bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Highly Stable and Magnetically Recyclable Nanocatalyst System: Mesoporous Silica Spheres Embedded with FeCo/Graphitic Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles and Pt Nanocatalysts
Authors: Kim Da Jeong , Li Yan , Kim Yun Jin , Hur Nam Hwi , Seo Won Seok 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe have developed a highly stable and magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst system for alkene hydrogenation. The materials are composed of mesoporous silica spheres (MSS) embedded with FeCo/graphitic shell (FeCo/GC) magnetic nanoparticles and Pt nanocatalysts (Pt‐FeCo/GC@MSS). The Pt‐FeCo/GC@MSS have superparamagnetism at room temperature and show type IV isotherm typical for mesoporous silica, thereby ensuring a large enough inner space (surface area of 235.3 m2 g−1, pore volume of 0.165 cm3 g−1, and pore diameter of 2.8 nm) to undergo catalytic reactions. We have shown that the Pt‐FeCo/GC@MSS system readily converts cyclohexene into cyclohexane, which is the only product isolated and Pt‐FeCo/GC@MSS can be seperated very quickly by an external magnetic field after the catalytic reaction is finished. We have demonstrated that the recycled Pt‐FeCo/GC@MSS can be reused further for the same hydrogenation reaction at least four times without loss in the initial catalytic activity.
Exploring the Conformational Space of Bridge‐Substituted Dithienylcyclopentenes
Authors: Fredersdorf Maic , Göstl Robert , Kolmer Andreas , Schmidts Volker , Monecke Peter , Hecht Stefan , Thiele Christina M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractStimuli responsive compounds and materials are of high interest in synthetic chemistry and materials science, with light being the most intriguing stimulus due to the possibility to remote control the physicochemical properties of a molecule or a material. There is a constant quest to design photoswitches with improved switching efficiency and especially diarylethene‐type switches promise photo cyclization quantum yields up to unity. However, only limited attention has been paid towards the influence of the solution conformation on the switching efficiency. Here, we describe a detailed NMR spectroscopic investigation on the conformational distribution of bridge‐substituted dithienylcyclopentenes in solution. We could discriminate between several photoactive and photoinactive as well as two diastereomorphous conformations and show that the trends observed in the switching efficiency match the conformer populations obtained from state of the art NMR parameters in solution.
Unusual Cyclodextrin Derivatives as a New Avenue to Modulate Self‐ and Metal‐Induced Aβ Aggregation
Authors: Oliveri Valentina , Bellia Francesco , Pietropaolo Adriana , Vecchio Graziella 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMounting evidence suggests an important role of cyclodextrins in providing protection in neurodegenerative disorders. Metal dyshomeostasis is reported to be a pathogenic factor in neurodegeneration because it could be responsible for damage involving oxidative stress and protein aggregation. As such, metal ions represent an effective target. To improve the metal‐binding ability of cyclodextrin, we synthesized three new 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐cyclodextrin conjugates with difunctionalized cyclodextrins. In particular, the 3‐difunctionalized regioisomer represents the first example of cyclodextrin with two pendants at the secondary rim, resulting in a promising compound. The derivatives have significant antioxidant capacity and the powerful activity in inhibiting self‐induced amyloid‐β aggregation seems to be led by synergistic effects of both cyclodextrin and hydroxyquinoline. Moreover, the derivatives are also able to complex metal ions and to inhibit metal‐induced protein aggregation. Therefore, these compounds could have potential as therapeutic agents in diseases related to protein aggregation and metal dyshomeostasis.
Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Mediated Synthesis of Atomically Thin TiO2 Films with Exposed (001) Facets and Applications in Fast Lithium Insertion/Extraction
Authors: Zhang Hongye , Yang Zhenzhen , Gan Wei , Zhao Yanfei , Yu Bo , Xu Huanjun , Ma Zhishuang , Hao Leiduan , Chen Dechao , Miao Shiding , Liu Zhimin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUltrathin two‐dimensional (2D) crystalline materials show high specific surface area (SA) of high energy (HE) facets, imparting a significant improvement in their performances. Herein we report a novel route to synthesize TiO2 nanofilms (NFs) with atomic thickness (<2.0 nm) through a solvothermal reaction mediated by the hydrogen‐bonding networks constructed by hydroquinone (HQ). The resultant TiO2 NFs have nearly 100 % exposed (001) facets and give an extremely high SA up to 487 m2 g−1. The synergistic effect of HQ and choline chloride plays a vital role in the formation of TiO2 NFs and in the exposure of HE (001) facets. Because of its ultrathin feature and exposed (001) facet, the N2‐annealled TiO2 NFs showed fast kinetics of lithium insertion/extraction, demonstrating foreseeable applications in the energy storage.
Role of phenotypic plasticity and population differentiation in adaptation to novel environmental conditions
Authors: Volis Sergei , Ormanbekova Danara , Yermekbayev Kanat 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSpecies can adapt to new environmental conditions either through individual phenotypic plasticity, intraspecific genetic differentiation in adaptive traits, or both. Wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, an annual grass with major distribution in Eastern Mediterranean region, is predicted to experience in the near future, as a result of global climate change, conditions more arid than in any part of the current species distribution. To understand the role of the above two means of adaptation, and the effect of population range position, we analyzed reaction norms, extent of plasticity, and phenotypic selection across two experimental environments of high and low water availability in two core and two peripheral populations of this species. We studied 12 quantitative traits, but focused primarily on the onset of reproduction and maternal investment, which are traits that are closely related to fitness and presumably involved in local adaptation in the studied species. We hypothesized that the population showing superior performance under novel environmental conditions will either be genetically differentiated in quantitative traits or exhibit higher phenotypic plasticity than the less successful populations. We found the core population K to be the most plastic in all three trait categories (phenology, reproductive traits, and fitness) and most successful among populations studied, in both experimental environments; at the same time, the core K population was clearly genetically differentiated from the two edge populations. Our results suggest that (1) two means of successful adaptation to new environmental conditions, phenotypic plasticity and adaptive genetic differentiation, are not mutually exclusive ways of achieving high adaptive ability; and (2) colonists from some core populations can be more successful in establishing beyond the current species range than colonists from the range extreme periphery with conditions seemingly closest to those in the new environment.
Fuel moisture content enhances nonadditive effects of plant mixtures on flammability and fire behavior
Authors: Blauw Luke G. , Wensink Niki , Bakker Lisette , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Aerts Rien , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Cornelissen J. Hans C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFire behavior of plant mixtures includes a complex set of processes for which the interactive contributions of its drivers, such as plant identity and moisture, have not yet been unraveled fully. Plant flammability parameters of species mixtures can show substantial deviations of fire properties from those expected based on the component species when burnt alone; that is, there are nonadditive mixture effects. Here, we investigated how fuel moisture content affects nonadditive effects in fire behavior. We hypothesized that both the magnitude and variance of nonadditivity in flammability parameters are greater in moist than in dry fuel beds. We conducted a series of experimental burns in monocultures and 2‐species mixtures with two ericaceous dwarf shrubs and two bryophyte species from temperate fire‐prone heathlands. For a set of fire behavior parameters, we found that magnitude and variability of nonadditive effects are, on average, respectively 5.8 and 1.8 times larger in moist (30% MC) species mixtures compared to dry (10% MC) mixed fuel beds. In general, the moist mixtures caused negative nonadditive effects, but due to the larger variability these mixtures occasionally caused large positive nonadditive effects, while this did not occur in dry mixtures. Thus, at moister conditions, mixtures occasionally pass the moisture threshold for ignition and fire spread, which the monospecific fuel beds are unable to pass. We also show that the magnitude of nonadditivity is highly species dependent. Thus, contrary to common belief, the strong nonadditive effects in mixtures can cause higher fire occurrence at moister conditions. This new integration of surface fuel moisture and species interactions will help us to better understand fire behavior in the complexity of natural ecosystems.
Affecting the Catalytic Activity of the Known [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH2)]2+ Complex in Water Oxidation by Utilization of a Hangman Ligand
Authors: Wrzolek Pierre , Schwalbe Matthias 
Published: August 2015

Abstract[Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH2)]2+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, tpy = 2,2′;6′,2″‐terpyridine) is the archetype of many known single‐site ruthenium complexes used for catalytic water oxidation. Its efficiency is likely influenced by installing a proton‐donor/acceptor functionality in proximity to the catalytic site because the reaction mechanism is believed to occur by nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on a high‐valent metal–oxo species assisted by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. We present herein the results of a study of a new metal complex based on the “hangman” motif that possesses a carboxylic functional group close to the ruhenium center. This catalyst was synthesized in very good yield and fully characterized. We discovered that its catalytic activity was in fact hampered by the presence of the functional group. Further investigations revealed a strong dependence of the catalytic performance not only on the solvent, but also on the counter ion and other additives used.
Influence of different SSF conditions on ethanol production from corn stover at high solids loadings
Authors: Gladis Arne , Bondesson Pia‐Maria , Galbe Mats , Zacchi Guido 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this study, three different kinds of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of washed pretreated corn stover with water‐insoluble solids (WIS) content of 20% were investigated to find which one resulted in highest ethanol yield at high‐solids loadings. The different methods were batch SSF, prehydrolysis followed by batch SSF and fed‐batch SSF. Batch‐SSF resulted in an ethanol yield of 75–76% and an ethanol concentration of 53 g/L. Prehydrolysis prior to batch SSF did not improve the ethanol yield compared with batch SSF. Fed‐batch SSF, on the other hand, increased the yield, independent of the feeding conditions used (79–81%, 57–60 g/L). If the initial amount of solids during fed‐batch SSF was lowered, the yield could be improved to some extent. When decreasing the enzyme dosage, the greatest decrease in yield was seen in the fed‐batch mode (75%), while lower or the same yield was seen in batch mode with and without prehydrolysis (73%). This resulted in similar ethanol yields in all methods. However, the residence time to achieve the final ethanol yield was shorter using fed‐batch. This shows that fed‐batch can be a better alternative also at a lower enzyme loading.
Compositional changes of selected amino acids, organic acids, and soluble sugars in the xylem sap of N, P, or K‐deficient tomato plants
Authors: Sung Jwakyung , Sonn Yeonkyu , Lee Yejin , Kang Seongsoo , Ha Sangkeun , Krishnan Hari B. , Oh Taek‐Keun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractXylem sap plays a major role in long‐distance transport of water, nutrients, and metabolites. However, there is little information on the behavior of metabolites in mineral‐deficient xylem sap. For this reason, the time‐dependent changes in selected metabolites (amino acids, organic acids, and soluble sugars) from tomato xylem sap in response to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K)‐deficient condition were investigated. Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were grown hydroponically in liquid culture under three different mineral regimes: N‐deficient [0.5 mM Ca(NO3)2 and 0.5 mM KNO3], P‐deficient (0.05 mM KH2PO4), and K‐deficient (0.5 mM KNO3), respectively. Xylem sap was collected at 10:00 am after 1, 5, 15, and 30 d, and the selected metabolites were analyzed with liquid chromatography. All N, P, or K deficiencies led to a substantial increase in metabolites in the xylem sap. The predominant amino acid in the xylem sap was glutamine and, interestingly, all mineral deficiencies resulted in a substantial amount of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Additionally, organic acids (citrate and malate) and soluble sugars were strongly increased in all mineral deficiencies, and, in particular, the level of shikimate was greatly affected by N deficiency. Based on these data, it is necessary to clearly elucidate an unknown event taking place in xylem loading in a variety of environmental impacts, and we are now studying to expand our knowledge on metabolic and proteomic responses using GC‐MS and LC‐MS.
Si‐nanoparticle synthesis using ion implantation and MeV ion irradiation
Authors: Chulapakorn T. , Sychugov I. , Suvanam S. S. , Linnros J. , Wolff M. , Primetzhofer D. , Possnert G. , Hallén A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA dielectric matrix with embedded Si‐nanoparticles may show strong luminescence depending on nanoparticles size, surface properties, Si‐excess concentration and matrix type. Ion implantation of Si ions with energies of a few tens to hundreds of keV in a SiO2 matrix followed by thermal annealing was identified as a powerful method to form such nanoparticles. The aim of the present work is to optimize the synthesis of Si‐nanoparticles produced by ion implantation in SiO2 by employing MeV ion irradiation as an additional annealing process. The luminescence properties are measured by spectrally resolved photoluminescence including PL lifetime measurement, while X‐ray reflectometry, atomic force microscopy and ion beam analysis are used to characterize the nanoparticle formation process. The results show that the samples implanted at 20%‐Si excess atomic concentration display the highest luminescence and that irradiation of 36 MeV 127I ions affects the luminosity in terms of wavelength and intensity. It is also demonstrated that the nanoparticle luminescence lifetime decreases as a function of irradiation fluence. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Addition of growth hormone to the microflare stimulation protocol among women with poor ovarian response
Authors: Bayoumi Yomna A. , Dakhly Dina M.R. , Bassiouny Yasmin A. , Hashish Nawara M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of adding growth hormone (GH) to the microflare stimulation protocol among women with poor ovarian response.MethodsA parallel, open‐label, randomized controlled trial was conducted among patients with poor ovarian response who attended a center in Cairo, Egypt, between July 10 and December 31, 2014. Participants were randomly assigned using a computer program (random block size of 4–8) to undergo the microflare protocol with or without GH. Primary outcomes were the mean numbers of mature oocytes retrieved and fertilized. Analyses were done per protocol: women with cycle cancellations were excluded.ResultsThe analysis included 72 women in the GH group and 73 in the microflare only group. The mean number of oocytes collected was 7.2 ± 1.5 in the GH group versus 4.7 ± 1.2 in the microflare only group (P < 0.001). The mean number of metaphase II oocytes was 5.2 ± 1.2 in the GH group and 2.8 ± 1.0 in the microflare only group (P < 0.001). The mean number of fertilized oocytes was higher in the GH group (4.2 ± 1.1) than in the microflare only group (2.5 ± 0.7; P < 0.001).ConclusionAddition of GH to the microflare stimulation protocol provided some potential benefits to women with poor ovarian response. However, further studies are required before it could be recommended for routine clinical use.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02185326.
Assessing foods offered in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) using the Healthy Eating Index 2010
Authors: Byker Shanks Carmen , Smith Teresa , Ahmed Selena , Hunts Holly 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutritional quality of food packages offered in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) using the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010).DesignData were collected from the list of the food products provided by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Handbook 501 for FDPIR. Nutritional quality was measured through a cross-sectional analysis of five randomly selected food packages offered through FDPIR. HEI-2010 component and total scores were calculated for each food package. ANOVA and t tests assessed significant differences between food packages and HEI-2010 maximum scores, respectively.SettingThis study took place in the USA.SubjectsStudy units included food products offered through FDPIR.ResultsThe mean total HEI-2010 score for the combined FDPIR food packages was significantly lower than the total HEI-2010 maximum score of 100 (66·38 (sd 11·60); P<0·01). Mean scores for total fruit (3·52 (sd 0·73); P<0·05), total vegetables (2·58 (sd 0·15); P<0·001), greens and beans (0·92 (sd 1·00); P<0·001), dairy (5·12 (sd 0·63); P<0·001), total protein foods (4·14 (sd 0·56); P<0·05) and refined grains (3·04 (sd 2·90); P<0·001) were all significantly lower than the maximum values.ConclusionsThe FDPIR food package HEI-2010 score was notably higher than other federal food assistance and nutrition programmes. Study findings highlight opportunities for the FDPIR to modify its offerings to best support lifestyles towards prevention of diet-related chronic disease.
Shared mental healthcare and somatization: changes in patient symptoms and disability
Authors: Haggarty John M. , O’Connor Brian P. , Mozzon Jeremy B. , Bailey S. Kathleen 
Published: August 2015

AimTo describe the symptoms and functional changes in patients with high levels of somatization who were referred to an outpatient, multidisciplinary, shared mental healthcare (SMHC) service that primarily offered cognitive behavioural therapy. Second, we wished to compare the levels of somatization in this outpatient clinical sample with previously published community norms.BackgroundSomatization is common in primary care, and it can lead to significant impairment, disproportionate resource use, and poses a challenge for management.MethodsAll the patients (18+ years,n=508) who attended three or more treatment sessions in SMHC primary care over a seven-year period were eligible for inclusion to this pre–post study. Self-report measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire’s somatic symptom severity scale (PHQ-15) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS II). Normative comparisons were used to assess the degree of symptoms and functional changes.FindingsClinically significant levels of somatization before treatment were common (n=138, 27.2%) and were associated with a significant reduction in somatic symptom severity (41.3% reduction;P&lt;0.001) and disability (44% reduction;P&lt;0.001) after treatment. Patients’ levels of somatic symptom severity and disability approached but did not quite reach the community sample norms following treatment. Multidisciplinary short-term SMHC was associated with significant improvement in patient symptoms and disability, and shows promise as an effective treatment for patients with high levels of somatization. Including a control group would allow more confidence regarding the conclusions about the effectiveness of SMHC for patients impaired by somatization.
Why is there motor deterioration in Parkinson’s disease during systemic infections-a hypothetical view
Authors: Brugger Florian , Erro Roberto , Balint Bettina , Kägi Georg , Barone Paolo , Bhatia Kailash P 
Published: August 2015

AbstractClinicians are well aware of the fact that patients with Parkinson’s disease may significantly deteriorate following a systemic infection or, in its most severe case, may even develop an akinetic crisis. Although this phenomenon is widely observed and has a major impact on the patients’ condition, the knowledge about the underlying mechanisms behind is still sparse. Possible explanations encompass changes in the pharmacodynamics of the dopaminergic drugs, altered dopamine metabolism in the brain, alterations in the dopaminergic transmission in the striatum or an enhancement of neurodegeneration due to remote effects of peripheral inflammatory processes or circulating bacterial toxins. This article provides possible explanatory concepts and may hence support formulating hypothesis for future studies in this field.
Biotransformation of (−)-epicatechin, (+)-epicatechin, (−)-catechin, and (+)-catechin by intestinal bacteria involved in isoflavone metabolism
Authors: Takagaki Akiko , Nanjo Fumio 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Isoflavone-metabolizing bacteria, Adlercreutzia equolifaciens, Asaccharobacter celatus, Slackia equolifaciens, and Slackia isoflavoniconvertens catalyzed C-ring cleavage of (–)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, (+)-epicatechin, and (–)-catechin in varying degrees. The cleaving abilities of (–)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin were enhanced by hydrogen, except (+)-catechin cleavage by S. equolifaciens, which was not accelerated. (−)-Catechin cleavage by Ad. equolifaciens was remarkably accelerated by hydrogen.
Water: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Finney John 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Water dominates the surface of Earth and is vital to life on our planet. It is a remarkable liquid that shows anomalous behaviour. Water: A Very Short Introduction introduces the science of water, and explores how the structure of water molecules gives rise to its physical and chemical properties. Considering water in all three of its states—ice, steam, and liquid—it explains the great importance of understanding its structure and behaviour for fields such as chemistry, astrophysics, and earth and environmental sciences. The role of water in biology is also described, and it concludes with a discussion of the outstanding controversies concerning water, and some of the ‘magical’ properties that have been claimed for it.
Snake venom gland cDNA sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore MinION portable DNA sequencer
Authors: Hargreaves Adam D , Mulley John F 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPortable DNA sequencers such as the Oxford Nanopore MinION device have the potential to be truly disruptive technologies, facilitating new approaches and analyses and, in some cases, taking sequencing out of the lab and into the field. However, the capabilities of these technologies are still being revealed. Here we show that single-molecule cDNA sequencing using the MinION accurately characterises venom toxin-encoding genes in the painted saw-scaled viper, Echis coloratus. We find the raw sequencing error rate to be around 12%, improved to 0–2% with hybrid error correction and 3% with de novo error correction. Our corrected data provides full coding sequences and 5′ and 3′ UTRs for 29 of 33 candidate venom toxins detected, far superior to Illumina data (13/40 complete) and Sanger-based ESTs (15/29). We suggest that, should the current pace of improvement continue, the MinION will become the default approach for cDNA sequencing in a variety of species.