bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sintering-Resistant Nanoparticles in Wide-Mouthed Compartments for Sustained Catalytic Performance
Authors: Liu Jia , Ji Qingmin , Imai Tsubasa , Ariga Katsuhiko , Abe Hideki 
Published: February 2017

AbstractParticle sintering is one of the most significant impediments to functional nanoparticles in many valuable applications especially catalysis. Herein, we report that sintering-resistant nanoparticle systems can be realized through a simple materials-design which maximizes the particle-to-particle traveling distance of neighbouring nanoparticles. As a demonstration, Pt nanoparticles were placed apart from each other in wide-mouthed compartments tailored on the surface of self-assembled silica nanosheets. These Pt nanoparticles retained their particle size after calcination at elevated temperatures because the compartment wall elongates the particle-to-particle traveling distance to preclude the possibility of sintering. Moreover, these Pt nanoparticles in wide-mouthed compartments were fully accessible to the environment and exhibited much higher catalytic activity for CO oxidation than the nanoparticles confined in the nanochannels of mesoporous silica. The proposed materials-design strategy is applicable not only to industrial catalysts operating in harsh conditions, but also opens up possibilities in developing advanced nanoparticle-based materials with sustained performance.
An effective and novel pore sealing agent to enhance the corrosion resistance performance of Al coating in artificial ocean water
Authors: Lee Han-Seung , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Ismail Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA new technique was accepted to fill the porosity of Al coating applied by arc thermal spray process to enhance corrosion resistance performance in artificial ocean water. The porosity is the inherent property of arc thermal spray coating process. In this study, applied coating was treated with different concentrations of ammonium phosphate mono basic (NH4H2PO4: AP) solution thereafter dried at room temperature and kept in humidity chamber for 7d to deposit uniform film. The corrosion resistance of Al coating and treated samples have been evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic techniques with exposure periods in artificial ocean water. Electrochemical techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) indicated that phosphate ion would have been retarding corrosion of Al coating effectively. The formation of AHP (Ammonium Aluminum Hydrogen Phosphate Hydrate: NH4)3Al5H6(PO4)8.18H2O) on Al coating surface after treatment with AP is nano sized, crystalline and uniformly deposited but after exposure them in artificial ocean water, they form AHPH (Aluminum hydroxide phosphate hydrate Al3(PO4)2(OH)3(H2O)5) that is very protective, adherent, uniform and plate like morphology of corrosion products. The AHPH is sparingly soluble and adherent to surface and imparted improved corrosion resistance.
Toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles to grass litter decomposition in a sandy soil
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz , Shahzad Tanvir , Shahid Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Dhavamani Jeyakumar , Ismail Iqbal M. I. , Basahi Jalal M. , Almeelbi Talal 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe examined time-dependent effect of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) at a rate of 2000 mg kg−1 soil on Cynodon dactylon litter (3 g kg−1) decomposition in an arid sandy soil. Overall, heterotrophic cultivable bacterial and fungal colonies, and microbial biomass carbon were significantly decreased in litter-amended soil by the application of nanoparticles after 90 and 180 days of incubation. Time dependent effect of nanoparticles was significant for microbial biomass in litter-amended soil where nanoparticles decreased this variable from 27% after 90 days to 49% after 180 days. IONPs decreased CO2 emission by 28 and 30% from litter-amended soil after 90 and 180 days, respectively. These observations indicated that time-dependent effect was not significant on grass-litter carbon mineralization efficiency. Alternatively, nanoparticles application significantly reduced mineral nitrogen content in litter-amended soil in both time intervals. Therefore, nitrogen mineralization efficiency was decreased to 60% after 180 days compared to that after 90 days in nanoparticles grass-litter amended soil. These effects can be explained by the presence of labile Fe in microbial biomass after 180 days in nanoparticles amendment. Hence, our results suggest that toxicity of IONPs to soil functioning should consider before recommending their use in agro-ecosystems.
First On-Site True Gamma-Ray Imaging-Spectroscopy of Contamination near Fukushima Plant
Authors: Tomono Dai , Mizumoto Tetsuya , Takada Atsushi , Komura Shotaro , Matsuoka Yoshihiro , Mizumura Yoshitaka , Oda Makoto , Tanimori Toru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe have developed an Electron Tracking Compton Camera (ETCC), which provides a well-defined Point Spread Function (PSF) by reconstructing a direction of each gamma as a point and realizes simultaneous measurement of brightness and spectrum of MeV gamma-rays for the first time. Here, we present the results of our on-site pilot gamma-imaging-spectroscopy with ETCC at three contaminated locations in the vicinity of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants in Japan in 2014. The obtained distribution of brightness (or emissivity) with remote-sensing observations is unambiguously converted into the dose distribution. We confirm that the dose distribution is consistent with the one taken by conventional mapping measurements with a dosimeter physically placed at each grid point. Furthermore, its imaging spectroscopy, boosted by Compton-edge-free spectra, reveals complex radioactive features in a quantitative manner around each individual target point in the background-dominated environment. Notably, we successfully identify a “micro hot spot” of residual caesium contamination even in an already decontaminated area. These results show that the ETCC performs exactly as the geometrical optics predicts, demonstrates its versatility in the field radiation measurement, and reveals potentials for application in many fields, including the nuclear industry, medical field, and astronomy.
Age, but not anthelmintic treatment, is associated with urinary neopterin levels in semi-free ranging Barbary macaques
Authors: Müller Nadine , Heistermann Michael , Strube Christina , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStudying host parasite interactions and their implications for evolution and ecology recently received increasing attention, particularly with regard to host physiology and immunity. Here we assess variation of urinary neopterin (uNEO), a marker of cellular immune activation and iummunosenescence, in response to age and anthelmintic treatment in semi-free ranging Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). Urinary NEO levels were measured via enzyme-immunoassay from 179 urine samples of 43 individuals between 5–29 years of age. Efficiency of treatment was assessed by Mc Master flotation on repeated faecal samples, including 18 untreated individuals as control group. We used linear mixed models with age and parasite status as main effects, controlling for sex and physical condition, assessed through urinary C-Peptide-levels, with social group and ID as random factors. Urinary NEO levels significantly increased with age, suggesting that changes in aging Barbary macaque immune responses are consistent with immunosenescence described in human and nonhuman primates and can be detected via uNEO measurements. Anthelmintic treatment, however, had no influence on uNEO levels, potentially due to quick reinfections or attenuated immune responses in repeated infections. We conclude that uNEO is a potential non-invasive marker for immune function and particularly immunosenescence in wildlife.
Development of a nanocomposite ultrafiltration membrane based on polyphenylsulfone blended with graphene oxide
Authors: Shukla Arun Kumar , Alam Javed , Alhoshan Mansour , Dass Lawrence Arockiasamy , Muthumareeswaran M. R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the present study, graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated as a nanoadditive into a polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) to develop a PPSU/GO nanocomposite membrane with enhanced antifouling properties. A series of membranes containing different concentrations (0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 wt.%) of GO were fabricated via the phase inversion method, using N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent, deionized water as the non-solvent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a pore forming agent. The prepared nanocomposite membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and were also characterized with respect to contact angle, zeta potential and porosity, mean pore radius, tortuosity and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile testing were used to measure thermal and mechanical properties. The membrane performance was evaluated by volumetric flux and rejection of proteins, and antifouling properties. According to the results, the optimum addition of 0.5 wt% GO resulted in a membrane with an increased flux of 171 ± 3 Lm−2h−1 with a MWCO of ~40 kDa. In addition, the GO incorporation efficiently inhibited the interaction between proteins and the membrane surface, thereby improving the fouling resistance ability by approximately 58 ± 3%. Also, the resulting membranes showed a significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties.
High-performance varistors simply by hot-dipping zinc oxide thin films in Pr6O11: Influence of temperature
Authors: Wang Yang , Peng Zhijian , Wang Qi , Wang Chengbiao , Fu Xiuli 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHigh-performance ZnO-Pr6O11 thin-film varistors were fabricated simply by hot-dipping oxygen-deficient zinc oxide thin films in Pr6O11 powder. The films had a composition of ZnO0.81 and a thickness of about 200 nm, which were deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering a sintered zinc oxide ceramic target. Special attention was paid on the temperature dependence of the varistors. In 50 min with hot-dipping temperature increased from 300–700 °C, the nonlinear coefficient (α) of the varistors increased, but with higher temperature it decreased again. Correspondingly, the leakage current (IL) decreased first and then increased, owing mainly to the formation and destroying of complete zinc oxide/Pr6O11 grain boundaries. The breakdown field (E1mA) decreased monotonously from 0.02217 to 0.01623 V/nm with increasing temperature (300–800 °C), due to the decreased number of effective grain boundaries in the varistors. The varistors prepared at 700 °C exhibited the optimum nonlinear properties with the highest α = 39.29, lowest IL = 0.02736 mA/cm2, and E1mA = 0.01757 V/nm. And after charge-discharge at room temperature for 1000 times, heating at 100 or 250 °C for up to 100 h, or applying at up to 250 °C, the varistors still performed well. Such nanoscaled thin-film varistors will be very promising in electrical/electronic devices working at low voltage.
Platelets protect lung from injury induced by systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Luo Shuhua , Wang Yabo , An Qi , Chen Hao , Zhao Junfei , Zhang Jie , Meng Wentong , Du Lei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSystemic inflammatory responses can severely injure lungs, prompting efforts to explore how to attenuate such injury. Here we explored whether platelets can help attenuate lung injury in mice resulting from extracorporeal circulation (ECC)-induced systemic inflammatory responses. Mice were subjected to ECC for 30 min, then treated with phosphate-buffered saline, platelets, the GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor Tirofiban, or the combination of platelets and Tirofiban. Blood and lung tissues were harvested 60 min later, and lung injury and inflammatory status were assessed. As expected, ECC caused systemic inflammation and pulmonary dysfunction, and platelet transfusion resulted in significantly milder lung injury and higher lung function. It also led to greater numbers of circulating platelet-leukocyte aggregates and greater platelet accumulation in the lung. Platelet transfusion was associated with higher production of transforming growth factor-β and as well as lower levels of tumour necrosis factor-α and neutrophil elastase in plasma and lung. None of these platelet effects was observed in the presence of Tirofiban. Our results suggest that, at least under certain conditions, platelets can protect lung from injury induced by systemic inflammatory responses.
Four New Xanthones from Cratoxylum cochinchinense and Their In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects
Authors: Ito Chihiro , Matsui Takuya , Niimi Ai , Tan Hugh , Itoigawa Masataka 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe study of the chemical constituents of branches and twigs of Cratoxylum cochinchinense collected in Singapore led to the isolation and structural elucidation of four new xanthones, named cratoxanthone A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), together with six known xanthones (5–10) and one known dihydroanthracenone (11). Eight xanthones (including 1 and 2) and 11 were tested for their antiproliferative activity in three human carcinoma cell lines (lung adenocarcinoma A549, colorectal carcinoma Colo205, and epidermoid carcinoma KB) and a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia B cell line (NALM-6), and the mitochondrial membrane potential was determined in KB cells. New xanthones 1 and 2 attenuated NALM-6 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 17.78 and 8.27 µM, respectively. Furthermore, KB cells treated with these compounds had significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potentials. Notably, the proliferation of A549 cells was specifically inhibited by 11, but not the xanthones.
Neuronal migration is mediated by inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 via α-actinin and focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Fu Chenglai , Xu Jing , Cheng Weiwei , Rojas Tomas , Chin Alfred C. , Snowman Adele M. , Harraz Maged M. , Snyder Solomon H. 
Published: February 2017

Significance
Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) regulates numerous physiological functions. We describe a role of IP6K1 in neural development, because its deletion results in defects in neuronal migration and brain malformation. IP6K1 physiologically interacts with α-actinin and localizes to focal adhesions. IP6K1 regulates phosphorylation of both focal adhesion kinase and α-actinin through its product 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (5-IP7).
Breast Tumor Cell Lines From Pleural Effusions2
Authors: Cailleau R. , Young R. , Olivé M. , Reeves W. J. 
Published: February 2017

Summary
During 1973, 4 new epithelial tumor cell lines were isolated from pleural effusions from breast cancer patients. We describe 3 of these lines: MDA-MB-134, with a mean chromosome number of 43; MDA-MB-175, with a mean chromosome number of 49; and MDA-MB-231, with a mean chromosome number between 65 and 69. We isolated the same cell type from 4 of 10 effusions from MDA-MB-134 and from 6 of 8 effusions from MDA-MB-175. We found that pleural effusions as a source of breast tumor cells to be cultured and studied in vitro have the following advantages: 1) large amounts of material and the possibility of obtaining sequential samples from the same patient; 2) high viability of tumor cells; 3) scarcity or absence of fibroblasts; and 4) the possibility of separating the tumor cells from other “contaminating” cell types by differences in their speed or degree of attachment to the flask. All lines from different patients differed, as seen grossly and microscopically. All lines from sequential pleural effusions from the same patient were apparently alike. No viruses or mycoplasmas were detected in any line.
Is Draco II one of the faintest dwarf galaxies? First study from Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopy
Authors: Martin Nicolas F. , Geha Marla , Ibata Rodrigo A. , Collins Michelle L. M. , Laevens Benjamin P. M. , Bell Eric F. , Rix Hans-Walter , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Chambers Kenneth C. , Wainscoat Richard J. , Waters Christopher 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We present the first spectroscopic analysis of the faint and compact stellar system Draco II (Dra II, MV = −2.9 ± 0.8, $r_{\rm h}=19^{+8}_{-6}{\rm \,pc}$), recently discovered in the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System 1 3π survey. The observations, conducted with DEIMOS on the Keck II telescope, establish some of its basic characteristics: the velocity data reveal a narrow peak with nine member stars at a systemic heliocentric velocity $\langle v_{\rm r}\rangle =-347.6^{+1.7}_{-1.8}{\rm \,km\,s^{-1}}$, thereby confirming Dra II is a satellite of the Milky Way; we infer a velocity dispersion with σvr = 2.9 ± 2.1 km s−1 (&lt;8.4 km s−1 at the 95 per cent confidence level), which implies $\log _{10}\left(M_{1/2}\right)=5.5^{+0.4}_{-0.6}$ and $\log _{10}\left((\text{M/L})_{1/2}\right)=2.7^{+0.5}_{-0.8}$, in Solar units; furthermore, very weak calcium triplet lines in the spectra of the high signal-to-noise member stars imply [Fe/H] &lt; −2.1, whilst variations in the line strengths of two stars with similar colours and magnitudes suggest a metallicity spread in Dra II. These new data cannot clearly discriminate whether Draco II is a star cluster or amongst the faintest, most compact, and closest dwarf galaxies. However, the sum of the three – individually inconclusive – pieces of evidence presented here seems to favour the dwarf galaxy interpretation.
DETECTING DISEASE CLUSTERS: THE IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICAL POWER
Authors: WARTENBERG DANIEL , GREENBERG MICHAEL 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
A variety of methods and models have been proposed for the statistical analysis of disease excesses, yet rarely are these methods compared with respect to their ability to detect possible clusters. Evaluation of statistical power is one approach for comparing different methods. In this paper, the authors study the probability that a test will reject the null hypothesis, given that the null hypothesis is indeed false. They present a discussion of some considerations involved in power studies of cluster methods and review two methods for detecting space-time clusters of disease, one based on cell occupancy models and the other based on interevent distance comparisons. The authors compare these approaches with respect to: 1) the sensitivity to detect disease excesses (false negatives); 2) the likelihood of detecting clusters that do not exist (false positives); and 3) the structure of a cluster in a given investigation (the alternative hypothesis). The methods chosen, which are two of the most commonly used, are specific to different hypotheses. They both show low power for the small number of cases which are typical of citizen reports to health departments.
UNDERSTANDING MASS MEDIA COVERAGE OF DISEASE CLUSTERS
Authors: GREENBERG MICHAEL , WARTENBERG DANIEL 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The responsibility of informing the general public about disease clusters belongs to health investigators. In the majority of instances the investigators must send their messages through the mass media. The authors analyzed nightly network television news coverage of disease clusters during the period 1978–1987, and newspaper coverage of four disease clusters. Formal content analysis of about 600 stories showed that the mass media focuses on human interest, conflicting information, blame, and political symbolism in their coverage of clustered health events. The authors offer suggestions to health practitioners about improving their communications with journalists.
RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED SUICIDE CLUSTERS: STATISTICAL VERIFICATION OF THE CLUSTER IS NOT THE PRIMARY ISSUE
Authors: O'CARROLL PATRICK W. , MERCY JAMES A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Establishing the presence of an epidemic is traditionally a first step in any outbreak investigation. For two reasons, however, this has not been a fruitful approach for suicide cluster investigations. First, the data necessary to statistically verify an excess number of suicidal incidents are often lacking or of poor quality. Second, and more important, when a community perceives that it is experiencing a suicide cluster, it is not immediately relevant whether the cluster is statistically significant The perception of suicide clustering, and the highly charged emotional atmosphere associated with that perception, may dramatically heighten the potentially “contagious” effect of suicide. That the perception of clustering may itself be a risk factor for suicide distinguishes suicide clusters from all other clusters of fatal disease or illness. A community response plan should, therefore, be implemented to identify and refer persons who may be at high risk of suicide, regardless of whether the community-identified suicide cluster is statistically significant Statistical techniques may be useful at several stages in the investigation and control of apparent suicide clusters, but statistical verification of a community-identified suicide cluster is not appropriate as a starting point for response to the cluster.
Investigations for Intercomparison Measurements on Individual Dosemeters for Neutrons with 252Cf Sources
Authors: Kluge H. , Hollnagel R. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In order to perform intercomparison measurements on albedo neutron dosemeters, irradiations must be carried out under controlled conditions which allow the applied dose equivalent to be stated. For practical reasons it is advisable to use a slab phantom instead of the ICRU sphere. Correction factors have been calculated which convert the reading measured for the irradiation on the slab phantom to that which would be expected for the irradiation on the ICRU phantom under standard irradiation conditions. Results are given for irradiation with bare and D2O-moderated 252Cf sources.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Free Radical Attack to Biomolecules Irradiated in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Bolch W.E. , Turner J.E. , Yoshida H. , Jacobson K.B. , Hamm R.N. , Wright H.A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Detailed-history Monte Carlo computer codes were used to simulate the formation, diffusion, and chemical reaction of free radical species within deoxygenerated solutions of glycylglycine irradiated 250 kVp X rays and by 60Co ? rays. In one reaction, hydrated electrons react with the glycylglycine solute to produce unbound, or free, ammonia. This reaction is complete by 10-6 s within individual electron tracks for glycylglycine concentrations (0.025 M. For solute concentrations from 0.025 M to 1.2 M, our calculated G values of free ammonia are in excellent agreement with measured values.