bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some separation axioms in generalized topological spaces
Authors: Pankajam V. , Sivaraj Diraviam
Published: August 2012

We give different definitions for g-closed sets, R_0, and R_1 spaces in generalized topological spaces, characterize such spaces and compare with the existing results.
Global behavior of the difference equation $x_{n+1}=\frac{Ax_{n-1}} {B-Cx_{n}x_{n-2}}$
Authors: Abo-Zeid R. , Cinar Cengiz
Published: August 2012

The aim of this work is to investigate the global stability, periodic nature, oscillation and the boundedness of all admissible solutions of the difference equation $x_{n+1}=\frac{Ax_{n-1}} {B-Cx_{n}x_{n-2}}$, n=0,1,2,... where A, B, C are positive real numbers.
Existence of solutions for a boundary problem involving p(x)-biharmonic operator
Authors: El Amrouss Abdel Rachid , Ourraoui Anass
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we establish the existence of at least three solutions to a boundary problem involving the p(x)-biharmonic operator. Our technical approach is based on theorem obtained by B. Ricceri's variational principale and local mountain pass theorem without (Palais.Smale) condition.
New bounds on Zagreb indices and the Zagreb Co-indices
Authors: Ranjini P. S. , Lokesha V. , Bindusree A. R. , Phani Raju M.
Published: August 2012

In this short note, we studied the first, second Zagreb indices and the Zagreb Co-indices. Also, established the connections of bounds to the above sighted indices.
Parametric equations of general helices in the sol space Sol³
Authors: Turhan Essin , Körpınar Talat
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we study general helices in the Sol³. We characterize the general helices in terms of their curvature and torsion. Finally, we find out their explicit parametric equations in the Sol³.
On a class of n-normed sequences related to $\ell_p$-space
Authors: Tripathy Binod Chandra , Borgohain Stuti
Published: August 2012

In this paper we introduce the class of n-normed sequences related to p-absolutely summable sequence space. Some properties of this sequence space like solidness, symmetricity, convergence-free etc. are studied. We obtain some inclusion relations involving this sequence space.
On characterization of B-focal curves in E³
Authors: Korpinar Talat , Bas Selçuk
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we study B-focal curves in the Euclidean 3-space E³. We characterize B-focal curves in terms of their focal curvatures.
Analyzing the status of Iran's textile industry in comparison with industries listed in Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Moradi Ahmad , Abedini Ahmad , Pool Javad Khazaei
Published: August 2012

Textile industry has been influenced by the globalization process more than any industry in the world. Given that a high volume of the country's industry is at disposal of small and medium industries it seems that paying attention to textile industries and improving their status could be a useful strategy for economic development of the country. Objective of the present paper is to evaluate textile industry in comparison with industries listed in Tehran Stock Exchange. Therefore, dividend, final price of each section, percentage of price change, percentage of profit to price, total return, percentage of increasing of dividend per share have been evaluated for certain time periods in comparison with the selected industries using a combination of factorial analysis and numerical taxonomy methods based on a set of selected indexes such as those related to number of stocks traded. According to results of the present survey textile industry has been dropped from rank 9 in 2009 to rank 8 in 2008 in two time periods under study. This shows there is a basic weakness in this industry and necessity of a new and innovative strategy seems essential.   Keywords: dividend, numerical taxonomy, stock exchange, textile industry
Expatriate Satisfaction in International Assignments: Perspectives from Indian IT Professionals Working in the US
Authors: Ray Moulik Sujoya , Mazumdar Sitanath
Published: August 2012

Rapid globalisation and boundaryless business ventures have contributed to a growing number of expatriates working in foreign locales.  As a result of this, it is increasingly important that multinational corporations sending their employees for international assignments prioritise expatriate management. The Global Delivery Model followed by the Indian software firms creates a number of onsite (international) opportunities for Indian software professionals. The effective management of expatriates is increasingly been recognised as a major determinant of success or failure in international business. This study attempts to identify factors that impact expatriate satisfaction in the software industry. Using the method of exploratory factor analysis, through a survey conducted of 75 Indian expatriates currently on assignment in the United States, 25 variables which impact expatriate performance have been grouped into five factors and the correlations of these factors with overall expatriate satisfaction have been examined.
Local Stereo Matching Using Adaptive Local Segmentation
Authors: Damjanović Sanja , van der Heijden Ferdinand , Spreeuwers Luuk J.
Published: August 2012

We propose a new dense local stereo matching framework for gray-level images based on an adaptive local segmentation using a dynamic threshold. We define a new validity domain of the frontoparallel assumption based on the local intensity variations in the 4 neighborhoods of the matching pixel. The preprocessing step smoothes low-textured areas and sharpens texture edges, whereas the postprocessing step detects and recovers occluded and unreliable disparities. The algorithm achieves high stereo reconstruction quality in regions with uniform intensities as well as in textured regions. The algorithm is robust against local radiometrical differences and successfully recovers disparities around the objects edges, disparities of thin objects, and the disparities of the occluded region. Moreover, our algorithm intrinsically prevents errors caused by occlusion to propagate into nonoccluded regions. It has only a small number of parameters. The performance of our algorithm is evaluated on the Middlebury test bed stereo images. It ranks highly on the evaluation list outperforming many local and global stereo algorithms using color images. Among the local algorithms relying on the frontoparallel assumption, our algorithm is the best-ranked algorithm. We also demonstrate that our algorithm is working well on practical examples as for disparity estimation of a tomato seedling and a 3D reconstruction of a face.
A Security Adaptation Reference Monitor for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: El-Maliki Tewfiq , Seigneur Jean-Marc
Published: August 2012

Security in Wireless Sensor Network has become a hot research topic due to their wide deployment and the increasing new runtime attacks they are facing. We observe that traditional security protocols address conventional security problems and cannot deal with dynamic attacks such as sinkhole dynamic behavior. Moreover, they use resources, and limit the efficient use of sensor resources and inevitably the overall network efficiency is not guaranteed. Therefore, the requirements of new security mechanisms must be addressed in a flexible manner. Indeed, there is a lack of generic security adaptation protocols to deal with extremely dynamic security conditions and performances in a context of Wireless Sensor Network where reliability is a critical criterion for many applications. This paper proposes our Security Adaptation Reference Monitor for Wireless Sensor already validated in proximity-based wireless network. It is based on an autonomic computing security looped system, which fine-tunes security means based on the monitoring of the context. Extensive simulations using agent-based approach have been conducted to verify the performance of our system in the case of sensor network in the presence of sinkhole attacks. The results clearly show that we are efficient in terms of survivability, overall network utilization, and power consumption.
Heat Generation and Thermal Radiation Effects over a Stretching Sheet in a Micropolar Fluid
Authors: Reddy M. Gnaneswara
Published: August 2012

The effects of radiation and heat generation on steady thermal boundary layer flow induced by a linearly stretching sheet immersed in an incompressible micropolar fluid with constant surface temperature are investigated. Similarity transformation is employed to transform the governing partial differential equations into ordinary ones, which are then solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta fourth order along shooting method. Results for the local Nusselt number as well as the temperature profiles are presented for different values of the governing parameters. It is observed that the velocity increases with an increase in the material parameter. It is seen that the temperature profile is influenced considerably and increases when the value of heat generation parameter increases along the boundary layer. Also, the temperature distribution of the fluid increases with an increase in the radiation parameter. Comparisons with previously published work are performed and the results are found to be in very good agreement.
Optimizing Virtual Private Network Design Using a New Heuristic Optimization Method
Authors: Lian Hongbing , Faragó András
Published: August 2012

In virtual private network (VPN) design, the goal is to implement a logical overlay network on top of a given physical network. We model the traffic loss caused by blocking not only on isolated links, but also at the network level. A successful model that captures the considered network level phenomenon is the well-known reduced load approximation. We consider here the optimization problem of maximizing the carried traffic in the VPN. This is a hard optimization problem. To deal with it, we introduce a heuristic local search technique called landscape smoothing search (LSS). This study first describes the LSS heuristic. Then we introduce an improved version called fast landscape smoothing search (FLSS) method to overcome the slow search speed when the objective function calculation is very time consuming. We apply FLSS to VPN design optimization and compare with well-known optimization methods such as simulated annealing (SA) and genetic algorithm (GA). The FLSS achieves better results for this VPN design optimization problem than simulated annealing and genetic algorithm.
Towards the Improvement of Fruit-Quality Parameters in Citrus under Deficit Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Aguado A. , Frías J. , García-Tejero I. , Romero F. , Muriel J. L. , Capote N.
Published: August 2012

Water shortage is becoming a severe problem in arid and semiarid regions worldwide, reducing the availability of agricultural land and water resources. In Spain, citrus is one of the most economically important crops, with 74,000 ha devoted to its cultivation. Since water resources are increasingly more insufficient, the efficient use of water is becoming more essential. Deficit irrigation in many agricultural crops has frequently proved to be an efficient tool for improving water-use efficiency. This paper examines the effects a deficit irrigation during the ripening period on yield and the most representative fruit quality properties. The study was conducted during two consecutive years (2009-2010) in a commercial 12-year-old orange orchard (Citrus sinensis L. Osb. cv. Navelina) grafted onto Carrizo citrange (Citrus sinensis L. Osb. × Poncirus Trifoliata L. Osb.). A regulated deficit irrigation (DI) was applied, which was fully irrigated during the flowering and fruit-growth stage, and during the ripening period it was subjected to a water-stress ratio of 0.75. A control treatment was established, this being irrigated at 100% of crop evapotranspiration. Along the water stress period, it was tested the temporal evolution of the main organoleptic and nutraceutical fruit properties (color index, the total soluble solids, titrable acidity, maturity index, rind weight, juice weight, the ratio of juice weight versus fruit weight, and the total C vitamin and flavonoids). It was not observed a descend in juice content, or fruit weight, or in the final yield. In terms of fruit organoleptic and nutraceutical properties, there were not detected negative effects in the studied properties. Furthermore, DI treatment showed higher values of maturity index than control treatment, which can be considered as a positive aspect in the fruit quality. Considering these results, we can affirm that a moderate water stress applied during the maturity period is a sustainable strategy for saving water, increasing the irrigation productivity and obtaining fruits with similar properties to those without deficit irrigation.
Regulating Nitrosamines Now Will Be Controversial
Authors: Roberson J. Alan
Published: August 2012

Sometime later this year, it is anticipated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) will announce a preliminary decision (known as a regulatory determination) to regulate nitrosamines in drinking water. The question here is, will regulating nitrosamines in drinking water be controversial? The short answer is yes, but more explanation of the technical and policy issues is needed.
A Primer on Stormwater Management at Multitenant Facilities
Authors: Fiveash John L.
Published: August 2012

Effective storm water management has always been a technically challenging task, but when the complexities and legalities of managing storm water at a multitenant facility are added, a great program, finesse, and patience to protect water quality and avoid legal and financial mishaps are essential. Multitenant sites add layers of issues not dealt with at single‐use facilities. Dealing with those issues requires more than just a storm water permit plan; it requires the development of a well‐executed management program.
DMIC: Restructuring to Fast‐track Progress and Foster Inclusion
Authors: Tantone Frank
Published: August 2012

The AWWA Diversity and Member Inclusion Committee (DMIC) promotes both diversity and inclusion within the activities of AWWA, the sections, and, as much as possible, throughout the water industry. In his acceptance speech during the gavel‐passing ceremony at the 2012 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE), AWWA President Charlie Anderson made a point of including diversity in his plan to advance a new business model for AWWA and the sections. The definitions of diversity and inclusion sound simple and straightforward, but the task of successfully implementing diversity and member inclusion is neither.
Sobre el concepto de antropotécnica en Peter Sloterdijk
Authors: Castro-Gómez Santiago
Published: August 2012

This article reflects on the concept of “anthropotechnics”, developed by the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, showing its dual meaning on “improving the world” (Weltverbesserung) and on “improving oneself” (Selbstverbesserung). The author suggests that this twofold idea can be read in relation to the foucauldian concepts of “technologies for the government of populations ” (biopolitics) and “technologies of the self” (aesthetics of existence).
Los desplazados internos: entre las positividades y los residuos de las márgenes
Authors: Aparicio Juan Ricardo
Published: August 2012

In this article I present a dialogue between the results of my ethnographic fieldwork on internally displaced persons and a discussion about the relevance and potential of the Foucauldian concept of biopolitics in contemporary times. The article starts by tracing the attention that Foucault gave towards the transformation of the Providential, omnipresent, and biopolitical State, to one that is satisfied with introducing an environmental technology that no longer governs through the subjection of individuals, but through a “disinvestment” that creates the conditions for the same subjects, now as entrepreneurs, to be in charge of resolving conflicts and contradictions. I use some ethnographic vignettes to understand the actualization of this “disinvestment” that ends up producing and maintaining “zones of social abandonment.” Specifically, I am interested in understanding how this “disinvestment” occurs within a State transformation that through the mandates of participation and decentralization, makes these subjects into agents responsible for their own development. Lastly, I suggest that this “zones of social abandonment” can also be zones of desire that go beyond what might be called a low intensity biopolitics. I use the example of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and their antagonistic practices that are currently challenging these technologies.
How to Be a Pervert: A Modest Philosophical Critique of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Authors: Singy Patrick
Published: August 2012

This paper is divided into three parts. I begin with a short history of the way American psychiatrists have defined mental disorder in general, and paraphilias (sexual perversions) in particular, from the 1950s to 2013. I look at how the different editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) have articulated (or in the case of the future DSM-5, will articulate) the distinction between health and disease. In the second part I suggest how psychiatrists might want to modify their approach to the definition of mental disorder. In the third part I explain why the paraphilias in particular should be removed from the current psychiatric classification of diseases.
HIV treatment and care in resource‐constrained environments: challenges for the next decade
Authors: Eholié Serge‐Paul , Aoussi François Eba , Ouattara Ismael Songda , Bissagnéné Emmanuel , Anglaret Xavier
Published: August 2012

Many successes have been achieved in HIV care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC): increased number of HIV‐infected individuals receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART), wide decentralization, reduction in morbidity and mortality and accessibility to cheapest drugs. However, these successes should not hide existing failures and difficulties. In this paper, we underline several key challenges. First, ensure long‐term financing, increase available resources, in order to meet the increasing needs, and redistribute the overall budget in a concerted way amongst donors. Second, increase ART coverage and treat the many eligible patients who have not yet started ART. Competition amongst countries is expected to become a strong driving force in encouraging the least efficient to join better performing countries. Third, decrease early mortality on ART, by improving access to prevention, case‐finding and treatment of tuberculosis and invasive bacterial diseases and by getting people to start ART much earlier. Fourth, move on from WHO 2006 to WHO 2010 guidelines. Raising the cut‐off point for starting ART to 350 CD4/mm3 needs changing paradigm, adopting opt‐out approach, facilitating pro‐active testing, facilitating task shifting and increasing staff recruitments. Phasing out stavudine needs acting for a drastic reduction in the costs of other drugs. Scaling up routine viral load needs a mobilization for lower prices of reagents and equipments, as well as efforts in relation to point‐of‐care automation and to maintenance. The latter is a key step to boost the utilization of second‐line regimens, which are currently dramatically under prescribed. Finally, other challenges are to reduce lost‐to‐follow‐up rates; manage lifelong treatment and care for long‐term morbidity, including drug toxicity, residual AIDS and HIV‐non‐AIDS morbidity and aging‐related morbidity; and be able to face unforeseen events such as socio‐political and military crisis. An old African proverb states that the growth of a deep‐rooted tree cannot be stopped. Our tree is well rooted in existing field experience and is, therefore, expected to grow. In order for us to let it grow, long‐term cost‐effectiveness approach and life‐saving evidence‐based programming should replace short‐term budgeting approach.
Fault detection for discrete‐time switched singular time‐delay systems: an average dwell time approach
Authors: Lin Jinxing , Fei Shumin , Gao Zhifeng , Ding Jie
Published: August 2012

In this paper, the fault detection problem is investigated for a class of discrete‐time switched singular systems with time‐varying state delays. The residual generator is firstly constructed based on a switched filter, and the design of fault detection filter is formulated as an H ∞  filtering problem, that is, minimizing the error between residual and fault in the H ∞  sense. Then, by constructing an appropriate decay‐rate‐dependent piecewise Lyapunov function and using the average dwell time scheme, a sufficient condition for the residual system to be regular, causal, and exponential stable while satisfying a prescribed H ∞  performance is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The corresponding solvability condition for the desired fault detection filters is also established via LMI approach. Finally, a numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness of the developed theoretical results.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Synthesis of Polycyclic Imidazole‐Containing N‐ Heterocycles based on CH Activation/Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Iaroshenko Viktor O. , Ostrovskyi Dmytro , Miliutina Mariia , Maalik Aneela , Villinger Alexander , Tolmachev Andrei , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Langer Peter
Published: August 2012

A new strategy for the synthesis of polycyclic imidazole‐containing N‐heterocycles, based on the two general synthetic ways, namely the Pd(II)‐catalyzed intramolecular arylation via CH/CHal and CH/CH coupling reactions, was developed. The method proposed here enables the synthesis of many fused N‐heterocycles containing purine, 1‐deazapurines and benzimidazole structural units.
β‐Aryl Nitrile Construction via Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Benzylation of α‐Cyano Aliphatic Carboxylate Salts
Authors: Shang Rui , Huang Zheng , Xiao Xiao , Lu Xi , Fu Yao , Liu Lei
Published: August 2012

The palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative benzylation of α‐cyano aliphatic carboxylate salts with benzyl electrophiles was discovered. This reaction exhibits good functional group compatibility and proceeds under relatively mild conditions. A diverse range of quaternary, tertiary and secondary β‐aryl nitriles can be conveniently prepared by this method.
World Health Organization‐defined eosinophilic disorders: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gotlib* Jason
Published: August 2012

Disease overview: The eosinophilias encompass a broad range of nonhematologic (secondary or reactive) and hematologic (primary, clonal) disorders with potential for end‐organ damage.

Diagnosis: Hypereosinophilia has generally been defined as a peripheral blood eosinophil count greater than 1,500/mm3 and may be associated with tissue damage. After exclusion of secondary causes of eosinophilia, diagnostic evaluation of primary eosinophilias relies on a combination of morphologic review of the blood and marrow, standard cytogenetics, fluorescent in situ‐hybridization, flow immunocytometry, and T‐cell clonality assessment to detect histopathologic or clonal evidence for an acute or chronic myeloid or lymphoproliferative disorder.

Risk stratification: Disease prognosis relies on identifying the subtype of eosinophilia. After evaluation of secondary causes of eosinophilia, the 2008 World Health Organization establishes a semimolecular classification scheme of disease subtypes including “myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1,” chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise specified' (CEL, NOS), lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), which is a diagnosis of exclusion.

Risk‐adapted therapy: The goal of therapy is to mitigate eosinophil‐mediated organ damage. For patients with milder forms of eosinophilia (e.g., <1,500/mm3) without symptoms or signs of organ involvement, a watch and wait approach with close‐follow‐up may be undertaken. Identification of rearranged PDGFRA or PDGFRB is critical because of the exquisite responsiveness of these diseases to imatinib. Corticosteroids are first‐line therapy for patients with lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilia and HES. Hydroxyurea and interferon‐alpha have demonstrated efficacy as initial treatment and steroid‐refractory cases of HES. In addition to hydroxyurea, second line cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and hematopoietic cell transplant have been used for aggressive forms of HES and CEL with outcomes reported for limited numbers of patients. Although clinical trials have been performed with anti IL‐5 (mepolizumab) and anti‐CD52 (alemtuzumab) antibodies, their therapeutic role in primary eosinophilic diseases and HES has yet to be established. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene with TiO2/Fe(St)3 as catalyst
Authors: Fa Wenjun , Guo Lili , Wang Jie , Guo Rui , Zheng Zhi , Yang Fengling
Published: August 2012

A novel photodegradable TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐polystyrene (TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐PS) nanocomposite was prepared by embedding TiO2 and Fe(St)3 into the commercial polystyrene. Ferric stearate was added into polymer as cocatalyst in order to improve the dispersion in polystyrene and photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles. Solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation of the TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐PS nanocomposite was carried out in an ambient air at room temperature under ultraviolet lamp. The properties of TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐PS composite film were compared with that of the pure PS film and the TiO2‐PS composite film, through weight loss monitoring, scanning electron microscope, gel permeation chromatogram, and FTIR spectroscopy. The photodegradation efficiency of TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐PS composite film was higher than that of the pure PS film and the TiO2‐PS composite film under the UV light irradiation. The average molecular weight (Mw) of TiO2‐Fe(St)3‐PS composite film decreased 63.08%, and the number of average molecular weight (Mn) decreased 79.49% after UV light irradiation for 480 h. Photo‐oxidation leads to an increase in the low molecular weight fraction by chain scission, thereby facilitating biodegradation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of polyethylene–graphene nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization
Authors: Fim Fabiana de C. , Basso Nara R. S. , Graebin Ana P. , Azambuja Denise S. , Galland Griselda B.
Published: August 2012

In this study, we investigated the thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, and electrical properties of polyethylene (PE)–graphene nanosheet (GNS) nanocomposites, with GNS amounts from 0 to 20 wt %, prepared by in situ polymerization. The thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and showed that the addition of GNSs to the polyolefin matrix increased the onset degradation temperature by 30°C. The electrical conductivity, measured by the impedance technique, presented a critical percolation threshold of 3.8 vol % (8.4 wt %) of GNS. A slight decrease in the tensile strength was found. On the other hand, dynamic mechanical analysis showed an increase in the storage modulus of the nanocomposites compared with that of neat PE. The glass‐transition temperature value increased from −111°C (neat PE) to −106°C (PE/6.6 wt % GNS). All of these results show that PE became stiffer and thermally more stable and could be transformed from an insulator to a semiconductor material in the presence of GNSs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of the type of clay organo‐modifier on the morphology, thermal/mechanical/impact/barrier properties and biodegradation in soil of polycaprolactone/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Ludueña L. N. , Vázquez A. , Alvarez V. A.
Published: August 2012

The effect of addition of unmodified (CNa+) and modified (C30B and C20A) montmorillonites on the performance of polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation was studied. The study covers morphological and thermal aspects, mechanical and barrier properties and also biodegradability, which are important for packaging applications. Particular effort was made to find the main characteristics of the clays responsible for the final clay dispersion degree inside the nanocomposite. The most hydrophobic reinforcement (demonstrated by water adsorption tests) also showed the strongest thermal stability (shown by thermogravimetrical analysis) and the larger basal spacing (calculated by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD)), which were the main characteristics that led to the best clay dispersion degree inside the PCL matrix (demonstrated by XRD and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)). The findings demonstrate that a biodegradable polymer/clay nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical, impact, and barrier properties was obtained. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Nitrous‐Acid‐Mediated Synthesis of Iron–Nitrosyl–Porphyrin: pH‐Dependent Release of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Bhuyan Jagannath , Sarkar Sabyasachi
Published: August 2012

Two iron–nitrosyl–porphyrins, nitrosyl[meso‐tetrakis(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenylporphyrin]iron(II) acetic acid solvate (3) and nitrosyl[meso‐tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenylporphyrin]iron(II) CH2Cl2 solvate (4), were synthesized in quantitative yield by using a modified procedure with nitrous acid, followed by oxygen‐atom abstraction by triphenylphosphine under an argon atmosphere. These nitrosyl porphyrins are in the {FeNO}7 class. Under an argon atmosphere, these compounds are relatively stable over a broad range of pH values (4–8) but, under aerobic conditions, they release nitric oxide faster at high pH values than that at low pH values. The generated nitric‐oxide‐free iron(III)–porphyrin can be re‐nitrosylated by using nitrous acid and triphenylphosphine. The rapid release of NO from these FeII complexes at high pH values seems to be similar to that in nitrophorin, a nitric‐oxide‐transport protein, which formally possesses FeIII. However, because the release of NO occurs from ferrous–nitrosyl–porphyrin under aerobic conditions, these compounds are more closely related to nitrobindin, a recently discovered heme protein.
Robust H∞ Control in Fast Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Chuang Ning , Petersen Ian R. , Pota Hemanshu R.
Published: August 2012

This paper develops a robust H
∞ method for fast tracking position control problems arising in an atomic force microscope (AFM). A commercial type NT‐MDT AFM is used to generate 3D images of scanned material surfaces at high speeds and accuracies. A major component of this AFM is a piezoelectric tube actuator used for position control in three directions. Due to the nature of the piezoelectric actuator, there is nonlinear hysteresis present which affects the AFM scanning qualities. The original commercial AFM uses traditional proportional‐integral‐derivative position control and can only obtain good quality images for scanning rates under about 20 Hz in both the x and y directions.

In this paper, a robust H
∞ controller is designed based on a physical model of the AFM piezoelectric tube positioner in the x and y directions. On the electrical side of the positioning system, external capacitors are connected in series with the x and y contacts of the piezoelectric tube to provide measured voltages which are proportional to the charge on the actuator. The parameters for a nonlinear model are obtained from measurements of the system frequency response and time domain response. This model also takes into account the time delay resulting from the sensor electronics. This nonlinear model is represented as a linear uncertain system model with norm bounded uncertainty. The uncertain system model is used to design a robust H
∞ tracking controller for the AFM scanning system. Experimental results show that the robust H
∞ controller can improve the AFM scanning quality and increase the scanning speed significantly. The controller performs well in tracking a given reference scanning signal with frequencies up to 125 Hz.
Weakening of hurricanes via marine cloud brightening (MCB)
Authors: Latham John , Parkes Ben , Gadian Alan , Salter Stephen
Published: August 2012

This paper examines the potential to cool ocean surface waters in regions of hurricane genesis and early development. This would be achieved by seeding, with copious quantities of seawater cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), low‐level maritime stratocumulus clouds covering these regions or those at the source of incoming currents. Higher cloud droplet density would increase these clouds' reflectivity to incoming sunlight, and possibly their longevity. This approach is therefore a more localized application of the marine cloud brightening (MCB) geoengineering technique promoting global cooling. By utilizing a climate ocean/atmosphere coupled model, HadGEM1, we demonstrate that—subject to the satisfactory resolution of defined but unresolved issues—judicious seeding of maritime stratocumulus clouds might significantly reduce sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in regions where hurricanes develop. Thus artificial seeding may reduce hurricane intensity; but how well the magnitude of this effect could be controlled is yet to be determined.

We also address the important question as to how MCB seeding may influence precipitation. GCM modelling indicates that the influence of seeding on undesirable rainfall reductions depends on its location and magnitude. Much more work on this topic is required. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Hedgehog signalling as an antagonist of ageing and its associated diseases
Authors: Dashti Monireh , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Rezaee Farhad
Published: August 2012

Hedgehog is an important morphogenic signal that directs pattern formation during embryogenesis, but its activity also remains present through adult life. It is now becoming increasingly clear that during the reproductive phase of life and beyond it continues to direct cell renewal (which is essential to combat the chronic environmental stress to which the body is constantly exposed) and counteracts vascular, osteolytic and sometimes oncological insults to the body. Conversely, down‐regulation of hedgehog signalling is associated with ageing‐related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Hence, in this essay we argue that hedgehog signalling is not only important at the start of life, but also constitutes an important anti‐geriatric influence, and that enhanced understanding of its properties may contribute to developing rational strategies for healthy ageing and prevention of ageing‐related diseases.

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Diet‐induced obesity impairs AKT signalling in the retina and causes retinal degeneration
Authors: Marçal Anderson C. , Leonelli Mauro , Fiamoncini Jarlei , Deschamps Francisco C. , Rodrigues Maria A. M. , Curi Rui , Carpinelli Angelo R. , Britto Luiz R. G. , Carvalho Carla R. O.
Published: August 2012

Retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes, is characterized by an unbalanced production of nitric oxide (NO), a process regulated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We hypothesized that retinopathy might stem from changes in the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/PI3K/AKT pathway and/or expression of NOS isoforms. Thus, we analysed the morphology and apoptosis index in retinas of obese rats in whom insulin resistance had been induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD). Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the retinal tissue of HFD rats had lower levels of AKT1, eNOS and nNOS protein than those of samples taken from control animals. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses indicated higher levels of iNOS and 4‐hydroxynonenal and a larger number of apoptotic nuclei in HFD rats. Finally, both the inner and outer retinal layers of HFD rats were thinner than those in their control counterparts. When considered alongside previous results, these patterns suggest two major ways in which HFD might impact animals: direct activity of ingested fatty acids and/or via insulin‐resistance‐induced changes in intracellular pathways. We discuss these possibilities in further detail and advocate the use of this animal model for further understanding relationships between retinopathy, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients with small left ventricular size undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty have worse intraprocedural outcomes
Authors: Don Creighton , Gupta Pritha P. , Witzke Christian , Kesarwani Manoj , Cubeddu Roberto J. , Inglessis Ignacio , Palacios Igor F.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of left ventricular (LV) chamber size on procedural and hospital outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valvuloplasty.

Background

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) is used as an integral step during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Patients with small, thickened ventricles are thought to have more complications during and following BAV.

Methods

Retrospective study of consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic calcific aortic stenosis who underwent retrograde BAV at Massachusetts General Hospital. We compared patients with left ventricular end‐diastolic diameters (LVEDD) <4.0 cm (n = 31) to those with LVEDD ≥4.0 cm (n = 78). Baseline and procedural characteristics as well as clinical outcomes were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used for the adjusted analysis.

Results

Patients with smaller LV chamber size were mostly women (80.7% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.01) and had a smaller body surface area (BSA), (1.61 ± 0.20 m2 vs. 1.79 ± 0.25 m2, P < 0.01). Patients with smaller LV chamber size had higher ejection fractions and thicker ventricles. Otherwise, baseline characteristics were similar. The intraprocedural composite of death, cardiopulmonary arrest, intubation, hemodynamic collapse, and tamponade was higher for patients with LVEDD < 4.0 cm (32.3% v. 11.5%, P = 0.01). Adjusting for age, gender, BSA, LV pressure, and New York Heart Association class, LVEDD < 4.0 cm remained an independent predictor of procedural (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.4–18.2) and in‐hospital complications (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2–11.6).

Conclusions

Compared to patients undergoing BAV with LVEDD ≥4.0 cm, those with smaller LV chambers had worse procedural and in‐hospital outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early percutaneous valve failure within bioprosthetic tricuspid tissue valve replacements
Authors: Bentham James , Qureshi Shakeel , Eicken Andreas , Gibbs John , Ballard George , Thomson John
Published: August 2012

Objective

To describe the cases of percutaneous valve failure following implantation of the Medtronic Melody™ and the Edwards Sapien™ valve in the tricuspid position. Background: There have been recent reports of the use of percutaneously delivered valves to manage failing bioprosthetic tricuspid valves. Total patient numbers remain small and follow‐up times are limited.

Methods

We describe four procedures in three patients from two centers where implantation of percutaneous valves within the scaffold of a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve was technically successful but there was early valve failure.

Results

In all cases, immediate results suggested excellent valve function; however, valve failure occurred early in three and later in one. Two patients elected for valve explantation and surgical placement of a further tricuspid valve. The third patient underwent a second percutaneous valve‐in‐valve procedure though this valve is also showing early signs of failure.

Conclusions

Transcatheter placement of percutaneous valves in the tricuspid position is technically a relatively straightforward procedure but early valve failure raises some concerns about the viability of the valve in this position, at least in some patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: New Twists on the Perovskite Theme: Crystal Structures of the Elusive Phases R and S of NaNbO3.
Authors: Peel Martin D. , Thompson Stephen P. , Daoud‐Aladine Aziz , Ashbrook Sharon E. , Lightfoot Philip
Published: August 2012

The crystal structure of NaNbO3 is determined in the temperature range between 360 and 520 °C by high‐resolution neutron and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction, supported by DFT computations.
ChemInform Abstract: New Iron(III) Nitrate Hydrates: Fe(NO3)3·xH2O with x = 4, 5, and 6.
Authors: Schmidt Horst , Asztalos Annifrid , Bok Frank , Voigt Wolfgang
Published: August 2012

Crystals of the title compounds are obtained from their hydrous melts or solutions in highly concentrated nitric acid.
ChemInform Abstract: Li3Al(MoO4)3, a Lyonsite Molybdate.
Authors: Bugaris Daniel E. , zur Loye Hans‐Conrad
Published: August 2012

Colorless prismatic single crystals of the title compound are grown from a mixture of α‐Al2O3, MoO3, and excess Li2MoO4 acting as both Li source and flux (alumina crucible, 998 K, 12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Mesoporous Nickel Oxide Nanowires: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Characterization and Applications for Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors with Superior Performance.
Authors: Su Dawei , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Kim Woo‐Seong , Wang Guoxiu
Published: August 2012

Mesoporous NiO nanowires are prepared from aqueous solutions containing NiCl2, K2C2O4, and ethylene glycol (autoclave, 220 °C, 12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: The First Borosulfate K5[B(SO4)4].
Authors: Hoeppe Henning A. , Kazmierczak Karolina , Daub Michael , Foerg Katharina , Fuchs Franziska , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: August 2012

The title compound is synthesized by addition of an aqueous solution of K2SO4 to a solution of B(OH)3 in conc.
ChemInform Abstract: Intramolecular Reductive Ketone—Alkynoate Coupling Reaction Promoted by (η2‐Propene)titanium.
Authors: Schaefer Christian , Miesch Michel , Miesch Laurence
Published: August 2012

The reaction with compound (IIIb) also gives 18% of the starting material.
ChemInform Abstract: Unique Salt Effect on Highly Selective Synthesis of Acid‐Labile Terpene and Styrene Oxides with a Tungsten/H2O2 Catalytic System under Acidic Aqueous Conditions.
Authors: Hachiya Houjin , Kon Yoshihiro , Ono Yutaka , Takumi Kiyoshi , Sasagawa Naoki , Ezaki Yoichiro , Sato Kazuhiko
Published: August 2012

Addition of a saturated amount of anhydrous sodium sulfate significantly improves the tungsten‐catalyzed H2O2 epoxidation to give acid‐labile epoxides in high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium Hydroxide Catalyzed Transformation of Primary Propargylic Alcohols into Aldehydes: Application to the Synthesis of the Tetrahydrofuran Core.
Authors: Sabitha Gowravaram , Reddy A. Yagundar , Nayak Sambit , Yadav Jhillu S.
Published: August 2012

A Pd‐catalyzed sequential isomerization and reduction of primary propargylic alcohols affords the corresponding saturated aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrophilicity of α‐Oxo Gold Carbene Intermediates: Halogen Abstractions from Halogenated Solvents Leading to the Formation of Chloro/Bromomethyl Ketones.
Authors: He Weimin , Xie Longyong , Xu Yingying , Xiang Jiannan , Zhang Liming
Published: August 2012

The reaction fails with aliphatic internal alkynes.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Carbonyl‐Ene and Friedel—Crafts Reactions Catalyzed by Lewis Acid Platinum Group Metal Complexes of the Enantiopure Atropisomeric Biaryl‐Like Diphosphine (S)‐Me2‐CATPHOS: A Comparison with BINAP.
Authors: Doherty Simon , Knight Julian G. , Mehdi‐Zodeh Hamid
Published: August 2012

The (S)‐Me‐CATPHOS ligand shows encouraging results when applied to the title reactions.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Acrylonitriles Through an FeCl3‐Catalyzed Domino Propargylic Substitution/Aza‐Meyer—Schuster Rearrangement Sequence.
Authors: Hao Lu , Wu Feng , Ding Zong‐Cang , Xu Su‐Xia , Ma Yan‐Li , Chen Li , Zhan Zhuang‐Ping
Published: August 2012

An unprecedented route to acrylonitriles uses propargylic alcohols and tosylhydrazine as a combined nontoxic cyano source.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Reformatsky Reaction of Ethyl Iododifluoroacetate with Ketones.
Authors: Fornalczyk Michal , Singh Kuldip , Stuart Alison M.
Published: August 2012

In most cases, the one‐pot procedure gives lower yields (2—17%) with a higher enantiomeric excess than the classical two‐step procedure.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of 1‐(α‐Aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthols as Air‐Stable Ligands for Pd‐Catalyzed Mizoroki—Heck Coupling Reaction.
Authors: Chaudhary Anju R. , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: August 2012

Title α‐aminobenzylnaphthol derivatives are successfully applied as phosphine‐free ligands in the Pd‐catalyzed Mizoroki—Heck reaction of aryl iodides and bromides with styrene derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted Solvent‐Free Synthesis of (E)‐Stilbenes.
Authors: Wang Liu‐chang , Li Jiang , Zhang Xi‐quan , Gu Hong‐mei , Li Bao‐lin
Published: August 2012

A variety of stilbenes (III)/(IV) is formed with high (E)‐selectivity by microwave‐assisted reaction of 4‐nitrotoluene with aromatic aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Enantioselective [4 + 2] Cycloadditions of Allenoates and Dual Activated Olefins Catalyzed by N‐Acyl Aminophosphines.
Authors: Xiao Hua , Chai Zhuo , Cao Dongdong , Wang Hongyu , Chen Jinghao , Zhao Gang
Published: August 2012

The title synthesis is successfully achieved by using the readily available and air‐stable catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Functionalized Thiophenes and Oligothiophenes by Selective and Iterative Cross‐Coupling Reactions Using Indium Organometallics.
Authors: Martinez M. Montserrat , Pena‐Lopez Miguel , Perez Sestelo Jose , Sarandeses Luis A.
Published: August 2012

The novel utility of indium organometallics is demonstrated in the title syntheses.
ChemInform Abstract: Formal Synthesis of (—)‐Cephalotaxine Based on a Tandem Hydroamination/Semipinacol Rearrangement Reaction.
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Wei , Xiang Kai , Tu Yong‐Qiang , Zhang Shu‐Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Zhao Yu‐Ming , Zhang Tian‐Cai
Published: August 2012

The synthesis is achieved by a highly efficient asymmetric synthesis of pentacycle (V).
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric C(sp3)‐H/C(Ar) Coupling Reactions. Highly enantio‐Enriched Indolines via Regiodivergent Reaction of a Racemic Mixture.
Authors: Katayev Dmitry , Nakanishi Masafumi , Buergi Thomas , Kuendig E. Peter
Published: August 2012

The application of bulky chiral ligands (I) in the palladium‐catalyzed title reaction of racemic N‐aryl, N‐alkyl‐carbamates (II) results in formation of a mixture of 2‐alkyl and 2,3‐disubstituted indolines with very high asymmetric induction by either methyl C—H or methylene C—H activation.
ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Nucleophilic Catalysis of Chiral Ammonium Betaines for Highly Stereoselective Aldol Reaction from Oxindole‐Derived Vinylic Carbonates.
Authors: Uraguchi Daisuke , Koshimoto Kyohei , Ooi Takashi
Published: August 2012

A new strategy for developing stereoselective C‐C bond formation reactions is introduced.
ChemInform Abstract: One Step Synthesis of Optically Active Diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octanones or Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonanones by Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Cyclic Hydrazine.
Authors: Seki Chigusa , et al. et al.
Published: August 2012

The synthesis of β‐amino acid derivatives (III) and (V), versatile precursors for preparation of polyamine alkaloids, is achieved by asymmetric conjugate addition of cyclic hydrazines (II) and (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed C—H Direct Amination of Benzoxazoles with Secondary Amines.
Authors: Li Yaming , Liu Jin , Xie Yusheng , Zhang Rong , Jin Kun , Wang Xiuna , Duan Chunying
Published: August 2012

A new, facile, efficient, and practical method for the synthesis of the title compounds (III) and (V) by using inexpensive reagents is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Novel Heteroarenes Based [1,2,3]‐Triazoles via Click Chemistry and Their Evaluation for Antibacterial Activity.
Authors: Prasad Davinder , Aggarwal Nisha , Kumar Rajesh , Nath Mahendra
Published: August 2012

A novel series of hetarylphenyltriazoles (III) (14 examples) is synthesized via Cu(I) catalyzed Huisgen [2 + 3] cycloaddition of various heteroarylazides with terminal alkynes.