bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computerized Morphometric Analysis of Human Femoral Articular Cartilage
Authors: Goyal Neeru , Gupta Madhur
Published: February 2012

Objective. Articular cartilage shows changes with age that are considered to be the most important factors in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. The studies on age changes in articular cartilage have been traditionally based on individual observations but this approach is limited by its subjectivity and bias, yielding considerable variability. So the present study was conducted to observe various age related changes in morphology of femoral articular cartilage using computerized morphometric analysis. Design. The articular cartilage specimens were divided into two groups according to age: group 1 () below 40 years (16–40 years) and group 2 () above 40 years (41–86 years) of age. 5 μm thick paraffin sections were stained with H&E and analyzed using Image Pro Express image analysis software for quantitative analysis of articular cartilage. Various parameters, that is, total thickness of the cartilage, area of lacunae in each zone, area of subchondral cavities, and number of chondrocytes per 10,000 μm2 area in each zone were measured. Results. Significant difference with age was found in the total thickness and area of lacunae in zone 3. Conclusions. Not much difference is observed in articular cartilage morphology with age. So ageing is not the only risk factor in development of osteoarthritis.
Why I Cannot Find the Prostate? Behind the Subjectivity of Rectal Exam
Authors: Koulikov Dmitry , Mamber Ariel , Fridmans Alon , Abu Arafeh Wael , Shenfeld Ofer Z.
Published: February 2012

Background. Most physicians use digital rectal examination (DRE) to help detect prostate cancer and to estimate the prostates’ size. The accuracy of DRE is known to be limited. We evaluate the ability of doctors to palpate the whole prostate with DRE. Methods. At time of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) the distances from the anus to the apex and base of prostates were measured. The TRUS’s distances were compared to the mean index finger length of our clinic doctors. Results. The ability of the urologist to reach and examine the apex, half, three quarters and the whole prostate was in 93.7%, 66.3%, 23.2% and 3.2% of cases respectively. Conclusions. In most cases it was impossible to palpate the whole prostate. Anatomical location and volume of the examined prostate, as well as the length of his own index finger limit DRE and allow the examination of only a small portion of the prostate.
Chemical Entity Recognition and Resolution to ChEBI
Authors: Grego Tiago , Pesquita Catia , Bastos Hugo P. , Couto Francisco M.
Published: February 2012

Chemical entities are ubiquitous through the biomedical literature and the development of text-mining systems that can efficiently identify those entities are required. Due to the lack of available corpora and data resources, the community has focused its efforts in the development of gene and protein named entity recognition systems, but with the release of ChEBI and the availability of an annotated corpus, this task can be addressed. We developed a machine-learning-based method for chemical entity recognition and a lexical-similarity-based method for chemical entity resolution and compared them with Whatizit, a popular-dictionary-based method. Our methods outperformed the dictionary-based method in all tasks, yielding an improvement in F-measure of 20% for the entity recognition task, 2–5% for the entity-resolution task, and 15% for combined entity recognition and resolution tasks.
Effect of Artificial Aging on Plane Anisotropy of 6063 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Adeosun S. O. , Sekunowo O. I. , Bodude M. A. , Agbeleye A. A. , Balogun S. A. , Onovo H. O.
Published: February 2012

Most aluminum profiles’ production by deep-drawing and extrusion processes require certain degree of structural homogeneity because of the segregated second-phase particles in the as-cast structure. Rolled texture and directionality in properties often give rise to excessive earring, breakout, and tears. This study investigates the effect of heat treatment (artificial aging) on the anisotropic behavior of AA6063 alloy between rolling direction (0°) through 90° directions. The results show significant reduction in property variability in the aged samples along the rolling direction 0°, and 90° directions compared with the as-cast samples. This gave rise to improved % elongation, impact toughness, and substantial reduction (33.3%) in hardness. These results are capable of achieving huge savings in die conditioning and replacement with improved quality and sale of deep-drawn AA6063 alloy profiles for sustained profitability.
Impurity Modulated Static Linear and First Nonlinear Polarizabilities of Doped Quantum Dots
Authors: Datta Nirmal Kr , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2012

We explore the pattern of linear and first nonlinear optical (NLO) response of repulsive
impurity doped quantum dots harmonically confined in two dimensions. The dopant impurity
potential chosen assumes Gaussian form. The quantum dot is subject to a static electric field. For
some fixed values of transverse magnetic field strength (ωc), and harmonic confinement potential
(ω0), the influence of impurity strength (V0), impurity stretch (ξ), and impurity location (r0)
on the diagonal components of static linear (αxx and αyy), and the first NLO (βxxx and βyyy) responses of the dot are computed through linear variational route. The investigation reveals the
crucial roles played by the various impurity parameters in modulating these optical responses.
Interestingly, maximization in the first NLO responses has been observed for some particular
dopant location and at some particular value of spatial stretch of the dopant.
Apolipoprotein B–containing lipoprotein subclasses as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Knowlton N. , Wages J. A. , Centola M. B. , Giles J. , Bathon J. , Quiroga C. , Alaupovic P.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore whether nontraditional risk factors, such as apolipoprotein C‐III (Apo C‐III) and its corresponding Apo B lipoprotein (Lp) subclasses, contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

Apolipoprotein and lipoproteins were measured in 152 RA patients by immunoturbidimetric procedures, electroimmunoassay, and immunoprecipitation. Patients had a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score assessed at baseline and at year 3. Differences in the CAC scores between baseline and year 3 were calculated and dichotomized at 0, where patients with a difference score >0 were denoted as progressors and the rest were denoted as nonprogressors. Differences between means were tested with a 2‐sided independent Student's t‐test with Satterthwaite's adjustment. Proportion differences were tested with a chi‐square test. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between apolipoprotein and lipoprotein levels and the dichotomized CAC score.

Results

Progressors accounted for almost 60% of the cohort. Progressors had significantly higher levels of triglycerides, very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides/HDL, Apo B, LpA‐II:B:C:D:E, LpB:C, Apo B/Apo A‐I, Apo C‐III, and Apo C‐III–heparin precipitate than the nonprogressors. After adjusting for age, sex, statin use (yes/no), and hypertension (yes/no), significant risk factors of progressors were total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Apo B, LpB:C, Apo C‐III, and Apo B/Apo A‐I.

Conclusion

Apo C‐III–containing Apo B lipoprotein subclasses were found to be significantly elevated in progressors compared to nonprogressors. Many of these same lipoproteins were found to be associated with an increase in CAC scores among progressors. These lipoproteins may be considered new risk factors for progression of atherosclerosis in RA patients.
Suppression of Catastrophic Failure in Metallic Glass–Polyisoprene Nanolaminate Containing Nanopillars
Authors: Kim Ju‐Young , Gu Xun , Wraith Matt , Uhl Jonathan T. , Dahmen Karin A. , Greer Julia R.
Published: February 2012

One considerable concern in metallic glass is enhancing ductility by suppressing catastrophic failure by the instantaneous propagation of shear bands. Compressed nanopillars with alternating CuZr metallic glass and polyisoprene nanolaminates exhibit >30% enhancement in plastic flow, as compared with monolithic glass, without sacrifice of strength. A suppression of stochastic strain burst signature in these metallic glass‐polymer composites is reported, which is an undesirable characteristic ubiquitously present in monolithic metallic glass and in metallic glass‐metal composites. The intermittent stochastic signature is quantified in each metallic glass‐containing nanolaminate system by constructing histograms of burst size distributions and provide theoretical foundation for each behavior. The exceptional mechanical properties emergent in these MG‐polymer nanolaminate composites are attributed to the combination of nanometer size‐induced shear band suppression in metallic glasses and the damping capability of the polyisoprene layers.
Postpartum hemorrhage: When uterotonics and sutures fail
Authors: James Andra H. , McLintock Claire , Lockhart Evelyn
Published: February 2012

Systemic bleeding at the time of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is usually the result of coagulopathy that has developed acutely as a result of massive hemorrhage after uterotonics and sutures have failed. Occasionally, the patient has a preexisting coagulopathy, but more often, coagulopathy arises acutely as the result of massive hemorrhage, which is usually related to obstetrical and less often surgical bleeding. Despite being able to identify risk factors for PPH in the antenatal and intrapartum period, the majority of women who ultimately develop PPH do not have any such factors and every pregnancy is at risk. The coagulopathy associated with massive PPH may be due to hemodilution, failure of liver synthetic function as occurs with acute liver failure of pregnancy, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). There are no data from clinical trials to help guide management of transfusion in PPH, although the management of blood component therapy in severe PPH is similar to that in other massive hemorrhage. Standard practice is to replace fibrinogen to maintain a level of ≥100 mg/dL, yet recent evidence suggests that the level of fibrinogen needed to prevent PPH is at least 400 mg/dL. Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used in the management of severe PPH unresponsive to blood component therapy. Coagulation laboratory evaluation may be useful in guiding hemostatic management during massive PPH, but for the results to be useful, they must be rapidly available and provide information that would not be available from clinical assessment alone. The hematologist or hemostasis expert has the opportunity to make the difference between life and death for the patient experiencing massive PPH. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bleeding and thrombosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Choudhry Aditi , DeLoughery Thomas G.
Published: February 2012

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has evolved from being a deadly to a highly curable disease, due totargeted molecular therapy with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). As a result, the incidence of early hemorrhagic deaths for which APL is notorious has reduced to 5–10% as reported in clinical trials. These results are not replicated outside of clinical trials as is evident from recent population‐based registries. High incidence of early hemorrhagic deaths remains the greatest contributor to treatment failure in this otherwise curable leukemia. Additionally, thrombosis is now being increasingly recognized in APL patients and may be associated with ATRA usage. Am. J. Hematol. 87:596–603, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of the combined effects of the EHD3 and FREM3 genes in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Shi Cuijuan , Zhang Kerang , Wang Xuan , Shen Yan , Xu Qi
Published: February 2012

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common chronic mental disease with diverse clinical presentation. Although the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) has remarkably facilitated the understanding of genetic mechanisms of MDD at a deep molecular level, the combined effect of these disease‐underlying genes still needs further investigation. A total of 1,062 unrelated patients with MDD and 992 unrelated healthy subjects were recruited from a Chinese Han population to test 16 MDD‐associated genes identified by GWAS. A tag SNP‐based linkage‐disequilibrium map was then constructed over the loci that showed MDD association in the study sample. Of the 16 genes tested, EHD3 and FREM3 were associated with MDD in the Chinese population. The conditional test showed disease association for the rs619002(EHD3)‐rs1112714(FREM3) combination (P = 0.0059) and for the rs644926(EHD3)‐rs13130123(FREM3) combination (P = 0.007), of which a reduced risk was found for the rs619002(G)‐rs1112714(T) combination (OR = 0, P = 4.02 × 10−6) and for the rs644926(A)‐rs11938298(G) combination (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.035–0.39, P = 3.85 × 10−6). Quantitative trait analysis revealed that rs13130123 in the FREM3 locus was strongly associated with the insomnia early symptom in patients carrying the rs619002(G) allele (P = 0.001) and those carrying the rs644926(A) allele (P = 0.00077). The combined effect of the EHD3 and FREM3 genes may play an important role in developing MDD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of a mis‐sense DISC1 variant on brain activation in two cohorts at high risk of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
Authors: Whalley Heather C. , Sussmann Jessika E. , Johnstone Mandy , Romaniuk Liana , Redpath Holly , Chakirova Goultchira , Mukherjee Prerona , Hall Jeremy , Johnstone Eve C. , Lawrie Stephen M. , McIntosh Andrew M.
Published: February 2012

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia share a number of clinical features and genetic risk variants of small effect, suggesting overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. The effect of single genetic risk variants on brain function is likely to differ in people at high familial risk versus controls as these individuals have a higher overall genetic loading and are therefore closer to crossing a threshold of disease liability. Therefore, whilst the effects of genetic risk variants on brain function may be similar across individuals at risk of both disorders, they are hypothesized to differ compared to that seen in control subjects. We sought to examine the effects of the DISC1 Leu607Phe polymorphism on brain activation in young healthy individuals at familial risk of bipolar disorder (n = 84), in a group of controls (n = 78), and in a group at familial risk of schizophrenia (n = 47), performing a language task. We assessed whether genotype effects on brain activation differed according to risk status. There was a significant genotype × group interaction in a cluster centered on the left pre/postcentral gyrus, extending to the inferior frontal gyrus. The origin of this genotype × group effect originated from a significant effect of the presumed risk variant (Phe) on brain activation in the control group, which was absent in both high‐risk groups. Differential effects of this polymorphism in controls compared to the two familial groups suggests a commonality of effect across individuals at high‐risk of the disorders, which is likely to be dependant upon existing genetic background. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐year results: transantral balloon dilation of the ethmoid infundibulum
Authors: Stankiewicz James , Truitt Theodore , Atkins James , Winegar Bradford , Cink Paul , Raviv Joseph , Henderson Diana , Tami Thomas
Published: February 2012

Background:

Multiple prospective and retrospective studies have reported results from balloon‐only procedures and hybrid balloon sinus surgeries through intermediate follow‐up periods of up to 1 year. Long‐term durability results beyond 2 years are limited.

Methods:

One‐year results from the original study of standalone transantral balloon dilation in patients with computed tomography (CT) evidence of chronic inflammation in the maxillary sinuses alone or maxillary and anterior ethmoid sinuses combined were previously reported. Revision rate, symptom improvement, and productivity improvement were prospectively evaluated after a minimum follow‐up of 2 years.

Results:

Fifty‐nine patients (107 maxillary ostia) underwent balloon dilation of the maxillary sinus outflow tract and completed postprocedure follow‐up assessment at 27.0 ± 3.6 months. Patient 20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20) score improved from 2.65 ± 0.97 at baseline to 0.79 ± 0.71 at long‐term follow‐up (p < 0.0001). Improvement in work productivity and activity due to sinus‐related health issues for all patients was statistically significant across all survey instrument characteristics (p range, <0.0001 to 0.02). An analysis of the outcomes in a subgroup of patients with maxillary and anterior ethmoid disease (20; 34%) showed similar significant improvement in symptoms (SNOT‐20 decrease = −2.1; p < 0.0001). Approximately 92% of all patients reported satisfaction with the balloon procedure. Four (6.8%) patients underwent revision sinus surgery at 11.1 ± 7.3 months after treatment.

Conclusion:

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and radiographic evidence of isolated maxillary disease with or without anterior ethmoid disease have reported clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in symptoms, productivity, and activity through a minimum of 2 years following standalone balloon dilation. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Dendralene auf dem Vormarsch: kreuzkonjugierte Oligoene ermöglichen den schnellen Aufbau molekularer Komplexität
Authors: Hopf Henning , Sherburn Michael S.
Published: February 2012

Vor 27 Jahren veröffentlichte H. Hopf den bisher einzigen umfassenden Übersichtsartikel zu verzweigten Oligoenen mit dem Titel “Dendralene – eine vernachlässigte Gruppe hochungesättigter Kohlenwasserstoffe”. Die Dendralene werden heutzutage nicht mehr vernachlässigt. Die Forschung zu Synthese, Eigenschaften und Anwendungen der Dendralene hat in jüngster Zeit viele neue Impulse erhalten, und der vorliegende Aufsatz fasst die bedeutenden Ergebnisse der letzten Jahre zusammen. Von grundlegend wichtigen Eigenschaften (der ersten Demonstration von alternierendem Verhalten seit den Annulenen) bis zu unvergleichbaren, molekulare Komplexität erzeugenden, chemischen Transformationen: Die als Dendralene bekannte Klasse der Oligoene ist erwachsen geworden! Die verschiedenen Synthesewege zu acyclischen und cyclischen Dendralenen werden analysiert und klassifiziert. Die leistungsfähigste Umwandlung der Dendralene – die Dien‐transmissive Diels‐Alder‐Reaktion (DTDA‐Reaktion) – wird in einer detaillierten Übersicht vorgestellt.
First‐Principles Investigation of the Electronic and Conducting Properties of Oligothienoacenes and their Derivatives
Authors: Huang Jin‐Dou , Wen Shu‐Hao , Han Ke‐Li
Published: February 2012

Herein, we calculated reorganization energies, vertical ionization energies, electron affinities, and HOMO–LUMO gaps of fused thiophenes and their derivatives, and analyzed the influence of different substituents on their electronic properties. Furthermore, we simulated the angular resolution anisotropic mobility for both electron‐ and hole‐transport, based on quantum‐chemical calculations combined with the Marcus–Hush electron‐transfer theory. We showed that: 1) styrene‐group substitution can effectively elevate the HOMO energy level and lower the LUMO energy level, and therefore lower both the hole‐ and electron‐injection barriers; and 2) chemical oxidation of the thiophene ring can significantly improve the semiconductor properties of the fused oligothiophenes through a decrease of the injection barrier and an increase in the charge‐transfer mobility for electrons but without lowering their hole‐transfer mobilities, which suggests that it may be a promising way to convert p‐type semiconductors into ambipolar or n‐type semiconductor materials.
Revisiting Western time orientations
Authors: Spears Nancy , Amos Clinton
Published: February 2012

The study revisits the topic of Western time orientations. Drawing from a growing body of academic research that suggests varying orientations toward particular periods, the research explores our commonly accepted views about the singularity of each dimension of time orientation. Findings from a qualitative investigation suggest the presence of two qualitatively distinct present orientations and two distinct future orientations, each with different action processes, different motivational contexts, different tensions, and different tension resolution processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Mutant Asp251Gly/Gln307His of Cytochrome P450 BM3 for the Generation of Metabolites of Diclofenac, Ibuprofen and Tolbutamide
Authors: Tsotsou Georgia E. , Sideri Anastasia , Goyal Abhineet , Di Nardo Giovanna , Gilardi Gianfranco
Published: February 2012

The soluble, catalytically self‐sufficient cytochrome P450 BM3 from Bacillus megaterium is a good candidate as biocatalyst for the synthesis of drug metabolites. To this end, error‐prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to generate a library of P450 BM3 mutants with novel activities toward drugs. The double mutant Asp251Gly/Gln307His (A2) with activities towards diclofenac, ibuprofen and tolbutamide was identified by screening with the alkali method. This is based on the detection of NADPH oxidation during enzymatic turnover on whole Escherichia coli cells heterologously expressing the P450 BM3 mutants in the presence of the target substrates. The three drugs screened are marker substrates of human liver cytochromes P450 belonging to the 2C subfamily. Interestingly the mutations Asp251Gly/Gln307His are located on the protein surface and they are not directly involved in substrate binding and turnover. Dissociation constants and KM values of mutant A2 for diclofenac, ibuprofen and tolbutamide are in the micromolar range. Catalysis leads to hydroxylations in specific positions, producing 4′‐hydroxydiclofenac, 2‐hydroxyibuprofen and 4‐hydroxytolbutamide, respectively.
Binary Pnictogen Azides—An Experimental and Theoretical Study: [As(N3)4]−, [Sb(N3)4]−, and [Bi(N3)5(dmso)]2−
Authors: Schulz Axel , Villinger Alexander
Published: February 2012

[PPh4][EI4] (E=As, Sb, Bi) salts were reacted with four and five equivalents of AgN3 to form tetraazidopnictates and pentaazidopnictates of the type [PPh4][E(N3)4] and [PPh4]2[E(N3)5], respectively. The synthesis of [PPh4][P(N3)4] was also attempted from the reaction of P(N3)3 with [PPh4]N3, but it yielded only the starting materials. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure elucidation of [PPh4][E(N3)]4 (E=As, Sb) and pentaazidobismuthate, stabilized as the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) anion adduct, [PPh4]2[Bi(N3)5(dmso)]. Successive anion formation along the series E(N3)3+nN3− (n=1–3) and E(N3)5+N3− was studied by density functional theory.
Copper Supported on the SiO2 Nanoparticle in Click Chemistry: An Alternative Catalytic System for Regioselective and One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazoles and β‐Hydroxytriazoles
Authors: Ciyabi Hashjin Maryam , Ciyabi Roghayeh , Baharloui Maryam , Hosseini Ghaffar , Tavakoli Hamed
Published: February 2012

In this work, readily prepared copper supported on the SiO2 nanoparticles has been found to effectively catalyze the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of a variety of azides, alkynes, epoxides and sodium azide, furnishing the corresponding 1,2,3‐triazoles and β‐hydroxytriazoles. Click reaction proceeds in short reaction times and under mild reaction conditions, and the resulting products are obtained in good yields at ambient temperature.
A Clicked Tetrathiafulvalene‐oxyquinoline Dyad as an Optical and Electrochemical Zn2+ Probe
Authors: Zhao Bangtun , Liu Lianwei , Li Xiaochuan , Qu Guirong
Published: February 2012

A novel clicked tetrathiafulvalene derivative 3 bearing two 8‐oxyquinoline groups was synthesized for the selective detection of Zn2+ through optical and electrochemical changes. The addition of Zn2+ and Cd2+ induced a significant change in fluorescence intensity, which was attributable to the chelation‐enhanced fluorescence effect from the oxyquinoline and 1,2,3‐triazole rings. The electrochemical potentials of 3 in the presence of the Zn2+ were shifted toward more positive values relative to those of the other metal cations tested.
Structural Effects of L16Q, S20G, and L16Q‐S20G Mutations on hIAPP: A Comparative Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Wang Mian , Yang Jipeng , Wang Jianyi , Wang Xiaojuan
Published: February 2012

The conformation change picture of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is outlined using molecular dynamics simulation, and the structural influences of L16Q, S20G, and L16Q‐S20G mutations on the conformation of hIAPP are analyzed. Particularly, the conformational changes of the amyloidogenic‐related regions of residues 15–17 and 20–29 are emphasized. Our studies find that, for WT hIAPP, residues 15–17 always maintain a stable α‐helix structure, residues 20–25 structurally fluctuate between turn and 5‐helix, and residues 26–29 mainly adopt coil and bend structures. The hydrogen bonds between the polar groups of hIAPP, long‐rang van der Waals forces between the residues, and hydrophobic interactions between the residues of hIAPP are important driving forces to maintain the secondary structure of hIAPP. The replacement of leucine16 by glutamine stabilizes the helix structure of residues 15–17 and 20–23 of hIAPP monomer, and the structure of residues 24–29 fluctuates between helix and turn. The relatively stable helix structures of residues 15–17 and 20–29 are supposed to be beneficial for L16Q hIAPP to resist the aggregation as observed in the experiment. The substitution of serine20 by glycine drives residues 15–17 and 20–29 of hIAPP to transform from helix structure to β‐strands or coil structures with higher extension and flexibility, which may promote the aggregation of hIAPP as the experiments reported. These results are significant to understand the aggregation mechanism of hIAPP monomer into the dimer, trimer, oligomers and fibrils associated with the type 2 diabetes at the atomic level.
Studies on Mechanochemical Method to Synthesize LDH Nanoparticles
Authors: Jia Chunxiao , Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Shuping
Published: February 2012

Magnesium‐ferrum layered double hydroxide (Mg‐Fe‐LDH) and zinic‐aluminum layered double hydroxide (Zn‐Al‐LDH) compounds were prepared through a mechanochemical method. The influence of molar ratio of M2+ to M3+ (R value) on the property of LDH nanoparticles has been studied and the results showed that R=3:1 is the optimum value for the both samples. Besides pure water, the mixture of water and ethanol with the volume ratio of 3:1 is also used to wash the precipitates and used as suspending agent during the peptization process and our results showed that the addition of ethanol can improve the monodispersity of LDH nanoparticles greatly.
Cesium's Affects on Morphological Changes of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Feng Yunxiao , La Ming
Published: February 2012

Cesium could play a toxic role in several pathological processes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study morphological changes of human erythrocytes after incubating with different concentrations of CsCl, and the Raman spectra were used to study the effects of CsCl on the chemistry components of erythrocyte membrane. The AFM images showed that the "domain structures" that appeared after incubation with higher concentration of CsCl (150 mmol·L−1), are featured by the particles aggregated to form ranges and the separations among them enlarged to gorges, and this change may increase the permeability of cell membranes. The Raman results showed that the polar part of membrane phospholipid become more order and with the increasing of the concentration of CsCl, the longitudinal order of nonpolar parts first decreased and then increased. It is concluded that the aggregation of membrane proteins and the order changes of the phospholipid cause a change in the distribution and conformation of the phospholipid membrane. And the effects of CsCl on the erythrocyte membrane are mainly dependent on its concentration.
Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Zn(II)‐Thiourea Complex
Authors: Wan Ningning , Hui Yonghai , Xie Zhengfeng , Wang Jide
Published: February 2012

Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes catalyzed by a novel Zn(II)‐thiourea complex has been developed. The remarkable advantages of this reaction are mild reaction conditions, simple workup procedure, high yield of products and the use of ethanol as acceptable solvent.
A novel formulation for Neumann inflow boundary conditions in biomechanics
Authors: Gravemeier Volker , Comerford Andrew , Yoshihara Lena , Ismail Mahmoud , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: February 2012

Neumann boundary conditions prescribing the total momentum flux at inflow boundaries of biomechanical problems are proposed in this study. This approach enables the simultaneous application of velocity/flow rate and pressure curves at inflow boundaries. As the basic numerical method, a residual‐based variational multiscale (or stabilized) finite element method is presented. The focus of the numerical examples in this work is on respiratory flows with complete flow reversals. However, the proposed formulation is just as well suited for cardiovascular flow problems with partial retrograde flow. Instabilities, which were reported for such problems in the literature, are resolved by the present approach without requiring the additional consideration of a Lagrange multiplier technique. The suitability of the approach is demonstrated for two respiratory flow examples, a rather simple tube and complex tracheobronchial airways (up to the fourth generation, segmented from end‐expiratory CT images). For the latter example, the boundary conditions are generated from mechanical ventilation data obtained from an intensive care unit patient suffering from acute lung injury. For the tube, analytical pressure profiles can be replicated, and for the tracheobronchial airways, a correct distribution of the prescribed total momentum flux at the inflow boundary into velocity and pressure part is observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voice interactive classroom: best practices and design strategies
Authors: García Víctor Manuel Álvarez , Puerto Paule Ruiz M. , González Moisés Riestra , Pérez Juan Ramón Pérez
Published: February 2012

This paper provides an insight into the process of developing comprehensive voice‐enabled and interoperable learning services. We provide a background on the Voice Interactive Classroom, a service‐oriented architecture that enables cross‐platform multichannel access to Internet‐based learning. Strategies and practices for designing, developing, documenting and evaluating service‐oriented applications are also presented, which allow aural access to existing e‐learning platforms. In addition, we summarise the development of four voice‐enabled learning services and report the findings obtained from evaluating their usability and didactic effectiveness. This research is intended to facilitate students and practitioners with planning, implementing and evaluating their own solutions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TEMPO‐Mediated Electrooxidation of Primary and Secondary Alcohols in a Microfluidic Electrolytic Cell
Authors: Hill‐Cousins Joseph T. , Kuleshova Jekaterina , Green Robert A. , Birkin Peter R. , Pletcher Derek , Underwood Toby J. , Leach Stuart G. , Brown Richard C. D.
Published: February 2012

A general procedure for the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated electrooxidation of primary and secondary alcohols modified for application in a microfluidic electrolytic cell is described. The electrocatalytic system utilises a buffered aqueous tert‐butanol reaction medium, which operates effectively without the requirement for additional electrolyte, providing a mild protocol for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones at ambient temperature on a laboratory scale. Optimisation of the process is discussed along with the oxidation of 15 representative alcohols.
Isl1 and Ldb Co‐regulators of transcription are essential early determinants of mouse limb development
Authors: Narkis Ginat , Tzchori Itai , Cohen Tsadok , Holtz Alex , Wier Eric , Westphal Heiner
Published: February 2012

Background: The developing limb has served as an excellent model for studying pattern formation and signal transduction in mammalians. Many of the crucial genes that regulate growth and patterning of the limb following limb bud formation are now well known. However, details regarding the control of limb initiation and early stages of outgrowth remain to be defined. This report is focused on genetic events that pave the way for the establishment of a hindlimb bud. Results: Fgf10 and Tbx are crucial for early phases of limb bud initiation. Here we show that in the absence of Isl1 or of Ldb1/2, there is no hindlimb bud development. Fgf10 expression in the bud mesenchyme is dependent on Isl1 and its Ldb co‐regulators. Conclusions: Thus, Isl1 and the Ldb co‐regulators of transcription are essential early determinants of mouse limb development. Isl1/Ldb complexes regulate Fgf10 to orchestrate the earliest stages of hindlimb formation. Developmental Dynamics 241:787–791, 2012. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vegetation dynamics and their response to hydroclimatic factors in the Tarim River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Shen Yanjun , Chen Yaning , Guo Ying
Published: February 2012

Vegetation dynamics are very sensitive to climate change, especially in arid and semiarid regions. The Tarim River Basin, the largest and the most arid basin in northwest China, is a typically closed, independent, and self‐balanced hydrological system. In this study, the Mann–Kendall trend test, partial correlation analysis, and gray relation analysis were used to investigate the vegetation dynamics and their response to hydroclimatic change in the Tarim River Basin from 1982 to 2006. The results indicated that vegetation vigour and coverage in the majority of the study area improved over the study period. However, vulnerable ecological regions including the margin of oases, the southeast of the Kunlun Mountains, and riparian zones were stressed by water shortage. Vegetation in these vulnerable zones tended to experience a decreasing trend, and water diversion was necessary to protect the important vulnerable ecological regions. The results of partial correlation analysis in space indicated that vegetation variation had a significantly positive correlation with mean annual temperature overall and a significantly positive correlation with local precipitation in most of the mountain regions. The results of gray relation analysis demonstrated that temperature was the main stress factor for mountain vegetation and runoff for oasis vegetation. Under the direct and indirect effects of temperature rise over the study period, vegetation vigour and coverage area have been improved because of more favourable hydroclimatic conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zinc(II) Complexes with Asymmetric 3,5‐Substituted 1H‐Pyrazoles
Authors: Malinkin Sergey O. , Penkova Larysa , Moroz Yurii S. , Haukka Matti , Maciag Anna , Gumienna‐Kontecka Elzbieta , Pavlenko Vadim A. , Pavlova Svetlana , Nordlander Ebbe , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: February 2012

Two new pyrazolate‐based ligands, N′‐[1‐(3‐acetyl‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)ethylidene]‐2‐(hydroxyimino)propanehydrazide (L1) and 5‐[(E)‐1‐(2‐{(E)‐2‐(hydroxyimino}propanoyl}hydrazono)ethyl]‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxylic acid (L2), were synthesized and studied for zinc(II) complexation. A set of pH‐dependent UV/Vis measurements has been performed to determine the complex formation properties of L2. According to the calculations, in solution, L2 forms variously protonated mononuclear (ZnII/L2 = 1:1) and dinuclear (ZnII/L2 = 2:1) complexes. The reaction of the deprotonated ligands with hydrated ZnII salts and slow diffusion of ammonia into the reaction mixtures gave mononuclear [Zn(L1‐2H)(NH3)2]·DMF (1) and trinuclear μ‐pyrazolato‐bridged [Zn3(L2‐3H)2(NH3)5]·4H2O (3). In both complexes, the zinc ions are in the same distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal environment, coordinated to two nitrogen atoms of the ammonia and one oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of the pyrazolate and hydrazide groups. The molecular structures of all of the ligands and complexes have been elucidated by X‐ray crystallography.
Insertion of Symmetric Alkynes into the σ[Pd–C(sp2, Ferrocene)] Bond of Palladacycles with [C(sp2, Ferrocene),N,S(Thienyl)]– Pincer Ligands
Authors: López Concepción , Salmi Mauro , Mas Antoni , Piotrowski Piotr , Font Bardía Mercè , Calvet Teresa
Published: February 2012

A study of the reactivity of [Pd({(η5‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Fe{η5‐C5H5})Cl], n = 2 (1e) or 1 (1f), with symmetric alkynes R1–C≡C–R1 (R1 = CO2Me, Et or Ph) has allowed us to achieve the di‐μ‐chloro‐bridged complexes [Pd({(MeO2C–C=C–CO2Me)(η5‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Fe{η5‐C5H5})μ‐Cl]2, n = 2 (3e) or 1 (3f), and the mononuclear derivatives [Pd({(MeO2C–C=C–CO2Me)(η5‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Fe{η5‐C5H5})Cl(PPh3)], n = 2 (4e) or 1 (4f), [Pd({(R1–C=C–R1)2(η5‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)n–(C4H3S)}Fe{η5‐C5H5})Cl],R1 = CO2Me, n = 2 (5e) or 1 (5f), R1 = Et, n = 2 (6e) or 1 (6f), or R1 = Ph, n = 2 (7e), and [Pd({(Ph–C=C–Ph)2(η5‐C5H3)–CH=N–(CH2)–(C4H3S)}Fe{η5‐C5H5})Cl(PPh3)] (7f·1/2Ph–C≡C–Ph). With MeO2C–C≡C–CO2Me, mono‐ (3e, 3f, 4e and 4f) and bis‐insertion complexes (5e and 5f) were obtained, whereas for R1–C≡C–R1 with R1 = Et or Ph, only bis‐insertion products (6e, 6f, 7e and 7f) were isolated. These studies also proved that 1e and 1f, which have a labile Pd–S(thienyl) bond, are more prone to undergo the insertion of R1–C≡C–R1 (R1 = CO2Me, Et or Ph) than their analogues with [C(sp2, ferrocene), N, X]– [X = O, N(amine) or S(thioether)] pincer ligands.
Antifungal and antibacterial effects of 1‐monocaprylin on textile materials
Authors: Vltavská Pavlína , Kašpárková Věra , Janiš Rahula , Buňková Leona
Published: February 2012

The efficacy of a new antimicrobial treatment of textile materials based on the use of 1‐monocaprylin against various species of saprophytic moulds (Alternaria alternate CCM F‐397, Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404, Mucor racemosus CCM 8190, Penicillium ochrochloron CCM F‐158, Trichoderma viridae CCM F‐728), pathogenic moulds (Epidermophyton floccosum CCM 8339, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, Trichophyton rubrum DSMZ 4167), pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida parapsilosis CCM 8260), Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6853) was investigated. The testing was carried out according to DIN EN ISO 20645 disc‐diffusions test, using a 2‐layer method. The results showed that 1‐monocaprylin effectively killed all tested bacterial strains and pathogenic microorganisms with an exception of saprophytic moulds only, which were partially resistant. Textiles treated with 1‐monocaprylin reduced the growth of pathogenic, potentially dangerous microorganisms frequently occurring for example on the feet and in the shoes.

Practical applications: To prevent microbial contamination leading to degradation of textile materials, various antimicrobial agents aimed at killing or suppressing of microorganism growth are applied. Among others, also MAGs belong to safe and efficient antimicrobial agents. Their application in antimicrobial treatment of textiles may be a suitable alternative to commercially used antimicrobial agents, as these endogenous lipid substances are present almost in all animal and plant tissues and are harmless to human body. The present study has confirmed that MAGs possess a suitable inhibitory activity when applied on textiles and are capable of hindering and even suppressing growth of bacteria and moulds that may occur during storage and use of textiles. The obtained results can be closely related to potential industrial applications of MAGs as effective agents for antimicrobial textiles and lining and insole materials for footwear, including those designed for diabetics.
Cooling rate and dilution affect the nanostructure and microstructure differently in model fats
Authors: Maleky Fatemeh , Acevedo Nuria C. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: February 2012

The effects of cooling rate and solid mass fraction on the polymorphism, nano and microstructure, thermal and rheological properties of binary mixtures of fully hydrogenated canola oil and canola oil at 20°C have been studied. The β‐polymorph was observed in fully hydrogenated canola oil (FHCO) when crystallized at slow cooling rates (0.1C°/min), however crystallization at higher cooling rates (0.7 and 10°C/min) resulted in the formation of the α form. The β‐polymorph was detected in all the binary mixtures of FHCO/canola oil and was not affected by crystallization at different cooling rates. Melting thermograms obtained from 100% FHCO displayed three melting peaks, associated with the development of the β‐polymorph via α→ β′→ β‐polymorphic transition in the DSC pan. Some solubilization of solid FHCO into canola oil was observed and the solubility was proportionally higher with increasing liquid oil fraction. The strong influence of the matrix concentration on micro/nanoscale structure was demonstrated by characterization of crystal size using cryogenic transmission electron (Cryo‐TEM) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Crystallization under higher cooling rates lead to formation of smaller nano and meso‐structural elements. Furthermore, oscillatory rheology showed the influence of structural elements' size and polymorphism on material strength. The shear storage modulus (G′) of the mixtures was higher when crystallized at fast cooling rates (10°C/min). In contrast, for pure FHCO, G′ increased by lowering the cooling rate and the highest storage modulus was observed after crystallization at 0.1°C/min.
Measuring gravel transport and dispersion in a mountain river using passive radio tracers
Authors: Nathan Bradley D. , Tucker Gregory E.
Published: February 2012

Random walk models of fluvial sediment transport recognize that grains move intermittently, with short duration steps separated by rests that are comparatively long. These models are built upon the probability distributions of the step length and the resting time. Motivated by these models, tracer experiments have attempted to measure directly the steps and rests of sediment grains in natural streams. This paper describes results from a large tracer experiment designed to test stochastic transport models. We used passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to label 893 coarse gravel clasts and placed them in Halfmoon Creek, a small alpine stream near Leadville, Colorado, USA. The PIT tags allow us to locate and identify tracers without picking them up or digging them out of the streambed. They also enable us to find a very high percentage of our rocks, 98% after three years and 96% after the fourth year. We use the annual tracer displacement to test two stochastic transport models, the Einstein–Hubbell–Sayre (EHS) model and the Yang–Sayre gamma‐exponential model (GEM). We find that the GEM is a better fit to the observations, particularly for slower moving tracers and suggest that the strength of the GEM is that the gamma distribution of step lengths approximates a compound Poisson distribution. Published in 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Experimental and mathematical analysis of fuel penetration through unconsolidated porous media
Authors: Zanganeh Jafar , Moghtaderi Behdad
Published: February 2012

Flame spread over porous media due to accidental fuel spillage is a major fire safety concern. The behaviour of flame under such conditions greatly depends on the availability of fuel at combustion zone. A combined experimental and mathematical study was carried out to investigate the rate of fuel penetration through porous beds at different fuel ratios. Propanol at three different fuel ratios of 0.1, 0.125 and 0.15 and sand particles ranging in diameters from 0.5 to 5 mm were employed as liquid fuel and porous bed, respectively.

Results showed that fuel penetration rate was a function of permeability of porous bed and mass of the liquid fuel. The permeability of porous bed and consequently the rate of fuel penetration decreased as either the tortuosity or the specific surface area was increased.

Fuel penetration measurement and mathematical results indicated that the rate of fuel penetration is directly proportional to the fuel ratio. The fuel penetration rate was found to be higher for larger fuel ratios compared with that for small ratios. The difference between the fuel penetration rate for two consecutive fuel ratios for a given particle size was 25%. The predicted results were in good agreement with those acquired experimentally. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of element order and interface reconstruction in FEM/volume‐of‐fluid incompressible flow simulation
Authors: Schofield Samuel P. , Christon Mark A.
Published: February 2012

In previous studies, the moment‐of‐fluid interface reconstruction method showed dramatic accuracy improvements in static and pure advection tests over existing methods, but this did not translate into an equivalent improvement in volume‐tracked multimaterial incompressible flow simulation using low‐order finite elements. In this work, the combined effects of the spatial discretization and interface reconstruction in flow simulation are examined. The mixed finite element pairs, Q1Q0 (with pressure stabilization) and Q2P − 1 are compared. Material order‐dependent and material order‐independent first and second‐order accurate interface reconstruction methods are used. The Q2P − 1 elements show significant improvements in computed flow solution accuracy for single material flows but show reduced convergence using element‐average piecewise constant density and viscosity in volume‐tracked simulations. In general, a refined Q1Q0 grid, with better material interface resolution, provided an accuracy similar to the Q2P − 1 element grid with a comparable number of degrees of freedom. Moment‐of‐fluid shows more benefit from the higher‐order accurate flow simulation than the LVIRA, Youngs', and power diagram interface reconstruction methods, especially on unstructured grids, but does not recover the dramatic accuracy improvements it has shown in advection tests. Published 2012. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.