bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAP1 is Involved in Cell Cycle Regulated by Retinoblastoma Susceptibility Gene (RB1) in Early Hypoxia and has Variable Expression Patterns in Human Tumors
Authors: Jiangting Hu  , Ern Yu Tan  , Leticia Campo  , Russell Leek  , Zainina Seman  , Helen Turley  , Domenico Delia  , Alfredo Cesario  , Kevin Gatter  , Francesco Pezzella
Published: July 2013

Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated protein 1(TRAP1) is a member of the Hsp90 family that acts as a molecular chaperon to the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (RB1). We have previously demonstrated that TRAP1-positive cells contain a high level of cell proliferating genes, whilst TRAP1-negative cells contain a high level of genes involved in cell cycles and metastases. In this study, we performed a functional analysis of TRAP1 which focused on its regulation within a cell cycle in relation to RB1. Following a heat shock, TRAP1 translocates to the nucleus and chaperonsRB1. When TRAP1 is silenced by siRNA, or prevented from entering the nucleus in hypoxic cells, formation of RB1/E2F1 complexes is impaired and cell cycle activity is promoted by deregulating the G1/S transition. Inhibition of the nuclear translocation of TRAP1 with geldanamycin abrogates its ability to maintain RB1 in a form that associates with E2F1. Restoration of TRAP1 expression reverses these effects. We analysed TRAP1/RB1 expression on 630 tumors by immunohistochemical staining and found TRAP1 lost in some types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer, and the positive correlation of TRAP1 expression in nuclear and cytoplasm with RB1 was observed. Clinico-pathological data showed that breast carcinoma patients lacking nuclear TRAP1 have a shorter disease free survival. Our data suggests that nuclear translocation of TRAP1 is crucial for its function as a chaperon. The loss of TRAP1 expression in certain types of cancer may provide the growth advantage due to the lost control at cell cycle check point.
Molecular Genetic Study of the Allelic State of the Cell Cycle Genes (TP53, BRCA1) and Features of the Regulation of the Cytokine Cascade in Breast Cancer
Authors: S.K. Gantsev  , V.Y. Gorbunova  , G.F. Galikeeva  , E.V. Vorobyeva  , E.M. Vasilyeva  , R.A. Rustamhanov
Published: July 2013

This article contains the analysisof mutationsin genesthat regulate thecell cycle (TP53andBRCA1)andclassificationrelating totumor suppressor. Shown that the"risk"alleles of thesegenesmay contribute totumor development,butthe activation ofthe immune systemcytokine spectrumof patients canprevent theirdestructivedegeneration.The authors proposed apersonalizedapproach tothe study for thepreventionof possibleproliferative processes. This is confirmed byreversal of "risk" allelesstudied genesin tumors in operated patients with cytokine physiologically normal status.
Training Mothers in Infant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation With an Instructional DVD and Manikin
Authors: Barr Gavin C. , Rupp Valerie A. , Hamilton Kimberly M. , Worrilow Charles C. , Reed James F. , Friel Kristin S. , Dusza Stephen W. , Greenberg Marna Rayl
Published: July 2013

Context: Classes in infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be time consuming and costly.

Objective: To determine whether mothers in an obstetric unit could learn infant CPR by using a 22-minute instructional kit and to assess the value and confidence they gained by learning CPR.

Design: Quasi-experimental study with enrollment between January and December 2008.

Setting: Obstetric unit in Lehigh Valley Hospital, a suburban teaching hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Participants: Mothers at least 18 years old who had given birth within the previous 24 hours.

Intervention: The experimental group included mothers without prior CPR training who watched a 22-minute instructional DVD and practiced on a manikin. The control group included mothers with prior conventional CPR training.

Main Outcome Measures: In both groups, knowledge and proficiency were assessed with written and practical examinations developed by certified CPR instructors. Participant surveys were conducted at 3 times: immediately before dissemination of course materials, within 24 hours after the mother agreed to participate in the study, and 6 months after initial evaluation.

Results: A total of 126 mothers were enrolled in the study: 79 in the experimental group, 25 in the control group, and 22 who withdrew from the study. Written and practical examinations were used to determine proficiency, and composite scores were generated, with a maximum composite score of 12. The composite scores were statistically significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group, with median scores of 10 and 7, respectively (P<.001). Twenty-two mothers (21%) had been previously offered CPR training. In the experimental group, 76 mothers (96%) felt more confident as caregivers after learning CPR. Before training in both groups, 84 mothers (81%) stated that learning CPR was extremely important, compared with 100 mothers (96%) after training (P=.001).

Conclusion: Use of an instructional kit is an effective method of teaching CPR to new mothers. Mothers reported that learning CPR is extremely important and that it increases their confidence as caregivers.
Adelphacme (Loganiaceae), a new genus from south-western Australia
Authors: Gibbons Kerry Lynne , Conn Barry John , Henwood Murray James
Published: July 2013

The new genus Adelphacme (Loganiaceae) is here described. Adelphacme is placed in Loganieae and is distinguished from all other genera in Loganiaceae by the following unique combination of characters: stipules reduced to a persistent, membranous, interfoliar sheath; 5-merous calyx, corolla and androecium; calyx with indistinct tube; corolla glabrous or papillose with valvate aestivation; ovary semi-inferior and capsule two-horned (mitre-shaped) with styles persistent and apically united. The new combination Adelphacme minima (B.J.Conn) K.L.Gibbons, B.J.Conn & M.J.Henwood is here made. A key to the seven genera of Loganieae, recognised here, is provided. The key is modified to include all Australian genera of the family Loganiaceae.
Phebalium speciosum (Rutaceae: Boronieae),
Authors: Telford Ian
Published: July 2013

Phebalium speciosum I.Telford, endemic to north-eastern New South Wales and previously included in P. nottii (F.Muell.) Maiden & Betche, is described as new. Information is presented on its distribution, habitat and conservation status. An image of an isotype specimen, a table comparing distinguishing attributes of the new species, P. nottii and P. woombye, and a modification to the key to the species of Phebalium occurring in New South Wales are included.
Using a Novel Dose QA Tool to Quantify the Impact of Systematic Errors Otherwise Undetected by Conventional QA Methods: Clinical Head and Neck Case Studies
Authors: Chan Maria F. , Li Jingdong , Schupak Karen , Burman Chandra
Published: July 2013

Recent studies have demonstrated that per-beam planar intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) passing rates may not predict clinically relevant patient dose errors. This work is to evaluate the effect of dose variations introduced in dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) modeling and delivery processes on clinically relevant metrics for IMRT. Ten head and neck (HN) IMRT plans were randomly selected for this study. The conventional per-beam IMRT QA was performed for each plan by 2 different methods: (1) with gantry angle of 0 (gantry pointing downward) for all IMRT fields and (2) with gantry at specific angles as designed in the IMRT plan. For each patient, a batch analysis was done for each scenario and then imported to the 3DVH (Sun Nuclear Corp.) for processing. A “corrected DVH” was generated and compared to the DVH from the treatment plan. Their differences represented errors introduced from the combination of the treatment planning system (TPS) dose calculation algorithm and beam-delivery. The dose metrics from the two scenarios were compared with the corresponding calculated doses, and then their differences were analyzed. Although all per-beam planar IMRT QA had high Gamma passing rates 99.3 ± 1.3% (92.3–100%) for “2%/3 mm” criteria, there were significant errors in some of the calculated clinical dose metrics. Such as, for all the plans studied, there were as much as 3.2%, 5.7%, 5.6%, 2.3%, 4.1%, and −3.8% errors found in max cord dose, max brainstem dose, mean parotid dose, larynx dose, oral cavity dose, and PTV(D95) dose, respectively. The differences in errors for clinical metrics obtained between the two scenarios (zero gantry angle vs. true gantry angles) can also be significant: max cord dose (2.9% vs. 0.2%), max brainstem dose (3.8% vs. 0.4%), mean parotid dose (2.3% vs. 4.5%), mean larynx dose (3.9% vs. 2.0%), mean oral cavity dose (1.6% vs. 3.9%), and PTV(D95) dose (−0.4% vs. −2.6%). However, in the two scenarios, a strong and clear correlation between the dose differences for each of the organ structures was observed. This study confirms that conventional IMRT QA performance metrics are not predictive of dose errors in PTV and organs-at-risk. The clinically-relevant-dose QA has allowed us to predict the patient dose-volume relationships.
Massive Anisotropic Thermal Expansion and Thermo‐Responsive Breathing in Metal–Organic Frameworks Modulated by Linker Functionalization
Authors: Henke Sebastian , Schneemann Andreas , Fischer Roland A.
Published: July 2013

Functionalized metal–organic frameworks (fu‐MOFs) of general formula [Zn2(fu‐L)2dabco]n show unprecedentedly large uniaxial positive and negative thermal expansion (fu‐L = alkoxy functionalized 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate, dabco = 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). The magnitude of the volumetric thermal expansion is more comparable to property of liquid water rather than any crystalline solid‐state material. The alkoxy side chains of fu‐L are connected to the framework skeleton but nevertheless exhibit large conformational flexibility. Thermally induced motion of these side chains induces extremely large anisotropic framework expansion and eventually triggers reversible solid state phase transitions to drastically expanded structures. The thermo‐responsive properties of these hybrid solid–liquid materials are precisely controlled by the choice and combination of fu‐Ls and depend on functional moieties and chain lengths. In principle, this combinatorial approach allows for a targeted design of extreme thermo‐mechanical properties of MOFs addressing the regime between crystalline solid matter and the liquid state.
Plasmonics in Nanostructures
Authors: Fang Zheyu , Zhu Xing
Published: June 2013

Plasmonics has developed into one of the rapidly growing research topics for nanophotonics. With advanced nanofabrication techniques, a broad variety of nanostructures can be designed and fabricated for plasmonic devices at nanoscale. Fundamental properties for both surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and localized surface plasmons (LSP) arise a new insight and understanding for the electro‐optical device investigations, such as plasmonic nanofocusing, low‐loss plasmon waveguide and active plasmonic detectors for energy harvesting. Here, we review some typical functional plasmonic nanostructures and nanosmart devices emerging from our individual and collaborative research works.
Sandwich‐Type Microporous Carbon Nanosheets for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Hao Guang‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui , Dong Wei , Jin Zhen‐Yu , Zhang Xiang‐Qian , Zhang Jin‐Tao , Li Wen‐Cui
Published: June 2013

Sandwich‐type microporous hybrid carbon nanosheets (MHCN) consisting of graphene and microporous carbon layers are fabricated using graphene oxides as shape‐directing agent and the in‐situ formed poly(benzoxazine‐co‐resol) as carbon precursor. The reaction and condensation can be readily completed within 45 min. The obtained MHCN has a high density of accessible micropores that reside in the porous carbon with controlled thickness (e.g., 17 nm), a high surface area of 1293 m2 g−1 and a narrow pore size distribution of ca. 0.8 nm. These features allow an easy access, a rapid diffusion and a high loading of charged ions, which outperform the diffusion rate in bulk carbon and are highly efficient for an increased double‐layer capacitance. Meanwhile, the uniform graphene percolating in the interconnected MHCN forms the bulk conductive networks and their electrical conductivity can be up to 120 S m−1 at the graphene percolation threshold of 2.0 wt.%. The best‐practice two‐electrode test demonstrates that the MHCN show a gravimetric capacitance of high up to 103 F g−1 and a good energy density of ca. 22.4 Wh kg−1 at a high current density of 5 A g−1. These advanced properties ensure the MHCN a great promise as an electrode material for supercapacitors.
Craniosynostosis and radial ray defect: A rare presentation of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: June 2013

A newborn with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, hypoplastic thumbs, imperforate anus, and prenatal growth restriction was evaluated and given the clinical diagnosis of Baller–Gerold syndrome (BGS). While confirmatory testing of RECQL4 was pending, the infant developed unexplained hypocalcemia, prompting testing for a 22q11.2 deletion. Subsequently, the infant was found to have a 22q11.2 deletion, and was negative for an RECQL4 mutation. We therefore conclude that 22q11.2 deletion syndrome can present with findings resembling the BGS phenotype. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seven‐tesla phase imaging of acute multiple sclerosis lesions: A new window into the inflammatory process
Authors: Absinta Martina , Sati Pascal , Gaitán María I. , Maggi Pietro , Cortese Irene C. M. , Filippi Massimo , Reich Daniel S.
Published: June 2013

Objective

In multiple sclerosis (MS), accurate, in vivo characterization of dynamic inflammatory pathological changes occurring in newly forming lesions could have major implications for understanding disease pathogenesis and mechanisms of tissue destruction. Here, we investigated the potential of ultrahigh‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 7T), particularly phase imaging combined with dynamic contrast enhancement, to provide new insights in acute MS lesions.

Methods

Sixteen active MS patients were studied at 7T. Noncontrast, high‐resolution T2* magnitude and phase scans, T1 scans before/after gadolinium contrast injection, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) T1 scans were acquired. T2*/phase features and DCE pattern were determined for acute and chronic lesions. When possible, 1‐year follow‐up 7T MRI was performed.

Results

Of 49 contrast‐enhancing lesions, 44 could be analyzed. Centrifugal DCE lesions appeared isointense or hypointense on phase images, whereas centripetal DCE lesions showed thin, hypointense phase rims that clearly colocalized with the initial site of contrast enhancement. This pattern generally disappeared once enhancement resolved. Conversely, in 43 chronic lesions also selected for the presence of hypointense phase rims, the findings were stable over time, and the rims were typically thicker and darker. These considerations suggest different underlying pathological processes in the 2 lesion types.

Interpretation

Ultrahigh‐field MRI and, especially, phase contrast, are highly sensitive to tissue changes in acute MS lesions, which differ from the patterns seen in chronic lesions. In acute lesions, the hypointense phase rim reflects the expanding inflammatory edge and may directly correspond to inflammatory byproducts and sequelae of blood–brain barrier opening. Ann Neurol 2013;74:669–678
Fe‐Beta catalysts prepared by heating wet ion exchange and their catalytic performances on N2O catalytic decomposition and reduction
Authors: Lu Renjie , Zhang Xinyan , Ma Chunyan , Wang Zhuo , Wang Yufei , Hao Zhengping
Published: July 2013

A heating wet ion exchange method was successfully used to synthesize Fe‐beta catalysts by controlling preparation conditions. The iron loading of Fe‐beta catalysts increased from 0.88% to 16.56% with raising the ion exchange temperature from 20 to 90 °C. Their catalytic activities for N2O decomposition and N2O reduction by NH3 were evaluated. The activity results show that the catalyst prepared at 80 °C (Fe‐beta‐80 °C) could achieve complete N2O decomposition at 480 °C and N2O reduction by NH3 at 375 °C. The iron species of catalysts were further characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis, H2 temperature programmed reduction, and NH3 temperature programmed desorption techniques. The characterization results indicate that related high content of isolated Fe3+ ions and oligonuclear Fe3+xOy clusters existed in the Fe‐beta‐80 °C catalyst, which contributed to the high catalytic activity. Moreover, after the reaction of more than 100 h, Fe‐beta‐80 °C catalyst has no obvious deactivation under simulated emission conditions. The presence of O2 (5%) reduced N2O conversion only to a small extent, whereas NO (1000 ppm) promoted the N2O decomposition over Fe‐beta‐80 °C. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyaniline nanocomposites with negative permittivity
Authors: Gu Hongbo , Guo Jiang , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu
Published: June 2013

In this review, the fundamentals of negative permittivity are critically discussed. Current research on polyaniline and its nanocomposites with negative permittivity are presented in detail. The reasons why these unique materials show negative permittivity are analyzed. This knowledge will be useful for future metacomposite design and manufacturing. These polymeric materials with negative permittivity are envisioned to create next‐generation left‐hand media for cloaking, subwavelength imaging, stealth, and invisibility applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2238–2244, 2013
Heterophasic copolymers of polypropylene: Development, design principles, and future challenges
Authors: Gahleitner Markus , Tranninger Cornelia , Doshev Petar
Published: June 2013

Initially developed to overcome the limited low‐temperature impact resistance of polypropylene (PP) and allow its application in subzero temperatures, the PP/elastomer blends became a very important and industrially relevant material class. Within the last 40 years, a whole range of PP impact copolymers from multireactor processes have been developed that are capable of covering wide application areas. This review summarizes their developmental history and presents options for the in‐reactor design of these polymers and their modification by compounding with elastomers and fillers or reinforcements after the polymerization. An overview of the application range is also presented together with a glimpse into the future of this material class. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3028–3037, 2013
The Impact of Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitors on Radiographic Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Haroon Nigil , Inman Robert D. , Learch Thomas J. , Weisman Michael H. , Lee MinJae , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Ward Michael M. , Reveille John D. , Gensler Lianne S.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To study the effect of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors on progressive spinal damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

All AS patients meeting the modified New York criteria who had been monitored prospectively and had at least 2 sets of spinal radiographs a minimum of 1.5 years apart were included in the study (n = 334). The patients received standard therapy, which included nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and TNFα inhibitors. Radiographic severity was assessed by the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Patients with a rate of AS progression that was ≥1 mSASSS unit/year were considered progressors. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were done. Propensity score matching and sensitivity analysis were performed. A zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model was used to analyze the effect of TNFα inhibitors on the change in the mSASSS with varying followup periods. Potential confounders, such as disease activity (as assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, HLA–B27 positivity, sex, age at onset, smoking burden (number of pack‐years), and baseline damage, were included in the model.

Results

TNFα inhibitor treatment was associated with a 50% reduction in the odds of progression, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.52 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.30–0.88, P = 0.02). Patients with a delay of >10 years in starting therapy were more likely to experience progression as compared to those who started earlier (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.09–5.3], P = 0.03). In the ZINB model, the use of TNFα inhibitors significantly reduced disease progression when the gap between radiographs was >3.9 years. The protective effect of TNFα inhibitors was stronger after propensity score matching.

Conclusion

Treatment with TNFα inhibitors appears to reduce radiographic progression in AS patients, especially with early initiation and with longer duration of followup.
A Convex Method of Robust Controller Design for Markovian Jump Systems with Uncertain Transition Rates
Authors: Guo Yafeng
Published: June 2013

This paper is concerned with exploring a convex controller design method for a class of Markovian jump systems with uncertain transition rates. First, a new stability criterion of such systems is established by applying the slack‐matrix technique. Then, a totally convex method for the state‐feedback controller design is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The proposed design method has the merits of convexity and low conservativeness, while in the previous methods the two merits cannot coexist. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and merits of the proposed method.
The Influence of Governance Structure and Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility Toward Sustainability Reporting Quality
Authors: Amran Azlan , Lee Shiau Ping , Devi S. Susela
Published: June 2013

Increased business complexities coupled with enhanced global transformation have propelled corporations to behave as responsible citizens to drive the sustainability agenda. Many corporations incorporate their affirmative commitment to sustainable business practices into their corporate identities and give evidence for this in their sustainability reports. This paper examines the role of the board of directors in sustainability reporting quality (SRQ) in the Asia‐Pacific region. Based on a cross‐sectional study of 113 companies from 12 countries in the region, we find that the SRQ in the region leaves much room for improvement. However, we find that the institutionalization of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in an organization provides a sound foundation for enhancing SRQ. We find that the value of CSR anchored in the vision and/ or mission statement and strategic alliances fostered with non‐governmental organizations are positively associated with SRQ.

This study contributes to strengthening the understanding, promoting discussion on the state of sustainability reporting in the Asia‐Pacific context and laying a solid foundation for more aggressive efforts to enhance SRQ. The study identifies the significant drivers currently associated with SRQ. The weak role of the board of directors in upholding the sustainable development agenda through the reporting process is highlighted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Hydrolysis of insoluble cellulose to glucose catalyzed by cellulase‐containing liposomes in an aqueous solution of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride
Authors: Yoshimoto Makoto , Tanimura Kazuhiko , Tokunaga Kazuki , Kamimura Akio
Published: June 2013

The liposome containing cellulase from Trichoderma viride was prepared under the condition that an appreciable amount of cellulase was incorporated in lipid membranes. The liposomal cellulase and free enzyme were examined in their hydrolytic activities to insoluble cellulose powder CC31 in the acetate buffer solution (pH 4.8) of 15 w/w% [Bmim][Cl] (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride). The mean diameter and size distribution of cellulase‐containing liposome were practically unchanged under the above condition. The free cellulase was deactivated more rapidly than the liposomal cellulase in catalyzing the hydrolysis of 2.0 g/l CC31 at 45°C in the presence of [Bmim][Cl] for 48 h. The activities of liposomal and free cellulase to cellobiose as soluble substrate were less susceptible to [Bmim][Cl] than their cellulolytic activities to CC31, meaning that β‐glucosidase is relatively stable among the three enzyme components of cellulase. The rate of glucose production could be appreciably improved by the pretreatment of CC31 with [Bmim][Cl] alone at 120°C for 30 min followed by the liposomal cellulase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of the substrate at 45°C at the [Bmim][Cl] concentration of 15 w/w%. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1190–1196, 2013
Enhancing treatment engagement in sexual offenders: A pilot study to explore the utility of the Personal Aspirations and Concerns Inventory for Offenders (PACI‐O)
Authors: Sellen Joselyn Liza , Gobbett Matthew , Campbell Jacqueline
Published: June 2013

Background

It is essential to improve the motivation of incarcerated sexual offenders to engage in programmes that help lower reoffending rates. The Personal Aspirations and Concerns Inventory for Offenders (PACI‐O) is a semi‐structured interview that helps them to identify what they want to achieve or change in their life. It may improve treatment engagement.

Aims

The aims of this study were to test use of the PACI‐O as a motivator towards treatment engagement and to test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of this with sex offenders.

Methods

Thirty‐seven convicted sex offenders who were due to participate in an Enhanced Thinking Skills programme were randomly assigned to the ‘experimental’ group, who completed the PACI‐O prior to programme entry, or a control group, who completed the programme but not the PACI‐O. All participants completed treatment engagement measures.

Results

Small positive changes were observed in indicators of treatment motivation and engagement, which were most marked in the small group of offence deniers. The RCT method proved feasible.

Conclusions and implications for practice and research

Although our sample was small, our preliminary finding indicates that the PACI‐O may provide a cost‐effective method of improving treatment engagement for a hard‐to‐reach group of offenders. Replication with a sample of just over 100 men should offer sufficient power for establishing this technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning the Lewis Acidity of Boranes in Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry: Implications for the Hydrogenation of Electron‐Poor Alkenes
Authors: Nicasio Juan A. , Steinberg Sebastian , Inés Blanca , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: June 2013

An analysis of the metal‐free reduction of electron deficient olefins by frustrated Lewis pairs indicates that the rate‐determining step might be either the heterolytic cleavage of H2 to form an ‐onium borohydride salt, or the subsequent transfer of the hydride moiety to the substrate following a Michael‐type addition reaction. While the use of strong Lewis acids such as B(C6F5)3 facilitates the first of these processes, hydride transfer to the olefin should be contrarily favoured by the use of weak Lewis acids which, for this very same reason, might be unable to promote the prior H2 split. After systematic testing of several boranes of different Lewis acidity (assessed by using the Childs’ method) and steric demand, an optimal situation that employs tris(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)borane was reached. Mixtures of this borane with 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of alkylidene malonates. In fact, this transformation could be achieved under milder conditions than those we reported previously. Moreover, the reaction scope could be expanded to other electron deficient olefins containing esters, sulfones or nitro functionalities as electron‐withdrawing substituents.
Konzeptwechseltexte – eine Textart zur Veränderung von Schülervorstellungen
Authors: Egbers Maria , Marohn Annette
Published: June 2013

Schüler kommen nicht als „unbeschriebene Blätter“ in den Chemieunterricht, sondern haben bereits vielfältige Vorstellungen über chemische Sachverhalte. Diese entsprechen häufig nicht den wissenschaftlich anerkannten Konzepten. Im Folgenden soll ein Lernmaterial vorgestellt werden, das als Ziel hat, diese Alternativvorstellungen bewusst aufzugreifen und zu verändern: der Konzeptwechseltext. Das Besondere an diesen Texten ist, dass sie nicht nur die fachlich anerkannten, sondern auch die alternativen Vorstellungen der Schüler thematisieren. Die Lerner werden somit auf fachlich nicht korrekte Konzepte aufmerksam gemacht und es wird ein kognitiver Konflikt generiert, der einen Konzeptwechsel initiieren kann. Durch Erklärungen und Beispiele soll erleichtert werden, das fachlich anerkannte Konzept zu verstehen und sich anzueignen. Die zu vermittelnden Konzepte finden durch die integrierten Fragen und Aufgaben sowie eine Repositionierung am Ende sofortige Anwendung. Der hier vorgestellte Text behandelt das Thema „Lösevorgänge“ und richtet sich an Schüler vom Anfangsunterricht bis hin zur Oberstufe.

Zur besseren Lesbarkeit wird hier und im Folgenden die männliche Form einer Person („Schüler“, „Lerner“ etc.) verwendet. Die Bezeichnungen referieren auf den Status einer Person und seien in generischer Bedeutung gelesen.

Students do not enter chemistry classes as an unknown quantity, but have manifold ideas about chemical issues. These are often incompatible, though, with scientifically accepted conceptions. Further down teaching material shall be presented, which aims at picking up these alternative conceptions consciously and turn them into scientifically accepted ones: a conceptual change text. The special feature of these texts is that they not only name the scientifically accepted conceptions of students but also the alternative ones. Thus, the student’s attention is called to scientifically incorrect conceptions and cognitive conflict is generated, which may initiate a conceptual change. By using examples and explanations the approach towards the scientifically accepted conception is being simplified, so it is easier to understand and to acquire. The conveyed conception is directly applied by integrated questions and assignments. At the end of the text the students are asked for repositioning. The following text covers the subject “the process of dissolving” and is applicable for beginners as well as advanced learners.
Women on Boards: Do They Affect Sustainability Reporting?
Authors: Fernandez‐Feijoo Belen , Romero Silvia , Ruiz‐Blanco Silvia
Published: June 2013

Sustainable reports are the basic tool used to reflect and communicate stakeholder dialogue. Therefore, sustainability reporting has become a key element for strategic management. Companies' strategies are defined and developed by their boards of directors. This study explores the relationship between sustainability reporting and the existence of at least three women on the board of directors. Our results show that in countries with a higher proportion of boards of directors with at least three women, the levels of CSR reporting are higher. We also find that countries with higher gender equality have more companies with boards of directors with at least three women. We control for other variables that affect differences among countries and differences in CSR reporting as found in previous studies: cultural differences, law enforcement, GDP, industry and regulation. Our paper contributes to the literature by studying the relationship between board gender composition and CSR reporting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The increased expression of proteins involved in proliferation, DNA repair and DNA methylation in spleen of mice exposed to E. coli O157:H7 lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kovalchuk Igor , Walz Paul , Thomas James , Kovalchuk Olga
Published: June 2013

Previous research showed that the consumption of heat‐killed E. coli O157:H7 bacteria resulted in an increase in the level of DNA damage in intestine, liver and spleen cells. We hypothesized that certain bacterial components released from heat‐killed bacteria trigger this response. We analysed the possibility that bacterial components [such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS)] could induce changes in the level of proteins involved in cell proliferation, DNA repair and DNA methylation in distal spleen tissues of mice. Four‐week‐old male mice were provided water supplemented with whole heat‐killed E. coli O157:H7 bacteria or components of bacteria (DNA, RNA, proteins and LPS). Spleen cells responded to exposure to whole heat‐killed bacteria and LPS with an alteration in the level of PCNA proteins, DNA methylation proteins (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and MeCP2) and DNA repair proteins (APE1 and KU70). Other bacterial components analysed in this study mostly did not alter protein expression. The data suggest that LPS is a bacterial component capable of inducing molecular changes in naïve spleen cells of hosts exposed to it. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:421–428, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterogenous QoS‐guaranteed load balancing in 3GPP LTE multicell fractional frequency reuse network
Authors: Li Zhihang , Wang Hao , Pan Zhiwen , Liu Nan , You Xiaohu
Published: June 2013

The performance of 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) network can be significantly influenced by unbalanced user distribution. In heavily loaded cells, users cannot obtain satisfied services because of shortage of resources, whereas in lightly loaded cells, there are plenty of unoccupied resources. Load balancing (LB) is proposed to deal with this problem, through which the load distribution among nearby cells can be greatly balanced. However, because of the usage of full frequency reuse in LTE, the cell‐edge throughput is severely deteriorated by strong intercell interference. Meanwhile, LTE network usually serves users with heterogenous quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements, which requires LB to be aware of it. Furthermore, call admission control (CAC) is indispensable in the process of LB, and it depends heavily on the long‐term average performance of the scheduling scheme. Thus, design of an efficient LB algorithm with the consideration of intercell interference, QoS, CAC and scheduling together becomes an important issue. To deal with the previous problem, a multi‐objective optimisation problem is formulated in this paper. Its complexity is analysed, and a practical algorithm, which includes hybrid scheduling, QoS‐guaranteed CAC, QoS‐aware intracell and intercell LB, is proposed. Extensive simulations are conducted. Results show that the proposed algorithm can approximate the optimal solution efficiently, thus leading to significantly better performance, that is, a lower new call blocking rate for users with QoS requirement, a larger total utility and a higher cell‐edge throughput for users without QoS requirement, although the cost is a bit degradation of the total throughput. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study on ignition and combustion characteristics of typical oils
Authors: Chen Xiao , Lu Shouxiang , Li Changhai , Zhang Jiaqing , Liew Kim Meow
Published: June 2013

The impact of radiant heat flux on ignition and combustion behavior of typical oils (diesel, lubricating oil, and aviation kerosene) was conducted in a cone calorimeter. A circular steel pan with a diameter of 10 cm was used to contain diesel, lubricating oil, and aviation kerosene without water sublayer. Using the standard oxygen consumption method, we obtained ignition time, heat release rate, mass loss rate, extinction coefficient, CO, and CO2 yield, and average specific extinction area was calculated from the extinction coefficient. Janssens' method was adopted in this study to deal with ignition time and radiant heat flux under a 0.55 power rule. Results show that the fitting through Janssens' method is good for ignition time of diesel, lubricating oil, and aviation kerosene and radiant heat flux. Moreover, heat release rate, mass loss rate, and CO/CO2 ratio appear to positively correlate with radiant heat flux, whereas average specific extinction area varies in a certain range. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fire at high latitudes: Data‐model comparisons and their consequences
Authors: Kantzas Euripides , Lomas Mark , Quegan Shaun
Published: June 2013

Fire is an endemic process at high latitudes, connected to a range of other land surface properties, such as land cover, biomass, and permafrost, and intimately linked to the carbon balance of the high‐latitude land surface. Much of our current understanding of these links and their climate consequences is through land surface models, so it is important to ensure that for their credibility, these models should be consistent with available data. Over the vast panboreal region, a key source of information on fire is satellite data. Comparisons between satellite‐based burned area data from the Global Fire Emissions Database and three dynamic vegetation models (LPJ‐WM, CLM4CN, and SDGVM) indicate that all models fail to represent the observed spatial and temporal properties of the fire regime. Although the three dynamic vegetation models give comparable values of the boreal net biome production (NBP), fire emissions are found to differ by a factor 4 between the models, because of widely different estimates of burned area and because of different parameterizations of the fuel load and combustion process. Including a more realistic representation of the fire regime in the models shows that for northern high latitudes, (i) severe fire years do not coincide with source years or vice versa, (ii) the interannual variability of fire emissions does not significantly affect the interannual variability of NBP, and (iii) overall biomass values alter only slightly, but the spatial distribution of biomass exhibits changes. We also demonstrate that it is crucial to alter the current representations of fire occurrence and severity in land surface models if the links between permafrost and fire are to be captured, in particular, the dynamics of permafrost properties, such as active layer depth. This is especially important if models are to be used to predict the effects of a changing climate, because of the consequences of permafrost changes for greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology, and land cover.
Decimeter‐scale in situ mapping of modern cross‐bedded dune deposits using parametric echo sounding: A new method for linking river processes and their deposits
Authors: Sambrook Smith Gregory H. , Best James L. , Orfeo Oscar , Vardy Mark E. , Zinger Jessica A.
Published: July 2013

Collecting high‐resolution data to quantify the sedimentary architecture within contemporary alluvial channels remains one of the outstanding challenges in fluvial sedimentology. Here, we present data collected using a new geophysical method, the parametric echo sounder (PES), which can meet this challenge. From surveys over a field of sand dunes in the Río Paraná, Argentina, we demonstrate the unique ability of PES to image the subsurface structure within active channels at a decimetric resolution. These data reveal the bounding surfaces between bars and dunes, as well as the foresets and reactivation surfaces within them. This provides quantitative in situ data for recent work that suggests cross‐strata preserved by dunes may be more related to flow depths less than the commonly assumed bankfull level. These surveys demonstrate that PES can provide hitherto unobtainable data from alluvial channels and presents significant opportunities for more detailed coupled studies of fluvial processes and their deposits.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in hepatocyte pyroptosis, liver inflammation, and fibrosis in mice
Authors: Wree Alexander , Eguchi Akiko , McGeough Matthew D. , Pena Carla A. , Johnson Casey D. , Canbay Ali , Hoffman Hal M. , Feldstein Ariel E.
Published: June 2013

Inflammasome activation plays a central role in the development of drug-induced and obesity-associated liver disease. However, the sources and mechanisms of inflammasome-mediated liver damage remain poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome activation on the liver using novel mouse models. We generated global and myeloid cell-specific conditional mutant Nlrp3 knock-in mice expressing the D301N Nlrp3 mutation (ortholog of D303N in human NLRP3), resulting in a hyperactive NLRP3. To study the presence and significance of NLRP3-initiated pyroptotic cell death, we separated hepatocytes from nonparenchymal cells and developed a novel flow-cytometry–based (fluorescence-activated cell sorting; FACS) strategy to detect and quantify pyroptosis in vivo based on detection of active caspase 1 (Casp1)- and propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells. Liver inflammation was quantified histologically by FACS and gene expression analysis. Liver fibrosis was assessed by Sirius Red staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for markers of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. NLRP3 activation resulted in shortened survival, poor growth, and severe liver inflammation; characterized by neutrophilic infiltration and HSC activation with collagen deposition in the liver. These changes were partially attenuated by treatment with anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Notably, hepatocytes from global Nlrp3-mutant mice showed marked hepatocyte pyroptotic cell death, with more than a 5-fold increase in active Casp1/PI double-positive cells. Myeloid cell-restricted mutant NLRP3 activation resulted in a less-severe liver phenotype in the absence of detectable pyroptotic hepatocyte cell death. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that global and, to a lesser extent, myeloid-specific NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in severe liver inflammation and fibrosis while identifying hepatocyte pyroptotic cell death as a novel mechanism of NLRP3-mediated liver damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:898–910)
Renal impairment is frequent in chronic hepatitis C patients under triple therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir
Authors: Mauss Stefan , Hueppe Dietrich , Alshuth Ulrich
Published: June 2013

In clinical trials with telaprevir (TLV) and boceprevir (BOC) renal impairment was not reported as a relevant adverse event. The PAN study is a noninterventional study enrolling patients treated with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin (PEG/RBV) with or without TVL or BOC. Here we restrict the analysis to hepatitis C virus genotype 1 patients having completed 12 (n = 895) or 24 weeks (n = 591) of treatment. For estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula was chosen. Patients on TLV 38/575 (6.6%) and BOC 10/211 (4.7%) more frequently experienced a decrease in eGFR to <60 mL/min compared to patients on PEG/RBV 1/109 (0.9%) (

P

< 0.05). Risk factors associated with eGFR <60 mL/min in multiple logistic regression analysis were age (

P

< 0.001), arterial hypertension (

P

< 0.05), higher serum creatinine at baseline (

P

< 0.001), and being on triple therapy with TLV or BOC (

P

< 0.01). Patients with an eGFR of <60 mL/min had a lower absolute mean hemoglobin at week 12 compared to patients with an eGFR >60 mL/min (9.7 g/dL ± 1.4 g/dL versus 11.0 g/dL ± 1.7 g/dL) (

P

< 0.001). Most patients on TLV with a decrease of eGFR <60 mL/min showed a marked improvement in renal function after discontinuation of TLV.

Conclusion :

Renal impairment has not been reported as a safety signal in clinical trials with TVL or BOC. However, in this large cohort including patients with risk factors for renal impairment a marked decline in renal function was observed in about 5% of patients on triple therapy. In addition to being a safety concern, substantial ribavirin dose reductions have to be considered in these patients, as anemia was more pronounced in patients with impaired renal function.
12.3: Development of Electro‐Osmotic Color E‐paper
Authors: Hoehla Steffen , Henzen Alex , Fruehauf Norbert
Published: July 2013

Electronic paper devices based on electrophoretic layers are now predominantly limited to greyscale reproduction of (semi)static information. This has been acceptable in the past, but the near future will require color, with ever more and better colors. The final goal is a color image that challenges the performance of a color photograph. This paper describes the results of a first prototype electro‐osmotic color display capable of achieving this, opening the route to bright, full color displays compatible with existing LCD infrastructure.
An in vitro atomic force microscopic study of commercially available dental luting materials
Authors: Djordje Antonijevic , Denis Brajkovic , Nenadovic Milos , Petar Milovanovic , Marija Djuric , Zlatko Rakocevic
Published: June 2013

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the surface roughness parameters of four different types of dental luting agents used for cementation of implant restorations. Method and materials: Five specimens (8 mm high and 1 mm thick) of each cement were made using metal ring steelless molds. Atomic Force Microscope was employed to analyze different surface texture parameters of the materials. Bearing ratio analysis was used to calculate the potential microgap size between the cement and implant material and to calculate the depth of the valleys on the cement surface, while power spectral density (PSD) measurements were performed to measure the percentage of the surface prone to bacterial adhesion. Results: Glass ionomer cement showed significantly lower value of average surface roughness then the other groups of the materials (P < 0.05) which was in line with the results of Bearing ratio analysis. On the other side, PSD analysis showed that zinc phosphate cement experience the lowest percentage of the surface which promote bacterial colonization. Conclusion: Glas ionomer cements present the surface roughness parameters that are less favorable for bacterial adhesion than that of zinc phosphate, resin‐modified glass ionomer and resin cements. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:924–930, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical study of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances generated by the solar terminator over China
Authors: Song Qian , Ding Feng , Wan Weixing , Ning Baiqi , Liu Libo , Zhao Biqiang , Li Qiang , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a statistical result of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) associated with moving solar terminator in China during 12 months from February 2011 to January 2012. The LSTIDs are identified by the two‐dimensional total electron content (TEC) perturbation maps, which are built based on the observations of GPS network data from China. The GPS observations are combined with the observations from an ionosonde chain established by the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. A total of 135 LSTID events are identified at dawn, while there is indiscernible LSTID at dusk. Meanwhile, these LSTIDs are captured by the ionosonde chain which shows that there are perturbations in the virtual heights during the passage of LSTIDs at the height between 200 and 700 km. The occurrence rate of LSTIDs shows a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. The LSTIDs propagate across China with phase front widths larger than 1500 km. The propagation direction of LSTIDs is northwestward in winter, southwestward in summer, and quasi‐westward in equinoxes, respectively. The average period, horizontal phase velocity, and horizontal wavelength of LSTIDs are 79 ± 12 min, 288 ± 43 m/s, and 1503 ± 205 km, respectively. The relative TEC perturbations of the LSTIDs attenuate as the LSTIDs travel across China.