bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isothermal equation of state and phase stability of Fe5Si3 up to 96 GPa and 3000 K
Authors: McGuire C. , Santamaria‐Pérez D. , Makhluf A. , Kavner A.
Published: May 2017

The composition of Earth's core has first‐order implications for understanding the thermal and chemical history of the deep Earth. The present work measures the pressure‐volume equation of state of Fe5Si3 to 96 GPa in a diamond anvil cell using noble gas pressure media and demonstrates that Fe5Si3 is not stable at high temperature and pressure but reappears during thermal quench. The isothermal equation of state at ambient temperature of Fe5Si3 is given by the bulk modulus KT,0 = 167 (8) and KT,0′ = 5.1 (2), with V0 = 56.29 cm 3 mol−1. At high temperatures and pressures we observed the disappearance of hexagonal Fe5Si3 diffraction peaks and the appearance of peaks corresponding to cubic FeSi and Fe3Si structures at 18 GPa and at the lowest measurable temperature (~1300 K), indicating that Fe5Si3 is not stable at high temperature. Upon temperature quench diffraction peaks corresponding to Fe5Si3 reappear, confirming its stability at ambient temperature and high pressure.
Pharmacodynamic effects of daclizumab in the intrathecal compartment
Authors: Komori Mika , Kosa Peter , Stein Jason , Zhao Vivian , Blake Andrew , Cherup Jamie , Sheridan James , Wu Tianxia , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: May 2017

Objective

It was previously demonstrated that daclizumab therapy normalizes cellular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities typical of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the majority of treated patients. However, CSF cells represent only the mobile portion of intrathecal immune responses. Therefore, we asked whether daclizumab also reverses compartmentalized inflammation and if not, whether residual inflammation correlates with clinical response to the drug.

Methods

Forty MS patients treated with an intravenous or subcutaneous injection of daclizumab were followed for up to 16 years in two open‐label clinical trials. MRI contrast‐enhancing lesions (CELs), clinical scales, and CSF biomarkers quantified residual disease.

Results

Rapid decreases in CELs, sustained throughout the observation period, were observed with daclizumab treatment. Daclizumab therapy induced modest but statistically significant (P < 0.0001) decreases in CSF levels of T‐cell activation marker CD27 and IgG index. Interleukin 2 (IL‐2) CSF levels increased from baseline levels during treatment, consistent with reduced IL‐2 consumption by T cells, as a consequence of daclizumab's saturation of high‐affinity IL‐2 receptors. CSF levels of IL‐12p40, chitinase‐3‐like protein‐1 (CHI3L1), chemokine C‐X‐C motif ligand 13, and neurofilament light chain (NFL) were also significantly reduced by daclizumab. Among them, inhibition of CHI3L1 correlated with inhibition of NFL and with lack of disease progression.

Interpretation

These observations confirm daclizumab's direct pharmacodynamics effects on immune cells within central nervous system tissues and identify inhibition of CSF biomarkers of myeloid lineage as a stronger determinant of reduction in clinical MS activity than inhibition of biomarkers of adaptive immunity.
Lithium Ion Breathable Electrodes with 3D Hierarchical Architecture for Ultrastable and High‐Capacity Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Ying‐Qi , Li Jian‐Chen , Lang Xing‐You , Wen Zi , Zheng Wei‐Tao , Jiang Qing
Published: May 2017

Transition‐metal oxides show genuine potential in replacing state‐of‐the‐art carbonaceous anode materials in lithium‐ or sodium‐ion batteries because of their much higher theoretical capacity. However, they usually undergo massive volume change, which leads to numerous problems in both material and electrode levels, such as material pulverization, instable solid‐electrolyte interphase, and electrode failure. Here, it is demonstrated that lithium‐ion breathable hybrid electrodes with 3D architecture tackle all these problems, using a typical conversion‐type transition‐metal oxide, Fe3O4, of which nanoparticles are anchored onto 3D current collectors of Ni nanotube arrays (NTAs) and encapsulated by δ‐MnO2 layers (Ni/Fe3O4@MnO2). The δ‐MnO2 layers reversibly switch lithium insertion/extraction of internal Fe3O4 nanoparticles and protect them against pulverizing and detaching from NTA current collectors, securing exceptional integrity retention and efficient ion/electron transport. The Ni/Fe3O4@MnO2 electrodes exhibit superior cyclability and high‐capacity lithium storage (retaining ≈1450 mAh g−1, ≈96% of initial value at 1 C rate after 1000 cycles).
Reversible Quadruple Switching with Optical, Chiroptical, Helicity, and Macropattern in Self‐Assembled Spiropyran Gels
Authors: Miao Wangen , Wang Sheng , Liu Minghua
Published: May 2017

Enantiomeric glutamate gelators containing a spiropyran moiety are designed and found to self‐assemble into a nanohelix through gelation. Upon alternating UV and visible light irradiation, the spiropyran experiences a reversible change between a blue zwitterionic merocyanine state and a colorless closed ring state spiropyran in supramolecular gels. This photochromic switch causes a series of subsequent changes in the optical, chiroptical, morphological properties from supramolecular to macroscopic levels. While the solution of the gelator molecules does not show any circular dichroism (CD) signal in the region of 250–700 nm due to the fact that the chromophore is far from the chiral center, the gel shows chiroptical signals such as CD and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) because of the chirality transfer by the self‐assembly. These signals are reversible upon alternating UV/vis irradiation. Therefore, a quadruple optical and chiroptical switch is developed successfully. During such process, the self‐assembled nanostructures from the enantiomeric supramolecular gels also undergo a reversible change between helices and fibers under the alternating UV and visible light trigger. Furthermore, a rewritable material fabricated from their xerogels on a glass is developed. Such rewritable material can be efficiently printed over 30 cycles without significant loss in contrast and resolution using UV and visible light.
Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for pH‐Stimuli‐Responsive Drug Delivery of TNF‐Alpha
Authors: Kienzle Arne , Kurch Sven , Schlöder Janine , Berges Carsten , Ose Robert , Schupp Jonathan , Tuettenberg Andrea , Weiss Henning , Schultze Jennifer , Winzen Svenja , Schinnerer Meike , Koynov Kaloian , Mezger Markus , Haass Nikolas K. , Tremel Wolfgang , Jonuleit Helmut
Published: May 2017

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a pleiotropic immune stimulatory cytokine and natural endotoxin that can induce necrosis and regression in solid tumors. However, systemic administration of TNF‐α is not feasible due to its short half‐life and acute toxicity, preventing its widespread use in cancer treatment. Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN) are used coated with a pH‐responsive block copolymer gate system combining charged hyperbranched polyethylenimine and nonionic hydrophilic polyethylenglycol to encapsulate TNF‐α and deliver it into various cancer cell lines and dendritic cells. Half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) for loaded TNF‐α is reduced by more than two orders of magnitude. Particle stability and premature cargo release are assessed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. TNF‐α‐loaded particles are stable for up to 5 d in medium. Tumor cells are grown in vitro as 3D fluorescent ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator spheroids that mimic in vivo tumor architecture and microenvironment, allowing real‐time cell cycle imaging. DMSN penetrate these spheroids, release TNF‐α from its pores, preferentially affect cells in S/G2/M phase, and induce cell death in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, DMSN encapsulation is demonstrated, which is a promising approach to enhance delivery and efficacy of antitumor drugs, while minimizing adverse side effects.
Wet‐AMD on a Chip: Modeling Outer Blood‐Retinal Barrier In Vitro
Authors: Chung Minhwan , Lee Somin , Lee Byung Joo , Son Kyungmin , Jeon Noo Li , Kim Jeong Hun
Published: May 2017

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choroid complex constituting outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB) is a critical pathological step in various ophthalmic diseases, which results in blindness, such as wet type age‐related macula degeneration. Current in vitro experimental models using petri dishes or transwell are unable to study CNV morphogenesis. Here, a unique organotypic eye‐on‐a‐chip model is described that mimics the RPE–choroid complex in vitro. This model consists of an RPE monolayer and adjacent perfusable blood vessel network, which is supporting barrier function of oBRB. The intact barrier function of the RPE‐choroid complex is reconstituted while maintaining important structural features. Further, this model can successfully mimic the pathogenesis of CNV especially in terms of morphogenesis, which is penetrating angiogenic sprouts from pre‐existing choroidal vessels that result in breakdown of RPE monolayer. The alleviation of the pathological angiogenesis can be modeled with bevacizumab, a clinical drug for CNV treatment. It is believed that this model can be used to aid in the development of advanced in vitro eye drug evaluation in conjunction with animal models.
Understanding the Effect of Surface Chemistry of Mesoporous Silica Nanorods on Their Vaccine Adjuvant Potency
Authors: Yang Yannan , Jambhrunkar Manasi , Abbaraju Prasanna Lakshmi , Yu Meihua , Zhang Min , Yu Chengzhong
Published: May 2017

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are reported as adjuvants in nanovaccines in generating robust antigen‐specific immunity. However, the effect of surface chemistry in initiating and modulating the immune response remains largely unexplored. In this study, mesoporous silica nanorods (MSNRs) are modified with NH2 and C18 groups to investigate the influence of surface functional groups (OH, NH2, and C18) on their adjuvant efficacy. It is found that compared to OH and NH2 groups, the hydrophobic C18 modification significantly enhances antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells and endosomal–lysosomal escape in vitro, dendritic cells, and macrophages maturation ex vivo, and elicits secretion of interferon‐γ level and antibody response in immunized mice. Moreover, bare MSNR and MSNRNH2 exhibit T‐helper 2 biased immune response, while MSNRC18 shows a T‐helper 1 biased immune response. These findings suggest that the surface chemistry of nanostructured adjuvants has profound impact on the immune response, which provides useful guidance for the design of effective nanomaterial based vaccines.
Polymer Gating White Flexible Field‐Induced Lighting Device
Authors: Xu Junwei , Carroll David L. , Shao Linqi , Li Peiyun , Dun Chaochao , Nolan Lili V.
Published: May 2017

The development of field‐induced electroluminescence (EL) devices holds great promise for the production of extremely flexible and efficient large‐area light sources. Here, a novel flexible polymeric gate layer for alternating current driven organic electroluminescence (AC‐OEL) devices is presented. The charge‐valve mechanism of carrier manipulation in forward and reversed bias of the applied AC cycles is fully detailed. With a low‐doping strategy of two phosphors in the fluorescent host, a flexible polyethylene(PET)‐based AC‐OEL device with poly[(9,9‐bis(3′‐((N,N‐dimethyl)‐N‐ethylammonium)‐propyl)‐2,7‐fluorene)‐alt‐2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)] gate exhibits incredible stability on EL performance with a superior color rendering index, over 81 at 2800 K color temperature and a power efficiency of 2.8 lm W−1 at 1000 cd m−2 with high bending ability (−90° to +90°).
Solution‐Processed Porous Tungsten Molybdenum Oxide Electrodes for Energy Storage Smart Windows
Authors: Li Haizeng , Li Jianmin , Hou Chengyi , Ho Derek , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi
Published: May 2017

Energy storage smart (ESS) windows represent a very promising research field and hold potential applications in green buildings. In this Communication, an effective template‐free route is presented for synthesizing aqueous tungsten molybdenum oxide nanowire (NW) ink that is used to fabricate ESS window electrodes. Inspired by the bird's nest structure, NWs can be assembled into porous structure on fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass through a simple manufacturing friendly spray coating technique. An energy storage smart window (10 × 10 cm2) based on the biomimetic solution‐processed porous electrode is assembled as a prototype, which provides a promising application in green buildings.
Materials and 3D Designs of Helix Nanostructures for Chirality at Optical Frequencies
Authors: Passaseo Adriana , Esposito Marco , Cuscunà Massimo , Tasco Vittorianna
Published: May 2017

The capability to fully control the chiro‐optical properties of metamaterials has drawn considerable attention due to developments in metamaterial fabrication techniques and a deeper understanding of the light–matter interaction, enabling a number of applications from integrated photonics to life sciences. From simple geometrical studies on single helix shaped metamaterials, both the design complexity and nanofabrication capability are steadily increasing allowing to extend their properties to the visible regime and beyond. In this work, helix‐shaped micro‐ and nanostructures are reviewed, which have the possibility to modulate their optical response in the linear regime at optical frequencies by spatial arrangement or by constitutive material. An overview of different theories describing the general optical operation of chiral media and a discussion on experimental results obtained by the state‐of‐the‐art helix structures realized by different fabrication techniques is provided. Finally, advanced designs for improved functionality envisaged to match practical applications or to enable new optical multifunctionalities are compared. Even if many applications have been envisaged only theoretically, the continuous effort and progress shown by the research community engaged in this field suggests that helical chiral metamaterials could represent a disruptive breakthrough for advanced optical devices.
Solution‐Processed Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Exciplex Hosts for Highly Efficient Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Ye‐Xin , Wang Bo , Yuan Yi , Hu Yun , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: May 2017

Two new wide‐bandgap and high‐triplet‐energy acceptor materials, 1,4‐phenylenebis(diphenylphosphine oxide) (2PO) and ((phenylphosphoryl)bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(diphenylphosphine oxide) (3PO), are designed to construct thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) exciplexes. By mixing them with tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl) amine (TCTA), emission from these exciplexes can be easily observed. The forming exciplexes are also studied by delayed transient fluorescence emission to prove their TADF process. Considering the fact that 2PO and 3PO are constructed in a simple interruption process of the phosphine‐oxide group, which has a high triplet energy, the resulting exciplexes can be used to host blue phosphors. Consequently, solution‐processed blue phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) based on these compounds demonstrate a current efficiency of 29.2 cd A−1 and 26.8 cd A−1, respectively, which is the first reporting of current efficiencies approaching 30 cd A−1 in blue PhOLEDs with solution‐processed exciplex hosts. Furthermore, relatively low current‐efficiency roll‐off values of 3.5% and 0.4% were observed for 2PO and 3PO‐based devices, respectively, from 100 cd m−2 to 1000 cd m−2.
Highly Bright SERS Nanotags with Multiplexing Fingerprints for Sensitive Immunoassays
Authors: Ma Ying , Promthaveepong Kittithat , Li Nan
Published: May 2017

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags are regarded as good optical probes for bioimaging and detection owing to their distinct advantages over fluorescent dyes. However, the difficulty of making bright and reproducible SERS nanotags has limited their applications. Here, a new strategy is reported to develop ultrabright SERS nanotags via the creation of extreme high‐density of SERS hotspots and maximal loading of Raman reporters. The one‐pot formation and self‐assembly of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) create high‐density of nanogaps for SERS enhancement, and direct addition of Raman reporters during AuNP formation enables maximal loading of the Raman reporters within the nanotags. This strategy can generate bright SERS nanotags carrying up to four Raman reporters. Moreover, the as‐synthesized SERS nanotags show great performance as a label in the immunoassay of staphylococcal enterotoxins B. It is envisioned that the SERS nanotags can find more applications in biological detection and imaging.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Benzene and Pyridine Derivatives via Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions
Authors: Han Jianwei , Guo Xin , Liu Yafeng , Fu Yajie , Yan Rulong , Chen Baohua
Published: May 2017

A highly efficient one‐pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyridine has been achieved through copper‐catalyzed oxidative sp3 C−H coupling of acetophenones with toluene derivatives. Besides, the polysubstituted benzene was obtained through copper‐catalyzed coupling of acetophenones. Both of the reactions exhibited a good functional group tolerance to produce a 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridine or 1,3,5‐triarylbenzene in high yields. Compared with previous methods, these transformations allow a highly flexible and efficient preparation of substituted pyridines and benzenes.

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A Sequential Suzuki Coupling Approach to Unsymmetrical Aryl s‐Triazines from Cyanuric Chloride
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Jiehui , Tang Jie , Zou Gang
Published: May 2017

A practical approach has been developed for efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical aryl s‐triazines via highly selective sequential Suzuki coupling of cyanuric chloride (2,4,6‐trichlorotriazine) with aryl or vinyl boronic or diarylborinic acids catalysed by 0.1–0.5 mol% Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 under mild conditions. The second and third Suzuki couplings for unsymmetrically trisubstituted aryl s‐triazines could be more practically conducted in one‐pot procedure. An electron‐withdrawing conjugate group at phenyl ring of arylboronic acids was unexpectedly found to completely block the coupling while steric hindrance from an ortho electron‐donating substituent could be overcome.

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Paper‐Based Electrodes for Flexible Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Yao Bin , Zhang Jing , Kou Tianyi , Song Yu , Liu Tianyu , Li Yat
Published: May 2017

Paper‐based materials are emerging as a new category of advanced electrodes for flexible energy storage devices, including supercapacitors, Li‐ion batteries, Li‐S batteries, Li‐oxygen batteries. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis of paper‐based electrodes, including paper‐supported electrodes and paper‐like electrodes. Their structural features, electrochemical performances and implementation as electrodes for flexible energy storage devices including supercapacitors and batteries are highlighted and compared. Finally, we also discuss the challenges and opportunity of paper‐based electrodes and energy storage devices.
Neuregulin 3 and its roles in schizophrenia risk and presentation
Authors: Avramopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2017

Neuregulins, a four‐member family of epidermal growth factor‐like signaling molecules, have been studied for over two decades. They were first implicated in schizophrenia in 2002 with the detection of linkage and association at the NRG1 locus followed after a few years by NRG3. However, the associations with disease have not been very consistently observed. In contrast, association of NGR3 variants with disease presentation, specifically the presence of delusions, has been more consistent. This appears to be mediated by quantitative changes in the alternative splicing of the gene, which has also been consistently observed. Additional diseases and phenotypes, psychiatric or not, have also been connected with NRG3. These results demonstrate two important aspects of behavioral genetics research. The first is that if we only consider simple risk and fail to examine the details of each patient's individual phenotype, we will miss important insights on the disease biology. This is an important aspect of the goals of precision medicine. The second is that the functional consequences of variants are often more complex than simple alterations in levels of transcription of a particular gene, including, among others, regulation of alternative splicing. To accurately model and understand the biological consequences of phenotype—associated genetic variants, we need to study the biological consequences of each specific variant. Simply studying the consequences of a null allele of the orthologous gene in a model system, runs the risk of missing the many nuances of hypomorphic and/or gain of function variants in the genome of interest.
Sudden cerebral depression detected by bispectral index monitoring in cryptococcal meningitis with elevated near‐fatal cerebrospinal fluid pressure
Authors: Matsumoto Hironori , Annen Suguru , Umakoshi Kensuke , Takeba Jun , Kikuchi Satoshi , Nakabayashi Yuki , Moriyama Naoki , Ohshita Muneaki , Aibiki Mayuki
Published: May 2017

Case

An increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) is usually prominent in cryptococcal meningitis, which has a high mortality rate, so aggressive management to control CSFP is crucial. In this case, a 40‐year‐old‐man survived cryptococcal meningitis treated with continuous spinal drainage under bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. He unexpectedly showed hypertension, went into a coma, and even loss his light reflexes due to CSFP elevation. His BIS values had abruptly dropped before developing these symptoms, but dramatically recovered after lumbar puncture drainage, suggesting that BIS monitoring could reflect cerebral function changes due to CSFP alternations.

Outcome

Inducing continuous spinal drainage to control CSFP provided stable control of blood pressure and brain activity, which was continuously monitored by BIS, enabling us to provide prompt treatment.

Conclusion

Cerebral depressions due to elevated CSFP may suddenly develop, so continuous spinal drainage is needed for preventing catastrophic events. Bispectral index could be useful for detecting early changes from CSFP elevation in meningitis cases with intracranial hypertension.
Ionische Flüssigkeit mit eingebautem Farbstoff zeigt große Stokes‐Verschiebung
Authors: Schmode Stella , Petrosyan Andranik , Fennel Franziska , Villinger Alexander , Lochbrunner Stefan , Ludwig Ralf
Published: May 2017

Eine Farbstoffsonde wurde in protonierter Form als Kation in eine ionische Flüssigkeit (IL) implementiert. Die Farbstoff‐IL N‐Methyl‐6‐hydroxychinolinium‐bis(trifluormethylsulfonyl)imid [6MQc][NTf2] wurde mittels NMR‐, ATR‐IR‐ und Röntgenkristallstrukturanalyse charakterisiert. Die Fluoreszenzbande der reinen Farbstoff‐IL zeigt eine große Stokes‐Verschiebung (Δλ=116 nm). In Acetonitril wurde eine Quantenausbeute von φF=0.56 ermittelt. In Abhängigkeit vom Lösungsmittel wird eine charakteristische Verschiebung der Emissionsbande beobachtet. Im Vergleich zur reinen Farbstoff‐IL (467 nm) wurde in Lösung mit anderen ionischen Flüssigkeiten, Acetonitril und THF eine bathochrome Verschiebung um 28 nm beobachtet. In stärker polaren Lösungsmitteln sind die Fluoreszenzsignale zu 650 nm stark rotverschoben, was auf einen Protonentransfer zum Lösungsmittel im angeregten Zustand schließen lässt. Dadurch wird ein weiterer Anwendungsbereich des 6MQc‐Bausteins als Photosäure aufgezeigt.
Coalescence and rising behavior of co‐axial and lateral bubbles in viscous fluid: a CFD study
Authors: Ganesan Poo Balan , Tariqul Islam Md. , Pokrajac Dubravka , Hamad F.A. , Sandaran Shanti Chandran
Published: May 2017

The coalescence and rising behavior of co‐axial and lateral bubbles play a valuable role in industrial bubble column which operates at non‐ambient conditions. The volume of fluid with the continuum surface force (VOF‐CSF) model is used for the present study. Three main case studies, namely under ambient and aqueous condition, μ* = σ* = 1, under reduced viscosity, μ* = 0.1, and surface tension, σ* = 0.1, are investigated and compared using two co‐axial bubbles and three lateral bubble rise configuration models. The latter two cases represent operating conditions at above the ambient temperature or pressure. Prior to investigating the main cases, the model is validated with the experimental data from the literature for a single bubble and two lateral bubble coalescence. It is found that reducing viscosity and surface tension has a significant effect on the co‐axial bubbles (or a pair of bubbles rising in a vertical line) and three lateral bubble growth and coalescence characteristics, as compared to ambient condition. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescence emission of a stable and well‐dispersed unsaturated polyester‐co‐rare‐earth complex
Authors: Xiang Hengxue , Niu Yongjie , Liao Zuogui , Chen Wei , Ji Huquan , Sun Bin , Zhu Meifang
Published: May 2017

A series of unsaturated polyester (UPR)‐co‐rare‐earth complex (REX) photoluminescence materials with red and green luminescence were fabricated. REXs with double bonds, including complex of europium (Eu3+) (methacrylic acid)3 and 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) [Eu(MAA)3Phen], and complex of terbium (Tb3+)(methacrylic acid)3 and Phen [Tb(MAA)3Phen], and UPR acted as functional monomers and the polymer matrix, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and UV absorption spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of the resulting UPR‐co‐REX according to the free‐radical polymerization mechanism. The study of fluorescence distribution by means of laser scanning confocal microscopy indicated that the REX materials were uniformly dispersed in the UPR matrix. The effects of the type and dosage of REX on the fluorescence intensity and stability were examined via fluorescence spectrometry. We found that the optical/physical properties of the REX were improved by UPR molecular skeleton structures. The fluorescence intensity increased with increasing use of the REX and reached a maximum value when the REX content was 12 wt %. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45253.
Catalyst free synthesis of poly(l‐lactic acid)–poly(propylene glycol) multiblock copolymers and their properties
Authors: Jiang Ziyan , Chang Yue , Chen Zhize
Published: May 2017

A simple, green, and economical method for the synthesis of poly(l‐lactic acid)–poly(propylene glycol) (PLLA–PPG) copolymers is put forward and a series of multiblock PLLA–PPG are synthesized with 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate as chain extender of the melt polymerization. The effect of PPG content on the properties of PLLA–PPG copolymers is also investigated. The elongation at break of the resulting copolymer film with only 5% weight content PPG is 280%, and the tensile strength is 20 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis results demonstrated the existence of the shape memory effect for all the copolymers films and the shape recovery ratio of 101% is achieved for PLLA–PPG copolymer film with 5% weight PPG. The process for the synthesis of PLLA–PPG copolymers in the total absence of potentially toxic solvents and catalysts is analyzed, and the films of PLLA–PPG exhibit toughness and shape memory effect. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45299.
High‐performance antistatic ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer/high‐density polyethylene composites with graphene nanoplatelets coated by polyaniline
Authors: Wang Quan , Meng Qingguo , Wang Tinglan , Guo Weihong
Published: May 2017

Graphene nanoplatelets coated by polyaniline (GNP@PANI) and ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer–high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were used for the first time to prepare high‐performance antistatic composites through an effective method that combined solution mixing and melt blending. GNP@PANI nanocomposites were fabricated by in situ polymerization to improve the dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the EVA–HDPE matrix and the compatibility between the GNPs and the EVA–HDPE matrix. The GNP@PANI nanocomposites and EVA were first prepared as a premix through solution mixing, and then, the premix and HDPE were prepared as highly antistatic composites through melt blending. The dispersion of the GNPs in the EVA–HDPE matrix and the compatibility between the GNPs and the EVA–HDPE matrix were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations. The GNP@PANI–EVA–HDPE composites met the requirements for antistatic materials when the content of the GNP@PANI nanocomposites was 5 wt % with only about 1 wt % GNPs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45303.
Dinuclear Platinum(II) Complexes with Bone‐Targeting Groups as Potential Anti‐Osteosarcoma Agents
Authors: Zhang Zhenqin , Wang Xiaoyong , Luo Cheng , Zhu Chengcheng , Wang Kun , Zhang Changli , Guo Zijian
Published: May 2017

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor primarily affecting adolescents. Targeted platinum(II) complexes are promising candidates for overcoming the general toxicity of conventional platinum anticancer drugs. In this study four dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, {[cis‐Pt(NH3)2Cl]2(PD)} (NO3)2 (1), {[cis‐Pt(NH3)2Cl]2(PDBP)} (NO3)2 (2), {[cis‐Pt(DACH)Cl]2(PD)} (NO3)2 (3), and {[cis‐Pt(DACH)Cl]2(PDBP)} (NO3)2 (4) [PD=5,5′‐carbonylbis(2‐(2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione), PDBP=tetraethyl (((bis(1,3‐dioxo‐2‐(2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)ethyl)isoindolin‐5‐yl)methylene)amino) methylene)bis(phosphonate), DACH=1,2‐diaminocyclohexane)], were designed and synthesized. The complexes were fully characterized by 1H, 13C, 195Pt or 31P NMR spectroscopy and HR‐MS. ICP‐MS studies showed that considerable amounts of Pt accumulate in U2OS osteosarcoma cells. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA and plasmid pUC19 DNA were investigated using CD and gel electrophoresis, which indicated that the complexes can react with DNA. The in vitro cytotoxicity showed that 2 is the most potent complex towards U2OS cells. The cellular inhibition mode was examined by flow cytometry. Complex 2 kills U2OS cells predominately through an apoptotic pathway and arrests the cell cycle mainly in the G2 or M phase. The results demonstrate that dinuclear platinum(II) complexes with bone‐targeting groups could be anticancer agents for osteosarcoma.
Dual‐Emission Channels for Simultaneous Sensing of Cysteine and Homocysteine in Living Cells
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Weimin , Zhang Hongyan , Wang Mengqi , Wu Jiasheng , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei
Published: May 2017

The development of a fluorescent probe to distinguish between cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) is always a challenge owing to their structural similarity, and the simultaneous detection of Cys and Hcy by utilizing different emission channels is especially difficult. In this work, we designed and synthesized a new fluorescent probe to differentiate between Cys and Hcy on the basis of a coumarin derivative with a chlorine atom and an α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde. Cys and Hcy induced different cascade reactions with the probe, which led to different products with distinct photophysical properties. The nonfluorescent probe responded to Cys and emitted strong blue fluorescence, whereas it reacted with Hcy and generated yellow fluorescence without interference from glutathione. In addition, the probe was successfully applied to distinguish between Cys and Hcy in living cells.
The human mast cell line‐1 cell membrane chromatography coupled with HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method for screening potentical anaphylactic components from chuanxinlian injection
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Wang Cheng , Hou Yajing , He Huaizhen , Huang Limin , Yang Liu , Sun Meng
Published: May 2017

Chuanxinlian injection is a traditional Chinese medicine injection widely used in China to treat sore throat, cough and dysentery, although a high occurrence of severe adverse reactions has been reported in clinical practice in recent years. In the present study, a human mast cell line‐1 cell membrane chromatography coupled with HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS method was established to screen and identify potentical anaphylactic components in chuanxinlian injection, and the dehydroandrographolide was identified as a potential anaphylactic component. In vitro anaphylactic assay showed that intracellular Ca2+ concentration clearly increased under dehydroandrographolide (100 μm) treatment. β‐Hexosaminidase and histamine release in human mast cell line‐1 cells were both markedly enhanced with increased concentrations of dehydroandrographolide, confirming the anaphylactic activity of dehydroandrographolide. The application for chuanxinlian injection in this study suggested that the developed human mast cell line‐1 cell membrane chromatography coupled with HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS system may be effective and rapid for screening the potentical anaphylactic components from complex samples.
Single‐trial EEG‐informed fMRI analysis of emotional decision problems in hot executive function
Authors: Guo Qian , Zhou Tiantong , Li Wenjie , Dong Li , Wang Suhong , Zou Ling
Published: May 2017

Background

Executive function refers to conscious control in psychological process which relates to thinking and action. Emotional decision is a part of hot executive function and contains emotion and logic elements. As a kind of important social adaptation ability, more and more attention has been paid in recent years.

Objective

Gambling task can be well performed in the study of emotional decision. As fMRI researches focused on gambling task show not completely consistent brain activation regions, this study adopted EEG‐fMRI fusion technology to reveal brain neural activity related with feedback stimuli.

Methods

In this study, an EEG‐informed fMRI analysis was applied to process simultaneous EEG‐fMRI data. First, relative power‐spectrum analysis and K‐means clustering method were performed separately to extract EEG‐fMRI features. Then, Generalized linear models were structured using fMRI data and using different EEG features as regressors.

Results

The results showed that in the win versus loss stimuli, the activated regions almost covered the caudate, the ventral striatum (VS), the orbital frontal cortex (OFC), and the cingulate. Wide activation areas associated with reward and punishment were revealed by the EEG‐fMRI integration analysis than the conventional fMRI results, such as the posterior cingulate and the OFC. The VS and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were found when EEG power features were performed as regressors of GLM compared with results entering the amplitudes of feedback‐related negativity (FRN) as regressors. Furthermore, the brain region activation intensity was the strongest when theta‐band power was used as a regressor compared with the other two fusion results.

Conclusions

The EEG‐based fMRI analysis can more accurately depict the whole‐brain activation map and analyze emotional decision problems.
Relationship between cerebellar structure and emotional memory in depression
Authors: Xu Li‐Yan , Xu Fang‐Cheng , Liu Can , Ji Yi‐Fu , Wu Jin‐Min , Wang Ying , Wang Hai‐Bao , Yu Yong‐Qiang
Published: May 2017

Background

A few studies have been conducted on the relationship between cerebellar volume and emotional memory or clinical severity in major depressive disorder (MDD). In this study, we aimed to compare the volume and density of the cerebellar gray matter (GM) in patients with MDD and in healthy controls (HCs) and explore the association between these cerebellar parameters and measurements of emotional memory and clinical severity.

Method

Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and Individual Brain Atlases using Statistical Parametric Mapping (IBASPM) were used to assess GM density and volume in the cerebellum, respectively, in patients with MDD and the HCs. Indicators of emotional memory performance were measured, including the hit rate (HR), rate of false alarm (FA), precision (Pr = HR − FA) and emotional memory enhancement [∆Pr = Pr(emotion) − Pr(neutral)] values. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were used to measure the severity of depression.

Results

In the patients with MDD, the GM density was decreased in three cerebellar cortical regions and increased in three cerebellar cortical regions (p < .005). The GM volumes in eight cerebellar cortical regions were significantly smaller in the patients with MDD than in the HC subjects (p < .05). In the patients with MDD, the GM volume was correlated with the ∆Pr (p < .05) in two cerebellar cortical regions. The BDI scores were significantly correlated with the relative GM densities (p < .05) in 5 cerebellar cortical regions, and the GM volumes in 13 cerebellar cortical regions were correlated with the BDI scores in patients with MDD.

Conclusions

Emotional memory and the severity of depressive symptoms are associated with structural changes in both the posterior and anterior GM regions in the cerebellum in patients with MDD. These findings could be useful for improving our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying emotional memory and explaining the abnormalities of the neural correlates that are associated with MDD.
Tris–base buffer: a promising new inhibitor for cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Ibrahim‐Hashim Arig , Abrahams Dominique , Enriquez‐Navas Pedro M. , Luddy Kim , Gatenby Robert A. , Gillies Robert J.
Published: May 2017

Neutralizing tumor external acidity with oral buffers has proven effective for the prevention and inhibition of metastasis in several cancer mouse models. Solid tumors are highly acidic as a result of high glycolysis combined with an inadequate blood supply. Our prior work has shown that sodium bicarbonate, imidazole, and free‐base (but not protonated) lysine are effective in reducing tumor progression and metastasis. However, a concern in translating these results to clinic has been the presence of counter ions and their potential undesirable side effects (e.g., hypernatremia). In this work, we investigate tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, (THAM or Tris), a primary amine with no counter ion, for its effects on metastasis and progression in prostate and pancreatic cancer in vivo models using MRI and bioluminescence imaging. At an ad lib concentration of 200 mmol/L, Tris effectively inhibited metastasis in both models and furthermore led to a decrease in the expression of the major glucose transporter, GLUT‐1. Our results also showed that Tris–base buffer (pH 8.4) had no overt toxicity to C3H mice even at higher doses (400 mmol/L). In conclusion, we have developed a novel therapeutic approach to manipulate tumor extracellular pH (pHe) that could be readily adapted to a clinical trial.
Defining ethnic, national, and dual identities: Structure, antecedents, and consequences of multiple social identities of Turkish‐origin high school students in Germany
Authors: Martiny Sarah E. , Froehlich Laura , Deaux Kay , Mok Sog Yee
Published: May 2017

The number of immigrants and children born to immigrant parents in Europe has risen steadily. Related to debates as to how best integrate immigrants, research points to the importance of investigating the structure as well as antecedents and consequences of immigrants' multiple identities. Here, we explore the relationship between three different identities endorsed by adolescent Turkish‐origin immigrants in Germany: ethnic identity (i.e., Turkish identity), national identity (i.e., German identity), and dual identity (i.e., German–Turkish identity). In two studies, Turkish‐origin adolescents in Germany (Study 1: N = 91, age: M = 15.18, SD = 0.97; Study 2: N = 95, age: M = 15.26, SD = 0.90) completed measures of multiple identities, contact with native Germans, and feelings of being integrated in Germany. Results show that adolescents' dual identity was positively related to their national identity but negatively related to their ethnic identity. Ethnic and national identities were also negatively related. Further, when Turkish‐origin students had more contact with native Germans, they felt more at home in Germany, mediated by their national and dual identity. Results are discussed in terms of the role that identity construction plays in the integration of immigrants into host societies.
Synthesis and Deprotection of Biodegradably and Thermally Protected Dinucleoside‐2′,5′‐Monophosphate Prodrug Model of 2‐5A
Authors: Kiuru Emilia , Malmikare Suvi , Ora Mikko
Published: May 2017

Protected dinucleoside‐2′,5′‐monophosphate has been prepared to develop a prodrug strategy for 2‐5A. The removal of enzymatically and thermally labile 4‐(acetylthio)‐2‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐3‐oxo‐2‐methylbutyl phosphate protecting group and enzymatically labile 3′‐O‐pivaloyloxymethyl group was followed at pH 7.5 and 37 °C by HPLC from the fully protected dimeric adenosine‐2′,5′‐monophosphate 1 used as a model compound for 2‐5A. The desired unprotected 2′,3′‐O‐isopropylideneadenosine‐2′,5′‐monophosphate (9) was observed to accumulate as a major product. Neither the competitive isomerization of 2′,5′‐ to a 3′,5′‐linkage nor the P–O5′ bond cleavage was detected. The phosphate protecting group was removed faster than the 3′‐O‐protection and, hence, the attack of the neighbouring 3′‐OH on phosphotriester moiety did not take place.
Heterodimerization of Group I Ribozymes Enabling Exon Recombination through Pairs of Cooperative trans‐Splicing Reactions
Authors: Tanaka Takahiro , Hirata Yusuke , Tominaga Yuto , Furuta Hiroyuki , Matsumura Shigeyoshi , Ikawa Yoshiya
Published: May 2017

Group I (GI) self‐splicing ribozymes are attractive tools for biotechnology and synthetic biology. Several trans‐splicing and related reactions based on GI ribozymes have been developed for the purpose of recombining their target mRNA sequences. By combining trans‐splicing systems with rational modular engineering of GI ribozymes it was possible to achieve more complex editing of target RNA sequences. In this study we have developed a cooperative trans‐splicing system through rational modular engineering with use of dimeric GI ribozymes derived from the Tetrahymena group I intron ribozyme. The resulting pairs of ribozymes exhibited catalytic activity depending on their selective dimerization. Rational modular redesign as performed in this study would facilitate the development of sophisticated regulation of double or multiple trans‐splicing reactions in a cooperative manner.
Biocatalytic Potential of Enzymes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Isoprenoid Quinones
Authors: Aleku Godwin A. , Nowicka Beatrycze , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: May 2017

Naturally occurring isoprenoid quinones mediate electron transfer in respiratory or photosynthetic chains of living organisms. Tremendous progress has been made in the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of prenylated quinones and a number of enzymes that catalyze specific transformation steps with remarkably high regio‐ and stereoselectivity have been characterized. Interestingly, some of these enzymes possess broad substrate scope towards synthetic analogues, thereby enabling their application as synthetic tools. The availability of mechanistic, structural and mutagenesis information for many of the pathway enzymes presents opportunities for protein engineering, a powerful approach that may improve the suitability of these biocatalysts for industrial processes.
Two‐Step Fabrication of Li4Ti5O12‐Coated Carbon Nanofibers as a Flexible Film Electrode for High‐Power Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhaobao , Deng Xiang , Sunarso Jaka , Cai Rui , Chu Shiyong , Miao Jie , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: May 2017

A self‐standing nonwoven flexible Li4Ti5O12/carbon nanofiber composite (denoted LTO/CNF) was synthesized by using a facile method involving the electrospinning fabrication of CNFs and chemical deposition of LTO over the CNF surface. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses show that the LTO/CNF film is composed of 50±20 nm diameter LTO polycrystalline particles distributed over 300±50 nm diameter CNF nanofibers. The nitrogen sorption isotherm further reveals the existence of mesopores in the LTO/CNF film. The as‐prepared LTO/CNF composite exhibits attractive rate capability for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), delivering initial specific capacities of 158, 153, 146, 138, 131, 122, and 109 mA h g−1 at rates of 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 C, respectively, and a very stable cycling performance during 500 charge and discharge cycles at 20 C, which superior to electrodes made of commercial coarse‐type LTO anodes. In addition, the electrochemical impedance is effectively reduced by fabricating the unique electrode architecture, which originates from the improved 3D conducting network and the nanocrystalline size of the LTO active phase. Electrospinning of CNFs and chemical deposition of a nanocrystalline LTO phase proves to be an effective and facile method to develop anodes for flexible LIBs with a wide range of potential applications.
Determination of Controlled Self‐Assembly of a Paracrystalline Material by Homology Modelling with Hybrid NMR and TEM
Authors: Thomas Brijith , Rombouts Jeroen , Gupta Karthick Babu Sai Sankar , Orru Romano V. A. , Lammertsma Koop , de Groot Huub J. M.
Published: May 2017

Controlling complexity, flexibility, and functionality of synthetic and biomimetic materials requires insight into how molecular functionalities can be exploited for steering their packing. A fused NDI‐salphen (NDI=naphthalene diimide) prototypic artificial photosynthesis material, DATZnS, is shown to be comprised of a phenazine motif, in which the alignment of electric dipole moments in a P2/c supramolecular scaffold can be modulated with bulky substituents. They can also be switched between parallel stacks of dipoles running antiparallel in the DATZnS‐H compared with parallel stacks of dipoles in polar layers running in opposite directions in the DATZnS(3′‐NMe) parent compound. Spatial correlations obtained from HETCOR spectra, collected with a long cross polarization contact time of 2 ms, reveal an antiparallel stacking for the DATZnS‐H homologue. These constraints and limited data from TEM are used to construct a structural model within the P2/c space group determined by the molecular C2 symmetry. By using homology modelling, a pseudo octahedral coordination of the Zn is shown to follow the packing‐induced chirality with enantiomeric pairs of the Λ and Δ forms alternating along antiparallel stacks. The model helps to understand how the steric hindrance modulates the self‐assembly in this novel class of fused materials by steric hindrance at the molecular level.
A Coordination Network with Ligand‐Centered Redox Activity Based on facial‐[CrIII(2‐mercaptophenolato)3]3− Metalloligands
Authors: Wakizaka Masanori , Matsumoto Takeshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kato Masako , Chang Ho‐Chol
Published: May 2017

The design of redox‐active metal–organic frameworks and coordination networks (CNs), which exhibit metal‐ and/or ligand‐centered redox activity, has recently received increased attention. In this study, the redox‐active metalloligand (RML) [Me4N]3fac‐[CrIII(mp)3] (1) (mp=2‐mercaptophenolato) was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and its reversible ligand‐centered one‐electron oxidation was examined by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemical measurements. Since complex 1 contains O/S coordination sites in three directions, complexation with K+ ions led to the formation of the two‐dimensional honeycomb sheet‐structured [K3fac‐{CrIII(mp)3}(H2O)6]n (2⋅6 H2O), which is the first example of a redox‐active CN constructed from a RML with o‐disubstituted benzene ligands. Herein, we unambiguously demonstrate the ligand‐centered redox activity of the RML within the CN 2⋅6 H2O in the solid state.