Publications by authors named "Pengfei Hu"

An aluminum (Al) alloy is a soft, plastic-like metal that is prone to embedding abrasives, scratches, corrosion pits, and deformation. Achieving an atomically smooth surface on an Al alloy presents a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel green chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technique using hydrogen peroxide, tyrosine, sodium carbonate, and hybrid abrasives composed of silica, yttria, and ceria.

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The unique structural configuration of amorphous nanomaterials, characterized by their disordered atomic arrangements, highly exposed active sites, and isotropic homogeneity, enables exceptional catalytic performance that bridges the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, an amorphous CuPd catalyst was fabricated through incorporating Cu ions into the disordered Pd lattice, creating an amorphous monolayer architecture with engineered hydrogen transport pathways. The precisely modulated atomic/electronic configuration optimizes the adsorption configuration and bonding strength between substrate/intermediates and catalysts surfaces.

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Defect structures within the carbon matrix play a crucial role in enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of Fe single atom and nitrogen-doped catalysts (Fe-N-C SACs). However, overlooking the O pre-adsorption process induced by defective structures hampers the precise identification of active sites and the investigation of the reaction mechanism in Fe-N-C SACs. Hence, we report a Fe SAC with abundant pyridinic N vacancy defects in microporous structures (Fe-N-C SAC) and propose a synergistic effect between pyridinic N vacancy defects and O molecules that promotes the kinetics of ORR.

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The cathode interfacial layer (CIL) critically influences electron extraction and charge recombination, thereby playing a pivotal role in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, most state-of-the-art CILs are constrained by limited conductivity, high recombination and poor morphology, which collectively hinder device efficiency and stability. Here we report an inorganic-organic hybrid CIL (AZnO-F3N), developed by a dual-component synergy strategy, which integrates organic material PNDIT-F3N with two-dimensional amorphous zinc oxide.

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In nanotechnology-based cancer therapy, modulating electronic states of nanomaterials is crucial for influencing spatiotemporal dynamic behaviors of intracellular reduction-oxidation and redox homeostasis. Although rare-earth transition metals with 4f electrons present electronic energy levels suitable for electronic modulation, its practical realization is challenging due to strong 4f electron localization. Theoretical studies indicate that amorphization can significantly alter the electronic states of the 4f-dominated nanomaterials.

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Here we report a concise and modular synthesis of the complex triterpenoid glycinoeclepin A, a picomolar hatching stimulus for the notorious pest soybean cyst nematode. The synthesis features the strategic use of a polyfunctional platform intermediate bearing an aldehyde, a vinyl triflate, and an -cyclic alkene─three functional groups with orthogonal reactivity. From here, a programmable Cr-mediated diastereoselective homoallenylation of aldehyde, followed by a Pd-catalyzed intramolecular oxygenative cyclization, efficiently forged the densely functionalized 5,6-fused core system.

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Anion vacancy engineering represents an effective strategy to construct built-in electric fields (BIEFs) for the purpose of modulating electromagnetic (EM) properties. However, the in-depth and systematic comparative analysis of the effects of various anionic vacancies on defect-induced polarization is still lacking. In this work, the effects of defect-induced polarization resulting from group VA anion vacancies, particularly phosphorus vacancies (V), are compared to the anion vacancies of other elements.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. RSV infection can result in mortality rates as high as 20%, attributable not only to viral replication but also to an excessive host immune response. Current therapeutic options are limited, partly due to gaps in understanding the host immune response, especially the role of macrophages and their signaling pathways.

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Shaftless propulsion technology delivers high efficiency and low noise for subsea installations and marine vessels. To enhance thrust performance, the streamlined aft-body contour imposes stringent demands on geometric compatibility between the rim-driven thruster (RDT) motor and hull. This necessitates advanced electromagnetic characterization of conical motors.

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The postnatal development of secondary sexual characteristics is a highly complex process governed by diverse molecular signals and serves as a key marker of sexual maturity. Deer antlers exemplify such traits, distinguished not only by their unique ability to regenerate annually but also by their initiation in postnatal life. It is well established that the antlerogenic periosteum (AP) is the only tissue responsible for postnatal antler formation.

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Direct utilization of diluted CO enables sustainable CO conversion into valuable products, with reduced CeO emerging as an attractive candidate due to its exceptional redox flexibility. The catalytic efficacy of CeO is intimately tied to the electronic structure of 4f, yet the persistent challenge lies in maintaining a high and stable concentration of Ce. In this study, we propose a symmetry-breaking-induced amorphization strategy to achieve an exceptionally high Ce ratio by B doping, which facilitates the reduction of Ce to Ce in amorphous CeO.

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Anaerobic ammonium-oxidation (anammox) is a typical redox reaction driven by membrane electron transformation. However, the electron transfer mechanism of the core redox reaction and its evolutionary origins are still not thoroughly identified. In this study, a preliminary analysis was conducted for such interaction based on the 64 anammox bacterial genomes representing 12 genera available currently.

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Water availability in built environment, including heritage, plays a fundamental role in microbial colonization and subsequent biodeterioration. However, it is uncertain about the relationship between specific water characteristics and microbial development. Here, we applied water intrusion gravimetry (WIG) to quantify water distribution and then linked it to microbial growth by combining molecular biology techniques and petrophysical and mineralogical analyses.

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Covering: 2019 to 2024Secondary metabolites (SMs) are naturally occurring defense or signaling molecules that are also utilized as human and animal drugs, crop protection agents, and fine chemicals. Currently, SMs are primarily produced in monoculture settings, devoid of the intricate microbial interactions found in natural environments. Monoculture may lead to the silencing of gene clusters, requiring various genetic or bioprocess strategies to activate the biosynthesis of the corresponding metabolites.

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Nitrogen (N)-transferring microorganisms can exacerbate biodegradation of world cultural heritage. This forum article focuses on microorganisms with ammonia-oxidizing and related reactions, newly detected on stone monuments, with an emphasis on their ecological diversity, acid production, and mechanisms of biodeterioration. This analysis provides a new research framework for understanding biodeterioration and future conservation management.

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The structural disorder of the black butterfly assists in capturing sunlight across a wider spectral and angular range, injecting infinite vitality for omnidirectional and stimuli-responsive wave-absorbing materials. Here, the disordered micro-pores responding to terahertz (THz) waves through electromagnetic simulations, and then prepared via ice templating technology are analyzed and optimized. The customized disordered aerogel makes possible perfect terahertz response property with incidence-angle-insensitive and ultra-broadband.

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In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology has advanced significantly, enabling its widespread use in critical applications such as surveillance, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. However, planning reliable, safe, and economical paths for UAVs in real-world environments remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we propose a multi-strategy improved red-tailed hawk (IRTH) algorithm for UAV path planning in real environments.

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Deer antler-derived reserve mesenchyme cells (RMCs) are a promising source of cells for cartilage regeneration therapy due to their chondrogenic differentiation potential. However, the regulatory mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we analyzed the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating the differentiation of RMCs and in the post-transcriptional regulation of chondrogenesis and hypertrophic differentiation at the molecular and histological levels.

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Objective: To analyze the early- to mid-term clinical efficacy of personalized 3D-printed structural metal spacer technology in reconstructing massive bone defects during complex total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and revision surgery.

Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on nine patients with severe bone defects who underwent TKA between 2018 and 2024. The general condition, surgical details, and clinical improvement of these patients were recorded and analyzed by clinical doctors.

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Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a widely spread respiratory pathogen that can cause infections in multiple tissues and organs. Previous studies have established an association between HAdV species B (HAdV-B) infection and severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). However, the connection between SCAP-associated HAdV-B infection and host factor expression profile in patients has not been systematically investigated.

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Ovarian development is a complex process involving multiple genes, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process in Takifugu rubripes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify genes associated with ovarian development in T. rubripes and to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of oocyte maturation.

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By manipulating their asymmetric electronic spin states, the unique electronic structures and unsaturated coordination environments of single atoms can be effectively harnessed to control their magnetic properties. In this research, the first investigation is presented into the regulation of magnetic properties through the electronic spin states of single atoms. Magnetic single-atom one-dimensional materials, M-N-C/ZrO (M = Fe, Co, Ni), with varying electronic spin states, are design and synthesize based on the electronic orbital structure model.

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Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive diseases and has remarkably high mortality rates. In recent years, altered metabolism has been shown to contribute to the maintenance of pancreatic cancer malignancies. However, the molecular mechanism underlying glucose metabolism reprogramming remains elusive.

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The molecular regulation mechanisms for maintaining the homeostasis of mesenchymal stem cells still remains poorly defined. Antler reserve mesenchymal cells (RM cells) persist through the whole rapid antler growth stage as a reserved stem cell population capable of division and differentiation, that makes the RM cells a unique model in stem cell regulation and cancer mechanism studies. Herein, we sequenced and analyzed the extracellular vesicles (EVs) of RM cells in the growth center of antler, and identified a high expression level of miR-143-3p and its target genes IGF1R, TGFβ1, BMP2, etc.

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