bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Oxazolidinones Mediated by Quaternary Ammonium Salts and DBU
Authors: Lv Min , Wang Peng , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA straightforward method to construct oxazolidinones through a three‐component reaction involving CO2, epoxides, and amines promoted by a combination of Bu4NI and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene was developed. A wide range of aromatic and aliphatic amines and monosubstituted epoxides were converted into 3,5‐disubstituted‐2‐oxazolidines in up to 95 % yield. This metal‐free and easily available catalytic system was applicable to a broad range of substrates, including conventionally challenging ones such as aliphatic epoxides, at atmospheric pressure. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested a reaction pathway involving β‐amino alcohols.
Investigation of Mass Transfer and Hydrodynamics in a Model Bubble Column
Authors: Kováts Péter , Thévenin Dominique , Zähringer Katharina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGas‐liquid mass transfer in bubble columns is strongly influenced by the flow field in the column. The underlying transport processes are often the limiting factor. Since bubble columns are widely used in the chemical process industry, it is essential to quantify how the dispersed gas can come into reaction with the liquid phase through gas‐liquid mass transfer. CO2 bubble swarms in a cylindrical model bubble column are considered. Optical measurement methods are used for the non‐intrusive measurement of velocity and pH change, resulting from the dissolution of CO2 in the liquid phase. The mean and fluctuating velocity components in the center plane of the column as well as the time‐dependent pH fields in this plane are determined. From these quantities, derived values characterizing the mass transfer from gaseous CO2 to the liquid phase can be calculated.
Effect of Alkyl Chain Length on the Sensitizing Action of Substituted Non‐Symmetric Squaraines for p‐Type Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Saccone Davide , Magistris Claudio , Di Carlo Aldo , Barolo Claudia , Dini Danilo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe design and the synthesis of three unsymmetrical squaraines, DS_34, DS_45, and DS_47, have been achieved for their utilization as sensitizers of screen‐printed NiO cathodes in p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (p‐DSCs). DS_34, DS_45, and DS_47 are bidentate dyes, each bearing two carboxylic anchoring groups, which differ solely in the length of alkyl chain attached to the nitrogen atom of the condensed pyrrole ring (ethyl, butyl, and dodecyl for DS_45, DS_34, and DS_47, respectively). The photoelectrochemical properties of the corresponding p‐DSCs are compared and analyzed in terms of the structural differences of DS_34, DS_45, and DS_47. The benchmark dye, p‐SQ2, has also been employed as a p‐DSC sensitizer for the sake of comparison. Current density−voltage (JV) curves and incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) spectra revealed the major efficaciousness of the DS_45 as a dye‐sensitizer, as it was the only system that produced a p‐DSC surpassing 0.04 % of overall efficiency (η). This finding was attributed mainly to the larger surface concentration of chemisorbed DS_45 with respect to the other squaraines.
Periodic Transition between Breathing Spots and Synchronous Sulfur Deposition/Dissolution in Transpassive Region of the Electro‐Oxidation of Sulfide on Platinum
Authors: Pan Changwei , Cheng Ruolan , Birzu Adrian , Yang Jiaping , Ren Lin , Varela Hamilton , Gao Qingyu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the transpassive region of sulfide electro‐oxidation on platinum, the system displayed different complex oscillations under potentiostatic control experiments, changing from quasiperiodic small oscillations to alternate modes between small and large amplitude oscillations for increasing applied voltages. In each period of the alternating‐mode oscillations, the current density evolves from a slightly decreasing steady state to small and large amplitude oscillations. Spatiotemporal patterns developed on the platinum disk were recorded with a CCD camera and ranged from breathing spots to alternating patterns between breathing spots and synchronous deposition/dissolution. Karhunen‐Loève decomposition analysis of the experimental patterns showed that the twinkling patterns had multiple modes each with a low percentage of energy, whereas the alternate patterns were mainly characterized by one dominant mode.
Multinuclear Phthalocyanine‐Fused Molecular Nanoarrays: Synthesis, Spectroscopy, and Semiconducting Property
Authors: Shang Hong , Xue Zheng , Wang Kang , Liu Huibiao , Jiang Jianzhuang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe post‐cyclization strategy rather than the conventional ante‐cyclotetramerization method was employed for the synthesis of multinuclear phthalocyanine‐fused molecular nanoarrays. Reaction of 2,3,9,10,16,17‐hexakis(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐23,24‐diaminophthalocyaninato zinc(II) with 2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene‐4,5‐dione, 2,7‐di‐tert‐butylpyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetraone, and hexaketocyclohexane in refluxing acetic acid afforded the corresponding mono‐, bi‐, and trinuclear phthalocyanine‐fused zinc complexes (Pz‐pyrene){Zn[Pc(OC8H9)6]} (1), (Pz2‐pyrene){Zn[Pc(OC8H9)6]}2 (2), {(HAT){Zn[Pc(OC8H9)6]}3} (3) in 46, 13, and 25 % yield, respectively, which extend the scope of multinuclear phthalocyanine‐fused nanoarrays with different molecular skeletons. The self‐assembly behavior of trinuclear phthalocyanine 3 in THF/CH3CN was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy and SEM, and the fabricated nanorods showed interesting semiconducting properties, which suggest good application potential of these multinuclear phthalocyanine‐fused molecular nanoarrays.
Zinc‐Coordinated Hierarchical Organization of Ligand‐Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters for Chiral Recognition and Separation
Authors: Basu Srestha , Paul Anumita , Chattopadhyay Arun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThree‐dimensional organization of d‐ or l‐tryptophan and mercaptopropionic acid‐stabilized gold nanoclusters has been achieved by complexation of ligands using zinc ions. Powder X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses substantiated the crystalline nature of the assembly of atomic nanoclusters. The hierarchical arrangement of the nanoclusters exhibited superior optical properties (namely, enhanced photoluminescence and excited‐state lifetime) as compared to the non‐assembled nanoclusters. Furthermore, photoluminescence of the crystalline assembly of nanoclusters served as a visual marker for chiral recognition of d and l enantiomers of tryptophan, with subsequent separation of the corresponding enantiomer. A theoretical structure based on various experimental observations has also been proposed herein. The mechanistic aspect of the chiral separation is proposed to have occurred through attachment of d or l‐tryptophan to the coordinatively unsaturated zinc ions, thus forming super complexes. The degree of stabilization of the super complexes is dictated by a “three‐point versus two‐point” interaction between the enantiomers and the chiral selector.
Supramolecular Isomers of Coordination‐Directed Side‐Chain Polypseudorotaxanes Based on Trimeric Uranyl Oxalate Nodes
Authors: Ge Yun‐chen , Mei Lei , Xie Zhen‐ni , Hu Kong‐qiu , Xia Chuan‐qin , Wang Xiao‐lin , Chai Zhi‐fang , Shi Wei‐qun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlthough the prosperity of rotaxane coordination polymers with rotaxane molecules serving as main‐chain linkers is known, side‐chain metal‐organic polypseudorotaxanes incorporating macrocyclic host molecules have not been reported to date. Herein a new type of coordination‐driven cucurbit[6]uril‐bearing side‐chain polypseudorotaxane, with two‐dimensional trimeric uranyl‐oxalate as main chains, has been synthesized. This was carried out through hydrothermal reactions of uranyl components with an in situ‐formed carboxylated pseudorotaxane ligand in the presence of oxalate co‐ligands. Varying the substitution site of coordination groups led to two different supramolecular isomers. Further mechanistic analysis indicated that condition‐dependent hydrolysis of the cyano groups of the pseudorotaxane ligand, as well as the participation of oxalate groups into the coordination sphere of uranyl moieties, contributes to the formation of this new type of side‐chain polypseudorotaxane.
Charged Macromolecular Rhenium Bipyridine Catalysts with Tunable CO2 Reduction Potentials
Authors: Sahu Swagat , Cheung Po Ling , Machan Charles W. , Chabolla Steven A. , Kubiak Clifford P. , Gianneschi Nathan C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA series of polymeric frameworks with functional assemblies were designed to alter the catalytic activity of covalently bound ReI electrocatalysts. Norbornenyl polymers containing positively charged quaternary ammonium salts, neutral phenyl, or negatively charged trifluoroborate groups were end‐labelled with a ReI fac‐tricarbonyl bipyridine electrocatalyst via cross metathesis. Electrochemical studies in acetonitrile under an inert atmosphere and with saturated CO2 indicate that the quaternary ammonium polymers exhibit a significantly lower potential for CO2 reduction to CO (ca. 300 mV), while neutral polymers behave consistently with what has been reported for the free, molecular catalyst. In contrast, the trifluoroborate polymers displayed a negative shift in potential and catalytic activity was not observed. It is demonstrated that a single catalytically active complex can be installed onto a charged polymeric framework, thereby achieving environmentally tuned reduction potentials for CO2 reduction. These materials may be useful as polymer‐based precursors for preparing catalytic and highly ordered structures such as thin films, porous catalytic membranes, or catalytic nanoparticles.
DNA Release from Fe3+‐Cross‐Linked Alginate Films Triggered by Logically Processed Biomolecular Signals: Integration of Biomolecular Computing and Actuation
Authors: Gamella Maria , Privman Marina , Bakshi Saira , Melman Artem , Katz Evgeny 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSignal‐controlled release of DNA from Fe3+‐cross‐linked alginate hydrogel electrochemically deposited on an electrode surface was studied. The multiple input signals were logically processed with the help of the enzyme‐biocatalyzed reactions. Boolean logic gates, OR, AND, INH, were realized with the biocatalytic reactions performed by the enzymes entrapped in the alginate film. Hydrogen peroxide produced by the enzymatic reactions resulted in the degradation of the alginate hydrogel and DNA release. The alginate degradation was facilitated by the formation of free radicals in the Fenton‐type reaction catalyzed by iron cations cross‐linking the alginate hydrogel. The studied approach is versatile and can be adapted to various chemical signals processed by various enzymes with differently implemented Boolean logic. This work illustrates a novel concept of functional integration of biomolecular computing and actuation.
Serrated Au/Pd Core/Shell Nanowires with Jagged Edges for Boosting Liquid Fuel Electrooxidation
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Ling , Shen Wen‐Jin , Kuang Wen‐Tao , Guo Shaojun , Li Yong‐Jun , Wang Ze‐Hong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntegration of 1D, core/shell, and jagged features into one entity may provide a promising avenue for further enhancing catalyst performance. However, designing such unique nanostructures is extremely challenging. Herein, 1D serrated Au/Pd core/shell nanowires (CSNWs) with jagged edges were produced simply by a one‐pot, dual‐capping‐agent‐assisted method involving co‐reduction, galvanic replacement, directional coalescence of preformed nanoparticles, and site‐selective epitaxial growth of Pd. Au/PdCSNWs, compared with the commercially available Pd/C, exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic performance towards liquid fuel oxidation because of the synergistic effect of the electronic structure and low‐coordinated jagged edges.
Coagulative Behaviour of Jatropha curcas and its Performance in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Abidin Zurina Z. , Madehi Norhafizah , Yunus Robiah 
Published: May 2017

Alternative natural coagulants from Jatropha curcas seed and press cake were investigated for coagulative behaviors and abilities to treat real wastewater. The characterization of the seed and press cake was done by proximate analysis while characterization on extracts which contain the active coagulant agent was conducted using FTIR, amino acid analysis, and zeta potential. The coagulation performance was evaluated using Jar Floc test on palm oil mill effluent. Proximate analysis indicated that Jatropha seed contained more protein (54%) than press cake (28%). Through HPLC analysis, 18 types of amino acid were detected in Jatropha curcas (JC) seed and press cake extracts. FTIR results confirmed the functional groups that existed in all the amino acids. The zeta potential of the extracts was positive at pH < 3 and became negative as pH increased. This means that the bio‐coagulant possessed net positive and negative charge at pH < 3 and pH > 4, respectively. Hence, the mechanism of coagulation at pH < 3 is due to adsorption and neutralization whereas at pH > 4, adsorption and interparticle bridging dominates. Dosages of 140 mg L−1 of Jatropha seed and 120 mg L−1 of press cake were required to treat 3500 NTU of POME to give 99 and 93% turbidity removal, respectively. Jatropha seed gave maximum turbidity removal at pH 3, while press cake at pH 2. The final pH of the treated POME was not altered greatly and the sludge produced was lesser in comparison to alum. In conclusion, the protein was the compound responsible for Jatropha coagulating behavior and its ability to treat real wastewater is promising. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1709–1718, 2017
Simultaneous energy harvesting and information processing considering multi‐relay multi‐antenna using maximum ratio transmission and antenna selection strategies
Authors: Zahedi Abdulhamid , Lari Mohammad , Albaaj Azhar , Alabkhat Qassem 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWireless networks suffer from battery discharging specially in cooperative communications when multiple relays have an important role but they are energy‐constrained. To overcome this problem, energy harvesting from Radio Frequency signals is applied to charge the node battery. These intermediate nodes have the ability to harvest energy from the source signal and use the harvested energy to transmit information to the destination. Simultaneous energy harvesting and data transmission can be done in multi‐relay systems. Each relay dedicates a part of time or power for energy harvesting, and the remainder part is devoted for data transmission. Based on time or power division, 2 relaying protocols known as time switching based relaying protocol or power splitting based relaying protocol exist. These 2 protocols can also be applied in delay‐limited and delay‐tolerant transmission systems. The previous works have assumed a single relay or single antenna for energy harvesting, but in this paper, the proposed method is concentrated on improving the throughput by using multiple antennas in multi‐relay system. Two strategies of selecting the signal of multiple antennas for transmission known as maximum ratio transmit and Antenna selection has been used in this paper. Maximum ratio transmit combines the signals of antennas but Antenna selection selects the antenna with maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio. According to our simulation results, when using multi‐antenna relays, ability of energy harvesting is increased compared with single‐relay or single‐antenna system and thus the system performance will be improved considerably. Also, maximum ratio transmit method has better performance compared with Antenna Selection one.
Sperm storage by males causes changes in sperm phenotype and influences the reproductive fitness of males and their sons
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Dosselli Ryan , Evans Jonathan P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent studies suggest that environmentally induced effects on sperm phenotype can influence offspring phenotype beyond the classic Mendelian inheritance mechanism. However, establishing whether such effects are conveyed purely through ejaculates, independently of maternal environmental effects, remains a significant challenge. Here, we assess whether environmentally induced effects on sperm phenotype affects male reproductive success and offspring fitness. We experimentally manipulated the duration of sperm storage by males, and thus sperm age, in the internally fertilizing fish Poecilia reticulata. We first confirm that sperm ageing influences sperm quality and consequently males reproductive success. Specifically, we show that aged sperm exhibit impaired velocity and are competitively inferior to fresh sperm when ejaculates compete to fertilize eggs. We then used homospermic (noncompetitive) artificial insemination to inseminate females with old or fresh sperm and found that male offspring arising from fertilizations by experimentally aged sperm suffered consistently impaired sperm quality when just sexually mature (four months old) and subsequently as adults (13 months old). Although we have yet to determine whether these effects have a genetic or epigenetic basis, our analyses provide evidence that environmentally induced variation in sperm phenotype constitutes an important source of variation in male reproductive fitness that has far reaching implications for offspring fitness.
The coadaptation theory for genomic imprinting
Authors: O'Brien Eleanor K. , Wolf Jason B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractImprinted genes are peculiar in that expression of the two copies differs depending on whether the copy was maternally or paternally inherited. The discovery of this striking pattern of gene expression inspired myriad evolutionary theories, the most successful of which identify scenarios that create an asymmetry between the maternally and paternally inherited gene copies that favors silencing of one of the copies. Most notably, imprinting can evolve when gene dosage affects kin interactions (typically involving conflict) or when silencing enhances coadaptation by coordinating traits expressed by interacting kin. Although we have a well-established theory for the former process (the “Kinship Theory”), the coadaptation process has only been explored for the specific case of interactions between mothers and offspring. Here, we fill this critical gap in our understanding by developing a general “Coadaptation Theory” that explains how imprinting can evolve to coordinate interactions between all types of relatives. Using a simple model in which fitness of an individual is determined by an interaction between its own phenotype (and hence genotype) and that of its social partner(s), we find that when the relatedness of interactants differs through their maternally versus paternally inherited gene copies, then selection favors expression of the allele through which relatedness is higher. The predictions of this Coadaptation Theory potentially apply whenever a gene underlies traits that mediate the outcome of conspecific interactions, regardless of their mechanism or the type of organism, and therefore provide a potential explanation for enigmatic patterns of imprinting, including those underlying adult traits. By providing simple testable predictions that often directly contrast with those derived from alternative theories, our model should play an important role in consolidating our understanding of the evolution of imprinting across genes and species, which will ultimately provide crucial insights into imprinted gene function and dysfunction.
Initiating activities of daily living contributes to well‐being in people with dementia and their carers
Authors: Giebel Clarissa M. , Sutcliffe Caroline 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveProblems with everyday functioning are linked to reduced well‐being in people with dementia (PwD) and their carers. However, previous research has almost solely investigated the performance of everyday activities, and global functioning without analysing individual activities. This study explored how deficits in initiating and performing individual activities were associated with carer burden and poorer quality of life of carers and PwD.MethodsCarers of people with mild dementia were recruited via 10 National Health Service Trusts, as well as through attending six carer support groups. Carers were asked to complete the revised Interview for Deteriorations in Daily Living Activities in Dementia 2 (R‐IDDD2), and measures on carer burden, well‐being, and person with dementia well‐being. Data were analysed using correlation analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐two carers completed the R‐IDDD2. Carers were grouped into those with low or high ratings of well‐being based on the mean scores. All but three activities on the initiative and/or performance scale were significantly associated with carer burden and carer and PwD quality of life. Engaging in hobbies and maintaining an active social life were most strongly associated with carer and PwD well‐being. Initiating computer use, driving, and medication management were not related to carer burden.ConclusionsFindings from this study can have direct implications for improving care management early in the disease. Post‐diagnostic support needs to provide more opportunities for PwD, and their carers, to engage in social groups, whilst interventions targeted at living well with dementia need to particularly improve the initiative of engaging in individual hobbies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of venous outflow tract on survival of osteocutaneous free fibula flaps for mandibular reconstruction: A 14‐year review
Authors: Chang Eric I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe principle reconstructive modality for segmental mandibulectomy defects is the osteocutaneous free fibula flap. Preoperative CT angiography has been recommended to assess the quality of arterial inflow to the flap and donor limb. However, the impact of the venous system on flap viability has not been explored.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing free fibula flap mandible reconstruction was performed at a single tertiary cancer center from 2002 to 2015. Overall complications, including operative reexploration and total flap losses, were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred seven patients underwent free fibula flap reconstruction of the mandible. Nine patients underwent multiple free flaps and were excluded from this study. Of the remaining 98 patients, 8 patients required operative exploration for microvascular compromise. All patients were found to have venous thrombosis. There were 3 total flaps losses with a salvage rate of 62.5% and overall flap survival of 96.9%. The size of the vena comitantes in the compromised flaps were significantly larger than those of the remaining patients (4.4 mm vs 3.1 mm; P < .0001). Although the total operative times were similar between the 2 groups (585.2 minutes vs 563.3 minutes), the ischemia time was significantly shorter in those cases that required operative takeback (76.5 minutes vs 104.0 minutes; P < .04).ConclusionVenous thrombosis of free fibula flaps is more common than arterial thrombosis. Venous stasis in larger vena comitantes may be a contributing factor to microvascular compromise. Anticoagulation and/or handsewn anastomosis may be beneficial if the veins are larger than 4.0 mm in size.