bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Predictors of NTM Pulmonary Infection in Taiwan - a Retrospective, Five-Year Multicenter Study
Authors: Huang Hung-Ling , Cheng Meng-Hsuan , Lu Po-Liang , Shu Chin-Chung , Wang Jann-Yuan , Wang Jann-Tay , Chong Inn-Wen , Lee Li-Na
Published: November 2017

Multicenter, longitudinal studies on nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infection (PI) are lacking. This study provides a 5-year epidemiological overview of NTM-PI in Taiwan and investigated its predictors. The clinical relevance of each respiratory NTM isolate in six hospitals between 2008 and 2014 was determined according to current guidelines. Recurrent episodes were judged by serial bacteriological results. New episodes of NTM-PI and pulmonary colonization (PC) occurring since 2010 were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of NTM-PI. Between 2010 and 2014, the incidence rate of NTM-PI was 46.0 episodes per 100,000 hospital-based patient-years. Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAC) was predominant in Northern Taiwan, whereas MAC and M. abscessus were copredominant in Southern Taiwan. Multiple episodes occurred in 9.5% of NTM-PI patients. No female predominance was observed, except for MAC-PI. Previous pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the most common pulmonary comorbidities and independent risk factors for NTM-PI. Other risk factors included M. kansasii, M. abscessus, and southern Taiwan. Geographical variation of NTM-PI exists in Taiwan. Clinicians should keep a high suspicion on NTM-PI in the risk population. In endemic area of tuberculosis and COPD, there may be no female predominance in NTM-PI.
Avoidance of seismic survey activities by penguins
Authors: Pichegru Lorien , Nyengera Reason , McInnes Alistair M. , Pistorius Pierre
Published: November 2017

Seismic surveys in search for oil or gas under the seabed, produce the most intense man-made ocean noise with known impacts on invertebrates, fish and marine mammals. No evidence to date exists, however, about potential impacts on seabirds. Penguins may be expected to be particularly affected by loud underwater sounds, due to their largely aquatic existence. This study investigated the behavioural response of breeding endangered African Penguins Spheniscus demersus to seismic surveys within 100 km of their colony in South Africa, using a multi-year GPS tracking dataset. Penguins showed a strong avoidance of their preferred foraging areas during seismic activities, foraging significantly further from the survey vessel when in operation, while increasing their overall foraging effort. The birds reverted to normal behaviour when the operation ceased, although longer-term repercussions on hearing capacities cannot be precluded. The rapid industrialization of the oceans has increased levels of underwater anthropogenic noises globally, a growing concern for a wide range of taxa, now also including seabirds. African penguin numbers have decreased by 70% in the last 10 years, a strong motivation for precautionary management decisions, including the exclusion of seismic exploratory activities within at least 100 km of their breeding colonies.
Mechanistic insight to ROS and Apoptosis regulated cytotoxicity inferred by Green synthesized CuO nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea to Embryonic Zebrafish
Authors: Kumari Puja , Panda Pritam Kumar , Jha Ealisha , Kumari Khushboo , Nisha Kumari , Mallick M. Anwar , Verma Suresh K.
Published: November 2017

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, much has been anticipated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) due to their extensive industrial and commercial application. However, it has raised concern over the environmental safety and human health effects. In this study, CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using the green method with floral extract of Calotropis gigantea and characterized by standard physiochemical techniques like DLS, Zeta potential determination, UV- Visible Spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TEM. Mechanistic cytotoxicity studies were performed using experimental and computational assays including morphological analysis, hatching, and viability rate analysis along with ROS and apoptosis analysis. Physiochemical characterization of CuO NP determined the size and zeta potential of synthesized nanoparticles to be 30 ± 09 nm to 40 ± 2 nm and −38 mV ± 12 mV respectively. Cytotoxicity evaluation with Zebrafish revealed malfunctioned organ development with differential viability and hatching rate at 48 hpf and 72 hpf with LC50 of 175 ± 10 mg/l. Computational analysis depicted the influential role of CuO nanoparticles on zebrafish embryo’s he1a, sod1 and p53 functional expression through hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interaction with amino acid residues. Study demonstrated valuable information of cytotoxic impact which can be influential in further studies of their eco-toxicological effects.
Two-photon polymerization enabled multi-layer liquid crystal phase modulator
Authors: Lee Yun-Han , Franklin Daniel , Gou Fangwang , Liu Guigeng , Peng Fenglin , Chanda Debashis , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: November 2017

The performance of liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators depends critically on the amount of cumulative phase change. However, for regular phase modulators, a large phase change comes with a slow time response penalty. A multi-layer liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator offers a large phase change while keeping fast response time due to the decoupling between phase change and time response through engineered sub-micron scaffold. Here, we demonstrate specially designed 2- and 3-layer LC cells which can achieve 4 times and 7 times faster response time than that of conventional single-layer LC phase modulator of equivalent thickness, respectively. A versatile two-photon laser lithography is employed for LC cell scaffolding to accurately verify theoretical predictions with experimental measurements.
Depth accuracy of the RealSense F200: Low-cost 4D facial imaging
Authors: ten Harkel Timen C. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , van der Heijden Ferdinand , Beurskens Carien H. G. , Ingels Koen J. A. O. , Maal Thomas J. J.
Published: November 2017

The RealSense F200 represents a new generation of economically viable 4-dimensional imaging (4D) systems for home use. However, its 3D geometric (depth) accuracy has not been clinically tested. Therefore, this study determined the depth accuracy of the RealSense, in a cohort of patients with a unilateral facial palsy (n = 34), by using the clinically validated 3dMD system as a gold standard. The patients were simultaneously recorded with both systems, capturing six Sunnybrook poses. This study has shown that the RealSense depth accuracy was not affected by a facial palsy (1.48 ± 0.28 mm), compared to a healthy face (1.46 ± 0.26 mm). Furthermore, the Sunnybrook poses did not influence the RealSense depth accuracy (p = 0.76). However, the distance of the patients to the RealSense was shown to affect the accuracy of the system, where the highest depth accuracy of 1.07 mm was measured at a distance of 35 cm. Overall, this study has shown that the RealSense can provide reliable and accurate depth data when recording a range of facial movements. Therefore, when the portability, low-costs, and availability of the RealSense are taken into consideration, the camera is a viable option for 4D close range imaging in telehealth.
Health state dependent multiphoton induced autofluorescence in human 3D in vitro lung cancer model
Authors: Kilin Vasyl , Mas Christophe , Constant Samuel , Wolf Jean-Pierre , Bonacina Luigi
Published: November 2017

Lung diseases pose the highest risk of death and lung cancer is a top killer among cancers with a mortality rate up to 70% within 1 year after diagnosis. Such a fast escalation of this cancer development makes early diagnosis and treatment a highly challenging task, and currently there are no effective tools to diagnose the disease at an early stage. The ability to discriminate between healthy and tumorous tissue has made autofluorescence bronchoscopy a promising tool for detection of lung cancer; however, specificity of this method remains insufficiently low. Here, we perform autofluorescence imaging of human lung cancer invading a human functional airway using an in vitro model of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer which combines a reconstituted human airway epithelium, human lung fibroblasts and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, OncoCilAir™. By using two-photon laser induced autofluorescence microscopy combined with spectrally resolved imaging, we found that OncoCilAir™ provides tissue’s health dependent autofluorescence similar as observed in lung tissue in patients. Moreover, we found spectral and intensity heterogeneity of autofluorescence at the edges of tumors. This metabolic related heterogeneity demonstrates ability of tumor to influence its microenvironment. Together, our result shows that OncoCilAir™ is a promising model for lung cancer research.
Evidence for PII with NAGK interaction that regulates Arg synthesis in the microalga Myrmecia incisa in response to nitrogen starvation
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Wei , Sun Li-Ping , Zhou Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2017

To understand why most eukaryotic microalgae accumulate lipids during nitrogen starvation stress, a gene, MiglnB, encoding PII, a signal transduction protein, was cloned from the arachidonic acid-rich microalga Myrmecia incisa Reisigl. Similarly to its homologues, MiPII contains three conserved T-, B-, and C-loops. In the presence of abundant Mg2+, ATP, and Gln, MiPII upregulates Arg biosynthesis by interacting with the rate-limiting enzyme, MiNAGK, as evidenced by yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation assays, and kinetics analysis of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. However, this interaction of MiPII with MiNAGK is reversed by addition of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG). Moreover, this interaction is present in the chloroplasts of M. incisa, as illustrated cytologically by both immunoelectron microscopy and agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to determine the subcellular localization of MiPII with MiNAGK. During the process of nitrogen starvation, soluble Arg levels in M. incisa are modulated by a change in MiNAGK enzymatic activity, both of which are significantly correlated (r = 0.854). A model for the manipulation of Arg biosynthesis via MiPII in M. incisa chloroplasts in response to nitrogen starvation is proposed. The ATP and 2-OG saved from Arg biosynthesis is thus suggested to facilitate the accumulation of fatty acids and triacylglycerol in M. incisa during exposure to nitrogen starvation.
Cryogenic 3D Printing of Super Soft Hydrogels
Authors: Tan Zhengchu , Parisi Cristian , Di Silvio Lucy , Dini Daniele , Forte Antonio Elia
Published: November 2017

Conventional 3D bioprinting allows fabrication of 3D scaffolds for biomedical applications. In this contribution we present a cryogenic 3D printing method able to produce stable 3D structures by utilising the liquid to solid phase change of a composite hydrogel (CH) ink. This is achieved by rapidly cooling the ink solution below its freezing point using solid carbon dioxide (CO2) in an isopropanol bath. The setup was able to successfully create 3D complex geometrical structures, with an average compressive stiffness of O(1) kPa (0.49 ± 0.04 kPa stress at 30% compressive strain) and therefore mimics the mechanical properties of the softest tissues found in the human body (e.g. brain and lung). The method was further validated by showing that the 3D printed material was well matched to the cast-moulded equivalent in terms of mechanical properties and microstructure. A preliminary biological evaluation on the 3D printed material, coated with collagen type I, poly-L-lysine and gelatine, was performed by seeding human dermal fibroblasts. Cells showed good attachment and viability on the collagen-coated 3D printed CH. This greatly widens the range of applications for the cryogenically 3D printed CH structures, from soft tissue phantoms for surgical training and simulations to mechanobiology and tissue engineering.
Interocular Symmetry of Vascular Density and Association with Central Macular Thickness of Healthy Adults by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Liu Guodong , Keyal Khusbu , Wang Fang
Published: November 2017

In order to analyze the interocular correlation of vascular density, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size, central macular thickness (CMT), and to investigate the relationship between vascular density and CMT in normal eyes, retinal vascular density in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC) networks, FAZ size, and CMT were visualized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. A total of 174 eyes of 87 normal Chinese subjects were enrolled in the study. The results showed that FAZ and CMT measurements are not statistically significant between right and left eyes, but right eyes had higher vascular density in superficial, deep retinal capillary and choriocapillaris networks, which might be related with dominant eyes. Spearman correlation test revealed a high correlation between right and left eyes for FAZ and CMT measurements (r = 0.934; r = 0.935), and a moderate correlation for SCP, DCP and CC density (r = 0.402; r = 0.666; r = 0.417). The analysis showed greater vascular density with smaller FAZ size, and a high negative relationship between FAZ and CMT, which indicates a positive correlation between retinal blood supply and retinal thickness.
Journey of Hydrogels to Nanogels: A Decade After
Authors: Vashist Arti , Kaushik Ajeet , Ghosal Anujit , Nikkhah-Moshaie Roozbeh , Vashist Atul , Dev Jayant Rahul , Nair Madhavan
Published: November 2017

Since the early invention of hydrogels by the pioneers Wichterle and Lim in 1960, there has been a revolutionary progress in the development of hydrogel-based products on the market. Due to their ability to be tuned to desired properties, nanogels have become the choice of material for diverse biomedical applications and targeted drug delivery. It is evident that nanogels are the leading candidates, holding great potential owing to their unique nano structure, compositions and their three-dimensional framework, for applications like tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, biosensors, imaging, gene delivery as well as stimulus-responsive bioactive carriers. This chapter describes the journey of hydrogels and related advancements towards nanogels along with advantages and progress.
Design and Engineering of Nanogels
Authors: Ghosal Anujit , Tiwari Shivani , Mishra Abhijeet , Vashist Arti , Rawat Neha Kanwar , Ahmad Sharif , Bhattacharya Jaydeep
Published: November 2017

Hydrogels in the nano regime are termed as nanogels (NGs). The formulation in the nano range renders the synthesis process easy as well as scalable with better control over designing/cross-linking between the NGs. Nanogels have shown controllable swelling, viscoelasticity, and high biocompatibility leading to their use in targeted and stimuli-responsive drug delivery purposes. The designing and engineering of materials plays a pivotal role in accounting for the improvement in the basic properties of the materials and hence, is very important for material scientists. The study of the design and functional characteristics of NGs is the only way to understand their chemical and biological responses in biological models and in turn helps to generate a rationale for development of smart NGs and therapeutic inventions.
Medical Applications of Nanogels
Authors: Sharmin Eram
Published: November 2017

The huge diversity and applications of various forms of hydrogels in medicine in last few decades have come up with one of the innovating forms of hydrogels i.e., “Nanogels” (NGs). NGs are the three-dimensional hydrogel materials, with sizes in the nanoscale range. They are composed of synthetic or natural polymers or a combination of both. By varying their chemical composition, their characteristic properties such as their size, charge, porosity, and others, they can be tuned or tailor-made. Along with their unique physical properties, they exhibit good swelling behaviour, stimuli-responsiveness, and biocompatibility, and encapsulation of guest molecules, protecting their cargo from degradation and delivering it at targeted sites. These nanoforms of hydrogels are being extensively explored by researchers for various medical applications today, some of which are discussed in the present chapter.
Nanogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Thompson Jefferson , Dua Rupak
Published: November 2017

The growing field of nanogel research has provided many novel insights into tissue engineering applications. Their excellent biocompatibility and porous structure with tunable pore size, dimensions and porosity have made them versatile not only as a drug delivery system but also in various tissue-engineering applications. Researchers have been able to design a variety of nanogel approaches for use in clinical applications. These approaches take advantage of the unique characteristics of nanogels that have led to their advancement in tissue engineering. This chapter aims to explore nanogels in various filed of tissue engineering particularly in musculoskeletal, vascular, pulmonary, and retina.
Nanogels for Gene Delivery
Authors: Dev Jayant Rahul , Joshi Abhijeet , Kaushik Ajeet , Tiwari Sneham , Chaudhari Rashmi , Srivastava Rohit , Nair Madhavan
Published: November 2017

Gene therapy encompasses the development of proficient and safe vectors, which remains the topmost challenge. Employment of viral vectors is efficient but it is accompanied with safety risks, which highlights the need for non-viral vectors. Currently, several studies are being done on the development of non-viral vectors, which could enhance delivery and uptake of foreign genetic material by target cells, and facilitate their transport to nucleus. Viral vectors are efficient candidates of gene therapy but are limited due to their toxicity, carcinogenesis, immunogenicity, and low target tissue penetration. In order to avoid the risk, the development of non-viral vectors is being explored for gene delivery applications. Among the potent non-viral vectors, hydrogels seem to be promising due to their adapting chemical and three-dimensional structures, mechanical properties, proficient water retaining capacity and biocompatibility. This chapter will highlight the recent developments and potential of nanogels as gene delivery carriers for genetic and clinical applications.
Nanogels as Targeted Drug Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Yadav Khushwant S. , Saxena Rajiv , Soni Govind
Published: November 2017

This chapter focuses on the recent advances in the research on nanogels as a carrier for targeted drug delivery. Nanogel structures enable easy attachment of vector groups for effective targeting to cells and desired targeted site. Recent years have witnessed an extraordinary expansion in drug delivery research in the area of targeted delivery. Nanogels as vehicles for targeting yield more effective therapies when most of the chemotherapeutics fail to show effect results clinically. Nanogels as drug delivery vehicles not only improve the therapeutic efficacy of the encapsulated drug but also reduce their side effects. Nanogels effectively communicate with several receptors for targeted drug delivery. These targeted therapies increase cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutics by avoiding healthy cells and destroying resistant cells. The chapter critically discusses targeting of nanogels to various receptors such as integrin αvβ3, EphA2, folate, Hyaluronan and monoclonal antibodies.
Nanogels: Stimuli-responsive Drug Delivery Carriers
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Vashist Atul , Mathur Apoorva , Chandra Sarangi Sudhir , Mohan Padhy Biswa , Kumar Gupta Yogendra
Published: November 2017

Nanogels are nano-sized networks which are composed of hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer chains. They can also be defined as the nanosized particles formed by cross-linked bifunctional networks of polyion and non-ionic polymers for delivery of polynucleotides. They are designed to spontaneously absorb biologically-active molecules through formation of hydrogen or hydrophobic interaction and are newly developed as carriers for drug delivery. These nano-sized particles swell when they come in contact with solvents, forming a cross-linked network. These have high drug-loading capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability as the main key points for an effective drug delivery system. Nanogels used as drug delivery carriers can be stimuli-responsive. The stimuli-responsive device transports a drug in spatial, temporal or dosage controlled fashions. The implementation of stimuli-responsive devices requires the use of biocompatible materials that are susceptible to a specific stimulus. A wide range of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, having different sizes, architectures and surface properties, have been designed and can be used for treatment of various chronic diseases by adjusting environmental factors (exogenous and endogenous) for targeted drug delivery. So, the aim of this review article is to describe the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery and briefly summarize their potential biomedical applications along with their implementation in recent clinical trials.
Injectable Nanogels in Drug Delivery
Authors: Ansuja Pulickal Mathew , Uthaman Saji , Cho Chong-Su , Park In-Kyu
Published: November 2017

Development of simple and fast acting pharmaceutics that can be administered orally or as injectable forms has been a major concern for the pharmaceutical industries, but during last decades, this trend has changed to the development of effective formulations for efficient drug delivery. Non-degradation of drug carriers and reduced therapeutic potency of the drug before it reaches specific targets in the body are major challenges in contemporary drug delivery systems. Rather than discovering new drug molecules, which is expensive and time consuming, researchers are involved in improving the safety efficacy ratio of the existing drugs by designing efficient formulation that can target these drugs to specific sites and can control the drug delivery rate and period. A myriad of drug delivery systems, based on organic as well as inorganic materials, have been used to achieve this goal. Among these, nanogels, which are hydrogels in nanoscale dimensions, take over an important role in tackling the clinical and pharmacological limitations of current systems. The development of injectable nanogel systems can prevail over difficulties in the ease of application of hydrogel-based drug delivery system in clinic. In this chapter, we discuss nanogels, particularly on injectable nanogels, different polymers and various synthesis methods involved in their preparation, mode of action and their fate under physiological conditions. The chapter also discusses different applications of injectable nanogels with special reference to drug delivery and how these innovative class of system can reinstate our existing drug delivery systems.
Responsive Nanogels for Anti-cancer Therapy
Authors: Kar Mrityunjoy , Fechner Loryn , Nagel Gregor , Glitscher Emanuel , Noe Rimondino Guido , Calderón Marcelo
Published: November 2017

Nanogels (or nano-sized hydrogels) have been extensively investigated as an effective drug delivery system due to their various advantageous properties. Among them, stimuli responsive ‘smart’ nanogels, which have the ability to respond to various external stimuli, such as pH, redox, temperature, enzymes, and light, are the most attractive in the area of controlled anti-cancer drug delivery. In this book chapter, we review and discuss recent progress in the synthesis and applications of polymer-based stimuli-responsive nanogels for anti-cancer therapy and their future prospects.
Future of Nanogels for Sensing Applications
Authors: Manickam Pandiaraj , Pierre Michelle , Dev Jayant Rahul , Nair Madhavan , Bhansali Shekhar
Published: November 2017

Nano-hydrogels or nanogels are a novel class of materials with various applications. Major breakthroughs in biosensor development have received widespread attention due to the incorporation of nanogels on electrodes. Nanogels can be used as the interfacing material for integrating inorganic-electrode materials with biorecognition elements such as antibodies, enzymes, and DNA. In applications requiring continuous sensing of biochemical parameters in complex environments such as blood, interstitial fluids, bioreactor fluids, the nanogels create protective layers by encapsulating bioreceptors, controlling the diffusion process and enhancing biocompatibility of sensing devices. The three-dimensional nano-network of the hydrogel preserves the activity of the biomolecules by providing an extracellular matrix-like microenvironment. Molecularly tailored nanogel particles enhances the surface area availability for enzyme loading and interaction with the substrate. The stability of enzymes in the nanogel membranes can be tuned by selecting an appropriate microenvironment using nano-hydrogels. In recent years, it has become routine for highly stable biosensors to use nano-hydrogels to entrap enzymes on microelectrodes. Additionally, recent studies demonstrate that nanogels can be used as effective platforms for designing wearable electronic devices for monitoring wound healing, pH, temperatures, seizures, electrocardiography (ECG) and sleep activity. Due to flexibility and tunable properties, “system-on-chip” devices can be created using the nanogels. This chapter will highlight the recent developments and potential application of nanogels in biosensor devices for environmental, clinical and health monitoring.
Scale-up and Current Clinical Trials for Nanogels in Therapeutics
Authors: Kaushik Ajeet , Vashist Arti , Shah Pratik , Tiwari Sneham , Dev Jayant Rahul , Nair Madhavan
Published: November 2017

The fundamentals of hydrogels and their advancement to nanogels, their synthesis, potential bio-medical application, and challenges related to specific applications along with solutions and future prospects have been described in previous chapters. The ultimate aim of developing nanogels of desired properties as a potential nano-bio-polymeric system is to promote them at clinical level for therapeutics. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to describe the strategies related with scale-up approach of nanogels for clinical phases in order to justify the therapeutic applications. The state of the art of nanogel market and possible future prospects is covered in this chapter.
Ag@SiO2 nanocube loaded miniaturized filter paper as a hybrid flexible plasmonic SERS substrate for trace melamine detection
Authors: Mekonnen Menbere Leul , Su Wei-Nien , Chen Ching-Hsiang , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: November 2017

An inexpensive flexible plasmonic substrate exploiting the intrinsic properties of paper and anisotropic Ag@SiO2 nanocubes with improved SERS activity is demonstrated.
An engineered cell-imprinted substrate directs osteogenic differentiation in stem cells
Authors: Kamguyan Khorshid , Katbab Ali Asghar , Mahmoudi Morteza , Thormann Esben , Zajforoushan Moghaddam Saeed , Moradi Lida , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: November 2017

A cell-imprinted poly(dimethylsiloxane)/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite substrate was fabricated to engage topographical, mechanical, and chemical signals to stimulate and boost stem cell osteogenic differentiation.
Metal-acid site synergistic catalysis in Ru–ZrO2 toward selective hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene
Authors: Rao Deming , Xue Xiaoge , Cui Guoqing , He Shan , Xu Ming , Bing Weihan , Shi Shuxian , Wei Min
Published: November 2017

A core–shell catalyst, with a synergistic effect between the metal Ru and the acid site of support, exhibits a promising performance towards selective hydrogenation of benzene.
An iridium–SPO complex as bifunctional catalyst for the highly selective hydrogenation of aldehydes
Authors: Cano Israel , Martínez-Prieto Luis M. , Vendier Laure , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: November 2017

An Ir(iii) hydride catalytic system shows very high activities and selectivities in the chemoselective hydrogenation of various substituted aldehydes.
Dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine–borane promoted by manganese(ii) m-terphenyl complexes
Authors: Sharpe Helen R. , Geer Ana M. , Blundell Toby J. , Hastings Fiona R. , Fay Michael W. , Rance Graham A. , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Kays Deborah L.
Published: November 2017

Low-coordinate m-terphenyl complexes are precatalysts for dehydrocoupling of dimethylamine–borane, where small changes in coordination environment effect significant mechanistic differences.
Support effect of Mn-based catalysts for gaseous elemental mercury oxidation and adsorption
Authors: Wu Yinghong , Xu Wenqing , Yang Yang , Wang Jian , Zhu Tingyu
Published: November 2017

Mn-Based catalysts with a Mn loading of 4 wt% were prepared using an impregnation method.
Construction of luminescent high-nuclearity Zn–Ln rectangular nanoclusters with flexible long-chain Schiff base ligands
Authors: Wang Shiqing , Yang Xiaoping , Zhu Ting , Bo Le , Wang Ruihu , Huang Shaoming , Wang Chengri , Jiang Dongmei , Chen Hongfen , Jones Richard A.
Published: November 2017

Two types of 8- and 14-metal Zn–Ln nanoclusters were prepared using long-chain Schiff base ligands and their interesting visible and NIR luminescence properties were investigated.
Aptamer-mediated selective delivery of a cytotoxic cationic NHC-Au(i) complex to cancer cells
Authors: Niu Weijia , Teng I-Ting , Chen Xigao , Tan Weihong , Veige Adam S.
Published: November 2017

A novel cationic NHC-Au(i) complex was synthesized and studied for its antitumor activity.
Colchicine metallocenyl bioconjugates showing high antiproliferative activities against cancer cell lines
Authors: Kowalczyk Karolina , Błauż Andrzej , Ciszewski Wojciech M. , Wieczorek Anna , Rychlik Błażej , Plażuk Damian
Published: November 2017

Ferrocenyl and ruthenocenyl conjugates with colchicine have been synthesised and their cytotoxic activity, influence on the cell cycle, and interactions with tubulin were evaluated.
Various polyoxomolybdate-based hybrids induced by pH and solvents: structures, adsorption activities for dyes and bifunctional electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Zhang Shan , Wang Xiang , Liu Guocheng , Lin Hongyan , Zhang Huixiu
Published: November 2017

By changing the pH values and solvents, four different polyoxomolybdate hybrids were synthesized, which display good adsorption activities for different organic dyes and bifunctional electrocatalytic properties.
Piceatannol attenuates behavioral disorder and neurological deficits in aging mice via activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Li-Hong , Chen Xi , Zhang Ning , Li Guang
Published: November 2017

Aging is a complex process that is accompanied by neurological damage.
Quasi physisorptive two dimensional tungsten oxide nanosheets with extraordinary sensitivity and selectivity to NO2
Authors: Khan Hareem , Zavabeti Ali , Wang Yichao , Harrison Christopher J. , Carey Benjamin J. , Mohiuddin Md , Chrimes Adam F. , De Castro Isabela Alves , Zhang Bao Yue , Sabri Ylias M. , Bhargava Suresh K. , Ou Jian Zhen , Daeneke Torben , Russo Salvy P. , Li Yongxiang , Kalantar-zadeh Kourosh
Published: November 2017

Ultra sensitivity and selectivity were achieved by the physisorption of gases onto two dimensional tungsten oxides.
Improved efficient perovskite solar cells based on Ta-doped TiO2nanorod arrays
Authors: Cui Qian , Zhao Xiaochong , Lin Hong , Yang Longkai , Chen Hong , Zhang Yan , Li Xin
Published: November 2017

Trace doping of Tantalum can tune the band structure of TiO2nanorod arrays effectively for perovskite solar cells.
Floating rGO-based black membranes for solar driven sterilization
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhao Dengwu , Yu Fan , Yang Chao , Lou Jinwei , Liu Yanming , Chen Yingying , Wang Zhongyong , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Wu Jianbo , Song Chengyi , Deng Tao
Published: November 2017

The generation of high temperature steam (>120 °C) for sterilization under ambient atmospheric pressure by employing interfacial evaporation under solar illumination.
Silver-catalyzed decarboxylative C(sp2)–C(sp3) coupling reactions via a radical mechanism
Authors: Fang Zhongxue , Wei Chenlong , Lin Jing , Liu Zhenhua , Wang Wei , Xu Chenshu , Wang Xuemin , Wang Yu
Published: November 2017

A silver catalyzed decarboxylative C(sp2)–C(sp3) coupling of vinylic carboxylic acids with alcohols, alkylbenzenes, cycloalkanes and cyclic ethers was developed by using DTBP as an oxidant.
Synthesis of cyclopent-2-enones from furans using a nebulizer-based continuous flow photoreactor
Authors: Ioannou Georgios I. , Montagnon Tamsyn , Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Pergantis Spiros A. , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios
Published: November 2017

Hydroxycyclopent-2-enones and methoxycyclopent-2-enones have been synthesized in a single operation from furans using an innovative continuous flow nebulizer-based photoreactor.
Construction of catechol-containing semi-fluorinated asymmetric polymer brush via successive RAFT polymerization and ATRP
Authors: Xu Binbin , Sun Xiaowen , Wu Chaoqun , Hu Jianhua , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: November 2017

This article reports the synthesis of a semi-fluorinated compositional heterogeneous polymer brush for anti-fouling surface.
Polymerizations in oil-in-oil emulsions using 2D nanoparticle surfactants
Authors: Rodier Bradley J. , de Leon Al , Hemmingsen Christina , Pentzer Emily
Published: November 2017

Oil-in-oil emulsions are especially attractive for compartmentalized reactions with water-sensitive monomers which cannot be used with traditional oil/water emulsions.
One-step rapid synthesis of π-conjugated large oligomers via C–H activation coupling
Authors: Liu Shi-Yong , Wang Di-Gang , Zhong Ai-Guo , Wen He-Rui
Published: November 2017

A series of DPP-based π-conjugated oligomers with linear, V-shaped, star-shaped, and twisted or 3D geometries and MWs of 1500–3300 has been facilely obtained in one step via Pd-catalyzed DA coupling.
Plasma pharmacokinetics and brain distribution kinetics of lapachol in rats using LC-MS and microdialysis techniques
Authors: Bai Lu , Han Ying , Xu Pingxiang , Xia Binbin , Zhao Yuming , Li Xiaorong , Xue Ming
Published: November 2017

The objective of this paper was to investigate the plasma pharmacokinetics and brain distribution kinetics of lapachol in rats.
Discharge and corrosion behaviour of AP65 magnesium anode plates with different rolling reductions
Authors: Wang Naiguang , Mu Yangchang , Li Qi , Shi Zhicong
Published: November 2017

Surfaces of AP65 plates discharged at 180 mA cm−2 for 5 s after removing the oxidation products. The round pits on the 63% rolled plate indicate the active dissolution while the angular pits on other samples reveal the spalling of metallic pieces.
Molecular cage-bridged plasmonic structures with well-defined nanogaps as well as the capability of reversible and selective guest trapping
Authors: Wang Chen , Tian Li , Zhu Wei , Wang Shiqiang , Gao Ning , Zhou Kang , Yin Xianpeng , Zhang Wanlin , Zhao Liang , Li Guangtao
Published: November 2017

Molecular cage-bridged gold nanoclusters with well-defined hotspots were demonstrated as novel plasmon-assisted nanoreactors.
Models for aerobic carbon monoxide dehydrogenase: synthesis, characterization and reactivity of paramagnetic MoVO(μ-S)CuI complexes
Authors: Gourlay Craig , Nielsen David J. , Evans David J. , White Jonathan M. , Young Charles G.
Published: November 2017

Complexes exhibiting the MoVO(μ-S)CuI cores, EPR properties, electronic structures and biomimetic reactions of aerobic Mo/Cu-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases are reported.
A microwave-assisted thermolysis route to single-step preparation of MoS2/CdS composite photocatalysts for active hydrogen generation
Authors: Jiang Lili , Wang Liangyu , Xu Gengsheng , Gu Lina , Yuan Yupeng
Published: November 2017

MoS2/CdS hybrids can be rapidly preparedviasingle-step microwave-assisted thermolysis of a Mo/Cd-thiourea complex. Active hydrogen generation was achieved from the MoS2/CdS hybrids that were prepared under optimum conditions.
Hybrid pectin–Fe3+/polyacrylamide double network hydrogels with excellent strength, high stiffness, superior toughness and notch-insensitivity
Authors: Niu Rui , Qin Zhihui , Ji Feng , Xu Meng , Tian Xinlu , Li Junjie , Yao Fanglian
Published: November 2017

A facile two-step method to prepare pectin–Fe3+/PAAm double network hydrogels with high strength, excellent toughness, superior stiffness and notch-insensitivity.
Interfacial assembly and hydrolysis for synthesizing a TiO2/metal–organic framework composite
Authors: Liu Lifei , Zhang Fanyu , Zhang Jianling , Tan Xiuniang , Zhang Bingxing , Shi Jinbiao , Shao Dan , Tan Dongxing , Han Buxing , Yang Guanying
Published: November 2017

The interfacial assembling and hydrolysis route is proposed for fabricating TiO2/UiO-67 composites, which have shown high catalytic activity for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Crystal structure evolution via operando neutron diffraction during long-term cycling of a customized 5 V full Li-ion cylindrical cell LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4vs. graphite
Authors: Boulet-Roblin Lucien , Sheptyakov Denis , Borel Philippe , Tessier Cécile , Novák Petr , Villevieille Claire
Published: November 2017

An optimized cylindrical cell (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4versus graphite) for operando neutron diffraction investigation during the first cycle and long-term cycling (100 cycles).
A Venus-flytrap-inspired pH-responsive porous membrane with internal crosslinking networks
Authors: Qiao Lin , Zhang Huamin , Li Mingrun , Yuan Zhizhang , Zhao Yuyue , Li Xianfeng
Published: November 2017

A Venus-flytrap-inspired pH-responsive porous membrane with internal crosslinking networks is designed and shows excellent conductivity and stability for flow battery application.
Tuning the separation properties of zeolitic imidazolate framework core–shell structuresviapost-synthetic modification
Authors: Sánchez-Laínez Javier , Veiga Adrián , Zornoza Beatriz , Balestra Salvador R. G. , Hamad Said , Ruiz-Salvador A. Rabdel , Calero Sofia , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: November 2017

This work shows the synthesis and reaction monitoring of different ZIF-7/8 core–shells and their application in MMMs for CO2separation.
A noble gas sensor platform: linear dense assemblies of single-walled carbon nanotubes (LACNTs) in a multi-layered ceramic/metal electrode system (MLES)
Authors: Hwang Tae-Yeon , Choi Yomin , Song YoSeb , Eom Nu Si A. , Kim Seil , Cho Hong-Baek , Myung Nosang V. , Choa Yong-Ho
Published: November 2017

Monodispersed nano Pt catalyzed linear dense assembly of SWCNTs bundles on a noble multi-layered electrode system for cost-effective hydrogen sensor.
An AIE-active phosphorescent Ir(iii) complex with piezochromic luminescence (PCL) and its application for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Authors: Jiang Yang , Li Guangfu , Zhu Dongxia , Su Zhongmin , Bryce Martin R.
Published: November 2017

A neutral multifunctional dinuclear Ir(iii) complex 1 with a Schiff base bridging ligand is shown to combine aggregation-induced emission (AIE), piezochromic luminescence (PCL) and vapochromism.
Solar system science with ESAEuclid
Authors: Carry B.
Published: November 2017

Context.The ESAEuclidmission has been designed to map the geometry of the dark Universe. Scheduled for launch in 2020, it will conduct a six-year visible and near-infrared imaging and spectroscopic survey over 15 000 deg2down toVAB~ 24.5. Although the survey will avoid ecliptic latitudes below 15°, the survey pattern in repeated sequences of four broadband filters seems well-adapted to detect and characterize solar system objects (SSOs).

Aims.We aim at evaluating the capability ofEuclidof discovering SSOs and of measuring their position, apparent magnitude, and spectral energy distribution. We also investigate how the SSO orbits, morphology (activity and multiplicity), physical properties (rotation period, spin orientation, and 3D shape), and surface composition can be determined based on these measurements.

Methods.We used the current census of SSOs to extrapolate the total amount of SSOs that will be detectable byEuclid, that is, objects within the survey area and brighter than the limiting magnitude. For each different population of SSO, from neighboring near-Earth asteroids to distant Kuiper-belt objects (KBOs) and including comets, we compared the expectedEuclidastrometry, photometry, and spectroscopy with the SSO properties to estimate howEuclidwill constrain the SSOs dynamical, physical, and compositional properties.

Results.With the current survey design, about 150 000 SSOs, mainly from the asteroid main-belt, should be observable byEuclid. These objects will all have high inclination, which is a difference to many SSO surveys that focus on the ecliptic plane.Euclidmay be able to discover several 104SSOs, in particular, distant KBOs at high declination. TheEuclidobservations will consist of a suite of four sequences of four measurements and will refine the spectral classification of SSOs by extending the spectral coverage provided byGaiaand the LSST, for instance, to 2 microns. Combined with sparse photometry such as measured byGaiaand the LSST, the time-resolved photometry will contribute to determining the SSO rotation period, spin orientation, and 3D shape model. The sharp and stable point-spread function ofEuclidwill also allow us to resolve binary systems in the Kuiper belt and detect activity around Centaurs.

Conclusions.The depth of theEuclidsurvey (VAB~ 24.5), its spectral coverage (0.5 to 2.0 μm), and its observation cadence has great potential for solar system research. A dedicated processing for SSOs is being set up within theEuclidconsortium to produce astrometry catalogs, multicolor and time-resolved photometry, and spectral classification of some 105SSOs, which will be delivered as Legacy Science.
Stringent upper limit of CH4 on Mars based on SOFIA/EXES observations
Authors: Aoki S. , Richter M.J. , DeWitt C. , Boogert A. , Encrenaz T. , Sagawa H. , Nakagawa H. , Vandaele A. C. , Giuranna M. , Greathouse T. K. , Fouchet T. , Geminale A. , Sindoni G. , McKelvey M. , Case M. , Kasaba Y.
Published: November 2017

Discovery of CH4 in the Martian atmosphere has led to much discussion since it could be a signature of biological and/or geological activities on Mars. However, the presence of CH4 and its temporal and spatial variations are still under discussion because of the large uncertainties embedded in the previous observations. We performed sensitive measurements of Martian CH4 by using the Echelon-Cross-Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) onboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) on 16 March 2016, which corresponds to summer (Ls = 123.2∘) in the northern hemisphere on Mars. The high altitude of SOFIA (~13.7 km) enables us to significantly reduce the effects of terrestrial atmosphere. Thanks to this, SOFIA/EXES improves our chances of detecting Martian CH4 lines because it reduces the impact of telluric CH4 on Martian CH4, and allows us to use CH4 lines in the 7.5 μm band which has less contamination. However, our results show no unambiguous detection of Martian CH4. The Martian disk was spatially resolved into 3 × 3 areas, and the upper limits on the CH4 volume mixing ratio range from 1 to 9 ppb across the Martian atmosphere, which is significantly less than detections in several other studies. These results emphasize that release of CH4 on Mars is sporadic and/or localized if the process is present.
The quest for stable circumbinary companions to post-common envelope sdB eclipsing binaries
Authors: Pulley D. , Faillace G. , Smith D. , Watkins A. , von Harrach S.
Published: November 2017

Context. Period variations have been detected in a number of eclipsing close compact binary subdwarf B stars (sdBs) and these have often been interpreted as being caused by circumbinary massive planets or brown dwarfs. According to canonical binary models, the majority of sdB systems are produced from low mass stars with degenerate cores where helium is ignited in flashes. Various evolutionary scenarios have been proposed for these stars, but a definite mechanism remains to be established. Equally puzzling is the formation of these putative circumbinary objects which must have formed from the remaining post-common envelope circumbinary disk or survived its evolution.

Aim. In this paper we review the eclipse time variations (ETVs) exhibited by seven such systems (EC 10246-2707, HS 0705+6700, HS 2231+2441, J08205+0008, NSVS 07826147, NSVS 14256825, and NY Vir) and explore whether there is conclusive evidence that the ETVs observed over the last two decades can reliably predict the presence of one or more circumbinary bodies.

Methods. We report 246 new observations of the seven sdB systems made between 2013 September and 2017 July using a worldwide network of telescopes. We combined our new data with previously published measurements to analyse the ETVs of these systems.

Results. Our data show that period variations cannot be modelled simply on the basis of circumbinary objects. This implies that more complex processes may be taking place in these systems. These difficulties are compounded by the secondary star not being spectroscopically visible. From ETVs, it has historically been suggested that five of the seven binary systems reported here had circumbinary objects. Based on our recent observations and analysis, only three systems remain serious contenders. We find agreement with other observers that at least a decade of observations is required to establish reliable ephemerides. With longer observational baselines it is quite conceivable that the data will support the circumbinary object hypothesis of these binary systems. Also, we generally agree with other observers that higher values of (O–C) residuals are found with secondary companions of spectral type M5/6 (or possibly earlier as a result of an Applegate type mechanism).
Stellar parameters of Be stars observed with X-shooter
Authors: Shokry A. , Rivinius Th. , Mehner A. , Martayan C. , Hummel W. , Townsend R. H. D. , Mérand A. , Mota B. , Faes D. M. , Hamdy M. A. , Beheary M. M. , K Gadallah K. A. , Abo-Elazm M. S.
Published: November 2017

Aims.The X-shooter archive of several thousand telluric standard star spectra was skimmed for Be and Be shell stars to derive the stellar fundamental parameters and statistical properties, in particular for the less investigated late-type Be stars and the extension of the Be phenomenon into early A stars.

Methods.An adapted version of the BCD method is used, using the Balmer discontinuity parameters to determine effective temperature and surface gravity. This method is optimally suited for late B stars. The projected rotational velocity was obtained by profile fitting to the Mg iilines of the targets, and the spectra were inspected visually for the presence of peculiar features such as the infrared Ca iitriplet or the presence of a double Balmer discontinuity. The Balmer line equivalent widths were measured, but they are only useful for determining the pure emission contribution in a subsample of Be stars owing to uncertainties in determining the photospheric contribution.

Results.A total of 78, mostly late-type, Be stars, were identified in the X-shooter telluric standard star archive, out of which 48 had not been reported before. We confirm the general trend that late-type Be stars have more tenuous disks and are less variable than early-type Be stars. The relatively large number (48) of relatively bright (V> 8.5) additional Be stars casts some doubt on the statistics of late-type Be stars; they are more common than currently thought. The Be/B star fraction may not strongly depend on spectral subtype.