Browse Articles

Hybrid fusion of E-nose and computer vision using optimized deep learning and machine learning for robust plant leaf recognition

Abstract The fusion multi-sensory system with optimized deep learning and machine learning algorithms appeared to synergize difficult paradigms in precision agriculture and boost recognition of various plant species. In this study, an electronic nose (E-nose) system with eight MOS sensors and a computer vision platform were designed for constructing a large-scale data set of 26 various species of plant leaves collected during 2 years under different environmental conditions. After preprocessing functions, the E-nose data set consisted of 15,600 data points, while two-phase data augmentation expanded the image data set to 156,000 samples. Multiple machine learning models, including MLPs and 7 machine learning algorithms, were executed and optimized based on the E-nose dataset, where KNN with 97% accuracy and 5 ms response time per sample showed the highest accuracy in recognizing leaves. In parallel, six deep learning and vision transform algorithms were implemented, and hyperparameters such as batch size, learning rate, optimizer, and image size were updated during training. InceptionV3 demonstrated superior performance compared to others, with 99% accuracy, 0.2 loss, and 8 ms response time. Finally, a fusion model of E-nose and computer vision-based deep and machine learning algorithms was developed for robust performance of recognizing 26 different species of leaves. The fusion model could recognize leaves with 99.8% accuracy with a 10-ms response time. The proposed hybrid approach highlights the potential of multi-modal fusion for reliable, fast, and scalable solutions in smart agriculture.

From Cucurbit[7]Uril Armor‐Equipped Ferrocene to Nitrogen Self‐Doped Porous Carbon Hosting Fe Single Atoms and Atomic Clusters for ORR and Zinc‐Air Batteries

ABSTRACT Achieving both high activity and metal loading of atomically dispersed metal sites in M─N─C catalysts remain a formidable challenge. Herein, we employ the macrocyclic supramolecule cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) as a nanocage precursor and ferrocene (Fc) as a metal source, respectively. Through spontaneous host–guest self‐assembly, an angstrom‐level space‐confined precursor (Fc@CB[7]) was constructed, providing a well‐defined molecular scaffold for oxygen electrocatalysts. The resulting Fc@CB[7] complex exhibits a cage‐with‐lid geometry, endowing it with the structural characteristics of a metal monatomic precursor. Upon coating the Fc@CB[7] complex with ternary eutectic salts (NaCl, KCl, ZnCl 2 , named TESs) and subjecting it to pyrolysis, we obtained a novel oxygen electrocatalyst, denoted Fe AC ─Fe SA /N─CBC 0.7 , featuring coexisting Fe atomic clusters and Fe single atoms. The deliberately designed Fe AC ─Fe SA /N─CBC 0.7 catalyst delivers a remarkable half‐wave potential ( E 1/2 ) of 0.915 V and outstanding Zn–air battery (ZAB) performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations identify the presence of Fe 7 clusters that modulate the local electronic configuration of Fe─N 4 sites and weaken *OH adsorption, thereby accelerating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics. This work not only paves a way between supramolecular chemistry and electrochemistry but also provides fundamental insights into the structure–activity relationship of Fe AC ─Fe SA /N─CBC 0.7 for ORR.

Lithological control of natural radioactivity in Baltic coastal sands and implications for pre-operational radiological monitoring

Abstract Natural radioactivity in coastal sediments reflects both geological provenance and sedimentary processes, and its quantification is essential for environmental monitoring in areas of planned nuclear infrastructure. This study establishes pre-operational baseline levels of 40 K, 226 Ra and 232 Th in coastal sands of the southern Baltic Sea prior to nuclear power plant construction. Fifteen samples collected along an east–west transect were analysed by gamma spectrometry, and radiological hazard indices were calculated. Activity concentrations ranged from 120 to 322 Bq kg −1 for 40 K, 2.3–12.0 Bq kg −1 for 226 Ra and 1.9–8.7 Bq kg −1 for 232 Th. Multivariate analysis revealed clear spatial differentiation between a barrier–embayment sector enriched in 226 Ra and 232 Th and a moraine-dominated sector characterized by higher 40 K. Principal Component Analysis explained 88.6% of total variance, indicating strong lithological control, while a significant 226 Ra– 232 Th correlation (R 2  = 0.896) suggests a common mineralogical carrier. All radiological indices remained below recommended limits, confirming the low-background nature of the sediments. Comparison with global data shows that the studied sands fall within the lower range of quartz-dominated coastal systems and lack heavy-mineral enrichment. The results provide a robust baseline for future radiological monitoring in dynamic glacial coastal environments.

Probing Steady‐State Carrier Properties and Charge Transport in Covalent Organic Framework by Frequency‐Domain Terahertz Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an emerging tool for probing charge transport and optical properties in covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Existing studies have predominantly relied on time‐resolved THz spectroscopy (TRTS) to investigate photoexcited carriers, with only one report on time‐dependent THz spectroscopy (TDTS) to understand ground‐state carriers within a narrow spectral window. Frequency‐domain THz spectroscopy (FDTS), which offers high spectral resolution across the far–infrared‐THz range remains unexplored. Herein, we employ FDTS to investigate steady‐state carrier transport in a COF (TTC‐PD) and amorphous frameworks (TTC‐DTO and TTC‐PD (amor)), along with their molecular analogues. Frequency‐dependent optical constants and complex conductivity were extracted using Kramers–Kronig transformations (KKT) and validated by TDTS. Despite stronger carrier localization, TTC‐DTO exhibits higher intrinsic conductivity due to increased carrier density, whereas TTC‐PD shows lower conductivity but higher mobility arising from more delocalized transport pathways. This conceptual study demonstrates the potential of FDTS and TDTS as a combined and complementary platform for comprehensive analysis of the ground state charge transport properties of frameworks across the extended THz regime.

Dimensional accuracy of dental impression materials evaluated using a standardized CAD based method across materials tray types and techniques

Abstract In this in vitro study, a CAD-based test workflow was established to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of conventional dental impression materials under standardized laboratory conditions. Ninety double-mix impressions were made from a rigid metal reference arch with four reference spheres using three elastomeric materials: vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), polyether (PE), and vinyl siloxanether (VSE). Guided impressions and freehand impressions were performed with both stock and custom trays. Impressions were cast in type IV dental stone, digitized with a laboratory scanner, and analyzed by comparing four linear inter-sphere distances with the reference model. Non-parametric statistics were applied. VPS and PE showed significantly lower global deviations than VSE, while VPS and PE did not differ significantly from each other. No significant differences were found between guided and freehand impressions when using stock trays. In the freehand-only comparison, stock and custom trays did not differ significantly; a borderline difference in the full cohort should be interpreted cautiously because of the partially crossed design. All measured deviations remained below the 1.5% linear-change threshold specified in DIN EN ISO 4823. This is the German adoption of a European and international standard for dentistry, specifically elastomeric impression materials. Within the limitations of this in vitro stone-cast workflow and linear-distance analysis, material selection had the strongest effect on global dimensional accuracy.

Smart Sonoafterglow Nanobombs for High‐Contrast Imaging and Synergistic Gas‐Sonodynamic Therapy of Hypoxic Tumors

ABSTRACT Precise diagnosis and effective eradication of hypoxic tumors remain formidable challenges in cancer therapy. Here, we report a smart sonoafterglow nanobomb ( TCL NPs ) featuring a single US‐triggered dual‐activation mechanism for ONOO − ‐activated afterglow imaging and CO‐gas potentiated sonodynamic therapy (SDT). TCL NPs are engineered from a sonosensitizer ( TTQ ), an ONOO − ‐responsive chemiluminescent substrate ( CL─COOCH 3 ), and a ROS‐activated CO prodrug ( DHF ). Upon ultrasound irradiation, TTQ generates ROS that oxidize CL─COOCH 3 , triggering a bright near–infrared afterglow via chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) for high‐contrast, real‐time tumor visualization. Simultaneously, the generated ROS induce CO release from DHF prodrug, which effectively alleviates tumor hypoxia and potentiates SDT efficacy. Due to this dual‐activation mechanism, TCL NPs achieve precise ONOO − ‐sensitive imaging, robust tumor suppression, and potent induction of immunogenic cell death in vivo. Overall, unlike prior approaches that address either tumor imaging or hypoxia modulation alone, this work establishes a versatile sonoafterglow nanobomb for oxygen‐independent, image‐guided, and synergistic tumor theranostics.

A cross sectional content analysis evaluates chemotherapy health information quality and reliability on TikTok and Bilibili

Mechanically Induced Switching Between Orbital‐ and Fano‐Resonance Rectification in a Dual‐Anchored Molecular Junction

ABSTRACT Achieving precise control over charge transport through individual molecules is central to advancing single‐molecule electronics. In short molecular junctions can exhibit rectification from fundamentally different mechanisms, yet strong sensitivity to contact geometry and electrode‐molecule coupling often obscures whether diode behavior arises from asymmetric orbital alignment or quantum interference. Here, we demonstrate dual‐mode rectification in a mechanically addressable metal‐molecule‐metal junction by chemically programming the interface with a heterofunctional scaffold bearing thiol and carboxyl anchors. Using scanning tunneling microscopy break‐junction (STM‐BJ) measurements under controlled mechanical modulation, we observe two reproducible conductance states that are most consistently assigned to two contact configurations on the basis of converging mechanical, statistical, and theoretical evidence. Current–voltage analysis further shows that the state assigned to the S–Au/COO–Au (thiolate‐carboxylate) configuration rectifies through asymmetric molecular‐orbital alignment and electrode coupling, whereas the state assigned to the nominally symmetric COO–Au/COO–Au (carboxylate–carboxylate) configuration rectifies via an interference‐driven, bias‐dependent Fano‐resonance pathway. These findings demonstrate that anchored chemical synthons, combined with mechanical control of binding geometry, provide a practical strategy for engineering and directly comparing rectification mechanisms in short single‐molecule junctions.

Mitogenomic phylogeny of the aquatic subterranean Bathynellacea (Crustacea, Malacostraca) and implications for the monophyly of Syncarida

Abstract The crustacean order Bathynellacea is a specialized monophyletic lineage restricted to aquatic subterranean environments and comprises approximately 340 extant species from three families. Despite advances in sequencing technologies that have significantly increased the number of sequenced crustacean mitogenomes, no bathynellacean mitogenomes have been reported to date. In this study, we report the first complete mitogenomes for Bathynellacea— Allobathynella sp., Arisubathynella cheongmiensis , Hangangbathynella mihoensis (Parabathynellidae), and Bathynella cf. rufa (Bathynellidae)—from two families. These mitogenomes, ranging from 14,422 to 16,645 bp in length, are characterized by extensive gene rearrangements, pronounced compositional biases, and accelerated evolutionary rates. Phylogenetic analyses based on malacostracan mitogenomic data strongly support the monophyly of Bathynellacea. However, the exceptionally long branches separating bathynellacean taxa suggest that extensive morphological simplification, driven by parallel adaptations to subterranean environments, may mask the ancestral diagnostic signals required to resolve their deep-level relationships. Most notably, our results indicate that the two extant orders within the superorder Syncarida—Bathynellacea and Anaspidacea—are phylogenetically distant, supporting the polyphyly of Syncarida. This suggests that their shared morphological features (e.g., the absence of a carapace and the loss of the mandibular lacinia mobilis) are likely products of convergent evolution rather than common ancestry. Our study provides mitogenomic resources for Bathynellacea and underscores the necessity of mitogenomic evidence in reassessing the taxonomic status of subterranean crustacean lineages.

Consequences of Medium‐Pore Zeolite Constraints for Alkene Cracking—The Case of <i>n</i> ‐Pentene

ABSTRACT The catalytic cracking of alkenes in zeolites is of fundamental and industrial significance, yet the elementary steps of the mechanism are surprisingly less well established than those of alkane cracking. Here, pentenes were employed as model alkenes to investigate cracking kinetics and pathways on H‐ZSM‐5 ( MFI framework) at 703–843 K. Cracking is initiated from a hydrogen‐bonded alkene, with specific carbenium ions acting as transition states or short‐lived intermediates. Monomolecular cracking, quantified via ethene formation, has an intrinsic activation enthalpy (Δ H ǂ ° int. ) of 167 kJ·mol −1 , which is 26 kJ·mol −1 lower than for n ‐pentane, while maintaining comparable activation entropies (−3 vs. 3 J·mol −1 ·K −1 ), resulting in a 28‐fold higher activity at 773 K. Butene formation follows two temperature‐dependent pathways: dimerization cracking via tertiary‐to‐secondary carbenium ions at 703–733 K (Δ H ǂ ° int.  = 64 kJ·mol −1 ) and monomolecular cracking involving CH 3 + formation at 813–843 K (Δ H ǂ ° int.  = 184 kJ·mol −1 ). Extending the analysis to other medium‐pore zeolite frameworks such as TON and FER demonstrates that narrower pore systems suppress activity by increasing Δ H ǂ ° int. , whereas extra‐framework aluminum oxide promotes reactivity by entropically shifting the transition state to a later stage. Together, these results establish alkene cracking in zeolites as an enthalpy–entropy–controlled process dictated by topology and local chemical environment.

Stress and risk of breast cancer; findings from a large population-based incident case-control study

Leptin-induced autophagy regulates the immunomodulatory potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells through down regulating the expression of TSG-6

Abstract Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) possess modulatory functions in adipose tissue, which could help combat the development of obesity. It has been reported that the functions of ADMSCs are impaired by obese microenvironment. However, the mechanisms are not clearly understood. The study investigates the role of leptin on immunoinhibitory functions of ADMSCs in obesity, and primarily explored its possible mechanisms. ADMSCs were isolated and identified by morphological observation, flow cytometry and differentiation potential. The lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were co-cultured with ADMSCs pretreated with or without leptin. The expression of macrophage-associated markers was detected by flow cytometry. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by ELISA. Autophagy and MAPK signaling related proteins were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated protein 6 (TSG-6) was detected by western blotting, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. ADMSCs belonged to CD73 + CD90 + CD105 + / CD14 - CD34 - CD45 - HLA-DR - cells, and capable differentiation to adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic cells. The immunosuppressive effect of ADMSCs on macrophage activation were restrained by leptin mediated the expression of TSG-6. Inhibition of leptin induced autophagy by Atg5 knockdown increased the expression of TSG-6, and promoted ADMSCs immunosuppression for macrophage activation. Furthermore, leptin induced autophagy and decreased the expression of TSG-6 in ADMSCs was dependent on the activation of p38 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, our study confirmed that leptin-induced autophagy regulated the immunomodulatory potential of ADMSCs through downregulating the expression of TSG-6 via the activation of p38 pathway. These findings reveal a novel mechanism and provide a potential molecular target for understanding the immunomodulatory dysfunction of ADMSCs in obesity.

Electron‐Induced C─F Bond Activation in Sn ₆ ‐oxo Cluster Resist for Enhanced Sensitivity and Sub‐10‐nm Patterning

ABSTRACT Metal‐oxo cluster (MOC) resists are promising candidates for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), but optimizing the resolution, line‐edge roughness (LER), and sensitivity (RLS) trade‐off remains challenging. Leveraging dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to activate C─F bonds provides a controllable handle to improve this RLS trade‐off, yet remains underexplored. Here, we report a room‐temperature, scalable synthesis of a tunable series of Sn‐oxo clusters and demonstrate hundred‐gram‐scale, single‐batch production. The fluorinated FPAA demonstrates enhanced sensitivity without compromising resolution or LER. Under electron beam lithography (EBL), FPAA achieves a critical dimension (CD) of 9.1 nm and an LER of 2.2 nm, and enables high‐fidelity complex patterning. Additionally, FPAA exhibits robust performance under deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography and EUVL, achieving a CD of 20.9 nm under EUVL. FPAA also shows exceptional plasma resistance, achieving a high estimated Si:resist etch selectivity of &gt;50:1. Mechanistic analyses indicate that irradiation‐generated low‐energy secondary electrons (LESEs) promote electron‐induced C─F activation, consistent with a DEA‐mediated pathway. Concurrently, organic ligand bridging and Sn─O─Sn network densification occur, forming a crosslinked network that drives the solubility switch. This work elucidates the lithographic mechanisms of Sn‐oxo clusters and provides design principles for MOC resists, supporting progress toward sub‐10‐nm lithographic resolution.

Artificial Intelligence based on behavioral recognition and optimization for low carbon fertilization in agriculture

Cell polarity control by an unconventional G-protein complex in bacteria

Dose- and state-dependent enhancement of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron excitability by GM1 ganglioside in male rats with cholinergic lesions

Abstract Cholinergic degeneration contributes to hippocampal circuit dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ganglioside GM1 modulates membrane signaling and synaptic function, yet its acute effects on hippocampal neuronal activity under cholinergic-deficient conditions remain unclear. Using in vivo single-unit recordings in urethane-anesthetized male rats, extracellular single-unit activity was recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons before and after systemic GM1 administration. We examined whether systemic GM1 alters spontaneous firing of CA1 pyramidal neurons in a nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) lesion model of cholinergic hypofunction. GM1 (2, 5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced dose-dependent increases in firing rate. Linear mixed-effects modeling, accounting for multiple neurons per animal, revealed a significant main effect of Time (F 1,79  = 41.33, p  &lt; 0.001, partial η 2  = 0.34) and a significant Dose × Time interaction (F 3,79  = 3.28, p  = 0.025, partial η 2  = 0.11). Notably, NBM-lesioned animals exhibited amplified responses, particularly at 2 mg/kg (Δ = 7.22 ± 1.82 Hz), whereas control animals showed minimal change at this dose. GM1-induced increases remained within reported physiological firing ranges under urethane anesthesia. These findings demonstrate that GM1 enhances hippocampal CA1 excitability in a dose- and state-dependent manner, with heightened responsiveness in cholinergic-compromised networks. The results support the concept that membrane-targeting interventions may modulate dysfunctional circuits depending on baseline network state.

Single Ce atom-assisted oxygen vacancies as active and stable sites for CO2 conversion

Phosphoryl‐Engineered MOFs Promote Interfacial Reconstruction for Efficient Seawater Ethanol Electrooxidation

ABSTRACT The hydrogen production efficiency of hybrid seawater electrolysis devices hinges on high‐performance catalytic materials with superior activity and chlorine corrosion resistance under the alkaline seawater conditions. However, the controllable modulation of catalyst structures to construct an effective anti‐chlorine protective layer, one that simultaneously enhances both Cl corrosion resistance and anodic oxidation reaction activity, remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a phosphonyl‐ligand engineering strategy that promotes the transformation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into metal oxyhydroxides containing oxygen‐anions during alkaline seawater ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) with enhanced activity and Cl – corrosion resistance. Leveraging the tunable nature of organic ligands in MOFs provides a versatile platform for the in situ formation of oxygen anion layers with robust chlorine corrosion resistance. A phosphorus‐containing MOF (P a ‐Ni‐TPA) was synthesized by partially substituting terephthalic acid (TPA) with 4‐phosphonobenzoic acid (P a ). In contrast to the conventional MOF (Ni‐TPA), the in situ generated metal oxyhydroxide from P a ‐Ni‐TPA incorporates PO 4 3– . PO 4 3– promotes the adsorption of ethanol and its intermediates onto nickel centers while inhibiting Cl adsorption, thereby significantly boosting both EOR activity and Cl corrosion resistance. These findings establish a detailed structure‐performance correlation between MOF structural evolution and both catalytic activity toward alkaline seawater EOR and resistance to chlorine corrosion.

Livestock guardian dogs create safer landscapes for sheep by reducing fox predation risk attributes

Carbocycle editing of ketones proceeds via a radical-mediated bidirectional C-C bond cleavage/coupling strategy

Abstract 1,n-Difunctionalized alkyl linchpins are pivotal building blocks in organic synthesis, functional materials, and pharmaceuticals. However, their preparation currently relies predominantly on de novo synthesis, which is hampered by low step-economy and poor functional group compatibility. Herein, we report an efficient method based on a radical-mediated bidirectional C-C bond cleavage, which enables simple cyclic ketones to function as potential diradical linchpins via the formation of gem -diperoxides. It employs a stepwise and controllable tandem process involving alkoxy radical-induced β -scission and acyloxy radical-mediated decarboxylation, to achieve ring-opening, carbon shrinkage, and bidirectional functionalization of carbocycles. This carbocycle editing protocol features sustainable metal catalysis, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group compatibility. Notably, the cascade reaction enables facile and selective editing of various complex natural products and drug molecules. This bidirectional C-C bond cleavage/coupling strategy allows for rapid and modular synthesis of structurally diverse alkyl 1,n-dithiocyanides, 1,n-diazides, 1,n-dihalides, and unsymmetric 1,n-thiocyanate-azides ( n  ≥ 4).