bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Charge Carrier Mobility and Tailored Luminescence of n‐Type Organic Semiconductor through Block Copolymer Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Kumari Pallavi , Khawas Koomkoom , Bera Manas Kumar , Hazra Sunit , Malik Sudip , Kuila Biplab Kumar 
Published: March 2017

Herein, a novel and viable strategy to fabricate fully solution processable nanostructured n‐type organic semiconducting material through block copolymer supramolecular assembly consisting of polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) and an asymmetric perylenebisimide (PBI) has been demonstrated. The block copolymer supramolecular assemblies show hierarchical structure formation in two length scales (lamella within lamella) from synergistic phase separation of block copolymer and PBI molecule inside the comb block. The optical and luminescent studies clearly evidence that the nature of aggregation of the PBI molecules inside the P4VP domain through facial π–π stacking is modified with tailored luminescent properties compared to its pure state. The block copolymer supramolecular assembly with 1:1 mole ratio (4‐vinyl pyridine:PBI) shows almost three‐order enhancement of charge carrier mobility compared to pristine PBI though it has only (0.571) of PBI weight fraction. It is believed that the organic semiconductor polymeric system described here will be useful for preparing luminescent materials, organic electronic and optoelectronic devices.
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Bithiazole: An Intriguing Electron‐Deficient Building for Plastic Electronic Applications
Authors: Su Haw‐Lih , Sredojevic Dusan N. , Bronstein Hugo , Marks Tobin J. , Schroeder Bob C. , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed 
Published: March 2017

The heterocyclic thiazole unit has been extensively used as electron‐deficient building block in π‐conjugated materials over the last decade. Its incorporation into organic semiconducting materials is particularly interesting due to its structural resemblance to the more commonly used thiophene building block, thus allowing the optoelectronic properties of a material to be tuned without significantly perturbing its molecular structure. Here, we discuss the structural differences between thiazole‐ and thiophene‐based organic semiconductors, and the effects on the physical properties of the materials. An overview of thiazole‐based polymers is provided, which have emerged over the past decade for organic electronic applications and it is discussed how the incorporation of thiazole has affected the device performance of organic solar cells and organic field‐effect transistors. Finally, in conclusion, an outlook is presented on how thiazole‐based polymers can be incorporated into all‐electron deficient polymers in order to obtain high‐performance acceptor polymers for use in bulk‐heterojunction solar cells and as organic field‐effect transistors. Computational methods are used to discuss some newly designed acceptor building blocks that have the potential to be polymerized with a fused bithiazole moiety, hence propelling the advancement of air‐stable n‐type organic semiconductors.image
The first description of a hormone‐sensitive lipase from a basidiomycete: Structural insights and biochemical characterization revealed Bjerkandera adusta BaEstB as a novel esterase
Authors: Sánchez‐Carbente María del Rayo , Batista‐García Ramón Alberto , Sánchez‐Reyes Ayixón , Escudero‐Garcia Angela , Morales‐Herrera Catalina , Cuervo‐Soto Laura I. , French‐Pacheco Leidys , Fernández‐Silva Arline , Amero Carlos , Castillo Edmundo , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe heterologous expression and characterization of a Hormone‐Sensitive Lipases (HSL) esterase (BaEstB) from the Basidiomycete fungus Bjerkandera adusta is reported for the first time. According to structural analysis, amino acid similarities and conservation of particular motifs, it was established that this enzyme belongs to the (HSL) family. The cDNA sequence consisted of 969 nucleotides, while the gene comprised 1133, including three introns of 57, 50, and 57 nucleotides. Through three‐dimensional modeling and phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that BaEstB is an ortholog of the previously described RmEstB‐HSL from the phylogenetically distant fungus Rhizomucor miehei. The purified BaEstB was characterized in terms of its specificity for the hydrolysis of different acyl substrates confirming its low lipolytic activity and a noticeable esterase activity. The biochemical characterization of BaEstB, the DLS analysis and the kinetic parameters determination revealed this enzyme as a true esterase, preferentially found in a dimeric state, displaying activity under alkaline conditions and relative low temperature (pH = 10, 20°C). Our data suggest that BaEstB is more active on substrates with short acyl chains and bulky aromatic moieties. Phylogenetic data allow us to suggest that a number of fungal hypothetical proteins could belong to the HSL family.
Mitochondrial DNA and primary mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Giannoccaro Maria Pia , La Morgia Chiara , Rizzo Giovanni , Carelli Valerio 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn 1979, it was observed that parkinsonism could be induced by a toxin inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I. This initiated the long‐standing hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). This hypothesis evolved, with accumulating evidence pointing to complex I dysfunction, which could be caused by environmental or genetic factors. Attention was focused on the mitochondrial DNA, considering the occurrence of mutations, polymorphic haplogroup‐specific variants, and defective mitochondrial DNA maintenance with the accumulation of multiple deletions and a reduction of copy number. Genetically determined diseases of mitochondrial DNA maintenance frequently manifest with parkinsonism, but the age‐related accumulation of somatic mitochondrial DNA errors also represents a major driving mechanism for PD. Recently, the discovery of the genetic cause of rare inherited forms of PD highlighted an extremely complex homeostatic control over mitochondria, involving their dynamic fission/fusion cycle, the balancing of mitobiogenesis and mitophagy, and consequently the quality control surveillance that corrects faulty mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Many genes came into play, including the PINK1/parkin axis, but also OPA1, as pieces of the same puzzle, together with mitochondrial DNA damage, complex I deficiency and increased oxidative stress. The search for answers will drive future research to reach the understanding necessary to provide therapeutic options directed not only at limiting the clinical evolution of symptoms but also finally addressing the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Synthesis of insoluble polystyrene‐supported flavins and their catalysis in aerobic reduction of olefins
Authors: Arakawa Yukihiro , Kawachi Risa , Tezuka Yoshihiko , Minagawa Keiji , Imada Yasushi 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT2′,4′‐p‐Vinylbenzylideneriboflavin (2′,4′‐PVBRFl) was prepared as a flavin‐containing monomer and copolymerized with divinylbenzene and styrene or its p‐substituted derivatives such as 4‐acetoxystyrene, 4‐vinylbenzyl alcohol, and 4‐vinylbenzoic acid to give the corresponding non‐functionalized and functionalized PS‐DVB‐supported flavins PS(H)‐DVB‐Fl, PS(OAc)‐DVB‐Fl, PS(CH2OH)‐DVB‐Fl, and PS(COOH)‐DVB‐Fl, respectively. PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl was also prepared by hydrolysis of PS(OAc)‐DVB‐Fl under basic conditions. These novel flavin‐containing insoluble polymers exhibited characteristic fluorescence in solid state, except PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl, and different catalytic activities in aerobic reduction of olefins by in situ generated diimide from hydrazine depending on their pendant functional group. For example, PS(H)‐DVB‐Fl was found to be particularly effective for neutral hydrophobic substrates, which could be readily recovered by a simple filtration and reused more than 10 times without loss in catalytic activity. On the other hand, PS(OH)‐DVB‐Fl and PS(COOH)‐DVB‐Fl proved to be highly active for phenolic substrates known to be less reactive in the reaction with conventional non‐supported flavin catalysts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1706–1713
Synthesis of poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and glycopolymers via Staudinger reaction: Multivalent binding studies with Concanavalin A
Authors: Todorova Zornica , Koseva Neli , Ugrinova Iva , Troev Kolio 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTA new method for the preparation of poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and glycopolymers is developed via modification of poly(oxyethylene H‐phosphonate) which is a biodegradable, biocompatible and low toxic polymer. The phosphonate groups of the precursor are converted into tri‐coordinated phosphorus species yielding poly(oxyethylene trimethylsilyl phosphite). The latter is then reacted with different azides, including sugar azides, via Staudinger reaction to furnish the desired poly(oxyethylene phosphoramidate)s and such containing sugar moieties in the side chains attached to the P‐centers. 2002P NMR spectroscopy is applied as a powerful tool for determination of the conversion and structure of the reaction products. Studies on Concanavalin A binding to the obtained glycopolymers are performed using dynamic light scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation techniques. The viability of Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell line is slightly affected when exposed to polyphosphoramidate glucoconjugate over a broad range of concentrations. The results obtained are encouraging for further investigations on the clustering and bio‐recognition properties of the synthesized glycopolymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1730–1741
Psychological morbidity among Australian rural and urban support persons of haematological cancer survivors: Results of a national study
Authors: Carey Mariko , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Paul Christine , Bradstock Kenneth , Williamson Anna , Campbell H. Sharon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress among rural and urban support persons of haematological cancer survivors and explore factors associated with having one or more of these outcomes.MethodsHaematological cancer survivors were identified via 1 of 5 state‐based cancer registries and invited to take part in a survey. Those who agreed were asked to pass on a questionnaire package to their support person. Measures included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, Support Persons' Unmet Need Survey, and sociodemographic questions.ResultsNine‐hundred and eighty‐nine (66%) participating survivors had a participating support person. There were no significant differences in the proportion of urban versus rural support persons who reported elevated levels of depression (21% vs 23%), anxiety (16% vs 17%), or stress (16% vs 20%), P > .05. Odds of reporting at least 1 indicator of psychological morbidity increased by 10% to 17% for each additional high or very high unmet need and by 2% for those who had relocated from their usual place of residence for the survivor to receive treatment and was decreased by 5% to 54% for those support persons who reported that they had no chronic health conditions.ConclusionsPsychological outcomes for rural and urban support persons are similar. Those who have poor health, have had to relocate, and who have multiple unmet needs are particularly vulnerable to poor psychological outcomes. These factors should be assessed to enable early intervention for those at risk of poor outcomes.
Preservation of replaced left hepatic artery during robotic‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: A case series
Authors: Hess Nicholas R. , Rizk Nabil P. , Luketich James D. , Sarkaria Inderpal S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveFinding of a significant replaced left hepatic artery (RLHA) during esophagectomy is relatively rare, with an incidence of approximately 5%. Sparing of the artery may be required to avoid complications of liver ischemia. Robotic assistance during esophagectomy may provide a technically superior method of artery preservation with minimally invasive approaches.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of patients undergoing robotic‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) identified to have a significant RLHA at time of surgery.ResultsFive patients with a significant RLHA were identified from a series of over 100 RAMIE operations. Preservation of RLHA was accomplished in all cases without need for conversion, no intra‐operative complications, and no post‐operative liver dysfunction. The stomach was suitable and used for conduit reconstruction in all patients.ConclusionsSparing of the RLHA during RAMIE is feasible and effective. The robotic assisted approach may obviate the need for open conversion during these complex minimally invasive operations.
Novel Porous Materials Obtained from Technical Lignins and Their Methacrylate Derivatives Copolymerized with Styrene and Divinylbenzene
Authors: Podkościelna Beata , Gordobil Oihana , Riazanova Anastasia V. , Dobele Galina , Labidi Jalel , Lindström Mikael E. , Gun'ko Vladimir M. , Sevastyanova Olena 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe increasing availability of various types of technical lignins as result of the emergence of new biorefinery technologies has boosted the interest in the commercialization of lignin‐based materials. Here we suggest a novel method for the preparation of uniform porous microspheres through emulsion‐suspension polymerization of various technical lignins and related methacrylates with styrene (St) and divinylbenzene (DVB). Obtained microspheres have diameters in the range of 5–50 μm, with a more uniform shape for copolymers that contains lignin derivatives. Nitrogen sorption with DFT theory indicates that the microspheres are mesoporous materials with specific surface areas in the range of 230–270 m2g−1 but with significant differences in pore volume, especially in the mesopores size range (0–0.65 cm3g−1). Theoretical modeling of lignin alone and in St‐DVB composites shows changes in polarity of the structures, which have become mosaics with hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalities. This structure affects the properties of the interfacial water and, therefore, can affect the adsorption of both polar and nonpolar adsorbates in solid‐phase extraction.
Green Synthesis of Electrospun Porous Carbon Nanofibers from Sucrose and Doping of Ag Nanoparticle with Improved Electrical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Chakravarty Amrita , Maiti Sandipan , Mahanty Sourindra , De Goutam 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPorous carbon nanofibers (CNF) with high surface area were synthesized by electrospinning a mixture of polymerized sucrose and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in water. This green method provides an excellent environment friendly alternative to the toxic polymers and solvents commonly used for synthesis of CNF/metal nanoparticle composites. Stabilization at 350 °C and subsequent carbonization of the electrospun polymer at 950 °C in reducing environment formed semi‐graphitic CNF. In situ doping of Ag nanoparticles in CNF resulted in a ten‐fold increase in electrical conductivity of CNF for as low as 0.1 wt% Ag doping. When tested as electrode in aqueous electrochemical supercapacitor, the positive effect of Ag‐doping is revealed by two‐fold improvement in capacitance over the pristine CNF at a high current density of 5.0 A g‐1. Interestingly, a continuous increase in capacitance by ∼65% was observed during 5000 continuous cycling which is attributed to increase in active charge storage sites due to gradual opening up of the pores and increasing diffusion of electrolyte ions triggered by enhanced wettability of the electrodes.
Crystallographic Characterization of Trilostane and Derivatives
Authors: Jopp Melanie , Becker Jonathan , Lerch Markus , Miska Andreas , Hausmann Heike , Neiger Reto , Schindler Siegfried 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTrilostane, 2α‐cyano‐4α,5α‐epoxy‐17β‐hydroxyandrostan‐3‐one, as a synthetic steroid analogue, competitively inhibits the synthesis of several steroids, including cortisol and aldosterone. In veterinary medicine, trilostane has been used successfully to treat hypercortisolism. Trilostane is metabolized by the liver, producing the major metabolite ketotrilostane, 2α‐cyano‐4α,5α‐epoxyandrostane‐3,17‐dione, which is excreted by the liver. The parent compound and the major metabolite undergo metabolic interconversion. Pyridinium chlorochromate oxidation gave the α,β‐unsaturated cyanoketone, which was hydrogenated to yield ketotrilostane. For the first time, all steroids were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Furthermore, a new derivative of trilostane could be synthesized and was structurally characterized.
In Situ Growth of Fe(Ni)OOH Catalyst on Stainless Steel for Water Oxidation
Authors: Tang Ding , Mabayoje Oluwaniyi , Lai Yanqing , Liu Yexiang , Mullins C. Buddie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractStainless steel contains the elements Fe, Ni, Cr and Mn, which are known as active centers of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. The high conductivity of stainless steel also makes it an ideal substrate for OER. These facts imply that stainless steel should be a suitable candidate as an OER electrode. Here, we report a simple solution treatment approach that enables stainless steel to be an efficient and stable OER electrode. It was found that a uniform brown film with highly rippled sheet structure could be in situ grown on stainless steel at room temperature by immersing it in an alkaline oxidant solution containing NaOH and (NH4)2S2O8. The composition of the brown film was found to include Fe(Ni)OOH by Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. In 1 M KOH electrolyte, the prepared OER electrode exhibited good electrocatalytic performance with a relatively low overpotential of 300 mV at a benchmark current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 34 mV/decade. Moreover, this OER electrode showed excellent long‐term stability. This work highlights the possibility of potentially converting accessible materials into useful catalysts through simple chemical treatments.
The Colour of the Argentinean Flag
Authors: Romano Rosana M. , Stephani Rodrigo , Cappa de Oliveira Luiz F. , Védova Carlos O. Della 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOne of the historical, recurrently discussed questions in Argentina and South America is related to the original colour of the Argentinean flag. In this paper, the colouring of one of the oldest preserved Argentinean flags, the flag of 1814 of the Temple of San Francisco, Province of Tucumán, was determined, which was ordered in a timely manner by the trustee and later first governor of the Province of Tucumán, Bernabé Aráoz. The flag, made of silk, has inscriptions in a yellow colour due to crocoite, and the presence of lapis lazuli pigment in its upper and lower parts conveys a blue tonality to the year of its origin. Moreover, due to its homogeneous distribution found on the analysed samples a preservation work by means of a Sn containing compound might be inferred in this study, which used spectroscopy and chemistry to solve a singular historical question.
Copper (I) Catalyzed Sp3 C‐H Arylation of N‐Arylglycine Ester Derivatives under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Ramana Daggupati V. , Chowhan L. Raju , Chandrasekharam Malapaka 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA copper catalyzed cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction between N‐arylglycine ester derivatives and 3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene or N, N‐dimethylaniline was developed under very mild conditions. This efficient and environmentally benign approach works devoid of additives or external oxidant and delivered various non‐natural‐α‐amino acid derivatives 3 or 5 in moderate to good yields under aerobic condition. High para‐selectivity was observed with N,N‐dialkylaniline functionalizations.
Identifying evolution patterns: a metrics‐based approach for external library reuse
Authors: Constantinou Eleni , Stamelos Ioannis 
Published: March 2017

SummarySoftware development highly depends on using functionality of external libraries and frameworks because of the inherent benefits of software reuse. As projects evolve over time, it is a common and beneficial task to upgrade the external libraries to their latest versions because bugs are solved or new functionality is implemented. Nonetheless, external libraries evolve as well and undergo architectural and structural changes and therefore, impact the projects that use them in the case of library upgrades. In this paper, we propose a metrics‐based approach in order to identify evolution patterns of candidate reuse libraries and ultimately, assist in selecting new libraries for reuse or upgrading existing libraries. We propose a metrics suite that measures structural and behavioral attributes of software systems' evolution that affect their possible reuse by other projects. The proposed metrics measure the overall stability of software systems in terms of their structural consistency and resilience to introducing new bugs, maintainers' focus on resolving the existing bugs and their focus on preserving the system's structural complexity low. Next, we identify patterns in the metrics' behavior during projects' evolution in order to provide insight about the implications in the case of their reuse. We present our findings of a set of nine popular projects, six of which are maintained by the Apache Software Foundation, and report the results concerning the derived metrics' values and the studied library evolution patterns. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern‐based GUI testing: Bridging the gap between design and quality assurance
Authors: Moreira Rodrigo M. L. M. , Paiva Ana Cristina , Nabuco Miguel , Memon Atif 
Published: March 2017

SummarySoftware systems with a graphical user interface (GUI) front end are typically designed using user interface (UI) Patterns, which describe generic solutions (with multiple possible implementations) for recurrent GUI design problems. However, existing testing techniques do not take advantage of this fact to test GUIs more efficiently. In this paper, we present a new pattern‐based GUI testing (PBGT) approach that formalizes the notion of UI Test Patterns, which are generic test strategies to test UI patterns over their different implementations. The PBGT approach is evaluated via 2 case studies. The first study involves 2 fielded Web application subjects; findings show that PBGT is both practical and useful, as testing teams were able to find real bugs in a reasonable time interval. The second study allows deeper analysis by studying software subjects seeded with artificial faults; the findings show that PBGT is more effective than a manual model‐based test case generation approach.