bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of the β‐amyloid(4‐10) epitope of plaque specific Aβ antibodies by affinity‐mass spectrometry using alanine site mutation
Authors: Ștefănescu Raluca , Lupu Loredana , Manea Marilena , Iacob Roxana E. , Przybylski Michael
Published: January 2018

Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disease affecting an increasing number of patients worldwide. Current therapeutic strategies are directed to molecules capable to block the aggregation of the β‐amyloid(1‐42) (Aβ) peptide and its shorter naturally occurring peptide fragments into toxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils. Aβ‐specific antibodies have been recently developed as powerful antiaggregation tools. The identification and functional characterization of the epitope structures of Aβ antibodies contributes to the elucidation of their mechanism of action in the human organism. In previous studies, the Aβ(4‐10) peptide has been identified as an epitope for the polyclonal anti‐Aβ(1‐42) antibody that has been shown capable to reduce amyloid deposition in a transgenic Alzheimer disease mouse model. To determine the functional significance of the amino acid residues involved in binding to the antibody, we report here the effects of alanine single‐site mutations within the Aβ‐epitope sequence on the antigen‐antibody interaction. Specific identification of the essential affinity preserving mutant peptides was obtained by exposing a Sepharose‐immobilized antibody column to an equimolar mixture of mutant peptides, followed by analysis of bound peptides using high‐resolution MALDI‐Fourier transform‐Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry. For the polyclonal antibody, affinity was preserved in the H6A, D7A, S8A, and G9A mutants but was lost in the F4, R5, and Y10 mutants, indicating these residues as essential amino acids for binding. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays confirmed the binding differences of the mutant peptides to the polyclonal antibody. In contrast, the mass spectrometric analysis of the mutant Aβ(4‐10) peptides upon affinity binding to a monoclonal anti‐Aβ(1‐17) antibody showed complete loss of binding by Ala‐site mutation of any residue of the Aβ(4‐10) epitope. Surface plasmon resonance affinity determination of wild‐type Aβ(1‐17) to the monoclonal Aβ antibody provided a binding constant KD in the low nanomolar range. These results provide valuable information in the elucidation of the binding mechanism and the development of Aβ‐specific antibodies with improved therapeutic efficacy.
Max Bergmann award lecture:Macromolecular medicinal chemistry as applied to metabolic diseases
Authors: DiMarchi Richard D. , Mayer John P. , Gelfanov Vasily M. , Tschöp Matthias
Published: January 2018

This review presents the scope of research presented in an October 2016 lecture pertaining to the award of the 2015 Max Bergmann Medal. The advancement in synthetic and biosynthetic chemistry as applied to the discovery of novel macromolecular drug candidates is reviewed. The evolution of the technology from the design, synthesis, and development of the first biosynthetic peptides through the emergence of peptide‐based incretin agonists that function by multiple biological mechanisms is exemplified by the progression of such peptides from preclinical to clinical study. A closing section highlights recent progress made in total chemical synthesis of insulin and related peptides.
Modeling Composite Assessment Data Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Ueckert Sebastian
Published: January 2018

Composite assessments aim to combine different aspects of a disease in a single score and are utilized in a variety of therapeutic areas. The data arising from these evaluations are inherently discrete with distinct statistical properties. This tutorial presents the framework of the item response theory (IRT) for the analysis of this data type in a pharmacometric context. The article considers both conceptual (terms and assumptions) and practical questions (modeling software, data requirements, and model building).
Cryptococcal pleural infection in a recurrent pleural effusion: a case report
Authors: Wee Audrey Chuan Rui , Seet Ju Ee , Venkatalacham Jonathen , Tan Sze Khen
Published: January 2018

Cryptococcal pleural infection is rare with about 50 cases reported. It tends to occur in immunocompromised individuals. We describe a 38‐year‐old male who presented with a lymphocytic exudative right pleural effusion and a raised pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) level. He was initially treated for pleural tuberculosis, but presented again with worsening pleural effusion 6 weeks later. A thoracoscopic pleural biopsy revealed chronic nodular granulomatous pleuritis with cryptococcal organisms present. The repeat pleural fluid culture was positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. He was started on intravenous amphotericin B and oral flucytosine for 1 week, and then continued on oral fluconazole. He was subsequently diagnosed to have acute myeloid leukaemia. His peripheral blood film showed presence of blast cells (33%), with flow cytometry showing increased myeloblast population. Lymphocytic exudative pleural effusions with raised ADA levels in an immunocompromised patient can be due to opportunistic fungal infections.
Bile Salt‐Derived Eu3+ Organogel and Hydrogel: Water‐Enhanced Luminescence of Eu3+ in a Gel Matrix
Authors: Laishram Raju , Maitra Uday
Published: January 2018

Eu3+ was found to form gel with cholate in methanol and comparative study was done with the hydrogel. Water is a well known quencher of Eu3+ luminescence, and its quenching rate constant is higher than that of MeOH. In a Eu3+ derived luminescent material, therefore, the replacement of water by methanol should lead to enhanced Eu3+ luminescence. However, significant pyrene‐mediated sensitizatized luminescence of Eu3+ was observed in a Eu3+ cholate hydrogel, but not in the methanolic gel. We provide experimental data that rationalize this apparent paradox.
Synergistic Catalytic Oxidation of Ethylbenzene to Acetophenone by Metallophthalocyanine Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxide with Oxygen
Authors: Zhou Weiyou , Dai Xuan , Chen Yong , Sun Fu'an , He Mingyang , Chen Qun
Published: January 2018

The organic‐inorganic hybrid material originated from metallophthalocyanine and layered double hydroxide has been identified as bifunctional catalyst for the oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone. The hybrids exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the selective oxidation through O2/NHPI (N‐hydroxyphthalimide) system with excellent selectivity of acetophenone. The hybrid could accelerate not only the formation of hydroperoxide, but also the decomposition of hydroperoxide. Further, the catalyst also exhibited high activity in the transformation of 1‐phenylethanol to acetophenone. The present catalytic system could also catalyze the aerobic oxidation of varied alkyl arenes under the optimized reaction conditions. A series of controlled experiments suggested that the basicity of the hybrid benefited for the catalytic activity, and synergistic effect might exist between the basicity and the activity of metallophthalocyanine during the oxidation. On the basis of obtained results and Hammett experiment, a possible mechanism of the oxidation of ethylbenzene under the hybrid in the presence O2/NHPI has been proposed.
Intense Blue Colors in Wolframite‐Type Co2+:MgWO4 Oxides Through Distortion in Co2+ Octahedra.
Authors: Saraswathy Divya , Rao P. Prabhakar , Raj Athira K. V. , Thara T. R. Aju
Published: January 2018

New inorganic cobalt based blue pigments Mg1‐xCoxWO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) have been prepared by the solid state reaction and flux added methods. The synthesized samples show intense blue color with very low doping concentration of cobalt. Raising cost and toxicity make a critical need to reduce the consumption of cobalt in the ceramic industry, at the same time trying to improve the efficiency and sustainability of pigments. The present investigation help us minimize the cobalt consumption and cost of production with respect to conventional blue ceramic colorants. Intense blue hue was obtained at relatively low doping concentration of Co2+ (20 mol%) with b* value of −46.97, which is considerably bluer than cobalt aluminate spinel (b* = ‐32.70). UV‐visible absorption properties are strongly related to the coordination environment of the Co2+ ions. Increasing the amount of cobalt induces a change in the local symmetry of MgO6 octahedra witnessed by the change of the metal‐ligand bond distances.The changes are attributed to the larger ionic radius and electronegativity of Co2+ ions compared to the Mg2+ ions in the host lattice.These observations corroborate the important structural distorsions arising from the differences in ionic radii and electronegativity between the dopant and host cations.
Selective Sensing of Ammonium Ion Over Other Biologically Important Ammonia Derivatives by a Coumarin‐Based ϵ‐Amino Ester
Authors: Pramanik Apurba , Abbasi Mazharul , Maji Krishnendu , Nandi Sujay Kumar , Datta Rupak , Haldar Debasish
Published: January 2018

Ammonium ions are a waste product of the amino acids metabolism of animals and finally converted to urea in liver. Specific sensing of ammonium ion may helpful for diagnosis of liver malfunction. An efficient coumarin‐based ϵ‐amino ester has been synthesized and the specific sensing of ammonium ion has been investigated. From single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, the amide group is out of the plane of the central aromatic core of the compound but the ester group is co‐planar and the compound self‐assembled to form supramolecular duplex‐like structure. The coumarin‐based ϵ‐amino ester successfully discriminates ammonium ion over other biologically important ammonia derivative such as D‐ glucosamine, ATP, glycine, L‐glutamic acid, L‐aspertic acid and urea. The coumarin‐based ϵ‐amino ester shows excellent selectivity as turn‐off optical sensor for ammonium ion. Further the biocompatibility of the coumarin‐based ϵ‐amino ester was studied by DNA binding assay and cellular uptake by mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7.
Influence of Pamoic Acid as a Complexing Agent in the Thermal Preparation of NiO Nanoparticles: Application to Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Qasem Mohammed Ameen Ahmed , Aziz Md. Abdul , Qamaruddin Muhammad , Kim Jong‐Pil , Onaizi Sagheer A.
Published: January 2018

We developed a thermal decomposition method for preparing NiO nanoparticles (NiONPs) using disodium salt of pamoic acid (Na2PA) as a complexing agent and Ni(NO3)2⋅6H2O as a nickel precursor. Prior to thermal decomposition, Ni(NO3)2⋅6H2O was mixed with Na2PA in ethanol, and the ethanol was evaporated succesively. The dried reaction mass was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Thermal decomposition was then performed in air to obtain the NiONPs. The role of Na2PA in the synthesis of NiONP was evaluated by preparing NiONPs according to the protocol described above without the addition of Na2PA. The X‐ray diffraction data indicated that crystalline NiO (bunsenite, cubic crystal system) formed with or without Na2PA; however, field emission scanning electron microscopy images showed that smaller monodisperse NiONPs formed only with the addition of Na2PA. Without Na2PA, the obtained NPs were quite large and polydisperse. The sizes of the NiONPs prepared in the presence of Na2PA were determined using transmission electron microscopy imaging to be 19.1 ± 3.2 nm. The electrocatalytic activity of the NiONPs toward water oxidation under alkaline conditions was evaluated by immobilizing the NPs onto an in‐house prepared filter paper derived carbon electrode, and compared.
Tandem Protocol for the Synthesis of 3‐Acyl Benzothiadiazine 1,1‐Dioxides
Authors: Sathe Pratima A. , Vadagaonkar Kamlesh S. , Vhatkar Mahendra V. , Melone Lucio , Chaskar Atul C.
Published: January 2018

A metal‐free and efficient tandem synthesis of 3‐acyl 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides and 3‐acyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides has been developed via C−H functionalization of ethynylarenes and ethenylarenes followed by condensation with 2‐aminobenzenesulfonamide. The reaction involves the formation of arylglyoxal as an intermediate from multiform substrates through Kornblum oxidation in the presence of iodine and DMSO. Use of simple and readily available starting materials, inexpensive reagent, broad substrate scope and a very simple operation are noteworthy features of this protocol. This method provides an easy access to pharmaceutically important 3‐acyl‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides in good yields.
High Efficiency for Hydrogen Evolution and Bacterial Inactivation of Ag‐TiO2‐Graphene Ternary Nanocomposites with Appropriate Ag Ratios
Authors: Sheu Fu‐Jye , Cho Chun‐Pei
Published: January 2018

Ag‐TiO2‐graphene (ATG) ternary nanocomposites with various Ag contents were synthesized at fixed mixing ratios of TiO2 to graphene. The successful fabrication of them was confirmed by XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman and XPS spectra. The stronger Raman signals caused by the increased Ag content were considered as a significant evidence for the SPR effect. An increased Ag content gave rise to not only a wider absorption range but also a higher visible‐light absorbance. The results of electrochemical analysis illustrated that more Ag loading caused a reduced interfacial impedance, and improved conductivity and electron transport. However, excess Ag nanoparticles led to agglomeration and decreased surface area unfavorable to light absorption. Thus, an appropriate Ag content was required to achieve higher optical response and photocatalytic efficiency. It was found that for each fixed mixing ratio of TiO2 and graphene, there was a corresponding optimum Ag content. The hydrogen evolution results displayed the same trend as photodegradation, indicating again that the optimum ratio of TiO2 and graphene was 5: 1, and the extent of Ag loading was really crucial. By appropriate ratios of graphene and Ag, A15TG(5) exhibited the highest efficiency in both photodegradation and hydrogen evolution. Its QE and mass‐normalized hydrogen evolution rate were 26.2% and 705.6 μmol⋅g−1⋅h−1, respectively. Furthermore, the ATG nanocomposites also showed promising capability for bacterial inactivation.
Comparison of the Catalytic Activity of Copper Nanostructures in Friedel‐Crafts‐Type Condensation Reactions
Authors: Saiadian Shohreh , Khorshidi Alireza
Published: January 2018

The catalytic activity of copper nanostructures in the condensation reaction of selected indoles and aldehydes or ketones was investigated. Cu(acac)2, zeolite Y‐encapsulated Cu(acac)2, free and zeolite Y‐encapsulated CuO nanoparticles, and Cu2O nanoparticles with different size and shapes were prepared successfully and characterized by means of UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X‐Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X‐Ray analysis (EDX). Cubic Cu2O nanoparticles showed superior activity as a heterogeneous catalyst compared to other catalytic systems. Excellent yields of the desired bis(indolyl)methanes were obtained via condensation reaction of indoles and aldehydes in presence of cubic Cu2O nanoparticles under mild reaction conditions and the catalyst retained activity for six successive catalytic runs.
Kinetics of CO2 Absorption into Aqueous AMP/HMDA/TEG Mixtures
Authors: Patil Mayurkumar P. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: January 2018

Mixtures of 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP), 1,6‐hexamethyl diamine (HMDA), triethylene glycol (TEG) and water, which merge the loading capacity of AMP, reactivity of HMDA and low volatility of TEG, are improved CO2‐capturing solvents. In the present study, kinetic aspects of the reaction of CO2 with the blend AMP+HMDA were investigated using co‐solvents TEG+Water. Kinetic data were experimentally obtained in a stirred cell at 303–318 K. The concentrations of AMP and HMDA in the mixtures were changed in the 2–3 and 0.1‐0.5 M range whereas TEG concentration was changed between 0.7 and 2 M. Pseudo‐first order rate constants were measured. Knowing the CO2 absorption rates in the aforesaid mixtures, the second‐order rate constant (65195 M−1 s−1) for the reaction between CO2 and HMDA at 308 K was found. The activation energy for the CO2‐HMDA system in aqueous solution was 33.1 kJ/mol. Equilibrium solubility of CO2 in AMP/HMDA/TEG/Water mixtures was measured. Finally, it was established that N,N’‐dimethyl‐1,6‐hexamethyl diamine (or HMDA−N,N’) – a dialkyl derivative of HMDA – is a further attractive promoter for AMP in TEG+Water mixtures.
Dual‐Functional Templated Methodology for the Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Carbon for Supercapacitor
Authors: Shen Feng , Qiu Mo , Hua Yinhan , Qi Xinhua
Published: January 2018

Dual‐functional templated methodology was developed for synthesis of hierarchical porous carbons via direct thermal decomposition of agricultural wastes, in which dairy manure acted as low cost carbon precursor and eggshell as both hard template and activating agent source of CO2. The dual‐functional template can be easily removed by diluted HCl instead of corrosive HF. Carbonization temperature and dosage of eggshell have great influence on the porous texture of the carbon materials. Optimized temperature of 800 oC and mass ratio of eggshell/dairy manure (2:1) facilitate the releasing of CO2 from eggshell thus benefitting the formation of hierarchical porous carbon. The porous carbon has maximum surface area of 543.6 m2/g and total pore volume of 0.48 cm3/g of which micropores account for 40%. As the electrode of supercapacitor, the obtained hierarchical porous carbons showed a relative high specific capacitance of 226.6 F/g in KOH aqueous electrolyte (6 mol/L). Besides, it exhibited outstanding cycling stability with almost 100% of specific capacitance retention after 2500 GCD cycles. The one‐step template carbonization method provides a facile and sustainable route to prepare hierarchical porous carbons from the agricultural wastes.
Recent Advances in Preparation of Porous Polymeric Membranes by Unique Techniques and Mitigation of Fouling through Surface Modification
Authors: Remanan Sanjay , Sharma Maya , Bose Suryasarathi , Das Narayan Ch.
Published: January 2018

In this review, modern techniques for the membrane preparation including 3D printing, phase separation micro molding, selective etching and self‐assembled and non‐solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) are discussed. The article also takes account of traditional membrane preparation techniques such as phase inversion, sintering, track etching and electrospinning. Although, there is plenty of literature exists on the preparation and tailoring of membrane properties, there are still challenges to develop and establish a reliable membrane fabrication method with high flux, selectivity and anti‐fouling properties. Hydrophobic polymers are more prone to foul due to its low surface energy compared to hydrophilic polymers. Fouling resistance of membrane against microbes and proteins had been significantly improved by the use of nanoparticles, and modification with hydrophilic polymers. Mussel‐inspired coating and amyloid proteins are also recently found to have excellent antibacterial activity are also reviewed. Hence, a broad understanding of structure and properties is essential for further development and progress in membrane technology for water purification.
Synthesis, Biological Activity and Structure‐Activity Relationship of Novel Diphenylurea Derivatives Containing Tetrahydroquinoline as Carbonic Anhydrase I and II Inhibitors
Authors: Atahan Alparslan , Gencer Nahit , Bilen Cigdem , Yavuz Emre , Genc Hayriye , Sonmez Fatih , Zengin Mustafa , Ceylan Mustafa , Kucukislamoglu Mustafa
Published: January 2018

A series of novel tetrahydroquinoline derivatives containing urea moiety was synthesized and their in vitro inhibitory effects on the human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (hCA−I and hCA‐II) were evaluated by using the CO2 hydration method. All the synthesized compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against both hCA I and hCA II with 1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐(4‐p‐tolyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinolin‐2‐yl)phenyl)urea (7 k, IC50 value of 5.28 μM and 5.51 μM, against hCA I and hCA II, respectively) as the strongest inhibitor in this study. Structure‐activity relationships were also investigated. The results showed that most of synthesized compounds have a higher inhibitory activity against hCA I than hCA II. Also the substituents, containing two or more pairs of non‐bonding electrons, generally increased the hCA I and II inhibitory activity. Furthermore, some electronic parameters such as the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energy levels, electron affinity, total energy and dipole moments of the best inhibitors (7 b, 7 h and 7 k) in this study were also calculated by using Gaussian software. The results revealed that HOMO‐LUMO energy differences, total energy, chemical hardness and dipole moment of 7 b, 7 h and 7 k showed a linear relationship with increasing inhibitory activity.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission, Functionalized Fluorescent Nanoparticles and Cells Imaging of a Water‐Soluble Pyridyl‐Naphthalimide Dendron
Authors: Yao Shankun , Qian Ying
Published: January 2018

This paper reports on the design, synthesis and spectral characteristics of a novel pyridyl‐naphthalimide aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) dendron named PADN, and intermediate compound named PAN. PADN and PAN emitted brightly fluorescence in solid state and a maximum emission wavelength at 497 nm (green fluorescence) and 454 nm (blue fluorescence) in pure THF solution respectively. A considerable fluorescence intensity was found for PADN when water fraction reached a high value (the quantum yield of 90% water fraction was 0.15). Because of a stable core‐shell structure by the surface contains easily modified amino groups, the two AIE‐dendrons were successfully encapsulated in silica matrix, emitting bright green fluorescence with 0.33 quantum yield (PADN) and clear blue fluorescence with 0.27 quantum yield (PAN). Additionally, dye PADN was successfully applied for cell imaging, getting clear green‐field photograph, which indicated a better uptake by lung cancer cells A‐549 and suggested its promising application for biosensors.
Robust and Self‐Healing Hydrophobic Association Hydrogels Using Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) Macromolecule Microspheres as Cross‐Linking Centers
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Yulin , Hu Chengxin , Deng Yingxue , Shi Linying , Ran Rong
Published: January 2018

In our strategy, polystyrene (PS) and poly(styrene‐acrylonitrile) (P(S‐AN)) macromolecular microspheres (MMs) were introduced within hydrophobically associated (HA) hydrogels to enhance their mechanical strength. Two series of MMs hydrophobically associated polyacrylamide composite hydrogels (MMHA gels) were fabricated by a simple one‐pot method. The mechanical, rheological and swelling properties of MMHA gels were investigated and also evaluated as a function of the content of MMs. The mechanical properties of MMHA gels exhibit a tendency to increase first and then decrease with the increase in MMs content. In addition, the structure of the MMHA hydrogels was investigated by the IR and SEM analysis. The results were consistent with the result of mechanical, self‐healing and swelling properties test. Impressively, compared with MMHA gels enhanced by PS MMs (SHA gels), MMHA gels enhanced by P(S‐AN) MMs (SNHA gels) showed better mechanical properties(tensile strength 550 KPa, elongation at break 2832%)due to the strong dipole‐dipole interactions of ‐CN groups from acrylonitrile. Furthermore, the oil/water separation capability of the SNHA gels was explored preliminarily. Our strategy shows a novel direction for the production of tough hydrogels with various potential applications.
Straightforward Synthesis of Isoellipticine by Palladium‐Catalysed Coupling Reactions
Authors: Naciuk Fabrício F. , Castro Joaquim A. M. , Serikava Bruno K. , Miranda Paulo C. M. L.
Published: January 2018

Our novel synthetic route to isoellipticine featured palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular reactions for the construction of the B ring of the pyridocarbazole nucleus. The adequate palladium‐catalyzed reaction depended upon the oxidation conditions that were applied in order to prepare the immediate synthetic precursor. When CAN was used to make the quinone intermediate, an oxidative cyclization through a double C−H bond activation was applied. Conversely, when the oxidation condition involved TCCA as oxidant, a direct C−H arylation was employed. Both approaches showed similar efficiencies in order to construct the pyridocarbazole nucleus. Isoellipticine was prepared in only 5 steps with a 21%–23% overall yield.
MoS2‐TiO2 Nanocomposite with Excellent Adsorption Performance and High Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Pal Arnab , Jana Tushar K. , Roy Tamanna , Pradhan Ananya , Maiti Ramaprasad , Choudhury Sujata M. , Chatterjee Kuntal
Published: January 2018

The need of multifunctional advanced materials, facilitating clean and sustainable environment is the key issue from the perspective of materials scientists. This study demonstrates facile and scalable synthesis of MoS2‐TiO2 nanocomposites and their excellent performance as nanoadsorbents and antibacterial agent. The synthesized composites, with different loading of MoS2 and TiO2, were examined by XRD, XPS, RAMAN, FESEM and HRTEM for structural, chemical and morphological details. The MoS2‐TiO2 nanocomposite displays adsorption capacity as high as 364.56 mg g−1 for methylene blue (MB) at room temperature and the kinetic data reveal that the adsorption process of MB is well‐matched with the pseudo‐first‐order model. The MoS2‐TiO2 nanocomposites, with different morphology, have shown their capability as an organic dye scavenger with high speed and efficiency. Moreover the composites execute considerable antibacterial activity against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria. Thus the presented MoS2‐TiO2nanocomposite, with synergistic performance, shows huge potential in the search of multifunctional smart materials for future technology to address environment issues.
Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: A Robust and Magnetically Recoverable Catalyst for Direct C‐H Bond Selenylation and Sulfenylation of Benzothiazoles
Authors: Rafique Jamal , Saba Sumbal , Frizon Tiago E. A. , Braga Antonio L.
Published: January 2018

Herein, we report the magnetically recoverable Fe3O4 nanoparticle‐catalyzed synthesis of 2‐organochalcogen‐benzothiazoles via direct C−H bond chalcogenation. This new approach works under an air atmosphere, affording the desired products in good to excellent yields using benzothiazoles, a half‐molar equiv. of various diorganyl dichalcogenides, and 10 mol % of catalytic loading. The method is attractive due to the recyclability of the catalyst and tolerance of a wide range of functional groups.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of C3‐Symmetric Star‐Shaped Molecules Containing Heterocycles: A New Tactics for Multiple Fischer Indolization
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Todeti Saidulu , Das Tarasankar , Datta Anindya
Published: January 2018

We report synthesis of several C3‐symmetric molecules containing three indole units with benzene ring as a central core. Triple Fischer indolization has been accomplished under green conditions using low melting mixture of L‐(+)‐tartaric acid (TA) and N,N′‐dimethyl urea (DMU). In addition to Fischer indolization, another three popular reactions such as Friedel–Crafts acylation, Grignard reaction, and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling have been used as key steps to build C3‐symmetric star‐shaped molecules containing indole, furan, and thiophene moieties. Readily available inexpensive chemicals such as acetone, acetophenone, 4‐bromo acetophenone have been used as starting materials.
Use of Glycosyl Dithiocarbamates: Small Molecule ‘Turn‐on’ Fluorescent Probe for Carbohydrate Binding Proteins
Authors: Das Rituparna , Mishra Bedangshu , Mukhopadhyay Balaram
Published: January 2018

A glycosyl dithiocarbamate derivative is developed as a “turn on” fluorescent sensor for lectins. The probe is prepared through a three‐component reaction in good yield and fully characterized by analytical experiments. Upon interaction with lectin ConA, the virtually non‐fluorescent probe has shown “turn on” sensing with absolute specificity in terms of the carbohydrate used, mannose in this particular case. The probe with galactose remained inactive with ConA. The simple and general strategy for the synthesis of this particular probe offers the scope for multiple probes by altering the carbohydrate moiety and thus, opens up the avenue to target various lectin sensing.
Enhancing the Oxidation Stability of Polydivinylbenzene Films via Residual Pendant Vinyl Passivation
Authors: Lepró Xavier , Ehrmann Paul , Rodríguez Jennifer , Baxamusa Salmaan
Published: January 2018

Polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) is a thermally stable, optically transparent, crosslinked polymer that until recently has been difficult to synthesize as a thin film. With the recent demonstration of initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) of thin PDVB films, a renewed interest in the material properties of PDVB has developed. In particular, attention is now focused on its oxidation pathways and long‐term stability under the desired application use conditions. Here, we report on the thermal and environmental stability of PDVB films and show that unreacted pendant vinyl groups drive polymer oxidation upon exposure to either air or light. We demonstrate that such vinyls can be effectively passivated by a simple ex‐situ thermal annealing at ca. 300 °C in inert atmosphere that induces an 87% reduction of the PDVB oxidation rate in air and slows light (λ=405 nm) induced oxidation by 56%. While the thermal annealing is less effective at preventing oxidation under higher energy (λ = 365 nm) UV light, we demonstrate that this aging pathway is based on the presence of reactive oxygen species rather than traditional photo‐oxidation. Vinyl removal through ex‐situ thermal annealing improves the chemical stability of iCVD PDVB to continuous air (over 500 days) or light (70 hours) exposure and offers a simple option to improve its environmental aging resistance which is important for long‐term protective applications.
Site‐Selective Hydrosilylation of Botryococcene ‐ The Algal Biomass Hydrocarbon Oil
Authors: Kawashima Hidehisa , Umezawa Mami , Kijima Masashi
Published: January 2018

An algal acyclic triterpene botryococcene ((E)‐2,3,7,10,13,16,20,21‐octamethyl‐6,17‐dimethylene‐10‐vinyldocosa‐1,11,21‐triene), new biomass for material sources, which has three‐types of six carbon‐carbon double bonds, i. e., four vinylidenes at C2,6,17,21‐positions, one C10‐vinyl, and one C11‐12 internal olefin, in the molecule underwent hydrosilylation of various organosilanes in the presence of Pt(0) 1,3‐divinyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane complex (Karstedt's catalyst). Various hydrosilylated botryococcene derivatives were site‐ and regioselectively obtained in high yields by an anti‐Markovnikov type addition at the C10‐vinyl moiety without any isomerizations of the unsaturated triterpenoid skeleton.
Synthesis and Investigations of Chiral NNO Type Copper(II) Coordination Polymers
Authors: Larionov Vladimir A. , Yashkina Lidiya V. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Babievsky Kirill K. , Akat'yev Nikolay V. , Titov Aleksei A. , Belokon Yuri N. , Maleev Victor I.
Published: January 2018

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterizations of chiral copper(II) coordination polymers (CPs) based on Schiff base of (S)‐2‐aminomethylpyrrolidine and salicylaldehyde derivatives. Single crystal X‐ray analysis showed that copper(II) complex is 1D CP, with the repeating units LCu‐OAc (L=ligand) organized in a perpendicular manner, where the copper(II) atoms are six‐coordinated and have a distorted octahedral geometry. Also complex with chlorine counter ion having unusual dimeric structure was synthesized and characterized. It was demonstrated that CPs catalyze the enantioselective Henry reaction with up to 78% ee.
Pd Nanoparticles Immobilized on Graphene Oxide/Silica Nanocomposite: Efficient and Recyclable Catalysts for Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Oliveira Rafael L. , Oliveira Cristine S. , Landers Richard , Correia Carlos R. D.
Published: January 2018

Pd nanoparticles were synthesized on non‐functionalized and functionalized graphene oxide with thiol and amine groups. The resulting materials were used as recyclable catalysts to study the influence of the functional groups and compare their activity and stability to non‐functionalized graphene oxide and commercial catalysts in the Heck and Suzuki reactions. The catalyst based on non‐functionalized GO and commercial catalysts lost their activity quickly because of particle growth (Oswald ripening). However, the presence of functional groups reduces significantly the metal particle growth producing more efficient catalysts for the Heck and the Suzuki reactions. Moreover, the synthesized catalysts were capable of catalyzing the Heck and Suzuki reactions using different substrates, achieving good activities and selectivities in all cases.
An Asymmetric Synthesis of ((3R,6R)‐6‐Methylpiperidine‐3‐yl)methanol; A Piperidine Core Unit of Potent Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist MK‐6096
Authors: Kaur Amanpreet , Prakash Ranjana , Pandey Satyendra Kumar
Published: January 2018

An asymmetric synthesis of ((3R,6R)‐6‐methylpiperidin‐3‐yl)methanol 2, a potent dual orexin receptor antagonist MK‐6096 1 piperidine core unit, is described. The synthesis utilizes commercial available (S)‐propylene oxide as a starting material and organocatalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reaction as key step.
Zinc Oxide Based Composite Materials for Advanced Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yuyin , Xiao Xiao , Xue Huaiguo , Pang Huan
Published: January 2018

Zinc oxide based composite materials show advantages such as low cost, environmental protection, good electrochemical reversibility, high specific capacitance, high power density, high energy density, good cycling stability and simple preparation, which makes them promising materials for advanced supercapacitors. Based on the most advanced research, we present recent findings in the investigation, discussion and challenges related to various kinds of zinc oxide based composite materials, such as zinc oxide/carbon, zinc oxide/graphene, zinc oxide/manganese dioxide, zinc oxide/nickel oxide and other composites.
Synthesis, Biological Assessment and Molecular Modeling of Racemic QuinoPyranoTacrines for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy
Authors: Chioua Mourad , Serrano Estefanía , Dgachi Youssef , Martin Hélène , Jun Daniel , Janockova Jana , Sepsova Vendula , Soukup Ondrej , Moraleda Ignacio , Chabchoub Fakher , Ismaili Lhassane , Iriepa Isabel , Marco‐Contelles José
Published: January 2018

In this report we describe the synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of new tacrine analogues such as QuinoPyranTacrines (QPTs), designed by juxtaposition of 1,4‐naphthoquinone and tacrine. From these results we have identified QPT16 as a permeable, selective human acetylcholinesterase inhibitor [IC50= 1.1 ± 0.15 μM], 3.5‐fold less‐hepatotoxic than tacrine at 1000 μM concentration, and consequently, a potential new hit‐compound for further investigation targeted to find a new agent for AD therapy.
Co(II) or Cu(II) Schiff Base Complex Immobilized onto Carbon Nanotubes as a Synergistic Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Bai Lu , Li Min , Guan Jingqi
Published: January 2018

Heterogenization of molecular catalysts not only showed excellent activity and selectivity in many catalytic reactions, but also provided definite active sites feasible to explore the reaction mechanism. Herein, we report a heterogenization of metal Schiff‐base complex immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a high‐performance catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although MWCNTs alone have little catalytic activity, the heterogenization hybrid exhibits an enhanced ORR activity in alkaline solutions. The enhanced catalytic activity arises from synergetic effects between metal Schiff‐base complexes and MWCNTs.
A Tandem Approach towards Diastereoselective Synthesis of Quinoline C‐3 Tethered γ‐Lactones
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Chaudhary Sandeep , Mathur Manas , Swami Ajit K. , Malakar Chandi C. , Singh Virender
Published: January 2018

A convenient approach has been developed for the facile synthesis of novel quinoline and α‐methylene γ‐butyrolactones based molecular hybrids. The tandem synthesis of quinoline C‐3 tethered lactone derivatives was achieved via indium‐mediated Barbier Type allylation followed by in situ intramolecular lactonisation approach.
The effect of the Welsh mountains on rainfall distribution over Wales and England: a case study of a severe extratropical storm
Authors: de Campos Bruno , Carvalho Vanessa Silveira Barreto
Published: January 2018

We performed a set of numerical experiments for a severe extratropical storm that hit the United Kingdom in December 2013 using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in a nested setup. Four experiments were performed, using the original orography (ORG), a 50% increase in orography (T50), a 100% increase (i.e. double; T100), and a total removal (flattening) of the mountainous terrain (RMV) over Wales. The results show that rainfall amounts and distribution are sensitive to the modifications made. Moreover, the analysis of the vertical distribution of water vapor, as well as vertical velocities, indicates that higher mountains act as a windbreak and confine moisture to the windward side. Lower mountains let moisture flow and contribute to rain patterns in England (leeward side). Changes in Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) were also observed, and the results agree with rainfall amounts. Furthermore, the time series of the spatial average of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) suggests that orography has a stronger influence on storm dynamics than it does on storm genesis. Increased orography results in deeper storms and intensifies vertical flows, changing the dynamics and the energy of the environment.
The ‘Great Snow’ of winter 1614/1615 in England
Authors: Veale Lucy , Endfield Georgina , Bowen James
Published: January 2018

In this paper we explore the ‘Great Snow’ of 1614/1615 in England. By combining entries in parish registers with other archival documents and literary sources, we can begin to build a detailed picture of this extreme weather event and its temporal and geographical extent, societal impacts, and subsequent inscription into the cultural memory. Certainly one of the heaviest and prolonged snowfalls in England's weather history, in some places the freeze was followed by flooding and then drought, and the combination of successive extremes rendered 1615 a particularly memorable weather year.
Labour flexibility, capital structure and enterprise performance
Authors: Kizu Takaaki , Wang Zheng , Manrique Elizabeth Echeverria
Published: January 2018

The chapter examines how firms’ labour flexibility strategies and capital structure are related with firm performance, based on a firm‐level dataset on formal private sector enterprises in 132 countries. It finds that “investing in people” whether through a strategy of functional labour flexibility or financing decisions for securing working capital (i.e. funds for day‐to‐day operations), is the key feature of enterprises with higher competitiveness and better job quality. Through the provision of formal training for permanent employees, functional labour flexibility is associated with higher productivity and wages, while numerical labour flexibility, enhanced through the use of temporary employment, is associated with lower productivity and wages. Additionally, securing external formal funding to provide working capital is important. Those enterprises that use bank loans for working capital more intensively enjoy higher productivity and pay higher wages, while those that rely more heavily on internal funds are less productive and pay lower wages. In addition, the positive relationship between the use of bank loans and wages is not observed when bank loans are used for new purchases of fixed assets, suggesting that securing formal external funding for new investments is not automatically linked to better job quality.
Innovation in firms and labour market outcomes
Authors: Richiardi Pelin Sekerler , Postolachi Ira
Published: January 2018

This chapter explores how innovation in firms (described as product, process, marketing and organizational innovation) is associated with firm performance and labour market outcomes. For this purpose, it first discusses the evidence to date at the aggregate (i.e. country) level – for as broad a set of economies as possible. Then, it focuses on the firm level based on a group of economies for which data from the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Surveys (BEEPS) and MENA Enterprise Surveys (MENA ES) – surveys of transition and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economies, respectively – are available.

The chapter finds that there are considerable differences between innovative and non‐innovative firms: innovative firms tend to be more productive, create more jobs, employ more skilled workers (meaning that they employ more educated workers and offer more training) and hire more female workers. Yet, in some cases innovation is associated with more intense use of temporary workers (especially in firms that implement product and process innovations). Moreover, it has been found that sectoral differences might play a role. In this regard, considerable job contraction is observed in non‐innovative low‐technology firms in the manufacturing sector, highlighting the high risk of job loss among low‐skilled workers. Regarding sources of innovation, the chapter shows that while R&D engagement is an important determinant of successful innovation, other drivers, including training, public funding and external acquisition of technologies are relevant.

On the basis of these findings, the chapter suggests that adequate education, training and social protection policies can play an important role in both fostering innovation and preparing workers (and firms) effectively for the changing job environment. This means that social partners and other stakeholders will be required to participate in reflections on the types of jobs and skills that will be relevant in the future.
Language Use in Joint Action: The Means of Referring Expressions
Authors: Kobayashi Harumi , Yasuda Tetsuya , Igarashi Hiroshi , Suzuki Satoshi
Published: January 2018

This study examined how human–human collaboration can be achieved through an exchange of verbal information in exchanging information about the referents in a joint action. Knowing other people’s referential intention is fundamental for joint action. Joint action can be achieved verbally by two types of referring expressions, namely, symbolic and deictic referring expressions. Using corpus data, we extracted nouns as typical symbolic references and demonstratives as typical deictic references. We examined whether the word usage of these terms changed when the robot vehicles controlled by the participants repeatedly performed the same collaborative task. We used a novel virtual space for the task because we wanted to control the common ground shared by the participants. The results of the performance indicate that the task completion became more efficient as the participants repeated the task. The referential word use was reduced in both symbolic and deictic references, and this reduction occurred with a grounding process among the collaborators. The study showed that reduction of referential expressions occurs with the grounding process in human–human collaboration and suggests that appropriate collaborative robot systems must deal with the reduction process of referencing in humans.
Ambicor 2-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: Who and How?
Authors: Abdelsayed George A. , Levine Laurence A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Currently the Ambicor is the only 2-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) available in the United States. By eliminating the separate reservoir, this provides certain advantages for patient and surgeon. Nevertheless, it composes a small percentage of all IPPs implanted in the United States.

Aim

To detail the surgical technique for implantation, describe the ideal patient candidates best suited for the Ambicor, and discuss the most common and some rare complications with a review of the available published literature in combination with our clinical experience.

Methods

A PubMed literature search was performed to obtain all peer-reviewed articles published in English specifically on the Ambicor 2-piece IPP. We also reviewed our clinical experience with the Ambicor during the past 2 decades.

Results

The published data remain limited, because few articles on the Ambicor have been published in the past 10 years. Overall complication rates were 2.1% to 9.5%. Patient satisfaction rates were 75% to 96.4%, with similar partner satisfaction rates. Relative contraindications for implantation include patients with significant penile deformities, long narrow phalluses, or short phalluses.

Strengths and Limitations

Despite the limited available published data with short follow-up periods, this review provides a comprehensive discussion on the technical aspects and relevant perioperative counseling recommended for Ambicor implantation.

Conclusion

The prosthetic urologist should offer the Ambicor 2-piece IPP to patients with erectile dysfunction whose non-surgical treatment has failed. Certain implanters might want to avoid the blind retropubic reservoir placement that occurs with 3-piece IPPs and might not be comfortable with an ectopic approach and therefore prefer using a 2-piece device. We believe the ideal Ambicor candidate is a patient with a current or future pelvic organ transplant, decreased manual dexterity, in need of complete phallic reconstruction, or with known extensive prior abdominopelvic surgery.
Frequency of Polycythemia and Other Abnormalities in a Tibetan Herdsmen Population Residing in the Kham Area of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Jian-bo , Wang Lin , Chen Jie , Wang Zhi-ying , Cao Mei , Yie Shang-mian , Yang Hua , Yao Xiao-qin , Zeng Yi , Yang Yong-chang , Xie Chun-bao , Zhao Tai-qiang
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The Kham Tibetans are one of several Tibetan ethnic subgroups living in the Kham area of China. Because studies on the high-altitude adaptation of the Kham people are scant, the main aim of this study is to investigate whether the response to hypoxia, especially polycythemia status, in the Kham Tibetans is different from other Tibetan ethnic subgroups.

Methods

The primary investigation was conducted on 346 native Kham Tibetan adults (268 men and 78 women) from 3 herdsmen villages located in Hongyuan County situated at an altitude of greater than 3600 m. The participants were aged 46.2±14.1 (21–82; mean±SD with range) years. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure, as well as laboratory blood tests such as glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid were analyzed.

Results

The concentrations of hemoglobin were 171.3±12.9 (66–229) mg·L-1 and 151.4±16.4 (86–190) mg·L-1 in men and women, respectively. The frequency of polycythemia was found to be 25.5 and 21.8% in men and women, respectively. Polycythemia was found to be significantly associated with glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations, hypertension, and hyperuricemia ( P=0.002, 0.023, and 0.009, respectively).

Conclusions

There is a higher frequency of polycythemia in the Kham Tibetans when compared with reported studies from other Tibetan ethnic subgroups living on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.
Linking Instrumental and Proxy Data Climate Records
Authors: Debret Maxime , Nicolle Marie , de Vernal A.
Published: January 2018

Treatment of the Climatic Signal in Time and Space: From Instrumental and Proxy Data to Modelling; Rouen, France, 18–20 April 2017