A novel intramolecular reversible reaction between the hydroxyl group and isobutenylene chain in a cyclophane-type macrocycle

A novel Hg²⁺ ion induced reversible ring contraction was achieved employing the intramolecular reaction of isobutylene with an aromatic hydroxyl group of cyclophane; reversibility of the reaction was facilitated by excess addition of NaBH₄ which also resulted in complexation. The ring contraction and expansion was monitored by UV-VIS absorption, and by fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectra. Switchable fluorescence behavior (on—off—on) was observed when the ring-size was tuned from a 19-membered ring to an 18-membered and vice versa. This fine tuning has the potential to be applied in the construction of new supramolecular devices.     

Recommendation in evolving online networks

Recommender system is an effective tool to find the most relevant information for onlineusers. By analyzing the historical selection records of users, recommender system predictsthe most likely future links in the user-item network and accordingly constructs apersonalized recommendation list for each user. So far, the recommendation process ismostly investigated in static user-item networks. In this paper, we propose a model whichallows us to examine the performance of the state-of-the-art recommendation algorithms inevolving networks. We find that the recommendation accuracy in general decreases with timeif the evolution of the online network fully depends on the recommendation. Interestingly,some randomness in users’ choice can significantly improve the long-term accuracy of therecommendation algorithm. When a hybrid recommendation algorithm is applied, we find thatthe optimal parameter gradually shifts towards the diversity-favoring recommendationalgorithm, indicating that recommendation diversity is essential to keep a high long-termrecommendation accuracy. Finally, we confirm our conclusions by studying therecommendation on networks with the real evolution data.     

A novel efficient medium for chromogenic catalysis of tetramethylbenzidine with horseradish peroxidase

The traditional surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Emim][BF₄]) have been combined to create a novel efficient medium for chromogenic catalysis of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine with horseradish peroxidase in presence of H₂O₂. The results have shown the [Emim][BF₄] in the mediums can promote the rate of formation of the blue chromogen, the SDS is responsible for the stabilization of the blue chromogen due to the electrostatic attraction between positively charged blue chromogen and the negatively charged surfactant. The SDS/[Emim][BF₄] combination not only enhance catalytic activity of HRP remarkably but also stabilize the blue chromogen formed in the HRP oxidation of the substrate TMB compared to the conventional medium. Based on the superior combination of SDS and [Emim][BF₄], the colorimetric assay for detecting HRP activity and H₂O₂ concentration was established. This work demonstrates a novel efficient medium for chromogenic catalysis with potential applications in biosensors and clinical diagnosis.     

The invariant of the stiffness filter function with the weight filter function of the power function form

Based on the independent, continuous and mapping (ICM) method and homogenization method, a research model is constructed to propose and deduce a theorem and corollary from the invariant between the weight filter function and the corresponding stiffness filter function of the form of power function. The efficiency in searching for optimum solution will be raised via the choice of rational filter functions, so the above mentioned results are very important to the further study of structural topology optimization.     

A continuum model for intermittent deformation of single crystal micropillars

Strain bursts are often observed during compression tests of single crystal micropillars. In this work, we formulate a new continuum model that accounts for the strain bursts within the framework of crystal plasticity. The strain bursts are separated from the loading stage (nearly elastic loading) by introducing a dimensionless constant in the continuum model, and are detected by load serrations. The boundary conditions in the context of micropillar compression are studied and they are shown to be changing and unpredictable as plastic deformation proceeds. To evaluate the validity of our model, finite element simulations of the uniaxial compression tests on nickel micropillars are performed. Our simulations produce clearly visible strain bursts during the plastic flow and the produced intermittent flows are comparable with the experimental observations. For the bulk crystal, a series of strain bursts is identified in the course of plastic flow, despite an apparently smooth stress–strain response. We also show that the intermittent flow is intensified in the micrometer-scale due to both increasing numbers of the successive strain bursts and increasing amplitude of the strain burst, when the specimen size decreases. Finally, we show that the occurrences of the strain bursts are always associated with negative values of the second-order work.     

A monocular pose measurement method of a translation-only one-dimensional object without scene information

A monocular method to measure the pose of a translation-only one-dimensional (1D) object containing at least two known characteristic points is presented. The position of any other point on the 1D object can be located after the pose measurement. Scene information is not needed to apply the method. If the distance between the characteristic points is unknown, there is a scale factor between the object's real positions and the measurement results. The method can also be used to measure the pose and shape parameters of a parallelogram, prism or cylinder object.     

Green Tea Versus Traditional Korean Teas: Antibacterial/Antifungal or Both?

The feasibility of utilizing the antimicrobial activity of naturally available teas was studied. Eleven teas including 2 green teas and 9 other traditional Korean mixed teas were tested for their antimicrobial properties. Antibacterial and antifungal properties were assessed. The results showed that green teas possessed significant antifungal and antibacterial properties, while most of the mixed teas showed some amount of antifungal activity and almost insignificant antibacterial properties. Confocal microscopic imaging revealed mycelial damage as well as attack on sporophores rather than spores/spore germination to be the reason behind the antifungal activity. EGCG was identified as the crucial catechin for antimicrobial activity. The study confirmed that green tea had a clear edge over the traditional mixed teas when it comes to antimicrobial activity.     

NIR light and enzyme dual stimuli‐responsive amphiphilic diblock copolymer assemblies

Using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and macromolecular azo coupling reaction, both o‐nitrobenzyl (ONB) group and azobenzene group were efficiently incorporated into the center of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer chain. The prepared diblock copolymer was well characterized by UV–vis, ¹H NMR, and GPC methods. Self‐assembly of the amphiphilic copolymer in selected solvents can result in uniform self‐assembly aggregates. In the presence of external stimuli [upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)/NIR light or enzyme], the amphiphilic diblock copolymer chain could be broken by the cleavage of ONB or azobenzene group, which would lead to the disruption of the self‐assembly aggregates. This photo‐ and enzyme‐triggered disruption process was proved by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and GPC method. Fluorescence emission spectra measurements indicated that the release of Nile red, a hydrophobic dye, encapsulated by the self‐assembly aggregates, could be successfully realized under the NIR light and enzyme stimuli. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2450–2457