bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable bionanocomposite from d,l‐lactide/δ‐valerolactone triblock and bionanowhiskers: Preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Kasyapi Nibedita , Dinesh Kumar K. , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: December 2017

Bionanocomposites were prepared using d,l‐lactide–δ‐valerolactone–d,l‐lactide triblock and unmodified and modified cellulose nanowhiskers (CNs) at different loadings (0, 2, 4, 8 wt %). Poly(δ‐valerolactone) chains were grafted on CNs for modification. These were characterized by various techniques. The broadening of OH (hydroxyl) stretching region and the presence of low‐intensity peaks at 1064 cm−1 for CO/CC stretching vibration and 1426 cm−1 for bending vibration of CH2 group, were evident in Fourier transform infrared spectra of the nanocomposites. The increase in crystallinity was noticed as the amount of nanowhiskers was increased. The nanowhiskers having the width in the range of 80–300 nm were uniformly dispersed in the triblock matrix. The tensile strength and modulus increased by 130% and 50% respectively at 8 wt % of filler loading. The storage modulus, loss modulus, complex viscosity, and tan δ values increased with increased filler loading. Further improvement in mechanical properties was observed with the modified CNs. The modulus mapping from atomic force microscopy confirmed the effective reinforcement behavior of the nanowhiskers. Scaffold fabrication using the bionanocomposite exhibited porous nature, having a homogeneous dispersion of CNs on the surface of the scaffold. The 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay confirmed the suitability of the composite material for scaffold application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 135, 46035.
Recyclable, shape‐memory, and self‐healing soy oil‐based polyurethane crosslinked by a thermoreversible Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Tian Yazhou , Fan Mengjin , Zhang Junying , Cheng Jue
Published: December 2017

The recyclable, shape‐memory, and self‐healing soy oil‐based polyurethane (S‐PU) networks were constructed by the thermoreversible Diels–Alder (DA) reaction between S‐PU (sealed with furfuryl alcohol) and 1,5‐bis(maleimido)‐2‐methylpentane. The DA and retro‐DA reactions between furan and maleimide were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, solubility, and recycle testing. Moreover, the shape‐memory properties of the S‐PU networks were studied by qualitative recovery testing and quantitative cyclic tensile testing. Furthermore, the self‐healing properties of S‐PU networks were confirmed by cut, scratch, and tensile testing. The results showed that, compared to the traditional S‐PU, the novel S‐PU prepared in this work was recyclable and self‐healing. And although both of them have shape‐memory effect, the novel S‐PU has a higher shape fixed rate and shape recovered rate than the traditional S‐PU. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46049.
Biodegradation of pyridine‐based polyether polyurethanes by the Alternaria tenuissima fungus
Authors: Oprea Stefan , Potolinca Violeta Otilia , Gradinariu Petronela , Oprea Veronica
Published: December 2017

The scope of the present work is to study the biodegradability behavior of several novel heterocyclic poly(ether urethanes) when their hard segments are subjected to exposure to the Alternaria tenuissima fungus. The heterocyclic poly(ether urethanes) were chain‐extended with various pyridine derivatives that had different functional groups placed in different positions on the pyridine rings. Different ratios of the reactive components were also used. The measurements obtained by the use of the attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the different structural changes that occurred after exposure to fungi. The degradation process was analyzed through measurement of the mechanical properties and surface morphology evolution by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results show that the nature and design of the functional groups on the pyridine ring determine the strength of the cohesion linkages that in turn influence different degradation behaviors under exposure to fungi. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46096.
Potential Adult Neurogenesis in the Telencephalon and Cerebellar Cortex of the Nile Crocodile Revealed with Doublecortin Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ngwenya Ayanda , Patzke Nina , Herculano‐Houzel Suzana , Manger Paul R.
Published: December 2017

The brain of the crocodile is known to gain in mass allometrically throughout life, and the addition of neurons (as well as non‐neurons) appears to play a significant role in this increasing brain mass. We used immunohistochemistry in the brains of 12 Nile crocodiles ranging between 350 g and 86 kg in body mass and 1.99 g to 7.9 g in brain mass to identify the regions of the brain in which neurons immunopositive for doublecortin (DCX), a marker for potential adult neurogenesis, are found. Similar to other reptiles, potential newly born neurons, those immunopositive for DCX, were found throughout the telencephalon, the main and accessory olfactory bulbs and the olfactory tract, and in the cerebellar cortex; however, no DCX immunopositive neurons were observed in the diencephalon or brainstem. An apparent moderate decrease in the density of DCX labeled neurons in the olfactory bulbs and tract as well as the cerebellar cortex was observed with increasing brain mass, but the observed qualitative density of labeled neurons within the telencephalon was maintained irrespective of brain mass. Three potential neurogenic zones, within the sulci of the lateral ventricle, were identified, and these are similar to those seen in other reptiles. This study indicates that at least part of the gain in brain mass with age in the Nile crocodile may be accounted for by the potential addition and integration of new neurons into the existing circuitry, especially so for the olfactory system, telencephalon and cerebellar cortex. Anat Rec, 301:659–672, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique performance of spaceborne SAR remote sensing in cultural heritage applications: Overviews and perspectives
Authors: Chen Fulong , You Jiangbin , Tang Panpan , Zhou Wei , Masini Nicola , Lasaponara Rosa
Published: December 2017

To be an innovative remote sensing technology, spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is increasingly recognized as an irreplaceable tool in cultural heritage applications, such as archaeological prospection for the discovery of new sites and monument monitoring and management, taking advantage of observation capabilities independent of sun illumination and weather conditions. In this paper, we firstly give a synoptic overview for the state‐of‐art of spaceborne SAR technology in cultural heritage applications. Then, the unique performance of SAR compared with optical approaches, including subsurface imaging and interferometry, is objectively exploited and assessed using simulations and case studies. Simulations indicated that long wavelength SAR is promising in the detection of relics with an extended geometric dimension, particularly when the performance of tomographic SAR (TomoSAR) in subsurface imaging is optimized. However, case studies proved that interferometic SAR (InSAR) is useful for landscape archaeology by producing digital elevation models as well as for risk monitoring and preventive diagnosis of cultural properties using motion indicators. This study showed the potentialities of spaceborne SAR applications in cultural heritage, with particular reference to TomoSAR and differential TomoSAR (D‐TomoSAR).
What do medical students learn from dissection?
Authors: Flack Natasha A.M.S. , Nicholson Helen D.
Published: December 2017

Dissection has long been the accepted method for teaching anatomy to medical students. More recently, some educators have suggested that easier, cheaper, alternative methods are just as effective. But what do the students think? This paper aimed to identify what undergraduate medical students learn, how they cope, and what effects participating in dissection has on them as individuals. A cohort of 267 second year medical students at Otago Medical School were invited to complete three online surveys; before their first dissection laboratory class, after their first musculoskeletal system dissection and following the last semester of studying anatomy. Open‐ended questions showcasing the attitudes, beliefs, and opinions on what dissection had taught the medical students over years two and three were analyzed. A general inductive approach was used and common emergent themes were identified. In total, 194 students completed the second, and 108 students completed the third questionnaire. Students commonly conveyed dissection as an appropriate and valuable educational tool, useful for teaching and learning anatomical knowledge and relationships, appreciating the body in three‐dimension, teamwork, and how to cope with death/dead bodies. The noted effects of personal growth while participating in dissection were highly varied, but in general, impacted positively on the majority of students. This study shows that at Otago Medical School the students also believe that dissection is not only a useful tool to learn anatomy but also that it fosters teamwork, assists professional development and helps them come to terms with death and dying. Anat Sci Educ 11: 325–335. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Fractional Order Synchronous Reluctance Motor: Analysis, Chaos Control and FPGA Implementation
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Nazarimehr Fahime , Karthikeyan Anitha , Srinivasan Ashokkumar , Jafari Sajad
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with the dynamical analysis and chaos control in a fractional order synchronous reluctance motor (FOSyncRM). Equilibrium points, characteristic equations and Eigen values of both commensurate and incommensurate FOSyncRM are presented. finite‐time Lyapunov exponents of the FOSyncRM system for fixed and varied parameters are investigated along with the bifurcation plots. Fractional order bifurcation plots are derived to show that the system shows more complex chaotic oscillations in fractional order. Chaos control in the FOSyncRM system is achieved using adaptive sliding mode controllers and the entire control algorithm is implemented in FPGA.
Nonlinear Control Method for Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Perturbations by Combining Left and Right Factorization
Authors: Tao Fazhan , Deng Mingcong
Published: December 2017

In this paper, nonlinear control design scheme for a class of nonlinear systems is proposed based on operator coprime factorization theory. In detail, two stable controllers are provided to design a Bezout identity by combining left factorization (not coprime) with right factorization. Based on the proposed design method, a realization approach to left coprime factorization for the nonlinear system is obtained, which provides an effective framework for constructing left coprime factorization. Meanwhile, internal‐output stability of the nonlinear system is guaranteed. After that, based on the obtained left coprime factorization, the cases of the nonlinear systems with perturbations are discussed for guaranteeing robust stability for the perturbed systems. For the perturbations, two different cases, known bounded perturbations and unknown bounded perturbations, are investigated from different viewpoints to analyze robust stability issue for the perturbed systems. Finally, a simulation example is given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Time‐Varying Stabilizers for Stochastic Systems with no Unforced Dynamics
Authors: Florchinger Patrick
Published: December 2017

This paper is concerned with the stabilizability of nonlinear stochastic systems with no unforced dynamics. Sufficient conditions allowing to design explicitly time–varying feedback laws which render such systems asymptotically stable in probability are given. The techniques used in this work involve the stochastic Lyapunov analysis combined with the stochastic version of the La Salle invariance principle. The interest of our results is that the systems considered in the present paper cannot in general be stabilized via time‐invariant feedback laws.
A rule‐based method of spike detection and suppression and its application in a control system for additive manufacturing
Authors: Rafajłowicz Wojciech , Rafajłowicz Ewaryst
Published: December 2017

We propose a rule‐based method of spike detection and suppression method. This method is an extension of the jump detector that was proposed by the second author, M. Pawlak and A. Steland. Its elementary properties are established, and the example of application for a laser power control in a 3‐dimensional additive manufacturing process is discussed.
Application of aqueous two‐phase micellar system to improve extraction of adenoviral particles from cell lysate
Authors: Molino João Vitor Dutra , Lopes André Moreni , Viana Marques Daniela de Araújo , Mazzola Priscila Gava , da Silva Joas Lucas , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Hirata Rosário Dominguez Crespo , Gatti Maria Silvia Viccari , Pessoa Adalberto
Published: December 2017

Viral vectors are important in medical approaches, such as disease prevention and gene therapy, and their production depends on efficient prepurification steps. In the present study, an aqueous two‐phase micellar system (ATPMS) was evaluated to extract human adenovirus type 5 particles from a cell lysate. Adenovirus was cultured in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK‐293) cells to a concentration of 1.4 × 1010 particles/mL. Cells were lysed, and the system formed by direct addition of Triton X‐114 in a 23 full factorial design with center points. The systems were formed with Triton X‐114 at a final concentration of 1.0, 6.0, and 11.0% (w/w), cell lysate pH of 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0, and incubation temperatures at 33, 35, and 37 °C. Adenovirus particles recovered from partition phases were measured by qPCR. The best system condition was with 11.0% (w/w) of Triton X‐114, a cell lysate pH of 7.0, and an incubation temperature at 33 °C, yielding 3.51 × 1010 adenovirus particles/mL, which increased the initial adenovirus particles concentration by 2.3‐fold, purifying it by 2.2‐fold from the cell lysate, and removing cell debris. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the use of an aqueous two‐phase micellar system in the early steps of downstream processing could improve viral particle extraction from cultured cells while integrating clarification, concentration, and prepurification steps.
Ein Fundament für Hamburgs Sterne
Authors: Nagel Werner , Bosbach Marc Oliver
Published: December 2017

Das Planetarium Hamburg wurde im Frühjahr 2017 nach ca. 18 Monaten Bauzeit wieder eröffnet. In diesem Zeitraum fanden umfassende Umbau‐ und Anbaumaßnahmen statt. Zielsetzung der Planung war eine umfassende Modernisierung inklusive Schaffung neuer Flächen und Nutzungsmöglichkeiten. Das war besonders aus Gründen des Denkmalschutzes herausfordernd, da das Planetarium in einem historischen ehemaligen Wasserturm in Hamburgs Stadtpark beheimatet ist. Abbruch‐ und Umbauarbeiten, Abfangungen tragender, denkmalgeschützter Bauteile mit höchsten Anforderungen an die Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Anbaumaßnahmen unter der Bedingung, die Optik des Wasserturms zu erhalten, waren unter anderem Bestandteil der Planungsaufgaben. Diese beschäftigten gleichermaßen Objektplaner, Tragwerksplaner und die beteiligten Baufirmen. Das Ergebnis kann sich sehen lassen und erhält nicht nur vom Bauherren und den Planungsbeteiligten, sondern auch von den Besuchern einhellig positive Resonanz.
mRNA Traffic Control Reviewed: N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) Takes the Driver's Seat
Authors: Visvanathan Abhirami , Somasundaram Kumaravel
Published: December 2017

Messenger RNA is a flexible tool box that plays a key role in the dynamic regulation of gene expression. RNA modifications variegate the message conveyed by the mRNA. Similar to DNA and histone modifications, mRNA modifications are reversible and play a key role in the regulation of molecular events. Our understanding about the landscape of RNA modifications is still rudimentary in contrast to DNA and histone modifications. The major obstacle has been the lack of sensitive detection methods since they are non‐editing events. However, with the advent of next‐generation sequencing techniques, RNA modifications are being identified precisely at single nucleotide resolution. In recent years, methylation at the N6 position of adenine (m6A) has gained the attention of RNA biologists. The m6A modification has a set of writers (methylases), erasers (demethylases), and readers. Here, we provide a summary of interesting facts, conflicting findings, and recent advances in the technical and functional aspects of the m6A epitranscriptome.
Targeting cancer stem cells and signaling pathways by resveratrol and pterostilbene
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Wen Xiang , Li Mengmeng , Li Shiming , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2017

In past decades, increasing evidence regarding cancer stem cells (CSCs) may account for carcinogenesis, tumor drug‐resistant, and metastasis. CSCs are even considered as the root causes of tumor recurrence and metastases. Targeting CSCs may provide a new clue to cure cancer. Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that intake of dietary natural products may bring health benefits including lowering risk of cancer incidence. In this review, we have particularly focused on targeting signaling pathways of CSCs by natural resveratrol and its dimethylated derivative pterostilbene. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(1):61–68, 2018
Maximizing neotissue growth kinetics in a perfusion bioreactor: An in silico strategy using model reduction and Bayesian optimization
Authors: Mehrian Mohammad , Guyot Yann , Papantoniou Ioannis , Olofsson Simon , Sonnaert Maarten , Misener Ruth , Geris Liesbet
Published: December 2017

In regenerative medicine, computer models describing bioreactor processes can assist in designing optimal process conditions leading to robust and economically viable products. In this study, we started from a (3D) mechanistic model describing the growth of neotissue, comprised of cells, and extracellular matrix, in a perfusion bioreactor set‐up influenced by the scaffold geometry, flow‐induced shear stress, and a number of metabolic factors. Subsequently, we applied model reduction by reformulating the problem from a set of partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. Comparing the reduced model results to the mechanistic model results and to dedicated experimental results assesses the reduction step quality. The obtained homogenized model is 105 fold faster than the 3D version, allowing the application of rigorous optimization techniques. Bayesian optimization was applied to find the medium refreshment regime in terms of frequency and percentage of medium replaced that would maximize neotissue growth kinetics during 21 days of culture. The simulation results indicated that maximum neotissue growth will occur for a high frequency and medium replacement percentage, a finding that is corroborated by reports in the literature. This study demonstrates an in silico strategy for bioprocess optimization paying particular attention to the reduction of the associated computational cost.
Growth modeling of the green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus in a hybrid photobioreactor as a practical tool to understand both physical and biochemical phenomena in play during algae cultivation
Authors: Tramontin Deise P. , Gressler Pablo D. , Rörig Leonardo R. , Derner Roberto B. , Pereira‐Filho Jurandir , Radetski Claudemir M. , Quadri Marintho B.
Published: December 2017

In recent years, numerous studies have justified the use of microalgae as a sustainable alternative for the generation of different types of fuels, food supplementation, and cosmetics, as well as bioremediation processes. To improve the cost/benefit ratio of microalgae mass production, many culture systems have been built and upgraded. Mathematical modeling the growth of different species in different systems has become an efficient and practical tool to understand both physical and biochemical phenomena in play during algae cultivation. In addition, growth modeling can guide design changes that lead to process optimization. In the present work, growth of the green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus was modeled in a hybrid photobioreactor that combines the characteristics of tubular photobioreactors (TPB) with thin‐layer cascades (TLC). The system showed productivity greater than 8.0 g m−2 day−1 (dry mass) for CO2‐fed cultures, and the model proved to be an accurate representation of experimental data with R2 greater than 0.7 for all cases under variable conditions of temperature and irradiance to determine subsystem efficiency. Growth modeling also allowed growth prediction relative to the operating conditions of TLC, making it useful for estimating the system given other irradiance and temperature conditions, as well as other microalgae species.
Gender and mental health: An examination of procedural justice in a specialized court context
Authors: Somers Logan J. , Holtfreter Kristy
Published: December 2017

The procedural justice framework has been applied in the criminal justice contexts of policing, corrections, and courts. According to this perspective, fair treatment, respectful dialogue and being given a proper voice will contribute to citizens' positive views of authority figures. While this literature has grown immensely, several questions remain unanswered. Do males and females perceive similar levels of procedural justice? Does mental health status influence perceptions of fair treatment? Whether procedural justice is a general perspective that can be applied across social groupings has important implications for correctional treatment in that programs that truly “work” for all are more cost‐effective. Toward that end, the current study investigates the relationships among procedural justice perceptions, gender, and mental health status in specialized drug courts, a context that has received little empirical attention. We do so using secondary data originally collected between 2003 and 2009 for Rossman, Roman, Zweig, Rempel and Lindquist's Multisite Adult Drug Court Evaluation (MADCE). Results from a full‐sample analysis reveal that women report higher levels of procedural justice; that drug court participation significantly influences procedural justice perceptions; and that depressive symptomology is a significant predictor of procedural justice perceptions. In male‐ and female‐specific subsamples, drug court participation exerts similar effects for males and females, as does depressive symptomology. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Leukemic phase and CSF involvement of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with a complex karyotype including a TP53 deletion
Authors: Sinkoff Jillian , Olteanu Horatiu , Peterson Jess F. , Shah Nirav N.
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in rare instances can present initially in a leukemic phase and mimic other lymphoid diseases. In such cases, advanced diagnostic testing including immunophenotyping, FISH analysis, and karyotyping can help determine the accurate diagnosis which is key in the management of the disease.
Nonhealing scrotal ulceration—an unusual manifestation of TB epididymo‐orchitis: case report and review of literature
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Gnanaselvam Pamathy , Sivaganesh Sivasuriya
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

The clinical presentation of genitourinary tuberculosis (TB) may be variable and a high index of suspicion is required for a timely diagnosis, especially in endemic areas. Recurrent scrotal ulcers associated with epididymo‐orchitis even without other constitutional symptoms should alert the clinician of a possible diagnosis of TB.
Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen and Dimethoxylmethane from Methanol on Copper/Silica Catalysts with Optimal Cu+/Cu0 Sites
Authors: Wu Liubi , Li Bolong , Zhao Chen
Published: December 2017

Hydrogen is an important sustainable resource, and here we report a catalytic route for the direct production of hydrogen (with a purity of 95 %) and dimethoxylmethane (DMM) from supercritical methanol over a Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared by deposition–precipitation with ammonia (DPA) at 240°C in a one‐pot process. The procedure starts with methanol dehydrogenation to hydrogen and formaldehyde at the interface of the Cu2O⋅SiO2–Cu0 particle mixture, and subsequently, the formaldehyde intermediate condenses with substantial methanol to form DMM in the liquid phase. The Cu0, CuO, and chrysocolla species are inactive for hydrogen generation from methanol, and the intrinsic active species for methanol decomposition is the Cu2O⋅SiO2–Cu0 nanoparticle interface, which is produced from the hydrogen reduction of Cu2Si2O5(OH)2 or from the methanol reduction of Cu−O−Si moieties. A correlation between the structure and activity on reduced Cu/SiO2 (DPA) suggested that only Cu0 was not active, but the combined Cu0 and Cu+ sites with interfaces on SiO2 with an optimal Cu+/Cu0 ratio of 1.56 were highly active for methanol dehydrogenation and subsequent condensation steps. The developed new catalytic system offers a facile and atom‐economical way to generate pure hydrogen (almost CO free) from liquid methanol that can be used in fuel cell and hydrogen‐involved biomass reactions.
Rapid Syndiospecific (Co)Polymerization of Fluorostyrene with High Monomer Conversion
Authors: Wang Zichuan , Wang Meiyan , Liu Jingyao , Liu Dongtao , Cui Dongmei
Published: December 2017

Fluoromonomers are difficult to polymerize through a coordination mechanism owing to the strong chelation between fluorine and catalysts and the electron‐deficient double‐bond. We report herein the unprecedented polymerization of para‐fluorostyrene (pFS) with excellent activity (1.12×107 g molLn−1h−1), distinguished syndioselectivity (rrrr >99 %) and high conversion (98.4 %) using rare‐earth‐metal catalysts bearing a pyridyl methylene fluorenyl ligand. DFT calculations reveal polar fluorine loses overwhelming coordination priority to the active central metal ion due to the sterically bulky and electron‐donating CGC‐ligand, thus its power of poisoning the active species is dramatically weakened. Based on this, copolymerization of pFS and styrene (St) has been successfully achieved with high activity and controllable pFS insertion. Conversely, the unlinked half‐sandwich rare‐earth‐metal system shows relatively lower activity, because both the transition‐states and intermediates incorporate a μ1‐F chelated pFS.
A Luminescent Dinuclear EuIII/TbIII Complex with LMCT Band as a Single‐Molecular Thermosensor
Authors: Yanagisawa Kei , Kitagawa Yuichi , Nakanishi Takayuki , Seki Tomohiro , Fushimi Koji , Ito Hajime , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: December 2017

Temperature‐dependent luminescence of a dinuclear EuIII/TbIII complex with a seven‐coordinate structure is demonstrated. The dinuclear complex is composed of two lanthanide ions, six tetramethylheptanedionate ligands, and a bidentate phosphine oxide linker ligand. The dinuclear structure of the complex was characterized by single‐crystal XRD. Intrinsic 4f–4f emission quantum yields of the dinuclear EuIII and TbIII complexes were 66 and 61 %, respectively. The luminescence color of the dinuclear EuIII/TbIII complex changed from red to green with increasing temperature. The thermosensing range based on the ratio of luminescence intensity (AEu/ATb) was 100–450 K. The temperature‐dependent luminescence is due to the presence of a ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer state.
Co‐Structure‐Directing Effect in Ionothermal Synthesis of Extra‐Large‐Pore Aluminophosphate Zeotype with −CLO Topology
Authors: Lin Yutong , Zhang Ling , Guo Ke , Wang Miao , Wei Ying
Published: December 2017

The ionothermal synthesis of extra‐large‐pore aluminophosphate zeotype with −CLO topological structure, DNL‐1, was studied by using 1,6‐hexanediamine and several quaternary ammonium compounds with different types of cations and anions as co‐structure‐directing agents (co‐SDAs). The phase selectivity and crystallization process were investigated, and results showed that the crystallization of the −CLO and LTA structures correlated with the alkalinity and concentration, rather than with the structure of the co‐SDA. By combining solid/solution 13C NMR spectroscopy and other characterizations on DNL‐1 obtained with different co‐SDAs, it was demonstrated that the ionic‐liquid cation was unalterably occluded in the structure, whereas occlusion of the co‐SDA cation was not imperative. A plausible crystallization pathway was accordingly deduced, in which alkaline co‐SDA, which acted as an acidity regulator in the ionothermal system, could facilitate the formation of the double‐four‐ring (d4r) unit (Al4P4O20), and influence their subsequent assembly mode around ionic‐liquid cations, and thus, direct the crystallization of −CLO and LTA structures at different concentrations of co‐SDA.
Superconducting Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Yao Yansun , Tse John S.
Published: December 2017

The recent discovery of superconductivity above 200 K in hydrogen sulfide under high pressure marks a milestone in superconductor research. Not only does its critical temperature Tc exceed the previous record in cuprates by more than 50 K, the superconductivity in hydrogen sulfide also exhibits convincing evidence that it is of conventional phonon‐mediated type. Moreover, this is the first time that a previously unknown high‐Tc superconductor is predicted by theory and afterwards verified by experiment. In this Minireview, we survey the progress made in the last three years in understanding this novel material, and discuss unsolved problems and possible developments to encourage future investigations.
Synthesis of Functionalized Nitriles by Microwave‐Promoted Fragmentations of Cyclic Iminyl Radicals
Authors: Jackman Mary M. , Im Siyeon , Bohman Seth R. , Lo Concordia C. L. , Garrity Amanda L. , Castle Steven L.
Published: December 2017

The synthesis of functionalized nitriles via microwave‐promoted radical fragmentations of cyclic O‐phenyl oxime ethers is reported. A variety of radical traps can be employed, permitting the generation of diverse adducts via C−O, C−C, C−N, or C−X bond formation. Other salient features include a simple and practical protocol, very short reaction times, and the avoidance of metal catalysts and toxic cyanide reagents. The utility of this method is demonstrated by the ring‐distortion of a steroid‐derived substrate.
Laboratory investigation of oil viscosity effect during carbonated water injection: Comparison of secondary and tertiary recovery
Authors: Shokri Afra Mohammad Javad , Bahaloo Horeh Mohsen , Rostami Behzad , Norouzi Hamidreza
Published: December 2017

Although the effect of viscosity on oil recovery is well established, no systematic investigation has been implemented regarding the effect of oil viscosity changes on performance of carbonated water injection (CWI). In this study, the performance of CWI with different oil viscosities and rock wettability was investigated through two main series of high‐pressure core flooding experiments on both clean and aged sand. The results obtained demonstrate that the capability of carbonated water to enhance oil recovery for both secondary and tertiary flooding is significantly greater versus that for water flooding. The creation of a low resistance flow channel and low oil recovery in water flooding is compensated for by CO2 diffusion and subsequent viscosity reduction and oil swelling in heavy and light oils. The results of the aged sand experiments showed that changing the wettability towards mixed wet caused ultimate reduction in oil recovery in each experiment, compared to the similar one in clean sand. However, it was observed that the amount of oil recovered after breakthrough compared to that in clean sand was increased, which showed the capacity of CW for enhanced oil recovery through alteration of wettability.
A review of the physicochemical properties and flotation of pyrrhotite superstructures (4C – Fe7S8/ 5C – Fe9S10) in Ni‐Cu sulphide mineral processing
Authors: Multani Ravinder S. , Waters Kristian E.
Published: December 2017

Pyrrhotite is one of the most abundant sulphide gangue minerals in base metal mining operations. It has little economic value and is a significant contributor of SO2 emissions at the smelting stage, thus it is rejected in most concentrators, requiring a concerted effort to ensure it is well separated from valuable minerals. The mineral processing of pyrrhotite is generally understood, however it has many complex crystallographic structures (superstructures) that behave differently in the flotation pulp for which the information is sparse and dispersed throughout the literature. Traditionally, the superstructures were largely isolated into magnetic/non–magnetic circuits and floated separately. Many operations have now transitioned away from magnetic separators, and treat the superstructures in the same flotation circuit where their flotation responses are quite different. Historically, it was perceived that the superstructures behaved virtually the same; whereas, recent work has clearly demonstrated that there are quantifiable differences in their flotation responses. The available information is scattered in the literature and is also plagued with many contradictions, making it very difficult for researchers to retrieve relevant information pertaining to the superstructures. This review aims to reduce the confusion by summarizing the superstructure nomenclature, characterization methods, aqueous stability, surface charges and superstructure‐reagent interactions, and available flotation data.
Azophenine as Central Core for Efficient Light Harvesting Devices
Authors: Lei Hu , Karsenti Paul‐Ludovic , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: December 2017

The notoriously non‐luminescent uncycled azophenine (Q) was harnessed with Bodipy and zinc(II)porphyrin antennas to probe its fluorescence properties, its ability to act as a singlet excited state energy acceptor and to mediate the transfer. Two near‐IR emissions are depicted from time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, which are most likely due to the presence of tautomers of very similar calculated total energies (350 cm−1; DFT; B3LYP). The rates for energy transfer, kET(S1), for 1Bodipy*→Q are in the order of 1010–1011 s−1 and are surprisingly fast when considering the low absorptivity properties of the lowest energy charge transfer excited state of azophenine. The rational is provided by the calculated frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) which show atomic contributions in the C6H4C≡CC6H4 arms, thus favoring the double electron exchange mechanism. In the mixed‐antenna Bodipy–porphyrin star molecule, the rate for 1Bodipy*→porphyrin has also been evaluated (≈16×1010 s−1) and is among the fastest rates reported for Bodipy–zinc(II)porphyrin pairs. This astonishing result is again explained from the atomic contributions of the C6H4C≡CC6H4 and C≡CC6H4 arms thus favouring the Dexter process. Here, for the first time, this process is found to be sensitively temperature‐dependent. The azophenine turns out to be excellent for electronic communication.
Wearable Devices in Clinical Trials: Hype and Hypothesis
Authors: Izmailova Elena S. , Wagner John A. , Perakslis Eric D.
Published: December 2017

The development of innovative wearable technologies has raised great interest in new means of data collection in healthcare and biopharmaceutical research and development. Multiple applications for wearables have been identified in a number of therapeutic areas; however, researchers face many challenges in the clinic, including scientific methodology as well as regulatory, legal, and operational hurdles. To facilitate further evaluation and adoption of these technologies, we highlight methodological and logistical considerations for implementation in clinical trials, including key elements of analytical and clinical validation in the specific context of use (COU). Additionally, we provide an assessment of the maturity of the field and successful examples of recent clinical experiments.
A novel fault detection and recovery technique for cluster‐based underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Dave Mayank , Verma Anil Kumar
Published: December 2017

The performance of underwater wireless sensor network gets affected by the working of a cluster in the network. The cluster head (CH) or cluster member (CM) fails because of energy depletion or hardware errors that increase delay and message overhead of the network. To recover the affected cluster, a technique is required to identify the failed CH or CM. We propose a fault detection and recovery technique (FDRT) for a cluster‐based network in this paper. Primarily, while selecting the CH, a backup cluster head (BCH) is selected using fuzzy logic technique based on parameters such as node density, residual energy, load, distance to sink, and link quality. Then, failure of CH, BCH, and CM is detected. If fault is detected at CH, then the BCH will start performing the task of failed CH. Simultaneously, when BCH failed, any other CM will be elected as BCH. If any of the CM appears to be nonperforming, then CH will detect the communication failure and request BCH to transfer the data from the failed CM to CH. The comparison of proposed FDRT is performed with existing FDRTs EDETA, RCH, and SDMCGC on the basis of packet drop, end‐to‐end delay, energy consumption, and delivery ratio of data packets. By simulation results, it is shown that FDRT for cluster‐based underwater wireless sensor network results in quicker detection of failures and recovery of the network along with the reduction in energy consumption, thereby increasing the lifespan of the network.
Surveillance of drug abuse in Hong Kong by hair analysis using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Leung K. Wing , Wong Zack C.F. , Ho Janet Y.M. , Yip Ada W.S. , Cheung Jerry K.H. , Ho Karen K.L. , Duan Ran , Tsim Karl W.K.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to reveal the habits of drug abusers in hair samples from drug rehabilitation units in Hong Kong. With the application of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) technology, a total of 1771 hair samples were analyzed during the period of hair testing service (January 2012 to March 2016) provided to 14 drug rehabilitation units including non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), rehabilitation centers, and medical clinics. Hair samples were analyzed for abused drugs and their metabolites simultaneously, including ketamine, norketamine, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, norcocaine, codeine, MDMA, MDA, MDEA, amphetamine, methamphetamine, morphine, 6‐acetylmorphine, phencyclidine, and methadone. The results showed that ketamine (77.2%), cocaine (21.3%), and methamphetamine (16.5%) were the frequently detected drugs among those drug abusers, which is consistent with the reported data. In addition, the usage of multiple drugs was also observed in the hair samples. About 29% of drug‐positive samples were detected with multiple drug use. Our studies prove that our locally developed hair drug‐testing method and service can be a valid tool to monitor the use of abused drugs, and which could facilitate rehabilitation program management.
Using ricelands to provide temporary shorebird habitat during migration
Authors: Golet Gregory H. , Low Candace , Avery Simon , Andrews Katie , McColl Christopher J. , Laney Rheyna , Reynolds Mark D.
Published: December 2017

To help mitigate large wetland losses in California, The Nature Conservancy launched a dynamic conservation incentive program to create temporary wetland habitats in harvested and fallow rice fields for shorebirds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. Farmers were invited to participate in a reverse auction bidding process and winning bids were selected based on their cost and potential to provide high quality shorebird habitat. This was done in 2014 and 2015, for separate enrollment periods that overlapped with spring and fall migration, both before and after the traditional post‐harvest flooding period. To assess the success of the program, we monitored shorebird use of fields that were enrolled (treatments), and others that were subject to typical rice farm management (controls). To put these observations in context, we used satellites to simultaneously monitor the extent of shallow‐water habitat across the ~215,000 ha of ricelands in the area. Results showed that providing habitat during migration, when it is typically unavailable in rice fields, yielded the largest average shorebird densities ever reported for agriculture in the region. Treatment fields had significantly greater shorebird density, richness and diversity than control fields in both spring and fall (especially September–early October, and late March–early April), but in fall the difference was greater. Shorebird responses to habitat provisioning, and regional habitat conditions, were variable from year to year, and highly dynamic within a given season. Overall, shorebirds densities were found to be negatively related to the total amount of flooded habitat in the rice landscape. Factors that affected habitat availability included allocation schedules of water deliveries from reservoirs, and rainfall patterns, both of which were influenced by drought. Collectively, these results suggest that appropriately managed agricultural lands have great potential to provide high value habitat for shorebirds during times of habitat deficit, including migration, and that fall may be a particularly impactful time to create additional habitat. Migratory species face great challenges due to the climate change, conversion of historical stopover sites, and other factors, but dynamic conservation programs offer promise that, at least in certain instances, their needs can still be met.
Making do with less: must sparse data preclude informed harvest strategies for European waterbirds?
Authors: Johnson Fred A. , Alhainen Mikko , Fox Anthony D. , Madsen Jesper , Guillemain Matthieu
Published: December 2017

The demography of many European waterbirds is not well understood because most countries have conducted little monitoring and assessment, and coordination among countries on waterbird management has little precedent. Yet intergovernmental treaties now mandate the use of sustainable, adaptive harvest strategies, whose development is challenged by a paucity of demographic information. In this study, we explore how a combination of allometric relationships, fragmentary monitoring and research information, and expert judgment can be used to estimate the parameters of a theta‐logistic population model, which in turn can be used in a Markov decision process to derive optimal harvesting strategies. We show how to account for considerable parametric uncertainty, as well as for different management objectives. We illustrate our methodology with a poorly understood population of Taiga Bean Geese (Anser fabalis fabalis), which is a popular game bird in Fennoscandia. Our results for Taiga Bean Geese suggest that they may have demographic rates similar to other, well‐studied species of geese, and our model‐based predictions of population size are consistent with the limited monitoring information available. Importantly, we found that by using a Markov decision process, a simple scalar population model may be sufficient to guide harvest management of this species, even if its demography is age structured. Finally, we demonstrated how two different management objectives can lead to very different optimal harvesting strategies, and how conflicting objectives may be traded off with each other. This approach will have broad application for European waterbirds by providing preliminary estimates of key demographic parameters, by providing insights into the monitoring and research activities needed to corroborate those estimates, and by producing harvest management strategies that are optimal with respect to the managers’ objectives, options, and available demographic information.
S1P receptor antagonists fingolimod and siponimod do not improve the outcome of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis mice after disease onset
Authors: Pelz Andreas , Schaffert Hanne , Diallo Radharani , Hiepe Falk , Meisel Andreas , Kohler Siegfried
Published: December 2017

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue in the presence of circulating antibodies against components of the neuromuscular junction. Most patients have a good prognosis, but some are refractory to standard‐of‐care immunosuppressive treatment and suffer from recurrent myasthenic crises. Functional sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) antagonists like fingolimod and siponimod (BAF312) are successfully used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and fingolimod was shown to prevent the development of myasthenic symptoms in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG), the standard model of MG. Here, we investigated whether fingolimod or siponimod improves outcome in EAMG mice when administered after disease onset, modeling the clinical setting in human MG. Both S1P antagonists inhibited lymphocyte egress, resulting in peripheral lymphopenia. After stimulation, there were differences in T‐cell responses, but no change in either antibody titers or total or antigen‐specific plasma cell populations after treatment. Most importantly, disease incidence and severity were not influenced by fingolimod or siponimod therapy. Although fingolimod and siponimod did lead to subtle changes in T‐cell responses, they had no significant effect on antibody titers and disease severity. In conclusion, our data show no evidence of a therapeutic potential for S1P receptor antagonists in MG treatment.
Discrete and Polymeric Organometallic‐Organic Hybrid Materials Based on the Diphosphorus Complex [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(η2‐P2)], CuI Salts, and 2,2′‐Bipyrimidine
Authors: Elsayed Moussa Mehdi , Attenberger Bianca , Seidl Michael , Schreiner Anderea , Scheer Manfred
Published: December 2017

The reaction of the diphosphorus complex [Cp2Mo2(CO)4(η2‐P2)] (1), with the CuI salts [Cu(CH3CN)4][BF4] or [Cu(CH3CN)4][PF6], and a mixture of [Cu(CH3CN)4][BF4] and CuCl in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyrimidine (2) is studied. Depending on the CuI salts used and the layering solvent involved in the crystallisation, a variety of novel coordination compounds are accessible in moderate to excellent yields (26–80 %): the novel dicationic molecular organometallic‐organic hybrid complexes [{Cp2Mo2(CO)4(µ3,η1:2:2‐P2)}4(µ2,η1:1:1:1‐C8H6N4)Cu2][BF4]2 (3) and [{Cp2Mo2(CO)4(µ3,η1:2:2‐P2)}2{Cp2Mo2(CO)4(µ3,η2:2:2‐P2)}2(µ2,η1:1:1:1‐C8H6N4)Cu2][PF6]2 (4), the unique neutral 1D organometallic‐organic hybrid polymer [{Cp2Mo2(CO)4(µ4,η1:1:2:2‐P2)}2(µ2,η1:1:1:1‐C8N6N4)(CuCl)2]n (5) and the unprecedented 2D organometallic‐organic hybrid polymer [{Cp2Mo2(CO)4(µ4,η1:1:2:2‐P2)}(µ2,η1:1:1:1‐C8H6N4){Cu2(µ‐Cl)}]2[BF4]2n (6).
CuII Binding to Various Forms of Amyloid‐β Peptides: Are They Friends or Foes?
Authors: Borghesani Valentina , Alies Bruno , Hureau Christelle
Published: December 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are Christelle Hureau from Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination (LCC), Toulouse, France, and co‐workers. The cover image shows the two kinds of interaction between CuII and the amyloid‐β peptides involved in Alzheimer's disease.
Synthesis of C‐Analogues of β‐Glucogallin and Aldose Reductase Inhibition Studies
Authors: Reddy Mannem Rajeswara , Aidhen Indrapal Singh , Shruthi Karnam , Reddy Geereddy Bhanuprakash
Published: December 2017

β‐Glucogallin 1 (BGG), a major component isolated from the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) medicinal plant, is a potent and selective inhibitor of aldose reductase (AKR1B1). Structurally, BGG is a glucosyl‐1‐ester, wherein gallic acid is linked to the β‐d‐glucose ring through an ester functionality. Susceptibility of the easily hydrolysable ester functional group in aqueous solution has been a cause of concern. Isosteric replacement of glucosyl‐O‐ with –NH– has offered the more stable and potent analogue 2; however, the C‐analogue 3, wherein a –CH2– unit replaces the glucosyl‐O, remains unexplored. Synthesis of C‐analogues 3 and 4 and their aldose reductase inhibition (ARI) constitutes the work presented herein.