bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Pd/Ni–Co Catalyst for Hydrogen Production by Chemical Looping Coupled With Steam Reforming of Acetic Acid
Authors: Fermoso Javier , Gil María V. , Rubiera Fernando , Chen De 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHigh yield of high‐purity H2 from acetic acid, a model compound of bio‐oil obtained from the fast pyrolysis of biomass, was produced by sorption‐enhanced steam reforming (SESR). An oxygen carrier was introduced into a chemical loop (CL) coupled to the cyclical SESR process to supply heat in situ for the endothermic sorbent regeneration to increase the energy efficiency of the process. A new multifunctional 1 %Pd/20 %Ni–20 %Co catalyst was developed for use both as oxygen carrier in the CL and as reforming catalyst in the SESR whereas a CaO‐based material was used as CO2 sorbent. In the sorbent–air regeneration step, the Ni–Co atoms in the catalyst undergo strong exothermic oxidation reactions that provide heat for the CaO decarbonation. The addition of Pd to the Ni–Co catalyst makes the catalyst active throughout the whole SESR–CL cycle. Pd significantly promotes the reduction of Ni–Co oxides to metallic Ni–Co during the reforming stage, which avoids the need for a reduction step after regeneration. H2 yield above 90 % and H2 purity above 99.2 vol % were obtained.
Dynamic variation in forebrain estradiol levels during song learning
Authors: Chao Andrew , Paon Ashley , Remage‐Healey Luke 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTEstrogens shape brain circuits during development, and the capacity to synthesize estrogens locally has consequences for both sexual differentiation and the acute modulation of circuits during early learning. A recently optimized method to detect and quantify fluctuations in brain estrogens in vivo provides a direct means to explore how brain estrogen production contributes to both differentiation and neuromodulation during development. Here, we use this method to test the hypothesis that neuroestrogens are sexually differentiated as well as dynamically responsive to song tutoring (via passive video/audio playback) during the period of song learning in juvenile zebra finches. Our results show that baseline neuroestradiol levels in the caudal forebrain do not differ between males and females during an early critical masculinization window. Instead, we observe a prominent difference between males and females in baseline neuroestradiol that emerges during the subadult stage as animals approach sexual maturity. Second, we observe that fluctuating neuroestradiol levels during periods of passive song tutoring exhibit a markedly different profile in juveniles as compared to adults. Specifically, neuroestrogens in the caudal forebrain are elevated following (rather than during) tutor song exposure in both juvenile males and females, suggesting an important role for the early consolidation of tutor song memories. These results further reveal a circadian influence on the fluctuations in local neuroestrogens during sensory/cognitive tasks. Taken together, these findings uncover several unexpected features of brain estrogen synthesis in juvenile animals that may have implications for secondary masculinization as well as the consolidation of recent sensory experiences. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 271–286, 2015
Effects of COX inhibition and LPS on formalin induced pain in the infant rat
Authors: Hunter Deirtra , Chai Christina , Barr Gordon A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn the adult, immune and neural processes jointly modulate pain. During development, both are in transition and little is known about the role that the immune system plays in pain processing in infants and children. The objective of this study was to determine if inhibition or augmentation of the immune system would alter pain processing in the infant rat, as it does in the adult. In Experiment 1, rat pups aged 3, 10, or 21 (PN3, PN10, and PN21) days of age were pretreated with NS398 (selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor) or SC560 (selective COX‐1 inhibitor) and tested in the intraplantar formalin test to assess effects of COX inhibition on nociception. Neither drug had an effect on the behavioral response at PN3 or PN10 pups but both drugs attenuated nociceptive scores in PN21 pups. cFos expression in the spinal cord likewise was reduced only at PN21. In Experiment 2, pups were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to the formalin test at PN3 or PN21. LPS increased the nociceptive response more robustly at PN21 than at PN3, while increasing cytokine mRNA equally at both ages. The augmentation of pain responding at PN21 was largely during the late stages of the formalin test, as reported in the adult. These data support previous findings demonstrating late maturing immune modulation of nociceptive behaviors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1068–1079, 2015
Positive Effect of Constant Leading Power Factor Operation of PV in Power System
Authors: Ishimaru Masa‐Aki , Tamachi Hideki , Komami Shintaroh 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYA voltage rise problem in distribution networks has been discussed as the foremost concern with respect to the spread of large numbers of photovoltaic systems. We focus on the latent ability of the present distribution network and photovoltaic systems to find a low‐cost solution to the problem and consider a solution to mitigate the voltage rise using the photovoltaic system's constant leading power factor operation. Previously, based on simulations using an aggregated model of a real distribution network, we proposed that a combination of a photovoltaic system's constant leading power factor operation and LDC makes it possible to maintain the line voltage and LTC tap position adequately. In this paper, additionally, we confirm some effects of the proposed method in an aggregated model of a distribution network and a trunk power system. One of them is that the proposed method reduces the frequency of restricting output power from photovoltaic systems and changing the LTC and SVR tap position, although photovoltaic systems rapidly fluctuate. Another is that the proposed method cannot make a significant impact on a trunk power system in a voltage class exceeding 6.6 kV.
Investigation of Tangential Lines and Prospective Values for TRV Measurements
Authors: Koshizuka Tadashi , Kudo Kietsu , Nakamoto Tetsuya , Haginomori Eiichi , Ibuki Koji , Ikeda Hisatoshi 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe prospective transient recovery voltage (TRV) at current interruption for circuit breakers should be measured by using an ideal circuit breaker. Prospective values of the TRV are obtained by drawing the tangential line to the TRV waveform. But, it is difficult to draw the tangential line on the 4‐parameter TRV waveform automatically by computer software. This paper presents a new method of drawing the tangential line on the 4‐parameter TRV waveform. It is easy to draw the tangential line on the TRV waveform by a simple waveform transform process. This method is easy to code as computer software. We also investigate the method of deciding the current zero in prospective TRV measurements.
Rheological design of stabilized meat sauces for industrial uses
Authors: Lupi Francesca R. , Gabriele Domenico , Seta Lucia , Baldino Noemi , de Cindio Bruno 
Published: September 2014

In the present work a rheological analysis was carried out on sauces produced with a spreadable spicy sausage, typical of the Italian dietary culture, and modified by organogelator addition in order to change their mechanical properties and to solve potential stability issues. From a microstructural point of view, the investigated sauces are suspensions of hard fat/meat phase in a liquid oil solvent based on a mixture of sunflower and olive oil. The stabilization of these heterogeneous systems was carried out by an organogelation technique, thanks to which the solvent was stabilized by a network linking the solid particles. Monoglycerides of fatty acids and policosanol, a fatty alcohol mixture, were used as organogelators at two different fractions (0.1 and 0.5% w/w). Small amplitude oscillation tests and flow tests were carried out, both on fresh samples and on samples destabilized by centrifugation; policosanol was found to be more efficient, even at low concentration, in stabilizing the system, guaranteeing rheological properties similar to those of a benchmark unstable sample, and, in the meantime, giving a good stability to the system subjected to shear stresses (like those arising during mechanical manipulations).Practical applications: Oil suspension stabilization is a relevant challenge in food industry owing to the difficulties in structuring an oil phase. Organogelation is a potential solution to these stability issues because organogelators can structure the oil phase entrapping the dispersed particle in a semi‐solid gel network that prevents or delays the separation phenomena.In the present work two different edible organogelators were adopted to stabilize meat suspensions in a vegetable oil mixture, and their effects on both quiescent stability and resistance to mechanical stresses were investigated by using rheological tests. It was shown that organogelation can significantly reduce the separation phenomena between two phases, and it can increase the capacity of materials to bear mechanical loads without affecting the desired consistency. The proposed rheological approach and the adopted organogelators can be used to stabilize also different food suspensions based on liquid oils.The ratio between zero shear viscosity of the destabilized samples and fresh samples as function of the weight loss for: raw material fresh and ground (samples S1 and S2), ground with unstabilized oil phase (sample S3), stabilized with Myverol (sample S4, S5) and with Policosanol (samples S6 and S7).
31P NMR Spectroscopically Quantified Hydrogen‐Bonding Strength of Thioureas and Their Catalytic Activity in Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Nödling Alexander R. , Jakab Gergely , Schreiner Peter R. , Hilt Gerhard 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe hydrogen‐bonding strength of a variety of commonly employed thiourea catalysts was quantified by using a trialkylphosphine oxide as a 31P NMR probe. Simple diarylthioureas and more complex bifunctional amine‐ and hydroxy‐substituted thiourea derivatives were examined. Their catalytic activity was determined in a Diels–Alder reaction, and the obtained pseudo‐first‐order rate constants were correlated with the 31P NMR chemical shifts. A linear correlation between both variables was observed throughout the functionalized thioureas. The 31P NMR probe correlation fared better in comparison to a pKa correlation. Accordingly, the quantification presented herein by using a 31P NMR probe offers an elegant way to estimate the catalytic activity of thiourea catalysts in hydrogen‐bond‐activated reactions such as the Diels–Alder reaction.
All Solid State Chromium(III) Selective Potentiometric Sensor Based on 2‐(1‐(2‐((3‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrozol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)phenol
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Sanjeev , Jain Sapna , Lamba Bhawna Y. , Joshi Girdhar , Arora Shefali 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHighly selective all solid state electrochemical sensor based on a synthesized compound i.e. 2‐(1‐(2‐((3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1H‐pyrozol‐1‐yl)methyl)benzyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)phenol (I) as an ionophore has been prepared and investigated for the selective quantification of chromium(III) ions. The effect of various plasticizers, viz. dibutyl phosphonate (DBP), dibutyl(butyl) phosphonate (DBBP), nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), tris‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphonate (TEP), tri‐butyl phosphonate (TBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), dioctyl sebacate (DOS), benzyl acetate (BA) and acetophenone (AP) along with anion excluders NaTPB (sodium tetraphenyl borate) and KClTPB (potassium(tetrakis‐4‐chlorophenyl)borate was also studied. The optimum composition of the best performing membrane contained (I):KClTPB:NPOE:PVC in the ratio 15 : 3 : 40 : 42 w/w. The sensor exhibited near Nernstian slope of 20.1±0.2 mV/decade of activity in the working concentration range of 1.2×10−7–1.0×10−1 M, and in a pH range of 3.8–4.5. The sensor exhibited a fast response time of 10 s and could be used for about 5 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The proposed sensor showed very good selectivity over most of the common cations including Na+, Li+, K+, Cu2+, Sr2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ba2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cs+, Mg2+, Cd2+, Al3+, Fe3+and La3+. The activity of Cr(III) ions was successfully determined in the industrial waste samples by using this sensor.
Direct Determination of miR‐21 in Total RNA Extracted from Breast Cancer Samples Using Magnetosensing Platforms and the p19 Viral Protein as Detector Bioreceptor
Authors: Torrente‐Rodríguez R. M. , Campuzano S. , López‐Hernández E. , Granados R. , Sánchez‐Puelles J. M. , Pingarrón J. M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA novel magnetobiosensing approach for the rapid, sensitive and selective miR‐21 detection is reported involving the use of a specific RNA probe (antimiR‐21), streptavidin‐magnetic beads (Strep‐MBs), the siRNA Binding Protein p19 as detector bioreceptor, and amperometric detection with the H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system at disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes. The magnetosensor exhibited a dynamic range from 1.4 to 10 nM and a detection limit of 4.2 fmol of synthetic target miR‐21 without any amplification step in 75 min. The usefulness of the approach was evaluated by analyzing total RNA (RNAt) extracted from metastatic breast cancer cell lines, human tissues and breast cytologies.
A New Concept for High‐Performance Fuel Cell Design with Controlled Component Mixing using Jet Flow
Authors: Danilov Valery A. , Denayer Joeri F. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA new concept is proposed for a high‐performance fuel cell design. The concept is based on the intensification of mass transfer processes due to implementing multiple contact zones with jet flow and preventing the intermixing of the reactants and products. A proof of concept was performed by comparing the new fuel cell design with conventional proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) containing a standard membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and gas diffusion layer (GDL). It is shown that the application of the new concept for flow‐field design provides an increase of the fuel cell performance of up to 40 % without humidification and flooding problems.
Comparative study of biodegradability prediction of chemicals using decision trees, functional trees, and logistic regression
Authors: Chen Guangchao , Li Xuehua , Chen Jingwen , Zhang Ya-nan , Peijnenburg Willie J.G.M. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Biodegradation is the principal environmental dissipation process of chemicals. As such, it is a dominant factor determining the persistence and fate of organic chemicals in the environment, and is therefore of critical importance to chemical management and regulation. In the present study, the authors developed in silico methods assessing biodegradability based on a large heterogeneous set of 825 organic compounds, using the techniques of the C4.5 decision tree, the functional inner regression tree, and logistic regression. External validation was subsequently carried out by 2 independent test sets of 777 and 27 chemicals. As a result, the functional inner regression tree exhibited the best predictability with predictive accuracies of 81.5% and 81.0%, respectively, on the training set (825 chemicals) and test set I (777 chemicals). Performance of the developed models on the 2 test sets was subsequently compared with that of the Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite Biowin 5 and Biowin 6 models, which also showed a better predictability of the functional inner regression tree model. The model built in the present study exhibits a reasonable predictability compared with existing models while possessing a transparent algorithm. Interpretation of the mechanisms of biodegradation was also carried out based on the models developed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2688–2693. © 2014 SETAC
Community mental health teams for older people: variations in case mix and service receipt (I)
Authors: Tucker Sue , Wilberforce Mark , Brand Christian , Abendstern Michele , Crook Anthony , Jasper Rowan , Stewart Karen , Challis David 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesThe study sought to identify the characteristics of community‐dwelling older people supported by community mental health teams (CMHTs) in England and, in particular, to determine whether there is a common threshold for CMHT entry and/or a core client group.MethodsData were collected about a random sample of 15 CMHTs' caseloads, including information about their sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, dependence, mental health, risks and service receipt. The sample was divided into 16 subgroups of people with similar needs for care (case types), and differences between teams were explored.ResultsInformation was obtained for 1396 patients. Just under half had a functional mental health problem, slightly over a third an organic disorder, seven per cent both, and nine per cent no diagnosis. Considerable variation was found in teams' caseloads, and there was no evidence of a common caseload threshold. Two of the commonest case types represented people with functional diagnoses who were independent in activities of daily living (ADL) and had no/low levels of challenging behaviour. Another representing people with organic/mixed diagnoses, ADL dependence, challenging behaviour and at least one medium risk was also fairly common. The two case types that represented patients with the most complex needs accounted for more than a quarter of some teams' caseloads but less than a tenth of others.ConclusionsIt is wrong to assume that CMHTs all have similar caseloads. Commissioners must ensure that the network of services provided can meet the needs of all eligible patients, whilst more research is required on who such teams should target. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of microbial gene abundance in the development of fuel remediation guidelines in polar soils
Authors: Richardson Elizabeth L , King Catherine K , Powell Shane M 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Terrestrial fuel spills in Antarctica commonly occur on ice-free land around research stations as the result of human activities. Successful spill clean-ups require appropriate targets that confirm contaminated sites are no longer likely to pose environmental risk following remediation. These targets are based on knowledge of the impacts of contaminants on the soil ecosystem and on the response of native biota to contamination. Our work examined the response of soil microbial communities to fuel contamination by measuring the abundance of genes involved in critical soil processes, and assessed the use of this approach as an indicator of soil health in the presence of weathered and fresh fuels. Uncontaminated and contaminated soils were collected from the site of remediation treatment of an aged diesel spill at Casey Station, East Antarctica in December 2012. Uncontaminated soil was spiked with fresh Special Antarctic Blend (SAB) diesel to determine the response of the genes to fresh fuel. Partly remediated soil containing weathered SAB diesel was diluted with uncontaminated soil to simulate a range of concentrations of weathered fuel and used to determine the response of the genes to aged fuel. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure the abundance of rpoB, alkB, cat23, and nosZ in soils containing SAB diesel. Differences were observed between the abundance of genes in control soils versus soils containing weathered and fresh fuels. Typical dose–response curves were generated for genes in response to the presence of fresh fuel. In contrast, the response of these genes to the range of weathered fuel appeared to be due to dilution, rather than to the effect of the fuel on the microbial community. Changes in microbial genes in response to fresh contamination have potential as a sensitive measure of soil health and for assessments of the effect of fuel spills in polar soils. This will contribute to the development of remediation guidelines to assist in management decisions on when the impact of a fuel spill warrants remediation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:235–241. © 2014 SETAC
Key Points
This study clearly demonstrated the utility of quantitative PCR to measure changes in microbial communities and is recommended for further development and use in ecotoxicological testing. Microbial functional genes examined showed a typical dose-response relationship to hydrocarbons, making these genes suitable soil health indicators. Microbial genes provide a valuable alternative soil health indicator in an environment such as the Antarctic, where communities are relatively simple and few plant and invertebrate species are available for testing
Metallic wear debris may regulate CXCR4 expressionin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Drynda Andreas , Singh Gurpal , Buchhorn Gottfried H. , Awiszus Friedemann , Ruetschi Marcel , Feuerstein Bernd , Kliche Stefanie , Lohmann Christoph H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCXCR4, the chemokine receptor for CXCL12, also known as SDF‐1 (stromal cell derived factor‐1), has been shown to play a pivotal role in bone metastasis, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions but has not been investigated in periprosthetic osteolysis. We co‐cultured osteoblast‐like cells with increasing concentrations of metallic (Co‐35Ni‐20Cr‐10Mo and Co‐28Cr‐6Mo) and Co‐ions simulating wear debris. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to quantify gene and protein expression of CXCR4. The expression of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and the effects of AMD3100 (bicyclam) on both CXCR4 and TNF‐α expression among these cells was investigated. RT‐PCR showed an increase in CXCR4 mRNA (7.5‐fold for MG63 and 4.0‐fold for SaOs‐2 cells) among cells co‐cultured with metal alloy particles. Western blotting showed a time‐dependent increase in protein expression of CXCR4. The attempted blockade of CXCR4 by its known competitive receptor agonist AMD3100 led to a significant inhibition TNF‐α mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry showed CXCR4 positivity among patients with failed metal‐on‐metal hip replacements and radiographic evidence of osteolysis. Our data collectively suggest that the CXCR4 chemokine is upregulated in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in the presence of metallic wear debris. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1940–1948, 2015.
Extraction optimization of polysaccharides from Chinese rice wine from the Shaoxing region and evaluation of its immunity activities
Authors: Shen Chi , Mao Jian , Chen Yongquan , Meng Xiangyong , Ji Zhongwei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDChinese rice wine is well known for its unique flavor and high nutritional value. It is of interest to investigate the functional components of Chinese rice wine and their health benefits.RESULTSResponse surface design of three factors – pH, ethanol concentration and precipitation time – at three levels was utilized to optimize the extraction of Chinese rice wine polysaccharide (CRWP). The results indicated that the CRWP yield was 77.287% at the optimal levels for pH 8.4, ethanol concentration 88% and precipitation time 23 h. In addition, immune activity of CRWP was investigated by measuring body weight, spleen index and thymus index. Furthermore, immunity activity of CRWP was investigated by measuring lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytic index and phagocytic percentage of immunosuppressed mice. Compared with the control mice and model mice, it was found that CRWP has beneficial immune activities in vivo.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that CRWP has immune activities in vivo by modulating the immune response, and implies full development and utilization of the nutritional value of Chinese rice wine. However, further work will be conducted in the future to elucidate the structure–bioactivity relationship for CRWP. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry