bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide-field choroidal thickness profile in healthy eyes
Authors: Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Singh Sumit Randhir , Invernizzi Alessandro , Cagini Carlo , Goud Abhilash , Sahoo Niroj Kumar , Cozzi Mariano , Lupidi Marco , Chhablani Jay
Published: November 2018

The introduction of wide field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT) has provided newer insights in the imaging of peripheral choroid. We evaluated choroidal thickness (CT) and large choroidal vessel thickness (LCVT) of 20 eyes in horizontal and vertical meridians using WF-OCT. A high-definition line scan through the fovea in both horizontal and vertical meridian was captured in primary and extremes of gaze to obtain scans up to mid-equator. CT and LCVT measurements were done across predefined points in macular area and all quadrants. LCVT was calculated after identifying a large choroidal vessel near choroidoscleral interface. The main outcome measures were differences in CT and LCVT in macular and four quadrants. Mean CT (331.23 ± 76.34 µ) and LCVT (201.46 ± 54.31 µ) in vertical macular segment were significantly more than CT (245.79 ± 55.38 µ; p = 0.0002) and LCVT (150.48 ± 52.58 µ; p = 0.004) in horizontal macular segment. CT at peripheral points in all quadrants was significantly reduced as compared to subfoveal CT (all p values < 0.05) with maximum reduction in inferior quadrant (64.5%). Using linear regression, only quadrant had a significant effect on CT and LCVT (both p < 0.001). CT and LCVT are highest at the macular area with reduction towards the periphery. The contribution of LCVT to CT is less at the fovea compared to other peripheral points.
Live E. coli bacteria label-free sensing using a microcavity in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Janik Monika , Koba Marcin , Celebańska Anna , Bock Wojtek J. , Śmietana Mateusz
Published: November 2018

The paper presents the first study to date on selective label-free biosensing with a microcavity in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometer induced in an optical fiber. The sensing structures were fabricated in a single-mode fiber by femtosecond laser micromachining. In contrast to other studies of this sensing scheme, where only the sensitivity to refractive index changes in the cavity was investigated, this research used chemical surface treatment of the sensor to ensure detection specificity. Immobilized MS2 bacteriophages were applied as recognition elements specifically targeting live E. coli C3000 bacteria. It is shown that the sensor allows for real-time monitoring of biological phenomena taking place on the surface of the microcavity. The developed biosensor exhibits ultrahigh refractive index sensitivity of 15,000 nm/RIU and is capable of detecting live E. coli bacteria concentrations as low as 100 colony forming units (CFU)/mL in liquid volume as low as picoliters.
Nucleophilic Catalysts and Organocatalyzed Zwitterionic Ring-opening Polymerization of Heterocyclic Monomers
Authors: Coulembier Olivier
Published: November 2018

The ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones and other heterocyclic monomers has opened the door to the preparation of well-defined macromolecules. With a view to limiting the side effects caused by the metal-catalysts generally used in ROP, or to flatter the pride of scientists, keen on mimicking Mother Nature, the organocatalysis methods have aroused huge interest in the polymer community. Well beyond the initial expectations, such a new catalytic tool has provided very interesting features in terms of reaction rate, selectivity and approachable architectures. In this chapter, we propose to describe the important progress in the application of zwitterionic ROP as a strategy to prepare linear but also cyclic polymers when neutral nucleophilic catalysts are used. Among the plethora of organic molecules developed in the bibliography, pyridine-, imidazole-, amidine/guanidine-, tertiary amine-, phosphine- and N-heterocyclic carbene-derived catalysts have been selected and are presented through this chapter.
Base Catalysts for Organopolymerization
Authors: Naumann Stefan
Published: November 2018

The application of organobases is one of the fundamental approaches to achieving metal-free polymerization. The wide range of potential catalysts has generated a surprisingly rich chemistry with an extensive scope of suitable monomers, various catalytic mechanisms and polymer architectures. The major classes of amidines, guanidines, phosphazenes, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) will be discussed from this perspective. Each family of organobase is presented, including properties, pKa data and synthesis. Special emphasis is put on the polymerization behaviour and how it is influenced by the catalyst structure. Relevant polymerization mechanisms are discussed in detail, also encompassing examples where the operation as base is accompanied by alternative or cooperating mechanisms, such as H-bonding or nucleophilic ring-opening. The organobases described in this chapter are employed to prepare, among others, poly(ester), poly(carbonate), poly(ether), poly(amide), poly(phosphoester), poly(siloxane) and acrylic polymer.
Metal-free Polyether Synthesis by Organocatalyzed Ring-opening Polymerization
Authors: Taton Daniel
Published: November 2018

Given the importance of polyether-based materials and related copolymers in industrial applications, the present chapter focuses on recent synthetic efforts on such polymers by ring-opening (co)polymerization of epoxide-containing monomers with the aid of an organocatalyst. The chapter is organized by discussing in priority the main families of organocatalysts employed for metal-free (co)polyether and polyepoxide synthesis. Representative organocatalysts are discussed for each family, both through seminal works and more recent developments. The main monomer substrates and structure of the as-prepared copolyethers are presented, and underlying polymerization mechanisms are highlighted.
Organocatalytic Ring-opening Polymerization Towards Poly(cyclopropane)s, Poly(lactame)s, Poly(aziridine)s, Poly(siloxane)s, Poly(carbosiloxane)s, Poly(phosphate)s, Poly(phosphonate)s, Poly(thiolactone)s, Poly(thionolactone)s and Poly(thiirane)s
Authors: Wolf Thomas , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: November 2018

The following chapter is a collection of monomers that undergo organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerizations and have not been covered in a separate chapter of this book. This includes polymers widely used in industrial applications, but also solely academically relevant and more “exotic” polymer classes. As most of these polymers contain heteroatoms in their backbone, the chapter is divided according to the respective heteroatoms. Each sub-section first gives a short introduction to the respective polymer or monomer properties and industrial applications (if available), followed by a brief summary of the traditional synthetic pathways. Afterwards, important milestones for the organocatalytic ROP are presented in chronological order. Special emphasis is put on the advantages and disadvantages of organocatalysis over traditional (ROP) methods on the basis of appropriate literature examples.
Organocatalyzed Controlled Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Ryan Matthew D. , Pearson Ryan M. , Miyake Garret M.
Published: November 2018

Radical polymerizations are responsible for a significant amount of the World's total polymer production. Free-radical polymerization provides a relatively inexpensive and facile route to produce bulk plastic products, however, it fails in the synthesis of precisely defined macromolecules. To address this issue, controlled radical polymerizations have been developed, which utilize a reversible deactivation mechanism for the synthesis of advanced polymeric architectures. In this chapter, we discuss the mechanisms and applications of organocatalyzed controlled radical polymerizations, specifically atom transfer radical polymerization, photo mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization, and reversible complexation mediated radical polymerization, as powerful new methods for precision polymer synthesis.
Expanding the limits of catalysts with low-valent main-group elements for the hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones using [L†Sn(ii)][OTf] (L† = aminotroponate; OTf = triflate)
Authors: Sharma Mahendra Kumar , Ansari Mursaleem , Mahawar Pritam , Rajaraman Gopalan , Nagendran Selvarajan
Published: November 2018

A triflatostannylene [L†Sn][OTf] (2) is found to be an efficient catalyst with low-valent main-group element for the hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones.
Pyrazole appended quinoline-BODIPY based arene ruthenium complexes: their anticancer activity and potential applications in cellular imaging
Authors: Paitandi Rajendra Prasad , Sharma Vinay , Singh Vishwa Deepak , Dwivedi Bhupendra Kumar , Mobin Shaikh M. , Pandey Daya Shankar
Published: November 2018

Synthesis of four arene ruthenium complexes [Ru(η6-C6H6)(L1)Cl]PF6, (1), [Ru(η6-C10H14)(L1)Cl]PF6 (2), [Ru(η6-C6H6)(L2)Cl]PF6 (3) and [Ru(η6-C10H14)(L2)Cl]PF6 (4) based on quinoline-BODIPY were described and their photocytotoxicity was evaluated.
Platinum-mediated monohydration of SO2
Authors: Gimeno-Prat Antonio , Cortés-Sanchón Adrián , Martín Antonio , Baya Miguel , Casas José M.
Published: November 2018

The monohydration of SO2 has been achieved in solution mediated by a platinum-aquo complex.
Optimizing hot carrier effects in Pt-decorated plasmonic heterostructures
Authors: Salmón-Gamboa Jorge U. , Romero-Gómez Mayela , Roth Diane J. , Barber Matthew J. , Wang Pan , Fairclough Simon M. , Nasir Mazhar E. , Krasavin Alexey V. , Dickson Wayne , Zayats Anatoly V.
Published: November 2018

Plasmonic heterostructures were designed to optimize hot carrier extraction by controlling nanoparticle surface states.
Dynamics of electron-emission currents in plasmonic gaps induced by strong fields
Authors: Aguirregabiria Garikoitz , Marinica Dana-Codruta , Ludwig Markus , Brida Daniele , Leitenstorfer Alfred , Aizpurua Javier , Borisov Andrey G.
Published: November 2018

Using a combination of quantum calculations and classical modelling we study the dynamics of strong-field emission currents in plasmonic gaps.
Sterols in human milk during lactation: bioaccessibility and estimated intakes
Authors: Hamdan Islam J. A. , Sanchez-Siles Luis Manuel , Matencio Esther , Bermúdez José D. , Garcia-Llatas Guadalupe , Lagarda María Jesús
Published: November 2018

Total sterol content decreased to the half throughout lactation, being their intake lower at colostrum and its bioaccessibility higher at first month.
Localization and transient emission properties in InGaN/GaN quantum wells of different polarities within core–shell nanorods
Authors: Robin Y. , Evropeitsev E. A. , Shubina T. V. , Kirilenko D. A. , Davydov V. Yu. , Smirnov A. N. , Toropov A. A. , Eliseyev I. A. , Bae S. Y. , Kushimoto M. , Nitta S. , Ivanov S. V. , Amano H.
Published: November 2018

Transient photoluminescence (PL) characteristics and localization phenomena in InGaN/GaN core–shell nanorods (NRs) were investigated from 6 K up to 285 K.
Low-defectiveness exfoliation of MoS2 nanoparticles and their embedment in hybrid light-emitting polymer nanofibers
Authors: Portone Alberto , Romano Luigi , Fasano Vito , Di Corato Riccardo , Camposeo Andrea , Fabbri Filippo , Cardarelli Francesco , Pisignano Dario , Persano Luana
Published: November 2018

MoS2 nanoparticles are obtained through a highly gentle exfoliation method and are embedded in polymer nanofibers to make them light-emitting.
Comparing sulfidation kinetics of silver nanoparticles in simulated media using direct and indirect measurement methods
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhang Fan , Allen Andrew J. , Johnston-Peck Aaron C. , Pettibone John M.
Published: November 2018

Reported reaction kinetics of metal nanoparticles in natural and engineered systems commonly have used proxy measurements to infer chemical transformations, but extension of these methods to complex media has proven difficult.
Ultra-small Mo2N on SBA-15 as a highly efficient promoter of low-loading Pd for catalytic hydrogenation
Authors: Cheng Xusheng , Wang Dongxu , Liu Jiancong , Kang Xin , Yan Haijing , Wu Aiping , Gu Ying , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang
Published: November 2018

Ultra-small Mo2N (2–3 nm) was uniformly anchored onto mesoporous SBA-15, which can be used as a highly efficient promoter of low-loading Pd for the hydrogenation reaction.
Synthesis, purification, properties and characterization of sorted single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bati Abdulaziz S. R. , Yu LePing , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: November 2018

Various preferential growth and post-synthesis purification techniques have been developed for sorting SWCNTs with high purity and yield.
Superior oxygen electrocatalysts derived from predesigned covalent organic polymers for zinc–air flow batteries
Authors: Guo Jianing , Li Tingting , Wang Qiuli , Zhang Ningyuan , Cheng Yuanhui , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: November 2018

The in situ synthesis of a bifunctional electrocatalyst based on a predesigned covalent organic polymer was reported. Remarkably, the obtained catalyst affords a remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic performance with a small potential gap between E1/2 and Ej=10 of 0.650 V.
Self-propelled droplet-based electricity generation
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Sun Jing , Zhuang Yu , Wei Jie , Li Jing , Dong Linxi , Yan Dongfang , Hu Alice , Zhou Xiaofeng , Wang Zuankai
Published: November 2018

The self-propelled motion of droplets driven by a surface wetting gradient leads to electricity generation without any external energy input.
Why can Dispolreg 007 control the nitroxide mediated polymerization of methacrylates?
Authors: Simula Alexandre , Ruipérez Fernando , Ballard Nicholas , Leiza José R. , van Es Steven , Asua José M.
Published: November 2018

The alkoxyamine 3-(((2-cyanopropan-2-yl)oxy)(cyclohexyl)amino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanenitrile (Dispolreg 007) has recently emerged as a robust regulator for the controlled (co)polymerization of methacrylates and styrene by nitroxide mediated polymerization.
Antibacterial activities ofN-alkyl imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles
Authors: Fang Cao , Kong Lingli , Ge Qing , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xianjing , Zhang Li , Wang Xinping
Published: November 2018

N-Alkyl imidazolium-based PIL nanoparticles can effectively kill bacteria through adhering to the bacterial surface and then disrupting the cell membrane.
Luminescent zinc oxide nanoparticles: from stabilization to slow digestion depending on the nature of polymer coating
Authors: Zheng Zhiqin , Mounsamy Margaux , Lauth-de Viguerie Nancy , Coppel Yannick , Harrisson Simon , Destarac Mathias , Mingotaud Christophe , Kahn Myrtil L. , Marty Jean-Daniel
Published: November 2018

PEG-b-PAA and PEG-b-PVPA copolymers stabilize luminescent ZnO NPs in THF and enable their transfer to water.
Oxygen-deficient and nitrogen-doped MnO2 nanowire-reduced graphene oxide–cellulose nanofibril aerogel electrodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zheng Qifeng , Xie Ruosen , Fang Liming , Cai Zhiyong , Ma Zhenqiang , Gong Shaoqin
Published: November 2018

Oxygen vacancies and nitrogen doping dramatically enhance the conductivity and capacitive performance of the MnO2 and MoO3 nanowires, leading to superb energy density and cycling stability of the asymmetric supercapacitors.
Synthetic bovine lactoferrin peptide Lfampin killsEntamoeba histolyticatrophozoites by necrosis and resolves amoebic intracecal infection in mice
Authors: Díaz-Godínez César , González-Galindo Ximena , Meza-Menchaca Thuluz , Bobes Raúl J. , de la Garza Mireya , León-Sicairos Nidia , Laclette Juan P. , Carrero Julio C.
Published: November 2018

Amoebiasis caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica remains a public health problem in developing countries, making the identification of new anti-amoebic compounds a continuing priority. Previously, we have shown that lactoferrin (Lf) and several Lf-derived peptides exhibit in vitro anti-amoebic activity independently of their iron-binding activity. Here, we evaluated the amoebicidal effect of synthetic Lf-derived peptides Lfcin-B, Lfcin 17-30, and Lfampin, analyzed the mechanism of death induced by the peptides and determined their therapeutic effects on murine intestinal amoebiasis. MTT assays in trophozoite cultures of E. histolytica exposed to each peptide (1–1000 μM) showed that Lfampin is far more amoebicidal than Lfcins. Lfampin killed 80% of trophozoites at doses higher than 100 μM in 24 h, and FACs analysis using Annexin V/propidium iodide showed that death occurred mainly by necrosis. In contrast, Lfcin-B and Lfcin 17-30 appeared to have no significant effect on amoebic viability. FACs and confocal microscopy analysis using FITC-labeled peptides showed that all three peptides are internalized by the amoeba mainly using receptor (PI3K signaling) and actin-dependent pathways but independent of clathrin. Docking studies identified cholesterol in the amoeba’s plasma membrane as a possible target of Lfampin. Oral treatment of intracecally infected mice with the abovementioned peptides at 10 mg/kg for 4 days showed that Lfampin resolved 100% of the cases of intestinal amoebiasis, whereas Lfcin 17-30 and Lfcin-B were effective in resolving infection in 80 and 70% of cases, respectively. These data show that although synthetic bovine Lf-derived peptides exhibit varying amoebicidal potentials in vitro, they do resolve murine intestinal amoebiasis efficiently, suggesting that they may be useful as a therapeutic treatment.
The association between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Δ rs3777744, rs3798343, and rs6922548 and coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Xiu-ling , Jia Qiao-wei , Zhao Chen-hui , Liu Jie-yin , An Feng-hui , Li Li-hua , Chen Zhao-hong , Wang Lian-sheng , Ma Wen-zhu , Yang Zhi-jian , Jia En-zhi
Published: November 2018

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Δ (PPARD) and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). To this end, a prospective observational single-center study of the clinical data from 880 subjects in a Chinese population was conducted. Methods: A total of 880 subjects, including 609 CAD patients and 271 control subjects, were selected for the present study. All inpatients had 4 ml of venous blood drawn after 12 h of fasting, and then clinical tests were conducted to obtain the biochemical parameters. CAD patients and Controls were distinguished by coronary angiography. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS software (ver 16.0). Results: A significant association between the G-alleles of PPARD rs3777744 and rs3798343 and a decreased risk for CAD was found. Moreover, we found an interaction between high fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) serum levels, low serum glucose levels and their genotypes, ultimately decreasing the risk of CAD. Haplotype analysis was conducted on the three SNP sites, rs3777744 and rs3798343 to form a block [r2 = 0.79, D′ = 0.99). The A-C haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of CAD (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.321 (1.060–1.647), P=0.013], and the G-G haplotypes were associated with a decreased risk [OR, 95% CI: 0.714 (0.567–0.849), P=0.004]. Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant association between the G-alleles of PPARD rs3777744 and rs3798343 and a decreased CAD risk. In addition, genotypes interact with high serum HDL-C levels and low serum glucose levels, resulting in decreased prevalence of CAD.
Secure communication in multigroup multicasting cell‐free massive MIMO networks with active spoofing attack
Authors: Zhang Xianyu , Guo Daoxing , An Kang
Published: November 2018

The authors investigate the secure communication in multigroup multicasting cell‐free massive MIMO systems in the presence of an active pilot spoofing attack. With the imperfect estimated local channels at access points, a distributed conjugate beamforming with normalised power constraint policy is exploited for downlink multicasting transmission. Closed‐form expressions for the per‐user achievable rate and information leakage to eavesdropper are derived, respectively. Numerical results are presented to verify the correctness of their analytical results and quantitatively analyse the impacts of eavesdropper's spoofing pilot power and a number of groups on the secrecy performance of the considered systems.
Improved single‐phase self‐synchronised synchronverter with enhanced dynamics and current limitation capability
Authors: Younis Tarek , Ismeil Mohamed , Hussain Essam K. , Orabi Mohamed
Published: November 2018

Inertia‐less power converters are one of the main obstructions to increase the penetration level of distributed energy resources in the utility grid. The stability of the power system mainly depends on the system inertia. Virtual synchronous machine and synchronverter‐based grid‐tied inverters have been introduced as a solution to this problem. Here, a modified self‐synchronised synchronverter is introduced to enhance the dynamic response of the active power loop and to limit the injected active/reactive power to the grid. Furthermore, the injected current to the grid is limited during faults employing proportional–resonant‐based inner current loop. Feed‐forward voltage is implemented in the current control loop to achieve seamless transfer between standalone and grid‐connection modes of operation. Extensive simulation and experimental results are obtained to verify the proposed enhanced controller.
Hybrid user action prediction system for automated home using association rules and ontology
Authors: Shaban Amneh , Almasalha Fadi , Qutqut Mahmoud H.
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, with the rapid increase of Internet users, the Internet services dominate a primary part of our lifestyle. Moreover, the evolution of the internet of things has introduced new insights into smart platforms and devices that leads to the new vision of ‘smart homes’. The idea of smart homes is not a recent concept; it has been in high interest by both academia and industry to make smart homes a more convenient technology for human's comfort. In this study, the authors propose a new hybrid prediction system based on the frequent pattern (FP)‐growth and ontology graphs for home automation systems. Their proposed system simulates the human prediction actions by adding common sense data by utilizing the advantages of the ontology graph and the FP‐growth to find a better solution in predicting home user actions for automated systems. For the evaluation of the proposed system, two ontology graphs are introduced with FP‐growth to achieve the best results. Both graphs are tested through multiple weight values with the results of FP‐growth. As a result, the best weight distribution selected in this study is (70, 30) for time and location ontology graphs respectively. Their results showed that the proposed prediction system achieved an accuracy of 79% for all weekdays and 81% excluding weekend days.
Pure, simple and green synthesis of magnesium oxysulphate whiskers through hydrothermal reaction
Authors: Ba Li , Jiang Min , Gao Shanjun , Chen Ming , Yang Shuyi
Published: November 2018

One‐dimensional magnesium oxysulphate MgSO4·5Mg(OH)2·2H2O (abbreviated as 152MOS) with a high aspect ratio was prepared through the hydrothermal reaction route without granular fragments observed in the final products. Those parameters such as molar ratio of MgSO4 ·7H2 O to NaOH solution, reaction temperature, reaction time, and dropping order between MgSO4 ·7H2 O and NaOH that can influence the morphology, purity, and structure of 152MOS whiskers were taken into consideration. The results indicated that the high purity 152MOS whisker with a length of 170–210 μm can be obtained at 200°C for 15 h in an oven when dropping NaOH into MgSO4 with the molar ratio of 1:1.5. The product characteristics were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy.
Du riverain au résident : évolutions des liens à l’eau et culture locale du risque
Authors: Durand Séverine
Published: November 2018

Au regard de l’histoire longue d’un milieu de marais, l’article propose de suivre les évolutions récentes, de 1960 à nos jours, des usages de l’eau lors du glissement d’un village agricole à une zone urbaine. L’analyse se concentre sur les transformations dans le temps des relations qu’entretiennent les habitants d’une ville du sud-est de la France avec un fleuve. De la zone agricole d’hier – où les habitants conjuguaient leur vie à l’irrégularité du fleuve, vivant au gré de ses crues, contraignantes mais fertilisantes – au quartier urbain d’aujourd’hui – où l’on habite pour l’intérêt géographique et paysager que la situation octroie, entre ville, mer, et axes de transport, tout en se protégeant fermement du risque inondation –, le mot riverain a perdu de son sens, altérant les possibilités de développement d’une culture locale du risque.
Évaluation de stratégies de gestion des déchets faiblement radioactifs au regard des critères MTD « meilleure technique disponible »
Authors: Mercat C. , Lamouroux C.
Published: November 2018

L’objectif de cet article est d’exposer la manière dont les critères de la « meilleure technique disponible » (MTD) peuvent être utilisés de façon opérationnelle pour évaluer différentes stratégies de gestion de déchets radioactifs. Les critères MTD sont issus de la directive européenne dite IPPC (prévention et contrôle intégrée de la pollution) de 1996 et s’appliquent réglementairement aux industries européennes les plus polluantes. Douze critères ont ainsi été transposés dans la réglementation française relative aux installations classées pour la protection de l’environnement (ICPE). Un exemple d’application de ces 12 critères au cas de la gestion de déchets faiblement radioactifs qui seraient stockés sur site versus envoyés à l’Andra est traité afin d’illustrer la méthode, les résultats et les limites de l’exercice. L’interprétation qui se dégage de l’application de ces critères conforte la position de gestion des déchets faiblement radioactifs sur les sites de production, stratégie qui apparaît comme mieux notée au regard de ses performances environnementales.
Immunglobulin-A-Isotyp bei Anti-HLA-Antikörpern und Organüberleben von Patienten nach Nierentransplantation
Authors: Arnold Marie-Luise , Bach Christian , Spriewald Bernd
Published: November 2018

Anti-Human-Leukocyte-Antigen-Antikörper (HLA-Ak) des Isotyps Immunglobulin A (IgA) erkennen ihr Zielantigen mit einer sehr hohen Affinität und Avidität. Eine systematische Erforschung des Einflusses von Anti-HLA-IgA-Antikörpern auf die Organabstoßung und den Organfunktionsverlust nach Organtransplantation hat gerade erst begonnen. Anhand der hier vorgestellten Arbeit soll gezeigt werden, dass neben der bekannten Beteiligung von Anti-HLA-Immunglobulin G (IgG) auch Anti-HLA-IgA eine Rolle bei der Organabstoßung spielen könnte. Im Rahmen der Studie wurden Seren von 276 Patienten untersucht. Alle Patienten hatten bereits mindestens eine Nierentransplantation bekommen und wurden aufgrund eines Funktionsverlusts des transplantierten Organs wieder dialysepflichtig. Als Messparameter für das Organüberleben wurde die in Monaten gemessene Dauer zwischen erfolgter Nierentransplantation und erneuter Dialyse nach Transplantation („Time to Dialysis“, TtD, Median) herangezogen. Die Testung des Ak-Profils der Patientenseren für die Isotpyen IgG und IgA wurde mittels Luminex-basierter Methode durchgeführt. Von den 276 getesteten Seren waren 89 Ak-positiv für Anti-HLA-IgA und 243 positiv für Anti-HLA-IgG. Es wurde eine starke Korrelation der beiden untersuchten Isotypen beobachtet (p < 0,0001). 86 von 89 der Anti-HLA-IgA-positiven Seren waren ebenfalls IgG-positiv. Wie erwartet hatten Patienten ohne Anti-HLA-Ak das längste Organüberleben (TtD 127 Monate). Patienten mit ausschließlich Anti-HLA-IgG zeigten im Vergleich dazu ein verringertes mittleres Organüberleben (TtD 116 Monate). Interessanterweise wurde ein signifikant verringertes Organüberleben bei IgA- und IgG-Ak doppelt positiven Patienten (TtD 88 Monate, p < 0,001) beobachtet. Nur 3 Patienten zeigten ausschließlich IgA-Ak, eine statistische Auswertung der TtD-Zeit ist hier nicht möglich. In einer früheren Studie mit 694 Patienten konnte bereits gezeigt werden, dass bei Patienten mit Anti-HLA-IgA-Ak, die spezifisch gegen das Spenderorgan gerichtet waren, das Organüberleben deutlich auf 76 Monate verringert war – wogegen Patienten mit nicht spenderspezifischen Anti-HLA-IgA-Ak im Median erst nach 82 Monaten wieder dialysepflichtig wurden. Die gleichzeitige Anwesenheit von Anti-HLA-IgA- und Anti-HLA-IgG-Ak im Serum von Patienten nach Nierentransplantation stellt eine hohe Risikoprognose für ein mögliches Organversagen dar. Dies zeigte sich in einer signifikant kürzeren Organüberlebenszeit verglichen mit transplantierten Patienten, bei denen lediglich Anti-HLA-IgG-Ak nachgewiesen wurden. Diese Daten deuten darauf hin, dass die – momentan nicht routinemäßig durchgeführte – Testung von Anti-HLA-IgA als neuer Parameter für eine bessere Risikostratifizierung sowohl vor als auch nach Nierentransplantation dienen könnte.
Piper nigrum Oil – Determination of Selected Terpenes for Quality Evaluation
Authors: Wang Mei , Chittiboyina Amar , Parcher Jon , Ali Zulfiqar , Ford Paul , Zhao Jianping , Avula Bharathi , Wang Yan-Hong , Khan Ikhlas
Published: November 2018

The growing demand and commercial value of black pepper (Piper nigrum) has resulted in considerable interest in developing suitable and cost-effective methods for chemical characterization and quality evaluation purposes. In the current study, an extensive set of oil samples (n = 23) that were extracted by steam distillation from black pepper seeds was investigated to compare the chemical profiles of samples originating from nine major producing countries, as well as to identify potential chemical markers for quality evaluation. The twenty-two most abundant volatile compounds, mainly terpenes, in these oils were determined by conventional GC/MS analysis. Principal component analysis with this set of data revealed distinct clusters for samples that originated from China and Malaysia. Relatively low concentrations of sabinene (< 0.2%) and high concentrations of 3-carene (10.9 – 21.1%) were observed in these samples, respectively, compared to oil samples from other countries. The enantiomeric distributions of key terpene markers, viz., β-pinene, sabinene, limonene, and terpinen-4-ol, were determined by chiral GC/MS analysis. Interestingly, for these four monoterpenes, levo-isomers were found to be predominant, emphasizing the highly conserved enzymatic processes occurring in P. nigrum. Moreover, consistent enantiomeric ratios ((−) isomer/(+) isomer) of 92.2 ± 3.0% for β-pinene, 94.8 ± 2.8% for sabinene, 60.7 ± 1.1% for limonene, and 78.3 ± 1.3% for terpinen-4-ol were observed, independent of geographical location. These results demonstrate the potential of using stereospecific compositions as chiral signatures for establishing the authenticity and quality of black pepper oil.
Recent Developments in Polyene Cyclizations and Their Applications in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Barrett Anthony , Ma Tsz-Kan , Mies Thomas
Published: November 2018

Cascade polyene cyclization reactions are highly efficient and elegant bioinspired transformations that involve simultaneous multiple bond constructions to rapidly generate complex polycyclic molecules. This review summarizes the most prominent work on a variety of cationic and radical cascade cyclizations and their applications in natural product synthesis published between 2014 and 2018.

1 Introduction

2 Cationic Polyene Cyclizations

2.1 Lewis Acid Mediated Polyene Cyclizations

2.2 Brønsted Acid Mediated Polyene Cyclizations

2.3 Halogen Electrophile Initiated Polyene Cyclizations

2.4 Sulfur Electrophile Initiated Polyene Cyclizations

2.5 Transition-Metal-Mediated Cationic Polyene Cyclizations

3 Radical Polyene Cyclizations

3.1 Transition-Metal-Mediated Radical Polyene Cyclizations

3.2 Photocatalyst-Mediated Polyene Cyclizations

4 Origin of Stereocontrol in Polyene Cyclizations

5 Conclusion
Right Potency Matters: A Case Report of Homoeopathic Treatment of Verruca Palmaris
Authors: Barik Bidyabhusan , Hati Akshaya , Paital Biswaranjan , Sahoo Amulya
Published: November 2018

Warts are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV) that can affect any part of the body including hands and feet. Verruca palmaris (VP) is a common manifestation due to HPV infection in keratinocytes of the palms. In the conventional system of medicine, VP is commonly managed through cauterisation, cryosurgery, surgical removal or topical ointments, which have many limitations. Scientific documentation for the treatment of VP by homoeopathic medicines is very scanty. In this context, the present case report is of a 40-year-old male patient, who had multiple warts on his right palm for more than 2 years. The patient was treated previously with allopathic medications and external applications, without any significant improvement. Homoeopathic remedy (i.e. Natrum mur) was initially administered in 30C potency for 30 days, but no improvement was observed in the patient. Interestingly, when the potency was increased to 200C, a speedy recovery was observed and the patient was fully cured within 3 months. Therefore, it can be concluded from the case study that VP, when treated on the basis of the totality of symptoms, with an accurately selected remedy in suitable potency results in cure. In this particular case, Natrum mur worked well for warts on the palm. Most importantly, it was observed in this case that the selection of right potency is very essential and it should match correctly with the susceptibility of the patient to result in rapid cure.
Important sociocultural aspects of diabetes mellitus in Qatar: A rapidly developing Arab gulf state
Authors: Soliman Ashraf , Alali Maryam , Alzyoud Mahmoud , Awwa Ahmed , Alhumaidi Noora , Sabt Aml
Published: November 2018

Socio-cultural factors can profoundly influence diabetes control in diabetic patients. Qatar is an oil-rich country characterized by rapid urbanization. Excessive consumption of fast food, sedentary rich life style with totally air-conditioned housing, luxury cars, servants, and little outdoors activities and exercise due to hot weather most of the year have led to an epidemic of obesity and high prevalence of type 2 DM and negatively interfered with metabolic control. Increased incidence of divorce (around 40%) appears to be a risk factor for repeated diabetic keto-acidosis and poor control in children with type 1 DM. In addition, the high prevalence vitamin D deficiency and its possible depressive effect on insulin secretion may be associated with poor diabetes control.
Coulometric trace humidity measurement in technical gases
Authors: Detjens M. , Hübert T. , Tiebe C. , Banach U.
Published: November 2018

Trace humidity was measured by using miniaturized planar coulometric sensors in technical gases such as hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, nitrous oxide, and synthetic air. Frost point temperatures tf in the gases ranged from −60 °C to −30 °C, which is equivalent to a vapour mole fraction xv from 10 μmol mol−1 to 376 μmol mol−1. In addition, the generated humidity was determined by using a precision dew point hygrometer as reference. Nonlinear calibration functions were calculated that correlated electric current (sensor signal) and reference humidity. Parameters of functions were tested with one-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) to prove if all used sensors had a similar behavior in the same gas during experiments. Results of ANOVA confirmed that averaged functions can be applied for trace humidity measurement in nitrogen, helium, nitrous oxide, and synthetic air. The calculated functions were negligibly different for nitrogen, helium, and synthetic air. In humidified nitrous oxide, a minor change of parameters was observed due to lower electrical currents. In total contrast to that, the measured sensor signals were significantly higher in humidified hydrogen and each sensor required its own calibration function. The reason was a recombination effect that favoured multiple measurements of water molecules. Nevertheless, it was possible to measure continuously trace humidity in all tested gases by using coulometric sensors with an expanded uncertainty below 2 K (k = 2).
Non-Markovian random walks with memory lapses
Authors: González-Navarrete Manuel , Lambert Rodrigo
Published: November 2018

We propose an approach to construct Bernoulli trials {Xi, i ≥ 1} combining dependence and independence periods, and we call it the Bernoulli sequence with random dependence (BSRD). The structure of dependence, in the past Si = X1 + ⋯ + Xi, defines a class of non-Markovian random walks of recent interest in the literature. In this paper, the dependence is activated by an auxiliary collection of Bernoulli trials {Yi, i ≥ 1}, called memory switch sequence. We introduce the concept of memory lapse property, which is characterized by intervals of consecutive independent steps in BSRD. The main results include classical limit theorems for a class of linear BSRD. In particular, we obtain a central limit theorem for a class of BSRD which generalizes some previous results in the literature. Along the paper, several examples of potential applications are provided.
Force-detected high-frequency electron spin resonance spectroscopy using magnet-mounted nanomembrane: Robust detection of thermal magnetization modulation
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Okamoto Tsubasa , Ishimura Kento , Hara Shigeo , Ohmichi Eiji , Ohta Hitoshi
Published: November 2018

In this study, we report a conceptually novel broadband high-frequency electron spin resonance (HFESR) spectroscopic technique. In contrast to the ordinary force-detected electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, which detects the magnetization change due to the saturation effect, this method measures the magnetization change due to the change of the sample temperature at resonance. To demonstrate its principle, we developed a silicon nitride nanomembrane-based force-detected ESR spectrometer, which can be stably operated even at high magnetic fields. Test measurements were performed for samples with different spin relaxation times. We succeeded in obtaining a seamless ESR spectrum in magnetic fields of 15 T and frequencies of 636 GHz without significant spectral distortion. A high spin sensitivity of 1012 spins/G s was obtained, which was independent of the spin relaxation time. These results show that this technique can be used as a practical method in research fields where the HFESR technique is applicable.
Detecting the undetectable: The role of trace surfactant in the Jones-Ray effect
Authors: Duignan Timothy T. , Peng Mengsu , Nguyen Anh V. , Zhao X. S. , Baer Marcel D. , Mundy Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

The surface tension of dilute salt water is a fundamental property that is crucial to understanding the complexity of many aqueous phase processes. Small ions are known to be repelled from the air-water surface leading to an increase in the surface tension in accordance with the Gibbs adsorption isotherm. The Jones-Ray effect refers to the observation that at extremely low salt concentration, the surface tension decreases. Determining the mechanism that is responsible for this Jones-Ray effect is important for theoretically predicting the distribution of ions near surfaces. Here we use both experimental surface tension measurements and numerical solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation to demonstrate that very low concentrations of surfactant in water create a Jones-Ray effect. We also demonstrate that the low concentrations of the surfactant necessary to create the Jones-Ray effect are too small to be detectable by surface sensitive spectroscopic measurements. The effect of surface curvature on this behavior is also examined, and the implications for unexplained bubble phenomena are discussed. This work suggests that the purity standards for water may be inadequate and that the interactions between ions with background impurities are important to incorporate into our understanding of the driving forces that give rise to the speciation of ions at interfaces.
Connection formulas between Coulomb wave functions
Authors: Gaspard David
Published: November 2018

The mathematical relations between the regular Coulomb function Fηℓ(ρ) and the irregular Coulomb functions Hηℓ±(ρ) and Gηℓ(ρ) are obtained in the complex plane of the variables η and ρ for integer or half-integer values of ℓ. These relations, referred to as “connection formulas,” form the basis of the theory of Coulomb wave functions and play an important role in many fields of physics, especially in the quantum theory of charged particle scattering. As a first step, the symmetry properties of the regular function Fηℓ(ρ) are studied, in particular, under the transformation ℓ ↦ −ℓ − 1, by means of the modified Coulomb function Φηℓ(ρ), which is entire in the dimensionless energy η−2 and the angular momentum ℓ. Then, it is shown that, for integer or half-integer ℓ, the irregular functions Hηℓ±(ρ) and Gηℓ(ρ) can be expressed in terms of the derivatives of Φη,ℓ(ρ) and Φη,−ℓ−1(ρ) with respect to ℓ. As a consequence, the connection formulas directly lead to the description of the singular structures of Hηℓ±(ρ) and Gηℓ(ρ) at complex energies in their whole Riemann surface. The analysis of the functions is supplemented by novel graphical representations in the complex plane of η−1.
Relationship between somatic cell score and longevity of Holstein cows in Brazil using a piecewise Weibull proportional-hazard model
Authors: Kern Elisandra Lurdes , Cobuci Jaime Araujo , Neto José Braccini , dos Santos Daltro Darlene
Published: November 2018

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of somatic cell score on the longevity of Holstein cows raised all over Brazil, using a piecewise Weibull proportional-hazard model. The following two longevity traits were defined: true longevity, number of days from first calving to culling; and functional longevity, approximated by correcting true longevity to within-herd-year production. Records on productive life of 131330 cows were used. The model included the time-independent effect of age at first calving. The other effects were time-dependent, and included the following: region by year of calving, variation in herd-size class, milk-production class by year of calving within herd, within-herd milk-production class by number of lactations, within-herd fat content, within-herd protein content, and somatic cell score (SCS). The overall mean of the somatic cell counts (SCC) was 322000 cells/mL. The highest SCC mean was found between 130 to 290 days of lactation. The SCC mean decreased over the years. Cows from Region 5 (Rio Grande do Sul) showed higher SCC means. The risk of culling was slightly higher for functional longevity than for true longevity. The impact of longevity was high in cows from first to fourth lactation with a high SCS, with the risk of culling varying from 0.90 (true longevity: second lactation and Class 2) to 1.2 (functional longevity: fourth lactation and Class 5). Cows at the fifth lactation with a lower SCS had a higher risk of culling (1.4). Including the effect of SCS class by stage of lactation in the models was not beneficial. The decrease in SCS, especially from the first to fourth lactation, can be used for indirect selection to improve the longevity of Holstein cows in Brazil.
Two new mitogenomes of Pellorneidae (Aves : Passeriformes) and a phylogeny of the superfamily Sylvioidea
Authors: Huang Zuhao , Tu Feiyun , Tang Shan
Published: November 2018

The superfamily Sylvioidea contains the most diversified species within the Passerida. The grey-cheeked fulvetta (Alcippe morrisonia) and the eyebrowed wren-babbler (Napothera epilepidota) are birds with a weak flight that live in lightly wooded or scrubland environments. In the present study, two new mitogenomes of A. morrisonia (KX376475) and N. epilepidota (KX831093) within the superfamily Sylvioidea were sequenced and their total lengths were 17788bp and 17913bp, respectively. Both mitogenomes comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and two control regions (CR and CCR). Similar to most metazoans, both mitogenomes and their protein-coding genes encoded on the H-strand displayed typical positive AT skews and negative GC skews. Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the basis of partitioned data of mitogenomes and two identical topologies were observed. The family-level phylogenetic relationships ((((Pellorneidae, Leiothrichidae) Timaliidae) Zosteropidae) Sylviidae) among the superfamily Sylvioidea were strongly supported. Within the family Pellorneidae, A. morrisonia clustered with N. epilepidota. Within Leiothrichidae, we further demonstrated that Babax lanceolatus is sister to Garrulax perspicillatus, and Spizixos semitorques was nested within the genus Pycnonotus according to the mitogenomic data and we propose that the generic placement of Spizixos should be reconsidered.
Contrasting temporal difference and opportunity cost reinforcement learning in an empirical money-emergence paradigm
Authors: Lefebvre Germain , Nioche Aurélien , Bourgeois-Gironde Sacha , Palminteri Stefano
Published: November 2018

Significance

In the present study, we applied reinforcement learning models that are not classically used in experimental economics to a multistep exchange task of the emergence of money derived from a classic search-theoretic paradigm for the emergence of money. This method allowed us to highlight the importance of counterfactual feedback processing of opportunity costs in the learning process of speculative use of money and the predictive power of reinforcement learning models for multistep economic tasks. Those results constitute a step toward understanding the learning processes at work in multistep economic decision-making and the cognitive microfoundations of the use of money.
The authoritarian origins of well-organized opposition parties: The rise of Chadema in Tanzania
Authors: Paget Dan
Published: November 2018

This article concerns the organizational expansion undertaken by the opposition party, Chadema, in Tanzania between 2003 and 2015. It argues that Chadema’s extensive party-building enabled it to mobilize on the ground. These organizational developments, as much as elite action, underpinned recent changes in the party system and the opposition’s improved showing in recent elections. Chadema established branches even though many of the prerequisite circumstances typically recognized in the literature were absent. This makes Chadema a deviant case and this deviance has implications for the historical institutionalist literature on party-building. This article complicates Rachel Riedl’s account of state substitution. She links the incorporation or substitution of social actors to different paths of party system institutionalization. This article demonstrates that the character and consequences of state substitution depend upon the balance of power between state and social actors. It also builds on accounts by Adrienne LeBas and others that when social actors are strong, they can endow opposition parties with resources which make branch establishment possible, and when they are weak, they can only act as surrogate party branches. This article illustrates that when social actors are absent from partisan politics, parties have no way to organize except by founding green-site branches.