bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Solar Energy Photoactivity over Defective BiOBr Ultrathin Nanosheets towards Pollutant Removal and Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wu Weibin , Zhang Zhenbang , Di Jun , Zhao Wenfeng
Published: November 2018

Defective BiOBr nanosheets with ultrathin thickness and surface‐confined pits have been synthesized through a dual control of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The photocatalytic activity of the obtained defective BiOBr nanosheets was evaluated for the removal of rhodamine B (RhB), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and oxygen evolution from water. The as‐prepared defective BiOBr nanosheets displayed significantly increased activity for pollutant degradation and oxygen evolution. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the improved light harvesting, suppression of charge recombination, and an increase in the number of active sites for photocatalytic reaction. The electronic structure of the defective BiOBr ultrathin nanosheets with confined pits has been tuned and thus varied the photocatalytic mechanism for pollutant degradation. The active species have changed from hole for BiOBr nanoplates to superoxide radical (O2.−) and hole for defective BiOBr nanosheets determined by ESR analysis and trapping experiments.
Microbial and inflammatory‐based salivary biomarkers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Vesty Anna , Gear Kim , Biswas Kristi , Radcliff Fiona J. , Taylor Michael W. , Douglas Richard G.
Published: November 2018

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients often present with poor oral health, making it difficult to assess the relationship between oral microbes, inflammation, and carcinoma. This study investigates salivary microbes and inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers for HNSCC, with consideration of oral health. Saliva was collected from 30 participants, including 14 HNSCC patients and 16 participants representing both dentally compromised and healthy individuals. Bacterial and fungal communities were analyzed based on 16S rRNA gene and ITS1 amplicon sequencing, respectively, and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were quantified using a cytometric bead array, with flow cytometry. Diversity‐based analyses revealed that the bacterial communities of HNSCC patients were significantly different to those of the healthy control group but not the dentally compromised patients. Fungal communities were dominated by Candida, irrespective of cohort, with Candida albicans comprising ≥96% of fungal sequences in most HNSCC patients. Significantly higher concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐8 were detected in HNSCC and dentally compromised patients, when independently compared with healthy controls. IL‐1β and IL‐8 concentrations were significantly positively correlated with the abundance of C. albicans. Our findings suggest that salivary microbial and inflammatory biomarkers of HNSCC are influenced by oral health.
Development of Alkali Nitrate‐Containing Li4SiO4 for High‐Temperature CO2 Capture
Authors: Wang Ke , Hong Jie , Zhou Zhongyun , Lin Zhiwei , Zhao Pengfei
Published: November 2018

High efficiency alkali nitrate‐containing Li4SiO4 sorbents were synthesized by a hydration technique to improve their sorption performances at low CO2 concentrations. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analyses were used to detect the characteristics of the samples. The results showed that the presence of KNO3 and NaNO3 induced small crystallite size, corrugated morphologies and the formation of eutectic phases, noticeably facilitating sorption processes. At the optimized additive amount of 0.035 mol %, NaNO3‐containing Li4SiO4 reached a maximum absorption capacity (≈34.6 wt %). Moreover, both alkali nitrate‐containing Li4SiO4 sorbents showed good cyclic properties, demonstrating their great potential for high‐temperature CO2 capture.
Hierarchical Porous Carbon Derived from Peanut Hull for Polysulfide Confinement in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Min , Hu Peng , Wang Xing , Niu Zhihao , Zhou Qihao , Wang Qiuyue , Zhu Mingming , Guo Cong , Zhang Lei , Lu Jianyong , Li Jingfa
Published: November 2018

The main issues of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, including the insulating properties of electrode materials and the dissolution of lithium polysulfides into electrolytes, hinder their further development. Encapsulating S with a conductive agent is considered as an effective way to address these issues. The electrical conductivity of the electrode is substantially improved by the addition of a conductive agent. Furthermore, the polysulfide dissolution is also effectively suppressed by the physical/chemical confinement of the additives. An exploration of new encapsulation agents for the S cathode–hierarchical porous carbon derived from a peanut hull is reported. Such structures comprise the 3D interconnected network carbon and abundant meso/micropores, which significantly improve the electronic conductivity and effectively suppress the polysulfide dissolution. The high S loading, long lifespan, and great rate capability empower such a strategy to be an effective way to push the Li–S battery to further development.
Walnut oil improves spatial memory in rats and increases the expression of acid‐sensing ion channel genes Asic2a and Asic4
Authors: Wang Li‐Mei , Yi Yang , Yao Yi‐Lan , Feng Ge , Shu Chang , Wang Hong‐Xun , Zhang Xi‐Feng
Published: November 2018

Although Walnut oil (WO) has been reported to enhance cognitive function, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. This study was designed to assess the effects of WO on spatial memory in rats through modulation of the expression of acid‐sensing ion channel genes, Asic2a and Asic4. To investigate the effect of WO on cognitive performance, we supplemented the diet of female rats with WO. The results showed that supplementation with WO at doses of 2.2 and 11 g kg−1 day−1 significantly improved learning and memory. In vitro treatment of rat hippocampal neuronal cells with appropriate doses of WO revealed a significant increase in the expression of Asic2a and Asic4 in a dose‐dependent manner at both the mRNA and protein levels. We conclude that WO intake might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly, and that ASIC genes in neurons can be the targets of compounds contained in the oil.
Late Carboniferous southward migration of Tarbagatay subduction–accretion complex by slab retreat and break‐off in West Junggar (NW China)
Authors: Borbugulov Esen , Chen Yichao , Xiao Wenjiao , Windley Brian F. , Schulmann Karel , Zhang Ji'en , Zhang Zhiyong , Song Shuaihua , Li Rui , Sang Miao
Published: November 2018

The Carboniferous tectonic history of the northern West Junggar of NW China is of key importance for understanding the tectonics of the Altaids. This paper presents a systematic study of the emplacement of the E'min ophiolite, the ages of turbidites, and a stitching granite dike in order to constrain the late Carboniferous oceanic evolution of northern West Junggar. Our field investigation reveals that the Tarbagatay subduction–accretion complex formed by imbrication of turbidites and ophiolitic slices in the Western Tarbagatay Mountain, which is considered as the forearc of the Saur arc in northern West Junggar. Field relationships and zircon geochronology suggest that the emplacement of the E'min ophiolite was later than the minimum time of deposition of hanging wall turbidites, which have a zircon age of 324 Ma, and must be earlier than the crystallization time of a 311‐Ma stitching granite dike that intruded the younger turbidites. The turbidites become younger from north to south, with minimum deposition ages varying from 324 to 309 Ma. The 311‐Ma dike has an adakitic affinity suggesting that it may have formed by magma melted from a subduction slab wedge and from accreted material at ~310 Ma. Therefore, we propose an accretionary arc setting for the Saur arc, with southward migration of the trench and magma front. The 311‐Ma dike has a high Al enrichment and arc‐related geochemical signature suggesting that it was generated by melting of accreted trench sediments. This may indicate that subduction of the Saur arc may have lasted to at least the late Carboniferous. The development of such arc accretion suggests that the formation of the southern Altaids was fundamentally similar to that of accretionary orogens in the western Pacific.
Dissecting functional phenotypes of microglia and macrophages in the rat brain after transient cerebral ischemia
Authors: Rajan Wenson D. , Wojtas Bartosz , Gielniewski Bartlomiej , Gieryng Anna , Zawadzka Malgorzata , Kaminska Bozena
Published: November 2018

Ischemic brain injury causes local inflammation, which involves activation of resident microglia, leukocyte, and monocyte infiltration. Involvement of peripheral immune cells in ischemia‐induced damage and repair is debatable. Using flow cytometry, gene expression profiling, and immunocytochemistry, we show that microglia predominate in the ischemic brain and express inflammation mediators at Day 1 after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats. At Day 3, both resident microglia and bone marrow (BM)‐derived macrophages are detected in the ischemic hemispheres and display unique transcriptomic profiles. Functional groups enriched in BM‐macrophages are indicative of the pro‐regenerative, immunosuppressive phenotype. Transient depletion of peripheral macrophages with clodronate‐filled liposomes reduced the number of Arg1+ Iba1+ expressing cells in the ischemic brain. The analysis of microglia and macrophage signature genes shows that each cell type maintains the expression of their identity genes, even if gene expression is modified in a response to environmental clues. At Day 7, infiltrating BM‐macrophages exhibit the reduced expression of Arg1, the elevated expression of iNos and many inflammatory genes, as shown by RNA sequencing. This is consistent with their switch toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype. We propose that BM‐macrophages recruited to the injured brain early after ischemia could contribute to functional recovery after stroke, but they switch toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in the ischemic parenchyma. Our results point to the detrimental role of microglia in an ischemic brain and the primarily pro‐regenerative role of infiltrating BM‐macrophages.
Defined astrocytic expression of human amyloid precursor protein in Tg2576 mouse brain
Authors: Heiland Tina , Zeitschel Ulrike , Puchades Maja A. , Kuhn Peer‐Hendrik , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Bjaalie Jan G. , Hartlage‐Rübsamen Maike , Roßner Steffen , Höfling Corinna
Published: November 2018

Transgenic Tg2576 mice expressing human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) with the Swedish mutation are among the most frequently used animal models to study the amyloid pathology related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The transgene expression in this model is considered to be neuron‐specific. Using a novel hAPP‐specific antibody in combination with cell type‐specific markers for double immunofluorescent labelings and laser scanning microscopy, we here report that—in addition to neurons throughout the brain—astrocytes in the corpus callosum and to a lesser extent in neocortex express hAPP. This astrocytic hAPP expression is already detectable in young Tg2576 mice before the onset of amyloid pathology and still present in aged Tg2576 mice with robust amyloid pathology in neocortex, hippocampus, and corpus callosum. Surprisingly, hAPP immunoreactivity in cortex is restricted to resting astrocytes distant from amyloid plaques but absent from reactive astrocytes in close proximity to amyloid plaques. In contrast, neither microglial cells nor oligodendrocytes of young or aged Tg2576 mice display hAPP labeling. The astrocytic expression of hAPP is substantiated by the analyses of hAPP mRNA and protein expression in primary cultures derived from Tg2576 offspring. We conclude that astrocytes, in particular in corpus callosum, may contribute to amyloid pathology in Tg2576 mice and thus mimic this aspect of AD pathology.
Clinical outcomes and secondary epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation among first‐line gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib‐treated non‐small cell lung cancer patients with activating EGFR mutations
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ting , Chen Jin‐Shing , Liao Wei‐Yu , Ho Chao‐Chi , Hsu Chia‐Lin , Yang Ching‐Yao , Chen Kuan‐Yu , Lee Jih‐Hsiang , Lin Zhong‐Zhe , Shih Jin‐Yuan , Yang James Chih‐Hsin , Yu Chong‐Jen
Published: November 2018

Gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib are approved for first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) bearing an activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. However, the clinical outcomes among the three EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are still controversial. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and secondary EGFR T790M mutation among the three EGFR TKIs. From May 2014 to January 2016, a total of 301 patients received treatment with gefitinib, erlotinib or afatinib, for first‐line treatment of advanced NSCLC with an activating EGFR mutation, based on their clinicians’ choice. The median overall survival (OS) was 37.0 months. Although the baseline characteristics of patients were unequal, progression‐free survival and OS did not differ among the 3 groups. Multivariate analysis found that gefitinib (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–9.46, p = 0.027), EGFR TKI treatment duration more than 13 months (aOR 3.16, 95% CI, 1.20–8.33, p = 0.020), male (aOR 3.25, 95% CI, 1.10–9.66, p = 0.034), initial liver metastasis (aOR 4.97, 95% CI 1.18–20.96, p = 0.029) and uncommon EGFR mutation (aOR 0.14, 95% CI, 0.02–0.97, compared to EGFR deletion 19, p = 0.047) were independent factors for secondary T790M mutation. In real‐world practice, choosing first line EGFR TKI based on the patients’ clinical characteristics yielded good clinical outcomes. First‐line gefitinib, longer EGFR TKI treatment duration, male, initial liver metastasis and uncommon EGFR mutations may be independent factors for secondary EGFR T790M mutation.
Application of patient‐derived liver cancer cells for phenotypic characterization and therapeutic target identification
Authors: Castven Darko , Becker Diana , Czauderna Carolin , Wilhelm Diana , Andersen Jesper B. , Strand Susanne , Hartmann Monika , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Roth Wilfried , Hartmann Nils , Straub Beate K. , Mahn Friederike L. , Franck Sophia , Pereira Sharon , Haupts Anna , Vogel Arndt , Wörns Marcus A. , Weinmann Arndt , Heinrich Stefan , Lang Hauke , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Galle Peter R. , Marquardt Jens U.
Published: November 2018

Primary liver cancer (PLC) ranks among the most lethal solid cancers worldwide due to lack of effective biomarkers for early detection and limited treatment options in advanced stages. Development of primary culture models that closely recapitulate phenotypic and molecular diversities of PLC is urgently needed to improve the patient outcome. Long‐term cultures of 7 primary liver cancer cell lines of hepatocellular and cholangiocellular origin were established using defined culture conditions. Morphological and histological characteristics of obtained cell lines and xenograft tumors were analyzed and compared to original tumors. Time course analyses of transcriptomic and genomic changes were performed using next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Key oncogenic alterations were identified by targeted NGS and cell lines carrying potentially actionable mutations were treated with corresponding specific inhibitors. PDCL fully resembled morphological features of the primary cancers in vitro and in vivo over extended period in culture. Genomic alterations as well as transcriptome profiles showed high similarity with primary tumors and remained stable during long‐term culturing. Targeted‐NGS confirmed that key oncogenic mutations such as TP53, KRAS, CTNNB1 as well as actionable mutations (e.g. MET, cKIT, KDR) were highly conserved in PDCL and amenable for individualized therapeutic approaches. Integrative genomic and transcriptomic approaches further demonstrated that PDCL more closely resemble molecular and prognostic features of PLC than established cell lines and are valuable tool for direct target evaluation. Our integrative analysis demonstrates that PDCL represents refined model for discovery of relevant molecular subgroups and exploration of precision medicine approaches for the treatment of this deadly disease.
Rapid discrimination of colon cancer cells with single base mutation in KRAS gene segment using laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Liu Xiujie , Huang Zufang , Tang Xiaoqiong , Lin Xueliang , Xu Yunchao , Chen Guannan , Kwok Hang Fai , Lin Yao , Feng Shangyuan
Published: November 2018

Laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) as a label‐free and noninvasive technology has been proven to be an ideal tool for analysis of single living cells, which provides important fingerprint information without interference from surrounding environments. For the first time, LTRS system was successfully used to examine the colon cancer cells with single base mutation in KRAS gene segment, including DKS‐8 (KRAS wild‐type [WT]) and DLD‐1 (KRAS mutant‐type [MT]), HKE‐3 (KRAS WT) and HCT‐116 (KRAS MT). Spectra changes of some vital biomolecules due to the gene mutation state were sensitively recorded by our home‐made LTRS system. As a result of the comparison between DKS‐8 and DLD‐1 cells, an index of 97.5% of correct classification was obtained by combining LTRS with principle component analysis coupled with linear discriminant analysis (PCA‐LDA) statistical analysis, while an index of 97.0% of correct classification was achieved between HKE‐3 and HCT‐116 cells. Moreover, between WT cells (DKS‐8 and HKE‐3) vs MT cells (DLD‐1 and HCT‐116), the index of correct classification was 81.2%, which was quite encouraging. Our preliminary results showed that the LTRS system coupled with PCA‐LDA analysis will have a great potential for further applications in the rapid and label‐free detection of circulating tumor cells in liquid biopsy.
Selection of the optimum 3D‐printed pore and the surface modification techniques for tissue engineering tracheal scaffold in vivo reconstruction
Authors: Pan Shu , Zhong Yi , Shan Yibo , Liu Xueying , Xiao Yuanfan , Shi Hongcan
Published: November 2018

The influences of pore sizes and surface modifications on biomechanical properties and biocompatibility (BC) of porous tracheal scaffolds (PTSs) fabricated by polycaprolactone (PCL) using 3D printing technology. The porous grafts were surface‐modified through hydrolysis, amination, and nanocrystallization treatment. The surface properties of the modified grafts were characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The materials were cocultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The effect of different pore sizes and surface modifications on the cell proliferation behavior was evaluated by the cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8). Compared to native tracheas, the PTS has good biomechanical properties. A pore diameter of 200 μm is the optimum for cell adhesion, and the surface modifications successfully improved the cytotropism of the PTS. Allogeneic implantation confirmed that it largely retains its structural integrity in the host, and the immune rejection reaction of the PTS decreased significantly after the acute phase. Nano‐silicon dioxide (NSD)‐modified PTS is a promising material for tissue engineering tracheal reconstruction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 360–370, 2019.
Fabrication and performance evaluation of blood compatible hemodialysis membrane using carboxylic multiwall carbon nanotubes and low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone based nanocomposites
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Irfan Masooma , Idris Ani , Baig Nadeem , Saleh Tawfik A. , Nasiri Rozita , Iqbal Younas , Muhammad Nawshad , Rehman Fozia , Khalid Hamad
Published: November 2018

This study focused to optimize the performance of polyethersulfone (PES) hemodialysis (HD) membrane using carboxylic functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNT) and lower molecular weight grade of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP‐k30). Initially, MWCNT were chemically functionalized by acid treatment and nanocomposites (NCs) of PVP‐k30 and c‐MWCNT were formed and subsequently blended with PES polymer. The spectra of FTIR of the HD membranes revealed that NCs has strong hydrogen bonding and their addition to PES polymer improved the capillary system of membranes as confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and leaching of the additive decreased to 2% and hydrophilicity improved to 22%. The pore size and porosity of NCs were also enhanced and rejection rate was achieved in the establish dialysis range (<60 kDa). The antifouling studies had shown that NCs membrane exhibited 30% less adhesion of protein with 80% flux recovery ratio. The blood compatibility assessment disclosed that NCs based membranes showed prolonged thrombin and prothrombin clotting times, lessened production of fibrinogen cluster, and greatly suppressed adhesion of blood plasma than a pristine PES membrane. The results also unveiled that PVP‐k30/NCs improved the surface properties of the membrane and the urea and creatinine removal increased to 72% and 75% than pure PES membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 513–525, 2019.
Synthesis and Antitumor Effect of Sophoridine Derivatives Bearing an Acyclic Aryloxy Phosphoramidate Mustard Functionality
Authors: Dai Lin‐Lin , Li Dong‐Dong , Zhao Xiu‐Mei , Zhi Shuang , Shen Hong‐Sheng , Yang Zi‐Bo
Published: November 2018

To elevate the potency of sophoridine, phosphoramidate mustard motif was incorporated to D‐ring opened sophoridine scaffold. A series of acyclic aryloxy phosphoramidate mustard functionalized sophoridine derivatives were synthesized and screened for cytostatic activity in a range of different tumor cell lines (S180, H22, K562, MCF‐7, SMMC‐7721, and LoVo). All these compounds were shown to be more sensitive to S180 and H22 cells with IC50 values ranging from 2.10 to 7.21 μM. In addition, all targeted derivatives distinctly are more cytotoxic to cancer cells than normal cell L929. Compounds 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e displayed moderate tumor suppression without apparent organ toxicity in vivo against mice bearing H22 liver tumors. Their potential binding modes with DNA topoisomerase I complex have also been investigated.
Correlating laryngoscopic appearance of laryngeal lesions with histopathology
Authors: Anis Mursalin M.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Meticulous scrutiny of laryngeal lesions with laryngoscopes and microscopes often identify angiogenic activity, one of the hallmarks of neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between laryngoscopic appearance and histopathology of laryngeal lesions based on operative biopsies.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

One hundred forty‐four laryngeal biopsies from 92 patients between 2015 and 2017 met inclusion criteria. Cases were patients who had biopsy‐proven laryngeal dysplasia or malignancy. Controls were patients who had benign laryngeal pathology. All of the laryngeal lesions had either keratosis or vascular stippling, an indication of angiogenic activity. Medical records, videostroboscopies and operative findings of these patients were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between laryngoscopic appearance of laryngeal lesions and presence or absence of dysplasia and invasive carcinoma.

Results

Fifty percent of the 144 laryngeal lesions were classified either as dysplastic or malignant by histopathology. Vascular stippling was present in 31% of all laryngeal lesions. On logistic regression, vascular stippling was significantly associated with dysplastic and malignant lesions (P = .0018). Overall sensitivity and specificity of vascular stippling and the presence of dysplasia and malignancy were 51% and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions

Laryngoscopic and microscopic appearance of vascular stippling could inform clinicians on diagnostic sampling of suspicious laryngeal lesions that reduces delay in diagnosis. The low sensitivity of vascular stippling underlies the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion and proceeding to the operating theater for adequate tissue sampling.

Level of Evidence

3

Laryngoscope, 129:1308–1312, 2019
Biofunctionalized Electrospun PCL‐PIBMD/SF Vascular Grafts with PEG and Cell‐Adhesive Peptides for Endothelialization
Authors: Bai Lingchuang , Zhao Jing , Li Qian , Guo Jintang , Ren Xiangkui , Xia Shihai , Zhang Wencheng , Feng Yakai
Published: November 2018

Artificial small‐caliber vascular grafts are still limited in clinical application because of thrombosis, restenosis, and occlusion. Herein, a small‐caliber vascular graft (diameter 2 mm) is fabricated from poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(isobutyl‐morpholine‐2,5‐dione) (PCL‐PIBMD) and silk fibroin (SF) by electrospinning technology and then biofunctionalized with low‐fouling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and two cell‐adhesive peptide sequences (CREDVW and CAGW) with the purpose of enhancing antithrombogenic activity and endothelialization. The successful grafting of PEG and peptide sequences is confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The suitable surface wettability of the modified vascular graft is testified by water contact angle analysis. The surface hemocompatibility is verified by platelet adhesion assays and protein adsorption assays, and the results demonstrate that both platelet adhesion and protein adsorption on the biofunctionalized surface are significantly reduced. In vitro studies demonstrate that the biofunctionalized surface with suitable hydrophilicity and cell‐adhesive peptides can selectively promote the adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. More importantly, compared with control groups, this biofunctionalized small‐caliber vascular graft shows high long‐term patency and endothelialization after 10 weeks of implantation. The biofunctionalization with PEG and two cell‐adhesive peptide sequences is an effective method to improve the endothelialization and long‐term performance of synthetic vascular grafts.
Sensorimotor subthalamic stimulation restores risk‐reward trade‐off in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Irmen Friederike , Horn Andreas , Meder David , Neumann Wolf‐Julian , Plettig Philip , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Kühn Andrea A.
Published: November 2018

Background

STN‐DBS effectively treats motor symptoms of advanced PD. Nonmotor cognitive symptoms, such as impaired impulse control or decision making, may either improve or worsen with DBS. A potential mediating factor of DBS‐induced modulation of cognition is the electrode position within the STN with regard to functional subareas of parallel motor, cognitive, and affective basal ganglia loops. However, to date, the volume of tissue activated and weighted stimulation of STN motor versus nonmotor territories are yet to be linked to differential DBS effects on cognition.

Objectives

We aim to investigate whether STN‐DBS influences risk‐reward trade‐off decisions and analyze its dependency on electrode placement.

Methods

Seventeen PD patients ON and OFF STN‐DBS and 17 age‐matched healthy controls conducted a sequential decision‐making task with escalating risk and reward. We computed the effect of STN‐DBS on risk‐reward trade‐off decisions, localized patients’ bilateral electrodes, and analyzed the predictive value of volume of tissue activated in STN motor and nonmotor territories on behavioral change.

Results

We found that STN‐DBS not only improves PD motor symptoms, but also normalizes overly risk‐averse decision behavior in PD. Intersubject variance in electrode location could explain this behavioral change. Specifically, if STN‐DBS activated preferentially STN motor territory, patients’ risk‐reward trade‐off decisions more resembled those of healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our findings support the notion of convergence of different functional circuits within the STN and imply a positive effect of well‐placed STN‐DBS on nonmotor cognitive functioning in PD. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Retrotransposon insertion as a novel mutational event in Bardet‐Biedl syndrome
Authors: Tavares Erika , Tang Chen Yu , Vig Anjali , Li Shuning , Billingsley Gail , Sung Wilson , Vincent Ajoy , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Héon Elise
Published: November 2018

Background

Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive pleiotropic disorder of the primary cilia that leads to severe visual loss in the teenage years. Approximately 80% of BBS cases are explained by mutations in one of the 21 identified genes. Documented causative mutation types include missense, nonsense, copy number variation (CNV), frameshift deletions or insertions, and splicing variants.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing was performed on a patient affected with BBS for whom no mutations were identified using clinically approved genetic testing of the known genes. Analysis of the WGS was done using internal protocols and publicly available algorithms. The phenotype was defined by retrospective chart review.

Results

We document a female affected with BBS carrying the most common BBS1 mutation (BBS1: Met390Arg) on the maternal allele and an insertion of a ~1.7‐kb retrotransposon in exon 13 on the paternal allele. This retrotransposon insertion was not automatically annotated by the standard variant calling protocols used. This novel variant was identified by visual inspection of the alignment file followed by specific genome analysis with an available algorithm for transposable elements.

Conclusion

This report documents a novel mutation type associated with BBS and highlights the importance of systematically performing transposon detection analysis on WGS data of unsolved cases.
Classic crystal plasticity theory vs crystal plasticity theory based on strong discontinuities—Theoretical and algorithmic aspects
Authors: Fohrmeister V. , Díaz G. , Mosler J.
Published: November 2018

This paper deals with two different approaches suitable for the description of plasticity in single crystals. The first one is the standard approach that is based on a continuous deformation mapping. Plasticity is driven by a classic Schmid‐type relation connecting the shear stresses to the shear strains at a certain slip system. By way of contrast, the second approach is nonstandard. In this novel model, localized plastic deformation at certain slip planes is approximated by a strong discontinuity (discontinuous deformation mapping). Accordingly, a modified Schmid‐type model relating the shear stresses to the shear displacements (displacement jump) is considered in this model. Although both models are indeed different, it is shown that they can be characterized by almost the same set of equations, eg, by a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into an elastic part and a plastic part. This striking analogy eventually leads to a unifying algorithmic formulation covering both models. Since the set of active slip systems is not known in advance, its determination is of utmost importance. This problem is solved here by using the nonlinear complementarity problem (NCP) as advocated by Fischer and Burmeister. While this idea is not new, it is shown that the NCP problem is well posed, independent of the number of active slip systems. To be more explicit, the tangent matrix in the return‐mapping scheme is regular even for more than five simultaneously active slip systems. Based on this algorithm, texture evolution in a polycrystal is analyzed by means of both models and the results are compared in detail.
Discontinuation and Nonadherence to Medications for Chronic Conditions after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A 6‐Year Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Jifang , Han Jin , Nutescu Edith A. , Patel Pritesh R. , Sweiss Karen , Calip Gregory S.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative option for patients with hematological malignancies and other life‐threatening conditions. Evidence on nonpersistence and nonadherence to oral medications for chronic conditions among patients following HCT is lacking.

Objectives

This study aims to examine patterns of oral medication use for chronic conditions following HCT in the U.S. population.

Methods

Nonpersistence and nonadherence to oral medications for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among HCT recipients were assessed in a cohort that included 1382 autologous and 650 allogeneic HCT recipients with hematological malignancies using the Truven Health MarketScan Research Database between 2009 and 2014. Recipients of HCT were compared to propensity score–matched cancer patients receiving chemotherapy without transplantation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and generalized estimating equations were used to determine characteristics associated with nonpersistence and nonadherence to oral chronic medications, respectively.

Results

Recipients of HCT had higher risks of discontinuing medication for diabetes mellitus (allogeneic HCT hazard ratio [HR] = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–3.39; autologous HCT HR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.04–2.15); hypertension (allogeneic HCT HR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.21–2.53; autologous HCT HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07–1.62), and dyslipidemia (allogeneic HCT HR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.39–2.93; autologous HCT, HR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.98–1.61) compared to patients treated with only chemotherapy. Lower odds of adherence to antihypertensive medications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.89) and to lipid‐lowering medications (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.22–0.65) were observed in allogeneic HCT recipients compared with propensity score–matched patients who underwent chemotherapy only.

Conclusions

Poor medication persistence and adherence to chronic disease medications are common after HCT. Further research to improve long‐term outcomes following HCT should include management of medication therapy for chronic comorbid conditions.
High Catalytic Activity of Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene on the Thermal Decomposition of CL‐20
Authors: Zhang Ting , Guo Yu , Li Jiachen , Guan Yulei , Guo Zhaoqi , Ma Haixia
Published: November 2018

Graphene based materials with excellent physical properties have attracted much attention in the field of energetic materials. Notably, heteroatom doping could modify the property of graphene. Herein, nitrogen‐doped graphene (NGO) with a tunable hierarchical morphology and high surface areas was prepared by a hydrothermal method. NGO composites with 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20) were obtained by recrystallization in ethyl acetate. Subsequently, the catalytic activities of NGO and undoped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the thermal decomposition of CL‐20 were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The decomposition temperature, self‐accelerating decomposition temperature, and thermal ignition temperature of CL‐20 all decrease under the influence of NGO. This is attributed to change in charge distribution of carbon atoms influenced by nitrogen dopants and more active sites induced on graphene surface. As a result, NGO exhibits enhanced catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of CL‐20.
On uplifts by warped anti‐D3‐branes
Authors: Moritz Jakob , Retolaza Ander , Westphal Alexander
Published: November 2018

In this note we outline the arguments against the ten‐dimensional consistency of the simplest types of KKLT de Sitter vacua, as given in [1]. We comment on parametrization proposals within four‐dimensional supergravity and express our disagreement with the recent criticism by the authors of [2].
Intraoperative ultrasound for improved 3D tumour reconstruction in robot‐assisted surgery: An evaluation of feedback modalities
Authors: Camara Mafalda , Mayer Erik , Darzi Ara , Pratt Philip
Published: November 2018

Background: Intraoperative ultrasound scanning induces deformation on the tissue in the absence of a feedback modality, which results in a 3D tumour reconstruction that is not directly representative of real anatomy.

Methods: A biomechanical model with different feedback modalities (haptic, visual, or auditory) was implemented in a simulation environment. A user study with 20 clinicians was performed to assess which modality resulted in the 3D tumour volume reconstruction that most resembled the reference configuration from the respective computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results: Integrating a feedback modality significantly improved the scanning performance across all participants and data sets. The optimal feedback modality to adopt varied depending on the evaluation. Nonetheless, using guidance with feedback is always preferred compared with none.

Conclusions: The results demonstrated the urgency to integrate a feedback modality framework into clinical practice, to ensure an improved scanning performance. Furthermore, this framework enabled an evaluation that cannot be performed in vivo.
3.3: New Electron Transporting Materials for Long‐lifetime Fluorescent Blue OLED Devices
Authors: Huang Heh-Lung , Guo Huang-Ming , Lai Cheng-Chang , Lin Chi-Jen , Chang Min-Jong
Published: November 2018

A series of new electron transporting materials with deep HOMO levels were designed and developed. The HOMO levels were all above 6.3 eV. The fluorescent blue devices exhibited high current efficiency of 9.1–10.9 cd/A, high EQE of 8.0–9.4%, and the LT95 lifetime is more than 250 h under 1000 cd/m2.
3.5: Investigation of excited‐state dynamics upon both photo‐ and electro‐excitation of thermally activated delayed fluorescent molecules
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Qingyu , Zhao Suling , Xu Zheng , Song Dandan , Qiao Bo , Zheng Weiye , Chen Junfei
Published: November 2018

Exciton dynamics is one of the core issues lies in the field of achieving high efficiency organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules. The authors briefly review the host dependence of TADF dopant, and then discuess the host—guest interaction in TADF OLEDs. By the means of transient electroluminescence measurement, the dynamics of triplet and singlet excitons are studied. Results show that host material with high T1 energy levels, large spectral overlap with TADF dopant's absorption and free of exciplex formation exhibits higher TADF character. Furthermore, the underlying reason for the efficiency roll‐off of the TADF OLEDs is clarified to be attributed to deeply trapped charges.
7.5: Reduction of Visual Fatigue caused by Surface Reflection of Displays
Authors: Yang Yingbao , Zhang Yunhong , Yang Yong , Chen Yilin
Published: November 2018

Previous report on ergonomics experiment has verified that vision stress induced by vision task under ambient illumination can be reduced effectively by introducing AG or AGAR to LCDs. In this paper, we analyzed the contrast of LCD of surface treatment of AG, AR and AGAR under ambient illumination. By using AGAR surface treatment, the contrast can be improved to higher than 10, a necessary minimum contrast for comfort reading. We believe this as one reason of the vision stress reduction of LCD of AGAR treatment.
8.3: High Stability Against Light and Heat Based on the Top Gate Self‐Aligned a‐ IGZO TFTs under OLED Dislplay
Authors: Wang Guoying , Song Zhen , Wang Ling , Xu Pan , Gai Cuili , Lin Yicheng , Yan Liangchen , Wu Zhongyuan
Published: November 2018

Kinds of the top gate self‐aligned a‐IGZO TFTs were fabricated in order to apply in OLED display. The drift of the VTH under various stress conditions is studied systematically. It's found that when the temperature or the light is added, the drift of V TH is relatively large, such as PBTS and NBTIS, so it should be optimized in the process of the device preparation. Firstly, two kinds of devices are prepared. One is added the shield metal layer at the bottom of the device, and the other is without it. It's found that the VTH of the TFT is prone to large drift due to the lack of the protecting of the bottom shield metal. Secondly, the amount of oxygen in the device is particularly important for the stability of the device. Therefore, the stability of the device is investigated by changing the oxygen content of the buffer layer and the gate dielectric layer. Lastly, the drift of the VTH under various stress conditions for 7200s is less than 1V which is controlled within the circuit compensation range. The 14″ 8K UHD OLED display panel with good image quality was demonstrated finally.
11.2: Invited Paper: Electrochromics for Full Color e‐Paper and Energy‐Saving Application
Authors: Kobayashi Norihisa
Published: November 2018

Novel multicolor electrochromic (EC) device based on electrochemical silver deposition was successfully demonstrated. The EC device exhibited reversible multicolor change of primary colors— transparent, magenta, cyan, yellow, black (CMYK) and silver mirror —in a single cell by using electrochemical method which controlled the morphology of silver deposit.
12.1: Invited Paper: The Creation of Non‐paraxial Optics and Its Application in 3D, VR & AR
Authors: Ding Shou-Qian
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces a different imaging method from Gaussian optics called non‐paraxial optics, which is a study of non‐paraxial ray imaging. When the viewer’s eye (left eye or right eye) is not aligned with the symmetry axis, the distance from the eye to the axis is called eccentricity. It is found that the magnified virtual image traverses perpendicularly to the axis of symmetry without losing the integrity of the image. This imaging law is similar to Gaussian optics, except that the focus needs to be redefined. Gaussian optics can be considered non‐paraxial optics when eccentricity equals to zero.

After years of research and experience, the author has successfully prototyped decentered pairs of lenses using non‐paraxial optical theory. These lenses magnify the left and right eye images in the virtual image space and shift them toward the axis of symmetry. The non‐destructive virtual images coincide completely so that they form a perfect 3D image. This stereo image maintains its brightness, precision, grayscale, contrast, and color saturation. It also has no crosstalk or flicker. It has the best image quality among the most popular products on the market today.

3D is the foundation of VR and AR. Only when 3D receives the ideal development would VR and AR progress. The stereoscopic view based on this theory can become a common 3D platform and can be applied in various fields. Not only does it meet the most demanding image quality requirements in the medical field, but it also fulfills people's pursuit of higher aesthetic art studies.
14.1: Invited Paper: Stable, Ruggedized and Low Work Function Conductive Ceramics Display Materials
Authors: Nakamoto Masayuki , Moon Jonghyun
Published: November 2018

New low work function conductive ceramic materials have been developed by using multi‐sputtering method to realize reliable and low voltage operation display devices such as quantum dots light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs), organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), field emission displays (FEDs) and so on. The work function of conductive ceramic materials exhibits as low as 1.8 eV, which were evaluated by using an ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, that is the lowest work function among display materials, ever reported, being compared with 1.9 eV, 2.6 eV and 2.9 eV of Cs, LiF and Ca. Conventional low work function materials such as Cs, LiF and Ca, are highly reactive chemicals, so that those electrical properties are strongly degraded. However, regarding to experimental results, the low work function ceramic materials have the chemical stability. The extremely stable, ruggedized and low work function conductive ceramic materials are expected to be useful for realizing highly reliable and efficient QLEDs, OLEDs and FEDs.
14.2: Invited Paper: Quantum Yield Measurement Using Organic Dyes as References for Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Yunjun , Sun Yajun , Li Jingqun , Ding Lijuan
Published: November 2018

A method of using series of organic dyes as reference to measure the quantum yield efficiency (QY) for semiconductor nanocrystals (Quantum Dots, QDs) in solution state is reported. In the proposed method, the sensitivity of the fluorescence spectrophotometer on wavelength as well as the excitation power intensity is considered to improve the accuracy.
15.4: Optical Rewritable Liquid Crystal Displays without Front Polarizer
Authors: Meng Cui Ling , Tseng Man Chun , Tang Shu Tuen , Kwok Hoi Sing
Published: November 2018

A front polarizer‐free optically rewritable (ORW) liquid crystal displays (LCDs) has been made via a hybrid alignment configuration with dye‐doped LCs. The hybrid structure consists of one optically active planar and one optically passive homeotropic alignment layer. The rewritability of the device is achieved by photo‐ reorienting the azo dye molecules in the active planar alignment layer. The dye doped in LCs function as a polarizer by following the LCs alignment via a guest‐host effect so that the front polarizer can be eliminated. This makes the device more compact and easier to operate for image erasing and rewriting. The image rewriting time only requires ~9.0s, which is determined by the exposure energy and LC parameters. The hybrid‐mode dye‐doped optically rewritable (DDORW) LCD devices could find applications in E‐paper, transparent display and various photonics devices.
16.1: Invited Paper: Enhancement of optical efficiency in white OLED using a patterned quantum dot film with light recycling components
Authors: Kim Young-Joo , Kim Hyo-Jun
Published: November 2018

We applied the patterned QD film to white OLED displays to increase the optical efficiency by converting the unnecessary light from white OLED before being cut by color filter. The red and green patterned quantum dot (QD) film has been developed using general photolithography process. In addition, we have studied on further enhancement of optical efficiency by applying various light recycling components, such as long‐pass filter (LPF), air‐gapped bridges, and TiO2 nanoparticles. Compared with a white OLED display with only color filters (CFs), it was confirmed experimentally that the optical efficiencies of red and green light were increased up to 158% and 117% in our proposed white OLED display after applying patterned QD film with light recycling components which are based on the mechanism of total internal reflection (TIR) and scattering characteristics.
21.1: Invited Paper: Development Trend of LCD Technology
Authors: Feng Xiang , Sun Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Yang Zhaokun , Liu Sha , Qiu Yun , Wang Dan
Published: November 2018

Recent strong requirement of higher image quality for LCDs are more important than ever along with improvement of transmission technologies such as 8K TV, 5G, and so on. This paper introduces BOE's development trend of LCDs including technical element, and design trend.

The impressive influences of LCD in people's modern digital live force panel makers such as BOE to ponder on the development of LCD technology. How should the LCD become more vivid and more accepted by the user?

When the 8K display and the age of 5G are coming, how should LCD undertake its historical responsibility in the ecosystem of the Internet of things? The development trend of LCD through technical elements and design elements are summarized below. LCD will become more and more magnificent.