Dual Center Research Articles

Proton Exchange Membrane with Dual-Active-Center Surpasses the Conventional Temperature Limitations of Fuel Cells.

High temperature-proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) call for ionomers with low humidity dependence and elevated-temperature resistance. Traditional perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers encounter challenges in meeting these stringent requirements. Herein, this study reports a perfluoroimide multi-acid (PFMA) ionomer with dual active centers achieved through the incorporation of sulfonimide and phosphonic acid groups into the side chain. The fluorocarbon skeleton and multi-acid side chain structure facilitate the segregation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic microphases, augmenting the short-range ordering of hydrophilic nanodomains. Furthermore, the introduction of a rigid segment-benzene ring is employed to decrease side chain flexibility and raise the glass transition temperature. Notably, the prepared membrane exhibits a conductivity of 41 mS cm-1 at 40% relative humidity, showcasing a 1.8 times improvement over that of PFSA. Additionally, the power output of the H2-air fuel cell based on this membrane reaches 1.5W cm-2 at 105°C, marking a substantial 2.3 times enhancement compared to the PFSA. This work demonstrates the unique advantages of perfluorinated ionomers with multiple protogenic groups in the development of high-performance high-temperature electrolyte materials.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR Activation is Associated with Malignant Severity and Poorer Prognosis in Parathyroid Carcinomas.

Parathyroid carcinoma (PCa) is a rare endocrine neoplasm known for its high recurrence. The specific molecular properties influencing the prognosis of PCa remain largely elusive. The present study was designed to explore the significance of PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation in PCa. Over a 10-year period, 64 PCa patients were recruited from dual centers. We analyzed mTORC1 activity in 64 PCa patients and 29 controls, comprising atypical parathyroid tumor (APT), parathyroid adenoma (PAd) and normal parathyroid (PaN) tissues. A panel of selected genes targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (PIK3CA, PTEN, MTOR, TSC1, and TSC2) and CDC73 was performed in 66 available tumor tissues from 64 patients with PCa. Follow-up lasted up to 117 months. There was intertumoral heterogeneity in mTORC1 activity in parathyroid tumors. Notably, we observed significantly elevated mTORC1 activity in PCa patients compared with controls, as assessed by immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections. Further analysis showed that 48.5% of PCa tumors were classified as 'High mTORC1' (above the predefined threshold), while only 22.7% of tumors in the PAd/APT group met this criterion. Additionally, we detected PI3K/AKT/mTOR variants in 16/66 (24.2%) PCa samples, with the majority lacking CDC73 variants. Higher mTORC1 activity was noted in PCa with PI3K/AKT/mTOR variants than in those without. Compared with those without any targeted variants, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mut group presented higher levels of serum PTH, ALP and creatinine, and was associated with significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (DFS, p < 0.001; OS, p < 0.01). Our findings highlight that the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathyway in PCa patients suggests their degree of malignancy, possibly leading to poor outcomes.

Design of Dual-Passband Microstrip Filtering Antenna Using Dual-Mode Closed Loop Resonators and Defected Ground Structure

This paper presents a new microstrip dual-mode closed-loop resonator (DMCLR) that is used to design lower insertion loss and better transmission dual-passband filtering antenna. The dual passband center frequencies of the presented filtering antenna are located at f_o^I=5.52 GHz and f_o^II= 6.65 GHz. The presented dual-mode, dual-passband microstrip filtering antenna results are simulated and optimized by using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software and defected ground structure technique. Three modes of dual-mode resonators have been utilized to design the dual-passband microstrip filtering antenna and compare their results. The presented dual-mode, dual-passband microstrip filtering antenna is established on FR-4 epoxy dielectric material which has a relative permittivity ɛr= 4.3 which has height thickness h = 1.6 mm and loss tangent tan δ=0.002. Defected Ground Structure (DGS) technique has been utilized to improve the performance of the presented dual-mode, dual-passband microstrip filtering antenna.

A Dynamic Metal-Organic Radical Emission System.

Developing new organic radical emission systems and regulating their luminescence properties presents a significant challenge. Herein, we build dynamic and multi-emission band radical luminescence systems by co-assembling inorganic metal salts with carbonyl compounds in ionic liquids. After the assembling, dual-band, and excitation wavelength-dependent emission was observed upon light irradiation, one emission band originates from carbonyl radical after light irradiation, the other band from the ligand-metal charge transfer (LMCT) state, which benefits from the charge transfer from the radicals to the metal salts. The dual emission centers also introduce excitation wavelength-dependent properties for the molecules. In addition, three-band emission covering the visible and near-infrared regions can be shown when two or three kinds of metal ions are simultaneously doped into the radical system driven by the ligand-metal-metal charge transfer (LMMCT). Interestingly, visible light can quickly quench the radical emission of systems, thus realizing adynamic luminescence.The LMMCT effect and strong supramolecular interactions significantly improve the photoluminescence quantum yield by up to 67.2%. Moreover, such materials can be successfully used for detecting radioactive metal ions andinformation encryption. This study develops a platform for manufacturing various metal-organic radical emission systems with diverse properties.

Understanding of the synergetic effect of FeCoN8C dual active centers catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction: A density functional theory study

Understanding of the synergetic effect of FeCoN8C dual active centers catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction: A density functional theory study

Both carbon dots precursor and organic bridge ligands for coordination polymers: AMP-based ratiometric fluorescent probes and its application in bovine serum albumin detection.

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is one of the most abundant proteins in serum, and its high-throughput detection is still one of the current challenges. Nitrogen‑phosphorus co-doped carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) was used as a precursor for the synthesis of CDs, providing the required carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources for the CDs. It was also used as an organic bridge ligand for coordination polymers. Upon addition of the lanthanide metal ion Tb3+, the AMP molecules formed lanthanide coordination polymers in solution, resulting in fabrication of the novel ratiometric fluorescent probe AMP-CDs@Tb with dual emission centers. This fabricated method greatly reduced the complexity of dual-emission CDs doped with lanthanide metals. The designed ratiometric fluorescent probe only needed one precursor AMP to realize the synthesis of CDs and bound to lanthanide metal ions as an organic ligand, this probe could be used for rapid and sensitive analysis of BSA. The linear relationship was good when the concentration of BSA was 0.1 to 650 μM, and the LOD was 0.042 μM. In addition, the possible detection mechanism of BSA was explored through fluorescence lifetime and density functional theory calculations.

Polymeric carbon nitride edged with spatially isolated Donor and Acceptor for Sunlight‐driven H2O2 Synthesis and In‐situ Utilization

On‐site H2O2 activation attracts much attention in energy conversion and environment remediation et al, yet remains challenging in its highly efficient and sustainable synthesis. Herein, we grafted a pair of spatially isolated donor (methoxyphenyl unit) and acceptor (anthraquinone unit) in polymeric carbon nitride edges, which induce directional electron‐hole transfer to the two spatially separated dual active centers. Specifically, photogenerated electrons in the anthraquinone unit facilitate the 2e‐ ORR, while the methoxyphenyl unit, which gathers photogenerated holes, enables rapid 4e‐ WOR. More impressively, the anthraquinone unit also exhibits strong proton extraction capabilities to boost the generation of *OOH intermediates and H2O2. Consequently, the reported donor‐plyometric carbon nitrite‐acceptor (DPA) polymer shows a remarkable H2O2 yield of 6497.1 μM h‐1 g‐1 in pure water, surpassing traditional DP and PA catalysts. Because of its high efficiency, the H2O2 product can efficiently degrade and mineralize various organic contaminants in a continuous‐flow self‐Fenton reactor under sunlight irradiation. Our work presents an unprecedented approach to designing photocatalysts with efficient H2O2 synthesis and practical application from a molecular engineering perspective.

Polymeric Carbon Nitride Edged with Spatially Isolated Donor and Acceptor for Sunlight-Driven H2O2 Synthesis and In-Situ Utilization.

On-site H2O2 activation attracts much attention in energy conversion and environment remediation et al., yet remains challenging in its highly efficient and sustainable synthesis. Herein, we grafted a pair of spatially isolated donor (methoxyphenyl unit) and acceptor (anthraquinone unit) in polymeric carbon nitride edges, which induce directional electron-hole transfer to the two spatially separated dual active centers. Specifically, photogenerated electrons in the anthraquinone unit facilitate the 2e- ORR, while the methoxyphenyl unit, which gathers photogenerated holes, enables rapid 4e- WOR. More impressively, the anthraquinone unit also exhibits strong proton extraction capabilities to boost the generation of *OOH intermediates and H2O2. Consequently, the synthesized donor-polymeric carbon nitride-acceptor (DPA) catalyst shows a remarkable H2O2 yield of 6497.1 μM h-1 g-1 in pure water, surpassing traditional DP and PA catalysts. Because of its high efficiency, the H2O2 product can efficiently degrade and mineralize various organic contaminants in a continuous-flow self-Fenton reactor under sunlight irradiation. Our work presents an unprecedented approach to designing photocatalysts with efficient H2O2 synthesis and practical application from a molecular engineering perspective.

Post-Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Right Atrial Pressure and Left Atrial Volume Index Predict Heart Failure and Mortality: Dual Center Experience

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement affects up to 20% of patients. Understanding factors associated with post-TIPS HF is critical. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We aim to evaluate whether hemodynamic measurements and echocardiographic markers of CCM pre-TIPS and post-TIPS can predict post-TIPS HF and death. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS between 2010 and 2015 at 2 centers. Patients with cardiomyopathies other than CCM were excluded. A multivariable-adjusted time-to-event analysis assessed associations of clinical, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic parameters with post-TIPS HF and death during 2 years of follow-up. A 180-day landmark analysis was used to assess the association of echocardiographic changes with outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 360 patients met study criteria. 32 developed HF post-TIPS (8.8%). Right atrial pressure measured intraprocedurally post-TIPS insertion was associated with increased risk of HF (adjusted HR 1.10 [1.04–1.17]), with a cutoff of 22 mm Hg associated with highest risk (multivariable HR 2.71 [1.22–6.02]). 92 patients died (25.5%). An increase in left atrial volume index within 180 days post-TIPS was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.08 [1.01–1.15]). Other echocardiographic CCM markers were not associated with HF or death. DISCUSSION: Increases in right atrial pressure and left atrial volume index post-TIPS, but not CCM status, predict post-TIPS HF and death, respectively. Surveillance echocardiography may play a role in identifying those at highest risk of decompensation post-TIPS. Further prospective study of CCM and its markers in relation with TIPS outcomes is warranted.

A Multifunctional Secondary Based on Heterogeneous Co-MnO@NC for Depth-Induced Deposition and Conversion of Polysulfides in Li─S Batteries.

The conductive carbon-based interlayer, as the secondary current collector in the self-dissolving battery system, can effectively capture escaping cathode active materials, inducing deep release of remaining capacity. In the multi-step reactions of Li─S batteries, the environmental tolerance of the conductive carbon-based interlayer to polysulfides determines the inhibition of shuttle effects. Here, a modified metal-organic framework (Mn-ZIF67) is utilized to obtain nitrogen-doped carbon-coated heterogeneous Co-MnO (Co-MnO@NC) with dual catalytic center for the functional interlayer materials. The synergistic coupling mechanism of NC and Co-MnO achieves rapid deposition and conversion of free polysulfide and fragmented active sulfur on the secondary current collector, reducing capacity loss in the cathode. The Li─S battery with Co-MnO@NC/PP separator maintains an initial capacity of 1050mAhg-1 (3C) and excellent cycle stability (0.056% capacity decay rate). Under extreme testing conditions (S load = 5.82mgcm-2, E/S=9.1µLmg-1), a reversible capacity of 501.36mAhg-1 is observed after 200 cycles at 0.2C, showing good further practical reliability. This work demonstrates the advancement application of Co-MnO@NC bimetallic heterojunctions catalysts in the secondary current collector for high-performance Li─S batteries, thereby providing guidance for the development of interlayer in various dissolution systems.

Extending the π-Conjugation of a Donor-Acceptor Covalent Organic Framework for High-Rate and High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Realizing high-rate and high-capacity features of Lihium-organic batteries is essential for their practical use but remains a big challenge, which is due to the instrinsic poor conductivity, limited redox kinetics and low utility of organic electrode mateials. This work presents a well-designed donor-acceptor Covalent Organic Framework (COFs) with extended conjugation, mesoscale porosity, and dual redox-active centers to promote fast charge transfer and multi-electron processes. As anticipated, the prepared cathode with benzo [1,2-b:3,4-b':5,6-b''] trithiophene (BTT) as p-type and pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (PTO) as n-type material (BTT-PTO-COF) delivers impressive specific capacity (218 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 in ether-based electrolyte and 275 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 in carbonate-based electrolyte) and outstanding rate capability (79 mAh g-1 at 50 A g-1 in ether-based electrolyte and 124 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1 in carbonate-based electrolyte). In addition, the potential of BTT-PTO-COF electrode for prototype batteries has been demonstrated by full cells of dual-ion (FDIBs), which attain comparable electrochemical performances to the half cells. Moreover, mechanism studies combining ex situ characterization and theoratical calculations reveal the efficient dual-ion storage process and facile charge transfer of BTT-PTO-COF. This work not only expands the diversity of redox-active COFs but also provide concept of structure design for high-rate and high-capacity organic electrodes.

CuO and spinel CuCo2O4 supported on mesoporous nanocubes with dual redox-active centers for electrocatalytic H2O2 reduction and sensing

The copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) nanocube and its cobalt-substituted analogue (CoCuHCF) possess numerous micropores; however, they demonstrate limited electrocatalytic performance for H2O2 reduction. Heat treatment of CuHCF in air (CuHCF-ht) results in the formation of CuO and Fe3O4 with noticeable aggregation. In contrast, the heat treatment of CoCuHCF in air (CoCuHCF-ht) preserves its nanocube structure while also forming a spinel CuCo2O4 phase. The partial substitution of cobalt ions for copper ions in CuHCF enhances both thermal and structural stability, leading to the transformation of micropores into mesopores during heat treatment. This transformation improves electrolyte accessibility and structural integrity. The CoCuHCF-ht electrode features dual redox-active centers (Cu+/Cu2+ couple) derived from the CuO and CuCo2O4 phases, serving as catalytic redox mediators for H2O2 reduction. This dual redox activity results in superior performance for H2O2 reduction compared to CuHCF-ht, which only exhibits a single pair of Cu+/Cu2+ couple from CuO as an active mediator. This enhanced performance is evidenced by a lower Tafel slope, a higher catalytic rate constant, and improved mass transfer of analytes. The CoCuHCF-ht catalyst, characterized by dual redox-active centers in mesoporous nanocubes, demonstrates a high sensitivity of 234.03 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a low limit of detection (0.26 μM), along with high selectivity, stability, repeatability, and reproducibility.

High-Entropy Ag-Ru-Based Electrocatalysts with Dual-Active-Center for Highly Stable Ultra-Low-Temperature Zinc-Air Batteries.

The development of advanced bifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is significant for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a unique dual active center alloying strategy is proposed to achieve the efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysis, and the high entropy effect is further exploited to modulate the structure and performance of the catalysts. The MOF-assisted pyrolysis-replacement-alloying method was employed to construct the CoCuFeAgRu high-entropy alloy (HEA), which are uniformly anchored in porous nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets. Notably, the obtained HEA catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance for both ORR and OER, and a peak power density of 136. 53 mW cm-2 and an energy density of 987.9 mAh gZn -1, surpassing the most of the previously reported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. Moreover, the assembled flexible rechargeable ZAB enables excellent performance even at the ultralow temperature of -40 °C, with an energy density of 601.6 mAh gZn -1 and remarkable cycling stability up to 1,650 hours. Combined experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the excellent bifunctional catalytic activity of the HEA catalyst originated from the synergistic effect of the Ag and Ru dual active centers, and the optimization of the electronic structure by alloying effect.

High‐Entropy Ag‐Ru‐based Electrocatalysts with Dual‐Active‐Center for Highly Stable Ultra‐Low‐Temperature Zinc‐Air Batteries

The development of advanced bifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is significant for rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a unique dual active center alloying strategy is proposed to achieve the efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysis, and the high entropy effect is further exploited to modulate the structure and performance of the catalysts. The MOF‐assisted pyrolysis‐replacement‐alloying method was employed to construct the CoCuFeAgRu high‐entropy alloy (HEA), which are uniformly anchored in porous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets. Notably, the obtained HEA catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance for both ORR and OER, and a peak power density of 136. 53 mW cm‐2 and an energy density of 987.9 mAh gZn‐1, surpassing the most of the previously reported bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. Moreover, the assembled flexible rechargeable ZAB enables excellent performance even at the ultralow temperature of ‐40°C, with an energy density of 601.6 mAh gZn‐1 and remarkable cycling stability up to 1,650 hours. Combined experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the excellent bifunctional catalytic activity of the HEA catalyst originated from the synergistic effect of the Ag and Ru dual active centers, and the optimization of the electronic structure by alloying effect.

Luminescence properties of Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+ phosphors and temperature sensing characteristics of co-doped Sm3.

As one of the fundamental physical quantities, temperature is extremely important in various fields. In order to study the temperature sensing characteristics of dual-emitting center phosphors, Bi3+-doped and Bi3+/Sm3+-doped Sr2Ga2GeO7 phosphors were synthesized by high-temperature solid-phase method. Under 312 nm excitation, the Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+ phosphor exhibits a blue broadband emission corresponding to the 3P1 → 1S0 transition of Bi3+ ions. By testing the temperature change spectrum of phosphors, it was found that Bi3+ exhibited strong thermal sensitivity. However, due to the fact that single ion doped phosphors are easily affected by other factors when applied to the field of temperature sensing, based on the thermal sensitivity of Bi3+, Sm3+ with low temperature sensitivity was selected as the co-doped ion, and it was found that the two ions had different thermal quenching characteristics when the temperature change spectrum was tested. Using the temperature detection method based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the dual emission centers, it was found that the best absolute sensitivity Sa was 3.125% K-1 and the maximum relative sensitivity Sr was 1.275% K-1 in the range of 303-423 K. These results show that Sr2Ga2GeO7:Bi3+/Sm3+ phosphors have broad application prospects in the field of optical temperature sensing.

A mixed Ce/Eu metal-organic framework for ratiometric detection of Al3+ ion.

As a heavy metal ion, excessive aluminum ions pose a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment. Developing a simple, efficient, and fast detection method to detect the content of aluminum ions is of great significance, especially for ensuring human health and ecological safety. Herein, the mixed rare earth metal-organic framework (Ce0.74Eu0.26TPTC and Ce0.62Eu0.38TPTC) were prepared based on simple ligand 1,1':4',1″-Terphenyl-2',4,4″,5'-tetracarboxylic acid (H4TPTC). The Ce0.74Eu0.26TPTC and Ce0.62Eu0.38TPTC have dual luminescence centers, which can be used as ratio fluorescent probes to detect Al3+ ions, making the detection results more accurate and reliable. Therefore, this work can promote the further development of rare earth-based MOFs in the detection of heavy metal ions.

Dual redox centers in MnCo2O4 nanorod cathode for highly efficient capacitive deionization

Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology via faradic electrodes with active redox pairs has achieved tremendous success in desalination. However, the inner collaborative mechanisms of multi-redox centers in electrodes are rarely deep-analyzed. Thus, this work intensively investigated the inner enhanced mechanisms of multi-redox centers, starting from the dual-redox-based MnCo2O4 nanorod (MCO-NR) cathode in capacitive desalination. The electrochemical tests indicated a surface capacitive ratio of MCO-NR as high as 86 % when the scan rate was 100 mV s−1. Multi-dimensional CDI tests demonstrated that the highest capacity of MCO-NR could reach 61.78 mg g−1, with four theory models elaborating the electrosorption kinetics and maximum desalination capability. The refined ex-situ XPS measurements, carefully designed comparative experiments, and DFT calculations were used to analyze the Na+ (de)intercalation characteristics, the inner enhanced electrosorption mechanisms of dual redox centers, and the effects that the Mn redox center exerts on the MnCo2O4 structure. These results showed the superiority of dual- or multi-redox-center-based faradic capacitive desalination, providing a new perspective for designing high-property faradic electrode materials.

Dual Redox-active Covalent Organic Framework-based Memristors for Highly-efficient Neuromorphic Computing.

Organic memristors based on covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibit significant potential for future neuromorphic computing applications. The preparation of high-quality COF nanosheets through appropriate structural design and building block selection is critical for the enhancement of memristor performance. In this study, a novel room-temperature single-phase method was used to synthesize Ta-Cu3 COF, which contains two redox-active units: trinuclear copper and triphenylamine. The resultant COF nanosheets were dispersed through acid-assisted exfoliation and subsequently spin-coated to fabricate a high-quality COF film on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. The synergistic effect of the dual redox-active centers in the COF film, combined with its distinct crystallinity, significantly reduces the redox energy barrier, enabling the efficient modulation of 128 non-volatile conductive states in the Al/Ta-Cu3 COF/ITO memristor. Utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on these 128 conductance states, image recognition for ten representative campus landmarks was successfully executed, achieving a high recognition accuracy of 95.13 % after 25 training epochs. Compared to devices based on binary conductance states, the memristor with 128 conductance states exhibits a 45.56 % improvement in recognition accuracy and significantly enhances the efficiency of neuromorphic computing.

The study of plain CT combined with contrast-enhanced CT-based models in predicting malignancy of solitary solid pulmonary nodules

To compare the diagnostic performance between plain CT-based model and plain plus contrast CT-based modelin the classification of malignancy for solitary solid pulmonary nodules. Between January 2012 and July 2021, 527 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary solid pulmonary nodules were collected at dual centers with similar CT examinations and scanning parameters. Before surgery, all patients underwent both plain and contrast-enhanced chest CT scans. Two clinical characteristics, fifteen plain CT characteristics, and four enhanced characteristics were used to develop two logistic regression models: model 1 (plain CT only) and model 2 (plain + contrast CT). The diagnostic performance of the two models was assessed separately in the development and external validation cohorts using the AUC. 392 patients from Center A were included in the training cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 15.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 55.8 [SD, 9.9] years; male, 53.3%). 135 patients from Center B were included in the external validation cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 16.0–24.0] mm; mean age, 56.4 [SD, 9.6] years; male, 51.9%). Preoperative patients with 201 malignant (adenocarcinoma, 148 [73.6%]; squamous cell carcinoma, 35 [17.4%]; large cell carcinoma,18 [9.0%]) and 326 benign (pulmonary hamartoma, 118 [36.2%]; sclerosing pneumocytoma, 35 [10.7%]; tuberculosis, 104 [31.9%]; inflammatory pseudonodule, 69 [21.2%]) solitary solid pulmonary nodules were gathered from two independent centers. The mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC (95%CI) of model 1 (Plain CT only) were 0.79, 0.78, 0.79, 0.67, 0.87, and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.82–0.93), the model 2 (Plain + Contrast CT) were 0.88, 0.91, 0.90, 0.84, 0.93, 0.93 (95%CI, 0.88–0.98) in external validation cohort, respectively. A logistic regression model based on plain and contrast-enhanced CT characteristics showed exceptional performance in the evaluation of malignancy for solitary solid lung nodules. Utilizing this contrast-enhanced CT model would provide recommendations concerning follow-up or surgical intervention for preoperative patients presenting with solid lung nodules.

High-capacity and high-stability capacitive desalination with dual redox-active MnCo2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunction electrode

Capacitive deionization (CDI) utilizing dual redox-active electrodes has shown significant promise in desalinating low-concentration brackish waters, which is crucial for addressing global freshwater shortages. However, improvements in salt adsorption capacity and long-term operational stability are still required. In this study, we introduce, for the first time, a binary metal sulfide MnCo2S4/g-C3N4 (MCS-CN) heterojunction as a CDI electrode. The innovative integration of dual redox-active centers and heterojunction structures in the MCS-CN composite electrodes underscores their potential for achieving both high capacity and stability in capacitive desalination applications. The microscopic morphology, crystal structure, pore structure, and surface valence properties of the MCS-CN heterojunction composite materials were extensively characterized using various analytical techniques. In-situ X-ray diffraction, refined ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, three-electrode electrochemical analysis, and theoretical calculations were employed to elucidate the electrosorption and desorption mechanisms of sodium ions with the MCS-CN electrodes and to clarify the enhanced desalination performance of the binary metal sulfide-based heterojunction structure. As a result, the optimal MCS-CN-40 electrode exhibited the highest salt removal capacity of 71.64 mg g−1 and maintained stable desalination performance over 100 cycles in a 500 mg L−1 NaCl solution. This innovative approach provides a noval perspective for developing heterojunction electrodes with high redox activity and efficient desalination performance.