bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twelve‐month change in quantitative MRI calf muscle fat fraction in CMT1A predicts clinical change over 4 years
Authors: Evans Matthew R. B. , Salhab Hamza A. , Sinclair Christopher D. J. , Shah Sachit , Hanna Michael G. , Yousry Tarek A. , Thornton John S. , Morrow Jasper M. , Reilly Mary M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveWe measured clinical and quantitative MRI outcome measures in CMT1A to assess long‐term responsiveness, establish longitudinal validity and assess MRI as a bridging biomarker.MethodsTwenty patients with CMT1A and 20 matched controls underwent MRI, myometry and clinical assessments up to four times over mean 4‐year follow‐up. Bilateral calf muscle MRI included T1‐weighted sequences with Mercuri grading and three‐point Dixon quantitative fat fraction assessment. Patients were grouped on baseline calf muscle fat fraction: normal <5%, intermediate 5%–70% and end stage >70%.ResultsControls showed no significant change on MRI. CMT1A patients' calf muscle fat percentage progressed across all follow‐up visits: mean absolute change was +1.3 ± 1.2% (mean ± SD) at 12 months, +2.3 ± 2.2% at 27 months and 2.8 ± 2.9% at 49 months. Mercuri grades increased by 0.07 ± 0.11 per year. Responsiveness of individual muscle fat was less than for both calves combined. Patients with intermediate baseline calf muscle fat showed greater progression of 3.7 ± 2.3% at 27 months. There was strong correlation between rate of progression of calf muscle fat and CMT Examination Score (ρ = 0.71, P = 0.005). Calf muscle fat progression at 12 months correlated significantly with annualised CMT Examination Score progression at final visit (ρ = 0.65, P = 0.01).InterpretationWe demonstrated a consistent progression of calf muscle MRI fat over 4 years, significant longitudinal correlation between CMT Examination Score and calf muscle fat, and potential as a bridging biomarker by 1 year change in fat correlating with long‐term clinical progression. Increasing study duration minimally increased responsiveness; however, selecting patients with intermediate fat fraction significantly increased responsiveness.
Significantly Enhancing the Energy‐Storage Properties of Polypropylene Films by Physically Manipulating Their Permittivity and Crystalline Behavior with Polar Organic Molecules
Authors: Ma Dong , Hou Jingchun , Zhang Guanxiang , Meng Sen , Zhang Runze , Xiong Jie , He Weichen , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Meirong , Zhang Zhicheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTo meet the increasing demands of modern power electronics for high‐temperature resistance and energy storage performance and avoid the trade‐off between high energy storage (Ue) performance and prominent processability, a strategy to modify polypropylene (PP) by introducing polar electron‐deficient 8‐hydroxyquinoline (8‐HQ) physically during melt extrusion granulation is proposed. 8‐HQ molecules are initially designed to capture charges injected under a high electric field and depress the leakage current density. Unexpectedly, they are found to reside at PP grain boundaries, promoting grain growth and thereby enhancing PP films' mechanical strength. Both effects may address the enhanced breakdown strength (Eb) up to 814 MV m−1. Besides, 8‐HQ increases the permittivity of modified PP films. Due to simultaneously enhanced Eb and dielectric constant, an impressive Ue of 9.87 J cm−3 with a discharge efficiency above 90% is obtained in the optimal sample, and an Ue of 6.96 J cm−3 at 83% efficiency is well retained up to 125 °C, far exceeding the previously reported results. This study offers a novel strategy to modify PP film physically by manipulating its crystalline behavior for high‐pulse energy storage capacitor applications.
Advancing Organic Photovoltaics: the Role of Dipole Distance and Acidity in Perylene‐Diimide Electron Transport Layers
Authors: Zhang Wanqing , Ding Xiaoman , Lv Jie , Sun Xiaokang , Hu Dingqin , Zhang Guangye , Gao Chuanlin , Xue Yizebang , Zhong Yufei , Li Gang , Hu Hanlin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe electronic transport layer (ETL) based on perylene‐diimide (PDI) has been widely demonstrated for efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the effect of ETL materials on interfacial traps and energy losses remains understudied. This study investigates the effects of dipole distance on PDINN interface defects using three specifically designed weak acidic materials with varying carboxyl and hydroxyl group amounts. Among these, 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2OH), with moderate pH and high dipole distance, enhanced intermolecular forces with PDINN. This interaction boosted π–π stacking, enhanced ohmic contact with the active layer and Ag electrode. The P‐2OH film exhibited a higher and more uniform potential distribution, suppressing charge recombination at the interface, reducing the trap density to 2.12 × 1016 cm3, and reducing the non‐radiative loss ∆E3 from 0.236 to 0.174 eV. Consequently, the energy loss decreased from 0.553 to 0.484 meV for the PM6: BTP‐ec9/P‐2OH device. Notably, a decent PCE of 19.1% is achieved for P‐2OH (10 nm), and it impressively remains a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.4% when thickness of P‐2OH up to 50 nm. This work underscores the importance of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in regulating the ETL to minimize energy loss and offers insights for developing thickness‐insensitive interlayers for high‐performance OSCs.
Thermal Management Materials and Strategies for Photothermal Catalysis
Authors: Liu Shengkun , Gao Chao , Xiong Yujie 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAs an innovative approach to the utilization of solar energy, photothermal catalysis is based on the principle of generating localized high temperature at the site of light‐absorbing materials, which then drive subsequent catalytic reactions. This process has significant implications for alleviating energy shortages and protecting the environment. Thus far, considerable attention has been devoted to the development of catalytic materials, while the heat transfer process throughout the entire material system receives comparatively little consideration. However, the heat transfer process plays a pivotal role in regulating the photothermal temperature, and its behavior can be further effectively manipulated through the implementation of advanced thermal management materials. In this perspective, the fundamental principles of photothermal catalysis are elucidated, with particular emphasis on the pathways of heat dissipation process. Subsequently, the recent research progress of thermal management materials and strategies in increasing photothermal temperature is summarized from the aspects of conduction, convection, and radiation. Finally, the obstacles and challenges encountered throughout the ongoing research are discussed, and further efforts are proposed for designing high‐performance photothermal catalytic systems by thermal management. This perspective is expected to provide guidance for the application of thermal management materials and strategies in photothermal catalysis.
Challenges and Strategies for Multi‐Electron Reactions in High‐Energy Phosphate‐Based Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyin , Lian Bin , Shen Hujun , Cheng Shaoan , Li Fujun 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have been considered as promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage systems and low‐speed electric vehicles due to abundant sodium resources and low cost. Phosphate‐based cathodes stand out for their high voltages, structural stability, superior safety, etc. However, their large molecular weight limits the overall capacity, compromising the energy density for practical applications. Recent advancements in multi‐electron reactions based on transition metal (TM) ions provide a promising pathway to achieve both high energy density and stability. This review discusses the fundamental principles behind the multi‐electron reactions of phosphate‐based cathodes from the perspectives of electrochemistry and materials science. The key factors, such as the conservation of matter and charge, thermodynamic, and kinetic feasibility, are addressed for activating and regulating the multi‐electron reactions, aiming for a high capacity exceeding 170 mAh g−1. The current progress in NASICON‐type phosphate cathodes is summarized, and the challenges associated with pyrophosphate and mixed phosphate cathodes are analyzed for multi‐electron reactions. Finally, the perspectives on the future development of high‐energy phosphate‐based cathodes are provided.
Mom and Baby Wellness with a Smart Lactation Pad: A Wearable Sensor‐Embedded Lactation Pad for on‐Body Quantification of Glucose in Breast Milk
Authors: Al‐Shami Abdulrahman , Ma Haozheng , Banks Melissa , Amirghasemi Farbod , Mohamed Mona A , Soleimani Ali , Khazaee Nejad Sina , Ong Victor , Tasso Alessandro , Berkmen Alara , Mousavi Maral P. S. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWearable sensors are transforming healthcare by facilitating rapid, non‐invasive, on‐body biochemical analysis in biofluids such as sweat, tears, saliva, and blood, providing real‐time insights into health conditions. Despite extensive academic and industrial efforts in developing wearable devices, very few are tailored to meet women's health needs. None are specifically designed for measurements in human breast milk. Beyond being the optimal source of infant nutrition, milk serves as a rich biofluid containing potential biomarkers reflecting a mother's health as well. Analyzing the composition of milk offers valuable information for the health of the infant, and the mother. This work pioneers a wearable sensor embedded in a lactation pad for on‐body sampling of breast milk and continuous analysis of glucose levels in breast milk. Lactation pads are worn by most lactating individuals to absorb milk leakage during the day, and keep the cloth dry. In this work, by integrating microfluidic channels and electrochemical sensors in the lactation pad, milk sampling and analysis becomes part of an existing daily routine for the mother, posing no additional burden for milk sampling and analysis. The electrochemical sensors are developed using laser‐induced carbonization of polyimide thin films, allowing for development of flexible, low‐cost, and high‐surface area electrodes. Glucose sensing is done via an enzymatic membrane composed of glucose oxidase, glutaraldehyde, bovine serum albumin, and Nafion to achieve enhanced enzyme protection and extended biosensor shelf life and operation in milk. Notably, the wearable device demonstrates high accuracy (96.8 to 104.1%) in measurement of glucose in whole undiluted human milk, collected 1st, 6th, and 12th months postpartum. This innovative smart lactation pad empowers mothers to track their babies' glucose intake and potentially identify early signs of health concerns.
Photoactive Polymer‐Silicon Heterostructures for Terahertz Spatial Light Modulation and Video‐Rate Single‐Pixel Compressive Imaging
Authors: Liang Jiaxuan , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Zhihao , Wang Ruiyin , Yao Zhibo , Singh Ranjan , Tian Zhen , Zhang Weili 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTerahertz (THz) waves, known for their low photon energy and unique spectral fingerprints, have broad applications in non‐destructive testing, biomedicine, and other fields. However, traditional THz imaging techniques are constrained by their long wavelength and slow imaging speeds due to raster scanning. Single‐pixel imaging offers a high‐throughput, high‐resolution alternative, yet the performance of THz spatial light modulators (SLMs) remains limited by the trade‐off between modulation depth and rate. Here, a polymer‐silicon heterostructure is proposed as a THz SLM using continuous‐wave (CW) optical illumination. The organic‐semiconductor interface promotes photo‐generated carrier accumulation, while the thickness of the silicon substrate influences the whole effective carrier lifetime. The design enables a THz SLM with both high modulation depth and fast modulation rate, ideal for THz single‐pixel imaging. A video‐rate single‐pixel super‐resolution imaging is demonstrated with a CW THz source. The dependence of imaging quality on the pump power and the switch rate of digital micromirror devices is investigated, which demonstrates that the imaging speed and imaging contrast are not limited by the carrier lifetime of silicon, rather than other hardware devices. In addition, the water content in a micro‐fluidic chip is tracked, highlighting the potential in bioanalysis and biomedical applications.
A Universal Strategy to Increase the Mechanical Performance of Polymer‐Inorganic Composites by Sub‐1 nm Hetero‐Nanowires
Authors: Ge Huaiyun , Zhang Fenghua , Hao Zhimin , Liu Junli , Zhang Yu , Wang Xun 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSub‐1 nm nanowires (SNWs) with diameter near that of a single polymer chain can perform polymer‐like properties, which provides better compatibility for the combination of SNWs with polymers to further improve their mechanical performances. Here, the Ce2O3‐phosphomolybdic acid SNWs (CS) are synthesized with flexible and viscous properties. Based on the special polymer‐like properties, a universal method is developed to fabricate polymer‐inorganic composite films by simply mixing CS with various kinds of polymers (including polyimide (PI), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyoxyethylene (PEO) and polystyrene (PS)), respectively. The tensile strength and elongation of these films are significantly improved simultaneously while their optical properties remain unchanged. The tensile strength increases by 136% (CS‐PI film), 280% (CS‐PVP film), 256% (CS‐PEO film), 128% (CS‐PS film) compared with pure polymer films, and the elongation can reach up to 55 ± 5% (CS‐PI film), 9 ± 2% (CS‐PVP film), 215 ± 5% (CS‐PEO film) and 17 ± 2% (CS‐PS film), respectively. Meanwhile, the CS can further functionalize the final composites due to their designable inorganic components, and as a demonstration the CS‐PI film is used as a separator in Zn||Zn symmetric cells, which can last for 430 h, almost three times longer than that of commercial glass fiber.
Regulating the Mott–Hubbard Splitting for High‐Performance Co‐Free Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Oxide Cathode
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Jicheng , Zhao Guangxue , Yin Wen , Zhang Nian , Zheng Lirong , Liu Xiangfeng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCo‐free Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides attract great attention as next‐generation cathodes due to high specific capacity and low cost. However, their practical applications are hindered by the structural damage and poor cycling stability caused by the irreversible oxygen anion redox (OAR). Herein, a distinct strategy for regulating Mott–Hubbard splitting to address the detrimental issues is proposed. Introducing cations with specific electronic properties into the Li layer and transition metal (TM) layer decreases the Mott–Hubbard splitting energy (U) of TM cations, which promotes the electron removal and optimizes the band structure. This causes the antibonding band (M─O)* to rise and reduces its overlap with O2p band, thereby simultaneously enhancing the redox activity of TMs and the reversibility of OAR. The specific capacity, rate capability, and capacity retention are all significantly improved (255 mAh g−1 vs 223 mAh g−1 at 0.1C;197 mAh g−1 vs168 mAh g−1 at 1C;147 mAh g−1 vs115 mAh g−1 at 5 C; 93.2% vs 75.5% at 1C after 400 cycles). The oxygen release and voltage decay are also mitigated (92.4% vs 85.6% at 1C after 400 cycles). Moreover, a quantitative method to estimate U value is established for the first time. These findings provide insights into the intrinsic interaction mechanism of anions and cations redox and provide guidance for designing high‐performance cathodes.
Ionic Composite Nanofiber Membrane‐Based Ultra‐Sensitive and Anti‐Interference Flexible Pressure Sensors for Intelligent Sign Language Recognition
Authors: Zhou Yue , Guo Shuai , Zhou Yun , Zhao Liupeng , Wang Tianshuang , Yan Xu , Liu Fangmeng , Ravi Sai Kishore , Sun Peng , Tan Swee Ching , Lu Geyu 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe escalating population affected by deafness and hearing loss demands solutions to revolutionize traditional sign language recognition based on interpreters. The emergence of wearable sensors could provide a promising alternative but suffer from poor mechanical stability, external signal inferences, less sensitivity, and signal hysteresis. Herein, an ultrasensitive and anti‐interference flexible ionic composite nanofiber membranes (ICNM) based pressure sensor is developed through precisely manipulating polymer‐blending interactions, where ionic liquid and silver nanowire additives are well anchored on thermoplastic polyurethane polymer scaffolds without leakage via unique hydrogen bond networks, leading to a substantial areal capacitance of 20 µF cm−2, and effectively mitigating external noise. The ICNM‐based sensor showcases high sensitivity (57.2 kPa−1), ultralow detection limit (≈1.2 Pa), fast response time (15 ms), expansive detection range (1.2 Pa –220 kPa), and exceptional stability for over 10 000 continuous compression and recovery cycles, showing great promise for capturing subtle facial expressions, large joint movements, and high‐frequency (≈25.5 Hz) pressure sensing in a high accuracy and resolution. Together with advanced machine learning algorithms, an intelligent sign language recognition glove achieves 96.8% accuracy for 24 letters within 0.1 s, ushering in a new era for ultrasensitive pressure sensors and significantly contributing to next‐generation intelligent sign language recognition systems.
Effect of Strain Rate on Phase Transition and Microstructural Evolution in Ferroelectric PMN‐PT Single Crystals Through Nanoindentation
Authors: Man Guian , Jiang Yixuan , Wang Xingzhe 
Published: February 2025

AbstractControlling domain switching and phase transitions in ferroelectric materials under external fields is crucial for advanced device applications. However, the mechanism and kinetics governing mechanically induced phase transitions in relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 remain some unclear understanding, especially under variable strain rates. To investigate this, localized mechanical stress is applied using nanoindentation to PMN‐PT single crystals. With the aid of Raman spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, irreversible phase transition pathways from the Rhombohedral to Tetragonal phase (R→T) are identified. The variation is also observed in the phase transition behavior with the strain rate during nanoindentation. Interestingly, the coexistence of the R and T phases within the indentation region suggests that an uneven force application via nanoindentation can induce morphotropic phase boundaries (MPBs). Further assessments of the phase‐transformation dynamics are conducted using the phase‐field method, which simulated the domain evolution process in PMN‐PT under various indentation strain rates. These findings provide new insights into how mechanical forces can modulate the microstructural evolution within relaxor ferroelectric materials, enhancing the understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.
Efficient Modulation d/p‐Band Center Proximity in Birnessite‐Type MnO2 by Cation/Anion Co‐Doping for Enhanced Dual‐Ion Storage
Authors: Xu Yuhui , Zhang Gaini , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Jianhua , Wen Haocheng , Wang Dongniu , Yuan Yitong , Jiang Qinting , Qian Huaming , Xi Yukun , Zuo Jiaxuan , Li Ming , Liu Jihu , Yang Huijuan , Luo Yangyang , Wang Jingjing , Li Wenbin , Li Xifei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe wide band gap of δ‐MnO2 and the restricted regulation of the p‐band center (p) of active oxygen atoms hinder electron conduction and ion diffusion during zinc storage. Heteroatom doping has proven effective in improving zinc storage. However, the regulation of p solely through cation doping is comparatively constrained. Herein, a cation/anion co‐doping strategy is proposed to simultaneously adjust the p of oxygen and the d‐band center (d) of Mn by establishing Mn–O–Ca and Mn─N bonds in Ca/N co‐doped δ‐MnO2 (Ca/N‐MnO2). This co‐doping effect induces a shift in the predominant stretching vibration mode of Mn─O bonds in [MnO6] octahedra, resulting in a decreased d/p‐band center proximity (Δd‐p) of 1.688 eV (1.750 eV for δ‐MnO2). Consequently, both adsorption capacity and adsorption/desorption rates of Zn2+/H+ ions are enhanced. Theoretical calculations further reveal that co‐doping significantly triggers the optimization of the band gap, migration energy barrier, and adsorption energy. As a result, Ca/N‐MnO2 achieves a remarkable reversible capacity of 192.7 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 200 cycles and exceptional rate performance. Furthermore, the energy enhancement mechanisms are thoroughly elucidated. This synergistic d/p‐band center regulation strategy offers significant potential for efficient energy storage applications.
Hierarchically Structured Hydrogels for Rapid Solar Vapor Generation With Super Resistance to Salt
Authors: Wang Bin , Cheng Huhu , Zhu Hui , Qu Liangti 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSolar water evaporation is a promising technology for producing clean water from seawater and wastewater. However, the challenge of balancing high evaporation performance and long‐term salt resistance has hindered the widespread application of evaporators. Herein, a dual‐network hydrogel (DNH) featuring a hierarchical structure with alternating pore sizes is introduced. This innovative design optimizes the continuous supply of water to the evaporation surface while improving light absorption. By fine‐tuning the amide groups within the hydrogel network, the state of water, leading to efficient water activation and a significant reduction in evaporation enthalpy is altered. As a result, the DNH achieves an evaporation rate of 4.0 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun. During the solar desalination process, the enhanced convection‐diffusion reflux facilitated by the hierarchical structure endows the DNH with exceptional salt resistance. Remarkably, even after 12 h of continuous evaporation in artificial seawater with 25 wt% salinity, the DNH maintains the same evaporation rate as pure water. This remarkable performance significantly expands its potential applications, positioning the DNH as a transformative solution in the quest for sustainable water resources.
A Metal‐Free Carbonaceous Material for Highly Efficient and Robust Electrochemical Biomass Valorization
Authors: Wang Changlong , Zhao Ziyi , Cao Weijin , Peng Yujie , Song Minwei , Wu Yufeng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) synthesis holds significant importance for both bio‐polymer production and emerging sustainable bio‐based alternatives for environmental and energy applications. Here, a metal‐free carbonaceous material—that is, biomass substrate 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural‐derived graphene‐like nitrogen doped porous carbon sheet (GNPCH)—and its application as a new catalyst for electrochemical FDCA synthesis is presented. The study scrutinized the catalytic principles, demonstrated the surprising robustness, and explored the origin of the high efficiency of GNPCH catalyzed electro‐synthesis of FDCA. Initially, facial pyrolysis of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and urea forms ultrathin GNPCH with rich micropores and defects. By employing GNPCH‐900 catalyst, stable, continuous operation of >400 h with both FDCA yields and Faraday efficiencies >90% is achieved; those values not only represent the best metal‐free catalyst and that are comparable to those of the state‐of‐the‐art metal‐based counterparts, but also showcase one of the longest‐running electrochemical FDCA synthesis reactions. A series of electrochemical measurements, in situ characterization, and density functional theory calculations indicate that the origin of the high efficiency is mainly from the pyridinic‐N‐related active sites and clarify the reaction pathway. These findings suggest that the GNPCH catalyst will be a potential alternative to the metal‐based catalysts in electrochemical biomass valorization.