bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lamins: Organisation, Dynamics and Functions
Authors: Zuela Noam , Gruenbaum Yosef
Published: February 2015

Lamins are evolutionary conserved nuclear intermediate filaments. They are the major component of a protein network, termed the nuclear lamina, which is located underneath the inner nuclear membrane of the nuclear envelope. A small fraction of lamins also localise throughout the nucleoplasm. Lamins are involved in most nuclear functions including mechanical stability, cytoskeletal organisation, genome stability, chromatin organisation, differentiation and tissue‐specific functions. During the past two decades, interest in lamins increased due to the discovery of over 450 missense mutations in the humanLMNAgene causing more than 15 different heritable diseases. These disorders are collectively known as nuclear envelopathies or laminopathies and range from muscular dystrophies to accelerated ageing disorders, affecting a range of different tissue types. Understanding lamins' structure, dynamics and functions is key in elucidating the elusive molecular mechanisms leading to these disorders.

Key Concepts

The nuclear envelope separates the nucleus from the cytoplasm and is composed of an outer nuclear membrane, an inner nuclear membrane, nuclear pore complexes and nuclear lamina.

Lamins are the main components of the nuclear lamina.

Unique features of lamins include a nuclear localisation signal (NLS), an immunoglobulin fold and a carboxyl tail CaaX (C = cysteine, a = aliphatic amino acid, X = any amino acid) motif.

Lamins are grouped into A‐ and B‐type lamins based on their biochemical properties and behaviour during mitosis.

Each metazoan cell expresses at least one B‐type lamin.

Lamins are involved in most nuclear functions.

In mammals, the A‐ to B‐type lamin ratio regulates the differentiation state of cells.

Mutations in lamins can have dramatic effects on their higher order structures.

Lamins interact with a plethora of proteins in the nuclear membrane and nucleoplasm.

Mutations in human lamin genes, and especially theLMNAgene, cause over 15 distinct diseases effecting different tissues.
Infections in the Secondary Immunocompromised Host
Authors: Elliott Ivo , Venkatesan Pradhib
Published: February 2015

Deficiency in host defences allows infections to occur with greater frequency. Their nature and presentation may be unusual and hence diagnosis may be difficult. The type, severity and duration of immunocompromise determine the infections to which the host is vulnerable. Unlike in primary immunocompromised patients, the susceptibility of secondary immunocompromised patients often changes during the course of their illness as their immune function may vary with the use of immunosuppressive drugs or highly active anti‐retroviral agents prescribed for those with human immunodeficiency virus. There is an ever‐increasing number of new agents that modify the host immune response. These include biologic therapies that target specific cytokines and are used in various inflammatory disorders. The growing numbers of immunocompromised patients make this a key area for those involved in managing infections. A number of strategies are employed to combat the infectious threat ranging from prophylaxis to pre‐emptive, empirical and definitive treatment.

Key Concepts

Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to a range of opportunistic infections due to deficiencies in their immune defences.

Opportunistic infections occur in immunocompromised but not immunocompetent hosts.

Specific immune defects may predispose to a restricted range of opportunistic infections.

Immune defects may involve innate (antigen non‐specific) or adaptive (antigen specific) responses.

Clinical features may be modified or less apparent in the presence of immunodeficiency.

The diagnosis of an infection requires consideration of infectious exposures, details of immunodeficiency and all clinical features and investigation results.

Clinical illness may be prevented by screening and treating latent infection, prophylaxis or pre‐emptive treatment in the subclinical phase if markers of infection progression are available.
RNA
Structure: Tetraloops
Authors: Cheong Hae‐Kap , Kim Nak‐Kyoon , Cheong Chaejoon
Published: February 2015

RNA
hairpins are among the most common
RNA
secondary structural elements and are frequently capped by
RNA
tetraloops.
RNA
tetraloops are composed of characteristic four‐loop nucleotides that form a compact and stable structure. While they can be formed by many different nucleotide sequences,
UNCG
(N = A, C, G, or U),
GNRA
(R = A or G), and
CUUG
tetraloops are found most often. Tetraloops usually help initiate
RNA
‐folding processes and provide sites for tertiary contacts within or between
RNAs
and for protein binding, thereby facilitating the assembly of ribonucleoprotein particles. Tetraloop interactions can be either sequence‐ or structure‐specific. Herein, we discuss the structures of
RNA
tetraloops and their interactions with other
RNA
structural motifs and with
RNA
‐binding proteins.

Key Concepts

RNA hairpins play important structural and functional roles in RNA.

RNA tetraloops are composed of four‐loop nucleotides that form a compact and stable structure.

Tetraloops assist RNA folding and provide sites for RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions.

Tetraloop interactions can be either sequence‐ or structure‐specific.

We discuss the structures of RNA tetraloops and their interactions with other RNAs and proteins.
Eugenics
Authors: Paul Diane B
Published: February 2015

The term ‘eugenics’, coined in 1883 by Sir Francis Galton, refers to efforts to improve humanity through selective breeding. ‘Positive eugenics’ aims to increase the frequency of desirable traits in the population and ‘negative eugenics’ to decrease the frequency of negative ones. Although eugenics was once an international and widely supported movement, it was ultimately discredited as scientifically naïve and racially and class‐biased. Today, the word has highly pejorative connotations and is often equated with Nazi efforts to create a master race. However, there is disagreement over whether the use of prenatal diagnosis and other contemporary reproductive technologies constitutes a new eugenics, and in recent years, several scholars have also argued that eugenics' fundamental aim of human genetic improvement is laudable, even if earlier efforts to accomplish it were marred by coercive means, faulty science, and social prejudice.

Key Concepts

In the first three decades of the twentieth century, eugenics was a popular movement of international scope.

Eugenicists assumed that most mental, moral, and personality traits were hereditarily transmitted from parent to offspring.

In the United States, family pedigree studies conducted by eugenic field workers seemed to prove that many such traits followed a Mendelian pattern of inheritance.

Eugenicists assumed that most social problems were due to bad heredity and that their solution lay in discouraging those with hereditary defects from breeding.

American eugenicists were primarily concerned with mental deficiency or ‘feeblemindedness’ and British eugenicists with ‘hereditary pauperism’.

Fear that the incidence of mental deficiency was increasing intensified in the wake of intelligence (IQ) testing, especially of US army recruits in World War I.

In several countries, eugenicists viewed immigration from particular countries or regions as a primary threat to the biological quality of the population.

There is much greater agreement on when modern eugenics began than on when or why it came to seem disreputable.

Today, there is intense debate over whether prospective parents' voluntary use of reproductive genetic services constitutes a new, consumer‐driven eugenics.

Recently, some commentators have argued that eugenics' core aim of human genetic improvement is defensible.
Compensatory Evolution in Disease‐Associated Genes
Authors: Azevedo Luisa
Published: February 2015

Genetic diseases are caused by amino acid replacements at functionally important positions of protein sequences. These positions are conserved at the interspecific level, indicating that their replacement would be expected to be deleterious between homologous sequences. However, several examples of human disease‐associated mutations have been found in the genomes of non‐human species. Following the model of compensatory evolution, the acceptability of human deleterious mutations in other species is strictly dependent on the presence of a compensatory partner variant that is able to compensate for the negative effect of the mutation. The co‐occurrence of a compensated mutation and its compensatory partner has now been documented for a large number of proteins involved in human genetic disease, thereby increasing theoretical and experimental support for the model of compensatory evolution at the same time as providing us with an improved understanding of the molecular and selective forces underlying the mechanism of amino acid interaction.

Key Concepts

A high number of human disease‐associated mutations are found in non‐human species.

Many human disease‐associated mutations are compensated in non‐human species by epistatic interactions with a compensatory variant.

The deleterious impact of a variant depends on the genetic background where it occurs.

The basis of molecular compensation results from the structural interaction between amino acid variants.
Life Sciences in China
Authors: Wang Yihuang , Wen Zhaojun , Chen Zhu
Published: February 2015

Modern life sciences have been introduced into China from the West for more than 170 years; however, the fast progress was only seen in the past three decades. How China feeds its people and keeps them healthy remains a mystery for many Westerners. Chinese life scientists have done their best to increase the yields of rice and other crops, and develop vaccines and treatments to combat the major diseases in China. Thanks to the fast growing economy, the Chinese government input in research and development was significantly increased and led to the great leap forward of life sciences in the past 30 years. The stories behind the past and present life sciences in China are permeated with legends, and they are worthwhile knowing.

Key Concepts

Life sciences in China are mainly supported by the government.

The Chinese government looks at life sciences as the driving force for sustainable economic growth.

Feeding the huge population and keeping the people healthy are the main challenges faced by Chinese life scientists.

The leap forward of genomics and the significant increase of government input led to the fast progress of life sciences in China.

Stem cell research and neuroscience are the fastest growing fields in China.
The Gene Content of Mammalian and Avian Sex Chromosomes
Authors: Bennett‐Baker Pamela , Mueller Jacob L
Published: February 2015

Sex chromosomes evolve specialised collections of genes, making them distinct from autosomes. Recent, high‐quality, genomic sequencing of sex chromosomes allows us to trace the evolutionary history of the mammalian X and Y chromosomes and avian Z and W chromosomes, and examine how evolution has remodelled their gene content. The
XY
and
ZW
sex chromosomes arose from ordinary pairs of autosomes. Differentiation into specialised sex chromosomes initiated with the degeneration of gene content on the Y and W chromosomes and the preservation of gene content on the X and Z chromosomes. As these degeneration and preservation processes unfolded, the sex chromosomes also acquired new genes, many of which are located in large, nearly identical, segmental duplications called amplicons. Ampliconic sequences, independently evolving across multiple lineages, are a major driving force in sex chromosome evolution.

Key Concepts

Mammalian and avian sex chromosomes evolved independently from autosomes.

X and Z chromosomes retain the majority of the ancestral autosomal genes.

X chromosome ancestral autosomal genes are highly conserved across mammals.

The gene content of Y and W chromosomes has degenerated.

Ampliconic sequences have independently evolved on X, Y, Z and W chromosomes.
Long Noncoding
RNA
s and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Matjašič Alenka , Glavač Damjan
Published: February 2015

In contrast to the long time, well‐established knowledge about the majority of human genome to be only ‘junk
DNA
’, it turned out that a great part of it is being pervasively transcribed. Among noncoding transcripts, long noncoding
RNA
s (
lncRNA
s) represent the most prevalent and functionally heterogeneous group of noncoding
RNA
s (
ncRNA
s). Despite only a few
lncRNA
s being well characterised, their biological meaning, mechanisms of function and their importance for normal development is being more and more recognised. Many studies in recent years have shown that the changes in
lncRNA
s expression and function are associated with some fundamental biological processes and various disease states, most notably cancer. In cancer, the function of
lncRNA
s shows through altered expression patterns in different tumour types and as such they represent potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and new potential targets for cancer treatment.

Key Concepts

lncRNAs are important components of numerous biological pathways of cellular growth, cell division and differentiation.

lncRNAs directly or indirectly regulate the expression of protein‐coding genes on epigenetic, transcriptional and post‐transcriptional level.

Aberrant lncRNA expression leads to cell dysfunction and disease progression.

lncRNAs are potential drivers of various diseases, most notably of cancer.

They represent useful diagnostic biomarkers and indicators of patient's prognosis.

lncRNAs represent ideal candidates for targeted gene therapy.
Control of Axon Selection
Authors: Richter Melanie , de Anda Froylan Calderon
Published: February 2015

The term polarity is used to define asymmetry. In cell biology, it refers to describe the shape of a cell, the distribution of organelles, molecules and thus the intracellular trafficking of cellular components. How this asymmetry is attained in neurons is a question that has been under scrutiny as the shape of a neuron provides valuable clues to its function: Mature neurons extend dendrites and an axon to receive, process and propagate signals. A long‐standing question in neurobiology is how neurons decide where the axon would form. One possibility is that external cues determine the position of axon extension. However, it is also possible that the intracellular organisation of the neuron determines where the axon will grow. Existing data provide evidence for both mechanisms playing a role during the axon selection, either concomitantly and/or sequentially.

Key Concepts

Neurons are highly polarised cells with generally one axon and several dendrites.

Neurons developing
in vitro
form axons and dendrites, which resembles the
in vivo
situation.

Axon selection is the result of synchronous and/or sequential effects of intrinsic and extrinsic cues.
Stentor, Its Cell Biology and Development
Authors: Reiff Sarah B , Marshall Wallace F
Published: February 2015

Stentorcomprises a genus of freshwater protists that has long enthralled cell and developmental biologists. These organisms are large polyploid single cells that possess highly polarised and complex structures. Normally elongated in a trumpet‐like shape,Stentorcells also have the ability to contract their cell body, and do so in response to mechanical or light stimuli. Interestingly, this response is subject to habituation, meaning the cell can ‘learn’ after repeated exposure to ignore these stimuli and stay elongated. Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic ofStentoris the ability of these cells to fully regenerate after being cut in half, perfectly preserving the original cell structure. Numerous microscopic studies analysed the minute morphological details ofStentorregeneration, but for many decades, there were no tools available for molecular and genetic studies. However, recent developments should now allow researchers to probe the molecular details of regeneration in a single‐celled organism.

Key Concepts

Stentor coeruleusis a large and highly polarised single cell with complex cell biology.

Stentor cells exhibit a rapid contractile response in reaction to light and mechanical stimulation, but they can habituate to these stimuli over time.

Stentor cells possess the remarkable ability to fully regenerate themselves after being cut in half.
Choosing Your Words and Pictures Wisely: When Do Individuation Instructions Reduce the Cross‐Race Effect?
Authors: Pica Emily , Warren Amye R. , Ross David F. , Kehn Andre
Published: February 2015

Recognition accuracy for faces of an individual's own race typically exceeds recognition accuracy for other‐race faces. The categorization–individuation model (Hugenberg, Young, Bernstein, & Sacco, 2010) attributes this cross‐race effect to motivation to encode distinctive features of own‐race faces but category defining features for other‐race faces. Two experiments using different stimuli tested hypotheses generated from this model with both Black and White participants. For White participants, instructions to individuate reduced the cross‐race effect in both studies but did not eliminate it in Study 1. Black participants did not exhibit the cross‐race effect in either study, but individuation instructions improved both their same‐race and other‐race sensitivity. The present quality of interracial contact moderated the relationship between instructions and other‐race sensitivity for both Black and White participants in Study 1 but not in Study 2. Overall, results provide mixed support for this social categorization model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A–D–A‐Type Oligothiophenes for Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells: Extending the π‐System by Introduction of Ring‐Locked Double Bonds
Authors: Fitzner Roland , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Walzer Karsten , Pfeiffer Martin , Bäuerle Peter
Published: February 2015

A series of novel acceptor–donor–acceptor oligothiophenes terminally substituted with the 1‐(1,1‐dicyanomethylene)‐cyclohex‐2‐ene (DCC) acceptor has been synthesized. Structural, thermal, optoelectronic, and photovoltaic properties of the π‐extended DCCnTs (n = 1–4) are characterized and contrasted to the trends found for the series of parent dicyanovinyl (DCV)‐substituted oligothiophenes DCVnT. The optoelectronic properties reveal the influence of the additional exocyclic, sterically fixed double bonds in trans‐configuration in the novel DCCnT derivatives. A close correspondence for derivatives with equal number of double bonds, that is, DCCnTs and DCV(n + 1)Ts, is identified. Despite having the same energy gap, the energy levels of the frontier orbitals, HOMO and LUMO, for the DCC‐derivatives are raised and more destabilized due to the aromatization energy of a thiophene ring versus two exocyclic double bonds indicating improved donor and reduced acceptor strength. DCC‐terthiophenes give good photovoltaic performance as donor materials in vacuum‐processed solar cells (power conversion efficiencies ≤ 4.4%) clearly outperforming all comparable DCV4T derivatives.
In Situ Preparation of Sandwich MoO3/C Hybrid Nanostructures for High‐Rate and Ultralong‐Life Supercapacitors
Authors: Ji Hongmei , Liu Xiaolin , Liu Zhijuan , Yan Bo , Chen Lin , Xie Yafeng , Liu Chao , Hou Wenhua , Yang Gang
Published: February 2015

This work presents a design of sandwich MoO3/C hybrid nanostructure via calcination of the dodecylamine‐intercalated layered α‐MoO3, leading to the in situ production of the interlayered graphene layer. The sample with a high degree of graphitization of graphene layer and more interlayered void region exhibits the most outstanding energy storage performance. The obtained material is capable of delivering a high specific capacitance of 331 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and retained 71% capacitance at 10 A g−1. In addition, nearly no discharge capacity decay between 1000 and 10 000 continuous charge–discharge cycles is observed at a high current density of 10 A g−1, indicating an excellent specific capacitance retention ability. The exceptional rate capability endows the electrode with a high energy density of 41.2 W h kg−1 and a high power density of 12.0 kW kg−1 simultaneously. The excellent performance is attributed to the sandwich hybrid nanostructure of MoO3/C with broad ion diffusion pathway, low charge‐transfer resistance, and robust structure at high current density for long‐time cycling. The present work provides an insight into the fabrication of novel electrode materials with both enhanced rate capability and cyclability for potential use in supercapacitor and other energy storage devices.
A Universal Photochemical Approach to Ultra‐Small, Well‐Dispersed Nanoparticle/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrids with Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Tan Dezhi , Liu Xiaofeng , Dai Ye , Ma Guohong , Meunier Michel , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2015

Integrating multiple functionalities into individual nanoscale hybrids with strong nonlinear optical (NLO) response to ultrafast laser pulses is of tremendous importance. Here, a series of ultra‐small and well‐dispersed nanoparticles (NPs) supported on the undoped and doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are obtained via a general and versatile photochemical technique. Extremely fast heterogeneous nucleation rate and cooling rate having negligible thermal effect induced by a femtosecond laser are proposed to play a determined role in the formation of ultra‐small NPs. No surfactants, reduction reagents, or toxic materials are needed. The prepared rGO hybrids exhibit significantly enhanced ultrafast NLO response with very low optical limiting threshold, which originates from the fast and efficient electron and/or energy transfer from ultra‐small NPs to rGO. This study may represent an important universal step toward the generation of graphene hybrid nanostructures and even complex 3D functional systems consisting of multiple functional ultra‐small subunits with new horizons for numerous applications, especially in ultrafast nonlinear optics.
Gamma Radiation Induced Modifications on Physicochemical Properties of Makrofol (KG and N) Polycarbonate
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Paramjit , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Satyendra
Published: February 2015

Makrofol (KG and N) polycarbonates (PCs) are the most versatile solid‐state nuclear track detectors. These polymers were exposed to gamma radiation of doses ranging from 250 to 1000 kGy. The pristine and exposed samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectrophotometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry for the structural, optical, and chemical studies, respectively. The XRD studies showed that crystallite size for exposed samples of makrofol‐KG PC decreased from 64.7 to 57.9 Å and for makrofol‐N PC it increased from 19.1 to 21.1 Å. The band gap energy decreased from 4.40 to 4.07 eV for makrofol‐KG and from 4.26 to 3.83 eV for makrofol‐N after the gamma exposure. The number of carbon atoms per conjugation length as obtained from UV–vis studies was increased in both cases. The activation energy showed fluctuations for exposed samples of both polymers. The intensity of various absorption bands of the infrared spectra decreased at some doses for both the PCs, indicating the change in the chemical properties of the exposed samples.
The Critical Choice of PEDOT:PSS Additives for Long Term Stability of Roll‐to‐Roll Processed OPVs
Authors: Roth Bérenger , dos Reis Benatto Gisele A. , Corazza Michael , Søndergaard Roar R. , Gevorgyan Suren A. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: February 2015

The impact of additives mixed with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polysty­renesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) on the stability of organic photovoltaic modules is investigated for fully ambient roll‐to‐roll (R2R) processed indium tin oxide free modules. Four different PEDOT:PSS inks from two different suppliers are used. The modules are manufactured directly on barrier foil without a UV filter to accelerate degradation and enable completion of the study in a reasonable time span. The modules are subjected to stability testing following well‐established protocols developed by the international summit on organic photovoltaic stability (ISOS). For the harsh indoor test (ISOS‐L‐3) only a slight difference in stability is observed between the different modules. During both ISOS‐L‐3 and ISOS‐D‐3 one new failure mode is observed as a result of tiny air inclusions in the barrier foil and a R2R method is developed to detect and quantify these. During outdoor operation (ISOS‐O‐1) the use of ethylene glycol (EG) as an additive is found to drastically increase the operational stability of the modules as compared to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and a new failure mode specific to modules with DMSO as the additive is identified. The data are extended in an ongoing experiment where DMSO is used as additive for long‐term outdoor testing in a solar park.
DEM‐CFD modeling of particle systems with long‐range electrostatic interactions
Authors: Pei Chunlei , Wu Chuan‐Yu , England David , Byard Stephen , Berchtold Harald , Adams Michael
Published: February 2015

To investigate dynamic behaviors of monocharged particle systems, a direct truncation (DT) method and a hybrid particle‐cell (HPC) method are implemented into the discrete element method coupled with computational fluid dynamics (DEM‐CFD) with defined cutoff distances. The DT method only considers electrostatic interactions between particles within the cutoff distance while the HPC method computes electrostatic interactions in the entire computational domain. The deposition process of monocharged particles in a container in air was simulated using the developed DEM‐CFD. It was found that using the DT method, the macrostructure, evolution of granular temperature, and radial distribution function of the particle system were sensitive to the specified cutoff distance. In contrast, using the HPC method, these results were independent of the specified cutoff distance, as expected. This implies that, although electrostatic interactions between particles with large separation distances are weak, they should be considered in DEM‐CFD for accurate modeling of charged particle systems. © 2015 The Authors AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 61: 1792–1803, 2015
Idarubicin, cytarabine, and pravastatin as induction therapy for untreated acute myeloid leukemia and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Shadman Mazyar , Mawad Raya , Dean Carol , Chen Tara L. , Shannon‐Dorcy Kathleen , Sandhu Vicky , Hendrie Paul C. , Scott Bart L. , Walter Rol B. , Becker Pamela S. , Pagel John M. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: February 2015

Previous studies suggest that idarubicin/cytarabine(ara‐C)/pravastatin (IAP) is an active salvage regimen for patients with AML. We therefore investigated this regimen in patients with newly‐diagnosed AML or MDS (≥10% blasts). Patients were eligible if the anticipated treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was <10%. Patients received pravastatin (1,280 mg/day po; days 1–8), cytarabine (1.5 g/m2/day; days 4–7), and idarubicin (12 mg/m2/day, days 4–6). Up to 3 cycles of consolidation with a shortened course was permitted. The primary endpoints were “good CR” rate (CR on day 35 without minimal residual disease) and TRM in the first 28 days. The study was to stop if after each cohort of 5 patients (a) the Bayesian posterior probability was < 5% that the true “good CR rate” was ≥ 70% or (b) the posterior probability was >25% that the TRM rate was ≥5%. Twenty‐four patients were included. Conventional CR was achieved in 15 (63%) patients but only 12 (50%) achieved “good CR”. 4 of 12 (33%) patients with “good CR” relapsed at median of 16 weeks (10.5–19). Five (21%) patients had refractory disease. Survival probability at 1 year was 72% (48.7–64). Two (8.3%) patients died within 28 days from multiorgan failure. The most common grade 3–4 adverse effects were febrile neutropenia (75%) and diarrhea (25%). Based on the stopping rules accrual ceased after entry of these 24 patients. IAP did not meet the predefined efficacy criteria for success. Therefore, we would not recommend this regimen for phase three testing in this patient subset. Am. J. Hematol. 90:483–486, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiopulmonary arrest during the Nuss procedure: case report and review
Authors: Nakahara Osamu , Ohshima Shigeki , Baba Hideo
Published: February 2015

Case

The Nuss procedure is an established and widely approved minimally invasive technique for the correction of pectus excavatum. However, patients undergoing the procedure are at increased risk of cardiac arrest. It has not been established whether cardiopulmonary resuscitation is possible in patients who have received the Nuss procedure. We present here the case of a 14‐year‐old boy with pectus excavatum who underwent minimally invasive pectus repair but later had a fatal cardiac event before pectus bar removal.

Outcome

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out immediately but resuscitation failed.

Conclusion

In patients who have undergone the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, it is important to manage perioperative events such as arrhythmia, develop measures for managing emergency situations in patients' areas of residence, and carry out continuing research and development of medical supply materials that can be used to manufacture Nuss bars.
The Direct Heat Measurement of Mechanical Energy Storage Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Rodriguez Julien , Beurroies Isabelle , Loiseau Thierry , Denoyel Renaud , Llewellyn Philip L.
Published: February 2015

In any process, the heat exchanged is an essential property required in its development. Whilst the work related to structural transitions of some flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been quantified and linked with potential applications such as molecular springs or shock absorbers, the heat related to such transitions has never been directly measured. This has now been carried out with MIL‐53(Al) using specifically devised calorimetry experiments. We project the importance of these heats in devices such as molecular springs or dampers.
Totalsynthese und biologische Evaluierung von Miuraenamiden
Authors: Karmann Lisa , Schultz Katharina , Herrmann Jennifer , Müller Rolf , Kazmaier Uli
Published: February 2015

Miuraenamide, vergleichsweise einfache Vertreter einer Klasse von Cyclodepsipeptiden mit hoher Antitumor‐Aktivität, lassen sich nach dem Konzept der Peptidmodifizierung schnell und flexibel aufbauen. Die Einführung der ungewöhnlichen α,β‐Dehydroaminosäure gelingt durch Aldolreaktion/Oxidation an einem Glycin‐haltigen Cyclodepsipeptid in einer der letzten Stufen der Synthese.
Flow‐Enabled Self‐Assembly of Large‐Scale Aligned Nanowires
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Chuchu , Jiang Beibei , Han Wei , Lin Zhiqun
Published: February 2015

One‐dimensional nanowires enable the realization of optical and electronic nanodevices that may find applications in energy conversion and storage systems. Herein, large‐scale aligned DNA nanowires were crafted by flow‐enabled self‐assembly (FESA). The highly oriented and continuous DNA nanowires were then capitalized on either as a template to form metallic nanowires by exposing DNA nanowires that had been preloaded with metal salts to an oxygen plasma or as a scaffold to direct the positioning and alignment of metal nanoparticles and nanorods. The FESA strategy is simple and easy to implement and thus a promising new method for the low‐cost synthesis of large‐scale one‐dimensional nanostructures for nanodevices.
Cyclopropene Derivatives as Precursors to Enantioenriched Cyclopropanols and n‐Butenals Possessing Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters
Authors: Simaan Marwan , Delaye Pierre‐Olivier , Shi Min , Marek Ilan
Published: February 2015

The diastereoselective carbocupration reaction of cyclopropenylmethyl ethers followed by addition of oxenoid leads to the formation of diastereo‐ and enantiomerically enriched 2,2,3,3‐tetrasubstituted cyclopropanol derivatives. Ring fragmentation of the copper cyclopropanolate leads to acyclic butenal derivatives possessing enantiomerically enriched α‐quaternary carbon stereocenters in a single‐pot operation.
Catalytic Asymmetric Diels–Alder Reaction of Quinone Imine Ketals: A Site‐Divergent Approach
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Nakatsu Hiroki , Maruoka Keiji
Published: February 2015

The catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction of quinone imine ketals with diene carbamates catalyzed by axially chiral dicarboxylic acids is reported herein. A variety of primary and secondary alkyl‐substituted quinone derivatives which have not been applied in previous asymmetric quinone Diels–Alder reactions could be employed using this method. More importantly, we succeeded in developing a strategy to divert the reaction site in unsymmetrical 3‐alkyl quinone imine ketals from the inherently favored unsubstituted CC bond to the disfavored alkyl‐substituted CC bond.
Divinyl‐End‐Functionalized Polyethylenes: Ready Access to a Range of Telechelic Polyethylenes through Thiol–Ene Reactions
Authors: Norsic Sebastien , Thomas Coralie , D'Agosto Franck , Boisson Christophe
Published: February 2015

Telechelic α,ω‐iodo‐vinyl‐polyethylenes (Vin‐PE‐I) were obtained by catalytic ethylene polymerization in the presence of [(C5Me5)2NdCl2Li(OEt2)2] in combination with a functionalized chain‐transfer agent, namely, di(10‐undecenyl)magnesium, followed by treatment of the resulting di(vinylpolyethylenyl)magnesium compounds ((vinyl‐PE)2Mg) with I2. The iodo‐functionalized vinylpolyethylenes (Vin‐PE‐I) were transformed into unique divinyl‐functionalized polyethylenes (Vin‐PE‐Vin) by simple treatment with tBuOK in toluene at 95 °C. Thiol–ene reactions were then successfully performed on Vin‐PE‐Vin with functionalized thiols in the presence of AIBN. A range of homobifunctional telechelic polyethylenes were obtained on which a hydroxy, diol, carboxylic acid, amine, ammonium chloride, trimethoxysilyl, chloro, or fluoroalkyl group was installed quantitatively at each chain end.
An Unusual Terpene Cyclization Mechanism Involving a Carbon–Carbon Bond Rearrangement
Authors: Meguro Ayuko , Motoyoshi Yudai , Teramoto Kazuya , Ueda Shota , Totsuka Yusuke , Ando Yumi , Tomita Takeo , Kim Seung‐Young , Kimura Tomoyuki , Igarashi Masayuki , Sawa Ryuichi , Shinada Tetsuro , Nishiyama Makoto , Kuzuyama Tomohisa
Published: February 2015

Terpene cyclization reactions are fascinating owing to the precise control of connectivity and stereochemistry during the catalytic process. Cyclooctat‐9‐en‐7‐ol synthase (CotB2) synthesizes an unusual 5‐8‐5 fused‐ring structure with six chiral centers from the universal diterpene precursor, the achiral C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate substrate. An unusual new mechanism for the exquisite CotB2‐catalyzed cyclization that involves a carbon–carbon backbone rearrangement and three long‐range hydride shifts is proposed, based on a powerful combination of in vivo studies using uniformly 13C‐labeled glucose and in vitro reactions of regiospecifically deuterium‐substituted geranylgeranyl diphosphate substrates. This study shows that CotB2 elegantly demonstrates the synthetic virtuosity and stereochemical control that evolution has conferred on terpene synthases.
Dissolution and utilization of chitosan in a 1‐carboxymethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrochloride ionic salt aqueous solution
Authors: Feng Jiaxuan , Zang Hongjun , Yan Qing , Li Mingguang , Jiang Xinqiang , Cheng Bowen
Published: February 2015

1‐Carboxymethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrochloride ([IMIM–COOH]Cl), a new ionic salt, is proposed as a green, promising solvent for dissolving chitosan. However, because of the optimal dosage of chitosan dissolved in [IMIM–COOH]Cl, a 12 wt % [IMIM–COOH]Cl aqueous solution was selected as an optimum solvent system for dissolving chitosan. The structures of the original and regenerated chitosan were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the morphological features of the reconstituted chitosan membranes. Meanwhile, the absorbance, tensile strength, and breaking elongation of the chitosan membranes were measured. The results reveal that 10–11 wt % was an optimal chitosan concentration for preparing membranes. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity for Cu(II) ion of the chitosan membranes was increased with the chitosan concentration decreased from 12 to 8 wt %. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41965.
Poly(styrene–maleic anhydride) functionalized graphene oxide
Authors: Zhou Longfei , Liu Haihui , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: February 2015

In this study, poly(styrene–maleic anhydride) functionalized graphene oxide (SMAFG) was fabricated with in situ polymerization. The sample was characterized with Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption. The results of the experiments show that the thermal stability of SMAFG was improved significantly, and it also possessed a good dispersion in N,N‐dimethylformamide, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, aniline, and certain organic solvents. The calculated Hildebrand parameter of SMAFG was 23.8 MPa1/2. This new method will broaden the applications of graphene, and the experiment showed that it could effectively improve the strength of polyamide 6 (PA6) compared with the pure PA6 fiber. The tensile strength of the SMAFG/PA6 composite fiber improved 29%, and the Young's modulus improved 33%, so this kind of functionalized graphene oxide can be used in the preparation of polymeric composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41987.
Preparation of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum phosphinate flame‐retardant poly(vinyl alcohol) foam through thermal processing
Authors: Liu Pengju , Bai Shibing , Wang Qi
Published: February 2015

A novel flame‐retardant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite foam was prepared successfully through thermal processing, which was filled with high content of flame retardant, based on aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) and using water as plasticizer and blowing agent. The flame‐retardant property and mechanism of the prepared foam matrix were studied by vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results showed that the PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite achieved LOI value of 41% and UL94 V‐0 (3.2 mm) rate. The addition of ATH and AlPi into PVA matrix significantly decreased flammability of the composites, because a more compact and continuous char layer of the PVA/ATH/AlPi composite could be formed, due to the involvement of AlPi in the char‐forming reaction. Compared with the pure PVA sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite were reduced by 76.5% and 58.2%, respectively. Built upon this PVA‐based foam matrix with good flame retardancy, the flame‐retardant PVA‐based foam was successfully prepared through thermal extrusion. In addition, the influence of water content on melt viscosity, foam structure and mechanical strength was also analyzed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42020.
Hyperelasticity, dynamic mechanical property, and rheology of addition‐type silicone rubber (VPDMS cured by PMHS)
Authors: Hao Dong , Li Dongxu , Liao Yihuan
Published: February 2015

The aerospace‐level addition‐type silicone rubber (ASR) was prepared by vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (VPDMS) and aerospace‐level polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) and its mechanical properties were investigated through the hyperelastic measurements, the dynamic mechanical tests and the rheological experiments. The hyperelastic analysis shows that the tensile strength and the break strain are separately 3.00 MPa and 281%, and the proposed model exhibits good descriptions of the uniaxial behaviors. The dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that two transition temperatures are observed for the ASR. The storage modulus, the loss modulus and the loss factor become stable when the temperature is higher than −35°C. The rheological analysis presents that the storage and loss modulus appeared an obvious growth with increasing frequency at the temperature of −120 and −110°C. The moduli have an apparent nonlinear dependence on the strain amplitude and a nonlinear function is utilized to express that relationship. This nonlinear model shows well agreements with the experimental data. The investigations on the aerospace‐level ASR in this article have some meanings for its usage in aerospace products. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42036.
Posterior approach to kidney dissection: An old surgical approach for integrated medical curricula
Authors: Daly Frank J. , Bolender David L. , Jain Deepali , Uyeda Sheryl , Hoagland Todd M.
Published: February 2015

Integrated medical curricular changes are altering the historical regional anatomy approach to abdominal dissection. The renal system is linked physiologically and biochemically to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; yet, anatomists often approach the urinary system as part of the abdomen and pelvic regions. As part of an integrated curriculum, the renal system must be covered relatively quickly after the thorax in the cadaver laboratory, often without the opportunity to fully appreciate the rest of the abdominal contents. This article provides dissection instructions that follow one of the historical surgical approaches for nephrectomy, including preservation of the posterior abdominal wall neurovasclature. Dissection procedures were developed for first‐year medical students, intending this posterior approach to the kidneys to be their first introduction to the renal system. It has been successfully implemented with the first‐year medical students at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Utilizing this posterior approach to the kidney enabled the study of the anatomy of the kidneys, suprarenal glands, and renal vessels, as well as the muscles of the lumbar spine, while maintaining the integrity of the anterior abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity for future gastrointestinal and reproductive system‐based dissections. Anat Sci Educ 8: 555–563. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
How spatial abilities and dynamic visualizations interplay when learning functional anatomy with 3D anatomical models
Authors: Berney Sandra , Bétrancourt Mireille , Molinari Gaëlle , Hoyek Nady
Published: February 2015

The emergence of dynamic visualizations of three‐dimensional (3D) models in anatomy curricula may be an adequate solution for spatial difficulties encountered with traditional static learning, as they provide direct visualization of change throughout the viewpoints. However, little research has explored the interplay between learning material presentation formats, spatial abilities, and anatomical tasks. First, to understand the cognitive challenges a novice learner would be faced with when first exposed to 3D anatomical content, a six‐step cognitive task analysis was developed. Following this, an experimental study was conducted to explore how presentation formats (dynamic vs. static visualizations) support learning of functional anatomy, and affect subsequent anatomical tasks derived from the cognitive task analysis. A second aim was to investigate the interplay between spatial abilities (spatial visualization and spatial relation) and presentation formats when the functional anatomy of a 3D scapula and the associated shoulder flexion movement are learned. Findings showed no main effect of the presentation formats on performances, but revealed the predictive influence of spatial visualization and spatial relation abilities on performance. However, an interesting interaction between presentation formats and spatial relation ability for a specific anatomical task was found. This result highlighted the influence of presentation formats when spatial abilities are involved as well as the differentiated influence of spatial abilities on anatomical tasks. Anat Sci Educ 8: 452–462. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
A modular modulation method for achieving increases in metabolite production
Authors: Acerenza Luis , Monzon Pablo , Ortega Fernando
Published: February 2015

Increasing the production of overproducing strains represents a great challenge. Here, we develop a modular modulation method to determine the key steps for genetic manipulation to increase metabolite production. The method consists of three steps: (i) modularization of the metabolic network into two modules connected by linking metabolites, (ii) change in the activity of the modules using auxiliary rates producing or consuming the linking metabolites in appropriate proportions and (iii) determination of the key modules and steps to increase production. The mathematical formulation of the method in matrix form shows that it may be applied to metabolic networks of any structure and size, with reactions showing any kind of rate laws. The results are valid for any type of conservation relationships in the metabolite concentrations or interactions between modules. The activity of the module may, in principle, be changed by any large factor. The method may be applied recursively or combined with other methods devised to perform fine searches in smaller regions. In practice, it is implemented by integrating to the producer strain heterologous reactions or synthetic pathways producing or consuming the linking metabolites. The new procedure may contribute to develop metabolic engineering into a more systematic practice. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:656–667, 2015
Detection of parathyroid hormone using an electrochemical impedance biosensor based on PAMAM dendrimers
Authors: Özcan Hakkı Mevlüt , Sezgintürk Mustafa Kemal
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a novel hormone‐based impedimetric biosensor to determine parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in serum for diagnosis and monitoring treatment of hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and thyroid cancer. The interaction between PTH and the biosensor was investigated by an electrochemical method. The biosensor was based on the gold electrode modified by 12‐mercapto dodecanoic (12MDDA). Antiparathyroid hormone (anti‐PTH) was covalently immobilized on to poly amidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) which was bound to a 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) couple, self‐assembled monolayer structure from one of the other NH2 sites. The immobilization of anti‐PTH was monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscope techniques. After the optimization studies of immobilization materials such as 12MDDA, EDC–NHS, PAMAM, and glutaraldehyde, the performance of the biosensor was investigated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. PTH was detected within a linear range of 10–60 fg/mL. Finally the described biosensor was used to monitor PTH levels in artificial serum samples. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:815–822, 2015