New Roll‐to‐Roll Processable PEDOT‐Based Polymer with Colorless Bleached State for Flexible Electrochromic Devices

Conjugated electrochromic (EC) polymers for flexible EC devices (ECDs) generally lack a fully colorless bleached state. A strategy to overcome this drawback is the implementation of a new sidechain-modified poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) derivative that can be deposited in thin-film form in a customized high-throughput and large-area roll-to-roll polymerization process. The sidechain modification provides enhanced EC properties in terms of visible light transmittance change, Δτv = 59% (ΔL* = 54.1), contrast ratio (CR = 15.8), coloration efficiency (η = 530 cm² C−1), and color neutrality (L* = 83.8, a* = −4.3, b* = −4.1) in the bleached state. The intense blue-colored polymer thin films exhibit high cycle stability (10 000 cycles) and fast response times. The design, synthesis, and polymerization of the modified 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene derivative are discussed along with a detailed optical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical characterization of the resulting EC thin films. Finally, a flexible see-through ECD with a visible light transmittance change of Δτv = 47% (ΔL* = 51.9) and a neutral-colored bleached state is developed

The diacylglycerol kinase α/Atypical PKC/β1 integrin pathway in SDF-1α mammary carcinoma invasiveness

Diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα), by phosphorylating diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid, provides a key signal driving cell migration and matrix invasion. We previously demonstrated that in epithelial cells activation of DGKα activity promotes cytoskeletal remodeling and matrix invasion by recruiting atypical PKC at ruffling sites and by promoting RCP-mediated recycling of α5β1 integrin to the tip of pseudopods. In here we investigate the signaling pathway by which DGKα mediates SDF-1α-induced matrix invasion of MDA-MB-231 invasive breast carcinoma cells. Indeed we showed that, following SDF-1α stimulation, DGKα is activated and localized at cell protrusion, thus promoting their elongation and mediating SDF-1α induced MMP-9 metalloproteinase secretion and matrix invasion. Phosphatidic acid generated by DGKα promotes localization at cell protrusions of atypical PKCs which play an essential role downstream of DGKα by promoting Rac-mediated protrusion elongation and localized recruitment of β1 integrin and MMP-9. We finally demonstrate that activation of DGKα, atypical PKCs signaling and β1 integrin are all essential for MDA-MB-231 invasiveness. These data indicates the existence of a SDF-1α induced DGKα - atypical PKC - β1 integrin signaling pathway, which is essential for matrix invasion of carcinoma cells

From Small Metal Clusters to Molecular Nanoarchitectures with a Core-Shell Structure: The Synthesis, Redox Fingerprint, Theoretical Analysis, and Solid-State Structure of [Co38As12(CO)50]4

The cluster [Co38As12(CO)50]4- was obtained by pyrolysis of [Co6As(CO)16]-. The metal cage features a closed-packed core inside a Co/As shell that progressively deforms from a cubic face-centered symmetry. The redox and acid-base reactivities were determined by cyclic voltammetry and spectrophotometric titrations. The calculated electron density revealed the shell-constrained distribution of the atomic charges, induced by the presence of arsenic

Highly reversible Ti/Sn oxide nanocomposite electrodes for lithium ion batteries obtained by oxidation of MAX Ti3AlxSn1-xC2 phases

Among the materials for the negative electrodes in Li-ion batteries, oxides capable of reacting with Li+ via intercalation/conversion/alloying are extremely interesting due to their high specific capacities but suffer from poor mechanical stability. A new way to design nanocomposites based on the Ti/SnOx system is the partial oxidation of the tin-containing MAX phase of Ti3Al(1-x)SnxO2 composition. Exploiting this strategy, we develop composite electrodes of Sn/TiOx and MAX phase capable of withstanding over 600 cycles in half cells with charge efficiencies higher than 99.5% and specific capacities comparable to those of graphite and higher than lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) electrodes. These unprecedented electrochemical performances are also demonstrated at full cell level in the presence of a low cobalt content layered oxide and explained through an accurate chemical, morphological and structural investigation which reveals the intimate contact between the MAX phase and the oxide particles. During the oxidation process, electroactive nanoparticles of TiO2 and Ti(1-y)SnyO2 nucleate on the surface of the unreacted MAX phase which therefore acts both as a conductive agent and as a buffer to preserve the mechanical integrity of the oxide during the lithiation and delithiation cycles

Depth of Intestinal Wall Infiltration and Clinical Presentation of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Evaluation of 553 Consecutive Cases

Intestinal involvement in endometriosis was first described by Sampson in 1922. The reported incidence ranges between 3% and 37% in patients diagnosed with endometriosis. In literature, there are few studies that correlate the severity of endometriosis (in terms of intestinal infiltration) and its clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to review the correlation between the severity of symptoms, the depth of intestinal wall infiltration, and lymph node involvement in our tertiary referral center

The missing piece: The Ti3C2Tx MXene structure and its role in the outstanding reversibility as negative electrode in sodium ion batteries

This study proposes the full structural characterization of the most common MXene composition, Ti3C2Tx, which presents outstanding stability as anode for sodium ion batteries (100% of capacity retention after 530 cycles with charge efficiency > 99.7%). The structural investigation is carried out with a multi-technique approach that allows to explore both the short- and long- range structure, combining the analysis of X ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction data, and TEM images. The diffraction data have been analyzed with the approach embodied in the Faults software, that accounts for the evaluation of extended defects, thus allowing to fit, for the first time, the MXene diffraction patterns. The analysis shows that the presence of static disorder on the termination sites induces a variability in the interlayer distance which affects the electrochemical properties

The Missing Piece: The Structure of the Ti3C2Tx MXene and Its Behavior as Negative Electrode in Sodium Ion Batteries

The most common MXene composition Ti3C2Tx (T = F, O) shows outstanding stability as anode for sodium ion batteries (100% of capacity retention after 530 cycles with charge efficiency >99.7%). However, the reversibility of the intercalation/deintercalation process is strongly affected by the synthesis parameters determining, in turn, significant differences in the material structure. This study proposes a new approach to identify the crystal features influencing the performances, using a structural model built with a multitechnique approach that allows exploring the short-range order of the lamella. The model is then used to determine the long-range order by inserting defective elements into the structure. With this strategy it is possible to fit the MXene diffraction patterns, obtain the structural parameters including the stoichiometric composition of the terminations (neutron data), and quantify the structural disorder which can be used to discriminate the phases with the best electrochemical properties

Consanguineous unions and endogamy in families of beta-thalassaemia patients from two Mediterranean populations: Tunisia and Italy

Background: Consanguinity increases the incidence of recessive diseases such as beta-thalassaemia major (βTM), one of the most prevalent lethal inherited diseases in the world. Aim: This study aims to identify the frequency of endogamy and consanguinity in two Mediterranean βTM populations and to study the implication of socio-economic factors. Subjects and methods: A trans-sectional study was conducted in 203 Tunisian families and 75 Italian families. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by patients and parents. Results: Complete endogamy and consanguinity were observed in 82.75% and 62.56% of Tunisian families, respectively. Complete endogamy was found in 90.67% of Italian families, no consanguinity was noted. The low occupation status of Tunisian mothers was associated with an increasing frequency of consanguinity (p = .01) and endogamy (p = .0003). Consanguinity was associated with low education level (p = .012) and low occupation status (p=.047) of fathers. No significant association was found between endogamy and socio-economic factors in the Italian sample. Conclusions: High consanguinity and endogamy rates in Tunisian families may explain the frequency of βTM in Tunisia. The high endogamy rate in Italian families could also increase the frequency of βTM. Identification of geographical distribution and socio-economic factors leading to endogamy and consanguinity in these populations might help to improve βTM prevention