Browse Articles

Metal‐Dependent Kinetic Control in Cationic‐Anionic Synchronous Ring‐Opening Polymerization

ABSTRACT Synchronous polymerization that combines mechanistically orthogonal pathways within a single catalytic system offers an attractive route to well‐defined block copolymers, yet remains challenging because it requires balancing electronically opposing reactions. Here, we systematically investigate how p ‐block metal chlorides regulate cationic–anionic synchronous ring‐opening polymerization (CAP) of 2‐oxazolines and cyclic esters. By comparing GaCl 3 , InCl 3 , SnCl 4 , SbCl 3 , and BiCl 3 , we found that synchronous copolymerization is broadly accessible across this series, demonstrating the generality and robustness of the CAP framework. In contrast to the overall feasibility of copolymer formation, the rate of oxazoline polymerization is highly sensitive to the identity of the metal center, leading to pronounced differences in propagation kinetics. Kinetic analyses, Lewis acidity measurements, and density functional theory calculations collectively indicate that metal‐dependent electronic interactions at the propagating chain end modulate oxazoline activation, whereas cyclic ester polymerization is comparatively less affected. These findings reveal that p ‐block metal chlorides primarily act as kinetic regulators in synchronous CAP systems. By decoupling polymerization feasibility from rate control, this work clarifies the role of metal identity in multi‐mechanistic polymerizations and provides a general strategy for tuning polymer growth without compromising architectural precision.

Agricultural sustainability monitoring in arid regions using hybrid deep learning and Landsat 8 imagery in Najran City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Accurate monitoring of agricultural land is a cornerstone of sustainable land management, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia, where water resources are scarce. Traditional Land Use Land Cover (LULC) classification methods, dependent on manually engineered features, often lack robustness across diverse environmental conditions. While deep learning models like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) automate feature extraction and enhance generalization, their computational complexity can be prohibitive. This research investigates a hybrid methodology to optimize this balance, integrating the powerful feature learning of DenseNet121 with the computational efficiency of advanced machine learning classifiers, specifically Decision Trees (DT) and XGBoost. The objective was to develop a precise and efficient tool for mapping key land covers—especially agricultural areas—in Najran City using 2020 Landsat 8 imagery. The proposed framework extracts complementary spatial and spectral features, which are then classified. Experimental results demonstrated that the DenseNet121-XGBoost hybrid model achieved superior performance, with an overall accuracy of 98.82% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.9638, significantly outperforming the standalone CNN. This study confirms the efficacy of hybrid deep learning for reliable agricultural land monitoring, providing a valuable decision-support tool for promoting sustainable practices in arid environments.

Stage-specific associations of mineralization markers with CKM syndrome: Nationwide survey and genetic evidence for Alkaline phosphatase’s unique clinical role

Background Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome involves disordered mineralization processes. Herein, we investigated the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus across CKM stages. Methods This study analyzed 15,233 eligible participants in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2018) using survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression to assess associations of ALP, calcium, and phosphorus. Restricted cubic splines assessed non-linear relationships, while Cox models examined mortality risks. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) explored causal relationships. Results Relative risk ratios (RRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with multinomial logistic regression. Compared with stage 0, ALP was positively associated with the likelihood of being classified into stage 2 (RRR, 1.23[95% CI, 1.11–1.37]), stage 3 (RRR, 1.99 [95% CI, 1.48–2.67]), stage 4a (RRR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.14–1.46]), stage 4b (RRR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16–1.58]). Per mg/dL increase in serum calcium levels was associated with a higher likelihood of being classified into stages 2 (RRR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.55–2.94) and CKM stage 4, while per mg/dL increase in serum phosphorus was associated with stage 3 classification (RRR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.77–4.59) and the results remained consistent after standardizing the markers using z-scores. ALP’s 4th quartile was associated with the highest mortality risks (CKM-cause hazard ratio = 2.20; all-cause hazard ratio = 2.15). MR analysis indicated potential causal effects of ALP on cardiovascular disease and of chronic kidney disease on ALP. Conclusions ALP demonstrates consistent associations with all CKM stages. These findings indicate that ALP-related mechanisms need further exploration.

Stabilizing Dual‐Band Redox Process via Bidirectional Regulation Term in High‐Voltage Sodium Layered Oxide Cathodes

ABSTRACT Manganese‐based layered oxides represent a promising cathode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries due to their natural abundance and high theoretical capacity. However, their practical application remains challenged by structure phase transitions and unstable redox behavior. Herein, we proposed a high entropy‐induced electronegativity strategy to stabilize dual‐band redox by tuning the balance between d‐d Coulomb interaction energy and the charge transfeduer term, which can enhance the covalency of metal‐oxygen bonds, weaken electronic localization at oxygen sites, and stabilize the oxidized lattice oxygen. Such a strategy further increases configurational entropy and structural tolerance, promoting a robust solid‐solution reaction mechanism across a wide voltage window. The obtained cathode exhibits a reversible capacity of 192.87 mAh g −1 and outstanding capacity retention of 95.98%, which offers a generalizable strategy to decrease the irreversible oxygen oxidation at high voltage and opens new avenues for next‐generation high‐energy‐density sodium‐ion batteries.

Stellate ganglion block attenuates gut barrier injury in sleep-deprived rats in a gut microbiota-dependent manner

Quantitative evaluation of anti-sliding performance and dosage regulation of steel slag asphalt mixture facing service environment

In view of the practical demands for quantitative evaluation on skid resistance and scientific regulation of steel slag content of steel slag asphalt mixtures under service conditions, this study takes steel slag content, temperature and abrasion effect as research factors. Via accelerated loading abrasion tests, this paper investigates the evolution characteristics and quantitative evaluation models of two core skid resistance indicators namely British Pendulum Number (BPN) and Mean Texture Depth (MTD) under three steel slag contents and three temperature gradients. The results show that both BPN and MTD values of steel slag asphalt mixtures decrease obviously with the increase of abrasion cycles. High temperature can significantly accelerate the deterioration of skid resistance, which provides important experimental references for the optimization and regulation of steel slag content in service areas with different temperatures. BPN and MPN present generally high correlation under various temperatures and steel slag contents, which verifies the coordinated variation rule of the two skid resistance indicators under multi-factor conditions. From the perspective of staged abrasion degradation, the abrasion evolution processes of BPN and MTD can be clearly divided into low, medium and high abrasion stages. Their correlations differ greatly in different stages, laying a solid foundation for segmented prediction of skid resistance service life. The research findings further improve the quantitative evaluation system for skid resistance of steel slag asphalt mixtures oriented to actual service environment, and offer accurate data support and practical guidance for scientific adjustment of steel slag content in practical engineering.

Strong Modulation of Electronic States in IrO ₂ by Interstitial Carbon for Highly Active Acidic Water Oxidation

ABSTRACT IrO 2 as the most stable electrocatalyst for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) suffers from its low activity and the limited abundance in earth crust. Doping is one of promising strategies to enhance the OER activity and stability of IrO 2 . Herein, an interstitial carbon‐doped IrO 2 (C in ‐IrO 2 ) catalyst is prepared for acidic OER. The C in ‐IrO 2 shows an OER overpotential of 227 mV at 10 mA cm −2 , a mass activity of 565.1 A g Ir −1 at 1.53 V, and a 2000‐h stability with a degradation rate of 0.04 mV h −1 . The enhanced OER activity and stability originate from the formation of C─Ir bonds in the C in ‐IrO 2 , which results in a prominent down‐shift of Ir d ‐band center and the up‐shift of O p ‐band center. Such variations of electronic states not only optimize the adsorption of OER intermediates but also increases the covalence of Ir─O bond. The C in ‐IrO 2 also enables an intra‐surface hydrogen abstraction from *OOH to produce *OO, which also enhances the OER activity. The C in ‐IrO 2 ‐based proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer delivers a ultrasmall cell voltages of 1.51 V at 1 A cm −2 and 1.96 V at 3 A cm −2 . Our findings demonstrate a new method for enhancing the acidic OER performance of IrO 2 .

Spatial and temporal variability of radon and meteorological parameters in the dwellings of Villy

Abstract Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and its concentration can reach critical levels when it accumulates inside a dwelling through pores and cracks connecting the basement to the living space. This concentration can be influenced by other factors, such as atmospheric parameters. The values of these variables were measured inside 21 dwellings in the village of Villy. These variables are measured using a corentium pro equipped with a silicon detector to quantify radon and four sensors to measure meteorological parameters and detect movement during data acquisition. Inside each dwelling, a short-term measurement is taken for 48 h. The results show that radon-222 concentrations ranged from $$\:\:13.4\pm\:5.4$$ to $$\:122.4\pm\:28.5\:Bq\cdot\:{m}^{-3}$$ , with an average value of $$\:45.15\pm\:12.80\:Bq\cdot\:{m}^{-3}$$ . The inside temperature ranged from 32.3 $$\:\pm\:$$ 0.5 to 38.8 $$\:\pm\:0.5$$ °C, with an average value of 36 $$\:\pm\:0.5$$ °C. Humidity ranged from 12.5 $$\:\pm\:1.1$$ to 40.4 $$\:\pm\:2.3$$ %rh, with an average value of 28.1 $$\:\pm\:1.8$$ %rh and pressure ranged from 97.3175 $$\:\pm\:1$$ to 97.7171 $$\:\pm\:1$$ kPa, with an average of 97.5350 $$\:\pm\:1$$ kPa. During the day, radon concentration is highest at 4 a.m. and lowest at 11 a.m. This concentration follows a two-way pattern. It increases between midnight and 7 a.m. and between 6 p.m. and midnight, then decreases from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The spatiotemporal distribution reveals that atmospheric parameters influence radon concentration. A decrease in temperature corresponds to an increase in humidity and pressure, leading to an increase in indoor radon concentration. Conversely, an increase in temperature corresponds to a decrease in humidity and pressure, leading to a decrease in indoor radon concentration.

Active dissociation of intracortical spiking and high gamma activity

Intelligent system in the cost control of commercial complex projects: Data-driven optimization method

Commercial complex development is featured by large scale, complex operational procedures, and prominent challenges in cost management. This study proposes a data-driven intelligent approach for optimizing cost management of commercial complex projects. First,it emphasizes the necessity of applying value engineering (VE) principles—specifically integrating the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST)—in cost control. Subsequently,a model framework is constructed and workflow procedures for construction cost management are formulated,with the core methodology being the integration of VE with a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) model. The pre-analysis phase involves defining VE study objectives via FAST,using FAHP to determine functional coefficients,and leveraging systematic cost analysis tools.By calculating cost and value coefficients, the model realizes real-time monitoring, thus avoiding irrational construction behaviors and supporting post-implementation reviews for continuous optimization. To validate the model’s effectiveness,an existing commercial complex project was selected for optimization. Comparative analysis shows that traditional methods resulted in a total cost of 74,886,333.3 yuan across civil engineering,building construction,HVAC,and electrical engineering,while the optimized approach reduced costs to 72,740,121.5 yuan,achieving a 2.87% cost reduction.

Secondary Site Ligand for Integrin <i>α</i> V <i>β</i> 3 Enables Targeted mRNA Delivery

ABSTRACT Poor perfusion and abnormal vasculature constrain direct drug delivery to solid tumors. Hence, targeting neighboring tumor endothelial cells via the upregulated marker integrin α V β 3 is a promising strategy. Orthosteric arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD) ligands of α V β 3 achieve high affinities but suffer from cross‐reactivity. Alternatively, selective targeting of α V β 3 could potentially be achieved via low‐affinity ligands, displayed multivalently on nanoparticles to leverage avidity. To avoid orthosteric site competition, we performed a fragment screening under RGD saturation. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis of the initial hit revealed its binding motif, a 4‐methylpyrimidine‐2‐amine core and a conjugation‐tolerant position for linker attachment. Multivalent display of the lead compound on liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) led to time‐, dose‐, and valency‐dependent uptake in α V β 3‐expressing model cells and in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (pHUVECs). In contrast to RGD‐decorated NPs, fragment‐targeted NPs show superselective behavior ( α κ ≈3), that is, a sharp valency‐dependent threshold, enabling selective targeting of cells overexpressing α V β 3. Crucially, mRNA delivered by targeted LNPs translated into functional protein expression six‐fold over control. To our knowledge, these findings present the first non‐orthosteric, exogenous small‐molecule ligands for α V β 3 and outline their application as a multivalent, superselective delivery platform.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals hidden antimicrobial resistance genes in phenotypically susceptible probiotic candidate lactic acid bacteria

COVID-19 alert level systems—Lessons learnt for future public health emergencies: A qualitative study

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alert Level Systems (ALS) were widely implemented as public health tools to communicate risk levels and recommend public health and social measures (PHSMs). However, the efficacy of ALS in mitigating disease spread and their impact on public health responses have not been systematically evaluated. This study aims to assess perceptions of ALS implementation across diverse jurisdictions and derive lessons for future public health emergencies. Methods Key informant interviews were conducted remotely between December 2023 and March 2024 with senior stakeholders who were involved in ALS development and implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic, from eight jurisdictions: California (US), New Zealand, the Philippines, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A thematic analysis approach was applied to synthesize insights, focusing on the strengths, challenges, and key lessons from ALS implementation. Results ALS were generally perceived by key informants as useful tools for communicating risk and supporting adherence to PHSMs due to their simplicity and transparency. However, significant challenges were identified, including difficulties in accessing reliable data, lack of clear ALS objectives, and insufficient community engagement. The study highlights the need for ALS to integrate social, economic, and epidemiological data in decision-making processes. Jurisdictions also reported that pre-existing ALS governance structures and stronger community feedback mechanisms could have improved implementation outcomes. Conclusions ALS can serve as valuable public health communication tools in future epidemics, but their success depends on clear objectives, evidence-based PHSMs, and robust community engagement. Pre-emptive development of ALS structures and governance will improve preparedness for future epidemics. Transparent and flexible decision-making processes will be crucial for sustaining public trust.

Strain Engineering via W–O–Ru Interfacial Coupling to Suppress Lattice Oxygen Activation for Stable Acidic Water Electrolysis

ABSTRACT Developing highly active and durable acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts remains a central challenge for proton‐exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Here, we combine theory‐guided design, atomic‐layer engineering, and operando spectroscopy to create a structurally robust, mechanistically tuned Ru‐based catalyst. Density functional theory reveals that depositing W 1 O 3 onto RuO 2 maximizes Ru and O vacancy formation energies, outperforming other tested transition metals. Guided by this, we employ atomic layer deposition to construct atomically coupled W–O–Ru interfacial units on RuO 2 (W–O–RuO 2 ), generating a tensile‐stressed surface while preserving the rutile core. Comprehensive in situ spectroscopy and mass spectrometry demonstrate that this architecture effectively suppresses lattice–oxygen activation, shifting the reaction from a lattice–oxygen mechanism to a more reversible adsorbate evolution mechanism. Operando x‐ray absorption spectroscopy confirms the dynamic stability of the W–O–Ru interface during OER, which evolves into a resilient, mildly compressive (1%) state without degrading. Consequently, W–O–RuO 2 demands a mere 168 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm − 2 and sustains 1 A cm − 2 in a PEMWE device for 1000 h with an ultra‐low degradation rate of 63.3 µV/h. This work establishes interfacial unit engineering as a generalizable blueprint for designing exceptionally stable acidic OER catalysts.

Multisource attribution and transfer dynamics of PTEs in soil–rice systems in Southwestern China

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding asthma management among pharmacists in palestine: A cross-sectional study

Background Pharmacists can play a key role in asthma management through patient education, inhaler technique assessment, and promoting evidence-based care. This study assessed Palestinian pharmacists’ general asthma knowledge, asthma pharmaceutical care knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to asthma management. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2025 in Palestine. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire (convenience/volunteer-response sampling; response rate not determinable). General asthma knowledge was scored by awarding 1 point per correct response (range 0–17) and categorized as poor (0–8), fair (9–11), and knowledgeable (12–17). Data were analyzed using SPSS, bivariate associations were tested using chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test, and multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors. A p-value of &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 402 participants (137 male and 265 female) participated in this study. Overall, 57.2% were classified as knowledgeable in general asthma knowledge. Pharmacists working in hospital settings showed a significantly higher asthma knowledge in comparison with those working in community pharmacies (β = 0.110, p = 0.032). However, the model explained minimal variance (R² = 0.037) and was not statistically significant overall (overall model p = 0.144). No pharmacists’ characteristics were significantly associated with asthma pharmaceutical care knowledge (R² = 0.027; overall model p = 0.378) or attitudes and practices (R² = 0.014; overall model p = 0.850). Conclusion Pharmacists demonstrated mixed asthma knowledge with gaps relevant to updated guideline-based care, alongside practice barriers and clinically important practice gaps. Given the very low R² values, observed associations should be interpreted cautiously. Structured continuing professional development and targeted training may improve pharmacists’ uptake of updated recommendations and strengthen asthma pharmaceutical services.

Bromide‐Mediated Low‐Energy Ru ^IV ═O Pathway of Stable Water Oxidation

ABSTRACT Mimicking natural photosynthesis to split water into oxygen and hydrogen represents a promising pathway for transitioning from fossil fuels to a sustainable energy future. It is extremely challenging to duplicate the efficient and elegant oxygen evolution complex of photosynthesis II of oxidizing water to O 2 being regarded as the bottleneck of water splitting. Cutting‐edge artificial molecular water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) with low overpotentials are highly desirable for efficient water oxidation. Here we report the design of a molecular water oxidation catalyst (WOC) RuN5 (Ru(N5)(pic) 2 ; N5 = 4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐di(1′,8′‐naphthyrid‐2′‐yl)pyridine, pic = 4‐picoline). Following electrochemical activation and bromide mediation, RuN5 achieves a high turnover frequency of 2604 s −1 with a low overpotential of 363 mV at pH 7. The catalyst is highly stable, maintaining a steady current density of 1.8 mA cm −2 over 200 h. Mechanistic studies reveal that activation and bromide mediation facilitate O–O bond formation via a ligand‐oxidized [Ru IV ═ O] 2+ intermediate through a low energy pathway, distinct from the classical [Ru V (O)] 3+ route. This work opens a new avenue for developing efficient molecular WOCs and advancing artificial photosynthesis.

PI-HydroGNN: a physics-informed spatiotemporal graph neural network framework for hydraulic reliability, leakage detection, and energy-efficient operation in water distribution systems

Abstract For Water Distribution Networks (WDS) to be sustainably operated, hydraulic reliability, leak detection, and energy-efficient operation are essential. Although the data-driven hydraulic modeling problem has been advanced by recent developments in Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), the existing solutions are black-box predictors that lack the ability to directly enforce the physical conservation laws, which makes them less robust, interpretable, and reliably performing. The research proposes PI-HydroGNN, a physics-informed spatiotemporal graph learning framework for water distribution system monitoring and control. The framework integrates established modeling components within a unified architecture and incorporates hydraulic mass balance, energy conservation, and pressure-dependent leakage dynamics directly into the optimization objective, improving physical consistency and robustness. Three benchmark networks (Net3, C-Town, and Anytown) with stochastic demand variations and artificial leakage scenarios over a 60-day horizon are used in the extended period EPANET simulations to evaluate the framework. Compared to the data-driven baselines, PI-HydroGNN achieves 9.6% savings in pump energy use, an F1-score improvement of 0.922 for leakage detection, and a 39.9% reduction in pressure prediction RMSE, while also decreasing pressure violation rates by 68.9%. The model demonstrates strong generalization across benchmark networks under varying demand and leakage conditions. The findings show that a high-quality and functionally well-integrated digital twin for WDS operation can be obtained by incorporating physical principles into graph-based learning. PI-HydroGNN demonstrates strong potential for digital twin applications in water distribution system management.

The validity and reliability of a biometrically accurate, photorealistic set of young adult body size scales based on 3D scans of White Europeans

Young adults are a high-risk group for weight-related health problems but are often overlooked in weight management intervention design. Validated visual tools that accurately depict body size are needed to improve communication and intervention strategies. This study validated innovative, photo-realistic, gender-specific body size scales of young adults (aged 18), created from 3D scans to depict systematic changes in adiposity. A total of 110 young adults (aged 18–25) completed two behavioural tasks: (1) estimating the relative size of the bodies and (2) ranking them in ascending order of weight. To assess reliability, participants repeated the tasks three days later. Participants accurately estimated relative body sizes and ranked the images in line with the systematic BMI changes across the scales. Test–retest analyses showed good to excellent reliability for both tasks. The young adult body size scales are anthropometrically accurate, reliable, and valid tools for body size estimation tasks. They provide a robust resource for research, clinical communication, and intervention design focused on young adults.

Elastin calcification during the initial stage of vascular calcification in kl/kl mice is suppressed by the calcimimetic upacicalcet

Abstract We performed ultrastructural analyses of the aortae of klotho -deficient ( kl/kl ) mice to characterize the early stages of medial calcification and to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the calcimimetic upacicalcet. In the aorta of kl/kl mice, calcified materials were localized to the superficial layers of fragmented elastic laminae and were observed as minute, nodule-like elastin aggregates containing calcium phosphate deposits. Although the gene expression of elastin-degrading enzymes and osteogenic markers was increased in kl/kl mice, these elastin aggregates were ultrastructurally distinct from conventional matrix vesicles or osteoblast-derived calcifying nodules observed in bone. In contrast, highly calcified regions of the kl/kl aorta contained bone-like tissue composed of cells exhibiting osteoblastic, osteocytic, and osteoclastic phenotypes. Administration of upacicalcet attenuated elastin fragmentation and significantly reduced medial calcification in the aorta. In addition to lowering serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, upacicalcet reduced serum phosphate concentrations and suppressed the expression of elastin-degrading enzymes and osteogenic markers. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that vascular calcification in kl/kl mice involves a complex pathological process comprising passive calcific deposition on degraded elastin and biologically regulated calcification and ossification mediated by osteoblast-like cells and that upacicalcet mitigates disease progression by preserving the structural integrity of aortic elastic laminae.