bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimuli‐Responsive Dual‐Color Photon Upconversion: A Singlet‐to‐Triplet Absorption Sensitizer in a Soft Luminescent Cyclophane
Authors: Mase Kazuma , Sasaki Yoichi , Sagara Yoshimitsu , Tamaoki Nobuyuki , Weder Christoph , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kimizuka Nobuo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractReversible emission color switching of triplet–triplet annihilation‐based photon upconversion (TTA‐UC) is achieved by employing an Os complex sensitizer with singlet‐to‐triplet (S‐T) absorption and an asymmetric luminescent cyclophane with switchable emission characteristics. The cyclophane contains the 9,10‐bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene unit as an emitter and can assemble into two different structures, a stable crystalline phase and a metastable supercooled nematic phase. The two structures exhibit green and yellow fluorescence, respectively, and can be accessed by distinct heating/cooling sequences. The hybridization of the cyclophane with the Os complex allows near‐infrared‐to‐visible TTA‐UC. The large anti‐Stokes shift is possible by the direct S‐T excitation, which dispenses with the use of a conventional sequence of singlet–singlet absorption and intersystem crossing. The TTA‐UC emission color is successfully switched between green and yellow by thermal stimulation.
Controllable preparation and near infrared optical limiting properties of fluorene‐containing polyacetylenes
Authors: Zhao Gang , Wei Gang , Zhu Weiju , Ke Fuyou , Guang Shanyi , Zhang Fayin , Xu Hongyao 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTTwo novel fluorene functionalized polyacetylenes with different conjugation bridge architectures (stilbene and azobenzene), poly[2‐[4‐vinyl‐4′‐(N‐methyl, N‐ethyl‐yl propargyloxy) phenyl azo]‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene] (PC1), poly[2‐[4‐vinyl‐4′‐(N‐methyl, N‐ethyl‐yl propargyl group) stilbene ethenyl]‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene] (PC2), were designed and prepared through using [Rh(nbd)Cl]2‐Et3N as the catalysts, respectively. These polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, such as toluene, chloroform, 1,2‐dichloromethane, and tetrahydrofuran, which their structures and properties were systematically characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analyses, UV–vis, photoluminescence, thermogravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and Z‐scan technique. The optical limiting properties were investigated at 780 nm with 450 fs laser pulses. Remarkably, it is expected that, by incorporation of fluorene into functional polyacetylene has endowed the resultant polymers with well optical limiting properties and thermal stability. Additionally, the nonlinear optical properties of functionalized polyacetylenes were significantly affected by different molecular structure of conjugated bridge of substituted group. The polyacetylenes with azobenzene (PC2) conjugated bridge displaying well two‐photon absorption cross‐sections of 3950 cm/GM (2010 cm/GM for PC1 containing stilbene), owning to stronger π‐conjugated chromophores of objective polymer and intramolecular charge transfer effect. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46100.
The Framework of Crisis‐Induced Agenda Setting in China
Authors: Liu Yihong , Chan Rami Hin‐yeung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe extent by which public agenda influences policy agenda indicates the degree of democracy in a regime. However, few researchers have drawn their attention on authoritarian regimes like China. This article investigates how the government addresses the demands of the public during a crisis at the policy agenda level. This paper dissects five patterns of agenda setting, namely, agenda‐as‐usual, symbolic agenda, conflicting agenda, mass campaign (or competing agenda) and authority domination (or hidden agenda) with real case examples in contemporary China. Ultimately, the evolution of various types of agenda setting provides us with a horizon to understand subtly yet significantly changes in the Chinese policymaking and political system with special focus on competing agenda and hidden agenda because such level of political sensitivity can rarely be found in democratic systems. Meanwhile, the comparison among these agendas would inspire authoritative governments such as China to exploit a crisis.
Employee wellbeing and human sustainability: Perspectives of managers in large Japanese corporations
Authors: Kobayashi Kazunori , Eweje Gabriel , Tappin David 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEmployee wellbeing and human sustainability have become increasingly acute issues within Japanese businesses. However, large corporations find it difficult to improve employee wellbeing and human sustainability in areas such as work‐life balance, flexibility and gender diversity. To investigate the nature of conflicts, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 12 managers with corporate social responsibility in eight large Japanese corporations and industries. From the thematic analysis, we identify the nature of conflicts that arise when promoting employee wellbeing: resources, family, stakeholder and partners; meritocracy as opposed to gender equality; indirect discrimination due to uneven care responsibilities; and external pressures on work hours. Additionally, personal and corporate growth was identified as a potential area of synergy. Our findings suggest that while Japanese corporations are unwilling to address these internal and external conflicts, employee wellbeing and human sustainability remain an aspiration.
A Comparative Analysis of the CO‐Reducing Activities of MoFe Proteins Containing Mo‐ and V‐Nitrogenase Cofactors
Authors: Lee Chi Chung , Tanifuji Kazuki , Newcomb Megan , Liedtke Jasper , Hu Yilin , Ribbe Markus W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Mo and V nitrogenases are structurally homologous yet catalytically distinct in their abilities to reduce CO to hydrocarbons. Here we report a comparative analysis of the CO‐reducing activities of the Mo‐ and V‐nitrogenase cofactors (i.e., the M and V clusters) upon insertion of the respective cofactor into the same, cofactor‐deficient MoFe protein scaffold. Our data reveal a combined contribution from the protein environment and cofactor properties to the reactivity of nitrogenase toward CO, thus laying a foundation for further mechanistic investigation of the enzymatic CO reduction, while suggesting the potential of targeting both the protein scaffold and the cofactor species for nitrogenase‐based applications in the future.
Impact of drying deep beds of rice with microwave set at 915 MHz frequency on rice microbial community responses
Authors: Smith Deandrae L. , Atungulu Griffiths G. 
Published: January 2018

Background and objectivesThe impacts of microwaves set at the 915 MHz frequency and power levels 5, 10, and 15 kW on inactivation of harmful microbes across rice beds of different thicknesses 5, 10, and 15 cm, during microwave (MW) heating for 4, 6, and 8 min, were examined.FindingsIncreasing MW‐specific energy from zero (control) to 900 kJ/kg‐grain resulted in statistically significant decreases in rice microbial loads. At the highest specific energy, the reduction in the aerobic bacterial and aflatoxigenic fungal loads of Aspergillus flavus was 4.56 and 2.93 log colony‐forming units, respectively; virtually no statistically significant disparity of the A. flavus mold count was observed across the entire rice bed of up to 15 cm thickness.ConclusionsDepending on selected MW‐specific energy, treatment of rice with MW set at the 915 MHz frequency has potential to achieve significant reductions in the harmful, A. flavus mold that inhabit rice; this has potential to reduce risks of rice contamination with aflatoxin.Significance and noveltySimultaneous drying and decontamination of harmful microbes, such as A. flavus, as accorded by the treatments using MW set at 915 MHz frequency, could improve overall rice drying efficiency with the merits of securing rice quality and safety, thereby improving returns to producers and processors.
System Behavior and Predictive Controller Performance Near the Azeotropic Region
Authors: Uddin Fahim , Tufa Lemma Dendena , Shah Maulud Abdulhalim , Taqvi Syed A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHigh‐purity distillation columns present challenges of nonlinearity, interactions, directionality, and ill‐conditioning for the control systems and thus exhibit poor controller performance. Effects of these issues on the performance of model predictive control in operations in near‐azeotropic regions are investigated. A dynamic model of a pilot‐scale distillation column is simulated and controlled by a linear model predictive controller. As the system moves towards the azeotropic region, the nonlinearity, directionality, and interactions of the system increase. A significant decline is observed in the system control performance since the controller incurs overshoots and offsets for negative and positive setpoint changes. The integral time absolute errors are substantially higher near the azeotropic region. Only a small operating range is able to ensure sufficient controllability near the azeotropic region.
Effect of Electrolyte Pretreatment on the Formation of TiO2 Nanotubes: An Ignored yet Non‐negligible Factor
Authors: Li Huifei , Ding Mei , Jin Jian , Sun Deen , Zhang Sam , Jia Chuankun , Sun Lidong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTailoring the geometric configuration of anodic TiO2 nanotubes enables their use in various applications. This paper demonstrates that the methods for pretreating electrolyte solutions significantly influence the growth of anodic nanotubes. Pretreatment is usually ignored by studies, but is a crucial and non‐negligible factor in the control of nanotube growth. The results indicate that magnetic stirring and ultrasonic agitation facilitate the dissolution and mass transport of ionic species in the solution, resulting in a homogeneous solution and a high TiO2 nanotube growth rate. Isolation of the solution from wide contact with the atmosphere through simple sealing further increases the growth rate. This is attributed to the hindrance of humidity absorption, which biases the original water content of the solution and thus causes the formation of an initial thick compact oxide layer that prevents ion diffusion. The findings can serve as a guide to electrolyte pretreatment routes for studying nanotube growth mechanisms and for tailoring nanotube features toward different applications.
Effects of Anion Identity and Concentration on Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Resasco Joaquin , Lum Yanwei , Clark Ezra , Zeledon Jose Zamora , Bell Alexis T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical reduction of CO2 is known to be influenced by the concentration and identity of the anionic species in the electrolyte; however, a full understanding of this phenomenon has not been developed. Here, we present the results of experimental and computational studies aimed at understanding the role of electrolyte anions on the reduction of CO2 over Cu surfaces. Experimental studies were performed to show the effects of bicarbonate buffer concentration and the composition of other buffering anions on the partial currents of the major products formed by reduction of CO2 over Cu. It was demonstrated that the composition and concentration of electrolyte anions has relatively little effect on the formation of CO, HCOO−, C2H4, and CH3CH2OH, but has a significant effect on the formation of H2 and CH4. Continuum modeling was used to assess the effects of buffering anions on the pH at the electrode surface. The influence of pH on the activity of Cu for producing H2 and CH4 was also considered. Changes in the pH near the electrode surface were insufficient to explain the differences in activity and selectivity observed with changes in anion buffering capacity observed for the formation of H2 and CH4. Therefore, it is proposed that these differences are the result of the ability of buffering anions to donate hydrogen directly to the electrode surface and in competition with water. The effectiveness of buffering anions to serve as hydrogen donors is found to increase with decreasing pKa of the buffering anion.
The Viability of C5‐Protonated‐ and C4,C5‐Ditopic Carbanionic Abnormal NHCs: A New Dimension in NHC Chemistry
Authors: Rottschäfer Dennis , Ebeler Falk , Strothmann Till , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mix Andreas , Ghadwal Rajendra S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe first C5‐protonated abnormal N‐heterocyclic carbene (aNHC), PhC{N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2CHC: (4) is readily accessible by C4‐deprotonation of [ArC{N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2CHCH]X (3 a‐X) (Ar=Ph, X=Br or I) with a base. The aNHC 4 is stable at 298 K in [D8]THF solution and has been spectroscopically characterized. The facile availability of 4 enables the synthesis of a series of main‐group compounds as well as transition‐metal complexes featuring a new phosphorus‐aNHC hybrid ligand. Double deprotonation of [ArC{N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2CHCH]X (Ar=Ph, 3 a‐X (X=Br or I); 4‐Tol, 3 b‐Br; 4‐DMP, 3 c‐Br; Tol=MeC6H4, DMP=Me2NC6H4) with nBuLi yields the C4,C5‐ditopic carbanionic aNHCs, [ArC{N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2(C:)2]Li(THF)n (Ar=Ph, 13 a; 4‐Tol, 13 b; 4‐DMP, 13 c), which on treatment with Ph2PCl affords cationic vicinal bisphosphine derivatives [ArC{N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)}2{C(PPh2}2]X (Ar=Ph, 14 a‐X, X=Br or I; 4‐Tol, 14 b‐Br; 4‐DMP, 14 c‐Br).
A gene signature associated with PTEN activation defines good prognosis intermediate risk prostate cancer cases
Authors: Ong Chee W , Maxwell Pamela , Alvi Muhammad A , McQuaid Stephen , Waugh David , Mills Ian , Salto‐Tellez Manuel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAccurate identification of intermediate risk (Gleason 3 + 4 = 7) prostate cancer patients with low risk of disease progression is an unmet challenge in treatment decision making. Here we describe a gene signature that could guide clinicians in the selection of patients with intermediate stage clinically localized prostate cancer for active surveillance. We examined six major drivers of aggressive disease – PTEN, MYC, RB1, TP53, AURKA, AR – by immunohistochemistry in a focused (N = 69) cohort predominantly consisting of intermediate risk prostate cancer. Fuzzy clustering and unsupervised hierarchical clustering were utilized to determine the correlation of gene expression and methylation values with immunohistochemical expression. From the immunohistochemistry observation, we found that intermediate risk prostate cancer cases could be classified as ‘complex’ (differential expression of more than one driver) or ‘simple’ (differential expression of only one). Focussing on the ‘simple’ cases, expression and methylation profiling generated signatures which correlated tightly only with differential PTEN expression and not with any of the other drivers assessed by immunohistochemistry. From this, we derived a geneset of 35 genes linked to high PTEN expression. Subsequently we determined its prognostic significance in intermediate‐risk cases extracted from three publicly available clinical datasets (Total N = 215). Hence, this study shows that, by using immunohistochemistry as an upfront stratifier of intermediate risk prostate cancers, it is possible to identify through differential gene expression profiling a geneset with prognostic power across multiple cohorts. This strategy has not been used previously and the signature has the potential to impact on treatment decisions in patients for whom decision making is currently empirical at best.
Introducing a novel highly prognostic grading scheme based on tumour budding and cell nest size for squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Jesinghaus Moritz , Strehl Johanna , Boxberg Melanie , Brühl Frido , Wenzel Adrian , Konukiewitz Björn , Schlitter Anna M , Steiger Katja , Warth Arne , Schnelzer Andreas , Kiechle Marion , Beckmann Matthias W , Noske Aurelia , Hartmann Arndt , Mehlhorn Grit , Koch Martin C , Weichert Wilko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel histopathological grading system based on tumour budding and cell nest size has recently been shown to outperform conventional (WHO‐based) grading algorithms in several tumour entities such as lung, oral, and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in terms of prognostic patient stratification. Here, we tested the prognostic value of this innovative grading approach in two completely independent cohorts of SCC of the uterine cervix. To improve morphology‐based grading, we investigated tumour budding activity and cell nest size as well as several other histomorphological factors (e.g., keratinization, nuclear size, mitotic activity) in a test cohort (n = 125) and an independent validation cohort (n = 122) of cervical SCC. All parameters were correlated with clinicopathological factors and patient outcome. Small cell nest size and high tumour budding activity were strongly associated with a dismal patient prognosis (p < 0.001 for overall survival [OS], disease‐specific survival, and disease‐free survival; test cohort) in both cohorts of cervical SCC. A novel grading algorithm combining these two parameters proved to be a highly effective, stage‐independent prognosticator in both cohorts (OS: p < 0.001, test cohort; p = 0.001, validation cohort). In the test cohort, multivariate statistical analysis of the novel grade revealed that the hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 2.3 for G2 and 5.1 for G3 tumours compared to G1 neoplasms (p = 0.010). In the validation cohort, HR for OS was 3.0 for G2 and 7.2 for G3 tumours (p = 0.012).In conclusion, our novel grading algorithm incorporating cell nest size and tumour budding allows strongly prognostic histopathological grading of cervical SCC superior to WHO‐based grading. Therefore, our data can be regarded as a cross‐organ validation of previous results demonstrated for oesophageal, lung, and oral SCC. We suggest this grading algorithm as an additional morphology‐based parameter for the routine diagnostic assessment of this tumour entity.
Reduced lymphotoxin‐beta production by tumour cells is associated with loss of follicular dendritic cell phenotype and diffuse growth in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Pepe Giuseppina , Di Napoli Arianna , Cippitelli Claudia , Scarpino Stefania , Pilozzi Emanuela , Ruco Luigi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCytokine production is essential for follicular dendritic cell (FDC) maintenance and organization of germinal centres. In follicular lymphoma, FDCs are often disarrayed and may lack antigens indicative of terminal differentiation. We investigated the in situ distribution of cells producing lymphotoxin‐beta (LTB), lymphotoxin‐alpha (LTA), and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFA) transcripts in human reactive lymph nodes and in follicular lymphomas with follicular or diffuse growth pattern. LTB was the cytokine most abundantly produced in germinal centres. LTB was present in nearly 90% of germinal centre cells whereas LTA and TNFA were detected in 30 and 50%, respectively. Moreover, the amount of LTB expressed in reactive germinal centre cells was 80‐fold higher than that of LTA and 20‐fold higher than that of TNFA. LTB‐positive cells were more numerous in the germinal centre dark zone, whereas expression of the FDC proteins CD21, CD23, VCAM, and CXCL13 was more intense in the light zone. Tumour cells of follicular lymphomas produced less LTB than reactive germinal centre cells. The results of the in situ study were confirmed by RT‐PCR; LTB was significantly more abundant in reactive lymph nodes than in follicular lymphoma, with the lowest values detected in predominantly diffuse follicular lymphoma. In neoplastic follicles, low production of LTB by tumour B cells was associated with weaker expression of CD21+/CD23+ by FDCs. Our findings detail for the first time the distribution of LTA‐, LTB‐, and TNFA‐producing cells in human reactive germinal centres and in follicular lymphoma. They suggest the possibility that impaired tumour‐cell LTB production may represent a determinant of FDC phenotype loss and for defective follicular organization in follicular lymphoma.
Effects of Milk or Apple Juice Ingestion on the Pharmacokinetics of Elvitegravir and Cobicistat in Healthy Japanese Male Volunteers: A Randomized, Single‐Dose, Three‐Way Crossover Study
Authors: Yonemura Takuma , Okada Nozomi , Sagane Koichi , Okamiya Kazuhiro , Ozaki Hideki , Iida Toshiaki , Yamada Hiroyuki , Yagura Hiroki 
Published: January 2018

AbstractElvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF) is specified in its package insert to be taken with food to obtain sufficient exposure of EVG. It has been reported that a nutritional protein‐rich drink shows comparable pharmacokinetics (PK) of EVG to those with a standard breakfast. In this study, the PK profiles of EVG and COBI were evaluated by administration of a single dose of EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF, after ingestion of either a nutritional protein‐rich drink, milk, or apple juice. The geometric means for Cmax and AUCinf of EVG following milk ingestion slightly decreased by 21% and 14%, respectively, and those following apple juice ingestion decreased by 67% and 61%, respectively, compared with a nutritional protein‐rich drink. There were no differences in any PK parameters of COBI. Therefore, taking EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF after milk or apple juice ingestion appeared to be not appropriate. However, for plasma trough concentrations (Ctau), it is known that Ctau is best correlated with the efficacy of EVG. The mean C24 of EVG after milk ingestion was 620.6 ng/mL, which was more than 10‐fold the protein binding–adjusted 95% inhibitory concentration. With all the above considerations, it was concluded that taking EVG/COBI/FTC/TAF with milk could be an option to maintain sufficient plasma concentrations of EVG.
Lignocellulose Liquefaction to Biocrude: A Tutorial Review
Authors: Lange Jean‐Paul 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAfter 40 years of research and development, liquefaction technologies are now being demonstrated at 200–3000 tons per year scale to convert lignocellulosic biomass to biocrudes for use as heavy fuel or for upgrading to biofuels. This Review attempts to present the various facets of the liquefaction process in a tutorial manner. Emphasis is placed on liquefaction in high‐boiling solvents, with regular reference to liquefaction in subcritical water or other light‐boiling solvents. Reaction chemistry, solvent selection, role of optional catalyst as well as biocrude composition and properties are discussed in depth. Challenges in biomass feeding and options for biocrude–solvent separation are addressed. Process concepts are reviewed and demonstration/commercialization efforts are presented.
Design and analysis of a millimeter‐wave injection locked frequency divider with transconductance boosting technique
Authors: Abomaashzadeh Mahsa , Nabavi Abdolreza , Saeedi Saeed 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a degenerated injector (mixer) with transconductance boosted by biasing the mixer transistor in the knee region of its I‐V curve, without increasing the transistor size and its parasitics. This mixer can enhance the locking range of millimeter‐wave injection‐locked frequency dividers. To compensate the degradation of mixer transconductance (conversion‐gain) due to the degeneration effect, a neutralization technique is employed. Analyses are given for locking‐range and induced phase‐noise of the proposed divider for arbitrary injection strength. It is shown that the locking‐range, as a function of injection strength, is improved by increasing the fundamental component of transconductance. Using 180‐nm CMOS technology, a 1.78‐mW divider‐by‐two is designed with free‐running frequency of 27.92 GHz, locking‐range of 51 to 59.6 GHz, and figure‐of‐merit of 4.83 (GHz/mW). EM simulation results of the proposed and conventional structure are compared, which illustrates 56% improvement in locking‐range.