bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of congenital anomalies in Europe
Authors: Luteijn Johannes Michiel , Dolk Helen , Addor Marie‐Claude , Arriola Larraitz , Barisic Ingeborg , Bianchi Fabrizio , Calzolari Elisa , Draper Elizabeth , Garne Ester , Gatt Miriam , Haeusler Martin , Khoshnood Babak , McDonnell Bob , Nelen Vera , O'Mahony Mary , Mullaney Carmel , Queisser‐Luft Annette , Rankin Judith , Tucker David , Verellen‐Dumoulin Christine , de Walle Hermien , Yevtushok Lyubov
Published: March 2014

Background

This study describes seasonality of congenital anomalies in Europe to provide a baseline against which to assess the impact of specific time varying exposures such as the H1N1 pandemic influenza, and to provide a comprehensive and recent picture of seasonality and its possible relation to etiologic factors. Methods: Data on births conceived in 2000 to 2008 were extracted from 20 European Surveillance for Congenital Anomalies population‐based congenital anomaly registries in 14 European countries. We performed Poisson regression analysis encompassing sine and cosine terms to investigate seasonality of 65,764 nonchromosomal and 12,682 chromosomal congenital anomalies covering 3.3 million births. Analysis was performed by estimated month of conception. Analyses were performed for 86 congenital anomaly subgroups, including a combined subgroup of congenital anomalies previously associated with influenza. Results: We detected statistically significant seasonality in prevalence of anomalies previously associated with influenza, but the conception peak was in June (2.4% excess). We also detected seasonality in congenital cataract (April conceptions, 27%), hip dislocation and/or dysplasia (April, 12%), congenital hydronephrosis (July, 12%), urinary defects (July, 5%), and situs inversus (December, 36%), but not for nonchromosomal anomalies combined, chromosomal anomalies combined, or other anomalies analyzed. Conclusion: We have confirmed previously described seasonality for congenital cataract and hip dislocation and/or dysplasia, and found seasonality for congenital hydronephrosis and situs inversus which have not previously been studied. We did not find evidence of seasonality for several anomalies which had previously been found to be seasonal. Influenza does not appear to be an important factor in the seasonality of congenital anomalies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:260–269, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear factor‐kappa‐B signaling in lung development and disease: One pathway, numerous functions
Authors: Alvira Cristina M.
Published: March 2014

In contrast to other organs, the lung completes a significant portion of its development after term birth. During this stage of alveolarization, division of the alveolar ducts into alveolar sacs by secondary septation, and expansion of the pulmonary vasculature by means of angiogenesis markedly increase the gas exchange surface area of the lung. However, postnatal completion of growth renders the lung highly susceptible to environmental insults such as inflammation that disrupt this developmental program. This is particularly evident in the setting of preterm birth, where impairment of alveolarization causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease associated with significant morbidity. The nuclear factor κ‐B (NFκB) family of transcription factors are ubiquitously expressed, and function to regulate diverse cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and immunity. Extensive evidence suggests that activation of NFκB is important in the regulation of inflammation and in the control of angiogenesis. Therefore, NFκB‐mediated downstream effects likely influence the lung response to injury and may also mediate normal alveolar development. This review summarizes the main biologic functions of NFκB, and highlights the regulatory mechanisms that allow for diversity and specificity in downstream gene activation. This is followed by a description of the pro and anti‐inflammatory functions of NFκB in the lung, and of NFκB‐mediated angiogenic effects. Finally, this review summarizes the clinical and experimental data that support a role for NFκB in mediating postnatal angiogenesis and alveolarization, and discusses the challenges that remain in developing therapies that can selectively block the detrimental functions of NFκB yet preserve the beneficial effects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:202–216, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered lung development in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Hadchouel Alice , Franco‐Montoya Marie‐Laure , Delacourt Christophe
Published: March 2014

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the main respiratory sequela of extreme prematurity. Its pathophysiology is complex, involving interactions between host and environment, likely to be significantly influenced by genetic factors. Thus, the clinical presentation and histological lesions have evolved over time, along with the reduction in neonatal injuries, and the care of more immature children. Impaired alveolar growth, however, is a lesion consistently observed in BPD, such that it is a key feature in BPD, and is even the dominant characteristic of the so‐called “new” forms of BPD. This review describes the key molecular pathways that are believed to be involved in the genesis of BPD. Much of our understanding is based on animal models, but this is increasingly being enriched by genetic approaches, and long‐term respiratory functional studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:158–167, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender, Smiling, and Witness Credibility in Actual Trials
Authors: Nagle Jacklyn E. , Brodsky Stanley L. , Weeter Kaycee
Published: March 2014

It has been acknowledged that females exhibit more smiling behaviors than males, but there has been little attention to this gender difference in the courtroom. Although both male and female witnesses exhibit smiling behaviors, there has been no research examining the subsequent effect of gender and smiling on witness credibility. This study used naturalistic observation to examine smiling behaviors and credibility in actual witnesses testifying in court. Raters assessed the smiling behaviors and credibility (as measured by the Witness Credibility Scale) of 32 male and female witnesses testifying in trials in a mid‐sized Southern city. “Credibility raters” rated the perceived likeability, trustworthiness, confidence, knowledge, and overall credibility of the witnesses using the Witness Credibility Scale. “Smile raters” noted smiling frequency and types, including speaking/expressive and listening/receptive smiles. Gender was found to affect perceived trustworthiness ratings, in which male witnesses were seen as more trustworthy than female witnesses. No significant differences were found in the smiling frequency for male and female witnesses. However, the presence of smiling was found to contribute to perceived likeability of a witness. Smiling female witnesses were found to be more likeable than smiling male and non‐smiling female witnesses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of immunocytochemical and molecular BRAF expression in thyroid carcinomas: A cytohistologic institutional experience
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Martini Maurizio , Capodimonti Sara , Cenci Tonia , Straccia Patrizia , Angrisani Basilio , Ricci Costantino , Lanza Paola , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Larocca Luigi Maria , Fadda Guido
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

It has been generally demonstrated that the valine‐to‐glutamic acid substitution at position 600 (V600E) in the v‐Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) gene is an effective diagnostic/prognostic marker mainly for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The detection of this mutation typically has been achieved using DNA‐based techniques. The recently introduced monoclonal V600E antibody (clone VE1) is likely to be an alternative strategy for detecting this mutation in thyroid lesions. The authors investigated molecular and immunocytohistochemical BRAF analyses in a prospective series of samples from patients with PTC.

METHODS

Fifty‐five prospective cytohistologic samples that were diagnosed as PTC were studied using both DNA BRAF testing and the VE1 antibody. The intensity of VE1 expression was graded from 0 (negative) to 3+ (strong).

RESULTS

All diagnoses were histologically confirmed. In total, 37 samples with mutated BRAF and 18 samples with wild‐type BRAF were reported with 100% cytohistologic concordance. Cytologic VE1 expression revealed 25 negative samples (including 16 with 0 expression and 9 with 1+ expression) and 30 positive samples (including 16 with 2+ expression and 14 with 3+ expression). On histology, there were 27 negative samples (20 with 0 expression and 7 with 1+ expression) and 28 positive samples (14 with 2+ expression and 14 with 3+ expression). Four specimens with the BRAF mutation had discrepancies in VE1 intensity between cytology and histology. Furthermore, 6 BRAF‐mutated samples produced negative VE1 results.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it has limitations, the VE1 antibody represents a feasible first‐line approach for evaluating BRAF mutation status and may be a valid tool in the selection of samples for molecular analysis. The current report highlights the statistically significant difference between molecular and VE1 positivity in PTC (P < .0001). Nevertheless, in the authors' experience, BRAF mutations are more accurate for identifying VE1‐negative cases. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:527–535. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Utilization of ancillary studies in the cytologic diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic lesions: The papanicolaou society of cytopathology guidelines for pancreatobiliary cytology
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Ehya Hormoz , Filie Armando C. , Hruban Ralph H. , Jhala Nirag , Joseph Loren , Vielh Philippe , Pitman Martha B.
Published: March 2014

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology has developed a set of guidelines for pancreatobiliary cytology including indications for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration, terminology and nomenclature of pancreatobiliary disease, ancillary testing, and post‐biopsy management. All documents are based on the expertise of the authors, a review of the literature, discussions of the draft document at several national and international meetings, and synthesis of selected online comments of the draft document. This document presents the results of these discussions regarding the use of ancillary testing in the cytologic diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic lesions. Currently, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) appears to be the most clinically relevant ancillary technique for cytology of bile duct strictures. The addition of FISH analysis to routine cytologic evaluation appears to yield the highest sensitivity without loss in specificity. Loss of immunohistochemical staining for the protein product of the SMAD4 gene and positive staining for mesothelin support a diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical markers for endocrine and exocrine differentiation are sufficient for a diagnosis of endocrine and acinar tumors. Nuclear staining for beta‐catenin supports a diagnosis of solid‐pseudopapilary neoplasm. Cyst fluid analysis for amylase and carcinoembryonic antigen aids in the preoperative classification of pancreatic cysts. Many gene mutations (KRAS, GNAS, VHL, RNF43, and CTNNB1) may be of aid in the diagnosis of cystic neoplasms. Other ancillary techniques do not appear to improve diagnostic sensitivity sufficiently to justify their increased costs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:351–362. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Usefulness and limitations of contractile reserve evaluation in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Garnier Fabien , Eicher Jean‐Christophe , Jazayeri Saed , Bertaux Géraldine , Bouchot Olivier , Aho Ludwig‐Serge , Wolf Jean‐Eric , Laurent Gabriel
Published: March 2014

Aims

In low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis (LF/LG AS), the assessment of contractile reserve (CR) by dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is recommended for risk stratification and treatment strategy. However, DSE may show limitations in cases of left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD). The impact of LVD in LF/LG AS, and the feasibility of CRT in this setting have never been evaluated. We aimed to assess: (i) the proportion of LF/LG AS patients with LVD; (ii) the influence of LVD on CR at DSE; and (iii) the effects of CRT in these patients.

Methods and results

Thirty consecutive patients with LF/LG AS underwent DSE with study of CR. The operative risk for aortic valve replacement (AVR) was assessed using the logistic EuroSCORE. Twenty‐one of the 30 patients had LVD. They were significantly older, more symptomatic, had a higher EuroSCORE, and a lower prevalence of CR than those with a narrow QRS (47% vs. 100%, P = 0.009). A CRT pacemaker was implanted in 19 of the 21 patients with LVD. All 19 (except for one patient who died suddenly) experienced significant clinical and echocardiographic improvement. Fourteen CRT patients underwent subsequent AVR with a low event rate. Four CRT patients refused AVR; two of them worsened again 1–2 years post‐CRT.

Conclusion

LVD is common in LF/LG AS patients and may be a major mechanism of afterload mismatch, as well as a cause of underdetection of CR. CRT in this population is feasible and may be proposed as a bridge to surgery.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Hydration of Alkynylphosphonates: Efficient Access to β‐Ketophosphonates
Authors: Xie Longyong , Yuan Rui , Wang Ruijia , Peng Zhihong , Xiang Jiannan , He Weimin
Published: March 2014

A general, efficient, and highly regioselective protocol with the use of a gold(I) complex catalytic system for the transformation of alkynylphosphonates into the corresponding β‐ketophosphonates has been successfully developed. This method produces a variety of β‐ketophosphonates with the advantages of mild reaction conditions, high functional‐group tolerance, and excellent yields.
Mannich‐Type Addition Reactions between Lithium Derivatives of Benzo[d]thiazoles and N‐tert‐Butylsulfinyl‐3,3,3‐trifluoroacetaldimine: Convenient Generalized Synthesis of Bis(benzothiazole)s
Authors: Mei Haibo , Dai Yanling , Wu Lingmin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: March 2014

This study describes the anomalous outcome of the Mannich‐type reaction of N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl‐3,3,3‐trifluoroacetaldimine and Li derivatives of benzo[d]thiazoles, which offers a convenient and generalized method for the synthesis of biologically relevant (E)‐1,2‐bis(2‐benzothiazolyl)ethanes. The mechanism, scope, and scalability of this new reaction are discussed.
Efficient Synthesis of Dihydropyrazoles by Halocyclization of β,γ‐Unsaturated Hydrazones
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Qiang , Chen Jia‐Rong , Wei Qiang , Liu Feng‐Lei , Deng Qiao‐Hui , You‐Quan Zou  , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: March 2014

An efficient halocyclization of β,γ‐unsaturated hydrazones with N‐bromosuccinimide was developed without the addition of any additives under mild reaction conditions to provide facile access to biologically important 4,5‐dihydropyrazoles. Under the optimized conditions, a variety of highly substituted 4,5‐dihydropyrazole derivatives were obtained in generally good yields. Moreover, this reaction can be further applied to the synthesis of pyrazoles in a one‐pot fashion.
Disorder and damage of base‐isolated medical facilities when subjected to near‐fault and long‐period ground motions
Authors: Shi Yundong , Kurata Masahiro , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: March 2014

A series of full‐scale shaking table tests were conducted at E‐Defense for a four‐story base‐isolated hospital. The operation room in the specimen was chosen for detailed examination of its disorder and damage during large ground motions. It was arranged with various medical appliances in as a realistic manner as possible, and the appliances were characterized by casters installed at the bottom to ensure mobility. Two types of ground motion, the near‐fault ground motion and long‐period ground motion, were adopted, and the responses of the appliances were recorded using the motion capture technique. Thanks to the base isolation, the floor response was greatly reduced, and no disorder or damage was observed in the operation room except for the case when subjected to a long‐period ground motion. In this case, the unlocked appliances moved seriously (by more than 3 m), and collisions occurred between the appliances and between appliances and the surrounding wall. The force of collision reached 36 kN, which is sufficient to injure a person. The acceleration due to collision was as high as 10 g, which is far beyond what can be tolerated by acceleration‐sensitive appliances. It is notable that such large motion was not observed once the appliances were locked. The test was also carried out for the corresponding fixed‐base structure. Among all cases in the experiment, by far the most serious damage occurred in the fixed‐base structure when subjected to the near‐fault ground motion, clearly because the floor response was significantly amplified from the ground motion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐density parity‐check and fountain code performance over mobile wireless optical channels
Authors: Barbot N. , Sahuguede S. , Julien‐Vergonjanne A. , Cances J.P.
Published: March 2014

By considering error control in different layers, the efficiency of several mechanisms is discussed in the context of wireless optical transmission of mobile health care application data. In this respect, we assume an emitter placed on a monitored patient and a fixed receiver. Because of patient mobility and health care data rate, the wireless optical channel is fading slowly. To ensure reliable communication, we study in the physical layer the low‐density parity‐check code performance by analysing the results in terms of outage probability. Concerning the application layer, we explore fountain codes, which are also known as Luby transform codes, together with an automatic repeat request mechanism by determining the related outage capacity. Taking into account the performance of both layers, we show that it is possible to design the physical layer code rate in that we maximise the effective data rate in the application layer. Moreover, we point out that Luby transform and low‐density parity‐check codes constitute an efficient and robust mechanism to reduce optical emitted power, which is of main concern for health care application. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In multiple myeloma, 14q32 translocations are nonrandom chromosomal fusions driving high expression levels of the respective partner genes
Authors: Tian Erming , Sawyer Jeffrey R. , Heuck Christoph J. , Zhang Qing , van Rhee Frits , Barlogie Bart , Epstein Joshua
Published: March 2014

In studies of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), gene expression profiling (GEP) of myeloma cells demonstrates substantially higher expression of MMSET, FGFR3, CCND3, CCND1, MAF, and MAFB—the partner genes of 14q32 translocations—than GEP of plasma cells from healthy individuals. Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to discriminate between chromosomal translocations involving different regions of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) genes at 14q32. With special probes designed for the constant region (IGHC) and the variable region (IGHV), IGH translocations were shown to be definite, nonrandom chromosomal fusions of IGHC with the loci of FGFR3, CCND1, CCND3, MAF, and MAFB genes; and IGHV with the locus of MMSET gene. When correlated with GEP results, the IGH translocations were found to drive expression levels of the partner genes to significantly higher levels (spikes) than copy‐number variations. Hence, 42% of IGH translocations were identified among newly diagnosed MM patients (448/1,060). As GEP has become essential for assessing cancer risk, this novel approach is highly consistent with the cytogenetic features of the chromosomal translocations to effectively stratify molecular subgroups of MM on the basis of gene expression profiles of the IGH translocation partner genes in myeloma cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural substrates of numerosity estimation in autism
Authors: Meaux Emilie , Taylor Margot J. , Pang Elizabeth W. , Vara Anjili S. , Batty Magali
Published: March 2014

Visual skills, including numerosity estimation are reported to be superior in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This phenomenon is attributed to individuals with ASD processing local features, rather than the Gestalt. We examined the neural correlates of numerosity estimation in adults with and without ASD, to disentangle perceptual atypicalities from numerosity processing. Fourteen adults with ASD and matched typically developed (TD) controls estimated the number of dots (80–150) arranged either randomly (local information) or in meaningful patterns (global information) while brain activity was recorded with magnetoencephalography (MEG). Behavioral results showed no significant group difference in the errors of estimation. However, numerical estimation in ASD was more variable across numerosities than TD and was not affected by the global arrangement of the dots. At 80–120 ms, MEG analyses revealed early significant differences (TD > ASD) in source amplitudes in visual areas, followed from 120 to 400 ms by group differences in temporal, and then parietal regions. After 400 ms, a source was found in the superior frontal gyrus in TD only. Activation in temporal areas was differently sensitive to the global arrangement of dots in TD and ASD. MEG data show that individuals with autism exhibit widespread functional abnormalities. Differences in temporal regions could be linked to atypical global perception. Occipital followed by parietal and frontal differences might be driven by abnormalities in the processing and conversion of visual input into a number‐selective neural code and complex cognitive decisional stages. These results suggest overlapping atypicalities in sensory, perceptual and number‐related processing during numerosity estimation in ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4362–4385, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional brain networks and cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baggio Hugo‐Cesar , Sala‐Llonch Roser , Segura Bàrbara , Marti Maria‐José , Valldeoriola Francesc , Compta Yaroslau , Tolosa Eduardo , Junqué Carme
Published: March 2014

Graph‐theoretical analyses of functional networks obtained with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have recently proven to be a useful approach for the study of the substrates underlying cognitive deficits in different diseases. We used this technique to investigate whether cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with changes in global and local network measures. Thirty‐six healthy controls (HC) and 66 PD patients matched for age, sex, and education were classified as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or not based on performance in the three mainly affected cognitive domains in PD: attention/executive, visuospatial/visuoperceptual (VS/VP), and declarative memory. Resting‐state fMRI and graph theory analyses were used to evaluate network measures. We have found that patients with MCI had connectivity reductions predominantly affecting long‐range connections as well as increased local interconnectedness manifested as higher measures of clustering, small‐worldness, and modularity. The latter measures also tended to correlate negatively with cognitive performance in VS/VP and memory functions. Hub structure was also reorganized: normal hubs displayed reduced centrality and degree in MCI PD patients. Our study indicates that the topological properties of brain networks are changed in PD patients with cognitive deficits. Our findings provide novel data regarding the functional substrate of cognitive impairment in PD, which may prove to have value as a prognostic marker. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4620–4634, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome by positron emission tomography/computed tomography: Report of two cases treated by defibrotide
Authors: Gauthé Mathieu , Bozec Laurence , Bedossa Pierre
Published: March 2014

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a potentially fatal liver injury that mainly occurs after myeloablative chemotherapy. We report two cases of SOS investigated by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and treated with defibrotide. (Hepatology 2014;60:1789–1791)
Voltammetric Behavior of Semicarbazide at Graphene Modified Electrode and Application to Detection
Authors: Zhang Xuzhi , Gu Xiaolei , Qu Keming , Zhao Changzhi
Published: March 2014

Herein voltammetric behaviors of semicarbazide (SEM) are investigated by employing a graphene modified working electrode, which displays attractive electroanalytical properties. In the acetate buffer solution of pH 4.00, there is a well‐defined oxidative peak of SEM, attributing to the irreversible and adsorption‐controlled electrode reaction with 2 electrons participation. The values of apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant k′s with the redox are 0.0061 s−1 and 0.0009 s−1, respectively, for two scan rate section. After the experimental parameters, which influence the voltammetric responses of SEM, including supporting electrolyte, pH, accumulation time and accumulation potential, etc., are optimized, it is found that the anodic peak current of SEM is proportional to its concentration in the range of 4 ‐ 40 μmol/L with a detection limit of 1 μmol/L (S/N = 3). Then, an electrochemical method for detecting SEM quantitatively is developed successfully. The concentrations of SEM in fortified tap water samples are tested with satisfactory recovery, indicating that the novel method is strongly promising in the environmental monitoring application.
Removal of Mercury Using Novel Lamella Carbonate Sorbent at Elevated Temperature Conditions
Authors: Yu Ching‐Tsung , Cheng Han‐Wen , Chen Yi‐Lin
Published: March 2014

Carbonaceous fuel combustion has increased such that approximately 80% of current global Hg emissions originate from anthropogenic sources, particularly from coal‐fired plants and incinerators. Accordingly, the development of effective Hg scrubbing methods that enable cleaner industrial processes is of great significance to human health. Because of the weak physical adsorption of Hg at ambient temperatures, numerous sorbents are required for its removal via processes such as electrostatic precipitation, selective catalytic reduction, flue gas desulfurization, and activated carbon injection. Alternatively, capturing Hg at elevated temperatures has numerous advantages such as high capacity and the avoidance of the diffusion of Hg species throughout the process. Herein, we report the preparation of a novel sorbent with a layered structure, (Mg3‐x, Mx)‐Al‐CO3, via the coprecipitation of Mg2+, M2+, and Al3+ in an alkaline solution of NaOH/Na2CO3, where M2+ = Cu2+ or Zn2+. In a fixed‐bed reactor, the Hg removal rate R notably increased at elevated temperatures (200‐300 °C) and was enhanced by a factor of 10 via the incorporation of M2+ in Mg‐Al‐CO3. These results demonstrate the potential of such synthetic Hg sorbents under medium‐high temperature conditions.
Light‐ and Redox‐Gated Molecular Brakes Consisting of a Pentiptycene Rotor and an Indole Pad
Authors: Kao Chen‐Yi , Lee I‐Tsun , Prabhakar Ch. , Yang Jye‐Shane
Published: March 2014

Two photochemically and electrochemically active alkenes 3Me and 3An containing pentiptycene and indole groups have been synthesized and investigated as light and/or redox‐gated molecular brakes. The pentiptycene group functions as the four‐bladed rotor, the indole group as the brake pad, and the vinylene group as the switch module. The E configuration corresponds to the brake‐off state, in which the rotation of the rotor is free with a rotation rate of 108‐109 at ambient temperature according to DFT calculations. The Z configuration corresponds to the brake‐on state, in which the rotation rate is decreased to 101‐102, depending on the N‐substituent of indole, according to line‐shape analysis of variable temperature 13C NMR spectra. The overall braking effect reaches a factor of 106‐108. While the combined photochemical E → Z and electrochemical Z → E switching has a higher capacity than the two‐way photochemical switching in the case of 3Me, the switching capacity are comparable for the two methods in 3An. The results also show that photochemical E‐Z isomerization is much more reliable than the electrochemical counterpart, as the stability of the redox intermediates plays a critical role in determining the robustness of the molecular brakes via electrochemical switching.
Thermolysis of N‐Aryl Enaminoimine Hydrochloride Derivatives: A Short and General Method for the Synthesis of Pyranoquinolin‐3‐one and Pyranoacridin‐3‐one Derivatives
Authors: Patra Prasanta , Kar Gandhi K. , Khatua Biswajit
Published: March 2014

A short synthesis of 3H‐pyrano[3,2‐f]quinolin‐3‐one, 3H‐acenaphtho[1,2‐b]pyrano‐[3,2‐f]quinolin‐3‐one, and 3H‐benzo[h]pyrano[3,2‐a]acridin‐3‐one derivatives are described via thermolysis of suitable enaminoimine hydrochloride derivatives.
A Facile Synthesis of Novel Benzofuranyl Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Soodamani Venugopal , Patel Divyesh , Nayakanti Devanna , Josyula Ramanatham
Published: March 2014

In this article, we report a facile route for the synthesis of novel benzofuranyl benzimidazole derivatives. The methodology involves the Sonagashira reaction of 2‐(3‐iodo‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole (3) with variety of terminal alkynes to have novel benzimidazole alkynyl derivatives followed by iodo‐cyclisation to give novel iodo benzofuranyl benzimidazole derivatives. The resulting iodo benzofuranyl benzimidazoles were functionalized further via palladium mediated carbon–carbon bond formation for molecular diversity generating novel heterocyclic compounds.
Synthesis of New 1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives Possessing 4H‐Pyran‐4‐one Moiety by 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction of Azidomethyl Phenylpyrone with Various Alkynes
Authors: Saraei Mahnaz , Eftekhari‐Sis Bagher , Faramarzi Massomeh , Hossienzadeh Roshanak
Published: March 2014

A series of new 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives were synthesized by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2‐(4‐azidomethylphenyl)‐6‐phenyl‐4H‐pyran‐4‐one with different alkynes in 40–71% yields. In the case of terminal alkynes, the reaction was proceeded in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst. The structure of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.
Synthesis of Novel Modified Guanidines: Reaction of Dicyandiamide with Amino Acids, Amides, and Amines in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , El‐Remaily Mahmoud. Abd El Aleem. Ali. Ali. , Abdel‐Ghany H.
Published: March 2014

Reaction of dicyandiamide with series of amino acids afforded guanidinyl pyrazolones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, respectively. Although reaction of dicyandiamide with urea, acetamide, bezamide, allantion, p‐aminobenzoic acid, sulphanilic acid, and adenine gave biguanides 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, respectively. All compounds have been characterized on the basis of IR and 1H‐NMR.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of (E)‐α‐(Methoxyimino)benzeneacetate Derivatives Containing 1,2,4‐Triazole Schiff Base Side Chain
Authors: Song Hong‐Xing , Shi De‐Qing
Published: March 2014

To find new strobilurin analogs with high activity against resistant pathogens, twelve (E)‐α‐(methoxyimino)benzeneacetate derivatives containing 1,2,4‐triazole Schiff base side chain 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H‐NMR, EIMS, and elemental analyses. Bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds showed moderate to good fungicidal activities against Physalospora piricola Nose and Alternaria solani. For example, compounds 3d, 3e, and 3f possessed 99.5%, 100%, and 95.6% inhibition against Physalospora piricola Nose, whereas compounds 3d, 3f, and 3g exhibited 92%, 91%, and 92% inhibition against Alternaria solani at the concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively.
Synthesis of Novel Tricyclic 1,5‐Benzothiazepine Derivatives Bearing Quinoline Moiety via [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Huang Le , Liu Fang‐Ming , Dong Zhi‐Qiang
Published: March 2014

A series of new tricyclic 1,5‐benzothiazepine derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 1,5‐benzothiazepine containing 2‐phenoxy‐quinoline with chloracetyl chloride and phenoxyacetyl chloride. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR MS, and elemental analysis.
New N‐(Aryl)‐5‐((quinolin‐8‐yloxy)methyl)‐1,3,4‐oxa/Thiadiazol‐2‐amines and 4‐Aryl‐5‐((quinolin‐8‐yloxy)methyl)‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thiones, Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Abbas Naeem , Ibrar Aliya , Bolte Michael
Published: March 2014

In this study, methyl 2‐(quinolin‐8‐yloxy) acetate (2) obtained by reaction of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (1) with methyl chloroacetate was condensed with hydrazine hydrate to afford the carbohydrazide (3). Thio/semicarbazide derivatives (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g) were obtained by treatment of the 3 with substituted phenyl iso/thioisocyanates. The 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g on acidic and basic intramolecular cyclization led to N‐(aryl)‐5‐((quinolin‐8‐yloxy)methyl)‐1,3,4‐oxa/thiadiazol‐2‐amines (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g) and 4‐aryl‐5‐((quinolin‐8‐yloxy)methyl)‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3(4H)‐thiones (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g), respectively. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and elemental analyses. The thiosemicarbazide (4c) was also confirmed by X‐ray crystallography.
Studies on the Synthesis and Bioactivities of 4‐Amino Derivatives of Tetramic Acid
Authors: Liu Yu‐Xiu , Zhao Hua‐Ping , Song Hai‐Bin , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Wang Qing‐Min
Published: March 2014

In order to study the potential bioactivities of 4‐amino tetramic acid derivatives, the 4‐amination products of pyrrolidine‐2,4‐diones (5) and 4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carboxylates (4) were prepared. The 4‐amination of 5 took place in high yield when catalyzed by acetic acid, whereas the 4‐amination of 4 was achieved through a 4‐ethoxy intermediate, which was prepared by acidic etherification. Their herbicidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, and antitumor activities were tested. The bioassays showed that two of the compounds exhibited good herbicidal activity against dicot Arabidopsis thaliana at a concentration of 10 µg/mL, and one compound gave instinct fungicidal activity against Pythium sp. at a concentration of 2 µg/mL.
Synthesis of Novel Benzo‐substituted Macrocyclic Ligands Containing Thienothiophene Subunits
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Elwahy Ahmed H. M.
Published: March 2014

A facile synthetic approach was adopted toward the synthesis of benzo‐fused macrocyclic ligands with thienothiophene group incorporated into the ring system. Thus, treatment of bis(bromomethyl) compound 2 with the K salt of the appropriate bis(phenol)s 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in boiling DMF led to the formation of the novel macrocyclic diamides 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in 39–58% yield. Reaction of 2 with the potassium salt (obtained upon treatment of salicylaldehyde 5 with ethanolic potassium hydroxide) in refluxing DMF afforded the novel bis(aldehyde) 6 in 73% yield. Cyclocondensation of 6 with the appropriate bis(N‐substituted) cyanoacetamide derivatives 7a and 7b afforded the target macrocycles 8a and 8b in 48 and 55% yields, respectively. Reaction of the bis(aldehyde) 6 with 1,3‐ and 1,4‐diaminopropane 9a and 9b in refluxing ethanol under high‐dilution conditions afforded the corresponding macrocyclic Schiff bases 10a and 10b in 41 and 37% yields, respectively. Cyclocondensation of 6 with 1,3‐bis(4‐amino‐5‐phenyl‐3‐ylsulfanylmethyl)propane (15) in glacial acetic acid under high‐dilution conditions gave the macrocyclic Schiff base 14 in 46% yield. On the other hand, cyclocondensation of bis(aldehydes) 17 and 20 with 3,4‐bis(4‐amino‐5‐phenyl‐3‐ylsulfanylmethyl)thienothiophene 16 in refluxing acetic acid under high‐dilution conditions afforded unexpectedly the novel condensed heteromacrocycles 18 and 21 in 33 and 28%, respectively. The novel bis(amine) 16 was obtained in 50% yield upon treatment of 2 with 4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐thione 11 in ethanol/water mixture containing potassium hydroxide.
Game‐angling Tourism: Connecting People, Places and Natures
Authors: Mordue Tom
Published: March 2014

Freshwater game‐angling is a growing tourism phenomenon creating modern, increasingly global, spaces of consumption where performances are acted out in varied destinations. These performances uphold sporting traditions dating from fifteenth century England, cemented in the Victorian era. This paper demonstrates how and why freshwater angling has grown to become one of the largest leisure activities. It questions whether game‐angling tourism has become a profound ecotourism, drawing insights from sociology and geography to explore how game‐angling tourism traverses the society/nature dualism. It finds that angling tourism is a compelling, relatively undiscovered, vehicle for understanding our passion for consuming the natural world. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making Decisions Like Tomorrow Depends on It
Authors: Rath Tom
Published: March 2014

Rath believes that leaders will have more energy and effectiveness in the future based on the choices they are making today. He relates his own complex health history, which led him to study how leaders and other busy professionals can improve their health. He discovered that even exercise of a few days a week is not enough to maintain good health. We must build in physical activity throughout the day, especially since we sit so long (9.3 hours, even more than sleeping). Help others in your family and organization: “Create a culture of health around you.”
The Future Requires Collaboration, and the Future is Now
Authors: Leavitt Mike , McKeown Rich
Published: March 2014

Disruptions and unexpected shifts are bound to happen to you and your organization, causing pain, according to Leavitt and McKeown, that can best be alleviated by teaming with others who are also feeling pain. This means forming what they call a “value alliance,” a “group of participants with aligned interests pursuing an outcome with value for each of them.” These collaborators are brought together by a distinguished individual known as a “convenor of stature.” Examples include such disparate cases as the forming of the Visa credit card network, and even the formation of the United States of America more than 200 years ago.
Pseudo asymptotically periodic solutions for Volterra integro‐differential equations
Authors: Xia Zhinan
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we propose a new class of functions called pseudo ‐asymptotically ω‐periodic function in the Stepanov sense and explore its properties in Banach spaces including composition results. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness of the pseudo ‐asymptotically ω‐periodic mild solutions to Volterra integro‐differential equations is investigated. Applications to integral equations arising in the study of heat conduction in materials with memory are shown. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On integro‐differential inclusions with operator‐valued kernels
Authors: Trostorff Sascha
Published: March 2014

We study integro‐differential inclusions in Hilbert spaces with operator‐valued kernels and give sufficient conditions for the well‐posedness. We show that several types of integro‐differential equations and inclusions are covered by the class of evolutionary inclusions, and we therefore give criteria for the well‐posedness within this framework. As an example, we apply our results to the equations of visco‐elasticity and to a class of nonlinear integro‐differential inclusions describing phase transition phenomena in materials with memory. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correspondence between the NLS equation for optical fibers and a class of integrable NLS equations
Authors: Felice D. , Barletti L.
Published: March 2014

The propagation of the optical field complex envelope in a single‐mode fiber is governed by a one‐dimensional cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a loss term. We present a result about L2‐closeness of the solutions of the aforementioned equation and of a one‐dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation that is Painlevé integrable. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The initial value problem for creeping flow of the upper convected Maxwell fluid at high Weissenberg number
Authors: Renardy Michael
Published: March 2014

We consider the equations for time dependent creeping flow of an upper convected Maxwell fluid. For finite Weissenberg number, these equations can be reformulated as a coupled system of a hyperbolic equation for the stresses and an elliptic equation for the velocity. In the high Weissenberg number limit, however, the elliptic equation becomes degenerate. As a consequence, the initial value problem is no longer uniquely solvable if we just naively let the Weissenberg number go to infinity in the equations. In this paper, we make an a priori assumption on the stresses, which is motivated by the behavior in shear flow. We formulate a systematic perturbation procedure to solve the resulting initial value problem. Copyright © 2014 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic susceptibility to measure total protein concentration from NMR metabolite spectra: Demonstration on blood plasma
Authors: Jupin Marc , Michiels Paul J. , Girard Frederic C. , Wijmenga Sybren S.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Accurate metabolite and protein quantification in blood plasma and other body fluids from one single NMR measurement, allowing for improved quantitative metabolic profiling and better assessment of metabolite‐protein interactions.

Theory and Methods

The total protein concentration is derived from the common chemical‐shift changes—caused by protein‐induced bulk magnetic susceptibility (BMS)—measured on well‐accessible and exchange‐free metabolite resonances. These BMS shifts are simply obtained by external referencing with respect to 3‐(trimethylsilyl)propionic‐2,2,3,3‐d4 acid, sodium salt in a coaxial insert.

Results

Based on blood‐plasma data from five volunteers, the estimated accuracy of the BMS method is ≤ 5% with respect and comparable to the 3.8% error of the standard colorimetric, Biuret, method. Valine, alanine, glucose, leucine, and lactate display no exchange‐induced shift changes. Their well‐accessible signals act as reliable probes for pure protein‐induced BMS. The slopes and intercepts of their chemical‐shift change versus protein concentration were derived from metabolite mixtures with (fatted) human and bovine albumin acting as blood‐plasma mimics.

Conclusion

The BMS method, demonstrated on blood plasma, can also be used on other samples containing sufficient protein (> 10 g/L). Also, it allows measurement of the presence and sign of exchange‐induced chemical‐shift changes. Magn Reson Med 73:459–468, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isothermal crystallization kinetics and morphology of PP/TiO2 nanocomposites using titanium n‐butoxide precursor
Authors: Silva Rodrigo , Oliveira Ricardo
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the influence of the addition of TiO2, obtained by hydrolysis–condensation reaction of titanium dioxide precursors, on the kinetics of polypropylene (PP) isothermal crystallization. The dispersion of nanoparticle and its relation to the degree of crystallinity by XRD was also investigated. The results indicated that the addition of the TiO2 increased the degree of crystallinity of PP and its crystallization temperature. Likewise, the nucleation and crystal growth processes were also affected, as indicated by the TEM morphology, the Avrami kinetic model, and the optical microscopy, in which a nucleation effect was detected. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:517–526, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study properties of nanocomposites prepared with new polyimides and reactive nanosilica by epoxide functionalization
Authors: Alizadeh Raouf , Ghaemy Mousa , Bazzar Maasoomeh
Published: March 2014

In this article, new types of organosoluble polyimides, poly(carbazole‐quinoxaline‐imide)s (PCQI), were synthesized and used in preparation of nanocomposites with modified nanosilica (mNS). The synthesized polyimides bearing different solubilizing functional moieties were casted into thin films at room temperature. SiO2 nanoparticles were surface modified with γ‐glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane (GPTES) to obtain mNS containing epoxide functional groups. The PCQI/mNS nanocomposites were prepared via cure reaction of epoxide groups and polymer functional units. The PCQIs and nanocomposites films were tested for different properties including thermal using TGA and DMTA, mechanical, thermomechanical, photophysical, solubility, water uptake, and metal ions adsorption. The strong chemical bonding between mNS particles and polymer matrix reduced solubility of nanocomposite and enhanced thermal stability in term of 10% weight loss temperature (T10%, from 509°C to 582°C) and tensile strength (from 110 MPa to 155 MPa). These polyimides and nanocomposites were also efficient chelating agents for removal of metal ions such as
, Cr3+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ from aqueous solutions either individually or in the mixture and at different pH values. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:545–555, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Management Control of Project Portfolio Uncertainty: A Managerial Role Perspective
Authors: Korhonen Tuomas , Laine Teemu , Martinsuo Miia
Published: March 2014

This article presents empirical results on different managers' viewpoints regarding the sources and management of project portfolio uncertainty. As a key result, this study demonstrates the versatility of uncertainties experienced by managers, the limited degree of perceived control over them, the use of an almost complete management control package in managing uncertainties, and the necessity of managers' cooperation in the skilled use of the management control package when managing uncertainties. In addition, a further research agenda is proposed.
A New Decision Making Model for Subcontractor Selection and Its Order Allocation
Authors: Abbasianjahromi Hamidreza , Rajaie Hossein , Shakeri Eghbal , Chokan Farzad
Published: March 2014

All experts agree on the importance of subcontracting. The high impact of subcontractors on the construction process means that the selection of subcontractors is a sensitive activity. Previous investigations documented the selection of subcontractors based on criteria but did not consider the number of subcontracted tasks. This paper explores allocating the best portion of tasks to subcontractors while optimizing the risk and cost in the fixed project schedule. The study's main finding demonstrates that subcontractor selection without attention to the order allocation is not a realistic approach; therefore, a hybrid model that applies continuous ant colony and fuzzy set theory is proposed.
Evidence-Based Scope for Reducing “Fire-Fighting” in Project Management
Authors: Wearne Stephen
Published: March 2014

This paper reviews the problems of project management as reported by 1,879 individuals employed in the construction, manufacturing, process, and service industries in North-West Europe over 23 years. Data obtained by a written questionnaire confirms that organizational relationships need the most attention. The data exhibits no trends over the 23 years. It indicates that many of the problems of project management are “institutional”; in other words, they are due to organizational cultures rather than inherent in project work. The evidence supports the view that poor discipline at the front-end of projects results in too much “fire-fighting” in project execution to overcome problems that could have been prevented. Prevention of these institutional problems requires action at the level of corporate governance, above the level of project management.