bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tamoxifen affects chronic pancreatitis‐related fibrogenesis in an experimental mouse model: an effect beyond Cre recombination
Authors: Li Xuan , Clappier Christian , Kleiter Ingo , Heuchel Rainer
Published: August 2019

Tamoxifen is very successfully used for the induction of CreERT‐mediated genomic recombination in conditional mouse models. Recent studies, however, indicated that tamoxifen might also affect the fibrotic response in several disease models following administration, both in vitro and in vivo. In order to investigate a possible effect of tamoxifen on pancreatic fibrogenesis and to evaluate an optimal treatment scheme in an experimental pancreatitis mouse model, we administered tamoxifen by oral gavage to both male and female C57BL/6J mice and then waited for different periods of time before inducing chronic pancreatitis by cerulein. We observed a sex‐specific and time‐dependent effect of tamoxifen on the fibrotic response as measured by collagen deposition and the number of myofibroblasts and macrophages. The findings of in vitro studies, in which cerulein was administrated with or without 4‐hydroxytamoxifen to stimulate primary murine female and male pancreatic stellate cells, supported our in vivo observations. Real‐time PCR also indicated that this effect may be related to differences in ERα expression between female and male stellate cells. Our data demonstrate that tamoxifen administration has unignorable side effects, which affect the experimental outcome in a cerulein‐based model of chronic pancreatitis in mice. We suggest a 2‐week waiting period before cerulein administration to reduce side effects to a minimum for the described fibrosis model in female mice.
Memory distortions: When suggestions cannot be easily ignored
Authors: Cabalo Donna Gift , Ianì Francesco , Bilge A. Reyyan , Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: August 2019

In the present study, the persistence of personal false memories (FMs) after social feedback that denies their truth was assessed. Participants imitated actions performed by the experimenter (Session 1) and watched a doctored video with performed and critical “fake” actions (Session 2), followed by a memory rating and a recognition task. A few days later (Session 3), participants were clearly told that some memories were false and received daily reminders of the correct list of objects/actions before testing their memory again in Session 4. Results of both memory ratings and recognition indicated effective FM implantation. Interestingly, response times for correct rejections were longer for fake than true objects, suggesting participants struggled to ignore false suggestions. Crucial for our aim, Session 4 showed that FM persisted also after the debriefing and repeated presentations of correct list of objects/actions, suggesting that FMs for actions are rather difficult to discard.
DNA Hydrogels and Microgels for Biosensing and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Fengyun , Lyu Danya , Liu Shuo , Guo Weiwei
Published: August 2019

DNA hydrogels, which take advantage of the unique properties of functional DNA motifs, such as specific molecular recognition, programmable and high‐precision assembly, multifunctionality, and excellent biocompatibility, have attracted increasing research interest in the past two decades in diverse fields, especially in biosensing and biomedical applications. The responsiveness of smart DNA hydrogels to external stimuli by changing their swelling volume, crosslinking density, and optical or mechanical properties has facilitated the development of DNA‐hydrogel‐based in vitro biosensing systems and actuators. Furthermore, reducing the sizes of DNA hydrogels to the micro‐ and nanoscale leads to better responsiveness and delivery capacity, thereby making them excellent candidates for rapid detection, in vivo real‐time sensing, and drug release applications. Here, the recent progress in the development of smart DNA hydrogels and DNA microgels for biosensing and biomedical applications is summarized, and the current challenges as well as future prospects are also discussed.
Fluorinated Low‐Dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells with over 17% Power Conversion Efficiency and Improved Stability
Authors: Shi Jishan , Gao Yerun , Gao Xiang , Zhang Yun , Zhang Junjie , Jing Xin , Shao Ming
Published: August 2019

Low‐dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) exhibit excellent stability in comparison with 3D perovskites; however, the relatively low power conversion efficiency (PCE) limits their future application. In this work, a new fluorine‐substituted phenylethlammonium (PEA) cation is developed as a spacer to fabricate quasi‐2D (4FPEA)2(MA)4Pb5I16 (n = 5) perovskite solar cells. The champion device exhibits a remarkable PCE of 17.3% with a Jsc of 19.00 mA cm−2, a Voc of 1.16 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 79%, which are among the best results for low‐dimensional RPP solar cells (n ≤ 5). The enhanced device performance can be attributed as follows: first, the strong dipole field induced by the 4‐fluoro‐phenethylammonium (4FPEA) organic spacer facilitates charge dissociation. Second, fluorinated RPP crystals preferentially grow along the vertical direction, and form a phase distribution with the increasing n number from bottom to the top surface, resulting in efficient charge transport. Third, 4FPEA‐based RPP films exhibit higher film crystallinity, enlarged grain size, and reduced trap‐state density. Lastly, the unsealed fluorinated RPP devices demonstrate superior humidity and thermal stability. Therefore, the fluorination of the long‐chain organic cations provides a feasible approach for simultaneously improving the efficiency and stability of low‐dimensional RPP solar cells.
Hydrogel Paint
Authors: Yao Xi , Liu Junjie , Yang Canhui , Yang Xuxu , Wei Jichang , Xia Yin , Gong Xiaoyan , Suo Zhigang
Published: August 2019

For a hydrogel coating on a substrate to be stable, covalent bonds polymerize monomer units into polymer chains, crosslink the polymer chains into a polymer network, and interlink the polymer network to the substrate. The three processes—polymerization, crosslinking, and interlinking—usually concur. This concurrency hinders widespread applications of hydrogel coatings. Here a principle is described to create hydrogel paints that decouple polymerization from crosslinking and interlinking. Like a common paint, a hydrogel paint divides the labor between the paint maker and the paint user. The paint maker formulates the hydrogel paint by copolymerizing monomer units and coupling agents into polymer chains, but does not crosslink them. The paint user applies the paint on various materials (elastomer, plastic, glass, ceramic, or metal), and by various operations (brush, cast, dip, spin, or spray). During cure, the coupling agents crosslink the polymer chains into a network and interlink the polymer network to the substrate. As an example, hydrogels with thickness in the range of 2–20 µm are dip coated on medical nitinol wires. The coated wires reduce friction by eightfold, and remain stable over 50 test cycles. Also demonstrated are several proof‐of‐concept applications, including stimuli‐responsive structures and antifouling model boats.
High‐Efficiency Single‐Component Organic Light‐Emitting Transistors
Authors: Qin Zhengsheng , Gao Haikuo , Liu Jinyu , Zhou Ke , Li Jie , Dang Yangyang , Huang Le , Deng Huixiong , Zhang Xiaotao , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: August 2019

Construction of high‐performance organic light‐emitting transistors (OLETs) remains challenging due to the limited desired organic semiconductor materials. Here, two superior high mobility emissive organic semiconductors, 2,6‐diphenylanthracene (DPA) and 2,6‐di(2‐naphthyl) anthracene (dNaAnt), are introduced into the construction of OLETs. By optimizing the device geometry for balanced ambipolar efficient charge transport and using high‐quality DPA and dNaAnt single crystals as active layers, high‐efficiency single‐component OLETs are successfully fabricated, with the demonstration of strong and spatially controlled light emission within both p‐ and n‐ conducting channels and output of high external quantum efficiency (EQE). The obtained EQE values in current devices are approaching 1.61% for DPA‐OLETs and 1.75% for dNaAnt‐based OLETs, respectively, which are the highest EQE values for single‐component OLETs in the common device configuration reported so far. Moreover, high brightnesses of 1210 and 3180 cd m−2 with current densities up to 1.3 and 8.4 kA cm−2 are also achieved for DPA‐ and dNaAnt‐based OLETs, respectively. These results demonstrate the great potential applications of high mobility emissive organic semiconductors for next‐generation rapid development of high‐performance single‐component OLETs and their related organic integrated electro‐optical devices.
BIOMOSAIC Film: Artificial Biofilms with Catalytic and Self‐Sealing Properties
Authors: Park Joseph P. , Do Minjae , Hong Sang Hyeon , Ryu Jaewook , Kang Dongyeop , Rho Kyeongha , Ahn Jung Hoon , Lee Haeshin
Published: August 2019

Biofilms are a self‐organized, self‐structured community of microorganisms that are enclosed in a self‐produced polymeric matrix. Due to the intrinsic complexity of biofilms, their artificial preparation has remained a challenge despite practical usefulness as reservoirs for biocatalysts. Herein, autonomously generated artificial biofilms termed BIOMOSAIC (BioInspired, Oxygen‐induced Microbial Organization through Self‐Assembly at the air/liquid Interface as a Catalyst) films are reported. Similar to bacterial homing, a large number of cells are spontaneously recruited and immobilized into the film, which is autonomously generated at air/liquid interfaces by simple mixing of phenolic polyamine and tyrosinase‐expressing Pseudomonas fluorescens. BIOMOSAIC films are self‐regenerated, portable, reusable, and freestanding. They are multifunctional depending on types of gene expressions from the cells, catalyzing various reactions such as l‐DOPA production, dephosphorylation, and lipid hydrolysis. Furthermore, BIOMOSAIC film exhibits effective crude oil degradation properties, indicating that it can be a new self‐producing and self‐sustaining platform for bioremediation.
Patterned Quantum Dot Photosensitive FETs for Medium Frequency Optoelectronics
Authors: Shulga Artem G. , Yamamura Akifumi , Tsuzuku Kotaro , Dragoman Ryan M. , Dirin Dmitry N. , Watanabe Shun , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Takeya Jun , Loi Maria A.
Published: August 2019

The use of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) as active layers for the transistors in integrated circuits is often impeded by the poor compatibility of CQDs films with the standard lithographic processing. Successful patterning of tetrabutylammonium iodide‐treated PbS CQDs films is demonstrated on (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized glass or aluminum oxide surfaces, using lithography. Short‐channel (4 µm) field‐effect transistors (FETs) with patterned gate electrode and patterned CQDs film as active layer with electron mobility of 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1, threshold voltage of −0.29 V, and cutoff frequency of 400 kHz are demonstrated. Furthermore, the lithographic processing does not compromise the optical properties of the film, as evidenced by the photoresponse measurements of the FETs (11.6 mA W−1 at 920 nm and 26.7 mA W−1 at 440 nm). These results further demonstrate CQDs as a potential material for optoelectronic applications, where medium frequency operation is required.
3D Printing of Self‐Wiring Conductive Ink with High Stretchability and Stackability for Customized Wearable Devices
Authors: Yoon In Seon , Oh Youngsu , Kim Sun Hong , Choi Junhee , Hwang Yooji , Park Cheol Hwee , Ju Byeong‐Kwon
Published: August 2019

The progress in 3D printing research has led to significant developments ranging from customized printing to rapid prototyping. However, the 3D printing of electrodes, especially stretchable electrodes for the fabrication of 3D printable electronic devices, is challenging due to the inherent weakness with respect to the printing material. A novel preparation method is reported for a 3D printable conductive ink with a self‐wiring effect during heat treatment, which pushes the silicone rubber outward and results in the accumulation of the conductors within the wire. This effect results in the formation of a polymer shell around the conductor, thus yielding conductors with larger stretchability and soft passivation characteristics. The conductive ink is prepared via the following steps: i) mixing of conductive filler, silicone rubbers, and solvent; followed by ii) soft heat treatment for soft curing and solvent evaporation. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor is fabricated using this dielectric polymer layer. As a demonstration, a mouse controller is fabricated using a capacitive sensor array prepared using the conductors developed in this study.
Sacrificial Polymer Substrates in Photopolymerization‐Based Micro 3D Printing for Fabrication and Release of Complex Micro Components
Authors: Vaut Lukas , Zeng Guanghong , Tosello Guido , Boisen Anja
Published: August 2019

3D printing technology is widely employed in various scientific disciplines as well as industrial applications such as hearing aid manufacturing. While technological advances and increasing resolution are making 3D printing accessible for microfabrication purposes, one question remains: how can small and delicate components like microgears, lattices, or micromedical devices be released from the build surface of the 3D printer without manual intervention? Herein, a method for 3D printing on top of water‐soluble sacrificial substrates made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is presented. Prefabricated sacrificial PVA substrates can be mounted onto a customized holder and serve as a build surface during the 3D printing operation. The substrates do not only facilitate a mild release of 3D printed objects after dissolution of the sacrificial material, they also potentially allow for a convenient manipulation and further array‐based processing of predetermined patterns of printed structures subsequent to the 3D printing procedure. This, in turn, may enable a full integration into automated production lines. The fabrication of PVA substrates is thoroughly characterized and the 3D printing of various exemplary structures on sacrificial substrates is demonstrated. Finally, the release of 3D printed objects from PVA substrates is shown.
Using Aliphatic Alcohols to Tune Benzene Adsorption in MAF‐6
Authors: Martin‐Calvo Ana , Gutierrez‐Sevillano Juan Jose , Dubbeldam David , Calero Sofia
Published: August 2019

This simulation study deals with benzene adsorption in the metal azolate framework, MAF‐6, and on the inversion of the adsorption behavior in presence of aliphatic alcohols with varying chain length. To this aim, a new set of Lennard‐Jones interacting parameters for the MAF structure with benzene, methanol, ethanol, and 1‐propanol is developed in order to reproduce experimental adsorption. Pure component and binary benzene/alcohol mixtures are analyzed using Monte Carlo simulations. The distribution of the molecules inside the structure is studied in terms of radial distribution functions, calculated to understand the adsorption mechanisms. Adsorption selectivity provides a better understanding of the effect exerted by the adsorption of alcohols. It is found that the adsorption of benzene from benzene/methanol mixtures is similar to its pure component isotherm. However, for increasing length of the aliphatic chain of the alcohols the adsorption behavior is reversed preventing benzene to be adsorbed. The effect of open metal sites is discarded as main responsible for the preferential adsorption of alcohols, while the entropy and the molecular packing of alcohols are revealed as the reason for the different adsorption behavior of benzene.
Efficient Nanostructured TiO2/SnS Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yun Hyun‐Sung , Park Byung‐wook , Choi Yong Chan , Im Jino , Shin Tae Joo , Seok Sang Il
Published: August 2019

Tin sulfide (SnS) is one of the most promising solar cell materials, as it is abundant, environment friendly, available at low cost, and offers long‐term stability. However, the highest efficiency of the SnS solar cell reported so far remains at 4.36% even using the expensive atomic layer deposition process. This study reports on the fabrication of SnS solar cells by a solution process that employs rapid thermal treatment for few seconds under Ar gas flow after spin‐coating a precursor solution of SnCl2 and thiourea dissolved in dimethylformamide onto a nanostructured thin TiO2 electrode. The best‐performing cell exhibits power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% under 1 sun radiation conditions (AM1.5G). Moreover, secondary treatment using SnCl2 results in a significant improvement of 4.8% in PCE, which is one of the highest efficiencies among SnS‐based solar cells, especially with TiO2 electrodes. The thin film properties of SnS after SnCl2 secondary treatment are analyzed using grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and high‐resolution transmittance electron microscopy.
Direct Nanoscale Characterization of Deep Levels in AgCuInGaSe2 Using Electron Energy‐Loss Spectroscopy in the Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Deitz Julia I. , Paul Pran K. , Farshchi Rouin , Poplavskyy Dmitry , Bailey Jeff , Arehart Aaron R. , McComb David W. , Grassman Tyler J.
Published: August 2019

A new experimental framework for the characterization of defects in semiconductors is demonstrated. Through the direct, energy‐resolved correlation of three analytical techniques spanning six orders of magnitude in spatial resolution, a critical mid‐bandgap electronic trap level (EV + 0.56 eV) within Ag0.2Cu0.8In1−xGaxSe2 is traced to its nanoscale physical location and chemical source. This is achieved through a stepwise, site‐specific correlated characterization workflow consisting of device‐scale (≈1 mm2) deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) to survey the traps present, scanning probe–based DLTS (scanning‐DLTS) for mesoscale‐resolved (hundreds of nanometers) mapping of the target trap state's spatial distribution, and scanning transmission electron microscope based electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (STEM‐EELS) and X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy for nanoscale energy‐, structure, and chemical‐resolved investigation of the defect source. This first demonstration of the direct observation of sub‐bandgap defect levels via STEM‐EELS, combined with the DLTS methods, provides strong evidence that the long‐suspected CuIn/Ga substitutional defects are indeed the most likely source of the EV + 0.56 eV trap state and serves as a key example of this approach for the fundamental identification of defects within semiconductors, in general.
Early life growth and adult telomere length in a Filipino cohort study
Authors: Masterson Erin E. , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Lee Nanette R. , Eisenberg Dan T.A.
Published: August 2019

Objective

We investigated the relationship between early life growth patterns and blood telomere length (TL) in adulthood using conditional measures of lean and fat mass growth to evaluate potentially sensitive periods of early life growth.

Methods

This study included data from 1562 individuals (53% male; age 20‐22 years) participating in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, located in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Primary exposures included length‐for‐agez‐score (HAZ) and weight‐for‐agez‐score (WAZ) at birth and conditional measures of linear growth and weight gain during four postnatal periods: 0‐6, 6‐12, and 12‐24 months, and 24 months to 8.5 years. TL was measured at ~21 years of age. We estimated associations using linear regression.

Results

The study sample had an average gestational age (38.5 ± 2 weeks) and birth size (HAZ = –0.2 ± 1.1, WAZ = –0.7 ± 1.0), but by age 8.5 years had stunted linear growth (HAZ = –2.1 ± 0.9) and borderline low weight (WAZ = –1.9 ± 1.0) relative to World Health Organization references. Heavier birth weight was associated with longer TL in early adulthood (P= .03), but this association was attenuated when maternal age at birth was included in the model (P= .07). Accelerated linear growth between 6 and 12 months was associated with longer TL in adulthood (P= .006), whereas weight gain between 12 and 24 months was associated with shorter TL in adulthood (P= .047).

Conclusions

In Cebu, individuals who were born heavier have longer TL in early adulthood, but that birthweight itself may not explain the association. Findings suggest that childhood growth is associated with the cellular senescence process in adulthood, implying early life well‐being may be linked to adult health.
Reconsidering osteoarthritis as a skeletal indicator of age at death
Authors: Winburn Allysha P. , Stock Michala K.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) generally increases with age, but it is a complex, multifactorial disease. This study investigated whether obesity, physical activity, and antemortem trauma preclude the use of OA for skeletal age estimation.

Materials and Methods

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and all appendicular joints were scored for skeletal indicators of OA in 408 modern European‐Americans (Bass Collection, TN). Binomial generalized linear models (GLMs) assessed the contributions of self‐reported demographic data to OA, including: age; body mass index (BMI); and metabolic values for physical activities. Repeated resampling tested whether observed mean OA scores for joints with trauma consistently exceeded mean scores for unaffected joints. Single‐variable GLM probit models were generated for OA presence/absence data in relevant joints.

Results

Age was the only statistically significant predictor of OA in most multivariable GLMs. Occupation and age were both significant predictors of male hand OA; BMI was the only significant predictor of female ankle OA. Trauma significantly affected OA in most joints. Age cut‐offs calculated from the single‐variable probit models (representing ages of transition to “OA present”) ranged from 29.7 to 77.3 years (90%) and 32.7 to 96.6 years (95%), but were problematic for the male TMJ.

Discussion

Ankle OA should not be used to age females; TMJ OA should not be used to age males. For other joints, using OA to inform age estimates appears valid (in absence of antemortem trauma). While skeletal evidence of OA is not a primary age indicator, its presence can refine age ranges and provide essential age data in fragmentary cases.
A comparison of relief estimates used in three‐dimensional dental topography
Authors: Thiery Ghislain , Guy Franck , Lazzari Vincent
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Topographic estimates of dental relief are now commonly used to make dietary inferences from the teeth of extant and extinct primates. We thoroughly compared commonly used relief estimates in an effort to help researchers decide which variable best suits their objectives.

Materials and methods

We combined a total of three datasets: five theoretical models built to compare the effect of tooth complexity and basin depth on relief estimates, a dataset of 110 lower molars of prosimians, and a dataset of 25 upper molars of apes. We investigated intra‐mesh variation and tooth average relief, estimated from slope and three different relief indices, according to four criteria: (1) the ability to map relief on topographic maps, (2) the correlation with other relief estimates, (3) the ability to separate high‐relief molars of folivores from deep‐relief molars of insectivores in prosimians, and (4) the influence of surface complexity on relief estimates in apes.

Results

We found that polygon slope and relief index are linked by a mathematical relation. Tooth average slope and all relief indices are strongly correlated. In contrast, relief estimates are moderately correlated to cusp elevation. One relief index of four relief estimates had an excellent ability to separate high‐relief from deep‐relief molars in prosimians, whereas slope could not separate them. No significant effect of tooth complexity on dental relief could be detected in apes.

Conclusions

Because slope and relief indices are highly correlated, it is strongly recommended not to combine them in multivariate analysis. Still, slope and relief indices show interesting differences in scaling, graphical representation, computation method, and ability to separate high‐relief and deep‐relief molars. Our results also suggest that slope and relief indices can vary independently of tooth complexity and are moderately affected by mean cusp elevation in apes.
Sorbenten zur direkten Gewinnung von CO2 aus der Umgebungsluft
Authors: Shi Xiaoyang , Xiao Hang , Azarabadi Habib , Song Juzheng , Wu Xiaolong , Chen Xi , Lackner Klaus S.
Published: August 2019

Die Dringlichkeit, den durch Treibhausgasemissionen verursachten globalen Klimawandel anzugehen, wächst von Tag zu Tag. Insbesondere der Anstieg der atmosphärischen CO2‐Werte löst Alarm aus. Technologien zum Absorbieren von CO2 aus der Umgebungsluft, oder “Direct Air Capture” (DAC), haben kürzlich gezeigt, dass sie zu “negativen Kohlenstoffemissionen” beitragen können. Die jüngsten Fortschritte in der Oberflächenchemie und der Materialsynthese haben neue Generationen von CO2‐Sorptionsmitteln ermöglicht, die möglicherweise die Zukunft von DAC und seiner großangelegten Verwendung vorantreiben können. In diesem Aufsatz werden die wichtigsten Arten von Sorptionsmitteln zur Gewinnung von CO2 aus der Umgebungsluft beschrieben und nach Sorptionsmechanismen kategorisiert: Physisorption, Chemisorption und Feuchtigkeitswechsel‐Sorption.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Concerted Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Aryl Fluorides Bearing α,β‐Unsaturated Amides
Authors: Yasui Kosuke , Kamitani Miharu , Tobisu Mamoru
Published: August 2019

Concerted nucleophilic aromatic substitution (CSNAr) has emerged as a powerful mechanistic manifold, in which nucleophilic aromatic substitution can proceed in one step without the need to form a Meisenheimer intermediate. However, all of the CSNAr reactions reported thus far require a stoichiometric strong base or activating reagent, and no catalytic variants have yet been reported. Herein, we report an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of acrylamides that contain a 2‐fluorophenyl group on the nitrogen through a CSNAr reaction. By using this catalytic method, it is possible to synthesize an array of quinolin‐2‐one derivatives, which are common structural motifs in pharmaceuticals and organic materials. DFT calculations unambiguously revealed that this reaction proceeds through the concerted nucleophilic aromatic substitution of aryl fluorides, in which a stereoelectronic σ (Cipso‐Cβ)→ σ*(Cipso‐F) interaction critically contributes to the stabilization of the transition state for the cyclization.
A pH‐Neutral, Metal‐Free Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Battery Employing an Ammonium Anthraquinone Anolyte
Authors: Hu Bo , Luo Jian , Hu Maowei , Yuan Bing , Liu T. Leo
Published: August 2019

Redox‐active anthraquinone molecules represent promising anolyte materials in aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs). However, the chemical stability issue and corrosion nature of anthraquinone‐based anolytes in reported acidic and alkaline AORFBs constitute a roadblock for their practical applications in energy storage. A feasible strategy to overcome these issues is migrating to pH‐neutral conditions and employing soluble AQDS salts. Herein, we report the 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2,7‐disulfonic diammonium salt AQDS(NH4)2, as an anolyte material for pH‐neutral AORFBs with solubility of 1.9 m in water, which is more than 3 times that of the corresponding sodium salt. Paired with an NH4I catholyte, the resulting pH‐neutral AORFB with an energy density of 12.5 Wh L−1 displayed outstanding cycling stability over 300 cycles. Even at the pH‐neutral condition, the AQDS(NH4)2 /NH4I AORFB delivered an impressive energy efficiency of 70.6 % at 60 mA cm−2 and a high power density of 91.5 mW cm−2 at 100 % SOC. The present AQDS(NH4)2 flow battery chemistry opens a new avenue to apply anthraquinone molecules in developing low‐cost and benign pH‐neutral flow batteries for scalable energy storage.
A Competing Hydrogen Bonding Pattern to Yield a Thermo‐Thickening Supramolecular Polymer
Authors: Ayzac Virgile , Sallembien Quentin , Raynal Matthieu , Isare Benjamin , Jestin Jacques , Bouteiller Laurent
Published: August 2019

Introduction of competing interactions in the design of a supramolecular polymer (SP) creates pathway complexity. Ester–bis‐ureas contain both a strong bis‐urea sticker that is responsible for the build‐up of long rod‐like objects by hydrogen bonding and ester groups that can interfere with this main pattern in a subtle way. Spectroscopic (FTIR and CD), calorimetric (DSC), and scattering (SANS) techniques show that such ester–bis‐ureas self‐assemble into three competing rod‐like SPs. The previously unreported low‐temperature SP is stabilized by hydrogen bonds between the interfering ester groups and the urea moieties. It also features a weak macroscopic alignment of the rods. The other structures form isotropic dispersions of rods stabilized by the more classical urea‐urea hydrogen bonding pattern. The transition from the low‐temperature structure to the next occurs reversibly by heating and is accompanied by an increase in viscosity, a rare feature for solutions in hydrocarbons.
Efficient Fe/CuFeO2/rGO nanocomposite catalyst for electro‐Fenton degradation of organic pollutant: Preparation, characterization and optimization
Authors: Nazari Pegah , Rahman Setayesh Shahrbanoo
Published: August 2019

The nanocomposite of zero‐valent iron and delafossite CuFeO2 supported on reduced graphene oxide was synthesized for the first time to evaluate its performance as the heterogeneous catalyst toward electro‐Fenton (EF) removal of catechol. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared, scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were used to characterize the nanocomposite. It was found that the rhombohedral structure of CuFeO2 remained stable during the nanocomposite preparation. The BET surface area of the nanocomposite increased about 102 times in comparison with bare CuFeO2. The influence of the operating parameters was investigated. The optimum operating conditions were pH 3, Fe/CuFeO2/rGO: 1 g/l; catechol: 7.5 × 10−4 mol/l; and I: 150 mA, which led to 99% and 78.4% catechol and chemical oxygen demand removal in 120 min, respectively. The stability of the catalyst by leaching measurements was studied. Only 2% and 3.1% of iron and copper, respectively, was leached in the solution. The obtained results introduced Fe/CuFeO2/rGO as a stable and appropriate catalyst for removal of organic compounds by the EF process. It was inferred from the scavenger utilization that hydroxyl radical plays a major role in catechol elimination and EF reaction followed by the Haber–Weiss mechanism at optimum conditions. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was performed to detect the intermediate products, and an acceptable degradation pathway was proposed. The EF degradation of catechol follows a pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model with a rate constant of 3.69 × 10−2 min−1 for the optimum operating conditions. The reusability of Fe/CuFeO2/rGO was investigated for six cycles, and the catalytic efficiency almost remained.
C‐S cross‐coupling reaction using novel and green synthesized CuO nanoparticles assisted by Euphorbia maculata extract
Authors: Alinezhad Heshmatollah , Pakzad Khatereh
Published: August 2019

In the present study, biosynthesis of CuO nanoparticles using a rapid, eco‐friendly, cost‐effective and efficient method has been reported employing aqueous Euphorbia maculata extract as mild, renewable and non‐toxic reducing and capping agents without adding any surfactants. The biogenic and green method has some benefits compared to conventional physical and chemical methods. It is simple, cheap and environmentally friendly.

The biosynthesized CuO NP displayed a color change pattern (from sky blue to black) on preparation and presented its respective broad peak at 365 nm, which was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Using the FT‐IR analysis, biomolecules in E. maculata extract which are responsible for bioreduction activity and synthesize of CuO NP, were identified. The XRD, EDX and FESEM results confirmed the successful synthesis of CuO nanoparticles of 18 nm sizes, with spherical and sponge crystal structure.

The catalytic activity of biosynthesized CuO NPs was studied in C‐S cross‐coupling reaction. This method has the advantages of high yields, easy work‐up, and simple reusability. The recovered CuO NP can be reused four times without any considerable loss of its catalytic activity.
Natural rubber compositions with the partial/total replacement of carbon black/naphthenic oil by renewable additives: Rice husk ash and cashew nut oil
Authors: Moresco S. , Scarton C. T. , Giovanela M. , Carli L. N. , Bieliński D. M. , Crespo J. S.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this work was to use additives from renewable sources to develop an elastomeric formulation with reduced environmental impact and lower rolling resistance. Twelve compositions containing various proportions of rice husk ash—RHA (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 phr to replace carbon black [CB]) and a combination of RHA with CB (30CB/10RHA and 20CB/20RHA) using cashew nut oil (3 phr) as a processing aid were prepared and characterized based upon their rheometric and physical–mechanical properties. The combined use of CB and RHA after the silanization process (30CB/10RHAS) increased wet grip by 3.6%, reduced rolling resistance by 17.3%, and improved abrasion resistance by 7.3%. Therefore, the use of these alternative raw materials represents an important contribution for the technological development of rubber compounds, with a combination of durability, safety, economy, and reduction in CO2 emissions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48314.
RETRACTED: Effect of surface modified WO3 nanoparticle on the epoxy coatings for the adhesive and anticorrosion properties of mild steel
Authors: Xavier Joseph Raj
Published: August 2019

The effect of introducing WO3 (tungsten oxide) nanoparticle in the epoxy coating was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) methods in 3.5% NaCl. The (3‐glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane was treated with the nanoparticle for the proper dispersion and chemical interaction of nanoparticle with the epoxy resin. The introduction of WO3 nanoparticle in the epoxy coating enhances the charge transfer resistance (Rct) as well as the film resistance (Rf). The observation of iron dissolution and oxygen consumption was done by applying the appropriate SECM tip potential in the WO3‐modified nanocomposite coated steel. The epoxy and epoxy–WO3 nanocomposite‐coated samples were used to study the adhesion and anticorrosion properties. The analysis by SEM/EDX displayed that the enriched W was detected in the nanocomposite coating of steel. The presence of the nano level corrosion product containing W was confirmed by focused ion beam‐transmission electron microscope analysis. The high corrosion protection properties of the epoxy‐based nanocomposite coating was due to the complex nanoscale layer formed and chemical interactions of epoxy resin with surface‐modified nanoparticle in nanocomposites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48323.
Novel CNC/silica hybrid as potential reinforcing filler for natural rubber compounds
Authors: Ali Syed Danish , Imiete Iikpoemugh Elo , Orlandi Marco Emilio , Castellani Luca , Hanel Thomas , Zoia Luca
Published: August 2019

This work describes the development of a low‐density, renewable, and high reinforcing filler for natural rubber (NR) compounds. The cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐based hybrid filler was synthesized by decorating the surface of CNCs with silica using a simple and efficient coprecipitation method. The properties of the prepared hybrid were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption measurements, and Thermogravimetric analysis. Then, the prepared hybrid was incorporated in NR using two different approaches, namely, dry mixing and coprecipitation. The dynamic and tensile mechanical properties of the hybrid/NR compounds were evaluated indicating that: the coprecipitation method was found much more effective for homogeneous dispersion and the CNC/silica hybrid provided quite higher reinforcement to NR than reference silica; however, much lower density of the final compounds was obtained. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48332.
Temperature scanning stress relaxation behavior of water responsive and mechanically adaptive elastomer nanocomposites
Authors: Banerjee Shib Shankar , Natarajan Tamil S. , Subramani B. Eshwaran , Wießner Sven , Janke Andreas , Heinrich Gert , Das Amit
Published: August 2019

The decrease of stress at constant strain, that is, the stress relaxation process as a function of temperature, is a central mechanical characteristics of elastomer nanocomposites for their potential applications. However, in the conventional stress relaxation test, the relaxation behavior is usually determined as a function of time at constant temperature. The present work reports the temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR) characteristics of a new kind of mechanically adaptive elastomer nanocomposite by monitoring the nonisothermal relaxation behavior as a function of temperature. This kind of adaptive elastomer nanocomposite was prepared by introducing calcium sulfate (CaSO4), as the water‐responsive phase into the hydrophilic elastomer matrix. The influence of water‐induced structural changes on TSSR behavior was investigated. Water treatment had a strong effect on the shape of the relaxation spectrum of the nanocomposite. It was revealed that the in situ development of hydrated nano‐rod crystal structures of CaSO4 in the elastomer matrix was responsible for the changes in the mechanical relaxation behavior of the composites. Atomic force microscopy was used to verify this nano‐rod crystal morphology in the elastomer matrix. The mechanism of water‐induced mechanical reinforcement of the composite was explored from dynamic mechanical analysis of the material and correlated with its stress relaxation behavior. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48344.
Improving ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism of PVDF‐CoFe2O4 thick films: Effect of Ethyl acetate and Temperature
Authors: Wang Libo , Su Yuchang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Hongzhi , Dong Qiaoqiao
Published: August 2019

PVDF‐CoFe2O4(CFO) thick membranes were synthesized by solvent casting method. The mixed organic solvents consist of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and Ethyl acetate (EA), in which the mass ratios of NMP and EA (NMP:EA = 1:0, 1:1, and 1:2) and the temperature of solvent evaporation (range from 50 to 80 °C) has been considered. The phase structure, β‐PVDF phase content, and electrical and magnetic properties of these membranes were investigated to reveal the effect of EA addition and temperature on these properties. Results manifest that all samples showed coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties at room temperature. EA addition makes film more compact, which may be responsible for the differences in ferromagnetic properties. Adding EA and enhancing temperature resulted in phase transition of PVDF from α and γ to β, which contributed to membranes’ ferroelectric performances. In all samples, NMP:EA = 1:2 treated at 80 °C exhibits the maximum β‐phase fraction and polarization (Pmax) of 87.2% and 2.398 μC cm−2, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48345.
Quinazoline based 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives as cancer inhibitors by impeding the phosphorylated RET tyrosine kinase pathway: Design, synthesis, docking, and QSAR study
Authors: Pathak Prateek , Naumovich Vladislav , Grishina Maria , Shukla Parjanya Kumar , Verma Amita , Potemkin Vladimir
Published: August 2019

The present research focused on designing a quinazoline skeleton, framed via 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives (QBT) through field mapping and alignment studies. The QBT derivatives were synthesized via time‐ and cost‐effective protocol. The 3D‐QSAR study, computational physicochemical properties, and ADME calculation of the derivatives were performed to establish the affinity towards the biological system. Molecular docking in the adenosine triphosphate binding site of the RET tyrosine kinase domain (PDB ID: 7IVU) was studied to elucidate vital structural residues necessary for bioactivity. The derivatives were evaluated for anticancer potency against TPC‐1 cells (thyroid cancer), MCF‐7 cells (breast cancer), and one normal cell line (human foreskin fibroblasts) via 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐y1)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay followed by an in ovo CAM assay. The entire series of derivatives (8a–o) showed mild to significant anticancer potency against the selected cancer cell lines.
Design and synthesis of leucine‐linked quinazoline‐4(3H)‐one‐sulphonamide molecules distorting malarial reductase activity in the folate pathway
Authors: Patel Tarosh S. , Bhatt Jaimin D. , Dixit Ritu B. , Chudasama Chaitanya J. , Patel Bhavesh D. , Dixit Bharat C.
Published: August 2019

Optimization of a modified Grimmel's method for N‐heterocyclization of a leucine‐linked sulfonamide side‐arm at position 2 leading to 2,3‐disustituted‐4‐quinazolin‐(3H)‐ones was accomplished. Further, 22 hybrid quinazolinone motifs (4a‐v) were synthesized by N‐heterocyclization reaction under microwave irradiation using the ionic liquid [Bmim][BF4]‐H2O as green solvent as well as the catalyst. The in vitro screening of the hybrid entities against the malarial species Plasmodium falciparum yielded five potent molecules 4l, 4n, 4o, 4t, and 4u owning antimalarial activity comparable to those of the reference drugs. In continuation, an in silico study was carried out to obtain a pharmacophoric model and quantitative structure–activity relationship. We also built a 3D‐QSAR model to procure more information that could be applied to design new molecules with more potent Pf‐DHFR inhibitory activity. The designed pharmacophore was recognized to be more potent for the selected molecules, exhibiting five pharmacophoric features. The active scaffolds were further evaluated for enzyme inhibition efficacy against alleged receptor Pf‐DHFR computationally and in vitro, proving their candidature as lead dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, and the selectivity of the test candidates was ascertained by toxicity study against Vero cells. Good oral bioavailability was also proved by studying pharmacokinetic properties.
A Quencher‐Fluorophore‐Type Probe for Detection and Imaging of NADPH in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Yu Geunhyeok , Kim Sungryung , Bae Se Won , Yeo Woon‐Seok
Published: August 2019

A new fluorogenic trimethyl lock quinone (TLQ) derivative, designated as the quencher‐TLQ‐fluorophore‐type probe (Q‐TLQ‐F), was developed for selective detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). By taking advantage of the well‐known facile intramolecular ring cyclization reaction (δ‐lactonization) of TLQ that can release a reporter molecule upon reduction, Q‐TLQ‐F was successfully applied for the detection of physiological NADPH generated by glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells.
Flexible Implementation of the BASIL CURE
Authors: Roberts Rebecca , Hall Bonnie , Daubner Colette , Goodman Anya , Pikaart Michael , Sikora Arthur , Craig Paul
Published: August 2019

Course‐based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) can be a very effective means to introduce a large number of students to research. CUREs are often an extension of the instructor's research, which may make them difficult to replicate in other settings because of differences in expertise or facilities. The BASIL (Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab) CURE has evolved over the past 4 years as faculty members with different backgrounds, facilities, and campus cultures have all contributed to a robust curriculum focusing on enzyme function prediction that is suitable for implementation in a wide variety of academic settings. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(5):498–505, 2019.
Construction of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles by employing ultrasound waves for selective determination of doxepin from human plasma samples: Modeling and optimization
Authors: Bahrani Sonia , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Arabi Maryam
Published: August 2019

In this work, molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINPs) were applied as selective adsorbent for ultrasound‐assisted micro‐solid‐phase extraction (UAMSPE) of doxepin (DP) from human plasma samples, which was then cleaned up, pre‐concentrated and subjected to HPLC. The MINPs were synthesized based on a non‐covalent approach by precipitation polymerization utilizing methacrylic acid and styrene as functional monomers, DP as template, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker and 2,2‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The obtained MINPs were characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Factors influencing the efficiency of UAMSPE such as sonication time, volume of eluent solvent and amount of sorbent were investigated using a central composite design and the optimal points were identified as 4 min of sonication time, 380 μL of eluent solvent and 30 mg of sorbent. Under optimized conditions, the proposed method has linear responses in the range of 0.2–2000 ng mL–1, with a satisfactory limit of detection of 0.04 ng mL–1 and limit of quantification of 0.11 ng mL–1.
The fascial connections of the pectineal ligament
Authors: Steinke Hanno , Wiersbicki Dina , Völker Anna , Pieroh Philipp , Kulow Charlotte , Wolf Benjamin , Osterhoff Georg
Published: August 2019

In clinical settings, the pectineal ligament forms a basic landmark for surgical approaches. However, to date, the detailed fascial topography of this ligament is not well understood. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the pectineal ligament including its fascial connections to surrounding structures. The spatial–topographical relations of 10 fresh and embalmed specimens were dissected, stained, slice plastinated, and analyzed macroscopically, and in three cases histological approaches were also used. The pectineal ligament is attached ventrally and superiorly to the pectineus muscle, connected to the inguinal ligament by the lacunar ligament and to the tendinous origin of rectus abdominis muscle and the iliopubic tract. It forms a site of origin for the internal obturator muscle, and throughout its curved course, the ligament attaches to both the fasciae of iliopsoas and the internal obturator muscle. However, dorsally, these fasciae pass free from the bone, while the pectineal ligament itself is adhered to it. The organ fasciae are seen apart from the pectineal ligament and its connections. The pectineal ligament seems to form a connective tissue junction between the anterior and medial compartment of the thigh. This ligament, however, is free to other compartments arisen from the embryonal gut and to the urogenital ridge. These features of the pectineal ligament are important to consider during orthopedic and trauma surgical approaches, in gynecology, hernia and incontinence surgery, and in operations for pelvic floor and neovaginal reconstructions. Clin. Anat. 32:961–969, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.