bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composites using Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Lijun , Tong Lili , Zhu Shaomin , Liang Jiaji , Zhang Haichen
Published: May 2020

Herein, the effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the mechanical performance of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (GFRPs) are investigated, and the optimized MWCNT content is obtained through a series of experiments. MWCNTs are deposited on unidirectional glass fiber cloths using a solution dip coating method. The original fiber cloths and fiber cloths deposited with MWCNTs are used to manufacture GFRPs using a vacuum‐assisted resin injection process. The GFRP specimens are then synthesized to characterize the tension, bending, interlaminar shear strength, and mode‐II fracture toughness by uniaxial tension, three‐point bending, short beam shear, and end notch flexural tests. The results confirm that the mechanical performance of the original GFRPs increases with the addition of MWCNTs, and GFRPs with an MWCNT content of 0.3 wt% exhibit better comprehensive mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy is used to analyze the damage mechanism of the broken specimens with and without MWCNT modification.
Sintering and Creep Resistance of Powder‐Metallurgy‐Processed Ti‐(43‐47)Al‐5Nb‐0.2B‐0.2C
Authors: Soyama Juliano , Limberg Wolfgang , Ebel Thomas , Pyczak Florian
Published: May 2020

The effect of Al variations in the sintering behavior and creep resistance is investigated in powder‐metallurgy‐processed titanium aluminides based on the alloy TNB‐V5 (Ti‐45Al‐5Nb‐0.2B‐0.2C at%). Two compositions are prepared with Al‐contents of 43 and 47 at%, varying Al‐content by ±2 at% relative to the reference material TNB‐V5. Specimen preparation is conducted by metal injection molding using feedstock prepared with mixtures of prealloyed and elemental powders. The sinterability of alloys with addition of elemental powders decreases in comparison to the reference material, according to dilatometry experiments. However, in experiments with the sintering furnace, it is possible to obtain porosity with values of ≈10% by sintering at 1450 °C, whereas sintering at 1500 °C decreases the porosity to less than 1% in case of 43 at% and 45 at% of Al. Even though the alloy containing 47 at% Al shows higher porosity of about 7%, the creep resistance is superior to 43 at% Al, which can be attributed to a larger colony size. In tensile tests at room temperature, the effect of porosity is very detrimental leading to significantly reduced tensile strength and total elongation. Nevertheless, in compressive creep tests, the effect of porosity is secondary to colony size.
Electrocatalytic Interlayer with Fast Lithium–Polysulfides Diffusion for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries to Enhance Electrochemical Kinetics under Lean Electrolyte Conditions
Authors: Qian Ji , Wang Fujie , Li Yu , Wang Shuo , Zhao Yuanyuan , Li Wanlong , Xing Yi , Deng Lei , Sun Qiang , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: May 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries are promising energy‐storage devices because of their high theoretical energy densities. For practical Li–S batteries, reducing the amount of electrolyte used is essential for achieving the high energy densities. However, reducing the electrolyte amount leads to severe performance degradation, mainly because of sluggish deposition of discharge products (Li2S) and the accompanying passivation issue that arise from the insulating nature of Li2S. In this study, a lightweight, robust interlayer, with a 3D open structure and a low surface area is designed and fabricated. The structure facilitates electrolyte infiltration without trapping too much electrolyte. Moreover, the electrocatalytic Co nanoparticles embedded in the skeleton surface within the interlayer effectively promote Li ion diffusion, polysulfides conversion, and Li2S deposition, and therefore enhance the electrochemical kinetics under lean electrolyte conditions. The mechanisms involved in the interlayer effects are investigated by microstructural characterizations, electrochemical performance tests, density functional theory calculations, and in situ X‐ray diffraction characterization. These results show the feasibility of using an interlayer strategy to improve the electrochemical performances of Li–S batteries under lean electrolyte conditions to potentially increase the practical energy densities of Li–S batteries.
A Stable Conversion and Alloying Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries: A Combined Strategy of Encapsulation and Confinement
Authors: Wang Shijian , Xiong Pan , Guo Xin , Zhang Jinqiang , Gao Xiaochun , Zhang Fan , Tang Xiao , Notten Peter H. L. , Wang Guoxiu
Published: May 2020

Potassium‐ion batteries based on conversion/alloying reactions have high potential applications in new‐generation large‐scale energy storage. However, their applications are hindered by inherent large‐volume variations and sluggish kinetics of the conversion/alloying‐type electrode materials during the repeated insertion and extraction of bulky K+ ions. Although some efforts have been focused on this issue, the reported potassium‐ion batteries still suffer from poor cycling lifespans. Here, a superior stable antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) anode is reported for high‐performance potassium‐ion batteries through a combined strategy of conductive encapsulation and 2D confinement. The Sb2Se3 nanorods are uniformly coated with a conductive N‐doped carbon layer and then confined between graphene nanosheets. The synergistic effects between conductive coating and confinement effectively buffer the large volumetric variation of the conversion/alloying anodes, which can maintain structural stability for superior cyclability. The as‐prepared anodes exhibit a high reversible specific capacity of ≈590 mA h g−1 and outstanding cycling stability over 350 cycles. In situ and ex situ characterizations reveal a high structural integration of the large‐volume‐change Sb2Se3 anodes during a reversible K storage mechanism of two‐step conversion and multistep alloying processes. This work can open up a new possibility for the design of stable conversion/alloying‐based anodes for high‐performance potassium‐ion batteries.
Transparent Nacre‐like Composites Toughened through Mineral Bridges
Authors: Magrini Tommaso , Moser Simon , Fellner Madeleine , Lauria Alessandro , Bouville Florian , Studart André R.
Published: May 2020

Bulk materials with remarkable mechanical properties have been developed by incorporating design principles of biological nacre into synthetic composites. However, this potential has not yet been fully leveraged for the fabrication of tough and strong materials that are also optically transparent. In this work, a manufacturing route that enables the formation of nacre‐like mineral bridges in a bioinspired composite consisting of glass platelets infiltrated with an index‐matching polymer matrix is developed. By varying the pressure applied during compaction of the glass platelets, composites with tunable levels of mineral bridges and platelet interconnectivity can be easily fabricated. The effect of platelet interconnectivity on the mechanical strength and fracture behavior of the bioinspired composites is investigated by performing state‐of‐the‐art fracture experiments combined with in situ electron microscopy. The results show that the formation of interconnections between platelets leads to bulk transparent materials with an unprecedented combination of strength and fracture toughness. This unusual set of properties can potentially fulfill currently unmet demands in electronic displays and related technologies.
Bilayer Hydrogel Sheet‐Type Intraocular Microrobot for Drug Delivery and Magnetic Nanoparticles Retrieval
Authors: Kim Dong‐In , Lee Hyoryong , Kwon Su‐Hyun , Sung Young Je , Song Won Kyung , Park Sukho
Published: May 2020

By virtue of minimum invasiveness and driving ability using a magnetic field, drug delivery with the aid of a microrobot has an inherent potential for targeted treatment for the eye. The use of microrobots, however, has the limitation of leaving magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the eye that can cause side effects. In this study, a bilayer hydrogel microrobot capable of retrieving MNPs after drug delivery is proposed that overcomes the limitations of existing microrobots. The bilayer hydrogel microrobot is composed of an MNPs layer and a therapeutic layer. Upon applying an alternating magnetic field (AMF) at the target point, the therapeutic layer is dissolved to deliver drug particles, and then the MNPs layer can be retrieved using a magnetic field. The targeting and MNPs retrieval tests validate the drug delivery and MNPs retrieval ability of the microrobot. The ex vivo bovine vitreous and in vitro cell tests demonstrate the potential for the vitreous migration of the microrobot and the therapeutic effect against retinoblastoma Y79 cancer cells. This bilayer hydrogel sheet‐type intraocular microrobot provides a new drug delivery paradigm that overcomes the limitations of microrobot by maintaining the advantages of conventional microrobots in delivering drugs to the eye and retrieving MNPs after drug delivery.
Recent Advances on High‐Entropy Alloys for 3D Printing
Authors: Han Changjun , Fang Qihong , Shi Yusheng , Tor Shu Beng , Chua Chee Kai , Zhou Kun
Published: May 2020

Boosted by the success of high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) manufactured by conventional processes in various applications, the development of HEAs for 3D printing has been advancing rapidly in recent years. 3D printing of HEAs gives rise to a great potential for manufacturing geometrically complex HEA products with desirable performances, thereby inspiring their increased appearance in industrial applications. Herein, a comprehensive review of the recent achievements of 3D printing of HEAs is provided, in the aspects of their powder development, printing processes, microstructures, properties, and potential applications. It begins with the introduction of the fundamentals of 3D printing and HEAs, as well as the unique properties of 3D‐printed HEA products. The processes for the development of HEA powders, including atomization and mechanical alloying, and the powder properties, are then presented. Thereafter, typical processes for printing HEA products from powders, namely, directed energy deposition, selective laser melting, and electron beam melting, are discussed with regard to the phases, crystal features, mechanical properties, functionalities, and potential applications of these products (particularly in the aerospace, energy, molding, and tooling industries). Finally, perspectives are outlined to provide guidance for future research.
Metastability at Defective Metal Oxide Interfaces and Nanoconfined Structures
Authors: Esposito Vincenzo , Castelli Ivano E.
Published: May 2020

Most of the paradigms in materials science and technology firmly rely on equilibrium materials, i.e., phases with the lowest Gibbs energy under thermodynamic conditions. In nature, however, complexity rules, and the other aspect is metastability. This review aims to provide a coherent description of such effects and to formulate hypotheses on the fundamental energetic mechanisms of residual metastability in crystalline metal oxide polymorphs. The authors especially focus on different forms of broken symmetry at the interface, e.g., induced by defects, lattice strain/stress, and elemental diffusion. The discussion also provides perspective on the technological implications and possibilities arising from identifying a general methodology for establishing metastability in polymorphic functional metal oxides for energy applications, catalysis, and electronics.
Omnidirectional Stretchable Inorganic‐Material‐Based Electronics with Enhanced Performance
Authors: Kumaresan Yogeenth , Kim Hyeonghun , Pak Yusin , Poola Praveen Kumar , Lee Ryeri , Lim Namsoo , Ko Heung Cho , Jung Gun Young , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: May 2020

Inorganic material‐based devices are well known for their high performance, excellent stability, and hence suitability for fast computation and communication. But their nonflexibility and nonstretchability often hinder their application in several emerging areas where conformability with irregular 3D surfaces is required in addition to the high performance. Herein, with honeycomb like patterns, the omnidirectional stretchability and conformability of inorganic material‐based device are demonstrated without sacrificing the performance. The simple method presented here facilitates the transfer of patterned inorganic material‐based devices from rigid poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/glass substrate onto flexible/stretchable substrate such as polydimethylsiloxane simply by placing a water droplet at the PMMA/glass interface. As a proof of concept, the intrinsically brittle indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO)‐based stretchable photodetector devices are fabricated. These devices can be stretched up to 10% without performance degradation, which is a significant improvement considering the less than ≈1% fracture limit of IGZO. With Au decoration, these devices show 127‐fold higher responsivity (295.3 mA W−1) than planar IGZO devices. The higher fracture strain together with the omnidirectional stretchability underpinned by the honeycomb pattern could allow presented devices to conform to complex hemispherical surfaces such as the human eyes, thus showing significant potential for future high‐performance stretchable electronics.
The Potential Role of Reactive Metals for a Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Baumann Manuel , Barelli Linda , Passerini Stefano
Published: May 2020

Reactive metal‐based storage systems are a new alternative to support the clean energy transition. Herein, the cases of Al and Na are presented, both preliminarily fulfilling the constraints regarding sustainability, but employing two rather different processes. Both, the steam combustion of molten Al for H2 and heat production, and a new rechargeable battery, which makes use of seawater and sodium as electrodes, show promising round‐trip efficiencies. The latter technology also allows CO2‐trapping, desalination, Na metal, and chlorine production. It is argued that further research efforts are needed to verify the sustainability and ability of reactive metal‐based technologies to compete with other storage technologies.
Mining of soil legacy phosphorus without jeopardizing crop yield
Authors: Nair Vimala D , Sollenberger Lynn E , Harris Willie G , Sharpley Andrew N , Freitas Andressa M , Dubeux Jose Carlos Batista , Rodriguez Amanda N
Published: May 2020

Off‐site transport of excess soil P from repeated P fertilizer applications constitutes waste of a vital resource and poses an environmental risk. Excess P can be mined by growing crops without P addition until it is exhausted to the point of P deficiency. This study evaluated the utility of the “soil phosphorus storage capacity” (SPSC) as an indicator of safe P mining for acid soils. The SPSC predicts crop‐available legacy P in absolute terms, (i.e., kg ha−1; can be calculated from mg kg−1 if the bulk density and soil depth are known), which is not provided by current soil tests. Results show that mining provides sufficient P for crops when there is adequately negative SPSC. This study provides a “proof‐of‐concept” for SPSC, serving as an indicator of legacy P mining prior to the need for P fertilizer application. However, further study is needed to determine the negative P thresholds more precisely at which P mining would no longer provide adequate P for optimum crop yields.
Optimum seeding rate and stand assessment of soft red winter wheat
Authors: Lindsey Laura E. , Goodwin Allen W. , Harrison S. Kent , Paul Pierce A.
Published: May 2020

Cultivar selection and seeding rate influence soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) grain yield. Re‐evaluating optimum seeding rate for crops is necessary as modern cultivars may show a greater yield advantage when planted at a higher plant population compared with older cultivars. Furthermore, the relationship between wheat stem population density and yield needs to be understood to help producers make informed estimates of yield potential. The objectives of this research were to determine: (a) the agronomic and economic optimum seeding rate (AOSR and EOSR, respectively) of soft red winter wheat, and (b) the relationship of wheat stem population density and grain yield. Trials were established during two growing seasons at two locations in Ohio with four wheat cultivars and four seeding rates ranging from 1.85 to 6.18 million seeds ha−1. Among the four cultivars, the quadratic plateau model resulted in an average AOSR of 4.20 million seeds ha−1 and an average EOSR of 3.13 million seeds ha−1. The AOSR was 10–33% greater than the previous recommendation of 2.96 to 3.95 million seeds ha−1. This increase may be due to modern wheat cultivars having a higher tolerance to increased plant density as the previous recommendation, which is over 30‐yr old. Wheat stem number was linearly related to grain yield and explained 31% of the variability in yield. Planting the optimum number of wheat seeds followed by wheat stand evaluation in the spring should result in maximum economic return and informed decisions regarding wheat yield potential.
Cancer and risk of Alzheimer's disease: Small association in a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Ording Anne G. , Horváth‐Puhó Erzsébet , Veres Katalin , Glymour M. Maria , Rørth Mikael , Sørensen Henrik T. , Henderson Victor W.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Small observational studies with short‐term follow‐up suggest that cancer patients are at reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to the general population.

Methods

A nationwide cohort study using Danish population‐based health registries (1980‐2013) with cancer patients (n = 949,309) to identify incident diagnoses of AD. We computed absolute reductions in risk attributed to cancer and standardized incidence rate ratios (SIRs) accounting for survival time, comparing the observed to expected number of AD cases.

Results

During up to 34 years of follow‐up of cancer survivors, the attributable risk reduction was 1.3 per 10,000 person‐years, SIR = 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.92‐0.96). SIRs were similar after stratification by sex, age, and cancer stage, and approached that of the general population for those surviving >10 years.

Discussion

Inverse associations between cancer and AD were small and diminished over time. Incidence rates in cancer survivors approached those of the general population, suggesting limited association between cancer and AD risk.
Site‐Specific Iron Substitution in STA‐28, a Large Pore Aluminophosphate Zeotype Prepared by Using 1,10‐Phenanthrolines as Framework‐Bound Templates
Authors: Watts Abigail E. , Lozinska Magdalena M. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Mayoral Alvaro , Dawson Daniel M. , Ashbrook Sharon E. , Bode Bela E. , Dugulan A. Iulian , Shannon Mervyn D. , Cox Paul A. , Turrina Alessandro , Wright Paul A.
Published: May 2020

An AlPO4 zeotype has been prepared using the aromatic diamine 1,10‐phenanthroline and some of its methylated analogues as templates. In each case the two template N atoms bind to a specific framework Al site to expand its coordination to the unusual octahedral AlO4N2 environment. Furthermore, using this framework‐bound template, Fe atoms can be included selectively at this site in the framework by direct synthesis, as confirmed by annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and Rietveld refinement. Calcination removes the organic molecules to give large pore framework solids, with BET surface areas up to 540 m2 g−1 and two perpendicular sets of channels that intersect to give pore space connected by 12‐ring openings along all crystallographic directions.
The photocatalytic performance for Mn‐doping SrMoO4 reduced in H2/N2 mixture atmospheres
Authors: Liu Yong‐Lai , Dai Zhen‐Xiang , Yao Zi‐Feng , Zheng Gan‐Hong , Ma Yong‐Qing
Published: May 2020

SrMoO4 and Mn‐doped SrMoO4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by high temperature thermal decomposition of metal–organic salt in organic solvent with a high boiling point. Then they were reduced in H2/N2 mixture atmospheres at different reducing temperatures TR. Samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible light spectrum (UV), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD and XPS results showed that SrMoO3 phase appears when the annealing temperature was 700 °C (SMO700). The light absorption edge shifted to the visible range and enhanced the visible light photocatalytic activity. The methyl blue (MB) solution was degraded, and the degradation efficiency was 80.30% in 120 min for SMO700 sample. For the 2%Mn doping SrMoO4 sample, the efficiency of degradation reached 97.53% when the annealing temperature was 700 °C(2Mn‐SMO700). The results showed that a certain amount of SrMoO3 is helpful to improve the photocatalytic performance of SrMoO4. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of SrMoO4 was also related to Mn‐doped amount, annealing temperature and annealing time in H2/N2 mixture atmospheres. The related mechanism was discussed.
Fe2O3@[proline]–CuMgAl–LDH: A magnetic bifunctional copper and organocatalyst system for one‐pot synthesis of quinolines and 2H‐indazoles in green media
Authors: Esfandiary Naghmeh , Heydari Akbar
Published: May 2020

A novel magnetic core–shell Fe2O3@[proline]–CuMgAl–L(ayered)D(ouble)H(ydroxide) was designed as an efficient bifunctional catalytic system. To this end, Cu (II) was combined with Mg and Al in the LDH structure and l‐proline was intercalated between LDH layers in order to perform a straightforward synthesis of quinolines and 2H‐indazoles as two important pharmaceutical N‐aryl‐substituted heterocyclic compounds. In this regard, a facile method was employed through consecutive condensation under a mild conditions in choline azide media, which played the role of a reagent and a solvent to avoid toxic solvents and hazardous azidation reagents. These techniques provided considerable improvement in terms of using green media, reducing starting materials, reaching higher yields and offering a shorter reaction time and lower temperature. In conclusion, it was found that the catalyst could be reused five times with no significant loss of activity.
In situpreparation of ultrafine Ru nanocatalyst supported on nitrogen‐doped layered double hydroxide by nitrogen glow discharge plasma for catalytic hydrogenation ofN‐ethylcarbazole
Authors: Shi Jiaming , Bai Xuefeng
Published: May 2020

Ultrafine Ru nanoparticles (RuNPs) supported on nitrogen‐doped layered double hydroxide (Ru/LDH) werein situprepared by nitrogen glow discharge plasma (nGDP) without adding any chemical reducing agents or stabilizers. The as‐synthesized Ru/LDH catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. During treatment with nGDP, the reduction of Ru3+and nitrogen doping were carried out simultaneously. The resulting RuNPs has a narrow particle size distribution of 1.41–2.61 nm, an ultrafine average particle size of 1.86 nm, and were uniformly dispersed on nitrogen‐doped LDH. The complexation of RuNPs and O/N‐containing functional groups on LDH improve the catalytic activity and stability of Ru/LDH. The catalyst exhibited excellent properties for the hydrogenation reaction ofN‐ethylcarbazole (NEC). The conversion of NEC and the selectivity of 12H‐NEC were 100% and 99.06% for 1 hr at 120°C and 6 MPa H2, respectively. The mass hydrogen storage capacity was 5.78 wt%. The apparent activation energy was 35.78 kJ/mol.
Modification of Cu3(BTC)2 with Cobalt Ion for Adsorption and Visualized Detection of Formaldehyde Gas
Authors: Gong Wenpeng , Zhang Li , Yu Ying , Lin Bixia , Wang Yumin , Cao Yujuan , Guo Manli
Published: May 2020

In this paper, cobalt ion was employed to modify Cu3(BTC)2 to improve the adsorption property for formaldehyde gas. The cobalt ion was doped during the synthesis of Cu3(BTC)2 to form a product of CuCo‐BTC. As the optimization assay indicated, when the molar ratio of the Co2+/Cu2+ was 3/17, the adsorption amount for formaldehyde gas achieved the maximum, which is 1.6‐fold to that of Cu3(BTC)2. ICP‐MS, XPS, XRD, FT‐IR, SEM and N2adsorption–desorption were used to investigate the structure and property of the CuCo‐BTC. Subsequently, the adsorption kinetic process of the CuCo‐BTC was assessed, the result suggests it coinciding to the pseudo first‐order kinetic model which belongs to the physical adsorption process. The further assays indicated the CuCo‐BTC possessing higher and faster colorimetric response to formaldehyde with indicator than other metal organic framework materials or common indicators. Therefore, it was utilized to fabricate a functional paper chip to perform the visualized detection of formaldehyde gas. The result displayed a sensitive response to formaldehyde gas in the concentration range of 0.02 ~ 0.08 mg/m3. Besides, the whole colorimetric assay merely takes 150 s, suggesting a favorable application prospect in the on‐site test of detrimental gas.
Cytotoxic dimeric half‐sandwich Ru(II), Os(II) and Ir(III) complexes containing the 4,4′‐biphenyl‐based bridging ligands
Authors: Štarha Pavel , Hošek Jan , Trávníček Zdeněk , Dvořák Zdeněk
Published: May 2020

A series of dinuclear half‐sandwich Ru(II), Os(II) and Ir(III) complexes [Ru2(μ‐Ln)(η6‐pcym)2Cl2](PF6)2 (1, 4), [Os2(μ‐Ln)(η6‐pcym)2Cl2](PF6)2 (2, 5) and [Ir2(μ‐Ln)(η5‐Cp*)2Cl2](PF6)2 (3, 6), based on 4,4′‐biphenyl‐based bridging Schiff base ligands N,N′‐(biphenyl‐4,4′‐diyldimethylidyne)bis‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methanamine (L1; for 1–3) and N,N′‐(biphenyl‐4,4′‐diyldimethylidyne)bis‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethanamine (L2; for 4–6) is reported; pcym = 1‐methyl‐4‐(propan‐2‐yl)benzene, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl. The complexes were characterized by relevant analytical techniques (i.e. elemental analysis, FT‐IR, NMR, ESI‐MS), and their in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed at six cancerous and two non‐cancerous (healthy) human cell lines. Overall, complexes 4–6, containing the L2 bridging ligand, revealed higher cytotoxicity as compared with 1–3 and, thus, they were studied in greater detail. The best‐performing complex 6 exceeded at least twice the in vitro cytotoxicity of cisplatin and showed high selectivity towards the cancer cells over the normal ones, including the primary culture of human hepatocytes. In contrast to cisplatin, complexes 4–6 did not induce the cell cycle modification of the treated A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells (studied by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis). High levels of superoxide anion were induced by complexes 4–6 at the A2780 cells. The levels of activated forms of Caspase‐3 and Caspase‐8 at the A2780 cells treated by Ru(II) complex 4 were comparable with cisplatin, while complexes 5 and 6 had only a minor effect on activation of these caspases.
Shear and extensional viscosity of thermally aggregated thermoplastic protein
Authors: Uitto Jussi M. , Verbeek Casparus J. R. , Bengoechea Carlos
Published: May 2020

Novatein is a thermoplastic produced from blood meal and is used in different agricultural applications. Novatein has some unique processing challenges and its rheology was studied using screw‐driven capillary rheometry, with a particular focus on sheet extrusion using ethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol (PG), or triethylene glycol (TEG) as plasticizers. The entrance pressure drop contributed up to 44% of the total pressure drop (entrance and capillary pressure drop), but this was significantly reduced by plasticization or increased temperature. Polyol addition led to higher shear viscosities in comparison to no polyol plasticization, most likely due to improved chain mobility resulting in orientation effects. Elongational flow was dominated by primary plasticization of the protein‐rich phase and changes in secondary structure, whereas secondary plasticization (phase separation into a polyol‐rich phase) played a significant role in the reduction of the shear viscosity. Of the selected plasticizers, PG showed the most efficient plasticization in both shear and elongational flow. When combined with the beneficial secondary structural changes brought about by TEG, the sheet forming ability of Novatein was drastically improved.
Effect of phenolic compounds from the leaves of Psidium guajava on the activity of three metabolism‐related enzymes
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed H. , Aldesouki Hala M. , Badria Farid A.
Published: May 2020

Enzyme activity modulation by synthetic compounds provide strategies combining the inhibitory and therapeutic mode of action of the confirmed inhibitors. However, natural modulators could offer a valuable alternative for synthetic ones for the treatment of different chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cancer); due to the numerous side effects of the latter. In vitro screening assays were conducted for Psidium guajava leaf methanolic extract against three metabolism‐related enzymes; α‐amylase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase. The obtained results showed that the examined extract retained weak and moderate multitarget inhibition against α‐amylase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, respectively; however, the leaf fractions exhibited stronger inhibitions for the three investigated enzymes. Fractionation of P. guajava leaf extract revealed that anthraquinones and ellagic acid are of the major active compounds with inhibitory activities for α‐amylase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase. Kinetic studies showed that quinalizarin inhibition is competitive for both α‐amylase and hyaluronidase, and ellagic acid inhibition for tyrosinase and hyaluronidase is competitive and un‐competitive, respectively. The molecular docking studies of quinalizarin and ellagic acid with α‐amylase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase showed high binding energies with different bonds stabilizing the ligand–protein complex. Compiling all obtained results led to conclude that both P. guajava leaf fractions, quinalizarin and ellagic acid, have multitarget activities with potential therapeutic applications in many metabolic disorders.
Use of bilateral prophylactic nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with high risk of breast cancer
Authors: Valero M G , Moo T-A , Muhsen S , Zabor E C , Stempel M , Pusic A , Gemignani M L , Morrow M , Sacchini V
Published: May 2020

Background

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is being performed increasingly for risk reduction in high-risk groups. There are limited data regarding complications and oncological outcomes in women undergoing bilateral prophylactic NSM. This study reviewed institutional experience with prophylactic NSM, and examined the indications, rates of postoperative complications, incidence of occult malignant disease and subsequent breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Women who had bilateral prophylactic NSM between 2000 and 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Rates of postoperative complications, incidental breast cancer, recurrence and overall survival were evaluated.

Results

A total of 192 women underwent 384 prophylactic NSMs. Indications included BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in 117 patients (60·9 per cent), family history of breast cancer in 35 (18·2 per cent), lobular carcinoma in situ in 29 (15·1 per cent) and other reasons in 11 (5·7 per cent). Immediate breast reconstruction was performed in 191 patients. Of 384 NSMs, 116 breasts (30·2 per cent) had some evidence of skin necrosis at follow-up, which resolved spontaneously in most; only 24 breasts (6·3 per cent) required debridement. Overall, there was at least one complication in 129 breasts (33·6 per cent); 3·6 and 1·6 per cent had incidental findings of ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer respectively. The nipple–areola complex was preserved entirely in 378 mastectomies. After a median follow-up of 36·8 months, there had been no deaths and no new breast cancer diagnoses.

Conclusion

These findings support the use of prophylactic NSM in high-risk patients. The nipples could be preserved in the majority of patients, postoperative complication rates were low, and, with limited follow-up, there were no new breast cancers.
Gastrectomy with or without omentectomy for cT3–4 gastric cancer: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Ri M , Nunobe S , Honda M , Akimoto E , Kinoshita T , Hori S , Aizawa M , Yabusaki H , Isobe Y , Kawakubo H , Abe T
Published: May 2020

Background

Omentectomy is performed widely for locally advanced gastric cancer to prevent disease recurrence. However, its clinical benefit is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared the outcome of gastrectomy with preservation of the omentum (GPO) and gastrectomy with resection of the omentum (GRO) among patients with cT3–T4 gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy between 2006 and 2012 in one of five participating institutions. A consensus conference identified 28 variables potentially associated with outcome after gastrectomy for the estimation of propensity scores, and propensity score matching (PSM) was undertaken to control for possible confounders. Postoperative surgical outcomes, overall survival and disease recurrence were compared between GPO and GRO.

Results

A total of 1758 patients were identified, of whom 526 remained after PSM, 263 in each group. Median follow-up was 4·9 (i.q.r. 3·1–5·9) years in the GRO group and 5·0 (2·5–6·8) years in the GPO group. The incidence of postoperative complications of Clavien–Dindo grade III or more was significantly higher in the GRO group (17·5 versus 10·3 per cent; P = 0·016). Five-year overall survival rates were 77·1 per cent in the GRO group and 79·4 per cent in the GPO group (P = 0·749). There were no significant differences in recurrence rate or pattern of recurrence between the groups.

Conclusion

Overall survival and disease recurrence were comparable in patients with cT3–4 gastric cancer who underwent GPO or GRO.
Stromal score as a prognostic factor in primary gastric cancer and close association with tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Mao Min , Yu Qingliang , Huang Rongzhi , Lu Yunxin , Wang Zhen , Liao Liang
Published: May 2020

Background

Gastric cancer remains one of the major causes for tumor‐related deaths worldwide. Our study aimed to provide an understanding of primary gastric cancer and prompt its clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

We integrated the expression profiles and overall survival information of primary gastric cancer in TCGA and GEO database and estimated the stromal score of each sample by the estimate R package. Stromal score and clinicopathologic characteristics associated with overall survival were analyzed by using Cox regression and the Kaplan‐Meier method. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and KEGG analysis were performed to explore the potential molecular mechanism in TCGA dataset. The relationship between immunotherapy‐associated markers or immune cell types and stromal score was explored by using Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 796 samples were collected for the analysis. Patients with stromal score‐high showed poor overall survival (P < .01, HR: 1.407, 95% CI: 1.144‐1.731) and identified as an independent prognostic factor. KEGG analysis revealed that stromal score actively involved in diverse tumor‐associated pathways. GSEA analysis also revealed stromal score associated with diverse immune‐related biological processes. Furthermore, stromal score was related with immunotherapy‐associated markers and multiple immune cells.

Conclusion

Our results showed that stromal score could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in primary gastric cancer and play an important role in the recognition, surveillance, and prognosis of gastric cancer.
Long non‐coding RNA FAM66C is associated with clinical progression and promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting proteasome pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Xie Yimin , Gu Jie , Qin Zhenqian , Ren Zhen , Wang Yanwei , Shi Haifeng , Chen Binghai
Published: May 2020

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent malignancy in men, and the identification of novel oncogenes is clinically valuable for early screening, prevention and treatment. Recently, the studies have revealed that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of cancers including prostate cancer. The present study aims to identify a novel lncRNA that correlated with the survival time of prostate cancer patients and try to explore its biological functions in prostate cancer cells. After analysing the prostate carcinoma dataset of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the lncRNA FAM66C was screened with its expression highly correlated with patient survival time, tumour stage and Gleason pattern. Real‐time PCR showed that FAM66C highly expressed in prostate cancer cells, and knockdown FAM66C by siRNAs resulted in significant inhibition of cell growth. Furthermore, the results indicated that FAM66C promoted cell growth due to increasing cell proliferation but not decreasing cell apoptosis. In addition, FAM66C activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signalling to promote cell proliferation. The result of Western Blotting and lysosomal acidity detection showed that knockdown FAM66C increased the protein ubiquitination and the lysosomal acidity. Moreover, inhibition of proteasome pathway could increase the activation of EGFR‐ERK signalling and cell proliferation. Taken together, these results suggested that lncRNA FAM66C activate EGFR‐ERK signalling to promote cell proliferation by inhibiting proteasome pathway in prostate cancer.

Significance of the study

We demonstrated that lncRNA FAM66C was associated with clinical progression. In addition, highly expressed lncRNA FAM66C in prostate cancer cell lines promoted cell proliferation. Moreover, lncRNA FAM66C activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signalling to promote cell proliferation by inhibiting proteasome pathway in prostate cancer. This study might provide lncRNA FAM66C as a potential therapeutic target gene of prostate cancer.
Spontaneous fistulization of walled‐off pancreatic necrosis into the colon
Authors: Khan Tanveer , Pandit Narendra
Published: May 2020

Spontaneous fistulization of the pancreatic necrosis into the colon is rare. It should be kept as differentials in the presence of massive air in the WOPN. Sometimes, simple bedside X‐ray abdomen may clinch the diagnosis in the presence of large radiolucent air‐fluid level with a peripheral displaced bowel loops.
Photophysics, Electrochemistry and Efficient Electrochemiluminescence of Trigonal Truxene‐Core Dyes
Authors: Voci Silvia , Verlhac Jean‐Baptiste , Polo Federico , Clermont Guillaume , Daniel Jonathan , Castet Frédéric , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Sojic Neso
Published: May 2020

We synthesized and characterized a series of dyes built from a spirofluorene or truxene core. The quadrupolar spirofluorene system is the initial building unit for the design and preparation of more complex star‐shaped dyes consisting of a truxene core bearing three di‐ or triphenylamine moieties with or without a thiophene connector. Their photophysical, electrochemical, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties were first investigated in solution. Structure/activity relationships were derived and rationalized by comparing the quadrupolar system and trigonal truxene‐core derivatives using computational studies. The photophysical and redox characteristics are drastically tuned by the introduction of a thiophene bridge and electron‐donor substituents at their terminal branches. These comparative studies show the essential role of the stability of both radical cations and anions to obtain efficient ECL dyes. The stabilization of the radicals is directly related to the charge delocalization due to the π‐conjugation by the thiophene bridge. The brightest ECL is achieved by annihilation and coreactant (benzoyl peroxide) pathways with the blue‐emitting truxene dye, which is 2‐ and 4.5‐times greater than that of the quadrupolar compound and reference [Ru(bpy)3]2+ emitter, respectively. Such an extensive study on these extended π‐conjugated molecules presenting different core structures may guide the design and synthesis of new ECL dyes with a strong efficiency.
Highly Conductive Cobalt Perthiolated Coronene Complex for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Cui Yutao , Ye Chunhui , Liu Liyao , Wu Xiaoyu , Sun Yimeng , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: May 2020

Metal‐bis(dithiolene) is one of the most promising structures showing redox activity, excellent electron transport and magnetic properties as well as catalytic activities. Perthiolated coronene (PTC), an emerging highly symmetric ligand containing the smallest graphene nanoplate was employed to manufacture a hybrid material with fused metal‐bis(dithiolene) and graphene nanoplate, and it has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy for the construction of multifunctional materials recently. Herein, Co‐PTC, a 2D MOF containing Co‐bis(dithiolene) and coronene units is prepared via a homogeneous reaction for the first time as powder samples, which are bar‐shaped microparticles composed of nanosheets. A neutral formula of [Co3(C24S12)]n is verified for Co‐PTC. Co‐PTC plays an ultrahigh conductivity of approximately 45 S cm−1 at room temperature as compressed samples, which is among the highest value ever reported for the compressed powder samples of conducting MOFs. Moreover, Co‐PTC exhibits good electrocatalytic performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a Tafel slope of 189 mV decade−1 and an operating overpotential of 227 mV at 10 mA cm−1 with pH=0, as well as a remarkable stability in the extremely acidic aqueous solutions, which is the best hydrogen evolution properties among metal–organic compounds.
Enhancing Tris(pyrazolyl)borate‐Based Models of Cysteine/Cysteamine Dioxygenases through Steric Effects: Increased Reactivities, Full Product Characterization and Hints to Initial Superoxide Formation
Authors: Müller Lars , Hoof Santina , Keck Matthias , Herwig Christian , Limberg Christian
Published: May 2020

The design of biomimetic model complexes for the cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and cysteamine dioxygenase (ADO) is reported, where the 3‐His coordination of the iron ion is simulated by three pyrazole donors of a trispyrazolyl borate ligand (Tp) and protected cysteine and cysteamine represent substrate ligands. It is found that the replacement of phenyl groups—attached at the 3‐positions of the pyrazole units in a previous model—by mesityl residues has massive consequences, as the latter arrange to a more spacious reaction pocket. Thus, the reaction with O2 proceeds much faster and afterwards the first structural characterization of an iron(II) η2‐O,O‐sulfinate product became possible. If one of the three Tp‐mesityl groups is placed in the 5‐position, an even larger reaction pocket results, which leads to yet faster rates and accumulation of a reaction intermediate at low temperatures, as shown by UV/Vis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. After comparison with the results of investigations on the cobalt analogues this intermediate is tentatively assigned to an iron(III) superoxide species.
Specific Reactions of RSNO, HSNO, and HNO and Their Applications in the Design of Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Wang Yingying , Xu Shi , Xian Ming
Published: May 2020

Nitric oxide (NO)‐derived species play essential roles in regulating cellular responses. Among these species, S‐nitrosothiols (including RSNO and HSNO) and nitroxyl (HNO) are especially interesting. Owing to their high reactivity and short survival time, the detection of these molecules in biological settings can be challenging. In this regard, much effort has been invested in exploring novel reactions of RSNO/HSNO/HNO and applying these reactions to develop fluorescence probes. Herein, reported specific reactions of RSNO/HSNO/HNO are summarized and strategies used in the design of fluorescent probes are illustrated. The properties and potential problems of representative probes are also discussed.
Evaluating the Viability of Successive Ring‐Expansions Based on Amino Acid and Hydroxyacid Side‐Chain Insertion
Authors: Lawer Aggie , Epton Ryan G. , Stephens Thomas C. , Palate Kleopas Y. , Lodi Mahendar , Marotte Emilie , Lamb Katie J. , Sangha Jade K. , Lynam Jason M. , Unsworth William P.
Published: May 2020

The outcome of ring‐expansion reactions based on amino/hydroxyacid side‐chain insertion is strongly dependent on ring size. This manuscript, which builds upon our previous work on Successive Ring Expansion (SuRE) methods, details efforts to better define the scope and limitations of these reactions on lactam and β‐ketoester ring systems with respect to ring size and additional functionality. The synthetic results provide clear guidelines as to which substrate classes are more likely to be successful and are supported by computational results, using a density functional theory (DFT) approach. Calculating the relative Gibbs free energies of the three isomeric species that are formed reversibly during ring expansion enables the viability of new synthetic reactions to be correctly predicted in most cases. The new synthetic and computational results are expected to support the design of new lactam‐ and β‐ketoester‐based ring‐expansion reactions.
Statin use in patients with non‐HMGCR idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A retrospective study
Authors: Bae Sangmee Sharon , Oganesian Buzand , Golub Ilana , Charles‐Schoeman Christina
Published: May 2020

Background

Statins are the most widely used lipid lowering therapies which reduce cardiovascular risk, but are associated with muscular adverse events (AEs). Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are autoimmune diseases of the muscle with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. More data is needed regarding statin safety in patients with intrinsic muscle disease such as IIM.

Hypothesis

Statins are tolerated in patients with IIM without leading to significant increase in muscular AEs.

Methods

Statin use was retrospectively examined in a longitudinal IIM cohort. Safety analysis included assessment of muscular and nonmuscular AEs by chart review. IIM patients receiving a statin during the cohort follow‐up period were matched to IIM patients not receiving a statin for comparative analysis of longitudinal outcomes.

Results

33/214 patients had a history of statin use. 63% started for primary prevention, while others were started for clinical ASCVD events, vascular surgery, IIM related heart failure, and cardiac transplantation. A high intensity statin was used in nine patients with non‐HMGCR myositis, and tolerated in 8/9 patients. Statin related muscular AE was noted in three patients. There were no cases of rhabdomyolysis, or statin related nonmuscular AEs in a median observation period of 5 years. In patients newly started on statins during cohort follow‐up (n = 7) there was no change in disease activity after statin initiation. Long term outcomes were not different between statin and nonstatin IIM control groups.

Conclusion

Statins were well tolerated in patients with non‐HMGCR positive IIM. Given the accelerated atherosclerotic risk in IIM patients, further prospective studies of statin safety in IIM patients are warranted.