bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft and Moldable Mg‐Doped Liquid Metal for Conformable Skin Tumor Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Yao Wenhao , Guo Rui , Yang Xiaohu , Tang Jianbo , Zhang Jie , Gao Weiping , Timchenko Victoria , Liu Jing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs a class of emerging multifunctional soft materials, gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) amalgams, metal/nonmetal particles dispersed in an LM environment, suggest a combination of intriguing properties. In this article, Mg particles in gallium‐indium alloy for making new conceptual biomedical materials, which can adapt to any irregular skin surface, are introduced, and superior photothermal effect with a 61.5% photothermal conversion (PTC) increase with respect to that of the LM is realized. The formation of a new intermetallic phase Mg2Ga5 and adjustable surface roughness, which guarantees a rapid temperature increase when illuminated by laser, are found to be responsible for the photothermal effect enhancement. The obtained soft metallic mixtures also possess excellent thermal conductivity, favorable formability, together with benign biocompatibility. The potential use of the currently produced LM mixtures for conformable photothermal therapy (PTT) of skin tumors, which is hard to precisely heat otherwise via conventional ways, is explored. The soft Mg‐GaIn mixtures can adapt to irregular tumor shapes to achieve conformable and minimal invasive tumor treatment. In vivo experiments on skin‐tumor‐bearing mice show obvious tumor growth suppression and life span extension after PTT treatment. As a novel functional PTC material, the Mg‐GaIn mixtures exhibit promising potentials in the coming clinical cancer theranostics.
High‐Efficiency PbS Quantum‐Dot Solar Cells with Greatly Simplified Fabrication Processing via “Solvent‐Curing”
Authors: Lu Kunyuan , Wang Yongjie , Liu Zeke , Han Lu , Shi Guozheng , Fang Honghua , Chen Jun , Ye Xingchen , Chen Si , Yang Fan , Shulga Artem G. , Wu Tian , Gu Mengfan , Zhou Sijie , Fan Jian , Loi Maria Antonietta , Ma Wanli 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPbS quantum‐dot (QD) solar cells are promising candidates for low‐cost solution‐processed photovoltaics. However, the device fabrication usually requires ten more times film deposition and rinsing steps, which is not ideal for scalable manufacturing. Here, a greatly simplified deposition processing is demonstrated by replacing methanol with acetonitrile (ACN) as the rinsing solvent. It is discovered that ACN can effectively “cure” the film cracks generated from the volume loss during the solid‐state ligand‐exchange process, which enables the deposition of thick and dense films with much fewer deposition steps. Meanwhile, due to the aprotic nature of ACN, fewer trap states can be introduced during the rinsing process. As a result, with only three deposition steps for the active layer, a CPVT‐certified 11.21% power conversion efficiency is obtained, which is the highest efficiency ever reported for PbS QD solar cells employing a solid‐state ligand‐exchange process. More importantly, the simple film‐deposition processing provides an opportunity for the future application of QDs in low‐cost printing of optoelectronic devices.
Magnetic Binary Silicide Nanostructures
Authors: Goldfarb Ilan , Cesura Federico , Dascalu Matan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn spite of numerous advantageous properties of silicides, magnetic properties are not among them. Here, the magnetic properties of epitaxial binary silicide nanostructures are discussed. The vast majority of binary transition‐metal silicides lack ferromagnetic order in their bulk‐size crystals. Silicides based on rare‐earth metals are usually weak ferromagnets or antiferromagnets, yet both groups tend to exhibit increased magnetic ordering in low‐dimensional nanostructures, in particular at low temperatures. The origin of this surprising phenomenon lies in undercoordinated atoms at the nanostructure extremities, such as 2D (surfaces/interfaces), 1D (edges), and 0D (corners) boundaries. Uncompensated superspins of edge atoms increase the nanostructure magnetic shape anisotropy to the extent where it prevails over its magnetocrystalline counterpart, thus providing a plausible route toward the design of a magnetic response from nanostructure arrays in Si‐based devices, such as bit‐patterned magnetic recording media and spin injectors.
Programmable Hydrogel Ionic Circuits for Biologically Matched Electronic Interfaces
Authors: Zhao Siwei , Tseng Peter , Grasman Jonathan , Wang Yu , Li Wenyi , Napier Bradley , Yavuz Burcin , Chen Ying , Howell Laurel , Rincon Javier , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Kaplan David L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe increased need for wearable and implantable medical devices has driven the demand for electronics that interface with living systems. Current bioelectronic systems have not fully resolved mismatches between engineered circuits and biological systems, including the resulting pain and damage to biological tissues. Here, salt/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) aqueous two‐phase systems are utilized to generate programmable hydrogel ionic circuits. High‐conductivity salt‐solution patterns are stably encapsulated within PEG hydrogel matrices using salt/PEG phase separation, which route ionic current with high resolution and enable localized delivery of electrical stimulation. This strategy allows designer electronics that match biological systems, including transparency, stretchability, complete aqueous‐based connective interface, distribution of ionic electrical signals between engineered and biological systems, and avoidance of tissue damage from electrical stimulation. The potential of such systems is demonstrated by generating light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based displays, skin‐mounted electronics, and stimulators that deliver localized current to in vitro neuron cultures and muscles in vivo with reduced adverse effects. Such electronic platforms may form the basis of future biointegrated electronic systems.
A Voltage Bias Effect on Catalytic Activity of Electrically Continuous Pt/TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Ray Nathan J. , Karpov Eduard G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecently, efforts to optimize catalytic performance have included the utilization of catalytic nanoparticles with careful control over their shape and size, chemical composition, surface functionalization, and structural architecture. Here, direct measurements are reported detailing the impact of applied external bias on the exothermic catalytic formation of water for a Pt/TiO2 nanocomposite under exposure to gaseous oxyhydrogen environments. As external voltages of opposite polarity are applied to the system, the surface temperature kinetics, total pressure kinetics within the analytical chamber, and water turnover frequency transition in a reproducible manner between two well‐defined states which result in 1) decreased catalytic activity, 2) decreased initial molecular adsorption onto the Pt catalyst, and 3) lower rates of water production under negative voltage. These findings pave the road toward the realization of a catalytic switch that can be activated by applying a voltage to Schottky barrier systems to enhance or mitigate catalytic surface reactions.
Graphene‐Like Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanosheet Prepared from Direct Calcination of Dopamine Confined by g‐C3N4 for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Xinghuan , Kang Junjie , Dai Yu , Dong Changchang , Guo Xuhong , Jia Xin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract2D carbon nanosheet provides an attractive prospect in the field of electrochemical catalysis, and how to prepare atomic level 2D carbon nanosheet with good electrochemical performance by an easy and efficient method is still a big challenge. Herein, graphene‐like N‐doped carbon nanosheet with the thickness of 0.6–2 nm is prepared by one‐step and solvent‐free method of pyrolyzing dopamine (DA) confined by graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). Pyrocondensation polymerization of DA within the interlayers of g‐C3N4 to form N‐doped benzene‐fused ring structures at high temperature is reported, and DA‐derived graphene‐like carbon nanosheet at 1000 °C exhibits an excellent oxygen reduction reaction activity in alkaline environment and pronounced catalytic activity in acidic medium. It can further improve the practical application of DA‐based carbon materials.
Graphene/Polyamide Laminates for Supercritical CO2 and H2S Barrier Applications: An Approach toward Permeation Shutdown
Authors: Raine Thomas P. , Istrate Oana M. , King Barnaby E. , Craster Bernadette , Kinloch Ian A. , Budd Peter M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGraphene is potentially the perfect barrier material, being impermeable even to the smallest gas molecules, but in practice it is difficult to achieve defect‐free graphene layers at large scale. Here, exceptional barrier performance for laminates comprising graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) paper sandwiched between two discs of polyamide 11 (PA11) is demonstrated. Results are compared with sandwich structures incorporating melt‐processed GNP/PA11 composites, and with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) monolayer graphene transferred onto PA11. PA11 is of interest as a polymer commonly utilized within the oil and gas industry for antiwear and barrier layers in flexible risers. Permeation studies were undertaken for a feed mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) with 1.48% hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at a temperature of 60 °C and pressures up to 400 bar, providing the first data for the performance of graphene as a barrier to a supercritical fluid. Whereas a GNP/PA11 composite and a CVD graphene monolayer have little effect on permeability, compared to a pure PA11 control sample, a GNP/PA11 laminate reduces CO2 permeability by more than an order of magnitude, and reduces H2S permeability to an undetectable level.
A Dip‐Decoating Process for Producing Transparent Bi‐Superhydrophobic and Wrinkled Water Surfaces
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Wang Yiqi , Wang Renxian , Wang Senhao , Zang Duyang , Geng Xingguo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs mechanical strength is required in most applications using superhydrophobic surfaces, much effort has been applied toward enhancing this property. However, mechanical weakness can also be useful, but little attention has been focused on this seemingly undesirable feature. Here, using a sol–gel SiO2 coating as a weak surface, a dip‐decoating phenomenon is demonstrated to occur when immersing and withdrawing the coating from water. As a result, part of the coating's outer layer of nanoparticles (NPs) is peeled off by shearing motions of the three‐phase line, generating a bi‐superhydrophobic surface constructed by adjacent pristine and dipped areas, with different colors, adhesive forces, and compositional stabilities. Such a Janus surface, which also features ultrahigh transmittance due to antireflection, can be used as a peculiar multifunctional platform for droplet manipulations. The dip‐decoating technique also works as a distinctive way for introducing particles onto water surface, in which the density and distribution of peeled NPs can be adjusted by multi‐dipping processes. The wrinkled water surface, caused by high NP density, can be used with the Langmuir–Blodgett coating technique and have potential in fundamental studies, such as the evaporation of coated liquids.
Ionic Liquids and Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals: Advanced Electrolytes for Safer High Performance Sodium Energy Storage Technologies
Authors: Basile Andrew , Hilder Matthias , Makhlooghiazad Faezeh , Pozo‐Gonzalo Cristina , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Howlett Patrick C. , Forsyth Maria 
Published: May 2018

AbstractElectrolytes composed entirely of salts, namely, ionic liquid solvents paired with a target ion salt, have been studied extensively within lithium batteries and have recently garnered interest as advanced electrolytes for sodium chemistries. In this review, the unique properties of ionic liquid electrolytes and their solid‐state analogs, organic ionic plastic crystals, are examined. Structure–property relationships, the effect of salt addition, cation and anion functionalization, and their effect upon physicochemical and thermal character are discussed. The authors discuss the use of ionic liquid electrolytes paired with organic solvents (referred to as hybrids) and briefly present the impact of using water as an additive. The majority of the literature presented herein covers studies of sodium electrolytes at Na+ concentrations greater than 50 mol%, labelled as superconcentrated electrolytes, which have recently been investigated for their beneficial device performance and improved target ion mobility. The developing research of ionic liquids toward the oxygen reduction reaction is also presented toward the realization of Na–O2 chemistries to rival that of conventional Li‐ion; gaining fundamental understanding of the active species during discharge, its resultant nucleation and character. Additionally, the properties of the electrode–electrolyte interface resulting from the interaction between typical sodium anodes with ionic liquid electrolytes are discussed.
Photoelectrocatalytic Materials for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Yao Tingting , An Xiurui , Han Hongxian , Chen John Qianjun , Li Can 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPhotoelectrocatalytic water splitting offers a promising approach to convert sunlight into sustainable hydrogen energy. A thorough understanding of the relationships between the properties and functions of photoelectrocatalytic materials plays a crucial role in the design and fabrication of efficient photoelectrochemical systems for water splitting. This review presents the advances in the development of efficient photoelectrocatalytic materials. First, the fundamentals involved in the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting are elaborated. Then, the critical properties of photoelectrocatalytic materials are classified and discussed according to the associated photoelectrochemical processes, including light absorption, charge separation, charge transportation, and photoelectrocatalytic reactions. The importance of heterointerfaces in photoelectrodes is also mentioned in conjunction with the illustration of some functional interlayer materials. Finally, some strategies that can be employed in material screening and optimization for the construction of highly efficient photoelectrochemical devices for water splitting are also discussed.
Are olfactory traits in a pair‐bonded primate under sexual selection? An evaluation of sexual dimorphism in Aotus nancymaae
Authors: Spence‐Aizenberg Andrea , Williams Lawrence E. , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesSexual selection has seemingly influenced chemical communication in numerous non‐human primates, although it is unclear whether it has influenced strictly pair‐living and pair‐bonded taxa. The physical similarities between male and female owl monkeys suggest that disruptive selection has not played a role in this taxon. However, given their nocturnality, olfactory traits may show differing patterns of sexual selection than visual traits. If sexual selection has influenced chemical communication in owl monkeys, we expect larger scent glands and greater scent‐marking in females given the high degree of paternal care, as has been proposed for callitrichines.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated sex differences in the qualitative and quantitative descriptions of the subcaudal and perianal glandular regions of captive male (n = 39) and female (n = 36) owl monkeys (A. nancymaae), and in the olfactory behaviors performed within breeding pairs (n = 16).ResultsMales had larger areas of secretion retained in the hairs covering the subcaudal gland, and females had more and darker secretion than males covering the perianal region. Males inspected the genital region of their partners more frequently than females did, but the sexes did not differ much in other investigative and marking behaviors.DiscussionThe observed sex differences and variation in olfactory traits are consistent with the hypothesis that sexual selection has influenced chemical communication in owl monkeys, with males having larger subcaudal glands and spending more time investigating odors. Still, sex differences in monogamous owl monkeys were less extreme than those in other, non‐monogamous, taxa.
Glucocorticoid receptor isoform expression in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Taylor Robert J. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M. , Mattos Jose L. , Mulligan Jennifer K. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundIn several inflammatory disorders, altered peripheral blood mononuclear leukocyte (PBML) glucocorticoid (GC) receptor isoform expression has been associated with GC resistance and disease severity. However, it is unclear if PBML GC receptor isoforms are expressed differentially and are associated with worsened disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).MethodsPBMLs were isolated from control (n = 8), CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (n = 8), atopic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (n = 8), non‐atopic CRSwNP (n = 8), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) (n = 8) patients. Demographics, atopic status, asthmatic status, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores, Lund‐Kennedy nasal endoscopy scores, Lund‐Mackay sinus computed tomography (CT) scores, Kennedy Osteitis scores, and GC utilization 6 months postoperatively were collected. Intracellular immunostaining was then performed for functional GC receptor α (GCRα) and nonfunctional GC receptor β (GCRβ), followed by flow cytometry analysis of geometric mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) and the percentage of cells expressing each GC receptor isoform.ResultsCompared to controls, each CRS subtype had decreased PBML GCRα and GCRα:GCRβ MFI expression, but no difference in GCRβ expression. Decreasing PBML GCRα in AFRS was associated with increasing Lund‐Mackay sinus CT scores (r = −0.880, p =0.004). No significant associations were found between GC receptor isoform expression and other clinical measures.ConclusionCRS patients have reduced functional PBML GCRα expression and decreased GCRα:GCRβ compared to controls. Reductions in GCRα in AFRS are associated with worsening Lund‐Mackay sinus CT scores. The clinical implications of decreased functional GC receptor expression merits further investigation.
Activation of the rat olfactory bulb by direct ventral stimulation after nerve transection
Authors: Coelho Daniel H. , Socolovsky Leandro D. , Costanzo Richard M. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to demonstrate how direct electrical stimulation can activate the olfactory bulb after denervation of the olfactory nerve input.MethodsSprague‐Dawley rats (n = 5) were anesthetized and olfactory bulbs exposed. Olfactory nerves were transected by passing a Teflon blade between the cribriform plate and ventral surface of the bulb. A cochlear implant electrode array was used to stimulate 6 different positions along the ventral surface of the olfactory bulb. Biphasic constant‐current pulses were used (50‐1000 μA, 50–1000 μs) to stimulate the bulb, and a 16‐electrode paddle array was used to record localized negative field potential responses at the dorsal surface of the bulb.ResultsLocalized negative field potentials were reliably obtained using biphasic, 500‐μA, 200‐μs pulses. A shift in stimulating position by 1 mm resulted in a significant change in the dorsal field potential.ConclusionDirect stimulation of the deafferented olfactory bulb was effective in generating localized field potential responses. These findings support the potential use of direct electrical stimulation for the treatment of anosmia.
Establishing the minimal clinically important difference for the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders
Authors: Mattos Jose L. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Soler Zachary M. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundOlfactory‐specific quality of life (QOL) can be measured using the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD‐NS). Changes in the QOD‐NS after treatment can be difficult to interpret since there is no standardized definition of clinically meaningful improvement.MethodsPatients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) completed the QOD‐NS. Four distribution‐based methods were used to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID): (1) one‐half standard deviation (SD); (2) standard error of the mean (SEM); (3) Cohen's effect size (d) of the smallest unit of change; and (4) minimal detectable change (MDC). We also averaged all 4 of the scores together. Finally, the likelihood of achieving a MCID after sinus surgery using these methods, as well as average QOD‐NS scores, was stratified by normal vs abnormal baseline QOD‐NS scores.ResultsOutcomes were examined on 128 patients. The mean ± SD improvement in QOD‐NS score after surgery was 4.3 ± 11.0 for the entire cohort and 9.6 ± 12.9 for those with abnormal baseline scores (p < 0.001). The MCID values using the different techniques were: (1) SD = 6.5; (2) SEM = 3.1; (3) d = 2.6; and (4) MDC = 8.6. The MCID score was 5.2 on average. For the total cohort analysis, the likelihood of reporting a MCID ranged from 26% to 51%, and 49% to 70% for patients reporting preoperative abnormal olfaction.ConclusionDistribution‐based MCID values of the QOD‐NS range between 2.6 and 8.6 points, with an average of 5.2. When stratified by preoperative QOD‐NS scores the majority of patients reporting abnormal preoperative QOD‐NS scores achieved a MCID.
Nanoskalige chemische Bildgebung von Zeolithen durch Atomsondentomographie
Authors: Schmidt Joel E. , Peng Linqing , Poplawsky Jonathan D. , Weckhuysen Bert M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractStruktur‐Zusammensetzungs‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen für zeolithbasierte Materialien sind entscheidend, um verbesserte Feststoffkatalysatoren zu entwickeln. Die Realisierung kann sich jedoch als schwierig erweisen, da sogar einzelne Zeolithkristalle Heterogenitäten aufweisen können, die sich auf Reaktivität, Diffusion und Stabilität auswirken können. Mithilfe von tomographischen Verfahren wurden Fortschritte bei der Charakterisierung dieser porösen Feststoffe erreicht, allerdings haben alle Methoden eine begrenzte räumliche Auflösung. Nur die Atomsondentomographie (APT) ist bisher in der Lage, 3D‐Rekonstruktionen mit Subnanometer‐Auflösung zu erzeugen. Hier behandeln wir die Untersuchung von Zeolithen mit APT: Hierzu gehören Aspekte der Probenvorbereitung, die Datenerfassung, die Signalzuordnung in Massenspektren, die kristallographische Auflösungsgrenze und eine genaue Datenanalyse. Sämtliche Abschnitte werden mit Beispielen erläutert. Zudem sollen bisher unveröffentlichte Daten und Analysen praktische Strategien aufzeigen, die mögliche Probleme des Einsatzes der APT bei Zeolithen lösen.
The Energetics of Surfactant‐Templating of Zeolites
Authors: Linares Noemi , Jardim Erika O. , Sachse Alexander , Serrano Elena , García‐Martínez Javier 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMesoporosity can be conveniently introduced into zeolites by treating them in basic surfactant solutions. The apparent activation energy involved in the formation of mesopores in USY by surfactant‐templating was determined using a combination of in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and ex situ gas adsorption. Additionally, techniques such as pH measurement and thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis were employed to determine OH− evolution and cetyltrimethylammonium ion (CTA+) uptake during the development of mesoporosity, thereby providing information about the different steps involved. The combination of both in situ and ex situ techniques has allowed determination of the apparent activation energies of the different processes involved in the mesostructuring of USY zeolites for the first time. Apparent activation energies are of the same order of magnitude (30–65 kJ mol−1) as those involved in the crystallization of zeolites. Hence, important mechanistic insight into the surfactant‐templating method was obtained.