bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of endovascular revascularisation in patients with acute obstructive mesenteric ischaemia - a single-centre experience
Authors: Puippe Gilbert Dominique , Suesstrunk Julian , Nocito Antonio , Pfiffner Roger , Glenck Michael , Pfammatter Thomas
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Summary: Background: Acute embolic or thrombotic mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a rare but life-threatening clinical condition. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the mortality rate remains high, between 60 % and 90 %. Over the last years revascularisation was increasingly performed by endovascular techniques. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical outcome of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in patients with AMI with regard to technical success, intervention-related complication rate, need for secondary abdominal surgery, clinical course and 30-day mortality rate. Patients and methods: Thirteen patients (4 men, 9 women; mean age 74.5 ± 17 years) with 12 embolic and one thrombotic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) underwent emergent endovascular revascularisation of SMA. Clinical data including all imaging reports, laboratory analysis and follow-up data were derived from the electronic patient file and images were reviewed on a Picture Archiving and Communication System. Results: Eleven patients (n = 11; 84.6 %) underwent CDT and AT, and two patients (n = 2; 15.4 %) had AT alone. Technical success with complete restoration of SMA perfusion was achieved in 38.5 % (n = 5). Adjunctive angioplasty ± stenting was mandatory in 2 patients. Overall, the intervention-related complication rate was 38.5 %. In total, 46.2 % (n = 6) clinically improved following the intervention, while 38.5 % required explorative laparotomy after the intervention, with 2 colectomies and 2 small bowel resections. Overall, the 30-day mortality rate was 30.8 %. Conclusions: Endovascular revascularisation with CDT in combination with AT is feasible, with a technical success rate of 38.5 % (n = 5). Endovascular revascularisation was beneficial for 46.2 % (n = 6) of the patients, who clinically improved following the intervention. The need for secondary explorative laparotomy was rather low, with 38.5 % (n = 5) of the patients. The 30-day-mortality remains high with 30.8 %.
A prospective multicentre study on the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and claudication symptoms in patients with peripheral artery disease (the IDOMENEO study)
Authors: Cimminiello Claudio , Arpaia Guido , Polo Friz Hernan , Boracchi Patrizia , Marano Giuseppe , Spezzigu Gabriella , Visonà Adriana
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Background: The objective of this prospective multicentre cohort study was to characterise the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and intermittent claudication (IC) symptoms in clinical practice patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), and to determine the care gap with international guidelines and evidence-based therapy. Patients and methods: From 2011 through 2013, participating centres enrolled consecutive patients with PAD of atherosclerotic origin demonstrated by ultrasound, ankle brachial index (ABI) 0.9 and symptoms of IC. A seven item grid was built for the assessment of care gap (percentage of patients eligible for a treatment who did not receive it). Results: All patients (232) presented at least one CVC risk factor, 90.2% at least two, and 91.5% had either established CAD or cerebrovascular disease or at least two CVD risk factors. Care gap was lower than 25% for any method to stop smoking, lipid lowering agents, antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy and any kind of exercise program; between 25% and 50% for ACE-inhibitors/angiotensin II antagonist therapy; between 50% and 75% for beta-blocker therapy; and higher than 75% for supervised exercise program and use of cilostazol. Patients with and without CAD/cerebrovascular disease were differently treated with clopidogrel (27.3% and 4.8%, p≤0.001), any antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy (98.7% and 83.3%, p≤0.001) and beta-blockers (46.8% and 16.0%, p≤0.001). Conclusions: Many gaps with evidence-based recommendations are still present in the pattern of the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for CVD risk factors and IC symptoms in clinical practice PAD patients.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: transmission, virology and therapeutic targeting to aid in outbreak control
Authors: Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Batool Maria , Shah Masaud , Choi Sangdun
Published: August 2015

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes high fever, cough, acute respiratory tract infection and multiorgan dysfunction that may eventually lead to the death of the infected individuals. MERS-CoV is thought to be transmitted to humans through dromedary camels. The occurrence of the virus was first reported in the Middle East and it subsequently spread to several parts of the world. Since 2012, about 1368 infections, including ~487 deaths, have been reported worldwide. Notably, the recent human-to-human ‘superspreading’ of MERS-CoV in hospitals in South Korea has raised a major global health concern. The fatality rate in MERS-CoV infection is four times higher compared with that of the closely related severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection. Currently, no drug has been clinically approved to control MERS-CoV infection. In this study, we highlight the potential drug targets that can be used to develop anti-MERS-CoV therapeutics.
Cluster size distribution of cancer cells in blood using stopped-flow centrifugation along scale-matched gaps of a radially inclined rail
Authors: Glynn Macdara , Nwankire Charles , Lemass Kate , Kinahan David J. , Ducrée Jens
Published: August 2015

There is increasing evidence that, in addition to their presence, the propensity of circulating tumour cells to form multi-cellular clusters bears significant information about both cellular resistance to chemotherapy and overall prognosis. We present a novel two-stage, stopped-flow, continuous centrifugal sedimentation strategy to measure the size distributions of events (defined here as cells or clusters thereof) in a blood sample. After off-chip removal of red blood cells, healthy white blood cells are sequestered by negative-immunocapture. The purified events are then resolved along a radially inclined rail featuring a series of gaps with increasing width, each connected to a designated outer collection bin. The isolation of candidate events independent of target-specific epitopes is successfully demonstrated for HL60 (EpCAM positive) and sk-mel28 (EpCAM negative) cells using identical protocols and reagents. The propensity to form clusters was quantified for a number of cell lines, showing a negligible, moderate or elevated tendency towards cluster formation. We show that the occupancy distribution of the collection bins closely correlates with the range of cluster sizes intrinsic to the specific cell line.
A novel thiol-reductase activity of Arabidopsis YUC6 confers drought tolerance independently of auxin biosynthesis
Authors: Cha Joon-Yung , Kim Woe-Yeon , Kang Sun Bin , Kim Jeong Im , Baek Dongwon , Jung In Jung , Kim Mi Ri , Li Ning , Kim Hyun-Jin , Nakajima Masatoshi , Asami Tadao , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Park Hyeong Cheol , Lee Sang Yeol , Bohnert Hans J. , Bressan Ray A. , Pardo Jose M. , Yun Dae-Jin
Published: August 2015

YUCCA (YUC) proteins constitute a family of flavin monooxygenases (FMOs), with an important role in auxin (IAA) biosynthesis. Here we report that Arabidopsis plants overexpressing YUC6 display enhanced IAA-related phenotypes and exhibit improved drought stress tolerance, low rate of water loss and controlled ROS accumulation under drought and oxidative stresses. Co-overexpression of an IAA-conjugating enzyme reduces IAA levels but drought stress tolerance is unaffected, indicating that the stress-related phenotype is not based on IAA overproduction. YUC6 contains a previously unrecognized FAD- and NADPH-dependent thiol-reductase activity (TR) that overlaps with the FMO domain involved in IAA biosynthesis. Mutation of a conserved cysteine residue (Cys-85) preserves FMO but suppresses TR activity and stress tolerance, whereas mutating the FAD- and NADPH-binding sites, that are common to TR and FMO domains, abolishes all outputs. We provide a paradigm for a single protein playing a dual role, regulating plant development and conveying stress defence responses.
Cationic mononuclear ruthenium carboxylates as catalyst prototypes for self-induced hydrogenation of carboxylic acids
Authors: Naruto Masayuki , Saito Susumu
Published: August 2015

Carboxylic acids are ubiquitous in bio-renewable and petrochemical sources of carbon. Hydrogenation of carboxylic acids to yield alcohols produces water as the only byproduct, and thus represents a possible next generation, sustainable method for the production of these alternative energy carriers/platform chemicals on a large scale. Reported herein are molecular insights into cationic mononuclear ruthenium carboxylates ([Ru(OCOR)]+) as prototypical catalysts for the hydrogenation of carboxylic acids. The substrate-derived coordinated carboxylate was found to function initially as a proton acceptor for the heterolytic cleavage of dihydrogen, and subsequently also as an acceptor for the hydride from [Ru–H]+, which was generated in the first step (self-induced catalysis). The hydrogenation proceeded selectively and at high levels of functional group tolerance, a feature that is challenging to achieve with existing heterogeneous/homogeneous catalyst systems. These fundamental insights are expected to significantly benefit the future development of metal carboxylate-catalysed hydrogenation processes of bio-renewable resources.
Morphological defects in native Japanese fir trees around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Watanabe Yoshito , Ichikawa San’ei , Kubota Masahide , Hoshino Junko , Kubota Yoshihisa , Maruyama Kouichi , Fuma Shoichi , Kawaguchi Isao , Yoschenko Vasyl I. , Yoshida Satoshi
Published: August 2015

After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) in March 2011, much attention has been paid to the biological consequences of the released radionuclides into the surrounding area. We investigated the morphological changes in Japanese fir, a Japanese endemic native conifer, at locations near the F1NPP. Japanese fir populations near the F1NPP showed a significantly increased number of morphological defects, involving deletions of leader shoots of the main axis, compared to a control population far from the F1NPP. The frequency of the defects corresponded to the radioactive contamination levels of the observation sites. A significant increase in deletions of the leader shoots became apparent in those that elongated after the spring of 2012, a year after the accident. These results suggest possibility that the contamination by radionuclides contributed to the morphological defects in Japanese fir trees in the area near the F1NPP.
A Novel Designed Bioreactor for Recovering Precious Metals from Waste Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Jujun Ruan , Jie Zheng , Jian Hu , Zhang Jianwen
Published: August 2015

For recovering precious metals from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), a novel hybrid technology including physical and biological methods was developed. It consisted of crushing, corona-electrostatic separation and bioleaching. Bioleaching process is the focus of this paper. A novel bioreactor for bioleaching was designed. Bioleaching was carried out using Pseudomonas chlororaphis. Bioleaching experiments using mixed particles of Au and Cu were performed and leachate contained 0.006 mg/L, 2823 mg/L Au+ and Cu2+ respectively. It showed when Cu existed, the concentrations of Au were extremely small. This provided the feasibility to separate Cu from Au. The method of orthogonal experimental design was employed in the simulation bioleaching experiments. Experimental results showed the optimized parameters for separating Cu from Au particles were pH 7.0, temperature 22.5 °C and rotation speed 80 r/min. Based on the optimized parameters obtained, the bioreactor was operated for recovering mixed Au and Cu particles. 88.1 wt.% of Cu and 76.6 wt.% of Au were recovered. The paper contributed important information to recover precious metals from waste PCBs.
GADD34-deficient mice develop obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic carcinoma and insulin resistance
Authors: Nishio Naomi , Isobe Ken-ichi
Published: August 2015

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in parallel with the prevalence of obesity. DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34/Ppp1r15a), originally isolated from UV-inducible transcripts in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, dephosphorylates several kinases that function in important signaling cascades, including dephosphorylation of eIF2α. We examined the effects of GADD34 on natural life span by using GADD34-deficient mice. Here we observed for the first time that with age GADD34-deficient mice become obese, developing fatty liver followed by liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and insulin resistance. We found that myofibroblasts and immune cells infiltrated the portal veins of aged GADD34-deficient mouse livers. A high-fat diet (HFD) induced a higher level of steatosis in young GADD34-deficient mice compared with WT mice. Differentiation into fat is dependent on insulin signaling. Insulin signaling in young GADD34-deficient mice was higher than that in WT mice, which explained the higher fat differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) observed in GADD34-deficient mice. Through aging or a HFD, insulin signaling in GADD34-deficient liver converted to be down regulated compared with WT mice. We found that a HFD or palmitate treatment converted insulin signaling by up-regulating TNF-α and JNK.
Experimental observation of the elusive double-peak structure in R-dependent strong-field ionization rate of H2+
Authors: Xu Han , He Feng , Kielpinski D. , Sang R.T. , Litvinyuk I.V.
Published: August 2015

When a diatomic molecule is ionized by an intense laser field, the ionization rate depends very strongly on the inter-nuclear separation. That dependence exhibits a pronounced maximum at the inter-nuclear separation known as the “critical distance”. This phenomenon was first demonstrated theoretically in H2+ and became known as “charge-resonance enhanced ionization” (CREI, in reference to a proposed physical mechanism) or simply “enhanced ionization”(EI). All theoretical models of this phenomenon predict a double-peak structure in the R-dependent ionization rate of H2+. However, such double-peak structure has never been observed experimentally. It was even suggested that it is impossible to observe due to fast motion of the nuclear wavepackets. Here we report a few-cycle pump-probe experiment which clearly resolves that elusive double-peak structure. In the experiment, an expanding H2+ ion produced by an intense pump pulse is probed by a much weaker probe pulse. The predicted double-peak structure is clearly seen in delay-dependent kinetic energy spectra of protons when pump and probe pulses are polarized parallel to each other. No structure is seen when the probe is polarized perpendicular to the pump.
Coumarin derivatives from Ainsliaea fragrans and their anticoagulant activity
Authors: Lei Liang , Xue Yong-bo , Liu Zhong , Peng Si-si , He Yan , Zhang Yang , Fang Rong , Wang Jian-ping , Luo Zeng-wei , Yao Guang-min , Zhang Jin-wen , Zhang Geng , Song Hong-ping , Zhang Yong-hui
Published: August 2015

Coumarin derivatives are an important class of C6–C3 plant metabolites that show a variety of bioactivities. Currently, most clinical anticoagulant agents are coumarins, such as warfarin, dicoumarol and acenocoumarol and patients taking these drugs must be monitored for adverse reactions. In a search for safe and effective anticoagulant compounds from Chinese herbal medicine, a screening procedure on the whole plant of Ainsliaea fragrans was performed. The phytochemical investigation of this plant afforded five new coumarin derivatives, including a pair of natural 4-hydroxycoumarin enantiomers (1), a pair of coumarin enantiomers with a rare polycyclic pyrano[3-2c] carbon skeleton (2) and a 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative (3), together with 5 known biogenetically related compounds (4–8). Enantioseparation of 1 and 2 produced optically pure compounds 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. The absolute configurations of the new compounds were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, we evaluated the anticoagulant activity of all isolates via activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time (PT) assays in vitro and in vivo. Of note, compound 3 displayed potent anticoagulant activity and no significant hepatic or renal toxicity, which could make it a promising agent for further preclinical evaluation for preventing abnormal blood clotting.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum alters gut luminal metabolism through modification of the gut microbial community
Authors: Sugahara Hirosuke , Odamaki Toshitaka , Fukuda Shinji , Kato Tamotsu , Xiao Jin-zhong , Abe Fumiaki , Kikuchi Jun , Ohno Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Probiotics are well known as health-promoting agents that modulate intestinal microbiota. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Using gnotobiotic mice harboring 15 strains of predominant human gut-derived microbiota (HGM), we investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 (BB536-HGM) supplementation on the gut luminal metabolism. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics showed significantly increased fecal levels of pimelate, a precursor of biotin and butyrate in the BB536-HGM group. In addition, the bioassay revealed significantly elevated fecal levels of biotin in the BB536-HGM group. Metatranscriptomic analysis of fecal microbiota followed by an in vitro bioassay indicated that the elevated biotin level was due to an alteration in metabolism related to biotin synthesis by Bacteroides caccae in this mouse model. Furthermore, the proportion of Eubacterium rectale, a butyrate producer, was significantly higher in the BB536-HGM group than in the group without B. longum BB536 supplementation. Our findings help to elucidate the molecular basis underlying the effect of B. longum BB536 on the gut luminal metabolism through its interactions with the microbial community.
1.0 T open-configuration magnetic resonance-guided microwave ablation of pig livers in real time
Authors: Dong Jun , Zhang Liang , Li Wang , Mao Siyue , Wang Yiqi , Wang Deling , Shen Lujun , Dong Annan , Wu Peihong
Published: August 2015

The current fastest frame rate of each single image slice in MR-guided ablation is 1.3 seconds, which means delayed imaging for human at an average reaction time: 0.33 seconds. The delayed imaging greatly limits the accuracy of puncture and ablation and results in puncture injury or incomplete ablation. To overcome delayed imaging and obtain real-time imaging, the study was performed using a 1.0-T whole-body open configuration MR scanner in the livers of 10 Wuzhishan pigs. A respiratory-triggered liver matrix array was explored to guide and monitor microwave ablation in real-time. We successfully performed the entire ablation procedure under MR real-time guidance at 0.202 s, the fastest frame rate for each single image slice. The puncture time ranged from 23 min to 3 min. For the pigs, the mean puncture time was shorted to 4.75 minutes and the mean ablation time was 11.25 minutes at power 70 W. The mean length and widths were 4.62 ± 0.24 cm and 2.64 ± 0.13 cm, respectively. No complications or ablation related deaths during or after ablation were observed. In the current study, MR is able to guide microwave ablation like ultrasound in real-time guidance showing great potential for the treatment of liver tumors.
Stability analysis of a model gene network links aging, stress resistance and negligible senescence
Authors: Kogan Valeria , Molodtsov Ivan , Menshikov Leonid I. , Reis Robert J. Shmookler , Fedichev Peter
Published: August 2015

Several animal species are considered to exhibit what is called negligible senescence, i.e. they do not show signs of functional decline or any increase of mortality with age. Recent studies in naked mole rat and long-lived sea urchins showed that these species do not alter their gene-expression profiles with age as much as other organisms do. This is consistent with exceptional endurance of naked mole rat tissues to various genotoxic stresses. We conjectured, therefore, that the lifelong transcriptional stability of an organism may be a key determinant of longevity. We analyzed the stability of a simple genetic-network model and found that under most common circumstances, such a gene network is inherently unstable. Over a time it undergoes an exponential accumulation of gene-regulation deviations leading to death. However, should the repair systems be sufficiently effective, the gene network can stabilize so that gene damage remains constrained along with mortality of the organism. We investigate the relationship between stress-resistance and aging and suggest that the unstable regime may provide a mathematical basis for the Gompertz “law” of aging in many species. At the same time, this model accounts for the apparently age-independent mortality observed in some exceptionally long-lived animals.
Pharmaceuticals in the Marine Environment
Authors: Gaw Sally , Thomas Kevin , Hutchinson Thomas H.
Published: August 2015

Pharmaceuticals have been reported to occur in coastal environments across the globe from Antarctica to the Arctic. Worldwide, the number of people living along the coast is rapidly increasing, resulting in increased discharges of wastewater, which is a major source of pharmaceuticals entering aquatic environments. At the same time there is an increasing demand for farmed seafood. It also is likely that the number of different pharmaceutical compounds and their concentrations in the marine environment is also increasing. There is a growing body of evidence that some pharmaceuticals are present in marine ecosystems at concentrations that are likely to have adverse effects on marine organisms. Of particular concern are the potential impacts on primary producers, such as algae, that may have follow-on effects on aquatic food webs, including the availability of seafood for human consumption. There is limited evidence for the accumulation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic food chains and a paucity of data for higher trophic-level organisms, including marine mammals. This chapter presents an overview of the occurrence, fate and sources of pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and veterinary medicines in the marine environment, and their potential impact on marine organisms and human health.
Ecotoxicology, Environmental Risk Assessment and Potential Impact on Human Health
Authors: Kostich Mitchell , Länge Reinhard
Published: August 2015

This chapter examines potential risks posed by active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) present in the aquatic environment to humans and aquatic life. We begin by describing the mechanisms by which pharmaceuticals enter the vertebrate body, produce effects and leave the body. Then we describe theoretical and practical issues limiting the certainty which can be expected from risk estimates. This is followed by a description of particular considerations applicable to evaluation of human risks, along with a summary of methods and conclusions from some important studies examining those risks. A similar discussion of theoretical issues and selected data relevant for estimating risks to aquatic life is then presented. We finish by discussing potential contributions of antibiotics present in the environment to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. We conclude that there are too few data to definitively address every concern, particularly risks to aquatic life and contributions to development of antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, available data suggest risks to humans are very low for all active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and risks to aquatic life are very low for most APIs. Although aquatic risks cannot be as confidently ruled out for a few APIs, potential risks are probably limited to particularly contaminated regions in close vicinity to concentrated pollution sources, such as wastewater treatment plant outfalls.
Impacts of Pharmaceuticals on Terrestrial Wildlife
Authors: Taggart Mark A. , Richards Ngaio , Kinney Chad A.
Published: August 2015

Essentially ubiquitous in our environment, residues of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals somewhat paradoxically represent an emerging and increasing risk to wild biota. Whilst in recent years a great deal of analytical effort has been expended to quantify the presence of many pharmaceutical contaminants, especially in freshwater systems, our real understanding of the risks posed to most clades of wildlife, aquatic and terrestrial alike, still lags behind. In particular, relevant field-based studies regarding possible chronic impacts in higher terrestrial wildlife (birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.) remain all too scarce. Yet, for example, over the past two decades Old World Gyps vultures on the Indian subcontinent have been virtually extirpated due to non-target exposure to a single synthetic pharmaceutical compound, diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Here, we highlight and discuss the myriad possible exposure routes to terrestrial wildlife, consider the analytical and monitoring approaches that are already in use or that could be used in future research, and reflect upon a selection of legislative approaches currently being applied to identified terrestrial impacts. Finally, with the ultimate aim of encouraging further applied ecotoxicology-based research in this emerging field, we highlight several priorities for future inquiry, with special emphasis on non-target effects in previously overlooked but potentially vulnerable or highly representative clades of wildlife exposed within environmentally relevant, real-world scenarios.
Gold nanosponges (AuNS): a versatile nanostructure for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection of small molecules and biomolecules
Authors: Wallace Gregory Q. , Zuin Mariachiara S. , Tabatabaei Mohammadali , Gobbo Pierangelo , Lagugné-Labarthet François , Workentin Mark S.
Published: August 2015

Prepared by simple pour and mix chemistry, gold nanosponges (AuNS) are versatile structures for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Visual detection of mercury(ii) based on recognition of the G-quadruplex conformational transition by a cyanine dye supramolecule
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Zhang Xiufeng , Sun Hongxia , Sun Xiaoran , Shi Yunhua , Xu Shujuan , Tang Yalin
Published: August 2015

Visual detection of mercury(ii) based on recognition of the G-quadruplex conformational transition by a cyanine dye supramolecule is reported.
MOF as a syringe pump for the controlled release of iodine catalyst in the synthesis of meso-thienyl dipyrromethanes
Authors: Rangaraj Prasath , Parshamoni Srinivasulu , Konar Sanjit
Published: August 2015

An iodine loaded NH2-MOF acts as a syringe pump for the slow release of iodine catalyst in the synthesis of thienyl dipyrromethanes.
Easy access to constrained peptidomimetics and 2,2-disubstituted azetidines by the unexpected reactivity profile of α-lithiated N-Boc-azetidines
Authors: Parisi Giovanna , Capitanelli Emanuela , Pierro Antonella , Romanazzi Giuseppe , Clarkson Guy J. , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: August 2015

The unprecedented reactivity profile of lithiatedN-Boc-2-arylazetidines gave access either to new azetidine-based peptidomimetics or to the regioselective functionalization of the azetidine ring.
Geminal bis(silane)-controlled regio- and stereoselective oxidative Heck reaction of enol ethers with terminal alkenes to give push–pull 1,3-dienes
Authors: Li Linjie , Chu Yang , Gao Lu , Song Zhenlei
Published: August 2015

A geminal bis(silane)-controlled regio- and stereoselective oxidative Heck reaction of enol ethers with terminal alkenes has been developed. The reaction proceeds with α,β-coupling regioselectivity to give push–pull Z,E-1,3-dienes in good yields.
Nanolayered tin phosphate: a remarkably selective Cs ion sieve for acidic waste solutions
Authors: Huang Wenyan , Komarneni Sridhar , Aref Amir Reza , Noh Young Dong , Ma Jianfeng , Chen Kunfeng , Xue Dongfeng , Jiang Bibiao
Published: August 2015

Nanolayered tin phosphate is highly selective for Cs ions from acidic waste solutions.
Correlation of the molecular structure of host materials with lifetime and efficiency of blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Ji Won , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: August 2015

High efficiency and stable blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes were developed using host materials derived from the bicarbazole backbone structure.
A bifurcated molecular pentad capable of sequential electronic energy transfer and intramolecular charge transfer
Authors: Harriman Anthony , Stachelek Patrycja , Sutter Alexandra , Ziessel Raymond
Published: August 2015

The title compound absorbs strongly over much of the solar range and undergoes a variety of photophysical events under illumination.
Fluorescence fluctuation of an antigen–antibody complex: circular dichroism, FCS and smFRET of enhanced GFP and its antibody
Authors: Bhunia Debmalya , Chowdhury Rajdeep , Bhattacharyya Kankan , Ghosh Surajit
Published: August 2015

The structure and dynamics of an antibody (anti-EGFP VHH), antigen (EGFP) and their complex are studied using circular dichroism, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and smFRET.
Aromatic hydroxylation using an oxo-bridged diiron(iii) complex: a bio-inspired functional model of toluene monooxygenases
Authors: Kejriwal Ambica , Bandyopadhyay Pinaki , Biswas Achintesh N.
Published: August 2015

Aromatic hydroxylation catalyzed by a nonheme diiron(iii) complex with hydrogen peroxide at room temperature is described.
Dodecyl ethyl dimethyl ammonium bromide capped WO3nanoparticles: efficient scaffolds for chemical sensing and environmental remediation
Authors: Shukla Sheifali , Chaudhary Savita , Umar Ahmad , Chaudhary Ganga Ram , Mehta S. K.
Published: August 2015

The current work revealed the comparative analysis of bare and surface functionalized tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles towards the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and chemical sensing application.
Highly efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to CO using a Ru(ii)–Re(i) supramolecular photocatalyst in an aqueous solution
Authors: Nakada Akinobu , Koike Kazuhide , Maeda Kazuhiko , Ishitani Osamu
Published: August 2015

Even in an aqueous solution, a Ru(ii)–Re(i) supramolecular photocatalyst worked well for CO2 reduction. A water-soluble reductant BI(CO2−)H should be useful for evaluation of the real abilities of various photocatalytic systems.
New insights into metal ion–crown ether complexes revealed by SEIRA spectroscopy
Authors: Inokuchi Yoshiya , Ebata Takayuki , Ikeda Toshiaki , Haino Takeharu , Kimura Tetsunari , Guo Hao , Furutani Yuji
Published: August 2015

We demonstrate the SEIRA spectroscopy of crown ether complexes for examining the relationship between the guest selectivity, structure, and solvent effect.
Ethanol-assisted gel chromatography for single-chirality separation of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Hu Jinwen , Zhang Xiao , Zhou Naigen , Zhou Weiya , Liu Huaping , Xie Sishen
Published: August 2015

Ethanol tunes the interaction of carbon nanotubes with gel for their high-efficiency single-chirality separation.
Enzyme-instructed self-assembly of taxol promotes axonal branching
Authors: Mei Bin , Miao Qingqing , Tang Anming , Liang Gaolin
Published: August 2015

ALP-instructed self-assembly of taxol promotes axonal branching.
Hierarchical FeTiO3–TiO2 hollow spheres for efficient simulated sunlight-driven water oxidation
Authors: Han Taoran , Chen Yajie , Tian Guohui , Wang Jian-Qiang , Ren Zhiyu , Zhou Wei , Fu Honggang
Published: August 2015

Effective water oxidation catalyst of hierarchical FeTiO3–TiO2 hollow spheres are prepared via two-step sequential solvothermal processes and followed by thermal treatment.
New biomaterials from renewable resources – amphiphilic block copolymers from δ-decalactone
Authors: Bansal Kuldeep K. , Kakde Deepak , Purdie Laura , Irvine Derek J. , Howdle Steven M. , Mantovani Giuseppe , Alexander Cameron
Published: August 2015

Polymers for drug delivery applications have been synthesised via environmentally benign routes and with sustainable feedstocks.
Catalyst-free cross-coupling of N-tosylhydrazones with chromium(0) Fischer carbene complexes: a new approach to diarylethanone
Authors: Hu Fangdong , Yang Jinghui , Xia Ying , Ma Chen , Xia Haiping , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: August 2015

Chromium Fischer carbene complexes react with thein situgenerated diazo compounds to afford methyl enolate products which are hydrolyzed to give diarylethanones.
Characterization and bioaccessibility of β-carotene in re-assembled casein
Authors: Zhang Yixin , He Shenghua , Ma Ying , Xu Weiyi , Tang Haishan
Published: August 2015

β-CE in re-assembled casein can significantly improve its water-solubility.
Hierarchically mesoporous/macroporous structured TiO2 for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Qi Dianyu , Wang Lingzhi , Zhang Jinlong
Published: August 2015

In this study, hierarchical TiO2 with macro- and mesostructure is prepared and applied in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSCs).
Light induced micelle to vesicle transition in an aqueous solution of a surface active ionic liquid
Authors: Shi Shaoxiong , Yin Tianxiang , Tao Xiaoyi , Shen Weiguo
Published: August 2015

A new simple surface active ionic liquid displayed reversible micelle–vesicle transition under alternative UV/vis irradiation without additives.
Characterization and properties of organo-montmorillonite modified lignocellulosic fibers and their interaction mechanisms
Authors: Liu Ru , Chen Yu , Cao Jinzhen
Published: August 2015

In this study, cellulose fiber/flour (CF) and lignin flour (LF) separated from poplar wood flour (WF) as well as xylan as a representative of hemicellulose flour (HF), were modified with organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) through a two-step method.
Effect of temperature on the thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of Np(v) complexes with picolinate
Authors: Zhang Zhicheng , Yang Yanqiu , Liu Guokui , Luo Shunzhong , Rao Linfeng
Published: August 2015

The effect of temperature on the thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of Np(v) complexes with picolinate was investigated.
Effect of graphene on the thermophysical properties of melamine-urea-formaldehyde/N-hexadecane microcapsules
Authors: Wu Bingyang , Zheng Guo , Chen Xu
Published: August 2015

Graphene enhanced the heat transfer performance and reduced the degree of supercooling of microPCMs, and the crystal type of microPCMs was changed.
Using water to modify the localization of clay in immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Du Fang , Yousfi Mohamed , Lipnik Pascale , Sclavons Michel , Soulestin Jérémie
Published: August 2015

The injection of water during melt blending modified the localization of clay in immiscible polymer blends from one phase to the other and improved their dispersion state.
Computational modelling of the enantioselectivity in the asymmetric 1,4-addition of phenylboronic acid to a bulky, doubly pro-chiral maleimide catalyzed by a Rh/chiral diene complex
Authors: Qin Hua-Li , Shang Zhen-Peng , Zhu Kaicheng , Li You-Gui , Kantchev Eric Assen B.
Published: August 2015

Computational chemistry is a powerful tool for understanding chemical reactions used for the synthesis of chiral compounds.
Investigation of the growth temperature on indium diffusion in InGaAs/GaAsP multiple quantum wells and photoelectric properties
Authors: Dong Hailiang , Sun Jing , Ma Shufang , Liang Jian , Xu Bingshe
Published: August 2015

InGaAs/GaAsP MQWs grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition at different growth temperatures generated an indium diffusion zone (InGaAsP) between InGaAs and GaAsP.
Polymer co-processing of ibuprofen through compaction for improved oral absorption
Authors: Pattnaik Satyanarayan , Swain Kalpana , Rao Jupally Venkateshwar , Talla Varun , Prusty K. Baikuntha , Subudhi Sanjeev Kumar
Published: August 2015

Improving oral absorption remains a major challenge for the biopharmaceutical industries aiming at introducing newer drugs or prolonging product life cycle.
New structures, chemotaxonomic significance and COX-2 inhibitory activities of cassane-type diterpenoids from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax
Authors: Zhang Jian-Long , Chen Zhi-Hua , Xu Jun , Li Juan , Tan Ya-Fang , Zhou Ju-Hua , Ye Wen-Cai , Tian Hai-Yan , Jiang Ren-Wang
Published: August 2015

Eleven new cassane-type diterpenoids, and twelve known compounds were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia minax Hance. Some of them displayed potent inhibitory activity against COX-2 through hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions.
Synthesis and electrochemical performance of Ni and F doped LiMn2O4 cathode materials
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zhang Xiusheng , Xu Yunlong , Liu Dong , Dong Hui , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2015

A series of Ni and F ion doped LiMn2O4 composite cathode materials are synthesized via a sol–gel method. LiNi0.03Mn1.97O3.95F0.05 exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance.
In situ preparation of cobalt doped ZnO@C/CNT composites by the pyrolysis of a cobalt doped MOF for high performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yue Hongyun , Shi Zhenpu , Wang Qiuxian , du Ting , Ding Yanmin , Zhang Jun , Huo Ningning , Yang Shuting
Published: August 2015

A cobalt doped MOF acted as a catalyst and carbon source for a CNTs containing anode material with better performance.
Mode of action of recombinant hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Patta Paulo C. , Martinelli Leonardo K. B. , Rotta Mariane , Abbadi Bruno L. , Santos Diogenes S. , Basso Luiz A.
Published: August 2015

HomodimericMycobacterium tuberculosisHGPRT follows a sequential compulsory ordered enzyme mechanism.
Co3O4@Highly ordered macroporous carbon derived from a mollusc shell for supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yahui , Yu Wei , Hou Li , He Guanhong , Zhu Zhihong
Published: August 2015

Co3O4 cubes grown on highly ordered macroporous carbon are demonstrated for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes.
Organic memory effect from donor–acceptor polymers based on 7-perfluorophenyl-6H-[1,2,5]thiadiazole[3,4-g]benzoimidazole
Authors: Hu Benlin , Wang Chengyuan , Zhang Jing , Qian Kai , Lee Pooi See , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2015

A novel D–A polymer is designed for resistance memory devices with a large off ratio, good endurance, and long retention time.
Tailoring the hard domain cohesiveness in polyurethanes by interplay between the functionality and the content of chain extender
Authors: Ionita Daniela , Gaina Constantin , Cristea Mariana , Banabic Dorel
Published: August 2015

Thermo-mechanical behavior of polyurethanes with diol/triol chain extension is reflected in a particular behavior in the glass transition and rubbery region and is ruled by the functionality and content of the chain extender.
Pt/Ni(OH)2–NiOOH/Pd multi-walled hollow nanorod arrays as superior electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation
Authors: Xu Han , Ding Liang-Xin , Feng Jin-Xian , Li Gao-Ren
Published: August 2015

In this work, novel Pt/Ni(OH)2–NiOOH/Pd multi-walled hollow nanorod arrays are successfully synthesized.
Electropolymerized polyaniline/manganese iron oxide hybrids with an enhanced color switching response and electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Wang Yiran , Wei Huige , Wang Jinmin , Liu Jiurong , Guo Jiang , Zhang Xin , Weeks Brandon L. , Shen T. D. , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu
Published: August 2015

The PANI/MnFe2O4 nanocomposite film exhibits enhanced coloration efficiency and capacitance compared to the pristine PANI film.
Facile synthesis of high performance hard carbon anode materials for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Sun Ning , Liu Huan , Xu Bin
Published: August 2015

Hard carbon materials with high reversible sodium storage capacities up to 430.5 mA h g−1and superior cycling stability were simply synthesized by one-step pyrolysis of shaddock peel for sodium-ion batteries.
Surface modification of carbon and metal electrodes with bistable molecular redox switches by click and amide coupling
Authors: Jane R. T. , Gaudemer E. , Lomoth R.
Published: August 2015

A two-step modification via click or amide coupling to diazonium grafted tethers provides optimized performance and addressability of redox-actuated molecular switches.
Multi‐criteria optimisation approach to increase the delivered power in radial distribution networks
Authors: Canizes Bruno , Soares João , Vale Zita , Lobo Cristina
Published: August 2015

This study proposes a new methodology to increase the power delivered to any load point in a radial distribution network, through the identification of new investments in order to improve the repair time. This research work is innovative and consists in proposing a full optimisation model based on mixed‐integer non‐linear programming considering the Pareto front technique. The goal is to achieve a reduction in repair times of the distribution networks components, while minimising the costs of that reduction as well as non‐supplied energy costs. The optimisation model considers the distribution network technical constraints, the substation transformer taps, and it is able to choose the capacitor banks size. A case study based on a 33‐bus distribution network is presented in order to illustrate in detail the application of the proposed methodology.
Wideband antipodal Vivaldi antenna with enhanced radiation parameters
Authors: Dastranj Aliakbar
Published: August 2015

A modified broadband antipodal Vivaldi antenna for the operating frequency range of 6–18 GHz is presented. In order to eliminate diffraction from sharp ends, the corners of the patches are rounded. As a result, both the gain and directivity are improved. Moreover, one major addition that is done to the antenna is the background plane. The purpose of the backplane, which is made of metal, is to reflect any radiation going in a direction opposite to that of the required. This would then effectively increase the forward radiation, thus contributing to the gain of the antenna structure. In addition to be small in size, the designed antenna exhibits stable radiation patterns over the entire operating bandwidth, relatively high gain of 7–8.4 dB, and low cross‐polarisation. A prototype of the modified antenna is fabricated and verified experimentally. The measured results are in reasonable agreement with the simulation data. Based on the obtained results, the designed antenna can be useful for broadband applications.
Investigating receptor enzyme activity using time‐scale analysis
Authors: You Tao , Yue Hong
Published: August 2015

At early drug discovery, purified protein‐based assays are often used to characterise compound potency. In the context of dose response, it is often perceived that a time‐independent inhibitor is reversible and a time‐dependent inhibitor is irreversible. The legitimacy of this argument is investigated using a simple kinetics model, where it is revealed by model‐based analytical analysis and numerical studies that dose response of an irreversible inhibitor may appear time‐independent under certain parametric conditions. Hence, the observation of time‐independence cannot be used as sole evidence for identification of inhibitor reversibility. It has also been discussed how the synthesis and degradation of a target receptor affect drug inhibition in an in vitro cell‐based assay setting. These processes may also influence dose response of an irreversible inhibitor in such a way that it appears time‐independent under certain conditions. Furthermore, model‐based steady‐state analysis reveals the complexity nature of the drug–receptor process.
Analysis of the ground vibration induced by high dam flood discharge using the cross wavelet transform method
Authors: Lian Jijian , Zhang Yan , Liu Fang , Zhao Qiuhong
Published: August 2015

As flood is discharged in the high dam, vibrations are generated and transmitted to the surrounding ground, causing vibrations in adjacent structures. The vibration can sometimes reach such a high level that can be harmful to the neighboring residents and buildings, which is an undesirable phenomenon and should be prevented. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify the vibration sources, analyze the law of vibration propagation, and establish the relationship between the vibration sources and ground vibration using the Time-Wavelet Power Spectrum and the Cross Wavelet Transform techniques. The results reveal that the flow fluctuating loads generated by different discharge structures are the main cause of the ground vibration. The contribution from each vibration source as well as its attenuation during propagation is different, based on the ways of flood discharge and composition of the grounds. The results lay a good foundation for controlling the ground vibration induced by flood discharge of high dams in the future.
Simulation and quasilinear theory of aperiodic ordinary mode instability
Authors: Seough Jungjoon , Yoon Peter H. , Hwang Junga , Nariyuki Yasuhiro
Published: August 2015

The purely growing ordinary (O) mode instability driven by excessive parallel temperature anisotropy for high-beta plasmas was first discovered in the 1970s. This instability receives renewed attention because it may be applicable to the solar wind plasma. The electrons in the solar wind feature temperature anisotropies whose upper values are apparently limited by plasma instabilities. The O-mode instability may be important in this regard. Previous studies of O mode instability have been based on linear theory, but the actual solar wind electrons may be in saturated state. The present paper investigates the nonlinear saturation behavior of the O mode instability by means of one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation and quasilinear theory. It is shown that the quasilinear method accurately reproduces the simulation results.
Improvements in the modeling of wind turbines in power system studies
Authors: Nimmagadda Sandeep , Islam Atiqul , Bayne Stephen B. , Sanchez Javier , Garcia Caballero Lourdes
Published: August 2015

Several methods to improve the current wind turbine modeling techniques for power system studies are discussed in this paper. Some of the modeling improvements which are discussed are dynamic initialization of models, differences between wind turbine models developed in electromagnetic transient program and bulk power system simulation software, and techniques to avoid numerical instability with minimum errors. Algorithms to provide automatic initial conditions of all variables for any given load flow condition, wind speeds, and wind farm control strategies are developed in this paper. This approach is an improvement to the traditional method of providing constant initial values for given operating conditions. Several physical components such as harmonic filters, cable impedances, and complex control algorithms are either simplified or excluded in the power system models. The fault response of the power system model under extreme conditions leads to a numerically unstable condition. The instability might be a result of simplification discussed above and does not occur in the real turbine. Additional modeling techniques that can be used to achieve numerical stability, dynamic and fault response close to the actual wind turbine are discussed. These techniques are used to compensate for the simplifications made in power system models. Finally, the issue of nuisance tripping faced very frequently by the Independent System Operators, while working on the studies involving wind power plants, is addressed. Various methods to reduce the deviations and prevent nuisance tripping are implemented in the paper.