Browse Articles

Solid–Liquid Interfacial Hydrogen Bond‐Mediated Mass Transfer Toward Industrial Water Electrolysis

Abstract The rapid migration of reactive ions across the electrolyte–catalytic sites interface is crucial in various catalytic processes. Herein, we introduce hydrogen bonds to bridge the intrinsic gap at the catalyst–electrolyte interface, mediating the diffusion of hydroxide ions. We implemented the aforementioned concept by a library of oxyanions functionalized NiCo OOH, wherein the oxygen atom within the oxyanions established hydrogen bonds with H 2 O molecules in the electrolyte. Operando spectroscopy indicated that both water electrolysis activity and hydroxide concentration exhibited a volcano‐shaped dependence on the electrostatic potential of functionalized group, which formulated the electrostatic potential as descriptors to guide the design of interfacial hydrogen bond‐mediated catalysis. The sulfate‐modified NiCo OOH achieved an ultralow energy consumption of 4.23 kWh m −3 H2 in the industrial electrolyzers, predicting that the electricity consumption can be reduced by 16 000 TWh.

Synergistic application of artificial intelligence and response surface methodology for predicting and enhancing in vitro tuber production of potato (Solanum tuberosum)

In vitro regeneration of potato tubers is highly significant in modern agriculture as it offers efficient propagation, genetic enhancement, and pathogen-free seed production. This study aimed to optimize in vitro tuberization by manipulating key variables, including cultivar, sucrose concentration, and cytokinin-auxin interactions. Results were analyzed by response surface regression analysis (RSRA) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), followed by data validation and prediction with machine learning (ML) models. Fontana cultivar exhibited superior tuberization performance, with a maximum tuberization rate of 75.6% from Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 90 g/L sucrose, 2 mg/L BAP, and 1 mg/L Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Sucrose concentration was the most significant factor for all growth parameters, particularly tuber size and weight. RSRA analysis confirmed the significance of the linear effects of sucrose and BAP on tuberization, while auxins primarily regulated tuber size and weight. Pareto chart analysis highlighted sucrose as the most influential variable for both cultivars. Heatmap and network plot analyses further illustrated strong positive correlations between sucrose, BAP, and tuber formation, whereas auxins exhibited comparatively weaker effects. Results analyzed by Machine learning (ML) models revealed maximum predictive accuracy for tuberization by Random Forest (RF) model with an R2 of 0.379. However, all other models also faced challenges with high error rates, indicating the need for improved feature engineering. This study concludes that optimizing sucrose concentration and BAP levels, combined with selective auxin application, and integration of RSM and AI presents a promising strategy for optimization and potentially improving large-scale commercial production of disease-free potato tubers.

Stable Mg ²⁺ Dication Weakly Stabilized/Coordinated in Solution: Synthesis, Structure, Reactivity, and Use in Catalysis

Abstract The first soluble and stable Mg 2+ dication stabilized only by weakly coordinating and chemically robust carborate anions [HexCB 11 Cl 11 ] − is described. Mg[HexCB 11 Cl 11 ] 2 ( 1 ), prepared by reaction of Mg( n Bu) 2 with 2 equiv of [Ph 3 C][HexCB 11 Cl 11 ], consists, in the solid state, of a central Mg 2+ surrounded by two [HexCB 11 Cl 11 ] − anions. In solution, experimental and classical molecular dynamics simulations (cMD) agree with cation/anion association being retained, reflecting the high electrophilicity of the Mg center. Yet, reflecting only weak anion/cation interactions, species 1 polymerizes 1‐hexene and coordinates alkynes. However, 1 displays no reaction with HSiEt 3 at room temperature, consistent with a low hydridicity of the hard (HSAB) Mg 2+ center. Contrasting with 1 (FIA = 264 kJ mol −1 ; FIA: Fluoride Ion Affinity), salt Mg[( n Bu) 3 NB 12 H 4 Cl 7 ] 2 ( 2 ), incorporating the more basic ammoniododecaborate [( n Bu) 3 NB 12 H 4 Cl 7 ] − anion, is significantly less Lewis acidic (FIA = 214.7 kJ mol −1 ) and unreactive with alkenes and alkynes. Salt 1 effectively catalyzes alkene/alkyne hydrosilylation via an initial alkene/alkyne coordination/initiation, as suggested by experimental and computational data. It also efficiently catalyzes (with a catalyst loading down to 0.1 mol%) the hydrosilylation of CO 2 to CH 4 in the presence of HSiEt 3 . Salt 1 smoothly promotes the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of 1,1‐diphenylethylene, and it is also an active imine hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of H 2 .

Ceftobiprole versus ceftriaxone ± linezolid in Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP): Re-analysis of a randomized, phase 3 study using 2020 FDA guidance

Background Ceftobiprole is an advanced-generation cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, resistant pneumococci, and Enterobacterales. In a Phase 3 study in community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) performed prior to the current US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, clinical cure at the test-of-cure visit (TOC) was the primary endpoint. We present a re-analysis using early clinical success as the primary endpoint per the 2020 FDA CABP Guidance. Methods In this multicenter, double-blind study, patients with CABP requiring hospitalization were randomized to intravenous ceftobiprole (500 mg q8h) or ceftriaxone (2000 mg q24h) ± linezolid (600 mg q12h) for 3–14 days. The primary endpoint was clinical success at Day 3 (improvement in ≥2 symptoms of chest pain, cough, productive sputum, difficulty breathing). A 12.5% non-inferiority margin was used. Results Of the original 638 patients, 618 (97%) had ≥ 2 symptoms and were included in the Day 3 Intent-to-Treat (ITT) population for the re-analysis. The Day 3 modified ITT population consisted of 187 patients (29%) meeting additional FDA Guidance including Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) classification ≥III. Ceftobiprole was non-inferior to ceftriaxone for clinical success for Day 3 ITT (71.0% vs 71.1%) and Day 3 modified ITT (71.1% vs 66.7%) populations. The 28-day all-cause mortality was 1.6% (ceftobiprole) vs 2.6% (ceftriaxone) in the Day 3 ITT population and 2.1% vs 7.8% in the Day 3 modified ITT population. Conclusion Ceftobiprole was non-inferior to ceftriaxone ± linezolid for clinical success at Day 3 according to the current 2020 FDA CABP Guidance.

Harnessing the Hofmeister Effect for Dynamic Self‐Assembly of Supramolecular Hydrogels

Abstract Dynamic regulation of intermolecular interactions is essential for the creation of dynamic supramolecular materials with lifelike self‐regulating functions. Yet specific ion effect, which is known to possess potent effect on intermolecular interactions, has remained unexplored for such a purpose. Here, we demonstrate our access to dynamic self‐assembly of supramolecular hydrogels by orchestrating the Hofmeister effect through a simple enzymatic reaction. The involved gelators containing carboxylate moieties self‐assemble into hydrogel (Gel1) at acidic pH and dissolve at basic pH. We surprisingly find that the dissolved gelators at basic pH can be driven to self‐assemble into hydrogel (Gel2) by kosmotropic ions through the disruption of gelator–water interactions. By coupling to the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea, Gel1 gradually disintegrates over time because of the production of basic NH 3 . However, interestingly, with the accumulation of kosmotropic ions, NH 4 + and CO 3 2− , the dissolved gelators are driven to self‐assemble into Gel2, realizing a self‐regulating gel–sol–gel transition process. The transition rate and stiffness of Gel2 are tunable by adjusting the concentrations of urea or urease. This work may shed light on the creation of lifelike self‐regulating supramolecular materials using Hofmeister effect for many enticing applications such as ion‐programmed biosensing and drug delivery.

Household cooking frequency and diet quality are mediated by food shopping behaviors among U.S. African-American adults: A NHANES analysis

Among U.S. adults who self-identified as African-American, frequent household cooking is related to better dietary quality and adherence to U.S. dietary guidelines, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index. However, African-Americans often reside in commercially disinvested areas with limited access to major food retailers. This study examined whether food shopping behaviors—travel time to grocery store and frequency of major food shopping—affect the relationship between cooking frequency and diet quality, potentially influencing community nutrition education outcomes. Using data from 2,434 non-Hispanic Black adults (≥ 18 years) from the 2007–2010 NHANES cycles, we performed linear regression analysis with Complex Sample General Linear Models (CSGLM). The Healthy Eating Index 2010 measured daily and dinner dietary quality. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate if food shopping behaviors are involved in potential causal pathways. Results showed that major food shopping frequency, but not travel time to a grocery store, was significantly associated with daily diet quality and cooking frequency (p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that food shopping frequency significantly mediated the relationship between cooking frequency and dinner quality (52.44% mediating effect). When stratified by food security status, shopping frequency was only a significant mediator of cooking frequency and diet quality for those with full or marginal food security (64.89% mediating effect). For food-insecure individuals, major food shopping did not mediate the cooking-diet quality relationship. These findings suggest that food shopping frequency is a critical factor when assessing the link between cooking frequency and diet quality, and may inform factors to optimize food shopping behaviors within community nutrition education programs among those experiencing food-insecurity in the U.S.

Fossil fuel methane emissions likely underestimated in a model based on atmospheric δ ¹³ C trends

Selection for florfenicol resistance at sub-MIC concentrations in Pasteurella multocida

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to both human and animal health, and transfer of resistance between these spheres is recognised as a key concern for all species. Selection for resistance at sub-inhibitory antimicrobial concentrations has been characterised for some bacteria-antimicrobial combinations but there is little data from non-laboratory strains, and veterinary antimicrobials and bacterial species. Here, we demonstrate a minimum selective concentration of 0.06 mg/L (1/6 xMIC) for florfenicol in wild-type Pasteurella multocida, through competition experiments between a susceptible strain and a floR-resistant mutant. We also show that sub-inhibitory concentrations of florfenicol do not appear to significantly select for de novo resistance in P. multocida and present the challenges with adapting experimental protocols between bacterial species. These results have important implications for antimicrobial resistance selection at sub-inhibitory concentrations, method development for within-species differentiation in novel bacterial species, and application to policy regarding antimicrobial contamination in animal-feed.

Design, development and pilot of a realistic virtual reality application to analyse quick directional change in sport: Avatar cutting scenario with alterable parameters

Injuries during quick directional change (cutting) are common, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Cutting is subsequently a focus in research and clinical practices. However, it is usually assessed in situations with low ecological validity. As a solution, virtual reality (VR) has been used to replicate sporting scenarios. The current paper details the design, development, and piloting of a VR application based on an unanticipated-cutting scenario using an avatar-opponent blocking manoeuvre. The VR environment is highly realistic, avatar approach is instigated by the movement of the headset user, and simple input alters the avatar’s movements and spatiotemporal demands of the cutting task. Piloting occurred in two stages: the first involved three participants and focused on initial system testing and parameter optimisation, the second focused on a pilot case study with a female participant of typical population. The case study evaluated the effects of using different visual cutting cues on frontal plane knee kinematics and kinetics linked to injury risk. Twenty-five successful, unanticipated, 90⁰ cutting manoeuvres to the left were analysed in three conditions: 1) physical world with arrows, 2) VR environment emulation with VR arrows, 3) VR environment emulation with VR avatar opponent. Mean knee angle during the arrow conditions, both physical and VR, presented abduction angles (−8.82° ± 1.44; −2.66° ± 0.90), yet cutting around the avatar opponent presented knee adduction angles (9.78° ± 0.44). During the 50 ms prior to heel strike, pelvis velocity was lowest and cutting foot velocity highest in the avatar condition compared to arrow conditions. This indicated the VR environment acts as a suitable control and that cutting strategy was adapted approaching the avatar, displaying more caution on approach. The avatar-based application has the potential to improve the ecological validity of cutting assessment and make a VR application more accessible to researchers and clinicians, with further development.

The association between community solidarity and adoption of public health preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-sectional, multi-national sample

Background Few studies have examined the association between community solidarity and health-related behaviors. This study investigates solidarity in navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We used cross-sectional data from a multi-national survey of 1,346 respondents to examine (1) factors relating to feelings of solidarity, and (2) associations between solidarity and public health preventive behaviors. Results More than half (53.1%) of participants expressed feelings of solidarity; they were more likely to be aged 30 years or over, employed full-time, and residing in Eastern economies. We found a statistically significant association between positive feelings of solidarity and three of five COVID-19 prevention behaviors (social distancing, skipping an event, and masking in public). Those who reported previous influenza vaccination were also more likely to adopt these behaviors. Discussion The findings underscore the potential of fostering community solidarity to enhance prosocial actions amid widespread emergencies.

Self‐Photosensitizing Cobalt Complexes for Photocatalytic CO ₂ Reduction Coupled with CH ₃ OH Oxidation

Abstract The use of metal complexes as homogeneous molecular catalysts has attracted considerable attention regarding photocatalytic CO 2 reduction. Enhancing these complexes with photosensitivity and photooxidation capabilities, aiming to create multifunctional molecular devices, presents significant challenges. In response to these challenges, we successfully designed and synthesized three innovative metal complexes. The complexes demonstrate a remarkable ability to perform CO 2 photoreduction in tandem with methanol photooxidation, allowing for the simultaneous production of formic acid without requiring additional photosensitizers and electron sacrificial reductants. An optimal turnover number (TON) value of 855 was obtained under simulated sunlight. Even under natural sunlight, the TON can reach 207, much higher than the value of the physical mixture of the photocatalytic reductive and oxidative moieties. Spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that integrating reduction and oxidation sites in one molecular catalyst can promote charge transfer kinetics and enhance activity for CO 2 reduction and methanol oxidation. This is the first report that non‐noble metal homogeneous catalysts can simultaneously possess photosensitivity, photoreduction, and photo‐oxidation functions, offering new insights into designing homogeneous catalysts for artificial photosynthesis.

A flow pattern recognition method for gas-liquid two-phase flow based on dilated convolutional channel attention mechanism

Addressing the issue of insufficient key feature extraction leading to low recognition rates in existing deep learning-based flow pattern identification methods, this paper proposes a novel flow pattern image recognition model, Enhanced DenseNet with transfer learning (ED-DenseNet). The model enhances the deep feature extraction capability by introducing a multi-branch structure, incorporating an ECA attention mechanism into Dense Blocks and dilated convolutions into Transition Layers to achieve multi-scale feature extraction and refined channel information processing. Considering the limited scale of the experimental dataset, pretrained DenseNet121 weights on ImageNet were transferred to ED-DenseNet using transfer learning. On a gas-liquid two-phase flow image dataset containing Annular, Bubbly, Churn, Dispersed, and Slug flow patterns, ED-DenseNet achieved an overall recognition accuracy of 97.82%, outperforming state-of-the-art models such as Flow-Hilbert–CNN, especially in complex and transitional flow scenarios. Additionally, the model’s generalization and robustness were further validated on a nitrogen condensation two-phase flow dataset, demonstrating superior adaptability compared to other methods.

Effect of technology-aided training on physiological and psychological sports performance: Moderation analysis of sport involvement

This study investigates the impact of technology-assisted sports training on the physiological and psychological performance of recreational exercisers (non-athletes), with particular attention to the moderating role of sport involvement (SI). A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 48 participants randomly assigned to either an experimental group (technology-assisted training) or a control group (traditional coaching) for an eight-week training program. Performance measures included exercise self-efficacy (ESE) and squat speed (SS). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and linear mixed models. The results showed that technology-assisted training significantly improved SS (p = 0.026), but had no significant effect on ESE (p = 0.905). Furthermore, SI moderated the relationship between training method and ESE: participants with low SI demonstrated significant improvements in ESE under traditional coaching (p = 0.006), whereas those with high SI showed no significant differences between training methods. These findings suggest that while sports technology can enhance physical performance, it does not necessarily improve exercise self-efficacy. For individuals with low sport involvement, traditional coaching remains essential, highlighting the importance of combining technology with interpersonal interaction. Future training strategies should be customized according to participants’ levels of sport involvement to optimize both performance and psychological motivation, thereby promoting broader health engagement and exercise participation.

Correction for Liu et al., Transparency by Chinese cities reduces pollution violations and improves air quality

β‐Quaternary α‐Amino Acids via Iridium‐Catalyzed Branched and Enantioselective Hydroalkylation of 1,1‐Disubstituted Styrenes

Abstract A cationic Ir(I)‐complex modified with the chiral diphosphine DM‐SEGPHOS mediates the hydroalkylation of diverse α‐methyl styrenes with N‐aryl glycine derivatives. The processes occur with complete branched selectivity and high enantioselectivity. Styrenes possessing higher α‐alkyl substituents also participate to provide the targets with moderate to excellent levels of diastereoselectivity. The products are readily advanced to β‐quaternary α‐amino acids that are inaccessible or cumbersome to access by other means. In broader terms, the study demonstrates how catalyst controlled C─H additions across alkenes can be used to execute the by‐product‐free construction of contiguous acyclic trisubstituted and quaternary centers.

Catalytic Enantioselective α‐Ethynylation of Oxindoles: Total Synthesis of (‐)‐Corynoxine, (‐)‐Isorhynchophylline, (‐)‐Aspidospermidine, and (‐)‐Limaspermidine

Abstract The all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic center of oxindoles is a crucial structural element of a broad spectrum of indole alkaloids, imparting these molecules with rigid three‐dimensional configurations essential for their biological activities. Here, we present a catalytic asymmetric α‐ethynylation reaction of oxindoles taking advantage of the catalysis of a spiropyrrolidine amide (SPA) triazolium. This transformation enables the enantioselective construction of the C3 quaternary carbon stereocenter of oxindoles while introducing a versatile ethynyl functionality. Employment of this methodology has been demonstrated in the divergent total synthesis of indole alkaloids (‐)‐corynoxine, (‐)‐isorhynchophylline, (‐)‐aspidospermidine, and (‐)‐limaspermidine, featuring a protecting group‐dependent 1,6‐Michael addition or an aminolysis/1,6‐Michael addition sequence to generate two distinct types of spiro‐indoles, tailored for different late‐stage synthetic purposes.

Identification of key genes associated with anthracnose resistance in Camellia sinensis

Anthracnose, a prevalent fungal disease in tea plantations, cause substantial economic losses in tea production. Identifying resistance-associated genes in tea plants is crucial for developing anthracnose-resistant cultivars. This study used eight tea samples with differential anthracnose resistance for phenotypic evaluation, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of RNA-seq data, WGCNA- QTL co-localization to identify resistance gene, and qRT-PCR validation of candidate genes. in vitro pathogen inoculation assay revealed that the lesion diameters of the eight samples ranged from 1.45 mm to 4.5 mm (ANOVA p = 4.4×10−10). Using the ‘Longjing 43’ reference genome, transcriptome assembly achieved 93.9% gene detection rate (31,509/33,557 genes). WGCNA categorized expressed genes into 30 modules with the purple module (containing 907 genes) showing positive trait correlation and the yellow-green module (containing 781 genes) exhibiting negative correlation. Integration of WGCNA and QTL mapping identified two high-confidence candidate genes within LG08 QTL intervals. Both genes exhibited significant upregulation (t-test p < 0.01) in tea plant leaves following Colletotrichum spore inoculation. These findings provide actionable genetic targets for marker-assisted breeding of anthracnose-resistant tea cultivars.

Rockburst grade evaluation and parameter sensitivity analysis based on SSA-PNN framework: Considering rock mass strength

The occurrence of rockburst is closely related to the strength and stress conditions of rock mass. The Lalin Railway tunnel in China was taken as an example, the strength and stress parameters of rock mass at 22 rockburst locations were obtained by using the results of indoor and outdoor tests, including maximum in-situ stress, maximum tangential stress, uniaxial compressive strength of rock and uniaxial compressive strength of rock mass. These four parameters were then selected to form a rockburst grade evaluation index system. Furthermore, SSA (Sparrow search algorithm) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) were used to construct a rockburst grade evaluation network, and the sensitivity of rockburst grade evaluation parameters was therefore analyzed. It shows that SSA could determine the smoothness factor of PNN efficiently, and it is reasonable to use SSA-PNN framework to evaluate the rockburst grade; maximum tangential stress and uniaxial compressive strength of rock mass have the greatest influence on the accuracy of rockburst grade evaluation, followed by maximum in-situ stress, and uniaxial compressive strength of rock has the least influence on the accuracy of rockburst grade evaluation; integrated maximum in-situ stress, maximum tangential stress, uniaxial compressive strength of rock and uniaxial compressive strength of rock mass, the rockburst grade evaluation results are highly reliable. The results presented herein may provide important reference value for the rockburst grade evaluation and the selection of rockburst grade evaluation parameters.

Direct agglutination test: Evolution and significance as a simple and safe alternative to tissue aspiration procedures in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis

Although tissue aspiration procedures (TAPs) are considered the gold standard for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) diagnosis, they often fail to detect disease progression before the amastigote-demonstrable phase. To overcome this limitation, a primary direct agglutination test (DAT) was developed using intact Leishmania donovani promastigotes initially treated with trypsin as the antigen. To enhance the exposure of specific epitopes on the promastigote surface and antibody-binding sites, alternative proteolytic agents were evaluated and incorporated into antigen processing and test execution. This approach led to significant or complete inhibition of agglutination in most known cross-reacting disorders. The LQ-DAT consistently demonstrated highly reproducible results across diverse geographical regions, regardless of the L. donovani sub-species or strain. To facilitate routine implementation and local production, the LQ-DAT processing know-how was disseminated to all major VL-endemic areas. Sensitivities comparable to TAP outcomes were demonstrated in 2,224 of 2,697 VL cases successfully diagnosed and treated over 35 years of routine, epidemic, and outbreak evaluations. Notably, 473 (17.5%) of these cases were symptomatic, with TAP-negative but LQ-DAT-positive results, and responded favorably (98.0%−100%) to specific treatment. Given the lower sensitivity also demonstrated by LQ-DAT, TAP does not meet the criteria for classification as the gold-standard VL diagnostic. Consequently, a positive response to specific anti-leishmanial treatment is recommended as a benchmark for diagnostic reliability. Beyond its advantage in detecting VL at earlier stages compared to TAP, the improved LQ-DAT described here also exhibited feasibility and stability required for local production in low-resource settings.

Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor A1552 encodes two functional ornithine lipid synthases and induces ornithine lipid formation under low phosphate and under low salinity growth conditions

Ornithine lipids (OLs) are phosphorus-free membrane lipids that can be formed by a wide range of bacteria. The presence of OLs is frequently related to the resistance to abiotic stress conditions, and their synthesis is often induced as part of various stress responses. Two different pathways for synthesizing OLs are currently known: the OlsBA pathway, first described in Sinorhizobium meliloti, and the OlsF pathway, first described in Serratia proteamaculans. We identified in the genome of Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor A1552 two genes encoding OlsF homologs, VC0489 is located on chromosome 1, whereas VCA0646 is located on chromosome 2. Both synthases, when expressed in Escherichia coli, caused the synthesis of OLs. Single mutants deficient in each of the OL synthases, double mutants deficient in both OL synthases, and mutants deficient in the transcriptional regulator PhoB were constructed and characterized. We corroborated that VC0489 is solely responsible for the synthesis of OLs under phosphate limitation. The deletion of VC0489 reduced the growth velocity compared to the wildtype under phosphate-limiting conditions but not under phosphate-replete conditions. The expression of VCA0646 is favored under low salt growth conditions, and its deletion abrogates OL synthesis at low salinities. The absence of VCA0646 and, therefore, the lack of OLs under low salt conditions makes the respective mutant more susceptible to polymyxin than OL-forming strains under these conditions. None of the mutants was affected in biofilm formation, swimming, or virulence assays using standardized survival assays with Caenorhabditis elegans or Galleria mellonella. Here, we describe two functional OL synthases present in a single bacterium for the first time, and we show evidence that OLs have an important function during the V. cholerae lifecycle.