bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zig‐Zag Acridine/Sulfone Derivative with Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Enhanced Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence in Amorphous Phase for Highly Efficient Nondoped Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Rong , Wang Ziqi , Zhao Bo , Xie Jingjuan , Zhang Fang , Wang Hua , Guo Kunpeng
Published: January 2018

Luminescent materials simultaneously exhibiting aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), superior luminous efficiency, and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties in amorphous phase are eagerly required for highly efficient nondoped organic light‐emitting diodes. In this contribution, an acridine/sulfone derivative, bis(3‐(9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine)phenyl)sulfone (mSOAD), designed and synthesized by combing a diphenylsulfone (DPS) core with bi‐9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (DMAC) substituted at the 3,3′‐positions is demonstrated. The highly twisted zig‐zag configuration endows the compound with desired frontier orbital distribution for extremely small energy gap between singlet and triplet states (ΔEST = 0.02 eV) of TADF molecule and prominent AIE characteristic. More importantly, its amorphous sample displays enhanced quantum fluorescence yield as well as superior TADF characteristic, which exhibits advantage for device fabrication under thermal evaporation. Taking its suitable highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels together, a nondoped blue electroluminescence device (CIE (0.18, 0.32)) based on mSOAD as the emitter yields an excellent maximum current efficiency, power efficiency, and external quantum efficiency of 31.7 cd A−1, 28.4 lm W−1, and 14.0%, which are 1.38‐, 1.25‐, and 1.25‐fold higher than those of its linear isomer DMAC–DPS (ΔEST = 0.18 eV, with bi‐DMAC linked to DPS via 4,4′‐positions)‐based device, respectively.
Indium‐mediated Palladium‐catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Isatins with Alkynes
Authors: Wu Zijun , Fang Xinxin , Leng Yuning , Yao Hequan , Lin Aijun
Published: January 2018

An unprecedented indium‐mediated palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylation of isatins with alkynes is disclosed. This reaction provides a new, practical, and straightforward route to access 3‐allyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles in good yields with broad substrate scope and scalability, exhibiting high atom and step economy. A primary mechanistic study reveals that indium played two roles in the reaction, first as a reductant and second as a Lewis acid. Compared with previous methods, our strategy eliminated the steps for the separation and purification of the reaction intermediates, as well as pre‐installing leaving groups to allylic substrates. Moreover, our reaction did not employ moisture‐sensitive allylic metal species and stoichiometric oxidants.

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Beyond Insertion for Na‐Ion Batteries: Nanostructured Alloying and Conversion Anode Materials
Authors: Zhang Huang , Hasa Ivana , Passerini Stefano
Published: January 2018

Sodium‐ion technology has the potential to become the next generation of low cost and environmentally friendly electrochemical energy storage system for grid‐level applications. The low cost and abundant raw materials employed in sodium cells have driven the recent increasing interest in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), which appear especially appealing, since manufacturers can use the already existing production technology of lithium‐ion batteries. However, SIBs are still an early stage technology, which requires several issues affecting cell performance to be addressed. Despite the accelerated development of cathode materials, anode materials still require further investigation and optimization to reach high energy density performance. In the pursuit of high capacity anode materials, several alloying‐, conversion‐, and combined conversion–alloying‐based electrodes have been investigated. This review offers a comprehensive overview on the recent progresses toward the realization of “beyond‐insertion” anode materials. The role of nanostructuration with the associated advantages and disadvantages is presented for each class of compounds, combined with the main strategies adopted to improve the electrochemical behavior. Finally, an overview of the challenges and perspectives associated with the development of the next generation of anode materials is presented with a particular focus on the role of the electrolyte solutions and solid/electrolyte interphase.
Prussian Blue Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries and Other Ion Batteries
Authors: Qian Jiangfeng , Wu Chen , Cao Yuliang , Ma Zifeng , Huang Yunhui , Ai Xinping , Yang Hanxi
Published: January 2018

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered to be a low‐cost complement or competitor to Li‐ion batteries for large‐scale electric energy storage applications; however, their development has been less successful due to the lack of suitable host materials to enable reversible Na+ insertion reactions. Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) appear to be attractive candidates for SIB cathodes because of their open channel structure, compositional and electrochemical tunability. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive review on the recent advances in the development of PBA frameworks as SIB cathodes with particular attention to the structure‐performance correlation of the PBA materials, and discuss the possible strategies to address the problems present in the SIB applications of PBAs. Also, the development of the PBA frameworks for the insertion cathodes of other monovalent and multivalent ions is briefly introduced, with the aim of providing a new insight into the design and development of new host materials for the next‐generation advanced batteries.
Advanced Phosphorus‐Based Materials for Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Wei Qiliang , Zhang Gaixia , Sun Shuhui
Published: January 2018

High‐performance and lost‐cost lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries are highly desirable for a wide range of applications including portable electronic devices, transportation (e.g., electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.), and renewable energy storage systems. Great research efforts have been devoted to developing alternative anode materials with superior electrochemical properties since the anode materials used are closely related to the capacity and safety characteristics of the batteries. With the theoretical capacity of 2596 mA h g−1, phosphorus is considered to be the highest capacity anode material for sodium‐ion batteries and one of the most attractive anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. This work provides a comprehensive study on the most recent advancements in the rational design of phosphorus‐based anode materials for both lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. The currently available approaches to phosphorus‐based composites along with their merits and challenges are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, some present underpinning issues and future prospects for the further development of advanced phosphorus‐based materials for energy storage/conversion systems are discussed.
Ultrafast All‐Solid‐State Coaxial Asymmetric Fiber Supercapacitors with a High Volumetric Energy Density
Authors: Pan Zhenghui , Zhong Jun , Zhang Qichong , Yang Jie , Qiu Yongcai , Ding Xiaoyu , Nie Kaiqi , Yuan Hua , Feng Kun , Wang Xianshu , Xu Guoguang , Li Wanfei , Yao Yagang , Li Qinwen , Liu Meinan , Zhang Yuegang
Published: January 2018

Fiber‐supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage devices that can complement or even replace microbatteries in miniaturized portable and wearable electronics. Currently, a major challenge for FSCs is achieving ultrahigh volumetric energy and power densities simultaneously, especially when the charge/discharge rates exceed 1 V s−1. Herein, an Au‐nanoparticle‐doped‐MnOx@CoNi‐alloy@carbon‐nanotube (Au–MnOx@CoNi@CNT) core/shell nanocomposite fiber electrode is designed, aiming to boost its charge/discharge rate by taking advantage of the superconductive CoNi alloy network and the greatly enhanced conductivity of the Au doped MnOx active materials. An all‐solid‐state coaxial asymmetric FSC (CAFSC) prototype device made by wrapping this fiber with a holey graphene paper (HGP) exhibits excellent performance at rates up to 10 V s−1, which is the highest charge rate demonstrated so far for FSCs based on pseudocapacitive materials. Furthermore, our fully packaged CAFSC delivers a volumetric energy density of ≈15.1 mW h cm−3, while simultaneously maintaining a high power density of 7.28 W cm−3 as well as a long cycle life (90% retention after 10 000 cycles). This value is the highest among all reported FSCs, even better than that of a typical 4 V/500 µA h thin‐film lithium battery.
Preparation of high‐performance zeolite NaA membranes in clear solution by adding SiO2 into Al2O3 hollow‐fiber precursor
Authors: Ma Nanke , Wang Rui , He Gaohong , Wang Zhengbao
Published: January 2018

Zeolite NaA membranes were prepared in a clear synthesis solution without the aid of nanoseeds. To improve the properties of the membranes formed in a clear solution, alumina hollow fibers were fabricated by adding silica powder to the conventional spinning slurry, resulting in hollow fibers with a mullite phase. Prior to the membrane synthesis, the hollow fibers were pretreated by dipping in an aged synthesis solution diluted with isopropanol. Dense zeolite NaA membranes on mullite‐containing alumina hollow fibers were successfully obtained at 100°C for 2 h without the aid of nanoseeds. The membranes have a good pervaporation performance with a high flux of 10.8 kg m−2 h−1 and a separation factor of over 10,000. The abundant mullite‐phase hydroxyl groups on the support surface promote the nucleation and growth of zeolite crystals on the support, resulting in dense membranes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2679–2688, 2018
Lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms: A systematic review
Authors: Marchetti Monia , Carobbio Alessandra , Capitoni Enrica , Barbui Tiziano
Published: January 2018

Patients with a Ph‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) may harbor or develop lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), however, the clinical and molecular determinants of MPN and LPD co‐occurrence are still uncertain. To systematically pool the available knowledge, we conducted a scoping review of literature published since January 2005 and analyzed single‐patient clinical data from 50 papers reporting 214 individuals harboring both MPN and LPD. Patients had been diagnosed essential thrombocythemia (44%), polycythemia vera (29%), or myelofibrosis (23%) at a median age of 67 years (26‐94): half of them incurred a LPD after a median of 72 months from MPN diagnosis, while in 20% the LPD diagnosis was antecedent or synchronous. Patients mainly incurred indolent LPD, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), while aggressive lymphomas and multiple myeloma were a relevant portion of the LPDs occurring in the follow‐up of MPN. CLL was preferentially diagnosed in PV patients and was associated with a very high male‐to‐female ratio, as well as an older age at MPN diagnosis. On converse, multiple myeloma was rarely reported in PV patients and was preferentially diagnosed in female patients not harboring the JAK2 V617F mutation. Based on the 46 cases reporting follow‐up data, median survival after MPN diagnosis was 96 months. This thorough review of published evidence confirms that LPD are relevant clinical events in the history of MPN patients. Controlled studies are needed to better refine individuals at higher risk of developing LPD, to support surveillance programs and to avoid therapies possibly favoring LPD.
Nationwide survey on the use of horse antithymocyte globulins (ATGAM) in patients with acquired aplastic anemia: A report on behalf of the French Reference Center for Aplastic Anemia
Authors: Peffault de Latour Régis , Tabrizi Reza , Marcais Ambroise , Leblanc Thierry , Lamy Thierry , Mohty Mohamad , Tavitian Suzanne , Jubert Charlotte , Pasquet Marlène , Galambrun Claire , Nguyen Stéphanie , Cahn Jean Yves , Braun Thorsten , Deconinck Eric , Bay Jacques Olivier , Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Barraco Fiorenza , Socié Gérard
Published: January 2018

Antithymocyte globulins (ATG) plus cyclosporine (CSA) is the gold standard immunosuppressive treatment (IST) for patients with aplastic anemia. A prospective randomized trial showed in 2011 that hATG was superior to rabbit ATG for first‐line treatment of severe AA. The French Health Agency (ANSM) permitted a patient‐named authorization for temporary use (ATU) program of hATG (ATGAM, Pfizer) in patients with AA in 2011 since commercial access to hATG is not approved. We took advantage of this program to analyze the outcomes of 465 patients who received antithymocyte globulins (ATGAM) plus CSA as first line treatment (n = 379; 81.5%), or for refractory (n = 26) or relapsed disease (n = 33), from September 2011 to March 2017. In the entire cohort one year, 72% of the patients had partial and 13% had complete response, with worse response for patients with severe AA and a longer interval between diagnosis and IST (more than 6 months). Severe adverse events were mainly linked to infections (24%), hemorrhages (6%), and elevated liver function tests (5%). Overall at 12 months, 9.7% of patients required second line IST and 15.6% received transplantation. Fifty‐five patients died during the study mainly because of infections (53%). Factors predicting independently worse survival were age over 40 years, neutrophils less than 0.5 × 109/L, male gender and longer delay between diagnosis and hATG (>6 months period). This study does illustrate the results of ATGAM with CSA in a true‐life perspective and confirms ATGAM as standard of care IST to treat patients with AA not eligible for HSCT.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate‐dehydrogenase deficient red blood cell units are associated with decreased posttransfusion red blood cell survival in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Sagiv Eyal , Fasano Ross M. , Luban Naomi L. C. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Stowell Sean R. , Roback John D. , Francis Richard O. , Yee Marianne E. M.
Published: January 2018

Chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) for sickle cell disease (SCD) reduces disease morbidity by suppressing the amount of circulating hemoglobin S (HbS)‐containing red blood cells (RBC). The effectiveness of CTT depends on the rate of RBC clearance. Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient donor RBC may exhibit increased hemolysis, but it is unknown if transfusion of these units results in less effective transfusion outcomes in SCD. Children with SCD on CTT were followed prospectively for multiple transfusions. G6PD activity of transfused units was measured prior to expiration date. HbA clearance (ΔHbA) was calculated as the difference of estimated posttransfusion HbA to the pretransfusion HbA of the subsequent transfusion episode. Sixty‐two patients received 388 transfusions. Of 755 RBC units, 687 (91%) had normal G6PD (>60% activity), 38 (5%) had moderately low G6PD (10‐60% activity), and 30 (4%) had severely low G6PD (<10% activity). Of 358 evaluable transfusions, 54 (15%) included ≥1 G6PD deficient units, and 22 (6%) had ≥1 severely deficient units. The proportion of the transfusion episode consisting of G6PD deficient units was associated with increased ΔHbA for all G6PD deficient units (P = .05) and for severely G6PD deficient units (P = .0070). In multivariate mixed effects modeling, ΔHbA was positively associated with severely G6PD deficient units (P = .0074) and RBC alloimmunization (P = .03) and negatively associated with recipient splenectomy (P = .015). Higher ΔHbA was associated with higher HbS and reticulocyte counts at the subsequent transfusion episode. In conclusion, G6PD deficient RBC transfusions may have shorter in vivo survival and adversely affect the suppression of sickle erythropoiesis.
Mediated Semi‐Quantum Key Distribution Without Invoking Quantum Measurement
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Rou , Hwang Tzonelih
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes a new semi‐quantum key distribution protocol, allowing two “classical” participants without sophisticated quantum capability to establish a shared secret key under an untrusted third party (a quantum server). The proposed protocol is free from several well‐known attacks. Furthermore, the efficiency is better than the existing three‐party SQKD protocol in which the classical participants must have the quantum measurement capability.
Efficient CO2 Removal for Ultra‐Pure CO Production by Two Hybrid Ultramicroporous Materials
Authors: Chen Kai‐Jie , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Sen Susan , Madden David G. , Kumar Amrit , Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Hosono Nobuhiko , Space Brian , Kitagawa Susumu , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Removal of CO2 from CO gas mixtures is a necessary but challenging step during production of ultra‐pure CO as processed from either steam reforming of hydrocarbons or CO2 reduction. Herein, two hybrid ultramicroporous materials (HUMs), SIFSIX‐3‐Ni and TIFSIX‐2‐Cu‐i, which are known to exhibit strong affinity for CO2, were examined with respect to their performance for this separation. The single‐gas CO sorption isotherms of these HUMs were measured for the first time and are indicative of weak affinity for CO and benchmark CO2/CO selectivity (>4000 for SIFSIX‐3‐Ni). This prompted us to conduct dynamic breakthrough experiments and compare performance with other porous materials. Ultra‐pure CO (99.99 %) was thereby obtained from CO gas mixtures containing both trace (1 %) and bulk (50 %) levels of CO2 in a one‐step physisorption‐based separation process.
Van der Waals Heterostructures Comprised of Ultrathin Polymer Nanosheets for Efficient Z‐Scheme Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Lei , Zheng Xusheng , Chen Liang , Xiong Yujie , Xu Hangxun
Published: January 2018

Inspired by natural photosynthesis, Z‐scheme photocatalytic systems are very appealing for achieving efficient overall water splitting. Developing metal‐free Z‐scheme photocatalysts for overall water splitting, however, still remains challenging. The construction of polymer‐based van der Waals heterostructures as metal‐free Z‐scheme photocatalytic systems for overall water splitting is described using aza‐fused microporous polymers (CMP) and C2N ultrathin nanosheets as O2‐ and H2‐evolving catalysts, respectively. Although neither polymer is able to split pure water using visible light, a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio of H2 and O2 was observed when aza‐CMP/C2N heterostructures were used. A solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of 0.23 % was determined, which could be further enhanced to 0.40 % by using graphene as the solid electron mediator to promote the interfacial charge‐transfer process. This study highlights the potential of polymer photocatalysts for overall water splitting.
Supramolecular Nested Microbeads as Building Blocks for Macroscopic Self‐Healing Scaffolds
Authors: Yu Ziyi , Liu Ji , Tan Cindy Soo Yun , Scherman Oren A. , Abell Chris
Published: January 2018

The ability to construct self‐healing scaffolds that are injectable and capable of forming a designed morphology offers the possibility to engineer sustainable materials. Herein, we introduce supramolecular nested microbeads that can be used as building blocks to construct macroscopic self‐healing scaffolds. The core–shell microbeads remain in an “inert” state owing to the isolation of a pair of complementary polymers in a form that can be stored as an aqueous suspension. An annealing process after injection effectively induces the re‐construction of the microbead units, leading to supramolecular gelation in a preconfigured shape. The resulting macroscopic scaffold is dynamically stable, displaying self‐recovery in a self‐healing electronic conductor. This strategy of using the supramolecular assembled nested microbeads as building blocks represents an alternative to injectable hydrogel systems, and shows promise in the field of structural biomaterials and flexible electronics.
Accessing Tetravalent Transition‐Metal Nitridophosphates through High‐Pressure Metathesis
Authors: Kloß Simon D. , Wandelt Sophia , Weis Andreas , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

Advancing the attainable composition space of a compound class can lead to fascinating materials. The first tetravalent metal nitridophosphate, namely Hf9−xP24N52−4xO4x (x≈1.84), was prepared by high‐pressure metathesis. The Group 4 nitridophosphates are now an accessible class of compounds. The high‐pressure metathesis reaction using a multianvil setup yielded single crystals that were suitable for structure analysis. Magnetic properties of the compound indicate Hf in oxidation state +IV. Optical measurements show a band gap in the UV region. The presented route unlocks the new class of Group 4 nitridophosphates by significantly improving the understanding of this nitride chemistry. Hf9−xP24N52−4xO4x (x≈1.84) is a model system and its preparation is the first step towards a systematic exploration of the transition‐metal nitridophosphates.
Electrochemical Dynamics of a Single Platinum Nanoparticle Collision Event for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xiang Zhi‐peng , Deng Hai‐qiang , Peljo Pekka , Fu Zhi‐yong , Wang Su‐li , Mandler Daniel , Sun Gong‐quan , Liang Zhen‐xing
Published: January 2018

Chronoamperometry was used to study the dynamics of Pt nanoparticle (NP) collision with an inert ultramicroelectrode via electrocatalytic amplification (ECA) in the hydrogen evolution reaction. ECA and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results reveal that the NP colloid remains stable only at low proton concentrations (1.0 mm) under a helium (He) atmosphere, ensuring that the collision events occur at genuinely single NP level. Amperometry of single NP collisions under a He atmosphere shows that each discrete current profile of the collision event evolves from spike to staircase at more negative potentials, while a staircase response is observed at all of the applied potentials under hydrogen‐containing atmospheres. The particle size distribution estimated from the diffusion‐controlled current in He agrees well with electron microscopy and DLS observations. These results shed light on the interfacial dynamics of the single nanoparticle collision electrochemistry.
Kontinuierliche heterogene Photokatalyse in seriellen Mikro‐Batch‐Reaktoren
Authors: Pieber Bartholomäus , Shalom Menny , Antonietti Markus , Seeberger Peter H. , Gilmore Kerry
Published: January 2018

Während unlösliche Reagenzien, auslaugende Katalysatoren und heterogene Photokatalysatoren problemlos in Batch‐Verfahren verwendet werden können, ist deren Einsatz in der Durchflusschemie problematisch. Festbettreaktoren werden typischerweise für thermische Reaktionen mit heterogenen Katalysatoren verwendet, sind aber aufgrund schlechter Lichtdurchdringung für die Photochemie ungeeignet. Wir zeigen, dass serielle Mikro‐Batch‐Reaktoren (SMBRs) die kontinuierliche Verwendung von Feststoffen in Kombination mit Flüssigkeiten und Gasen ermöglichen. Das Potenzial dieser Technologie wurde anhand photokatalytischer Fluorierungen mit graphitischem Kohlenstoffnitrid anstatt teurer, homogener Metallkomplexe demonstriert. Die Kombination dieser billigen, wiederverwendbaren Materialien mit der SMBR‐Technologie ermöglicht nachhaltige, skalierbare Photokatalyse.
Identification of Tumor Initiating Cells with a Small‐Molecule Fluorescent Probe by Using Vimentin as a Biomarker
Authors: Lee Yong‐An , Kim Jong‐Jin , Lee Jungyeol , Lee Jia Hui Jane , Sahu Srikanta , Kwon Haw‐Young , Park Sung‐Jin , Jang Se‐Young , Lee Jun‐Seok , Wang Zhenxun , Tam Wai Leong , Lim Bing , Kang Nam‐Young , Chang Young‐Tae
Published: January 2018

Tumor initiating cells (TICs) have been implicated in clinical relapse and metastasis of a variety of epithelial cancers, including lung cancer. While efforts toward the development of specific probes for TIC detection and targeting are ongoing, a universal TIC probe has yet to be developed. We report the first TIC‐specific fluorescent chemical probe, TiY, with identification of the molecular target as vimentin, a marker for epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). TiY selectively stains TICs over differentiated tumor cells or normal cells, and facilitates the visualization and enrichment of functionally active TICs from patient tumors. At high concentration, TiY also shows anti‐TIC activity with low toxicity to non‐TICs. With the unexplored target vimentin, TiY shows potential as a first universal probe for TIC detection in different cancers.
Continuous Heterogeneous Photocatalysis in Serial Micro‐Batch Reactors
Authors: Pieber Bartholomäus , Shalom Menny , Antonietti Markus , Seeberger Peter H. , Gilmore Kerry
Published: January 2018

Solid reagents, leaching catalysts, and heterogeneous photocatalysts are commonly employed in batch processes but are ill‐suited for continuous‐flow chemistry. Heterogeneous catalysts for thermal reactions are typically used in packed‐bed reactors, which cannot be penetrated by light and thus are not suitable for photocatalytic reactions involving solids. We demonstrate that serial micro‐batch reactors (SMBRs) allow for the continuous utilization of solid materials together with liquids and gases in flow. This technology was utilized to develop selective and efficient fluorination reactions using a modified graphitic carbon nitride heterogeneous catalyst instead of costly homogeneous metal polypyridyl complexes. The merger of this inexpensive, recyclable catalyst and the SMBR approach enables sustainable and scalable photocatalysis.
Local Surface Structure and Composition Control the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Iron Nickel Sulfides
Authors: Bentley Cameron L. , Andronescu Corina , Smialkowski Mathias , Kang Minkyung , Tarnev Tsvetan , Marler Bernd , Unwin Patrick R. , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

In order to design more powerful electrocatalysts, developing our understanding of the role of the surface structure and composition of widely abundant bulk materials is crucial. This is particularly true in the search for alternative hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts to replace platinum. We report scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) measurements of the (111)‐crystal planes of Fe4.5Ni4.5S8, a highly active HER catalyst. In combination with structural characterization methods, we show that this technique can reveal differences in activity arising from even the slightest compositional changes. By probing electrochemical properties at the nanoscale, in conjunction with complementary structural information, novel design principles are revealed for application to rational material synthesis.
Two Diterpene Synthases for Spiroalbatene and Cembrene A from Allokutzneria albata
Authors: Rinkel Jan , Lauterbach Lukas , Rabe Patrick , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: January 2018

Two bacterial diterpene synthases from the actinomycete Allokutzneria albata were investigated, resulting in the identification of the structurally unprecedented compound spiroalbatene from the first and cembrene A from the second enzyme. Both enzymes were thoroughly investigated in terms of their mechanisms by isotope labeling experiments, site‐directed mutagenesis, and variation of the metal cofactors and pH value. For spiroalbatene synthase, the pH‐ and Mn2+‐dependent formation of the side product thunbergol was observed, which is biosynthetically linked to spiroalbatene.
A novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst: 2‐Methoxy‐1‐phenylethanone functionalized MCM‐41 supported Cu(II) complex for C‐S coupling of aryl halides with thiourea
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Fakhari Farzaneh , Nabi Bidhendi Gholamreza
Published: January 2018

An environmentally friendly copper‐based catalyst supported on 2‐Methoxy‐1‐phenylethanone functionalized MCM‐41 was prepared and characterized by FT‐IR, FE‐SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, BET and ICP techniques. The catalyst was applied for the C−S cross‐coupling reaction of aryl halides with thiourea. Corresponding products were produced in good yields in aerobic conditions. The catalyst could be recovered and recycled for several times.
Green synthesis and antibacterial effects of aqueous colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles using clove eugenol
Authors: Parlinska‐Wojtan Magdalena , Depciuch Joanna , Fryc Bartosz , Kus‐Liskiewicz Małgorzata
Published: January 2018

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using clove extract (CE). Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) revealed the morphology of the metallic Ag nanoparticles obtained via the clove extract synthesis (Ag NPs‐CE), which had a uniform distribution and average sizes varying from 10 nm to 100 nm. Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that clove eugenol acts as a capping and reducing agent being adsorbed on the surface of Ag NPs‐CE, enabling their reduction from Ag+ and preventing their agglomeration. Formation of the Ag0 structure is also confirmed in the FTIR spectrum by the presence in the Ag NPs‐CE sample of the –C=O and –C=C vibrations at wavenumbers 1600 and 2915 cm‐1, respectively. Antibacterial and antifungal tests using three strains of bacteria and one fungi strain showed that the Ag NPs‐CE performed better compared to pure clove extract (CE) sample.
Starch–recycled gelatin composite films produced by extrusion: Physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Chaves da Silva Normane Mirele , Fakhouri Farayde Matta , Fialho Rosana Lopes Lima , Cabral Albuquerque Elaine Christine de Magalhães
Published: January 2018

This article describes using recycled gelatin in production of blends of starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Films were produced by extrusion using varying percentages of recycled gelatin (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15% relative to the starch weight), plasticized with glycerol (20 wt % relative to the starch weight), and then characterized. The morphology results showed films with a cohesive matrix and no phase separation. The crystallinity analysis showed that the extrusion process eliminated crystalline zones of the granules and produced low‐crystallinity films. The addition of recycled gelatin caused an increased thermal stability and significantly increased the mechanical strength and solubility in water of the films. It also accelerated the biodegradation process. It was concluded that the process of recycling and reprocessing did not affect the properties of gelatin, even as it has significantly influenced the properties of the films. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46254.
Prostaglandin‐mediated recovery from bacteremia delays larval development in fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ringbauer Joseph A. , Goodman Cynthia l. , Reall Tamra , Jiang Xing‐Fu , Stanley David
Published: January 2018

Insect immunity includes a surveillance system that detects and signals infections, coupled with hemocytic and humoral immune functions. These functions are signaled and coordinated by several biochemicals, including biogenic amines, insect cytokines, peptides, and prostaglandins (PGs). The actions of these mediators are coordinated within cells by various forms of cross‐talk among the signaling systems and they result in effective reactions to infection. While this is well understood, we lack information on how immune‐mediated recovery influences subsequent juvenile development in surviving insects. We investigated this point by posing the hypothesis that PG signaling is necessary for larval recovery, although the recovery imposes biological costs, registered in developmental delays and failures in surviving individuals. Here, we report that nodulation responses to infections by the bacterium, Serratia marcescens, increased over time up to 5 h postinfection, with no further nodulation; it increased in a linear manner with increasing bacterial dosages. Larval survivorship decreased with increasing bacterial doses. Treating larvae with the PG‐biosynthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, led to sharply decreased nodulation reactions to infection, which were rescued in larvae cotreated with indomethacin and the PG‐precursor, arachidonic acid. Although nodulation was fully rescued, all bacterial challenged larvae suffered reduced survivorship compared to controls. Bacterial infection led to reduced developmental rates in larvae, but not pupae. Adult emergence from pupae that developed from experimental larvae was also decreased. Taken together, our data potently bolster our hypothesis.
Which domains do open‐access journals do best in? A 5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Yan Erjia , Li Kai
Published: January 2018

Although researchers have begun to investigate the difference in scientific impact between closed‐access and open‐access journals, studies that focus specifically on dynamic and disciplinary differences remain scarce. This study serves to fill this gap by using a large longitudinal dataset to examine these differences. Using CiteScore as a proxy for journal scientific impact, we employ a series of statistical tests to identify the quartile categories and disciplinary areas in which impact trends differ notably between closed‐ and open‐access journals. We find that closed‐access journals have a noticeable advantage in social sciences (for example, business and economics), whereas open‐access journals perform well in medical and healthcare domains (for example, health profession and nursing). Moreover, we find that after controlling for a journal's rank and disciplinary differences, there are statistically more closed‐access journals in the top 10%, Quartile 1, and Quartile 2 categories as measured by CiteScore; in contrast, more open‐access journals in Quartile 4 gained scientific impact from 2011 to 2015. Considering dynamic and disciplinary trends in tandem, we find that more closed‐access journals in Social Sciences gained in impact, whereas in biochemistry and medicine, more open‐access journals experienced such gains.
Defect‐Free Mixed‐Matrix Membranes with Hydrophilic Metal‐Organic Polyhedra for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Separation
Authors: Yun Yang No , Sohail Muhammad , Moon Jong‐Ho , Kim Tae Woo , Park Kyeng Min , Chun Dong Hyuk , Park Young Cheol , Cho Churl‐Hee , Kim Hyunuk
Published: January 2018

Defect‐free mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by incorporating hydrophilic metal‐organic polyhedra (MOPs) into cross‐linked polyethylene oxide (XLPEO) for efficient CO2 separation. Hydrophilic MOPs with triethylene glycol pendant groups, which were assembled by 5‐tri(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether isophthalic acid and CuII ions, were uniformly dispersed in XLPEO without particle agglomeration. Compared to conventional neat XLPEO, the homogenous dispersion of EG3‐MOPs in XLPEO enhanced CO2 permeability of MMMs. Upon increasing the amount of EG3‐MOPs, the membrane performance such as CO2/N2 selectivity was steadily improved because of unsaturated CuII sites at paddle‐wheel units, which was confirmed by Cu K‐edge XANES and TPD analysis. Therefore, such defect‐free MMMs with unsaturated metal sites would contribute to enhance CO2 separation performance.
Recent Advances in Supramolecular Gels and Catalysis
Authors: Fang Weiwei , Zhang Yang , Wu Jiajie , Liu Cong , Zhu Haibo , Tu Tao
Published: January 2018

Over the past two decades, supramolecular gels have attracted significant attention from scientists in diverse research fields and have been extensively developed. This review mainly focuses on the significant achievements in supramolecular gels and catalysis. First, by incorporating diverse catalytic sites and active organic functional groups into gelator molecules, supramolecular gels have been considered as a novel matrix for catalysis. In addition, these rationally designed supramolecular gels also provide a variety of templates to access metal nanocomposites, which may function as catalysts and exhibit high activity in diverse catalytic transformations. Finally, as a new kind of biomaterial, supramolecular gels formed in situ by self‐assembly triggered by catalytic transformations are also covered herein.
Developmental social communication deficits in the Shank3 rat model of phelan‐mcdermid syndrome and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Berg Elizabeth L. , Copping Nycole A. , Rivera Josef K. , Pride Michael C. , Careaga Milo , Bauman Melissa D. , Berman Robert F. , Lein Pamela J. , Harony‐Nicolas Hala , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Ellegood Jacob , Lerch Jason P. , Wöhr Markus , Silverman Jill L.
Published: January 2018

Mutations in the SHANK3 gene have been discovered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the intellectual disability, Phelan‐McDermid Syndrome. This study leveraged a new rat model of Shank3 deficiency to assess complex behavioral phenomena, unique to rats, which display a richer social behavior repertoire than mice. Uniquely detectable emissions of ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats serve as situation‐dependent affective signals and accomplish important communicative functions. We report, for the first time, a call and response acoustic playback assay of bidirectional social communication in juvenile Shank3 rats. Interestingly, we found that Shank3‐deficient null males did not demonstrate the enhanced social approach behavior typically exhibited following playback of pro‐social USV. Concomitantly, we discovered that emission of USV in response to playback was not genotype‐dependent and emitted response calls were divergent in meaning. This is the first report of these socially relevant responses using a genetic model of ASD. A comprehensive and empirical analysis of vigorous play during juvenile reciprocal social interactions further revealed fewer bouts and reduced durations of time spent playing by multiple key parameters, including reduced anogenital sniffing and allogrooming. We further discovered that male null Shank3‐deficient pups emitted fewer isolation‐induced USV than Shank3 wildtype controls. Postnatal whole brain anatomical phenotyping was applied to visualize anatomical substrates that underlie developmental phenotypes. The data presented here lend support for the important role of Shank3 in social communication, the core symptom domain of ASD. By increasing the number of in vivo functional outcome measures, we improved the likelihood for identifying and moving forward with medical interventions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 587–601. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Clinically relevant outcomes are required to demonstrate the utility of therapeutics. We introduce findings in a rat model, and assess the impact of mutations in Shank3, an autism risk gene. We found that males with deficient expression of Shank3 did not demonstrate typical responses in a bi‐directional social communication test and that social interaction was lower on key parameters. Outcome measures reported herein extend earlier results in mice and capture responses to acoustic calls, which is analogous to measuring receptive and expressive communication.
Identification of small molecular inhibitors for efflux protein Rv2688c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Vadija Rajender , Mustyala Kiran Kumar , Malkhed Vasavi , Dulapalli Ramasree , Veeravarapu Hymavathi , Malikanti Ramesh , Vuruputuri Uma
Published: January 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the pathogen, which causes tuberculosis. The development of multidrug‐resistant and extensively drug‐resistant strains in Mtb is due to an efflux mechanism of antibiotics in the bacteria. The efflux pump proteins in the bacteria are implicated in the active efflux of antibiotics. The efflux pump protein, “fluoroquinolones export ATP‐binding protein Rv2688c” (FEAB), is considered as a potential therapeutic target to prevent tuberculosis. In the present work, in silico protocols are applied to identify inhibitors for the FEAB protein to arrest the efflux mechanism. Comparative modeling techniques are used to build the protein structure. The generated structure consists of 9 helices, 13 beta strands, and 3 β sheets. The active site is predicted using active site prediction server tools. The virtual screening protocols are carried out to generate small ligand inhibitor structures. The identified ligand molecules show selective binding with Ser97, Glu99, Lys149, Asp171, Glu172, and Ser175 amino acid residues of the protein. The ligand molecules are subjected to in silico prediction of pharmaco kinetic properties, and the predicted IC50 (HERG) of all the molecules are less than –5.0, which is indicative of the identified ligand molecules is being potentially good FEAB inhibitors.
Iniencephaly
Authors: Holmes Lewis B. , Toufaily M. Hassan , Westgate Marie‐Noel
Published: January 2018

Background

Iniencephaly is a severe developmental abnormality of the craniovertebral junction in which the head is retroflexed dramatically. Anatomic studies have identified striking changes in the vertebrae and skull: marked lordosis of the cervical vertebrae, duplicated cervical vertebrae, irregularly fused cervical vertebrae, a widened foramen magnum and a small posterior fossa. The affected infant appears to have no neck, as the skin of the face is continuous with the chest and the skin of the posterior scalp is continuous with the skin of the back. Iniencephaly is considered a rare neural tube defect. The frequency has been higher in geographic areas in which the rates of occurrence of anencephaly and myelomeningocele were high. Most affected fetuses are either stillborn or die soon after birth. However, one affected individual is an adult with normal intelligence.

Methods

A malformations surveillance program can identify an unselected group of infants with iniencephaly. This approach can determine the prevalence rate, the frequency of associated malformations, and the occurrence of close relatives with other neural tube defects.

Results

Over 41 years, the surveillance of 289,365 births identified eight fetuses and newborn infants with iniencephaly. Five of the eight had either an additional encephalocele or a thoracic myelomeningocele. Two of the eight affected infants had a sibling or a cousin with anencephaly.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a relationship between the occurrence of iniencephaly and the most common neural tube defects, anencephaly and myelomeningocele. Recent experience confirms that this complex neural tube defect is not always lethal. Birth Defects Research 110:128–133, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Causes of Congenital Malformations
Authors: Toufaily M. Hassan , Westgate Marie‐Noel , Lin Angela E. , Holmes Lewis B.
Published: January 2018

Background

Many different causes of malformations have been established. The surveillance of a consecutive population of births, including stillbirths and elective terminations of pregnancy because of fetal anomalies, can identify each infant with malformations and determine the frequency of the apparent etiologies. This report is a sequel to the first such analysis in the first 10 years of this Active Malformations Surveillance Program (Nelson and Holmes, ).

Methods

The presence of malformations was determined among 289,365 births over 41 years (1972–2012) at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The abnormalities were identified from the review of the examination findings of the pediatricians and consultants and diagnostic testing for the live‐born infants and the autopsies of the fetuses in elective terminations and stillbirths.

Results

A total of 7020 (2.4%) infants and fetuses with one or more malformations were identified with these apparent etiologies in 26.6%: Mendelian disorders, including infants with postaxial polydactyly, type B; chromosome abnormalities; vascular disruption; complications of monozygous twinning; and environmental factors. The malformations of unknown etiology were a much larger group.

Conclusion

While several causes of malformations have been identified, many remain unexplained. Combining the ascertainment in a future surveillance programs with genome sequencing and chromosome microarray analysis will increase significantly the number of malformations attributed to genetic mechanisms. Birth Defects Research 110:87–91, 2018.© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malformations attributed to the process of vascular disruption
Authors: Holmes Lewis B. , Westgate Marie‐Noel , Nasri Hanah , Toufaily M. Hassan
Published: January 2018

Background

Several malformations have been attributed to the process of vascular disruption. The central hypothesis for this etiology is that blood flow to a structure has been altered after that structure had formed normally. The decreased blood flow leads to hypoxia, endothelial cell damage, hemorrhage, tissue loss, and repair. After recovery, some structures are normal and others show either tissue loss or structural abnormalities, such as syndactyly and constriction rings.

Methods

The phenotypic features of the 7,020 infants with one or more malformations, who were born to women who had always planned to deliver at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) between, 1972 and 2012, that is, maternal nontransfers, were reviewed. The phenotypes associated with vascular disruption, such as the amniotic band syndrome and terminal transverse limb defects (TTLD), were identified.

Results

One hundred and five fetuses and infants had malformations attributed to the process of vascular disruption. Some specific causes of the amniotic band limb deformity were identified. TTLD with associated small digit‐like nubbins occurred at three levels: proximal forearm, wrist, and metacarpal‐phalangeal joint. Other causes included severe hemoglobinopathies and exposures to misoprostol and to prenatal procedures.

Conclusions

Malformations attributed to the process of vascular disruption were a distinctive entity, among the recognized etiologies. The timing of the causative event in the first trimester was established for infants with exposures to either the prostaglandin misoprostol or the prenatal diagnosis procedure chorionic villus sampling. One challenge is to identify the developmental steps in vascular disruption when no causative exposure can be identified.
Exploring the Potential Application of Short Non‐Coding RNA‐Based Genetic Circuits in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Authors: Valdés‐Bango Curell Ricardo , Barron Niall
Published: January 2018

The majority of cell engineering for recombinant protein production to date has relied on traditional genetic engineering strategies, such as gene overexpression and gene knock‐outs, to substantially improve the production capabilities of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. However, further improvements in cellular productivity or control over product quality is likely to require more sophisticated rational approaches to coordinate and balance cellular pathways. For these strategies to be implemented, novel molecular tools need to be developed to facilitate more refined control of gene expression. Multiple gene control strategies are developed over the last decades in the field of synthetic biology, including DNA and RNA‐based systems, which allows tight and timely control over gene expression. microRNAs has received a lot of attention over the last decade in the CHO field and are used to engineer and improve CHO cells. In this review we focus on microRNA‐based gene control systems and discuss their potential use as tools rather than targets in order to gain better control over gene expression.
Two New Dolabrane Diterpenes from the Chinese Mangrove Ceriops tagal
Authors: Ni Shu‐Jun , Li Jun , Li Min‐Yi
Published: January 2018

Two new dolabrane diterpenes, tagalenes J and K (1 and 2), together with eleven known analogues (3 – 13), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the Chinese mangrove Ceriops tagal. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐, 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS, as well as the comparison with data in the literatures. Cytotoxicities of isolated compounds against MCF‐7, SW480, HepG2, HeLa, PANC‐1, and A2058 cancer cell lines were also evaluated. Compound 4 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against SW480, HeLa, and PANC‐1 cell lines with IC50 values of 27.7, 22.2, and 17.6 μm, respectively.