Browse Articles

Adherence to the dietary index for gut microbiota is associated with lower cardiometabolic dysregulation in type 2 diabetes

Pore-permeability evolution in fuel-related copolymers via machine learning

Design and implementation of image data sharing through a visual cryptography system with one-time password authentication

Exploratory metabolomic profiling reveals metabolic alterations potentially associated with pain and blood pressure regulation in a high-sugar diet rat model

Abstract A high-sugar diet (HSD) is associated with various health issues, including metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, hypertension, and increased pain sensitivity. However, the metabolic pathways potentially involved in these processes remain incompletely understood. This exploratory metabolomic profiling study aimed to investigate HSD-related alterations in serum and salivary metabolites and to identify metabolic pathways potentially relevant to pain and blood pressure regulation. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving standard chow and regular water, and an HSD group fed a cariogenic diet supplemented with 5% sucrose water for 28 days. Serum and saliva samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomics. Metabolomic profiling and pathway analysis assessed metabolic changes regarding pain and blood pressure regulation. Significant differences were observed in the serum metabolite profiles between HSD and control groups. The HSD group showed alterations with 330 down-regulated and 72 up-regulated metabolites. Notably, metabolites associated with blood pressure regulation were impacted; up-regulated metabolites like lysophosphatidylcholine and midodrine were linked to increased blood pressure, while down-regulated metabolites like taurochenodeoxycholic acid and hypotaurine have been associated with antihypertensive effects. Additionally, metabolites linked to pain sensitivity, including N-arachidonoyl dopamine and acetaminophen glucuronide, were down-regulated. Pathway analysis identified 12 up-regulated pathways in HSD-fed rats, including starch and sucrose metabolism, associated with vascular dysfunction, and 14 down-regulated pathways, such as vitamin B6 and taurine metabolism, linked to cardiovascular protection. Salivary analysis showed 186 altered metabolites, particularly the down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory metabolite N-acetylanthranilic acid and the up-regulation of the antihypertensive agent bethanidine. Cross-biofluid analysis highlighted consistent changes in nucleotide and arginine/proline metabolism. This exploratory metabolomic profiling study demonstrated that HSD exposure was associated with broad metabolic alterations in serum and saliva. Several identified metabolites and pathways may be potentially relevant to biological processes involved in pain sensitivity and blood pressure regulation. These findings are hypothesis-generating and provide a foundation for future mechanistic and longitudinal studies investigating the metabolic effects of high-sugar diets.

A two-stage SEM–ANN analysis of digital attitude, cognitive engagement, and digital self-efficacy as determinants of learning effectiveness in the AI era

Measurement-aware learning for reliable grain-boundary analysis in quantitative metallography

A Fixed‐Charge Interphase Synchronizes Ion Transport to Suppress Space‐Charge‐Driven Inefficiency Under Nanoliter Confinement

ABSTRACT Ion transport at electrified interfaces is conventionally described by the redistribution of mobile ions to preserve local electroneutrality. Under extreme electrolyte confinement, however, this assumption fails as the characteristic transport length approaches the Debye screening length, giving rise to space‐charge accumulation and slow electrostatic relaxation that dominate interfacial kinetics. Here, we introduce a fixed‐charge‐selective interphase in which immobile anionic charges replace mobile electrolyte anions as the primary charge‐compensating species, thereby establishing a chemically encoded electrostatic boundary condition. Using a glucose‐derived network as a model system, we show that localized fixed charge enables cation‐selective transport and suppresses extended space‐charge layers (ESCLs) by eliminating the slow relaxation pathways. Spatiotemporal transport analysis reveals that this interphase collapses multi‐timescale interfacial relaxation into a unified kinetic regime. When applied to nanoliter‐confined electrochemical systems (45 nL), rest‐induced Coulombic efficiency (CE) collapse is reduced from 40% to 5%, demonstrating stabilization of electrostatic relaxation during idle periods, which is a failure mode intrinsic to microscale devices operating under duty cycles. The concept is further validated under pH‐coupled and oxidative‐stress conditions, sustaining stable operation with strong rate capability. These results define a general chemical strategy for regulating interfacial ion transport under confinement by replacing mobile charge compensation with molecularly fixed charges.

A taphonomic reassessment of Qafzeh 25 and its implications for violence, health and funerary practices

Tandem Catalysis Overcomes the Rate‐Determining Sulfur Conversion Cascade in Na─S Batteries

ABSTRACT Room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na─S) batteries offer high theoretical energy density and low cost, yet their practical performance is fundamentally limited by sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, particularly the intertwined kinetic limitations of late‐stage Na 2 S 4 →Na 2 S 2 →Na 2 S conversions. Here, we propose a step‐targeted tandem catalysis strategy that integrates atomically dispersed Fe‐N 4 sites with polar ZrO 2 nanodomains within a conductive carbon host to precisely regulate the rate‐determining sulfur conversion cascade. Density functional theory reveals a step‐specific catalytic sequence, in which Fe‐N 4 preferentially lowers the activation barrier for Na 2 S 4 →Na 2 S 2 conversion, while ZrO 2 thermodynamically drives the subsequent Na 2 S 2 →Na 2 S step. Their electronic coupling creates a continuous activation landscape that accelerates the entire solid‐solid reaction cascade. Experimental kinetic analyses corroborate this mechanism, showing reduced polarization, enhanced surface‐controlled kinetics, and mitigated transport limitations. As a result, the tandem‐catalyzed Na─S cathode delivers an initial capacity of 1408 mAh g −1 , ultralong cycling stability over 10 000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g −1 , and robust operation at −20°C. This work establishes tandem catalysis as an effective design paradigm for precisely regulating multistep sulfur conversion reactions in Na─S batteries.

Altered task-induced deactivation in individuals with nonsuicidal self-injury during an emotional working memory task

Transient Activation Windows Program Adaptive Photochemical Responses

ABSTRACT Biological systems regulate photochemical functions through transient activation states that determine when a stimulus can produce a response. Inspired by this principle, we develop a temporally gated molecular platform in which dynamic pH evolution controls visible‐light photochemistry. The system integrates a proton‐responsive charge‐transfer complex (CTC) sensitizer and a diarylethene photoswitch. Reversible protonation of the CTC enables chemical gating of triplet‐sensitized photochromism, which further generates a transient activation window via coupling with a dissipative, pH‐regulation network. As a result, identical optical stimuli lead to distinct outcomes depending on when they are applied during chemical evolution, effectively promoting chemical gating to temporal gating of molecular photoswitch. The progressive modulation of the sensitizer induces a time‐dependent attenuation of photochemical responses, enabling adaptive behaviors reminiscent of visual fatigue in biological photo‐reception.

A novel hybrid quantum dilated convolutional Kronecker network (QDCKN) for marine object detection and classification

Pulsed‐Laser Ablation for the Synthesis of High‐Entropy Alloy Aerogels Toward H ₂ O ₂ Production and Water Decolorization

ABSTRACT Electrosynthesis of H 2 O 2 is attractive for its environmental sustainability and cost‐effectiveness, yet is impeded by the sluggish reaction kinetics and low selectivity triggered by the competing 4e − pathway. Here, a model transition‐metal‐based multimetallic aerogel was designed using CrMnFeCoNi HEA nanoparticles from nanosecond‐pulsed laser synthesis in liquids, along with three exemplary quaternary systems without Co, Fe, and Ni, respectively. Among them, the resulting CrMnFeCoNi HEA aerogel exhibits the highest H 2 O 2 selectivity of 95% and the lowest transferred electron number of 2.1, as well as good stability of nearly 100% H 2 O 2 selectivity after 10k cycles. Furthermore, the as‐prepared CrMnFeCoNi aerogel reaches a maximum H 2 O 2 yield of 2.34 mmol h −1 and demonstrates an efficient decolorization ability for organic pollutants (e.g., Methylene blue or Rhodamine B). This outstanding performance is attributed to the synergetic effects of the various metals and the configurational entropy contribution, enabling a favored distribution of surface atom arrangements and optimal binding energies during electrochemical reactions. This work not only provides a novel perspective for manipulating HEA aerogels but also presents a promising alternative for industrial H 2 O 2 production and water treatment.

Live music enhances self-reported audience immersion and physiological synchrony compared to live-streaming

Abstract Before the late 19th century, experiencing music required being physically present with performing musicians. Since then, many methods have attempted to replicate this live experience, most recently livestreaming. It remains unclear to what extent livestreams can replicate the live experience for audience members. To address this, we directly compared audience responses ( N  = 296) to live and livestream performances of two concerts (one jazz, one classical). On arrival at the concert venue, participants were randomly assigned to be physically present in the performance space, or watching a simultaneous, professionally-filmed livestream in a separate room. Questionnaire responses revealed increased reported immersion; increased intent to listen again to the artist and increased intent to return to the venue in the physically present group. This group also had significantly increased levels of heart rate synchrony. In summary, being physically present was associated with an enhanced audience experience compared to viewing a livestream broadcast on all measures. We found no evidence that seating position affects the live experience, whereas for the livestream experience viewing angle (e.g., as altered by camera angle) does significantly impact the experience. Future research should examine which perceptual qualities are important for optimising experiences for both live and livestreamed concert audiences.

Efficient Syngas Photoproduction Enabled by Electronic Engineering of Co‐Immobilized Imine COFs

ABSTRACT Heterogeneous photocatalytic CO 2 reduction provides a promising route for syngas production. However, high reaction energy barriers and inefficient charge separation and transfer hinder the surface CO 2 reduction. Herein, on a covalent organic framework (COF) based catalyst, through the enhanced photoelectron transfer efficiency by introduction of N atoms, also the increased electron density of the Co (II) site with two negative one‐valent bidentate ligands, we achieved both ultrahigh syngas production rate and high H 2 /CO molar ratio. The best catalyst in this work: Triazine‐COF‐Co‐SA enabled a record‐high syngas production rate with high H 2 /CO molar ratio (≥2) of 698.7 mmol g −1 h −1 . Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs‐TAS), in situ infrared spectroscopy (In situ IR) and theoretical calculation indicated that N introduction to the framework and active site electron density increasing were effective for the previous challenges. On Triazine‐COF‐Co‐SA, the energy barrier was lowered from 1.90 to 0.54 eV, also fs‐TAS showed an obvious τ 4 = 1.5 ns which represented a higher charge transfer efficiency. This study shows great potential for catalyst modification on COF‐based catalysts to enhance CO 2 photoreduction capability.

Utilization and characterization of the Medtronic Mosaic in a relevant chronic ovine model of surgical tricuspid valve replacement

One‐Pot CO ₂ Hydrogenation Coupled With In Situ Esterification for Polyester Monomers Production Over Single‐Atom Cu ^δ+ ‐Doped 1.8 Nm T‐ZrO ₂

ABSTRACT Here, we report a one‐pot tandem catalytic system that integrates CO 2 hydrogenation to CH 3 O* intermediates with their in situ esterification using dicarboxylic acids, directly yielding dimethyl esters (e.g., polyester monomers for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) manufacturing) as final products with >99% selectivity. This system is enabled by a metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived catalyst featuring carbon‐nanoconfined atomic Cu δ+ sites anchored on ca. 1.8 nm tetragonal ZrO 2 nanoparticles (Cu SA ‐ZrO 2 ‐C), which achieves an efficient CO 2 conversion of 28% at a reduced temperature of 150°C in a batch reactor. The process delivers a high space‐time yield of esters, corresponding to a CO 2 conversion efficiency of 158.6 g CO2  g cat −1  h −1 . Mechanistic studies gained from control experiments, in situ time‐resolved diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that a tripartite synergy among atomic Cu δ+ sites, oxygen vacancies, and surface hydroxyls on t‐ZrO 2 nanoparticles stabilizes key intermediates (*CO, *COOH, *HCOO − , *CHO) and opens a hydroxyl mediated pathway. This pathway redirects the typically poisoning *CO species toward *CHO, thereby circumventing the persistent *CO poisoning challenge. This work presents an atomic‐level design strategy that simultaneously advances low‐temperature CO 2 hydrogenation and intermediate valorization, establishing an integrated and carbon‐efficient route from CO 2 to polymer feedstocks.

Tribal traditions and conservation perspectives of wild plants in Orakzai District, Pakistan

Abstract The present study deals with the traditional knowledge and conservation status of wild plant species in the tribal Orakzai district, an ecologically transitional zone between subtropical and temperate, which is still largely underexplored in quantitative and conservation ethnobotany. Semi-structured questionnaires and participatory observations were employed to interview local participants and plant specimens were collected in the study area. In total, 123 species belonging to 60 families and 112 genera were reported with multiple tribal applications. Trends in tribal practices and cultural outcomes of the reported taxa were assessed using quantitative indices including cultural importance index (CI), use diversity index (UDI), direct matrix ranking (DMR), informant consensus factor (I CF ), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Traditionally important medicinal plants, including Daphne papyracea, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Salix babylonica, Berberis lycium, Hedera helix, and Pyrola chlorantha were identified in the surveys. Herbaceous species are the most common. Leaves, twigs and rhizomes were the main parts of the plants. The vulnerability status was determined by using a cross-referencing protocol based on a combination of community perceptions, field observations, IUCN categories and Kew’s predicted extinction risks. With this integrated protocol, 37% of species were classified as highly vulnerable, 19% as moderately threatened and 43% as least vulnerable. The study concludes that there is a dire need for plant conservation and preservation of tribal ecological knowledge.

Attractive Ni ^… O Interactions Enable Non‐Alternating Ethylene‐Carbon Monoxide Copolymerization

ABSTRACT In‐chain functional groups can reduce the environmental impact of polyethylene waste and enhance its recyclability. A significant advance was the realization of the long‐sought catalytic copolymerization of carbon monoxide with ethylene in a non‐alternating manner, providing keto‐polyethylene materials with low densities of photodegradable keto groups in the chain. Despite this breakthrough, the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts’ limited carbon monoxide tolerance is a hurdle in further developing more sustainable polyethylenes. Here we show how these fundamental issues can be addressed by implementation of attractive Ni···O interactions in novel as well as state‐of‐the‐art neutral nickel catalyst motifs. Incorporation of P ‐bound 2,6‐diphenoxyphenyl moieties into both phosphine‐imidate and phosphine‐phenolate ligand frameworks provides highly active and robust catalysts that generate keto‐polyethylenes not accessible to date. Theoretical calculations reveal that Ni···O interactions lower cis/trans isomerization barriers of coordinated ethylene, thereby driving ethylene insertion along the desired non‐alternating pathway. At the same time, steric constraint raises the energy barriers for carbon monoxide insertion and reductive elimination, effectively suppressing undesired extensive carbon monoxide insertion and catalyst deactivation. The concept uncovered enables operating conditions, productivities and in‐chain functional group concentrations not possible with existing catalysts, and provides perspectives for putting much needed environmentally benign polyolefins into practice.

Twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient for enhanced power optimization in solar PV-integrated DFIG wind energy systems

Abstract The electrical power systems are facing rising challenges of stability and control with increasing share of intermittent renewable energy power sources. This work presents application of Twin-Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm in single unified controller for multi-objective control of DFIG-Solar PV system connected to power grid. The commonly used Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers are not suitable to address nonlinearities of single controller based hybrid DFIG and solar PV systems. At times, the latest reinforcement learning-based controllers like DDPG can be erratic and aggressive due to overestimation of the actor’s control action. These aggressive actions, which cause overshoot and oscillation, can be overcome by adopting the TD3 algorithm. The TD3 algorithm provides improved learning capabilities and performance by mitigating overestimation by using dual critic networks. A single TD3-based controller is implemented to simultaneously control the Rotor Side Converter (RSC), Grid Side Converter (GSC) and solar PV system integrated at the DC link. OPAL-RT real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation results demonstrate that the TD3 controller achieves a 10.3% reduction in power overshoot, 8% improvement in DC link voltage regulation, 15.3% faster response time, and 16.9% faster settling time compared to conventional PI control, and also outperforms the DDPG-based controller across all metrics.