bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibrillar structure development of polyacrylonitrile fibers treated by ultrasonic etching in oxidative stabilization
Authors: Hu Xiuying , Wang Chengguo , Tang Xinde , Han Nianfeng , Xu Jing
Published: March 2017

Polyacrylonitrile fibers were oxidatively stabilized through 10 gradient‐elevated temperature zones in sequence. The ultrasonic etching method was used for fibril separation of fibers heated at different temperatures, and the fibrillar structure development was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The voids among fibrils are the weak combination points. Under ultrasonic etching, the voids are enlarged. Subsequently, the solvent enters and spreads among fibrils, which results in the separation of fibrils. Separated fibrils with diameters of 100–400 nm appear in fibers heated at less than 235°C. Fibrils in fibers heated from 195°C to 235°C tend to adhere to each other, and the observed macrofibrils are composed of several to dozens of fibrils. For fibers heated from 195°C to 245°C, only a few fibril bundles emerge on the skin near the fiber end, and the fibrils manifest themselves as numerous protuberances on the cross section. In the ranges of 255–275°C, fibrils compactly combine with each other, which suggests insolubility and infusibility, and no separated fibrils appear. The fibrils arrange in a systematic way along the fiber axis and grooves parallel to the fiber axis on the fibers' surface. These grooves are the macro behavior of fibrils arranging on the fiber surface. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two cases of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy complicating infantile fibrosarcoma
Authors: Hirschfeld Ryan , Welch Jennifer J.G. , Harrison Douglas J. , Kremsdorf Robin , Chawla Anjulika
Published: March 2017

We report two infants with infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) complicated by severe hypercalcemia. Assessment demonstrated suppressed parathyroid hormone and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D levels with elevated circulating levels of parathyroid hormone related protein, indicating the diagnosis of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). HHM is a paraneoplastic syndrome rarely associated with pediatric malignancies. Hypercalcemia manifested clinically with neurologic symptoms and soft tissue calcium deposition and required aggressive management with intravenous fluids, diuretics, and supplemental electrolytes. Following treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, serum calcium levels precipitously declined requiring calcium repletion. These cases highlight the improvement of hypercalcemia secondary to HHM following chemotherapy.
Route towards Dirac and Weyl antiferromagnetic spintronics
Authors: Šmejkal Libor , Jungwirth Tomáš , Sinova Jairo
Published: March 2017

Topological quantum matter and spintronics research have been developed to a large extent independently. In this review, we discuss a new role that the antiferromagnetic order has taken in combining topological matter and spintronics. This occurs due to the complex microscopic symmetries present in antiferromagnets that allow for, e.g., topological relativistic quasiparticles and the newly discovered Néel spin–orbit torques to coexist. We first introduce the concepts of topological semimetals and spin‐orbitronics. Secondly, we explain the antiferromagnetic symmetries on a minimal Dirac semimetal model and the guiding role of ab initio calculations in predictions of examples of Dirac and Weyl antiferromagnets: SrMnBi2, CuMnAs, and Mn3Ge. Lastly, we illustrate the interplay of Dirac quasiparticles, topology and antiferromagnetism on: (i) the experimentally observed quantum Hall effect in EuMnBi2; (ii) the large anomalous Hall effect in Mn3Ge; and (iii) the theoretically predicted topological metal–insulator transition in CuMnAs.

Dirac fermions at the Fermi level of the Dirac semimetal antiferromagnet calculated from the fist‐principles. Reorientation of the Néel vector drives the topological metal–insulator transition.
Distributed optimisation and control of graph Laplacian eigenvalues for robust consensus via an adaptive multilayer strategy
Authors: Kempton L. C. , Herrmann G. , di Bernardo M.
Published: March 2017

Functions of eigenvalues of the graph Laplacian matrix L, especially the extremal non‐trivial eigenvalues, the algebraic connectivity λ2 and the spectral radius λn, have been shown to be important in determining the performance in a host of consensus and synchronisation applications. In this paper, we focus on formulating an entirely distributed control law for the control of edge weights in an undirected graph to solve a constrained optimisation problem involving these extremal eigenvalues.

As an objective for the distributed control law, edge weights must be found that minimise the spectral radius of the graph Laplacian, thereby maximising the robustness of the network to time delays under a simple linear consensus protocol. To constrain the problem, we use both local weight constraints that weights must be non‐negative, and a global connectivity constraint, maintaining a designated minimum algebraic connectivity. This ensures that the network remains sufficiently well connected.

The distributed control law is formulated as a multilayer strategy, using three layers of successive distributed estimation. Adequate timescale separation between the layers is of paramount importance for the proper functioning of the system, and we derive conditions under which the distributed system converges as we would expect for the centralised control or optimisation system to converge. © 2017 The Authors International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Architectural partitioning and deployment modeling on hybrid clouds
Authors: Venkateswaran Sreekrishnan , Sarkar Santonu
Published: March 2017

The hybrid cloud idea is increasingly gaining momentum because it brings distinct advantages as a hosting platform for complex software systems. However, there are several challenges that need to be surmounted before hybrid hosting can become pervasive and penetrative. One main problem is to architecturally partition workloads across permutations of feasible cloud and non‐cloud deployment choices to yield the best‐fit hosting combination. Another is to predict the effort estimate to deliver such an advantageous hybrid deployment. In this paper, we describe a heuristic solution to address the said obstacles and converge on the ideal hybrid cloud deployment architecture, based on properties and characteristics of workloads that are sought to be hosted. We next propose a model to represent such a hybrid cloud deployment and demonstrate a method to estimate the effort required to implement and sustain that deployment. We also validate our model through dozens of case studies spanning several industry verticals and record results pertaining to how the industrial grouping of a software system can impact the aforementioned hybrid deployment model. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and nitrogen distribution under elevated CO2 concentration and air temperature
Authors: Li Chunhua , Zhu Jian‐guo , Sha Lin‐nan , Zhang Ji‐shuang , Zeng Qing , Liu Gang
Published: March 2017

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature, singly and in combination, on grain yield and the distribution of nitrogen (N) in different rice organs. The rice ‘Wuyunjing 23’ was planted under four treatments: ambient CO2 and temperature (ACT), elevated CO2 (200 μmol mol−1 higher than ambient CO2) (EC), elevated temperature (1 °C above the ambient temperature) (ET), and the combination of elevated CO2 and temperature (ECT) under T‐FACE (temperature and CO2 free air controlled enrichment) system. CO2‐induced increment and temperature‐induced reduction in grain yield was 6.0 and 25.2% in 2013, and that was 9.8 and 10.8% in 2014, respectively. Dry matter (DM) production in different organs increased under EC at vegetative stage but decreased under ET at reproductive stage. The negative effects of temperature on grain yield and DM was weakened when combined with CO2 enrichment. And the trends of decrease for yield and DM under ET and ECT in 2013 were more obvious than those in 2014 due to the annual temperature differences. Furthermore, ET led to greater distribution of N in root and stem but not for panicle than that under ACT. These mainly demonstrated that the rice production would be suffered varying degree of loss under global warming in future although the CO2 enrichment could alleviate the effects of high temperature on rice growth.
Identification of Crepenynic Acid in the Seed Oil of Atractylodes lancea and A. macrocephala
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yue , Guo Xu , Smith Mark A.
Published: March 2017

Atractylodes rhizome is widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Although the chemical composition of the root has been studied in detail, the oil content and fatty acid composition of the seeds of Atractylodes species have not been reported. Fatty acyl composition of seeds from Atractylodes lancea and A. macrocephala was determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of fatty acid methyl esters and 3‐pyridylcarbinol esters. The predominant fatty acid in the seeds of both species was linolenic acid, but the unusual acetylenic fatty acid, crepenynic acid (cis‐9‐octadecen‐12‐ynoic acid), was also observed at levels of 18% in A. lancea and 13–15% in A. macrocephala. Fatty acid content was 24% for the samples of A. lancea and 16–17% for samples from A. macrocephala. sn‐1,3 regioselective lipase digestion of seed lipids revealed that crepenynic acid was absent from the sn‐2 position of the seed triacylglycerol. Crepenynic acid was also found in the seed oil of Jurinea mollis at 24% and was not present in the sn‐2 position of the TAG. A contrasting distribution of crepenynic acid was found in the oil of Crepis rubra, suggesting differences in crepenynic acid synthesis or TAG assembly between these species.
Europe's Eastern Crisis
Authors: Youngs Richard
Published: March 2017

In recent years a series of crises have erupted on the European Union's eastern borders. Russia's annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine presented the EU with a major foreign policy challenge, in both Ukraine and across the other countries of the so-called Eastern Partnership. In response, the EU has begun to map its own form of 'liberal-redux geopolitics' that combines various strategic logics. This book traces the effect of these crises on the foreign policy of the EU, examining the changes in policies towards the countries on its eastern borders, the EU's review of the Eastern Partnership, as well as the EU's relations with Russia overall. It goes on to uncover whether the EU has contained the crisis or if it has set up new conditions for more instability in the future.
A Sea of Debt
Authors: Bishara Fahad Ahmad
Published: March 2017

In this innovative legal history of economic life in the Western Indian Ocean, Bishara examines the transformations of Islamic law and Islamicate commercial practices during the emergence of modern capitalism in the region. In this time of expanding commercial activity, a mélange of Arab, Indian, Swahili and Baloch merchants, planters, jurists, judges, soldiers and seamen forged the frontiers of a shared world. The interlinked worlds of trade and politics that these actors created, the shared commercial grammars and institutions that they developed and the spatial and socio-economic mobilities they engaged in endured until at least the middle of the twentieth century. This major study examines the Indian Ocean from Oman to India and East Africa over an extended period of time, drawing together the histories of commerce, law and empire in a sophisticated, original and richly textured history of capitalism in the Islamic world.
Votive Body Parts in Greek and Roman Religion
Authors: Hughes Jessica
Published: March 2017

This book examines a type of object that was widespread and very popular in classical antiquity - votive offerings in the shape of parts of the human body. It collects examples from four principal areas and time periods: Classical Greece, pre-Roman Italy, Roman Gaul and Roman Asia Minor. It uses a compare-and-contrast methodology to highlight differences between these sets of votives, exploring the implications for our understandings of how beliefs about the body changed across classical antiquity. The book also looks at how far these ancient beliefs overlap with, or differ from, modern ideas about the body and its physical and conceptual boundaries. Central themes of the book include illness and healing, bodily fragmentation, human-animal hybridity, transmission and reception of traditions, and the mechanics of personal transformation in religious rituals.
How to Survive in Anaesthesia
Authors: Robinson Neville , Hall George , Fawcett William
Published: March 2017

The first few months as a trainee anaesthetist are a daunting prospect, filled with new information, skills and terminology. This concise reference, now in its fifth edition, provides doctors with a clear introduction to the practice. Fully updated and split into four key parts for quick consultation, the reader can recap on the airway and anaesthetic equipment, and find crucial advice on crises such as cardiac arrest, haemorrhage and blood transfusion. Part III focuses on subspecialties, with new chapters on obstetric anaesthesia, common regional nerve blocks, and laparoscopy, while the newly added fourth part provides information on intensive care and peri-operative medicine. Written in an accessible and often humorous style, How to Survive in Anaesthesia is an essential resource in learning the safe fundamentals of the practice for trainee anaesthetists, as well as operating department practitioners, physicians' assistants and anaesthetic nurses.
Thinking about Free Will
Authors: van Inwagen Peter
Published: March 2017

Peter van Inwagen, author of the classic book An Essay on Free Will (1983), has established himself over the last forty years as a leading figure in the philosophical debate about the problem of free will. This volume presents eleven influential essays from throughout his career, as well as two new and previously unpublished essays, 'The Problem of Fr** W*ll' and 'Ability'. The essays include discussions of determinism, moral responsibility, 'Frankfurt counterexamples', the meaning of 'the ability to do otherwise', and the very definition of free will, as well as critiques of writings on the topic by Daniel Dennett and David Lewis. An introduction by the author discusses the history of his thinking about free will. The volume will be a valuable resource for those looking to engage with van Inwagen's significant contributions to this perennially important topic.
Fundamentals of Stability Theory
Authors: Baldwin John T.
Published: March 2017

Since their inception, the Perspectives in Logic and Lecture Notes in Logic series have published seminal works by leading logicians. Many of the original books in the series have been unavailable for years, but they are now in print once again. In this volume, the twelfth publication in the Perspectives in Logic series, John T. Baldwin presents an introduction to first order stability theory, organized around the spectrum problem: calculate the number of models a first order theory T has in each uncountable cardinal. The author first lays the groundwork and then moves on to three sections: independence, dependence and prime models, and local dimension theory. The final section returns to the spectrum problem, presenting complete proofs of the Vaught conjecture for ω-stable theories for the first time in book form. The book provides much-needed examples, and emphasizes the connections between abstract stability theory and module theory.
Essential Stability Theory
Authors: Buechler Steven
Published: March 2017

Since their inception, the Perspectives in Logic and Lecture Notes in Logic series have published seminal works by leading logicians. Many of the original books in the series have been unavailable for years, but they are now in print once again. Stability theory was introduced and matured in the 1960s and 1970s. Today stability theory influences and is influenced by number theory, algebraic group theory, Riemann surfaces, and representation theory of modules. There is little model theory today that does not involve the methods of stability theory. In this volume, the fourth publication in the Perspectives in Logic series, Steven Buechler bridges the gap between a first-year graduate logic course and research papers in stability theory. The book prepares the student for research in any of today's branches of stability theory, and gives an introduction to classification theory with an exposition of Morley's Categoricity Theorem.
GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MICA SOURCE SPECIMENS AND ARTIFACTS FROM THE ABBOTT FARM NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK (28ME1)
Authors: Boulanger Matthew T. , Lattanzi Gregory D. , Roush Cody C. , Glascock Michael D.
Published: March 2017

The Abbott Farm National Historic Landmark is one of the more significant Woodland-period sites in the Northeast. Numerous Hopewellian cultural traits (copper artifacts, cremated burials, exotic cherts, and mica) have been identified at the site. Numerous potential geological sources for the mica artifacts exist in the Mid-Atlantic region. We explore two analytical methods to evaluate the most likely geological sources of the mica artifacts. Source and artifact specimens were analyzed using pXRF as well as neutron activation. Our pXRF data are suggestive, but show high analytical uncertainty. We make several recommendations relevant to future attempts that would use this kind of instrument to study sheet mica. Our neutron activation results are promising and suggest that geochemical sourcing of mica has much potential. Results of both assays suggest that most of the artifact specimens recovered from Abbott Farm share a similar chemistry, and this composition is very similar to mica from southeastern Pennsylvania. A cut-and-drilled pendant exhibits a chemical makeup distinctly different from all other artifacts and source specimens evaluated here. Although our results are preliminary, the application of modern analytical methods to extant archaeological collections has the potential to provide significant new information.
On the relationship between head circumference, brain size, prenatal long-chain PUFA/5-methyltetrahydrofolate supplementation and cognitive abilities during childhood
Authors: Catena Andrés , Martínez-Zaldívar Cristina , Diaz-Piedra Carolina , Torres-Espínola Francisco J. , Brandi Pilar , Pérez-García Miguel , Decsi Tamás , Koletzko Berthold , Campoy Cristina
Published: March 2017

Head circumference in infants has been reported to predict brain size, total grey matter volume (GMV) and neurocognitive development. However, it is unknown whether it has predictive value on regional and subcortical brain volumes. We aimed to explore the relationship between several head circumference measurements since birth and distributions of GMV and subcortical volumes at later childhood. We examined seventy-four, Caucasian, singleton, term-born infants born to mothers randomised to receive fish oil and/or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or placebo prenatal supplementation. We assessed head circumference at birth and at 4 and 10 years of age and cognitive abilities at 7 years of age. We obtained brain MRI at 10 years of age, on which we performed voxel-based morphometry, cortical surface extraction and subcortical segmentation. Analyses were controlled for sex, age, height, weight, family status, laterality and total intracranial volume. Prenatal supplementation did not affect head circumference at any age, cognitive abilities or total brain volumes. Head circumference at 4 years presented the highest correlation with total GMV, white matter volume and brain surface area, and was also strongly associated with GMV of frontal, temporal and occipital areas, as well as with caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen and thalamus volumes. As relationships between brain volumes in childhood and several outcomes extend into adulthood, we have found that ages between 0 and 4 years as the optimal time for brain growth; postnatal factors might have the most relevant impact on structural maturation of certain cortical areas and subcortical nuclei, independent of prenatal supplementation.
Producing and perceiving the Canadian Vowel Shift: Evidence from a Montreal community
Authors: Kettig Thomas , Winter Bodo
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates interspeaker variation in the mid and low short vowels of Jewish Montreal English, analyzing the Canadian Shift in both production and perception. In production, we find that young women are leading in the retraction of /æ/ and the lowering and retraction of /ε/. We furthermore find that across speakers, the retraction of /æ/ is correlated with the lowering and retraction of /ε/, providing quantitative evidence that the movements of these two vowels are linked. The trajectory implied by our production data differs from what was reported in Montreal approximately one generation earlier. In contrast to reliable age differences in production, a vowel categorization task shows widespread intergenerational agreement in perception, highlighting a mismatch: in this speech community, there is evidently more systematic variation in production than in perception. We suggest that this is because all individuals are exposed to both innovative and conservative variants and must perceptually accommodate accordingly.
Bioprospecting for fertility restoration genes in wild relatives and land races of rice from different geographic regions
Authors: Dash Amit Kumar , Samal Rashmita , Gundimeda Jwala Narasimha Rao , Subudhi Hata Nath , Ravi Nageswara Rao
Published: March 2017

Hybrid rice development, a major advance in rice breeding, has demonstrated its immense potential in enhancing the rice productivity. In the three line system of hybrid rice, the restoration of fertility of the widely used wild-abortive type of cytoplasmic male sterility is controlled by Rf3 and Rf4, two fertility restoration genes. Exploration for restorers in diverse genetic backgrounds is a critical step in hybrid rice breeding. As genetic resources constitute the major source of new genes/alleles, an attempt was made to assess the distribution of these two restorer genes in the native populations collected from the geographic regions known to be the primary and secondary centres of origin of rice. In addition, assays were performed on the populations of Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara, the wild progenitors of rice. The results suggest that the Rf genes are well distributed in the wild forms at a higher frequency, more in O. rufipogon, while in cultivated forms, their frequency is low, particularly for the Rf3 gene. The genes and the alleles identified in the genetically divergent, low-performing land races and wild relatives can be successfully employed for the development of new hybrid rice cultivars.
An Institutional Perspective on Religious Freedom and Economic Growth
Authors: Alon Ilan , Li Shaomin , Wu Jun
Published: March 2017

The increase in religion-related conflicts around the world emphasizes the urgent need for a better understanding of the role of religion and religious freedom on socio-economic development, both theoretically and empirically. While studies on the role of religion on economic development have existed as early as Weber (1905), there is a dearth of studies on the effect of religious freedom on economic growth, and the existing studies overlook possible negative impacts on economies by unrestricted religious freedom. Drawing on institutional theory, we propose that different types of religious restrictions can exert either positive or negative effects on economic growth. We test our propositions using a comprehensive dataset on religious freedom covering 198 countries for seven years from 2007 to 2013.
Fr. Agustín de Vetancurt: The “Via crucis en mexicano”
Authors: Schwaller John F.
Published: March 2017

The reputation of Fr. Agustín de Vetancurt, one of the better known Franciscans of colonial Mexico, derives largely from his fame as a historian. He is the author of the monumental Teatro mexicano (1698), a historical description of the most important events of colonial New Spain. Fr. Agustín was also an accomplished scholar of Nahuatl, and published several works in that language. This essay will take a preliminary look at his life and times by focusing on a small work written by him in Nahuatl. It is a guide for the ceremony of the Stations of the Cross, celebrated throughout the year but especially on Good Friday.
Integrated analysis of gene expression and copy number identified potential cancer driver genes with amplification-dependent overexpression in 1,454 solid tumors
Authors: Ohshima Keiichi , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Nagashima Takeshi , Watanabe Yuko , Kanto Kaori , Doi Yuki , Ide Tomomi , Shimoda Yuji , Tanabe Tomoe , Ohnami Sumiko , Ohnami Shumpei , Serizawa Masakuni , Maruyama Koji , Akiyama Yasuto , Urakami Kenichi , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Mochizuki Tohru , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: March 2017

Identification of driver genes contributes to the understanding of cancer etiology and is imperative for the development of individualized therapies. Gene amplification is a major event in oncogenesis. Driver genes with tumor-specific amplification-dependent overexpression can be therapeutic targets. In this study, we aimed to identify amplification-dependent driver genes in 1,454 solid tumors, across more than 15 cancer types, by integrative analysis of gene expression and copy number. Amplification-dependent overexpression of 64 known driver oncogenes were found in 587 tumors (40%); genes frequently observed were MYC (25%) and MET (18%) in colorectal cancer; SKP2 (21%) in lung squamous cell carcinoma; HIST1H3B (19%) and MYCN (13%) in liver cancer; KIT (57%) in gastrointestinal stromal tumors; and FOXL2 (12%) in squamous cell carcinoma across tissues. Genomic aberrations in 138 known cancer driver genes and 491 established fusion genes were found in 1,127 tumors (78%). Further analyses of 820 cancer-related genes revealed 16 as potential driver genes, with amplification-dependent overexpression restricted to the remaining 22% of samples (327 tumors) initially undetermined genetic drivers. Among them, AXL, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, was recurrently overexpressed and amplified in sarcomas. Our studies of amplification-dependent overexpression identified potential drug targets in individual tumors.
Markov modeling reveals novel intracellular modulation of the human TREK-2 selectivity filter
Authors: Harrigan Matthew P. , McKiernan Keri A. , Shanmugasundaram Veerabahu , Denny Rajiah Aldrin , Pande Vijay S.
Published: March 2017

Two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel ion conductance is regulated by diverse stimuli that directly or indirectly gate the channel selectivity filter (SF). Recent crystal structures for the TREK-2 member of the K2P family reveal distinct “up” and “down” states assumed during activation via mechanical stretch. We performed 195 μs of all-atom, unbiased molecular dynamics simulations of the TREK-2 channel to probe how membrane stretch regulates the SF gate. Markov modeling reveals a novel “pinched” SF configuration that stretch activation rapidly destabilizes. Free-energy barrier heights calculated for critical steps in the conduction pathway indicate that this pinched state impairs ion conduction. Our simulations predict that this low-conductance state is accessed exclusively in the compressed, “down” conformation in which the intracellular helix arrangement allosterically pinches the SF. By explicitly relating structure to function, we contribute a critical piece of understanding to the evolving K2P puzzle.
Dating stalagmites in mediterranean climates using annual trace element cycles
Authors: Nagra Gurinder , Treble Pauline C. , Andersen Martin S. , Bajo Petra , Hellstrom John , Baker Andy
Published: March 2017

Speleothems may preserve geochemical information at annual resolution, preserving information about past hydrology, environment and climate. In this study, we advance information-extraction from speleothems in two ways. First, the limitations in dating modern stalagmites are overcome by refining a dating method that uses annual trace element cycles. It is shown that high-frequency variations in elements affected by prior calcite precipitation (PCP) can be used to date speleothems and yield an age within 2–4% chronological uncertainty of the actual age of the stalagmite. This is of particular relevance to mediterranean regions that display strong seasonal controls on PCP, due to seasonal variability in water availability and cave-air pCO2. Second, using the chronology for one stalagmite sample, trace elements and growth-rate are compared with a record of climate and local environmental change i.e. land-use and fire, over the 20th century. Well-defined peaks in soil-derived trace elements and simultaneous decreases in growth-rate coincide with extreme annual rainfall totals in 1934 and 1974. One of which, 1934, was due to a recorded cyclone. We also find that bedrock-derived elements that are dominated by PCP processes, reflect a well-known period of drying in southwest Australia which began in the 1970’s.
Synergistic interaction of Re complex and amine functionalized multiple ligands in metal-organic frameworks for conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Ryu Un Jin , Kim Sang Jun , Lim Hyung-Kyu , Kim Hyungjun , Choi Kyung Min , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: March 2017

A metal-organic framework (MOF) is composed of secondary building units (SBUs) of metal ions and organic ligands to link each SBU. Moreover, the photosynthetic synthesis of a valuable CO chemical from carbon dioxide (CO2) represents an important class of appealing methods. Herein, we find that a molecular photocatalyst with high selectivity and activity can be designed via a fine balance in the proximity of Re complex (ReI(CO)3(BPYDC)(Cl), BPYDC = 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate) and -NH2 functionalized multiple ligands composing a MOF photocatalyst, denoted as Re-MOF-NH2. These ligands in Re-MOF-NH2 has been confirmed by infrared, UV-visible, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Moreover, we show from extended X-ray absorption fine structure and in-situ infrared spectra that the bond corresponding to Re-CO upon introduction of -NH2 functional groups is divided into asymmetric bonds of 1.4 Å and 2.3 Å along with different CO2 vibrations, thus making the configuration of carbonyl groups in a Re metal complex become asymmetric in addition to aiding formation of CO2 intermediates within Re-MOF-NH2. Indeed, both of the uneven electron distribution in asymmetric carbonyl groups for Re-CO and the intermolecular stabilization of carbamate intermediates are proven to give the approximately 3-fold increase in photocatalytic activity for conversion of CO2 into CO.
Consumption of vegetables and fruits and breast cancer survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Juanjuan , Gu Yuanting , Zhang Shaojin
Published: March 2017

We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association between consumption of vegetables and fruits and breast cancer survival. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and EMBASE was performed from the inception to September 30, 2016. The summary hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random effects model. Ten studies, with a total of 31,210 breast cancer cases, were included in the meta-analysis. The summary HRs (95% CIs) of overall survival (highest vs. lowest) were 1.08 (0.88–1.33; I2 = 41.1%) for pre-diagnostic intake of vegetables and fruits combined, 0.96 (0.71–1.30; I2 = 48.4%) for vegetables alone, and 0.83 (0.67–1.02; I2 = 0) for fruit alone. No significant risk associations of overall survival were found for post-diagnostic intake of vegetables and fruits. Line dose-response analyses indicated the likely results for both pre- and post- diagnostic dietary intake. No significant association was found between intake of vegetables and fruits and breast cancer-specific mortality. In addition, intake of cruciferous vegetables was not associated with death from breast cancer. Our findings indicated a borderline inverse association between pre-diagnostic intake of fruit and overall survival of breast cancer, whereas intake of vegetables was not associated with survival.
Supersonically Spray-Coated Colloidal Quantum Dot Ink Solar Cells
Authors: Choi Hyekyoung , Lee Jong-Gun , Mai Xuan Dung , Beard Matthew C. , Yoon Sam S. , Jeong Sohee
Published: March 2017

Controlling the thickness of quantum dot (QD) films is difficult using existing film formation techniques, which employ pre-ligand-exchanged PbS QD inks, because of several issues: 1) poor colloidal stability, 2) use of high-boiling-point solvents for QD dispersion, and 3) limitations associated with one-step deposition. Herein, we suggest a new protocol for QD film deposition using electrical double-layered PbS QD inks, prepared by solution-phase ligand exchange using methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). The films are deposited by the supersonic spraying technique, which facilitates the rapid evaporation of the solvent and the subsequent deposition of the PbS QD ink without requiring a post-deposition annealing treatment for solvent removal. The film thickness could be readily controlled by varying the number of spraying sweeps made across the substrate. This spray deposition process yields high-quality n-type QD films quickly (within 1 min) while minimizing the amount of the PbS QD ink used to less than 5 mg for one device (300-nm-thick absorbing layer, 2.5 × 2.5 cm2). Further, the formation of an additional p-layer by treatment with mercaptopropionic acid allows for facile hole extraction from the QD films, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 3.7% under 1.5 AM illumination.
Messenger RNAs localized to distal projections of human stem cell derived neurons
Authors: Bigler Rebecca L. , Kamande Joyce W. , Dumitru Raluca , Niedringhaus Mark , Taylor Anne Marion
Published: March 2017

The identification of mRNAs in distal projections of model organisms has led to the discovery of multiple proteins that are locally synthesized for functional roles such as axon guidance, injury signaling and regeneration. The extent to which local protein synthesis is conserved in human neurons is unknown. Here we used compartmentalized microfluidic chambers to characterize the transcriptome of distal projections of human embryonic stem cells differentiated using a protocol which enriched for glutamatergic neurons (hESC-neurons). Using gene expression analysis, we identified mRNAs proportionally enriched in these projections, representing a functionally unique local transcriptome as compared to the human neuronal transcriptome inclusive of somata. Further, we found that the most abundant mRNAs within these hESC-neuron projections were functionally similar to the axonal transcriptome of rat cortical neurons. We confirmed the presence of two well characterized axonal mRNAs in model organisms, β-actin and GAP43, within hESC-neuron projections using multiplexed single molecule RNA-FISH. Additionally, we report the novel finding that oxytocin mRNA localized to these human projections and confirmed its localization using RNA-FISH. This new evaluation of mRNA within human projections provides an important resource for studying local mRNA translation and has the potential to reveal both conserved and unique translation dependent mechanisms.
Overexpression of GSN could decrease inflammation and apoptosis in EAE and may enhance vitamin D therapy on EAE/MS
Authors: Gao Jifang , Qin Zhaoyu , Guan Xinyuan , Guo Juanjuan , Wang Huaqing , Liu Shilian
Published: March 2017

The decrease of gelsolin (GSN) in the blood has been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) animals, but the protective effect of GSN on EAE/MS lacks of evidence. In our study, we increased the GSN level in EAE by injecting GSN-overexpress lentivirus (LV-GSN) into the lateral ventricle and caudal vein and found that GSN administration can delay the onset and decrease the severity of EAE. Vitamin D is proven to have a therapeutic effect on MS/EAE; however, we previously found that vitamin D caused a downregulation of GSN, which might limit vitamin D efficacy. In our current research, we obtained a better symptom and a slowing down progression in EAE after combining vitamin D treatment with a proper increase of GSN. Furthermore, we discovered that the mediation of vitamin D on GSN might occur through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) by using gene interruption and overexpression to regulate the level of VDR in PC12 cells (a rat sympathetic nerve cell line). We also confirmed the anti-apoptotic function of GSN by GSN RNA interference in PC12. Collectively, these results support the therapeutic effect of GSN in EAE, which might enhance Vitamin D therapy in EAE/MS.
A new family of extraterrestrial amino acids in the Murchison meteorite
Authors: Koga Toshiki , Naraoka Hiroshi
Published: March 2017

The occurrence of extraterrestrial organic compounds is a key for understanding prebiotic organic synthesis in the universe. In particular, amino acids have been studied in carbonaceous meteorites for almost 50 years. Here we report ten new amino acids identified in the Murchison meteorite, including a new family of nine hydroxy amino acids. The discovery of mostly C3 and C4 structural isomers of hydroxy amino acids provides insight into the mechanisms of extraterrestrial synthesis of organic compounds. A complementary experiment suggests that these compounds could be produced from aldehydes and ammonia on the meteorite parent body. This study indicates that the meteoritic amino acids could be synthesized by mechanisms in addition to the Strecker reaction, which has been proposed to be the main synthetic pathway to produce amino acids.
The 5′UTR in human adenoviruses: leader diversity in late gene expression
Authors: Ramke Mirja , Lee Jeong Yoon , Dyer David W. , Seto Donald , Rajaiya Jaya , Chodosh James
Published: March 2017

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) shut down host cellular cap-dependent mRNA translation while initiating the translation of viral late mRNAs in a cap-independent manner. HAdV 5′ untranslated regions (5′UTRs) are crucial for cap-independent initiation, and influence mRNA localization and stability. However, HAdV translational regulation remains relatively uncharacterized. The HAdV tripartite leader (TPL), composed of three introns (TPL 1–3), is critical to the translation of HAdV late mRNA. Herein, we annotated and analyzed 72 HAdV genotypes for the HAdV TPL and another previously described leader, the i-leader. Using HAdV species D, type 37 (HAdV-D37), we show by reverse transcription PCR and Sanger sequencing that mRNAs of the HAdV-D37 E3 transcription unit are spliced to the TPL. We also identified a polycistronic mRNA for RID-α and RID-β. Analysis of the i-leader revealed a potential open reading frame within the leader sequence and the termination of this potential protein in TPL3. A potential new leader embedded within the E3 region was also detected and tentatively named the j-leader. These results suggest an underappreciated complexity of post-transcriptional regulation, and the importance of HAdV 5′UTRs for precisely coordinated viral protein expression along the path from genotype to phenotype.
VLP-based vaccine induces immune control of Staphylococcus aureus virulence regulation
Authors: Daly Seth M. , Joyner Jason A. , Triplett Kathleen D. , Elmore Bradley O. , Pokhrel Srijana , Frietze Kathryn M. , Peabody David S. , Chackerian Bryce , Hall Pamela R.
Published: March 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and mounting antibiotic resistance requires innovative treatment strategies. S. aureus uses secreted cyclic autoinducing peptides (AIPs) and the accessory gene regulator (agr) operon to coordinate expression of virulence factors required for invasive infection. Of the four agr alleles (agr types I-IV and corresponding AIPs1-4), agr type I isolates are most frequently associated with invasive infection. Cyclization via a thiolactone bond is essential for AIP function; therefore, recognition of the cyclic form of AIP1 may be necessary for antibody-mediated neutralization. However, the small sizes of AIPs and labile thiolactone bond have hindered vaccine development. To overcome this, we used a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine platform (PP7) for conformationally-restricted presentation of a modified AIP1 amino acid sequence (AIP1S). Vaccination with PP7-AIP1S elicited AIP1-specific antibodies and limited agr-activation in vivo. Importantly, in a murine SSTI challenge model with a highly virulent agr type I S. aureus isolate, PP7-AIP1S vaccination reduced pathogenesis and increased bacterial clearance compared to controls, demonstrating vaccine efficacy. Given the contribution of MRSA agr type I isolates to human disease, vaccine targeting of AIP1-regulated virulence could have a major clinical impact in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Glycosylated metal chelators as anti-parasitic agents with tunable selectivity
Authors: Reddy Andrew , Sangenito Leandro Stefano , Guedes Arthur de Azevedo , Branquinha Marta Helena , Kavanagh Kevin , McGinley John , dos Santos André Luis Souza , Velasco-Torrijos Trinidad
Published: March 2017

Metal complexation imparts selective anti-parasitic activity to aminopyridyl ligands: Zn(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes show potent activity and remarkable selectivity indexes.
Synthesis and singlet oxygen generation of pyrazinoporphyrazines containing dendrimeric aryl substituents
Authors: Tillo Adam , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Popenda Lukasz , Wicher Barbara , Kryjewski Michal , Szczolko Wojciech , Jurga Stefan , Mielcarek Jadwiga , Gdaniec Maria , Goslinski Tomasz , Tykarska Ewa
Published: March 2017

Singlet oxygen generation yields and aggregation tendencies were studied for porphyrazines bearing dendrimeric substituents.
A biophysical study of gene nanocarriers formed by anionic/zwitterionic mixed lipids and pillar[5]arene polycationic macrocycles
Authors: Barrán-Berdón Ana L. , Martínez-Negro María , García-Río Luis , Domènech Òscar , Tros de Ilarduya Conchita , Aicart Emilio , Junquera Elena
Published: March 2017

A multivalent cationic macrocycle is used as a mediator between plasmid DNAs and anionic lipids (ALs) to build an efficient and safe gene nanocarrier.
Stereospecific functionalizations and transformations of secondary and tertiary boronic esters
Authors: Sandford Christopher , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: March 2017

This feature article discusses the range of stereospecific transformations available to enantioenriched boronic esters, and their applications in synthesis.
A potentiometric resolved ratiometric photoelectrochemical aptasensor
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hao Nan , Zhou Zhou , Hua Rong , Qian Jing , Liu Qian , Li Henan , Wang Kun
Published: March 2017

A novel ratiometric photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on the potentiometric resolved photocurrents generated from different PEC active materials was designed for the first time.
Stereoselective access to trisubstituted fluorinated alkenyl thioethers
Authors: Fabre Indira , Poisson Thomas , Pannecoucke Xavier , Gillaizeau Isabelle , Ciofini Ilaria , Grimaud Laurence
Published: March 2017

We report the first copper-catalyzed olefinic ethoxy carbonyl difluoromethylation of alkenyl thioethers via direct C–H bond functionalization using BrCF2COOEt.
Comparative study of three heteropolyacids supported on carbon materials as catalysts for ethylene production from bioethanol
Authors: Almohalla M. , Rodríguez-Ramos I. , Guerrero-Ruiz A.
Published: March 2017

The efficacy of three different heteropolyacids (HPAs) supported on activated carbon (AC) or on high surface area graphite (HSAG), has been comparatively evaluated in the dehydration of bio-ethanol to yield ethylene or diethyl ether.
Solid-surface activated recombinant Rhizopous oryzae lipase expressed in Pichia pastoris and chemically modified variants as efficient catalysts in the synthesis of hydroxy monodeprotected glycals
Authors: Filice Marco , Molina Marta , Benaiges M. Dolors , Abian Olga , Valero Francisco , Palomo Jose M.
Published: March 2017

A highly active, specific and regioselective heterogeneous lipase biocatalyst was developed for the monodeprotection of peracetylated glycals.
NMR analysis of an Fe(i)–carbene complex with strong magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Damjanović Marko , Samuel Prinson P. , Roesky Herbert W. , Enders Markus
Published: March 2017

A paramagnetic, easy-plane anisotropic FeI complex, bearing cyclic-alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC) ligands, is studied by means of NMR and DFT.
Novel nickel(ii) complexes of sterically modified linear N4 ligands: effect of ligand stereoelectronic factors and solvent of coordination on nickel(ii) spin-state and catalytic alkane hydroxylation
Authors: Sankaralingam Muniyandi , Vadivelu Prabha , Palaniandavar Mallayan
Published: March 2017

The donor atom type and diazacyclo backbone of the ligands and solvent of coordination dictate the Ni(ii) spin state (4, LS;1–3,5, HS) and catalytic activity of complexes.
Characterising thermal runaway within lithium-ion cells by inducing and monitoring internal short circuits
Authors: Finegan Donal P. , Darcy Eric , Keyser Matthew , Tjaden Bernhard , Heenan Thomas M. M. , Jervis Rhodri , Bailey Josh J. , Malik Romeo , Vo Nghia T. , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Atwood Robert , Drakopoulos Michael , DiMichiel Marco , Rack Alexander , Hinds Gareth , Brett Dan J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: March 2017

Internal short circuiting device for lithium-ion batteries.
Depth profile analysis with glow discharge spectrometry
Authors: Lobo Lara , Fernández Beatriz , Pereiro Rosario
Published: March 2017

Glow discharge spectrometry shows excellent capabilities for fast compositional depth profiling of modern and challenging materials.
Efficient and selective hydrogenation of benzonitrile to benzylamine: improvement on catalytic performance and stability in a trickle-bed reactor
Authors: Dai Chengyong , Zhu Shuya , Wang Xueguang , Zhang Chunlei , Zhang Wenxiang , Li Yonggang , Ning Chunli
Published: March 2017

The hydrogenation of benzonitrile with a high benzylamine yield of 86% is accomplished over a Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in a trickle-bed reactor.
Fluorescence sensing of nitro-aromatics by Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) based coordination polymers having the 5-[bis(4-carboxybenzyl)-amino]isophthalic acid ligand
Authors: Lu Lu , Wang Jun , Xie Bin , Liu Jian-Qiang , Yadav Reena , Singh Amita , Kumar Abhinav
Published: March 2017

Three new d10 based MOFs using 5-[bis(3-carboxybenzyl)-amino]isophthalic acid were synthesized and their sensing behavior towards nitroaromatics was evaluated.
Mononuclear and dinuclear trimethylplatinum(iv) iodide complexes of 3-substituted pyridines
Authors: Ghosh Biswa Nath , Schlecht Sabine , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: March 2017

A series of mononuclear and dinuclear trimethylplatinum(iv) complexes of 3-substituted pyridines has been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, DFT computational and X-ray crystal structure analysis.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-arborescidine C and related tetracyclic indole alkaloids using organocatalysis
Authors: Sheth Vishal M. , Hong Bor-Cherng , Lee Gene-Hsiang
Published: March 2017

Enantioselective synthesis of (+)-arborescidine C was achieved by the key step of Pictet–Spengler cyclization reaction with a Jacobsen-type thiourea organocatalyst.
Discovery of phosphorodiamidate mustard-based O2-phosphorylated diazeniumdiolates with potent anticancer activity
Authors: Zou Yu , Yan Chang , Knaus Edward E. , Zhang Huibin , Zhang Yihua , Huang Zhangjian
Published: March 2017

Diazeniumdiolates are an important class of NO donors. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a group of phosphorodiamidate mustard-based O2-phosphorylated diazeniumdiolates.