bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Sensing of Specific Drugs at Sub‐Ppb Levels by Using a Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Photoluminescent Soft Material
Authors: Laishram Raju , Maitra Uday 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe intrinsic luminescence of TbIII in a cholate (Ch) hydrogel has been found to be much higher than that in water or SDS micellar media. We have examined the role of the gel medium in enhancing the emission of TbIII in detail, and we also report a remarkably simple method for detecting two important drugs, naproxen and propranolol, by using the luminescence of TbIII in a TbCh hydrogel. The gel medium played a crucial role in the sensing of these drugs, because little sensitization of TbIII took place in solution. The drug detection could be performed down to sub‐ppb levels, both for commercially available tablets and for (spiked) samples of blood serum without any pre‐processing. This technique could also be used to differentiate between pairs of closely related drugs, for example, naproxen/ibuprofen and propranolol/atenolol. This rapid (<2 min) and sensitive detection technique may make such gels suitable as a general platform for the sensing of appropriate analytes.
An effective flame retardant for poly(ethylene terephthalate) synthesized by phosphaphenanthrene and cyclotriphosphazene
Authors: Fang Yinchun , Zhou Xiang , Xing Zhiqi , Wu Yarong 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTA novel flame retardant [9,10‐Dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxideÔtriphosphazene (DOPO–TPN)] based on phosphaphenanthrene and cyclotriphosphazene was synthesized and used to improve the flame retardancy of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The structure of DOPO–TPN was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR), and elemental analysis. PET/DOPO–TPN composites with different amount of DOPO–TPN were prepared and the flame retardancy was determined by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning test (UL‐94). With the incorporation of 5 wt % DOPO–TPN, the composite achieved a LOI value of 34% and UL‐94 V‐0 rating. The thermal properties of the PET/DOPO–TPN composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The flame retardant mechanism was investigated by pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS), FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Py‐GC/MS results showed that DOPO based fragments would exist in the gas phase during the pyrolysis of PET/DOPO–TPN composites which demonstrated that DOPO–TPN could act through gas‐phase action to exert flame retardant effect. The results of FTIR and SEM demonstrated that DOPO–TPN could promote the formation of compact and intact char residues to inhibit the heat and combustible gas transmission in condensed phase. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45246.
Population structure, distribution and habitat use of the Critically Endangered Angelshark, Squatina squatina, in the Canary Islands
Authors: Meyers Eva K. M. , Tuya Fernando , Barker Joanna , Jiménez Alvarado David , Castro‐Hernández José Juan , Haroun Ricardo , Rödder Dennis 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Angel sharks are among the most threatened fish worldwide, facing regional and global extinction. In Europe, populations of the three Critically Endangered angel sharks (Squatina aculeata, Squatina oculata and Squatina squatina) have been severely depleted.
Taking advantage of the last global ‘hotspot’ of the angelshark, Squatina squatina, this study gathered data through a citizen science programme to describe the occurrence of this shark in the coastal waters of the Canary Islands. Specifically, this study described (1) the population structure, and (2) habitat use of this species, which was used in a Species Distribution Model to (3) examine realized and potential distribution patterns, and to (4) determine the relative importance of environmental predictors on the occurrence of S. squatina.
Over the 12 months sampling period (April 2014 – March 2015), 678 sightings were reported. Individuals ranged from 20 to 200 cm (total length). Larger sightings of both females and neonates occurred mostly in April to July, i.e. during the pupping season. Males were significantly more frequent in November to January, i.e. during the mating season. Angelsharks were encountered at depths from <1 m to a maximum of 45 m. Small‐sized individuals (i.e. neonates) exclusively occurred in shallow water (0–25 m). Most sharks occurred on sandy bottoms adjacent to reefs.
Even though sightings were recorded at all seven islands in the archipelago, there were fewer encounters in the western than the eastern islands.
The Species Distribution Model indicated that the probability of occurrence mainly correlated with sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, salinity and depth. Areas with the greatest habitat suitability were in shallow water.
The angelshark displayed spatial (vertical and horizontal) and temporal segregation by size and sex. This information is vital to inform conservation of this Critically Endangered shark in its last stronghold.
Demography of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins living in a protected inverse estuary
Authors: Passadore Cecilia , Möller Luciana , Diaz‐Aguirre Fernando , Parra Guido J. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Assessments of demographic parameters are essential to understand the dynamics of wild populations, and for their efficient conservation and management. Here, sex‐specific abundance, apparent survival and temporary emigration of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis) in Coffin Bay (CB), South Australia, is investigated.
Results are based on capture–recapture modelling of photo‐identification data and molecular analyses of biopsy samples collected during boat‐based surveys between September 2013 and October 2015 in the inner and outer areas of CB.
The total super‐population of dolphins (including calves) using the entire study area (263 km2) was estimated with POPAN models at 306 (95% CI: 291–323), which included 71 (68–73) marked females and 57 (55–60) marked males.
Seasonal estimates of abundance for the inner area of CB (123 km2) obtained with Pollock's Closed Robust Design models remained relatively constant over the two years (marked females: 52–60, marked males: 46–52, and total: 193–209).
The high density of dolphins inhabiting the inner area (seasonal range: 1.57–1.70 individuals km−2), high apparent survival rates estimated for both sexes (females: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96–1.0; males: 0.95; 0.82–0.99), and low temporary emigration rates (0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.11) indicate that the inner area of CB offers highly favourable habitat for these dolphins.

High biological productivity and low predation risk may promote these demographic patterns in the inner area of CB.

This study provides a robust baseline of sex‐specific population demographics of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins with important implications for future research and their management and conservation in South Australia.
Selective Separation of Aliphatic Nitriles by Employing a Two‐Dimensional Interdigitated Coordination Polymer
Authors: Mistry Subhradeep , Hota Raghunandan , Natarajan Srinivasan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA room‐temperature slow diffusion reaction of the metal nitrates [M=ZnII and CoII] with 5‐azido isophthalic acid (AIPA) and 1,4‐bis(4‐pyridyl)‐2,3‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene (BPDB) resulted in a new two‐dimensional interdigitated coordination polymer, [M(C8H3N3O4)(C12H10N4)]⋅DMF [DMF=dimethyl formamide (C3H7NO)]. The non‐bonded DMF molecules were found to exchange through a single‐crystal to single‐crystal (SCSC) fashion with many aliphatic nitrile compounds. More importantly, the present compound, I⋅DMF(Zn) appears to absorb cis‐crotononitrile selectively from the cis/trans mixture as well as a mixture containing the structural isomer (allylnitrile). It also preferentially absorbs propionitrile from an equimolar mixture of acetonitrile, propionitrile, and butyronitrile (1:2:1). The cobalt compound exhibits anti‐ferromagnetic behavior.
Improved Adaptive Controller Synthesis of Piecewise‐Affine Systems
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Liu Kai , Zhang Shangmin , Qiao Hong , Qiu Bobo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper considers the adaptive
control problem for piecewise affine systems (PWS), a novel synthesis framework is presented based on the piecewise quadratic Lyapunov function (PQLF) instead of the common quadratic Lyapunov function to achieve the less conservatism. First, by designing the projection‐type piecewise adaptive law, the problem of the adaptive
control of PWS can be reduced to the
control problem of augmented piecewise systems. Then, we construct the piecewise affine control law for augmented piecewise systems in such a way that the PQLF can be employed to establish the stability and
performance. In particular, the Reciprocal Projection Lemma is employed to formulate the synthesis condition as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which enables the proposed PQLF approach to be numerically solvable. Finally, an engineering example is shown to illustrate the synthesis results.
The molybdenum cofactor enzyme mARC: Moonlighting or promiscuous enzyme?
Authors: Llamas Angel , Chamizo‐Ampudia Alejandro , Tejada‐Jimenez Manuel , Galvan Aurora , Fernandez Emilio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMolybdenum (Mo) is present in the active center of eukaryotic enzymes as a tricyclic pyranopterin chelate compound forming the Mo Cofactor (Moco). Four Moco containing enzymes are known in eukaryotes, nitrate reductase (NR), sulfite oxidase (SO), xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), and aldehyde oxidase (AO). A fifth Moco enzyme has been recently identified. Because of the ability of this enzyme to convert by reduction several amidoximes prodrugs into their active amino forms, it was named mARC (mitochondrial Amidoxime Reducing Component). This enzyme is also able to catalyze the reduction of a broad range of N‐hydroxylated compounds (NHC) as the base analogue 6‐hydroxylaminopurine (HAP), as well as nitrite to nitric oxide (NO). All the mARC proteins need reducing power that is supplied by other proteins. The human and plants mARC proteins require a Cytochrome b5 (Cytb5) and a Cytochrome b5 reductase (Cytb5‐R) to form an electron transfer chain from NADH to the NHC. Recently, plant mARC proteins were shown to be implicated in the reduction of nitrite to NO, and it was proposed that the electrons required for the reaction were supplied by NR instead of Cytochrome b5 components. This newly characterized mARC activity was termed NO Forming Nitrite Reductase (NOFNiR). Moonlighting proteins form a special class of multifunctional enzymes that can perform more than one function; if the extra function is not physiologically relevant, they are called promiscuous enzymes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mARC protein, and we propose that mARC is a new moonlighting enzyme. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):486–494, 2017
Flavanones: Citrus phytochemical with health‐promoting properties
Authors: Barreca Davide , Gattuso Giuseppe , Bellocco Ersilia , Calderaro Antonella , Trombetta Domenico , Smeriglio Antonella , Laganà Giuseppina , Daglia Maria , Meneghini Silvia , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCitrus fruit and juices represent one of the main sources of compounds with a high potential for health promoting properties. Among these compounds, flavanones (such as hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol, isosakuranetin, and their respective glycosides), which occur in quantities ranging from ∼180 to 740 mg/L (depending on the Citrus species and cultivar) are responsible for many biological activities. These compounds support and enhance the body's defenses against oxidative stress and help the organism in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Moreover, among other properties, they also show anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. This review analyzes the biochemistry, pharmacology, and biology of Citrus flavanones, emphasizing the occurrence in Citrus fruits and juices and their bioavailability, structure‐function correlations and ability to modulate signal cascades both in vitro and in vivo. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):495–506, 2017
Cryoprotection and banking of living cells in a 3D multiple emulsion‐based carrier
Authors: Dluska Ewa , Cui Zhanfeng , Markowska‐Radomska Agnieszka , Metera Agata , Kosicki Konrad 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe ability to preserve stem cells/cells with minimal damage for short and long periods of time is essential for advancements in biomedical therapies and biotechnology. New methods of cell banking are continuously needed to provide effective damage prevention to cells. This paper puts forward a solution to the problem of the low viability of cells during cryopreservation in a traditional suspension and storage by developing innovative multiple emulsion‐based carriers for the encapsulation and cryopreservation of cells. During freezing‐thawing processes, irreversible damage to cells occurs as a result of the formation of ice crystals, cell dehydration, and the toxicity of cryoprotectant. The proposed method was effective due to the “flexible” protective structure of multiple emulsions, which was proven by a high cell survival rate, above 90%. Results make new contributions in the fields of cell engineering and biotechnology and contribute to the development of methods for banking biological material.
Oleaginous yeasts: Promising platforms for the production of oleochemicals and biofuels
Authors: Adrio José L. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTOleaginous yeasts have a unique physiology that makes them the best suited hosts for the production of lipids, oleochemicals, and diesel‐like fuels. Their high lipogenesis, capability of growing on many different carbon sources (including lignocellulosic sugars), easy large‐scale cultivation, and an increasing number of genetic tools are some of the advantages that have encouraged their use to develop sustainable processes. This mini‐review summarizes the metabolic engineering strategies developed in oleaginous yeasts within the last 2 years to improve process metrics (titer, yield, and productivity) for the production of lipids, free fatty acids, fatty acid‐based chemicals (e.g., fatty alcohols, fatty acid ethyl esters), and alkanes. During this short period of time, tremendous progress has been made in Yarrowia lipolytica, the model oleaginous yeast, which has been engineered to improve lipid production by different strategies including increasing lipogenic pathway flux and biosynthetic precursors, and blocking degradation pathways. Moreover, remarkable advances have also been reported in Rhodosporidium toruloides and Lipomyces starkey despite the limited genetic tools available for these two very promising hosts. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1915–1920. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related gait motion transformation based on biomechanical observations
Authors: Jung Sunjin , Hong Seokpyo , Cho Kyungmin , Eom Haegwang , Choi Byungkuk , Noh Junyong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe present a novel approach for synthesizing human gait motions according to a range of input ages by transforming a given motion based on biomechanical observations. Given an original motion, our method first extracts gait cycles that are periodically defined by foot contact on the ground and then transforms the original motion to achieve a desirable posture and motions that respectively correspond to the input age. Among many biomechanical features that gradually change with aging, we mainly focus on spatiotemporal and kinematic features as well as postural changes. Exploiting these features, we formulate the biomechanical changes as continuous functions that reflect visually significant features corresponding to the input age. Finally, we demonstrate that our system can automatically generate plausible gait motions given a wide range of input ages.
Distributed control for flocking and group maneuvering of nonholonomic agents
Authors: Cai Zhongxuan , Chang Xuefeng , Wang Yanzhen , Yi Xiaodong , Yang Xue‐Jun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a distributed control approach for flocking and group maneuvering of nonholonomic agents, with constrained kinematic properties commonly found in practical systems, such as fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Flocking of agents with differential drive kinematics is addressed by introducing a virtual leader–follower mechanism into the Olfati‐Saber's algorithm, which is originally proposed for holonomic agents with double integrator kinematics. Then, group maneuverability of the flock is achieved by superimposing a group motion onto each agent's flocking motion. Moreover, it is proven that speed limits are intrinsically guaranteed by the approach, which renders it more applicable in practical systems. Experimental results in MATLAB and Gazebo, a popular robotic simulator, are presented to evaluate the performance and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Accelerating statistical human motion synthesis using space partitioning data structures
Authors: Herrmann Erik , Manns Martin , Du Han , Hosseini Somayeh , Fischer Klaus 
Published: May 2017

AbstractStatistical model‐based motion synthesis enables the constrained generation of natural human motions. In this paper, we present a combination of statistical model‐based motion synthesis with a motion retrieval method. We fit a statistical motion model to the low‐dimensional latent space obtained by applying principal component analysis to a functional representation of example motion data. In order to accelerate the synthesis, we construct a space partitioning tree on a dense set of samples from the model projected into a feature space. At run‐time, the tree is traversed based on an objective function to find the best sample fitting user‐defined constraints. After finding a good initial guess, we apply numerical optimization to reach constraints exactly. We evaluated the accuracy and efficiency of the search in the tree using different space partitioning methods on synthetic and motion capture data. In our experiments, the most stable and accurate search results were achieved using the k‐Means++ algorithm for the tree construction.
Post‐radiosynovectomy imaging of Er‐169 using scintigraphy and autoradiography
Authors: Farahati Jamshid , Elliott Johanna , Höppner Sabrina , Stein Linda , Gilman Elena , Kumm Dietmar , Grodotzki Thomas 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageCurrently, there is no protocol for the detection of intra‐articular distribution of Er‐169 citrate after radiosynovectomy. We propose post‐therapeutic imaging using scintigraphy and cobalt‐57 pen‐marker autoradiography. This technique evaluates the efficacy of the radiosynovectomy and patient safety and could be utilized for dosimetric protocol.
Recent Advances in Electrochemiluminescence with Quantum Dots and Arrays of Nanoelectrodes
Authors: Bertoncello Paolo , Ugo Paolo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis Review presents the latest advances related to analytical and bioanalytical applications of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) achieved by exploiting the special optical or electrochemical properties of quantum dots and nanoelectrodes, respectively. After a brief introduction, which covers the basic concepts of ECL detection, the Review presents relevant examples dealing with the use of quantum dots and arrays of nanoelectrodes to improve the analytical and bioanalytical capabilities of ECL. Finally, prospects and limits derived from the application of the above advanced nanomaterials to stimulate ECL emission are discussed.
Interplay of Electronic Cooperativity and Exchange Coupling in Regulating the Reactivity of Diiron(IV)‐oxo Complexes towards C−H and O−H Bond Activation
Authors: Ansari Azaj , Ansari Mursaleem , Singha Asmita , Rajaraman Gopalan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractActivation of inert C−H bonds such as those of methane are extremely challenging for chemists but in nature, the soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) enzyme readily oxidizes methane to methanol by using a diiron(IV) species. This has prompted chemists to look for similar model systems. Recently, a (μ‐oxo)bis(μ‐carboxamido)diiron(IV) ([FeIV2O(L)2]2+ L=N,N‐bis‐(3′,5′‐dimethyl‐4′‐methoxypyridyl‐2′‐methyl)‐N′‐acetyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane) complex has been generated by bulk electrolysis and this species activates inert C−H bonds almost 1000 times faster than mononuclear FeIV=O species and at the same time selectively activates O−H bonds of alcohols. The very high reactivity and selectivity of this species is puzzling and herein we use extensive DFT calculations to shed light on this aspect. We have studied the electronic and spectral features of diiron {FeIII‐μ(O)‐FeIII}+2 (complex I), {FeIII‐μ(O)‐FeIV}+3 (II), and {FeIV‐μ(O)‐FeIV}+4 (III) complexes. Strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the Fe centers leads to spin‐coupled S=0, S=3/2, and S=0 ground state for species I–III respectively. The mechanistic study of the C−H and O−H bond activation reveals a multistate reactivity scenario where C−H bond activation is found to occur through the S=4 spin‐coupled state corresponding to the high‐spin state of individual FeIV centers. The O−H bond activation on the other hand, occurs through the S=2 spin‐coupled state corresponding to an intermediate state of individual FeIV centers. Molecular orbital analysis reveals σ–π/π–π channels for the reactivity. The nature of the magnetic exchange interaction is found to be switched during the course of the reaction and this offers lower energy pathways. Significant electronic cooperativity between two metal centers during the course of the reaction has been witnessed and this uncovers the reason behind the efficiency and selectivity observed. The catalyst is found to prudently choose the desired spin states based on the nature of the substrate to effect the catalytic transformations. These findings suggest that the presence of such factors play a role in the reactivity of dinuclear metalloenzymes such as sMMO.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Ga‐Substituted Distibenes and Sb‐Analogues of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane
Authors: Tuscher Lars , Helling Christoph , Ganesamoorthy Chelladurai , Krüger Julia , Wölper Christoph , Frank Walter , Nizovtsev Anton S. , Schulz Stephan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMonovalent gallanediyl LGa {L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6‐iPr2C6H3)]2} reacts with SbX3to form the Ga‐substituted distibenes [(LGaX)2Sb2] (X=NMeEt1, Cl2). Upon heating,2reacts to the bicyclo[1.1.0]butane analogue [(LGaCl)2(μ,η1:1‐Sb4)]3containing a [Sb4]2−dianion. Moreover,2reacts with Li amides LiNR2in salt elimination reactions that form the corresponding amido‐substituted compounds1and [(LGaNMe2)2Sb2]4, whereas reactions of4and [(LGaNMe2)2(μ,η1:1‐Sb4)]5with two equivalents of GaCl3resulted in the formation of2and3, respectively.1,2and3were characterized by1H and13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In addition, their bonding situation was analyzed by quantum chemical calculations.
(E)‐1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ): A Prospective Alternative to Hydrazines in Rocket Propulsion
Authors: Dhenain Anne , Darwich Chaza , Sabaté Carlos Miró , Le Duc‐Minh , Bougrine Anne‐Julie , Delalu Henri , Lacôte Emmanuel , Payen Léa , Guitton Jérôme , Labarthe Emilie , Jacob Guy 
Published: May 2017

Abstract1,1,4,4‐Tetramethyl‐2‐tetrazene (TMTZ) is considered as a prospective replacement for toxic hydrazines used in liquid rocket propulsion. The heat of formation of TMTZ was computed and measured, giving values well above those of the hydrazines commonly used in propulsion. This led to a predicted maximum Isp of 337 s for TMTZ/N2O4 mixtures, which is a value comparable to that of monomethylhydrazine. We found that TMTZ has a vapor pressure well below that of liquid hydrazines, and it is far less toxic. Finally, an improved synthesis is proposed, which is compatible with existing industrial production facilities after minor changes. TMTZ is thus an attractive liquid propellant candidate, with a performance comparable to hydrazines but a lower vapor pressure and toxicity.