bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hydrogeological Uncertainty on Estimation of Environmental Risks Posed by Hydrocarbon Transportation Networks
Authors: Ciriello V. , Lauriola I. , Bonvicini S. , Cozzani V. , Di Federico V. , Tartakovsky Daniel M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUbiquitous hydrogeological uncertainty undermines the veracity of quantitative predictions of soil and groundwater contamination due to accidental hydrocarbon spills from onshore pipelines. Such predictions, therefore, must be accompanied by quantification of predictive uncertainty, especially when they are used for environmental risk assessment. We quantify the impact of parametric uncertainty on quantitative forecasting of temporal evolution of two key risk indices, volumes of unsaturated and saturated soil contaminated by a surface spill of light nonaqueous‐phase liquids. This is accomplished by treating the relevant uncertain parameters as random variables and deploying two alternative probabilistic models to estimate their effect on predictive uncertainty. A physics‐based model is solved with a stochastic collocation method and is supplemented by a global sensitivity analysis. A second model represents the quantities of interest as polynomials of random inputs and has a virtually negligible computational cost, which enables one to explore any number of risk‐related contamination scenarios. For a typical oil‐spill scenario, our method can be used to identify key flow and transport parameters affecting the risk indices, to elucidate texture‐dependent behavior of different soils, and to evaluate, with a degree of confidence specified by the decision‐maker, the extent of contamination and the correspondent remediation costs.
Forward treatment planning techniques to reduce the normalization effect in Gamma Knife radiosurgery
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Wen , Lo Wei‐Lun , Kuo Chun‐Yuan , Su Yu‐Kai , Tsai Jo‐Ting , Lin Jia‐Wei , Wang Yu‐Jen , Pan David Hung‐Chi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn Gamma Knife forward treatment planning, normalization effect may be observed when multiple shots are used for treating large lesions. This effect can reduce the proportion of coverage of high‐value isodose lines within targets. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of forward treatment planning techniques using the Leksell Gamma Knife for the normalization effect reduction. We adjusted the shot positions and weightings to optimize the dose distribution and reduce the overlap of high‐value isodose lines from each shot, thereby mitigating the normalization effect during treatment planning. The new collimation system, Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion, which contains eight movable sectors, provides an additional means to reduce the normalization effect by using composite shots. We propose different techniques in forward treatment planning that can reduce the normalization effect. Reducing the normalization effect increases the coverage proportion of higher isodose lines within targets, making the high‐dose region within targets more uniform and increasing the mean dose to targets. Because of the increase in the mean dose to the target after reducing the normalization effect, we can set the prescribed marginal dose at a higher isodose level and reduce the maximum dose, thereby lowering the risk of complications.
Donepezil enhances understanding of degraded speech in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hardy Chris J. D. , Hwang Yun T. , Bond Rebecca L. , Marshall Charles R. , Ridha Basil H. , Crutch Sebastian J. , Rossor Martin N. , Warren Jason D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAuditory dysfunction under complex, dynamic listening conditions is a clinical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but challenging to measure and manage. Here, we assessed understanding of sinewave speech (a paradigm of degraded speech perception) and general cognitive abilities in 17 AD patients, before and following a 10 mg dose of donepezil. Relative to healthy older individuals, patients had impaired sinewave speech comprehension that was selectively ameliorated by donepezil. Our findings demonstrate impaired perception of degraded speech in AD but retained perceptual learning capacity that can be harnessed by acetylcholinesterase inhibition, with implications for designing communication interventions and acoustic environments in dementia.
Fused‐Ring Acceptors with Asymmetric Side Chains for High‐Performance Thick‐Film Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Feng Shiyu , Zhang Cai'e , Liu Yahui , Bi Zhaozhao , Zhang Zhe , Xu Xinjun , Ma Wei , Bo Zhishan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA kind of new fused‐ring electron acceptor, IDT‐OB, bearing asymmetric side chains, is synthesized for high‐efficiency thick‐film organic solar cells. The introduction of asymmetric side chains can increase the solubility of acceptor molecules, enable the acceptor molecules to pack closely in a dislocated way, and form favorable phase separation when blended with PBDB‐T. As expected, PBDB‐T:IDT‐OB‐based devices exhibit high and balanced hole and electron mobility and give a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.12%. More importantly, the IDT‐OB‐based devices are not very sensitive to the film thickness, a PCE of 9.17% can still be obtained even the thickness of active layer is up to 210 nm.
Solution Monolayer Epitaxy for Tunable Atomically Sharp Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Ron Alon , Hevroni Amir , Maniv Eran , Mograbi Michael , Jin Lei , Jia Chun‐Lin , Urban Knut W. , Markovich Gil , Dagan Yoram 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInterfaces play an important role in a variety of devices including transistors, solar cells, and memory components. Atomically sharp interfaces are essential to avoid charge traps that hamper efficient device operation. Sharp interfaces usually require thin‐film fabrication techniques involving ultrahigh vacuum and high substrate temperatures. A new self‐limiting wet chemical process for deposition of epitaxial layers from alkoxide precursors is presented. This method is fast, cheap, and yields perfect interfaces as validated by various analysis techniques. It allows the growth of heterostructures with half‐unit‐cell resolution. The method is demonstrated by designing a hole‐type oxide interface SrTiO3/BaO/LaAlO3. It is shown that transport through this interface exhibits properties of mixed electron–hole contributions with hole mobility exceeding that of electrons.
Full‐Color Emission Polymer Carbon Dots with Quench‐Resistant Solid‐State Fluorescence
Authors: Shao Jieren , Zhu Shoujun , Liu Huiwen , Song Yubin , Tao Songyuan , Yang Bai 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPolymer carbon dots (PCDs) represent a new class of carbon dots (CDs) possessing sub‐fluorophores and unique polymer‐like structures. However, like small molecule dyes and traditional CDs, PCDs often suffer from self‐quenching effect in solid state, limiting their potential applications. Moreover, it is hard to prepare PCDs that have the same chemical structure, exhibiting full‐color emission under one fixed excitation wavelength by only modulating the concentration of the PCDs. Herein, self‐quenching‐resistant solid‐state fluorescent polymer carbon dots (SSFPCDs) are prepared, which exhibit strong red SSF without any other additional solid matrices, while having a large production yield (≈89%) and a considerable quantum yield of 8.50%. When dispersed in water or solid matrices in gradient concentrations, they can exhibit yellow, green, and blue fluorescence, realizing the first SSFPCDs with the same chemical structure emitting in full‐color range by changing the ratio of SSFPCDs to the solid matrices.
Plasmonic Wood for High‐Efficiency Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Zhu Mingwei , Li Yiju , Chen Fengjuan , Zhu Xueyi , Dai Jiaqi , Li Yongfeng , Yang Zhi , Yan Xuejun , Song Jianwei , Wang Yanbin , Hitz Emily , Luo Wei , Lu Minhui , Yang Bao , Hu Liangbing 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPlasmonic metal nanoparticles are a category of plasmonic materials that can efficiently convert light into heat under illumination, which can be applied in the field of solar steam generation. Here, this study designs a novel type of plasmonic material, which is made by uniformly decorating fine metal nanoparticles into the 3D mesoporous matrix of natural wood (plasmonic wood). The plasmonic wood exhibits high light absorption ability (≈99%) over a broad wavelength range from 200 to 2500 nm due to the plasmonic effect of metal nanoparticles and the waveguide effect of microchannels in the wood matrix. The 3D mesoporous wood with numerous low‐tortuosity microchannels and nanochannels can transport water up from the bottom of the device effectively due to the capillary effect. As a result, the 3D aligned porous architecture can achieve a high solar conversion efficiency of 85% under ten‐sun illumination (10 kW m−2). The plasmonic wood also exhibits superior stability for solar steam generation, without any degradation after being evaluated for 144 h. Its high conversion efficiency and excellent cycling stability demonstrate the potential of newly developed plasmonic wood to solar energy‐based water desalination.
Eutectic‐Derived Mesoporous Ni‐Fe‐O Nanowire Network Catalyzing Oxygen Evolution and Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Dong Chaoqun , Kou Tianyi , Gao Hui , Peng Zhangquan , Zhang Zhonghua 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe development of efficient and abundant water oxidation catalysts is essential for the large‐scale storage of renewable energy in the form of hydrogen fuel via electrolytic water splitting, but still remains challenging. Based upon eutectic reaction and dealloying inheritance effect, herein, novel Ni‐Fe‐O‐based composite with a unique mesoporous nanowire network structure is designed and synthesized. The composite exhibits exceptionally low overpotential (10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 244 mV), low Tafel slope (39 mV dec−1), and superior long‐term stability (remains 10 mA cm−2 for over 60 h without degradation) toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 m KOH. Moreover, an alkaline water electrolyzer is constructed with the Ni‐Fe‐O composite as catalyst for both anode and cathode. This electrolyzer displays superior electrolysis performance (affording 10 mA cm−2 at 1.64 V) and long‐term durability. The remarkable features of the catalyst lie in its unique mesoporous nanowire network architecture and the synergistic effect of the metal core and the active metal oxide, giving rise to the strikingly enhanced active surface area, accelerated electron/ion transport, and further promoted reaction kinetics of OER.
A Peroxisome‐Inspired Chemiluminescent Silica Nanodevice for the Intracellular Detection of Biomarkers and Its Application to Insulin‐Sensitizer Screening
Authors: Jie Xu , Yang Haimei , Wang Min , Zhang Yue , Wei Weili , Xia Zhining 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe profiling of oxidase‐catalyzed biomarkers is an essential procedure for the diagnosis and precise treatment of metabolic diseases. Inspired by the metabolism of H2O2 in peroxisomes, a novel chemiluminescent silica nanodevice (CSN) was designed for the sensitive and selective sensing of intracellular oxidase‐catalyzed biomarkers. Oxidases catalyzed the oxidation of biomarkers followed by the production of H2O2, and then the generated H2O2 was employed to trigger chemiluminescence of the CSN. Utilizing this nanodevice, we not only accurately quantified intracellular glucose but also developed its further application for facile insulin sensitizer screening. Furthermore, sensitive and multiparametric analysis of oxidase‐catalyzed biomarkers like lactic acid, uric acid, and ethanol was demonstrated. Thus, this peroxisome‐inspired CSN holds great promise for the general diagnosis of metabolic diseases and in drug discovery.
Controlling Lanthanide Exchange in Triple‐Stranded Helicates: A Way to Optimize Molecular Light‐Upconversion
Authors: Zare Davood , Suffren Yan , Nozary Homayoun , Hauser Andreas , Piguet Claude 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe kinetic lability of hexadentate gallium‐based tripods is sufficient to ensure thermodynamic self‐assembly of luminescent heterodimetallic [GaLn(L3)3]6+ helicates on the hour time scale, where Ln is a trivalent 4f‐block cation. The inertness is, however, large enough for preserving the triple‐helical structure when [GaLn(L3)3]6+ is exposed to lanthanide exchange. The connection of a second gallium‐based tripod further slows down the exchange processes to such an extent that spectroscopically active [CrErCr(L4)3]9+ can be diluted into closed‐shell [GaYGa(L4)3]9+ matrices without metal scrambling. This feature is exploited for pushing molecular‐based energy‐transfer upconversion (ETU) at room temperature.
Bulk Aggregation Based Fluorescence Turn‐On Sensors for Selective Detection of Progesterone in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hong Seong Cheol , Murale Dhiraj P. , Lee Minju , Lee Seung Mi , Park Joong Shin , Lee Jun‐Seok 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSteroids are polycyclic compounds that share tetracyclic ring as core scaffold, and selective detection of a steroid is challenging owing to their structural similarities. The discovery of chemosensors that recognize progesterone by alteration of self‐aggregation state is described, and these show significant fluorescence turn‐on. A self‐aggregated 48‐membered dansyl library was screened against a series of metabolites in aqueous buffer and discovered two compounds (PG‐1, PG‐2) exhibited exceptional selectivity for progesterone. Following studies of aggregation properties of probes using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy supports progesterone recognition lead to the generation of bulk aggregates that induce fluorescence enhancement. Though many fluorescence sensing mechanisms have been proposed, a sensing mode based on the bulk aggregate formation of fluorophore has never been reported, and this may open a new avenue of chemosensor design.
Flame retardant polyurethane foam prepared from compatible blends of soybean oil‐based polyol and phosphorus containing polyol
Authors: Zhang Kaibo , Hong Yongbo , Wang Niangui , Wang Yuhan 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTA phosphorus containing polyether polyol (THPO‐PO) was synthesized by polymerization between tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine oxide (THPO) and propylene oxide (PO). A soybean oil‐based polyol(SBP) was synthesized from epoxidized soybean oil by ring‐opening reaction with lactic acid. The corresponding polyurethane foams (PUFs) were prepared by mixing SBP with THPO‐PO. The density of these foams decreased as the content of THPO‐PO increased. The yield strength of PUFs was observed to be decreased firstly and then increased with the addition of THPO‐PO. Microphotographs of PUFs were examined by scanning electron microscope which displayed the cells as spherical or polyhedral. The thermal degradation and fire behavior of PUFs were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), and UL‐94 test. Although the thermal stability of PUFs were decreased with increasing THPO‐PO percentage, the flame retardancy of PUFs were improved. The LOI value increased to 27.5 with 40% THPO‐PO. THPO‐PO in sequence worked in inhibiting flame and forming phosphorus‐rich char layer, thus endowing PUFs with the increased flame‐retardant performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45779.
Ontogeny of the Orbital Glands and Their Environs in the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata: Delphinidae)
Authors: Rehorek Susan J. , Hillenius Willem J. , Lovano Denise M. , Thewissen J. G. M. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe nasolacrimal duct (NLD) connects the orbital (often associated with the Deep Anterior Orbital gland: DAOG, a.k.a. Harderian gland) and nasal regions in many tetrapods. Adult cetaceans are usually said to lack an NLD, and there is little agreement in the literature concerning the identity of their orbital glands, which may reflect conflicting definitions rather than taxonomic variation. In this study, we examined an embryological series of the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), and report numerous divergences from other tetrapods. Underdeveloped eyelids and a few ventral orbital glands are present by late Stage (S) 17. By S 19, circumorbital conjunctival glands are present. In S 20, these conjunctival glands have proliferated, eyelids (and scattered palpebral glands) have formed, and a duct similar to the NLD has appeared. Subsequently, both the palpebral glands and the NLD are progressively reduced by S 22, even as the conjunctival glands exhibit regional growth. In most tetrapods examined, the ontogeny of the NLD follows a series of three stages: Inception of NLD, Connection of orbit and nasal cavity by the NLD and Ossification (i.e., formation of the bony canal surrounding the NLD, emerging into the orbit via the lacrimal foramen in the lacrimal bone). In contrast, the dolphin NLD originates at the same time as the lacrimal bone, and a lacrimal foramen fails to develop. The cetacean fossil record shows that a lacrimal foramen was present in the earliest ancestral amphibious, freshwater forms, but was soon lost as the lineage invaded the oceans. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:77–87, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studying the TRAF2 binding to model membranes: The role of subunits dissociation
Authors: Di Venere Almerinda , Nicolai Eleonora , Sinibaldi Federica , Di Pierro Donato , Caccuri Anna Maria , Mei Giampiero 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe ability of a C‐terminal truncated form of TRAF2 to bind synthetic vesicles has been quantitatively studied by steady‐state fluorescence energy transfer from the protein to large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) prepared with different lipid mixtures. The dissociation constants, the free energy of binding, and the average number of phospholipids interacting with truncated TRAF2 have been evaluated from the corresponding binding curves. The results indicate that the protein strongly interacts with the lipid bilayer, preferentially in the monomeric state. These findings have been discussed in terms of their possible role in the activity of TRAF2 in vivo.
Der Einfluß von grenzflächenaktivem Sorbat und Inkorporat auf Gitterdeformationen und Ruhepotentiale von Elektrolytkupfer
Authors: Eichkorn Günter , Schlitter Friedrich Wilhelm , Fischer Hellmuth 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDer Einfluß von oberflächenaktivem Inhibitor (o‐Phenanthrolin) auf die Gefügebildung von elektrolytisch abgeschiedenem Kupfer wurde untersucht. Es wurde der Bedeckungsgrad als Funktion der Inhibitorkonzentration elektrochemisch bestimmt. Die Untersuchungen wurden mit spektralphotometrisch bestimmten Inkorporationsdichten im Metall ver‐glichen. Die Untersuchungen schlossen (BR)‐, (FT)‐ und (UD)‐Gefügetypen ein. Das Verhältnis der in‐korporierten zu adsorbierten Inhibitorkonzentrationen ist:

Mit Hilfe von Röntgenbeugungsuntersuchungen wurden die Gitterverzerrungen der verschiedenen Niederschläge bestimmt.Untersuchungen der Ruhepotentiale zeigten, daß diese mit kleiner werdenden Teilchengrößen und an‐wachsenden Gitterverzerrungen negativer werden.Es wurde festgestellt, daß die Aktivitäten der Metallphasen als proportional ihren Gitterverzerrungen der mehrdimensionalen Fehlordnung angenommen werden können.
Biogenic synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using olea europaea leaf extract and evaluation of their toxicity activities: An in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Tawfeeq Amer T. , Jaaffer Marwa D. 
Published: September 2017

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CUNPs) were synthesized using Olea europaea leaf extract as reducing and protecting agent. The formation of nanoparticles was observed through a color change from yellowish to brownish black. The CUNPs were confirmed with UV–Vis spectrophotometer, which revealed a peak absorbance at 289 nm. The synthesized CUNPs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. The XRD pattern revealed that CUNPs were crystalline in nature with a diameter around 20 nm. FTIR spectral analysis showed that CUNPs were capped with plant constituents. From SEM and TEM analyses, the CUNPs were generally found to be spherical in shape, and the size range was 20–50 nm. Free radical scavenging potential of CUNPs against DPPH was confirmed by its stable antioxidant effects. In addition, the toxicity of CUNPs in mice was also assessed by body weight and weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, and thymus. The immune response in mice was signaled through an obvious change in spleen and thymus index, with a decrease of ADA enzyme activity in serum, spleen, and thymus after CUNPs treatment. The CUNPs were found to exert cell growth arrest against AMJ‐13 and SKOV‐3 cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner and induce cell death by apoptosis. Less significant cytotoxic effect was observed in normal dermal fibroblast cells. These findings suggest that CUNPs may have the potential to be anticancer agents. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:218–230, 2018
A High‐Throughput Mass‐Spectrometry‐Based Assay for Identifying the Biochemical Functions of Putative Glycosidases
Authors: Peng Tianyuan , Nagy Gabe , Trinidad Jonathan C. , Jackson Joy Marie , Pohl Nicola L. B. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe most commonly employed glycosidase assays rely on bulky ultraviolet or fluorescent tags at the anomeric position in potential carbohydrate substrates, thereby limiting the utility of these assays for broad substrate characterization. Here we report a qualitative mass spectrometry–based glycosidase assay amenable to high‐throughput screening for the identification of the biochemical functions of putative glycosidases. The assay utilizes a library of methyl glycosides and is demonstrated on a high‐throughput robotic liquid handling system for enzyme substrate screening. Identification of glycosidase biochemical function is achieved through the observation of an appropriate decrease in mass between a potential sugar substrate and its corresponding product by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). In addition to screening known glycosidases, the assay was demonstrated to characterize the biochemical function and enzyme substrate competency of the recombinantly expressed product of a putative glycosidase gene from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus.
Determination of Alkyl‐Donor Promiscuity of Tyrosine‐O‐Prenyltransferase SirD from Leptosphaeria maculans
Authors: Bandari Chandrasekhar , Scull Erin M. , Masterson Johanna M. , Tran Rachel H. Q. , Foster Steven B. , Nicholas Kenneth M. , Singh Shanteri 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNatural product prenyltransferases are known to display relaxed acceptor substrate specificity. Although recent studies with a small set of unnatural alkyl donors have revealed that prenyltransferases are flexible with regard to their alkyl donors, the scope of their alkyl donor specificity remains poorly understood. Towards this goal, we report the synthesis of 20 unnatural alkyl pyrophosphate donors and an assessment of the reactions of these synthetic unnatural alkyl pyrophosphate analogues catalyzed by tyrosine O‐prenyltransferase SirD. This study demonstrates that SirD can utilize 16 out of 21 alkyl pyrophosphate analogues (including the natural donor) in catalyzing mostly O‐alkylation of l‐tyrosine. This study reveals the broad alkyl donor specificity of SirD and opens the door for the interrogation of the alkyl donor specificity of other prenyltransferases for potential utility as biocatalysts for differential alkylation applications.