bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Aza‐Cope/Mannich Reaction
Authors: Overman Larry E. , Humphreys Philip G. , Welmaker Gregory S.
Published: December 2011

Because of their ability to rapidly build molecular complexity, reactions that construct several carbon‐carbon bonds are of special value in organic synthesis. Among these transformations, cascade reactions form several bonds by an orchestrated sequence in which the first bond‐forming step reveals functionality that allows subsequent bond forming transformations. In 1979 such a sequence for the synthesis of 3‐acylpyrrolidines and azacyclic structures that contain this unit was reported. This reaction is now commonly called the aza‐Cope/Mannich reaction, a [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement of an unsaturated iminium cation generates the iminium ion and enol that are participants in a subsequent intramolecular Mannich reaction.

The aza‐Cope/Mannich reaction has not been the subject of comprehensive review. This chapter covers the common version of the transformation discussed above along with the formation of 3‐acylpyrrolidines by a related base‐promoted cascade sequence.
Hip fractures in the United States: 2008 nationwide emergency department sample
Authors: Kim Sunny H. , Meehan John P. , Blumenfeld Thomas , Szabo Robert M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the recent epidemiology of hip fractures in the US.

Methods

We identified hip fracture cases from the 2008 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, which contains more than 28 million emergency department (ED) records.

Results

In 2008, approximately 341,000 (95% confidence interval 323,000–358,000) patients visited EDs with hip fractures. Of those, 90% were age >60 years. Between ages 60–85 years, the risk of fracture doubled for every 5‐ to 6‐year increase in age. However, the hip fracture risk increased slowly after age 85 years. The overall trochanteric‐to‐cervical fracture ratio was nearly 2:1. The risk of trochanteric fracture increased faster with age compared with the risk of cervical fracture. At age 85 years, the rates of trochanteric and cervical fractures (per 100,000) were 1,300 and 700, respectively, among women and 800 and 500, respectively, among men.

Conclusion

The slowed growth of hip fracture risk after age 85 years suggests that the eldest old group may have a distinct hip fracture risk. Our study showed that trochanteric fractures were twice as common as cervical fractures. Because trochanteric fractures are more closely related to severe and generalized bone loss than cervical fractures, we hypothesize that the high incidence rate of trochanteric fractures in the US suggests that osteoporosis is a health problem that is linked to hip fracture. In addition to improved safety measures to reduce falls, rigorous preventive treatments of osteoporosis may be needed.
Association of discoid lupus erythematosus with clinical manifestations and damage accrual in a multiethnic lupus cohort
Authors: Santiago‐Casas Yesenia , Vilá Luis M. , McGwin Gerald , Cantor Ryan S. , Petri Michelle , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Reveille John D. , Kimberly Robert P. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Brown Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine the clinical manifestations and disease damage associated with discoid rash in a large multiethnic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort.

Methods

SLE patients (per American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria) ages ≥16 years with a disease duration of ≤10 years at enrollment and defined ethnicity (African American, Hispanic, or white) from a longitudinal cohort were studied. Socioeconomic–demographic features, clinical manifestations, and disease damage (per the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index) were determined. The association of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) with clinical manifestations and disease damage was examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2,228 SLE patients were studied. The mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 34.3 ± 12.8 years and the mean ± SD disease duration was 7.9 ± 6.0 years; 91.8% were women. DLE was observed in 393 patients with SLE (17.6%). In the multivariable analysis, patients with DLE were more likely to be smokers and of African American ethnicity and to have malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, leukopenia, and vasculitis. DLE patients were less likely to be of Hispanic (from Texas) ethnicity and to have arthritis, end‐stage renal disease, and antinuclear, anti–double‐stranded DNA, and antiphospholipid antibodies. Patients with DLE had more damage accrual, particularly chronic seizures, scarring alopecia, scarring of the skin, and skin ulcers.

Conclusion

In this cohort of SLE patients, DLE was associated with several clinical features, including serious manifestations such as vasculitis and chronic seizures.
Estimation of stature and body mass from the skeleton among coastal and mid‐altitude andean populations
Authors: Pomeroy Emma , Stock Jay T.
Published: December 2011

Adult stature and body mass represent fundamental biological characteristics of individuals and populations, as they are relevant to a range of problems from assessing nutrition and health to longer term evolutionary processes. Stature and body mass estimation from skeletal dimensions are therefore key to addressing biological and social questions about past populations. Anatomical reconstruction provides the most direct proxy for living stature but is only suitable for well‐preserved remains. Regression equations for estimating stature from bone lengths are therefore extremely useful, though it is well recognized that differences in body proportions limit the cross‐application of equations between samples. Here, we assess the accuracy of published stature estimation equations from worldwide and New World groups applied to archaeological samples from the central Andean coast and highlands of South America. As no existing equations are clearly appropriate, new sample‐specific regression equations are presented. Anatomical stature reconstruction is further complicated by artificial cranial modification (ACM) influencing cranial height in Andean samples, so this problem is investigated in the current sample. Although ACM has minimal impact here, the possibility should be explored in other samples before anatomical stature estimation is attempted. Recommendations are also made for estimating body mass from femoral head diameter. The mean of three previously published equations is shown to offer minimal bias and the most reliable estimate of body mass in the study samples. Am J Phys Anthropol 147:264–279, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Fecal androgen excretion and fetal sex effects during gestation in wild assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis)
Authors: Fürtbauer Ines , Heistermann Michael , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia
Published: December 2011

In placental mammals, pregnancy usually is associated with an increase in maternal androgens, which may significantly impact fetal growth and differentiation, and affect postnatal development and behavior. Owing to their slow life histories and challenging social conditions, determination of maternal androgens and potential interference effects of fetal androgen production are of particular interest in wild primates. However, androgen production has been rarely investigated in wild female primates, and studies on maternal androgens during gestation in particular often do not span the entire pregnancy. Here, we characterize fecal androgen production throughout gestation in wild Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) using noninvasive hormone analysis and, furthermore, examine fetal sex effects on maternal androgen excretion. A total of 207 fecal samples were analyzed from seven females for concentrations of immunoreactive epiandrosterone (iEA). Fecal iEA concentrations, as predicted based on cercopithecine blood‐serum patterns, increased during early gestation and were significantly higher during the first trimester compared with preconception concentrations and those recorded during later stages of gestation. Further, during the third trimester, male‐carrying mothers showed significantly higher iEA concentrations compared with female‐carrying mothers. This first characterization of fecal androgen excretion during gestation in Assamese macaques indicates both a maternal and fetal effect on androgen production. Although our sample size is small, our results, nevertheless, provide the basis for assessing potential influences of maternal androgens on postnatal offspring development and behavior. Am J Phys Anthropol 147:334–339, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morbidity in the marshes: Using spatial epidemiology to investigate skeletal evidence for malaria in Anglo‐Saxon England (AD 410–1050)
Authors: Gowland R.L. , Western A.G.
Published: December 2011

Concerns over climate change and its potential impact on infectious disease prevalence have contributed to a resurging interest in malaria in the past. A wealth of historical evidence indicates that malaria, specifically Plasmodium vivax, was endemic in the wetlands of England from the 16th century onwards. While it is thought that malaria was introduced to Britain during the Roman occupation (AD first to fifth centuries), the lack of written mortality records prior to the post‐medieval period makes it difficult to evaluate either the presence or impact of the disease. The analysis of human skeletal remains from archaeological contexts is the only potential means of examining P. vivax in the past. Malaria does not result in unequivocal pathological lesions in the human skeleton; however, it results in hemolytic anemia, which can contribute to the skeletal condition cribra orbitalia. Using geographical information systems (GIS), we conducted a spatial analysis of the prevalence of cribra orbitalia from 46 sites (5,802 individuals) in relation to geographical variables, historically recorded distribution patterns of indigenous malaria and the habitat of its mosquito vector Anopheles atroparvus. Overall, those individuals living in low‐lying and Fenland regions exhibited higher levels of cribra orbitalia than those in nonmarshy locales. No corresponding relationship existed with enamel hypoplasia. We conclude that P. vivax malaria, in conjunction with other comorbidities, is likely to be responsible for the pattern observed. Studies of climate and infectious disease in the past are important for modeling future health in relation to climate change predictions. Am J Phys Anthropol 147:301–311, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An update on attitudes and use of image‐guided surgery
Authors: Justice Jeb M. , Orlandi Richard R.
Published: December 2011

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare 2010 access to, usage of, and attitudes toward image‐guided surgery (IGS) for endoscopic sinus surgery and anterior skull‐base surgery to those in 2005.

Methods:

A mail survey of American Rhinologic Society (ARS) members was performed in January 2010. Results were compared to results from the same survey mailed in January 2005.

Results:

Significantly more respondents in 2010 had access to IGS compared to 2005 (94.6% vs 86%, p = 0.002). Compared to 2005, IGS was used in a greater percentage of cases in 2010 (p < 0.0001). More respondents in 2010 felt that IGS is indicated for primary anterior ethmoidectomy, revision anterior ethmoidectomy, primary total ethmoidectomy, Lothrop procedure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, tumor surgery, orbital decompression, and optic nerve decompression (all p < 0.05). Similar to 2005, region, residency completion date, and availability of IGS in residency had no measureable effect on attitudes toward IGS. As in 2005, availability of IGS was associated with a greater feeling of its necessity in 2010.

Conclusion:

IGS availability has grown significantly and nearly all ARS members now have access. Estimates of use by respondents have also increased over the last 5 years, particularly for ethmoid and advanced procedures. Revision surgery and advanced procedures continue to be chief indications for IGS use. As in 2005, the results of this survey reflect the opinion of the respondents, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the ARS or of practicing otolaryngologists in general. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Wide variation and rising utilization of stroke magnetic resonance imaging: Data from 11 States
Authors: Burke James F. , Kerber Kevin A. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Morgenstern Lewis B.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Neuroimaging is an essential component of the acute stroke evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more accurate than computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of stroke, but is more costly and time‐consuming. We sought to describe changes in MRI utilization from 1999 to 2008.

Methods:

We performed a serial cross‐sectional study with time trends of neuroimaging in patients with a primary International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification discharge diagnosis of stroke admitted through the emergency department in the State Inpatient Databases from 10 states. MRI utilization was measured by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project criteria. Data were included for states from 1999 to 2008 where MRI utilization could be identified.

Results:

A total of 624,842 patients were hospitalized for stroke in the period of interest. MRI utilization increased in all states. Overall, MRI absolute utilization increased 38%, and relative utilization increased 235% (28% of strokes in 1999 to 66% in 2008). Over the same interval, CT utilization changed little (92% in 1999 to 95% in 2008). MRI use varied widely by state. In 2008, MRI utilization ranged from a low of 55% of strokes in Oregon to a high of 79% in Arizona. Diagnostic imaging was the fastest growing component of total hospital costs (213% increase from 1999 to 2007).

Interpretation:

MRI utilization during stroke hospitalization increased substantially, with wide geographic variation. Rather than replacing CT, MRI is supplementing it. Consequently, neuroimaging has been the fastest growing component of hospitalization cost in stroke. Recent neuroimaging practices in stroke are not standardized and may represent an opportunity to improve the efficiency of stroke care. Ann Neurol 2012;71:179–185
A PdCl2–ionic liquid brush assembly: an efficient and reusable catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck reaction in neat water
Authors: Shi Xianying , Han Xiaoyan , Ma Wenjuan , Fan Juan , Wei Junfa
Published: December 2011

An efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalytic assembly of PdCl2 held in ionic liquid brushes has been synthesized and an environmentally‐friendly procedure was developed for coupling aryl iodides with acrylic acid. These reactions were conducted in water under aerobic conditions with water‐insoluble or even solid aryl iodides and they proceeded smoothly and cleanly without any organic co‐solvent or other additives. A 0.5 mol% (based on Pd atom) dose of the catalyst was found to be sufficient for Mizoroki–Heck reaction. The catalyst is easily recovered post reaction, via simple filtration, and reused at least eight times without a noticeable loss of activity. The protocol has the advantages of excellent yield, environmental friendliness, and catalyst recyclability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tethering methoxy polyethylene glycols to improve the antifouling property of PSF/PAA‐blended membranes
Authors: Yu Haijun , Cao Yiming , Kang Guodong , Liu Jianhui , Li Meng
Published: December 2011

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was used as an additive to fabricate blended polysulfone (PSF) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. Hexanediamine was used as a crosslinking agent to react with PAA and formed an active surface with amine group. Then, an end carboxyl group methoxy polyethylene glycol (MPEG) was grafted on the membrane surface via an amidation reaction. Water contact angle measurement indicated that the surface hydrophilicity of PSF/PAA‐blended membranes and MPEG‐modified membranes remarkably increased. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) was used to confirm the existence of PAA in the blended membranes and the change of chemical composition. Membrane surface and cross‐sectional morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscope. The flux of pure water increased slightly after modification, while the rejection to bovine serum albumin had no obvious change. The improvement of antifouling property for MPEG‐modified membrane was accordant with the increase of PAA content in PSF/PAA‐blended membranes. Protein UF experiments revealed that membrane fouling, especially irreversible membrane fouling, was remarkably reduced due to the incorporation of MPEG. The long‐term protein UF experiment demonstrated the improvement of recycling property and the reliability of modification. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of the concentration of the sizing agent on the carbon fibers surface and interface properties of its composites
Authors: Zhang R. L. , Huang Y. D. , Li N. , Liu L. , Su D.
Published: December 2011

The effect of the concentration of the sizing agent on performances of carbon fiber and carbon fiber composites has been investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize carbon fiber surface topographies. At the same time, the single fiber strengths and Weibull distribution were also studied. The interlaminar shear strength and hygrothermal ageing test have been used to study the effect of fiber coatings on the interface of the composites. The analysis of the results shows that the sizing level is essential for improving the surface of carbon fibers and its composite performance. Different concentrations of the sizing agent have different contributions to the wetting performance of carbon fibers. Among the three concentrations of sizing agent studied (1 wt %, 1.5 wt %, and 2 wt %), the optimal sizing level is 1.5 wt %. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 125:425–432, 2011
Wetting and adhesion behavior of armos fibers after dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Jia Caixia , Chen Ping , Wang Qian , Li Bin , Chen Mingxin
Published: December 2011

To investigate the influence of atmospheric plasma treatment on aramid fiber wetting and adhesion behavior, an air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was applied to the Armos aramid fiber surface at different discharge power densities. Dynamic contact angle analysis indicated that the total surface free energy was increased from 49.6 to 68.3 mJ/m2, an increment of 37.7%, whereas the single‐fiber tensile strength testing showed that the mechanical properties of the Armos fibers were almost unaffected. With the enhancement of fiber surface wettability, the interlaminar shear strength, which was used to determine the interfacial adhesion in Armos‐fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composites, increased by 17.2% to 71.4 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy photos showed that the predominant failure mode of the composites changed from interface failure to matrix and/or fiber failure after the plasma treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that the air DBD plasma was an effective technique for improving the surface and interfacial performance of the Armos fibers without damaging their bulk properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and characterization of bamboo fibers coated with urushiol‐ferric and its composite with polypropylene
Authors: Xue Hanyu , Chen Qinhui , Lin Jinhuo
Published: December 2011

To improve the interfacial adhesion of bamboo powder/plastic composites by using natural coupling agents, bamboo fibers (BFs) coated with urushiol‐ferric (BCFeU) were obtained via in situ polymerization and BCFeU/ polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared. Direct correlations were found between coating ratio of BCFeU and activation time, concentration of urushiol, reaction time and concentration of ferric chloride. Five methods consisting of polarizing microscope, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope, thermo gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the BCFeU. The results show that BCFeU was obtained successfully. Urushiol‐ferric compounds were coated on the BFs by hydrogen bonding. Tensile test results and scanning electron microscope analysis of tensile fracture surfaces showed that urushiol‐ferric acted as a coupling agent in BCFeU/PP composite. This results in 56% increase in elongation at break and 46% increase in maximum deflection of BCFeU/PP composite (compared with that of BF/PP composite) while there was no evident of variation in tensile strength and bending strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Retinoic Acid Response Element in Zebrafish cyp26a1 Promoter
Authors: Li Jingyun , Hu Ping , Li Kui , Zhao Qingshun
Published: December 2011

Cyp26A1 is a major enzyme that controls retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis by metabolizing RA into bio‐inactive metabolites. Previously, we demonstrated that zebrafish cyp26a1 promoter possesses two conserved RA response elements (RAREs; proximal R1 and distal R2) in response to RA. Here, we report that it contains a novel RARE (R3) lying between R1 and R2. Mutagenesis analysis reveals that R3 works together with R1 and R2 to ensure the maximum RA inducibility of cyp26a1 promoter. Performing electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we show that RA receptor alpha can bind the novel RARE. Creating and analyzing transgenic zebrafish of Tg(cyp26a1‐R3mut:eYFP)nju3/+ that harbor enhanced yellow fluorescent protein reporter gene (eYFP) driven by cyp26a1 promoter with mutated R3, we demonstrate that the reporter is mainly expressed in tissues of endogenous RA independent but not regions of RA dependent. Like Tg(cyp26a1:eYFP)nju1/+, which harbor eYFP driven by wild‐type cyp26a1 promoter, the reporter in Tg(cyp26a1‐R3mut:eYFP)nju3/+ responds to excessive RA dose dependently. However, it is expressed in a significantly lower level than the reporter in Tg(cyp26a1:eYFP)nju1/+ in response to exogenous RA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that zebrafish cyp26a1 promoter contains a novel RARE that plays crucial roles in regulating cyp26a1 expression during early development of zebrafish. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Histological and Ultrastructural Examinations of Porcine Tonsils
Authors: Liu Zhixue , Yu Qinghua , Li Pengcheng , Yang Qian
Published: December 2011

The histology and ultrastructure of porcine tonsils were studied. The porcine tonsils were lymphoepithelial organs situated at the opening of both the digestive and respiratory tracts. The tonsil of the soft palate in the oropharyngeal tract and the paraepiglottic tonsil in the laryngopharynx were mainly consisted of secondary lymphoid follicles encapsulated by connective tissue. The stratified squamous epithelia covering the tonsils and their crypts were frequently heavily infiltrated by lymphoid cells. The pharyngeal and tubal tonsils (TT) were situated in the nasopharyngeal tract. The cells of the pseudostratified columnar epithelia of the pharyngeal and TT were loosely connected, with large intercellular space. They consisted of scattered lymphoid follicles, aggregations of lymphoid cells and diffuse lymphoid tissues. Many high endothelial venules, specialized for the diapedesis of lymphoid cells into the tonsillar tissue, were detected in the four porcine tonsils. Therefore, the overall structures of the tonsils (the tonsil of the soft palate, the paraepiglottic tonsil, the pharyngeal and the TT) reflect their immune functionality in the oral and intranasal immunity. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arylalkyl Ketones, Benzophenones, Desoxybenzoins and Chalcones Inhibit TNF‐α Induced Expression of ICAM‐1: Structure‐Activity Analysis
Authors: Kumar Sarvesh , Reddy L Chandra Shekhar , Kumar Yogesh , Kumar Amit , Singh Brajendra K. , Kumar Vineet , Malhotra Shashwat , Pandey Mukesh K. , Jain Rajni , Thimmulappa Rajesh , Sharma Sunil K. , Prasad Ashok K. , Biswal Shyam , Van der Eycken Erik , DePass Anthony L. , Malhotra Sanjay V. , Ghosh Balaram , Parmar Virinder S.
Published: December 2011

The interaction between leukocytes and the vascular endothelial cells (EC) via cellular adhesion molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Small molecules that block these interactions have been targeted as potential therapeutic agents against acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In an effort to identify potent intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) inhibitors, a large number of arylalkyl ketones, benzophenones, desoxybenzoins and chalcones and their analogs (54 in total) have been synthesized and screened for their ICAM‐1 inhibitory activity. The structure‐activity relationship studies of these compounds identified three potent chalcone derivatives and also demonstrated the possible mechanism for their ICAM‐1 inhibitory activities. The most active compound was found to be 79.
SEMA3A rs7804122 polymorphism is associated with Hirschsprung disease in the Northeastern region of China
Authors: Wang Li–Li , Zhang Yi , Fan Yang , Li Hui , Zhou Feng–hua , Miao Jia‐Ning , Gu Hui , Huang Tian–Chu , Yuan Zheng–Wei
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by an absence of intrinsic ganglion cells in the nerve plexuses of the lower colon. Our previous results showed increased semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) expression may be the risk factor for HSCR pathology in a subset of patients. Therefore, the association between polymorphisms in SEMA3A and the risk of HSCR was examined.

METHODS

The genotypes of two SNPs (rs7804122 and rs797821) in the SEMA3A gene in 119 patients with HSCR and 93 controls were examined using PCR‐sequencing to determine the contribution of SEMA3A to the HSCR phenotype. PCR reaction with cDNA template was also used to find out whether a novel mutation (Chr7:83634610A→T) influences the SEMA3A pre‐mRNA splicing.

RESULTS

Genotypes comprising allele G of rs7804122 (GG or AG) were over‐represented in patients (48.74 vs. 24.8%; p = 0.0013) which indicated that the risk of HSCR was significantly higher among subjects with the GG or AG genotype than among the subjects with the AA genotype. No statistically significant associations were found for SNP rs797821 at the allele or genotype levels. The differences in genotypes and allele distributions of rs7804122 and rs797821 between various clinical classifications were not statistically significant. The novel heterozygous mutation (Chr7:83634610A→T) 30bp away from an intron/exon boundary, had no detectable effect on splicing efficiency.

CONCLUSION

Our results for rs7804122 provided preliminary evidence that the SEMA3A gene is involved in the susceptibility to HSCR in the Northeastern Chinese population. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The association of a dysmorphic pelvis, absence of pubic rami, hip dysplasia, and genitourinary anomalies
Authors: Bashyal Ravi K. , Malchau Henrik , Nimkin Katherine , Holmes Lewis B.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND

There have been reports of children who had absence of the pubic rami, hip dysplasia, and genitourinary anomalies.

CASE REPORT

We describe a 44‐year‐old woman with severe hip dysplasia, bilateral chronic congenital hip dislocations, abnormal development of the entire pelvis, and absence of the pubic rami in association with absence of the uterus.

CONCLUSION

We present an individual who has abnormal development of the entire pelvis, including absence of the pubic rami, and genitourinary anomalies. We suggest that this is a rare pattern of associated anomalies confined to a localized region of the body. Potential underlying developmental abnormalities include somatic mutations which affected the mesodermal cells from which the pelvis and mullerian structures develop. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundamental considerations in the effect of molecular weight on the glass transition of the gelatin/cosolute system
Authors: Jiang Bin , Kasapis Stefan , Kontogiorgos Vassilis
Published: December 2011

Four molecular fractions of gelatin produced by alkaline hydrolysis of collagen were investigated in the presence of cosolute to record the mechanical properties of the glass transition in high‐solid preparations. Dynamic oscillatory and stress relaxation moduli in shear were recorded from 40°C to temperatures as low as −60°C. The small‐deformation behavior of these linear polymers was separated by the method of reduced variables into a basic function of time alone and a basic function of temperature alone. The former allowed the reduction of isothermal runs into a master curve covering 17 orders of magnitude in the time domain. The latter follows the passage from the rubbery plateau through the glass transition region to the glassy state seen in the variation of shift factor, aT, as a function of temperature. The mechanical glass transition temperature (Tg) is pinpointed at the operational threshold of the free volume theory and the predictions of the reaction rate theory. Additional insights into molecular dynamics are obtained via the coupling model of cooperativity, which introduces the concept of coupling constant or interaction strength of local segmental motions that govern structural relaxation at the vicinity of Tg. The molecular weight of the four gelatin fractions appears to have a profound effect on the transition temperature or coupling constant of vitrified matrices, as does the protein chemistry in relation to that of amorphous synthetic polymers or gelling polysaccharides. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 303–310, 2012.
Accuracy of an expanded early warning score for patients in general and trauma surgery wards
Authors: Smith T , Den Hartog D , Moerman T , Patka P , Van Lieshout E M M , Schep N W L
Published: December 2011

Background

Early warning scores (EWS) may aid the prediction of major adverse events in hospitalized patients. Recently, an expanded EWS was introduced in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between this EWS and the occurrence of major adverse clinical events during hospitalization of patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to the general and trauma surgery ward of a university medical centre (March–September 2009). Follow-up was limited to the time the patient was hospitalized. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the EWS and the occurrence of the composite endpoint consisting of death, reanimation, unexpected intensive care unit admission, emergency surgery and severe complications. Performance of the EWS was analysed using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

A total of 572 patients were included. During a median follow-up of 4 days, 46 patients (8.0 per cent) reached the composite endpoint (two deaths, two reanimations, 17 intensive care unit admissions, 44 severe complications, one emergency operation). An EWS of at least 3, adjusted for baseline American Society of Anesthesiology classification, was associated with a significantly higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint (odds ratio 11·3, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 5·5 to 22·9). The area under the ROC curve was 0·87 (95 per cent c.i. 0·81 to 0·93). When considering an EWS of at least 3 to be a positive test result, sensitivity was 74 per cent and specificity was 82 per cent.

Conclusion

An EWS of 3 or more is an independent predictor of major adverse events in patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward.
Efficacy of a two-tiered trauma team activation protocol in a Norwegian trauma centre
Authors:   Rogaland Trauma System Study Collaborating Group, Rehn M , Lossius H M , Tjosevik K E , Vetrhus M , Østebø O , Eken T
Published: December 2011

Background

A registry-based analysis revealed imprecise informal one-tiered trauma team activation (TTA) in a primary trauma centre. A two-tiered TTA protocol was introduced and analysed to examine its impact on triage precision and resource utilization.

Methods

Interhospital transfers and patients admitted by non-healthcare personnel were excluded. Undertriage was defined as the fraction of major trauma victims (New Injury Severity Score over 15) admitted without TTA. Overtriage was the fraction of TTA without major trauma.

Results

Of 1812 patients, 768 had major trauma. Overall undertriage was reduced from 28·4 to 19·1 per cent (P < 0·001) after system revision. Overall overtriage increased from 61·5 to 71·6 per cent, whereas the mean number of skilled hours spent per overtriaged patient was reduced from 6·5 to 3·5 (P < 0·001) and the number of skilled hours spent per major trauma victim was reduced from 7·4 to 7·1 (P < 0·001). Increasing age increased risk for undertriage and decreased risk for overtriage. Falls increased risk for undertriage and decreased risk for overtriage, whereas motor vehicle-related accidents showed the opposite effects. Patients triaged to a prehospital response involving an anaesthetist had less chance of both undertriage and overtriage.

Conclusion

A two-tiered TTA protocol was associated with reduced undertriage and increased overtriage, while trauma team resource consumption was reduced. Registration number: NCT00876564 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Theoretical Studies of Asymmetric Hydroformylation Using the Rh(R,S)‐BINAPHOS Catalyst—Origin of Coordination Preferences and Stereoinduction
Authors: Aguado‐Ullate Sonia , Saureu Sergi , Guasch Laura , Carbó Jorge J.
Published: December 2011

We have undertaken theoretical investigations of the asymmetric hydroformylation of styrene by the [Rh{(R,S)‐BINAPHOS}(CO)2H] catalyst, focusing on the origin of the ligand coordination preferences and stereoinduction. We evaluated the different factors governing the preference of the BINAPHOS ligand to coordinate with the phosphane moiety at the equatorial site and the phosphite moiety at the apical site. The donor–acceptor interactions, obtained using a modified version of energy decomposition analysis (EDA) based on orbital deletion, favour the phosphite moiety at the equatorial site. However, the electronic distortion and the steric effects inverse this tendency. Calculations also suggest that the coordination preference was transferred to the selectivity‐determining transition state. We propose a stereochemical model based on quantitative quadrant maps obtained from a new molecular descriptor, the distance‐weighted volume (VW), which is easily computed from ground‐state structures. Repulsive interactions between the substrate and the apical phosphite were responsible for the enantiodifferentiation. The axial chirality of the phosphite discriminated one of the competitive equatorial–apical paths, whereas the axial chirality of the backbone discriminated one of the two enantiomers. Transition‐state calculations revealed that the placement of phosphane at the apical site would lower enantioselectivity, explaining the poor performance of other phosphane–phosphite ligands. Finally, comparison with previous studies allowed the definition of several prerequisites for diphosphane ligands for high stereoselectivity: 1) specific equatorial–apical coordination bringing chirality to the apical site, 2) combination of two stereogenic centres and 3) rigid structures.
Dynamic Gauging of Soft Fouling Layers on Solid and Porous Surfaces
Authors: Augustin Wolfgang , Chew Y. M John. , Gordon Patrick W. , Lister Vincent Y. , Mayer Moriz , Paterson Bill R. , Peralta Juan‐Manuel , Scholl Stephan , Wilson D. Ian
Published: December 2011

Die experimentelle Bestimmung charakteristischer Parameter von weichen Schichten wie Biofilmen und Proteinablagerungen stellt eine wesentliche Grundlage bei der Erforschung biotechnologischer und verfahrenstechnischer Problemstellungen dar. Die Methode des Fluid Dynamic Gauging ermöglicht die einfache Messung weicher Schichten, hier speziell Foulingschichten, in flüssigen Systemen in situ und in Echtzeit bei unterschiedlichen Prozessbedingungen. Unterschiedliche Messmodi und Düsendesigns ermöglichen eine ablagerungs‐ und geometriespezifische Untersuchung. Die Arbeit berichtet über neuere Entwicklungen dieser Messtechnik
Large improvements in application throughput of long‐running multi‐component applications using batch grids
Authors: Sundari M Sivagama , Vadhiyar Sathish S. , Nanjundiah Ravi S.
Published: December 2011

Computational grids with multiple batch systems (batch grids) can be powerful infrastructures for executing long‐running multi‐component parallel applications. In this paper, we evaluate the potential improvements in throughput of long‐running multi‐component applications when the different components of the applications are executed on multiple batch systems of batch grids. We compare the multiple batch executions with executions of the components on a single batch system without increasing the number of processors used for executions. We perform our analysis with a foremost long‐running multi‐component application for climate modeling, the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). We have built a robust simulator that models the characteristics of both the multi‐component application and the batch systems. By conducting large number of simulations with different workload characteristics and queuing policies of the systems, processor allocations to components of the application, distributions of the components to the batch systems and inter‐cluster bandwidths, we show that multiple batch executions lead to 55% average increase in throughput over single batch executions for long‐running CCSM. We also conducted real experiments with a practical middleware infrastructure and showed that multi‐site executions lead to effective utilization of batch systems for executions of CCSM and give higher simulation throughput than single‐site executions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rendezvous‐based collaboration between autonomous entities: centric versus associative
Authors: Kristensen Bent Bruun
Published: December 2011

Rendezvous‐based synchronization of concurrent autonomous entities is typically described in centric form distributed among the entities. An alternative associative form is also rendezvous‐based but shared between entities. This abstraction from collaboration is a descriptive unit and makes synchronization of entities simple and implicit. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient Grating Studies of Femtosecond Processes in Ultra‐Thin Layers of PTCDA
Authors: Karki Khadga , Helms Gesa , Namboodiri Mahesh , Wagner Veit , Fritz Jürgen , Materny Arnulf
Published: December 2011

Elementary processes like energy transfer, charge transport, and exciton diffusion in thin films occur on time scales of femtoseconds. Time‐resolved photo‐electron spectroscopy,1, 2 a technique limited to ultra‐high vacuum environment and the proper choice of a substrate, has been used to study ultrafast processes in sub‐nanometer thin films so far. Herein we show that a transient (population) grating3 created by the interference of laser pulses can be used to study ultrafast processes in such films under ambient conditions. Our investigations of exciton dynamics in 1.4±0.2 nm and 0.4±0.2 nm thin films, formed by nanocrystals of 3,4,9,10‐Perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) on glass and mica, show that the dynamics differ with the crystal size, possibly due to the confinement induced changes in the electronic structure. The technique is sensitive enough to investigate the dynamics in systems, where only 20 % of the surface is covered by nano‐crystals. We expect such an optical technique that is sensitive enough to study dynamics in few to sub‐nanometer thin layers under ambient conditions to become important in investigating ultrafast dynamics on surfaces, interfaces, functionalized materials, organic semiconductors, and quantum phenomena in ordered structures of reduced dimensions, such as quantum dots and graphene sheets.
Homogeneous Catalysis of Valeronitrile Hydrolysis under Supercritical Conditions
Authors: Sarlea Michael , Kohl Sabine , Blickhan Nina , Vogel Herbert
Published: December 2011

Supercritical nitrile hydrolysis can be used for both, amide and acid production as well as waste water treatment, as the hydrolysis products show good biodegradability. The conventional process at ambient conditions requires large amounts of mineral acid or base. Approaches that use supercritical water as a green solvent without a catalyst have been investigated over recent years. Findings for valeronitrile hydrolysis presented recently showed promising reaction rates and valeric acid yields. In an attempt to further maximize product yield and to better understand the impact of the pH, reactions in dilute sulfuric acid (0.01 mol L−1) were performed in a continuous high‐pressure laboratory‐scale apparatus at 400–500 °C, 30 MPa, and a maximum residence time of 100 s. Results from both reaction media were compared with regard to productivity and sustainability.
Unexpected Formation of a Cobalt(III) Phenoxazinylate Electron Reservoir
Authors: Lesh Frank D. , Lord Richard L. , Heeg Mary Jane , Schlegel H. Bernhard , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: December 2011

The redox‐active ligand N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,2‐phenylenediamine (H4L), known for supporting catalytic processes with both late and early transition metals, unexpectedly undergoes an unusual and thus far unobserved cyclization. Upon equimolar treatment of a cobalt(II) salt in the presence of Et3N under aerobic conditions, a ligand rearrangement occurs to afford an unprecedented phenoxazinyl radical moiety (L′). The resulting bisligated Co complex, thoroughly characterized structurally and electronically and analyzed by multiple experimental and computational approaches, is presented. It is shown to traverse oxidation states from 2+ to 3–, spanning a thermodynamic window of approximately 2 V.
N‐Acylpyrroles: More Than Amides
Authors: Goldys Anna M. , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: December 2011

This microreview highlights the synthetically versatile N‐acylpyrrole functional group. The preparation, electronic properties and unique reactivity of these amide systems are highlighted. Capable of functioning as acid, ester, amide, aldehyde and ketone equivalents, of serving as acylating agents, of enhancing the reactivities of α,β‐unsaturated systems and of undergoing a wide range of other reactions, this microreview shows N‐acylpyrroles to be more than just amides.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Stegobinone and Stegobiol, Components of the Natural Sex Pheromone of the Drugstore Beetle (Stegobium paniceum L.) (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 1/2012)
Authors: Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Smonou Ioulia
Published: December 2011

The cover picture shows drugstore beetles (Stegobium paniceum) abandoning their wooden tunnel nests to urgently follow the female‐produced sex pheromone. The chemoenzymatic stereoselective synthesis of the two components of the natural sex pheromone of the drugstore beetle was achieved by using ketoreductases in the key steps. Crystalline stegobinone was obtained free of its 1′‐epimer, which is strongly repellent to Stegobium paniceum. The authors thank the young architect George Orfanopoulos for the graphical design. The photographs of the drugstore beetle were taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drugstore_beetle_03.jpg under permission of http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by‐sa/3.0/deed.en. Details of the chemoenzymatic synthesis of the sex pheromone are discussed in the Short Communication by D. Kalaitzakis and I. Smonou on p. 43 ff.

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Characterization and Analytical Applications of a Coenzyme‐A Chemically Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Merli Daniele , Zavarise Francesca , Tredici Ilenia , Pesavento Maria , Profumo Antonella
Published: December 2011

A gold electrode modified by chemisorption of Coenzyme A (CoA‐CME) has been prepared. Exploiting its complexation properties towards heavy metal ions usually present in natural waters, it was shown that CoA has a stronger interaction with Cu than with the Pb and Cd; the complexation constants of bounded CoA with these ions were calculated by a novel approach. The metal ions can be determined in natural waters at the CoA‐CME by open circuit preconcentration followed by medium exchange in citrate buffer before the anodic stripping voltammetry. The presence in solution of competing ligands and important aspects regarding the complexation were investigated.
New Immunosensors Operating in Organic Phase (OPIEs) for Analysis of Triazinic Pesticides in Olive Oil
Authors: Tomassetti Mauro , Martini Elisabetta , Campanella Luigi
Published: December 2011

Several tests were carried out on the possibility of fabricating immunosensors working in organic solvents or solvent mixtures and aimed at developing new immunosensors for the analysis of triazinic pesticides present in hydrophobic matrices such as olive oil. Initially, an immunosensor for atrazine was tested in which a hydrogen peroxide electrode was used as transducer and peroxidase enzyme as marker. The competitive process took place in a chloroform–hexane 50 % (V/V) mixture, while the subsequent enzymatic measurement was performed in an aqueous buffer solution. A linear response of between about 50 nM and 5.0 µM was obtained versus atrazine in presence of oil. Subsequently, attempts were also made using a Clark electrode as transducer and performing not only the competition but also the final enzymatic measure in organic solvent. The latter enzymatic measurement was thus carried out in several different organic solvents, such as decane, hexane, chloroform and chloroformhexane mixture. The best analytical results were obtained using decane as solvent and tert‐butylhydroperoxide as substrate of the enzymatic reaction.
Nonlimiting Hydrogen Electrosorption Properties of Asymmetric Palladium Nanoparticle‐Modified Porous Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Xiao Xiaoyin , Brozik Susan M. , Montaño Gabriel A. , Washburn Cody M. , Wheeler David R. , Burckel D. Bruce , Polsky Ronen
Published: December 2011

Hydrogen electrosorption is studied on 3D porous carbon electrodes fabricated by interferometric lithography. Mixed acetonitrile/water solutions provided a route to electrodeposit Pd nanoparticles homogeneously throughout the structures. These monoliths exhibit hydrogen electrosorption profiles typical for limited volume electrodes and consequently are promising candidates for micro‐hydrogen based fuel cells. In contrast, aqueous solutions resulted in asymmetric Pd depositions due to the hydrophobic nature of the carbon electrode and its unique 3D porous structure. These electrodes exhibited unusual nonlimiting hydrogen electrosorption profiles.