bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designed Meso‐macroporous Silica Framework Impregnated with Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Catalytic Performance
Authors: Kanwar Rohini , Bhar Rekha , Mehta Surinder Kumar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe template efficacy of solid lipid nanoparticles for generating porous silica materials with the amalgamation of Cu‐functionalized cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC; as a co‐emulsifier and as a metal source for generation of CuO oxide nanoparticles) has been explored. Impregnation of CuO nanoparticles (∼10–12 nm) onto the silica matrix proffers to be a propitious route for the fabrication of twin sized porous, highly active catalytic materials. The surface morphology and structural characterization of the synthesized CuO@meso‐macroporous silica framework was elucidated by TEM, field ‐emission (FE)‐SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), wavelength dispersive (WD)‐XRF, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), XRD, and N2 adsorption/desorption studies. All the results have shown that there exists a structural network interconnecting the mesopores with macropores. The catalytic performance of the synthesized framework (ascribed catalyst) was checked for two model reactions. For the reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol, only 0.25 % (w/v) catalyst was sufficient to accomplish the reaction in 6 min, giving 99.9 % yield. On the other hand, the redox reaction of potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) and sodium thiosulfate utilized 5 % (w/v) catalyst and completed the reaction in 40 min, yielding 98.43 %. Therefore, CuO@meso‐macroporous silica materials could hold great importance in the world of nanocatalysis owing to the present promising results.
TePtFe Nanotubes as High‐Performing Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Ye Bei , Wang Zhe , Zhu Jiawei , Kou Zongkui , Mu Shichun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCurrently, a multicomponent platinum‐based alloy has been applied as a promising electrocatalyst to improve catalysis and lower the usage of the noble metal platinum. Herein, a tellurium nanowire (NW)‐derived ternary TePtFe nanotube (NT) electrocatalyst has been prepared by the Kirkendall effect. The TePtFe NT formed consists of small single‐crystal nanoparticles and voids with an open‐end and hollow structure. The TePtFe NT electrocatalyst presents an impressive catalytic activity and stability for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Its ORR specific activity and mass activity are 8.5 and 2.4 times, respectively, improved relative to those of commercial platinum catalysts. It is also impressive that, for the HER, a very low overpotential of 28.1 mV at 10 mA cm−2 can be achieved; this is lower than that of platinum (51.8 mV) catalysts in 0.1 m HClO4, and the activity is improved, even after 5000 cycles. This work reveals that TePtFe NTs can be employed as nanocatalysts with an impressive catalytic activity and stability for application in fuel cells and hydrogen production.
Process catalyzers in Amazonian rivers: large woody debris modifies ecosystem processes across freshwater habitats
Authors: Heilpern Sebastian A. , Wootton J. Timothy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the role of interactions in influencing community structure and ecosystem function is a goal in ecology, and identifying biotic entities that are strong interactors is imperative for setting targeted conservation strategies. Several different mechanisms have been linked with strongly interacting species (e.g., predation, competition, abiotic habitat modification), but the most important organisms often influence ecosystems in multiple ways. We propose that these strong interactors share a broad common feature: They catalyze ecosystem processes, such as rates of primary productivity, species interactions, and/or physical disturbances. We provide a case study of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata), focusing on its influence as a provider of large woody debris (LWD) on food web dynamics in tropical floodplain rivers and associated oxbow lakes. Large woody debris has been subject to considerable attention because of its perceived importance in creating geomorphologically favorable conditions for target commercial species (e.g., distribution of pools and riffle for salmonids). However, in this study we suggest that LWD catalyzes a suite of ecological processes in addition to geomorphology that determines its important role within aquatic communities. Through a factorial experiment manipulating large and small fish access to treatments with and without LWD piles, we tested the role of Spanish cedar in modifying interactions between different‐sized fishes, invertebrates, and primary producers in a tropical floodplain river and associated oxbow lake. Path analysis revealed that fishes influence particulate matter accumulation and invertebrate abundances more so in wood piles than outside of wood piles in both river and lake ecosystem contexts. In addition to providing the first experimental test of factors controlling trophic dynamics in an Amazonian river, we suggest that understanding the role of organisms through the ecological processes they catalyze provides an overarching conceptual framework to link single species and ecosystem‐based management strategies.
Intrinsic flame resistance of polyurethane flexible foams: Unexpectedly low flammability without any flame retardant
Authors: Höhne Carl‐Christoph , Hanich Ronny , Kroke Edwin 
Published: January 2018

SummaryVirgin polyurethane flexible foams are widely assumed to be highly flammable materials. The flammability of three model polyurethane flexible foams suggests that this may not be universally true. Two of them show unexpectedly low flammability in the limiting oxygen index test and pass flammability tests such as FMVSS 302 and FAR 25.853. Cone calorimetric measurements at 25 kW/m2and 50 kW/m2furthermore show a high resistance against ignition and demonstrate the self‐extinguishing properties of these two virgin, flame‐retardant‐free, polyurethane flexible foams.
Insights on the effectiveness of reward schemes from 10‐year longitudinal case studies in 2 Italian regions.
Authors: Vainieri Milena , Lungu Daniel Adrian , Nuti Sabina 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundPay for performance (P4P) programs have been widely analysed in literature, and the results regarding their impact on performance are mixed. Moreover, in the real‐life setting, reward schemes are designed combining multiple elements altogether, yet, it is not clear what happens when they are applied using different combinations.ObjectivesTo provide insights on how P4P programs are influenced by 5 key elements:whom,what,how,how manytargets, andhow muchto reward.MethodsA qualitative longitudinal analysis of 10 years of P4P reward schemes adopted by the regional administrations of Tuscany and Lombardy (Italy) was conducted. The effects of the P4P features on performance are discussed considering both overall and specific indicators.ResultsBoth regions applied financial reward schemes for General Managers by linking the variable pay to performance. While Tuscany maintained a relatively stable financial incentive design and governance tools, Lombardy changed some elements of the design and introduced, in 2012, a P4P program aimed to reward the providers. The main differences between the 2 cases regard the number of targets (how many), the type (what), and the method applied to set targets (how).ConclusionConsidering the overall performance obtained by the 2 regions, it seems thatwhom,how,and how muchto reward are not relevant in the success of P4P programs; instead, the number (how many) and the type (what) of targets set may influence the performance improvement processes driven by financial reward schemes.
Prediction of Individual Serum Infliximab Concentrations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by a Bayesian Dashboard System
Authors: Eser Alexander , Primas Christian , Reinisch Sieglinde , Vogelsang Harald , Novacek Gottfried , Mould Diane R. , Reinisch Walter 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDespite a robust exposure–response relationship of infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), attempts to adjust dosing to individually predicted serum concentrations of infliximab (SICs) are lacking. Compared with labor‐intensive conventional software for pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling (eg, NONMEM) dashboards are easy‐to‐use programs incorporating complex Bayesian statistics to determine individual pharmacokinetics. We evaluated various infliximab detection assays and the number of samples needed to precisely forecast individual SICs using a Bayesian dashboard. We assessed long‐term infliximab retention in patients being dosed concordantly versus discordantly with Bayesian dashboard recommendations. Three hundred eighty‐two serum samples from 117 adult IBD patients on infliximab maintenance therapy were analyzed by 3 commercially available assays. Data from each assay was modeled using NONMEM and a Bayesian dashboard. PK parameter precision and residual variability were assessed. Forecast concentrations from both systems were compared with observed concentrations. Infliximab retention was assessed by prediction for dose intensification via Bayesian dashboard versus real‐life practice. Forecast precision of SICs varied between detection assays. At least 3 SICs from a reliable assay are needed for an accurate forecast. The Bayesian dashboard performed similarly to NONMEM to predict SICs. Patients dosed concordantly with Bayesian dashboard recommendations had a significantly longer median drug survival than those dosed discordantly (51.5 versus 4.6 months, P < .0001). The Bayesian dashboard helps to assess the diagnostic performance of infliximab detection assays. Three, not single, SICs provide sufficient information for individualized dose adjustment when incorporated into the Bayesian dashboard. Treatment adjusted to forecasted SICs is associated with longer drug retention of infliximab.
A New Environmentally Friendly Approach to Lignin‐Based Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Kühnel Isabell , Saake Bodo , Lehnen Ralph 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHerein, a novel synthesis of a fully renewable lignin‐based building block equipped with cyclic carbonate functionalities is presented. In an efficient two‐step procedure, organosolv lignin from ethanol–water pulping of beech wood is oxyalkylated with glycerol carbonate to insert adjacent hydroxyl groups. The oxyalkylated lignin is then reacted via transesterification with dimethyl carbonate or ethylene carbonate in dimethyl sulfoxide under alkaline conditions producing cyclic carbonate functionalized lignin. This transesterification is studied as a function of time, catalyst type, and catalyst amount using NMR spectroscopy as well as size exclusion chromatography. Transesterification reactions with K2CO3 as catalyst (0.4 eq.) afford lignin‐based cyclic carbonate with almost complete conversion (96%) within 6 h, as analyzed by 31P and 13C NMR spectroscopy. This green building block represents a reactive prepolymer for the synthesis of nonisocyanate polyurethanes.
Numerical fatigue life analysis of a high frequency mechanical impact treated industrial component based on damage mechanics models
Authors: Schubnell J. , Farajian M. , Däuwel T. , Shin Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAfter post weld treatment with high frequency mechanical impact (HFMI) treatment of welds, a significant increase of fatigue life (up to a factor of 10) can be achieved. During the last years numerous experimental tests of welded joints with simple geometry under constant amplitude loading have been performed to quantify the positive effect of high frequency mechanical impact treatment. Due to the lack of methods for the prediction of the high frequency mechanical impact benefits, a widespread use of this process is not the case yet. Furthermore, it is still not clear if the results of these fatigue tests can be transferred to complex geometries and complex loading conditions such as in industrial applications. Therefore, an approach to assess the fatigue life of complex welded structures under variable amplitude loading was developed. For this purpose, high frequency mechanical impact treatment and fatigue load of simple welded specimen made of S690QL steel were simulated with finite element analysis (FEA) firstly. Then, the needed damage parameters for the fatigue life correlation were evaluated from the finite element post‐processing. The calculated life time to crack initiation was in good agreement with the experimental fatigue test results. In the next step, this procedure was implemented on a welded arm of an evacuator of type EW180B of the company Volvo Construction Equipment made of S700MC. The variable amplitude load measured under real service condition was transferred to single constant amplitude load cycles using a rainflow‐counting algorithm. By simulation and damage mechanics evaluation of each load cycle the total damage sum could be calculated and compared with the experimental results from Volvo Construction Equipment.
Solid solubility extension of copper‐tin immiscible system during mechanical alloying
Authors: Wu Z.F. , Wu J. , Zhang L. , Liu C. , Wu R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, copper‐5 wt.%‐tin (Cu‐5wt%Sn) powder mixture was mechanically alloyed in order to study the solid solubility extension during the alloying process. Nanocrystalline supersaturated solid solution has been prepared in this system by high energy ball milling. Based on the thermodynamic model, the Gibbs free energy change in this alloy system during the formation of solid solution is calculated to be positive, which means that there is no driving force to form solid solution in copper‐tin (Cu−Sn) immiscible system. It has been found that a large fraction of grain boundaries and a high density of dislocations play a significant role in the solid solubility extension of immiscible copper and tin.
A Methodology for Estimating Kinetic Parameters and Reactivity Ratios of Multi‐site Type Catalysts Using Polymerization, Fractionation, and Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Touloupidis Vasileios , Albrecht Andreas , Soares João B. P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis work describes a polymer reaction engineering framework for understanding how catalyst kinetic parameters affect the microstructure of polyolefins made with single‐ or multi‐site catalysts. Moreover, a methodology for deconvolution and kinetic parameters estimation is presented to estimate the reactivity ratios of multi‐site catalysts based on the combination of polymerization, fractionation, and spectroscopic techniques, namely, gel permeation chromatography‐IR and carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The methodology capabilities are then demonstrated and validated using a case study simulated via a Monte Carlo model including random noise in order to better represent experimental result uncertainties. The methodology can reverse engineer experimental results and estimate all relevant reaction performance parameters.
Functional relationship between dental macrowear and diet in Late Pleistocene and recent modern human populations
Authors: Fiorenza Luca , Benazzi Stefano , Oxilia Gregorio , Kullmer Ottmar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany aspects of diet and behaviour can be gleaned from dental wear, including environmental conditions, food‐fracture properties, food processing techniques, and cultural habits. Specifically, the angulation (flat vs. steep) of molar wear has been used as an indicator of food toughness and has also been implicated in the use of grinding stones and pottery in food processing. In this work, we focus on the sequential phases of the power stroke of mastication in a functional way, measuring the inclination of molar wear facets through the occlusal fingerprint analysis method. Specifically, we have calculated the angulation of wear facets in upper and lower molars of Palaeolithic humans, extant hunter‐gatherers, and proto‐farmers to discern differences between groups with different diets.Contrary to previous analyses, our study shows that the molars of Late Pleistocene specimens are characterized by significantly steeper angles than those of modern hunter‐gatherers.The flat molar wear found in the latter group could be related to the excessive mixture of exogenous materials accidentally introduced into their foods, as indicated by ethnographic evidence. On the contrary, the steep wear angles characterizing the Palaeolithic group are probably associated with the consumption of a less abrasive diet, which could be ultimately due to food preparation techniques that incorporated less dust and grit into their diets.
Online purchasing under uncertainty
Authors: Frieze Alan , Pegden Wesley 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSuppose there is a collection of independent uniform random variables, and a hypergraph of target structures on the vertex set . We would like to purchase a target structure at small cost, but we do not know all the costs xi ahead of time. Instead, we inspect the random variables xi one at a time, and after each inspection, choose to either keep the vertex i at cost xi, or reject vertex i forever. In the present paper, we consider the case where is the edge‐set of a complete graph (or digraph), and the target structures are the spanning trees of a graph, spanning arborescences of a digraph, the paths between a fixed pair of vertices, perfect matchings, Hamilton cycles or the cliques of some fixed size.
A Facile Access to Sterically Less Crowded to More Crowded Organo Triselones
Authors: Prabusankar Ganesan , Sathyanarayana Arruri , Srinivas Katam , Suresh Paladugu , Nath Ipsita 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe reaction of 2,4,6‐N’‐imidazolium(N‐alkyl or N‐aryl)‐mesitylene bromides (alkyl=Me, isopropyl, vinyl, allyl; aryl=2,6‐dimethyl‐phenyl and 2,6‐diiospropyl‐phenyl) with six equivalents of selenium powder and potassium carbonate gave corresponding 2,4,6‐N’‐imidazole(N‐alkyl or N‐aryl)‐selone‐mesitylenes in very good yield. These new compounds were characterized by multinuclear (1D and 2D) NMR, FT‐IR, UV‐vis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. These trisimidazole selones are the first structurally characterized triselones supported by aryl platform. An interesting geometrical orientation of imidazole selones was observed from the solid‐state structures of trisimidazole selones. The orientation of imidazole selones in isopropyl and vinyl trisimidazole selone derivatives are in propeller shape, while methyl, allyl, 2,6‐dimethyl‐phenyl and 2,6‐diiospropyl‐phenyl derivatives of trisimidazole selone derivatives are in twisted propeller shape.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Imidazoquinazoline for Chemosensing of Pb2+ and Fe3+ and Living Cell Application
Authors: Iniya Murugan , Vidya Balasubramanian , Anand Thangaraj , Sivaraman Gandhi , Jeyanthi Dharmaraj , Krishnaveni Karuppiah , Chellappa Duraisamy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn efficient dual‐responsive fluorescent probe based on imidazoquinazoline has been synthesised using microwave‐assisted solvent‐free condition. Its sensing behaviour towards Pb2+ and Fe3+ has been investigated separately through fluorescence, absorbance and visual fluorescence colour changes in different solvent systems. Interestingly, the binding event triggers selective “turn‐on” response to Pb2+ and ratiometric response to Fe3+ against other commonly coexistent metal ions. The observed experimental data has been rationalized in terms of theoretical calculations. The living cell imaging experiment demonstrated the practical value of the sensor in mapping intracellular Fe3+ and Pb2+ distributions in biological systems.
Laxative action of sennoside A, which causes decreased colonic aquaporin‐3 expression, is controlled by the anti‐inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin
Authors: Kon Risako , Yamamura Miho , Fujikawa Tetsuya , Uemura Takefumi , Kusunoki Yoshiki , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Sugiyama Kiyoshi 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTAimThe laxative action of daiokanzoto (a compound containing rhubarb and glycyrrhiza) is thought to be due to sennoside A, an ingredient in rhubarb. Glycyrrhizin, which has anti‐inflammatory effects, is the main ingredient in glycyrrhiza, and it alleviates adverse reactions, such as abdominal pain and painful defecation, due to rhubarb. No consensus has been reached, however, on why daiokanzoto contains glycyrrhiza. We found that sennoside A exerts a laxative action by decreasing aquaporin‐3 (AQP3) expression through the activation of macrophages in the colon. This study analyzed the effect of glycyrrhizin on the laxative action of sennoside A focusing on AQP3 expression.MethodsSennoside A, glycyrrhizin, or a combination of both were given orally to rats, and diarrhea severity was assessed. The expression of AQP3, inflammatory cytokines, and cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) was analyzed.ResultsAlthough diarrhea occurred when sennoside A and glycyrrhizin were given together orally, it was less severe than when sennoside A was used alone, and, correspondingly, only sennoside A inhibited AQP3 expression to a greater extent than the combination of both drugs. When glycyrrhizin was given concomitantly, the sennoside A‐induced increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and COX‐2 was suppressed.ConclusionsThe laxative action of sennoside A and the decreased expression of AQP3 were suppressed when sennoside A and glycyrrhizin were given concomitantly, likely due to the anti‐inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizin. This indicates that glycyrrhizin both attenuates the adverse reactions caused by sennoside A and plays a role in its laxative action.
Long‐Term Outcomes After Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Elderly Patients: Special Reference to Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Shinkawa Tomohiko , Endo Sho , Abe Yuji , Nishihara Kazuyoshi , Nakano Toru 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe benefit of pancreatectomy for elderly patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains controversial. Moreover, adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for elderly patients has not been fully evaluated. We investigated the long‐term outcomes after pancreatectomy for PDAC in elderly patients with special reference to AC.MethodsThe medical records of 123 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PDAC from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: young (<75 years) and elderly patients (≥75 years).ResultsThe study population comprised 91 young and 32 elderly patients. The postoperative clinical courses were not different between the two groups. AC was more frequently administered to young (85%) than elderly patients (66%; P = 0.04). The weekly dose of tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium (S1) for AC was significantly lower in elderly (median 423 mg/m2) than young patients (median 491 mg/m2; P = 0.02). The prevalence of adverse events and the completion rate of AC were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no significant differences in recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.73) or overall survival (P = 0.68) between the two groups in univariate analysis. Receipt of AC was not a significant independent factor for survival, and completion of planned AC was a significant independent factor for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThe benefit of pancreatectomy for PDAC was the same between young and elderly patients. Completion of planned AC was important, and lowered‐dose AC using S1 for elderly patients might be safe and therapeutically useful.