bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Photocatalysed Degradation of Ibuprofen and Naproxen in Water: Competing Hydroxyl Radical Attack and Oxidative Decarboxylation by Semiconductor Holes
Authors: Romeiro Andreia , Azenha M. Emília , Canle Moisés , Rodrigues Victor H. N. , Da Silva José P. , Burrows Hugh D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe accumulation of pharmaceuticals in the environment is of major concern, and efficient procedures are needed to eliminate them. Inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, offer a promising solution. We compare the photocatalytic degradation of the two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs ibuprofen (IBP) and naproxen (NPX) by TiO2 nanoparticles in water. Photocatalysts synthesized using different methods were evaluated and compared with commercially available Evonik‐P25 TiO2, and with direct photodegradation. The synthesized nanoparticles show high photocatalytic activity towards IBP (>97% degradation) and NPX (>90% degradation), and up to 79% mineralization is observed with NPX, and ca 50% with IBP. Major IBP photoproducts were 1‐(4‐isobutylphenyl)ethanol, 1‐(4‐isobutylphenyl)ethanone and 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl)‐2‐methylpropan‐1‐ol, while photocatalysis of NPX, showed the formation of 1‐(6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanol and 1‐(6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)ethanone. The results were rationalized by considering one major primary pathway that involves initial decarboxylation of a chemisorbed compound followed by degradation of the radical intermediate produced. Our findings strongly suggest that with these compounds possessing carboxylic acid groups, the degradation mechanism involves competition between oxidative decarboxylation of chemisorbed compounds by semiconductor holes, and hydroxyl radical attack on physisorbed substrates.
Agar‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Xu Jianguo , Cui Hongmin , Shi Jinsong , Yan Nanfu , Liu Yuewei , Li Dan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn efficient carbonaceous CO2 adsorbent with doped nitrogen element is derived from agar. Agar was mixed with urea and the mixture was then carbonized. After chemical activation with KOH, nitrogen doped microporous carbon was obtained. The nitrogen content was up to 8.58 wt %, depending on the preparation conditions. The CO2 adsorption properties, including the adsorption isotherms, the isosteric heat of adsorption and the adsorption selectivity were studied. The highest CO2 uptake of 6.5 mmol g−1 (273 K, 1 bar) was achieved by a carbon activated at 600 °C with moderate nitrogen content, while the carbon activated at 550 °C exhibited the best CO2/N2 selectivity of 37. The current work exploits the potential use of agar as carbon precursor for CO2 adsorbent, and provides a convenient and effective approach to nitrogen doping.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of Novel Diacylhydrazines Derivatives Containing a N‐Pyrazolepyrazole Moiety
Authors: Yu Gang , Luo Lijun , Chen Shunhong , He Feng , Xie Yun , Luo Dexia , Xue Wei , Wu Jian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA series of novel diacylhydrazine derivatives containing a N‐pyrazolepyrazole heterocycle was designed, synthesized and evaluated for insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella, Nilaparvata lugens, Mythimna separata, Culex pipiens pallens, Helicoverpa armigera, and Ostrinia nubilalis. The bioassays showed that some of the title compounds had moderate to good insecticidal activity. Compound 9 v exhibited 100% activity at 125 mg/L and with LC50 was 13.6 mg/L (much better than that of chlorpyrifos). Compounds 9 b, 9 g, and 10 a exhibited 100% activity against N. lugens at 500 mg/L. Compound 10 a produced 100% mortality of C. pipiens pallens at 10 mg/L. Preliminary structure‐activity relationships (SAR) and molecular docking were discussed.
Nanofluidic Biosensor Created by Bonding Patterned Model Cell Membrane and Silicone Elastomer with Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Tanabe Masashi , Ando Koji , Komatsu Ryota , Morigaki Kenichi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSelective and sensitive detection of specific molecules in a solution containing diverse coexisting molecules is important in many biomedical and environmental applications, including diagnostics and pollutant detection. Here, a nanofluidic biosensor is developed to detect specific target molecules (e.g., toxin proteins) in the presence of nontarget molecules by bonding a patterned model cell membrane and a silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane: PDMS) sheet using surface‐modified silica nanoparticles as the adhesive layer. Owing to the uniform size of nanoparticles, a nanometric gap junction is formed between the fluid bilayer and PDMS (nanogap‐junction). The thickness of the nanogap‐junction is controlled by the size of the silica nanoparticles. Target molecules that specifically bind to the receptor molecules in the fluid bilayer are selectively transported into the nanogap‐junction via lateral diffusion through the lipid membrane. A thinner gap formed with smaller nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity (signal‐to‐background ratio) more effectively, owing to the suppression of nonspecific penetration of coexisting molecules. Silica nanoparticles also provide excellent mechanical robustness, realizing long‐term stability of the gap structure. Nanogap‐junction using silica nanoparticles provides a versatile platform for highly selective and sensitive sensing by realizing detection of specific target molecules in a solution containing more concentrated nontarget molecules.
A Highly Reversible Long‐Life Li–CO2 Battery with a RuP2‐Based Catalytic Cathode
Authors: Guo Ziyang , Li Jinli , Qi Haocheng , Sun Xuemei , Li Hongdong , Tamirat Andebet Gedamu , Liu Jie , Wang Yonggang , Wang Lei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRechargeable Li–CO2 batteries have attracted worldwide attention due to the capability of CO2 capture and superhigh energy density. However, they still suffer from poor cycling performance and huge overpotential. Thus, it is essential to explore highly efficient catalysts to improve the electrochemical performance of Li–CO2 batteries. Here, phytic acid (PA)‐cross‐linked ruthenium complexes and melamine are used as precursors to design and synthesize RuP2 nanoparticles highly dispersed on N, P dual‐doped carbon films (RuP2‐NPCFs), and the obtained RuP2‐NPCF is further applied as the catalytic cathode for Li–CO2 batteries. RuP2 nanoparticles that are uniformly deposited on the surface of NPCF show enhanced catalytic activity to decompose Li2CO3 at low charge overpotential. In addition, the NPCF its with porous structure in RuP2‐NPCF provides superior electrical conductivity, high electrochemical stability, and enough ion/electron and space for the reversible reaction in Li–CO2 batteries. Hence, the RuP2‐NPCF cathode delivers a superior reversible discharge capacity of 11951 mAh g−1, and achieves excellent cyclability for more than 200 cycles with low overpotentials (<1.3 V) at the fixed capacity of 1000 mAh g−1. This work paves a new way to design more effective catalysts for Li–CO2 batteries.
A Pseudolayered MoS2 as Li‐Ion Intercalation Host with Enhanced Rate Capability and Durability
Authors: Gong Shan , Zhao Guangyu , Lyu Pengbo , Sun Kening 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAs a popular strategy, interlayer expansion significantly improves the Li‐ion diffusion kinetics in the MoS2 host, while the large interlayer spacing weakens the van der Waals force between MoS2 monolayers, thus harming its structural stability. Here, an oxygen‐incorporated MoS2 (O‐MoS2)/graphene composite as a self‐supported intercalation host of Li‐ion is prepared. The composite delivers a specific capacity of 80 mAh g−1 in only 36 s at a mass loading of 1 mg cm−2, and it can be cycled 3000 times (over 91% capacity retention) with a 5 mg cm−2 loading at 2 A g−1. The O‐MoS2 exhibits a dominant 1T phase with an expanded layer spacing of 10.15 Å, leading to better Li‐ion intercalation kinetics compared with pristine MoS2. Furthermore, ex situ X‐ray diffraction tests indicate that O‐MoS2 sustains a stable structure in cycling compared with the gradual collapse of pristine MoS2, which suffers from excessive lattice breathing. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the MoOx(OH)y pillars in O‐MoS2 interlayers not only expand the layer spacing, but also tense the MoS2 layers to avoid exfoliation in cycling. Therefore, the O‐MoS2 shows a pseudolayered structure, leading to remarkable durability besides the outstanding rate capability as a Li‐ion intercalation host.
Chromium Oxynitride Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Yao Yao , Feng Qi , Zhu Shangqian , Li Jiadong , Yao Yuze , Wang Yajun , Wang Qi , Gu Meng , Wang Haijiang , Li Hui , Yuan Xiao‐Zi , Shao Minhua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical synthesis of ammonia via nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has received much attention as a more environmentally friendly and less energy consuming technology than the conventional Haber–Bosch process. The catalytic activities of all NRR electrocatalysts reported so far, however, are very low under ambient conditions. In this study, partially oxidized chromium nitride (chromium oxynitride) nanoparticles are synthesized and their NRR activities are evaluated in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer under ambient conditions. The highest ammonia formation rate of 8.9 × 10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 and 15.56 µg h−1 mg−1cat are achieved at a cell voltage of 2.0 V. The highest Faradaic efficiency of 6.7% is achieved at a cell voltage of 1.8 V. The findings demonstrate that metal nitride–based materials can be promising electrocatalysts toward NRR and could guide rational design of more advanced catalysts for various reactions.
Changes of blood pressure following initiation of physical inactivity and after external addition of pulses to circulation
Authors: Sackner Marvin A. , Patel Shivam , Adams Jose A. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Purpose
To determine whether an innovative, motorized, wellness device that effortlessly produces physical activity (JD) can mitigate the hypertensive effects of prolonged sitting or lying down.

Methods
Twenty-two normotensive and hypertensive adults of both genders gave informed consent to participate in a randomized controlled crossover study of a passive simulated jogging device (JD) in both supine and seated postures. Each study participant was monitored with a continuous non-invasive arterial pressure monitoring device (CNAP) over 60 min. The initial 10 min served as baseline for each posture. The subjects were randomized to begin with either JD or SHAM control for 30 min, and monitoring was continued for an additional 10 min in one posture; three days later posture and order of JD or SHAM were changed.

Results
In both seated and supine postures, SHAM was associated with a significant rise in blood pressure (BP) which was observed within 5–10 min; it continued to rise or remain elevated for over a 40-min observation period. In contrast, JD produced a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both postures. During recovery in seated posture JD decreased systolic and diastolic BP by − 8.1 and − 7.6 mmHg, respectively. In supine posture, a similar decrease in BP occurred.

Conclusions
There is rapid onset of increase in systolic and diastolic BP with physical inactivity in both supine and seated postures. Administration of JD significantly decreased BP in both postures. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effectiveness.
Is non-variety boring? The perception of consumers who incorporate variety or non-variety in their consumer choices
Authors: Stasiuk Katarzyna , Bochyńska Katarzyna , Śliwińska Paulina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPrevious research has shown that self-presentation could be a relevant motive in explaining variety-seeking behavior. Individuals anticipate that sticking to a limited range of one’s favorites would make a negative impression on others, and others might conclude that they are boring or narrow-minded (Ariely and Levav Journal of Consumer Research, 27, 279–290, 2000; Ratner and Kahn The Journal of Consumer Research, 29, 246–257, 2002). In our research, we wanted to investigate this lay assumption. We also hypothesized the moderating role of a consumer’s gender. The results of study 1 (N = 211) confirmed that incorporating variety in consumer behavior may be a cue for social perception. Consumers who preferred non-variety in consumer choices were evaluated as less socially attractive than those who preferred variety. However, female consumers who preferred variety were evaluated as less responsible. These results were replicated in study 2 (N = 276). The study also revealed the mediational role of the evaluation of a consumer’s predictability in the relationship between her variety seeking and social attractiveness. Study 2 also showed the moderating role of participant gender in the evaluation of a consumer’s responsibility. The female consumer who incorporated variety in her consumer choices was evaluated as less responsible, but only when she was described as a mother and wife and only by female participants.
Reassessing the need for active surveillance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae in the neonatal intensive care population
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Soghier Lamia , Floyd Tara Taylor , Harris Tracie R. , Short Billie L. , DeBiasi Roberta L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the continued need for active surveillance to prevent extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) transmission in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).DesignThis retrospective observational study included patients with ESBL-E colonization or infection identified during their NICU stay at our institution between 1999 and March 2018. Active surveillance was conducted between 1999 and March 2017 by testing rectal swab specimens collected upon admission and weekly thereafter. The overall incidence rates, of ESBL-E colonization or infection (including hospital acquired) before and after active surveillance were calculated. The cost associated with active surveillance was then estimated.ResultsOverall, 171 NICU patients were found to have ESBL-E colonization or infection, and 150 of those patients (87.7%) were detected by active surveillance. The overall incidence rate was 1.4 per 100 patient admissions. The hospital-acquired incidence rate was 0.41 per 1,000 patient days, and this rate had decreased since 2002, with an average of 6 cases detected annually. A significant decrease was observed in 2009 when the unit moved to a new single-bed unit featuring private rooms. Active surveillance was discontinued with no increase in the number of infections. Of the 150 ESBL-E colonized patients, 14 (9.3%) subsequently developed an infection. Active surveillance resulted in a total of 50,950 specimen collections and a cost of $127,187 for processing, an average of $848 to detect 1 ESBL-E colonized patient.ConclusionESBL-E transmission and infection in our NICU remains uncommon. Active surveillance may have contributed to the decline of ESBL-E transmission when used in conjunction with contact precautions and private rooms, but its relatively high cost could be prohibitive.
The effect of perceived organisational politics on organisational silence through organisational cynicism: Moderator role of perceived support
Authors: AL-Abrrow Hadi A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study examines the effect of perceived organisational politics on organisational silence through the mediating role of organisational cynicism. In addition, it tests the effect of perceived support on this relationship. A quantitative (questionnaire survey) design was used to gather data from 346 employees in three public hospitals in Iraq. The structural equation model was used for data analysis. The results demonstrate that all the major hypotheses were accepted, and important role of perceived support in reversing the positive relationship between perceived organisational politics and organisational cynicism was also highlighted. Furthermore, the mediating role was clear in terms of organisational cynicism and the relationship between perceived organisational politics and organisational silence.
Division or Union of Labor? Analyzing Workers’ Representation in the Argentine Congress
Authors: Micozzi Juan Pablo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDoes social background affect legislators’ behavior in office? Do individuals with specific social ties tend to be mainly concerned with representing their group of reference, beyond partisanship? This article deals with these questions by analyzing bill-drafting patterns by representatives in the Argentine Congress who belong to an understudied group: workers. The wide presence of a broad, populist party (Peronism) that historically incorporated organized labor, along with other groups, provides consistent variation for empirical assessment. Evidence demonstrates that only labor-based representatives in general, regardless of party membership, tend to use legislative resources to target workers, while every other member of the populist party does not consider labor issues at all in their legislative tasks. Such findings open new directions for analysis of representation, legislative performance, and strategies developed by dissimilar groups in broad political organizations.
On the behaviour of an under-studied population of bottlenose dolphins in the Southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Affinito Flavio , Olaya Meza Cristobal , Akkaya Bas Aylin , Brill Deborah , Whittaker Guy , Capel Lasse 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPerhaps the world's best-known cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin shows considerable variation in behaviour between and within populations in relation to differences in natural and anthropogenic conditions. Drivers of behavioural variation need to be identified to understand the dynamics of wild dolphin populations. Little research has been published on the bottlenose dolphin population found in the Southern Adriatic Sea. Using a set of spatial, temporal and social predictors, we aimed to investigate what variables are related to the behaviour of an under-studied population of bottlenose dolphins along the coastline of Montenegro. We present the results of a year-long study monitoring the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins along coastal Montenegro. We considered the effect of topography, seasonality and group size. A large proportion of travelling (55%) small groups (mean 4, range 1–9) in shallow waters (<50 m) was observed. We showed that seasonality alone explained behaviour best, with surface-feeding and socializing-resting increasing in autumn and winter. Group size was found to be a result of behavioural choice. We suggest seasonal changes in environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure may explain the recorded behavioural pattern. This research points to the necessity of increased collaboration in the region to help understand complex patterns in behaviour and habitat use of local dolphin populations if effective conservation measures are to be developed.
EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ATTENTIONAL MANIPULATIONS ON SECOND LANGUAGE GRAMMAR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Issa Bernard I. , Morgan-Short Kara 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe role of attention has been central to theoretical and empirical inquiries in second language (L2) acquisition. The current eye-tracking study examined how external and internal attentional manipulations (Chun, Golomb, &Turk-Browne, 2011) promote L2 grammatical development. Participants (n= 55) were exposed to Spanish direct-object pronouns under external or internal attentional manipulations, which were implemented through textual input enhancement or structured input practice, respectively. Results for both manipulations indicated that (a) learner attentional allocation to the form was affected; (b) L2 gains were evidenced, although only the internal manipulation led to above-chance performance; and (c) L2 gains were related to attention allocated to the form under the external manipulation and to a lesser extent the internal manipulation. Overall, findings may inform theoretical perspectives on attention and elucidate cognitive processes related to L2 instruction.
Variable stem-final fricative voicing in American English plurals: Different pa[ð ~ θ]s of change
Authors: MacKenzie Laurel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates analogical leveling in a small set of English nouns that have irregular plural forms. In these nouns, all of which end in a voiceless fricative, the fricative standardly voices in the plural (e.g.,wolf–wol[v]es, path–pa[ð]s, house–hou[z]es). Using audio data from three large spoken corpora of American English, I demonstrate that this stem-final fricative voicing is variable and conditioned by a number of factors, most notably the identity of the stem-final fricative—with /f/-final lexemes (e.g.,wolf), /θ/-final lexemes (e.g.,path), and the /s/-final lexemehouseall patterning differently in apparent time—and the frequency of a lexeme in its plural form. I argue that the way these two factors affect the variation is reminiscent of the patterns seen in children's first language acquisition errors, providing a potential source for the variation and underscoring the importance of considering morphophonological factors when accounting for patterns of change.
Dose–response association of dietary sodium intake with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Milajerdi Alireza , Djafarian Kurosh , Shab-Bidar Sakineh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveHigh Na intake has been associated with different health problems. However, serious controversies exist over studies investigating associations of Na intake with mortality from all-causes and CVD. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was done to investigate, for the first time, the dose–response association of dietary Na intake with all-cause and CVD mortality among prospective studies.DesignRelevant papers published up to August 2017 were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. Prospective cohort studies on the association of dietary Na intake with all-cause or/and CVD mortality were included. Linear and non-linear dose–response associations between Na intake and CVD and all-cause mortality were examined.ResultsOverall, twenty publications met inclusion criteria. A significant non-linear association (P<0·001) was found between Na intake and CVD mortality risk among studies assessing urinary Na excretion, with a relatively steep slope at Na intakes above 2400mg/d. However, the association was not significant in studies using dietary Na intake (P=0·61). Additionally, the non-linear association of Na intake with all-cause mortality was also non-significant. No linear association (effect size; 95 % CI; I2) was seen between 100mg/d increment in Na intake and CVD mortality (1·01; 0·97, 1·05; 98·4 %) or all-cause mortality (1·01; 1·00, 1·02; 89·2 %). Following subgroup analyses, the association between Na intake and CVD mortality was observed only among studies conducted in the USA (0·99; 0·99, 1·00; 20·0 %).ConclusionsThe study showed a direct association between urinary Na excretion and CVD mortality which was more considerable at intakes above 2400mg/d. In contrast, no significant association was found between Na intake and all-cause mortality. Further long-term prospective studies on different populations are required to confirm these findings.