bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erfassung von Impulsivität und emotionaler Dysregulation bei Jugendlichen mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung
Authors: Kröger Christoph , del Pozo Melina Andrea , Kosfelder Joachim , Allroggen Marc , Grabowski Gabriele , Legenbauer Tanja
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die Skala zur Erfassung der Impulsivität und emotionalen Dysregulation (IES-27) bei der Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) hat sich in Forschung und Praxis bei Erwachsenen bewährt. In adaptierter Form soll das Instrument auch bei Jugendlichen (IES-27-J) sowie deren Angehörigen (IES-27-A) eingesetzt werden können. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Evaluation dieser Selbst- und Fremdbeurteilungsskalen. Die psychometrischen Kennwerte der IES-27-J wurden anhand von zwei unabhängigen psychiatrischen Stichproben (n = 109 und n = 170) und die der IES-27-A von Angehörigen (n = 31) überprüft. Die Itemanalyse zeigt für beide Instrumente gute Ergebnisse. Die interne Konsistenz beträgt für die IES-27-J in beiden Stichproben α = .95 sowie α = .92 für die IES-27-A. Die Test-Retest-Reliabilität fiel sehr gut aus (ρ = .97). Für die IES-27-J ergaben sich in der exploratorischen Hauptkomponentenanalyse Hinweise auf eine einfaktorielle Struktur. Jugendliche mit einer BPS erzielten signifikant höhere Summenwerte als Patientinnen und Patienten mit depressiver Störung und Störung des Sozialverhaltens, was als Hinweis auf die diskriminative Validität der IES-27-J gewertet werden kann. Die IES-27-J weist einen moderaten Zusammenhang zur IES-27-A auf. Beide Instrumente können für die Forschung und Praxis eingesetzt werden. Zukünftig sollte eine Normierung mithilfe einer Stichprobe von gesunden Jugendlichen erfolgen.
Selective C70 encapsulation by a robust octameric nanospheroid held together by 48 cooperative hydrogen bonds
Authors: Markiewicz Grzegorz , Jenczak Anna , Kołodziejski Michał , Holstein Julian J. , Sanders Jeremy K. M. , Stefankiewicz Artur R
Published: May 2017

Self-assembly of multiple building blocks via hydrogen bonds into well-defined nanoconstructs with selective binding function remains one of the foremost challenges in supramolecular chemistry. Here, we report the discovery of a enantiopure nanocapsule that is formed through the self-assembly of eight amino acid functionalised molecules in nonpolar solvents through 48 hydrogen bonds. The nanocapsule is remarkably robust, being stable at low and high temperatures, and in the presence of base, presumably due to the co-operative geometry of the hydrogen bonding motif. Thanks to small pore sizes, large internal cavity and sufficient dynamicity, the nanocapsule is able to recognize and encapsulate large aromatic guests such as fullerenes C60 and C70. The structural and electronic complementary between the host and C70 leads to its preferential and selective binding from a mixture of C60 and C70.
TNFα drives mitochondrial stress in POMC neurons in obesity
Authors: Yi Chun-Xia , Walter Marc , Gao Yuanqing , Pitra Soledad , Legutko Beata , Kälin Stefanie , Layritz Clarita , García-Cáceres Cristina , Bielohuby Maximilian , Bidlingmaier Martin , Woods Stephen C. , Ghanem Alexander , Conzelmann Karl-Klaus , Stern Javier E. , Jastroch Martin , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: May 2017

Consuming a calorically dense diet stimulates microglial reactivity in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) in association with decreased number of appetite-curbing pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons; whether the reduction in POMC neuronal function is secondary to the microglial activation is unclear. Here we show that in hypercaloric diet-induced obese mice, persistently activated microglia in the MBH hypersecrete TNFα that in turn stimulate mitochondrial ATP production in POMC neurons, promoting mitochondrial fusion in their neurites, and increasing POMC neuronal firing rates and excitability. Specific disruption of the gene expressions of TNFα downstream signals TNFSF11A or NDUFAB1 in the MBH of diet-induced obese mice reverses mitochondrial elongation and reduces obesity. These data imply that in a hypercaloric environment, persistent elevation of microglial reactivity and consequent TNFα secretion induces mitochondrial stress in POMC neurons that contributes to the development of obesity.
Adaptive evolution of proteins in hepatitis B virus during divergence of genotypes
Authors: Li Shengdi , Wang Zhen , Li Yixue , Ding Guohui
Published: May 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is classified into several genotypes, correlated with different geographic distributions, clinical outcomes and susceptible human populations. It is crucial to investigate the evolutionary significance behind the diversification of HBV genotypes, because it improves our understanding of their pathological differences and pathogen-host interactions. Here, we performed comprehensive analysis of HBV genome sequences collected from public database. With a stringent criteria, we generated a dataset of 2992 HBV genomes from eight major genotypes. In particular, we applied a specified classification of non-synonymous and synonymous variants in overlapping regions, to distinguish joint and independent gene evolutions. We confirmed the presence of selective constraints over non-synonymous variants in consideration of overlapping regions. We then performed the McDonald-Kreitman test and revealed adaptive evolutions of non-synonymous variants during genotypic differentiation. Remarkably, we identified strong positive selection that drove the differentiation of PreS1 domain, which is an essential regulator involved in viral transmission. Our study presents novel evidences for the adaptive evolution of HBV genotypes, which suggests that these viruses evolve directionally for maintenance or improvement of successful infections.
Structure Based docking studies towards exploring potential anti-androgen activity of selected phytochemicals against Prostate Cancer
Authors: Singh Anshika N. , Baruah Meghna M. , Sharma Neeti
Published: May 2017

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy amongst men worldwide. Under PCa maintenance therapy drugs acting as antagonists/partial agonists of hormone receptors against the prostate tissue are used in clinical practices. Prominent drugs being Cyproterone acetate, Flutamide, Bicalutamide, they not only cause acute and long-term toxicity, but also develops drug resistance among patients. Our focus has been on phytochemicals which do not exhibit any cytotoxicity and have significant androgen receptor (AR) inhibition activity. As Protein- Ligand interactions play a key role in structure based drug design, so by using molecular docking, we screened 803 phytochemicals and investigated their binding affinity against AR. The three dimensional (3D) structure of AR was retrieved from Protein Data Bank, and docked with 3D Pubchem structures of 803 phytochemicals using Argus Lab. Molecular docking and drug likeness studies were made using ADMET properties while Lipinski’s rule of five was performed for the phytochemicals to evaluate their anti-prostate cancer activity. The results showed that Isobavachin exhibited best binding affinity of −13.73 kcal/mol with AR followed by Glabranin, Anthocyanin and Eriosemation. Our studies therefore reveal that these four phytochemicals could be promising candidates for further evaluation for PCa prevention or management.
Restoration of the growth of Escherichia coli under K+-deficient conditions by Cs+ incorporation via the K+ transporter Kup
Authors: Kato Souichiro , Kanata Yoshiki , Kitagawa Wataru , Sone Teruo , Asano Kozo , Kamagata Yoichi
Published: May 2017

Biological incorporation of cesium ions (Cs+) has recently attracted significant attention in terms of the possible applications for bioremediation of radiocesium and their significant roles in biogeochemical cycling. Although high concentrations of Cs+ exhibit cytotoxicity on microorganisms, there are a few reports on the promotive effects of Cs+ on microbial growth under K+-deficient conditions. However, whether this growth-promoting effect is a common phenomenon remains uncertain, and direct correlation between growth promotion and Cs+ uptake abilities has not been confirmed yet. Here, we validated the growth promotive effects of Cs+ uptake under K+-deficient conditions using an Escherichia coli strain with an inducible expression of the Kup K+ transporter that has nonspecific Cs+ transport activities (strain kup-IE). The strain kup-IE exhibited superior growth under the Cs+-supplemented and K+-deficient conditions compared to the wild type and the kup null strains. The intracellular Cs+ levels were significantly higher in strain kup-IE than in the other strains, and were well correlated with their growth yields. Furthermore, induction levels of the kup gene, intracellular Cs+ concentrations, and the growth stimulation by Cs+ also correlated positively. These results clearly demonstrated that Cs+ incorporation via Kup transporter restores growth defects of E. coli under K+-deficient conditions.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of Rimicaris sp. reveals novel molecular features associated with survival in deep-sea hydrothermal vent
Authors: Zhang Jian , Sun Qing-lei , Luan Zhen-dong , Lian Chao , Sun Li
Published: May 2017

Shrimp of the family Alvinocarididae are the predominant megafauna of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. However, genome information on this family is currently unavailable. In the present study, by employing Illumina sequencing, we performed the first de novo transcriptome analysis of the gills of the shrimp Rimicaris sp. from the hydrothermal vent in Desmos, Manus Basin. The analysis was conducted in a comparative manner with the shrimp taken directly from the vent (GR samples) and the shrimp that had been maintained for ten days under normal laboratory condition (mGR samples). Among the 128,938 unigenes identified, a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the GR and mGR samples were detected, including 2365 and 1607 genes significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in GR. The DEGs covered diverse functional categories. Most of the DEGs associated with immunity were downregulated in GR, while most of the DEGs associated with sulfur metabolism and detoxification were upregulated in GR. These results provide the first comprehensive transcriptomic resource for hydrothermal vent Rimicaris and revealed varied categories of genes likely involved in deep-sea survival.
Maternal antioxidant provisioning mitigates pollutant-induced oxidative damage in embryos of the temperate sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus
Authors: Lister Kathryn N. , Lamare Miles D. , Burritt David J.
Published: May 2017

One mechanism of pollution resistance in marine populations is through transgenerational plasticity, whereby offspring capacity to resist pollution reflects parental exposure history. Our study aimed to establish correlations between oxidative stress biomarkers and key reproductive fitness parameters in the temperate sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus following exposure to dietary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAH-exposed adults exhibited total gonad tissue concentrations of PAHs in excess of 4 and 5 times baseline levels, for females and males respectively. Antioxidant enzymes were upregulated and oxidative lipid and protein damage to gonad tissues occurred. In addition, early stage offspring reflected maternal antioxidant status, with progeny derived from exposed females demonstrating significantly higher baselines than those derived from control females. Maternal exposure history enhanced the capacity of embryos to minimise oxidative damage to lipids and proteins following exposure to additional PAHs, but provided less of an advantage in protection against oxidative DNA damage. Abnormal embryonic development was largely independent of oxidative damage, remaining high in all embryo populations regardless of parental PAH-history. Overall, results document evidence for maternal transfer of antioxidant potential in E. chloroticus, but imply that a short-term inherited resilience against oxidative stress may not necessarily translate to a fitness or survival gain.
The influence of statistical properties of Fourier coefficients on random Gaussian surfaces
Authors: de Castro C. P. , Luković M. , Andrade R. F. S. , Herrmann H. J.
Published: May 2017

Many examples of natural systems can be described by random Gaussian surfaces. Much can be learned by analyzing the Fourier expansion of the surfaces, from which it is possible to determine the corresponding Hurst exponent and consequently establish the presence of scale invariance. We show that this symmetry is not affected by the distribution of the modulus of the Fourier coefficients. Furthermore, we investigate the role of the Fourier phases of random surfaces. In particular, we show how the surface is affected by a non-uniform distribution of phases.
Delayed epidural transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors enhances functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Lee I-Hui , Huang Shiang-Suo , Chuang Ching-Yu , Liao Ko-Hsun , Chang Li-Hsin , Chuang Chia-Chi , Su Yu-Shih , Lin Hung-Jui , Hsieh Jui-Yu , Su Shu-Han , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng , Kuo Hung-Chih
Published: May 2017

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells (iPSC-NPCs) are a promising source of tailor-made cell therapy for neurological diseases. However, major obstacles to clinical use still exist. To circumvent complications related to intracerebral administration, we implanted human iPSC-NPCs epidurally over the peri-infarct cortex 7 days after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult rats. Compared to controls, cell-treated rats showed significant improvements in paretic forelimb usage and grip strength from 10 days post-transplantation (dpt) onwards, as well as reductions in lesion volumes, inflammatory infiltration and astrogliosis at 21 dpt. Few iPSC-NPCs migrated into rat peri-infarct cortices and exhibited poor survival in tissue. To examine the paracrine therapeutic mechanisms of epidural iPSC-NPC grafts, we used transmembrane co-cultures of human iPSC-NPCs with rat cortical cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation. Compared to other human stem cells, iPSC-NPCs were superior at promoting neuronal survival and outgrowth, and mitigating astrogliosis. Using comparative whole-genome microarrays and cytokine neutralization, we identified a neurorestorative secretome from iPSC-NPCs, and neutralizing enriched cytokines abolished neuroprotective effects in co-cultures. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a relatively safe, yet effective epidural route for delivering human iPSC-NPCs, which acts predominately through discrete paracrine effects to promote functional recovery after stroke.
Tacrolimus Blood Level Fluctuation Predisposes to Coexisting BK Virus Nephropathy and Acute Allograft Rejection
Authors: Shen Chia-Lin , Yang An-Hang , Lien Tse-Jen , Tarng Der-Cherng , Yang Chih-Yu
Published: May 2017

BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) and allograft rejection are two distinct disease entities which occur at opposite ends of the immune spectrum. However, they coexist in renal transplant recipients. Predisposing factors for this coexistence remain elusive. We identified nine biopsy-proven BKVN patients with coexisting acute rejection, and 21 patients with BKVN alone. We retrospectively analyzed the dosage and blood concentrations of immunosuppressants during the 3-month period prior to the renal biopsy between the two patient groups. Compared to the BKVN alone group, renal function was noticeably worse in the coexistence group (p = 0.030). Regarding the dose and average drug level of immunosuppressants, there was no difference between the two groups. Interestingly, the coefficient of variance of tacrolimus trough blood level was noticeably higher during the 3-month period prior to the renal biopsy in the coexistence group (p = 0.010). Our novel findings suggest that a higher variability of tacrolimus trough level may be associated with the coexistence of BKVN and acute rejection. Since the prognosis is poor and the treatment is challenging in patients with coexisting BKVN and acute rejection, transplant clinicians should strive to avoid fluctuations in immunosuppressant drug levels in patients with either one of these two disease entities.
Genetic load makes cancer cells more sensitive to common drugs: evidence from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia
Authors: Pavel Ana B. , Korolev Kirill S.
Published: May 2017

Genetic alterations initiate tumors and enable the evolution of drug resistance. The pro-cancer view of mutations is however incomplete, and several studies show that mutational load can reduce tumor fitness. Given its negative effect, genetic load should make tumors more sensitive to anticancer drugs. Here, we test this hypothesis across all major types of cancer from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, which provides genetic and expression data of 496 cell lines together with their response to 24 common anticancer drugs. We found that the efficacy of 9 out of 24 drugs showed significant association with genetic load in a pan-cancer analysis. The associations for some tissue-drug combinations were remarkably strong, with genetic load explaining up to 83% of the variance in the drug response. Overall, the role of genetic load depended on both the drug and the tissue type with 10 tissues being particularly vulnerable to genetic load. We also identified changes in gene expression associated with increased genetic load, which included cell-cycle checkpoints, DNA damage and apoptosis. Our results show that genetic load is an important component of tumor fitness and can predict drug sensitivity. Beyond being a biomarker, genetic load might be a new, unexplored vulnerability of cancer.
Structure-based prediction and identification of 4-epimerization activity of phosphate sugars in class II aldolases
Authors: Lee Seon-Hwa , Hong Seung-Hye , An Jung-Ung , Kim Kyoung-Rok , Kim Dong-Eun , Kang Lin-Woo , Oh Deok-Kun
Published: May 2017

Sugar 4-epimerization reactions are important for the production of rare sugars and their derivatives, which have various potential industrial applications. For example, the production of tagatose, a functional sweetener, from fructose by sugar 4-epimerization is currently constrained because a fructose 4-epimerase does not exist in nature. We found that class II d-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FbaA) catalyzed the 4-epimerization of d-fructose-6-phosphate (F6P) to d-tagatose-6-phosphate (T6P) based on the prediction via structural comparisons with epimerase and molecular docking and the identification of the condensed products of C3 sugars. In vivo, the 4-epimerization activity of FbaA is normally repressed. This can be explained by our results showing the catalytic efficiency of d-fructose-6-phosphate kinase for F6P phosphorylation was significantly higher than that of FbaA for F6P epimerization. Here, we identified the epimerization reactions and the responsible catalytic residues through observation of the reactions of FbaA and l-rhamnulose-1-phosphate aldolases (RhaD) variants with substituted catalytic residues using different substrates. Moreover, we obtained detailed potential epimerization reaction mechanism of FbaA and a general epimerization mechanism of the class II aldolases l-fuculose-1-phosphate aldolase, RhaD, and FbaA. Thus, class II aldolases can be used as 4-epimerases for the stereo-selective synthesis of valuable carbohydrates.
Water-Assisted Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide Film with Single Organic Liquid Precursor
Authors: Choi Soo Ho , Stephen Boandoh , Park Ji-Hoon , Lee Joo Song , Kim Soo Min , Yang Woochul , Kim Ki Kang
Published: May 2017

We report on the synthesis of large-area molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) film on an insulating substrate by means of chemical vapor deposition. A single mixture of molybdenum hexacarbonyl (Mo(CO)6) and dimethyl disulfide (C2H6S2) was utilized as an organic liquid precursor for the synthesis of MoS2 film. Carbon impurities stemming from the dissociation of the organic precursor are effectively removed by water oxidation, and hydrogen gas, which is a by-product of the oxidation of carbon impurities, inhibits the formation of molybdenum oxides. The use of a liquid precursor assisted with water oxidation ensures high reproducibility and full-coverage of MoS2 film for large area, which is not typically achieved with solid precursors such as molybdenum oxide and sulfur powder. We believe that our approach will advance the synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Near Infrared Quantum Cutting Luminescence of Er3+/Tm3+ Ion Pairs in a Telluride Glass
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Li Song , Hu Lili , Wang Kezhi , Zhao Guoying , He Lizhu , Liu Jinying , Yu Chunlei , Tao Jingfu , Lin Wei , Yang Guojian , Salamo Gregory J.
Published: May 2017

The multiphoton near-infrared, quantum cutting luminescence in Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped telluride glass was studied. We found that the near-infrared 1800-nm luminescence intensity of (A) Er3+(8%)Tm3+(0.5%):telluride glass was approximately 4.4 to 19.5 times larger than that of (B) Tm3+(0.5%):telluride glass, and approximately 5.0 times larger than that of (C) Er3+(0.5%):telluride glass. Additionally, the infrared excitation spectra of the 1800 nm luminescence, as well as the visible excitation spectra of the 522 nm and 652 nm luminescence, of (A) Er3+(8%)Tm3+(0.5%):telluride glass are very similar to those of Er3+ ions in (C) Er3+(0.5%):telluride glass, with respect to the shapes of their excitation spectral waveforms and peak wavelengths. Moreover, we found that there is a strong spectral overlap and energy transfer between the infrared luminescence of Er3+ donor ions and the infrared absorption of Tm3+ acceptor ions. The efficiency of this energy transfer {4I13/2(Er3+) → 4I15/2(Er3+), 3H6(Tm3+) → 3F4(Tm3+)} between the Er3+ and Tm3+ ions is approximately 69.8%. Therefore, we can conclude that the observed behaviour is an interesting multiphoton, near-infrared, quantum cutting luminescence phenomenon that occurs in novel Er3+-Tm3+ ion pairs. These findings are significant for the development of next-generation environmentally friendly germanium solar cells, and near-to-mid infrared (1.8–2.0 μm) lasers pumped by GaN light emitting diodes.
Lactic acid bacteria-specific induction of CD4+Foxp3+T cells ameliorates shrimp tropomyosin-induced allergic response in mice via suppression of mTOR signaling
Authors: Fu Linglin , Peng Jixiang , Zhao Shushu , Zhang Yan , Su Xiurong , Wang Yanbo
Published: May 2017

The beneficial effects of probiotics have been described in allergic sensitization and diseases; however, many questions remain unanswered, such as characteristics of the most effective strains in modulation of allergic responses and how orally administered probiotics affect the systemic immune system. In the present work, oral administration of five lactic acid bacteria strains showed variable effects on protection against the allergic reaction in a mouse model of food allergy to shrimp tropomyosin (ST). The most effective anti-allergic strain, Bacillus coagulans 09.712 (Bc), greatly improved epithelial barrier function and increased lymphocytes proliferation. Moreover, Bc suppresses ST sensitization by altering Th1/Th2/Treg balance as a result of strong induction of CD4+Foxp3+Tregs in combination with IL-10 producing. Bc-specific induction of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs also suppresses Th17 pro-inflammatory response in this mouse model. Finally, the intake of Bc suppresses mTOR activation and thus the phosphorylation of downstream factors. Inhibition of mTOR signaling by Bc further results in FOXP3 up-regulation and GATA-3 down-regulation, which, in turn, facilitate to control Th2-predominant and Th17 pro-inflammatory responses caused by ST. Our work provides further characterization of the anti-allergic effects of probiotic LAB strains, and identifies new targets for preventive and curative treatment of food allergies.
The Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 NodD2 protein regulates the production of Nod factors under salt stress in a flavonoid-independent manner
Authors: del Cerro Pablo , Pérez-Montaño Francisco , Gil-Serrano Antonio , López-Baena Francisco Javier , Megías Manuel , Hungria Mariangela , Ollero Francisco Javier
Published: May 2017

In the symbiotic associations between rhizobia and legumes, NodD promotes the expression of the nodulation genes in the presence of appropriate flavonoids. This set of genes is implied in the synthesis of Nodulation factors, which are responsible for launching the nodulation process. Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 is the most successful symbiont of Phaseolus vulgaris and can nodulate a variety of legumes. This strain produces Nodulation factors under abiotic stress such as acidity or high concentration of salt. Genome sequencing of CIAT 899 allowed the identification of five nodD genes. Whereas NodD1 is essential to nodulate Leucaena leucocephala, Lotus japonicus and Macroptilium atropurpureum, symbiosis with P. vulgaris and Lotus burtii decreased the nodule number but did not abolish the symbiotic process when NodD1 is absent. Nodulation factor synthesis under salt stress is not regulated by NodD1. Here we confirmed that NodD2 is responsible for the activation of the CIAT 899 symbiotic genes under salt stress. We have demonstrated that NodD1 and NodD2 control the synthesis of the Nod factor necessary for a successful symbiosis with P. vulgaris and L. burtii. This is the first time that NodD is directly implied in the activation of the symbiotic genes under an abiotic stress.
Physical principles for DNA tile self-assembly
Authors: Evans Constantine G. , Winfree Erik
Published: May 2017

This unifying review discusses the relationships between more abstract and more physically-realistic models of DNA tile self-assembly.
Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF) – state of the art
Authors: Schwarze M.
Published: May 2017

MEUF is a technique for contaminant removal from aqueous solutions, but its efficiency depends on a variety of operational parameters.
A field-deployed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor for RDX quantification in environmental waters
Authors: Brulé Thibault , Granger Geneviève , Bukar Natalia , Deschênes-Rancourt Clarisse , Havard Thierry , Schmitzer Andreea R. , Martel Richard , Masson Jean-Francois
Published: May 2017

A field-deployable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is reported for the detection RDX at ppb concentration in environmental samples.
Achieving biosensing at attomolar concentrations of cardiac troponin T in human biofluids by developing a label-free nanoplasmonic analytical assay
Authors: Liyanage Thakshila , Sangha Andeep , Sardar Rajesh
Published: May 2017

A nanoplasmonic-based highly reproducible and ultrasensitive analytical sensor was fabricated to quantify cardiac troponin T at attomolar concentration with high selectivity.
Enantioselective alkynylation of N-sulfonyl α-ketiminoesters via a Friedel–Crafts alkylation strategy
Authors: Liu Ren-Rong , Zhu Lei , Hu Jiang-Ping , Lu Chuan-Jun , Gao Jian-Rong , Lan Yu , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: May 2017

Enantioselective Ni(ClO4)2-catalyzed alkynylation of N-sulfonyl-α-ketiminoesters is developed via a Friedel–Crafts-type pathway, yielding propargylic amides bearing quaternary stereocenters in excellent enantioselectivities.
Access to dihydropyridinones and spirooxindoles: application of N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [3+3] annulation of enals and oxindole-derived enals with 2-aminoacrylates
Authors: Zhao Liang-Liang , Li Xing-Shuo , Cao Li-Li , Zhang Rui , Shi Xiao-Qian , Qi Jing
Published: May 2017

A strategy for the NHC-catalyzed synthesis of dihydropyridinones and spirooxindoles has been developed via [3+3] annulation reactions of enals or isatin-derived enals with 2-aminoacrylates under oxidative conditions.
Palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of N-aryl enamino esters with CO and alcohols: synthesis of N-aryl aminomethylenemalonates
Authors: Chen Ming , Yu Le , Ren Zhi-Hui , Wang Yao-Yu , Guan Zheng-Hui
Published: May 2017

A novel palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of tri-substituted alkenes with CO and alcohols to synthesize N-aryl aminomethylenemalonates has been developed.
Photo-induced copper-catalyzed C–H chalcogenation of azoles at room temperature
Authors: Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Mo Jiayu , Ackermann Lutz
Published: May 2017

Copper-catalyzed C–H chalcogenations of heteroarenes were achieved at room temperature of 25 °C by photo-induced catalysis within a three-component C–S and C–Se forming regime.
Temperature-modulated crystal growth and performance for highly reproducible and efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Su Tongyu , Li Xinhang , Zhang Yongzhuan , Zhang Fapei , Sheng Zhigao
Published: May 2017

The Ta effect on a perovskite precursor combining amorphous PbI2 and CH3NH3I was studied and the best PCE of 17.61% was achieved.
Triethanolamine doped multilayer MoS2 field effect transistors
Authors: Ryu Min-Yeul , Jang Ho-Kyun , Lee Kook Jin , Piao Mingxing , Ko Seung-Pil , Shin Minju , Huh Junghwan , Kim Gyu-Tae
Published: May 2017

As a result of the TEOA doping process, the electrical performances of multilayer MoS2 FETs were enhanced at room temperature.
Chiral differentiation ofd- andl-alanine by permethylated β-cyclodextrin: IRMPD spectroscopy and DFT methods
Authors: Lee Sung-Sik , Park Soojin , Hong Yin , Lee Jae-ung , Kim Jun-Hyeok , Yoon Dongkyung , Kong Xianglei , Lee Sungyul , Oh Han Bin
Published: May 2017

Study of the gaseous chiral differentiation of alanine by permethylated β-cyclodextrin using IRMPD spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.
Understanding nanoparticle porosity via nanoimpacts and XPS: electro-oxidation of platinum nanoparticle aggregates
Authors: Jiao Xue , Tanner Eden E. L. , Sokolov Stanislav V. , Palgrave Robert G. , Young Neil P. , Compton Richard G.
Published: May 2017

The role of internal surfaces of platinum nano-aggregates in their electroactivity and catalysis is revealed.
Evidence of field induced slow magnetic relaxation in cis-[Co(hfac)2(H2O)2] exhibiting tri-axial anisotropy with a negative axial component
Authors: Korchagin Denis V. , Palii Andrew V. , Yureva Elena A. , Akimov Alexander V. , Misochko Eugenii Ya. , Shilov Gennady V. , Talantsev Artem D. , Morgunov Roman B. , Shakin Alexander A. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Tsukerblat Boris S.
Published: May 2017

We report a combined experimental characterization and theoretical modeling of the hexa-coordinated high-spin Co(ii) complex cis-[Co(hfac)2(H2O)2] (I).
Two excellent phase-matchable infrared nonlinear optical materials based on 3D diamond-like frameworks: RbGaSn2Se6 and RbInSn2Se6
Authors: Lin Hua , Chen Hong , Zheng Yu-Jun , Yu Ju-Song , Wu Xin-Tao , Wu Li-Ming
Published: May 2017

Two new excellent phase-matchable MFIR NLO materials RbXSn2Se6 (X = Ga, In) with 3D diamond-like framework structures are reported.
Supramolecular chiral self-assemblies of Gly–Pro dipeptides on metallic fcc(110) surfaces
Authors: Méthivier C. , Cruguel H. , Pradier C.-M. , Humblot V.
Published: May 2017

Adsorption of the Glycine–Proline (Gly–Pro) dipeptide has been investigated using surface science complementary techniques on Au(110) and Ag(110), showing some interesting differences both in the chemical form and surface organization of the adsorbed peptide. On Au(110), Gly–Pro mainly adsorbs in neutral form (COOH/NH2), at low coverage or for a short interaction time; the surface species become zwitterionic at a higher coverage or longer interaction time. These changes are accompanied by a complete reorganization of the molecules at the surface. On Ag(110), only anionic molecules (COO−/NH2) were detected on the surface and only one type of arrangement was observed. These results will be compared to some previously obtained on Cu(110), thus providing a unique comparison of the adsorption of the same di-peptide on three different metal surfaces; the great influence of the substrate on both the chemical form and the arrangement of adsorbed di-peptides was made clear.
Amphoteric water as acid and base for protic ionic liquids and their electrochemical activity when used as fuel cell electrolytes
Authors: Miran Muhammed Shah , Yasuda Tomohiro , Tatara Ryoichi , Abu Bin Hasan Susan Md. , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: May 2017

Amphoteric water was mixed with equimolar amounts of a super-strong acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH), and a super-strong base, 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-7-undecene (DBU) to explore the properties as fuel cell electrolytes.
Solar-driven alumina calcination for CO2 mitigation and improved product quality
Authors: Davis Dominic , Müller Fabian , Saw Woei L. , Steinfeld Aldo , Nathan Graham J.
Published: May 2017

Demonstrating technical feasibility and potential for process benefits from alumina calcination with concentrated solar thermal energy.
Fe/ppm Cu nanoparticles as a recyclable catalyst for click reactions in water at room temperature
Authors: Adenot Aurélien , Landstrom Evan B. , Gallou Fabrice , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: May 2017

Nanomicelles housing a terminal alkyne and azide are delivered to ppm Cu-containing nanoparticles that catalyse click reactions in water at rt.
Effective removal of colourless pollutants and organic dyes by Ag@AgCl nanoparticle-modified CaSn(OH)6 composite under visible light irradiation
Authors: Liang Chao , Niu Cheng-Gang , Wen Xiao-Ju , Yang Shi-Feng , Shen Mao-Cai , Zeng Guang-Ming
Published: May 2017

The Ag@AgCl nanoparticles could broaden visible-light absorption of pure CSH and depress the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs.
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-ones via tandem Ar–halogen bond hydroxylation and dichloromethane-based double Williamson etherification
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Huang Meiying , Wei Li
Published: May 2017

The copper-catalyzed tandem reactions of o-halobenzoic acids, dichloromethane and KOH giving benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-ones via tandem Ar–X hydroxylation and double Williamson etherification are reported.
POCl3-mediated cyclization of (+)-S-mahanimbine led to the divergent synthesis of natural product derivatives with antiplasmodial activity
Authors: Nalli Yedukondalu , Thakur Vandana , Mohmmed Asif , Kumar Gupta Vivek , Ali Asif
Published: May 2017

POCl3 mediated divergent synthesis of (+)-S-mahanimbine provides five natural and seven new natural derived unusual oxidative cyclised tetracyclic carbazole compounds (2–13). 1–13 were screened for the first time against Plasmodium falciparum and 2, 6 and 7 were proven the most potent (IC50 values of 2.7, 4.5, and 3.2 μM respectively).
Order–disorder phase transitions in Au–Cu nanocubes: from nano-thermodynamics to synthesis
Authors: Mendoza-Cruz R. , Bazán-Diaz L. , Velázquez-Salazar J. J. , Samaniego-Benitez J. E. , Ascencio-Aguirre F. M. , Herrera-Becerra R. , José-Yacamán M. , Guisbiers G.
Published: May 2017

Catalysts have been widely used in industries and can be optimized by tuning the composition and chemical ordering of the elements involved in the nano-alloy.
Selective solvent-induced reconstruction in confined space: one-dimensional mesoporous block copolymer structures in cylindrical nanopores
Authors: Chang Chun-Wei , Chi Mu-Huan , Ko Hao-Wen , Chu Chien-Wei , Fang Zhi-Xuan , Tu Yi-Hsuan , Chen Jiun-Tai
Published: May 2017

The formation of polymer nanostructures confined in cylindrical nanopores via a novel selective solvent-induced reconstruction process is investigated.
Direct amination of the antiaromatic NiII norcorrole
Authors: Yoshida Takuya , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

The introduction of amino-substituents to an antiaromatic NiII norcorrole complex was accomplished regioselectively upon simple treatment with various amines without any catalysts. The optical and electrochemical properties of the amino norcorroles were substantially modulated by electron-donating amino groups.
Palladium-catalyzed C–S bond activation and functionalization of 3-sulfenylindoles and related electron-rich heteroarenes
Authors: Li Jianxiao , An Yanni , Li Jiawei , Yang Shaorong , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: May 2017

A novel palladium-catalyzed approach for constructing functionalized heteroarenes via C–S bond cleavage and C–C bond formation has been demonstrated.
Iron-catalyzed boration of allylic esters: an efficient approach to allylic boronates
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Wang Huan , Liu Yang , Zhao Yilong , Zhang Chunxia , Qu Jingping
Published: May 2017

The first general iron-catalyzed boration of allylic esters has been developed.
Epigenetic regulation of the circadian clock: role of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine
Authors: Tomita Tatsunosuke , Kurita Ryoji , Onishi Yoshiaki
Published: May 2017

We have been investigating transcriptional regulation of the BMAL1 gene, a critical component of the mammalian clock system including DNA methylation. Here, a more detailed analysis of the regulation of DNA methylation of BMAL1 proceeded in RPMI8402 lymphoma cells. We found that CpG islands in the BMAL1 and the PER2 promoters were hyper- and hypomethylated, respectively and that 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (aza-dC) not only enhanced PER2 gene expression but also PER2 oscillation within 24 h in RPMI8402 cells. That is, such hypermethylation of CpG islands in the BMAL1 promoter restricted PER2 expression which was recovered by aza-dC within 1 day in these cells. These results suggest that the circadian clock system can be recovered through BMAL1 expression induced by aza-dC within a day. The RPIB9 promoter of RPMI8402 cells, which is a methylation hotspot in lymphoblastic leukemia, was also hypermethylated and aza-dC gradually recovered RPIB9 expression in 3 days. In addition, methylation-specific PCR revealed a different degree of aza-dC-induced methylation release between BMAL1 and RPIB9. These results suggest that the aza-dC-induced recovery of gene expression from DNA methylation is dependent on a gene, for example the rapid response to demethylation by the circadian system, and thus, is of importance to clinical strategies for treating cancer.
Thermal conductivity and dielectric properties of bismaleimide/cyanate ester copolymer
Authors: Wan Lin , Zhang Xia , Wu Guanglei , Feng Ailing
Published: May 2017

The blend was synthesised with bismaleimide (BMI) resin and bisphenol A‐based cyanate ester (BADCy) resin. The BMI/BADCy copolymer showed excellent dielectric and thermal conductivity properties. The volume resistivity of the copolymer was a little lower than BADCy system. The volume resistivity of blend was 7.8 × 1015 Ω·cm when the BMI content was 20 wt%, which still showed good insulation performance. The dielectric property of modified BADCy copolymer remained the good stability from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. Compared to pure BADCy system, the breakdown property of BMI/BADCy blend reached the maximum value of 77.9 kV/mm when the content of BMI was 20 wt%, which was still about 1.22 times. The thermal property and thermal conductivity property of the copolymer were higher than BADCy system.
Echo state network‐based radio signal strength prediction for wireless communication in Northern Namibia
Authors: Gideon Kenneth , Nyirenda Clement , Temaneh‐Nyah Clement
Published: May 2017

A method for predicting radio signal strength using echo state networks (ESNs) is proposed and applied to three different locations in Northern Namibia. This method aims at providing a better way for radio signal strength prediction, which leads to improvements in wireless communication planning, design and analysis. Its performance is compared with the support vector regression (SVR) method optimised for radio propagation modelling. Simulations are conducted in Python using propagation data measured from the three locations based on the following four performance measures: goodness of fit criteria; error measures; computation complexities; and F‐test for statistical model comparison. Simulation results show that the ESN method gives a better prediction accuracy in terms of the goodness of fit criteria and the error measures; however, it is inferior to the SVR method in terms of computation complexities. In addition, results from the F‐test also indicate that the ESN method provides a significantly better fit than the SVR method.
Design of hardware RGB to HMMD converter based on reversible logic
Authors: Touil Lamjed , Ouni Bouraoui
Published: May 2017

Reversible logic computation is one of the most essential promising technologies in designing low‐power digital circuits, optical information processing, quantum dot cellular automata, fault tolerant system and nanotechnology. In fact, the conventional digital circuits dissipate a significant amount of energy because several bits of information are deleted during the treatments. In reversible computation, the information bits are not lost. This study presents a novel design of reversible RGB to HMMD converter circuit. The proposed hardware converter is based on several reversible sub‐modules as: adder, subtractor, multiplier, register, multiplexer comparator and others. In order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed logic design, each sub‐module is shown in terms of number of quantum cost needed, gates required delay and garbage outputs produced. Since the works in the field of reversible logic video treatment has only started to bloom, the proposed contribution will engender a new thread of research in the field of reversible real time video treatment.
Maximum a posteriori‐based texture estimation by despeckling of SAR clutter amplitude data
Authors: Mahapatra Dheeren Ku , Ray Soumya Shubhra , Roy Lakshi Prosad
Published: May 2017

Coherent processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data makes SAR images highly susceptible to signal‐dependent granular noise known as speckle. For accurate texture estimation, the maximum a posteriori (MAP) approach is found to be efficient among multitude of despeckling approaches reported in the available literature. However, the formulations of MAP estimator for texture are available in ‘intensity format’. The authors formulate ‐MAP and ‐MAP estimators for texture in ‘amplitude format’, considering clutter to be and distributed. The parameters associated with and distributions are estimated using Mellin transform and second‐kind statistics. Furthermore, an MAP‐based filter is proposed here for mixture of Cauchy–Exponential compound Gaussian (CE‐CG) distributed clutter data where the texture is modelled using CE mixture model. For estimation of CE model parameters, they employ expectation–maximisation (EM) algorithm. Finally, the ‐MAP, ‐MAP, and CE‐MAP estimation of texture both in ‘amplitude format’ and ‘intensity format’ are performed on single look real SAR clutter data and also on multilook synthetic data. Experimental results illustrate the superiority of CE‐MAP filter and moreover that the MAP estimation in ‘amplitude format’ achieves better mean preservation and speckle suppression compared with the same in ‘intensity format’.
The sociological dimension of concrete interiors during the 1960s
Authors: Campens Angelique
Published: May 2017

Almost all architects today have abandoned making prescriptions for how people should live. They have learned from the mistakes of Modernism, when architects sought to construct the ideal home for the family. The now nearly universal judgment is that they inhibited the very thing they promised because their ideals failed to understand that living is a continual process of growth and adaptation. Nevertheless, many modernist homes still exist, and many are strikingly beautiful, with unique aesthetic and sculptural qualities. Of particular note are homes built in the 1960s, when a series of architects used the booming trade in concrete to create buildings of the most imaginary shapes and forms. But how can the modern family make their everyday lives in a space that is itself a work of art? How are inhabitants making homes in these complex, concrete structures? How did the family unit grow and evolve in them? To answer the questions, the most proscriptive designs are the most interesting to study. They take us beyond formal analyses and into the praxis of art, where we must rely on sociology and psychology as much as aesthetics. This article will engage these broader questions through a specific focus on homes designed by Juliaan Lampens. The research draws from archival work, literature study, on-site visits and interviews. Lampens is significant not only for the boldness of his forms but for his insistence on limiting walls and creating extremes of openness within the home. This article argues against a pure ideological critique of Lampens’ homes and focus instead on an understanding of how the homes were actually inhabited. In this way this article seeks to restore to modernism its complexity as a lived reality rather than criticize it in terms of its own formalism. These are considered alongside other architects, contemporary to Lampens, who shared similar ideas about living and building. Together these dwellings constitute a constellation that highlights the international scope and variation of Brutalism and, furthermore, brings to light the often overlooked unique sculptural qualities, forms and characteristics that emerged within Brutalist architecture. The essay focuses on two homes: the Vandenhaute home, built for a family of six, and the Vanwassenhove home that had a solo inhabitant. Lampens proposed strict regulations for those in his homes. The essay traces how Lampens developed this position to the extreme, and, in so doing, really did change how people lived. At the same time, this paper insists that architecture is part of a social world, and we need to evaluate both its successes and failures in order to better understand the potentials for future utopian design. This article is published as part of a collection on interiorities.
Potential role of motion for enhancing maximum output energy of triboelectric nanogenerator
Authors: Byun Kyung-Eun , Lee Min-Hyun , Cho Yeonchoo , Nam Seung-Geol , Shin Hyeon-Jin , Park Seongjun
Published: May 2017

Although triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been explored as one of the possible candidates for the auxiliary power source of portable and wearable devices, the output energy of a TENG is still insufficient to charge the devices with daily motion. Moreover, the fundamental aspects of the maximum possible energy of a TENG related with human motion are not understood systematically. Here, we confirmed the possibility of charging commercialized portable and wearable devices such as smart phones and smart watches by utilizing the mechanical energy generated by human motion. We confirmed by theoretical extraction that the maximum possible energy is related with specific form factors of a TENG. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrated the effect of human motion in an aspect of the kinetic energy and impulse using varying velocity and elasticity, and clarified how to improve the maximum possible energy of a TENG. This study gives insight into design of a TENG to obtain a large amount of energy in a limited space.
High temperature operation of n-AlGaN channel metal semiconductor field effect transistors on low-defect AlN templates
Authors: Muhtadi S. , Hwang S. , Coleman A. , Asif F. , Lunev A. , Chandrashekhar M. V. S. , Khan A.
Published: May 2017

We report room-temperature to 200 °C operation of n-Al0.65Ga0.35N channel metal semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFET) grown over high-quality AlN/sapphire templates. For this temperature range, the source-drain currents, threshold voltages, and dc-transconductance values remain nearly unchanged with an estimated field-effect mobility of ∼90 cm2/V-s at 200 °C and currents of  >100 mA/mm. The analysis of the temperature dependent current-voltage characteristics of the gate-source Schottky barrier diode reveals that the leakage currents arise from Frenkel-Poole emission. The capacitance-voltage data show no hysteresis, indicating a high quality Schottky barrier interface. These MESFET's have excellent potential for use as a high temperature power electronic or a solar-blind ultraviolet sensing device.