bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Building Effective Layered Cathode Materials with Long‐Term Cycling by Modifying the Surface via Sodium Phosphate
Authors: Jo Jae Hyeon , Choi Ji Ung , Konarov Aishuak , Yashiro Hitoshi , Yuan Shuai , Shi Liyi , Sun Yang‐Kook , Myung Seung‐Taek 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSurface stabilization of cathode materials is urgent for guaranteeing long‐term cyclability, and is important in Na cells where a corrosive Na‐based electrolyte is used. The surface of P2‐type layered Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 is modified with ionic, conducting sodium phosphate (NaPO3) nanolayers, ≈10 nm in thickness, via melt‐impregnation at 300 °C; the nanolayers are autogenously formed from the reaction of NH4H2PO4 with surface sodium residues. Although the material suffers from a large anisotropic change in the c‐axis due to transformation from the P2 to O2 phase above 4 V versus Na+/Na, the NaPO3‐coated Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2/hard carbon full cell exhibits excellent capacity retention for 300 cycles, with 73% retention. The surface NaPO3 nanolayers positively impact the cell performance by scavenging HF and H2O in the electrolyte, leading to less formation of byproducts on the surface of the cathodes, which lowers the cell resistance, as evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectroscopy. Time‐resolved in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction study reveals that the NaPO3 coating layer is delayed for decomposition to Mn3O4, thereby suppressing oxygen release in the highly desodiated state, enabling delay of exothermic decomposition. The findings presented herein are applicable to the development of high‐voltage cathode materials for sodium batteries.
A Novel, Well‐Resolved Direct Laser Bioprinting System for Rapid Cell Encapsulation and Microwell Fabrication
Authors: Wang Zongjie , Jin Xian , Tian Zhenlin , Menard Frederic , Holzman Jonathan F. , Kim Keekyoung 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA direct laser bioprinting (DLBP) system is introduced in this work. The DLBP system applies visible‐laser‐induced photo‐crosslinking at a wavelength of 405 nm using the photoinitiator VA‐086. It is shown that such a system can fabricate vertical structures with fine features (less than 50 µm) and high cell viability (greater than 95%). Experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations are presented, and good agreement is seen between the experiments and theory. The DLBP system is applied to the fabrication of (1) cell‐laden hydrogel microgrids, (2) hydrogel microwells, as well as a test of (3) cell encapsulation, and (4) cell seeding. The DLBP system is found to be a promising tool for bioprinting.
Progress of Multicompartmental Particles for Medical Applications
Authors: Misra Asish C. , Lahann Joerg 
Published: February 2018

AbstractParticulate materials are becoming increasingly used in the literature for medical applications, but translation to the clinical setting has remained challenging as many particle systems face challenges from in vivo barriers. Multicompartmental particles that can incorporate several materials in an individual particle may allow for more intricate control and addressing of issues that otherwise standard particles are unable to. Here, some of the advances made in the use of multicompartmental particles for medical applications are briefly described.
Manipulation of Phonon Transport in Thermoelectrics
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Xinyue , Pei Yanzhong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFor several decades, thermoelectric advancements have largely relied on the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity (κL). According to the Boltzmann transport theory of phonons, κL mainly depends on the specific heat, the velocity, and the scattering of phonons. Intensifying the scattering rate of phonons is the focus for reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. Effective scattering sources include 0D point defects, 1D dislocations, and 2D interfaces, each of which has a particular range of frequencies where phonon scattering is most effective. Because acoustic phonons are generally the main contributors to κL due to their much higher velocities compared to optical phonons, many low‐κL thermoelectrics rely on crystal structure complexity leading to a small fraction of acoustic phonons and/or weak chemical bonds enabling an overall low phonon propagation velocity. While these thermal strategies are successful for advancing thermoelectrics, the principles used can be integrated with approaches such as band engineering to improve the electronic properties, which can promote this energy technology from niche applications into the mainstream.
Mimicking Synaptic Plasticity and Neural Network Using Memtranstors
Authors: Shen Jian‐Xin , Shang Da‐Shan , Chai Yi‐Sheng , Wang Shou‐Guo , Shen Bao‐Gen , Sun Young 
Published: February 2018

AbstractArtificial synaptic devices that mimic the functions of biological synapses have drawn enormous interest because of their potential in developing brain‐inspired computing. Current studies are focusing on memristive devices in which the change of the conductance state is used to emulate synaptic behaviors. Here, a new type of artificial synaptic devices based on the memtranstor is demonstrated, which is a fundamental circuit memelement in addition to the memristor, memcapacitor, and meminductor. The state of transtance (presented by the magnetoelectric voltage) in memtranstors acting as the synaptic weight can be tuned continuously with a large number of nonvolatile levels by engineering the applied voltage pulses. Synaptic behaviors including the long‐term potentiation, long‐term depression, and spiking‐time‐dependent plasticity are implemented in memtranstors made of Ni/0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.3PbTiO3/Ni multiferroic heterostructures. Simulations reveal the capability of pattern learning in a memtranstor network. The work elucidates the promise of memtranstors as artificial synaptic devices with low energy consumption.
Lubricin Antiadhesive Coatings Exhibit Size‐Selective Transport Properties that Inhibit Biofouling of Electrode Surfaces with Minimal Loss in Electrochemical Activity
Authors: Greene George W. , Ortiz Vanessa , Pozo‐Gonzalo Cristina , Moulton Simon E. , Wang Xiaoen , Martin Lisandra L. , Michalczky Agnes , Howlett Patrick C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElectrochemical sensing is a highly effective technique for rapidly detecting and quantifying the presence of electroactive compounds in solution. However, effective sensing requires the electrode surface to be free of contamination, which makes this technique particularly susceptible to the effects of surface fouling due to the unwanted adhesion of biomolecules. Unfortunately, coating electrodes with antiadhesive molecules typically causes electrical passivation with detrimental effects upon electrochemical processes. Lubricin is a large glycoprotein found in articular joints, which self‐assembles on most substrates and exhibits excellent antiadhesive properties. This report finds that lubricin antiadhesive coatings function as a size‐selective transport barrier that physically blocks large, fouling molecules (e.g., proteins) while still allowing small molecules to diffuse into, out‐of, and within this layer more‐or‐less unimpeded. The diffuse nature of the lubricin coatings ensures the electrode retains a large, “free” surface area that facilitates efficient charge transfer. Using cyclic voltammetry to measure the oxidation/reduction of a K3[Fe(CN)6] redox couple at a gold electrode (a system particularly susceptible to fouling), this report shows that antiadhesive lubricin brush coatings can be used for highly sensitive amperometric/voltametric detection of small electroactive compounds in highly fouling solutions of proteins and blood plasma with minimal, immediate impact upon the electrochemistry.
The Importance of Parents' Community Connections for Adolescent Well‐being: An Examination of Military Families
Authors: O'Neal Catherine Walker , Mallette Jacquelyn K. , Mancini Jay A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDrawing from the Social Organization Theory of Action and Change (SOAC), this analysis of 223 military families, including active duty (AD) military and civilian partners, examines how parents' sense of community and community engagement (two elements of community connections) are associated with their own resilient coping, and ultimately with important outcomes capturing their adolescent offspring's individual well‐being (depression, anxiety, and self‐efficacy) and family well‐being (family functioning and parenting quality). The roles of child gender and military context were also examined. Parents with stronger community connections, including greater sense of community and community engagement, reported more resilient coping when faced with adversity. The resilient coping of mothers, in turn, was particularly significant for more positive youth outcomes, when compared to that of fathers. While gender and military context were associated with individual and family well‐being, analyses of model invariance indicated that the model fit similarly for male and female adolescents and those experiencing high and low levels of military transitions. Indirect effects were also examined. These findings illuminate malleable dimensions of both community life and family life, primarily showing that community contexts matter for multiple family members.
Interaction Effects of Neighborhood Disadvantage and Individual Social Support on Frequency of Alcohol Use in Youth Living with HIV
Authors: Brick Leslie Ann D. , Nugent Nicole R. , Kahana Shoshana Y. , Bruce Douglas , Tanney Mary R. , Fernández M. Isabel , Bauermeister Jose A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractYouth living with HIV (YLH) experience multiple disease‐related stresses along with the same structural and developmental challenges faced by their uninfected peers; alcohol use among YLH represents a risk behavior by virtue of potential effects on youth health and increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex while drinking alcohol. Research aimed at better understanding the interplay of individual‐ and neighborhood‐level influences on alcohol use for YLH is needed to inform interventions. This study examined whether socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) and social support influence, independently and through interaction, alcohol use in YLH. Data from the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN) consisted of YLH across 538 neighborhoods in the United States who acquired HIV behaviorally. Neighborhood‐specific data were compiled from the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau and matched with individual‐level data from the ATN (N = 1,357) to examine effects that contribute to variation in frequency of alcohol use. Other drug use, being male, being non‐Black, and older age were associated with greater alcohol use. Higher social support was negatively associated with alcohol use frequency. A cross‐level interaction indicated that the association found between decreasing social support and increasing alcohol use frequency was weakened in areas with lower SED. Implications are discussed.
Discussion group networks in occupational medicine: A tool for continuing education to promote the integration of workers with disabilities
Authors: Rinsky‐Halivni Lilah , Lerman Yehuda 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundDespite their legal rights, individuals with disabilities face numerous obstacles to integration in the workplace which can result in their discharge from the labor force. Currently occupational physicians have few resources to help decide whether to integrate disabled workers in pre‐placement, or in cases of return‐to‐work.MethodsA network of 13 discussion groups comprised of the occupational physicians of each regional clinic of a large Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Israel was created to deal with disability management dilemmas. A moderator compiles and shares the physicians’ opinions and experiences with all network members thus assisting the consulting physician in decision‐making.ResultsSuccessful management of three representative cases is described to illustrate real‐life implementations of this network.ConclusionThe network enables both the consulting and other physicians to tap a large knowledge base and decision‐making experience concerning cases of occupational disability management, contributing to professional development and improved service delivery.
Selective Transformation of β‐Disubstituted Enones and Ynones in the Presence of β‐Monosubstituted Enones
Authors: Morita Kenta , Ohta Reiya , Watanabe Kei , Fujioka Hiromichi 
Published: February 2018

Abstractα,β‐Unsaturated carbonyl groups are found in many natural products and functional molecules. The reactivity of nucleophiles towards α,β‐unsaturated carbonyls, such as β‐monosubstituted and disubstituted α,β‐unsaturated ketones (enones) and ynones, is similar. Therefore, the development of a method to selectively convert α,β‐unsaturated carbonyls is desirable. In this study, selective one‐pot reductions and allylations of β‐disubstituted enones or ynones were accomplished in the presence of β‐monosubstituted enones using an in situ protection methodology. β‐Monosubstituted enones selectively reacted with a combination of triphenylphosphine and trimethylsilyl triflate in the presence of β‐disubstituted enones or ynones to produce phosphonium silyl enol ethers, which acted as enone protecting groups during the reduction and allylation of the remaining β‐disubstituted enone or ynone. The substrate was then easily deprotected in the workup to regenerate the parent enone.
Metal‐Free Sensitizers with a Perfluorohexyl Side Chain for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Properties Alien to Alkyl Chains
Authors: Liang Chia‐Jung , Kumar CH. Pavan , Li Chun‐Ting , Lin Jiann T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNew fluorene dyes containing a perfluorohexyl or an n‐hexyl side chain in the conjugated spacer (thiophene) were synthesized for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells. The perfluoro dyes more effectively suppress the charge recombination than their congeners containing a hexyl chain, which leads to a higher open‐circuit voltage (VOC). The more efficient dark current suppression afforded by the perfluorohexyl‐containing dyes was also confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A perfluoro‐containing dye exhibited the best power conversion efficiency of the synthesized compounds, which was further improved to 6.73 % by the addition of chenodeoxycholic acid (10 mm) as a co‐adsorbant. The hydrophobic perfluorohexyl‐containing dyes are more resistant to leaching due to the presence of moisture, leading to higher temporal stability of the DSSCs.
Liposome Microencapsulation for the Surface Modification and Improved Entrapment of Cytochrome c for Targeted Delivery
Authors: Kajimoto Kazuaki , Katsumi Tatsuhito , Nakamura Takashi , Kataoka Masatoshi , Harashima Hideyoshi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, we established a procedure based on the microencapsulation vesicle (MCV) method for preparing surface‐modified liposomes, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a site‐directed ligand, with high entrapment efficiency of cytochrome c (Cyt c). For preparing a water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion, egg phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol were dissolved in organic solvents (O phase) and emulsified by sonication with aqueous solution of Cyt c (W1). Although the dispersion stability of the W1/O emulsion was low when n‐hexane was used to dissolve the lipids in the O phase, it was substantially improved by using mixed solvents consisting of n‐hexane and other organic solvents, such as ethanol and dichloromethane (DCM). The W1/O emulsion was then added to another water phase (W2) to prepare the W1/O/W2 emulsion. PEG‐ and/or ligand‐modified lipids were introduced into the W2 phase as external emulsifiers not only for stabilizing the W1/O/W2 emulsion but also for modifying the surface of liposomes obtained later. After solvent evaporation and extrusion for downsizing the liposomes, approximately 50% of Cyt c was encapsulated in the liposomes when the mixed solvent consisting of n‐hexane and DCM at a volume ratio of 75/25 was used in the O phase. Finally, the fluorescence‐labeled liposomes, with a peptide ligand having affinity to the vasculature in adipose tissue, were prepared by the MCV method and intravenously injected into mice. Confocal microscopy showed the substantial accumulation of these liposomes in the adipose tissue vessels. Taken together, the MCV technique, along with solvent optimization, could be useful for generating surface‐modified liposomes with high drug entrapment efficiency for targeted delivery.
Apoptosis of posterior silk gland of Bombyx mori during spinning period and the role of PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Hu Jia‐Huan , Cheng Xiao‐Yu , Li Jin‐Xin , Xue Bin , Tian Jiang‐Hai , Hu Jing‐Sheng , Li Bing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBombyx mori is an economic insect of the Lepidoptera. Its posterior silk gland (PSG) is an important organ for fibroin synthesis. In order to study the occurrence of apoptosis in PSG and the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during spinning period, changes in morphology of silk gland, expressions of fibroin components Fib‐H, Fib‐L and P25 and Akt, TOR2, P70S6K and S6 in PI3K/Akt pathway, expressions of apoptosis related genes caspase‐3, caspase‐9 and activity of caspase‐3 were explored. The results showed that the morphology of silk gland dramatically degenerated; transcription of Fib‐H, Fib‐L, and P25 gradually declined with time; and Fib‐L protein level reduced by 0.6‐fold at 72 h. Moreover, the transcription levels of Akt, TOR2, P70S6K, and S6 also decreased by 0.3‐, 0.8‐, 0.7‐, and 0.1‐fold, respectively, indicating that the downregulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway could lead to reduction in fibroin synthesis. In addition, the transcription levels of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 increased by 1.3‐ and 3.6‐fold, respectively, and the enzyme activity of caspase‐3 grew at a maximum of 1.6‐fold. The results showed the occurrence of apoptosis in PSG during spinning period. In conclusion, the present study indicated that both the decline in fibroin components and the increase in apoptosis‐related genes were regulated by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during spinning period, which shed new light on the functions of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Synthesis, docking, in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity of pyrazole‐based 2,4‐thiazolidinedione derivatives as PPAR‐γ modulators
Authors: Naim Mohd. Javed , Alam Ozair , Alam Md. Jahangir , Shaquiquzzaman Mohammad , Alam Md. Mumtaz , Naidu Vegi Ganga Modi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe design, synthesis, structure–activity relationship, and biological activity of 2,4‐thiazolidinedione derivatives as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) modulators for antidiabetic activity are reported. Fifteen 2,4‐thiazolidinedione derivatives clubbed with pyrazole moiety were docked into the ligand binding domain of PPAR‐γ by the Glide XP module of Schrodinger. Eight derivatives (5a, 5b, 5d, 5f, 5i, 5l, 5n, 5o) having Glide XP scores > −8 as compared to the standard drug, rosiglitazone (Glide XP score = −9.165), showed almost similar interaction with the amino acids such as HIS 449, TYR 473, TYR 327, HIS 323, and SER 289 in the molecular docking studies. These eight derivatives were further screened for PPAR‐γ transactivation and in vivo blood glucose lowering activity in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model. Compounds 5o, 5n, 5a, 5i, and 5b showed 52.06, 51.30, 48.65, 43.13, and 40.36% PPAR‐γ transactivation as compared to the reference drugs rosiglitazone and pioglitazone with 85.30 and 65.22% transactivation, respectively. The data analysis showed significant blood glucose lowering effects (hypoglycemia) of compounds 5o, 5n, and 5a (140.1 ± 4.36, 141.4 ± 6.15, and 150.7 ± 4.15, respectively), along with reference drugs pioglitazone (135.2 ± 4.91) and rosiglitazone (141.1 ± 5.88) as compared to the diabetic control. Furthermore, the most potent compound 5o also elevated the PPAR‐γ gene expression by 2.35‐fold as compared to rosiglitazone (1.27‐fold) and pioglitazone (1.6‐fold). It also significantly lowered the AST, ALT, and ALP levels and caused no damage to the liver.
Entwurf, Geometrieoptimierung und Bemessung der Wildbrücke AM2 hergestellt mit PFHC
Authors: Kromoser Benjamin , Kollegger Johann 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIm Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts „Freiformflächen aus Beton“ wurde von den Autoren das neue Betonschalenbauverfahren Pneumatic Forming of Hardened Concrete (PFHC) entwickelt. Der Ansatz zur Reduktion des Herstellungsaufwands für die Schalung von Betonschalen ist dabei, eine ursprünglich ebene, bewehrte Betonplatte aushärten zu lassen und diese nachträglich zu einer zweifach gekrümmten Betonschale zu verformen. Die ebene Platte wird dabei mithilfe eines darunter angeordneten Pneus angehoben und dieser Prozess wird zusätzlich durch das Vorspannen von am Umfang verlegten Spanngliedern unterstützt. Der nächste Entwicklungsschritt war nun die praktische Anwendung des Verfahrens. Im Auftrag der Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) werden zwei Betonschalen, eine Veranstaltungsüberdachung als Probeobjekt und die Wildbrücke AM2, eine Betonschalenbrücke über die zweigleisige Neubaustrecke der Koralmbahn im Süden Kärntens, errichtet. Betonschalen zeichnen sich durch ein günstiges Tragverhalten aus, wenn die Geometrie entsprechend den einwirkenden Lasten optimiert wird. Der aktuelle Beitrag beschreibt den Entwurf, die computergestützte Geometrieoptimierung und die Bemessung der innovativen Betonschalenbrücke unter Berücksichtigung der Randbedingungen, die für die Anwendbarkeit von PFHC notwendig sind.
The fluorescence quenching of Ru(bipy)32+: an application for the determination of bilirubin in biological samples
Authors: Wabaidur Saikh M. , Eldesoky Gaber E. , Alothman Zeid A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA simple, sensitive and efficient fluorescence method has been established for the quantitative analysis of bilirubin. The fluorometric determination method was based on the kinetic quenching of ruthenium(II) fluorescence. The quenching effect may be due to the complexation reaction of bilirubin with ruthenium(II). Therefore, the effects of ruthenium concentrations and different surfactants have been studied. Under the optimized experimental parameters, the fluorescence intensity decreased proportionally with the bilirubin concentration and linearity was established in the range of 3.3 × 10−7to 3.0 × 10−4 M bilirubin. The detection limit calculated from the calibration graph was found to be 5.2 × 10−8 M. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 10 consecutive measurements of 8.0 × 10−6 M bilirubin was 3.0%, while the recoveries of bilirubin in both human serum and urine samples were obtained in the range 94.0–99.5%. The interference study shows that the developed fluorescence based technique is fast, easy to carry out and shows negligible interference. The developed technique was successfully applied for the analysis of bilirubin in human urine and serum samples. All the experimental results and quality parameters confirmed the sensitivity and reproducibility of the proposed technique for bilirubin determination in human urine and serum samples.