bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stable and Self‐Healing Thermochromic Polymer Coating for All Weather Thermal Regulation
Authors: Liu Yuncong , Zhang Yucheng , Chen Tao , Jin Zhekai , Feng Wenwen , Li Mengxue , Chen Lili , Wang Chao
Published: September 2023

Energy‐free thermal regulation is in great demand nowadays. Thermochromic materials are widely explored and used in smart windows. However, most thermochromic materials have fixed transition temperature and still suffer from poor stability. To overcome this challenge, a thermochromic polymer coating based on ion–dipole interaction with switchable transition temperature, high stability toward several harsh environments, self‐healing, and radiative cooling property is developed. It can continuously tune from transparent to opaque according to the temperature change. The lower critical transition temperature can be tuned from 33 to 43 °C by simply adjusting the composition of ionic liquids. Owing to the fluorine polymer backbone and dynamic ion–dipole interactions, it can also keep stable in aquatic, −20 °C, and 70 °C environments and self‐heal upon damage thus prolonging its working life for real applications.
Impact of Intermolecular Interactions between Halogenated Volatile Solid Additives and the Nonfullerene Acceptor in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Chung Sein , Li Hongxiang , Zhao Zhenmin , Zhu Chaofeng , Yin Jun , Cho Kilwon , Kan Zhipeng
Published: September 2023

The halogenated volatile solid additives can delicately optimize the active layer morphology of organic solar cells, improving the devices' performance, stability, and reproducibility. However, what type of intermolecular interaction occurs between the solid additives and the active layer and whether the interaction truly impacts the donor or acceptor remains debatable. Herein, the focus is on halogenated volatile solid additives with conjugated benzene rings and their influence on the morphology of the active layer composed of PM6:Y6 as they evaporated. The absorbance spectra exhibit apparent red‐shift features in Y6 absorption regions, while the donor part is unaffected. The theoretical calculation results reveal that the additives can stay between two Y6 molecules and form halogen bonds, affecting the π–π aggregation properties of Y6. As a result, the crystalline features of the active layer are altered, leading to increased charge carrier mobilities, extended charge carrier diffusion lengths, reduced bimolecular charge recombination, and thus the device performance. Especially when 1,3,5‐tri bromobenzene is used, a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.9% is attained, among the best‐performed organic solar cells comprising PM6:Y6. The findings shed light on theoretical and experimental guidelines for designing and developing volatile solid additives for highly efficient nonfullerene organic solar cells.
Intercalation Pseudocapacitance in 2D VS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene Hybrids for All‐Climate and Long‐Cycle Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Zhenyun , Wu Yang , Hu Rui , Lu Jianguo , Chen Dongliang , Li Tongtong , Guo Yunna , Zhang Liqiang , Chen Hongwen , Ye Zhizhen , Zhang Chuanfang (John)
Published: September 2023

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides have great potential as anodes of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the restacking severely limits their accessible sites, leading to undesirable specific capacity, cycle stability, and working temperature range. Herein, a hierarchical 2D VS2/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid is designed via a simple liquid‐mixing method, where VS2 is confined in the conductive Ti3C2Tx matrix with chemical connections built between them. The in situ transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that the hybrid depends on a very fast and reversible intercalation/de‐intercalation process between VS2 and NaxVS2 (where x = 1) to store sodium. Theoretical calculations disclose that the Ti3C2Tx matrix remarkably enhances the charge transfer and alleviates the volume expansion of VS2 especially after Na+ is inserted. Consequently, such a rational design exhibits an intercalation pseudocapacitance‐dominant mechanism, with excellent specific capacity (522 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), rate capability (342 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), cycle life (116% after 3000 cycles), and also all‐climate workability (with high specific capacity and long‐term cycle stability even at 70 and −40 °C). This study may open up a new vision to design fast‐charging, long‐cycle, and all‐climate SIBs anodes based on the intercalation pseudocapacitance.
Tailoring the Functionality of Additives for Enhancing the Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yalan , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: September 2023

In a two‐step procedure for fabricating perovskite films, the PbI2 layer formed on the substrate is converted to perovskite by reacting PbI2 with organic iodide. Excess PbI2 left after forming perovskite composition, however, might have an ill effect on device stability and current–voltage hysteresis, although it positively affects efficiency improvement.  Additive engineering is reported here on to control the residual PbI2 in a two‐step procedure. A series of organic multi‐ammonium chloride derivatives are introduced into the PbI2 precursor solution for the first‐step coating, which results in an increase in the perovskite grain size. In addition, carrier lifetime is elongated due to the reduced trap density and the energetics are adjusted to facilitate the extraction of photogenerated carriers. The aminoguanidinium‐containing precursor leads to an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) as compared to the bare PbI2 precursor mainly due to the significantly enhanced open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Consequently, a PCE of 23.46% is achieved from the hysteresis‐less photovoltaic parameters and 93% of the initial PCE is maintained after aging for 1000 h in ambient conditions.
3D Volumetric Mechanosensation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Spheroids in a Linear Stiffness Gradient GelAGE
Authors: Vahala Danielle , Amos Sebastian E. , Sacchi Marta , Soliman Bram G. , Hepburn Matt S. , Mowla Alireza , Li Jiayue , Jeong Ji Hoon , Astell Chrissie , Hwang Yongsung , Kennedy Brendan F. , Lim Khoon S. , Choi Yu Suk
Published: September 2023

The tumor microenvironment presents spatiotemporal shifts in biomechanical properties with cancer progression. Hydrogel biomaterials like GelAGE offer the stiffness tuneability to recapitulate dynamic changes in tumor tissues by altering photo‐energy exposures. Here, a tuneable hydrogel with spatiotemporal control of stiffness and mesh‐network is developed. The volume of MCF7 spheroids encapsulated in a linear stiffness gradient demonstrates an inverse relationship with stiffness (p < 0.0001). As spheroids are exposed to increased crosslinking (stiffer) and greater mechanical confinement, spheroid stiffness increases. Protein expression (TRPV4, β1 integrin, E‐cadherin, and F‐actin) decreases with increasing stiffness while showing strong correlations to spheroid volume (r2 > 0.9). To further investigate the role of volume, MCF7 spheroids are grown in a soft matrix for 5 days prior to a second polymerisation which presents a stiffness gradient to equally expanded spheroids. Despite being exposed to variable stiffness, these spheroids show even protein expression, confirming volume as a key regulator. Overall, this work showcases the versatility of GelAGE and demonstrates volume expansion as a key regulator of 3D mechanosensation in MCF7 breast cancer spheroids. This platform has the potential to further investigation into the role of stiffness and dimensionality in 3D spheroid culture for other types of cancers and diseases.
Nonflammable Polyfluorides‐Anchored Quasi‐Solid Electrolytes for Ultra‐Safe Anode‐Free Lithium Pouch Cells without Thermal Runaway
Authors: Hu Anjun , Chen Wei , Li Fei , He Miao , Chen Dongjiang , Li Yaoyao , Zhu Jun , Yan Yichao , Long Jianping , Hu Yin , Lei Tianyu , Li Baihai , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie
Published: September 2023

The safe operation of rechargeable batteries is crucial because of numerous instances of fire and explosion mishaps. However, battery chemistry involving metallic lithium (Li) as the anode is prone to thermal runaway in flammable organic electrolytes under abusive conditions. Herein, an in situ encapsulation strategy is proposed to construct nonflammable quasi‐solid electrolytes through the radical polymerization of a hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) monomer and a pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA) crosslinker. The quasi‐solid system eliminates the inherent flammability of ether electrolytes with zero self‐extinguishing time owing to the gas‐phase radical capturing ability of HFBA. Additionally, the graphitized carbon layer generated during the decomposition of PETEA at high temperatures obstructs the heat and oxygen required for combustion. When coupled with Au‐modified reduced graphene oxide anodic current collectors and lithium sulfide cathodes, the assembled anode‐free Li‐metal cell based on the quasi‐solid electrolyte exhibits no signs of cell expansion or gas generation during cycling, and thermal runaway is eliminated under multiple mechanical, electrical, and thermal abuse scenarios and even rigorous strikes. This nonflammable quasi‐solid configuration with gas‐ and condensed‐phase flame‐retardant mechanisms can drive a technological leap in anode‐free Li‐metal pouch cells and secure the practical applications necessary to power this society in a safe manner.
Highly Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Self‐Assembled Colloidal Quantum Wells
Authors: Zhu Yunke , Deng Yunzhou , Bai Peng , Wu Xinan , Yao Yige , Liu Qinyun , Qiu Jingjing , Hu An , Tang Zhenyu , Yu Wenjin , Li Yaolong , Jiang Pengzuo , Liu Zhetong , Gao Peng , Hao Yanlei , Jin Wangxiao , Chen Desui , Zhu Xitong , Jin Yizheng , Gao Yunan
Published: September 2023

Nanocrystal‐based light‐emitting diodes (Nc‐LEDs) have immense potential for next‐generation high‐definition displays and lighting applications. They offer numerous advantages, such as low cost, high luminous efficiency, narrow emission, and long lifetime. However, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of Nc‐LEDs, typically employing isotropic nanocrystals, is limited by the out‐coupling factor. Here efficient, bright, and long lifetime red Nc‐LEDs based on anisotropic nanocrystals of colloidal quantum wells (CQWs) are demonstrated. Through modification of the substrate's surface properties and control of the interactions among CQWs, a self‐assembled layer with an exceptionally high distribution of in‐plane transitions dipole moment of 95%, resulting in an out‐coupling factor of 37% is successfully spin‐coated. The devices exhibit a remarkable peak EQE of 26.9%, accompanied by a maximum brightness of 55 754 cd m−2 and a long operational lifetime (T95@100 cd m−2) over 15 000 h. These achievements represent a significant advancement compared to previous studies on Nc‐LEDs incorporating anisotropic nanocrystals. The work is expected to provide a general self‐assembly strategy for enhancing the light extraction efficiency of Nc‐LEDs based on anisotropic nanocrystals.
In Situ Engineering of Inorganic‐Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphases via Anion Choice Enables Stable, Lithium Anodes
Authors: Weeks Jason A. , Burrow James N. , Diao Jiefeng , Paul‐Orecchio Austin G. , Srinivasan Hrishikesh S. , Vaidyula Rinish Reddy , Dolocan Andrei , Henkelman Graeme , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: September 2023

The discovery of liquid battery electrolytes that facilitate the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) to mitigate dendrite formation is imperative to enable lithium anodes in next‐generation energy‐dense batteries. Compared to traditional electrolyte solvents, tetrahydrofuran (THF)‐based electrolyte systems have demonstrated great success in enabling high‐stability lithium anodes by encouraging the decomposition of anions (instead of organic solvent) and thus generating inorganic‐rich SEIs. Herein, by employing a variety of different lithium salts (i.e., LiPF6, LiTFSI, LiFSI, and LiDFOB), it is demonstrated that electrolyte anions modulate the inorganic composition and resulting properties of the SEI. Through novel analytical time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry methods, such as hierarchical clustering of depth profiles and compositional analysis using integrated yields, the chemical composition and morphology of the SEIs generated from each electrolyte system are examined. Notably, the LiDFOB electrolyte provides an exceptionally stable system to enable lithium anodes, delivering >1500 cycles at a current density of 0.5 mAh g−1 and a capacity of 0.5 mAh g−1 in symmetrical cells. Furthermore, Li//LFP cells using this electrolyte demonstrate high‐rate, reversible lithium storage, supplying 139 mAh g(LFP)−1 at C/2 (≈0.991 mAh cm−2, @ 0.61 mA cm−2) with 87.5% capacity retention over 300 cycles (average Coulombic efficiency >99.86%).
A Dual‐Functional MXene‐Based Bioanode for Wearable Self‐Charging Biosupercapacitors
Authors: Guan Shoujie , Yang Yang , Wang Yuyang , Zhu Xun , Ye Dingding , Chen Rong , Liao Qiang
Published: September 2023

As a reliable energy‐supply platform for wearable electronics, biosupercapacitors combine the characteristics of biofuel cells and supercapacitors to harvest and store the energy from human's sweat. However, the bulky preparation process and deep embedding of enzyme active sites in bioelectrodes usually limit the energy‐harvesting process, retarding the practical power‐supply sceneries especially during the complicated in vivo motion. Herein, a MXene/single‐walled carbon nanotube/lactate oxidase hierarchical structure as the dual‐functional bioanode is designed, which can not only provide a superior 3D catalytic microenvironment for enzyme accommodation to harvest energy from sweat, but also offers sufficient capacitance to store energy via the electrical double‐layer capacitor. A wearable biosupercapacitor is fabricated in the “island–bridge” structure with a composite bioanode, active carbon/Pt cathode, polyacrylamide hydrogel substrate, and liquid metal conductor. The device exhibits an open‐circuit voltage of 0.48 V and the high power density of 220.9 µW cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2. The compact conformal adhesion with skin is successfully maintained under stretching/bending conditions. After repeatedly stretching the devices, there is no significant power attenuation in pulsed output. The unique bioelectrode structure and attractive energy harvesting/storing properties demonstrate the promising potential of this biosupercapacitor as a micro self‐powered platform of wearable electronics.
Highly Stable and Efficient Formamidinium‐Based 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells via Lattice Manipulation
Authors: Zeng Fang , Kong Weiyu , Liang Yuhang , Li Feng , Lvtao Yuze , Su Zhenhuang , Wang Tao , Peng Bingguo , Ye Longfang , Chen Zhenhua , Gao Xingyu , Huang Jun , Zheng Rongkun , Yang Xudong
Published: September 2023

Formamidinium (FA)‐based 2D perovskites have emerged as highly promising candidates in solar cells. However, the insertion of 2D spacer cations into the perovskite lattice concomitantly introduces microstrain and unfavorable orientations that hinder efficiency and stability. In this study, by finely tuning the FA‐based 2D perovskite lattice through spacer cation engineering, a stable lattice structure with balanced distortion, microstrain relaxation, and reduced carrier–lattice interactions is achieved. These advancements effectively stabilize the inherently soft lattice against light and thermal‐aging stress. To reduce the photocurrent loss induced by undesired crystal texture, a polarity‐matched molecular‐type selenourea (SENA) additive is further employed to modulate the crystallization kinetics. The introduction of the SENA significantly inhibits the disordered crystallization induced by spacer cations and drives the templated growth of the quantum well structure with a vertical orientation. This controlled crystallization process effectively reduces crystal defects and enhances charge separation. Ultimately, the optimized FA‐based perovskite photovoltaic devices achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.03% (certified steady‐state efficiency of 19.30%), setting a new record for low‐n 2D perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the devices exhibit less than 1% efficiency degradation after operating at maximum power point for 1000 h and maintain excellent stability after thermal aging and cycles of cold–warm shock, respectively.
The State‐of‐the‐Art Solution‐Processed Single Component Organic Photodetectors Achieved by Strong Quenching of Intermolecular Emissive State and High Quadrupole Moment in Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Park Song Yi , Labanti Chiara , Pacalaj Richard A. , Lee Tack Ho , Dong Yifan , Chin Yi‐Chun , Luke Joel , Ryu Gihan , Minami Daiki , Yun Sungyoung , Park Jeong‐Il , Fang Feifei , Park Kyung‐Bae , Durrant James R. , Kim Ji‐Seon
Published: September 2023

A bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) blend is commonly used as the photoactive layer in organic photodetectors (OPDs) to utilize the donor (D)/acceptor (A) interfacial energetic offset for exciton dissociation. However, this strategy often complicates optimization procedures, raising serious concerns over device processability, reproducibility, and stability. Herein, highly efficient OPDs fabricated with single‐component organic semiconductors are demonstrated via solution‐processing. The non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) with strong intrinsic D/A character are used as the photoactive layer, where the emissive intermolecular charge transfer excitonic (CTE) states are formed within <1 ps, and efficient photocurrent generation is achieved via strong quenching of these CTE states by reverse bias. Y6 and IT‐4F‐based OPDs show excellent OPD performances, low dark current density (≈10−9 A cm−2), high responsivity (≥0.15 A W−1), high specific detectivity (>1012 Jones), and fast photo‐response time (<10 µs), comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art BHJ OPDs. Together with strong CTE state quenching by electric field, these excellent OPD performances are also attributed to the high quadrupole moments of NFA molecules, which can lead to large interfacial energetic offset for efficient CTE dissociation. This work opens a new way to realize efficient OPDs using single‐component systems via solution‐processing and provides important molecular design rules.
Can We See SEI Directly by Naked Eyes?
Authors: Wang Mengshi , Liang Hongmei , Wang Chengyu , Wang Aiping , Song Youzhi , Wang Jianlong , Wang Bo , Wei Yen , He Xiangming , Yang Yang
Published: September 2023

Stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is the key to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, there are still many puzzles about SEI film that have not been well explained, due to the complexity of electrochemical reactions involving in SEI formation and the absence of direct observation methods for SEI. Here, this work realizes the direct observation of SEI by skillfully designed fluorescent tracers acting as an SEI film‐forming additive for electrolytes. These fluorescent tracers have three important moieties: an olefin group for polymerization on anode surface so as to participate in SEI film formation during charge/discharge cycles, a polar group for Li‐ion conduction, and an AIEgen for fluorescent tracing. Therefore, the tracers participate in SEI film‐forming and result in a shining SEI film. This shining SEI film with intrinsic fluorescence signal allows direct observation and quantification on the distribution, relative abundance, and macro morphology of SEI. These fluorescent tracers can also reveal the SEI formation growth destruction regularity during charge/discharge cycles. Several summarized typical macro morphologies and evolution stages of SEI will enrich knowledge and understanding of SEI and help to gain insight into the interaction between electrolyte and anode, electrochemical performance, and cycle life of batteries.
High‐Stroke, High‐Output‐Force, Fabric‐Lattice Artificial Muscles for Soft Robots
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Feng Miao , Gu Guoying
Published: September 2023

Artificial muscles, providing safe and close interaction between humans and machines, are essential in soft robotics. However, their insufficient deformation, output force, or configurability usually limits their applications. Herein, this work presents a class of lightweight fabric‐lattice artificial muscles (FAMs) that are pneumatically actuated with large contraction ratios (up to 87.5%) and considerable output forces (up to a load of 20 kg, force‐to‐weight ratio of over 250). The developed FAMs consist of a group of active air chambers that are zigzag connected into a lattice through passive connecting layers. The geometry of these fabric components is programmable to convert the in‐plane lattice of FAMs into out‐of‐plane configurations (e.g., arched and cylindrical) capable of linear/radial contraction. This work further demonstrates that FAMs can be configured for various soft robotic applications, including the powerful robotic elbow with large motion range and high load capability, the well‐fitting assistive shoulder exosuit that can reduce muscle activity during abduction, and the adaptive soft gripper that can grasp irregular objects. These results show the unique features and broad potential of FAMs for high‐performance soft robots.
A Wet‐Fusing Assembly Strategy for Forming Low Dark Current 2D/3D Perovskite X‐Ray Detector on a Thin Film Transistor Backplane
Authors: Liao Zebing , Qiu Liwen , Chen Tong , Qian Wei , Wang Ya , Yang Shihe , Sun Tian , Yang Guoshen , Srivastava Abhishek Kumar , Zhou Hang
Published: September 2023

Single‐crystalline metal halide perovskite, due to its large X‐ray attenuation coefficient, high carrier mobility, and facile fabrication properties, is considered as a promising candidate material for direct X‐ray detectors. Despite the rapid development of high‐sensitivity perovskite detectors, their practical application is still hindered by their high dark current levels and the lack of effective approach for assembling the perovskite photodetectors on thin‐film transistor (TFT) backplane. Herein, it is shown that, by using a supersaturated 2D perovskite precursor as a wet‐fusing intermedia, a high‐performance 2D/3D perovskite detector can be fabricated and simultaneously attached to the TFT backplane. The assembled 2D/3D heterostructure perovskite detector shows low dark current density, high sensitivity, and low dose detection limit. This work provides a viable route to realize a low‐dose, high‐resolution direct X‐ray image sensor based on perovskite photodetectors.
MXene‐Induced Flexible, Water‐Retention, Semi‐Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel for Ultra‐Stable Strain Sensors with Real‐Time Gesture Recognition
Authors: Zhao Lianjia , Xu Hao , Liu Lingchen , Zheng Yiqiang , Han Wei , Wang Lili
Published: September 2023

As water‐saturated polymer networks, hydrogels are a growing family of soft materials that have recently become promising candidates for flexible electronics application. However, it remains still difficult for hydrogel‐based strain sensors to achieve the organic unity of mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and water retention. To address this challenge, based on the template, the excellent properties of MXene nanoflakes (rich surface functional groups, high specific surface area, hydrophilicity, and conductivity) are fully utilized in this study to prepare the P(AA‐co‐AM)/MXene@PDADMAC semi‐interpenetrating network (semi‐IPN) hydrogel. The proposed hydrogel continues to exhibit excellent strain response and flexibility after 30 days of storage at room temperature, and its performance do not decrease after 1100 cycles. Considering these characteristics, a hydrogel‐based device for converting sign language into Chinese characters is successfully developed and optimized using machine learning. Therefore, this study provides novel insight and application directions for hydrogel families.
Retinomorphic Motion Detector Fabricated with Organic Infrared Semiconductors
Authors: Wu Shuo‐En , Zeng Longhui , Zhai Yichen , Shin Chanho , Eedugurala Naresh , Azoulay Jason D. , Ng Tse Nga
Published: September 2023

Organic retinomorphic sensors offer the advantage of in‐sensor processing to filter out redundant static backgrounds and are well suited for motion detection. To improve this promising structure, here, the key role of interfacial energetics in promoting charge accumulation to raise the inherent photoresponse of the light‐sensitive capacitor is studied. Specifically, incorporating appropriate interfacial layers around the photoactive layer is crucial to extend the carrier lifetime, as confirmed by intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy. Compared to its photodiode counterpart, the retinomorphic sensor shows better detectivity and response speed due to the additional insulating layer, which reduces the dark current and the RC time constant. Lastly, three retinomorphic sensors are integrated into a line array to demonstrate the detection of movement speed and direction, showing the potential of retinomorphic designs for efficient motion tracking.
A novel missense variant in ATP11C is associated with reduced red blood cell phosphatidylserine flippase activity and mild hereditary hemolytic anemia
Authors: van Dijk Myrthe J. , van Oirschot Brigitte A. , Harrison Alexander N. , Recktenwald Steffen M. , Qiao Min , Stommen Amaury , Cloos Anne‐Sophie , Vanderroost Juliette , Terrasi Romano , Dey Kuntal , Bos Jennifer , Rab Minke A. E. , Bogdanova Anna , Minetti Giampaolo , Muccioli Giulio G. , Tyteca Donatienne , Egée Stéphane , Kaestner Lars , Molday Robert S. , van Beers Eduard J. , van Wijk Richard
Published: September 2023

Adenosine Triphosphatase (ATPase) Phospholipid Transporting 11C gene (ATP11C) encodes the major phosphatidylserine (PS) flippase in human red blood cells (RBCs). Flippases actively transport phospholipids (e.g., PS) from the outer to the inner leaflet to establish and maintain phospholipid asymmetry of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. This asymmetry is crucial for survival since externalized PS triggers phagocytosis by splenic macrophages. Here we report on pathophysiological consequences of decreased flippase activity, prompted by a patient with hemolytic anemia and hemizygosity for a novel c.2365C > T p.(Leu789Phe) missense variant in ATP11C. ATP11C protein expression was strongly reduced by 58% in patient‐derived RBC ghosts. Furthermore, functional characterization showed only 26% PS flippase activity. These results were confirmed by recombinant mutant ATP11C protein expression in HEK293T cells, which was decreased to 27% compared to wild type, whereas PS‐stimulated ATPase activity was decreased by 57%. Patient RBCs showed a mild increase in PS surface exposure when compared to control RBCs, which further increased in the most dense RBCs after RBC storage stress. The increase in PS was not due to higher global membrane content of PS or other phospholipids. In contrast, membrane lipid lateral distribution showed increased abundance of cholesterol‐enriched domains in RBC low curvature areas. Finally, more dense RBCs and subtle changes in RBC morphology under flow hint toward alterations in flow behavior of ATP11C‐deficient RBCs. Altogether, ATP11C deficiency is the likely cause of hemolytic anemia in our patient, thereby underlining the physiological role and relevance of this flippase in human RBCs.
Primate archaeology 3.0
Authors: Pascual‐Garrido Alejandra , Carvalho Susana , Almeida‐Warren Katarina
Published: September 2023

The new field of primate archaeology investigates the technological behavior and material record of nonhuman primates, providing valuable comparative data on our understanding of human technological evolution. Yet, paralleling hominin archaeology, the field is largely biased toward the analysis of lithic artifacts. While valuable comparative data have been gained through an examination of extant nonhuman primate tool use and its archaeological record, focusing on this one single aspect provides limited insights. It is therefore necessary to explore to what extent other non‐technological activities, such as non‐tool aided feeding, traveling, social behaviors or ritual displays, leave traces that could be detected in the archaeological record. Here we propose four new areas of investigation which we believe have been largely overlooked by primate archaeology and that are crucial to uncovering the full archaeological potential of the primate behavioral repertoire, including that of our own: (1) Plant technology; (2) Archaeology beyond technology; (3) Landscape archaeology; and (4) Primate cultural heritage. We discuss each theme in the context of the latest developments and challenges, as well as propose future directions. Developing a more “inclusive” primate archaeology will not only benefit the study of primate evolution in its own right but will aid conservation efforts by increasing our understanding of changes in primate‐environment interactions over time.
Atomically Resolved Interfacial Analysis of Bone‐Like Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles on Titanium
Authors: Eriksson Gustav , Hulander Mats , Thuvander Mattias , Andersson Martin
Published: September 2023

Titanium is commonly used for medical devices, including osseointegrating implants, owing to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Nanostructuring titanium implants is known to enhance the healing process by promoting bone growth on the implant surface. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, resembling natural bone mineral, have been used to further improve osseointegration. While previous studies have investigated the osseointegration of titanium implants using atom probe tomography, limited research has focused on the attachment of synthetic hydroxyapatite to titanium. Herein, electron microscopy and atom probe tomography are used to reveal the assembly of synthetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in the titanium oxide surface. By sputter coating with chromium, a suitable matrix is formed for detailed interfacial analysis. The results demonstrate the diffusion of calcium, phosphorus, and carbon from hydroxyapatite nanoparticles into the titanium oxide surface.
An Anion‐Switchable Dual‐Function Rotaxane Catalyst
Authors: Tseng I‐Cheng , Zhang Min‐Xuan , Kang Shih‐Lun , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: September 2023

In situ switching of the associated anions of a rotaxane catalyst between Cl− and TFPB− exposes its dialkylammonium and imidazolium stations, respectively, thereby selectively catalyzing the reactions of a mixture of trans‐cinnamaldehyde and an aliphatic thiol to yield the Michael adduct and the thioacetal product, respectively.
Preparation of gallic acid functionalized polyvinyl alcohol/β‐cyclodextrin‐silver nanoparticles cast film as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent
Authors: Narayanan Vimalasruthi , Govindasamy Chandramohan , Shanmugasundram Esakkimuthu , Ganesan Vigneshkumar , Rajamohan Rajaram , Thambusamy Stalin
Published: September 2023

In recent studies, researchers have been dedicated to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that can be adjusted in size, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this study, AgNPs with well‐defined and stable characteristics are successfully functionalized with Gallic acid (GA) within a polymer matrix consisting of polyvinyl alcohol/β‐cyclodextrin polymeric biofilms (BFs) using a casting approach. To evaluate the particle size, functional groups, and crystallinity of the AgNPs, various techniques including UV, FT‐IR, TEM, and XRD are employed. The prepared BF films (BFs) are comprehensively analyzed for mechanical strength, color ratio, swelling ratio, surface morphology, elemental ratio, thermal behavior, and water wettability using stress–strain analysis, spectrophotometer color lab, SEM, EDAX, TGA, and contact angle techniques. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of the BFs are also investigated, along with their antioxidant activity assessed through the DPPH radical assay. The multifunctional BFs exhibited promising potential as antimicrobial agents for food preservation.
Melt extruded polylactic acid (PLA)/algae bio‐composites: Effect of grafting level and filler loading on thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Letwaba John , Makwakwa Dimakatso , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Motloung Mpho , Moropeng Lucey
Published: September 2023

In this study, the combined effect of algae loading and in‐house produced coupling agent on thermal and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) prepared by melt compounding were investigated. The PLA‐grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) (PLA‐g‐MA) was used as a coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between PLA and algae. The extent of grafting level was confirmed with FTIR and direct titration method. The results demonstrated the dependence of thermal stability and tensile properties on the grafting level of MA, and also on the concentrations of algae. Thus, it could be deduced that combination of algae at low concentrations (5 and 10 wt%) and PLA‐g‐MA with high grafting level can significantly improve the thermal stability of PLA. High grafting level of MA, showed increase in thermal stability of PLA. On the other hand, at high grafting level, there was an improvement in tensile modulus of PLA. The morphological analysis indicated better adhesion between algae and PLA, in composites containing PLA‐g‐MA with high grafting level. Overall, PLA/algae composites with improved interfacial adhesion and thermal stability were successfully prepared, in the presence of PLA‐g‐MA with high grafting level.
Water‐soluble hyperbranched polymer with high curcumin content
Authors: Nakayama Yusuke , Ito Yutaro , Fukaminato Tsuyoshi , Xu Wei , Niidome Takuro , Kurihara Seiji , Kim Sunnam
Published: September 2023

Curcumin is one of the promising anticancer drugs but has the problems of poor water solubility and rapid degradation in aqueous solution. In this study, a hyperbranched curcumin polymer having many carboxylic end groups is synthesized. The polymer is highly water‐soluble and contains a high amount of curcumins. Remarkable improvement of stability toward degradation and aggregation in aqueous solution is achieved. Its cellular uptake and cytotoxicity are also confirmed.
Reproduction of the endangered fan mussel Pinna nobilis under natural and captivity conditions
Authors: Hernandis Sebastián , Prado Patricia , García‐March Jose Rafael , Gairin Ignasi , Vázquez‐Luis Maite , Tena‐Medialdea José
Published: September 2023

A mass mortality event that started in 2016 has put the fan mussel Pinna nobilis close to the brink of extinction, leading to the species being classified as Critically Endangered in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Under current circumstances, with the persistence of the disease caused by Haplosporidium pinnae in the open sea, isolated populations in coastal lagoons and estuarine bays appear to be the main chance for the survival of the species.

The low resilience of those populations highlights the importance of implementing additional measures to avoid the extinction of the fan mussel. One of these measures relies on completing its reproductive cycle in captivity. The reproductive window of the remaining fan mussel population in Alfacs Bay was explored to obtain gametes and to understand possible limitations in the reproductive activity in wild populations. For this purpose, during the reproductive season, several groups of individuals were relocated for short periods (~2 weeks) into the vivarium to obtain gametes under controlled conditions. Simultaneously, controlled temperature treatments and adapted food dosage for conditioning adult fan mussels out of their reproductive season in the wild were conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system.

The reproduction of natural populations was mostly restricted to May, featuring temperatures around 20°C. A low success of spawning was obtained in the vivarium, with a 0% success in 11 out of 20 of the trials (six to nine individuals each) and an overall success of 16% (25 out of 156 individuals). A 100% success (14 out of 14) was obtained with individuals conditioned for ~2 months in the recirculating aquaculture system. A second conditioning of six of those individuals was attempted after a ~3‐month period, with a 33.3% success of spawning.
Constructing and enacting language teacher identities: Distinctive pathways and divergent practices
Authors: Taşdemir Hanife , Seferoğlu Gölge
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to explore how English language teachers construct and enact their teacher identities. The data was collected through semi‐structured interviews with four in‐service English language teachers at Turkish public schools. The findings revealed certain identity stabilizers: the fascination with subject and the job, caring for students and the relationships with students and former teachers. Although the teachers took two distinctive pathways—the meant to be route and the higher education route—the job experiences of those taking the same route to teaching were quite different. Varying levels of exersion of teacher agency to attain alignment between imagined and actual identities and rare opportunities for legitimate participation and job socialization were effective in the actualization of personal and professional values distinctively. The findings enhance our understanding of how teacher identity is contextually and relationally constructed and offer implications for teacher education and sustainable identity‐oriented professional learning.
Estimating causal effects in observational studies for survival data with a cure fraction using propensity score adjustment
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Wang Chenguang , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2023

In observational studies, covariates are often confounding factors for treatment assignment. Such covariates need to be adjusted to estimate the causal treatment effect. For observational studies with survival outcomes, it is usually more challenging to adjust for the confounding covariates for causal effect estimation because of censoring. The challenge becomes even thornier when there exists a nonignorable cure fraction in the population. In this paper, we propose a causal effect estimation approach in observational studies for survival data with a cure fraction. We extend the absolute treatment effects on survival outcomes—including the restricted average causal effect and SPCE—to survival outcomes with cure fractions, and construct the corresponding causal effect estimators based on propensity score stratification. We prove the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and conduct simulation studies to evaluate their performances. As an illustration, the method is applied to a stomach cancer study.
Blockchain technology enabled critical success factors for supply chain resilience and sustainability
Authors: Pandey Ajay Kumar , Daultani Yash , Pratap Saurabh
Published: September 2023

Increasing complexity and the involvement of additional stakeholders make it impossible to predict the impact of each decision, which puts supply chain managers in uncertain situations. However, a supply chain that can adapt and react to the current scenario gives them some control over these ambiguous circumstances. These characteristics of sensing disturbances or threats and giving appropriate responses can be improved with the implementation of blockchain‐enabled technologies and can prove critical to the success of supply chain resilience and sustainability. This study has identified 21 blockchain technology‐enabled critical success factors for supply chain resilience and sustainability and grey theory is used to address the limitation of data availability. This study incorporates the combination of the Grey‐DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method to investigate the impact of critical success factors and to obtain the cause/effect relationship. Sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the robustness of obtained results. The findings indicate that internal integration is the most crucial causal factor, as it initiates the effects of many other critical success factors. Whereas Standardized Data Management, followed by Smart Ordering tops the effect group. As blockchain technology is still in its early stages of development, this study will encourage researchers and industry practitioners to strive for greater efficiency and effectiveness in their supply chain practices and to enhance the resilience and sustainability of their supply chains.
Psychological ownership rather than material consumption: Can fashion firms' new subscription services become an environmentally sustainable business strategy?
Authors: Kang Jiyun , Bissenbina Assemgul , Faria Amy A. , Jang Jisu
Published: September 2023

Fashion, acknowledged as among the most polluting industries, is responsible for excessive production and consumption, necessitating a reevaluation and transformation of current strategies by adopting more sustainable ones. The emergence of fashion subscription services (FSSs) has the potential to mitigate the industry's unsustainability. However, it is empirically unknown whether FSSs contribute to sustainable consumption and, if so, how their slow adoption can be addressed. This research: (a) examined whether consumers who already use FSSs are more engaged in pro‐environmental behaviors (Study 1), and (b) developed and tested an adoption model with a strong underscore on the mediating role of psychological ownership (Study 2). The results revealed that those who subscribe to such services display sustainable consumption behaviors, and psychological ownership acted as a critical mediator facilitating service adoption intentions. This research offers empirical evidence to support the theoretical premise of the service's positive impact on environmental sustainability and a strategic direction to accelerate its market penetration.
Transcription factor ETV4 promotes the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by driving hepatic TNF‐α signaling
Authors: Qi Dandan , Lu Min , Xu Pengfei , Yao Xinli , Chen Yongchen , Gan Lipeng , Li Yong , Cui Yahua , Tong Xiaomei , Liu Shuhong , Zhao Jingmin , Liu Ningning , Ye Xin
Published: September 2023

Background

Hepatic inflammation is the major risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism by which hepatic inflammation progresses to HCC is poorly understood. This study was designed to investigate the role of ETS translocation variant 4 (ETV4) in linking hepatic inflammation to HCC.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR and immunoblotting were used to detect the expression of ETV4 in HCC tissues and cell lines. RNA sequencing and luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify the target genes of ETV4. Hepatocyte‐specific ETV4‐knockout (ETV4fl/fl, alb‐cre) and transgenic (ETV4Hep‐TG) mice and diethylnitrosamine‐carbon tetrachloride (DEN‐CCL4) treatment experiments were applied to investigate the function of ETV4 in vivo. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database mining and pathological analysis were carried out to determine the correlation of ETV4 with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 11 (MAPK11).

Results

We revealed that ETV4 was highly expressed in HCC. High levels of ETV4 predicted a poor survival rate of HCC patients. Then we identified ETV4 as a transcription activator of TNF‐α and MAPK11. ETV4 was positively correlated with TNF‐α and MAPK11 in HCC patients. As expected, an increase in hepatic TNF‐α secretion and macrophage accumulation were observed in the livers of ETV4Hep‐TG mice. The protein levels of TNF‐α, MAPK11, and CD68 were significantly higher in the livers of ETV4Hep‐TG mice compared with wild type mice but lower in ETV4fl/fl, alb‐cre mice compared with ETV4fl/fl mice as treated with DEN‐CCL4, indicating that ETV4 functioned as a driver of TNF‐α/MAPK11 expression and macrophage accumulation during hepatic inflammation. Hepatocyte‐specific knockout of ETV4 significantly prevented development of DEN‐CCL4‐induced HCC, while transgenic expression of ETV4 promoted growth of HCC.

Conclusions

ETV4 promoted hepatic inflammation and HCC by activating transcription of TNF‐α and MAPK11. Both the ETV4/TNF‐α and ETV4/MAPK11 axes represented two potential therapeutic targets for highly associated hepatic inflammation and HCC. ETV4+TNF‐α were potential prognostic markers for HCC patients.
Disproportionation of H2O2 to Dioxygen on a Nonheme Iron Center. A Computational Study
Authors: Wong Henrik P. H. , Banse Frédéric , de Visser Sam P.
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile reductant that under the right conditions can react to form dioxygen in an electrochemical reaction. This reaction has a low carbon footprint and applications are being sought for batteries. In this work a computational study is presented on a recently reported nonheme iron(II) complex where we study mechanistic pathways leading to dioxygen formation from H2O2. The work shows that upon reduction of the iron(III)‐hydroperoxo species it rapidly leads through heterolytic cleavage of the dioxygen bond to form iron(IV)‐oxo(hydroxo). The dimerization reaction of two iron(IV)‐oxo(hydroxo) complexes then leads to formation of the dioxygen bond rapidly with small barriers. Dissociation of the dimer expels dioxygen in an exothermic reaction. An alternative mechanism through the formation of a μ‐1,2‐peroxo‐μ‐1,1‐hydroperoxodiiron(II) intermediate was also tested but found to be highly endergonic. These studies highlight the electrochemical feasibilities of nonheme iron(III)‐hydroperoxo complexes.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Graphene Oxide: Unveiling Structural Properties and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pineda Eduart , Subrati Ahmed , Rodríguez‐Presa María José , Gervasi Claudio A. , Moya Sergio E.
Published: September 2023

An electrochemical exfoliation method for the production of graphene oxide and its characterization by electrochemical techniques are presented here. Graphite rods are used as working electrode in a three‐electrode electrochemical cell, and electro‐exfoliation is achieved by applying anodic polarization in a sulfuric acid solution. The electrochemical process involved two steps characterized by an intercalation at lower potential and an exfoliation at higher potential. The electrochemical behavior of the produced GO is studied through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). X ray Photoelectronic Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) are employed to characterize the structural and chemical properties of the exfoliated GO. The results demonstrate that the electrochemical exfoliation method yields GO materials with varying degrees of oxidation, defect density, and crystallite size, depending on the applied potential and acid concentration. The graphene oxide samples exhibited distinct electrochemical properties, including charge transfer resistance, interfacial capacitance, and relaxation times for the charge transfer, as revealed by CV and EIS measurements with a specifically selected redox probe. The comprehensive characterization performed provides valuable insights into the structure‐property relationships of the GO materials synthesized through electrochemical exfoliation of graphite.