bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of active films incorporated with montmorillonite clay and α‐tocopherol: Potential of nanoparticle migration and reduction of lipid oxidation in salmon
Authors: Dias Marali Vilela , Azevedo Viviane Machado , Santos Taline Amorim , Pola Cícero Cardoso , Lara Bruna Rage Baldone , Borges Soraia Vilela , Soares Nildade Fatima Ferreira , Medeiros Éber Antônio Alves , Sarantópoulous Claire 
Published: October 2018

Fat‐rich fish such as salmon are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation, which affects the quality of the product. The compound α‐tocopherol is widely used as an antioxidant added directly to food or through the incorporation in active packaging besides having activity of vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient to the human body absorbed from food. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the montmorillonite (MMT15A) and α‐tocopherol migration potential and antioxidant effect of chitosan/MMT15A/α‐tocopherol active films on reduction of lipid oxidation in fresh salmon. Chitosan films incorporated with MMT15A (0 and 1 g/100 g) and α‐tocopherol (0, 10, and 15 g/100 g) were applied on the fresh salmon for 8 days. Samples of salmon wrapped in films 3 and 6 (10% tocopherol and 1% MMT15A + 15%tocopherol, respectively) showed the lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at eighth storage day at 4°C. Film 6 (1% MMT15A and 15% tocopherol) showed better result on reduction in water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and controlled release of tocopherol. All the films containing MMT15A presented migration of minerals (Mg and Si) for the salmon during the 8 days. Thus, the use of this film for release of active substances is a promising alternative for application as food packaging in order to obtain nutritionally fortified foods and inhibit oxidation reactions.
Adoption of robotic technology in Turkey: A nationwide analysis on caseload and platform used
Authors: Esen Eren , Aytac Erman , Ozben Volkan , Bas Mustafa , Bilgin Ismail Ahmet , Aghayeva Afag , Baca Bilgi , Hamzaoglu Ismail , Karahasanoglu Tayfun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundLimited data exist regarding adoption of evolving robotic technology in surgery. This study evaluated trends and the current condition of robotic platforms in surgical specialties and general surgical subspecialties.MethodsBetween January 2013 and December 2017, all robotic operations performed in Turkey were included.ResultsIn the study period, 13 760 robotic operations were performed at 32 hospitals. The median numbers of general surgical procedures were 43and eight cases per hospital and per general surgeon, respectively. The high‐volume general surgeons performed 1734 (81%) of the cases. Forty‐five percent and 55% of the general surgical operations were performed with the Xi and S/Si robots, respectively.ConclusionUse of the Xi platform seems to increase caseload in general surgery operations possibly by facilitating robotic colorectal surgery. Targeting the high‐volume centres and surgeons for further training and implantation of upcoming robotic technology can be more effective in terms of increasing case volume and improving outcomes.
Theorising variation in engagement in professional and curriculum development: performativity, capital, systems and purpose
Authors: Boylan Mark , Adams Gill , Coldwell Mike , Willis Ben , Demack Sean 
Published: October 2018

Increasingly, policymakers seek to improve the quality of teaching through curriculum innovations and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes. However, engagement by schools and teachers varies owing to mediating influences of neoliberal policies. In this article, we contribute to understanding how these tendencies affect participation. Problematising the notion of context, we examine ways in which systemic influences interacted with participation in a government‐funded mathematics professional and curriculum development programme and also with participants’ purposes.A three‐level clustered Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) and an implementation and process evaluation were augmented by in‐depth case studies, cross‐case analysis and the application of theoretical constructs to interpret findings. Theories of capital, figured worlds and systemic coupling are utilised to theorise the context.Different levels of engagement are partly explainable by: the interaction of schools’ relative systemic advantage and disadvantage; their orientation and coupling to performativity regimes; and the alignment or dissonance between continuing professional development or change programmes and the pedagogical and CPD cultures and purposes of the ‘actors’ (schools, departments and teachers). Performativity concerns restricted what were considered legitimate outcomes in some case study schools. This depended on teachers and schools’ positioning in terms of relative degrees of systemic privilege or disadvantage—understood as economic, cultural, social and symbolic capital—and also in terms of figured worlds and system coupling. The case studies provide insights into how collaborative professional learning can be fostered more productively. Methodologically, we demonstrate the power of combining methodologies and applying explanatory social theory to augment quasi‐experimental paradigms.
Fault estimation for a class of nonlinear semi‐Markovian jump systems with partly unknown transition rates and output quantization
Authors: Liang Hongjing , Zhang Linchuang , Karimi Hamid Reza , Zhou Qi 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis paper studies the fault estimation problem for a class of nonlinear semi‐Markovian jump systems with partly unknown transition rates and output quantization. Firstly, a mode‐dependent intermediate variable is designed, which constructs an intermediate estimator to estimate fault signals of system. Secondly, the partly unknown transition rates and output quantization are considered and the sufficient conditions of stability for the error system are given in three cases by linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, the proposed nonlinear function satisfies Lipschitz condition, which can be employed in a multitude of practical systems. Finally, simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Mixed passive / H∞ hybrid control for delayed Markovian jump system with actuator constraints and fault alarm
Authors: Li Jian‐Ning , Xu Yu‐Fei , Gu Kai‐Yang , Li Lin‐Sheng , Xu Xiao‐Bin 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, mixed passive / H∞ hybrid controllers are designed for a delayed Markovian jump system with actuator constraints and alarm signal. The actuator constraints include the unknown actuator bias failure and the actuator partial failure, and the controllers are switched by using alarm signals. First, a sufficient condition for mixed passive / H∞ performance of the closed‐loop system is constructed, and robust controllers and fault‐tolerant controllers are designed, respectively. Then, mixed passive / H∞ observers are presented to ensure that the actuator bias failure is well estimated. Next, an alarm system is proposed by designing multiple thresholds to avoid false alarm, and this system is used to invoke suitable controllers and determine whether to remove the estimated value of actuator bias failure. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.
Worm‐Like Biomimetic Nanoerythrocyte Carrying siRNA for Melanoma Gene Therapy
Authors: Wang Yanming , Ji Xin , Ruan Miaoliang , Liu Wen , Song Rongguang , Dai Jian , Xue Wei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA major challenge in siRNA vectors is developing approaches that ensure that when administered in vivo, the vectors can target their requisite site of action. This study reports a third type of nanoworm, biomimetic nanoerythrocytes for siRNA delivery, except for filomicelle and nanoworm iron‐oxide particle, which is the first approach that allows for targeted siRNA delivery by a process involving red blood cell (RBC) membrane cloaking of charge‐reversible polyplexes of siRNA and polycation. RBC membrane cloaking protects siRNA from RNase A degradation. Moreover, the RBC membrane‐cloaked charge‐reversible siRNA vector (RBC‐reversible polyplex (RP)) not only stays longer in the blood circulation than that of negatively charged bovine serum albumin (BSA) spheres and positively charged BSA, but is also able to escape from late endosomes/lysosomes, to achieve effective transfection for gene knockdown. The knockdown result in vivo is remarkably consistent with that of intracellular trafficking and transfection in vitro. Due to the outstanding biocompatibility and active targeting (cRGD), the 7 mg kg−1 dose siSurvivin in RGD‐RBC‐RP exhibits obviously superior anticancer effects at the animal level after two weeks. Therefore, the biomimetic worm‐like nanoerythrocyte charge‐reversible gene vector is a new and general method for highly efficient siRNA therapy in vivo.
Photoactivity and Stability Co‐Enhancement: When Localized Plasmons Meet Oxygen Vacancies in MgO
Authors: Liu Zhengqing , Lu Ziyang , Bosman Michel , Li Na , Frankcombe Terry J. , Jia Guohua , Tricoli Antonio , Liu Yun , Du Yaping , Yin Zongyou 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDurability is still one of the key obstacles for the further development of photocatalytic energy‐conversion systems, especially low‐dimensional ones. Encouragingly, recent studies show that nanoinsulators such as SiO2 and MgO exhibit substantially enhanced photocatalytic durability than the typical semiconductor p25 TiO2. Extending this knowledge, MgO–Au plasmonic defect nanosystems are developed that combine the stable photoactivity from MgO surface defects with energy‐focusing plasmonics from Au nanoparticles (NPs), where Au NPs are anchored onto monodispersed MgO nanotemplates. Theoretical calculations reveal that the midgap defect (MGD) states in MgO are generated by oxygen vacancies, which provide the main avenues for upward electron transitions under photoexcitation. These electrons drive stable proton photoreduction to H2 gas via water splitting. A synergistic interaction between Au's localized plasmons and MgO's oxygen vacancies is observed here, which enhances MgO's photoactivity and stability simultaneously. Such co‐enhancement is attributed to the stable longitudinal‐plasmon‐free Au NPs, which provide robust hot electrons capable of overcoming the interband transition barrier (≈1.8 eV) to reach proton reduction potential for H2 generation. The demonstrated plasmonic defect nanosystems are expected to open a new avenue for developing highly endurable photoredox systems for the integration of multifunctionalities in energy conversion, environmental decontamination, and climate change mitigation.
Highly Efficient Copper Sulfide‐Based Near‐Infrared Photothermal Agents: Exploring the Limits of Macroscopic Heat Conversion
Authors: Marin Riccardo , Skripka Artiom , Besteiro Lucas V. , Benayas Antonio , Wang Zhiming , Govorov Alexander O. , Canton Patrizia , Vetrone Fiorenzo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAmong the foreseeable therapeutic approaches at the cellular level, nanoplatform‐driven photothermal therapy is a thriving tool for the selective eradication of malignant tissues with minimal side effects to healthy ones. Hence, chemically versatile, near‐infrared absorbing plasmonic nanoparticles are distinctly appealing and most sought after as efficient photothermal agents. In this work, a straightforward method to synthesize monodisperse PEGylated copper sulfide nanoparticles of pure covellite (CuS) phase, featuring strong localized surface plasmonic resonance absorption in the near‐infrared and flexible surface chemistry, imparted by monomethyl ether polyethylene glycol molecules, is developed and optimized. These nanoparticles show a remarkable photothermal heat conversion efficiency (HCE) of 71.4%, which is among the highest for CuS systems and rivals that of plasmonic noble metal nanostructures. Moreover, through critical evaluation and mathematical modeling of the material's properties and measurement methodology, it is assessed that the calculated HCE values drastically depend on experimental conditions such as wavelength‐dependent solvent absorption properties, sol concentration, and optical path. These findings are of paramount relevance to the photothermal community, since they call for a standardization of the procedure for the evaluation of the HCE of proposed photothermal agents, in order to make the reported values universally and reliably comparable.
All‐in‐One Bifunctional Oxygen Electrode Films for Flexible Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Zeng Sha , Tong Xiao , Zhou Susheng , Lv Bo , Qiao Jian , Song Yanhui , Chen Minghai , Di Jiangtao , Li Qingwen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAs a promising energy‐storage device, rechargeable Zn‐air batteries have attracted considerable interests. Herein, a bifunctional oxygen electrode film prepared by adhering NiCo2O4 nanosheets to a nitrogen and oxygen dual‐doped carbon nanotubes film in a large scale is reported. The resulting self‐supporting film electrode is multifunctional, which integrates a porous conducting structure for air diffusion and charge transfer, high‐performance catalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution, and novel structural flexibility. The composite film demonstrates excellent oxygen reduction/evolution reaction catalytic activities with low Tafel slopes (50 mV dec−1 for oxygen reduction reaction; 92 mV dec−1 for oxygen evolution reaction). Without any additional current collector, gas diffusion layer, or binder, the obtained bifunctional film performs as an “all‐in‐one” air electrode in a Zn‐air battery. A 50‐cm‐long cable‐shaped Zn‐air battery based on such a film air electrode exhibits high operating potentials (≈1.2 V at 0.25 mA cm−2), low charging–discharging overpotentials (≈0.7 V), and stable cycling performance. Moreover, the flexible cable Zn‐air batteries show excellent stability under different deformation conditions. The proposed concept of constructing scalable, all‐in‐one, freestanding, and flexible air electrodes would pave the way to develop next‐generation wearable and portable energy‐storage devices.
Perovskite Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Novel Applications in Photovoltaics and LEDs
Authors: Kulkarni Sneha A. , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Mathews Nripan , Boix Pablo P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSolar cells and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on metal‐halide perovskites are transitioning from promising performers to direct competitors to well‐established technologies, with cost‐effectiveness as a strong advantage. Nanostructured perovskites have yielded record LEDs due to their higher versatility in the local management of charge carriers, which has enabled photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) close to 100%. However, these perovskite nanostructures are yet to be fully exploited in other applications such as photovoltaics, where they can also present competitive advantages as they enable feasible routes to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit by means of multiexciton generation or hot‐carrier extraction. Besides conventional applications, the extraordinary properties of these materials have the potential to unlock novel areas of research. Herein, the potential of perovskite nanostructures—with the focus on the widely developed nanoparticles—beyond classical thin‐film optoelectronics is analyzed, their limits of application are discussed, and their real possibilities are pondered.
Endogenous cannabinoids mediate the effect of BDNF at CA1 inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus
Authors: Selvam Rajamani , Yeh Mason L. , Levine Eric S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), traditionally known for promoting neuronal growth and development, is also a modulator of synaptic transmission. In addition to the well‐characterized effects at excitatory synapses, BDNF has been shown to acutely suppress inhibitory neurotransmission; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We have previously shown that at inhibitory synapses in layer 2/3 of the somatosensory cortex, BDNF induces the mobilization of endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs) that act retrogradely to suppress GABA release. Here, we hypothesized that in the hippocampus, BDNF acts similarly via eCB signaling to suppress GABAergic transmission. We found that the acute application of BDNF reduced the spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) via postsynaptic TrkB receptor activation. The suppressive effects of BDNF required eCB signaling, as this effect on sIPSCs was prevented by a CB1 receptor antagonist. Further, blocking the postsynaptic eCB release prevented the effect of BDNF, whereas eCB reuptake inhibition enhanced the effect of BDNF. These results suggest that BDNF triggers the postsynaptic release of eCBs. To identify the specific eCB release by BDNF, we tested the effects of disrupting the synthesis or degradation of 2‐arachidonoylcglycerol (2‐AG). Blocking 2‐AG synthesis prevented the effect of BDNF and blocking 2‐AG degradation enhanced the effect of BDNF. However, there was no change in the effect of BDNF when anandamide degradation was blocked. Collectively, these results suggest that in the hippocampus, BDNF‐TrkB signaling induces the postsynaptic release of the endogenous cannabinoid 2‐AG, which acts retrogradely on the presynaptic CB1 receptors to suppress GABA release.
Fuzzy‐sliding mode control of nonlinear smart base‐isolated building under earthquake excitation
Authors: Ghaffarzadeh Hosein , Ghaffari Amir Hossein , Yang T. Y. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the effectiveness of the fuzzy sliding mode control strategy on three‐dimensional benchmark building with smart base isolation under seismic excitation has been examined. One of the appropriate control theories for such this nonlinear system is the sliding mode control theory; discontinuous sliding mode theory has weakness such as chattering phenomena. In this paper, we used a combination of fuzzy logic and sliding mode theory for the deletion of this defect. The proposed control theory has been scrutinized by applying on lately developed nonlinear three‐dimensional base‐isolated benchmark building. This building because of the three‐dimensional nature, coalescing of lateral and torsional responses, continuity of responses of the superstructure, and base is modeled with three degrees of freedom on every floor. In this building eight actuators assigned only at the base level and in the two directions (x, y). In other words, 16 actuators are located underneath the structure. Furthermore, the base isolation system has been modeled by considering lateral coupled equations for a better examination of the performance of the system. The results indicate that reduction of control performance is remarkable. Also, utilizing proposed control theory can decrease the responses of building in two main directions and, particularly, in the rotational degree of freedom.
Maternal right ventricular function, uteroplacental circulation in first trimester and pregnancy outcome in women with congenital heart disease
Authors: Siegmund A. S. , Kampman M. A. M. , Oudijk M. A. , Mulder B. J. M. , Sieswerda G. T. J. , Koenen S. V. , Hummel Y. M. , de Laat M. W. M. , Sollie‐Szarynska K. M. , Groen H. , van Dijk A. P. J. , van Veldhuisen D. J. , Bilardo C. M. , Pieper P. G. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivePregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) have an increased risk of abnormal uteroplacental flow, measured from the second trimester onwards, which is associated with pregnancy complications affecting the mother and the fetus. Maternal right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been suggested as a predisposing factor for impaired uteroplacental flow in these women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of first‐trimester uteroplacental flow measurements with prepregnancy maternal cardiac function and pregnancy complications in women with CHD, with particular focus on the potential role of RV (dys)function.MethodsThis study included 138 pregnant women with CHD from the prospective ZAHARA III study (Zwangerschap bij Aangeboren HARtAfwijkingen; Pregnancy and CHD). Prepregnancy clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. Clinical evaluation, echocardiography (focused on RV function, as assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)) and uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) measurements were performed at 12, 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association between prepregnancy variables and UtA‐PI during pregnancy. The association between UtA‐PI at 12 weeks and cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal complications was also assessed.ResultsOn multivariable regression analysis, prepregnancy TAPSE was associated negatively with UtA‐PI at 12 weeks of gestation (β = −0.026; P = 0.036). Women with lower prepregnancy TAPSE (≤ 20 mm vs > 20 mm) had higher UtA‐PI at 12 weeks (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.2 ± 0.6; P = 0.047). Increased UtA‐PI at 12 weeks was associated with obstetric complications (P = 0.003), particularly hypertensive disorders (pregnancy‐induced hypertension and pre‐eclampsia, P = 0.019 and P = 0.026, respectively).ConclusionsIn women with CHD, RV dysfunction before pregnancy seems to impact placentation, resulting in increased resistance in UtA flow, which is detectable as early as in the first trimester. This, in turn, is associated with pregnancy complications. Early monitoring of uteroplacental flow might be of value in women with CHD with pre‐existing subclinical RV dysfunction to identify pregnancies that would benefit from close obstetric surveillance. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Variations on a Chip: Technologies of Difference in Human Genetics Research
Authors: Rajagopalan Ramya M. , Fujimura Joan H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this article we examine the history of the production of microarray technologies and their role in constructing and operationalizing views of human genetic difference in contemporary genomics. Rather than the “turn to difference” emerging as a post-Human Genome Project (HGP) phenomenon, interest in individual and group differences was a central, motivating concept in human genetics throughout the twentieth century. This interest was entwined with efforts to develop polymorphic “genetic markers” for studying human traits and diseases. We trace the technological, methodological and conceptual strategies in the late twentieth century that established single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as key focal points for locating difference in the genome. By embedding SNPs in microarrays, researchers created a technology that they used to catalog and assess human genetic variation. In the process of making genetic markers and array-based technologies to track variation, scientists also made commitments to ways of describing, cataloging and “knowing” human genetic differences that refracted difference through a continental geographic lens. We show how difference came to matter in both senses of the term: difference was made salient to, and inscribed on, genetic matter(s), as a result of the decisions, assessments and choices of collaborative and hybrid research collectives in medical genomics research.