Strong Interaction Research Articles

Oriented Epitaxial Growth of Mixed-Dimensional van der Waals Heterostructures with One-Dimensional (1D) Bi2S3 Nanowires and Two-Dimensional (2D) WS2 Monolayers for Performance-Enhanced Photodetectors.

The synthesis of mixed-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures with controlled alignment by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique remains a big challenge due to the complex epitaxial growth mechanism. Herein, we report the epitaxial growth of mixed-dimensional Bi2S3/WS2 heterostructures by a two-step CVD method. Bi2S3 crystals grown on 2D WS2 monolayers exhibit 1D feature with the preferred orientation, indicating a strong epitaxial growth behavior at the 1D/2D interface. Furthermore, the heterostructure was carefully characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which reveals the preferential growth of Bi2S3 nanowires along the zigzag edge of WS2 monolayers. The experimental results are also consistent with the theoretical calculations by DFT, where the preferred orientation possesses minimal surface energy. The strong interaction between Bi2S3 and WS2 enables efficient charge transfer of photogenerated carriers at the heterointerface, which leads to a largely improved light harvesting capability with the highest responsivity of ∼48.1 AW-1 and detectivity of ∼5.9 × 1012 Jones.

Antimicrobial Peptide with a Bent Helix Motif Identified in Parasitic Flatworm Mesocestoides corti

The urgent need for antibiotic alternatives has driven the search for antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from many different sources, yet parasite-derived AMPs remain underexplored. In this study, three novel potential AMP precursors (mesco-1, -2 and -3) were identified in the parasitic flatworm Mesocestoides corti, via a genome-wide mining approach, and the most promising one, mesco-2, was synthesized and comprehensively characterized. It showed potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity at submicromolar range against E. coli and K. pneumoniae and low micromolar activity against A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Mechanistic studies indicated a membrane-related mechanism of action, and circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed that mesco-2 is unstructured in water but forms stable helical structures on contact with anionic model membranes, indicating strong interactions and helix stacking. It is, however, unaffected by neutral membranes, suggesting selective antimicrobial activity. Structure prediction combined with molecular dynamics simulations suggested that mesco-2 adopts an unusual bent helix conformation with the N-terminal sequence, when bound to anionic membranes, driven by a central GRGIGRG motif. This study highlights mesco-2 as a promising antibacterial agent and emphasizes the importance of structural motifs in modulating AMP function.

Realizing one-dimensional moiré chains with strong electron localization in two-dimensional twisted bilayer WSe2

Two-dimensional (2D) moiré systems based on twisted bilayer graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides provide a promising platform to investigate emergent phenomena driven by strong electron-electron interactions in partially filled flat bands. A natural question arises: Is it possible to expand the 2D correlated moiré physics to one-dimensional (1D) that electron-electron correlation is expected to be further enhanced? This requires selectively doping of 1D moiré chain, which seems to be not within the grasp of today's technology. Therefore, an experimental demonstration of the 1D moiré chain with partially filled electronic states remains absent. Here, we show that we can introduce 1D boundaries, separating two regions with different twist angles, in twisted bilayer WSe2 (tWSe2) by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and demonstrate that the electronic states of 1D moiré sites along the boundaries can be selectively filled. The strong localized charge states of correlated moiré electrons in the 1D moiré chain can be directly imaged and manipulated by combining a back-gate voltage with the STM bias voltage. Our results open the door for realizing new correlated electronic states of the 1D moiré chain in 2D systems.

Heterostructured GCN Nanosheets/ZnO nanoflowers for enhanced TMO loading: From high-performance three electrode systems to printed flexible asymmetric supercapacitors

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are widely used in the development of high-energy-density devices due to their multiple oxidation states and their frequent heterostructuring with carbon-based materials. However, the synthesis process often leads to severe nanoparticle agglomeration and weak synergistic effects with carbon-based templates, thereby limiting their application potential. In this study, we constructed graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets/ZnO nanoflowers (NFs) structures with high TMOs loading by utilizing GCN nanosheets, which are rich in surface nitrogen content, as enriched templates for metal ions in conjunction with ultrasonic cavitation. Compared with GCN nanosheets/ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), the ZnO NFs exhibited vertical growth and a fluffy structure on a 2D material template, which resulted in high electronic conductivity, a large effective surface area, hierarchical pores, and strong synergistic interactions with GCNs, thus improving electrochemical performance. This structural enhancement enabled the GCN/ZnO NFs electrodes to achieve a high specific capacitance of 1524F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 in a three-electrode supercapacitor system. Additionally, we formulated GCN/ZnO NFs into electronic inks and used them for the mass production of flexible supercapacitors with the aid of dispensing printing technology. These flexible supercapacitors retained 94% of their specific capacitance even under extreme conditions of 90° torsion. Our proposed strategy of modulating TMOs and 2D structures can create active electrode materials with higher loading capacities, thereby enabling comprehensive customization in material design and device preparation processes.

Fractional quantum Hall phases in high-mobility n-type molybdenum disulfide transistors

AbstractTransistors based on semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides can, in theory, offer high carrier mobilities, strong spin–orbit coupling and inherently strong electronic interactions at the quantum ground states. This makes them well suited for use in nanoelectronics at low temperatures. However, creating robust ohmic contacts to transition metal dichalcogenide layers at cryogenic temperatures is difficult. As a result, it is not possible to reach the quantum limit at which the Fermi level is close to the band edge and thus probe electron correlations in the fractionally filled Landau-level regime. Here we show that ohmic contacts to n-type molybdenum disulfide can be created over a temperature range from millikelvins to 300 K using a window-contacted technique. We observe field-effect mobilities of over 100,000 cm2 V−1 s−1 and quantum mobilities of over 3,000 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the conduction band at low temperatures. We also report evidence for fractional quantum Hall states at filling fractions of 4/5 and 2/5 in the lowest Landau levels of bilayer molybdenum disulfide.

To Gibbs or Not to Gibbs Effect of Entropic Contribution in the NMR Calculations of Flexible and Polar Molecules-Updating the DP4+App.

The application of quantum-based NMR methods for the structural elucidation of natural and unnatural products has grown significantly. However, accurately calculating the conformational landscape of flexible molecules with intricate intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) networks continues to be a major challenge. In this work, we thoroughly studied the effect of entropic contributions (trough Gibbs free energies calculations) in the DP4+ performance. Our results show that to solve biased systems with strong IHB interactions requires computing the Boltzmann contributions using Gibbs free energies computed with at least triple-ξ basis set and SMD solvation model. In response to this finding, we have updated our DP4+App, a user-friendly Python applet that automates the entire process of calculating DP4+ probabilities. In the new version, the program allows for calculating of conformational contributions at any selected theory level, using either SCF or Gibbs free energies.

Performance of a Small Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing Involving Adsorbed Layer and Surface Elastic Deformation

The load and friction performances of a small elastohydrodynamic journal bearing with the shaft radius 1mm have been computationally studied. The effect of the adsorbed layer is incorporated and the multiscale hydrodynamic flow theory is used. It is shown that the multiscale performance of this bearing occurs in the wide eccentricity ratio range from 0.3 to nearly unity because of the influence of the adsorbed layer, and thus the generated pressures and carried load of this bearing are significantly greater than the classical hydrodynamic theory calculations. The effect of the adsorbed layer is more stronger for rigid bearing surfaces than for elastic bearing surfaces especially for a strong fluid-bearing surface interaction, and it is strong for the high eccentricity ratios over 0.9. In this bearing, when the effect of the adsorbed layer is incorporated, the friction coefficients on both bearing surfaces are reduced in the wide eccentricity ratio range as compared to the classical calculation; Stronger the fluid-bearing surface interaction, greater the reduction of the friction coefficient, showing the pronounced non-continuum effect of the adsorbed layer. However, for elastic surfaces the friction coefficient is a bit higher than that for rigid surfaces especially for high eccentricity ratios and strong fluid-bearing surface interactions.

Scalable ultrastrong MXene films with superior osteogenesis.

Titanium carbide MXene flakes have promising applications in aerospace, flexible electronic devices and biomedicine owing to their superior mechanical properties1 and electrical conductivity2 and good photothermal conversion3, biocompatibility4 and osteoinductivity5. It is highly desired yet very challenging to assemble MXene flakes into macroscopic high-performance materials in a scalable manner. Here we demonstrate a scalable strategy to fabricate high-performance MXene films by roll-to-roll-assisted blade coating (RBC) integrated with sequential bridging, providing good photothermal conversion and osteogenesis efficiency under near-infrared irradiation. MXene flakes were first bridged with silk sericin by hydrogen bonding and then assembled into macroscopic films using a continuous RBC process, followed by ionic bridging to freeze their aligned structure. The resultant large-scale MXene films with strong interlayer interactions are highly aligned and densified, exhibiting high tensile strength (755 MPa), toughness (17.4 MJ m-3) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capacity (78,000 dB cm2 g-1), as well as good ambient stability, photothermal conversion and bone regeneration performance. The proposed strategy not only paves a feasible way for realizing the practical applications of MXene in the fields of flexible EMI shielding materials and bone tissue engineering but also provides an avenue for the high-performance and scalable assembly of other two-dimensional flakes.

Computational and theoretical insights into the cytotoxic prospects of compounds isolated from Elaeodendron buchananii against Leukemia

The present study investigated the cytotoxic prospects of isolated compounds from Elaeodendron buchananii against leukemia, using computational tools. Comprehensive literature searches revealed only buchaninoside, mutangin, methyl 3β-acetoxy-11α, 19α, 28-trihydroxyurs-12-en-23-oic acid, 3β, 11α, 19α-trihydroxyurs-12-en-23, 28-dioic acid, 3β-acetoxy-19α, 24, 28-trihydroxyurs-12-ene, 3-oxo-19α,28-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24-oic acid, and elabunin have been isolated from E. buchananii. The compounds were subjected to Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) analyses, with Fms-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) and catalytic binding sites of Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) as the target proteins in lukemia. Following DFT analysis, the structures of the compounds were optimized at the PW6B95D3/Def2-TZVP level of theory; their UV-Visible peaks were in the UV region, with mutangin, 3-oxo-19α,28-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24-oic acid and elabunin exhibiting one single peak. The potent Root-Mean-Square Deviation, Root-Mean-Square Fluctuation, solvent-accessible surface area and radius of gyration values indicated a strong and stable molecular interaction between the compounds and the proteins. These were further supported by high ∆G values, with MLV showing the best interaction. Per-residue decomposition plots also revealed high energy contributions in the interactions’ binding sites residues. These results indicate that the cytotoxic prospects of the isolated compounds against leukemia as indicated by its molecular interactions with FLT3 and MLV.

Structure, Optical Properties and Magnetocaloric Effects in Gd3Fe5O12 Garnet Synthesized by Solid State Method

In this work, gadolinium iron garnet (Gd3Fe5O12) was synthesized using the solid-state ceramic method. The structural analysis, confirmed through Rietveld refinement, indicated the formation of a single-phase garnet structure. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed uniform grain size and homogeneity in the sintered material, while UV-vis absorption studies showed a peak at 300 nm, indicating strong ultraviolet interaction and an optical band gap of 3.64 eV, suggesting optoelectronic potential. The fluorescence emission spectrum shows a band at 435 nm, while the excitation spectrum exhibits bands at 275 and 360 nm. The magnetic measurements demonstrated Gd ion ordering at low temperatures, with a compensation temperature around 290 K. Arrott plots confirmed the second-order magnetic phase transition. Importantly, Gd3Fe5O12 exhibited both normal and inverse magnetocaloric effects, with a maximum magnetic entropy change of 1.05 J kg–1 K–1 at 230 K under 9 T magnetic field. These properties indicate Gd3Fe5O12 material as a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration and optoelectronic applications.

Building Information Modelling from Cadastral Plans and Application to an Italian Case Study Building Using Innovative Strategies

This paper explores the applicability of different methods to construct a Building information System Model (BIM) from 2D plans and, more specifically, cadastral plans. The explored procedures use three different approaches to build BIMs: one manual, one semi-automatic based on Rhinoceros/Grasshopper, and one based on Artificial Intelligence (AI). To analyse the performance of the three methods, the case study of a masonry building located in an Italian historic centre is used. The fastest is the AI-based method, although it has some limitations in automatic recognition of some objects. This latter aspect was further explored by analysing a very large dataset of cadastral plans. The results show good recognition of wall elements, but problems arise in the recognition of other elements, such as doors and windows. The manual method, on the other hand, allowed for the construction of a detailed model of the considered structure. However, the method requires strong user interaction and longer time frames than the AI-based method. The semi-automatic based method requires quite a lot of pre-processing but through an algorithm in Grasshopper a fast and detailed modelling of the structure is obtained. The paper also outlines future scenarios for the full exploitation of cadastral data.

In-vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities and in-silico analysis of a potent cyclic peptide from a novel Streptomyces sp. strain RG-5 against antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria.

The proliferation of multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria poses a serious threat to public health. The limited effectiveness of current antibiotics motivates the search for new antibacterial compounds. In this study, a novel strain, RG-5, was isolated from desert soil. This strain exhibited potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. Through phenotypical characterizations, 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the strain was identified as Streptomyces pratensis with 99.8% similarity. The active compound, RG5-1, was extracted, purified by reverse phase silica column HPLC, identified by ESI-MS spectrometry, and confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR analysis as 2,5-Piperazinedione, 3,6-bis(2-methylpropyl), belonging to cyclic peptides. This compound showed interesting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 04 to 15µg/mL and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs 50%) of ½ MIC against the tested bacteria. Its molecular mechanism of action was elucidated through a molecular docking study against five drug-protein targets. The results demonstrated that the compound RG5-1 has a strong affinity and interaction patterns with glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase at - 6.0kcal/mol compared to reference inhibitor (- 5.4kcal/mol), medium with penicillin-binding protein 1a (- 6.1kcal/mol), and LasR regulator protein of quorum sensing (- 5.4kcal/mol), confirming its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The compound exhibited minimal toxicity and favorable physicochemical and pharmacological properties. This is the first report that describes its production from Streptomyces, its activities against biofilm-forming and multidrug-resistant bacteria, and its mechanism of action. These findings indicate that 2,5-piperazinedione, 3,6-bis(2-methylpropyl) has the potential to be a promising lead compound in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming pathogens.

Witnessing an extreme, highly efficient galaxy formation mode with resolved Lyman-α and Lyman-continuum emission

J1316+2614 at z = 3.613 is the UV-brightest (MUV = −24.7) and strongest Lyman continuum-emitting (fescLyC ≈ 90%) star-forming galaxy known; it also shows signatures of inflowing gas from its blue-dominated Lyα profile. We present high-resolution imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the LyC, Lyα, rest-UV, and optical emission of J1316+2614. Detailed analysis of the LyC and UV light distributions reveals compact yet resolved profiles, with LyC and UV morphologies showing identical half-light radii of reff ≃ 220 pc. The continuum-subtracted Lyα emission, obtained with the HST ramp-filter FR551N, reveals an extended filamentary structure of ≃6.0 kpc oriented south to north with only residual flux within the stellar core, suggesting a Lyα ‘hole’. Our spectral energy distribution analysis shows that J1316+2614 is characterised by a young (5.7 ± 1.0 Myr), nearly un-obscured stellar population with a high star-formation rate (SFR = 898 ± 181 M⊙ yr−1) and a stellar mass of M⋆young = (4.8 ± 0.3) × 109 M⊙. Additionally, the spectral energy distribution analysis supports the absence of an underlying old stellar population (M⋆old ≤ 2.8 × 109 M⊙, 3σ). J1316+2614 presents remarkably high SFR and stellar mass surface densities of log(Σ SFR[M⊙ yr−1 kpc−2]) = 3.47 ± 0.11 and log(ΣM⋆[M⊙pc−2]) = 4.20 ± 0.06, respectively, which are among the highest observed in star-forming galaxies and are more typically observed in local young massive star clusters and globular clusters. Our findings indicate that J1316+2614 is a powerful, young, and compact starburst that is leaking a significant amount of LyC photons due to a lack of gas and dust within the starburst. We explored the conditions for gas expulsion using a simple energetic balance and find that, given the strong binding force in J1316+2614, a high star-formation efficiency (ϵSF ≥ 0.7) is necessary to explain the removal of gas and its exposed nature. Our results thus suggest a close link between high ϵSF and high fescLyC. This high efficiency can also naturally explain the remarkably high SFR, UV luminosity, and efficient mass growth of J1316+2614, which acquired at least 62% of its mass in the last 6 Myr. J1316+2614 may exemplify an intense, feedback-free starburst with a high ϵSF, similar to those proposed for UV-bright galaxies at high redshifts.

Land disputes on legal certainty in South Sulawesi South Sulawesi in 2023

Objective To begin with, the plaintiff is questioned about the contents of his claim. The judge can make a decision with the help of local examination. When it comes to the construction of evidence in civil cases, the duties and responsibilities of local examination of the object of land dispute is an issue that arises. shows that local examination based on Article 153 HIR, Article 180 R. Bg or Article 211 Rv as well as SEMA No. 7 of 2001 does not reflect legal certainty because it does not regulate the mechanism of local examination in the field thoroughly, which leads to many interpretations. In addition, it is still ambiguous whether local examination is a means of evidence whose value is left to the judge or whether local examination is only an examination tool or method of obtaining evidence. Research Results and Discussion Local inspection results are a valid source of evidence in civil cases, local examinations have the following legal consequences: (1) court costs if the judge requests a local examination; and (2) the evidentiary power of the local examination. Both of these are legal consequences that need to be clarified in future regulations. elements that need to be clarified in future regulations. Conclusion In civil cases, all cases relating to immovable property are required to ensure legal certainty in the future regulation of local inspection of land. to create legal certainty regarding local inspection, the diversity of this regulation is very important. In order to create legal certainty regarding local examination, diversity of regulation is essential. Regulations regarding local examination should be established at the level of a law so that they have strong legal force against all parties involved in the case, including judges, clerks, and all other parties.

Towards hypernuclei from nuclear lattice effective field theory

Understanding the strong interactions within baryonic systems beyond the up and down quark sector is pivotal for a comprehensive description of nuclear forces. This study explores the interactions involving hyperons, particularly the Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varLambda $$\\end{document} particle, within the framework of nuclear lattice effective field theory (NLEFT). By incorporating Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varLambda $$\\end{document} hyperons into the NLEFT framework, we extend our investigation into the S=-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$S = -1$$\\end{document} sector, allowing us to probe the third dimension of the nuclear chart. We calculate the Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varLambda $$\\end{document} separation energies (BΛ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_{\\varLambda }$$\\end{document}) of hypernuclei up to the medium-mass region, providing valuable insights into hyperon–nucleon (YN) and hyperon–nucleon–nucleon (YNN) interactions. Our calculations employ high-fidelity chiral interactions at N3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ ^3$$\\end{document}LO for nucleons and extend it to Λ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varLambda $$\\end{document} hyperons with leading-order S-wave YN interactions as well as YNN forces constrained only by the A=4,5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$A=4,5$$\\end{document} systems. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the SU(3) symmetry breaking and establish a foundation for future improvements in hypernuclear calculations.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Monocyte-Derived Interstitial Macrophages with a Pro-Fibrotic Phenotype in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease with limited effective therapies. Interstitial macrophages (IMs), especially those derived from monocytes, play an unknown role in IPF pathogenesis. By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse lungs were analyzed to characterize the cellular landscape and heterogeneity of macrophages in this model. scRNA-seq was used to identify distinct interstitial macrophage subpopulations in fibrotic lungs, with monocyte-derived macrophages exhibiting a pro-fibrotic gene expression profile enriched in wound healing, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and pro-fibrotic cytokine production functions. A pseudotime analysis revealed that IMs originated from monocytes and differentiated along a specific trajectory. A cell–cell communication analysis demonstrated strong interactions between monocyte-derived interstitial macrophages (Mo-IMs) and fibroblasts through the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathways. Flow cytometry validated the presence and expansion of Mo-IMs subpopulations in BLM-treated mice. This study reveals the cellular heterogeneity and developmental trajectory of lung macrophages in early BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting the crucial role of Mo-IMs with a pro-fibrotic phenotype in IPF pathogenesis via interactions with fibroblasts. Targeting these specific macrophage subpopulations and associated signaling pathways may provide novel therapeutic strategies for IPF.

A Rechargeable Urea‐Assisted Zn‐Air Battery With High Energy Efficiency and Fast‐Charging Enabled by Engineering High‐Energy Interfacial Structures

AbstractElectrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a promising alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in clean energy conversion and storage systems. Nickel‐based catalysts are regarded as highly promising electrocatalysts for the UOR. However, their effectiveness is significantly hindered by the unavoidable self‐oxidation reaction of nickel species during UOR. To address this challenge, we proposed an interface chemistry modulation strategy to boost UOR kinetics by creating a high‐energy interfacial heterostructure. This heterostructure incorporates Ag at the CoOOH@NiOOH heterojunction interface, where strong interactions significantly promote the electron exchanges at the heterojunction interface between ‐OH and ‐O groups. Consequently, the improved electron delocalization leads to the formation of stronger bonds between Co sites and urea CO(NH2)2, promoting a preference for urea to occupy Co active sites over OH*. The resulting catalyst, Ag−CoOOH@NiOOH, demonstrates ultrahigh UOR activity with a low potential of 1.33 V at 100 mA cm−2. The fabricated catalyst exhibits a mass activity over 11.9 times greater than the initial cobalt oxyhydroxide. The rechargeable urea‐assisted zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) achieve a record‐breaking energy efficiency of 74.56 % at 1 mA cm−2, remarkable durability (1000 hours at a current density of 50 mA cm−2), and quick charge performances.

A Rechargeable Urea-Assisted Zn-Air Battery With High Energy Efficiency and Fast-Charging Enabled by Engineering High-Energy Interfacial Structures.

Electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a promising alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in clean energy conversion and storage systems. Nickel-based catalysts are regarded as highly promising electrocatalysts for the UOR. However, their effectiveness is significantly hindered by the unavoidable self-oxidation reaction of nickel species during UOR. To address this challenge, we proposed an interface chemistry modulation strategy to boost UOR kinetics by creating a high-energy interfacial heterostructure. This heterostructure incorporates Ag at the CoOOH@NiOOH heterojunction interface, where strong interactions significantly promote the electron exchanges at the heterojunction interface between -OH and -O groups. Consequently, the improved electron delocalization leads to the formation of stronger bonds between Co sites and urea CO(NH2)2, promoting a preference for urea to occupy Co active sites over OH*. The resulting catalyst, Ag-CoOOH@NiOOH, demonstrates ultrahigh UOR activity with a low potential of 1.33 V at 100 mA cm-2. The fabricated catalyst exhibits a mass activity over 11.9 times greater than the initial cobalt oxyhydroxide. The rechargeable urea-assisted zinc-air batteries (ZABs) achieve a record-breaking energy efficiency of 74.56 % at 1 mA cm-2, remarkable durability (1000 hours at a current density of 50 mA cm-2), and quick charge performances.

Evidence for nematic fluctuations in FeSe superconductor: a 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study

There has been controversy about the driving force of the nematic order in the FeSe superconductor. Here, we present a detailed study of the57Fe Mössbauer spectra of FeSe single-crystal powders, focusing on the temperature dependences of the hyperfine parameters in the vicinity of the nematic transition temperature,Ts∼ 90 K. The nematicity-induced splitting ofdxzanddyzbands, obtained from the anomalous increase in quadrupole splitting nearTs, starts at 143 K. The temperature evolution of the lattice dynamics, deduced from the recoilless fractions and second-order Doppler shifts, is found to undergo successively two segments of phonon-softening (160 K-105 K) and phonon-hardening (105 K-90 K), related to the appearance of local orthorhombic distortions aboveTsand the establishing way of the associated nematic correlations. Analysis of the linewidths shows that spin fluctuations occur not only below 70 K but also acrossTs(105 K-70 K), accompanied by the non-Fermi liquid behavior of the electrons. The results demonstrate the strong interactions between lattice, spin, and electron degrees of freedom in the vicinity ofTsand that the lattice degrees of freedom may play an essential role in driving the nematic order for FeSe.

The pertinence of resistin gene single nucleotide polymorphism G > A and its expression in oral cancer

Background/aimOral cancer (OC) is the leading cause of fatalities in Pakistan among males due to inadequate oral hygiene and chewing habits. However, genetic susceptibility patterns also play a critical role in disease progression. Since the frequency of Resistin (RETN) SNP (Single nucleotide polymorphism) rs3219175 is unknown; there is a requirement for early diagnosis of the OC. Therefore, the current study aims to determine the frequency of targeted SNP and develop a safe, simple, and fast alternative technique for better treatment using a real-time PCR assay with HRM (high-resolution melting curve) analysis. Materials and methodsA case-control study was conducted on 35 Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) diagnosed patients and 35 healthy individuals. HRM and RT-PCR results were analysed by the bioinformatics analyses. ResultsThe frequency of RETN SNP rs3219175 genotypes GG and GA in male patients was 16 (46 %) and 5 (14 %) respectively and in females 8 (23 %) and 6 (17 %) respectively. The chi-square test of independence consummated the assessment between males and females in both control and patients. The relation between these variables was significant (p < 0.05). The interaction network of String 8.3 demonstrates strong interactions at a high confidence score, which helps to characterize functional disorders that may be a causative factor for oral pathology. Reactome and KEGG data were acquired to rule out the pathway involvement of the targeted gene. MuPIT software was used to identify the 3D structure or RETN and their expected mutation effect. ConclusionThis study provides baseline data regarding the frequency of RETN SNP rs3219175 among the Pakistani population. For further clarification of their stage in cancer emergence and growth, large-scale studies must be conducted. This study might be helpful in the precision medicine approach and provide better therapeutic for OSCC patients.