bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Obesity Epidemic: A Consequence of Reduced Energy Expenditure and the Uncoupling of Energy Intake?
Authors: Church Timothy , Martin Corby K.
Published: December 2017

Obesity prevalence has increased, and increased energy intake or decreased physical activity are the two most obvious contributing factors. The percentage of Americans engaging in exercise has been stable over the past few decades, but decreases in occupation‐related energy expenditure are sufficient to partially explain increased obesity prevalence. Further, the contribution of energy intake and energy expenditure to the obesity epidemic is complicated because they are not independent—they are influenced by each other. For example, Mayer found that low activity levels were marked by higher body weight and higher “unregulated” energy intake levels. Conversely, higher activity levels were marked by lower body weight and energy intake that matched energy expenditure. Consistent with Mayer, we propose that because most Americans have low levels of occupation‐related activity, they do not benefit from the regulation of energy intake achieved at higher activity levels, resulting in weight gain due to energy intake exceeding energy expenditure.
Multidimensional Taylor network optimal control of SISO nonlinear systems for tracking by output feedback
Authors: Yan Hong‐Sen , Sun Qi‐Ming , Zhou Bo
Published: December 2017

It is difficult or even impossible for the existing nonlinear system control methods to realize the real‐time tracking control of nonlinear systems in the presence of modeling errors by output feedback. For that sake, multidimensional Taylor network (MTN) optimal control method is proposed for the real‐time optimal tracking control of the SISO nonlinear constant system with modeling errors as such. On the basis of the original MTN, the control input item is added to the nonlinear dynamic model, which is then termed as the MTN optimal controller (MTNOC). Its initial parameters are trained by the conjugate gradient method and the minimum principle, according to the calculated optimal input and output of the controlled object in open‐loop status. The propagation learning algorithm is adopted to improve the MTN product term weights and eliminate the modeling errors during the real system adjustment process. Simulation results show that the MTNOC promises a high response rate. Despite the errors in the modeling process, MTNOC manages to stabilize the system for tracking the desired output. The experiment of overlaying an additional signal on the input signal proves MTNOC to be of excellent tracking characteristics, capable of inhibiting the disturbance signal to some extent. In short, by realizing the optimal closed‐loop tracking control of the SISO nonlinear constant system by output feedback, MTNOC guarantees its real‐time control accuracy, dynamic performance, robustness, and anti‐disturbance capability.
On creep, recovery, and stress relaxation of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy filament wound composites
Authors: Almeida José Humberto , Ornaghi Heitor L. , Lorandi Natália , Marinucci Gerson , Amico Sandro
Published: December 2017

This work encompasses an analytical procedure and experimental tests for the study of creep/recovery, stress relaxation, and viscoelastic behavior, focusing on the glassy state, of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy filament wound composites of distinct fiber orientation: [0]4, [30]4, and [60]4. The laminate with longitudinally aligned fibers did not show significant creep and its storage modulus was the highest in comparison to the other angles. Both creep and recovery responses were studied based on a Weibull distribution approach at two stress levels (2 and 5 MPa) and the results were found more comprehensive for the highest level. Stress relaxation modulus was calculated using 1% strain and decreased with the fiber orientation angle. The results were corroborated by those of isothermal tests based on non‐linear regression. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1837–1842, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tuning microdomain spacing with light using ortho‐nitrobenzyl‐linked triblock copolymers
Authors: Zhang Wenxu , Sun Zhiwei , Jiang Yishu , Liu Xiaohui , Gupta Rohit , Russell Thomas P. , Bryan Coughlin E.
Published: December 2017

Using sequential RAFT polymerization, single monomer insertion, and “click” chemistry, a series of triblock copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide), PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO, were synthesized, where one of the two junction points is a UV cleavable ortho‐nitrobenzyl (ONB). Ordered patterns of PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO were produced by solvent vapor annealing. Upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, the PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO was converted into a mixture of a PEO homopolymer and a PS‐b‐PEO diblock copolymer. It was found that the microdomain spacing could be tuned by adjusting the UV exposure time, due to the change in the copolymer architecture and the swelling of the PEO microdomain by the PEO homopolymer produced. By selective area exposure of the PEO‐b‐PS‐b‐PEO thin films, the domain spacing was changed over selected locations across the film, generating patterns of different microdomain sizes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 355–361.
Co2P Nanorods as an Efficient Cocatalyst Decorated Porous g‐C3N4 Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zeng Deqian , Ong Wee‐Jun , Chen Yuanzhi , Tee Si Yin , Chua Chin Sheng , Peng Dong‐Liang , Han Ming‐Yong
Published: December 2017

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), which typically acts as the 2D support for loading with cocatalysts, endows fascinating performances for photocatalytic water splitting. Benefiting from the natural sheet‐like structure in g‐C3N4, 1D metal phosphides (Co2P) nanorods are incorporated into 2D porous g‐C3N4 nanosheets via a solution‐phase method under ultrasonication. The novel 1D/2D Co2P/g‐C3N4 heterojunction nanohybrids exhibit ameliorated visible‐light photocatalytic H2 generation without the assistance of Pt as noble metal cocatalysts. Interestingly, the optimal loading of Co2P nanorods is 3 wt%, giving a maximum H2 production rate of 53.3 µmol h−1 g−1. Hence, the solution‐phase hybridization technique can be extensively applied for the smart engineering of other 1D and 2D nanomaterials, leading to unprecedented opportunities on the highly efficient heterojunction photocatalysts for solar‐to‐H2 conversion.
Synthesis of Silicate‐Bridged Heterojunctional SnO2/BiVO4 Nanoplates as Efficient Photocatalysts to Convert CO2 and Degrade 2,4‐Dichlorophenol
Authors: Hu Kang , Li Zhijun , Chen Shuangying , Bian Ji , Qu Yang , Tang Junwang , Jing Liqiang
Published: December 2017

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a promising visible‐light responsive photocatalyst, whose photocatalytic activity can be significantly improved by increasing its surface area and utilizing its high‐energy‐level photogenerated electrons effectively. In this work, 2D BiVO4 nanoplates with large specific surface area are successfully fabricated by hydrothermal conversion with the pre‐prepared BiOCl nanosheets as precursors. To improve the photogenerated charge separation, resulted BiVO4 nanoplates are further coupled with nanocrystalline SnO2 to construct heterojunctions, then silicate bridges are introduced between the interfaces of BiVO4 and SnO2. The amount‐optimized silicate‐bridged SnO2/BiVO4 nanocomposite exhibit exceptional visible‐light photocatalytic activities, by ≈7‐time and 4‐time enhancements for CO2 conversion to CH4 and for 2,4‐dichlorophenol degradation, respectively, compared to bare BiVO4 nanoparticles. The significantly enhanced charge separation is verified by steady‐state and time‐resolved surface photovoltage responses and produced hydroxyl radical amounts. Moreover, it is deduced through designed photo‐electrochemical experiments that the introduced SnO2 acts as a proper‐energy platform capable of accepting the photogenerated electrons of BiVO4 nanoplates, and the constructed silicate bridges further facilitate the electron transfer between BiVO4 and SnO2. This work opens up a feasible route to synthesize visible‐light‐driven 2D bismuth‐based nano‐photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activities for efficient fuel production and environmental remediation.
Evaluation of the new respiratory gating system
Authors: Shi Chengyu , Tang Xiaoli , Chan Maria
Published: December 2017

Objective

The newly released Respiratory Gating for Scanners (RGSC; Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) system has limited existing quality assurance (QA) protocols and pertinent publications. Herein, we report our experiences of the RGSC system acceptance and QA.

Methods

The RGSC system integration was tested with peripheral equipment, spatial reproducibility, and dynamic localization accuracy for regular and irregular breathing patterns, respectively. A QUASAR Respiratory Motion Phantom and a mathematical fitting method were used for data acquisition and analysis.

Results

The results showed that the RGSC system could accurately measure regular motion periods of 3–10 s. For irregular breathing patterns, differences from the existing Real‐time Position Management (RPM; Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) system were observed. For dynamic localization measurements, the RGSC system showed 76% agreement with the programmed test data within ±5% tolerance in terms of fitting period. As s comparison, the RPM system showed 66% agreement within ±5% tolerance, and 65% for the RGSC versus RPM measurements.

Conclusions

New functions and positioning accuracy improve the RGSC system's ability to achieve higher dynamic treatment precision. A 4D phantom is helpful for the QA tests. Further investigation is required for the whole RGSC system performance QA.
Janus kinase inhibitors for autoimmune disorders
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: December 2017

Three janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors ‐ baricitinib (Olumiant) and tofacitinib (Xeljanz) for rheumatoid arthritis, and ruxolitinib (Jakavi) for myelofibrosis ‐ have already been launched in the UK and others are currently being evaluated in a diverse range of autoimmune disorders and cancers. This article provides an overview of the properties and potential of this new class of drugs.
What makes you feel at home? Constructing senses of home in two border cities
Authors: Feng Dan , Breitung Werner
Published: December 2017

In times of global mobility, home must be understood as a multiscalar and context‐dependent concept, which is socially constructed through experiences and imagination. While most research on home is based on qualitative case studies in the context of international migration, there is a lack of systematic analyses based on larger samples of how people draw on different resources in developing a sense of home and how this differs in different places. This paper studies cross‐border mobile people in Hong Kong and Shenzhen to empirically compare the strength of their sense of home in both places and to analyse the factors contributing to this sense of home at the city‐scale. It is found that social contacts are most influential, followed by functional aspects such as home ownership and (to a lesser degree) nostalgic factors. While the strong impact of social contacts confirms previous research, the other aspects highlight the need to consider the local context. Our data discloses city‐specific patterns of home construction, differing between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and impacts of the border and border‐crossing on senses of home. A transborder sense of home is emerging, but mainly in those residents who cross the border frequently, and based more on functional than on emotional properties. The study contributes to the literature on home by focussing on the city scale rather than the residence or the nation, by proposing a quantitative and analytical methodology, and by applying this methodology in a border setting.
Pyroelectric Properties and Local Piezoelectric Response of Lithium Niobate Thin Films
Authors: Baklanova Kristina D. , Solnyshkin Alexander V. , Kislova Inna L. , Gudkov Sergey I. , Belov Alexey N. , Shevyakov Vasily I. , Zhukov Roman N. , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Malinkovich Mikhail D.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, comprehensive investigation of the pyroelectric properties and local piezoelectric response in ferroelectric film heterostructures is presented. The pyroelectric effect is determined by the dynamic method and the pyroelectric response is recorded for further analysis. It is shown that such studies are effective to analyze the self‐polarization phenomena, the stability of the polarized state, the determination of the ferroelectric phase fraction in the film structures, the characterization of grains with in‐plane and out‐of‐plane polarization and others. For example, thin film samples of ferroelectric LiNbO3 deposited by magnetron sputtering on silicon substrates are considered. The measurement results show that a part of the crystal grains (about 30%) in these films possessed the out‐of‐plane polarization directed from the free surface to the substrate and determined the peculiarities of the pyroelectric response and the vertical component of the local piezoelectric response.
Ln3+ 4f Energy Levels in CaTiO3 Analyzed by XPS Measurements
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Ueda Kazushige
Published: December 2017

The energy levels of Ln3+ 4f ground states in CaTiO3 are analyzed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Ln 4f states in the XPS spectra are extracted utilizing large photoionization cross section differences between Ln 4f and O 2p states. The Ln3+ 4f energy levels referred to the valence band maximum are evaluated to be 0.8 eV for Pr3+, −5.0 eV for Gd3+, 0.9 eV for Tb3+, and −4.6 eV for Lu3+ from the extracted XPS spectra. Although the obtained values of Gd3+ and Lu3+ 4f levels are deeper in the valence band, the values of Pr3+ and Tb3+ 4f levels are in good agreement with those reported previously. The difference in the photoluminescence colors between Pr3+‐doped CaTiO3 and CaZrO3 is simply explained from the Pr3+ 4f energy levels located in the bandgaps.
InGaN/GaN Structures: Effect of the Quantum Well Number on the Cathodoluminescent Properties
Authors: Hospodková Alice , Hubáček Tomáš , Oswald Jiří , Pangrác Jiří , Kuldová Karla , Hývl Matěj , Dominec Filip , Ledoux Gilles , Dujardin Christophe
Published: December 2017

In this work we compare luminescence results obtained on InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (QW) structures with 10 and 30 QWs. The aim is to increase the intensity of faster blue QW emission and decrease the luminescence of the QW defect band, showing a slower luminescence decay time, which is undesired for fast scintillator applications. We demonstrate that increasing the number of InGaN QWs is an efficient method to reach this goal. The luminescence improvement of the sample with higher number of QWs is explained by the influence of the increased size of V‐pits with increased QW number. Thinner QWs on the side wall of V‐pits serve as barriers which separate carriers from dislocations penetrating through the V‐pit centre, supressing thus the non‐radiative and radiative recombination on defects. Based on cathodoluminescence (CL) results, the scintillator structure design is discussed. Scintillator structures with higher number of QWs can take advantage of both, improved luminescence efficiency and thicker active region.
Opioids and CNS depressants: Walking the fine line
Authors: Price Lawrence H.
Published: December 2017

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is highly respected in the medical community, but it is, after all, a government agency, and not all of its official pronouncements are particularly newsworthy. At The Update, we try to cover the ones that convey new information we believe has the potential to meaningfully impact the practice of our readers or the well‐being of their patients. By those criteria, the Drug Safety Communication summarized in this month's issue (page 8) wouldn't seem to make the cut. It's titled “FDA urges caution about withholding opioid addiction medications from patients taking benzodiazepines or CNS depressants: careful medication management can reduce risks.”1 Yes, that's a mouthful, but there's nothing in it that's new or surprising — it's what I would be expecting from the routine practice of our average reader.
Pulmonary nocardiosis in a patient with idiopathic CD4 T‐lymphocytopenia
Authors: Jayaschandran Vivek , Gjorgova‐Gjeorgjievski Sandra , Siddique Haamid
Published: December 2017

Idiopathic CD4 T‐lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare immunodeficiency characterized by low CD4 T‐lymphocyte count, which usually manifests with opportunistic infections. Nocardia as an opportunistic pathogen infecting patients with this condition has rarely been reported. Here, we describe the case of a 46‐year‐old male who presented with lung mass and respiratory and systemic symptoms and was eventually diagnosed with pulmonary nocardiosis. A workup for predisposing immunodeficiencies suggested a picture of ICL. This case illustrates the importance of considering ICL as a possible predisposing condition when an otherwise healthy individual presents with pulmonary nocardiosis.
GDPR is coming – are you ready, or not?
Authors: Smouter Kim
Published: December 2017

Staying ahead of legislation coming down the pipeline
Measuring the Pulse of Opinion
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: December 2017

Jon Puleston on polling
Myths and Metrics
Authors: Heeg Robert
Published: December 2017

Finding the sustainability sweet spot
Why the post‐Brexit UK market research industry needs to consolidate
Authors: Priest Jon
Published: December 2017

The UK may be a tiny island in the North Atlantic, but it has become one of the chief concerns for business leaders everywhere.
The One Question (Part 2)
Authors: McCaughan Dave
Published: December 2017

Market Research Realities asks what you forgot to ask
Advance planning, updated strategies can help prevent summer melt
Authors: Hilton Warren
Published: December 2017

In 2007, I experienced something that changed my outlook on summer melt. That was the year Samantha showed up for new student orientation but she wasn't on any of our student lists. All of us at the small liberal arts college where I worked at the time scrambled to find out the problem. Eventually, Samantha's mother revealed she had not paid her deposit. Samantha had attended class at another institution the week before but was unhappy there so she wanted to try our college. Samantha's story ended well for her and for us — she enrolled and graduated in four years. But the situation leaves a lot of unanswered questions about how the other institution lost her to summer melt.
Conduct effective threat assessment to prevent violence
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2017

After a campus shooting or other violent act, many people ask, “What made him snap?” But “people don't just snap,” said Rebecca Bolante, Ph.D., C.R.C., C.T.M., director of threat management resources at Chemeketa Community College in Oregon. She spoke at a Campus Safety Symposium sponsored by the Association of Florida Colleges, along with Dave Benson, principal/owner at DJ Benson & Associates; Rick Parfitt, chief of police and director of public safety at Florida SouthWestern State College; and Ryan Woods, captain of the Police Department at Santa Fe College in Florida.
Did search warrant violate a student's rights?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: December 2017

On Nov. 17, 2011, Renée Schomp reported to campus police that she had been receiving emails and Facebook messages from University of Michigan Law School classmate Jesse Enjaian that made her uncomfortable and worried. Four days later, she sent him a message stating: “Do not send me any other messages via email, Facebook, or text message. Do not call me, speak to me in person, or interact with me in any other way, either directly or indirectly.”
Optimizing Carbon Dioxide Uptake and Carbon Dioxide‐Methane Selectivity of Oxygen‐Doped Porous Carbon Prepared from Oxygen Containing Polymer Precursors
Authors: Ghosh Saunab , Barron Andrew R.
Published: December 2017

The reproducible synthesis is reported for oxygen containing porous carbons (OPC) by the KOH activation at 500–800 °C of two oxygen containing precursor polymers: polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFFA) and polyanisyl alcohol (PAA) yielding FFA‐OPC and AA‐OPC, respectively. Both OPCs exhibits good thermal stability and reproducible gas uptake properties over multiple cycles. The surface area and pore volumes of the OPC are independent of the precursor identity, but controlled by the activation temperature. Similarly, the uptake of CO2 is determined by the physical properties of the OPC: activation at 750 °C results in uptake that equals or out‐performs existing PCs for high pressure uptake (30 bar) at 24.0 °C (FFA‐OPC750: 117 wt%; AA‐OPC750: 115 wt%). The high uptake is related to a high relative percentage of pores <2 nm. The uptake of CH4 for both OPCs is greatest for samples activation at 750 °C, FFA‐OPC750 shows enhanced uptake compared to AA‐OPC750, 15.5 wt% versus 13.7 wt%, respectively. Uptake for CH4 appears to relate to a high relative percentage of pores 1–2 nm, which is observed for AA‐OPC750. As a consequence, AA‐OPC750 demonstrates superior selectivity for CO2 capture over CH4 uptake (AA‐OPC750: Vmass(CO2/CH4)=8.37 at 30 bar) as compared to reported PCs. A higher value for the isosteric heat of adsorption of CO2 (33 kJ mol−1) versus CH4 (11 kJ mol−1) suggests a new temperature dependent strategy for removing CO2 from natural gas via selective adsorption and desorption cycles.
Copper (II) Ions Immobilized onto Aminoquinoline‐Functionalized Ferrite: A New Efficient and Recoverable Catalyst for “in Water” Synthesis of Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Mogaddam Firouz Matloubi , Eslami Mohammad , Ayati Seyed Ebrahim
Published: December 2017

Since the design and development of new ideal catalysts pave the way to green chemistry, a concise, convenient and green protocol was developed for the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles in the presence of a magnetic heterogeneous copper catalyst at room temperature and micellar medium. An easily prepared copper(II) chloride immobilized on 8‐aminoquinoline functionalized magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 (MNPs@8‐AQ.CuCl2) showed high catalytic performance for the micellar promoted 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of alkyl azides to terminal alkynes in water and ambient temperature condition. Various techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Elemental analysis on carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen (CHN) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) were used to confirm the successful synthesis of the heterogeneous catalyst.
A Series of Cu2I2 Complexes of 10‐(Aryl)phenoxarsines: Synthesis and Structural Diversity
Authors: Musina Elvira I. , Galimova Milyausha F. , Musin Rustem R. , Dobrynin Alexey B. , Gubaidullin Aidar T. , Litvinov Igor A. , Karasik Andrey A. , G.Sinyashin Oleg
Published: December 2017

Dinuclear complexes of the composition Cu2I2L2Py2 and Cu2I2L4 are obtained by the reaction of 10‐(aryl)phenoxarsine ligands (L) with copper iodide in pyridine or non‐coordinated solvent. Unexpectedly the 1D polymeric complex [Cu2I2L4]n is formed as the only product by the reaction of 10‐(p‐ethoxyphenyl)phenoxarsine with CuI in the molar ratio 1 : 2. All complexes and the initial phenoxarsine ligands are fully characterized by elemental analysis, NMR‐ and IR spectroscopy. X‐ray structure is determined for eight complexes and five ligands. In the 1D coordination polymer [Cu2I2L4]n copper atoms are in zigzag‐like chain arrangement demonstrating the first example of such Cu‐I−Cu‐I binding. The empirical Tolman cone angles for 10‐(aryl)phenoxarsine ligands in complexes are calculated to lie in the range of 125–152°. The dependence of the Tolman angle values on the position of aryl substituent at arsenic atom is demonstrated.
Design and Synthesis of L‐Proline Derivatives as Enantioselective Organocatalysts for Synthesis of the (S)‐Wieland‐Miescher Ketone
Authors: Pan Li , Ding Xiaoqin , Ding Junjie , Li Dayu , Chen Jisheng , Zuo Xialong , An Rong
Published: December 2017

Some simple L‐proline derivatives were designed as the organocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis of (S)‐Wieland‐Miescher Ketone. Their catalytic efficiencies were predicted based on DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations. The results of DFT calculations were in good agreement with that of experiment. In order to further investigate the effects of substituent groups attached to CONH on catalytic efficiencies, 12 other L‐proline derivatives were designed, synthesized and tested the catalytic efficiencies. Some of title organcatalysts (C04 and D01) exhibited excellent catalytic efficiencies (up to 93% ee and 88% yield) with a very low loading (0.5‐1 mol%) under solvent‐free conditions. Meanwhile, microwave irradiation was used for accelerating the reaction, and the reaction time had been decreased to 3 hours. Organocatalysts D01 derived from cheap isopropylamine would make the preparation of (S)‐Wieland‐Miescher Ketone a lot easier and cheaper.
Crystal Structures of Z and E ortho‐Tetrafluoroazobenzene
Authors: Hermann Daniela , Schwartz Heidi A. , Ruschewitz Uwe
Published: December 2017

The crystal structures of Z‐ (Pna21, Z=4; single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data) and E‐ortho‐tetrafluoroazobenzene (Pna21, Z=4; synchrotron powder diffraction data) were solved and refined. These structural analyses reveal that the phenyl rings are almost coplanar in the E isomer, whereas a tilting by 67.8(5)° was found in the Z isomer. This leads to significantly different molecular shapes (longest elongations 13.2 Å x 8.1 Å x 4.0 Å for the E isomer vs. 9.6 Å x 7.0 Å x 6.9 Å for the Z isomer). A comparison of the supramolecular structures of Z‐ and E‐ortho‐tetrafluoroazobenzene with other known fluorinated azobenzenes shows that mainly H…F interactions occur in both isomers of ortho‐tetrafluoroazobenzene, whereas H…F and F…F interactions exist in E‐4H,4H’‐octafluoroazobenzene, only F…F interactions in E‐perfluoroazobenzene, and N…C, F…C as well as F…F interactions in Z‐perfluoroazobenzene.
H‐Bonding in Water of Hydration: NIR Spectral Studies of Hydration Behavior of 1‐n‐Alkyl‐3‐metylimidazolium‐Based Bromide and Amino Acid Ionic Liquids at 298.15 K
Authors: Dagade Dilip H. , Barge Seema S.
Published: December 2017

H‐bonding in ionic hydration is crucial for understanding various phenomena such as osmolyte effects, ion transport, electrochemical processes, etc. Ionic liquids (ILs) from the biomaterials have great affinity for protein solubility and stabilization due to hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonding ability. To explore potential use of ionic liquids, it is essential to understand hydration of ionic liquids with detailed information on H‐bonding within the water of hydration. In this context, near‐infrared spectral investigation of H‐bonding in water of hydration of 1‐n‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromides and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium based amino acid ionic liquids were made through simultaneous estimation of hydration number and hydration spectra of ILs in the spectral range of 7800‐5800 cm−1. Weak H‐bonding extist in the water of hydration for 1‐n‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromides while strong cooperative H‐bonding exists in case of amino acid ionic liquids leading to higher hydration numbers. The results further demonstrate that the individual resolved spectral components can be used to analyse (qualitatively and quantitatively) different types of H‐bonded species at ionic surfaces. Along with all these, the effect of hydrophobicity on hydration behavior as well as on the nature and strength of H‐bonding within the hydration shell of ions are also probed and discussed.
Optimization of Ion‐Dependent Green Synthesis of Fmoc‐Amino Acids in Phosphate Buffer
Authors: Singh Virender , Sharma Raj Kumar , Sinha Neeraj , Thakur Ashwani Kumar
Published: December 2017

Here we show the optimization of Fmoc amino acid conjugation reaction in physiological relevant phosphate buffer using ethanol as a green solvent. Using Phenylalanine as model amino acid, different parameters including water, temperature, stirring, pH, buffer composition, ions and solvents were tested to optimize the product yield. Using the optimized method, Fmoc conjugation of other amino acids and a dipeptide are reported. Important role of buffer ions in the catalyst free Fmoc‐Phenylalanine synthesis and implication of phosphate ions through 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in the product formation have been demonstrated. The characterization of the final products was carried using reverse phase chromatography, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Optimized method using phosphate buffer and ethanol as green solvent might provide substitute for borate buffer and pave the way for amino acid detection in biological fluids under physiologically relevant and environmental friendly conditions.
A Quick, Efficient and Simple Protocol for Synthesis of Bimetallic Nickel‐Palladium Nanoparticles: Effective Catalyst for Biaryl Synthesis
Authors: Phukan Parmita , Boruah Preeti R. , Gehlot Praveen S. , Kumar Arvind , Bordoloi Ankur , Sarma Diganta
Published: December 2017

Herein we report a very simple and an efficient protocol for the synthesis of palladium‐nickel bimetallic nanoparticles. Palladium chloride (PdCl2) has been used as precursor for synthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles (Pd Nps). Salting out agent lithium chloride (LiCl) enhanced the reduction rate of Pd (II) and Ni (II) to the corresponding Pd and Ni nanoparticles transformation up to a considerable extent. The methodology adopted resulted nanosized palladium‐nickel bimetallic particles in just a few seconds. The as‐prepared bimetallic nanoparticles were characterized with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Spectroscopy (TEM‐EDX), X‐Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP AES) analysis. The catalyst with only 0.3 mol% Pd showed its efficiency in Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction with excellent yield of the desired biaryl products.
Instant Synthesis of White Light‐Emitting Cd Chalcogenide Nanoclusters Using Homogenization Method
Authors: More Priyesh V. , Hiragond Chaitanya B. , Jadhav Aditi , Kush Priya , Sapra Sameer , Khanna Pawan K.
Published: December 2017

This article presents the simplest and quickest synthesis method to obtain pure white light emitting CdS and CdSe nanoclusters. Both the CdS and CdSe nanoclusters were prepared by similar methods in less than 5 min at room temperature using a homogenizer. The synthesis procedure was systematically strategized to impart deep traps by the capping agent (3‐mercaptopropionic acid; MPA) and shallow traps due to S/Se‐deficiency. The S/Se‐deficiency was created by both the in‐situ and ex‐situ addition of excess Cd‐source. The as‐prepared cadmium chalcogenides nanoclusters hinted the formation of extremely small sized quantum dots or magic sized nanoclusters and emitted pure white light (chromaticity coordinates; x= 0.3197 or 0.377 & y=0.2612 or 0.3677) with 365 nm irradiation.
Carbohydrates to Cyclitols Using Mn/CrCl3‐Mediated Domino Bernet‐Vasella Reductive Elimination and NHK Reaction
Authors: Kumar Bejugam Santhosh , Naresh Annavareddi , Prabhakar Rao Tadikamalla , Rao Batchu Venkateswara
Published: December 2017

A novel, general and efficient approach for the conversion of carbohydrates to cyclitols was developed utilizing Mn/CrCl3 mediated domino Bernet‐Vasella reductive elimination of diiodo precursor of a sugar and NHK reaction to produce four, five and six membered cyclitols. And also, the specific reactivity of Mn/CrCl3 over Zn on diiodo compounds was studied
Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Catalytic Synthesis of Densely Functionalized 2‐Amino‐4H‐pyrans under Mild Condition in Aqueous Media
Authors: Huang Lu‐Shan , Hu Xin , Yu Ya‐Qin , Xu Da‐Zhen
Published: December 2017

An highly efficient one‐pot synthesis of functionalized 2‐amino‐4H‐pyrans promoted by a polystyrene‐supported ionic liquid as a green and recyclable catalyst has been successfully developed. This protocol shows excellent versatility, it can be applied to a broad range of carbonyl compounds including isatins and aromatic/aliphatic aldehydes, and various enolizable C−H activated compounds, such as dimedone, cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione, 5‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one, 3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one, 1‐naphthol, 2‐naphthol, resorcinol, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, kojic acid, ethyl acetoacetate, 1,3‐dimethylbarbituric acid, barbutaric acid and thiobarbituric acid. All the reactions afford the desired products in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This method is operationally simple and the products purified just by crystallization. The catalyst could be recycled five times at least.
Synthesis of Imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinoline and Its 3‐Substituted Analogues Including the Fluorescent 3‐(1‐Isoquinolinyl)imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinoline
Authors: Bori Jugal , Behera Nibedita , Mahata Satyajit , Manivannan Vadivelu
Published: December 2017

Compounds having imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinoline nucleus have been synthesised. Selenium dioxide oxidation of a mixture of various aldehydes and 1‐isoquinolinemethylamine yielded the respective 3‐substituted imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinolines in good yields. When 1‐isoquinolinemethylamine was employed without any aldehyde, 3‐(1‐isoquinolinyl)imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinoline (IQ‐1) was isolated. This IQ‐1 is fluorescent and all the compounds were thoroughly characterized. Molecular structures of IQ‐1 and 3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[5, 1‐a]isoquinoline (IQ‐4) have been confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction technique.
A Novel Approach for P25‐Carbon Dot Composite and the Reactive Oxygen Species Involved in the Visible Light Photocatalytic Mineralization of Rhodamine B
Authors: Mohamed Mukthar Ali S. M. Y. , Sandhya K. Y.
Published: December 2017

A novel approach has been adapted for making titanium dioxide (P25)‐carbon dot composite (P25/C‐dot) and it exhibits visible light (VL) photocatalytic mineralization property towards rhodamine B (RhB). Carbonization of β‐cyclodextrin (CD) in a self‐assembled P25/β‐cyclodextrin (P25/CD) composite prepared by UV‐irradiation, using P2O5‐water yields P25/C‐dot with chemical linkage between P25 and C‐dot. Photodegradation (PD) of RhB by P25/CD and P25/C‐dot were better (71%) than that of the commercial P25 (49%). Though the PD activity of both the composites was similar, the PD of RhB by P25/C‐dot follows the mineralization pathway while that in the presence of P25/CD undergoes via decolouration. Further scavenging studies reveal that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the PD of RhB by P25/C‐dot while it is superoxide anion radical (O2•−) and singlet oxygen (1O2) for P25/CD, suggesting that •OH can promote mineralization of the RhB. Our study suggests that C‐dot has a role in the formation of •OH during PD reaction, catalytically or not.
Concise Synthesis of the Phosphoglycerylated Tetrasaccharide Repeating Unit of the Capsular Polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 11 A
Authors: Si Anshupriya , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: December 2017

A concise convergent synthetic strategy has been developed for the first synthesis of the glycerol phosphate‐containing tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the capsular polysaccharide of S. pneumoniae 11 A strain in very good yield. A stereoselective [2+2] block glycosylation strategy has been adopted for the synthesis of the tetrasaccharide derivative. All glycosylations were highly stereoselective with satisfactory yield.
Bacterial RNAP Inhibitors: Synthesis and Evaluation of Prodrugs of Aryl‐ureidothiophene‐carboxylic acids
Authors: Ruthenbeck Alexandra , Elgaher Walid A. M. , Haupenthal Jörg , Hartmann Rolf W. , Meier Chris
Published: December 2017

Recently, aryl‐ureidothiophene carboxylates were shown to inhibit the RNA polymerase and reduce the growth of Gram positive bacteria. We now aimed to extend the efficacy spectrum and address presumed permeation deficiencies of these agents by applying different prodrug‐approaches. Chemical syntheses yielded 12 prodrugs of three different categories featuring neutral, cationic and FeIII ‐coordinating properties. Their promising characteristics regarding stabilities, enzyme‐activation and iron coordination performance encouraged their study in growth inhibition assays of different Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains. These studies pointed to a positively charged, choline‐like motif being beneficial for these compounds especially for Gram‐negative bacterial cell growth inhibition.
Facile Fabrication of Pt‐Ru Nanoparticles Immobilized on Reduced Graphene Oxide Support for the Electrooxidation of Methanol and Ethanol
Authors: Raghavendra P. , Reddy Gajulapalli Vishwakshan , Sivasubramanian Ramanathan , Chandana Panchangam Sri , Sarma Loka Subramanyam
Published: December 2017

This study demonstrates a convenient methodology for the decoration of Pt−Ru nanoparticles (with various morphologies like Pt‐on‐Ru and Ru‐on‐Pt) on graphene sheets. The structure, composition and morphological features of the synthesized electrocatalysts were assessed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). TEM analysis revealed that the Pt−Ru nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on graphene sheets with a narrow size particle distribution. The corresponding morphology‐dependent activity of electrocatalysts towards two important anodic reactions relevant to fuel cell applications like methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) were systematically studied by CV. The results showed that Pt‐on‐Ru/RGO electrocatalysts exhibited higher catalytic activity and better stability compared to Ru‐on‐Pt/RGO, Pt/RGO and commercial Pt−Ru/C catalysts towards both MOR and EOR. Furthermore, the simple synthetic strategy demonstrated here can be extended to other bimetallic systems with improved properties for fuel cell reactions.
Rare Supramolecular Assemblies of a Dicopper(II)‐tetracarboxylate Stabilized by (Methanol)6, Dimethyl Sulfoxide and 4,4′‐Azobipyridyl Bridges
Authors: Vishnoi Pratap , Kaleeswaran Dhananjayan , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: December 2017

Two new supramolecular assemblies formed by [Cu2(Hdiphba)4] (H2diphba=4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐iso‐propylbenzoic acid) in protic and aprotic solvents have been investigated. Methanol gives rise a 3D hydrogen‐bonded network comprised of [Cu2(Hdiphba)4] and extremely rare twisted‐boat methanol cyclohexamer synthons. While, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an aprotic solvent, gives a 2D assembly in which DMSO bridges [Cu2(Hdiphba)4] units to form 1D rectangular channels, entrapping guest DMSO arranged in a zig‐zag chain. The solvent molecules could be replaced with neutral N,N’‐donor linkers to form 1D coordination polymers.
2‐Formylarylsulfonate from Aryne: A Sequential Reaction Strategy for Direct Synthesis of ortho‐Hydroxyl‐Protected Aryl Aldehydes
Authors: Sharma Abhilash , Gogoi Pranjal
Published: December 2017

A novel transition‐metal free synthetic strategy has been developed for the direct synthesis of 2‐formylarylsulphonate from aryne precursor. The reaction proceeds via CO and C−C bond cleavage as well as C−O,C−C and O−S bond formations in a single reaction vessel. The methodology provides good yield of 2‐formylarylsulphonates and tolerates variety of functional groups. The strategy opens a new avenue for the direct synthesis of ortho‐hydroxyl‐protected aryl aldehydes in organic synthesis.
A Facile Low Temperature Fabrication of High Performance CsPbI2Br All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Taiyang , Xu Feng , Li Yihui , Zhao Yixin
Published: December 2017

All‐inorganic lead halide perovskites α‐CsPbI2Br with higher thermal stability and phase stability are promising candidate for optoelectronic application such as photovoltaics. However, the >250 °C high temperature annealing is required to obtain the desired photovoltaic active perovskite phase of α‐CsPbI2Br, which makes it difficult for fabrication and application based on flexible polymer substrate. Here, a facile formation of high performance all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cell is reported, through a one‐step method and a 100–130 °C low temperature annealing process. The facile‐deposited CsPbI2Br film demonstrates long‐term phase stability at room temperature for a month and exhibits the thermal stability under 100 °C annealing for more than a week. Consequently, the CsPbI2Br‐based all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to a record value of 10.56%. This low temperature crystallization of all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite is a promising approach for scalable, convenient, and inexpensive fabrication in the future.
The rise of internal fertilization in the Anablepidae (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes): two new genera and species from the Miocene of Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Sferco Emilia , Herbst Rafael , Aguilera Gastón , Mirande J. Marcos
Published: December 2017

Two new genera and species of Cyprinodontiformes from the Miocene of Tucumán, Argentina, are described: Tucmanableps cionei and Sachajenynsia pacha. Both exhibit sexual dimorphism, indicated by the modification of the male anal fin into an intromittent organ; tricuspid teeth in the jaws; abdominal pelvic fins and other features that demonstrate a relationship with the family Anablepidae. Males of Sachajenynsia pacha gen. et sp. nov. present modifications of the anal fin, herein interpreted as an incipient gonopodium, whereas the anal fin of Tucmanableps cionei gen. et sp. nov. is modified into a complex gonopodium with a median distal plate, which is unique among the Anablepidae. In extant genera of the family, modification of the anal fin into an intromittent organ is related to internal fertilization; this condition is inferred for S. pacha but was clearly the reproductive mode of T. cionei. In our phylogenetic analysis, S. pacha is recovered as the sister group of all anablepids with evident internal fertilization, while T. cionei forms a clade with Anableps species. The occurrence of two new anablepid genera showing distinct and unique morphologies suggests that the fossil diversity of the Anablepidae may be higher than the extant one. Also, the new taxa were found in open lake deposits with coastal and inner lake sediments of the Río Salí Formation associated with the Miocene Entrerrian–Paranense Marine Ingression, supporting the idea that coastal environments and brackish waters are related to the generic diversification of the Anablepidae, as was suggested for the species of Jenynsia.
Complexities of Racial Identity Development for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) College Students
Authors: Chan Jason
Published: December 2017

Higher education research increasingly acknowledges the multiple identities and communities within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) student population. This chapter explores the complex and multifaceted aspects of APIDA students and offers key considerations for student affairs practitioners working with today's APIDA student population.
Asian American Student Engagement in Student Leadership and Activism
Authors: Manzano Lester J. , Poon OiYan A. , Na Vanessa S.
Published: December 2017

Conceptual models for understanding the ways in which Asian American students engage in leadership and activism are interrogated. The chapter provides a discussion of implications for student affairs professionals working with Asian American student leaders and activists.
RNA versatility, flexibility, and thermostability for practice in RNA nanotechnology and biomedical applications
Authors: Haque Farzin , Pi Fengmei , Zhao Zhengyi , Gu Shanqing , Hu Haibo , Yu Hang , Guo Peixuan
Published: December 2017

In recent years, RNA has attracted widespread attention as a unique biomaterial with distinct biophysical properties for designing sophisticated architectures in the nanometer scale. RNA is much more versatile in structure and function with higher thermodynamic stability compared to its nucleic acid counterpart DNA. Larger RNA molecules can be viewed as a modular structure built from a combination of many ‘Lego’ building blocks connected via different linker sequences. By exploiting the diversity of RNA motifs and flexibility of structure, varieties of RNA architectures can be fabricated with precise control of shape, size, and stoichiometry. Many structural motifs have been discovered and characterized over the years and the crystal structures of many of these motifs are available for nanoparticle construction. For example, using the flexibility and versatility of RNA structure, RNA triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons can be constructed from phi29 pRNA three‐way‐junction (3WJ) building block. This review will focus on 2D RNA triangles, squares, and hexamers; 3D and 4D structures built from basic RNA building blocks; and their prospective applications in vivo as imaging or therapeutic agents via specific delivery and targeting. Methods for intracellular cloning and expression of RNA molecules and the in vivo assembly of RNA nanoparticles will also be reviewed. WIREs RNA 2018, 9:e1452. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1452

This article is categorized under:

RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics and Chemistry

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Cover Image, Volume 9, Issue 1
Authors: Niessing Dierk , Jansen Ralf‐Peter , Pohlmann Thomas , Feldbrügge Michael
Published: December 2017

The cover image, by Dierk Niessing et al., is based on the Focus Article mRNA transport in fungal top models, DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1453. Image Credit: CEPLAS ‐ Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences

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Customized software to streamline routine analyses for wildlife management
Authors: Nowak J. Joshua , Lukacs Paul M. , Hurley Mark A. , Lindbloom Andrew J. , Robling Kevin A. , Gude Justin A. , Robinson Hugh
Published: December 2017

It is widely recognized that modern computer software makes wildlife management and research easier and allows increasingly complex tasks to become routine. Unfortunately, data storage and reporting rarely keep pace with the rapid expansion of data analysis software. Such disconnects in workflow can lead to missed opportunities where data are not used fully and new information is slow to emerge. We present a server‐based software system, PopR (https://popr.cfc.umt.edu), which merges wildlife management agency databases with state‐of‐the‐art statistical software for real‐time wildlife data analysis, population modeling, and reporting. The interface to PopR is a secure website allowing access from any location with internet access and from any platform (personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.). PopR connects to remote data sources through an application program interface. PopR implements Bayesian integrated population models combining multiple data sources. PopR also implements individual data source analyses such as survival, sightability, herd composition, and harvest, among other data sources. Finally, PopR generates reports and figures for rapid dissemination and incorporation of results into decision processes. PopR presents a seamless workflow from data to analysis to reporting. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.