bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Off‐Shell Superspace Reformulation of D = 4, N = 4 Super‐Yang–Mills Theory
Authors: Cederwall Martin
Published: January 2018

, super‐Yang–Mills theory has an off‐shell superspace formulation in terms of pure spinor superfields, which is directly inherited from the theory. That superspace, in particular the choice of pure spinor variables, is less suitable for dealing with fields that are inherently 4‐dimensional, such as the superfields based on the scalars, which are gauge‐covariant, and traces of powers of scalars, which are gauge‐invariant. We give a reformulation of , super‐Yang–Mills theory in superspace, using inherently 4‐dimensional pure spinors. All local degrees of freedom reside in a superfield based on the physical scalars. The formalism should be suited for calculations of correlators of traces of scalar superfields.
Pharmacokinetic equivalence, comparable safety, and immunogenicity of an adalimumab biosimilar product (M923) to Humira in healthy subjects
Authors: Hillson Jan , Mant Tim , Rosano Molly , Huntenburg Carolyn , Alai‐Safar Mehrshid , Darne Siddhesh , Palmer Donna , Pavlova Borislava G. , Doralt Jennifer , Reeve Russell , Goel Niti , Weilert Doris , Rhyne Paul W. , Chance Kamali , Caminis John , Roach James , Ganguly Tanmoy
Published: January 2018

The aims of this randomized, double‐blind, three‐arm, single‐dose study were to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence of the adalimumab biosimilar M923 (hereafter referred to as “M923”) to each of 2 reference products, and to assess M923's safety and immunogenicity. Primary PK endpoints were maximum observed concentration (Cmax), area under the curve (AUC) from time 0 extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐inf), and AUC from time 0 to 336 hours (AUC0‐336). Secondary endpoints included safety and immunogenicity assessments. Healthy subjects were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a 40‐mg dose of M923 (n = 107); adalimumab US Humira (n = 105), hereafter referred to as “US Humira”; or adalimumab EU Humira (n = 103), hereafter referred to as “EU Humira.” PK equivalence was demonstrated for all primary PK endpoints. Geometric least squares means ratios (GMRs) for Cmax, AUC0‐inf, and AUC0‐336 were 99.4, 100.9, and 100.5, respectively, between the M923 and EU Humira arms and 102.6, 104.2, and 102.9 between the M923 and US Humira arms. The 90% confidence intervals of the GMRs for all PK endpoints were within prespecified confidence bounds of 80%‐125%. Adverse event rates were similar across the M923 (47.7%), US Humira (50.9%), and EU Humira (53.3%) arms and were generally mild (73.7%) or moderate (22.0%). The proportion of subjects with a confirmed antidrug antibody (ADA) response was similar across study arms. This study demonstrated bioequivalent PK among M923, US Humira, and EU Humira and demonstrated that the PK parameters were consistent with similar safety and tolerability profile and ADA response rates.
The mechanism of diflufenican resistance and its inheritance in oriental mustard (Sisymbrium orientale L.) from Australia
Authors: Dang Hue Thi , Malone Jenna Moira , Boutsalis Peter , Gill Gurjeet , Preston Christopher
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

An oriental mustard population (P3) collected near Quambatook, Victoria was identified as being resistant to diflufenican by screening with the field rate (200 g a.i. ha‐1) of the herbicide. The mechanism(s) of diflufenican resistance and its inheritance in this population were therefore investigated.

RESULTS

Dose‐response experiments confirmed that population P3 was 140‐fold more resistant to diflufenican than susceptible populations, as determined by the comparison of 50% lethal (LD50) values. The phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene from five individuals each of the S1 [susceptible (S)] and P3 [resistant (R)] populations was sequenced, and a substitution of valine for leucine at position 526 (Leu‐526‐Val) was detected in all five individuals of P3, but not in the S1 population. Inheritance studies showed that diflufenican resistance is encoded in the nuclear genome and is dominant, as the response to diflufenican at 200 g a.i. ha‐1 of F1 families was equivalent to that of the resistant biotype. The segregation of F2 phenotypes fitted a 3:1 inheritance model. Segregation of 42 F2 individuals by genotype sequencing fitted a 1:2:1 (ss:Rs:RR) ratio.

CONCLUSION

Resistance to diflufenican in oriental mustard is conferred by the Leu‐526‐Val mutation in the PDS gene. Inheritance of resistance is managed by a single gene with high levels of dominance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Testing a chemical series inspired by plant stress oxylipin signalling agents for herbicide safening activity
Authors: Brazier‐Hicks Melissa , Knight Kathryn M , Sellars Jonathan D , Steel Patrick G , Edwards Robert
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Herbicide safening in cereals is linked to a rapid xenobiotic response (XR), involving the induction of glutathione transferases (GSTs). The XR is also invoked by oxidized fatty acids (oxylipins) released during plant stress, suggesting a link between these signalling agents and safening. To examine this relationship, a series of compounds modelled on the oxylipins 12‐oxophytodienoic acid and phytoprostane 1, varying in lipophilicity and electrophilicity, were synthesized. Compounds were then tested for their ability to invoke the XR in Arabidopsis and protect rice seedlings exposed to the herbicide pretilachlor, as compared with the safener fenclorim.

RESULTS

Of the 21 compounds tested, three invoked the rapid GST induction associated with fenclorim. All compounds possessed two electrophilic carbon centres and a lipophilic group characteristic of both oxylipins and fenclorim. Minor effects observed in protecting rice seedlings from herbicide damage positively correlated with the XR, but did not provide functional safening.

CONCLUSION

The design of safeners based on the characteristics of oxylipins proved successful in deriving compounds that invoke a rapid XR in Arabidopsis but not in providing classical safening in a cereal. The results further support a link between safener and oxylipin signalling, but also highlight species‐dependent differences in the responses to these compounds. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Max‐Bergmann award lecture:A RaPID way to discover bioactive nonstandard peptides assisted by the flexizyme and FIT systems
Authors: Suga Hiroaki
Published: January 2018

Although general review articles should cover various people's achievements related to the subject, this review is privileged to describe the technology developed by Suga (and colleagues) as a recipient of the Max‐Bergmann Medal in 2016. The technology consists of 3 unique and essential tools, flexizymes, FIT, and RaPID systems. This review describes the history of the development of each tool and discusses the recent applications of the RaPID system to discover potent nonstandard peptides for therapeutic and diagnostic uses.
Effect of Glycerol on the Properties of the Cross‐Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Beads
Authors: Zhu Xuejun , Zhang Yi , Deng Jun , Luo Xujun
Published: January 2018

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/glycerol hydrogel beads were created, using saturated boric acid and calcium chloride solution as the chemical crosslinking agents. The structure and properties of the PVA/glycerol hydrogel beads were studied. The results indicated that glycerol could improved the water absorption rate and the swelling rate at equilibrium. Also improved were the capillary water absorption capacity and the permeability of the PVA/glycerol hydrogel beads. The rheological tests showed that glycerol was able to improve the effective crosslinking density of the hydrogel beads. The amount of total water of the PVA/glycerol hydrogel beads slightly increased upon the addition of glycerol.
Enhanced Water Stability in Zn‐Doped Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) for CO2 Capture Applications
Authors: Qian Xukun , Ren Qingbao , Wu Xiaofei , Sun Jing , Wu Hongyu , Lei Jun
Published: January 2018

In this work, the water stability of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) is successfully enhanced by Zn‐doping during the crystallization process. Both elemental mapping analysis and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that Zn element is doped in the ZIF‐67’s crystals. The thermal stability, surface area and CO2 capacity are not significantly affected by Zn‐doping as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and gas sorption. When exposed to liquid water, the doped ZIF‐67 s show better stability in terms of crystal structure, morphology, surface area and CO2 uptake capacity. However, the undoped ZIF‐67 crystals collapse and nearly lose their porosity as well as CO2 uptake capacity after the same exposure. This study provides a new approach to enhance the water stability of ZIF‐67.
Two Dimensional TiS2 as a Promising Insertion Anode for Na‐Ion Battery
Authors: Chaturvedi Apoorva , Edison Eldho , Arun Nagasubramanian , Hu Peng , Kloc Christian , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Madhavi Srinivasan
Published: January 2018

We report the synthesis of TiS2 by chemical vapour transport and evaluated as insertion host for Na‐ion battery. The half‐cell assemblies are fabricated to study the Na‐insertion properties. The Na/TiS2 cell displayed a reversible capacity of ∼146 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C rate which corresponds to ∼0.61 mol. Na. Excellent cycling stability, and rate performance are noted for TiS2. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements supports the charge storage mechanism and interfacial properties, respectively. Operando studies are also conducted to ensure the structural stability of the insertion host. Furthermore, the Li‐insertion properties are also conducted to support the electrochemical activity of the host matrix prepared by chemical vapour transport.
Sulphated Zirconia Supported on Cordierite Honeycomb Monolith for Effective Synthesis of Solketal from Acetalisation of Glycerol with Acetone
Authors: Vasantha Vanagoor T. , Venkatesha Naragalu J. , Shamshuddin Sathgatta Z. Mohamed , D'Souza Joyce Queeny , Reddy Bongu G. Vijayasimha
Published: January 2018

Liquid phase acetalisation of glycerol with acetone to synthesize a value added glycerol acetal (solketal) has been studied over solid oxides such as ZrO2, ZrO2‐Al2O3 and SO42−/ZrO2 coated on cordierite honeycomb monoliths. Such honeycomb monoliths were characterized by XRD, TPD‐NH3, BET, SEM and FTIR techniques. Characterization results indicate that the incorporation of calculated amounts of Al2O3 or SO42− on ZrO2 strongly influences the surface acidity of ZrO2, increases the catalytically active tetragonal phase of ZrO2 and improves surface area and pore volume. Modified ZrO2 catalysts coated on honeycombs show better conversion and selectivity towards solketal when compared to pure ZrO2. Moreover cordierite honeycomb monoliths coated with catalytic materials were found to be efficient, easily reactivable and reusable for at least 6 reaction cycles.
Regioselective Synthesis of 1,4 & 1,5‐Enynes through a Ca(II)‐ Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrative‐Coupling of Styrenes and Propargyl alcohols
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Dada Ravikrishna , Pareek Abhishek
Published: January 2018

A chemo and regioselective C(sp3) – C(sp2) and C(sp3) – C(sp3) bond formation through a Cross‐Dehydrative‐Coupling of styrenes and propargyl alcohols is described for the synthesis of 1,4 and 1,5‐enynes. The first direct coupling of cyclic alkenes with oxindole derived propargylic alcohols is achieved for the synthesis of quaternary centered enynes under mild reaction conditions and demonstrated the gram scale synthesis. This approach meets the sustainable criterion of chemical synthesis due to its air‐tolerance, atom economic (water is the only by‐product), solvent free and use of less expensive and more abundant Ca(II) as the promoter.
High pH Sensing Properties of a New Schiff‐base Compound
Authors: Maity Dinesh , Halder Shibashis , Roy Partha
Published: January 2018

A new Schiff‐base molecule, 4‐chloro‐2‐((2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)hydrazono)methyl)phenol (LH2) has been found as a fluorescent chemosensor for high pH. It has been synthesized by condensation of 4‐hydrazinylpyridine and 5‐chlorosalicylaldehyde (1:1) in methanol. It has been characterized by elemental analysis and different spectroscopic methods. LH2 shows emission peak at 571 nm (λex=390 nm) upto pH 10.5 and a new peak at 504 nm emerges with increasing intensity with higher pH value of the media. Several cations and anions do not have any significant effect on the emission intensity of LH2. Color of LH2 changes distinctly when pH of aqueous medium is changed from 10.5 to 11 when observed under both visible and UV light. Some theoretical calculations have been performed to look into the spectral transitions. This probe has been used for the detection of pH regions using sea water.
Pot, Atom, Step Economic (PASE) Approach towards (Aza)‐2,2′‐Bipyridines: Synthesis and Photophysical Studies
Authors: Khasanov Albert F. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Kim Grigory A. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Kovalev Igor S. , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: January 2018

An efficient approach towards α‐unsubstituted‐2,2′‐bipyridines, their aza‐analogs and 3,6‐disubstituted‐1,2,4‐triazine precursors is reported via pot, atom, step economic (PASE) process starting from isonitrosoacetophenone hydrazone and readily available hetero‐arylnitriles. The crystal structures of three key compounds were confirmed by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition the photophysical properties of the new (aza)‐2,2′‐pyridines were studied.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Dual Bond Formation: One‐Pot Synthesis of Indenes
Authors: Niharika Pedireddi , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: January 2018

Indenes comprise an important class of carbocyclic compounds. Many indenes constitute a ubiquitous core structure present in several natural products of biological importance. Also, synthetically designed indenes exhibit significant pharmacological activities. Owing to their interesting features, development of synthetic strategies towards their preparation is highly desirable. Herein, we describe a simple and an effective one‐pot method for the synthesis of indenes using Lewis acid catalysis. This method enables formation of two C−C bonds in a one‐pot protocol from readily accessible tert‐benzyl alcohols and diaryl acetylenes. The scope of the reaction has been well studied on varied tertiary alcohols from simple to electronically rich systems. The designed methodology has been effective on symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes. The present method involves Lewis acid in catalytic amounts, thus prevents the formation of competitive homo cyclodimerization. Significantly, a variety of indenes constituting a quaternary carbon atom were synthesized.
Choline Azide: New Reagent and Ionic Liquid in Catalyst‐Free and Solvent‐Free Synthesis of 5‐Substituted‐1H‐Tetrazoles: A Triple Function Reagent
Authors: Mehraban Jamshid Azarnia , Azizi Kobra , Jalali Mahsa Sadat , Heydari Akbar
Published: January 2018

An efficient and green route for the synthesis of 5‐substituted‐1H‐tetrazoles using choline azide as a new azidation reagent in solvent‐free and catalyst‐free conditions, is reported for the first time. The noteworthy aspects of this high‐yield and cost‐effective reaction are simple methodology, mild reaction conditions, easy work‐up procedure, low reaction time, and specially using choline azide as an effective alternative to hazardous azidation agent.
Sputter‐Deposited Amorphous LiCuPO4 Thin Film as Cathode Material for Li‐ion Microbatteries
Authors: Sugiawati Vinsensia Ade , Vacandio Florence , Knauth Philippe , Djenizian Thierry
Published: January 2018

We report the electrochemical performance of amorphous LiCuPO4 thin films obtained by radio frequency sputtering as a cathode material for Li‐ion microbatteries. The thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, profilometry and electrochemical techniques. Charge/discharge profiles and cycling performance were evaluated in lithium electrochemical test cells. Cyclic voltammogram of the LiCuPO4 film shows the typical redox reaction peak at ∼ 1.9 V vs. Li/Li+. A discharge capacity of 160 mAh g−1 (50 μAh cm−2) is attained for the first cycle at C/10 to reach a stable capacity of 70 mAh g−1 (22 μAh cm−2) with good stability over 160 cycles. For comparison, the electrochemical performance of a crystalline LiCuPO4 film was investigated. The first discharge could deliver a high capacity of around 375 mAh g−1 at C/10, but the capacity decayed quickly to a low capacity of 11 mAh g−1 over 50 cycles. The results show that the LiCuPO4 amorphous materials can be considered as the exciting cathode candidate for Li‐ion microbatteries.
Logic Operations Based on Analyte Response of CRANAD‐1: A Simple Molecular Switch Acts as Acid‐Base Sensor
Authors: Sherin Daisy R. , Manojkumar Thanathu K. , Rajasekharan Kallikat N.
Published: January 2018

Simple molecular logic gates are demonstrated on the basis of acid‐base analyte response of CRANAD‐1, 2,2‐difluoro‐4,6‐bis[β‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxystyryl)]‐1,3,2‐dioxaborine. The blue to red shift of absorption maxima in acidic to basic media is used to function two logic operations‐IMP (IMPLICATION) and INH (INHIBIT) gates. The HOMO‐LUMO energy gap shows the easier transition of electrons after complexation with basic anions such as OH−and CN−which is absent in the presence of H+. The NBO (Natural Bond Orbital) analysis clearly demonstrates the shift from blue to red with respect to charge transfer from analytes to CRANAD‐1. Computed absorption spectra were compared with available experimental data.
Progress in Synthesis of Propargylamine and Its Derivatives by Nanoparticle Catalysis via A3 coupling: A Decade Update
Authors: Saha Tanmoy Kumar , Das Rima
Published: January 2018

Propargylamine and its derivatives are important skeletal structure for synthesis of many nitrogen containing active biological and pharmaceutical compounds. They are classically prepared from aldehyde, amine and alkyne (A3 coupling) which proved to be an exciting method since water is the only by‐product with the desired compound. Three component coupling strategies are very attractive research domain in organic chemistry during the past two decades for the synthesis of highly functionalized organic molecules. Molecular diversity in three component reactions ends up with several methods for drug discovery process towards the synthesis of structurally tailored heterocyclic compounds. These one pot transformation processes do involve simultaneous addition of reactants, reagents and catalyst. The reactions are generally carried out by employing several transition metal catalysts. Nanoparticles have shown their potential as catalysts in several fields of chemical research in modern era. Now, they have taken entry in multicomponent reaction system for playing the role of a catalyst. This review highlights a library of metal nanoparticles which have been used in recent years for synthesis of propargylamine and its derivatives via A3 coupling reactions.
Azetidinium‐based Hypergolic Ionic Liquids with High Strain Energy
Authors: Zheng Bingxiao , Zhang Yanqiang , Zhang Zejun , Liu Long , Chen Shengli , Zhang Suojiang
Published: January 2018

A class of azetidinium‐based hypergolic ionic liquids was synthesized and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, IR spectroscopies, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The properties of six synthesized ionic liquids were characterized with respect to liquid range (−80–200 °C), density (0.99–1.05 g cm−3), heat of formation (0.70–2.17 kJ g−1), specific impulse (164.0–184.5 s), and ignition delay time (23–130 ms). In order to better understand the relation between ring stains and energy of obtained compounds, the isomers of 9 were also synthesized for comparison. It is interesting to find that, compared with the isomers (9 a: 0.41 kJ g−1, 156.5 s; 9 b: 0.36 kJ g−1, 155.3 s), 9 exhibited a much higher heat of formation (0.78 kJ g−1) and specific impulse (164.8 s), which indicates that ring strains play an important role in the performance of energetic compounds. With the highest energetic properties (2.17 kJ g−1, 184.5 s), 12 has a greater potential to be employed as green propellants.
In Situ SERS Monitoring the Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Nile Blue on Ag@AgCl Single Hollow Cube as a Microreactor
Authors: Li Dingyi , Ouyang Lei , Yao Ling , Zhu Lihua , Jiang Xiaoqing , Tang Heqing
Published: January 2018

Reaction monitoring and mechanism study for catalytic processes are important for catalyst design and application, and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising tool in this area because of its high sensitivity and non‐destructive detection mode. Here a new strategy was proposed for fabricating a micro‐scale Ag@AgCl hollow cube as both a uniform and active photocatalyst and a SERS sensing framework. It was confirmed that the stable micro cube was able to be used as a single particle based platform for SERS monitoring of the photocatalytic reaction on it. This bifunctional material hold both strong SERS enhancement ability (enhancement factor up to 2.4×108) and high photocatalytic activity. Such a micro‐reactor was successfully applied to in situ track the photocatalytic degradation reaction of Nile blue (NB). The SERS monitoring data showed that this photocatalytic reaction apparently followed a pseudo‐first‐order reaction model in kinetics with a rate constant of 0.557 min−1. By looking into the molecular finger‐print information acquired from SERS monitoring, the pathways of the photocatalytic degradation of NB were clarified, which involved the cleavages of two backbones in NB hetero‐ring and the direct oxidation cleavage of naphthalene, as supported by the liquid chromatograph‐mass spectroscopic analysis of the degradation intermediates.
Study of Conformational and Supramolecular Structural Stability of Propylene‐Bridged 2‐Pyridone Dimers
Authors: Rai Sunil K. , Khanam Shaziya , Tewari Ashish K.
Published: January 2018

In quest of the role of noncovalent interaction for the preference of inter and intramolecular stacking phenomenon, we synthesized O/O (1), N/O (2) and N/N (3) isomeric dimers of 3‐cyano‐4,6‐dimethyl‐2‐pyridone linked through propylene chain. The direct evidence of noncovalent interactions and conformation of all the three isomers were obtained by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and conformational stability was evaluated through density functional theory. Isomers 1 and 2 were crystallized in stable conformation while isomer 3 was crystallized in constraint geometry which was further confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The supramolecular structure in isomer 1 showed the helical geometry, isomer 2 showed the parallel stacking and pleated structure, while isomer 3 showed only pleated structure.
Iron‐Catalyzed Reductive Amination from Levulinic and Formic Acid Aqueous Solutions: An Approach for the Selective Production of Pyrrolidones in Biorefinery Facilities
Authors: Metzker Gustavo , Dias Rafael M. P. , Burtoloso Antonio C. B.
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of several pyrrolidones (PYR), including a highly complex tetracyclic one (40‐91% yields), is described employing an inexpensive iron catalyst and aqueous solutions of biomass‐derived levulinic acid (LA) and formic acid (FA). The method is broad since it works with many structurally different amines. Considering that all produced LA from a real biorefinery facility will most probably be further derivatized directly from the hydrolysed biomass in aqueous solutions (without isolation), this method furnishes many advantages when compared to previous ones that employ different solvents or neat LA.
Synthesis of Silica Hollow Nanoreactors with Finely Engineered Inner/Outer Surface Properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Chen Jian , Yang Qihua
Published: January 2018

In an attempt to mimic bio‐synthetic systems with unique microenvironment and structure for allowing organic reactions taking place in water phase with high efficiency, here, we report for the synthesis of ultra‐small silica hollow nanoreactors (particle size of 18±2 nm) with finely engineered inner and outer hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties using phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) as precursors and F127 (EO106PO70EO106) as single micelle template. Through tuning the mass ratio of PTMS/TMOS, selective growing of organic compositions in the interior or exterior surfaces could be observed. At PTMS/TMOS mass ratio less than 1/3, phenyl group was integrated in the inner surface due to the diffusion and condensation of hydrophobic PTMS into the hydrophobic core of F127 single micelle, inducing unique hydrophobic inner@hydrophilic outer surface properties. At high PTMS/TMOS ratio, phenyl group could be incorporated in both the inner and outer surface, resulting in hydrophobic surfaces. After depositing Pd species, the solid nanoreactor with hydrophobic inner and hydrophilic outer surface properties showed better catalytic performances than nanoreactors with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface properties in the aqueous phase hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol (TOF 552 vs 312, 273 h−1), showing the superiority of former nanoreactors in chemical reactions using water as solvent.
Synthesis and Characterization of Potential Related Substances of the Antiplatelet Agent Clopidogrel Bisulfate
Authors: Metil Dattatray S. , Sampath Aalla , Reddy Ch Venkata Ramana , Bandichhor Rakeshwar
Published: January 2018

Clopidogrel bisulfate 1 is an antiplatelet agent used for the treatment of platelet aggregation to prevent blood clotting. During the laboratory process development of clopidogrel 1, we have identified six potential related substances (6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) which are formed at various stages of the preparation of 1. Out of these, three related substances (6, 7 and 11) are found to be unprecedented. The present work details the synthesis of these related substances by employing efficient synthetic strategies. The present work also describes the pathways for the formation of these substances and their control strategies during clopidogrel manufacturing.
Supramolecular Complexation between Porphyrin‐Viologen Dyad and Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Lee Min Jung , Kim Min Kyoung , Shee Nirmal K. , Lee Jooran , Yoon Minjoong , Kim Hee‐Joon
Published: January 2018

We here report the synthesis of a porphyrin‐viologen dyad, and its supramolecular complexation with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]). The synthesized dyad was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. The dyad readily forms a stable 1:1 supramolecular complex with CB[7], as evidenced by 1H NMR, ESI mass spectrometry, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The formation constant for the 1:1 complex determined by the photometric titration is (5.5 ± 0.2) × 104 M−1 at 25 °C in DMSO, which is nearly consistent with that obtained by titration calorimetry. We also uncovered the shuttling motion of the CB[7] ring in the supramolecular complex by variable temperature experiments in 1H NMR spectroscopy. Influences on the fluorescence of dyad by the supramolecular complexation with CB[7] was investigated in DMSO. When CB[7] was added to a solution of the dyad, the fluorescence intensities of dyad remarkably diminish accompanying with shifts to shorter wavelengths. While the electrochemical behavior of dyad in DMSO exhibits six redox waves, the redox waves exhibit irreversible behaviors in the presence of CB[7].
Selective Liquid‐Phase Extraction of Carboxylate‐Rich Graphene Quantum Dots from Graphene Oxide Dispersions
Authors: Yoon Yeoheung , Lee Young Bum , Kim Seong Ku , Song Wooseok , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , Lee Sun Sook , Yoo Heejoun , An Ki‐Seok
Published: January 2018

An advanced simple synthetic route for graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is great importance to progress from laboratory research to industrial applications. Unfortunately, the existing state of synthesis methods of carboxylic acid‐rich GQDs needs additional reaction steps including oxidation, hydro‐ or solvo‐thermal reaction with bulk carbon sources. Besides, its yield is too low compared to starting amount of carbon sources due to complicated purification processes. Hence, production expense is inevitably increased to obstacle actual industrial applications. Here, we report a new synthetic method based on the liquid‐phase extraction technique to separate carboxylate‐rich GQDs (CGQDs) with high yield (> 30%) from graphene oxide (GO) dispersions without additional oxidation and purification processes.
Copper‐Catalyzed Reduction of Azides with Hydrosilanes
Authors: Chen Yang , Yang Lixin , Zhang Xiao , Deng Shengqi , You Li , Liu Yu
Published: January 2018

The copper‐catalyzed reduction of azides by reaction with hydrosilanes is reported. The most efficient CuCl/IPr⋅HCl (IPr=N,N′‐bis‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) catalytic system by employing (EtO)3SiH as the reducing agent has been developed. Diverse amines and primary amides are obtained in moderate to excellent yields with high functional group tolerance under very mild conditions.
Facile Synthesis of Porous Coralline LiVO3 as High‐Performance Li‐Ion Battery Cathodes
Authors: Zhao Dong , Dong Chongrui , Pu Xiangjun , Huang He , Fu Xifan , Chen Zhongxue
Published: January 2018

A facile and easily scaled‐up polymer‐pyrolysis method is developed to synthesize porous coralline LiVO3 as cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Polyacrylates of Li and V are used as the precursor compounds. The nanostructured LiVO3 delivers a high specific capacity of 307.6 mAh g−1 with a remarkable capacity retention of 80.6% after 100 cycles. In addition, a high energy density close to 800 Wh kg−1 as well as a competitive power density of ∼4500 W kg−1 are attained. Such excellent lithium storage performance derives from its porous nanoarchitecture, which not only supplies numerous active sites for electrochemical reactions, and shortens Li‐ions diffusion distance, but also provides enough void space to buffer the volume change during lithium intercalation and deintercalation. Therefore, the porous coralline LiVO3 justifies its potential practical application as an alternative to high energy and high power electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. The simple approach opens up a new way to fabricate other types of porous coralline energy storage materials.
Competing for government procurement contracts: The role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Flammer Caroline
Published: January 2018

Research Summary: This study examines whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) improves firms’ competitiveness in the market for government procurement contracts. To obtain exogenous variation in firms’ social engagement, I exploit a quasi‐natural experiment provided by the enactment of state‐level constituency statutes, which allow directors to consider stakeholders’ interests when making business decisions. Using constituency statutes as instrumental variable (IV) for CSR, I find that companies with higher CSR receive more procurement contracts. The effect is stronger for more complex contracts and in the early years of the government‐company relationship, suggesting that CSR helps mitigate information asymmetries by signaling trustworthiness. Moreover, the effect is stronger in competitive industries, indicating that CSR can serve as a differentiation strategy to compete against other bidders.

Managerial Summary: This study examines how companies can strategically improve their competitiveness in the market for government procurement contracts—a market of economic importance (15–20% of GDP). It shows that companies with higher social and environmental performance (CSR) receive more procurement contracts. This effect is stronger for more complex contracts, in the early years of the government–company relationship, and in more competitive industries. These findings indicate that firms’ CSR can serve as a signaling and differentiation strategy that influences the purchasing decision of government agencies. Accordingly, managers operating in the business‐to‐government (B2G) sector could benefit from integrating social and environmental considerations into their strategic decision making.
Berechnung von Wellblechsilos nach Eurocode
Authors: Motzkus Ulrich
Published: January 2018

Wellblechsilos gehören nach wie vor zu den wichtigsten Bauwerken zur Einlagerung von landwirtschaftlichen Schüttgütern. Bis zur Einführung der DIN EN‐Vorschriften im Jahr 2010 erfolgten die Berechnung und die Konstruktionsausführung dieser Wellblechsilos im Wesentlichen nach DIN 18914:1985‐09. Diese Norm wurde ersatzlos zurückgezogen und durch DIN EN 1993‐4‐1 und weitere Vorschriften nach DIN EN ersetzt. Die Komplexität der „neuen” Normen ist bekannt.

Es wird über Erfahrungen berichtet, wie sich das im Prinzip einfache Konstruktions‐ und Berechnungskonzept des Silobehälters innerhalb der sehr umfangreichen DIN EN‐Vorschriften noch relativ einfach umsetzen lässt.
Brandschutztechnische Risikobewertung von Onshore‐Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Lettmann Alisa , Sesselmann Jürgen , Kawohl Anne
Published: January 2018

Durch Brände an Windenergieanlagen (WEA) entsteht oft ein negatives Bild vom Brandschutz moderner Anlagen, was auch in der öffentlichen Diskussion um die Windenergie spürbar ist. Den verschiedenen Diskussionsinhalten wurde in einer Masterthesis nachgegangen. Der vorliegende Bericht stellt die wesentlichen Ergebnisse vor, darunter eine Statistik zu Bränden von Windenergieanlagen von 2005 bis Mitte 2016 inklusive einer Auswertung hinsichtlich aufgetretener Brandursachen, Schäden und Brandbekämpfungsmaßnahmen. Es werden die Ergebnisse einer Befragung von Feuerwehren, welche bereits einen Einsatz aufgrund eines Brandes an einer Windenergieanlage hatten, zu Themen wie z. B. Brandursachen, Löschmaßnahmen, Löschwasserversorgung, Absperrradien und herabgefallenen Bauteilen vorgestellt. Hierdurch werden praxisnahe Erfahrungen theoretischen Aspekten gegenübergestellt. Die zusammengestellten Erkenntnisse bilden eine Grundlage für die Erstellung von Brandschutzkonzepten für Windenergieanlagen. Durch aktiven Brandschutz, technische Lösungen und einheitliche Standards bei Brandschutzmaßnahmen und ‐anforderungen kann das Risiko für eine Gefährdung durch eine brennende Windenergieanlage gering gehalten werden.
Sprödbruchverhalten hochfester Schrauben großer Abmessungen bei tiefen Temperaturen
Authors: Stranghöner Natalie , Lorenz Christoph , Feldmann Markus , Citarelli Sandro , Bleck Wolfgang , Münstermann Sebastian , Brinnel Victoria
Published: January 2018

Hochfeste Schraubengarnituren des Systems HV werden in hochbeanspruchten Stahltragwerken als vorgespannte Verbindungen ausgeführt. Vermehrt werden diese Garnituren auch in großen Abmessungen bis M72 z. B. in Windenergieanlagen eingesetzt. Die Verbindungen werden demnach nicht nur statischen und dynamischen Lasten ausgesetzt, sondern auch tiefen Temperaturen. Bei sonst gleichen Randbedingungen gilt, dass die Sprödbruchgefährdung von Stahlbauteilen mit zunehmender Erzeugnisdicke steigt. Dies gilt prinzipiell auch für größer werdende Schraubendurchmesser. Da bislang keine systematischen Untersuchungen zur Bewertung der Sprödbruchneigung von HV‐Schrauben großer Abmessungen existieren und die Werkstoffwahl zur Vermeidung von Sprödbruch von Schrauben nicht durch DIN EN 1993‐1‐10 abgedeckt ist, werden derzeit für größere Schraubendurchmesser höher legierte Stähle verwendet. Im Rahmen des IGF‐Forschungsvorhabens „Sprödbruch von hochfesten Schrauben großer Abmessungen bei tiefen Temperaturen” wurden systematische Untersuchungen zum Tieftemperaturverhalten von HV‐Schrauben der Abmessungen M24 bis M64 durchgeführt, um die Sprödbruchgefährdung dieser Bauteile zu bewerten. Der Beitrag stellt die wichtigsten Untersuchungsergebnisse und Schlussfolgerungen des Forschungsvorhabens vor.
Transverse momentum in double parton scattering: factorisation, evolution and matching
Authors: Buffing Maarten G. A. , Diehl Markus , Kasemets Tomas
Published: January 2018

Abstract

We give a description of double parton scattering with measured transverse momenta in the final state, extending the formalism for factorisation and resummation developed by Collins, Soper and Sterman for the production of colourless particles. After a detailed analysis of their colour structure, we derive and solve evolution equations in rapidity and renormalisation scale for the relevant soft factors and double parton distributions. We show how in the perturbative regime, transverse momentum dependent double parton distributions can be expressed in terms of simpler nonperturbative quantities and compute several of the corresponding perturbative kernels at one-loop accuracy. We then show how the coherent sum of single and double parton scattering can be simplified for perturbatively large transverse momenta, and we discuss to which order resummation can be performed with presently available results. As an auxiliary result, we derive a simple form for the square root factor in the Collins construction of transverse momentum dependent parton distributions.
Relations Between Self-Reported and Linguistic Monitoring Assessments of Affective Experience in an Extreme Environment
Authors: Smith Nathan
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Approaches for monitoring psychosocial health in challenging environments are needed to maintain the performance and safety of personnel. The purpose of the present research was to examine the relationship between 2 candidate methods (self-reported and linguistics) for monitoring affective experience during extreme environment activities.

Methods

A single-subject repeated-measures design was used in the present work. The participant was a 46-year-old individual scheduled to complete a self-supported ski expedition across Arctic Greenland. The expedition lasted 28 days, and conditions included severe cold, low stimulation, whiteouts, limited habitability, and threats to life and limb. During the expedition, the participant completed a daily self-report log including assessment of psychological health (perceptions of control and affect) and a video diary (emotion). Video diary entries were subjected to linguistic inquiry and word count analyses before the links between self-report and linguistic data across the expedition period were tested.

Results

Similarities in the pattern of self-reported and linguistic assessments emerged across the expedition period. A number of predictable correlations were identified between self-reported and linguistic assessments of affective/emotional experience. Overall, there was better agreement between self-reports and linguistic analytics for indicators of negative affect/emotion.

Conclusions

Future research should build on this initial study to further test the links between self-reported affect and emotional states monitored via linguistics. This could help develop methods for monitoring psychological health in extreme environments and support organizational decision making.
Visual working memory span in adults with cochlear implants: Some preliminary findings
Authors: Moberly Aaron C. , Pisoni David B. , Harris Michael S.
Published: January 2018

Objective

Neurocognitive functions, specifically verbal working memory (WM), contribute to speech recognition in postlingual adults with cochlear implants (CIs) and normal‐hearing (NH) listener shearing degraded speech. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) WM accuracy as assessed using three visual span measures — digits, objects, and symbols — would correlate with recognition scores for spectrally degraded speech (through a CI or when noise‐vocoded); (2) WM accuracy would be best for digit span, intermediate for object span, and lowest for symbol span, due to the increasing cognitive demands across these tasks. Likewise, response times, relating to processing demands, would be shortest for digit span, intermediate for object span, and longest for symbol span; (3) CI users would demonstrate poorer and slower performance than NH peers on WM tasks, as a result of less efficient verbally mediated encoding strategies associated with a period of prolonged auditory deprivation.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 30 postlingually deaf adults with CIs and 34 NH controls. Participants were tested for sentence recognition in quiet (CI users) or after noise‐vocoding (NH peers), along with WM using visual measures of digit span, object span, and symbol span.

Results

Of the three measures of WM, digit span scores alone correlated with sentence recognition for CI users; no correlations were found using these three measures for NH peers. As predicted, WM accuracy (and response times) were best (and fastest) for digit span, intermediate for object span, and worst (and slowest) for symbol span. CI users and NH peers demonstrated equivalent WM accuracy and response time for digit span and object span, and similar response times for symbol span, but contrary to our original predictions, CI users demonstrated better accuracy on symbol span than NH peers.

Conclusions

Verbal WM assessed using visual tasks relates weakly to sentence recognition for degraded speech. CI users performed equivalently to NH peers on most visual tasks of WM, but they outperformed NH peers on symbol span accuracy. This finding deserves further exploration but may suggest that CI users develop alternative or compensatory strategies associated with rapid verbal coding, as a result of their prolonged experience of auditory deprivation.
How Drought Plays Out
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: January 2018

Humans are less likely to deplete groundwater when rainfall varies between years.
Hypoxia and hypoxia inducible factor-1α are required for normal endometrial repair during menstruation
Authors: Maybin Jacqueline A. , Murray Alison A. , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Hirani Nikhil , Carmeliet Peter , Critchley Hilary O. D.
Published: January 2018

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and debilitating, and often requires surgery due to hormonal side effects from medical therapies. Here we show that transient, physiological hypoxia occurs in the menstrual endometrium to stabilise hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and drive repair of the denuded surface. We report that women with HMB have decreased endometrial HIF-1α during menstruation and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In a mouse model of simulated menses, physiological endometrial hypoxia occurs during bleeding. Maintenance of mice under hyperoxia during menses decreases HIF-1α induction and delays endometrial repair. The same effects are observed upon genetic or pharmacological reduction of endometrial HIF-1α. Conversely, artificial induction of hypoxia by pharmacological stabilisation of HIF-1α rescues the delayed endometrial repair in hypoxia-deficient mice. These data reveal a role for HIF-1 in the endometrium and suggest its pharmacological stabilisation during menses offers an effective, non-hormonal treatment for women with HMB.
A template-catalyzed in situ polymerization and co-assembly strategy for rich nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Zhengren , Teng Wei , Zhu Hongwei , Wang Jinxiu , Elzatahry Ahmed A. , Al-Dahyan Daifallah , Li Wei , Deng Yonghui , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: January 2018

N-doped mesoporous carbons with ultra-high N content (∼19 wt%) were synthesized via a template-catalyzed in situ polymerization and co-assembly approach.
Vitamin D ameliorates impaired wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by suppressing NF-κB-mediated inflammatory genes
Authors: Yuan YiFeng , Das Sushant K. , Li MaoQuan
Published: January 2018

Diabetic wounds are characterized by delayed wound healing due to persistent inflammation and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin D, which is well acknowledged to enhance intestinal calcium absorption and increase in plasma calcium level, has recently been shown to display beneficial effects in various vascular diseases by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting inflammatory responses. However, the role of Vitamin D in diabetic wound healing is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of Vitamin D in cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Four weeks after injection of STZ, a full thickness excisional wound was created with a 6-mm diameter sterile biopsy punch on the dorsum of the mice. Vitamin D was given consecutively for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection. Vitamin D supplementation significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice and improved the healing quality as assessed by measuring the wound closure rate and histomorphometric analyses. By monitoring the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 6 (IL-6), IL-1β) in the wounds, reduced inflammatory response was found in VD treatment group. Furthermore, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway was found to be involved in the process of diabetic wound healing by assessing the relative proteins in diabetic wounds. Vitamin D supplementation obviously suppressed NF-κB pathway activation. These results demonstrated that Vitamin D improves impaired wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic mice through suppressing NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene expression.
Fatty acids and related lipid mediators in the regulation of cutaneous inflammation
Authors: Kiezel-Tsugunova Magdalena , Kendall Alexandra C. , Nicolaou Anna
Published: January 2018

Human skin has a distinct profile of fatty acids and related bioactive lipid mediators that regulate many aspects of epidermal and dermal homeostasis, including immune and inflammatory reactions. Sebum lipids act as effective antimicrobial agents, shape immune cell communications and contribute to the epidermal lipidome. The essential fatty acid linoleic acid is crucial for the structure of the epidermal barrier, while polyunsaturated fatty acids act as precursors to eicosanoids, octadecanoids and docosanoids through cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-mediated reactions, and endocannabinoids and N-acyl ethanolamines. Cross-communication between these families of bioactive lipids suggests that their cutaneous activities should be considered as part of a wider metabolic network that can be targeted to maintain skin health, control inflammation and improve skin pathologies.