bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Exciton and Photon Confinement in Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Microplatelets for Highly Stable Low‐Threshold Polarized Lasing
Authors: Li Mingjie , Wei Qi , Muduli Subas Kumar , Yantara Natalia , Xu Qiang , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Xing Guichuan , Sum Tze Chien
Published: April 2018

At the heart of electrically driven semiconductors lasers lies their gain medium that typically comprises epitaxially grown double heterostuctures or multiple quantum wells. The simultaneous spatial confinement of charge carriers and photons afforded by the smaller bandgaps and higher refractive index of the active layers as compared to the cladding layers in these structures is essential for the optical‐gain enhancement favorable for device operation. Emulating these inorganic gain media, superb properties of highly stable low‐threshold (as low as ≈8 µJ cm−2) linearly polarized lasing from solution‐processed Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite microplatelets are realized. Detailed investigations using microarea transient spectroscopies together with finite‐difference time‐domain simulations validate that the mixed lower‐dimensional RP perovskites (functioning as cladding layers) within the microplatelets provide both enhanced exciton and photon confinement for the higher‐dimensional RP perovskites (functioning as the active gain media). Furthermore, structure–lasing‐threshold relationship (i.e., correlating the content of lower‐dimensional RP perovskites in a single microplatelet) vital for design and performance optimization is established. Dual‐wavelength lasing from these quasi‐2D RP perovskite microplatelets can also be achieved. These unique properties distinguish RP perovskite microplatelets as a new family of self‐assembled multilayer planar waveguide gain media favorable for developing efficient lasers.
Self‐Assembly of Transition Metal Oxide Nanostructures on MXene Nanosheets for Fast and Stable Lithium Storage
Authors: Liu Yi‐Tao , Zhang Peng , Sun Ning , Anasori Babak , Zhu Qi‐Zhen , Liu Huan , Gogotsi Yury , Xu Bin
Published: April 2018

Recently, a new class of 2D materials, i.e., transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides known as MXenes, is unveiled with more than 20 types reported one after another. Since they are flexible and conductive, MXenes are expected to compete with graphene and other 2D materials in many applications. Here, a general route is reported to simple self‐assembly of transition metal oxide (TMO) nanostructures, including TiO2 nanorods and SnO2 nanowires, on MXene (Ti3C2) nanosheets through van der Waals interactions. The MXene nanosheets, acting as the underlying substrate, not only enable reversible electron and ion transport at the interface but also prevent the TMO nanostructures from aggregation during lithiation/delithiation. The TMO nanostructures, in turn, serve as the spacer to prevent the MXene nanosheets from restacking, thus preserving the active areas from being lost. More importantly, they can contribute extraordinary electrochemical properties, offering short lithium diffusion pathways and additional active sites. The resulting TiO2/MXene and SnO2/MXene heterostructures exhibit superior high‐rate performance, making them promising high‐power and high‐energy anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Activatable Semiconducting Theranostics: Simultaneous Generation and Ratiometric Photoacoustic Imaging of Reactive Oxygen Species In Vivo
Authors: Yang Zhen , Dai Yunlu , Yin Chao , Fan Quli , Zhang Wansu , Song Justin , Yu Guocan , Tang Wei , Fan Wenpei , Yung Bryant C. , Li Jie , Li Xiang , Li Xiangchun , Tang Yufu , Huang Wei , Song Jibin , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2018

Enhancing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an effective anticancer strategy. However, it is a great challenge to control the production and to image ROS in vivo, both of which are vital for improving the efficacy and accuracy of cancer therapy. Herein, an activatable semiconducting theranostic nanoparticle (NP) platform is developed that can simultaneously enhance ROS generation while self‐monitoring its levels through ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) imaging. The NP platform can further guide in vivo therapeutic effect in tumors. The theranostic NP platform is composed of: (i) cisplatin prodrug and ferric ion catalyst for ROS generation, a part of combination cancer therapy; and (ii) a ratiometric PA imaging nanoprobe consisting of inert semiconducting perylene‐diimide (PDI) and ROS activatable near‐infrared dye (IR790s), used in ratiometric PA imaging of ROS during cancer treatment. Ratiometric PA signals are measured at two near‐infrared excitation wavelengths: 680 and 790 nm for PDI and IR790s, respectively. The measurements show highly accurate visualization of •OH generation in vivo. This novel ROS responsive organic theranostic NP allows not only synergistic cancer chemotherapy but also real‐time monitoring of the therapeutic effect through ratiometric PA imaging.
Fabric Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Biosensors
Authors: Yang Anneng , Li Yuanzhe , Yang Chenxiao , Fu Ying , Wang Naixiang , Li Li , Yan Feng
Published: April 2018

Flexible fabric biosensors can find promising applications in wearable electronics. However, high‐performance fabric biosensors have been rarely reported due to many special requirements in device fabrication. Here, the preparation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) on Nylon fibers is reported. By introducing metal/conductive polymer multilayer electrodes on the fibers, the OECTs show very stable performance during bending tests. The devices with functionalized gates are successfully used as various biosensors with high sensitivity and selectivity. The fiber‐based OECTs are woven together with cotton yarns successfully by using a conventional weaving machine, resulting in flexible and stretchable fabric biosensors with high performance. The fabric sensors show much more stable signals in the analysis of moving aqueous solutions than planar devices due to a capillary effect in fabrics. The fabric devices are integrated in a diaper and remotely operated by using a mobile phone, offering a unique platform for convenient wearable healthcare monitoring.
The Rational Design of Mo/MoC1−x Nanorods as Highly Active Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Diao Jinxiang , Yuan Wenyu , Su Yi , Qiu Yu , Guo Xiaohui
Published: May 2018

Exploring efficient Pt‐free hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst with low cost and earth‐abundance is a critical challenge. Herein, highly active and stable Mo/α‐MoC1−x catalyst is synthesized via a simple pyrolysis of a MoO3/ethylenediamine hybrid precursor in reductive atmosphere. The as‐prepared Mo/α‐MoC1−x shows excellent HER activity with a low onset potential of −75 mV (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), a small Tafel slope of 81.7 mV dec−1, as well as good stability in acid electrolytes owing to the synergistic effect of Mo and α‐MoC1−x. This novel structure is a candidate for other energy related fields and this simple synthesis method can be further applied for the synthesis of other hybrid catalysts.
Interfacial‐Field‐Induced Increase of the Structural Phase Transition Temperature in Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Crystals Coated with ZnO Nanoshell
Authors: Zhao Fenghuan , Gao Xian , Fang Xuan , Glinka Yuri D. , Feng Xiyuan , He Zhubing , Wei Zhipeng , Chen Rui
Published: May 2018

The hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites are known to exhibit a complex crystalline structure, which allows for the structural phase transitions among the orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic phases that occur at different temperatures. This behavior of the organic–inorganic perovskites can significantly alter their optoelectronic properties. Here, using photoluminescence spectroscopy, it is shown that the structural orthorhombic‐to‐tetragonal phase transition temperature in MAPbI3 perovskite crystal can be increased from 135 to 160 K upon coating with ZnO nanoshell. The phenomenon is attributed to the interfacial‐field‐induced atomic rearrangement in the near‐surface area. The findings shed light on the great importance of the interfacial electric field effect on the structural and optical properties of the organic–inorganic perovskites, which hold great promise for their potential applications in the structural‐phase‐controlled optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.
Enantiomorphing Chiral Plasmonic Nanostructures: A Counterintuitive Sign Reversal of the Nonlinear Circular Dichroism
Authors: Collins Joel T. , Zheng Xuezhi , Braz Nuno V. S. , Slenders Eli , Zu Shuai , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Moshchalkov Victor V. , Fang Zheyu , Ameloot Marcel , Warburton Paul A. , Valev Ventsislav K.
Published: May 2018

Plasmonic nanostructures have demonstrated a remarkable ability to control light in ways never observed in nature, as the optical response is closely linked to their flexible geometric design. Due to lack of mirror symmetry, chiral nanostructures allow twisted electric field “hotspots” to form at the material surface. These hotspots depend strongly on the optical wavelength and nanostructure geometry. Understanding the properties of these chiral hotspots is crucial for their applications; for instance, in enhancing the optical interactions with chiral molecules. Here, the results of an elegant experiment are presented: by designing 35 intermediate geometries, the structure is “enantiomorphed” from one handedness to the other, passing through an achiral geometry. Nonlinear multiphoton microscopy is used to demonstrate a new kind of double‐bisignate circular dichroism due to enantiomorphing, rather than wavelength change. From group theory, a fundamental origin of this plasmonic chiroptical response is proposed. The analysis allows the optimization of plasmonic chiroptical materials.
Surface modification of PLGA nanoparticles using chitosan: Effect of molecular weight, concentration, and degree of deacetylation
Authors: Al‐Nemrawi Nusaiba K. , Okour Arren R. , Dave Rutesh H.
Published: April 2018

Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) is used to prepare biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs). Unfortunately, PLGA NPs suffer from certain limitations such as short residence time when applied on mucosal tissues. Coating PLGA NPs surfaces with chitosan can improve their mucoadhesiveness and enhance the residence time. In this study, two molecular weights of chitosan (60 and 15 kDa) and three degrees of deacetylations (DDA) (92%, 75% and 55%) were used to study the effect of the molecular weight, concentration, and DDA of chitosan on the properties (size, PDI, charge, and mucoadhesion) of PLGA NPs. The results showed that the size of the NPs increases with increase in the concentration or molecular weight of chitosan but decreases with increase in the DDA. Also, coating PLGA NPs with chitosan give them a positive charge that increases as the chitosan concentration, DDA, or molecular weight increase. In general, all formulations with chitosan‐coated PLGA NPs had enhanced mucoadhesion, and this mucoadhesion improved as the chitosan concentration, DDA, or molecular weight increased.
Fabrication of Metal/Graphene Hybrid Interconnects by Direct Graphene Growth and Their Integration Properties
Authors: Lee Chang‐Seok , Shin Keun Wook , Song Hyun‐Jae , Park Hyun , Cho Yeonchoo , Im Dong‐Hyun , Lee Hyangsook , Lee Jae‐Ho , Won Jung Yeon , Chung Jae Gwan , Kim Changhyun , Byun Kyung‐Eun , Lee Eun‐Kyu , Kim Yongsung , Ko Wonhee , Lim Han Jin , Park Seongjun , Shin Hyeon‐Jin
Published: April 2018

Although high‐quality graphene can be produced on catalyst metals, their practical applications, especially Si technologies, are limited by the high‐temperature growth and the posttransfer process. A high‐performance system composed of W/nanocrystalline graphene (nc‐G)/TiN is realized for the long‐term downscaling of interconnect technology. The nc‐G is directly grown on noncatalytic TiN, up to 300 mm in diameter, at a low temperature of ≈560 °C, which is below the complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor integration temperature. The versatile roles of nc‐G in the interconnect are demonstrated: as a promoter of the preferential grain growth of the W layer, as a diffusion barrier to metal‐silicide formation, and as a proper adhesion layer with adjacent layers. Overall, a significant reduction (27%) in the resistance of the interconnect is achieved by the insertion of nc‐G between W and TiN. This work points to the possibility of practical graphene applications via direct nc‐G growth that is compatible with current Si technology.
Predictive value of SNOT‐22 on additional opiate prescriptions after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Shen Sarek A. , Jafari Aria , Bracken David , Pang John , DeConde Adam S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is generally well tolerated, yet a subset of patients require an additional opiate prescription in the postoperative period. The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in both preoperative and immediate postoperative 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores between patients with a single prescription and those requiring additional opiate prescriptions (AOPs).

Methods

Patients undergoing ESS between November 2016 and August 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The Medical and Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) records were reviewed; patients requiring AOP within 60 days after surgery were identified. The primary and secondary outcomes of interest were the association of baseline and first postoperative visit SNOT‐22 total and domain scores with AOP.

Results

A total of 121 patients were reviewed, 22 (18.2%) required AOP. Baseline SNOT‐22 scores were higher in aggregate (58.7 ± 16.0 vs 46.1 ± 22.5) and ear/facial domain (11.4 ± 4.8 vs 8.5 ± 5.4) in the AOP group (p < 0.01). AOP patients also demonstrated higher scores across all SNOT‐22 domains (p < 0.001) at the immediate preoperative visit. There was no difference in the absolute improvement between groups (15.5 ± 18.30 vs 12.3 ± 23.9, p = 0.54). AOP patients experienced less relative improvement (20.2% vs 34.8%, p < 0.05) and smaller mean effect size (0.57 vs 0.70, p < 0.001) after ESS.

Conclusion

Patients reporting increased ear and facial symptoms at baseline have an increased risk of additional opiate prescription after surgery; preoperative SNOT‐22 scores may provide utility in identifying these patients. Subjects in both cohorts report symptomatic improvement after ESS; however, relative, not absolute, improvement in SNOT‐22 scores is more predictive of AOP.
Age of first exposure to tackle football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Alosco Michael L. , Mez Jesse , Tripodis Yorghos , Kiernan Patrick T. , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Murphy Lauren , Kowall Neil W. , Stein Thor D. , Huber Bertrand Russell , Goldstein Lee E. , Cantu Robert C. , Katz Douglas I. , Chaisson Christine E. , Martin Brett , Solomon Todd M. , McClean Michael D. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Nowinski Christopher J. , Stern Robert A. , McKee Ann C.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To examine the effect of age of first exposure to tackle football on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathological severity and age of neurobehavioral symptom onset in tackle football players with neuropathologically confirmed CTE.

Methods

The sample included 246 tackle football players who donated their brains for neuropathological examination. Two hundred eleven were diagnosed with CTE (126 of 211 were without comorbid neurodegenerative diseases), and 35 were without CTE. Informant interviews ascertained age of first exposure and age of cognitive and behavioral/mood symptom onset.

Results

Analyses accounted for decade and duration of play. Age of exposure was not associated with CTE pathological severity, or Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body pathology. In the 211 participants with CTE, every 1 year younger participants began to play tackle football predicted earlier reported cognitive symptom onset by 2.44 years (p < 0.0001) and behavioral/mood symptoms by 2.50 years (p < 0.0001). Age of exposure before 12 predicted earlier cognitive (p < 0.0001) and behavioral/mood (p < 0.0001) symptom onset by 13.39 and 13.28 years, respectively. In participants with dementia, younger age of exposure corresponded to earlier functional impairment onset. Similar effects were observed in the 126 CTE‐only participants. Effect sizes were comparable in participants without CTE.

Interpretation

In this sample of deceased tackle football players, younger age of exposure to tackle football was not associated with CTE pathological severity, but predicted earlier neurobehavioral symptom onset. Youth exposure to tackle football may reduce resiliency to late‐life neuropathology. These findings may not generalize to the broader tackle football population, and informant‐report may have affected the accuracy of the estimated effects. Ann Neurol 2018;83:886–901
Bridging the Gap between the Direct and Hydrocarbon Pool Mechanisms of the Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Process
Authors: Chowdhury Abhishek Dutta , Paioni Alessandra Lucini , Houben Klaartje , Whiting Gareth T. , Baldus Marc , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: April 2018

After a prolonged effort over many years, the route for the formation of a direct carbon−carbon (C−C) bond during the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon (MTH) process has very recently been unveiled. However, the relevance of the “direct mechanism”‐derived molecules (that is, methyl acetate) during MTH, and subsequent transformation routes to the conventional hydrocarbon pool (HCP) species, are yet to be established. This important piece of the MTH chemistry puzzle is not only essential from a fundamental perspective, but is also important to maximize catalytic performance. The MTH process was probed over a commercially relevant H‐SAPO‐34 catalyst, using a combination of advanced solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and operando UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy coupled to an on‐line mass spectrometer. Spectroscopic evidence is provided for the formation of (olefinic and aromatic) HCP species, which are indeed derived exclusively from the direct C−C bond‐containing acetyl group of methyl acetate. New mechanistic insights have been obtained from the MTH process, including the identification of hydrocarbon‐based co‐catalytic organic reaction centers.
Securing a Supramolecular Architecture by Tying a Stopper Knot
Authors: Leigh David A. , Pirvu Lucian , Schaufelberger Fredrik , Tetlow Daniel J. , Zhang Liang
Published: April 2018

We report on a rotaxane‐like architecture secured by the in situ tying of an overhand knot in the tris(2,6‐pyridyldicarboxamide) region of the axle through complexation with a lanthanide ion (Lu3+). The increase in steric bulk caused by the knotting locks a crown ether onto the thread. Removal of the lutetium ion unties the knot, and when the axle binding site for the ring is deactivated, the macrocycle spontaneously dethreads. When the binding interaction is switched on again, the crown ether rethreads over the 10 nm length of the untangled strand. The overhand knot can be retied, relocking the threaded structure, by once again adding lutetium ions.
Conducting a Surgical Site Infection Prevention Tracer
Authors: Padgette Polly , Wood Brittain
Published: April 2018

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common health care−associated infections in patients. Approximately half of SSIs are preventable when using evidence‐based strategies; however, deviations from evidence‐based practice can occur over time. Infection preventionists and perioperative staff members can help prevent these deviations by observing staff member practices using tracer methodology. Tracer methodology uses clinical information to follow patient care, treatment, or services provided throughout the care delivery system. The goal of tracer methodology for SSI prevention is to validate that organizational processes are promoting safer patient care. Using tracers, perioperative and infection prevention staff members can develop strategies to eliminate deviations from evidence‐based practice, thereby helping to prevent SSIs and improve patient outcomes.
Novel branched poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) as a nonmigrating plasticizer in flexible PVC: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Huang Yangze , Yu Erlei , Li Yanke , Wei Zhong
Published: April 2018

A series of hyperbranched poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (HPCLs, denoted as DX) with different molecular weights were synthesized by the copolymerization of GPCL (PCL initiated by glycidol) and succinic anhydride. The chemical structure of DX was characterized by 1H‐NMR gel permeation chromatography and inherent viscosity, and DX was used as the plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compared to traditional plasticizer di‐(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The thermal properties, morphology, mechanical properties, and migration stabilities of PVC films were explored with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, tensile, and migration tests. PVC/D1 exhibited the best plasticization efficiency up to 107%, with enhanced tensile strength (18.5 MPa) and ultimate elongation (416%) compared to PVC/DEHP (11.5 MPa and 375%, respectively). PVC/D1 exhibited remarkably high plasticization efficiency as compared to PVC/DEHP at a plasticizer concentration of PVC below 40 wt %. Moreover, the migration test for PVC/DX films exhibited minimal plasticizers migration even at very harsh conditions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46542.
Coupling hybrid of graphene oxide and layered zirconium phosphonate to enhance phenolic resin–based friction materials
Authors: Deng Xi , Huang Jin , Liu Changhua , Gan Lin , Hong Jing , Liu Weifeng , Luo Liehong , Wang Ye
Published: April 2018

A two‐dimensional (2D) heterogeneous coupling nanoparticle composed of graphene oxide and zirconium phosphonate (GO‐ZrP) was synthesized layer by layer in a self‐assembly manner. A rigid layer of zirconium phosphonate can inhibit the curling of graphene oxide and then improve its dispersion. The GO‐ZrP was then applied to phenolic resin–based friction materials by blending and hot pressing to improve their friction properties. The results show that the phenolic resin–based friction materials modified by GO‐ZrP possess excellent tribological, mechanical, and thermal properties. Also, the specific wear rate of the material decreased nearly fivefold with the optimal loading, while the friction coefficient was basically stable. Synergistic effects between GO and ZrP nanosheets provide good prospects for the application of 2D nanofillers in friction materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46543.
Curing behavior and properties of benzoxazine‐co‐self‐promoted phthalonitrile polymers
Authors: Lv Dan , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Wang An‐Ran , Kiran Sadia , Xu Yi‐Le , Song Sha , Liu Wen‐bin , Wang Jun , Gao Bao‐Chang
Published: April 2018

A new high‐performance copolymer was successfully obtained via concerted catalysis polymerization of mono‐functional benzoxazine (P‐a) and self‐promoted 4‐aminophenoxy phthalonitrile (4‐APN) monomers. The FTIR and DSC curves of the P‐a/4‐APN in different blend ratios suggested that the monomer blends can be completely cured without the addition of curing additive. The P‐a/4‐APN copolymers were cured at relatively lower curing temperatures and time. The TGA curves revealed that the P‐a/4‐APN copolymers have good thermal stability in terms of T5, T10, and char yield. A gradual increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) values and decline were seen in the storage modulus as the loading of 4‐APN was increased from 10 to 30 wt % in the copolymer. The SEM analyses showed that copolymer's fracture surface is dendritic, showing the stress has been dispersed to a certain extent. The study revealed that the poly(P‐a/4‐APN) copolymer have much better thermal stabilities than the poly(P‐a), and the prepared copolymer can be used as a high‐performance thermosetting resin. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46578.
Structure evolution and orientation mechanism of isotactic polypropylene during the two‐stage solid die drawing process
Authors: Wu Pingping , Yang Qi , Zhao Zhongguo , Sun Hongwen , Zhang Tongying , Huang Yajiang , Liao Xia
Published: April 2018

High oriented isotactic polypropylene prepared by self‐designed two‐stage die drawing apparatus was explored through kinds of methods, including differential scanning calorimetry, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, polarized light microscope, and tensile test. The results showed that there was a great difference between the orientation mechanism and structure evolution of two‐stage solid die drawing process and single‐stage solid die drawing process. All samples would undergo free drawing process after die drawing process. Die drawing and free drawing process were of equal importance to single‐stage die drawing process while die drawing process showed an prominent contribution to the two‐stage die drawing process. Drawing speed showed beneficial influence on die drawing process for both single‐ and two‐stage die drawing process routes. Under the same processing condition, tensile strength and modulus of samples prepared by two‐stage die drawing process were higher than those prepared by single‐stage die drawing process and the maximum value could reach 241.93 MPa and 3.57 GPa, respectively. Moreover, two‐stage die drawing samples showed better dimensional stability than single‐stage die drawing samples especially under low draw rate. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46581.
Flame‐retardant cyanate ester resin with suppressed toxic volatiles based on environmentally friendly halloysite nanotube/graphene oxide hybrid
Authors: Zhang Zhijuan , Xu Wenwen , Yuan Li , Guan Qingbao , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan
Published: April 2018

Development of high‐performance thermosetting resins by adding environmentally friendly flame retardant to heat‐resistant resins without deteriorating their outstanding thermal stability is an important research direction. Here, a unique hybrid (GHNT) consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) was synthesized, and then a series of composites based on cyanate ester (CE) resin were fabricated. The effects of GHNT on the heat resistance, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression of GHNT/CE composites were intensively investigated. The GHNT/CE composite with 5.0 wt % GHNT not only has about 15.1 °C higher initial degradation temperature, but also shows 54.6% or 37.9% lower peak heat release rate or maximum smoke density than CE resin. These results clearly demonstrate that GHNT is not the simple combination of GO and HNT; instead, it obviously shows positive synergistic effects in simultaneously improving the flame retardancy and thermal resistance of CE resin. The improved flame retardancy could be attributed to condensed‐phase mechanisms, including increasing char yield, building a dense char layer, and free radical scavenging. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46587.
Experimental investigation on mechanisms of fine particles generation for the Borealis Borstar multistage olefin polymerization process
Authors: Jiang Binbo , Ye Jian , Liao Zuwei , Shi Xiaomei , Huang Zhengliang , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: April 2018

Simultaneous production of large amount of undesired fine particles is a big trouble in the Borstar multistage olefin polymerization process. Aiming at reducing the fine particles, the formation mechanism and formation location of the fine particles were thus studied. First, the influence of catalyst nature was considered. Second, the ash content, bulk density, morphology, and molecular weight distribution of polyethylene with different particle sizes from the small‐scale loop prepolymerization reactor, supercritical loop reactor, and gas phase fluidized bed reactor were studied, respectively. In combination with particle growth model, scanning electron microscope, gel permeation chromatography, and laser particle size analyzer, the particle morphology and growth kinetics were investigated. The results showed that fine particles were mostly generated in the supercritical loop reactor, and were significantly affected by the particle size distribution, residence time distribution, and particle fragmentation of the catalyst. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope images showed the catalysts with low activity tended to generate more fine particles. Based on these results, several strategies for reducing the amount of fine particles were proposed, which could be applied in the industrial process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46589.
Preparation of cellulosic drug‐loaded hydrogel beads through electrostatic and host–guest interactions
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Ting
Published: April 2018

Cyclodextrin‐grafted cellulosic hydrogel beads (CD+@HEC‐CMC‐gel) were prepared through electrostatic and host–guest interactions. β‐Cyclodextrin (CD+) modified with quaternary ammonium groups was used as the electropositive binding site, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in a double‐network hydrogel structure was used as the electronegative binding site. The double‐network structure was obtained by controlling the crosslinking of CMC and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) in the presence of epichlorohydrin. The electrostatic interaction was used to graft CD+ onto the electronegative double‐network structure. Scanning electron microscopy indicated an obvious change in the cellulosic double network after grafting of CD+. The grafting content of CD+ in CD@HEC‐CMC‐gel is determined as 93.10 ± 0.74% by the photometric titration method. In order to evaluate the assembling and releasing ability, ibuprofen (IBU) was selected to be encapsulated in CD+@HEC‐CMC‐gel by host–guest interaction. In addition, the release of IBU by the hydrogel beads was explained by several kinetic models. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46593.
Combined Influence of Gelatin Fibre Topography and Growth Factors on Cultured Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons
Authors: Gnavi Sara , Morano Michela , Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Riccobono Claudio , Tonda‐Turo Chiara , Zanetti Marco , Ciardelli Gianluca , Gambarotta Giovanna , Perroteau Isabelle , Geuna Stefano , Raimondo Stefania
Published: April 2018

Nerve guidance channels facilitate nerve regeneration and represent an attractive alternative to nerve graft. Actually, nano‐ and microstructured biomaterials for nerve reconstruction have gained much attention, thanks to recent discoveries about topography effects on cell behavior and morphology. Electrospun fibres have been proposed as filler or structural component for nerve guidance channels, principally due to their similarity with extracellular matrices which facilitate nerve regeneration. Among several tested biomaterials, gelatin has been used to prepare fibres able to support Schwann cell migration and neurite outgrowth. In this work, the effects of gelatin fibre size on axon elongation and Schwann cell migration have been tested using dorsal root ganglia cultures. Moreover, we analyzed how fibres might affect the expression of specific neuronal subtype markers in sensory neuron cultures and how the combined effect of substrate and biological cues affects neurite growth and gene expression. Data show that fibre topography differentially affects both neurite outgrowth and gene expression and suggest that fibre size and topography associated to specific growth factor exposure might be used to select neuron subpopulations and favor the axonal growth of specific neurons. Anat Rec, 301:1668–1677, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titanium nanoparticles influence the Akt/Tor signal pathway in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, silk gland
Authors: Xue Bin , Li Fan‐Chi , Tian Jiang‐Hai , Li Jin‐Xin , Cheng Xiao‐Yu , Hu Jia‐Huan , Hu Jing‐Sheng , Li Bing
Published: April 2018

Various nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and titanium nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are increasingly used in industrial processes. Because they are released into the environment, research into their influence on the biosphere is necessary. Among its other effects, dietary TiO2NPs promotes silk protein synthesis in silkworms, which prompted our hypothesis that TiO2NPs influence protein kinase B (Akt)/Target of rapamycin (Tor) signaling pathway (Akt/Tor) signaling in their silk glands. The Akt/Tor signaling pathway is a principle connector integrating cellular reactions to growth factors, metabolites, nutrients, protein synthesis, and stress. We tested our hypothesis by determining the influence of dietary TiO2NPs (for 72 h) and, separately, of two Akt/Tor pathway inhibitors (LY294002 and rapamycin) on expression of Akt/Tor signaling pathway genes and proteins in the silk glands. TiO2NPs treatments led to increased accumulation of mRNAs for Akt, Tor1 and Tor2 by 1.6‐, 12.1‐, and 4.8‐fold. Dietary inhibitors led to 2.6‐ to 4‐fold increases in mRNAs encoding Akt and substantial decreases in mRNAs encoding Tor1 and Tor2. Western blot analysis showed that dietary TiO2NPs increased the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream proteins. LY294002 treatments led to inhibition of Akt phosphorylation and its downstream proteins and rapamycin treatments similarly inhibited the phosphorylation of Tor‐linked downstream proteins. These findings support our hypothesis that TiO2NPs influence Akt/Tor signaling in silk glands. The significance of this work is identification of specific sites of TiO2NPs actions.
Numerical evaluation of human exposure to WiMax patch antenna in tablet or laptop
Authors: Siervo Beatrice , Morelli Maria Sole , Landini Luigi , Hartwig Valentina
Published: April 2018

The use of wireless communication devices, such as tablets or laptops, is increasing among children. Only a few studies assess specific energy absorption rate (SAR) due to exposure from wireless‐enabled tablets and laptops, in particular with Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) technology. This paper reports the estimation of the interaction between an E‐shaped patch antenna (3.5 GHz) and human models, by means of finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. Specifically, four different human models (young adult male, young adult female, pre‐teenager female, male child) in different exposure conditions (antenna at different distances from the human model, in different positions, and orientations) were considered and whole‐body, 10 and 1 g local SAR and magnetic field value (Bmax) were evaluated. From our results, in some worst‐case scenarios involving male and female children's exposure, the maximum radiofrequency energy absorption (hot spots) is located in more sensitive organs such as eye, genitals, and breast. Bioelectromagnetics. 39:414–422, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancing the chemiluminescence intensity of a KMnO4 formaldehyde system for estimating the total phenolic content in honey samples using a novel nanodroplet mixing approach in a microfluidics platform
Authors: Al Lawati Haider A. J. , Al Mughairy Baqia , Al Lawati Iman , Suliman FakhrEldin O.
Published: April 2018

A novel mixing approach was utilized with a highly sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) in honey samples using an acidic potassium permanganate–formaldehyde system. The mixing approach was based on exploiting the mixing efficiency of nanodroplets generated in a microfluidic platform. Careful optimization of the instrument setup and various experimental conditions were employed to obtain excellent sensitivity. The mixing efficiency of the droplets was compared with the CL signal intensity obtained using the common serpentine chip design, with both approaches using at a total flow rate of 15 μl min−1; the results showed that the nanodroplets provided 600% higher CL signal intensity at this low flow rate. Using the optimum conditions, calibration equations, limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for gallic acid (GA), caffeic acid (CA), kaempferol (KAM), quercetin (QRC) and catechin (CAT) were obtained. The LOD ranged from 6.2 ppb for CA to 11.0 ppb for QRC. Finally, the method was applied for the determination of TPC in several local and commercial honey samples.
MALDI‐MS Analysis of Sucrose Using a Charcoal Matrix with Different Cationization Agents
Authors: Paek Jihyun , Kim Yeoseon , Lee Dabin , Kim Jeongkwon
Published: May 2018

We used matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) to analyze sucrose with a charcoal matrix and different cationization agents: Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Ag+, and Cs+. We observed a higher cation‐adducted sucrose peak with significantly reduced interference when analyzing sucrose with a charcoal matrix rather than 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA). However, the charcoal matrix caused glycosidic bond cleavage, resulting in sucrose fragment peaks. These could not be removed, even when we reduced the laser intensity. The degree of sucrose fragmentation was inversely related to the size of the cation additive. More sucrose fragmentation occurred when we used small cationization agents (Li+, Na+, or Ag+), while little fragmentation occurred when we used relatively large cationization agents (K+, Rb+, or Cs+). Charcoal has a higher energy transfer efficiency than DHB or CHCA as a matrix in MALDI‐MS. This may explain the increase in sucrose peaks and fragmented peaks observed when sucrose was analyzed with a charcoal matrix. The energy transfer efficiency was inversely proportional to the size of the cationization agent.
What is the actual prevalence of migraine?
Authors: Yeh Wei Z. , Blizzard Leigh , Taylor Bruce V.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Population prevalence studies of migraine report prevalence rates of between 2.6 and 21.7%, with an average of ~12%. However, migraine prevalence among neurologists is reported to be significantly higher, between 27.6% and 48.6%. Increasing knowledge of the protean manifestations of migraine may explain this difference. Similarly, under‐recognition of migraine in control groups may explain the lack of genetic and biomarker findings in this disorder. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence of migraine in an admixed group of individuals with varied knowledge of migraine symptomatology.

Methods

Attendees at the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists Annual Scientific Meeting (ANZAN ASM) 2017 were surveyed anonymously. Those surveyed included three groups: neurologists, neurology trainees, and others including nonclinical researchers, members of lay organizations, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.

Results

In total, 313 of 606 attendees responded (51.7%). 65.9% of neurologist, 57.4% of trainee, and 52.5% of others respondents had a personal history of migraine, with the difference between neurologists and others being statistically significant (p = .03). Migraine in migraineurs and nonmigraine headache in nonmigraineurs were nearly all self‐diagnosed. Among neurologist migraineurs, 51.2% experienced migraine with aura and 43% migraine without aura.

Conclusions

Migraine prevalence is significantly higher in neurologists compared to non‐neurologists and at least 2–3 times higher than reported in population prevalence studies. This may be due to significant under‐recognition of migraine in non‐neurologists. This under‐recognition of migraine may significantly influence the search for genetic predictors and biomarkers of migraine.
Efficient and easily scalable protein folding strong anion exchange chromatography for renaturation and simultaneous purification of recombinant human asparaginase from E. coli
Authors: Kante Rajesh Kumar , Vemula Sandeep , Mallu Maheswara Reddy , Ronda Srinivasa Reddy
Published: April 2018

Recombinant proteins are revolutionizing present day therapeutics. They are generally expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies in the E. coli and mis‐folding, loss of protein, and high cost of down streaming are the hurdles in their recovery. For the first time, we are reporting the refolding with simultaneous purification of rhASP in E. coli using a single step utilizing protein folding‐strong anion exchange chromatography (PF‐SAX). The purification method is also standardized for optimal concentration of solution additives, pH, and mobile phase composition. The results showed purification of rhASP with anion exchange chromatography was effective. Phosphate buffer and slightly alkaline pH produced significant recovery yields and purity profiles. The effect of solution additives such as arginine, glycerol, TMAO, sorbitol, dextran, glutamate, and fructose on rhASP renaturation is also investigated. Significant results were achieved using arginine‐TMAO combination in terms of purity, recovery yield and specific activity of 99%, 78%, and 210 IU/mg, respectively. The work concludes that PF‐SAX refolding method is superior to other conventional methods and it can be applied to large scale purification of rhASP produced in E. coli. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1036–1044, 2018
Anodic Deposition of Enantiopure Hexahelicene Layers
Authors: Vacek Jan , Hrbáč Jan , Strašák Tomáš , Církva Vladimír , Sýkora Jan , Fekete Ladislav , Pokorný Jan , Bulíř Jiří , Hromadová Magdalena , Crassous Jeanne , Storch Jan
Published: May 2018

Helicenes are polyaromatic compounds with chiral properties useful for many applications in optoelectronics, separation processes, chiral recognition and catalysis. Here we focused on the electrochemistry of carbo[n]helicenes (n=5,6,7). The cyclic voltammograms of racemic mixtures of target compounds in acetonitrile/0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate at a glassy carbon electrode reveal the diffusion‐controlled reactions in both anodic and cathodic potential regions. Electrochemical behaviors are different for individual helicenes, [7]helicene undergoes redox transformation easily in comparison to the other investigated compounds, which is in agreement with DFT (density functional theory) calculations. Generally, the multi‐component anodic process of helicenes is observable at potentials from +1.5 to +2.5 V, leading to the formation of deposited structures (layers) on the electrode surface. The helicenes were electrodeposited onto transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and characterized by atomic force microscopy, UV/Vis, Raman spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Finally, the anodic deposition of P and M enantiomers of [6]helicene was performed using ITO substrates, resulting in the formation of enantiopure layers of nanometer thicknesses, as confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The discovered electrosynthetic procedure opens up a new possibility for the immobilization of chiral helicene layers onto solid supports.
Higher‐order correlation–based multivariate statistical process monitoring
Authors: Lv Feiya , Wen Chenglin , Liu Meiqin , Bao Zhejing
Published: April 2018

As shallow architecture is inefficient in terms of computational elements, some incipient fault features can be characterized through the composition of many nonlinearities, ie, with deep network. In this paper, a novel approach is developed for multivariate statistical process monitoring based on higher‐order correlations. First, the correlations among monitoring variables can be learned by a multilayer learning framework hierarchically: The higher the number of layers to be stacked, the more nonlinear and abstract features can be characterized. Second, 3 monitoring statistics, SRE, M2, and C, are presented to monitor whether the process is remaining in control, and they are instructive for the identification of fault types. Moreover, only normal data are used in training phase; this can avoid the unbalance problem of different types of fault data. These capabilities of the proposed approach are illustrated with two industrial benchmarks, Tennessee Eastman process and Metal Etch process.
Disulfuryl Dichloride ClSO2OSO2Cl: A Conformation and Polymorphism Chameleon
Authors: Moreno Betancourt Angélica , Schwabedissen Jan , Romano Rosana M. , Della Védova Carlos O. , Beckers Helmut , Willner Helge , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: April 2018

Disulfuryl dichloride ClSO2OSO2Cl was characterized by vibrational spectroscopy in the gaseous and liquid phase as well as in the Ar‐matrix. By varying the temperature, certain bands could be assigned to several conformers. Gas‐phase electron diffraction revealed a dominance of theanti‐conformer at ambient temperature. The same conformation was found in the solid state. Via the in situ technique for crystallization, not less than four different modifications were identified. Among these different modifications, the structural parameters of the molecules remain relatively constant, but the aggregation pattern changes. Although the molecules aggregate by chlorine⋅⋅⋅oxygen contacts in each modification, the geometrical parameters of these interaction show significant differences and were evaluated and are in part inconsistent with the halogen bonding concept.
Di‐(2‐picolyl)‐N‐(2‐quinolinylmethyl)amine‐Functionalized Triarylboron: Lewis Acidity Enhancement and Fluorogenic Discrimination Between Fluoride and Cyanide in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yuan Mao‐Sen , Du Xianchao , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Tianbao , Wang Wenji , Anslyn Eric V. , Wang Jinyi
Published: April 2018

Triarylboron‐based Lewis acids as fluoride sensors face a stimulating academic challenge because of the high hydration enthalpy of fluoride, and are usually influenced by a competing response for cyanide ion. Herein, we present a new triarylborane functionalized by a metal‐ion ligand, di‐(2‐picolyl)‐N‐(2‐quinolinylmethyl)amine, with subsequent metalation. In aqueous solution, this triarylborane (QB) can capture fluoride and cyanide anions through chelation induced by the synergy of boron and metal ions. Moreover, this triarylborane moiety acts as a fluorescent reporter of the binding, allowing for discrimination between fluoride and cyanide anions through dual‐channel fluorescence changes. The different chelation models and fluorogenic responses of this sensor toward F− and CN− were verified by the single‐crystal structures of 2‐to‐2 adduct for KCN and 1‐to‐1 for KF.
Functional Microgels for the Decoration of Biointerfaces
Authors: Kodlekere Purva , Pich Andrij
Published: May 2018

Microgels constitute a class of materials that have increasingly proven interesting for utilization in biological applications. Due to the versatility provided by microgel constructs with regards to their dimensions, functionality and mechanical properties, their use as building blocks at biological interfaces has been a field of great interest for numerous researchers. In this review, we summarize the advantages that microgel‐based systems provide, when employed for the decoration of biointerfaces. These include control over the chemical structure, crosslink density and thickness of coatings fabricated using microgels. We also review the current state of affairs in the design of microgel‐laden biointerfaces and the challenges that remain unmitigated. Lastly, we provide some examples of current and future work being undertaken and developed with the goal of resolution of some of these issues.