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Electrospinning is a well-established technique for creating submicron polymer fibers to create distinctive functional nanostructures. Electrospinning parameters including solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance and applied voltage are adjusted to produce nonwovens with variable fiber diameter distributions. This research on the response surface methodology (RSM) is being used to model the diameter of a polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6) nanofiber mat. The experiments were designed using central composite design (CCD) and RSM, which evaluated the interactions between the operating variables (polymer concentration, applied positive voltage, needle tip to collector distance and spinning angle) on the diameter of the PA-6,6 nanofiber. The average nanofiber diameter increased as the concentration of the PA-6,6 polymer solution increased. The model's strong regression coefficient ( R 2 = 0. 9 8) reveals that it did a desirable of predicting the diameter of PA-6,6 fibers. The experimental findings and predicted fiber diameters were in good agreement. The results demonstrate that the optimization of electrospinning process to produce the smallest nanofibers and narrowest diameter distribution (1 8 3 ± nm) combined effects of 10% polymer concentration, 21 kV applied positive voltage, 18 cm needle tip to collector distance and 60 ∘ spinning angle are substantial interacting effects that have an impact on the surface response nanofibers. The results of the research and several mathematical models will offer useful guidelines for choosing parameter settings for electrospinning PA-6,6 to achieve the required fiber diameter. By saving time, effort and money more effectively, this research will expand the field of investigation for the quality of electrospun nanofibers. Electrospinning is an established technique for creating submicron polymer fibers to create distinctive functional nanostructures. For the manufacture of nonwovens with variable fiber diameter distributions, electrospinning variables such as solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance, and the applied voltage were modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyzes the reversible CO2 hydration reaction that produces bicarbonate for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC). This is the initial step for transmitting the CO2 signal in C4 photosynthesis. However, it remains unknown whether the maize (Zea mays L.) CA gene, ZmCA4 , plays a role in the maize photosynthesis process. In our study, we found that ZmCA4 was relatively highly expressed in leaves and localized in the chloroplast and the plasma membrane of mesophyll protoplasts. Knock-out of ZmCA4 reduced CA activity, while overexpression of ZmCA4 increased rubisco activity, as well as the quantum yield and relative electron transport rate in photosystem II. Overexpression of ZmCA4 enhanced maize yield–related traits. Moreover, ZmCA4 interacted with aquaporin ZmPIP2;6 in bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The double-knock-out mutant for ZmPIP2;6 and ZmCA4 genes showed reductions in its growth, CA and PEPC activities, assimilation rate and photosystem activity. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the expression of other ZmCAs, ZmPIPs , as well as CO2 signaling pathway homologous genes, and photosynthetic-related genes was all altered in the double-knock-out mutant compared with the wild type. Altogether, our study's findings point to a critical role of ZmCA4 in determining photosynthetic capacity and modulating CO2 signaling regulation via its interaction with ZmPIP2;6, thus providing insight into the potential genetic value of ZmCA4 for maize yield improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy, as a green new energy source, has great significance for environmental protection due to its widespread application. This article uses nonlinear dynamics theory to study the problem of hydrogen energy storage firstly, which is different from traditional methods by using simulation and experimental methods. In this paper, the bifurcation and chaos of Li-doped 6,6,12-graphyne impacted by hydrogen atoms are studied. The perturbation of 6,6,12-graphene by Li atoms is treated as the Gauss white noise. The incremental harmonic balance method (IHB) is used for drawing the amplitude-frequency response curve of the system under simple harmonic excitation. Theoretical analysis shows that the inhomogeneity of 6,6,12-graphyne stiffness can affect the system stability, which decides the actual hydrogen storage capacity of graphyne. And then simulation and experiment results confirm the results of theoretical analysis. The maximum increase hydrogen storage efficiency can be more than 10% by selecting appropriate distribution of Li atoms.The research results of this article have a certain promoting effect on the industrial application of hydrogen energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroids are potential anti-leukemia agents, and Epigynum auritum is a Yunnan folk medicine with high levels of androsterone, pregnane, and steroid derivatives. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism of androsta-4,6,8,14-tetraene-3,11,16-trione (ATT), an androsterone isolated from Epigynum auritum , is not yet clear. This study aimed to explore the anti-leukemia mechanism of ATT using molecular biology, network pharmacology, and molecular docking technology. The cell viability results showed that ATT had an anti-proliferation effect in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (CEM/C1, MOLT-4, Jurkat, BALL-1, Nalm-6, and RS4;11). Further studies showed that ATT reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines (BALL-1, Nalm-6, and RS4;11) and induced cell cycle arrest in MOLT-4 and BALL-1. ATT induced BALL-1 cell apoptosis by activating Caspase 3/7 activity and causing DNA fragmentation. Network pharmacology results suggested that ATT exerts its anti-leukemia activity via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, molecular docking analysis showed that ATT had high scores in docking with PTGS2, NR3C1, and AR. Western blotting results showed that ATT reduced the relative protein level of P-PI3K and P-Akt, thereby increasing the relative level of pro-apoptosis protein Bax and reducing the relative level of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2, the apoptosis downstream protein pro-caspase3, and cell proliferation-related proteins (P-GSK3B and CyclinD1). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that ATT could be a potential candidate drug with apoptosis-induction and cell cycle arrest effects for further investigation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy. [Display omitted] • ATT showed significant anti-leukemia activity in vitro. • ATT induced leukemia cells death by cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. • ATT had strong affinity with PTGS2, NR3C1, and AR proteins in molecular docking. • The anti-leukemia mechanism of ATT was related to the PI3K/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive lead (Pb) in the soil affects crop growth and development, thus threatening human beings via food chains. Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) facilitate the transport of substrates across cell membranes. Herein, we characterized maize PIP s and identified eight Pb accumulation-associated PIP genes using association studies. Among these, ZmPIP1;6 was simultaneously correlated with root Pb concentrations under various Pb treatment stages. Significant correlations were observed between the ZmPIP1;6 expression abundance and Pb accumulation in maize roots. Ectopic expression in yeast showed that ZmPIP1;6 conferred Pb accumulation in the cells and affected Pb tolerance in yeast. Overexpression in maize demonstrated that ZmPIP1;6 altered the Pb concentration performance and root moisture content under Pb stress. Meanwhile, protein interaction analyses suggested that ZmPIP1; 6 and three PIP2 members formed isoforms and facilitate water uptake in maize roots. However, ZmPIP1; 6 improved Pb absorption in maize roots probably by interacting with CASP-like protein 2C3 and/or another metal transporter. Moreover, the significant variants in the ZmPIP1;6 promoter caused the variations in ZmPIP1;6 expression level and Pb accumulation among various maize germplasms. Our study will contribute to understanding of PIP family-mediated Pb accumulation in crops and bioremediation of Pb-polluted soils. • ZmPIP1;6 is a Pb accumulation-associated gene among the maize PIP family. • Overexpression of ZmPIP1;6 confers increased Pb accumulation in maize roots. • ZmPIP1; 6 interacts with several ZmPIP2 members and metal transporters. • ZmPIP1;6 has the potential in bioremediation of Pb-polluted soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, microangiopathy, and autoantibodies. We previously reported that circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells are increased in SSc and induce plasmablast differentiation. However, mechanisms leading to cTfh cell expansion and activation in SSc remain to be established. Tfh cells require IL-12 for their expansion and differentiation. 6-Sulfo LacNAc monocytes (slanMo), a subset of monocytes, have a higher capacity to produce IL-12 and to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation in comparison with dendritic cells (DC) or classical monocytes. The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative and functional analysis of monocytes and DC and to correlate them with cTfh cell expansion and clinical manifestations in SSc. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed different monocyte subsets including slanMo and DC from 36 SSc patients and 26 healthy controls (HC). In vitro culture experiments of sorted slanMo were performed for functional analysis and cytokine production. We observed that slanMo, intermediate and non-classical monocytes were increased in SSc in comparison with HC. Furthermore, the increase in slanMo cells was more potent in patients with diffuse SSc. We observed a significant positive correlation between slanMo and cTfh cell levels in SSc patients but not in HC. Other monocyte subsets did not correlate with cTfh cell expansion. In addition, we observed that in vitro, slanMo cells from SSc patients produced less IL-12 than slanMo from HC. SlanMo are increased in SSc and may participate in the activation of cTfh cells in SSc. 6-Sulfo LacNAc monocytes (slanMo) are increased in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and particularly in patients with diffuse cutaneous involvement. The increase of slanMo correlate with the expansion of circulating Tfh cells (cTfh). SlanMo could participate to the activation of cTfh in SSc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and peritoneal dissemination is the most frequent metastatic pattern of gastric cancer. However, the treatment of this disease condition remains difficult. It has been demonstrated that intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy (ipRIT) with 64Cu-labeled cetuximab (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody; 64Cu-cetuximab) is a potential treatment for peritoneal dissemination of gastrointestinal cancer in vivo. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have also shown that a histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat, effectively sensitized gastrointestinal cancer to external radiation.Aim: In the present study, we examined the efficacy of the combined use of vorinostat, as a radiosensitizer during ipRIT with 64Cu-cetuximab in a peritoneal dissemination mouse model with human gastric cancer NUGC4 cells stably expressing red fluorescent protein.Methods: The mouse model was treated by ipRIT with 64Cu-cetuximab plus vorinostat, each single treatment, or saline (control). Side effects, including hematological and biochemical parameters, were evaluated in similarly treated, tumor-free mice.Results: Coadministration of ipRIT with 64Cu-cetuximab + vorinostat significantly prolonged survival compared to control and each single treatment. No significant toxicity signals were observed in all treatment groups.Conclusions: Our data suggest that vorinostat is a potentially effective radiosensitizer for use during the treatment of peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer by ipRIT with 64Cu-cetuximab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on 4He elastic scattering by 6 , 7 Li, 9Be and 1 1 B angular distributions analyzed in the optical model (OM) context using Woods–Saxon (WS) potential form and double folding (DF) with distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA), while applying the M3Y approach to the real part and a WS shape to describe the imaginary part of the optical model potential (OMP). Cluster folding (CF) with the DWBA model has also been explored for theoretical data analysis. The coupled reaction channels (CRC) method has been applied to all nuclear systems under consideration where both inelastic scattering and the transfer with elastic scattering have been involved in the analysis of experimental data. The study highlights the overall agreement between the data under the study and the concerned theoretical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the infectious agents that causes genital and non-genital warts and skin cancers in humans. The E7 protein of this virus is one of the small oncoproteins that may be the main target in therapeutic vaccines. E7 protein with HIV-1 Tat peptide (49-59), plays a protective role that cause immune Th1 and CTLs response. The aim of this study was to design a recombinant HIV-1 Tat 49-59 / HPV16, 18, 6, 11 E7 protein in vitro and the function of this antigen for MHC-1 expression. Materials and methods: In this study, macrophage cell line J774 was used to evaluate the expression of MHC-1 and the function of Tat peptide in delivery of recombinant protein to the surface of MHC-1. J744 mouse macrophage cell line was treated by10, 50, and 100 μg of each of the proteins with and without Tat peptide. After 24 hours, the cells were collected and then analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: In this study, J774 cells were treated and analyzed by E7-Tat and E7 proteins at different concentrations. The study showed that 10 μg of E7-Tat protein increased the expression of MHC-1, while at higher concentrations of this protein, the expression of MHC-1 molecule decreased considerably compared to the group without Tat peptide. Conclusion: E7-Tat protein at lower concentrations can act as a stimulant for increasing the MHC-1 expression and could be used in therapeutic vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methamphetamine (METH) is an extremely addictive drug that has raised serious public health concerns recently. METH addiction not only results in neuronal cytotoxicity, but it also affects immune cell activity, including T lymphocytes. 6,4,7 ′ -trihydroxyflavanone (THF), isolated from Dalbergia odorifera, has been studied for its antibacterial activity, but evidence for whether THF has an anti-cytotoxic and protective effect on T cell activation exposed to METH is lacking. In this study, results showed that treatment with THF was not cytotoxic to Jurkat T cells but dose-dependently mitigated the cytotoxicity induced by exposure to METH. The Western blot results demonstrating pre-treatment with THF maintained the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR downregulated by treatment with METH. Furthermore, we found that decreased expression of IL-2 and CD69 by METH exposure was partially restored, and viability was significantly prevented by pre-treatment with THF in activated T cells. These findings were involved in re-elevated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins as well as recovered pathways including MAPK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR in activated T cells pre-exposed to METH. Our results suggest beneficial effects of THF against the cytotoxic and immune-modulating effect of METH on T cells and therapeutic potential of THF for patients with immunodeficiency caused by METH addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic interleaving is a promising technique to improve delamination resistance of laminated composites. In this study, plain-weave carbon fiber/epoxy composites were interleaved with nylon 6,6 nonwoven fabrics with an areal weight density of 17 gsm. The carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates with/without nylon 6,6 nonwoven fabric interlayers were manufactured by VARTM technique. Double cantilever beam fracture toughness tests were carried out on the prepared composite test specimens in accordance with ASTM 5528 standard. The experimental test data were statistically analyzed by two-parameter Weibull distribution. The results showed that the initiation and propagation fracture toughness Mode-I fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites could be improved by about 34 and 156% (corresponding to a reliability level of 0.50) with the incorporation of nylon 6,6 interlayers in the interlaminar region, respectively. The results also revealed that the percent increase in the propagation fracture toughness value was 67 and 41% at reliability levels of 0.90 and 0.95, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is an attempt to optimize the electrospinning process to produce minimum Nylon 6,6 nanofibers by using Taguchi statistical technique. Nylon 6,6 solutions were prepared in a mixture of formic acid (FA) and Dichloromethane (DCM). Design of experiment by using Taguchi statistical technique was applied to determine the most important processing parameters influence on average fiber diameter of Nylon 6,6 nanofiber produced by electrospinning process. The effects of solvent/nylon and FA/DCM ratio on average fiber diameter were investigated. Optimal electrospinning conditions were determined by using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that was calculated from the electrospun Nylon 6,6 nanofibers diameters according to "the-smaller-the-better" approach. The optimum Nylon 6,6 concentration (NY%) and FA/DCM ratio were determined. The morphology of electrospun nanofibers is significantly altered by FA/DCM solvent ratio as well as Nylon 6,6 concentration. The smallest diameter and the narrowest diameter distribution of Nylon 6,6 nanofibers (1 6 6 ± 3 3 nm) were obtained for 10 wt% Nylon 6,6 solution in 80 wt% FA and 20 wt% DCM. An increase of 118%, 280% and 26% in tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation at break over as-cast was obtained, respectively. Glass transition temperature of Nylon 6,6 nanofibers were determined by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Analysis of variance ANOVA shows that NY% is the most influential parameter. In the electrospinning technique, a syringe with a blunt needle is usually utilized as the spinneret to feed the solution, typically a polymer solution, at a controlled rate. When a high voltage of typically up to 30 kV is supplied between the needle and collector, the charged solution droplet at the tip of the needle deforms into a conical-shaped droplet known as the Taylor cone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel 3D metal-organic frameworks [Cd 3 (bpbc)(μ 3 -OH)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O (1) and [Zn 2 Na (bpbc)(DMF) 1.5 (EtOH) 0.5 (H 2 O) 5 ]·0.5H 2 O (2) have been synthesized by using biphenyl-2, 4, 6, 3′, 5′-pentacarboxylic acid (H 5 bpbc) as the ligand under solvothermal/hydrothermal conditions. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural analysis revealed that complex 1 shows a (5, 10)-connected 3D network based on the [Cd 6 (COO) 10 (μ 3 -OH) 2 ] SBUs with unusual topology, while complex 2 exhibits a (3, 3, 6)-connected 3D framework. The structural difference between 1 and 2 indicated that the coordination fashion of bpbc5− and the kind of metal ions could play critical role in the construction of MOFs. In addition, new fluorescence emissions were observed for 1 and 2 , and the solid state luminescent properties were investigated. Two novel 3D fluorescence metal-organic frameworks [Cd 3 (bpbc)(μ 3 -OH)(H 2 O) 3 ]·H 2 O (1) and [Zn 2 Na (bpbc)(DMF) 1.5 (EtOH) 0.5 (H 2 O) 5 ]·0.5H 2 O (2) have been constructed by using the self-assembly of biphenyl-2, 4, 6, 3′, 5′-pentacarboxylic acid (H 5 bpbc) and Zn2+/Cd2+ ions. Unlabelled Image • Two novel 3D coordination polymers were prepared by the self-assembly of H 5 bpbc and Zn2+/Cd2+ ions. • (5, 10)-connected and (3, 3, 6)-connected 3D framework structures were obtained with the same organic ligand. • The fluorescence properties of complexes 1 and 2 were recorded and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of quinoxaline‐based conjugated polymers, in which the electron‐donating benzodithiophene (BDT) unit is linked to the electron‐accepting 6,7‐difluorinated quinoxaline (DFQ) derivatives by a thiophene bridge, is synthesized. To investigate their effects on the intrinsic properties of polymers, strong electron‐withdrawing trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups were incorporated into the meta‐position of the phenyl ring at the 2,3‐positions of the DFQ unit of the reference polymer, labelled PEhB‐FQx, to yield the target polymer PEhB‐FQxCF3. In addition, the 2‐ethylhexyloxy substituents on the BDT donor in PEhB‐FQxCF3 are changed to the more planar 2‐ethylhexyl thiophene units to produce another target polymer PThB‐FQxCF3. Owing to the significant contributions of the CF3 moiety, PEhB‐FQxCF3 exhibits quite discernible optical and electrochemical properties along with significant enhancement in photovoltaic performances compared to the reference polymer PEhB‐FQx. Furthermore, the incorporation of the alkylthienyl side chains on the BDT moiety confers on the resultant PThB‐FQxCF3 to possess the maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.26% with an open circuit voltage of 0.88 V, short‐circuit current density of 12.20 mA cm−2, and fill factor of 67.80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitory activity of 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 3′, 4′-heptamethoxyflavone extracted from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium on RBL-2H3 cells degranulation was done by two different methods. At low concentration, the values of inhibition obtained by modified method were much larger than that of the classical method. Spectroscopic measurements and molecular docking calculation were applied to study the mechanism. It was induced by interaction between flavonoid and immunoglobulin E. Compared with the interaction between antibody and receptor, the force was weak, the inhibitory effect on β-hexosaminidase release was strong, with some structural changes to the antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite materials have been used widely in the automotive and aerospace industries because of their fracture toughness and recycling. Despite such superior properties, these materials have a weak side: high melt viscosity and low thermal resistance. The high melt viscosity of such materials makes the homogeneous wetting process difficult. This property leads to problems with the machinery and equipment at the mass production lines, and thus costs increase. Reinforcing the fibre and matrix mixed in the solid state and consolidating them helps to solve this problem. This creates a new type of semi-finished material for thermoplastic composites - hybrid yarn. The main aim of the current study was to solve the problem with high melt viscosity of thermoplastic composite materials by mixing the reinforcing fibre and matrix in the intermingling and twisting process and consolidating them. Fabricated hybrid yarns can be processed by using different textile surface forming techniques (weaving, knitting, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mahkota dewa fruits (Phaleria marcocarpha (Scheff.) Boerl) have been found to contain benzophenone and xanthone derivatives which have a protective effect against ultraviolet light. This study was aimed to evaluate the sunscreen activities of mahkoside A, mangiferin and 6, 4-dihydroxy- 4-methoxybenzophenone-2-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (6, 4-DHMP) isolated from Mahkota dewa fruits in-vitro and in-vivo. Methods: In-vitro sunscreen activity was evaluated using spectrophotometric method by measuring percentage transmission of erythema, percentage transmission of pigmentation and sun protection factor (SPF). The sunscreen activity assays in-vivo was conducted by observing the effect of erythema in rats after exposed to an exotera lamp for 24 h. Results: In-vitro assays showed that mahkoside A, mangiferin and 6, 4-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-2-O-ß-Dglucopyranoside at a concentration of 100 ppm had SPF value of 3.44, 2.82 and 3.08 respectively. In-vivo test results showed that mangiferin at concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, and 50% decreased the amount of erythema and erythema diameter significantly different than negative control (p <0.05). Conclusion: Mahkoside A, mangiferin and 6, 4-DHMP possessed sunscreen activity in-vitro and in-vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was performed to investigate the chemical components of the branches and leaves of Isodon rubescens. Two 6,7-seco-spiro-lacton-ent-kauranoids were obtained. Based on the extensive spectroscopic analyses, their structures were elucidated as 6-epi-11-O-acetylangustifolin (1) and 11-O-acetylangustifolin (2), respectively. The structure of 2 was further comfirmed by X-ray crystallography analysis. MTT method was employed to evaluate their cytotoxity against human lung cancer cell lines A549 and leukemia cell lines K562. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrimidine dimers are the most important DNA lesions induced by UVB irradiation. They can be repaired directly by photoreactivation or indirectly by the excision repair pathways. Photoreactivation is carried out by photolyases, enzymes which bind to the dimers and use the energy of blue light or UVA to split bonds between adjacent pyrimidines. Arabidopsis thaliana has three known photolyases: AtPHR1, AtCRY3 and AtUVR3. Little is known about the cellular localization and regulation of AtUVR3 expression. We have found that its transcript level is down-regulated by light (red, blue or white) in a photosynthesis-dependent manner. The down-regulatory effect of red light is absent in mature leaves of the phyB mutant, but present in leaves of phyAphyB. UVB irradiation does not increase AtUVR3 expression in leaves. Transiently expressed AtUVR3-green fluorescent protein (GFP) is found in the nuclei, chloroplasts and mitochondria of Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells. In the nucleoplasm, AtUVR3-GFP is distributed uniformly, while in the nucleolus it forms speckles. Truncated AtUVR3 and muteins were used to identify the sequences responsible for its subcellular localization. Mitochondrial and chloroplast localization of AtUVR3 is independent of its N-terminal sequence. Amino acids located at the C-terminal loop of the protein are involved in its transport into chloroplasts and its retention inside the nucleolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, 6,7-dehydroroyleanone, C20H2 6O3 [systematic name: (4bS)-3-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-4b,8,8-trimethyl-4b,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydrophenanthrene-1,4-dione] was isolated from Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. The compound crystallizes in the space group P21. The crystal structure features two O-H…O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the [010] direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five mono-nuclear silver (I) complexes with 6,7-dicyanodipyridoquinoxaline ligand, namely {[Ag(DPEphos)(dicnq)]NO3}2. CH3OH (1), [Ag(DPEphos)(dicnq)]BF4.CH3OH (2), [Ag(XANTphos) (dicnq)]CF3SO3 (3), {[Ag(XANTphos)(dicnq)]NO3}2 (4) and [Ag(XANTphos)(dicnq)]ClO4.CH2Cl2 (5) {DPEphos = bis[2-(diphenylphosphanyl) phenyl]ether, dicnq = 6,7-dicyanodipyridoquinoxaline, XANTphos = 9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)xanthene} were characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, fluorescence spectra and terahertz time-domain spectra (THz-TDS). In the five complexes the AgI, which is coordinated by two kinds of chelating ligands, adopts four-coordinate modes to generate mono-nuclear structures. The C-H...π interactions lead to formation of a 1D infinite chain for complexes 2 and 3. The crystal packing of complexes 1 and 5 reveal that they form 3D supermolecular network by several pairs of C-H...π interactions. The emissions of these complexes are attributed to ligands-centered [π-π8 ] transition based on both of the P-donor and N-donor ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution-processable small molecule (SM) donors are promising alternatives to their polymer counterparts in bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. While SM donors with favorable spectral absorption, self-assembly patterns, optimum thin-film morphologies, and high carrier mobilities in optimized donor-acceptor blends are required to further BHJ device efficiencies, material structure governs each one of those attributes. As a result, the rational design of SM donors with gradually improved BHJ solar cell efficiencies must concurrently address: (i) bandgap tuning and optimization of spectral absorption (inherent to the SM main chain) and (ii) pendant-group substitution promoting structural order and mediating morphological effects. In this paper, the rational pendant-group substitution in benzo[1,2- b:4,5- b′]dithiophene-6,7-difluoroquinoxaline SMs is shown to be an effective approach to narrowing the optical gap ( Eopt) of the SM donors ( SM1 and SM2), without altering their propensity to order and form favorable thin-film BHJ morphologies with PC71BM. Systematic device examinations show that power conversion efficiencies >8% and open-circuit voltages ( VOC) nearing 1 V can be achieved with the narrow-gap SM donor analog ( SM2, Eopt = 1.6 eV) and that charge transport in optimized BHJ solar cells proceeds with minimal, nearly trap-free recombination. Detailed device simulations, light intensity dependence, and transient photocurrent analyses emphasize how carrier recombination impacts BHJ device performance upon optimization of active layer thickness and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

8-Phenyl-5,7-dihydroxyflavylium and 8-methyl-5,7- dihydroxyflavylium were synthesized to observe the 6,8-rearrangement. 8-Phenyl and 8-methyl residues were introduced by Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of 8-iodochrysin, then reduced by LiAlH4 to give the corresponding 3-deoxyanthocyanidins. At pH 1.0 the stable form is the 8-substituted flavylium cation in both compounds. At higher pH values the quinoidal bases are the stable species and some evidence for the 6,8-rearrangement was obtained, but the respective spectral variations are very small. This was overcome by using a modified cyclodextrin (captisol), which favors the formation of the trans-chalcone at the expense of the quinoidal bases. The trans-chalcone was isolated and dissolved in CD3OD/DCl (pD < 1) to give a mixture of the two flavylium isomers. This was confirmed by ESI-MS analysis (recorded in positive ion mode) of the two isomers after separation by HPLC, which gave the same peak ([M]+ m/z 253). The 6-isomer slowly reverts to the most stable 8-isomer. The 6,8-rearrangement was also observed after irradiation of the trans-chalcone (in the presence of captisol) at pH 5. Acidification of this photostationary state gave a mixture of both flavylium cations. The UV/Vis absorption of the flavylium cation (6- isomer) was blueshifted in comparison to the 8-isomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students' attitudes to read in terms of various variables. The "Adolescent Reading Attitude Scale" developed by McKenna, Conradi, Lawrence, Jang and Meyer (2012) and adapted to Turkish by Bastuğ and Keskin (2013) were used to collect data on the study conducted through the instrument of descriptive screening model. Results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the scale of four sub-dimensions were .69, .80, .69, .66 and .62 for the overall scale, recreational digital, recreational print, academic print and academic digital, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed in order to test construct validity of the scale in this research. With this measurement tool; the attitudes towards reading of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students; grade level, gender, educational status of parents, liking to read and write, Turkish course notes, factors impeding reading of books, number of pages read weekly. IBM SPSS 23 software was used to analyse the data. The central tendency and distribution measures (frequency, percentage, mean, kurtosis and skewness) for the descriptive statistics and demographic variables in the study were calculated. Confirmatory factor analysis of the measuring instrument used in the research was performed with AMOS 22.0 software. In the analysis of the obtained data, T test was used to test the significance of the two variables, and one way variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to test the meaningfulness between the two variables. As a result of the research, it was determined that the attitudes of the students towards reading differed in terms of gender, liking to read and write, and the number of pages that they read weekly. On the other hand, it has been determined that the students' attitudes towards reading have similar qualities in terms of Turkish lecture note, class level, obstructive factor, and educational level of their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that the subcutaneous administration of 3,5,6,7,8,30,40- heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), a citrus polymethoxyflavone, attenuated depressive-like behavior and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of a corticosterone-induced depression-like mouse model. We herein demonstrated that (1) HMF was detectable in the brain 10 and 30 min after its oral administration, (2) orally administered HMF improved chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced pathological conditions, including body weight loss and depressive-like behavior, and CUMS-induced neurochemical changes, such as reduction in BDNF expression, decrease in neurogenesis, and decreased level of phosphorylated calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the hippocampus, and (3) these effects of HMF were inhibited by the pre-administration of U0126, a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor. These results suggest that orally administered HMF is beneficial for the upregulation of BDNF in the hippocampus via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)/MAP system, which may account for its antidepression effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient pseudo four-component reaction between substituted 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes, ammonium acetate and different dialkyl but-2-ynedioates for the preparation of (2E)-2-(6H,12H-6,12-epiminodibenzo[b,f][1,5]dioxocin-13-yl)but-2-enedioates in moderate to good yields (60-83%) was developed. This method uses a variety of cheap and readily available reactants and a wide range of substrates. The structure of a typical product was confirmed by x-ray crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Richard Bauckham and N. T. Wright have proposed that in 1 Corinthians 8:6 Paul consciously expands upon the Shema, and would be understood to be doing so by his intended readers, and thus Paul includes Jesus within the unique divine identity. In this paper we question this proposal on several grounds. We argue that it is unlikely that 1 Corinthians 8:6 would be read as an expansion of the Shema. We demonstrate that xúpioç in this context is unlikely to stand for YHWH. We also raise doubts over the concept of "inclusion" within the divine identity. We conclude that i Corinthians 8:6 is better understood as an expression of monotheism simpliciter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Mn3.5L(OH) (HCOO)4(DMF)]·H2O} (1), {[In2.5L2O(OH)1.5(H2O)2]·DMF·CH3CN· 2H2O} (2), {[Pb4L3O(DMA)]·CH3CN} (3), and {[LaL(NO3)(DMF)2]· 2H2O} (4) were synthesized by utilizing the ligand 2,2',6,6'-tetramethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2L) via solvothermal methods. All MOFs were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. In 1, the Mn2+ ions are interconnected by formic groups in situ produced via DMF decomposition to form a rare 2D macrocyclic plane, which is further linked by L2- to construct the final 3D network. In 2, 1D zip-like infinite chain is formed and then interconnected to build the 3D framework. In 3, a [Pb6(µ4-O)2(O2C)10(DMA)2] cluster with a centrosymmetric [Pb6(µ4-O)2]8+ octahedral core is formed in the 3D structure. In 4, the La3+ ions are connected with each other through carboxylate groups of L2- to generate 1D zigzag chain, which is further linked by L2- to construct a 3D network with sra topology. Solid photoluminescence properties of 3 and 4 were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pteridines and their derivatives function as intermediates in the metabolism of several vitamins and cofactors, and their relevance to disease has inspired new efforts to study their roles as disease biomarkers. Recent analytical advances, such as the emergence of sensitive mass spectrometry techniques, new workflows for measuring pteridine derivatives in their native oxidation states and increased multiplexing capacities for the simultaneous determination of many pteridine derivatives, have enabled researchers to explore the roles of urinary pteridines as disease biomarkers at much lower levels with greater accuracy than with previous technologies or methods. As a result, urinary pteridines are being increasingly studied as putative cancer biomarkers with promising results being reported from exploratory studies. In addition, the role of urinary neopterin as a universal biomarker for immune system activation is being investigated in new diseases where it is anticipated to become a useful supplementary marker in clinical diagnostic settings. In summary, this review provides an overview of recent developments in the clinical study of urinary pteridines as disease biomarkers, covers the most promising aspects of advanced analytical techniques being developed for the determination of urinary pteridines and discusses the major challenges associated with implementing pteridine biomarkers in clinical laboratory settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new 6,13-disubstituted pentacene derivatives, 1 c and 1 d, with alkyl and triisopropylsilylethynyl substitution have been synthesized and characterized experimentally and computationally. The alkyl substituted 1 c and 1 d represent the first 6-alkyl-substituted pentacene derivative where the fully aromatic species dominates over the corresponding tautomer. Indeed, no tautomerization product is found for either 1 c or 1 d upon heating or in the presence of catalytic amounts of acid. On the other hand, an unexpected dimer ( 3 c) is formed from 1 c. A plausible mechanism for this new dimerization process of the 6-methyl-substituted pentacene derivative 1 c is proposed, which involves first a bimolecular hydrogen atom transfer followed by an intramolecular [4+2] Diels-Alder cycloaddition. In the case of 6-butyl substitution, neither tautomerization nor dimerization is observed. Computations support the proposed 1 c dehydrodimerization pathway, explain why 1 d does not dimerize, and show the importance of the nature of the group at C-13 in controlling the relative stability of 6-alkyl-substituted pentacene tautomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid hormone (T3) has been suggested to participate in the regulation of herpesvirus replication during reactivation. Clinical observations and in vivo experiments suggest that T3 are involved in the suppression of herpes virus replication. In vitro, differentiated LNCaP cells, a human neuron-like cells, further resisted HSV-1 replication upon addition of T3. Previous studies indicate that T3 controlled the expression of several key viral genes via its nuclear receptors in differentiated LNCaP cells. Additional observation showed that differentiated LNCaP cells have active PI3K signaling and inhibitor LY294002 can reverse T3-mediated repression of viral replication. Active PI3K signaling has been linked to HSV-1 latency in neurons. The hypothesis is that, in addition to repressing viral gene transcription at the nuclear level, T3 may influence PI3K signaling to control HSV-1 replication in human neuron-like cells. We review the genomic and non-genomic regulatory roles of T3 by examining the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway gene expression profile changes in differentiated LNCaP cells under the influence of hormone. The results indicated that 15 genes were down-regulated and 22 genes were up-regulated in T3-treated differentiated LNCaP cells in comparison to undifferentiated state. Of all these genes, casein kinase 2 (CK2), a key component to enhance PI3K signaling pathway, was significantly increased upon T3 treatment only while the cells were differentiated. Further studies revealed that CK2 inhibitors tetrabrominated cinnamic acid (TBCA) and 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrabromo-2H-benzotriazole (TBB) both reversed the T3-mediated repression of viral replication. Together these observations suggested a new approach to understanding the roles of T3 in the complicated regulation of HSV-1 replication during latency and reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An MCM4 mutation detected in human cancer cells from endometrium was characterized. The mutation of G486D is located within MCM-box and the glycine at 486 in human MCM4 is conserved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae MCM4 and Sulfolobus solfataricus MCM. This MCM4 mutation affected human MCM4/6/7 complex formation, since the complex containing the mutant MCM4 protein is unstable and the mutant MCM4 protein is tend to be degraded. It is likely that the MCM4 mutation affects the interaction with MCM7 to destabilize the MCM4/6/7 complex. Cells with abnormal nuclear morphology were detected when the mutant MCM4 was expressed in HeLa cells, suggesting that DNA replication was perturbed in the presence of the mutant MCM4. Role of the conserved amino acid in MCM4 function is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-defined small molecule (SM) donors can be used as alternatives to π-conjugated polymers in bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells with fullerene acceptors (e.g., PC61/71BM). Taking advantage of their synthetic tunability, combinations of various donor and acceptor motifs can lead to a wide range of optical, electronic, and self-assembling properties that, in turn, may impact material performance in BHJ solar cells. In this report, it is shown that changing the sequence of donor and acceptor units along the π-extended backbone of benzo[1,2- b:4,5- b′]dithiophene-6,7-difluoroquinoxaline SM donors critically impacts (i) molecular packing, (ii) propensity to order and preferential aggregate orientations in thin-films, and (iii) charge transport in BHJ solar cells. In these systems ( SM1-3), it is found that 6,7-difluoroquinoxaline ([2F]Q) motifs directly appended to the central benzo[1,2- b:4,5- b′]dithiophene (BDT) unit yield a lower-bandgap analogue ( SM1) with favorable molecular packing and aggregation patterns in thin films, and optimized BHJ solar cell efficiencies of ≈6.6%. 1H-1H DQ-SQ NMR analyses indicate that SM1 and its counterpart with [2F]Q motifs substituted as end-group SM3 possess distinct self-assembly patterns, correlating with the significant charge transport and BHJ device efficiency differences observed for the two analogous SM donors (avg. 6.3% vs 2.0%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Regarding the use of intravenous lidocaine in fibromyalgia, there are no well-controlled studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous lidocaine on pain intensity, clinical manifestations and plasma levels of interleukin ( IL)-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in fibromyalgia patients. Methods In a randomized double-blind study, group 1 patients received 240 mg of lidocaine in 125 mL of saline solution, while group 2 patients received 125 mL of saline, both once a week for 4 weeks (T1, T2, T3 and T4). All patients received amitriptyline. The following were assessed: pain intensity before treatment (T0) and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment; clinical manifestations; the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire ( FIQ) before and at 4 and 8 weeks after; the levels of IL 1, 6 and 8 before and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results Lower pain intensity was observed in the lidocaine group at T2, with no difference at the other time points. There was a reduction in pain intensity in both groups. The use of paracetamol and tramadol and plasma levels of IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 did not differ between the groups. Clinical manifestations and side effects did not differ between groups. Conclusions The combination of 240 mg of intravenous lidocaine (once a week for 4 weeks) with 25 mg of amitriptyline for 8 weeks had no meaningful impact in fibromyalgia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-ceramic composite electrolytes are emerging as a promising solution to deliver high ionic conductivity, optimal mechanical properties, and good safety for developing high-performance all-solid-state rechargeable batteries. Composite electrolytes have been prepared with cubic-phase Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) garnet and polyethylene oxide (PEO) and employed in symmetric lithium battery cells. By combining selective isotope labeling and high-resolution solid-state Li NMR, we are able to track Li ion pathways within LLZO-PEO composite electrolytes by monitoring the replacement of 7Li in the composite electrolyte by 6Li from the 6Li metal electrodes during battery cycling. We have provided the first experimental evidence to show that Li ions favor the pathway through the LLZO ceramic phase instead of the PEO-LLZO interface or PEO. This approach can be widely applied to study ion pathways in ionic conductors and to provide useful insights for developing composite materials for energy storage and harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method was developed for the selective gram-scale synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), which is an important chemical with a high application potential, via oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) catalyzed by 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-AcNH-TEMPO) in a two-phase system consisting of a methylene chloride and aqueous solution containing sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium iodide. The key feature of this method is the generation of the I2 (co-)oxidant by anodic oxidation of iodide anions during pulse electrolysis. In addition, the electrolyte can be successfully recycled five times while maintaining a 62-65 % yield of DFF. This novel method provides a sustainable pathway for waste-free production of DFF without the use of metal catalysts and expensive oxidants. An advantage of electrooxidation is utilized in the preparation of demanding chemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported previously that hydroxylated polymethoxyflavones (HPMFs) effectively suppressed obesity in high-fat-induced mouse. In this study, we further investigated the molecular mechanism of action of 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,3',4'-hexamethoxyflavone (5-OH-HxMF), one of major HPMFs in orange peel. Treatment of 5-OH-HxMF effectively inhibited lipid accumulation by 55-60% in a dose-dependent manner. The 5-OH-HxMF attenuated adipogenesis through downregulating adipogenesis-related transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARc) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs), as well as downstream target fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). 5-OH-HxMF activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling and silent mating type information regulation 1 (SIRTUIN 1 or SIRT1) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes to decrease lipid accumulation. In addition, the inhibition rate of lipid accumulation was compared between 5-OH-HxMF and 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HpMF). 5-OH-HxMF inhibited lipid accumulation 15-20% more than HpMF did, indicating that hydroxyl group at position 5 can be a key factor in the suppression of adipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanism of 6,8-diprenyl-7,4'- dihydroxyflavanone (DDF), one of the flavanones found in Sophora tonkinensis, were assessed in vitro through macrophage-mediated inflammation in the present study. The anti-inflammatory effects of DDF were not previously reported. DDF inhibited the production of nitric oxide and the expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Furthermore, the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages was suppressed by treatment with DDF. Therefore, DDF demonstrated potentially anti-inflammatory effects via the blockade of NF-κB and ERK activation in macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological, thermal, mechanical, and solvent uptake was characterized for neat nylon 6, 6 and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube/nylon 6, 6. Single-walled carbon nanotubes were functionalized by acid which introduced carboxyl groups on the nanotubes. Scanning electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites suggested that the functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes were dispersed and embedded within the nylon 6, 6 polymer matrix. Polarized optical micrographs showed that the size of spherulites of the nanocomposites decreased, which may be due to nucleation of the carbon nanotubes. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the stability of the functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes/ nylon 6, 6 nanocomposites was higher by 28-35°C than neat nylon 6, 6. The uptake of solvent by the functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube/nylon 6, 6 was lower than the neat nylon 6, 6, which may be due to the hydrophobic nature of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes and their interaction with the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rearrangement between isomers 6- and 8-bromo-apigeninidin ( 6 and 8) was studied by pH jumps using stopped flow, UV/Vis, NMR, and HPLC analysis. The system constitutes a pH-dependent network of chemical reactions involving up to 18 different species. The dynamic network is equivalent to a single diprotic acid exhibiting two p Kas, 2.55 and 5.4. Similar to other flavylium derivatives, the mole fraction of the species hemiketal and cis-chalcone in both multistate isomers are negligible at the equilibrium. At pH 1, the pure isomers are slowly converted in a mixture containing about 50 % of isomers 6 and 8, while at pH 4, the system evolves to mixture of 10 % trans-chalcone and 90 % of quinoidal bases. A series of pH jumps from pure isomer 6 at pH 1 to pH 6 and back to pH 1 leads to the same initial absorption spectra of the pure isomer 6. The same occurs for pure isomer 8, showing the lack of communication between the cis-chalcones, at least in the time scale of few minutes. A pH jump from the equilibrated mixture of the isomers at pH 1.0 to 5.8 permits to follow a very slow isomerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile one-pot approach based on a thermally induced metal- and solvent-free 5- endo- dig cyclization reaction of the amino propargylic alcohols in combination with Dess-Martin periodinane-promoted oxidative dearomatization of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindole intermediates provides an efficient and robust access to 5,6-dihydro-1 H-indol-2(4 H)ones. Green, relatively mild and operationally simple characteristics of the synthetic sequence are the major advantages, which greatly amplify the developed methodology. The utility of obtained indolones as unified key precursors is demonstrated by the application of these products to the formal total syntheses of a whole pleiad of Erythrina- and Lycorine-type alkaloids, namely (±)-erysotramidine, (±)-erysotrine, (±)-erythravine, (±)-γ-lycorane, and abnormal erythrinanes (±)-coccoline and (±)-coccuvinine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of ethanodiazapolycenes were prepared in 87%-89% yields by Friedlander reactions of three o-aminoarenecarbaldehydes with bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,5-dione and their spectral, thermal, and structural properties were studied. Subsequent attempts to convert them to diazapolycenes have proved unsuccessful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the challenge of the tendency of carbon nanotube to aggregate, the originality of fabricating nanocomposites with preformed network through microfiltration of nanotube suspension has been focused. The nanotube may fasten together upon dispersion in a liquid suspension and filtered through a fine mesh forming a thin film known as buckypaper. In this study, initially poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMAMA) and polyamide 6,6 (PA-6,6) blend was formed. Later, the matrix was reinforced with carbon nanotube and montmorillonite–modified carbon nanotube (CNT–MMT). In this way, two series of buckypapers, PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT 0.5-5 and PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT 0.5-5, were prepared with varying CNT and CNT–MMT content. PA-6,6 was in situ polymerized and the effect of filler inclusion on number and weight average molecular weight was studied. Studies were performed using gel-permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimetry to explore the structure, morphology, thermal, and flammability properties of high-performance composites. PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT revealed CNT–MMT network morphology with triangular porous structure. Thermal stability of PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT 0.5-5 system was found higher than PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT 0.5-5. The PHHR of PMMAMA/PA-6,6/CNT–MMT was decreased from 342 to 211 kW/m2 with 0.5 to 5 wt% loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method to prepare nitriles from aldehydes using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) as the nitrogen source has been developed. The reactions were performed with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine l-oxyl (TEMPO) as the catalyst, NaNO2 or TBN as the co-catalyst, and molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant under mild conditions. A variety of aromatic, heteroaromatic, aliphatic and allylic aldehydes could be converted into their corresponding nitriles in good to excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work has established the first direct homocoupling of unactivated electron-deficient azaarenes in the presence of TMPMgCl (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinylmagnesium chloride) and TMEDA (tetramethylethylenediamine). In this process, no transition metal was used while freely available air was employed as the oxidant. The investigated successful substrates included quinolines, isoquinoline, 3-phenylated pyridines, and 2-phenylated quinoxalines, giving moderate to high yields. The homocoupling of quinolines was effectively scaled up to one gram in high yield. Additionally, an iridium complex of 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-biquinoline was prepared and characterized as an efficient red-emitting material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heating of an equimolar mixture of 3,5-di- tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone with thiosalicylic acid led to 2-[(4,6-di- tert-butyl-2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)thio]benzoic acid. In the case of β-mercaptopropionic acid, 2-[(4,6-di- tert-butyl-2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)thio]propionic acid was formed, which upon reflux in Ac2O was converted to 6,8-di- tert-butyl-9-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2 H-1,5benzoxathiepin-2-one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]