bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Silico Investigation of the Aggregation‐Caused Quenching: the “Tolane‐Based Molecule” Case
Authors: Le Bras Laura , Adamo Carlo , Perrier Aurélie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA tolane‐based molecule, the 4‐fluorophenyl 4‐((4‐(octyloxy)phenyl)ethynyl)‐benzoate (FOEB), was recently reported to show Crystallisation‐Induced Emission (CIE) and Aggregation‐Caused Quenching (ACQ) [Tong et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 2015, 119, 21875]. In this work, we rely on a combination of tailored computational methods based on molecular dynamics, (TD‐)DFT and ONIOM QM/QM′ calculations, to investigate the structural and optical properties of FOEB in solution, crystal and aggregate. First, the computation of the Huang‐Rhys factors and the reorganization energies can rationalize the modulation of the emission efficiency observed when changing the solvent polarity. The moderate fluorescence quenching observed in solution is due to the photophysical energy dissipation caused by low‐frequency vibrational modes involving the lateral groups, along with motions out of the plane of the molecule. In crystalline environment, due to the packing arrangment, there is a restrictriction of intramolecular vibration (RIV) mechanism which should open the radiative decay channels. On the opposite, within the aggregate, the observed ACQ arises from two different phenomena, the energy dissipation during the internal conversion process through the low‐frequency vibration mode identified in solution and a moderate energy loss through excitonic couplings.
A Copper Coordination Polymer with Matching Energy Level for Modifying Hole Transport Layers to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qiu Lele , Zheng Xubin , Yang Yulin , Dong Yayu , Dong Guohua , Xia Debin , Liu Xianda , Wu Qingyin , Fan Ruiqing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSpiro‐OMeTAD is currently the most widely used hole transport material for the preparation of high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), usually requiring the addition of additives to achieve the desired electronic conductivity. However, the quality of the film is degraded owing to the addition of additives. Holes and defects can be observed, and the dispersion of the additives are uneven inside. Here, a copper coordination polymer, Cu‐bix, with matching energy level and fluorescent properties was screened for use as an additional additive to dope Spiro‐OMeTAD. The doping of Cu‐bix effectively improved the dispersion state of the additives in the hole transport layers and alleviated the aggregation of LiTFSI (lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide) or/and lithium salt complexes in the film. Owing to better dispersion of the additives, Spiro‐OMeTAD was more fully and uniformly oxidized whereas the possibility of charge recombination was reduced in the devices. Furthermore, the flat and tightly bonded film layer obtained by optimization of the doping amount can efficiently transfer holes from the perovskite layers to the hole transport layers. Possible interaction mechanisms between additives and the copper coordination polymer are proposed and discussed. The resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) for Cu‐bix‐doped PSCs was improved from 16.52 % to 18.47 % compared to the pristine devices, and this type of PSCs also showed a long stability in air owing to the increased hydrophobicity of the Cu‐bix‐based hole transport layers.
A Polyoxometalate‐Based Microfluidic Device for Liquid‐Phase Oxidation of Glycerol
Authors: Tao Meilin , Li Yiming , Zhang Xueyan , Li Zonghang , Hill Craig L. , Wang Xiaohong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPeroxidation of glycerol has been carried out in a polyoxometalate (POM)‐based microfluidic reactor, which was fabricated on a capillary by using a layer‐by‐layer strategy. Lactic acid (LA) is produced selectively in high yield with a TOF as high as 20 000 h−1, compared to a TOF of 200 h−1 in batch mode. This POM microfluidic reactor is readily prepared, scalable, highly stable, reusable, and also potentially applicable to selective oxidation of other bio‐wastes.
A multilevel inverter based on cascade connection of submultilevel units with reduced switch count
Authors: Sedaghati Farzad , Majareh Seyed Hadi Latifi 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a multilevel inverter based on cascade connection of new submultilevel inverters is presented. The suggested submultilevel inverter is constructed using series connection of basic switching units. The proposed multilevel inverter uses fewer power switches in comparison with some similar topologies which results in reduction of switch gate drivers and also converter size and cost. The proposed multilevel inverter can be implemented in both symmetric and asymmetric configurations. The multilevel inverter configuration and operation principle are described in detail, and then, design methods of symmetric and asymmetric configurations are given. Determination of the optimal number of basic units and cascaded submultilevel inverters regarding criteria such as number of switches and total blocking voltage (TBV) of switches is studied. Power losses of the proposed multilevel inverter are calculated, and then, its symmetric and asymmetric configurations are compared with each other and also with similar cascaded multilevel inverters in various items. The validity of the suggested cascaded multilevel inverter is verified using both computer simulations and laboratory prototype implementation.
Lifetime productivity of tree cavities used by cavity‐nesting animals in temperate and subtropical forests
Authors: Cockle Kristina L. , Trzcinski Mark Kurtis , Wiebe Karen L. , Edworthy Amanda B. , Martin Kathy 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTree cavities are a critical multi‐annual resource that can limit populations and structure communities of cavity‐nesting vertebrates. We examined the regional and local factors influencing lifetime productivity (number and richness of occupants) of individual tree cavities across two divergent forest ecosystems: temperate mixed forest in Canada and subtropical Atlantic Forest, Argentina. We predicted that (1) species would accumulate more rapidly within cavities in the species‐rich system (Argentina: 76 species) than the poorer system (Canada: 31 species), (2) cavity characteristics associated with nest‐site selection in short‐term studies would predict lifetime cavity productivity, and (3) species would accumulate more rapidly across highly used cavities than across cavities used only once, and in Argentina than in Canada. We monitored and measured nesting cavities used by birds and mammals over 22 breeding seasons (1995–2016) in Canada and 12 breeding seasons (2006–2017) in Argentina. Cavities were used an average of 3.1 times by 1.7 species in Canada and 2.2 times by 1.4 species in Argentina. Species richness within cavities increased with number of nesting events at similar rates in Canada and Argentina, in both cases much slower than expected if within‐cavity species assemblages were random, suggesting that lifetime richness of individual cavities is more strongly influenced by local ecological factors (nest site fidelity, nest niche) than by the regional species pool. The major determinant of lifetime cavity productivity was the cavity's life span. We found only weak or inconsistent relationships with cavity characteristics selected by individuals in short‐term nest‐site selection studies. Turnover among (vs. within) cavities was the primary driver of diversity at the landscape scale. In Canada, as predicted, species accumulation was fastest when sampling across high‐use cavities. In Argentina, the rates of species accumulation were similar across high‐ and low‐use cavities, and fastest when both high‐ and low‐use cavities were pooled. These findings imply that biodiversity of cavity nesters is maintained by a mix of long‐lived (highly productive, legacy trees) and many high‐turnover (single‐use, fast decaying) tree cavities. Conservation of both long‐lasting and single‐use cavities should be incorporated into decisions about stand‐level forest management, regional land use policies, and reserve networks.
Genetic population structure and demography of an apex predator, the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier
Authors: Pirog Agathe , Jaquemet Sébastien , Ravigné Virginie , Cliff Geremy , Clua Eric , Holmes Bonnie J. , Hussey Nigel E. , Nevill John E. G. , Temple Andrew J. , Berggren Per , Vigliola Laurent , Magalon Hélène 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPopulation genetics has been increasingly applied to study large sharks over the last decade. Whilst large shark species are often difficult to study with direct methods, improved knowledge is needed for both population management and conservation, especially for species vulnerable to anthropogenic and climatic impacts. The tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, is an apex predator known to play important direct and indirect roles in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. While the global and Indo‐West Pacific population genetic structure of this species has recently been investigated, questions remain over population structure and demographic history within the western Indian (WIO) and within the western Pacific Oceans (WPO). To address the knowledge gap in tiger shark regional population structures, the genetic diversity of 286 individuals sampled in seven localities was investigated using 27 microsatellite loci and three mitochondrial genes (CR, COI, and cytb). A weak genetic differentiation was observed between the WIO and the WPO, suggesting high genetic connectivity. This result agrees with previous studies and highlights the importance of the pelagic behavior of this species to ensure gene flow. Using approximate Bayesian computation to couple information from both nuclear and mitochondrial markers, evidence of a recent bottleneck in the Holocene (2,000–3,000 years ago) was found, which is the most probable cause for the low genetic diversity observed. A contemporary effective population size as low as 111 [43,369] was estimated during the bottleneck. Together, these results indicate low genetic diversity that may reflect a vulnerable population sensitive to regional pressures. Conservation measures are thus needed to protect a species that is classified as Near Threatened.
Resolving the heading‐direction ambiguity in vertical‐beam radar observations of migrating insects
Authors: Hao Zhenhua , Drake Vincent Alistair , Taylor John R. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Each year, massive numbers of insects fly across the continents at heights of hundreds of meters, carried by the wind, bringing both environmental benefits and serious economic and social costs. To investigate the insects' flight behavior and their response to winds, entomological radar has proved to be a particularly valuable tool; however, its observations of insect orientation are ambiguous with regard to the head/tail direction, and this greatly hinders interpretation of the migrants' flight behavior.

We have developed two related methods of using wind data to resolve the head/tail ambiguity, and we have compared their outputs with those from simply assigning the heading direction to be that which is closer to the track direction. We applied all three methods to observations of Australian plague locust migrations made with an insect monitoring radar.

For the study dataset, some of the headings selected by the simpler method are shown to be clearly incorrect. The two new methods generally agree and reveal a significantly different, and presumably more accurate, relationship of heading direction to track direction. However, use of these methods leads to quite a large proportion of the sample being lost because the wind values, which derive from a regional‐scale numerical model, are shown to be incompatible with the radar observations. This exploratory study has moreover demonstrated that locusts are frequently oriented at a large angle to their track and that quite often their movement is at least slightly tailfirst.

Both new methods appear to be a significant improvement on the simpler method. As well as providing an accurate representation of migratory flight behavior, they allow occasions when the model wind values are unreliable to be eliminated from the data sample.
Occupied and abandoned structures from ecosystem engineering differentially facilitate stream community colonization
Authors: Tumolo Benjamin B. , Albertson Lindsey K. , Cross Wyatt F. , Daniels Melinda D. , Sklar Leonard S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEcosystem engineers transform habitats in ways that facilitate a diversity of species; however, few investigations have isolated short‐term effects of engineers from the longer‐term legacy effects of their engineered structures. We investigated how initial presence of net‐spinning caddisflies (Hydropsychidae) and their structures that provide and modify habitat differentially influence benthic community colonization in a headwater stream by conducting an in situ experiment that included three treatments: (1) initial engineering organism with its habitat modification structure occupied (hereafter caddisfly); (2) initial habitat modification structure alone (hereafter silk); and (3) a control with the initial absence of both engineer and habitat modification structure (hereafter control). Total invertebrate colonization density and biomass was higher in caddisfly and silk treatments compared to controls (~25% and 35%, respectively). However, finer‐scale patterns of taxonomy revealed that density for one of the taxa, Chironomidae, was ~19% higher in caddisfly compared to silk treatments. Additionally, conspecific biomass was higher by an average of 50% in silk treatments compared to controls; however, no differences in Hydropsyche sp. biomass were detected between caddisfly treatments and controls, indicating initially abandoned silk structures elevated conspecific biomass. These findings suggest that the positive effects of the habitat modification structures that were occupied for the entirety of the experiment may outweigh any potential negative impacts from the engineer, which is known to be territorial. Importantly, these results reveal that the initial presence of the engineer itself may be important in maintaining the ecological significance of habitat modifications. Furthermore, the habitat modifications that were initially abandoned (silk) had similar positive effects on conspecific biomass compared to caddisfly treatments, suggesting legacy effects of these engineering structures may have pertinent intraspecific feedbacks of the same magnitude to that of occupied habitat modifications. Elucidating how engineers and their habitat modifications differentially facilitate organisms will allow for a clearer mechanistic understanding of the extent to which animal engineers and their actions influence aspects of community organization such as colonization.
Engineering antigen‐specific NK cell lines against the melanoma‐associated antigen tyrosinase via TCR gene transfer
Authors: Parlar Ayhan , Sayitoglu Ece Canan , Ozkazanc Didem , Georgoudaki Anna‐Maria , Pamukcu Cevriye , Aras Mertkaya , Josey Benjamin J. , Chrobok Michael , Branecki Suzanne , Zahedimaram Pegah , Ikromzoda Lolai , Alici Evren , Erman Batu , Duru Adil D. , Sutlu Tolga 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroduction of Chimeric Antigen Receptors to NK cells has so far been the main practical method for targeting NK cells to specific surface antigens. In contrast, T cell receptor (TCR) gene delivery can supply large populations of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTL) targeted against intracellular antigens. However, a major barrier in the development of safe CTL‐TCR therapies exists, wherein the mispairing of endogenous and genetically transferred TCR subunits leads to formation of TCRs with off‐target specificity. To overcome this and enable specific intracellular antigen targeting, we have tested the use of NK cells for TCR gene transfer to human cells. Our results show that ectopic expression of TCR α/β chains, along with CD3 subunits, enables the functional expression of an antigen‐specific TCR complex on NK cell lines NK‐92 and YTS, demonstrated by using a TCR against the HLA‐A2‐restricted tyrosinase‐derived melanoma epitope, Tyr368‐377. Most importantly, the introduction of a TCR complex to NK cell lines enables MHC‐restricted, antigen‐specific killing of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Targeting of NK cells via TCR gene delivery stands out as a novel tool in the field of adoptive immunotherapy which can also overcome the major hurdle of “mispairing” in TCR gene therapy.
Evolution toward the utilization of mango leaves as lignocellulosic material in bioethanol production: A review of process parameter and integrated technologies
Authors: Tarrsini Mahadevan , Teoh Yi P. , Shuit Siew H. , Ooi Zhong X. , Ng Qi H. , Kunasundari Balakrishnan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecently, the production of bioethanol is shifted to secondary bioethanol which is produced from nonedible lignocellulosic feedstock to avoid the food versus fuel issue. Mango leaves, a kind of nonedible lignocellulosic material (LCM) that possess a relatively 80.7% of holocellulose (inclusive of cellulose and hemicellulose), appear to be potential candidate to serve as cheap substrate source for bioethanol production. Hence, the objective of this article is to present the current scenario and the potential of mango leaves as a substrate source for bioethanol production. This article also provides an overview on various process parameters such as temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and incubation time that required to be optimized for an efficient fermentation process in the bioethanol production from LCM. Apart from that, several integrated fermentation technologies in bioethanol production which include separate hydrolysis and fermentation, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, simultaneous saccharification and co‐fermentation, and consolidated bioprocessing will also be discussed in this article. Based on the findings, it is clear that mango leaves have the potential to serve as feedstock for bioethanol production.
Evaluation of the single and combined antibacterial efficiency of essential oils for controlling Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and mixed cultures
Authors: Mutlu‐Ingok Aysegul , Tasir Seda , Seven Ayse , Akgun Necibe , Karbancioglu‐Guler Funda 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSingle and combined antibacterial activities of cumin, cardamom, and dill weed essential oils against Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and mixed cultures were determined by using the broth microdilution method for determining minimum inhibition concentrations. Among the bacteria tested, C. coli and C. jejuni were generally more susceptible to essential oils, with lower minimum inhibition concentrations. The minimum inhibition concentration values were obtained against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria tested within the range of 0.012–15.00 and 3.75–15.00 μL/mL, respectively. Fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were also calculated to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of essential oil combinations. Although the combined effects of essential oils changed depending on the strain and the type of essential oils used, generally the use of combinations increased the efficacy of the essential oils. Interestingly, according to the FIC index, the most synergetic effect was against C. coli and C. jejuni. This study has demonstrated the potential use of cardamom, cumin, and dill weed essential oils, and their combinations, against important pathogenic bacteria and their mixed cultures.
GPR124 regulates microtubule assembly, mitotic progression, and glioblastoma cell proliferation
Authors: Cherry Allison E. , Vicente Juan Jesus , Xu Cong , Morrison Richard S. , Ong Shao‐En , Wordeman Linda , Stella Nephi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGPR124 is involved in embryonic development and remains expressed by select organs. The importance of GPR124 during development suggests that its aberrant expression might participate in tumor growth. Here we show that both increases and decreases in GPR124 expression in glioblastoma cells reduce cell proliferation by differentially altering the duration mitotic progression. Using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, we discovered that GPR124 interacts with ch‐TOG, a known regulator of both microtubule (MT)‐plus‐end assembly and mitotic progression. Accordingly, changes in GPR124 expression and ch‐TOG similarly affect MT assembly measured by real‐time microscopy in cells. Our study describes a novel molecular interaction involving GPR124 and ch‐TOG at the plasma membrane that controls glioblastoma cell proliferation by modifying MT assembly rates and controlling the progression of distinct phases of mitosis.
The trajectory of C‐reactive protein serum levels in older hip fracture patients with postoperative delirium
Authors: Slor Chantal J. , Witlox Joost , Adamis Dimitrios , Jansen Rene W.M.M. , Houdijk Alexander P.J. , van Gool Willem A. , de Jonghe Jos F.M. , Eikelenboom Piet 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesImportant precipitating risk factors for delirium such as infections, vascular disorders, and surgery are accompanied by a systemic inflammatory response. Systemic inflammatory mediators can induce delirium in susceptible individuals. Little is known about the trajectory of systemic inflammatory markers and their role in the development and outcome of delirium.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of older patients undergoing acute surgery for hip fracture.Baseline characteristics were assessed preoperatively. During hospital admission, presence of delirium was assessed daily according to the Confusion Assessment Method criteria. This study compared the trajectory of serum levels of the C‐reactive protein (CRP) between people with and without postoperative delirium. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at postoperative day 1 through postoperative day 5.ResultsForty‐one out of 121 patients developed postoperative delirium after hip fracture surgery. Longitudinal analysis of the trajectory of serum CRP levels using the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) method identified that higher CRP levels were associated with postoperative delirium. CRP levels were higher from postoperative day 2 through postoperative day 5. No significant differences in serum CRP levels were found when we compared patients with short (1‐2 days) and more prolonged delirium (3 days or more).ConclusionsDelirium is associated with an increased systemic inflammatory response, and our results suggest that CRP plays a role in the underlying (inflammatory‐vascular) pathological pathway of postoperative delirium.
Somatosensory cortical representation of the body size
Authors: Giurgola Serena , Pisoni Alberto , Maravita Angelo , Vallar Giuseppe , Bolognini Nadia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe knowledge of the size of our own body parts is essential for accurately moving in space and efficiently interact with objects. A distorted perceptual representation of the body size often represents a core diagnostic criterion for some psychopathological conditions. The metric representation of the body was shown to depend on somatosensory afferences: local deafferentation indeed causes a perceptual distortion of the size of the anesthetized body part. A specular effect can be induced by altering the cortical map of body parts in the primary somatosensory cortex. Indeed, the present study demonstrates, in healthy adult participants, that repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the somatosensory cortical map of the hand in both hemispheres causes a perceptual distortion (i.e., an overestimation) of the size of the participants' own hand (Experiments 1–3), which does not involve other body parts (i.e., the foot, Experiment 2). Instead, the stimulation of the inferior parietal lobule of both hemispheres does not affect the perception of the own body size (Experiment 4). These results highlight the role of the primary somatosensory cortex in the building up and updating of the metric of body parts: somatosensory cortical activity not only shapes our somatosensation, it also affects how we perceive the dimension of our body.