bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Journal coverage of the Emerging Sources Citation Index
Authors: Somoza‐Fernández Marta , Rodríguez‐Gairín Josep‐Manuel , Urbano Cristóbal
Published: February 2018

The Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) was created recently, in 2015, but few assessments of its journal coverage have been made. The present study tries to fill that gap by comparing its coverage with that of other international abstracting and indexing (A&I) databases. Using this measure, it is feasible to benchmark this index against the other citation indexes for acceptance criteria. We analysed 6,296 ESCI‐indexed journals, 8,889 Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), 3,258 Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), 1,784 Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), and 22,749 Scopus journals as indexed in July 2017 to determine their inclusion in 105 databases. We found that 19.3% of the ESCI journals are not covered by any other A&I databases, a high figure compared with only 0.5% SCIE, 0.3% SSCI, 0.3% AHCI, and 5.5% Scopus journals. This low coverage suggests that the selection criteria for ESCI journals are not consistent with the overall trend in the other classical citation indexes.
CLIPPERS: A Treatable Cause of Spastic Ataxia
Authors: Breen David P. , Rawal Sapna , Slow Elizabeth J. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: February 2018

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Using network and functional enrichment clustering analyses to find therapeutic targets for breast cancer: The role of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2
Authors: Valenzuela Luis , Assar Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

Population aging is rapidly increasing in developing countries; thus, covering medical needs for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a priority in Latin America. We describe an approach for integrating differential expression analysis, biological pathway enrichment, in silico transcription‐binding sites and network topology, to find key genes that may be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This approach is based on publicly available data from microarrays of the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line treated with estrogen. We found significant estrogen‐responsive genes, which were used as nodes to construct networks based on protein‐protein interactions reported in the literature. Then, we conducted a topology analysis of the networks, revealing the most‐connected nodes, ie, those responsible for maintaining the network structure corresponding to genes with well‐acknowledged functions in G1/S cell cycle transition, such as cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), which has been proposed as a therapeutic target in classical biochemical studies. In addition, analyses of biological pathway enrichment and in silico transcription‐binding sites support the biological meaning and importance of these key genes and help to decide the best target genes. Therefore, we postulate that the integrative bioinformatics approach shown here, unlike the classical bioinformatics approach that only includes differentially expressed genes and enriched biological pathways, can be applied as an approach for finding novel biomarkers and/or therapeutic target genes for nonresponsive treatments.
Stabilization of a viscoelastic rotating Euler‐Bernoulli beam
Authors: Berkani Amirouche
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we consider a rotating Euler‐Bernoulli beam. The beam is made of a viscoelastic material, and it is subject to undesirable vibrations. Under a suitable control torque applied at the motor, we prove the arbitrary stabilization of the system for a large class of relaxation functions by using the multiplier method and some ideas introduced by Tatar (J. Math. Phys. 52:013502, 2011).
Refinement of MLC modeling improves commercial QA dosimetry system for SRS and SBRT patient‐specific QA
Authors: Hillman Yair , Kim Josh , Chetty Indrin , Wen Ning
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Mobius 3D (M3D) provides a volumetric dose verification of the treatment planning system's calculated dose using an independent beam model and a collapsed cone convolution superposition algorithm. However, there is a lack of investigation into M3D's accuracy and effectiveness for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) quality assurance (QA). Here, we collaborated with the vendor to develop a revised M3D beam model for SRS/SBRT cases treated with a 6X flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam and high‐definition multiple leaf collimator (HDMLC) on an Edge linear accelerator.

Methods

Eighty SRS/SBRT cases, planned with AAA dose algorithm and validated with Gafchromic film, were compared to M3D dose calculations using 3D gamma analysis with 2%/2 mm gamma criteria and a 10% threshold. A revised beam model was developed by refining the HD‐MLC model in M3D to improve small field dose calculation accuracy and beam profile agreement. All cases were reanalyzed using the revised beam model. The impact of heterogeneity corrections for lung cases was investigated by applying lung density overrides to five cases.

Results

For the standard and revised beam models, respectively, the mean gamma passing rates were 94.6% [standard deviation (SD): 6.1%] and 98.0% [SD: 1.7%] (for the overall patient), 88.2% [SD: 17.3%] and 93.8% [SD: 6.8%] (for the brain PTV), 71.4% [SD: 18.4%] and 81.5% [SD: 14.3%] (for the lung PTV), 83.3% [SD: 16.7%] and 67.9% [SD: 23.0%] (for the spine PTV), and 78.6% [SD: 14.0%] and 86.8% [SD: 12.5%] (for the PTV of all other sites). The lung PTV mean gamma passing rates improved from 74.1% [SD: 7.5%] to 89.3% [SD: 7.2%] with the lung density overridden. The revised beam model achieved an output factor within 3% of plastic scintillator measurements for 2 × 2 cm2 MLC field size, but larger discrepancies are still seen for smaller field sizes which necessitate further improvement of the beam model.

Conclusion

Special attention needs to be paid to small field dosimetry, MLC modeling, and inhomogeneity corrections in the beam model for SRS/SBRT QA. The improvements noted in this study, and further collaborations between clinical physicists and the vendor to refine the M3D beam model could enable M3D to become a premier SRS/SBRT QA tool.
Actions, Relations and Transformations: The Cycle of Life According to the Ankave of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bonnemère Pascale
Published: February 2018

Among the Ankave of Papua New Guinea, the important moments in men's and women's lives (birth, initiation, marriage and death) are marked by rituals and exchanges. Analysis of these moments reveals four major principles that organize how the Ankave think about human existence and its continuity: (1) a radical asymmetry between men and women in how they reach physical and reproductive maturity; (2) symbolic proximity between bodily substances and certain plants and minerals; (3) the power of life and death that maternal kin have over their nephews and nieces on account of their shared blood; and (4) the distance between the agent of an action and the action's beneficiary (‘action for another’). This article explores the registers in which these principles operate in order to grasp the Ankave understanding of life. The register of substances predominates in Ankave discourse about good health and growth, while the register of daily activities dominates when it comes to marking gender distinctions during infancy and childhood. The register of transformations and relations is dominant during male initiations – it is during these rituals that relations between novices and specific categories of kinswomen are transformed – and in discourse about what happens to boys’ bodies during these rituals. Analyses of Ankave discourse on life and on the rituals and exchanges that accompany life‐cycles show how these four principles operate concretely and how the registers of substances, activities, transformations and relations are articulated to form a specific way of understanding human existence and its continuity.
Esophagitis associated with multimodality management of pediatric Ewing sarcoma of thorax
Authors: Agarwal Vibhuti , Logie Natalie , Morris Christopher G. , Bradley Julie A. , Rotondo Ronny L. , Bradfield Scott M. , Indelicato Daniel J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic spine and chest wall is frequently treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Treatment‐related acute esophagitis can lead to hospitalization and treatment delays. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and management of esophagitis in pediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic region.

Methods

We conducted a single‐institution retrospective review of patients treated over a 10‐year period. Medical records were reviewed for patient and treatment characteristics associated with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 2 or higher esophagitis. RT plans were also reviewed and various esophageal dose metrics were analyzed.

Results

Twelve of 37 patients (32%) developed acute esophagitis. Neutropenia was associated with an increased risk of esophagitis (60% vs. 14%; P < 0.01). RT significantly contributed to its incidence when maximum esophageal dose was >47 Gy (69% vs. 5%; P < 0.0001) and esophageal D5cm3 was >15 Gy (67% vs. 9%; P < 0.001). All 12 patients with esophagitis were managed with oral opioid analgesics. Nine patients with persistent symptoms received subsequent fluconazole for empiric fungal treatment and each had a decreased need for opioid analgesics within 2–5 days.

Conclusion

Approximately one‐third of patients with Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic region will develop acute esophagitis. An esophageal D5cm3 dose < 15 Gy and maximal esophageal dose < 47 Gy may keep the rate of acute esophagitis under 5%. However, the association with neutropenia and consistent response to antifungal therapy suggest chemotherapy‐associated toxicity and an infectious component as part of the process.
Factors associated with abandonment of therapy by children diagnosed with solid tumors in Peru
Authors: Vasquez Liliana , Diaz Rosdali , Chavez Sharon , Tarrillo Fanny , Maza Ivan , Hernandez Eddy , Oscanoa Monica , García Juan , Geronimo Jenny , Rossell Nuria
Published: February 2018

Background

Abandonment of treatment is a major cause of treatment failure and poor survival in children with cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The incidence of treatment abandonment in Peru has not been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with treatment abandonment by pediatric patients with solid tumors in Peru.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the sociodemographic and clinical data of children referred between January 2012 and December 2014 to the two main tertiary centers for childhood cancer in Peru. The definition of treatment abandonment followed the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries, Abandonment of Treatment recommendation.

Results

Data from 1135 children diagnosed with malignant solid tumors were analyzed, of which 209 (18.4%) abandoned treatment. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher abandonment rates in children living outside the capital city, Lima (forest; odds ratio [OR] 3.25; P < 0.001), those living in a rural setting (OR 3.44; P < 0.001), and those whose parent(s) lacked formal employment (OR 4.39; P = 0.001). According to cancer diagnosis, children with retinoblastoma were more likely to abandon treatment compared to children with other solid tumors (OR 1.79; P = 0.02). In multivariate regression analyses, rural origin (OR 2.02; P = 0.001) and lack of formal parental employment (OR 2.88; P = 0.001) were independently predictive of abandonment.

Conclusion

Treatment abandonment prevalence of solid tumors in Peru is high and closely related to sociodemographical factors. Treatment outcomes could be substantially improved by strategies that help prevent abandonment of therapy based on these results.
Rapid discrimination of different Apiaceae species based on HPTLC fingerprints and targeted flavonoids determination using multivariate image analysis
Authors: Shawky Eman , Abou El Kheir Rasha M.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Species of Apiaceae are used in folk medicine as spices and in officinal medicinal preparations of drugs. They are an excellent source of phenolics exhibiting antioxidant activity, which are of great benefit to human health. Discrimination among Apiaceae medicinal herbs remains an intricate challenge due to their morphological similarity.

Objective

In this study, a combined “untargeted” and “targeted” approach to investigate different Apiaceae plants species was proposed by using the merging of high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)‐image analysis and pattern recognition methods which were used for fingerprinting and classification of 42 different Apiaceae samples collected from Egypt.

Methodology

Software for image processing was applied for fingerprinting and data acquisition. HPTLC fingerprint assisted by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)‐heat maps resulted in a reliable untargeted approach for discrimination and classification of different samples. The “targeted” approach was performed by developing and validating an HPTLC method allowing the quantification of eight flavonoids.

Results

The combination of quantitative data with PCA and HCA‐heat‐maps allowed the different samples to be discriminated from each other.

Conclusion

The use of chemometrics tools for evaluation of fingerprints reduced expense and analysis time. The proposed method can be adopted for routine discrimination and evaluation of the phytochemical variability in different Apiaceae species extracts.
The snow tire illusion: Different levels of perceptual assimilation across a single stimulus configuration
Authors: Gulan Tanja , Valerjev Pavle , Dujmović Marin
Published: February 2018

While observing a specific traffic sign in the field, we noticed an apparent distortion of size and shape of the circle that contained the sign. This novel illusion manifests as a distortion of the horizontal compared to the vertical dimension of the sign. The illusion seems to be underlined by similar mechanisms to those in the Delboeuf illusion. The aim of our study was to determine the existence and magnitude of the snow tire illusion. We conducted two experiments using the method of constant stimuli. The first experiment was conducted on the standard sign, while in the second, the stimuli were rotated 90° counterclockwise. Both experiments consisted of three conditions: the snow tire, the ellipse, and the simple circle (control) conditions. The data showed a robust illusion effect for both the standard and rotated sign compared to the control condition, with a large majority of participants experiencing the illusion. The snow tire illusion seems to be a combination of assimilation mechanisms of different magnitudes. The assimilation is larger for one dimension of the sign, thus producing the shape distortion. The illusion may be a manifestation of a thus far undocumented non‐uniform effect of assimilation on perceived size and shape.
Sexual function, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and quality of life among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors
Authors: Chow Ka Ming , So Winnie Kwok Wei , Choi Kai Chow , Chan Carmen Wing Han
Published: February 2018

Background

Disrupted sexual function is a prevalent and sustained side effect of gynaecological cancer and its related treatment. This problem may pose challenges to the survivors in the process of illness adjustment, leading to elevated psychological distress and impaired quality of life. However, care and interventions in this area have been neglected in most countries.

Objectives

To investigate sexual function, psychosocial adjustment to illness, and quality of life among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors in Hong Kong and to explore their associations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was adopted. Gynaecological cancer survivors were recruited from a gynaecological oncology outpatient clinic at a regional hospital in Hong Kong.

Results

A total of 225 Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors were recruited. Their sexual function was found to be impaired. They had satisfactory performance in psychosocial adjustment to illness, but the worst domain was sexual relationships. Their quality of life was fair, with physical and social functioning performing best. Path analysis demonstrated that psychosocial adjustment to illness played a significant mediating role in the relationship between sexual function and quality of life among those who were married or had a regular sex partner.

Conclusions

Impaired sexual function was prevalent among Chinese gynaecological cancer survivors, and psychosocial adjustment to illness mediates the relationship between sexual function and quality of life. In Chinese clinical settings without routine sexuality assessments, early sexual function and psychosocial adjustment assessment should be integrated into routine nursing practice. In addition, a culturally appropriate practice model should be developed to guide sexuality care delivery.
In2O3‐Based Transparent Conducting Oxide Films with High Electron Mobility Fabricated at Low Process Temperatures
Authors: Koida Takashi , Ueno Yuko , Shibata Hajime
Published: February 2018

The emerging technological demands for high‐efficiency solar cells and flexible optoelectronic devices have stimulated research on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) electrodes. High‐mobility TCOs are needed to achieve high conductivity with improved visible and near‐infrared transparency; however, the fabrication of TCO films on heat‐sensitive layers or substrates is constrained by the trade‐off between fabrication temperatures and TCO properties. Historically, Sn‐doped indium oxide and amorphous In–Zn–O have been used as standard TCOs to achieve high mobility using low fabrication temperatures. However, two polycrystalline In2O3 films with significantly higher mobilities have recently been reported: i) polycrystalline (poly‐) In2O3 films doped with metal (Ti, Zr, Mo, or W) impurities instead of Sn exhibit mobilities greater than ≈80 cm2 V−1 s−1 even when grown at low temperatures and ii) solid‐phase crystallized (spc‐) H‐doped In2O3 (In2O3:H) and In2O3:Ce,H films exhibit mobilities greater than 100 cm2 V−1 s−1 when processed at low temperatures of 150–200 °C. Here, poly‐In2O3, In2O3:W, and In2O3:Ce films and spc‐In2O3:H, In2O3:W,H, and In2O3:Ce,H films are fabricated. Comparative studies of these films reveal the effect of the i) metal dopant species; ii) metal and hydrogen codoping; and iii) solid‐phase crystallization process on the resultant transport properties.
Novel frameworks for the design of fault‐tolerant control using optimal sliding‐mode control
Authors: Argha Ahmadreza , Su Steven W. , Savkin Andrey , Celler Branko G.
Published: February 2018

This paper describes 2 schemes for a fault‐tolerant control using a novel optimal sliding‐mode control, which can also be employed as actuator redundancy management for overactuated uncertain linear systems. By using the effectiveness level of the actuators in the performance indexes, 2 schemes for redistributing the control effort among the remaining (redundant or nonfaulty) set of actuators are constructed based on an
‐based optimal sliding‐mode control. In contrast to the current sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control design methods, in these new schemes, the level of control effort required to maintain sliding is penalised. The proposed optimal sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control design schemes are implemented in 2 stages. In the first stage, a state feedback gain is derived using an LMI‐based scheme that can assign a number of the closed‐loop eigenvalues to a known value whilst satisfying performance specifications. The sliding function matrix related to the particular state feedback derived in the first stage is obtained in the second stage. The difference between the 2 schemes proposed for the sliding‐mode fault‐tolerant control is that the second one includes a separate control allocation module, which makes it easier to apply actuator constraints to the problem. Moreover, it will be shown that, with the second scheme, we can deal with actuator faults or even failures without controller reconfiguration. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the 2 schemes in more details. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes are illustrated with numerical examples.
Role of CD133 Molecule in Wnt Response and Renal Repair
Authors: Brossa Alessia , Papadimitriou Elli , Collino Federica , Incarnato Danny , Oliviero Salvatore , Camussi Giovanni , Bussolati Benedetta
Published: February 2018

Renal repair after injury is dependent on clonal expansion of proliferation-competent cells. In the human kidney, the expression of CD133 characterizes a population of resident scattered cells with resistance to damage and ability to proliferate. However, the biological function of the CD133 molecule is unknown. By RNA sequencing, we found that cells undergoing cisplatin damage lost the CD133 signature and acquired metanephric mesenchymal and regenerative genes such as SNAIL1, KLF4, SOX9, and WNT3. CD133 was reacquired in the recovery phase. In CD133-Kd cells, lack of CD133 limited cell proliferation after injury and was specifically correlated with deregulation of Wnt signaling and E-cadherin pathway. By immunoprecipitation, CD133 appeared to form a complex with E-cadherin and β-catenin. In parallel, CD133-Kd cells showed lower β-catenin levels in basal condition and after Wnt pathway activation and reduced TCF/LEF promoter activation in respect to CD133+ cells. Finally, the lack of CD133 impaired generation of nephrospheres while favoring senescence. These data indicate that CD133 may act as a permissive factor for β-catenin signaling, preventing its degradation in the cytoplasm. Therefore, CD133 itself appears to play a functional role in renal tubular repair through maintenance of proliferative response and control of senescence.
Environmentally Friendly Inorganic Magnetic Sulfide Nanoparticles for Efficient Adsorption‐Based Mercury Remediation from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Patel Khushbu , Singh Nimisha , Nayak Jyotsna M. , Jha Babli , Sahoo Suban K. , Kumar Rajender
Published: February 2018

Inorganic sulphidenanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by wrapping the magnetic iron oxide NPs with thin shell (5 nm) of zinc sulphide. The as prepared NPs show maximum mercury removal capacity of 98–99% under ambient conditions from tap, ground and polluted river water without any pre‐treatment. The magnetic nanoparticlesinteract with toxic mercuric ions predominately by adsorption phenomenon and shows excellent thermodynamic parameters fitted with Langmuir and van'thoff isotherms. The as prepared magnetic NPshave high selectivity for mercury, practical utility and can be scaled up at pilot scale.
In Situ Green Synthesis of Pd Nanoparticles on Tannic Acid‐Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles as a Green Reductant and Stabilizer Agent: Its Application as a Recyclable Nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@TA/Pd) for Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol and Suzuki Reactions
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Pirhayati Mozhgan , Kakanejadifard Ali , Mohammadi Pourya , Abdi Mohammad Reza , Gholami Javad , Hemmati Saba
Published: February 2018

Tannic acid, as a humic‐like substance with phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, can modify surface of Fe3O4 NPs. Moreover, it can improve surface properties and capacity of Fe3O4 for adsorption and reduction of palladium ions through complexing with them, in aqueous solutions. Therefore, Fe3O4@TA NPs have potentials of reducing, stabilizing and immobilizing palladium nano particles to generate novel magnetic palladium nanocatalysts. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrum (EDS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) methods unraveled the catalyst properties. Investigation of Fe3O4@TA/Pd NPs performance illustrated its recycle nature and high catalytic activity towards Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions and reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), at room temperature.
Silsesquioxane‐Based Hexaphenylsilole‐Linked Hybrid Porous Polymer as an Effective Fluorescent Chemosensor for Metal Ions
Authors: Du Yajing , Liu Hongzhi
Published: February 2018

Silsesquioxane‐based hexaphenylsilole‐linked hybrid porous polymers (SHHPP‐1, 2, and 3), prepared from one‐step Friedel‐Crafts reaction of octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) and 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5‐hexaphenylsilole (HPS), have been investigated as potential sensors for heavy metal ions. The results of FTIR, solid state CP/MAS NMR (13C and 29Si) and elemental analysis indicate that HPS unit has been successfully linked to the silsesquioxane framework. These hybrid porous polymers possess high surface areas and bimodal pore structures, and SHHPP‐2 possesses a maximum surface area of 1144 m2•g−1 and pore volume of 0.94 cm3•g−1. We have explored the application of these polymers as fluorescent chemosensors. Remarkably, this sensing system exhibits excellent sensitivity toward Fe3+, Ru3 and Cu2+, and a detection limit as low as 10−7 M is achieved, especially for Fe3+ with observed KSV =53695 M−1.
Spray‐Dried Nanoparticle‐in‐Microparticle Delivery Systems (NiMDS) for Gene Delivery, Comprising Polyethylenimine (PEI)‐Based Nanoparticles in a Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix
Authors: Schulze Jan , Kuhn Stephanie , Hendrikx Stephan , Schulz‐Siegmund Michaela , Polte Tobias , Aigner Achim
Published: February 2018

Nucleic acid‐based therapies rely on efficient formulations for nucleic acid protection and delivery. As nonviral strategies, polymeric and lipid‐based nanoparticles have been introduced; however, biological efficacy and biocompatibility as well as poor storage properties due to colloidal instability and their unavailability as ready‐to‐use systems are still major issues. Polyethylenimine is the most widely explored and promising candidate for gene delivery. Polyethylenimine‐based polyplexes and their combination with liposomes, lipopolyplexes, are efficient for DNA or siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a highly potent spray‐dried nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system is presented for the encapsulation of polyethylenimine‐based polyplexes and lipopolyplexes into poly(vinyl alcohol) microparticles, without requiring additional stabilizing agents. This easy‐to‐handle gene delivery device allows prolonged nanoparticle storage and protection at ambient temperature. Biological analyses reveal further advantages regarding profoundly reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced transfection efficacies of polyethylenimine‐based nanoparticles from the nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system over their freshly prepared counterparts, as determined in various cell lines. Importantly, this nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system is demonstrated as ready‐to‐use dry powder to be an efficient device for the inhalative delivery of polyethylenimine‐based lipopolyplexes in vivo, as shown by transgene expression in mice after only one administration.
Alpha Lead Oxide (α‐PbO): A New 2D Material with Visible Light Sensitivity
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Liu Jing , Ranjan Pranay , Hu Yaowu , Yamijala Sharma SRKC , Pati Swapan K. , Irudayaraj Joseph , Cheng Gary J.
Published: February 2018

Even though transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are deemed to be novel photonic and optoelectronic 2D materials, the visible band gap being often limited to monolayer, hampers their potential in niche applications due to fabrication challenges. Uncontrollable defects and degraded functionalities at elevated temperature and under extreme environments further restrict their prospects. To address such limitations, the discovery of a new 2D material, α‐PbO is reported. Micromechanical as well as sonochemical exfoliation of 2D atomic sheets of α‐PbO are demonstrated and its optical behavior is investigated. Spectroscopic investigations indicate layer dependent band gaps. In particular, even multilayered PbO sheets exhibit visible band gap > 2 eV (direct) which is rare among semiconducting 2D materials. The emission lifetime of multilayer PbO atomic sheets is 7 ns (dim light) as compared to the monolayer which gives 2.5 ns lifetime and an intense light. Density functional theory calculations of layer dependent band structure of α‐PbO matches well with experimental results. Experimental findings suggest that PbO atomic sheets exhibit hydrophobic nature, thermal robustness, microwave stability, anti‐corrosive behaviour and acid resistance. This new low‐cost, abundant and robust 2D material is expected to find many applications in the fields of electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, photocatalysis and energy storage.
Co Nanoparticles Confined in 3D Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Foams as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Long‐Life Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Jiang Hao , Liu Yong , Li Wenzhang , Li Jie
Published: February 2018

Proper design and simple preparation of nonnoble bifunctional electrocatalysts with high cost performance and strong durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly demanded but still full of enormous challenges. In this work, a spontaneous gas‐foaming strategy is presented to synthesize cobalt nanoparticles confined in 3D nitrogen‐doped porous carbon foams (CoNCF) by simply carbonizing the mixture of citric acid, NH4Cl, and Co(NO3)2·6H2O. Thanks to its particular 3D porous foam architecture, ultrahigh specific surface area (1641 m2 g−1), and homogeneous distribution of active sites (C–N, Co–Nx, and Co–O moieties), the optimized CoNCF‐1000‐80 (carbonized at 1000 °C, containing 80 mg Co(NO3)2·6H2O in precursors) catalyst exhibits a remarkable bifunctional activity and long‐term durability toward both ORR and OER. Its bifunctional activity parameter (ΔE) is as low as 0.84 V, which is much smaller than that of noble metal catalyst and comparable to state‐of‐the‐art bifunctional catalysts. When worked as an air electrode catalyst in rechargeable Zn–air batteries, a high energy density (797 Wh kg−1), a low charge/discharge voltage gap (0.75 V), and a long‐term cycle stability (over 166 h) are achieved at 10 mA cm−2.
Design and Synthesis of Spherical Multicomponent Aggregates Composed of Core–Shell, Yolk–Shell, and Hollow Nanospheres and Their Lithium‐Ion Storage Performances
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Kang Yun Chan
Published: February 2018

Micrometer‐sized spherical aggregates of Sn and Co components containing core–shell, yolk–shell, hollow nanospheres are synthesized by applying nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion in the large‐scale spray drying process. The Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7–C composite microspheres uniformly dispersed with Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7 mixed nanocrystals are formed by the first‐step reduction of spray‐dried precursor powders at 900 °C. The second‐step oxidation process transforms the Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7–C composite into the porous microsphere composed of Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 core–shell, Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 yolk–shell, and CoSnO3–Co3O4 hollow nanospheres at 300, 400, and 500 °C, respectively. The discharge capacity of the microspheres with Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 core–shell, Sn‐Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 yolk–shell, and CoSnO3–Co3O4 hollow nanospheres for the 200th cycle at a current density of 1 A g−1 is 1265, 987, and 569 mA h g−1, respectively. The ultrafine primary nanoparticles with a core–shell structure improve the structural stability of the porous‐structured microspheres during repeated lithium insertion and desertion processes. The porous Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 microspheres with core–shell primary nanoparticles show excellent cycling and rate performances as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Methodologies toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Seok Sang Il , Grätzel Michael , Park Nam‐Gyu
Published: February 2018

A perovskite solar cell (PSC) employing an organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite light harvester, seeded in 2009 with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% and grown in 2011 with PCE of 6.5% in dye‐sensitized solar cell structure, has received great attention since the breakthrough reports ≈10% efficient solid‐state PCSs demonstrating 500 h stability. Developments of device layout and high‐quality perovskite film eventually lead to a PCE over 22%. As of October 31, 2017, the highest PCE of 22.7% is listed in an efficiency chart provided by NREL. In this Review, the methodologies to obtain highly efficient PSCs are described in detail. In order to achieve a PCE of over 20% reproducibly, key technologies are disclosed from the viewpoint of precursor solution chemistry, processing for defect‐free perovskite films, and passivation of grain boundaries. Understanding chemical species in precursor solution, crystal growth kinetics, light–matter interaction, and controlling defects is expected to give important insights into not only reproducible production of high PCE over 20% but also further enhancement of the PCE of PCSs.
High‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of ochratoxin A in cereal, coffee, and wine: Effective pretreatment with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized adsorbent
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Sawada Minato , Yamato Naoki , Yamamoto Atsushi , Kodama Shuji
Published: February 2018

Ochratoxin A is a fluorescent mycotoxin that is present in many foods. It is difficult to detect by high‐performance liquid chromatography because of interfering substances. We immobilized bovine serum albumin on resin and used it to extract ochratoxin A from various food samples. Sample extracts were applied to a cartridge packed with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized resin. The adsorbed ochratoxin A was eluted by octanoate, which is a serum albumin ligand. The chromatograms of the eluate showed no endogenous peaks that interfered with ochratoxin A detection. The recovery rates of ochratoxin A from coffee and wine samples were more than 82% with relative standard deviations of less than 5%. The positive detection result in the certified reference material of wheat agreed with its certification value. This clean‐up method with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized resin has great potential for assessing compliance of foods with ochratoxin A regulations.
Intratumoral Delivery of Interferonγ-Secreting Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Repolarizes Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Suppresses Neuroblastoma Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Relation Theresa , Yi Tai , Guess Adam J. , La Perle Krista , Otsuru Satoru , Hasgur Suheyla , Dominici Massimo , Breuer Christopher , Horwitz Edwin M.
Published: February 2018

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, remains a therapeutic challenge. However, one promising patient treatment strategy is the delivery of anti-tumor therapeutic agents via mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy. MSCs have been safely used to treat genetic bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) has been shown to decrease tumor proliferation by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite this, clinical trials of systemic IFNγ therapy have failed due to the high blood concentration required and associated systemic toxicities. Here, we developed an intra-adrenal model of neuroblastoma, characterized by liver and lung metastases. We then engineered MSCs to deliver IFNγ directly to the TME. In vitro, these MSCs polarized murine macrophages to the M1 phenotype. In vivo, we attained a therapeutically active TME concentration of IFNγ without increased systemic concentration or toxicity. The TME-specific IFNγ reduced tumor growth rate and increased survival in two models of T cell deficient athymic nude mice. Absence of this benefit in NOD SCID gamma (NSG) immunodeficient mouse model indicates a mechanism dependent on the innate immune system. IL-17 and IL-23p19, both uniquely M1 polarization markers, transiently increased in the tumor interstitial fluid. Finally, the MSC vehicle did not promote tumor growth. These findings reveal that MSCs can deliver effective cytokine therapy directly to the tumor while avoiding systemic toxicity. This method transiently induces inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization, which reduces tumor burden in our novel neuroblastoma murine model.
Insulin‐resistance in glycogen storage disease type Ia: linking carbohydrates and mitochondria?
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Ruoppolo Margherita , Formisano Pietro , Villani Guglielmo , Albano Lucia , Gallo Giovanna , Crisci Daniela , Moccia Augusta , Parenti Giancarlo , Strisciuglio Pietro , Melis Daniela
Published: February 2018

Background

Glycogen storage disease type I (GSDI) is an inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism caused by mutations of either the G6PC gene (GSDIa) or the SLC37A4 gene (GSDIb). GSDIa patients are at higher risk of developing insulin‐resistance (IR). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of IR. Mitochondrial dysfunction can demonstrate abnormalities in plama acylcarnitines (ACs) and urine organic acids (UOA). The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of mitochondrial impairment in GSDI patients and its possible connection with IR.

Methods

Fourteen GSDIa, seven GSDIb patients, 28 and 14 age and sex‐matched controls, were enrolled. Plasma ACs, UOA, and surrogate markers of IR (HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, ISI, VAI) were measured.

Results

GSDIa patients showed higher short‐chain ACs and long‐chain ACs levels and increased urinary excretion of lactate, pyruvate, 2‐ketoglutarate, 3‐methylglutaconate, adipate, suberate, aconitate, ethylmalonate, fumarate, malate, sebacate, 4‐octenedioate, 3OH‐suberate, and 3‐methylglutarate than controls (p < 0.05). GSDIb patients showed higher C0 and C4 levels and increased urinary excretion of lactate, 3‐methylglutarate and suberate than controls (p < 0.05). In GSDIa patients C18 levels correlated with insulin serum levels, HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, and ISI; long‐chain ACs levels correlated with cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT serum levels, and VAI.

Discussion

Increased plasma ACs and abnormal UOA profile suggest mitochondrial impairment in GSDIa. Correlation data suggest a possible connection between mitochondrial impairment and IR. We hypothesized that mitochondrial overload might generate by‐products potentially affecting the insulin signaling pathway, leading to IR. On the basis of the available data, the possible pathomechanism for IR in GSDIa is proposed.
Pollinator trapping in selfing carnivorous plants, Drosera makinoi and D. toyoakensis (Droseraceae)
Authors: Tagawa Kazuki , Watanabe Mikio , Yahara Tetsukazu
Published: February 2018

Carnivorous plants use insects not only as prey, but also as pollinators. Whereas outcrossing carnivorous plants are known to avoid trapping pollinators, selfing carnivorous plants may capture the pollinators as prey. Here, we provide evidence that two selfing carnivorous plant species with short flower‐trap separation, Drosera makinoi (white‐colored flowers) and D. toyoakensis (pink‐colored flowers), caught some major pollinator species belonging to Diptera and Hymenoptera: four out of five species in D. makinoi and one out of six species in D. toyoakensis. We also tested the function of flowers to attract pollinator or prey insects by experimentally removing Drosera flowers. Flower removal did not significantly affect the number of trapped insects. On the other hand, the removal of flowers of co‐flowering neighbor plants, Eriocaulon decemflorum for D. makinoi and Lysimachia fortunei for D. toyoakensis, significantly decreased the number of trapped insects. This finding suggests an exploitative relationship between Drosera spp. and co‐flowering species.
The education skills trap in a dependent market economy. Romania’s case in the 2000s
Authors: Tarlea Silvana , Freyberg-Inan Annette
Published: February 2018

We discuss the political economic development of Romania since 1989, with a focus on the evolution of higher education (HE). First, we place this evolution in the context of demand for HE by prospective students and employers, focusing on the low demand for skills in the MNC-dominated Romanian economy. Second, we provide empirical insight on indicators of quality, enrolment, and funding as key features of the HE system. We argue that Romania has evolved into a dependent market economy entrenched in a low-skills equilibrium, and that the weakness of the HE system is a key element in this process.
Derrida's Rethinking of Professorial Authority
Authors: HADDAD SAMIR
Published: February 2018

In this paper I argue that Derrida's writings on education contain a profound rethinking of professorial authority. I first outline the sources of professorial authority and describe how they were traditionally conceived in France at the time when Derrida was working. I then show how Derrida challenges and transforms these sources, focusing in particular on a new relation to knowledge, a new relation to the state, and a new understanding of charisma that emerge from his work.
POLYNOMIAL PATTERNS IN THE PRIMES
Authors: TAO TERENCE , ZIEGLER TAMAR
Published: February 2018

Let $P_{1},\ldots ,P_{k}:\mathbb{Z}\rightarrow \mathbb{Z}$ be polynomials of degree at most $d$ for some $d\geqslant 1$, with the degree $d$ coefficients all distinct, and admissible in the sense that for every prime $p$, there exists integers $n,m$ such that $n+P_{1}(m),\ldots ,n+P_{k}(m)$ are all not divisible by $p$. We show that there exist infinitely many natural numbers $n,m$ such that $n+P_{1}(m),\ldots ,n+P_{k}(m)$ are simultaneously prime, generalizing a previous result of the authors, which was restricted to the special case $P_{1}(0)=\cdots =P_{k}(0)=0$ (though it allowed for the top degree coefficients to coincide). Furthermore, we obtain an asymptotic for the number of such prime pairs $n,m$ with $n\leqslant N$ and $m\leqslant M$ with $M$ slightly less than $N^{1/d}$. This asymptotic is already new in general in the homogeneous case $P_{1}(0)=\cdots =P_{k}(0)=0$. Our arguments rely on four ingredients. The first is a (slightly modified) generalized von Neumann theorem of the authors, reducing matters to controlling certain averaged local Gowers norms of (suitable normalizations of) the von Mangoldt function. The second is a more recent concatenation theorem of the authors, controlling these averaged local Gowers norms by global Gowers norms. The third ingredient is the work of Green and the authors on linear equations in primes, allowing one to compute these global Gowers norms for the normalized von Mangoldt functions. Finally, we use the Conlon–Fox–Zhao densification approach to the transference principle to combine the preceding three ingredients together. In the special case $P_{1}(0)=\cdots =P_{k}(0)=0$, our methods also give infinitely many $n,m$ with $n+P_{1}(m),\ldots ,n+P_{k}(m)$ in a specified set primes of positive relative density $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$, with $m$ bounded by $\log ^{L}n$ for some $L$ independent of the density $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$. This improves slightly on a result from our previous paper, in which $L$ was allowed to depend on $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}$.
How Does a Photocatalytic Antimicrobial Coating Affect Environmental Bioburden in Hospitals?
Authors: Reid Matthew , Whatley Vanessa , Spooner Emma , Nevill Alan M. , Cooper Michael , Ramsden Jeremy J. , Dancer Stephanie J.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The healthcare environment is recognized as a source for healthcare-acquired infection. Because cleaning practices are often erratic and always intermittent, we hypothesize that continuously antimicrobial surfaces offer superior control of surface bioburden.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of a photocatalytic antimicrobial coating at near-patient, high-touch sites in a hospital ward.

SETTING

The study took place in 2 acute-care wards in a large acute-care hospital.

METHODS

A titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic coating was sprayed onto 6 surfaces in a 4-bed bay in a ward and compared under normal illumination against the same surfaces in an untreated ward: right and left bed rails, bed control, bedside locker, overbed table, and bed footboard. Using standardized methods, the overall microbial burden and presence of an indicator pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) were assessed biweekly for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Treated surfaces demonstrated significantly lower microbial burden than control sites, and the difference increased between treated and untreated surfaces during the study. Hygiene failures (>2.5 colony-forming units [CFU]/cm2) increased 2.6% per day for control surfaces (odds ratio [OR], 1.026; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009–1.043; P=.003) but declined 2.5% per day for treated surfaces (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.925–0.977; P<.001). We detected no significant difference between coated and control surfaces regarding S. aureus contamination.

CONCLUSION

Photocatalytic coatings reduced the bioburden of high-risk surfaces in the healthcare environment. Treated surfaces became steadily cleaner, while untreated surfaces accumulated bioburden. This evaluation encourages a larger-scale investigation to ascertain whether the observed environmental amelioration has an effect on healthcare-acquired infection.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:398–404
Optimal transient growth in thin-interface internal solitary waves
Authors: Passaggia Pierre-Yves , Helfrich Karl R. , White Brian L.
Published: February 2018

The dynamics of perturbations to large-amplitude internal solitary waves (ISWs) in two-layered flows with thin interfaces is analysed by means of linear optimal transient growth methods. Optimal perturbations are computed through direct–adjoint iterations of the Navier–Stokes equations linearized around inviscid, steady ISWs obtained from the Dubreil-Jacotin–Long (DJL) equation. Optimal perturbations are found as a function of the ISW phase velocity $c$ (alternatively amplitude) for one representative stratification. These disturbances are found to be localized wave-like packets that originate just upstream of the ISW self-induced zone (for large enough $c$) of potentially unstable Richardson number, $Ri<0.25$. They propagate through the base wave as coherent packets whose total energy gain increases rapidly with $c$. The optimal disturbances are also shown to be relevant to DJL solitary waves that have been modified by viscosity representative of laboratory experiments. The optimal disturbances are compared to the local Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation for spatially growing Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) waves through the $Ri<0.25$ zone. The WKB approach is able to capture properties (e.g. carrier frequency, wavenumber and energy gain) of the optimal disturbances except for an initial phase of non-normal growth due to the Orr mechanism. The non-normal growth can be a substantial portion of the total gain, especially for ISWs that are weakly unstable to K–H waves. The linear evolution of Gaussian packets of linear free waves with the same carrier frequency as the optimal disturbances is shown to result in less energy gain than found for either the optimal perturbations or the WKB approximation due to non-normal effects that cause absorption of disturbance energy into the leading face of the wave. Two-dimensional numerical calculations of the nonlinear evolution of optimal disturbance packets leads to the generation of large-amplitude K–H billows that can emerge on the leading face of the wave and that break down into turbulence in the lee of the wave. The nonlinear calculations are used to derive a slowly varying model of ISW decay due to repeated encounters with optimal or free wave packets. Field observations of unstable ISW by Moum et al. (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 33 (10), 2003, pp. 2093–2112) are consistent with excitation by optimal disturbances.