bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced H2 Generation of Au‐Loaded, Nitrogen‐Doped TiO2 Hierarchical Nanostructures under Visible Light
Authors: Naik Brundabana , Kim Sun Mi , Jung Chan Ho , Moon Song Yi , Kim Sang Hoon , Park Jeong Young
Published: November 2013

Hierarchical N‐doped TiO2 nanostructured catalysts with micro‐, meso‐, and macroporosity are synthesized by a facile self‐formation route using ammonia and titanium isopropoxide precursor. UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra confirm the red shift and band gap narrowing due to the doping of N species in the TiO2 nanoporous catalyst. Hierarchical macroporosity with fibrous channel patterning is observed and well preserved even after calcination at 800 °C, indicating thermal stability, whereas micro‐ and mesoporosity are lost after calcination at 500 °C. The photocatalytic activity of hiearchical N doped TiO2 catalysts loaded with Au is evaluated for H2 production reaction in visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the combined synergetic effect of N doping for visible light absorption, micro‐ and mesoporosity for an increase of effective surface area and light harvestation, and hierarchical macroporous fibrous structure for multiple reflection and effective charge transfer.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Tandem Isomerization/Hydroformylation of the Bio‐Sourced 10‐Undecenenitrile: Selective and Productive Catalysts for Production of Polyamide‐12 Precursor
Authors: Ternel Jérémy , Couturier Jean‐Luc , Dubois Jean‐Luc , Carpentier Jean‐François
Published: November 2013

The hydroformylation of 10‐undecenenitrile (1) – a substrate readily prepared from renewable castor oil – in the presence of rhodium‐phosphane catalysts systems is reported. The corresponding linear aldehyde (2) can be prepared in high yields and regioselectivities with a (dicarbonyl)rhodium acetoacetonate‐biphephos [Rh(acac)(CO)2‐biphephos] catalyst. The hydroformylation process is accompanied by isomerization of 1 into internal isomers of undecenenitrile (1‐int); yet, it is shown that the Rh‐biphephos catalyst effectively isomerizes back 1‐int into 1, eventually allowing high conversions of 1/1‐int into 2. Recycling of the catalyst by vacuum distillation under a controlled atmosphere was demonstrated over 4–5 runs, leading to high productivities up to 230,000 mol (2)⋅mol (Rh)−1 and 5,750 mol (2)⋅mol (biphephos)−1. Attempted recycling of the catalyst using a thermomorphic multicomponent solvent (TMS) phase‐separation procedure proved ineffective because the final product 2 and the Rh‐biphephos catalyst were always found in the same polar phase. Auto‐oxidation of the linear aldehyde 2 into the fatty 10‐cyano‐2‐methyldecanoic acid (5) proceeds readily upon exposure to air at room temperature, opening a new effective entry toward polyamide‐12.

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Synthesis of 3‐(2‐Nitroalkyl)pyrroles from Sulfonylpyrroles and their Conversion to 6‐Azaindole Derivatives
Authors: Lancianesi Stefano , Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: November 2013

The reaction of sulfonylpyrroles with nitroalkanes in the presence of KF/alumina generates 3‐(2‐nitroalkyl)pyrroles in good yields. These compounds can be converted into trisubstituted 6‐azaindoles by a sequence of reactions comprising reduction of the nitro group, Pictet–Spengler cyclization and final oxidative aromatization.

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Highly Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Panchromatic Ruthenium Sensitizers with Quinolinylbipyridine Anchors
Authors: Chou Chun‐Cheng , Hu Fa‐Chun , Yeh Hsiu‐Hsuan , Wu Hsin‐Pei , Chi Yun , Clifford John N. , Palomares Emilio , Liu Shih‐Hung , Chou Pi‐Tai , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: November 2013

Panchromatic RuII sensitizers TF‐30–TF‐33 bearing a new class of 6‐quinolin‐8‐yl‐2,2′‐bipyridine anchor were synthesized and tested under AM1.5 G simulated solar irradiation. Their increased π conjugation relative to that of the traditional 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine‐based anchor led to a remarkable improvement in absorptivity across the whole UV–Vis–NIR spectral regime. Furthermore, the introduction of a bulky tert‐butyl substituent on the quinolinyl fragment not only led to an increase in the JSC value owing to the suppression of dye aggregation, but remarkably also resulted in no loss in VOC in comparison with the reference sensitizer containing a tricarboxyterpyridine anchor. The champion sensitizer in DSC devices was found to be TF‐32 with a performance of JSC=19.2 mA cm−2, VOC=740 mV, FF=0.72, and η=10.19 %. This 6‐quinolin‐8‐yl‐2,2′‐bipyridine anchor thus serves as a prototype for the next generation of RuII sensitizers with any tridentate ancillary.
Analyzing geographic query reformulation: An exploratory study
Authors: Aloteibi Saad , Sanderson Mark
Published: November 2013

Search engine users typically engage in multiquery sessions in their quest to fulfill their information needs. Despite a plethora of research findings suggesting that a significant group of users look for information within a specific geographical scope, existing reformulation studies lack a focused analysis of how users reformulate geographic queries. This study comprehensively investigates the ways in which users reformulate such needs in an attempt to fill this gap in the literature. Reformulated sessions were sampled from a query log of a major search engine to extract 2,400 entries that were manually inspected to filter geo sessions. This filter identified 471 search sessions that included geographical intent, and these sessions were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results revealed that one in five of the users who reformulated their queries were looking for geographically related information. They reformulated their queries by changing the content of the query rather than the structure. Users were not following a unified sequence of modifications and instead performed a single reformulation action. However, in some cases it was possible to anticipate their next move. A number of tasks in geo modifications were identified, including standard, multi‐needs, multi‐places, and hybrid approaches. The research concludes that it is important to specialize query reformulation studies to focus on particular query types rather than generically analyzing them, as it is apparent that geographic queries have their special reformulation characteristics.
Small area estimation for semicontinuous skewed spatial data: An application to the grape wine production in Tuscany
Authors: Dreassi Emanuela , Petrucci Alessandra , Rocco Emilia
Published: November 2013

Linear‐mixed models are frequently used to obtain model‐based estimators in small area estimation (SAE) problems. Such models, however, are not suitable when the target variable exhibits a point mass at zero, a highly skewed distribution of the nonzero values and a strong spatial structure. In this paper, a SAE approach for dealing with such variables is suggested. We propose a two‐part random effects SAE model that includes a correlation structure on the area random effects that appears in the two parts and incorporates a bivariate smooth function of the geographical coordinates of units. To account for the skewness of the distribution of the positive values of the response variable, a Gamma model is adopted. To fit the model, to get small area estimates and to evaluate their precision, a hierarchical Bayesian approach is used. The study is motivated by a real SAE problem. We focus on estimation of the per‐farm average grape wine production in Tuscany, at subregional level, using the Farm Structure Survey data. Results from this real data application and those obtained by a model‐based simulation experiment show a satisfactory performance of the suggested SAE approach.
Stratified Fisher's exact test and its sample size calculation
Authors: Jung Sin‐Ho
Published: November 2013

Chi‐squared test has been a popular approach to the analysis of a 2 × 2 table when the sample sizes for the four cells are large. When the large sample assumption does not hold, however, we need an exact testing method such as Fisher's test. When the study population is heterogeneous, we often partition the subjects into multiple strata, so that each stratum consists of homogeneous subjects and hence the stratified analysis has an improved testing power. While Mantel–Haenszel test has been widely used as an extension of the chi‐squared test to test on stratified 2 × 2 tables with a large‐sample approximation, we have been lacking an extension of Fisher's test for stratified exact testing. In this paper, we discuss an exact testing method for stratified 2 × 2 tables that is simplified to the standard Fisher's test in single 2 × 2 table cases, and propose its sample size calculation method that can be useful for designing a study with rare cell frequencies.
Thyroid hormones differentially regulate phosphorylation of ERK and Akt via integrin αvβ3 receptor in undifferentiated and differentiated PC‐12 cells
Authors: Barbakadze Tamar , Natsvlishvili Nino , Mikeladze David
Published: November 2013

The effects of 3,5,3′‐triiodo‐l‐thyronine (T3) and l‐thyroxine (T4) on the integrin αvβ3 receptor of thyroid hormones (TH) were investigated in pheochromocytoma PC‐12 cells. Differentiation was induced by treatment of PC‐12 cells with fisetin and the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt in cytoplasm, as well as the content of FoxO6 transcription factor in nuclei was analysed in undifferentiated and differentiated conditions. We have found that in undifferentiated PC‐12 cells, tetraiodothyroacetic acid (TETRAC), a known inhibitor of binding of T4 and T3 to plasma membrane integrin αvβ3 receptor inhibits T4‐dependent phosphorylation of ERK, whereas in differentiated PC‐12 cells, TETRAC abolishes the effect of T3. In undifferentiated PC‐12 cells, both TH increase the level of p‐Akt, and this enhancement is not sensitive to TETRAC. In differentiated PC‐12 cells, both TH increase the level of p‐Akt; however, only T3‐dependent activation of Akt is sensitive to the TETRAC. Furthermore, our results have shown that in differentiated PC‐12 cells, the expression of FoxO6 was higher than in undifferentiated PC‐12 cells, and this elevation has not changed under the action of TH. Only in undifferentiated PC‐12 cells the T3‐dependent expression of FoxO6 was sensitive to the TETRAC. We propose that PC‐12 cells contain integrin αvβ3 receptor, which T3 and T3/T4 sites are differentially regulated by TH in undifferentiated and differentiated conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Organometallic Bioconjugates of the Cyclic Octapeptide Octreotate
Authors: Gross Annika , Habig Daniel , Metzler‐Nolte Nils
Published: November 2013

The chemically stabilized somatostatin‐derived cyclic octapeptide octreotate has a number of interesting applications in medicinal chemistry. Here, a number of different organometallic derivatives of octreotate were prepared, and their properties were investigated. Specifically, we report the synthesis and characterization of ruthenocene, ferrocene, and cobaltocenium octreotate derivatives and their fluorophore‐labeled conjugates as well as a dicobalt hexacarbonyl alkyne functionalized octreotate. To provide further insights into their characteristics, the log P values and electrochemical properties of the novel metal conjugates were compared. For biological activity, we determined their toxicity in three different cell lines. Cellular uptake and colocalization of selected compounds were studied by fluorescence microscopy with particular focus on efficiency and specificity of their uptake through the somatostatin receptor SSTR to elucidate the value of the metallocene head group for its potential use as a nontoxic and universal peptide label.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Cu‐Doped PbTiO3 and Its Hydrogen Production Activity
Authors: Reddy K. Hemalata , Parida Kulamani
Published: November 2013

We report herein the fabrication of visible‐light responsive n‐type PbTiO3 by a combustion method and p‐type Cu‐doped PbTiO3 by an impregnation method to improve hydrogen production activity. Copper was doped into the PbTiO3 lattice up to 1 wt %; any further increase in the loading resulted in the formation of CuO on the surface of the sample. Photoluminescence confirmed that 1 wt % Cu‐doped PbTiO3 effectively suppressed the defects in PbTiO3, which helped to reduce the recombination rate of the photoinduced charge carriers. The prepared PbTiO3 photocatalyst behaves as an n‐type semiconductor, whereas 1 wt % Cu‐doped PbTiO3 behaves as a p‐type semiconductor. The photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of PbTiO3 increased with increasing Cu content up to 1 wt % and thereafter decreased upon further loading. The 1 wt % Cu‐doped PbTiO3 sample showed higher activity for hydrogen liberation than pristine PbTiO3 (2.5 times) and all of the other CuO‐loaded samples. The energy conversion efficiency of 1 wt % Cu‐doped PbTiO3 was 5.95 % for hydrogen production under visible‐light irradiation. The enhanced hydrogen production activity of Cu‐doped PbTiO3 was discussed on the basis of optimum copper doping, photoluminescence intensity, and their band‐edge positions. However, the higher activity of CuO‐loaded (>1 wt %) PbTiO3 relative to that of neat PbTiO3 is perhaps a result of the extensive light absorption properties of the CuO nanoparticles, which help to generate more electron–hole pairs on the surface.
Porous Cobalt Titanate Nanorod: A New Candidate for Visible Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Qu Yang , Zhou Wei , Fu Honggang
Published: November 2013

New narrow band gap semiconductor cobalt titanate (CoTiO3) nanorods are fabricated via an ethylene glycol‐mediated route and further calcination in air. The glycolate precursors and porous CoTiO3 nanorods are investigated in detail by using SEM, TEM, XRD, thermogravimetric, FTIR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The effect of calcining temperature is also studied, and 700 °C is found to be the optimal calcining temperature used to prepare porous CoTiO3 nanorods with high crystallinity and porosity as well as excellent photocatalytic performance in water oxidation under visible light irradiation. The highest oxygen production yield is up to 64.6 μmol h−1 without co‐catalysts. The high photocatalytic activity for oxygen production is ascribed to the following reasons: 1) the large surface area, which favors absorption and offers more active sites, 2) the suitable narrow band gap, which can use more solar energy, and 3) the 1 D structure, which leads to good electron transport.
Electrochemical Treatment of Rice Grain‐Based Distillery Biodigester Effluent
Authors: Kumar Prajapati Abhinesh , Kumar Chaudhari Parmesh
Published: November 2013

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color reduction of biodigester effluent (BDE) in a batch electrocoagulation (EC) reactor were investigated using an iron electrode. The effects of various parameters such as pH, current density, electrode gap, and electrolysis time were evaluated. Energy requirement and electrode loss were found to be functions of the pH. The settling and filterability characteristics of the treated solution were best at low pH. The results demonstrate that EC can be employed in rice grain‐based distilleries to reduce the pollution load. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that the residues obtained from the EC‐treated BDE may be used as fuel.
Inhibiting and Reversing Amyloid‐β Peptide (1–40) Fibril Formation with Gramicidin S and Engineered Analogues
Authors: Luo Jinghui , Otero José M. , Yu Chien‐Hung , Wärmländer Sebastian K. T. S. , Gräslund Astrid , Overhand Mark , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: November 2013

In Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides aggregate into extracellular fibrillar deposits. Although these deposits may not be the prime cause of the neurodegeneration that characterizes this disease, inhibition or dissolution of amyloid fibril formation by Aβ peptides is likely to affect its development. ThT fluorescence measurements and AFM images showed that the natural antibiotic gramicidin S significantly inhibited Aβ amyloid formation in vitro and could dissolve amyloids that had formed in the absence of the antibiotic. In silico docking suggested that gramicidin S, a cyclic decapeptide that adopts a β‐sheet conformation, binds to the Aβ peptide hairpin‐stacked fibril through β‐sheet interactions. This may explain why gramicidin S reduces fibril formation. Analogues of gramicidin S were also tested. An analogue with a potency that was four‐times higher than that of the natural product was identified.
Carbon Storage Dynamics in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Fields in the Hilly‐Gully Region of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Deng Lei , Wang Kai‐Bo , Li Jian‐Ping , Shangguan Zhou‐Ping , Sweeney Sandra
Published: November 2013

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been widely employed in the dryland region of the Loess Plateau, China to improve soil and water conservation and to develop livestock production. Our objective was to study the dynamics of plant and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools following the conversion of sloping farmland to alfalfa fields over a period of 30 years. The succession gradient is composed of seven differently aged alfalfa fields (0, 5, 9, 13, 16, 23, 30 years). The results show that soil C storage (0–100 cm) dynamics were consistent with belowground biomass storage with increased planting years, but C storage always increased with the number of planting years in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Planted perennial alfalfa resulted in a decline in soil C storage in the 0–100 cm soil depth in the early period (nine years). During the late succession stage of alfalfa (13 years) soil C storage tends to recover, and after 16 years, storage values again dropped. However, it had recovered by 30 years at which time alfalfa productivity was very low. Vegetation C storage was mainly decided by the belowground biomass and ecosystem C storage dynamics was consistent with soil C storage. Vegetation biomass, root/shoot ratio, SOC, soil total nitrogen, and total phosphorus were the main factors affecting C storage in the entire alfalfa field ecosystem. The results suggest that C storage in vegetation is directly related to plant productivity, C storage in the soil throughout the entire alfalfa field ecosystem was not only related to plant productivity, but also to SOC and soil nutrients.
Breast cancer presentation and diagnostic delays in young women
Authors: Ruddy Kathryn J. , Gelber Shari , Tamimi Rulla M. , Schapira Lidia , Come Steven E. , Meyer Meghan E. , Winer Eric P. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Young women may experience delays in diagnosis of breast cancer, and these delays may contribute to poorer outcomes.

METHODS

In a prospective, multicenter cohort study, women recently diagnosed with breast cancer at age ≤40 years were surveyed regarding their initial signs or symptoms of cancer and delays in diagnosis. Self delay was defined as ≥90 days between the first sign or symptom and a patient's first visit to consult a health care provider. Care delay was defined as ≥90 days between that first visit and the diagnosis of breast cancer. In a medical record review, tumor characteristics were assessed, including disease stage. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess for predictors of self delay, care delay, and advanced stage in the self‐detected subset.

RESULTS

In 585 eligible participants, the first sign or symptom of cancer was a self‐detected breast abnormality for 80%, a clinical breast examination abnormality for 6%, an imaging abnormality for 12%, and a systemic symptom for 1%. Among women with self‐detected cancers, 17% reported a self delay, and 12% reported a care delay. Self delays were associated with poorer financial status (P = 0.01). Among young women with self‐detected breast cancers, care delay was associated at trend level (P = .06) with higher stage in multivariate modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Most young women detect their own breast cancers, and most do not experience long delays before diagnosis. Women with fewer financial resources are more likely to delay seeking medical attention for a self‐detected breast abnormality. Cancer 2014;120:20–25. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Mechanism and clinical evidence of lipocalin‐2 and adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein linking obesity and atherosclerosis
Authors: Wu Guangyu , Li Huating , Zhou Mi , Fang Qichen , Bao Yuqian , Xu Aimin , Jia Weiping
Published: November 2013

Obesity is considered to be a chronic inflammatory state in which the dysfunction of adipose tissue plays a central role. The adipokines, which are cytokines secreted by adipose tissue, are key links between obesity and related diseases such as metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis. LCN2 and A‐FABP, both of which are major adipokines predominantly produced in adipose tissue, have recently been shown to be pivotal modulators of vascular function. However, different adipokines modulate the development of atherosclerosis in distinctive manners, which are partly attributable to their unique regulatory mechanisms and functions. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the role of two adipokines in mediating chronic inflammation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal expression pattern of Myt/NZF family zinc finger transcription factors during mouse nervous system development
Authors: Matsushita Fumio , Kameyama Toshiki , Kadokawa Yuzo , Marunouchi Tohru
Published: November 2013

Background:

Three members of the Myt/NZF family of transcription factors are involved in many processes of vertebrate development. Several studies have reported that Myt1/NZF‐2 has a regulatory function in the development of cultured oligodendrocyte progenitors or in neuronal differentiation during Xenopus primary neurogenesis. However, little is known about the proper function of Myt/NZF family proteins during mammalian nervous system development. To assess the possible function of Myt/NZF transcription factors in mammalian neuronal differentiation, we determined the comparative spatial and temporal expression patterns of all three types of Myt/NZF family genes in the embryonic mouse nervous system using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Results: All three Myt/NZF family genes were extensively expressed in developing mouse nervous tissues, and their expression was transient. NZF‐1 was expressed later in post‐mitotic neurons. NZF‐2 was initially expressed in neuronal cells a little earlier than NZF‐3. NZF‐3 was initially expressed in neuronal cells, just after proliferation was complete. Conclusion: These expression patterns suggest that the expression of NZF family genes is spatially and temporally regulated, and each Myt/NZF family gene may have a regulatory function in a specific phase during neuronal differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 243:588–600, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental Studies of the Transient Characteristics of a Deeply Buried Grounding Electrode and a Grounding Mesh
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuo , Yanagawa Shunichi , Sekioka Shozo
Published: November 2013

When lightning strikes the tower of a cellular phone base station or other such facility, power and communications equipment in the vicinity of the tower may suffer extensive damage due to the lightning current flowing backward from the grounding system of the tower. The use of a deeply buried grounding electrode has been proposed recently to suppress such backflow currents and potential rises in the vicinity of towers. The deeply buried grounding electrode is a bare conductor buried deeply in the ground, which is connected to a lightning rod on the ground by an insulated wire. When lightning strikes the lightning rod, the lightning current is directed to the electrode, from which it diffuses to the ground. Deeply buried grounding electrodes have been installed at cellular phone base stations and other such facilities to solve problems caused by backflow currents and potential rises. A grounding mesh is usually laid around such base stations as a grounding system for the facilities on the ground. Therefore, it is important to understand the interactions between the deeply buried grounding electrode and the grounding mesh. In this paper, experiments on the interactions between a grounding mesh and a deeply buried grounding electrode are described. Additionally, the transient characteristics of the mesh grounding have been investigated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 52–60, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11488
Measurement of Refractive Index and Thickness of Topcoat of Thermal Barrier Coating by Reflection Measurement of Terahertz Waves
Authors: Fukuchi Tetsuo , Fuse Norikazu , Okada Mitsutoshi , Fujii Tomoharu , Mizuno Maya , Fukunaga Kaori
Published: November 2013

A method to determine the refractive index and thickness of the topcoat of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) from the reflected waveforms of terahertz waves was developed. The method was applied to specimens of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is the topcoat material. The obtained refractive index was in agreement with that obtained by time‐domain terahertz spectroscopy in a transmission configuration, and the obtained thickness was in agreement with measurement results using a contact thickness gauge. The method was also applied to a TBC specimen, and the planar distribution of the refractive index and thickness of the topcoat were obtained. The obtained thickness was in agreement with microscope observation of the cross section of the specimen. The results show that reflection measurement of terahertz waves is useful for nondestructive testing of TBC applied to gas turbine blades. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 37–45, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11551
Improving the Detection Algorithm for Life‐Threatening Arrhythmias: Implementation in Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: Abe Makoto , Yoshizawa Makoto , Sugai Telma Keiko , Homma Noriyasu , Sugita Norihiro , Shimizu Kazuo , Goto Moe , Inagaki Masashi , Sugimachi Masaru , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: November 2013

The implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) is an effective therapeutic device for preventing mortality in patients with cardiac diseases caused by life‐threatening arrhythmias. The authors previously proposed an algorithm for the detection of life‐threatening arrhythmias using a multiple regression model. To enhance the classification accuracy, we have now incorporated a moving average filter and a multiple detection process into the original detection algorithm. The experimental results showed that the proposed method could attain sufficiently high accuracy for all ventricular fibrillation rhythms to be detected precisely. In addition, the cases of false detection of sinus rhythm or supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, which could cause ICD malfunction, have been reduced. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 1–8, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11585
Serial progression of cortical and medullary thymic epithelial microenvironments
Authors: Alves Nuno L. , Takahama Yousuke , Ohigashi Izumi , Ribeiro Ana R. , Baik Song , Anderson Graham , Jenkinson William E.
Published: November 2013

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) provide key instructive signals for T‐cell differentiation. Thymic cortical (cTECs) and medullary (mTECs) epithelial cells constitute two functionally distinct microenvironments for T‐cell development, which derive from a common bipotent TEC progenitor. While seminal studies have partially elucidated events downstream of bipotent TECs in relation to the emergence of mTECs and their progenitors, the control and timing of the emergence of the cTEC lineage, particularly in relation to that of mTEC progenitors, has remained elusive. In this review, we describe distinct models that explain cTEC/mTEC lineage divergence from common bipotent progenitors. In particular, we summarize recent studies in mice providing evidence that mTECs, including the auto‐immune regulator+ subset, derive from progenitors initially endowed with phenotypic properties typically associated with the cTEC lineage. These observations support a novel “serial progression” model of TEC development, in which progenitors serially acquire cTEC lineage markers, prior to their commitment to the mTEC differentiation pathway. Gaining a better understanding of the phenotypic properties of early stages in TEC progenitor development should help in determining the mechanisms regulating cTEC/mTEC lineage development, and in strategies aimed at thymus reconstitution involving TEC therapy.
Diastereoselective Indium‐Promoted Allylation of Chiral N‐Sulfinyl Imines
Authors: Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel
Published: November 2013

The indium‐promoted allylation of enantiomerically pure N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl imines has been shown to be a versatile and useful methodology for the preparation of diastereomerically enriched N‐protected homoallylamines. The preparation of both enantiomeric diastereomers is possible by changing the stereochemistry of the starting imine. Importantly, the deprotection of the sulfinylamines is easily achieved by acid treatment, and, therefore, the corresponding free amines are accessible in an enantioenriched manner. This methodology has been applied to the synthesis of interesting compounds, that is, mostly alkaloids and a wide representation of naturally occurring products.
Solutal Dispersion and Viscous Dissipation Effects on Non‐Darcy Free Convection Over a Cone in Power‐Law Fluids
Authors: Kairi R.R. , RamReddy Ch.
Published: November 2013

The effects of viscous dissipation and solutal dispersion on free convection about an isothermal vertical cone with a fixed apex half angle, pointing downwards in a power‐law fluid‐saturated non‐Darcy porous medium are analyzed. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into partial differential equations using non‐similarity transformation. The resulting equations are solved numerically using an accurate local non‐similarity method. The accuracy of the numerical results is validated by a quantitative comparison of the heat and mass transfer rates with previously published results for a special case and the results are found to be in good agreement. The effects of viscous dissipation, solutal dispersion, and/or buoyancy ratio on the velocity, temperature, and concentration field as well as on the heat and mass transfer rates are illustrated, by insisting on the comparison between pseudo‐plastic, dilatant, and Newtonian fluids. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 43(5): 476–488, 2014; Published online 11 November 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21095
Myo‐inositol trispyrophosphate‐mediated hypoxia reversion controls pancreatic cancer in rodents and enhances gemcitabine efficacy
Authors: Raykov Zahary , Grekova Svitlana P. , Bour Gaétan , Lehn Jean Marie , Giese N.A. , Nicolau Claude , Aprahamian Marc
Published: November 2013

Hypoxia and dysfunctional tumor vessels represent a prominent feature of pancreatic cancer, being, at least in part, responsible for chemotherapy resistance and immune suppression in these tumors. We tested whether the increase of oxygen delivery induced in vivo by myo‐inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP) can reverse hypoxia, control tumor growth and improve chemotherapy response. Tumor size, metastatic development (microcomputed tomography scan follow‐up) and the survival of rats and nude or NOD.SCID mice, (bearing syngenic rat and MiaPaCa2‐ or patient‐derived pancreatic tumors), were determined on ITPP and/or gemcitabine treatment. Partial oxygen pressure, expression of angiogenic factors and tumor histology were evaluated. Infiltration and oxidative status of immune cells, as well as chemotherapy penetration in tumors, were determined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, fluorometry, nitric oxide release assays, Western blot and confocal microscopy. Weekly intravenous ITPP application resulted in the inhibition of metastasis development and restricted primary tumor growth, showing a superior effect on the rats' survival compared with gemcitabine. ITPP treatment restored tumor normoxia and caused a reduction in hypoxia inducible factor‐1α levels, with subsequent VEGF and Lox downregulation, resulting in improved vessel structure and decreased desmoplasia. The latter effects translated into elevated immune cells influx and improved susceptibility to gemcitabine treatment. Growth of human pancreatic tumor xenografts was strongly inhibited by administration of ITPP. ITPP exploits a two‐stage mechanism causing rapid, early and sustainable late stage normoxia. This is due to the angiogenic factor modulation and vascular normalization, leading to enhanced chemotherapy delivery and synergistic life prolongation, on combination with low doses of gemcitabine.
6‐Trichloromethylpurines and Related Compounds
Authors: Cohen Sasson , Vincze A.
Published: November 2013

Conversion of 2‐amino‐6‐methyl(II), 2‐methylamino‐6,9‐dimethyl (III) and 6‐methyl‐8‐trifluoromethylpurine(IV) into their 6‐trichloromethyl analogs was achieved with sulfuryl chloride in trifluoroacetic acid solution.
Analysis of P32 and Ca45 Exchange Between Hydroxyapatite and its Equilibrium Solution
Authors: Avnimelech Y.
Published: November 2013

The isotopic exchange of P32 and Ca45 with hydroxyapatite was studied along its solubility isotherm. The solution was in a chemical equilibrium with the solid, thus, only isotopic exchange reactions took place in the system. Isotopic dilutions during the exchange process enabled the measurement of a compartment with a very high exchange rate. The other compartments were analyzed using exchange kinetics.
Assessing carbon‐encapsulated iron nanoparticles cytotoxicity in Lewis lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Grudzinski Ireneusz P. , Bystrzejewski Michal , Cywinska Monika A. , Kosmider Anita , Poplawska Magdalena , Cieszanowski Andrzej , Fijalek Zbigniew , Ostrowska Agnieszka , Parzonko Andrzej
Published: November 2013

Carbon‐encapsulated iron nanoparticles (CEINs) have been considered as attractive candidates for several biomedical applications. In the present study, we synthesized CEINs (the mean diameter 40–80 nm) using a carbon arc route, and the as‐synthesized CEINs were characterized (scanning and transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, turbidimetry, Zeta potential) and further tested as raw and purified nanomaterials containing the carbon surface modified with acidic groups. For cytotoxicity evaluation, we applied a battery of different methods (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, lactate dehydrogenase, calcein AM/propidium iodide, annexin V/propidium iodide, JC‐1, cell cycle assay, Zeta potential, TEM and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to address the strategic cytotoxic endpoints of Lewis lung carcinoma cells due to CEIN (0.0001–100 µg ml–1) exposures in vitro. Our studies evidence that incubation of Lewis lung carcinoma cells with CEINs is accompanied in substantial changes of zeta potential in cells and these effects may result in different internalization profiles. The results show that CEINs increased the mitochondrial and cell membrane cytotoxicity; however, the raw CEIN material (Fe@C/Fe) produced higher toxicities than the rest of the CEINs studied to data. The study showed that non‐modified CEINs (Fe@C/Fe and Fe@C) elevated some pro‐apoptotic events to a greater extent compared to that of the surface‐modified CEINs (Fe@C‐COOH and Fe@C‐(CH2)2COOH). They also diminished the mitochondrial membrane potentials. In contrast to non‐modified CEINs, the surface‐functionalized nanoparticles caused the concentration‐ and time‐dependent arrest of the S phase in cells. Taken all together, our results shed new light on the rational design of CEINs, as their geometry, hydrodynamic and, in particular, surface characteristics are important features in selecting CEINs as future nanomaterials for nanomedicine applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Porcine small intestine submucosal grafts for post‐tumor resection orbital reconstruction
Authors: Phillips James , Riley Kristen O. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Removal of the medial orbital wall for sinonasal tumor involvement is required to obtain complete oncologic resection. However, orbital fat herniation can produce significant morbidity, including enophthalmos and diplopia. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate outcomes following use of porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) grafts for orbital reconstruction following extirpation of sinonasal malignancies.

Study Design

Case series in a tertiary hospital setting.

Methods

Review of prospectively collected data regarding orbital reconstruction using SIS was performed. Demographics, tumor histology, size of orbital defect, adjuvant treatment, clinical status, and complications were recorded.

Results

Seventeen patients (average age, 58 years; range, 27–82 years) had SIS grafting of the medial orbital wall over a 5‐year period at our tertiary academic institution. The average orbital wall defect size was 4.6 cm2(range, 1 cm2−24 cm2). Tumor histopathology included esthesioneuroblastoma (n = 5), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 2), melanoma (n = 3), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 1). Surgical goals were curative intent in all patients. Ten patients had postoperative radiation therapy, whereas five individuals had surgical extirpation following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. All patients had complete locoregional control at last clinical follow‐up (average, 16 months; range, 2–54 months), although three patients developed distant metastases. The only orbital complications noted were enophthalmos (n = 1), periorbital cellulitis (n = 1), and orbital wall crusting (n = 1).

Conclusions

SIS reconstruction of orbital wall defects was effective in the current series of patients, with only one patient developing noticeable enophthalmos and a low incidence of surgical complications.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 124:E219–E223, 2014
The pathogenicity scoring system for mitochondrial tRNA mutations revisited
Authors: González‐Vioque Emiliano , Bornstein Belén , Gallardo María Esther , Fernández‐Moreno Miguel Ángel , Garesse Rafael
Published: November 2013

Confirming the pathogenicity of mitochondrial tRNA point mutations is one of the classical challenges in the field of mitochondrial medicine. In addition to genetic and functional studies, the evaluation of a genetic change using a pathogenicity scoring system is extremely useful to discriminate between disease‐causing mutations from neutral polymorphisms. The pathogenicity scoring system is very robust for confirming pathogenicity, especially of mutations that show impaired activity in functional studies. However, mutations giving normal results using the same functional approaches are disregarded, and this compromises the power of the system to rule out pathogenicity. We propose to include a new criterion in the pathogenicity scoring systems regarding mutations which fail to show any mitochondrial defect in functional studies. To evaluate this proposal we characterized two mutations, m.8296A>G and m.8347A>G, in the mitochondrial tRNALys gene (MT‐TK) using trans‐mitochondrial cybrid analysis. m.8347A>G mutation severely impairs oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that it is highly pathogenic. By contrast, the behavior of cybrids homoplasmic for the m.8296A>G mutation is similar to cybrids containing wild‐type mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The results indicate that including not only positive but also negative outcomes of functional studies in the scoring system is critical for facilitating the diagnosis of this complex group of diseases.
Metabolomics fingerprinting of the human seminal plasma of asthenozoospermic patients
Authors: Gilany Kambiz , Moazeni‐Pourasil Roudabeh Sadat , Jafarzadeh Naser , Savadi‐Shiraz Elham
Published: November 2013

It is estimated that 20% of couples are infertile, and half of these infertility cases are linked to men. One of conditions that can affect male fertility is asthenozoospermia. We applied Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of the metabolome of the human seminal plasma, and used chemometrics on the patterns of Raman spectra obtained. Significant changes were observed in the metabolome of the human seminal plasma of asthenozoospermic patients. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 84–86, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Evolving Literature and Implications for Future Practice
Authors: Cicci Jonathan D. , Reed Brent N. , McNeely Elizabeth B. , Oni‐Orisan Akinyemi , Patterson J. Herbert , Rodgers Jo E.
Published: November 2013

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and represents a considerable financial burden to society. Historically, few prospective, randomized, double‐blinded trials have investigated the optimal management of ADHF, and most guideline recommendations are based primarily on expert opinion. However, in the last decade, a considerable amount of research has added to the understanding of the management of ADHF in both patients with fluid overload and low cardiac output. In addition, as mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation continue to evolve, significant advances have also been made with regard to the proper selection of patients for advanced surgical options. Finally, several novel pharmacologic agents have shown promise in early trials and may represent the next steps in ADHF management. Although advances have been made over the past decade, many questions remain.
Effects of Nb2O5 additive on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of PHT‐PMN ternary ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Wang Dawei , Li Jinglin , Cao Maosheng , Zhang Shujun
Published: November 2013

Recently, a new family of piezoelectric perovskite materials, PbHfO3‐PbTiO3‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PHT‐PMN) ternary system was developed, possessing good piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). Nb2O5, as a donor dopant in the perovskite piezoelectric systems has been used to improve the dielectric and piezoelectric properties. In this work, the effect of Nb2O5 addition in the PHT‐PMN ternary system was reported. It was found that Nb doping led to the change of phase structure for the PHT‐PMN system. With the addition of Nb2O5 content, the ferroelectric polarization was reduced, while the electric‐field‐induced strain and hysteresis were enhanced significantly. In particular, the 0.2 wt% Nb2O5‐doped PHT‐PMN exhibited the optimum piezoelectric and electromechanical properties, with d33 and kp being on the order of 670 pC N−1 and of 71%, respectively.
One‐step formation of nanostructures on silicon surfaces using pure hydrogen‐radical‐initiated reactions
Authors: Nagayoshi Hiroshi , Diplas Spyros , ChariesWalmsley John , Andersen Niels H. , Karlsson Arne , Graff Joachim Seland , Chirvony Vladimir , Pastor Juan M. , Ulyashin Alexander
Published: November 2013

One‐step formation of silicon nanowires, sheets, and texture surface on a silicon substrate has been achieved using hydrogen‐radical etching reactions. Metallic tungsten and for comparison purposes a tungsten hot wire, were used as catalysts for the hydrogen‐molecular cracking. It was shown that a variety of surface structures on silicon such as inverted pyramid texture, V‐groove texture, dense silicon nanowire growth over texture, and nanosheet structure can be obtained by controlling the process conditions. The obtained results suggested that the formation of nanotungsten silicide particle is an essential prerequisite to obtain these structures. The particles work as an etching mask against hydrogen‐radical etching, as well as a catalyst for vapor–solid–solid (VSS) growth. SEM, TEM, micro‐RAMAN, and XPS were used for the analysis of the hydrogen‐radical‐treated Si samples. The Si nanowires growth model, as well as the texturing mechanism initiated by hydrogen‐radical treatment of Si surface in the presence of tungsten nanoparticle is discussed. It is concluded that the proposed acid‐free method, which is based on a modification of Si surfaces only by hydrogen radicals, can be considered as a “green” technology approach, which can be used for the cost‐effective fabrication of silicon nanostructures, which can be considered as a base for several types of advanced devices in the future.
Effect of Ge/Al thickness on Al‐induced crystallization of amorphous Ge layers on glass substrates
Authors: Nakazawa K. , Toko K. , Saitoh N. , Yoshizawa N. , Usami N. , Suemasu T.
Published: November 2013

Low‐temperature (350 °C) crystallization of amorphous Ge films on SiO2 was investigated using Al‐induced layer exchange (ALILE) process. Thicknesses of Ge and catalytic Al layers were varied in the range of 30‐300 nm, which strongly influenced the ALILE growth morphology. Based on the study, the Ge thickness was adjusted to 40 nm while the Al thickness was adjusted 50 nm. This sample satisfied both of the surface coverage of polycrystalline‐Ge and the annihilation of randomly oriented Ge regions. Moreover, the enhancement of the heterogeneous Ge nucleation improved the (111) orientation and the grain size. As a result, the area fraction of the (111)‐orientation reached as high as 97% and the average grain size as large as 70‐μm diameters. This (111)‐oriented Ge layer with large‐grains promises to be the high‐quality epitaxial template for various functional materials to achieve next‐generation devices. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of Mg2Si nanorod arrays by the heat treatment of Si nanorod arrays under Mg vapor
Authors: Li Wen , Nakane Kaito , Suzuki Motofumi , Tatsuoka Hirokazu
Published: November 2013

Periodic Mg2Si nanorod arrays were synthesized by the heat treatment of Si nanorod arrays with porous structure under Mg vapor. The structural properties of the Si and Mg2Si nanorods were investigated. The morphology of the Si nanorod arrays is preserved in the Mg2Si nanorod arrays. The diameter and height of the Mg2Si nanorods were significantly increased to 420 nm and 600 nm compared to those of the Si nanorods. The volumetric expansion from Si nanorods to Mg2Si nanorods is about V/VSi = 1.55 and the density of Si nanorods with porous structure is about 48.3%. Periodic Mg2Si nanorod arrays will be useful to control thermal and/or solar radiation. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Technological possibilities of Si:H thin film deposition with embedded cubic Mg2Si nanoparticles
Authors: Galkin Nikolay G. , Galkin Konstantin N. , Chernev Igor M. , Fajgar Radek , Stuchlikova The Ha , Remes Zdenek , Stuchlik Jiri
Published: November 2013

In this paper we introduce three technological ways how to increase an absorption coefficient of hydrogenated silicon/Si:H/ thin films and diode structures on the base of Si:H. The first one is reactive deposition epitaxy (RDE), which permit to form silicide nanoparticles of different elements /Fe, Cr, Ca, Mg/ with semiconducting properties and convenient band gap. Two more simple techniques have been also tested for the creation of magnesium silicide nanoparticles (Mg2Si‐NPs): a reactive laser ablation (RLA) and the combination of Mg vacuum evaporation and Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD). The formation of Mg2Si‐NPs, its structures and the changes of optical absorption for samples grown by three methods have been proved by the Raman and optical spectroscopies. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)