bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proposed channel-enzyme transient receptor potential melastatin 2 does not possess ADP ribose hydrolase activity
Authors: Iordanov Iordan , Mihályi Csaba , Tóth Balázs , Csanády László
Published: July 2016

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel essential for immunocyte activation, insulin secretion, and postischemic cell death. TRPM2 is activated by ADP ribose (ADPR) binding to its C-terminal cytosolic NUDT9-homology (NUDT9H) domain, homologous to the soluble mitochondrial ADPR pyrophosphatase (ADPRase) NUDT9. Reported ADPR hydrolysis classified TRPM2 as a channel-enzyme, but insolubility of isolated NUDT9H hampered further investigations. Here we developed a soluble NUDT9H model using chimeric proteins built from complementary polypeptide fragments of NUDT9H and NUDT9. When expressed in E.coli, chimeras containing up to ~90% NUDT9H sequence remained soluble and were affinity-purified. In ADPRase assays the conserved Nudix-box sequence of NUDT9 proved essential for activity (kcat~4-9s-1), that of NUDT9H did not support catalysis. Replacing NUDT9H in full-length TRPM2 with soluble chimeras retained ADPR-dependent channel gating (K1/2~1-5 μM), confirming functionality of chimeric domains. Thus, TRPM2 is not a 'chanzyme'. Chimeras provide convenient soluble NUDT9H models for structural/biochemical studies.
Metabolic network rewiring of propionate flux compensates vitamin B12 deficiency in C. elegans
Authors: Watson Emma , Olin-Sandoval Viridiana , Hoy Michael J , Li Chi-Hua , Louisse Timo , Yao Victoria , Mori Akihiro , Holdorf Amy D , Troyanskaya Olga G , Ralser Markus , Walhout Albertha JM
Published: July 2016

Metabolic network rewiring is the rerouting of metabolism through the use of alternate enzymes to adjust pathway flux and accomplish specific anabolic or catabolic objectives. Here, we report the first characterization of two parallel pathways for the breakdown of the short chain fatty acid propionate in Caenorhabditis elegans. Using genetic interaction mapping, gene co-expression analysis, pathway intermediate quantification and carbon tracing, we uncover a vitamin B12-independent propionate breakdown shunt that is transcriptionally activated on vitamin B12 deficient diets, or under genetic conditions mimicking the human diseases propionic- and methylmalonic acidemia, in which the canonical B12-dependent propionate breakdown pathway is blocked. Our study presents the first example of transcriptional vitamin-directed metabolic network rewiring to promote survival under vitamin deficiency. The ability to reroute propionate breakdown according to B12 availability may provide C. elegans with metabolic plasticity and thus a selective advantage on different diets in the wild.
Enhanced thermal stability of green-emission quantum-dot light-emitting diodes via composition-gradient thick-shell quantum dots
Authors: Vu Hoang-Tuan , Chiang Ray-Kuang , Huang Chun-Yuan , Chen Chih-Jung , Yu Hsin-Chieh , Lien Jiun-Yi , Su Yan-Kuin
Published: July 2016

We investigated the thermal properties of quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) using composition-gradient thick-shell CdSe@ZnS/ZnS QDs. Thick-shell QDs with low defective structures effectively prevented electron–hole pairs from nonradiative Auger recombination. More specifically, defects were prevented from thermal-stress-induced expansion at elevated temperatures and high driving currents. Consequently, 97% of EL remained after the device was thermally stressed at temperatures higher than 110 °C, indicating that the nanostructure design of QDs is an important factor for high-performance QLEDs.
Polystyrene-catalytic indium–tin–oxide nanorods grown on green light-emitting diodes for enhancing light extraction
Authors: Gong Zhina , Li Qiang , Li Yufeng , Xiong Han , Liu Hao , Wang Shuai , Zhang Ye , Guo Maofeng , Yun Feng
Published: July 2016

A novel technique for fabricating indium–tin–oxide (ITO) nanorods (NRs) on hexagonal-pyramid-surface green vertical light-emitting diodes (VLEDs) is demonstrated using electron-beam deposition with polystyrene spheres catalysis. The ITO NRs have high optical transmittance (>90%) in green wavelength and good crystal quality with a cubic structure. The VLED with ITO NRs has a 31% enhancement of light output power at 200 mA, compared with those without ITO NRs. Finite-difference time-domain simulations suggest that the power enhancement is attributed to the gradient refractive indices of the ITO NRs, and that the light extraction enhancement is caused by changes in ITO NR heights.
ROCK AND ROLL E JUVENTUDE EM DEBATE NO BRASIL (1956-58): A RECEPÇÃO DO FILME AO BALANÇO DAS HORAS
Authors: Garson Marcelo
Published: July 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a recepção do filme Ao Balanço da Horas (Rock around the clock) que estreia no Brasil em 1956. Através de sua trilha sonora, ele foi responsável pela popularização do rock and roll ao redor do mundo. O extremo sucesso da fita, no entanto, devia-se mais ao que ocorria fora, do que dentro, das telas: acreditava-se que sua trilha sonora continha um efeito delirante sobre as plateias mais jovens. Meses antes da chegada do filme, os jornais brasileiros nos familiarizavam com sua escandalosa recepção nas salas de cinema estrangeiras marcada por gritarias, palmas, exibições de dança, desrespeito à autoridade e vandalismo. Não é, portanto, um acaso que no Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo os mesmos eventos se repetissem. Como consequência, nos jornais brasileiros armou-se um intenso fórum de discussão em que opinavam agentes da censura, delegados, juízes, educadores e psicólogos. Ao longo deste artigo mostraremos como esse evento instaurou um debate público sobre o rock and roll e a juventude no Brasil. A ocasião é interessante para investigar como esse tipo de música pode se afirmar em um cenário em que o público juvenil inexistia como segmento de consumo, esclarecendo, portanto, qual era o sentido de se falar em cultura juvenil no Brasil dos anos 50. O artigo se apoia no material documental a fim de compreender que juventude é essa que emergia das reportagens; como ela era representada e como se revelava através da música.
DOCTV: A COMPLEXA TRAMA DA DESCENTRALIZAÇÃO E DA REGIONALIZAÇÃO
Authors: Holanda Karla
Published: July 2016

O Programa DocTV funcionou no Brasil entre 2003 e 2010. Sua meta era fomentar a produção de documentários em cada estado brasileiro e exibi-la na televisão. O DocTV é um dos mais complexos modelos de edital público, que integra a produção independente e a televisão. Este artigo busca suas raízes políticas e esmiúça sua execução, os resultados obtidos e suas limitações. Com isso, dá subsídios para se compreender o que envolve a circulação da produção independente na televisão e possibilita discutir possíveis caminhos futuro
Kinetic Alfvén waves in three‐dimensional magnetic reconnection
Authors: Liang Ji , Lin Yu , Johnson Jay R. , Wang Xueyi , Wang Zheng‐Xiong
Published: July 2016

Alfvénic waves are believed to be fundamentally important in magnetic reconnection. Kinetic dynamics of particles can break the Alfvén speed limit in the evolution and propagation of perturbations during reconnection. In this paper, the generation and signatures of kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) associated with magnetic reconnection in a current sheet is investigated using a three‐dimensional (3‐D) hybrid code under a zero or finite guide field. In order to understand the wave structures in the general cases of multiple X line reconnection, cases with a single X line of various lengths are examined. The KAWs are identified using the wave dispersion relation, electromagnetic polarization relations, as well as spectral analysis. In the cases in which the X line is so long to extend through the entire simulation domain in the current direction, quasi 2‐D configurations of reconnection are developed behind a leading flux/plasma bulge. KAWs with perpendicular wave number k⊥ρi∼1 (with ρi being the ion Larmor radius) are found throughout the transient plasma bulge region and propagate outward along magnetic field lines with a slightly super‐Alfvénic velocity. These KAWs are generated from the X line and coexist with the whistler structure of the ion diffusion region under a small guide field. In the cases in which the X line has a finite length 2ξ ∼ 10di, with ξ being the half length of the X line and di the ion inertial length, the KAWs originated from the X line are of 3‐D nature. Under a finite guide field, KAWs propagate along the oblique magnetic field lines into the unperturbed regions in the current direction, carrying parallel electric field and Poynting fluxes. The critical X line length for the generation of 3‐D‐like structures is found to be 2ξc≤30di. The structure, propagation, energy, spectrum, and damping of the KAWs are examined. Dependence of the structure of KAWs on the guide field is also investigated.
Gene transcription and steviol glycoside accumulation in Stevia rebaudiana under polyethylene glycol‐induced drought stress in greenhouse cultivation
Authors: Hajihashemi Shokoofeh , Geuns Jan M. C.
Published: July 2016

Stevia rebaudiana is a sweet herb of the Astraceae family, which is cultivated for the natural sweeteners it contains. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of drought, simulated by the application of polyethylene glycol (5%, 10%, and 15% w/v), on the content of steviol glycosides (SVglys) and transcription levels of six genes involved in the biosynthesis of these natural sweeteners. The transcription levels of ent‐kaurene synthase, ent‐kaurene oxidase, ent‐kaurenoic acid hydroxylase, and three UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferases, UGT85C2, UGT74G1 and UGT76G1 were downregulated under polyethylene glycol treatment. Polyethylene glycol treatment significantly decreased the amount of stevioside, rebaudioside A, B, C and F, steviolbioside, dulcoside A, rubusoside, and total SVglys. These results strongly suggest a close relationship of SVglys content with the transcription of genes involved in the SVglys biosynthesis pathway. Comparing the observations of the present study with other reports provided the knowledge that the Stevia response to drought stress can be influenced by different environmental and experimental factors, in addition to intensity of drought stress. In conclusion, these results strongly suggest that polyethylene glycol‐induced drought stress has a negative effect on the content of SVglys and transcription of SVglys biosynthetic genes and that this should be investigated further. We recommend that sufficient irrigation of Stevia is required to obtain a high content of SVglys.
Syndesome Therapeutics for Enhancing Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Das Subhamoy , Singh Gunjan , Majid Marjan , Sherman Michael B. , Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra , Wright Catherine S. , Martin Patricia E. , Dunn Andrew K. , Baker Aaron B.
Published: July 2016

Chronic wounds represent a major healthcare and economic problem worldwide. Advanced wound dressings that incorporate bioactive compounds have great potential for improving outcomes in patients with chronic wounds but significant challenges in designing treatments that are effective in long‐standing, nonhealing wounds. Here, an optimized wound healing gel was developed that delivers syndecan‐4 proteoliposomes (“syndesomes”) with fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) to enhance diabetic wound healing. In vitro studies demonstrate that syndesomes markedly increase migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts isolated from both nondiabetic and diabetic donors. In addition, syndesome treatment leads to increased endocytic processing of FGF‐2 that includes enhanced recycling of FGF‐2 to the cell surface after uptake. The optimized syndesome formulation was incorporated into an alginate wound dressing and tested in a splinted wound model in diabetic, ob/ob mice. It was found that wounds treated with syndesomes and FGF‐2 have markedly enhanced wound closure in comparison to wounds treated with only FGF‐2. Moreover, syndesomes have an immunomodulatory effect on wound macrophages, leading to a shift toward the M2 macrophage phenotype and alterations in the wound cytokine profile. Together, these studies show that delivery of exogenous syndecan‐4 is an effective method for enhancing wound healing in the long‐term diabetic diseased state.
Revealing Surface Modifications of Potassium‐Fluoride‐Treated Cu(In,Ga)Se2: A Study of Material Structure, Chemistry, and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Aguiar Jeffery A. , Stokes Adam , Jiang Chun‐Sheng , Aoki Toshihiro , Kotula Paul G. , Patel Maulik K. , Gorman Brian , Al‐Jassim Mowafak
Published: July 2016

The effects of alkali post‐deposition treatments and device properties for polycrystalline thin film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 have been investigated. It is reported that these surface treatments lead to differences in interface chemistry and device properties. The behavior of defects in the space charge region as a function of different growth parameters is investigated by correlative analytical microscopy. The latter combines electron microscopy based imaging, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and atom probe tomography. Alkali treatments lead to copper depletion and consequent sharpening of the compositional profiles, and the measured electric potential differences of exposed Cu(In1–x,Gax)Se2 surfaces. Measurable differences in resistivity and potential have also been observed, which are expected to relate to the improved open‐circuit voltage, fill‐factor, and device efficiency. This study frames one perspective as to why post‐deposition alkaline treatments lead to copper depletion, a mildly n‐type semiconductor interface, and higher efficiency for a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film photovoltaic device.
A new conservation strategy for China—A model starting with primates
Authors: Pan Ruliang , Oxnard Charles , Grueter Cyril C. , Li Baoguo , Qi Xiaoguang , He Gang , Guo Songtao , Garber Paul A.
Published: July 2016

Although the evolutionary history of primates in China dates to the Eocene, and includes major radiations of lorisids, hominoids, cercopithecines, and colobines during the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene, extensive human‐induced habitat change and deforestation over the past few centuries has resulted in 22 of 25 extant species listed as threatened or endangered, and two species of gibbons extirpated in the last few years. This commentary briefly reviews factors that have contributed to the decline of primates in China over the past 400 years, and in particular how major social events and economic development in modern China have resulted in unsustainable environmental change. In response, we describe our efforts to develop a strategic scientific, educational and conservation partnership in China, focusing on primates, in which GIS technology will be used to integrate geographical profiles, climatic information, and changes in land use patterns and human and nonhuman primate distributions to highlight issues of immediate concern and to develop priority‐based conservation solutions. Our goal is to evaluate how human‐induced environmental change has impacted primates over time and to predict the likelihood of primate population extinctions in the near future. This model represents an early warning system that will be widely available to the Chinese government, public, educational institutions, researchers, and NGOs through social media and educational videos in order to arouse public awareness and promote wildlife conservation. We encourage colleagues across a broad range of academic disciplines, political ideologies, and the public to help move this strategy into reality, the sooner the better. Am. J. Primatol. 78:1137–1148, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Warum Lithium‐Sauerstoff‐Batterien versagen: Parasitäre chemische Reaktionen und ihr synergistischer Effekt
Authors: Yao Xiahui , Dong Qi , Cheng Qingmei , Wang Dunwei
Published: July 2016

Als Technologie zur elektrochemischen Energiespeicherung mit der höchsten theoretischen Kapazität sind Lithium‐Sauerstoff‐Batterien mit großen Herausforderungen im Hinblick auf die schlechte Stabilität und den geringen Round‐Trip‐Wirkungsgrad beim Laden/Entladen verbunden. Es ist allgemein anerkannt, dass diese Probleme mit den parasitären chemischen Reaktionen an der Anode, im Elektrolyten und an der Kathode in Zusammenhang stehen. Während die detaillierten Mechanismen dieser Reaktionen gesondert untersucht wurden, sind die möglichen synergistischen Effekte zwischen ihnen immer noch schlecht verstanden. Um diese Wissenslücke zu schließen, behandelt dieser Kurzaufsatz Literaturberichte zu den parasitären chemischen Reaktionen und stellt als entscheidenden chemischen Vermittler die reaktiven Sauerstoffspezies heraus, die an fast allen parasitären chemischen Reaktionen beteiligt sind oder diese fördern. In Anbetracht des ubiquitären Vorkommens von Sauerstoff in allen Testzellen ist diese Erkenntnis von großer Wichtigkeit. Sie liefert neue Einblicke dazu, wie verschiedene Komponenten von Lithium‐Sauerstoff‐Batterien für den Hochleistungsbetrieb stabilisiert werden können und wie das Potenzial dieser aussichtsreichen Technologie voll ausgeschöpft werden kann.
Synthesis of Dihydropyrrolizine and Tetrahydroindolizine Scaffolds from Pyrroles by Titanocene(III) Catalysis
Authors: Hildebrandt Sven , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: July 2016

A synthetic approach to dihydropyrrolizine and tetrahydroindolizine scaffolds from pyrroles has been developed. The key step, a titanocene(III)‐catalyzed radical arylation that proceeds by C−H functionalization is atom‐economical and tolerates a large variety of functional groups. The reaction is therefore attractive for the swift assembly of functional and structural diversity.
Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Atom‐Economical Macrolactonization
Authors: Ganss Stephanie , Breit Bernhard
Published: July 2016

A highly attractive route toward macrolactones, which form the cyclic scaffold of a multitude of diverse natural compounds, is described. Although many chemical approaches to this structural motif have been explored, an asymmetric variant of the cyclization is unprecedented. Herein we present an enantioselective macrolactonization through an intramolecular atom‐economical rhodium‐catalyzed coupling of ω‐allenyl‐substituted carboxylic acids. The use of a modified diop ligand, chiral DTBM‐diop, led to high enantioselectivity (up to 93 % ee). The reaction tolerated a large variety of functionalities, including α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids and depsipeptides, and provided the desired macrocycles with very high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity.
Wireless Hazard Badges to Detect Nerve‐Agent Simulants
Authors: Zhu Rong , Azzarelli Joseph M. , Swager Timothy M.
Published: July 2016

Human exposure to hazardous chemicals can have adverse short‐ and long‐term health effects. In this Communication, we have developed a single‐use wearable hazard badge that dosimetrically detects diethylchlorophosphate (DCP), a model organophosphorous cholinesterase inhibitor simulant. Improved chemically actuated resonant devices (CARDs) are fabricated in a single step and unambiguously relate changes in chemiresistance to a wireless readout. To provide selective and readily manufacturable sensor elements for this platform, we developed an ionic‐liquid‐mediated single walled carbon nanotube based chemidosimetric scheme with DCP limits of detection of 28 ppb. As a practical demonstration, an 8 h workday time weighted average equivalent exposure of 10 ppb DCP effects an irreversible change in smartphone readout.
In Situ Single‐Nanoparticle Spectroscopy Study of Bimetallic Nanostructure Formation
Authors: Smith Jeremy G. , Chakraborty Indranath , Jain Prashant K.
Published: July 2016

Bimetallic nanostructures (NSs), with utility in catalysis, are typically prepared using galvanic exchange (GE), but the final catalyst morphology is dictated by the dynamics of the process. In situ single nanoparticle (NP) optical scattering spectroscopy, coupled with ex situ electron microscopy, is used to capture the dynamic structural evolution of a bimetallic NS formed in a GE reaction between Ag and [PtCl6]2−. We identify an early stage involving anisotropic oxidation of Ag to AgCl concomitant with reductive deposition of small Pt clusters on the NS surface. At later stages of GE, unreacted Ag inclusions phase segregate from the overcoated AgCl as a result of lattice strain between Ag and AgCl. The nature of the structural evolution elucidates why multi‐domain Ag/AgCl/Pt NSs result from the GE process. The complex structural dynamics, determined from single‐NP trajectories, would be masked in ensemble studies due to heterogeneity in the response of different NPs.
A Bioorthogonal Approach for the Preparation of a Titanium‐Binding Insulin‐like Growth‐Factor‐1 Derivative by Using Tyrosinase
Authors: Zhang Chen , Miyatake Hideyuki , Wang Yu , Inaba Takehiko , Wang Yi , Zhang Peibiao , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: July 2016

The generation of metal surfaces with biological properties, such as cell‐growth‐enhancing and differentiation‐inducing abilities, could be potentially exciting for the development of functional materials for use in humans, including artificial dental implants and joint replacements. However, currently the immobilization of proteins on the surfaces of the metals are limited. In this study, we have used a mussel‐inspired bioorthogonal approach to design a 3,4‐hydroxyphenalyalanine‐containing recombinant insulin‐like growth‐factor‐1 using a combination of recombinant DNA technology and tyrosinase treatment for the surface modification of titanium. The modified growth factor prepared in this study exhibited strong binding affinity to titanium, and significantly enhanced the growth of NIH3T3 cells on the surface of titanium.
Light‐Driven Transport of a Liquid Marble with and against Surface Flows
Authors: Kavokine Nikita , Anyfantakis Manos , Morel Mathieu , Rudiuk Sergii , Bickel Thomas , Baigl Damien
Published: July 2016

Liquid marbles, that is, liquid drops coated by a hydrophobic powder, do not wet any solid or liquid substrate, making their transport and manipulation both highly desirable and challenging. Herein, we describe the light‐driven transport of floating liquid marbles and emphasize a surprising motion behavior. Liquid marbles are deposited on a water solution containing photosensitive surfactants. Irradiation of the solution generates photoreversible Marangoni flows that transport the liquid marbles toward UV light and away from blue light when the thickness of the liquid substrate is large enough (Marangoni regime). Below a critical thickness, the liquid marbles move in the opposite direction to that of the surface flow at a speed increasing with decreasing liquid thickness (anti‐Marangoni). We demonstrate that the anti‐Marangoni motion is driven by the free surface deformation, which propels the non‐wetting marble against the surface flow. We call this behavior “slide effect”.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Methylation of Aryl Halides with Deuterated Methyl Iodide
Authors: Hu Lu , Liu Xin , Liao Xuebin
Published: July 2016

A nickel‐catalyzed methylation of aryl halides with cheap and readily available CH3I or CD3I is described. The reaction is applicable to a wide range of substrates and allows installation of a CD3 group under mild reaction conditions without deuterium scrambling to other carbon atoms. Initial mechanistic studies on the stoichiometric and catalytic reactions of the isolated [(dppp)Ni(C6H4‐4‐CO2Et)Br] [dppp=1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane] suggest that a Ni0/NiII catalytic cycle is favored.
Benzofulvenes in Trienamine Catalysis: Stereoselective Spiroindene Synthesis
Authors: Donslund Bjarke S. , Nielsen Rune Pagh , Mønsted Sofie M. N. , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: July 2016

The asymmetric formation of spiroindenes containing up to four contiguous stereocenters from the reaction of benzofulvenes with 2,4‐dienals through trienamine catalysis is described. The benzofulvene core was found to be an excellent starting point for the synthesis of interesting spiroindenes through a formal cycloaddition pathway. The reaction was mediated by a diphenylprolinol silyl ether catalyst, and a diverse array of spiroindenes were obtained in high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. An attractive feature of the developed system is the possibility to diversify the product scaffold significantly by further manipulation of the chiral spiroindenes. Thus, three intramolecular ring‐closing reactions following the organocatalytic step resulted in highly complex polycyclic systems.
Visualizing Dealumination of a Single Zeolite Domain in a Real‐Life Catalytic Cracking Particle
Authors: Kalirai Sam , Paalanen Pasi P. , Wang Jian , Meirer Florian , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: July 2016

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts play a central role in the chemical conversion of crude oil fractions. Using scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) we investigate the chemistry of one fresh and two industrially deactivated (ECAT) FCC catalysts at the single zeolite domain level. Spectro‐microscopic data at the Fe L3, La M5, and Al K X‐ray absorption edges reveal differing levels of deposited Fe on the ECAT catalysts corresponding with an overall loss in tetrahedral Al within the zeolite domains. Using La as a localization marker, we have developed a novel methodology to map the changing Al distribution of single zeolite domains within real‐life FCC catalysts. It was found that significant changes in the zeolite domain size distributions as well as the loss of Al from the zeolite framework occur. Furthermore, inter‐ and intraparticle heterogeneities in the dealumination process were observed, revealing the complex interplay between metal‐mediated pore accessibility loss and zeolite dealumination.
Thermal and mechanical evaluation of cyanate ester resin catalyzed by nonylphenol and stannous octoate
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Jinhuan , Xiao Jun , Tian Wenping
Published: July 2016

Nonylphenol (NP), stannous octoate [Sn(Otc)2], and a mixture of NP and Sn(Otc)2 were employed for catalyzing cyanate ester resin. The curing reaction was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. A water‐absorption test at 85 °C was utilized to study the resistance to warm and humid conditions. The thermal properties were evaluated through measuring thermal weight loss and the glass‐transition temperature (Tg), and the mechanical properties were evaluated through three‐point bending tests and tensile tests. The results show that the mixture of NP and Sn(Otc)2 exhibits the best catalytic efficiency by decreasing the exothermic peak temperature by almost 148 °C. The mixture of NP and Sn(Otc)2 has unfavorable effects on the thermal stability. Nevertheless, all catalyst systems have good water‐absorption resistance. The mechanical investigation confirms that the tensile properties show a little reduction that is due to the plasticization of the catalyst, while the excellent flexural properties are maintained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43959.
Tunable multifunctional tissue engineering scaffolds composed of three‐component polyampholyte polymers
Authors: Cao Siyu , Barcellona Marcos N. , Pfeiffer Ferris , Bernards Matthew T.
Published: July 2016

Resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption and the capability to provide targeted bioactive signals are essential qualities for implantable biomaterials. The development of materials that combine these multifunctional characteristics and tunable mechanical properties has been a target in the tissue engineering field over the last decade. This study is the first to demonstrate that polyampholyte hydrogels prepared with equimolar quantities of positively charged and negatively charged monomer subunits from multiple monomer compositions have great potential to address these needs. The hydrogels were synthesized with positively charged [2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride and different monomer ratios of the negatively charged 2‐carboxyethyl acrylate and 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate monomers. The physical and chemical properties of the hydrogels were fully characterized, including swelling, hydration, mechanical strength, and chemical composition, and the fouling resistance of the hydrogels was demonstrated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Additionally, the capability of the hydrogels to facilitate protein conjugation via EDC/NHS conjugation chemistry was assessed. The results clearly demonstrate that the polyampholyte hydrogels have a range of tunable mechanical strength based on the monomer subunits, while maintaining their excellent nonfouling properties. Additionally, high levels of conjugated protein were achieved for all of the monomer combinations investigated. Therefore, the broadly applicable multifunctional properties of polyampholyte hydrogels and their tunable mechanical properties clearly demonstrate the potential of these materials for tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43985.
Liquid‐phase catalytic thermal cleavage of thiocarbonylthio end‐groups for polymers synthesized by RAFT polymerization: Influences of different solvents
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Jiang Junqing , Zhang Yanwu
Published: July 2016

Catalytic thermal cleavage of thiocarbonylthio end‐groups for RAFT synthesized polymers is usually accompanied by other side reactions such as chain‐scission and crosslinking. Occurrence of these side reactions depends on polymers, end‐groups, and oxidation–reduction property of reaction media in a liquid phase. Herein, well‐defined hydrophilic poly(4‐vinylpridine) (P4VP) and hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) are synthesized via a controlled RAFT polymerization in the presence of S‐1‐Dodecyl‐S′‐(R,R′‐dimethyl‐R″‐acetic acid) trithiocarbonates (DDMAT). Then their thiocarbonylthio end‐groups are cleaved through catalytic thermolysis in a liquid phase. Under the catalysis of Cu(0), all S‐containing groups can be removed at 165 °C in 3 h. To study the effect of solvent on thermolysis and microstructure of polymer, nitrobenzene of oxidation property and diethylene glycol of reduction property are chosen as solvents. Because of oxidizing property of nitrobenzene, Z groups of RAFT agent are eliminated at the same time that thiocarbonylthio end‐groups are removed. Therefore crosslinking among multipolymer chains occurs. While diethylene glycol is used as a solvent, no crosslinking occurs. Diethylene glycol is superior to nitrobenzene for synthesis of well‐defined polymer without S‐containing groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43992.
Biodegradable and temperature‐responsive thermoset polyesters with renewable monomers
Authors: Lee XiauYeen , Wahit Mat Uzir , Adrus Nadia
Published: July 2016

A series of biodegradable thermoset polyesters, poly(1,8‐octanediol–glycerol–dodecanediaote)s (POGDAs), were synthesized with the polycondensation polymerization method without a catalyst and with different monomer molar ratios. Synthesis was confirmed with structural analysis via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of varying the monomer molar ratio on the material properties was illustrated in the gel content and swelling analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and degradation tests. Degradation tests were performed in phosphate‐buffered solution at 37 °C for 60 days. Temperature‐responsive behavior was revealed with POGDA (0.5 glycerol), and bending tests were performed to study the shape‐memory effect. In vitro cytotoxicity tests and cell proliferation tests suggested that these POGDAs have potential applications in biomedical fields such as tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44007.
Form birefringence and turbidity of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends in slit dies and planar contractions
Authors: Silva Jorge , Canevarolo Sebastião V.
Published: July 2016

The birefringence and turbidity of a polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend, with the concentration of the PMMA dispersed phase ranging up to 1%, were measured in both a slit channel with a constant cross section and a planar hyperbolic contraction/expansion (8:1:8). The measurements were performed by the attachment of a modular rheo‐optical die to a twin‐screw extruder. The optical arrangement had a red light‐emitting diode as the source and two photoresistors, with one of them measuring the turbidity and the other one measuring the transmitted intensity between cross‐polarizers. The experimental procedure consisted of the stopping of the extruder feeding, while the screw rotation was kept constant. Because the form birefringence could be associated with the shape of the droplets, these measurements were used to infer information about the PMMA droplet deformation and breakup. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 44066.
Development and characteristics of biodegradable Aloe‐gel/egg white films
Authors: López‐Mata Marco Antonio , García‐González Gerardo , Valbuena‐Gregorio Edith , Ruiz‐Cruz Saúl , Zamudio‐Flores Paul Baruk , Burruel‐Ibarra Silvia Elena , Morales‐Figueroa Gloria Guadalupe , Quihui‐Cota Luis
Published: July 2016

The use of synthetic nonbiodegradable polymers has led to environmental damage. This has encouraged the interest to the development of new renewable and biodegradable matrices. The potential of egg white (EW) protein for the development of bioplastic materials has been published. However, the mixture of EW with Aloe‐gel (AG) for film formation has not been documented. In this study, films with different EW and AG combinations are manufactured and their properties are analyzed. In general, the AG/EW films are homogeneous, smooth, with no pores and with cumulus of protein on the surface with better extensibility, plasticity, and low tensile strength. In addition, they are yellow colored, UV‐light blocker, with high solubility (2.2 times) and high Water Vapor Permeability (4.17 times) compared with the control (EW film). The AG/EW films showed higher percentage of soluble protein and antibacterial activity than the control. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44067.
Continuous dosing of fast initiator during vinyl chloride suspension polymerization: Polymerization rate and PVC properties
Authors: Bijhanmanesh Mohammad Javad , Etesami Nasrin
Published: July 2016

Continuous dosing of a fast initiator during the suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride has been carried out in a pilot‐scale reactor. The kinetics course of this polymerization and the particle features of the resulting grains were discussed and compared to the conventional polymerization with the same conversion and maximum reaction rate. It was found for the system used that a suitable dosage trajectory allows the reaction rate to remain constant during polymerization. This decreases the polymerization time up to 53% compared with the conventional suspension polymerization, while the molecular weight distribution and molecular weight of the final grains remained almost unchanged. SEM micrographs revealed that PVC grains prepared using this polymerization process had irregularly shaped, uneven particle surfaces and larger particle sizes. The grains also featured high porosity with loosely aggregated smaller primary particles that led to low levels of residual unreacted monomer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44079.
Comparison of average global exposure of population induced by a macro 3G network in different geographical areas in France and Serbia
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Varsier Nadège , Niksic Stevan , Kocan Enis , Pejanovic‐Djurisic Milica , Popovic Milica , Koprivica Mladen , Neskovic Aleksandar , Milinkovic Jelena , Gati Azeddine , Person Christian , Wiart Joe
Published: July 2016

This article is the first thorough study of average population exposure to third generation network (3G)‐induced electromagnetic fields (EMFs), from both uplink and downlink radio emissions in different countries, geographical areas, and for different wireless device usages. Indeed, previous publications in the framework of exposure to EMFs generally focused on individual exposure coming from either personal devices or base stations. Results, derived from device usage statistics collected in France and Serbia, show a strong heterogeneity of exposure, both in time, that is, the traffic distribution over 24 h was found highly variable, and space, that is, the exposure to 3G networks in France was found to be roughly two times higher than in Serbia. Such heterogeneity is further explained based on real data and network architecture. Among those results, authors show that, contrary to popular belief, exposure to 3G EMFs is dominated by uplink radio emissions, resulting from voice and data traffic, and average population EMF exposure differs from one geographical area to another, as well as from one country to another, due to the different cellular network architectures and variability of mobile usage. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:382–390, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A kidney‐shaped polycystic mass on the back of a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Volkmann Julia , Nordlohne Johannes , Schmitt Roland , von Vietinghoff Sibylle
Published: July 2016

Key Clinical Message

Multicystic back masses can be of infectious, metastatic, or local pre‐ or malignant origin. We present a case of a rapidly evolving mass in a hemodialysis patient with severe “chronic kidney disease‐associated mineral bone disease” (CKD‐MBD), that also highlights limitations of chest x‐ray for diagnosis of bone disease.
CdS‐Nanoparticles‐Decorated Perpendicular Hybrid of MoS2 and N‐Doped Graphene Nanosheets for Omnidirectional Enhancement of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Shuqu , Wang Longlu , Zeng Yunxiong , Xu Yuzi , Tang Yanhong , Luo Shenglian , Liu Yutang , Liu Chengbin
Published: July 2016

A new hierarchical nanoarchitecture with integration of multiple active materials has been developed for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), by decorating a perpendicular hybrid of MoS2 and N‐doped graphene nanosheets with CdS nanoparticles. The unique architecture promoted light trapping and absorption for highly efficient light harvesting and photocarrier generation, and offered an unblocked electron transport pathway for rapid charge separation/transport to suppress charge recombination. Its high surface area and high density of active sites result in highly efficient utilization of photogenerated carriers for productive HER. Significantly, without using noble metals as co‐catalysts, the photocatalysts demonstrated rapid HER rates as high as 5.01 mmol h−1 g−1 under visible‐light irradiation, which was approximately 25 times that of pure CdS. The hydrogen production remained stable after a continued test for 30 h, showing an exceedingly high performance and superior stability.
Particle‐Scale Investigation of Heat Transfer in Radiation‐Driven Char Gasification
Authors: Lu Zhao , Jafarian Mehdi , Arjomandi Maziar , Nathan Graham J.
Published: July 2016

A model of the steam gasification of a single char particle driven by high‐intensity radiation was developed and experimentally verified with available measurements in the literature. This was used to explore the sensitivity of the particle surface temperature and heat‐transfer mechanisms to variations in particle diameters, radiative heat flux, and the concentration of the gasification agent H2O under typical conditions for solar gasification reactors. The results highlight the importance of the particle diameter in influencing solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion efficiency and assist in the selection of appropriate feedstock particles to match the conditions in specific solar gasification reactors.
Catalytic Upgrading of Phenolic Oil by Etherification with Methanol
Authors: Wang Ze , Dang Dan , Lin Weigang , Song Wenli
Published: July 2016

Catalytic etherification of phenolic oil with methanol was investigated to decrease the polarity and acidity of the product oil. The catalyst KH2PO4/activated alumina (AA) provided the best performance due to its excellent dehydration and anti‐coking property. When catalyzed by KH2PO4‐AA, the content of aryl ethers increased with rising temperature during the early stage but decreased at 500 °C. Alkoxy phenols had an inhibiting effect on etherification of alkyl phenols due to adsorption competition. Aryl ethers were mostly generated from alkyl phenols, while alkoxy phenols also contributed by simultaneous conversion to dialkoxybenzenes and diphenols, with a higher selectivity to diphenols. This explained the reduced alkoxy phenols and more generated alkyl phenols and aryl ethers at 350 °C.
Photoreactions with a Twist: Atropisomerism‐Driven Divergent Reactivity of Enones with UV and Visible Light
Authors: Vallavoju Nandini , Sreenithya Avadakkam , Ayitou Anoklase J.‐L. , Jockusch Steffen , Sunoj Raghavan B. , Sivaguru Jayaraman
Published: July 2016

Light‐induced transformation of atropisomeric and achiral enones displays divergent reactivity. Photocyclization leading to 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2‐one was observed with achiral enone carboxamide, whereas the atropisomeric enone carboxamides underwent hydrogen abstraction leading to spiro‐β‐lactams. Detailed photochemical, photophysical, and theoretical investigations have provided insight into this divergent reactivity and selectivity.
Towards a General Understanding of Carbonyl‐Stabilised Ammonium Ylide‐Mediated Epoxidation Reactions
Authors: Novacek Johanna , Roiser Lukas , Zielke Katharina , Robiette Raphaël , Waser Mario
Published: July 2016

The key factors for carbonyl‐stabilised ammonium ylide‐mediated epoxidation reactions were systematically investigated by experimental and computational means and the hereby obtained energy profiles provide explanations for the observed experimental results. In addition, we were able to identify the first tertiary amine‐based chiral auxiliary that allows for high enantioselectivities and high yields for such epoxidation reactions.
Tetrahydropyrrolization of Resveratrol and Other Stilbenes Improves Inhibitory Effects on DNA Oxidation
Authors: Bao Liang‐Liang , Liu Zai‐Qun
Published: July 2016

The inhibitory effect of resveratrol on DNA oxidation caused by 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH) was found to be enhanced if the C=C bond in resveratrol was converted into tetrahydropyrrole by reaction with azomethine ylide (CH2=N+(CH3)CH2−). This encouraged us to explore whether the inhibitory activities of other stilbenes could also be increased by the same method. We found that the inhibitory effects of the tetrahydropyrrole derivatives on AAPH‐induced oxidation of DNA were higher than those of the corresponding stilbenes, because the tetrahydropyrrole motif can provide hydrogen atoms to be abstracted by radicals. Therefore, the tetrahydropyrrolization offered an advantage for enhancing the antioxidant effects of stilbenes. Notably, (CH3)3SiCH2N(CH3)CH2OCH3 (in the presence of CF3COOH) and (CH3)3NO (in the presence of LiN(iPr)2) can be used to generate azomethine ylide for the tetrahydropyrrolization of stilbenes containing electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating groups, respectively.
Commercially Available WO3 Nanopowders for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Photocurrent versus Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Reinhard Sandra , Rechberger Felix , Niederberger Markus
Published: July 2016

WO3 photoanodes with remarkable photocurrent densities are presented. These photoanodes were prepared from three different commercially available WO3 nanopowders. Doctor blading of the nanopowders followed by a short annealing in air led to nanostructured films. The best photoanode showed a photocurrent density of 3.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE in 1 m CH3SO3H under AM 1.5 G illumination (100 mW cm−2), surpassing values reported so far for bare WO3 photoanodes. The study also showed that the photocurrent was strongly dependent on the electrolyte, indicating oxidation of the electrolyte rather than of water. Oxygen evolution measurements performed in different electrolytes revealed that the amounts of oxygen were highly dependent on the electrolyte. By comparing the photocurrent values in the different electrolytes with the amount of evolving oxygen, it was found that the electrolyte producing the highest photocurrent was the electrolyte with the lowest oxygen evolution. Stability measurements showed that the more oxygen is produced, the less stable is the photoanode. These results clearly underline the difficulty to correlate the photocurrent values with oxygen evolution, drawing the attention to one of the major limitations of photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Thermodynamically Favorable Synthesis of 2‐Oxazolidinones through Silver‐Catalyzed Reaction of Propargylic Alcohols, CO2, and 2‐Aminoethanols
Authors: Song Qing‐Wen , Zhou Zhi‐Hua , Wang Mei‐Yan , Zhang Kan , Liu Ping , Xun Jia‐Yao , He Liang‐Nian
Published: July 2016

Development of catalytic routes to incorporate CO2 into carbonyl compounds at mild conditions remains attractive and challenging. Herein, a one‐pot three‐component cascade reaction of terminal propargylic alcohols, CO2, and 2‐aminoethanols through AgI‐based catalysis is reported for the synthesis of carbonyl compounds through C−O/C−N bond formation. This thermodynamically favorable route can be ingeniously regulated to afford a wide range of 2‐oxazolidinones along with concurrent production of α‐hydroxyl ketone derivatives in excellent yields and selectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that such a process proceeds through successive formation of α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonate, β‐oxopropylcarbamate, and 2‐oxazolidinones.
Pelvic recurrence of an ovarian seromucinous borderline tumor detected by vaginal cytology: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hayashi Hironori , Taniguchi Shuichi , Kurihara Shuichi , Hachisuga Kazuhisa , Fukuda Saori , Inada Chifumi , Shimao Yoshiya , Marutsuka Kousuke , Shimamoto Tomihiro
Published: July 2016

Seromucinous borderline tumors are typically confined to the ovaries and rarely relapse after surgery. We report the case of a woman with a seromucinous borderline tumor with peritoneal implant at the Douglas pouch, who was affected by a recurrent tumor at the vaginal stump 2 years and 6 months after the primary surgery. The recurrent lesion was detected by vaginal cytology. Histology of the recurrent lesion showed perineural infiltration, and progression to low‐grade adenocarcinoma was suggested. After the second surgery, vaginal cytology showed that the tumor cells remained positive. At postoperative follow‐ups of ovarian borderline tumors, an examination of the specific region where recurrence is likely to occur can contribute to the early detection of tumor relapse. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:912–916. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.