Browse Articles

Assessing the completeness and consistency of global-scale avian datasets

Copolymer Sequence Regulation Enabled by Reactivity Ratio Fingerprints via Machine Learning

Abstract Sequence control is critical for tuning polymer properties in high‐end applications, where reactivity ratios serve as key parameters for analyzing and regulating sequences. Nevertheless, traditional determination methods exhibit low experimental efficiency and are typically confined to two‐component copolymerization. Here, we develop a machine learning platform, which leverages a novel design of “reactivity ratio fingerprints” ( r FPs) to determine reactivity ratios in binary and ternary copolymerizations. Deep learning models trained on millions of r FPs enable highly efficient (millisecond‐level) determination from sparse experimental data (random monomer structures, arbitrary reaction design). This approach demonstrates outstanding versatility to analyze reactivity ratios under diverse conditions (e.g., temperature, solvent). Notably, r FP‐guided reaction design promotes on‐demand sequence tailoring, compatible with a wide range of binary and ternary monomer combinations. Kinetic investigations and glass transition characterizations support the formation of varied sequence structures, facilitating the identification of binary and ternary azeotropic copolymerizations. This work not only unveils an attractive strategy for determining reactivity ratios but also offers a generalizable framework for sequencing complicated chain structures toward property engineering.

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Diversified Kinetic Resolutions of Diaryl‐Substituted Cyclobutenones via Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation

Abstract 1,2‐Diaryl‐3,4‐dialkyl cyclobutanes (DA 2 CBs) are important scaffolds in numerous bioactive substances. However, the concise asymmetric synthesis of this type of compound remains a formidable challenge, especially in a stereodivergent manner. In this work, we report for the first time the diversified kinetic resolutions of diaryl‐substituted cyclobutenones through Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH). The protocol affords a range of diaryl‐substituted four‐membered rings with structural and stereochemical diversity, which facilitates the total synthesis of six representative natural products in a stereodivergent fashion. Detailed mechanistic studies have been conducted to reveal the origin of the three kinetic resolution modes, and the catalysts are found to play vital roles in determining the reaction pathways, a phenomenon that has been scarcely observed in the field of ATH.

Cooperatively controlling unpleasant defects in kesterite solar cells by introducing La3+ ions induced Na diffusion

Hindering the unpleasant bulk defects is considered an effective measure to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells. In this work, rare earth La3+ ions were introduced into the Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 absorption layer and induced Na diffusion from the substrate, collaborating to optimize their unpleasant Sn-related and Cu-related defects. Na diffusion can reduce the CuZn defects and improve the crystallinity of CZTSSe films. The introduced La can locate at the grain boundaries of films, suppress the SnZn bulk defects, and enhance the surface potential distribution of film. Cooperation optimization helps increase the PCE of the device. With dual cation (Ag and La) doping, the PCE of the champion CZTSSe device is improved to 11.6%. Our conclusions supplement the understanding of the existence form and influence mechanism of La in kesterite materials and provide an insight into the performance optimization of kesterite devices.

Psychometric properties of the revised version of the health and safety executive management standards indicator tool

Te concentration-dependent carrier dynamics and electronic structure of ZnTe <i>x</i> Se1− <i>x</i> quantum dots

Heavy-metal-free ZnTexSe1−x quantum dots (QDs) have attracted significant attention due to their potential to substitute Cd,Pb-based QDs for tunable emission in luminescent or display applications. In this work, a series of ZnTexSe1−x QDs capped with sequential shells including ZnSe and ZnS ranging from green to red emission are synthesized with broad Te concentration varying from x = 0.18 to 0.8. The photoluminescent properties and carrier dynamics are analyzed through combined spectral and structural characterization. The static and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectra show reduced PL quantum yield and accelerated quenching kinetics owing to the synergistic effect of worse lattice mismatch and increased defects concentration at higher x values. In particular, the transient absorption (TA) spectra with regard to both single exciton and bi-exciton processes provide evidence that the energy level alignment between ZnTexSe1−x core and ZnSe shell evolves from type I to quasi-type II with increased Te concentration and leads to electron delocalization at the conduction band. Locations of the energy levels for each QD are also given in detail according to TA spectral analysis. Considering the crucial influence of the energy level structure on microscopic carrier dynamics and macroscopic optoelectronic properties, this work offers a deeper understanding of the specific carrier dynamics in ZnTexSe1−x-based QDs and supports their practical application in related optoelectronic devices.

Triple therapy of RAS inhibitors, dapagliflozin, and finerenone in diabetic kidney disease patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria: a real-world study

Portable resonant acoustic rheometry system enables rapid and integrated acoustic-mechanical characterization of soft biomaterials

Resonant acoustic rheometry (RAR) is a contactless technique for measuring viscoelasticity of soft materials based on the resonant surface waves generated on a sample surface using a dual-mode ultrasound technique. This study reports the development and validation of a portable RAR system for enabling rapid, co-localized, and simultaneous viscoelastic and acoustic characterization of multiple soft material samples. Our results reveal strong correlation of RAR measurements of Young's modulus and viscosity in polyethylene glycol hydrogels with the storage and loss modulus measured using a dynamic mechanical analysis instrument. In addition, RAR measurements of Young's modulus and viscosity exhibited positive correlation with the speed of sound and acoustic attenuation measured during RAR. These results expand the utility of RAR as an integrated tool for acoustic-mechanical characterization of soft viscoelastic materials.

Food additive mixtures in French children and adults: the nationally representative Esteban study

Simultaneous Induction and Self‐Reporting of Nucleolar Stress by a Nucleolus‐Targeted Platinum(II) Complex via Lifetime Imaging

Abstract The nucleolus exhibits characteristic viscous fluid dynamics, whereas nucleolar stress plays a key role in carcinogenesis. However, monitoring nucleolar viscosity in living cells remains a great challenge, which also leads to the lack of a clear report on the relationship between nucleolar viscosity and nucleolar stress. Herein, a nucleolus‐targeted platinum(II) complex with monodentate ligands ( Pt2 ) has been developed, which can rapidly accumulate in the nucleolus and inhibit ribosome biogenesis through energy‐dependent signaling pathways, eventually inducing nucleolar stress and simultaneously monitoring nucleolar viscosity via phosphorescence lifetime imaging (PLIM). The phosphorescence response of Pt2 to viscosity is achieved by suppressing the structural distortion to the non‐emissive d–d excited state and restricting the rotation of Pt─N coordination bonds, which is different from other commonly reported viscosity probes in the literature. After exposure to Pt2 or other antineoplastic agents, which can induce nucleolar stress, the gradual decrease of nucleolar viscosity is observed in living cells in a quantitative and real‐time manner, indicating that nucleolar viscosity can be used as a real‐time monitor of the extent of nucleolar stress. This work reports the first example of a metal complex that can achieve simultaneous induction and self‐reporting of nucleolar stress via PLIM of nucleolar viscosity.

Dual-functional 2D ferromagnetic material Fe2C12: Synergistic integration of hydrogen evolution reaction and hydrogen storage

Addressing the dual challenges of efficient hydrogen production and storage is critical for the realization of a hydrogen economy. This study employs density functional theory to investigate the dual-functional capabilities of the two-dimensional ferromagnetic material 2D-Fe2C12 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysis and high-density hydrogen storage. For HER, 2D-Fe2C12 exhibits a near-optimal Gibbs free energy change (ΔGH*= 0.07 eV), surpassing the benchmark Pt(111) catalyst. Kinetic analysis via climbing-image nudged elastic band simulations reveals a dominant Volmer–Tafel pathway, with the Tafel mechanism as the rate-determining step and exhibiting a barrier of 0.57 eV. In terms of hydrogen storage, 2D-Fe2C12 achieves a gravimetric capacity of 5.88 wt. %, exceeding the U.S. DOE 2025 target of 5.5 wt. %. The unit cell can adsorb eight H2 molecules through dual mechanisms: strong Kubas-type interactions (donation/back-donation) for the first six H2 molecules, and weak electrostatic binding for the remaining two. Thermodynamic stability analysis confirms practical operability, with the 8H2 complex being stabilized at ambient temperature (298.15 K) and moderate pressure (5.8 MPa). These results demonstrate that 2D-Fe2C12 can serve as a promising dual-functional platform for sustainable hydrogen technologies.

Metasurface-integrated Al₂O₃ ceramic dielectric resonator for enhanced gain and polarization performance in mm-wave MIMO systems

Modulating ion transport via a Cu-MOF@Zein nanofiber-tailored separator for ultrastable and dendrite-free sodium-metal batteries

Sodium metal, featuring low redox potential (−2.714 V vs SHE), high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh g−1), and natural feasibility, is recognized as the ideal anode for sodium-metal batteries (SMBs). Nevertheless, detrimental sodium dendrite and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) still fetter the practical applications of SMBs. Herein, Cu-MOF (HUKST-1)@Zein nanofiber-modified polypropylene (PZH) separators are developed to tackle these problems. The rich sodiophilic functional groups and intrinsic nanochannels within Zein and MOF frameworks expectedly enable a remarkable Na ion transference number of 0.78, a robust SEI, and dendrite-free SMBs as verified by in situ characterizations and theoretical simulations. Consequently, NaǁNa cells with the PZH separator could stably cycle over 2000 h at 4 mA cm−2/20 mAh cm−2. Moreover, Na3V2(PO4)3@CǁNa full cells with the PZH separator retain a high capacity of 83.1 mAh g−1 over 1500 cycles with a low fading rate of ∼0.0089% per cycle, confirming the practical employment of PZH separators in SMBs.

Cell wall remodeling and polarized light analysis reveal ecotype-specific strategies in Salicornia europaea L. with biotechnological applications

Abstract Salicornia europaea , a salt-tolerant halophyte, exhibits dynamic cell wall remodeling under salinity stress, offering a valuable model for understanding biopolymer adaptation and sustainable biomass valorisation. This study investigates how increasing NaCl concentrations (0, 200, 400, and 1000 mM) alter the composition and mechanical behaviour of key cell wall polymers cellulose, pectin, and lignin in an inland S. europaea population. Using atomic force microscopy, fluorescence-based imaging, pectin immunolocalization and polarized light microscopy, we demonstrate that salinity drives tiered changes in polymer deposition and stiffness. Optimal salinity (200–400 mM) induced cell wall softening, linked to reduced cellulose deposition and increased pectin methylesterification, which facilitate turgor maintenance and expansion. Lignin composition shifted toward syringyl-rich polymers, promoting elasticity and enhancing apoplastic water flow. At extreme salinity (1000 mM), cell walls exhibited reduced flexibility and altered lignin monomer profiles, favoring p -hydroxyphenyl units as a cost-saving adaptation. These biochemical shifts were accompanied by a spatial reorganization of tissue birefringence. By mapping polymer-specific responses to salinity, we provide a mechanistic framework for optimizing cell wall composition in S. europaea to enhance functional value. Our findings support the targeted cultivation of halophytes for applications in functional foods, plant-based therapeutics, and more efficient biofuel feedstocks under saline agriculture.

Resonant distance spectroscopic microwave impedance microscopy

Microwave impedance microscopy (MIM) is a powerful technique for mapping electronic properties at the nanoscale. The current state-of-the-art, dynamic mode MIM uses lock-in detection at the probe's mechanical resonance to obtain drift-free measurements with high spatial resolution. However, this approach inherently discards valuable information encoded in the nonlinear tip–sample admittance–distance relations. Here, we introduce resonant distance spectroscopic MIM (Rz-MIM), a modality that combines wideband MIM electronics, high-speed data acquisition, and on-the-fly processing to capture complete admittance–distance spectroscopy curves at twice the mechanical resonance frequency. The resulting hyperspectral dataset encodes significantly richer information than conventional approaches and enables more quantitative determination of underlying material properties. It also enables post-processing techniques such as retrospective enhancement of spatial resolution. Our results establish Rz-MIM as a high-throughput platform for more quantitative, hyperspectral nanoelectronic imaging.

Optimizing maleic anhydride content to enhance mechanical performance and thermal stability of recycled polyolefin blends

Trapping an atomic ion using time-division multiplexed digital-to-analog converters

Independent control of numerous electrodes in quantum charge-coupled device architectures presents a significant challenge for wiring and hardware scalability. To address this issue, we demonstrate a voltage control method based on time-division multiplexing (TDM). This approach utilizes a single high-update-rate digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to sequentially generate control signals for multiple electrodes, thereby reducing both the number of required DACs and associated wiring. We experimentally validate this concept by developing a 10-channel system that operates with only two DACs. The developed TDM-based voltage control system is applied to a surface electrode trap, where we successfully trap a single 40Ca+ ion and demonstrate a simple ion transport primitive. This approach offers a resource-efficient and scalable solution for advanced quantum computing systems based on trapped ions.

Organic acid-preserved grain improves growth and gut health in weanling pigs fed zinc oxide free diets

Temperature-dependent <i>N</i> -type negative differential resistance in planar LaNiO3/SmNiO3/LaNiO3 heterojunctions

Dimensional reduction represents a powerful approach for investigating emergent phenomena in strongly correlated oxide materials. Although vertical confinement effects have been extensively examined, the intrinsic properties associated with lateral confinement frequently remain obscured due to artifacts introduced during fabrication processes. In this study, we examine the intrinsic in-plane transport characteristics of pristine LaNiO3/SmNiO3/LaNiO3 heterojunctions, fabricated using a damage-free epitaxial liftoff technique that produces single-crystalline SmNiO3 microribbons. These devices demonstrate a pronounced, temperature-dependent N-type negative differential resistance (NDR), with a peak-to-valley current ratio adjustable from 5.9 at 450 K to 1.1 at 550 K. Unlike the abrupt switching behavior typical of conventional memristors, the observed NDR manifests as a smooth and reproducible phenomenon. We ascribe this behavior to a trap-mediated electrothermal mechanism, which is enhanced by the quasi-one-dimensional geometry of the system. At a critical applied voltage, the interplay between localized Joule heating and the strong electric field generated by trapped charges induces a localized insulator-to-metal transition. The subsequent reduction in current is governed by a dual mechanism involving self-heating of the emergent conductive channel and Coulombic repulsion from adjacent trapped charges. This work highlights lateral confinement as an effective strategy to activate and control charge-induced phase transitions in correlated oxides, thereby providing a platform for the development of tunable planar electronic devices.

Evaluation of bromadiolone combined with ciprofloxacin, vitamin D, aspirin, and cinnamon as an apoptosis-mediated rodenticide strategy

Abstract This manuscript explores whether co-formulation of the second-generation anticoagulant bromadiolone with additives such as ciprofloxacin, vitamin D, aspirin, and cinnamon can enhance rodenticidal efficacy at reduced doses, while assessing hepatic pathomorphology, oxidative stress, coagulation, DNA damage, and apoptosis in wild rats. The study is both timely and relevant, addressing ecological and public health concerns by investigating mechanistic pathways including the p53–p21–caspase axis, lipid peroxidation, comet assay, prothrombin time, and serum enzyme levels. A key strength lies in its novel strategy of combining bromadiolone with pharmacological and food-derived compounds, offering practical implications for minimizing environmental impact. The multidimensional dataset spanning biochemical, molecular, genotoxic, coagulation, and histopathological endpoints provides strong mechanistic depth. Findings suggest that certain additives, particularly cinnamon and aspirin, potentiate oxidative stress and apoptosis, correlating with increased mortality and liver damage. Overall, the integration with existing literature on vitamin K antagonism, cholecalciferol-induced hypercalcemia, NSAID-mediated apoptosis, and coumarin derivatives highlights the study’s mechanistic grounding and translational relevance.