bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ni modification on NO‐CO reaction with MnOx‐CuO/TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Wang Jinxin , Li Zhuofeng , Cui Yuezong , Tan Bojian , He Gaohong 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNi modified MnOx‐CuO/TiO2 catalysts were synthesized by the sol‐gel method and investigated for NO‐CO reaction. The results showed that 0.05Ni‐Mn‐Cu/TiO2 (the Ni/Ti molar ratio was 0.05) had the highest NO conversion efficiency with a maximum value of 85.4 % at 350 °C, which was 10 % higher than that of Mn‐Cu/TiO2. XPS analysis showed that more chemisorbed oxygen formed on the Ni‐modified catalyst surface, which could act as active sites for CO adsorption and oxidation. CO‐TPD results confirmed that the amount of adsorbed CO on the catalyst surface increased after Ni modification. H2‐TPR results suggested that the Ni‐modified catalyst had better redox properties, which favoured the reduction of NO to N2O and N2O to N2. Furthermore, in situ FTIR showed that CO2 from the production of the NO‐CO reaction could be easily formed on the surface of 0.05Ni‐Mn‐Cu/TiO2, and it indicated that the NO‐CO reaction could easily occur after Ni doping. All these factors were responsible for the better catalytic activity of Ni‐modified catalysts.
Association between diet quality and measures of body adiposity using the Rate Your Plate survey in patients presenting for coronary angiography
Authors: Ganguzza Lisa , Ngai Calvin , Flink Laura , Woolf Kathleen , Guo Yu , Gianos Eugenia , Burdowski Joseph , Slater James , Acosta Victor , Shephard Tamsin , Shah Binita 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundDiet is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, dietary patterns are historically difficult to capture in the clinical setting. Healthcare providers need assessment tools that can quickly summarize dietary patterns. Research should evaluate the effectiveness of these tools, such as Rate Your Plate (RYP), in the clinical setting.HypothesisRYP diet quality scores are associated with measures of body adiposity in patients referred for coronary angiography.MethodsPatients without a history of coronary revascularization (n = 400) were prospectively approached at a tertiary medical center in New York City prior to coronary angiography. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured; body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Participants completed a 24‐question RYP diet survey. An overall score was computed, and participants were divided into high (≥58) and low (≤57) diet quality groups.ResultsParticipants in the high diet quality group (n = 98) had significantly lower measures of body adiposity than did those in the low diet quality group (n = 302): BMI (P < 0.001), WC (P = 0.001), WHtR (P = 0.001). There were small but significant inverse correlations between diet score and BMI, WC, and WHtR (P < 0.001). These associations remained significant after adjustment for demographics, tobacco use, and socioeconomic factors.ConclusionsHigher diet quality scores are associated with lower measures of body adiposity. RYP is a potential instrument to capture diet quality in a high‐volume clinical setting. Further research should evaluate the utility of RYP in cardiovascular risk‐factor control.
Triptycene–Bis(aroyleneimidazole)s as Non‐Fullerene Acceptors: The Missing Links
Authors: Menke Elisabeth H. , Leibold David , Berger Felix J. , Rominger Frank , Vaynzof Yana , Mastalerz Michael 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe syntheses of four triptycene‐bis(aroyleneimidazole)s—the missing links with respect to the previously reported triptycene–mono(aroyleneimidazole)s and triptycene–tris(aroyleneimidazole)s—are presented. Their optoelectronic properties and use as non‐fullerene acceptors in organic photovoltaics with poly({4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl}[3‐fluoro‐2‐(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl) (PTB7) as a donor are described; these systems reach a maximum power conversion efficiency of 2 %. Furthermore, the effect of molecular symmetry on the photovoltaic device performance is discussed.
Application of a Water‐Soluble Matrix‐Stabilized Palladium Nanoparticle Catalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation with High Activity and Stability
Authors: Prock Johannes , Salzl Simon , Ehrmann Katharina , Viertl Wolfgang , Pehn Richard , Pann Johann , Roithmeyer Helena , Bendig Marvin , Kopacka Holger , Capozzoli Laura , Oberhauser Werner , Knör Günther , Brüggeller Peter 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPd@(BiPy‐PEG‐OMe) is a catalyst comprised of palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐NPs) stabilized and made water soluble by 2,2′‐bipyridine‐end‐functionalized polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (BiPy‐PEG‐OMe). The catalyst has been used in the past for nitrile hydrogenation. In this work, we prove that it is also very active for photocatalytic hydrogen generation, which might be true for more catalysts of its kind and therefore worthy of further investigation. Using the inexpensive photosensitizer Eosin Y, high turnover numbers (TONs) of over 4 500 were achieved for the evolution of molecular hydrogen from pure water under visible‐light irradiation. Replacing Eosin Y, which showed only a short lifetime under experimental conditions (i.e. a few hours), by a novel osmium‐based metal complex, which is also characterized by its crystal structure, the longevity of the system can be boosted to over one and a half months with a maximum TON of 1 500. Combining excellent yield and stability is a clear goal for further research.
Internet delay forecasting for correlated and uncorrelated scenarios
Authors: Rizo‐Dominguez Luis , Muñoz‐Rodriguez David , Vargas‐Rosales Cesar , Ramirez‐Pacheco Julio , Villalpando‐Hernandez Rafaela , Mendieta‐Jimenez Francisco 
Published: November 2017

SummaryMost Internet end‐to‐end communications rely on the transmission control protocol, and transmission control protocol performance depends upon the efficient detection of packet losses and delay estimations. Thus, several retransmission timeout prediction algorithms, which play an important role in the quality of service assurance, have been suggested in the literature. In this paper, we propose a novel forecasting algorithm, which, in contrast to those reported previously, is suitable for both the correlated and the uncorrelated delay scenarios. The proposed algorithm is compared with other methodologies by using standardized delay traces reported in the literature, and it is shown that the proposed algorithm obtains an improved performance with smaller errors than those of current predictors.
Bird species richness is associated with phylogenetic relatedness, plant species richness, and altitudinal range in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Liang Chenxia , Feng Gang , Si Xingfeng , Mao Lingfeng , Yang Guisheng , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Yang Jie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBird species richness is mediated by local, regional, and historical factors, for example, competition, environmental heterogeneity, contemporary, and historical climate. Here, we related bird species richness with phylogenetic relatedness of bird assemblages, plant species richness, topography, contemporary climate, and glacial‐interglacial climate change to investigate the relative importance of these factors. This study was conducted in Inner Mongolia, an arid and semiarid region with diverse vegetation types and strong species richness gradients. The following associated variables were included as follows: phylogenetic relatedness of bird assemblages (Net Relatedness Index, NRI), plant species richness, altitudinal range, contemporary climate (mean annual temperature and precipitation, MAT and MAP), and contemporary‐Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) change in climate (change in MAT and change in MAP). Ordinary least squares linear, simultaneous autoregressive linear, and Random Forest models were used to assess the associations between these variables and bird species richness across this region. We found that bird species richness was correlated negatively with NRI and positively with plant species richness and altitudinal range, with no significant correlations with contemporary climate and glacial–interglacial climate change. The six best combinations of variables ranked by Random Forest models consistently included NRI, plant species richness, and contemporary‐LGM change in MAT. Our results suggest important roles of local ecological factors in shaping the distribution of bird species richness across this semiarid region. Our findings highlight the potential importance of these local ecological factors, for example, environmental heterogeneity, habitat filtering, and biotic interactions, in biodiversity maintenance.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of a single application of two organic amendments
Authors: Memoli V. , De Marco A. , Baldantoni D. , De Nicola F. , Maisto G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA frequent side‐effect of soil treatment with organic amendments is the slow release of harmful metals deriving from the initial matrices, mainly municipal waste and manure from intensive farming. Contamination is amplified by repeated treatments, which is a common practice to maintain soil fertility. The aim of the present research was to compare, in a mesocosm trial, short (one year)‐ and long‐term (ten years) effects of a single application of compost or a mixture of compost and poultry manure to limestone waste. Attention was focused onpH, organic matter content, metal availability, and microbial biomass and activity. Amendment ecotoxicity at ten years after application was also evaluated. A single application reduced the metal availability and metabolic quotient (an index of stress condition). In the long term, an overall improvement of the environmental conditions has been observed, as the microbial biomass increased, respiration decreased (suggesting low energy requirement) and mineralization activity decreased (likely due to high recalcitrance of residual organic matter). In the brief term, poultry manure played a significant role in improving the environmental conditions as it contributed to reduce the metal availability and to enhance the microbial biomass and activity. In the long term, the overall conditions of both the organic amendments appeared favorable for organisms as low ecotoxicity occurred.
Peripheral muscle training with resistance exercise bands in patients with chronic heart failure. Long‐term effects on walking distance and quality of life; a pilot study
Authors: Lans Charlotta , Cider Åsa , Nylander Eva , Brudin Lars 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to describe a method of peripheral muscle training with resistance bands in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and to evaluate its effects on the 6 min walk test and quality of life up to 12 months using a home‐based programme.Methods and resultsTwenty‐two patients with stable CHF (19 men and 3 women), mean age 63.2 years (SD 8.1), New York Heart Association class II–III were randomized to individual home‐based training (HT group), or home‐based training with a group‐based start‐up in a hospital setting (GT group). A 6 min walk test, the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and Short Form with 36 items (SF‐36) were administered at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Exercise training resulted in statistically significant increased walking distance in both groups. The HT group increased on average 107 (80) m from baseline to 12 months, and the GT group by 100 (96) m. Health‐related quality of life, measured with MLHFQ and SF‐36, reached statistically significant improvements in both groups but at different time points. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on any parameters or follow‐ups.ConclusionsLong‐term home‐based peripheral muscle training in patients with CHF, with or without an introductory period in a hospital setting, can be used for initial improvement and retention of walking distance and health‐related quality of life.
Fluid mixing in droplet‐based microfluidics with T junction and convergent–divergent sinusoidal microchannels
Authors: Yang Li , Li Shanshan , Liu Jixiao , Cheng Jingmeng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTo explore and utilize the advantages of droplet‐based microfluidics, hydrodynamics, and mixing process within droplets traveling though the T junction channel and convergent–divergent sinusoidal microchannels are studied by numerical simulations and experiments, respectively. In the T junction channel, the mixing efficiency is significantly influenced by the twirling effect, which controls the initial distributions of the mixture during the droplet formation stage. Therefore, the internal recirculating flow can create a convection mechanism, thus improving mixing. The twirling effect is noticeably influenced by the velocity of the continuous phase; in the sinusoidal channel, the Dean vortices and droplet deformation are induced by centrifugal force and alternative velocity gradient, thus enhancing the mixing efficiency. The best mixing occurred when the droplet size is comparable with the channel width. Finally, we propose a unique optimized structure, which includes a T junction inlet joined to a sinusoidal channel. In this structure, the mixing of fluids in the droplets follows two routes: One is the twirling effect and symmetric recirculation flow in the straight channel. The other is the asymmetric recirculation and droplet deformation in the winding and variable cross‐section. Among the three structures, the optimized structure has the best mixing efficiency at the shortest mixing time (0.25 ms). The combination of the twirling effect, variable cross‐section effect, and Dean vortices greatly intensifies the chaotic flow. This study provides the insight of the mixing process and may benefit the design and operations of droplet‐based microfluidics.
Solid‐State Poly(ionic liquid) Gels for Simultaneous CO2 Adsorption and Electrochemical Reduction
Authors: Benedetti Tania , Naficy Sina , Walker Ashley , Officer David L. , Wallace Gordon G. , Dehghani Fariba 
Published: November 2017

AbstractManaging carbon dioxide (CO2) released from large‐scale industrial processes is of great importance, yet there remain significant technical challenges. Herein, the fabrication of 1‐mm‐thick solid‐state electrochemical devices based on poly(ionic liquid) ionogels with embedded electrodes capable of both adsorption and electrochemical reduction of CO2 is reported. The ionogels are prepared via radical polymerization and chemical crosslinking of a vinyl imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonimide ionic liquid monomer in the presence of additional ionic liquids (ILs) that act as swelling agents and enhance ionic conductivity. The effects of the ILs concentration and the degree of crosslinking on the mechanical properties, conductivity, and CO2 adsorption of the ionogels are investigated. The ionogels are shown to have ionic conductivities as high as 0.6 mS cm−1. The results of quartz crystal microbalance analyses demonstrates that the CO2 adsorption of the ionogels reaches up to ≈22 mg g−1, which is 10‐fold higher than that of their native ionic liquid. Moreover, the ionogels are easily recoverable after CO2 adsorption. The flexibility, conductivity, and CO2 capture capacity of this system can be controlled by the crosslinking ratio and ionic liquid content of the ionogels. This electrochemical device has the potential to be used in large scale plants for capturing CO2 for further electrochemical reactions.
Investigation of Direct‐Fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Fueled by Upgraded Bio‐Oil Extracted from Olive Waste Pyrolysis: Part 1: Bio‐Oil Characterization and Preliminary Cell Testing
Authors: Elleuch Amal , Halouani Kamel , Li Yongdan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study is one component of a two‐part paper aiming to investigate the feasibility of directly feeding renewable liquid biofuels in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). In part 1, we examined changes that occur in the physicochemical properties upon upgrading process via catalytic esterification of fast pyrolysis crude bio‐oil and we preliminary analyzed and compared the influence on the power outputs of SOFCs. Upgraded bio‐oil was characterized revealing that all acid groups present in the crude bio‐oil were totally converted to esters. The H/C ratio increased while the O/C ratio decreased upon upgrading. Upgraded bio‐oil composition is comprised mostly of aliphatic groups (60 %) followed by saturated methyl esters (30 %). Upgraded bio‐oil viscosity (2.78 cP), neutrality (pH≈7) and energy density (40.94 MJ kg−1) were considerably enhanced. SOFC electrochemical performance results are promising showing that current density increases by 1.7 and ≈2 times while peak power density increases by 1.6 and 3 times upon upgrading at 700 °C and 750 °C, respectively.
Effects of sediment resuspension on the oxidation of acid-volatile sulfides and release of metals (iron, manganese, zinc) in Pescadero estuary (CA, USA)
Authors: Richards Chandra M. , van Puffelen Jasper L. , Pallud Céline 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Bar-built estuaries are unique ecosystems characterized by the presence of a sandbar barrier, which separates the estuary from the ocean for extended periods and can naturally reopen to the ocean with heavy rainfall and freshwater inflows. The physical effects associated with the transition from closed to open state, specifically water mixing and sediment resuspension, often indirectly worsen water quality conditions and are suspected to drive near-annual fish kills at the Pescadero estuary in northern California. The effects of sediment acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) oxidation, specifically oxygen depletion, acidification, and metal release, are believed to aggravate water conditions for fish but remain poorly understood. We performed slurry incubations containing sediment from 4 sites in the Pescadero estuary, representing a gradient from the Pacific Ocean to freshwater tributaries. We measured near-maximum rates of aqueous hydrogen sulfide oxidation, sediment AVS oxidation, sulfate production, and acidification, as well as near-maximum release rates of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) to the water column. We estimated AVS oxidation rates of 8 to 21 mmol S kg−1  d−1, which were 3 orders of magnitude higher than aqueous hydrogen sulfide oxidation rates, 6 to 26 μmol S kg−1  d−1. We suggest that aqueous hydrogen sulfide cannot be responsible for the observed kills because of low concentrations and minimal oxidative effects on pH and metal concentrations. However, the oxidative effects of AVS are potentially severe, decreasing pH to strongly acidic levels and releasing aqueous Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations up to 11.2 mM, 0.46 mM, and 88 μM, respectively, indicating a potential role in worsening water conditions for fish in the Pescadero estuary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:993–1006. © 2017 SETAC
Effect of privatized managed care on public insurance spending and generosity: Evidence from Medicaid
Authors: Perez Victoria 
Published: November 2017

SummaryStates choose to provide Medicaid coverage via managed care or traditional fee‐for‐service. Managed care provided by private insurers poses higher contracting costs and information asymmetry than traditional fee‐for‐service but potentially improves efficiency and reduces spending. Evaluating the effect of managed care on Medicaid spending is challenging because adoption of managed care is nonrandom and may be driven by local economic shocks that simultaneously affect Medicaid spending. This study implements a dynamic panel framework to estimate the effect of managed care enrollment on spending levels and program design. Results show reductions in Medicaid spending larger than previously found in cross‐state studies: A 10% increase of managed care enrollment reduces state Medicaid spending by 2.94%, or approximately $55 million. The study identifies which areas of spending are differentially affected by managed care enrollment and whether savings from managed care affect Medicaid design, specifically coverage generosity.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of composites of hydroxyapatite and hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Unal Semra , Ekren Nazmi , Sengil Ahmet Z. , Oktar Faik N. , Irmak Ster , Oral Ozlem , Sahin Yesim M. , Kilic Osman , Agathopoulos Simeon , Gunduz Oguzhan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHydroxyapatite (HA), obtained from bovine bones, was successfully reinforced with hexagonal boron nitrite (h‐BN). h‐BN/HA composites, with BN content up to 1.5 wt %, were sintered at various temperatures between 1000 and 1300°C, in air. Well‐sintered samples were obtained after sintering at 1200 and 1300°C. The presence of h‐BN contributed to dense, fine, and well‐crystallized microstructure. The results of X‐ray diffraction analysis and FT‐IR spectroscopy showed that the produced composites comprised biphasic β‐TCP/HCA (HCA: carbonate partially substituted HA). High values of mechanical properties were achieved, namely compression strength 155 MPa for the sample 0.5% h‐BN/HA and Vickers microhardness of 716 HV for the samples 1.5% h‐BN/HA, both sintered at 1300°C. U2OS human bone osteosarcoma proliferation and cell viability showed no adverse effect in the presence of h‐BN/HA, suggesting the potential use of the produced materials as safe biomaterials in bone tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2384–2392, 2018.
Diagnostic value of trait antinuclear antibodies and multiple immunoglobulin production in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Wan Liping , Zhu Hong , Gu Yanan , Liu Hui 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundOur article aims to evaluate the proportion of monospecific antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and polyclonal ANAs in patients with autoimmune diseases based on the results of an ANA panel and to evaluate the efficiency of trait ANAs as a novel diagnostic tool. This study also aims to investigate immunoglobulin production in autoimmune diseases by detecting different antibodies.MethodsThe serum ANA profile of 634 patients with autoimmune diseases was analyzed using the immunoblot method. A specific formula was developed in an effort to calculate the theoretical proportion of monospecific ANA (TPM) in different disease groups. Different IgM, IgG, and IgE variants for several pathologies were detected.ResultsThe observed proportions of monospecific ANAs (OPM) were all lower than the predicted TPM in autoimmune diseases. Polyclonal ANAs were predominant in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There were statistical differences in OPM and TPM in all disease groups (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis of trait ANAs between the SLE group and the control groups indicated an area under the curve of 0.916. Differences were found in IgM of Toxoplasma gondii (TOXO) and IgG of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Treponema pallidum (TP) when comparing the various disease groups to the control group.ConclusionThe higher TPM suggests that polyclonal differentiation is the major mechanism of ANA in autoimmune diseases. Trait ANA is potentially a valuable new index for diagnosis in SLE. Further investigation is needed to understand the link between B‐cell differentiation and autoimmune diseases.