bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratinocytes contribute to normal cold and heat sensation
Authors: Sadler Katelyn E , Moehring Francie , Stucky Cheryl L
Published: July 2020

Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin. Historically, epidermal-innervating sensory neurons were thought to be the exclusive detectors and transmitters of environmental stimuli. However, recent work from our lab (Moehring et al., 2018) and others (Baumbauer et al., 2015) has demonstrated that keratinocytes are also critical for normal mechanotransduction and mechanically-evoked behavioral responses in mice. Here, we asked whether keratinocyte activity is also required for normal cold and heat sensation. Using calcium imaging, we determined that keratinocyte cold activity is conserved across mammalian species and requires the release of intracellular calcium through one or more unknown cold-sensitive proteins. Both epidermal cell optogenetic inhibition and interruption of ATP-P2X4 signaling reduced reflexive behavioral responses to cold and heat stimuli. Based on these data and our previous findings, keratinocyte purinergic signaling is a modality-conserved amplification system that is required for normal somatosensation in vivo.
Molecular principles of assembly, activation, and inhibition in epithelial sodium channel
Authors: Noreng Sigrid , Posert Richard , Bharadwaj Arpita , Houser Alexandra , Baconguis Isabelle
Published: July 2020

The molecular bases of heteromeric assembly and link between Na+ self-inhibition and protease-sensitivity in epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are not fully understood. Previously, we demonstrated that ENaC subunits – α, β, and γ – assemble in a counterclockwise configuration when viewed from outside the cell with the protease-sensitive GRIP domains in the periphery (Noreng et al., 2018). Here we describe the structure of ENaC resolved by cryo-electron microscopy at 3 Å. We find that a combination of precise domain arrangement and complementary hydrogen bonding network defines the subunit arrangement. Furthermore, we determined that the α subunit has a primary functional module consisting of the finger and GRIP domains. The module is bifurcated by the α2 helix dividing two distinct regulatory sites: Na+ and the inhibitory peptide. Removal of the inhibitory peptide perturbs the Na+ site via the α2 helix highlighting the critical role of the α2 helix in regulating ENaC function.
Gluconobacter dominates the gut microbiome of the Asian palm civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus that produces kopi luwak
Authors: Watanabe Hikaru , Ng Chong Han , Limviphuvadh Vachiranee , Suzuki Shinya , Yamada Takuji
Published: July 2020

Coffee beans derived from feces of the civet cat are used to brew coffee known as kopi luwak (the Indonesian words for coffee and palm civet, respectively), which is one of the most expensive coffees in the world owing to its limited supply and strong market demand. Recent metabolomics studies have revealed that kopi luwak metabolites differ from metabolites found in other coffee beans. To produce kopi luwak, coffee beans are first eaten by civet cats. It has been proposed that fermentation inside the civet cat digestive tract may contribute to the distinctively smooth flavor of kopi luwak, but the biological basis has not been determined. Therefore, we characterized the microbiome of civet cat feces using 16S rRNA gene sequences to determine the bacterial taxa that may influence fermentation processes related to kopi luwak. Moreover, we compared this fecal microbiome with that of 14 other animals, revealing that Gluconobacter is a genus that is, uniquely found in feces of the civet cat. We also found that Gluconobacter species have a large number of cell motility genes, which may encode flagellar proteins allowing colonization of the civet gut. In addition, genes encoding enzymes involved in the metabolism of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur-containing amino acids were over-represented in Gluconobacter. These genes may contribute to the fermentation of coffee beans in the digestive tract of civet cats.
The effect of lip closure on palatal growth in patients with unilateral clefts
Authors: Bruggink Robin , Baan Frank , Kramer Gem , Claessens Colet , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Maal Thomas J.J. , Ongkosuwito Edwin
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare maxillary dimensions and growth in newborns with Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP) to healthy newborns before and after cheiloplasty. Additionally, a palatal growth curve is constructed to give more information about the natural growth before surgical intervention.

Methods

Twenty-eight newborns with complete UCLP were enrolled in this study. Multiple plaster-casts of each child during their first year were collected and grouped in before and after cheiloplasty. A previous developed semi-automatic segmentation tool was used to assess the maxillary dimensions and were compared to a healthy control group. Z-scores were calculated to indicate differences between the two populations and if cheiloplasty had influence on maxillary growth. Furthermore, the prediction model created in a previous study was used to indicate differences between predictions and the outcome in UCLP measurements. The analysis was tested for inter- and intra-observer variability.

Results

Results show differences in alveolar and palatal shape in UCLP patients in comparison with healthy controls. Prior to cheiloplasty an increased width and alveolar length was observed while the palatal depth was decreased. After cheiloplasty the widths moved towards normal but were still significantly larger.

Conclusion

Infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate show a wider maxillary arch in comparison with the control population. Initial treatment has most influence on the width of the arch, which decreased towards normal.
Infant hospitalization due to primary care health-sensitive conditions in a southern brazilian state
Authors: Jacomin Valéria , Shibukawa Bianca Machado Cruz , Higarashi Ieda Harumi
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar as internações hospitalares em menores de cinco anos residentes no estado do Paraná, no período de 2008 a 2012. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo ecológico, descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa. A seleção das internações foi baseada na Lista de Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária, os dados foram coletados em banco de domínio público e analisados descritivamente. Resultados: Os achados demonstram que as afecções respiratórias são as grandes causadoras de internações no público estudado. Outro grupo causal com taxas relevantes de internação é o de doenças infecciosas e parasitárias. As doenças perinatais também se destacaram como causadoras de internações. Conclusão: Nota-se uma consonância entre o que se percebe empiricamente na realidade assistencial pediátrica e os achados do estudo. Levanta-se a questão de como as ações de prevenção e educação em saúde têm sido desenvolvidas pela atenção primária.
MDS criteria for the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy overemphasize Richardson syndrome
Authors: Frank Anika , Peikert Kevin , Linn Jennifer , Brandt Moritz D. , Hermann Andreas
Published: July 2020

MDS‐criteria for clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) were recently published, their usability in a classical clinical setting is yet unknown. We retrospectively applied the new criteria using PSP patients’ case files. Assignment of PSP diagnosis according to the MDS‐criteria was possible in 57/80 cases. The main difference to former specialist classification was a lower phenotype diversity and higher representation of PSP‐RS. Furthermore, we examined those patients’ brain MRIs. While neuroradiologists’ reports were suggestive of PSP only in 11/62, the analysis of a blinded rater revealed pathological midbrain‐to‐pons‐ratio in 40/62 implying this imaging feature is often missed.
Corrosion Behavior in Hank's Solution of a Magnesium–Hydroxyapatite Composite Processed by High‐Pressure Torsion
Authors: Lopes Debora , Soares Renata B. , Castro Moara M. , Figueiredo Roberto B. , Langdon Terence G. , Lins Vanessa F. C.
Published: July 2020

It is known that magnesium (Mg)–hydroxyapatite (HA) composites can be produced by the room temperature consolidation of particles. Herein, the corrosion behavior of an Mg–HA composite is analyzed, and a direct comparison with pure Mg is made. Samples of Mg–HA and of pure Mg are immersed in Hank's solution for up to 60 h, and the microstructure and corrosion products are characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Electrochemical tests are used to evaluate the corrosion behavior and a hydrogen evolution test is undertaken to determine the corrosion rate. The results show the corrosion rate of the Mg–HA composite is higher than for pure Mg but decreases significantly after ≈10 h of immersion in Hank's solution. The increase in corrosion resistance of the composite is attributed to the formation of a protective layer of corrosion products with an external surface layer rich in Ca, P, and O.
Lithiation‐Induced Vacancy Engineering of Co3O4 with Improved Faradic Reactivity for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Yuxiang , Wang Zhiliang , Lin Tongen , Zhu Xiaobo , Luo Bin , Hu Han , Xing Wei , Yan Zifeng , Wang Lianzhou
Published: July 2020

Transition metal oxides are promising electrode candidates for supercapacitor because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and good reversibility. However, intrinsically poor electrical conductivity and sluggish reaction kinetics of these oxides normally lead to low specific capacity and slow rate capability of the devices. Herein, a commonly used cobalt oxide is used as an example to demonstrate that lithiation process as a new strategy to enhance its electrochemical performance for supercapacitor application. Detailed characterization reveals that electrochemical lithiation of Co3O4 crystal reduces the coordination of the CoO band, leading to substantially increased oxygen vacancies (octahedral Co2+ sites). These vacancies further trigger the formation of a new electronic state in the bandgap, resulting in remarkably improved electrical conductivity and accelerated faradic reactions. The lithiated Co3O4 exhibits a noticeably enhanced specific capacity of 260 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, approximately fourfold enhancement compared to that of pristine Co3O4 (66 mAh g−1). The hybrid supercapacitor assembled with lithiated Co3O4//N‐doped activated carbon achieves high energy densities in a broad range of power densities, e.g., 76.7 Wh kg−1 at 0.29 kW kg−1, 46.9 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 18.7 kW kg−1, outperforming most of the reported hybrid supercapacitors.
Colloidal Surface Engineering: Growth of Layered Double Hydroxides with Intrinsic Oxidase‐Mimicking Activities to Fight Against Bacterial Infection in Wound Healing
Authors: Zhang Wendi , Zhao Yunpeng , Wang Wenhan , Peng Jiangfan , Li Yuanming , Shangguan Yangtao , Ouyang Gege , Xu Mingyang , Wang Shuping , Wei Jingjing , Wei Huiying , Li Weiwei , Yang Zhijie
Published: July 2020

Colloidal surface engineering is of particular importance to impart modular functionalities to the colloidal systems. Here, a layer of Mn/Ni layered hydroxides (Mn/Ni(OH)x LDHs) can be successfully coated on various colloidal particles, such as silica spheres, silica rods, ferrite nanocrystal supraparticles, as well as FeOOH nanorods. Such layered hydroxides have intrinsic oxidase‐mimetic activities, as demonstrated by catalytic oxidation of tetramethyl benzidine in the presence of oxygen. Furthermore, Mn/Ni(OH)x LDHs structure seems to capture bacteria (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and exhibit antibacterial properties in vitro. Moreover, local delivery of Mn/Ni‐LDH structure fights against infection and reverses delayed wound healing procedures in mice models. Importantly, such hierarchical structures may have strong adhesive properties to the bacteria, which may maximize the contact between Mn/Ni(OH)x LDHs and the bacteria's surface. Overall, the present versatile colloidal surface engineering strategy will bring new insights in the field of antibiotics for its high efficiency toward antibacterial activity.
Self‐Powered Implantable Medical Devices: Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting Review
Authors: Zhao Jinwei , Ghannam Rami , Htet Kaung Oo , Liu Yuchi , Law Man‐kay , Roy Vellaisamy A. L. , Michel Bruno , Imran Muhammad Ali , Heidari Hadi
Published: July 2020

Implantable technologies are becoming more widespread for biomedical applications that include physical identification, health diagnosis, monitoring, recording, and treatment of human physiological traits. However, energy harvesting and power generation beneath the human tissue are still a major challenge. In this regard, self‐powered implantable devices that scavenge energy from the human body are attractive for long‐term monitoring of human physiological traits. Thanks to advancements in material science and nanotechnology, energy harvesting techniques that rely on piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity, biofuel, and radio frequency power transfer are emerging. However, all these techniques suffer from limitations that include low power output, bulky size, or low efficiency. Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion is one of the most promising candidates for implantable applications due to their higher‐power conversion efficiencies and small footprint. Herein, the latest implantable energy harvesting technologies are surveyed. A comparison between the different state‐of‐the‐art power harvesting methods is also provided. Finally, recommendations are provided regarding the feasibility of PV cells as an in vivo energy harvester, with an emphasis on skin penetration, fabrication, encapsulation, durability, biocompatibility, and power management.
Thiol‐Branched Solid Polymer Electrolyte Featuring High Strength, Toughness, and Lithium Ionic Conductivity for Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Hangchao , Wang Qian , Cao Xin , He Yunyu , Wu Kai , Yang Jijin , Zhou Henghui , Liu Wen , Sun Xiaoming
Published: July 2020

Lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) with high energy densities are highly desirable for energy storage, but generally suffer from dendrite growth and side reactions in liquid electrolytes; thus the need for solid electrolytes with high mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and compatible interface arises. Herein, a thiol‐branched solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is introduced featuring high Li+ conductivity (2.26 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature) and good mechanical strength (9.4 MPa)/toughness (≈500%), thus unblocking the tradeoff between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness in polymer electrolytes. The SPE (denoted as M‐S‐PEGDA) is fabricated by covalently cross‐linking metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), tetrakis (3‐mercaptopropionic acid) pentaerythritol (PETMP), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) via multiple CSC bonds. The SPE also exhibits a high electrochemical window (>5.4 V), low interfacial impedance (<550 Ω), and impressive Li+ transference number (tLi+ = 0.44). As a result, Li||Li symmetrical cells with the thiol‐branched SPE displayed a high stability in a >1300 h cycling test. Moreover, a Li|M‐S‐PEGDA|LiFePO4 full cell demonstrates discharge capacity of 143.7 mAh g−1 and maintains 85.6% after 500 cycles at 0.5 C, displaying one of the most outstanding performances for SPEs to date.
In Situ Preparation of Ionomer as a Tool for Triple‐Phase Boundary Enhancement in 3D Graphene Supported Pt Catalyst
Authors: Gangadharan Pranav K. , Vijayakumar Vidyanand , Nediyirakkal Shijil A. , Fernandez Roshni Tresa , Siddharthan Adhrika V. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: July 2020

For improving the performance of platinum electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), it is important to enhance the Pt utilization level in the catalyst systems. A high performing electrocatalyst (Pt/3DNG) is developed for PEMFC applications by using nitrogen‐doped 3D graphene (3DNG) as the support material and an in situ grafted active “triple‐phase boundary” to more precisely control the formation of the proton conducting ionomer interface at the active sites. Considering the 3D morphology of the system, during the electrode fabrication for realistic single‐cell evaluation, the concept of in situ generation of the proton conducting‐ionomer based “active triple‐phase boundary” is introduced, which could potentially replace the conventional method of using Nafion ionomer for the electrode preparation. The monomers owing to their small‐size can access the pores and inner regions of the 3DNG support, which on UV‐curing, undergo polymerization and transform into an ionomer with an extended interfacial network into the nanoregimes of 3DNG. Single cell evaluation of the membrane electrode assembly in a high‐temperature PEMFC by using phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole membrane demonstrates the utility of the present strategy.
Two Sides of Electrospun Fiber in Promoting and Inhibiting Biomedical Processes
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cui Wenguo
Published: July 2020

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for generating ultrathin fibers, which is widely applied in various biomedical applications. The properties and structures of the fibers are specifically engineered to meet the needs of particular applications. The impact of nanofibrous scaffolds on biological processes is related to the promotion or inhibition of specific cell or bioactive substance functions. Here, a novel analysis of the diverse roles of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds is provided and recent advances in exploiting their binary attributes for applications in biomedicine are summarized. This review initially introduces the development techniques for electrospinning, specifically the engineering of electrospun nanofibers. Then, scaffold applications for cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, and accelerating regeneration in cardiac, nerve, skeletal muscle, bone tissue, and wound healing are presented. Moreover, their inhibitory properties in cancer treatments, antibacterial applications, anti‐adhesion, anti‐scarring, and inhibition of thrombus formation are summarized. Eventually, the potential for future work using multifunctional, electrospun, nanofibrous scaffolds, in order to further inspire the development of scaffolds for biomedical treatments is summarized and discussed.
Persistent Regulation of Tumor Hypoxia Microenvironment via a Bioinspired Pt‐Based Oxygen Nanogenerator for Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Phototherapy
Authors: You Qing , Zhang Kaiyue , Liu Jingyi , Liu Changliang , Wang Huayi , Wang Mengting , Ye Siyuan , Gao Houqian , Lv Letian , Wang Chen , Zhu Ling , Yang Yanlian
Published: July 2020

Multifunctional nanoplatforms for imaging‐guided synergistic antitumor treatment are highly desirable in biomedical applications. However, anticancer treatment is largely affected by the pre‐existing hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which not only causes the resistance of the tumors to photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Here, a continuous O2 self‐enriched nanoplatform is constructed for multimodal imaging‐guided synergistic phototherapy based on octahedral gold nanoshells (GNSs), which are constructed by a more facile and straightforward one‐step method using platinum (Pt) nanozyme‐decorated metal–organic frameworks (MOF) as the inner template. The Pt‐decorated MOF@GNSs (PtMGs) are further functionalized with human serum albumin‐chelated gadolinium (HSA‐Gd, HGd) and loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) (ICG‐PtMGs@HGd) to achieve a synergistic PDT/PTT effect and fluorescence (FL)/multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT)/X‐ray computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The Pt‐decorated nanoplatform endows remarkable catalase‐like behavior and facilitates the continuous decomposition of the endogenous H2O2 into O2 to enhance the PDT effect under hypoxic TME. HSA modification enhances the biocompatibility and tumor‐targeting ability of the nanocomposites. This TME‐responsive and O2 self‐supplement nanoparticle holds great potential as a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform for the multimodal imaging‐guided synergistic phototherapy of solid tumors.
Penetrable Nanoplatform for “Cold” Tumor Immune Microenvironment Reeducation
Authors: Chen Qinjun , He Yongqing , Wang Yu , Li Chao , Zhang Yujie , Guo Qin , Zhang Yiwen , Chu Yongchao , Liu Peixin , Chen Hongyi , Zhou Zheng , Zhou Wenxi , Zhao Zhenhao , Li Xiaomin , Sun Tao , Jiang Chen
Published: July 2020

Lack of tumor‐infiltration lymphocytes (TILs) and resistances by overexpressed immunosuppressive cells (principally, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)) in tumor milieu are two major challenges hindering the effectiveness of immunotherapy for “immune‐cold” tumors. In addition, the natural physical barrier existing in solid cancer also limits deeper delivery of drugs. Here, a tumor‐targeting and light‐responsive‐penetrable nanoplatform (Apt/PDGs^s@pMOF) is developed to elicit intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and reeducate immunosuppressive microenvironment simultaneously. In particular, porphyrinic metal–organic framework (pMOF)–based photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote CTLs intratumoral infiltration and hot “immune‐cold” tumor. Upon being triggered by PDT, the nearly 10 nm adsorbed drug‐loaded dendrimer de‐shields from the nanoplatform and spreads into the deeper tumor, eliminating MDSCs and reversing immunosuppression, eventually reinforcing immune response. Meanwhile, the designed nanoplatform also has a systemic MDSC inhibition effect and moderate improvement of overall antitumor immune responses, resulting in effective suppression of distal tumors within less significant immune‐related adverse effects (irAEs) induced.
Utilizing soil phosphorus and potassium reserves for soybean production on a claypan soil
Authors: Sweeney Daniel W. , Ruiz Diaz Dorivar A.
Published: July 2020

Under temporary economic stress, producers may elect to grow crops without fertilization. However, information is lacking regarding crop and soil response to growing multiple crops without phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization on claypan soils in the eastern Great Plains. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of utilizing soil‐test P (STP) and soil‐test K (STK) reserves on yield of 5‐yr continuous soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown on a claypan soil and on soil‐test values. In the first two low‐yielding years, soybean yield and yield components were unaffected by STP and STK concentrations. In the subsequent three average‐yielding years, soybean yields were up to 0.35 Mg ha−1 less when STP was initially 5 mg kg−1 or STK was initially 57 mg kg−1 than at greater STP or STK. Greater STP increased pods plant−1, whereas greater STK increased pods plant−1, seed pod−1, and seed weight. Even though P and K uptake at R2 (full bloom) did not correlate directly with yields, greater P uptake at R2 in average‐yielding years increased pods plant−1 and greater K uptake at R2 increased seed pod−1. Both STP and STK declined at more than 3 mg kg−1 yr−1 for larger initial STP and 15 mg kg−1 yr−1 for larger initial STK. While using residual soil P and K of varying concentrations in this claypan soil to grow soybeans marginally affected yields, the 5‐yr decline in STP and STK values may greatly affect subsequent sensitive crops and require high rates of fertilization.
Muscle force interacts with stature to influence functionally related polar second moments of area in the lower limb among adult women
Authors: Murray Alison A. , Stock Jay T.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We sought to determine the relationships between muscle size, function, and polar second moments of area (J) at the midshaft femur, proximal tibia, and midshaft tibia.

Materials and Methods

We used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to quantify right femoral and tibial J and soft tissue cross‐sectional areas, and force plate mechanography to quantify peak power output and maximum force of the right limb, among athletic women and control subjects.

Results

Lower limb bone J exhibited strong relationships with estimated force but not power between both groups. Among controls, the strongest relationships between force and J were found at the midshaft femur. Among athletes, these relationships shifted to the tibia, regardless of body size, likely reflecting functional strain related to the major knee extensors and ankle plantarflexors. Together, muscle force and stature explained as much as 82 and 48% of the variance in lower limb bone J among controls and athletes, respectively.

Discussion

Results highlight the importance of considering relevant muscle function variables (e.g., force and lever arm lengths) when interpreting behavioral signatures from skeletal remains. Future work to improve the estimation of muscle force from skeletal remains, and incorporate it with lever arm length into analyses, is warranted. Results also suggest that, in doing so, functional relationships between a given section location and musculature should be considered.
Quantifizierung der kovalenten Funktionalisierung von schwarzem Phosphor
Authors: Wild Stefan , Dinh Xuan Thong , Maid Harald , Hauke Frank , Abellán Gonzalo , Hirsch Andreas
Published: July 2020

Es wurde eine direkte Quantifizierungsmethode zur systematischen Bestimmung des Funktionalisierungsgrades von kovalent modifiziertem zweidimensionalem (2D) schwarzen Phosphor (BP) mittels Raman‐Spektroskopie durchgeführt. Die erfolgreiche reduktive Methylierung des BP‐Gitters mit unterschiedlichen Funktionalisierungsgraden unter Verwendung von Natrium‐Interkalationsverbindungen wurde mittels31P‐MAS‐Festkörper‐NMR‐Spektroskopie nachgewiesen. Darüber hinaus ergab die Korrelation von31P‐MAS NMR‐Spektroskopie und statistischer Raman‐Spektroskopie (SRS) die erste Methode zur Bestimmung des Funktionalisierungsgrades von BP allein durch die Evaluierung der Intensitätsverhältnisse bestimmter Peaks in den Raman‐Spektren des kovalent modifizierten Materials, ähnlich dem bekanntenID/IG‐Verhältnisses in der Graphen‐Forschung.
A Mitochondrion‐Localized Two‐Photon Photosensitizer Generating Carbon Radicals Against Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Kuang Shi , Sun Lingli , Zhang Xianrui , Liao Xinxing , Rees Thomas W. , Zeng Leli , Chen Yu , Zhang Xiting , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: July 2020

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy is typically reliant on the local concentration and diffusion of oxygen. Due to the hypoxic microenvironment found in solid tumors, oxygen‐independent photosensitizers are in great demand for cancer therapy. We herein report an iridium(III) anthraquinone complex as a mitochondrion‐localized carbon‐radical initiator. Its emission is turned on under hypoxic conditions after reduction by reductase. Furthermore, its two‐photon excitation properties (λex=730 nm) are highly desirable for imaging. Upon irradiation, the reduced form of the complex generates carbon radicals, leading to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death (IC50light=2.1 μm, IC50dark=58.2 μm, PI=27.7). The efficacy of the complex as a PDT agent was also demonstrated under hypoxic conditions in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first metal‐complex‐based theranostic agent which can generate carbon radicals for oxygen‐independent two‐photon photodynamic therapy.
On the Promotion of Catalytic Reactions by Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: von Boehn Bernhard , Foerster Michael , von Boehn Moritz , Prat Jordi , Macià Ferran , Casals Blai , Khaliq Muhammad Waqas , Hernández‐Mínguez Alberto , Aballe Lucia , Imbihl Ronald
Published: July 2020

Surface acoustic waves (SAW) allow to manipulate surfaces with potential applications in catalysis, sensor and nanotechnology. SAWs were shown to cause a strong increase in catalytic activity and selectivity in many oxidation and decomposition reactions on metallic and oxidic catalysts. However, the promotion mechanism has not been unambiguously identified. Using stroboscopic X‐ray photoelectron spectro‐microscopy, we were able to evidence a sub‐nanosecond work function change during propagation of 500 MHz SAWs on a 9 nm thick platinum film. We quantify the work function change to 455 μeV. Such a small variation rules out that electronic effects due to elastic deformation (strain) play a major role in the SAW‐induced promotion of catalysis. In a second set of experiments, SAW‐induced intermixing of a five monolayers thick Rh film on top of polycrystalline platinum was demonstrated to be due to enhanced thermal diffusion caused by an increase of the surface temperature by about 75 K when SAWs were excited. Reversible surface structural changes are suggested to be a major cause for catalytic promotion.
An empirically derived model for further increasing microwave curing rates of epoxy‐amine polymerizations
Authors: Hubbard Robert L. , Tyler David R. , Thompson Brady
Published: July 2020

The reaction rates of common epoxy resins with diamine crosslinking agents in uniform microwave fields have been compared according to a variety of structural features. A statistically designed experimental matrix was used to determine that the curing rates were linearly dependent on only two significant variables, amine basicity, and degrees of rotational freedom (entropy) of the reactants. Surprisingly, the molecular polarizability, which is commonly understood to be responsible for the transfer of microwave electromagnetic energy to molecules with permanent dipoles, had no significant effect even as a dependent variable. A very high probability model was produced that accurately predicts the reactivities of epoxide and diamine reactants with respect to specific structural features. Further evidence is provided for a dominant linear pregelation polymerization and a uniform microwave reaction field.
Effect of tertiary polysiloxane on the phase separation and properties of epoxy/PEI blend
Authors: Zhen Xueqian , Li Weizhen , Wu Jiaming , Jin Xulong , Wu Jiating , Chen Kaimin , Gan Wenjun
Published: July 2020

Epoxy functional siloxane (DMS‐E09) was blended with epoxy resin (DGEBA) and thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI). The results of morphology monitoring indicated that the reaction induced phase separation for all blends followed the spinodal phase separation mechanism. The microstructure changed from co‐continuous of 25 wt% epoxy/PEI system to phase‐inversion structure of 30 wt% epoxy/PEI system regardless of the content of the tertiary component DMS‐E09. By comparing the onset time of phase separation between the two designated systems, the sequential occurrence of primary macrophase separation in co‐continuous phase and secondary microphase separation in PEI‐rich phase for 25 wt% epoxy/PEI system was identified. Studies of the thermomechanical properties of the DGEBA/PEI/DMS‐E09 blends found that storage modulus increased with the addition of PEI but decreased with DMS‐E09 monotonically. The value of Tg decreased with the addition of the tertiary DMS‐E09 but was offset partially by the presence of PEI.
Compatibility improvement of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch blown films using acetylated starch
Authors: Noivoil Narumol , Yoksan Rangrong
Published: July 2020

The present research aims to improve the compatibility between relatively hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydrophilic thermoplastic starch (TPS) and the properties of the PLA/TPS blends by replacing TPS from native cassava starch (TPSN) with TPS from acetylated starch (TPSA). The effects of the degree of acetylation (DA) of acetylated starch, that is, 0.021, 0.031, and 0.074, on the morphological characteristics and properties of PLA/TPS blend are investigated. The melt blends of PLA and TPS with a weight proportion of PLA:TPS of 50:50 are fabricated and then blown into films. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the dispersion of TPS phase in the PLA matrix. Better dispersion and smaller size of the TPS phase are observed for the PLA/TPSA blend films with low DA of acetylated starch, resulting in improved tensile and barrier properties and increased storage modulus, thermal stability, and Tg, Tcc, and Tm of PLA. Elongation at break of the PLA/TPSA blend increases up to 57%, whereas its water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability decrease about 15%. The obtained PLA/TPSA blend films have the potential to be applied as biodegradable flexible packaging.
Si/CNTs@melamine‐formaldehyde resin‐based carbon composites and its improved energy storage performances
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Zhang Mingsheng , Xian Xiaochao
Published: July 2020

In this paper, Si/carbon nanotubes@melamine‐formaldehyde resin (MFR)‐based carbon (Si/CNTs@C) composites have been fabricated by surface modification, electrostatic self‐assembly, cross‐linking of MFR under hydrothermal treatment and further carbonization. The microstructure of the Si/CNTs@C composites was characterized, and the effects of CNTs content in Si/CNTs@C composites on their electrochemical performances were also investigated in detail. The results indicate Si/CNTs@C composites as anode materials of Li‐ion batteries exhibit better high‐rate and cycling performances compared to Si and Si@MFR‐based carbon composites. Notably, Si/CNTs@C composites with 10.4 wt% CNTs show specific capacities of 1900, 1879, 1,688, 1,394, 1,189 mAh·g−1at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 A·g−1, respectively. Even at 4 and 5 A·g−1, their capacities still reach 970 and 752 mAh·g−1, respectively. Moreover, they deliver a reversible capacity of 1,184 mAh·g−1at 0.5 A·g−1after 100 cycles. Therefore, the reasonable structure is of great significance for enhancing the electrochemical performances of Si‐based composites.
Magnetic Relaxation Dynamics of a Binuclear Diluted Er(III)/Y(III) Compound Influenced by Lattice Solvent
Authors: Ge Jing‐Yuan , Qiu Ya‐Ru , Wang Hai‐Ying , Su Jian , Wang Peng , Chen Zhongyan
Published: July 2020

It is crucial to investigate the slow relaxation mechanisms of binuclear ErIII‐based single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) and explore strategies for optimizing their magnetic properties. Herein, a doped compound, [Y1.75Er0.25(thd)4Pc] ⋅ 2C6H6 (YEr ⋅ 2C6H6, Hthd=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylheptanedione, H2Pc=phthalocyanine), was synthesized by doping the paramagnetic erbium(III) compound Er2 ⋅ 2C6H6 in the diamagnetic yttrium(III) matrix Y2 ⋅ 2C6H6. The doping effect was studied using SQUID magnetization measurements. The results suggest that magnetic‐site dilution improves the magnetic property from a fast relaxation of the pure ErIII compound to a typical SMM relaxation process of the doped sample. In this binuclear system, the dominant single‐ion relaxation is entangled with the neighboring ErIII ion through the intramolecular ErIII⋅⋅⋅ErIII interaction, which plays an important role in suppressing the quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) process. Furthermore, the influence of lattice solvents on single‐ion relaxation was studied. By releasing the benzene molecules, compound YEr ⋅ 2C6H6 can be successfully transformed to a desolvated sample YEr accompanied by structural alteration and improved SMM performance.
Simultaneous quantification of vortioxetine, fluoxetine and their metabolites in rat plasma by UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chen Zhe , Chen Dingwen , Luo Shunbin , Xie Lingping
Published: July 2020

In this study, a specific and quick ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was fully developed and validated for simultaneous measurement of the rat plasma levels of vortioxetine (VOR), Lu AA34443 (the major metabolite of VOR), fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine with diazepam as the internal standard (IS). After a simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile for sample preparation, the separation of the analytes were performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) column, with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase by gradient elution. The detection was achieved on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring mode via an electrospray ionization source. Good linearity was observed in the calibration curve for each analyte. The data of precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery and stability all conformed to the bioanalytical method validation of acceptance criteria of US Food and Drug Administration recommendations. The newly developed UPLC–MS/MS method allowed simultaneous quantification of VOR, fluoxetine and their metabolites for the first time and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats.
Performance variables of GSCM for sustainability in Indian automobile organizations using TOPSIS method
Authors: Pathak Deepak Kumar , Verma Ajay , Kumar Vimal
Published: July 2020

The article aims to identify key performance variables of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices to achieve sustainable development goals. It develops a comprehensive structural relationship between various performance variables for GSCM for sustainability in Indian automobile industries. With the help of expert opinions from industry professionals and extant literature review, 15 key performance variables have been identified and stated as these variables attempt to achieve the sustainability goals in GSCM practices. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to develop the model and then rank them. The results of this study show that supplier willingness towards GSCM, Adoption of technology advancement adoption, and top management commitment have emerged as top three key variables, while organizational motivating, encouragement of sustainable product, and government support systems are identified as the bottom three parameters. It also helps to achieve the priority basis to create a greener platform in the automobile industry. The study helps the managers, practitioners, and policymakers in making strategic and tactical decisions for better sustainability in the Indian Automobile industries in the context of GSCM practices. The critical inputs show the GSCM in the firms being more proactive and well prepared. The novelty of this research lies in the requirement of GSCM as most automobile companies set up their plants for awareness of economic, social, and environmental development. The performance variable identified to improve organizational performance to contribute to sustainable development improvements in the practices and policies.
Usher syndrome and Nebulin‐associated myopathy in a single patient due to variants in MYO7A and NEB
Authors: Maia Nuno , Soares Ana Rita , Fortuna Ana Maria , Marques Isabel , Gonçalves Ana , Santos Rosário , Melo Pires Manuel , de Brouwer Arjan P. M. , Jorge Paula
Published: July 2020

In a patient with Usher syndrome and atypical muscle complaints, we have identified two separate variants in MYO7A andNEB genes by exome sequencing. The homozygous variants in these two recessive genes could explain the full phenotype of our patient.
MUC1 Aptamer‐Capped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Navitoclax Resistance Overcoming in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Vivo‐Llorca Gema , Candela‐Noguera Vicente , Alfonso María , García‐Fernández Alba , Orzáez Mar , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: July 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. In the last years, navitoclax has emerged as a possible treatment for TNBC. Nevertheless, rapid navitoclax resistance onset has been observed thorough Mcl‐1 overexpression. As a strategy to overcome Mcl‐1‐mediated resistance, herein we present a controlled drug co‐delivery system based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) targeted to TNBC cells. The nanocarrier is loaded with navitoclax and the Mcl‐1 inhibitor S63845 and capped with a MUC1‐targeting aptamer (apMUC1‐MSNs(Nav/S63845)). The apMUC1‐capped nanoparticles effectively target TNBC cell lines and successfully induce apoptosis, overcoming navitoclax resistance. Moreover, navitoclax encapsulation protects platelets against apoptosis. These results point apMUC1‐gated MSNs as suitable BH3 mimetics nanocarriers in the targeted treatment of MUC1‐expressing TNBC.
Selective Detection of Methomyl Pesticide by a Catalytic Chemosensing Assay
Authors: Zheng Anxun , Gong Cheng‐Bin , Chow Cheuk‐Fai
Published: July 2020

The catalytic chemosensing assay (CCA), a new indicator displacement assay, was developed for selective detection of methomyl, a highly toxic pesticide. Trimetallic complex {[FeII(dmbpy)(CN)4]‐[PtII(DMSO)Cl]2‐[RuII(bpy)2(CN)2]} (1; dmbpy=4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) was synthesized as a task‐specific catalyst to initially reduce and degrade methomyl to CH3SH/CH3NH2/CH3CN/CO2. The thus‐produced CH3SH interacts with the trimetallic complex to displace the cis‐[RuII(bpy)2(CN)2] luminophore for monitoring. Other pesticides, including organophosphates and similar carbamate pesticides, remained intact under the same catalytic conditions; a selective sensing signal is only activated when 1 recognizes methomyl. Furthermore, 1 can be applied to detect methomyl in real water samples. In the luminescent mode of the assay, the method detection limit (MDL) of 1 for methomyl (LD50=17 mg kg−1) was 1.12 mg L−1.
Enantiomerically Pure Constrained Geometry Complexes of the Rare‐Earth Metals Featuring a Dianionic N‐Donor Functionalised Pentadienyl Ligand: Synthesis and Characterisation
Authors: Münster Katharina , Fecker Ann Christin , Raeder Jan , Freytag Matthias , Jones Peter G. , Walter Marc D.
Published: July 2020

We report the preparation of enantiomerically pure constrained geometry complexes (cgc) of the rare‐earth metals bearing a pentadienyl moiety (pdl) derived from the natural product (1R)‐(−)‐myrtenal. The potassium salt 1, [Kpdl*], was treated with ClSiMe2NHtBu, and the resulting pentadiene 2 was deprotonated with the Schlosser‐type base KOtPen/nBuLi (tPen=CMe2(CH2Me)) to yield the dipotassium salt [K2(pdl*SiMe2NtBu)] (3). However, 3 rearranges in THF solution to its isomer 3’ by a 1,3‐H shift, which elongates the bridge between the pdl and SiMe2NtBu moieties by one CH2 unit. This is crucial for the successful formation of various monomeric C1‐ or dimeric C2‐symmetric rare‐earth cgc complexes with additional halide, tetraborohydride, amido and alkyl functionalities. All compounds have been extensively characterised by solid‐state X‐ray diffraction analysis, solution NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses.
Glycoconjugated Metal Complexes as Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Bononi Giulia , Iacopini Dalila , Cicio Gaspare , Di Pietro Sebastiano , Granchi Carlotta , Di Bussolo Valeria , Minutolo Filippo
Published: July 2020

The possibility of selectively delivering metal complexes to a defined cohort of cells on the basis of their metabolic features is a highly challenging goal, which may be extremely useful for a series of purposes, including diagnosis and therapy of pathological states, such as cancer. Tumor cells display augmented requests for carbohydrates and, in particular, for glucose in order to sustain their high proliferation rate, which causes an increased glycolytic process (Warburg effect). Since several metal complexes display diagnostic and/or therapeutic properties, their conjugation to carbohydrate portions often induce their preferential accumulation in cancer cells, similarly to what is observed with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). In this review we have considered the latest developments of glycoconjugates containing metal complexes in their structures. These compounds are classified as diagnostic or therapeutic agents and are further systematically discussed on the basis of the metal atom they contain. Several diagnostic techniques are possible with these probes, since, depending on the metal species included in their structures, they may be employed in nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging, luminescence and phosphorescence. At the same time, the lack of selective cytotoxicity displayed by several metal‐based chemotherapeutic agents, may also be solved by the conjugation of these agents to carbohydrate portions. Overall, data so far available reveal the great potential of this chemical class in the early detection and in the cure of severe neoplastic diseases, which still needs to be fully explored in the clinic.
For Most Frequencies, Strong Trapping Has a Weak Effect in Frequency‐Domain Scattering
Authors: Lafontaine David , Spence Euan A. , Wunsch Jared
Published: July 2020

It is well‐known that when the geometry and/or coefficients allow stable trapped rays, the outgoing solution operator of the Helmholtz equation grows exponentially through a sequence of real frequencies tending to infinity.

In this paper we show that, even in the presence of the strongest possible trapping, if a set of frequencies of arbitrarily small measure is excluded, the Helmholtz solution operator grows at most polynomially as the frequency tends to infinity.

One significant application of this result is in the convergence analysis of several numerical methods for solving the Helmholtz equation at high frequency that are based on a polynomial‐growth assumption on the solution operator (e.g. hp‐finite elements, hp‐boundary elements, and certain multiscale methods). The result of this paper shows that this assumption holds, even in the presence of the strongest possible trapping, for most frequencies. © 2021 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Porphyrins: Synthetic Routes and Biological Applications
Authors: Monteiro Ana R. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Trindade Tito
Published: July 2020

Among the available carbon nanomaterials, graphene oxide (GO) has been widely studied because of the possibility of anchoring different chemical species for a large number of applications, including those requiring water‐compatible systems. This Review summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art of synthetic routes used to functionalize GO, such as those involving multiple covalent and non‐covalent bonds to organic molecules, functionalization with nanoparticles and doping. As a recent development in this field, special focus is given to the formation of nanocomposites comprising GO and porphyrins, and their characterization through spectroscopic techniques (such as UV‐Vis, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy), among others. The potential of such hybrid systems in targeted biological applications is also discussed, namely for cancer therapies relying on photodynamic and photothermal therapies and for the inhibition of telomerase enzyme. Lastly, some promising alternative materials to GO are presented to overcome current challenges of GO‐based research and to inspire future research directions in this field.