bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in the Rational Design of Rhodium Nanoparticle Catalysts: Control via Manipulation of the Nanoparticle Core and Stabilizer
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yan Ning , Dyson Paul J.
Published: July 2012

Review: 141 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Reactivity and Applications of Zinc—Zinc Bonded Complexes
Authors: Li Tianshu , Schulz Stephan , Roesky Peter W.
Published: July 2012

Review: 83 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Palladium‐Catalyzed Transformations Using Propargylic Compounds
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro
Published: July 2012

Review: [76 refs.]
ChemInform Abstract: Synergic Catalytic Effects in Confined Spaces
Authors: Yu Chenguang , He Jing
Published: July 2012

Review: 82 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Synthesis, Analysis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Neuropeptide Mimetics Containing Unnatural Amino Acids
Authors: Pajpanova Tamara
Published: July 2012

Review: 10 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Developing Drug Molecules for Therapy with Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Romao Carlos C. , Blaettler Walter A. , Seixas Joao D. , Bernardes Goncalo J. L.
Published: July 2012

Review: 76 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Optical Molecular Sensing with Semiconductor Quantum Dots (QDs)
Authors: Freeman Ronit , Willner Itamar
Published: July 2012

Review: 183 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Organic Mechanofluorochromic Materials
Authors: Chi Zhenguo , Zhang Xiqi , Xu Bingjia , Zhou Xie , Ma Chunping , Zhang Yi , Liu Siwei , Xu Jiarui
Published: July 2012

Review: 72 refs.
Cis‐Diastereoselectivity in Pictet–Spengler Reactions of L‐Tryptophan and Electronic Circular Dichroism Studies
Authors: Rashid Naghmana , Alam Samina , Hasan Mashooda , Khan Naeema , Khan Khalid M. , Duddeck Helmut , Pescitelli Gennaro , Kenéz Ágnes , Antus, Sándor , Kurtán Tibor
Published: July 2012

The diastereoselective synthesis of optically active 1,3‐disubstituted tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines using polar protic Pictet–Spengler cyclization of (S)‐tryptophan methyl ester with five aldehydes RCHO (R═CH3, C2H5, C3H7, C4H9, and C6H5) was studied. As an alternate route, the cyclization of (S)‐tryptophan with the same aldehydes and subsequent methylation of the resulting tetrahydro‐β‐carboline carboxylic acids were also performed for comparison. 13C NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) studies and time‐dependent density functional theory ECD calculations data established the relative 1,3 cis/trans and the absolute configuration (1S,3S/ 1R,3S) of the synthesized compounds. The solid‐state and solution ECD study of the prepared compounds, supported by ECD calculation and X‐ray data, afforded a reliable ECD method for the configurational assignment of 1,3‐disubstituted tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines and revealed the stereochemical factors that determine the characteristic ECD data. Chirality 24:789–795, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Diastereomeric Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Dibenzoyl Esters and Study of Their Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Bagdžiūnas G. , Butkus E. , Stončius S.
Published: July 2012

A synthesis of diastereomeric bicyclic dibenzoyl esters derived from enantiomerically pure (1S,5S)‐bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,6‐dione was accomplished. Molecules containing two benzoyl chromophores with different configuration in the bicyclic framework were obtained. Chiroptical properties of the synthesized enantiomerically pure molecules were studied. Diastereomeric esters exhibited exciton couplets in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra because of transannular interaction between non‐conjugated benzoate chromophores. The conformational effects and solvent impact on the exciton coupling were examined by CD spectroscopy. Theoretical computation of the CD spectra of diastereomers correctly reproduced the sign of the exciton couplets in the studied molecules, however, no major solvent dielectric constant influence and conformational effects per se on the exciton coupling was observed. Chirality 24:810–816, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Investigation on the Use of Wire Mesh Inserts and Structured Tubes in Thermosyphon Reboilers
Authors: Hammerschmidt Jochen , Scholl Stephan
Published: July 2012

Es werden experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Einsatz von Turbulenzpromotoren in Naturumlaufverdampfern vorgestellt. An einem Einrohr‐Naturumlaufverdampfer wurde das fluiddynamische und wärmetechnische Verhalten bei der Verdampfung von Wasser sowie eines Wasser/Glycerin‐Gemisches untersucht. Bei der Verdampfung von Wasser wurde insbesondere mit dem innenberippten Rohr eine Stabilisierung der Fluiddynamik und deutliche Erhöhung des Wärmeübergangs festgestellt. Für das Wasser/Glycerin‐Gemisch zeigte das Drahtgestrick‐Insert die besten Ergebnisse.
Complex Formation of d‐Metal Ions at the Interface of TbIII‐Doped Silica Nanoparticles as a Basis of Substrate‐Responsive TbIII‐Centered Luminescence
Authors: Davydov Nikolay , Mustafina Asiya , Burilov Vladimir , Zvereva Elena , Katsyuba Sergey , Vagapova Liliya , Konovalov Alexander , Antipin Igor
Published: July 2012

The complex formation of d‐metal ions at the interface of TbIII‐doped silica nanoparticles modified by amino groups is introduced as a route to sensing d‐metal ions and some organic molecules. Diverse modes of surface modification (covalent and noncovalent) are used to fix amino groups onto the silica surface. The interfacial binding of d‐metal ions and complexes is the reason for the TbIII‐centered luminescence quenching. The regularities and mechanisms of quenching are estimated for the series of d‐metal ions and their complexes with chelating ligands. The obtained results reveal the interfacial binding of CuII ions as the basis of their quantitative determination in the concentration range 0.1–2.5 μM by means of steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements. The variation of chelating ligands results in a significant effect on the quenching regularities due to diverse binding modes (inner or outer sphere) between amino groups at the interface of nanoparticles and FeIII ions. The applicability of the steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements to sense both FeIII ions and catechols in aqueous solution by means of TbIII‐doped silica nanoparticles is also introduced.
Nanocomposites of Ni(OH)2/Reduced Graphene Oxides with Controllable Composition, Size, and Morphology: Performance Variations as Pseudocapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Xiao Junwu , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2012

Although Ni(OH)2 is a promising electrode material for electrochemical capacitors on account of its high theoretical specific capacitance and low cost, its application has been hindered by the low measured specific capacitance and poor cycle stability often associated with low specific surface area and poor electrical conductivity. This study aims to develop an amorphous‐precursor method to anchor Ni(OH)2 nanocrystals onto conductive graphene sheets. We demonstrate the ability to control the composition, size, and morphology of Ni(OH)2 nanocrystals on graphene sheets by combination with an Ostwald ripening process, which has allowed investigation on how such factors influence their performance if used as pseudocapacitor electrodes. It was found that the specific capacitance increased and then decreased as the ratio of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to Ni(OH)2 increased; the sample that contained 5.2 wt % of RGO achieved the highest specific capacitance of 1804.0 F g−1 (based on the total composite mass) and 1902.9 F g−1 (based on the mass of Ni(OH)2), close to the theoretical value of Ni(OH)2 (2082 F g−1). With a given ratio of RGO to Ni(OH)2, the specific capacitance decreased as the Ni(OH)2 nanocrystal size increased. However, the cycling performance increased as the stability of Ni(OH)2 in the nanocomposites increased; the highest was achieved for the most stable Ni(OH)2 hexagonal nanoplates on RGO. In all, with appropriate optimization of the parameters of the materials, a good pseudocapacitor performance was achieved for the Ni(OH)2/RGO hybrid system in terms of both the specific capacitance and the cycling stability.
Controllable synthesis of hierarchical strontium molybdate by sonochemical method
Authors: Jiang Wanquan , Zhu Wei , Peng Chao , Yang Fan , Xuan Shouhu , Gong Xinglong
Published: July 2012

Large‐scale chrysanthemum‐like strontium molybdate (SrMoO4) with hierarchical structure has been successfully synthesized via a facile and fast ultrasound irradiation approach at room temperature. By varying the experimental conditions, SrMoO4 with different morphologies, such as spindles, peanuts, spheres, and rods, can be obtained. The products are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected‐area electron diffraction (SAED). The influent parameters including concentration, pH value, and surfactants have been investigated. A possible growth mechanism is proposed and the shape evolution of the products is characterized. The as‐prepared chrysanthemum‐like SrMoO4 particles are used as the precursor for electrorheological fluid and their electrorheological property is investigated.
A new tool for conditional gene manipulation in a subset of keratin‐expressing epithelia
Authors: Wang Yinqiu , Guo Qiusha , Casey Adam , Lin Congxing , Chen Feng
Published: July 2012

Megsin is a serine protease inhibitor (Serpin) that has known expression in kidney mesangial cells. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgene expressing Cre under the control of Megsin regulatory elements. When crossed to the ROSA26R‐lacZ reporter mice, the Megsin‐Cre transgene mediates loxP recombination primarily in the skin, forestomach, and esophagus, but surprisingly not in the mesangial cells. Within the skin, cells in all epidermal layers and the hair follicle cells expressed Cre. This transgene also has uniform expression in the epithelium of the forestomach and esophagus. Conditional deletion of Adam10, a gene known to have important functions in skin development, by using this Megsin‐Cre transgene led to severe skin defects. In addition, these mutants appear to have reduced folds and surface area in the forestomach. These results show that the Megsin‐Cre transgene can mediate loxP‐recombination in all epidermal layers of the skin, the hair follicle cells, as well as in the epithelium of the forestomach and esophagus, all of which have known expression of various keratins. This Megsin‐Cre transgene can serve as a new tool for conditional genetic manipulation to study development and diseases in the skin and the upper digestive tract. genesis 50:899–907, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atypical reproductive cycles in a population of Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from the Mexican Plateau
Authors: Ramírez‐Bautista Aurelio , Stephenson Barry P. , Lozano Abraham , Uribe‐Rodríguez Héctor , Leyte Manrique Adrian
Published: July 2012

The spiny lizard Sceloporus grammicus (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) is a small reptile from central México and the southern United States, occurring in a wide geographic area characterized by extensive variation in topographic and climatic regimes. Genetic variation among lineages from central México is substantial, though the extent to which this variation corresponds with life‐history traits remains obscure. To address part of this puzzle, we studied a population of S. grammicus from Tepeapulco, Hidalgo, México. Male‐biased sexual dimorphism was extensive in this population; males were larger than females overall, and expressed proportionately larger heads and longer limbs. Minimum size at sexual maturity was similar in the sexes (males: 43 mm; females: 42 mm). In contrast to other populations from the Central Plateau, reproductive activity of males and females was synchronous. Testicular recrudescence of adult males was initiated in October–November, and maximum testis size maintained from December to July. Female reproductive activity showed no clear seasonal pattern: females had vitellogenic follicles from October to July, and pregnant females were found throughout the year. Female body size was not related to litter size. Neither male nor female gonadal mass was correlated with any abiotic environmental variable examined. Differences in reproductive characteristics among populations of S. grammicus might be indicative of plasticity in response to local environmental conditions, local adaptation, or complex gene × environment interactions. We consider these results in the context of previously studied populations of S. grammicus from the Central Plateau and elsewhere, and propose directions for future research.
Evidence of a strong coupling between root exudation, C and N availability, and stimulated SOM decomposition caused by rhizosphere priming effects
Authors: Bengtson Per , Barker Jason , Grayston Sue J.
Published: July 2012

Increased temperatures and concomitant changes in vegetation patterns are expected to dramatically alter the functioning of northern ecosystems over the next few decades. Predicting the ecosystem response to such a shift in climate and vegetation is complicated by the lack of knowledge about the links between aboveground biota and belowground process rates. Current models suggest that increasing temperatures and rising concentrations of atmospheric CO
2 will be partly mitigated by elevated C sequestration in plant biomass and soil. However, empirical evidence does not always support this assumption, as elevated temperature and CO
2 concentrations also accelerate the belowground C flux, in many cases extending to increased decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) and ultimately resulting in decreased soil C stocks. The mechanism behind the increase has remained largely unknown, but it has been suggested that priming might be the causative agent. Here, we provide quantitative evidence of a strong coupling between root exudation, SOM decomposition, and release of plant available N caused by rhizosphere priming effects. As plants tend to increase belowground C allocation with increased temperatures and CO
2 concentrations, priming effects need to be considered in our long‐term analysis of soil C budgets in a changing environment. The extent of priming seems to be intimately linked to resource availability, as shifts in the stoichiometric nutrient demands of plants and microorganisms will lead to either cooperation (resulting in priming) or competition (no priming will occur). The findings lead us on the way to resolve the varying response of primary production, SOM decomposition, and release of plant available N to elevated temperatures, CO
2 concentrations, and N availability.
Intra‐annual variability and environmental controls over transpiration in a 58‐year‐old even‐aged stand of invasive woodyJuniperus virginianaL. in the Nebraska Sandhills, USA
Authors: Awada Tala , El‐Hage Rita , Geha Makram , Wedin David A. , Huddle Julie A. , Zhou Xinhua , Msanne Joseph , Sudmeyer Robert A. , Martin Derrel L. , Brandle James R.
Published: July 2012

We investigated the intra‐annual variability and environmental controls over transpiration (E) in a planted, even‐aged (58 years; 537 trees ha−1), experimental forest of invasive nativeJuniperus virginianain the Nebraska Sandhills, with three canopy classes (dominant, co‐dominant, and suppressed) by using sap flux techniques, in a year where drought was absent (2008, 34% above average precipitation). DailyEwas closely linked to growing‐season length and variability in the environment. Minimum and average daily air temperatures, photosynthetically active radiation, and precipitation explained the majority of the intra‐annual daily variability inE. Vapour pressure deficit was a significant factor in spring and summer, shallow volumetric soil water content (VSWC 0·2 m) was important during summer particularly June, and deep VSWC (0·6 m) was a significant factor in January and August.Ewas highest in the dominant trees and contributed to the majority (~77%) of stand transpiration (Ec) on site because of their larger canopy size, greater tree density, more leaf area, and accessibility to water resources compared with the co‐dominant and suppressed tree canopies, which contributed to 16% and 7%, respectively.Ecaveraged ~413 mm year−1, corresponding to ~24% of potential evapotranspiration. Soils were significantly drier in theJ. virginianastand than in adjacent C4‐dominated grasslands, which could be due to the longer growing season over which physiological activity extends inJ. virginianacompared with C4‐dominated grasslands in the region and precipitation interception by the canopy and forest floor, which evaporates before reaching the soil. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tellurium–Nitrogen π‐Heterocyclic Chemistry – Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity Toward Halides and Pyridine of 3,4‐Dicyano‐1,2,5‐telluradiazole
Authors: Semenov Nikolay A. , Pushkarevsky Nikolay A. , Beckmann Jens , Finke Pamela , Lork Enno , Mews Rüdiger , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Gatilov Yuri V. , Konchenko Sergey N. , Vasiliev Vladimir G. , Zibarev Andrey V.
Published: July 2012

The reaction of 2,3‐diaminomaleonitrile with TeX4(X = Cl, Br) in the presence of pyridine (Py) and/or triethylamine (Et3N) provided 3,4‐dicyano‐1,2,5‐telluradiazole (1), which was isolated neat and as stable adducts with pyridine, chloride, and bromide, namely,1·2Py, (PyH)(1·Cl), (PyH)2(1·2Cl), (Et3NH)(1·Cl), (PyH)(1·Br), and (PyH)2(1·2Br). The molecular and supramolecular structures of these compounds were investigated by X‐ray crystallography. In the solid state, intermolecular associations through secondary Te···N interactions as well as N–H···X and N–H···N hydrogen bonding (X = Cl, Br) were observed. For (PyH)(1·Br), two polymorphs were found. The bonding situation of1and its pyridine and chloride adducts were investigated by MP2 calculations supplemented with the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. The π symmetry of the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) of1are preserved in the1·2Py, (1·Cl–), and (1·2Cl–) adducts. In the chloride adducts, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) can be described as an antibonding combination of the HOMO of1with the 3p atomic orbitals (AOs) of the chloride ions, whereas the lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) resembles that of the parent1. The charge transfer onto the heterocycle in the adducts increases in the order1·2Py, (1·2Cl–), and (1·Cl–). QTAIM analyses of the adducts in the gas phase reveal closed‐shell interactions, whereas NBO analyses indicate negative hyperconjugation as the main formation pathway in these complexes. This description agrees with the Alcock model suggested for secondary bonding interactions between atoms of heavy p‐block elements and atoms with lone pairs.
Straightforward Synthesis of Aromatic Imines from Alcohols and Amines or Nitroarenes Using an Impregnated Copper Catalyst
Authors: Pérez Juana M. , Cano Rafael , Yus Miguel , Ramón Diego J.
Published: July 2012

The impregnated copper on magnetite catalyst is a versatile system for the synthesis of imines starting from alcohols and amines. This catalyst does not require any type of expensive and difficult to handle organic ligand or typical transition metals, and provides excellent yields achievable under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the catalyst is very easy to remove from the reaction medium by simply using a magnet. The one‐pot process of dehydrogenation of alcohols in the presence of aniline followed by aqueous hydrolysis gave pure alcohols in excellent yields. In addition to amines, nitroarenes could be used as the nitrogen‐containing reagent. In the case of primary amines the expected imines were successfully prepared under similar reaction conditions.
Aziridines in Formal [3+2] Cycloadditions: Synthesis of Five‐Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Cardoso Ana L. , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D.
Published: July 2012

Chemistry based on ring opening of aziridines has been widely studied in organic synthesis. However, it has mainly been centered on ring opening by nucleophiles and on cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated by carbon–carbon bond cleavage. In recent years, significant effort has been dedicated to study of the participation of aziridines in formal [3+2] cycloadditions, which provide routes for the construction of a wide variety of functionalized five‐membered heterocycles. Here we review the most relevant aspects of the reactivities and selectivities of aziridines as masked zwitterionic 1,3‐dipoles generated through C–N bond cleavage.
Single‐Step Radiosynthesis of “18F‐Labeled Click Synthons” from Azide‐Functionalized Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Chun Joong‐Hyun , Pike Victor W.
Published: July 2012

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an increasingly important biomedical imaging technique that relies on the development of radiotracers labeled with positron emitters to achieve biochemical specificity. Fluorine‐18 (t1/2 = 109.7 min) is an attractive positron‐emitting radiolabel for organic radiotracers, primarily because of its longer half‐life and greater availability relative to those of the main alternative, carbon‐11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min). Rapid, simple methods are sought for labeling prospective PET radiotracers with fluorine‐18 from cyclotron‐produced aqueous [18F]fluoride ion, which must often be converted first into a suitably reactive labeling synthon for use in a subsequent labeling reaction. The use of 18F‐labeled synthons in “click chemistry” is attracting increasing attention for labeling PET radiotracers. Herein we describe rapid, single‐step radiosynthesis of azido‐ or azidomethyl‐bearing [18F]fluoroarenes from the reactions of diaryliodonium salts with no‐carrier‐added [18F]fluoride ion within a microfluidic apparatus to provide previously poorly accessible 18F‐labeled click synthons in radiochemical yields of 15 % for 4‐[18F]fluorophenyl azide and about 40 % for each of the [18F](azidomethyl)fluorobenzenes. The radiosynthesis of the latter synthons was possible under “wet conditions”, so obviating the need to dry the cyclotron‐produced [18F]fluoride ion and greatly enhancing the practicality of the method.
Optimizing nanovial outlet designs for improved solid‐phase extraction in the integrated selective enrichment target—ISET
Authors: Adler Belinda , Laurell Thomas , Ekström Simon
Published: July 2012

The integrated selective enrichment target is a microfluidic platform for SPE sample preparation with integrated nanocolumns, which simultaneously offers direct MALDI MS read‐out. Here, we present a study on the importance of different nanocolumn outlet hole geometries and hole areas in relation to MS signal intensity and reproducibility. A design solution that provides the flow characteristics required for robust sample preparation using automated liquid handling is reported.
Krueppel‐like factor 15 regulates Wnt/β‐catenin transcription and controls cardiac progenitor cell fate in the postnatal heart
Authors: Noack Claudia , Zafiriou Maria‐Patapia , Schaeffer Hans‐Joerg , Renger Anke , Pavlova Elena , Dietz Rainer , Zimmermann Wolfram H. , Bergmann Martin W. , Zelarayán Laura C.
Published: July 2012

Wnt/β‐catenin signalling controls adult heart remodelling in part via regulation of cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) differentiation. An enhanced understanding of mechanisms controlling CPC biology might facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies in heart failure. We identified and characterized a novel cardiac interaction between Krueppel‐like factor 15 and components of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway leading to inhibition of transcription. In vitro mutation, reporter assays and co‐localization analyses revealed that KLF15 requires both the C‐terminus, necessary for nuclear localization, and a minimal N‐terminal regulatory region to inhibit transcription. In line with this, functional Klf15 knock‐out mice exhibited cardiac β‐catenin transcriptional activation along with functional cardiac deterioration in normal homeostasis and upon hypertrophy. We further provide in vivo and in vitro evidences for preferential endothelial lineage differentiation of CPCs upon KLF15 deletion. Via inhibition of β‐catenin transcription, KLF15 controls CPC homeostasis in the adult heart similar to embryonic cardiogenesis. This knowledge may provide a tool for reactivation of this apparently dormant CPC population in the adult heart and thus be an attractive approach to enhance endogenous cardiac repair.
Exergy analysis of electricity generation for the geothermal resources using organic rankine cycle: Kızıldere‐denizli case
Authors: Tunc Murat , Sisbot Sedat , Camdali Unal
Published: July 2012

Geothermal energy is counted as one of the most significant renewable energy sources and currently in use for electric generation at many locations around the world. Turkey enjoys being seventh place in the world for geothermal resources and fifth place in direct use as the space and district heating. Geothermal resources are mainly located in western region in Turkey and there exists only one 20.4 MWe flash steam type power plant located at Kızıldere, Denizli. Since more Geothermal power plants are to be built under the cover of renewable energy incentives, efficient, and feasible technologies need to be investigated. As such, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate that Organic Rankine Cycle can be more efficient for the electric energy generation compared with the flash steam power plant currently in use at Kızıldere. Exergy analysis has been proven to be a powerful tool for evaluating thermodynamic efficiencies and losses for the thermal processes. Furthermore, exergy analysis provides a proper tool for optimum operation and design of complex thermal systems such as geothermal power plant. In this study, for the efficiency measure, the exergy analysis of the Organic Rankine Cycle is performed with four different working fluids. Exergy losses are calculated for each component of the Organic Rankine Cycle and the results are presented in tables. Isobutene, among others, has been found as the most efficient functioning fluid for the power plant in concern. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 830–836, 2013
Adsorption of malachite green from aqueous solution by naoh‐modified rice husk: Fixed‐bed column studies
Authors: Chowdhury Shamik , Saha Papita Das
Published: July 2012

In this work, a continuous fixed‐bed adsorption study was carried out by using NaOH‐modified rice husk (NMRH) as an adsorbent for the removal of malachite green (MG) from its aqueous solution. The influence of important process parameters such as initial solution pH, influent concentration of MG, feed flow rate, and bed height on breakthrough curve and breakthrough time was investigated. The breakthrough time increased with decreasing flow rate. The same effect was noted when the bed height was increased. On the other hand, the breakthrough time decreased as the inlet dye concentration was increased keeping the flow rate and bed height constant. Four different kinetic models, namely Adams–Bohart, bed depth service time bed depth service time (BDST), Thomas model, and Yoon–Nelson model were fitted to the experimental data. The Thomas model showed best fit at all experimental conditions studied. Overall, this study showed that NMRH has potential for technological application as adsorbent in dye wastewater treatment. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 633–639, 2013
Seismic risk prioritization of residential buildings in Istanbul
Authors: Yakut Ahmet , Sucuoğlu Halûk , Akkar Sinan
Published: July 2012

A large scale seismic risk prioritization study was conducted for medium‐rise, gravity‐designed reinforced concrete residential buildings in Istanbul. The implemented procedure was based on evaluating selected building parameters that could be easily observed or measured during a systematic sidewalk survey. The survey was actually conducted on approximately 100,000 buildings in the six subprovinces of Istanbul over the period 2004–2009 by a large team of trained surveyors. The collected data were processed to calculate a safety score for each building, which is in turn used for ranking the surveyed buildings with respect to their expected seismic performance under the calculated ground motion intensities produced for a scenario earthquake of M7.5 along the Marmara Sea Fault. The basic objective of this laborious study was to identify the buildings that would be likely to sustain severe damage or suffer collapse during the expected Istanbul earthquake. Accordingly, a rational risk reduction planning can be conducted for minimizing the life and property losses. This paper presents the methodology, results of field surveys and risks evaluated in 100,000 buildings. As a result, 52,000 buildings have been classified as ‘high risk’, that is, expected to sustain severe damage or collapse during the scenario event. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expected earthquake damage and repair costs in reinforced concrete frame buildings
Authors: Ramirez C. M. , Liel A. B. , Mitrani‐Reiser J. , Haselton C. B. , Spear A. D. , Steiner J. , Deierlein G. G. , Miranda E.
Published: July 2012

This study examines the expected cost of repairing earthquake damage in a set of 30 archetype reinforced concrete moment frame buildings. Varying in height from 1 to 20 stories, these archetype buildings are representative of office buildings with special RC moment frames, designed according to modern seismic codes. Economic losses associated with repair are computed using a performance‐based earthquake engineering framework, which integrates the site‐specific seismic hazard, structural response, damage to building components and contents, and the resulting repair costs. Results are presented in terms of expected losses under the design basis earthquake, expected annual losses, and present value of life cycle losses. Expected annual economic losses for the set of RC frame buildings are approximately 1.0% of building replacement cost for the high seismic California site considered. Repair costs are shown to vary significantly depending on building height and other architectural and structural design parameters. These metrics provide important information about the level of economic losses expected in code‐conforming structures and the effect of design decisions on the earthquake losses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐concept in early stage dementia: profile, course, correlates, predictors and implications for quality of life
Authors: Clare Linda , Whitaker Christopher J. , Nelis Sharon M. , Martyr Anthony , Markova Ivana S. , Roth Ilona , Woods Robert T. , Morris Robin G.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Although it is increasingly accepted that people with dementia retain a sense of self, there is a need for empirical evidence regarding the nature of the self‐concept in early stage dementia, how this changes over time and how it relates to quality of life.

Methods

Self‐concept was assessed using the short form of the Tennessee Self‐concept Scale in 95 individuals with early stage dementia; 63 were reassessed after 12 months, and 45 were seen again at 20 months. Participants also completed measures of mood, cognitive functioning and quality of life. Caregivers provided proxy ratings of self‐concept, completed measures of symptoms and distress at symptoms and rated their own levels of stress and well‐being.

Results

Self‐ratings of self‐concept were close to the average range for the standardization sample, and the distribution did not differ significantly from expected values. Although caregiver ratings were slightly lower, discrepancies were small. There were no significant changes over time in self‐ratings or informant ratings or discrepancies. At Time 1, self‐ratings were predicted by anxiety, depression and memory, caregiver ratings were predicted by caregiver distress and by depression in the person with dementia and discrepancies were predicted by caregiver distress. These models remained predictive at later time points. Self‐rated self‐concept predicted quality of life, with the relationship only partially mediated by depression and anxiety.

Conclusions

Self‐concept appears largely intact in early stage dementia, but in view of the association between self‐concept and quality of life, a preventive approach focused on supporting self‐concept may offer benefits as dementia progresses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BEWARE OF BEING UNAWARE: RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN CHRONIC ILLNESS IN THE USA
Authors: Chatterji Pinka , Joo Heesoo , Lahiri Kajal
Published: July 2012

We study racial/ethnic disparities in awareness of chronic diseases using biomarker data from the 2006 Health and Retirement Study. We explore two alternative definitions of awareness and estimate a trivariate probit model with selection, which accounts for common, unmeasured factors underlying the following: (1) self‐reporting chronic disease; (2) participating in biomarker collection; and (3) having disease, conditional on participating in biomarker collection. Our findings suggest that current estimates of racial/ethnic disparities in chronic disease are sensitive to selection, and also to the definition of disease awareness used. We find that African‐Americans are less likely to be unaware of having hypertension than non‐Latino whites, but the magnitude of this effect falls appreciably after we account for selection. Accounting for selection, we find that African‐Americans and Latinos are more likely to be unaware of having diabetes compared to non‐Latino whites. These findings are based on a widely used definition of awareness – the likelihood of self‐reporting disease among those who have disease. When we use an alternative definition of awareness, which considers an individual to be unaware if he or she actually has the disease conditional on self‐reporting not having it, we find higher levels of unawareness among racial/ethnic minorities versus non‐Latino whites for both hypertension and diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microrna-27b Is a Regulatory Hub in Lipid Metabolism and Is Altered in Dyslipidemia
Authors: Vickers Kasey C. , Shoucri Bassem M. , Levin Michael G. , Wu Han , Pearson Daniel S. , Osei-Hwedieh David , Collins Francis S. , Remaley Alan T. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: July 2012

Cellular and plasma lipid levels are tightly controlled by complex gene regulatory mechanisms. Elevated plasma lipid content, or hyperlipidemia, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression and have emerged as important modulators of lipid homeostasis, but the extent of their role has not been systematically investigated. In this study we performed high-throughput small RNA sequencing and detected ≈150 miRNAs in mouse liver. We then employed an unbiased,

in silico

strategy to identify miRNA regulatory hubs in lipid metabolism, and miR-27b was identified as the strongest such hub in human and mouse liver. In addition, hepatic miR-27b levels were determined to be sensitive to plasma hyperlipidemia, as evidenced by its ≈3-fold up-regulation in the liver of mice on a high-fat diet (42% calories from fat). Further, we showed in a human hepatocyte cell line (Huh7) that miR-27b regulates the expression (messenger RNA [mRNA] and protein) of several key lipid-metabolism genes, including

Angptl3

and

Gpam

. Finally, we demonstrated that hepatic miR-27b and its target genes are inversely altered in a mouse model of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

miR-27b is responsive to lipid levels and controls multiple genes critical to dyslipidemia.
Monitoring and modeling dissolved oxygen dynamics through continuous longitudinal sampling: a case study in Wen‐Rui Tang River, Wenzhou, China
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Huixia , Li Yancheng , Mei Kun , Dahlgren Randy , Zhang Minghua
Published: July 2012

Synoptic water sampling at a fixed site monitoring station provides only limited ‘snap‐shots’ of the complex water quality dynamics within a surface water system. However, water quality often changes rapidly in both spatial and temporal dimensions, especially in highly polluted urban rivers. In this study, we designed and applied a continuous longitudinal sampling technique to monitor the fine‐scale spatial changes of water quality conditions, assess water pollutant sources, and determine the assimilative capacity for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in an urban segment of the hypoxic Wen‐Rui Tang River in eastern China. The continuous longitudinal sampling was capable of collecting dissolved oxygen (DO) data every 5 s yielding a ~11 m sampling interval with a precision of ±0.1 mg L−1. The Streeter and Phelps BOD‐DO model was used to calculate: (1) the oxygen consumption coefficient (K1) required for calibration of water quality models, (2) BOD assimilative capacity, and (3) BOD source and load identification. In the 2014 m river segment sampled, the oxygen consumption coefficient (K1) was 0.428 d−1 (20°C), the total BOD discharge was 916 kg d−1, and the BOD assimilative capacity was 382 kg d−1 when the minimum DO level was set to 2 mg L−1. In addition, the longitudinal analysis identified eight major drainage outlets (BOD point sources), which were verified by field observations. This new approach provides a simple, cost‐effective method of evaluating BOD‐DO dynamics over large spatial areas with rapidly changing water quality conditions, such as urban environments. It represents a major breakthrough in the development and application of water quality sampling techniques to obtain spatially distributed DO and BOD in real time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
of 1951: job SATISFACTION researches
Authors: Robinson H. Alan , Hoppock Robert
Published: July 2012

This is the tenth article in a series. It covers reports published in 1951, plus earlier reports which have just come to the attention of the authors. H. Alan Robinson read and abstracted all of the researches, and wrote the manuscript. Robert Hoppock was responsible for the general plan and final editing of the report. Earlier summaries will be found in Job Satisfaction by Robert Hoppock (Harper & Bros., 1935) and in the following issues of Occupations: April, 1938; October, 1940; February, 1943; April, 1945; April, 1948; December, 1948; December, 1949; October, 1950; May, 1951. Readers are invited to notify the authors of researches appropriate for review in future articles.
Intracellular signaling controls endothelial cell prostacyclin secretion and regulation of blood clotting time
Authors: Shankarraman Venkat , Davis‐Gorman Grace , McDonagh Paul F. , Caplan Michael R.
Published: July 2012

Blood is constantly in contact with a biological material, the blood vessel wall, without the need for anticoagulants to prevent clot formation on the vessel wall; however, man‐made biomaterials require anticoagulants to prevent clot formation on the biomaterial. This study seeks to understand how some biomaterials elicit anticoagulant responses from endothelial cells (ECs), whereas others do not. Partial least squares regression analysis was used to correlate the activity of four relevant signaling molecules [extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), Akt, and IκB kinase (IKK)] with human umbilical vein EC secretion of prostacyclin and clotting time of whole blood in contact with these cells. Prostacyclin secretion was increased when JNK activity (mean of all time‐points) was elevated and IKK activity at 30 min was reduced. In addition, the clotting time, R‐time measured by thromboelastography, was increased (reduced coagulability) when activity of both ERK and JNK (mean of all time‐points) were increased and when Akt activity was increased at longer contact times (24–72 h after cell contact with material). Inhibition of each signaling molecule with subsequent testing for prostacyclin secretion and R‐time confirmed the interrelationship between EC intracellular signaling and prostacyclin secretion. Generally, JNK inhibition decreased and IKK inhibition increased prostacyclin secretion. Inhibition of ERK or JNK generally increased coagulability, and Akt inhibition decreased the R‐time of samples normally eliciting reduced coagulability. These findings increase our understanding of the signaling pathways involved in endothelial prostacyclin release and suggest targets for developing EC‐seeded biomaterial surfaces that can minimize coagulation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3374–3383, 2012.
Enhanced bone tissue formation by alginate gel‐assisted cell seeding in porous ceramic scaffolds and sustained release of growth factor
Authors: Florczyk Stephen J. , Leung Matthew , Jana Soumen , Li Zhensheng , Bhattarai Narayan , Huang Jerry I. , Hopper Richard A. , Zhang Miqin
Published: July 2012

Increasing cell seeding efficiency in a tissue engineering construct can enhance cellular activity and tissue formation in vivo. Here, we demonstrate the use of alginate gel as a secondary phase material in 3D porous β‐tricalcium phosphate scaffolds to improve cell seeding and provide controlled release of growth factors for bone tissue engineering. Cells were seeded in scaffolds in three ways: conventional seeding (CS), alginate gel‐assisted seeding (GS), and alginate GS with bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2, GSB). In vitro study with MG‐63 cells showed that cell seeding efficiency and cell population 1 week after seeding were significantly elevated in GS and GSB samples compared to CS samples. The GSB system demonstrated a sustained, steady release of BMP‐2 over 2 weeks. In vivo, scaffolds seeded with rat mesenchymal stem cells were implanted ectopically into Sprague‐Dawley rats for 8 weeks. GS and GSB samples exhibited improved osteogenic activity, with the GSB samples inducing the greatest osteocalcin and osteoid deposition. This study suggests that the alginate gel‐assisted cell seeding increases seeding efficiency and allows for sustained release of growth factors. The use of the secondary phase polymer bolsters bone formation in vivo and has the potential for improving outcome in other tissue engineering applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3408–3415, 2012.
Albumin‐coated monodisperse magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres with immobilized antibodies: Application to the capture of epithelial cancer cells
Authors: Horák Daniel , Svobodová Zuzana , Autebert Julien , Coudert Benoit , Plichta Zdeněk , Královec Karel , Bílková Zuzana , Viovy Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2012

Monodisperse (4 μm) macroporous crosslinked poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) microspheres for use in microfluidic immunomagnetic cell sorting, with a specific application to the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), were prepared by multistep swelling polymerization in the presence of cyclohexyl acetate porogen and hydrolyzed and ammonolyzed. Iron oxide was then precipitated in the microspheres to render them magnetic. Repeated precipitation made possible to raise the iron oxide content to more than 30 wt %. To minimize nonspecific adsorption of the microspheres in a microchannel and of cells on the microspheres, they were coated with albumin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Antibodies of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti‐EpCAM) were then immobilized on the albumin‐coated magnetic microspheres using the carbodiimide method. Capture of breast cancer MCF7 cells as a model of CTCs by the microspheres with immobilized anti‐EpCAM IgG was performed in a batch experiment. Finally, MCF7 cells were captured by the anti‐EpCAM‐immobilized albumin‐coated magnetic microspheres in an Ephesia chip. A very good rejection of lymphocytes was achieved. Thus, albumin‐coated monodisperse magnetic PGMA microspheres with immobilized anti‐EpCAM seem to be promising for capture of CTCs in a microfluidic device. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:23–32, 2013.
The association of concurrent vitamin D and sex hormone deficiency with bone loss and fracture risk in older men: The osteoporotic fractures in men (MrOS) study
Authors: Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Laughlin Gail A , Li Hong , Nielson Carrie M , Wang P Ying , Dam Tien T , Cauley Jane A , Ensrud Kristine E , Stefanick Marcia L , Lau Edith , Hoffman Andrew R , Orwoll Eric S ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: July 2012

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (VitD), low sex hormones (SH), and high sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels are common in older men. We tested the hypothesis that combinations of low VitD, low SH, and high SHBG would have a synergistic effect on bone mineral density (BMD), bone loss, and fracture risk in older men. Participants were a random subsample of 1468 men (mean age 74 years) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) plus 278 MrOS men with incident nonspine fractures studied in a case-cohort design. “Abnormal” was defined as lowest quartile for VitD (<20 ng/mL), bioavailable testosterone (BioT, <163 ng/dL), and bioavailable estradiol (BioE, <11 pg/mL); and highest quartile for SHBG (>59 nM). Overall, 10% had isolated VitD deficiency; 40% had only low SH or high SHBG; 15% had both SH/SHBG and VitD abnormality; and 35% had no abnormality. Compared to men with all normal levels, those with both SH/SHBG and VitD abnormality tended to be older, more obese, and to report less physical activity. Isolated VitD deficiency, and low BioT with or without low VitD, was not significantly related to skeletal measures. The combination of VitD deficiency with low BioE and/or high SHBG was associated with significantly lower baseline BMD and higher annualized rates of hip bone loss than SH abnormalities alone or no abnormality. Compared to men with all normal levels, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for incident nonspine fracture during 4.6-year median follow-up was 1.2 (0.8–1.8) for low VitD alone; 1.3 (0.9–1.9) for low BioE and/or high SHBG alone; and 1.6 (1.1–2.5) for low BioE/high SHBG plus low VitD. In summary, adverse skeletal effects of low sex steroid levels were more pronounced in older men with low VitD levels. The presence of low VitD in the presence of low BioE/high SHBG may contribute substantially to poor skeletal health. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The optimization of aqueous two‐phase extraction of lysozyme from crude hen egg white using response surface methodology
Authors: Lu Yanmin , Lu Wenjuan , Wang Wei , Guo Qingwei , Yang Yanzhao
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Aqueous two‐phase extraction is a versatile method for separating biological particles and macromolecules. In the present wok, the feasibility of using PEG 4000/potassium citrate aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) for recovering and purifying lysozyme was investigated. Response surface methodology was used to determine an optimized ATPS for purification of lysozyme from crude hen egg white.

RESULTS: Mathematical models concerning the purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white in polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000)/potassium citrate ATPS are established using response surface methodology. Screening experiments using fractional factorial designs show that the pH of the system significantly affects the recovery and purification of lysozyme. An optimized ATPS was proved to be at pH 5.5 and 30 °C and contained 18% (w/w) PEG, 16% (w/w) potassium citrate, 3.75% (w/w) potassium chloride (KCl). Under those conditions, the specific activity, purification factor and activity yield for lysozyme were 31100 U mg−1, 21.11 and 103%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The PEG 4000/potassium citrate ATPS has the potential to be applied to establish bioprocesses for the primary recovery and partial purification of lysozyme. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
[18F]Fluoride labelling of macromolecules in aqueous conditions: silicon and boroaryl‐based [18F]fluorine acceptors, [18F]FDG conjugation and Al18F chelation
Authors: Smith Tim A. D.
Published: July 2012

[18F]Fluorination is usually carried out by nucleophilic substitution reactions entailing the use of stringent conditions. A number of novel techniques including silicon and boron‐based fluoride acceptor molecules, [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐ d‐glucose and chelation of the Al18F complex have been employed recently to achieve [18F]radiolabelling of macromolecules. These approaches are reviewed herein. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.