Publications by authors named "Hou-Chien Chang"

Even though transition metals can activate Oxone to degrade toxic contaminants, bimetallic materials possess higher catalytic activities because of synergistic effects, making them more attractive for Oxone activation. Herein, nanoscale CuCo-bearing N-doped carbon (CuCoNC) can be designed to afford a hollow structure as well as CuCo species by adopting cobaltic metal organic frameworks as a template. In contrast to Co-bearing N-doped carbon (CoNC), which lacks the Cu dopant, CuCo alloy nanoparticles (NPs) are contained by the Cu dopant within the carbonaceous matrix, giving CuCoNC more prominent electrochemical properties and larger porous structures and highly nitrogen moieties.

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A polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based immobilized metal-ion affinity membrane (IMAM) was prepared with a high capacity for protein adsorption. PAN was selected as the substrate due to its excellent thermal and chemical stability. The cyano groups on the PAN membrane were substituted with carboxyl groups, followed by reactions with ethylenediamine (EDA) and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE) to produce the terminal epoxy groups.

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As sunscreens, benzophenones (BPs), are regarded as emerging contaminants, most of studies are focused on removal of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3), which, however, has been employed for protecting skin. Another major class of BPs, which is used to prevent UV-induce degradation in various products, is completely neglected. Thus, this present study aims to develop a useful advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the first time to eliminate such a class of BP sunscreens from contaminated water.

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As cobalt (Co) has been the most useful element for activating Oxone to generate SO, this study aims to develop a hierarchical catalyst with nanoscale functionality and macroscale convenience by decorating nanoscale Co-based oxides on macroscale supports. Specifically, a facile protocol is proposed by utilizing Cu mesh itself as a Cu source for fabricating CuCoO on Cu mesh. By changing the dosages of the Co precursor and carbamide, various nanostructures of CuCoO grown on a Cu mesh can be afforded, including nanoscale needles, flowers, and sheets.

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Two novel antioxidants, obtusilactone A (1) and (-)-sesamin (2) have been identified in Cinnamomum kotoense Kanehira. Both showed effective 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared with vitamin C, and reducing power compared with BHA. These results suggest that these constituents of C.

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Tyrosinase is the first and rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of melanin pigments for coloring hair, skin, and eyes. As reported in this study, a natural product, (-)-N-formylanonaine isolated from the leaves of Michelia alba D.C.

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Gap junctions have traditionally been characterized as nonspecific pores between cells passing molecules up to 1 kDa in molecular mass. Nonetheless, it has become increasingly evident that different members of the connexin (Cx) family mediate quite distinct physiological processes and are often not interchangeable. Consistent with this observation, differences in permeability to natural metabolites have been reported for different connexins, although the physical basis for selectivity has not been established.

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As ubiquitous conduits for intercellular transport and communication, gap junctional pores have been the subject of numerous investigations aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying permeability and selectivity. Dye transfer studies provide a broadly useful means of detecting coupling and assessing these properties. However, given evidence for selective permeability of gap junctions and some anomalous correlations between junctional electrical conductance and dye permeability by passive diffusion, the need exists to give such studies a more quantitative basis.

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