bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterologous expression of Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (PvAMA1) for binding peptide selection
Authors: Chew Ching Hoong , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian , Chua Kek Heng
Published: September 2017

Background

Plasmodium is an obligate intracellular parasite. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is the most prominent and well characterized malarial surface antigen that is essential for parasite-host cell invasion, i.e., for sporozoite to invade and replicate within hepatocytes in the liver stage and merozoite to penetrate and replicate within erythrocytes in the blood stage. AMA1 has long served as a potent antimalarial drug target and is a pivotal vaccine candidate. A good understanding of the structure and molecular function of this Plasmodium protein, particularly its involvement in host-cell adhesion and invasion, is of great interest and hence it offers an attractive target for the development of novel therapeutics. The present study aims to heterologous express recombinant Plasmodium AMA1 ectodomain of P. vivax (rPvAMA1) for the selection of binding peptides.

Methods

The rPvAMA1 protein was heterologous expressed using a tag-free Profinity eXactTM system and codon optimized BL21-Codon Plus (DE3)-RIL Escherichia coli strain and further refolded by dialysis for renaturation. Binding peptides toward refolded rPvAMA1 were panned using a Ph.D.-12 random phage display library.

Results

The rPvAMA1 was successfully expressed and refolded with three phage-displayed dodecapeptides designated as PdV1 (DLTFTVNPLSKA), PdV2 (WHWSWWNPNQLT), and PdV3 (TSVSYINNRHNL) with affinity towards rPvAMA1 identified. All of them exhibited positive binding signal to rPvAMA1 in both direct phage assays, i.e., phage ELISA binding assay and Western blot binding assay.

Discussion

Phage display technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions based on a simple principle that a library of phage particles displaying peptides is used and the phage clones that bind to the target protein are selected and identified. The binding sites of each selected peptides toward PvAMA1 (Protein Data Bank, PDB ID: 1W8K) were in silico predicted using CABS-dock web server. In this case, the binding peptides provide a valuable starting point for the development of peptidomimetic as antimalarial antagonists directed at PvAMA1.
Propuesta metodológica para conocer la percepción en responsabilidad social universitaria de una muestra de estudiantil en una universidad mexicana
Authors: Torres Sánchez Ulises
Published: September 2017

Cuando se piensa en términos de responsabilidad social a menudo se involucra al ámbito económico o empresarial, no obstante, este concepto puede ser aplicado a cualquier tipo de organización, desde empresas, hasta sociedades civiles, organismos no gubernamentales o instituciones de educación superior. La universidad como está incluida dentro del  marco de la responsabilidad social, con la característica que la docencia y formación ciudadana, así como la investigación y difusión del conocimiento, adscritas como ejes rectores en unión con la gestión organizacional y la gestión social ya existentes en cualquier organización.
En la presente investigación se incluyen los resultados de las dos primeras fases propuestas por Vallaeys, de la Crus y Sasia (2009) en el Manual de Primeros Pasos en Responsabilidad Social Universitaria. La Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) ha adoptado dicho modelo para la consecución de su visión en el 2020, retomando del autor una metodología que divide en cuatro fases un plan de trabajo que significará una década de estrategias, propuestas y convenios que se realizarán en conjunto por directivos, administrativos, personal docente, personal manual y los estudiantes que conforman la universidad.
Se incluye de igual manera, la propuesta de trabajo que se realizará con los estudiantes de una facultad objetivo, correspondiente a la tercera fase denominada cumplimiento y que contiene como uno de sus primeras instrucciones, el contraste de los resultados obtenidos en el autodiagnóstico que la UADY realizó entre los años 2009 y 2010, con las propuestas de trabajo que el Consejero alumno y el Presidente estudiantil elaboraron para un periodo de trabajo de dos años. Serán los estudiantes los encargados de elaborar propuestas de trabajo que inviten a una participación activa en la adopción de un modelo de universidad responsable, que supervise e incluya los cuatro ámbitos que la Universidad de Yucatán ha identificado y establecido para lograr constituirse como la institución de educación superior, con los más altos estándares de responsabilidad social en México.
Repensar América Latina post dictaduras: una noción afro-ibérica y ameríndia
Authors: Pizzi Jovino
Published: September 2017

En América Latina, la derrocada de las dictaduras no ha superado las dicotomías. La propuesta de repensar el contexto post dictaduras no significa el olvido de la oscuridad de ese período, sino añadir un paso más y, así, debatir los déficits de nuestras democracias representativas. La enajenación de ese pensar no asume sus desafíos porque está ligado a elementos externos y ajenos. Este pensamiento se desarrolla en dos líneas, o sea, posé dos lenguajes. A veces, se sobrepone un lenguaje que considera lo cotidiano como algo vinculado al mal vivido. Esa noción debilita los intentos de cambio, porque la representación del mundo se alimenta de una perspectiva mono-cultural y, por tanto, no fiable. La propuesta de repensar el período post dictaduras está relacionada a la necesidad de rehacer la trayectoria latinoamericana y reconocer los intentos de cambio. En el caso, no se puede olvidar, por ejemplo, la revolución de los esclavos afro-haitianos, con lo que se puede también proponer cambios de perspectiva y admitir los nuevos sujetos emergentes.
Descargar ejemplar completo
Authors: Cuhso Revista
Published: September 2017

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Ética recostructiva ante la globalización
Authors: Alvarez Osses Ingrid Adriana
Published: September 2017

Este avance de investigación trata de exponer una ética crítica en relación a la globalización hegemónica. Así, se reflexiona con la ética del bien común de Franz Hinkelammert, los  aportes del diálogo intercultural de Raúl Fornet-Betancourt, la ética de la liberación de Enrique Dussel, el pensar situado y contextual de Rodolfo Kusch. Al mismo tiempo es un escrito que reflexiona sobre los dilemas de la globalización, sobre todo, respecto a la polarización y el desencuentro entre unos y otros. Desde allí, se intenta avizorar perspectivas para una ética crítica y situada ante el orden cultural y económico que rige el mundo. La relevancia de otros supuestos que asientan cambiar la lógica de la negación y el no reconocimiento que han llevado a lo Mismo y la Totalidad. En esta perspectiva, se propone una ética reconstructiva para la rehabilitación del orden global que no escucha la voz de los que sufren el imperio del cálculo de utilidad y la ética funcional basada en el utilitarismo. Esto devela el vacío de solidaridad que clama responsabilidad con los sectores más postergados históricamente. Así, se propone una ética que potencie el diálogo hacia otras posibilidades humanas.
Redes Sociales de apoyo entre personas que viven en situación de calle en la ciudad de Temuco, Chile
Authors: Parada Hernández Héctor
Published: September 2017

Las personas en situación de calle se han constituido en una forma de vida urbana que activa recursos propios y del entorno. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido caracterizar socioculturalmente las redes sociales de apoyo de las personas en situación de calle. Corresponde a un estudio etnográfico realizado el año 2014 en dos espacios de concentración de personas en situación de calle en la ciudad de Temuco-Chile. La muestra de carácter intencional fueron 12 personas que accedieron a participar en el estudio. Se realizaron 12 entrevistas semiestructuradas y 90 observaciones participantes y no participantes. El análisis consistió en la codificación de las narrativas, levantamiento de categorías conceptuales, construcción de esquemas y redes de relación entre las categorías. Los resultados indican la presencia de cinco redes sociales de apoyo: institucionales, religiosas, genéricas, de pares y familiares; las cuales inciden sobre el estar-ser en la calle. Se concluye que las personas en situación de calle generan una lógica de asociatividad  socio-cultural, configurando redes de apoyo particular, las cuales les confieren seguridad, estilo e identidad.
Política cultural y construcción discursiva de identidad regional
Authors: Campos Winter Hugo Ignacio
Published: September 2017

Este artículo aborda la relación entre la institucionalidad culturalchilena y la construcción de identidad cultural en la Región de los Ríos. En este contexto, se identificó la problemática de la tensión existente entre la autoconstrucción de la Política Cultural 2011-2016 (en adelante PC) como una política de Estado ajena a las ideologías de los gobiernos de turno y la posición de diversos autores quienes argumentan que la PC estaría informada por una ideología neoliberal con la que promovería ciertas identidades culturales en desmedro de otras. Tomando como caso de estudio la PolíticaCultural de la Región de los Ríos 2011-2016 (en adelante PCRR) y utilizando como enfoque teórico el construccionismo social y metodológico la psicología discursiva, el objetivo fue analizar la elaboración discursiva de la PCRR e interpretar su función de subjetivación de las subjetividadesculturales que constituyen la identidad cultural de la Región de los Ríos. El análisis de los resultados corroboró que la PCRR estaría promoviendo inequitativamente identidades culturales mediante el refuerzo de subjetividades foráneas y la socavación de subjetividades locales. Se concluye que la institucionalidad cultural estaría informada por una ideología neoliberal,gestionando discursivamente lugares inequitativos de enunciación entre los individuos y grupos investidos con las diversas subjetividades culturales que constituyen las identidades culturales regionales y nacionales.
Asociacionismo productivo y empoderamiento de mujeres rurales: Madres multiactivas, socias y mujeres campesinas
Authors: Mora Guerrero Gloria Miryam , Fernández Darraz María Cecilia , Ortega Olivetti Sofía Victoria
Published: September 2017

En este artículo se presentan avances de una investigación en desarrollo que analiza las relaciones entre la participación de mujeres rurales en iniciativas productivas de tipo asociativo y sus posibles procesos de empoderamiento en contextos interculturales. En específico, se exploran los efectos que tienen este tipo de iniciativas en la vida de las mujeres rurales de la Región de la Araucanía, explorando si a partir de su participación colectiva se producen procesos de toma de conciencia respecto de la subordinación de género y si se promueven cambios que favorezcan relaciones más equitativas para las mujeres. Bajo el diseño de la teoría fundamentada con perspectiva construccionista, se realizaron diez registros de observaciones participantes y un taller de discusión con mujeres socias de un emprendimiento de tipo productivo. Las conclusiones muestran el empoderamiento de las mujeres rurales como un proceso en el cual ellas pueden pasar por múltiples y paradójicos momentos tanto de desempoderamiento como de empoderamiento, los cuales coexisten, se suceden o se superponen entre sí.
Editorial
Authors: Zavala Cepeda José Manuel
Published: September 2017

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El Pleito de Ralco en 1919
Authors: Zavala Cepeda José Manuel
Published: September 2017

El documento que presentamos a continuación, posee sin lugar a dudas un valor histórico significativo para el pueblo mapuche-pewenche y en especial para las comunidades de Alto Biobío. Con fecha 21 de mayo del año 1919 el misionero franciscano, fray Ángel Saavedra, escribía desde Chillán a su correligionario editor de El Misionero Franciscano (1892-1825), publicación periódica de la Orden Franciscana, para solicitarle insertara en dicha revista un alegato presentado a la Corte de Apelaciones de Concepción por el abogado Domingo Ocampo caratulado Pleito de los indígenas de Ralco con el Sr. Martín Bunster. En dicha carta, fray Saavedra explicaba los motivos de la petición y exponía los antecedentes del caso, por lo cual solicitaba también incluir su misiva a modo de introducción al alegato. Es así como en el volumen correspondiente al año 1919, aparecía en  esta revista de la orden seráfica el Pleito de los indígenas de Ralco con el Sr. Martín Bunster. Alegato presentado a la I. Corte de Concepción por el abogado Sr. Dn. Domingo Ocampo. Precedido de una carta de Fr. Angel Saavedra O. F. M.[1]
Dimensiones culturales de la empresa social. Un modelo para el análisis.
Authors: Pfeilstetter Richard
Published: September 2017

Este artículo propone un modelo teórico para el análisis de las diferentes dimensiones socioculturales de la empresa social. La necesidad de avanzar en modelos de este tipo deriva de la gran variedad de organizaciones que actualmente se subsumen bajo el mismo lema «empresa social», como de la menor atención que han recibido las variables intangibles en el desarrollo de estas organizaciones. Por lo tanto, el modelo propuesto aquí pretende discutir la contribución que pueden hacer al debate académico actual sobre la empresa social el concepto de «racionalidad» de Max Weber, la noción de «régimen de bienestar» de Esping-Andersen y los «tipos culturales» propuestos por Mary Douglas. El artículo presenta una combinación de estos conceptos en dos ejes que permiten analizar diferentes dimensiones culturales de la realidad empírica de empresas concretas. El primer eje es la «escala social» (micro, macro y mesosocial), que incluye la organización interna, las características jurídicas y el contexto del estado de bienestar nacional de la empresa. El segundo eje es el «tipo cultural», que subyace en cada uno de los niveles del primer eje: el burocrático-jerárquico, el mercantil-individualista y el tradicional-comunitario.
El uso de dispositivos móviles por niños: entre el consumo y el cuidado familiar
Authors: Carrasco Rivas Fernanda , Droguett Vocar Rocío , Huaiquil Cantergiani Denisse , Navarrete Turrieta Alejandra , Quiroz Silva María José , Binimelis Espinoza Helder Alejandro
Published: September 2017

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación orientada a la comprensión de los intereses, expectativas y conflictos sociales que surgen en torno al uso de tecnologías móviles por parte de niños. Desde un enfoque crítico, se entiende la tecnología como una instrumentalización de intereses sociales en disputa: por una parte, los intereses dominantes que el mercado y el consumo establecen y, por otra, las expectativas familiares en torno a la comunicación y el cuidado familiar. Durante el año 2015 se desarrolló un estudio de casos a partir de la vinculación con estudiantes y apoderados de un curso de Cuarto básico de una escuela municipal de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile, y en el cual se implementaron grupos de discusión, entrevistas en profundidad y otras técnicas de investigación adaptadas al trabajo con niños. El análisis se orientó hacia la comprensión de las experiencias de uso, normas sociales, cambios, conflictos y expectativas familiares asociados con los dispositivos móviles. Se concluye reflexionando sobre la relevancia que la comprensión de fenómenos tecnológicos tiene para el trabajo social, en este caso, especialmente para el trabajo con familias, y se desarrollan propuestas generales de política pública adaptadas al caso chileno.
Dissecting the structure–function relationship in lysozyme domain of mycobacteriophage D29‐encoded peptidoglycan hydrolase
Authors: Joshi Himanshu , Seniya Surya P. , Suryanarayanan Venkatesan , Patidar Neelam D. , Singh Sanjeev K. , Jain Vikas
Published: September 2017

Most bacteriophages rapidly infect and kill bacteria and, therefore, qualify as the next generation therapeutics for rapidly emerging drug‐resistant bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We have previously characterized the mycobacteriophage D29‐generated endolysin, Lysin A, for its activity against mycobacteria. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the lysozyme domain (LD) of D29 Lysin A that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan of both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria with high potency. By characterizing an exhaustive LD protein variant library, we have identified critical residues important for LD activity and stability. We further complement our in vitro experiments with detailed in silico investigations. We present LD as a potent candidate for developing phage‐based broad‐spectrum therapeutics.
Evidence of Dynamic Crustal Deformation in Tohoku, Japan, From Time‐Varying Receiver Functions
Authors: Porritt R. W. , Yoshioka S.
Published: September 2017

Temporal variation of crustal structure is key to our understanding of Earth processes on human timescales. Often, we expect that the most significant structural variations are caused by strong ground shaking associated with large earthquakes, and recent studies seem to confirm this. Here we test the possibility of using P receiver functions (PRF) to isolate structural variations over time. Synthetic receiver function tests indicate that structural variation could produce PRF changes on the same order of magnitude as random noise or contamination by local earthquakes. Nonetheless, we find significant variability in observed receiver functions over time at several stations located in northeastern Honshu. Immediately following the Tohoku‐oki earthquake, we observe high PRF variation clustering spatially, especially in two regions near the beginning and end of the rupture plane. Due to the depth sensitivity of PRF and the timescales over which this variability is observed, we infer this effect is primarily due to fluid migration in volcanic regions and shear stress/strength reorganization. While the noise levels in PRF are high for this type of analysis, by sampling small data sets, the computational cost is lower than other methods, such as ambient noise, thereby making PRF a useful tool for estimating temporal variations in crustal structure.
Impacts of Intensive Livestock Production on Human Health in Densely Populated Regions
Authors: Smit Lidwien A. M. , Heederik Dick
Published: September 2017

In several regions worldwide, the presence of livestock in close proximity to residential areas raises questions about public health implications. The rapid expansion of large‐scale livestock farms, increasingly interwoven with urbanized areas, and its potential impact on neighboring residents' health has hardly been accompanied by any research. The current situation in densely populated livestock farming areas could be regarded as a “natural experiment.” Most scientific and public health initiatives have focused on emerging zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance as potential health threats. In this commentary, we emphasize the importance of respiratory health effects of noninfectious air pollutant emissions from livestock farms.
Local‐Scale Advection of Sensible and Latent Heat During Snowmelt
Authors: Harder Phillip , Pomeroy John W. , Helgason Warren
Published: September 2017

The breakup of snow cover into patches during snowmelt leads to a dynamic, heterogeneous land surface composed of melting snow, and wet and dry soil and plant surfaces. Energy exchange with the atmosphere is therefore complicated by horizontal gradients in surface temperature and humidity as snow surface temperature and humidity are regulated by the phase change of melting snow unlike snow‐free areas. Airflow across these surface transitions results in local‐scale advection of energy that has been documented as sensible heat during snowmelt, while latent heat advection has received scant attention. Herein, results are presented from an experiment measuring near‐surface profiles of air temperature and humidity across snow‐free to snow‐covered transitions that demonstrates that latent heat advection can be the same order of magnitude as sensible heat advection and is therefore an important source of snowmelt energy. Latent heat advection is conditional on an upwind source of water vapor from a wetted snow‐free surface.
Newly Discovered Ring‐Moat Dome Structures in the Lunar Maria: Possible Origins and Implications
Authors: Zhang Feng , Head James W. , Basilevsky Alexander T. , Bugiolacchi Roberto , Komatsu Goro , Wilson Lionel , Fa Wenzhe , Zhu Meng‐Hua
Published: September 2017

We report on a newly discovered morphological feature on the lunar surface, here named Ring‐Moat Dome Structure (RMDS). These low domes (a few meters to ~20 m height with slopes <5°) are typically surrounded by narrow annular depressions or moats. We mapped about 2,600 RMDSs in the lunar maria with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of meters. Four candidate hypotheses for their origin involving volcanism are considered. We currently favor a mechanism for the formation of the RMDS related to modification of the initial lava flows through inflated flow squeeze‐ups and/or extrusion of magmatic foams below a cooling lava flow surface. These newly discovered features provide new insights into the nature of emplacement of lunar lava flows, suggesting that in the waning stages of a dike emplacement event, magmatic foams can be produced, extrude to the surface as the dike closes, and break through the upper lava flow thermal boundary layer (crust) to form foam mounds and surrounding moats.
Chemical Feedback From Decreasing Carbon Monoxide Emissions
Authors: Gaubert B. , Worden H. M. , Arellano A. F. J. , Emmons L. K. , Tilmes S. , Barré J. , Martinez Alonso S. , Vitt F. , Anderson J. L. , Alkemade F. , Houweling S. , Edwards D. P.
Published: September 2017

Understanding changes in the burden and growth rate of atmospheric methane (CH4) has been the focus of several recent studies but still lacks scientific consensus. Here we investigate the role of decreasing anthropogenic carbon monoxide (CO) emissions since 2002 on hydroxyl radical (OH) sinks and tropospheric CH4 loss. We quantify this impact by contrasting two model simulations for 2002–2013: (1) a Measurement of the Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) CO reanalysis and (2) a Control‐Run without CO assimilation. These simulations are performed with the Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry of the Community Earth System Model fully coupled chemistry climate model with prescribed CH4 surface concentrations. The assimilation of MOPITT observations constrains the global CO burden, which significantly decreased over this period by ~20%. We find that this decrease results to (a) increase in CO chemical production, (b) higher CH4 oxidation by OH, and (c) ~8% shorter CH4 lifetime. We elucidate this coupling by a surrogate mechanism for CO‐OH‐CH4 that is quantified from the full chemistry simulations.
Laser Interference Lithography for the Nanofabrication of Stimuli‐Responsive Bragg Stacks
Authors: Jiang Nan , Butt Haider , Montelongo Yunuen , Liu Feng , Afewerki Samson , Ying Guo‐Liang , Dai Qing , Yun Seok‐Hyun , Yetisen Ali K.
Published: September 2017

Dynamic structural coloration in Tmesisternus isabellae beetle elytra is a unique example of Bragg stack‐based wavelength tuning in response to external stimuli. The underlying principles could guide the design of quantitative optical stimuli‐responsive polymers. Existing nanofabrication techniques to create such materials are costly, time‐consuming, and require high expertise. This study reports a nanofabrication method to produce slanted Bragg stack structures in poly(acrylamide‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate) hydrogel films by combining laser interference lithography and silver halide chemistry in a cost‐effective and rapid process (≈10 min). The Bragg stacks consist of silver bromide nanocrystal multilayers having a lattice spacing of ≈200 nm. Upon broadband light illumination, the Bragg stacks diffract a narrow‐band peak at 520 nm at ≈10° with respect to the normal incidence. The lattice spacing of the hydrogel films can be modulated by external stimuli to shift the Bragg peak for dynamic quantitative measurements. To demonstrate the utility of this method, the Bragg stacks are functionalized with phenylboronic acid molecules. Bragg peak shift analysis allows reversible glucose sensing within a physiological dynamic range (0.0–20.0 mmol L−1) having a sensitivity of 0.2 mmol L−1. The developed Bragg stacks may have application in portable, wearable, and implantable real‐time medical diagnostics at point‐of‐care settings.
Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells Derived Microvesicles for Combinational Immunochemotherapy against Tumor
Authors: Wu Tingting , Qi Yan , Zhang Dan , Song Qingle , Yang Conglian , Hu Xiaomeng , Bao Yuling , Zhao Yongdan , Zhang Zhiping
Published: September 2017

Various types of cell can change the cytoskeleton and shed microvesicles (MVs) with biomimic properties as parent cells in response to stimuli. To take use of the drug package capability of MVs and the potent antigen presentation property of dendritic cells (DCs), DC‐derived antigenic MVs are constructed by priming DCs with tumor‐derived MVs and then encapsulating a chemotherapeutic drug during MVs shedding. This kind of MVs exhibit significant inhibition on melanoma tumor growth and metastasis. The MV‐encapsulated chemotherapeutics can induce direct cytotoxicity and immunogenic cell death in tumor cells. Moreover, a robust antitumor immunity is induced in both, the tumor‐draining lymph node and the tumor microenvironment as the infiltration and activation of T lymphocytes increases. This kind of MVs is further explored in a hepatic ascites model with remarkable prolonged overall survival of mice. More importantly, the MVs can extend the survival of 60% mice more than 150 d without ascites even after rechallenging the tumor twice. This study demonstrates that antigenic MVs with chemotherapeutics possess great potential in cancer immunochemotherapy.
Nanoscale Distribution of Magnetic Anisotropies in Bimagnetic Soft Core–Hard Shell MnFe2O4@CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Daffé Niéli , Sikora Marcin , Rovezzi Mauro , Bouldi Nadejda , Gavrilov Véronica , Neveu Sophie , Choueikani Fadi , Ohresser Philippe , Dupuis Vincent , Taverna Dario , Gloter Alexandre , Arrio Marie‐Anne , Sainctavit Philippe , Juhin Amélie
Published: September 2017

The nanoscale distribution of magnetic anisotropies is measured in core@shell MnFe2O4@CoFe2O4 7.0 nm particles using a combination of element selective magnetic spectroscopies with different probing depths. As this picture is not accessible by any other technique, emergent magnetic properties are revealed. The coercive field is not constant in a whole nanospinel. The very thin (0.5 nm) CoFe2O4 hard shell imposes a strong magnetic anisotropy to the otherwise very soft MnFe2O4 core: a large gradient in coercivity is measured inside the MnFe2O4 core with lower values close to the interface region, while the inner core presents a substantial coercive field (0.54 T) and a very high remnant magnetization (90% of the magnetization at saturation).
Plasmonic Gold Nanocones in the Near‐Infrared for Quantum Nano‐Optics
Authors: Flatae Assegid Mengistu , Tantussi Francesco , Messina Gabriele C. , Mohammadi Ahmad , De Angelis Francesco , Agio Mario
Published: September 2017

Plasmonic gold nanocones offer outstanding possibilities to control light‐matter interaction at the nanoscale. For instance, they can be exploited to modify the photonic environment around a single emitter for tuning its quantum efficiency and radiative decay rate, as well as the angular distribution and polarization of the emitted photons. However, fabricating high quality nanostructures with the desired aspect ratio and tip radius of curvature is still challenging. Here, this study reports on the fabrication of high‐quality plasmonic gold nanocones based on electron beam‐induced deposition of an organometallic precursor on a substrate to define the structures, followed by sputtering deposition of a gold layer. The technique is versatile and has a very good spatial resolution for the fabrication of nanocones with dimensions in the 100 nm range and a small aspect ratio, while exhibiting a very sharp tip radius of curvature down to 6 nm. The nanocones are engineered to have resonances in the near‐infrared region, where absorption in gold is smaller. Using single‐nanoparticle spectroscopic techniques, this study characterizes their optical properties and measures the plasmon resonances, finding linewidths down to 50 nm.
Palladium‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of C2‐Quaternary Indolin‐3‐ones via 1H‐indole‐3‐sulfonates Generated in Situ from 2‐Alkynyl Arylazides and Sulfonic Acids
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Li Ping , Lyu Chang , Yong Wanxiong , Li Jing , Pan Xinyu , Zhu Xinbao , Rao Weidong
Published: September 2017

A novel method for the synthesis of C2‐quaternary indole‐3‐ones via palladium‐catalyzed one‐pot transformation of 2‐alkynyl arylazides is described. The reaction produced in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. This novel rearrangement of 1‐H‐indole‐3‐sulfonates represents an important contribution to the application of aryl sulfonates.

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Unraveling the Intrinsic Structures that Influence the Transport of Charges in TiO2 Electrodes
Authors: Chen Jiazang , Tao Hua Bing , Liu Bin
Published: September 2017

TiO2 is by far the most widely used semiconducting materials for electrodes in (photo)‐electrochemical applications owing to its unique electrical and optical properties combined with the chemical and thermal stability as well as nontoxicity. The electronic processes, especially the transport of charges within the electrodes and interfacial charge transfer, are among the most concerned issues to achieve better solar energy utilization. Towards this end, many approaches, including the development of novel electrode configurations and tuning electronic structures have been devoted to facilitate these electronic processes. Despite the intensive studies, some intrinsic structural features in TiO2 nanostructures, which are usually hidden from the tangible materials characterization techniques, are far from being consciously concerned. In this review, in addition to briefly summarizing the recent progress in TiO2 nanostructures for (photo)‐electrochemical applications, the intrinsic structural features in TiO2 nanostructures, together with the challenges and perspectives involving these features, are emphatically discussed. These intrinsic structural features are shown to have a profound influence on the transport of charges within the TiO2 electrodes and interfacial charge transfer, and thus it is proposed that the charge transport in TiO2 electrodes can be efficiently promoted by cognizing and making good use of the intrinsic structural features.
Self‐Assembly Atomic Stacking Transport Layer of 2D Layered Titania for Perovskite Solar Cells with Extended UV Stability
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Pei , Lin Chung‐Wei , Li Shao‐Sian , Tsai Yung‐Han , Wen Cheng‐Yen , Lin Wendy Jessica , Hsiao Fei‐Man , Chiu Ya‐Ping , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi , Chen Chun‐Wei
Published: September 2017

A novel atomic stacking transporting layer (ASTL) based on 2D atomic sheets of titania (Ti1−δO2) is demonstrated in organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells. The atomically thin ASTL of 2D titania, which is fabricated using a solution‐processed self‐assembly atomic layer‐by‐layer deposition technique, exhibits the unique features of high UV transparency and negligible (or very low) oxygen vacancies, making it a promising electron transporting material in the development of stable and high‐performance perovskite solar cells. In particular, the solution‐processable atomically thin ASTL of 2D titania atomic sheets shows superior inhibition of UV degradation of perovskite solar cell devices, compared to the conventional high‐temperature sintered TiO2 counterpart, which usually causes the notorious instability of devices under UV irradiation. The discovery opens up a new dimension to utilize the 2D layered materials with a great variety of homostructrual or heterostructural atomic stacking architectures to be integrated with the fabrication of large‐area photovoltaic or optoelectronic devices based on the solution processes.
Nickel–Copper Alloy Encapsulated in Graphitic Carbon Shells as Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Shen Yi , Zhou Yongfang , Wang Duo , Wu Xi , Li Jia , Xi Jingyu
Published: September 2017

Searching for cost‐effective and high‐performance electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is of paramount importance. Herein, nickel‐copper (NiCu) alloy nanoparticles are encapsulated into graphitic shells via an ambient‐pressure chemical vapor deposition process. The resulting carbon‐encapsulated NiCu (denoted as NiCu@C) composite possesses a well‐defined core–shell structure with tunable thicknesses of the shells and is examined as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the activity of the NiCu@C highly depends on the thickness of the shell. Single‐layered graphene encapsulated NiCu nanoparticles show remarkable HER activity and durability. To obtain a current density of 10 mA cm−2, overpotentials of 48, 164, and 74 mV are needed in electrolyte solutions with pH = 0, 7, and 14, respectively. Such low overpotentials render the composite as one of the most active nonprecious electrocatalysts. Accelerated durability tests demonstrate that the NiCu@C catalysts exhibit excellent stability. Density function theory calculations are conducted to investigate the electronic structures of the NiCu@C. It is found that the representative Ni43Cu12@C240 model shows an ideal adsorption energy of hydrogen (−0.03 eV), manifesting its high HER activity.
Longitudinal patterns in BMI and percent total body fat from peak height velocity through emerging adulthood into young adulthood
Authors: Barbour‐Tuck Erin , Erlandson Marta , Muhajarine Nazeem , Foulds Heather , Baxter‐Jones Adam
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Emerging adulthood, a potential critical period, is an understudied period of fat mass accrual. The aim of this study was to describe patterns of fat mass accrual, and weight status, from adolescence, through emerging adulthood, into young adulthood.

Methods

One‐hundred‐eighteen participants (59 male) were measured repeatedly for 20 years. Annual measures of height, weight, and body composition (DXA) were taken. Calculated measures included: peak height velocity (PHV), biological age (BA; years from PHV), body mass index (BMI), and percent total body fat (%TBF). Weight status groupings (normal NW, and overweight/obese OWO) were created using age and sex specific BMI and %TBF cut‐offs. Analysis included t‐tests and logistic regression.

Results

BMI and %TBF increased significantly until 8 years post PHV (P < .05), plateaued for 7 years (P > .05), and then began increasing again (P < .05). At PHV, 9% of males and 14% of females were OWO rising to 65% and 32% respectively 15 years post PHV. OWO status at PHV did not predict OWO status in early adulthood (P > .05).

Conclusions

During emerging adulthood, the prevalence of OWO increased. Being NW at PHV was not protective against being overweight in young adulthood. Emerging adulthood appears to be a potential critical period for fat accrual and warrants further attention.
Genomewide association studies of suicide attempts in US soldiers
Authors: Stein Murray B. , Ware Erin B. , Mitchell Colter , Chen Chia‐Yen , Borja Susan , Cai Tianxi , Dempsey Catherine L. , Fullerton Carol S. , Gelernter Joel , Heeringa Steven G. , Jain Sonia , Kessler Ronald C. , Naifeh James A. , Nock Matthew K. , Ripke Stephan , Sun Xiaoying , Beckham Jean C. , Kimbrel Nathan A. ,   VA Mid‐Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) Workgroup, Ursano Robert J , Smoller Jordan W.
Published: September 2017

Suicide is a global public health problem with particular resonance for the US military. Genetic risk factors for suicidality are of interest as indicators of susceptibility and potential targets for intervention. We utilized population‐based nonclinical cohorts of US military personnel (discovery: N = 473 cases and N = 9778 control subjects; replication: N = 135 cases and N = 6879 control subjects) and a clinical case‐control sample of recent suicide attempters (N = 51 cases and N = 112 control subjects) to conduct GWAS of suicide attempts (SA). Genomewide association was evaluated within each ancestral group (European‐, African‐, Latino‐American) and study using logistic regression models. Meta‐analysis of the European ancestry discovery samples revealed a genomewide significant locus in association with SA near MRAP2 (melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2) and CEP162 (centrosomal protein 162); 12 genomewide significant SNPs in the region; peak SNP rs12524136‐T, OR = 2.88, p = 5.24E‐10. These findings were not replicated in the European ancestry subsamples of the replication or suicide attempters samples. However, the association of the peak SNP remained significant in a meta‐analysis of all studies and ancestral subgroups (OR = 2.18, 95%CI 1.70, 2.80). Polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses showed some association of SA with bipolar disorder. The association with SNPs encompassing MRAP2, a gene expressed in brain and adrenal cortex and involved in neural control of energy homeostasis, points to this locus as a plausible susceptibility gene for suicidality that should be further studied. Larger sample sizes will be needed to confirm and extend these findings.
Multidimensional Correlations in Asymmetric Catalysis through Parameterization of Uncatalyzed Transition States
Authors: Orlandi Manuel , Toste F. Dean , Sigman Matthew S.
Published: September 2017

The study of the oxidative amination of tetrahydroisoquinolines under chiral‐anion phase‐transfer (CAPT) catalysis by multidimensional correlation analysis (MCA) is revisited. The parameterization of the transition states (TSs) for the uncatalyzed reaction, the introduction of conformational descriptors, and the use of computed interaction energies and distances as parameters allowed access to a considerably simplified mathematical correlation of substrate and catalyst structure to enantioselectivity. The equation obtained is suggestive of key interactions occurring at the TS. Specifically, the CAPT catalyst is proposed to coordinate the intermediate iminium cation by P=O⋅⋅⋅H−O hydrogen‐bonding and N⋅⋅⋅H−C electrostatic interactions. The conformational freedom of the benzyl substituent of the substrate was also found to be important in providing an efficient mode of molecular recognition.
Kationische stickstoffdotierte helikale Nanographene
Authors: Xu Kun , Fu Yubin , Zhou Youjia , Hennersdorf Felix , Machata Peter , Vincon Ilka , Weigand Jan J. , Popov Alexey A. , Berger Reinhard , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2017

Wir berichten über Design und Synthese einer Serie von neuen kationischen stickstoffdotierten Nanographenen (CNDN) mit einer nichtplanaren Geometrie und axialer Chiralität. Einkristall‐Röntgendiffraktometrie beweist deren helikale und teils “Cove”‐terminierte Struktur. Verglichen mit den reinen Kohlenstoffanalogen liegen die Grenzorbitale der CNDN energetisch tiefer, was zu einer verringerten optischen Energielücke und einer erhöhten Elektronenaffinität führt. Alle Derivate zeigen in cyclovoltammetrischen Untersuchungen quasireversibles Reduktionsverhalten. Abhängig von der Zahl an Stickstoffdotanden ist es möglich, neutrale Radikale (bei einem Stickstoffdotanden) oder Radikalkationen (bei zwei Stickstoffdotanden) während des Reduktionsprozesses über In‐situ‐Spektroelektrochemie zu analysieren. Kationische Stickstoffdotierung kombiniert mit Helizität erschließt neue Wege für das Design und die Synthese von ausgedehnten Nanographenen und Nanographenstreifen.
Decentralized Sliding Mode Control for Multi‐Input Complex Interconnected Systems Subject to non‐smooth Nonlinearities
Authors: Liu Wen‐Jeng
Published: September 2017

Many modern control systems become gradually more complicated and, consequently, the approach to control design approaches is both difficulty and complex. Moreover, if such a complex interconnected system is subjected to non‐smooth nonlinearities in the actuator, then unexpected difficulties, degradation or, even worse, instability will arise in the system performance. Therefore, a new decentralized sliding mode control (DSMC) approach for such a class of complex interconnected systems subjected to non‐smooth (deadzone) nonlinearities is proposed in this paper. Based on sliding mode control (SMC) theory, the proposed DSMC laws guarantee the global reaching condition of the sliding mode in uncertain complex interconnected systems with deadzone nonlinearities, that is, they can ensure that the sliding mode is reached in finite time and with prescribed transient behavior. In the sliding mode, the investigated uncertain complex interconnected system with deadzone nonlinearities in the actuator still are insensitive to system uncertainties and external disturbances. The proposed DSMC laws can work effectively for uncertain complex interconnected systems either with or without deadzone nonlinearities in the actuator. However, this cannot be guaranteed by the traditional DSMC design for systems without input deadzone nonlinearities. Furthermore, the sliding motion can be controlled to converge within a specified exponential speed. Finally, two illustrative examples with a series of computer simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DSMC laws.
ZD Method Based Nonlinear and Robust Control of Agitator Tank
Authors: Zhang Yunong , Ding Yaqiong , Qiu Binbin , Wen Jianfeng , Li Xiaodong
Published: September 2017

To improve industrial efficiency, an agitator tank system should have not only a short response time, but also produce reagents with accurate concentration and moderate liquid level. This paper presents a new method called Zhang dynamics (ZD) to perform tracking control, that is, to make the concentration and liquid level of the agitator tank converge to the desired trajectories. Two controllers for tracking control of an agitator tank system are designed based on ZD method. In addition, the robustness of the agitator tank system equipped with ZD controllers is investigated. Theoretical analyses on the convergence performance and robustness of the agitator tank system equipped with ZD controllers are presented. To substantiate the effectiveness of the ZD method for tracking control of the agitator tank system, we perform simulations on three different groups of tracking trajectories, which reflects the corresponding application conditions in the chemical industry. To test the robustness of the agitator tank system equipped with ZD controllers, additional simulations with different disturbances added in the agitator tank system and the ZD controllers are performed. Simulation results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the ZD method for tracking control of the agitator tank system.
Engineering Concepts in Stem Cell Research
Authors: Narayanan Karthikeyan , Mishra Sachin , Singh Satnam , Pei Ming , Gulyas Balazs , Padmanabhan Parasuraman
Published: September 2017

The field of regenerative medicine integrates advancements made in stem cells, molecular biology, engineering, and clinical methodologies. Stem cells serve as a fundamental ingredient for therapeutic application in regenerative medicine. Apart from stem cells, engineering concepts have equally contributed to the success of stem cell based applications in improving human health. The purpose of various engineering methodologies is to develop regenerative and preventive medicine to combat various diseases and deformities. Explosion of stem cell discoveries and their implementation in clinical setting warrants new engineering concepts and new biomaterials. Biomaterials, microfluidics, and nanotechnology are the major engineering concepts used for the implementation of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Many of these engineering technologies target the specific niche of the cell for better functional capability. Controlling the niche is the key for various developmental activities leading to organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Biomimetic understanding not only helped to improve the design of the matrices or scaffolds by incorporating suitable biological and physical components, but also ultimately aided adoption of designs that helped these materials/devices have better function. Adoption of engineering concepts in stem cell research improved overall achievement, however, several important issues such as long‐term effects with respect to systems biology needs to be addressed. Here, in this review the authors will highlight some interesting breakthroughs in stem cell biology that use engineering methodologies.
Electrospun Nanofibrous Meshes Cultured With Wharton's Jelly Stem Cell: An Alternative for Cartilage Regeneration, Without the Need of Growth Factors
Authors: Alves da Silva Marta , Martins Albino , Costa‐Pinto Ana R. , Monteiro Nélson , Faria Susana , Reis Rui L. , Neves Nuno M.
Published: September 2017

Many efforts are being directed worldwide to the treatment of OA‐focal lesions. The majority of those efforts comprise either the refinement of surgical techniques or combinations of biomaterials with various autologous cells. Herein, we tested electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous meshes for cartilage tissue engineering. For that, articular chondrocytes (hACs) isolated from human osteoarthritic joints and Wharton's Jelly Stem Cells (hWJSCs) are cultured on electrospun nanofiber meshes, without adding external growth factors. We observed higher glycosaminoglycans production and higher over‐expression of cartilage‐related genes from hWJSCs cultured with basal medium, when compared to hACs isolated from osteoarthritic joints. Moreover, the presence of sulfated proteoglycans and collagen type II is observed on both types of cell cultures. We believe that this effect is due to either the electrospun nanofibers topography or the intrinsic chondrogenic differentiation potential of hWJSCs. Therefore, we propose the electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in combination with hWJSCs as a viable alternative to the commercial membranes used in autologous chondrogenic regeneration approaches.
Monoclonal Antibodies Production Platforms: An Opportunity Study of a Non‐Protein‐A Chromatographic Platform Based on Process Economics
Authors: Grilo António L. , Mateus Marília , Aires‐Barros Maria R. , Azevedo Ana M.
Published: September 2017

Monoclonal antibodies currently dominate the biopharmaceutical market with growing sales having reached 80 billion USD in 2016. As most top‐selling mAbs are approaching the end of their patent life, biopharmaceutical companies compete fiercely in the biosimilars market. These two factors present a strong motivation for alternative process strategies and process optimization. In this work a novel purification strategy for monoclonal antibodies comprising phenylboronic acid multimodal chromatography for capture followed by polishing by ion‐exchange monolithic chromatography and packed bed hydrophobic interaction chromatography is presented and compared to the traditional protein‐A‐based process. Although the capital investment is similar for both processes, the operation cost is 20% lower for the novel strategy. This study shows that the new process is worthwhile investing in and could present a viable alternative to the platform process used by most industrial players.