bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superlubricity of Graphite Sliding against Graphene Nanoflake under Ultrahigh Contact Pressure
Authors: Li Jinjin , Li Jianfeng , Luo Jianbin
Published: August 2018

Superlubricity of graphite sliding against graphene can be easily attained at the nanoscale when it forms the incommensurate contact under a low contact pressure. However, the achievement of superlubricity under an ultrahigh contact pressure (>1 GPa), which has more applications in the lubrication of micromachine and nanomachine, remains unclear. Here, this problem is addressed and the robust superlubricity of graphite is obtained under ultrahigh contact pressures of up to 2.52 GPa, by the formation of transferred graphene nanoflakes on a silicon tip. The friction coefficient becomes as low as 0.0003, a state that is attributed to the extremely low shear strength of the graphene/graphite interface in the incommensurate contact. When the pressure exceeds some threshold, the superlubricity state collapses suddenly with the friction coefficient increasing ≈10 times. The failure of superlubricity originates from the delamination of the topmost graphene layers on graphite under ultrahigh contact pressures, which requires the tip to provide additional exfoliation energies during the sliding process. The results demonstrate that the superlubricity of graphite sliding against graphene can exist stably under ultrahigh contact pressure, which would appear to accelerate its application in nanoscale lubrication.
Recent updates in perioperative chemotherapy and recurrence pattern of gastric cancer
Authors: Kanaji Shingo , Suzuki Satoshi , Matsuda Yoshiko , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Yamashita Kimihiro , Oshikiri Taro , Matsuda Takeru , Nakamura Tetsu , Sumi Yasuo , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: August 2018

Gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection has become the global standard procedure for locally advanced gastric cancer to maximally reduce locoregional recurrence. In East Asia, based on the evidence of the ACTS‐GC and the CLASSIC trials, postadjuvant chemotherapy with S‐1 monotherapy or capecitabine and oxaliplatin after curative D2 gastrectomy is the current standard strategy. However, approximately 20% to 30% of patients still develop distant recurrence even after these postadjuvant chemotherapies, especially in those with pathological stage III disease. This review summarizes recent (2008‐2018) evidence on the benefits of adjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer. JACRO GC‐07, a Phase III trial, recently showed a superior 3‐year recurrence‐free survival of the S‐1 plus docetaxel regimen in comparison to S‐1 monotherapy for patients with pathological stage III gastric cancer after curative D2 gastrectomy. With regard to recent new evidence on neoadjuvant strategy, JCOG0501, a Phase III trial, did not show any superiority in 3‐year overall survival (OS) of additional neoadjuvant chemotherapy with S‐1/cisplatin over postadjuvant S‐1 monotherapy in scirrhous type gastric cancer. Further clinical trials of neoadjuvant chemotherapy are ongoing to improve the poor prognosis for gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastases. These trials could lead to new evidence for improved treatment of gastric cancer in the near future.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms in the young: Mayo Clinic experience with 361 patients age 40 years or younger
Authors: Szuber Natasha , Vallapureddy Rangit R. , Penna Domenico , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pardanani Animesh , Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: August 2018

Between 1967 and 2017, 361 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), age ≤ 40 years, were seen at our institution, constituting 12% of all MPN patients (n = 3023) seen during the same time period; disease‐specific incidences were 12% in polycythemia vera (PV; n = 79), 20% in essential thrombocythemia (ET; n = 219) and 5% in primary myelofibrosis (PMF; n = 63). Compared to their older counterparts, younger patients were more likely to present with low risk disease (P < .001) and display female preponderance in ET (P = .04), lower incidence of arterial events overall (P < .001), and higher incidence of venous thrombosis in PV (P = .01). Younger patients were also more likely to express CALR mutations, in ET and PMF, normal karyotype, in PV and PMF, and lower incidence of high molecular risk mutations in PMF (P significant in all instances). Over median follow‐up of 11.3, 13, and 7.1 years for PV, ET, and PMF, leukemic transformations were respectively documented in 4%, 2%, and 10% (P values 0.1‐0.9) while incidences of fibrotic progression in PV (22%) and ET (16%) were expectedly higher in young patients, because of their longer survival (P < .001). Median survival in young patients was 37 years for PV, 35 for ET and 20 for PMF; the corresponding values were 22, 22, and 8 years for ages 41‐60 years and 10, 11, and 3 years for ages >60 years (P < .001). Young MPN patients comprise a unique disease subset defined by an attenuated‐risk cytogenetic and mutational backdrop and conspicuously longer survival compared to their older counterparts, which requires assertion during patient counseling.
Functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by amidation and Michael addition reactions and the effect of the functional chains on the properties of waterborne polyurethane composites
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Li Shasha , Hou Caiying , Ma Guozhang , Wang Hezhi , Wu Jianbin , Hao Xiaogang , Zhang Hui
Published: August 2018

A new class of hydrophilic multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared by amidation of carboxylated MWCNTs and then undergoing the Michael addition reactions with hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), acryloyl morpholine (ACMO), and acrylamide (AM), respectively. The functionalized MWCNTs were dispersible well in water showing zeta potential value of higher than −33.8 mV. After used as reinforcing filler to fabricate the waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites, the functionalized MWCNTs showed more homogenous dispersion and stronger interfacial adhesion in/with WPU matrix in comparison with pristine MWCNTs, leading to an effective improvement in the mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and electrical conductivity of the MWCNTs/WPU composites. As fabrication of 1.5 wt % MWCNTs composite, the tensile stress was greatly enhanced by about 20.3, 22.5, and 30.1% from 13.3 MPa of the pristine MWCNTs composites to 16.0, 16.3, and 17.3 MPa for the MWCNTs‐HEA, ‐ACMO, and ‐AM composites, respectively. Varying hydrophilic moieties offered different mechanical properties and electrical conductivities to the MWCNTs/WPU composites, which is suggested to be caused by the improved compatibility and hydrogen bonds between the functionalized MWCNTs and WPU macromolecules. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46757.
Antimicrobial activity of nisin‐coated polylactic acid film facilitated by cold plasma treatment
Authors: Hu S. , Li P. , Wei Z. , Wang J. , Wang H. , Wang Z.
Published: August 2018

In this investigation, the surface functionalization of polylactic acid (PLA) film has been carried out by cold plasma treatment (CPT) to facilitate the coating of nisin on its surface. The physical and chemical properties of PLA films, such as surface morphology, water contact angle (WCA), chemical structure, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties, after CPT were systematically investigated. The obtained results demonstrated that the oxygen/carbon (O/C) ratio of PLA films decreased from 0.46 to 0.40 with an increase in the time of CPT. As the time of CPT increased, the roughness at first increased to 6.24 nm for PLA30, but then decreased to 2.26 nm for PLA60, whereas WCA at first decreased to 51.06° but then increased to 75°. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful coating of nisin onto PLA films with CPT. As compared with the PLA film, PN60 decreased the total viable count of Listeria monocytogenes to 2.25 log10[CFU/mL]. The different antimicrobial abilities against L. monocytogenes indicated that CPT could affect the adsorption capacity of PLA surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46844.
Aluminosilicate nanofibers with ordered pores derived from block copolymer electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Dorneles M. F. , Oréfice R. L.
Published: August 2018

The self‐assembling phenomenon of block copolymers (BCPs) can be used to spatially organize inorganic entities to create chemical patterns that can be converted into high‐surface area materials. In this study, electrospun nanofibers with ordered phases were designed and prepared using BCPs as the templates to control the distribution of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs). To this end, blends of Pluronic F127 BCP and poly(caprolactone) (in a 2:1 ratio) containing different amounts of aluminosilicate NPs (obtained through a sol–gel process) were electrospun. The nanofibers thus produced were pyrolyzed at 600 °C. The results indicated that the inorganic NPs were selectively located within the more hydrophilic domains of the BCP. The small angle X‐ray scattering results showed that the amount of inorganic NPs incorporated in the nanofibers affected the morphology of the BCPs, yielding structures ranging from lamellae to hexagonal array of cylinders. After pyrolysis, aluminosilicate‐rich fibers with a hexagonal array of cylindrical pores were obtained. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46868.
Design and synthesis of antibacterial waterborne fluorinated polyurethane
Authors: Zhao B. , Jia R. , Zhang Y. , Liu D. , Zheng X.
Published: August 2018

Antibacterial waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) have attracted increasing attention in a wide range of industrial applications because of their versatile properties as well as ecofriendly nature. Although extensive research has been carried out on antibacterial WBPU synthesis, the roles of some of the key synthesis components remain unclear. In this study, the novel chain extender DMG (dimethylol propionamide containing guanidine group) was designed and synthesized, which has not been reported before. DMG and the waterborne fluorinated polyurethanes containing DMG show high bactericidal (> 99.99%) efficacy against a broad spectrum of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Furthermore, when the amount of DMG reached 5%, the average particle size of waterborne fluorinated polyurethane dispersions was 56.24 nm. And waterborne fluorinated polyurethanes showed good thermal (> 460 °C) properties and high crystallization with the increase of chain extender DMG. The successful synthesis of these fascinating antibacterial waterborne materials may provide new insights into the development of protection materials in a sustainable form, which could be applied as coatings in various fields to prevent microbial contamination. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 46923.
The design and properties study of a novel styryl‐pyridinium‐based water‐soluble fluorescent copolymer as tracing agent
Authors: Yan Liwei , Su Chunjiao , Shen Linghong , Lv Mingqian , Liu Cheng , Liu Xuan , Liu Guangsheng , Li Jialing , Ye Zhongbin
Published: August 2018

A water‐soluble fluorescent copolymer poly(acrylamide‐acrylic acid‐styrene pyridinium) (PAAS) for detecting polymer concentration in real time was synthesized via micellar free‐radical polymerization by acrylamide, acrylic acid, and styryl‐pyridinium salt derivative (SP‐4). The special Donor‐π‐Acceptor unit and ionic structure of SP‐4 endued the copolymer with excellent fluorescent properties and remarkable water solubility. The fluorescent copolymer was fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetry, Ubbelohde viscosity, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence measurements. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of PAAS were verified to have ideal linear relationship with a correlation coefficient up to 0.9993, indicating that the copolymer's concentration can be easily measured by detecting its fluorescence intensity. Most importantly, the introduction of water‐soluble fluorescent monomer SP‐4 endowed the PAAS with good fluorescent stability in a wide range of temperature, pH, and brine concentrations. This study demonstrated that the fluorescent copolymer PAAS exhibits great potential application in detecting polymer concentration in various environments. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47062.
The Risk of Gout Among Patients With Sleep Apnea: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Blagojevic‐Bucknall Milica , Mallen Christian , Muller Sara , Hayward Richard , West Sophie , Choi Hyon , Roddy Edward
Published: August 2018

Objective

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a range of serious comorbidities. This study was undertaken to investigate whether people with OSA are more likely to develop gout, in the short and long term, compared to those without OSA.

Methods

A matched retrospective cohort study was undertaken using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Individuals age ≥18 years who received a diagnosis of OSA between 1990 and 2010 were identified and matched on age, sex, and practice with up to 4 individuals without OSA; follow‐up was until the end of 2015. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox regression adjusted for general health, lifestyle, and comorbidity characteristics. The risk of developing gout was assessed at different time points, and the body mass index (BMI) category–specific results were presented.

Results

The study sample included 15,879 patients with OSA and 63,296 without. The median follow‐up was 5.8 years. We found that 4.9% of patients with OSA and 2.6% of patients without the disorder developed gout. The incidence rate per 1,000 person‐years was 7.83 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.29–8.40) and 4.03 (95% CI 3.84–4.23) among those with and without OSA, respectively. The adjusted HR was 1.42 (95% CI 1.29–1.56). The risk of developing gout among OSA patients compared to those without was highest 1–2 years after the index date (HR 1.64 [95% CI 1.30–2.06]). This finding persisted among those who were overweight and obese. For those with normal BMI, the highest significant HR (2.02 [95% CI 1.13–3.62]) was observed at 2–5 years after the index date.

Conclusion

In this study, patients with OSA continued to be at higher risk of developing gout beyond the first year following the diagnosis. Our results further indicate that peak incidences of gout vary according to BMI.
Finite‐Time Average Consensus Based Approach for Distributed Convex Optimization
Authors: Ma Wenlong , Fu Minyue , Cui Peng , Zhang Huanshui , Li Zhipeng
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we consider a distributed convex optimization problem where the objective function is an average combination of individual objective function in multi‐agent systems. We propose a novel Newton Consensus method as a distributed algorithm to address the problem. This method utilises the efficient finite‐time average consensus method as an information fusion tool to construct the exact Newtonian global gradient direction. Under suitable assumptions, this strategy can be regarded as a distributed implementation of the classical standard Newton method and eventually has a quadratic convergence rate. The numerical simulation and comparison experiment show the superiority of the algorithm in convergence speed and performance.
A Globally Convergent Adaptive Indirect Field‐Oriented Torque Controller for Induction Motors
Authors: Ortega Romeo , Pyrkin Anton , Bobtsov Alexey , Efimov Denis , Aranovskiy Stanislav
Published: August 2018

One of the most challenging problems in AC drives applications is the design of a simple plug‐in adaptation scheme to estimate the unknown rotor resistance and load torque for the industry‐standard indirect field oriented control. In this paper we give the first globally convergent solution to this problem for torque control of current‐fed induction motors that does not rely on any excitation assumption. Some results on speed regulation are also presented.
Closed‐form approximations for spread options in Lévy markets
Authors: Van Belle Jente , Vanduffel Steven , Yao Jing
Published: August 2018

We provide new closed‐form approximations for the pricing of spread options in three specific instances of exponential Lévy markets, ie, when log‐returns are modeled as Brownian motions (Black‐Scholes model), variance gamma processes (VG model), or normal inverse Gaussian processes (NIG model). For the specific case of exchange options (spread options with zero strike), we generalize the well‐known Margrabe formula (1978) that is valid in a Black‐Scholes model to the VG model under a homogeneity assumption.
Using steam explosion or AFEX™ to produce animal feeds and biofuel feedstocks in a biorefinery based on sugarcane residues
Authors: Mokomele Thapelo , da Costa Sousa Leonardo , Bals Bryan , Balan Venkatesh , Goosen Neill , Dale Bruce E. , Görgens Johann F.
Published: August 2018

Sustainable integration of biofuel (primarily bioethanol) and highly digestible livestock feed in production systems is a potential way to increase the economic returns to agriculture and simultaneously promote energy security, particularly in developing countries. In this work we evaluated the efficacy of steam explosion (StEx) and ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX™) as potential processes for improving thein vitrorumen digestibility, metabolizable energy, and ethanol yields from sugarcane crop residues (bagasse and cane leaf matter, CLM). Ammonia fiber expansion pretreatment enhanced thein vitrotrue digestibility and metabolizable energy content of sugarcane crop residues by 69% and 26%, respectively compared to untreated controls. On the other hand, StEx increased the true digestibility and metabolizable energy content of the sugarcane residues by 54% and 7%, respectively. Ammonia fiber expansion also increased the total nitrogen content of both sugarcane bagasse and CLM to more than 20.2 g kg−1dry forage, a more than 230% improvement relative to untreated controls. High solid‐loading enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of StEx‐ and AFEX™‐pretreated sugarcane crop residues generated yields of up to 3368 and 4360 L of ethanol per hectare of sugarcane cultivated, respectively, at a biomass‐degrading enzyme dosage of 20 mg protein per gram glucan. This research strongly suggests that the use of suitably pretreated sugarcane crop residues in integrated sugarcane biofuel‐livestock production systems can increase the total per hectare agricultural output without increasing the area of sugarcane cultivated. In effect, this integrated approach promotes more sustainable biofuel production and increased food production while avoiding the potential for indirect land use change. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TGF‐β Control of Adaptive Immune Tolerance: A Break From Treg Cells
Authors: Liu Ming , Li Shun , Li Ming O.
Published: August 2018

The vertebrate adaptive immune system has well defined functions in maintaining tolerance to self‐tissues. Suppression of autoreactive T cells is dependent on the regulatory cytokine transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, a distinct T cell lineage specified by the transcription factor Foxp3. Although TGF‐β promotes thymic Treg (tTreg) cell development by repressing T cell clonal deletion and peripheral Treg cell differentiation by inducing Foxp3 expression, a recent study shows that TGF‐β suppresses autoreactive T cells independent of Foxp3+ Treg cells. These findings imply that as an ancestral growth factor family member, TGF‐β may have been co‐opted as a T cell‐intrinsic mechanism of self‐tolerance control to assist the evolutionary transition of vertebrate adaptive immunity. Later, perhaps in placental mammals upon their acquisition of a TGF‐β regulatory element in the Foxp3 locus, the TGF‐β pathway is further engaged to induce peripheral Treg cell differentiation and expand the scope of T cell tolerance control to innocuous foreign antigens.
What have we learnt about board gender diversity as a business strategy? The appointment of board subcommittees
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , Bel‐Oms Inmaculada
Published: August 2018

This paper explores whether a board's gender diversity influences the voluntary formation of its board subcommittees. Female board directorship may become a business strategy for firms if it affects the appointment of board subcommittees. We hypothesize that the voluntary creation of board subcommittees is affected by the presence of female directors on boards; the presence of independent, executive, and institutional female directors; and the proportion of shares held by female directors on boards. Board gender diversity has been measured as a proportion and with Blau's index. The results show that independent female directors are positively associated with the likelihood of voluntarily setting up all or some of the committees and a supervision and control committee. The presence of executive female directors negatively influences the probability of forming all or some of the committees, an executive committee and a supervision and control committee. The percentage of shares held by female directors has a positive effect on the voluntary creation of an executive committee. The findings also report that women directors and institutional female directors do not contribute to the voluntary creation of board subcommittees. Our evidence shows that female board directorship impacts the demand of internal control mechanisms such as board subcommittees, suggesting that firms should take it into account as a business strategy. The main implications derived from this research are relevant for Spanish policymakers and researchers because board gender diversity may play a significant role in the decision‐making processes of firms and may influence firms' outcomes.
A web‐based virtual laboratory for SHRIMP
Authors: Liu Yi‐Han , He Yu‐Tong , Tian Di , Fan Run‐Long , Yao Li
Published: August 2018

This paper introduces a novel web‐based virtual laboratory to assist teaching of Sensitive High Resolution Ion Micro‐probe (SHRIMP) implementation, called SHRIMP VL. This virtual laboratory is especially designed to aid learning of the instrument operation procedure. SHRIMP VL was developed based on hypertext preprocessor (PHP) technology and the Browser/Server application model, combined with the Yii framework and database technology. The virtual lab includes a virtual experiment platform to simulate the experiment procedure of the actual instrument and show experiment results. It also provides an immersive and visible virtual environment with navigational hints to guide user learning of the experiment operation, as well as theory presentations. To evaluate this virtual laboratory, two questionnaires were provided to students, who reported that SHRIMP VL is effective in helping them understand and master the instrument and experimental procedures, thereby improving their learning efficiency and laying foundations for personal operation of on‐site instruments.
SNP interactions of PGC with its neighbor lncRNAs enhance the susceptibility to gastric cancer/atrophic gastritis and influence the expression of involved molecules
Authors: Lv Zhi , Sun Liping , Xu Qian , Gong Yuehua , Jing Jingjing , Dong Nannan , Xing Chengzhong , Yuan Yuan
Published: August 2018

Multidimensional interactions of multiple factors are more important in promoting cancer initiation. Gene‐gene interactions between protein‐coding genes have been paid great attention, while rare studies refer to the interactions between encoding and noncoding genes. Our research group previously found encoding gene PGC polymorphisms could affect the susceptibility to atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer (GC). Interestingly, several SNPs in long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) genes, just adjacent to PGC, were found to be associated with AG risk and GC prognosis afterward. This study aims to explore the SNP interactions between PGC and its neighbor lncRNAs on the risk of AG and GC. Genotyping for seven PGC SNPs and seven lncRNA SNPs was conducted using Sequenom MassARRAY platform in a total of 2228 northern Chinese subjects, including 536 GC cases, 810 AG cases, and 882 controls. We found 15 pairwise PGC‐lncRNAs SNPs had interactions: Five pairs were associated with AG risk, and ten pairs were associated with GC risk. Moreover, two GC‐related interactions PGC rs6939861 with lnc‐C6orf‐132‐1 rs7749023 and rs7747696 survived the Bonferroni correction (Pcorrection = 0.049 and 0.007, respectively). Several combinations showed obvious epistasis and cumulative effects on disease risk. Some three‐way interactions of SNPs with smoking and drinking could also be observed. Besides, a few interacting SNPs showed correlations with the expression levels of PGC protein and related lncRNAs in serum. Our study would provide research clues for further screening combination biomarkers uniting both protein‐coding and noncoding genes with the potential in prediction of the susceptibility to GC and its precursor.
Novel therapeutic roles of MC‐4 in combination with everolimus against advanced renal cell carcinoma by dual targeting of Akt/pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 pathways
Authors: Son Ji Yeon , Yoon Sungpil , Tae In Hwan , Park Yu Jin , De Umasankar , Jeon Yukyoung , Park Young Ju , Rhyu Im Joo , Lee Byung Mu , Chung Kyu‐Huck , Lim Joung Eun , Lee Se Jeong , Lee Hye Won , Kwak Jong Hwan , Kim Hyung Sik , Choi Han Yong
Published: August 2018

Current clinical trials of new anticancer therapies against metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including molecular‐targeted therapies, have not shown promise. The purpose of this study was to preclinically assess the antitumor effects of MC‐4, a partially purified material of Artemisia annua L., as a monotherapy or in combination with the known mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor, everolimus, against Caki‐1 (Von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL)+/+) and 786‐O (VHL−/−) human RCC cells. MC‐4 monotherapy significantly increased tumor growth inhibition and autophagic cell death in RCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Everolimus led to compensatory Akt activation by inhibiting only mTORC1 signaling pathway. In contrast to everolimus, MC‐4 enhanced phosphatase and tensin homolog expression and reduced its downstream effector, Akt/pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 (PKM2), leading to decreased expression of glucose transporter 1, which is associated with cancer cell metabolism. The synergistic antitumor and anti‐metastatic effects induced by co‐administration of MC‐4 and everolimus involve cell growth inhibition and autophagic cell death via dual targeting of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/PKM2 and mTORC1. These findings suggest that MC‐4 is a novel Akt/PKM2 inhibitor that can overcome the limitation of existing mTOR inhibitors and can be considered a novel strategy to treat patients with rapidly progressing advanced RCC.
In Vitro Toxicity of Asparagus Saponins in Distinct Multidrug‐Resistant Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Jaramillo‐Carmona Sara , Guillén‐Bejarano Rafael , Jiménez‐Araujo Ana , Rodríguez‐Arcos Rocío , López Sergio
Published: August 2018

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. Many efforts have focused on finding natural molecules with potential chemo‐preventive activity due to their low toxicity compared to synthetic drugs. However, comprehensive information on the bioactive fractions and components is still missing. In this study, we developed a method for the quantitative separation and isolation of saponins from asparagus genotypes consisting of an adsorption chromatography and subsequent liquid chromatographic separation on a reversed‐phase column. The saponins isolated were tested for their cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cell lines, which could develop cross‐resistance to a wide variety of chemotherapeutic drugs. Our results showed that Huétor‐Tájar asparagus saponins (HTSAP), mainly protodioscin and HTSAP‐10 have higher cytotoxic activity than HTSAP‐1, HTSAP‐6, and HTSAP‐8. This study links the potential anticancer effect of asparagus to specific saponins and unveils the triguero Huétor‐Tájar asparagus as a nutraceutical particularly in colon cancer therapies.
Anti‐Inflammatory Activities and Related Mechanism of Polysaccharides Isolated from Sargentodoxa cuneata
Authors: Guo Lanfang , Ma Ruili , Sun Huifang , Raza Aun , Tang Jian , Li Zhengrong
Published: August 2018

Sargentodoxa cuneata decoction has been used to treat arthritis in China for hundreds of years. Herein, the polysaccharide fraction (PSC) purified from S. cuneata was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory effects. PSC and its sub‐fractions PSCA‐1 and PSCB‐1 significantly suppressed nitric oxide (NO) release in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells by down regulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) level. Furthermore, PSC markedly inhibited carrageenan induced rat hind paw edema, decreased in hind paw, serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. In addition, PSC increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum and liver of the rats. These results revealed that the polysaccharide obtained from S. cuneata (PSC) possessed potent anti‐inflammatory activity and may be one of the important bioactive constituents from the plant responsible for the anti‐arthritis effect.
Precursor‐Directed Diversification of Cyclic Tetrapeptidic Pseudoxylallemycins
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Schmidt Alexander , Stephan Philipp , Raguž Luka , Braga Daniel , Kaiser Marcel , Dahse Hans‐Martin , Weigel Christiane , Lackner Gerald , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: August 2018

Cyclic peptides containing non‐proteinogenic amino acids often exhibit a broad bioactivity spectrum and many have entered clinical trials with good prospects for drug development. We recently reported the discovery of six cyclic tetrapeptides, pseudoxylallemycins A–F (1–6), from a termite‐associated Pseudoxylaria sp. X802. These compounds contain a rare O‐homoallenyl‐l‐tyrosine moiety and show promising antimicrobial activity against the Gram‐negative pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To perform more detailed structure–activity studies, we pursued a precursor‐directed diversification strategy. Herein, we report the purification, identification, and testing of 21 new pseudoxylallemycin derivatives.
Metal allergy patient treated by titanium implant denture: A case report with at least 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yan Huijiao , Afroz Shaista , Dalanon Junhel , Goto Nami , Hosoki Maki , Matsuka Yoshizo
Published: August 2018

Key Clinical Message

Patch testing with metal reagents was positive on female patient with history of metal hypersensitivity after dental treatment. All of the dental restorations with metal components were removed, and subsequent oral rehabilitation utilizing dental implants and metal‐free prostheses was carried out. The treatments alleviate the presenting signs and symptoms.
Role of Cationic Oxidation States to Enhance the Electroactive β‐Phase of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride) and its Energy Harvesting Performance
Authors: Ganesan Kausalya , Alluri Nagamalleswara R. , Raj Nirmal Prashanth M. J. , Chandrasekhar A. , Kim S.‐J.
Published: August 2018

Transparent, flexible and efficient ferroelectric composite films were fabricated by a simple ultrasonication approach followed by thermal treatment. The enhanced electroactive β‐phase and stabilization of the ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer were analyzed by the substitution of various cations with different oxidation states (Li1+, Al3+) as fillers. The electroactive β‐phase was obtained due to the stretching of −CH2−/−CF2− molecular chains, stress‐induced effects during the sonication process and the interfacial interaction between the molecular chains and the surface charge of foreign elements. Further, a flexible ferroelectric nanogenerator was implemented and subjected to harness the waste biomechanical energy. The PVDF/Al3+ composite film‐based device gave the maximum amount of voltage and current of 189 V and 0.97 μA respectively at 2 N force. This high electrical output is caused by the electrostatic interaction between electronegative fluorine atoms and the surface active, positive charged ions of the fillers. The obtained maximum instantaneous power density of the FF‐CNG device at 20 MΩ load resistance is 1.92 mW/m2. The generated output is used to power up commercial light‐emitting diodes and display devices without using storage components. The proposed approach for enhancing the throughput of ferroelectric polymers can pave the way to develop new smart composite films for efficient energy conversion.
Electrochemical Flash Fluorination and Radiofluorination
Authors: Balandeh Mehrdad , Rios Alejandra , Allison Nathanael , Shirazi Daniela , Gomez Adrian , Rambaran Laura , Holloway Travis , Sadeghi Saman
Published: August 2018

A new method for rapid late‐stage fluorination using the cation pool technique is presented. Fluorination and no‐carrier‐added radiofluorination of methyl (phenylthio) acetate, methyl 2‐(methylthio) acetate, and methyl 2‐(ethylthio) acetate were performed. The carbocations formed through electrochemical oxidation were stabilized by using a divided electrochemical cell and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) as the solvent at −20 °C. At the end of electrolysis, either stable‐isotope [19F]fluoride or no‐carrier‐added radioactive [18F]fluoride was added to the reaction mixture to form the fluorinated or radiofluorinated product.
Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Study of Homo‐ and Hetero‐Dimetallic Phthalocyanines as Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acidic Media
Authors: Wang Xiaojiang , Liu Yang , Wang Ying , Ren Rong , Chen Hengquan , Jiang Zheng , He Qinggang
Published: August 2018

Metallophthalocyanines (MPc, M=Fe or Co) have been investigated extensively as a typical type of transition metal macrocyclic catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the understanding about ORR catalyzed by binuclear even heterodimetallic phthalocyanines in acidic condition is still not sufficient. Herein we synthesized two homodimetallicphthalocyanine (FePc‐PcFe and CoPc‐PcCo) and a heterodimetallic phthalocyanine (FePc‐PcCo). The electrocatalytic activity of as‐synthesized compounds were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE). Generally, the binuclear metallophthalocyanines show higher activity than their monomeric analogues including FePc and CoPc. Also, the Fe compounds exhibit better catalytic performance than the Co phthalocyanines. However, interestingly the heterodimetallic phthalocyanine FePc‐PcCo shows similar half‐wave potential and ORR activity with FePc‐PcFe, rather than CoPc‐PcCo. This may be explained by XPS and XAS, which reveal a similar square‐planar structure existed in FePc‐PcCo and FePc‐PcFe and a non‐planar structure in CoPc‐PcCo. Furthermore, the increasing of the ORR activity among those five catalysts is well in agreement with the descending LUMO energies in DFT calculations. A lower LUMO energy indicates a favorable adsorption of O2, which in turn affects the ORR performance.
Use of Polymer Coatings to Enhance the Response of Redox‐Polymer‐Mediated Electrodes
Authors: Xiao Xinxin , Conghaile Peter Ó , Leech Dónal , Magner Edmond
Published: August 2018

The successful use of biosensors requires that the sensor can operate over abroad enough linear range that encompasses the physiological concentration of the substrate of interest. A polymer coating layer functioning as a mass‐transport barrier is typically used to expand the linear range of biosensors with, however, the concomitant disadvantage of a reduction in the response. Effects of a poly(acrylic acid) coating layer on the response of a glassy carbon electrode modified with an Os redox polymer and lactate oxidase were evaluated. The coating layer resulted in an expanded linear range from 7 to 15 mM, doubled catalytic response towards the oxidation of 35 mM lactate, and improved operational stability. Detailed voltammetry studies revealed that the coating layer can improve the amount of the redox polymer that is available as a mediator, leading to the increased catalytic response at high concentrations of substrate. Similar results were obtained with other polymer layers [polystyrene sulfonate, poly(diallyldimethyl‐ammonium chloride), and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)] and with the enzymes glucose oxidase and bilirubin oxidase, demonstrating the general nature of the method.
A Novel CVD Growth of g‐C3N4 Ultrathin Film on NiCo2O4 Nanoneedles/Carbon Cloth as Integrated Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Wen , Ming Shujun , Chen Zhen , Bi Jiajun , Ma Yajuan , Wang Jingyu , Li Tao
Published: August 2018

Although g‐C3N4 possesses many features such as a graphene‐like 2D π‐conjugated planar layered structure, high nitrogen content, excellent mechanical strength and flexibility, as well as high thermal and chemical stability, there are only a few studies on the exploration of g‐C3N4 as active materials for supercapacitors. This could be largely attributed to the fact that the above advantages of g‐C3N4 to hybrid with other materials are still not fully established. Herein, we successfully develop a facile low‐temperature CVD method to grow g‐C3N4 ultrathin films with several nanometers thickness on the surface of NiCo2O4 nanoneedles. Subsequently, a NiCo2O4 nanoneedles@g‐C3N4 ultrathin film core‐shell nanostructures/carbon cloth (NiCo2O4 NNs@g‐C3N4/CC) integrated electrode was obtained. Thanks to the ultrathin film, a core‐shell nanostructure, as well as intrinsic features of g‐C3N4, the as‐obtained integrated electrode displays excellent electrochemical performance, exhibiting an areal capacitance of 2.83 F cm−2 as well as high cycling stability (5.88 % loss after 10 000 cycles). Our results clearly demonstrate that the g‐C3N4 ultrathin film obtained through this facile CVD method developed has potential in hybridizing with other transition metal oxides as electrode materials for supercapacitors and, more importantly, this convenient synthesis method may also be widely used for other applications such as designing new heterojunction photocatalysts.
Electrochemical Mix‐Reduction Process of U and U‐Fe Alloys on the Surface of Cathode in LiCl‐KCl‐U3O8 at 773 K
Authors: Jiang Kewei , Liu Qi , Liu Jingyuan , Zhang Hongsen , Chen Rongrong , Yan Yongde , Li Rumin , Song Dalei , Shao Yawei , Wang Jun
Published: August 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by Kewei Jiang and Prof. Jun Wang from Harbin Engineering University (Heilongjiang, China). The image shows the conversion of U3O8 to U, which was achieved by using an electrochemical mix‐reduction process. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201800573.
Actinide Organometallic Complexes with π‐Ligands
Authors: Walter Olaf
Published: August 2018

Recent developments and results from the organometallic chemistry of the actinides are reviewed. In the last one and a half years the structural data of about 15 organometallic complexes of transuranium actinides (Np or Pu) have been published, all involving π‐ligands in the coordination sphere of the metal ion. On the basis of these data, a comparison of these molecules is presented. Depending on the steric demands of the ligands, effects like the actinide contraction seem to be stronger or weaker in the structural features. This indicates that the interplay between the actinide ion and the π‐ligand is rather flexible, enabling the formation of stable bonds over a broad range of actinide ion oxidation states.
Six Isomorphous Window‐Beam MOFs: Explore the Effects of Metal Ions on MOF‐Derived Carbon for Supercapacitors
Authors: Yue Man‐Li , Yu Cheng‐Yan , Duan Hui‐Hui , Yang Bo‐Long , Meng Xiao‐Xue , Li Zuo‐Xi
Published: August 2018

Six isomorphous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a 3D window‐beam architecture have been synthesized from solvothermal reactions, and are named Zn, Cd, Ni, Co, Mn and Cu‐MOF, respectively. The series of MOFs was utilized as precursors to synthesize MOF‐derived carbon with different morphologies. Zn and Cd‐MOFs lead to the derivation of porous carbons (PCs), which exhibit remarkable BET specific surface areas. For derivates of Ni, Co and Mn‐MOFs, graphitized carbons (GCs) show some carbon graphitization, but their BET specific surface areas are relatively small. C‐Cu has the smallest BET specific surface area, and there is no carbon graphitization. Therefore, the metal ion of the parent MOF exerts a crucial effect on the preparation of MOF‐derived carbon, such as the pore‐forming effect of Zn and Cd species, and catalytic graphitization of Ni, Co, and Mn species. The capacitances of MOF‐derived carbon follow the sequence of PCs>GCs>C‐Cu, which reveals that the specific surface area plays a dominant role in the capacitive performance of electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs), and that the graphitization could improve the capacitance. Significantly, PC‐Zn exhibits the best specific capacitance (138 F g−1 at 0.5 Ag−1), and excellent life cycle, which can be applied as an electrode material in supercapacitors.
[4‐(Ph3B)‐2,6‐Mes2Py]−: A Sterically Demanding Anionic Pyridine
Authors: Schmidlin Nadja M. C. , Lõkov Märt , Leito Ivo , Böttcher Tobias
Published: August 2018

The introduction of a triphenylborate group at the 4‐position of 2,6‐dimesitylpyridine afforded a sterically demanding anionic pyridine. The charge introduced through the borate group drastically increases its basicity and measurement of its pKa value (18.46) revealed a significantly higher value than that of 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (17.95). THF ring‐opening was observed upon treating its lithium salt with TMSCl, which demonstrates its high nucleophilicity. The mesityl groups at the 2,6‐positions are oriented orthogonal to the pyridine ring and do not block the nitrogen atom of the pyridine. The reaction of the protonated pyridine with Li[BH4] yielded the corresponding Lewis acid/base adduct, which shows that the title compound can be used as a monodentate ligand in coordination chemistry. The crystal structures of all the compounds presented in this work are reported.
Phenanthroline—A Versatile Ligand for Advanced Functional Polymeric Materials
Authors: Rothfuss Hannah , Knöfel Nicolai D. , Tzvetkova Pavleta , Michenfelder Nadine C. , Baraban Sergej , Unterreiner Andreas‐Neil , Roesky Peter W. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: August 2018

The controlled incorporation of phenanthroline moieties into polymers is introduced, demonstrating their application as metal‐ion complexing ligands for the construction of advanced macromolecular structures. Specifically, two phenanthroline‐containing monomers based on acrylate and styrene functionalities, were synthesized. Each monomer was readily copolymerized with either N,N‐dimethylacrylamide or styrene via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization, resulting in narrowly distributed polar or non‐polar copolymers. To demonstrate the versatility of the established polymer systems, the polar polymer was employed for transition metal induced single‐chain nanoparticle formation, verified by diffusion‐ordered NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the non‐polar polymer allows facile incorporation of lanthanide ions, creating luminescent metallo‐polymers, in‐depth characterized by advanced photophysical experiments and 2D NMR measurements.
Mutually Exclusive Cellular Uptake of Combinatorial Supramolecular Copolymers
Authors: van Dun Sam , Schill Jurgen , Milroy Lech‐Gustav , Brunsveld Luc
Published: August 2018

The cellular uptake of self‐assembled biological and synthetic matter results from their multicomponent properties. However, the interplay of the building block composition of self‐assembled materials and uptake mechanisms urgently requires addressing. It is shown here that supramolecular polymers that self‐assemble in aqueous media, are a modular and controllable platform to modulate cellular delivery by the introduction of small ligands or cationic moieties, with concomitantly different cellular uptake kinetics and valence dependence. A library of supramolecular copolymers revealed stringent mutually exclusive uptake behavior in which either of the uptake pathways dominated, with sharp compositional transition. Supramolecular biomaterial engineering thus provides for adaptive platforms with great potential for efficient tuning of multivalent and multicomponent systems interfacing with biological matter.
Ancillary testing in salivary gland cytology: A practical guide
Authors: Jo Vickie Y. , Krane Jeffrey F.
Published: August 2018

Salivary gland cytology is challenging, and historically the role of ancillary testing has been limited. However, numerous molecular/genetic advances in the understanding of salivary gland neoplasms during the last decade have facilitated the development of many useful diagnostic markers, such as PLAG1 and HMGA2 immunohistochemistry for pleomorphic adenoma and ETV6 fluorescence in situ hybridization for secretory carcinoma. Numerous salivary gland neoplasms are characterized by specific molecular/genetic alterations, many of which can be identified on cytologic preparations by karyotype analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, or immunohistochemical surrogates. Next‐generation sequencing also has potential diagnostic applications, although to the authors' knowledge it currently has no routine role in salivary cytology. The primary goal of salivary fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is to facilitate appropriate clinical management. Ancillary testing has greatly enhanced the ability for accurate classification as per The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology and allows for the definitive diagnosis of many salivary FNA specimens, and also may resolve diagnostic uncertainty for FNAs that may be classified in The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology categories of salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential or suspicious for malignancy. This review provides an updated discussion of the molecular/genetic features of the more commonly encountered salivary neoplasms by FNA, and discusses the application of available diagnostic immunohistochemical and molecular tests in salivary gland cytology.
Cancer of unknown primary: Ancillary testing of cytologic and small biopsy specimens in the era of targeted therapy
Authors: Cowan Morgan L. , VandenBussche Christopher J.
Published: August 2018

Initial evaluation of patients presenting with a suspected malignancy without a clear clinical or radiologic impression of a primary site (so‐called cancer of unknown primary, or CUP) frequently includes fine needle aspiration (FNA) to both establish a diagnosis and procure tissue for additional studies. Careful management of limited specimen material is especially important in the modern era, when molecular studies may take precedence over a more definitive tissue diagnosis. This review summarizes our practice habits when encountering a CUP. Broadly, key morphologic patterns in context of patient history and clinical‐radiologic impression should guide the selection of a limited panel of IPOX stains to establish first a broad lineage. Subsequently 1–2 site‐specific markers may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In difficult cases, it is helpful to convey the situation to the treating physicians, who may prefer to prioritize molecular testing over pursuit of a more definitive diagnosis. Prudent choice of immunoperoxidase (IPOX) studies, based on both key cytomorphologic criteria and continued communications with the clinical team regarding their needs for treatment planning, is critical in CUP cases.