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Plant root hairs are cylindrical tubular projections from root epidermal cells. They increase the root surface area, which is important for the acquisition of water and nutrients, microbe interactions, and plant anchorage. The root hair specification, the effect of root hairs on nutrient acquisition and the mechanisms of nutrients (calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that affect root hair development and growth were reviewed. The gene regulatory network on root hair specification in the plant kingdom was highlighted. More work is needed to clone the genes of additional root hair mutants and elucidate their roles, as well as undertaking reverse genetics and mutant complementation studies to add to the current knowledge of the signaling networks, which are involved in root hair development and growth regulated by nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of dehydrocostus lactone against human BON-1 cancer cell lines and to explore the possible underlying mechanism.Material and Methods: MTT cell viability assay was used to determine cytotoxic effects of dehydrocostus lactone in BON-1 cells. Fluorescence and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) techniques were used to study the effect of the compound on cellular morphology and apoptosis. Flow cytometry was used to assess the effect on cell cycle phase distribution. Effects of the drug on cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed by flow cytometry using annexin v and rhodamine-123 as fluorescent probes.Results: The results of the present study indicated that dehydrocostus lactone significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited the growth of BON-1 cancer cells. These growth inhibitory effects of dehydrocostus lactone on BON-1 were found to be time and concentration-dependent. The IC50 of dehydrocostus lactone were found to be 71.9 μM and 52.3 μM at 24 and 48 h time intervals respectively. The growth inhibitory effects of dehydrocostus lactone were found to be due to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the induction of apoptosis and sub-G1 cell cycle arrest.Conclusions: Dehydrocostus inhibits in vitro gastrinoma cancer cell growth and therefore may prove beneficial in the management of gastrinoma cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in various cancers. In its basal state, the structure of ALK is in an autoinhibitory form stabilized by its A-loop, which runs from the N-lobe to the C-lobe of the kinase. Specifically, the A-loop adopts an inhibitory pose with its proximal A-loop helix (αAL-helix) to anchor the αC-helix orientation in an inactive form in the N-lobe; the distal portion of the A-loop is packed against the C-lobe to block the peptide substrate from binding. Upon phosphorylation of the first A-loop tyrosine (Y1278), the αAL-helix unfolds; the distal A-loop detaches from the C-lobe and reveals the P+1 pocket that accommodates the residues immediately after their phosphorylation, and ALK is activated accordingly. Recently, two neuroblastoma mutants, F1174L and R1275Q, have been determined to cause ALK activation without phosphorylation on Y1278. Notably, F1174 is located on the C-terminus of the αC-helix and away from the A-loop, whereas R1275 sits on the αAL-helix. In this molecular modeling study, we investigated the structural impacts of F1174L and R1275Q that lead to the gain-of-function event. Wild-type ALK and ALK with phosphorylated Y1278 were also modeled for comparison. Our modeling suggests that the replacement of F1174 with a smaller residue, namely leucine, moves the αC-helix and αAL-helix into closer contact and further distorts the distal portion of the A-loop. In wild-type ALK, R1275 assumes the dual role of maintaining the αAL-helix–αC-helix interaction in an inactive form and securing αAL-helix conformation through the D1276–R1275 interaction. Accordingly, mutating R1275 to a glutamine reorients the αC-helix to an active form and deforms the entire A-loop. In both F1174L and R1275Q mutants, the A-loop rearranges itself to expose the P+1 pocket, and kinase activity resumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade-off between sensitivity and linearity has been the major problem in designing the piezoresistive pressure sensors for low pressure ranges. To resolve the problem, a novel peninsula-structured diaphragm with specially designed piezoresistors was proposed. Finite element method (FEM) was adopted for analyzing the sensor performance as well as comparisons with other sensor structures. In comparison to flat diaphragm, the proposed sensor design could achieve a sensitivity increase by 11.4%, nonlinearity reduction of 60% and resonance frequency increase of 41.8%. In addition, the modified peninsula-structured diaphragms featuring a center boss have been optimized to achieve ultra-low nonlinearities of 0.018%FFS and 0.07%FFS for the 5 kPa and 3 kPa pressure ranges respectively with higher sensitivities as compared to the CBM (cross beam membrane) and hollow stiffening structures. In accordance with the FEM results, the fabricated pressure sensor with the peninsula-structured diaphragm showed a sensitivity of 18.4 mV/V full-scale output and a nonlinearity error of 0.36%FSS in the pressure range 0-5 kPa. The proposed sensor structure is potentially a better choice for designing low pressure sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxic particulate elements present in cigarette smoke pose health threats to the life of smokers due to direct inhalation and at the same time increase health risks to non-smokers present in the vicinity of smokers because of their exposure. This study conducted a series of experiments using a controlled experimental chamber, equipped with simulated smoking conditions for characterization of particulate trace elements in mainstream and sidestream cigarette smoke. Four popular commercial cigarette brands available in Singapore market were used in this study. The target elements for extraction and analysis were Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Tl and Zn of both water-soluble and total constituents. The human health risk assessment results showed that the sidestream smoke had higher concentrations of toxic elements than those in the mainstream smoke. However, risk assessment analysis revealed that the sidestream smoke resulted in less human health risks compared to the mainstream smoke due to the influence of dilution of particulate emissions in sidestream smoke prior to inhalation exposure experienced by non-smokers. The cumulative non-cancer and cancer risks of toxic elements varied from 2.0 to 3.1 and from 398.4×10−6 to 626.1×10−6 due to inhalation of cigarette smoke by an active smoker. In the case of non-smokers, the risks were estimated under three possible cases of exposure. The cumulative cancer risks under three different cases were greater than the permissible limits. Therefore, it could be concluded that the toxic particulate elements present in cigarette smoke have significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects due to inhalation exposure in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors based on affinity detection are desirable for long-term and stable glucose management. However, most affinity sensors contain mechanical moving structures and complex design in sensor actuation and signal readout, limiting their reliability in subcutaneously implantable glucose detection. We have previously demonstrated a proof-of-concept dielectric glucose sensor that measured pre-mixed glucose-sensitive polymer solutions at various glucose concentrations. This sensor features simplicity in sensor design, and possesses high specificity and accuracy in glucose detection. However, lack of glucose diffusion passage, this device is unable to fulfill real-time in-vivo monitoring. As a major improvement to this device, we present in this paper a fully implantable MEMS dielectric affinity glucose biosensor that contains a perforated electrode embedded in a suspended diaphragm. This capacitive-based sensor contains no moving parts, and enables glucose diffusion and real-time monitoring. The experimental results indicate that this sensor can detect glucose solutions at physiological concentrations and possesses good reversibility and reliability. This sensor has a time constant to glucose concentration change at approximately 3 min, which is comparable to commercial systems. The sensor has potential applications in fully implantable CGM that require excellent long-term stability and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been validated for determining concentrations of glutamate, glycine, and alanine in human plasma. Proteins in plasma were precipitated with perchloric acid, followed by derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl- N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC). Simultaneous analysis of glutamate, glycine, and alanine is achieved using reversed-phase HPLC conditions and ultraviolet detection. Excellent linearity was observed for these three amino acids over their concentration ranges with correlation coefficients (r)>0.999. The intra- and inter-day precision were below 10%. This method utilizes quality control samples and demonstrates excellent plasma recovery and accuracy. The developed method has been successfully applied to measure plasma glutamate, glycine, and alanine in twenty volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting sequential three-component reaction provides a facile synthesis of selenium/sulfur-substituted 3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1(8),5-diene and tetrahydro-1H-isochromene from lithium alkylselenolates or alkylthiolates, 1-alkynylphosphine oxides, and aldehydes. The sequential reaction proceeds via a conjugate addition/condensation/elimination process to form the allene intermediate, which subsequently underwent [2 + 2] or [4 + 2] cyclization reaction to afford bicyclic frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the application of advanced computer image processing techniques for solving the problem of solder position error correction for flexible printed circuit (FPC) solder. Design/methodology/approach - To correct position error, image information is defined according to information theory, and the mutual information entropy (MIE) is applied in evaluating the correlation between the images. A reference image is acquired which is used to evaluate the correlation with the inspecting image. The MIE increases as the FPC solder positioning accuracy increases. When the referent and inspecting FPC solders are aligned with the same place, the MIE is at a maximum. According to the principle, a genetic algorithm integrated with MIE as a fitness function is applied to search for the best optimal correction parameters to improve positioning accuracy. Findings - The method is verified by a simulation and applied to the inspection system. As a result of experiment using four FPC solder samples, it has been demonstrated that the method can correct position errors. Research limitations/implications - The method of defective detection is not involved, although that of searching for and locating FPC solder is presented. Originality/value - The method of correcting position error based on MIE has high flexibility and can help improve positioning accuracy. In particular, it provides a new way to correct position error and can be implemented on any sort of target which is regular or irregular based on image technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting sequential three-component copper-catalyzed coupling/propargyl-allenyl isomerization/[4 2] cyclization reaction, providing a facile synthesis of highly substituted tetrahydro-1H-isoindolones from conjugated vinylic alkynes, imines, and α,β-unsaturated enoic acid chlorides is reported. The most attractive feature of this transformation is that three stereogenic centers could be generated in one step with high diastereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective approach to the total synthesis of natural antibiotic pamamycin 621A is described, in which the stereogenic centers at the C13 and C15 were taken from a chiral building block derived from the inexpensive o-glucolactone while all others (except the C-b) were installed via chiral auxiliary-induced asymmetric Evans/Crimmins aldol reactions. In the synthesis of the smaller/lower fragment, an antiselective Evans aldol condensation was found to occur only if a stoichiometric (rather than catalytic as reported in the literature) amount of magnesium chloride was present. A previously unknown effect of the steric bulkiness of the pyridine base employed on the stereochemical outcome of the formation of the TH F ring in the presence ofa chiral auxiliary was also observed. The TI-IF rings in the larger/upper fragment were similarly synthesized with a high level of stereoselectivity from a linear precursor carrying a chiral auxiliary via intramolecular O-alkylations, most notably even under acidic conditions. The basic dimethylamino functionality at the C-IS was installed at the final stage of the whole synthesis, with those otherwise unavoidable side reactions in the conversion of the azido group effectively circumvented through using a very mild yet largely forgotten tributyltin reduction protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile synthesis of xanthenes and acridines based on a cascade nucleophilic addition-cyclic Michael addition process of arynes and phenols/anilines substituted with α,β-unsaturated groups at the ortho positions is described. The reaction has also been successfully extended to the synthesis of 9-spiro-xanthene and acridine derivatives with potential biochemical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrophilic addition reaction of (Z)-alk-2-en-4-ynoates and TsNBr2is reported, providing a facile and highly stereoselective synthesis of densely functionalized aziridine derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a capacitively based microelectromechanical systems affinity sensor for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) applications. This sensor consists of a vibrating Parylene diaphragm, which is remotely driven by a magnetic field and situated inside a microchamber. A solution of poly(acrylamide-ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid) (PAA-ran-PAAPBA), a biocompatible glucose-sensitive polymer, fills the microchamber, which is separated from its surroundings by a semipermeable membrane. Glucose permeates through the membrane and binds reversibly to the phenylboronic acid moiety of the polymer. This results in a viscosity change of the sensing solution, causing a detectable change in the Parylene diaphragm vibration which can be measured capacitively. Experimental results demonstrate that the device is capable of detecting glucose at physiologically relevant concentrations ranging from 30 to 360 mg/dL. The response time of the sensor to glucose concentration changes is approximately 1.5 mm, which can be further improved with optimized device designs. Excellent reversibility and stability are observed in sensor responses, as highly desired for long-term CGM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cycloadditions of vinylidenecyclopropanes with aldehydes for the synthesis of tetrahydrofurans are detailed in this paper. The obtained polysubstituted tetrahydrofurans could serve as versatile intermediates to selectively produce furan, indene, and benzo[c]fluorene derivatives depending on the substituents at the tetrahydrofurans' rings arid the varied reaction conditions, which clearly exhibit insights into the synthetic applications of tetrahydrofurans. The scope, limitations, and mechanisms of these transformations have been discussed in detail. Attractively, these cycloadditions of vinylidenecydlopropanes with aldehydes and the further transformations of the cycloadducts provide an efficient protocol for the construction of various medium- and large-size ring-fused tetrahydrofuran, furan, and benzo[c]fluorene derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  In this paper, a memetic algorithm (MA) based on differential evolution (DE), namely MADE, is proposed for the multi-objective no-wait flow-shop scheduling problems (MNFSSPs). Firstly, a largest-order-value rule is presented to convert individuals in DE from real vectors to job permutations so that the DE can be applied for solving flow-shop scheduling problems (FSSPs). Secondly, the DE-based parallel evolution mechanism is applied to perform effective exploration, and several local searchers developed according to the landscape of multi-objective FSSPs are applied to emphasize local exploitation. Thirdly, a speed-up computing method is developed based on the property of the no-wait FSSPs. In addition, the concept of Pareto dominance is used to handle the updating of solutions in sense of multi-objective optimization. Due to the well balance between DE-based global search and problem-dependent local search as well as the utilization of the speed-up evaluation, the MNFSSPs can be solved effectively and efficiently. Simulation results and comparisons demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed MADE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile combinatorial approach was developed for the rapid synthesis of 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrroles, 1,3-dioxo-2,3,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles, and 1,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4,6,8a-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines libraries. The synthetic strategy includes electrophilic addition, dehydrohalogenation, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, N-acylation, amino carbonylation−cyclization, N-alkylation, lactamization, and oxidation−elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnCl2-mediated reactions of (E)-2-(arylmethylene)cyclopropylaldehyde 1 with various acyl chlorides provide a novel method for stereoselective synthesis of bifunctional methlylenecyclobutanes via a proximal-bond cleavage process. Nevertheless, when (Z)-1 was employed, the reactions give 1,3-conjugated dienes through distal-bond cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CAN-mediated oxidative rearrangement of various vinylidenecyclopropanes under mild conditions generates unsymmetrical divinyl ketone and functional enone derivatives in moderate to good yields with excellent regio- and stereoselectivities. The reaction mechanism was investigated on the basis of an oxygen-18 tracer experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stepwise process involving Sonogashira coupling, propargyl allenyl isomerization, and consecutive [4 + 2] cyclization has been realized, leading to an efficient synthesis of polycyclic compounds containing a 2,3-dihydrofuran unit. Most attractive for synthetic interest is the finding that up to four stereogenic centers could be generated in one step with high stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterocyclic nucleoside analogue library of uracils N1 tethered to isoxazoles, isoxazolines, and triazoles and uracil N3 tethered to isoxazolines and isoxazoles was constructed by solid-phase organic synthesis. This strategy opens the way for the generation of small libraries of heterocyclic nucleoside analogues for biological screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel procedure for the solid-phase synthesis of 1,3,6-trisubstituted uracils using a polymer-supported selenium resin is described. The advantages of the new method are good yields, high purity, straightforward operations, broad range and high diversity of the products, lack of odor, and good stability of the resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, β-keto sulfones, and Michael-type acceptors is presented, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and polysubstituted naphthalenes. Further investigation suggests that the tandem reaction may proceed via a sequential nucleophilic attack to arynes, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution followed by a Michael addition, and a ring closure-elimination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel reaction pathway of 2,3-allenoates with an electrophile (TsNBr2) in the presence of K2CO3 to produce (1E,2E)- 3-bromo-4-oxo-N′-tosyl-2-alkenoxylimidic acid ethyl esters is reported. The reaction proceeds in a highly stereoselective fashion. A plausible mechanism to rationalize this reaction is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of substituted ,-unsaturated ketone and benzofulvene derivatives were readily prepared in good to excellent yields via the reaction of alkylidenecyclopropanes with various acyl chlorides in the presence of aluminum chloride. The stereochemistry of the acylation and cyclization is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleophilic addition of sodium azide to 1,2-allenyl esters can generate vinyl azides in excellent yields with excellent regio- and stereoselectivities. Moreover, pyrroles are synthesized using 1-allyllic 1,2-allenyl esters as substrates in t-BuOH at 65 °C. The sequential reaction for pyrroles is developed on the basis of a novel domino process involving nucleophilic addition, cycloaddition, denitrogenation, and aromatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linked heterocycle library of isoxazoles, 1,2,3-triazoles, bicyclo2.2.1hepta-2,5-diene or 4-methylcyclohexa-1,3-diene and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles was prepared by solid-phase organic synthesis. Key steps on resin-bound selenium were electrophilic additions; 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition; Porco's two-step, one-pot condensation of amidoxime and carboxylate; and Diels−Alder reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly exposed to blood flow–induced shear stress; these forces strongly influence the behaviors of neighboring vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMC migration is a key event in vascular wall remodeling. In this study, the authors assessed the difference between VSMC migration in VSMC/EC coculture under static and shear stress conditions. Utilzing a parallel-plate coculture flow chamber system and Transwell migration assays, they demonstrated that human ECs cocultured with VSMCs under static conditions induced VSMC migration, whereas laminar shear stress (1.5 Pa, 15 dynes/cm 2 ) applied to the EC side for 12 h significantly inhibited this process. The changes in VSMC migration is mainly dependent on the close interactions between ECs and VSMCs. Western blotting showed that there was a consistent correlation between the level of Akt phosphorylation and the efficacy of shear stress-mediated EC regulation of VSMC migration. Wortmannin and Akti significantly inhibited the EC-induced effect on VSMC Akt phosphrylation and migration. These results indicate that shear stress protects against endothelial regulation of VSMC migration, which may be an atheroprotective function on the vessel wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a convenient and highly efficient method for the synthesis β-organotellurobutenolides by the aryltellurenyl halides-induced electrophilic tellurolactonization of α-allenoic acids under mild conditions. The resulting β-organo-tellurobutenolides can be utilized as precursors for versatile butenolide derivatives through a substitution reaction with organocuprate reagent or Pd]Cu(I)-catalyzed cross-coupling with terminal alkyne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The full details of the copper-mediated cyclization reaction of cyclopropylideneacetic acids (or esters) and cyclopropylidenenitriles, the synthetic application of this reaction, and the study of the reaction mechanism are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrozirconation reaction of 1-alkynyl sulfoxides or sulfones with Cp[sub 2]Zr(H)Cl in THF at room temperature predominantly gave Z-β-zirconated vinyl sulfoxides or sulfones with excellent regioselectivity. Compared with 1-alkynyl sulfoxides, the hydrozirconation reaction of 1-alkynyl sulfones exhibits great synthetic potential, leading to the efficient preparation of Z-β-halovinyl sulfones, Z-β-sulfonyl α,β-unsaturated ketones, and Z-β-alkynyl vinyl sulfones. Although the reaction mechanisms are still not clear, the neighboring group participation of the sulfinyl or sulfonyl group may be playing an important role in this unique hydrozirconation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Phenylseleno-α-tolylsulfonyl-substituted alkenes were synthesized via the three-component conjugate-nucleophilic addition of acetylenic sulfones, phenylselenomagnesium bromide, and carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, or α,β-unsaturated enals or enones. The reaction is highly regio- and stereo-selective with moderate to good yields. Functionalized allylic alcohols were obtained in the case of aldehydes and aliphatic ketones. In the case of α,β-unsaturated enones, functionalized allylic alcohols or functionalized γ,δ-unsaturated ketones were obtained, depending on the structures of the ketones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient method for the preparation of polymer-bound cyclic malonic acid ester starting from Merrifield resin has been developed. Reaction of the resin-bound cyclic malonic acid ester with triethyl orthoformate and subsequent double substitution with nucleophilic reagents, such as arylamine, urea, thiourea, 2-aminobenzothiazoles, or isothiosemicarbazones, afforded the corresponding polymer-bound substituted aminomethylene cyclic malonic acid esters, which upon thermal treament led to 4(1H)-quinolones, 3-substituted uracils and thiouracils, 4H-pyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazol-4-ones, and 1-(N-alkylidene or benzylideneamino)-l,6-dihydro-2-methylthio-6-oxopyrimidines, depending on the structures of the nucleophilic reagents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the use of surface-alkylated polystyrene monolithic columns for peptide analysis in capillary liquid chromatography. Use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry; Alkylation of the flow-contracting surfaces of the monoliths; Production of an improved reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of peptides.

The 2% cross-linked poly[styrene(iodoso diacetate)] was used to synthesis of 1,2-diacylbenzenes, which gave high yields, and could be recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the stereoselective synthesis of vinyl tellurides containing sulfonyl, phosphonyl and iodo groups. Addition of organic tellurides with alkynes; Use of nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction in the study; Characteristics of vinyl tellurides; Preparation of alpha-heteroatom-substituted vinyl tellurides.

Investigates the regio- and stereoselectivity in the chloropalladation carbonylation reaction of different acetylenic selenides. Generation of (E)-2-seleno-3-chloro-3-phenylacrylates from 2--phenylethynyl selenides reactions; Conversion of carbon-chlorine bond, carbon-selenium bond and carbon-carbon double bond to functional groups.

Reports on the application of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) of proteins using fused-silica capillaries packed with silica beads having strong anion-exchanger functions attached to hydrophilic spacers at the chromatographic surface. Demonstration of the retention mechanism of isocratic CEC for proteins in the anion-exchanger column.

We present an affinity biosensing approach that exploits changes in dielectric properties of a polymer due to its specific, reversible binding with an analyte. The approach is demonstrated using a microsensor comprising a pair of thin-film capacitive electrodes sandwiching a solution of poly(acrylamide-ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid), a synthetic polymer with specific affinity to glucose. Binding with glucose induces changes in the permittivity of the polymer, which can be measured capacitively for specific glucose detection, as confirmed by experimental results at physiologically relevant concentrations. The dielectric affinity biosensing approach holds the potential for practical applications such as long-term continuous glucose monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of iodocyclopropylmethanol and 3-iodobut-3-en- 1-ol derivatives were readily prepared in good to excellent yields via the simple iodohydroxylation reaction of alkylidenecyclopropanes with I2 and H20. An unexpected rearrangement to give 4-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl-butan-l-one derivatives was observed compared to the halohydroxylation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synthesis of highly substituted acryl imide derivatives by the three-component reaction of allenoates, isocyanides, and carboxylic acids was reported, and the intramo- lecular cyclization reaction of allenoic acids with isocyanides was also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and efficient approach to prepare dihydropyrans via the ring expansion of cyclopropylidene alcohols in the presence of NaI in AcOH-MeCN was reported. The key feature in the transformation is the effect of the iodide anion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible pressure sensing plays a critical role in the human–machine interaction; therefore highly sensitive pressure sensors have promising potential in such applications. Capacitive pressure sensors have inherent attributes of simple configuration and fast response time. However, the existing applications of sensors are limited by the limited sensitivity as well as complex manufacturing. Herein, a highly sensitive ionic pressure sensor with the microstructured dielectric layer has been proposed. The polycarbonate membrane is used as the template to manufacture the microstructure of the concave meniscus. By packing the top electrode, dielectric layer and bottom electrode, the ionic pressure sensor is fabricated. The sensor presents a sensitivity of 35.96 k Pa−1 with an excellent robustness of tolerating repeated pressure for at least 200 000 cycles without fatigue. In addition, the response time of the sensor is 21 ms and the limit of detection is 0.61 Pa. The ionic pressure sensor offers a highly sensitive sensing device for robotics and human–machine interaction. Furthermore, the concave meniscus realized by the template-based method provides a novel guideline for other microstructure-enabled devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of simple and high-throughput approaches to yield solid-state nanopores on large surface membranes may facilitate the prevalence of nanopore analysis technology and in-vitro diagnosis using portable devices. However, solidstate nanopores are typically realized by complex and highend nanofabrication equipments. Here, we present a method to achieve nanopores on polymer membranes using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as templates and intense pulsed light (IPL) as a heating source. The density and size of nanopores are controllable by adjusting the spin coating rate, the concentration of nanoparticle suspension, and the size of nanoparticles (NPs). The temperature of the AgNPs can rapidly reach 1132 K under instant heating of photothermal effect through light irradiation in 2 ms, resulting in localized melting and decomposition of an underneath polycarbonate (PC) membrane to yield nanopores with sizes ranging from 10 to 270 nm. After removing the nanoparticle residues, the flexible membrane with nanopores can be integrated into a flow cell to achieve a nanopore sensor that has been used to measure the translocation behaviors of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The results have demonstrated the capability of the sensor in protein denaturation identification. This low-cost and highthroughput technique to fabricate solid-state nanopores on flexible polymeric membranes may facilitate the development of more nanopore-based flexible sensors that can be integrated with other flexible components for wearable diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the development of a flexible omnidirectional rotating magnetic array (FORMA) along with an MRI-safe implantable wireless energy-harvesting system. The FORMA consists of miniaturized flexible magnetic balls that can rotate freely in elastomer cavities, providing a magnetic force and stable energy output for implantable medical devices.

Alkylidenecyclopropanes undergo Mn(OAc)3mediated addition with malonate, leading to dihydronaphthalene derivatives in moderate yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]