bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Bismuth‐Based Nanomaterials Used for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Cheng Yan , Zhang Haiyuan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTheranostic nanomaterials (NMs) have gained increasing attention for their simultaneous performance of diagnosis and therapy. Bi‐based NMs hold great potential as theranostic platforms based on their X‐ray sensitive capability, near‐infrared driven semiconductor properties, and distinctive structures, which facilitate the computed tomography (CT) imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging, radiation therapy, and phototherapy. The sophisticated design in composition, structure, and surface fabrication of Bi‐based NMs can endow these NMs with more modalities in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this Minireview, we focus on the recent advances in Bi‐based theranostic NMs. A series of unique structures and functions as well as the underlying property–activity relationship of Bi‐based NMs are showcased to highlight their promising imaging and therapeutic performance. At the end, we propose some challenges for the design and preparation of Bi‐based NMs to improve their cancer diagnostic and therapeutic performance.
A Natural Triterpene Saponin‐Based Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Ma Yue , Gao Yuxia , Zhao Xin , Zhu Yanqiu , Du Fengpei , Hu Jun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe abuse of chemical surfactants in pesticide formulations is a potential threat to agricultural development and environmental safety. Thereby, developing an efficient eco‐friendly pesticide formulation is of great significance. In this research, a biocompatible and ultrastable pesticide formulation has been developed in which merely 1 wt % natural glycyrrhizic acid (GA) was used to emulsify and stabilize 80 wt % agricultural oils. During the preparation process, amphiphilic GA molecules initially self‐assembled into 1D nanofibers with a favorable surfactivity, and then afforded GA‐based Pickering emulsions with fine droplets. Consequently, the Pickering emulsions transformed into gel‐like Pickering emulsions as a result of the formation of a 3D network of nanofibers. On account of the unique chemical structure and admirable assembly behavior of GA, the gel‐like Pickering emulsions exhibit ultrastability, thixotropy, and broad pH resistance. In addition, this formulation was investigated for its potential application to pesticides by using pure carbosulfan as the oil phase; up to 60 wt % carbosulfan could be coated, which is more than in the current commercial formulations. This work not only provides new insights into the application of natural biosurfactants to pesticides, but also proposes a biocompatible and eco‐friendly pesticide formulation for use in ecological agriculture.
Mechanochemically Processed Nd−Fe−Co−Cr−B Nanoparticles with High Coercivity and Reduced Spin Reorientation Transition Temperature
Authors: Chaudhary Varun , Zhong Yaoying , Parmar Harshida , Tan Xiao , Ramanujan Raju V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNd−Fe−B magnets, possessing the highest energy product, are extensively used in cutting‐edge applications, including electrical machines and electrical vehicles. An environmentally benign and cost effective synthesis method of Cr alloyed Nd2(Fe,Co)14B magnetic nanoparticles using a dry mechanochemical process is reported. The method is solvent free, facile, energy efficient and scalable. The reduction of mixed oxides of Nd, Fe, Co, B and Cr is performed by using Ca. The coercivity (HC) of the nanoparticles is found to depend on the dispersant content, with the highest value obtained for Nd2(Fe11.25Co2Cr0.75)B with 40 % CaO dispersant. The HC of isolated Nd2(Fe11.25Co2Cr0.75)B nanoparticles and nanoparticles embedded in a CaO matrix is found to be 11.5 kOe and 14.4 kOe, respectively, largest values for heavy rare earth free Nd−Fe−B nanoparticles with reasonable saturation and remanent magnetization, regardless of synthesis route. Considering the density of Nd2Fe14B, an energy product of 14.2 MGOe is obtained for the nanoparticles. The thermal coefficient of remanence and thermal coefficient of coercivity for aligned samples are −0.06 % and −0.29 %, respectively, in the temperature range between 100 K and 400 K. The spin reorientation temperature is found to be ∼30 K less than that of bulk Nd2Fe14B magnets.
Time‐Resolved Hydroxyl Radical Footprinting of RNA with X‐Rays
Authors: Hao Yumeng , Bohon Jen , Hulscher Ryan , Rappé Mollie C. , Gupta Sayan , Adilakshmi Tadepalli , Woodson Sarah A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRNA footprinting by hydroxyl radical cleavage provides ‘snapshots’ of RNA tertiary structure or protein interactions that bury the RNA backbone. Generation of hydroxyl radicals with a high‐flux synchrotron X‐ray beam provides analysis on a short timescale (5–100 msec), which enables the structures of folding intermediates or other transient conformational states to be determined in biochemical solutions or cells. This article provides protocols for using synchrotron beamlines for hydroxyl radical footprinting. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of a Three‐Dimensional Bioengineering Technology to Generate Lung Tissue for Personalized Disease Modeling
Authors: Wilkinson Dan C. , Mellody Michael , Meneses Luisa K. , Hope Ashley C. , Dunn Bruce , Gomperts Brigitte N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis unit describes a protocol for generation of lung organoids. A lung organoid is a 3D cell/hydrogel composite that resembles the morphology and cellular composition of the human distal lung. These tissue‐engineered constructs provide an in vitro model of human lung and are best suited for disease modeling applications. The organoid generation methodology is flexible, allowing for easy scalability in the number of organoids produced and in the ability to accommodate a wide range of cell types. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of N,N‐dimethylamphetamine in wastewater – a pyrolysis marker and synthesis impurity of methamphetamine
Authors: Been Frederic , O'Brien Jake , Lai Foon Yin , Morelato Marie , Vallely Peter , McGowan Jenny , van Nuijs Alexander L. N. , Covaci Adrian , Mueller Jochen F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe increased availability of high purity crystalline methamphetamine (MA) in Australia raised concerns because of high dosages and its potential consumption through inhalation. The present work investigates the possibility of using wastewater levels of N,N‐dimethylamphetamine (DMA), a pyrolysis by‐product, as an indirect indicator of MA smoking. A dedicated liquid chromatography quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC–QToF–MS) method was set up to detect and quantify DMA in wastewater samples. Wastewater samples were collected from 8 locations across Australia during the period 2011–2016. Data about the abundance of DMA in MA seizures as well as in residues from drug paraphernalia were obtained from forensic laboratories in Australia. DMA/MA ratios measured in wastewater ranged from 0.0001 to 0.09 (median 0.007). DMA/MA ratios in bulk seizures are generally below 0.0025, with a median value of 0.0004, whilst residues in paraphernalia ranged from 0.031 to 3.37. DMA/MA ratios in wastewater decreased between 2011 and 2016, in parallel to an increase in MA loads. Furthermore, wastewater analyses highlighted a strong positive correlation between DMA/MA ratios and per capita MA use (Pearson's correlation ρ= 0.61, p‐value <0.001). Nonetheless, geographical specificities could be highlighted between the investigated locations. The obtained data could help authorities detect hot spots of drug use as well as to plan specific intervention campaigns to tackle the issue. In future, simultaneous analysis of DMA and MA in both wastewater and seizures could improve our understanding about MA use and its consumption patterns.
Environmental policy impacts of trade with China and the moderating effect of governance
Authors: Gamso Jonas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOver the past decade, China has become one of the largest trading partners to countries of Latin America and Sub‐Saharan Africa. A major concern is environmental degradation: much of this trade is composed of pollution‐intensive raw materials and Chinese traders do not promote the adoption of stringent environmental policies among trade partners, as the United States and the European Union do. The probable outcome for China's trade partners is a race to the bottom, whereby trade‐based competitive pressures lead governments to systematically weaken environmental regulations. However, this outcome may be moderated by good governance, as willing and able governments react to heightened pollution‐intensive trade with China by strengthening policies. This study considers whether sound governing institutions offset the harmful effects of trade with China on environmental policy outcomes, using a dataset covering 58 Latin American and Sub‐Saharan African countries over 10 years (2001–2010). Tests focus on the moderating effects of two facets of good governance: representativeness and bureaucratic capacity. The results demonstrate that trade with China does generate a race to the bottom in the environmental policies of partner countries. This effect is moderated by bureaucratic capacity, but not by representativeness.
Electrocatalytic Acitivity of rGO/PEDOT : PSS Nanocomposite towards Methanol Oxidation in Alkaline Media
Authors: Baruah Bhagyalakhi , Kumar Ashok 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIncreasing demand of alternative energy sources leads to the development of new electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells. In present work, we report the synthesis of rGO/PEDOT : PSS (reduced graphene oxide/ Poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) : Polystyrene sulfonate) nanocomposite by in‐situ polymerization method using EDOT as precursor and the nanocomposite is used as anode catalyst for methanol oxidation. Structural and chemical characterizations such as XRD, FTIR and Micro‐Raman confirm the formation of the nanocomposite. From TEM image, growth of nanofibrous PEDOT : PSS on rGO nanosheets is observed. Electrochemical characterizations of rGO/PEDOT : PSS/ITO electrode are performed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Chronoamperometry (CA) measurements. Methanol oxidation reactions are performed in 0.5 M NaOH solution. The anodic current of the nanocomposite coated ITO is found be 37.5 mA at 0.59 V due to methanol electro‐oxidation and retentivity of the electrode is 92 % of initial scan after 800 cycles. The chronoamperometric results reveal that the nanocomposite modified electrode exhibits better stability with retention factor of 42.4 % up to 3000 seconds. The rGO/PEDOT : PSS/ITO electrode exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction due to larger surface area and excellent conductivity of rGO nanosheet.
High‐performance Flexible Complementary Electrochromic Device Based on Plasma Modified WO3Nano Hybrids and V2O5Nanofilm with Low Operation Voltages
Authors: Eren Esin , Alver Ceyda , Karaca Gozde Yurdabak , Uygun Emre , Oksuz Lutfi , Oksuz Aysegul Uygun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTungsten trioxide‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (WO3‐PEDOT) and tungsten trioxide‐polyfuran (WO3‐PFu) were prepared by rf rotating plasma polymerization. Electrochromic hybrid thin films were fabricated onto flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ indium tin oxide (ITO) film using electron beam evaporation method. In order to deeply characterize all films, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used. The counter electrode effect on plasma modified WO3nano hybrids‐based electrochromic devices (ECDs) was evaluated. By incorporating flexible vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) film as counter electrode, complementary ECDs were constructed through combining the hybrid flexible films (WO3‐PEDOT, WO3‐PFu) as working electrodes, which exhibit highly efficient electrochromic performance with low voltage operation. Especially, WO3‐PEDOT/V2O5‐based ECD owns a high optical modulation of 61.5 % at 750 nm driven by −1.0 V (coloration) and +1 V (bleaching) with fast response times (coloration time: 13.58 s, bleaching time: 8.07 s) and a high coloration efficiency of 527 cm2 C−1. This study can supply useful and efficient avenue for designing flexible complementary electrochromic device for energy‐saving flexible electronics.
Facile Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Zirconia for Electrochemical Enrichment and Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors: Huo Shijie , Zhao Hongbin , Dong Junping , Xu Jiaqiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHighly crystallized mesoporous ZrO2 nanomaterials were synthesized by solvent evaporation induced self‐assembly approach. Ordered mesoporous ZrO2 nanomaterials were characterized by TEM, SEM, BET, XRD and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The obtained nanomaterials exhibit the close‐packing mesopores with average pore size of 7 nm and a highly crystallized framework with tetragonal phase. A non‐enzyme electrochemical sensor based on ordered mesoporous ZrO2 is established for selective detection of methyl parathion (MP). The online extraction of MP is firstly achieved by ZrO2 modified electrode at open‐circuit potential for 5 min., and the sensitive detection of MP is performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. By comparison, DPV responses of mesoporous ZrO2 are 40 times and 25 times larger than that of mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon with the similar pore structure, implying the specific affinity advantage of zirconia to phosphoric group. The quantitative analysis result shows that the voltammetric currents are linear with concentrations of MP ranging from 1 ng/ml to 2 μg/ml with a detection limit of 0.53 ng/ml. The sensor also exhibits good stability and high selectivity against interfering species. The excellent analytical performances are owed to the accessible and uniform mesoporous structures, highly crystallized frameworks of ZrO2 and its specific affinity to phosphate groups.
Determination of antibiotics in feedstuff samples by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography using fullerene as additive
Authors: Nieto Nancy K. , Rodriguez Jose A. , Ibarra Israel S. , Cruz‐Borbolla Julian , Vasquez‐Perez Jose M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous detection and quantification of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and oxytetracycline in feedstuff samples. The BGE composition was optimized by applying a Taguchi parameter design and consisted of phosphate 30 mmol/L, Tween‐80 0.01 mmol/L, and fullerene 3 μmol/L, and adjusted to pH 8.0; the addition of surfactant and fullerene modifies the mobility of the analytes improving their resolution. Theoretical studies showed π‐π and van der Waals interactions between antibiotic molecules and fullerene used as a pseudostationary phase. Under optimal conditions, limits of detection ranged from 0.7 to 1.5 μg/g; the analytes were separated in less than 6 min. The methodology proposed is useful for controlling and monitoring antibiotic residues in feedstuff samples.
Nanocomposite All‐Solid‐State Polymer Electrolyte for High‐Performance Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Shi , Xu Hao , Wang Ailian , Liu Xu , Chen Jie , Wang Zhinan , Feng Di , Zeng Qinghui , Zhang Liaoyun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn inorganic‐polymeric hybrid all‐solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) composed of chemically modified nano‐silica, linear poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate copolymer (PTFEMA‐co‐PPEGMA or LCP) and lithium salt is prepared and used in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for the first time. Nano‐silica is transformed to SiO2‐SH via esterification reaction. Then, SiO2‐PEGMA is synthesized through click chemistry of SiO2‐SH and PEGMA. The compatibility of the nano‐SiO2 and the LCP can be effectively improved due to the excellent dispersibility of the chemically modified nano‐SiO2 in the polymer matrix. As a result, the hybrid SSE has good thermal stability, excellent film‐forming ability. Furthermore, the hybrid SSE shows superior comprehensive electrochemical properties, which makes the corresponding LiFePO4/Li cells have good cycling performance (the discharge capacity reaches 144 mAh g−1 at 0.3 C) and rate capability (90 mAh g−1 is reached at 1 C). Thus, the hybrid electrolyte can be a powerful SSE for high‐safety and high‐performance LIBs.
Performances and Limitations of Metal Supported Cells with Strontium Titanate based Fuel Electrode
Authors: Costa R. , Han F. , Szabo P. , Yurkiv V. , Semerad R. , Cheah S. K. , Dessemond L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this contribution, we report investigation of metal supported cells with a La0.1Sr0.9TiO3–α (LST) based fuel electrode. The cells are prepared on a substrate made of a porous NiCrAl metal foam infiltrated with NiO and LST materials. The functional anode layer, consisting of LST mixed with a Gd0.1Ce0.9O2–α (GDC), is produced by screen printing. Nickel metal is infiltrated in the backbone to enhance electronic and catalytic properties. The electrolyte made of an 1 μm + 0.5µm thick Zr0.84Y0.16O2–α (YSZ) layer followed by a 2 μm thick GDC layer, is fabricated by wet ceramic processing and electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB‐PVD), respectively. La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3–α (LSCF) is employed as a cathode material. All cells are electrochemically characterized. At 750 °C and at a cell voltage of 0.7 V, the typically achieved power density value is up to 0.40 W cm−2. With less than 2% variation for 50 cycles, the OCV showed an excellent stability as a function of redox cycles, demonstrating that an electrolyte as thin as 3 µm maintains its integrity, despite the harsh operating conditions. This highlights the potential of perovskite based fuel electrodes in metal supported cells, and paves the way to the next generation of cells' design.
Behind the curtain of international diversification: An agency theory perspective
Authors: Dagnino Giovanni Battista , Giachetti Claudio , La Rocca Maurizio , Picone Pasquale Massimo 
Published: June 2018

Research Summary: This article dissects the antecedents of international diversification through the lens of the agency cost of free cash flow arguments. It explores whether the partial convergence of interests among managers, majority shareholders, and minority shareholders affects a firm's choice to diversify internationally. Using a sample panel of 60 Italian firms evaluated longitudinally from 2004 to 2014, the study tests whether a firm's international diversification is affected by its free cash flow (as the ultimate source of managerial discretion) and debt (as the main constraint to managerial discretion), especially in firm contexts that exacerbate agency problems. We find that the effects on international diversification of free cash flow and debt are contingent on ownership concentration, family control, and growth opportunities.Managerial Summary: This article studies the antecedents of international diversification by considering the conflicts of interest among managers, majority shareholders, and minority shareholders. First, it shows that the available cash flow (as the fundamental wellspring of managerial discretion) and level of indebtedness (as a key limitation to managerial discretion) have, respectively, a positive and a negative effect on firms' international diversification. Second, it shows that the effects of cash flow and debt are particularly relevant when considering three factors: (a) the concentration of firm ownership, leading to conflicts of interest between majority and minority shareholders; (b) family control, leading to conflicts of interest between family members and other shareholders; and (c) the potential to exploit growth opportunities, leading to conflicts of interest between managers and shareholders.
Estimating the effects of friends on health behaviors of adolescents
Authors: Fletcher Jason M. , Ross Stephen L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper estimates the effects of friends' smoking and drinking on own behavior while controlling for correlated unobservables between friends. The effect of friends' behaviors is identified by comparing similar individuals who have similar friendship opportunities and make similar friendship choices, exploiting the idea that friendship choice reveals information about unobservables. We combine this identification strategy with an across‐cohort within school design so that identification arises in our reduced form estimates from across‐grade differences in the clustering of health behaviors. Finally, we use estimated information on correlated unobservables to examine longitudinal data on the onset of health behaviors, where the likelihood of reverse causality should be minimal. We find evidence that this strategy produces somewhat smaller (no more than 16% smaller) friendship effect estimates than the more standard school fixed effect models consistent with at most modest bias from correlated unobservables.
Executory Contracts, Ipso Facto Clauses and Licensing Agreements in Cross‐Border Insolvencies
Authors: Hoffmann Jan Felix 
Published: June 2018

AbstractExecutory contracts raise difficult substantive and procedural questions under insolvency law. This essay tries to point out two prominent phenomena of substantive law concerning the treatment of executory contracts. Ipso facto clauses and licensing agreements will serve as examples in order to find suitable conflict‐of‐law rules in cross‐border insolvencies. So far, there has been no fundamental debate on the application of the lex fori concursus to executory contracts. In recent rulings national courts have, however, refused to apply the lex fori concursus to executory contracts in cross‐border insolvency cases when ipso facto clauses or licensing agreements were involved. This essay pleads against the sole application of the lex fori concursus and critically analyses the concept of the European Insolvency Regulation concerning executory contracts. Copyright © 2018 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐cesarean prophylactic balloon placement in the internal iliac artery to prevent postpartum hemorrhage among women with pernicious placenta previa
Authors: Dai Meng‐jun , Jin Guang‐xin , Lin Jian‐hua , Zhang Yu , Chen Yun‐yan , Zhang Xue‐bin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate pre‐cesarean prophylactic balloon placement (PBP) in the internal iliac artery among women with pernicious placenta previa.MethodsThe present retrospective study included women with pernicious placenta previa who underwent cesarean delivery at Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, between March 1, 2011, and June 30, 2017. Data were compared between patients who did and did not undergo PBP.ResultsAmong 42 patients included, 20 underwent PBP and 22 did not. Mean ± SD estimated blood loss was 2900.00 ± 2352.21 mL in the PBP group, and 4549.77 ± 2366.67 mL in the non‐PBP group (P=0.025). The amount of transfused red blood cells was 8.40 ± 7.14 U and 13.00 ± 7.93 U (P=0.018), respectively. No patients in the PBP group developed postoperative disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, compared with 3 (14%) in the non‐PBP group (P=0.087). In the PBP and non‐PBP groups, the hospital stay duration was 7.40 ± 3.07 and 8.68 ± 2.58 days (P=0.029), and there were 1 and 7 patients who had obstetric hysterectomies (P=0.027), respectively. Two patients experienced PBP‐related adverse events, including thrombosis and re‐bleeding. There were no deaths.ConclusionPre‐cesarean PBP in the internal iliac artery was a safe and effective treatment that could reduce the incidence of both postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy among women with pernicious placenta previa.