bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward optimization of a robust low‐cost sulfonated‐polyethersulfone containing layered double hydroxide for PEM fuel cells
Authors: Simari Cataldo , Vecchio Carmelo Lo , Enotiadis Apostolos , Davoli Mariano , Baglio Vincenzo , Nicotera Isabella 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTPolyethersulphone (PES) is an aromatic thermoplastic, at low environmental impact, evaluated in this work as a promising candidate for new polymer electrolytes in the PEMFCs technology. A sulfonation procedure has been tuned in order to graft sulfonic acid groups on the polymer chains (sPES) and to make it hydrophilic. Homogeneous membranes with different polymer's sulfonation degrees (SD%) have demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and very low permeability toward methanol (important in the DMFCs), even if low proton conductivity. Nanocomposite sPES membranes were prepared by dispersion of highly hydrophilic lamellar particles such as layered double hydroxide (LDH) in the polymer. Deep investigations performed by a combination of PFG‐NMR, EIS, XRD, DMA, and scanning electron microscopy have evidenced the exfoliation of the lamellae in polymer matrix. However, a certain anisotropy was evidenced both in the morphology and molecular diffusion, favored in the longitudinal direction (parallel to surface), while completely inhibited in the cross‐section. This finding is most likely induced by the polymer structure, therefore particular attention must be paid to the choice of the filler and preparation of the composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47884.
Inorganic nanoparticles incorporated in polyacrylonitrile‐based mixed matrix membranes for hydrophilic, ultrafast, and fouling‐resistant ultrafiltration
Authors: Liu Qiao , Li Lin , Pan Zonglin , Dong Qiang , Xu Nong , Wang Tonghua 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTMixed matrix membrane (MMM) structures and performances are greatly affected by the distribution of nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix. Until now, there has been little research on the effects of nanoparticle distribution states on polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐based MMM structures and performances. In this paper, different intermolecular interactions between nanoparticles and PAN molecules were generated by in situ fabricated amino‐functionalized SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles to create absolutely different distribution states of nanoparticles in a PAN matrix. The results indicated that, due to the strong interactions between amino and cyano groups, SiO2 is distributed in the PAN membranes homogeneously, while most of the TiO2 migrates to the membrane's top surfaces or the walls of pores or even escape from the membranes during the nonsolvent index phase separation (NIPS) process. PAN‐TiO2 MMMs have more hydrophilic top surfaces, higher porosity, larger mean pore size, and stronger antifouling performances than pure PAN and PAN‐SiO2 membranes. The PAN‐TiO2 MMMs have an ultrahigh water flux of 1204.6 L/(m2 h), which is more than 44 times that of PAN membranes. And the good pore structures and hydrophilicity of the membranes derived from special interactions between in situ TiO2 nanoparticles and PAN molecules can give high‐performance PAN‐based ultrafiltration membranes a bright future. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47902.
Aortic valve replacement in patients with preexisting liver disease: Transfemoral approach with favorable survival
Authors: Seppelt Philipp Christian , Zappel Jessica , Weiler Helge , Mas‐Peiró Silvia , Papadopoulos Nestoras , Walther Thomas , Zeiher Andreas Michael , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Vasa‐Nicotera Mariuca 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe treatment of aortic stenosis has been revolutionized by transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), but the experience in patients with liver disease is limited. To address this open question, we report the outcome of patients with liver disease undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), transapical (TA), and transfemoral (TF) TAVR.Methods and ResultsBetween January 2004 and August 2016, 4,394 patients received aortic valve replacement at our institution. We identified 85 patients (mean follow‐up 504 ± 733 days, age 73.4 ± 9.2 years, 44.7% female) with preexisting liver disease (median model of end‐stage liver disease score 11, MELD‐Na), who underwent TF‐TAVR (n = 30), TA‐TAVR (n = 13), or SAVR (n = 42). Baseline Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS‐PROM) and of Mortality and Morbidity (STS‐PROMM) were the lowest in SAVR patients (related to TF‐ and TA‐TAVR, both p < 0.01). Operative mortality (18.8%) was high, but no procedure showed superior short‐term outcome. Need for renal replacement therapy (31.5% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.046) and reoperation occurred more frequently after SAVR than after TF‐TAVR (26.6% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.021). Moreover, TF‐TAVR patients had superior long‐term survival compared to SAVR (log‐rank test p = 0.048 and Cox regression adjusted for MELD and STS‐PROM, p = 0.01, HR 0.25, CI95 0.09–0.71). Baseline MELD‐Na (p = 0.013) and STS PROMM (p = 0.01) were predictors for operative mortality (ROC‐analysis).ConclusionsOur results indicate increased perioperative risks for patients with liver disease undergoing AVR, but favorable long‐term survival after TF‐TAVR compared to SAVR. For baseline risk, stratification in patients with liver disease undergoing AVR, MELD‐Na and STS‐PROMM are valuable predictors.
Optimization of the Hydrogen‐Adsorption Free Energy of Ru‐Based Catalysts towards High‐Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at all pH
Authors: Cheng Min , Geng Hongbo , Yang Yang , Zhang Yufei , Li Cheng Chao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe utilization of noble‐metal catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides an efficient strategy for hydrogen acquisition. However, exploring catalysts with suitable hydrogen binding strength for the HER process is always of great importance, but extremely challenging. In this work, sulfur and phosphor as electron‐withdrawing elements were incorporated into carbon nanotube (CNT)‐supported Ru catalysts, which were prepared through a facile solution reduction reaction and post thermo treatment. Owing to the suitable electronegativity provided by P and synergistic effects of the carbon nanotubes, the RuP2/CNT achieved a high catalytic performance as a HER electrocatalyst. This may result from the modulation effect of the electronic properties and the depressed adsorption free energy of RuP2. Electrochemical tests present that the RuP2/CNT composite exhibit a small overpotential of 58 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acidic electrolyte. In a neutral or alkaline environment, the overpotential is 82 and 40 mV, respectively. The RuP2/CNT electrode also possesses stable durability for long‐time cycling, suggesting its remarkable property as promising all‐pH HER catalyst.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Pauson–Khand‐Type Cyclization of 1,5‐Allene‐Alkynes: A Chirality Transfer Strategy for Optically Active Bicyclic Ketones
Authors: Han Yulin , Zhao Yichuan , Ma Shengming 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAn efficient chirality transfer in the [RhCl(CO)2]2‐catalyzed [2+2+1] cyclization of optically active axially chiral 1,3‐disubstituted allenynes with CO to access optically active bicyclopentenone compounds has been developed. The distal C=C bond of allenes reacted with the alknye unit and CO to afford [4.3.0]‐bicyclic products with high ee values under mild reaction conditions with an excellent selectivity.
An H‐Substituted Rhodium Silylene
Authors: MacNeil Connor S. , Hayes Paul G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDivergent reactivity of organometallic rhodium(I) complexes, which led to the isolation of neutral rhodium silylenes, is described. Addition of PhRSiH2 (R=H, Ph) to the rhodium cyclooctene complex (iPrNNN)Rh(COE) (1‐COE; iPrNNN=2,5‐[iPr2P=N(4‐iPrC6H4)]2N(C6H2)−, COE=cyclooctene) resulted in the oxidative addition of an Si−H bond, providing rhodium(III) silyl hydride complexes (iPrNNN)Rh(H)SiHRPh (R=H, 2‐SiH2Ph; Ph, 2‐SiHPh2). When the carbonyl complex (iPrNNN)Rh(CO) (1‐CO) was treated with hydrosilanes, base‐stabilized rhodium(I) silylenes κ2‐N,N‐(iPrNNN)(CO)Rh=SiRPh (R=H, 3‐SiHPh; Ph, 3‐SiPh2) were isolated and characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Both silylene species feature short Rh−Si bonds [2.262(1) Å, 3‐SiHPh; 2.2702(7) Å, 3‐SiPh2] that agree well with the DFT‐computed structures. The overall reaction led to a change in the iPrNNN ligand bonding mode (κ3→κ2) and loss of H2 from PhSiRH2, as corroborated by deuterium labelling experiments.
Terminal organization of the corticospinal projection from the lateral premotor cortex to the cervical enlargement (C5–T1) in rhesus monkey
Authors: Morecraft Robert J. , Ge Jizhi , Stilwell‐Morecraft Kim S. , Rotella Diane L. , Pizzimenti Marc A. , Darling Warren G. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTHigh‐resolution tract tracing and stereology were used to study the terminal organization of the corticospinal projection (CSP) from the ventral (v) and dorsal (d) regions of the lateral premotor cortex (LPMC) to spinal levels C5–T1. The LPMCv CSP originated from the postarcuate sulcus region, was bilateral, sparse, and primarily targeted the dorsolateral and ventromedial sectors of contralateral lamina VII. The convexity/lateral part of LPMCv did not project below C2. Thus, very little LPMCv corticospinal output reaches the cervical enlargement. In contrast, the LPMCd CSP was 5× more prominent in terminal density. Bilateral terminal labeling occurred in the medial sectors of lamina VII and adjacent lamina VIII, where propriospinal neurons with long‐range bilateral axon projections reside. Notably, lamina VIII also harbors axial motoneurons. Contralateral labeling occurred in the lateral sectors of lamina VII and the dorsomedial quadrant of lamina IX, noted for harboring proximal upper limb flexor motoneurons. Segmentally, the CSP to contralateral laminae VII and IX preferentially innervated C5–C7, which supplies shoulder, elbow, and wrist musculature. In contrast, terminations in axial‐related lamina VIII were distributed bilaterally throughout all cervical enlargement levels, including C8 and T1. These findings demonstrate the LPMCd CSP is structured to influence axial and proximal upper limb movements, supporting Kuypers conceptual view of the LPMCd CSP being a major component of the medial motor control system. Thus, distal upper extremity control influenced by LPMC, including grasping and manipulation, must occur through indirect neural network connections such as corticocortical, subcortical, or intrinsic spinal circuits.
Solution Studies and Crystal Structures of Heteropolynuclear Potassium/Copper Complexes with Phytate and Aromatic Polyamines: Self‐Assembly through Coordinative and Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Quiñone Delfina , Martínez Sebastián , Bozoglián Fernando , Bazzicalupi Carla , Torres Julia , Veiga Nicolás , Bianchi Antonio , Kremer Carlos 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPhytate (L12−) is a relevant natural product. It interacts strongly with biologically relevant cations, due to the high negative charge exhibited in a wide pH range. The synthesis and crystal structures of the mixed‐ligand Cu(II) polynuclear complexes K(H2tptz)0.5[Cu(H8L)(tptz)] ⋅ 3.6H2O (1), K(H2O)3{[Cu(H2O)(bpca)]3(H8L)} ⋅ 1.75H2O (2), and K1.5(H2O)2[Cu(bpca)](H9.5L) ⋅ 8H2O (3) (tptz=2,4,6‐tri(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazine; Hbpca=bis(2‐pyridylcarbonyl) amine) are reported herein. They were obtained by the use of an aromatic rigid amine, which satisfies some of the metal coordination sites and promotes the hierarchical assembly of 2D polymeric structures. Speciation of phytate−Cu(II)−Hbpca system and determination of complex stability constants were performed by means of potentiometric titrations, in 0.15 M NMe4Cl at 37.0 °C, showing that, even in solution, this system is able to produce highly aggregated complexes, such as [Cu3(bpca)3(H7L)]2−. Furthermore, the Cu(II)‐mediated tptz hydrolysis was studied by UV‐vis spectroscopy at room temperature in 0.15 M NMe4Cl. Based on the equilibrium results and with the aid of molecular modelling tools, a plausible self‐assembly process for 2 and 3 could be proposed.
The impact of women leaders on environmental performance: Evidence on gender diversity in banks
Authors: Birindelli Giuliana , Iannuzzi Antonia Patrizia , Savioli Marco 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study analyses the impact of women leaders on environmental performance in a sample of 96 listed banks in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region from 2011 to 2016. Gender diversity in leadership positions is explored through women in the board of directors, chief executive officer gender, and the interaction between these two aspects. This study sheds light on inconsistent results in prior literature by testing three theoretical perspectives: gender difference, critical mass, and homophily. The main results suggest that there is nonlinear relationship between women directors and the environmental performance of banks and that female chief executive officers play a strategic role in shaping this relationship, by confirming the homophily perspective for the banking sector. Therefore, leader gender diversity is an important driver of environmental sustainability in banks, which are increasingly involved in environmental issues either directly, as companies, or indirectly, through their lending activity.
Habitat and introduced predators influence the occupancy of small threatened macropods in subtropical Australia
Authors: McHugh Darren , Goldingay Ross L. , Link Jeremy , Letnic Mike 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAustralia has had the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the past two centuries when compared to other continents. Frequently cited threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, changed fire regimes and the impact of introduced predators, namely the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the feral cat (Felis catus). Recent studies suggest that Australia's top predator, the dingo (Canis dingo), may have a suppressive effect on fox populations but not on cat populations. The landscape of fear hypothesis proposes that habitat used by prey species comprises high to low risk patches for foraging as determined by the presence and ubiquity of predators within the ecosystem. This results in a landscape of risky versus safe areas for prey species. We investigated the influence of habitat and its interaction with predatory mammals on the occupancy of medium‐sized mammals with a focus on threatened macropodid marsupials (the long‐nosed potoroo [Potorous tridactylous] and red‐legged pademelon [Thylogale stigmatica]). We assumed that differential use of habitats would reflect trade‐offs between food and safety. We predicted that medium‐sized mammals would prefer habitats for foraging that reduce the risk of predation but that predators would have a positive relationship with medium‐sized mammals. We variously used data from 298 camera trap sites across nine conservation reserves in subtropical Australia. Both dingoes and feral cats were broadly distributed, whilst the red fox was rare. Long‐nosed potoroos had a strong positive association with dense ground cover, consistent with using habitat complexity to escape predation. Red‐legged pademelons showed a preference for open ground cover, consistent with a reliance on rapid bounding to escape predation. Dingoes preferred areas of open ground cover whereas feral cats showed no specific habitat preference. Dingoes were positively associated with long‐nosed potoroos whilst feral cats were positively associated with red‐legged pademelons. Our study highlights the importance of habitat structure to these threatened mammals and also the need for more detailed study of their interactions with their predators.
Differential perception of sharp pain in patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Schloss Natalie , Shabes Polina , Kuniss Sarah , Willis Franziska , Treede Rolf‐Detlef , Schmahl Christian , Baumgärtner Ulf 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundCutting is the most common method of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) to reduce inner tension in patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Aim of this study was to compare pain perception induced by an incision and by application of a surrogate model for sharp mechanical pain (a non‐invasive “blade”) in BPD.Methods22 female patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) received a small incision into the volar forearm, a 7s‐blade application on the same side, and non‐invasive phasic stimuli (pinprick, blade, laser, tactile). Pain intensity as well as affective versus sensory components were assessed.ResultsIncision was rated similarly by both groups (BPD: 28.6 ± 5.5 vs. HC: 33.9 ± 6.6; mean maximum pain ± SEM; p > 0.8), without significant difference for “7‐s‐blade” (BPD: 18.1 ± 3.8 vs. HC: 25.3 ± 3.6; mean maximum pain ± SEM; p > 0.17) or between “7‐s‐blade” and incision (BPD: p > 0.12; HC: p > 0.84). However, patients’ intensity ratings returned significantly faster to baseline after incision (BPD: 38.9 ± 12.6 s vs. HC: 74.52 ± 11.5 s; p < 0.05), and patients evaluated “blade” and incision without any affective and with different sensory descriptors, indicating an altered evaluation of NSSI‐like stimulation with qualitative in addition to quantitative differences—especially for the sharp pain component.ConclusionsThe reduced perception of suprathreshold nociceptive stimuli is based on a missing affective component and specific loss of the perception of “sharpness” as part of the sensory component of pain. The results further demonstrate the usefulness of the “blade” for the perception of sharpness in patients.SignificancePatients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who engage in non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) report less pain in response to phasic nociceptive stimuli. In comparing an invasive pain stimulus to phasic nociceptive stimuli in BPD patients, the “blade” as non‐invasive surrogate model for sharp mechanical pain in psychiatric patients is used. In contrast to healthy volunteers, BPD patients do not report significant affective ratings and specifically display a reduced sensory component for sharpness.
Spatial distribution of Robson 10‐group classification system and poverty in southern and southeastern Brazil
Authors: Brunherotti Marisa A.A. , Prado Marli F. , Martinez Edson Z. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the spatial distribution of the Robson 10‐group classification system (TGCS) and poverty in southeastern and southern regions of Brazil in 2016.MethodsAn ecologic study based on public data from the Brazilian Information System on Live Births and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, including 1 519 289 (53.2%) of all live‐born neonates in Brazil between January and December 2016. Statistical analysis used Bayesian modelling with spatial distribution following an autoregressive conditional structure, and Moran index.ResultsIn 2016, the percentage of live‐born neonates delivered by cesarean was 58.8% and 60.7% in the southeastern and southern regions, respectively. Robson groups 1 and 3, involving spontaneous labor, were related to regions with higher poverty (Moran index, 0.36 and 0.44, respectively), whereas groups 2 and 5, involving cesarean delivery, were related to poorer regions (Moran index, 0.56 and 0.45, respectively).ConclusionThe frequencies of each group of the Robson TGCS were heterogeneously distributed in the geographic space owing to important associations with the proportion of poverty in the different regions. Actions are needed to develop the poorest regions in order to minimize existing disparities.
Endocrinological, Biophysical, and Biochemical Parameters of Semen Collected via Masturbation versus Sexual Intercourse
Authors: SOFIKITIS NIKOLAOS V. , MIYAGAWA IKUO 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTIn clinical programs of assisted reproduction involving infertile males, it is essential to obtain semen of maximum quality. To evaluate ways of achieving this objective, and to assess the fertilizing capacity of the sperm, six semen samples were collected from each of 38 infertile men via masturbation. Six more samples were then collected from each man at sexual intercourse using a semen collection device (SCD). We confirmed that the volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher in samples collected at intercourse than masturbation, as reported previously. In addition, the markers of the secretory function of the prostate and the outcome of sperm function tests (hypoosmotic swelling test, acrosin assay, and sperm penetration assay) were significantly higher for the samples collected at intercourse. There were no significant differences in markers of the secretory function of the seminal vesicles and epididymis between the samples. The improved spermatozoal parameters in the samples collected at intercourse may reflect a higher prostatic secretory function at that time. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of gonadotropins, or in the serum or seminal plasma concentrations of testosterone, before or after masturbation or sexual intercourse. Therefore, the differences in prostatic secretory function and semen parameters may not be attributed to differences in hormonal levels. Semen collection during intercourse using an SCD appears to be the method of choice for selecting semen samples for artificial insemination.
Retracted: Carcinogenic role of K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling in bladder cancer via inhibition of H1.2 phosphorylation at T146
Authors: Fan Li , Wang Yao , Wang Weihua , Wei Xin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIt has been reported that Ras‐ERK signaling regulated tumor suppressive genes via epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we set out to investigate the correlation between K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling and H1.2 phosphorylation, to provide a better understanding of K‐Ras‐ERK signaling in cancer. A plasmid for expression of mutated K‐Ras was transfected into human bladder carcinoma HT1197 cells. Western blot was carried out for testing the expression changes of ERK1/2 and H1.2. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, soft‐agar colony formation assay, and transwell assay were used to test the effects of H1.2 phosphorylation at T146 (H1.2
T146ph) on HT1197 cells growth and migration. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed to test whether H1.2
T146ph regulated K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 downstream genes. Furthermore, how K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 regulated H1.2
T146ph expression was studied. We found that the ERK1/2 was activated when K‐Ras was mutated, and H1.2
T146ph expression was significantly downregulated by K‐Ras mutation. H1.2
T146E for mimicking H1.2
T146ph significantly attenuated K‐Ras mutation induced increases in HT1197 cells viability, colony formation, and relative migration. Besides, H1.2
T146ph regulated the transcription of K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 downstream genes, including NT5E, GDF15, CARD16, CYR61, IGFBP3, and WNT16B. Furthermore, K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling inhibited H1.2 phosphorylation at T146 through degradation of DNA‐PK, and the degraded DNA‐PK by K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 possibly via modulation of MDM2. In conclusion, the activation of K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling will repress the phosphorylation of H1.2 at T146, and thereby, promoted the growth and migration of bladder cancer cells. K‐Ras‐ERK1/2 signaling repressed H1.2 phosphorylation possibly by MDM2‐mediated degradation of DNA‐PK.