Browse Articles

Specific dynamic facial expression evoked responses show distinct perceptual and attentional features in autism connected to social communication and GABA phenotypes

Cobalt‐Oxygen Coordination Steering *NO Hydrogenation in Nitrate Electroreduction

Abstract Understanding the hydrogenation behavior of *NO during electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO 3 RR) is essential for designing catalysts with high selectivity toward ammonia (NH 3 ) and valuable intermediates like hydroxylamine. Spinel cobalt oxides (Co 3 O 4 ) are promising NO 3 RR electrocatalysts, yet the exact *NO hydrogenation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we integrate theoretical calculations and systematic experiments to reveal that the hydrogenation pathway is dictated by the coordination environment, which can be tuned via crystal facet engineering. Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles enriched with (111) facets (o‐Co 3 O 4 ) and (100) facets (c‐Co 3 O 4 ) were synthesized to expose 4‐ and 6‐coordinated Co sites, respectively. Theoretical results show that o‐Co 3 O 4 favors nitrogen‐site hydrogenation (), while c‐Co 3 O 4 promotes oxygen‐site hydrogenation (), leading to distinct rate‐determining steps. This selectivity is experimentally supported by in situ spectroscopy, which detects the *NH 2 OH intermediate exclusively on o‐Co 3 O 4 . Consequently, o‐Co 3 O 4 achieves superior NO 3 RR performance, with a Faradaic efficiency of 99.4% and an NH 3 yield rate of 12.8 mg h −1  cm −2 at −0.4 V. This work uncovers the coordination‐governed mechanism of *NO hydrogenation and establishes facet engineering as an effective strategy for directing reaction pathways in NO 3 RR.

Reliability of a German version of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) administered via telephone

Abstract To date, there is no validated telephone version of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) available to collect data about health-related quality of life among patients with heart failure (HF). We assessed the reliability of the German KCCQ administered via telephone in comparison to the self-administered version. Patients with HF admitted to the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Würzburg were consecutively identified and recruited. Patients completed (a) the self-administered version of the KCCQ, and (b) the telephone-based interview performed by trained raters. The sequence of both approaches was randomized. For the between-method agreement, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated using a non-parametric, rank-based approach. We analysed data from sixty-one HF patients. The median KCCQ overall summary score was 84.8 (interquartile range (IQR) 71.6–76.9). The test-retest reliability between the self-administered and the telephone interview showed good agreement for the total symptom score, the clinical score and the overall summary core: ICC 0.75, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.79; ICC 0.80, CI 0.77–0.84; ICC 0.83, CI 0.80–0.86, respectively. The German KCCQ administered via telephone showed good test-retest reliability, indicating its applicability to collect data about health status among HF patients over the phone.

Evaluating microstructural and machine learning predictive models for friction drilling of sustainable snail shell reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Maximizing Accessible Fe–N–C Sites on Highly Curved Surfaces via Chemical Vapor Deposition for Boosting Multienzyme‐Like Activities of Single‐Atom Nanozymes

Abstract Single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes) have emerged as a highly promising class of next‐generation nanozymes. However, their widespread application remains significantly restricted by low reaction activity, primarily attributed to inefficient site utilization and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, we provided a novel approach to maximize accessible Fe–N–C sites on a highly curved surface (hFeSA) through chemical vapor deposition. This innovative catalyst demonstrated superior multienzyme‐like activities compared to the conventional single iron atom catalyst (FeSA) with planar Fe–N 4 sites. Specifically, for peroxidase‐like activity, the hFeSA exhibited a maximal reaction velocity of 1.91 × 10 −7  M s −1 , a catalytic constant of 5.78 s −1 , and a specific activity of 177.5 U mg −1 , which were 9.67‐, 2.56‐, and 9.56‐fold higher than those of the conventional FeSA, respectively. Similarly, for oxidase‐like activity, the hFeSA achieved a maximal reaction velocity of 2.84 × 10 −7  M s −1 , a catalytic constant of 4.3 s −1 , and a specific activity of 76.27 U mg −1 , representing enhancements of 11.73‐, 3.11‐, and 12.01‐fold over FeSA, respectively. These results underscore the significant advantages of hFeSA in dramatically enhancing multienzyme‐like activities. Furthermore, theoretical calculations revealed that single iron atoms anchored on curved surfaces can effectively lower the energy barrier, thereby enhancing the intrinsic activity of the Fe–N 4 sites and accelerating reaction kinetics.

Influence of dynamic changes of ocular biometric parameters on new-onset myopia in Chinese children: a 4-year cohort study

Research on the synergistic evolution of land use transformation and ecosystem service value in the Anning River Basin

Reticular Synthesis of 3D Metal Cluster‐Based COFs With Record High‐Connectivity for Efficient Photocatalytic H ₂ O ₂ Synthesis

Abstract The assembly of metal clusters with organic building units by covalent bonds to form metal cluster‐based covalent‐organic frameworks (MCCOFs) material is a novel strategy in reticular synthesis. However, only 2, 3, and 6 connectivity of MCCOFs have been achieved in reported structures. Developing a higher connectivity remains a great challenge in the MCCOFs due to the difficulties in introducing multiple connecting nodes to the metal cluster. In this work, two 3D [8 + 2]‐connected MCCOFs were synthesized by condensing an 8‐connectivity aluminum cluster‐based building block (termed Al 8 ‐8c) with linear dialdehyde linkers. Furthermore, these AlCCOFs showed efficient photocatalytic O 2 ‐to‐H 2 O 2 conversion due to the suitable energy band structure, efficient photoelectron conversion capability and the AlCCOF‐1 showed H 2 O 2 photosynthetic efficiency of 16794.69 µmol g −1 h −1 using water and benzyl alcohol reaction system. The in situ EPR, in situ FTIR, and DFT calculations were then performed to study the structure‐function relationships on the two AlCCOFs for H 2 O 2 photosynthesis. This work is the first report of high‐connectivity MCCOFs bearing 8‐connected cluster units, showing the great potential of using metal clusters to construct complicate reticular frameworks by covalent linkage.

Network epidemiological analysis of COVID-19 transmission patterns by age, occupation and residence across four waves in Cyprus

Ionic Liquid Accelerates Electrochemically Driven Single‐Molecule Oxidative Coupling

Abstract Molecular adsorption covers a broad spectrum of chemical processes and device fabrications at solid/liquid interfaces. The unraveling of the underlying mechanisms relies on regulating molecular adsorption. However, achieving such regulation at the single‐molecule level remains a challenge. Herein, we utilized a combined ionic liquid and scanning tunneling microscope break junction methods to tune single 4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)aniline molecules gradually from the flat configuration to the upright one and found that only the upright configuration can trigger the oxidative coupling. Experimental and theoretical findings demonstrated that the ionic liquid reduced the electron density of the Au electrode, giving rise to the evolution of the interaction between molecule and electrode from the Au‐π dominated coupling to the Au‐σ dominated one. This work will inspire the exploration of strategies that can control the molecular assembly, accelerate the chemical reaction, and promote the fabrication of organic devices.

Experimental study on the impact of water flow velocity on internal erosion of granite residual soil

Abstract The internal erosion effect causes fine particles in the soil to move through seepage, and the loss of these fine particles leads to changes in porosity, which in turn affects the soil’s hydraulic properties and mechanical performance, posing a threat to the safety of dam and levee engineering. To understand the formation and development of internal erosion under reverse seepage, a simulation test device for internal erosion was designed, and experiments were conducted on three granite residual soil samples with identical soil properties under different water flow speeds (25 L/H, 50 L/H, and 100 L/H). By comparing and analyzing the wetting front, the amount of internal erosion, and the water content, the influence of water flow speed on reverse seepage internal erosion was studied. The results show that under reverse internal erosion, as the water flow speed increases, the internal erosion rate accelerates, as evidenced by the faster advancement of the wetting front and the increase in cumulative internal erosion. As internal erosion develops, the fine particle accumulation curve enters a stable phase. After the soil’s water content reaches its peak, it slightly decreases and then remains relatively stable. Fluctuations in the soil water content occur due to the formation of preferential internal erosion channels or the redeposition of fine particles. The soil particle movement, fine particle loss, and redeposition caused by internal erosion create an internal erosion channel that narrows from the inlet to the outlet.

Electronic Modulation and Active Site Exposure Using C ₆₀ Fullerenolamine Enable High‐Performance Alcohol Oxidation on Pd Metallene Catalysts

Abstract The availability of active sites and the electronic structure of metal heterogeneous catalysts are crucial to maximize their catalytic performance. In this study, we describe a new and efficient catalyst system, C 60 fullerenolamine (FA)‐modified Pd metallene (Pdene), and demonstrate that the FA molecules not only increase the active sites availability but also exert an electronic effect that enhances the catalytic performance of Pdene in alcohol oxidation reactions. Specifically, FA increases the electrochemical active surface area through dispersion, while its electron‐withdrawing characteristics induce an electron‐deficient surface on Pdene, which facilitates the adsorption of electron‐rich intermediates (OH * ) and the desorption of electron‐deficient poisonous intermediates (CO * ). The practical significance of this modification is demonstrated by achieving a 54.5% increase in mass activity and 46.3% enhancement in specific activity for ethanol oxidation relative to Pdene. Beyond these improvements, the FA‐Pdene catalyst demonstrates exceptional operational stability, superior CO poisoning resistance, and enhanced C1 pathway selectivity. An in‐depth analysis utilizing in‐situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, coupled with density functional theory calculations, offers valuable insights into how the FA ligand modulates the mechanistic pathways involved in ethanol oxidation processes. This fullerene‐mediated catalytic effect could hold the key to unlocking the potential of the metal‐based system.

Damage evolution of Cu-inductors used for electromagnetic forming

Abstract Electromagnetic forming (EMF) is a high-speed forming technology using the interactions of pulsed currents and magnetic fields to apply Lorentz forces to electrically conductive workpieces. The damage behavior of Cu-inductors used for EMF was investigated by electron microscopy, particularly electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The process-specific electrical-thermo-mechanical load leads to plastic deformations on the inductor and melting and re-solidification of grain boundaries. Both weaken the inductor material. Cracks propagate at grain boundaries, where the thermo-mechanical load is concentrated, and become larger after each discharge. As a result, blowholes form, which cause failure of the inductor. Annealing and recrystallization processes as well as local melting at grain boundaries and formation of blowholes due to joule heating are probably the origin of the damage evolution during EMF. Understanding the correlations of these microstructural mechanisms will enable targeted heat treatment for wear-resistant inductors in the future.

Chain–Chain Synergistic Hydrogel Electrolytes Regulate Zinc Ions Desolvation for Stabilized Anodes and High Operating Voltage in Flexible Zinc Ions Hybrid Capacitors

Abstract To maximize the energy density output, the complementary charge storage mechanism of aqueous zinc ion hybrid capacitors (ZIHCs) is superior and advanced, but continuous water‐induced side reactions and uncontrolled dendrite growth of zinc anodes remain challenging. Additionally, the optimization of the hydrogel electrolyte/electrode interface is necessary for the stability and kinetic reversibility of the flexible zinc‐based energy storage device. Herein, the P(AM‐SBMA) (copolymer of acrylamide AM and zwitterionic compound SBMA)/gelatin hydrogel electrolyte (PSG) with a special semi‐interpenetrating network is designed based on the chain–chain synergistic regulation mechanism to regulate the desolvation of zinc ions and optimize the operating voltage of flexible ZIHCs and stabilize surface chemistry of zinc anode. The obtained PSG‐5 hydrogel electrolyte widens the electrochemical stability windows (ESW) of the flexible ZIHC to 2.45 V and achieves high Zn 2+ transference number of 0.87 and highly reversible plating/stripping of the zinc anode. Furthermore, the corresponding flexible ZIHC exhibits a high operating voltage of 2.2 V and provides a favorable energy density of 117 Wh kg −1 at a power density of 293 W kg −1 . This work provides useful insights for the development of efficient, flexible ZIHCs by preparing hydrogel electrolytes capable of stabilizing zinc anodes and widening ESW.

Elucidating the impact of soil’s physico-chemical properties and seasonal variation on earthworm distribution in flood-prone areas of Harike wetland, India

Atomically Engineered Acridine Derivatives Serve as Metal‐Free and Self‐Sensitized Catalysts for Solar‐Driven CO ₂ to Formic Acid with High‐Efficiency and Near‐Perfect Selectivity

Abstract Achieving efficient and selective light‐driven CO 2 conversion to formic acid is a significant scientific challenge, particularly when utilizing purely organic, metal‐free, and earth‐abundant element‐based molecule photocatalysts. Herein, we first reported the discovery of acridine derivatives (DADN , PXZN , and PTZN ) as new‐type, metal‐free, self‐sensitized molecule catalysts that enabled exceptional performance in solar‐driven CO 2 reduction to formic acid. Notably, the atomically engineered sulfur‐containing heterocycle PTZN demonstrated unprecedented formate yield rate of 47.8 mmol g −1 h −1 and >99% selectivity in a photocatalytic system using 1,3‐dimethyl‐1 H ‐benzo[ d ]imidazol‐3‐ium (BI + ) as proton and electron relay. The superior activity of PTZN was revealed to arise from its synergistic combination of strong CO 2 ‐binding affinity (−0.195 eV), prolonged charge‐separated states (11 ns), and robust CO 2 electronic coupling (2.51 eV). Comprehensive studies including in situ electron spin resonance, in situ infrared, and transient absorption spectroscopy unambiguously unveiled a direct single electron transfer process from the excited singlet‐state acridine derivatives to CO 2 , generating CO 2 ·− . Moreover, a hydrogen atom transfer process utilizing in situ generated BIH as a hydrogen atom carrier enabled the conversion of CO 2 ·− to formic acid. This work establishes the first demonstration of a sequential proton–electron transfer mechanism in acridine‐based photocatalysis, resolving long‐standing challenges in proton and electron delivery during CO 2 activation.

Predicting head and neck cancer response to radiotherapy with a chemokine-based model

Abstract Radiotherapy resistance remains a major challenge in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment. This study aimed to develop a chemokine-based model for predicting radiosensitivity in HNSCC using a retrospective analysis of 432 patients from the TCGA database. We identified a model incorporating CXCL2, CCL28, and CCR8 expression that effectively stratified patients into radiosensitive (RS) and radioresistant (RR) groups. Patients in the RS group demonstrated significantly improved overall survival (OS) with radiotherapy, whereas this prognostic advantage was not observed in the non-radiotherapy group. Notably, patients within the RS group with high PD-L1 expression exhibited even better OS and increased immune infiltration, indicating a synergistic relationship between radiosensitivity and PD-L1 expression. Further analyses revealed enrichment of immune-related pathways and higher effector immune cell abundance in the RS group, suggesting greater potential for immunotherapy response. Corroborating these findings, analysis of the GSE40020 cohort showed significant upregulation of CCL28 in patients with complete response compared to those with post-treatment failure. In vitro experiments using radiosensitive and radioresistant Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cell lines validated the association between chemokine gene expression and radiosensitivity. Our model provides a valuable tool for identifying HNSCC patients who may benefit from combined treatment strategies incorporating synergistic anti-tumor agents.

Boosting Ultra‐Wide Temperature Sodium‐Bromine Batteries via Chlorine‐Bromine Activation

Abstract The development of high‐energy‐density batteries operable over a wide temperature range is critical for sustainable energy storage. Sodium‐chlorine (Na‐Cl 2 ) batteries show promising high theoretical energy densities but face significant safety challenges due to gaseous chlorine, particularly at high temperatures. Replacing Cl 2 with liquid Br 2 to construct a new Na‐Br 2 battery mitigates gas risks but introduces issues with sluggish reaction kinetics and high‐temperature volatility. To overcome these limitations, we developed a revolutionary Na‐Br(+) battery based on the activated Br + by Cl − anions, pioneering a stabilized redox process via Br − /BrCl 2 − conversion. The introduction of Cl − enhances the reversibility kinetics of bromine species and facilitating the activation of Br + through polyanions BrCl 2 − , enabling additional electron transfer pathways. The Na‐Br(+) battery achieves impressive low polarization (0.18 V) and exhibits wide‐temperature functionality (−60 °C to 60 °C) with a cycle life exceeding 400 cycles. This heterogeneous halogen activation strategy addresses key gas safety limitations and advances the practicality of metal‐halogen batteries.

An integrated predictive model for Alzheimer’s disease progression from cognitively normal subjects using generated MRI and interpretable AI

Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Lithium Metal in Cubic Wulff Structures

Abstract Electrodeposition of lithium (Li) metal is crucial for highenergydensity rechargeable Li batteries. The electrodeposition morphology governs the reversibility of the deposition/dissolution reaction, thereby impacting battery performance and safety. Various morphologies, including hemispherical, granular, columnar, and whisker‐like structures, have been realized by modulating the deposition thermodynamics and kinetics. However, the intrinsic Li deposition structure matching the body‐centered cubic (BCC) structure remains unexplored. Here, we first precisely controlled cubic Li deposits with (100) planes as the primary exposed surfaces via modulating anodic interface and optimizing deposition pressure, while demonstrating kinetically‐driven morphology evolution and substrate‐engineered epitaxial growth of cubic Li. These findings integrate the thermodynamic theory of crystal growth with interface engineering, completing the missing piece in the cubic Wulff construction of Li metal and providing a new paradigm for controlling the morphology of metal electrodes.