Platelet-like Structures Research Articles

Electrodeposited Zn-Mn on three-dimensional electrodes as anodes in liquid and quasi-solid-state zinc-air batteries

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are eco-friendly and sustainable energy storage devices. There are different challenges to overcome in ZABs, where anodic issues such as shape changes, passivation, self-corrosion, and dendrite formation require urgent solutions. In this work, Zn and Zn-Mn alloys were electrodeposited on three-dimensional porous carbon electrodes varying the Mn composition (2, 20 and 40 g L−1) and studying its effect during the operation of a 6 M KOH liquid ZAB and a quasi-solid-state ZAB based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) PVA/PAA gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that Zn and Zn-Mn were deposited as platelet-like bi-dimensional structures. Additionally, the use of 20 and 40 g L−1 of the Mn precursor resulted in larger Zn deposition covering the 3D structure of the carbon paper. Elemental analysis indicated that the Mn content in Zn-Mn was 1.3, 2.4 and 6 %. In the aqueous ZAB, the Zn-Mn with 2.4 % Mn enabled to increase the maximum current density achieving the highest power density of 45 mW cm⁻2. In QSS-ZAB, Zn-Mn at 1.3 and 2.4. % Mn displayed higher stability to recovery after demanding different current densities, while the first anode displayed higher cyclability, presenting a similar round trip after 240 charge/discharge cycles This ZAB was maintained functional during 290 cycles vs. 120 cycles for Zn foil. The rechargeability was improved because of the decrease in Zn dendritic growth and passivation.

Porosity evolution and oxide formation in bulk nanoporous copper dealloyed from a copper-manganese alloy studied by in situ resistometry.

The synthesis of bulk nanoporous copper (npCu) from a copper-manganese alloy by electrochemical dealloying and free corrosion as well as the electrochemical behaviour of the dealloyed structures is investigated by in situ resistometry. In comparison to the well-established nanoporous gold (npAu) system, npCu shows strongly suppressed reordering processes in the porous structure (behind the etch front), which can be attributed to pronounced manganese oxide formation. Characteristic variations with the electrolyte concentration and potential applied for dealloying could be observed. Cyclic voltammetry was used to clarify the electrochemical behaviour of npCu. Oxide formation is further investigated by SEM and EDX revealing a hybrid composite of copper and manganese oxide on the surface of a metallic copper skeleton. Platelet-like structures embedded in the porous structure are identified which are rich in manganese oxide after prolonged dealloying. As an outlook, this unique heterogeneous structure with a large surface area and the inherent properties of manganese and copper oxides may offer application potential for the development of electrodes for energy storage and catalysis.

Site occupation and fluorescence properties of MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphors

A series of Mg1-xEuxAl2O4 and MgAl2-xEuxO4 (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05) phosphors were synthesized by using a low-temperature hydrothermal method combined with a calcination process. The crystal structure, morphology and fluorescence performance of the samples was investigated. Eu3+ substitutes into the majority of Mg2+ sites in the Mg1-xEuxAl2O4 and MgAl2-xEuxO4 system host lattices and does not alter the phase prototype. However, the charge balance for the two systems is maintained by vacancy generation and cation inversion. The sample morphologies are composed of platelet-like and rod-like structures with good dispersion achieved by using urea as a precipitant. The main emission peaks for all samples are located at 592 nm and 616 nm and change regularly with increasing Eu3+ concentration. Compared with the Mg1-xEuxAl2O4 series and other reported MgAl2O4: Eu3+ phosphors, the MgAl2-xEuxO4 series is prone to avoid concentration quenching in the Eu3+ doping range of x ≤ 0.05. This is attributed to the special charge balance mechanism and larger transition probability at the 5D0→7F2 level for these series of samples. The energy transfer rate among Eu3+ in the two systems is influenced differently by vacancy generation and cation inversion. The MgAl2-xEuxO4 series, as promising phosphors, shows better emission colour quality. The CIE coordinate (x, y), CCT, and colour purity for the MgAl1.95Eu0.05O4 phosphor were determined to be (0.6296, 0.3699), 2014 K, and 85.36%, respectively.

Principal Component Analysis to Determine the Surface Properties That Influence the Self-Cleaning Action of Hydrophobic Plant Leaves.

It is well established that many leaf surfaces display self-cleaning properties. However, an understanding of how the surface properties interact is still not achieved. Consequently, 12 different leaf types were selected for analysis due to their water repellency and self-cleaning properties. The most hydrophobic surfaces demonstrated splitting of the νs CH2 and ν CH2 bands, ordered platelet-like structures, crystalline waxes, high-surface-roughness values, high-total-surface-free energy and apolar components of surface energy, and low polar and Lewis base components of surface energy. The surfaces that exhibited the least roughness and high polar and Lewis base components of surface energy had intracuticular waxes, yet they still demonstrated the self-cleaning action. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the most hydrophobic species shared common surface chemistry traits with low intra-class variability, while the less hydrophobic leaves had highly variable surface-chemistry characteristics. Despite this, we have shown through partial least squares regression that the leaf water contact angle (i.e., hydrophobicity) can be predicted using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy surface chemistry data with excellent ability. This is the first time that such a statistical analysis has been performed on a complex biological system. This model could be utilized to investigate and predict the water contact angles of a range of biological surfaces. An understanding of the interplay of properties is extremely important to produce optimized biomimetic surfaces.

MiR-204-5p and Platelet Function Regulation: Insight into a Mechanism Mediated by CDC42 and GPIIbIIIa.

Background Several platelet-derived microRNAs are associated with platelet reactivity (PR) and clinical outcome in cardiovascular patients. We previously showed an association between miR-204-5p and PR in stable cardiovascular patients, but data on functional mechanisms are lacking. Aims To validate miR-204-5p as a regulator of PR in platelet-like structures (PLS) derived from human megakaryocytes and to address mechanistic issues. Methods Human hematopoietic stem cells were differentiated into megakaryocytes, enabling the transfection of miR-204-5p and the recovery of subsequent PLS. The morphology of transfected megakaryocytes and PLS was characterized using flow cytometry and microscopy. The functional impact of miR-204-5p was assessed using a flow assay, the quantification of the activated form of the GPIIbIIIa receptor, and a fibrinogen-binding assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to evaluate the impact of miR-204-5p on a validated target, CDC42. The impact of CDC42 modulation was investigated using a silencing strategy. Results miR-204-5p transfection induced cytoskeletal changes in megakaryocytes associated with the retracted protrusion of proPLS, but it had no impact on the number of PLS released. Functional assays showed that the PLS produced by megakaryocytes transfected with miR-204-5p were more reactive than controls. This phenotype is mediated by the regulation of GPIIbIIIa expression, a key contributor in platelet–fibrinogen interaction. Similar results were obtained after CDC42 silencing, suggesting that miR-204-5p regulates PR, at least in part, via CDC42 downregulation. Conclusion We functionally validated miR-204-5p as a regulator of the PR that occurs through CDC42 downregulation and regulation of fibrinogen receptor expression.

MicroRNA-126 is a regulator of platelet-supported thrombin generation

Circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles correlate with platelet reactivity. MiR-126 is a promising candidates in this regard. We generated a transgenic zebrafish line with thrombocyte-specific overexpression of miR-126. Laser injury of the posterior cardinal vein of 5 day-old larvae was performed with or without antithrombotic pre-treatment. Platelet-like structures (PLS) derived from human megakaryocytes transfected with miR-126 were also evaluated for procoagulant activity. Finally, we studied the correlation between miR-126 level and thrombin generation markers in a cohort of stable cardiovascular patients. Control zebrafish developed small thrombocyte-rich thrombi at the site of vessel injury, without vessel occlusion. The miR-126 transgenic line developed an occluding thrombus in 75% (95% CI: 51–91%) of larvae. Pre-treatment with the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban, but not aspirin, prevented vessel occlusion in the transgenic line (0% occlusion, 95%CI: 0–18%). Upon activation, human PLS showed an increased procoagulant profile after miR-126 transfection compared to control. Finally, the plasma levels of miR-126, but not a control platelet-derived miRNA, correlated with markers of in vivo thrombin generation in a cohort of 185 cardiovascular patients. Our results from three complementary approaches support a key role for miR-126 in platelet-supported thrombin generation and open new avenues in the tailoring of antithrombotic treatment.

Structural, Optical, Dielectric, and Magnetic Characteristics of Nd Ions Substituted BaFe11(Sn0.5Mg0.5)xO19 M-Type Hexaferrite via Co-precipitation

Nanoparticles (NPs) of barium hexaferrite were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation technique in an aqueous solution with a nominal composition of BaFe11(Sn0.5Mg0.5)1−xNdxO19 (x = 0, 0.5, 1). XRD and FTIR analyses were performed to study the crystal structure of the magnetic powders (MPs) in order to obtain details on the hexaferrite structure. Grain morphology and elemental composition were assessed by SEM and EDS, respectively, and nano-sized hexagonal platelet-like structures in all MPs were demonstrated. All of the structural parameters such as “a”, “c”, V(cell) and Dx have been altered with successful incorporation of Nd into hexagonal lattices, thereby the band gap Eg first increased x ≤ 0.5 then decreased up to x = 1 (i.e., drawn via a Tauc plot) from 1.53–1.82 eV. The measurements of dielectric properties depict relaxation behavior at higher frequencies. The dielectric measurements increase with increased hexaferrite. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of all MPs were examined by VSM at room temperature (RT). The saturation magnetization (Ms), remnant magnetization (Mr), and coercivity (Hc) were linearly decreased by the SnMg content, whereas an increasing trend appeared with the additional Nd content. However, the squareness ratio increased with an increase in the content (x). These outcomes make this substitution an excellent candidate for multiple applications such as optical, electrical-based devices, circulators, and recording materials.

Functional Validation of microRNA-126-3p as a Platelet Reactivity Regulator Using Human Haematopoietic Stem Cells.

Platelets are an abundant source of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) that may play a role in the regulation of platelet function. Some miRNAs, such as miR-126-3p, have been noted as potential biomarkers of platelet reactivity and the recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, the biological relevance of these associations remains uncertain, and the functional validation of candidate miRNAs on human-derived cells is lacking. This article functionally validates miR-126-3p as a regulator of platelet reactivity in platelet-like structures (PLS) derived from human haematopoietic stem cells. CD34+-derived megakaryocytes were transfected with miR-126-3p and differentiated in PLS. PLS reactivity was assessed using perfusion in a fibrinogen-coated flow chamber. miR-126-3p's selected gene targets were validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, protein quantification and a reporter gene assay. CD34+-derived megakaryocytes transfected with miR-126-3p generated PLS exhibiting 156% more reactivity than the control. These functional data were in line with those obtained analysing CD62P expression. Moreover, miR-126-3p transfection was associated with the down-regulation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-9 (ADAM9) messenger RNA (mRNA), a validated target of miR-126-3p, and of Plexin B2 (PLXNB2) mRNA and protein, an actin dynamics regulator. Silencing PLXNB2 led to similar functional results to miR-126-3p transfection. Finally, using a reporter gene assay, we validated PLXNB2 as a direct target of miR-126-3p. We functionally validated miR-126-3p as a regulator of platelet reactivity in PLS derived from human haematopoietic stem cells. Moreover, PLXNB2 was validated as a new gene target of miR-126-3p in human cells, suggesting that miR-126-3p mediates its effect on platelets, at least in part, through actin dynamics regulation.

Functional validation of microRNA-126-3p as a platelet reactivity regulator using human hematopoietic stem cells

Platelets are an abundant source of microRNAs (miRNAs), which may play a role in the regulation of platelet function. Some miRNAs, such as miR-126-3p, are pointed out as potential biomarkers of platelet reactivity and recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, the biological relevance of these associations remains uncertain and functional validation of these candidate miRNAs on human-derived cells is lacking. To functionally validate miR-126-3p as regulator of platelet reactivity in platelet-like structures derived from human hematopoietic stem cells. The functional impact of miRNAs on platelet-like structures derived from human hematopoietic stem cells was evaluated using a flow-based assay. CD34+ derived megakaryocytes were transfected with selected miRNA or siRNA and were differentiated in platelet-like structures. Platelet adhesion phenotype was assessed by perfusion of differentiated cells in a microfluidic system under a constant shear rate. Overexpression of miR-126-3p increased platelet-like structures adhesion compared to control. Moreover, miR-126-3p transfection was associated with downregulation of ADAM9, a validated target of miR-126-3p, and of PLXNB2, an actin dynamics regulator. Silencing PLXNB2 led to similar functional results than miR-126-3p transfection. Reporter gene assay confirm that miR-126-3p directly targets PLXNB2 3′UTR sequence. Taken together, using a flow-based assay, we functionally validate miR-126-3p as a regulator of platelet reactivity on platelet-like structures derived from human hematopoietic stem cells. Moreover, PLXNB2 was identified as a platelet reactivity regulator supporting the hypotheses that miR-126-3p modulates platelet reactivity at least in part by downregulation of PLXNB2.

Stress-induced hydrogen self-trapping in tungsten

The molecular dynamics simulations of trapping of hydrogen atoms in tungsten are presented. The simulations reveal formation of platelet-like structures of self-trapped hydrogen induced by stresses in tungsten, in particular, those produced by dislocations, at the interstitial hydrogen concentrations at.%. The spontaneous hydrogen platelet formation in absence of dislocations and external stresses has been also observed at the higher hydrogen concentrations at.%. It is shown that the platelets can retain substantial quantities of hydrogen, exceeding trapping capacity of other non-cavity defects in tungsten. The properties of the hydrogen platelets formed in tungsten under various conditions are assessed and a formation mechanism is proposed. A model of hydrogen retention by the dislocation-induced structures is also presented, which describes retained quantities and outgassing dynamics of hydrogen in plasma exposed tungsten samples.

Hydrogen bubble nucleation by self-clustering: density functional theory and statistical model studies using tungsten as a model system

Low-energy, high-flux hydrogen irradiation is known to induce bubble formation in tungsten, but its atomistic mechanisms remain little understood. Using first-principles calculations and statistical models, we studied the self-clustering behaviour of hydrogen in tungsten. Unlike previous speculations that the hydrogen self-clusters are energetically unstable owing to the general repulsion between two hydrogen atoms, we found that 2D platelet-like hydrogen self-clusters could form at high hydrogen concentrations. The attractive binding energy of the hydrogen self-cluster becomes larger as the cluster size increases and plateaus at 0.38 eV/H around size of 40. We found that hydrogen atoms would form 2D platelet-like structures along planes. These hydrogen self-clustering behaviours can be quantitatively understood by the competition between long-ranged elastic attraction and local electronic repulsion among hydrogens. Further analysis showed hydrogen self-clusters to be kinetically feasible and thermodynamically stable above a critical hydrogen concentration. Based on this critical hydrogen concentration, we predicted the hydrogen irradiation condition required for the formation of hydrogen self-clusters. Our predictions showed excellent agreement with the experimental results of hydrogen bubble formation in tungsten exposed to low-energy hydrogen irradiation. Finally, we proposed a possible mechanism for the hydrogen bubble nucleation via hydrogen self-clustering. This work provides mechanistic insights and quantitative models towards understanding of plasma-induced hydrogen bubble formation in plasma-facing tungsten.

Self-Seeding of Block Copolymers with a π-Conjugated Oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) Segment: A Versatile Route toward Monodisperse Fiber-like Nanostructures

Three well-defined crystalline–coil diblock copolymers of oligo(p-phenylenevinylene)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (OPV5-b-PNIPAM18, OPV5-b-PNIPAM49, and OPV5-b-PNIPAM75; the subscripts represent the number of repeat units of each block) with the same crystallizable core-forming OPV segment but different corona-forming PNIPAM blocks of various chain lengths were synthesized. Their solution self-assembly behavior was examined in methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. Both the solvent and the length of the PNIPAM block were found to affect the self-assembly of the block copolymers. In methanol, OPV5-b-PNIPAM18 formed a mixture of fiber-like micelles of uniform width and two-dimensional platelet-like structures with fiber-like micelles protruding from the ends. In ethanol and in isopropanol, this polymer only formed long fiber-like micelles of uniform width. OPV5-b-PNIPAM49 formed long fiber-like micelles (several micrometers) of uniform width in all three solvents, but under the same self-assembly conditions, ...

Synthesis and characterization of orthorhombic-MoO3 nanofibers with controlled morphology and diameter

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3) nanofibers with controlled morphology and diameter were synthesized by adjusting electrospinning and calcination conditions. Experimental design was utilized to vary several factors including solution properties, electrospinning parameters and environmental conditions to analyze their effects toward nanofiber morphology (i.e., diameter and bead density). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) content, which effects viscosity, predominated control morphology of nanofibers where low PVP content (i.e., 3.0wt.%) yielded heavily beaded nanofibers with smaller diameter. The morphology of nanofibers was also tuned by adjusting electrospinning parameters (i.e., applied voltage and feed rate), where smallest nanofibers with minimum bead density was achieved at applied voltage of 8kV with feed rate of 0.5mL/h. The as-electrospun ammonium molybdate/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers were calcined to α-MoO3 nanofibers in air. The ramping rate significantly altered the morphology of α-MoO3 nanofibers where rapid thermal annealing with the ramping rate of 15°C/s yielded smoother nanofibers whereas slower ramping rate yielded platelet-like structures. BET analysis showed an increase in specific surface area with decreasing average diameter (i.e., 6.7m2/g for 125nm–86.4m2/g for 35nm).

Palaeobiology of red and white blood cell-like structures, collagen and cholesterol in an ichthyosaur bone

Carbonate concretions are known to contain well-preserved fossils and soft tissues. Recently, biomolecules (e.g. cholesterol) and molecular fossils (biomarkers) were also discovered in a 380 million-year-old concretion, revealing their importance in exceptional preservation of biosignatures. Here, we used a range of microanalytical techniques, biomarkers and compound specific isotope analyses to report the presence of red and white blood cell-like structures as well as platelet-like structures, collagen and cholesterol in an ichthyosaur bone encapsulated in a carbonate concretion from the Early Jurassic (~182.7 Ma). The red blood cell-like structures are four to five times smaller than those identified in modern organisms. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the red blood cell-like structures are organic in composition. We propose that the small size of the blood cell-like structures results from an evolutionary adaptation to the prolonged low oxygen atmospheric levels prevailing during the 70 Ma when ichthyosaurs thrived. The δ13C of the ichthyosaur bone cholesterol indicates that it largely derives from a higher level in the food chain and is consistent with a fish and cephalopod diet. The combined findings above demonstrate that carbonate concretions create isolated environments that promote exceptional preservation of fragile tissues and biomolecules.

Strain induced insulator-to-conductor transition in conducting polymer composites from the auxetic behaviour of hierarchical microstructures.

Above their 'percolation threshold', intrinsically conducting polymer (ICP) based composites exhibit an increase or decrease in conductivity with strain. However, in this study we report an increase in conductivity and an associated insulator-to-conductor transition observed in certain conducting polymer composites below their percolation threshold under uniaxial tensile strain, thereby shifting the percolation to lower volume fractions. The 'auxetic behaviour' possible in certain types of 'hierarchical' microstructures is shown to be responsible for such changes in the polyaniline (PANI) composites studied. Using percolation models, the size and shape of the 'conducting units' that contribute to the percolation and its changes with strain were predicted. These conducting units are secondary and tertiary 'hierarchical structures' formed by the agglomeration of primary units of nano-rods (10 nm). An increase in the aspect ratio of these 'conducting units' is necessary for lowering the percolation threshold, which is possible in tertiary rod-like assemblies of PANI and not in secondary rod-like or platelet-like hierarchical structures. 'Auxetic behaviour' or a negative Poisson's ratio results in the expansion of the agglomerates and increase in the aspect ratio. This demonstrates the possibility of 'auxetic behaviour' contributing to changes in conductivity, which has not been reported before and could be used for novel applications.

Megakaryocytes from CYCS mutation-associated thrombocytopenia release platelets by both proplatelet-dependent and -independent processes.

Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg is a rare autosomal dominant disorder and one of three thrombocytopenias caused by mutation of cytochrome c (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man entry THC4). Our previous observations of platelet-like structures in the marrow space and early platelet production invitro suggested that the low platelet phenotype in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects is caused by premature release of platelets into non-vascular regions of the bone marrow. We now show that two processes of platelet release occur in Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects. Circulating platelets have a normal marginal microtubule coil, and cultured megakaryocytes derived from peripheral blood cells of Thrombocytopenia Cargeeg subjects form proplatelets normally and release platelets containing a marginal microtubule coil, consistent with effective platelet release via the proplatelet mechanism. In contrast, platelet-like structures within the extravascular bone marrow space have the dimensions of platelets but lack the marginal microtubule coil, suggesting abnormal proplatelet-independent platelet release. The mechanism of extravascular platelet release remains unclear. The failure to recapitulate this mechanism invitro implies that the phenotype is not simply an intrinsic property of CYCS mutation-carrying megakaryocytes, but is dependent on the interaction between these cells and their environment.

Morphological transformations in the magnetite biomineralizing protein Mms6 in iron solutions: a small-angle X-ray scattering study.

Magnetotactic bacteria that produce magnetic nanocrystals of uniform size and well-defined morphologies have inspired the use of biomineralization protein Mms6 to promote formation of uniform magnetic nanocrystals in vitro. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies in physiological solutions reveal that Mms6 forms compact globular three-dimensional (3D) micelles (approximately 10 nm in diameter) that are, to a large extent, independent of concentration. In the presence of iron ions in the solutions, the general micellar morphology is preserved, however, with associations among micelles that are induced by iron ions. Compared with Mms6, the m2Mms6 mutant (with the sequence of hydroxyl/carboxyl containing residues in the C-terminal domain shuffled) exhibits subtle morphological changes in the presence of iron ions in solutions. The analysis of the SAXS data is consistent with a hierarchical core-corona micellar structure similar to that found in amphiphilic polymers. The addition of ferric and ferrous iron ions to the protein solution induces morphological changes in the micellar structure by transforming the 3D micelles into objects of reduced dimensionality of 2, with fractal-like characteristics (including Gaussian-chain-like) or, alternatively, platelet-like structures.

Ultrasoft microgels displaying emergent platelet-like behaviours.

Efforts to create platelet-like structures for the augmentation of haemostasis have focused solely on recapitulating aspects of platelet adhesion; more complex platelet behaviours such as clot contraction are assumed to be inaccessible to synthetic systems. Here, we report the creation of fully synthetic platelet-like particles (PLPs) that augment clotting in vitro under physiological flow conditions and achieve wound-triggered haemostasis and decreased bleeding times in vivo in a traumatic injury model. PLPs were synthesized by combining highly deformable microgel particles with molecular-recognition motifs identified through directed evolution. In vitro and in silico analyses demonstrate that PLPs actively collapse fibrin networks, an emergent behaviour that mimics in vivo clot contraction. Mechanistically, clot collapse is intimately linked to the unique deformability and affinity of PLPs for fibrin fibres, as evidenced by dissipative particle dynamics simulations. Our findings should inform the future design of a broader class of dynamic, biosynthetic composite materials.

Detection of binding of a synthetic granzyme B-like peptide fluorescent conjugate within platelet-like structures in cancer-related peripheral blood specimens and tissue sections.

Platelets and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are important whole blood components in peripheral blood. Studies have shown that platelets, from precursor megakaryocytes, are significant factors in cancer prognosis, cancer progression, and metastasis; but a direct platelet-cancer relationship remains unclear. CTL play an essential role in cancer surveillance by inducing cancer cell death with granzyme B. A recent report has shown the presence of binding targets with binding affinity to a synthetic granzyme B-like peptide fluorescent conjugate (GP1R) in different types of cancer cells grown in vitro. It suggests that these binding targets may serve as a "universal-pathologic-biomarker". It is not known if similar biomarkers may be present in platelets of cancer patients. We show with fluoroscopic images that GP1R can bind to binding targets: 1) within platelets in methanol-fixed whole blood smears of patients with breast cancer and lung cancer, and 2) within platelet-like structures in formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) nude mouse xenogeneic breast tumor tissues. Samples without cancer-association displayed no discernible GP1R-binding in platelet-like structures. Our data demonstrate for the first time that a similar "universal-pathologic-biomarker" detectable by GP1R-binding is present in circulating platelets of cancer patients. The data depict a co-existence of animal-platelets and human-breast cancer cells, both have a common pathologic biomarker detectable by GP1R, in the tumor growth. The fluoroscopic images indicate a visual direct connection between pathologic platelets and cancer. These preliminary results may lead to developments of novel platelet-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics and a better understanding of the potential multifunction of GP1R and its relationship to megakaryocytes and PD1.

Single phase ZnO submicrotubes as a replica of electrospun polymer fiber template by atomic layer deposition

Free-standing and highly interconnected ZnO tubes consisting of nanostructured single phase grains are fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with the electrospinning technique. Hereby, electrospun poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) fiber mat is used as a soft template for coating with zinc oxide. The deposition is conducted onto the template at 70°C by using diethylzinc and water as ALD precursors. The crystal structure, microstructure and optical properties of the ZnO deposited layers are studied in detail by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction before and after calcination. After calcination in air at 500°C for 4h the morphology of the wedge-like grains transforms into platelet-like structures with lattice parameters similar to those of the standard bulk polycrystalline ZnO. The resulting nanostructured ZnO tubes exhibit unique optical properties, which arose from the quantum-confinement of ZnO thin films prepared by ALD. The measured band gap energies for both the as-deposited and the calcined ZnO films are much lower than that of bulk ZnO or the single crystalline ZnO. Furthermore, the ultraviolet light is completely absorbed in both cases. The self-supported free-standing polycrystalline ZnO tubes can be easily handled and are bearing high potential for future applications related to catalysis, electronics, photonics, sensing, medicine and controlled drug release.