bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and evaluation of tert‐leucine derivative functionalized polymeric monoliths for micro‐liquid chromatography
Authors: Ruan Meng , Wang Qiqin , Wu Huihui , Wang Yuqiang , Han Hai , Jiang Zhengjin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, a novel functional monomer N‐[1‐(α‐naphthyl)ethylaminocarbonyl]‐D‐tert‐leucine‐[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] amide (NA‐D‐tert‐Leu‐MA) was synthesized, and then employed to prepare polymeric monoliths (240 mm × 100 μm id) functionalized with tert‐leucine derivative through a single step thermo‐initiated co‐polymerization approach or a multi‐step post‐modification approach. The multi‐step approach involves the post‐modification of a thiol‐containing monolith with NA‐D‐tert‐Leu‐MA via “thiol‐ene”click reaction. The physicochemical properties of the resulting monoliths were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and micro‐liquid chromatography. Good column stability, permeability, efficiency and reproducibility were obtained for the optimized monoliths. The poly (NA‐D‐tert‐Leu‐MA‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith prepared through the single step co‐polymerization approach exhibited satisfactory achiral separation performance for various analytes, including phenols, aniline derivatives and intact proteins, while its enantioseparation ability is rather poor. In contrast to that, the monolith prepared through the multi‐step post‐modification approach showed much higher enantioselectivity for 7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole (NBD)‐derivatized amino acids. Three NBD‐derivatized amino acids (theanine, proline and norleucine) could be baseline enantioseparated.
Progress in enzyme inhibition based detection of pesticides
Authors: Rajangam Bhuvanagayathri , Daniel David K. , Krastanov Albert Ivanov 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe previous few decades have seen the development of biosensors and their use in monitoring of pesticides in food and environmental samples. Although inhibition‐based biosensors have been subject of several recent research works, their performance characteristics greatly depend on the type of immobilization and the presence of interfering compounds in the samples. Moreover, sensitivity, detection limits, and rapidity of the response are few of the other major features that need to be investigated further if they are to become operationally user‐friendly. This review will highlight research carried out in the past on biosensors that are based on enzyme inhibition for determination of organophosphorus compounds and carbamate pesticides.
Mechanically Reinforced PVdF/PMMA/SiO2 Composite Membrane and Its Electrochemical Properties as a Separator in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fu Qingshan , Lin Guo , Chen Xuedan , Yu Zuxiao , Yang Ruisong , Li Mingtian , Zeng Xianguang , Chen Jian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCompared with commercial polyolefin separators, the poor mechanical performance of electrospun polymeric membranes limits their usage as battery separators. Herein, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and SiO2 nanoparticles were introduced into electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) membranes to form a PVdF/PMMA/SiO2 nonwoven membrane. A hot‐pressing method controlled the thickness of the electrospun membranes and improved their mechanical performance further. SEM tests show that PMMA partly melts in the composite membrane, which bonds neighboring electrospun fibers to reinforce the mechanical strength of the membrane. Uniformly distributed SiO2 nanoparticles on the electrospun fibers could supply higher resistance to mechanical impact. As a result, the composite membrane shows a high tensile strength (32.69 MPa) and high elongation at breakage (137.50 %). Differential scanning calorimetry and hot oven tests indicate that the composite membrane has excellent thermal stability. Furthermore, the addition of PMMA and SiO2 can decrease the crystallinity of PVdF and further improve the absorption of liquid electrolyte. According to the results of electrochemical tests, the composite membrane exhibits higher ionic conductivity (4.0×10−3 S cm−1) and lower interfacial resistance than those of the Celgard separator. The lithium‐ion cell assembled from the composite membrane exhibits more stable cycle performance, higher discharge capacity (158 mA h g−1), and excellent capacity retention.
To what extent have laterites contributed to the geochemical, surface reflectance and magnetic properties of adjacent tropical soils? Evidence from Niger and Burkina Faso
Authors: Hunt A. , Oldfield F. , Bloemendal J. , Boyle J. F. , Chiverrell R. C. , Lyons R. , Shen Z. , Williams E. R. , Balsam W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe present study is based on a suite of surface samples from exposures of eroded laterite, considered to be Tertiary in age, and nearby soils in the Sahelian region of SW Niger and Burkina Faso. X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, computer‐controlled scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, diffuse UV–visible reflectance spectroscopy and a suite of magnetic measurements have been used to shed light on the origin of the soils and their possible derivation from the adjacent, eroded laterite outcrops. On the basis of the wide range of data obtained, we conclude that the mineralogy and magnetic properties of the soils preclude direct derivation from the laterites without further weathering and modification. Nor does the evidence support the view that the soils have evolved entirely independently, uninfluenced by input from the laterites. The only conclusion that is consistent with all the lines of evidence is that the erosion of the laterites provided at least a significant part of the material upon which soil formation took place. This must have occurred at a time early enough to permit a long period of subsequent soil development during which the iron oxides, specifically haematite and ferrimagnetic minerals, were significantly modified. From this, we infer that eroded material from discontinuous laterite exposures has contributed significantly to the remotely sensed, distinctive reflectance characteristics of the Sahel surfaces. The magnetic properties of the soils provide evidence for the in situ neo‐formation of fine, secondary, pedogenic magnetite/maghemite grains typical of those found in many soils across the Sahel region and elsewhere in both temperate and tropical environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid depuration of mercury in songbirds accelerated by feather molt
Authors: Whitney Margaret , Cristol Daniel 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that affects avian reproduction and condition, in both aquatic and terrestrial species. Because Hg binds strongly to the keratin of growing feathers, molt is an important avenue for Hg elimination. We investigated the rate of depuration of Hg from songbird blood and organs (brain, kidney, liver, muscle) as a function of molt. We exposed 2 species of captive songbirds, European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), to environmentally relevant dietary Hg (1.2–1.5 mg/kg wet wt) for extended periods of time and then allowed them to depurate on a Hg-free diet for 20 wk. Depuration occurred either while birds were regrowing new feathers or when there was little to no molt occurring. Both species quickly eliminated Hg from blood and reduced Hg concentrations in other tissues by more than 90% over 20 wk. The rate of depuration was more rapid than previously reported in the literature, but depuration in small-bodied songbirds has rarely been studied. Molting birds depurated Hg from their blood more rapidly than nonmolting birds. The effect of molt on Hg retention in other tissues was more difficult to resolve, because by the time we sampled organ tissue, depuration was nearly complete. Our results confirm that molting expedites depuration and raises mechanistic questions about how songbirds depurate Hg stored in their tissues. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3120–3126. © 2017 SETAC
Retracted: Bisindole‐oxadiazole hybrids, T3P®‐mediated synthesis, and appraisal of their apoptotic, antimetastatic, and computational Bcl‐2 binding potential
Authors: Kamath Pooja R. , Joseph Manu M. , Abdul Salam Abdul Ajees , T. Therakathinal Sreelekha , Sunil Dhanya , Biswas Subhankar , Pai Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn the pursuit of novel anticancer leads, new bisindole‐oxadiazoles were synthesized using propyl phosphonic anhydride as a mild and efficient reagent. The molecule, 3‐[5‐(1H‐indol‐3‐ylmethyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl]‐1H‐indole (3a) exhibited selective cytotoxicity to MCF‐7 cells with a cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. The mechanism of cytotoxicity of 3a involved caspase‐2‐dependent apoptotic pathway with characteristic apoptotic morphological alterations as observed in acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Hoechst staining. The wound healing migratory assay exhibited an intense impairment in the motility of MCF‐7 cells on incubation with 3a. Docking simulations with anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, which is also involved in cancer metastasis displayed good affinity and high binding energy of 3a into the well characterized BH3 binding site. The positive correlation between the Bcl‐2 binding studies and the results of in vitro investigations exemplifies compound 3a as a lead molecule exhibiting MCF‐7 differential cytotoxicity via apoptotic mode of cell death in addition to its anti‐metastatic activity.
CDK9: A key player in cancer and other diseases
Authors: Franco Lia Carolina , Morales Fátima , Boffo Silvia , Giordano Antonio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCyclin‐Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9) is part of a functional diverse group of enzymes responsible for cell cycle control and progression. It associates mainly with Cyclin T1 and forms the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (p‐TEFb) complex responsible for regulation of transcription elongation and mRNA maturation. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of CDK9 in many relevant pathologic processes, like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and viral replication. Herein we provide an overview of the different pathways in which CDK9 is directly and indirectly involved.
What Competencies Should Undergraduate Engineering Programs Emphasize? A Systematic Review
Authors: Passow Honor J. , Passow Christian H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundUnder Washington Accord or ABET accreditation requirements, faculty must envision, collectively articulate, and prioritize the competencies that students should gain from their educational program to prepare for life and myriad career paths.PurposeWhen faculty create specifications for designing a curriculum, they need to answer questions, including “Among generic engineering competencies, what is the relative importance for professional practice across disciplines and work contexts?”Scope/MethodA search identified the intersection of four concepts (competence, engineering, practice, and importance) in engineering and education databases (8,232 reports, 1990–2012). This review integrates a quantitative synthesis inspired by meta‐analytic techniques (27 studies, 14,429 participants) and a qualitative thematic analysis (25 studies, 2,174 participants plus 36,100 job postings) to establish a comprehensive list of generic engineering competencies, their relative importance, and rich descriptions highlighting interrelationships.ConclusionsEngineers' technical work is inseparably intertwined with team‐player collaboration. The most crucial skill is coordinating multiple competencies to accomplish a goal. Sixteen generic competencies important for engineering practice are defined. Compared with Washington Accord graduate attributes, the evidence‐based competencies re‐envision “teamwork” as coordinate efforts, split “life‐long learning” into gather information and expand skills, broaden “ethics” to take responsibility, expand “design experiments” to measure accurately and separate it from interpret data, apply “contemporary issues” and “impacts” in define constraints, modify “manage projects” to devise process, and add important competencies (take initiative, think creatively, and make decisions). Definitions are refined for communicate effectively, design solutions, apply knowledge, apply skills, and solve problems. Problem solving is the core of engineering practice.
A novel neurological function of rice bran: a standardized rice bran supplement promotes non‐rapid eye movement sleep in mice through histamine H1 receptors
Authors: Um Min Young , Kim Sojin , Jin Young‐Ho , Yoon Minseok , Yang Hyejin , Lee Jaekwang , Jung Jonghoon , Urade Yoshihiro , Huang Zhi‐Li , Kwon Sangoh , Cho Suengmok 
Published: July 2017

ScopeAlthough rice bran has been shown to be associated with a wide spectrum of health benefits, to date, there are no reports on its effects on sleep. We investigated the effect of rice bran on sleep and the mechanism underlying this effect.Methods and resultsElectroencephalography was used to evaluate the effects of standardized rice bran supplement (RBS) and doxepin hydrochloride (DH), a histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonist used as a positive control, on sleep in mice. The mechanism of RBS action was investigated using knockout (KO) mice and ex vivo electrophysiological recordings. Oral administration of RBS and DH significantly decreased sleep latency and increased the amount of non‐rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) in mice. Similar to DH, RBS fully inhibited H1R agonist‐induced increase in action potential frequency in tuberomammillary nucleus neurons. In H1R KO mice, neither RBS nor DH administration led to the increase in NREMS and decrease in sleep latency observed in WT mice. These results indicate that the sleep‐promoting effect of RBS is completely dependent on H1R antagonism.ConclusionsRBS decreases sleep latency and promotes NREMS through the inhibition of H1R, suggesting that it could be a promising therapeutic agent for insomnia.
Oncogenic transformation of lung cells results in distinct exosome protein profile similar to the cell of origin
Authors: Lobb Richard J. , Hastie Marcus L. , Norris Emma L. , van Amerongen Rosa , Gorman Jeffrey J. , Möller Andreas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLung cancer is responsible for the highest rate of cancer mortality worldwide. Lung cancer patients are often ineligible for tumor biopsies due to comorbidities. As a result, patients may not have the most effective treatment regimens administered. Patients with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have improved survival in response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A noninvasive method of determining EGFR mutations in patients would have promising clinical applications. Exosomes have the potential to be noninvasive novel diagnostic markers in cancer. Using MS analysis, we identify differentially abundant cell and exosome proteins induced by mutations in p53 and EGFR in lung cells. Importantly, mutations in p53 and EGFR alter cell and exosome protein content compared to an isogenic normal lung epithelial cell. For some proteins, mutation had similar effects in the cell of origin and exosomes. Differences between the cells of origin and exosomes were also apparent, which may reflect specific packaging of proteins into exosomes. These findings that mutations alter protein abundance in exosomes suggest that analysis of exosomes may be beneficial in the diagnosis of oncogenic mutations.
Experimental Study on the Reaction Zone Distribution of Impact‐Induced Reactive Materials
Authors: Feng Shunshan , Wang Chenglong , Huang Guangyan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe energy release behaviors of a metal‐fluoropolymer composite impact‐induced reactive material (IRM) under high dynamic impact loading were investigated using a new partition pressure test and the multipoint pressure test. The results indicated that a reverse reaction zone and a subsequent reaction zone were formed along the impact direction as the IRM impacted on an aluminum plate at the velocity of 1050–1450 m s−1. The total energy release increased with the increase of impact velocity and the energy released from the impact reaction of IRM in the reverse reaction zone was only 20–30 % of the total energy. Most energy release occurred in the subsequent reaction zone, which was composed of an impact decomposition reaction zone, a thermal decomposition reaction zone and a combustion reaction zone. Three IRM including Al/PTFE, Mg/PTFE, and Ti/PTFE were tested. The Ti/PTFE was most sensitive to the impact velocity, but exhibited the lowest energy release rate. The energy release from the impact reaction of Mg/PTFE was mainly due to the combustion reaction. The high energy release of Al/PTFE was mainly from deflagration reaction. This work provides experimental methods and data for the formulation and evaluation of IRM in engineering applications.
Teachers’ reasoning: Classroom visual representational practices in the context of introductory chemical bonding
Authors: Patron Emelie , Wikman Susanne , Edfors Inger , Johansson‐Cederblad Brita , Linder Cedric 
Published: July 2017

AbstractVisual representations are essential for communication and meaning‐making in chemistry, and thus the representational practices play a vital role in the teaching and learning of chemistry. One powerful contemporary model of classroom learning, the variation theory of learning, posits that the way an object of learning gets handled is another vital feature for the establishment of successful teaching practices. An important part of what lies behind the constitution of teaching practices is visual representational reasoning that is a function of disciplinary relevant aspects and educationally critical features of the aspects embedded in the intended object of learning. Little is known about teachers reasoning about such visual representational practices. This work addresses this shortfall in the area of chemical bonding. The data consist of semistructured interviews with 12 chemistry teachers in the Swedish upper secondary school system. The methodology uses a thematic analytic approach to capture and characterize the teachers’ reasoning about their classroom visual representational practices. The results suggest that the teachers’ reasoning tended to be limited. However, the teachers’ pay attention to the meaning‐making potential of the approaches for showing representations. The analysis presents these visualization approaches and the discussion makes theoretical links to the variation theory of learning.
Critical Elitism
Authors: Moore Alfred 
Published: July 2017

Democracies have a problem with expertise. Expert knowledge both mediates and facilitates public apprehension of problems, yet it also threatens to exclude the public from consequential judgments and decisions located in technical domains. This book asks: how can we have inclusion without collapsing the very concept of expertise? How can public judgment be engaged in expert practices in a way that does not reduce to populism? Drawing on deliberative democratic theory and social studies of science, Critical Elitism argues that expert authority depends ultimately on the exercise of public judgment in a context in which there are live possibilities for protest, opposition and scrutiny. This account points to new ways of looking at the role of civil society, expert institutions, and democratic innovations in the constitution of expert authority within democratic systems. Using the example of climate science, Critical Elitism highlights not only the risks but also the benefits of contesting expertise.
Hunger strikes in prisons: a narrative systematic review of ethical considerations from a physician’s perspective
Authors: Gulati G. , Kelly B. D. , Meagher D. , Kennedy H. , Dunne C. P. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesWe sought to identify and review published studies that discuss the ethical considerations, from a physician’s perspective, of managing a hunger strike in a prison setting.MethodsA database search was conducted to identify relevant publications. We included case studies, case series, guidelines and review articles published over a 20-year period. Non-English language publications were translated.ResultsThe review found 23 papers from 12 jurisdictions published in five languages suitable for inclusion.ConclusionsKey themes from included publications are identified and summarised in the context of accepted guidelines from the World Medical Association. Whilst there seems to be an overall consensus favouring autonomy over beneficence, tensions along this fine balance are magnified in jurisdictions where legislation leads to a dual loyalty conflict for the physician.
Marine Early Triassic Actinopterygii from Elko County (Nevada, USA): implications for the Smithian equatorial vertebrate eclipse
Authors: Romano Carlo , Jenks James F. , Jattiot Romain , Scheyer Torsten M. , Bylund Kevin G. , Bucher Hugo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe Early Triassic vertebrate record from low paleolatitudes is spotty, which led to the notion of an ‘equatorial vertebrate eclipse’ during the Smithian. Here we present articulated ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), collected from the marine Lower Triassic Thaynes Group at three new localities in Elko County (Nevada, USA), which were deposited within the equatorial zone. From the Smithian of the Winecup Ranch, we describe two partial skulls of the predatory actinopterygianBirgeria(Birgeriidae), attributed toB.americananew species andBirgeriasp.Birgeria americanan. sp. is distinguished from other species by a less reduced operculogular series. With an estimated total length of 1.72–1.85m, it is among the largest birgeriids. We confirm thatBirgeriaencompasses species with either two or three rows of teeth on the maxilla and dentary, and suggest that species with three well-developed rows are restricted to the Early Triassic. From the latest Smithian of Palomino Ridge, we present a three-dimensional, partial skull of the longirostrine predatorSaurichthys(Saurichthyidae). This and other occurrences indicate that saurichthyids were common in the western USA basin. From the early late Spathian of Crittenden Springs, we describe a posterior body portion (Actinopterygii indet.). This find is important given the paucity of Spathian osteichthyan sites. We provide a summary of Early Triassic vertebrate occurrences in the United States, concluding that vertebrate fossils remain largely unstudied. The presence of predatory vertebrates in subequatorial latitudes during the Smithian confirms that Early Triassic trophic chains were not shortened and contradicts the ‘equatorial vertebrate eclipse’.