bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hetropolyacid‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Glycerol into Lactic Acid under Mild Base‐Free Conditions
Authors: Tao Meilin , Yi Xiaohu , Delidovich Irina , Palkovits Regina , Shi Junyou , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLactic acid (LA) is a versatile platform molecule owing to the opportunity to transform this compound into useful chemicals and materials. Therefore, efficient production of LA based on inexpensive renewable feedstocks is of utmost importance for insuring its market availability. Herein, we report the efficient conversion of glycerol into LA catalyzed by heteropolyacids (HPAs) under mild base‐free conditions. The catalytic performance of molecular HPAs appears to correlate with their redox potential and Brønsted acidity. Namely, H3PMo12O40 (HPMo) exhibits the best selectivity towards LA (90 %) with 88 % conversion of glycerol. Loading of HPMo onto a carbon support (HPMo/C) further improves LA productivity resulting in 94 % selectivity at 98 % conversion under optimized reaction conditions. The reaction takes place through the formation of dihydroxyacetone/glyceraldehyde and pyruvaldehyde as intermediates. No leaching of HPMo was observed under the applied reaction conditions and HPMo/C could be recycled 5 times without significant loss of activity.
AuPt Alloy on TiO2: A Selective and Durable Catalyst for l‐Sorbose Oxidation to 2‐Keto‐Gulonic Acid
Authors: Chan‐Thaw Carine E. , Chinchilla Lidia E. , Campisi Sebastian , Botton Gianluigi A. , Prati Laura , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Villa Alberto 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPt nanoparticles were prepared by a sol immobilization route, deposited on supports with different acid/base properties (MgO, activated carbon, TiO2, Al2O3, H‐Mordenite), and tested in the selective oxidation of sorbose to 2‐keto‐gulonic acid (2‐KGUA), an important precursor for vitamin C. In general, as the basicity of the support increased, a higher catalytic activity occurred. However, in most cases, a strong deactivation was observed. The best selectivity to 2‐KGUA was observed with acidic supports (TiO2 and H‐Mordenite) that were able to minimize the formation of C1/C2 products. We also demonstrated that, by alloying Pt to Au, it is possible to enhance significantly the selectivity of Pt‐based catalysts. Moreover, the AuPt catalyst, unlike monometallic Pt, showed good stability in recycling because of the prevention of metal leaching during the reaction.
Silver Nanowire Top Electrodes in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells using Titanium Metal as Substrate
Authors: Lee Minoh , Ko Yohan , Min Byoung Koun , Jun Yongseok 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFlexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have various applications such as wearable electronic textiles and portable devices. In this work, we demonstrate FPSCs on a titanium metal substrate employing solution‐processed silver nanowires (Ag NWs) as the top electrode. The Ag NW electrodes were deposited on top of the spiro‐MeOTAD hole transport layer by a carefully controlled spray‐coating method at moderate temperatures. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 7.45 % under AM 1.5 100 mW cm−2 illumination. Moreover, the efficiency for titanium‐based FPSCs decreased only slightly (by 2.6 % of the initial value) after the devices were bent 100 times. With this and other advances, fully solution‐based indium‐free flexible photovoltaics, advantageous in terms of price and processing, have the potential to be scaled into commercial production.
Aqueous Modification of Nano‐ and Microfibrillar Cellulose with a Click Synthon
Authors: Hettegger Hubert , Beaumont Marco , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe modification of cellulose as a renewable resource has received wide attention in research and industry. A major problem regarding chemical modification, including heating and drying, is related to hornification that causes pore‐system collapse and results in decreased reactivity and changes in the 3D structure of the material. A mild and green approach for the modification of different never‐dried and thus wet cellulose substrates (pulp, nanostructured celluloses, and viscose fibers) by an alkoxysilane‐azide in water is presented. A kinetic study of the silanization reaction demonstrates that alkoxy‐trans‐silanization of the cellulose surface is accomplished in water as a suspension medium within a few hours at room temperature. The resulting, azido‐equipped celluloses are widely applicable precursor materials for subsequent functionalization by so‐called click chemistry, for example, with a fluorescent Rhodamine derivative as a representative reagent. Successful covalent bonding was shown by GPC and a model reaction. The 3D structure of the materials remained intact, as was inter alia visualized by optical and fluorescence microscopy.
Correlation of cervical cytology with high‐risk HPV molecular diagnosis, genotypes, and histopathology—A four year study from the UAE
Authors: Krishnan Kavita , Thomas Antony 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundCervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world and in the Middle East. Its prevention and screening strategies assume great importance especially in view of the ability to identify the illness at an early stage and disrupt its progression toward neoplasia. Cervical cancer screening program of our center in UAE as well as this study is oriented in this direction.MethodsCervical cytology data encompassing 4 years (2011–2014) was compiled and analyzed for 14,950 cases to assess the abnormal smear reporting pattern, correlation with biopsy histopathology, HPV high‐risk screening data, and HPV genotype prevalence among patients with abnormal smear test, as well as in relation to the respective nationalities of patients.ResultsAbnormal smear rates as well as HPV high‐risk positivity correlated well with established data. Cytology–histology correlation was good. HPV high‐risk type 16 was the commonest, type 18 which is the second common type worldwide was less frequently detected, several other high risk subtypes such as 51, 31 as well as rare types such as 66, 56, and 59 were detected in a significant number of patients.ConclusionAssessment of cervical cytology reporting pattern, correlation of cervical cytology with HPV molecular diagnosis, and biopsy histopathology is a useful way to audit our work and a good quality control practice. Higher prevalence of HPV HR types such as type 51, 31 as well as 66, 56, and 59 found in the present as well as many similar other studies apart from the commonest subtype 16 may imply necessity for development of more targeted and multivalent anti‐HPV vaccines for protection of women in our region. HPV genotypes correlation with the nationalities of patients is useful from an epidemiological standpoint to plan preventive strategies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:91–97. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cyclo­addition–Aromatization of 1,6‐Di­ynes with Cyclic Enol Ethers at Room Temperature
Authors: Aida Yukimasa , Tooriyama Shino , Kimura Yuki , Hara Hiromi , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA cationic rhodium(I)/BINAP [2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl] complex is capable of catalyzing the [2+2+2] cycloaddition–aromatization of 1,6‐diynes with cyclic enol ethers (2,3‐dihydrofuran and dihydropyran) at room temperature to produce the corresponding aryl alkanol derivatives in good yields. In this process, a conjugated dihydrofuran showed a significantly higher reactivity than a nonconjugated one.
Relations between rainfall–runoff‐induced erosion and aeolian deposition at archaeological sites in a semi‐arid dam‐controlled river corridor
Authors: Collins Brian D. , Bedford David R. , Corbett Skye C. , Cronkite‐Ratcliff Collin , Fairley Helen C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractProcess dynamics in fluvial‐based dryland environments are highly complex with fluvial, aeolian, and alluvial processes all contributing to landscape change. When anthropogenic activities such as dam‐building affect fluvial processes, the complexity in local response can be further increased by flood‐ and sediment‐limiting flows. Understanding these complexities is key to predicting landscape behavior in drylands and has important scientific and management implications, including for studies related to paleoclimatology, landscape ecology evolution, and archaeological site context and preservation. Here we use multi‐temporal LiDAR surveys, local weather data, and geomorphological observations to identify trends in site change throughout the 446‐km‐long semi‐arid Colorado River corridor in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA, where archaeological site degradation related to the effects of upstream dam operation is a concern. Using several site case studies, we show the range of landscape responses that might be expected from concomitant occurrence of dam‐controlled fluvial sand bar deposition, aeolian sand transport, and rainfall‐induced erosion. Empirical rainfall‐erosion threshold analyses coupled with a numerical rainfall–runoff–soil erosion model indicate that infiltration‐excess overland flow and gullying govern large‐scale (centimeter‐ to decimeter‐scale) landscape changes, but that aeolian deposition can in some cases mitigate gully erosion. Whereas threshold analyses identify the normalized rainfall intensity (defined as the ratio of rainfall intensity to hydraulic conductivity) as the primary factor governing hydrologic‐driven erosion, assessment of false positives and false negatives in the dataset highlight topographic slope as the next most important parameter governing site response. Analysis of 4+ years of high resolution (four‐minute) weather data and 75+ years of low resolution (daily) climate records indicates that dryland erosion is dependent on short‐term, storm‐driven rainfall intensity rather than cumulative rainfall, and that erosion can occur outside of wet seasons and even wet years. These results can apply to other similar semi‐arid landscapes where process complexity may not be fully understood. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Factors controlling the formation of coppice dunes (nebkhas) in the Negev Desert
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Zohar Motti 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDue to their role in increasing fertility, coppice dunes (nebkhas) are regarded by many researchers as important contributors to aridland ecosystems. Yet, despite their frequent occurrence, little information exists regarding the rate and factors that control their formation. The goal of the current study is to examine the formation rate and factors that determine the establishment of coppice dunes in the Hallamish dune field in the western Negev Desert. The rate in which sand and fines, hereafter aeolian input (AI) was trapped and its particle size distribution (PSD) were examined by means of the solidification of 2 m × 2 m plots using surface stabilizers, and by the installation of three pairs of artificial shrubs (SH), three pairs of artificial trees (TR), and a pair of control (CT) plots. Measurements were annually conducted during June 2004 and June 2008, with monthly collection during June 2004 and May 2006. The PSD was compared to coppice dunes located on the fine‐grained playa surface. AI was trapped at SH, while it was not trapped at TR and CT. The annual rate of AI accretion under the canopy was highly variable ranging between 1405 and 13 260 g m−2, with a four‐year average of 5676 g m−2, i.e. 3.8 mm a−1. It depended upon the wind power, with drift potential having a threshold velocity of Ut > 10 m s−1 yielding the higher correlations with the monthly AI (r2 = 0.59–0.84). No significant relations were obtained between the monthly AI and shrub height. Sand saltation, suspension and creep are seen responsible for mound formation, which based on the current rates of sand accretion are relatively fast with a 60 cm‐high coppice dune forming within ~150–160 years. The current data highlight the problematic design of some previous research using conventional traps and confining the measurements only to certain seasons. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test‐retest reliability of effective connectivity in the face perception network
Authors: Frässle Stefan , Paulus Frieder Michel , Krach Sören , Jansen Andreas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractComputational approaches have great potential for moving neuroscience toward mechanistic models of the functional integration among brain regions. Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) offers a promising framework for inferring the effective connectivity among brain regions and thus unraveling the neural mechanisms of both normal cognitive function and psychiatric disorders. While the benefit of such approaches depends heavily on their reliability, systematic analyses of the within‐subject stability are rare. Here, we present a thorough investigation of the test‐retest reliability of an fMRI paradigm for DCM analysis dedicated to unraveling intra‐ and interhemispheric integration among the core regions of the face perception network. First, we examined the reliability of face‐specific BOLD activity in 25 healthy volunteers, who performed a face perception paradigm in two separate sessions. We found good to excellent reliability of BOLD activity within the DCM‐relevant regions. Second, we assessed the stability of effective connectivity among these regions by analyzing the reliability of Bayesian model selection and model parameter estimation in DCM. Reliability was excellent for the negative free energy and good for model parameter estimation, when restricting the analysis to parameters with substantial effect sizes. Third, even when the experiment was shortened, reliability of BOLD activity and DCM results dropped only slightly as a function of the length of the experiment. This suggests that the face perception paradigm presented here provides reliable estimates for both conventional activation and effective connectivity measures. We conclude this paper with an outlook on potential clinical applications of the paradigm for studying psychiatric disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 37:730–744, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forecasting Consumption: the Role of Consumer Confidence in Real Time with many Predictors
Authors: Lahiri Kajal , Monokroussos George , Zhao Yongchen 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWe study the role of consumer confidence in forecasting real personal consumption expenditure, and contribute to the extant literature in three substantive ways. First, we re‐examine existing empirical models of consumption and consumer confidence, not only at the quarterly frequency, but using monthly data as well. Second, we employ real‐time data in addition to commonly used revised vintages. Third, we investigate the role of consumer confidence in a rich information context. We produce forecasts of consumption expenditures with and without consumer confidence measures using a dynamic factor model and a large, real‐time, jagged‐edge dataset. In a robust way, we establish the important role of confidence surveys in improving the accuracy of consumption forecasts, manifesting primarily through the services component. During the recession of 2007–2009, sentiment is found to have a more pervasive effect on all components of aggregate consumption: durables, non‐durables and services. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Linear and Branched Poly(Ethylene Glycol)‐Poly(Lactide) Block Copolymers for the Preparation of Films and Solution Electrospun Meshes
Authors: Kessler Martina , Groll Juergen , Tessmar Joerg 
Published: November 2015

Poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(lactide) (PEG‐PLA) block copolymers are processed to solvent cast films and solution electrospun meshes. The effect of polymer composition, architecture, and number of anchoring points for the plasticizer on swelling, degradation, and mechanical properties of these films and meshes is investigated as potential barrier device for the prevention of peritoneal adhesions. As a result, adequate properties are achieved for the massive films with a longer retention of the plasticizer PEG for star‐shaped block copolymers than for the linear triblock copolymers and consequently more endurable mechanical properties during degradation. For electrospun meshes fabricated using the same polymers, similar trends are observed, but with an earlier start of fragmentation and lower tensile strengths. To overcome the poor mechanical strengths and an occurring shrinkage during incubation, which may impair the coverage of the wound, further adaptions of the meshes and the fabrication process are necessary.
image
Two‐Phase Electrospinning to Incorporate Polyelectrolyte Complexes and Growth Factors into Electrospun Chitosan Nanofibers
Authors: Place Laura W. , Sekyi Maria , Taussig Julia , Kipper Matt J. 
Published: November 2015

Growth factors are potent signaling proteins for tissue engineering, but they are susceptible to loss of activity when exposed to solvents used for polymer processing. This work explores preservation of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) activity in chitosan nanofibers using two‐phase electrospinning via a compound coaxial needle and from a water‐in‐oil emulsion FGF‐2 in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) is added on either the inside (A/O) or the outside (O/A) of an organic chitosan phase, using the compound needle. FGF‐2 is further stabilized by complexation to heparin‐based nanoparticles. The emulsion method does not result in detectable incorporation of FGF‐2. The A/O fibers incorporate the highest amount of FGF‐2. Nanoparticle‐stabilized FGF‐2 in A/O nanofibers is most active toward bone‐marrow stromal cells.image
Paclitaxel‐Loaded β‐Cyclodextrin‐Modified Poly(Acrylic Acid) Nanoparticles through Multivalent Inclusion for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Yuan Shanmei , Chen Jiao , Sheng Jie , Hu Yong , Jiang Zhongying 
Published: November 2015

A nanoassembled drug delivery system for anticancer treatment, formed by the host–guest interactions between paclitaxel (PTX) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) modified poly(acrylic acid) (PCDAA), is successfully prepared. After such design, the aqueous solubility of PTX is greatly increased from 0.34 to 36.02 μg mL−1, and the obtained PCDAA‐PTX nanoparticles (PCDAA‐PTX NPs) exhibit a sustained PTX release behavior in vitro. In vitro cytotoxicity finds that PCDAA‐PTX NPs can accumulate significantly in tumor cells and remain the pharmacological activity of PTX. The in vivo real‐time biodistribution of PCDAA‐PTX NPs is investigated using near‐infrared fluorescence imaging, indicating that the PCDAA‐PTX NPs can effectively target to the tumor site by the enhanced permeability and retention effect in H22 tumor‐bearing mice. Through in vivo antitumor examination, PCDAA‐PTX NPs exhibit superior efficacy in impeding the tumor growth compared to the commercially available Taxol®.
image
Elastic Abdominal Binders Attenuate Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fanciulli Alessandra , Goebel Georg , Metzler Bernhard , Sprenger Fabienne , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. , Seppi Klaus 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground and MethodsTo investigate the possible efficacy of an elastic abdominal binder to control orthostatic hypotension (OH) associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), 15 patients with PD and OH were enrolled in a single‐blind crossover study with elastic abdominal versus placebo binder on two different days, separated by a 1‐day interval, followed by a 4‐week open‐label follow‐up.ResultsIntervention significantly reduced blood pressure fall upon tilting. The mean difference (standard deviation; 95% confidence intervals) between abdominal binder versus placebo was +10 mm Hg (10.2; +3.5, +16.5; P = 0.006). No significant effect on supine mean blood pressure values was observed compared to placebo (P = 0.3). Symptoms of OH decreased significantly during follow‐up (P = 0.003), as assessed by means of the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that elastic abdominal binders may be a simple complementary tool to alleviate OH in PD.
Bioavailability and metabolism of benzyl glucosinolate in humans consuming Indian cress (Tropaeolum majus L.)
Authors: Platz Stefanie , Kühn Carla , Schiess Sonja , Schreiner Monika , Kemper Margrit , Pivovarova Olga , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Rohn Sascha 
Published: November 2015

ScopeBenzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), which occurs in Brassicales, has demonstrated chemopreventive potency and cancer treatment properties in cell and animal studies. However, fate of BITC in human body is not comprehensively studied. Therefore, the present human intervention study investigates the metabolism of the glucosinolate (GSL) glucotropaeolin and its corresponding BITC metabolites. Analyzing BITC metabolites in plasma and urine should reveal insights about resorption, metabolism, and excretion.Methods and resultsFifteen healthy men were randomly recruited for a cross‐over study and consumed 10 g freeze‐dried Indian cress as a liquid preparation containing 1000 μmol glucotropaeolin. Blood and urine samples were taken at several time points and investigated by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS after sample preparation using SPE. Plasma contained high levels of BITC‐glutathione (BITC‐GSH), BITC‐cysteinylglycine (BITC‐CysGly), and BITC‐N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (BITC‐NAC) 1–5 h after ingestion, with BITC‐CysGly appearing as the main metabolite. Compared to human plasma, the main urinary metabolites were BITC‐NAC and BITC‐Cys, determined 4–6 h after ingestion.ConclusionThis study confirms that consumption of Indian cress increases the concentration of BITC metabolites in human plasma and urine. The outcome of this human intervention study supports clinical research dealing with GSL‐containing innovative food products or pharmaceutical preparations.
An integrative review of the impact of mobile technologies used by healthcare professionals to support education and practice
Authors: Guo Ping , Watts Kim , Wharrad Heather 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to provide evidence of the impact of mobile technologies among healthcare professionals in education and practice settings.DesignIntegrative literature review.MethodsElectronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, ERIC and Web of Science were searched for papers published between 2002–2012. Quantitative studies were critically evaluated based on Thomas et al.'s framework, while the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research was used to appraise the rigour of the qualitative studies.ResultsSeventeen quantitative and three qualitative studies were included. The findings suggest a largely positive influence of mobile technologies on various clinical practice and educational outcomes. However, robust evidence was limited. Use of mobile technologies in health care are associated with improvements in access to information, accuracy and efficiency, evidence‐based decision making at the point of care and enhancement in performance, confidence and engagement in different contexts.