bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative potential of size-fractionated atmospheric aerosol in urban and rural sites across Europe
Authors: Shafer Martin M. , Hemming Jocelyn D. C. , Antkiewicz Dagmara S. , Schauer James J.
Published: April 2016

In this study we applied several assays, an in vitro rat alveolar macrophage model, a chemical ROS probe (DTT, dithiothreitol), and cytokine induction (TNFα) to examine relationships between PM-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PM composition, using a unique set of size-resolved PM samples obtained from urban and rural environments across Europe. From April–July 2012, we collected PM from roadside canyon, roadside motorway, and background urban sites in each of six European cities and from three rural sites spanning the continent. A Hi-Vol sampler was used to collect PM in three size classes (PM>7, PM7–3, PM3) and PM was characterized for total elements, and oxidative activity quantified in unfiltered and filtered PM extracts. We measured a remarkable uniformity in air concentrations of ROS and especially DTT activity across the continent. Only a 4-fold difference was documented for DTT across the urban sites and a similar variance was documented for ROS, implying that chemical drivers of oxidative activity are relatively similar between sites. The ROS and DTT specific activity was greater at urban background sites (and also rural sites) than at urban canyon locations. PM3 dominated the size distribution of both ROS activity (86% of total) and DTT activity (76% of total), reflecting both the large contribution of PM3 to total PM mass levels and importantly the higher specific oxidative activity of the PM3 in comparison with the larger particles. The soluble fraction of total activity was very high for DTT (94%) as well as for ROS (64%) in the PM3. However in the larger PM size fractions the contributions of the insoluble components became increasingly significant. The dominance of the insoluble PM drivers of activity was particularly evident in the TNFα data, where the insoluble contribution to cytokine production could be 100-fold greater than that from soluble components. ROS and DTT activity were strongly correlated in the PM3 (r = 0.93), however oxidative activity was not correlated with any measured inorganic element in this size cut. In contrast, significant correlations of both ROS and DTT oxidative activity with specific groups of chemical elements were documented in the larger PM size fractions.
Heat-killed and live Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 exhibit similar effects on improving metabolic functions in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Hsieh Feng-Ching , Lan Cheng-Che E. , Huang Tsui-Yin , Chen Kuan-Wei , Chai Chee-Yin , Chen Wan-Tzu , Fang Ai-Hui , Chen Yi-Hsing , Wu Ching-Shuang
Published: April 2016

Our objective was to investigate and compare the effects of heat-killed (HK) and liveLactobacillus reuteriGMNL-263 (Lr263) on insulin resistance and its related complications in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rats.
One-step synthesis of hierarchical aluminosilicates using alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid as a novel template
Authors: Fu Xiaoqin , Sheng Xiaoli , Zhou Yuming , Fu Zhiwei , Zhao Shuo , Zhang Zewu , Zhang Yiwei
Published: April 2016

A novel alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid was employed as a mesoporous structure-directing agent to synthesize hierarchical aluminosilicate with dual micro–mesoporous channels.
Novel construction technique, structure and photocatalysis of Y2O2CN2 nanofibers and nanobelts
Authors: Xu Shan , Wang Xinlu , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: April 2016

Pure trigonal phase Y2O2CN2 nanofibers and nanobelts have been successfully prepared by electrospinning in conjunction with cyanamidation technology. Y2O2CN2 nanofibers and nanobelts possess excellent and stable photocatalytic performance.
Facile self-templating preparation of polyacrylonitrile-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanospheres for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Yao Long , Yang Guangzhi , Han Pan
Published: April 2016

The article reports a polyacrylonitrile-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanospheres as high-performance supercapacitors via a green, facile and efficient strategy.
Metal–organic frameworks@graphene hybrid aerogels for solid-phase extraction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective enrichment of proteins
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqiong , Liang Qionglin , Han Qiang , Wan Wei , Ding Mingyu
Published: April 2016

MOFs@graphene hybrid aerogels were synthesized and used as efficient adsorbents for the extraction of drugs and selective enrichment of proteins.
Transformation of oil droplets into giant vesicles
Authors: Sheng Li , Kurihara Kensuke
Published: April 2016

We propose a protocell model in which compartments are constructed via a new process involving the formation of robust vesicles using an autocatalytic, self-reproducing oil droplet system as a ‘scaffold’.
Highly mono-selective ortho-trifluoromethylation of benzamides via 8-aminoquinoline assisted Cu-promoted C–H activations
Authors: Hu Liang , Chen Xiang , Gui Qingwen , Tan Ze , Zhu Gangguo
Published: April 2016

A highly mono-selective ortho-trifluoromethylation of benzamides was achieved via Cu-promoted C–H activations employing an 8-aminoquinoline group as the bidentate directing group and Togni reagent II as the CF3 source.
Very broadband diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy: 19F DOSY
Authors: Power Jane E. , Foroozandeh Mohammadali , Moutzouri Pinelopi , Adams Ralph W. , Nilsson Mathias , Coombes Steven R. , Phillips Andrew R. , Morris Gareth A.
Published: April 2016

A new pulse sequence, CHORUS Oneshot, allows measurements of diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) spectra over the full chemical shift range of 19F for the first time.
Dynamics of a plasmon-activated p-mercaptobenzoic acid layer deposited over Au nanoparticles using time-resolved SERS
Authors: Smith Gina , Girardon Jean-Sébastien , Paul Jean-François , Berrier Elise
Published: April 2016

Time-dependent SERS intensity recorded over a drop-coated coffee-ring pattern of p-MBA with gold colloids was investigated as a function of the specific laser power applied.
Hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids to diols over Re–Pd catalysts
Authors: Takeda Yasuyuki , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Okumura Kazu , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: April 2016

Ex situ liquid-phase reduced Re–Pd/SiO2 (Re/Pd = 8) showed good performance in the hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids to diols.
Na2Cu7(SeO3)4O2Cl4: a selenite chloride compound with Cu7units showing spin-frustration and a magnetization plateau
Authors: Tang Yingying , Guo Wenbin , Zhang Suyun , Xiang Hongping , Cui Meiyan , He Zhangzhen
Published: April 2016

A selenite chloride, Na2Cu7(SeO3)4O2Cl4, features isolated Cu7spin-clusters, showing an unusual magnetization plateau at an applied field of >4 T.
Electrophilic phosphonium cations (EPCs) with perchlorinated-aryl substituents: towards air-stable phosphorus-based Lewis acid catalysts
Authors: Postle Shawn , Podgorny Vitali , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: April 2016

A series of fluorophosphonium cations incorporating (C6Cl5) substituents, [Ph2PF(C6Cl5)][B(C6F5)4] 8, [PhPF(C6Cl5)2][B(C6F5)4] 9, and [(C6F5)PF(C6Cl5)2][B(C6F5)4] 10, were prepared and tested for air stability and catalytic activity.
Fluorescent LaVO4:Eu3+ micro/nanocrystals: pH-tuned shape and phase evolution and investigation of the mechanism of detection of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Zhu Yaqiong , Ni Yonghong , Sheng Enhong
Published: April 2016

LaVO4:Eu3+ micro/nanocrystals with various shapes were hydrothermally synthesized by adjusting the pH of the system at 180 °C for 12 h in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida prevents vascular dysfunction through PI3K/Akt/eNOS-dependent mechanisms in the l-NAME-induced hypertensive rat model
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Li Jian , Li Zhike , Sang Ying , Niu Yunhui , Zhang Qianying , Ding Hong , Yin Shanye
Published: April 2016

Despite major scientific advances in its prevention, treatment and care, hypertension remains a serious condition that might lead to long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke.
In vitro assessment of potential intestinal absorption of some phenolic families and carboxylic acids from commercial instant coffee samples
Authors: López-Froilán R. , Ramírez-Moreno E. , Podio N. S. , Pérez-Rodríguez M. L. , Cámara M. , Baroni M. V. , Wunderlin D. A. , Sánchez-Mata M. C.
Published: April 2016

Coffee is a source of flavors and bioactive compounds with wide differences in their bioaccesibility.
Water-in-oil microemulsions versus emulsions as carriers of hydroxytyrosol: an in vitro gastrointestinal lipolysis study using the pHstat technique
Authors: Chatzidaki Maria D. , Mateos-Diaz Eduardo , Leal-Calderon Fernando , Xenakis Aristotelis , Carrière Frédéric
Published: April 2016

W/O microemulsions are digested at a lower rate than emulsions, mainly because their high contents in emulsifiers result in a strong inhibition of gastric lipolysis.
Black tea polyphenols and polysaccharides improve body composition, increase fecal fatty acid, and regulate fat metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Wu Tao , Guo Yu , Liu Rui , Wang Kuan , Zhang Min
Published: April 2016

With the current changes in diet and living habits, obesity has become a global health problem.
Hydrophobic nanocoating of cellulose by solventless mechanical milling
Authors: Zhao Mengmeng , Kuga Shigenori , Wu Min , Huang Yong
Published: April 2016

Dry milling of cellulose in a PTFE pot causes friction-transfer of PTFE, leading to nanocoating of cellulose by PTFE.
A microfluidics-based on-chip impinger for airborne particle collection
Authors: Mirzaee I. , Song M. , Charmchi M. , Sun H.
Published: April 2016

An on-chip airborne particle sampling device (microimpinger) has been developed with collection efficiencies higher than 90%. The particle capturing mechanisms in a single microbubble are investigated by a CFD model.
In-mold patterning and actionable axo-somatic compartmentalization for on-chip neuron culture
Authors: Yamada Ayako , Vignes Maéva , Bureau Cécile , Mamane Alexandre , Venzac Bastien , Descroix Stéphanie , Viovy Jean-Louis , Villard Catherine , Peyrin Jean-Michel , Malaquin Laurent
Published: April 2016

In-mold patterning, combined with a transient partition system, provides a remarkably high efficiency of axon guidance and soma positioning during a long-term neuron culture.
NTSMDA: prediction of miRNA–disease associations by integrating network topological similarity
Authors: Sun Dongdong , Li Ao , Feng Huanqing , Wang Minghui
Published: April 2016

Recently, accumulating studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in exploring the pathogenesis of various human diseases at the molecular level and may result in the design of specific tools for diagnosis, treatment evaluation and prevention.
Systematic network-based discovery of a Fam20C inhibitor (FL-1607) with apoptosis modulation in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Qin Ziyi , Wang Peiqi , Li Xinyi , Zhang Shouyue , Tian Mao , Dai Yi , Fu Leilei
Published: April 2016

Family with sequence similarity 20, member C (Fam20C) is a physiological Golgi casein kinase that phosphorylates multiple secreted proteins.
Tuning of gel morphology with supramolecular chirality amplification using a solvent strategy based on an Fmoc-amino acid building block
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Li Shangyang , Ma Mingfang , Yang Minmin , Wang Yajie , Hao Aiyou , Xing Pengyao
Published: April 2016

The self-assembly of an aromatic amino acid affords diverse aggregates from flat nanofibers to twist nanofibers with tunable supramolecular chirality.
Hydrohalogenative aromatization of multiynes promoted by ruthenium alkylidene complexes
Authors: Karmakar Rajdip , Wang Kung-Pern , Yun Sang Young , Mamidipalli Phani , Lee Daesung
Published: April 2016

A new functionalization method of arynes promoted by a novel catalytic role of the Grubbs-type ruthenium alkylidene complex is described.
Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unprotected β-enamine phosphonates
Authors: Zhou Ming , Xue Zejian , Cao Min , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: April 2016

We have successfully developed a strategy for the first time for the enantioselective Rh-TaniaPhos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unprotected β-enamine phosphonates to free β-amino phosphonates directly with good enantioselectivities (80%–86% ee) and high conversions (>99% conversion).
Synthesis and amylin receptor activity of glycomimetics of pramlintide using click chemistry
Authors: Yule Lauren R. , Bower Rebekah L. , Kaur Harveen , Kowalczyk Renata , Hay Debbie L. , Brimble Margaret. A.
Published: April 2016

Synthetic clicked pramlintide glycomimetics maintained AMY1(a)activity and are expected to possess superior synthetic and pharmacokinetic properties thanN-glycosylated analogues.
Synthesis of ABB′ and ABC star copolymers via a combination of NMRP and ROP reactions
Authors: Hong Linxiang , He Junpo , Chen Yougen , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: April 2016

Well-defined miktoarm star copolymers (ABB′ and ABC) were synthesized via a combination of NMRP and ROP using N-(2-hydroxyethyl)maleimide as the branching molecule.
Copper-catalyzed tandem trifluoromethylation–cyclization of olefinic carbonyls: synthesis of trifluoromethylated 2,3-dihydrofurans and 3,4-dihydropyrans
Authors: Bai Xiaohui , Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: April 2016

A copper-catalyzed trifluoromethylation–cyclization of olefinic carbonyls was developed. With this method, a variety of 2,3-dihydrofuran and 3,4-dihydropyran derivatives containing a CF3 group were selectively obtained in moderate to good yields.
Reduction of [Co(iii)–EDTA]−complex by a novel process using phototrophic granules: a step towards sustainable bioremediation
Authors: Paraneeiswaran Arunachalam , Shukla Sudhir K. , Kumar Rajesh , Rao T. Subba
Published: April 2016

This study shows that phototrophic granules are more efficient as compared to microbial granules or monoculture bacterial culture and are a self-sustainable system to be used in bioremediation process of environmental contaminants.
Electrical current stimulated desorption of carbon dioxide adsorbed on graphene based structures
Authors: Sevanthi Ritesh , Irin Fahmida , Parviz Dorsa , Andrew Jackson W. , Green Micah J.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate Joule heating/electric swing adsorption (ESA) as a mode of regeneration and to compare the carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption capacity of pristine graphene films and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels.
Biphenyl derivatives containing trimethylsilyl benzyl ether or oxime groups as probes for NO2detection
Authors: Juárez L. Alberto , Costero Ana M. , Parra Margarita , Gil Salvador , Ródenas Javier , Sancenón Félix , Martínez-Máñez Ramón
Published: April 2016

New chromogenic biphenyl-based probes for selectively detecting NO2gas with limits of detection around 0.02 ppm.
One-step extraction of bismuth from bismuthinite in sodium carbonate–sodium chloride molten salt using ferric oxide as sulfur-fixing agent
Authors: Lin Wenrong , Yang Shenghai , Tang Chaobo , Chen Yongming , Ye Longgang
Published: April 2016

Schematic of new molten salt smelting of bismuthinite concentrate to extract Bi at low temperature.
Enhanced performance of glycerol to aromatics over Sn-containing HZSM-5 zeolites
Authors: Wang Fei , Xiao Weiyin , Gao Lijing , Xiao Guomin
Published: April 2016

Two routes exist in one-step catalytic conversion of glycerol to aromatics.
Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of phthalazin-1(2H)-one derivatives as novel cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Vila Noemí , Besada Pedro , Viña Dolores , Sturlese Mattia , Moro Stefano , Terán Carmen
Published: April 2016

A series of donepezil analogues based on phthalazin-1(2H)-one scaffold was studied as hChEIs. The biological results revealed that the structural modifications proposed significantly affected ChE inhibitory potency as well as selectivity AChE/BuChE.
Biocompatible natural sugar-based surfactant assisted oxidation of citric acid by MnO4−in absence and presence of SDS
Authors: Khan Zaheer , Al-Thabaiti Shaeel Ahmad , Malik Maqsood Ahmad
Published: April 2016

Crocin, a natural carotenoid with antioxidant properties, was used in the present investigation as a surfactant in the citric acid–MnO4−redox system for the first time.
Live diatoms facing Ag nanoparticles: surface enhanced Raman scattering of bulk cylindrotheca closterium pennate diatoms and of the single cells
Authors: Pinzaru Simona Cinta , Müller Csilla , Tomšić Sanja , Venter Monica M. , Brezestean Ioana , Ljubimir Stijepo , Glamuzina Branko
Published: April 2016

Live diatoms exposed to AgNPs revealed SERS mechanism dependent on the nanoparticles type while the SERS output allowed detection of extracellular substances.
Quantum dot sensitized electrospun mesoporous titanium dioxide hollow nanofibers for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Singh Narendra , Mondal Kunal , Misra Mrinmoy , Sharma Ashutosh , Gupta Raju Kumar
Published: April 2016

TiO2hollow nanofibers prepared by coaxial electrospinning were sensitized with CdS QDs by SILAR method and their photocatalytic dye degradation performance was investigated.
Gold nanoparticle-based nanosystems for the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ion contamination in the environment
Authors: Poornima Velswamy , Alexandar Vincent , Iswariya S. , Perumal Paramasivan T. , Uma Tiruchirappalli Sivagnanam
Published: April 2016

This review highlights the impact of Hg2+ contamination on the human population and the need for its detection.
Ultrafast synthesis of gold/proline-functionalized graphene quantum dots and its use for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of p-acetamidophenol
Authors: Xiaoyan Zhou , Ruiyi Li , Zaijun Li , Zhiguo Gu , Guangli Wang
Published: April 2016

The use of proline-functionalized graphene quantum dots offers the fastest reaction rate and highest yield. The sensor based on the nanohybrid exhibits a higher sensitivity than that of other reported sensors.
Heterogenization of heteropoly compounds: a review of their structure and synthesis
Authors: Rafiee E. , Eavani S.
Published: April 2016

The heterogenization of different types of heteropoly compoundsviasix popular methods from those published over the past recent 15 years is reviewed.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel analogues of batracylin with synthetic amino acids and adenosine: an unexpected effect on centromere segregation in tumor cells through a dual inhibition of topoisomerase IIα and Aurora B
Authors: Januchta Wioleta , Serocki Marcin , Dzierzbicka Krystyna , Cholewinski Grzegorz , Gensicka Monika , Skladanowski Andrzej
Published: April 2016

In the search for new anticancer agents we designed and synthesized batracylin derivatives with linking synthetic amino acid side chains of different lengths and adenosine.
Enhancement of battery performance of LiMn2O4: correlations between electrochemical and magnetic properties
Authors: Demirel S. , Oz E. , Altin S. , Bayri A. , Altin E. , Avci S.
Published: April 2016

We report the results of a systematic investigation of structural, electrical transport, magnetic, and electrochemical properties of LiBxMn2−xO4(wherex= 0.0–1), synthesizedviaa one-step solid state reaction technique.
The effects of macroporosity and stiffness of poly[(methyl vinyl ether)-alt-(maleic acid)] cross-linked egg white simulations of an aged extracellular matrix on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Guo Zhenchao , Zhang Tianzhu , Fang Kun , Dou Jun , Zhou Naizhen , Ma Xiaoe , Gu Ning
Published: April 2016

The effects of macroporosity and stiffness of P(MVE-alt-MA) cross-linked EW simulations of an aged ECM on the proliferation of cancer cells.
Applanatumols A and B, meroterpenoids with unprecedented skeletons from Ganoderma applanatum
Authors: Luo Qi , Di Lei , Yang Xiao-Hua , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: April 2016

Applanatumols A (1) and B [(±)-2], two unique meroterpenoids with a novel spiro[benzofuran-2,2′-bicyclo[3.2.2]nonane] ring system and a naturally unusual dioxacyclopenta[cd]inden motif, respectively, were isolated from Ganoderma applanatum.
An efficient ultra-thin chain-structured copper cobalt oxide/sulfide composite catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen generation
Authors: Gong Yudong , Zhao Yang , Chen Yujin , Wang Yizhi , Sun Chunwen
Published: April 2016

An ultra-thin chain-structured copper cobalt oxide/sulfide composite catalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method for HER.
Matrix-assisted diffusion-ordered spectroscopy
Authors: Evans Robert , Day Iain J.
Published: April 2016

Matrix-assisted diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy has the potential to transform mixture analysis by DOSY NMR.
Functional scale inhibitor nanoparticle capsule delivery vehicles for oilfield mineral scale control
Authors: Zhang Ping , Ruan Gedeng , Kan Amy T. , Tomson Mason B.
Published: April 2016

This study synthesized phosphonate–polymer nanoparticle capsules using SiO2nanoparticles as the building blocks and polymer aggregates as the template for the purpose of oilfield mineral scale control.
High rate capabilities of HF-etched SiOC anode materials derived from polymer for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ma Mingbo , Wang Hongjie , Niu Min , Su Lei , Fan Xingyu , Deng Jicheng , Zhang Yuan , Du Xianfeng
Published: April 2016

Polymer-derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) composites have recently attracted considerable attention because of their potential as high capacity electrode for rechargeable lithium ion batteries.
Functional dendritic compounds: potential prospective candidates for dental restorative materials and in situ re-mineralization of human tooth enamel
Authors: Jaymand Mehdi , Lotfi Meherdad , Lotfi Rana
Published: April 2016

This review provides a snapshot of recent progress in the synthesis and application of dendritic compounds as potential prospective candidates for dental restorative materials andin siture-mineralization of human tooth enamel.
Thermal stability of TPA template and size-dependent selectivity of uncalcined TS-1 supported Au catalyst for propene epoxidation with H2 and O2
Authors: Feng X. , Chen D. , Zhou X. G.
Published: April 2016

An Au/TS-1-B catalyst, whose internal TPA template is stable below 350 °C, shows volcano-shaped activity with reaction temperature and reaches a noteworthy PO formation rate (220 gPO h−1 kgCat−1) at 260 °C. Moreover, intrinsic size-dependent selectivity is also studied.
Exposing residual catalyst in a carbon nanotube sponge
Authors: Yang Liusi , Yang Yanbing , Zhao Xiulan , Zou Mingchu , Wu Shiting , Zhao Ruo , Wang Chunhui , Xu Wenjing , Li Yan , Cao Anyuan
Published: April 2016

Exposing residual catalyst in CNT sponges has potential applications as porous catalyst substrate and supercapacitor electrodes.
Rapid synthesis of hollow Ni(OH)2 with low-crystallinity for the electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid with high sensitivity
Authors: Chen Delun , Cao Yang , Chen Yong , Huang Wei , Wang Bingrong , Wang Xiaohong , Tu Jinchun
Published: April 2016

Ni(OH)2 performed good properties to ascorbic acid detection with the linear range of 10 μM to 0.20 mM, the detection limit of 3 μM (S/N = 3). The sensitivity is 1747.71 μA mM−1 cm−2, which is due to the hollow Ni(OH)2 with low crystallinity.
Signal-on electrochemical detection of antibiotics based on exonuclease III-assisted autocatalytic DNA biosensing platform
Authors: Wang Hongzhi , Wang Yu , Liu Su , Yu Jinghua , Guo Yuna , Xu Ying , Huang Jiadong
Published: April 2016

In this work, a novel electrochemical DNA sensor based on exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted autocatalytic DNA biosensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of antibiotics has been reported.
The carbon deposits formed by reaction of a series of red mud samples with methanol
Authors: Gu Hannian , Hargreaves Justin S. J. , McFarlane Andrew R. , MacKinnon Gillian
Published: April 2016

Magnetic carbon materials were prepared by the catalytic growth of graphitic carbon and carbon nanofibers using methanol as carbon source with a series of red mud wastes from different sources.
Simultaneous measurement of fluorescence, conversion and physical/mechanical properties for monitoring bulk and localized photopolymerization reactions in heterogeneous systems
Authors: Medel S. , Bosch P. , Grabchev I. , Shah P. K. , Liu J. , Aguirre-Soto A. , Stansbury J. W.
Published: April 2016

An FT-NIR spectrometer, rheometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer were coupled for the real-time monitoring of polymerization reactions, allowing the simultaneous tracking of polymerization kinetics, storage modulus as well as fluorescence.
Synthesis of hollow PtAg alloy nanospheres with excellent electrocatalytic performances towards methanol and formic acid oxidations
Authors: Zheng Fulin , Luk Sin-Yee , Kwong Tsz-Lung , Yung Ka-Fu
Published: April 2016

Hollow PtAg alloy nanospheres were synthesizedviagalvanic replacement reaction between silver nanoparticles and K2PtCl4at 60 °C.
Preparation and study of multi-responsive polyampholyte copolymers of N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride and acrylic acid
Authors: Zhao Jing , Burke Nicholas A. D. , Stöver Harald D. H.
Published: April 2016

Multi-responsive polyampholytes show LCST and UCST behaviour at different pH values, based on electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions.
[3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides generated by thermal ring opening of aziridines onto carbon nanohorns
Authors: Chronopoulos Demetrios D. , Liu Zheng , Suenaga Kazu , Yudasaka Masako , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: April 2016

Functionalization of carbon nanohorns via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated by thermal ring opening of aziridines.
Structurally-defined semi-interpenetrating amphiphilic polymer networks with tunable and predictable mechanical response
Authors: Achilleos Mariliz , Mpekris Fotios , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Krasia-Christoforou Theodora
Published: April 2016

Structurally-defined, 1,2-bis-(2-iodoethoxy)ethane (BIEE)-crosslinked semi-interpenetrating amphiphilic polymer networks were synthesized, exhibiting tunable and predictable mechanical response based on mathematical modeling.
An optimized purification process for porcine gastric mucin with preservation of its native functional properties
Authors: Schömig Veronika J. , Käsdorf Benjamin T. , Scholz Christoph , Bidmon Konstantinia , Lieleg Oliver , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: April 2016

The purification of porcine gastric mucin was optimized and key properties such as gel formation at acidic pH, lubrication behavior and interactions of mucins with charged molecules were preserved.
A transparent TiO2–C@TiO2–graphene free-standing film with enhanced visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Hu Luyang , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Shanmei , Li Benxia
Published: April 2016

A transparent TiO2–C@TiO2–graphene free-standing film with graphene wrapped flower-like TiO2 particles on C–TiO2 fibers is synthesized for visible light photocatalysis.
Structural, elastic and thermo-electronic properties of paramagnetic perovskite PbTaO3
Authors: Khandy Shakeel Ahmad , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: April 2016

Self-consistentab initiocalculations with highly precise spin-polarised, density functional theory (DFT) have been performed for the first time, to study the structural stability, mechanical and magneto-electronic properties of cubic perovskite PbTaO3.
A rationally designed rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for molecular imaging of peroxynitrite in live cells and tissues
Authors: Peng Tao , Chen Xingmiao , Gao Lei , Zhang Ting , Wang Wei , Shen Jiangang , Yang Dan
Published: April 2016

A novel fluorescent reporter HKYellow was rationally designed for the robust visualization of peroxynitrite production in live cells and tissues.
Readily accessible multifunctional fluorous emulsions
Authors: Sletten Ellen M. , Swager Timothy M.
Published: April 2016

Mixtures of perfluorocarbon and water containing functionalized polymer surfactants and fluorous-tagged small molecules yield multifunctional emulsions with defined functionality on the inside and outside of the droplets.
Pd-catalyzed dehydrogenative annulation approach for the efficient synthesis of phenanthridinones
Authors: Li Xinyao , Pan Jun , Song Song , Jiao Ning
Published: April 2016

A novel Pd-catalyzed intermolecular dehydrogenative annulation of aryl iodides and aryl carbamic chlorides for the efficient synthesis of phenanthridinone derivatives was developed.
Combined aggregation induced emission (AIE), photochromism and photoresponsive wettability in simple dichloro-substituted triphenylethylene derivatives
Authors: Ou Depei , Yu Tao , Yang Zhiyong , Luan Tiangang , Mao Zhu , Zhang Yi , Liu Siwei , Xu Jiarui , Chi Zhenguo , Bryce Martin R.
Published: April 2016

We present AIE, photochromism and photoresponsive wettability properties in a simple dichloro-substituted triphenylethylene molecule.
Achieving very bright mechanoluminescence from purely organic luminophores with aggregation-induced emission by crystal design
Authors: Xu Bingjia , Li Wenlang , He Jiajun , Wu Sikai , Zhu Qiangzhong , Yang Zhiyong , Wu Yuan-Chun , Zhang Yi , Jin Chongjun , Lu Po-Yen , Chi Zhenguo , Liu Siwei , Xu Jiarui , Bryce Martin R.
Published: April 2016

An effective strategy for the molecular design of AIE-ML materials is demonstrated based on tetraphenylethene with formyl substituents.
Theranostic metal–organic framework core–shell composites for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery
Authors: Zhao Huai-Xin , Zou Quan , Sun Shao-Kai , Yu Chunshui , Zhang Xuejun , Li Rui-Jun , Fu Yan-Yan
Published: April 2016

A novel multifunctional MOF-based composite with good biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity, sustained drug release and outstanding MR imaging capability was developed through a simple in situ growth procedure for simultaneous drug delivery and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
Fluorescent transmembrane anion transporters: shedding light on anionophoric activity in cells
Authors: Berry Stuart N. , Soto-Cerrato Vanessa , Howe Ethan N. W. , Clarke Harriet J. , Mistry Ishna , Tavassoli Ali , Chang Young-Tae , Pérez-Tomás Ricardo , Gale Philip A.
Published: April 2016

A series of fluorescent anion transporters have been synthesised and their anion transport properties and interactions with cancer cell lines studied.
Comprehensive review on material requirements, present status, and future prospects for building-integrated semitransparent photovoltaics (BISTPV)
Authors: Saifullah Muhammad , Gwak Jihye , Yun Jae Ho
Published: April 2016

The net electricity savings in dwellings and commercial edifices can be substantially enhanced by using BISTPV shrewdly that can pave the way to realize net zero-energy buildings.
Impregnation of metal ions into porphyrin-based imine gels to modulate guest uptake and to assemble a catalytic microfluidic reactor
Authors: Zeng Lihua , Liao Peisen , Liu Haoliang , Liu Liping , Liang Ziwei , Zhang Jianyong , Chen Liuping , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: April 2016

A series of (metallo)porphyrin imine gels show tuneable gas adsorption and the potential to assemble a catalytic gel capillary reactor.
HC(NH2)2PbI3as a thermally stable absorber for efficient ZnO-based perovskite solar cells
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Hu Weidong , Wang Xiao-Feng , Chen Gang , Tian Wenjing , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: April 2016

Previous investigations have revealed that CH3NH3PbI3-based perovskites rapidly decompose on ZnO at elevated temperature. The thermostability of a perovskite film on ZnO was substantially improved with FAPbI3owing to the robust nature of FA compared with methylammonium (MA) in CH3NH3PbI3.
Ditungsten carbide nanoparticles encapsulated by ultrathin graphitic layers with excellent hydrogen-evolution electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Zhou Yao , Ma Ruguang , Li Pengxi , Chen Yongfang , Liu Qian , Cao Guozhong , Wang Jiacheng
Published: April 2016

Ultrathin graphitic layer-encapsulated ditungsten carbide nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 10 nm were synthesized by a one-step protocol, exhibiting a superior HER activity in acidic solution.
Enzymatically regulated demineralisation of pathological bone using sodium hexametaphosphate
Authors: Eisenstein Neil , Williams Richard , Cox Sophie , Stapley Sarah , Grover Liam
Published: April 2016

Human heterotopic ossification before (A) and after (B) incubation in hexametaphosphate.
Modulating the cellular microenvironment with disulfide-containing nanoparticles as an auxiliary cancer treatment strategy
Authors: Yang Jingmei , Duan Yongchao , Zhang Xuezhu , Wang Yongjian , Yu Ao
Published: April 2016

Disulfide-containing nanoparticles modulate cellular redox microenvironment when deliver drug into cells, and have significant influence on therapeutic response and efficacy.
Facile preparation of copper nitride powders and nanostructured films
Authors: Szczęsny Robert , Szłyk Edward , Wiśniewski Marek A. , Hoang Tuan K. A. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: April 2016

Powders and thin films of copper nitride, Cu3N, can be synthesised simply from copper(ii) trifluoroacetate, the latter by facile solution processing, resulting in stoichiometric nanostructured semiconducting materials with a band gap of 1.48 eV.
Molecularly-doped polyurethane foams with massive piezoelectric response
Authors: Moody M. J. , Marvin C. W. , Hutchison G. R.
Published: April 2016

We report a new piezoelectric design scheme and flexible polyurethane foams with d33 piezocoefficients up to 244 ± 30 pC N−1. Doping nonpolar polymers with polar molecules creates highly polar materials, while mesostructures yield advantageous mechanical properties for piezoelectric response.
Wavelength-dependent optical transition mechanisms for light-harvesting of perovskite MAPbI3solar cells using first-principles calculations
Authors: Chen Hsin-An , Lee Ming-Hsien , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: April 2016

The recently emerging class of solid-state hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite-based solar cells has demonstrated remarkably high power conversion efficiencies of up to ∼20%.
A mechanically and electrically self-healing graphite composite dough for stencil-printable stretchable conductors
Authors: Wu Tongfei , Chen Biqiong
Published: April 2016

A graphite composite dough exhibited rapid mechanically and electrically self-healing properties under ambient conditions and showed potential for highly stretchable conductor applications.
FAP finds FGF21 easy to digest
Authors: Gillum Matthew P. , Potthoff Matthew J.
Published: April 2016

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In humans, circulating FGF21 is inactivated by proteolytic cleavage of its C-terminus, thereby preventing signalling through a receptor complex. The mechanism for this cleavage event and the factors contributing to the post-translational regulation of FGF21 activity has previously been unknown. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Zhen et al. have identified fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as the endopeptidase responsible for this site-specific cleavage of human FGF21 (hFGF21), and propose that inhibition of FAP may be a therapeutic strategy to increase endogenous levels of active FGF21.
GDF-15 enhances intracellular Ca2+ by increasing Cav1.3 expression in rat cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Lu Jun-Mei , Wang Chang-Ying , Hu Changlong , Fang Yan-Jia , Mei Yan-Ai
Published: April 2016

GDF-15 (growth/differentiation factor 15) is a novel member of the TGF (transforming growth factor)-β superfamily that has critical roles in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We reported previously that GDF-15 increased delayed rectifier outward K+ currents and Kv2.1 α subunit expression through TβRII (TGF-β receptor II) to activate Src kinase and Akt/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling in rat CGNs (cerebellar granule neurons). In the present study, we found that treatment of CGNs with GDF-15 for 24 h increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in response to membrane depolarization, as determined by Ca2+ imaging. Whole-cell current recordings indicated that GDF-15 increased the inward Ca2+ current (ICa) without altering steady-state activation of Ca2+ channels. Treatment with nifedipine, an inhibitor of L-type Ca2+ channels, abrogated GDF-15-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and ICa. The GDF-15-induced increase in ICa was mediated via up-regulation of the Cav1.3 α subunit, which was attenuated by inhibiting Akt/mTOR and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) pathways and by pharmacological inhibition of Src-mediated TβRII phosphorylation. Given that Cav1.3 is not only a channel for Ca2+ influx, but also a transcriptional regulator, our data confirm that GDF-15 induces protein expression via TβRII and activation of a non-Smad pathway, and provide novel insight into the mechanism of GDF-15 function in neurons.
Pretreatment Acoustic Predictors of Gender, Femininity, and Naturalness Ratings in Individuals With Male-to-Female Gender Identity
Authors: Hardy Teresa L. D. , Boliek Carol A. , Wells Kristopher , Dearden Carol , Zalmanowitz Connie , Rieger Jana M.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the pretreatment acoustic characteristics of individuals with male-to-female gender identity (IMtFGI) and investigate the ability of the acoustic measures to predict ratings of gender, femininity, and vocal naturalness.

Method

This retrospective descriptive study included 2 groups of participants. Speakers were IMtFGI who had not previously received communication feminization treatment (
N
= 25). Listeners were members of the lay community (
N
= 30). Acoustic data were retrospectively obtained from pretreatment recordings, and pretreatment recordings also served as stimuli for 3 perceptual rating tasks (completed by listeners).

Results

Acoustic data generally were within normal limits for male speakers. All but 2 speakers were perceived to be male, limiting information about the relationship between acoustic measures and gender perception. Fundamental frequency (reading) significantly predicted femininity ratings (
p
= .000). A total of 3 stepwise regression models indicated that minimum frequency (range task), second vowel formant (sustained vowel), and shimmer percentage (sustained vowel) together significantly predicted naturalness ratings (
p
= .005,
p
= .003, and
p
= .002, respectively).

Conclusions

Study aims were achieved with the exception of acoustic predictors of gender perception, which could be described for only 2 speakers. Future research should investigate measures of prosody, voice quality, and other aspects of communication as predictors of gender, femininity, and naturalness.
Reevaluation of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Boeschen Hospers J. Mirjam , Smits Niels , Smits Cas , Stam Mariska , Terwee Caroline B. , Kramer Sophia E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

We reevaluated the psychometric properties of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap (AIADH; Kramer, Kapteyn, Festen, & Tobi, 1995) using item response theory. Item response theory describes item functioning along an ability continuum.

Method

Cross-sectional data from 2,352 adults with and without hearing impairment, ages 18–70 years, were analyzed. They completed the AIADH in the web-based prospective cohort study “Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing.” A graded response model was fitted to the AIADH data. Category response curves, item information curves, and the standard error as a function of self-reported hearing ability were plotted.

Results

The graded response model showed a good fit. Item information curves were most reliable for adults who reported having hearing disability and less reliable for adults with normal hearing. The standard error plot showed that self-reported hearing ability is most reliably measured for adults reporting mild up to moderate hearing disability.

Conclusions

This is one of the few item response theory studies on audiological self-reports. All AIADH items could be hierarchically placed on the self-reported hearing ability continuum, meaning they measure the same construct. This provides a promising basis for developing a clinically useful computerized adaptive test, where item selection adapts to the hearing ability of individuals, resulting in efficient assessment of hearing disability.
Academic, Clinical, and Educational Experiences of Self-Identified Fluency Specialists
Authors: Coalson Geoffrey A. , Byrd Courtney T. , Rives Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to examine whether the academic, clinical, and fluency-related student experiences of professionals who self-identify as having specialized knowledge of fluency disorders differ from those who do not.

Method

An online survey was developed to identify the academic, clinical, and specific fluency-related experiences professionals had when they were undergraduate and graduate students. The survey was completed by 219 professionals within the field of speech-language pathology (122 self-identified specialists, 97 self-identified non-specialists).

Results

Considerable overlap was observed in training experiences of self-identified specialists and non-specialists. However, Chi-square analyses revealed a significantly greater proportion of self-identified specialists reported (a) completion of a dedicated course in fluency disorders during undergraduate and graduate curriculum, (b) interaction with five or more fluency clients during clinical practicum, and (c) exposure to specific fluency-related activities such as voluntary stuttering and attendance at a fluency-related support group.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that despite the degree of overlap between self-identified specialists' and non-specialists' pre-professional training, the quantity and quality of certain experiences may influence future decisions to focus more exclusively on working with persons who stutter.
Similarity fusion scheme for cover song identification
Authors: Chen Ning , Xiao Hai‐dong
Published: April 2016

To take advantage of the complementarity of different features in representing the common facets shared among cover versions, the similarity network fusion strategy in biological field is adopted to fuse the cochlear pitch class profile (PCP), beat‐synchronous chroma and harmonic PCP feature‐based similarity networks for cover song identification. For a music collection, first, the similarity network based on each feature and corresponding similarity measure is generated; then, the similarity network fusion method is used to fuse these similarity networks to create the fused similarity network; finally, the similarity scores in fused similarity network are used to train a classifier, which can then be used to identify whether the corresponding tracks are reference/cover or reference/non‐cover pair according to the input similarity value. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed scheme not only realised general classification with high accuracy, but also outperformed the state‐of‐the‐art schemes in high‐score evaluation and defining cover versions community.
W‐type highly erbium‐doped active soft‐glass fibre with high nonlinearity
Authors: Vazquez‐Zuniga L.A. , Feng X. , Kwon Y. , Kim H. , Shi J. , Loh W. , Jeong Y.
Published: April 2016

A highly nonlinear W‐type erbium‐doped fibre with high dopant concentration made of three lead silicate glass materials (Schott SF57, LLF1 and SF6) is presented. The fibre is designed to have a flat anomalous dispersion at ∼1.55 μm, which is critical for enhancing parametric wavelength conversion. With this fibre, signals at ∼ 1.55 μm are successfully amplified in continuous‐wave and pico‐second‐pulsed formats with a 1.48 μm pump source. In particular, spectral broadening of over 350 nm together with strong degenerate four‐wave‐mixing effects is demonstrated. The authors highlight that this novel fibre combines, for first time to their knowledge, the benefits of highly doped active fibres with those of dispersion/nonlinearity‐engineered fibres.
Battery powered high efficiency single‐stage switching amplifier
Authors: Zhong Shu , Xu Jianping , Chen Xuejian , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2016

A high efficiency single‐stage switching amplifier based on high‐frequency link inverter is proposed. Bipolar phase shift modulation is adopted in the proposed switching amplifier. Auxiliary circuits including freewheeling diodes, clamp capacitors and active clamp bridge (ACB) are added to provide a current flowing path for the inductor current during the dead time of the bidirectional switches. The ACB is synchronised with primary‐side switches to absorb the leakage inductor energy and clamp the secondary‐side transformer voltages. With single‐stage conversion and leakage inductor energy recycle, high efficiency of the proposed switching amplifier is achieved. A 5 V/25 W prototype is presented to verify the analysis results of the proposed switching amplifier.
Characterisation by Gaussian processes of finite substrate size effects on gain patterns of microstrip antennas
Authors: Jacobs J. Pieter
Published: April 2016

A procedure is presented for characterising the effects of varying finite substrate/ground plane size on the gain properties of microstrip antennas by means of Gaussian process regression (GPR). Two kinds of microstrip antenna were considered, namely a probe‐fed patch antenna on both thin and thick dielectric substrates, and an L‐probe‐fed patch on a thick air substrate. CST Microwave Studio was used to generate training and test data for the GPR models. Frontal E and H‐plane gain patterns could be predicted with normalised root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) of <1.8% for the thin‐substrate probe‐fed patch and the L‐probe‐fed patch; for the thick‐substrate probe‐fed patch, RMSEs were 2.1 and 2.8% for the two principal plane gain patterns, respectively. Furthermore, the GPR models could predict patterns at least two orders of magnitude faster than it took to obtain them via direct simulation in CST. Such models are expected to be useful in CAD‐based environments for rapidly obtaining estimates of substrate/ground‐plane size effects on gain characteristics in lieu of time‐consuming full‐wave simulations.
Predicting household water use behaviour for improved hygiene practices in internet of things environment via dynamic behaviour intervention model
Authors: Fu Yang , Wu Wenyan
Published: April 2016

Recent advances in Internet of Things (IoT) enabled technologies allow the intelligent sensor systems to effectively and efficiently observe and identify human behaviour in many applications, particularly in energy consumption and healthcare sectors. One typical case is that how to use IoT technologies to understand human water use behaviour for improved and sustained hygiene practice. Traditionally, static behaviour intervention models are widely utilised to simulate behaviour intervention process over time. These static methods can predict targeted human behaviour reasonably well, but lack of capabilities on understanding and responding behaviour change process in IoT environments. In this study, the authors proposed a dynamic behaviour intervention model for predicting household water user behaviour for improved hygiene practices. This model is based on an expanded theory of planned behaviour (ETPB), and adopted structure equation model approach and control engineering concept. A case study of household water consumption model using artificial neural network is utilised to evaluate intervention trend of proposed ETPB dynamic behaviour model with system parameter identification. The ETPB dynamic model has been proved to be effective for modelling human behaviour intervention process.