bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activated Carbons Prepared through H3PO4‐Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonisation from Biomass Wastes: Porous Texture and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Quesada‐Plata Fabian , Ruiz‐Rosas Ramiro , Morallón Emilia , Cazorla‐Amorós Diego
Published: August 2016

Hydrothermal treatment of biomass in the presence of phosphoric acid is proposed for the production of activated carbons (ACs). Interestingly, H3PO4 promotes the fixation of carbon atoms in the solid during hydrothermal treatment, which renders higher preparation yields than those of the conventional impregnation method. Upon carbonisation of the resulting hydrochars at 450 °C, a notable development of porosity is achieved by using a low amount and concentration of phosphoric acid; these conditions are not adequate for conventional activation. The viability of this process for the sustainable production of ACs has been successfully checked in four biomasses of different composition and structures, and ACs of surface areas above 2000 m2 g−1 and tuneable pore size distribution have been obtained. Electrochemical characterisation of ACs prepared at 750 °C in 1 m H2SO4 demonstrates that capacitances of approximately 150 F g−1 with acceptable rate performance can be obtained through this simple method.
Charge‐ and Size‐Selective Molecular Separation using Ultrathin Cellulose Membranes
Authors: Puspasari Tiara , Yu Haizhou , Peinemann Klaus‐Viktor
Published: August 2016

To date, it is still a challenge to prepare high‐flux and highselectivity microporous membranes thinner than 20 nm without introducing defects. In this work, we report for the first time the application of cellulose membranes for selective separation of small molecules. A freestanding cellulose membrane as thin as 10 nm has been prepared through regeneration of trimethylsilyl cellulose (TMSC). The freestanding membrane can be transferred to any desired substrate and shows a normalized flux as high as 700 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 when supported by a porous alumina disc. According to filtration experiments, the membrane exhibits precise size‐sieving performances with an estimated pore size between 1.5–3.5 nm depending on the regeneration period and initial TMSC concentration. A perfect discrimination of anionic molecules over neutral species is demonstrated. Moreover, the membrane demonstrates high reproducibility, high scale‐up potential, and excellent stability over two months.
Elucidation of Surface Species through in Situ FTIR Spectroscopy of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption on Amine‐Grafted SBA‐15
Authors: Foo Guo Shiou , Lee Jason J. , Chen Chia‐Hsin , Hayes Sophia E. , Sievers Carsten , Jones Christopher W.
Published: August 2016

The nature of the surface species formed through the adsorption of CO2 on amine‐grafted mesoporous silica is investigated through in situ FTIR spectroscopy with the aid of 15N dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Primary, secondary, and tertiary amines are functionalized onto a mesoporous SBA‐15 silica. Both isotopically labeled 13CO2 and natural‐abundance CO2 are used for accurate FTIR peak assignments, which are compared with assignments reported previously. The results support the formation of monomeric and dimeric carbamic acid species on secondary amines that are stabilized differently to the monocarbamic acid species on primary amines. Furthermore, the results from isotopically labelled 13CO2 experiments suggest the existence of two carbamate species on primary amines, whereas only one species is observed predominantly on secondary amines. The analysis of the IR peak intensities and frequencies indicate that the second carbamate species on primary amines is probably more asymmetric in nature and forms in a relatively smaller amount. Only the formation of bicarbonate ions at a low concentration is observed on tertiary amines; therefore, physisorbed water on the surface plays a role in the hydrolysis of CO2 even if water is not added intentionally and dry gases are used. This suggests that a small amount of bicarbonate ions could be expected to form on primary and secondary amines, which are more hydrophilic than tertiary amines, and these low concentration species are difficult to observe on such samples.
Standardization and quality control for high‐dimensional mass cytometry studies of human samples
Authors: Kleinsteuber Katja , Corleis Björn , Rashidi Narges , Nchinda Nzuekoh , Lisanti Antonella , Cho Josalyn L. , Medoff Benjamin D. , Kwon Douglas , Walker Bruce D.
Published: August 2016

Mass cytometry (CyTOF), a mass spectrometry‐based single cell phenotyping technology, allows utilization of over 35 antibodies in a single sample and is a promising tool for translational human immunology studies. Although several analysis tools are available to interpret the complex data sets generated, a robust method for standardization and quality control within and across studies is needed. Here we report an efficient and easily adaptable method to monitor quality of individual samples in human immunology studies and to facilitate reproducible data analysis. Samples to be assessed are spiked with a defined amount of reference peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a healthy donor, derived from a single large blood draw. The presence of known standardized numbers and phenotypic profiles of these reference cells greatly facilitates sample analysis by allowing for: 1) quality control for consistent staining of each antibody in the panel, 2) identification of potential batch effects, and 3) implementation of a robust gating strategy. We demonstrate the utility of this method using peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples from HIV+ patients by characterizing their CD8+ T‐cell phenotypes and cytokine expression, respectively. Our results indicate that this method allows quality control of experimental conditions and results in highly reproducible population frequencies through a robust gating strategy. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Quantification of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in living cells by using multi‐laser polychromatic flow cytometry
Authors: De Biasi Sara , Gibellini Lara , Bianchini Elena , Nasi Milena , Pinti Marcello , Salvioli Stefano , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: August 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly produced in cells, mainly by mitochondria, as a consequence of aerobic respiration. Most ROS derive from superoxide, which is rapidly converted to hydrogen peroxide. ROS are involved in the regulation of several physiological and pathological processes, and the possibility to measure them simultaneously is needed, when the redox status of the cells is modified by experimental/biological conditions. Flow cytometry is the main technology that generates multiple information at the single cell level in a high‐throughput manner, and gives rapid and quantitative measurements of different ROS with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Here, we describe a novel approach to detect simultaneously mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide and mitochondrial superoxide in living cells. The staining has been performed by using the fluorescent dyes MitoSOX Red Mitochondrial Superoxide Indicator, Mitochondria Peroxy Yellow 1, Annexin‐V Pacific Blue conjugate, TO‐PRO‐3 iodide, anti‐CD4‐APC‐Cy7 and ‐CD8‐Pacific Orange mAbs. We used this approach to quantify mitochondrial ROS in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells form patients affected by Down syndrome and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy donors. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A driving behavior detection system based on a smartphone's built‐in sensor
Authors: Li Yantao , Xue Fengtao , Feng Lei , Qu Zehui
Published: August 2016

Traffic accidents resulting from driving behavior and road conditions are crucial problems for drivers. The causes and responses to traffic accidents have been widely studied by researchers. Whereas several approaches have been proposed to ease these problems, most works entail high computational costs or rigid hardware conditions. To address these challenges, we propose Health Driving, a smartphone‐based system for detecting driving events and road conditions solely with a built‐in smartphone acceleration sensor. More specifically, we first collect acceleration data from the acceleration sensor of a smartphone on a vehicle, and then utilize an acceleration reorientation calibration algorithm to convert the obtained acceleration data from the smartphone to acceleration data of the vehicle. Finally, we exploit Health Driving to detect driving events and road conditions, and evaluate the seriousness of the road conditions and driving events by using an efficient scoring mechanism based on the ISO 2631 standard. An extensive evaluation demonstrates that Health Driving operates successfully with an ordinary smartphone, and operates with a low computational cost compared with other methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient network‐coding based back‐pressure scheduling algorithm for wireless multi‐hop networks
Authors: Jiao Zhenzhen , Yan Yan , Zhang Baoxian , Li Cheng
Published: August 2016

Back‐pressure scheduling has been considered as a promising strategy for resource allocation in wireless multi‐hop networks. However, there still exist some problems preventing its wide deployment in practice. One of the problems is its poor end‐to‐end (E2E) delay performance. In this paper, we study how to effectively use inter‐flow network coding to improve E2E delay and also throughput performance of back‐pressure scheduling. For this purpose, we propose an efficient network coding based back‐pressure algorithm (NBP), and accordingly design detailed procedure regarding how to consider coding gain in back‐pressure based weight calculation and how to integrate it into next hop decision making in the NBP algorithm. We theoretically prove that NBP can stabilize the networks. Simulation results demonstrate that NBP can not only improve the delay performance of back‐pressure algorithm, but also achieve higher network throughput. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outage performance of cognitive radio networks with multiple decode‐and‐forward relays
Authors: Xu Wenbo , Wang Yifan , Lin Jiaru , Chai Juanfang
Published: August 2016

This paper considers the cognitive radio network with one primary user (PU), one secondary user (SU), and multiple decode‐and‐forward relays. We propose a relaying scheme to ensure the priority of primary transmission, where the relays are used to forward PU's message and sometimes also SU's message. First, SU is allowed to use the spectrum to transmit only when its transmission would not affect the decoding status of PU's message at all relays. Second, once the secondary transmission happens, the relays that successively decode SU's message are allowed to retransmit this message when it would not affect the decoding status of PU's message at primary receiver. The interference from PU to SU and the interference from SU to PU are both considered. By analyzing the decoding status of primary message and secondary message at different relays, we formulate the outage probabilities of both primary transmission and secondary transmission. When all channels follow Rayleigh distributions, we derive the analytical expressions for the general case of any number of relays, which are validated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gut microbiota after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in a diabetic rat model: Increased diversity and associations of discriminant genera with metabolic changes
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Chao‐Qian , Shan Cheng‐Xiang , Chen Yue , Li Hui‐Hua , Huang Zhi‐Ping , Zou Da‐Jin
Published: August 2016

Recent work with gut microbiota after bariatric surgery is limited, and the results have not been in agreement. Given the role of the gut microbiota in regulating host metabolism, we explored the effect of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on the modifications of gut microbiota with regard to the potential influence of food intake and/or weight loss and examined their links with host metabolism. Zucker diabetic fatty rats were divided into the following groups: RYGB; sham‐operated with pair‐fed as RYGB; sham‐operated fed ad libitum; and SG. The metabolic effects and gut microbiota profile were analyzed 10 weeks postoperatively. Associations between discriminating genera and metabolic markers after RYGB were explored. The 2 procedures induced similar glucose improvement and increased flora diversity after 10 weeks compared with sham‐operated groups. RYGB induced a marked higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria/Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and increased emergence of Fusobacteria and Clostridium, whereas SG resulted in more abundant Actinobacteria compared with other groups. Most of the 12 discriminant genera correlated with changes in metabolic phenotype, but only 28.6% of these correlations were independent of weight, and 4 discriminant genera still negatively correlated with serum insulin level independent of food intake and weight loss after RYGB. These data demonstrate that RYGB and SG surgery produced similar diversity but different microbiota compositions changes in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. These findings stimulate deeper explorations of functions of the discriminate microbiota and the mechanisms linking postsurgical modulation of gut microbiota and improvements in insulin resistance.
Identification and characterization ofN‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐MDMA: a new MDMA precursor
Authors: Collins Michael , Donnelly Christopher , Cameron Shane , Tahtouh Mark , Salouros Helen
Published: August 2016

In September 2015, 80 litres of a viscous, light‐red liquid, described as hair product, was seized by the Australian Border Force (ABF). Initial testing by ABF indicated that the liquid was the 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) precursor chemical safrole and custody of the material was transferred to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) who coordinated all subsequent investigations. Initial gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis by the AFP indicated that the material was not safrole and samples of the liquid were transferred to the National Measurement Institute Australia (NMIA) for identification. Using a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), GC‐MS, infrared spectroscopy, and synthesis, the unknown substance was identified asN‐tert.‐butoxycarbonyl‐MDMA (t‐BOC‐MDMA). The substance was also converted in high yield to MDMA (aqueous HCl, 80 °C, 30 min). The possibility that thet‐BOC‐MDMA may act as a pro‐drug following ingestion was explored by exposure to simulated gastric juice (pH 1.5) and monitored by NMR (37 °C) at various intervals. The majority oft‐BOC‐MDMA was converted to MDMA after 305 min, which suggested that this derivatized form might serve as a pro‐drugin vivo. An investigation into the chemistry of potential pro‐drugs showed thatt‐BOC derivatives of methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine and 4‐methylmethcahtinone (mephedrone) could also be prepared using di‐tert.‐butyl dicarbonate. The appearance oft‐BOC‐derivatives on the drug market requires further monitoring. © 2016 Commonwealth of Australia.Drug Testing and Analysis© 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marine reserves indirectly affect fine‐scale habitat associations, but not overall densities, of small benthic fishes
Authors: Smith Adam N. H. , Anderson Marti J.
Published: August 2016

Many large, fishery‐targeted predatory species have attained very high relative densities as a direct result of protection by no‐take marine reserves. Indirect effects, via interactions with targeted species, may also occur for species that are not themselves targeted by fishing. In some temperate rocky reef ecosystems, indirect effects have caused profound changes in community structure, notably the restoration of predator–urchin–macroalgae trophic cascades. Yet, indirect effects on small benthic reef fishes remain poorly understood, perhaps because of behavioral associations with complex, refuge‐providing habitats. Few, if any, studies have evaluated any potential effects of marine reserves on habitat associations in small benthic fishes. We surveyed densities of small benthic fishes, including some endemic species of triplefin (Tripterygiidae), along with fine‐scale habitat features in kelp forests on rocky reefs in and around multiple marine reserves in northern New Zealand over 3 years. Bayesian generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate evidence for (1) main effects of marine reserve protection, (2) associations with habitat gradients, including complexity, and (3) differences in habitat associations inside versus outside reserves. No evidence of overall main effects of marine reserves on species richness or densities of fishes was found. Both richness and densities showed strong associations with gradients in habitat features, particularly habitat complexity. In addition, some species exhibited reserve‐by‐habitat interactions, having different associations with habitat gradients inside versus outside marine reserves. Two species (Ruanoho whero and Forsterygion flavonigrum) showed stronger positive associations with habitat complexity inside reserves. These results are consistent with the presence of a behavioral risk effect, whereby prey fishes are more strongly attracted to habitats that provide refuge from predation in areas where predators are more abundant. This work highlights the importance of habitat structure and the potential for fishing to affect behavioral interactions and the interspecific dynamic attributes of community structure beyond simple predator–prey consumption and archetypal trophic cascades.
Induction of Mesomorphism through Supramolecular Assembly in Metal Coordination Compounds of “salphen”‐Type Schiff Bases: Photoluminescence and Solvatochromism
Authors: Chakraborty Sutapa , Mondal Paritosh , Prasad S. Krishna , Rao D. S. Shankar , Bhattacharjee Chira R.
Published: August 2016

Mesomorphism induced by metal (VO2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) coordination and its influence on the photophysical properties of a new series of symmetric “salphen”‐type N,N‐bis(4‐n‐alkoxysalicylidene)‐4,5‐dichloro‐1,2‐phenylenediamine ligands (n = 12, 14, 16) bearing highly electronegative spacer substituents and alkoxy arms of varied length have been investigated. The mesomorphism has been probed by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The Schiff base ligands are non‐mesomorphic; however, coordination to NiII and ZnII ions induces columnar mesomorphism, this being stable down to room temperature in the latter case. Interestingly, the complexes of CuII and VOIV did not show any mesomorphism. The free ligands and the ZnII complexes are luminescent both in the condensed state and in solution, with emission maxima in the condensed state being significantly red‐shifted with respect to those in solution. The energy‐optimized structure of a representative ZnII complex was ascertained to be distorted square planar in a DFT study employing the GAUSSIAN 09 program. The ZnII and VOIV complexes exhibited solvatochromic effects, showing interesting aggregation behavior in the former case.
The Dimeric Pyramidal Cu2O6(H2O)2 Unit – A Structural Invariant of a Homologous Series of Copper‐Layered Phosphonates
Authors: Bloyet Clarisse , Roger Mélissa , Rueff Jean‐Michel , Raveau Bernard , Lohier Jean‐François , Rogez Guillaume , Jaffrès Paul‐Alain
Published: August 2016

Two new layered copper hybrid materials, namely, the copper thiophene‐2,5‐diphosphonate [Cu2(H2O)2(O3P–C4H2S–PO3)] (Pnma; a = 7.525 Å, b = 18.292 Å, c = 7.520 Å) and the copper 3‐fluorophenylphosphonate Cu(H2O)PO3–C6H4F (P21/c; a = 14.305 Å, b = 7.550 Å, c = 7.479 Å, β = 92.32°), have been synthesized. These compounds belong to the large homologous Cu(H2O)PO3R/[Cu2(H2O)2(O3P–R–PO3)] series, the structure of which is dictated by the presence of isolated dimeric pyramidal Cu2O6(H2O)2 units. The role of the Cu/H2O molar ratio of 1 in the stabilization of such a structure is discussed in connection with the Jahn–Teller effect of the copper cation. The study of the magnetic behavior of polycrystalline samples of the two compounds has revealed antiferromagnetic coupling between the copper ions. The interactions within the dimeric unit were estimated by the Bleaney–Bowers law with the spin Hamiltonian H = –JSCu1SCu2 + gβHS: J = –6.27 cm–1 for [Cu(H2O)PO3]2C4H2S, and J = –6.07 cm–1 for Cu(H2O)PO3–C6H4F.
MoII Cluster Complex‐Based Coordination Polymer as an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction
Authors: Bůžek Daniel , Hynek Jan , Kučeráková Monika , Kirakci Kaplan , Demel Jan , Lang Kamil
Published: August 2016

The design and preparation of highly active heterogeneous palladium catalysts is attracting ever‐increasing attention. In this paper, we report on the self‐assembly of palladium centers and an octahedral molybdenum cluster complex bearing phosphine terminal ligands. This leads to a coordination polymer exhibiting high catalytic activity in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. The coordination polymer achieved a turnover number of 15800 in a reaction of deactivated aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid. Because metal clusters represent rare building blocks for the preparation of heterogeneous palladium catalysts, this work points to new structural motives that can be utilized to develop highly active heterogeneous catalysts.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube, Alizarine Red S and Chitosan for Simultaneous Determination of Oxomemazine Hydrochloride, Paracetamol and Guaifenesin
Authors: Mohammed Mona A. , Attia Ali K. , Elwy Hanan M.
Published: August 2016

A simple and highly sensitive sensor has been used for the determination of oxomemazine hydrochloride (OXO) in presence of paracetamol (PAR) and guaifenesin (GU). Carbon paste electrode was modified with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), alizarine red S (AZ) and chitosan (CH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to characterize the nanostructure and performance of the sensor. Under the optimized experimental conditions OXO gave linear response over the range of 2.00×10−6–1.00×10−4 mol L−1. The detection limit was found to be 4.35×10−7 mol L−1. The practical application of the modified electrode was demonstrated by measuring the concentration of OXO in pharmaceutical samples and urine. This revealed that suggested sensor shows excellent analytical performance for the determination of OXO in terms of a very low detection limit, high sensitivity and selectivity.
Long‐life Heavy Metal Ions Sensor Based on Graphene Oxide‐anchored Conducting Polymer
Authors: Park Min‐Ouk , Noh Hui‐Bog , Park Deog‐Su , Yoon Jang‐Hee , Shim Yoon‐Bo
Published: August 2016

A long‐life electrochemical sensor for the continuous analysis of heavy metal ions (Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II)) was developed using the graphene oxide (GO) anchored‐functionalized polyterthiophene (poly[3′‐(2‐aminopyrimidyl)‐2,2′:5′,2′′‐terthiophene], polyPATT) composite. The PATT monomer was synthesized and polymerized with GO to form the composite using a potential cycling method, followed by Nafion coating. The modified sensor surface was characterized employing electrochemical and surface analysis methods. Experimental variables affecting the analytical performance were optimized. Interference effects of other metal ions having similar redox potentials were also investigated. The performance of chronocoulometry (CC) without predeposition was compared with the results of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) with predeposition. The dynamic range of CC for the target ions were between 1 ppb and 10 ppm, respectively with the detection limits between 0.05 (±0.05) and 0.20 (±0.15) ppb for the CC method without predeposition, and between 0.08 (±0.05) and 0.30 (±0.12) ppb for the SWASV with 300 sec of deposition time (n=3). The reliability of the method was evaluated by continuously analysing environmental water samples using a single sensor probe in a flow system for 93 days.
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers as Anode Material for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Chen , Lu Yao , Ge Yeqian , Zhu Jiadeng , Jiang Han , Li Yongqiang , Hu Yi , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: August 2016

Nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized using a facile electrospinning technique with the addition of urea as a nitrogen‐doping agent. The amount of urea was selectively adjusted to control the degree and effectiveness of N‐doping. The morphology of N‐doped CNFs was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, whereas their electrochemical performance was studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments. The nitrogen content of N‐doped CNFs increased significantly from 11.31 % to 19.06 % when the doping amount of urea increased from 0 % to 30 %. N‐doping also played an important role in improving the electrochemical performance of the CNFs by introducing more defects in the carbon structure. Results showed that N‐doped CNFs with the highest nitrogen content (19.06 %) exhibited the largest reversible capacity of 354 mAh g−1 under a current density of 50 mA g−1; and when the current density was increased to 1 A g−1, a capacity of 193 mAh g−1 was still maintained. It is, therefore, demonstrated that N‐doped CNFs have great potential as suitable sodium‐ion battery anode material.
Enhanced Electricity Generation and Pollutant Degradation by Hybrid Photoelectrochemical and Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Du Yue , Zhou Xiangtong , Qu Youpeng , Liu Jia , Feng Yujie , Ren Nanqi
Published: August 2016

A hybrid photoelectrochemical and microbial fuel cell (HPMFC) is constructed for simultaneous utilization of solar energy and bioenergy by installing a TiO2photoanode next to a bioanode that shares the same cathode in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Connecting the photoelectrochemical (PEC) circuit results in enhanced cathode potentials for the MFC based on the differences in power output characteristics of MFC and PEC alone. The improved power production of the MFC is accompanied by a relatively small decline in the power density of the PEC, yielding an overall enhancement in power output for the HPMFC.
Catalytic Conversion of Glucose Micropyrolysis Vapors in Methane—using Isotope Labeling to Reveal Reaction Pathways
Authors: Gunawardena Duminda A. , Fernando Sandun D.
Published: August 2016

Current biomass deoxygenation technologies require large quantities H2. Gaseous hydrogen is not a naturally‐occurring raw material and is largely produced industrially via natural gas/methane steam reforming. Due to its high thermodynamic stability, direct use of methane as a hydrogen‐donor for deoxygenation of complex oxygenates has not yet been demonstrated. Using catalytic pyrolysis studies performed at 700 °C with isotope labeled methane and glucose over Ni, Pt, Mo, and Ga impregnated HZSM‐5 (Si/Al ratio 30), here we show that methane, in fact, could be used as a direct hydrogen donor for deoxygenation reactions. The amount of aromatic hydrocarbons produced increased primarily in the presence of Mo (125 % increase), and to a lesser degree, Pt (50 % increase), and Ni (22 % increase) impregnated HZSM‐5 catalysts in a methane environment. Based on the metal present, results indicate the occurrence of distinct and concurrent reactions to various degrees: methane (steam) reforming and oxygenate dehydration reaction; independent aromatization of methane and oxygenates; and an intriguing methane oxygenate cross‐coupling reaction where both hydrogen and carbon from methane ending up in resultant deoxygenated aromatic products. This technique paves way for the direct use of methane/natural gas for deoxygenation reactions critical to biorefining.
Form, evolution and controls of a Jurassic incised valley‐fill: middle part of the Western Sichuan Depression, China
Authors: Liu Junlong , Ji Youliang , Yang Keming , Zhu Hongquan , Zhou Yong , Zhao Chunni , Li Danjie , Wang Tianyun
Published: August 2016

The second member of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in the rejuvenated Western Sichuan Foreland Basin contains tens of metres of thick incised valley successions. Incised valleys have been widely discussed in traditional models; however, quantitative and detailed analyses of geometric variations and their interpreted controls on ancient incised valleys have rarely been attempted in the past. Using an integrated dataset of seismic profiles, well logs and cores, this study quantifies the geometric parameters of incised valleys and investigates the smaller‐scale depositional patterns. (1) During this period, incised valleys (IV) were 5–17 km wide, 20–60 m deep and traceable for 120 km along their axis, placing these valleys among the longest seismically imaged incised valleys in the world. (2) Three nested incised valley successions IV‐1, IV‐2 and IV‐3 can be identified. Except for IV‐2, the incised valleys decrease in width and depth downstream. (3) In the downstream segment, the role of tectonism diminishes gradually, and periodic base‐level changes control the form and evolution of the incised valleys. A downstream decrease in the stream power appears to be responsible for the decreasing trend in the incised valley geometry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mother and child temperament as interacting correlates of parenting sense of competence in toddlerhood
Authors: Grady Jessica S. , Karraker Katherine
Published: August 2016

We examined mother and child temperament as correlates of mothers' perceptions of the parenting role and considered whether mother and child traits combine to relate to parenting beliefs. Participants were 107 mothers of 21‐ to 27‐month‐old toddlers (53 males). Mothers reported their own and their toddlers' temperament and their own parenting sense of competence. Consistent with past work, both maternal and child traits were independently associated with parenting sense of competence. Mother and child negative emotionality were associated with less parenting sense of competence, and child sociability was associated with more parenting sense of competence. Relations between child activity level and parenting beliefs were mixed, with child activity level associated with less efficacy, but more interest, in parenting. Some of the relations between child temperament and maternal parenting beliefs also varied depending on mothers' temperament. Child low negative emotionality and high sociability were associated with more parenting sense of competence only when mothers also shared these traits. Child shyness was associated with more parenting sense of competence only among mothers who were more sociable. Findings underscore the importance of considering parenting beliefs in the context of both mother and child temperament traits.

Highlights

We examined child and maternal traits in relation to parenting efficacy, satisfaction, and interest in mothers of toddlers.

Child negativity, activity, sociability, and shyness were related to mothers' parenting beliefs, and some of these associations varied depending on mothers' temperament.

Research that considers both mother and child traits in relation to parenting self‐perceptions may ultimately inform interventions to promote positive parenting beliefs and optimal child development.
Wnt3A Induces GSK‐3β Phosphorylation and β‐Catenin Accumulation Through RhoA/ROCK
Authors: Kim Jae‐Gyu , Kim Myoung‐Ju , Choi Won‐Ji , Moon Mi‐Young , Kim Hee‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Yong , Kim Jaebong , Kim Sung‐Chan , Kang Seung Goo , Seo Goo‐Young , Kim Pyeung‐Hyeun , Park Jae‐Bong
Published: August 2016

In canonical pathway, Wnt3A has been known to stabilize β‐catenin through the dissociation between β‐catenin and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) that suppresses the phosphorylation and degradation of β‐catenin. In non‐canonical signaling pathway, Wnt was known to activate Rho GTPases and to induce cell migration. The cross‐talk between canonical and non‐canonical pathways by Wnt signaling; however, has not been fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that Wnt3A induces not only the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β and accumulation of β‐catenin but also RhoA activation in RAW264.7 and HEK293 cells. Notably, sh‐RhoA and Tat‐C3 abolished both the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β and accumulation of β‐catenin. Y27632, an inhibitor of Rho‐associated coiled coil kinase (ROCK) and si‐ROCK inhibited both GSK‐3β phosphorylation and β‐catenin accumulation. Furthermore, active domain of ROCK directly phosphorylated the purified recombinant GSK‐3β in vitro. In addition, Wnt3A‐induced cell proliferation and migration, which were inhibited by Tat‐C3 and Y27632. Taken together, we propose the cross‐talk between canonical and non‐canonical signaling pathways of Wnt3A, which induces GSK‐3β phosphorylation and β‐catenin accumulation through RhoA and ROCK activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1104–1113, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile Synthesis of 2‐Substituted 2,3‐Dihydro‐4(1H)‐Azuleno[2,1‐d]Pyrimidinones
Authors: Wang Dao‐Lin , Li Wei , Xu Jiao , Li Yuan‐Feng , Li Shao‐Fei , Lin Li‐Nan , Imafuku Kimiaki
Published: August 2016

A facile, efficient, and novel approach to access 2‐substituted 2,3‐dihydro‐4(1H)‐azuleno[2,1‐d]pyrimidinones was developed by condensation of 2‐amino‐1‐carbamoyl‐3‐phenylazulene with ary1 aldehydes or ketones in ionic liquids by catalyzed p‐toluenesulfonic acid.
Latest Pleistocene and Holocene glacial events in the Colonia valley, Northern Patagonia Icefield, southern Chile
Authors: Nimick David A. , McGrath Daniel , Mahan Shannon A. , Friesen Beverly A. , Leidich Jonathan
Published: August 2016

The Northern Patagonia Icefield (NPI) is the primary glaciated terrain worldwide at its latitude (46.5–47.5°S), and constraining its glacial history provides unique information for reconstructing Southern Hemisphere paleoclimate. The Colonia Glacier is the largest outlet glacier draining the eastern NPI. Ages were determined using dendrochronology, lichenometry, radiocarbon, cosmogenic 10Be and optically stimulated luminescence. Dated moraines in the Colonia valley defined advances at 13.2 ± 0.95, 11.0 ± 0.47 and 4.96 ± 0.21 ka, with the last being the first constraint on the onset of Neoglaciation for the eastern NPI from a directly dated landform. Dating in the tributary Cachet valley, which contains an ice‐dammed lake during periods of Colonia Glacier expansion, defined an advance at ca. 2.95 ± 0.21 ka, periods of advancement at 810 ± 49 cal a BP and 245 ± 13 cal a BP, and retreat during the intervening periods. Recent Colonia Glacier thinning, which began in the late 1800s, opened a lower‐elevation outlet channel for Lago Cachet Dos in ca. 1960. Our data provide the most comprehensive set of Latest Pleistocene and Holocene ages for a single NPI outlet glacier and expand previously developed NPI glacial chronologies.
Effect of acid treatment on allergenicity of peanut and egg
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Ok , Sung Dongeun , Park Su Hwa , Lee Jinyoung , Kim Jihyun , Shon Dong‐Hwa , Ahn Kangmo , Han Youngshin
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Many food experts have studied various treatments or processing techniques in order to develop hypoallergenic foods. In a previous study, acid treatment dramatically mitigated the allergenicity of peanut, especially Ara h 2.

RESULTS

Gel electrophoresis showed that most protein bands of acid‐treated peanut were not detected, but protein bands of egg white became weaker and broader by acid treatment. In immunoblotting using a rabbit antibody, the antigenicity against ovalbumin or ovomucoid in acid‐treated egg white was decreased but the antigenicity against Ara h 1 or Ara h 2 in peanut treated with pH 2 acetic acid was completely undetected. The allergenicity of ovalbumin and peanut fell significantly to 1/1022 and 1/5380, respectively, when measured as IC50 in the sample treated with pH 2.0 acetic acid.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that acid treatment was more effective in peanut and barely effective in ovomucoid. This may contribute to the development of hypoallergenic food and clinical management of food allergy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Generalizations of the centroid with an application in stochastic geometry
Authors: Vašata Daniel
Published: August 2016

The centroid of a subset of with positive volume is a well‐known characteristic. An interesting task is to generalize its definition to at least some sets of zero volume. In the presented paper we propose two possible ways how to do that. The first is based on the Hausdorff measure of an appropriate dimension. The second is given by the limit of centroids of ε‐neighbourhoods of the particular set when ε goes to 0. For both generalizations we discuss their existence and basic properties. Then we focus on sufficient conditions of existence of the second generalization and on conditions when both generalizations coincide. It turns out that they can be formulated with the help of the Minkowski content, rectifiability, and self‐similarity. Since the centroid is often used in stochastic geometry as a centre function for certain particle processes, we present properties that are needed for both generalizations to be valid centre functions. Finally, we also show their continuity on compact convex m‐sets with respect to the Hausdorff metric topology.
Cardiometabolic risk and gut microbial phytoestrogen metabolite phenotypes
Authors: Frankenfeld Cara L.
Published: August 2016

Recent evidence supports that the gut microbial community, independently and/or interactively with dietary intake, is a target for reducing cardiovascular disease risk through its effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. Dietary phytoestrogens may be a source for interactive effects. Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, lignans, and flavonoids, are compounds found in plants that have estrogenic or antiestrogenic activities, as well as antioxidant, antiproliferative, or apoptotic actions. Given these physiological activities, phytoestrogens may have a role in cardiometabolic health. Some phytoestrogens consumed in the diet undergo biotransformation through gut bacterial metabolism to other compounds that may exhibit similar or different physiological activity than the parent compound. There is interindividual variability in the capability to metabolize phytoestrogens to their metabolites, and there is a resulting phenotype that can be evaluated based on urinary metabolite excretion. Evidence suggests that phytoestrogen metabolites and/or phenotypes are associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and serum lipids, triglycerides, glucose, and inflammatory markers. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of the observed associations between gut microbial phytoestrogen metabolites and metabolite phenotypes with cardiometabolic risk factors, with focus on the more extensively studied isoflavone metabolites.
Inertes Schwefelhexafluorid aktivieren
Authors: Zámostná Lada , Braun Thomas
Published: August 2016

Schwefelhexafluorid dient seit Jahren als Isolator‐ und Kühlgas; dabei ist es das stärkste bekannte Treibhausgas. Es abzubauen, war bisher nur unter harschen Reaktionsbedingungen möglich. Es geht aber auch anders, zum Beispiel mit Natrium bei – 64 °C oder mit einem Rhodiumkatalysator.
Wenn der Spargel holzig wird
Authors: Schäfer Judith , Bunzel Mirko
Published: August 2016

Gemüse, das zu lange lagert, wird oft zäh, faserig oder holzig. Die Ursache sind chemische Veränderungen in den pflanzlichen Zellwänden: bei Ligninstrukturen und Polysaccharidprofilen. Beobachten lassen sich diese Vorgänge beispielsweise an Spargel.
Jeder kann mitmachen
Authors: Leusmann Eliza , Remenyi Christian
Published: August 2016

Die Redaktion Chemie der deutschsprachigen Wikipedia gibt es seit zehn Jahren. Sie besteht aus 17 ständigen und 9 gelegentlichen Redakteuren zwischen 18 und 90 Jahren – vom Erstsemester bis zum Rentner. Alle machen diese Arbeit ehrenamtlich.
Kunststoffpartikel sind überall – auch in Lebensmitteln?
Authors: Goldbeck Christophe , Fürst Peter , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Schymanski Darena
Published: August 2016

Mikroplastik hat als Umweltproblem inzwischen große Aufmerksamkeit erlangt. Kaum untersucht hingegen ist, ob auch Lebensmittel die winzigen Kunststoffpartikel enthalten; gängige Analysenmethoden erfassen bisher nur die größeren Mikroplastikpartikel, Untersuchungen im unteren Mikrometerbereich fehlen. Voraussetzung für eine zuverlässige Analytik ist eine kontaminationsfreie Probenaufarbeitung – die ist allerdings schwierig, denn Kunststoffe und deren Partikel kommen fast überall vor.
Geschäftsmodell Nanotechnik
Authors: Köster Hendrik
Published: August 2016

Führt eine gute Idee immer zum Erfolg? Welche Chancen und Risiken Nanotechnik‐Jungunternehmer beachten sollten.
Mittelstandsförderung: Fast die Hälfte vom Staat
Authors: Hohmann Michael
Published: August 2016

Wie das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie die Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsprojekte kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen unterstützt.
Großindustrie: Verlorene Firmen
Authors: Kleemann Axel
Published: August 2016

Wenn Unternehmen sich zusammenschließen, hoffen sie auf synergistische Effekte. Dies sind größere Marktmacht, Personalkostensenkungen, Projektkürzungen und geringere Innovationsanstrengungen. Dadurch hat sich die Pharmaindustrie in den vergangenen 15 Jahren stark verändert.
Selbstständigkeit: „Der Punkt, an dem man sich entscheiden muss“
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: August 2016

Der Chemiker Dominic Franck wollte wissen, woraus sich die Windeln seiner Töchter zusammensetzen, begann Fragen zu stellen und zu forschen. Nun bringt er mit Fairwindel eine Alternative aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen auf den Markt. Wie er zum Unternehmer wurde, schildert er im Nachrichten‐Interview.
Offene Wissenschaft
Authors: Seidl Markus
Published: August 2016

Wissenschaftliche Literatur soll besser verfügbar werden.
Assessing the reproducibility of high definition urethral pressure profilometry and its correlation with an air‐charged system
Authors: Klünder Mario , Amend Bastian , Sawodny Oliver , Stenzl Arnulf , Ederer Michael , Kelp Alexandra , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , Feuer Ronny
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Recently, a new urodynamic method for the assessment of stress urinary incontinence called high definition urethral pressure profilometry (HD‐UPP) has been introduced. This method combines a novel microtip catheter with advanced signal processing to enable spatial data location and the reconstruction of a pressure image inside the urethra. In order to assess the reproducibility of HD‐UPP data, we statistically evaluate HD‐UPP datasets and compare them to data from a double balloon air‐charged system.

Materials and Methods

Both catheters are used on sedated female minipigs. Data from the microtip catheter are processed through a signal reconstruction algorithm, urodynamic features are extracted, and compared to the air‐charged system. Reproducibility of HD‐UPP data is assessed by statistically evaluating consecutive, intra‐individual datasets.

Results

HD‐UPP delivers results in agreement with previous comparisons of microtip and air‐charged systems. The average deviation of two consecutive, intra‐individual pressure images is very low at 7 cm H2O.

Conclusions

HD‐UPP provides physicians with detailed information on the pressure distribution inside the urethra. Through comparison with an air‐charged catheter, it is shown that HD‐UPP delivers results in agreement with previous studies on the comparison of microtip and air‐charged catheters. It provides excellent reproducibility, as the difference between sequentially measured profiles from the same minipig is significantly lower than the one between profiles from different minipigs.
Lattice spring methods for arbitrary meshes in two and three dimensions
Authors: Reck M.
Published: August 2016

The computation of elastic continua is widely used in today's engineering practice, and finite element models yield a reasonable approximation of the physically observed behaviour. In contrast, the failure of materials due to overloading can be seen as a sequence of discontinuous effects finally leading to a system failure. Until now, it has not been possible to sufficiently predict this process with numerical simulations. It has recently been shown that discrete models like lattice spring models are a promising alternative to finite element models for computing the breakdown of materials because of static overstress and fatigue. In this paper, we will address one of the downsides of current lattice spring models, the need for a periodic mesh leading to a mesh‐induced anisotropy of material failure in simulations. We will show how to derive irregular cells that still behave as part of a homogeneous continuum irrespectively of their shape and which should be able to eliminate mesh‐induced anisotropy. In addition, no restraints concerning the material stiffness tensor are introduced, which allows the simulation of non‐isotropic materials. Finally, we compare the elastic response of the presented model with present lattice spring models using mechanical systems with a known analytical stress field. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What weight loss treatment options do geriatric patients with overweight and obesity want to consider?
Authors: MacMillan M. , Cummins K. , Fujioka K.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Since the 1990s, a number of weight loss medications have been removed from the USA and or European market because of adverse events associated with these medications. These medications include fenfluramine (heart valve thickening), sibutramine (cardiovascular risk) and rimonabant (depression). This history may affect a patient's desire to consider weight loss medications as an option for weight management.

Objective

This descriptive study was designed to observe what treatment options the geriatric patient (age 65 or higher) seeking weight loss would like to consider, as well as the reasons they felt they struggled with overweight or obesity.

Methods

A questionnaire was given to 102 geriatric patients with overweight or obesity before starting a weight loss programme at a weight management centre. The questionnaire asked the patient why they felt they were overweight or obese and what treatment options they wished to consider. The geriatric patients were matched with younger patients in body mass index and sex.

Results

The three most common perceptions that geriatric patients felt were causes of their increased weight were ‘lack of exercise’ (76.2%), ‘poor food choices’ (59.4%) and ‘cravings’ (47.5%). When geriatric patients were asked what treatment options they would like to discuss, the four most common options requested were ‘diet and healthy eating’ (67.3%), weight loss medications (57.4%), a request for a ‘metabolic work up’ (55.4%) and ‘exercise’ (53.5%). These responses were no different from their younger cohorts. When geriatric patients with a body mass index of 35 or higher were given bariatric surgery as a treatment option, 21.9% marked it as a treatment option they would like to consider.

Conclusions

Over half of geriatric patients desired to discuss weight loss medications as a treatment option. Diet and exercise were also of strong interest, which is in line with current weight management guidelines.