bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silsesquioxane‐Based Hexaphenylsilole‐Linked Hybrid Porous Polymer as an Effective Fluorescent Chemosensor for Metal Ions
Authors: Du Yajing , Liu Hongzhi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSilsesquioxane‐based hexaphenylsilole‐linked hybrid porous polymers (SHHPP‐1, 2, and 3), prepared from one‐step Friedel‐Crafts reaction of octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) and 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5‐hexaphenylsilole (HPS), have been investigated as potential sensors for heavy metal ions. The results of FTIR, solid state CP/MAS NMR (13C and 29Si) and elemental analysis indicate that HPS unit has been successfully linked to the silsesquioxane framework. These hybrid porous polymers possess high surface areas and bimodal pore structures, and SHHPP‐2 possesses a maximum surface area of 1144 m2•g−1 and pore volume of 0.94 cm3•g−1. We have explored the application of these polymers as fluorescent chemosensors. Remarkably, this sensing system exhibits excellent sensitivity toward Fe3+, Ru3 and Cu2+, and a detection limit as low as 10−7 M is achieved, especially for Fe3+ with observed KSV =53695 M−1.
Spray‐Dried Nanoparticle‐in‐Microparticle Delivery Systems (NiMDS) for Gene Delivery, Comprising Polyethylenimine (PEI)‐Based Nanoparticles in a Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Matrix
Authors: Schulze Jan , Kuhn Stephanie , Hendrikx Stephan , Schulz‐Siegmund Michaela , Polte Tobias , Aigner Achim 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNucleic acid‐based therapies rely on efficient formulations for nucleic acid protection and delivery. As nonviral strategies, polymeric and lipid‐based nanoparticles have been introduced; however, biological efficacy and biocompatibility as well as poor storage properties due to colloidal instability and their unavailability as ready‐to‐use systems are still major issues. Polyethylenimine is the most widely explored and promising candidate for gene delivery. Polyethylenimine‐based polyplexes and their combination with liposomes, lipopolyplexes, are efficient for DNA or siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a highly potent spray‐dried nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system is presented for the encapsulation of polyethylenimine‐based polyplexes and lipopolyplexes into poly(vinyl alcohol) microparticles, without requiring additional stabilizing agents. This easy‐to‐handle gene delivery device allows prolonged nanoparticle storage and protection at ambient temperature. Biological analyses reveal further advantages regarding profoundly reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced transfection efficacies of polyethylenimine‐based nanoparticles from the nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system over their freshly prepared counterparts, as determined in various cell lines. Importantly, this nanoparticle‐in‐microparticle delivery system is demonstrated as ready‐to‐use dry powder to be an efficient device for the inhalative delivery of polyethylenimine‐based lipopolyplexes in vivo, as shown by transgene expression in mice after only one administration.
Alpha Lead Oxide (α‐PbO): A New 2D Material with Visible Light Sensitivity
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Liu Jing , Ranjan Pranay , Hu Yaowu , Yamijala Sharma SRKC , Pati Swapan K. , Irudayaraj Joseph , Cheng Gary J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEven though transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are deemed to be novel photonic and optoelectronic 2D materials, the visible band gap being often limited to monolayer, hampers their potential in niche applications due to fabrication challenges. Uncontrollable defects and degraded functionalities at elevated temperature and under extreme environments further restrict their prospects. To address such limitations, the discovery of a new 2D material, α‐PbO is reported. Micromechanical as well as sonochemical exfoliation of 2D atomic sheets of α‐PbO are demonstrated and its optical behavior is investigated. Spectroscopic investigations indicate layer dependent band gaps. In particular, even multilayered PbO sheets exhibit visible band gap > 2 eV (direct) which is rare among semiconducting 2D materials. The emission lifetime of multilayer PbO atomic sheets is 7 ns (dim light) as compared to the monolayer which gives 2.5 ns lifetime and an intense light. Density functional theory calculations of layer dependent band structure of α‐PbO matches well with experimental results. Experimental findings suggest that PbO atomic sheets exhibit hydrophobic nature, thermal robustness, microwave stability, anti‐corrosive behaviour and acid resistance. This new low‐cost, abundant and robust 2D material is expected to find many applications in the fields of electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, photocatalysis and energy storage.
Co Nanoparticles Confined in 3D Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Foams as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Long‐Life Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Jiang Hao , Liu Yong , Li Wenzhang , Li Jie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractProper design and simple preparation of nonnoble bifunctional electrocatalysts with high cost performance and strong durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly demanded but still full of enormous challenges. In this work, a spontaneous gas‐foaming strategy is presented to synthesize cobalt nanoparticles confined in 3D nitrogen‐doped porous carbon foams (CoNCF) by simply carbonizing the mixture of citric acid, NH4Cl, and Co(NO3)2·6H2O. Thanks to its particular 3D porous foam architecture, ultrahigh specific surface area (1641 m2 g−1), and homogeneous distribution of active sites (C–N, Co–Nx, and Co–O moieties), the optimized CoNCF‐1000‐80 (carbonized at 1000 °C, containing 80 mg Co(NO3)2·6H2O in precursors) catalyst exhibits a remarkable bifunctional activity and long‐term durability toward both ORR and OER. Its bifunctional activity parameter (ΔE) is as low as 0.84 V, which is much smaller than that of noble metal catalyst and comparable to state‐of‐the‐art bifunctional catalysts. When worked as an air electrode catalyst in rechargeable Zn–air batteries, a high energy density (797 Wh kg−1), a low charge/discharge voltage gap (0.75 V), and a long‐term cycle stability (over 166 h) are achieved at 10 mA cm−2.
Design and Synthesis of Spherical Multicomponent Aggregates Composed of Core–Shell, Yolk–Shell, and Hollow Nanospheres and Their Lithium‐Ion Storage Performances
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Kang Yun Chan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicrometer‐sized spherical aggregates of Sn and Co components containing core–shell, yolk–shell, hollow nanospheres are synthesized by applying nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion in the large‐scale spray drying process. The Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7–C composite microspheres uniformly dispersed with Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7 mixed nanocrystals are formed by the first‐step reduction of spray‐dried precursor powders at 900 °C. The second‐step oxidation process transforms the Sn2Co3–Co3SnC0.7–C composite into the porous microsphere composed of Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 core–shell, Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 yolk–shell, and CoSnO3–Co3O4 hollow nanospheres at 300, 400, and 500 °C, respectively. The discharge capacity of the microspheres with Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 core–shell, Sn‐Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 yolk–shell, and CoSnO3–Co3O4 hollow nanospheres for the 200th cycle at a current density of 1 A g−1 is 1265, 987, and 569 mA h g−1, respectively. The ultrafine primary nanoparticles with a core–shell structure improve the structural stability of the porous‐structured microspheres during repeated lithium insertion and desertion processes. The porous Sn–Sn2Co3@CoSnO3–Co3O4 microspheres with core–shell primary nanoparticles show excellent cycling and rate performances as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Methodologies toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Seok Sang Il , Grätzel Michael , Park Nam‐Gyu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA perovskite solar cell (PSC) employing an organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite light harvester, seeded in 2009 with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% and grown in 2011 with PCE of 6.5% in dye‐sensitized solar cell structure, has received great attention since the breakthrough reports ≈10% efficient solid‐state PCSs demonstrating 500 h stability. Developments of device layout and high‐quality perovskite film eventually lead to a PCE over 22%. As of October 31, 2017, the highest PCE of 22.7% is listed in an efficiency chart provided by NREL. In this Review, the methodologies to obtain highly efficient PSCs are described in detail. In order to achieve a PCE of over 20% reproducibly, key technologies are disclosed from the viewpoint of precursor solution chemistry, processing for defect‐free perovskite films, and passivation of grain boundaries. Understanding chemical species in precursor solution, crystal growth kinetics, light–matter interaction, and controlling defects is expected to give important insights into not only reproducible production of high PCE over 20% but also further enhancement of the PCE of PCSs.
High‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of ochratoxin A in cereal, coffee, and wine: Effective pretreatment with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized adsorbent
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Sawada Minato , Yamato Naoki , Yamamoto Atsushi , Kodama Shuji 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOchratoxin A is a fluorescent mycotoxin that is present in many foods. It is difficult to detect by high‐performance liquid chromatography because of interfering substances. We immobilized bovine serum albumin on resin and used it to extract ochratoxin A from various food samples. Sample extracts were applied to a cartridge packed with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized resin. The adsorbed ochratoxin A was eluted by octanoate, which is a serum albumin ligand. The chromatograms of the eluate showed no endogenous peaks that interfered with ochratoxin A detection. The recovery rates of ochratoxin A from coffee and wine samples were more than 82% with relative standard deviations of less than 5%. The positive detection result in the certified reference material of wheat agreed with its certification value. This clean‐up method with bovine serum albumin‐immobilized resin has great potential for assessing compliance of foods with ochratoxin A regulations.
Intratumoral Delivery of Interferonγ-Secreting Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Repolarizes Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Suppresses Neuroblastoma Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Relation Theresa , Yi Tai , Guess Adam J. , La Perle Krista , Otsuru Satoru , Hasgur Suheyla , Dominici Massimo , Breuer Christopher , Horwitz Edwin M. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, remains a therapeutic challenge. However, one promising patient treatment strategy is the delivery of anti-tumor therapeutic agents via mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy. MSCs have been safely used to treat genetic bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) has been shown to decrease tumor proliferation by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite this, clinical trials of systemic IFNγ therapy have failed due to the high blood concentration required and associated systemic toxicities. Here, we developed an intra-adrenal model of neuroblastoma, characterized by liver and lung metastases. We then engineered MSCs to deliver IFNγ directly to the TME. In vitro, these MSCs polarized murine macrophages to the M1 phenotype. In vivo, we attained a therapeutically active TME concentration of IFNγ without increased systemic concentration or toxicity. The TME-specific IFNγ reduced tumor growth rate and increased survival in two models of T cell deficient athymic nude mice. Absence of this benefit in NOD SCID gamma (NSG) immunodeficient mouse model indicates a mechanism dependent on the innate immune system. IL-17 and IL-23p19, both uniquely M1 polarization markers, transiently increased in the tumor interstitial fluid. Finally, the MSC vehicle did not promote tumor growth. These findings reveal that MSCs can deliver effective cytokine therapy directly to the tumor while avoiding systemic toxicity. This method transiently induces inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization, which reduces tumor burden in our novel neuroblastoma murine model.
Insulin‐resistance in glycogen storage disease type Ia: linking carbohydrates and mitochondria?
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Ruoppolo Margherita , Formisano Pietro , Villani Guglielmo , Albano Lucia , Gallo Giovanna , Crisci Daniela , Moccia Augusta , Parenti Giancarlo , Strisciuglio Pietro , Melis Daniela 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundGlycogen storage disease type I (GSDI) is an inborn error of carbohydrate metabolism caused by mutations of either the G6PC gene (GSDIa) or the SLC37A4 gene (GSDIb). GSDIa patients are at higher risk of developing insulin‐resistance (IR). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the development of IR. Mitochondrial dysfunction can demonstrate abnormalities in plama acylcarnitines (ACs) and urine organic acids (UOA). The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of mitochondrial impairment in GSDI patients and its possible connection with IR.MethodsFourteen GSDIa, seven GSDIb patients, 28 and 14 age and sex‐matched controls, were enrolled. Plasma ACs, UOA, and surrogate markers of IR (HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, ISI, VAI) were measured.ResultsGSDIa patients showed higher short‐chain ACs and long‐chain ACs levels and increased urinary excretion of lactate, pyruvate, 2‐ketoglutarate, 3‐methylglutaconate, adipate, suberate, aconitate, ethylmalonate, fumarate, malate, sebacate, 4‐octenedioate, 3OH‐suberate, and 3‐methylglutarate than controls (p < 0.05). GSDIb patients showed higher C0 and C4 levels and increased urinary excretion of lactate, 3‐methylglutarate and suberate than controls (p < 0.05). In GSDIa patients C18 levels correlated with insulin serum levels, HOMA‐IR, QUICKI, and ISI; long‐chain ACs levels correlated with cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT serum levels, and VAI.DiscussionIncreased plasma ACs and abnormal UOA profile suggest mitochondrial impairment in GSDIa. Correlation data suggest a possible connection between mitochondrial impairment and IR. We hypothesized that mitochondrial overload might generate by‐products potentially affecting the insulin signaling pathway, leading to IR. On the basis of the available data, the possible pathomechanism for IR in GSDIa is proposed.
Pollinator trapping in selfing carnivorous plants, Drosera makinoi and D. toyoakensis (Droseraceae)
Authors: Tagawa Kazuki , Watanabe Mikio , Yahara Tetsukazu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCarnivorous plants use insects not only as prey, but also as pollinators. Whereas outcrossing carnivorous plants are known to avoid trapping pollinators, selfing carnivorous plants may capture the pollinators as prey. Here, we provide evidence that two selfing carnivorous plant species with short flower‐trap separation, Drosera makinoi (white‐colored flowers) and D. toyoakensis (pink‐colored flowers), caught some major pollinator species belonging to Diptera and Hymenoptera: four out of five species in D. makinoi and one out of six species in D. toyoakensis. We also tested the function of flowers to attract pollinator or prey insects by experimentally removing Drosera flowers. Flower removal did not significantly affect the number of trapped insects. On the other hand, the removal of flowers of co‐flowering neighbor plants, Eriocaulon decemflorum for D. makinoi and Lysimachia fortunei for D. toyoakensis, significantly decreased the number of trapped insects. This finding suggests an exploitative relationship between Drosera spp. and co‐flowering species.
Derrida's Rethinking of Professorial Authority
Authors: HADDAD SAMIR 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT:In this paper I argue that Derrida's writings on education contain a profound rethinking of professorial authority. I first outline the sources of professorial authority and describe how they were traditionally conceived in France at the time when Derrida was working. I then show how Derrida challenges and transforms these sources, focusing in particular on a new relation to knowledge, a new relation to the state, and a new understanding of charisma that emerge from his work.
How Does a Photocatalytic Antimicrobial Coating Affect Environmental Bioburden in Hospitals?
Authors: Reid Matthew , Whatley Vanessa , Spooner Emma , Nevill Alan M. , Cooper Michael , Ramsden Jeremy J. , Dancer Stephanie J. 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDThe healthcare environment is recognized as a source for healthcare-acquired infection. Because cleaning practices are often erratic and always intermittent, we hypothesize that continuously antimicrobial surfaces offer superior control of surface bioburden.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of a photocatalytic antimicrobial coating at near-patient, high-touch sites in a hospital ward.SETTINGThe study took place in 2 acute-care wards in a large acute-care hospital.METHODSA titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic coating was sprayed onto 6 surfaces in a 4-bed bay in a ward and compared under normal illumination against the same surfaces in an untreated ward: right and left bed rails, bed control, bedside locker, overbed table, and bed footboard. Using standardized methods, the overall microbial burden and presence of an indicator pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) were assessed biweekly for 12 weeks.RESULTSTreated surfaces demonstrated significantly lower microbial burden than control sites, and the difference increased between treated and untreated surfaces during the study. Hygiene failures (>2.5 colony-forming units [CFU]/cm2) increased 2.6% per day for control surfaces (odds ratio [OR], 1.026; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009–1.043; P=.003) but declined 2.5% per day for treated surfaces (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.925–0.977; P<.001). We detected no significant difference between coated and control surfaces regarding S. aureus contamination.CONCLUSIONPhotocatalytic coatings reduced the bioburden of high-risk surfaces in the healthcare environment. Treated surfaces became steadily cleaner, while untreated surfaces accumulated bioburden. This evaluation encourages a larger-scale investigation to ascertain whether the observed environmental amelioration has an effect on healthcare-acquired infection.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:398–404
Optimal transient growth in thin-interface internal solitary waves
Authors: Passaggia Pierre-Yves , Helfrich Karl R. , White Brian L. 
Published: February 2018

The dynamics of perturbations to large-amplitude internal solitary waves (ISWs) in two-layered flows with thin interfaces is analysed by means of linear optimal transient growth methods. Optimal perturbations are computed through direct–adjoint iterations of the Navier–Stokes equations linearized around inviscid, steady ISWs obtained from the Dubreil-Jacotin–Long (DJL) equation. Optimal perturbations are found as a function of the ISW phase velocity $c$ (alternatively amplitude) for one representative stratification. These disturbances are found to be localized wave-like packets that originate just upstream of the ISW self-induced zone (for large enough $c$) of potentially unstable Richardson number, $Ri<0.25$. They propagate through the base wave as coherent packets whose total energy gain increases rapidly with $c$. The optimal disturbances are also shown to be relevant to DJL solitary waves that have been modified by viscosity representative of laboratory experiments. The optimal disturbances are compared to the local Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation for spatially growing Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) waves through the $Ri<0.25$ zone. The WKB approach is able to capture properties (e.g. carrier frequency, wavenumber and energy gain) of the optimal disturbances except for an initial phase of non-normal growth due to the Orr mechanism. The non-normal growth can be a substantial portion of the total gain, especially for ISWs that are weakly unstable to K–H waves. The linear evolution of Gaussian packets of linear free waves with the same carrier frequency as the optimal disturbances is shown to result in less energy gain than found for either the optimal perturbations or the WKB approximation due to non-normal effects that cause absorption of disturbance energy into the leading face of the wave. Two-dimensional numerical calculations of the nonlinear evolution of optimal disturbance packets leads to the generation of large-amplitude K–H billows that can emerge on the leading face of the wave and that break down into turbulence in the lee of the wave. The nonlinear calculations are used to derive a slowly varying model of ISW decay due to repeated encounters with optimal or free wave packets. Field observations of unstable ISW by Moum et al. (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 33 (10), 2003, pp. 2093–2112) are consistent with excitation by optimal disturbances.
Simultaneous and temporal autoregressive network models
Authors: SEWELL DANIEL K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhile logistic regression models are easily accessible to researchers, when applied to network data there are unrealistic assumptions made about the dependence structure of the data. For temporal networks measured in discrete time, recent work has made good advances (Almquist & Butts, 2014), but there is still the assumption that the dyads are conditionally independent given the edge histories. This assumption can be quite strong and is sometimes difficult to justify. If time steps are rather large, one would typically expect not only the existence of temporal dependencies among the dyads across observed time points but also the existence of simultaneous dependencies affecting how the dyads of the network co-evolve. We propose a general observation-driven model for dynamic networks that overcomes this problem by modeling both the mean and the covariance structures as functions of the edge histories using a flexible autoregressive approach. This approach can be shown to fit into a generalized linear mixed model framework. We propose a visualization method that provides evidence concerning the existence of simultaneous dependence. We describe a simulation study to determine the method's performance in the presence and absence of simultaneous dependence, and we analyze both a proximity network from conference attendees and a world trade network. We also use this last data set to illustrate how simultaneous dependencies become more prominent as the time intervals become coarser.
Compulsory Acquisition as a Constitutional Matter: The Case in Africa
Authors: Alden Wily Liz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCompulsory acquisition of land by the state for public purposes is an entrenched feature of national constitutions. Yet the scope of private property is rarely defined. This is problematic in agrarian economies where millions own land under non-statutory arrangements that were historically excluded from recognition as property. This study examines the case in Africa where more than 650 million people are untitled customary landowners. Despite vibrant constitutional change, protection of these rights remains disappointing, while the grounds for taking land have expanded. However, this article concludes that reining in the scope of public purpose is not the most useful way forward. It would be more productive to persist in bringing constitutional force to bear on the standing of customary rights, along with democratizing procedures towards full community participation in deciding how public purpose acquisitions should proceed. The result would be greater tenure security, good governance and more peaceful relations between the state and people regarding land.