bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between hepatitis B virus X and high‐mobility group box 1 facilitates autophagy in hepatocytes
Authors: Fu Sha , Wang Juan , Hu Xingwang , Zhou Rong‐rong , Fu Yongming , Tang Daolin , Kang Rui , Huang Yan , Sun Lunquan , Li Ning , Fan Xue‐Gong
Published: January 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X (HBx) protein is a pivotal regulator of HBV‐triggered autophagy. However, the role of HBx‐induced epigenetic changes in autophagy remains largely unknown. The cytoplasmic (Cyt) high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been identified as a positive regulator of autophagy, and its Cyt translocation is closely associated with its acetylation status. Here, we evaluated the function of HMGB1 in HBx‐mediated autophagy and its association with histone deacetylase (HDAC). Using cell lines with enforced expression of HBx, we demonstrated that HBx upregulated the expression of HMGB1 and promoted its Cyt translocation by acetylation to facilitate autophagy. We further identified the underlying mechanism by which decreased nuclear HDAC activity and expression levels contribute to the HBx‐promoted hyperacetylation and subsequent translocation of HMGB1. We also identified the HDAC1 isoform as a critical factor in regulating this phenomenon. In addition, HBx bound to HMGB1 in the cytoplasm, which triggered autophagy in hepatocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of HMGB1 Cyt translocation with ethyl pyruvate prevented HBx‐induced autophagy. These results demonstrate a novel function of acetylated HMGB1 in HBx‐mediated autophagy in hepatocytes.
Space Weather Nowcasting for Area‐Denied Locations: Testing All‐Sky Imaging Applications at Geomagnetic Conjugate Points
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Hickey Dustin , Martinis Carlos , Wroten Joei , Baumgardner Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

We explore the concept of using an all‐sky imager (ASI) in one hemisphere to provide nowcasting of ionospheric perturbations in the opposite hemisphere. The specific example deals with low‐latitude plasma instabilities known as equatorial spread F (ESF) that largely depend on geomagnetic field controlled electrodynamics. ASI observations of 630.0 nm airglow from ~300 km exhibit regions of low emission (“airglow depletions”) that correlate highly with ESF patterns of radio wave disruptions, for example, from GPS satellites. For both oceanographic and geopolitical reasons, there are vast regions of the globe that cannot be used for ground‐based nowcasting of local ESF effects. For such area‐denied locations, it is possible to use observations of airglow depletions from the opposite hemisphere to specify both local and conjugate location environmental impacts. We use 15 months of ASI observations from the El Leoncito Observatory (Argentina) to predict simultaneous conditions at its trans‐equatorial geomagnetic conjugate point in Villa de Leyva (Colombia)—validated by independent ASI observations at that location. We find the success rate of conjugate point nowcasting to be greater than 95% for large‐scale ESF occurrence patterns. For a different pair of stations at higher magnetic latitudes, 3 years of observations from the Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico) were used to make ESF nowcasting at its conjugate point in Mercedes (Argentina) with a similar high success rate.
An Ensemble Kalman Filter for the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere
Authors: Codrescu S. M. , Codrescu M. V. , Fedrizzi M.
Published: January 2018

A principal limitation of physics‐based modeling in the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere system is the large uncertainty associated with the implementation of the external forcing of the system, including high‐latitude convection and particle precipitation, solar UV/EUV fluxes, and waves propagating from below. As measuring these quantities with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution is prohibitively costly, a more practical approach to improve model results is to assimilate more readily available measurements of the system. We discuss considerations in implementing an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) for a strongly forced system versus a chaotic system, overview an EnKF implementation for the strongly forced Coupled Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Plasmasphere, and Electrodynamics model, and present encouraging improvements to neutral density specification obtained by assimilating Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) neutral density measurements. The model results show improvement in comparisons with both CHAMP and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) measurements during a geomagnetically quiet period at solar minimum.
Gender differences in intimate‐conflict initiation and escalation tendencies
Authors: Winstok Zeev , Smadar‐Dror Ronit , Weinberg Michael
Published: January 2018

According to gender motivation theory, men are driven by a desire to enhance their status; whereas, women are motivated by a desire to reduce risk, and the behavioral expressions of those motivations are context‐dependent. In order to test this theory in the context of intimate relationships, this study compared men's and women's escalatory tendencies in the initial development of intimate conflict. These tendencies were conceptualized in terms of four attributes: two attributes that represent response intention (decision and style) and two others that represent motivations for that intention (putting one's partner in his or her place and avoiding conflict). These attributes were measured in the context of five hypothetical situations. Each of those scenarios involved potential escalation of intimate conflict, following an intimate partner's aggressive verbal demand. The study involved a convenience sample of 403 male and female participants. The findings show that, in the initial steps of intimate‐conflict development, women tend toward escalation more than men. The findings also show that the escalatory tendency, as conceptualized and measured using the examined scenarios, corresponds to actual behavior exhibited in the resolution of common issues in the couples' lives. These findings reinforce gender motivation theory.
Geriatric Assessment of Physical and Cognitive Functioning in a Diverse Cohort of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Plantinga Laura , Tift Benjamin D. , Dunlop‐Thomas Charmayne , Sam Lim S. , Barrett Bowling C. , Drenkard Cristina
Published: January 2018

Objective

To use multidomain functional assessment, which is commonly performed in geriatric patients but is novel in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to better understand functional impairment in patients with SLE.

Methods

We recruited 60 adult participants (aged 20–39 years [26.7%], 40–59 years [50.0%], and ≥60 years [23.3%]; 80.0% African American and 90.0% female) from an existing cohort of SLE patients. During in‐person visits (from October 2016 to April 2017), we evaluated physical performance (range 0–4, with higher scores indicating better performance), cognitive performance (5 fluid cognition domains; adjusted T scores), and self‐reported measures including physical functioning (T scores), activities of daily living (ADLs), falls, and life‐space mobility.

Results

In the SLE patients, the mean balance score (3.7) and gait speed score (3.4) were high, while the mean lower body strength score was low (1.8). Cognitive performance was average (score of 5.0) for episodic (47.7) and working (48.6) memory and low average for cognitive flexibility (43.7), processing speed (42.6), and attention/inhibitory control (38.8 [>1 SD below average]) when compared with healthy individuals of the same age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education level. Most participants reported the ability to independently perform basic ADLs, but many reported the inability to independently perform instrumental ADLs. Nearly half (45.0%) of participants reported falling in the prior year. Only 40.0% reported unlimited ability to travel without the help of another person. Scores generally did not differ substantially according to age.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a high prevalence of impairment across multiple domains of function in SLE patients of all ages, similar to or exceeding the prevalence observed in much older geriatric populations. Further research into the added value of geriatric assessment in routine care for SLE is warranted.
Benefits and Sustainability of a Learning Collaborative for Implementation of Treat‐to‐Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Cluster‐Randomized Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Lu Bing , Yu Zhi , Corrigan Cassandra , Harrold Leslie R. , Smolen Josef S. , Fraenkel Liana , Katz Jeffrey N. , Losina Elena
Published: January 2018

Objective

We conducted a 2‐phase randomized controlled trial of a learning collaborative to facilitate implementation of treat‐to‐target (T2T) to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found substantial improvement in implementation of T2T in phase I. Here, we report on a second 9 months (phase II), where we examined the maintenance of response in phase I and predictors of greater improvement in T2T adherence.

Methods

We recruited patients from 11 rheumatology sites and randomized them to either receive the learning collaborative during phase I or to a wait‐list control group that received the learning collaborative intervention during phase II. The outcome was change in T2T implementation score (0–100, where 100 = best) from pre‐ to postintervention. The T2T implementation score was defined as a percent of components documented in visit notes. Analyses examined the extent to which the phase‐I intervention teams sustained improvement in T2T, as well as predictors of T2T improvement.

Results

The analysis included 636 RA patients. At baseline, the mean T2T implementation score was 11% in phase I intervention sites and 13% in phase II sites. After the intervention, T2T implementation score improved to 57% in the phase I intervention sites and to 58% in the phase II sites. Intervention sites from phase I sustained the improvement during the phase II (52%). Predictors of greater T2T improvement included having only rheumatologist providers at the site, academic affiliation of the site, having fewer providers per site, and the rheumatologist provider being a trainee.

Conclusion

Improvement in T2T remained relatively stable over a postintervention period.
Fully Printed Flexible Smart Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Zhou Yang , Layani Michael , Wang Shancheng , Hu Peng , Ke Yujie , Magdassi Shlomo , Long Yi
Published: January 2018

A printable hybrid hydrogel is fabricated by embedding poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) microparticles within a water‐rich silica‐alumina(Si/Al)‐based gel matrix. The hybrid gel holds water content of up to 70 wt%, due to its unique Si/Al matrix. The hybrid hydrogel can respond to both heat and electrical stimuli, and can be directly printed layer‐by‐layer using a commercial 3‐dimensional printer, without requiring any curing. The hybrid ink is printed onto a transparent, flexible conductive electrode composed of silver nanoparticles and sustains bending angles of up to 180°, which enables patterning of various flexible devices such as smart windows and a 3D optical waveguide valve.
Ultrathin Lutetium Oxide Film as an Epitaxial Hole‐Blocking Layer for Crystalline Bismuth Vanadate Water Splitting Photoanodes
Authors: Zhang Wenrui , Yan Danhua , Tong Xiao , Liu Mingzhao
Published: January 2018

Here a novel ultrathin lutetium oxide (Lu2O3) interlayer is integrated with crystalline bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) thin film photoanodes to facilitate carrier transport through atomic‐scale interface control. The epitaxial Lu2O3 interlayer fabricated by pulsed laser deposition features very few structural defects at the back contact of the heterojunction, and forms a unique band alignment that favors photohole blocking. An optimized interlayer thickness of 1.4 nm significantly enhances charge separation efficiency and photocurrent. Combined with photoelectrochemical characterization, solid‐state electronic, and localized conductive atomic force microscopy measurements, it is revealed that the Lu2O3 interlayer modulates the electronic conduction pathways along structural grain boundaries and determines the overall device performance. This study sheds light on the nature of interface‐engineered carrier transport for efficient photoelectrode heterostructure design.
Dual Functions of Potassium Antimony(III)‐Tartrate in Tuning Antimony/Carbon Composites for Long‐Life Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Tianjing , Zhang Chenyang , Hou Hongshuai , Ge Peng , Zou Guoqiang , Xu Wei , Li Simin , Huang Zhaodong , Guo Tianxiao , Jing Mingjun , Ji Xiaobo
Published: January 2018

Antimony holds a high‐specific capacity as a promising anode material for Na‐ion batteries (SIBs) and much research is focused on solving the poor cycling stability issue associated with its large volume expansion during alloying/dealloying processes. Here, self‐thermal‐reduction method is successfully applied to prepare antimony/carbon rods (Sb/C rods) utilizing potassium antimony(III)‐tartrate (C8H10O15Sb2K2) as a dual source of carbon matrix and metallic antimony. According to theory calculations and experiment results, the formation process is explicitly explored as follows: C8H10O15Sb2K2 → Sb2O3/C → Sb2O3/Sb/C → Sb/C rods. Notably, organic ligands in C8H10O15Sb2K2 can be gradually turned into amorphous carbon with simultaneous reduction of Sb3+ to metal Sb. Moreover, potassium chloride acts as an activator and a template during the course of carbonization, and synchronous reduction is introduced. Consequently, an antimony/carbon electrode material denoted as SbOC/C is formed, exhibiting a unique dual‐carbon‐modified structure and extensive SbOC bridge bonds that give rise to outstanding cycling performance and rate capacity. Specifically, the capacity is maintained at 404 mA h g−1 with 89% retention after 700 cycles at 500 mA g−1. The low‐cost, self‐thermal‐reduction method and excellent electrode performances of electrode material make it attractive for large‐scale energy storage systems.
Multifunctional Poly‐N‐Isopropylacrylamide/DNAzyme Microgels as Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts for Biosensing
Authors: Li Fengyun , Wang Chunyan , Guo Weiwei
Published: January 2018

The development of highly efficient, recyclable, and multifunctional biocatalysts is of great importance for various applications, especially in biosensing. In this study, highly catalytic and recyclable DNAzyme functionalized poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) microgels are prepared via one‐step precipitation polymerization. The pNIPAM/DNAzyme microgels exhibit highly catalytic activities in aqueous solution at room temperature, and become hydrophobic and separable from the reaction mixture at temperature higher than the lower critical solution temperature of pNIPAM, which facilitate the recyclable utilization of these catalysts. Different kinds of DNAzyme functionalized catalytic microgels can be facilely prepared via the one‐step synthesis procedure. Two typical catalytic DNA structures, the Mg2+‐dependent DNAzyme and the hemin‐G‐quadruplex horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐mimicking DNAzyme, are chosen as model systems to validate the feasibility. These pNIPAM/DNAzyme microgel catalysts maintain 80% to 91% initial catalytic activity after eight times of catalysis recycling. Furthermore, the pNIPAM microgels by themselves provide additional interfaces to capturing an enzyme, glucose oxidase, which can cascade with the linked HRP mimicking DNAzymes, to form recyclable bi‐enzyme cascading system for the sensing of glucose.
Oriented Growth of ZIF‐67 to Derive 2D Porous CoPO Nanosheets for Electrochemical‐/Photovoltage‐Driven Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Anandhababu Ganesan , Huang Yiyin , Babu Dickson D. , Wu Maoxiang , Wang Yaobing
Published: January 2018

Hydrogen generation from water splitting driven by electric/solar energy is highly desirable, which requires efficient and robust bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. 2D porous hybrids with attractive chemical and structural properties are the first‐class candidates for water splitting, while control over efficient and modulable synthesis remains a huge challenge. This work demonstrates a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) nanoplate self‐template approach to fabricate 2D porous oxygen‐incorporated cobalt phosphide (CoPO) ultrathin nanosheets. The synthesis starts with the oriented growth of ZIF‐67 nanoplates along [211] crystal plane, followed by oxidation/phosphorization processes for pore generation and O/P coincorporation in the hybrid. The resultant 2D porous CoPO nanosheets afford very small voltages of 1.52 and 1.98 V for overall water splitting at 10 and 200 mA cm−2, respectively. This excellent bifunctionality further provides the basis for photovoltage‐driven water splitting at a Faradaic efficiency of 97.6%. These findings offer a general strategy for rational design and modulation of 2D porous catalysts for various electrocatalytic and other applications.
High‐Performance Near‐Infrared Photodetector Based on Ultrathin Bi2O2Se Nanosheets
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Zhenxing , Wen Yao , Chu Junwei , Yin Lei , Cheng Ruiqing , Lei Le , He Peng , Jiang Chao , Feng Liping , He Jun
Published: January 2018

As an emerging 2D layered material, Bi2O2Se has shown great potential for applications in thermoelectric and electronics, due to its high carrier mobility, near‐ideal subthreshold swing, and high air‐stability. Although Bi2O2Se has a suitable band gap for infrared (IR) applications, its photoresponse properties have not been investigated. Here, high‐quality ultrathin Bi2O2Se sheets are synthesized via a low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition method. The thickness of 90% Bi2O2Se sheets is below 10 nm and lateral sizes mainly distribute in the range of 7–11 µm. In addition, it is found that triangular sheets largely lack “O” content, even only 0.2 for Bi2O0.2Se. The near‐IR photodetection performance of Bi2O2Se nanosheets is systematically studied by variable temperature measurements. The response time, responsivity, and detectivity can approach up to 2.8 ms, 6.5 A W−1, and 8.3 × 1011 Jones, respectively. Additionally, the critical performance parameters, including responsivity, rising time, and decay time, remain at almost the same level when the temperature is changed from 80 to 300 K. These phenomena are likely due to the fact that as‐grown ultrathin Bi2O2Se sheets have no surface trap states and shallow defect energy levels. The findings indicate ultrathin Bi2O2Se sheets have great potentials for future applications in ultrafast, flexible near‐IR optoelectronic devices.
Cytokine Secreting Microparticles Engineer the Fate and the Effector Functions of T‐Cells
Authors: Majedi Fatemeh S. , Hasani‐Sadrabadi Mohammad Mahdi , Kidani Yoko , Thauland Timothy J. , Moshaverinia Alireza , Butte Manish J. , Bensinger Steven J. , Bouchard Louis‐S.
Published: January 2018

T‐cell immunotherapy is a promising approach for cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases. However, significant challenges hamper its therapeutic potential, including insufficient activation, delivery, and clonal expansion of T‐cells into the tumor environment. To facilitate T‐cell activation and differentiation in vitro, core–shell microparticles are developed for sustained delivery of cytokines. These particles are enriched by heparin to enable a steady release of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), the major T‐cell growth factor, over 10+ d. The controlled delivery of cytokines is used to steer lineage specification of cultured T‐cells. This approach enables differentiation of T‐cells into central memory and effector memory subsets. It is shown that the sustained release of stromal cell‐derived factor 1α could accelerate T‐cell migration. It is demonstrated that CD4+ T‐cells could be induced to high concentrations of regulatory T‐cells through controlled release of IL‐2 and transforming growth factor beta. It is found that CD8+ T‐cells that received IL‐2 from microparticles are more likely to gain effector functions as compared with traditional administration of IL‐2. Culture of T‐cells within 3D scaffolds that contain IL‐2‐secreting microparticles enhances proliferation as compared with traditional, 2D approaches. This yield a new method to control the fate of T‐cells and ultimately to new strategies for immune therapy.
Ballistic Jumping Drops on Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Electrostatic Manipulation
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Lei , Yu Cunlong , Dai Haoyu , Wang Ting , Dong Zhichao , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2018

The ballistic ejection of liquid drops by electrostatic manipulating has both fundamental and practical implications, from raindrops in thunderclouds to self‐cleaning, anti‐icing, condensation, and heat transfer enhancements. In this paper, the ballistic jumping behavior of liquid drops from a superhydrophobic surface is investigated. Powered by the repulsion of the same kind of charges, water drops can jump from the surface. The electrostatic acting time for the jumping of a microliter supercooled drop only takes several milliseconds, even shorter than the time for icing. In addition, one can control the ballistic jumping direction precisely by the relative position above the electrostatic field. The approach offers a facile method that can be used to manipulate the ballistic drop jumping via an electrostatic field, opening the possibility of energy efficient drop detaching techniques in various applications.
Imaging through Nonlinear Metalens Using Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Schlickriede Christian , Waterman Naomi , Reineke Bernhard , Georgi Philip , Li Guixin , Zhang Shuang , Zentgraf Thomas
Published: January 2018

The abrupt phase change of light at metasurfaces provides high flexibility in wave manipulation without the need for accumulation of propagating phase through dispersive materials. In the linear optical regime, one important application field of metasurfaces is imaging by planar metalenses, which enables device miniaturization and aberration correction compared to conventional optical microlens systems. With the incorporation of nonlinear responses into passive metasurfaces, optical functionalities of metalenses are anticipated to be further enriched, leading to completely new application areas. Here, imaging with nonlinear metalenses that combine the function of an ultrathin planar lens with simultaneous frequency conversion is demonstrated. With such nonlinear metalenses, imaging of objects with near infrared light while the image appears in the second harmonic signal of visible frequency range is experimentally demonstrated. Furthermore, the functionality of these nonlinear metalenses can be modified by switching the handedness of the circularly polarized fundamental wave, leading to either real or virtual nonlinear image formation. Nonlinear metalenses not only enable infrared light imaging through a visible detector but also have the ability to modulate nonlinear optical responses through an ultrathin metasurface device while the fundamental wave remains unaffected, which offers the capability of nonlinear information processing with novel optoelectronic devices.
Thioether–Polyglycidol as Multivalent and Multifunctional Coating System for Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Feineis Susanne , Lutz Johanna , Heffele Lora , Endl Elmar , Albrecht Krystyna , Groll Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Thiofunctional polymers are the established standard for the coating and biofunctionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). However, the nucleophilic and oxidative character of thiols provokes polymeric crosslinking and significantly limits the chemical possibilities to introduce biological functions. Thioethers represent a chemically more stable potential alternative to thiols that would offer easier functionalization, yet a few studies in the literature report inconclusive data regarding the efficacy of thioethers to stabilize AuNPs in comparison to thiols. A systematic comparison is presented of mono‐ versus multivalent thiol‐ and thioether‐functional polymers, poly(ethylene glycol) versus side chain functional poly(glycidol) (PG) and it is shown that coating of AuNPs with multivalent thioether‐functional PG leads to superior colloidal stability, even under physiological conditions and after freeze‐drying and resuspension, as compared to thiol analogs at comparable polymer surface coverages. In addition, it is shown that a wide range of functional groups can be introduced in these polymers. Using diazirine functionalization as example, it is demonstrated that proteins can be covalently immobilized, and that conjugation of antibodies via this strategy enables efficient targeting and laser‐irradiation induced killing of cells.
Self‐Organized Superlattice and Phase Coexistence inside Thin Film Organometal Halide Perovskite
Authors: Kim Tae Woong , Uchida Satoshi , Matsushita Tomonori , Cojocaru Ludmila , Jono Ryota , Kimura Kohei , Matsubara Daiki , Shirai Manabu , Ito Katsuji , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Kondo Takashi , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Organometal halide perovskites have attracted widespread attention as the most favorable prospective material for photovoltaic technology because of their high photoinduced charge separation and carrier transport performance. However, the microstructural aspects within the organometal halide perovskite are still unknown, even though it belongs to a crystal system. Here direct observation of the microstructure of the thin film organometal halide perovskite using transmission electron microscopy is reported. Unlike previous reports claiming each phase of the organometal halide perovskite solely exists at a given temperature range, it is identified that the tetragonal and cubic phases coexist at room temperature, and it is confirmed that superlattices composed of a mixture of tetragonal and cubic phases are self‐organized without a compositional change. The organometal halide perovskite self‐adjusts the configuration of phases and automatically organizes a buffer layer at boundaries by introducing a superlattice. This report shows the fundamental crystallographic information for the organometal halide perovskite and demonstrates new possibilities as promising materials for various applications.
Covalent Bonding of Thermoplastics to Rubbers for Printable, Reel‐to‐Reel Processing in Soft Robotics and Microfluidics
Authors: Taylor Jay M. , Perez‐Toralla Karla , Aispuro Ruby , Morin Stephen A.
Published: January 2018

The lamination of mechanically stiff structures to elastic materials is prevalent in biological systems and popular in many emerging synthetic systems, such as soft robotics, microfluidics, stretchable electronics, and pop‐up assemblies. The disparate mechanical and chemical properties of these materials have made it challenging to develop universal synthetic procedures capable of reliably adhering to these classes of materials together. Herein, a simple and scalable procedure is described that is capable of covalently laminating a variety of commodity (“off‐the‐shelf”) thermoplastic sheets to silicone rubber films. When combined with laser printing, the nonbonding sites can be “printed” onto the thermoplastic sheets, enabling the direct fabrication of microfluidic systems for actuation and liquid handling applications. The versatility of this approach in generating thin, multifunctional laminates is demonstrated through the fabrication of milliscale soft actuators and grippers with hinged articulation and microfluidic channels with built‐in optical filtering and pressure‐dependent geometries. This method of fabrication offers several advantages, including technical simplicity, process scalability, design versatility, and material diversity. The concepts and strategies presented herein are broadly applicable to the soft robotics, microfluidics, and advanced and additive manufacturing communities where hybrid rubber/plastic structures are prevalent.
Toward an Aqueous Solar Battery: Direct Electrochemical Storage of Solar Energy in Carbon Nitrides
Authors: Podjaski Filip , Kröger Julia , Lotsch Bettina. V.
Published: January 2018

Graphitic carbon nitrides have emerged as an earth‐abundant family of polymeric materials for solar energy conversion. Herein, a 2D cyanamide‐functionalized polyheptazine imide (NCN‐PHI) is reported, which for the first time enables the synergistic coupling of two key functions of energy conversion within one single material: light harvesting and electrical energy storage. Photo‐electrochemical measurements in aqueous electrolytes reveal the underlying mechanism of this “solar battery” material: the charge storage in NCN‐PHI is based on the photoreduction of the carbon nitride backbone and charge compensation is realized by adsorption of alkali metal ions within the NCN‐PHI layers and at the solution interface. The photoreduced carbon nitride can thus be described as a battery anode operating as a pseudocapacitor, which can store light‐induced charge in the form of long‐lived, “trapped” electrons for hours. Importantly, the potential window of this process is not limited by the water reduction reaction due to the high intrinsic overpotential of carbon nitrides for hydrogen evolution, potentially enabling new applications for aqueous batteries. Thus, the feasibility of light‐induced electrical energy storage and release on demand by a one‐component light‐charged battery anode is demonstrated, which provides a sustainable solution to overcome the intermittency of solar radiation.
Graphene‐Based Heterostructured Arrays with Tunable Bandgap: A General and Forsaken Strategy
Authors: Huang Fei , Li Zhen , Yan Aihua , Zhao Hui , Feng Hao , Hu Miao , Li Qi
Published: January 2018

The pristine graphene is being subjected to zero bandgap and low charge carrier density in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic fields. Designing a versatile platform, constructing perfect interface, and understanding the interface physics in graphene‐based hybrids or heterostructures have therefore been one of the most effective paths for applications in foreseeable future. Unfortunately, inhomogeneous chemical composition and weak interface exert unfavorable effects on such systems because graphene tends to irreversibly restack and subside in solutions. Here, a general method for the preparation of Nb3O7F array/graphene (NOFA/G) heterostructures is demonstrated utilizing defect‐chemical technique, homogeneous nucleation, and preferential growth. As a distinguishing method, the solution process is an important scalable approach through oxyfluorinated functionalization on the basal plane of graphene. In particular, constructing NOF arrays on graphene platform markedly enhances light‐harvesting capacity. Moreover, the adsorption edge and bandgap can be effectively tuned according to the degree of oxyfluorinated functionalization. This general strategy extends the preparation of oxyfluoride array/carbon heterostructures and may open a door to other carbon‐based heterostructure, such as oxychloride array/carbon heterostructures, oxysulfide array/carbon heterostructures, etc.
Description and prognostic significance of the kinetics of minimal residual disease status in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with HyperCVAD
Authors: Cassaday Ryan D. , Stevenson Philip A. , Wood Brent L. , Becker Pamela S. , Hendrie Paul C. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Radich Jerald L. , Shustov Andrei R.
Published: January 2018

HyperCVAD is a commonly‐used regimen for adults with newly‐diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, relatively little is known about the application of minimal residual disease (MRD) detection with this treatment. To address this, we studied 142 adults with ALL treated with hyperCVAD over a 10‐year period who had MRD assessed by either multi‐parameter flow cytometry or (for patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the BCR‐ABL1 translocation. In a multivariate analysis, patients who achieved MRD negativity (MRDNeg) at any point had significantly better overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR] 0.43; P = .01) and event‐free survival (EFS; HR 0.27; P < .01). Of 121 patients with MRD assessed at various points within 90 days of starting hyperCVAD, 50% (n = 61) had achieved MRDNeg. Among those that became MRDNeg, the median time to MRDNeg was 68 days. Time to MRDNeg was significantly associated with EFS (P = .009), but not OS (P = .19), implying increasingly better EFS the earlier MRDNeg is achieved. These data add to our understanding of MRD assessment during treatment with hyperCVAD, aide clinicians with predicting relapse risk, and provide additional historical data on which future clinical trials can be designed.
D–π–A Dyes that Contain New Hydantoin Anchoring Groups for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Masui Hisashi , Maitani Masato M. , Fuse Shinichiro , Yamamura Ayaka , Ogomi Yuhei , Hayase Shuzi , Kaiho Tatsuo , Tanaka Hiroshi , Wada Yuji , Takahashi Takashi
Published: January 2018

The development of new anchoring groups is important to facilitate effective co‐sensitization in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, stable organic D–π–A dyes that contain new heterocyclic hydantoin‐based anchoring groups have been designed, synthesized, and used in DSSCs. These dye sensitizers were evaluated in terms of their absorption spectra, electrochemical properties, and performance in DSSC devices. Although only one‐third of the amount of hydantoin‐containing dyes adsorbed onto TiO2 relative to their cyanoacrylic‐acid‐containing analogues, they exhibited effective photoexcited electron‐transfer properties. External quantum efficiencies of over 80 % was observed, which were comparable to those of the cyanoacrylic‐acid‐containing dyes. In addition, the new hydantoin‐containing dyes exhibited significant robustness, which could allow improved stability of their corresponding photovoltaic devices under harsh conditions, such as high temperature and humidity.
Ein auf Sulfoxid basierendes, isobares Derivatisierungsreagens für die präzise quantitative Massenspektrometrie
Authors: Stadlmeier Michael , Bogena Jana , Wallner Miriam , Wühr Martin , Carell Thomas
Published: January 2018

Die moderne Proteomik erfordert Reagentien für eine akkurate Quantifizierung von Peptiden in komplexen Proben. Peptide werden üblicherweise mit isobaren Markierungen versehen, die aus einem Massenausgleicher und einem Reporter bestehen, die in der Gasphase gespalten werden. Eine geschickte Verteilung der stabilen Isotope liefert mehrere Reagentien mit identischem Molekulargewicht, jedoch mit einer abweichenden Masse der Reportergruppen, was die relative Quantifizierung mehrerer Proben in einer einzigen Messung ermöglicht. Hier wird ein neues isobares Derivatisierungsreagens vorgestellt, in dem der Massenausgleicher und der Reporter über eine Sulfoxidgruppe verbunden sind, was auf Basis einer Sulfoxidpyrolyse zu einer einfachen und asymmetrischen Spaltung bei niedriger Energie führt. Das neue Reagensdesign zeigt eine signifikante Verbesserung der Spaltung, was zu intensiveren Signalen der komplementären Ionen führt und somit auch die Analyse der Komplementärionen‐Cluster ermöglicht.
Electrochemical C−H/N−H Activation by Water‐Tolerant Cobalt Catalysis at Room Temperature
Authors: Tian Cong , Massignan Leonardo , Meyer Tjark H. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: January 2018

Electrochemistry enabled C−H/N−H functionalizations at room temperature by external oxidant‐free cobalt catalysis. Thus, the sustainable cobalt electrocatalysis manifold proceeds with excellent levels of chemoselectivity and positional selectivity, and with ample scope, thus allowing electrochemical C−H activation under exceedingly mild reaction conditions at room temperature in water.
A Sulfoxide‐Based Isobaric Labelling Reagent for Accurate Quantitative Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Stadlmeier Michael , Bogena Jana , Wallner Miriam , Wühr Martin , Carell Thomas
Published: January 2018

Modern proteomics requires reagents for exact quantification of peptides in complex mixtures. Peptide labelling is most typically achieved with isobaric tags that consist of a balancer and a reporter part that separate in the gas phase. An ingenious distribution of stable isotopes provides multiple reagents with identical molecular weight but a different mass of the reporter groups, allowing relative quantification of multiple samples in one measurement. Here we report a new isobaric labelling reagent, where the balancer and the reporter are linked by a sulfoxide group, which, based on the sulfoxide pyrolysis, leads to easy and asymmetric cleavage at low fragmentation energy. The fragmentation of our new design is significantly improved, yielding more intense complementary ion signals, allowing complementary ion cluster analysis as well.
Cobalt‐Bridged Ionic Liquid Polymer on a Carbon Nanotube for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity
Authors: Ding Yuxiao , Klyushin Alexander , Huang Xing , Jones Travis , Teschner Detre , Girgsdies Frank , Rodenas Tania , Schlögl Robert , Heumann Saskia
Published: January 2018

By taking inspiration from the catalytic properties of single‐site catalysts and the enhancement of performance through ionic liquids on metal catalysts, we exploited a scalable way to place single cobalt ions on a carbon‐nanotube surface bridged by polymerized ionic liquid. Single dispersed cobalt ions coordinated by ionic liquid are used as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Performance data reveals high activity and stable operation without chemical instability.
Studies on crosslinking and thermal behavior of phthalonitrile end‐capped imide monomer in presence of aromatic amines
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Choudhary Veena
Published: January 2018

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a bisphthalonitrile monomer having an imide linkage prepared by reacting 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride with 4‐(4‐aminophenoxy) phthalonitrile. The structure of the monomer was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The curing behavior of bisphthalonitrile monomer was investigated in the absence or presence of different diamines using differential scanning calorimetry. Diamines 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (DDE) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) were used to investigate the effect of the structure of diamines on the curing behavior of bisphthalonitrile monomer. An exothermic transition due to curing was observed in the DSC scan, and the curing temperature was found to be dependent on the nucleophilicity of the amine. DDE was found to be more reactive than DDS. The thermal stability of the cured resins was evaluated using thermogravimetry in nitrogen atmosphere. All of the cured samples were stable up to 400 °C and leave behind 62% char residue at 800 °C, which was found to be dependent on the structure of the diamine used for curing as well as on the curing conditions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46151.
Mechanical and thermal properties of coal gasification fine slag reinforced low density polyethylene composites
Authors: Ai Weidong , Xue Bing , Wei Cundi , Dou Kuizhou , Miao Shiding
Published: January 2018

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) was processed via a grading technique. The CGFS products (CGFS‐S1, CGFS‐S2, CGFS‐S3) with different sizes were obtained. Effects of particle size and unburned carbon on tensile properties of filled low density polyethylene (LDPE) were studied within the CGFS weight fractions ranging from 10 to 50 wt %. The tensile strength was found to increase with decreasing CGFS size, and the tensile properties exhibited good performance, owing to unburned carbon. The tensile strength of the composites increased with increasing CGFS‐S3 weight fraction. The analysis of mathematical model and SEM revealed that the firm improvement of tensile strength resulted from the strong interactions between LDPE polymer chains and CGFS‐S3 particles, and good dispersion of CGFS‐S3 in resin. Thermogravimetric analysis proved obvious reinforcement in thermal‐oxidative stability by incorporation of CGFS‐S3. The degree of crystallinity of LDPE/CGFS‐S3 showed the first increased and then decreased variation tendency. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46203.
Linking pipefishes and seahorses to seagrass meadows in the Venice lagoon: Implications for conservation
Authors: Scapin Luca , Cavraro Francesco , Malavasi Stefano , Riccato Federico , Zucchetta Matteo , Franzoi Piero
Published: January 2018

Seagrass meadow degradation and loss is one of the major threats to fish biodiversity in coastal marine and lagoon ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Pipefishes and seahorses (family Syngnathidae) are particularly affected by loss of seagrass meadows and other structured habitats, on which they rely for survival and reproduction. Despite their charismatic appearance and peculiar behaviour, their habitat ecology is still poorly understood in Mediterranean coastal waters.

This study focuses on syngnathid assemblage composition and diversity in the shallow waters of the Venice lagoon (Italy), aiming at highlighting habitat preferences and providing insights into the conservation of biodiversity in these ecosystems. Generalized Additive Models were used in order to disentangle the potential effect of habitat typologies and different architectures of seagrass meadows from that of other environmental parameters.

Most abundant taxa and whole syngnathid assemblage indicators were positively associated with seagrass meadows. Only few species, however, were seagrass specialists in shallow waters, and preferred meadows with taller canopies.

Despite that, other structured habitats including short‐leaved seagrass meadows and macroalgal beds were important for some species and overall assemblage diversity.

Managers in Mediterranean coastal lagoons should thus limit human pressures that lead to the depletion of seagrass meadows, with particular attention to long‐ and broad‐leaved species in less confined areas. Nevertheless, syngnathid assemblages would benefit from the preservation and restoration of the overall habitat diversity characterizing shallow waters in coastal lagoon.

Future studies should aim at investigating the potential role of habitats at greater depths in supporting syngnathids.
Development of the Lunate‐Shaped Caudal Fin in White Shark Embryos
Authors: Tomita Taketeru , Toda Minoru , Miyamoto Kei , Oka Shin‐Ichiro , Ueda Keiichi , Sato Keiichi
Published: January 2018

The lunate‐shaped caudal fin in lamnid sharks is a morphological specialization for their thunniform mode of locomotion, but its developmental process during gestation has been poorly investigated. Observations of 21 embryonic specimens of the white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) revealed that their caudal fin morphology drastically changes from strongly heterocercal to lunate‐shaped through ontogeny. This morphological change involves (1) rapid elongation of the ventral lobe, (2) increased upward curvature of the vertebra within the caudal fin, and (3) formation of keels at both lateral sides of the caudal fin base. These morphological changes are probably shared among the members of the family Lamnidae and are in contrast with the developmental process of the heterocercal tail in the lamniform Carcharias taurus, in which the caudal fin morphology is almost unchanged through the late gestation period. Anat Rec, 301:1068–1073, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Study on the Lamina Propria Cells Beneath Paneth Cells in the Rat Ileum
Authors: Mantani Youhei , Nishida Miho , Yamamoto Kyouji , Miyamoto Kazuki , Yuasa Hideto , Masuda Natsumi , Omotehara Takuya , Tsuruta Hiroki , Yokoyama Toshifumi , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

Paneth cells secrete bactericidal substances in response to bacterial proliferation on the mucosal surface without directly contacting bacteria. However, the induction mechanism of this transient secretion has not been clarified, although nervous system and/or immunocompetent cells in the lamina propria (LP) might be involved. In this study, we ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically investigated which LP cells are localized beneath Paneth cells and examined the relationship between the Paneth cell‐derived cellular processes which extended into the LP and the LP cells. The results showed that various cells—including blood capillary, subepithelial stromal cell, and nerve fiber—were present in the LP beneath Paneth cells. Endothelial cells of blood capillary were the cells most frequently found in this location; they were situated within 1 μm of the Paneth cells and possessed fenestration on the surfaces adjacent to Paneth cells. The Paneth cells rarely extended the cellular processes toward the LP across the basal lamina. Most of the cellular processes of Paneth cells contacted the subepithelial stromal cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the CD34+CD31−αSMA− stromal cells preferentially localized in the LP beneath the intestinal crypt base, while PDGFRαhiαSMA+ stromal cells mainly localized around the lateral portions of the intestinal crypt and PDGFRαhiαSMA− stromal cells localized in the intestinal villus. From these findings, the existence of blood capillaries beneath Paneth cells might reflect the active exocrine function of Paneth cells. Furthermore, subepithelial stromal cells, probably with a CD34+CD31−αSMA− PDGFRα−/lo phenotype, beneath the crypt base might affect Paneth cell activity by interacting with their cellular processes. Anat Rec, 301:1074–1085, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation of Fluorinated Amido Esters through Unexpected C3−C4 Bond Fission in 4‐Trifluoromethyl‐3‐oxo‐β‐lactams
Authors: Dao Thi Hang , Goossens Hannelore , Hertsen Dietmar , Otte Valerie , Van Nguyen Tuyen , Van Speybroeck Veronique , D'hooghe Matthias
Published: January 2018

4‐Trifluoromethyl‐3‐oxo‐β‐lactams were unexpectedly transformed into 2‐[(2,2‐difluorovinyl)amino]‐2‐oxoacetates as major products, accompanied by minor amounts of 2‐oxo‐2‐[(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl)amino]acetates, upon treatment with alkyl halides and triethylamine in DMSO. This peculiar C3−C4 bond fission reactivity was investigated in‐depth, from both an experimental and a computational point of view, in order to shed light on the underlying reaction mechanism.
Carbon Dots: Bottom‐Up Syntheses, Properties, and Light‐Harvesting Applications
Authors: Choi Yuri , Choi Yeongkyu , Kwon Oh‐Hoon , Kim Byeong‐Su
Published: January 2018

The development of cost‐effective and environmentally friendly photocatalysts and photosensitizers has received tremendous attention because of their potential utilization in solar‐light‐harvesting applications. In this respect, carbon dots (CDs) prepared by bottom‐up methods have been considered to be promising light‐harvesting materials. Through their preparation from various molecular precursors and synthetic methods, CDs exhibit excellent optical and charge‐transfer properties. Furthermore, their photophysical properties can be readily optimized and enhanced by means of doping, functionalization, and post‐synthetic treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in CDs synthesized using bottom‐up approaches. These CDs exhibit strong light absorption and unique electron donor/acceptor capabilities for light‐harvesting applications. We anticipate that this review will provide new insights into novel types of photosensitizers and photocatalysts for a wide range of applications.