bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofilm and Biosurfactant Mediated Aromatic Hydrocarbons Degradation by Marine Bacteria Isolated from Contaminated Marine Environments of Niger Delta
Authors: Uba Bright Obidinma , Chukwura Edna Ifeoma , Okoye Ebere Linda , Umebosi Amala Amechi , Agbapulonwu Uchechukwu Fidelia , Muogbo Olisaemeka Charles , Okoye Chidiogo Leticia , Oranta Lilian Onyinyechukwu , Odunukwe Adaeze Mercy , Ndurue Chinonso Peace , Ehirim Ogechi Salvation 
Published: February 2019

Aims: To examine the effects of biofilm and biosurfactant associated cells of marine bacteria isolated from contaminated marine environments of Niger Delta on aromatic hydrocarbon degradation.
Study Design: Nine treatments and the controls designs were set up in triplicates containing 100 mL of sterile modified mineral basal medium in 250 mL conical flasks supplemented with 50, 100, 200 and 300 ppm of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each and nine marine hydrocarbon degraders; incubated at 24°C for 5 - 7 days. The nine treatments and control set ups designated as ANT1, XYL2, PYR3, ANT4, PYR5, ANT6, XYL7, XYL8, PYR9 and CTRL (without hydrocarbons) were used to examine the effects of biofilm and biosurfactant produced by the marine bacteria on aromatic hydrocarbon degradability.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Nigeria between September, 2014 and August, 2017.
Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on six composite samples of the sediment and water samples from the three studied areas using enrichment, selection, morphological, biochemical, growth effect, emulsification, surface tension, bacterial adherence to hydrocarbon (BATH), salt aggregation (SAT) and microtitre plate biofilm formation tests.
Results: The findings revealed that the three sampling sites harbour a lot of efficient aromatic degrading bacterial strains belonging to the genera: Providencia, Alcaligenes, Brevundimonas, Myroides, Serratia, and Bacillus able to significantly (P = .05) degrade the aromatic hydrocarbons. Significant positive correlation between biofilm formation and emulsification activity (r = 0.670; P = .05), was observed while surface tension (r = 0.134; P > .05), BATH (r = 0.142; P > .05) and SAT (r = 0.227; P > .05) had no significant positive correlation with biofilm formation.
Conclusion: Thus, the metabolic traits potentials of these strains could be exploited for in situ bioremediation intervention in the coastal areas of Nigeria.
Big cats at large: Density, structure, and spatio‐temporal patterns of a leopard population free of anthropogenic mortality
Authors: Balme Guy , Rogan Matt , Thomas Lisa , Pitman Ross , Mann Gareth , Whittington‐Jones Gareth , Midlane Neil , Broodryk Mark , Broodryk Kerryn , Campbell Michelle , Alkema Marc , Wright Dave , Hunter Luke 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman impact is near pervasive across the planet and studies of wildlife populations free of anthropogenic mortality are increasingly scarce. This is particularly true for large carnivores that often compete with and, in turn, are killed by humans. Accordingly, the densities at which carnivore populations occur naturally, and their role in shaping and/or being shaped by natural processes, are frequently unknown. We undertook a camera‐trap survey in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve (SSGR), South Africa, to examine the density, structure and spatio‐temporal patterns of a leopard Panthera pardus population largely unaffected by anthropogenic mortality. Estimated population density based on spatial capture–recapture models was 11.8 ± 2.6 leopards/100 km2. This is likely close to the upper density limit attainable by leopards, and can be attributed to high levels of protection (particularly, an absence of detrimental edge effects) and optimal habitat (in terms of prey availability and cover for hunting) within the SSGR. Although our spatio‐temporal analyses indicated that leopard space use was modulated primarily by “bottom‐up” forces, the population appeared to be self‐regulating and at a threshold that is unlikely to change, irrespective of increases in prey abundance. Our study provides unique insight into a naturally‐functioning carnivore population at its ecological carrying capacity. Such insight can potentially be used to assess the health of other leopard populations, inform conservation targets, and anticipate the outcomes of population recovery attempts.
Plasma cyclic glycine proline/IGF‐1 ratio predicts clinical outcome and recovery in stroke patients
Authors: Fan Dawei , Krishnamurthi Rita , Harris Paul , Barber P. Alan , Guan Jian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveMany stroke patients make a partial recovery in function during the first 3 months, partially through promoting insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) function. A prognostic biomarker that associates with IGF‐1 function may predict clinical outcome and recovery of stroke. This study evaluated plasma concentrations of IGF‐1, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)‐3 and cyclic‐glycine‐proline (cGP) and their associations with clinical outcome in stroke patients.MethodsThirty‐four patients were recruited within 3 days of stroke. Clinical assessments included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 3 days (baseline), and at days 7 and 90; the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Fugl‐Meyer Upper‐Limb Assessment Scale (FM‐UL) at days 7 and 90. Plasma samples were collected from the patients at the baseline, days 7 and 90. Fifty age‐matched control participants with no history of stroke were also recruited and provided plasma samples. IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3, and cGP concentrations were analyzed using ELISA or HPLC‐MS.ResultsBaseline concentrations of IGFBP‐3, cGP, and cGP/IGF‐1 ratio were lower in stroke patients than the control group. The neurological scores of stroke patients were improved and plasma cGP and cGP/IGF‐1 ratio increased over time. Baseline cGP/IGF‐1 ratio was correlated with the NIHSS scores at day 90 and the changes in NIHSS scores from the baseline to 90 days.InterpretationLow cGP concentrations and cGP/IGF‐1 ratio in stroke patients suggest an impaired IGF‐1 function. The cGP/IGF‐1 ratio at admission maybe further developed as a prognostic biomarker for stroke recovery.
Carbon‐Nanotube‐Cored Cobalt Porphyrin as a 1D Nanohybrid Strategy for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Jeong Kihun , Kim Ju‐Myung , Kim Su Hwan , Jung Gwan Yeong , Yoo JongTae , Kim Seung‐Hyeok , Kwak Sang Kyu , Lee Sang‐Young 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRedox‐active organic electrode materials have garnered considerable interest as an emerging alternative to currently widespread inorganic‐(or metal)‐based counterparts in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Practical use of these materials, however, has posed a challenge due to their electrically insulating nature, limited specific capacity, and poor electrochemical durability. Here, a new class of multiwalled‐carbon‐nanotube‐(MWCNT)‐cored, meso‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato cobalt (CoTCPP) is demonstrated as a 1D nanohybrid (denoted as CC‐nanohybrid) strategy to develop an advanced LIB anode. CoTCPP, which is one of the metalloporphyrins having multielectron redox activities, shows strong noncovalent interactions with MWCNTs due to its conjugated π‐bonds, resulting in successful formation of the CC‐nanohybrids. The structural uniqueness of the CC‐nanohybrid facilitates electron transport and electrolyte accessibility, thereby improving their redox kinetics. Inspired by the 1D structure of the CC‐nanohybrid, all‐fibrous nanomat anode sheets are fabricated through concurrent electrospraying/electrospinning processes. The resulting nanomat anode sheets, driven by their 3D bicontinuous ion/electron conduction pathways, provide fast lithiation/delithiation kinetics, eventually realizing the well‐distinguishable lithiation behavior of CoTCPP. Notably, the nanomat anode sheets exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance (≈226 mAh gsheet
−1 and >1500 cycles at 5 C) and mechanical flexibility that lie far beyond those achievable with conventional LIB anode technologies.
Rapid and Long‐Term Glycemic Regulation with a Balanced Charged Immune‐Evasive Hydrogel in T1DM Mice
Authors: Zhang Jiamin , Zhu Yingnan , Song Jiayin , Xu Tong , Yang Jing , Du Yan , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTransplantation of encapsulated islets is a promising treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, its long‐term clinical therapeutic efficacy is still hindered by serious immune rejection from the host immunological responses to the implanted materials, known as foreign body reaction (FBR). In this work, an anti‐biofouling balanced charged hydrogel is reported that can serve as an excellent immunoprotective material for islet transplantation therapy. It is found that the encapsulated islets can maintain their glucose‐responsive and insulin‐producing functions. Additionally, the hydrogel can effectively evade in vivo FBR after intraperitoneal implantation in an immunocompetent streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mouse model. As a result, 100% of the mice rapidly recover to normoglycemia within 2 d and stably maintain for at least 150 d without any immunosuppression treatment. These findings shed light on the “insulin independence and immunoisolation” encapsulation strategy, which can overcome the barrier of islet transplantation and holds the potential to improve current clinical therapeutic efficacy.
Tough Adhesion of Nucleobase‐Tackifed Gels in Diverse Solvents
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Qin , Duan Lijie , Gao Guanghui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAdhesive gels have attracted increasing attention in biological medicine and industrial fields. However, it remains a huge challenge to achieve robust adhesion in various nonpolar and polar solvents. Herein, a tough nucleobase‐tackified adhesive gel is successfully fabricated and exhibits strong adhesion to various materials in diverse solvents, including hexane, chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, and water (seawater, high salt, acid, and alkali aqueous solutions). The adhesive gels possess high toughness and excellent resist fatigue as well as impressive nonswelling behavior in water or oil. This tough gel‐based adhesive holds great promise for various applications, such as battery adhesives, soft robots, wound dressing, wearable devices, and 3D printing in various environments. It is anticipated that this strategy will provide a novel route for fabricating the next generation of adhesive soft materials.
Mixed‐Valence Single‐Atom Catalyst Derived from Functionalized Graphene
Authors: Bakandritsos Aristides , Kadam Ravishankar G. , Kumar Pawan , Zoppellaro Giorgio , Medved' Miroslav , Tuček Jiří , Montini Tiziano , Tomanec Ondřej , Andrýsková Pavlína , Drahoš Bohuslav , Varma Rajender S. , Otyepka Michal , Gawande Manoj B. , Fornasiero Paolo , Zbořil Radek 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) aim at bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The challenge is the development of materials with ligands enabling coordination of metal atoms in different valence states, and preventing leaching or nanoparticle formation. Graphene functionalized with nitrile groups (cyanographene) is herein employed for the robust coordination of Cu(II) ions, which are partially reduced to Cu(I) due to graphene‐induced charge transfer. Inspired by nature's selection of Cu(I) in enzymes for oxygen activation, this 2D mixed‐valence SAC performs flawlessly in two O2‐mediated reactions: the oxidative coupling of amines and the oxidation of benzylic CH bonds toward high‐value pharmaceutical synthons. High conversions (up to 98%), selectivities (up to 99%), and recyclability are attained with very low metal loadings in the reaction. The synergistic effect of Cu(II) and Cu(I) is the essential part in the reaction mechanism. The developed strategy opens the door to a broad portfolio of other SACs via their coordination to various functional groups of graphene, as demonstrated by successful entrapment of FeIII/FeII single atoms to carboxy‐graphene.
Biomimicking Fiber Scaffold as an Effective In Vitro and In Vivo MicroRNA Screening Platform for Directing Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Na , Milbreta Ulla , Chin Jiah Shin , Pinese Coline , Lin Junquan , Shirahama Hitomi , Jiang Wei , Liu Hang , Mi Ruifa , Hoke Ahmet , Wu Wutian , Chew Sing Yian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs effectively modulate protein expression and cellular response. Unfortunately, the lack of robust nonviral delivery platforms has limited the therapeutic application of microRNAs. Additionally, there is a shortage of drug‐screening platforms that are directly translatable from in vitro to in vivo. Here, a fiber substrate that provides nonviral delivery of microRNAs for in vitro and in vivo microRNA screening is introduced. As a proof of concept, difficult‐to‐transfect primary neurons are targeted and the efficacy of this system is evaluated in a rat spinal cord injury model. With this platform, enhanced gene‐silencing is achieved in neurons as compared to conventional bolus delivery (p< 0.05). Thereafter, four well‐recognized microRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐222, miR‐132, and miR‐431) and their cocktails are screened systematically. Regardless of age and origin of the neurons, similar trends are observed. Next, this fiber substrate is translated into a 3D system for direct in vivo microRNA screening. Robust nerve ingrowth is observed as early as two weeks after scaffold implantation. Nerve regeneration in response to the microRNA cocktails is similar to in vitro experiments. Altogether, the potential of the fiber platform is demonstrated in providing effective microRNA screening and direct translation into in vivo applications.
Modern Processing and Insights on Selenium Solar Cells: The World's First Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Hadar Ido , Song Tze‐Bin , Ke Weijun , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe first solid‐state solar cells, fabricated ≈140 years ago, were based on selenium; these early studies initiated the modern research on photovoltaic materials. Selenium shows high absorption coefficient and mobility, making it an attractive absorber for high bandgap thin film solar cells. Moreover, the simplicity of a single element absorber, its low‐temperature processing, and intrinsic environmental stability enable the utilization of selenium in extremely cheap and scalable solar cells. In this paper, a detailed study of selenium solar cell fabrication is presented, and the key factors that affect the selenium film morphology and the resulting device efficiency are presented. Specifically, the crystallization process from amorphous film into functional crystalline device is studied. The importance of controlling the process is shown, and methods to align the growth orientation are suggested. Finally, the crystallization process under illumination, which has general importance for the fabrication of thin film photovoltaics, is investigated. Specifically for selenium, the illumination significantly improves the film morphology and leads to device efficiency of 5.2%, with open‐circuit voltage of 0.911 V, short‐circuit current density of 10.2 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 55.0%. These findings form a solid foundation for future improvements of the photovoltaic material and device architecture.
Ghosts from the past: even comprehensive sampling of the native range may not be enough to unravel the introduction history of invasive species—the case of Acacia dealbata invasions in South Africa
Authors: Hirsch Heidi , Castillo Maria L. , Impson Fiona A. C. , Kleinjan Catharina , Richardson David M. , Le Roux Johannes J. 
Published: February 2019

Premise of the StudyKnowledge about the introduction history (source(s), number and size of introduction events) of an invasive species is a crucial prerequisite to understand invasion success and to facilitate effective and sustainable management approaches, especially for effective biological control. We investigated the introduction history of the Australian legume tree Acacia dealbata in South Africa. Results of this study will not only provide critical information for the management of this species in South Africa, but will also broaden our overall knowledge on the invasion ecology of this globally important invasive tree.MethodsWe used nuclear microsatellite markers to compare the genetic diversity and structure between 42 native Australian and 18 invasive South African populations and to test different and competing introduction scenarios using Approximate Bayesian Computation analyses.Key ResultsAustralian populations were characterized by two distinct genetic clusters, while South African populations lacked any clear genetic structure and showed significantly lower levels of genetic diversity compared to native range populations. South African populations were also genetically divergent from native populations and the most likely introduction scenario indicated an unknown source population.ConclusionsAlthough we cannot definitely prove the cause of the observed genetic novelty/diversification in South African Acacia dealbata populations, it cannot be attributable to insufficient sampling of native populations. Our study highlights the complexity of unravelling the introduction histories of commercially important alien species.
Optomechanically Induced Mode Transition and Spectrum Enhancement in a Microresonator System
Authors: Gao Yong‐Pan , Wang Zhong‐Xiao , Liu Xiao‐Fei , Wang Tie‐Jun , Wang Chuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOptomechanics describes the interconnection between the terahertz optical field and mechanical microwave field, making it appealing in the context of nanophotonics and quantum information science. Here, the optomechanically induced mode transition and spectrum enhanced phenomenon in an optomechanical microcavity system are studied. An optical filter that is limited by the bandwidth of the mechanical mode is built. The analytical model is presented by considering a microresonator system which supports two electromagnetic modes and a single mechanical mode. Through the filtering of mechanical resonator, the optical spectral width becomes similar to the mechanical resonator bandwidth which can go beyond the limit of the cavity quality factor. It is found that the transition between the optomechanically induced transparency and the optomechanically induced absorption can be observed by tuning the coupling between the microresonator and the waveguide. Moreover, the controllable nonreciprocal excitation of the system can also be observed.
Selective Decrosslinking in Liquid Crystal Polymer Actuators for Optical Reconfiguration of Origami and Light‐Fueled Locomotion
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Chao , Xiao Yao‐Yu , Tong Xia , Zhao Yue 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe ability to optically reconfigure an existing actuator of a liquid crystal polymer network (LCN) so that it can display a new actuation behavior or function is highly desired in developing materials for soft robotics applications. Demonstrated here is a powerful approach relying on selective polymer chain decrosslinking in a LCN actuator with uniaxial LC alignment. Using an anthracene‐containing LCN, spatially controlled optical decrosslinking can be realized through photocleavage of anthracene dimers under 254 nm UV light, which alters the distribution of actuation (crosslinked) and non‐actuation (decrosslinked) domains and thus determines the actuation behavior upon order‐disorder phase transitions. Based on this mechanism, a single actuator having a flat shape can be reconfigured in an on‐demand manner to exhibit reversible shape transformation such as self‐folding into origami three‐dimensional structures. Moreover, using a dye‐doped LCN actuator, a light‐fueled microwalker can be optically reconfigured to adopt different locomotion behaviors, changing from moving in the laser scanning direction to moving in the opposite direction.
Synthese und Charakterisierung von drei mehrschaligen metalloiden Goldclustern der Zusammensetzung Au32(R3P)12Cl8
Authors: Kenzler Sebastian , Fetzer Florian , Schrenk Claudio , Pollard Nia , Frojd Andrew R. , Clayborne Andre Z. , Schnepf Andreas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDrei mehrschalige metalloide Goldcluster der Zusammensetzung Au32(R3P)12Cl8 (R=Et, nPr, nBu) wurden über die unkomplizierte Syntheseroute der Reduktion von R3PAuCl mit NaBH4 in Ethanol hergestellt. Der Au32‐Kern setzt sich aus zwei Schalen zusammen; die innere besteht dabei aus einem schiefen Ikosaeder und die äußere aus einem verzerrten Dodekaeder. Die äußere Schale wird von acht Chloratomen und zwölf R3P‐Gruppen abgeschlossen. Während die Gold‐Gold‐Abstände des zentralen Ikosaeders im Größenbereich von elementarem Gold sind, sind die Bindungsabstände der Goldatome im umgebenden Dodekaeder im Bereich aurophiler Wechselwirkungen. Quantenchemische Rechnungen verdeutlichen, dass die beobachtete Jahn‐Teller‐Verzerrung des Clusterkerns auf einen elektronischen Schalenabschluss zurückzuführen ist. Die einfache Reproduzierbarkeit der Cluster, gute Löslichkeit und hohe Ausbeute an kristalliner Substanz sind ideale Voraussetzungen für weitere Untersuchungen.
A Practical Guide to Performance Improvement: Beginning the Process
Authors: Dawson Anthony 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article discusses the history and background of performance improvement (PI) processes and describes the creation of the foundational document for a PI project: the project charter. It is important for PI teams to create a complete charter before the project begins to give structure to the project. Teams involved in PI should use the charter as a roadmap for project completion because it helps to keep the team focused on issues within the scope of the project. This article reviews the steps to begin creating the charter and provides examples of the various sections that should be included. By reviewing this article, the reader should have a better understanding of this part of the PI process.
Debriefing in the OR: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Finch Elizabeth P. , Langston Michael , Erickson Deborah , Pereira Katherine 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIneffective communication can contribute to perioperative adverse events even when a safety checklist is used. The purpose of this project was to improve the overall debriefing process of the surgical safety checklist. We included coaches and used the International Classification for Patient Safety for categorizing any opportunities for improvement that were identified during the debriefing process. The results of our project showed an increase in both the total number of debriefings completed and the number of items discussed when completing the debriefing checklist in comparison with the preintervention compliance audits. We concluded that by using a coaching strategy and method to categorize perioperative opportunities for improvement during the debriefing process, there was improved compliance with completing the debriefing process in our facility.