bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and costs of ditch‐related injuries: a report from a single emergency center in Okayama
Authors: Nosaka Nobuyuki , Fujita Yuki , Morisada Sunao , Ugawa Toyomu , Ujike Yoshihito
Published: March 2014

Aim

This study was designed to identify the incidence, injury patterns, and financial burden of ditch‐related injuries to provide a reference for establishing guidelines on the prevention of such injuries.

Methods

A retrospective chart review in a tertiary care hospital in Okayama city, Japan, focused on patients injured following a ditch‐related fall and requiring intensive care between April 2012 and August 2013. Analysis was carried out to describe the epidemiology of ditch‐related injuries.

Results

Thirteen patients (median age, 60 years) met the inclusion criteria. The median time lag between the fall and rescue was approximately 1.5 h. Ten patients were injured in residential areas, and three were injured in rural areas. Eight patients were riding a bicycle at the time of the accident. Head and spine injuries predominated, although there were two cases of drowning, of which one died. The injury severity score ranged from 1 to 50 (mean, 17.8 ± 13). At the time of discharge from the intensive care unit, 6, 4, and 1 patients were classified into cerebral performance categories 1, 3, and 4, respectively. There were two in‐hospital deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 15.3%. The total cost during the review period was ¥27,572,630, with a mean cost of ¥2,120,971 per patient.

Conclusion

Ditch‐related injuries are associated with a high rate of poor neurological outcome and pose a financial burden on the health insurance system. Injury prevention efforts directed at decreasing the risk of ditch‐related falls are required to minimize these outcomes.
Cyclisierung von Goldacetyliden: Synthese von Vinylsulfonaten über Vinylidengold‐Komplexe
Authors: Bucher Janina , Wurm Thomas , Nalivela Kumara Swamy , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2014

Verschieden substituierte terminale Alkine mit Sulfonat‐Abgangsgruppen in passender Entfernung wurden in Gegenwart von Propinylgold(I)‐Präkatalysatoren umgesetzt. Nach der Bildung eines Goldacetylids findet eine Cyclisierung über das β‐Kohlenstoffatom des Goldacetylids statt. Der Mechanismus dürfte ähnlich zu dem der dualen Goldkatalyse sein, aber im Fall der neuen Substrate wird nur ein Goldzentrum für die Aktivierung des Substrates benötigt. Nach Bildung eines Vinylidengold‐Komplexes, der ein enges Kontaktionenpaar mit der Sulfonat‐Abgangsgruppe bildet, liefert eine Rekombination der beiden Teile Vinylsulfonate, die wertvolle Zielverbindungen sind und z. B. als Vorstufen in Kreuzkupplungen fungieren können.
Enantioselective NH Insertion Reaction of α‐Aryl α‐Diazoketones: An Efficient Route to Chiral α‐Aminoketones
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhu Shou‐Fei , Zuo Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Zhi‐Chao , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: March 2014

A highly enantioselective NH insertion reaction of α‐diazoketones was developed by using cooperative catalysis by dirhodium(II) carboxylates and chiral spiro phosphoric acids. The insertion reaction provides a new access route to diverse chiral α‐aminoketones, which are versatile building blocks in organic synthesis, with fast reaction rates, good yields and high enantioselectivity under mild and neutral conditions.
Cytoskeletal Actin Dynamics are Involved in Pitch‐Dependent Neurite Outgrowth on Bead Monolayers
Authors: Kang Kyungtae , Yoon Seo Young , Choi Sung‐Eun , Kim Mi‐Hee , Park Matthew , Nam Yoonkey , Lee Jin Seok , Choi Insung S.
Published: March 2014

Neurite outgrowth is an important preceding step for the development of nerve systems. Given that the in vivo environments of neurons consist of numerous hierarchical micro/nanotopographies, there have been many efforts to investigate the relationship between neuronal behaviors and surface topography. The acceleration of neurite outgrowth was recently reported on surfaces with a periodic nanotopography, but the biological mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this work, the initial neurite development of hippocampal neurons on assembled silica beads with diameters ranging from 700 to 1800 nm was explored. The acceleration of neurite outgrowth increased with the surface‐pitch size and leveled off after a pitch of 1 μm. Biochemical analysis indicated that cytoskeletal actin dynamics were primarily responsible for the recognition of surface topography. This work contributes to the emerging research field of topographical neurochemistry, as well as applied fields including neuroregeneration and neuroprosthetics.
Superior Rechargeability and Efficiency of Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: Hierarchical Air Electrode Architecture Combined with a Soluble Catalyst
Authors: Lim Hee‐Dae , Song Hyelynn , Kim Jinsoo , Gwon Hyeokjo , Bae Youngjoon , Park Kyu‐Young , Hong Jihyun , Kim Haegyeom , Kim Taewoo , Kim Yong Hyup , Lepró Xavier , Ovalle‐Robles Raquel , Baughman Ray H. , Kang Kisuk
Published: March 2014

The lithium–oxygen battery has the potential to deliver extremely high energy densities; however, the practical use of Li‐O2 batteries has been restricted because of their poor cyclability and low energy efficiency. In this work, we report a novel Li‐O2 battery with high reversibility and good energy efficiency using a soluble catalyst combined with a hierarchical nanoporous air electrode. Through the porous three‐dimensional network of the air electrode, not only lithium ions and oxygen but also soluble catalysts can be rapidly transported, enabling ultra‐efficient electrode reactions and significantly enhanced catalytic activity. The novel Li‐O2 battery, combining an ideal air electrode and a soluble catalyst, can deliver a high reversible capacity (1000 mAh g−1) up to 900 cycles with reduced polarization (about 0.25 V).
Filaggrin Peptides with β‐Hairpin Structure Bind Rheumatoid Arthritis Antibodies
Authors: Fischer Sabrina , Geyer Armin
Published: March 2014

In the early detection of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synthetic filaggrin peptides serve as antigens for rheumatoid‐specific autoantibodies (anti‐citrullinated peptide antibody, ACPA) in ELISA tests. In this work we present a peptide that exhibits the binding epitope of ACPA in the form of a stable folding β‐hairpin. The homogeneity of the peptide folding was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and might lead to the first proposed structure of the antibody‐bound conformation of the epitope.
Practical Metal‐Free C(sp3)H Functionalization: Construction of Structurally Diverse α‐Substituted N‐Benzyl and N‐Allyl Carbamates
Authors: Xie Zhiyu , Liu Lei , Chen Wenfang , Zheng Hongbo , Xu Qingqing , Yuan Huiqing , Lou Hongxiang
Published: March 2014

Described is a practical and universal CH functionalization of readily removable N‐benzyl and N‐allyl carbamates, with a wide range of nucleophiles at ambient temperature promoted by Ph3CClO4. The metal‐free reaction has an excellent functional‐group tolerance, and displays a broad scope with respect to both N‐carbamates and nucleophile partners (a variety of organoboranes and CH compounds). The synthetic utility in target‐ as well as diversity‐oriented syntheses is demonstrated.
Iron‐Catalyzed C(sp2)H and C(sp3)H Arylation by Triazole Assistance
Authors: Gu Qing , Al Mamari Hamad H. , Graczyk Karolina , Diers Emelyne , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2014

Modular 1,2,3‐triazoles enabled iron‐catalyzed CH arylations with broad scope. The novel triazole‐based bidentate auxiliary is easily accessible in a highly modular fashion and allowed for user‐friendly iron‐catalyzed C(sp2)H functionalizations of arenes and alkenes with excellent chemo‐ and diastereoselectivities. The versatile iron catalyst also proved applicable for challenging C(sp3)H functionalizations, and proceeds by an organometallic mode of action. The triazole‐assisted CH activation strategy occurred under remarkably mild reaction conditions, and the auxiliary was easily removed in a traceless fashion. Intriguingly, the triazole group proved superior to previously used auxiliaries.
First High‐resolution GPR and Magnetic Archaeological Prospection at the Viking Age Settlement of Birka in Sweden
Authors: Trinks Immo , Neubauer Wolfgang , Hinterleitner Alois
Published: March 2014

In May 2006 high‐resolution measurements using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic gradiometer systems conducted over selected areas at the site of the Viking Age settlement and trading place Birka in central Sweden demonstrated the suitability of these methods for archaeological prospection of Scandinavian proto‐urban settlements. The non‐invasive geophysical surveys revealed numerous structural details of the settlement: houses, property boundaries, track‐ways, buried remains of the town ramparts dating from different building periods, including a gate, were mapped with a manually operated single‐channel GPR system and a four‐channel magnetometer array. The combination of these two prospection methods, state‐of‐the‐art data processing and visualization and archaeological interpretation within a geographical information system resulted in valuable new information about the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Birka‐Hovgården. We present methodology and results of this first archaeological prospection case study conducted in 2006. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Making my own luck”: Serendipity strategies and how to support them in digital information environments
Authors: Makri Stephann , Blandford Ann , Woods Mel , Sharples Sarah , Maxwell Deborah
Published: March 2014

Serendipity occurs when unexpected circumstances and an “aha” moment of insight result in a valuable, unanticipated outcome. Designing digital information environments to support serendipity can not only provide users with new knowledge, but also propel them in directions they might not otherwise have traveled in—surprising and delighting them along the way. As serendipity involves unexpected circumstances it cannot be directly controlled, but it can be potentially influenced. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous work has focused on providing a rich empirical understanding of how it might be influenced. We interviewed 14 creative professionals to identify their self‐reported strategies aimed at increasing the likelihood of serendipity. These strategies form a framework for examining ways existing digital environments support serendipity and for considering how future environments can create opportunities for it. This is a new way of thinking about how to design for serendipity; by supporting the strategies found to increase its likelihood rather than attempting to support serendipity as a discrete phenomenon, digital environments not only have the potential to help users experience serendipity but also encourage them to adopt the strategies necessary to experience it more often.
Site‐Selective Protein Immobilization through 2‐Cyanobenzothiazole‐Cysteine Condensation
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Chan , Yu Ching‐Ching , Liang Chien‐Fu , Huang Li‐De , Hwu Jih‐Ru , Lin Chun‐Cheng
Published: March 2014

We described a rapid site‐selective protein immobilization strategy on glass slides and magnetic nanoparticles, at either the N or C terminus, by a 2‐cyanobenzothiazole (CBT)‐cysteine (Cys) condensation reaction. A terminal cysteine was generated at either terminus of a target protein by a combination of expressed protein ligation (EPL) and tobacco etch virus protease (TEVp) digestion, and was reacted with the CBT‐solid support to immobilize the protein. According to microarray analysis, we found that glutathione S‐transferase immobilized at the N terminus allowed higher substrate binding than for immobilization at the C terminus, whereas there were no differences in the activities of N‐ and C‐terminally immobilized maltose‐binding proteins. Moreover, immobilization of TEVp at the N terminus preserved higher activity than immobilization at the C terminus. The success of utilizing CBT‐Cys condensation and the ease of constructing a terminal cysteine using EPL and TEVp digestion demonstrate that this method is feasible for site‐selective protein immobilization on glass slides and nanoparticles. The orientation of a protein is crucial for its activity after immobilization, and this strategy provides a simple means to evaluate the preferred protein immobilization orientation on solid supports in the absence of clear structural information.
Dinuclear Zinc–N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes for Either the Controlled Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide or the Controlled Degradation of Polylactide Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Fliedel Christophe , Vila‐Viçosa Diogo , Calhorda Maria José , Dagorne Samuel , Avilés Teresa
Published: March 2014

We describe the synthesis of the new Zn–N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) alkoxide complexes [(S,CNHC)ZnCl(OBn)]2 (5) and [(O,CNHC)ZnCl(OBn)]2 (6) for use as ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) initiators for lactide polymerization. Complexes 5 and 6 are readily available through an alcoholysis reaction between BnOH and the corresponding Zn–NHC ethyl species [(S,CNHC)ZnCl(Et)] (3) and [(O,CNHC)ZnCl(Et)] (4), and species 3 and 4 were obtained from the reaction of ZnEt2 with the N‐methyl‐N'‐ethylphenylsulfide (1⋅HCl) and N‐methyl‐N'‐ethylmethylether (2⋅HCl) imidazolium salts, respectively. Both solution and solid‐state structural data for Zn benzyloxide species 5 and 6 agree with dimeric structures under the studied conditions (reaction conditions: CH2Cl2 or THF, room temperature). A computational analysis of species 3 and 4 supports a dimeric structure in solution. The ZnII alkoxide species 5 and 6 were found to mediate either the ROP of lactide (in an effective and controlled manner) to produce chain length‐controlled polylactide (PLA) or, in the presence of an alcohol source such as MeOH, the controlled degradation of PLA through extensive transesterification reactions to afford methyl lactate as the major product. A thorough DFT computational analysis of the ROP of lactide initiated by complex 5 was performed, which revealed that the operating coordination–insertion mechanism was assisted by the second Zn center, leading to a lower‐energy ROP process; this result may be of interest for the future design of well‐defined and high‐performance metal‐based catalysts.
Electrochemiluminescence Detection of TNT by Resonance Energy Transfer through the Formation of a TNT–Amine Complex
Authors: Qi Wenjing , Xu Min , Pang Lei , Liu Zhongyuan , Zhang Wei , Majeed Saadat , Xu Guobao
Published: March 2014

2,4,6‐Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a widely used nitroaromatic explosive with significant detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Its detection is of great importance. In this study, both electrochemiluminescence (ECL)‐based detection of TNT through the formation of a TNT–amine complex and the detection of TNT through electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECRET) are developed for the first time. 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)‐modified [Ru(phen)3]2+ (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline)‐doped silica nanoparticles (RuSiNPs) with uniform sizes of (73±3) nm were synthesized. TNT can interact with APTES‐modified RuSiNPs through charge transfer from electron‐rich amines in the RuSiNPs to the electron‐deficient aromatic ring of TNT to form a red TNT–amine complex. The absorption spectrum of this complex overlaps with the ECL spectrum of the APTES‐modified RuSiNPs/triethylamine system. As a result, ECL signals of the APTES‐modified RuSiNPs/triethylamine system are turned off in the presence of TNT owing to resonance energy transfer from electrochemically excited RuSiNPs to the TNT–amine complex. This ECRET method has been successfully applied for the sensitive determination of TNT with a linear range from 1×10−9 to 1×10−6 M with a fast response time within 1 min. The limit of detection is 0.3 nM. The method exhibits good selectivity towards 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, p‐nitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, phenol, p‐quinone, 8‐hydroxyquinoline, p‐phenylenediamine, K3[Fe(CN)6], Fe3+, NO3−, NO2−, Cr3+, Fe2+, Pb2+, SO32−, formaldehyde, oxalate, proline, and glycine.
A “Distorted‐BODIPY”‐Based Fluorescent Probe for Imaging of Cellular Viscosity in Live Cells
Authors: Zhu Hao , Fan Jiangli , Li Miao , Cao Jianfang , Wang Jingyun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: March 2014

Cellular viscosity is a critical factor in governing diffusion‐mediated cellular processes and is linked to a number of diseases and pathologies. Fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) have recently been developed to determine viscosity in solutions or biological fluid. Herein, we report a “distorted‐BODIPY”‐based probe BV‐1 for cellular viscosity, which is different from the conventional “pure rotors”. In BV‐1, the internal steric hindrance between the meso‐CHO group and the 1,7‐dimethyl group forced the boron–dipyrrin framework to be distorted, which mainly caused nonradiative deactivation in low‐viscosity environment. BV‐1 gave high sensitivity (x=0.62) together with stringent selectivity to viscosity, thus enabling viscosity mapping in live cells. Significantly, the increase of cytoplasmic viscosity during apoptosis was observed by BV‐1 in real time.
Dual Catalysis Sees the Light: Combining Photoredox with Organo‐, Acid, and Transition‐Metal Catalysis
Authors: Hopkinson Matthew N. , Sahoo Basudev , Li Jun‐Long , Glorius Frank
Published: March 2014

The photoredox activation of organic substrates with visible light is a powerful methodology that generates reactive radical species under very mild conditions. When combined with another catalytic process in a dual catalytic system, novel, visible‐light‐promoted transformations have been realized that do not proceed using either catalyst in isolation. In this minireview, the state of the art in organic reactions mediated by dual catalytic systems merging photoredox activation with organo‐, acid or metal catalysis is discussed.
Synthesis, Anti‐tubulin and Antiproliferative SAR of Steroidomimetic Dihydroisoquinolinones
Authors: Leese Mathew P. , Jourdan Fabrice L. , Major Meriel R. , Dohle Wolfgang , Thomas Mark P. , Hamel Ernest , Ferrandis Eric , Mahon Mary F. , Newman Simon P. , Purohit Atul , Potter Barry V. L.
Published: March 2014

A SAR translation strategy adopted for the discovery of tetrahydroisoquinolinone (THIQ)‐based steroidomimetic microtubule disruptors has been extended to dihydroisoquinolinone (DHIQ)‐based compounds. A steroid A,B‐ring‐mimicking DHIQ core was connected to methoxyaryl D‐ring mimics through methylene, carbonyl, and sulfonyl linkers, and the resulting compounds were evaluated against two cancer cell lines. The carbonyl‐linked DHIQs in particular exhibit significant in vitro antiproliferative activities (e.g., 6‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoyl)‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one (16 g): GI50 51 nM in DU‐145 cells). The broad anticancer activity of DHIQ 16 g was confirmed in the NCI 60‐cell line assay giving a mean activity of 33 nM. Furthermore, 6‐hydroxy‐2‐(3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐7‐methoxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one (16 f) and 16 g and their sulfamate derivatives 17 f and 17 g (2‐(3,5‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐7‐methoxy‐6‐sulfamoyloxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one and 7‐methoxy‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoyl)‐6‐sulfamoyloxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one, respectively) show excellent activity against the polymerization of tubulin, close to that of the clinical combretastatin A‐4, and bind competitively at the colchicine binding site of tubulin. Compounds 16 f and 17 f were also shown to demonstrate in vitro anti‐angiogenic activity. Additionally, X‐ray and computational analyses of 17 f reveal that electrostatic repulsion between the two adjacent carbonyl groups, through conformational biasing, dictates the adoption of a “steroid‐like” conformation that may partially explain the excellent in vitro activities.
Bis‐(1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolinium): A Chiral Scaffold for Developing High‐Affinity Ligands for SK Channels
Authors: Liégeois Jean‐François , Wouters Johan , Seutin Vincent , Dilly Sébastien
Published: March 2014

N‐Methyl‐bis‐(1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolinium) analogues derived from AG525 (1,1′‐(propane‐1,3‐diyl)‐bis‐(6,7‐dimethoxy‐2‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline)) stereoisomers and tetrandrine, a rigid bis‐(1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline) analogue with an S,S configuration, were synthesized and tested for their affinity for small‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (SK/KCa2) subtypes using radioligand binding assays. A significant increase in affinity was observed for the quaternized analogues over the parent 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds. Interestingly, the impact of stereochemistry was not the same in the two groups of compounds. For quaternized analogues, affinities of S,S and R,R isomers for SK2 and SK3 channels were similar and in both cases higher than that of the meso derivative. Among the bis‐tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds, the S,S isomers exhibited high affinity, while the R,R and meso isomers had similarly lower affinities. Furthermore, the SK2/SK3 selectivity ratio was slightly increased for quaternized analogues. Bis‐(1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolinium) represents a new scaffold for the development of high‐affinity ligands for SK channel subtypes.
Multi‐scale finite element analyses for stress and strain evaluations of braid fibril artificial blood vessel and smooth muscle cell
Authors: Nakamachi Eiji , Uchida Takahiro , Kuramae Hiroyuki , Morita Yusuke
Published: March 2014

In this study, we developed a multi‐scale finite element (FE) analysis code to obtain the stress and strain that occurred in the smooth muscle cell (SMC) at micro‐scale, which was seeded in the real fabricated braid fibril artificial blood vessel. This FE code can predict the dynamic response of stress under the blood pressure loading. We try to establish a computer‐aided engineering (CAE)‐driven scaffold design technique for the blood vessel regeneration.

Until now, there occurred the great progresses for the endothelial cell activation and intima layer regeneration in the blood vessel regeneration study. However, there remains the difficulty of the SMC activation and media layer regeneration. Therefore, many researchers are now studying to elucidate the fundamental mechanism of SMC activation and media layer regeneration by using the biomechanical technique. As the numerical tool, we used the dynamic‐explicit FE code PAM‐CRASH, ESI Ltd. For the material models, the nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive law was adapted for the human blood vessel, SMC and the extra‐cellular matrix, and the elastic law for the polyglycolic acid (PGA) fiber. Through macro‐FE and micro‐FE analyses of fabricated braid fibril tubes by using PGA fiber under the combined conditions of the orientation angle and the pitch of fiber, we searched an appropriate structure for the stress stimulation for SMC functionalization.

Objectives of this study are indicated as follows:

to analyze the stress and strain of the human blood vessel and SMC, and

to calculate stress and strain of the real fabricated braid fibril artificial blood vessel and SMC to search an appropriate PGA fiber structure under combined conditions of PGA fiber numbers, 12 and 24, and the helical orientation angles of fiber, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 degrees.

Finally, we found a braid fibril tube, which has an angle of 15 degree and 12 PGA fibers, as a most appropriate artificial blood vessel for SMC functionalization.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test/retest and inter‐test agreement of color aptitude measures
Authors: Anderson Andrew J , Johnston Alan W
Published: March 2014

The color discrimination capacity of color vision normal observers can be assessed using color aptitude tests (CATs), although data on the test/retest reliability and inter‐test agreement of such tests using appropriate statistical measures is limited. In this study, 32 color vision normal observers twice performed each of five CATs, being the Farnsworth‐Munsell 100 hue test, HVC Color Vision Skills Test, inter‐Society Color Council Color Aptitude Test, the Nagel Anomaloscope (Nagel), and a custom designed two‐color discrimination test. Two methods of determining the Nagel matching range were used based on the initially accepted matching range or on repeated measures. The test/retest performance of each test was determined using the method outlined by Bland and Altman[Lancet 1986;1:307–310] and the inter‐test agreement was analyzed using the same method, after converting test scores into z score units. No test was found to have a significant systematic alteration in test performance between test and retest. Test/retest performance was generally poor, indicating that tests can only reliably classify observers into very broad performance bands. All tests failed to show inter‐test agreement, and our data indicate a primary reason for this: as test/retest performance is generally poor, inter‐test agreement must also be poor as no test can agree more with another test than it agrees with itself. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 224–231, 2015
Free Carrier Generation in Organic Photovoltaic Bulk Heterojunctions of Conjugated Polymers with Molecular Acceptors: Planar versus Spherical Acceptors
Authors: Nardes Alexandre M. , Ferguson Andrew J. , Wolfer Pascal , Gui Kurt , Burn Paul L. , Meredith Paul , Kopidakis Nikos
Published: March 2014

A comparative study of the photophysical performance of the prototypical fullerene derivative PC61BM with a planar small‐molecule acceptor in an organic photovoltaic device is presented. The small‐molecule planar acceptor is 2‐[{7‐(9,9‐di‐n‐propyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol‐4‐yl}methylene]malononitrile, termed K12. We discuss photoinduced free charge‐carrier generation and transport in blends of PC61BM or K12 with poly(3‐n‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), surveying literature results for P3HT:PC61BM and presenting new results on P3HT:K12. For both systems we also review previous work on film structure and correlate the structural and photophysical results. In both cases, a disordered mixed phase is formed between P3HT and the acceptor, although the photophysical properties of this mixed phase differ markedly for PC61BM and K12. In the case of PC61BM the mixed phase acts as a free carrier generation region that can efficiently shuttle carriers to the pure polymer and fullerene domains. As a result, the vast majority of excitons quenched in P3HT:PC61BM blends yield free carriers detected by the contactless time‐resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) method. In contrast, approximately 85 % of the excitons quenched in P3HT:K12 do not result in free carriers over the nanosecond timescale of the TRMC experiment. We attribute this to poor electron‐transport properties in the mixed P3HT:K12 phase. We propose that the observed differences can be traced to the respective shapes of PC61BM and K12: the three‐dimensional nature of the fullerene cage facilitates coupling between PC61BM molecules irrespective of their relative orientation, whereas for K12 strong electronic coupling is only expected for molecules oriented with their π systems parallel to each other. Comparison between the eutectic compositions of the P3HT:PC61BM and P3HT:K12 shows that the former contains enough fullerene to form a percolation pathway for electrons, whereas the latter contains a sub‐percolating volume fraction of the planar acceptor. Furthermore, the planar K12 co‐assembles with P3HT into a disordered, glassy phase that partly accounts for the poor electron‐transport properties, and may also enhance recombination due to the strong intermolecular interactions between the donor and the acceptor. The implication for the performance of organic photovoltaic devices with the two acceptors is also discussed.
Electronic Structure of N2P2 Four‐Membered Rings
Authors: Escudero Daniel , Frontera Antonio , Streubel Rainer
Published: March 2014

The biradicaloid character of the ground‐state structures of N2P2 rings is studied by using the high‐level ab initio multiconfigurational CASPT2/CASSCF method. In order to obtain accurate descriptors, we combine two criteria: 1) singlet–triplet energy gaps and 2) relative values of the occupation numbers for bonding and antibonding orbitals associated with the radical sites. The singlet–triplet energy gaps, the occupation numbers of antibonding‐like orbitals, and the weights of the main configuration state functions (CSFs) of the ground‐state wavefunctions, that is, Ψ(1A1), are used to derive the biradicaloid character that ranges from 10–15 %.
Syntheses of Biodiesel Precursors: Sulfonic Acid Catalysts for Condensation of Biomass‐Derived Platform Molecules
Authors: Balakrishnan Madhesan , Sacia Eric R. , Bell Alexis T.
Published: March 2014

Synthesis of transportation fuel from lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive solution to the green alternative‐energy problem. The production of biodiesel, in particular, involves the process of upgrading biomass‐derived small molecules to diesel precursors containing a specific carbon range (C11–C23). Herein, a carbon‐upgrading process utilizing an acid‐catalyzed condensation of furanic platform molecules from biomass is described. Various types of sulfonic acid catalysts have been evaluated for this process, including biphasic and solid supported catalysts. A silica‐bound alkyl sulfonic acid catalyst has been developed for promoting carbon–carbon bond formation of biomass‐derived carbonyl compounds with 2‐methylfuran. This hydrophobic solid acid catalyst exhibits activity and selectivity that are comparable to those of a soluble acid catalyst. The catalyst can be readily recovered and recycled, possesses appreciable hydrolytic stability in the presence of water, and retains its acidity over multiple reaction cycles. Application of this catalyst to biomass‐derived platform molecules led to the synthesis of a variety of furanic compounds, which are potential biodiesel precursors.
Base‐Free, One‐Pot Chemocatalytic Conversion of Glycerol to Methyl Lactate using Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Pazhavelikkakath Purushothaman Rajeesh Kumar , van Haveren Jacco , Melián‐Cabrera Ignacio , van Eck Ernst R. H. , Heeres Hero J.
Published: March 2014

We report an efficient one‐pot conversion of glycerol (GLY) to methyl lactate (MLACT) in methanol in good yields (73 % at 95 % GLY conversion) by using Au nanoparticles on commercially available ultra‐stable zeolite‐Y (USY) as the catalyst (160 °C, air, 47 bar pressure, 0.25 M GLY, GLY‐to‐Au mol ratio of 1407, 10 h). The best results were obtained with zeolite USY‐600, a catalyst that has both Lewis and Brønsted sites. This methodology provides a direct chemo‐catalytic route for the synthesis of MLACT from GLY. MLACT is stable under the reaction conditions, and the Au/USY catalyst was recycled without a decrease in the activity and selectivity.
A 5.25‐V‐tolerant bidirectional I/O circuit in a 28‐nm CMOS process
Authors: Ahn Keun‐Seon , Park Jae‐Woo , Yoo Changsik
Published: March 2014

A 5.25‐V‐tolerant bidirectional I/O circuit has been developed in a 28‐nm standard complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) process with only 0.9 and 1.8 V transistors. The transistors of the I/O circuit are protected from over‐voltage stress by cascode transistors whose gate bias level is adaptively controlled according to the voltage level of the I/O pad. The n‐well bias level of the p‐type metal‐oxide‐semiconductor transistors of the I/O circuit is also adapted to the voltage level of the I/O pad to prevent any junction leakage. The 5.25‐V‐tolerant bidirectional I/O circuit occupies 40 µm × 170 µm of silicon area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conditional mutant allele for analysis of Mixl1 function in the mouse
Authors: Pulina Maria V. , Sahr Kenneth E. , Nowotschin Sonja , Baron Margaret H. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina
Published: March 2014

Mixl1 is the only member of the Mix/Bix homeobox gene family identified in mammals. During mouse embryogenesis, Mixl1 is first expressed at embryonic day (E)5.5 in cells of the visceral endoderm (VE). At the time of gastrulation, Mixl1 expression is detected in the vicinity of the primitive streak. Mixl1 is expressed in cells located within the primitive streak, in nascent mesoderm cells exiting the primitive streak, and in posterior VE overlying the primitive streak. Genetic ablation of Mixl1 in mice has revealed its crucial role in mesoderm and endoderm cell specification and tissue morphogenesis during early embryonic development. However, the early lethality of the constitutive Mixl1−/− mutant precludes the study of its role at later stages of embryogenesis and in adult mice. To circumvent this limitation, we have generated a conditional Mixl1 allele (Mixl1cKO) that permits temporal as well as spatial control of gene ablation. Animals homozygous for the Mixl1cKO conditional allele were viable and fertile. Mixl1KO/KO embryos generated by crossing of Mixl1cKO/cKO mice with Sox2‐Cre or EIIa‐Cre transgenic mice were embryonic lethal at early somite stages. By contrast to wild‐type embryos, Mixl1KO/KO embryos contained no detectable Mixl1, validating the Mixl1cKO as a protein null after Cre‐mediated excision. Mixl1KO/KO embryos resembled the previously reported Mixl1−/− mutant phenotype. Therefore, the Mixl1 cKO allele provides a tool for investigating the temporal and tissue‐specific requirements for Mixl1 in the mouse. genesis 52:417–423, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do riparian reserves support dung beetle biodiversity and ecosystem services in oil palm‐dominated tropical landscapes?
Authors: Gray Claudia L. , Slade Eleanor M. , Mann Darren J. , Lewis Owen T.
Published: March 2014

Agricultural expansion and intensification are major threats to global biodiversity, ecological functions, and ecosystem services. The rapid expansion of oil palm in forested tropical landscapes is of particular concern given their high biodiversity. Identifying management approaches that maintain native species and associated ecological processes within oil palm plantations is therefore a priority. Riparian reserves are strips of forest retained alongside rivers in cultivated areas, primarily for their positive hydrological impact. However, they can also support a range of forest‐dependent species or ecosystem services. We surveyed communities of dung beetles and measured dung removal activity in an oil palm‐dominated landscape in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The species richness, diversity, and functional group richness of dung beetles in riparian reserves were significantly higher than in oil palm, but lower than in adjacent logged forests. The community composition of the riparian reserves was more similar to logged forest than oil palm. Despite the pronounced differences in biodiversity, we did not find significant differences in dung removal rates among land uses. We also found no evidence that riparian reserves enhance dung removal rates within surrounding oil palm. These results contrast previous studies showing positive relationships between dung beetle species richness and dung removal in tropical forests. We found weak but significant positive relationships between riparian reserve width and dung beetle diversity, and between reserve vegetation complexity and dung beetle abundance, suggesting that these features may increase the conservation value of riparian reserves.Synthesis and applications:The similarity between riparian reserves and logged forest demonstrates that retaining riparian reserves increases biodiversity within oil palm landscapes. However, the lack of correlation between dung beetle community characteristics and dung removal highlights the need for further research into spatial variation in biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships and how the results of such studies are affected by methodological choices.
Computational Properties of Hybrid Methods with PSO and DE
Authors: Muranaka Kenichi , Aiyoshi Eitaro
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we present a new type of hybrid methods for global optimization with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE), which have been attracting interest as heuristic and global optimization methods. Concretely, “p‐best solutions” as the targets of PSO's particles are actuated by DE's evolutional mechanism in order to promote PSO's global searching ability. The presented hybrid method works effectively because PSO acts as a local optimizer and DE plays a role as a global optimizer. To evaluate performance of the hybridization, our method is applied to some benchmarks and is compared with the separated PSO and DE. Through computer simulations, it is demonstrated that the proposed hybrid method performs rather better than the component algorithms separately.
Decongestion in acute heart failure
Authors: Mentz Robert J. , Kjeldsen Keld , Rossi Gian Paolo , Voors Adriaan A. , Cleland John G.F. , Anker Stefan D. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Fiuzat Mona , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Pitt Bertram , O'Connor Christopher , Felker G. Michael
Published: March 2014

Congestion is a major reason for hospitalization in acute heart failure (HF). Therapeutic strategies to manage congestion include diuretics, vasodilators, ultrafiltration, vasopressin antagonists, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and potentially also novel therapies such as gut sequesterants and serelaxin. Uncertainty exists with respect to the appropriate decongestion strategy for an individual patient. In this review, we summarize the benefit and risk profiles for these decongestion strategies and provide guidance on selecting an appropriate approach for different patients. An evidence‐based initial approach to congestion management involves high‐dose i.v. diuretics with addition of vasodilators for dyspnoea relief if blood pressure allows. To enhance diuresis or overcome diuretic resistance, options include dual nephron blockade with thiazide diuretics or natriuretic doses of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Vasopressin antagonists may improve aquaresis and relieve dyspnoea. If diuretic strategies are unsuccessful, then ultrafiltration may be considered. Ultrafiltration should be used with caution in the setting of worsening renal function. This review is based on discussions among scientists, clinical trialists, and regulatory representatives at the 9th Global Cardio Vascular Clinical Trialists Forum in Paris, France, from 30 November to 1 December 2012.
SOCS signaling in autoimmune diseases: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Liang Yan , Xu Wang‐Dong , Peng Hui , Pan Hai‐Feng , Ye Dong‐Qing
Published: March 2014

Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are mainly induced by various cytokines and have been described as classical inhibitors of cytokine signaling. SOCS signaling is involved in the regulation of immune cells, and recent findings suggest that SOCS proteins, especially SOCS1 and SOCS3, are often dysregulated in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis. Recent studies suggest that SOCS signaling could be therapeutically targeted in various autoimmune diseases. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the role of SOCS proteins in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, as well as their clinical implications.
A Facile Strategy to Support Palladium Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes, Employing Polyvinylpyrrolidone as a Surface Modifier
Authors: Cardoso Mariana B. T. , Lewis Edward , Castro Pollyana S. , Dantas Luiza M. F. , De Oliveira Caio C. S. , Bertotti Mauro , Haigh Sarah J. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes the development of a facile and environmentally friendly strategy for supporting palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with ethanol as the solvent/reducing agent, potassium tetrachloropalladate(II) (K2PdCl4) as the Pd precursor, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the surface modifier. More specifically, our approach was based on the nonbonding interaction between MWCNTs and PVP, which is a cheap, nontoxic, and commercial polymer. As PVP can serve not only as a surface modifier but also as a stabilizing agent for Pd NPs, the utilization of additional functionalization steps, reducing agents, and stabilizers was not required to achieve uniform Pd deposition over the MWCNTs. Our results demonstrate that Pd NPs below 5 nm in diameter can be directly supported on MWCNTs by this route. Also, sequential Pd‐reduction steps can be employed to improve the coverage of Pd NPs at the MWCNT surfaces, although this can also lead to the formation of larger Pd particles or aggregates. The electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation was investigated as a function of the composition and structure of the materials produced, in which MWCNTs decorated with Pd NPs of smaller sizes and lower coverages displayed the highest activities. The results described herein suggest that our approach may serve as a simple platform for the synthesis of MWCNTs decorated with metal NPs with well‐defined morphologies and uniform dispersion for electrochemical and catalytic applications.
One‐Pot Synthesis of CF3‐Substituted Pyrazolines/Pyrazoles from Electron‐Deficient Alkenes/Alkynes and CF3CHN2 Generated in situ: Optimized Synthesis of Tris(trifluoromethyl)pyrazole
Authors: Slobodyanyuk Evgeniy Y. , Artamonov Olexiy S. , Shishkin Oleg V. , Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: March 2014

The [3+2] cycloaddition of CF3CHN2, generated in situ, with electron‐deficient alkenes/alkynes affords CF3‐substituted pyrazolines/pyrazoles in quantitative yields. The one‐pot three‐component reaction between CF3CH2NH2·HCl, NaNO2, and the substrate proceeds at room temperature in dichloromethane/water.
Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to reveal mechanisms underlying plant secondary metabolism
Authors: Yang Dongfeng , Du Xuhong , Yang Zongqi , Liang Zongsuo , Guo Zhixin , Liu Yan
Published: March 2014

Plant secondary metabolites play an important role in the fields of food, medicine, agriculture, and biofuels. Secondary metabolites are an important focus of crop breeding and metabolic engineering research. However, our understanding of secondary metabolism is far from complete, particularly in nonmodel plants. Functional genomics, which includes transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, opens a new avenue for deciphering secondary metabolism. Here we review the applications of functional genomics in secondary metabolism, including the discovery of novel genes, the identification of gene function, and the detection of novel pathways of the metabolic network. Results from these studies will accelerate our understanding of elicitation mechanism of secondary metabolism and how plants interact with their environment, ultimately improving the production of secondary metabolites by means of metabolic engineering.
Overview of Design Issues in Product‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Apostolou Georgia , Reinders Angèle H. M. E.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an overview of the design features and characteristics of photovoltaic (PV)‐powered products based on a literature study on product‐integrated PV and an analysis of 90 PV‐powered products executed during 2011–2013. The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the current knowledge of PV products regarding their basic design issues. It is noticeable that PV technology is applicable to many product categories, for indoor or outdoor use, of various power levels ranging from 1 mW for consumer products up to hundreds of kilowatts for solar airplanes. The main findings show that 14 % of the products analyzed are used indoors, whereas 67 % are used outdoors. Examples are given concerning the environmental impact of PIPV and users’ interactions with them. It is expected that more PV products will emerge in the following years, such as sensors, micro‐energy harvesting systems, and lighting products, the latter in particular for outdoor use. Success in this field is important to reduce the environmental impact of batteries used in products. Furthermore, it might be relevant to design products suitable for different user profiles, targeting a higher product performance according to a specific user context.
Protective effect of resveratrol against pressure overload‐induced heart failure
Authors: Gupta Prakash K. , DiPette Donald J. , Supowit Scott C.
Published: March 2014

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC)‐induced pressure overload (PO) causes adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction that progresses to heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the potent antioxidant, resveratrol, significantly attenuates PO‐induced HF in wild‐type mice. Male C57BL6 mice were subjected to either sham or TAC surgery. One group of TAC mice was given daily resveratrol treatment. Echocardiographic, biometric, and immunohistological analyses were performed on the three groups of mice. All echocardiographic parameters demonstrated significantly greater adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in the TAC compared to the sham mice. Increases in the ratios of heart weight (HW)/body weight (BW) and lung weight (LW)/BW and a sharp decline in the percentage of ejection fraction and fractional shortening were found in TAC relative to sham mice. Likewise, the TAC protocol increased markers of oxidative stress, cardiac hypertrophy, inflammation, fibrosis, hypoxia, and apoptosis. These pathological changes were significantly attenuated by resveratrol treatment. Resveratrol treatment significantly attenuates the adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction produced by the TAC protocol in C57/BL6 mice and this activity is mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation indicating a therapeutic potential of resveratrol in HF.
Hippocampal output area CA1 broadcasts a generalized novelty signal during an object‐place recognition task
Authors: Larkin Margaret Carr , Lykken Christine , Tye Lynne D. , Wickelgren Jeanette Graham , Frank Loren M.
Published: March 2014

Animals display an innate preference for novelty, spending more time exploring both novel objects and familiar objects in novel locations. This increase in exploration is thought to allow the animal to gather the information necessary to encode new experiences. Despite extensive evidence that increased exploration following spatial change requires the hippocampus, the pattern of hippocampal activity that supports this behavior remains unknown. We examined activity in hippocampal output area CA1 and one synapse upstream in area CA3 while freely behaving rats performed an object‐place recognition task. We found that the presence of novelty substantially altered activity in CA1, but not in CA3. During exploration of displaced familiar objects and novel objects in unexpected locations, CA1 place cells showed robust increases in firing rate. These firing rate increases persisted during sharp wave ripples, when place cell representations of previous experiences are replayed. Unexpectedly, increases in CA1 activity were not spatially restricted to regions of the environment that underwent change, indicating a generalized novelty signal. We suggest that hippocampal area CA1 broadcasts the presence of novelty, rather than signaling what is novel, and simultaneously becomes more plastic, allowing the integration of new information into previously stored memories. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multicultural Course Pedagogy: Experiences of Master's‐Level Students of Color
Authors: Seward Derek Xavier
Published: March 2014

The author conducted a grounded theory study to examine multicultural training as experienced by 20 master's‐level students of color enrolled in multicultural counseling courses. Findings revealed an emergent theory of student of color learning experiences and multicultural course pedagogy. Implications for counselor educators are discussed.