−1 and 80.8 mV dec−1 respectively. Furthermore, working at high temperature Ni3S2/Ni(OH)2‐5h exhibited even lower overpotential of 82 mV@100 mA cm−2 at 70 °C for OER and 325 mV@100 mA cm−2 at 60 °C for HER. The excellent performance was ascribed to the heterojunction accelerating the charge transfer, hierarchical interconnected structure promoting the mass transfer and the synergistic effect between the components of Ni3S2 and Ni(OH)2. This work could provide a promising route for promoting the electrocatalytic performance of Ni‐based catalyst with a simple sulfuration method for industrial water splitting, which could expand to other non‐noble metal‐based materials for enhancing the electrocatalytic activities.
On the Description of Electrode Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries Based on the Quantification of Work Functions
Authors: Schepp Johanna , Schuch Jona , Hofmann Jan P. , Weitzel Karl‐Michael
Published: November 2024

During charging of a lithium ion battery, electrons are transferred from the cathode material to the outer circuit and lithium ions are transferred into the electrolyte. Here, the energy required to take electrons and lithium ions out of two prototypical cathode materials, LixFePO4 and LixMn2O4 is investigated as a function of the state of lithiation, x. Both electronic and ionic work functions vary significantly with x for LixFePO4 but rather little for LixMn2O4. The relevance of these work functions for the thermodynamic description of lithium ion batteries is discussed.
The effect of mobile phone electromagnetic fields on the human resting state wake EEG and event‐related potential: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Prins Anna C. , Baas Koen , van der Meer Johan N. , Jacobs Marc , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: November 2024

The rapid growth of mobile phone usage and its use of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) have raised concerns about potential health risks. Researchers have conducted studies to examine the effects of RF‐EMF on the brain using electroencephalography (EEG). We conducted a systematic quality assessment and meta‐analysis of published research in this field to establish high‐quality studies as references for future protocols. The electronic search yielded 244 records from which a total of 51 studies were included in the review after excluding studies based on study design, and data or report availability. Of these 51 studies, 31 (61%) focused on resting state wake EEG and 20 (39%) on event‐related potentials (ERP). None of the 51 studies were free from risk of bias. From the 51 included studies, we were able to use seven studies to create three different groups for meta‐analysis for resting state wake EEG and five studies to create 10 different groups for meta‐analysis for ERP. Per group the number of studies varies from 1 to 5. Our procedure is the first systematic quality assessment in this field and revealed three important findings. First, there is evidence of an effect on the EEG of a 2G protocol using an eyes‐open condition. Second, we did not find evidence for EEG effects during task performance. This suggests that the impact of EMF during task performance is less pronounced compared to the resting state condition. Third, this meta‐analysis shows that the field is unable to create an evidence base for most comparisons due to heterogeneity. We therefore advise that all future studies are double‐blind in nature, adhere to the methodological standard of randomized experiments, and publish their protocols first.
Human Placenta in Premodern Europe—a Cultural and Pharmaceutical Agent**
Authors: Wahrig Bettina
Published: November 2024

This paper was prompted by some striking similarities between both the ritual and the medical use of placenta in Ming China and in premodern Europe. Contrary to most accounts, which focus either on the rise of chemiatric medicine or on the growing interest in “exotic” substances, the seventeenth century in Europe also reveals a revived interest in substances from animals, including materials from human bodies. The paper will analyse the use of words signifying the placenta, and follow the trace of vernacular knowledge about the placenta and its role in birth‐giving, and in medieval medical texts on women's medicine. I will then analyse how the placenta is treated in systems of signatures in the age of alchemy and will try to trace the advent of more complicated preparations in the seventeenth century, and how between the eighteenth and the twenty‐first century, the placenta meandered between a token of folk medicine (re)productive material and pharmaceutical resource.
Materialities of the In/between: Drugs and Medical Knowledge between Europe and East Asia
Authors: Merdes Dominik , Wahrig Bettina
Published: November 2024

This special issue presents six research papers that were developed within the Taiwanese‐German working group “Materialities of Medical Cultures in/between Europe and East Asia.” Our working group uses the concept of “in/between” as an umbrella term to study the cultural history of drugs and the practices of medicine and care. This issue's articles address the question of how drugs and medical knowledge emerged from the various in/between spaces created by encounters between East Asian and European medical cultures. Their focus is on the entanglements of matters and knowledge in the contexts of mission and colonialism, the production of medicinal substances and helminthology, as well as on premodern knowledge cultures concerning childbirth and the preparation and consumption of animals with a medicinal background. The contributions present a comparative perspective on material and knowledge cultures surrounding medical materials from plants, animals, and humans. In this introduction, we summarize the discussions within our Taiwan‐German working group as case studies on how scholars of East Asian and European studies can meet under the “in/between” umbrella term as a productive approach to an interdisciplinary and comparative history of knowledge.
Fog collection using hydrophobic and hydrophilic treatments on wrinkle‐based multilayered surfaces
Authors: Kim Yongseong , Kim Huihwa , Choi Hyun‐ju
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the fog‐collection efficiency of wrinkle‐based multilayer surfaces using hydrophilic and hydrophobic treatments. The wrinkle structures were fabricated by leveraging the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ultraviolet (UV) resin. The optimal wrinkle periodicity for fog collection was determined by varying the spin‐coating rate of the UV resin. Chemical surface treatments were examined by applying hydrophilic (hyaluronic acid [HA]) and hydrophobic (perfluoropolyether [PFPE] and TiO₂‐PFPE) agents. Surfaces with perpendicular wrinkles treated with TiO₂‐PFPE demonstrated the highest fog‐collection efficiency due to increased surface roughness that promoted droplet nucleation and growth. These wrinkles further optimized efficiency by facilitating the rapid downward flow of water droplets through the combined effects of gravity and capillary action. The study highlights the significant impact of wrinkle structures and surface treatments on fog collection, with the TiO₂‐PFPE treatment showing particular effectiveness and potential for applications in arid regions.
Mobile banking services and financial inclusion among customers of commercial banks: Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Saeed Musah Mohammed , Donkoh Evans
Published: November 2024

The study is set against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements in the banking sector, specifically in the adoption of mobile banking. Over the last three decades, the banking industry in Ghana, like many others in emerging economies, has transitioned from traditional, branch‐based banking services to more automated and digital solutions. This transformation has been largely driven by increasing internet penetration, mobile phone adoption, and the need to reach underserved populations. Despite these advances, a significant proportion of the population remains financially excluded, with limited access to formal financial services. Thus, mobile banking offers an opportunity to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for marginalised communities in Ghana. The study aims to investigate the factors influencing mobile banking services and assess how they impact financial inclusion among customers of commercial banks in an emerging economy. The study through the use of a structured questionnaire gathered 65 primary data from managers and supervisors within 13 commercial banks in Ghana. The study employed a purposive sampling technique to select the 13 commercial banks whilst using convenience sampling to gather data from managers and supervisors within these banks. The results show that mobile banking transfer has a significant negative relationship with financial inclusion, but mobile account management has a significant positive relationship with financial inclusion. Furthermore, the results depict that Mobile banking payment and financial inclusion have no significant relationship. Policy development should focus on increasing financial inclusion among unbanked individuals, enabling access to banking services. Commercial banks should innovate mobile money connections and expand motivation for technical financial inclusion to provide value‐added services and improve access to financial services, ultimately promoting financial inclusion. The study shed light on the impact of mobile banking transfer, mobile banking payment, and mobile account management on financial inclusion in Ghana. The study further provides implications for commercial banks and policymakers in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Proposal for Managing Cancer‐Related Insomnia: A Systematic Literature Review of Associated Factors and a Narrative Review of Treatment
Authors: Saeki Yoshinori , Sumi Yukiyoshi , Ozaki Yukinori , Hosonaga Mari , Kenmotsu Yoshiyuki , Onoe Takuma , Yamaguchi Ken , Matsumoto Yoshihisa
Published: November 2024

Objective

Insomnia is common in patients with cancer. It has a multifactorial etiology that may include the disease process, adverse effects of anticancer therapies, and/or an association with other comorbidities. The purpose of this review was to identify risk factors for insomnia and suggest optimal management strategies.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review to elucidate the risk factors for insomnia and sleep disturbances in patients with solid tumors. The effects of sleep medications in this population were also described.

Results

A total of 75 publications were evaluated, including those on breast, lung, gynecologic, brain, head and neck, gastrointestinal, prostate, thyroid, and mixed cancers. We classified the factors related to insomnia or sleep disturbance in cancer into four categories: (1) patient demographic characteristics (e.g., age, marital or socioeconomic status); (2) mental state (e.g., depression or anxiety); (3) physical state (e.g., fatigue, pain, or restless legs syndrome); and (4) anticancer treatment‐related (e.g., use of chemotherapy, opioids, or hormone therapy). Overall, literature on the pharmacologic treatment of insomnia is extremely limited, although some efficacy data for zolpidem and melatonin have been reported.

Conclusions

Demographic characteristics, physical and mental distress, and anticancer treatments are all risks for insomnia in patients with cancer. The limited evidence base for pharmacologic therapy in this patient population means that healthcare professionals need to implement a comprehensive and multidisciplinary pathway from screening to management.
Research Progress on Natural Products Alleviating Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis via NF‐κB Pathway
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Li Saifei , Li Ningning
Published: November 2024

Liver fibrosis is a key pathological process in chronic liver diseases, regulated by various cytokines and signaling pathways. Among these, the nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) signaling pathway plays a significant role in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Recently, natural products have garnered attention as potential anti‐fibrotic agents. This review highlights recent studies on how natural products, including flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, phenylpropanoids, steroids, and nitrogen compounds, mitigate liver fibrosis by modulating the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Specifically, it examines how these natural products influence NF‐κB activation, nuclear translocation, and downstream signaling, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing apoptosis, and regulating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activity, ultimately achieving therapeutic effects against liver fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which natural products regulate the NF‐κB signaling pathway can provide crucial theoretical foundations and valuable insights for the development of novel anti‐fibrotic drugs.
Design of a Bioluminescent Assay Platform for Quantitative Measurement of Histone Acetyltransferase Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Swain Nolan D. , George Zheng Y.
Published: November 2024

Protein acetylation and acylation are widespread post‐translational modifications (PTMs) in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Histone acetyltransferase (HATs) enzymes catalyze the addition of short‐chain acyl moieties to lysine residues on cellular proteins. Many HAT members are found to be dysregulated in human diseases, especially oncological processes. Screening potent and selective HAT inhibitors has promising application for therapeutic innovation. A biochemical assay for quantification of HAT activity utilizing luminescent output is highly desirable to improve upon limitations associated with the classic radiometric assay formats. Here we report the design of a bioluminescent technological platform for robust and sensitive quantification of HAT activity. This platform utilizes the metabolic enzyme acetyl‐CoA synthetase 1 (ACS1) for a coupled reaction with firefly luciferase to generate luminescent signal relative to the HAT‐catalyzed acetylation reaction. The biochemical assay was implemented in microtiter plate format and our results showed this assay sensitively detected catalytic activity of HAT enzyme p300, accurately measured its steady‐state kinetic parameters of histone acetylation and measured the inhibitory potency of HAT inhibitor. This platform demonstrated excellent robustness, reproducibility, and signal‐to‐background ratios, with a screening window Z’=0.79. Our new bioluminescent design provides an alternative means for HAT enzymatic activity quantitation and HAT inhibitor screening.
Investigation of Nonmetal F‐doped Co3O4 as Catalyst for N2O Catalytic Decomposition
Authors: Wu Ruifang , Wang Qian , Wang Ruirui , Lin Xiangqian , Dang Hui , Li Linmao , Hu Shize , Yang Minxia , Zheng Ke , Zhang Liangliang , Wang Yongzhao , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: November 2024

An effective nonmetal F‐doped Co3O4 (F‐Co3O4) catalyst was prepared using co‐precipitation method, and its catalytic performance was investigated for N2O decomposition comparing with pure Co3O4 catalyst. The catalytic activity test indicates that F‐Co3O4 catalyst exhibits better activity with 100% N2O conversion at a reaction temperature of 380 °C, which is 80 °C lower than that of pure Co3O4. The characterization results show that F is successfully doped into the lattice of Co3O4 and replaces part of O sites, which enlarges the surface area, enhances the surface basicity, and leads to higher basic sites density on the surface of Co3O4. Moreover, F doping promotes the electron donation capacity of Co2+, weakening of Co─O bond and generation of more oxygen vacancies. The synergy of the above factors results in reduction of activation energy over F‐Co3O4 catalyst, thus F‐Co3O4 catalyst exhibits better catalytic performance than pure Co3O4 for N2O decomposition, even in the existence of O2 or H2O as impurity gas. Meanwhile, F‐Co3O4 catalyst also exhibits better stability than pure Co3O4. This work will provide practical reference for constructing efficient nonmetal‐doped Co3O4 catalysts for N2O decomposition.
Unveiling the Power of Titanium Dioxide for Energy Storage and Electrochemical Technologies
Authors: Baudino Luisa , Zaccagnini Pietro , Bianco Stefano , Castellino Micaela , Lamberti Andrea , Pirri C. Fabrizio , Serrapede Mara
Published: November 2024

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) have been widely investigated in the past 20 years due to a variety of possible applications of this material. Indeed, their high surface area and tunable morphology can easily implement key features of TiO2, such as its biocompatibility and photo‐ and electrocatalytic properties. This combination makes TiO2 NTs perfect candidates for multifunctional applications ranging from biomedical application to sensing and energy devices. Herein, we present TiO2 NTs grown by anodic oxidation on top of a titanium foil in an ethylene glycol‐based electrolyte with NH4F. The as‐grown amorphous nanotubes were then subjected to annealing in a reducing atmosphere at different temperatures while maintaining their amorphicity. The morphological, physicochemical, and electronic properties were then thoroughly evaluated to assess their use in different fields, from energy storage devices to photo‐catalytical applications.
Concise Synthesis of Polyacyloxy Cyclic Ethers Using the p‐Toluenesulfonic Acid‐Catalyzed Cascade Esterification/Cyclization of Polyols
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Kimura Anri , Takenouchi Saya , Sugahara Mizuki , Yoshioka Mai , Monta Yuhei , Matsuda Mike , Hatano Manabu
Published: November 2024

A p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TsOH)‐catalyzed cascade acylation–cyclization–acylation reaction of polyols with carboxylic acids has been developed, which affords polyacyloxy cyclic ethers without the need for the removal of water. The mild reaction conditions in the presence of p‐TsOH•H2O (10 mol%) permitted the use of a variety of carboxylic acids and polyols. In particular, when polyols with 1,4‐dihydroxy moieties were used, the present catalysis efficiently provided the corresponding polyacyloxy tetrahydrofuran derivatives in good‐to‐high yield without loss of optical purity. Furthermore, the concise synthesis of bicyclic isosorbide esters, which are of interest in an industrial and pharmaceutical context, was achieved using commercially available biomass‐derived d‐sorbitol and d‐mannitol via double cascade acylation–cyclization–acylation reactions.