bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Franck–Condon Blockade and Aggregation‐Modulated Conductance in Molecular Devices Using Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Active Molecules
Authors: Tian Guangjun , Sun Dexian , Zhang Yaogang , Yu Xi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe report an effective modulation of the quantum transport in molecular junctions consisting of aggregation‐induced‐emission(AIE)‐active molecules. Theoretical simulations based on combined density functional theory and rate‐equation method calculations show that the low‐bias conductance of the junction with a single tetraphenylethylene (TPE) molecule can be completely suppressed by strong electron–vibration couplings, that is, the Franck‐Condon blockade effect. It is mainly associated with the low‐energy vibration modes, which is also the origin of the fluorescence quenching of the AIE molecule in solution. We further found that the conductance of the junction can be lifted by restraining the internal motion of the TPE molecule by either methyl substitution on the phenyl group or by aggregation, a mechanism similar to the AIE process. The present work demonstrates the correlation between optical processes of molecules and quantum transport in their junction, and thus opens up a new avenue for the application of AIE‐type molecules in molecular electronics and functional devices.
A Reversible Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier System Based on Methanol‐Ethylenediamine and Ethylene Urea
Authors: Xie Yinjun , Hu Peng , Ben‐David Yehoshoa , Milstein David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system, with a high theoretical hydrogen capacity, based on the unpresented hydrogenation of ethylene urea to ethylenediamine and methanol, and its reverse dehydrogenative coupling, was established. For the dehydrogenation only a small amount of solvent is required. This system is rechargeable, as the H2‐rich compounds could be regenerated by hydrogenation of the resulting dehydrogenation mixture. Both directions for hydrogen loading and unloading were achieved using the same catalyst, under relatively mild conditions. Mechanistic studies reveal the likely pathway for H2‐lean compounds formation.
Olefins and Vinyl Polar Monomers: Bridging the Gap for Next Generation Materials
Authors: Keyes Anthony , Basbug Alhan Hatice E. , Ordonez Estela , Ha Uyen , Beezer Dain B. , Dau Huong , Liu Yu‐Sheng , Tsogtgerel Enkhjargal , Jones Glen R. , Harth Eva 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe inherent differences in reactivity between activated and non‐activated alkenes prevents copolymerization using established polymer synthesis techniques. Research over the past 20 years has greatly advanced the copolymerization of polar vinyl monomers and olefins. This Review highlights the challenges associated with conventional polymerization systems and evaluates the most relevant methods which have been developed to “bridge the gap” between polar vinyl monomers and olefins. We discuss advancements in heteroatom tolerant coordination–insertion polymerizations, methods of controlling radical polymerizations to incorporate olefinic monomers, as well as combined approaches employing sequential polymerizations. Finally, we discuss state‐of‐the‐art stimuli‐responsive systems capable of facile switching between catalytic pathways and provide an outlook towards applications in which tailored copolymers are ideally suited.
Highly Selective, High‐Capacity Separation of o‐Xylene from C8 Aromatics by a Switching Adsorbent Layered Material
Authors: Wang Shi‐Qiang , Mukherjee Soumya , Patyk‐Kaźmierczak Ewa , Darwish Shaza , Bajpai Alankriti , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Zaworotko Michael J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPurification of the C8 aromatics (xylenes and ethylbenzene) is particularly challenging because of their similar physical properties. It is also relevant because of their industrial utility. Physisorptive separation of C8 aromatics has long been suggested as an energy efficient solution but no physisorbent has yet combined high selectivity (>5) with high adsorption capacity (>50 wt %). Now a counterintuitive approach to the adsorptive separation of o‐xylene from other C8 aromatics involves the study of a known nonporous layered material, [Co(bipy)2(NCS)2]n (sql‐1‐Co‐NCS), which can reversibly switch to C8 aromatics loaded phases with different switching pressures and kinetics, manifesting benchmark o‐xylene selectivity (SOX/EB≈60) and high saturation capacity (>80 wt %). Structural insight into the observed selectivity and capacity is gained by analysis of the crystal structures of C8 aromatics loaded phases.
Study of catalytic activity of a polymer‐supported Ce catalyst for the synthesis of biofuels and β‐amino alcohol derivatives under ambient condition
Authors: Dey Tusar Kanto , Ghosh Kajari , Basu Priyanka , Islam Sk. Manirul 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTA novel mesoporous cerium‐incorporated anthranilic acid binded chloromethylated polystyrene (PS‐AN‐Ce) has been developed by functionalization of chloromethylated polystyrene with anthranilic acid in DMF medium, followed by grafting of cerium on its surface using CeCl3·7H2O. The synthesized PS‐AN‐Ce has been characterized by FESEM, EDAX, AAS, FTIR, UV–Vis, TGA, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The synthesized material is stable up to 376 °C and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area is 40.12 m2 g−1. PS‐AN‐Ce showed excellent catalytic effectiveness with high conversion rate and high TOF in the synthesis of β‐amino alcohol derivatives and esterification of fatty acids in a short reaction time. In addition, the synthesized catalyst is easy to remove from the reaction mixture by centrifugation as it is a heterogeneous catalyst in origin and can be reused up to six times without any major loss of its catalytic activity. Also leaching limit of the synthesized catalyst is studied in different reaction cycle which implies that leaching of cerium from its polymeric support is negligible to consider. The extremely dispersed and sturdily bound Ce sites in the Ce‐incorporated mesoporous polymer could be responsible for the observed high catalytic activities. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47650.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae)
Authors: Pan Tao , Pei Ya‐Li , Zhao Kai , Liu Xin‐Yue , Wang Chen‐Cheng , Zhang Bao‐Wei 
Published: February 2019

Premise of the StudyWe developed microsatellite primers for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae), a narrowly distributed species found in the Dabie Mountains, China, to study the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary history of the species.Methods and ResultsTwo terminal sequencing modes of the Illumina HiSeq platform were used to mine simple sequence repeat markers from large‐scale transcriptional groups. In this study, 24 microsatellite loci were screened. The number of alleles ranged from one to 20, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.918, respectively. Most of these primers were successfully amplified in eight congeneric species (R. annae, R. chihsinianum, R. decorum, R. denudatum, R. fortunei, R. neriiflorum, R. rex, and R. simiarum).ConclusionsThese newly developed microsatellite loci will be useful for studying the genetic diversity and population structure of R. shanii and congeneric species.
On sightings of (vagrant?) monk seals, Monachus monachus, in the Mediterranean Basin and their importance for the conservation of the species
Authors: Bundone Luigi , Panou Aliki , Molinaroli Emanuela 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

In ancient times, the distribution range of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) extended all over the coasts of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and parts of the north‐eastern Atlantic coast.
Nowadays, the species is classified as Endangered and the current total world population is stated to consist of ~700 animals, though numbers mostly express best estimates. Distribution patterns in documents of international authorities from the last 15 years indicate the species' extinction in a number of Mediterranean countries, whereas in some of them only a few individuals are thought to survive and in others the status is unknown.
This study analyses recent monk seal sightings over the period from 2000 to 2014 in the Mediterranean Basin. The locations of the sightings cover most of the study area and indicate a spreading of individual seals or a more stable presence in regions where the species was considered extinct.
The investigation pointed out that efforts for the protection of monk seals, the most endangered marine mammal in Europe, should encompass all areas where monk seal sightings have been recorded, including the protection and conservation of potential suitable habitats in countries where the species apparently no longer exists.
Appropriate conservation measures, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and sustainable management of fisheries, will aid natural recolonization and enhance gene flow between distant regions throughout the Mediterranean Basin, allowing the reconnection of distant populations or individual animals.
Living in an amphidromous world: Perspectives on the management of fish passage from an island nation
Authors: Franklin Paul , Gee Eleanor 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Amphidromy is a form of migratory life history typified by the reproduction of fish in freshwater environments, the early downstream dispersal of post‐hatch larvae to marine environments, and the return of small‐bodied young juveniles to freshwater environments for growth to adulthood. Island freshwater fish communities are frequently dominated by fish species with amphidromous life histories.
Amphidromous life cycles leave fish communities highly susceptible to habitat modification and disruptions to connectivity across marine and freshwater environments. This means that managing waterway connectivity is fundamental to their conservation; however, the unique and often geographically restricted amphidromous communities that characterize many small island nations have received little consideration in the development of strategies for the management of fish passage.
The ecology and locomotory capabilities of amphidromous species are often poorly studied, partly because their small size at migratory life stages renders current state‐of‐the‐art in situ biotelemetry methods unsuitable. The small size of fish also means that seemingly small obstructions can severely impede migrations.
The steps necessary to advance the management of fish passage for island fish communities are: curating and maintaining barrier inventories; evaluating barrier permeability; developing effective barrier mitigation options; and prioritizing restoration and conservation efforts.
New methods for understanding the ecology and locomotory capabilities and behaviour of amphidromous fishes are required to advance the management of fish passage for island fish communities. Fish passage solutions that imitate natural streams, such as those promoted in new guidelines in New Zealand, may be the most effective way of improving waterway connectivity; however, integrated approaches to freshwater fish conservation that account for meta‐population dynamics, in combination with the management of fish passage, are necessary to optimize conservation outcomes for amphidromous species.
Robust H∞ static output‐feedback control for discrete‐time fuzzy systems with actuator saturation via fuzzy Lyapunov functions
Authors: Saifia Dounia , Chadli Mohammed , Labiod Salim , Guerra Thierry Marie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we present a new scheme for designing a H∞ stabilizing controller for discrete‐time Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems with actuator saturation and external disturbances. The weighting‐dependent Lyapunov functions approach is used to design a robust static output‐feedback controller. To address the input saturation problem, both constrained and saturated control input cases are considered. In both cases, stabilization conditions of the fuzzy system are formulated as a convex optimization problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Two simulation examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design methods. A comparison with the results given in recent literature on the subject is also presented.
Delay‐dependent conditions for finite time stability of linear time‐varying systems with delay
Authors: Chen Menghua , Sun Jian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the problem of finite time stability of linear time‐varying system with delay. By constructing an augmented time‐varying Lyapunov functional and using the Wirtinger‐type inequality deductively, delay‐dependent finite time stability conditions are derived and presented in terms of differential linear matrix inequalities (DLMIs). Then, the DLMIs are transformed into a series of recursive linear matrix inequalities (RLMIs) by discretizing the time interval into equally spaced time distances, and an algorithm is given to solve the RLMIs. Examples illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Optimal robot‐environment interaction using inverse differential Riccati equation
Authors: Rahimi Nohooji Hamed , Howard Ian , Cui Lei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn optimal robot‐environment interaction is designed by transforming an environment model into an optimal control problem. In the optimal control, the inverse differential Riccati equation is introduced as a fixed‐end‐point closed‐loop optimal control over a specific time interval. Then, the environment model, including interaction force, is formulated in a state equation, and the optimal trajectory is determined by minimizing a cost function. Position control is proposed, and the stability of the closed‐loop system is investigated using the Lyapunov direct method. Finally, theoretical developments are verified through numerical simulation.
Physiological impact of extracellular vesicles on female reproductive system; highlights to possible restorative effects on female age‐related fertility
Authors: Mobarak Halimeh , Heidarpour Mohammad , Lolicato Francesca , Nouri Mohammad , Rahbarghazi Reza , Mahdipour Mahdi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn alternative mechanism of cell‐to‐cell communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) has recently raised increasing attention. EVs are spherical structures comprising exosomes and microvesicles, capable of transferring regulatory molecules and genetic information from one cell to another. EVs act as modulators which can alter a wide spectrum of functions at the cellular level in the recipient cells, taking part in a variety of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Alteration in EVs content, notably exosomes, was reported during cellular senescence and in patients with age‐related diseases. Most studies reported regulating the impacts of exosomes on fertility and pregnancy outcomes via their capability in carrying developmental signaling molecules like proteins, RNA cargos, influencing gene expressions, affecting growth, and development of embryos during aging. Alterations in the exosomal content and functions can influence the reproductive performance in human and animals as conveyors of senescence signals from outside of the cells. This review aimed to summarize evidence on the role of EVs on modulating fertility, early embryonic development, maternal‐embryo crosstalk for the recognition, and maintenance of pregnancy during maternal aging. Advanced clinical studies are required to strengthen the findings that the benefit of exosomes can be extended to subjects undergoing reproductive aging. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):293–303, 2019
Metabolism‐based herb–drug interaction of Corydalis Bungeanae Herba with berberine in vitro and in vivo in rats
Authors: Mao Xu , Zhao Huimin , Wang Qian , Li Hui , Yang Lan , Hu Zixia , Zhang Fengjiao , Guo Xiucai , Peng Ying , Zheng Jiang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCorynoline (CRL) and berberine (BER) are the major bioactive components found in traditional Chinese medicines Corydalis Bungeanae Herba (Corydalis bungeanae) and Coptidis Rhizoma, respectively. The two herbs serve as anti‐inflammatory agents and are generally applied to many prescriptions. The aims of the study were to evaluate herb–drug interaction of C. bungeanae with BER and to investigate the mechanisms of the interaction action. Pre‐treatment of BER caused reduction of plasma CRL in rats with increased formation of its three oxidative metabolites (M1–M3). Compared with the vehicle‐treated group, the peak concentration and area under the concentration–time curve of CRL decreased by ~60% (given CRL) and ~50% (given extracts) in rats pre‐treated with BER, respectively, along with 130 and 100% increases in apparent clearance. More M1–M3 were formed in liver microsomes of rats pretreated with BER (7 days) than in those pretreated with vehicle. Additionally, elevated activities of rCYPs2D2 and 1A2 (CYPs2D6 and 1A2) were observed in the BER‐induced group. Up‐regulated expression of hepatic rCYP2D2 (CYP2D6) was found in animals after 7 days of treatment of BER. The study illustrated that C. Bungeanae and BER produced metabolic herb–drug interaction and provided important information that combination of C. bungeanae with BER‐containing herbal medicines may encounter the risk of decreased efficacy of CRL.
The relation of radiological tumor volume response to histological response and outcome in patients with localized Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Haveman Lianne M. , Ranft Andreas , vd Berg Henk , Smets Anne , Kruseova Jarmila , Ladenstein Ruth , Brichard Benedicte , Paulussen Michael , Kuehne Thomas , Juergens Heribert , Klco‐Brosius Stephanie , Dirksen Uta , Merks Johannes H.M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for local staging and response evaluation of Ewing sarcoma (EwS). Aim of this study was to determine the relevance of tumor volume response (TVR) in relation to histological response (HisRes) and survival, in order to evaluate if early modification of chemotherapy might be indicated in patients with inadequate TVR.MethodsThree dimensional (3D)‐tumor volume data at diagnosis, during early induction phase (1‐3 courses of chemotherapy; n = 195) and/or late induction phase (4‐6 courses; n = 175) from 241 localized patients were retrospectively analyzed. A distinction was made between adequate response (reduction ≥67%) and inadequate response (reduction <67% or progression). Correlations between TVR, HisRes, event free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using chi‐square tests, log‐rank tests, and the Cox‐regression model.ResultsEarly adequate TVR, noted in 41% of patients, did not correlate with EFS (P = 0.92) or OS (P = 0.38). During late induction phase 62% of patients showed an adequate TVR. EFS for patients with late adequate TVR was better (78%) than for those with inadequate late TVR (61%) (P = 0.01); OS was 80% and 69% (P = 0.26), respectively. No correlation was found between TVR and HisRes. Multivariate analysis showed that poor HisRes, pelvic location and late inadequate TVR were associated with poor outcome.ConclusionsEarly inadequate TVR does not predict adverse outcome; therefore, changing the treatment to second line chemotherapy is not indicated in case of inadequate early TVR. Late adequate TVR and good HisRes correlate with better EFS; patients with late inadequate TVR might benefit from augmented therapy.
Palliative radiotherapy in symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer: A phase II trial
Authors: Tey Jeremy , Zheng Huili , Soon Yu Y. , Leong Cheng N. , Koh Wee Y. , Lim Keith , So Jimmy B. Y. , Shabbir Asim , Tham Ivan W. K. , Lu Jiade 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo evaluate the response and quality of life of palliative gastric radiotherapy in patients with symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer. Patients with bleeding, pain or obstruction and were treated with palliative gastric radiotherapy to a dose of 36 Gy in 12 daily fractions. The primary outcomes were symptom response rates. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, adverse events and proportion of patients with ≥10‐point absolute improvement in the fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales in the EORTC Qualify of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and dysphagia/pain subscales in the gastric specific module (STO22) at the end of RT and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy. Fifty patients were accrued. Median survival duration was 85 days. 40/50 patients (80%) with bleeding, 2/2 (100%) patients with obstruction and 1/1 (100%) patient with pain responded to radiotherapy. Improvements fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales of the EORTC QLQ‐C30 was seen in 50%, 28% and 44% of patients at the end of RT and in 63%, 31% and 50% of patients 1 month after RT. Improvements in dysphagia/pain subscales of the STO22 was seen in 42% and 28% of patients at then end of RT and 44% and 19% of patients 1 month after RT. Two patients (5%) had grade 3 anorexia and gastritis. Palliative gastric radiotherapy was effective, well tolerated and resulted in improvement in fatigue, dysphagia and pain at the end of radiotherapy and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy in a significant proportion of patients.
The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Retrospective analysis of the national cancer database
Authors: Ahmed Zaheer , Kujtan Lara , Kennedy Kevin , Wood Valerie , Schomas David , Subramanian Janakiraman 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe standard of care treatment for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) includes both chemotherapy and definitive radiation. However, there are limited data on the optimal management of stage II NPC. We performed a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database to analyze the treatment patterns and role of chemotherapy in patients with stage II NPC. We identified 611 patients diagnosed with T1‐2, N0‐1, M0 NPC, from 2004 to 2013. Five‐year survival was calculated using Kaplan Meier (KM) analysis. Multivariable analysis and propensity matched analysis were performed to analyze the impact of chemotherapy on overall survival. Of the 611 patients, 527 underwent concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and 84 received radiation only. Unadjusted KM analysis showed improved 5‐year survival in the CCRT group compared to radiation only (80.5% vs 65.7%; P = 0.0021). Multivariable analysis also showed improved survival with the addition of chemotherapy (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95 CI 0.39‐0.89; P = 0.0124). Propensity matched analysis confirmed a significant clinical benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to radiation. Age ≥ 65 years (HR 2.41; 95% CI 1.71‐3.4; P = <0.0001), Charlson‐Deyo comorbidity index >1 (HR 2.82; 95% CI 1.49‐5.31; P = 0.0014) and positive lymph node status (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.04‐2.46; P = 0.0340) were associated with worse survival. In this retrospective analysis, patients with stage II NPC had improved survival with CCRT compared to definitive radiation only. Elderly patients with comorbidities had worse outcomes.