bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the Adhesive Mechanisms of Tree Frogs using Artificial Mimics
Authors: Drotlef Dirk‐Michael , Stepien Lukas , Kappl Michael , Barnes W. Jon P. , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: October 2012

Elastic, microstructured surfaces (hydrophobic and hydrophilic) mimicking the surface structure of tree‐frog toe‐pads are fabricated. Their adhesion and friction behaviour in the presence of a liquid layer is evaluated and compared to flat controls. Tree‐frog‐like patterns are beneficial for wet adhesion only if the liquid does not wet the surface. The situation is different in friction, where the surface structure lead to significantly higher friction forces only if the liquid does wet the surface. Taking into account that tree‐frog attachment pads are hydrophilic and that their secretion wets all kind of surfaces, our results indicate that the surface structure in tree‐frog toe‐pads has been developed for climbing, when shear (friction) forces are involved. These results evidence the benefits and limitations of the surface design (microstructure and hydrophilicity) for adhesion and friction under wet conditions.
Conservation of hearing and protection of hair cells in cochlear implant patients' with residual hearing
Authors: Bas Esperanza , Dinh Christine T. , Garnham Carolyn , Polak Marek , Van de Water Thomas R.
Published: October 2012

This review covers the molecular mechanisms involved in hair cell and hearing losses which can result from trauma generated during the process of cochlear implantation and the contributions of both the intrinsic and extrinsic cell death signaling pathways in producing these trauma/inflammation induced losses. Application of soft surgical techniques to conserve hearing and protect auditory sensory cells during the process of cochlear implantation surgery and insertion of the electrode array during the process of cochlear implantation are reviewed and discussed. The role of drug therapy and mode of drug delivery for the conservation of a cochlear implant patient's residual hearing is presented and discussed. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corticosteroid Therapy for Hearing and Balance Disorders
Authors: Trune Dennis R. , Canlon Barbara
Published: October 2012

This review addresses the current status of steroid therapies for hearing and vestibular disorders and how certain misconceptions may be undermining the efficacy in restoring normal ear function, both experimentally and clinically. Specific misconceptions addressed are that steroid therapy is not effective, steroid‐responsive hearing loss proves an underlying inflammatory problem in the ear, and steroids only have application to the hearing disorders listed below. Glucocorticoid therapy for hearing and balance disorders has been employed for over 60 years. It is recommended in cases of sudden hearing loss, Meniére's disease, immune‐mediated hearing loss, and any vestibular dysfunction suspected of having an inflammatory etiology. The predominant steroids employed today are dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. Despite years of use, little is known of the steroid responsive mechanisms in the ear that are influenced by glucocorticoid therapy. Furthermore, meta‐analyses and clinical study reviews occasionally question whether steroids offer any benefit at all. Foremost in the minds of clinicians is the immune suppression and anti‐inflammatory functions of steroids because of their efficacy for autoimmune hearing loss. However, glucocorticoids have a strong binding affinity for the mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) and glucocorticoid receptors, both of which are prominent in the ear. Because the auditory and vestibular end organs require tightly regulated endolymph and perilymph fluids, this ion homeostasis role of the mineralocorticoid receptor cannot be overlooked in both normal and pathologic functions of the ear. The function of the glucocorticoid receptor is to provide anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic signals by mediating survival factors. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Anatomical and Physiological Framework for Vestibular Prostheses
Authors: Highstein Stephen M. , Holstein Gay R.
Published: October 2012

This article reviews the structure function of the vestibular system and its pathology with respect to requirements for the design and construction of a functional vestibular prosthesis. The ultimate goal of a vestibular prosthesis is to restore balance and equilibrium through direct activation of vestibular nerve fibers. An overview of the peripheral and central vestibular systems that highlights their most important functional aspects re: the design of a prosthesis is provided. Namely, the peripheral labyrinth faithfully transduces head motion and gravity in both the time and frequency domains. These signals are described in hopes that they may be prosthetically replicated. The peripheral and central connections of the vestibular nerve are also discussed in detail, as are the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem that receive VIIIth nerve innervation. Lastly, the functional effector pathways of the vestibular system, including the vestibulo‐ocular, vestibulo‐spinal, vestibulo‐colic, vestibulo‐autonomic, and vestibular efferent innervation of the labyrinth are reviewed. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Auditory Brainstem Implants: How Do They Work?
Authors: Vincent C.
Published: October 2012

This review covers the design, structure, and function of auditory brainstem implants. Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) are auditory prostheses initially designed to treat deafness in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 typically results in deafness due to disruption of the cochlear nerves. When the tumors are removed the auditory nerve is usually cut or nonfunctional anymore. In these cases, patients cannot benefit from peripheral devices such as cochlear implants (CI). Another cause of VIII nerve loss is bilateral temporal bone fracture. Worldwide, more than 500 persons have received an ABI after removal of the tumors that occur with NF2. More recently, some extensions of indications have been proposed to include subjects who would not benefit enough from a cochlear implant (i.e. cochlear ossification). The ABI is similar in design and function to a CI, except that the electrode is placed on the first auditory relay station in the brainstem, the cochlear nucleus (CN). The ABI electrode array is a small paddle that contains plate electrode contacts. The CN has not a single linear tonotopic organization from base to apex like the cochlea but different tonotopic subunits. The CN comprises multiple neuron types that are characterized by specific properties (morphology, regional distribution and cell‐membrane characteristics), synaptic input and responses to acoustic stimuli. As the ABI electrode array is placed along the surface of the CN, each electrode likely activates a variety of neuron types, possibly with different characteristic frequencies. Patients undergoing ABI have variable benefit with regard to sound and speech comprehension. For the majority of patients, this improvement is essentially obtained by an augmentation of lip reading performances. Speech comprehension without lip‐reading is not as good as with cochlear implants. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Canalostomy as a Surgical Approach for Cochlear Gene Therapy in the Rat
Authors: Gassner Davina , Durham Dianne , Pfannenstiel Susanna C. , Brough Douglas E. , Staecker Hinrich
Published: October 2012

This article presents a unique approach for the delivery of gene therapy vectors into the cochlea of the laboratory rat. Mice and guinea pigs are established in vivo models for cochlear gene therapy each of which has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The rat has some of the molecular advantages of a mouse model combined with size advantages for surgical approaches. Vector delivery via cochleostomy or injection through the round window causes concomitant sensorineural hearing loss and is therefore not suitable for studies where the change in hearing is being followed. Compared to the mouse, the rat does not demonstrate easily recognizable landmarks that allow for use of the semicircular canal as an approach to the inner ear. We analyzed sagittal and coronal temporal bone sections of Long Evans rats and identified the bony entrance of the facial nerve as a crucial landmark for canalostomy. Auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacustic emission measurements revealed minimal differences in the hearing threshold after adenovirus vector application when large volumes of vector were infused to the inner ear. Canalostomy and infusion of adenoviral vectors also resulted in temporary balance disturbance in the rat. Immunohistochemical assessment after delivery of a green fluorescent protein expressing vector showed significant GFP expression in the cochlea. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low Dose Oxidative Stress Induces Mitochondrial Damage in Hair Cells
Authors: Baker Kim , Staecker Hinrich
Published: October 2012

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a cause of hair cell damage after ischemia reperfusion injury, noise trauma, and ototoxic injury. Oxidative stress can induce both apoptosis or necrosis depending on the degree of exposure. To study how reactive oxygen species (ROS) interacts with hair cells, we have developed an in vitro model of oxidative stress using organ of Corti cultures exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Treatment of organ of Corti cultures with low concentrations of H2O2 results in loss of outer hair cells in the basal turn of the explant. Higher concentrations of peroxide result in more extensive outer hair cell injury as well as loss of inner hair cells. Early outer hair cell death appears to occur though apoptosis as demonstrated by staining of activated caspase. The effect of oxidative stress on mitochondrial function is a key determinant of degree of damage. Oxidative stress results in reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduction of mitochondrial produced antioxidants. Low doses of oxidative stress induce changes in mitochondrial gene expression and induce mitochondrial DNA deletions. Recurrent oxidative stress or inhibition of mitochondrial function significantly enhanced hair cell death. This tissue culture model of oxidative hair cell injury maintains a pattern of injury similar to what is observed in vivo after oxidative injury and can be used to study the effects of ROS on hair cells over the time period of the culture. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Historical Aspects of Inner Ear Anatomy and Biology that Underlie the Design of Hearing and Balance Prosthetic Devices
Authors: Van De Water Thomas R.
Published: October 2012

This review presents some of the major historical events that advanced the body of knowledge of the anatomy of the inner ear and its sensory receptors as well as the biology of these receptors that underlies the sensory functions of hearing and balance. This knowledge base of the inner ear's structure/function has been an essential factor for the design and construction of prosthetic devices to aid patients with deficits in their senses of hearing and balance. Prosthetic devices are now available for severely hearing impaired and deaf patients to restore hearing and are known as cochlear implants and auditory brain stem implants. A prosthetic device for patients with balance disorders is being perfected and is in an animal model testing phase with another prosthetic device for controlling intractable dizziness in Meniere's patients currently being evaluated in clinical testing. None of this would have been possible without the pioneering studies and discoveries of the investigators mentioned in this review and with the work of many other talented investigators to numerous to be covered in this review. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
METHOPRENE INFLUENCES REPRODUCTION AND FLIGHT CAPACITY IN ADULTS OF THE RICE LEAF ROLLER,Cnaphalocrocis Medinalis(GUENỂE) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)
Authors: Sun Bei‐Bei , Jiang Xing‐Fu , Zhang Lei , Stanley David Warren , Luo Li‐Zhi , Long Wei
Published: October 2012

Juvenile hormone (JH) influences many aspects of insect biology, including oogenesis‐flight syndrome tradeoffs between migration and reproduction. Drawing on studies of many migratory insects, we posed the hypothesis that JH influences migratory capacity and oogenesis in the rice leaf roller, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. We treated adults moths (days 1, 2 and 3 postemergence) with the JH analog (JHA), methoprene, and then recorded the influences of JHA treatments on reproduction. JHA treatment on day 1 postemergence, but not on the other days, shortened the preoviposition period, although JHA did not influence total fecundity, oviposition period, or longevity. We infer day 1 postemergence is the JH‐sensitive stage to influence reproduction. Therefore, we treated moths on day 1 postemergence with JHA and recorded flight capacity, flight muscle mass, and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation. JHA treatments did not influence flight speed, but led to reductions in flight durations and flight distances. At day 3 posttreatment (PT), JHA‐treated females flew shorter times and less distance than the controls; JHA‐treated males, however, only flew shorter times than the controls. JHA treatments led to reductions in flight muscle mass in females at days 2–3 PT and reductions in TAG content in females at day 3 PT, but, these parameters were not influenced by JHA in males. These findings strongly support our hypothesis, from which we infer that JH is a major driver in C. medinalis oogenesis‐flight syndrome tradeoffs. Our data also reveal a JH‐sensitive stage in adulthood during which JH influences the oocyte‐flight syndrome in C. medinalis.
Binary regression: Total gain in positive and negative predictive values
Authors: Klotsche Jens , Ferger Dietmar , Leistner David , Pieper Lars , Zeiher Andreas M. , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Rehm Juergen
Published: October 2012

Models that predict disease incidence or disease recurrence are attractive for clinicians as well as for patients. The usefulness of a risk prediction model is linked to the two questions whether the observed outcome is confirmed by the prediction and whether the risk prediction is accurate in predicting the future outcome, respectively. The first phrasing of the question is linked to considering sensitivity and specificity and the latter to the positive and negative predictive values. We present the measures of standardized total gain in positive and negative predictive values dealing with the performance or accuracy of the prediction model for a binary outcome. Both measures provide a useful tool for assessing the performance or accuracy of a set of predictor variables for the prediction of a binary outcome. This concept is a tool for evaluating the optimal prediction model in future research.
Synergistic Effect of a Carbon Black Supported PtAg Non‐Alloy Bimetal Nanocatalyst for CO Preferential Oxidation in Excess Hydrogen
Authors: Chen Limin , Ma Ding , Zhang Zhen , Guo Yuanyuan , Ye Daiqi , Huang Bichun
Published: October 2012

Carbon black (CB) supported PtAg non‐alloy bimetal catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation and evaluated for CO preferential oxidation in excess H2 (PROX). PtAg/CB catalysts exhibited an evident synergistic effect. The catalyst support selection is crucial to the synergistic effect. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning TEM energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (STEM‐EDX) characterization indicates no alloy was formed over the PtAg/CB catalyst after activation in H2 at 500 °C for 2 h. However, temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) and XRD data evidenced strong interactions between platinum and silver, as a result of their simultaneous reduction and high temperature activation. The PtAg interactions result in high catalytic performance and the synergistic effects. This is another example of model catalyst research translating to real world catalysis. PtAg non‐alloy catalysts may also be effective in eliminating or alleviating catalyst poisoning by CO‐like intermediates in direct liquid fuel cells.
Immobilization of two (R)‐Amine Transaminases on an Optimized Chitosan Support for the Enzymatic Synthesis of Optically Pure Amines
Authors: Mallin Hendrik , Menyes Ulf , Vorhaben Torge , Höhne Matthias , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: October 2012

Two (R)‐selective amine transaminases from Gibberella zeae (GibZea) and from Neosartorya fischeri (NeoFis) were immobilized on chitosan as a carrier to improve their application in the biocatalytic synthesis of chiral (R)‐amines. An (S)‐selective enzyme from Vibrio fluvialis (VfTA) was used for comparison. After improving the immobilization conditions, all enzymes could be efficiently immobilized. Additionally, the thermal stability of GibZea and NeoFis could be improved and also a slight shift of the pH optimum was observed for GibZea. All enzymes showed good activity in the conversion of α‐methylbenzylamine. In the asymmetric synthesis of (R)‐2‐aminohexane from the corresponding ketone, a 13.4‐fold higher conversion (>99 %) was found for the immobilized GibZea compared to the free enzyme. Hence, the covalent binding with glutaraldehyde of these enzymes on chitosan beads resulted in a significant stabilization of the amine transaminases investigated.
Effect of Operating Conditions and Powder Properties on Pneumatic Conveying Characteristics of a Top Discharge Blow Tank
Authors: Xu G. , Chen X. , Liang C. , Xu P. , Cai J. , Zhao C.
Published: October 2012

The effects of fluidizing and pressurizing gas flow rates on pneumatic conveying characteristics such as powder mass flow rate, solid‐gas ratio, and voidage in a top discharge blow tank pneumatic conveying system are evaluated. Pulverized coal and glass beads were used to investigate the effect of powder properties on conveying performance. The results indicate that as the fluidizing gas flow rate increases, the powder mass flow rate and the solid‐gas ratio increase at first and then decline. As the pressurizing gas flow rate increases, the powder mass flow rate increases gradually, while the solid‐gas ratio increases at first and then declines. Since the voidage values of all experiments are below 0.95, it can be inferred that the top discharge blow tank pneumatic conveying system is able to achieve dense‐phase conveying.
Numerical Evaluation of Flow Fields and Stresses Acting on Agglomerates Dispersed in High‐Pressure Microsystems
Authors: Beinert S. , Gothsch T. , Kwade A.
Published: October 2012

Dealing with calculated three‐dimensional flow fields of microchannels, investigations about straight, orifice, z‐ and y‐channels were performed. Computational fluid dynamics was used to gain the flow fields that were the basis of stationary particle tracking performed with more then 5000 seeding points. With the particle tracking, quantification and thus characterization of the acting stresses was performed. The acting stresses (tensile, shear, turbulent and compressive stress) were subsequently used for a comparison with previously conducted dispersion experiments. The dispersion of aluminum oxide agglomerates served as model system. Distributions of stresses and particle sizes could then be compared. As expected, the different stress distributions differ in broadness and level. Although the agreement between experiments and simulations is sufficient, it is still not possible to identify the predominant stress. The microchannels offering the better dispersion results provide higher stresses.
Process Study of the Formation of Biodegradable Polymer Microspheres for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Griffini G. , Levi M. , Turri S.
Published: October 2012

A series of polymer microspheres was prepared via solvent evaporation by dispersing dichloromethane solutions of polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) in water. The dimensions of the final dry particles were measured by laser diffraction and correlated to the main fluid‐dynamic parameters of the dispersion process, namely viscosity ratio, volume fraction of dispersed phase, intensity of stirring, and Weber number (We). Data analysis indicated that the system under study can be quantitatively well described by empirical models present in the literature and concerning the dispersion of liquid‐liquid immiscible systems. The PLGA microspheres obtained in this way may be employed for fabrication of biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Thermo‐Responsive Polyethersulfone Composite Membranes Blended with Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Nanogels
Authors: Wang G. , Xie R. , Ju X.‐J. , Chu L.‐Y.
Published: October 2012

Thermo‐responsive composite polyethersulfone (PES) membranes blended with monodisperse poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogels were prepared from blends of PES solution and PNIPAM nanogels by phase inversion. The monodisperse and spherical PNIPAM thermo‐responsive nanogels were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The blended PNIPAM nanogels did not affect the formation of the finger‐like pore structure of the PES membrane but resulted in microporous structures. The water flux across the composite membrane at temperatures above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM was much higher than that below the LCST because of thermo‐responsive shrinking/swelling of the PNIPAM nanogels, and the thermo‐responsive permeation characteristics were affected by the content of blended PNIPAM nanogels. The thermo‐responsive permeation performance of the composite membranes was reversible and reproducible.
Metathesis of Ionic Liquids: Continuous Ion Exchange by Donnan Dialysis
Authors: Keil Philipp , Schwiertz Manuel , König Axel
Published: October 2012

Ionic liquids (IL) are salts that have extraordinary low melting points below 100 °C. While only a very limited number of possible IL can be synthesized directly, the vast majority is prepared via the synthesis of a precursor IL with the desired cation and a subsequent anion exchange. This paper presents the continuous anion exchange by Donnan dialysis in aqueous solution with anion exchange membranes. The retention of the anion exchange membranes used in this work for inorganic and IL cations was found to be R > 99 %. The average integral transport coefficients were determined for the exchange of chloride/acetate, chloride/hydroxide and bromide/hydroxide for various IL and classical salts. The values of the integral average transport coefficients were found to be independent of the investigated counterions. Process modeling was applied to optimize the flow conditions to reach an anion exchange > 98 %. Ultrapure hydroxide solutions and acetates of common classes of IL cations were prepared with a conversion of the reactant anions of > 99 % and cationic impurity contents of < 1 %.
Synthesis and Insertion Chemistry of Mixed Tether Uranium Metallocene Complexes
Authors: Siladke Nathan A. , LeDuc Jennifer , Ziller Joseph W. , Evans William J.
Published: October 2012

The synthesis of mixed tethered alkyl uranium metallocenes has been investigated by examining the reactivity of the bis(tethered alkyl) metallocene [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2‐κC)2U] (1) with substrates that react with only one of the UC linkages. The effect of these mixed tether coordination environments on the reactivity of the remaining UC bond has been studied by using CO insertion chemistry. One equivalent of azidoadamantane (AdN3) reacts with 1 to yield the mixed tethered alkyl triazenido complex [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2‐κC)U(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2‐CH2NNN‐Ad‐κ2N1,3)]. Similarly, a single equivalent of CS2 reacts with 1 to form the mixed tethered alkyl dithiocarboxylate complex [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2‐κC)U(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2‐ CH2C(S)2‐κ2S,S′)], a reaction that constitutes the first example of CS2 insertion into a U4+C bond. Complex 1 reacts with one equivalent of pyridine N‐oxide by CH bond activation of the pyridine ring to form a mixed tethered alkyl cyclometalated pyridine N‐oxide complex [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2‐κC)(η5‐C5Me4SiMe3)U(C6H4NO‐κ2C,O)]. The remaining (η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2‐κC)2− ligand in each of these mixed tethered species show reactivity towards CO and tethered enolate ligands form by insertion. Subsequent rearrangement have been identified in [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe3)U(C5H4NO‐κ2C,O)(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2C(CH2)O‐κO)] and [(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2CH2NNN‐Ad‐κ2N1,3)U(η5‐C5Me4SiMe2C(CH2)O‐κO)].
Effect of Oxime Ether Incorporation in Acyl Indole Derivatives on PPAR Subtype Selectivity
Authors: Le Naour Morgan , Leclerc Veronique , Farce Amaury , Caignard Daniel‐Henri , Hennuyer Nathalie , Staels Bart , Audinot‐Bouchez Valérie , Boutin Jean‐Albert , Lonchampt Michel , Dacquet Catherine , Ktorza Alain , Berthelot Pascal , Lebegue Nicolas
Published: October 2012

Compounds that simultaneously activate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) subtypes α and γ have the potential to effectively treat dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a single pharmaceutically active molecule. The frequently observed side effects of selective PPARγ agonists, such as edema and weight gain, were expected to be overcome by using additive PPARα activity, leading to dual PPARα/γ agonists with balanced activity for both subtypes. Herein we report the discovery, synthesis, and optimization of a new series of α‐ethoxyphenylpropionic acid bearing 5‐ or 6‐substituted indoles. The incorporation of oxime ethers on the carbonyl portion of the benzoyl group can bring the PPARα/γ potency ratio equal to or slightly greater than one, as is the case for compounds 20 c and 21 a. Compound 20 c shows high efficacy in an ob/ob mouse model of T2D and dyslipidemia, similar to that of rosiglitazone and tesaglitazar, but with a significant increase in body weight gain. In contrast, compound 21 a, less potent as a dual PPARα/γ activator than 20 c, showed an interesting pharmacological profile, as it elicits a decrease in body weight relative to reference compounds.
Molecular Simulations of Primary Alkanolamines Using an Extendable Force Field
Authors: Simond Mickaël R. , Ballerat‐Busserolles Karine , Coxam Jean‐Yves , Pádua Agílio A. H.
Published: October 2012

A classical force field is proposed for the molecular simulation of primary alkanolamines containing a NH2CCOH backbone. A method is devised to take into account the polar (H‐bonding) environment of the alkanolamines by calculating electrostatic charges in the presence of explicit solvent molecules. The force field does not use a universal set of charges, but is rather constructed by following a general method for obtaining specific charges for the different alkanolamines. The model is parameterized on the two simplest primary alkanolamines and then validated by calculating thermodynamic properties of five other molecules. Experimental liquid densities and enthalpies of vaporization are also reported in order to complete existing literature data. The predicted ability of the force field is evaluated by comparing the simulation results with experimental densities and enthalpies of vaporization. Densities are predicted with an uncertainty of 1.5 % and enthalpies of vaporization with an uncertainty of 1 kJ mol−1. A decomposition of the interaction energy into electrostatic and repulsive‐dispersive interactions and an analysis of hydrogen‐bond statistics lead to a complex picture. Some terms of these interactions are related to the molecular structure in a clear way, others are not. The results provide insights into the structure–property relations that contribute to a better description of the thermodynamic properties of alkanolamines.
Supramolecular Isomerism of One‐Dimensional Copper(II) Phosphonate and Its Influence on the Magnetic Properties
Authors: Huang Jian , Liu Ping‐Ying , Zhu Hui , Bao Song‐Song , Zheng Li‐Min , Ma Jing
Published: October 2012

The reaction of 1‐phosphonomethyl‐2‐benzimidazolpyrrolidine (pmbpH2) and CuCl2 under slightly different conditions has generated three isomers: [Cu(pmbp)]⋅2.5 H2O (1), [Cu(pmbp)]⋅2 H2O (2), and [Cu(pmbp)(H2O)]⋅x H2O (3). All show 1D chain structures in which the adjacent CuII ions are connected purely by the OPO bridges, but the chains are packed in different manners. Dominant antiferromagnetic interactions are observed in these compounds. However, the coupling constant between the metal centers varies significantly for the isomers, which is attributed mainly to the intrachain structural parameters, such as the intrachain Cu⋅⋅⋅Cu distance and the torsion angles over the phosphonate bridge. DFT calculations have been conducted to understand the magnetostructural relationship.
Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals and Low Viscosity Ionic Liquids Based on the Dicyano(nitroso)methanide Anion
Authors: Janikowski Judith , Razali Mohd R. , Batten Stuart R. , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Pringle Jennifer M.
Published: October 2012

A new family of organic ionic materials of the dicyano(nitroso)methanide anion is reported. Six of the compounds are room‐temperature ionic liquids with low viscosities, which is a physical property highly desired for many synthetic and electrochemical applications. In addition, use of dimethylpyrrolidinium and tetramethylammonium cations yield the first reported dicyano(nitroso)methanide organic ionic plastic crystals, which have an advantageously wide plastic phase region. The salts also exhibit good conductivities and thermal stabilities thus making them suitable as liquid or solid‐state electrolytes for a range of electrochemical devices.
Political dialogue workshops: Deepening the peace process in Northern Ireland
Authors: Corry Geoffrey
Published: October 2012

Between 1994 and 2007, the author facilitated over fifty residential three‐day political dialogue workshops at the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation outside Dublin during the negotiation phase of the Northern Ireland peace process. This article describes the structure and methodology of the workshops at second track level and how politicians from all the political parties in Ireland and Britain arrived at new intergroup understandings and forged new political relationships. It identifies four layers of the interactive dialogue space and the role of the facilitator in shaping the dialogue over multiple encounters.
Microfocused X‐ray Study on Precipitate Formation in the Separator Region of Nonaqueous Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Shui Jiang‐Lan , Okasinski John S. , Zhao Dan , Almer Jonathan D. , Liu Di‐Jia
Published: October 2012

Using a microfocused synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (μ‐XRD) method, we systematically investigated the distributions of insoluble lithium precipitates, which formed through electrolyte decomposition, separately in all three regions (cathode, separator, and anode) of failed batteries with a spatial resolution of 20 μm. We found unexpectedly that there was a significantly higher concentration (almost twice as much) of precipitates in the separator than in the cathode. SEM revealed that the precipitates grew on the separator fiber surface, ultimately obstructing the pores serving as the ion‐transport channel. A “refurbished” battery, which was composed of a spent separator from a failed battery, showed a much higher overpotential and shorter cycle life than that found in a new battery.
Switch‐and‐examine combining with different new switch statistics for diversity over Rayleigh fading channels
Authors: Chau Yawgeng A. , Chen Yao‐Hua
Published: October 2012

Three schemes of multibranch switch‐and‐examine combining (MSEC) with switch statistics different from the signal‐to‐noise ratio used in the traditional MSEC are analyzed. For each diversity branch, with its fading factor a and low‐passed received signal r, the switch statistics for the three MSEC schemes considered in the paper are | r | , | ar | , and a linear combination of a and | r | , respectively. To illustrate the performances of the MSEC schemes, the average BER of each MSEC scheme with BPSK signaling is evaluated for independent and identically distributed Rayleigh fading channels. For performance optimization, the optimal switch thresholds of the MSEC schemes are obtained. Numerical results based on the analysis and simulations are presented for performance illustrations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of pre‐analysis loss of dependent drugs in wastewater: stability and binding assessments
Authors: Chen Chang , Kostakis Chris , Irvine Rodney J. , Felgate Peter D. , White Jason M.
Published: October 2012

Wastewater analysis has the potential to provide objective and timely data on population drug consumption, but some crucial factors such as pre‐analysis drug loss during sample storage and filtration could affect the accuracy and reliability of the method, and these uncertainties have yet to be fully assessed. This study was designed to evaluate analyte stability in wastewater stored under different conditions with the aim of optimizing the sample storage procedures for future studies. It also investigated whether there is significant analyte loss during filtration before sample extraction and storage after that. The studied substances and metabolites were: cotinine, cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine, phenethylamines amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), opioids including codeine, methadone, 6‐monoacetylmorphine (MAM) and morphine. In most situations, storing samples at 4 °C is sufficient to stabilize analytes for at least 2 weeks, and refrigeration is unnecessary during sample transportation within 3 days. However, additional measures need to be taken if unstable analytes such as cocaine and MAM are to be analyzed. No significant analyte loss was observed in the filtration process or in reconstituted extract stored at 4 °C or −20 °C for 2 weeks. By choosing stable analytes and proper storage conditions, wastewater analysis has the potential to provide accurate data for estimation of community drug use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body dysmorphic disorder and nonweight‐related body image concerns in individuals with eating disorders
Authors: Kollei Ines , Schieber Katharina , de Zwaan Martina , Svitak Michael , Martin Alexandra
Published: October 2012

Objective:

Research on the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) is scarce. Nonweight‐related appearance concerns, which can be considered as variants of BDD concerns, have also rarely been examined in EDs. This study therefore investigates BDD prevalence and nonweight‐related appearance concerns in EDs.

Method:

One hundred individuals with EDs (49 inpatients with anorexia nervosa, 51 inpatients with bulimia nervosa) completed structured diagnostic interviews and self‐report questionnaires.

Results:

Twelve individuals with EDs (12.0%) suffered from comorbid BDD, with their body dysmorphic concerns being unrelated to weight and shape. BDD lifetime‐prevalence was 15.0%. There was a high prevalence of dissatisfaction with nonweight‐related body features such as skin, hair, teeth, nose, and height (20.8 to 53.5%).

Discussion:

Findings indicate that BDD is a frequent comorbid disorder in individuals with EDs. Furthermore, along with weight and body shape, nonweight‐related appearance concerns are also common in individuals with EDs. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Biogeographic models of gene flow in two waterfowl of the Australo‐Papuan tropics
Authors: Roshier David A. , Heinsohn Robert , Adcock Gregory J. , Beerli Peter , Joseph Leo
Published: October 2012

There are many large, easy‐to‐observe anseriform birds (ducks, geese, and swans) in northern Australia and New Guinea and they often gather in large numbers. Yet, the structure of their populations and their regional movements are poorly understood. Lack of understanding of population structure limits our capacity to understand source‐sink dynamics relevant to their conservation or assess risks associated with avian‐borne pathogens, in particular, avian influenza for which waterfowl are the main reservoir species. We set out to assess present‐day genetic connectivity between populations of two widely distributed waterfowl in the Australo‐Papuan tropics, magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata (Latham, 1798) and wandering whistling‐duck Dendrocygna arcuata (Horsfield, 1824). Microsatellite data were obtained from 237 magpie geese and 64 wandering whistling‐duck. Samples were collected across northern Australia, and at one site each in New Guinea and Timor Leste. In the wandering whistling‐duck, genetic diversity was significantly apportioned by region and sampling location. For this species, the best model of population structure was New Guinea as the source population for all other populations. One remarkable result for this species was genetic separation of two flocks sampled contemporaneously on Cape York Peninsula only a few kilometers apart. In contrast, evidence for population structure was much weaker in the magpie goose, and Cape York as the source population provided the best fit to the observed structure. The fine scale genetic structure observed in wandering whistling‐duck and magpie goose is consistent with earlier suggestions that the west‐coast of Cape York Peninsula is a flyway for Australo‐Papuan anseriforms between Australia and New Guinea across Torres Strait.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bifunctional SiO2@(Y0.95–xGdxEu0.05)2O3 Nanocomposites for Magnetic Resonance and Optical Imaging
Authors: Liu Huan , Li Li , Tian Xiu‐Mei , Hu Wen‐Yong , Kuang Xiao‐Yan , Shao Yuan‐Zhi
Published: October 2012

The development of multimodal contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) optical imaging has attracted considerable attention due to the combination of both high spatial and temporal resolution of MR imaging with the sensitivity of optical imaging. In this work, a form of dual functional nanocomposites SiO2@(Y0.95–xGdxEu0.05)2O3 (x = 0–0.95) with core–shell structures have been synthesized for magnetic resonance and optical imaging. Based on the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), (Y0.95–xGdxEu0.05)2O3 nanoshells of around 8 nm were successfully coated onto amorphous SiO2 nanocores (ca. 115 nm in diameter). The XRD patterns indicate that the shell is crystalline after annealing. Under excitation with UV light (250 nm), the Eu3+ ions in the core–shell nanocomposites of SiO2@(Y0.95–xGdxEu0.05)2O3 mainly exhibit their characteristic red emission (612 nm, 5D0–7F2); increasing the content of Gd increased the luminescent intensity of the nanocomposites significantly. The relationship between T1‐weighted MR imaging and the amount of doped Gd (x) was also investigated. It was found that the highest MR imaging signal intensity was obtained at x = 0.45. In vitro fluorescence imaging indicated that the monodisperse nanoparticles of SiO2@(Y0.95–xGdxEu0.05)2O3 were successfully internalized by RAW 264.7 cells and that they show bright intracellular luminescence. Furthermore, this facile precipitation method may be readily extended to the synthesis of SiO2@(Y0.7Yb0.18Er0.02Gd0.1)2O3 nanocomposites, which present both up‐conversion luminescence and MR contrast properties. The nanocomposites investigated in this study have a certain potential to serve as a versatile material for multimodal imaging probes.
Atropisomeric Chiral Probes to Study the Supramolecular Organization in Porphyrin Self‐Assemblies
Authors: Chappaz‐Gillot Cyril , Canard Gabriel , Andreoli Federico , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Giorgi Michel , Naubron Jean‐Valère , Monnier Valérie , Rosas Roselyne , Roussel Christian , Balaban Teodor Silviu
Published: October 2012

A noncatalysed nucleophilic aromatic substitution was used to prepare the (bacterio)chlorophyll mimics 2‐Zn, 3‐Zn, 4‐Zn and 5‐Zn. The localisation of the two recognition groups on the same side of the porphyrin macrocycles in 2‐Zn, 4‐Zn and 5‐Zn produces, through metal–ligand interactions, oligomers that display both H‐ and J‐type aggregates. These supramolecular architectures were confirmed by the introduction of optically pure atropisomers in 5‐Zn, which produces chiral aggregates. The UV/Vis and electronic circular dichroism spectra of all aggregates are used to propose an excitonic splitting mode that would correspond to this dual type of chromophoric self‐assembly.
A Diels–Alder/Retro‐Diels–Alder Approach for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Microbial Butenolides
Authors: Citron Christian A. , Wickel Susanne M. , Schulz Barbara , Draeger Siegfried , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: October 2012

Several volatile lactones have been identified from the endophytic fungus Geniculosporium sp. isolated from the rockrose Cistus monspeliensis, commonly known as Montpelier cistus. The fungal volatiles were collected from agar‐plate cultures by using a closed‐loop stripping apparatus and the headspace extracts were analysed by GC–MS. Structures for these lactones were proposed from their mass spectral data. The suggested structures were verified by synthesis of reference compounds through a Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder approach. This synthetic method was also successfully applied in the synthesis of butenolides that are signalling molecules from streptomycetes. For the enantioselective synthesis of these butenolides a modified route including an enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction was used.
A Microwave‐Assisted Domino Benzannulation Reaction towards Functionalized Naphthalenes, Quinolines, and Isoquinolines
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Tan Cun , Zhang Xiaofei , He Qian , Xie Yuyuan , Yang Chunhao
Published: October 2012

An efficient palladium/copper‐catalyzed domino reaction was developed to yield functionalized naphthalenes, quinolines, and isoquinolines. The reactions of various substituted 1‐phenylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐ols containing electron‐donating (EDG) and electron‐withdrawing (EWG) groups and 1‐heteroarylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐ols worked well with this procedure. Both electron‐rich and ‐deficient aryl halides were satisfactory substrates for this reaction. This domino benzannulation process involves a Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction, followed by isomerization to a chalcone, and finally an intramolecular condensation reaction.
Spectrally selective and adaptive surfaces for protection against radiative heating: ITO and VO2
Authors: Försth Michael , Zhao Shuxi , Roos Arne
Published: October 2012

Two surface materials for reducing absorptivity of heat radiation from fires have been investigated. The first is VO2, which is a thermochromic material. When the temperature of a VO2 surface increases over a certain temperature, it switches, ideally, from infrared (IR)‐absorbing to IR‐reflecting. VO2 window coatings are still on a research level, yet to be commercialized. In this study, VO2 powder available on the market was investigated. The thermochromic effect could be identified but was not large enough to significantly improve the fire properties of treated surfaces. Some thoughts concerning how to improve the performance of VO2 are discussed. The second investigated material is indium tin oxide (ITO), which is a so called low‐e coating, which means that it has low emissivity and absorptivity in the IR part of the spectrum. ITO is spectrally selective in the sense that it transmits visible light while reflecting a large fraction of the IR radiation, which is a rare property for surfaces in general but a typical property of thin electrically conducting non‐metallic films. It is shown that the application of ITO to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) significantly improves its fire properties. ITO coating is a mature technology already in widespread use today in the electronics industry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal variation in the phytomass, chemical composition and nutritional value of Azolla filiculoides Lam. along the water courses in the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Shaltout Kamal H. , El‐Komi Thanaa M. , Eid Ebrahem M.
Published: October 2012

The present study aims to assess phenological behaviour, phytomass production, chemical composition and nutritional value of Azolla filiculoides in the water courses of the Nile Delta, Egypt. The sampling process was carried out seasonally using twenty‐five plots (each of 1 × 1 m) distributed along 15 irrigation canals and 10 drainage canals in the study area. Sprouting of A. filiculoides had its maximum activity during winter, vegetative growth during spring and summer and withering during autumn. Maximum seasonal phytomass (285.2 g DW m‐2) was found during spring. The annual mean was significantly higher in drainage canals (278.3 g DW m‐2) than in irrigation canals (144.4 g DW m‐2). The concentrations of Ca, Mg and Na in A. filiculoides from drainage canals were significantly higher than in those from irrigation canals. Regarding the type of water courses, there were no significant differences in organic contents and nutritive values between the irrigation and drainage canals. The analysis of growth characteristics indicated that A. filiculoides can grow quite well in drainage canals; its macronutrient (N, Ca, Mg, Na and Fe) contents are high enough to allow it to be used as a bio‐fertilizer. On the other hand, A. filiculoides could be considered as a ‘nutrients and heavy metals remover’ especially in drainage canals for wastewater treatment if the plant is harvested during its maximum phytomass. As feed supplement for animals, this plant could be considered as excellent forage because its high levels of carbohydrate, protein, crude fat, total digestible nutrients and the lower crude fiber contents (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
THE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF THE IN‐FIELD RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM TO IMPROVE AGRONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: van Rensburg L. D. , Botha J. J. , Anderson J. J. , Hensley M.
Published: October 2012

Hensley et al. (2000) proposed an in‐field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique for rural farmers located east of Bloemfontein South Africa, a semi‐arid environment. This technique combines the advantages of water harvesting, no‐till and basin tillage to stop ex‐field runoff on high clay soils. The full agronomic potential of the IRWH technique has not, however, been reached because the main cause of water loss is evaporation. Evaporation dominates the hydrological cycle in semi‐arid environments. This paper reviews the nature and design of the IRWH system, specifically the effect of mulch type on evaporation and yield. The effect of mulch type on yield is described by an infiltration ratio of the basin versus the runoff area over a period of three years. The function of the basin and catchment area is also discussed. The function of the basin area was to stop ex‐field runoff completely, to maximize infiltration and to store the collected water in the soil layers beneath the evaporation sensitive zone. The catchment area was designed to promote in‐field runoff and to act as a storage medium for water. Results from this research provide a new perspective on mulch management within water harvesting systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IN‐FIELD RAINWATER HARVESTING: MECHANICAL TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS AND SCOPE FOR UPSCALING
Authors: van Rensburg L. D. , Bothma C. B. , Fraenkel C. H. , Le Roux P. A. L. , Hensley M.
Published: October 2012

Around the world there is a large difference in crop yields between those obtained by commercial and subsistence farmers. There are many biophysical and socio‐economic reasons for this yield gap. With regard to in‐field rain water harvesting (IRWH), it is considered that crop yields in smallholder farms could be significantly improved by mechanizing the land as part of an IRWH tillage approach. This paper therefore presents the findings of a study that assessed the implements and procedures for applying IRWH. It involved the development of ridge and puddle ploughs. The subsistence farmers who evaluated the performance of the implements were generally satisfied with them. A five‐step procedure was developed for the application of the implements, and valuable lessons were learned with the first large‐scale demonstration of IRWH on croplands. Against the background of these positive results, the scope for upscaling was also explored. It was estimated that IRWH can probably be applied on millions of hectares in sub‐Saharan Africa, and particularly in the Southern African Development Community. Mechanization of IRWH should potentially contribute towards improving food security in sub‐Saharan Africa. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.