bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zusammenhang zwischen Lücken im Lebenslauf und Berufserfolg
Authors: Frank Florian , Wach Dominika , Kanning Uwe Peter
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Mit dieser explorativ angelegten Studie (N = 2225) wird kritisch hinterfragt, ob und inwieweit Lücken im Lebenslauf Indikatoren für den Berufserfolg darstellen. Dabei bilden die Lückendauer im Allgemeinen sowie separiert nach neun Gründen für deren Entstehen die Prädiktoren. Als Kriterien für den Berufserfolg dienen Entwicklung und Höhe des Einkommens, beruflicher Status sowie subjektive Erfolgseinschätzungen. Effekte des Geschlechts, Alters, der Ausbildung sowie sozial erwünschten Antwortverhaltens wurden herauspartialisiert. Für die Gesamtstichprobe ergeben sich signifikante negative Zusammenhänge zwischen der Lückendauer und allen Berufserfolgskriterien, die jedoch als gering anzusehen sind. Bei Berücksichtigung der Ursachen für die Lücken zeigt sich, dass die Lückendauer aufgrund von Reisen mit keinem der Kriterien einen signifikanten Zusammenhang aufweist. Das Gegenteil zeigt sich bei einer unfreiwilligen Arbeitslosigkeit. Aufgrund der geringen Varianzaufklärung des Berufserfolgs durch Lücken im Lebenslauf und den in sich differenziert zu betrachtenden Ergebnissen, erscheint eine pauschale Nutzung von Lücken im Lebenslauf als Kriterium in der Personalauswahl nicht empfehlenswert.
Administration frequency as well as dosage of PTH are associated with development of cortical porosity in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Takakura Aya , Lee Ji-Won , Hirano Kyoko , Isogai Yukihiro , Ishizuya Toshinori , Takao-Kawabata Ryoko , Iimura Tadahiro
Published: April 2017

To investigate whether the administration frequency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is associated with the development of cortical porosity, this study established 15 dosage regimens of teriparatide [human PTH(1–34), TPTD] with four distinct concentrations and four distinct administration frequencies of TPTD to 16-week-old ovariectomized rats. Our analyses demonstrated that the bone mineral density, mechanical properties, and bone turnover were associated with the total amount of TPTD administered. Our observations further revealed that the cortical porosity was markedly developed as a result of an increased administration frequency with a lower concentration of total TPTD administration in our setting, although the highest concentration also induced cortical porosity. Deconvolution fluorescence tiling imaging on calcein-labeled undecalcified bone sections also demonstrated the development of cortical porosity to be closely associated with the bone site where periosteal bone formation took place. This site-specific cortical porosity involved intracortical bone resorption and an increased number and proximity of osteocytic lacunae, occasionally causing fused lacunae. Taken together, these findings suggested the involvement of local distinctions in the rate of bone growth that may be related to the site-specific mechanical properties in the development of cortical porosity induced by frequent and/or high doses of TPTD.
Doubling of coastal flooding frequency within decades due to sea-level rise
Authors: Vitousek Sean , Barnard Patrick L. , Fletcher Charles H. , Frazer Neil , Erikson Li , Storlazzi Curt D.
Published: April 2017

Global climate change drives sea-level rise, increasing the frequency of coastal flooding. In most coastal regions, the amount of sea-level rise occurring over years to decades is significantly smaller than normal ocean-level fluctuations caused by tides, waves, and storm surge. However, even gradual sea-level rise can rapidly increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. So far, global-scale estimates of increased coastal flooding due to sea-level rise have not considered elevated water levels due to waves, and thus underestimate the potential impact. Here we use extreme value theory to combine sea-level projections with wave, tide, and storm surge models to estimate increases in coastal flooding on a continuous global scale. We find that regions with limited water-level variability, i.e., short-tailed flood-level distributions, located mainly in the Tropics, will experience the largest increases in flooding frequency. The 10 to 20 cm of sea-level rise expected no later than 2050 will more than double the frequency of extreme water-level events in the Tropics, impairing the developing economies of equatorial coastal cities and the habitability of low-lying Pacific island nations.
Brain iron chelation by deferiprone in a phase 2 randomised double-blinded placebo controlled clinical trial in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Martin-Bastida Antonio , Ward Roberta J. , Newbould Rexford , Piccini Paola , Sharp David , Kabba Christina , Patel Maneesh C. , Spino Michael , Connelly John , Tricta Fernando , Crichton Robert R. , Dexter David T.
Published: April 2017

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with increased iron levels in the substantia nigra (SNc). This study evaluated whether the iron chelator, deferiprone, is well tolerated, able to chelate iron from various brain regions and improve PD symptomology. In a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled trial, 22 early onset PD patients, were administered deferiprone, 10 or 15 mg/kg BID or placebo, for 6 months. Patients were evaluated for PD severity, cognitive function, depression rating and quality of life. Iron concentrations were assessed in the substantia nigra (SNc), dentate and caudate nucleus, red nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus by T2* MRI at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Deferiprone therapy was well tolerated and was associated with a reduced dentate and caudate nucleus iron content compared to placebo. Reductions in iron content of the SNc occurred in only 3 patients, with no changes being detected in the putamen or globus pallidus. Although 30 mg/kg deferiprone treated patients showed a trend for improvement in motor-UPDRS scores and quality of life, this did not reach significance. Cognitive function and mood were not adversely affected by deferiprone therapy. Such data supports more extensive clinical trials into the potential benefits of iron chelation in PD.
Identification of a High-Affinity Pyruvate Receptor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Behr Stefan , Kristoficova Ivica , Witting Michael , Breland Erin J. , Eberly Allison R. , Sachs Corinna , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Hadjifrangiskou Maria , Jung Kirsten
Published: April 2017

Two-component systems are crucial for signal perception and modulation of bacterial behavior. Nevertheless, to date, very few ligands have been identified that directly interact with histidine kinases. The histidine kinase/response regulator system YehU/YehT ofEscherichia coliis part of a nutrient-sensing network. Here we demonstrate that this system senses the onset of nutrient limitation in amino acid rich media and responds to extracellular pyruvate. Binding of radiolabeled pyruvate was found for full-length YehU in right-side-out membrane vesicles as well as for a truncated, membrane-integrated variant, confirming that YehU is a high-affinity receptor for extracellular pyruvate. Therefore we propose to rename YehU/YehT as BtsS/BtsR, after “Brenztraubensäure”, the name given to pyruvic acid when it was first synthesized. The function of BtsS/BtsR was also assessed in a clinically relevant uropathogenicE.colistrain. Quantitative transcriptional analysis revealed BtsS/BtsR importance during acute and chronic urinary-tract infections.
Compromised neuroplasticity in cigarette smokers under nicotine withdrawal is restituted by the nicotinic α4β2-receptor partial agonist varenicline
Authors: Batsikadze G. , Paulus W. , Hasan A. , Grundey J. , Kuo M.-F. , Nitsche M. A.
Published: April 2017

Nicotine modulates neuroplasticity and improves cognitive functions in animals and humans. In the brain of smoking individuals, calcium-dependent plasticity induced by non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and paired associative stimulation (PAS) is impaired by nicotine withdrawal, but partially re-established after nicotine re-administration. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism further, we tested the impact of the α4β2-nicotinic receptor partial agonist varenicline on focal and non-focal plasticity in smokers during nicotine withdrawal, induced by PAS and tDCS, respectively. We administered low (0.3 mg) and high (1.0 mg) single doses of varenicline or placebo medication before stimulation over the left motor cortex of 20 healthy smokers under nicotine withdrawal. Motor cortex excitability was monitored by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced motor evoked potential amplitudes for 36 hours after plasticity induction. Stimulation-induced plasticity was absent under placebo medication, whereas it was present in all conditions under high dose. Low dose restituted only tDCS-induced non-focal plasticity, producing no significant impact on focal plasticity. High dose varenicline also prolonged inhibitory plasticity. These results are comparable to the impact of nicotine on withdrawal-related impaired plasticity in smokers and suggest that α4β2 nicotinic receptors are relevantly involved in plasticity deficits and restitution in smokers.
PII Protein-Derived FRET Sensors for Quantification and Live-Cell Imaging of 2-Oxoglutarate
Authors: Lüddecke Jan , Francois Liliana , Spät Philipp , Watzer Björn , Chilczuk Tomasz , Poschet Gernot , Hell Rüdiger , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Forchhammer Karl
Published: April 2017

The citric acid cycle intermediate 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG, a.k.a. alpha-ketoglutarate) links the carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways and can provide information on the metabolic status of cells. In recent years, it has become exceedingly clear that 2-OG also acts as a master regulator of diverse biologic processes in all domains of life. Consequently, there is a great demand for time-resolved data on 2-OG fluctuations that can’t be adequately addressed using established methods like mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis. Therefore, we set out to develop a novel intramolecular 2-OG FRET sensor based on the signal transduction protein PII from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. We created two variants of the sensor, with a dynamic range for 2-OG from 0.1 µM to 0.1 mM or from 10 µM to 10 mM. As proof of concept, we applied the sensors to determine in situ glutamine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT) activity in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 cells and measured 2-OG concentrations in cell extracts from Escherichia coli in vitro. Finally, we could show the sensors’ functionality in living human cell lines, demonstrating their potential in the context of mechanistic studies and drug screening.
Associations between prediagnostic blood glucose levels, diabetes, and glioma
Authors: Schwartzbaum Judith , Edlinger Michael , Zigmont Victoria , Stattin Pär , Rempala Grzegorz A. , Nagel Gabriele , Hammar Niklas , Ulmer Hanno , Föger Bernhard , Walldius Göran , Manjer Jonas , Malmström Håkan , Feychting Maria
Published: April 2017

Previous literature indicates that pre-diagnostic diabetes and blood glucose levels are inversely related to glioma risk. To replicate these findings and determine whether they could be attributed to excess glucose consumption by the preclinical tumour, we used data from the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) (n = 528,580) and the Metabolic syndrome and Cancer project (Me-Can) cohorts (n = 269,365). We identified individuals who were followed for a maximum of 15 years after their first blood glucose test until glioma diagnosis, death, emigration or the end of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and their interactions with time were estimated using Cox time-dependent regression. As expected, pre-diagnostic blood glucose levels were inversely related to glioma risk (AMORIS, Ptrend = 0.002; Me-Can, Ptrend = 0.04) and pre-diagnostic diabetes (AMORIS, HR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53). During the year before diagnosis, blood glucose was inversely associated with glioma in the AMORIS (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.93) but not the Me-Can cohort (HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.56). This AMORIS result is consistent with our hypothesis that excess glucose consumption by the preclinical tumour accounts for the inverse association between blood glucose and glioma. We discuss additional hypothetical mechanisms that may explain our paradoxical findings.
Improved growth performance, food efficiency, and lysine availability in growing rats fed with lysine-biofortified rice
Authors: Yang Qing-Qing , Suen Pui Kit , Zhang Chang-Quan , Mak Wan Sheung , Gu Ming-Hong , Liu Qiao-Quan , Sun Samuel Sai-Ming
Published: April 2017

Rice is an excellent source of protein, and has an adequate balance of amino acids with the exception of the essential amino acid lysine. By using a combined enhancement of lysine synthesis and suppression of its catabolism, we had produced two transgenic rice lines HFL1 and HFL2 (High Free Lysine) containing high concentration of free lysine. In this study, a 70-day rat feeding study was conducted to assess the nutritional value of two transgenic lines as compared with either their wild type (WT) or the WT rice supplemented with different concentrations of L-lysine. The results revealed that animal performance, including body weight, food intake, and food efficiency, was greater in the HFL groups than in the WT group. Moreover, the HFL diets had increased protein apparent digestibility, protein efficiency ratio, and lysine availability than the WT diet. Based on the linear relationship between dietary L-lysine concentrations and animal performance, it indicated that the biological indexes of the HFL groups were similar or better than that of the WT20 group, which was supplemented with L-lysine concentrations similar to those present in the HFL diets. Therefore, lysine-biofortified rice contributed to improved growth performance, food efficiency, and lysine availability in growing rats.
Interplay between CCN1 and Wnt5a in endothelial cells and pericytes determines the angiogenic outcome in a model of ischemic retinopathy
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Elaskandrany Menna , Lau Lester F. , Lazzaro Douglas , Grant Maria B. , Chaqour Brahim
Published: April 2017

CYR61-CTGF-NOV (CCN)1 is a dynamically expressed extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with critical functions in cardiovascular development and tissue repair. Angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) are a major cellular source of CCN1 which, once secreted, associates with the ECM and the cell surface and tightly controls the bidirectional flow of information between cells and the surrounding matrix. Endothelium-specific CCN1 deletion in mice using a cre/lox strategy induces EC hyperplasia and causes blood vessels to coalesce into large flat hyperplastic sinuses with no distinctive hierarchical organization. This is consistent with the role of CCN1 as a negative feedback regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor activation. In the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), pericytes become the predominant CCN1 producing cells. Pericyte-specific deletion of CCN1 significantly decreases pathological retinal neovascularization following OIR. CCN1 induces the expression of the non-canonical Wnt5a in pericyte but not in EC cultures. In turn, exogenous Wnt5a inhibits CCN1 gene expression, induces EC proliferation and increases hypersprouting. Concordantly, treatment of mice with TNP470, a non-canonical Wnt5a inhibitor, reestablishes endothelial expression of CCN1 and significantly decreases pathological neovascular growth in OIR. Our data highlight the significance of CCN1-EC and CCN1-pericyte communication signals in driving physiological and pathological angiogenesis.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation is primarily dependent on MyD88, but TNFα expression requires TRIF and MyD88
Authors: Sakai Jiro , Cammarota Eugenia , Wright John A. , Cicuta Pietro , Gottschalk Rachel A. , Li Ning , Fraser Iain D. C. , Bryant Clare E.
Published: April 2017

TLR4 signalling through the MyD88 and TRIF-dependent pathways initiates translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB into the nucleus. In cell population studies using mathematical modeling and functional analyses, Chenget al. suggested that LPS-driven activation of MyD88, in the absence of TRIF, impairs NF-κB translocation. We tested the model proposed by Chenget al. using real-time single cell analysis in macrophages expressing EGFP-tagged p65 and a TNFα promoter-driven mCherry. Following LPS stimulation, cells lacking TRIF show a pattern of NF-κB dynamics that is unaltered from wild-type cells, but activation of the TNFα promoter is impaired. In macrophages lacking MyD88, there is minimal NF-κB translocation to the nucleus in response to LPS stimulation, and there is no activation of the TNFα promoter. These findings confirm that signalling through MyD88 is the primary driver for LPS-dependent NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. The pattern of NF-κB dynamics in TRIF-deficient cells does not, however, directly reflect the kinetics of TNFα promoter activation, supporting the concept that TRIF-dependent signalling plays an important role in the transcription of this cytokine.
Protective effect of antioxidants on the pre-maturation aging of mouse oocytes
Authors: Liang Li-Feng , Qi Shu-Tao , Xian Ye-Xing , Huang Lin , Sun Xiao-Fang , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: April 2017

Pre-maturation aging of immature oocytes may adversely affect the fate of an oocyte. Oxidative stress is one of the most detrimental factors affecting oocyte developmental competence and maturation during aging. In this study, experiments were designed to examine whether supplementation of antioxidants in a culture medium could protect immature mouse oocytes from damages caused by oxidative stress. Mouse oocytes at germinal vesicle stage were prevented from meiosis resumption and cultured in a medium with or without antioxidants for 12–36 h to allow oocytes to undergo aging. After aging, oocytes were cultured for maturation. Nuclear maturation, mitochondria activity, spindle morphology and DNA integrity were examined after maturation. It was found that antioxidants had protective effects on the oocytes in terms of nuclear maturation, functional mitochondria, spindle morphology and DNA integrity. As aging time was prolonged from 12 to 36 h, the protective effect of antioxidants became more obvious. However, as compared with oocytes without aging, it was found that aging significantly inhibited nuclear maturation, impaired mitochondria function, and damaged the spindle and DNA. These results indicate that pre-maturation aging is detrimental to oocytes’ competence to undergo maturation and other cellular activities, and antioxidants can protect oocytes from damages caused by aging.
Policing the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis: a critical test of partner choice
Authors: Westhoek Annet , Field Elsa , Rehling Finn , Mulley Geraldine , Webb Isabel , Poole Philip S. , Turnbull Lindsay A.
Published: April 2017

In legume-Rhizobium symbioses, specialised soil bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen in return for carbon. However, ineffective strains can arise, making discrimination essential. Discrimination can occur via partner choice, where legumes prevent ineffective strains from entering, or via sanctioning, where plants provide fewer resources. Several studies have inferred that legumes exercise partner choice, but the rhizobia compared were not otherwise isogenic. To test when and how plants discriminate ineffective strains we developed sets of fixing and non-fixing strains that differed only in the expression of nifH – essential for nitrogen fixation – and could be visualised using marker genes. We show that the plant is unable to select against the non-fixing strain at the point of entry, but that non-fixing nodules are sanctioned. We also used the technique to characterise mixed nodules (containing both a fixing and a non-fixing strain), whose frequency could be predicted using a simple diffusion model. We discuss that sanctioning is likely to evolve in preference to partner choice in any symbiosis where partner quality cannot be adequately assessed until goods or services are actively exchanged.
A HAND to TBX5 Explains the Link Between Thalidomide and Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Khalil Athar , Tanos Rachel , El-Hachem Nehmé , Kurban Mazen , Bouvagnet Patrice , Bitar Fadi , Nemer Georges
Published: April 2017

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death in the first year of life. Mutations only in few genes have been linked to some cases of CHD. Thalidomide was used by pregnant women for morning sickness but was removed from the market because it caused severe malformations including CHDs. We used both in silico docking software, and in vitro molecular and biochemical methods to document a novel interaction involving Thalidomide, TBX5, and HAND2. Thalidomide binds readily to TBX5 through amino acids R81, R82, and K226 all implicated in DNA binding. It reduces TBX5 binding to DNA by 40%, and suppresses TBX5 mediated activation of the NPPA and VEGF promoters by 70%. We documented a novel interaction between TBX5 and HAND2, and showed that a p.G202V HAND2 variant associated with CHD and coronary artery diseases found in a large Lebanese family with high consanguinity, drastically inhibited this interaction by 90%. Similarly, thalidomide inhibited the TBX5/HAND2 physical interaction, and the in silico docking revealed that the same amino acids involved in the interaction of TBX5 with DNA are also involved in its binding to HAND2. Our results establish a HAND2/TBX5 pathway implicated in heart development and diseases.
Reconstitution of ovarian function following transplantation of primordial germ cells
Authors: Zeng Ming , Sheng Xiaoyan , Keefe David L. , Liu Lin
Published: April 2017

Ovarian aging occurs earlier than somatic aging. We tested the hypothesis that ovarian functions could be artificially reconstructed by transplantation of primordial germ cells (PGCs). We compared various methods for transplantation of PGCs aggregated with gonadal somatic cells and showed that reconstituted ovaries exhibited folliculogenesis after transplantation of PGCs-aggregates into either kidney capsule or ovarian bursa. Neo-oogenesis occurred early after transplantation, as evidenced by the presence of prophase I meiocytes displaying homologous pairing. Moreover, endocrine function was recovered in ovariectomized recipients, including elevated levels of AMH and estradiol. Interestingly, folliculogenesis in the reconstituted ovaries failed to sustain past four weeks. Regardless of transplantation method, follicles diminished after 45 days, accompanied by increased apoptosis, and were undetectable after two months. Meanwhile, no replicative PGCs or prophase I meiocytes could be found. Together, transplantation of PGCs can effectively reconstitute ovarian functions but for limited time. These data suggest that PGCs do not undergo self-renewal but rapidly enter meiosis following transplantation. Global activation of primordial follicles in artificial ovaries can result in further rapid loss of germ cells. Methods for maintaining self-renewal and expansion in vivo of PGCs and controlling follicle activation will be essential for continuing maintenance of the functional reconstructed ovaries.
Ordered micro/macro porous K-OMS-2/SiO2 nanocatalysts: Facile synthesis, low cost and high catalytic activity for diesel soot combustion
Authors: Yu Xuehua , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang , Liu Jian
Published: April 2017

A series of novel oxide catalysts, which contain three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) and microporous structure, were firstly designed and successfully synthesized by simple method. In the as-prepared catalysts, 3DOM SiO2 is used as support and microporous K-OMS-2 oxide nanoparticles are supported on the wall of SiO2. 3DOM K-OMS-2/SiO2 oxide catalysts were firstly used in soot particle oxidation reaction and they show very high catalytic activities. The high activities of K-OMS-2/SiO2 oxide catalysts can be assigned to three possible reasons: macroporous effect of 3DOM structure for improving contact between soot and catalyst, microporous effect of K-OMS-2 for adsorption of small gas molecules and interaction of K and Mn for activation of gas molecules. The catalytic activities of catalysts are comparable to or even higher than noble metal catalyst in the medium and high temperature range. For example, the T50 of K-OMS-2/SiO2-50, 328 °C, is much lower than those of Pt/Al2O3 and 3DOM Au/LaFeO3, 464 and 356 °C,respectively. Moreover, catalysts exhibited high catalytic stability. It is attributed to that the K+ ions are introduced into the microporous structure of OMS-2 and stabilized in the catalytic reaction. Meanwhile, the K+ ions play an important role in templating and stabilizing the tunneled framework of OMS-2.
Accelerating recovery from jet lag: prediction from a multi-oscillator model and its experimental confirmation in model animals
Authors: Kori Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Yoshiaki , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: April 2017

The endogenous circadian clock drives oscillations that are completely synchronized with the environmental day–night rhythms with a period of approximately 24 hours. Temporal misalignment between one’s internal circadian clock and the external solar time often occurs in shift workers and long-distance travelers; such misalignments are accompanied by sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal distress. Repeated exposure to jet lag and rotating shift work increases the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular complaints and metabolic insufficiencies. However, the mechanism behind the disruption of one’s internal clock is not well understood. In this paper, we therefore present a new theoretical concept called “jet lag separatrix” to understand circadian clock disruption and slow recovery from jet lag based on the mathematical model describing the hierarchical structure of the circadian clock. To demonstrate the utility of our theoretical study, we applied it to predict that re-entrainment via a two-step jet lag in which a four-hour shift of the light-dark cycle is given in the span of two successive days requires fewer days than when given as a single eight-hour shift. We experimentally verified the feasibility of our theory in C57BL/6 strain mice, with results indicating that this pre-exposure of jet lag is indeed beneficial.
The novel iminium surfactant p-benzylidene benzyldodecyl iminium chloride as a corrosion inhibitor for plain carbon steel in 1 M HCl: electrochemical and DFT evaluation
Authors: Masroor Sheerin , Mobin Mohd. , Alam Mohammad Jane , Ahmad Shabbir
Published: April 2017

The iminium surfactantp-benzylidene benzyldodecyl iminium chloride was synthesized, characterized and evaluated as a novel corrosion inhibitor for plain carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution at 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C.
Systematic study of the crystallization process of CrAPO-5 using in situ high resolution X-ray diffraction
Authors: Sheng Pei , Wang Guofu , Dong Mei , Chen Gang , Yang Huanhuan , Fan Weibin , Qin Zhangfeng , Wang Jianguo
Published: April 2017

Systematic study of the hydrothermal crystallization process of CrAPO-5 by in situ high resolution X-ray powder diffraction (HRXRD).
Charge detection mass spectrometry: weighing heavier things
Authors: Keifer David Z. , Pierson Elizabeth E. , Jarrold Martin F.
Published: April 2017

Charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) is a single molecule method where the mass of each ion is directly determined from individual measurements of its mass-to-charge ratio and charge.
Tellurium speciation in a bioleaching solution by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Chen Mao , Wu Lichuan , Yi Xin , Yang Kaizhi , Xie Hongguan
Published: April 2017

The speciation analysis of tellurium in a bioleaching solution is of great importance for the study of the bacteria leaching mechanism of tellurium ores and further separation and extraction of tellurium from the solution.
A chiral member of the family of organic hexameric cages
Authors: Wierzbicki M. , Głowacka A. A. , Szymański M. P. , Szumna A.
Published: April 2017

A cubic chiral nanocage with a covalent, rigid skeleton and molecule-sized entrance portals was obtained by means of dynamic covalent chemistry.
N-Monomethylation of amines using paraformaldehyde and H2
Authors: Wang Hongli , Huang Yongji , Dai Xingchao , Shi Feng
Published: April 2017

The selective N-monomethylation of amines is an important topic in fine chemical synthesis.
One-pot enyne metathesis/Diels–Alder/oxidation to six-membered silacycles with a multi-ring core: discovery of novel fluorophores
Authors: Yoshioka Shohei , Fujii Yuki , Tsujino Hirofumi , Uno Tadayuki , Fujioka Hiromichi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2017

One-pot enyne metathesis/Diels–Alder/oxidation methodology was developed to give fluorescent six-membered silacycle with multi-ring core.
Tuning the electronic properties of monolayer and bilayer transition metal dichalcogenide compounds under direct out-of-plane compression
Authors: García Ángel Morales , Corro Elena del , Kalbac Martin , Frank Otakar
Published: April 2017

The band-gap modulation semiconducting MX2 compounds (M = Mo or W, X = S or Se) under direct out-of-plane compression is systematically studied by means of the density functional theory formalism including spin–orbit coupling and dispersion correction.
A theoretical study of the light-induced cross-linking reaction of 5-fluoro-4-thiouridine with thymine
Authors: Chang Xue-Ping , Xiao Pin , Han Juan , Fang Wei-Hai , Cui Ganglong
Published: April 2017

In contrast to photophysics of thio-substituted nucleobases, their photoinduced cross-linking reactions with canonical nucleobases remain scarcely investigated computationally.
Suppression of near band edge emission in specially engineered ZnO twin nanorods
Authors: Singh Avanendra , Senapati Kartik , Satpati Biswarup , Sahoo Pratap K.
Published: April 2017

Twin crystalline ZnO nanorods with tunable amorphous joints are synthesized via a hydrothermal route. We find a strong coupling of acoustic phonon modes to free excitons in these structures. As a result, significant non-radiative transfer of carriers from the conduction band to defect bands occurs, leading to a loss of the near band edge emission intensity below ∼180 K.
An integrated biorefinery concept for conversion of sugar beet pulp into value-added chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates
Authors: Cárdenas-Fernández Max , Bawn Maria , Hamley-Bennett Charlotte , Bharat Penumathsa K. V. , Subrizi Fabiana , Suhaili Nurashikin , Ward David P. , Bourdin Sarah , Dalby Paul A. , Hailes Helen C. , Hewitson Peter , Ignatova Svetlana , Kontoravdi Cleo , Leak David J. , Shah Nilay , Sheppard Tom D. , Ward John M. , Lye Gary J.
Published: April 2017

Over 8 million tonnes of sugar beet are grown annually in the UK. Sugar beet pulp (SBP) is the main by-product of sugar beet processing which is currently dried and sold as a low value animal feed. SBP is a rich source of carbohydrates, mainly in the form of cellulose and pectin, including d-glucose (Glu), l-arabinose (Ara) and d-galacturonic acid (GalAc). This work describes the technical feasibility of an integrated biorefinery concept for the fractionation of SBP and conversion of these monosaccharides into value-added products. SBP fractionation is initially carried out by steam explosion under mild conditions to yield soluble pectin and insoluble cellulose fractions. The cellulose is readily hydrolysed by cellulases to release Glu that can then be fermented by a commercial yeast strain to produce bioethanol at a high yield. The pectin fraction can be either fully hydrolysed, using physico-chemical methods, or selectively hydrolysed, using cloned arabinases and galacturonases, to yield Ara-rich and GalAc-rich streams. These monomers can be separated using either Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) or ultrafiltration into streams suitable for subsequent enzymatic upgrading. Building on our previous experience with transketolase (TK) and transaminase (TAm) enzymes, the conversion of Ara and GalAc into higher value products was explored. In particular the conversion of Ara into l-gluco-heptulose (GluHep), that has potential therapeutic applications in hypoglycaemia and cancer, using a mutant TK is described. Preliminary studies with TAm also suggest GluHep can be selectively aminated to the corresponding chiral aminopolyol. The current work is addressing the upgrading of the remaining SBP monomer, GalAc, and the modelling of the biorefinery concept to enable economic and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
Sequential nested assembly at the liquid/solid interface
Authors: Karamzadeh Baharan , Eaton Thomas , Torres David Muñoz , Cebula Izabela , Mayor Marcel , Buck Manfred
Published: April 2017

Studying the stepwise assembly of a four component hybrid structure on Au(111)/mica, the pores of a hydrogen bonded bimolecular network of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) and 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (melamine) were partitioned by three and four-armed molecules based on oligo([biphenyl]-4-ylethynyl)benzene, followed by the templated adsorption of either C60 fullerene or adamantane thiol molecules. The characterisation by ambient scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) reveals that the pore modifiers exhibit dynamics which pronouncedly depend on the molecular structure. The three-armed molecule 1,3,5-tris([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-ylethynyl)benzene (3BPEB) switches between two symmetry equivalent configurations on a time scale fast compared to the temporal resolution of the STM. Derivatisation of 3BPEB by hydroxyl groups substantially reduces the switching rate. For the four-armed molecule configurational changes are observed only occasionally. The observation of isolated fullerenes and small clusters of adamantane thiol molecules, which are arranged in a characteristic fashion, reveals the templating effect of the trimolecular supramolecular network. However, the fraction of compartments filled by guest molecules is significantly below one for both the thermodynamically controlled adsorption of C60 and the kinetically controlled adsorption of the thiol with the latter causing partial removal of the pore modifier. The experiments, on the one hand, demonstrate the feasibility of templating by nested assembly but, on the other hand, also pinpoint the requirement for the energy landscape to be tolerant to variations in the assembly process.
Imidazolinium based porous hypercrosslinked ionic polymers for efficient CO2 capture and fixation with epoxides
Authors: Li Jing , Jia Degong , Guo Zengjing , Liu Yangqing , Lyu Yinong , Zhou Yu , Wang Jun
Published: April 2017

2-Phenylimidazoline based porous hypercrosslinked ionic polymers afforded high yields in the cycloaddition of epoxides with ambient or diluted CO2 (0.15 bar CO2 and 0.85 bar N2) under low or room temperature.
Equilibrium and kinetic studies on the adsorption of thiophene and benzothiophene onto NiCeY zeolites
Authors: Fei Liu , Rui Jingwei , Wang Rijie , Lu Yanfei , Yang Xiaoxia
Published: April 2017

NiCeY zeolites were prepared by ion-exchanging NaY with 0.1 M Ni(NO3)2and 0.1 M Ce(NO3)3solution.
Twisted configuration pyrene derivative: exhibiting pure blue monomer photoluminescence and electrogenerated chemiluminescence emissions in non-aqueous media
Authors: Zhao Ying , Xue Dong , Qi Honglan , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: April 2017

Methyl benzoate-pyrene, a pyrene derivative with a twisted configuration, exhibited monomer photoluminescence and electrogenerated chemiluminescence emissions.
Involvement of ROS in nanosilver-caused suppression of aflatoxin production from Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Ling , Xu Dan , Lu Zhisong
Published: April 2017

A possible mechanism involving transmembrane release of O2−was revealed to explain nanosilver-caused suppression of aflatoxin production fromAspergillus flavus.
Effects of surface fluoride-functionalizing of glass fiber on the properties of PTFE/glass fiber microwave composites
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Liu Jingsong , Yuan Ying , Li Enzhu , Wang Fu
Published: April 2017

The two-step method of grafting fluorine on the surface of glass fiber improves the interfacial connection of PTFE/glass-fiber microwave composites.
Copper-catalyzed one-pot oxidative amidation between methylarenes and amines
Authors: Yang Yuhang , Gu Jiajia , Fang Zheng , Yang Zhao , Wei Ping , Guo Kai
Published: April 2017

A method for the synthesis of amides through direct one-pot oxidative amidation of methylarenes with amines catalyzed by copper has been developed.
The optical selection rules of a graphene quantum dot in external electric fields
Authors: Dong Qing-Rui , Liu Chun-Xiang
Published: April 2017

We study theoretically the triangular zigzag graphene quantum dot in electric fields and find that there exist the remarkable optical selection rules in the FIR spectra.
Conducting polymer nanofiber-supported Pt alloys: unprecedented materials for methanol oxidation with enhanced electrocatalytic performance and stability
Authors: Ghosh Srabanti , Bera Susmita , Bysakh Sandip , Basu Rajendra N.
Published: April 2017

Conducting polymer nanofiber supported Pt nanoalloys demonstrated superior electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation which is promising for direct alcohol fuel cell applications.
Constructing magnetic Si–C–Fe hybrid microspheres for room temperature nitroarenes reduction
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Chen Lixin , Yun Jin , Wang Xiaodong , Kong Jie
Published: April 2017

In this work, we present, for the first time, the synthesis and characterization of magnetic Si–C–Fe hybrid microspheres and their catalytic performance in room temperature reduction of nitroarenes as a representative sustainable process for converting environmental pollutants to fine chemicals.
Advances and challenges of nanostructured electrodes for Li–Se batteries
Authors: Jin Jun , Tian Xiaocong , Srikanth Narasimalu , Kong Ling Bing , Zhou Kun
Published: April 2017

In this review, the recent advances of nanostructured electrodes for lithium–selenium batteries and their characterizations and mechanisms are reviewed and discussed.
Nitrogen-doped tubular/porous carbon channels implanted on graphene frameworks for multiple confinement of sulfur and polysulfides
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Yu Chang , Yang Juan , Zhao Changtai , Ling Zheng , Qiu Jieshan
Published: April 2017

Nitrogen-doped tubular/porous carbon channels implanted on graphene frameworks deliver excellent electrochemical performanceviamultiple confined effects in a Li–S battery.
Transfer-free and printable graphene/ZnO-nanoparticle nanohybrid photodetectors with high performance
Authors: Liu Qingfeng , Gong Maogang , Cook Brent , Ewing Dan , Casper Matthew , Stramel Alex , Wu Judy
Published: April 2017

Herein, we report a transfer-free and printable method to fabricate wafer-size graphene/ZnO-NP nanohybrids for high-performance UV photodetectors, which have the extraordinary photoresponsivity of 1000 A W−1 V−1 and high gain of 1.8 × 104.
Potential effects of low molecular weight phthalate esters (C16H22O4and C12H14O4) on the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Poopal R. K. , Ramesh M. , Maruthappan V. , Babu Rajendran R.
Published: April 2017

The aim of the present study is to assess the toxic effect of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) on the freshwater fishCyprinus carpio.
Simple method of fundamental reactive power measurement for ASIC application
Authors: Tarasiuk Tomasz , Gorniak Mariusz
Published: April 2017

This study presents a simple method for measuring the fundamental reactive power concurrently with the other basic power components defined in IEEE Standard 1459‐2010. The method has low hardware requirements and is suitable for implementation in low cost devices, e.g. application‐specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The algorithm is based on voltage samples that are shifted by a constant number that represents one‐quarter of the rated period. The impact of instantaneous frequency variations on the measurement is mitigated by a sine function Taylor expansion. The algorithm is described in detail and the results of an experimental investigation are presented, which consisted of simulations and laboratory research into known testing signals. Next, the method was applied to an actual microgrid with fluctuating load and a high level of distortion, and the results were compared to those of the reference methods. The results confirm the usefulness of the proposed solution for the measurement of power flows in power systems, including highly disturbed ones.
Operating strategy and optimal allocation of large‐scale VRB energy storage system in active distribution networks for solar/wind power applications
Authors: Lei Jiazhi , Gong Qingwu
Published: April 2017

With the high penetration of renewable‐type distributed generators (DGs), the maximum consumption of wind and solar energy has become an increasingly serious problem in active distribution networks. In this study, one simple and effective operating strategy for large‐scale VRB ESS to maximise the use of VRB ESS was proposed considering the dynamic characteristics of VRB including efficiency and absorption performance. And then, a mathematical framework for optimal allocation of VRB ESS was proposed considering the maximum consumption of wind and solar energy, the total costs of VRB ESS and the total benefits of VRB ESS. This proposed mathematical framework was solved by a dynamic programming optimisation algorithm and has been applied to determine the optimal VRB power and energy ratings in a real distribution power system. The feasibility of the solution is ensured based on a per‐day cost model and the simulation results clearly demonstrate the necessity for optimal storage allocation, and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Histogram‐PMHT for fluctuating target models
Authors: Gaetjens Han X. , Davey Samuel J. , Arulampalam Sanjeev , Fletcher Fiona K. , Lim Cheng‐Chew
Published: April 2017

The histogram‐probabilistic multi‐hypothesis tracker (H‐PMHT) is an efficient multi‐target tracking approach to the track‐before‐detect problem. A fundamental feature of the H‐PMHT is the discretisation of the energy in the sensor data and the assumption of a multinomial measurement model on the resulting image. A problem with the H‐PMHT is that the multinomial measurement model fails to account for fluctuations in the target amplitude, which can degrade performance in realistic sensing conditions. The authors propose an alternative measurement model based on a Poisson mixture process to allow for fluctuating target amplitudes. Simulations show that this new approach, referred to as the Poisson H‐PMHT, gives more accurate signal‐to‐noise ratio estimates than the standard H‐PMHT, particularly for scenarios featuring targets with fluctuating amplitude.
Improved iterative FD‐CE and turbo equalisation for doubly‐selective high‐frequency channel
Authors: Ravaei Yahya , Mahdi Nejad Mohammad , Madani Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2017

In this study, the authors investigate joint iterative frequency‐domain channel estimation (FD‐CE) and turbo equalisation for doubly selective high‐frequency channel. The performance of time and FD turbo equalisers (TD/FD‐TE) by applying them to Appendix C of military standard (MIL‐STD)‐188‐110C is compared. Compared to TD‐TE, FD‐TE has reduced computational complexity; however, its performance degrades for time‐varying channels. To improve the performance of FD‐TE, we propose a new iterative CE scheme which can be used jointly with FD‐TE. We employ low‐complexity FD least mean‐square algorithm in iterative process. By the use of soft information fed back from the decoder from the previous iteration, we improve the quality of the channel estimate over iterations. Simulation results show that at bit error rate (BER) of 1×10−5 the proposed algorithm improves the performance of FD‐TE ∼2.5 and 3.5 dB for 8 phase shift keying (PSK) and 16 quadrature‐amplitude modulation (QAM), respectively. Also, we study the impact of CE error on the performance of FD‐TE. For 16QAM when SNR values are more than 20 dB, there is a gain between 1 and 3 dB when we consider the variance of CE error.
Γ-convergence and relaxations for gradient flows in metric spaces: a minimizing movement approach
Authors: Fleißner Florentine
Published: April 2017

We present new abstract results on the interrelation between the minimizing movement scheme for gradient flows along a sequence ofΓ-converging functionals and the gradient flow motion for the corresponding limit functional, in a general metric space. We are able to allow a relaxed form of minimization in each step of the scheme, and so we present new relaxation results too.
Synthesis of 2,4-Disubstituted Quinoline Derivatives via A3-Coupling: An EcoScale Evaluation
Authors: Naidoo Shivani , Jeena Vineet
Published: April 2017

The 2,4-disubstituted quinoline moiety is an important building block for numerous biologically active and industrially useful compounds. These elegant compounds can be synthesised via the three-component coupling between an aldehyde, amine, and alkyne commonly referred to as A3-coupling. This short review aims to give an overview of the progress made towards disubstituted quinoline derivatives using this innovative methodology.

1 Introduction

2 Applications of the Quinoline Moiety

2.1 Antimicrobial Properties

2.2 Anti-inflammatory Properties

2.3 Anticonvulsant Properties

2.4 Photophysical Properties

3 Synthesis Based on A3-Coupling

3.1 Copper-Catalysed Systems

3.2 Iron-Catalysed Systems

3.3 Miscellaneous Systems

3.3.1 Montmorillonite Clays

3.3.2 Polyoxometalates

3.3.3 Rare Earth Metals

3.3.4 Al2O3 Nanoparticles/Methanesulfonic Acid

4 Proposed Reaction Mechanism

5 EcoScale Evaluation

6 Conclusion

7 Appendix
Transition-Metal-Free Boryl Substitution Using Silylboranes and Alkoxy Bases
Authors: Ito Hajime , Yamamoto Eiji , Maeda Satoshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya
Published: April 2017

Silylboranes are used as borylation reagents for organohalides in the presence of alkoxy bases without transition-metal catalysts. PhMe2Si–B(pin) reacts with a variety of aryl, alkenyl, and alkyl halides, including sterically hindered examples, to provide the corresponding organoboronates in good yields with high borylation/silylation ratios, showing good functional group compatibility. Halogenophilic attack of a silyl nucleophile on organohalides, and subsequent nucleophilic attack on the boron electrophile are identified to be crucial, based on the results of extensive theoretical and experimental studies. This boryl­ation reaction is further applied to the first direct dimesitylboryl (BMes2) substitution of aryl halides using Ph2MeSi–BMes2 and Na(O-t-Bu), affording aryldimesitylboranes, which are regarded as an important class of compounds for organic materials.

1 Introduction

2 Boryl Substitution of Organohalides with PhMe2Si–B(pin)/Alkoxy Bases

3 Mechanistic Investigations

4 DFT Mechanistic Studies Using an Artificial Force Induced Reaction (AFIR) Method

5 Dimesitylboryl Substitution of Aryl Halides with Ph2MeSi–BMes2/Na(O-t-Bu)

6 Conclusion
Metal- and Acid-Free Methyl Triflate Catalyzed Meyer–Schuster Rearrangement
Authors: Zeng Qingle , Yang Lu
Published: April 2017

A novel metal- and acid-free preparation of synthetically useful α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds from propargyl alcohols has been realized. This Meyer–Schuster rearrangement process is effectively catalyzed by methyl triflate (20 mol%) to prepare a broad scope of conjugated E-enals and E-enones generally in good to excellent yields (up to 90%). This reaction procedure operates under mild conditions (70 °C), in air, with short reaction times (1 h). Moreover, a carbocation intermediate trapped by the solvent 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol was isolated during this transformation.