bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Color Changing Anisotropic Soft Actuators with Integrated Metal Nanowire Percolation Network Transparent Heaters for Soft Robotics
Authors: Kim Hyeonseok , Lee Habeom , Ha Inho , Jung Jinwook , Won Phillip , Cho Hyunmin , Yeo Junyeob , Hong Sukjoon , Han Seungyong , Kwon Jinhyeong , Cho Kyu‐Jin , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: June 2018

To add more functionalities and overcome the limitation in conventional soft robots, highly anisotropic soft actuators with color shifting function during actuation is demonstrated for the first time. The electrothermally operating soft actuators with installed transparent metal nanowire percolation network heater allow easy programming of their actuation direction and instantaneous visualization of temperature changes through color change. Due to the unique direction dependent coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch, the suggested actuator demonstrates a highly anisotropic and reversible behavior with very large bending curvature (2.5 cm−1) at considerably low temperature (≈40 °C) compared to the previously reported electrothermal soft actuators. The mild operating heat condition required for the maximum curvature enables the superior long‐term stability during more than 10 000 operating cycles. Also, the optical transparency of the polymer bilayer and metal nanowire percolation network heater allow the incorporation of the thermochromic pigments to fabricate color‐shifting actuators. As a proof‐of‐concept, various color‐shifting biomimetic soft robots such as color‐shifting blooming flower, fluttering butterfly, and color‐shifting twining tendril are demonstrated. The developed color‐shifting anisotropic soft actuator is expected to open new application fields and functionalities overcoming the limitation of current soft robots.
E‐Skin Tactile Sensor Matrix Pixelated by Position‐Registered Conductive Microparticles Creating Pressure‐Sensitive Selectors
Authors: You Insang , Choi Song‐Ee , Hwang Hyejin , Han Sang Woo , Kim Jin Woong , Jeong Unyong
Published: June 2018

Electronic skin (E‐skin) imitates human skin by converting external stimuli into electrical signals. E‐skin requires high flexibility and a high level of device integration. Unlike conventional E‐skin creation methods, a highly sensitive pressure sensor matrix (100 pixels cm−2) made of position‐registered elastic conductive microparticles (MPs) is created. The MPs form a Schottky junction with the bottom electrode and the current through the junction is sensitive to external pressure, forming a simple one‐selector two‐terminal device array. The Schottky junction eliminates the electrical cross talks between the sensor pixels consisting of 64 MPs in each. The flexible pressure sensor matrix is used as an artificial fingertip for Braille reading and as an electronic scale based on detailed force distribution. This work opens up the possibility that assembled MPs, which have been a long‐standing research topic in academia, can be used to make practical electronic devices.
Advances and Biomedical Applications of Polypeptide Hydrogels Derived from α‐Amino Acid N‐Carboxyanhydride (NCA) Polymerizations
Authors: Zhou Xianfeng , Li Zhibo
Published: June 2018

Polypeptide hydrogels, having the ability to mimic certain properties of natural, native extracellular matrix components, are being actively designed and described for various applications in the construction of tissue engineering scaffolds, living cell encapsulation, and drug delivery systems. Compared to conventional hydrogels, polypeptide hydrogels possess biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioactivity, functional diversity, and structural advantage based on the unique secondary structures (α‐helix and β‐sheet). Furthermore, the progresses in functional N‐carboxyanhydride polymerization combined with advanced orthogonal conjugation techniques significantly promote the development of the polypeptide materials. This progress report focuses on the recent advances in designing and engineering polypeptide hydrogels obtained from ring opening polymerization, highlighting the precise manipulation of their properties for biomedical applications.
Spontaneous Self‐Assembly of Perovskite Nanocrystals into Electronically Coupled Supercrystals: Toward Filling the Green Gap
Authors: Tong Yu , Yao En‐Ping , Manzi Aurora , Bladt Eva , Wang Kun , Döblinger Markus , Bals Sara , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Urban Alexander S. , Polavarapu Lakshminarayana , Feldmann Jochen
Published: June 2018

Self‐assembly of nanoscale building blocks into ordered nanoarchitectures has emerged as a simple and powerful approach for tailoring the nanoscale properties and the opportunities of using these properties for the development of novel optoelectronic nanodevices. Here, the one‐pot synthesis of CsPbBr3 perovskite supercrystals (SCs) in a colloidal dispersion by ultrasonication is reported. The growth of the SCs occurs through the spontaneous self‐assembly of individual nanocrystals (NCs), which form in highly concentrated solutions of precursor powders. The SCs retain the high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of their NC subunits, however also exhibit a redshifted emission wavelength compared to that of the individual nanocubes due to interparticle electronic coupling. This redshift makes the SCs pure green emitters with PL maxima at ≈530–535 nm, while the individual nanocubes emit a cyan‐green color (≈512 nm). The SCs can be used as an emissive layer in the fabrication of pure green light‐emitting devices on rigid or flexible substrates. Moreover, the PL emission color is tunable across the visible range by employing a well‐established halide ion exchange reaction on the obtained CsPbBr3 SCs. These results highlight the promise of perovskite SCs for light emitting applications, while providing insight into their collective optical properties.
Modulate Molecular Interaction between Hole Extraction Polymers and Lead Ions toward Hysteresis‐Free and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhongqiang , Fu Weifei , Ding Honghe , Ju Huan‐Xin , Yan Kangrong , Zhang Xinqian , Ding Feizhi , Li Chang‐Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: June 2018

Herein three polymeric hole extraction materials (HEMs), poly(benzene‐dithiophene) (PB2T)‐O, PB2T‐S, and PB2T‐SO are presented for p–i–n perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). This study reveals that the perovskite device hysteresis and performance heavily rely on the perovskite grain boundary conditions. More specifically, they are predetermined through the molecular interaction between Lewis base atoms of HEMs and perovskites. It is revealed that only changing the side chain terminals (OCH3, SCH3, and SOCH3) of HEMs results in effective modulating PVSC performance and hysteresis, due to the effective tune of interaction strength between HEM and perovskite. With an in situ grown perovskite‐HEM bulk heterojunction structure, PB2T‐O with weak binding group (OCH3, −78.9 kcal mol−1 bonding energy) to lead ions allows delivering hysteresis‐free and efficient devices, which is sharp contrast to the strong binding PB2T‐SO (−119.3 kcal mol−1 bonding energy). Overall, this work provides new insights on PVSC hysteresis and the related curing methods via multifunctional HEM design in PVSCs.
Pressure‐Dependent Strong Photoluminescence of Excitons Bound to Defects in WS2 Quantum Dots
Authors: Shen Pengfei , Niu Shifeng , Wang Lingrui , Liu Yanhui , Li Quanjun , Cui Tian , Liu Bingbing
Published: June 2018

There are various efforts to tailor the excitonic properties in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) for exploring their potential applications in optoelectronic devices. However, the low quantum yields (QYs), despite their direct bandgap nature, have limited the application in much fields. Encouragingly, excitons combined with defects endow WS2 quantum dots (QDs) with certain desirable properties through strain engineering. A strong exciton photoluminescence (PL) of WS2 QDs even up to ≈20 GPa by PL measurements is reported. Their PL reveals that a distinct defect‐induced peak D is located below the neutral exciton peak A. This peak D originates from defect‐bound excitons and intensifies with increasing pressure as more electrons transfer from WS2 QDs to O2. In addition, a transition from direct to indirect bandgap above 4.5 GPa is revealed by both experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. The evolution of electronic structure is related to lattice structural distortion. The results provide a new direction for modulating the optical properties of TMDs QDs through utilizing defects–excitons interactions. The pressure‐tuned emission of excitons combined with strong PL from defects sites of WS2 QDs may have promising applications in optoelectronic devices.
Compact Seahorse‐Shaped T Cell–Activating Antibody for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fujii Hiroto , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Nakazawa Hikaru , Sugiyama Aruto , Manabe Noriyoshi , Shinoda Akira , Shimizu Nobutaka , Hattori Takamitsu , Hosokawa Katsuhiro , Sujino Takuma , Ito Tomoyuki , Niide Teppei , Asano Ryutaro , Kumagai Izumi , Umetsu Mitsuo
Published: June 2018

The vast information available on hierarchically structured proteins enables the creation of novel proteins with customized functions through the assembly of independent functional component modules. Here, a compact T cell–activating antibody is constructed from the antigen‐binding modules of variable domains. Genetic fusion of a single variable domain of the heavy chain of a heavy chain llama antibody (VHH) to the human single‐chain variable region of an antigen‐binding fragment (scFv), which is designed to be dimerized, yields a compact bispecific and bivalent antibody (BiBian) with a seahorse‐shaped structure. BiBian recognizes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells and CD3 receptors on T cells; the two VHHs and dimerized scFv are structurally independent and positioned such that they are easily accessible to each target. BiBian adhered strongly to both cancer cells and T cells, promoted T cell activation (due to the bivalent CD3 modules), and induced dramatic cytotoxicity against tumor spheroids in vitro and in vivo. This compact structure is proposed as a fundamental format for homogeneous, highly cytotoxic, bacterially expressed antibodies.
Bi‐Enzymatic Embolization Beads for Two‐Armed Enzyme‐Prodrug Therapy
Authors: Olesen Morten T. Jarlstad , Winther Anna K. , Fejerskov Betina , Dagnaes‐Hansen Frederik , Simonsen Ulf , Zelikin Alexander N.
Published: June 2018

Embolic beads, a successful tool for localized, site‐specific drug delivery, are engineered herein to contain the toolbox of enzyme‐prodrug therapy (EPT). EPT offers facile means to synthesize diverse drugs at their nominated concentrations; individually, in sequence, or in a combination. The authors investigate alginate beads as embolic bodies and screen alginate type and bead production parameters as factors to control activity of the immobilized enzymes. Engineered embolic bodies are armed with bi‐enzymatic EPT such that two enzymes perform biosynthesis of drugs with an independent control over each enzyme. Enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) performed by embolic bodies is accomplished herein for the first time and is fine‐tuned such that flux of NO afforded by the beads matches that of healthy human endothelium. Ensuing vasodilation is illustrated ex vivo using rat mesenteric arteries. Independently, the production of SN‐38 is used to control the antiproliferative effects elicited by the beads. Bi‐enzymatic EPT engineered into embolic bodies thus affords opportunities for combination therapy and personalized treatment (adjusted combinations and concentrations of drugs) that go well beyond the state‐of‐the‐art of current embolic bodies and hold much promise for biomedical applications, specifically the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Curvature‐Induced Sorting of Lipids in Plasma Membrane Tethers
Authors: Baoukina Svetlana , Ingólfsson Helgi I. , Marrink Siewert J. , Tieleman D. Peter
Published: June 2018

Membrane curvature controls the spatial organization and activity of cells. Lipid sorting in cell membranes can be explained by matching lipid molecular shape to regions of different curvatures. A molecular view of curvature‐induced lipid sorting is obtained using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics. A model membrane consisting of an asymmetric bilayer of multiple lipid species is simulated. Curvature is induced by pulling a tether, that is, a bilayer nanotube, from a flat membrane. Pulling is performed both from the inner and outer leaflets, corresponding to directions in and out of the cell. Redistribution of different lipid types between the tether and the bilayer is observed, leading to spatial variations in the composition of both leaflets, and, in turn, softening of the tether. Depending on the direction of pulling, the lipid distributions and the tether properties differ. Formation of a tether from the planar membrane thus induces lipid sorting without phase separation.
The Alkaline Stability of Anion Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications: The Effects of Alkaline Media
Authors: Sun Zhe , Pan Ji , Guo Jiangna , Yan Feng
Published: June 2018

Alkaline alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol, and ethylene glycol) have been applied as fuels for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the effects of alkaline media on the stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are still elusive. Here, a series of organic cations including quaternary ammonium, imidazolium, benzimidazolium, pyridinium, phosphonium, pyrrolidinium cations, and their corresponding cationic polymers are synthesized and systematically investigated with respect to their chemical stability in various alkaline media (water, methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide) by quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. In the case of protic solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol), the lower dielectric constant of the alkaline media, the lower is the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the organic cation, which leads to the lower alkaline stability of cations. However, the hydrogen bonds between the anions and protic solvents weaken the effects of low dielectric constant of the alkaline media. The aprotic solvent accelerated the SN2 degradation reaction of “naked” organic cations. The results of this study suggest that both the chemical structure of organic cations and alkaline media (fuels) applied affect the alkaline stability of AEMs.
3D Nanofabrication of High‐Resolution Multilayer Fresnel Zone Plates
Authors: Sanli Umut Tunca , Jiao Chengge , Baluktsian Margarita , Grévent Corinne , Hahn Kersten , Wang Yi , Srot Vesna , Richter Gunther , Bykova Iuliia , Weigand Markus , Schütz Gisela , Keskinbora Kahraman
Published: June 2018

Focusing X‐rays to single nanometer dimensions is impeded by the lack of high‐quality, high‐resolution optics. Challenges in fabricating high aspect ratio 3D nanostructures limit the quality and the resolution. Multilayer zone plates target this challenge by offering virtually unlimited and freely selectable aspect ratios. Here, a full‐ceramic zone plate is fabricated via atomic layer deposition of multilayers over optical quality glass fibers and subsequent focused ion beam slicing. The quality of the multilayers is confirmed up to an aspect ratio of 500 with zones as thin as 25 nm. Focusing performance of the fabricated zone plate is tested toward the high‐energy limit of a soft X‐ray scanning transmission microscope, achieving a 15 nm half‐pitch cut‐off resolution. Sources of adverse influences are identified, and effective routes for improving the zone plate performance are elaborated, paving a clear path toward using multilayer zone plates in high‐energy X‐ray microscopy. Finally, a new fabrication concept is introduced for making zone plates with precisely tilted zones, targeting even higher resolutions.
Area Increase and Budding in Giant Vesicles Triggered by Light: Behind the Scene
Authors: Georgiev Vasil N. , Grafmüller Andrea , Bléger David , Hecht Stefan , Kunstmann Sonja , Barbirz Stefanie , Lipowsky Reinhard , Dimova Rumiana
Published: June 2018

Biomembranes are constantly remodeled and in cells, these processes are controlled and modulated by an assortment of membrane proteins. Here, it is shown that such remodeling can also be induced by photoresponsive molecules. The morphological control of giant vesicles in the presence of a water‐soluble ortho‐tetrafluoroazobenzene photoswitch (F‐azo) is demonstrated and it is shown that the shape transformations are based on an increase in membrane area and generation of spontaneous curvature. The vesicles exhibit budding and the buds can be retracted by using light of a different wavelength. In the presence of F‐azo, the membrane area can increase by more than 5% as assessed from vesicle electrodeformation. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism and the partitioning of F‐azo in the membrane, molecular dynamics simulations are employed. Comparison with theoretically calculated shapes reveals that the budded shapes are governed by curvature elasticity, that the spontaneous curvature can be decomposed into a local and a nonlocal contribution, and that the local spontaneous curvature is about 1/(2.5 µm). The results show that exo‐ and endocytotic events can be controlled by light and that these photoinduced processes provide an attractive method to change membrane area and morphology.
Is high serum programmed death ligand 1 level a risk factor for poor survival in patients with gastric cancer?
Authors: Ito Masaaki , Oshima Yoko , Yajima Satoshi , Suzuki Takashi , Nanami Tatsuki , Shiratori Fumiaki , Funahashi Kimihiko , Nemoto Tetsuo , Shimada Hideaki
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Although the clinicopathological significance of the expression of programmed death ligand 1(PD‐L1) in various cancer tissues has been reported, serum PD‐L1 level has not been evaluated in patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance of preoperative serum PD‐L1 levels in patients with gastric cancer.

Patients and Methods

Serum samples were obtained before surgery from 152 patients with gastric cancer, including 75 patients with stage I, 31 with stage II, 23 with stage III, and 23 with stage IV gastric cancer. The samples were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to detect soluble PD‐L1. Using the median serum PD‐L1 level of 50 pg/mL, patients were divided into two groups, namely high serum and low serum PD‐L1 level groups. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared between these two groups using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Serum PD‐L1 level was significantly associated with older age, positive cancer antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9), C‐reactive protein levels, and albumin levels but not with tumor stage. Patients in the high serum PD‐L1 group showed significantly worse overall survival and recurrence‐free survival than those in the low serum PD‐L1 group (P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that high serum PD‐L1 level was an independent risk factor for poor overall survival (P = .02).

Conclusion

High serum PD‐L1 level was a prognostic factor for reduced overall survival in patients with surgically treated gastric cancer.
I2/TBPB Mediated Oxidative Reaction to Construct of Imidazo[1,5‐α]pyridines under Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Qin Mingda , Tian Yuan , Guo Xin , Yuan Xinglong , Yang Xueying , Chen Baohua
Published: June 2018

A new method for the synthesis of imidazo[1,5‐α]pyridines, one of the most important N‐heterocyclic compounds due to their wide application, was reported in this study. Specifically, using I2 as a non‐metal catalyst and TBPB as an oxidant can efficiently facilitate the synthesis and avoid the use of a metal catalyst. The reaction between ethyl (E)‐2‐(benzylideneamino)acetate and pyridine represents an unprecedented 1,3‐diolar cycloaddition in highly straightforward process with great value.
Overview of doctor‐staffed ambulance use in Japan: a nationwide survey and 1‐week study
Authors: Igarashi Yutaka , Yokobori Shoji , Yamana Hidetoshi , Nagakura Kosuke , Hagiwara Jun , Masuno Tomohiko , Yokota Hiroyuki
Published: June 2018

Aim

In Japan, standard prehospital care is provided by emergency medical services teams. Doctor‐staffed ambulances play a role in facilitating the immediate treatment of critically ill patients to increase the survival rates. However, little is known about their activities. We revealed the present situation of doctor‐staffed ambulances in Japan.

Methods

First, we surveyed all the fire departments in Japan and determined whether a doctor‐staffed ambulance was present within their district boundary. Second, we surveyed hospitals that operate doctor‐staffed ambulances in their system to list their activities during a 1‐week period.

Results

Of 133 hospitals that operated a doctor‐staffed ambulance, 73 (55%) replied to our questionnaire. Only 26 (36%) of them provided 24‐h ambulance deployment. Additionally, 51 (70%) of hospitals bore the operational costs of ambulances. Within 1 week, 345 doctor‐staffed ambulances were dispatched, but 97 (28%) were cancelled. In total, 62 patients (28%) were diagnosed with cardiac arrest, 48 (19%) with trauma or burns, 36 (15%) with stroke, and 22 (9%) with acute coronary syndrome; 159 (58%) were transferred to a tertiary emergency medical center.

Conclusions

Doctor‐staffed ambulances have the advantage of deployment at night and in urban areas compared to doctor‐staffed helicopters. Among the 73 hospitals that responded to the questionnaire, doctor‐staffed ambulances were dispatched almost as frequently as doctor‐staffed helicopters. However, doctor‐staffed ambulances did not receive adequate funding. Future data collection is necessary to determine the efficacy of doctor‐staffed ambulances among hospitals that operate this service.
Effect of Polysoap on the Physical and Tribological Properties of Soybean Oil‐Based Grease
Authors: Liu Zengshe , Biresaw Girma , Biswas Atanu , Cheng Huai N.
Published: June 2018

Soybean oil (SBO)‐based grease, containing polysoaps synthesized from polymeric epoxidized soybean oil (PESO), were investigated. Greases were prepared using a mixture of lithium soap and triethanolammonium polysoap. Grease properties investigated were hardness, using the cone penetration procedure (ASTM D217); oxidation stability, using the pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) method (ASTM D‐5483); and friction and wear, using a four‐ball tribometer (ASTM D‐2266). Penetration data showed that grease formulated in the presence of polysoap was harder than that without polysoap, and this was attributed to the cross‐linking in the polysoap structure, which was expected to provide higher resistance to deformation. The PDSC results indicated that the onset temperature of grease formulated with 3.8 and 7.3 wt% polysoap increased by 8 and 12°C, respectively, compared to grease without polysoap. The coefficient of friction of grease formulated with polysoap was much lower (0.015) than grease without polysoap (0.034).
Development and characterization of polymorphic EST‐SSR markers for Paphiopedilum henryanum (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Xu Yufeng , Jia Ruidong , Zhou Yanhui , Cheng Hao , Zhao Xin , Ge Hong
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

Microsatellite primers were developed for Paphiopedilum henryanum (Orchidaceae), a species threatened with extinction, to assess genetic diversity and population genetic structure.

Methods and Results

Based on the transcriptome data of P. henryanum, 34 novel polymorphic microsatellite expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat markers were developed and characterized in 33 individuals from two P. henryanum populations. The results showed the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four, and levels of observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.7333, respectively. Of these markers, some primers showed good amplification results in seven other Paphiopedilum species.

Conclusions

The developed microsatellite markers will be useful in exploring the genetic diversity and structure of P. henryanum. Furthermore, most loci were successfully cross‐amplified in seven other species of Paphiopedilum, indicating that they will be of great value for genetic study across this genus.
Proinflammatory CX3CR1+CD59+Tumor Necrosis Factor–Like Molecule 1A+Interleukin‐23+ Monocytes Are Expanded in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Modulate Innate Lymphoid Cell 3 Immune Functions
Authors: Ciccia Francesco , Guggino Giuliana , Zeng Michael , Thomas Ranjeny , Ranganathan Vidya , Rahman Arifur , Alessandro Riccardo , Rizzo Aroldo , Saieva Laura , Macaluso Federica , Peralta Sergio , Di Liberto Diana , Dieli Francesco , Cipriani Paola , Giacomelli Roberto , Baeten Dominique , Haroon Nigil
Published: June 2018

Objective

Gut‐derived innate lymphoid cell 3 (ILC3) has been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). CX3CR1+ mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) have been demonstrated to modulate ILC3 function in the gut. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of proinflammatory CX3CR1+CD59+ MNPs in modulating ILC3 function in AS patients.

Methods

MNP subsets in the blood of AS patients and controls were analyzed by flow cytometry. The presence of CX3CR1+CD59+ cells in tissue was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Expression of the proinflammatory chemokines CX3CL1 and CCL2 and decoy receptor 6 (DcR‐6) was analyzed. Peripheral CX3CR1+CD59+ cells were cocultured with ILC3, and changes in their frequency were evaluated by flow cytometry. Transcriptome analysis of circulating CX3CR1+ monocytes was also performed.

Results

DcR‐6 deficiency and CCL2 overexpression were observed in inflamed tissues from AS patients. In the gut, the proinflammatory CX3CR1+CD59+ MNP population was expanded, correlated with the presence of bacteria, and produced high levels of tumor necrosis factor–like molecule 1A (TL1A) and interleukin‐23 (IL‐23). MNPs positive for CD11b, CD11c, and major histocompatibility complex class II, predominantly expressing CX3CR1, were also expanded in the small intestines of treatment‐naive SKG relative to BALB/c mice. The frequency of gut‐derived CX3CR1+CD59+CCR9+TL1A+IL‐23+ MNPs was significantly higher in the peripheral blood and synovial fluid of AS patients than controls. CCR9+CX3CR1+CD59+ monocytes were also expanded in AS synovial and bone marrow samples. Transcriptome analysis of isolated CX3CR1+CD59+ monocytes demonstrated a specific proinflammatory profile in AS. Isolated proinflammatory CX3CR1+CD59+ MNPs from AS patients induced the expansion and activation of ILC3.

Conclusion

Proinflammatory CX3CR1+CD59+TL1A+IL‐23+ MNPs are expanded in AS patients and display a specific proinflammatory transcriptome profile. Given the ability of these cells to support ILC3 expansion, they may promote a sustained proinflammatory status in AS.
Kinetics of Spontaneous Bimetallization between Silver and Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Hirakawa Kazutaka , Kaneko Tetsuya , Toshima Naoki
Published: June 2018

A physical mixture of polymer‐protected Ag nanoparticles and Rh, Pd, or Pt nanoparticles spontaneously forms Ag‐core bimetallic nanoparticles. The formed nanoparticles were smaller than the parent Ag nanoparticles. In the initial process of this reaction, the surface plasmon absorption of Ag nanoparticles diminished and then almost ceased within one hour. Within several minutes, the decrease in Ag surface plasmon absorption could be analyzed by second‐order reaction. This reaction was accelerated with an increase of temperature and the energy gap in the Fermi level between Ag and the other metals. The activation energy (Ea) of this reaction could be determined. An electron transfer reaction from Ag to other metal nanoparticles was proposed as the initial interaction between these metal nanoparticles because the Fermi level of Ag is relatively high, and the electron transfer is possible in terms of energy. The Marcus plot between the rate constant and the driving force, roughly estimated from the work function of metals, and the observed Ea values reasonably explained the proposed electron transfer mechanism.
A Nontemplated Route to Macrocyclic Dibridgehead Diphosphorus Compounds: Crystallographic Characterization of a “Crossed‐Chain” Variant of in/out Stereoisomers
Authors: Kharel Sugam , Jia Tiezheng , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Reibenspies Joseph H. , Blümel Janet , Gladysz John A.
Published: June 2018

Reactions of (O=)PH(OCH2CH3)2 and BrMg(CH2)mCH=CH2 (4.9–3.2 equiv; m=4 (a), 5 (b), 6 (c)) give the dialkylphosphine oxides (O=)PH[(CH2)mCH=CH2]2 (2 a–c; 77–81 % after workup), which are treated with NaH and then α,ω‐dibromides Br(CH2)nBr (0.49–0.32 equiv; n=8 (a′), 10 (b′), 12 (c′), 14 (d′)) to yield the bis(trialkylphosphine oxides) [H2C=CH(CH2)m]2P(=O)(CH2)n(O=)P[(CH2)mCH=CH2]2 (3 ab′, 3 bc′, 3 cd′, 3 ca′; 79–84 %). Reactions of 3 bc′ and 3 ca′ with Grubbs’ first‐generation catalyst and then H2/PtO2 afford the dibridgehead diphosphine dioxides
(4 bc′, 4 ca′; 14–19 %, n′=2m+2); 31P NMR spectra show two stereoisomeric species (ca. 70:30). Crystal structures of two isomers of the latter are obtained, out,out‐4 ca′ and a conformer of in,out‐4 ca′ that features crossed chains, such that the (O=)P vectors appear out,out. Whereas 4 bc′ resists crystallization, a byproduct derived from an alternative metathesis mode, (CH2)12P(=O)(CH2)12(O=)P(CH2)12, as well as 3 ab′ and 3 bc′, are structurally characterized. The efficiencies of other routes to dibridgehead diphosphorus compounds are compared.
SAR investigations on the exposure compliance of wearable wireless devices using infrared thermography
Authors: Karthik Varshini , Rao T. Rama
Published: June 2018

Wearable electronics have become the norm over the last few years. Extensive use of wearable wireless devices (WWD) in greater proximity to the body has increased concern about potential biological effects due to the interaction of human tissues with electromagnetic (EM) fields. Human tissues absorb radiofrequency (RF) waves that are capable of affecting energy states at a molecular level, leading to unsafe effects. Remarkably, thermal effect due to the absorption of RF waves is a better biological manifestation than traditional specific absorption rate (SAR) values. In this study, we investigated the application of infrared thermography (IRT) to obtain temperature dynamics and reconstructed average SAR to evaluate the exposure compliance of WWDs. A microstrip‐based monopole antenna was used to determine the biological effects of the interaction of EM waves with the body. SAR was obtained using EM field simulations and through reconstruction from thermal measurements with the use of bio‐heat equations. The maximum average SAR on the skin was 50 mWkg−1 for the simulations and 54 mWkg−1 from reconstruction after IRT experiments. The maximum temperature change in both cases was observed to be less than 1 °C. The difference between the average SAR obtained through IRT and simulation tools was 8.9% on average. SAR determination from the information acquired using IR temperature dynamics can assess bio‐compliance of modern wearable devices for various wireless applications. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:451–459, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frankenstein or a Submarine Alkaline Vent: Who Is Responsible for Abiogenesis?
Authors: Branscomb Elbert , Russell Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Origin of life models based on “energized assemblages of building blocks” are untenable in principle. This is fundamentally a consequence of the fact that any living system is in a physical state that is extremely far from equilibrium, a condition it must itself build and sustain. This in turn requires that it carries out all of its molecular transformations–obligatorily those that convert, and thereby create, disequilibria–using case‐specific mechanochemical macromolecular machines. Mass‐action solution chemistry is quite unable to do this. We argue in Part 2 of this series that this inherent dependence of life on disequilibria‐converting macromolecular machines is also an obligatory requirement for life at its emergence. Therefore, life must have been launched by the operation of abiotic macromolecular machines driven by abiotic, but specifically “life‐like”, disequilibria, coopted from mineral precipitates that are chemically and physically active. Models grounded in “chemistry‐in‐a‐bag” ideas, however energized, should not be considered.
Temperature‐controlled Rhythmic Gene Expression in Endothermic Mammals: All Diurnal Rhythms are Equal, but Some are Circadian
Authors: Preußner Marco , Heyd Florian
Published: June 2018

The circadian clock is a cell autonomous oscillator that controls many aspects of physiology through generating rhythmic gene expression in a time of day dependent manner. In addition, in endothermic mammals body temperature cycles contribute to rhythmic gene expression. These body temperature‐controlled rhythms are hard to distinguish from classic circadian rhythms if analyzed in vivo in endothermic organisms. However, they do not fulfill all criteria of being circadian if analyzed in cell culture or in conditions where body temperature of an endothermic organism can be manipulated. Here we review and compare these characteristics, discuss the core clock independent mechanism of temperature‐controlled alternative splicing and highlight the requirement of double‐checking rhythms that appear circadian within an endothermic organism in a system that allows temperature manipulation.
Experiences on the use of a game for improving learning and assessing knowledge
Authors: Mesquida Antoni‐Lluís , Mas Antonia
Published: June 2018

The combination of traditional teaching methods with innovative learning tools generates a positive effect on the learning. MiProJOC is a web‐based question and answer game developed to support the delivery of interactive lessons and the assessment of the students’ learning, both as in‐class and distance education activities. MiProJOC was designed to maintain a repository of questions from different knowledge areas, to define and set different game modes, and to present the statistical results from the use of the tool. MiProJOC has been used to facilitate the learning of the software life cycle processes of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207 International Standard within a Software Quality course. This tool has been tested and validated by three different groups of users: students, teachers, and experts from an Information Technology center. The use of MiProJOC to consolidate theoretical concepts is quite profitable, instructive, and beneficial. The tool has achieved an increase in the student interest toward the topics studied. Students are more motivated when innovative techniques are used for the acquisition and consolidation of knowledge.
Friend leukemia virus integration 1 is a predictor of poor prognosis of breast cancer and promotes metastasis and cancer stem cell properties of breast cancer cells
Authors: Yan Xu , Yu Yu , Li Lingyu , Chen Naifei , Song Wei , He Hua , Dong Jie , Liu Xiangliang , Cui Jiuwei
Published: June 2018

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide; despite the developments in diagnosis and therapy, recurrence and metastasis remain the main causes of death among patients with breast cancer. This study aimed to identify a promising biomarker for this disease. The study clarified (1) the association between Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (FLI‐1) and various molecular subtypes and (2) the prognostic value of FLI‐1 in breast cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report that FLI‐1 is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer and overexpressed in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. To further verify the effect of FLI‐1 in promoting the metastasis of TNBC, we performed a series of functional experiments in vitro and orthotopic xenograft experiments in the mammary fat pad of nude mice. FLI‐1, as a transcription factor, bound to the promoters of key EMT‐related genes (CDH1 and VIM), and regulated their expressions at the transcriptional level, thus induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The overexpression of FLI‐1 significantly upregulated the expression of mesenchymal markers. After the modulation of FLI‐1, the changes in mammary stem cell markers (ALDH1A1 and CD133) and the capacity to form mammospheres were consistent with those of the EMT‐related markers. The orthotopic xenograft models further confirmed that the attenuation of stem cell traits after silencing FLI‐1 decreased the ability of tumorigenesis. These results indicate that FLI‐1 is a useful predictor of poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the preliminary exploration of metastatic mechanism in the patients with TNBC will provide a potential target to treat breast cancer in the near future.
Antimicrobial Activity of Monoketone Curcuminoids Against Cariogenic Bacteria
Authors: Vieira Tatiana M. , dos Santos Isabella A. , Silva Thayná S. , Martins Carlos H. G. , Crotti Antônio E. M.
Published: June 2018

We evaluated the antimicrobial activity of 25 monoketone curcuminoids (MKCs) against a representative panel of cariogenic bacteria in terms of their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Curcumin A (10) displayed promising activity against Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 50 μg/ml) and Streptococcus mitis (MIC = 50 μg/ml) as well as moderate activity against S. sanguinis (MIC = 100 μg/ml), Lactobacillus casei (MIC = 100 μg/ml), and Streptococcus salivarius (MIC = 200 μg/ml). Results indicated higher activity of compound 10 than that of its bis‐β‐diketone analog. Additionally, compounds 3a (1,5‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)pentan‐3‐one) and 7b (1,5‐bis(4‐bromophenyl)pentan‐3‐ol) were moderately active against S. mitis (MIC = 100 μg/ml) and S. salivarus (MIC = 200 μg/ml).
Cor triatriatum sinistrum in a pregnant woman
Authors: Zhiva Taherpour
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Cor triatriatum sinistrum is a congenital cardiac malformation in which left atrium is divided into 2 parts by a perforated fibromuscular membrane, it can mimic signs and symptoms of mitral valve (MV) stenosis or occasionally without any symptoms and discovered as an accidental finding.
Prolonged third complete remission after busulfan, thiotepa, and autologous stem cell transplant in a primary central nervous system lymphoma patient
Authors: Camus Vincent , Dubois Sydney , Lepretre Stéphane , Jardin Fabrice , Tilly Hervé
Published: June 2018

Key clinical message

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains a therapeutic challenge due to impaired drugs diffusion as a result of the blood‐brain barrier and high risk of relapse. Patients with good performance status, chemo‐sensitive disease, and eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) may benefit from salvage therapy and therapeutic intensification that may allow long‐term remission.
Ultrafine SnO2 Nanocrystals Self‐Anchored in Carbon for Stable Lithium Storage
Authors: Fu Shuting , Wu Qili , He Shiman , Tong Shengfu , Yang Xianfeng , Meng Yuying , Wu Mingmei
Published: June 2018

Sn‐based materials can be potentially used as anode in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), though challenges still exist. Herein, SnO2/C composites with ultrafine SnO2 nanocrystals uniformly anchored to the carbon matrix are simply synthesized via a one‐pot solvothermal method. In this structure, the nano‐sized SnO2 can offer abundant electroactive sites and effectively shorten the lithium‐ion diffusion length. The interfacial structure between SnO2 and the carbon matrix restricts the particle within a specific space, allowing elastic buffering and alleviating the agglomeration and pulverization. Therefore, the capacity decay due to volume variation upon cycling can be refrained remarkably. Moreover, the unique interfaces facilitate electron transfer, as well as additional lithium storage (i. e., pseudocapacitance). Benefiting from these unique architectural merits, our optimized SnO2/C composite exhibits high specific capacity (600 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) and superior rate capability (185 mAh g−1 at 11.7 A g−1) when applied to LIBs anodes. Even without an additional conductive agent, the electrode can maintain its extremely stable performance. The strategy proposed here proves the feasibility to enhance electrochemical properties, utilizing the synergetic effect between SnO2 nanocrystals and the carbon base. Thus, the optimized SnO2/C is a promising candidate for applications as anode material in LIBs.
A review of orthogonal projections for calibration
Authors: Roger Jean‐Michel , Boulet Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2018

Effective methods often rely on simple mathematical operators. Among these operators, orthogonal projections have been widely used because of their simplicity in compensating for detrimental factors. This efficiency depends largely on the way these tools are prepared. This article links the mathematical basics of orthogonal projections to the notion of vectoral subspaces, highlighting which information should be removed in the process and the important practical properties concerned with optimizing this technique. This review covers several methods involving orthogonal projections and focuses specifically on their practical use. This concerns the identification of detrimental information and its removal together with adjusting the dimension of the projection. The methodology discussed in this review will enable the reader to optimize orthogonal projections for any given situation.
Multimode complex process monitoring using double‐level local information based local outlier factor method
Authors: Wang Lei , Deng Xiaogang , Cao Yuping
Published: June 2018

Industrial processes typically have multiple operating modes with complex data distribution and locality faults, which challenges the traditional multivariate statistical process monitoring methods. To address this problem, a double‐level local information‐based local outlier factor (LOF) method is proposed in this work for multimode complex process monitoring. First, to handle the multimodality, the local neighborhood standardization strategy is adopted to utilize the statistical information of local data structure. Second, the variable LOF method is proposed to determine reasonable boundary for complex data distribution and simultaneously reflect local variable behaviors. For better online monitoring, a weighting strategy is applied to emphasize the local variable information, and the Bayesian inference is employed to integrate the LOF value of each variable. To isolate the fault variables, a contribution plot is designed. Finally, a numerical example and the benchmark Tennessee Eastman process are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Linear CuI2Pd0, CuIPd02, and AgI2Pd0 Metal Chains Supported by Rigid N,N′‐Diphosphanyl N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Metallophilic Interactions
Authors: Ai Pengfei , Monakhov Kirill Yu. , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Gourlaouen Christophe , Tromp Moniek , Welter Richard , Danopoulos Andreas A. , Braunstein Pierre
Published: June 2018

Selective copper(I) to palladium(0) transmetallation of P‐donors from the rigid N,N′‐diphosphanyl‐imidazol‐2‐ylidene C3H2[NP(tBu)2]2 (PCNHCP) was observed when known [Cu3(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)3 was reacted with [Pd(PPh3)4]. When 1.2 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3)4] was used, the product [Cu2Pd(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)2 (2(OTf)2) was obtained, which features a CuI–CuI–Pd0 chain and appears to be the first linear heterotrinuclear complex with d10–d10 interactions between Pd0 and CuI. When the Cu3 precursor was reacted with 3.0 equivalents of [Pd(PPh3)4], the complex [CuPd2(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)2 (3(OTf)2) was obtained, which, on the basis of magnetic measurements, DFT calculations, and computed nuclear shieldings, was formulated as containing a Pd0–CuI–Pd0 chain with an electron hole delocalized over the whole cation, including the metal chain. Similarly, selective transmetallation of the P‐donors in [Ag3(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)3 from silver to palladium (originating from [Pd(PPh3)4]) gave the linear chain [Ag2Pd(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)2 (5(OTf)2), which on the basis of NMR spectroscopy comprises an AgI–AgI–Pd0 metal core. However, X‐ray diffraction data collected on various samples of 5(OTf)2 were modeled with 50:50 metal disorder at the terminal positions, corresponding to a (AgI/Pd0)–AgI–(AgI/Pd0) formulation. Upon standing in solution, 5(OTf)2 transformed to 6(OTf)2, the regioisomer of 5(OTf)2 in which the Pd center has migrated to the central position of an AgI–Pd0–AgI chain. Prolonged standing in CH2Cl2 or by reaction with [PtCl2(NCMe)2] converts complex 6(OTf)2 to the AgI/PdII complex [Ag2PdCl2(μ3‐PCNHCP,κP,κCNHC,κP)2](OTf)2 (7(OTf)2). The structural data of 2(OTf)2, 3(OTf)2, and 7(OTf)2 establish significant heterometallophilic interactions.
Solvent‐ and Halide‐Induced (Inter)conversion between Iron(II)‐Disulfide and Iron(III)‐Thiolate Complexes
Authors: Wang Lianke , Cantú Reinhard Fabián G. , Philouze Christian , Demeshko Serhiy , de Visser Sam P. , Meyer Franc , Gennari Marcello , Duboc Carole
Published: June 2018

Disulfide/thiolate interconversion controlled by Cu is proposed to be involved in relevant biological processes. In analogy to Cu, it can be envisaged that Fe also participates in the control of similar biological processes. We describe here Fe complexes that undergo FeIII‐thiolate/FeII‐disulfide (inter)conversion mediated by halide (de)coordination, and by the nature of the solvent. The dinuclear FeII‐disulfide complex [FeII2(LSSL)]2+ ((LS)2−=2,2′‐(2,2′‐bipyridine‐6,6′‐diyl)bis(1,1‐diphenylethanethiolate), (LSSL)2−=the corresponding disulfide ligand) shows solvent‐dependent properties. Whereas in a non‐coordinating solvent (CH2Cl2) the dinuclear FeII‐disulfide complex is the only stable form, in the presence of coordinating solvents like MeCN or DMF it is partly or fully converted into mononuclear FeIII‐thiolate species having a bound solvent molecule ([FeIII(LS)(Solv)]+, Solv=DMF, MeCN). Addition of Cl− to a CH2Cl2 solution containing the FeII‐disulfide dinuclear complex leads to the fast and quantitative formation of a mononuclear FeIII‐thiolate species with a bound Cl−, that is, ([FeIII(LS)Cl]). The reverse reaction can be achieved by addition of Li[[B(C6F5)4]. In relation to the metal–sulfur electronic distribution, the comparison between the redox properties of the Fe, Mn and Co complexes involved in these MIII‐thiolate/MII‐disulfide interconversion processes allow one to rationalize their respective efficiency.
Highly Stable and Red‐Emitting Nanovesicles Incorporating Lipophilic Diketopyrrolopyrroles for Cell Imaging
Authors: Ardizzone Antonio , Blasi Davide , Vona Danilo , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Punzi Angela , Altamura Emiliano , Grimaldi Natascia , Sala Santi , Vauthey Eric , Farinola Gianluca M. , Ratera Imma , Ventosa Nora , Veciana Jaume
Published: June 2018

Diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) have recently attracted much interest as very bright and photostable red‐emitting molecules. However, their tendency to form nonfluorescent aggregates in water through the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect is a major issue that limits their application under the microscope. Herein, two DPP molecules have been incorporated into the membrane of highly stable and water‐soluble quatsomes (QS; nanovesicles composed of surfactants and sterols), which allow their nanostructuration in water and, at the same time, limits the ACQ effect. The obtained fluorescent organic nanoparticles showed superior structural homogeneity, along with long‐term colloidal and optical stability. A thorough one‐ (1P) and two‐photon (2P) fluorescence characterization revealed the promising photophysical features of these fluorescent nanovesicles, which showed a high 1P and 2P brightness. Finally, the fluorescent QSs were used for the in vitro bioimaging of Saos‐2 osteosarcoma cell lines; this demonstrates their potential as nanomaterials for bioimaging applications.