bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis(acetylacetonato)ruthenium Complexes of Noninnocent 1,2‐Dioxolene Ligands: Qualitatively Different Bonding in Relation to Monoimino and Diimino Analogues
Authors: Das Dipanwita , Sarkar Biprajit , Kumbhakar Doyel , Mondal Tapan Kumar , Mobin Shaikh M. , Fiedler Jan , Urbanos Francisco A. , Jiménez‐Aparicio Reyes , Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: August 2011

Coordination compounds [Ru(acac)2(Q)] (acac=acetylacetonate; Q=o‐benzoquinone) were prepared as complexes 1 (Q=o‐benzoquinone), 2 (Q=3‐methoxy‐o‐benzoquinone), 3 (Q=4‐methyl‐o‐benzoquinone), and 4 (Q=3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐o‐benzoquinone). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined to reveal a RuIII/o‐benzosemiquinone formulation, supported by analysis of experimental data (spectroscopy, magnetism of 1) and by DFT calculations. The S=1 ground state calculated for 1 stands in contrast to the spin‐paired analogues with arylimino‐o‐benzosemiquinonato and diimino‐o‐benzoquinone ligands. The close contacts of about 5.3 Å possible between semiquinone O atoms of different molecules in the crystal allow for intermolecular spin–spin interactions and an overall complex magnetic behavior. One quasireversible oxidation and two reversible one‐electron reductions yielded the corresponding molecular ions, which were characterized by UV‐visible‐NIR and EPR spectroelectrochemistry in terms of [RuIII(acac)2(Q0)]+, [RuIII(acac)2(Q2−)]−, and [RuII(acac)2(Q2−)]2− descriptions in agreement with DFT results. The use of acceptor‐substituted 1,2‐dioxolenes resulted in the isolation of ionic species Na[Ru(acac)2(Q)] (Na(5); Q=4‐chloro‐o‐benzoquinone) and Na(6) (Q=4‐nitro‐o‐benzoquinone), which were similarly investigated as compounds 1–4. Magnetic susceptibility and EPR results confirm an S=1/2 ground state based on ruthenium(III). The combined studies reveal a remarkable substituent sensitivity, and in comparison to recently analyzed Ru(acac)2 complexes with o‐benzoquinone monoimine and diimine ligands, the all‐O‐donor‐containing new systems are distinguished by a qualitatively different metal–ligand interaction based on closer intermolecular radical–radical contacts and on weaker intramolecular dπ–π* interactions.
Acid/Base Controllable Molecular Recognition
Authors: Nielsen Kent A. , Bähring Steffen , Jeppesen Jan O.
Published: August 2011

The study of controllable molecular recognition in supramolecular receptors is important for elucidating design strategies that can lead to external control of molecular recognition applications. In this work, we present the design and synthesis of an asymmetric (TTF) tetrathiafulvalene‐calix[4]pyrrole receptor and show that its recognition of 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TNB) can be controlled by an acid/base input. The new receptor is composed of three identical TTF units and a fourth TTF unit appended with a phenol moiety. Investigation of the host–guest complexation taking place between the TTF‐calix[4]pyrrole receptor and the TNB guests was studied by means of absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy; this revealed that the conformation of the molecular receptor can be switched between locked and unlocked states by using base and acid as the input. In the unlocked state, the receptor is able to accommodate two TNB guest molecules, whereas the guests are not able to bind to the receptor in the locked state. This work serves to illustrate how external control (acid/base) of a receptor may be used to direct the molecular recognition of guests (TNBs). It has led to a new controllable molecular recognition system that functions as an acid/base switch.
Two‐Dimensional Nanocomposites Based on Chemically Modified Graphene
Authors: Wu Dongqing , Zhang Fan , Liu Ping , Feng Xinliang
Published: August 2011

The multiple functional groups and unique two‐dimensional (2D) morphology make chemically modified graphene (CMG) an ideal template for the construction of 2D nanocomposites with various organic/inorganic components. Additionally, the recovered electrical conductivity of CMG may provide a fast‐electron‐transport channel and can thus promote the application of the resultant nanocomposites in optoelectronic and electrochemical devices. This Concept article summarizes the different strategies for the bottom‐up fabrication of CMG‐based 2D nanocomposites with small organic molecules, polymers, and inorganic nanoparticles, which represent the new directions in the development of graphene‐based materials.
ChemInform Abstract: Rare Earths: Jewels for Functional Materials of the Future
Authors: Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Buenzli Jean‐Claude G.
Published: August 2011

Review: 61 refs.
Simulation and experimental analysis of an intelligent tissue for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Barati Aboulfazl , Sotoudeh Saman , Davarnejad Reza , Farahani Mohammad Aliabadi
Published: August 2011

In this research, an antibiotic was loaded in the composites of polyethylene glycol (PEG), acrylamide (AAm) and acrylic acid (AAc) hydrogels matrices and their drug deliveries were tested. Effect of some parameters on the drug delivery was checked by UV‐spectrophotometer. Temperature enhancement considerably increased hydrogel swelling and the drug release in the AAc and AAm. A dynamic model based on the Maxwell–Stefan equation was developed to model the drug delivery of hydrogels. COMSOL software was also applied to simulate buffer diffusion inside the hydrogels.
Improving the image of an organic light‐emitting diode using a dye‐polariser
Authors: Lan Wen Jeng , Wu Ho Shing
Published: August 2011

The present work investigated the image improvement of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) by using a dye‐polariser on the panel of an OLED. There are many key vision indexes that can be used to indicate the image performances of flat panel displays (FPDs), such as pixel solution, brightness, view angle, visual reflective sensitivity, contrast ratio, colour saturation and response time. In this study, a dye‐polariser was applied on the panel of an OLED and experiments were conducted to examine the image performances using some relative key vision indexes. The results clearly show the effectiveness of the dye‐polariser used. The OLED showed a reduction in visual reflective sensitivity by 86.6%, improved the contrast ratio of the image to 2.4 and 2.7 times in an indoor (or office) ambience (490 cd/m2) and an outdoor ambience (1375 cd/m2), respectively, increased colour saturation from 59.4% to 66.7%, and reinforced the weaknesses of the red and blue organic fluorescent materials. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Electrochemical Properties of Oxidized Carbon Nano‐Onions: DRIFTS‐FTIR and Raman Spectroscopic Analyses
Authors: Plonska‐Brzezinska Marta E. , Dubis Alina T. , Lapinski Andrzej , Villalta‐Cerdas Adrián , Echegoyen Luis
Published: August 2011

The electrochemical reactions of carboxylic and lactone groups on carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) in aqueous solutions result in non‐Kolbe products: alcohols, ketones, ethers and epoxides. The anodic/cathodic conversion of ox‐CNOs was assessed by Boehm titrations and by Raman and DRIFTS‐FTIR (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy). The electrochemical properties of oxidized carbon nano‐onions were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in aqueous solutions. The ox‐CNOs are electrochemically active as a result of the reduction of the oxygen‐containing groups.
Efficient Synthetic Protocols in Glycerol under Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Cravotto Giancarlo , Orio Laura , Gaudino Emanuela Calcio , Martina Katia , Tavor Dorith , Wolfson Adi
Published: August 2011

The massive increase in glycerol production from the transesterification of vegetable oils has stimulated a large effort to find novel uses for this compound. Hence, the use of glycerol as a solvent for organic synthesis has drawn particular interest. Drawbacks of this green and renewable solvent are a low solubility of highly hydrophobic molecules and a high viscosity, which often requires the use of a fluidifying co‐solvent. These limitations can be easily overcome by performing reactions under high‐intensity ultrasound and microwaves in a stand‐alone or combined manner. These non‐conventional techniques facilitate and widen the use of glycerol as a solvent in organic synthesis. Glycerol allows excellent acoustic cavitation even at high temperatures (70–100 °C), which is otherwise negligible in water. Herein, we describe three different types of applications: 1) the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol in which glycerol plays the dual role of the solvent and hydrogen donor; 2) the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling; and (3) the Barbier reaction. In all cases glycerol proved to be a greener, less expensive, and safer alternative to the classic volatile organic solvents.
Performance comparison of end‐to‐end and on‐the‐spot traffic‐aware techniques
Authors: Al‐Qassas Raad S. , Ould‐Khaoua Mohamed
Published: August 2011

Traffic‐aware routing protocols have recently received considerable attention. This has been motivated by the role that it could play in extending the network's lifetime (or operational time) as it target the reservation of node's power and better utilisation of channel bandwidth, which could lead to performance improvement in terms of important performance metrics including throughput and end‐to‐end delay. Traffic‐aware techniques can be classified into two categories, namely end‐to‐end and on‐the‐spot, based on the way of establishing and maintaining routes between any source and destination. Although there has been much work on both categories, there has been no comparative performance study of the two approaches. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that carries out such a performance comparison. To this end, we have adapted our traffic‐aware technique namely load density to suggest a new ‘on‐the‐spot’ traffic‐aware technique. The main reason for doing this adaptation is to ensure that the comparison between the two approaches is fair and realistic. The study will reveal the main performance characteristics of the two approaches under various traffic and network conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A feasibility study of gender recognition with a near–infrared ray scanning spectrophotometer
Authors: Nishino Satoshi , Ohshima Kenji
Published: August 2011

Male and female recognition is necessary to strengthen security and when various statistics on visitors are taken in commercial facilities and so on. The conventional method of male and female recognition currently makes use of the person's appearance, the dress, and in some cases, manner of walking, foot pressure, and hair type. But these characteristics can be intentionally changed by human intervention or design. The proposed method obtains differences in male and female characteristics from the absorbance characteristics of the fat distribution in a person's cheek, using a near‐infrared ray scanning spectrophotometer. This is a method of male and female recognition based on a new concept. Consequently, it can be used to distinguish males and females even in disguise, because it involves biometric authentication. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(9): 59–68, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10252
A few comments on visual systems of a ship handling simulator for sea pilot training: Training for entering a port
Authors: Murai Koji , Okazaki Tadatsugi , Hayashi Yuji
Published: August 2011

We are using a ship handling simulator for sea pilots' training. However, regarding the visual image around the pilot's own ship in the case of entering a port, ordinary ship handling simulators do not have such a visual image (screen). We undertook to clarify the effect of a visual system around the pilot's own ship for entering a port. Training for entering a port is an important training factor for a sea pilot. This paper describes the characteristics of the captain's visual observation area and the mental workload for ship handling when entering a port. The visual observation area is determined from eye movement and the mental workload is determined from heart rate variability (R‐R interval) and nasal temperature. The results show that the visual system around the pilot's own ship promotes safe ship handling when entering a port, based on eye movement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(9): 10–17, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10358
A Stereoselective Synthesis of Sugar‐Derived Chiral β‐Lactams
Authors: Khangarot Rama Kanwar , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: August 2011

The importance of the β‐lactam substructure is exemplified by the several classes of β‐lactam antibiotics. Among the synthetic routes available to obtain this interesting scaffold, the Kinugasa reaction is a convergent strategy. In this article, the synthesis of a variety of chiral β‐lactams by the Kinugasa reaction between terminal alkynes and nitrones is described. These sugar‐derived β‐lactams were synthesized by the reaction between cyclic nitrones derived from different sugars, tartrate ester, and alkynes obtained from different sugars. The reaction gave moderate to good yields of β‐lactams with high diastereoselectivity, mainly producing a single product. The stereochemical preferences observed in these reactions are also explained.
Determination of inert COD from different dyestuff used textile industries
Authors: Ozkan Oktay , Oguz Merve , Varinli Fatma
Published: August 2011

This study was performed to compare the chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractions of textile wastewaters containing reactive and indigo dyestuffs. In the textile wastewater containing reactive dyestuff, inert soluble COD (SI) concentration was found as 94 mg/L and residual soluble microbial products concentration (SP1) was 53 mg/L. This total (SI + SP1) was about 21 ratios of total initial COD (CTO). On the other hand, in the textile wastewater containing indigo dyestuff, SI and SP2 were observed as 160 mg/L and 69 mg/L, respectively, which is about 21 ratios of CTO. The investigation of different dyestuff used wastewaters indicated that indigo dyestuff used textile industry wastewater had higher inert COD content due to the complex structure of the indigo dyestuff. However, the biodegradability characteristics show similarity for both wastewaters. The results also indicated that biological treatment alone cannot be adequate to provide the discharge limits for both wastewaters. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
A novel system for producing photocatalytic titanium dioxide‐coated fibers for decomposing organic pollutants in water
Authors: Isnaeni Vandri Ahmad , Arutanti Osi , Sustini Euis , Aliah Hasniah , Khairurrijal  , Abdullah Mikrajuddin
Published: August 2011

We described a novel system for applying titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles on the surface of transparent plastic fibers and the use of the coated fibers as photocatalysts to decompose organic pollutants in water. We examined several coating parameters to identify the optimum conditions and used the coated fibers to decompose organic pollutants in simulated waste solutions. The coated fibers were scattered on the water surface and the catalytic reaction proceeded during several days of exposure to sunlight. After completion the decomposition process, the coated fibers were easily recovered using a filter. A simple model is also presented to explain the experimental findings. This method is useful for purifying contaminated water under solar illumination and requires very little energy input. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 42–51, 2013.
Rateless codes aided coherent M‐ary PSK systems in the presence of receiver imperfections and Rician fading
Authors: Yang Jing , An Jianping , Li Xiangming , Yuan Lei
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we study the bit error rate (BER) and the symbol error probability (SEP) performance for a rateless coded M‐ary phase‐shift keying (MPSK) system in a situation where stochastic phase error, quadrature error and in‐phase–quadrature (I–Q) gain mismatch take place all concurrently over a Rician fading channel. Similar scenario has been considered before by Djordjevic et al. for quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity‐check (QC‐LDPC) codes, but the effect of I–Q gain mismatch is not correctly modeled, because the Gaussian noise components in I and Q paths are assumed to have the same variance. By taking two different Gaussian noise variances into consideration, precise expressions are derived for the SEP of a coherent MPSK system under the aforementioned condition (with the stochastic phase error depicted by Tikhonov distribution), thus providing a baseline to evaluate the merits of the proposed rateless coded system and that of QC‐LDPC codes. The validity of the rateless coded system is substantiated by simulation results. It is observed that rateless codes outperform QC‐LDPC codes even the I–Q gain mismatch is modeled in the same way as Djordjevic's work when the target BER is lower than 10−2. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On cost‐sharing mechanisms in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Sodagari Shabnam , Bilén Sven G.
Published: August 2011

We present a framework and pertinent formulations for a coalition of secondary cognitive radios that are willing to lease inactive spectrum band from a primary system through auctioning and to share the received bandwidth and the associated cost among themselves using multiple access techniques. We cast this scenario to submodular class of games and show how a link can be established between the truthful auctioning mechanism and the cost‐sharing algorithm. Simulation results verify that the deployed cost‐sharing technique leads to encouraging the secondary cognitive radios to truthfully announce their bids. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembled Cages with Cyclotriveratrylene‐Type Host Molecules
Authors: Hardie Michaele J.
Published: August 2011

Cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) and related C3‐symmetric hosts are host molecules with a pyramidal shape and electron‐rich molecular cavities. Appropriately functionalized CTV derivatives can self‐assemble into nano‐ scale cage‐like assemblies through metal–ligand interactions or hydrogen bonding. Examples of such assemblies include metallo‐cryptophanes and hydrogen bonded capsules, M4L4 and M4L6 tetrahedra, M6L8 stella octangulas, along with cages with unusual topological features.
Managing terraced lowland and medium sloping land for sustainable agriculture: A study from the eastern ghat region of India
Authors: Panda R. K. , Arora C. P. , Gore K. P. , Jakhar P. , Dash B. K.
Published: August 2011

Judicious management of the terraced lowlands and adjacent medium‐sloping lands of the Eastern Ghat Region in India was addressed through a case study, in order to develop a sustainable agriculture package as a resource for poor tribal farmers. Quantification of available water resources during the period 2004–2007 revealed that average base flow and surface flow (as percentage of total rainfall) at a level of 37.2 and 34.7% respectively, could be made available in the study area, and would otherwise go out of the system without proper utilization. Economic resource conservation options for farmers, such as the management of paddy field riser bunds through construction of semi‐mechanical runoff disposal devices supplemented with a Eulaliopsis binata vegetative barrier, helped in reducing runoff and soil loss by 10.6% and 1.45 t ha‐1, respectively. Through paired t‐tests at a 5% probability level, significant differences were observed in the reduction of the sediment yield, when comparing the proposed techniques with the farmers’ practices. Introduction of a promising HYV paddy cultivar (Oryza sativa L. or Lalat) fortified with the application of Gliricidia sepium leaves (grown on the periphery of the terraced lowlands) resulted in a paddy yield of 4.2 t ha‐1 as against 1.7 t ha‐1 obtained through the local paddy cultivar. Further, based on the availability of runoff water through a perennial stream, it was found that provision for a diversion irrigation channel constructed to harvest water would be a promising option for irrigating the adjacent medium‐sloping land for remunerative vegetable cultivation. Overall, the developed integrated package resulted in a cost–benefit ratio of 2.6:1 with a net present value of Rs. 116 000.00 (US$2900) at a 15% discount rate, increasing the scope for replicating this technology in other parts of the Eastern Ghat region. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antifungal activity of 2‐(aryl)‐3‐(3‐((8‐hydroxyquinolin‐5‐yl)diazenyl)phenyl)thiazolidin‐4‐ones
Authors: Chopde Himani N. , Pagadala Ramakanth , Meshram Jyotsna S. , Jetti Venkateshwarlu
Published: August 2011

5‐((3‐Aminophenyl)diazenyl)quinolin‐8‐ol (1) was synthesized by diazotization reaction and coupled with 8‐hydroxyquinoline moiety. This amine on facile condensation with aromatic aldehydes in presence of glacial acetic acid and ethanol affords anils (2). These anils on cyclocondensation reaction with thioglycolic acid (i.e., mercaptoacetic acid) yield the titled compound (3). The structure of the newly synthesized anils (2) and thiazolidinones (3) has been confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral analysis. The titled compounds have been screened against different bacterial and fungal strains. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Eco‐friendly HClO4–SiO2 catalyzed synthesis of mono‐ and bis‐diaryl‐2h‐1,4 benzothiazines
Authors: Ansari Mohd. Imran , Shankar Ravi , Hussain Mohd. Kamil , Kant Ruchir , Maulik Prakash R. , Kumar K. Ravi , Hajela K.
Published: August 2011

Mono‐ and bis‐diaryl‐2H‐1,4‐benzothiazines were obtained in quantitative yields through silica‐supported perchloric acid catalyzed reaction cascade of double condensation and 1,4 addition of diaroylacetylenes with 2‐aminothiophenol at room temperature. The structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses and X‐ray crystallographic studies. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011)
Patient acuity rating: Quantifying clinical judgment regarding inpatient stability
Authors: Edelson Dana P. , Retzer Elizabeth , Weidman Elizabeth K. , Woodruff James , Davis Andrew M. , Minsky Bruce D. , Meadow William , Hoek Terry L. Vanden , Meltzer David O.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

New resident work‐hour restrictions are expected to result in further increases in the number of handoffs between inpatient care providers, a known risk factor for poor outcomes. Strategies for improving the accuracy and efficiency of provider sign‐outs are needed.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop and test a judgment‐based scale for conveying the risk of clinical deterioration.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational study.

SETTING:

University teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS:

Internal medicine clinicians and patients.

MEASUREMENTS:

The Patient Acuity Rating (PAR), a 7‐point Likert score representing the likelihood of a patient experiencing a cardiac arrest or intensive care unit (ICU) transfer within the next 24 hours, was obtained from physicians and midlevel practitioners at the time of sign‐out. Cross‐covering physicians were blinded to the results, which were subsequently correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS:

Forty eligible clinicians consented to participate, providing 6034 individual scores on 3419 patient‐days. Seventy‐four patient‐days resulted in cardiac arrest or ICU transfer within 24 hours. The average PAR was 3 ± 1 and yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.82. Provider‐specific AUROC values ranged from 0.69 for residents to 0.85 for attendings (P = 0.01). Interns and midlevels did not differ significantly from the other groups. A PAR of 4 or higher corresponded to a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 68% for predicting cardiac arrest or ICU transfer in the next 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical judgment regarding patient stability can be reliably quantified in a simple score with the potential for efficiently conveying complex assessments of at‐risk patients during handoffs between healthcare members. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
WE ARE NOT POOR! DOMINANT AND SUBALTERN DISCOURSES OF PASTORALIST DEVELOPMENT IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
Authors: Scott‐Villiers Patta
Published: August 2011

This paper explores a moment in a policy meeting in Nairobi in 2009, at which pastoralist customary leaders criticised development agencies' framing of their situation as poverty stricken and in crisis. Analysing the communicative moment, providing context from field research and drawing on ethnography and philosophy, I explore what we can learn about the conduct of a long battle between dominant and subaltern discourses of pastoralist development. I conclude that this is just one incident in a long war between development's universalising discourse and those of people in the rest of the world who see things differently. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A CHALLENGE FOR RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES ON VALUES, ETHICS AND MORALS
Authors: Fischer Andrew M. , Kothari Uma
Published: August 2011

The articles in this special issue represent a selective output from the 2010 annual conference of the Development Studies Association on the theme of ‘Development Paths: Values, Ethics and Morality’. Following a brief introduction to the articles, we pose several future research challenges in the field of Development Studies with respect to this theme. One involves moving beyond orientalism and reverse‐orientalism in the question of values. The second relates to how values and ethics are institutionalised within rapid developmental transformations. The third addresses how the conditions of poverty and inequality are structurally produced through systems and ideologies of valuation. Finally, the current context of high levels of inequalities within and between societies begs for introspection in the field of Development Studies about how values and ethics are related to these inequalities. Ultimately, if we are to maintain our legitimacy as a field of studies that emerged in the era of decolonisation, we need to address the persistence of old and the emergence of new forms of severe exploitation and subordination in a world of so much affluence and at a time when human rights have come to be accepted as near‐universal principles of governance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An MR comparison study of cardiogenic and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in animal models
Authors: Fujimoto Sakae , Morikawa Shigehiro , Inubushi Toshiro
Published: August 2011

Purpose:

To apply magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to differential diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE).

Materials and Methods:

In the CPE group, MR measurements were performed on 5 rats just before and 3 h after administration of 21 ± 2% body weight of normal saline. In the NCPE group, measurements were similarly performed on 5 animals just before and 48 h after 0.75 mg/body of lipopolysaccharide intratracheal administration. Animals were killed for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) or pathological analysis after MR measurements.

Results:

The relation between signal intensity and the T2* value of MR imaging was different in the two groups. The T2* in the NCPE group was significantly longer than that in the CPE group at the same signal intensity level. The lactate levels measured by in vivo MR spectroscopy did not show a difference between the CPE and NCPE groups, although the lactate BALF levels of the two groups were significantly different.

Conclusion:

The relation between signal intensity and T2* value was useful for the differentiation between these two pulmonary diseases. The measurable lactate level in pulmonary lesions suggests the applicability of MR spectroscopy to pulmonary disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical stretch enhances COL2A1 expression on chromatin by inducing SOX9 nuclear translocalization in inner meniscus cells
Authors: Kanazawa Tomoko , Furumatsu Takayuki , Hachioji Motomi , Oohashi Toshitaka , Ninomiya Yoshifumi , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: August 2011

The meniscus plays an important role in controlling the biomechanics of the knee. However, the mechanical stress‐related response in meniscus cells remains unclear. We investigated mechanical stretch‐regulated gene expression in human meniscus cells. Human inner and outer meniscus cells were prepared from the inner and outer halves of the lateral meniscus. The gene expressions of Sry‐type HMG box (SOX) 9 and α1(II) collagen (COL2A1) were assessed by real‐time PCR analyses after cyclic tensile strain (CTS) treatment (0.5 Hz, 5% stretch). The localization and phosphorylation of SOX9 were evaluated by immunohistochemical and Western blot (WB) analyses. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (IP) analysis was performed to assess the stretch‐related protein–DNA complex formation between SOX9 and the COL2A1 enhancer on chromatin. Type II collagen deposition and SOX9 production were detected only in inner menisci. CTS treatments increased expression of the COL2A1 and SOX9 genes in inner meniscus cells, but not in outer meniscus cells. In addition, CTS treatments stimulated nuclear translocalization and phosphorylation of SOX9 in inner meniscus cells. Chromatin IP analyses revealed that CTS increased the association between SOX9 and its DNA‐binding site, included in the COL2A1 enhancer, on chromatin. Our results indicate that inner and outer meniscus cells have different properties in mechanical stretch‐induced COL2A1 expression. In inner meniscus cells, mechanical stretch may have an essential role in the epigenetic regulation of COL2A1 expression. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:468–474, 2012
Augmentation of peri‐implant bone improves implant stability: Quantification using simulated bone loss
Authors: Wirth Andreas J. , Müller Ralph , van Lenthe G. Harry
Published: August 2011

Low bone quality, such as induced by osteoporosis, is considered a main factor leading to failure of fracture fixations. Peri‐implant bone augmentation has been proposed as a means of reducing failure rates in osteoporotic bone by improving implant stability. The beneficial effects of pharmacological augmentation of bone in the immediate vicinity of the implant have been demonstrated. Yet, a quantitative understanding of the role of peri‐implant bone in implant stability is lacking. Therefore, the aim of our study was to quantify the effects of bone loss and peri‐implant bone augmentation on implant stability using image‐based finite element analyses. Using a validated model, we simulated how osteoporotic bone loss would affect implant stability in human humeral heads. We also quantified how augmentation of peri‐implant bone can enhance implant stability. Our simulations revealed that a 30% reduction in bone mass led to a 50% decrease in implant stability. We also found that peri‐implant bone augmentation increased implant stability and that the efficiency of bone augmentation decreased with increasing peri‐implant distance. These findings highlight the strong effect that bone loss has on implant fixation and the potential of peri‐implant bone augmentation for improving implant anchorage in low quality bone. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:178–184, 2012
The gliding characteristics of the flexor pollicis longus tendon in the carpal tunnel: Potential implications for manual pipette users
Authors: Morizaki Yutaka , Zhao Chunfeng , van Doesburg Margriet H. M. , Zhao Kristin , An Kai‐Nan , Amadio Peter C.
Published: August 2011

To understand the potential mechanism for hand and wrist complaints in pipette users, whose motion is characterized by repetitive thumb motion in certain wrist positions, the peak (PGR) and mean (MGR) gliding resistance of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon were measured in nine human cadaver wrists. The PGR with the wrist in 30° ulnar deviation and in the neutral position were significantly lower than the PGR with the wrist in 60° flexion. The MGR with the wrist in 30° ulnar deviation was significantly lower than the MGR with the wrist in 60° flexion, 60° extension, or 20° radial deviation with 40° extension. Based on these data, we believe that a manual pipette designed to be used in neutral to ulnar deviated wrist position could have ergonomic advantages. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:457–460, 2012
UVB radiation‐induced β‐catenin signaling is enhanced by COX‐2 expression in keratinocytes
Authors: Smith Kimberly A. , Tong Xin , Abu‐Yousif Adnan O. , Mikulec Carol C. , Gottardi Cara J. , Fischer Susan M. , Pelling Jill C.
Published: August 2011

UVB radiation is the major carcinogen responsible for skin carcinogenesis, thus elucidation of the molecular pathways altered in skin in response to UVB would reveal novel targets for therapeutic intervention. It is well established that UVB leads to upregulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in the skin which contributes to skin carcinogenesis. Overexpression of COX‐2 has been shown to promote colon cancer cell growth through β‐catenin signaling, however, little is known about the connection between UVB, COX‐2, and β‐catenin in the skin. In the present study, we have identified a novel pathway in which UVB induces β‐catenin signaling in keratinocytes, which is modulated by COX‐2 expression. Exposure of the mouse 308 keratinocyte cell line (308 cells) and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) to UVB resulted in increased protein levels of both N‐terminally unphosphorylated and total β‐catenin. In addition, we found that UVB‐enhanced β‐catenin‐dependent TOPflash reporter activity and expression of a downstream β‐catenin target gene. We demonstrated that UVB‐induced β‐catenin signaling is modulated by COX‐2, as treatment of keratinocytes with the specific COX‐2 inhibitor NS398 blocked UVB induction of β‐catenin. Additionally, β‐catenin target gene expression was reduced in UVB‐treated COX‐2 knockout (KO) MEFs compared to wild‐type (WT) MEFs. Furthermore, epidermis from UVB‐exposed SKH‐1 mice exhibited increased N‐terminally unphosphorylated and total β‐catenin protein levels and increased staining for total β‐catenin, and both responses were reduced in COX‐2 heterozygous mice. Taken together, these results suggest a novel pathway in which UVB induces β‐catenin signaling in keratinocytes which is enhanced by COX‐2 expression. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of matrix metallopeptidase 3 and risk of gliomas in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Fan Weiwei , Zhou Keke , Hu Dezhi , Song Xiao , Zhao Yingjie , Chen Hongyan , Wei Qingyi , Chen Gong , Shi Jinlong , Du Guhong , Mao Ying , Lu Daru , Zhou Liangfu
Published: August 2011

Matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) play an important role in central nervous system tumor growth, invasion and spreading. The currently available data provide clear evidence for the involvement of MMP3 in the pathophysiology of glioma. The study aims to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the MMP3 gene with glioma risk. Three haplotype tagging and additional two promoter SNPs were genotyped among 766 glioma patients and 824 cancer‐free controls from East China. None of these polymorphisms alone had a significant effect on risk of gliomas. However, when three promoter polymorphisms were evaluated together by the number of putative risk of genotypes (i.e., rs645419AA, 632478CA+AA, rs522616AA), a statistically significantly increased risk of gliomas was associated with the combined genotypes with two to three risk genotypes, compared with those with zero to one risk genotypes (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.68). This increased risk was also more pronounced among adults (adjusted OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.02–1.27), males (adjusted OR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.05–1.36), smokers (adjusted OR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.07–1.52), subjects with no family history of cancer (adjusted OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.07–1.37), and patients with nonastrocytic gliomas (adjusted OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.06–1.43). In summary, our results suggest that any one of MMP3 variants may not have a substantial effect on glioma risk, but a joint effect of MMP3 promoter polymorphisms may contribute to risk of gliomas, particularly for adult gliomas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of subchondral bone marrow lipids in healthy controls and mild osteoarthritis patients at 3T
Authors: Wang Ligong , Salibi Nouha , Chang Gregory , Vieira Renata L. R. , Babb James S. , Krasnokutsky Svetlana , Abramson Steven , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: August 2011

The compartment‐specific lipid changes in femoral–tibial bone of healthy controls and mild osteoarthritis (OA) patients were quantified at 3.0 T. Healthy volunteers [Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade = 0; n = 15, 4 females, 11 males, mean age 39 ± 16 years, age range = 24–78 years] and mild OA patients (KL = 1, 2; n = 26, 12 females, 14 males, mean age 61 ± 14 years, age range = 27–80 years) were scanned on a 3 T scanner. Clinical proton density (PD)‐weighted fast spin echo (FSE) images in the sagittal (without fat‐saturation), axial and coronal (fat‐saturation) planes were acquired for cartilage Whole‐Organ MR Imaging Score (WORMS) grading. A voxel of 10 × 10 × 10 mm3 was positioned in the medial and lateral compartments of the tibia [medial tibial (MT) and lateral tibial (LT)] and femur [medial femoral (MF) and lateral femoral (LF)] for MRS measurements using the single voxel‐stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) pulse sequence. All MRS data were processed with Java‐based Magnetic Resonance User Interface (JMRUI). Wilcoxon's rank sum test and mixed model two‐way analysis of variance ( anova) were performed to determine significant differences between different compartments as well as examine the effect of OA grade and compartment, and their interactions. Generally, the MF compartment index of unsaturation was increased in healthy subjects compared with OA subjects (whether graded by KL or WORMS score). Differences between MF at KL0 and all other compartments at KL1 except LF approached statistical significance (p < 0.05). Differences in saturated lipids signals could be observed predominantly in the 2.03 p.p.m. frequency shift. Healthy controls in the MF compartment had the lowest saturated lipid signals, and mild OA patients with KL2 and WORMS5‐6 in the MF compartment had the highest saturated lipid signals compared with other compartments at 2.03 p.p.m. (p < 0.05). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of hierarchical polyaniline nanotubes based on self‐assembly and its electrochemical capacitance
Authors: Ran Fen , Tan Yong‐tao , Liu Ji , zhao Lei , Kong Ling‐bin , Luo Yong‐chun , Kang Long
Published: August 2011

This article reports the preparation and self‐assembly of polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes, which were chemically synthesized by using in situ doping polymerization in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS; (NH4)S2O8) as the oxidant without the use of an external template. The synthesized hierarchically nanotubes with a shape of a single nanotube with a length of 0.6 to 0.8 µm and an average with of 100 nm assembled from nanoparticles. The effects of the [salicylic acid]/[aniline] ratio on the size and capacitance of PANI nanotubes were studied. The specific capacitance behavior of the PANI nanotubes was also investigated by using cyclic voltammogram and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. A maximum discharge‐specific capacitance of 422.5 F/g could be achieved, suggesting its potential application in electrode material for electrochemical capacitors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality Evaluation of Desmodium styracifolium Using High‐performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection and Electrospray Ionisation Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Chan , Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Desmodium styracifolium, with C‐flavone glycosides as main pharmacological effective compounds, is a popular Chinese medicinal herb and has been used to treat urination disturbance, urolithiasis, edema and jaundice. However, few systematic methods have been reported on the quality control of this natural herb.

Objective

To develop a method for control the quality of D. styracifolium by combining chromatographic fingerprints and major constituent quantification.

Method

Separations were performed on an Ultimate XB‐C‐18 column by gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid. Analytes were identified by HPLC coupled with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry experiments.

Results

Twenty common peaks in chromatographic fingerprints were first identified among 15 batches of D. styracifolium from various regions. On basis of this, a HPLC‐PAD method was established to simultaneously quantify five major constituents, which was validated for limit of qualification, linearity and interday variation of precision and accuracy.

Conclusion

The assay developed could be considered as a suitable quality control method of D. styracifolium. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H‐NMR Simultaneous Identification of Health‐Relevant Compounds in Propolis Extracts
Authors: Bertelli Davide , Papotti Giulia , Bortolotti Laura , Marcazzan Gian Luigi , Plessi Maria
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from exudates of different plants that is rich in well‐known health‐relevant phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Propolis extracts are very complex matrices difficult to study. Different analytical methods are usable to analyse propolis extracts and to obtain chemical fingerprint but to our knowledge NMR has not previously been used for this purpose.

Objective

This study aims to demonstrate that it is possible to use 1H‐NMR for the simultaneous recognition of phenolic compounds in complex matrices, such as propolis extracts, using appropriate tools for spectra pre‐treatment and analysis.

Methodology

In this work 12 typical phenolic propolis compounds (apigenin, chrysin, galangin, kaempferol, quercetin, naringenin, pinocembrin, pinostrobin, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid) were considered as reference compounds and their presence in samples was verified by HPLC‐MS. A simple 1H‐NMR sequence was used to obtain spectra of samples. Spectra were pre‐treated by using an appropriate tool for spectra alignment and analysed by using software for the study of spectra originated from complex matrices. Sixty‐five propolis samples were used to test the proposed identification procedure.

Results

Ten out of 12 considered compounds were identified as statistically significant in most of the samples.

Conclusion

This work suggests that it is possible to efficiently use 1H‐NMR, coupled with appropriate spectral analytical tools, for the simultaneous detection of phenolic compounds in complex matrices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between dew‐retted and enzyme‐retted flax fibers as reinforcing material for composites
Authors: Hu Wei , Ton‐That Minh‐Tan , Denault Johanne , Rho Denis , Yang Jianzhong , Lau Peter C.K.
Published: August 2011

Two kinds of retted Canadian linseed flax fibers, dew‐retted (F1) and enzyme‐retted flax fibers (F2) were characterized in detail for their applications in composites, such as retting degree, thermal stability, tensile strength, and interfacial behavior in polypropylene (PP) matrix. It's clear from Scanning Electron Micrograph that the aspect ratio of F2 was much higher than that of F1 in the light of their separated elementary fibers in most cases. Instead, the elementary fibers of F1 remained tightly bundled into technical fiber wrapping with more non‐cellulose portions. This reflected its lower retting degree and resulted in its lower thermal stability. Single fiber tensile test and single fiber pull‐out test were used to evaluate the fiber tensile properties and fiber/PP interfacial shear strength, respectively. Better retting degree and fewer damages on F2 endowed F2 better tensile property. Consequently, higher aspect ratio, retting degree, and tensile strength proved F2 to be a kind of better reinforcing material than F1 for composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. 2011 published by Society of Plastics Engineers
Material parameters identification: An inverse modeling methodology applicable for thermoplastic materials
Authors: Polanco‐Loria M. , Daiyan H. , Grytten F.
Published: August 2011

The methodology proposed in this work uses the local measured strain rate history as the applied “load” to the finite element (FE) “material point”. Next, with this strain rate history, two objective functions related to the true stress–strain and volumetric strain response could be minimized to identify some of the material parameters of the constitutive model. The whole identification process, of the nine material parameters required, is described in detail. In addition, a short description of the hyperelastic‐viscoplastic constitutive model used is given with an experimental program including mainly uniaxial tensile tests at different strain rates. The thermoplastic material investigated here is a mineral and rubber modified polypropylene (PP) compound. The main experimental data uses 3D digital image correlation (DIC) to determine full‐field displacements and deduce true stress–strain, volume dilatation, and local strain rates curves during deformation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Theoretical studies of the structural, electronic and optical properties of carbazole‐based compounds
Authors: Li Lei‐Jiao , Bai Fu‐Quan , Zhang Hong‐Xing
Published: August 2011

Carbazole derivatives have drawn increasing attention recently in organic electronic device applications because of their particular optoelectronic properties. An in‐depth theoretical investigation was elaborated in this paper to reveal the molecular structures, optoelectronic properties, and the structure‐property relationships of different carbazole‐linked functional groups. The geometric and electronic structures in ground and the mobility for the hole and electron are both calculated by density functional theory method. The excited‐state geometries of these compounds were obtained through Single‐excitation Configuration Interaction method, and time‐dependent density functional theory calculation results described the absorption and emission spectra properties, respectively. Some conclusions are as follows: (1) enlarging the π‐conjugated area, the corresponding spectra red shifted markedly; (2) by introducing the electron‐donor such as carbazole, the spectra blue shifted slightly; (3) compared with compound 1, the spectra for these compounds are hardly influenced by introducing an electron‐acceptor or heterocyclic substitution. On all accounts, these compounds are interesting optoelectronic functional materials. On the basis of their structural modifiability, the arylamine derivatives substituted carbazole compounds have great potential in the applications of organic light‐emitting diodes, organic solar cells, and sensors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress Plateau of Multilayered Corrugated Paperboard in Various Ambient Humidities
Authors: E Yu‐Ping , Wang Zhi‐Wei
Published: August 2011

This paper presents a mathematical model to predict the stress plateau of multilayered corrugated paperboard under flatwise compression in various humidity environments. The model relates the stress plateau to the thickness‐to‐flute pitch ratio of corrugated core cell, the yield stress of corrugated medium and the relative humidity in surrounding air. Multilayered corrugated paperboards with a wide range of thickness‐to‐flute pitch ratios are investigated under several levels of ambient humidities to explore the effect of relative humidity on the stress plateau of multilayered corrugated paperboard. Comparison of the predictions and experiments is made, and a good correlation is achieved corroborating the feasibility and accuracy of the model. The proposed method can be used for practical application of the optimum design and material selection of multilayered corrugated paperboard. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.