bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Gray‐Scale Surface Patterning Through Spatiotemporal‐Interference‐Based Femtosecond Laser Shaping
Authors: Li Bohong , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Lin Zemeng , Huang Lingling , Wang Andong , Han Weina , Wang Zhi , Lu Yongfeng
Published: October 2018

The function of a laser‐shaped material depends on the geometrical morphology of its laser‐induced surface structures, which is mainly determined by the spatial intensity distribution of the laser. However, conventional patterning methods based on laser shaping techniques have shortcomings in efficiency or flexibility. A novel patterning method is developed in the present study for mask‐free and flexible fabrication of surface structures through a time‐saving spatiotemporal‐interference‐based femtosecond laser shaping technique that is based on a Michelson interferometer. The phase‐difference distribution is controlled by a spatial light modulator so that the interference intensity distribution can be modulated to user‐designed shapes. The congruence between the interference intensity distribution and the geometries on phase holograms enables the generation of phase holograms without complicated algorithms and time‐consuming calculations. This uniquely simple technique realizes flexible gray‐scale patterning on bulk material surfaces with a single femtosecond laser pulse. Thus, by using the on‐the‐fly technique, fabrication of large‐area surface structures is realized. Moreover, this technique is applied to fabricate complex structures through splicing. As an application example, three types of terahertz filters, including band‐stop and band‐pass filters, are fabricated successfully; their transmittance is in good agreement with the finite‐difference time‐domain simulation results.
Incorporating Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence into Mechanochromic Luminescent Emitters: High‐Performance Solution‐Processed Yellow Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zeng Xuan , Zhou Tao , Liu Jiangle , Wu Kailong , Li Shuqi , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Yu , Gong Shaolong , Xie Guohua , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2018

Multifunctional materials with stimuli‐responsive features are demonstrated to be promising smart materials. In this work, three multifunctional materials, namely 5TzPmPXZ, 7TzPmPXZ, and 5,7TzPmPXZ, are constructed by integrating phenoxazine with electron‐acceptor core [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (TzPm). Intriguingly, these materials exhibit not only thermally activated delayed fluorescence but also multicolor luminescence switching which is caused by the phase transitions between microcrystalline and amorphous states upon external stimuli. Moreover, the solution‐processed organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated with these materials furnish a high external quantum efficiency up to 14.3% and the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.43, 0.53), which represents the state‐of‐the‐art performance for solution‐processed yellow OLEDs.
Highly Focused Library‐Based Engineering of Candida antarctica Lipase B with (S)‐Selectivity Towards sec‐Alcohols
Authors: Cen Yixin , Li Danyang , Xu Jian , Wu Qiongsi , Wu Qi , Lin Xianfu
Published: October 2018

Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) is one of the most extensively used biocatalysts in both academia and industry and exhibits remarkable (R)‐enantioselectivity for various chiral sec‐alcohols. Considering the significance of tailor‐made stereoselectivity in organic synthesis, a discovery of enantiocomplementary lipase mutants with high (R)‐ and (S)‐selectivity is valuable and highly desired. Herein, we report a highly efficient directed evolution strategy, using only 4 representative amino acids, namely, alanine (A), leucine (L), lysine (K), tryptophan (W) at each mutated site to create an extremely small library of CALB variants requiring notably less screening. The obtained best mutant with three mutations W104V/A281L/A282K displayed highly reversed (S)‐selectivity towards a series of sec‐alcohol with E values up to 115 (conv. 50%, ee 94%). Compared with the previously reported (S)‐selective CALB variant, W104A, a single mutation provided less selectivity, while the synergistic effects of three mutations in the best variant endow better (S)‐selectivity and a broader substrate scope than the W104A variant. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulation unveiled the source of reversed enantioselectivity.

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Enantioselective and Diastereodivergent Access to α‐Substituted α‐Amino Acids via Dual Iridium and Copper Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Jiacheng , Huo Xiaohong , Li Bowen , Chen Zhouli , Zou Yashi , Sun Zhenliang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: October 2018

The work reported within this paper describes an example of the application of bimetallic catalysts system in allylic substitution reactions. The development of new nucleophiles and the control of enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity are the main research topics in this area. An improvement in the reactivity and diastereoselectivity has been realized for the dual Ir/Cu catalyzed allylic alkylation of inactive prochiral nucleophiles, under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the choice of the metallacyclic iridium complex and chiral Cu‐Phox complex combination allows for access to all four stereoisomers from the same starting materials with excellent enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity (up to >99% ee and >20:1 dr). Significantly, this method provides a stereodivergent access to 2‐amino‐3‐methylpent‐4‐acid ester, an important fragment for the synthesis of Halipeptin A.

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Precursor Self‐Assembly Identified as a General Pathway for Colloidal Semiconductor Magic‐Size Clusters
Authors: Wang Linxi , Hui Juan , Tang Junbin , Rowell Nelson , Zhang Baowei , Zhu Tingting , Zhang Meng , Hao Xiaoyu , Fan Hongsong , Zeng Jianrong , Han Shuo , Yu Kui
Published: October 2018

Little is known about the formation pathway of colloidal semiconductor magic‐size clusters (MSCs). Here, the synthesis of the first single‐ensemble ZnSe MSCs, which exhibit a sharp optical absorption singlet peaking at 299 nm, is reported; their formation is independent of Zn and Se precursors used. It is proposed that the formation of MSCs starts with precursor self‐assembly followed by Zn and Se covalent bond formation to result in immediate precursors (IPs) which can transform into the MSCs. It is demonstrated that the IPs in cyclohexane appear transparent in optical absorption, and become visible as MSCs exhibiting one sharp optical absorption peak when a primary amine is added at room temperature. It is shown that when the preparation of the IP is controlled to be within the induction period, which occurs prior to nucleation and growth of conventional quantum dots (QDs), the resulting MSCs can be produced without the complication of the simultaneous coproduction of conventional QDs. The present study reveals the existence of precursor self‐assembly which leads to the formation of colloidal semiconductor MSCs and provides insights into a multistep nucleation process in cluster science.
3D Nanofabrication of SiOC Ceramic Structures
Authors: Brigo Laura , Schmidt Johanna Eva Maria , Gandin Alessandro , Michieli Niccolò , Colombo Paolo , Brusatin Giovanna
Published: October 2018

Shaping ceramic materials at the nanoscale in 3D is a phenomenal engineering challenge, that can offer new opportunities in a number of industrial applications, including metamaterials, nano‐electromechanical systems, photonic crystals, and damage‐tolerant lightweight materials. 3D fabrication of sub‐micrometer ceramic structures can be performed by two‐photon laser writing of a preceramic polymer. However, polymer conversion to a fully ceramic material has proven so far unfeasible, due to lack of suitable precursors, printing complexity, and high shrinkage during ceramic conversion. Here, it is shown that this goal can be achieved through an appropriate engineering of both the material and the printing process, enabling the fabrication of preceramic 3D shapes and their transformation into dense and crack‐free SiOC ceramic components with highly complex, 3D sub‐micrometer architectures. This method allows for the manufacturing of components with any 3D specific geometry with fine details down to 450 nm, rapidly printing structures up to 100 µm in height that can be converted into ceramic objects possessing sub‐micrometer features, offering unprecedented opportunities in different application fields.
Ultralight Layer‐by‐Layer Self‐Assembled MoS2‐Polymer Modified Separator for Simultaneously Trapping Polysulfides and Suppressing Lithium Dendrites
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Zeng Hongxia , Li Xiongwei , Xiang Xiao , Liao Yonggui , Xue Zhigang , Ye Yunsheng , Xie Xiaolin
Published: October 2018

Polysulfide shuttling and uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth have hampered the application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Although various materials have been utilized to overcome these obstacles, simple and scalable methods are still needed for Li–S battery commercialization. It is shown for the first time that the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly of 2D nanomaterials can be used to controllably fabricate multifunctional separators that simultaneously trap polysulfides and suppress lithium dendrite growth. The double‐sided “nanobrick wall” structure, constructed by MoS2/poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) hybrid in conjunction with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), provides a physical shield against polysulfides and the chemical adsorption of such species by MoS2 and PAA. At the same time, the robust and Li‐ion conducting MoS2 layers strengthen the separator and regulate Li deposition, thereby effectively suppressing Li dendrite formation. As a result, a simple sulfur cathode battery with an ultralight separator coating (0.10 mg cm−2) is able to achieve an outstanding cycle stability with a capacity decay as low as 0.029% per cycle over 2000 cycles and a reversible areal capacity ≈2.0 mAh cm−2 at 1 C. The proposed LbL approach opens the door to the simple, scalable, and economic fabrication of advanced functional separators for use in the real world.
Architecture of the femoral and tibial diaphyses in relation to body mass and composition: Research from whole‐body CT scans of adult humans
Authors: Lacoste Jeanson Alizé , Santos Frédéric , Villa Chiara , Banner Jytte , Brůžek Jaroslav
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Recent investigations have evaluated the influence of body composition on long bones in order to overcome the limits of body mass (BM) estimation methods and eventually lead to studying nutrition in past populations. Knowing how fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) impact the skeleton would also enhance the understanding of mobility, activity, and locomotion derived from bone architecture. We investigated the relationship between BM and composition, and the architecture of the entire tibial and femoral diaphyses in an adult sample representative of a wide range of variation in age, BM, and composition.

Materials and methods

Body composition was measured directly from 78 whole‐body CT scans for which the age, sex, BM, and stature were recorded. The entire diaphyseal thickness, volume, curvature, and cross‐sectional geometry parameters of both the femur and tibia were numerically extracted.

Results

FM correlates with large portions of the femoral thickness in females only. FFM correlates with the femoral diaphysis in males but not in females. FFM correlates with the tibia architecture in both sexes, while FM is correlated in males exclusively.

Discussion

BM and body components influence the architecture of the diaphysis of lower limb long bones in sex‐specific patterns that are mostly reflected in their thickness and can be recorded, in some cases, for their strength, rigidity, and volume. Our results suggest that (1) long bone diaphyses should be thoroughly studied, as a whole, when possible; and (2) BM and body components should be accounted for when deriving activity, mobility, or locomotion patterns from cortical bone.
Diphosphahexaarenes as Highly Fluorescent and Stable Materials
Authors: Hindenberg Philip , Busch Marvin , Paul Alexander , Bernhardt Moritz , Gemessy Patrick , Rominger Frank , Romero‐Nieto Carlos
Published: October 2018

Oligoarenes are regarded as subunits of π‐extended carbon nanoforms, such as graphene and nanotubes, with exceptional technological importance. Fused arenes can thus provide fundamental insight into the nature of the electronic properties of fused polyaromatic rings and pave the way for the design of extended graphene‐like materials. However, large π‐extended arenes often show low stability. Herein we report the straightforward preparation of linearly fused diphosphahexaarenes containing two six‐membered phosphorus heterocycles. They are highly stable towards air, water, and light over months in both solution and the solid state. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography confirmed the molecular structure of all derivatives. Investigations of their optoelectronic properties revealed that the diphosphahexaarenes exhibit ambipolar redox behavior and high fluorescence quantum yields. Embedding six‐membered phosphorus rings into large acenes thus opens up new opportunities for the investigation of polyaromatic systems.
Dexamethasone Reduces the Foreign Body Reaction to Intraneural Electrode Implants in the Peripheral Nerve of the Rat
Authors: De la Oliva Natàlia , Navarro Xavier , del Valle Jaume
Published: October 2018

Intraneural electrodes must be in intimate contact with nerve fibers to have a proper function, but this interface is compromised due to the foreign body reaction (FBR). The FBR is characterized by a first inflammatory phase followed by a second anti‐inflammatory and fibrotic phase, which results in the formation of a tissue capsule around the implant, causing physical separation between the active sites of the electrode and the nerve fibers. We have tested systemically several anti‐inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone (subcutaneous), ibuprofen and maraviroc (oral) to reduce macrophage activation, as well as clodronate liposomes (intraperitoneal) to reduce monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and sildenafil (oral) as an antifibrotic drug to reduce collagen deposition in an FBR model with longitudinal Parylene C intraneural implants in the rat sciatic nerve. Treatment with dexamethasone, ibuprofen, or clodronate significantly reduced the inflammatory reaction in the nerve in comparison to the saline group after 2 weeks of the implant, whereas sildenafil and maraviroc had no effect on infiltration of macrophages in the nerve. However, only dexamethasone was able to significantly reduce the matrix deposition around the implant. Similar positive results were obtained with dexamethasone in the case of polyimide‐based intraneural implants, another polymer substrate for the electrode. These results indicate that inflammation triggers the FBR in peripheral nerves, and that anti‐inflammatory treatment with dexamethasone may have beneficial effects on lengthening intraneural interface functionality. Anat Rec, 301:1722–1733, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning while playing: Children's Forest School experiences in the UK
Authors: Coates Janine K. , Pimlott‐Wilson Helena
Published: October 2018

Children's outdoor play is declining, despite clear links between play, learning and development. Alternative learning initiatives which provide children with a diversity of play opportunities, including the chance to play outdoors, are therefore needed. One such programme, Forest School, is increasing in popularity in the UK and internationally, yet little is understood about its impact on children's learning, or how alternative approaches are informing learning in mainstream settings. This novel study examined primary school children's experiences of engaging in a Forest School programme in relation to this intersection between formal and informal approaches to learning. It explored how children interpret their experiences when faced with a fusion of learning environments and critically evaluates the benefits children realise, when asked to reflect on their learning engagement in both classroom and outdoor settings.

Interviews were conducted with 33 children from two mainstream primary schools in England who had recently completed a 6‐week Forest School programme. A rigorous phenomenological thematic analysis revealed three inter‐related themes: a break from routine; learning through play; collaboration and teamwork. The findings suggest that the blending of Forest School with mainstream settings contributes to children's social, cognitive, emotional and physical skill development through experiential learning using play. These findings are significant because they not only emphasise the values of social constructivist play‐pedagogy which underpin Forest School practice, but also highlight the need for primary schools to consider learning outside of the classroom as an effective pedagogy.
Uptake and function of membrane‐destabilizing cationic nanogels for intracellular drug delivery
Authors: Liechty William B. , Scheuerle Rebekah L. , Vela Ramirez Julia E. , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: October 2018

The design of intracellular drug delivery vehicles demands an in‐depth understanding of their internalization and function upon entering the cell to tailor the physicochemical characteristics of these platforms and achieve efficacious treatments. Polymeric cationic systems have been broadly accepted to be membrane disruptive thus being beneficial for drug delivery inside the cell. However, if excessive destabilization takes place, it can lead to adverse effects. One of the strategies used to modulate the cationic charge is the incorporation of hydrophobic moieties, thus increasing the hydrophobic content. We have demonstrated the successful synthesis of nanogels based on diethylaminoethyl methacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. Addition of the hydrophobic monomers tert‐butyl methacrylate or 2‐(tert‐butylamino)ethyl methacrylate shows improved polymer hydrophobicity and modulation of the critical swelling pH. Here, we evaluate the cytocompatibility, uptake, and function of these membrane‐destabilizing cationic methacrylated nanogels using in vitro models. The obtained results suggest that the incorporation of hydrophobic monomers decreases the cytotoxicity of the nanogels to epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Furthermore, analysis of the internalization pathways of these vehicles using inhibitors and imaging flow cytometry showed a significant decrease in uptake when macropinocytosis/phagocytosis inhibitors were present. The membrane‐disruptive abilities of the cationic polymeric nanogels were confirmed using three different models. They demonstrated to cause hemolysis in sheep erythrocytes, lactate dehydrogenase leakage from a model cell line, and disrupt giant unilamellar vesicles. These findings provide new insights of the potential of polymeric nanoformulations for intracellular delivery.
Profiling of serum antibodies against human papillomavirus antigens in Korean women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer
Authors: Jin Yingji , Choi Jae Woong , Kim Hyoung Jin , Eddouzi Jamel , Kim Seung Cheol , Ju Woong , Kim Yun Hwan , Kim Hong‐Jin
Published: October 2018

Sero‐epidemiological studies of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been undertaken over the last two decades. In this study, the prevalences of nine serum antibodies (anti‐E6, E7 and L1 antibodies of HPV types 16, 18, and 58) were evaluated in normal (control) Korean women and women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II, CIN III, and cervical cancer. The frequencies of all types of anti‐HPV antibodies were higher in the CIN stages and cervical cancer than in normal women, and those of anti‐HPV16 E6 and E7, anti‐HPV18 E6 and E7, and anti‐HPV58 E7 antibodies were higher in the cervical cancer group than in the CIN stages. The frequencies of antibodies against HPV16, 18, and 58 E7 tended to increase with increasing severity of cervical lesions. However, there were few differences in the frequencies of antibodies against the L1 antigens of HPV16, 18 and 58 in cervical cancer versus CIN stages. The anti‐HPV antibodies were detected in 26.5% of normal, 46.3% of CIN I, 62.5% of CIN II, 51.6% of CIN III, and 75% of cancers when any of the nine antigens was used as a criterion. Correlations between HPV DNA positivity and seropositivity for anti‐HPV E6, E7, or L1 antibodies were found only in HPV16 DNA‐positive cervical cancers for anti‐HPV16 E6 and L1 antibodies. In addition, strong positive correlations in seropositivity were found between anti‐HPV16 E7 and anti‐HPV58 E7 antibodies, and between anti‐HPV18 E6 and anti‐HPV58 E6 antibodies. These findings should advance global profiling of the seroprevalences of antibodies against HPV antigens.
WAVE2 is associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic cancers and promotes cell motility and invasiveness via binding to ACTN4
Authors: Taniuchi Keisuke , Furihata Mutsuo , Naganuma Seiji , Saibara Toshiji
Published: October 2018

WAVE2 is a member of the WASP/WAVE family of actin cytoskeletal regulatory proteins; unfortunately, little is known about its function in pancreatic cancers. In this study, we report the role of WAVE2 in the motility and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. High WAVE2 expression in human pancreatic cancer tissues was correlated with overall survival. WAVE2 accumulated in the cell protrusions of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Downregulation of WAVE2 by small interfering RNA decreased the cell protrusions and inhibited the motility and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. WAVE2 promoted pancreatic cancer cell motility and invasion by forming a complex with the actin cytoskeletal protein alpha‐actinin 4 (ACTN4). Downregulation of ACTN4 by small interfering RNA also inhibited the motility and invasiveness of the cells through a decrease in cell protrusions. Further investigation showed that WAVE2/ACTN4 signaling selectively stimulated p27 phosphorylation and thereby increased the motility and invasiveness of the cells. These results suggest that WAVE2 and ACTN4 stimulate p27 phosphorylation and provide evidence that WAVE2 promotes the motility and invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells.
Effects of bran hydration and autoclaving on processing quality of Chinese steamed bread and noodles produced from whole grain wheat flour
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gao Fengmei , He Zhonghu
Published: October 2018

Background and objectives

Consumption of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) and noodles made from whole grain wheat flour (WWF) is encouraged due to their important nutritional elements in the outer seed layers that benefit human health. However, the use of WWF is limited because of the poor processing quality and less attractive product properties of dark color, rough texture and coarse crumb structure. Three Chinese wheat cultivars, Zhongmai 895, Yumai 49, and Zhoumai 27, were used to investigate the potentials of bran hydration and autoclaving treatments for the improvement of WWF functionality in making CSB and noodles.

Findings

Bran particle size, hydration, and autoclaving treatment of WWF significantly affected the quality of dough, CSB, and noodles made from it. Farinograph water absorption and stability of WWFs with fine bran were larger than those with coarse bran. WWFs with coarse bran compared with fine bran exhibited inferior color and higher water retention capacity (WRC), and produced CSB with better texture and crumb structure and noodles with less smoothness and poor appearance. Prehydration of bran decreased dough water absorption and increased dough stability. WWFs containing bran hydrated to 40% moisture content produced CSB with the best texture and crumb structure, and the highest total score. Bran hydration merely induced negative effects on smoothness of noodles made with fine bran. Autoclaving of bran significantly improved texture and crumb structure of CSB made from WWFs with bran hydrated to 40% moisture. Autoclaved bran with 20% moisture contributed to higher total score of CSB. However, bran hydration and autoclaving resulted in darker color of noodle sheet made from WWFs.

Conclusions

Hydration and autoclaving of bran could be an effective way to improve the processing quality of CSB made from WWFs, but there was little improvement in eating quality of noodles made from WWFs.

Significance and novelty

This is the first research to show that hydration and autoclaving of bran could be an effective way to improve the processing quality of CSB made from WWFs. These results provide useful information for the incorporation of wheat bran to make fiber‐rich CSB.
On Water Cu@g‐C3N4 Catalyzed Synthesis of NH‐1,2,3‐Triazoles via [2+3] Cycloadditions of Nitroolefins/Alkynes and Sodium Azide
Authors: Payra Soumen , Saha Arijit , Banerjee Subhash
Published: October 2018

Here, we have reported fabrication of graphitic polymeric C3N4 supported CuCl2 (Cu@g‐C3N4) and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. An efficient and regioselective protocol for the on water synthesis of 4‐aryl‐NH‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives via 1,3‐diipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitroolefins/phenylacetylenes to sodium azide were demonstrated by using Cu@g‐C3N4 as robust and reusable catalyst.
Polyelectrolytes Tailored Enzyme Cascades with Enhanced Stability and Activity for One‐pot Synthesis
Authors: Wang Zheyu , Wang Junqian , Chen Gong , Xu Weina , Fu Zhongwang , Jiang Guoqiang , Wu Jianzhong , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2018

Cascade enzymes from the same origin or different resources often differ in their pH windows of stability and activity, thus impeding one‐pot enzyme cascade reactions. Here we present a method to assemble enzyme cascades using enzyme‐polyelectrolyte as the building block, in which the polyelectrolytes not only assemble enzymatic cascades via electrostatic interactions but also create favorable microenvironments for enzymes to expand their pH windows of stability and activity. We first demonstrated the effectiveness of this method for the oxidization of p‐xylene to p‐toluic acid using chloroperoxidase (CPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO) cascade, in which CPO from Caldariomyces fumago and XO from bovine milk were covalently linked to polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt, respectively. Conjugation of the enzymes with PMAA and chitosan expanded the stability and activity pH windows for CPO and XO and increased the yield of p‐toluic acid production from p‐xylene by 7.6‐fold in comparison to that obtained from their native counterparts in soluble form. We then applied this method to assemble glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) cascade. The GOx‐PMAA@HRP‐chitosan displayed a lower Km and higher apparent activity at low glucose concentration, as compared to GOx/HRP cascade in soluble form, suggesting that the assembly method boosted the outcome of the one‐pot enzyme cascade reaction.
Puzzling Reaction of Imidazole with Methyl Parathion: P=S versus P=O Mechanistic Shift Dilemma in Organophosphates
Authors: Silva Valmir B. , Nascimento Leonardo L. Q. , Nunes Marcelo C. , Campos Renan B. , Oliveira Alfredo R. M. , Orth Elisa S.
Published: October 2018

Organophosphates (OPs) constitute many toxic agrochemicals and warfare and can undergo a wide spectrum of mechanisms, some which are fairly unexplored. In this sense, concise mechanistic elucidation stands out as a strategic tool for achieving efficient detoxification and for monitoring processes. Particularly intriguing is the effect of substituting the oxygen atom of the phosphoryl moiety (P=O) in OPs with a sulfur atom to give the thio‐derived OPs (i.e., OTPs, P=S). In general, imidazole (IMZ) reacts very efficiently with OPs by targeting the phosphorus atom, although herein we evidence a thio‐driven shift with OTPs: IMZ undergoes unusual nucleophilic attack at the aliphatic carbon atom of methyl parathion. Alkylation of IMZ under mild conditions (aqueous weakly basic medium) is also novel and should be applicable to other novel IMZ‐based architectures, and thereby, it can be a great ally for organic synthesis. Overall, a broader understanding of the mechanistic trend involved in such highly toxic agents is provided.
Intrinsic dissolution kinetics and topochemistry of xylan, mannan, and lignin during auto‐hydrolysis of red maple wood meal
Authors: Jara Rory , Lawoko Martin , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: October 2018

High temperature aqueous treatment of wood is the preferred technology for deconstructing lignocellulosics. Many studies have been carried out on the kinetics and mechanism of hot‐water extraction. However, most were performed in batch or integral plug flow reactors, which are not optimal for measuring intrinsic dissolution kinetics of the lignocellulosic components. Therefore, we used a continuous mixed batch reactor (or Berty reactor) to determine the intrinsic dissolution kinetics of xylan, mannan, and lignin from milled hardwood (Acer rubrum) at three different temperatures (150, 160, and 170 °C) and four constant pH values: 2, 3, 4, and 5. During the initial phase of autohydrolysis (carbohydrate‐free), lignin and (lignin‐free) xylan dissolve starting at a high rate and then a slowly decreasing rate, respectively. This is followed by the dissolution of xylan‐lignin complexes and finally cellulose xylan complexes when cellulose has been significantly hydrolysed. The kinetics and molecular weight distribution of the removed wood polymers are used to describe the topochemistry of autohydrolysis based on recent knowledge of the ultrastructure of hardwood fibres.
Redispersible Gold Nanoparticle/Polymer Composite Powders Ready for Ligand Exchange Reactions
Authors: Kronawitt Julia , Fan Ziyin , Schöttle Marius , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas
Published: October 2018

Dry powders embedded with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are produced by spray‐drying technique from an aqueous AuNP dispersion in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) matrix. The prepared powders consist of AuNPs stabilized in hollow capsules of PVA (PVA@AuNP) or PVP (PVP@AuNP) with an average diameter of several micrometers. The AuNP powders are dispersible in water and no agglomeration triggered by the spray drying process of AuNPs is observed. The PVA@AuNP powders are coextruded with polycaprolactone to demonstrate the industrial application of dry‐state AuNPs. With PVP@AuNP the incorporation of AuNP into other stabilizing polymers via ligand exchange method is facilitated. After each step, the active surface of the AuNPs was tested by catalytic studies.
A spectroscopic method for quick evaluation of tint strength and tint tone of titania (rutile) pigment and factors affecting them
Authors: Sharafudeen Riyas
Published: October 2018

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) manufacturing industries measure optical properties such as brightness, colour, tint strength, tint tone, gloss, scatter coefficient, and others to ensure the quality of the product. Product characterization and process control generally focus on the optical properties, which determine its quality. In this work, titania rutile pigment with varying tint strength and tint tone is analyzed and a correlation is established between particle size and the optical properties such as tint strength and tint tone. It is observed that optical properties of titania pigment depends on the particle size as well as particle size distribution. A relatively faster evaluation of tint strength and tint tone can be made using the reflectance and particle size measurements. Analytical samples were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion of pigment in water containing calgon as dispersing agent. To verify the accuracy of the method, pigment tint strength and tint tone obtained from this study are compared with those resulting from traditional analysis. The results showed that the new method is viable.
Highly Efficient CRISPR‐Cas9‐Mediated Genome Editing in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Maguire Jean Ann , Cardenas‐Diaz Fabian L. , Gadue Paul , French Deborah L.
Published: October 2018

Human PSCs offer tremendous potential for both basic biology and cell‐based therapies for a wide variety of diseases. The ability to manipulate the genome of these cells using the CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has expanded this potential by providing a valuable tool for engineering or correcting disease‐associated mutations. Because of the high efficiency with which CRISPR‐Cas9 creates targeted double‐strand breaks, a major challenge has been the introduction of precise genetic modifications on one allele, without indel formation on the non‐targeted allele. To overcome this obstacle, we describe the use of two oligonucleotides, one expressing the sequence change, with the other maintaining the normal sequence. In addition, we have streamlined both the transfection and screening methodology to make this protocol efficient with small numbers of cells and to limit the amount of labor‐intensive clone passaging. This protocol provides a streamlined and technically simple approach for generating valuable tools to model human disease in stem cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration with liquid‐based cytology preparation in the diagnosis of metastatic small‐cell carcinoma in the pancreas
Authors: Son Jun Hyuk , Park Hye Kyeong , Kim Han‐Seong , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Kim Jung Wook , Bae Won Ki , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Lee June Sung , Lee Yoon Suk
Published: October 2018

Pancreatic metastasis is extremely rare, particularly from small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). Studies on the role of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) with liquid‐based cytology (LBC) in the diagnosis of metastatic small‐cell carcinoma in the pancreas have been rarely conducted. We report herein a case of pancreatic metastasis from SCLC diagnosed using EUS‐FNA with LBC (ThinPrep). A 71‐year‐old man presented with chief complaints of hemoptysis and jaundice over the past 1 month. Lung & pancreas tumors with multiple liver nodules were detected on computed tomography. The aspirated material from the pancreas using EUS‐FNA was prepared as a cytologic specimen with ThinPrep method, which revealed scattered and clustered “small blue cells” with scant cytoplasm and stippled chromatin with frequent apoptotic bodies. Immunocytochemical staining of the cellblock material revealed strong positivity for CD56 and thyroid transcription factor‐1. Endobronchial biopsy for lung mass revealed nests of small, round, blue tumor cells with hyperchromatic nuclei showing salt and pepper chromatin, scant cytoplasm, and brisk mitotic activity. Therefore, a diagnosis of metastatic small‐cell carcinoma to the pancreas with an extensive stage was finally made.
Synergy of cytological methods in the pathological staging of breast cancer: Axillary fine‐needle aspiration and intraoperative scrape cytology of the sentinel lymph node
Authors: Bruzzone Martina , Saro Francesca , Bruno Sara , Celiento Tiziana , Mazzarella Giovanna , Lanata Sergio , Aquilano Maria Costanza , Parmigiani Gianpietro , Pollone Massimo , Gandolfo Fabrizio , Costigliolo Giovanni , Sironi Maria
Published: October 2018

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard in breast cancer staging, but it is costly and time‐consuming. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) under ultrasonographic guidance identifies patients who need axillary lymph‐node dissection (ALND), thus reducing costs. As an alternative to frozen sections (FS), intraoperative scrape cytology (ISC) for SLNB is an inexpensive, rapid, accurate and safe technique. We evaluated the synergy of FNAC and SLNB in determining the axillary burden and the performance of the ISC method.

Methods

Over a nine‐year period, 894 breast cancer patients were analyzed. Of these, 439 patients with echographic suspicious nodes underwent preoperative FNAC; negative axillary ultrasounds or FNACs resulted in 606 intraoperative SLNB, performed using the ISC technique. The results were compared with histological diagnosis, and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy were calculated.

Results

Of the 439 FNACs, 121 were positive and underwent immediate ALND, and 242 negative patients underwent intraoperative SLNB (69% sensitivity, 99% specificity). Positive cases often had multiple nodal involvement (55% pN2‐3). Of the 606 SLNB‐ISC smears, 510 were true negative; 65 true positives allowed for one‐step ALND (71% sensitivity, 99% specificity).

Conclusion

Preoperative positive axillary FNAC predicts a higher disease burden and determines the avoidance of SLNB for patients eligible for immediate ALND. ISC instead of FS is a safe and sensitive technique to identify metastases, indicating completion of ALND.

Partially presented at

Joint International Oncology (sentinel node & cancer metastasis) Congress, May 27‐29, 2013, San Francisco, California, USA

18 ° International Congress of Cytology (ICC 2013‐1161), May 26‐30, 2013, Paris, France

Convegno Nazionale GISMa ‐ Finalborgo (Savona), Italy,19‐20 maggio 2016
Fine‐needle aspiration features of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A study of cytological and molecular features
Authors: Santos Filipa , Martins Carmo , Lemos Maria M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a tumor of uncertain differentiation. Few data are available regarding its cytomorphological features in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Specific cytogenetic alterations involving the NR4A3 gene are found in EMC and can be identified in FNA samples.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 14 FNAs performed in 11 patients with an EMC; 10 FNAs were performed preoperatively on primary tumors; 2 were performed on recurrences and 2 were performed on metastasis. Cytological features were compared with histological findings. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular studies were performed both in FNA and histological specimens.

Results

A preoperative cytological diagnosis of EMC was rendered in eight FNAs performed in newly diagnosed tumors and in recurrent/metastatic cases. A descriptive diagnosis of a myxoid neoplasm was made in the remaining two cases. Smears were moderately hypercellular, composed of plasmocytoid to fusiform cells, with scant, pale cytoplasm, bland nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli, dispersed as cords, strands and occasionally with a lace‐like pattern, in an abundant chondromyxoid matrix. IHC performed showed focal positivity for S100 and NSE. Fluorescence in situ hybridization technique performed in three FNA specimens showed EWSR1 gene rearrangements in all, concomitant with NR4A3 gene rearrangement in one case. Histological specimens showed typical features of EMC and NR4A3 gene rearrangements were found in all cases tested.

Conclusion

FNA cytology is a reliable method to perform a preoperative diagnosis of EMC regarding its cytomorphological and molecular features. Main differential diagnoses include myoepithelial tumors of soft tissue, myxoid liposarcoma and myxofibrosarcoma. Ancillary studies are helpful when coupled with cytomorphology evaluation.
Cytological evaluation in males presenting with bloody nipple discharge, with or without breast mass: Report of two cases depicting two poles of the disease spectrum
Authors: Sood Neelam
Published: October 2018

Nipple discharge (ND) either in the presence or in the absence of underlying mass is a very uncommon presentation in males and its bloody nature is still rarer. ND cytology in males has not been reported much in the literature. Spontaneous and expressed ND, however, can be very useful in establishing the diagnosis. Two males with bloody ND, one, without any palpable mass and another with underlying mass, were evaluated on ND cytology. The presence of loose papillaroid clusters and cell sheets with mild atypia was seen in ND smears itself in case 1. The discharge was more copious in case 2, but the ND smears were paucicellular. The presence of tall columnar cells in ND smears as well as in the FNA from underlying mass with clear features of malignancy was helpful in reaching the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma in case 2. Histopathology in case 1 was a spectrum of ADH to DCIS, whereas in case 2, was tubulopapillary carcinoma. Following two cases highlight the importance of the cytological evaluation of ND smears.
Sex differences in the nicotinic excitation of principal neurons within the developing hippocampal formation
Authors: Chung Beryl Y.T. , Bailey Craig D.C.
Published: October 2018

The hippocampal formation (HF) plays an important role to facilitate higher order cognitive functions. Cholinergic activation of heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) within the HF is critical for the normal development of principal neurons within this brain region. However, previous research investigating the expression and function of heteromeric nAChRs in principal neurons of the HF is limited to males or does not differentiate between the sexes. We used whole‐cell electrophysiology to show that principal neurons in the CA1 region of the female mouse HF are excited by heteromeric nAChRs throughout postnatal development, with the greatest response occurring during the first two weeks of postnatal life. Excitability responses to heteromeric nAChR stimulation were also found in principal neurons in the CA3, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex layer VI (ECVI) of young postnatal female HF. A direct comparison between male and female mice found that principal neurons in ECVI display greater heteromeric nicotinic passive and active excitability responses in females. This sex difference is likely influenced by the generally more excitable nature of ECVI neurons from female mice, which display a higher resting membrane potential, greater input resistance, and smaller afterhyperpolarization potential of medium duration (mAHP). These findings demonstrate that heteromeric nicotinic excitation of ECVI neurons differs between male and female mice during a period of major circuitry development within the HF, which may have mechanistic implications for known sex differences in the development and function of this cognitive brain region.
Pooled whole‐genome sequencing of interspecific chestnut (Castanea) hybrids reveals loci associated with differences in caching behavior of fox squirrels (Sciurus niger L.)
Authors: LaBonte Nicholas R. , Woeste Keith E.
Published: October 2018

Dispersal of seeds by scatter‐hoarding rodents is common among tropical and temperate tree species, including chestnuts in the genus Castanea. Backcrossed (BC) interspecific hybrid chestnuts exhibit wide variation in seed traits: as the parent species (Castanea dentata and C. mollissima) have distinct seed phenotypes and tend to be handled differently by seed dispersers, phenotypic variation in BC trees is likely due to inheritance of genes that have undergone divergent evolution in the parent species. To identify candidate genomic regions for interspecific differences in seed dispersal, we used tagged seeds to measure average dispersal distance for seeds of third‐generation BC chestnuts and sequenced pooled whole genomes of mother trees with contrasting seed dispersal: high caching rate/long distance; low caching rate/short distance; no caching. Candidate regions affecting seed dispersal were identified as loci with more C. mollissima alleles in the high caching rate/ long‐distance pool than expected by chance and observed in the other two pools. Functional annotations of candidate regions included predicted lipid metabolism, dormancy regulation, seed development, and carbohydrate metabolism genes. The results support the hypothesis that perception of seed dormancy is a predominant factor in squirrel caching decisions, and also indicate profitable directions for future work on the evolutionary genomics of trees and coevolved seed dispersers.
Characteristics of underwater plasma with surfactant
Authors: Goto Hiroki , Sakoda Tatsuya
Published: October 2018

To investigate purification characteristics of water containing surfactant by using an underwater plasma source with a porous glass membrane, which functioned in bubble supply and the formation of micro‐discharges, we first observed the bubble diameter, the ascent velocity of bubbles, and discharges. We also examined the influence of surfactant on the generation of OH radicals. It was found that the existence of surfactant made the sterilization effect higher and that Bacillus subtilis spores could be effectively sterilized.
Ecosystem services and multifunctional agriculture: Unravelling informal stakeholders' perceptions and water governance in three European irrigation systems
Authors: Ricart Sandra , Kirk Nick , Ribas Anna
Published: October 2018

Multifunctional agriculture (MFA) and ecosystem services (ES) are two important concepts in the ongoing debate on sustainable resource use. The aim of the paper is to test the ES and MFA nexus by analyzing the perception and predefined attitudes of key stakeholders in three Southern European irrigation systems. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, and the interview transcripts were codified using the Atlas.ti© qualitative analysis software. Our results illustrate that perceptions of ES go beyond those included in literature, and this provides valuable information about how key stakeholders interact with the environment in MFA systems. Second, most key stakeholders claim to be moving from anthropocentric agriculture to ecocentric rural development in order to ensure the sustainability of agricultural activity and to preserve common pool resources. Finally, the results show that bottom‐up tools could identify the nexus between ES and MFA. Given our results, we provide a series of recommendations to managers be able to (a) improve comprehension of environmental services and functions, (b) enhance water user experiences and interests, and (c) encourage pro‐environmental attitudes and behaviors in farmers. The paper also provides the research community with a codifying process they can use to define and improve informal and indirect references to MFA and ES standards.
Rapid 5 lb weight gain is not associated with readmission in patients with heart failure
Authors: Howie‐Esquivel Jill , Dracup Kathleen , Whooley Mary A. , McCulloch Charles , Jin Chengshi , Moser Debra K. , Clark Robyn A. , Pelter Michele M. , Biddle Martha , Park Linda G.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Heart failure (HF) patients are taught to identify a rapid 5 lb body‐weight gain for early detection of cardiac decompensation. Few data support this common advice. The study aim was to determine whether a 5 lb weight gain in 1 week and signs and symptoms of HF increased risk for unplanned physician or emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admission in rural HF patients.

Methods and results

This was a secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Patients tracked body weight and HF symptoms using diaries. We included patients adherent to daily diaries >50% over 24 months (N = 119). Mean age was 69 ± 11 years; 77% (65) were male, and 67% completed diaries. A weight gain of 5 lb over 7 days was associated with a greater risk for ED visits but not hospital admission [hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 1.08; P < 0.0001 vs. HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.88, 1.16; P = 0.79]. Increased dyspnoea over 7 days was associated with a greater risk of ED visits and hospital admissions (HR 9.64, 95% CI 3.68, 25.22; P < 0.0001 vs. HR 5.89, 95% CI 1.73, 20.04; P = 0.01). Higher diary adherence was associated with older age, non‐sedentary behaviour, lower depression, and HF knowledge.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients are counselled to observe for body‐weight gain. Our data do not support that a 5 lb weight gain was associated with hospital admission. Dyspnoea was a better predictor of ED visits and hospital admissions. Daily tracking of dyspnoea symptoms may be an important adjunct to daily weight to prevent hospitalization.