Browse Articles

Organic Cation Conformation‐Modulated Dimensionality in Chiral Metal Halides for Enhancing Linear and Nonlinear Chiroptical Properties

ABSTRACT Dimensionality engineering has been proven as a pivotal approach to the modulation of chemical and electronic structures of organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides (OIHMHs) for advanced optoelectronic applications. However, prevailing methods primarily rely on altering chemical composition, which limits the precision and predictability of fine‐tuning. Herein, we propose a new conformational modulation strategy to direct the self‐assembly of chiral OIHMHs without changing their chemical compositions. By steering the conformation of the cyclic chiral cation, R / S ‐2‐methylpyrrolidinium, we achieve precise control over the connectivity and dimensionality of inorganic units. Designing mixed conformational systems by introducing axial‐conformation into equatorial‐conformation structures successfully enables efficient chiral amplification and enhances linear and nonlinear chiroptical responses. The resulting OIHMHs exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield exceeding 86%, high anisotropy factors in linear and nonlinear optical circular dichroism, circularly polarized luminescence, and an enhanced second‐harmonic generation intensity by two orders of magnitude. Such a simultaneous enhancement in both linear and nonlinear chiroptical properties arises from the modulation of steric hindrance and electronic structure in organic cations mediated by molecular conformation. This work highlights the contribution of conformational modulation to structural design and performance optimization, broadening the prospects for precise modulation of high‐performance optoelectronic functions in chiral OIHMHs.

Fairness cues reorganize responsibility beyond system capability in social mixed-ability human–automation interaction

Synergistic Enhancement of Methanol Formation by Edge‐Site FeO <i> _x </i> Clusters and In‐Plane Vacancies on MoS ₂ for CO ₂ Hydrogenation

ABSTRACT MoS 2 is a promising catalyst for methanol synthesis from CO 2 hydrogenation. It is widely accepted that the in‐plane sulfur vacancies are the active sites for methanol formation, while the edge sulfur vacancies catalyze methane formation, which is typically undesirable. Rather than blocking the edge sites with heteroatom dopants, we demonstrate that decorating the edges of MoS 2 with functional FeO x clusters effectively boost methanol formation via synergy between the RWGS activity of the anchored FeO x clusters and the CO hydrogenation activity of the in‐plane sulfur vacancies. Synthetically, this was achieved by a vacuum impregnation method that chemically anchors FeO x clusters on the edges of MoS 2 , forming stable Fe‐S/Fe‐O interfaces. With these Fe‐S/Fe‐O interfaces, the Fe/MoS 2 catalyst shows markedly enhanced methanol selectivity (to 80%) and a high intrinsic space‐time‐yield (STY) of 0.6 mmol CH3OH ·m −2 ·h −1 . In situ spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations combined with theoretical calculations corroborate that the formation of amorphous FeO x clusters at edge sites of MoS 2 could effectively suppress edge S v formation, generate additional CO * , and promote the formation of methanol at the in‐plane S v sites. Broadly speaking, this work has demonstrated the modulation of MoS 2 edge sites using simple and scalable catalyst preparation methods to enhance methanol formation.

Effects of an interdepartmental handover program on nurses’ safe care quality in intensive care units

Tailoring Heterogeneous Antiphase Boundaries in Multi‐Shelled Structure to Boost Na ⁺ Diffusion Kinetics for High‐Rate Sodium–Ion Batteries

ABSTRACT MoS 2 is a promising anode of sodium–ion batteries (SIBs), owing to high theoretical capacity and environmental benignity. However, its sluggish Na + diffusion kinetics severely impair rate capability and cycling stability. In this study, we rationally designed MoS 2 /Fe x Mo 2 S 4 hollow multi‐shelled structure (HoMS). Wherein, the precise regulation of Mo/Fe molar ratio induces the formation of unique alternating antiphase boundaries (APBs) at the heterointerfaces reported for the first time arising from the lattice mismatch of (002) crystal planes between MoS 2 and Fe x Mo 2 S 4 . These APBs provide excess diffusion channels for Na + in lattice, accompanying unique structure of HoMS to achieve 3D Na + diffusion path. Additionally, the electron conductivity is promoted due to the construction of a built‐in electric field, thus facilitating fast reversible electrochemical reaction for high rate capability. Meanwhile, the void space in HoMS with APBs buffers volume change during cycling, enhancing cycling stability. Particularly, the MoS 2 /Fe x Mo 2 S 4 hollow double‐shelled sphere exhibits a high specific capacity of 743.6 mAh g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 , and a capacity of 226.4 mAh g −1 is still retained at 10 A g −1 , demonstrating excellent rate capability. This work provides an inspiration for constructing hollow multi‐shelled structure anode materials with abundant APBs lattice mismatch for fast and reversible electrochemical reactions.

Referral delays in sarcoma patients: a prospective cohort study and management guidelines

Associations of self-reported toothbrushing frequency with salivary microbiome in caries, fluorosis, and healthy subjects

Selective portal vein occlusion and myocardial injury after major hepatobiliary surgery: a propensity-weighted cohort study

Quantitative Photo‐Reforming of Biomass to CO Spurred by In Situ Protonation of Carbon Dioxide Radical Anions

ABSTRACT Heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a green solution for converting renewable biomass into biofuels and chemicals, though it typically suffers from unsatisfactory carbon utilization efficiency. Here, we present a “two‐in‐one” photoreduction strategy enabled by electron‐rich Cd sites, both remote from and adjacent to sulfur vacancies (Vs). This strategy is highly selective for the reduction of O 2 and carbon dioxide radical anions (•CO 2 − ) in situ formed on the Bi 2 S 3 composition (hole) through water oxidation and oxalic acid (OA) oxidative C–C cleavage, respectively. The shell‐yolk Z‐scheme Bi 2 S 3 /CdS‐Vs achieves complete photothermal catalytic upgrading of OA to CO with an unprecedented yield (1671 µmol g −1 h −1 ) and selectivity &gt; 99%, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art photocatalysts for CO 2 ‐to‐CO reduction. Mechanistic investigations reveal that shell Bi 2 S 3 can cooperate with •OH generated/transferred from the yolk CdS‐Vs to mediate the efficient production of •CO 2 ‒ . Hollow microenvironment and electronic structure of the yolk CdS‐Vs can be manipulated by Vs to increase enrichment of •CO 2 − and favor its proton‐coupled electron transfer to produce CO. Bi 2 S 3 /CdS‐Vs exhibits good reusability and universality for converting various bio‐organic acids into CO with 94%‒100% selectivity. Tailor‐made versatile photocatalysts via vacancy engineering provide a viable avenue for the full‐carbon upcycling of biomass and waste sources to biofuels.

Single-channel EEG sleep stage classification using synchrosqueezed transform and sequential representation learning

Facile Formation of Oxygen‐Vacancy Gradient Enables In Situ Uniform Prelithiation in Vanadium Oxide Thin‐Film Batteries

ABSTRACT Vanadium oxide (VO x ) is a promising cathode material for thin‐film all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (TF‐ASSLIBs) owing to its high theoretical capacity and compatibility with microelectronic fabrication. However, its lithium‐free nature results in low initial Coulombic efficiency and poor cycling stability, necessitating an effective prelithiation strategy. Conventional methods are limited by sluggish lithium diffusion kinetics, causing inhomogeneous lithium distribution with surface accumulation and insufficient bulk penetration. Herein, we engineer an oxygen vacancy (O V ) gradient in VO x , with O V concentration increasing from surface to interior, to homogenize lithium distribution through two synergistic effects: (i) O V creates additional Li + diffusion pathways, accelerating prelithiation kinetics; (ii) O V gradient progressively lowers diffusion barriers, enabling deep Li + penetration and uniform distribution. Notably, this O V gradient forms spontaneously during VO x deposition on Pt current collectors via moderate oxygen adsorption of Pt, which generates a higher O V concentration near the Pt interface, thereby facilitating uniform and efficient prelithiation during subsequent in situ electrolyte deposition. TF‐ASSLIBs comprising an O V ‐gradient VO x cathode|LiPON electrolyte|NiO anode exhibit substantially enhanced electrochemical performance over control devices, delivering higher initial Coulombic efficiency (76.5% vs. 43.5%), superior areal capacity (37.5 vs. 6.5 µAh cm −2 ), and better cycling stability (91.5% vs. 73.4% capacity retention@2000 cycles). This work provides a facile and scalable strategy for developing high‐performance cathodes and TF‐ASSLIBs.

Development and clinical evaluation of fluorescent tattoo system for radiation therapy

Abstract Conventional dark-ink tattoos used for radiotherapy positioning may remain permanently visible. We developed a fluorescent tattoo system comprising a medical tattoo device, fluorescent ink, and ultraviolet (UV) lamps and evaluated its clinical feasibility. Twenty-four patients prospectively received fluorescent tattoos, and setup displacement and procedure times were compared with those of 24 retrospectively selected patients with conventional dark-ink tattoos. The time required for tattooing and patient treatment setup was estimated. The setup errors were determined using CBCT. Pain, satisfaction, and adverse events were evaluated prospectively in the fluorescent group. Lamps with wavelengths in the UVA range were developed. The appropriate needle vibration frequency and needle type for tattoo procedures were determined. CBCT-based setup displacement did not differ significantly between groups. Median CT simulation time was longer with fluorescent tattoos, whereas treatment setup time was similar. The VAS score was evaluated as 1.9 ± 0.8. The patients were highly satisfied with the availability of showers and the invisible marker. No tattoo-related adverse events were reported during a three-year medical-record review. In this small, non-randomized cohort, the fluorescent tattoo system was clinically feasible and showed no significant difference in CBCT-based setup displacement from conventional dark-ink tattoos. It may offer a cosmetically inconspicuous option for selected patients, although UV illumination, longer application time, limited cohort diversity, and long-term pigment safety require further study.

Isomerization‐Accelerated Exciton Kinetics in PDI Linear Conjugated Polymers for High‐Efficiency Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution

ABSTRACT Understanding and substantively accelerating exciton kinetics in perylene diimide (PDI)‐based linear conjugated polymers (LCPs) represents a promising yet challenging frontier in the field of photocatalysis. Herein, an isomerization strategy is proposed to construct two PDI‐based LCPs through bridge‐bond isomerization to induce π‐stacking to finely modulate charge distribution, and the obtained maleamide‐PDI exhibits excellent activity for sacrificial‐agent‐assisted photocatalytic oxygen evolution with a remarkable apparent quantum yield of 13.4% at 380 nm, surpassing the majority of reported organic polymer photocatalysts. Theoretical calculations combined with in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra reveal that isomerization‐induced high crystallinity with tight π‐stacking and efficient spatial exciton separation activate the carbonyl group located at the bridging chain, endowing it with high photocatalytic activity. This work pioneers the use of isomerization for modifying PDI‐based LCPs, highlighting the pivotal role of exciton acceleration in photocatalysis and providing guidance for the isomerized design of PDI‐LCPs.

Green synthesis and application of ZnO nanoparticles for removing malathion and pyrene from aqueous solutions

Abstract This study systematically investigates the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using an Artemisia plant-extract-mediated sol–gel method and evaluates their performance for the simultaneous removal of malathion and Pyrene from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and BET, revealing a highly crystalline, mesoporous structure with a surface area of 180 m 2 /g, pore diameters of 4–4.5 nm, and abundant surface hydroxyl groups and oxygen vacancies that facilitate adsorption. Batch experiments optimized pH (~ 7), adsorbent dosage (1 g/L), contact time (180 min), and initial pollutant concentrations. Non-linear kinetic modeling shows that adsorption follows the Pseudo-First-Order model (R 2  ≥ 0.989, SSE &lt; 10 –4 ), indicating a physisorption process controlled by boundary layer mass transfer. Isotherm analysis fits the Langmuir model well (R 2  ≥ 0.9588), giving maximum capacities at 298 K of 14.25 mg g −1 (malathion) and 26.74 mg g −1 (Pyrene), while Rₗ (0–1) and 1/n &lt; 1 confirm favourable adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that malathion adsorption is endothermic and entropy-driven (ΔH° =  + 33.4 kJ/mol, ΔS° =  + 112.9 J/mol K), whereas Pyrene adsorption is exothermic and enthalpy-driven (ΔH° =  − 8.0 kJ/mol, ΔS° =  − 22.7 J/mol K), with negative ΔG° values confirming spontaneous adsorption under all studied conditions. The ΔH° values below 40 kJ mol −1 and ΔG° values in the range 0 to − 20 kJ mol −1 confirm the physical nature of the binding, and long-term sustainability. These findings indicate highlight the capability of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles to simultaneously remove structurally diverse organic pollutants under near-neutral conditions, addressing a key limitation in current adsorption systems. However, this study is limited to laboratory-scale conditions with limited evaluation of adsorbent regeneration and real wastewater applicability. Therefore, future work should focus on regeneration efficiency, long-term stability, and performance in real wastewater.

Ion‐Sieving Calixarene Fillers Boost Li ⁺ Transport in Quasi‐Solid Electrolytes for High‐Loading Lithium Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Calixarenes (CAs), featuring unique cavity architectures and exceptional host–guest capabilities, provide an attractive molecular platform for tailoring ion coordination and transport behaviors in solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs). Despite these structural advantages, their potential in SSEs has been rarely explored. Herein, we design a calix[6]arene‐functionalized (C6A) polymer quasi‐solid electrolyte (PECQSE) via in situ polymerization, in which a cross‐linked matrix is formed between urethane‐functionalized poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG‐IEM) and ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA). The incorporation of C6A establishes a size‐selective, interaction‐dominated ion‐regulation framework, in which bulky TFSI − exhibit restricted mobility, while Li + transport is facilitated along conduction pathways, resulting in Li + transference number of 0.76. Meanwhile, hydrogen‐bonding interactions between C6A phenolic hydroxyl groups and urethane segments suppress PEG crystallinity and promote LiTFSI dissociation. These interactions facilitate interfacial LiTFSI reduction and support the formation of a LiF/Li 2 O‐rich SEI, which guides uniform lithium deposition and suppresses dendrite growth. Consequently, Li|Li symmetric cells exhibit ultralong cycling stability exceeding 7000 h with low polarization and high‐loading LiFePO 4 |Li full cells retain 80.6% capacity after 700 cycles at 2 C. The assembled 1 Ah pouch cell delivers excellent safety and durability with 91.8% retention after 240 cycles, demonstrating an effective interfacial engineering strategy for next‐generation lithium metal batteries.

Effect of O2 content on AC surface flashover and surface degradation of Al2O3-filled epoxy resin in C4F7N/CO2/O2 ternary gas mixtures

Rapid Fragment Screening by ¹⁹ F Steady‐State Free Precession NMR

ABSTRACT Steady‐state free precession (SSFP) NMR is emerging as a powerful tool across multiple fields of magnetic resonance, driven by its high sensitivity and advances in acquisition and processing. By continuously detecting steady‐state transverse magnetization, SSFP achieves superior signal‐to‐noise ratios per square‐root unit time compared to conventional NMR methods that require magnetization recovery between scans. Here, we demonstrate the application of SSFP for fragment‐based screening, achieving broadband excitation ( kHz) and a 2.6–3.3‐fold average sensitivity enhancement relative to broadband Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill approaches. This gain translates into up to a tenfold reduction in experimental time, enabling reliable screening of up to 2000 compounds per day. Together, these features establish SSFP as a robust approach for rapid fragment screening in drug discovery.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from communities in South Western Uganda

Development of a pH-sensitive magnetic hydrogel based on chitosan for synergistic chemo/hyperthermia treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Synergistic Supramolecular Activation and Dynamic Alkalinity Replenishing for Sustainable Recycling of Ester‐Containing Plastics

ABSTRACT Although alkaline hydrolysis represents a promising strategy for recycling polyester plastics, its practical deployment is hampered by the alkaline paradox: the excessive alkaline solution is required to sustain reaction kinetics, while it leads to severe equipment corrosion and wastewater burdens. Here we demonstrate a solvent‐induced alkaline self‐replenishing strategy that enables efficient recycling of diverse ester‐containing plastics, including thermosets (e.g., unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin) and thermoplastics (e.g., PET, PBAT) under remarkably mild conditions. By exploiting the temperature‐dependent solubility of KOH in 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐imidazolidinone (DMI), we established a dynamic alkaline balance: low solubility at room temperature confines it largely to the solid phase, whereas heating promotes dissolution that replenishes consumed base and prevents kinetic stagnation. Characterization evidence reveals that DMI acts as a molecular co‐activator, forming supramolecular complexes with K + to enhance OH − nucleophilicity and polarize ester bonds simultaneously. This system allows for the easy recovery of KOH via auto‐precipitation upon cooling, ensuring excellent reusability. Our work offers a universal and cost‐efficient dynamic methodological framework for the sustainable recycling of diverse polymer architectures.