bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrahigh Performance Nanoengineered Graphene–Concrete Composites for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Dimov Dimitar , Amit Iddo , Gorrie Olivier , Barnes Matthew D. , Townsend Nicola J. , Neves Ana I. S. , Withers Freddie , Russo Saverio , Craciun Monica Felicia
Published: April 2018

There is a constant drive for development of ultrahigh performance multifunctional construction materials by the modern engineering technologies. These materials have to exhibit enhanced durability and mechanical performance, and have to incorporate functionalities that satisfy multiple uses in order to be suitable for future emerging structural applications. There is a wide consensus in the research community that concrete, the most used construction material worldwide, has to be engineered at the nanoscale, where its chemical and physiomechanical properties can be truly enhanced. Here, an innovative multifunctional nanoengineered concrete showing an unprecedented range of enhanced properties when compared to standard concrete, is reported. These include an increase of up to 146% in the compressive and 79.5% in the flexural strength, whilst at the same time an enhanced electrical and thermal performance is found. A surprising decrease in water permeability by nearly 400% compared to normal concrete makes this novel composite material ideally suitable for constructions in areas subject to flooding. The unprecedented gamut of functionalities that are reported in this paper are produced by the addition of water‐stabilized graphene dispersions, an advancement in the emerging field of nanoengineered concrete which can be readily applied in a more sustainable construction industry.
Oxygen Stoichiometry Effect on Polar Properties of LaAlO3/SrTiO3
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Huang Zhen , Li Mengsha , Li Changjian , Hu Songbai , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Jung‐Woo , Eom Chang‐Beom , Pennycook Stephen J. , Seidel Jan , Ariando  , Gruverman Alexei
Published: April 2018

Discovery of a ferroelectric‐like behavior of the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO) interfaces provides an attractive platform for the development of nanoelectronic devices with functionality that can be tuned by electrical or mechanical means. However, further progress in this direction critically depends on deeper understanding of the physicochemical mechanism of this phenomenon. In this report, this problem by testing the electronic properties of the LAO/STO heterostructures with oxygen stoichiometry used as a variable is addressed. Local probe measurements in conjunction with interface electrical characterization allow to establish the field‐driven reversible migration of oxygen vacancies as the origin of the ferroelectric‐like behavior in LAO/STO. In addition, it is shown that oxygen deficiency gives rise to the formation of micrometer‐long atomically sharp boundaries with robust piezoelectricity stemming from a significant strain gradient across the boundary region. These boundaries are not ferroelectric but they can modulate the local electronic characteristics at the interface. The obtained results open a possibility to design and engineer electromechanical functionality in a wide variety of nominally nonpolar and non‐piezoelectric complex oxide heterostructures and thin films.
Drug Repositioning to Alleviate Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Caused by Gram‐Negative Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Jaewook , Park Kyong‐Su , Hong Sung‐Wook , Gho Yong Song
Published: April 2018

Sepsis is characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) accompanied with infection. Gram‐negative bacteria can evoke sepsis by activating the host immune system, such as the release of IL‐6 and TNF‐α, through their virulence factors. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), nanosized bilayered proteolipids derived from Gram‐negative bacteria, harbor various virulence factors and are shown to induce SIRS. Here, drugs are repositioned to alleviate SIRS caused by Gram‐negative bacterial OMVs. Using novel OMV‐based drug screening systems, a total of 178 commercially available drugs are primarily screened, and a total of 18 repositioned drug candidates are found to effectively block IL‐6 and TNF‐α production from OMV‐stimulated macrophages. After excluding the compounds which are previously known to intervene sepsis or which show cytotoxicity to macrophages, the compounds which show dose‐dependency in inhibiting the release of IL‐6 and TNF‐α by the OMV‐stimulated macrophages in vitro and which reduce OMV‐induced SIRS in vivo are selected. Salbutamol, a β2 adrenergic receptor agonist, is selected as a novel candidate to alleviate OMV‐induced SIRS. This study sheds light on using Gram‐negative bacterial OMVs in exploring novel candidate compounds to alleviate inflammatory diseases including sepsis.
Micelle‐Coated, Hierarchically Structured Nanofibers with Dual‐Release Capability for Accelerated Wound Healing and Infection Control
Authors: Albright Victoria , Xu Meng , Palanisamy Anbazhagan , Cheng Jun , Stack Mary , Zhang Beilu , Jayaraman Arul , Sukhishvili Svetlana A. , Wang Hongjun
Published: April 2018

Tailoring nanofibrous matrices—a material with much promise for wound healing applications—to simultaneously mitigate bacterial colonization and stimulate wound closure of infected wounds is highly desirable. To that end, a dual‐releasing, multiscale system of biodegradable electrospun nanofibers coated with biocompatible micellar nanocarriers is reported. For wound healing, transforming growth factor‐β1 is incorporated into polycaprolactone/collagen (PCL/Coll) nanofibers via electrospinning and the myofibroblastic differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts is locally stimulated. To prevent infection, biocompatible nanocarriers of polypeptide‐based block copolymer micelles are deposited onto the surfaces of PCL/Coll nanofibers using tannic acid as a binding partner. Micelle‐modified fibrous scaffolds are favorable for wound healing, not only supporting the attachment and spreading of fibroblasts comparable to those on noncoated nanofibers, but also significantly enhancing fibroblast migration. Micellar coatings can be loaded with gentamicin or clindamycin and exhibit antibacterial activity as measured by Petrifilm and zone of inhibition assays as well as time‐dependent reduction of cellular counts of Staphylococcus aureus cultures. Moreover, delivery time of antibiotic dosage is tunable through the application of a novel modular approach. Altogether, this system holds great promise as an infection‐mitigating, cell‐stimulating, biodegradable skin graft for wound management and tissue engineering.
Manipulation of Colloidal Particles in Three Dimensions via Microfluid Engineering
Authors: Zhang Bo , Meng Fanshu , Feng Jiangang , Wang Jingxia , Wu Yuchen , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2018

The assembly of nanoparticles into ordered 3D architectures, which requires more complex spatial arrangements of nanoparticles than 2D, is essential to develop new nano‐ or microdevices in the fields of biotechnology, magnetic devices, catalysis, and optoelectronics. However, because of the long‐distance interactions among the nanoparticles or the applied external force, the movement of nanoparticles cannot be precisely controlled, particularly in multidimensional architectures. Therefore, controlling the 3D architecture remains challenging. In this study, the 3D architecture engineering of colloidal particles by manipulating the microfluid morphology is reported, which produces controllable cross‐sections and shapes. The modification of the microfluid morphology, which can be achieved by tuning the physical parameters of the system and the pinning point number, affects the nucleation location, growth rate, and orientation of the architectures. Because of the controllable morphology, the waveguiding distance and direction of 3D architectures can be manipulated. Thus, this study highlights the opportunity for creating morphology‐controlled 3D architectures with potential applications in optoelectronics.
Bioinspired Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells Using Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Zion Noam , Friedman Ariel , Levy Naomi , Elbaz Lior
Published: April 2018

One of the most important chemical reactions for renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries today is oxygen reduction. Due to the relatively sluggish reaction kinetics, catalysts are necessary to generate high power output. The most common catalyst for this reaction is platinum, but its scarcity and derived high price have raised the search for abundant nonprecious metal catalysts. Inspired from enzymatic processes which are known to catalyze oxygen reduction reaction efficiently, employing transition metal complexes as their catalytic centers, many are working on the development of bioinspired and biomimetic catalysts of this class. This research news article gives a glimpse of the recent progress on the development of bioinspired molecular catalyst for oxygen reduction, highlighting the importance of the molecular structure of the catalysts, from advancements in porphyrins and phthalocyanines to the most recent work on corroles, and 3D networks such as metal–organic frameworks and polymeric networks, all with nonpyrolyzed, well‐defined molecular catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction.
Development of the Applications of Palladium on Charcoal in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Astruc Didier
Published: April 2018

Palladium on charcoal (Pd/C) has lots of salient merits: (i) it is a cheap and commercial source of palladium, (ii) it shows efficient catalytic activity even without ligands, (iii) as a heterogeneous catalyst it is easily recycled many times by simple filtration, and (iv) it is applicable to a great number of reactions and substrates, although it is eventually less efficient than homogeneous Pd catalysts containing some sophisticated ligands. This review recalls the main background and summarizes the progress made essentially during the last twelve years in Pd/C‐catalyzed organic synthesis since the reviews by Felpin's group and Seki in 2006.

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Vertically Aligned Lithiophilic CuO Nanosheets on a Cu Collector to Stabilize Lithium Deposition for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chen , Lv Wei , Zhou Guangmin , Huang Zhijia , Zhang Yunbo , Lyu Ruiyang , Wu Haoliang , Yun Qinbai , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: April 2018

Uncontrollable dendrite growth hinders the direct use of a lithium metal anode in batteries, even though it has the highest energy density of all anode materials. Achieving uniform lithium deposition is the key to solving this problem, but it is hard to be realized on a planar electrode surface. In this study, a thin lithiophilic layer consisting of vertically aligned CuO nanosheets directly grown on a planar Cu current collector is prepared by a simple wet chemical reaction. The lithiophilic nature of the CuO nanosheets reduces the polarization of the electrode, ensuring uniform Li nucleation and continuous smooth Li plating, which is difficult to realize on the normally used lithiophobic Cu current collector surface. The integration of the grown CuO arrays and the Cu current collector guarantees good electron transfer, and moreover, the vertically aligned channels between the CuO nanosheets guarantee fast ion diffusion and reduce the local current density. As a result, a high Columbic efficiency of 94% for 180 cycles at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and a prolonged lifespan of a symmetrical cell (700 h at 0.5 mA cm−2) can be easily achieved, showing a simple but effective way to realize Li metal‐based anode stabilization.
Mulberry Paper‐Based Supercapacitor Exhibiting High Mechanical and Chemical Toughness for Large‐Scale Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Yun Tae Gwang , Kim Donghyuk , Kim Sang‐Min , Kim Il‐Doo , Hyun Seungmin , Han Seung Min
Published: April 2018

In response to the demand for flexible and sustainable energy storage devices that exhibit high electrochemical performance, a supercapacitor system is fabricated using mulberry tree‐derived paper as a substrate and Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon black as the active material. The mulberry paper‐based supercapacitor system demonstrates high energy density of 29.8–39.8 Wh kg−1 and power density of 2.8–13.9 kW kg−1 with 90.7% retention of its initial capacity over 15 000 charge–discharge cycles. In addition, the mulberry tree fibers are known to have superior mechanical strength and toughness and the mulberry paper‐based supercapacitor; as a result, exhibit high mechanical and chemical toughness; 99% of its initial capacity is retained after 100 repeated applications of bending strains, and twisting. 94% capacity retention is observed even after exposure to HCl and H2SO4 acid solutions. The fabrication methodology of the mulberry‐based supercapacitor is highly scalable and could be stacked to increase the energy storage capacity, where operation of light‐emitting diode lights with a drive voltage of 12 V integrated in a wearable device is demonstrated.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reductive Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Monofluoroalkyl Halides for Late‐Stage Monofluoroalkylation
Authors: Sheng Jie , Ni Hui‐Qi , Zhang Hao‐Ran , Zhang Kai‐Fan , Wang Yi‐Ning , Wang Xi‐Sheng
Published: April 2018

A combinatorial nickel‐catalyzed monofluoroalkylation of aryl halides with unactivated fluoroalkyl halides by reductive cross‐coupling has been developed. This method demonstrated high efficiency, mild conditions, and excellent functional‐group tolerance, thus enabling the late‐stage monofluoroalkylation of diverse drugs. The key to success was the combination of diverse readily available bidentate and monodentate pyridine‐type nitrogen ligands with nickel, which in situ generated a variety of readily tunable catalysts to promote fluoroalkylation with broad scope with respect to both coupling partners. This combinatorial catalysis strategy offers a solution for nickel‐catalyzed reductive cross‐coupling reactions and provides an efficient way to synthesize fluoroalkylated druglike molecules for drug discovery.
Supramolecular Copolymerization by Sequence Reorganization of a Supramolecular Homopolymer
Authors: Nadamoto Kouhei , Maruyama Kei , Fujii Naoka , Ikeda Toshiaki , Kihara Shin‐ichi , Haino Takeharu
Published: April 2018

The homopolymeric sequence formed by the head‐to‐head association of tetrakisporphyrin 1 is completely dissociated by the competitive association of the ditopic guest G2, resulting in the supramolecular copolymer poly‐1⋅G2 with an alternatingly repeating host–guest sequence. The 1:1 stoichiometry of 1 and G2 is confirmed by a Job plot using UV/Vis titration and diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY). The solution viscometry for poly‐1 and poly‐1⋅G2 suggests that the supramolecular chain of poly‐1 behaves like a rod, whereas the supramolecular copolymer chain of poly‐1⋅G2 behaves like a swelled fat chain, which is entangled in the semi‐dilute regime. Atomic force microscopy shows that the supramolecular polymer poly‐1⋅G2 is highly oriented through the interdigitation of the long alkyl chains.
Robust SnO2−x Nanoparticle‐Impregnated Carbon Nanofibers with Outstanding Electrochemical Performance for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Dingtao , Li Yongliang , Mi Hongwei , Luo Shan , Zhang Peixin , Lin Zhiqun , Li Jianqing , Zhang Han
Published: April 2018

The sluggish sodium reaction kinetics, unstable Sn/Na2O interface, and large volume expansion are major obstacles that impede practical applications of SnO2‐based electrodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, we report the crafting of homogeneously confined oxygen‐vacancy‐containing SnO2−x nanoparticles with well‐defined void space in porous carbon nanofibers (denoted SnO2−x/C composites) that address the issues noted above for advanced SIBs. Notably, SnO2−x/C composites can be readily exploited as the working electrode, without need for binders and conductive additives. In contrast to past work, SnO2−x/C composites‐based SIBs show remarkable electrochemical performance, offering high reversible capacity, ultralong cyclic stability, and excellent rate capability. A discharge capacity of 565 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 is retained after 2000 cycles.
Beryllium Complexes with Bio‐Relevant Functional Groups: Coordination Geometries and Binding Affinities
Authors: Müller Matthias , Buchner Magnus R.
Published: April 2018

The coordination mode around beryllium in proteins and the binding affinity towards the peptide are unknown because there have been no coordination compounds of beryllium with ligands bearing bio‐relevant functional groups. We report the first comprehensive study on Be complexes with monodentate carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, and alcohols. Through solution and solid‐state techniques we determined that the binding affinities of Be2+ ions towards the functional groups are: carboxylate > alcohol > aldehyde > ester. Crystal structures of all the compounds have been determined including the unprecedented dodeca‐nuclear macrocyclic ring structure of non‐basic beryllium benzoate, which is the first example of those beryllium carboxylates. These findings enable the evaluation of potential beryllium binding sites inside proteins and is required to understand the mechanism of metal‐triggered immune responses.
LiAlH4: From Stoichiometric Reduction to Imine Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Elsen Holger , Färber Christian , Ballmann Gerd , Harder Sjoerd
Published: April 2018

Imine‐to‐amine conversion with catalytic instead of stoichiometric quantities of LiAlH4 is demonstrated (85 °C, catalyst loading≥2.5 mol %, pressure≥1 bar). The effects of temperature, pressure, solvent, and catalyst modifications, as well as the substrate scope are discussed. Experimental investigations and preliminary DFT calculations suggest that the catalytically active species is generated in situ: LiAlH4+Ph(H)C=NtBu→LiAlH2[N(tBu)CH2Ph]2. A cooperative mechanism in which Li and Al both play a prominent role is proposed.
Poly(decamethylene terephthalamide) copolymerized with long‐chain alkyl dodecanedioic acid: Toward bio‐based polymer and improved performances
Authors: Zou Guangji , Wang Pingli , Feng Wutong , Ren Zhonglai , Ji Junhui
Published: April 2018

Poly(decamethylene terephthalamide) (PA10T), a bio‐based high‐performance semi‐aromatic polyamide, has been commercialized in recent years. However, there still are some weaknesses restricting its application range, such as narrow melt processing window and low ductility. In this study, we chose dodecanedioic acid (a potential bio‐based raw material) as the comonomer to prepare copolyamides [poly(decamethylene terephthalamide/decamethylene dodecanediamide), PA10T/1012] for solving these problems. The basic properties of these copolyamides were characterized by viscosity measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile measurement. Results show that, compared to PA10T, PA10T/1012 exhibits wider melt processing window and more outstanding elongation at break. Meanwhile, PA10T/1012 is still qualified for high temperature resistant material. Furthermore, Tg, Td,5%, Td,10%, and Td,max of PA10T/1012 show a linear dependence on 1012 content, which is helpful to design new bio‐based copolyamides for meeting the needs of various occasions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46531.
Improved specific capacity of sulfur/starch‐based activated carbon spheres composites by polyaniline‐based carbon encapsulation strategy
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Guo Qun , Xian Xiaochao , Wang Jin
Published: April 2018

Lithium‐sulfur battery is one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage systems because of its high theoretical specific capacity and energy density. When carbon materials are used for immobilizing sulfur, the technical challenge is designing their framework to relieve the shuttle effect of polysulfides intermediates and the volume change of sulfur, and to improve the conductivity of sulfur. Herein, polyaniline‐based carbon (PANI‐C) coated corn starch‐based activated carbon spheres (ACS@PANI‐C) was prepared and used as hosts of sulfur, which can effectively combine the advantages of physical entrapment and chemical binding interactions of sulfur species. The results of electrochemical performance test indicate that S/ACS@PANI‐C composites exhibit much better electrochemical performance than S/ACS composites. Its reversible capacities at 320, 480, 800 and 1600 mA g−1 are 687, 582, 504 and 393 mAh g−1, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the PANI‐C which can also act as a flexible cushion to accommodate volume changes of sulfur cathode as well as a barrier to trap soluble polysulfide intermediates during the charge–discharge process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46544.
X‐ray irradiated LDPE/PP blends with high mechanical and dielectric performance
Authors: Alkan Ümit , Kılıç Mehmet , Karabul Yaşar , Çağlar Mustafa , İçelli Orhan , Güven Özdemir Zeynep
Published: April 2018

In this study, the influences of polypropylene (PP) additive (varying from 20% to 80% wt) and low dose X‐ray irradiation (changing from 25 to 100 Gy) on the mechanical and dielectric properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were investigated. LDPE/PP film blends were prepared by hot press technique. While the highest Young modulus and tensile strength were observed for the 20%LDPE/80%PP blend at 25 Gy X‐ray irradiation, the same blend had the highest energy at break and percentage strain at break values for 50 Gy X‐ray exposure. These results also indicated a chain scission in the material. The differential scanning calorimetry curves also indicated a chain scission and crosslinking effects in the blends due to X‐ray irradiation. Hence, the higher concentration of PP additive and exposure of low dose X‐ray resulted in a polymer composite with high mechanical performance. On the other hand, the dielectric investigations revealed that the 25 Gy X‐ray irradiated 20%LDPE/80%PP blend may also attract attention for capacitor applications due to its increased static dielectric constant and reduced dielectric loss. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46571.
Synthesis, optical, and thermal properties of polyimides containing flexible ether linkage
Authors: Kaya İsmet , Kamacı Musa
Published: April 2018

The goal of this article was to synthesize a series of flexible polyimides containing ether linkage in main chain and clarified the effect of this ether linkage on some physical properties such as optical and thermal decomposition. Also, different functional group effects such as carbonyl (CO), hexa‐fluoro‐isopropylidene [C(CF3)2] and phenyl (C6H5) on these physical properties were evaluated. The structural characterization of poly(ether imide)s was performed using Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C‐NMR techniques. Optical band gap of polyimides was calculated in the range from 2.57 to 2.81 eV. Thermal characterization of poly(ether imide)s was carried out using thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal stability of poly(ether imide)s was evaluated by initial decomposition temperature (Ton) and char. Ton value of polymers was determined in the range from 100 to 195 °C. In addition, glass transition temperatures of poly(ether imide)s were found between 144 and 148 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46573.
The synthesis of modified alginate flocculants and their properties for removing heavy metal ions of wastewater
Authors: Tian Zhenle , Zhang Liping , Shi Gang , Sang Xinxin , Ni Caihua
Published: April 2018

A new flocculant was synthesized through the modification of sodium alginate with thiosemicarbazide. In the preparation, amino thiourea groups which had excellent adsorption properties for heavy metal ions were introduced to the flocculant. The structure of the flocculant was confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, UV spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermal analysis. The flocculation behaviors of the flocculant for three heavy metal ions were investigated. The results showed that the removal rates of the flocculant for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ reached up to 97.8%, 86.3%, and 80.0%, respectively, and the flocculation capacities were as high as 489, 215, and 160 mg/g, respectively. The excellent adsorption was ascribed to the double effects of electronic interaction and chelation between the flocculant and heavy metal ions. The flocculant had particular flocculation selectivity for Pb2+ in the mixed heavy metal ion solutions containing Cd2+or Cu2+, respectively. The flocculation process corresponded to Langmuir isotherm model, the flocculation kinetics agree with pseudo second order. The flocculant had potential applications for treatment of wastewater. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46577.
Differences in precipitation efficiency and their probable mechanisms between the warm sector and cold front stages of a heavy rainfall event over Beijing
Authors: Mao Jiahua , Ping Fan , Li Xiaofan , Yin Lei
Published: April 2018

A heavy rainfall event that occurred in Beijing on July 21, 2012 was simulated successfully using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, and the precipitation efficiency (PE) during different rainfall stages was studied. The results showed that both the large‐scale precipitation efficiency (LSPE) and the cloud‐microphysics precipitation efficiency (CMPE) in the peak of the warm sector stage (T1) were significantly higher than those in the cold front stage (T2). The higher LSPE was related to the water vapor advection, which played a positive role in T1 due to the warm and moist advection in the lower troposphere, and a negative role in T2 because of the cold and dry airflow in the middle level. The snow‐related microphysical processes had similar tendencies to the CMPE, in which the higher rain–snow collection and deposition of water vapor brought about the higher CMPE in T1. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms proved that the LSPE and CMPE were subject to the large‐scale environment and cloud microphysical features.
Contribution of equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 to gemcitabine uptake in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hioki Masato , Shimada Takuya , Yuan Tian , Nakanishi Takeo , Tajima Hidehiro , Yamazaki Maiko , Yokono Rina , Takabayashi Makiko , Sawamoto Kazuki , Akashita Gaku , Miyamoto Ken‐Ichi , Ohta Tetsuo , Tamai Ikumi , Shimada Tsutomu , Sai Yoshimichi
Published: April 2018

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy is expected to be a more effective and safer method to treat the hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer than intravenous (iv) administration because of higher tumor exposure and lower systemic exposure. To clarify the uptake mechanism of nucleoside anticancer drugs, including gemcitabine (GEM), in pancreatic cancer, we investigated the uptakes of radiolabeled uridine (a general substrate of nucleoside transporters) and GEM in pancreatic cancer cell lines MIA‐PaCa2 and As‐PC1. Uridine uptake was inhibited by non‐labeled GEM and also by S‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine (NBMPR; an inhibitor of equilibrative nucleoside transporters, ENTs) in a concentration‐dependent manner, suggesting that ENTs contribute to uridine uptake in pancreatic cancer cells. As for GEM, saturable uptake was mediated by high‐ and low‐affinity components with Km values of micromolar and millimolar orders, respectively. Uptake was inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner by NBMPR and was sodium ion‐independent. Moreover, the concentration dependence of uptake in the presence of 0.1 μM NBMPR showed a single low‐affinity site. These results indicated that the high‐ and low‐affinity sites correspond to hENT1 and hENT2, respectively. The results indicated that at clinically relevant hepatic concentrations of GEM in GEM‐HAI therapy, the metastatic tumor exposure of GEM is predominantly determined by hENT2 under unsaturated conditions, suggesting that hENT2 expression in metastatic tumor would be a candidate biomarker for indicating anticancer therapy with GEM‐HAI.
The effect of active participation on performance and understanding on the Iowa gambling task
Authors: Vanhille Sean , Palmer Brittany , Hayes William , Overman William
Published: April 2018

The Iowa gambling task (IGT) was developed as a neuropsychological assessment of “real‐life” decision making in a laboratory setting by Bechara, Damasio, Damasio, and Anderson in . The IGT was originally implemented as a manual task during which the participants selected paper cards. The task has since evolved into a computerized assessment tool (Psychological Assessment Resources IGT or PAR™IGT) that uses only virtual cards and reinforcement schedules that are somewhat different from those in the original version. Caution should be used when psychological assessments change from manual to virtual formats. Such changes may unintentionally introduce confounds that render the 2 tests nonequivalent as shown with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task by Steinmetz, Brunner, Loarer, and Houssemand in . In this study, we compared IGT performance when participants used either a laptop computer or a touchscreen tablet. Each device was used in 2 conditions: “involved” and “noninvolved.” Participants in the involved condition turned over physical cards and mimicked their own selections by clicking (laptop) or reaching out and touching (tablet) the corresponding virtual cards. Participants in the noninvolved condition only made selections of virtual cards, whereas an adjacent experimenter turned over the corresponding physical cards. Results showed that performance systematically and significantly improved as degree of physical involvement increased in the following order: laptop noninvolved (lowest performance), tablet noninvolved, laptop involved, and tablet involved (highest performance). In addition, participants' verbalized understanding of the task was significantly more accurate with increased physical involvement.
Randomized clinical trial of elective resection versus observation in diverticulitis with extraluminal air or abscess initially managed conservatively
Authors: You K , Bendl R , Taut C , Sullivan R , Gachabayov M , Bergamaschi R , Connolly T M , Yang K , Giuratrabocchetta S , Denoya P I , Zawin M , Ferretti J , Baer A , Wertheim W
Published: April 2018

Background

The aim of this RCT was to determine whether elective resection following successful non-operative management of a first episode of acute sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by extraluminal air with or without abscess is superior to observation in terms of recurrence rates.

Methods

This was a single-centre, sequential design RCT. Patients were randomized to elective surgery or observation following non-operative management and colonoscopy. Non-operative management included nil by mouth, intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, CT with intravenous contrast on arrival at hospital, and repeat CT with intravenous and rectal contrast on day 3 in hospital. The primary endpoint was recurrent diverticulitis at 24 months. Patients with a history of sigmoid diverticulitis, immunosuppression or peritonitis were not included.

Results

Of 137 screened patients, 107 were assigned randomly to elective surgery (26) or observation (81), and underwent the allocated intervention after successful non-operative management. Conservative management failed in 15 patients. Groups were similar in age, sex, BMI, co-morbidities and colorectal POSSUM. Rates of recurrent diverticulitis differed significantly in the elective surgery and observation groups (8 versus 32 per cent; P = 0·019) at a mean(s.d.) follow-up of 37·8(8·6) and 35·2(9·2) months respectively. There was also a significant difference in time to recurrence (median 11 versus 7 months; P = 0·015). A total of 28 patients presented with recurrent diverticulitis complicated by extraluminal air and/or abscess (2 elective surgery, 26 observation), all of whom recovered with repeat non-operative management.

Conclusion

The majority of patients observed following conservative management of diverticulitis with local extraluminal air do not require elective surgery. Registration number: NCT01986686 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Celecoxib enhances the therapeutic efficacy of epirubicin for Novikoff hepatoma in rats
Authors: Chu Tian‐Huei , Chan Hoi‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wang E‐Ming , Ma Yi‐Ling , Huang Shih‐Chung , Wu Jian‐Ching , Chang Yi‐Chen , Weng Wen‐Tsan , Wen Zhi‐Hong , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Chen Yi‐Ming Arthur , Tai Ming‐Hong
Published: April 2018

Epirubicin is a chemotherapy agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the outcome of HCC patients receiving epirubicin remains unsatisfactory. Moreover, our previous study indicated that celecoxib suppresses HCC progression and liver cancer stemness. This study evaluated the potential of celecoxib to serve as a complementary therapy during epirubicin treatment. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness, and anchorage‐independent growth were analyzed in hepatoma cells. Therapeutic efficacy was validated in rat orthotopic Novikoff hepatoma. After animal sacrifice, the antitumor mechanism of celecoxib and epirubicin combined therapy was investigated by histological analysis. Celecoxib enhanced the cytotoxic activity of epirubicin in HCC cells by promoting apoptosis. Besides, celecoxib potentiated the antineoplastic function of epirubicin in inhibiting the invasiveness and anchorage‐independent growth of HCC cells. Ultrasound monitoring showed that combined therapy was more potent than either therapy alone in perturbing HCC progression. Consistently, the size and weight of dissected HCC tissues from rats receiving combined therapy were smallest among all groups. HCC treated with combined therapy exhibited the highest prevalence of apoptotic cells, which was accompanied by reduced proliferating and angiogenic activities in tumor tissues. Moreover, the expression levels of cancer stemness markers (CD44 and CD133) and drug transporter MDR‐1 were significantly diminished in rats receiving combined therapy. Besides, celecoxib treatment increased the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and reduced the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), and the expression of immune checkpoint PD‐L1 in HCC tissues during epirubicin therapy. Celecoxib augmented the therapeutic efficacy while modulated cancer stemness and antitumor immunity. Thus, celecoxib may serve as complementary therapy to improve the outcome of patients with advanced HCC during epirubicin treatment.
Connect with your students through a department mascot
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2018

In August 2017, the campus safety department for the Claremont University Consortium welcomed a new recruit to the office. Red the Wonder Dogg is not trained as a bomb‐sniffing dog, nor is he a drug dog, nor does he conduct search and rescue. Red is, instead, a fully classed emergency support dog who acts as both the official mascot for the campus safety department and as a trained therapy dog who works with students when they come to the campus safety department to report crimes. “When somebody comes in and they have to report a difficult personal incident, he provides great comfort,” said Stan Skipworth, Red's handler and director of campus safety at the CUC.
Ultra‐Stable and High‐Cobalt‐Loaded Cobalt@Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Catalysts: All‐in‐One Deoxygenation of Ketone into Alkylbenzene
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Chen Nanqing , Chen Dong , Yang Shize , Liu Xiaofei , Wang Li , Wu Peiwen , Phillip Nathan , Yang Guang , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2018

Catalytic deoxygenation represents a straightforward and core methodology for fine‐chemical production and biomass upgrading. Generally, the application of homogeneous metal complexes or heterogeneous noble‐metal catalysts prevails in academia and the chemical industry. Herein, we introduce cobalt@ordered mesoporous carbon (Co@OMC) catalysts, which are constructed conveniently by a mechanochemical coordination self‐assembly based on a renewable tannin precursor. Importantly, the Co@OMC catalysts with a high loading of in situ confined Co species promote the selective deoxygenation of various ketones, aldehydes, and alcohols efficiently into the corresponding alkanes under mild conditions. Therefore, a simple, inexpensive, and heterogeneous catalyst for selective deoxygenation can be expected, meanwhile the solid‐state synthesis affords a green, rapid, and scalable pathway to Co@OMC catalysts.
Mixed Valent, Distorted Cobalt Ludwigite (Co3BO5/Co3O2BO3) and Its Composite with Reduced Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (R‐MWCNT) in Enhancing the Domain Edge‐Sharing Oxygen as Superior Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts
Authors: Kundu Sumana , Malik Bibhudatta , Pattanayak Deepak K. , Pillai Vijayamohanan K.
Published: April 2018

Herein, we report, a hybrid of mixed valent cobalt ludwigite (Co3BO5) and reduced‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (R‐MWCNTs) as an outstanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. Interestingly, the composite acts as a potential OER electrocatalyst, displaying a low overpotential of 270 mV @10 mA cm−2, which is lower than that for the state‐of‐the‐art RuO2 catalyst. The remarkable OER performance of the cobalt‐ludwigite is attributed to its basic distorted open crystal structure, which has a relatively high crystal volume, owing to a domain network consisting of edge‐sharing octahedra. Moreover, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy clarifies the hybrid of cobalt‐ludwigite and R‐MWCNTs, exhibiting a stable π‐cation‐like interaction between the Co3+ of Co3BO5 rather than Co2+ and neutral π‐ cloud of R‐MWCNTs, which helps in enhancing the conductivity of the system. Thus, the overall performance of the composite stems from the basic crystal structure of the Co3BO5 and the existence of synergistic effects between the R‐MWCNTs on Co3BO5 through π‐cation‐like interaction. Hence, the results of this study might be useful in developing more efficient other ludwigite–carbon OER electrocatalysts as affordable alternatives.
Controlling Second Coordination Sphere Effects in Luminescent Ruthenium Complexes by Means of External Pressure
Authors: Pannwitz Andrea , Poirier Stéphanie , Bélanger‐Desmarais Nicolas , Prescimone Alessandro , Wenger Oliver S. , Reber Christian
Published: April 2018

Two luminescent heteroleptic RuII complexes with a 2,2′‐biimidazole (biimH2) ligand form doubly hydrogen‐bonded salt bridges to 4‐sulfobenzoate anions in single crystals. The structure of one of these cation‐anion adducts shows that the biimH2 ligand is deprotonated. Its 3MLCT luminescence band does not shift significantly under the influence of an external hydrostatic pressure, a behavior typical for these electronic transitions. In contrast, hydrostatic pressure on the other crystalline cation–anion adduct induces a shift of proton density from the peripheral N−H groups of biimH2 towards benzoate, leading to a pronounced redshift of the 3MLCT luminescence band. Such a significant and pressure‐tunable influence from an interaction in the second coordination sphere is unprecedented in artificial small‐molecule‐based systems.
Responsive Self‐Assembly of Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on Zwitterionic Liquid Asymmetric Gemini Guest
Authors: Wu Aoli , Sun Panpan , Sun Na , Zheng Liqiang
Published: April 2018

A low‐molecular‐weight supramolecular hydrogel has been fabricated based on host–guest interactions between β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and an asymmetric gemini zwitterionic liquid (ZIL) containing an azobenzene and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. Reversible sol–gel phase transitions were triggered by light and temperature. The binding stoichiometry, mainly noncovalent interactions in the hydrogel, photo‐ and thermoresponsive mechanisms, and mode of inclusion in the complex were studied in detail by NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and control experiments. Interestingly, the β‐CD in the complex can be photo‐manipulated to shuttle along the guest molecule, accompanied by a change in the circular dichroism signals. Reversible switching of the conductivity accompanies the sol–gel phase transition, which demonstrates the stability of the supramolecular hydrogel and its potential application in multi‐stimuli‐responsive electric sensor materials.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylations of Colby Pro‐Enolates with MBH Carbonates: Enantioselective Access to Quaternary C−F Oxindoles
Authors: Zhu Yi , Mao Yu , Mei Haibo , Pan Yi , Han Jianlin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Hayashi Tamio
Published: April 2018

Owing to the innovative applications of fluorinated compounds in many areas of technology and medicine, methods for the preparation of C−F quaternary fluorine containing compounds are in extremely high demand. Here, we report the discovery of a general procedure for an SN2 reaction catalyzed by Pd/Ding‐SKP‐type ligands, and that occurs between Colby pro‐enolates with MBH carbonates to afford the corresponding products featuring two consecutive stereogenic carbons, including a C−F quaternary stereogenic center. The reactions readily occur at ambient temperatures with high chemical yields and in excellent chemo‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselective manners. This practically attractive stereochemical outcome, coupled with the operational simplicity and structural generality, bodes well for the synthetic application of this process in the preparation of a novel class of biologically relevant fluorine‐containing compounds.
Ion‐Exchangeable Microporous Polyoxometalate Compounds with Off‐Center Dopants Exhibiting Unconventional Luminescence
Authors: Zhou Dan‐Dan , Zhao Qing , Zhu Fu‐Ping , Zhang Zhi‐Gang , Zhou Yang , Yong Zi‐Jun , Ma Ju‐Ping , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro , Moriyoshi Chikako , Fang Yong‐Zheng , Gu Jia‐Li , Shu Jie , Li Zhi‐Yong , Chen Jian‐Mei , Zheng Li‐Rong , Sun Hong‐Tao
Published: April 2018

The synthesis of luminescent polyoxometalates (POMs) typically relies on the assembly of POM ligands with rare earth or transition metals, placing significant constraints on the composition, structure, and hence the luminescence properties of the resultant systems. Herein, we show that the ion‐exchange strategy can be used for the synthesis of novel POM‐based luminescent materials. We demonstrate that introducing bismuth ions into an ion‐exchangeable, microporous POM compound yields an unconventional system luminescing in the near‐infrared region. Experimental characterization, coupled with quantum chemical calculations, confirms that bismuth ions site‐specifically occupy an off‐center site in the lattice, and have an asymmetric coordination geometry unattainable by other means, thus giving rise to peculiar emission. Our findings offer an effective strategy for the synthesis of POM‐based luminescent materials, and the design concept may potentially be adapted to the creation of POM‐based systems with other functionalities.
Combining ROC curves using MAMSE weighted distributions
Authors: Plante Jean‐François , Débordès Jean‐Baptiste
Published: April 2018

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve can be used to evaluate the properties of a diagnostic test from the distribution of a variable on the healthy and diseased populations. The minimum averaged mean squared error (MAMSE) weights were developed to handle data from different sources by adjusting the relative contribution of each data source. The authors use the MAMSE weights to infer the ROC curve of a diagnostic test based on raw data from multiple studies. The proposed estimates are consistent and Monte Carlo simulations show favourable finite sample performance. The method is illustrated in a case study where progesterone level is used to detect ectopic pregnancies and abortions from other natural causes. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 46: 298–315; 2018 © 2018 Statistical Society of Canada
Improving the detection of patients with inherited predispositions to hematologic malignancies using next‐generation sequencing‐based leukemia prognostication panels
Authors: DiNardo Courtney D. , Routbort Mark J. , Bannon Sarah A. , Benton Christopher B. , Takahashi Koichi , Kornblau Steve M. , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , M. Kantarjian Hagop , Futreal P. Andrew , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Patel Keyur P.
Published: April 2018

Recognizing and referring patients with possible inherited cancer predisposition syndromes for appropriate genetic evaluation and testing provides insights into optimal patient treatment approaches and also can provide education and testing opportunities for family members. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based, targeted genotyping for somatic mutations is increasingly used in the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment selection for patients with hematologic malignancies. However, certain mutations that may be somatically acquired can also be present as germline mutations in some individuals and families. Whether the results of NGS‐based leukemia panels can be used to inform decisions and subsequent evaluation of patients with possible inherited cancer predispositions has not been described previously. Because a normal control often is not available when using NGS panels in patients with hematologic malignancies, NGS panel results offer both an opportunity and a challenge to determine the origin and pathogenicity of identified mutations. In the absence of a matched germline control, variant allele frequency (VAF) estimation and data from publically available data sets provide important clues to the possible germline origin of a variant. Careful annotation and review of NGS panels in patients with hematologic malignancies can provide a useful screening tool to systematically improve upon the detection of potentially pathogenic germline variants. Cancer 2018;124:2704‐2713. © 2018 American Cancer Society
Long Periodic Structure of a Room‐Temperature Ionic Liquid by High‐Pressure Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering and Wide‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering: 1‐Decyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Chloride
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Hamaya Nozomu , Koyama Yoshihiro , Kishimura Hiroaki , Takekiyo Takahiro , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Funamori Nobumasa , Matsuishi Kiyoto
Published: April 2018

The Bragg reflections of 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([C10mim][Cl]), a room‐temperature ionic liquid, are observed in a lowly scattered wavevector (q) region using high‐pressure (HP) small‐angle X‐ray scattering methods. The HP crystal of [C10mim][Cl] was characterized by an extremely long periodic structure. The peak position at the lowest q (1.4 nm−1) was different from that of the prepeak observed in the liquid state (2.3 nm−1). Simultaneously, Bragg reflections at high‐q were detected using HP wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. The longest lattice constant was estimated to be 4.3 nm using structural analysis. The crystal structure of HP differed from that of the low‐temperature (LT) crystal and the LT liquid crystal. With increasing pressure, Bragg reflections in the high‐q component became much broader, and were accompanied by phase transition, although those in the low‐q component were observed to be relatively sharp.