bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRDM14 is overexpressed in chronic pancreatitis prior to pancreatic cancer
Authors: Moriya Chiharu , Imai Kohzoh , Taniguchi Hiroaki
Published: September 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and lethal cancer that is typically diagnosed at a later stage with metastases and is difficult to treat. Therefore, investigating the mechanism of PDAC initiation is important to aid early‐stage cancer detection. PRDM14 is a transcription factor that maintains pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and is overexpressed in several cancers. We previously reported that PRDM14 is overexpressed and regulates cancer stem‐like phenotypes in PDAC, and herein, we assess whether PRDM14 expression increases prior to tumorigenesis. Through immunohistochemistry analyses of clinical tissues, we detected PRDM14‐positive cells in precursor pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and chronic pancreatitis, which is a risk factor for PDAC, lesions. PRDM14 staining in chronic pancreatitis was as high as that in PDAC and cancer adjacent tissues. We induced pancreatitis in mouse models by cerulein injection, and observed that PRDM14 expression increased in chronic pancreatitis models but not in control or acute pancreatitis mice. Moreover, cerulein treatment increased PRDM14 expression in PK‐1 and AsPC‐1 pancreatic cancer cell lines. Our results suggest that inflammation increases the expression of PRDM14, which regulates cancer stem‐like phenotypes, and this occurs prior to PDAC initiation and progression.
Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for 2D Material Based Photodetectors
Authors: Long Mingsheng , Wang Peng , Fang Hehai , Hu Weida
Published: September 2018

2D material based photodetectors have attracted many research projects due to their unique structures and excellent electronic and optoelectronic properties. These 2D materials, including semimetallic graphene, semiconducting black phosphorus, transition metal dichalcogenides, insulating hexagonal boron nitride, and their various heterostructures, show a wide distribution in bandgap values. To date, hundreds of photodetectors based on 2D materials have been reported. Here, a review of photodetectors based on 2D materials covering the detection spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared is presented. First, a brief insight into the detection mechanisms of 2D material photodetectors as well as introducing the figure‐of‐merits which are key factors for a reasonable comparison between different photodetectors is provided. Then, the recent progress on 2D material based photodetectors is reviewed. Particularly, the excellent performances such as broadband spectrum detection, ultrahigh photoresponsivity and sensitivity, fast response speed and high bandwidth, polarization‐sensitive detection are pointed out on the basis of the state‐of‐the‐art 2D photodetectors. Initial applications based on 2D material photodetectors are mentioned. Finally, an outlook is delivered, the challenges and future directions are discussed, and general advice for designing and realizing novel high‐performance photodetectors is given to provide a guideline for the future development of this fast‐developing field.
Architectural Effects of Star‐Shaped “Structurally Nanoengineered Antimicrobial Peptide Polymers” (SNAPPs) on Their Biological Activity
Authors: Shirbin Steven J. , Insua Ignacio , Holden James A. , Lenzo Jason C. , Reynolds Eric C. , O'Brien‐Simpson Neil M. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: September 2018

In this work, the effect of two key structural parameters, number of arms and arm length, of star‐shaped “structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers” (SNAPPs) on their antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility, is investigated. A library of star‐shaped SNAPPs is prepared, containing varying arm numbers and arm lengths. Antimicrobial assays are then performed to assess the capacity of the SNAPPs to disrupt the membrane, inhibit the growth, and kill pathogenic bacteria. A major finding of the study is that increasing arm number and length of SNAPPs enhanced antimicrobial activity, which can be respectively attributed to the higher local concentrations of polypeptide arms and increased α‐helical content. SNAPP architecture is shown to affect the bacteria membrane state and therefore mechanism of killing. Two more potent structures with up to twice the antimicrobial activity of the previously reported SNAPP are discovered in this process. Toxicities of the SNAPPs also increase with arm number and arm length, however therapeutic index calculations identified a 16‐arm SNAPP and an easier to prepare 4‐arm SNAPP as the best therapeutic agents. The biocompatibility of the SNAPP with the best biological activity is also evaluated in vivo, showing no markers of systemic damage in mice.
Micro Lasers by Scalable Lithography of Metal‐Halide Perovskites
Authors: Bar‐On Ofer , Brenner Philipp , Lemmer Uli , Scheuer Jacob
Published: September 2018

A complete lithographic scheme for thin metal halide perovskite films is demonstrated and utilized for the realization of perovskite micro lasers. The process consists of nanoimprint lithography followed by ion beam milling. It is simple, fast, scalable, and exhibits sub‐micrometer resolution. The optical properties of the perovskite films are obtained by employing analytical tools as well as by characterizing distributed feedback laser fabricated from these films. It is shown that the material properties are not impaired by the lithographic process. Using this approach, on chip, micro lasers are fabricated. The experimental characterization of these lasers shows that they exhibit low threshold levels and single‐mode lasing. As far as it is known, this is the first demonstration of complete, high‐resolution lithography of perovskites films exhibiting the smallest perovskite features realized using a top‐down lithography technique. This process offers an important tool toward integrated perovskite photonics and is highly applicable also for the fields of photovoltaics, metasurfaces, electronics, and other promising applications.
Ultrafast Pulsed Laser Induced Nanocrystal Transformation in Colloidal Plasmonic Vesicles
Authors: Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Li Xiuying , Kang Peiyuan , Randrianalisoa Jaona , Ranathunga Dineli , Nielsen Steven , Qin Zhenpeng , Qian Dong
Published: September 2018

Plasmonic vesicle consists of multiple gold nanocrystals within a polymer coating or around a phospholipid core. As a multifunctional nanostructure, it has unique advantages of assembling small nanoparticles (<5 nm) for rapid renal clearance, strong plasmonic coupling for ultrasensitive biosensing and imaging, and near‐infrared light absorption for drug release. Thus, understanding the interaction of plasmonic vesicles with light is critically important for a wide range of applications. In this paper, a combined experimental and computational study is presented on the nanocrystal transformation in colloidal plasmonic vesicles induced by the ultrafast picosecond pulsed laser. Experimentally observed merging and transformation of small nanocrystals into larger nanoparticles when treated by laser pulses is first reported. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the experimental observations are investigated with a multiphysics computational approach featuring coupled electromagnetic/molecular dynamics simulation. This study reveals for the first time that combined nanoparticle heating and laser‐enhanced Brownian motion is responsible for the observed nanocrystal merging. Correspondingly, laser fluence, interparticle distance, and presence of water are identified as the most important factors governing the nanocrystal transformation. The guidelines established from this study can be employed to design a host of biomedical and nanomanufacturing applications involving laser interaction with plasmonic nanoparticles.
Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Energy Density through Synergistic Design of Electrodes
Authors: Peng Huanan , Qian Guiju , Li Ning , Yao Yao , Lv Tian , Cao Shaokui , Chen Tao
Published: September 2018

Despite being among the most researched energy storage devices, supercapacitors have often suffered from their relatively low operating voltage and energy density, which greatly limit their practical applications. In this work, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are developed by synergistically designing carbon nanotube composite electrodes with 3D porous structures. The resultant ASC devices exhibit an extended operating voltage of 1.8 V, much higher than that of symmetric supercapacitors (≤1.0 V). Significantly, the obtained ASC devices deliver ultrahigh volumetric energy density as high as 19.8 mWh cm−3 (corresponding to an areal energy density of 198 µWh cm−2), which is the highest value among reported ASC devices. In addition, the ASC devices not only possess outstanding cycling stability and long self‐discharging time, but also exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility under any bending states, even over 5000 bending cycles. The demonstrated flexible ASC devices with high performance are promising to be used as power sources for next‐generation portable and wearable electronics.
Hybrids of Fullerenes and 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Chen Muqing , Guan Runnan , Yang Shangfeng
Published: September 2018

Fullerene has a definite 0D closed‐cage molecular structure composed of merely sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms, enabling it to serve as an important building block that is useful for constructing supramolecular assemblies and micro/nanofunctional materials. Conversely, graphene has a 2D layered structure, possessing an exceptionally large specific surface area and high carrier mobility. Likewise, other emerging graphene‐analogous 2D nanomaterials, such as graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), and black phosphorus (BP), show unique electronic, physical, and chemical properties, which, however, exist only in the form of a monolayer and are typically anisotropic, limiting their applications. Upon hybridization with fullerenes, noncovalently or covalently, the physical/chemical properties of 2D nanomaterials can be tailored and, in most cases, improved, significantly extending their functionalities and applications. Here, an exhaustive review of all types of hybrids of fullerenes and 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, g‐C3N4, TMDs, h‐BN, and BP, including their preparations, structures, properties, and applications, is presented. Finally, the prospects of fullerene‐2D nanomaterial hybrids, especially the opportunity of creating unknown functional materials by means of hybridization, are envisioned.
Surface and Subsurface Reactions of Lithium Transition Metal Oxide Cathode Materials: An Overview of the Fundamental Origins and Remedying Approaches
Authors: Xiao Biwei , Sun Xueliang
Published: September 2018

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have become one of the most prevailing techniques for rechargeable batteries. Lithium transition metal oxides are prevalent cathode materials currently, but they face great challenges due to unsatisfactory energy density, chemical/electrochemical instability, and elemental scarcity concerns. Surface/subsurface is the interface where lithium ions cross between the electrolyte and the cathode materials. Its properties and complicated nature are unambiguously regarded as a crucial controlling factor for the overall performance. Tremendous efforts have been made in the exploration of surface modification methods with remarkable progress hitherto. The purpose of this work is to review these surface behaviors in order to understand their fundamental origins and provide a summary of various surface modification methods that can be used to address impeding issues. Finally, a rational method of surface modification is proposed for use in cathode materials.
Elastic‐Beam Triboelectric Nanogenerator for High‐Performance Multifunctional Applications: Sensitive Scale, Acceleration/Force/Vibration Sensor, and Intelligent Keyboard
Authors: Chen Yuliang , Wang Yi‐Cheng , Zhang Ying , Zou Haiyang , Lin Zhiming , Zhang Guobin , Zou Chongwen , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: September 2018

Exploiting novel devices for either collecting energy or self‐powered sensors is vital for Internet of Things, sensor networks, and big data. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been proved as an effective solution for both energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing. The traditional triboelectric nanogenerators are usually based on four modes: contact‐separation mode, lateral sliding mode, single‐electrode mode, and freestanding triboelectric‐layer mode. Since the reciprocating displacement/force is necessary for all working modes, developing efficient elastic TENG is going to be important and urgent. Here, a kind of elastic‐beam TENG with arc‐stainless steel foil is developed, whose structure is quite simple, and its working states depend on the contact area and separating distance as proved by experiments and theoretical calculations. This structure is different from traditional structures, e.g., direct sliding or contact‐separation structures, whose working states mainly depend on contact area or separating distance. This triboelectric nanogenerator shows advanced mechanical and electrical performance, such as high sensitivity, elasticity, and ultrahigh frequency response, which encourage applications as a force sensor, sensitivity scale, acceleration sensor, vibration sensor, and intelligent keyboard.
Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Supported Ionic Liquid Phases as Multifunctional Catalysts for the Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Aromatic Substrates
Authors: Offner‐Marko Lisa , Bordet Alexis , Moos Gilles , Tricard Simon , Rengshausen Simon , Chaudret Bruno , Luska Kylie L. , Leitner Walter
Published: September 2018

Bimetallic iron–ruthenium nanoparticles embedded in an acidic supported ionic liquid phase (FeRu@SILP+IL‐SO3H) act as multifunctional catalysts for the selective hydrodeoxygenation of carbonyl groups in aromatic substrates. The catalyst material is assembled systematically from molecular components to combine the acid and metal sites that allow hydrogenolysis of the C=O bonds without hydrogenation of the aromatic ring. The resulting materials possess high activity and stability for the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of C=O groups to CH2 units in a variety of substituted aromatic ketones and, hence, provide an effective and benign alternative to traditional Clemmensen and Wolff–Kishner reductions, which require stoichiometric reagents. The molecular design of the FeRu@SILP+IL‐SO3H materials opens a general approach to multifunctional catalytic systems (MM′@SILP+IL‐func).
Air‐Stable Blue Phosphorescent Tetradentate Platinum(II) Complexes as Strong Photo‐Reductant
Authors: Li Kai , Wan Qingyun , Yang Chen , Chang Xiao‐Yong , Low Kam‐Hung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: September 2018

Strong photo‐reductants have applications in photo‐redox organic synthesis involving reductive activation of C−X(halide) and C=O bonds. We report herein air‐stable PtII complexes supported by tetradentate bis(phenolate‐NHC) ligands having peripheral electron‐donating N‐carbazolyl groups. Photo‐physical, electrochemical, and computational studies reveal that the presence of N‐carbazolyl groups enhances the light absorption and redox reversibility because of its involvement into the frontier MOs in both ground and excited states, making the complexes robust strong photo‐reductant with E([Pt]+/*) over −2.6 V vs. Cp2Fe+/0. The one‐electron reduced [Pt]− species are stronger reductants with EPC([Pt]0/−) up to −3.1 V vs. Cp2Fe+/0. By virtue of the strong reducing nature of these species generated upon light excitation, they can be used in light‐driven reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds and reductive debromination of a wide range of unactivated aryl bromides.
Polyoxometallat‐ionische Flüssigkeiten (POM‐ILs) als Antikorrosions‐ und antibakterielle Beschichtung für Natursteine
Authors: Misra Archismita , Franco Castillo Isabel , Müller Daniel P. , González Carolina , Eyssautier‐Chuine Stéphanie , Ziegler Andreas , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Mitchell Scott G. , Streb Carsten
Published: September 2018

Die Korrosion von Steinen durch sauren Regen oder Biofilmbildung verursacht weltweit Schäden an Industrie‐ und Wohngebäuden sowie an kulturhistorischen Artefakten wie Statuen. Hier zeigen wir, wie typische Bausteine vor Korrosion (Verwitterung) sowie Biofilmbildung (biologischer Verfall) durch dünne Polyoxometallat‐ionische Flüssigkeitsfilme (POM‐ILs) geschützt werden. Steinproben, die mit wasserabweisenden, säureresistenten, antimikrobiellen POM‐ILs beschichtet wurden, widerstehen dem Angriff von simuliertem saurem Regen, wohingegen unbeschichtete Proben starke Korrosion zeigen. Zudem verhindern die bioziden Eigenschaften der POM‐ILs effektiv die Bildung von Biofilmen auf den beschichteten Steinen. Eine neue Klasse modularer molekularer Materialien für den Schutz von Steinen kann nun entwickelt werden. Mögliche Einsatzgebiete sind das Bauwesen, der Umweltschutz sowie der Kulturgutschutz.
XLSY: Extra‐Large NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Pustovalova Yulia , Mayzel Maxim , Orekhov Vladislav Yu.
Published: September 2018

NMR studies of intrinsically disordered proteins and other complex biomolecular systems require spectra with the highest resolution and dimensionality. An efficient approach, extra‐large NMR spectroscopy, is presented for experimental data collection, reconstruction, and handling of very large NMR spectra by a combination of the radial and non‐uniform sampling, a new processing algorithm, and rigorous statistical validation. We demonstrate the first high‐quality reconstruction of a full seven‐dimensional HNCOCACONH and two five‐dimensional HACACONH and HN(CA)CONH experiments for a representative intrinsically disordered protein α‐synuclein. XLSY will significantly enhance the NMR toolbox in challenging biomolecular studies.
Modeling, Reachability and Controllability of Bounded Petri Nets Based on Semi‐Tensor Product of Matrices
Authors: Han Xiaoguang , Chen Zengqiang , Zhang Kuize , Liu Zhongxin , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we present a comprehensive modeling technique for bounded Petri net systems (BPNSs) in the framework of the semi‐tensor product (STP) of matrices. The two dynamic properties of BPNSs, namely, reachability and controllability, are investigated systematacially. First, the dynamics of a bounded Petri net system (BPNS), by resorting to the STP of matrices, are expressed in the form of a discrete‐time bilinear equation, which is called the marking evolution equation (MEE) of BPNSs. Second, controllability and transition‐marking adjacency matrix (TMAM) of BPNSs are defined, respectively. Further, several necessary and sufficient conditions for reachability and controllability of BPNSs are given in terms of the MEE and TMAM. Third, an efficient algorithm to verify reachability property of BPNSs, in this paper, is provided, as well as its computational complexity. Finally, an example is presented to illustrate the theoretical results in this paper. The main contribution of this paper is the presentation of a precise mathematical model for BPNSs. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that not only it can be applied to verify whether or not any given marking is reachable from the other in state space, but also it is very convenient to find all firing sequences between any two reachable markings.
Survival trends among non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients over a decade: impact of initial therapy at academic centers
Authors: Lou Yanyan , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Soyano Aixa , Hodge David , Cochuyt Jordan , Manochakian Rami , Ko Stephen J. , Thomas Mathew , Johnson Margaret M. , Patel Neal M. , Miller Robert C. , Adjei Alex A. , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: September 2018

Background

Treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been rapidly advancing over the last decade. Academic centers are considered equipped with better expertise. NSCLC outcome trends in novel therapeutic era and impact of initial treatment at academic centers have not been reported.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify NSCLC incident cases from 2004 to 2013. Overall survival (OS) was plotted by year of diagnosis and type of initial treatment center, accounting for several factors available in NCDB.

Results

A total of 1 150 722 NSCLC patients were included and separated by initial treatment center type (academic: 31.5%; nonacademic: 68.5%). Median follow‐up and OS for all patients were 11.8 months (range: 0‐133.6 months) and 13.1 months (95% CI: 13.08‐13.17), respectively. Median OS improved significantly for those diagnosed in 2010‐2013 (14.8 months [95% CI: 14.7‐14.9]) as compared to 2004‐2009 (12.4 months [95% CI: 12.3‐12.5]) (P < 0.001). Treatment at academic centers was associated with improved OS (multivariate HR for OS = 0.929 [95% CI: 0.92‐0.94], P < 0.0010). Four‐year OS for academic and nonacademic cohorts was 28.5%% and 22.1%, respectively (P < 0.001), and the difference was more pronounced in stage I to III NSCLC.

Conclusion

In this largest analysis, thus far, NSCLC survival has improved over time, and type of initial treatment center significantly influences survival. Identifying and removing barriers to obtaining initial treatment of NSCLC at academic medical centers could improve OS.
Trends and patterns of incidence of diffuse glioma in adults in the United States, 1973‐2014
Authors: Li Kai , Lu Dan , Guo Yazhou , Wang Changwei , Liu Xiao , Liu Yu , Liu Dezhong
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The objective of the study was to identify trends in incidence of adult diffuse gliomas in the United States and evaluate the contribution of age, period, and cohort effects to the trends.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 9 database, primary diffuse glioma patients (≥20 years old) diagnosed from 1973 to 2014 were identified. Incidence trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression and age‐period‐cohort modeling.

Results

Overall, the incidence for adult glioma decreased slowly from 1985 to 2014 (annual percent change [APC] = 0.5%, 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.3%‐0.6%). In histology subtype‐stratified analysis, glioblastoma and nonglioblastoma exhibited opposite trends. The incidence for glioblastoma increased from 1978 to 2014 (APC for year 1978‐1992 = 2.7%, 95% CI, 1.8%‐3.6%; APC for 1992‐2014 = 0.3%, 95% CI, 0%‐0.6%), while the incidence for nonglioblastoma decreased significantly from 1982 to 2014 (APC = 2.2%, 95% CI, 2.0%‐2.5%). Age‐period‐cohort modeling revealed significant period and cohort effects, with the patterns for glioblastoma and nonglioblastoma distinctive from each other. Compared with adults born 1890s, those born 1920s had approximately 4‐fold the risk of glioblastoma after adjustment of age and period effects, while the risk of nonglioblastoma was reduced by half in individuals in the 1939 cohort as compared with those in the 1909 cohort.

Conclusions

The results support the hypothesis of etiological heterogeneity of diffuse gliomas by histology subtypes. The established risk factors cannot fully explain the distinct patterns by histology subtypes, which necessitate further epidemiological studies.
Presentation of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis in Monozygotic Twins: Case Report
Authors: Phamduong Sharon , Kim Clara S.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Localized aggressive periodontal disease is an uncommon finding observed in adolescents and children. Studies have been conducted to elucidate the etiology, contributing factors, and genetic roles in the phenomena. In particular, twin studies have shown genetic makeup to be a substantial risk factor for periodontitis. This case is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first to be presented in literature of a same dwelling, set of monozygotic twins, displaying similar presentation of localized aggressive periodontitis, however with different microbial profiles.

Case Presentation

A set of 17‐year‐old black male monozygotic twins were referred for a full‐mouth periodontal evaluation and any necessary periodontal treatment on July 7, 2007. A full‐mouth radiographic series, periodontal charting, and intraoral photographs were performed on each individual. A family history was obtained through the biological mother, which yielded no known history of early tooth loss or treatment of severe periodontal disease. The father was not involved in the rearing of the children and his periodontal history was unavailable. An initial and surgical treatment plan was developed. Microbial analysis of subgingival plaque samples was collected on the affected sites. Initial treatment with scaling and root planing, subgingival irrigation, with administration of systemic antibiotics, and oral hygiene instruction, were rendered on both individuals.

Conclusion

Within limitations of this report, it is demonstrated that different microbial pattern exists on aggressive periodontitis even in genetically identical individuals with the same environmental exposure.
Creating and interpreting brand authenticity: The case of a young brand
Authors: Guèvremont Amélie
Published: September 2018

Consumers increasingly seek authenticity in the brands they consume. Although studied extensively, brand authenticity appears to be restricted to older, more timeless brands. This article challenges previous research findings by examining whether or not young brands can be perceived as authentic and, if so, how? Adopting a holistic view, the author investigates interpretation—by consumers—and construction—by the brand—of an authentic image in the case of a young brand. The twofold objective of this research involves identifying dimensions of consumer‐perceived brand authenticity in the early stages of the development of an authentic brand and then understanding the practices employed by the brand to support the observed dimensions of authenticity. Supplemented by seven individual interviews, a netnography of the online community of a young brand quickly recognized for authenticity reveals three central dimensions of authenticity, namely, transparency, virtuousness, and proximity. An analysis of brand publications within the community further expose the interplay of indexical (i.e., evidence‐based authenticity signals) and iconic cues (i.e., impression‐based authenticity signals) in support of the dimensions. Findings substantiate the prevalence of brand transparency over both virtuousness and proximity in the early stages of the development of an authentic brand. In addition, although indexical cues dominate in conveying transparency, iconic cues prove central to virtuousness, and both signal proximity. The article, the first to broach the construction of authenticity for a young brand, enhances the corpus of knowledge on authenticity through a re‐examination of the significance and construction of the concept.
Covalently Assembled Dipeptide Nanoparticles with Adjustable Fluorescence Emission for Multicolor Bioimaging
Authors: Li Shukun , Liu Yamei , Xing Ruirui , Yan Xuehai
Published: September 2018

Peptide self‐assembly, inspired by the naturally occurring fabrication principle, remains the most attractive in constructing fluorescent nanoagents towards bioimaging. However, the noncovalent interactions that drive peptide self‐assembly are usually susceptible to the complex physiological environment; thus leading to disassembly and dysfunction of fluorescent nanoagents. Herein, a covalently crosslinked assembly strategy for fabrication of stable peptide‐based nanoparticles with adjustable emission is introduced. In the process of cationic diphenylalanine peptide (H‐Phe‐Phe‐NH2⋅HCl) self‐assembly, glutaraldehyde is used as a crosslinker and the resulting product of the Schiff base reaction can be fluorescent. More importantly, the emission wavelength can be readily tuned by controlling the covalent reaction time. It has been demonstrated that the nanoparticles are stable, even after intracellular uptake, and can be used for sustainable multicolor fluorescent imaging. The strategy with integrating peptide self‐assembly and covalent crosslinking could be promising for the design and engineering of functional fluorescent nanoparticles with robust physiological stability and adjustable emission towards improved bioimaging applications.
Suicide Intervention Training for Counselor Trainees: A Quasi‐Experimental Study on Skill Retention
Authors: Shannonhouse Laura R. , Elston Nikki , Lin Yung‐Wei Dennis , Mize Mary Chase , Rumsey Amanda , Rice Robert , Wanna Reema , Porter Michael J.
Published: September 2018

The authors used a quasi‐experimental design to explore the effect of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training on 126 counselor trainees. Results showed that after 3 months, trainees had retained improvements in measured response skills and self‐reported attitudes. The authors discuss the developmental benefits of incorporating similar training into counselor education. Implications for skill measurement are also considered.
Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Allyl Boronates and Their Application in the Synthesis of Homoallylic Amines
Authors: Villar Laura , Orlov Nikolai V. , Kondratyev Nikolay S. , Uria Uxue , Vicario Jose L. , Malkov Andrei V.
Published: September 2018

Highly enantioenriched, chromatographically‐stable secondary allyl boronates featuring a 1,1,2,2‐tetraethyl‐1,2‐ethanediol fragment (Epin) were obtained by kinetic resolution of their racemic mixtures. The Epin group at boron considerably improved stability of allyl boronates allowing them to be readily isolated by chromatography on silica. The resolved reagents were applied in stereoselective synthesis of homoallylic amines with an internal double bond employing unprotected imines formed in situ from aldehydes and ammonia. The reactions proceeded with an excellent transfer of chirality.
Highly Flexible CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanocrystal Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Min , Wu Hua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Hua , Hu Yue , Colvin Vicki L. , Zhang Yu , Yu William W.
Published: September 2018

The superior optical and electrical properties of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) make them attractive for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, making stable flexible LEDs still remains a big challenge. Here, highly flexible CsPbI3 perovskite LEDs were fabricated using a photopolymer as the substrate, and an ultra‐smooth Ag films instead of ITO as the bottom electrode. Moreover, the device electron injection was also improved with Ag electrode. The flexible LEDs exhibited excellent electroluminescence characteristics with a low turn‐on voltage of 2.0 V and an external quantum efficiency of 8.2%. In addition, the flexible LEDs maintained their good performance after 1000 times of repeated 180 degree stretch‐release bending.
Modeling for information spreading basing on dynamics
Authors: Juan Li , Bin Chen
Published: September 2018

As a burning issue in today's society, the study on information spreading has great theoretic and practical implications. After analyzing the dynamics of information spreading, characteristics of decrease progressively probability and step change property have been disclosed. Taking these into account, the variable probability Known/Unknown (VPKU) model for information spreading is built with appropriate parameter assumption. Then, simulation experiments are made to evolve the VPKU model and analyze the regularity of information spreading. Furthermore, applying the VPKU model, the control strategy of information spreading is proposed and discussed. Simulation and analysis shows that the VPKU model can reflect the process of information spreading in different situations with different parameter setting.
Skew‐aware online aggregation over joins through guided sampling
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Jin Jiahui , Xu Xiaoliang , Zhang Longbin
Published: September 2018

Online aggregation is a query processing technique that returns approximate answers with error guarantees (in the form of confidence intervals) continuously during the query execution process. This approach offers users a suitable tradeoff between query efficiency and accuracy. The key issue of online aggregation is how to ensure a random sample collection's efficiency and effectiveness. However, the often‐used “blind” sampling method does not adequately consider dataset statistics and other useful information, leading to inefficient sampling and poor sample quality. This becomes a glaring performance issue for skewed data distribution over joins. To alleviate this problem, we utilize dataset statistics to propose a new “guided” sampling approach, which consists of a logic‐partition‐based weighted Gaussian sampling method tailored for the skewed join key, as well as a two‐level sample allocation method that applies to the skewed measured value. Extensive experiments using the TPC‐H benchmark for skewed data distribution demonstrate our solution's superior performance.
Intramolecular Noncovalent Carbon Bonding Interaction Stabilizes thecisConformation in Acylhydrazones
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Moazzam , Hussain Majid , Bauzá Antonio , Lo Kong Mun , Frontera Antonio
Published: September 2018

Noncovalent carbon bonding, a recently explored σ‐hole interaction, was hitherto supposed to be a weak and structure‐guided interaction. Here, its role in the intramolecular stabilization of thecisconformation of the amide moiety in acylhydrazones is described. The calculations reveal an electron donation from the lone pair of the nitrogen atom to the empty antibonding C−N orbital [LP(N)→BD*(C−N)] with a concomitant stabilization energy ofE(2)=1.2 kcal mol−1.
Determination of the proliferative fractions in differentiating hematopoietic cell lineages of normal bone marrow
Authors: Nies Kelly P.H. , Kraaijvanger Raisa , Lindelauf Kim H.K. , Drent Roosmarie J.M.R. , Rutten Ronald M.J. , Ramaekers Frans C.S. , Leers Math P.G.
Published: September 2018

Because of the proven prognostic value of Ki‐67 as a proliferation marker in several types of solid cancers, our goal is to develop and validate a multiparameter flow cytometric assay for the determination of the Ki‐67 expression in hemato‐oncological diseases. The aim of the present study was to establish the reference values for the fraction of Ki‐67 positive cells in and during maturation of individual hematopoietic cell lineages present in normal bone marrow.

Aspirates derived from femoral heads of 50 patients undergoing a hip replacement were used for the flow cytometric quantification of Ki‐67 expression in the different hematopoietic cell populations of healthy bone marrow. Furthermore, the proliferative index was investigated in detail for the maturation steps during erythro‐, myelo‐, and monopoiesis using recently described immunophenotypic profiles in combination with a software‐based maturation tool.

Reference values for the proliferative index were established for different relevant hematopoietic cell populations in healthy bone marrow. During maturation, the size of the Ki‐67 positive fraction was the highest in the most immature compartment of the myeloid, monocytic, and erythroid cell lineages, followed by a steady decline upon cell maturation. While proerythroblasts showed a proliferative activity of almost 100%, the myelo‐ and monoblast showed a lower proliferative index of on average of 50%, indicating that a relatively large proportion of these cells exist in a quiescent state.

In conclusion, we can state that when using a novel combination of immunophenotypic markers, the proliferation marker (Ki‐67) and a software‐based maturation tool, it was possible to determine the proliferative fractions in the diverse hematopoietic cell lineages in bone marrow, in particular during maturation. Using this approach, the proliferative indices for the normal myelo‐, mono‐, and erythropoiesis were determined, which can be used as a reference in future studies of hematologic malignancies originating from bone marrow. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Automatically generate two‐dimensional gating hierarchy from clustered cytometry data
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Qiu Peng
Published: September 2018

Cytometry is an important technique widely used in medicine and biological research. Biologists traditionally analyze single‐cell cytometry data by manual gating, which can be subjective and labor intensive. To address this issue, many automated and semiautomated methods have been developed. These advanced methods are designed to speed up and standardize the analysis of cytometry data, but their popularity is limited by their visualizations which are not intuitive to biologists who are accustomed to the conventional biaxial gating plots. In this article, we present a new method called Cluster‐to‐Gate (C2G) that can take clustering results as input, and automatically generate a nested two‐dimensional gating hierarchy, which is a visualization representation that biologists are familiar with. This method can generate gating sequences for multiple target populations simultaneously and summarize them in one hierarchical tree that represents the gating hierarchy. We have tested this method on target populations defined by manual gating, automated clustering algorithms (k‐means for example), and visualization‐assisted methods (SPADE and tSNE). We have demonstrated that C2G is able to generate gating sequences that capture cell populations defined by the various clustering strategies, and robust to over‐clustered and overlapping target populations. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Evolution of ontogenic change in color defenses of swallowtail butterflies
Authors: Gaitonde Nikhil , Joshi Jahnavi , Kunte Krushnamegh
Published: September 2018

Natural selection by visually hunting predators has led to the evolution of color defense strategies such as masquerade, crypsis, and aposematism that reduce the risk of predation in prey species. These color defenses are not mutually exclusive, and switches between strategies with ontogenic development are widespread across taxa. However, the evolutionary dynamics of ontogenic color change are poorly understood. Using comparative phylogenetics, we studied the evolution of color defenses in the complex life cycles of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae). We also tested the relative importance of life history traits, chemical and visual backgrounds, and ancestry on the evolution of protective coloration. We found that vulnerable early‐ and late‐instar caterpillars of species that feed on sparsely vegetated, toxic plants were aposematic, whereas species that feed on densely vegetated, nontoxic plants had masquerading and cryptic caterpillars. Masquerading caterpillars resembled bird droppings at early instars and transitioned to crypsis with an increase in body size at late instars. The immobile pupae—safe from motion‐detecting, visually hunting predators—retained the ancestral cryptic coloration in all lineages, irrespective of the toxic nature of the host plant. Thus, color defense strategy (masquerade, crypsis, or aposematism) at a particular lifestage in the life cycle of swallowtail butterflies was determined by the interaction between life history traits such as body size and motion levels, phytochemical and visual backgrounds, and ancestry. We show that ontogenic color change in swallowtail butterflies is an adaptive response to age‐dependent vulnerability to predation.
Laughing away the pain: A narrative review of humour, sense of humour and pain
Authors: Pérez‐Aranda Adrián , Hofmann Jennifer , Feliu‐Soler Albert , Ramírez‐Maestre Carmen , Andrés‐Rodríguez Laura , Ruch Willibald , Luciano Juan V.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objective

The link between humour and sense of humour with pain has been a topic of research for decades. The purpose of the present article was to review the different studies that have been conducted to date on the association between humour and sense of humour with pain.

Databases and Data Treatment

The literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct and ProQuest databases. Forty‐one studies were reviewed, and the results are summarized and structured into three sections: experimental pain, chronic pain and pain in children.

Results

For experimental pain, the findings support the idea that humorous distractions, such as watching a comedy clip, increase pain tolerance, although most of the studies indicate that other non‐humorous distractions produce similar effects. Regarding chronic pain, humour has been studied as a way of coping with pain and the emotional distress produced by chronic pain conditions. The results of correlational studies show significant associations between the use of humour and main variables such as anxiety and catastrophizing. Finally, concerning pain in children, similar findings to those described for the previous sections have been reported, with a notable presence of studies on clinic clown interventions, which promote emotional well‐being among children and their parents, although their effectiveness in pain reduction is controversial.

Conclusions

The study of the link between humour and pain is still on an early stage, and overcoming the limitations of previous studies is required to strengthen the promising results that have been observed up to date.

Significance

This review summarizes all main findings regarding humour, sense of humour and pain up until the first half of 2018 and offers a list of aspects to be considered in further studies regarding the link of humour and pain to contribute to a more systematic research.
Involvement of interleukin‐31 receptor A in morphine‐induced itching and antinociception in mice
Authors: Tsuji Minoru , Arai Iwao , Miyagawa Kazuya , Miyagishi Hiroko , Saito Atsumi , Takeda Kotaro , Takeda Hiroshi , Akiyama Nobutake , Saito Saburo
Published: September 2018

Background

Morphine is an effective analgesic for the treatment of severe pain, but it can cause itching in patients. In the present study, we examined the possible involvement of interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) receptor A (IL‐31RA) on the morphine‐induced itching and antinociception in mice.

Methods

Long‐lasting scratching (LLS) and short‐lasting scratching (SLS) were estimated as an indicator of itching and nonspecific behaviour, respectively, and antinociception was evaluated using a hot‐plate test in mice.

Results

Morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) induced multiple episodes of SLS, few episodes of LLS, and antinociception in naive mice, with a close correlation observed between SLS or LLS counts and antinociception. In IL‐31RA‐deficient (IL‐31RA−/−) mice, morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.)‐induced LLS but not SLS was completely abolished, while antinociception was partially suppressed with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg but not 10 mg/kg, s.c. of morphine administration. Interestingly, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of morphine (10 μg/mouse) significantly increased SLS but not LLS, and this effect was higher in IL‐31RA−/− mice than that in wild‐type mice. Furthermore, following i.c.v. administration of morphine (10 μg/mouse), the antinociceptive effect was also significantly higher in IL‐31RA−/− mice than that in wild‐type mice.

Conclusion

Taken together, the present findings suggest that IL‐31RA may play a significant role, perhaps in the sensory neurons and/or spinal cord rather than in the brain, in the modulation of morphine‐induced itching and antinociception.

Significance

Here, we demonstrate a possible common mediator of itching and antinociception of morphine, interleukin‐31 (IL‐31) receptor A (IL‐31RA). IL‐31RA may be a noteworthy target for considering the novel mechanism of itch and pain signalling affected by morphine.
Decomposition of Methane to Carbon and Hydrogen: A Catalytic Perspective
Authors: Musamali Ronald , Isa Yusuf Makarfi
Published: September 2018

Catalytic decomposition of methane is a viable method of producing hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials. Hydrogen gas is mainly used as a reactant in the chemical industry, i.e., petrochemicals, glass, and pharmaceutical industries, whereas carbon may be used in direct carbon fuel cells or marketed as a filamentous carbon. Demand for carbon monoxide (CO)–free hydrogen continues to rise due to the increase in the number of its applications. Currently, a significant amount of hydrogen comes from gasification of natural gas, oxidation, and steam reforming of hydrocarbons. In all these technologies, CO is formed as a by‐product that requires tedious and costly processes to separate hydrogen from syngas. Herein, the recent literature on methane decomposition, methane reaction kinetics, catalyst performance, hydrogen yield, and formation of carbon nanomaterial are reviewed. The scope of this work is limited to direct conversion of methane into carbon and hydrogen; therefore, processes involving synthesis gas as intermediate products are not covered. Finally, catalysts that are often used in methane decomposition, their deactivation, and regeneration are discussed with the aim of documenting the foundation upon which an entirely new class of catalysts can be built to enhance their activity, selectivity, and yield.
Can lactate levels be used as a marker of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm babies?
Authors: Okur Nilüfer , Tayman Cüneyt , Büyüktiryaki Mehmet , Kadıoğlu Şimşek Gülsüm , Ozer Bekmez Buse , Altuğ Nahide
Published: September 2018

Objective

Serum lactate levels provide information on metabolic capacity at the cellular level. In addition, lactate reflects tissue perfusion and oxygenation status. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of high lactate levels as a marker in hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), which may lead to tissue perfusion defects.

Methods

Preterm infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks and birthweight ≤1500 g were included. Lactate levels were determined at postnatal 48‐72 hours before echocardiographic evaluation. Eligible infants were divided into two groups as infants with and without hsPDA. Cut‐off values for lactate were taken as lactate >4 mmol/L, identified as a high lactate level. Infants were also divided into two groups according to lactate levels as group I: lactate levels >4 mmol/L and group II: lactate levels ≤4 mmol/L. Haemodynamic PDA and lactate levels were compared.

Results

A total of 119 patients with gestational age ≤32 weeks and birthweight ≤1500 g were included in the study. Fifty patients had echocardiographic hsPDA and 69 patients had no PDA. Twelve (24%) of the patients with hsPDA and 22 (31.9%) of the non‐hsPDA patients had a lactate level of 4 mmol/L (P = 0.392). There was no correlation between hsPDA presence and lactate levels (P = 0.35).

Conclusion

High lactate levels are multifactorial and usually indicate impairment of tissue perfusion. There are a number of factors that can lead to impaired tissue perfusion in preterm infants. For the first time in this study, it was shown that lactate levels did not significantly increase in the presence of hemodynamically significant PDA. This may be due to the fact that peripheral tissue perfusion in the presence of hemodynamic PDA does not deteriorate enough to cause an increase in anaerobic metabolism.