bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swarm observations of field‐aligned currents associated with pulsating auroral patches
Authors: Gillies D. M. , Knudsen D. , Spanswick E. , Donovan E. , Burchill J. , Patrick M.
Published: October 2015

We have performed a superposed epoch study of in situ field‐aligned currents located near the edges of regions of pulsating aurora observed simultaneously using ground‐based optical data from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) all‐sky imager (ASI) network and magnetometers on board the Swarm satellites. A total of nine traversals of Swarm over regions of pulsating aurora identified using THEMIS ASI were studied. We determined that in the cases where a clear boundary can be identified, strong downward currents are seen just poleward and equatorward of the pulsating patches. A downward current in the range of ~1–6 μA/m2 can be seen just poleward of the boundary. A weaker upward current of ~1–3 μA/m2 is observed throughout the interior of the patch. These observations indicate that currents carried by precipitating electrons within patches could close through horizontal currents and be returned at the edges, in agreement with Oguti and Hayashi (1984) and Hosokawa et al. (2010b). In addition to confirming these earlier results and adding to their statistical significance, the contribution of this study is to quantify the upward and downward current magnitudes, in some cases using two satellites traversing the same pulsating regions. Finally, we compare Swarm's two‐satellite field‐aligned current product to the single‐satellite results and determine that the data product can be compromised in regions of pulsating aurora, a phenomenon that occurs over widespread regions and tends to persist for long periods of time. These results underscore the importance of electrical coupling between the ionosphere and magnetosphere in regions of patchy pulsating aurora.
Electron density and parallel electric field distribution of the auroral density cavity
Authors: Alm L. , Marklund G. T. , Karlsson T.
Published: October 2015

We present an event study in which Cluster satellites C1 and C3 encounters the flux tube of a stable auroral arc in the premidnight sector. C1 observes the midcavity, while C3 enters the flux tube of the auroral arc at an altitude which is below the acceleration region, before crossing into the top half of the acceleration region. This allows us to study the boundary between the ionosphere and the density cavity, as well as large portion of the upper density cavity. The position of the two satellites, in relation to the acceleration region, is described using a pseudo altitude derived from the distribution of the parallel potential drop above and below the satellites. The electron density exhibits an anticorrelation with the pseudo altitude, indicating that the lowest electron densities are found near the top of the density cavity. Over the entire pseudo altitude range, the electron density distribution is similar to a planar sheath, formed out of a plasma sheet dominated electron distribution, in response to the parallel electric field of the acceleration region. This indicates that the parallel electric fields on the ionosphere‐cavity boundary, as well as the midcavity parallel electric fields, are part of one unified structure rather than two discrete entities. The results highlight the strong connection between the auroral density cavity and auroral acceleration as well as the necessity of studying them in a unified fashion.
Paleocene‐Early Eocene uplift of the Altyn Tagh Mountain: Evidence from detrital zircon fission track analysis and seismic sections in the northwestern Qaidam basin
Authors: Wang Yadong , Zheng Jianjing , Zheng Youwei , Liu Xingwang , Sun Guoqiang
Published: October 2015

Most existing tectonic models suggest that the deformation and uplift of the northern Tibetan Plateau is the latest crustal response to the collision of the India Plate and Eurasian Plate. The tectonic evolution of Altyn Tagh Mountain (hereafter called simply the “Altyn Tagh”), on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, has attracted considerable scientific attention. In this study, we use fission track age dates of detrital zircons from the northwestern Qaidam basin together with sedimentary observations to understand more fully the Cenozoic tectonic uplift of the Altyn Tagh. Detrital zircons from five borehole samples distributed in different folds in the northwestern Qaidam basin yielded ages mainly ranging from 88.5 to 49.2 Ma, older than their sedimentary deposition ages (43.8–22 Ma). The binomial distribution in grain age fitted peaks was generally dominated by one young peak, P1, which varied from 73.6 to 47.2 Ma. A thinning of the Cenozoic Lulehe Formation (53.5–43.8 Ma) stretched from the inner Qaidam basin to the slopes of the Altyn Tagh in the seismic sections of the northwestern Qaidam basin. Based on magnetostratigraphic dating, there was a hiatus in sedimentation in the Qaidam basin between 65 Ma and 54 Ma; this was confirmed by seismic profiles and borehole data, which show an unconformity between the Mesozoic Quanyagou Formation and the Lulehe Formation. Combined with an analysis of provenance, the detrital zircon young peak age and the sedimentary record revealed that the most significant regional uplift of the Altyn Tagh occurred during the Paleogene‐Early Eocene, almost coinciding with the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates between 65 Ma and 44 Ma.
Laboratory‐based seismic attenuation in Fontainebleau sandstone: Evidence of squirt flow
Authors: Subramaniyan Shankar , Quintal Beatriz , Madonna Claudio , Saenger Erik H.
Published: October 2015

At seismic frequencies (1–100 Hz), we studied attenuation in the laboratory using the forced oscillation method. We adopted the longitudinal mode of oscillation, which yields the Young's modulus and the corresponding attenuation, here defined as the inverse quality factor. A Fontainebleau sandstone with a porosity of 8% and a permeability of 12 mD was saturated with different fluids and investigated at the confining pressures of 5, 10, and 15 MPa. At all the measured confining pressures, while attenuation was zero for the dry sample, for partial and full water saturation, it gradually increased from nearly zero to ~0.02 with increasing frequency. The sample was then fully saturated with glycerin‐water mixtures of varying viscosities, up to that of glycerin (8, 92, 485, and 1414 cP). At the confining pressure of 5 MPa, a bell‐shaped attenuation curve peaking at ~6 Hz with a magnitude of ~0.11 was observed when the sample was fully saturated with glycerin (1414 cP). A decrease in viscosity of the saturating fluid shifted the attenuation curve to higher frequencies, and an increase in confining pressure caused a decrease in the overall magnitude of attenuation. The data obtained for glycerin were compared to a simple squirt flow model with sufficient agreement, implying that squirt flow is the dominant mechanism responsible for the observed attenuation.
Short‐term variation of cosmic radiation measured by aircraft under constant flight conditions
Authors: Lee Jaejin , Nam Uk‐Won , Pyo Jeonghyun , Kim Sunghwan , Kwon Yong‐Jun , Lee Jaewon , Park Inchun , Kim Myung‐Hee Y. , Dachev Tsventan P.
Published: October 2015

The temporal variations in cosmic radiation on aircraft under constant flight conditions were measured by a Liulin detector. Rather than a commercial long‐distance aircraft, we used a military reconnaissance aircraft performing a circular flight at a constant altitude over the Korean Peninsula. At 9144 m (30,000 ft), the mean and standard deviation of the radiation dose rate (among 35 measurements) was 2.3 and 0.17 μSv/h, respectively. The experiment yielded two observational results. First, the dose rate changed over a flight time of 5–7 h; second, no strong correlation was revealed between the cosmic rays observed from the ground‐based neutron monitor and the radiation doses at aircraft altitude. These observations can provide insight into the short‐term variation of cosmic radiation at aviation altitudes. When discarding various negligible factors, it is postulated that the changes in the geomagnetic field and the air density still could affect the variation of cosmic radiation at aircraft altitude. However, various factors are less known about the dependence on the cosmic radiation. Therefore, investigations of possible factors are also warranted at the monitoring points of space weather.
Hypomyelination following deletion of Tsc2 in oligodendrocyte precursors
Authors: Carson Robert P. , Kelm Nathaniel D. , West Kathryn L. , Does Mark D. , Fu Cary , Weaver Grace , McBrier Eleanor , Parker Brittany , Grier Mark D. , Ess Kevin C.
Published: October 2015

Objective

While abnormalities in myelin in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have been known for some time, recent imaging‐based data suggest myelin abnormalities may be independent of the pathognomonic cortical lesions (“tubers”). Multiple mouse models of TSC exhibit myelination deficits, though the cell types responsible and the mechanisms underlying the myelin abnormalities remain unclear.

Methods

To determine the role of alterations in mTOR signaling in myelination, we generated a conditional knockout (CKO) mouse model using Cre‐recombinase and the Olig2 promoter to inactivate the Tsc2 gene in oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

Results

Characterization of myelin and myelin constituent proteins demonstrated a marked hypomyelination phenotype. Diffusion‐based magnetic resonance imaging studies were likewise consistent with hypomyelination. Hypomyelination was due in part to decreased myelinated axon density and myelin thickness as well as decreased oligodendrocyte numbers. Coincident with hypomyelination, an extensive gliosis was seen in both the cortex and white matter tracks, suggesting alterations in cell fate due to changes in mTOR activity in oligodendrocyte precursors. Despite a high‐frequency appendicular tremor and altered gait in CKO mice, no significant changes in activity, vocalizations, or anxiety‐like phenotypes were seen.

Interpretation

Our findings support a known role of mTOR signaling in regulation of myelination and demonstrate that increased mTORC1 activity early in development within oligodendrocytes results in hypomyelination and not hypermyelination. Our data further support a dissociation between decreased Akt activity and increased mTORC1 activity toward hypomyelination. Thus, therapies promoting activation of Akt‐dependent pathways while reducing mTORC1 activity may prove beneficial in treatment of human disease.
Highly Elastic and Conductive N‐Doped Monolithic Graphene Aerogels for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Moon In Kyu , Yoon Seonno , Chun Kyoung‐Yong , Oh Jungwoo
Published: October 2015

The simple synthesis of ultralow‐density (≈2.32 mg cm−3) 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels that exhibit high electrical conductivity and excellent compressibility are described herein. Aerogels are synthesized using a combined hydrothermal and thermal annealing method in which hexamethylenetetramine is employed as a reducer, nitrogen source, and graphene dispersion stabilizer. The N‐binding configurations of rGO aerogels increase dramatically, as evidenced by the change in pyridinic‐N/quaternary‐N ratio. The conductivity of this graphene aerogel is ≈11.74 S m−1 at zero strain, whereas the conductivity at a compressive strain of ≈80% is ≈704.23 S m−1, which is the largest electrical conductivity reported so far in any 3D sponge‐like low‐density carbon material. In addition, the aerogel has excellent hydrophobicity (with a water contact angle of 137.4°) as well as selective absorption for organic solvents and oils. The compressive modulus (94.5 kPa; ρ ≈ 2.32 mg cm−3) of the rGO aerogel is higher than that of other carbon‐based aerogels. The physical and chemical properties (such as high conductivity, elasticity, high surface area, open pore structure, and chemical stability) of the aerogel suggest that it is a viable candidate for the use in energy storage, electrodes for fuel cells, photocatalysis, environmental protection, energy absorption, and sensing applications.
Kitchen Chemistry 101: Multigram Production of High Quality Biographene in a Blender with Edible Proteins
Authors: Pattammattel Ajith , Kumar Challa Vijaya
Published: October 2015

A high yielding aqueous phase exfoliation of graphite to high quality graphene using edible proteins and kitchen chemistry is reported here. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), β‐lactoglobulin, ovalbumin, lysozyme, and hemoglobin are used to exfoliate graphite and the exfoliation efficiency depended on the sign and magnitude of the protein charge. BSA showed maximum exfoliation rate, facilitated graphite exfoliation in water, at room temperature, by turbulence/shear force generated in a kitchen blender at exfoliation efficiencies exceeding 4 mg mL−1 h−1. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated 3–5 layer, defect‐free graphene of 0.5 μm size. Graphene dispersions loaded on a cellulose paper (650 μg cm−2) showed the film conductivity of 32 000 S m−1, which is much higher than graphene/polymer composites. Our method yielded ≈7 mg mL−1, BSA‐coated graphene with controllable surface charge, which is stable under wide ranges of pH (3.0–11) and temperature (5.0–50 °C), and in fetal bovine serum, for more than two months.These findings may lead to the large scale production of graphene for biological applications.
Nickel–Copper‐Catalyzed C(sp2)N Cross‐Coupling of Cyclic and Bridged Amides: An Access to Cyclic Enamides and Alkenyl Vince Lactams
Authors: Maity Pintu , Kundu Debasish , Ranu Brindaban C.
Published: October 2015

An efficient C(sp2)N cross‐coupling of styrenyl and vinyl halides with cyclic and bridged amides catalyzed by nickel acetonylacetonate [Ni(acac)2] and copper(I) iodide (CuI) in the absence of any ligand has been developed. The reaction conditions are optimized to give the maximum yield of products using cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) (2.0 equiv.) in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) at 110 °C under argon in the presence of Ni(acac)2/CuI (10 mol% each). A series of alkenyl derivatives of Vince lactams (bridged amides) and cyclic amides are obtained by this procedure. Halogen‐containing styrenyl bromides also underwent coupling with amides to provide the products. The coupling is highly chemoselective as during the reactions the halogens (Br, Cl, F) on the aromatic ring remained intact and these can be used for further functionalization to make these enamides more useful. Although the (E)‐styrenyl halides produced the corresponding (E)‐styrenyl enamides, reactions with (Z)‐styrenyl halides produced 1,3‐di‐ynes instead of (Z)‐styrenyl enamides. This may be explained by the possibility of E2 type elimination of (Z)‐styrenyl halides in the presence of a strong base like cesium carbonate followed by homocoupling. This catalyst system works efficiently for the N‐arylation too along with N‐styrenylation and vinylation. The bridged as well as cyclic amides successfully coupled with substituted aryl halides to provide the corresponding products. In general, the reactions are clean and high yielding. The operations are very simple and the products are obtained pure by standard column chromatography. The reaction is compatible with variety of amides and alkenyl bromides. The roles of nickel acetonylacetonate and copper(I) iodide in this reaction have been established and a possible reaction pathway has been outlined. The significant feature of this protocol is the alkenylation of Vince lactams via C(sp2)N cross‐coupling, which has not been reported so far and these products may have much potential in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Propagating Surface Plasmon Polaritons: Towards Applications for Remote‐Excitation Surface Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhenglong , Fang Yurui , Wang Wenhui , Chen Li , Sun Mengtao
Published: October 2015

Plasmonics is a well‐established field, exploiting the interaction of light and metals at the nanoscale; with the help of surface plasmon polaritons, remote‐excitation can also be observed by using silver or gold plasmonic waveguides. Recently, plasmonic catalysis was established as a new exciting platform for heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Recent reports present remote‐excitation surface catalytic reactions as a route to enhance the rate of chemical reactions, and offer a pathway to control surface catalytic reactions. In this review, we focus on recent advanced reports on silver plasmonic waveguide for remote‐excitation surface catalytic reactions. First, the synthesis methods and characterization techniques of sivelr nanowire plasmonic waveguides are summarized, and the properties and physical mechanisms of plasmonic waveguides are presented in detail. Then, the applications of plasmonic waveguides including remote excitation fluorescence and SERS are introduced, and we focus on the field of remote‐excitation surface catalytic reactions. Finally, forecasts are made for possible future applications for the remote‐excitation surface catalysis by plasmonic waveguides in living cells.
Enhanced Uniformity and Area Scaling in Carbon Nanotube–Fullerene Bulk‐Heterojunction Solar Cells Enabled by Solvent Additives
Authors: Shastry Tejas A. , Clark Sarah C. , Rowberg Andrew J. E. , Luck Kyle A. , Chen Kan‐Sheng , Marks Tobin J. , Hersam Mark C.
Published: October 2015

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) fullerene solar cells have recently attracted attention due to their low‐cost processing, high environmental stability, and near‐infrared absorption. While SWCNT–fullerene bulk‐heterojunction photovoltaics employing an inverted architecture and polychiral SWCNTs have achieved efficiencies exceeding 3% over device areas of ≈1 mm2, large‐area SWCNT solar cells have not yet been demonstrated. In particular, with increasing device area, spatial inhomogeneities in the SWCNT film have limited overall device performance. Here, 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) is utilized as a solvent additive to reduce fullerene domain size and to improve SWCNT–fullerene bulk‐heterojunction morphology. Under optimized conditions, DIO elucidates the influence of SWCNT chiral distribution on overall device performance, revealing a tradeoff between short‐circuit current density and fill factor as a function of the chirality distribution present. The combination of SWCNT chirality distribution engineering and improved spatial homogeneity via solvent additives enables area‐scaling of SWCNT–fullerene solar cells with performance comparable to small‐area cells.
Evaluation of mixing profiles for a new micromixer design strategy
Authors: Asano Shusaku , Maki Taisuke , Mae Kazuhiro
Published: October 2015

The relationship between mixing history and reaction performance in microreactors using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is identified. In the idealized, simplified mixing model, mixing proceeds linearly and only the mixing time determined the reaction performance. However, in the case of realistic models where mixing proceeds unequally, the partial rapid progression of mixing, more than the mixing time, significantly impacts the reaction. The use of the fluid segment size distribution to capture this effect is proposed. The effective Damköhler number derived from the fluid segment size distribution predicted the reaction yield well. To demonstrate the utility of the mixing profile design strategy, we fabricated a novel micromixer with multiple partial rapid mixing zones. This micromixer achieved excellent results both in a CFD simulation and an experiment. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1154–1161, 2016
Fault detection and isolation analysis and design for solution copolymerization of MMA and VAc process
Authors: Shahnazari Hadi , Mhaskar Prashant
Published: October 2015

The problem of detecting and isolating distinguishable actuator and sensor faults in the solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate monomers are considered in this work. To this end, first state estimates are generated using a bank of high‐gain observers, and nonlinear fault detection and isolation (FDI) residuals are defined. The process dynamics are further analyzed to categorize fault scenarios as distinguishable and indistinguishable, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for the classification are presented. Subsequently, filters are designed that enable FDI for the distinguishable fault scenarios, with the advantage of detecting and confining possible locations for indistinguishable faults. The FDI filters are implemented on the copolymerization process, and the results compared with a linear model based filter design. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1054–1064, 2016
Impact of a binary size distribution on particle erosion due to an impinging gas plume
Authors: Berger Kyle J. , Hrenya Christine M.
Published: October 2015

Solid particles of nonuniform sizes exhibit behaviors not seen in monodisperse distributions. Following a previous study of monodisperse particles, the goal of this study is to investigate effects of a binary‐size distribution on erosion of lunar soil from a rocket landing. The discrete element method is used to examine near‐field (near impingement) and far‐field behavior. For near‐field simulations, small particles preferentially collide with large particles from below, due to a difference in velocity caused by gas forces, which is analogous to behavior for entrainment in gas‐solid fluidized beds. These collisions cause vertical momentum transfer from small to large particles that affects species and total erosion flux. For far‐field simulations, collisions result in an increase in vertical dispersion (binary) and a reduction in maximum horizontal velocity (binary and monodisperse). These results have implications on the most appropriate modeling framework to use for predictions over large distances utilizing wide size distributions. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 984–995, 2016
Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Ortho Acylation/Annulation with Toluene Derivatives
Authors: Yang Lingyun , Han Li , Xu Bin , Zhao Leilei , Zhou Jinpei , Zhang Huibin
Published: October 2015

A palladium‐catalyzed cascade cross‐coupling of benzamide and toluene for the synthesis of 3‐hydroxyisoindolin‐1‐one is described. This method allows C−H bond ortho acylation/annulation with a Pd/TBHP system in an atom‐economical and environmentally friendly manner. In addition, a variety of substrates are well tolerated.
Vascular Defects and Spinal Cord Hypoxia in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Somers Eilidh , Lees Robert D. , Hoban Katie , Sleigh James N. , Zhou Haiyan , Muntoni Francesco , Talbot Kevin , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Parson Simon H.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a major inherited cause of infant death worldwide. It results from mutations in a single, ubiquitously expressed gene (SMN1), with loss of lower motor neurons being the primary pathological signature. Systemic defects have also been reported in SMA patients and animal models. We investigated whether defects associated with the vasculature contribute to motor neuron pathology in SMA.

Methods

Development and integrity of the capillary bed was examined in skeletal muscle and spinal cord of SMA mice, and muscle biopsies from SMA patients and controls, using quantitative morphometric approaches on immunohistochemically labeled tissue. Pimonidazole hydrochloride–based assays were used to identify functional hypoxia.

Results

The capillary bed in muscle and spinal cord was normal in presymptomatic SMA mice (postnatal day 1), but failed to match subsequent postnatal development in control littermates. At mid‐ and late‐symptomatic time points, the extent of the vascular architecture observed in two distinct mouse models of SMA was ∼50% of that observed in control animals. Skeletal muscle biopsies from human patients confirmed the presence of developmentally similar, significant vascular depletion in severe SMA. Hypovascularity in SMA mouse spinal cord was accompanied by significant functional hypoxia and defects in the blood–spinal cord barrier.

Interpretation

Our results indicate that vascular defects are a major feature of severe forms of SMA, present in both mouse models and patients, resulting in functional hypoxia of motor neurons. Thus, abnormal vascular development and resulting hypoxia may contribute to the pathogenesis of SMA. Ann Neurol 2016;79:217–230
ADSSL1 mutation relevant to autosomal recessive adolescent onset distal myopathy
Authors: Park Hyung Jun , Hong Young Bin , Choi Young‐Chul , Lee Jinho , Kim Eun Ja , Lee Ji‐Su , Mo Won Min , Ki Soo Mi , Kim Hyo In , Kim Hye Jin , Hyun Young Se , Hong Hyun Dae , Nam Kisoo , Jung Sung Chul , Kim Sang‐Beom , Kim Se Hoon , Kim Deok‐Ho , Oh Ki‐Wook , Kim Seung Hyun , Yoo Jeong Hyun , Lee Ji Eun , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung‐Ok
Published: October 2015

Objective

Distal myopathy is a heterogeneous group of muscle diseases characterized by predominant distal muscle weakness. A study was done to identify the underlying cause of autosomal recessive adolescent onset distal myopathy.

Methods

Four patients from 2 unrelated Korean families were evaluated. To isolate the genetic cause, exome sequencing was performed. In vitro and in vivo assays using myoblast cells and zebrafish models were performed to examine the ADSSL1 mutation causing myopathy pathogenesis.

Results

Patients had an adolescent onset distal myopathy phenotype that included distal dominant weakness, facial muscle weakness, rimmed vacuoles, and mild elevation of serum creatine kinase. Exome sequencing identified completely cosegregating compound heterozygous mutations (p.D304N and p.I350fs) in ADSSL1, which encodes a muscle‐specific adenylosuccinate synthase in both families. None of the controls had both mutations, and the mutation sites were located in well‐conserved regions. Both the D304N and I350fs mutations in ADSSL1 led to decreased enzymatic activity. The knockdown of the Adssl1 gene significantly inhibited the proliferation of mouse myoblast cells, and the addition of human wild‐type ADSSL1 reversed the reduced viability. In an adssl1 knockdown zebrafish model, muscle fibers were severely disrupted, which was evaluated by myosin expression and birefringence. In these conditions, supplementing wild‐type ADSSL1 protein reversed the muscle defect.

Interpretation

We suggest that mutations in ADSSL1 are the novel genetic cause of the autosomal recessive adolescent onset distal myopathy. This study broadens the genetic and clinical spectrum of distal myopathy and will be useful for exact molecular diagnostics. Ann Neurol 2016;79:231–243
Leigh syndrome: One disorder, more than 75 monogenic causes
Authors: Lake Nicole J. , Compton Alison G. , Rahman Shamima , Thorburn David R.
Published: October 2015

Leigh syndrome is the most common pediatric presentation of mitochondrial disease. This neurodegenerative disorder is genetically heterogeneous, and to date pathogenic mutations in >75 genes have been identified, encoded by 2 genomes (mitochondrial and nuclear). More than one‐third of these disease genes have been characterized in the past 5 years alone, reflecting the significant advances made in understanding its etiological basis. We review the diverse biochemical and genetic etiology of Leigh syndrome and associated clinical, neuroradiological, and metabolic features that can provide clues for diagnosis. We discuss the emergence of genotype–phenotype correlations, insights gleaned into the molecular basis of disease, and available therapeutic options. Ann Neurol 2016;79:190–203
Intermolecular [2+2+1] Carbonylative Cycloaddition of Aldehydes with Alkynes, and Subsequent Oxidation to γ‐Hydroxybutenolides by a Supported Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Miura Hiroki , Takeuchi Kazuki , Shishido Tetsuya
Published: October 2015

Intermolecular [2+2+1] carbonylative cycloaddition of aldehydes with alkynes and subsequent oxidation to γ‐hydroxybutenolides is achieved using a supported ruthenium catalyst. A ceria‐supported ruthenium catalyst promotes the reaction efficiently, even with an ambient pressure of CO or without external CO, thus giving the corresponding γ‐hydroxybutenolide derivatives in good to high yields. Moreover this catalyst can be reused with no loss of activity.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Decarboxylative Functionalization of Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Xuan Jun , Zhang Zhao‐Guo , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: October 2015

Visible‐light‐induced radical decarboxylative functionalization of carboxylic acids and their derivatives has recently received considerable attention as a novel and efficient method to create CC and CX bonds. Generally, this visible‐light‐promoted decarboxylation process can smoothly occur under mild reaction conditions with a broad range of substrates and an excellent functional‐group tolerance. The radical species formed from the decarboxylation step can participate in not only single photocatalytic transformations, but also dual‐catalytic cross‐coupling reactions by combining photoredox catalysis with other catalytic processes. Recent advances in this research area are discussed herein.
Triplet State Aromaticity: NICS Criterion, Hyperconjugation, and Charge Effects
Authors: Sun Hongchao , An Ke , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2015

Aromaticity, one of the most important concepts in organic chemistry, has attracted considerable interest from both experimentalists and theoreticians. It remains unclear which NICS index is best to evaluate the triplet‐state aromaticity. Here, we carry out thorough density functional theory (DFT) calculations to examine this issue. Our results indicate that among the various computationally available NICS indices, NICS(1)zz is the best for the triplet state. The correlations can be improved from 0.840 to 0.938 when only neutral species are considered, demonstrating the significant effect of the charge on the triplet‐state aromaticity. In addition, calculations suggest that five‐membered cyclic species with “hyperconjugative” aromaticity (and antiaromaticity) in the S0 state will become antiaromatic (and aromatic) in the T1 state, indicating an important role of hyperconjugation. Finally, a moderate correlation (r2=0.708) is identified between the NICS(1)zz values and spin distributions.
Variation in dielectric properties due to pathological changes in human liver
Authors: Peyman Azadeh , Kos Bor , Djokić Mihajlo , Trotovšek Blaž , Limbaeck‐Stokin Clara , Serša Gregor , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: October 2015

Dielectric properties of freshly excised human liver tissues (in vitro) with several pathological conditions including cancer were obtained in frequency range 100 MHz–5 GHz. Differences in dielectric behavior of normal and pathological tissues at microwave frequencies are discussed based on histological information for each tissue. Data presented are useful for many medical applications, in particular nanosecond pulsed electroporation techniques. Knowledge of dielectric properties is vital for mathematical calculations of local electric field distribution inside electroporated tissues and can be used to optimize the process of electroporation for treatment planning procedures. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:603–612, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different applications of virus‐like particles in biology and medicine: Vaccination and delivery systems
Authors: Shirbaghaee Zeinab , Bolhassani Azam
Published: October 2015

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) mimic the whole construct of virus particles devoid of viral genome as used in subunit vaccine design. VLPs can elicit efficient protective immunity as direct immunogens compared to soluble antigens co‐administered with adjuvants in several booster injections. Up to now, several prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems such as insect, yeast, plant, and E. coli were used to express recombinant proteins, especially for VLP production. Recent studies are also generating VLPs in plants using different transient expression vectors for edible vaccines. VLPs and viral particles have been applied for different functions such as gene therapy, vaccination, nanotechnology, and diagnostics. Herein, we describe VLP production in different systems as well as its applications in biology and medicine. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 113–132, 2016.
Derivatisable Cyanobactin Analogues: A Semisynthetic Approach
Authors: Oueis Emilia , Adamson Catherine , Mann Greg , Ludewig Hannes , Redpath Philip , Migaud Marie , Westwood Nicholas J. , Naismith James H.
Published: October 2015

Many natural cyclic peptides have potent and potentially useful biological activities. Their use as therapeutic starting points is often limited by the quantities available, the lack of known biological targets and the practical limits on diversification to fine‐tune their properties. We report the use of enzymes from the cyanobactin family to heterocyclise and macrocyclise chemically synthesised substrates so as to allow larger‐scale syntheses and better control over derivatisation. We have made cyclic peptides containing orthogonal reactive groups, azide or dehydroalanine, that allow chemical diversification, including the use of fluorescent labels that can help in target identification. We show that the enzymes are compatible and efficient with such unnatural substrates. The combination of chemical synthesis and enzymatic transformation could help renew interest in investigating natural cyclic peptides with biological activity, as well as their unnatural analogues, as therapeutics.
Resource utilization for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An international comparison
Authors: Krishnaswamy Amar , Latib Azeem , Malik Ali , Bertoldi Letizia , Poddar Kanhaiya L. , Chieffo Alaide , Montorfano Matteo , Svensson Lars G. , Alfieri Ottavio , Colombo Antonio , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: October 2015

Background

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF‐TAVR) has enjoyed a rapid diffusion in the US and Europe, but the procedure is resource intensive.

Objectives

We sought to identify differences in resource utilization between a US and European center to ascertain opportunities for improvement in the performance of TF‐TAVR.

Methods

All patients undergoing TF‐TAVR using the Edwards SAPIEN valve series at the San Raffaele Hospital (Milan, Italy) and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Cleveland, OH) between January 2011 and December 2012 were included. Resource utilization was defined as preprocedural imaging, intraprocedural imaging, and personnel present during the procedure.

Results

A total of 158 patients from Cleveland and 113 from Milan were analyzed. Median logistic EuroScore (22.1 vs. 15.5, P = 0.013) and STS‐PROM (8.9 vs. 5.0%, P < 0.001) were higher in Cleveland. Thirty‐day outcomes were similar. Majority of procedures in Milan were conducted without a cardiac surgeon (79%) or an imaging specialist (99%) present during the case. There was greater reliance on endotracheal intubation (94.3 vs. 3.5%), general anesthesia (GA: 94.3 vs. 4.4%), and intraprocedural TEE (93 vs. 12.4%) in Cleveland, but shorter length of stay (mean: 6.42 vs. 11.16 days).

Conclusions

We characterized resources used for patients undergoing TF‐TAVR in Cleveland and Milan. Important differences included less reliance on GA and TEE and streamlining of procedural personnel in Milan, and reduced length‐of‐stay in Cleveland. Evolution of TF‐TAVR to involve fewer operators must be balanced with the need for ready access to a comprehensive group of specialists in case of emergencies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balloon valvuloplasty treatment of an infolded CoreValve
Authors: Kaple Ryan K. , Salemi Arash , Wong S. Chiu
Published: October 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is an approved treatment for select patients with severe aortic stenosis. A rare complication of self‐expanding transcatheter heart valves (THVs) is infolding of the valve stent frame, which results in a malopposed segment, perivalvular aortic insufficiency, and possibly leaflet dysfunction. We report here a successful case of balloon valvuloplasty treatment for severe infolding of a self‐expandable THV in the aortic position, restoring stent frame geometry and leaflet function. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aortic rupture following an EVAR secondary to graft erosion
Authors: Banzic Igor , Lachat Mario , Rancic Zoran
Published: October 2015

Significant type 3 endoleak as a defect in the graft material, especially associated with endograft rupture, is a rare complication. A 68‐year‐old male patient with aortic plaque rupture was treated with endovascular graft placement. The patient was readmitted two years later with severe abdominal pain, a large retroperitoneal hematoma and contrast extravasation below the location where the aortic plaque had presented. Before an aortic infrarenal cuff could be placed during a control angiography, a large graft hole and a significant type 3 endoleak were observed. The sharp aortic plaque may have been responsible for the endograft tear. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The MitraClip Asia‐Pacific registry: Differences in outcomes between functional and degenerative mitral regurgitation
Authors: Tay Edgar , Muda Nasir , Yap Jonathan , Muller David W.M. , Santoso Teguh , Walters Darren L. , Liu Xianbao , Yamen Eric , Jansz Paul , Yip James , Zambahari Robaayah , Passage Jurgen , Ding Zee Pin , Wang Jian'an , Scalia Gregory , Soesanto Amiliana M. , Yeo Khung Keong
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study is to describe and compare the use of the MitraClip therapy in mitral regurgitation (MR) patients with degenerative MR (DMR) and functional MR (FMR).

Introduction

Percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair of severe MR using the MitraClip device is approved for use in the USA for high risk DMR while European guidelines include its use in FMR patients as well.

Methods

The MitraClip in the Asia‐Pacific Registry (MARS) is a multicenter retrospective registry, involving eight sites in five Asia‐Pacific countries. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, procedural outcomes and 1‐month outcomes [death and major adverse events (MAE)] were compared between FMR and DMR patients treated with the MitraClip.

Results

A total of 163 patients were included from 2011 to 2014. The acute procedural success rates for FMR (95.5%, n = 84) and DMR (92%, n = 69) were similar (P = 0.515). 45% of FMR had ≥2 clips inserted compared to 60% of those with DMR (P = 0.064).The 30‐day mortality rate for FMR and DMR was similar at 4.5% and 6.7% respectively (P = 0.555). The 30‐day MAE rate was 9.2% for FMR and 14.7% for DMR (P = 0.281). Both FMR and DMR patients had significant improvements in the severity of MR and NYHA class after 30 days. There was a significantly greater reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (P = 0.002) and end systolic diameter (P = 0.017) in DMR than in FMR.

Conclusions

The MitraClip therapy is a safe and efficacious treatment option for both FMR and DMR. Although, there is a significantly greater reduction in LV volumes in DMR, patients in both groups report clinical benefit with improvement in functional class. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endobronchial mass formation after endobronchial ultrasound–transbronchial needle aspiration mimicking implantation metastasis
Authors: Kim Soo Han , Lee Yunkyoung , Park Shinhee , Choi Chang Min , Jo Jungmin , Lee Jae Cheol
Published: October 2015

Key Clinical Message

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) has been widely used for diagnosing intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. Here, we present two cases of endobronchial polyp formation after an EBUS‐TBNA for suspicious malignant lymph nodes. An inflammatory polyp should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis for a newly developed mass after an EBUS‐TBNA.
Preparation of Highly Active Triflic Acid Functionalized SBA‐15 Catalysts for the Synthesis of Coumarin under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Kalita Pranjal , Baskar Arun V. , Choy Jin‐Ho , Lakhi Kripal S. , El‐Newehy Mohamed , Lawrence Geoffrey , Al‐deyab Salem S. , Balasubramanian Veerappan V. , Vinu Ajayan
Published: October 2015

Highly acidic SBA‐15 with different pore diameters has been prepared by functionalizing the mesoporous walls with different amounts of triflic acid (TFA). The structure of the SBA‐15 before and after the functionalization with TFA was investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The interaction of TFA with the surface silanol groups of SBA‐15 and the acidity of the materials have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy and temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, respectively. The characterization results reveal that the mesoporous structure of the SBA‐15 is retained even after the loading of TFA in the mesochannels and that the TFA molecules are bonded with the surface silanol groups of the SBA‐15 supports. The acidity of the materials increases with increasing amount of TFA from 5 to 20 wt %. These functionalized, highly acidic materials are found to be highly active in the synthesis of coumarin and the catalytic efficiency was found to correlate with the total acidity or the amount of TFA in the porous channels of the SBA‐15 catalysts. It has also been found that the activity of the TFA‐functionalized SBA‐15 in the synthesis of coumarin is much higher than that of different zeolites, pure mesoporous silica SBA‐15, and other mesoporous catalysts used in this study.
Synthesis of Planar Chiral Ferrocenes by Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Activation
Authors: Zhu Dao‐Yong , Chen Ping , Xia Ji‐Bao
Published: October 2015

This minireview focuses on recent advancements in the synthesis of planar chiral ferrocenes by means of transition‐metal‐catalyzed enantioselective C−H activation. Enantioenriched planar chiral ferrocenes are synthesized through simple straightforward asymmetric carbon−carbon or carbon−heteroatom bond‐formation reactions. In these reports, site selectivity of ferrocene C−H activation is controlled by two strategies, coordination direction and intramolecular cyclization. Herein the significance of these results is summarized.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of FeOCl Nanosheet Arrays and Their Conversion to Porous α‐Fe2O3 Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Chong Wu , Yang Shuang , Jiang Hai Bo , Yang Huagui
Published: October 2015

FeOCl nanosheet arrays were deposited on fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass substrates through a chemical vapor deposition method and further converted to hematite porous nanosheet arrays. A much enhanced photocurrent was obtained for such hematite films, which was three times higher than that of a planar hematite film at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen reference electrode.
A Combined Crystallographic and Theoretical Study Explains the Capability of Carboxylic Acids to Adopt Multiple Binding Modes in the Active Site of Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Langella Emma , D'Ambrosio Katia , D'Ascenzio Melissa , Carradori Simone , Monti Simona M. , Supuran Claudiu T. , De Simone Giuseppina
Published: October 2015

Carboxylates are the least investigated class of inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases (CAs). Here we explain the versatility of binding of these molecules to CAs by examining a new adduct of hCA II with N‐carboxymethyl‐saccharin.
A Robust, Eco‐Friendly Access to Secondary Thioamides through the Addition of Organolithium Reagents to Isothiocyanates in Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether (CPME)
Authors: Pace Vittorio , Castoldi Laura , Monticelli Serena , Safranek Sandra , Roller Alexander , Langer Thierry , Holzer Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

The nucleophilic addition of widely available and variously functionalized organolithium reagents to isothiocyanates represents a straightforward, high‐yielding, one‐pot method to access secondary thioamides. The simple reaction conditions required and the broad scope (>50 cases examples) makes it a robust and reliable method to access both simple and complex thioamides, including enantiopure ones. Noxious and unpleasant‐smelling sulfurating agents, usually employed in the literature established methods, are avoided during the whole synthetic procedure thus, rendering the protocol highly attractive, also for sustainability aspects.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer‐Enhanced BODIPY Photosensitizer in Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Its Application to Photoxidation under Mild Condition
Authors: Wang Ruiqin , Geng Ying , Zhang Lili , Wu Wenting , Fan Weiyu , Li Zhongtao , Wang Lizhuo , Zhan Liying , Wu Xueyan , Wu Mingbo
Published: October 2015

Photoinduced electron transfer process is a crucial step in photooxidation to obtain synthetic chemicals. However, the driving forces of electron transfer as priority in all have been rarely studied in stepwise detail. Herein, we report a series of BODIPY derivatives with an emphasis on the intramolecular charge transfer, enhancing the key step of photoinduced electron transfer process and photooxidation performances. A series of novel BODIPY photosensitizers (B‐1–B‐5) were prepared, wherein diethylamine amino of B‐3 as charge injection group was conjugated to the 2,6‐diiodo‐styryl‐BODIPY, and the electron transfer impetus was enhanced 1.6 times due to its more negative redox potentials. These results were also confirmed by the DFT/TDDFT calculation. Without pure oxygen, B‐3 still can exhibit an exceptional performance in photoxidative aromatization of 1,4‐DHP under mild condition. After irradiation for 28 min, the conversion rate came to 98.2%.
Capacitive Performances of Reduced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Prepared by Using Sodium Hypophosphite as Reducer
Authors: Liu Cuixian , Han Gaoyi , Chang Yunzhen , Xiao Yaoming , Li Yanping , Li Miaoyu , Zhou Haihan
Published: October 2015

The hydrogels of reduced graphene oxide (rGOHGs) have been synthesized through treating GO with various concentrations of sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) under hydrothermal condition. The results reveal that the structure of rGOHGs changes along with the increase of the concentration of NaH2PO2. The rGO sheets prepared with low concentration of NaH2PO2 exhibit more crimples and larger specific surface area than those prepared with high concentration of NaH2PO2. The measurements of the capacitive performances of rGOHGs reveal that the rGOHGs prepared with low concentration of NaH2PO2 possess larger specific capacitance (Cs) than that prepared with high concentration of NaH2PO2 at low cyclic voltammetry scan rates. However, the rGOHGs prepared with high concentration of NaH2PO2 possess larger Cs at high scan rates, more stability and better high‐rate capability than those prepared at low concentration. It is believed that the structures and properties of rGOHGs can be adjusted by controlling the concentration of NaH2PO2 according to the requirement.
Efficient One‐Pot Access to 2,9‐Dihydrothiopyrano[2,3‐b]indole Scaffolds Showing Large Stokes Shifts
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Samanta Sampak
Published: October 2015

A simple, mild and efficient one‐pot approach for the construction of 2‐aryl‐3‐nitro‐2,9‐dihydrothiopyrano[2,3‐b]indole derivatives has been realized in CH2Cl2 medium at ambient temperature via three‐component tandem reaction of N‐protected‐2‐chloro‐3‐formylindoles, sodium hydrosulfide and β‐substituted nitroolefins/δ‐substituted nitrodienes using DABCO (10 mol%) as an organocatalyst, followed by dehydration in the presence of activated molecular sieves (4 Å). The significant advantages of this protocol are simple operation, shorter reaction time, high atom economy, good to high yields (73% –89%) and wider substrate scope. In addition, all the synthesized compounds have shown the large positive Stokes shift values (5632–6081 cm−1).
Organocatalytic Oxidative Amidation of Aldehydes with Tetrazoles to Construct 2,5‐Diaryl 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Cao Jing , Wang Liang
Published: October 2015

A practical and metal‐free oxidative amidation of aldehydes with tetrazoles into 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles has been developed by employing tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) as catalyst and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant. A wide range of 2,5‐disubstituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles can be conveniently generated in moderate to good yields. Gram‐scale reaction was also realized in this catalytic system.