bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tang Wai Kwong , Wang Lisha , Kwok Chu Wong George , Ungvari Gabor S. , Yasuno Fumihiko , Tsoi Kelvin K.F. , Kim Jong S.
Published: February 2020

Background and Purpose Depression is common and debilitating illness accompanying many neurological disorders including non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this systematic review was to identify and critically appraise all published studies that have reported the frequency, severity and time course of depression after SAH, the factors associated with its development and the impact of depression on patients’ quality of life after SAH.Methods The PubMed database was searched for studies published in English that recruited at least 40 patients (>18 years old) after SAH who were also diagnosed with depression.Results Altogether 55 studies covering 6,327 patients met study entry criteria. The frequency of depression ranged from 0% to 61.7%, with a weighted proportion of 28.1%. Depression remained common even several years after the index SAH. Depression after SAH was associated with female sex, premorbid depression, anxiety, substance use disorders or any psychiatric disorders, and coping styles. Comorbid cognitive impairment, fatigue, and physical disability also increased the risk of depression. Aneurysmal SAH and infarction may be related to depression as well. Depression reduces the quality of life and life satisfaction in patients after SAH.Conclusions Depression is common after SAH and seems to persist. Further research is needed to clarify its time course and identify the neuroendocrine and neurochemical factors and brain circuits associated with the development of post-SAH depression. Randomized controlled treatment trials targeting SAH-related depression are warranted.
Changes in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Risks of Cardiovascular Events: A Post Hoc Analysis from the PICASSO Trial
Authors: Lee Eun-Jae , Kwon Sun U. , Park Jong-Ho , Kim Yong-Jae , Hong Keun-Sik , Yu Sungwook , Hwang Yang-Ha , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Rha Joung-Ho , Heo Sung Hyuk , Ahn Sung Hwan , Seo Woo-Keun , Park Jong-Moo , Lee Ju-Hun , Kwon Jee-Hyun , Sohn Sung-Il , Jung Jin-Man , Kim Hahn Young , Kim Eung-Gyu , Kim Sung Hun , Cha Jae-Kwan , Park Man-Seok , Nam Hyo Suk , Kang Dong-Wha ,   on Behalf of PICASSO Investigators
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose Whether pharmacologically altered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) affects the risk of cardiovascular events is unknown. Recently, we have reported the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Asian Patients with Ischaemic Stroke at High Risk of Cerebral Haemorrhage (PICASSO) trial that demonstrated the non-inferiority of cilostazol to aspirin and superiority of probucol to non-probucol for cardiovascular prevention in ischemic stroke patients (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01013532). We aimed to determine whether on-treatment HDL-C changes by cilostazol and probucol influence the treatment effect of each study medication during the PICASSO study.Methods Of the 1,534 randomized patients, 1,373 (89.5%) with baseline cholesterol parameters were analyzed. Efficacy endpoint was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis examined an interaction between the treatment effect and changes in HDL-C levels from randomization to 1 month for each study arm.Results One-month post-randomization mean HDL-C level was significantly higher in the cilostazol group than in the aspirin group (1.08 mmol/L vs. 1.00 mmol/L, P<0.001). The mean HDL-C level was significantly lower in the probucol group than in the non-probucol group (0.86 mmol/L vs. 1.22 mmol/L, P<0.001). These trends persisted throughout the study. In both study arms, no significant interaction was observed between HDL-C changes and the assigned treatment regarding the risk of the efficacy endpoint.Conclusions Despite significant HDL-C changes, the effects of cilostazol and probucol treatment on the risk of cardiovascular events were insignificant. Pharmacologically altered HDL-C levels may not be reliable prognostic markers for cardiovascular risk.
Pathophysiologic and Therapeutic Perspectives Based on Thrombus Histology in Stroke
Authors: Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Choi Jin Kyo , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Dong Joon , Kwon Il
Published: February 2020

Recent advances in endovascular thrombectomy have enabled the histopathologic analysis of fresh thrombi in patients with acute stroke. Histologic analysis has shown that the thrombus composition is very heterogeneous between patients. However, the distribution pattern of each thrombus component often differs between patients with cardiac thrombi and those with arterial thrombi, and the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy is different according to the thrombus composition. Furthermore, the thrombus age is related to the efficacy of reperfusion therapy. Recent studies have shown that neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps contribute to thrombus formation and resistance to reperfusion therapy. Histologic features of thrombi in patients with stroke may provide some clues to stroke etiology, which is helpful for determining the strategy of stroke prevention. Research on thrombus may also be helpful for improving reperfusion therapy, including the development of new thrombolytic agents.
Analisis kerusakan daun dan buah kelapa akibat serangan belalang Sexava
Authors: Wagiman F. X. , Hosang Meldy L.A. , Lala Fredy
Published: February 2020

Belalang Sexava merupakan hama penting kelapa yang merusak daun dan buah. Penelitian analisis kerusakan daun dan buah kelapa akibat diserang oleh belalang Sexava bertujuan untuk mengetahui mekanisme kerusakan. Pengamatan visual in situ dilakukan di Pulau Salibabu, Kabupaten Kepulauan Talaud, Provinsi Sulawesi Utara, sementara analisis jaringan dan analisis kimia pada bakal buah terserang serta pengamatan gejala penyakit sekunder dilakukan di laboratorium. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa proses kerusakan daun dan buah kelapa akibat digigit belalang Sexava terjadi secara mekanik. Gejala fitotoksik akibat gigitan belalang dan gejala penyakit sekunder tidak ditemukan. Jaringan buah yang luka setebal beberapa milimeter tampak mengering dan mati, sementara itu jaringan di dekat luka tampak normal. Kadar gula reduksi, selulosa, dan lignin, antara jaringan bakal buah sehat (1,22%, 2,72%, 5,66%) dan yang terserang (1,22%, 2,85%, 4,84%) relatif sama. Bakal buah terserang rontok, sedangkan buah terserang dari tandan umur lebih dari 3 bulan masih tumbuh dan berkembang sampai tua.
Predicting Aggregate and State-Level US House Price Volatility: The Role of Sentiment
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Nyakabawo Wendy
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the predictive ability of housing-related sentiment on housing market volatility for 50 states, District of Columbia, and the aggregate US economy, based on quarterly data covering 1975:3 and 2017:3. Given that existing studies have already shown housing sentiment to predict movements in aggregate and state-level housing returns, we use a k-th order causality-in-quantiles test for our purpose, since this methodology allows us to test for predictability for both housing returns and volatility simultaneously. In addition, this test being a data-driven approach accommodates the existing nonlinearity (as detected by formal tests) between volatility and sentiment, besides providing causality over the entire conditional distribution of (returns and) volatility. Our results show that barring 5 states (Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska), housing sentiment is observed to predict volatility barring the extreme ends of the conditional distribution. As far as returns are concerned, except for California, predictability is observed for all of the remaining 51 cases.
The kaleidoscopic interference and the double-slit project: Borges’ thought, quantum behaviour and multiverse theory
Authors: Vergara Mari Nieves
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an artistic research project entitled Double-slit, which is based on the relationship between the kaleidoscopic image and the interference phenomenon both from conceptual and visual viewpoints. Through the combination of artistic practice and theoretical research, the kaleidoscopic interference is investigated considering a different involvement of the subject. In Cortazar’s view, the kaleidoscopic image creation process would be closer to the observer experience than to the author’s role when looking through the kaleidoscope. Consequently, the relationship between the author and the observer/reader is introduced with reference to kaleidoscopic image, producing an interference feeling between these different positions. Specifically, the present article refers to cases from Borges’ literature, mainly related to the connection between reality and fiction within the observer position. The indicated approach corresponds to a kaleidoscopic narrative, since this type of image is virtually composed by real –the original motif– and fictional elements –the reflections/copies–. Therefore, Borges’ thought will be discussed in this regard, specifically those characters that present both kaleidoscopic and quantum behaviour. The results found in the process of developing the aforementioned project on the double-slit shows that this experiment –whose result in physics is the interference pattern– and kaleidoscopic image are significantly related to each other. In particular, concerning Feynman’s sum-over-paths phase of infinite possible trajectories. This insight leads the article into a discussion on the impact that quantum physics and multiverse theory have in relation to our understanding of existence. This way, we see that a new paradigm is present regarding visuality. It implies accepting contradictory facts as constituents of reality. Likewise, even our notion of individual identity is transformed into the subject’s juxtaposition of ubiquities, which produces the “to be and not to be” kaleidoscopic interference.
Alemania, la crisis europea de entreguerras y la Guerra Civil española
Authors: Bernecker Walther
Published: February 2020

La crisis europea de entreguerras cambió decisivamente el papel y el lugar de Europa en el mundo. Si bien el nacionalsocialismo aceleró enormemente esta crisis, llevándola al extremo hasta destruir la idea y la preponderancia europeas, hay que resaltar que la crisis fue anterior al surgimiento y al desarrollo impetuoso del nacionalsocialismo. La Primera Guerra Mundial dejó como secuela un mundo deshecho que terminó convirtiéndose en la «catástrofe originaria» de la «época de los extremos», en palabras de Hobsbawm. La Gran Guerra marcó el inicio del fin de la hegemonía mundial de Europa. El orden de postguerra se caracterizó por un desplazamiento fundamental de poder y una continua inestabilidad destructora como distintivos de los años veinte y treinta. El revisionismo radical de Alemania sólo fue posible porque el orden surgido de la Paz de Versalles carecía de legitimidad; una de las consecuencias de esta carencia fue que el Tercer Reich logró arrastrar a toda Europa a la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
The Rise of Counterrevolutionary Anti-Fascism in the United States from the Munich Conference to the Fall of France
Authors: Seidman Michael
Published: February 2020

Anti-fascism makes working or fighting against fscism the top priority, and two basic types of anti-fascism emerged in Europe and North America from 1936 to 1945. The first was revolutionary; the second was conservative and even counterrevolutionary. From the Munich Agreement to the fall of France, and in the face of strong isolationist opposition, US counterrevolutionary anti-fascists—who are usually labeled “interventionists” in the historiography—articulated to an increasingly sympathetic public how fascist regimes jeopardized the United States’ national security and way of life.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and the Built Environment
Authors: Kopec Dak , Marsh Kendall
Published: February 2020

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are often connected to the development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease commonly found in athletes, military veterans, and others that have a history of repetitive brain trauma. This formative exploratory study looked at person-centred design techniques for a person with CTE. The person-centred design method used for this study was based on a two-tiered reductionist approach; the first tier was to identify common symptoms and concerns associated with CTE from the literature. This information provided specific symptoms that were addressed through brainstorming ideations. Each singular ideation accommodated the singular, or small cluster of symptoms, that affected a person with CTE in a residential environment. This method of understanding a health condition through its symptoms, and then designing for those symptoms can extend the practice of interior design by providing probable solutions to specific health symptoms, thereby including designers into the healthcare team. Commonly identified behavioural and physical symptoms of CTE served as the factors of analysis and thus a variable of design. The health condition symptoms became the variables of design, and each symptom was assessed through additional data obtained from the literature for environmental causality, mitigation, or accommodation. Once the outcomes were determined, each design implication was assessed for its relationship to specific design actions.
RNA polymerase mutations cause cephalosporin resistance in clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates
Authors: Palace Samantha G , Wang Yi , Rubin Daniel HF , Welsh Michael A , Mortimer Tatum D , Cole Kevin , Eyre David W , Walker Suzanne , Grad Yonatan H
Published: February 2020

Increasing Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to ceftriaxone, the last antibiotic recommended for empiric gonorrhea treatment, poses an urgent public health threat. However, the genetic basis of reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone is not completely understood: while most ceftriaxone resistance in clinical isolates is caused by target site mutations in penA, some isolates lack these mutations. We show that penA-independent ceftriaxone resistance has evolved multiple times through distinct mutations in rpoB and rpoD. We identify five mutations in these genes that each increase resistance to ceftriaxone, including one mutation that arose independently in two lineages, and show that clinical isolates from multiple lineages are a single nucleotide change from ceftriaxone resistance. These RNA polymerase mutations cause large-scale transcriptional changes without altering susceptibility to other antibiotics, reducing growth rate, or deranging cell morphology. These results underscore the unexpected diversity of pathways to resistance and the importance of continued surveillance for novel resistance mutations.
Image-based effective feature generation for protein structural class and ligand binding prediction
Authors: Sadique Nafees , Ahmed Al Amin Neaz , Islam Md Tajul , Pervage Md. Nawshad , Shatabda Swakkhar
Published: February 2020

Proteins are the building blocks of all cells in both human and all living creatures of the world. Most of the work in the living organism is performed by proteins. Proteins are polymers of amino acid monomers which are biomolecules or macromolecules. The tertiary structure of protein represents the three-dimensional shape of a protein. The functions, classification and binding sites are governed by the protein’s tertiary structure. If two protein structures are alike, then the two proteins can be of the same kind implying similar structural class and ligand binding properties. In this paper, we have used the protein tertiary structure to generate effective features for applications in structural similarity to detect structural class and ligand binding. Firstly, we have analyzed the effectiveness of a group of image-based features to predict the structural class of a protein. These features are derived from the image generated by the distance matrix of the tertiary structure of a given protein. They include local binary pattern (LBP) histogram, Gabor filtered LBP histogram, separate row multiplication matrix with uniform LBP histogram, neighbor block subtraction matrix with uniform LBP histogram and atom bond. Separate row multiplication matrix and neighbor block subtraction matrix filters, as well as atom bond, are our novels. The experiments were done on a standard benchmark dataset. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of these features over a large variety of supervised machine learning algorithms. Experiments suggest support vector machines is the best performing classifier on the selected dataset using the set of features. We believe the excellent performance of Hybrid LBP in terms of accuracy would motivate the researchers and practitioners to use it to identify protein structural class. To facilitate that, a classification model using Hybrid LBP is readily available for use at http://brl.uiu.ac.bd/PL/. Protein-ligand binding is accountable for managing the tasks of biological receptors that help to cure diseases and many more. Therefore, binding prediction between protein and ligand is important for understanding a protein’s activity or to accelerate docking computations in virtual screening-based drug design. Protein-ligand binding prediction requires three-dimensional tertiary structure of the target protein to be searched for ligand binding. In this paper, we have proposed a supervised learning algorithm for predicting protein-ligand binding, which is a similarity-based clustering approach using the same set of features. Our algorithm works better than the most popular and widely used machine learning algorithms.
Radiotherapy after mastectomy has significant survival benefits for inflammatory breast cancer: a SEER population-based retrospective study
Authors: Li Zhi-wen , Zhang Miao , Yang Yong-jing , Zhou Zi-jun , Liu Yan-ling , Li Hang , Bao Bo , Diao Jian-dong , Wang Dun-wei
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The survival benefit of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has not been fully proven in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Thus, in the present research, we aimed at elucidating the effects of PMRT on the survival of IBC patients.

Methods

Eligible patients were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset between 2010 and 2013. The Kaplan-Meier method along with the log-rank test was utilized for the comparison of both the overall survival (OS) andthe cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients undergoing PMRT or not. Additionally, multivariate survival analysis of CSS and OS were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

In total, 293 eligible cases were identified, with the median follow-up time of 27 months (range: 5–59 months). After propensity score matching (PSM), 188 patients (94 for each) were classified intothe No-PMRT and the PMRT group. Consequently, significantly higher OS rates were detected in the PMRT group compared with the No-PMRT group prior to PSM (P = 0.034), and significantly higher CSS (P = 0.013) and OS (P = 0.0063) rates were observed following PSM. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed thatPMRT [CSS (HR: 0.519, 95% CI [0.287–0.939], P = 0.030); OS (HR: 0.480, 95% CI [0.269–0.859], P = 0.013)], as well as Her2+/HR+ subtype, was independent favorable prognostic factors.Besides, black ethnicity, AJCC stage IV and triple-negative subtype were independent unfavorable prognostic factors. Further subgroup analysis revealed that most of the study population could benefit from PMRT, no matter OS or CSS.

Conclusions

Our findings support that PMRT could improve the survival of IBC patients.
Maternal Knowledge on Routine Childhood Immunization: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study in Rural Area of Mon State, Myanmar
Authors: Htike Aung Zaw , Aung San San Myint , Oo Win Myint
Published: February 2020

Aims: To determine the knowledge on routine childhood immunization and the factors associated with it among mothers in rural area of Mon State, Myanmar during 2017.

Study Design:  A community based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Rural area of Mon State, Myanmar, between June and August 2017.

Methodology: We included 302 mothers who had 18 to 23 months old children using multistage random sampling. Face-to-face interview was applied in data collection. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were utilized in data analysis.

Results: More than three fourths of mothers (76.2%) had good knowledge level on routine childhood immunization. There was a significant association between maternal knowledge and immunization status of their children (p<0.001). Logistic regression showed that the husband’s occupation was significantly associated with maternal knowledge (p=0.02).

Conclusion: Majority of mothers have good knowledge on routine childhood immunization. However, health education campaign should be intensified to improve their knowledge level, especially among mothers whose husbands are blue-collar workers.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor undergoes importin‐α‐dependent nuclear localization in rat aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Xin , Fan Shaohua , Zhang Lihui , Shi Yawei
Published: February 2020

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) belongs to the family B of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) and has antidiabetic and cardioprotective effects. Classical GLP‐1R at the plasma membrane undergoes desensitization and internalization and is recycled back to the plasma membrane under the control of GLP‐1 in islet β‐cells. However, the subcellular localization of GLP‐1R in the vascular system remains unclear. Here, we find that GLP‐1R is localized in the nucleus of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) and in the tunica media. We identify a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS; 412‐442aa) at the C‐terminal region of GLP‐1R. Nuclear import of GLP‐1R is mediated by an importin‐α‐dependent pathway and regulated by phosphorylation of Ser416 in the NLS. Upon leaving the nucleus, GLP‐1R promotes cell proliferation in RASMCs. These findings may provide insights into the cardiovascular functions of GLP‐1R.
Graphene Liquid Cells Assembled through Loop‐Assisted Transfer Method and Located with Correlated Light‐Electron Microscopy
Authors: van Deursen Pauline M. G. , Koning Roman I. , Tudor Viorica , Moradi Mohammad‐Amin , Patterson Joseph P. , Kros Alexander , Sommerdijk Nico A. J. M. , Koster Abraham J. , Schneider Grégory F.
Published: February 2020

Graphene liquid cells (GLCs) for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enable high‐resolution, real‐time imaging of dynamic processes in water. Large‐scale implementation, however, is prevented by major difficulties in reproducing GLC fabrication. Here, a high‐yield method is presented to fabricate GLCs under millimeter areas of continuous graphene, facilitating efficient GLC formation on a TEM grid. Additionally, GLCs are located on the grid using correlated light‐electron microscopy (CLEM), which reduces beam damage by limiting electron exposure time. CLEM allows the acquisition of reliable statistics and the investigation of the most common shapes of GLCs. In particular, a novel type of liquid cell is found, formed from only a single graphene sheet, greatly simplifying the fabrication process. The methods presented in this work—particularly the reproducibility and simplicity of fabrication—will enable future application of GLCs for high‐resolution dynamic imaging of biomolecular systems.
Bio‐Conjugated Advanced Materials for Targeted Disease Theranostics
Authors: Hu Xi‐Le , Kwon Nahyun , Yan Kai‐Cheng , Sedgwick Adam C. , Chen Guo‐Rong , He Xiao‐Peng , James Tony D. , Yoon Juyoung
Published: February 2020

Human beings are “machines” that use endogenously produced biomolecules as “components” in signaling and for the maintenance of the body. These biomolecules consist of proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, which can either be extracted from biological substrates or synthesized by chemical/biochemical methods. These biomolecules have the ability to recognize/interact with other biomolecules that are overexpressed in disease cells. For targeted theranostics, strategies to chemically incorporate these natural biomolecules with advanced materials to treat human diseases by imaging‐guided drug delivery or photodynamic/photothermal therapy are proposed, with improved biocompatibility. Herein, recent research on construction of quantum dots, nanoparticles, and 2D material platforms decorated with antibodies, peptides, nucleic acid aptamers, carbohydrates, and folic acid for targeted diagnosis and treatment are summarized and discussed. In addition, the various strategies required to construct effective functional materials for targeted cancer therapy are highlighted. The hope is that this review can inspire and guide those that are interested in the field of biomedicine to rationally design and develop new target‐based theranostic materials.
Enhanced Sensitivity of Iontronic Graphene Tactile Sensors Facilitated by Spreading of Ionic Liquid Pinned on Graphene Grid
Authors: Kim Joo Sung , Lee Seung Chul , Hwang Jinhyun , Lee Eunho , Cho Kilwon , Kim Sung‐Jin , Kim Do Hwan , Lee Wi Hyoung
Published: February 2020

Iontronic graphene tactile sensors (i‐GTS) composed of a top floating graphene electrode and an ionic liquid droplet pinned on a bottom graphene grid, which can dramatically enhance the performance of capacitive‐type tactile sensors, are presented. When mechanical stress is applied to the top floating electrode, the i‐GTS operates in one of the following three regimes: air–air, air–electric double layer (EDL) transition, or EDL–EDL. Once the top electrode contacts the ionic liquid in the i‐GTS, the spreading behavior of the ionic liquid causes a capacitance transition (from a few pF to over hundreds of pF). This is because EDLs are formed at the interfaces between the electrodes and the ionic liquid. In this case, the pressure sensitivity increases to ≈31.1 kPa−1 with a gentle touch. Under prolonged application of pressure, the capacitance increases gradually, mainly due to the contact line expansion of the ionic liquid bridge pinned on the graphene grid. The sensors exhibit outstanding properties (response and relaxation times below 80 ms, and stability over 300 cycles) while demonstrating ultimate signal‐to‐noise ratios in the array tests. The contact‐induced spreading behavior of the ionic liquid is the key for boosting the sensor performance.
Biomimetic, Hypoxia‐Responsive Nanoparticles Overcome Residual Chemoresistant Leukemic Cells with Co‐Targeting of Therapy‐Induced Bone Marrow Niches
Authors: Dong Xiao , Mu Li‐Li , Liu Xue‐Liang , Zhu Hua , Yang Si‐Cong , Lai Xing , Liu Hai‐Jun , Feng Hai‐Yi , Lu Qin , Zhou Bin‐Bing S. , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Lovell Jonathan F. , Hong Deng‐Li , Fang Chao
Published: February 2020

Chemoresistance conferred by leukemia propagating cells (LPCs) in a therapy‐induced niche (TI‐niche) within the bone marrow is one of the main obstacles in leukemia treatment. Effective approaches to circumvent the TI‐niche protection and to eliminate the resident LPCs remain to be exploited. Here, developed is a niche‐targeted nanosystem using leukemic cell membrane‐coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DAazo@CMSN) for co‐delivering daunorubicin for leukemia cell chemotherapy and a TGFβRII neutralizing antibody (aTGFβRII) to block niche signaling. DAazo@CMSN effectively targets the TI‐niche. Through an azobenzene‐based hypoxia‐responsive linker, sequential delivery of the two active molecules overcomes niche‐mediated chemoresistance, attenuates systemic burden, and prolongs survival in a mouse model of leukemia. This work demonstrates a proof‐of‐principle for biomimetic and microenvironment‐activated multiplexed nanoparticulate drug delivery strategies for overcoming therapy‐induced chemoresistance in leukemia.
Contactless Spin Switch Sensing by Chemo‐Electric Gating of Graphene
Authors: van Geest Erik P. , Shakouri Khosrow , Fu Wangyang , Robert Vincent , Tudor Viorica , Bonnet Sylvestre , Schneider Grégory F.
Published: February 2020

Direct electrical probing of molecular materials is often impaired by their insulating nature. Here, graphene is interfaced with single crystals of a molecular spin crossover complex, [Fe(bapbpy)(NCS)2], to electrically detect phase transitions in the molecular crystal through the variation of graphene resistance. Contactless sensing is achieved by separating the crystal from graphene with an insulating polymer spacer. Next to mechanical effects, which influence the conductivity of the graphene sheet but can be minimized by using a thicker spacer, a Dirac point shift in graphene is observed experimentally upon spin crossover. As confirmed by computational modeling, this Dirac point shift is due to the phase‐dependent electrostatic potential generated by the crystal inside the graphene sheet. This effect, named as chemo‐electric gating, suggests that molecular materials may serve as substrates for designing graphene‐based electronic devices. Chemo‐electric gating, thus, opens up new possibilities to electrically probe chemical and physical processes in molecular materials in a contactless fashion, from a large distance, which can enhance their use in technological applications, for example, as sensors.
Enhanced Cancer Therapy by Combining Radiation and Chemical Effects Mediated by Nanocarriers
Authors: Denkova Antonia G. , Liu Huanhuan , Men Yongjun , Eelkema Rienk
Published: February 2020

Next to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the two most commonly applied treatments against cancer. These therapies are often combined, but the therapeutic outcome is still limited. Nanocarriers may be the solution to many of the issues encountered when combining these therapies. In this review, the role of nanocarriers in combined radiotherapy and chemical cancer treatment is discussed, divided into four distinct strategy classes. For each strategy, examples of the literature are given to come eventually to conclusion on the possible translation to the clinic.
Stem Cell Therapy of Myocardial Infarction: A Promising Opportunity in Bioengineering
Authors: Jiang Bin , Yan Li , Shamul James G. , Hakun Maxwell , He Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life‐threatening disease resulting from the irreversible death of cardiomyocytes (CMs). Stem cell‐based therapies have been studied for MI treatment over the last two decades with promising outcomes. Here, the past work in this field is critically reviewed to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of treating MI using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) including both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), adult stem cells, and cardiac progenitor cells. Overall, PSCs (particularly iPSCs) have more advantages than the other cells for cardiac regeneration. However, the use of iPSCs is also facing critical challenges, which may be resolved by using biomaterials to engineer stem cells for reduced immunogenicity, improved immobilization/survival in the heart, and increased integration with the host cardiac tissue to eliminate arrhythmia. Biomaterials have also been applied in the derivation of CMs in vitro to increase the efficiency and maturation of cardiac differentiation. Collectively, a lot has been learned from the past failures of simply injecting intact stem cells or their derivatives in vivo for treating MI, and bioengineering stem cells with biomaterials may be a valuable strategy for advancing stem cell therapy towards its widespread application for MI treatment in the clinic.
Incorporation of Graphene Quantum Dots, Iron, and Doxorubicin in/on Ferritin Nanocages for Bimodal Imaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Nasrollahi Fatemeh , Sana Barindra , Paramelle David , Ahadian Samad , Khademhosseini Ali , Lim Sierin
Published: February 2020

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have been emerging as next‐generation bioimaging agents because of their intrinsic strong fluorescence, photostability, aqueous stability, biocompatibility, and facile synthesis. In this work, GQDs are encapsulated in ferritin protein nanocages to develop multi‐functional nanoplatforms toward multi‐modal imaging and cancer therapy. Encapsulation of ultra‐small GQDs is expected to reduce their quick excretion from the body and increase their bioimaging efficiency. To expand the functionality of protein nanocages as multi‐modal imaging nanoprobes capable of both fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), GQDs and iron are encapsulated inside the core of AfFtn‐AA (an engineered ferritin nanocage derived from the archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus). The co‐encapsulation is achieved through an iron‐mediated, self‐assembly of ferritin dimers resulting in the formation of GQD–iron complex in the ferritin nanocages ((GQDs/Fe)AA). The (GQDs/Fe)AA shows high relaxivities in MRI and pH‐sensitive fluorescence with strong fluorescence at low pH values and on MDA‐MB‐231 cells. As an imaging agent and a drug nanocarrier, (GQDs/Fe)AA exhibits negligible cytotoxicity on the cells and a high loading capacity (35%) of doxorubicin. Taken together, the (GQDs/Fe)AA shows promising applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy as a pH‐responsive fluorophore, MRI agent, and drug nanocarrier.
Toward “On‐Demand” Materials Synthesis and Scientific Discovery through Intelligent Robots
Authors: Li Jiagen , Tu Yuxiao , Liu Rulin , Lu Yihua , Zhu Xi
Published: February 2020

A Materials Acceleration Operation System (MAOS) is designed, with unique language and compiler architecture. MAOS integrates with virtual reality (VR), collaborative robots, and a reinforcement learning (RL) scheme for autonomous materials synthesis, properties investigations, and self‐optimized quality assurance. After training through VR, MAOS can work independently for labor and intensively reduces the time cost. Under the RL framework, MAOS also inspires the improved nucleation theory, and feedback for the optimal strategy, which can satisfy the demand on both of the CdSe quantum dots (QDs) emission wavelength and size distribution quality. Moreover, it can work well for extensive coverages of inorganic nanomaterials. MAOS frees the experimental researchers out of the tedious labor as well as the extensive exploration of optimal reaction conditions. This work provides a walking example for the “On‐Demand” materials synthesis system, and demonstrates how artificial intelligence technology can reshape traditional materials science research in the future.
Impermeable Charge Transport Layers Enable Aqueous Processing on Top of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gahlmann Tobias , Brinkmann Kai Oliver , Becker Tim , Tückmantel Christian , Kreusel Cedric , van gen Hassend Frederic , Weber Sebastian , Riedl Thomas
Published: February 2020

Several applications of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) demand a semitransparent top electrode to afford top‐illumination or see‐through devices. Transparent conductive oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), typically require postdeposition annealing at elevated temperatures, which would thermally decompose the perovskite. In contrast, silver nanowires (AgNWs) in dispersions of water would be a very attractive alternative that can be deposited at ambient conditions. Water is environmentally friendly without safety concerns associated with alcohols, such as flammability. Due to the notorious moisture sensitivity of lead‐halide perovskites, aqueous processing of functional layers, such as electrodes, on top of a perovskite device stack is elusive. Here, impermeable electron transport layers (ETLs) are shown to enable the deposition of semitransparent AgNW electrodes from green aqueous dispersions on top of the perovskite cell without damage. The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) capping agent of the AgNWs is found to cause a work–function shift and an energy barrier between the AgNWs and the adjacent ETL. Thus, a high carrier density (≈1018 cm−3) in the ETL is required to achieve well‐behaved J/V characteristics free of s‐shapes. Ultimately, semitransparent PSCs are demonstrated that provide an efficiency of 17.4%, which is the highest efficiency of semitransparent p‐i‐n perovskite solar cells with an AgNW top electrode.
A High‐Energy NASICON‐Type Cathode Material for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jingyang , Wang Yan , Seo Dong‐Hwa , Shi Tan , Chen Shouping , Tian Yaosen , Kim Haegyeom , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: February 2020

Over the last decade, Na‐ion batteries have been extensively studied as low‐cost alternatives to Li‐ion batteries for large‐scale grid storage applications; however, the development of high‐energy positive electrodes remains a major challenge. Materials with a polyanionic framework, such as Na superionic conductor (NASICON)‐structured cathodes with formula NaxM2(PO4)3, have attracted considerable attention because of their stable 3D crystal structure and high operating potential. Herein, a novel NASICON‐type compound, Na4MnCr(PO4)3, is reported as a promising cathode material for Na‐ion batteries that deliver a high specific capacity of 130 mAh g−1 during discharge utilizing high‐voltage Mn2+/3+ (3.5 V), Mn3+/4+ (4.0 V), and Cr3+/4+ (4.35 V) transition metal redox. In addition, Na4MnCr(PO4)3 exhibits a high rate capability (97 mAh g−1 at 5 C) and excellent all‐temperature performance. In situ X‐ray diffraction and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal reversible structural evolution for both charge and discharge.
Soil‐test biological activity with the flush of CO2: VII. Validating nitrogen needs for fall‐stockpiled forage
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J. , Poore Matt H.
Published: February 2020

Nitrogen fertilizer is an expensive input, and its necessity in grazed tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) pastures can be questioned when sufficient soil N mineralization occurs. A soil‐testing tool that could predict the need for N fertilizer inputs would be beneficial to producers to optimize profit and avoid environmental contamination. Thirty‐seven on‐farm trials were conducted in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia in 2018 to evaluate fall‐stockpiled tall fescue yield response to N and P fertilizer inputs. Carbon and N characteristics of the soil surface (0‐ to 10‐cm depth) and surface residue varied among sites. Forage mass responses to P fertilizer input were below the economic threshold, regardless of Mehlich‐III extractable P. Forage mass responses to N fertilizer input did not exceed a low cost/value threshold of 5 kg forage kg−1 N in 24 of the trials. Economically optimum N rate was greatest when soil N mineralization and soil‐test biological activity (STBA) were at low levels. Results validated those of an earlier study on 55 fields, and taken together, suggest that N fertilizer for fall‐stockpiled tall fescue could be as high as 80 kg N ha−1 on fields with very low STBA (<100 mg CO2–C kg−1 soil 3 d−1) and declining to nil with medium STBA (>250 mg CO2–C kg−1 soil 3 d−1), depending on cost/value threshold. Healthy soils with high STBA can be managed effectively without N fertilizer inputs to recycle nutrients and promote more sustainable agricultural systems.
Highly selective absorption separation of H2S and CO2 from CH4 by novel azole‐based protic ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Xiong Wenjie , Peng Lingling , Wu Youting , Hu Xingbang
Published: February 2020

Recently, the selective removal of H2S and CO2 has been highly desired in natural gas sweetening. Herein, four novel azole‐based protic ionic liquids (PILs) were designed and prepared through one‐step neutralization reaction. The solubility of H2S (0–1.0 bar), CO2 (0–1.0 bar), and CH4 (0–5.0 bar) was systematically measured at temperatures from 298.2 to 333.2 K. NMR and theoretical calculation were used to investigate the reaction mechanism between these PILs and H2S. Reaction equilibrium thermodynamic model (RETM) was screened to correlate the H2S solubility. Impressively, 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4,3,0] non‐5‐ene 1,2,4‐1H‐imidazolide ([DBNH][1,2,4‐triaz]) shows the highest H2S solubility (1.4 mol/mol or 7.3 mol/kg at 298.2 K and 1.0 bar) and superior H2S/CH4 (831) and CO2/CH4 (199) selectivities compared with literature results. Considering the excellent absorption capacity of H2S, high H2S/CH4, and CO2/CH4 selectivity, acceptable reversibility, as well as facile preparation process, it is believed that azole‐based PILs provide an attractive alternative in natural gas upgrading process.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization/Alkynylation of Alkene‐Tethered Carbamoyl Chlorides with Terminal Alkynes: Synthesis of Alkyne‐Functionalized Oxindoles
Authors: Sun Wan , Shi Xiaonan , Chen Chen , Zhu Yan‐Ping , Liu Zhengyu , Zhu Bolin
Published: February 2020

We reported the first palladium‐catalyzed copper‐free cascade cyclization/alkynylation of alkene‐tethered carbamoyl chlorides with terminal alkynes, which provided an alternative approach to synthesize various functionalized oxindoles bearing a propargyl all‐carbon quaternary center. This protocol was highly efficient and exhibited good functional group compatibility, as well as the broad substrate scope.
Unraveling the Impact of Gold(I)–Thiolate Motifs on the Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Wu Zhennan , Yao Qiaofeng , Chai Osburg Jin Huang , Ding Nan , Xu Wen , Zang Shuangquan , Xie Jianping
Published: February 2020

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) provides an efficient strategy to synthesize highly luminescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), however, rational control of emission energy and intensity of metal NCs is still challenging. This communication reveals the impact of surface AuI‐thiolate motifs on the AIE properties of Au NCs, by employing a series of water‐soluble glutathione (GSH)‐coordinated Au complexes and NCs as a model ([Au10SR10], [Au15SR13], [Au18SR14], and [Au25SR18]−, SR=thiolate ligand). Spectroscopic investigations show that the emission wavelength of Au NCs is adjustable from visible to the near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) region by controlling the length of the AuI‐SR motifs on the NC surface. Decreasing the length of AuI‐SR motifs also changes the origin of cluster luminescence from AIE‐type phosphorescence to Au0‐core‐dictated fluorescence. This effect becomes more prominent when the degree of aggregation of Au NCs increases in solution.
Trackable Supramolecular Fusion: Cage to Cage Transformation of Tetraphenylethylene‐Based Metalloassemblies
Authors: Li Guangfeng , Zhou Zhixuan , Yuan Chang , Guo Zhewen , Liu Yuhang , Zhao Dong , Liu Kai , Zhao Jun , Tan Hongwei , Yan Xuzhou
Published: February 2020

Herein, the trackable supramolecular transformation of a two‐component molecular cage to a three‐component cage through supramolecular fusion with another two‐component molecular square is described. The use of tetraphenylethene (TPE), a chromophore with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) character, as a component for the molecular cages enables facile fluorescence monitoring of the transformation process: while both cages exhibit fluorescence emission via the restriction of intramolecular motion of the TPE motif, the interactions between TPE and 4,4′‐bipyridine introduced in the supramolecular fusion process result in partial fluorescence quenching and shifts in the emission maximum. This study provides a simple and efficient approach towards complex supramolecular cages with emergent functions and demonstrates that AIE features could provide unique opportunities for the characterization of complex, dynamic supramolecular transformation processes.
Protein‐Structure‐Directed Metal–Organic Zeolite‐like Networks as Biomacromolecule Carriers
Authors: Wang Huanrong , Han Lin , Zheng Dong , Yang Mingfang , Andaloussi Yassin H. , Cheng Peng , Zhang Zhenjie , Ma Shengqian , Zaworotko Michael J. , Feng Yifan , Chen Yao
Published: February 2020

Fabrication of zeolite‐like metal–organic frameworks (ZMOFs) for advanced applications, such as enzyme immobilization, is of great interest but is a great synthetic challenge. Herein, we have developed a new strategy using proteins as structure‐directed agents to direct the formation of new ZMOFs that can act as versatile platforms for the in situ encapsulation of proteins under ambient conditions. Notably, protein incorporation directs the formation of a ZMOF with a sodalite (sod) topology instead of a non‐porous diamondoid (dia) topology under analogous synthetic conditions. Histidines in proteins play a crucial role in the observed templating effect. Modulating histidine content thereby influenced the resultant MOF product (fromdiatodia+sodmixture and, ultimately, tosodMOF). Moreover, the resulting ZMOF‐incorporated proteins preserved their activity even after exposure to high temperatures and organic solvents, demonstrating their potential for biocatalysis and biopharmaceutical applications.
Z‐Scheme Photocatalytic Systems for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Mohamed Abdul Rahman , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: February 2020

Transforming CO2into fuels by utilizing sunlight is promising to synchronously overcome global warming and energy‐supply issues. It is crucial to design efficient photocatalysts with intriguing features such as robust light‐harvesting ability, strong redox potential, high charge‐separation, and excellent durability. Hitherto, a single‐component photocatalyst is incapable to simultaneously meet all these criteria. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, constructing artificial Z‐scheme photocatalysts provides a facile way to conquer these bottlenecks. In this review, we firstly introduce the fundamentals of photocatalytic CO2reduction and Z‐scheme systems. Thereafter we discuss state‐of‐the‐art Z‐scheme photocatalytic CO2reduction, whereby special attention is placed on the predominant factors that affect photoactivity. Additionally, further modifications that are important for efficient photocatalysis are reviewed.
Tunable DNA Origami Motors Translocate Ballistically Over μm Distances at nm/s Speeds
Authors: Bazrafshan Alisina , Meyer Travis A. , Su Hanquan , Brockman Joshua M. , Blanchard Aaron T. , Piranej Selma , Duan Yuxin , Ke Yonggang , Salaita Khalid
Published: February 2020

Inspired by biological motor proteins, that efficiently convert chemical fuel to unidirectional motion, there has been considerable interest in developing synthetic analogues. Among the synthetic motors created thus far, DNA motors that undertake discrete steps on RNA tracks have shown the greatest promise. Nonetheless, DNA nanomotors lack intrinsic directionality, are low speed and take a limited number of steps prior to stalling or dissociation. Herein, we report the first example of a highly tunable DNA origami motor that moves linearly over micron distances at an average speed of 40 nm/min. Importantly, nanomotors move unidirectionally without intervention through an external force field or a patterned track. Because DNA origami enables precise testing of nanoscale structure‐function relationships, we were able to experimentally study the role of motor shape, chassis flexibility, leg distribution, and total number of legs in tuning performance. An anisotropic rigid chassis coupled with a high density of legs maximizes nanomotor speed and endurance.