bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts by Changing the A‐Site Rare‐Earth Element in Perovskite Nickelates
Authors: Wang Le , Stoerzinger Kelsey A. , Chang Lei , Zhao Jiali , Li Yangyang , Tang Chi Sin , Yin Xinmao , Bowden Mark E. , Yang Zhenzhong , Guo Haizhong , You Lu , Guo Rui , Wang Jiaou , Ibrahim Kurash , Chen Jingsheng , Rusydi Andrivo , Wang Junling , Chambers Scott A. , Du Yingge
Published: August 2018

Perovskite‐structured (ABO3) transition metal oxides are promising bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this paper, a set of epitaxial rare‐earth nickelates (RNiO3) thin films is investigated with controlled A‐site isovalent substitution to correlate their structure and physical properties with ORR/OER activities, examined by using a three‐electrode system in O2‐saturated 0.1 m KOH electrolyte. The ORR activity decreases monotonically with decreasing the A‐site element ionic radius which lowers the conductivity of RNiO3 (R = La, La0.5Nd0.5, La0.2Nd0.8, Nd, Nd0.5Sm0.5, Sm, and Gd) films, with LaNiO3 being the most conductive and active. On the other hand, the OER activity initially increases upon substituting La with Nd and is maximal at La0.2Nd0.8NiO3. Moreover, the OER activity remains comparable within error through Sm‐doped NdNiO3. Beyond that, the activity cannot be measured due to the potential voltage drop across the film. The improved OER activity is ascribed to the partial reduction of Ni3+ to Ni2+ as a result of oxygen vacancies, which increases the average occupancy of the eg antibonding orbital to more than one. The work highlights the importance of tuning A‐site elements as an effective strategy for balancing ORR and OER activities of bifunctional electrocatalysts.
Growth of Large‐Area SnS Films with Oriented 2D SnS Layers for Energy‐Efficient Broadband Optoelectronics
Authors: Patel Malkeshkumar , Kim Joondong , Kim Yu Kwon
Published: August 2018

The anisotropic properties of 2D orthorhombic SnS (tin monosulfide, p‐type) layers can be utilized in energy‐efficient optoelectronics by growing 2D SnS layers with a preferred orientation. To meet such a need, a strategy for growing SnS layers with the control of structural parameters such as orientation and thickness is highly desired. This report demonstrates a simple procedure for growing a large‐area SnS thin film composed of nanoscale SnS platelets with a controlled orientation relative to the surface via a single‐step process involving in situ sulfur depletion and phase structural transition of the sputter‐deposited SnS2 particles. The synthesized SnS films show good optoelectronic performances such as high signal‐to‐noise ratios, linear dynamic range, and high response speeds. In addition, the orientation of the SnS platelets is found to control the optoelectronic properties such as the electronic junction formation and the optical reflectance. The orientation‐controlled SnS layers on Si substrate operate as a good photosensor with a good zero‐bias photoresponse over a wide range of wavelengths including ultraviolet, visible, and near‐infrared. The device performances evaluated from the transient photovoltage, photocurrent, Mott–Schottky characteristics, and impedance spectroscopy are all well correlated with the geometric orientation of the 2D SnS layers within the film.
Ultrathin PtPd‐Based Nanorings with Abundant Step Atoms Enhance Oxygen Catalysis
Authors: Sun Yingjun , Zhang Xu , Luo Mingchuan , Chen Xu , Wang Lei , Li Yingjie , Li Mingqiang , Qin Yingnan , Li Chunji , Xu Nuoyan , Lu Gang , Gao Peng , Guo Shaojun
Published: August 2018

The lack of highly active and stable catalysts with low Pt usage for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a major barrier in realizing fuel cell‐driven transportation applications. A general colloidal chemistry method is demonstrated for making a series of ultrathin PtPdM (M = Co, Ni, Fe) nanorings (NRs) for greatly boosting ORR catalysis. Different from the traditional ultrathin nanosheets, the ultrathin PtPdM NRs herein have a high portion of step atoms on the edge, high Pt utilization efficiency, and strong ligand effect from M to Pt and fast mass transport of reactants to the NRs. These key features make them exhibit greatly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the ORR and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Among all the PtPdM NRs, the PtPdCo shows the highest ORR mass and specific activities of 3.58 A mg−1 and 4.90 mA cm−2 at 0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), 23.9 and 24.5‐fold larger than those of commercial Pt/C in alkaline electrolyte, respectively. The theoretical calculations reveal that the oxygen adsorption energy (E
O) can be optimized under the presence of step atoms exposed on the edge and ligand effect induced by Co. They are stable under ORR conditions with negligible changes after 30 000 cycles.
Colorless, Transparent, Robust, and Fast Scratch‐Self‐Healing Elastomers via a Phase‐Locked Dynamic Bonds Design
Authors: Lai Yue , Kuang Xiao , Zhu Ping , Huang Miaoming , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: August 2018

Robust self‐healing thermoplastic elastomers are expected to have repeated healing capability, remarkable mechanical properties, transparency, and superior toughness. The phase‐locked design in this work provides excellent tensile mechanical properties and efficient healability at a moderate temperature due to the dynamic disulfide bonds embedded in the hard segments and mainly being locked in the viscoelastic hard microphase region. The self‐healing elastomers exhibit a maximum tensile stress of 25 MPa and a fracture strain of over 1600%, which are quite prominent compared to previous reports. The nanoscale domains of the elastomer are smaller than the wavelength of visible light by microphase separation control resulting in colorless, nearly 100% transparency, and are as good as quartz glasses. The high dynamics of the phase‐locked disulfide bonds renders a high healing efficiency of scratches on the surface within 60 s at 70 °C. The rapid scratch healing and complete transparency recovery of the elastomers provide new avenues in the highly transparent surface or protective films which finds potential applications for precision optical lenses, flexible display screens, and automobile or aircraft lighting finishes.
Increasing the Dimensionality of Soft Microstructures through Injection‐Induced Self‐Folding
Authors: Ranzani Tommaso , Russo Sheila , Bartlett Nicholas W. , Wehner Michael , Wood Robert J.
Published: August 2018

Devices fabricated using soft materials have been a major research focus of late, capturing the attention of scientists and laypersons alike in a wide range of fields, from microfluidics to robotics. The functionality of such devices relies on their structural and material properties; thus, the fabrication method is of utmost importance. Here, multilayer soft lithography, precision laser micromachining, and folding to establish a new paradigm are combined for creating 3D soft microstructures and devices. Phase‐changing materials are exploited to transform actuators into structural elements, allowing 2D laminates to evolve into a third spatial dimension. To illustrate the capabilities of this new fabrication paradigm, the first “microfluidic origami for reconfigurable pneumatic/hydraulic” device is designed and manufactured: a 12‐layer soft robotic peacock spider with embedded microfluidic circuitry and actuatable features.
Nondestructive Real‐Time Monitoring of Enhanced Stem Cell Differentiation Using a Graphene‐Au Hybrid Nanoelectrode Array
Authors: Lee Jin‐Ho , Choi Hye Kyu , Yang Letao , Chueng Sy‐Tsong Dean , Choi Jeong‐Woo , Lee Ki‐Bum
Published: August 2018

Stem cells have attracted increasing research interest in the field of regenerative medicine because of their unique ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. However, controlling stem cell differentiation efficiently and improving the current destructive characterization methods for monitoring stem cell differentiation are the critical issues. To this end, multifunctional graphene–gold (Au) hybrid nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) to: (i) investigate the effects of combinatorial physicochemical cues on stem cell differentiation, (ii) enhance stem cell differentiation efficiency through biophysical cues, and (iii) characterize stem cell differentiation in a nondestructive real‐time manner are developed. Through the synergistic effects of physiochemical properties of graphene and biophysical cues from nanoarrays, the graphene‐Au hybrid NEAs facilitate highly enhanced cell adhesion and spreading behaviors. In addition, by varying the dimensions of the graphene‐Au hybrid NEAs, improved stem cell differentiation efficiency, resulting from the increased focal adhesion signal, is shown. Furthermore, graphene‐Au hybrid NEAs are utilized to monitor osteogenic differentiation of stem cells electrochemically in a nondestructive real‐time manner. Collectively, it is believed the unique multifunctional graphene‐Au hybrid NEAs can significantly advance stem‐cell‐based biomedical applications.
Efficient Solid‐State Photoluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded in Boron Oxynitride for AC‐Electroluminescent Device
Authors: Park Minsu , Yoon Hyewon , Lee Jaeho , Kim Jungmo , Lee Jinho , Lee Seong‐Eui , Yoo Seunghyup , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: August 2018

Emerging graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received much attention for use as next‐generation light‐emitting diodes. However, in the solid‐state, π‐interaction‐induced aggregation‐caused photoluminescence (PL) quenching (ACQ) in GQDs makes it challenging to realize high‐performance devices. Herein, GQDs incorporated with boron oxynitride (GQD@BNO) are prepared from a mixture of GQDs, boric acid, and urea in water via one‐step microwave heating. Due to the effective dispersion in the BNO matrix, ACQ is significantly suppressed, resulting in high PL quantum yields (PL‐QYs) of up to 36.4%, eightfold higher than that of pristine GQD in water. The PL‐QY enhancement results from an increase in the spontaneous emission rate of GQDs due to the surrounding BNO matrix, which provides a high‐refractive‐index material and fluorescence energy transfer from the larger‐gap BNO donor to the smaller‐gap GQD acceptor. A high solid‐state PL‐QY makes the GQD@BNO an ideal active material for use in AC powder electroluminescent (ACPEL) devices, with the luminance of the first working GQD‐based ACPEL device exceeding 283 cd m−2. This successful demonstration shows promise for the use of GQDs in the field of low‐cost, ecofriendly electroluminescent devices.
Coupling Interface Constructions of MoS2/Fe5Ni4S8 Heterostructures for Efficient Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Yi , Li Fan , Chen Wenlong , Xiang Qian , Ma Yanling , Zhu Hong , Tao Peng , Song Chengyi , Shang Wen , Deng Tao , Wu Jianbo
Published: August 2018

Water splitting is considered as a pollution‐free and efficient solution to produce hydrogen energy. Low‐cost and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are needed. Recently, chemical vapor deposition is used as an effective approach to gain high‐quality MoS2 nanosheets (NSs), which possess excellent performance for water splitting comparable to platinum. Herein, MoS2 NSs grown vertically on FeNi substrates are obtained with in situ growth of Fe5Ni4S8 (FNS) at the interface during the synthesis of MoS2. The synthesized MoS2/FNS/FeNi foam exhibits only 120 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and exceptionally low overpotential of 204 mV to attain the same current density for OER. Density functional theory calculations further reveal that the constructed coupling interface between MoS2 and FNS facilitates the absorption of H atoms and OH groups, consequently enhancing the performances of HER and OER. Such impressive performances herald that the unique structure provides an approach for designing advanced electrocatalysts.
Low‐Temperature Carbide‐Mediated Growth of Bicontinuous Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Graphene as an Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Han Jiuhui , Huang Gang , Wang Zhili , Lu Zhen , Du Jing , Kashani Hamzeh , Chen Mingwei
Published: August 2018

Nitrogen‐doped graphene exhibits high electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is essential for many renewable energy technologies. To maximize the catalytic efficiency, it is desirable to have both a high concentration of robust nitrogen dopants and a large accessible surface of the graphene electrodes for rapid access of oxygen to the active sites. Here, 3D bicontinuous nitrogen‐doped mesoporous graphene synthesized by a low‐temperature carbide‐mediated graphene‐growth method is reported. The mesoporous graphene has a mesoscale pore size of ≈25 nm and large specific surface area of 1015 m2 g−1, which can effectively host and stabilize a high concentration of nitrogen dopants. Accordingly, it shows an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the ORR with an efficient four‐electron‐dominated pathway and high durability in alkaline media. The synthesis route developed herein provides a new economic approach to synthesize bicontinuous porous graphene materials with tunable characteristic length, porosity, and chemical doping as high efficiency electrocatalysts for a wide range of electrochemical reactions.
Novel Periodic Bilayer Au Nanostructures for Ultrasensitive Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Guitai , Cao Fan , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Xinyi , Li Zhenyu , Yu Nian , Wang Zhao , Hu Yongming , Sun Handong , Gu Haoshuang
Published: August 2018

The detection of trace molecules is of great significance in many practical applications, and the development of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique is critical in order to achieve this end. In this work, a novel periodic bilayer Au nanostructure constructed by a porous upper layer and a lower layer of nanoparticle arrays, is fabricated by electron beam lithography (EBL) process for SERS. The repetitive unit is 400 nm × 400 nm, and both diameters of the nanopores of the porous layer and the nanoparticles are ≈200 nm, with ≈10 nm nanogaps between nanopores and nanoparticles. The SERS performances are characterized with Rhodamine 6G (R6G), and compared with that of monolayer Au nanoparticle arrays, the Raman intensity of R6G on bilayer Au nanostructure is ≈12 times stronger, which can be ascribed to a lager electromagnetic field enhancement from the nanogaps. Moreover, the analyzed molecules can be accumulated at the nanogaps due to the special bilayer structure, resulting in stronger Raman signal intensities and a very low detection limit (≈10−13 mol L−1). The novel bilayer nanostructure not only offers an alternative high performance SERS platform for highly quantitative analysis, but also provides another strategy (molecule accumulation) to promote molecule detection.
Chiral‐Plasmon‐Tuned Potentials for Atom Trapping at the Nanoscale
Authors: Chen Zhao , Zhang Fan , Duan Xueke , Zhang Tiancai , Gong Qihuang , Gu Ying
Published: August 2018

Neutral atom trapping is of importance in precision quantum metrology and quantum information processing where the atom can be viewed as an excellent frequency reference. However, creating tunable optical traps compatible with the optical nanostructures is still a challenge. Here, by introducing the chiroptical effects of a plasmonic structure into atom trapping, an active tunable potential for 3D stable optical trapping at the nanoscale is demonstrated. By altering the incident light from left‐ to right‐handed circularly polarized, the tunable range of position and potential of the trapped atoms can reach ≈60 nm and ≈0.51N mK (N denotes input power with unit mW), respectively. In addition, the blue‐detuned circularly polarized light guarantees the ultralow scattering rate and ultralong trapping lifetime. The trap centers are about hundreds of nanometers away from the structure surface, which ensures the stability of the trapping system due to the ignorable surface potential. This chiral‐based tunable atom trapping system broadens the application of chiral metamaterials and has important impact on all‐optical modulation, atomic on‐chip integration, manipulation of cold atoms, and quantum many‐body systems.
Sustainable Electronics Based on Crop Plant Extracts and Graphene: A “Bioadvantaged” Approach
Authors: Cataldi Pietro , Heredia‐Guerrero José A. , Guzman‐Puyol Susana , Ceseracciu Luca , La Notte Luca , Reale Andrea , Ren Jun , Zhang Yijie , Liu Lei , Miscuglio Mario , Savi Patrizia , Piazza Simonluca , Duocastella Marti , Perotto Giovanni , Athanassiou Athanassia , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: August 2018

In today's fast‐paced and well‐connected world, consumer electronics are evolving rapidly. As a result, the amount of discarded electronic devices is becoming a major health and environmental concern. The rapid expansion of flexible electronics has the potential to transform consumer electronic devices from rigid phones and tablets to robust wearable devices. This means increased use of plastics in consumer electronics and the potential to generate more persistent plastic waste for the environment. Hence, today, the need for flexible biodegradable electronics is at the forefront of minimizing the mounting pile of global electronic waste. A “bioadvantaged” approach to develop a biodegradable, flexible, and application‐adaptable electronic components based on crop components and graphene is reported. More specifically, by combining zein, a corn‐derived protein, and aleuritic acid, a major monomer of tomato cuticles and sheellac, along with graphene, biocomposite conductors having low electrical resistance (≈10 Ω sq−1) with exceptional mechanical and fatigue resilience are fabricated. Further, a number of high‐performance electronic applications, such as THz electromagnetic shielding, flexible GHz antenna construction, and flexible solar cell electrode, are demonstrated. Excellent performance results are measured from each application comparable to conventional nondegrading counterparts, thus paving the way for the concept of “plant‐e‐tronics” towards sustainability.
Magnetosome Modification: From Bio‐Nano Engineering Toward Nanomedicine
Authors: Ren En , Lei Zhao , Wang Junqing , Zhang Yang , Liu Gang
Published: August 2018

Bacterial magnetosomes (MS) are one of the most intriguing paradigms for microbial production of iron crystals within a membrane vesicle by a biomineralization process with high degree of biological control in specific intracellular locations. The use of unique properties of MS has gained considerable interest in board applications, such as magneto immunoassays and biosensing, as well as drug delivery and biomedical imaging. The functionalization of these membrane and protein bound crystals of magnetic iron minerals is of great interest for the bioengineering and biomedical applications. Herein, an overview on bioengineering strategies to develop functionalized MS for better capabilities in diagnostic and therapeutic nanomedicine is presented. Specifically, the strategies in which MS could be functionalized by genetic and chemical modifications on the membrane, as well as the crystals modifications by the mineral concentration chages in culture medium are discussed. In addition, biomimetic generation of MS‐like magnetic nanoparticles using the mechanisms of biomineralization in MS is also described. Finally, new perspectives and future directions for MS development in personalized and precision nanomedicine are discussed.
Reliability of the MRI‐based Brain Atrophy and Lesion Index in the evaluation of whole‐brain structural health
Authors: Gu Tao , Guo Hui , Song Xiaowei
Published: August 2018

Background

The Brain Atrophy and Lesion Index (BALI), which evaluates several common aging‐related MRI changes in combination, has been validated as a feasible method to assess the status of structural brain health. Previous studies have been based primarily on older participants and high‐field MRI. Here, we tested the generalizability of the BALI by examining its measurement properties in a wide age range at both high and conventional MRI field strengths.

Methods

Subjects (n = 229) who had T2WI at either 1.5T or 3.0T were grouped into younger (age ≤ 60 years) and older (age > 60 years) groups. Image evaluation and scoring were performed independently by two experienced neuroradiologists who have mastered the BALI method. Inter‐ and intrarater agreement rates were examined comparing age groups and field strengths.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient for the BALI total score was consistently high under each experimental condition (interrater ICC ≥ 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84‐0.96), with no statistical difference between age groups (Fisher Z = 1.43) or field strengths (Z = 0.60). The reliability for BALI category subscores ranged between moderate and perfect (eg, 0.85 vs 0.57 for GA), similar for both age groups and typically greater at 3.0T than at 1.5T.

Conclusion

The BALI based on T2WI can be reliably applied to the evaluation of the whole‐brain health of both younger and older adults at both field strengths, even though high‐field MRI is preferable.
Tanispermum, a new genus of hemi‐orthotropous to hemi‐anatropous angiosperm seeds from the Early Cretaceous of eastern North America
Authors: Friis Else Marie , Crane Peter R. , Pedersen Kaj Raunsgaard
Published: August 2018

Premise of the Study

Exotestal seeds with characters that indicate relationship to extant Austrobaileyales and Nymphaeales are abundant in Early Cretaceous sediments from Portugal and eastern North America, but their variety and unique features provide evidence of extensive extinct diversity among early angiosperms.

Methods

The fossils were extracted from Early Cretaceous sediments from Virginia and Maryland, United States, by sieving in water. After cleaning with HF, HCl and water, they were examined using SEM and SRXTM and compared to seeds of extant and fossil angiosperms.

Key Results

A new genus, Tanispermum gen. nov., with four species (T. hopewellense sp. nov., T. marylandense sp. nov., T. drewriense sp. nov., and T. antiquum sp. nov.) is recognized. Relationship with extant Austrobaileyales and Nymphaeales is indicated by an exotesta of tall palisade sclerenchyma with undulate anticlinal walls forming a jigsaw puzzle‐like surface pattern. However, seeds of Tanispermum differ from those of Austrobaileyales and Nymphaeales in their hemi‐orthotropous–hemi‐anatropous organization. Attempts to place Tanispermum in a phylogenetic context confront a variety of problems, including lack of information on other parts of these extinct plants.

Conclusions

The discovery highlights the extent to which the morphology of extant angiosperms is not representative of the diversity that once existed among early‐diverging members of the group. The relictual nature of extant taxa near the base of the angiosperm tree greatly complicates the reconstruction of ancestral character states and emphasizes the need for focused paleobotanical studies to elucidate the extinct diversity that existed early in angiosperm evolution.
Bioinspired Synthesis of (+)‐Cinchonidine Using Cascade Reactions
Authors: Liu Wentao , Qin Wenfang , Wang Xiaobei , Xue Fei , Liu Xiao‐Yu , Qin Yong
Published: August 2018

The development of efficient syntheses of complex natural products has long been a major challenge in synthetic chemistry. Designing cascade reactions and employing bioinspired transformations are an important and reliable means of achieving this goal. Presented here is a combination of these two strategies, which allow efficient asymmetric synthesis of the cinchona alkaloid (+)‐cinchonidine. The key steps of this synthesis are a controllable, visible‐light‐induced photoredox radical cascade reaction to efficiently access the tetracyclic monoterpenoid indole alkaloid core, as well as a practical biomimetic cascade rearrangement for the indole to quinoline transformation. The use of stereoselective chemical transformations in this work makes it an efficient synthesis of (+)‐cinchonidine.
Extra‐Large Mechanical Anisotropy of a Hydrogel with Maximized Electrostatic Repulsion between Cofacially Aligned 2D Electrolytes
Authors: Sano Koki , Arazoe Yuka Onuma , Ishida Yasuhiro , Ebina Yasuo , Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi , Hikima Takaaki , Aida Takuzo
Published: August 2018

In our previous work, we have shown that “electrostatic forces”, when generated anisotropically in aqueous media by 2D electrolytes upon cofacial orientation, enable the formation of a hydrogel with an anisotropic parameter, as defined by the ratio of elastic moduli E⊥/E∥, of 3.0. Herein, we successfully developed the design strategy for a hydrogel with an anisotropic parameter of no less than 85. This value is not only 28 times greater than that of our previous anisotropic hydrogel but also 6 times larger than the current champion record in synthetic hydrogels (E⊥/E∥∼15). Firstly, we simply lowered ionic contaminants in the hydrogel and were able to enhance the anisotropic parameter from 3.0 to 18. Then, we chose a supporting polymer network allowing the hydrogel to carry a higher interior permittivity. Consequently, the anisotropic parameter was further enhanced from 18 to 85. Owing to the enhanced mechanical anisotropy, our new hydrogel displayed a superb ability of seismic isolation.
Short Total Synthesis of Ajoene
Authors: Silva Filipa , Khokhar Shaista S. , Williams Danielle M. , Saunders Robert , Evans Gareth J. S. , Graz Michael , Wirth Thomas
Published: August 2018

We describe a short total synthesis of ajoene, a major biologically active constituent of garlic. The instability of allicin as the only other known alternative starting material has led to the development of a reliable procedure for the synthesis of ajoene from simple building blocks that is also suitable for upscale operations.
Click chemistry‐assisted preparation and properties of phosphorus and nitrogen synergistic flame retardant optical resin with a high refractive index
Authors: Luo Chaoyun , Zuo Jiandong , Wang Fuquan , Lin Feng , Zhao Jianqing , Xu Zhijuan
Published: August 2018

In this study, halogen‐free flame retardant tri(acryloyloxyethyl) phosphate (TAEP) was prepared using 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate and phosphorus oxychloride. The chemical structure of TAEP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers. The mixture of TAEP, acrylamide, and pentaerythritol tetrathioglycolate with different P, N, and S content were used to prepare flame retarding optical resin via the click chemistry curing. The curing performance, thermal stability, and flame retardant performance of the optical resins were measured by differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analyzer, vertical burning tester, and limiting oxygen index test, respectively. Additionally, the morphology of the burned residual was investigated by scanning electronic microscopy, and the refractive indices of the optical resins were measured by an Abbe Refractometer. The results strongly indicated that increasing sulfur content in resins improved their refractive indices, but deteriorated their flame retardancy. Meanwhile, the nitrogen element was helpful for the flame retardancy of the optical resin. With S N, and P contents of 3.00%, 1.00%, and 6.70 wt %, respectively, the refractive index of the optical resin reached up to 1.4987, and its flame retardancy achieved the UL‐94 V‐0 level and the LOI value of 29.3%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46648.
Aging properties and hydrophilicity of maize starch plasticized by hyperbranched poly(citrate glyceride)
Authors: Zhang Kang , Zhang Kairui , Cheng Fei , Lin Yi , Zhou Mi , Zhu Puxin
Published: August 2018

Hyperbranched poly(citrate glyceride)s (HBPETs) as plasticizers were mixed with maize starch (S) via cooking and film formation. The structure, aging properties, and hydrophilicity of the plasticized starches were studied by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, tension testing, contact angle testing, solubility measurements, moisture absorption, and water vapor permeability (WVP). Compared with a glycerol–S plasticized film, the HBPET–S composite films had better mechanical properties in terms of both strength and elongation at break, better aging resistance, less moisture absorption, less WVP, and more hydrophobicity on the film surface. The mechanisms behind the performances resulted from stronger and more stable H bonds between the abundant active end groups of HBPET and hydroxyls of starch and the high branching degree of the HBPETs; this was helpful for effectively inhibiting the recrystallization of starch. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46899.
The retarding effects and structural evolution of a bio‐based high‐performance polyimide during thermal imidization
Authors: Li Renke , Lu Zheng , Liu Yao , Zeng Ke , Hu Jianghuai , Yang Gang
Published: August 2018

The thermal imidization evolution of a bio‐based high‐performance polyimide, namely adenine‐containing polyimide (API), was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ FTIR), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), in contrast to an adenine‐free 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA)/4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) PI. The influence derived from adenine was focused. At precursor stage of API (polyamic acid, PAA), the H‐bonding interaction of PAA–PAA type as well as the especial interaction between the secondary amine of adenine and solvent (dimethylacetamide, DMAc) was discovered. Structural evolution of API was traced by in situ FTIR and multistage WAXD from PAA stage to PI stage. Compared with OPI, the retarding effects were found in the process of thermal imidization of API, partly due to the formation of H‐bonding derived from the extra secondary amine of adenine moieties, which complicated the H‐bonding form in API. Finally, a hypothesis of evolution of thermal imidization process about API molecule was proposed in contrast with adenine‐free ODPA ODA PI. Compared with the consistency of both API and ODPA ODA PI in PAA stage, API possessed a more delicate thermal imidization process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46953.
Synthesis, characterization, and SAR of arylated indenoquinoline‐based cholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Ekiz Makbule , Tutar Ahmet , Ökten Salih , Bütün Burcu , Koçyiğit Ümit M. , Taslimi Parham , Topçu Gülaçtı
Published: August 2018

We report the synthesis of bromoindenoquinolines (15a–f) by Friedlander reactions in low yields (13–50%) and the conversion of the corresponding phenyl‐substituted indenoquinoline derivatives 16–21 in high yields (80–96%) by Suzuki coupling reactions. To explore the structure–activity relationship (SAR), their inhibition potentials to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and human carbonic anhydrase cyctosolic (hCA I and II) enzymes were determined. Monophenyl (16–18) indenoquinolines significantly inhibited the AChE and BChE enzymes in ranges of IC50 37–57 nM and 84–93 nM, respectively, compared with their starting materials 15a–c and reference compounds (galanthamine and tacrine). On the other hand, these novel arylated indenoquinoline‐based derivatives were effective inhibitors of the BChE, hCA I and II, BChE and AChE enzymes with Ki values in the range of 37 ± 2.04 to 88640 ± 1990 nM for AChE, 120.94 ± 37.06 to 1150.95 ± 304.48 nM for hCA I, 267.58 ± 98.05 to 1568.16 ± 438.67 nM for hCA II, and 84 ± 3.86 to 144120 ± 2910 nM for BChE. As a result, monophenyl indenoquinolines 16–18 may have promising anti‐Alzheimer drug potential and 3,8‐dibromoindenoquinoline amine (15f) can be novel hCA I and hCA II enzyme inhibitors.
Interferon‐γ–Mediated Immunopathology Potentiated by Toll‐Like Receptor 9 Activation in a Murine Model of Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Weaver Lehn K. , Chu Niansheng , Behrens Edward M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life‐threatening cytokine storm syndrome that occurs in patients with underlying rheumatic diseases. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that interferon‐γ (IFNγ) is pathogenic in MAS, but how IFNγ may be linked to disease pathogenesis remains unknown. This study was undertaken to determine whether IFNγ signals synergize with systemic innate immune responses to drive the cytokine storm in a murine model of MAS.

Methods

IFNγ‐deficient mice were treated with 5 doses of the Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR‐9) agonist CpG 1826, IFNγ, or a combination of the 2 stimuli over the course of 10 days. Immunopathologic features of MAS, including cytopenias, hepatitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and induction of inflammatory myelopoiesis, were assessed. Mixed bone marrow chimeras were created to determine whether TLR‐9– and IFNγ receptor 1 (IFNγR1)–dependent signals induce enhanced myelopoiesis in a cell‐intrinsic or cell‐extrinsic manner.

Results

IFNγ‐deficient mice did not develop features of MAS when treated with repeated doses of either the TLR‐9 agonist or IFNγ alone. In contrast, IFNγ‐deficient mice treated with both the TLR‐9 agonist and IFNγ developed cytopenias, hepatitis, and hepatosplenomegaly, reproducing major clinical features of MAS. TLR‐9– and IFNγR1‐dependent signals synergized to enhance myeloid progenitor cell function and induce myelopoiesis in vivo, which occurred through cell‐extrinsic mechanisms and correlated with the induction of disease.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that TLR‐9–driven signals potentiate the effects of IFNγ to initiate murine MAS, and provide evidence that induction of inflammatory myelopoiesis is a common TLR‐9– and IFNγ‐dependent pathway that may contribute to the pathogenesis of MAS.
Role of Anti‐Fractalkine Antibody in Suppression of Joint Destruction by Inhibiting Migration of Osteoclast Precursors to the Synovium in Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Hoshino‐Negishi Kana , Ohkuro Masayoshi , Nakatani Tomoya , Kuboi Yoshikazu , Nishimura Miyuki , Ida Yoko , Kakuta Jungo , Hamaguchi Akiko , Kumai Minoru , Kamisako Tsutomu , Sugiyama Fumihiro , Ikeda Wataru , Ishii Naoto , Yasuda Nobuyuki , Imai Toshio
Published: August 2018

Objective

To elucidate the role of the fractalkine (FKN)/CX3CR1 pathway in joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

We examined the effect of treatment with anti–mouse FKN (anti‐mFKN) monoclonal antibody (mAb) on joint destruction and the migration of osteoclast precursors (OCPs) into the joint, using the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model.

DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen to induce arthritis, and then treated with anti‐mFKN mAb. Disease severity was monitored by arthritis score, and joint destruction was evaluated by soft x‐ray and histologic analyses. Plasma levels of joint destruction markers were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. FKN expression on endothelial cells was detected by immunohistochemistry. Bone marrow–derived OCPs were labeled with fluorescein and transferred to mice with CIA, and the migration of the OCPs to the joints was then analyzed.

Results

Both prophylactic and therapeutic treatment with anti‐mFKN mAb significantly decreased the arthritis and soft x‐ray scores. Plasma levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and matrix metalloproteinase 3 decreased after treatment with anti‐mFKN mAb. Histologic analysis revealed that anti‐mFKN mAb inhibited synovitis, pannus formation, and cartilage destruction, as well as suppressed bone damage, with a marked reduction in the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclasts. Anti‐mFKN mAb strongly inhibited the migration of bone marrow–derived OCPs into the affected synovium.

Conclusion

Anti‐mFKN mAb notably ameliorates arthritis and joint destruction in the CIA model, as well as inhibits migration of OCPs into the synovium. These results suggest that inhibition of the FKN/CX3CR1 pathway could be a novel strategy for treatment of both synovitis and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
On the relationship between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and monsoon depressions over the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Vishnu Sasidharannair , Francis Pavanathara Augustine , Shenoi Satheesh Chandra , Ramakrishna Surireddi Satya Venkata Siva
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the relationship between inter‐decadal variation in the number of monsoon depressions (MDs) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). It is shown that there is an out‐of‐phase variation in the number of MDs over the BoB and the PDO, except during 1927–1945. Quantitative estimates of the relative contributions of individual environmental parameters show that the variation in the mid‐tropospheric relative humidity over the BoB is the primary reason for the observed variation in the number of MDs. It is further postulated that the variation in the sea surface temperature in the western equatorial Indian Ocean associated with the PDO could be one of the reasons for the changes in the moisture advection over to the BoB and hence the variation in the number of MDs in inter‐decadal timescale.
Planung und Herstellung von zwei Baugruben im Zentrum von Hamburg
Authors: Ockert Jürgen , Vieweger Marc
Published: August 2018

Mitten in der Innenstadt von Hamburg werden in einem Abstand von ca. 500 m zwei Baugruben mit ähnlichen Randbedingungen geplant und hergestellt. Beide Baugruben werden als Trogbaugruben unter Verwendung einer natürlichen dichten Schicht hergestellt. Die Baugrube Alter Wall wird komplett als Schlitzwandbaugrube realisiert, während bei der Baugrube Motel One zusätzlich zu der Schlitzwand auch zwei Bestandsverbauwände mit in den Baugrubenverbau integriert werden. Beide Baugruben liegen direkt an einem Fleet, weshalb ein zusätzlicher Verbau für den Abbruch der Außenwände und die Herstellung der Schlitzwand erforderlich wird. Bei der Baugrube Alter Wall wurde die Schlitzwand wegen des in einer Rinne tief anstehenden Glimmertonhorizonts bis zu einer Tiefe von 50 m hergestellt und teilweise noch um weitere 20 m durch einen Dichtschleier nach unten ergänzt. Entlang dieser Baugrube verläuft direkt unter dem Fleet die S‐Bahn und auf der anderen Seite befinden sich das Rathaus und die Börse von Hamburg. Wegen der Gründung dieser Gebäude auf Holzpfählen wurde die zulässige Setzung auf 1,0 cm begrenzt und daher eine Verformungsberechnung mit FEM vorgeschrieben.
Elucidation of the Sodium – Copper Extrusion Mechanism in CuCrS2: A High Capacity, Long‐Life Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Krengel Markus , Hansen Anna‐Lena , Hartmann Felix , van Dinter Jonas , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

The compound CuCrS2 with a quasi‐layered crystal structure was investigated as room temperature rechargeable sodium‐ion battery electrode. It exhibits excellent performance as anode material with a high reversible capacity of 424 mAh g−1 at 700 mA g−1 after 200 cycles and a capacity retention of 98.6 % compared to the third cycle. Results of ex‐situ X‐Ray diffraction experiments performed at different stages of the discharge process demonstrate that at the beginning of Na uptake, Cu+ cations are reduced to nanosized metallic Cu particles which are expelled from the host lattice. Simultaneously, Na is inserted into the host material leading to the formation of Na0.7Cu0.15CrS2 with significantly expanded interlayer space. Metallic Cu and Na0.7Cu0.15CrS2 coexist at this stage of discharge. Increasing the amount of Na per formula unit leads to successive conversion to X‐ray amorphous Cr, nanocrystalline Na2S and metallic Cu. The formation of highly disordered metallic Cr with domain sizes in the range of few nanometres is revealed by atomic pair distribution function analysis. During the charge process, the nanocrystalline Cu particles are retained and Na0.7Cu0.15CrS2 is at least partially reformed. The finely distributed Cu particles dramatically improve the long‐time stability as evidenced by comparison of the electrochemical behaviour of mere NaCuCrS2.
Elemental Sulfur Nanoparticles Chemically Boost the Sodium Storage Performance of MoS2/rGO Anodes
Authors: Xu Zhanwei , Fu Hao , Yao Kai , Shen Xuetao , Li Zhi , Fu Licai , Huang Jianfeng , Li Jiayin
Published: August 2018

The critical role of sulfur nanoparticles in stabilizing MoS2 supported on reduced graphene oxide as anode material for sodium‐ion batteries is discovered. The MoS2 supported on reduced graphene oxide decorated with sulfur particles (∼50 nm) is in‐situ synthesized using an ammonium molybdate/graphene oxide preform and sublimed sulfur through a facile chemical vapor deposition process in a tube furnace with 2 temperature‐controlled zones. Although the sulfur particles show no positive effect when the material is tested as anode for Li‐ion batteries, they significantly improve the Na storage performance in terms of both, total specific capacity and cycle life. A stable high capacity of 580 mAh g−1 and an extremely low capacity fade of 94 μAh g−1 cycle−1 make the designed assembly one of the best‐performing MoS2‐based anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries so far. The post‐cycling analysis reveals that the elemental sulfur nanoparticles play two roles: during the intercalation of Na in‐between the layers of MoS2 (above 1.0 V), they function as blockers and inhibit the aggregation of MoS2; in the conversion reaction stage, the sulfur nanoparticles chemically participate in the Na storage process by forming Na2S5‐rich compounds, which eventually improve the reversibility of the conversion reaction and thereafter the cycling performance.
Developmental abnormalities of the otic capsule and inner ear following application of prolyl‐hydroxylase inhibitors in chick embryos
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Davies Thomas G. , Itasaki Nobue
Published: August 2018

Background

Naturally hypoxic conditions in amniote embryos play important roles in normal development. We previously showed that a hypoxic condition is required to produce a sufficient amount of neural crest cells (NCCs) during embryogenesis and that promoting a hypoxic response by prolyl‐hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors increases NCCs. Given that PHD inhibitors are considered as a potential treatment for anemia and ischemic diseases, we investigated the phenotypic effect of PHD inhibitors on embryonic development.

Methods

Chick embryos were administered with PHD inhibitors prior to the induction of NCCs on day 1.5. Three main events relating to hypoxia, NCCs induction, vasculogenesis and chondrogenesis, were examined.

Results

PHD inhibitors caused an increase of Sox10‐positive NCCs in vivo. Vasculogenesis was promoted temporarily, although rapid vasculogenesis diminished the effect by day 5 in cephalic and pharyngeal regions. Studies on chondrogenesis at day 7 showed advanced development of the otic capsule, a cartilaginous structure encapsulating the inner ear. Analysis by X‐ray micro‐computed‐tomography (μCT) revealed smaller otic capsule, suggesting premature differentiation. This in turn, deformed the developing semicircular canals within it. Other skeletal structures such as the palate and jaw were unaffected. The localized effect on the otic capsule was considered a result of the multiple effects from the hypoxic responses, increased NCCs and promoted chondrogenesis.

Conclusion

Given the wide range of clinical applications being considered for PHD inhibitors, this study provides crucial information to caution and guide use of PHD inhibitors when treating women of childbearing age.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of the Interaction of Human Papillomavirus Virus‐Like Particles with Yeast Whole Cell RNA Using Biolayer Interferometry
Authors: Wang Yiran , Carta Giorgio
Published: August 2018

RNA is a potential contaminant encountered in the production of recombinant yeast products such as proteins and virus‐like particles (VLPs) and can be a particular concern when RNA associates with the product of interest. In this study a method to monitor and quantify the interaction of RNA with yeast‐expressed human papillomavirus (HPV) VLPs using biolayer interferometry (BLI) is developed. Both biosensors with immobilized VLPs as well as biosensors with immobilized RNA are tested. Two types of recombinantly expressed HPV VLPs are used, Type 18 and Type 11. The data show that yeast whole cell RNA associates with Type 18 but not with Type 11 (maximum binding signal of 0.20 ± 0.02 nm on immobilized VLP probes for Type 18 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01 nm for Type 11). Additionally, the results show that a higher ionic strength weakens the affinity by both decreasing the association rate and increasing the dissociation rate, resulting in the dissociation constant increasing from 0.48 × 10−9 to 2.1 × 10−9 M, with phosphate ions having a greater effect on the reduction of association compared to chloride ions.
Wie der Mensch zum Zucker kam
Authors: Bickel Susanne
Published: August 2018

Das Disaccharid Saccharose wird im Pflanzenreich nur in Ausnahmefällen gespeichert, z.B. in der Zuckerrübe und im Zuckerrohr. Die beiden Weltwirtschaftspflanzen Zuckerrübe und Zuckerrohr liefern weltweit pro Jahr etwa 180 Mio. Tonnen Zucker. Immerhin 70 Prozent der weltweiten Zuckerproduktion stammt vom Zuckerrohr, das nur in tropischen und subtropischen Regionen wächst, und eine etwa 3000jährige Geschichte aufweist. Der eingedampfte, getrocknete und gemahlene Zuckerrohrsaft (Vollrohrzucker) enthält am meisten Mineralstoffe, hat aber auch einen starken Eigengeschmack und ist deshalb nicht universell anwendbar. In der nächsten BIUZ‐Ausgabe wird ein weiterer Artikel der Autorin über verschiedene Zucker und verwandte Süßungsmittel aus ernährungsphysiologischer Sicht informieren.
Prognostic implications of MRI-detected lateral nodal disease and extramural vascular invasion in rectal cancer
Authors: Schaap D P , Ogura A , Nederend J , Maas M , Cnossen J S , Creemers G J , van Lijnschoten I , Nieuwenhuijzen G A P , Rutten H J T , Kusters M
Published: August 2018

Background

Lateral nodal disease in rectal cancer remains a subject of debate and is treated differently in the East and the West. The predictive value of lateral lymph node and MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI) features on oncological outcomes was assessed in this study.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data on patients with cT3–4 rectal cancer within 8 cm from the anal verge were considered over a 5-year period (2009–2013). Lateral lymph node size, malignant features and mrEMVI features were evaluated and related to oncological outcomes.

Results

In total, 192 patients were studied, of whom 30 (15·6 per cent) underwent short-course radiotherapy and 145 (75·5 per cent) received chemoradiotherapy. A lateral lymph node short-axis size of 10 mm or more was associated with a significantly higher 5-year lateral/presacral local recurrence rate of 37 per cent, compared with 7·7 per cent in nodes smaller than 10 mm (P = 0·041). Enlarged nodes did not result in a higher 5-year rate of distant metastasis (23 per cent versus 27·7 per cent in nodes smaller than 10 mm; P = 0·563). However, mrEMVI positivity was related to more metastatic disease (5-year rate 43 versus 26·3 per cent in the mrEMVI-negative group; P = 0·014), but not with increased lateral/presacral recurrence. mrEMVI occurred in 46·6 per cent of patients with nodes smaller than 10 mm, compared with 29 per cent in patients with nodes of 10 mm or larger (P = 0·267).

Conclusion

Although lateral nodal disease is more a local problem, mrEMVI mainly predicts distant recurrence. The results of this study showed an unacceptably high local recurrence rate in patients with a short axis of 10 mm or more, despite neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy.