bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decoding Nucleation and Growth of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Thin Films with Atomic Force Microscopy and Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Öztürk Zafer , Filez Matthias , Weckhuysen Bert M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe synthesis of metal‐organic framework (MOF) thin films has garnered significant attention during the past decade. By better understanding the parameters governing the nucleation and growth of such thin films, their properties can be rationally tuned, empowering their application as (reactive) membranes. Here, a combined AFM‐vibrational spectroscopy research strategy is employed to detail the chemistries governing the nucleation and growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) thin films, in particular isostructural Co‐ZIF‐67 and Zn‐ZIF‐8. First, a single step direct synthesis approach is used to investigate the influence of different synthesis parameters –metal/linker ratio, temperature, and metal type– on the thin film nucleation and growth behaviour. While the metal/linker ratio has a pronounced effect on the thin film nucleation rate, the temperature mainly influences the growth kinetics of nuclei forming the thin film. In addition, the nucleation and growth of ZIF thin films is shown to be highly dependent on the electronegativity of the metal type. Thin‐film thickness control can be achieved by using a multistep synthesis strategy, implying repetitive applications of single step deposition under identical synthesis conditions, for which a growth mechanism is proposed. This study provides insight into the influence of synthesis parameters on the ZIF thin film properties, using tools at hand to rationally tune MOF thin film properties.
Effect of Nitrogen Doping Level on the Performance of N‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dot/TiO2 Composites for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Shi Run , Li Zi , Yu Huijun , Shang Lu , Zhou Chao , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wu Li‐Zhu , Zhang Tierui 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted widespread interest for photocatalytic applications, owing to their low cost and excellent electron donor/acceptor properties. However, their advancement as visible‐light photosensitizers in CQDs/semiconductor nanocomposites is currently impaired by their poor quantum yields (QYs). Herein, we describe the successful fabrication of a series of nitrogen‐doped CQDs (NCDs) with N/C atomic ratios ranging from 0.14–0.30. NCDs with the highest N‐doping level afforded a remarkable external QY of 66.8 % at 360 nm, and outstanding electron transfer properties and photosensitization efficiencies when physically adsorbed on P25 TiO2. A NCDs/P25‐TiO2 hybrid demonstrated excellent performance for hydrogen evolution in aqueous methanol under both UV and visible‐light illumination relative to pristine P25 TiO2. Controlled nitrogen doping of CQDs therefore represents a very effective strategy for optimizing the performance of CQDs/semiconductor hybrid photocatalysts.
Supplementary feeding increases nestling feather corticosterone early in the breeding season in house sparrows
Authors: Salleh Hudin Noraine , De Neve Liesbeth , Strubbe Diederik , Fairhurst Graham D. , Vangestel Carl , Peach Will J. , Lens Luc 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral studies on birds have proposed that a lack of invertebrate prey in urbanized areas could be the main cause for generally lower levels of breeding success compared to rural habitats. Previous work on house sparrowsPasser domesticusfound that supplemental feeding in urbanized areas increased breeding success but did not contribute to population growth. Here, we hypothesize that supplementary feeding allows house sparrows to achieve higher breeding success but at the cost of lower nestling quality. As abundant food supplies may permit both high‐ and low‐quality nestlings to survive, we also predict that within‐brood variation in proxies of nestling quality would be larger for supplemental food broods than for unfed broods. As proxies of nestling quality, we considered feather corticosterone (CORTf), body condition (scaled mass index,SMI), and tarsus‐based fluctuating asymmetry (FA). Our hypothesis was only partially supported as we did not find an overall effect of food supplementation onFAorSMI. Rather, food supplementation affected nestling phenotype only early in the breeding season in terms of elevatedCORTflevels and a tendency for more variable within‐broodCORTfandFA. Early food supplemented nests therefore seemed to include at least some nestlings that faced increased stressors during development, possibly due to harsher environmental (e.g., related to food and temperature) conditions early in the breeding season that would increase sibling competition, especially in larger broods. The fact thatCORTfwas positively, rather than inversely, related to nestlingSMIfurther suggests that factors influencingCORTfandSMIare likely operating over different periods or, alternatively, that nestlings in good nutritional condition also invest in high‐quality feathers.
Study on Ability of Desalination System to Compensate Renewable Energy Fluctuation
Authors: IMANAKA MASAKI , BABA JUMPEI , KUNIBA YUSUKE , HIGA NAOTO 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYThe installation of renewable energy sources in island grids is focused on as a large part of island power generation whose power fluctuations should be compensated. A desalination system is given consideration as a controllable load. This paper proposes a model for such a desalination system, then estimates the controllable ranges under various constraints and evaluates the capacity for power fluctuation suppression. The model calculates the pressure, flow rate, and power consumption. The parameters in the model are fitted using tests with an experimental system. Next, the controllable ranges for power consumption under constraints involving the membrane or other factors are simulated using both tests and the model. The controllable ranges with the valve opening fixed are estimated to be 27% to 43% of the rated power. Finally, in order to evaluate transient response, step and ramp response tests and photovoltaic (PV) output suppression tests are performed. Most of the fluctuations in PV output are suppressed when PV output is within the controllable range.
Study on Surplus Electricity under Massive Integration of Intermittent Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: OTSUKI TAKASHI , KOMIYAMA RYOICHI , FUJII YASUMASA 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYIn order to address climate change and energy security issues, intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power are gaining considerable attention. However, due to their variability and surplus electricity, the expansion of these renewables is an important challenge for power grid management. Various countermeasures such as rechargeable batteries, suppression, and back‐up generators, are considered necessary for the physical integration of intermittent renewables to create an efficient and reliable power generation mix. In this context, we developed a high time‐resolution optimal power generation mix model to quantitatively assess the amount of surplus electricity available under the large‐scale introduction of PV and wind power in the Hokkaido region of Japan and the potential roles for the countermeasures mentioned above. The main feature of the model is the detailed time resolution at 10 min through a year. This allows us to investigate the impact of variation in various short‐cycle renewables on surplus electricity and the deployment of rechargeable batteries. The simulation results suggest that if a proportion of PV and wind power expands more than around 10% and 20% of total demand respectively or if the sum of the proportion of PV and wind power exceeds 20%, the need for suppression grows rapidly. The results also suggest that rechargeable batteries are more economically compatible with PV than wind power is.
Prevention of Output Suppression through Heat Pump Water Heaters for High‐Penetration Residential PV Systems for Long‐Term Operation
Authors: MIYAMOTO YUSUKE , HAYASHI YASUHIRO 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYThere is a danger of output suppression of high‐penetration residential photovoltaic systems due to voltage increase. It is necessa1ry to install new technology to prevent the occurrence of such phenomenon. Therefore, we focused our attention on heat‐pump water heaters (HPWHs). HPWHs are usually used to heat water during nighttime because electricity prices are cheaper than during the daytime for the load leveling in Japan. So they can be used as a countermeasure without additional cost if they are operated during the daytime. However, HPWHs do not have sufficient capacity to absorb inverse energy at each residence. Thus, HPWH operation must be optimized to minimize output suppression loss. In this research, we selected four typical sunny days in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The optimal HPWH operation was calculated by numerical simulation. The optimal monthly HPWH operation was investigated using the weather forecast assuming actual operation in each season.
Flt3 ligand‐eGFP‐reporter expression characterizes functionally distinct subpopulations of CD150+ long‐term repopulating murine hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Tornack Julia , Kawano Yohei , Garbi Natalio , Hämmerling Günter J. , Melchers Fritz , Tsuneto Motokazu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe pool of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow is a mixture of resting, proliferating, and differentiating cells. Long‐term repopulating HSCs (LT‐HSC) are routinely enriched as Lin−Sca1+c‐Kit+CD34−Flt3−CD150+CD48− cells. The Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) and its receptor Flt3 are important regulators of HSC maintenance, expansion and differentiation. Using Flt3L‐eGFP reporter mice, we show that endogenous Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporter RNA expression correlates with eGFP‐protein expression. This Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporter expression distinguishes two LT‐HSC populations with differences in gene expressions and reconstituting potential. Thus, Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterlow cells are identified as predominantly resting HSCs with long‐term repopulating capacities. In contrast, Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh cells are in majority proliferating HSCs with only short‐term repopulating capacities. Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterlow cells express hypoxia, autophagy‐inducing, and the LT‐HSC‐associated genes HoxB5 and Fgd5, while Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh HSCs upregulate genes involved in HSC differentiation. Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterlow cells develop to Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh cells in vitro, although Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh cells remain Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh. CD150+Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterlow cells express either endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) or CD41, while Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporterhigh cells do express EPCR but not CD41. Thus, FACS‐enrichment of Flt3/ Flt3L‐eGFP‐reporter negative, Lin−CD150+CD48− EPCR+CD41+ HSCs allows a further 5‐fold enrichment of functional LT‐HSCs.
Lactobacilli survival and adhesion to colonic epithelial cell lines is dependent on long chain fatty acid exposure
Authors: Bentley‐Hewitt Kerry L. , Narbad Arjan , Majsak‐Newman Gosia , Philo Mark R. , Lund Elizabeth K. 
Published: July 2017

Lactobacilli and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are commonly consumed as functional foods. However, there is very little research into their interactions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between fatty acids (FA) and lactobacilli by exploring lactobacilli survival following exposure to different FA and their adhesion to epithelial cells pre‐treated with different FA. Three strains of lactobacilli were cultured with 20 µM eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n‐3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n‐3), arachidonic acid (AA, n‐6) or oleic acid (OA, n‐9) to assess survival. Additionally, adhesion of radioactively labelled bacteria to confluent layers of three colorectal cell lines was measured following pre‐treatment of the epithelial cells with 50 µM EPA, DHA, AA. or OA. Results show that exposure to FA slowed log‐phase growth of two human derived strains of lactobacilli, but reduced survival of a chicken derived strain to 20%. Survival was associated with the formation of the FA cyc19:0 in the human derived strains. The chicken derived strain showed greatest adherence to epithelial cells and adhesion was increased following epithelial cell exposure to DHA. In conclusion, the survival and adhesion of lactobacilli in the intestinal tract is likely to be affected by FA content of the diet.Practical applications: The fatty acid composition of the diet has the potential to modulate the behaviour of probiotic bacteria in the gut and in probiotic foods. We showed that combining high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with certain probiotics may lead to reduced numbers of probiotic bacteria. Despite this, we showed that PUFA could enhance adhesion of some lactobacilli strains and that increasing the PUFA content of epithelial cells via the diet may aid the adherence of some potentially beneficial lactobacilli. We also highlight a potential concern for the chicken industry whereby PUFA inhibited the growth of the lactobacilli isolated from chicken. With the increasing use of PUFA in chicken feed this could lead to a dysbiosis in normal chicken microflora and requires further investigation.Overview of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) potential effects on bacteria adhesion. (1) Unabsorbed PUFA directly effects bacteria in the colon. (2) Systemic delivery of PUFA following absorption can (a) Bind peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR), that can lead to production of transforming growth factor‐β resulting in tolerance towards bacteria. (b) Be precursors for series 3 prostaglandins (PG) that lead to lower inflammatory responses. (c) Be precursors to series 2 PG and enhance inflammatory products, however, precursors can bind PPAR and result in inhibition of inflammatory responses. (d) Unsaturated PUFAs lead to a more fluidic membrane composition, potentially altering bacterial adhesion sites.
Cannabinoids prevent the differential long‐term effects of exposure to severe stress on hippocampal‐ and amygdala‐dependent memory and plasticity
Authors: Shoshan Noa , Segev Amir , Abush Hila , Mizrachi Zer‐Aviv Tomer , Akirav Irit 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExposure to excessive or uncontrolled stress is a major factor associated with various diseases including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The consequences of exposure to trauma are affected not only by aspects of the event itself, but also by the frequency and severity of trauma reminders. It was suggested that in PTSD, hippocampal‐dependent memory is compromised while amygdala‐dependent memory is strengthened.Several lines of evidence support the role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system as a modulator of the stress response. In this study we aimed to examine cannabinoids modulation of the long‐term effects (i.e., 1 month) of exposure to a traumatic event on memory and plasticity in the hippocampus and amygdala.Following exposure to the shock and reminders model of PTSD in an inhibitory avoidance light‐dark apparatus rats demonstrated: (i) enhanced fear retrieval and impaired inhibitory extinction (Ext), (ii) no long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1, (iii) impaired hippocampal‐dependent short‐term memory in the object location task, (iv) enhanced LTP in the amygdala, and (v) enhanced amygdala‐dependent conditioned taste aversion memory. The cannabinoid CB1/2 receptor agonist WIN55‐212,2 (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 (0.3mg/kg, i.p.), administered 2 hr after shock exposure prevented these opposing effects on hippocampal‐ and amygdala‐dependent processes. Moreover, the effects of WIN55‐212,2 and URB597 on Ext and acoustic startle were prevented by co‐administration of a low dose of the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (0.5mg/kg, i.p.), suggesting that the preventing effects of both drugs are mediated by CB1 receptors. Exposure to shock and reminders increased CB1 receptor levels in the CA1 and basolateral amygdala 1 month after shock exposure and this increase was also prevented by administering WIN55‐212,2 or URB597.Taken together, these findings suggest the involvement of the eCB system, and specifically CB1 receptors, in the opposite effects of severe stress on memory and plasticity in the hippocampus and amygdala.
Optogenetic stimulation of dentate gyrus engrams restores memory in Alzheimer's disease mice
Authors: Perusini Jennifer N. , Cajigas Stephanie A. , Cohensedgh Omid , Lim Sean C. , Pavlova Ina P. , Donaldson Zoe R. , Denny Christine A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles. APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice have been developed as an AD model and are characterized by plaque formation at 4–6 months of age. Here, we sought to better understand AD‐related cognitive decline by characterizing various types of memory. In order to better understand how memory declines with AD, APP/PS1 mice were bred with ArcCreERT2 mice. In this line, neural ensembles activated during memory encoding can be indelibly tagged and directly compared with neural ensembles activated during memory retrieval (i.e., memory traces/engrams). We first administered a battery of tests examining depressive‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors, as well as spatial, social, and cognitive memory to APP/PS1 × ArcCreERT2 × channelrhodopsin (ChR2)‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) mice. Dentate gyrus (DG) neural ensembles were then optogenetically stimulated in these mice to improve memory impairment. AD mice had the most extensive differences in fear memory, as assessed by contextual fear conditioning (CFC), which was accompanied by impaired DG memory traces. Optogenetic stimulation of DG neural ensembles representing a CFC memory increased memory retrieval in the appropriate context in AD mice when compared with control (Ctrl) mice. Moreover, optogenetic stimulation facilitated reactivation of the neural ensembles that were previously activated during memory encoding. These data suggest that activating previously learned DG memory traces can rescue cognitive impairments and point to DG manipulation as a potential target to treat memory loss commonly seen in AD.
Synthesis of β‐Lactam‐containing Pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐e][1,4]diazepines
Authors: Stroganova Tatyana A. , Vasilin Vladimir K. , Kovalenko Georgy A. , Krapivin Gennady D. 
Published: July 2017

Novel tricyclic 1,4‐diazepine derivatives – pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐e][1,4]diazepin‐2‐ones – have been synthesized. Azetidin‐2‐one moiety has been incorporated into the 1,4‐diazepine scaffold by [2 + 2]cycloaddition of functionalized ketenes to imine C═N bond, and several tetracyclic azetodiazepines which can be considered as potential compounds of biological interest have been prepared. Stereoselectivity of the cycloaddition was proved by NMR and X‐ray analysis data.
Rapid and simple flow injection analysis tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of melphalan in a lipid‐based drug delivery system
Authors: Mohammed‐Saeid Waleed , Michel Deborah , Badea Ildiko , El‐Aneed Anas 
Published: July 2017

RationaleThe use of the anticancer drug melphalan is limited due to its poor water solubility. To address this limitation, it is incorporated within a novel delivery system using β‐cyclodextrin‐gemini surfactants (18:1βCDg).MethodsHerein, two fast and simple flow injection analysis/tandem mass spectrometric (FIA‐MS/MS) methods are developed for the quantification of melphalan (Mel) within the drug delivery system so that the solubilization efficiency of the system can be assessed. FIA‐MS/MS methods are developed using a triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer, equipped with electrospray ionization (ESI) in the positive ion mode. A deuterated form of melphalan (melphalan‐d8) was used as an internal standard (IS). The methods were validated according to the FDA guidance.ResultsA linearity in the range of 2–100 ng/mL and accuracy and precision below 15% were observed for all standard points and quality control samples. The intra‐ and inter‐day variations and freeze–thaw stability were within the acceptable range according to the criteria set by regulatory guidelines. On the other hand, other stability measures, such as room temperature stability and long‐term stability, did not meet the required guidelines in some cases, indicating the need for quick sample analysis upon preparation. Such a fact could have been overlooked if full method validation had not been performed.ConclusionsThe developed methods were applied to determine the encapsulation/solubilization of the [18:1βCDg/Mel] delivery system. 18:1βCDg enhances the aqueous solubility of melphalan without the need for co‐solvent. The highest melphalan solubility was observed at a melphalan18:1βCDg/Mel complex molar ratio of 2:1. This study demonstrated that a fast analysis for the purpose of quantifying a chemically unstable drug, such as melphalan, is feasible and important for the development of commercial dosage forms.
Fast and comprehensive characterization of chemical ingredients in traditional Chinese herbal medicines by extractive atmospheric pressure photoionization (EAPPI) mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Chengyuan , Wen Wu , Shao Jun , Zhao Wan , Qi Keke , Yang Jiuzhong , Pan Yang 
Published: July 2017

RationaleThe goal of this work is to employ extractive atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry (EAPPI‐MS) to characterize the constituents in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) directly without chromatographic separation.MethodsSample was placed in 4 mL of methanol/water (v/v, 3:1) in the nebulization cell, and then the ultrasonic nebulizer was switched on. The ultrasonic nebulization system allows the simultaneous sample extraction and introduction of extract aerosols. The extract aerosols were vaporized in a transfer tube. Mixed with a gaseous dopant, vaporized analytes were ionized through ambient photon‐induced ion–molecule reactions, and were mass‐analyzed by high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS).ResultsThe major ingredients including alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, saccarides, ginsenosides, lignans and terpenoids were readily detected. Compared with electrospray ionization (ESI), EAPPI allowed the ionization of a wider range of compounds, which is desirable for the integral characterization of TCHMs containing numerous constituents. The significant discrepancies for both alkaloids and terpenoids in tripterygium glycoside tablets from two different manufacturers could be simultaneously reflected from EAPPI mass spectra.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that EAPPI‐MS can be regarded as a supplementary ambient method for the fast and comprehensive analysis of TCHMs, which is important for the quality control and safety assurance of these products.
High‐Performance Multifunctional Fuel Additives Derived from Renewable Fatty Acids and Phosphazene
Authors: Khatri Praveen K. , Aila Mounika , Kukrety Aruna , Gupta Piyush , Saxena Rakesh C. , Singh Raj K. , Jain Suman L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe increasing need for high‐quality diesel fuel can be fulfilled by using environmental friendly, high‐performance additives. We have synthesized novel fatty acid‐derived multifunctional additives coupled with phosphazene moiety having the backbone of alternative nitrogen and phosphorous atoms which provided stability, while the additives possessed affinity for the metal surface to form a surface‐complex film leading to the hindered metal contact and providing friction‐reducing and antiwear properties. In addition, the applicability of the synthesized additives was investigated by testing the anti‐oxidant and anticorrosion properties in polyethylene glycol (PEG200) which was taken as the reference base fluid. A rotating bomb oxidation test was used to evaluate the anti‐oxidant characteristics, and a four‐ball test for the tribological properties. Among the synthesized additives, phosphazene ester of erucic acid exhibited the best antiwear and antifriction properties; however, phosphazene ester of oleic acid was found to be the best anti‐oxidant additive.