bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Call for change in prenatal counseling for Down syndrome
Authors: McCabe Linda L. , McCabe Edward R.B.
Published: February 2012

The American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A is to be congratulated for taking a leadership role by publishing a number of papers challenging the status quo of prenatal counseling for Down syndrome and of care for children and adults with Down syndrome. Parents want to know about the future abilities and potential of their fetus with Down syndrome, not simply negative medical information that may be outdated. Those providing counseling and those providing medical care could benefit from contact with individuals with Down syndrome outside the medical context. It is imperative that each person with Down syndrome be viewed as a unique individual with particular talents. Medical care providers should work with parents to help the child or adult with Down syndrome reach his/her goals. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use and non‐use of genetic counseling after diagnosis of a birth defect
Authors: Glynn Anne , Saya Sibel , Halliday Jane
Published: February 2012

We examined factors and experiences associated with parents' use or non‐use of genetic counseling services within 5 years of the diagnosis of a birth defect in their child. Eligible parents were identified using birth defects data for births in 2004 in Victoria, Australia, and invited to complete a written questionnaire and optional telephone interview. Participants were asked about sources of genetic information, experiences and satisfaction with obtaining this information, and impressions of genetic services. Reasons given for not attending genetic counseling services included not knowing the service was available, or not feeling a need to attend. Non‐users commonly stated they would not consider termination of pregnancy for the type of birth defect experienced or that they obtained information from other sources, such as pediatricians. This study indicates that parents, whose child has been diagnosed with a birth defect, could benefit from being informed about available genetic counseling services. The results show that some non‐users of genetics services may have misconceptions about the purpose of genetic counseling and correcting these may increase utilization. This is important in order to ensure all parents receive sufficient information and support after diagnosis of a birth defect in their child. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based MWCNT hydrogel for lead ion removal from contaminated water
Authors: Abraham Thomas N. , Kumar Rajesh , Misra R. K. , Jain S. K.
Published: February 2012

In this article, we are discussing the synthesis and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) hydrogels and its evaluation studies for toxic metal ion removal. The functionalized MWCNT serves the purpose of toxic ion adsorbent and PVA is functioning as the substrate for the stable dispersion of MWCNT. We have carried out the evaluation studies using lead ions Pb(II) in batch experimental mode. The percentage removal of Pb(II) was examined by varying experimental conditions viz. dosage of adsorbent, pH of the solutions, and contact time. It was found that 80% removal was achieved under optimal conditions. This adsorption potential is found to be far better than that of simply dispersing MWCNT in water. The equilibrium adsorption follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. After Pb(II) adsorption, the ions were easily desorbed using a high pH solution, completely regenerating for further removal process. This novel approach of dispersing MWCNT in hydrogel and their re‐use after desorption is expected to have promising outcome in the water purification application. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Role of colloidal polymer associates for the effectiveness of hydroxyethyl cellulose as a fluid loss control additive in oil well cement
Authors: Bülichen Daniel , Plank Johann
Published: February 2012

The working mechanism of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as a fluid loss additive in oil well cement was investigated. The specific anionic charge amount, intrinsic viscosity, and associative behavior in a cement pore solution were determined. The fluid loss performance was probed through the static filtration of cement slurries. HEC achieves fluid loss control by reducing cement filtercake permeability. No influence on the filtercake microstructure was observed. ζ Potential measurements and a special filtration test indicated that no adsorption on cement occurred. Environmental scanning electron microscopy images revealed that in a wet environment, HEC swelled to a multiple of its size and possessed an enormous water‐sorption capacity. Concentration‐dependent measurements of the hydrodynamic diameter of HEC dissolved in a cement pore solution showed that large associates were formed. These colloidal associates physically obstructed the filtercake pores. Finally, the addition of sulfonated melamine formaldehyde dispersant to the cement slurries containing HEC greatly improved the fluid loss control. A specific interaction was responsible for this synergistic effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Enantioselective Syntheses of Rigidiusculamides A and B: Revision of the Relative Stereochemistry of Rigidiusculamide A
Authors: Chen Gui‐Yang , Huang Huang , Ye Jian‐Liang , Wang Ai‐E , Huang Hui‐Ying , Zhang Hong‐Kui , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: February 2012

The first enantioselective synthesis of cytotoxic natural products rigidiusculamides A (ent‐21) and B (8) has been achieved by two synthetic routes. The first one is convergent based on the common intermediate 11, obtained through a high yielding SmI2‐mediated Reformatsky‐type reaction. A highly diastereoselective one‐pot Dess–Martin periodinane‐mediated bis‐oxidation allowed the direct conversion of the diastereomeric mixture of 11 into rigidiusculamide B (8). Isolation of minor diastereomer 21, in combination with computational work, allowed us to suggest the structure of the natural rigidiusculamide A to be 21, as synthesized by the second route. Four diastereomers (7, 7, 22a, and 22b) and an enantiomer (21) of rigidiusculamide A (21) have been synthesized. On the basis of literature precedents and computational work, a biosynthetic pathway for rigidiusculamides A and B was proposed to account for the opposite configuration at C‐5 of those two congeners.
Determination of enantiomeric excess by chiral liquid chromatography without enantiomerically pure starting standards
Authors: Sánchez F. G. , Navas Díaz A. , Sánchez Torreño E. , Aguilar A. , Medina Lama I. , Algarra M.
Published: February 2012

A facile approach for the enantiomeric excess determination of enantiomeric mixtures without the necessity of pure enantiomer standards is presented. Promethazine and trimeprazine commercial nonracemic mixtures were used as cases study to probe the validity of the method. Chromatographic resolutions obtained with a chiral column AGP in reverse phase mode were 1.32–1.16 (promethazine) and 1.20–0.93 (trimeprazine) for the three detectors (circular dichroism, photometric and fluorimetric) in series. Results obtained showed that enantiomeric excess was 10.4, 8.71 and 8.58% for promethazine and 1.60, 1.23 and 1.80% for trimeprazine (medium values of 9.23 ± 1.01% and 1.54 ± 0.29%, respectively). Recovery assay over human serum samples, at three concentration levels, spiked with prometazine and submitted to solid‐phase extraction, gave values of 99.09–93.48% [S‐(−) enantiomer] and 98.51–91.89% [R‐(+)‐enantiomer]. Detection limits of promethazine enantiomers were between 0.02 µg (fluorimetric) and 1 µg (circular dichroism), and 0.02–1.1 µg for trimeprazine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing the Accessibility of Active Species in Weakly Acidic Zr‐SBA‐15 Materials
Authors: Iglesias Jose , Gracia Maria Dolores , Luque Rafael , Romero Antonio A. , Melero Juan Antonio
Published: February 2012

Weakly acidic Zr‐SBA‐15 materials were synthesized by using a novel method to maximize the accessibility of zirconium sites in view of their catalytic applications. Synthesized materials at different ageing temperatures were characterized by means of several techniques such as XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and subsequently used in a test acid‐catalyzed process such as the microwave‐assisted alkylation of anisole with benzyl chloride. Reaction results revealed the very high catalytic activity of the prepared Zr‐SBA‐15 materials, which depended mostly on the accessibility of the supported zirconium species and their speciation.
Three‐Component Self‐Assembly of a Series of Triply Interlocked Pd12 Coordination Prisms and Their Non‐Interlocked Pd6 Analogues
Authors: Bar Arun Kumar , Raghothama Srinivasarao , Moon Dohyun , Mukherjee Partha Sarathi
Published: February 2012

Template‐assisted formation of multicomponent Pd6 coordination prisms and formation of their self‐templated triply interlocked Pd12 analogues in the absence of an external template have been established in a single step through PdN/PdO coordination. Treatment of cis‐[Pd(en)(NO3)2] with K3tma and linear pillar 4,4′‐bpy (en=ethylenediamine, H3tma=benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid, 4,4′‐bpy=4,4′‐bipyridine) gave intercalated coordination cage [{Pd(en)}6(bpy)3(tma)2]2[NO3]12 (1) exclusively, whereas the same reaction in the presence of H3tma as an aromatic guest gave a H3tma‐encapsulating non‐interlocked discrete Pd6 molecular prism [{Pd(en)}6(bpy)3(tma)2(H3tma)2][NO3]6 (2). Though the same reaction using cis‐[Pd(NO3)2(pn)] (pn=propane‐1,2‐diamine) instead of cis‐[Pd(en)(NO3)2] gave triply interlocked coordination cage [{Pd(pn)}6(bpy)3(tma)2]2[NO3]12 (3) along with non‐interlocked Pd6 analogue [{Pd(pn)}6(bpy)3(tma)2](NO3)6 (3′), and the presence of H3tma as a guest gave H3tma‐encapsulating molecular prism [{Pd(pn)}6(bpy)3(tma)2(H3tma)2][NO3]6 (4) exclusively. In solution, the amount of 3′ decreases as the temperature is decreased, and in the solid state 3 is the sole product. Notably, an analogous reaction using the relatively short pillar pz (pz=pyrazine) instead of 4,4′‐bpy gave triply interlocked coordination cage [{Pd(pn)}6(pz)3(tma)2]2[NO3]12 (5) as the single product. Interestingly, the same reaction using slightly more bulky cis‐[Pd(NO3)2(tmen)] (tmen=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylene diamine) instead of cis‐[Pd(NO3)2(pn)] gave non‐interlocked [{Pd(tmen)}6(pz)3(tma)2][NO3]6 (6) exclusively. Complexes 1, 3, and 5 represent the first examples of template‐free triply interlocked molecular prisms obtained through multicomponent self‐assembly. Formation of the complexes was supported by IR and multinuclear NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy. Formation of guest‐encapsulating complexes (2 and 4) was confirmed by 2D DOSY and ROESY NMR spectroscopic analyses, whereas for complexes 1, 3, 5, and 6 single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques unambiguously confirmed their formation. The gross geometries of H3tma‐encapsulating complexes 2 and 4 were obtained by universal force field (UFF) simulations.
Formation of a Hydrogen‐Bonded Heptazine Framework by Self‐Assembly of Melem into a Hexagonal Channel Structure
Authors: Makowski Sophia J. , Köstler Pia , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

Self‐assembly of melem C6N7(NH2)3 in hot aqueous solution leads to the formation of hydrogen‐bonded, hexagonal rosettes of melem units surrounding infinite channels with a diameter of 8.9 Å. The channels are filled with strongly disordered water molecules, which are bound to the melem network through hydrogen bonds. Single‐crystals of melem hydrate C6N7(NH2)3⋅xH2O (x≈2.3) were obtained by hydrothermal treatment of melem at 200 °C and the crystal structure (R $\bar 3$c, a=2879.0(4), c=664.01(13) pm, V=4766.4(13)×106 pm3, Z=18) was elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. With respect to the structural similarity to the well‐known adduct between melamine and cyanuric acid, the composition of the obtained product was further analyzed by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Hydrolysis of melem to cyameluric acid during syntheses at elevated temperatures could thus be ruled out. DTA/TG studies revealed that, during heating of melem hydrate, water molecules can be removed from the channels of the structure to a large extent. The solvent‐free framework is stable up to 430 °C without transforming into the denser structure of anhydrous melem. Dehydrated melem hydrate was further characterized by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and sorption measurements to investigate structural changes induced by the removal of water from the channels. During dehydration, the hexagonal, layered arrangement of melem units is maintained whereas the formation of additional hydrogen bonds between melem entities requires the stacking mode of hexagonal layers to be altered. It is assumed that layers are shifted perpendicular to the direction of the channels, thereby making them inaccessible for guest molecules.
Solid Acid‐Catalyzed Cellulose Hydrolysis Monitored by In Situ ATR‐IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zakzeski Joseph , Grisel Ruud J. H. , Smit Arjan T. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: February 2012

The solid acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose was studied under elevated temperatures and autogenous pressures using in situ ATR‐IR spectroscopy. Standards of cellulose and pure reaction products, which include glucose, fructose, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid (LA), formic acid, and other compounds, were measured in water under ambient and elevated temperatures. A combination of spectroscopic and HPLC analysis revealed that the cellulose hydrolysis proceeds first through the disruption of the glycosidic linkages of cellulose to form smaller cellulose molecules, which are readily observed by their distinctive CO vibrational stretches. The continued disruption of the linkages in these oligomers eventually results in the formation and accumulation of monomeric glucose. The solid‐acid catalyst accelerated the isomerization of glucose to fructose, which then rapidly reacted under hydrothermal conditions to form degradation products, which included HMF, LA, formic acid, and acetic acid. The formation of these species could be suppressed by decreasing the residence time of glucose in the reactor, reaction temperature, and contact with the metal reactor. The hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose proceeded faster and under milder conditions than microcrystalline cellulose, which resulted in increased glucose yield and selectivity.
Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose, Xylan, and Biomass Using AlCl3⋅6 H2O in Biphasic Media via Xylose Isomerization to Xylulose
Authors: Yang Yu , Hu Chang‐Wei , Abu‐Omar Mahdi M.
Published: February 2012

Furfural was prepared in high yields (75 %) from the reaction of xylose in a water–tetrahydrofuran biphasic medium containing AlCl3⋅6 H2O and NaCl under microwave heating at 140 °C. The reaction profile revealed the formation of xylulose as an intermediate en route to the dehydration product (furfural). The reaction under these conditions reached completion in 45 min. The aqueous phase containing AlCl3⋅6 H2O and NaCl could be recycled multiple times (>5) without any loss of activity or selectivity for furfural. Extension of this biphasic reaction system to include xylan as the starting material afforded furfural in 64 % yield. The use of corn stover, pinewood, switchgrass, and poplar gave furfural in 55, 38, 56, and 64 % yield, respectively, at 160 °C. Even though AlCl3⋅6 H2O did not affect the conversion of crystalline cellulose, moderate yields of the by‐product 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were noted. The highest HMF yield of 42 % was obtained from pinewood. The coproduction of HMF and furfural from biomass was attributed to the weakening of the cellulose network in the biomass, as a result of hemicellulose hydrolysis. The multifunctional capacity of AlCl3⋅6 H2O (hemicellulose hydrolysis, xylose isomerization, and xylulose dehydration) in combination with its ease of recyclability make it an attractive candidate/catalyst for the selective synthesis of furfural from various biomass feedstocks.
Prospectively assessed early life experiences in relation to cortisol reactivity in adolescents at risk for asthma
Authors: Kelsay Kim , Leung Donald Y.M. , Mrazek David A. , Klinnert Mary D.
Published: February 2012

Altered cortisol reactivity in individuals with asthma likely increases the risk of inflammation in the face of stress. Understanding antecedents of cortisol reactivity enhances knowledge of factors affecting asthma. Forty‐eight subjects genetically predisposed for asthma, recruited from a study that assessed them from birth, completed a laboratory stress procedure and self‐report measures at ages 17–19 years. Observation and parent reports from age 0 to 2 years were used to create a parent child relationship risk variable and to define criteria for a cumulative risk variable. In repeated measures analysis of 46 adolescents, those who had experienced early parent child relationship problems, specifically insecure attachment, had an attenuated cortisol stress response, even after controlling for concurrent psychological function and recent stressors (F = 4.6, p < .005). Cortisol stress response was not related to asthma status. This study supports a relationship between the parent child relationship during the first 2 years of life and later cortisol response to stress in youth at genetic risk for asthma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 133–144, 2013
Salivary alpha‐amylase during pregnancy: Diurnal course and associations with obstetric history, maternal demographics, and mood
Authors: Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Granger Douglas A. , Campbell Tavis , Kaplan Bonnie ,   the APrON Study Team
Published: February 2012

Diurnal patterns of salivary alpha amylase (sAA) in pregnant women have not previously been described. The current study employed ecological momentary assessment to examine the association between the diurnal sAA, obstetric history, maternal demographics, and mood during pregnancy. Saliva was self‐collected by 83 pregnant women (89% White, age 25.3–43.0 years; mean gestational age 21.9 weeks, range 6–37 weeks; gravida 1–6) at home over three days. Results indicated that current pregnancy (gestational age and fetal sex) and maternal demographics were not related to diurnal sAA. In contrast, a history of previous miscarriage (Parameter = −.17; SE = .05; p < .05) was associated with an atypical diurnal pattern. Even after accounting for obstetric history, trait anxiety (Parameter = .16; SE = .04; p < .001) was associated with increased sAA over the day while chronic levels of fatigue (Parameter = −.06; SE = .03; p < .05) were associated with decreased sAA. In a separate model, we also tested the time varying covariation of sAA and mood. The effects of momentary mood were in contrast to those for trait mood. Both momentary depression (Parameter = .22; SE = .09; p < .01) and vigour/positive mood (Parameter = .12; SE = .04; p < .001) were associated with momentary increases in sAA while momentary anxiety and fatigue were not related to sAA. The findings suggest that basal sAA during pregnancy is sensitive to emotional arousal. Evaluating diurnal patterns of sAA holds promise for advancing understanding of how emotional arousal during pregnancy may affect fetal development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 156–167, 2013
Early maternal care predicts reliance on social learning about food in adult rats
Authors: Lindeyer Charlotte M. , Meaney Michael J. , Reader Simon M.
Published: February 2012

Many vertebrates rely extensively on social information, but the value of information produced by other individuals will vary across contexts and habitats. Social learning may thus be optimized by the use of developmental or current cues to determine its likely value. Here, we show that a developmental cue, early maternal care, correlates with social learning propensities in adult rodents. The maternal behavior of rats Rattus norvegicus with their litters was scored over the first 6 days postpartum. Rat dams show consistent individual differences in the rate they lick and groom (LG) pups, allowing them to be categorized as high, low, or mid‐LG mothers. The 100‐day old male offspring of high and low‐LG mothers were given the opportunity to learn food preferences for novel diets from conspecifics that had previously eaten these diets (“demonstrators”). Offspring of high‐LG mothers socially learned food preferences, but offspring of low‐LG mothers did not. We administered oxytocin to subjects to address the hypothesis that it would increase the propensity for social learning, but there were no detectable effects. Our data raise the possibility that social learning propensities may be both relatively stable throughout life and part of a suite of traits “adaptively programmed” by early developmental experiences. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 168–175, 2013
Amniotic fluid elicits appetitive responses in human newborns: Fatty acids and appetitive responses
Authors: Contreras Carlos M. , Gutiérrez‐García Ana G. , Mendoza‐López Remedios , Rodríguez‐Landa Juan Francisco , Bernal‐Morales Blandina , Díaz‐Marte Cynthia
Published: February 2012

In humans, maternal cues guide newborns to the maternal breast, and transitional cues may be present in maternal–fetal fluids. The aim of the present study was to determine the consistent presence of sensorial cues in three maternal–fetal fluids—amniotic fluid, colostrum, and milk—and test the ability of these cues to produce appetitive responses in newborns. In the analytical study, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) detected eight fatty acids consistently present in the amniotic fluid, colostrum, and milk from 12 healthy volunteers, but we do not find a mammalian pheromone, identified in another mammalian species (rabbits), in another 30 volunteers. In the behavioral study, we explored the ability of amniotic fluid or its fatty acids to produce appetitive responses in 19 human newborns <24 hr after birth. Exposure to swabs impregnated with amniotic fluid or an artificial fatty acid mixture produced a longer duration of facial reactions that suggested appetitive (sucking) movements compared with respective vehicles (i.e., propylene glycol or centrifuged amniotic fluid with a low fatty acid content verified by GC‐MS). We conclude that the fatty acids contained in amniotic fluid may constitute a transitional sensorial cue that guides newborns to the maternal breast. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 221–231, 2013
Altruism and the evolution of resource generalism and specialism
Authors: Bonsall Michael B. , Wright Alison E.
Published: February 2012

The evolution of resource specialism and generalism has attracted widespread interest. Evolutionary drivers affecting niche differentiation and resource specialization have focused on the role of trade‐offs. Here, however, we explore how the role of cooperation, mediated through altruistic behaviors, and classic resource–consumer dynamics can influence the evolution of resource utilization. Using an evolutionary invasion approach, we investigate how critical thresholds in levels of altruism are needed for resource specialization to arise and be maintained. Differences between complementary (essential) and substitutable resources affect the evolution of resource generalists. The strength of resource preferences coupled with the levels of altruism are predicted to influence the evolution of generalism. Coupling appropriate evolutionary game and ecological dynamics lead to novel expectations in the feedbacks between social behaviors and population dynamics for understanding classic ecological problems.
Inelastic displacement ratio of near‐source pulse‐like ground motions
Authors: Iervolino Iunio , Chioccarelli Eugenio , Baltzopoulos Georgios
Published: February 2012

Near‐source pulse‐like records resulting from rupture's directivity have been found to depart from so‐called ordinary ground motions in terms of both elastic and inelastic structural seismic demands. In fact, response spectra may be strong if compared with what is expected from common ground motion prediction equations. Moreover, because not all spectral ordinates are affected uniformly, a peculiar spectral shape, with an especially amplified region depending on the pulse period, may follow. Consequently, inelastic seismic demand may show trends different to records not identified as pulse‐like (i.e., ordinary). This latter aspect is addressed in the study reported in this short communication, where a relatively large dataset of identified impulsive near‐source records is used to derive an analytical‐form relationship for the inelastic displacement ratio. It is found that, similar to what was proposed in literature for soft soil sites, a double‐opposite‐bumps form is required to match the empirical data as a function of the structural period over the pulse period ratio. The relationship builds consistently on previous studies on the topic, yet displays different shape with respect to the most common equations for static structural assessment procedures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bedload transport measurements at the Erlenbach stream with geophones and automated basket samplers
Authors: Rickenmann Dieter , Turowski Jens M. , Fritschi Bruno , Klaiber Angela , Ludwig Andreas
Published: February 2012

In the Erlenbach stream, a pre‐alpine steep channel in Switzerland, sediment transport has been monitored for more than 25 years. Near the confluence with the main valley river, stream flow is monitored and sediment is collected in a retention basin with a capacity of about 2000 m3. The basin is surveyed at regular intervals and after large flood events. In addition, sediment transport has been continuously monitored with piezoelectric bedload impact and geophone sensors since 1986. In 2008–2009, the measuring system in the Erlenbach stream was enhanced by installing an automatic system to obtain bedload samples. Movable metal baskets are mounted on a rail at the downstream wall of the large check dam above the retention basin, and they can be moved automatically into the flow to take bedload transport samples. The wire mesh of the baskets has a spacing of 10 mm to sample all sediment particles coarser than this size (which is about the limiting grain size detected by the geophones). The upgraded measuring system permits to obtain bedload samples over short sampling periods and to measure the grain size distribution of the transported material and its variation over time and with discharge. The analysis of calibration relationships for the geophone measuring system confirms findings from very similar measurements which were performed until 1999 with piezoelectric bedload impact sensors; there is a linear relationship between impulse counts and bedload mass passing over the sensors. Findings from flume experiments are used to discuss the most important factors which affect the calibration of the geophone signal. The bedload transport rates as measured by the moving baskets are among the highest measured in natural streams, with values of the order of several kilograms per meter per second. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and U–Pb zircon geochronology in the Variscan foreland of SW Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Pavanetto P. , Funedda A. , Northrup C. J. , Schmitz M. , Crowley J. , Loi A.
Published: February 2012

New field mapping, U–Pb zircon geochronology and structural analysis of the southernmost Sardinia metamorphic basement, considered a branch of the Variscan foreland, indicate that it is, in part, allochthonous and was structurally emplaced within the foreland area, rather than being older depositional basement beneath the foreland succession. The Bithia Formation, classically considered part of the ‘Southern Sulcis metamorphic Complex’ (and here termed the Bithia tectonic unit, or BTU), is a greenschist facies metamorphic unit commonly interpreted as Precambrian in age. New geochronology of felsic volcanic rocks in the BTU, however, yield a U–Pb zircon age of 457.01 ± 0.17 Ma (Upper Ordovician). Thus, the depositional age of the unit is younger than the weakly metamorphosed Lower Cambrian rocks of the adjacent foreland succession. New detailed mapping and analysis of the field relationships between the BTU and foreland succession indicates that their contact is a mylonitic shear zone. The metamorphic character, general lithology, and deformational history of the BTU are similar to those of units in the Variscan Nappe Zone located northeast of the foreland area. We reinterpret the BTU as a synformal klippe of material related tectonically to the Variscan Nappe Zone. We infer that it was thrust over and became infolded into the foreland during late stages of the Variscan contractional deformation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The acute effects of kava and oxazepam on anxiety, mood, neurocognition; and genetic correlates: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Sarris J. , Scholey A. , Schweitzer I. , Bousman C. , LaPorte E. , Ng C. , Murray G. , Stough C.
Published: February 2012

Rationale

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a psychotropic plant medicine with history of cultural and medicinal use. We conducted a study comparing the acute neurocognitive, anxiolytic, and thymoleptic effects of a medicinal dose of kava to a benzodiazepine and explored for the first time specific genetic polymorphisms, which may affect the psychotropic activity of phytomedicines or benzodiazepines.

Methods

Twenty‐two moderately anxious adults aged between 18 and 65 years were randomized to receive an acute dose of kava (180 mg of kavalactones), oxazepam (30 mg), and placebo 1 week apart in a crossover design trial.

Results

After exposure to cognitive tasks, a significant interaction was revealed between conditions on State–Trait Anxiety Inventory‐State anxiety (p = 0.046, partial ŋ² = 0.14). In the oxazepam condition, there was a significant reduction in anxiety (p = 0.035), whereas there was no change in anxiety in the kava condition, and there was an increase in anxiety in the placebo condition. An increase in Bond–Lader “calmness” (p = 0.002) also occurred for the oxazepam condition. Kava was found to have no negative effect on cognition, whereas a reduction in alertness (p < 0.001) occurred in the oxazepam condition. Genetic analyses provide tentative evidence that noradrenaline (SLC6A2) transporter polymorphisms may have an effect on response to kava.

Conclusion

Acute “medicinal level” doses of this particular kava cultivar in naive users do not provide anxiolytic activity, although the phytomedicine also appears to have no negative effects on cognition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of 2‐, 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐aminonicotinic acid tert‐butyl esters
Authors: Wright Stephen W.
Published: February 2012

Procedures are reported to prepare the tert‐butyl esters of 2‐aminonicotinic acid, 4‐aminonicotinic acid, 5‐aminonicotinic acid, and 6‐aminonicotinic acid from 2‐chloronicotinic acid, 4‐chloronicotinic acid, 5‐bromonicotinic acid, and 6‐chloronicotinic acid, respectively, without need for purification of intermediates. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2012).
Article Alerts: items from 2010, Part II
Authors: Hafdahl Adam R.
Published: February 2012

The print component of this fourth ‘Article Alerts’ installment comprises 100 articles published in 2010. More than 2500 items have been added to the archive component since the preceding installment. Of these new archive items, more than 1500 were disseminated in 2009; the remainder, between 1994 and 1998, inclusive. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Venous malformations of the temporal bone are a common feature in CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Friedmann David R. , Amoils Misha , Germiller John A. , Lustig Lawrence R. , Glastonbury Christine M. , Pramanik Bidyut K. , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: February 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

CHARGE (Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth and/or development, Genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities and/or deafness) syndrome is a genetic disorder with prominent otolaryngologic features including choanal atresia and inner ear malformations. Recent experience with venous malformations during cochlear implant surgery prompted this study to define the spectrum of venous abnormalities in CHARGE and their surgical implications in otology.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of medical and radiologic records from databases of patients with CHARGE syndrome from three tertiary care academic medical centers.

Methods:

Eighteen patients with CHARGE for whom temporal bone CT scans were available were included in the review.

Results:

Venous anomalies of the temporal bone were present in 10 of 18 (56%) patients. The most common were large emissary veins (n = 5). In two of these cases, these veins were associated with an ipsilateral a hypoplastic sigmoid sinus or jugular foramen. Other abnormalities included an aberrant petrosal sinus, venous lakes in proximity to the lateral venous sinus, condylar canal veins, and jugular bulb abnormalities, including a high riding bulb obscuring the round window niche and a dehiscent jugular bulb. In four of six patients undergoing cochlear implantation, the course of the aberrant vessel necessitated a change in the surgical approach, either during mastoidectomy or placement of the cochleostomy.

Conclusions:

Temporal bone venous abnormalities are a common feature in CHARGE syndrome. The pattern of venous abnormality suggests that there is a failure of the sigmoid sinus/jugular bulb to fully develop, resulting in persistence of emissary veins. Recognition of these abnormal venous structures during otologic surgery is critical to avoiding potentially catastrophic bleeding. Laryngoscope, 2012
The Felicity of Aspectual For‐Phrases – Part 2: Incremental Homogeneity
Authors: Landman Fred , Rothstein Susan
Published: February 2012

This paper is the second in a series of two papers presenting recent developments concerning the interaction between aspectual classes of predicates and the semantics of aspectual for‐phrases. Aspectual for‐phrases must modify predicates which are homogeneous – meaning that the predicate spreads appropriately to subintervals. For eventive predicates the relevant notion of homogeneity should be a dynamic notion – sensitive to the arrow of time. We present a recently developed semantic framework in which eventive predicates are incrementally homogeneous, meaning that the predicate characteristics are preserved for each event from its onset through all incremental development stages. We show how incremental homogeneity deals with the felicity facts concerning aspectual for‐phrases, and discuss complex‐activity forming operations which turn heterogeneous predicates into homogeneous ones, in particular, as triggered by bare arguments and by iteration.
Laser in micro and nanoprocessing of diamond materials
Authors: Konov V.I.
Published: February 2012

Basic processing operations will be presented. These include diamond polishing and shaping, production of conductive pathways, micro‐ and nanostructures on the diamond surface, such as diffractive optical elements. The possibility to laser produce conductive and hollow structures in the diamond bulk, including curved elements, will be demonstrated. Finally, the techniques of laser assisted diamond CVD, that allow production of smooth or selective‐area grown films will be presented
Nucleation Effects of Nucleobases on the Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Pan Pengju , Yang Jinjun , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong , Weng Zhixue , Inoue Yoshio
Published: February 2012

The effects of nucleobases, especially uracil, on the nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization, melting behavior, spherulite morphology, and crystalline structure of bio‐based and biodegradable PLLA are studied. The melt‐ and cold‐crystallization rates of PLLA increase with increasing uracil loading. The melting behavior of nonisothermally melt‐ and cold‐crystallized PLLAs depends on the uracil content. The isothermal crystallization kinetics is analyzed based on an Avrami model. The incorporation of uracil changes the t1/2/Tc profile of PLLA due to the more distinct heterogeneous nucleation effects at small supercooling. The crystalline structure of PLLA is not affected by uracil presence. The nucleation density increases and the spherulite size decreases by uracil incorporation.

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Postmortem observation of collagenous lead tip region fibrosis as a rare complication of DBS
Authors: Vedam‐Mai Vinata , Yachnis Anthony , Ullman Michael , Javedan Saman P. , Okun Michael S.
Published: February 2012

Background:

Despite the widespread effective use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for various movement and psychiatric disorders, little is known about its safety and tissue responses.

Methods:

The University of Florida Deep Brain Stimulation Brain Tissue Network (DBS‐BTN) conducted postmortem brain examinations on 26 cases to identify and characterize (using histological techniques) pathologic tissue changes associated with the placement of DBS devices.

Results:

We report the unusual finding of prominent collagenous fibrosis around the lead tip in a 74‐year‐old man with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who had bilateral STN‐DBS. Histological study confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and there was striking, dense collagenous fibrosis at the distal end of the right DBS lead associated with focal hemosiderin deposition, chronic inflammation, and mild gliosis. We have in our brain bank 25 other DBS cases that on examination showed only mild to moderate gliosis and no dramatic tissue response to DBS lead placement.

Conclusions:

We are not aware of any prior reports of such a dramatic reaction to DBS placement to date. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Initial testing (stage 1) of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor SCH 727965 (dinaciclib) by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Neale Geoffrey , Keir Stephen T. , Carol Hernan , Lock Richard , Phelps Doris , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Maris John M. , Billups Catherine , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: February 2012

Background

SCH 727965 is a novel drug in clinical development that potently and selectively inhibits CDK1, CDK2, CDK5, and CDK9. The activity of SCH 727965 was evaluated against the PPTP's in vitro and in vivo panels.

Procedures

SCH 727965 was tested against the PPTP in vitro panel using 96 hours exposure at concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 1.0 µM. It was tested against the PPTP in vivo panels at a dose of 40 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally twice weekly for 2 weeks and repeated at Day 21 with a total observation period of 6 weeks.

Results

The median IC50 value for the cell lines was 7.5 nM, with less than fourfold range between the minimum (3.4 nM) and maximum (11.2 nM) IC50 values. SCH 727965 demonstrated an activity pattern consistent with cytotoxicity for most of the cell lines. Forty‐three xenograft models were studied and SCH 727965 induced significant delays in event free survival distribution compared to control in 23 of 36 (64%) evaluable solid tumor xenografts and in 3 of 7 ALL xenografts. SCH 727965 did not induce objective responses in the solid tumor panels and the best response observed was stable disease for one osteosarcoma xenograft. In the leukemia panel, there were two objective responses with a complete response observed in a single xenograft.

Conclusions

SCH 727965 shows an interesting pattern of activity suggesting its potential applicability against selected childhood cancers, particularly leukemias. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1266–1274. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Durability of polymeric encapsulation materials for concentrating photovoltaic systems
Authors: Miller David C. , Muller Matthew T. , Kempe Michael D. , Araki Kenji , Kennedy Cheryl E. , Kurtz Sarah R.
Published: February 2012

The durability of polymeric encapsulation materials was examined using outdoor exposure at the nominal optical concentration of 500 suns. The results for 12 months' cumulative field deployment are presented for materials including ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomer, polyethylene/polyoctene copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane, poly(dimethylsiloxane), and poly(phenyl‐methyl siloxane). Measurements during the experiment included optical transmittance (direct and hemispherical), mass, visual appearance, and fluorescence spectroscopy in addition to the initial thermogravimetry of the materials. Measurements of the field conditions and ultraviolet dose at the test site were facilitated by numerous laboratory instruments; characterization of the specimen temperature was performed using thermography. Discovery experiments identified the importance of a secondary homogenizer optic and the importance of contamination control. To date, the formal experiment verified a thermal‐runaway‐motivated combustion failure mechanism for one of the PVB formulations and identified densification, cracking, and haze‐formation behaviors in some of the silicone specimens. The behaviors observed for the silicone specimens may be facilitated by their greater thickness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving spectral response of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules using high efficient luminescent down‐shifting Eu3+ complexes
Authors: Liu Jian , Wang Kai , Zheng Wei , Huang Wei , Li Cheng‐Hui , You Xiao‐Zeng
Published: February 2012

One way to improve the spectral response of solar cells in the ultraviolet (UV) region is to convert high energy photons into lower energy ones via luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) technique. Eu3+ complexes are excellent LDS species because of their high luminescence quantum efficiency and large Stokes‐shift. In this paper, we aim to optimize the LDS property of Eu3+ complexes for monocrystalline silicon (c‐Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules by chemical modification of the UV absorbing antenna ligands. Our results show that the LDS performances of Eu3+ complexes are strongly dependent on their absorption and emission properties. By carefully modifying the absorption and emission features, the LDS performances of Eu3+ complexes can be significantly improved. The spectroscopic features of the Eu3+ complex with a bispinene‐containing bipyridyl ligand match well with the requirement of ideal LDS species for the c‐Si PV module. Simple coating of polyvinyl acetate film doped with this complex onto the surface of c‐Si PV module leads to increase of the external quantum efficiency in the UV region and enhancement of the PV module efficiency η (from 16.05% to 16.37%). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preferred orientation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film deposited on stainless steel substrate
Authors: Li Bo‐Yan , Zhang Yi , Wang He , Wang Biao , Wu Li , Sun Yun
Published: February 2012

The influences of process parameters and Fe diffusing into Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) films on the orientation of CIGS absorbers grown on the stainless steel (SS) foils are investigated. The structural properties, morphology, and elemental profiles are characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and second ion mass spectroscopy, respectively. The orientation of CIGS thin films on the SS substrates strongly depends on the texture of the (In,Ga)2Se3 precursor, determined by the substrate temperature at the first stage (Ts1) and the flux ratio of Se to (In + Ga). Among these factors, Ts1 is the prerequisite to achieve [300]‐oriented IGS layer, which will yield [200]‐oriented CIGS thin film in the later process. The results indicate that through the comparison of CIGS thin films on the Mo/SS substrates and on the Mo/ZnO/SS substrates and combined with simply calculation, Fe diffusing into the CIGS layer will hinder the growth of the CIGS grains along [112] orientation. The grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction results suggest that the surface of the [220]‐textured CIGS thin film on the SS substrate still has [220] predominance, whereas the surface texture of the [220]‐texture CIGS thin film on the Mo/soda‐lime glass substrate became [112] predominant, which is due to the different compensation ability between Fe and Na elements. Finally, the relations between the device parameters and the degrees of the preferred orientation of CIGS absorbers are investigated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrostrictive polymers for mechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Lallart Mickaël , Cottinet Pierre‐Jean , Guyomar Daniel , Lebrun Laurent
Published: February 2012

This article reviews the developments in electrostrictive polymers for energy harvesting. Electrostrictive polymers are a variety of electroactive polymers that deform due to the electrostatic and polarization interaction between two electrodes with opposite electric charge. Electrostrictive polymers have been the subject of much interest and research over the past decade. In earlier years, much of the focus was placed on actuator configurations, and in more recent years, the focus has turned to investigating material properties that may enhance electromechanical activities. Since the last 5 years and with the development of low‐power electronics, the possibility of using these materials for energy harvesting has been investigated. This review outlines the operating principle in energy scavenging mode and conversion mechanisms behind this generator technology, highlights some of its advantages over existing actuator technologies, identifies some of the challenges associated with its development, and examines the main focus of research within this field, including some of the potential applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Picobirnavirus infections: viral persistence and zoonotic potential
Authors: Ganesh Balasubramanian , Bányai Krisztián , Martella Vito , Jakab Ferenc , Masachessi Gisela , Kobayashi Nobumichi
Published: February 2012

Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are small, non‐enveloped, bisegmented double‐stranded RNA genomic viruses of vertebrate hosts. Since their discovery in the late 1980s in clinical specimens from outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in children, significant efforts have been made to investigate the role of PBV in diarrheic diseases. PBV has been detected in sporadic episodes of diarrhea as sole pathogen or coinfection as well as in outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis and in immunocompromised patients with diarrhea. However, PBV is frequently detected in non‐diarrheic healthy hosts, and prolonged shedding has been observed in some individuals. Of interest, similar patterns of PBV infection have also been observed in pigs and other animal hosts. The increasing amount of PBV sequence data gathered from molecular epidemiological studies has evidenced a great sequence diversity of PBVs in various hosts and environmental samples. Importantly, evidence has been found for genetic relatedness between human and animal PBV strains, suggesting extant crossing points in the ecology and evolution of heterologous PBV strains. At present, no cell culture and animal model exists for PBVs. Well‐structured epidemiological studies are still the only alternative to demonstrate the potential etiological role of PBVs in acute gastroenteritis or other diseases. This review aims to analyze the public health aspects of PBV infection, especially its possible association with zoonosis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.