bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifunctional Hydrogen Production and Storage on 0D–1D Heterojunction of Cd0.5Zn0.5S@Halloysites
Authors: Lin Sen , Zhang Yihe , You Yong , Zeng Chao , Xiao Xue , Ma Tianyi , Huang Hongwei
Published: August 2019

Development of efficient solar‐driven hydrogen (H2) evolution and H2 storage materials is challenging. Sulfide nanocatalysts show large potential for H2 production, but suffer from the drawbacks of inefficient charge separation, serious photocorrosion, and easy agglomeration. Herein, a 0D–1D satellite‐core ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐bridged Cd0.5Zn0.5S@halloysite nanotubes tertiary structure is designed via facile in situ assembly, which settles all the above‐mentioned issues and achieves exceptional and stable photocatalytic H2 evolution and storage. Significantly, EDTA grafted on halloysites as the hole (h+) traps steers the photogenerated h+ and electrons (e−) from Cd0.5Zn0.5S separately to halloysites and outer surface Pt sites, achieving efficient directional separation between h+ and e− and inhibiting the h+‐dominated photocorrosion occurring on Cd0.5Zn0.5S. Benefiting from these advantages, the hierarchy shows an unprecedented photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 25.67 mmol g−1 h−1 with a recording apparent quantum efficiency of 32.29% at λ = 420 nm, which is seven‐fold that of Cd0.5Zn0.5S. Meanwhile, an H2 adsorption capacity of 0.042% is achieved with the room temperature of 25 °C and pressure of 2.65 MPa. This work provides a new perspective into designing hierarchical structure for H2 evolution, and proposes an integration concept for H2 evolution and storage.
2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Nanoplate Based Deep‐Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes for Light Communication
Authors: Deng Wei , Jin Xiangcheng , Lv You , Zhang Xiujuan , Zhang Xiaohong , Jie Jiansheng
Published: August 2019

Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite, (PEA)2PbBr4 (PEA = C8H9NH3), is a steady and inexpensive material with a broad bandgap and a narrow‐band emission. These features make it a potential candidate for deep‐blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, due to the weak exciton binding energy, LEDs based on the perovskite thin films usually possess a very low external quantum efficiency (EQE) of <0.03%. Here, for the first time, the construction of high‐performance deep‐blue LEDs based on 2D (PEA)2PbBr4 nanoplates (NPs) is demonstrated. The as‐fabricated (PEA)2PbBr4 NPs film shows a deep‐blue emission at 410 nm with excellent stability under ambient conditions. Impressively, LEDs based on the (PEA)2PbBr4 NPs film deliver a bright deep‐blue emission with a maximum luminance of 147.6 cd m−2 and a high EQE up to 0.31%, which represents the most efficient and brightest perovskite LEDs operating at deep‐blue wavelengths. Furthermore, the LEDs retain over 80% of their efficiencies for over 1350 min under ≈60% relative humidity. The steady and bright deep‐blue LEDs can be used as an excitation light source to realize white light emission, which shows the potential for light communication. The work provides scope for developing perovskite into efficient and deep‐blue LEDs for low‐cost light source and light communication.
Dopamine Delivery via pH‐Sensitive Nanoparticles for Tumor Blood Vessel Normalization and an Improved Effect of Cancer Chemotherapeutic Drugs
Authors: Taleb Mohammad , Ding Yanping , Wang Bin , Yang Na , Han Xuexiang , Du Chong , Qi Yingqiu , Zhang Yinlong , Sabet Zeinab Farhadi , Alanagh Hamideh Rezvani , Mujeeb Ayeesha , Khajeh Khosro , Nie Guangjun
Published: August 2019

Tumor blood vessels have been reported to be abnormal in both structure and function compared with those in normal tissues, leading to a hostile microenvironment and inadequate antitumor drug delivery. Dopamine, a chemical messenger, is proven to inhibit angiogenesis and improve tumor vessel normalization. Here, a mesoporous silicon nanoparticle (MSN) is constructed that is responsive to the weakly acidic pH of the tumor extracellular matrix for steady delivery and tumor‐localized release of dopamine. Then MSNs are functionalized with amine conjugated phenylboronicacid molecules, and dopamine is loaded by reacting with phenylboronic acid. In a weakly acidic environment, MSNs intelligently release dopamine due to the hydrolysis of boronic‐ester bond between dopamine and phenylboronic acid, resulting in an evident inhibition of vascular endothelial cell migration and tubule formation. It is shown that loading of dopamine into the functional MSNs significantly prolong the circulatory half‐life of this small molecule. After intravenous injection to tumor bearing mice, this nanoformulation induce tumor blood vessel normalization, thereby improving the antitumor chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin. This study demonstrates that the pH‐responsive MSN offers great potential for delivery of dopamine in vivo and the normalization of tumor vessels by dopamine can provide an auxiliary treatment for cancer chemotherapeutic drugs.
Independent Memcapacitive Switching Triggered by Bromide Ion Migration for Quaternary Information Storage
Authors: Qian Wen‐Hu , Cheng Xue‐Feng , Zhao Yong‐Yan , Zhou Jin , He Jing‐Hui , Li Hua , Xu Qing‐Feng , Li Na‐Jun , Chen Dong‐Yun , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: August 2019

Memcapacitors are emerging as an attractive candidate for high‐density information storage due to their multilevel and adjustable capacitances and long‐term retention without a power supply. However, knowledge of their memcapacitive mechanism remains unclear and accounts for the limited implementation of memcapacitors for multilevel memory technologies. Here, repeatable and reproducible quaternary memories fabricated from hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3SnBr3) memcapacitors are reported. The device can be modulated to at least four capacitive states ranging from 0 to 169 pF with retention for 104 s. Impressively, an effective device yield approaching 100% for quaternary memory switching is achieved by a batch of devices; each state has a sufficiently narrow distribution that can be distinguished from the others and is superior to most multilevel memories that have a low device yield as well as an overlapping distribution of states. The memcapacitive switching stems from the modulated p–i–n junction capacitance triggered by Br− migration, as demonstrated by in situ element mapping, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and frequency‐dependent capacitance measurements; this mechanism is different from the widely reported memristive switching involving filamentary conduction. The results provide a new way to produce high‐density information storage through memcapacitors.
Microwave Energy Drives “On–Off–On” Spin‐Switch Behavior in Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene
Authors: Zoppellaro Giorgio , Bakandritsos Aristides , Tuček Jiří , Błoński Piotr , Susi Toma , Lazar Petr , Bad'ura Zdeněk , Steklý Tomáš , Opletalová Ariana , Otyepka Michal , Zbořil Radek
Published: August 2019

The established application of graphene in organic/inorganic spin‐valve spintronic assemblies is as a spin‐transport channel for spin‐polarized electrons injected from ferromagnetic substrates. To generate and control spin injection without such substrates, the graphene backbone must be imprinted with spin‐polarized states and itinerant‐like spins. Computations suggest that such states should emerge in graphene derivatives incorporating pyridinic nitrogen. The synthesis and electronic properties of nitrogen‐doped graphene (N content: 9.8%), featuring both localized spin centers and spin‐containing sites with itinerant electron properties, are reported. This material exhibits spin‐switch behavior (on–off–on) controlled by microwave irradiation at X‐band frequency. This phenomenon may enable the creation of novel types of switches, filters, and spintronic devices using sp2‐only 2D systems.
Electrochemical Diagram of an Ultrathin Lithium Metal Anode in Pouch Cells
Authors: Shi Peng , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Li Tao , Zhang Rui , Liu He , Yan Chong , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2019

Lithium (Li) metal is regarded as a “Holy Grail” electrode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density batteries. However, the electrochemical behavior of the Li anode under a practical working state is poorly understood, leading to a gap in the design strategy and the aim of efficient Li anodes. The electrochemical diagram to reveal failure mechanisms of ultrathin Li in pouch cells is demonstrated. The working mode of the Li metal anode ranging from 1.0 mA cm−2/1.0 mAh cm−2 (28.0 mA/28.0 mAh) to 10.0 mA cm−2/10.0 mAh cm−2 (280.0 mA/280.0 mAh) is investigated and divided into three categories: polarization, transition, and short‐circuit zones. Powdering and the induced polarization are the main reasons for the failure of the Li electrode at small current density and capacity, while short‐circuit occurs with the damage of the separator leading to safety concerns being dominant at large current and capacity. The electrochemical diagram is attributed from the distinctive plating/stripping behaviors of Li metal, accompanied by dendrites thickening and/or lengthening, and heterogeneous distribution of dendrites. A clear understanding in the electrochemical diagram of ultrathin Li is the primary step to rationally design an effective Li electrode and render a Li metal battery with high energy density, long lifespan, and enhanced safety.
Coordination‐Induced Interlinked Covalent‐ and Metal–Organic‐Framework Hybrids for Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Tang Xuxu , Yang Qinsi , Xu Yi , Wu Fan , Guo Siyu , Zhang Yanfeng , Wu Minghong , Wang Yong
Published: August 2019

Covalent organic frameworks (COF) or metal–organic frameworks have attracted significant attention for various applications due to their intriguing tunable micro/mesopores and composition/functionality control. Herein, a coordination‐induced interlinked hybrid of imine‐based covalent organic frameworks and Mn‐based metal–organic frameworks (COF/Mn‐MOF) based on the MnN bond is reported. The effective molecular‐level coordination‐induced compositing of COF and MOF endows the hybrid with unique flower‐like microsphere morphology and superior lithium‐storage performances that originate from activated Mn centers and the aromatic benzene ring. In addition, hollow or core–shell MnS trapped in N and S codoped carbon (MnS@NS‐C‐g and MnS@NS‐C‐l) are also derived from the COF/Mn‐MOF hybrid and they exhibit good lithium‐storage properties. The design strategy of COF–MOF hybrid can shed light on the promising hybridization on porous organic framework composites with molecular‐level structural adjustment, nano/microsized morphology design, and property optimization.
X‐ray‐Controlled Bilayer Permeability of Bionic Nanocapsules Stabilized by Nucleobase Pairing Interactions for Pulsatile Drug Delivery
Authors: Deng Hongzhang , Lin Lisen , Wang Sheng , Yu Guocan , Zhou Zijian , Liu Yijing , Niu Gang , Song Jibin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2019

The targeted and sustained drug release from stimuli‐responsive nanodelivery systems is limited by the irreversible and uncontrolled disruption of the currently used nanostructures. Bionic nanocapsules are designed by cross‐linking polythymine and photoisomerized polyazobenzene (PETAzo) with adenine‐modified ZnS (ZnS‐A) nanoparticles (NPs) via nucleobase pairing. The ZnS‐A NPs convert X‐rays into UV radiation that isomerizes the azobenzene groups, which allows controlled diffusion of the active payloads across the bilayer membranes. In addition, the nucleobase pairing interactions between PETAzo and ZnS‐A prevent drug leakage during their in vivo circulation, which not only enhances tumor accumulation but also maintains stability. These nanocapsules with tunable permeability show prolonged retention, remotely controlled drug release, enhanced targeted accumulation, and effective antitumor effects, indicating their potential as an anticancer drug delivery system.
Efficient Aggregation‐Induced Emission Manipulated by Polymer Host Materials
Authors: Wang Xing‐Huo , Song Nan , Hou Wei , Wang Chun‐Yu , Wang Yan , Tang Jun , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: August 2019

Linear copolymer hosts bearing a number of pillar[5]arene dangling side chains are synthesized for the facile construction of highly emissive supramolecular polymer networks (SPNs) upon noncovalently cross‐linking with a series of tetraphenyethylene (TPE)‐based tetratopic guests terminated with different functional groups through supramolecular host–guest interactions. An extremely high fluorescence quantum yield (98.22%) of the SPNs materials is obtained in tetrahydrofuran (THF) by fine‐tuning the parameters, and meanwhile supramolecular light‐harvesting systems based on spherical supramolecular nanoparticles are constructed by interweaving 9,10‐distyrylanthracene (DSA) and TPE‐based guest molecules of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) with the copolymer hosts in the mixed solvent of THF/H2O. The present study not only illustrates the restriction of the intramolecular rotations (RIR)‐ruled emission enhancement mechanism regulated particularly by macrocyclic arene‐containing copolymer hosts, but also suggests a new self‐assembly approach to construct high‐performance light‐harvesting materials.
Influence of Solute Concentration on Meniscus‐Guided Coating of Highly Crystalline Organic Thin Films
Authors: Janneck Robby , Karagiannis Dimitrios , Heremans Paul , Genoe Jan , Rolin Cedric
Published: August 2019

Meniscus‐guided coating methods are a successful approach to precipitate highly crystalline organic thin films at the tip of a receding meniscus. Their optimization nevertheless requires better understanding of the underlying fluid‐ and thermodynamics. Here, the systematic investigation of the impact of solute concentration is reported on the morphology and electrical characteristics of highly crystalline films of two benchmark organic semiconductors: C8‐BTBT and TIPS‐Pentacene. Building on the previous model that predicts the ideal coating speed by balancing substrate motion with solvent evaporation, the approach combines a complete fluid dynamics simulation, including solute transport and precipitation, with a broad set of experimental results. The fluid dynamics modeling confirms that precipitation is strongly enhanced at the tip of the meniscus, regardless of the solute concentration in the bulk of solution. This relative independence explains why the film morphology is little affected by the solute concentration. On the other hand, a rise in concentration results in thicker films. This is rationalized by the mass balance during precipitation. Furthermore, a rise in concentration generally results in films with better electrical characteristics, while the presence of the solute has limited impact on the optimal coating speed that remains close to the ideal balanced speed.
A Perspective on Recent Advances in 2D Stanene Nanosheets
Authors: Sahoo Sumanta Kumar , Wei Kung‐Hwa
Published: August 2019

Advancements in 2D nanomaterials have been impacting a wide range of technology‐driven applications. Here, the authors highlight stanene, a material that comprises a monolayer of elemental tin atoms, as a new addition to the monoelemental 2D family. Recent successes in the experimental realization of stanene in supported heterostructures and in free‐standing form have expanded interest in exploring and unlocking its potential applications, as predicted from advanced theoretical calculations. Stanene exhibits several remarkable features, including a large spin–orbit gap (allowing room‐temperature electronics based on the quantum spin Hall effect), topological superconductivity, quantum anomalous Hall behavior, giant magnetoresistance, and efficient thermoelectricity. Research into stanene and stanene‐based 2D materials, both experimentally and theoretically, is suggesting immense potential for future quantum‐based electronics systems. Here, the fundamental features of stanene, progress in its synthesis, and future perspectives are discussed.
Li‐Breathing Air Batteries Catalyzed by MnNiFe/Laser‐Induced Graphene Catalysts
Authors: Ren Muqing , Zhang Jibo , Fan Mengmeng , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Tour James M.
Published: August 2019

The development of efficient bifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) is important in the development of rechargeable metal–O2 (air) batteries. Here, a straightforward synthesis of highly efficient bifunctional OER/ORR catalysts MnNiFe/LIG (M111/LIG and M311/LIG where the numbers reflect the relative molar ratio of Mn, Ni, and Fe species) is presented through a facile re‐lasing method. The MnNiFe/LIG shows promising performance in Li–O2 and Li–air batteries without the presence of a redox mediator. The Li–O2 battery with M311/LIG catalysts is reliably discharged and charged for 150 cycles while the discharge potential slightly increases by 0.24 V. The Li‐breathing air battery with M311/LIG catalyst is stable during 350 cycles while the Li‐breathing air battery with M111/LIG catalyst is stable for ≈300 cycles. The function of the M111/LIG and M311/LIG catalysts in the Li–O2 batteries and the influence of the catalysts on the discharge and decomposition products are also investigated. This study promotes further development in carbon–metal oxide composite cathode catalysts for metal–air batteries and underscores the efficacy of laser‐induced graphene for electrode fabrications.
Cylindrically Focused Nonablative Femtosecond Laser Processing of Long‐Range Uniform Periodic Surface Structures with Tunable Diffraction Efficiency
Authors: Huang Ji , Jiang Lan , Li Xiaowei , Wei Qunshuo , Wang Zhipeng , Li Bohong , Huang Lingling , Wang Andong , Wang Zhi , Li Ming , Qu Liangti , Lu Yongfeng
Published: August 2019

Periodic surface structures are core components for controlling the dispersion and steering characteristics of light. Here, a mask‐free approach using nonablative femtosecond laser processing is proposed and demonstrated to fabricate extremely long‐range uniform periodic surface structures on silicon with tunable diffraction efficiency. First, a cylindrically focused femtosecond laser scans over silicon substrates to efficiently produce large‐area periodic modified stripes in a nonablation regime. Second, the modified stripes act as fine etch stops to generate the desired structures on sample surfaces during the subsequent chemical etching process. The structures produced by the method achieve optimal long‐range uniformity compared to the reported laser‐induced periodic surface structures, which possess a minimum divergence of structure orientation angles of <5°. In addition, the optical characteristics of the prepared structures are measured experimentally. Distinguishable polychromatic diffraction patterns can be clearly observed by broadband light irradiation. Significantly, the chemical etching process endues the structures with ingenious morphology controllability, so that the diffraction efficiency of the incident light can be flexibly tuned, which exhibits a near‐linear function of the etching duration. Such morphology‐controllable periodic surface structures may facilitate applications in broad fields, such as optical communications and optical sensors.
Energy Absorption Properties of Periodic and Stochastic 3D Lattice Materials
Authors: Mueller Jochen , Matlack Kathryn H. , Shea Kristina , Daraio Chiara
Published: August 2019

Architected lattices can be designed to have tailorable functionalities by controlling their constitutive elements. However, little work has been devoted to comparing energy absorption properties in different periodic three‐dimensional geometries to each other and to comparable foam‐like random structures. This knowledge is essential for the entire design process. In this work, the authors conduct a systematic and comprehensive computational study of the quasi‐static and dynamic energy absorption properties of various different geometries. They test compression loading over strain rates varying from 1 to 104 s−1. The authors analyze geometries with varying degrees of nodal connectivity, ranging from bending dominated to stretching dominated, at different orientations, and compare their response to equivalent stochastic lattices. Results show relatively high stress peaks in the periodic lattices, even in bending dominated lattices at certain orientations. Conversely, the stochastic geometries show a relatively constant stress response over large strains, which is ideal for energy absorbing applications. Still, results show that specific orientations of bending dominated periodic lattice geometries outperform their stochastic equivalents. This work can help to quickly identify the potential of different unit cell types and aid in the development of lattices for impulse mitigation applications, such as in protective sports equipment, automotive crashworthiness, and packaging.
Forming‐Free Grain Boundary Engineered Hafnium Oxide Resistive Random Access Memory Devices
Authors: Petzold Stefan , Zintler Alexander , Eilhardt Robert , Piros Eszter , Kaiser Nico , Sharath Sankaramangalam Ulhas , Vogel Tobias , Major Márton , McKenna Keith Patrick , Molina‐Luna Leopoldo , Alff Lambert
Published: August 2019

A model device based on an epitaxial stack combination of titanium nitride (111) and monoclinic hafnia (11) is grown onto a c‐cut Al2O3‐substrate to target the role of grain boundaries in resistive switching. The texture transfer results in 120° in‐plane rotated m‐HfO2 grains, and thus, in a defined subset of allowed grain boundary orientations of high symmetry. These engineered grain boundaries thread the whole dielectric layer, thereby providing predefined breakdown paths for electroforming‐free resistive random access memory devices. Combining X‐ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)–based localized automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM), a nanoscale picture of crystal growth and grain boundary orientation is obtained. High‐resolution STEM reveals low‐energy grain boundaries with facing () and (21) surfaces. The uniform distribution of forming voltages below 2 V—within the operation regime—and the stable switching voltages indicates reduced intra‐ and device‐to‐device variation in grain boundary engineered hafnium‐oxide‐based random access memory devices.
Carbon Anodes for Nonaqueous Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries and Their Thermal Safety Aspects
Authors: Adams Ryan A. , Varma Arvind , Pol Vilas G.
Published: August 2019

Since their commercialization by Sony in 1991, graphite anodes in combination with various cathodes have enabled the widespread success of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), providing over 10 billion rechargeable batteries to the global population. Next‐generation nonaqueous alkali metal‐ion batteries, namely sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), are projected to utilize intercalation‐based carbon anodes as well, due to their favorable electrochemical properties. While traditionally graphite anodes have dominated the market share of LIBs, other carbon materials have been investigated, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and disordered carbons. The relationship between carbon material properties, electrochemical performance, and charge storage mechanisms is clarified for these alkali metal‐ion batteries, elucidating possible strategies for obtaining enhanced cycling stability, specific capacity, rate capability, and safety aspects. As a key component in determining cell performance, the solid electrolyte interphase layer is described in detail, particularly for its dependence on the carbon anode. Finally, battery safety at extreme temperatures is discussed, where carbon anodes are susceptible to dendrite formation, accelerated aging, and eventual thermal runaway. As society pushes toward higher energy density LIBs, this review aims to provide guidance toward the development of sustainable next‐generation SIBs and PIBs.
Efficient Passivation with Lead Pyridine‐2‐Carboxylic for High‐Performance and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Fu Sheng , Li Xiaodong , Wan Li , Wu Yulei , Zhang Wenxiao , Wang Yueming , Bao Qinye , Fang Junfeng
Published: August 2019

Stability has become the main obstacle for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) despite the impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE). Poor crystallization and ion migration of perovskite are the major origins of its degradation under working condition. Here, high‐performance PSCs incorporated with pyridine‐2‐carboxylic lead salt (PbPyA2) are fabricated. The pyridine and carboxyl groups on PbPyA2 can not only control crystallization but also passivate grain boundaries (GBs), which result in the high‐quality perovskite film with larger grains and fewer defects. In addition, the strong interaction among the hydrophobic PbPyA2 molecules and perovskite GBs acts as barriers to ion migration and component volatilization when exposed to external stresses. Consequently, superior optoelectronic perovskite films with improved thermal and moisture stability are obtained. The resulting device shows a champion efficiency of 19.96% with negligible hysteresis. Furthermore, thermal (90 °C) and moisture (RH 40–60%) stability are improved threefold, maintaining 80% of initial efficiency after aging for 480 h. More importantly, the doped device exhibits extraordinary improvement of operational stability and remains 93% of initial efficiency under maximum power point (MPP) tracking for 540 h.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma not associated with an IgM monoclonal protein: A multicentric study of the Rete Ematologica Lombarda (REL) network
Authors: Varettoni Marzia , Boveri Emanuela , Zibellini Silvia , Tedeschi Alessandra , Candido Chiara , Ferretti Virginia Valeria , Rizzo Ettore , Doni Elisa , Merli Michele , Farina Lucia , Goldaniga Maria , Gallì Anna , Rattotti Sara , Frustaci Anna Maria , Deodato Marina , Bandiera Laura , Isimbaldi Giuseppe , Uccella Silvia , Cabras Antonello Domenico , Gianelli Umberto , Baldini Luca , Paulli Marco , Arcaini Luca
Published: August 2019

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is usually associated with a serum IgM paraprotein, corresponding to Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM). Cases presenting with IgG or IgA, or without a monoclonal protein are extremely rare. We analyzed clinical characteristics, frontline treatment, and the outcome of 45 patients with non‐IgM LPL, and compared them with a control group of WM patients. The median age was similar, with significantly higher prevalence of females in non‐IgM LPL, than in WM patients (60% vs 39%, P = .016). Patients with non‐IgM LPL more frequently presented with lymphadenopathies (53% vs 15%, P < .001), splenomegaly (22% vs 8%, P = .015) or extranodal involvement (20% vs 8%, P = .05). In non‐IgM LPL a serum monoclonal protein and bone marrow infiltration were less common than in WM patients (69% and 84% of cases respectively, P < .001 for both comparisons). The MYD88 (L265P) mutation was found in 8/19 patients using allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. A CXCR4 mutation was found in 4/17 cases using Sanger. In 16 patients we performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of genes MYD88, CXCR4, ARID1‐A, KMT2D, NOTCH2, TP53, PRDM1, CD79B, TRAF3, MYBBP1A, TNFAIP3. Seven patients (44%) had a MYD88 mutation (S219C in one), four (25%) a CXCR4 mutation, three (19%) a KMT2D mutation, one (6%) a TP53 mutation and one (6%) a TRAF3 mutation. With a median follow‐up of 55.7 months, 36 non‐IgM LPL patients (80%) were treated. Non‐IgM LPL patients received more frequently anthracycline‐containing regimens, as compared with WM patients, who mainly received alkylating‐based therapies. Five‐year overall survival (OS) was 84%, similar to that of WM patients.
The Russell viper venom time (RVVT) test for investigation of lupus anticoagulant (LA)
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J.
Published: August 2019

Lupus anticoagulants (LAs) are a laboratory representation of the clinical syndrome of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and can also arise in other pathological states. Laboratory testing for LA is complex and three separate recent guidelines have been published. One test, the Russell viper venom time (RVVT), is the mandated laboratory test for inclusion in LA identification/exclusion in all three guidance documents. This is because the the RVVT is recognized to have great sensitivity for LA, with this generally recognized to be greater than that of most other LA screening assays. However, the RVVT is also very sensitive to the presence of many anticoagulant drugs, which diminishes its specificity for LA. Various strategies can be used to improve LA specificity and reduce anticoagulant assay interference.
Neurocranial shape variation among Tarascan populations: Evidence for varying degrees in artificially modified crania in pre‐Hispanic West Mexico (1200–1400 AD)
Authors: Natahi Sélim , Coquerelle Michael , Pereira Grégory , Bayle Priscilla
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Along the Mesoamerican western margin, the Zacapu basin has yielded a large number of human remains demonstrating usage of artificial cranial modification (ACM). However, at the onset of the Middle Postclassic (1200–1400 AD) only few individuals still exhibit clear signs of ACM. Some authors have suggested that, rather than disappearing entirely, ACM may have become less visible anatomically, making it difficult to identify based on simple visual analyses. Here, we used 3D geometric morphometric methods to investigate the extent to which ACM persisted during the Postclassic in this region.

Materials and methods

We measured the 3D vault's shape changes in a sample of surface‐scanned human crania: 55 individuals from the Postclassic Zacapu basin and a control group of 31 individuals from a Huichol Mexican Indian sample and a French medieval series from La Granède. We used a principal component analysis to explore the shape variation within the sample and employed the neighbor joining method to identify morphological groups. Finally, we quantified each individual's asymmetry.

Results

We identified three groups displaying shape features diverging from those of the control group. The first group is characterized by marked fronto‐obelionic ACM, whereas the other two show mild forms of ACM. The individuals in all three groups display moderate to high degrees of asymmetry compared to the control group.

Discussion

The marked fronto‐obelionic modification is clear evidence of a specific ACM technique. The two types of mild ACM most likely result from different techniques but their moderate degree of modification brings into question the intentions behind their production.
Bovine serum albumin stabilized iron oxide and gold bimetallic heterodimers: Synthesis, characterization and Stereological study
Authors: Nosrati Hamed , Davaran Soodabeh , Kheiri Manjili Hamidreza , Rezaeejam Hamed , Danafar Hossein
Published: August 2019

In this time researchers make a great efforts to develop new hybrid nanoparticles for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Fe3O4‐Au hybrid heterodimers have been prepared with superior properties for various claims. Unfortunately, Fe3O4‐Au heterodimers are not stable in the physiological medium. In this study, we employed the albumin macromolecules as a stabilizer of Fe3O4‐Au hybrid nanoparticles (noted as Fe3O4‐Au‐BSA hybrid nanoparticles). After characterization of synthesized nanoparticles by FTIR, UV–Vis, TEM, DLS, DSC, VSM and XRD techniques, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of these nanoparticles were also evaluated. We encountered with an amazing result which confirmed nanoparticles could be stabilized by linking the BSA on the surface of Fe3O4‐Au heterodimers. Also, intravenous injection of Fe3O4‐Au‐BSA hybrid nanoparticles up to 400 mg/kg to Balb C mice show that these nanoparticles were non‐toxic. The biocompatibility and stereological study had been performed for more than 30 days after nanoparticles administration, using hystomorphometric analysis. Remarkably, to the best of our knowledge, it was the first time the biocompatibility and biodegradability of Fe3O4‐Au were studied and evaluated by stereological technique. Further promotion and biomedical usage of this type of hybrid nanoparticles are underway in our laboratory.
Assembly of gelatin biopolymer to fibrous sepiolite clay for efficient dye removal from wastewater
Authors: Sabzi Mohammad , Shafagh Nima , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: August 2019

This work aimed to fabricate nanocomposites using low‐cost and natural materials for fast and efficient dye adsorption from wastewater. To achieve this, fibrous sepiolite clay was incorporated into the gelatin (GE) biopolymer. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope techniques. The effects of sepiolite/GE ratio, adsorbent dosage, solution pH, contact time, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption capacity of nanocomposites were well studied and optimized through batch adsorption study. Kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics analysis were also performed for methylene blue adsorption. The adsorption data were better fitted with the pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isotherm models. The prepared nanocomposites demonstrated a fast and efficient adsorption performance toward the MB dye with the maximum adsorption capacity as high as 684.8 mg g−1 within only an equilibrium time of 30 min, which revealed their promising potential in wastewater treatment. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48266.
Influence of carboxymethylation on the gelling capacity, rheological properties, and antioxidant activity of feruloylated arabinoxylans from different sources
Authors: Marquez‐Escalante Jorge A. , Rascón‐Chu Agustín , Campa‐Mada Alma , Martínez‐Robinson Karla G. , Carvajal‐Millan Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Feruloylated arabinoxylans (FAX) are gelling polysaccharides presenting antioxidant activity (AC) and potential application as delivery systems. The influence of carboxymethylation on the gelling capacity, rheological properties, and AC of FAX from wheat flour (FAX1) and maize distillers grains (FAX2) was analyzed. The degree of substitution of carboxymethyl groups was 0.27 and 1.77 for carboxymethylated FAX1 (CFAX1) and FAX2 (CFAX2), which presented a change in M
n from 446 to 362 kDa and from 120 to 180 kDa, and a loss in FA content from 1.05 to traces and from 10.13 to 0.12, respectively, after carboxymethylation. G′ value at the end of rheological tests for FAX1 (71 Pa) and FAX2 (726 Pa) was higher than the corresponding G″ value. In contrast, G″ value for CFAX1 (0.35 Pa) and CFAX2 (0.03 Pa) was higher than the respective G′ value, indicating that they do no form gels. The AC increased in CFAX1 in relation to FAX1 from 4.49 to 8.30 mmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) kg−1, respectively, while it decreased in CFAX2 with regard to FAX2 from 11.31 to 9.43 mmol TEAC kg−1, respectively. Carboxymethylation could be a path to design FAX derivatives offering alternative potential applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48325.
Epoxy/imidazolium‐based ionic liquid systems: The effect of the hardener on the curing behavior, thermal stability, and microwave absorbing properties
Authors: Carvalho Anna Paula A. , Santos Danielle F. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: August 2019

A new transparent microwave absorbing coating was developed by compounding 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmim.BF4) ionic liquid (IL) with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin. The systems were crosslinked with the IL alone or combined with conventional hardeners, as anhydride or aromatic amine. The curing behavior was investigated by thermal and spectroscopic analysis performed at high temperatures. Neat bmim.BF4 was able to cure epoxy resin, giving rise to networks with outstanding thermal stability compared with the systems cured with anhydride or aromatic amine. bmim.BF4 accelerated the curing process in the presence of aromatic amine but retarded this event when anhydride was used as an external curing agent. The glass‐transition temperature evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis decreased when the amount of IL increased, which can be attributed to side reactions during the curing process, as well as the plasticizing effect of IL. The epoxy networks cured with bmim.BF4 alone or in combination with anhydride or aromatic amine were transparent and presented considerable microwave absorbing properties in the X‐band frequency range (8–12 GHz), being the best performance observed for the systems cured with bmim.BF4/anhydride curing system, with reflection loss value around −16 dB at 11.3 GHz. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48326.
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PLA/nanosized YVO4 composites as a novel nucleating agent
Authors: El‐Taweel Safaa H. , Abboudi Mostafa
Published: August 2019

The influence of nanosized YVO4 particles as a novel and efficient nucleating agent on the nonisothermal crystallization behaviors of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was studied. A modified Avrami model was utilized to describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of pure PLA and PLA nanocomposites. The differential isoconversional Friedmann formula was employed to calculate the effective activation energies (EX(t)) of nonisothermal crystallization from the glass state. The results showed that modified Avrami methods describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of pure PLA and PLA nanocomposites well. The crystallization rate of PLA/1 mass% YVO4 was faster than that of pure PLA sample by factor 5 × 103 at a heating rate of 1 K min−1. While the values of Lauritzen–Hoffman parameters (Kg and U*) of the PLA/YVO4 nanocomposites were lower than those of pure PLA, indicating the nucleation efficiency of nanosized YVO4 particles for PLA. Scanning electron microscopy images reflect the uniform dispersion of 1 mass% YVO4 in PLA matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the thermal degradation parameters are slightly lowered by 7 °C on increasing the mass percentage of YVO4 in the PLA nanocomposites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48340.
Failure mechanism of rigid polyurethane foam under high temperature vibration condition by experimental and finite element method
Authors: Wu Jiacheng , He Yannan , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

The failure mechanism of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) under room temperature (RT) and high temperature vibration conditions was investigated by experiment and finite element stimulation. Damaged RPUF specimens were prepared at different vibration amplitudes ranging from 0 to 19.879 mm at RT and 150 °C for different vibration times. The tensile test was utilized to evaluate the vibration damage degree of RPUFs, and the results exhibited that tensile strength decreased gradually with the increase of vibration amplitude and time at both RT and 150 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illustrated that thermal degradation of RPUF is attributed to the decomposition of carbonyl urethane groups at 150 °C. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the tensile fracture surfaces revealed that the vibration failure of RPUF mainly resulted from the existence of microcracks in cell structure. A finite element simulation was established by ABAQUS to study stress distribution of RPUF under different vibration loads, which then demonstrated that the microcracks are most likely to exist on the junction of two microcell units, which is due to convergence of stress in the process of vibration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48343.
Functionalization of halloysite nanotubes with polyethyleneimine and various ionic liquid forms with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Suner Selin Sagbas , Sahiner Mehtap , Akcali Alper , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: August 2019

Halloysite nanotube (HNT), a natural clay, was modified with branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) to form PEI‐HNT using epichlorohydrin (ECH) as coupling agent, then protonated with HCl to obtain H‐PEI‐HNTs providing [NH3]+[Cl]− functionality for potential antimicrobial properties. Upon PEI modification, zeta potential value of HNTs was increased to +37.3 mV from −34.5 mV and to +41.1 mV for H‐PEI‐HNTs. Only 1.87 wt % H‐element in HNT was increased to 3.03 wt % upon PEI modification along with newly generated elements of N and C at 2.99 and 9.93 wt %, respectively. Moreover, ionic liquid (IL) forms of HNTs with [NH3]+[N(CN)2]−, [NH3]+[PF6]− and [NH3]+[BF4]− functionality were generated via anion exchange of H‐PEI‐HNTs with sodium dicyanamide (SDC), ammonium hexafluorophosphate (AHFP), and sodium tetrafluoroborate (STFB). The antimicrobial properties of the modified, protonated, and IL forms of HNTs were determined via macro dilution, diffusion and agar screening tests against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 strains, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strains. It was found that H‐PEI‐HNTs possesses potent antimicrobial effect compared with the other forms of HNTs with 2–4 mg mL−1 MIC and 8–16 mg mL−1 MBC values via the macro dilution method. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48352.
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis–Associated Lung Disease: Characterization and Risk Factors
Authors: Schulert Grant S. , Yasin Shima , Carey Brenna , Chalk Claudia , Do Thuy , Schapiro Andrew H. , Husami Ammar , Watts Allen , Brunner Hermine I. , Huggins Jennifer , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Morgan Esi M. , Ting Tracy , Trapnell Bruce C. , Wikenheiser‐Brokamp Kathryn A. , Towe Christopher , Grom Alexei A.
Published: August 2019

Objective

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is associated with a recently recognized, albeit poorly defined and characterized, lung disease (LD). The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and histopathologic and immunologic features of this novel inflammatory LD associated with systemic JIA (designated SJIA‐LD).

Methods

Clinical data collected since 2010 were abstracted from the medical records of patients with systemic JIA from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Epidemiologic, cellular, biochemical, genomic, and transcriptional profiling analyses were performed.

Results

Eighteen patients with SJIA‐LD were identified. Radiographic findings included diffuse ground‐glass opacities, subpleural reticulation, interlobular septal thickening, and lymphadenopathy. Pathologic findings included patchy, but extensive, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and mixed features of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and endogenous lipoid pneumonia. Compared to systemic JIA patients without LD, those with SJIA‐LD were younger at the diagnosis of systemic JIA (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, P = 0.007), more often had prior episodes of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) (OR 14.5, P < 0.001), had a greater frequency of adverse reactions to biologic therapy (OR 13.6, P < 0.001), and had higher serum levels of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) (median 27,612 pg/ml versus 5,413 pg/ml; P = 0.047). Patients with SJIA‐LD lacked genetic, serologic, or functional evidence of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor pathway dysfunction, a feature that is typical of familial or autoimmune PAP. Moreover, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with SJIA‐LD rarely demonstrated proteinaceous material and had less lipid‐laden macrophages than that seen in patients with primary PAP (mean 10.5% in patients with SJIA‐LD versus 66.1% in patients with primary PAP; P < 0.001). BAL fluid from patients with SJIA‐LD contained elevated levels of IL‐18 and the interferon‐γ–induced chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Transcriptional profiling of the lung tissue from patients with SJIA‐LD identified up‐regulated type II interferon and T cell activation networks. This signature was also present in SJIA‐LD human lung tissue sections that lacked substantial histopathologic findings, suggesting that this activation signature may precede and drive the lung pathology in SJIA‐LD.

Conclusion

Pulmonary disease is increasingly detected in children with systemic JIA, particularly in association with MAS. This entity has distinct clinical and immunologic features and represents an uncharacterized inflammatory LD.
Large‐Scale Screening and Design of Metal–Organic Frameworks for CH4/N2 Separation
Authors: Yan Tongan , Lan Youshi , Liu Dahuan , Yang Qingyuan , Zhong Chongli
Published: August 2019

CH4/N2 separation is one of the great challenges in gas separation, which is of scientific and practical importance, such as in the upgrading of unconventional natural gas. Unfortunately, the separation performance is still quite low so far mainly due to their very close physical properties. In this work, a high‐throughput computational screening method was performed to develop metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient CH4/N2 separation. General designing rules as well as the correlation between selectivity and our proposed adsorbility (AD) parameter were obtained by carrying out systematic GCMC simulations of the existing 5109 CoRE MOFs. With the aid of this information, five virtual MOFs were screened out from the large database with 303 991 generated MOFs constructed in our previous work, exhibiting much higher selectivities than all the reported values. Among them, the selectivity of Zn‐PYZ‐BPY‐1 can reach over 29.0, about 2.4 times of the highest value reported in the literature. These results may not only suggest promising candidates for CH4/N2 separation but also provide useful information for large screening of MOFs for other specific separation mixtures.
Half‐Intercalation Stabilizes Slipped Mispairing and Explains Genome Vulnerability to Frameshift Mutagenesis by Endogenous “Molecular Bookmarks”
Authors: Kuzminov Andrei
Published: August 2019

Some 60 years ago chemicals that intercalate between base pairs of duplex DNA were found to amplify frameshift mutagenesis. Surprisingly, the robust induction of frameshifts by intercalators still lacks a mechanistic model, leaving this classic phenomenon annoyingly intractable. A promising idea of asymmetric half‐intercalation‐stabilizing frameshift intermediates during DNA synthesis has never been developed into a model. Instead, researchers of frameshift mutagenesis embraced the powerful slipped‐mispairing concept that unexpectedly struggled with the role of intercalators in frameshifting. It is proposed that the slipped mispairing and the half‐intercalation ideas are two sides of the same coin. Further, existing findings are reviewed to test predictions of the combined “half‐intercalation into the slipped‐mispairing intermediate” model against accumulated knowledge. The existence of potential endogenous intercalators and the phenomenon of “DNA bookmarks” reveal ample possibilities for natural frameshift mutagenisis in the cell. From this alarming perspective, it is discussed how the cell could prevent genome deterioration from frameshift mutagenesis.
Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Plants from the Genus Thymus
Authors: Li Xiao , He Ting , Wang Xiuhuan , Shen Meng , Yan Xin , Fan Shusheng , Wang Le , Wang Xiaoping , Xu Xiao , Sui Hong , She Gaimei
Published: August 2019

The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) comprises about 214 species throughout the world, mainly found in North Africa, Europe, and temperate Asia zone. They are traditionally used as food additives and folk medicines. This review comprehensively summarizes information about traditional uses, chemical constituents, and biological activities of this genus and provides recommendations for future investigations. All information was gathered from scientific databases including Google Scholar, Sci‐Finder, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and CNKI. Volatile oils are the most concerned constituents of this genus. Flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, tannins, organic acids, terpenoids, and phytosterols were also summarized. This genus plants possessed a variety of activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, cytotoxic, analgesic, and antidiabetic. In brief, this review will be helpful to provide valuable data for explorations and create more interests towards Thymus genus in the future.