bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human cytomegalovirus interactome analysis identifies degradation hubs, domain associations and viral protein functions
Authors: Nobre Luis V , Nightingale Katie , Ravenhill Benjamin J , Antrobus Robin , Soday Lior , Nichols Jenna , Davies James A , Seirafian Sepehr , Wang Eddie CY , Davison Andrew J , Wilkinson Gavin WG , Stanton Richard J , Huttlin Edward L , Weekes Michael P
Published: December 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) extensively modulates host cells, downregulating >900 human proteins during viral replication and degrading ≥133 proteins shortly after infection. The mechanism of degradation of most host proteins remains unresolved, and the functions of many viral proteins are incompletely characterised. We performed a mass spectrometry-based interactome analysis of 169 tagged, stably-expressed canonical strain Merlin HCMV proteins, and two non-canonical HCMV proteins, in infected cells. This identified a network of >3400 virus-host and >150 virus-virus protein interactions, providing insights into functions for multiple viral genes. Domain analysis predicted binding of the viral UL25 protein to SH3 domains of NCK Adaptor Protein-1. Viral interacting proteins were identified for 31/133 degraded host targets. Finally, the uncharacterised, non-canonical ORFL147C protein was found to interact with elements of the mRNA splicing machinery, and a mutational study suggested its importance in viral replication. The interactome data will be important for future studies of herpesvirus infection.
Subcellular drug targeting illuminates local kinase action
Authors: Bucko Paula J , Lombard Chloe K , Rathbun Lindsay , Garcia Irvin , Bhat Akansha , Wordeman Linda , Smith F Donelson , Maly Dustin J , Hehnly Heidi , Scott John D
Published: December 2019

Deciphering how signaling enzymes operate within discrete microenvironments is fundamental to understanding biological processes. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) restrict the range of action of protein kinases within intracellular compartments. We exploited the AKAP targeting concept to create genetically encoded platforms that restrain kinase inhibitor drugs at distinct subcellular locations. Local Kinase Inhibition (LoKI) allows us to ascribe organelle-specific functions to broad specificity kinases. Using chemical genetics, super resolution microscopy, and live-cell imaging we discover that centrosomal delivery of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and Aurora A (AurA) inhibitors attenuates kinase activity, produces spindle defects, and prolongs mitosis. Targeted inhibition of Plk1 in zebrafish embryos illustrates how centrosomal Plk1 underlies mitotic spindle assembly. Inhibition of kinetochore-associated pools of AurA blocks phosphorylation of microtubule-kinetochore components. This versatile precision pharmacology tool enhances investigation of local kinase biology.
Counting the Minutes
Authors: Mello Stephano , Bohmann Dirk
Published: December 2019

A newly discovered mechanism that causes the 'Minute' phenotype in fruit flies can explain how organisms are able to eliminate the mutant cells that arise occasionally during development.
A Weibull-Gompertz Makeham Distribution with Properties and Application to Cancer Data
Authors: Koleoso Peter O. , Chukwu Angela U.
Published: December 2019

The article presents an extension of the Gompertz Makeham distribution using the Weibull-G family of continuous probability distributions proposed by Tahir et al. (2016a). This new extension generates a more flexible model called Weibull-Gompertz Makeham distribution. Some statistical properties of the distribution which include the moments, survival function, hazard function and distribution of order statistics were derived and discussed. The parameters were estimated by the method of maximum likelihood and the distribution was applied to a bladder cancer data. Weibull-Gompertz Makeham distribution performed best (AIC = -6.8677, CAIC = -6.3759, BIC = 7.3924) when compared with other existing distributions of the same family to model bladder cancer data.
Factors Affecting Customer Loyalty in Banking Sector of Hyderabad, Pakistan: A Study on Conventional and Islamic Banking
Authors: Khokhar Zuhaib , Laghari Iqra , Lakhani Muhammad Qasim
Published: December 2019

Customers are the prime means for any company or an organization to be successful. Customer loyalty plays a very crucial role in the success of an organization. This research is based on identifying the factors that affect the loyalty of customers in Conventional and Islamic Banking. A sample of 200 respondents were selected which further classified into Conventional and Islamic Banking. There were 143 respondents of conventional banking (including 80 male and 63 female), whereas Islamic banking includes 57 respondents in which male and female accounts for 37 and 20 respectively. The data was collected using Convenience Random Sampling Technique and then transacted into software known as IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Major four (4) tests were done such as Factor Loading (Confirmative Factor Analysis: CFA), Reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha), t-Test and finally Linear Regression Analysis. There are two (2) variables such as Independent Variables and Dependent Variable. Independent Variables include service quality, customer satisfaction, customer trust, and brand image. Dependent Variable includes only customer loyalty. The data was collected using questionnaire as an instrument for collecting data; the questionnaire contains both closed-ended and open-ended questions. There are five (5) construct in the study and each possesses five (5) items and open-ended questions contain three (3) questions. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software. The results show that there is positive significant relationship of service quality, customer satisfaction, customer trust, and brand image on customer loyalty of both conventional and Islamic banking. Based on findings, it was recommended to prohibit interest (Riba) from banking sectors whether they are conventional or Islamic, there is a need to train employees to behave properly with their customers, and time incurred in transactions should be improved and counters should be increased because of rush of people in banks.
Estimated Vaccine Effectiveness for Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Related Lower Respiratory Tract Disease
Authors: Tartof Sara Y. , Aliabadi Negar , Goodwin Gabriella , Slezak Jeff , Hong Vennis , Ackerson Bradley , Liu Qing , Shaw Sally , Welsh Sabrina , Stern Julie A. , Kapadia Banshri , Spence Brigitte C. , Lewnard Joseph A. , Davis Gregg S. , Aragones Michael , Dutro Michael , Chilson Erica , Gonzalez Elisa , Hubler Robin , Chia Brandon , Jodar Luis , Gessner Bradford D. , Begier Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Importance

Clinical trials have demonstrated high vaccine efficacy (VE) against lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) but enrolled a smaller proportion of persons aged 75 years or older and those with comorbidities than seen in highest-risk populations in clinical practice settings. Additionally, VE against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–related hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits is not yet fully described.

Objective

To estimate Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F (RSVpreF) effectiveness in older adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective case-control study with a test negative design. Cases were adults aged 60 years or older with hospitalizations or ED visits at Kaiser Permanente of Southern California for LRTD from November 24, 2023, to April 9, 2024, who had respiratory swabs collected and tested for RSV. Two control definitions were prespecified: (1) strict controls included RSV-negative LRTD events that were negative for human metapneumovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, and positive for a nonvaccine preventable cause (primary) and (2) broad controls included all RSV-negative LRTD events (sensitivity analysis). Enhanced specimen collection was conducted to salvage clinical respiratory swabs not tested for RSV during routine care. Data were analyzed from May to September 2024.

Exposure

RSVpreF vaccine receipt during the first RSV season after licensure and 21 or more days before LRTD event.

Main outcomes and measures

Estimated VE against first episode of RSV-related LRTD hospitalization or ED visit.

Results

A total of 7047 LRTD-related hospitalizations or ED encounters with RSV testing results were included. The mean (SD) age was 76.8 (9.6) years; 3819 (54.2%) were female; 839 (11.9%) were non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander, 2323 (33.0%) were Hispanic, 1197 (17.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 2602 (36.9%) were non-Hispanic White; 998 (14.2%) were immunocompromised; and 6573 (93.3%) had 1 or more Charlson comorbidity. Using strict controls, estimated adjusted VE was 91% (95% CI, 59%-98%). Using broad controls, estimated adjusted VE was 90% (95% CI, 59%-97%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In a high-risk, general population, RSVpreF vaccination conferred protection against RSV-related LRTD in the hospital and ED settings among US adults aged 60 years or older, the majority of whom were aged 75 years or older and had comorbidities. These data support use of this vaccine in older adults.
Waveguide Components
Authors: Budimir Djuradj
Published: December 2024

Waveguide components such as waveguides as transmission lines, mode transducers, terminations, discontinuities, attenuators, phase shifters, multiport junctions, directional couplers, filters, diplexers, and multiplexers are extensively employed in industry to produce waveguide subsystems for a wide variety of microwave and millimeter wave applications. Waveguide components, in general, are constructed from elements of the transmission structures and it is essential to understand the electromagnetics of the situation. This chapter attempts to illustrate the basic considerations by referring to a few of the more important rectangular waveguide components employed in microwave and millimeter wave systems. It is hoped that the references included at the end of this chapter will direct the interested reader to sources of more detailed information on particular subjects.
Loss of MTAP expression is strongly linked to homozygous 9p21 deletion, unfavorable tumor phenotype, and noninflamed microenvironment in urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Gorbokon Natalia , Wößner Niklas , Ahlburg Viktoria , Plage Henning , Hofbauer Sebastian , Furlano Kira , Weinberger Sarah , Bruch Paul Giacomo , Schallenberg Simon , Roßner Florian , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Lennartz Maximilian , Blessin Niclas C , Marx Andreas H , Samtleben Henrik , Fisch Margit , Rink Michael , Slojewski Marcin , Kaczmarek Krystian , Ecke Thorsten , Klatte Tobias , Koch Stefan , Adamini Nico , Minner Sarah , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Zecha Henrik , Horst David , Schlomm Thorsten , Bubendorf Lukas , Kluth Martina
Published: December 2024

Homozygous 9p21 deletions usually result in a complete loss of S‐methyl‐5′‐thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) expression visualizable by immunohistochemistry (IHC). MTAP deficiency has been proposed as a marker for predicting targeted treatment response. A tissue microarray including 2,710 urothelial bladder carcinomas were analyzed for 9p21 deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization and MTAP expression by IHC. Data were compared with data on tumor phenotype, patient survival, intratumoral lymphocyte subsets, and PD‐L1 expression. The 9p21 deletion rate increased from pTaG2 low (9.2% homozygous, 25.8% heterozygous) to pTaG2 high (32.6%, 20.9%; p < 0.0001) but was slightly lower in pTaG3 (16.7%, 16.7%) tumors. In pT2–4 carcinomas, 23.3% homozygous and 17.9% heterozygous deletions were found, and deletions were tied to advanced pT (p = 0.0014) and poor overall survival (p = 0.0461). Complete MTAP loss was seen in 98.4% of homozygous deleted while only 1.6% of MTAP negative tumors had retained 9p21 copies (p < 0.0001). MTAP loss was linked to advanced stage and poor overall survival in pT2–4 carcinomas (p < 0.05 each). The relationship between 9p21 deletions/MTAP loss and poor patient prognosis was independent of pT and pN (p < 0.05 each). The 9p21 deletions were associated with a noninflamed microenvironment (p < 0.05). Complete MTAP loss is strongly tied to homozygous 9p21 deletion, aggressive disease, and noninflamed microenvironment. Drugs targeting MTAP‐deficiency may be useful in urothelial bladder carcinoma. MTAP IHC is a near perfect surrogate for MTAP deficiency in this tumor type.
SAMHSA issues manual on revised OTP regulations
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Last week the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a 181‐page description of the rationale behind the new guidelines for opioid treatment programs (OTPs). The new guidelines, which greatly liberalize federal rules regarding take‐homes, eligibility for treatment, and more, were issued in February 2024 (see ADAW https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34023). The manual issued last week, Federal Guidelines for Opioid Treatment Programs (https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/federal‐guidelines‐opioid‐treatment‐pep24‐02‐011.pdf), noted that Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR) part 8 “sets the standards for services” in OTPs, and regulates their certification and accreditation.
Twinkling Peptide Nanoemulsions Enable Precision Ultrasound Detection of Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Kim Inhye , Elliott Jacob C. , Lawanprasert Atip , Koehle Anthony M. , Wood Grace M. , Castro Rita , Simon Julianna C. , Medina Scott H.
Published: December 2024

Non‐invasive imaging modalities that identify rupture‐prone atherosclerotic plaques hold promise to improve patient risk stratification and advance early intervention strategies. Here, phase‐changing peptide nanoemulsions are developed as theranostic contrast agents for synchronous ultrasound detection and therapy of at‐risk atherosclerotic lesions. By targeting lipids within atherogenic foam cells, and exploiting characteristic features of vulnerable plaques, these nanoemulsions preferentially accumulate within lesions and are retained by intraplaque macrophages. It is demonstrated that acoustic vaporization of intracellular nanoemulsions promotes lipid efflux from foam cells and generates echogenic microbubbles that provide contrast‐enhanced ultrasound identification of lipid‐rich anatomical sites. In Doppler mode, stably oscillating peptide nanoemulsions induce random amplitude and phase changes of the echo wave to generate transient color imaging features, referred to as ‘twinkling’. Importantly, acoustic twinkling is unique to these peptide emulsions, and not observed from endogenous tissue bubble nuclei, generating diagnostic features that offer unprecedented spatial precision of lesion identification in 3D.
1D Core@Dual‐Shell Radial Heterojunction for Unipolar Barrier Solar‐Blind Avalanche Photodetector
Authors: Dong Jianqi , Wan Peng , Xia Wei , Ma Wanyu , Zhou Yan , Wang Xiaoxuan , Lu Hai , You Daotong , Shi Zengliang , Xu Chunxiang
Published: December 2024

Ga2O3 based solar‐blind avalanche photodetectors (APDs) are promising for week photodetection in both civil and military applications due to low‐voltage operation, compact dimensions, and optical filter‐free. However, the performance is impeded by low surface‐to‐volume ratio, low barrier height, and elevated dark current. Herein, a 1D ZnO/HfO2/Ga2O3 core@dual‐shell radial heterostructure is designed for high‐performance solar‐blind APDs. A single‐crystal ZnO microwire with smooth surface serves as core framework for shell growth with small lattice mismatch. By incorporating an HfO2 barrier layer, the conduction band offset is further increased to 2.15 eV without introducing a valence band barrier that would impede hole transport, forming a unipolar barrier structure. This high unipolar barrier suppresses dark current effectively, increases the avalanche breakdown electric field, and enhances the avalanche gain. The optimized APD achieves a responsivity of 2.2 × 105 A W−1 and a detectivity of 3.1 × 1016 Jones, with an avalanche gain of 4.7 × 104, which is 16 times higher than the HfO2‐free barrier layer‐modified device. Additionally, it exhibits long‐time stability with a response time of 6.4 ms and a solar‐blind/UVA rejection ratio of 6.25, ensuring immunity to solar interference. This work offers greater design flexibility to develop high‐performance Ga2O3‐based APDs and other optoelectronic devices.
Ambient‐Dried Nanocellulose Composite Aerogels for Enhanced Hydrovoltaic Electricity Generation
Authors: Cao Mengyao , Zhu Jingqiao , Miao Guohua , Sha Jie , Li Deqiang , Li Jun , Wang Chao , Li Cuihuan , Zhang Jiankang , Xu Yanglei , Chen Sheng , Xu Feng
Published: December 2024

Hydrovoltaic electricity generators (HEGs), which can harvest clean energy from the ubiquitous evaporation of water, have recently attracted significant interest. The utilization of renewable porous aerogels in the development of HEGs can enhance their sustainability and performance. Herein, an efficient HEG based on ambient‐dried composite aerogels (ADAs) composed of nanocellulose and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. The abundant carboxyl groups on the nanocellulose and CNTs enable electrostatic complexation with metal ions. This not only stabilizes the engineered porous ADA architecture during both ambient drying and operation but also enhances spontaneous and continuous electricity generation by boosting interactions with water molecules. The prepared HEG demonstrates an outstanding output voltage of 697 mV and a high power density of 0.57 µW cm−2 for long‐term operation in water. Furthermore, the HEG exhibits significantly improved performance when operating in brine, achieving an output voltage of 850 mV and a power density of 3.82 µW cm−2. This research demonstrates that large‐scale integrated HEGs units can provide customized electricity output to power various electronics and efficiently detect water leaks through human–machine interactions. This study provides a reliable and efficient strategy for fabricating efficient nanocellulose HEGs and paves the way for self‐powered water sensing.
Phosphates Modulated NiOx HTL toward a Lower Voc Loss in Wide Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Liu Wenli , Kong Tengfei , Liu Yinjiang , Chen Weiting , Gao Peng , Bi Dongqin
Published: December 2024

The combination of p‐type NiOx and self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) has recently emerged as an optimal structure for hole transport layer (HTL) structure in wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (WBG PSCs). However, the unique requirements for NiOx in this cascade HTL system differ significantly from those of neat NiOx. Specifically, the tendency of NiOx to agglomerate can lead to poor film morphology and inadequate interfacial contact with SAMs, resulting in significant open‐circuit voltage (Voc) loss in PSCs. Herein, these issues are addressed by incorporating sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) into NiOx ink. This approach enhances the dispersibility of NiOx nanoparticles, improving the morphology and conductivity of the NiOx films through interactions between the P = O and P‐O groups and Ni ions. Additionally, SHMP promotes better contact between the NiOx and Me‐4PACz interface by increasing the number of hydroxyl groups on the uniform surface of NiOx films. Consequently, a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.02% is achieved for WBG (1.79 eV) PSCs with the smallest relative Voc loss of 24.69%. The encapsulated devices exhibit excellent stability under high humidity and elevated temperatures. Furthermore, when combined with Sn‐Pb narrow‐bandgap perovskite, a PCE of 27.66% is attained for the 2‐terminal tandem solar cells (TSCs).
Selective Actuation Enabled Multifunctional Magneto‐Mechanical Metamaterial for Programming Elastic Wave Propagation
Authors: Sim Jay , Wu Shuai , Hwang Sarah , Lu Lu , Zhao Ruike Renee
Published: December 2024

Active metamaterials are a type of metamaterial with tunable properties enabled by structural reconfigurations. Existing active metamaterials often achieve only a limited number of structural reconfigurations upon the application of an external load across the entire structure. Here, a selective actuation strategy is proposed for inhomogeneous deformations of magneto‐mechanical metamaterials, which allows for the integration of multiple elastic wave‐tuning functionalities into a single metamaterial design. Central to this actuation strategy is that a magnetic field is applied to specific unit cells instead of the entire metamaterial, and the unit cell can transform between two geometrically distinct shapes, which exhibit very different mechanical responses to elastic wave excitations. The numerical simulations and experiments demonstrate that the tunable response of the unit cell, coupled with inhomogeneous deformation achieved through selective actuation, unlocks multifunctional capabilities of magneto‐mechanical metamaterials such as tunable elastic wave transmittance, elastic waveguide, and vibration isolation. The proposed selective actuation strategy offers a simple but effective way to control the tunable properties and thus enhances the programmability of magneto‐mechanical metamaterials, which also expands the application space of magneto‐mechanical metamaterials in elastic wave manipulation.
Fully Transparent and Distortion‐Free Monotonically Stretchable Substrate by Nanostructure Alignment
Authors: Hur Jung , Park Hwaeun , Oh Hyeongsu , Jeong Sujin , Cho Jinhan , Lee Jonghwi , Chung Seungjun , Hong Yongtaek , Son Jeong Gon
Published: December 2024

Stretchable devices, garnering increasing attention as next‐generation form factors, have a crucial problem in that vertical contraction occurs during stretching, causing image distortion of stretchable displays and discomfort in skin‐attached devices. Previous structural strategies to mitigate vertical contraction, such as auxetic reentrants and wrinkles, suffer from the drawback that their structure becomes visible during stretching. In this study, this issue is addressed by unidirectionally aligning nanoscopic cylinders within block copolymer elastomer films. Employing a shear‐rolling process at high temperatures on thick films of polystyrene‐block‐polyisobutylene‐block‐polystyrene thermoplastic elastomers, macroscopic mechanical anisotropy is achieved, resulting in completely transparent and monotonically stretchable substrates devoid of vertical or depth distortion during deformation. Significantly, the unidirectional orientation of high‐modulus cylindrical nanostructures induces macroscopic mechanical anisotropy with a modulus ratio exceeding five times. While the Poisson's ratio of conventional elastic materials hovers around ≈0.5, this mechanical anisotropy minimizes vertical contraction, yielding a Poisson's ratio below 0.07. Moreover, owing to the negligible size of the nanocylinders compared to visible‐light wavelengths, the substrate can be monotonically uniaxially stretched while maintaining high transmittance without introducing distortions, surface undulations, or haziness, resulting in distortion‐free stretchable substrates.
Hg4InS2Cl5: Achieving Giant Optical Anisotropy by Introducing Well‐Aligned Linear [Hg2S2] Units
Authors: Ren Qixian , Chu Yu , Jin Wenqi , Chen Mengmeng , Cui Chen , Wu Yabo , Pan Shilie
Published: December 2024

Optical anisotropy, manifested as birefringence, plays an important role in the development of future electronic and optoelectronic devices. Designing optical materials with giant birefringence usually relies on the merit selection and arrangement of microscopic units. Anionic clusters with linear coordination geometries often exhibit larger polarizability anisotropy, making them recognized birefringence gain modules. Nonetheless, the rarity of linear units has hindered the advancement of research in this region. In this study, a new Hg‐based compound, Hg4InS2Cl5, containing a well‐aligned linear [Hg2S2] functional unit has been synthesized. It exhibits the largest experimental birefringence (0.35@546 nm) and the widest bandgap of 3.10 eV among Hg‐based thiohalides. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation shows that the [Hg2S2] unit has a substantial polarizability anisotropy (𝛿 = 188.05) among known Hg‐based anionic clusters, leading to a significant enhancement of birefringence along the direction of linear unit arrangement. This research highlights the potential of [Hg2S2] units in improving birefringence and provides insights for the future development of advanced infrared optical materials.
Computational Insights into the Stability, Mechanical, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Characteristics Investigation on Lead‐Based Double Perovskites of (Cs2, K2, Rb2)PbCl6: Promising Candidates for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ghebouli M. A. , Bouferrache K. , Alanazi Faisal Katib , Ghebouli B. , Fatmi M.
Published: December 2024

Lead‐based double perovskites are studied in the cubic phase using the generalized gradient approximation and the modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ‐GGA) functionals as implemented in the Wien2K code. Goldschmidt tolerance factor and octahedral factor, formation enthalpy, and formation energy translate the structural, chemical, and thermodynamic stability of double perovskites studied. Phonon band structures and elastic moduli ensure the dynamic and mechanical stability of (Cs2, K2, Rb2)PbCl6. An intermediate band appears in the conduction band and the fundamental transition takes place between 3p‐Cl state and 6p‐Pb site. The refractive index of double perovskites (Cs2, K2, Rb2)PbCl6 in the visible and ultraviolet light hold a huge advantage for solar cell applications. The wide dielectric constant of double perovskites under study makes them capable for absorbing energy between 1 and 5 eV, and are suitable for solar power applications. (Cs2, K2, Rb2)PbCl6 have positive Seebeck coefficient, which reveals that p‐type charge carriers are dominant for enhancing their performance. Cs2PbCl6 has positive thermal conductivity for both n‐type and p‐type character. (K2, Rb2)PbCl6 have positive thermal conductivity for n‐type character. The complete analysis reveals that they are potentially significant candidates for future solar cells and energy harvesting devices.
Operando Evolution of a Hybrid Metallic Alloy Interphase for Reversible Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Liu Mingqiang , Yang Kai , Xie Qiming , Hu Nantao , Zhang Mingzheng , Chen Ruwei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jichao , Shao Feng , He Hongzhen , Soni Roby , Guo Xiaoxia , Yang Jinlong , He Guanjie , Pan Feng , Yao Lu , Miller Thomas S.
Published: December 2024

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are widely acknowledged as viable future energy storage solutions, particularly for low‐cost stationary applications. However, the interfacial instability of zinc anodes represents a major challenge to the commercial potential of Zn‐ion systems, promoting an array of side reactions including spontaneous corrosion, hydrogen evolution, and dendrite growth that destabilize cell performance, lower Coulombic efficiency and ultimately lead to early cell failure. While other commercially relevant battery systems benefit from a spontaneously forming solid electrolyte interphase, no such layer forms in AZIBs. Herein, we have designed and engineered an operando evolved metallic alloy interphase for AZIBs. This interfacial layer is initially deposited in the form of a thin film of Ag and In, but develops in situ to become an intimate mix of an AgxZny alloy and metallic indium. Importantly, this dual‐heterometallic layer acts to synergistically regulate the migration of zinc ions through the alloy interphase and enables the dense and planar deposition of Zn, simultaneously overcoming all major drivers of Zn anode degradation. Symmetric and full cells containing this modified metallic zinc anode exhibit stable electrochemical performance, offering high‐capacity retention. Hence, this scalable approach represents a viable route towards the commercial utilization of this energy storage system.
Single‐Atom Catalysts on C3N4: Minimizing Single Atom Pt Loading for Maximized Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Efficiency
Authors: Lazaar Nawres , Wu Siming , Qin Shanshan , Hamrouni Abdessalem , Bikash Sarma Bidyut , Doronkin Dimitry E. , Denisov Nikita , Lachheb Hinda , Schmuki Patrik
Published: December 2024

The use of metal single atoms (SAs) as co‐catalysts on semiconductors has emerged as a promising technology to enhance their photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. In this study, we describe the deposition of very low amounts of Pt SAs (<0.1 at %) on exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) by a direct Pt−deposition approach from highly dilute chloroplatinic acid precursors. We find that − using this technique−a remarkably low loading of highly dispersed Pt SAs (0.03 wt %) on C3N4 is sufficient to achieve a drastic decrease in the overall charge transfer resistance and a maximized photocatalytic efficiency. The resulting low‐loaded Pt SAs/C3N4 provides a H2 production rate of 1.66 m mol/h/mg Pt, with a remarkable stability against agglomeration; even during prolonged photocatalytic reactions no sign of light‐induced Pt agglomerations can be observed. We ascribe the high performance and stability to the site‐selective, stable coordination of Pt within the C3N4 structure. Notably the H2 production rate of the low‐loaded Pt SAs surpasses the activity of Pt SAs deposited by other techniques or nanoparticles at comparable or even higher loading – the optimized Pt SAs decorated C3N4 show ≈5.9 times higher rate than Pt NP decorated C3N4.
A Scalable Pore‐space‐partitioned Metal‐organic Framework Powered by Polycatenation Strategy for Efficient Acetylene Purification
Authors: Guo Zhen‐Hua , Wu Xue‐Qian , Wu Ya‐Pan , Li Dong‐Sheng , Yang Guo‐Ping , Wang Yao‐Yu
Published: December 2024

Efficient separation of acetylene (C2H2) from carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene (C2H4) is a significant challenge in the petrochemical industry due to their similar physicochemical properties. Pore space partition (PSP) has shown promise in enhancing gas adsorption capacity and selectivity by reducing pore size and increasing the density of guest binding sites. Herein, we firstly employ the 2D→3D polycatenation strategy to construct a PSP metal‐organic framework (MOF) Ni‐dcpp‐bpy, incorporating functional N/O sites to enhance C2H2 purification. The polycatenated framework with optimized pore size and regularity, exhibiting significant improvements over traditional PSP MOFs by resolving the critical contradiction of balancing C2H2 uptake (98.5 cm3 g−1 at 298 K, 100 kPa) and selectivity of C2H2/CO2 (3.4), C2H2/C2H4 (5.9), and C2H2/CH4 (96.4) in a MOF. Breakthrough experiments confirm high‐purity C2H4 (>99.9 %) and high C2H2 productivity from binary and ternary mixtures. Notably, Ni‐dcpp‐bpy exhibits excellent water stability, scalability, and regenerability after 20 cycles for separating C2H2/CO2. Theoretical calculations verify that the strong binding of C2H2 is mainly attributed to the C−H⋅⋅⋅O/N interactions between host Ni‐dcpp‐bpy and guest C2H2 molecules. The polycatenation strategy not only improved industrial C2H2 purification efficiency but also enriched the design diversity of customized MOFs for other gas separation applications.
Synthesis and tribological properties of Guerbet alcohol from a mixture of C12–C14 fatty alcohol: Modeling using RSM, ANN
Authors: Patil Somesh , Sanap Prasad , Sonawane Deepak , Pratap Amit
Published: December 2024

Guerbet alcohol (GA) is β‐branched primary alcohol having excellent physiochemical properties like lower pour point (PP) and higher kinematic viscosity (KV) in comparison to linear alcohol. Although synthesis of GA has been extensively studied to evaluate the role of various catalysts and effect of reaction conditions, statistical modeling and optimization of the synthesis process has not been reported. In the present work, the optimization of the synthesis of GA using a mixture of lauryl and myristyl alcohol was carried out with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM) considering the conversion of the reaction, PP and KV at 40 and 100°C as dependent variables. The optimal reaction conditions were temperature, pressure, and time of 220°C, 300 mbar, and 10 hours respectively. The optimum conversion was 99.14%, including dimer yield of 81.76%, PP of −3°C, KV at 40 and 100°C of 34.12 and 7.22 cSt, respectively. The results obtained by the RSM were then authenticated, applying artificial neural networks (ANN) generated with the help of MATLAB. The ability of the generated model to predict the response variables was validated by less than 5% error for almost all the models, confirming their statistical significance. Also, the tribological potential for linear Ginol‐12,14 (FA) and synthesized branched GA as lubricant additive was evaluated by determining its physiochemical, thermal and tribological properties.
Significantly Enhanced Interfacial Compatibility for Ultrahigh‐Damping Rubber Composites
Authors: Gao Wenke , Guo Liyun , Li Bingxiang , Liu Kai , Hua Jing
Published: December 2024

High‐damping rubber materials are essential for fabricating high‐performance green tires due to their distinct advantage of low noise and vibration, good auto‐braking, and service life. However, the poor interfacial compatibility between the common nonpolar tread rubber materials and polar polymers/fillers severely restricts the development of high‐damping rubber composites. Herein, we prepared a multi‐functionalization high vinyl polybutadiene rubber (MFHVBR) without gel formation by anionic reaction. This significantly enhanced the interaction and compatibility with the high‐damping ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) rubber. The interfacial potential energy of the MFHVBR/EVA blended system is nearly five times lower than that of the high vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVBR) and EVA blended system, as certified by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. At an optimized MFHVBR/EVA weight ratio of 8:2, the composites demonstrate significantly improved damping performance without sacrificing the vulcanization rates and mechanical properties. The effective damping temperature range (tanδ > 0.3) from −11.1°C to 56.7°C totally covered the service temperature of tires and is also among the highest values for the reported tread rubber materials. The interfacial potential energy used for predicting the interfacial compatibility between the nonpolar rubbers and polar polymers/fillers provides insights for realizing high‐damping rubber composites.
Regulating Organic Modifiers on Metal‐Based Catalysts for Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Qingchao , Zheng Xiaoli , Zhu Zhengkai , Ma Fuxiao , Kong Weiqian , Zhang Yunpeng , Xu Qun
Published: December 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been proved as a promising pathway for valuable chemical production and sustainable carbon cycling. Various regulatory strategies have been explored to boost CO2RR performance. Among these, metal‐based electrocatalytic CO2RR systems regulated by organic modifiers have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating the complex catalytic processes. Herein, we provide an overview of the recent effective research for regulating the organic modifiers on metal‐based catalyst to enhance CO2RR performance. Two main fundamental mechanisms of enhanced CO2RR with organic modifiers are discussed, including controlling the local microenvironment (local concentration of reactant/intermediate, local pH, interface electric field) at the electrode surface and modulating intrinsic catalytic activity (crystal and electronic structure). Moreover, effective strategies to preserve a stable organic modifier/catalysts interface are also reviewed. Finally, the challenges and prospects faced by organic modifiers regulated metal‐based catalysts in CO2RR are proposed. We hope this review will provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the actual impacts of organic modifiers on the development of efficient CO2RR catalysts with favorable activity, selectivity, and stability.
Assessing a Hierarchical Structure for Circular Supply Chain Management Performance: Improving Firms' Eco‐Innovation and Technological Performance
Authors: Kurrahman Taufik , Tsai Feng Ming , Sethanan Kanchana , Chen Chih‐Cheng , Tseng Ming‐Lang
Published: December 2024

This study develops and assesses the validity of a hierarchical structure for circular supply chain management performance (CSCMP) in the semiconductor industry. Previous studies have focused on synchronizing technological performance with eco‐innovation to enhance the circular operations, financial benefits, environmental advantages, and social benefits of CSCMP. This study employs a hybrid data–driven approach that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to develop a hierarchical structure and determine the ranks of various attributes, thereby providing decision‐makers with valuable insights and practical guidance. Content and bibliographic analyses, the entropy‐weighted method, the fuzzy Delphi method, exploratory factor analysis, fuzzy decision‐making trials, evaluation laboratories, and fuzzy analytic network processes are incorporated in this data‐driven approach. The findings of this research suggest that stakeholders must collaborate to improve eco‐innovation and technological performance with the goal of enhancing CSCMP. Decision‐makers must prioritize stakeholder engagement, risk and responsibility sharing, and collaboration within the circular supply chain. Additionally, service innovations and network innovations can enhance the circularity model.
Understanding the Role of Consumers for a Sustainable Future: Empirical Evidence From a Three‐Stage Hybrid Analysis Incorporating Bibliometrics, PLS‐SEM, and ANN
Authors: Armutcu Barış , Ramadani Veland , Tan Ahmet , Appolloni Andrea
Published: December 2024

This present study aims to provide ways to surmount the barriers to sustainable green consumption by identifying the main antecedents influencing consumers' green apparel purchasing intentions with Asian, Middle Eastern, and European consumption cultures. The study expands the TPB model (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) by adding the variables of altruism, openness to change, and receptivity to green communication within the framework of the value–attitude–behavior hierarchy (VABH). It makes significant contributions to the sector along with the relevant literature. In this regard, the green apparel literature was first reviewed using the bibliometrics (R and VOSviewer) method. Secondly, the data collected by the questionnaire method from 440 participants who were conscious of green apparel consumption were analyzed using the structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). Finally, the findings obtained from SEM were confirmed with the analysis method using the artificial neural network (PLS‐ANN). Moreover, within the framework of the VABH, attitude mediates the relationship between altruism and consumers' green apparel purchase intentions. The findings obtained from SEM revealed that the most determining factors in consumers' green apparel purchase intentions are behavioral control, altruism, attitude, and subjective norms, respectively. These findings are similar to and confirmed by the ANN analysis results.
Clinical Outcomes Following Optical Coherence Tomographic Versus Intravascular Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dodoo Sheriff N. , Ibrahim Sammudeen , Osman Abdul‐Fatawu , Balaji Nivedha , Salih Rayan , Kilaru Vikas , Ampadu Dennis K. , Dodoo Afia S. , Egolum Ugochukwu , Toleva Olga , Ghasemzadeh Nima , Ramadan Ronnie , Giugliano Gregory , Henry Glen , Ibebuogu Uzoma , Samady Habib
Published: December 2024

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) are adjunctive intracoronary imaging modalities used to optimize coronary stent implantation. However, the impact of OCT versus IVUS on clinical outcomes and periprocedural complications is unclear.

Aims

To perform a meta‐analysis of all vetted randomized controlled trials comparing OCT‐guided versus IVUS‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

We queried MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and clinicalTrials.gov databases from their commencement to February 2024 for all randomized controlled trials that compared OCT‐guided versus IVUS‐guided percutaneous coronary interventions. The primary endpoint was major adverse periprocedural events (MAPE), a composite of stent thrombosis (ST), distal embolization (DE), and distal edge dissection (DED) at 30 days. The secondary endpoints included ST, DE, DED, major adverse cardiac events (MACE)—(a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction TVMI], and target vessel revascularization [TVR]), all‐cause mortality, cardiac death, TVMI, TVR, and nonfatal stroke at 1 year. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was analyzed using a random‐effect model.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis, and 4446 patients were enrolled. OCT was associated with lower MAPE (OR: 0.65, CI: 0.47–0.91, p = 0.01) compared to IVUS. ST, DE, and DED were similar between OCT and IVUS at 30 days. There were no significant differences in MACE (OR: 0.86, CI: 0.64–1.16, p = 0.32), all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.83, CI: 0.42–1.66, p = 0.60), Cardiac death (OR:0.62, CI: 0.20–1.89, p = 0.40), TVMI (OR: 0.69, CI: 0.33–1.46, p = 0.33), TVR, (OR: 1.09, CI: 0.70–1.71, p = 0.70), and Nonfatal stroke (OR: 1.82, CI: 0.67–4.95, p = 0.24) 1 year following the index procedure.

Conclusion

Optical coherence tomographic‐guided PCI was associated with lower MAPE, defined as a composite of ST, DE, and DED, compared to IVUS‐guided PCI at 30 days of the index procedure. However, there was no difference in overall MACE, TVMI, TVR, and nonfatal stroke at 1 year.
Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Theories, Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Si Hanjie , Ma Jun , Xia Xiao , Wang Qingmei , Geng Shuo , Fu Lin
Published: December 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries have abundant sources of raw materials, uniform geographical distribution, and low cost, and it is considered an important substitute for lithium‐ion batteries. Thereinto, solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries have the advantages of low raw material cost, high safety, and high energy density, and it has shown great potential for application in the fields of mobile power, electric vehicles, and large‐scale energy storage systems. However, the commercial development and large‐scale application of solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries urgently need to address issues such as the low room‐temperature ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes, high interfacial charge transfer impedance, and poor compatibility and contact between the solid electrolytes and the electrodes. Herein, this paper systematically discusses the basic theories of solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries, including working principles and characteristics, electrode materials and components, and solid electrolytes. Then, focusing on solid electrolytes, the key scientific challenges faced by solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries were systematically discussed, and the application of interface modification in enhancing solid‐state electrolytes was reviewed. Finally, the future industrial development of solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries was prospected. This review helps to deepen the understanding of the interface scientific issues of solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries and provides theoretical guidance for its development and application. Furthermore, this review also provides the necessary engineering theoretical guidance to accelerate the large‐scale commercial application of solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries, which has significant scientific value and profound social significance.
Reductive Aromatization of 5,7,12,14‐Pentacenetetrone: Approach Towards Substituted Pentacenes?
Authors: Kleykamp Olaf A. , Sharikow Eugen , Stoy Andreas , Xie Xiulan , Lichtenberg Crispin , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: December 2024

Herein we report a convenient access to asymmetrically substituted, well soluble pentacene derivatives synthesized from commercially available 5,7,12,14‐pentacenetetrone via reductive one step functionalization. Zinc or potassium are used as reducing agents and the reduced intermediates are trapped with electrophiles such as acetyl, triisopropylsilyl or cationic methyl synthons. The reduction allows for an unsymmetric functionalization whilst one dione moiety is maintained due to partial reduction. The resulting dyes are characterized by UV/Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Their redox potentials are studied by cyclic voltammetry. The experimentally determined molecular frontier orbital energies are rationalized by density functional theory. The spatial molecular packing motive in the solid state is studied as a function of the substituent size by X‐ray crystallography. Attempts of reducing the second quinone moiety towards a functionalized pentacene led to an over‐reduced 6,13‐dihydropentacene derivative, which by means of an XRD structural analysis surprisingly displays a planar molecular conformation and unique optoelectronic properties.
Sulfonatocalix[4]arene‐Based Scavengers for V‐Type Nerve Agents with Enhanced Detoxification Activity
Authors: Gaß Patrick , Casalino Sebastiano , Worek Franz , Kubik Stefan
Published: December 2024

Synthetic small molecule scavengers that rapidly detoxify nerve agents in vivo allow (pre)treatment of nerve agent poisoning. However, scavengers that detoxify persistent V‐type nerve agents at pH 7.4 and 37 °C with sufficient efficiency are still unknown. The most promising compound to date is a monosubstituted sulfonatocalix[4]arene containing a hydroxamic acid group. This compound was used to investigate the effect of structural modifications on detoxification activity. While none of the monosubstituted calixarene derivatives considered in this context possessed higher activity than the parent compound, the disubstituted derivatives were very active, exhibiting half‐lives of detoxification under the conditions of an established in vitro assay of <1.5 min. The rate of detoxification decreased with decreasing scavenger concentration, but even at a fourfold molar excess of the scavenger, complete detoxification of 2.5 μM solutions of some nerve agents could be achieved within one hour. These disubstituted calixarene derivatives thus bring synthetic scavengers for V‐type nerve agents closer to application.
How the interaction between board gender diversity and ESG shapes dividend policy
Authors: Hampl Filip , Vágnerová Linnertová Dagmar
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the moderating role of ESG performance on the relationship between board gender diversity and dividend payout ratio in European listed non‐financial companies in 2014–2023. Additionally, it explores the threshold level of female directors required to influence dividend payouts and compares companies operating under Anglo‐Saxon (common law) and continental (civil law) systems. It employs two‐way fixed effects panel linear regression models on a balanced longitudinal dataset of 5230 firm‐year observations and system generalised method of moments (GMM‐SYS) GMM to address endogeneity concerns. The results suggest a negatively significant moderating role of ESG performance on the positive relationship between female board directors and companies' dividend payout ratios. Additionally, they provide evidence of a critical mass of female directors and emphasise the significance of regional variations stemming from governance norms and regulatory frameworks. The findings contribute to corporate practice and empirically enhance agency, signalling and critical mass theories.