bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ongoing deformation of Antarctica following recent Great Earthquakes
Authors: King Matt A. , Santamaría‐Gómez Alvaro
Published: February 2016

Antarctica's secular motion is thought to be almost everywhere governed by horizontal rigid plate rotation plus three‐dimensional deformations due to past and present changes in ice ocean loading, known as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). We use geodetic data to investigate deformation following the 1998 M ~8.2 Antarctic intraplate Earthquake and show sustained three‐dimensional deformation along East Antarctica's coastline, 600 km from the rupture location. Using a model of viscoelastic deformation, we are able to match observed northward velocity changes, and either east or height, but not all three directions simultaneously, apparently partly due to lateral variations in mantle rheology. Our modeling predicts that much of Antarctica may still be deforming, with further deformation possible from the 2004 M 8 Macquarie Ridge Earthquake. This previously unconsidered mode of Antarctic deformation affects geodetic estimates of plate motion and GIA; its viscous nature raises the prospect of further present‐day deformation due to earlier Great Earthquakes.
Short term precursors of Strombolian explosions at Yasur volcano (Vanuatu)
Authors: Battaglia Jean , Métaxian Jean‐Philippe , Garaebiti Esline
Published: February 2016

The seismic wavefield associated with Strombolian activity is usually dominated by explosion quakes (EQs), tremor, and various signals generated by surface phenomena. Looking at the seismicity recorded at Yasur volcano in 2008, we found that beside the transient events which occur simultaneously with surface explosions, the seismicity includes events related to a deeper process. These long period (LP) events form a family of similar events located below the southeastern part of the crater rim at a depth of about 700–1200 m below the summit. They are commonly followed by EQs with a variable delay. The examination of about 20,000 LP‐EQ sequences at several stations near the summit shows that interevent delays follow distributions peaked around 11–12 s. This short delay compared to the relatively great source depth of the LPs favors a causal relationship linked to pressure transfer rather than gas slug propagation after nucleation at the LP source.
Crustal strain partitioning and the associated earthquake hazard in the eastern Sunda‐Banda Arc
Authors: Koulali A. , Susilo S. , McClusky S. , Meilano I. , Cummins P. , Tregoning P. , Lister G. , Efendi J. , Syafi'i M. A.
Published: February 2016

We use Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements of surface deformation to show that the convergence between the Australian Plate and Sunda Block in eastern Indonesia is partitioned between the megathrust and a continuous zone of back‐arc thrusting extending 2000 km from east Java to north of Timor. Although deformation in this back‐arc region has been reported previously, its extent and the mechanism of convergence partitioning have hitherto been conjectural. GPS observations establish that partitioning occurs via a combination of anticlockwise rotation of an arc segment called the Sumba Block, and left‐lateral movement along a major NE‐SW strike‐slip fault west of Timor. We also identify a westward extension of the back‐arc thrust for 300 km onshore into East Java, accommodating slip of ∼6 mm/yr. These results highlight a major new seismic threat for East Java and draw attention to the pronounced seismic and tsunami threat to Bali, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara, and other coasts along the Flores Sea.
Seasonality of submesoscale flows in the ocean surface boundary layer
Authors: Buckingham Christian E. , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Thompson Andrew F. , Brannigan Liam , Lazar Ayah , Marshall David P. , George Nurser A. J. , Damerell Gillian , Heywood Karen J. , Belcher Stephen E.
Published: February 2016

A signature of submesoscale flows in the upper ocean is skewness in the distribution of relative vorticity. Expected to result for high Rossby number flows, such skewness has implications for mixing, dissipation, and stratification within the upper ocean. An array of moorings deployed in the Northeast Atlantic for 1 year as part of the experiment of the Ocean Surface Mixing, Ocean Submesoscale Interaction Study (OSMOSIS) reveals that relative vorticity is positively skewed during winter even though the scale of the Rossby number is less than 0.5. Furthermore, this skewness is reduced to zero during spring and autumn. There is also evidence of modest seasonal variations in the gradient Rossby number. The proposed mechanism by which relative vorticity is skewed is that the ratio of lateral to vertical buoyancy gradients, as summarized by the inverse gradient Richardson number, restricts its range during winter but less so at other times of the year. These results support recent observations and model simulations suggesting that the upper ocean is host to a seasonal cycle in submesoscale turbulence.
PAMELA's measurements of geomagnetic cutoff variations during the 14 December 2006 storm
Authors: Adriani O. , Barbarino G. C. , Bazilevskaya G. A. , Bellotti R. , Boezio M. , Bogomolov E. A. , Bongi M. , Bonvicini V. , Bottai S. , Bruno A. , Cafagna F. , Campana D. , Carlson P. , Casolino M. , Castellini G. , De Donato C. , de Nolfo G. A. , De Santis C. , De Simone N. , Di Felice V. , Galper A. M. , Karelin A. V. , Koldashov S. V. , Koldobskiy S. , Krutkov S. Y. , Kvashnin A. N. , Leonov A. , Malakhov V. , Marcelli L. , Martucci M. , Mayorov A. G. , Menn W. , Mergé M. , Mikhailov V. V. , Mocchiutti E. , Monaco A. , Mori N. , Munini R. , Osteria G. , Palma F. , Panico B. , Papini P. , Pearce M. , Picozza P. , Ricci M. , Ricciarini S. B. , Sarkar R. , Scotti V. , Simon M. , Sparvoli R. , Spillantini P. , Stozhkov Y. I. , Vacchi A. , Vannuccini E. , Vasilyev G. I. , Voronov S. A. , Yurkin Y. T. , Zampa G. , Zampa N.
Published: February 2016

Data from the Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light‐nuclei Astrophysics (PAMELA) satellite experiment were used to measure the geomagnetic cutoff for high‐energy (≳ 80MeV) protons during the 14 December 2006 geomagnetic storm. The variations of the cutoff latitude as a function of rigidity were studied on relatively short timescales, corresponding to spacecraft orbital periods (∼94 min). Estimated cutoff values were compared with those obtained by means of a trajectory‐tracing approach based on a dynamical empirical modeling of the Earth's magnetosphere. We found significant variations in the cutoff latitude, with a maximum suppression of ∼7° at lowest rigidities during the main phase of the storm. The observed reduction in the geomagnetic shielding and its temporal evolution were related to the changes in the magnetospheric configuration, investigating the role of interplanetary magnetic field, solar wind, and geomagnetic parameters. PAMELA's results represent the first direct measurement of geomagnetic cutoffs for protons with kinetic energies in the sub‐GeV and GeV region.
Inactive mutants of human pyridoxine 5′‐phosphate oxidase: a possible role for a noncatalytic pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate tight binding site
Authors: Ghatge Mohini S. , Karve Sayali S. , David Tanya M. S. , Ahmed Mostafa H. , Musayev Faik N. , Cunningham Kendra , Schirch Verne , Safo Martin K.
Published: February 2016

Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP) is a cofactor for many vitamin B6‐requiring enzymes that are important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Pyridoxine 5′‐phosphate oxidase (PNPO) is one of two enzymes that produce PLP. Some 16 known mutations in human PNPO (hPNPO), including R95C and R229W, lead to deficiency of PLP in the cell and have been shown to cause neonatal epileptic encephalopathy (NEE). This disorder has no effective treatment, and is often fatal unless treated with PLP. In this study, we show that R95C hPNPO exhibits a 15‐fold reduction in affinity for the FMN cofactor, a 71‐fold decrease in affinity for the substrate PNP, a 4.9‐fold decrease in specific activity, and a 343‐fold reduction in catalytic activity, compared to the wild‐type enzyme. We have reported similar findings for R229W hPNPO. This report also shows that wild‐type, R95C and R229W hPNPO bind PLP tightly at a noncatalytic site and transfer it to activate an apo‐B6 enzyme into the catalytically active holo‐form. We also show for the first time that hPNPO forms specific interactions with several B6 enzymes with dissociation constants ranging from 0.3 to 12.3 μm. Our results suggest a possible in vivo role for the tight binding of PLP in hPNPO, whether wild‐type or variant, by protecting the very reactive PLP, and transferring this PLP directly to activate apo‐B6 enzymes.
Production of biologically active IL‐36 family cytokines through insertion of N‐terminal caspase cleavage motifs
Authors: Clancy Danielle M. , Henry Conor M. , Davidovich Pavel B. , Sullivan Graeme P. , Belotcerkovskaya Ekaterina , Martin Seamus J.
Published: February 2016

Recent evidence has strongly implicated IL‐36 cytokines as key initiators of inflammation in the skin barrier. IL‐36 cytokines belong to the extended IL‐1 family and, similar to most members of this family, are expressed as inactive precursors that require proteolytic processing for activation. Because the proteases responsible for activation of members of the IL‐36 subfamily have not been reported, we have developed a method for the production of biologically active IL‐36 through introduction of a caspase cleavage motif, DEVD, within the N‐termini of these cytokines. Here, we show that DEVD‐modified IL‐36α, IL‐36β and IL‐36γ cytokines were highly soluble and were readily processed and activated by caspase‐3. Caspase‐3‐processed IL‐36 family cytokines exhibited robust biological activity on a range of responsive cell types, including primary keratinocytes. We also generated specific polyclonal antibodies against all three IL‐36 family members through immunization with purified recombinant IL‐36 cytokines. The modified forms of IL‐36 described herein will be useful for production of large quantities of biologically active IL‐36 for structure and function studies on these important proinflammatory cytokines.
Mechanisms and Microenvironment Investigation of Cellularized High Density Gradient Collagen Matrices via Densification
Authors: Novak Tyler , Seelbinder Benjamin , Twitchell Celina M. , van Donkelaar Corrinus C. , Voytik‐Harbin Sherry L. , Neu Corey P.
Published: February 2016

Biological tissues and biomaterials are often defined by unique spatial gradients in physical properties that impart specialized function over hierarchical scales. The structure of these materials forms continuous transitional gradients and discrete local microenvironments between adjacent (or within) tissues, and across matrix–cell boundaries, which is difficult to replicate with common scaffold systems. Here, the matrix densification of collagen leading to gradients in density, mechanical properties, and fibril morphology is studied. High‐density regions form via a fluid pore pressure and flow‐driven mechanism, with increased relative fibril density (10×), mechanical properties (20×, to 94.40 ± 18.74 kPa), and maximum fibril thickness (1.9×, to >1 μm) compared to low‐density regions, while maintaining porosity and fluid/mass transport to support viability of encapsulated cells. Similar to the organization of the articular cartilage zonal structure, it is found that high‐density collagen regions induce cell and nuclear alignment of primary chondrocytes. Chondrocyte gene expression is maintained in collagen matrices, and no phenotypic changes are observed as a result of densification. Collagen densification provides a tunable platform for the creation of gradient systems to study complex cell–matrix interactions. These methods are easily generalized to compression and boundary condition modalities useful to mimic a broad range of tissues.
Controllable Charge Transfer by Ferroelectric Polarization Mediated Triboelectricity
Authors: Lee Keun Young , Kim Sung Kyun , Lee Ju‐Hyuck , Seol Daehee , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Kim Yunseok , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: February 2016

Next‐generation memory and energy harvesting devices require a higher output performance for charging lectric devices. Generally, it is very limited to control charge transfer through triboelectricity in triboelectric materials. Here, using ferroelectric polarization, it is found that both the amount and direction of charge transfer in triboelectric materials can be controlled. The ferroelectric‐dependent triboelectricity in a ferroelectric co‐polymer film is explored using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Ferroelectric surfaces are rubbed with the AFM tip after poling with positive and negative bias voltages to achieve a triboelectric effect. The surface potential of the positively (negatively) poled area becomes smaller (larger) after rubbing the film surface with the AFM tip. Furthermore, the power output from the triboelectric nanogenerator is dependent on the ferroelectric polarization state. The results indicate that the amount and direction of the charge transfer in triboelectricity can be controlled by the ferroelectric polarization state.
Light‐Driven and Light‐Guided Microswimmers
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Xiaoran , Qin Hong , Zhao Zhongqiang , Liu Hewen
Published: February 2016

Light‐driven swimming particles hold great potential in wide applications ranging from next‐generation drug delivery to versatile microrobotic devices. It is desired that the self‐propelled microparticles should swim not only autonomously but also directionally to achieve their goals in their potential applications. This paper presents the first example of fully organic colloidal particles of a spiropyran‐terminated hyperbranched polymer that can be driven and meanwhile steered by a UV light source, swimming straight towards the UV source. The mean‐square velocities of the photochromic suspension particles are about 20 μm s−1, and increase to about 54 μm s−1 with the addition of NaCl of 0.5%. The phototactic propulsion is supposed to be originated from the UV irradiation‐induced interfacial tension gradient on the surface of the colloidal particles. This finding allows for the design of new microengines for next‐generation drug delivery systems, microrobotic devices, and self‐adaptive photocatalysts, etc.
Electrohydrodynamically Assisted Deposition of Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Ishihara Hidetaka , Chen Wenjun , Chen Yen‐Chang , Sarang Som , De Marco Nicholas , Lin Oliver , Ghosh Sayantani , Tung Vincent
Published: February 2016

Organic–inorganic perovskites that combine the strength of both chemical worlds have emerged as tantalizing candidates for next generation photovoltaics. Here, the electrohydrodynamically assisted continuous liquid interface propagation as a general, and potentially scalable nanomanufacturing route toward synthesizing high quality perovskite thin films in a rapid and high throughput fashion is reported. This strategy conceptually mimics the advantageous self‐organizing features of emulsion droplets where the use of a binary solvent system, concurrently and continuously, initiates a three‐stage process of coalescence, spreading, and merging, thus optimizing thin film morphology upon deposition without the needs for additional engineering steps. The resulting perovskite thin film not only exhibits a smooth topology with the root mean square roughness of only a few nm but also reveals hybrid morphology where micrometer‐sized grains intersperse between interconnected and continuous crystalline networks. This gives rise to the highest power conversion efficiency of 16.50% and average 14.68%; representing a nearly twofold increase compared to that of conventional spray‐pyrolysis approach. As a final critical aspect, the proposed strategy contributes new insights to efficiently managing the environmentally hazardous lead during processing, significantly reducing the amount by two orders of magnitude compared to that of spin‐coating to achieve the same thin film thickness.
Paper Skin Multisensory Platform for Simultaneous Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Nassar Joanna M. , Cordero Marlon D. , Kutbee Arwa T. , Karimi Muhammad A. , Sevilla Galo A. Torres , Hussain Aftab M. , Shamim Atif , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: February 2016

Human skin and hair can simultaneously feel pressure, temperature, humidity, strain, and flow—great inspirations for applications such as artificial skins for burn and acid victims, robotics, and vehicular technology. Previous efforts in this direction use sophisticated materials or processes. Chemically functionalized, inkjet printed or vacuum‐technology‐processed papers albeit cheap have shown limited functionalities. Thus, performance and/or functionalities per cost have been limited. Here, a scalable “garage” fabrication approach is shown using off‐the‐shelf inexpensive household elements such as aluminum foil, scotch tapes, sticky‐notes, napkins, and sponges to build “paper skin” with simultaneous real‐time sensing capability of pressure, temperature, humidity, proximity, pH, and flow. Enabling the basic principles of porosity, adsorption, and dimensions of these materials, a fully functioning distributed sensor network platform is reported, which, for the first time, can sense the vitals of its carrier (body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and skin hydration) and the surrounding environment.
Biocompatible Two‐Photon Absorbing Dipyridyldiketopyrrolopyrroles for Metal‐Ion‐Mediated Self‐Assembly Modulation and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: He Tingchao , Gao Yang , Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , Tian Xiaoqing , Liu Lin , Wang Yue , Joshi Hrishikesh , Phua Soo Zeng Fiona , Yao Song , Lin Xiaodong , Zhao Yanli , Grimsdale Andrew C. , Sun Handong
Published: February 2016

Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives are very promising nonlinear optical dyes with excellent thermal resistance and light stability. However, to the best of our knowledge, the fabrication of their organic micro‐ and/or nanostructures through covalent and/or noncovalent interactions to further adjust their corresponding two‐photon absorption (TPA) is rarely reported. In this work, based on previous synthesis method of pyridine‐containing ketopyrrolopyrroles, three dipyridyldiketopyrrolopyrroles (dipyridylDPPs) 1, 2, and 3 containing 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐pyridyl substituents, respectively, have been prepared, which exhibit strong orange fluorescence and large TPA action cross‐sections in both organic (tetrahydrofuran) and aqueous media. Importantly, fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) of the di(2‐pyridyl)DPP 1 prepared by the reprecipitation method displays strong two‐photon emission. Meanwhile, the FONs of 1 not only exhibit Ag+ ions mediated self‐assembly modulation, but also display low cytotoxicity and allow two‐photon bioimaging in HeLa cells.
A Hofmann Rearrangement–Ring Expansion Cascade for the Synthesis of 1‐Pyrrolines: Application to the Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolinium Salts
Authors: Huang He , Yang Qinghua , Zhang Qianqian , Wu Jie , Liu Yizhen , Song Chuanjun , Chang Junbiao
Published: February 2016

Treatment of cyclobutanecarboxamide with bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, PhI(OCOCF3)2, resulted in the formation of 1‐pyrroline via Hofmann rearrangement of the former followed by in situ ring expansion reaction of the cyclobutylamine intermediate. Further elaboration of this methodology to the synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolinium salts has also been described.

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Solution‐Processed Vertically Stacked Complementary Organic Circuits with Inkjet‐Printed Routing
Authors: Kwon Jimin , Kyung Sujeong , Yoon Sejung , Kim Jae‐Joon , Jung Sungjune
Published: February 2016

The fabrication and measurements of solution‐processed vertically stacked complementary organic field‐effect transistors (FETs) with a high static noise margin (SNM) are reported. In the device structure, a bottom‐gate p‐type organic FET (PFET) is vertically integrated on a top‐gate n‐type organic FET (NFET) with the gate shared in‐between. A new strategy has been proposed to maximize the SNM by matching the driving strengths of the PFET and the NFET by independently adjusting the dielectric capacitance of each type of transistor. Using ideally balanced inverters with the transistor‐on‐transistor structure, the first examples of universal logic gates by inkjet‐printed routing are demonstrated. It is believed that this work can be extended to large‐scale complementary integrated circuits with a high transistor density, simpler routing path, and high yield.
Genetic determinants of cardiometabolic risk factors in rural families in Brazil
Authors: Pena Geórgia G. , Martinez‐Perez Angel , Dutra Míriam Santos , Gazzinelli Andrea , Corrêa‐Oliveira Rodrigo , Soria José M. , Velasquez‐Melendez Gustavo
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to estimate the heritability of genetic and environmental correlations between cardiometabolic risk factors in extended pedigrees.

Methods

The Jequitinhonha Community Family Study Cohort (JCFSC) consists of individuals aged ≥18 years living in rural villages. Family pedigrees were constructed of the cohort. The following data were collected: demographic and socioeconomic status, lifestyle variables, anthropometrics, and lipid traits.

Results

The JCFSC consists of 931 individuals distributed into 69 pedigrees with 4,907 members in total. The heritabilities were 0.47 for total cholesterol (TC), 0.44 for triglycerides (TG) and 0.42 for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), 0.49 for metabolic syndrome, approximately 0.60 for anthropometric traits and 0.30 for blood pressure/hypertension. Significant genetic correlations (ρg) were found mainly between TG and TC (ρg = 0.58) and hypertension and TG (ρg = 0.52). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was correlated with TG (ρg = 0.39) and HDLc (ρg = −0.30). Diastolic blood pressures correlated with TG (ρg=0.56) and TC (ρg=0.30). Genetic correlations were also found between anthropometric traits, including: body mass index (BMI) and TG (ρg=0.34), waist circumference (WC) and TG (ρg=0.42), and WC and HDLc (ρg=‐0.33). Household effects were found for HDLc (c2= 0.19), SBP (c2 = 0.14) and Hypertension (c2= 0.14).

Conclusions

To some phenotypes, including lipids, hypertension, blood pressure, and anthropometric traits, genetic contribution is important in the determination of cardiometabolic risk factors. This study provides a foundation for future studies. These will mainly focus on rare variants that could describe the genetic mechanisms influencing cardiometabolic risk. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:619–626, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Descriptive analysis and comparison of two French occupational exposure databases: COLCHIC and SCOLA
Authors: Mater Gautier , Paris Christophe , Lavoué Jérôme
Published: February 2016

Background

Several countries have built databases of occupational hygiene measurements. In France, COLCHIC and SCOLA co‐exist, started in 1987 and 2007, respectively.

Methods

A descriptive comparison of the content of the two databases was carried out during the period 1987–2012, including variables, workplaces and agents, as well as exposure levels.

Results

COLCHIC and SCOLA contain, respectively, 841,682 (670 chemicals) and 152,486 records (70). They cover similar industries and occupations, and contain the same ancillary information. Across 17 common agents with >500 samples, the ratio of the median concentration in COLCHIC to the median concentration in SCOLA was 3.45 [1.03–14.3] during 2007–2012. This pattern remained when stratified by industry, task, and occupation, but was attenuated when restricted to similar sampling duration.

Conclusions

COLCHIC and SCOLA represent a considerable source of information, but result from different purposes (prevention, regulatory). Potential differences due to strategies should evaluated when interpreting data from these databases. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:379–391, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The contribution of protein intrinsic disorder to understand the role of genetic variants uncovered by autism spectrum disorders exome studies
Authors: Schuch Jaqueline Bohrer , Paixão‐Côrtes Vanessa Rodrigues , Friedrich Deise C. , Tovo‐Rodrigues Luciana
Published: February 2016

Several autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exome studies suggest that coding single nucleotide variants (SNVs) play an important role on ASD etiology. Usually, the pathogenic effect of missense mutations is estimated through predictors that lose accuracy for those SNVs placed in intrinsically disordered regions of protein. Here, we used bioinformatics tools to investigate the effect of mutations described in ASD published exome studies (549 mutations) in protein disorder, considering post‐translational modification, PEST and Molecular Recognition Features (MoRFs) motifs. Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) datasets were created for comparison purposes. The frequency of mutations predicted as disordered was comparable among the three datasets (38.1% in ASD, 35.7% in schizophrenia, 46.4% in T2D). However, the frequency of SNVs predicted to lead a gain or loss of functional sites or change intrinsic disorder tendencies was higher in ASD and schizophrenia than T2D (46.9%, 36.4%, and 23.1%, respectively). The results obtained by SIFT and PolyPhen‐2 indicated that 38.9% and 34.4% of the mutations predicted, respectively, as tolerated and benign showed functional alterations in disorder properties. Given the frequency of mutations placed in IDRs and their functional impact, this study suggests that alterations in intrinsic disorder properties might play a role in ASD and schizophrenia etiologies. They should be taken into consideration when researching the pathogenicity of mutations in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases. Finally, mutations with functional alterations in disorder properties must be potential targets for in vitro and in vivo functional studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benzoxazole and Benzothiazole Synthesis from Carboxylic Acids in Solution and on Resin by Using Ethyl 2‐Cyano‐2‐(2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyloxyimino)acetate and para‐Toluenesulfonic Acid
Authors: Dev Dharm , Chandra Jyoti , Palakurthy Nani Babu , Thalluri Kishore , Kalita Tapasi , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: February 2016

A metal‐free and catalytic method for the synthesis of 2‐substituted benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles from N‐protected amino acids and carboxylic acids is described. The synthesis of benzoxazole on a solid support is demonstrated by the synthesis of benzoxazole attached to a human islet amyloid polypeptide, hIAPP22–27, fragment and benzoxazole derivatives of the side chain of aspartic acid on a modified fragment of Aβ18−21 (amyloid β) peptide. The reactions proceeded through a two‐step mechanism. The coupling step is realized with a relatively new reagent, ethyl 2‐cyano‐2‐(2‐nitrobenzenesulfonyloxyimino)acetate (ortho‐NosylOXY), and the cyclization step takes place thanks to an inexpensive organocatalyst, para‐toluenesulfonic acid, under microwave irradiation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the complete synthesis of benzoxazole derivatives of a polypeptide on a resin solid support.
Synthesis of Dinitrogen‐Fused Spirocyclic Heterocycles via Organocatalytic 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition of 2‐Arylidene‐1,3‐indandiones and an Azomethine Imine
Authors: Duan Jindian , Cheng Jing , Cheng Yuyu , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2016

An efficient 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indandiones with an azomethine imine has been developed to furnish spiroindane‐1,3‐dione‐pyrazolidinones in generally good to high yields with excellent diastereoselectivity under mild conditions.
Dominance relationships in male Nepal gray langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus)
Authors: Perlman Rachel F. , Borries Carola , Koenig Andreas
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Reproductive skew is proposed to link to despotism in dominance hierarchies. While studies illustrating male skew are plentiful, demonstrating the link to despotism is rare. Likewise, it is often unknown which factors (e.g., resource holding potential, age, physical condition) affect a male's dominance rank. Here we investigated correlates of male rank and hierarchy characteristics in Nepal gray langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus), a population with high male reproductive skew, and compared the results to other multi‐male groups of nonhuman primates.

Methods

We collected dyadic displacement interactions from two groups (mean 3.0 and 4.1 adult males) for five years each. We assessed dominance ranks for demographically stable phases (n =11,n =28) and analyzed the effects of age and physical condition through linear mixed models (LMM). We analyzed hierarchy characteristics via the program MatMan. We used data from 27 primate groups (cercopithecines, colobines, hominoids) as a comparative sample.

Results

The highest ranks were attained by adults in one group (LMM,P < 0.091) and by young adults in the other group (LMM,P < 0.001). With some exceptions, rank was highest for males with higher physical condition scores (LMM,P < 0.05). Hierarchies had high directional consistency (mean > 0.93) and linearity (mean >0.81) and were relatively steep (mean >0.66) when compared with other species.

Discussion

Dominance rank followed a pattern predicted by resource holding potential, but other individual attributes and group composition also seemed important. As predicted, hierarchy characteristics indicated a despotic system in line with the strong reproductive skew. Across primates, however, the degree of despotism did not appear to match the degree of reproductive skew. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:208–219, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multicenter prospective longitudinal study of magnetic resonance biomarkers in a large duchenne muscular dystrophy cohort
Authors: Willcocks Rebecca J. , Rooney William D. , Triplett William T. , Forbes Sean C. , Lott Donovan J. , Senesac Claudia R. , Daniels Michael J. , Wang Dah‐Jyuu , Harrington Ann T. , Tennekoon Gihan I. , Russman Barry S. , Finanger Erika L. , Byrne Barry J. , Finkel Richard S. , Walter Glenn A. , Sweeney H. Lee , Vandenborne Krista
Published: February 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) disease progression in the lower extremity muscles over 12 months using quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) biomarkers, collected across three sites in a large cohort.

Methods

A total of 109 ambulatory boys with DMD (8.7 ± 2.0 years; range, 5.0–12.9) completed baseline and 1‐year follow‐up quantitative MR imaging (transverse relaxation time constant; MRI‐T2), MR spectroscopy (fat fraction and 1H2O T2), and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) measurements. A subset of boys completed additional measurements after 3 or 6 months.

Results

MRI‐T2 and fat fraction increased significantly over 12 months in all age groups, including in 5‐ to 6.9‐year‐old boys. Significant increases in vastus lateralis (VL) fat fraction were observed in 3 and 6 months. Even in boys whose 6MWT performance improved or remained stable over 1 year, significant increases in MRI‐T2 and fat fraction were found. Of all the muscles examined, the VL and biceps femoris long head were the most responsive to disease progression in boys with DMD.

Interpretation

MR biomarkers are responsive to disease progression in 5‐ to 12.9‐year‐old boys with DMD and able to detect subclinical disease progression in DMD, even within short (3–6 months) time periods. The measured sensitivity of MR biomarkers in this multicenter study may be critically important to future clinical trials, allowing for smaller sample sizes and/or shorter study windows in this fatal rare disease. Ann Neurol 2016;79:535–547
Kontrollierte Faltungs‐, Bewegungs‐ und konstitutionelle Dynamik in polyheterocyclischen molekularen Strängen
Authors: Barboiu Mihail , Stadler Adrian‐Mihail , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2016

Allgemeingültige Gestaltungsprinzipien für polyheterocyclische Stränge und deren definierte molekulare Bewegung wurden entwickelt. Eine durch Effektoren modulierte Formveränderung induziert gezielt eine helikal‐gefaltete oder linear‐ausgedehnte Molekülgestalt. Durch die Koordination an Metallionen werden weitläufige molekulare Bewegungen ausgelöst, die durch den Zusatz konkurrierender Komplexierungsreagentien reversibel gemacht und durch sequenzielle Säure‐Base‐Neutralisation angetrieben werden können. Der Einbau von Hydrazongruppen in die Stränge verleiht die Fähigkeit zur konstitutionellen Dynamik, bei der Stränge mit verschiedenen Zusammensetzungen durch Komponentenaustausch ineinander umgewandelt werden. Diese Eigenschaften sind relevant für die Verwendung als nanomechanische Bauteile. Wir beschreiben die morphologische und funktionelle Analyse solcher in unserem Labor entwickelten Systeme.
Tuning and Erasing Surface Wrinkles by Reversible Visible‐Light‐Induced Photoisomerization
Authors: Zong Chuanyong , Zhao Yan , Ji Haipeng , Han Xue , Xie Jixun , Wang Juanjuan , Cao Yanping , Jiang Shichun , Lu Conghua
Published: February 2016

Periodic wrinkling across different scales has received considerable attention because it not only represents structure failure but also finds wide applications. How to prevent wrinkling or create desired wrinkling patterns is non‐trivial because the dynamic evolution of wrinkles is a highly nonlinear problem. Herein, we report a simple yet powerful method to dynamically tune and/or erase wrinkling patterns with visible light. The light‐induced photoisomerization of azobenzene units in azopolymer films leads to stress release and consequently to the erasure of the wrinkles. The wrinkles in unexposed regions are also affected and oriented perpendicular to the exposed boundary during the stress reorganization. Theoretical models were developed to understand the dynamics of the reversible photoisomerization‐induced wrinkle evolution. This method can be applied for designing functional materials/devices, for example, for the reversible optical writing/erasure of information as demonstrated here.
Double‐Shelled Nanocages with Cobalt Hydroxide Inner Shell and Layered Double Hydroxides Outer Shell as High‐Efficiency Polysulfide Mediator for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Hu Han , Li Zhen , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: February 2016

Lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries have been considered as a promising candidate for next‐generation electrochemical energy‐storage technologies because of their overwhelming advantages in energy density. Suppression of the polysulfide dissolution while maintaining a high sulfur utilization is the main challenge for Li–S batteries. Here, we have designed and synthesized double‐shelled nanocages with two shells of cobalt hydroxide and layered double hydroxides (CH@LDH) as a conceptually new sulfur host for Li–S batteries. Specifically, the hollow CH@LDH polyhedra with complex shell structures not only maximize the advantages of hollow nanostructures for encapsulating a high content of sulfur (75 wt %), but also provide sufficient self‐functionalized surfaces for chemically bonding with polysulfides to suppress their outward dissolution. When evaluated as cathode material for Li–S batteries, the CH@LDH/S composite shows a significantly improved electrochemical performance.
Structure and properties of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐methyl acrylate) membranes prepared via thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Han Na , Xiong Juncheng , Chen Sumei , Zhang Xingxiang , Li Yulin , Tan Linli
Published: February 2016

Poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐methyl acrylate) [(P(AN‐MA)] microporous membranes were prepared via a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process by using γ‐butyrolactone (γ‐BA) and glyceryl triacetate (GTA) as the mixed diluent. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of the γ‐BA content, P(AN‐MA) concentration, and cooling rate on the structure and properties of P(AN‐MA) membranes. A lacy structure with high connectivity was formed with 50 wt % γ‐BA, and 50 wt % GTA comprising the mixed diluent. With an increase in the γ‐BA content, the pore structure acquires semi‐closed or completely closed cell‐like morphologies. The different phase separation mechanisms greatly influence the mechanical properties of the P(AN‐MA) membranes. P(AN‐MA) membranes with a lacy structure possess better tensile strength than those with semi‐closed or completely closed cell‐like structures. The membrane pore size grows larger when the TIPS process utilizes a higher γ‐BA content and a lower cooling rate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43444.
Simultaneously improving tensile strength and toughness of melt‐spun β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene fibers
Authors: Liu Zhongzhu , Zheng Guoqiang , Dai Kun , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: February 2016

Polymer processing methods generally play a crucial role in determining the development of microstructure in the fabricated product. In this study, isotactic polypropylene (iPP) melt containing 0.05 wt % β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA) was extruded via a melt flow rate indicator. The molten extrudate was stretched into a fiber upon various take‐up velocities (TVs). The microstructures of the fiber were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Also, its tensile properties (including tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, and toughness) were measured by tensile test. Interestingly, the tensile strength (135.0 MPa) of a melt‐spun β‐nucleated iPP fiber fabricated at 400 cm/min was enhanced by 115.2%, compared with that (62.7 MPa) prepared at 100 cm/min, with a considerable increment in toughness (from 661 to 853 MJ/m3). The enhancement mechanism for tensile properties was discussed based on the microstructures. This work offers a simple approach to prepare β‐nucleated iPP fibers with excellent strength and toughness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43454.
Electrospun polymer of intrinsic microporosity fibers and their use in the adsorption of contaminants from a nonaqueous system
Authors: Zhang Caili , Li Pei , Cao Bing
Published: February 2016

The smooth and uniform polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) fibers, which have high adsorption capacities toward organic contaminants from nonaqueous systems, were successfully obtained by electrospinning. According to the N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, the surface area of the PIM‐1 fibers was higher than that of the PIM‐1 powder. The higher surface area of the fibers did not come from the interfiber pores but from intrafiber pores formed by the fast evaporation of the solvent in the electrospinning process. The PIM‐1 fibers had more mesopores than the PIM‐1 films. As a result, the adsorption rates of the dyes on the fibers were much higher than those on the dense films. We found that the adsorption data fitted perfectly with the pseudo‐second‐order model and intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption mechanism between the dyes and PIM‐1 was π–π interaction. Therefore, the dye could be desorbed from PIM‐1 with toluene; this was a better π‐electron‐rich donor than the dye. In summary, we believe that the use of PIM‐1 fibers for organic solvent recovery is a green, sustainable, and efficient method, and they have a great potential for industrial applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43475.
Polypropylene‐based composites containing sorbitol‐based nucleating agent and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin
Authors: Dobrzyńska‐Mizera Monika , Dutkiewicz Michał , Sterzyński Tomasz , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura
Published: February 2016

Composites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) modified with a sorbitol derivative (NX8000) and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin containing reactive phenyl groups (SiOPh) were prepared by melt extrusion. These iPP‐based formulations were investigated to evaluate the influence of such additives on the crystallization behavior and morphology, as well as on thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of sorbitol fastens crystallization kinetics of iPP and leads to higher transparency of iPP films. Upon the incorporation of siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin, no further effect on iPP crystallization kinetics is evidenced by calorimetry, optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Transparency of iPP‐based composites is improved upon the addition of sorbitol, but decreased when SiOPh is added to the formulation. The composites are also stiffer, compared to neat polypropylene with a decreased elongation at break and increased Young's modulus values, with increasing amounts of fillers. The effect of the siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin on properties of iPP/NX8000/SiOPh composites was explained taking into account compatibility of the components and morphology of the composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43476.
Bio‐inspired “green” nanocomposite using hydroxyapatite synthesized from eggshell waste and soy protein
Authors: Rahman Muhammad M. , Netravali Anil N. , Tiimob Boniface J. , Apalangya Vitus , Rangari Vijaya K.
Published: February 2016

Eco‐friendly and inexpensive “green” nanocomposites with enhanced functional performances were developed by combining nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized from eggshell waste (nEHA) and protein‐based polymer extracted from defatted soybean residues. nEHA was synthesized from chicken eggshells using an energy efficient microwave‐assisted wet chemical precipitation method. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy studies confirmed the nanometer scale (diameter: 4–14 nm and length: 5–100 nm) of calcium‐deficient (Ca/P ratio ∼1.53) needle‐like HA. Uniform dispersion of nEHA in soy protein isolate (SPI) solution was obtained by modifying nEHA surface using a polyelectrolyte (sodium polyacrylate) dispersant via irreversible adsorption. Green nanocomposite films were prepared from SPI and surface‐modified nEHA with the help of a natural plasticizer “glycerol” by solution casting. Significant improvements in tensile modulus and strength were achieved owing to the inclusion of uniformly dispersed nEHA in SPI sheets. Overall, this work provides a green pathway of fabricating nanocomposites using naturally occurring renewable polymer and inorganic moieties from eggshell waste that emphasizes the possibilities for replacing some petroleum‐based polymers in packaging and other applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43477.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of cashew gum graft poly(acrylamide)/magnetite nanocomposites
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Surya K.
Published: February 2016

Graft copolymer nanocomposites based on cashew gum and poly(acrylamide) with different concentrations of nano‐iron‐oxide particles (Fe3O4) have been prepared by an in situ polymerization method. The characterization of graft copolymer composite was carried out by FTIR, UV, XRD, SEM, DSC, and TGA, electrical conductivity, and magnetic property [vibrational sample magnetometer (VSM)] measurements. The shift in the spectrum of UV and FTIR peaks shows the intermolecular interaction between metal oxide nanoparticles and the graft copolymer system. The spherically shaped particles observed from the SEM images clearly indicating the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within the graft copolymer chain. The XRD studies revealed that the amorphous nature of the graft copolymer decreases by the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The glass transition temperature studied from DSC increases with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. Thermal stability of composite was higher than the pure graft copolymer and thermal stability increases with increase in content of nanoparticles. Electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites increased with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. The magnetic property of graft copolymer nanocomposites shows ferromagnetic and supermagnetism and the saturation of magnetism linearly increased with increasing the Fe3O4 content in the polymer composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43496.
Preparation and characterization of a composite nanofiltration membrane interfacially polymerized from cis,cis‐1,3,5‐triaminocyclohexane and trimesoyl chloride
Authors: Liu Zhongnan , Kuang Wu , Kang Guodong , Yu Haijun , Jin Yan , Zhou Meiqing , Liu Dandan , Cao Yiming
Published: February 2016

cis,cis‐1,3,5‐Triaminocyclohexane (TAC) was synthesized and used to prepare composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes by interfacial polymerization with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The surface elemental composition, morphology, and hydrophilicity of the prepared NF membranes were characterized. The separation performances were examined with various salts and polyethylene glycol (PEG400, PEG600) solutions. The effects of preparation conditions were also systematically studied. The NF membrane was negatively charged and exhibited a salt rejection in the order Na2SO4 (98.2%) > MgSO4 (90.8%) > MgCl2 (84.5%) > NaCl (54.6%). The water permeability was 1.56 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, and the molecular weight cutoff was 600 Da. The TAC/TMC membrane exhibited some characteristics that were different from the ones made from common diamines such as m‐phenylenediamine: (1) the surface was smoother, without a ridge‐and‐valley structure; (2) there were two kinds of crosslinking points in the polyamide chains; (3) the active layer was formed faster (only 5 seconds was required to reach a Na2SO4 rejection of 98%). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43511.
Heterocoagulation behavior of carbon black with surface encapsulation through emulsion polymerization
Authors: Jiang Lili , Wang Wenqi , Guan Aiguo , Wu Guozhang
Published: February 2016

Nanocomposite microspheres containing styrene–acrylate resin, wax, and carbon black (CB) with desired CB dispersion were prepared through heterocoagulation. The CB surface was modified using conventional anionic emulsifier and anionic dispersants with different lengths of nonionic chains and reactivities or through polymer encapsulation via emulsion polymerization to regulate the dispersion and concentration of CB in the microspheres. Experimental results showed that anionic dispersants with long nonionic chains effectively dispersed and stabilized CB particles. Polystyrene (PS) was then encapsulated on the CB surface by using a reactive dispersant and a water‐soluble initiator of polymerization. The CB particles exhibited comparable pH stability with other heterocoagulation components. Overall, encapsulation through emulsion polymerization can be used to obtain not only high CB content but also improved CB distribution in the resulting microspheres. High coagulation efficiency can also be achieved using polystyrene‐encapsulated dispersed CB because of its high affinity to emulsifiers and reactive dispersants during dispersion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43516.