bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Click Glycosylation for the Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole‐Linked Picropodophyllotoxin Glycoconjugates and Their Anticancer Activity
Authors: Zi Cheng‐Ting , Yang Liu , Gao Wei , Li Yan , Zhou Jun , Ding Zhong‐Tao , Hu Jiang‐Miao , Jiang Zi‐Hua
Published: June 2017

Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction was employed successfully to prepare a series 4β‐triazole‐linked picropodophyllotoxin glycoconjugates (25 – 34). Maltose residue, 1,6‐β‐D‐diglucose residue, and several triazole‐linked disaccharide and trisaccharide residues were coupled to 4β‐azido‐podophyllotoxin derivatives through click glycosylation strategy. The initial click glycosylation products were treated with catalytic amount of NaOCH3 to facilitate global deacylation and epimerization at C‐2 position to yield the cis‐γ‐lactone moiety in the picropodophyllotoxin glycoconjugates. Most of these picropodophyllotoxin glycoconjugates show weak cytotoxicity (IC50 > 40 μM) against a panel of five human cancer cell lines (HL‐60, SMMC‐7721, A‐549, MCF‐7, SW480) as indicated by in vitro MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. However, compound 27 that contains a 1,6‐β‐D‐di‐glucose residue displays strong anticancer activity against all cancer cell lines tested, with IC50 values ranging from 0.67 to 7.41 μM, which is significantly more potent than the control drug etoposide against four of the five cancer cells tested. Structure activity relationship analysis suggests that the 4’‐O‐methyl group on the E ring of podophyllotoxin scaffold is perhaps important for the anticancer activity of glycosylated picropodophyllotoxin derivatives with a cis‐γ‐lactone moiety.
Room‐Temperature Hydrolysis of Potassium Titanyl Oxalate and Water‐Assisted Crystallization for TiO2 with High Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Lai Lu–Lu , Wen Wei , Wu Jin‐Ming
Published: June 2017

The commonly adopted approach to synthesize nanostructured TiO2 starting from titanates demands a hydrothermal environment to achieve the titanate precursor, and a subsequent high temperature calcination to fulfill the decomposition of titanates and crystallization of TiO2. In this report, hydrogen titanate aggregates were achieved by a room‐temperature hydrolysis of a potassium titanyl oxalate in an aqueous H2O2 solution. The subsequent immersion in water at 80 °C induced the crystallization of TiO2 with a mixture of anatase nanoparticles and rutile nanorods. The anatase fraction increased with increasing immersing duration in hot water for up to 72 h. The low‐temperature crystallized TiO2 powders possessed abundant surface hydroxyl groups (∼38 %), high specific surface area (∼126 m2/g) and pore volume (∼0.50 cm3/g). When utilized to assist photodegradation of rhodamine B in water under UV light illumination, the reaction rate constant was twice that of the commercial P25 TiO2 nanoparticles. The high photocatalytic activity is contributed to the abundant surface hydroxyl groups, high specific surface area, and the appropriate mixture of anatase nanoparticles and rutile nanorods (∼84:16 in weight).
Triphenylamine‐Based Bis‐ and Tris‐ESIPT Compounds and Their Boron Complexes: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and DFT Study of ICT and ESIPT Emissions
Authors: Kothavale Shantaram , Erande Yogesh , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: June 2017

Triphenylamine based bis and tris methoxy and hydroxyl aldehydes, their benzothiazole derivatives and boron complexes were synthesized. Bathochromically shifted keto tautomer emissions were observed for bis and tris hydroxyl aldehyde derivatives in non‐polar solvents such as heptane and toluene while other excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) derivatives show only enol emission, where ESIPT effect get suppressed under the increased intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect. After boron complexation of ESIPT cores, red shifted emissions with increased quantum yield were reported, implying that the ESIPT compounds are exhibiting only enol emissions and not any keto emissions. We optimized all the derivatives using time dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) method and compared their computationally derived photophysical parameters with the experimentally observed ones. Variable twist in the dihedral angle of these compounds in their excited state optimized geometries supported their experimentally observed ICT or ESIPT behaviour.
Fabrication of High Energy Li–Ion Capacitors from Orange Peel Derived Porous Carbon
Authors: Maharjan Makhan , Ulaganathan Mani , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Sreejith Sivaramapanicker , Yan Qingyu , Madhavi Srinivasan , Wang Jing‐Yuan , Lim Tuti Mariana
Published: June 2017

Activated carbon (AC) with high surface area (1,901 m2 g−1) is synthesized from bio‐waste orange (Citrus sinensis) peel for fabrication of high specific energy lithium ion capacitors (LICs). The composition, structure and electrochemical properties of orange peel derived AC (OP‐AC) are characterized by elemental analyzer, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammogram, charge‐discharge and impedance studies. Fabricated LIC using the high surface area OP‐AC with pre‐lithiated graphite (LiC6) delivered specific energy of ∼106 Wh kg−1. In addition, LIC configuration with Li4Ti5O12 was also fabricated and observed to be capable of delivering the specific energy of ∼35 Wh kg−1. Symmetric configuration of OP‐AC with aqueous and organic solutions was also made for comparison purpose. A systematic improvement from the specific energy of ∼7 to 106 Wh kg−1 is noted from aqueous to LIC assembly. The findings open up the possibility of developing high specific energy LICs from abundant, low‐cost, sustainable biomass waste.
PEG‐400 Mediated an Efficient Green Synthesis of Isoxazolyl Indole‐3‐Carboxylic Acid Esters via Nentizescu Condensation Reaction and Their Anti‐Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity
Authors: Dharavath Nagaraju , Eligeti Rajanarendar , Reddy Y N , Pittala Praveen Kumar , Modugu Nagi Reddy
Published: June 2017

Polyethylene glycol‐400 (PEG‐400) has been discovered as an efficient and eco‐friendly reaction medium for the synthesis of new isoxazolyl indole‐3‐carboxylic acid esters 11 from 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐5‐styrylisoxazoles 7. Compounds 7 on treatment with β‐keto ester 8 afforded the corresponding isoxazolylamino‐2‐butenoates 9 at ambient temperature in PEG‐400. The Nentizescu condensation of compounds 9 with 1,4‐benzoquinone 10 to give the title compounds isoxazolyl indole‐3‐craboxylic acid esters 11 under PEG‐400. Structures of compounds 9 and 11 were established on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS analysis. All the final compounds 11 a–s were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities. Among the compounds tested, the compounds 11 b, 11 g, 11 n, 11 o, 11 p and 11 s exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory and potent analgesic activities as that of standard drugs. The advantages of this protocol are: operational simplicity, environmental safety, broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and good yields. The PEG‐400 can be recovered and reused.
A Facile and Efficient Synthesis of Oxindole Scaffolds through Linear Regioselective Reductive Coupling between Vinyl Sulfones and Isatins/Isatinimines
Authors: Ramakrishna K. , Arupula Sanjeeva K. , Gudimella Santosh K. , Raju V. , Nanubollu Jagadeesh B. , Meshram Harshadas M.
Published: June 2017

Zn/CeCl3.7H2O mediated facile and an efficient synthesis of oxindoles motifs via linear regioselective reductive coupling between isatin/isatinimine derivatives and vinyl sulfones at room temperature has been described. This synthetic protocol is base free and allow for the synthesis of wide variety of oxindole motifs in moderate to high yields. This is the first example of Mannich‐type coupling between isatinimines and vinyl sulfones.
Reactivity of 4‐Pyridyltellurolate with Pd(II)/Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Dey Sandip , Vivekananda Kotipalli V. , Wadawale Amey P. , Jain Vimal K. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: June 2017

Reactions of 4‐pyridyltellurolate with various palladium and platinum complexes have been investigated. Treatment of MCl2(dppe) and two equivalents of Na(4‐TeC5H4N) gavecis‐[M(4‐TeC5H4N)2(dppe)] (M=Pd (1), Pt (2)). Similar reactions of MCl2(dppm) exclusively yielded unexpected products, [Pd2(μ3‐Te)(μ2‐4‐TeC5H4N)(4‐TeC5H4N)(μ‐dppm)]2(M=Pd (3)) and [Pt{(Ph2P)2C(4‐TeC5H4N)}2] (M=Pt (4)). Thecisandtransforms of [PdCl(4‐TeC5H4N)(PPh3)]2(6 a, 6 b) could be isolated from the reaction of polymeric complex [PdCl2(4,4′‐(C5H4N)2Te2)]n(5) and PPh3. All the phosphine complexes have been characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystallography. Complex3contains bridging dppm ligand whereas4is formed via deprotonation of methylene carbon of dppm ligand.
Novel Acid Catalysts from Waste‐Tire‐Derived Carbon: Application in Waste–to‐Biofuel Conversion
Authors: Hood Zachary D. , Adhikari Shiba P. , Li Yunchao , Naskar Amit K. , Figueroa‐Cosme Legna , Xia Younan , Chi Miaofang , Wright Marcus W. , Lachgar Abdou , Paranthaman M. Parans
Published: June 2017

Many inexpensive biofuel feedstocks, including those containing free fatty acids (FFAs) in high concentrations, are typically disposed of as waste due to our inability to efficiently convert them into usable biofuels. Here we demonstrate that carbon derived from waste tires could be functionalized with sulfonic acid (‐SO3H) to effectively catalyze the esterification of oleic acid or a mixture of fatty acids to usable biofuels. Waste tires were converted to hard carbon, then functionalized with catalytically active ‐SO3H groups on the surface through an environmentally benign process that involved the sequential treatment with L‐cysteine, dithiothreitol, and H2O2. When benchmarked against the same waste‐tire derived carbon material treated with concentrated sulfuric acid at 150 °C, similar catalytic activity was observed. Both catalysts could also effectively convert oleic acid or a mixture of fatty acids and soybean oil to usable biofuels at 65 °C and 1 atm without leaching of the catalytic sites.
Monoamide Derivatives of EDTA Incorporating Pendent Carboxylates or Pyridyls: Synthesis, Metal Binding, and Crystal Structure of a Dinuclear Ca2+ Complex Featuring Bridging Na+ Ions
Authors: Mulla Raminder S. , Pitarch‐Jarque Javier , García‐España Enrique , Desa Tanya , Lurie‐Luke Elena , Williams J. A. Gareth
Published: June 2017

EDTA is a powerful, cheap and widely‐used chelating unit for a large range of metal ions. To link it covalently to other molecules, the formation of an amide bond using one of the carboxylates is an attractive and simple approach, even though it may compromise metal ion binding as one of the four carboxylate donors is lost. Here we undertake a quantitative study of the metal ion binding of two new mono‐amide derivatives of EDTA, namely AmGly1 and AmPy1, featuring an additional coordinating carboxylate or pyridyl group in the amide, respectively. The compounds are conveniently synthesised through alkylation of the tris‐t‐butyl ester of ethylenediamine‐triacetic acid with the appropriate α‐chloroamide. The switch from carboxylate to amide is found to impact Fe3+ binding the most amongst the metal ions examined (Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Zn2+), with a drop in log K(ML) of around 10 units in aqueous solution. The affinities for the other metals are less severely affected. Nevertheless, at the physiologically relevant pH of 7.4, their ability to bind Fe3+ is only reduced by around 6 log units when pFe3+ is considered (where [L]:[Fe3+] = 10:1). AmGly1 forms a dinuclear Ca2+ complex which has been characterised crystallographically. It is a C2‐symmetric 2:2 complex featuring a dicapped octahedral coordination geometry around Ca2+. In the crystal, the Ca2(AmGly1)2 units are linked via hydrated Na+ ions coordinated by a number of the oxygen atoms, including the pendent carboxylate.
Bipyridine Facilitates Regioselective Dimerization of Alkynes in the Absence of Transition Metal
Authors: Midya Ganesh Chandra , Parasar Bibudha , Maiti Subhadip , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: June 2017

We herein present a transition metal free protocol for the dimerization of terminal aryl alkynes to prepare enyne derivatives using potassium tert‐butoxide in the presence of catalytic amount of 2,2′‐bipyridine. The reaction is compatible with a wide range of substrates resulting in high to moderate yields of the corresponding head‐to‐head dimers with E‐selectivity.
Catalytic hydroprocessing of lignin β-O-4 ether bond model compound phenethyl phenyl ether over ruthenium catalysts
Authors: Gomez-Monedero B. , Faria J. , Bimbela F. , Ruiz M. P.
Published: June 2017

The catalytic hydroprocessing of phenethyl phenyl ether (PPE), a model compound of one of the most significant ether linkages within lignin structure, β-O-4, has been studied. Reactions were carried out using two ruthenium-based catalysts, supported on different materials: 3.8 wt.% Ru/C and 3.9 wt.% Ru/Al2O3. Aiming at studying the reaction mechanism, experiments were carried out at 150 °C and 25 bar in H2 atmosphere, with varying feed to catalyst mass ratios and reaction time. Differences between the relative importance of the steps of the mechanism were observed when using those two catalysts. The most significant finding was the predominance of the cleavage of Cβ-O bonds compared to the cleavage of the Caryl-O when using Ru/Al2O3 as catalyst; whereas with Ru/C, the two routes were nearly equivalent. It has been observed that the kinetic model describes the general tendencies of consumption and formation of the different products, but some over/under estimation of concentrations occurs. Finally, the effect of temperature was also explored by carrying out reactions at 100 and 125 °C, observing that decreasing temperature from 150 to 125 or 100 °C favored the dimer hydrogenation route versus the hydrogenolysis of the ether bonds.
Assessment of Self‐Determination in Adolescents with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: Bergman Donna , Rasmussen Lynnette , Chang Kate Wan‐Chu , Yang Lynda J‐S. , Nelson Virginia S.
Published: June 2017

Background

The term self‐determination refers to decision‐making, goal setting, and perseverance to achieve those goals. Numerous studies have established the importance of self‐determination to enhance learning and improve postschool outcomes. However, most studies evaluate students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, or behavioral disabilities. There is an absence of research on self‐determination for adolescents with physical disabilities.

Objective

To assess self‐determination of adolescents with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) compared with their typically developing peers via self‐reported measures of function.

Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Brachial plexus clinic.

Participants

Twenty adolescents with NBPP (aged 10‐17 years) and their parents and 20 age/gender‐matched typically developing adolescents and their parents were recruited. Non–English‐speaking participants and those with other physical impairments were excluded from study.

Methods

Participants completed demographic and American Institutes for Research (AIR) self‐determination surveys. One of two designated occupational therapists evaluated participant physical function.

Main Outcome Measurements

A demographic survey and AIR self‐determination assessment were administered, and active range of motion measurements in shoulder forward flexion, elbow flexion, elbow extension, forearm pronation, and supination were obtained. Grip/pinch strength, MRC muscle strength, 9‐Hole Peg Test, and Mallet scale scores also were evaluated.

Results

Despite physical differences, adolescents with NBPP presented similar self‐determination levels as their typically developing peers. Adolescents with NBPP rated their opportunities to engage in self‐determined behaviors at school significantly lower than at home. Both adolescents with NBPP and those in the control group rated their opportunities to engage in self‐determined behaviors at school significantly lower than at home.

Conclusions

Adolescents with NBPP presented similar self‐determination scores as their age/gender‐matched typically developing peers. These results could be a reflection of our program's patient‐ and family‐centered care approach. Therefore, caregivers and providers should encourage personal development and fulfillment in adolescents with NBPP. Teachers and schools should be aware that opportunities for acquiring self‐determination skills might be more limited at school than at home in this age group.

Level of Evidence

III
OSA treatment history in an upper airway stimulation trial cohort
Authors: Soose Ryan J. , Padhya Tapan A. , Gillespie M. Boyd , Froymovich Oleg , Lin Ho‐sheng , Woodson B. Tucker ,   STAR Trial Investigators
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Analyze the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment history in a group of participants who enrolled in a hypoglossal nerve stimulation trial.

Methods

Moderate‐severe OSA patients with difficulty adhering to CPAP presented for enrollment in a multicenter trial. Self‐reported history on prior OSA medical therapy was collected at enrollment, including OSA diagnosis date, CPAP start and stop dates, oral appliance trial, and reasons for discontinuation or non‐adherence.

Results

The cohort consisted of 929 participants, 83% male, with a mean age (53.9 ± 10.5) years. Ninety percent (n = 835) had complete CPAP information including 47% (n = 435) who discontinued therapy prior to enrollment and 43% (n = 400) who were still attempting CPAP but had inadequate adherence. Abandonment rates were 60% at 1‐year, 73% at 3‐years, and 86% at 5‐years. Oral appliance therapy was attempted by 171 patients for mean (1.8 ± 2.3) years, with 81% abandonment at 1 year, 89% at 3‐years, and 94% at 5‐years.

Conclusions

In this CPAP‐refractory cohort, high rates of CPAP abandonment were reported in the first several years with approximately half of the participants not receiving any treatment despite being diagnosed for >5 years. Close clinical follow‐up and consideration of alternative treatment options is indicated in all OSA patients in order to ensure adequate longitudinal care.
Online aircraft velocity and normal acceleration planning for rough terrain following
Authors: Kazemifar Omid , Babaei Ali-Reza , Mortazavi Mahdi
Published: June 2017

This paper attempts to develop an efficient online algorithm for terrain following in completely unknown rough terrain environments while incorporating aircraft dynamics in the guidance strategy. Unlike most existing works, the proposed algorithm does not generate the flight path directly. The algorithm employs acquired information from the vehicle onboard sensors and rapidly issues appropriate Guidance Commands (GCs) at every point along the way. A suitable dynamic model is developed which takes the lags in the vehicle dynamics into account. The flight path forms gradually as a result of applying the GCs to the vehicle dynamics. Terrain-conforming capability afforded by this approach allows for autonomous and safe low-level flight in unknown mountainous areas. It considerably enhances the autonomy level of the vehicle and in the case of manned aircraft could significantly lead to pilot workload reduction. The proposed scheme is proven to be promising for online applications.
A multi-parameter criterion for layer formation in a stratified shear flow using sorted buoyancy coordinates
Authors: Taylor J. R. , Zhou Q.
Published: June 2017

Here, we examine the conditions for layer formation in a stratified shear flow. We reformulate the conditions for amplification of small perturbations to a uniform stratification first proposed by Phillips (Deep Sea Research and Oceanographic Abstracts, vol. 19, 1972, pp. 79–81, Elsevier) and Posmentier (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 7 (2), 1977, pp. 298–300) using the sorted buoyancy coordinates introduced by Nakamura (J. Atmos. Sci., vol. 53 (11), 1996, pp. 1524–1537) and Winters & D’Asaro (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 317, 1996, pp. 179–193). We consider the possible dependence of the effective diffusivity on three non-dimensional parameters, the gradient Richardson number, the buoyancy Reynolds number and the Prandtl number, and obtain a simple expression for conditions favourable for layer formation. The new framework is applied to direct numerical simulations of stratified shear flow. We then apply a recent multi-parameter parameterization developed by Salehipour et al. (Geophys. Res. Lett., vol. 43 (7), 2016, pp. 3370–3379), which suggests that layer formation is favoured for large Prandtl numbers and moderate to large values of the gradient Richardson and buoyancy Reynolds numbers.
Speaking in Tongues? Daimyo, Zen Monks, and Spoken Chinese in Japan, 1661–1711
Authors: Clements Rebekah
Published: June 2017

The scholarly narrative of spoken Chinese studies in Tokugawa Japan is dominated by Ogyū Sorai, who founded a translation society in 1711 and urged Japanese intellectuals to learn contemporary spoken Chinese in order to draw closer to the language of the Chinese classics. This article explores the decades prior to this, when Sorai served the powerful daimyo Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu. By investigating Yoshiyasu's contact with Chinese monks and the surprising but previously untested claim that he could understand spoken Chinese, I explore the cultivation of spoken Chinese learning and the patronage of Chinese émigrés by members of Japan’s warrior elite in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Prior to the scholarly interest in vernacular Chinese and the popularity of Ming and Qing literature in Japan from the Kyōhō period (1716–35) onwards, Chinese orality served as a tangible link to the Chinese tradition for Yoshiyasu and other powerful daimyo, functioning as a sign of their fitness for power in East Asia.
Effects of light and microhabitat on activity pattern and behaviour of wild and hatchery-reared juveniles ofStichopuscf.horrens
Authors: Palomar-Abesamis Nadia , Juinio-Meñez Marie Antonette , Slater Matthew James
Published: June 2017

Animals develop behavioural strategies throughout life to improve their survival in nature. Juvenile activity and behaviour of the commercial tropical sea cucumberStichopuscf.horrenswere examined considering factors that may influence survival at this critical developmental stage. Wild juveniles were observedin situto describe diel activity and movement. Wild and hatchery-reared juveniles were observed in the laboratory to evaluate the influence of different light-dark cycles and microhabitats on feeding and sheltering behaviour. All juveniles (4–54 g) displayed a distinct nocturnal activity pattern both in the field and laboratory. Nocturnal activity was strongly associated with feeding and locomotion. Wild and hatchery-reared juveniles were most active at night, displayed intermediate activity during twilight, and minimal to no activity during daytime. Movement rates of wild juvenilesin situwere significantly influenced by time and size to a lesser extent. Under constant light and constant dark for 48 h, juvenile feeding rhythm was endogenously controlled and strongly entrained to natural light-dark cycles. Sheltering was directly affected by light and linked to strong phototactic and thigmotactic reflexes. Juveniles preferred vegetation as shelter compared to coral, sand or open space, and showed equal preference for seagrass and macroalgae. Deviations in behaviour of hatchery-reared juveniles under laboratory conditions indicate some degree of acclimation to an artificial environment with minimal threats and a decreased sensitivity to light. The implications of nocturnal feeding, light-induced sheltering, shelter preferences and acclimation to artificial conditions are discussed in relation to juvenile survival in nature and potential restocking of the species.
Crotoxin stimulates anM1activation profile in murine macrophages duringLeishmania amazonensisinfection
Authors: FARIAS L. H. S. , RODRIGUES A. P. D. , COÊLHO E. C. , SANTOS M. F. , SAMPAIO S. C. , SILVA E. O.
Published: June 2017

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is caused by different species ofLeishmania.This protozoan employs several mechanisms to subvert the microbicidal activity of macrophages and, given the limited efficacy of current therapies, the development of alternative treatments is essential. Animal venoms are known to exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities, including antiparasitic effects. Crotoxin (CTX) is the main component ofCrotalus durissus terrificusvenom, and it has several biological effects. Nevertheless, there is no report of CTX activity during macrophage –Leishmaniainteractions. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether CTX has a role in macrophageM1polarization duringLeishmaniainfection murine macrophages,Leishmania amazonensispromastigotes andL. amazonensis-infected macrophages were challenged with CTX. MTT [3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrasodium bromide] toxicity assays were performed on murine macrophages, and no damage was observed in these cells. Promastigotes, however, were affected by treatment with CTX (IC50= 22·86µg mL−1) as were intracellular amastigotes. Macrophages treated with CTX also demonstrated increased reactive oxygen species production. After they were infected withLeishmania, macrophages exhibited an increase in nitric oxide production that converged into anM1activation profile, as suggested by their elevated production of the cytokines interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α and changes in their morphology. CTX was able to reverse theL. amazonensis-mediated inhibition of macrophage immune responses and is capable of polarizing macrophages to theM1profile, which is associated with a better prognosis for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.
Solving the challenge of the blood–brain barrier to treat infections caused by Trypanosoma evansi: evaluation of nerolidol-loaded nanospheres in mice
Authors: BALDISSERA MATHEUS D. , SOUZA CARINE F. , BOLIGON ALINE A. , GRANDO THIRSSA H. , DE SÁ MARIÂNGELA F. , DA SILVA ALEKSANDRO S. , STEFANI LENITA M. , BALDISSEROTTO BERNARDO , MONTEIRO SILVIA G.
Published: June 2017

Despite significant advances in therapies against Trypanosoma evansi, its effective elimination from the central nervous system (CNS) remains a difficult task. The incapacity of trypanocidal drugs to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after systemic administrations makes the brain the main refuge area for T. evansi. Nanotechnology is showing great potential to improve drug efficacy, such as nerolidol-loaded nanospheres (N-NS). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment with N-NS was able to cross the BBB and to eliminate T. evansi from the CNS. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that N-NS can cross the BBB of T. evansi-infected mice, while free nerolidol (F-N) neither the trypanocidal drug diminazene aceturate (D.A.) were not detected in the brain tissue. Polymerase chain reaction revealed that 100% of the animals treated with N-NS were negatives for T. evansi in the brain tissue, while all infected animals treated with F-N or D.A. were positives. Thus, we concluded that nanotechnology improves the therapeutic efficacy of nerolidol, and enables the transport of its active principle through the BBB. In summary, N-NS treatment can eliminate the parasite from the CNS, and possesses potential to treat infected animals.
Measles elimination and immunisation: national surveillance trends in Japan, 2008–2015
Authors: INAIDA S. , MATSUNO S. , KOBUNE F.
Published: June 2017

Measles elimination relies on vaccination programmes. In Japan, a major outbreak started in 2007. In response, 5-year two-dose catch-up vaccination programme was initiated in April 2008 for children 13–16-years-old. In this study, we analysed the epidemic curves, incidence rates for each age group, virus genotype, vaccination coverage and ratio of measles gelatin particle agglutination (PA) antibody using surveillance data for 2008–2015.

Monthly case counts markedly decreased as vaccination coverage increased. D5, which is the endemic virus type, disappeared after 2011, with the following epidemic caused by imported viruses. Most cases were confirmed to have a no-dose or single-dose vaccination status. Although the incidence rate among all age groups ⩾5-years-old decreased during the study period, for children <5-years-old, the incidence rate remained relatively high and increased in 2014. The ratio of PA antibody (⩾1:128 titres) increased for the majority of age groups, but with a decrease for specific age groups: the 0–5 months and the 2–4, 14, 19 and most of the 26–55- and the 60-year-old groups (−1 to −9%). This seems to be the result of higher vaccination coverage, which would result in decreasing natural immunity booster along with decreasing passive immunity in infants whose mothers did not have the natural immunity booster. The 20–29- and 30–39-year-old age groups had higher number of cases, suggesting that vaccination within these age groups might be important for eliminating imported viruses.
AN ENDOGENOUSLY DERIVED AK MODEL OF ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Jensen Christian
Published: June 2017

When the returns to scale of a production process vary with the intensity it is operated at, an AK model with constant returns to scale in production arises endogenously due to replication driven by profit maximization. If replication occurs at the efficiency-maximizing scale, as with perfect competition, the result applies also when the number of production processes must be discrete, thus, overcoming the so-called integer problem. When competition is imperfect, there is only convergence toward the AK model for large enough input use, so an economy is more prone to stalling in a steady state without growth, the smaller and less competitive it is.
Relationship between abdominal obesity and alcohol drinking pattern in normal-weight, middle-aged adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2013
Authors: Park Kye-Yeung , Park Hoon-Ki , Hwang Hwan-sik
Published: June 2017

Objective

Abdominal obesity is associated with obesity-related health risks regardless of body weight. The present study aimed to determine whether alcohol drinking pattern is associated with abdominal obesity in normal-weight, middle-aged adults.

Design

Cross-sectional study using complex sampling design analyses.

Setting

The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted from 2008 to 2013.

Subjects

Normal-weight participants aged 40–69 years with BMI of 18·5–25·0 kg/m2 (n 11 289, 4491 men and 6798 women) were included. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm for men or ≥85 cm for women. Alcohol drinking pattern was assessed by self-report on questionnaires.

Results

Among 11 289 normal-weight participants, 7·9 % (n 379) of men and 7·6 % (n 609) of women had abdominal obesity. Both men and women who consumed a higher quantity of alcohol per drinking occasion had higher odds (OR; 95 % CI) for abdominal obesity compared with individuals who consumed fewer than 2 drinks (1·86; 1·04, 3·32 for ≥10 drinks/typical occasion in men; and 3·28; 1·13, 9·46 in women). Men who binge drink every day had higher odds for abdominal obesity (2·10; 1·21, 3·63). In both sexes, frequency of alcohol drinking was not associated with normal-weight abdominal obesity.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the amount of alcohol drinking per occasion influenced abdominal obesity in normal-weight, middle-aged individuals that may have impacted obesity-related health risks. Healthy alcohol drinking habits need to be controlled for prevention of abdominal obesity even among persons with normal weight.
Swiss Stained-Glass Panels: An Analytical Study
Authors: Machado Andreia , Wolf Sophie , Alves Luis C. , Katona-Serneels Ildiko , Serneels Vincent , Trümpler Stefan , Vilarigues Márcia
Published: June 2017

The history and iconography of Swiss stained glass dating between the 16th and 18th centuries are well studied. However, the chemical and morphological characteristics of the glass and glass paints, particularly the nature of the raw materials, the provenance of the glass, and the technology used to produce it are less well understood. In this paper, we studied two sets of samples from stained-glass panels attributed to Switzerland, which date from the 16th to 17th centuries: the first set comes from Pena National Palace collection, the second from Vitrocentre Romont. The aims were to identify the materials used in the production of the glass, to find out more about their production origin and to characterize the glass paints. Both glass and the glass paints were analysed by particle-induced X-ray emission; the paints were additionally analysed by scanning electron microscopy–electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results show that the glass from both sets was probably produced in the same region and that wood ash was used as a fluxing agent. Different recipes have been used to make the blue enamels. However, the cobalt ore used as a coloring agent in all of the blue enamels came from the mining district in Schneeberg, Germany.
WHO WON WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE? A CASE FOR “MERE MEN”
Authors: Neuman Johanna
Published: June 2017

Scholars of women's suffrage have long debated credit, a meditation on which leaders won the campaign to enfranchise American women. Many argue that victory came because of Alice Paul's militancy in picketing the White House. Others insist it was Carrie Chapman Catt's pragmatism in winning state victories. Still others note that both were needed, a political “one-two punch” of strategic effectiveness. This article suggests that one contingent often excluded from this narrative is men. Male suffragists are often portrayed as driven more by a hunger for quixotic political or sexual adventure, or by a chivalrous posture toward women. Examining the records of the New York Men's League for Woman Suffrage and the archival footprints male suffragists left behind, this article argues that whatever their motives, male suffragists made palatable to other men the once radical notion that women could join the coarse, corrupt, and cigar-filled world of politics without losing their femininity—or robbing men of their virility. By their very activism, they conditioned the public to see women—and men—beyond the gendered construct of the domestic sphere and in the light of the interest politics that dominated the Progressive Era.
Low-Γ jets from Compact Binary Mergers as Candidate Electromagnetic Counterparts to Gravitational Wave Sources
Authors: Lamb Gavin P. , Kobayashi Shiho
Published: June 2017

Compact binary mergers, with neutron stars or neutron star and black-hole components, are thought to produce various electromagnetic counterparts: short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from ultra-relativistic jets followed by broadband afterglow; semi-isotropic kilonova from radioactive decay of r-process elements; and late time radio flares; etc. If the jets from such mergers follow a similar power-law distribution of Lorentz factors as other astrophysical jets then the population of merger jets will be dominated by low-Γ values. The prompt gamma-rays associated with short GRBs would be suppressed for a low-Γ jet and the jet energy will be released as X-ray/optical/radio transients when a shock forms in the ambient medium. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we study the properties of such transients as candidate electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources detectable by LIGO/Virgo. Approximately 78% of merger-jets result in failed GRB with optical peaks 14-22 magnitude and an all-sky rate of 2-3 per year.
Highly accreting quasars: a tool for cosmology?
Authors: Marziani P. , Negrete C. A. , Dultzin D. , Martinez-Aldama M. L. , Del Olmo A. , Esparza D. , Sulentic J. W. , D'Onofrio M. , Stirpe G. M. , Bon E. , Bon N.
Published: June 2017

Highly accreting quasars are possible cosmological probes, as their Eddington ratio is expected to saturate toward values of order unity. We present preliminary estimates of redshift- independent source luminosities and the Hubble diagram for quasars in the redshift range 0.1 ≲ z ≲ 2.6.
Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping Project: A Leap Forward in Reverberation Mapping
Authors: Peterson Bradley M.
Published: June 2017

In 2014, a 179-orbit allocation of Hubble Space Telescope time anchored a massive reverberation-mapping program on the well-studied Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548. Supporting imaging and spectrophotometric observations were provided by Swift, Chandra, Spitzer, and a world-wide network of ground-based telescopes. Understanding the data remains a significant challenge, partly because the level of detail is far beyond what has been seen before and partly because the behavior of the AGN was not typical of its past behavior. Based on analysis to date, the following conclusions can be reached: (1) the AGN accretion disk has a temperature profile that is consistent with that predicted by the Shakura–Sunyaev model, but is about three times larger than expected; (2) at least part of the broad-line region appears to be a Keplerian disk seen at intermediate inclination, and (3) the broad-line emission response from the far side of the disk is weaker than expected.
Transonic structure of slowly rotating accretion flows with shocks around black holes
Authors: Suková Petra , Charzyński Szymon , Janiuk Agnieszka
Published: June 2017

We present recent results of the studies of low angular momentum accretion of matter onto Schwarzschild black hole using fully relativistic numerical simulations. We compare the resulting 2D structure of transonic flows with results of 1D pseudo-Newtonian computations of non-magnetized flow. The research has observable consequences on black holes on the whole mass scale, in particular it is related to the time-scale and shape of luminosity flares in Sgr A* or to the evolution of QPO frequency during outbursts of microquasars.
Ray-tracing and polarized radiative transfer in General Relativity
Authors: Pihajoki Pauli , Rantala Antti , Johansson Peter H.
Published: June 2017

We discuss the problem of polarized radiative transfer in general relativity. We present a set of equations suitable for solving the problem numerically for the case of an arbitrary space-time metric, and show numerical solutions to example problems. The solutions are computed with a new ray-tracing code, Arcmancer, developed by the authors.
Studying the outskirts of reverberation mapped AGNs
Authors: Kaspi Shai
Published: June 2017

About 100 AGNs have their black hole mass measured directly using the reverberation mapping technique over the past few decades. By now we have high enough numbers to explore unique subsamples within these objects and to study phenomena across variety of AGNs. I will review recent reverberation mapping studies which focus on high-redshift high-luminosity AGNs and on AGNs with super-Eddington accreting massive black holes. These studies enable to investigate the BLR size, mass, and luminosity relations in different subsamples of AGNs and to check whether there are differences in these relations in different types of AGNs. In particular I will discuss the following questions: Is the BLR size - luminosity relation the same over the whole AGNs luminosity range? Are there different relations for different types of AGNs? What are these studies teaching us about theory of accretion into black holes in AGNs?
The role of electromagnetism in tidal disruption events
Authors: Čadež Andrej
Published: June 2017

Tidal disruption events are characterized by the prompt release of very high energy electromagnetic radiation, which rapidly carries away a significant fraction of mass-energy. The time scale od prompt release is quite comparable to the time scale of gravitational collapse. We suggest that generation of very high energy radiation from pulsar nebulae may be an example of the relativistic coupling between gravity and electromagnetism. The main ingredient of our picture comes from the observation that the electron - ion energy exchange time scale is much longer than the electron ion energy exchange time scale, which leads to thermodynamic decoupling of electron and ion gases, and thus to their different temperatures. Under such conditions the dominating hotter component pushes the colder component further out and thus generates a global electric field which constrains electrons and ions by their mutually generated electric field, yet allows them to reach very high kinetic energies
Producing ultra high energy cosmic rays from AGN magnetic luminosity
Authors: Coimbra-Araújo Carlos H. , Anjos Rita C.
Published: June 2017

The present work proposes a method to calculate the AGN magnetic luminosity fraction to be converted into ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) luminosities for nine UHECR AGN Seyfert sources based on the respective observation of gamma ray upper limits. The motivation for such calculation comes attached to the fact that a fraction of the magnetic luminosity (LB) produced by Kerr black holes in some AGNs can produce the necessary energy to accelerate UHECRs beyond the GZK limit, observed, e.g., by the Auger experiment. Nevertheless, the direct detection of those UHECRs has a lack of information about the direction of the source from where those cosmic rays are coming, since charged particles are deflected by the intergalactic magnetic field. Such problem arises alternative methods to evaluate the luminosity of UHECRs from the observation of upper limits during the propagation.
Multi-wavelength flares and magnetic field in blazars: a case study of IBL S5 0716+714
Authors: Chandra S. , Singh K. P. , Baliyan K. S.
Published: June 2017

We present a study performed to understand the role of magnetic field during a historical outburst of IBL S5 0716+714 witnessed in early 2015. The two month long profile of the outburst reveals several episodes of sub-flares superimposed over the diminishing trend of the peak-flux. The broadband X-ray spectrum from Swift + Nustar exhibits a break at 4.9+0.4−0.5 keV which is consistent with the valley in the SED predicted by model. The spectral index variations, closely correlated to the flux variations during the first prominent sub-flare, indicate the alterations in the particle energy distribution coinciding the onset of the flare. The PA rotations approximately at the same epoch are used to constrain the field and its geometry.
Searching for a pair of accreting supermassive black holes in J1425+3231
Authors: Gabányi K. É. , Frey S. , Paragi Z. , An T. , Komossa S.
Published: June 2017

In hierarchical structure formation scenarios, merging galaxies are expected to be seen in different phases of their coalescence. Simulations suggest that simultaneous activity of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in the centres of the merging galaxies may be expected at kpc-scale separations. Currently, there are no direct observational methods which allow the selection of a large number of such dual active galactic nuclei (AGN) candidates. SDSS J142507.32+323137.4 was reported as a promising candidate source based on its optical spectrum. Here we report on our sensitive e-MERLIN observations performed at 1.6 and at 5 GHz, which show that the optical spectrum of the source can be more straightforwardly explained with jet–cloud interactions instead of the dual AGN scenario.
Peculiar emission from the new VHE gamma-ray source H1722+119
Authors: Terzić T. , Stamerra A. ,   the MAGIC Coll., D'Ammando F. ,   (for the Fermi-LAT Coll.), Raiteri C. M. , Villata M. , Verrecchia F. , Kurtanidze O.
Published: June 2017

The BL Lac object H1722+119 was observed in the very high energy band (VHE, E > 100 GeV) by the MAGIC (Major Atmospheric Gamma-ray Imaging Cherenkov) telescopes (Aleksić et al. 2016a, b)) between 2013 May 17 and 22, following a state of high activity in the optical band measured by the KVA (Kungliga Vetenskapsakademien) telescope. Optical high states are often used to trigger MAGIC observations, which result in the VHE γ-ray signal detection (see e.g. Aleksić et al. 2015, Ahnen et al. 2016 and references therein).
MAGIC electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave alerts
Authors: De Lotto Barbara , Ansoldi Stefano , Antonelli Angelo , Berti Alessio , Carosi Alessandro , Longo Francesco , Stamerra Antonio
Published: June 2017

The year 2015 witnessed the first direct observations of a transient gravitational-wave (GW) signal from binary black hole mergers by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (aLIGO) Collaboration with the Virgo Collaboration. The MAGIC two 17m diameter Cherenkov telescopes system joined since 2014 the vast collaboration of electromagnetic facilities for follow-up of gravitational wave alerts. During the 2015 LIGO-Virgo science run we set up the procedure for GW alerts follow-up and took data following the last GW alert. MAGIC results on the data analysis and prospects for the forthcoming run are presented.
Influence of self-gravity on the equilibrium structures of magnetized tori
Authors: Trova Audrey , Karas Vladimír , Slaný Petr , Kovář Jiří
Published: June 2017

We present some results obtained with a toy model developed in Trova et al. 2016 used to study the influence of the self-gravity on the equilibrium configurations of magnetized rotating self-gravitating gaseous tori, in the context of gaseous/dusty tori surrounding supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei. While the central black hole dominates the gravitational field and it remains electrically neutral, the surrounding material has a non-negligible self-gravitational effect on the torus structure. The vertical and radial structures of the torus are influenced by the balance between the gravitational and the magnetic force. By comparison with a previous work without self-gravity (Slany et al. 2016), we show that the conditions of existence of these configurations can change.
Circular motion and Polish Doughnuts in NUT spacetime
Authors: Jefremov Paul I.
Published: June 2017

The astrophysical relevance of the NUT spacetime(s) is a matter of debate due to pathological properties exhibited by this solution. However, if it is realised in nature, then we should look for the characteristic imprints of it on possible observations. One of the major sources of data on black hole astrophysics is the accretion process. Using a simple but fully analytical “Polish Doughnuts” model of accretion disk one gets both qualitative and quantitative differences from the Kerr spacetime produced by the presence of the gravitomagnetic charge. The present paper is based on our work Jefremov & Perlick (2016).
Ultrafast VHE Gamma-Ray Flares of IC 310
Authors: Barkov Maxim V. , Aharonian Felix , Khangulyan Dmitriy V.
Published: June 2017

In 2012 November MAGIC detected a bright flare from IC 310. The flare consisted of two sharp peaks with a typical duration of ~ 5 min. The energy released during that event has been estimated to be at the level of 2 × 1044 erg s−1.

In this work we derive an upper limit on the possible luminosity of flares generated in black hole (BH) magnetosphere, which depends very weakly on the mass of BH and is determined by disk magnetisation, viewing angle, and pair multiplicity. Since all these parameters are smaller than a unit, the luminosity 2 × 1043 erg s−1 can be taken as a strict upper limit for flare luminosity for several minutes variability time. This upper limit appears to be approximately an order of magnitude below the value measured with MAGIC. Thus, we conclude that it seems very unfeasible that the magnetospheric processes can be indeed behind the bright flaring activity recorded from IC 310.