bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Chiral Separation of Binaphthyl Derivatives Using Atroposelective Antibodies
Authors: Adachi Takuma , Odaka Tomoki , Harada Akira , Yamaguchi Hiroyasu
Published: March 2017

A simple procedure for chiral separation based on the difference in the molecular weights of the antigen‐antibody complex and analyte is developed. We raise monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) highly specific for the R‐ or S‐isomer of a binaphthyl derivative (BN) by immunizing mice with the corresponding BN enantiomer. Aqueous solutions of racemic BN are mixed with mAbs. The free BN is separated by ultrafiltration. The enantiomers of BN are obtained with a high e.e. using atroposelective antibodies.
Ionic Liquid [HMIm]BF4 Mediated and Promoted Eco‐Friendly One‐Pot Sequential Synthesis of New Isoxazolyl Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Pittala Praveen Kumar , Eligeti Rajanarendar , Modugu Nagi Reddy
Published: March 2017

1‐Methyl imidazolium tetraflouroborate ([HMIm]BF4) has been discovered to be an effective eco‐friendly solvent cum activator for a novel one‐pot sequential coupling and oxidative cyclization of 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐5‐styrylisoxazoles, 2‐aminobenzoyl chloride and benzyl alcohols to produce new isoxazolyl quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones under ambient conditions. The protocol proves to be an efficient and an environmentally benign in terms of high yields, low reaction times, ease of recovery, and reusability of reaction medium.
Fabrication of H‐TiO2/CdS/Cu2‐xS Ternary Heterostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chu Jiayu , Han Xijiang , Yu Zhen , Du Yunchen , Song Bo , Xu Ping
Published: March 2017

Solar‐driven photocatalytic water splitting is a promising technology to produce H2 energy. Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of a ternary catalyst, H‐TiO2/CdS/Cu2‐xS, by chemical bath deposition and ion exchange for efficient photocatalytic water splitting, based on hydrogenated TiO2 (H‐TiO2) with roughened surface and hollow structures. The as‐prepared H‐TiO2/CdS/Cu2‐xS ternary structure can make use of the full solar spectrum and have a better response to the near infrared region. The tuned bandgap alignments in this ternary heterostructure enable efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to a hydrogen production rate as high as 261.54 μmol⋅g−1⋅h−1 without noble metal as co‐catalyst. Meanwhile, a photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 210.63 μmol⋅g−1⋅h−1 can be maintained after five cycles. We believe this fabricated noble metal‐free ternary heterostructure catalyst has a great potential in solar energy conversion with improved solar energy absorption and efficient electron‐hole separation.
Coadapting multidimension process properties
Authors: Khelladi Djamel Eddine , Bendraou Reda , Hebig Regina , Gervais Marie‐Pierre
Published: March 2017

In the last decades, process verification has been intensively addressed and has become an essential activity to correct and to remove errors before process execution. Typical process verification ecosystems propose to express properties to be verified on the process. A property expresses a desired behavior that must hold or not in the process execution. Processes during their lifespan are continuously adapted for several purposes: enriching, correcting, and refactoring the process. When a process is adapted, the existing properties must naturally be rechecked to ensure that no errors have been introduced, ie, the properties still hold. However, the properties may become outdated and must be coadapted w.r.t. the adapted process before to be rechecked. Otherwise, the verification may raise false alarms or may not detect newly introduced errors. In this paper, we propose a coadaptation approach of properties while considering process adaptation for the different dimensions, namely, control flow, object flow, resources, and timing. We systematically studied process changes in the multiple dimensions to identify those that do impact properties and for which we propose resolution strategies. Our preliminary evaluation shows that our resolutions strategies allow to support users in correctly coadapting impacted properties.
Syntheses, Structures, and Photophysical Properties of Two Coordination Polymers Based on 2,3‐Dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline‐6‐carboxylic Acid
Authors: Yuan Gang , Zhang Chao , Shao Kui‐Zhan , Hao Xiang‐Rong , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: March 2017

Two complexes based on the ligand 1,4‐dihydro‐2,3‐quinoxalinedione, namely [Mn(H2L)2(H2O)2]n (1) and {[Zn2(H2L)2(tz)2]·5H2O}n (2) (H3L = 2,3‐dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline‐6‐carboxylic acid, Htz = 1,2,4‐triazole) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, as well as single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 exhibited a 1D comb‐like chain formed by H2L– anions linking MnII ions, whereas complex 2 was a 2D layer‐like structure with square‐shaped windows and outstretched arms built by combination of H2L– and tz– ligands with ZnII ions. The adjacent chains or layers connected with each other by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking to further extend to a 3D supermolecular framework. In addition, the thermal stabilities, luminescence properties, and optical energy gap of 1 and 2 were investigated in detail.
Macromolecular Self‐Assembly of Organotin(IV) Squarates and Croconates – Preparation and Crystal Structures of [SnMe2(H2O)2]C4O4, [SnMe3]2C4O4, and [SnMe3(H2O)]2C5O5
Authors: Liebing Phil , Husien Asrial A. , Fischer Axel , Nietzschmann Eckhart , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: March 2017

The new organotin(IV) squarates and croconates [SnMe2(H2O)2]C4O4 (1), [SnMe3]2C4O4 (2), and [SnMe3(H2O)]2C5O5 (3), were prepared by salt metathesis from the appropriate sodium salts, and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. While 1 and 2 are coordination polymers with bridging C4O42– anions, compound 3 exists as a monomer in the solid state. In the hydrated compounds 1 and 3, the molecules are interconnected by various types of O–H···O bridges between non‐coordinated carbonyl oxygen atoms and water ligands, resulting in a supramolecular layer (1, 2) or network structure (3), respectively.
Longitudinal volumetric and 2D assessment of cerebellar atrophy in a large cohort of children with phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2‐CDG)
Authors: de Diego Víctor , Martínez‐Monseny Antonio F. , Muchart Jordi , Cuadras Daniel , Montero Raquel , Artuch Rafael , Pérez‐Cerdá Celia , Pérez Belén , Pérez‐Dueñas Belén , Poretti Andrea , Serrano Mercedes ,   Collaborators of the CDG Spanish‐Consortium
Published: March 2017

Objective

We aim to delineate the progression of cerebellar atrophy (the primary neuroimaging finding) in children with phosphomannomutase‐deficiency (PMM2‐CDG) by analyzing longitudinal MRI studies and performing cerebellar volumetric analysis and a 2D cerebellar measurement.

Methods

Statistical analysis was used to compare MRI measurements [midsagittal vermis relative diameter (MVRD) and volume] of children with PMM2‐CDG and sex‐ and age‐matched controls, and to determine the rate of progression of cerebellar atrophy at different ages.

Results

Fifty MRI studies of 33 PMM2‐CDG patients were used for 2D evaluation, and 19 MRI studies were available for volumetric analysis. Results from a linear regression model showed that patients have a significantly lower MVRD and cerebellar volume compared to controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between age and MVRD for patients (p = 0.014). The rate of cerebellar atrophy measured by the loss of MVRD and cerebellar volume per year was higher at early ages (r = −0.578, p = 0.012 and r = −0.323, p = 0.48 respectively), particularly in patients under 11 years (p = 0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between MVRD and cerebellar volume in PMM2‐CDG patients (r = 0.669, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study quantifies a progression of cerebellar atrophy in PMM2‐CDG patients, particularly during the first decade of life, and suggests a simple and reliable measure, the MVRD, to monitor cerebellar atrophy. Quantitative measurement of MVRD and cerebellar volume are essential for correlation with phenotype and outcome, natural follow‐up, and monitoring in view of potential therapies in children with PMM2‐CDG.
Thermophysical Properties of Liquid Aluminum
Authors: Leitner Matthias , Leitner Thomas , Schmon Alexander , Aziz Kirmanj , Pottlacher Gernot
Published: March 2017

Ohmic pulse-heating with sub-microsecond time resolution is used to obtain thermophysical properties for aluminum in the liquid phase. Measurement of current through the sample, voltage drop across the sample, surface radiation, and volume expansion allow the calculation of specific heat capacity and the temperature dependencies of electrical resistivity, enthalpy, and density of the sample at melting and in the liquid phase. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity as a function of temperature are estimated from resistivity data using the Wiedemann–Franz law. Data for liquid aluminum obtained by pulse-heating are quite rare because of the low melting temperature of aluminum with 933.47 K (660.32 °C), as the fast operating pyrometers used for the pulse-heating technique with rise times of about 100 ns generally might not be able to resolve the melting plateau of aluminum because they are not sensitive enough for such low temperature ranges. To overcome this obstacle, we constructed a new, fast pyrometer sensitive in this temperature region. Electromagnetic levitation, as the second experimental approach used, delivers data for surface tension (this quantity is not available by means of the pulse-heating technique) and for density of aluminum as a function of temperature. Data obtained will be extensively compared to existing literature data.
Palaeoenvironmental dynamics and Palaeolithic occupation at Katoati, Thar Desert, India
Authors: Blinkhorn James , Achyuthan Hema , Ditchfield Peter , Petraglia Michael
Published: March 2017

Late Pleistocene palaeoenvironments in the Thar Desert (India), located at the eastern extent of the Saharo-Arabian desert belt, have fluctuated considerably as a result of the varying range and intensity of the Indian summer monsoon. Phases of widespread Pleistocene aridity are well documented in the Thar Desert, but research focusing on humid proxies is critical to examine how the region may have facilitated population expansions across southern Asia. At Katoati, located on the northeast margin of the Thar Desert, the combination of field recording of sediment sections with detailed analyses (micromorphology, stable isotope, loss on ignition, magnetic susceptibility, and X-ray fluorescence) from an archaeological site identify a series of hominin occupations during phases of enhanced humidity between ~96 and 60 ka. A gradient of humidity on the eastern margin of the Thar Desert during the late Pleistocene is identified, with the periodic humidity evident at Katoati occurring more frequently and with longer duration towards the southern margin. This uneven distribution of humidity in the Thar Desert is likely to have strongly influenced when and where hominin populations could expand into and across the region.
The Transnationalization of Law: Rethinking Law through Transnational Environmental Regulation
Authors: Heyvaert Veerle
Published: March 2017

This article argues that the rise of transnational regulation has a transformative impact on law. It examines the field of transnational environmental regulation to show that its proliferation challenges the continued appropriateness of representations of law as (i) territorial, (ii) emanating from the state, (iii) composed of a public and private sphere, (iv) constitutive and regulatory in function, and (v) cohesive and regimented. Instead, law is increasingly perceived as (i) delocalized, (ii) flowing from a plurality of sources, (iii) organizationally inchoate, (iv) reflexive and coordinating in function, and (v) polycentric. Together, these shifts in perception amount to a transformation that the article identifies as the transnationalization of law. The article then explores three responses to the transnationalization of law. It distinguishes responses motivated by a desire to reclaim the traditional conception of law from those that seek to reconstruct law at the transnational level and responses that advocate a context-responsive reconceptualization of law. Each response, it will be shown, creates a different set of opportunities for, and challenges to, the relevance of law for transnational regulation.
From Individual Output to Pooled Data
Authors: van der Ploeg Melanie M. , Koenig Julian , Tarvainen Mika P. , Thayer Julian F.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. This technical note introduces an easy-to-use macro in Office Excel to batch the output from Kubios HRV 2.2, which is a software program for heart rate variability (HRV) data extraction. Due to a new release of the program, previous solutions have become outdated. The current macro simplifies and substantially reduces the time needed to post-process the output from Kubios HRV 2.2. With the use of this macro, advancements in knowledge on the role of HRV in mental and physical health can be accelerated.
Posttransplant maintenance therapy in multiple myeloma: the changing landscape
Authors: Sengsayadeth S , Malard F , Savani B N , Garderet L , Mohty M
Published: March 2017

Transplant-eligible patients with multiple myeloma (MM) now have extended survival after diagnosis owing to effective modern treatment strategies that include new agents in induction therapy, autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT), consolidation therapy and posttransplant maintenance therapy. Standard of care for newly diagnosed, fit patients includes ASCT and, often nowadays, posttransplant maintenance. Several large studies have shown the efficacy of maintenance with thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib in the treatment scheme of MM with regards to prolonging progression-free survival and, to a lesser degree, overall survival. Herein we discuss the data currently available to support the use of maintenance therapy in patients after ASCT as well as the newer available agents that may be a part of its changing landscape in the years to come.
Hamiltonian simulation with optimal sample complexity
Authors: Kimmel Shelby , Lin Cedric Yen-Yu , Low Guang Hao , Ozols Maris , Yoder Theodore J.
Published: March 2017

We investigate the sample complexity of Hamiltonian simulation: how many copies of an unknown quantum state are required to simulate a Hamiltonian encoded by the density matrix of that state? We show that the procedure proposed by Lloyd, Mohseni, and Rebentrost [Nat. Phys., 10(9):631–633, 2014] is optimal for this task. We further extend their method to the case of multiple input states, showing how to simulate any Hermitian polynomial of the states provided. As applications, we derive optimal algorithms for commutator simulation and orthogonality testing, and we give a protocol for creating a coherent superposition of pure states, when given sample access to those states. We also show that this sample-based Hamiltonian simulation can be used as the basis of a universal model of quantum computation that requires only partial swap operations and simple single-qubit states.
Evaluation of 5 Novel protein biomarkers for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis: preliminary results
Authors: Singh Amit , Kumar Gupta Anil , Gopinath Krishnamoorthy , Sharma Pawan , Singh Sarman
Published: March 2017

Improved methods are required for the early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially in the patients with smear-negative disease. Several biomarkers have been tried but most have shown poor sensitivity or specificity. In present study we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of five novel antigens identified earlier by us. This is an initial study conducted on 250 subjects. The five recombinant antigens, named as rSS1 (Rv2145c), rSS2 (Rv0164), rSS3 (Rv1437), rSS4 (Rv1827) and rSS5 (Rv2970c), were expressed in pQE-30 expression vector, purified and their sero-diagnostic efficacy was evaluated in an unblinded manner using dot-blot and ELISA methods. The sensitivity and specificity of these novel antigens were compared with commercially available standard esat6 and 38 kDa antigens. Bacteriologically confirmed TB patients, non-TB disease controls and healthy individuals were included. which are based on novel antigen or novel technology, Area under curve (AUC) of the selected antigens were 0.98 (0.98–0.99) for rSS1, 0.88 (0.84–0.92) for rSS2, 0.88 (0.84–0.92) for rSS3, 0.95 (0.93–0.98) for rSS4 and 0.99 (0.98–1.0) for rSS5. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve showed highly significant difference between TB and healthy subjects (p = <0.001). These initial findings, show that the recombinant antigens rSS1, rSS4 and rSS5 could be used as highly potential biomarkers for the serological diagnosis of active TB.
Resveratrol attenuates ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesiveness to TNF-α-treated endothelial cells: evidence for an anti-inflammatory cascade mediated by the miR-221/222/AMPK/p38/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Liu Chen-Wei , Sung Hsin-Ching , Lin Shu-Rung , Wu Chun-Wei , Lee Chiang-Wen , Lee I.-Ta , Yang Yi-Fan , Yu I-Shing , Lin Shu-Wha , Chiang Ming-Hsien , Liang Chan-Jung , Chen Yuh-Lien
Published: March 2017

Resveratrol, an edible polyphenolic phytoalexin, improves endothelial dysfunction and attenuates inflammation. However, the mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the molecular basis of the effects of resveratrol on TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in HUVECs. The resveratrol treatment significantly attenuated the TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression. The inhibition of p38 phosphorylation mediated the reduction in ICAM-1 expression caused by resveratrol. Resveratrol also decreased TNF-α-induced IκB phosphorylation and the phosphorylation, acetylation, and translocation of NF-κB p65. Moreover, resveratrol induced the AMPK phosphorylation and the SIRT1 expression in TNF-α-treated HUVECs. Furthermore, TNF-α significantly suppressed miR-221/-222 expression, which was reversed by resveratrol. miR-221/-222 overexpression decreased p38/NF-κB and ICAM-1 expression, which resulted in reduced monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-treated ECs. In a mouse model of acute TNF-α-induced inflammation, resveratrol effectively attenuated ICAM-1 expression in the aortic ECs of TNF-α-treated wild-type mice. These beneficial effects of resveratrol were lost in miR-221/222 knockout mice. Our data showed that resveratrol counteracted the TNF-α-mediated reduction in miR-221/222 expression and decreased the TNF-α-induced activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB, thereby suppressing ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion. Collectively, our results show that resveratrol attenuates endothelial inflammation by reducing ICAM-1 expression and that the protective effect was mediated partly through the miR-221/222/AMPK/p38/NF-κB pathway.
The Association between Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T1 Mapping and Myocardial Dysfunction in Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Zeng Mu , Qiao Yingyan , Wen Zhaoying , Liu Jun , Xiao Enhua , Tan Changlian , Xie Yibin , An Jing , Zhang Zishu , Fan Zhanming , Li Debiao
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between imaging surrogates for diffuse fibrosis and myocardial dysfunction. Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were classified into two groups: a control group (n = 18) and an alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) group (n = 18). For all rabbits, conventional ultrasonography, two-dimensional speckle tracking, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping were performed; all of the rabbits were then sacrificed for Masson’s staining. The extracellular volume (ECV) was calculated from pre- and post-contrast T1 values and compared with myocardial function measured by echocardiography using Pearson’s correlation. In the DM group, ECV increased as the duration of diabetes increased, consistent with the changes in myocardial fibrosis verified by pathology. Moreover, ECV was strongly correlated with the early diastolic strain rate (r = −0.782, p < 0.001) and moderately correlated with the radial systolic peak strain (r = 0.478, p = 0.045). Thus, ECV is an effective surrogate for myocardial diffuse fibrosis on CMR imaging, and higher ECV values are associated with an increased impairment of myocardial diastolic function.
Functional solid additive modified PEDOT:PSS as an anode buffer layer for enhanced photovoltaic performance and stability in polymer solar cells
Authors: Xu Binrui , Gopalan Sai-Anand , Gopalan Anantha-Iyengar , Muthuchamy Nallal , Lee Kwang-Pill , Lee Jae-Sung , Jiang Yu , Lee Sang-Won , Kim Sae-Wan , Kim Ju-Seong , Jeong Hyun-Min , Kwon Jin-Beom , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kang Shin-Won
Published: March 2017

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is most commonly used as an anode buffer layer in bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, its hygroscopic and acidic nature contributes to the insufficient electrical conductivity, air stability and restricted photovoltaic (PV) performance for the fabricated PSCs. In this study, a new multifunctional additive, 2,3-dihydroxypyridine (DOH), has been used in the PEDOT: PSS buffer layer to obtain modified properties for PEDOT: PSS@DOH and achieve high PV performances. The electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS@DOH films was markedly improved compared with that of PEDOT:PSS. The PEDOT:PSS@DOH film exhibited excellent optical characteristics, appropriate work function alignment, and good surface properties in BHJ-PSCs. When a poly(3-hexylthiohpene):[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester blend system was applied as the photoactive layer, the power conversion efficiency of the resulting PSCs with PEDOT:PSS@DOH(1.0%) reached 3.49%, outperforming pristine PEDOT:PSS, exhibiting a power conversion enhancement of 20%. The device fabricated using PEDOT:PSS@DOH (1.0 wt%) also exhibited improved thermal and air stability. Our results also confirm that DOH, a basic pyridine derivative, facilitates adequate hydrogen bonding interactions with the sulfonic acid groups of PSS, induces the conformational transformation of PEDOT chains and contributes to the phase separation between PEDOT and PSS chains.
Breeding system and spatial isolation from congeners strongly constrain seed set in an insect-pollinated apomictic tree: Sorbus subcuneata (Rosaceae)
Authors: Hamston Tracey J. , Wilson Robert J. , de Vere Natasha , Rich Tim C. G. , Stevens Jamie R. , Cresswell James E.
Published: March 2017

In plants, apomixis results in the production of clonal offspring via seed and can provide reproductive assurance for isolated individuals. However, many apomicts require pollination to develop functional endosperm for successful seed set (pseudogamy) and therefore risk pollination-limitation, particularly in self-incompatible species that require heterospecific pollen. We used microsatellite paternity analysis and hand pollinations to investigate pollen-limitation in Sorbus subcuneata, a threatened endemic tree that co-occurs with its congener, S. admonitor. We confirmed that S. subcuneata is an obligate pseudogamous apomict, but open-pollinated flowers rarely produced seed (flower-to-seed conversion < 1%) even though they rapidly accumulated pollen on their stigmas. Manual heterospecific pollination by S. admonitor resulted in a high flower-to-seed conversion rate (65%), however, we estimate that the ratio of self: heterospecific pollination in open-pollinated flowers was at least 22:1. Despite the efficacy of heterospecific pollination, the contribution of S. admonitor trees to paternity in seed from open-pollinated flowers of S. subcuneata decreased rapidly with the spatial separation between paternal and maternal trees. Conservation efforts aimed at maintaining species with this breeding system must therefore manage the congeners in tandem which will also maintain the potential for rare heterospecific fertilisation that typically cause rapid diversification in these lineages.
Optimal array of sand fences
Authors: Lima Izael A. , Araújo Ascânio D. , Parteli Eric J. R. , Andrade José S. , Herrmann Hans J.
Published: March 2017

Sand fences are widely applied to prevent soil erosion by wind in areas affected by desertification. Sand fences also provide a way to reduce the emission rate of dust particles, which is triggered mainly by the impacts of wind-blown sand grains onto the soil and affects the Earth’s climate. Many different types of fence have been designed and their effects on the sediment transport dynamics studied since many years. However, the search for the optimal array of fences has remained largely an empirical task. In order to achieve maximal soil protection using the minimal amount of fence material, a quantitative understanding of the flow profile over the relief encompassing the area to be protected including all employed fences is required. Here we use Computational Fluid Dynamics to calculate the average turbulent airflow through an array of fences as a function of the porosity, spacing and height of the fences. Specifically, we investigate the factors controlling the fraction of soil area over which the basal average wind shear velocity drops below the threshold for sand transport when the fences are applied. We introduce a cost function, given by the amount of material necessary to construct the fences. We find that, for typical sand-moving wind velocities, the optimal fence height (which minimizes this cost function) is around 50 cm, while using fences of height around 1.25 m leads to maximal cost.
The identification of d-tryptophan as a bioactive substance for postembryonic ovarian development in the planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuya , Maezawa Takanobu , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Onuki Hiroyuki , Horiguchi Yurie , Hirota Hiroshi , Ishida Tetsuo , Horiike Kihachiro , Agata Yasutoshi , Aoki Manabu , Hoshi Motonori , Matsumoto Midori
Published: March 2017

Many metazoans start germ cell development during embryogenesis, while some metazoans possessing pluripotent stem cells undergo postembryonic germ cell development. The latter reproduce asexually but develop germ cells from pluripotent stem cells or dormant primordial germ cells when they reproduce sexually. Sexual induction of the planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis is an important model for postembryonic germ cell development. In this experimental system, hermaphroditic reproductive organs are differentiated in presumptive gonadal regions by the administration of a crude extract from sexual planarians to asexual ones. However, the substances involved in the first event during postembryonic germ cell development, i.e., ovarian development, remain unknown. Here, we aimed to identify a bioactive compound associated with postembryonic ovarian development. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified ʟ-tryptophan (Trp) on the basis of electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Originally masked by a large amount of ʟ-Trp, d-Trp was detected by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The ovary-inducing activity of d-Trp was 500 times more potent than that of ʟ-Trp. This is the first report describing a role for an intrinsic d-amino acid in postembryonic germ cell development. Our findings provide a novel insight into the mechanisms of germ cell development regulated by low-molecular weight bioactive compounds.
Coexistence of superconductivity and charge-density wave in the quasi-one-dimensional material HfTe3
Authors: Denholme Saleem J. , Yukawa Akinori , Tsumura Kohei , Nagao Masanori , Tamura Ryuji , Watauchi Satoshi , Tanaka Isao , Takayanagi Hideaki , Miyakawa Nobuaki
Published: March 2017

We present the first experimental evidence for metallicity, superconductivity (SC) and the co-existence of charge density waves (CDW) in the quasi-one-dimensional material HfTe3. The existence of such phenomena is a typical characteristic of the transition metal chalcogenides however, without the application of hydrostatic pressure/chemical doping, it is rare for a material to exhibit the co-existence of both states. Materials such as HfTe3 can therefore provide us with a unique insight into the relationship between these multiple ordered states. By improving on the original synthesis conditions, we have successfully synthesised single phase HfTe3 and confirmed the resultant structure by performing Rietveld refinement. Using low temperature resistivity measurements, we provide the first experimental evidence of SC at ~1.4 K as well as a resistive anomaly indicative of a CDW formation at ~82 K. By the application of hydrostatic-pressure, the resistivity anomaly shifts to higher temperature. The results show that HfTe3 is a promising new material to help study the relationship between SC and CDW.
A Portable Immunosensor with Differential Pressure Gauges Readout for Alpha Fetoprotein Detection
Authors: Wang Qingping , Li Rongjie , Shao Kang , Lin Yue , Yang Weiqiang , Guo Longhua , Qiu Bin , Lin Zhenyu , Chen Guonan
Published: March 2017

A portable, affordable and simple detector is requested in a “Point-of-Care-Testing” (POCT) system. In this study, we exploited the potentialities of Differential Pressure Gauge (DPG) to the orientation of POCT technology. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) was chosen as a model analyte that could specifically recognized by its antigen, and a tiny outfits equipped with a DPG was employed as the signal readout. Pt/SiO2nanospheres were synthesized and modified with the detection antibody. In the presence of target, a sandwich of immunocomplex specifically formed and the Pt/SiO2had been modified on the capture antibody. Which then can be dissolved to release plenty of Pt and the suspensions were transferred into a closed vial filled with appropriated amount of hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, hydrogen peroxide was decomposed to produce oxygen, resulting in the enhancement of pressure in the closed vial and which can be detected by DPG easily. Under the optimized conditions, the read out signal from DPG had a direct relationship with AFP concentrations in the range of 10~200 ng/mL, and the detection limit was as low as 3.4 ng/mL. The proposed portable sensor had been successfully applied to detect AFP in serum samples with satisfactory results. This strategy holds a great promising in biological analysis as its convenient operations, reliable results and flexible apparatus.
Cross-Talk Between Nickel and Other Metals in Microbial Systems
Authors: Nies D. H. , Covès J. , Sawers R. G.
Published: March 2017

Nickel is one of several transition metal cations that have an important function in bacterial cells. Owing to similar sizes and chemical properties, all transition metal cations interact with each other’s metabolism in biological systems. The task of a cell is to acquire sufficient nickel ions from its environment and to allocate this metal ion efficiently to nickel-dependent proteins. This must be done without causing too much collateral damage due to the potential negative effects of nickel ions on the metabolism of other transition metal cations, and vice versa. This chapter describes how this can be accomplished from the point of view of the bacterial cell.
A fragment-based docking simulation for investigating peptide–protein bindings
Authors: Liao Jun-min , Wang Yeng-Tseng , Lin Chen-lung Steve
Published: March 2017

We developed a fragment-based docking strategy for long peptide docking simulations, which separates a long peptide into halves for docking, and then recombined to rebuild whole-peptide docking conformations. With further screening, optimizations and MM/GBSA scoring, our method was capable of efficiently predicting the near-native peptide binding conformations.
Effect of ion–ligand binding on ion pairing dynamics studied by two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kwon YoungAh , Lee Junho , Park Sungnam
Published: March 2017

Cation-specific ion pairing dynamics between M+ (M = Ag or Cu) and SCN− in N,N-dimethylthioformamide (DMTF) are studied by probing the nitrile (CN) stretching vibration.
2D quasi-ordered nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon materials from ionic liquid as metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR
Authors: Huang Bao-Bing , Luo Zhi-Yong , Zhang Jun-Jun , Xie Zai-Lai
Published: March 2017

This study explores the novel 2D heteroatom-doped carbon materials for high performance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Electrocatalytic water oxidation by copper(ii) complexes containing a tetra- or pentadentate amine-pyridine ligand
Authors: Shen Junyu , Wang Mei , Zhang Peili , Jiang Jian , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2017

Two copper(ii) complexes were demonstrated to be catalytically active for electrochemical water oxidation with good stability in pH 11.5 solutions.
A luminogenic lanthanide-based probe for the highly selective detection of nanomolar sulfide levels in aqueous samples
Authors: Aulsebrook Margaret L. , Biswas Suvendu , Leaver Franklin M. , Grace Michael R. , Graham Bim , Barrios Amy M. , Tuck Kellie L.
Published: March 2017

A novel bimetallic terbium(iii)/copper(ii) complex for the luminescent detection of hydrogen sulfide in aqueous samples is described.
Selective binding in different adsorption sites of a 2D covalent organic framework
Authors: Cui D. , MacLeod J. M. , Ebrahimi M. , Rosei F.
Published: March 2017

Monolayer covalent organic frameworks selectively bind fullerenes and trichlorobenzene at different sites via different types of interactions.
Controlling the atomic distribution in PtPd nanoparticles: thermal stability and reactivity during NO abatement
Authors: Schafer D. , Castegnaro M. V. , Gorgeski A. , Rochet A. , Briois V. , Alves M. C. M. , Morais J.
Published: March 2017

In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry measurements were employed to simultaneously probe the atom specific short range order and reactivity of Pd and PtPd nanoparticles towards NO decomposition at 300 °C.
Effects of orientation at the phthalocyanine–CdSe interface on the electron transfer characteristics
Authors: Golovanov V. V. , Nazarchuk B. V. , Golovanova V. V. , Tkachenko N. V. , Rantala T. T.
Published: March 2017

A theoretical study of a phthalocyanine molecule anchored on CdSe quantum dots demonstrated strong orientational effects and the important role of a linker in the photoinduced charge transfer between the components.
Electron-triggered chemistry in HNO3/H2O complexes
Authors: Lengyel Jozef , Ončák Milan , Fedor Juraj , Kočišek Jaroslav , Pysanenko Andriy , Beyer Martin K. , Fárník Michal
Published: March 2017

Electron attachment to mixed HNO3/H2O clusters yields several atmospherically relevant species such as NO3−, HONO and OH radical.
Structural and dynamical instability of DNA caused by high occurrence of d5SICS and dNaM unnatural nucleotides
Authors: Galindo-Murillo Rodrigo , Barroso-Flores Joaquín
Published: March 2017

Even when d5SICS and dNaM have been successfully replicatedin vivowithin anE. colistrand, their presence highly destabilizes DNA's double helix.
The aqueous supramolecular chemistry of cucurbit[n]urils, pillar[n]arenes and deep-cavity cavitands
Authors: Murray James , Kim Kimoon , Ogoshi Tomoki , Yao Wei , Gibb Bruce C.
Published: March 2017

This tutorial review summarizes the continuing exploration of three prominent water-soluble hosts: cucurbiturils, pillar[n]arenes and deep-cavity cavitands.
Slow magnetic relaxations in a ladder-type Dy(iii) complex and its dinuclear analogue
Authors: Boča R. , Stolárová M. , Falvello L. R. , Tomás M. , Titiš J. , Černák J.
Published: March 2017

The complex {[Dy2(PDOA)3(H2O)6]·2H2O}n (1) (H2PDOA = 1,2-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid) was prepared from aqueous solution.
Low-temperature synthesis of SrTiO3nanoassemblies on DNA scaffolds and their applications in dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors
Authors: Karthick K. , Ede Sivasankara Rao , Nithiyanantham U. , Kundu Subrata
Published: March 2017

Aggregated SrTiO3nanoassemblies on DNA scaffolds have been synthesized at ambient conditions and utilized as anode material both in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and in supercapacitors.
Iron-catalyzed cascade cyanoalkylation/radical dearomatization of N-phenylcinnamamides: access to cyanoalkylated 1-azaspiro[4.5]decanes
Authors: Zhang Honglin , Zhu Chengjian
Published: March 2017

An iron-catalyzed tandem cyanoalkylative dearomatization of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-cinnamamides via C(sp3)–H functionalization of nitriles with excellent regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity was developed.
A comparative study of the photovoltaic performances of terpolymers and ternary systems
Authors: Genene Zewdneh , Wang Junyi , Xu Xiaofeng , Yang Renqiang , Mammo Wendimagegn , Wang Ergang
Published: March 2017

Terpolymer systems were realized as a good strategy to combine two incompatible polymers as compared to ternary systems.
Influence of releasing graphene oxide into a clayey sand: physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhou Guo-Xiang , Zhong Jing , Zhang Heng , Hu Xinhua , Wu Jianlin , Koratkar Nikhil , Shi Xianming
Published: March 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) is increasingly used in various applications, and the implications of this nano-sized material entering the natural environment are of great interest.
Indenothiophene-based asymmetric small molecules for organic solar cells
Authors: Shang Qi , Wang Meng , Wei Jiajun , Zheng Qingdong
Published: March 2017

Indenothiophene-based asymmetric small molecules have been designed, synthesized, and used for organic solar cells with efficiencies up to 4.57%.
Non-contact Mn1−xNixFe2O4 ferrite nano-heaters for biological applications – heat energy generated by NIR irradiation
Authors: Pązik Robert , Zachanowicz Emilia , Pożniak Błażej , Małecka Małgorzata , Zięcina Aleksander , Marciniak Łukasz
Published: March 2017

Effective heat generation achieved on Mn1−xNixFe2O4ferrite nano-heaters using NIR light irradiation instead of AC magnetic field.
Polymeric vesicle formation via temperature-assisted nanoprecipitation
Authors: Zhou Junli , Ni Rong , Chau Ying
Published: March 2017

We here report an easy and efficient strategy to prepare submicron-sized polymeric vesicles with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a good solvent through temperature-assisted nanoprecipitation (TAN).
Continuous-flow synthesis of fluorine-containing fine chemicals with integrated benchtop NMR analysis
Authors: Rehm Thomas H. , Hofmann Christian , Reinhard Dorothee , Kost Hans-Joachim , Löb Patrick , Besold Matthias , Welzel Knut , Barten Jan , Didenko Andrey , Sevenard Dmitri V. , Lix Bruce , Hillson Andrew R. , Riegel Susanne D.
Published: March 2017

Fluorine fine chemical synthesis takes a step ahead using integrated NMR online-analysis with a benchtop NMR spectrometer.
In situ surface derivation of an Fe–Co–Bi layer on an Fe-doped Co3O4 nanoarray for efficient water oxidation electrocatalysis under near-neutral conditions
Authors: Zhu Guilei , Ge Ruixiang , Qu Fengli , Du Gu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Yao Yadong , Sun Xuping
Published: March 2017

A core–shell Fe–Co3O4@Fe–Co–Bi nanoarray (Fe–Co3O4@Fe–Co–Bi/CC) acts as a superior catalyst electrode for water oxidation, with the need of an overpotential of 420 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 in 0.1 M K-Bi.
Graphene oxide-decorated silver dendrites for high-performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications
Authors: Hu Litao , Liu Yan Jun , Han Yanshun , Chen Peixi , Zhang Chao , Li Chonghui , Lu Zhengyi , Luo Dan , Jiang Shouzhen
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate graphene oxide (GO)-decorated Ag dendritic nanostructures on a copper substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications.
Large scale synthesis of an amorphous polyester elastomer with tunable mechanoluminescence and preliminary application in optical strain sensing
Authors: Shou Hongguo , Jia Kun , Zhou Xin , Gao Lingqiang , He Xiaohong , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Dawei , Liu Xiaobo
Published: March 2017

The luminescent copolyester elastomer has been synthesized in industrial scale and used for optical strain sensing for the first time.
miR-330-5p suppresses glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasiveness through targeting ITGA5
Authors: Feng Linsen , Ma Jianhua , Ji Haiming , Liu Yichun , Hu Weixing
Published: March 2017

The present study intended to investigate the biological effects of miR-330-5p on glioblastoma (GBM) cell proliferation and invasiveness by targeting integrin α5 (ITGA5). The expressions of miR-330-5p and ITGA5 mRNA in GBM cell lines (U87, U251, and U373) and normal brain glial cell line (HEB) were detected using RT-qPCR. Protein expression of ITGA5 was examined using Western blot. The present study used MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry analysis in order to determine the biological functions of GBM cells (including cell proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle). The present study applied dual-luciferase reporter gene assay to identify the target relationship between miR-330-5p and ITGA5. miR-330-5p was low-expressed in GBM cell lines while ITGA5 was high-expressed compared with HEB. miR-330-5p could directly target ITGA5 as well as suppress its expression in GBM cells. Up-regulation of miR-330-5p and down-regulation of ITGA5 both have an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Meanwhile, they could also promote GBM cell apoptosis. miR-330-5p could suppress proliferation and invasion of GBM cells through targeting ITGA5.
Directional Asymmetries in Vowel Perception of Adult Nonnative Listeners Do Not Change Over Time With Language Experience
Authors: Kriengwatana Buddhamas Pralle , Escudero Paola
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study tested an assumption of the Natural Referent Vowel (Polka & Bohn, 2011) framework, namely, that directional asymmetries in adult vowel perception can be influenced by language experience.

Method

Data from participants reported in Escudero and Williams (2014) were analyzed. Spanish participants categorized the Dutch vowels /aː/ and /ɑ/ in 2 separate sessions: before and after vowel distributional training. Sessions were 12 months apart. Categorization was assessed using the XAB task, where on each trial participants heard 3 sounds sequentially (first X, then A, then B) and had to decide whether X was more similar to A or B.

Results

Before training, participants exhibited a directional asymmetry in line with the prediction of Natural Referent Vowel. Specifically, Spanish listeners performed worse when the vowel change from X to A was a change from peripheral to central vowel (/ɑ/ to /aː/). However, this asymmetry was maintained 12 months later, even though distributional training improved vowel categorization performance.

Conclusions

Improvements in adult nonnative vowel categorization accuracy are not explained by attenuation of directional asymmetries. Directional asymmetries in vowel perception are altered during native language acquisition, but may possibly be impervious to nonnative language experiences in adulthood.
The Cerebellum and Its Wrapping Meninge: Developmental Interplay between Two Major Structures
Authors: Catala Martin
Published: March 2017

Meninges have long been considered as a protective and supportive tissue for the central nervous system. Nevertheless, new developmental roles are now attributed to them. The meninges that surround the cerebellum come from the cephalic mesoderm. They are essential for the cerebellum to develop normally. They induce and maintain the basal lamina and glia limitans. In the absence of these structures, the external granular cells of the cerebellum migrate aberrantly and penetrate the subarachnoid space. The molecules involved in the recognition between the cerebellar primordium and the basal lamina belong to two groups in humans: dystroglycan and laminin on the one hand, and GPR56 and collagen III on the other. Finally, molecules secreted by the meninges and acting on the cerebellum begin to be demonstrated; such is the case of SDF1 secreted under the action of FOXC1.
Labordiagnostik bei metabolischen Knochenerkrankungen – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Lange Uwe , Reuss-Borst Monika
Published: March 2017

Ein wichtiges Tool in der Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik osteologischer Erkrankungen stellt die Labormedizin dar. So dient das in der S3-Leitlinie Osteoporose empfohlene Basislabor zur Differenzierung zwischen primärer und sekundärer Osteoporose, was aufgrund der therapeutischen Konsequenzen von elementarer Bedeutung ist. Knochenumbaumarker geben zusätzliche Informationen zur Abschätzung der Dynamik des Knochenstoffwechsels. Die Knochenstoffwechselmarker finden vorwiegend als Orientierungshilfe bei der Therapieentscheidung, der Verlaufsbeobachtung unter einer osteospezifischen Medikation und im Compliance-Monitoring Anwendung. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrages ist die Darlegung der Bedeutung der etablierten osteologischen Labordiagnostik bei metabolischen Knochenerkrankungen im Praxisalltag.
Characterizing fluid and kinetic instabilities using field-particle correlations on single-point time series
Authors: Klein Kristopher G.
Published: March 2017

A recently proposed technique correlating electric fields and particle velocity distributions is applied to single-point time series extracted from linearly unstable, electrostatic numerical simulations. The form of the correlation, which measures the transfer of phase-space energy density between the electric field and plasma distributions and that had previously been applied to damped electrostatic systems, is modified to include the effects of drifting equilibrium distributions of the type that drive counter-streaming and bump-on-tail instabilities. By using single-point time series, the correlation is ideal for diagnosing dynamics in systems where access to integrated quantities, such as energy, is observationally infeasible. The velocity-space structure of the field-particle correlation is shown to characterize the underlying physical mechanisms driving unstable systems. The use of this correlation in simple systems will assist in its eventual application to turbulent, magnetized plasmas, with the ultimate goal of characterizing the nature of mechanisms that damp turbulent fluctuations in the solar wind.
Extending geometrical optics: A Lagrangian theory for vector waves
Authors: Ruiz D. E. , Dodin I. Y.
Published: March 2017

Even when neglecting diffraction effects, the well-known equations of geometrical optics (GO) are not entirely accurate. Traditional GO treats wave rays as classical particles, which are completely described by their coordinates and momenta, but vector-wave rays have another degree of freedom, namely, their polarization. The polarization degree of freedom manifests itself as an effective (classical) “wave spin” that can be assigned to rays and can affect the wave dynamics accordingly. A well-known manifestation of polarization dynamics is mode conversion, which is the linear exchange of quanta between different wave modes and can be interpreted as a rotation of the wave spin. Another, less-known polarization effect is the polarization-driven bending of ray trajectories. This work presents an extension and reformulation of GO as a first-principle Lagrangian theory, whose effective Hamiltonian governs the aforementioned polarization phenomena simultaneously. As an example, the theory is applied to describe the polarization-driven divergence of right-hand and left-hand circularly polarized electromagnetic waves in weakly magnetized plasma.