bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Polyesters for Biomedical Imaging
Authors: Attia Mohamed F. , Brummel Beau R. , Lex Timothy R. , Van Horn Brooke A. , Whitehead Daniel C. , Alexis Frank
Published: October 2018

Several synthetic materials exhibiting contrast imaging properties have become vital to the field of biomedical imaging. Polymeric biomaterials and metals are commonly used imaging agents and can assist in the monitoring of therapy response, migration, degradation, changes in morphology, defects, and image‐guided surgery. In comparison to metals, most bio and synthetic polymers lack inherent imaging properties. Polymeric biomaterials, specifically polyesters, have gained a considerable amount of attention due to their unique properties including biocompatibility, biodegradation, facile synthesis, and modification capability. Polyester implants and nanomaterials are available on the market or are in clinical trials for many applications including: dental implants, cranio‐maxilofacial implants, soft tissue sutures and staples, abdominal wall repair, tendon and ligament reconstruction, fracture fixation devices, and coronary drug eluting stents. This review aims to provide a summary of the recent developments of polyesters with bioimaging contrast properties. The three main approaches to prepare bioimaging polyesters (coating, encapsulation, and functionalization) are discussed in depth. Furthermore, commonly used imaging modalities including X‐ray computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, fluorescence, and radionucleotide polyester contrast agents are highlighted. In each section, examples of impactful bioimaging polyesters in the five major imaging modalities are evaluated.
Programmable Coding Acoustic Topological Insulator
Authors: Xia Jian‐Ping , Jia Ding , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Yuan Shou‐Qi , Ge Yong , Si Qiao‐Rui , Liu Xiao‐Jun
Published: October 2018

Topological acoustics has recently revolutionized fundamental concepts of acoustic propagation, giving rise to strikingly unique acoustic edge modes immune to backscattering. Despite the rapid progress in this field, simultaneous realization of reconfigurability, intelligentization, and automatic control over acoustic propagation paths is posing a great challenge. This challenge is overcome by proposing the concept of a programmable acoustic topological insulator based on two digital elements “0” or “1,” which consist of honeycomb‐lattice sonic crystals made of cylindrical rods with different diameters. The acoustic propagation paths in the topological insulators can be controlled automatically by programming different coding sequences, which arises from efficient transformation of pseudospin‐dependent edge modes on both interfaces of the digital elements. More importantly, a unique unit is experimentally fabricated that has either a “0” or “1” response automatically manipulated by an air cylinder, and design topological insulators with programmable functionality, to realize three digital acoustic devices, such as a single‐pole double‐throw switch, a single‐pole single‐throw switch, and a tunable logic gate. The proposed programmable topological insulators may enable future intelligent acoustic devices with exciting reconfigurable and programmable functionalities, which may lead to important advances in various applications, such as integrated acoustics, acoustic security, and information processing.
Rationally Armoring PtCu Alloy with Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Highly Selective Nonenzyme Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Chen Luning , Wang Tao , Xue Yakun , Zhou Xi , Zhou Jinhong , Cheng Xiqing , Xie Zhaoxiong , Kuang Qin , Zheng Lansun
Published: October 2018

The nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors based on nanomaterials recently have attracted increasing attention because of the limitations of natural enzyme‐based sensors in stability and reproducibility. However, traditional nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors suffer from poor selectivity and antiinterference capacity in spite of high activity and stability. Herein, a kind of well‐designed nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor with a PtCu@metal organic frameworks (MOFs)/C configuration is successfully constructed. In this sensor configuration, PtCu alloy nanoparticles as H2O2‐active centers, which are preloaded on an electroconductive support, are armored with a Cu‐based MOF shell via a self‐sacrificial template route to form a semisurrounding structure. Thanks to the synergy between the MOF shells and the well‐consolidated PtCu/electroconductive support interface, this nonenzymatic sensor not only exhibits superior selectivity and antiinterference capacity toward the detection of H2O2, but also illustrates its great potential in real biological systems (e.g., living tumor cells). The present work greatly deepens the understanding of the role of MOF shells in improving the sensing performance of nonenzymatic electrochemical sensors based on MOF composites. More importantly, these findings provide new design views for the rational construction of high‐performance MOF‐based composites.
Graphene Oxide Exoskeleton to Produce Self‐Extinguishing, Nonignitable, and Flame Resistant Flexible Foams: A Mechanically Tough Alternative to Inorganic Aerogels
Authors: Carosio Federico , Maddalena Lorenza , Gomez Julio , Saracco Guido , Fina Alberto
Published: October 2018

The potential safety hazard associated to commonly used flame retardant chemicals generates a strong demand for new, sustainable, and high performing solutions to reduce the fire threats of widespread polymer foams. In this work, the production of self‐extinguishing, nonignitable, and flame resistant flexible polyurethane foams by means of simple layer‐by‐layer assembly of graphene oxide nanoplatelets is reported. The process builds a protective exoskeleton that completely wraps the complex 3D structure of the foam and is capable of stopping flame spread in flammability tests and preventing ignition when exposed to heat fluxes typical of developing fires. In addition, treated foams are found able to withstand the penetration of a flame torch, successfully protecting the unexposed side from thermal decomposition for more than 6 min. The outstanding temperature gradient greater than 500 °C cm−1 achieved through the foam thickness makes the performances of these foams comparable to those of a silica aerogel, while maintaining excellent flexibility and toughness. The results reported in this paper represent a tremendous opportunity for the production of a novel class of organic and flexible foams, capable of ensuring unprecedented fire safety properties while relying on an easy, green, and straightforward approach to material design.
Alkali‐Treated Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxides for General Use: Oxidative Polymerization, Metal and Nanocarbon Oxidation, and Catalytic Decomposition of Pollutants
Authors: Han Nara , Kaang Byung Kwon , Choi Won San
Published: October 2018

An alkali‐treated Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (A‐LDH) is prepared by NaOH treatment of normal Mg–Al LDH (N‐LDH) at high temperature. Four NaOH treatments are performed with N‐LDH to control the basicity of the LDHs. Among the four A‐LDHs, the A‐LDH possessing a certain basicity shows several unique characteristics that are not observed in N‐LDH. The A‐LDH induces a controlled oxidative polymerization of dopamine into spherical polydopamine (Pdop) particles and can effectively oxidize metals (Cu and Al) and nanocarbons (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphite) to produce oxidized CNTs and oxidized/exfoliated graphene oxide with excellent dispersibility. These interesting phenomena are tested by simply mixing the compounds with A‐LDH at room temperature without an energy‐consuming process and toxic chemicals. Furthermore, A‐LDH exhibits excellent catalytic performances for the degradation of organic pollutants such as various azo dyes.
Optical Response of Nanohole Arrays Filled with Chalcogenide Low‐Epsilon Media
Authors: Piccinotti Davide , Gholipour Behrad , Yao Jin , MacDonald Kevin F. , Hayden Brian E. , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: October 2018

When an array of subwavelength apertures in a metal film is filled with a chalcogenide semiconductor acting as a low‐epsilon medium at optical frequencies, an increase in transmission is observed over a broad range of plasmonic frequencies, and found to be enabled by “laminar” flow of energy through the chalcogenide inclusions. As losses decrease in such a low‐epsilon medium, with causality‐bound dispersion of complex relative permittivity, a peak in transmission emerges at a wavelength tending toward that of unitary refractive index, while counterintuitively the absorption of the composite structure increases.
Emerging Organic and Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices for Specialty Applications: Low‐Level‐Lighting Energy Conversion and Biomedical Treatment
Authors: Chen Fang‐Chung
Published: October 2018

This article reviews the progress made in emerging photovoltaic devices, including dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells, for specialty applications. Because they all feature tunable band structures, which can be modified through molecular design and/or altered compositions, the properties of emerging photovoltaic devices can be tailored to fit the special requirements of a particular application. For instance, they can be designed according to the emission spectrum of an artificial light source (e.g., fluorescence lamp and white light‐emitting diode), thereby efficiently converting the indoor lighting to electricity. Furthermore, because there exists a near‐infrared window—ranging from 650 to 1350 nm—in which photons can penetrate deeply into tissues, the absorption bands of these photovoltaic devices can be tailored specially to this therapeutic window to harvest tissue‐penetrating light, thereby wirelessly providing power to biomedical devices positioned beneath the skin. The rapid progress made in these two representative areas suggests further promising applications of such emerging photovoltaic devices.
High‐Voltage Li‐Ion Full‐Cells with Ultralong Term Cycle Life at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Qiao Yu , He Yibo , Jiang Kezhu , Liu Yang , Li Xiang , Jia Min , Guo Shaohua , Zhou Haoshen
Published: October 2018

In order to meet the ever‐growing demand for energy and power densities in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles, intensive research efforts are focusing on increasing output voltage and maintaining high capacity. However, the trade‐off for higher voltage is sacrificing the service life of the batteries, since the detrimentally oxidative degradation on the high‐potential cathode side would inevitably poison the whole cell. Thus, optimizing strategies for full‐cells must take into account, cathode/anode‐electrolyte compatibilities, electrochemical reversibility, and even thermal stability for practical applications, which spurs a hierarchical design for full‐cell architecture. Benefitting from its superior oxidative stability, ionic liquid (Li/Pyr13TFSI) is employed as catholyte, and equimolar LiTFSI/G3 complex is used as anolyte due to its high graphite‐intercalation‐chemistry reversibility. Segregated by a metal–organic‐framework‐based separator, advantages and drawbacks of each electrolyte systems can be synergistically tuned within their isolated environments. Encouragingly, assembled by this hybrid‐electrolytes strategy, a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (5 V‐class)/graphite Li‐ion full‐cell holds an ultrahigh capacity retention rate of 83.8% over 1000 cycles at harsh elevated temperature.
Tuning the Electron Density of Aromatic Solvent for Stable Solid‐Electrolyte‐Interphase Layer in Carbonate‐Based Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Yoo Dong‐Joo , Yang Sungyun , Yun Yang Sik , Choi Jin Hyeok , Yoo Dongwon , Kim Ki Jae , Choi Jang Wook
Published: October 2018

Lithium metal has been hailed as a key enabler of upcoming rechargeable batteries with high energy densities. Nonetheless, uncontrolled dendritic growth and resulting formation of a nonuniform solid‐electrolyte‐interphase (SEI) layer constitute an ever‐challenging obstacle in long‐term cyclability and safety. So far, these drawbacks have been addressed mainly by using noncarbonate electrolytes based on their relatively mild decomposition under reductive environments. Here, toluene as a co‐solvent of carbonate‐based electrolytes for lithium metal anodes is reported. The electron‐donating nature of the methyl group of toluene shifts the reduction of toluene prior to that of commonly used carbonate solvents, resulting in a more uniform and rigid SEI layer. Moreover, the polymerization process of toluene induces the decomposition of the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI) anion in LiFSI salt to yield uniform distribution of lithium fluoride (LiF), and thus lowers an onset salt concentration in realizing the so‐called “high‐concentration effect” to 3 molar concentration, instead of 5 molar concentration as in typical electrolyte cases. This investigation reveals the usefulness of aromatic compounds in improving the stability of the SEI layer in lithium metal anodes, particularly by tuning the electron density of the benzene ring.
Anionic Redox Activity in a Newly Zn‐Doped Sodium Layered Oxide P2‐Na2/3Mn1−yZnyO2 (0 < y < 0.23)
Authors: Bai Xue , Sathiya Mariyappan , Mendoza‐Sánchez Beatriz , Iadecola Antonella , Vergnet Jean , Dedryvère Rémi , Saubanère Matthieu , Abakumov Artem M. , Rozier Patrick , Tarascon Jean‐Marie
Published: October 2018

The revival of the Na‐ion battery concept has prompted intense research activities toward new sustainable Na‐based insertion compounds and their implementation in full Na‐ion cells. Efforts are parted between Na‐based polyanionic and layered compounds. For the latter, there has been a specific focus on Na‐deficient layered phases that show cationic and anionic redox activity similar to a Na0.67Mn0.72Mg0.28O2 phase. Herein, a new alkali‐deficient P2‐Na2/3Mn7/9Zn2/9O2 phase using a more electronegative element (Zn) than Mg is reported. Like its Mg counterpart, this phase shows anionic redox activity and no O2 release despite evidence of cationic migration. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that it is the presence of an oxygen nonbonding state that triggers the anionic redox activity in this material. The phase delivers a reversible capacity of 200 mAh g−1 in Na‐half cells with such a value be reduced to 140 mAh g−1 in full Na‐ion cells which additionally shows capacity decay upon cycling. These findings establish Na‐deficient layered oxides as a promising platform to further explore the underlying science behind O2 release in insertion compounds based on anionic redox activity.
Using Slack to Facilitate Virtual Small Groups for Individualized Interactive Instruction
Authors: Hill Jeffery , LaFollette Ryan , Grosso Riley , Axelson Daniel , Hart Kimberly , McDonough Erin
Published: October 2018

Individualized interactive instruction provides an opportunity for significant innovation and advances in curriculum design. We describe the development and implementation of virtual small group exercises into the curriculum of an emergency medicine residency training program using a free social media and communication platform (Slack). Two virtual small group exercises, one case‐based and one open‐ended, were trialed during the 2016 to 2017 academic year. We found that the exercises were feasible to implement in a learner group where 66% (41/62) had little or no prior experience with Slack. There was a trend toward a more favorable rating of the quality of the dialogue and of the task‐technology fit for the case‐based format as opposed to the open‐ended educational activity.
Sharing Positive Experiences Boosts Resilient Thinking: Everyday Benefits of Social Connection and Positive Emotion in a Community Sample
Authors: Arewasikporn Anne , Sturgeon John A. , Zautra Alex J.
Published: October 2018

The influence of shared enjoyment and positive affect (PA) on resilient thinking was examined in 191 middle‐aged adults (40–65 years), participating in a study of resilience. Participants completed diaries assessing positive events, shared enjoyment, PA, and resilient cognitions (RC). Multilevel structural equation modeling was utilized to examine when and who engages in RC. Participants reported more RC on days they experienced more positive experiences. This relationship was explained by shared enjoyment and PA. Level‐1 proportional reduction of variance (PRV) for shared enjoyment, PA, and RC was 9%, 10%, and 35%, respectively. Individuals reporting more positive experiences trended toward a more resilient mindset; PA accounted for this relationship. Shared enjoyment mediated the relationship between interpersonal events and PA. These findings suggest PA is integral to having a resilient mindset, and shared enjoyment is a potential mechanism that may influence PA. Level‐2 PRV for shared enjoyment, PA, and RC was 22%, 21%, and 55%, respectively. RC were associated with less depression and anxiety; and greater well‐being, vitality, and physical functioning at follow‐up.
Universal Single‐Qubit Nonadiabatic Holonomic Quantum Gates on an Optomechanical System
Authors: Chen Shan‐Shan , Zhang Hao , Song Xue‐Ke , Deng Fu‐Guo , Wang Hai‐Bo , Yang Guo‐Jian
Published: October 2018

The nonadiabatic holonomic quantum computation has attracted much attention in recent years because of its fastness and robustness. Here, the first scheme to realize theoretically universal single‐qubit gates on an optomechanical system working with nonadiabatic geometric phases is proposed. These quantum gates are robust to the control errors and parameter fluctuations. They can be used to achieve efficiently both quantum state transfer and entanglement generation between two optical modes via the intermediate action of a mechanical mode, showing that they are useful in robust quantum information processing.
Hydrogen Atom Transfer Reactions via Photoredox Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Generation
Authors: Rohe Samantha , Morris Avery O. , McCallum Terry , Barriault Louis
Published: October 2018

The selective functionalization of chemically inert C−H bonds remains to be fully realized in achieving organic transformations that are redox‐neutral, waste‐limiting, and atom‐economical. The catalytic generation of chlorine atoms from chloride ions is one of the most challenging redox processes, where the requirement of harsh and oxidizing reaction conditions renders it seldom utilized in synthetic applications. We report the mild, controlled, and catalytic generation of chlorine atoms as a new opportunity for access to a wide variety of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions owing to the high stability of HCl. The discovery of the photoredox mediated generation of chlorine atoms with Ir‐based polypyridyl complex, [Ir(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtbbpy)]Cl, under blue LED irradiation is reported.
Reusable BNPs‐SiO2@(CH2)3NHSO3H‐catalysed selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfones
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Khodamorady Minoo
Published: October 2018

Reusable boehmite nanoparticles–silica–NHSO3H (BNPs‐SiO2@(CH2)3NHSO3H) was found to be an efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfones in the presence of H2O2. Excellent yields, easy and quick isolation of products, short reaction times and excellent selectivity are the main advantages of this method. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission and scanning electron microscopies.
DABCO‐modified super‐paramagnetic nanoparticles as an efficient and water‐compatible catalyst for the synthesis of pyrano[3,2‐c:5,6‐c']dichromene‐6,8‐dione derivatives under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Heydari Zahra , Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Ranjbar Parviz Rashidi , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a novel catalyst is introduced based on the immobilization of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane (DABCO) on super‐paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. For the synthesis of the catalyst, silica‐magnetic iron oxide core‐shell nanoparticles were first functionalized by (3‐chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane. The functionalized silica‐magnetic iron oxide core‐shell nanoparticles then reacted with DABCO to form the final catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, vibrating‐sample magnetometer, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. This catalyst was used for the synthesis of pyrano[3,2‐c:5,6‐c']dichromene‐6,8‐dione derivatives. Several starting materials were used, and all of them led to the desired products in high isolated yields (19 examples). The catalyst also showed very good reusability in the reaction.
Two Ho(III) and Co(II) complexes constructed from bis(triazol‐1‐yl)benzoic acid with structurally similar carboxyl ligands: Syntheses, structures and biological activities
Authors: Zhu Ming‐Chang , Wang Ning , Meng Bo , Su Jun‐qi , Peng Ting‐ting , Qi Zhen‐zhen , Jia Bing , Feng Yun‐hui , Gao En‐Jun
Published: October 2018

Two new complexes, [Ho(L)2NO3]n (1) and [Co(L′)2Cl4]n (2) (HL = 3,5‐bis(triazol‐1‐yl)benzoic acid, HL′ = 2,4‐bis(triazol‐1‐yl)benzoic acid), have been synthesized and characterized. Interactions with DNA through absorption titration experiments, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements and a molecular docking study were examined. The results suggested that complexes 1 and 2 interact with DNA in a partial intercalation mode. DNA binding affinity was determined using kb values, which indicated that the binding activity of the complexes to DNA was complex 2 (kb = 1.93 × 104) > complex 1 (kb = 1.06 × 104). Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated that the complexes have the ability to cleave pBR322 DNA. Apoptotic assay indicated that the complexes can induce programmed death of Hela cells (human cervix carcinoma cells). A cytotoxicity study indicated that complex 2 shows a greater inhibitory rate of Hela cells than complex 1 and the cytotoxicity of both 1 and 2 showed time dependence. Especially, the efficacy of complex 2 was shown to be higher than that of cisplatin at 72 h.
Preparation and characterization of a binary‐graft‐based, water‐absorbing dust suppressant for coal transportation
Authors: Bao Qiu , Nie Wen , Liu Changqi , Liu Yanghao , Zhang Haihan , Wang Hongkun , Jin Hu
Published: October 2018

During coal transportation, a large amount of coal dust is generated; this not only leads to a massive loss of coal but also causes severe environmental pollution. In this research, we used a chemical modification approach to prepare a highly water‐absorbing dust suppressant. Corn starch, as the main ingredient, was copolymerized with acrylic acid and acrylamide, and acrylic acid and acrylamide were used to form a starch graft copolymer. Subsequently, in this research, we designed a suite of single‐factor experiments using the viscosity as the metric to determine the optimal reaction conditions, which were as follows: mass ratio of acrylic acid to acrylamide = 3:2, neutrality = 50%, reaction time = 3 h, and reaction temperature = 50 °C. Tests were carried out to assess the viscosity, water retention, and anti‐evaporation performance of the dust suppressant. The results indicate that when the dust‐suppressant concentration was 6%, the performance was optimized. Also, the anti‐evaporation behavior of the suppressant improved with the dust‐suppressant concentration. The use of this dust suppressant during coal transportation could greatly reduce dust dispersion and lead to improved environmental protection. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47065.
Modeling of interdiffusion in poly(vinyl acetate)–poly(methyl methacrylate)–toluene multicomponent systems
Authors: Raupp Sebastian M. , Kitz Paul G. , Siebel David K. , Wunsch Alexander , Merklein Lisa , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: October 2018

Work on interdiffusion has been mainly carried out in binary systems in the past, and this work has focused on polymer–solvent (S) systems and polymer blends. To understand and predict the interdiffusion of two solids in the presence of one S, we present a new mathematical model based on the Onsager approach. Within our model, interdiffusion kinetics are described with a modification of the reptation model for long polymer chains, and the chemical potential gradient is used as the driving force behind mass transfer. The chemical potential is calculated with a Flory–Huggins approach. The model was validated with 29 Raman spectroscopy experiments in poly(vinyl acetate)–poly(methyl methacrylate)–toluene systems at 20 °C. Monomer mobilities (L
i,0s) were determined for both polymers to show the independence of L
i,0 from the chain length. The L
i,0s were found to be strongly dependent on the S content. With the knowledge of phase equilibria and L
i,0s, interdiffusion in the ternary polymer–polymer–S system could be predicted by the introduced model. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47092.
Effect of D‐lactide content of annealed poly(lactic acid) on its thermal, mechanical, heat deflection temperature, and creep properties
Authors: Tábi T. , Wacha A. F. , Hajba S.
Published: October 2018

In our research, the effect of D‐lactide content in injection‐molded and annealed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was investigated for crystallinity as well as crystalline forms (less‐ordered α′ and more‐ordered α crystalline forms) and thus on the mechanical, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and creep properties. Three different PLA grades 3052D, 3001D, and 3100HP were investigated with D‐lactide contents of 4%, 1.4%, and 0.5%, respectively. The injection‐molded PLA specimens were then postproduction annealed in a heat chamber at 80–140 °C for 1 h to develop various crystallinities and various ratios of α′ and α crystal forms. It was demonstrated that not only annealing but also the D‐lactide content significantly influences the crystallization, crystal structure, and accordingly properties of PLA like notched Charpy impact strength, HDT, and creep characteristics. Higher HDT, impact properties, and creep resistance could be reached by using PLA with lower D‐lactide content with a certain annealing temperature range to develop definite crystal structures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47103.
Enhanced properties of poly(styrene–b–ethylene–co–butylene–b–styrene) nanocomposites with in situ construction of interconnected graphene network
Authors: Yue Jia , Pan Jinkai , Deng Yuhao , Li Jie , Bao Jianjun
Published: October 2018

In this work, such elastomeric nanocomposites were fabricated with graphene (GE) sheets selectively distributing between polymer matrices and forming three‐dimensional networks. The solvent evaporation process was first introduced to produce poly(styrene–ethylene–co–butadiene–b–styrene) (SEBS) microspheres and then reduced GE oxide attached to the surface of SEBS microspheres via electrostatic interaction and sonication‐assisted reduction. The microstructure of nanocomposites, prepared by compression molding using SEBS/GE microspheres, was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that interconnected GE networks formed in heat‐pressing composite and was destroyed after twin‐roll mixing. The SEBS/GE nanocomposites showed enhanced electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The electrical resistivity of nanocomposites obtained via heat‐pressing reached to 1.1 × 103 Ω m at a 2.5 wt % (1.07 vol %) content of GE. The thermal and mechanical properties were also characterized. It was found that the initial degradation temperature increased by nearly 40 °C and the mechanical properties continued to rise with GE content below 0.5 wt %. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47118.
Spinning of hydroalcoholic chitosan solutions: Mechanical behavior and multiscale microstructure of resulting fibers
Authors: Desorme M. , Montembault A. , Tamet T. , Maleysson P. , Bouet T. , David L.
Published: October 2018

The morphology and mechanical properties of chitosan fibers obtained by spinning of hydroalcoholic (1,2propanediol/water) chitosan solutions of low DA and high molecular mass are reported. The impact of processing parameters on final fiber properties, such as fiber stretching at different steps of the spinning process, is investigated. A stretching ratio applied during the fiber coagulation appeared to have no significant effect on mechanical properties, whereas fiber drawing after the coagulation step, that is, during the washing step was a key parameter for the control of macromolecular orientation, fiber tenacity, and Young's modulus. The microstructure and morphology of the various as‐spun chitosan fibers were studied by means of wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Microstructure impacts mechanical properties from the interplay of different deformation mechanisms acting at different length scales of the microstructure, namely the macromolecular orientation, the semicrystalline morphology, and the core–shell structure. The obtained monofilament fibers (45–70D) can be knitted. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47130.
Dry‐jet wet electrospinning of native cellulose microfibers with macroporous structures from ionic liquids
Authors: Bazbouz Mohamed Basel , Taylor Mark , Baker Daniel , Ries Michael E. , Goswami Parikshit
Published: October 2018

In this study, we have provided a review of electrospun cellulose micro/nanofibers from ionic liquids (ILs) and cosolvents from which we identify a lack of previous studies focusing on the structural morphology of the dry‐jet wet electrospun native cellulose fibers from ILs. We have therefore aimed to investigate factors influencing the structural morphology of cellulose/IL electrospun fibers and investigate the coagulation parameters on this morphology. The electrospinning of 10% w/v cellulose/([C2MIM][OAc]/MIM) (1/1, v/v) solution was shown to produce macroporous fibers with average diameters of 2.8 ± 1.4 μm with pore sizes from 100 to 200 nm. We have found that coagulation bath type and immersion time affect the morphological structure of the electrospun fibers. The fiber spinnability, formation, and morphological structure are mainly dependent on the method used to collect and coagulate/solidify the fibers. The physical properties of the dissolved cellulose were measured and these are discussed in terms of the solution spinnability. The structural morphology of the electrospun cellulose fibers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and finally the extraction of IL from the fiber body was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance. The electrospun cellulose fibers morphology shows the formation of both micron and nanometer sized fibers with different morphological “macroporous” structures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47153.
Effect of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether additive on the structure, morphology, and performance of polysulfone flat sheet ultrafiltration membrane
Authors: Saini Bharti , Sinha Manish Kumar
Published: October 2018

In this work, effects of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEGME) 5000 additive on the structure, morphology, and performance of polysulfone (PSF) membrane have been investigated. The membranes are prepared with direct blending of PEGME5000 (0–9 wt %) with two compositions of PSF (12 and 15 wt %) into N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and further characterized in terms of morphology, structure, fouling, and ultrafiltration performance. The ternary phase diagram is plotted to investigate the thermodynamic stability of the system. Moreover, protein adsorption tests are conducted using bovine serum albumin (BSA) to see the effect of PEGME5000 on surface hydrophilicity. The ultrafiltration experiments are performed using humic acid (HA) solution and oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion. The result showed that, the contact angle decreased from 64° to 46° and from 67.6° to 49° for 12M and 15M membranes, respectively, indicating an improved hydrophilicity. The 12M and 15M membranes with 9 wt % of PEGME5000 have the lowest BSA adsorption due to highest antifouling property. The maximum permeability was obtained 0.72 and 0.51 L/m2 h kPa for 12M5 and 15M3, respectively, due to maximum porosity which is also supported by the morphological result. In HA permeation, 12M5 and 15M3 achieved a maximum Flux
RR around 0.95 and 0.91, respectively, which was remarkably higher compared to 0.61 and 0.62 Flux
RR of 12M0 and 15M0. Also, PEGME5000 significantly affected the structure and morphology of the membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47163.
Study of the release kinetics of (−) epicatechin: Effect of its location within the fiber or sphere
Authors: López‐Peña I. Y. , Castillo‐Ortega M. M. , Plascencia‐Martínez D. F. , Félix‐Núñez A. , Rodríguez‐Félix D. E. , Del Castillo‐Castro T. , Encinas‐Encinas J. C. , Santacruz‐Ortega H. , Rodríguez‐Félix F. , Cauich‐Rodríguez J. V. , Burruel‐Ibarra S. , Hernandez‐Martínez D. , Quiroz‐Castillo J. M.
Published: October 2018

The (−) epicatechin (Epi) is a flavonoid with antioxidant and regenerative properties for cardiac tissue. In this work, a study of release assays and their corresponding adjustments to models was performed to determine the mechanism of (−) Epi release in the cellulose acetate (CA)–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) system. The morphology of the material was considered, fibers, or spheres, as well as the possible chemical interactions between Epi, PVP, and CA. It was observed that in the systems in which the PVP is present, a high release is observed in comparison with those that only contained CA and (−) Epi, which showed very low release. This difference can be explained considering the possible hydrogen bond interaction between CA and (−) Epi, as well as the insolubility of the CA, in the release medium. The factors that have an important effect on the release of (−) Epi in the different systems are: the morphology, a faster release in morphologies with greater surface area, and the chemical interactions that can be formed among the (−) Epi and the components of the matrix. Another factor is the solubility of the components in the release medium, which allows the diffusion and drag phenomena to be observed simultaneously. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47166.
Optical Anisotropicity of Core‐Shell or Yolk‐Shell‐typed Ag@Fe3O4 Nanochains
Authors: Tran Van Tan , Kim Jeonghyo , Kim Jonghyeok , Lee Dongkyu , Jeong Ki‐Jae , Lee Jaebeom
Published: October 2018

Optical anisotropicity of 1‐dimensional nanochains of yolk‐shell (YOSH) and core‐shell (COSH) Ag@Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) is attractive to comprehend electromagnetic relation in different materials in nanoscale regime. To investigate its unique properties, a YOSH Ag@Fe3O4 nanoscale superstructure is prepared through a successive process using COSH‐NPs via a selective etching approach. The Ag‐core can be etched when exposed to a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution at 25°C. It is investigated that the etching degree of Ag‐core in the COSH‐NPs is linearly correlated with the average molecular weight and amount of PVP and H2O2. In the optical investigation, one‐dimensional YOSH and COSH nanochains are compared to show the dependence of anisotropic plasmonic response on tuning polarized light angle. The YOSH nanochain shows an insensitive plasmonic shift in respect of varying refractive index of solvent, which is probably related with the void of Ag‐yolk and Fe3O4 shell. It is probable that the unique properties of the COSH and YOSH nanochain can be applied to be a potential photonic device and their ultralow quantity sensing and imaging.
Template‐assisted Morphological Evolution of Cu2S and Cu2MoS4 from Octahedral Cu2O Crystals
Authors: Jang Min‐Kyeong , Cho Young‐Sik , Park Garam , Oh In‐Hwan , Huh Young‐Duk
Published: October 2018

Various morphologies of Cu2S and Cu2MoS4 were synthesized from an octahedral Cu2O template in the presence of various concentrations of sodium molybdate and thioacetamide by carrying out solvothermal reactions in an ethylene glycol solvent. The morphology varied from hollow octahedral Cu2S structures, through small pieces of P‐Cu2MoS4, and finally to thin square‐like plates of I‐Cu2MoS4, depending on the concentrations of sodium molybdate and thioacetamide. The XRD data indicated that the Cu2MoS4 structural phases changed from P2m to I2m the concentrations of sodium molybdate and thioacetamide increased.
Turn‐On Fluorescent Photochromic Disulfonylarylthiophenes: Effect of Sulfone Groups on Fluorescence and Conversion
Authors: Ai Qi , Hong Seung‐Ju , Khan Mohammad Ashrafuddin , Ahn Kwang‐Hyun
Published: October 2018

A series of diarylthiophenes containing sulfone groups were synthesized using selective sulfur oxidation of benzothiophene group by meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid at room temperature, and their photophysical and chemical properties were studied. These compounds exhibited good photochromic behavior with a good fatigue property under consecutive ultraviolet (UV) and visible irradiation. The ring‐closed form emitted fluorescence upon UV excitation and the wavelength of fluorescence varied depending on the substituent. Compounds 2–5 exhibited high conversion ratios, reaching 95% for compound 5, the benzoyl derivative, under UV irradiation. This high conversion is thought to be due to the lower quantum yield of the ring‐opening reaction compared to the ring‐closing reaction.
Risk assessment communication difficulties: An empirical examination of the effects of categorical versus probabilistic risk communication in sexually violent predator decisions
Authors: Krauss Daniel A. , Cook Gabriel I. , Klapatch Lukas
Published: October 2018

Expert testimony concerning risk and its communication to the trier of fact has important implications for some of the most significant legal decisions. In a simulated sexual violent predator hearing, we examined how mock jurors interpret and use recidivism risk expert testimony communicated either categorically, using verbal labels, or probabilistically, using numeric values. Based upon the STATIC‐99R, we compared mock jurors' decision‐making and verdicts when we manipulated the style of risk communication across four different risk levels. In terms of verdict decisions, we found that higher risk levels were associated with more commitment decisions, but that this relationship only existed for the categorical risk‐communication format. We also replicated previous research demonstrating that participants overestimate recidivism risk in general, especially when higher risk is communicated categorically. Finally, our participants did not differentiate well between the four levels of risk offered, instead apparently employing a more simplistic dichotomy between “low” or “high” risk for both their verdict decisions and their thresholds for commitment. The legal and policy implications of our findings are discussed, as well as suggestions for more effective presentation of expert risk testimony.
Assessing Escherichia coli metabolism models and simulation approaches in phenotype predictions: Validation against experimental data
Authors: Costa Rafael S. , Vinga Susana
Published: October 2018

Over the last years, several genome‐scale metabolic models (GEMs) and kinetic models of Escherichia coli were published. Their predictive performance varies according to the evaluation metric considered, the computational simulation methods used, and the type/quality of experimental data available. However, the GEM approach is often not compared with the kinetic modeling framework. Also, the different genome‐scale reconstruction versions and simulation methods of mutant phenotypes are usually not validated to predict intracellular fluxes using large experimental datasets. Here, we intended to (i) systematically evaluate the prediction performance of three E. coli GEMs (iJR904, iAF1260, and iJO1366) available in the literature according to predictive growth metrics (intracellular flux distribution); (ii) assess the reliability of a E. coli GEM in the prediction of gene knockout phenotypes when different simulation methods (parsimonious flux balance analysis, Minimization of Metabolic Adjustment, linear version of MoMA, Regulatory on/off minimization, and Minimization of Metabolites Balance) are used; and finally (iii) investigate the flux distribution predictive power of the constrained‐based modeling approach (selected stoichiometric GEM) and compare it with the kinetic modeling approach (two published kinetic models) for E. coli central metabolism, in order to assess their accuracy. Results show that the phenotype predictions were not significantly sensitive to the metabolic models, although the GEM iAF1260 was more accurate in the prediction of central carbon fluxes at low dilution rates. Furthermore, we observed that the choice of the appropriate simulation method of mutant phenotypes depends on the biological question to be addressed. In terms of the two modeling approaches, none outperformed the other for all the tested scenarios. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1344–1354, 2018
Polyketide and Prenylxanthone Derivatives from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus sp. TJ23
Authors: Qiao Yuben , Tu Kun , Feng Wenya , Liu Junjun , Xu Qianqian , Tao Li , Zhu Hucheng , Chen Chunmei , Wang Jianping , Xue Yongbo , Zhang Yonghui
Published: October 2018

Eight secondary metabolites, including a new polyketide, named asperetide (1) and a new prenylxanthone derivative, called asperanthone (4), and six known compounds, (S)‐3‐butyl‐7‐methoxyphthalide (2), ruguloxanthone C (3), tajixanthone hydrate (5), tajixanthone methanoate (6), salimyxin B (7), and ergosterol (8), were isolated and identified from the medicinal plant‐derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. TJ23. The new structures and their absolute configurations were elucidated via multiple methods, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, UV, IR, and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All of the isolates were characterized from the strain for the first time. The in vitro bioassay showed that compounds 3–5 and 8 exerted inhibitory activities against five cancer cell lines (B16, MDA‐MB‐231, 4T1, HepG2, and LLC) with IC50 values ranging from 5.13 to 36.8 μm.
Metabolic underpinnings of leukemia pathology and treatment
Authors: Nemkov Travis , D'Alessandro Angelo , Reisz Julie A.
Published: October 2018

Background

Carcinogenic transformation of white blood cells during hematopoiesis leads to the development of leukemia, a cancer characterized by incompetent immune cells and a disruption of normal bone marrow function. Leukemias are diverse in type, affected population, prognosis, and treatment regimen, yet a common theme in leukemia is the dysregulated metabolism of leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells with respect to their noncancerous counterparts.

Recent findings

In this review, we highlight current findings that elucidate metabolic traits unique to the four major types of leukemia, which confer carcinogenic survival but can be potentially exploited for therapeutic intervention. These metabolic features can work in conjunction with or be independent of unique aspects of the bone marrow microenvironment that can also influence cell survival and proliferation, thus sustaining carcinogenesis.

Conclusion

Deepening our understanding of the interactions of leukemias with their niche environments in vivo will inform future treatments for leukemia, particularly for those that are refractive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other therapeutic mainstays.
Identification of Novel Gata3 Distal Enhancers Active in Mouse Embryonic Lens
Authors: Martynova Elena , Bouchard Maxime , Musil Linda S. , Cvekl Ales
Published: October 2018

Background: The tissue‐specific transcriptional programs during normal development require tight control by distal cis‐regulatory elements, such as enhancers, with specific DNA sequences recognized by transcription factors, coactivators, and chromatin remodeling enzymes. Gata3 is a sequence‐specific DNA‐binding transcription factor that regulates formation of multiple tissues and organs, including inner ear, lens, mammary gland, T‐cells, urogenital system, and thyroid gland. In the eye, Gata3 has a highly restricted expression domain in the posterior part of the lens vesicle; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Results: Here we describe the identification of a novel bipartite Gata3 lens‐specific enhancer located ∼18 kb upstream from its transcriptional start site. We also found that a 5‐kb Gata3 promoter possesses low activity in the lens. The bipartite enhancer contains arrays of AP‐1, Ets‐, and Smad1/5‐binding sites as well as binding sites for lens‐associated DNA‐binding factors. Transient transfection studies of the promoter with the bipartite enhancer showed enhanced activation by BMP4 and FGF2. Conclusions: These studies identify a novel distal enhancer of Gata3 with high activity in lens and indicate that BMP and FGF signaling can up‐regulate expression of Gata3 in differentiating lens fiber cells through the identified Gata3 enhancer and promoter elements. Developmental Dynamics 247:1186–1198, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists
A model for predicting prejudice and stigma expression by understanding target perceptions: The effects of visibility, politicization, responsibility, and entitativity
Authors: Kende Anna , McGarty Craig
Published: October 2018

The study of hostile orientations toward outgroups is divided into three main domains: (i) overt (explicit, old‐fashioned, or hostile) prejudice; (ii) veiled (implicit, modern, aversive, or subtle) prejudice, and (iii) stigma. To date, there is no systematic account of which form of hostility is likely to be expressed toward members of particular target groups. We propose a model that integrates the two forms of prejudice and the concept of stigma into a single framework. The contingency model of stigma and prejudice expression postulates that overt or veiled prejudice is a function of an interaction of prevailing perceptions of target groups within their cultural context. There are four major target perceptions that influence prejudice expression through increasing threat perception: visibility, target politicization, responsibility, and entitativity. These target perceptions describe the process and the qualitative conditions that determine the expression of prejudice toward members of different groups and social categories.
The Conversion of Jatropha Oil into Jet Fuel on NiMo/Al‐MCM‐41 Catalyst: Intrinsic Synergic Effects between Ni and Mo
Authors: Du Xiangze , Li Dan , Xin Hui , Zhou Wenjun , Yang Rui , Zhou Keyao , Hu Changwei
Published: October 2018

Although there is much work focused on the conversion of biomass oil into a fuel on bimetallic Ni‐ and Mo‐based catalysts, the intrinsic synergic effects of Ni and Mo have not been revealed clearly. Herein, Mo/Al‐MCM‐41, Ni/Al‐MCM‐41, and NiMo/Al‐MCM‐41 catalysts are synthesized and used for the catalytic conversion of jatropha oil into jet fuel through a one‐step process. The molecular weight range (150–180 Da) of the jet fuel, obtained with a high yield of 63 wt% over 10% NiMo/Al‐MCM‐41 catalyst, is almost the same as that of the commercial aviation fuel of China. A bimetallic catalyst shows not only an excellent activity but also a high carbon‐resistance nature compared with a monometallic catalyst. Characterizations using X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction, high‐angle annular dark‐field detector high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HADDF‐TEM)‐mapping, and in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that the formation of elliptical particles containing both Ni and Mo species and of appropriate acid sites with a proper density on the NiMo/Al‐MCM‐41 catalyst would result in a high yield of the jet fuel. Moreover, the electron transfer from Ni to Mo by a surface synergetic oxygen vacancy of Ni–Mo on the NiMo/Al‐MCM‐41 catalyst might be responsible for the excellent anti‐coke ability.