bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of silica/PET antiglare films using image analysis and dynamic dispersity index
Authors: Sul In Hwan , Song Young Seok
Published: March 2013

This article proposes an advanced theoretical framework that quantitatively evaluates dispersion state of silica beads of a PET‐based antiglare film. The positional randomness of bead dispersion is expressed via a single scalar value, the dynamic dispersity index. The static dispersity index definition based on molecular dynamics, which was proposed in our previous work, was improved with a pseudo‐relaxation algorithm. PET‐based antiglare films, which had the variable degree of particle dispersion, were used for the verification together with graphically drawn artificial bead images. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Photo‐induced protonation and conductivity of polyaniline/poly(ethylene glycol) and polyaniline/[poly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted polyaniline] composites
Authors: Alber Candace , Shi Zheng , Johns Valentine K. , Lafave Sarah , Liao Yi
Published: March 2013

Composites of polyaniline in its emeraldine base form (PANI‐EB) and photo‐acid generators (PAG) show an increase in conductivity upon photo‐irradiation due to the protonation of PANI‐EB. Such materials may be utilized to fabricate conducting patterns by photo‐irradiation. However, the conductivity obtained by direct irradiation of PANI‐EB/PAG composites was normally quite low (<10−3 S/cm) due to aggregation of highly loaded PAG. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is a proton transfer polymer, was added to PANI‐EB/PAG. Results showed that addition of low Mw (550) PEG significantly enhance the photo‐induced conductivity. Conductivities as high as 10−1–100 S/cm were observed after photo‐irradiation. This conductivity is comparable to that of PANI‐salt synthesized by oxidizing aniline in the presence of an acid. High Mw (8000) PEG is much less effective than PEG 550, which is attributed to its lower compatibility with PANI. PEG‐grafted PANI (N‐PEG‐PANI) was also studied as an additive. Composites of PANI‐EB and N‐PEG‐PANI showed conductivity as high as 102 S/cm after treatment with HCl vapor. The photo‐induced conductivity of the N‐PEG‐PANI/PANI‐EB/PAG composite reached 10−2–10−1 S/cm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Designing a fully automated multi‐bioreactor plant for fast DoE optimization of pharmaceutical protein production
Authors: Fricke Jens , Pohlmann Kristof , Jonescheit Nils A. , Ellert Andree , Joksch Burkhard , Luttmann Reiner
Published: March 2013

The identification of optimal expression conditions for state‐of‐the‐art production of pharmaceutical proteins is a very time‐consuming and expensive process. In this report a method for rapid and reproducible optimization of protein expression in an in‐house designed small‐scale BIOSTAT® multi‐bioreactor plant is described. A newly developed BioPAT® MFCS/win Design of Experiments (DoE) module (Sartorius Stedim Systems, Germany) connects the process control system MFCS/win and the DoE software MODDE® (Umetrics AB, Sweden) and enables therefore the implementation of fully automated optimization procedures. As a proof of concept, a commercial Pichia pastoris strain KM71H has been transformed for the expression of potential malaria vaccines. This approach has allowed a doubling of intact protein secretion productivity due to the DoE optimization procedure compared to initial cultivation results. In a next step, robustness regarding the sensitivity to process parameter variability has been proven around the determined optimum. Thereby, a pharmaceutical production process that is significantly improved within seven 24‐hour cultivation cycles was established. Specifically, regarding the regulatory demands pointed out in the process analytical technology (PAT) initiative of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the combination of a highly instrumented, fully automated multi‐bioreactor platform with proper cultivation strategies and extended DoE software solutions opens up promising benefits and opportunities for pharmaceutical protein production.
Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Catalytically Active Species in the MoO3/SiO2 Catalyst during Solid Acid Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Kotbagi Trupti V. , Biradar Ankush V. , Umbarkar Shubhangi B. , Dongare Mohan K.
Published: March 2013

We report the isolation, characterization, and identification of the catalytically active species formed during various acid‐catalyzed reactions if silica‐supported MoO3 was used as a catalyst. We have reported previously the synthesis and extensive characterization of the silica‐supported MoO3 catalyst prepared by the sol–gel process with ammonium heptamolybdate and ethyl silicate‐40 as molybdenum and silica precursors, respectively. The TEM images showed uniformly distributed MoO3 nanoparticles on the high‐surface area mesoporous silica support and high acidity (0.9 mmol g−1) by using temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3‐TPD) analysis. This catalyst has already shown high activity for various acid‐catalyzed reactions. To understand the nature of catalytically active species formed during the reaction, the liquid‐phase esterification of acetic acid and ethanol was studied as a probe reaction with very high acid conversion (83 %) in 8 h. During esterification, the reaction mixture turned blue, which indicated a change in the nature of the catalyst under reaction conditions. These catalytically active species formed in the reaction mixture were isolated and extensively characterized by using FTIR, Raman, powder XRD, BET surface area, NH3‐TPD, energy dispersive X‐ray, and TEM analysis. The characterization results revealed the in situ formation of silicomolybdic acid on the silica surface in the presence of water, which acts as catalytically active species responsible for the acid‐catalyzed reactions.
Synthesis and Properties of Oval‐Shaped Iron Oxide/Ethylene Glycol Mesostructured Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Xi , Yang Yijun , Zhai Tianyou , Zhong Yeteng , Gu Zhanjun , Cao Y. Charles , Zhao Yuliang , Ma Ying , Yao Jiannian
Published: March 2013

We have demonstrated a new and facile bottom‐up protocol for the effective synthesis of oval‐shaped iron oxide/ethylene glycol (FeOx/EG) mesostructured nanosheets. Deprotonated ethylene glycol molecules are intercalated into iron oxide layers to form an interlayer distance of 10.6 Å. These materials display some peculiar magnetic properties, such as the low Morin temperature TM and ferromagnetism below this TM value. CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles can be loaded onto these mesostructured nanosheets to produce nanocomposites that combine both magnetic and fluorescence functions. In addition, iron oxide/propanediol (or butanediol) mesostructured materials with increased interlayer distances can also be synthesized. The developed synthetic strategy may be extended toward the creation of other ultrathin mesostructured nanosheets.
Like (CO)4, Do (CS)4 and (CSe)4 Have a Triplet Ground State?
Authors: Bao Xiaoguang , Hrovat David A. , Borden Weston Thatcher
Published: March 2013

Cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetraone, (CO)4, was computationally predicted and, subsequently, experimentally confirmed to have a triplet ground state, in which a b2g σ MO and an a2u π MO were each singly occupied. In contrast, the (U)CCSD(T) calculations reported herein found that cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetrathione, (CS)4, and cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetraselenone, (CSe)4, both had singlet ground states, in which the b2g σ MO was doubly occupied and the a2u π MO was empty. Our calculations showed that both the longer CX distances and smaller coefficients on the carbon atoms in the b2g and a2u MOs of (CS)4 and (CSe)4 contributed to the difference between the ground states of these two molecules and the ground state of (CO)4. An experimental test of the prediction of a singlet ground state for (CS)4 is proposed.
Synthesis, Structural Characterisation and Stereochemical Investigation of Chiral Sulfur‐Functionalised N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Palladium and Platinum
Authors: Krishnan Deepa , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Wu Meiyi , Li Yongxin , Leung Pak‐Hing
Published: March 2013

Palladium and platinum complexes containing a sulfur‐functionalised N‐heterocyclic carbene (S‐NHC) chelate ligand have been synthesised. The absolute conformations of these novel organometallic S‐NHC chelates were determined by X‐ray structural analyses and solution‐phase 2D 1H–1H ROESY NMR spectroscopy. The structural studies revealed that the phenyl substituents on the stereogenic carbon atoms invariably take up the axial positions on the Pd‐C‐S coordination plane to afford a skewed five‐membered ring structure. All of the chiral complexes are structurally rigid and stereochemically locked in a chiral ring conformation that is either (Rs,S,R)‐λ or (Ss,R,R)‐δ in both the solid state and solution.
ChemInform Abstract: Ca2Pd3Ge, A New Fully Ordered Ternary Laves Phase Structure.
Authors: Doverbratt Isa , Ponou Simeon , Lidin Sven
Published: March 2013

The title compound is prepared by solid state reaction of a 2:2:1 mixture of Ca, Pd, and Ge (argon, sealed Nb ampule, 1223 K, 7 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Structure Refinements of Members in the Brownmillerite Solid Solution Series Ca2Alx (Fe0.5Mn0.5)2‐xO5+δ with 1/2 ≤ x ≤ 4/3.
Authors: Stoeber Stefan , Redhammer Guenther , Schorr Susan , Prokhnenko Oleksandr , Poellmann Herbert
Published: March 2013

The title brownmillerite solid solutions are synthesized by a ceramic method starting with mixtures of CaCO3, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MnO2 (Pt crucibles, 1250 °C, 8 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Pd‐Catalyzed Threefold Arylation of Baylis—Hillman Bromides and Acetates with Triarylbismuth Reagents.
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Giri Somnath
Published: March 2013

Functionalized alkyl benzylacrylates and benzylacrylonitriles are synthesized by cross‐coupling of Baylis—Hillman bromides or acetates with triarylbismuth compounds under palladium‐catalyzed conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Acid‐Catalyzed O‐Benzylating Reagent with the Smallest Unit of Imidate Structure.
Authors: Yamada Kohei , Fujita Hikaru , Kunishima Munetaka
Published: March 2013

The reagent (I) is easily synthesized from benzyl alcohol and cyanuric chloride as a stable, crystalline solid.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Efficient Synthesis of Dithiocarbamates in Green Reaction Media.
Authors: Azizi Najmadin , Gholibeglo Elham
Published: March 2013

Three‐component condensation of epoxides, alkyl halides or α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds with amines and carbon disulfide produces dithiocarbamates in good to excellent yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Kinetic Resolution in Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Aldol Reactions: Enantioselective Robinson‐Type Annulation Reactions.
Authors: Yamanaka Masahiro , Hoshino Masaya , Katoh Takuya , Mori Keiji , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: March 2013

The present kinetic resolution of racemic Michael adduct (I) is catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid.
ChemInform Abstract: Three‐Component Oxytrifluoromethylation of Alkenes: Highly Efficient and Regioselective Difunctionalization of C=C Bonds Mediated by Photoredox Catalysts.
Authors: Yasu Yusuke , Koike Takashi , Akita Munetaka
Published: March 2013

The simple radical transformation, which uses a broad range of O‐nucleophiles, proceeds under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Organocatalytic Michael Addition of 2‐Arylacetates Having an Electron‐Withdrawing Group to Nitroalkenes.
Authors: Kim Sung‐Gon
Published: March 2013

Among various chiral organic compounds tested, BFTU is found to be optimal for the process.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient Organosuperbase‐Catalyzed Mannich‐Type Reactions of Sulfonylimidates with Imines: Successful Use of Aliphatic Imines as Substrates and a Unique Reaction Mechanism.
Authors: Nakano Junya , Masuda Koichiro , Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shu
Published: March 2013

The organocatalyst is much more effective than DBU and can be applied to transformations of aliphatic and aromatic imines.
ChemInform Abstract: Effects of Phosphorus Substituents on Reactions of α‐Alkoxyphosphonium Salts with Nucleophiles.
Authors: Goto Akihiro , Otake Kazuki , Kubo Ozora , Sawama Yoshinari , Maegawa Tomohiro , Fujioka Hiromichi
Published: March 2013

Reactions of the phosphonium salts, generated in situ from acetals and tris(o‐tolyl)phosphine with various nucleophiles as water, cyanide and Grignard reagents are demonstrated.
ChemInform Abstract: Zinc‐Mediated Enantioselective Addition of Terminal 1,3‐Diyne to N‐Arylimines of Trifluoropyruvates.
Authors: Zhang Fa‐Guang , Ma Hai , Zheng Yan , Ma Jun‐An
Published: March 2013

The facile and effective reaction works well with a variety of substrates.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Different Amides via Ritter Reaction from Alcohols and Nitriles in the Presence of Silica‐Bonded N‐Propyl Sulfamic Acid (SBNPSA) under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Shakeri Maryam‐Sadat , Tajik Hassan , Niknam Khodabakhsh
Published: March 2013

A clean and environmentally friendly synthesis of amides (III) using different benzylic or tertiary alcohols and different nitriles is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficacious N‐Protection of O‐Aryl Sulfamates with 2,4‐Dimethoxybenzyl Groups.
Authors: Reuillon Tristan , Bertoli Annalisa , Griffin Roger J. , Miller Duncan C. , Golding Bernard T.
Published: March 2013

The protection‐deprotection strategy comprises reaction of phenols (I) with sulfonylbis(methylimidazole) (II) to provide aryl imidazole sulfonates (III), which are activated by reaction with trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate, before further reaction with the methoxy‐substituted dibenzylamine (IV) or (VII).
ChemInform Abstract: Dioxirane‐Mediated Heterogeneous Epoxidations with Potassium Caroate: A Solid Catalyst Bearing Anchored Ketone Moieties.
Authors: D'Accolti Lucia , Annese Cosimo , De Riccardis Alberto , De Giglio Elvira , Cafagna Damiana , Fanelli Fiorenza , Fusco Caterina
Published: March 2013

The hybrid material HSC, containing trifluoromethyl ketone moieties anchored on silica gel through a short spacer, is used in efficient heterogeneous epoxidations using potassium caroate.
ChemInform Abstract: A Ligand‐Free Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction in Poly(ethylene glycol) Medium: A Versatile Protocol for the Preparation of Selected 3‐Indole Derivatives.
Authors: Chandrasekhar Srivari , Patro Vidyavathi , Reddy Gangireddy Pavan Kumar , Gree Rene
Published: March 2013

The process involves a Knoevenagel condensation followed by Michael addition to give a series of highly functionalized target compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Three‐Component Domino Reactions for Selective Formation of Indeno[1,2‐b]indole Derivatives.
Authors: Jiang Bo , Li Qiu‐Yun , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Li Guigen
Published: March 2013

The first pathway [cf.
ChemInform Abstract: A Practical One Pot Synthesis of Novel 2‐Hydroxy‐4‐chromanone Derivatives from 3‐Formylchromone.
Authors: Siddiqui Zeba N. , Farooq Farheen
Published: March 2013

The simple and environmentally benign synthesis of the title compounds (III) proceeds under mild reaction conditions using water as solvent and Zn(L‐proline)2 as recyclable and non‐toxic catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 1,3,6‐Trioxygenated Prenylated Xanthone Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agents.
Authors: Lim Chan K. , Tho Lai‐Yeng , Kim Yang M. , Shah Syed A. A. , Weber Jean‐Frederic F.
Published: March 2013

11 New xanthone derivatives are prepared and screened as potential antitumor agents.
ChemInform Abstract: A Stereoselective Povarov Reaction Leading to exo‐Tetrahydroindolo[3,2‐c]quinoline Derivatives Catalyzed by Iodine.
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Shan , Yin Ming‐Yue , Wang Wei , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: March 2013

Schiff bases generated in situ from aldehydes and aromatic/heteroaromatic amines react at room temperature with N‐unprotected indoles as dieneophiles to give the title fused polycycles as single stereoisomers.
ChemInform Abstract: I2‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Protocol for the Synthesis of Quinazolines.
Authors: Panja Sumit Kumar , Dwivedi Nidhi , Saha Satyen
Published: March 2013

The efficient one‐pot procedure allows the synthesis of quinazoline derivatives (18 examples) in <90% yield within a short time and at moderate temperature.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Medicinally Important Purine Quinazolinone Derivatives.
Authors: Sawant Sanghapal D. , Srinivas Mahesuni , Reddy G. Lakshma , Rao V. Venkateswar , Singh Parvinder Pal , Vishwakarma Ram A.
Published: March 2013

The two‐step approach involves the reaction of substrates such as (I) or (V) with aromatic amines using PCl3 as cyclizing agent (< 95% cv.) followed by coupling of the resulting intermediates with adenine derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Interaction of 6‐Methoxy‐4,9‐dihydro‐3H‐β‐carboline with Mannich Bases.
Authors: Osyanin V. A. , Ivleva E. A. , Klimochkin Yu. N.
Published: March 2013

Reaction of the title carbolines with o‐quinone methides derived from Mannich bases of the naphthalene (II) or indole series (IV) gives 1,3‐oxazinopyridoindoles.
ChemInform Abstract: A Tandem Coupling/Smiles Rearrangement/Cyclization Approach to 1,4‐Benzooxazinones or 1,4‐Pyridooxazinones under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Zhan Chunjing , Jia Jiong , Yang Bingchuan , Huang Aiping , Liu Yanli , Ma Chen
Published: March 2013

A simple protocol is developed for the reaction of 1,2‐dihalobenzenes or 2‐halonitroarenes with 2‐hydroxyacetamides to give benzoxazinone skeletons.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereocontrolled Facile Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (3′S) and (3′R)‐3′‐Amino (and Azido)‐3′‐deoxy Pyranonucleosides.
Authors: Manta Stella , Parmenopoulou Vanessa , Kiritsis Christos , Dimopoulou Athina , Kollatos Nikolaos , Papasotiriou Ioannis , Balzarini Jan , Komiotis Dimitri
Published: March 2013

A variety of 3′‐amino‐3′‐deoxypyranonucleosides and their 3′‐azide precursors are designed, synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities.
ChemInform Abstract: Progress in Low Temperature Hydrogen Production with Simultaneous CO2 Abatement
Authors: Chen Haisheng , Ding Yulong , Cong Ngoc T. , Dou Binlin , Dupont Valerie , Ghadiri Mojtaba , Williams Paul T.
Published: March 2013

Review: 16 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Applications of the Suzuki Reaction in Total Synthesis
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Hashemi Elaheh
Published: March 2013

Review: 69 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis of Manzacidins. An Overview and Perspective
Authors: Ohfune Yasufumi , Oe Kentaro , Namba Kosuke , Shinada Tetsuro
Published: March 2013

Review: recent studies on the total syntheses of manzacidins A, B, C and D; 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Imidazoquinolines as Diverse and Interesting Building Blocks: Review of Synthetic Methodologies
Authors: Mahmoud Zeinab , Daneshtalab Mohsen
Published: March 2013

Review: 86 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Enamine Catalysis of Michael Reactions
Authors: Mase N.
Published: March 2013

Review: 326 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Significance of Microwave‐Assisted Technique in Green Chemistry
Authors: Charde M. , Shukla A. , Bukhariya V. , Mehta J. , Chakole R.
Published: March 2013

Review: 26 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Vibrationally Mediated Photodissociation of Ethyne Isotopologues and Homologues Revisited
Authors: Bar I. , Rosenwaks S.
Published: March 2013

Review: 49 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Beneficial Role of Carbon in the Negative Plate of Advanced Lead‐Carbon Batteries
Authors: Monahov Boris
Published: March 2013

Review: 21 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Solid Fuel Utilization in High Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Gur Turgut M.
Published: March 2013

Review: 20 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Surface and Interfacial Chemistry
Authors: Coperet Christophe
Published: March 2013

Review: 24 refs.
Particle Size Distribution Analysis of Chemical Oxygen Demand Fractions with Different Biodegradation Characteristics in Black Water and Gray Water
Authors: Hocaoglu Selda Murat , Orhon Derin
Published: March 2013

The study investigated the particle size distribution of major organic pollutants in black water and gray water fractions of domestic sewage. Particle size distribution was assessed by means of a filtration/ultrafiltration sequence together with laser diffraction. Emphasis was placed upon the correlation between the size distribution of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and its biodegradation characteristics obtained by respirometric analysis. Particle size distribution analysis provided specific fingerprints for COD, total organic carbon (TOC), carbohydrates, proteins, and color for black water and gray water: Aside from significant difference between COD contents, the more concentrated COD was predominantly in particulate form in black water, whereas soluble COD accounted for nearly 60% of the total in gray water. TOC and carbohydrate exhibited a similar pattern. Size distribution of particulate matter yielded different characteristics for the two fractions and indicated that settleable matter should be considered as a significant portion in assessing biodegradation. Particle size distribution of COD, although not directly related, gave an accurate image of biodegradation, indicating that particle size was basically the main parameter for differentiating and predicting major COD fractions with different biodegradation characteristics. It explained the dual hydrolysis mechanism associated with the black water based on the existence of a significant settleable COD fraction.
Sediment production and yield from an alluvial gully in northern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Shellberg Jeffrey G. , Brooks Andrew P. , Rose Calvin W.
Published: March 2013

Sediment production, transport and yield were quantified over various timescales in response to rainfall and runoff within an alluvial gully (7 · 8 ha), which erodes into dispersible sodic soils of a small floodplain catchment (33 ha) along the Mitchell River, northern Australia. Historical air photographs and recent global positioning system (GPS) surveys and LiDAR data documented linear increases in gully area and volume, indicating that sediment supply has been relatively consistent over the historic period. Daily time lapse photography of scarp retreat rates and internal erosion processes also demonstrated that erosion from rainfall and runoff consistently supplied fine washload (< 63 µm) sediment in addition to coarse lags of sand bed material. Empirical measurements of suspended sediment concentrations (10 000 to >100 000 mg/L) and sediment yields (89 to 363 t/ha/yr) were high for both Australian and world data. Total sediment yield estimated from empirical washload and theoretical bed material load was dominated by fine washload (< 63 µm). A lack of hysteresis in suspended sediment rating curves, scarp retreat and sediment yield correlated to rainfall input, and an equilibrium channel outlet slope supported the hypothesis that partially or fully transport‐limited conditions predominated along the alluvial gully outlet channel. This is in contrast to sediment supply‐limited conditions on uneroded floodplains above gully head scarps. While empirical data presented here can support future modelling efforts to predict suspended sediment concentration and yield under the transport limiting situations, additional field data will also be needed to better quantify sediment erosion and transport rates and processes in alluvial gullies at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural abnormalities in the thalamus of migraineurs with aura: A multiparametric study at 3 T
Authors: Granziera Cristina , Daducci Alessandro , Romascano David , Roche Alexis , Helms Gunther , Krueger Gunnar , Hadjikhani Nouchine
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives: The thalamus exerts a pivotal role in pain processing and cortical excitability control, and migraine is characterized by repeated pain attacks and abnormal cortical habituation to excitatory stimuli. This work aimed at studying the microstructure of the thalamus in migraine patients using an innovative multiparametric approach at high‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design: We examined 37 migraineurs (22 without aura, MWoA, and 15 with aura, MWA) as well as 20 healthy controls (HC) in a 3‐T MRI equipped with a 32‐channel coil. We acquired whole‐brain T1 relaxation maps and computed magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), generalized fractional anisotropy, and T2* maps to probe microstructural and connectivity integrity and to assess iron deposition. We also correlated the obtained parametric values with the average monthly frequency of migraine attacks and disease duration. Results: T1 relaxation time was significantly shorter in the thalamus of MWA patients compared with MWoA (P < 0.001) and HC (P ≤ 0.01); in addition, MTR was higher and T2* relaxation time was shorter in MWA than in MWoA patients (P < 0.05, respectively). These data reveal broad microstructural alterations in the thalamus of MWA patients compared with MWoA and HC, suggesting increased iron deposition and myelin content/cellularity. However, MWA and MWoA patients did not show any differences in the thalamic nucleus involved in pain processing in migraine. Conclusions: There are broad microstructural alterations in the thalamus of MWA patients that may underlie abnormal cortical excitability control leading to cortical spreading depression and visual aura. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1461–1468, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling of double diffusive buoyant flow in a solar collector with water‐CuO nanofluid
Authors: Nasrin Rehena , Alim M.A.
Published: March 2013

The behavior of a prism‐shaped solar collector with a right triangular cross sectional area is investigated numerically. The water‐CuO nanofluid is taken as the functioning liquid through the solar collector. The leading differential equations with boundary conditions are solved by the penalty finite element method using Galerkin's weighted residual scheme. The performance of parameters in terms of temperature, mass, velocity distributions, radiative, convective heat and mass transfer, mean temperature and concentration of nanofluid, mid height horizontal‐vertical velocities, and sub‐domain average velocity field are investigated systematically. These parameters include the Rayleigh number Ra and the solid volume fraction φ. The outcome explains that the performance of the solar collector can be enhanced with the largest Ra and φ. The code validation shows excellent concurrence with the hypothetical outcome obtainable in the literature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21039
Influence of heat transfer on the nonorthogonal stagnation point flow of a third‐order fluid towards a stretching surface
Authors: Nadeem S. , Mehmood Rashid , Sher Akbar Noreen
Published: March 2013

The present article looks at the theoretical analysis of a steady stagnation‐point flow with heat transfer of a third‐order fluid towards a stretching surface. The formulation of the problem has been carried out for a third order fluid and constructed partial differential equations are rehabilitated into ordinary differential equations. The consequential ordinary differential equations are solved analytically using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). Graphical illustrations are shown for various parameters involved in the flow equations. Numerical values of skin friction coefficients and heat flux are computed and presented through tables. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21042
Spatio‐temporal evaluation of the groundwater quality in Kafr Al‐Zayat District, Egypt
Authors: Masoud Alaa A.
Published: March 2013

Eighteen groundwater well sites located in Kafr Al‐Zayat (Egypt) were sampled monthly from January 2009 to November 2011 for microbial content, Mn+2, Fe+2, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, NO3−, and turbidity. The data were analyzed combining the integrated use of factor and cluster analyses as well as the geostatistical semi‐variogram modeling. The prime objectives were to assess the groundwater suitability for drinking, to document the factors governing the spatio‐tempral variability, and to recognize distinctive groundwater quality patterns to help enable effective sustainability and proactive management of the limited resource.

The groundwater microbial, Mn+2, Fe+2, TDS, and total hardness contents violated the drinking water local standards while the turbidity and the nitrate content complied with them. Factor analysis indicated that the microbial content is the most influential factor raising the variability potential followed, in decreasing order, by Mn2+, Fe2+, TDS, NO3−, turbidity, and finally the total hardness. Turbidity resulting from urban and agricultural runoff was strongly associated with most of the quality parameters. Quality parameters fluctuate sporadically without concrete pattern in space and time while their variability scores peak in November every year. Three spatially distinctive quality patterns were recognized that were consistent with and affected by the cumulative effects of the local topography, depth to water table, thickness of the silty clay (cap layer), surface water, and groundwater flow direction and hence the recharge from contaminated surface canals and agricultural drains. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of shrub canopy morphology and rainfall characteristics on stemflow within a revegetated sand dune in the Tengger Desert, NW China
Authors: Wang Xin‐ping , Zhang Ya‐feng , Wang Zheng‐ning , Pan Yan‐xia , Hu Rui , Li Xiao‐jun , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2013

Stemflow of xerophytic shrubs was monitored on event basis within a revegetated sand dune. Quantity of stemflow showed a clear species‐specific dependence in combination with the rainfall characteristics. Results obtained revealed that for ovate‐leaved C. korshinskii with an inverted cone‐shaped canopy and smooth bark, the quantity of stemflow in depth accounted for 7.2% of the individual gross rainfall, while it was 2.0% for needle‐leaved A. ordosica with a cone‐shaped canopy and coarse bark. There were significant positive linear relationships between stemflow and individual gross rainfall and rainfall intensity for the two shrubs. An individual gross rainfall of 1.4 and 1.8 mm was necessary for stemflow generation for C. korshinskii and A. ordosica, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the abiotic and biotic variables including the individual gross rainfall, mean windspeed (WS), canopy height, branch length, and canopy volume have significant influence on stemflow for C. korshinskii, whereas for A. ordosica, the notable influencing variables were individual gross rainfall, stem diameter, and leaf area index. Generally, WS has less effect on stemflow than that of rainfall for A. ordosica. The correlation relationship between individual gross rainfall and funneling ratio showed that the funneling ratio attains its peak when the gross rainfall is 13 and 16 mm for C. korshinskii and A. ordosica, respectively, implying that the canopy morphology emerged as determining factors on funneling ratio decrease when the individual gross rainfall exceeds these values. In comparison, higher WS increased the funneling ratio remarkably for C. korshinskii than A. ordosica due partly to the greater branch length and canopy projection area in C. korshinskii. Funneling ratio can be used as an integrated variable for the effects of canopy morphology and rainfall characteristics on stemflow. The implication of stemflow on water balance and its contribution to sustain the shrubs and the revegetation efforts was discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative tractography and tract shape modeling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bastin Mark E. , Pettit Lewis D. , Bak Thomas H. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Smith Colin , Abrahams Sharon
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To investigate brain‐wide white matter structural changes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using an automatic single seed point tractography‐based segmentation method, probabilistic neighborhood tractography (PNT), which provides quantitative measures of both tract integrity and shape.

Materials and Methods

Diffusion MRI data were acquired from 30 patients with ALS (ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised score > 20) and 30 matched controls. PNT was used to segment 12 major projection, commissural and association fibers, and assess differences in how the shape of an individual subject's tract compares to that of a predefined reference tract, in addition to providing tract‐average mean diffusivity (〈D〉) and fractional anisotropy (FA) data.

Results

Across all 12 tracts, group‐averaged 〈D〉 was larger, while group‐averaged FA was equal to or smaller in value for patients than controls. These differences were significant for right cingulum 〈D〉, and left and right corticospinal tract (CST) 〈D〉 and FA (P‐values 6 × 10−5 to 0.03). Tract shape modeling indicated that there were significantly greater topological differences from the reference tract in left and right CST, and right uncinate fasciculus (P‐values 0.02 to 0.04) for patients than controls. The rate of disease progression was significantly negatively correlated with bilateral CST FA (P‐values 0.01 to 0.02).

Conclusion

ALS, although particularly affecting CST, is associated with subtle changes in white matter tract integrity and shape in several other major fibers within the brain. Correlations between CST integrity and disease progression rate suggest that quantitative tractography may provide useful biomarkers of disease evolution in ALS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1140–1145. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tribological behaviour analysis of hydrogenated and nonhydrogenated DLC lubricated by oils with and without additives
Authors: Héau Christophe , Ould Choumad , Maurin‐Perrier Philippe
Published: March 2013

Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) is an essential element of friction reduction made major by the desire to reduce energy consumption for environmental and economic reasons. The contribution of the DLC depends on its tribological behaviour. The analysis of the wear of DLC in DLC/steel contact is important because of the high exposure to the wear of coated parts and the low degree of mastery of behaviour of DLC in the lubricants studied and optimised for steel. In this study, we have analysed the tribological behaviour of hydrogenated DLC (a‐C:H) and nonhydrogenated DLC (ta‐C) under various lubrication conditions. Oils with and without additives were used. The results show that the wear of a‐C:H is considerably lower than that of ta‐C in base oils, and in the investigated oil with additives, the wear of ta‐C is substantially reduced. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution multishot spiral diffusion tensor imaging with inherent correction of motion‐induced phase errors
Authors: Truong Trong‐Kha , Guidon Arnaud
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To develop and compare three novel reconstruction methods designed to inherently correct for motion‐induced phase errors in multishot spiral diffusion tensor imaging without requiring a variable‐density spiral trajectory or a navigator echo.

Theory and Methods

The first method simply averages magnitude images reconstructed with sensitivity encoding from each shot, whereas the second and third methods rely on sensitivity encoding to estimate the motion‐induced phase error for each shot and subsequently use either a direct phase subtraction or an iterative conjugate gradient algorithm, respectively, to correct for the resulting artifacts. Numerical simulations and in vivo experiments on healthy volunteers were performed to assess the performance of these methods.

Results

The first two methods suffer from a low signal‐to‐noise ratio or from residual artifacts in the reconstructed diffusion‐weighted images and fractional anisotropy maps. In contrast, the third method provides high‐quality, high‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging results, revealing fine anatomical details such as a radial diffusion anisotropy in cortical gray matter.

Conclusion

The proposed sensitivity encoding + conjugate gradient method can inherently and effectively correct for phase errors, signal loss, and aliasing artifacts caused by both rigid and nonrigid motion in multishot spiral diffusion tensor imaging, without increasing the scan time or reducing the signal‐to‐noise ratio. Magn Reson Med 71:790–796, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of layered double hydroxides dispersion on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends
Authors: Pérez Amaro Lucía , Coiai Serena , Conzatti Lucia , Manariti Antonella , Ciardelli Francesco , Passaglia Elisa
Published: March 2013

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites and PVC/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/LDH composites were prepared via solution intercalation into PVC using both unmodified and organo‐modified LDHs and variable‐molecular‐weight PMMA as additional components. The LDH dispersion was investigated using X‐ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy in scanning and transmission modes. Spotlight fourier transform infrared (FTIR) chemical imaging analysis was also used to obtain a deeper insight into the dispersion of polymer phases and LDH segregation. Thermal properties were determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry; moreover, a preliminary investigation of mechanical properties in tensile mode and evaluation of the Vicat softening temperature were carried out. The morphological analysis of PVC/LDH and PVC/PMMA/LDH composites evidenced in both cases the presence of disordered micro‐aggregates with loss of the LDH crystallographic symmetry depending on the amount and molecular weight of PMMA. In particular, in the case of PVC/PMMA/LDH composites, the FTIR imaging analysis showed that PMMA mostly segregated in the LDH phase. However, even if the degree of LDH dispersion was not elevated (micro‐aggregates with disordered structures and size ranging from 0.5 up to 11 µm were evidenced), thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites were improved with a synergic effect of PMMA and LDH. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Slower processing speed after treatment for pediatric brain tumor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kahalley Lisa S. , Conklin Heather M. , Tyc Vida L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Wilson Stephanie J. , Wu Shengjie , Xiong Xiaoping , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: March 2013

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and brain tumor (BT) survivors are at risk for post‐treatment IQ declines. The extent to which lower scores represent global cognitive decline versus domain‐specific impairment remains unclear. This study examined discrepancies between processing speed and estimated IQ (EIQ) scores and identified clinical characteristics associated with score discrepancies in a sample of pediatric cancer survivors.

Procedure

Survivors (50 ALL, 50 BT) ages 12–17 years completed cognitive testing. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence provided an untimed measure of general reasoning ability (EIQ). The age‐appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale provided a Processing Speed Index (PSI) score. Scores were examined and compared.

Results

Survivors' PSI scores were lower than their EIQ scores (BT t(45) = 6.3, p < 0.001; ALL t(49) = 6.9, p < 0.001). For BT survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with history of craniospinal irradiation, t(44) = 3.3, p < 0.01. For ALL survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with male gender, grade retention, and time since diagnosis, F(3, 46) = 10.1, p < 0.001. Clinically significant EIQ‐PSI score discrepancies were identified in 41.3% of BT and 14.0% of ALL survivors.

Conclusions

Many pediatric BT and ALL survivors exhibit slower processing speed than expected for age, whereas general reasoning ability remains largely intact. Risk factors associated with larger EIQ‐PSI discrepancies include the following: BT diagnosis, craniospinal irradiation (BT only), male gender, and younger age at diagnosis (ALL only). Grade retention was frequent and associated with lower EIQ scores (both groups) and PSI scores (ALL only). Describing post‐treatment cognitive declines using global measures of intellectual ability may underestimate dysfunction or fail to isolate specific underlying deficits contributing to impairment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Directed Gold Microwires by Self‐Organization of Nanoparticles on Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Sabah Aneeqa , Kumar Prabhat , Mohammed Waleed S. , Dutta Joydeep
Published: March 2013

A directional point‐to‐point growth of microwires of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) self‐organized on Aspergillus niger (A. niger) templates by utilizing positive phototropic fungal response to different spectral ranges of visible light is reported. A. niger serves as a living template for the self‐organization of monosodium glutamate (MSG) capped gold colloids under controlled nutrient trigger and appropriate light, temperature, and humidity conditions. The experimental results show that control of these parameters eliminates the need for any microchannels for the directional growth of microwires. The growth rate of fungal hyphae increases exponentially under light illumination compared to its growth in the dark under similar conditions. White light is found to be most suitable to trigger the directional growth. Gold microwires of about 1 to 2 μm diameter and length exceeding 1 mm are grown within a week with a maximum divergence of 40–50° from the light path regardless of the wavelength of the light irradiation. Phototropic response of fungi has been investigated intensively over the last three decades, but this is the first report on the collective use of microbial tropism and directed biomimetic self‐organization of metallic nanoparticles on living organisms.
Strain‐Induced Precipitation Behavior of a Nb–Ti–V Steel in the Austenite Phase Field
Authors: Nöhrer Matthias , Zamberger Sabine , Leitner Harald
Published: March 2013

The precipitation behavior of a Nb (0.041 wt%), V (0.11 wt%), and Ti (0.018 wt%) micro‐alloyed steel influenced by a deformation process in the austenite region has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe. After solution annealing at 1250°C, nearly the entire Nb and V amount is in solid solution. Ti does not go into in solid solution and stays stable as TiN precipitates. During the cooling process to deformation temperature, these TiN precipitates act as nucleation sites for Nb and V. Precipitates with a TiN rich core and a V‐rich shell are formed. Nb is homogenously distributed over the precipitate. After deformation, strain induced precipitates occur, which consist mainly of Nb, V, and only a little Ti. Smaller strain induced precipitates have a higher N‐content than C, with growth the C‐content increases.
Multisite precipitation generation using a latent autoregressive model
Authors: Rasmussen P. F.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Use of a latent autoregressive model for simulation of daily precipitation.

Development of effective estimation methods for the latent Gaussian process.

Analytical derivation of selected model properties.
Making ends meet: coordination between RNA 3′‐end processing and transcription initiation
Authors: Andersen Pia K. , Jensen Torben Heick , Lykke‐Andersen Søren
Published: March 2013

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)‐mediated gene transcription initiates at promoters and ends at terminators. Transcription termination is intimately connected to 3′‐end processing of the produced RNA and already when loaded at the promoter, RNAPII starts to become configured for this downstream event. Conversely, RNAPII is ‘reset’ as part of the 3′‐end processing/termination event, thus preparing the enzyme for its next round of transcription—possibly on the same gene. There is both direct and circumstantial evidence for preferential recycling of RNAPII from the gene terminator back to its own promoter, which supposedly increases the efficiency of the transcription process under conditions where RNAPII levels are rate limiting. Here, we review differences and commonalities between initiation and 3′‐end processing/termination processes on various types of RNAPII transcribed genes. In doing so, we discuss the requirements for efficient 3′‐end processing/termination and how these may relate to proper recycling of RNAPII. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:233–246. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1156

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3' End Processing
Physiological basis of copper tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay mutants
Authors: Wang Xuya , Okonkwo Obi , Kebaara Bessie W.
Published: March 2013

The eukaryotic nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) is a specialized pathway that contributes to the recognition and rapid degradation of mRNA with premature termination codons. In addition to mRNAs containing premature termination codons, NMD degrades non‐nonsense‐containing, natural mRNAs. Approximately 5–10% of the total Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome is affected when NMD is inactivated. The regulation of natural mRNAs by NMD has physiological consequences. However, the physiological outcomes associated with the degradation of specific natural mRNAs by NMD are not fully understood. Here, we examined the physiological consequences resulting from the NMD‐mediated regulation of an mRNA involved in copper homeostasis, in an attempt to understand why nmd mutant strains are more tolerant of toxic copper levels than wild‐type yeast strains. We found that wild‐type (UPF1) and upf1Δ mutants accumulate similar amounts of total copper when grown in medium containing elevated levels of copper; however, the copper levels in the cytoplasm of wild‐type yeast cells were higher than in the upf1Δ mutant. Copper tolerance by the upf1Δ mutant is dependent on the presence of CTR2. Deletion of CTR2 resulted in similar cytoplasmic copper levels in wild‐type and upf1Δ mutant strains, regardless of the environmental copper levels. This suggests that CTR2 plays a role in regulating the level of copper in the cytoplasm. We also found that the upf1Δ mutant contained elevated copper levels in the vacuole relative to wild‐type yeast cells, after both strains were exposed to elevated copper levels. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.