bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐translational modifications in priming the plant immune system: ripe for exploitation?
Authors: de Vega Daniel , Newton Adrian C. , Sadanandom Ari
Published: April 2018

Microbes constantly challenge plants, and some can successfully infect their host and cause disease. Basal immunity against plant pathogens in many cases is not enough for survival and leads to disease and, ultimately, a premature death of the host plant. However, the plant immune system can be temporarily and even transgenerationally primed; this ‘primed state’ leads to changes in the plant involving transcriptional, post‐translational, metabolic, physiological and epigenetic reprogramming, which enables fine‐tuning defence mechanisms for a rapid and/or more robust response after abiotic and/or biotic stress. This can ultimately affect pathogen infection speed and, hence, decrease its ability to overcome host resistance and the final outcome of the host–pathogen interaction. The role of the three major post‐translational modifications (PTMs) (protein ubiquitination, phosphorylation and SUMOylation) in plant immunity has been well established. However, the role of PTMs on defence priming, and how the PTM machinery is affected in primed plants and its connection to plant resistance against biotic/abiotic stress is not well understood. This Review highlights the current state of play of priming‐mediated post‐translational reprogramming and explores new areas for future research.
Distinct Effects of the Two Strong El Niño Events in 2015–2016 and 1997–1998 on the Western North Pacific Monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Activity: Role of Subtropical Eastern North Pacific Warm SSTA
Authors: Wu Yi‐Kai , Hong Chi‐Cherng , Chen Cheng‐Ta
Published: April 2018

Western North Pacific (WNP) summer monsoon and tropical cyclone (TC) activity are supposed to be declined during a strong El Niño decaying summer. The 2015–2016 event, which had a Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature (SSTA) similar to the 1997–1998 event, was classified as a strong El Niño. However, WNP summer monsoon and TC activity were normal or even stronger than the climatological mean during the decaying summer. This study addressed why the 2015–2016 El Niño event exerted distinct effects on the WNP's climate compared with the 1997–1998 event. The major difference in oceanic conditions between the two events is that a southwest‐northeast‐tilted subtropical warm SSTA in the eastern North Pacific associated with a pronounced westerly anomaly in the subtropical North Pacific was observed in 2015–2016. Singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis of the covariance of the SSTA and low‐level wind indicated that second mode, resembling the Pacific meridional mode (PMM), accounted for the subtropical warm SSTA in the eastern North Pacific. Conversely, the contribution of leading mode (i.e., El Niño SSTA) was insignificant. Observational analysis indicated that the PMM‐associated SSTA is significantly correlated with a large‐scale low‐level cyclonic circulation anomaly in the WNP during the El Niño decaying spring to summer, which may have an effect on offsetting the El Niño‐induced anticyclone in the WNP and therefore returns WNP summer monsoon and TC activity to normal. The PMM‐SST correlated with cyclonic circulation anomaly was further enhanced by an active phase of intraseasonal oscillation. The possible effect of PMM‐associated SST on the summer monsoon and TC activity was further supported by numerical experiments.
Infection by Nanophyetus salmincola and Toxic Contaminant Exposure in Out-migrating Steelhead from Puget Sound, Washington: Implications for Early Marine Survival
Authors: Chen M. F. , O'Neill S. M. , Carey A. J. , Conrad R. H. , Stewart B. A. , Snekvik K. R. , Ylitalo G. M. , Hershberger P. K.
Published: April 2018

Out-migrating steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from four Puget Sound rivers and associated marine basins of Puget Sound in Washington State were examined for the parasite, Nanophyetus salmincola in 2014 to determine whether recent trends in reduced marine survival are associated with the presence of this pathogen. A subset of steelhead from three of these river–marine basin combinations was analyzed for the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to assess whether exposure to these contaminants is a contributing factor to their reduced marine survival. The prevalence and parasite load of N. salmincola were significantly higher in fish from central and southern Puget Sound than in fish from river systems in northern Puget Sound. The proportion of steelhead samples with concentrations of POPs higher than adverse effects thresholds (AETs) or concentrations known to cause adverse effects was also greater in fish from the central and southern regions of Puget Sound than in those from the northern region. Polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations associated with increased disease susceptibility were observed in 10% and 40% of the steelhead sampled from central and southern Puget Sound regions, respectively, but in none of the fish sampled from the northern region. The AET for polychlorinated biphenyls was exceeded in steelhead collected from marine habitats: 25% of the samples from the marine basins in the central and southern regions of Puget Sound and 17% of samples from northern Puget Sound region. Both N. salmincola and POP levels suggest there are adverse health effects on out-migrating steelhead from one southern and one central Puget Sound river that have lower early marine survival than those from a river system in northern Puget Sound.
First Report of Achlya oblongata Infection in Freshwater-Reared Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer
Authors: Lau Lik-Ming , Hatai Kishio , Fukano Hanako , Kurata Osamu
Published: April 2018

In September 2014, a freshwater oomycete was first isolated from Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer fry that were reared in freshwater at a fish hatchery in Sabah, Malaysia. A fungal strain was isolated from infected fry by using glucose yeast extract (GY) agar. From morphological identification, the strain belonged to the genus Achlya based on the mode of zoospore release. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region sequences from the strain showed high similarity (99–100%) to Achlya oblongata. The isolate was able to grow on GY agar incubated at 15–35°C, in GY broth adjusted to pH 3.0–11.0, and in up to 1.0% NaCl. This is the first report of Achlya infection in freshwater-reared Asian Seabass in Malaysia.
Gamma irradiation of ocular melanoma and lymphoma cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles: in vitro study
Authors: Kanavi Mozhgan Rezaei , Asadi Somayeh , Balagholi Sahar , Alikarami Fatemeh , Nosrati Hassan , Ahmadieh Hamid
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work was to determine whether conjugation of cultivated choroidal melanoma and Burkitt's lymphoma cells with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is beneficial for these series of ocular cancer patients. GNPs are radiosensitizers and can sensitize tumors to radiotherapy.This application has been examined in several tumor types, but not in choroidal melanoma. This study shows the results of in vitro study on the choroidal melanoma and also Burkitt's lymphoma cells in the presence of GNPs during continuous gamma irradiation. Cytotoxicity of GNPs were assessed for five different concentrations then cultured melanoma and Burkitt's lymphoma cells were irradiated with a Gamma source in the presence and absence of NPs. Incubation of melanoma cells with GNP concentrations below 100 μg/ml, accompanied by gamma irradiation, increased cell death (P value = 0.016) . In the absence of irradiation, GNPs at these concentrations did not affect cultured melanoma cell metabolism. Reduced cell viability resulted from a significant increase in absorbed energy by the tumor. Moreover, GNP concentrations higher than 200 μg/ml induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. Cytotoxicity assay in GNPs‐loaded Burkitt's lymphoma cells showed a slight decrease in cell viability at 50 μg/ml and clear cytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 100 μg/ml (P value = 0.035). Concentration and proper injection doses of GNPs in sensitive tissues such as the human eye are important variables yet to be determined.This is the first report of choroidal melanoma dosimetry performed in the presence of GNPs and provides valuable insights into future therapeutic approaches. Further in vitro study with more different sizes and concentrations is needed to determine the optimum size and concentration before any clinical research in this regard.
Obesity, Weight Loss, and Progression of Disability in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , England Bryant R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Sayles Harlan , Cannon Grant W. , Sauer Brian C. , George Michael D. , Caplan Liron , Michaud Kaleb
Published: April 2018

Objective

Cross‐sectional studies have demonstrated that obese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often report greater disability. The longitudinal effects of obesity, however, are not well‐characterized. We evaluated associations between obesity, weight loss, and worsening of disability in patients of 2 large registry studies, which included patients who were followed for longer periods of time.

Methods

This study included patients with RA from the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (FORWARD) (n = 23,323) and the Veterans Affairs RA (VARA) registry study (n = 1,697). Results of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) or Multidimensional HAQ (MD‐HAQ) were recorded through follow‐up. Significant worsening of disability was defined as an increase of >0.2 in HAQ or MD‐HAQ scores. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the risk of worsening of disability from baseline and to adjust for demographics, baseline disability, comorbidity, disease duration, and other disease features.

Results

At enrollment, disability scores were higher among severely obese patients compared to those who were overweight both in FORWARD (β = 0.17 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.14, 0.20]; P < 0.001) and in the VARA registry (β = 0.17 [95% CI 0.074, 0.27]; P = 0.001). In multivariable models, patients who were severely obese at enrollment had a greater risk of progressive disability compared to overweight patients in FORWARD (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.18, 1.33] P < 0.001) and in the VARA registry (HR 1.33 [95% CI 1.07, 1.66]; P = 0.01). Weight loss following enrollment was also associated with a greater risk in both cohorts. In the VARA registry, associations were independent of other clinical factors, including time‐varying C‐reactive protein and swollen joint count.

Conclusion

Severe obesity is associated with a more rapid progression of disability in RA. Weight loss is also associated with worsening disability, possibly due to it being an indication of chronic illness and the development of age‐related or disease‐related frailty.
Features of Duplex Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior in the Titanium Alloy Processed by Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Semenova Irina P. , Dyakonov Grigory S. , Raab Georgy I. , Grishina Yulia F. , Huang Yi , Langdon Terence G
Published: April 2018

This report describes a study of the regularities in the kinetics of microstructure evolution and recrystallization processes in the Ti–5.7Al–3.8Mo–1.2Zr–1.3Sn alloy (Russian analogue VT8M‐1) during processing by equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP). To produce a duplex (globular‐lamellar) structure, the billets are subjected to preliminary heat treatment, including water‐quenching from a temperature below the β‐transus followed by annealing at 700 °С. For the ECAP temperature selection, the deformation behavior of the alloy with a duplex structure is investigated under upsetting in the temperature range of 650–800 °С. The evolution of the globular and lamellar fractions is examined during ECAP processing, and an emphasis is placed on the role of phase transformations, dynamic recrystallization, and spheroidization of the α‐phase which is realized with increasing accumulated strain when processing by ECAP. It is demonstrated that after 6 ECAP passes an equiaxed ultrafine‐grained structure is formed with a mean α‐phase grain/subgrain size of ≈0.6 μm. The investigation includes an examination of the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties of the alloy.
Superplastic Behavior at Lower Temperatures of High‐Strength Ultrafine‐Grained Al Alloy 7475
Authors: Bobruk Elena V. , Murashkin Maxim Y. , Kazykhanov Vil U. , Valiev Ruslan Z.
Published: April 2018

This study aims to achieve high ductility at lower temperatures (170 and 200 °C) while retaining enhanced mechanical strength in the ultrafine‐grained high‐strength Al‐based alloy 7475. The ultrafine grain structure is formed by high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Isochronous annealing in a range of temperatures from 80 to 450 °С demonstrated that the high hardness values are retained or change insignificantly up to 200 °С. Static testing was performed at 120–200 °С and strain rates from 10−2 to 10−4 s−1 to determine the ductility and strain rate sensitivity. Elongations of 500% is achieved at 170 °С and a strain rate of 10−3 s−1, and of 700% at 200 °С and a strain rate of 5 × 10−4 s−1.
Synergistic Sonodynamic/Chemotherapeutic Suppression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeted Biodegradable Mesoporous Nanosonosensitizers
Authors: Li Zhenli , Han Jun , Yu Luodan , Qian Xiaoqin , Xing Hao , Lin Han , Wu Mengchao , Yang Tian , Chen Yu
Published: April 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide featured with the poor prognosis and high mortality in affected patients. Given its insensitivity to conventional systemic chemotherapy, the development of novel modalities for HCC management is highly urgent. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has gained considerable momentum in cancer therapy. Especially, through synergistic SDT/chemotherapy, SDT would enhance the chemotherapeutic process on inhibiting tumor growth, which holds great potential on combating HCC. In this work, we report on the design/fabrication of targeted biodegradable nanosonosensitizers based on hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMONs), followed by pore‐engineering including covalent anchoring of protoporphyrin (PpIX, HMONs‐PpIX) and conjugation of arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid in order to specifically targeting HCC cells. Such nanosonosensitizers provide efficient loading and controllable stimuli‐responsive release of chemotherapeutic agents for HCC‐targeting chemotherapy, thus promoting an enhancing chemotherapeutic process via the unique sonotoxicity under ultrasound irradiation. The HMONs matrix with biologically active organic groups in the framework (disulfide bond) are endowed with intrinsic tumor microenvironment‐responsive biodegradability and improved biocompatibility/biosafety. In particular, a synergistic inhibition effect of drug‐loaded HMONs‐PpIX‐arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid on HCC growth has been systematically demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo (84.7% inhibition rate), which brings insights and meets the versatile therapeutic requirements for HCC management.
Inkjet–Spray Hybrid Printing for 3D Freeform Fabrication of Multilayered Hydrogel Structures
Authors: Yoon Sejeong , Park Ju An , Lee Hwa‐Rim , Yoon Woong Hee , Hwang Dong Soo , Jung Sungjune
Published: April 2018

Here, a new bioprinting process by combining drop‐on‐demand inkjet printing with a spray‐coating technique, which enables the high‐resolution, high‐speed, and freeform fabrication of large‐scale cell‐laden hydrogel structures is reported. Hydrogel structures with various shapes and composed of different materials, including alginate, cellulose nanofiber, and fibrinogen, are fabricated using the inkjet–spray printing. To manufacture cell‐friendly hydrogel structures with controllable stiffness, gelatine methacryloyl is saponified to stabilize jet formation and is subsequently mixed with sodium alginate to prepare blend inks. The hydrogels crosslinked from the blend inks are characterized by assessing physical properties including the microstructure and mechanical stiffness and cellular responses including the cell viability, metabolic activity, and functionality of human dermal fibroblasts within the hydrogel. Cell‐laden hydrogel structures are generated on a large scale and collagen type I secretion and spreading of cells within the hydrogels are assessed. The results demonstrate that the inkjet–spray printing system will ensure the formation of a cell‐laden hydrogel structure with high shape fidelity in a rapid and reliable manner. Ultimately, the proposed printing technique and the blend bioink to be used to fabricate 3D laminated large‐scale tissue equivalents that potentially mimic the function of native tissues is expected.
Origin and Control of Orientation of Phosphorescent and TADF Dyes for High‐Efficiency OLEDs
Authors: Kim Kwon‐Hyeon , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: April 2018

It has been known for decades that the emitting dipole orientation (EDO) of emitting dyes influences the outcoupling efficiency of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the EDO of dopants, especially phosphorescent dopants, has been studied less than that of neat films and polymer emitting layers (EMLs) due to the lack of an apparent driving force for aligning the dopants in amorphous host films. Recently, however, even globular‐shaped Ir complexes have been reported to have a preferred orientation in doped films and OLEDs. External quantum efficiencies (EQEs) higher than 30% have also been demonstrated using phosphorescent and thermally activated delayed fluorescent dyes (TADF) doped in EMLs. Here, recent results on the EDO of phosphorescent and TADF dyes doped in host films, and highly efficient OLEDs using these dyes are reviewed. The origin and control of the orientation of phosphors are discussed, followed by a discussion of future strategies to achieve EQEs of over 60% without a light extraction layer, from the material point of view.
Nanopatched Graphene with Molecular Self‐Assembly Toward Graphene–Organic Hybrid Soft Electronics
Authors: Kang Boseok , Lee Seong Kyu , Jung Jaehyuck , Joe Minwoong , Lee Seon Baek , Kim Jinsung , Lee Changgu , Cho Kilwon
Published: April 2018

Increasing the mechanical durability of large‐area polycrystalline single‐atom‐thick materials is a necessary step toward the development of practical and reliable soft electronics based on these materials. Here, it is shown that the surface assembly of organosilane by weak epitaxy forms nanometer‐thick organic patches on a monolayer graphene surface and dramatically increases the material's resistance to harsh postprocessing environments, thereby increasing the number of ways in which graphene can be processed. The nanopatched graphene with the improved mechanical durability enables stable operation when used as transparent electrodes of wearable strain sensors. Also, the nanopatched graphene applied as an electrode modulates the molecular orientation of deposited organic semiconductor layers, and yields favorable nominal charge injection for organic transistors. These results demonstrate the potential for use of self‐assembled organic nanopatches in graphene‐based soft electronics.
Atom‐by‐Atom Fabrication of Monolayer Molybdenum Membranes
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxu , Dan Jiadong , Chen Jianyi , Ding Zijing , Zhou Wu , Loh Kian Ping , Pennycook Stephen J.
Published: April 2018

Fabrication of materials in the monolayer regime to acquire fascinating physical properties has attracted enormous interest during the past decade, and remarkable success has been achieved for layered materials adopting weak interlayer van der Waals forces. However, the fabrication of monolayer metal membranes possessing strong intralayer bonding remains elusive. Here, suspended monolayer Mo membranes are fabricated from monolayer MoSe2 films via selective electron beam (e‐beam) ionization of Se atoms by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The nucleation and subsequent growth of the Mo membranes are triggered by the formation and aggregation of Se vacancies as seen by atomic resolution sequential STEM imaging. Various novel structural defects and intriguing self‐healing characteristics are unveiled during the growth. In addition, the monolayer Mo membrane is highly robust under the e‐beam irradiation. It is likely that other metal membranes can be fabricated in a similar manner, and these pure metal‐based 2D materials add to the diversity of 2D materials and introduce profound novel physical properties.
Creating Lithium‐Ion Electrolytes with Biomimetic Ionic Channels in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Shen Li , Wu Hao Bin , Liu Fang , Brosmer Jonathan L. , Shen Gurong , Wang Xiaofeng , Zink Jeffrey I. , Xiao Qiangfeng , Cai Mei , Wang Ge , Lu Yunfeng , Dunn Bruce
Published: April 2018

Solid‐state electrolytes are the key to the development of lithium‐based batteries with dramatically improved energy density and safety. Inspired by ionic channels in biological systems, a novel class of pseudo solid‐state electrolytes with biomimetic ionic channels is reported herein. This is achieved by complexing the anions of an electrolyte to the open metal sites of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which transforms the MOF scaffolds into ionic‐channel analogs with lithium‐ion conduction and low activation energy. This work suggests the emergence of a new class of pseudo solid‐state lithium‐ion conducting electrolytes.
Self‐Assembled “Breathing” Grana‐Like Cisternae Stacks
Authors: Li Qingchuan , Han Xiaojun
Published: April 2018

Membranes in cells display elaborate, dynamic morphologies intimately tied to defined cellular functions. Cisternae stacks are a common membrane morphology in cells widely found in organelles. However, compared with the well‐studied spherical cell membrane mimics, cisternae stacks as organelle membrane mimics are greatly neglected because of the difficulty of fabricating this unique structure. Herein, the grana‐like cisternae stacks are assembled via the reorganization of stacked microsized bicelles to mimic grana functions. The cisternae stacks are connected by fusion regions between adjacent cisternae. The number of cisternae can be controlled from ≈4 to 15 by the variation of ethanol volume percentage. Under the stimulation of solvent or negatively charged nanoparticles, the cisternae stacks can reversibly compress and expand, similar to the “breathing” property of natural grana. During the “breathing” process, nanoparticles are reversibly captured and released. Frequency resonance energy transfer is realized on the cisternae stacks trapped with two kinds of quantum dots. The cisternae stacks provide advanced membrane model for cell biotechnology, and clues for the shaping of organelles composed of cisternae. The ability of the cisternae stacks to capture materials enables them to possibly be applied in biomimetics and the design of advanced functional materials.
Metal‐Free 2D/2D Phosphorene/g‐C3N4 Van der Waals Heterojunction for Highly Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Ran Jingrun , Guo Weiwei , Wang Hailong , Zhu Bicheng , Yu Jiaguo , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: April 2018

The generation of green hydrogen (H2) energy using sunlight is of great significance to solve the worldwide energy and environmental issues. Particularly, photocatalytic H2 production is a highly promising strategy for solar‐to‐H2 conversion. Recently, various heterostructured photocatalysts with high efficiency and good stability have been fabricated. Among them, 2D/2D van der Waals (VDW) heterojunctions have received tremendous attention, since this architecture can promote the interfacial charge separation and transfer and provide massive reactive centers. On the other hand, currently, most photocatalysts are composed of metal elements with high cost, limited reserves, and hazardous environmental impact. Hence, the development of metal‐free photocatalysts is desirable. Here, a novel 2D/2D VDW heterostructure of metal‐free phosphorene/graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is fabricated. The phosphorene/g‐C3N4 nanocomposite shows an enhanced visible‐light photocatalytic H2 production activity of 571 µmol h−1 g−1 in 18 v% lactic acid aqueous solution. This improved performance arises from the intimate electronic coupling at the 2D/2D interface, corroborated by the advanced characterizations techniques, e.g., synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure, and theoretical calculations. This work not only reports a new metal‐free phosphorene/g‐C3N4 photocatalyst but also sheds lights on the design and fabrication of 2D/2D VDW heterojunction for applications in catalysis, electronics, and optoelectronics.
3D‐Printable Photochromic Molecular Materials for Reversible Information Storage
Authors: Wales Dominic J. , Cao Qun , Kastner Katharina , Karjalainen Erno , Newton Graham N. , Sans Victor
Published: April 2018

The formulation of advanced molecular materials with bespoke polymeric ionic‐liquid matrices that stabilize and solubilize hybrid organic–inorganic polyoxometalates and allow their processing by additive manufacturing, is effectively demonstrated. The unique photo and redox properties of nanostructured polyoxometalates are translated across the scales (from molecular design to functional materials) to yield macroscopic functional devices with reversible photochromism. These properties open a range of potential applications including reversible information storage based on controlled topological and temporal reduction/oxidation of pre‐formed printed devices. This approach pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to the molecular limits, allowing the freedom of design enabled by 3D printing to be coupled with the molecular tuneability of polymerizable ionic liquids and the photoactivity and orbital engineering possible with hybrid polyoxometalates.
Chiral N,N′‐Dioxide/ScΙΙΙ Complex‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring‐Opening Reaction of Cyclopropyl Ketones with Indoles
Authors: Chang Fenzhen , Lin Lili , Xia Yong , Zhang Hang , Dong Shunxi , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: April 2018

The asymmetric ring‐opening reaction of cyclopropyl ketones with indoles has been realized by using a N,N′‐dioxide/scandium(ΙΙΙ) complex as catalyst. The corresponding 3‐alkylated indole derivatives were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with good ee values. Moreover, a possible transition state was proposed on the basis of experimental studies and X‐ray structure of product.

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Electrochemical–Thermal Evaluation of an Integrated Thermal Management System for Lithium‐Ion Battery Modules
Authors: Bahiraei Farid , Ghalkhani Maryam , Fartaj Amir , Nazri Gholam‐Abbas
Published: April 2018

Thermal management of lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries using phase change materials (PCM) demonstrate advantages such as compactness and reduced weight compared to conventional active cooling systems. However, the heat accumulation in PCM due to ineffective cooling and added thermal inertia may lead to thermal management system failure. In this study, a hybrid active–passive thermal management system for a Li‐ion battery module is presented. Graphite nanopowder and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite sheets are employed to improve the low thermal conductivity of the PCM. The thermophysical properties of the nano‐enhanced PCM (NePCM) with various mass fractions are experimentally explored. A streamlined electrochemical–thermal coupled model for batteries is used to develop an air‐assisted hybrid thermal management system model. The effects of nanoparticles mass fraction, thickness of the PCM layer, and air inlet temperature on the module thermal behavior during a standard driving cycle are investigated. The hybrid system can maintain the module temperature within the safe limits and provide excellent temperature uniformity. The results reveal that an enhanced thermal conductivity is essential to recover the thermal energy storage capacity of PCM during the driving cycle. The proposed cooling approach presents a promising avenue for enhanced thermal management of Li‐ion battery modules.
Draw Spinning of Wafer‐Scale Oxide Fibers for Electronic Devices
Authors: Liu Ao , Zhu Huihui , Liu Guoxia , Noh Yong‐Young , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Shan Fukai
Published: April 2018

The fabrication of functionalized 1D oxide fibers with accurate control of orientation, location, and number is highly demanded and challengeable based on current techniques, which hinder their practical application in opto/electronic devices. Herein, a rapid and simple method is developed to directly draw the oxide fibers from its polymer solution over large area. The draw‐spinning method enables the accurate positioning of individual fiber and the construction of complex patterns, holding great potentials in fiber‐based electronics. The assembled field‐effect transistors (FETs) based on single indium oxide (In2O3) fiber exhibit excellent current modulation capability with a high on/off current ratio of 106. Adjusting the number of fibers within the channel, the device performance can be modulated. Moreover, the draw‐spinning technique is applied to fabricate highly aligned fiber arrays by using brush pen. The FETs based on aligned In2O3 fiber arrays exhibit superior current‐driven capability compared with the devices with limited number of fibers. Their further integrations on high‐permittivity dielectric layer show improved device performance at an operating voltage of 4 V. This method is scalable and can be implemented easily to fabricate various functional fibers in both laboratory and industrial manufacturing.
Low‐Temperature‐Processed SiOx One Diode–One Resistor Crossbar Array and Its Flexible Memory Application
Authors: Yoon Jongwon , Ji Yongsung , Lee Seoung‐Ki , Hyon Jinho , Tour James M.
Published: April 2018

The one diode–one resistor (1D–1R) crossbar array is a promising architecture for high‐density memory due to its excellent scalability and effective suppression of the sneak paths arising from the unselected neighboring cells. In particular, the low‐temperature fabrication process plays an important role in the demonstration of the 1D–1R device, affording compatibility with conventional semiconductor processes, as well as flexible memory applications. In this study, a 1D–1R crossbar memory array consisting of a nanoporous SiOx film and an oxide‐based diode is achieved using physical vapor deposition methods at low temperature. The fabricated devices show reliable memory operation with high rectification and on/off resistance ratios under low power consumption. In addition, the low‐temperature process enables the fabrication of a flexible 1D–1R crossbar memory array on a plastic substrate. The observed uniform and stable memory performance of the flexible device under mechanical deformation establishes the feasibility of this platform for future high‐density flexible nonvolatile memory applications.
Characteristics distinguishing abusive head trauma from accidental head trauma in infants with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage in Japan
Authors: Amagasa Shunsuke , Matsui Hikoro , Tsuji Satoshi , Uematsu Satoko , Moriya Takashi , Kinoshita Kosaku
Published: April 2018

Aim

To identify markers for detecting abusive head trauma (AHT) and its characteristics in the Japanese population.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 166 infants with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage between 2002 and 2013 in three tertiary institutions in Japan. The infants were classified into AHT (57), suspected AHT (24), and accidental (85) group based on the defined criteria. We compared clinical presentations and computed tomography findings among these three groups and also compared age distribution of infants with AHT in our study to those in the USA.

Results

Age distribution of AHT cases is significantly higher in our study than in the USA (P < 0.001). The rates of male sex, bruising, retinal hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, cerebral edema, and neurological sequelae were significantly higher, and those of skull fracture and scalp finding were significantly lower, in the AHT group than in the accidental group (P < 0.05). In the multivariable analysis of the infants with subdural hematoma, absence of skull fracture (odds ratio = 42.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.5–507.7, P = 0.003) was associated with AHT.

Conclusions

The age range of AHT in Japan is significantly different from that of countries in Europe and North America because of familial and sociocultural situations. Absence of bruising, and rib or long bone fractures did not reduce the likelihood of AHT. Subdural hematoma without findings of an impact to the head strongly suggested AHT. Abusive head trauma is a global problem, however, diagnosis and defensive measures likely need to be tailored to accommodate cultural risk factors.
Polypeptides with High Zwitterion Density for Safe and Effective Therapeutics
Authors: Zhang Peng , Jain Priyesh , Tsao Caroline , Yuan Zhefan , Li Wenchen , Li Bowen , Wu Kan , Hung Hsiang‐Chieh , Lin Xiaojie , Jiang Shaoyi
Published: April 2018

The commonly used “stealth material” poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) effectively promotes the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic cargos while reducing their immune response. However, recent studies have suggested that PEG could induce adverse reactions, including the emergence of anti‐PEG antibodies and tissue histologic changes. An alternative stealth material with no or less immunogenicity and organ toxicity is thus urgently needed. We designed a polypeptide with high zwitterion density (PepCB) as a stealth material for therapeutics. Neither tissue histological changes in liver, kidney, or spleen, nor abnormal behavior, sickness or death was induced by the synthesized polymer after high‐dosage administration for three months in rats. When conjugated to a therapeutic protein uricase, the uricase–PepCB bioconjugate showed significantly improved pharmacokinetics and immunological properties compared with uricase–PEG conjugates.
Informed Molecular Design of Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes To Increase Cell Affinity and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Chia Geraldine W. N. , Ho James C. S. , Seviour Thomas , Sailov Talgat , Liedberg Bo , Kjelleberg Staffan , Hinks Jamie , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: April 2018

Membrane‐intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) are emerging as potential alternatives to conventional, yet increasingly ineffective, antibiotics. Three readily accessible COEs, belonging to an unreported series containing a stilbene core, namely D4, D6, and D8, were designed and synthesized so that the hydrophobicity increases with increasing side‐chain length. Decreased aqueous solubility correlates with increased uptake by E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of D8 is 4 μg mL−1 against both E. coli and E. faecalis, with an effective uptake of 72 %. In contrast, the MIC value of the shortest COE, D4, is 128 μg mL−1 owing to the low cellular uptake of 3 %. These findings demonstrate the application of rational design to generate efficacious antimicrobial COEs that have potential as low‐cost antimicrobial agents.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Enantio‐ and Diastereodivergent Borylative Coupling of Styrenes and Imines
Authors: Itoh Taisuke , Kanzaki Yamato , Shimizu Yohei , Kanai Motomu
Published: April 2018

We report copper(I)‐catalyzed enantio‐ and diastereodivergent borylative coupling of styrenes and imines to produce enantiomerically‐enriched α,β‐dibranched γ‐boryl amine derivatives. Each of the four possible stereoisomers of the products, derived from the two contiguous stereocenters, was selectively accessible by choosing a proper chiral ligand for the copper catalyst. This method, which combines catalyst‐controlled stereodivergency and constitutional divergency derived from the lynchpin motif (i.e., the C−B bond), offers a strategy for addressing the construction of molecular structural diversity concomitant with precise chirality control.
Studies on thermal behavior of imidazole diamine based benzoxazines
Authors: Kannan Kesavan , Krishnan Srinivasan , Chavali Murthy , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: April 2018

The objective of the present work is to develop a novel type of structurally modified benzoxazines with improved performance characteristics using imidazole core based diamine with formaldehyde and different types of phenolic compounds in order to utilize them for high‐performance applications. In this work, an attempt has been made to bring down the polymerization temperature of the benzoxazine monomers, which is one of the most deficient factor restrict the applications of benzoxazines, when used in the form of adhesives, sealants, encapsulants, and matrices with other substrates, though they possess numerous advantages and valuable properties than those of other available thermosets. In this context, in this study, two approaches have been adopted to bring down the polymerization temperature, viz., (i) the development of structurally modified benzoxazine monomers with imidazole core and (ii) an incorporation of varying nature of chemical compounds as catalysts, to lower the polymerization temperature and to enhance the thermal stability and char yield. Three types of benzoxazines were developed using imidazole core based diamine with monohydric phenols and formaldehyde, at appropriate conditions. The molecular structure of benzoxazines was confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. From data, it was observed that the imidazole diamine based benzoxazines prepared from 1‐naphthol exhibits lower curing temperature of about 192 °C than that of other samples studied in this work. In addition, the influencing effect of catalysts viz., 4‐hydroxy acetophenone, 4‐hydroxy benzaldehyde, 4‐hydroxyphenyl maleimide, and thiodipropionic acid (TPA) on thermal properties of benzoxazines also was studied. Among the catalysts, it was found that the TPA is the most efficient catalyst. In the case of imidazole diamine based benzoxazines prepared from cyanophenol, the TPA reduces value of polymerization temperature (Tp) from 217 to 167 °C. The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that thermal stability of the benzoxazines are improved to a significant extent when 10 wt % catalysts were incorporated into the system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46562.
Investigation of the clay sensitivity and cement hydration process of modified HPEG‐type polycarboxylate superplasticizers
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Liao Bing , Nian Fuwei , Wang Kun , Guo Ying , Pang Hao
Published: April 2018

In this work, three kinds of HPEG‐type polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCs) were synthesized with three kinds of typical functional monomers: [diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and 2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAM), respectively. The effects of montmorillonite clay on the fluidity of cement/PC pastes were investigated. It was found that the fluidity was negatively affected by the clays in the order: DMAM‐PC < HEMA‐PC < conventional PC (CPC) < DMDAAC‐PC. The DMAM‐PC was found to disperse cement well even in presence of montmorillonite clay. The dispersion performance of DMDAAC‐PC was much more effectively affected by clay due to the reaction between ammonium and montmorillonite. More study including mortar fluidity, adsorption behavior and morphology of the cement samples were investigated in details. Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction experiments allowed us to observe the influence of PCs on the hydrated products. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46572.
A novel combination of sandwich and co‐continuous structure based on polypropylene and styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer formed with wide range of polypropylene content
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2018

The styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS)/polypropylene (PP) blends with a unique sandwich layered co‐continuous structure were prepared by melt compounding. Differing from single conventional co‐continuous and sandwich structure, this structure was formed, where pure PP and co‐continuous SBS/PP phase acting as the face sheets and core. Even though the volume content was 20 or 10 vol %, PP always amazingly formed a continuous phase in SBS/PP blends, whereas the morphology of SBS phase relatively changed from dispersed particles to continuous network as its content increased to 50 vol %. For immiscible SBS/PP blends, due to the huge difference of complex viscosity and surface tension between SBS and PP, a pure PP layer existed on the surface of blends which can be ascribed to the PP enrichment. Herein, the structure of blends with more than 50 vol % SBS was presented as sandwich layered co‐continuous structure by combining the pure PP layer and co‐continuous structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46580.
Influence of thermal and morphological characteristics on mechanical responses of polypropylene/γ‐irradiated elastomer blends
Authors: Dutta Anindya , Ghosh Anup K.
Published: April 2018

The approach of this paper is to examine the mechanical responses of polypropylene (PP)/γ‐irradiated ethylene acrylic elastomer blends and subsequently compare them with the PP/unirradiated ethylene acrylic elastomer blends. Thorough correlations were drawn between the mechanical characteristics of blends and their morphological, thermal, thermomechanical, and fractured surface morphological aspects. The idea of carrying out γ‐irradiation was to introduce crosslinking points in the elastomer phase. For better understanding, correlations between the impact test results and the fractured surface morphologies were analyzed. The limited tensile properties of PP/γ‐irradiated elastomer blends were attributed not only to the poor interfacial adhesion, obtained by fitting with several theoretical mechanical models, but also to the substantially higher elastomer particle size in the blends than in the PP/unirradiated elastomer blends. The higher loss modulus and tan δ values for PP/unirradiated elastomer blends along with the attainment of much smaller particles of elastomers were responsible for the phenomenal increase in impact properties, which was actually attributed to the formation of crazes inside the dispersed phase during applied impact stress. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46597.
Mechanism of internal and external electron donor effects on propylene polymerization with MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst: New evidences based on active center counting
Authors: Weng Yuhong , Jiang Baiyu , Fu Zhisheng , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: April 2018

Two TiCl4/Di/MgCl2 type supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts were prepared by loading dibutylphthalate or dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (DCPDMS) (internal donor, Di) and TiCl4 on activated δ‐MgCl2 in sequence, and a blank catalyst was prepared by loading TiCl4 on the same δ‐MgCl2 without adding Di. These catalysts have similar specific surface area and pore size distribution, thus form a suitable base for comparative studies. Propylene polymerization with the catalysts was conducted in n‐heptane slurry using triethylaluminum (TEA) as cocatalyst, and the effects of Di as well as De (external donor, in this work it was DCPDMS) on the number of active centers, the distribution of active centers among three polypropylene (PP) fractions (isotactic, medium isotactic, and atactic PP chains), and chain propagation rate constants of the PP fractions were studied by counting the number of active centers in the PP fractions using a method based on selective quench‐labeling of the propagation chains by 2‐thiophenecarbonyl chloride. When De was not added in the polymerization, introducing a phthalate type Di in the catalyst evidently changed the active center distribution by enhancing the proportion of active centers producing isotactic PP (iPP) (
), but scarcely changed reactivities of the three groups of active centers forming the three fractions. When the De was added in the polymerization system with TiCl4/phthalate/MgCl2 catalyst, further shifting of active center distribution in favor of
took place, meanwhile reactivities of the three groups of active centers also remarkably changed in favor of
. Mutual effects of these changes led to overwhelming dominance of iPP production in the TiCl4/Di/MgCl2–TEA/De system (Di = phthalate, De = alkoxysilane). In contrast, though using alkoxysilane as Di also caused shifting of active center distribution in favor of
when De was not added, addition of alkoxysilane De caused reverse shifting of active center distribution in favor of those producing PP of lower stereoregularity. This unfavorable change largely counteracted the reactivity changes in favor of
caused by the De, rendering the catalytic system rather poor isospecificity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46605.
Papillary Architecture and Functional Characterization of Mucosubstances in the Sheep Tongue
Authors: Erdoğan Serkan , Sağsöz Hakan
Published: April 2018

This research aimed to reveal the general morphology and topographic distribution of lingual papillae, epithelial characteristics, mucosal structure, and glands with their mucin content in the sheep tongue, with consideration of species‐specific characteristics. The tongues of ten sheep were analyzed for this purpose. Filiform and fungiform papillae existed within the borders of the ventral surface of the lingual apex. The majority of the filiform papillae had multiple secondary projections. Fungiform papillae were also seen on the lingual torus among lenticular papillae, as well as 6 to 10 circumvallate papillae arranged on its caudal border. The species‐specific details of the general anatomical structure of the tongue were determined and, in general, the papillary organization in the sheep was similar to goats, while the papillary organization also was similar to features with deer species, specifically the filiform papilla from the mechanical papillae and fungiform papilla from the gustatory papillae. Neutral and weak sulfated mucins and N‐acetyl sialomucins were located in seromucous glands, salivary duct epithelium and von Ebner's glands. Carboxylated acid mucins and N‐acetyl sialomucins were not present in seromucous and von Ebner's glands. In seromucous glands, MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6 localized only in epithelial cells of ducts, whereas MUC2 localized in both glandular and ductal epithelial cells. All MUCs were present in both von Ebner's glands and salivary ducts. We showed that this mucin composition, may serve as a physical barrier in the initial section of the digestive system. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Nasal Cavity of the Rat and Mouse—Source of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Alvites Rui Damásio , Caseiro Ana Rita , Pedrosa Sílvia Santos , Branquinho Mariana Esteves , Varejão Artur S.P. , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: April 2018

The nasal cavity performs several crucial functions in mammals, including rodents, being involved in respiration, behavior, reproduction, and olfaction. Its anatomical structure is complex and divided into several regions, including the olfactory recess where the olfactory mucosa (OM) is located and where the capture and interaction with the environmental odorants occurs. Among the cells of this region are the OM mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), whose location raises the possibility that these cells could be involved in the peculiar ability of the olfactory nerve to regenerate continuously throughout life, although this relationship has not yet been confirmed. These cells, like all MSCs, present functional characteristics that make them candidates in new therapies associated with regenerative medicine, namely to promote the regeneration of the peripheral nerve after injury. The availability of stem cells to be therapeutically applied essentially depends on their collection in the tissue of origin. In the case of mice and rat's OM‐MSCs, knowledge about the anatomy and histology of their nasal cavity is essential in establishing effective collection protocols. The present article describes the morphological characteristics of rodent's OM and establishes an alternative protocol for access to the olfactory recess and collection of the OM. Anat Rec, 301:1678–1689, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.