bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simple, General Synthetic Route toward Nanoscale Transition Metal Borides
Authors: Jothi Palani R. , Yubuta Kunio , Fokwa Boniface P. T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMost nanomaterials, such as transition metal carbides, phosphides, nitrides, chalcogenides, etc., have been extensively studied for their various properties in recent years. The similarly attractive transition metal borides, on the contrary, have seen little interest from the materials science community, mainly because nanomaterials are notoriously difficult to synthesize. Herein, a simple, general synthetic method toward crystalline transition metal boride nanomaterials is proposed. This new method takes advantage of the redox chemistry of Sn/SnCl2, the volatility and recrystallization of SnCl2 at the synthesis conditions, as well as the immiscibility of tin with boron, to produce crystalline phases of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metal nanoborides with different morphologies (nanorods, nanosheets, nanoprisms, nanoplates, nanoparticles, etc.). Importantly, this method allows flexibility in the choice of the transition metal, as well as the ability to target several compositions within the same binary phase diagram (e.g., Mo2B, α‐MoB, MoB2, Mo2B4). The simplicity and wide applicability of the method should enable the fulfillment of the great potential of this understudied class of materials, which show a variety of excellent chemical, electrochemical, and physical properties at the microscale.
Tattoo‐Paper Transfer as a Versatile Platform for All‐Printed Organic Edible Electronics
Authors: Bonacchini Giorgio E. , Bossio Caterina , Greco Francesco , Mattoli Virgilio , Kim Yun‐Hi , Lanzani Guglielmo , Caironi Mario 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe use of natural or bioinspired materials to develop edible electronic devices is a potentially disruptive technology that can boost point‐of‐care testing. The technology exploits devices that can be safely ingested, along with pills or even food, and operated from within the gastrointestinal tract. Ingestible electronics can potentially target a significant number of biomedical applications, both as therapeutic and diagnostic tool, and this technology may also impact the food industry, by providing ingestible or food‐compatible electronic tags that can “smart” track goods and monitor their quality along the distribution chain. Temporary tattoo‐paper is hereby proposed as a simple and versatile platform for the integration of electronics onto food and pharmaceutical capsules. In particular, the fabrication of all‐printed organic field‐effect transistors on untreated commercial tattoo‐paper, and their subsequent transfer and operation on edible substrates with a complex nonplanar geometry is demonstrated.
Germanium Template Assisted Integration of Gallium Arsenide Nanocrystals on Silicon: A Versatile Platform for Modern Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Schmitt Sebastian W. , Sarau George , Speich Claudia , Döhler Gottfried H. , Liu Ziheng , Hao Xiaojing , Rechberger Stefanie , Dieker Christel , Spiecker Erdmann , Prost Werner , Tegude Franz J. , Conibeer Gavin , Green Martin A. , Christiansen Silke H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMetal organic vapor phase epitaxy is used to grow gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanocrystals (NCs) on germanium (Ge) templates on nanoscopic silicon (Si) threads prepared by reactive ion etching. Scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray measurements shows an epitaxial growth of the GaAs on the Ge template that is supported by the Si thread, and that Ge doping is induced to the GaAs by the template. On Ge templates of about 60 nm diameter, as‐grown GaAs NCs show a very regular rhombic‐dodecahedral outer shape that can be explained by a preferential growth along the <110> plane. Photoluminescence measurements of the Ge/GaAs structures reveal radiative emission peaks on top of the GaAs band‐to‐band emission and at sub‐band gap energies. While high energy peaks are originating from Ge acceptor levels in GaAs, sub‐band gap peaks can be explained by radiation from Ge donor and acceptor bands that are amplified by photonic modes hosted in the rhombic‐dodecahedral GaAs NCs. This study shows that a template‐assisted crystal growth at the nanoscale opens up routes for a versatile integration of strongly emitting nanomaterials for a use in on‐chip solid state lighting and photonics.
Giant and Linear Piezo‐Phototronic Response in Layered GaSe Nanosheets
Authors: Jia Tanhua , Fuh Huei‐Ru , Chen Dengyun , Abid Mohamed , Abid Mourad , Zhang Duan , Sarker Anas B. , Cho Jiung , Choi Miri , Chun Byong Sun , Xu Hongjun , Ó Coileáin Cormac , Liu Huajun , Chang Ching‐Ray , Wu Han‐Chun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPiezo‐phototronic devices, where optoelectrical properties are directly influenced by mechanical stimuli, are highly desirable for applications in wearable devices and human–machine interfaces. Here, the piezoelectric and piezo‐phototronic properties of GaSe nanosheets, a layered metal‐monochalcogenide III–VI semiconductor with interesting piezoelectric, optical excitation, and semiconducting properties are investigated. A giant piezo‐phototronic response in GaSe is demonstrated for the first time. The out‐of‐plane local field due to band gap modulation drives the electrons (holes) to move toward the outer (inner) surface of wrinkles, which enhances electron–hole pair generation and the related photocurrent. Moreover, manual bending of GaSe reliably enhances the photocurrent by more than a factor of 50 at room temperature. This giant and linear piezo‐phototronic response combined with excellent stretchability suggests that GaSe is a valuable material for flexible optoelectronic‐mechanical applications.
Emergency Medicine Residency Selection Criteria: An Update and Comparison
Authors: Negaard Matthew , Assimacopoulos Evangelia , Harland Karisa , Van Heukelom Jon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective was to describe emergency medicine (EM) residency selection criteria.MethodsA survey was sent to the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors listserv. Respondents were asked to rank order the various components of the application on a Likert scale from 1 (minimally important) to 10 (highly important). The mean ranking and standard deviation for each of the components were calculated. The survey sought to determine characteristics associated with offering an applicant an invitation to interview and subsequent ranking. Percentages with defined minimum requirements were calculated. Comparisons across residency length and location were completed with a Pearson chi‐square test for categorical variables and Student's t‐test for continuous variables.ResultsA total of 120 surveys were completed. The highest ranked components included away/visiting institution departmental standardized letter of evaluation (SLOE) (mean ± SD = 8.80 ± 1.25), residency interview (mean ± SD = 8.74 ± 1.28), home institution departmental SLOE (mean ± SD = 8.61 ± 1.18), away/visiting institution EM rotation grade (mean ± SD = 8.29 ± 1.43), and home institution EM rotation grade (mean ± SD = 8.07 ± 1.42). The most consistently ranked items included home institution departmental SLOE (SD = 1.18), away/visiting institution departmental SLOE (1.25), and residency interview (1.28). Characteristics associated with offering an interview to an applicant included only 10% of responses indicating a United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score of 220 was needed. At least one SLOE was required in 80% of responses. Program location was related to the number of SLOEs required (p = 0.03). Length of residency and program location differed significantly in how a residency ranked components when considering an applicant (p < 0.05).ConclusionEmergency medicine programs put high value in departmental SLOEs, the interview, and EM rotation grades when selecting potential residents. Higher value is placed on SLOEs and grades from away/visiting institutions compared with students’ home institutions.
The impact of video nasal endoscopy on patient satisfaction
Authors: Bhalla Vidur , Beahm D. David , Sykes Kevin J. , Ndeti Kavindu K. , Chiu Alexander G. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundVideo nasal endoscopy has significant associated expense for practices, but its use has been justified by the benefit it provides to the examiner. No study has examined the perceived benefit to the patient. In this study, the impact of video endoscopy on patient satisfaction is evaluated.MethodsA prospective, randomized, single‐blinded study was performed on new patients receiving care in the rhinology clinics of a tertiary‐care center. Patients were randomized into the standard endoscopic examination (SEE) or video endoscopic examination (VEE) groups. SEE patients had their examination performed with the physician viewing the exam through the eyepiece, without a video camera, and subsequently had their examination explained. VEE patients had their examination performed with a video camera attached to the scope, recorded, and then used for the explanation. All patients were asked to complete the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and the 18‐item Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short‐Form (PSQ‐18). Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences between cohorts.ResultsThere was no significant demographic difference between groups. SNOT‐22 total and domain scores were similar between both groups (p > 0.05). VEE patients had significantly higher general satisfaction (p = 0.048) and communication (p = 0.028) domains within the PSQ‐18. There was no difference between other domains (p > 0.05).ConclusionVEE is a valuable tool for otolaryngologists and patients. Further studies evaluating variance in patient compliance and symptomatology may provide further justification for its use.
Site‐Specific Studies of Nucleosome Interactions by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Xiang ShengQi , le Paige Ulric B. , Horn Velten , Houben Klaartje , Baldus Marc , van Ingen Hugo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChromatin function depends on a dense network of interactions between nucleosomes and a wide range of proteins. A detailed description of these protein–nucleosome interactions is required to reach a full molecular understanding of chromatin function in both genetics and epigenetics. Herein, we show that the structure, dynamics, and interactions of nucleosomes can be interrogated in a residue‐specific manner by using state‐of‐the‐art solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Using sedimented nucleosomes, high‐resolution spectra were obtained for both flexible histone tails and the non‐mobile histone core. Through co‐sedimentation of a nucleosome‐binding peptide, we demonstrate that protein‐binding sites on the nucleosome surface can be determined. We believe that this approach holds great promise as it is generally applicable, extendable to include the structure and dynamics of the bound proteins, and scalable to interactions of proteins with higher‐order chromatin structures, including isolated and cellular chromatin.
Promoted Fixation of Molecular Nitrogen with Surface Oxygen Vacancies on Plasmon‐Enhanced TiO2 Photoelectrodes
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Wang Tuo , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Yang Weimin , Li Jian‐Feng , Li Ang , Yang Zhilin , Ozin Geoffrey A. , Gong Jinlong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA hundred years on, the energy‐intensive Haber–Bosch process continues to turn the N2 in air into fertilizer, nourishing billions of people while causing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The urgency of mitigating climate change motivates society to progress toward a more sustainable method for fixing N2 that is based on clean energy. Surface oxygen vacancies (surface Ovac) hold great potential for N2 adsorption and activation, but introducing Ovac on the very surface without affecting bulk properties remains a great challenge. Fine tuning of the surface Ovac by atomic layer deposition is described, forming a thin amorphous TiO2 layer on plasmon‐enhanced rutile TiO2/Au nanorods. Surface Ovac in the outer amorphous TiO2 thin layer promote the adsorption and activation of N2, which facilitates N2 reduction to ammonia by excited electrons from ultraviolet‐light‐driven TiO2 and visible‐light‐driven Au surface plasmons. The findings offer a new approach to N2 photofixation under ambient conditions (that is, room temperature and atmospheric pressure).
Dual‐Input Regulation and Positional Control in Hybrid Oligonucleotide/Discotic Supramolecular Wires
Authors: Alemán García Miguel Ángel , Magdalena Estirado Eva , Milroy Lech‐Gustav , Brunsveld Luc 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe combination of oligonucleotides and synthetic supramolecular systems allows for novel and long‐needed modes of regulation of the self‐assembly of both molecular elements. Discotic molecules were conjugated with short oligonucleotides and their assembly into responsive supramolecular wires studied. The self‐assembly of the discotic molecules provides additional stability for DNA‐duplex formation owing to a cooperative effect. The appended oligonucleotides allow for positional control of the discotic elements within the supramolecular wire. The programmed assembly of these hybrid architectures can be modulated through the DNA, for example, by changing the number of base pairs or salt concentration, and through the discotic platform by the addition of discotic elements without oligonucleotide handles. These hybrid supramolecular‐DNA structures allow for advanced levels of control over 1D dynamic platforms with responsive regulatory elements at the interface with biological systems.
Super‐Chelators for Advanced Protein Labeling in Living Cells
Authors: Gatterdam Karl , Joest Eike F. , Dietz Marina S. , Heilemann Mike , Tampé Robert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLive‐cell labeling, super‐resolution microscopy, single‐molecule applications, protein localization, or chemically induced assembly are emerging approaches, which require specific and very small interaction pairs. The minimal disturbance of protein function is essential to derive unbiased insights into cellular processes. Herein, we define a new class of hexavalent N‐nitrilotriacetic acid (hexaNTA) chelators, displaying the highest affinity and stability of all NTA‐based small interaction pairs described so far. Coupled to bright organic fluorophores with fine‐tuned photophysical properties, the super‐chelator probes were delivered into human cells by chemically gated nanopores. These super‐chelators permit kinetic profiling, multiplexed labeling of His6‐ and His12‐tagged proteins as well as single‐molecule‐based super‐resolution imaging.
Literally Green Chemical Synthesis of Artemisinin from Plant Extracts
Authors: Triemer Susann , Gilmore Kerry , Vu Giang T. , Seeberger Peter H. , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractActive pharmaceutical ingredients are either extracted from biological sources—where they are synthesized in complex, dynamic environments—or prepared in stepwise chemical syntheses by reacting pure reagents and catalysts under controlled conditions. A combination of these two approaches, where plant extracts containing reagents and catalysts are utilized in intensified chemical syntheses, creates expedient and sustainable processes. We illustrate this principle by reacting crude plant extract, oxygen, acid, and light to produce artemisinin, a key active pharmaceutical ingredient of the most powerful antimalarial drugs. The traditionally discarded extract of Artemisia annua plants contains dihydroartemisinic acid—the final biosynthetic precursor—as well as chlorophyll, which acts as a photosensitizer. Efficient irradiation with visible light in a continuous‐flow setup produces artemisinin in high yield, and the artificial biosynthetic process outperforms syntheses with pure reagents.
Pyrazole–Tetrazole Hybrid with Trinitromethyl, Fluorodinitromethyl, or (Difluoroamino)dinitromethyl Groups: High‐Performance Energetic Materials
Authors: Dalinger Igor L. , Kormanov Aleksandr V. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Muravyev Nikita V. , Sheremetev Aleksei B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHigh‐nitrogen‐content compounds have attracted great scientific interest and technological importance because of their unique energy content, and they find diverse applications in many fields of science and technology. Understanding of structure–property relationship trends and how to modify them is of paramount importance for their further improvement. Herein, the installation of oxygen‐rich modules, C(NO2)3, C(NO2)2F, or C(NO2)2NF2, into an endothermic framework, that is, the combination of a nitropyrazole unit and tetrazole ring, is used as a way to design novel energetic compounds. Density, oxygen balance, and enthalpy of formation are enhanced by the presence of these oxygen‐containing units. The structures of all compounds were confirmed by XRD. For crystal packing analysis, it is proposed to use new criterion, ΔOED, that can serve as a measure of the tightness of molecular packing upon crystal formation. Overall, the materials show promising detonation and propulsion parameters.
Improved production, purification, and characterization of biosurfactants produced by Serratia marcescens SM3 and its isogenic SMRG‐5 strain
Authors: Rosas‐Galván Nashbly Sarela , Martínez‐Morales Fernando , Marquina‐Bahena Silvia , Tinoco‐Valencia Raunel , Serrano‐Carreón Leobardo , Bertrand Brandt , León‐Rodríguez Renato , Guzmán‐Aparicio Josefina , Alvaréz‐Berber Laura , Trejo‐Hernández María R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, the biosurfactants (Bs) production of two Serratia marcescens strains (SM3 and its isogenic SMRG‐5 strain) was improved and the tenso‐active agents were purified and characterized. A 23 factorial design was used to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and carbon sources on the surface tension (ST) reduction and emulsion index (EI24) of the produced Bs. Optimum Bs production by SM3 was achieved at high concentrations of carbon and nitrogen, reducing ST to 26.5 ± 0.28 dynes/cm, with an EI24 of 79.9 ± 0.2%. Meanwhile, the best results for SMRG‐5 were obtained at low concentrations, reducing the ST to 25.2 ± 0.2 dynes/cm, with an EI24 of 89.7 ± 0.28%. The optimal conditions for Bs production were scaled up in a 2‐L reactor, yielding 4.8 and 5.2 g/L for SM3 and SMRG‐5, respectively. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed the presence of two different lipopeptides (hidrofobic fractions: octadecanoic and hexadecanoic acid for SM3 and SMRG5, respectively). Both strains were capable of benzo [a] pyrene removal (59% after 72 H of culture).
Application of adaptive laboratory evolution to overcome a flux limitation in an Escherichia coli production strain
Authors: Tokuyama Kento , Toya Yoshihiro , Horinouchi Takaaki , Furusawa Chikara , Matsuda Fumio , Shimizu Hiroshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGene deletion strategies using flux balance analysis (FBA) have improved the growth‐coupled production of various compounds. However, the productivities were often below the expectation because the cells failed to adapt to these genetic perturbations. Here, we demonstrate the productivity of the succinate of the designed gene deletion strain was improved by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Although FBA predicted deletions of adhE‐pykAF‐gldA‐pflB lead to produce succinate from glycerol with a yield of 0.45 C‐mol/C‐mol, the knockout mutant did not produce only 0.08 C‐mol/Cmol, experimentally. After the ALE experiments, the highest succinate yield of an evolved strain reached to the expected value. Genome sequencing analysis revealed all evolved strains possessed novel mutations in ppc of I829S or R849S. In vitro enzymatic assay and metabolic profiling analysis revealed that these mutations desensitizing an allosteric inhibition by L‐aspartate and improved the flux through Ppc, while the activity of Ppc in the unevolved strain was tightly regulated by L‐aspartate. These result demonstrated that the evolved strains achieved the improvement of succinate production by expanding the flux space of Ppc, realizing the predicted metabolic state by FBA.
Structural and metabolic responses of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms to hyperosmotic and antibiotic stress
Authors: Kiamco Mia M. , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Reardon Patrick N. , Marean‐Reardon Carrie L. , Aframehr Wrya M. , Call Douglas R. , Beyenal Haluk , Renslow Ryan S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiofilms alter their metabolism in response to environmental stress. This study explores the effect of a hyperosmotic agent–antibiotic treatment on the metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms through the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. To determine the metabolic activity of S. aureus, we quantified the concentrations of metabolites in spent medium using high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. Biofilm porosity, thickness, biovolume, and relative diffusion coefficient depth profiles were obtained using NMR microimaging. Dissolved oxygen concentration was measured to determine the availability of oxygen within the biofilm. Under vancomycin‐only treatment, the biofilm communities switched to fermentation under anaerobic condition, as evidenced by high concentrations of formate (7.4 ± 2.7 mM), acetate (13.1 ± 0.9 mM), and lactate (3.0 ± 0.8 mM), and there was no detectable dissolved oxygen in the biofilm. In addition, we observed the highest consumption of pyruvate (0.19 mM remaining from an initial 40 mM concentration), the sole carbon source, under the vancomycin‐only treatment. On the other hand, relative effective diffusion coefficients increased from 0.73 ± 0.08 to 0.88 ± 0.08 under vancomycin‐only treatment but decreased from 0.71 ± 0.04 to 0.60 ± 0.07 under maltodextrin‐only and from 0.73 ± 0.06 to 0.56 ± 0.08 under combined treatments. There was an increase in biovolume, from 2.5 ± 1 mm3 to 7 ± 1 mm3, under the vancomycin‐only treatment, while the maltodextrin‐only and combined treatments showed no significant change in biovolume over time. This indicated that physical biofilm growth was halted during maltodextrin‐only and combined treatments.
Peptide ligand‐mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles to cancer cells: Cell receptor‐binding‐ versus cell membrane‐penetrating peptides
Authors: Jo Eunji , Heo June Seok , Lim Ja‐Yun , Lee Bo‐Ram , Yoon Chul Joo , Kim Jinkwan , Lee Jeewon 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe endocytosis‐mediating performances of two types of peptide ligands, cell receptor binding peptide (CRBP) and cell membrane penetrating peptide (CMPP), were analyzed and compared using a common carrier of peptide ligands‐human ferritin heavy chain (hFTH) nanoparticle. Twenty‐four copies of a CMPP(human immunodeficiency virus‐derived TAT peptide) and/or a CRBP (peptide ligand with strong and specific affinity for either human integrin(αvβ3) or epidermal growth factor receptor I (EGFR) that is overexpressed on various cancer cells) were genetically presented on the surface of each hFTH nanopariticle. The quantitative level of endocytosis and intracellular localization of fluorescence dye‐labeled CRBP‐ and CMPP‐presenting nanoparticles were estimated in the in vitro cultures of integrin‐ and EGFR‐overexpressing cancer and human dermal fibroblast cells(control). From the cancer cell cultures treated with the CMPP‐ and CRBP‐presenting nanoparticles, it was notable that CRBPs resulted in quantitatively higher level of endocytosis than CMPP (TAT) and successfully transported the nanoparticles to the cytosol of cancer cells depending on concentration and treatment period of time, whereas TAT‐mediated endocytosis localized most of the nanoparticles within endosomal vesicles under the same conditions. These novel findings provide highly useful informations to many researchers both in academia and in industry who are interested in developing anticancer drug delivery systems/carriers.