bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of colorless and transparent semi‐alicyclic polyimide films with enhanced high‐temperature dimensional stability via incorporation of alkyl‐substituted benzanilide units
Authors: Zhi Xin‐Xin , Jiang Gang‐Lan , Zhang Yan , Jia Yan‐Jiang , Wu Lin , An Yuan‐Cheng , Liu Jin‐Gang , Liu Yan‐gai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTwo colorless and transparent polyimide (CPI) films with enhanced high‐temperature dimensional stability and solution‐processability were prepared from the methyl‐substituted benzanilide containing organo‐soluble polyimide (PI) resins. For this target, a new aromatic diamine, 2,3′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐diaminobenzanilide (MMDABA) was synthesized. The methyl substituents were expected to endow the derived PI resins good solubility and rigid‐rod benzanilide units can efficiently reduce the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the derived CPI films. CPI‐a and CPI‐b were prepared by the one‐step thermal polycondensation from MMDABA with hydrogenated pyromellitic dianhydride for CPI‐a and hydrogenated 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride for CPI‐b, respectively. The derived PI resins were soluble in polar aprotic solvents. Colorless and transparent CPI‐a and CPI‐b films were prepared from the PI solutions and the subsequent 280°C curing. The CPI films showed good transparency in visible light and transmittances higher than 80% at 450 nm and yellowness index (b*) below 2.0. More importantly, the derived CPI‐a film showed the glass transition temperature (Tg) of 417.5°C and the CTE value of 46.9 × 10−6/K in the range of 50–250°C. Apparently, incorporation of alkyl‐substituted benzanilide units achieved good balance among solution‐processability, high‐temperature dimensional stability, and optical properties.
Improving breed‐and‐release programmes in the face of a threatening pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Klop‐Toker Kaya L. , Valdez Jose W. , Stockwell Michelle P. , Fardell Loren , Clulow Simon , Clulow John , Mahony Michael J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

As the proportion of threatened species increases, so too does the need for effective conservation strategies. In response, captive breed‐and‐release and habitat mitigation programmes are two conservation actions that are increasing in use and effectiveness.
Success of these programmes is frequently hampered by the continued presence of threatening processes. In the case of amphibian reintroductions, a key threatening process that is difficult to eliminate is the deadly fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). This pathogen is the proximate cause of decline for the threatened green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, and has contributed to the failure of previous breed‐and‐release programmes of this amphibian.
To investigate whether is it possible to establish a captive‐bred population of L. aurea that could persist in the presence of Bd, a breed‐and‐release programme was conducted in a created habitat that included increased salinity to inhibit fungal growth rates, exclusion of potential reservoir hosts and source animals bred from parents ‘experienced’ with the strain of Bd present in the release environment.
The population persisted in the created habitat for more than 4 years (the timescale of monitoring) but suffered higher infection levels compared with nearby extant populations of L. aurea. These infections significantly reduced apparent survival. Infection dynamics were linked to temperature, host density in the previous season, and size and age of the host, and these factors differed from those in extant populations and are likely to have contributed to the high levels of Bd infection at the created site.
This article discusses how it may be possible to manipulate these factors to improve the success of future breed‐and‐release programmes, and recommends the construction of warm water bodies and a strategy of prioritizing the release of fewer, large propagules of high body condition and mixed‐age class, over large numbers of younger, smaller animals.
Data‐mining social media platforms highlights conservation action for the Mediterranean Critically Endangered blue shark Prionace glauca
Authors: Boldrocchi Ginevra , Storai Tiziano 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea represents an area of elevated risk of extinction for sharks, where data deficiency is a pervasive problem.
To compensate for such a paucity of information, this study investigated the use of social media content as a complementary approach to evaluate the distribution and habitat use of the Critically Endangered blue shark Prionace glauca in coastal waters, as well as public perceptions of the sharks.
Through social media data mining a total of 146 records, comprising 158 individual blue sharks approaching Italian coastal waters, have been recorded from 2011 to 2020.
This study revealed that, over the past decade, blue sharks regularly visited Italian coastal habitats for extended periods of time. Differences in the temporal distribution of blue sharks by sex and size appear to be linked to reproductive activity. The higher number of adult females approaching the shore in spring and the increase in young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) sightings in the following months possibly indicate parturition in coastal waters. Spatial analyses also showed that certain Italian coastal areas, such as those in Calabria and Puglia, were preferred coastal habitats for this species.
Results also indicate that social media platforms can be considered an ever‐growing source of data on wildlife, which can shed light on the occurrence and distribution of endangered shark species in poorly known habitats. Furthermore, social media platforms should be used for awareness campaigns to educate the public, as this study showed that negative reactions to shark encounters remain widespread.
Heterogeneous Enantioselective Catalysis with Chiral Encoded Mesoporous Pt−Ir Films Supported on Ni Foam
Authors: Assavapanumat Sunpet , Butcha Sopon , Ittisanronnachai Somlak , Kuhn Alexander , Wattanakit Chularat 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe development of heterogeneous catalysts for asymmetric synthesis is one of the most challenging topics in chemistry, as it allows obtaining enantiomerically pure compounds. Recently, metal layers incorporating molecular chiral cavities, obtained by electroreduction of a metal source in the simultaneous presence of a non‐ionic surfactant and asymmetric molecules, have been proposed for a wide range of applications, including enantioselective electroanalysis and electrosynthesis, as well as chiral separation. In contrast to this previous work, solely based on electrochemical phenomena, herein we designed and employed nanostructured chiral encoded Pt−Ir alloys, supported on high surface area nickel foams, as heterogeneous catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic ketones. Fine‐tuning the experimental conditions allows achieving very high enantioselectivity (>80%), combined with improved catalyst stability.
Periodic event‐triggered bipartite consensus for multi‐agent systems with partial information transmission
Authors: Qi Yanan , Mu Rui , Zhang Xianfu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the periodic event‐triggered bipartite consensus for the single integral multi‐agent systems. A fully distributed periodic event‐triggered protocol is designed for a general case that only partial information can be transmitted among agents. Then, we construct a state‐dependent and time‐dependent event detector to determine whether the sampled data should be sent out at sampling instants. Under structurally balanced signed digraphs, it is proved that all agents achieve consensus with the same magnitude but opposite sign. Notably, compared with the existing event‐triggered strategies, the limitation on sampling period can be removed and the Zeno behavior is automatically excluded. Finally, the simulation results illustrate the validity of the provided protocol.
Enzalutamide + androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) versus flutamide + ADT in Japanese men with castration‐resistant prostate cancer: AFTERCAB study
Authors: Uemura Hiroji , Kobayashi Kazuki , Yokomizo Akira , Hinotsu Shiro , Horie Shigeo , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Naito Seiji , Nonomura Norio , Ogawa Osamu , Oya Mototsugu , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Saito Atsushi , Uno Satoshi , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of the study is to compare the efficacy and safety of alternative androgen therapy (AAT) with enzalutamide + androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and flutamide + ADT in the treatment of Japanese men with metastatic or nonmetastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who progressed despite combined androgen blockade (CAB) with bicalutamide + ADT. AAT treatment sequence was also investigated.Materials and methodsThe open‐label, Phase 4 AFTERCAB study (NCT02918968) was conducted from November 2016 to March 2020 in Japanese men aged ≥20 years with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic CRPC. Patients were initially randomized to enzalutamide (160 mg/day) + ADT (enzalutamide first) or flutamide (375mg/day [125mg three times daily]) + ADT (flutamide first) as first‐line therapy. Following prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression, other disease progression, or discontinuation of first‐line therapy due to an adverse event (AE), patients switched to the other treatment as second‐line therapy. The primary endpoint was time to PSA progression with first‐line therapy (TTPP1). Secondary endpoints included TTPP2 (TTPP1 + time to PSA progression with second‐line therapy). AEs were monitored to assess safety.ResultsOverall, 206 men were randomized (enzalutamide first, n = 102; flutamide first, n = 104) and stratified by study site and disease stage; 133 patients transitioned to second‐line therapy (enzalutamide first, n = 48; flutamide first, n = 85). TTPP1 was significantly improved with enzalutamide first versus flutamide first (median 21.4 months vs. 5.8 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.29, 0.61]). TTPP2 was numerically improved with enzalutamide first versus flutamide first (median not reached vs. 21.2 months; HR 0.76; 95% CI [0.48, 1.19]). Both treatments were generally well tolerated, with AEs consistent with their known safety profiles.ConclusionFirst‐line AAT with enzalutamide + ADT provided a significant improvement in time to PSA progression versus flutamide + ADT. Enzalutamide + ADT may therefore be the preferred first‐line AAT option in Japanese men with metastatic or nonmetastatic CRPC who progress despite CAB with bicalutamide + ADT.
Enantioselective determination of phenthoate enantiomers in plant‐origin matrices using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Dong Chao , Zhou Jie , Zuo Wei , Li Zhixia , Li Jing , Jiao Bining 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPhenthoate is a chiral organophosphate pesticide with a pair of enantiomers which differ in toxicity, behavior and insecticidal activity, and its acute toxicity on human health owing to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase highlights the need for enantioselective detection of enantiomers. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a simple rapid method for separation and detection of phenthoate enantiomers in fruits, vegetables and grains. The enantiomers were separated using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the first time. Rapid chiral separation (within 9 min) of the target compound was achieved on a chiral OJ‐RH column with the mobile phase of methanol–water = 85:15(v/v), at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and a column temperature of 30°C. Acetonitrile and graphitized carbon black were used as the extractant and sorbent for pretreatment, respectively. This method provides excellent linearity (correlation coefficient ≥0.9986), high sensitivity (limit of quantification 5 μg/kg and limit of detection <0.25 μg/kg), satisfactory mean recoveries (76.2–91.0%) and relative standard deviation (intra‐day RSDs ranged from 2.0 to 7.9% and inter‐day RSDs ranged from 2.4 to 8.4%). In addition, a field trial to explore the stereoselective degradation of phenthoate enantiomers in citrus showed that (−)‐phenthoate degraded faster than its antipode, resulting in the relative accumulation of (+)‐phenthoate.
Non‐canonical Amino Acid Substrates of E. coli Aminoacyl‐tRNA Synthetases
Authors: Hartman Matthew C. T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this comprehensive review, I focus on the twenty E. coli aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases and their ability to charge non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) onto tRNAs. The promiscuity of these enzymes has been harnessed for diverse applications including understanding and engineering of protein function, creation of organisms with an expanded genetic code, and the synthesis of diverse peptide libraries for drug discovery. The review catalogues the structures of all known ncAA substrates for each of the 20 E. coli aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases, including ncAA substrates for engineered versions of these enzymes. Drawing from the structures in the list, I highlight trends and novel opportunities for further exploitation of these ncAAs in the engineering of protein function, synthetic biology, and in drug discovery.
Pd Nanoparticle Size Effect of Anodic Catalysts on Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell Initial Performance: Development of a Mathematical Model and Comparison with Experimental Results
Authors: Chiou Yuh‐Jing , Juchniewicz Karol , Kupiec Krzysztof R. , Mikolajczuk‐Zychora Anna , Mierzwa Bogusław , Lin Hong‐Ming , Borodzinski Andrzej 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDirect Formic Acid Fuel Cell (DFAFC) is considered as a promising liquid fuel cell. Here, the effect of palladium particle size (dPd) of anodic DFAFC catalysts on initial power density was studied. The number of electrochemically available Pd atoms on the surface of Pd nanocrystallites in the anodes were determined experimentally. The cathode potential as a function of the current density has been measured. The mathematical model describing the effect of dPd on DFAFC performance has been developed. It was assumed that: (i) Pd crystallites have shape of cuboctahedron, (ii) Pd atoms lying on edges and corners are inactive, (iii) The activity of Pd atoms lying on crystallite (111) and (100) facets do not change with dPd. The mathematical model describes well the effect of current density and dPd on fuel cell voltage and power density. The model predicts that maximum power density is reached at dPd=2.4 nm.
Agile Detection of Chemical Warfare Agents by Machine Vision: a Supramolecular Approach
Authors: Tuccitto Nunzio , Catania Gaetano , Pappalardo Andrea , Trusso Sfrazzetto Giuseppe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe supramolecular detection by image analysis of a simulant chemical warfare agent on a solid device containing a selective molecular sensor based on a BODIPY scaffold is reported. The recognition properties were investigated in solution, demonstrating high affinity (log K 6.60) and sensitivity (LOD 10 ppt). A test strip also confirmed the sensing properties in gas phase. Image analysis of the solid device allows quantitative information about the simulant to be obtained, recovering the sensor almost 5 times and thus confirming the goal of the supramolecular approach.
Communication approaches to enhance patient motivation and adherence in cardiovascular disease prevention
Authors: Duffy Eamon Y. , Ashen Dominique , Blumenthal Roger S. , Davis Dorothy M. , Gulati Martha , Blaha Michael J. , Michos Erin D. , Nasir Khurram , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPreventive cardiology visits have traditionally focused on educating patients about disease risk factors and the need to avoid and manage them through lifestyle changes and medications. However, long‐term patient adherence to the recommended interventions remains a key unmet need. In this review we discuss the rationale and potential benefits of a paradigm shift in the clinician‐patient encounter, from focusing on education to explicitly discussing key drivers of individual motivation. This includes the emotional, psychological, and economic mindset that patients bring to their health decisions. Five communication approaches are proposed that progress clinician‐patient preventive cardiology conversations, from provision of information to addressing values and priorities such as common health concerns, love for the family, desire of social recognition, financial stressors, and desire to receive personalized advice. Although further research is needed, these approaches may facilitate developing deeper, more effective bonds with patients, enhance adherence to recommendations and ultimately, improve cardiovascular outcomes.
Synthesis, Anticancer Activity, Structure‐Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Investigations of Falcarindiol Analogues
Authors: Tan Wan‐Li , Zhang Chun , Li Yang , Guo Kai , Gao Xiao‐Wei , Wei Jun , Yi Dong , Pu Lin , Wang Qin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractForty samples of optically active falcarindiol analogues are synthesized by using the easily available C2 symmetric (R)‐ and (S)‐1,1’‐binaphth‐2‐ol (BINOL) in combination with Ti(OiPr)4, Zn powder and EtI. Their anticancer activities on Hccc‐9810, HepG2, MDA‐MB‐231, Hela, MG‐63 and H460 cells are assayed to elucidate their structure‐activity relationships. These results showed that the falcarindiol analogue (3R,8S)‐2 i with the terminal double bond has the most potent anti‐proliferation effect on Hccc‐9810 cells with IC50 value of 0.46 μM. The falcarindiol analogue (3R,8S)‐2 i can induce obvious Hccc‐9810 cell apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry analysis. The proposed mechanism suggests that the falcarindiol analogue (3R,8S)‐2 i increases LDH release and MDA content, and reduces the levels of SOD activity, which lead to the accumulation of oxidative stress and induce apoptosis in Hccc‐9810 cells.
Black‐White racial disparities in health care utilization and self‐reported health among cancer survivors: The role of food insecurity
Authors: Ojinnaka Chinedum O. , Bruening Meg 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundNon‐Hispanic Blacks continue to have worse cancer outcomes than non‐Hispanic Whites. Suboptimal health care utilization and poor self‐reported health among non‐Hispanic Blacks contribute to these disparities. The relationship between race, food security status (FSS), and health care utilization or self‐reported health among cancer survivors is not clear. This study aims to fill this gap in the science.MethodsThe 2011‐2018 National Health Interview Survey data were used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between race (non‐Hispanic Whites or non‐Hispanic Blacks), FSS (high, marginal, low, or very low), health care utilization, and self‐reported health among cancer survivors. Analyzed health care utilization measures included cost‐related medication underuse (CRMU), cost‐related delayed care, cost‐related forgone care, seeing/talking to a medical specialist, seeing/talking to a general doctor, and overnight hospital stay.ResultsA higher proportion of Blacks reported very low food security in comparison with Whites (10.58% vs 4.24%; P ≤ .0001). Blacks were significantly less likely to report a medical specialist visit and more likely to report fair/poor health in the past 12 months even after adjustments for FSS. There was a dose‐response relationship between FSS and CRMU, cost‐related delayed care, cost‐related forgone care, overnight hospital stay, and self‐reported health status for both Whites and Blacks.ConclusionsSignificant disparities in health care utilization and self‐reported health across race and FSS persist among cancer survivors. Interventions that target food insecurity have the potential to reduce suboptimal health care utilization and self‐reported health among cancer survivors.
Fast non‐dominated sorting evolutionary algorithmIIbased on relative non‐dominance matrix for portfolio optimization
Authors: Hu Bo , Xiao Hui , Yang Nan , Wang Lei , Jin Hao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConvergence and diversity are two crucial aspects for multi‐objective optimization. Over past few decades, many researchers have dedicated their efforts to design more efficient convergence mechanisms. Different from them, this article is focused on the further improvement of the diversity preservation. First, a recently proposed relative non‐dominance matrix is empirically analyzed. As a result, it is found that the relative non‐dominance matrix can be used as a diversity evaluator. Based on the relative non‐dominance matrix, this article proposed a new optimizer for multi‐objective optimization problems. Experimental results on two popular test suites and a portfolio optimization problem illustrate the superiority of the proposed optimizer over state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Advances in Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis Beyond the Use of Nitrogen Gas as a Source
Authors: Mou Tong , Long Jun , Frauenheim Thomas , Xiao Jianping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractElectrocatalytic reduction of dinitrogen has emerged as a new strategy for ammonia synthesis. Despite being environmentally benign and energy‐saving, it suffers from low conversion efficiency and short yield of ammonia because of the challenges of activating the inert N≡N bond at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. As a result of this, researchers proposed to reduce the nitrogenous species, one category of air and water pollutants, into valuable ammonia. Although remaining largely underexplored, this alternative approach shows promising efficiency for ammonia synthesis, while achieving high catalytic activity and selectivity remains challenging. In this Minireview, we summarize recent electrocatalytic performances of denitrification with selective formation to ammonia in terms of proposed active sites and reaction mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss the common issues in the state‐of‐the‐art experimental tests and highlight the breakthroughs via computational screening of electrode materials. The aim of this is to steer the future research directions in the field, which is aiming for an optimal catalytic system with higher activity and selectivity for electrocatalytic denitrification.
Voltage multiplier applied to boost DC–DC converter: Analysis, design, and performance evaluations
Authors: Hoch Henrique J. , Faistel Tiago M. K. , Toebe Ademir , Andrade António M. S. S. 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThis paper presents a new voltage multiplier with a small number of components, composed of a coupled inductor and a switched capacitor cell, which allow four different configurations. To evaluate these configurations, these cells were integrated into the boost converter, thus generating four new high voltage gain topologies. These topologies have different characteristics: thus, the principle of operation, voltage gain, voltage and current stress, and design guidelines of each converter were evaluated. Finally, four prototypes of 30 V/400 V and 200 W were built and evaluated experimentally.