bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vliv změny pravidel v roce 2010 na střelbu hráčů Národní basketbalové ligy
Authors: Svoboda Václav , Řepka Emil
Published: January 2018

The aim of our study is to identify and evaluate the impact of rules changes in 2010 on success of two-point shooting and three-point shooting between selected Czech and foreign players taking part in National Basketball League- top male competition in the Czech Republic who have met with our specifi ed conditions in examined seasons 2009/10 and 2010/11. There are following methods used in the very research in the empirical part: Student’s paired t-test, Two-sample F-test, Student’s unpaired t-test of equality of variances and Size of eff ect. The results of these tests has statistically confi rmed our hypotheses H1 and H2 – it means decreasing of two-point shooting success in season 2010/11 for all examined players and reducing of success at three-point throws between players with Czech nationality. On the contrary, it has not confi rmed the hypothesis H3, thus increasing of three-point shooting success in season 2010/11 between foreign players. Substantively, we consider as an essential result the 20.1% negative impact of the rules changes on success of three-point shooting for players of Czech nationality.
Porovnání aktuálních metodik identifikace funkčních a anaerobních prahů na bicyklovém ergometru u triatlonistů
Authors: Kovářová Lenka , Berka Martin , Pánek David
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to compare the currently methodics for identification functional and anaerobic thresholds on a bicycle ergometer by triathletes. The sample included triathletes (men), regular participants in the Czech triathlon cup (n = 10, age 35.89 ± 7.94 years, body height 181.83 ± 6.52 cm, weight 80.65 ± 6.53 kg). In the study, we compared the evaluation methodics using lactate curve, respiratory parameters, theoretical calculation, motor test and Conconi test. For statistical data processing we used the Repeated Measures, for evaluating the significance of differences between each test method then pairwise comparation (Bonferroni test). Results showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.000). Significantly higher values are reached in Conconi test (173 ± 14.2 beats.min–1, 313 ± 74.8 W). In pairwise comparison of methodics are differences between lactate and Conconi test in HR values (p = 0.037) as well as the difference between HR lactate test and theoretical calculation (p = 0.039). Most statistical variations in the watts evaluation is found again in connection with Conconi test (time trial: p = 0.039; lactate test: p = 0.013; spiroergometry: p = 0.041).
Obsahová analýza kurikulárních dokumentů tělesné výchovy v Nizozemsku z hlediska vybraných faktorů kvality projektovaného kurikula: komparace s RVP ZV
Authors: Lupač Michal
Published: January 2018

The study analyses the Dutch PE curricula documents and compares them with the Czech PE curriculum. Our research focuses mainly on the selected quality factors – internal congruence and instructional quality. The methodology is based on the qualitative (case oriented) problem approach and the comparison of the analysed documents. We present the educational content comparison of the selected curricula papers and highlight their similarities and differences. The study results indicate higher rate of the instructional quality and internal congruence of the Dutch documents compared to the Czech ones.
Kategorie prostoru (nejen) v kinantropologii
Authors: Bednář Miloš
Published: January 2018

The objective of this article is to reflect the concept of space – both from a general perspective and with focusing on the area which is covered with a scientific branch of kinanthropology. The concrete examples are taken especially from the field of sports. The general part is a short historical overview per apices and bigger attention is paid to the doctrine of Descartes and Kant. Then „anthropologically settled“ space, encompassing sacral dimension in relation to the foundations of olympism as well, was analyzed. Uexküll´s and Husserl´s concept of Umwelt was used as the apt explanatory principle. The article is culminated in the analyses of „bodies dialogue“ in both natural and social space using findings of posturics and proxemics. In the conclusion, the question of possible territorial behaviour in the field of sports is put.
Informovanosť žiakov základných škôl o globálnom polohovom systéme a hre geocaching vo vybraných mestách a obciach východného Slovenska
Authors: Adamčák Štefan , Nemec Miroslav
Published: January 2018

In our contrinbution we are dealing with awareness of boys and girls about global positioning system and navigating game geocaching. The research was realized in chosen towns and communities of East Slovakia on the sample of 437 pupils from 8th and 9th grade. Our results are pointing to the fact, that abbreviation GPS is clearly known by more than 62% respondents (boys and girls) and GPS receiver is used by them mainly in navigation in town, nature and when navigating in the car. Geocaching concept is not known for 60 % respondents and the interest in trying the navigating game geocaching during the classes of Physical Education and Sport Education has got more than 1/3 of respondents. Divergent opinions of respondents (boys and girls) were just three cases statistically significant (p < 0,05).
Identification of informative markers of agronomic traits in different ecotypes of sand plantain (Plantago psyllium)
Authors: Rahimi Mehdi , Hatami Maleki Hamid , Mortezavi Mojtaba
Published: January 2018

To investigate the relationships between agronomic traits and molecular markers in sand plantain (Plantago psyllium), a set of 17 ecotypes collected in Iran were evaluated. Twelve ISSR primers were tested through multiple regression analysis to identify the marker-trait association between ISSR data and agronomic traits. Finally, the 12 primers amplified 129 fragments (loci) among ecotypes: 91 fragments (70.54%) of the 129 fragments showed polymorphism with an average of 7.58% per primer and the rate of this polymorphism ranged from at least 57.14% for UBC824 primer up to 54.62% for UBC813 primer. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.27 (UBC814) to 0.41 (UBC813), with an average of 0.36. Stepwise regression analysis between the molecular data as independent variables and the studied traits as dependent variables was performed to identify informative markers associated with the agronomic traits. Seventy ISSR fragments were found associated with eight morphological traits. Some of ISSR markers were associated with more than one trait in multiple regression analysis that may be due to the pleiotropic effect of the linked quantitative trait locus on different traits or is linkage of different genes. However, for a better understanding of these relationships, preparation of a segregating population and linkage mapping are necessary. Also, these result could be useful in marker-assisted breeding programmes when no other genetic information is available.
Modelos matemáticos de previsão aplicados à gestão hídrica
Authors: Sales Jair Paulino de , Silva João Marcos Pereira , Silva Andersson Alves da , Silva Jackson de Sousa
Published: January 2018

O avanço da urbanização e a ausência de políticas públicas eficazes se apresentam como desafios para a disposição adequada dos serviços de abastecimento hídrico, entretanto, no Brasil, a tomada de consciência sobre a relevância da preservação de tal recurso encontra como barreira sua abundância. Uma alternativa para auxiliar atividades de gestão dos recursos hídricos é a utilização de modelos matemáticos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo elaborar um modelo matemático de previsão do consumo hídrico tomando por base o proposto por Grando e Prado. Para tal, utilizou-se a metodologia Box-Jenkins como forma de descrever a sazonalidade para o problema em estudo. Os dados, publicados por Grando e Prado, sobre volume mensal de água consumida no período compreendido entre outubro de 2010 e setembro de 2014 em uma cidade do oeste de Santa Catarina, foram utilizados para a modelagem do problema a partir da seguinte metodologia: Identificação do problema; Estimação dos parâmetros e teste & Aplicação. Para tornar a série estacionária foram realizadas uma primeira diferenciação e uma diferenciação sazonal. A partir da análise das Funções de Autocorrelação e Autocorrelação Parcial da série devidamente estacionária foram estimados 04 modelos, sendo escolhido como mais adaptado, a partir dos critérios de informação AIC e BIC, o modelo SARIMA (1,2,1)(1,1,0)12. Em comparação com o modelo proposto por Grando e Prado, constatou-se uma redução de 23 %, 22 % e 37 % nos erros MAPE, MAD e EQM. Portanto, a utilização de modelos matemáticos se mostra como uma alternativa bastante viável na gestão de recursos hídricos, uma vez que podem ser empregados para prever, analisar e auxiliar os processos de tomada decisão referentes à utilização e preservação de tais recursos.
A 14-year-old boy with endobronchial carcinoid tumor presenting with asthma
Authors: Gu Yunmo , Hwang Youngjin , Kim Sung Won
Published: January 2018

Introduction Bronchial carcinoid tumors seldom occur in children, sometimes mistaken for a minor disease and diagnosed slowly. Materials and Methods: We report on a patient who diagnose tumors slowly because confused with asthma. Results This case describes a 14-year-old boy, presenting with asthma-like symptoms throughout 3 years. He was treated as asthma but wax and wane. Chest x-ray showed an hyperlucent left lung, so we rechecked high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for unilateral hyperinflation diseases diagnosis. It was found 1×1㎝ nodule in left main bronchus. We did bronchoscopy and discovered a round mass in the left bronchus, 2∼3㎝ away from carina. In the biopsy, it was bronchial carcinoid tumor, so we resected tumor. Discussion Because symptoms of bronchial carcinoid tumors are various, it can often be misdiagnosed firstly. It is confused with asthma, pneumonia and foreign body. An additional examination were necessary when respiratory symptoms persist.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Lee Yeong min , Yang Tae Hyun , Jung HeeSoo , Oh Tae-Seon , Song Jeong-Hoon , Yu Seung-Jung
Published: January 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic disease. Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) with NF1 is an extremely severe complication. A 65-year-old woman was admitted in our hospital with 3-year history of gradually worsening dyspnea on exertion (New York Heart Association functional class III-IV). Considering her clinical feature and examination findings, she could be diagnosed as PH associated with NF1. She was treated with endothelin receptor antagonist. However her dyspnea was not significantly improved. This is the first Korean case of NF1 patient with PH which confirmed with right heart catheterization.
Spontaneous uterine rupture due to placenta percreta in the second trimester of pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Seo So Young , Kim Dong Wook , Kim Bo Mi , Chun Sung Wook
Published: January 2018

A 32-year-old multiparous woman (gravida 2, para 2) with a history of previous cesarean section had acute abdominal pain and collapsed at 21 weeks of gestation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed because of the patient's worsening condition; ultrasound examination results were suggestive of massive hemoperitoneum, and fetus in vertex presentation with bradycardia. Uterine rupture between the left lower segment and borderline of the cervix in the anterior wall with active bleeding was confirmed. An uncomplicated classical cesarean section was performed, but the fetus was stillborn due to preterm birth. Hysterectomy was performed after the cesarean section. The patient was admitted to intensive care units for 3 days and was discharged in 12 days following delivery. Placenta percreta at the anterior lower segment of the uterus was confirmed in the pathology report.
De la dérive ethnographique
Authors: Rousseau Phillip
Published: January 2018

Ce texte relève une série d’embrouilles méthodologiques qui découlent d’une expérience de terrain à l’UNESCO – j’y étais en fonction de suivre les négociations menant à l’adoption de la Convention visant la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles en 2005. Une mauvaise synchronisation entre l’anthropologue et son terrain est à la source d’un premier constat qui laissait perplexe : s’approcher de la Convention semblait constamment mener à se détourner de l’institution hôte (UNESCO). Face à un objet aussi peu coopératif à se laisser cerner sous les traits disciplinaires, j’en viens d’abord à me demander dans quelle mesure la recherche pouvait être considérée comme un terrain. J’expose aussi comment, à partir d’une posture instable – un pied dans le terrain, l’autre non – l’objet tendait à se décliner d’une manière préalablement insoupçonnée.
Le « terrain », mais pour quoi faire ?
Authors: Messu Michel
Published: January 2018

Considérant que les sciences du social sont des sciences de l’empirie, cet article propose une réflexion sur la manière dont ces sciences peuvent remplir cet objectif lorsqu’elles disent procéder depuis un « terrain ». Il cherchera à établir combien le « terrain » peut, et doit, être heuristique dans la démarche de recherche. Combien il peut se révéler crucial dans la mise à l’épreuve de la problématique de recherche. Combien, enfin, il « oblige » le chercheur. Bien plus, si les sciences du social arrivent à partager une même compréhension du terrain, elles pourront s’engager dans une épistémologie de la découverte autrement plus conforme à celle qui guide les autres sciences.
S’impliquer pour enquêter
Authors: Jouan Adrien
Published: January 2018

À partir d’une enquête réalisée à Montréal dans un groupe militant pour le droit à l’éducation pour les enfants sans-papiers, on discutera de la place de l’enquêteur en terrain militant et des problèmes, classiques en ethnographie et décisifs dans l’étude des mobilisations, qui se nouent autour de son double statut d’observateur et de participant. On commencera par décrire certaines contraintes qui ont configuré l’enquête comme une participation-observante à découvert, comme la politique d’enquête des enquêtés qui confronte l’enquêteur à un impératif participatif. Ensuite, on défendra l’idée que l’implication de l’enquêteur, qui s’éloigne d’une « épistémologie de la non-perturbation », ouvre des voies d’investigation intéressantes ; on abordera en même temps la question des limites de sa participation. Enfin, on formulera des propositions de solutions à deux dilemmes rencontrés au fil de cette enquête in situ : le respect des règles des comités d’éthique et « l’enclicage » de l’enquêteur.
Quelques leçons que les atlanticistes ont apprises de l’Atlantique français1
Authors: Laramée François Dominic
Published: January 2018

Qu’avons-nous appris de la récente floraison de travaux sur l’Atlantique français de l’époque moderne menés par les historiens francophones et anglophones ? Ce bilan historiographique se penche sur trois aspects importants de la question : le raffinement et la remise en question du modèle de l’Atlantique en tant qu’espace économique cohérent et intégré ; l’esclavage, ses conséquences et ses résistances ; et la création et la circulation des savoirs. Les études portant sur des particularités locales, voire individuelles, s’y révèlent particulièrement éclairantes. Quelques avenues de recherches ultérieures sont également proposées.
Aspectos morfosintácticos y léxicos en la traducción al español de How to do things with words
Authors:   Universidad de Extremadura (España), Rodríguez Ponce María Isabel
Published: January 2018

Este artículo analiza algunos aspectos morfosintácticos y léxicos de la traducción al español de How to do things with words, de John L. Austin, con el propósito de estudiar su grado de desviación con respecto al texto original y de comprobar si se orienta hacia la extranjerización o hacia la domesticación, que suele ser la opción preferida en las traducciones de filosofía. Las conclusiones servirán para valorar la conveniencia de una nueva traducción de esta obra para el ámbito académico hispánico.
Comparing the portrayal of immigration in two Spanish newspapers: a semantic prosody analysis
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Murcia (España), Soto-Almela Jorge , Alcaraz-Mármol Gema ,   Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (España)
Published: January 2018

This study focuses on the semantic prosody (SP) of the word inmigración and its comparison in two Spanish newspapers which represent two different political ideologies. Our objective is to determine whether there exists a negative prosody of the item inmigración in the news-papers analyzed. We also intend to explore whether any significant differences can be elicited in how both newspapers portray the phenomenon of immigration. The analysis focuses on two corpora formed by more than 400 immigration news which were published between 2003 and 2013 and extracted from the digital library of El País (classified as centre-leftist) and El Mundo (with right-wing views). The results suggest that the word inmigración has a very similar negative prosody in both newspapers, regardless of their political ideology. Therefore, the portrayal of immigration seems to be rather a matter of social concern that goes beyond the political thought of conservatives and progressives.
Cien años después del Curso de lingüística general: una revisión a la obra de Ferdinand de Saussure
Authors:   Universitat de València (España), Tordera Yllescas Juan Carlos
Published: January 2018

En 1916 se publica póstumamente la obra de Ferdinand de Saussure, Curso de lingüística general. En esta obra, sus discípulos, Charles Bally y Albert Sechehaye, recogieron las lecciones del maestro ginebrino que son las que nos han llegado hasta nuestros días. Concretamente, se recogen conceptos bien conocidos como son los dobletes de lengua/habla, sincronía/dia-cronía..., y, por supuesto, el concepto de signo lingüístico. Pasado ya un siglo desde que se publicara la obra, que se considera fundacional del de-nominado estructuralismo europeo, nuestro objetivo es repasar estos conceptos tal como fueron expresados entonces, de tal modo que se pretende hacer un análisis crítico respecto a algunas interpretaciones actuales que, a nuestro entender, distorsionan la primitiva concepción saussereana. Igualmente, pretendemos contextualizar algunos de los objetivos que se trazaron en dicha obra atendiendo a la teoría (o, más bien, ideología) lingüística del momento y esperamos recoger las aportaciones más relevantes del estructuralismo postsaussureano.
Understanding the Dynamics of the Oxic‐Anoxic Interface in the Black Sea
Authors: Stanev Emil V. , Poulain Pierre‐Marie , Grayek Sebastian , Johnson Kenneth S. , Claustre Hervé , Murray James W.
Published: January 2018

The Black Sea, the largest semienclosed anoxic basin on Earth, can be considered as an excellent natural laboratory for oxic and anoxic biogeochemical processes. The suboxic zone, a thin interface between oxic and anoxic waters, still remains poorly understood because it has been undersampled. This has led to alternative concepts regarding the underlying processes that create it. Existing hypotheses suggest that the interface originates either by isopycnal intrusions that introduce oxygen or the dynamics of manganese redox cycling that are associated with the sinking of particles or chemosynthetic bacteria. Here we reexamine these concepts using high‐resolution oxygen, sulfide, nitrate, and particle concentration profiles obtained with sensors deployed on profiling floats. Our results show an extremely stable structure in density space over the entire basin with the exception of areas near the Bosporus plume and in the southern areas dominated by coastal anticyclones. The absence of large‐scale horizontal intrusive signatures in the open‐sea supports a hypothesis prioritizing the role of biogeochemical processes.
Bioorthogonal Strategies for Engineering Extracellular Matrices
Authors: Madl Christopher M. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: January 2018

Hydrogels are commonly used as engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics in applications ranging from tissue engineering to in vitro disease models. Ideal mechanisms used to crosslink ECM‐mimicking hydrogels do not interfere with the biology of the system. However, most common hydrogel crosslinking chemistries exhibit some form of crossreactivity. The field of bioorthogonal chemistry has arisen to address the need for highly specific and robust reactions in biological contexts. Accordingly, bioorthogonal crosslinking strategies are incorporated into hydrogel design, allowing for gentle and efficient encapsulation of cells in various hydrogel materials. Furthermore, the selective nature of bioorthogonal chemistries can permit dynamic modification of hydrogel materials in the presence of live cells and other biomolecules to alter matrix mechanical properties and biochemistry on demand. This review provides an overview of bioorthogonal strategies used to prepare cell‐encapsulating hydrogels and highlights the potential applications of bioorthogonal chemistries in the design of dynamic engineered ECMs.
Tilted Spiro‐Type Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Host for ≈100% Exciton Harvesting in Red Phosphorescent Electronics with Ultralow Doping Ratio
Authors: Wang Ya‐Kun , Li Si‐Hua , Wu Sheng‐Fan , Huang Chen‐Chao , Kumar Sarvendra , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Fung Man‐Keung , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: January 2018

Despite promising efficiency, the high fabrication cost due to the required high concentrations of noble metal based phosphors is still problematic for phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). This situation becomes even serious considering some practical applications need high luminance, which in turn requires a higher concentration of emitters. A paradigm shift to circumvent these issues can be development of materials that are able to operate efficiently in very low concentrations (<1 wt%). Here, two thermally activated delayed fluorescence hosts (OSTFPCN and OSTFPB) with tilted spiro geometry, small singlet‐triplet splitting (Δ
E
st), and effective resonance energy transfer are developed. Within expectation, record performances with a power efficiency of 63.6 lm W−1 and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 31.2% for the red phosphor Ir(MDQ)2(acac) (2.0 wt%) are achieved with OSTFPCN as host. Additionally, a high power efficiency around 58 lm W−1 is also gained even at an ultralow dopant concentration of 0.5 wt% for a OSTFPB based device. Mechanism studies demonstrate that efficiency roll‐off can be effectively suppressed in such low concentrations. These findings pave a new way to exploit low cost and high efficiency PhOLEDs.
The Current Landscape of 3D In Vitro Tumor Models: What Cancer Hallmarks Are Accessible for Drug Discovery?
Authors: Rodenhizer Darren , Dean Teresa , D'Arcangelo Elisa , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: January 2018

Cancer prognosis remains a lottery dependent on cancer type, disease stage at diagnosis, and personal genetics. While investment in research is at an all‐time high, new drugs are more likely to fail in clinical trials today than in the 1970s. In this review, a summary of current survival statistics in North America is provided, followed by an overview of the modern drug discovery process, classes of models used throughout different stages, and challenges associated with drug development efficiency are highlighted. Then, an overview of the cancer hallmarks that drive clinical progression is provided, and the range of available clinical therapies within the context of these hallmarks is categorized. Specifically, it is found that historically, the development of therapies is limited to a subset of possible targets. This provides evidence for the opportunities offered by novel disease‐relevant in vitro models that enable identification of novel targets that facilitate interactions between the tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Next, an overview of the models currently reported in literature is provided, and the cancer biology they have been used to explore is highlighted. Finally, four priority areas are suggested for the field to accelerate adoption of in vitro tumour models for cancer drug discovery.
Magnetic Macroporous Hydrogels as a Novel Approach for Perfused Stem Cell Culture in 3D Scaffolds via Contactless Motion Control
Authors: Rödling Lisa , Volz Esther Magano , Raic Annamarija , Brändle Katharina , Franzreb Matthias , Lee‐Thedieck Cornelia
Published: January 2018

There is an urgent need for 3D cell culture systems that avoid the oversimplifications and artifacts of conventional culture in 2D. However, 3D culture within the cavities of porous biomaterials or large 3D structures harboring high cell numbers is limited by the needs to nurture cells and to remove growth‐limiting metabolites. To overcome the diffusion‐limited transport of such soluble factors in 3D culture, mixing can be improved by pumping, stirring or shaking, but this in turn can lead to other problems. Using pumps typically requires custom‐made accessories that are not compatible with conventional cell culture disposables, thus interfering with cell production processes. Stirring or shaking allows little control over movement of scaffolds in media. To overcome these limitations, magnetic, macroporous hydrogels that can be moved or positioned within media in conventional cell culture tubes in a contactless manner are presented. The cytocompatibility of the developed biomaterial and the applied magnetic fields are verified for human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). The potential of this technique for perfusing 3D cultures is demonstrated in a proof‐of‐principle study that shows that controlled contactless movement of cell‐laden magnetic hydrogels in culture media can mimic the natural influence of differently perfused environments on HSPCs.
Superfast Room‐Temperature Activation of SnO2 Thin Films via Atmospheric Plasma Oxidation and their Application in Planar Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Yu Haejun , Yeom Hye‐In , Lee Jong Woo , Lee Kisu , Hwang Doyk , Yun Juyoung , Ryu Jaehoon , Lee Jungsup , Bae Sohyeon , Kim Seong Keun , Jang Jyongsik
Published: January 2018

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has now exceeded 20%; thus, research focus has shifted to establishing the foundations for commercialization. One of the pivotal themes is to curtail the overall fabrication time, to reduce unit cost, and mass‐produce PSCs. Additionally, energy dissipation during the thermal annealing (TA) stage must be minimized by realizing a genuine low‐temperature (LT) process. Here, tin oxide (SnO2) thin films (TFs) are formulated at extremely high speed, within 5 min, under an almost room‐temperature environment (<50 °C), using atmospheric Ar/O2 plasma energy (P‐SnO2) and are applied as an electron transport layer of a “n–i–p”‐type planar PSC. Compared with a thermally annealed SnO2 TF (T‐SnO2), the P‐SnO2 TF yields a more even surface but also outstanding electrical conductivity with higher electron mobility and a lower number of charge trap sites, consequently achieving a superior PCE of 19.56% in P‐SnO2‐based PSCs. These findings motivate the use of a plasma strategy to fabricate various metal oxide TFs using the sol–gel route.
Novel MOF‐Derived Co@N‐C Bifunctional Catalysts for Highly Efficient Zn–Air Batteries and Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Mingdao , Dai Quanbin , Zheng Hegen , Chen Mindong , Dai Liming
Published: January 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF‐derived materials have recently attracted considerable interest as alternatives to noble‐metal electrocatalysts. Herein, the rational design and synthesis of a new class of Co@N‐C materials (C‐MOF‐C2‐T) from a pair of enantiotopic chiral 3D MOFs by pyrolysis at temperature T is reported. The newly developed C‐MOF‐C2‐900 with a unique 3D hierarchical rodlike structure, consisting of homogeneously distributed cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated by partially graphitized N‐doped carbon rings along the rod length, exhibits higher electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR and OER) than that of commercial Pt/C and RuO2, respectively. Primary Zn–air batteries based on C‐MOF‐900 for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) operated at a discharge potential of 1.30 V with a specific capacity of 741 mA h gZn–1 under 10 mA cm–2. Rechargeable Zn–air batteries based on C‐MOF‐C2‐900 as an ORR and OER bifunctional catalyst exhibit initial charge and discharge potentials at 1.81 and 1.28 V (2 mA cm–2), along with an excellent cycling stability with no increase in polarization even after 120 h – outperform their counterparts based on noble‐metal‐based air electrodes. The resultant rechargeable Zn–air batteries are used to efficiently power electrochemical water‐splitting systems, demonstrating promising potential as integrated green energy systems for practical applications.
Engineered and Laser‐Processed Chitosan Biopolymers for Sustainable and Biodegradable Triboelectric Power Generation
Authors: Wang Ruoxing , Gao Shengjie , Yang Zhen , Li Yule , Chen Weinong , Wu Benxin , Wu Wenzhuo
Published: January 2018

Recent advances achieved in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) focus on boosting power generation and conversion efficiency. Nevertheless, obstacles concerning economical and biocompatible utilization of TENGs continue to prevail. Being an abundant natural biopolymer from marine crustacean shells, chitosan enables exciting opportunities for low‐cost, biodegradable TENG applications in related fields. Here, the development of biodegradable and flexible TENGs based on chitosan is presented for the first time. The physical and chemical properties of the chitosan nanocomposites are systematically studied and engineered for optimized triboelectric power generation, transforming the otherwise wasted natural materials into functional energy devices. The feasibility of laser processing of constituent materials is further explored for the first time for engineering the TENG performance. The laser treatment of biopolymer films offers a potentially promising scheme for surface engineering in polymer‐based TENGs. The chitosan‐based TENGs present efficient energy conversion performance and tunable biodegradation rate. Such a new class of TENGs derived from natural biomaterials may pave the way toward the economically viable and ecologically friendly production of flexible TENGs for self‐powered nanosystems in biomedical and environmental applications.
Accelerated Hydrogen Evolution Kinetics on NiFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide Electrocatalysts by Tailoring Water Dissociation Active Sites
Authors: Chen Guangbo , Wang Tao , Zhang Jian , Liu Pan , Sun Hanjun , Zhuang Xiaodong , Chen Mingwei , Feng Xinliang
Published: January 2018

Owing to its earth abundance, low kinetic overpotential, and superior stability, NiFe‐layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐LDH) has emerged as a promising electrocatalyst for catalyzing water splitting, especially oxygen evolution reaction (OER), in alkaline solutions. Unfortunately, as a result of extremely sluggish water dissociation kinetics (Volmer step), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of the NiFe‐LDH is rather poor in alkaline environment. Here a novel strategy is demonstrated for substantially accelerating the hydrogen evolution kinetics of the NiFe‐LDH by partially substituting Fe atoms with Ru. In a 1 m KOH solution, the as‐synthesized Ru‐doped NiFe‐LDH nanosheets (NiFeRu‐LDH) exhibit excellent HER performance with an overpotential of 29 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is much lower than those of noble metal Pt/C and reported electrocatalysts. Both experimental and theoretical results reveal that the introduction of Ru atoms into NiFe‐LDH can efficiently reduce energy barrier of the Volmer step, eventually accelerating its HER kinetics. Benefitting from its outstanding HER activity and remained excellent OER activity, the NiFeRu‐LDH steadily drives an alkaline electrolyzer with a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.52 V, which is much lower than the values for Pt/C–Ir/C couple and state‐of‐the‐art overall water‐splitting electrocatalysts.
Nanocrystalline Precursors for the Co‐Assembly of Crack‐Free Metal Oxide Inverse Opals
Authors: Phillips Katherine R. , Shirman Tanya , Shirman Elijah , Shneidman Anna V. , Kay Theresa M. , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: January 2018

Inorganic microstructured materials are ubiquitous in nature. However, their formation in artificial self‐assembly systems is challenging as it involves a complex interplay of competing forces during and after assembly. For example, colloidal assembly requires fine‐tuning of factors such as the size and surface charge of the particles and electrolyte strength of the solvent to enable successful self‐assembly and minimize crack formation. Co‐assembly of templating colloidal particles together with a sol–gel matrix precursor material helps to release stresses that accumulate during drying and solidification, as previously shown for the formation of high‐quality inverse opal (IO) films out of amorphous silica. Expanding this methodology to crystalline materials would result in microscale architectures with enhanced photonic, electronic, and catalytic properties. This work describes tailoring the crystallinity of metal oxide precursors that enable the formation of highly ordered, large‐area (mm2) crack‐free titania, zirconia, and alumina IO films. The same bioinspired approach can be applied to other crystalline materials as well as structures beyond IOs.
In Situ Monitoring of MicroRNA Replacement Efficacy and Accurate Imaging‐Guided Cancer Therapy through Light‐Up Inter‐Polyelectrolyte Nanocomplexes
Authors: Deng Xiongwei , Yin Zhaoxia , Lu Jianqing , Li Xianlei , Shao Leihou , Zhao Caiyan , Yang Yishu , Hu Qin , Wu Yan , Sheng Wang
Published: January 2018

Replacement of downregulated tumor‐suppressive microRNA (Ts‐miRNA) is recognized as an alternative approach for tumor gene therapy. However, in situ monitoring of miRNA replacement efficacy in a real‐time manner via noninvasive imaging is continually challenging. Here, glutathione (GSH)‐activated light‐up peptide‐polysaccharide‐inter‐polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes are established through self‐assembly of carboxymethyl dextran with disulfide‐bridged (“SS”) oligoarginine peptide (S‐Arg4), in which microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) and indocyanine green (ICG) are simultaneously embedded and the nanocomplexes are subsequently stabilized by intermolecular cross‐linking. Upon confinement within the robust nanocomplexes, the near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) of ICG is considerably quenched (“off”) due to the aggregation‐caused quenching effect. However, after intracellular delivery, the disulfide bond in S‐Arg4 can be cleaved by intracellular GSH, which leads to the dissociation of nanocomplexes and triggers the simultaneous release of miR‐34a and ICG. The NIRF of ICG is concomitantly activated through dequenching of the aggregated ICG. Very interestingly, a good correlation between time‐dependent increase in NIRF intensity and miR‐34a replacement efficacy is found in nanocomplexes‐treated tumor cells and tumor tissues through either intratumoral or intravenous injections. Systemic nanocomplexes‐mediated miR‐34a replacement significantly suppresses the growth of HepG‐2‐ and MDA‐MB‐231‐derived tumor xenografts, and provides a pronounced survival benefit in these animal models.
High Volumetric Capacitance, Ultralong Life Supercapacitors Enabled by Waxberry‐Derived Hierarchical Porous Carbon Materials
Authors: Dong Xiaomei , Jin Huile , Wang Rongyue , Zhang Jingjing , Feng Xin , Yan Chengzhan , Chen Suqin , Wang Shun , Wang Jichang , Lu Jun
Published: January 2018

Supercapacitors with fast charge/discharge rate and long cycling stability (>50 000 cycles) are attractive for energy storage and mobile power supply. In this paper, a facile strategy is developed to fabricate an Fe2O3/FeS‐decorated N, S‐codoped hierarchical porous carbon hybrid. Its microstructure and compositions can be readily controlled through adjusting the hydrothermal reaction between waxberry and iron sulfate. The constructed supercapacitors with the as‐prepared carbon materials from this reaction are able to exhibit outstanding capacitive performance with a superfast charge/discharge rate (<1 s), ultralong cycle life (>50 000 cycles, 80 A g−1), ultrahigh volumetric capacitance (1320.4 F cm−3, 0.1 A g−1), and high energy density (100.9 W h kg−1, 221.9 W h L−1). The outstanding performance makes it one of the best biomass‐derived supercapacitors. The superior capacitive behavior is likely to arise from the N and S codoping on the surface/edge/skeleton of the carbon microspheres and nanosheet composites coupled with the fast redox reaction of Fe2O3/FeS. Overall, this research presents a new avenue for developing the next generation of sustainable high‐performance energy storage device.
Reinforced soy protein isolate–based bionanocomposites with halloysite nanotubes via mussel‐inspired dopamine and polylysine codeposition
Authors: Kang Haijiao , Wang Zhong , Zhao Shujun , Wang Qingchun , Zhang Shifeng
Published: January 2018

Fully renewable soy protein isolate (SPI)–based film with rigid strength and sufficient water resistance is difficult to attain. In this study, the mussel‐inspired surface chemistry of ɛ‐poly‐L‐lysine (ɛ‐PL)/dopamine was exploited for codeposition onto halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to engineer a multinetwork of HNT/SPI bionanocomposite films via physicochemical bonds. A series of ɛ‐PL/dopamine aqueous solutions at different concentration ratios were employed. The ɛ‐PL with abundant cationic amine groups could prevent the overoxidation of dopamine on HNT surfaces, thus maintaining sufficient free catechol groups for highly active reactions that improve the biphase interfacial adhesion. Moreover, HNTs surface entangled by ɛ‐PL chains could be more compatible with peptides. This codeposition of ɛ‐PL/dopamine on HNT (DLHNT) surfaces was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compared to the control SPI film, the tensile strength of the nanocomposite film (DLHNTs0.5/SPI) was increased from 5.9 MPa to 8.25 MPa, the Young's modulus was improved by 166.4%, and the moisture absorption was reduced to 56.1% (87.2% of the control). In summary, a facile and mild bioinspired surface chemistry of ɛ‐PL/dopamine codeposition onto HNT surfaces was performed to prepare SPI‐based nanocomposite films with improved interfacial adhesion and benign compatibility. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46197.
High heat resistant blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) and styrenic copolymers via post reactor modification
Authors: Muthukrishnan Sharmila , Mitra Susanta , Ranjith P. , Gopalakrishnan Sadasivam , Parthipan P. , Al‐Farhood Bander
Published: January 2018

This work focuses on the methodology to obtain high heat resistant grades of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) without affecting any of the enabling properties of PMMA through the post reactor modification approach. The post reactor modification approach has been employed to obtain high heat resistant grades of PMMA through blending of PMMA with the high heat copolymers namely, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers (SMA) which have a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than that of PMMA. The optimum levels of maleic anhydride content (MA %) in the SMA and the preferred composition range of PMMA and SMA blends have been identified wherein the heat properties of PMMA improve substantially without affecting the key properties of PMMA such as optical clarity, mechanical, flow, scratch, and weatherability. There are various analytical tools that are being employed to characterize the resulting blends of PMMA and SMA to gain deeper understanding from the fundamental behavior of these blends for the key applications of interest. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46220.
Simultaneous LC‐MS/MS bioanalysis of etoposide and paclitaxel in mouse tissues and plasma after oral administration of self‐microemulsifying drug‐delivery systems
Authors: Li Dan , Zhao Gang , Ai Weipeng , Li Gao , Si Luqin , Huang Jiangeng , Chen Yunzhou , Wu Sanlan
Published: January 2018

In this study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine the anticancer drugs etoposide and paclitaxel in mouse plasma and tissues including liver, kidney, lung, heart, spleen and brain. The analytes were extracted from the matrices of interest by liquid–liquid extraction using methyl tert‐butyl ether–dichloromethane (1:1, v/v). Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Ultimate XB‐C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) at 40°C and the total run time was 4 min under a gradient elution. Ionization was conducted using electrospray ionization in the positive mode. Stable isotope etoposide‐d3 and docetaxel were used as the internal standards. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of etoposide was 1 ng/g tissue for all tissues and 0.5 ng/mL for plasma. The LLOQ of paclitaxel was 0.4 ng/g tissue and 0.2 ng/mL for all tissues and plasma, respectively. The coefficients of correlation for all of the analytes in the tissues and plasma were >0.99. Both intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision were satisfactory. This method was successfully applied to measure plasma and tissue drug concentrations in mice treated with etoposide and paclitaxel‐loaded self‐microemulsifying drug‐delivery systems.
Risk stratification for febrile neutropenia in patients with testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Terbuch Angelika , Posch Florian , Partl Richard , Zurl Brigitte , Bauernhofer Thomas , Pichler Martin , Szkandera Joanna , Hutterer Georg C. , Pummer Karl , Kapp Karin S. , Stöger Herbert , Gerger Armin , Stotz Michael
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to detect risk factors for febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). In this retrospective cohort study at the Medical University of Graz, we included 413 consecutive TGCT patients who received adjuvant or curative treatment with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. FN occurred in 70 (16.9%) of 413 patients. In univariable logistic regression, higher age (odds ratio (OR) per 5 years = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35, P = 0.022), reduced performance status (PS) (OR = 2.73, 1.47–5.06, P = 0.001), seminomatous histology (OR = 2.19, 1.26–3.78, P = 0.005), poor IGCCCG risk class (OR = 4.20, 1.71–10.33, P = 0.002), and prior radiotherapy (pRTX) (OR = 8.98, 2.09–38.61, P = 0.003) were associated with a higher risk of FN. In multivariable analysis adjusting for age and risk classification, only poor PS (OR = 2.06, 1.05–4.03, P = 0.035), seminomatous histology (OR = 2.08, 1.01–4.26, P = 0.047), and pRTX (OR = 7.31, 1.61–33.17, P = 0.010) prevailed. In the subgroup of seminoma patients (n = 104), only pRTX predicted for FN risk (OR = 5.60, 1.24–25.34, P = 0.025). Five of eight seminoma patients with pRTX developed FN (63%), as compared to 22 FN cases (23%) in the 96 seminoma patients without pRTX (P = 0.027). The eight seminoma patients who received pRTX had significantly lower pre‐chemo white blood counts (4.7 vs. 6.5 G/L), neutrophil counts (3.2 vs. 4.3 G/L), and platelet counts (185 vs. 272 G/L) than patients without pRTX (all P < 0.0001). TGCT patients with a reduced performance status or who had been previously treated with radiotherapy have an increased risk for neutropenic fever during chemotherapy.
An integral criterion for turbulence suppression in swirling flows
Authors: Zaman Ehsan , Vakil Ali , Martinez Mark , Olson James
Published: January 2018

A numerical study of flow in rotating pipes was conducted to elucidate the relative importance of convection and turbulence. CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations of flow inside a rotating pipe (D = 2 cm and L/D = 20) were carried out, using the Reynolds Stress Model, for four different Reynolds numbers and a range of rotation numbers. The objective was to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between fluid forces in swirling flows. This widely‐studied model problem was used to ascertain the conditions under which computationally cheaper turbulence models such as the k‐ϵ model should be accurate.

We identified a dimensionless rotation parameter that delineates the condition at which decreasing turbulence force equals increasing convective force as rotational speed increases. This dimensionless number establishes a criterion for knowing which forces are dominant, and thereby a rational basis for choosing turbulence models that are both cost‐effective and accurate. We found a universal, critical threshold that determines when convective forces dominate over turbulence forces. This threshold determination is based on an ‘integral measure criterion’ of local forces in the radial direction. The threshold itself is defined by a dimensionless rotation number, N, based on the ratio of the circumferential and axial flow velocities. The critical value was found to be Ncr = 0.45. Above this, convection dominates; below it, turbulence dominates. This finding will facilitate selection of CFD models to optimize cost and accuracy for modelling swirling flows. For example, k‐ϵ models suffice when Ncr < 0.45, but more complex models are required for higher values.
Use of Computational Functional Genomics in Drug Discovery and Repurposing for Analgesic Indications
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Kringel Dario
Published: January 2018

The novel research area of functional genomics investigates biochemical, cellular, or physiological properties of gene products with the goal of understanding the relationship between the genome and the phenotype. These developments have made analgesic drug research a data‐rich discipline mastered only by making use of parallel developments in computer science, including the establishment of knowledge bases, mining methods for big data, machine‐learning, and artificial intelligence, (Table ) which will be exemplarily introduced in the following.
Patterns of activity and body temperature of Aldabra giant tortoises in relation to environmental temperature
Authors: Falcón Wilfredo , Baxter Rich P. , Furrer Samuel , Bauert Martin , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Schaepman‐Strub Gabriela , Ozgul Arpat , Bunbury Nancy , Clauss Marcus , Hansen Dennis M.
Published: January 2018

We studied the temperature relations of wild and zoo Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) focusing on (1) the relationship between environmental temperature and tortoise activity patterns (n = 8 wild individuals) and (2) on tortoise body temperature fluctuations, including how their core and external body temperatures vary in relation to different environmental temperature ranges (seasons; n = 4 wild and n = 5 zoo individuals). In addition, we surveyed the literature to review the effect of body mass on core body temperature range in relation to environmental temperature in the Testudinidae. Diurnal activity of tortoises was bimodally distributed and influenced by environmental temperature and season. The mean air temperature at which activity is maximized was 27.9°C, with a range of 25.8–31.7°C. Furthermore, air temperature explained changes in the core body temperature better than did mass, and only during the coldest trial, did tortoises with higher mass show more stable temperatures. Our results, together with the overall Testudinidae overview, suggest that, once variation in environmental temperature has been taken into account, there is little effect of mass on the temperature stability of tortoises. Moreover, the presence of thermal inertia in an individual tortoise depends on the environmental temperatures, and we found no evidence for inertial homeothermy. Finally, patterns of core and external body temperatures in comparison with environmental temperatures suggest that Aldabra giant tortoises act as mixed conformer–regulators. Our study provides a baseline to manage the thermal environment of wild and rewilded populations of an important island ecosystem engineer species in an era of climate change.