bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between warfarin combined with serotonin-modulating antidepressants and increased case fatality in primary intracerebral hemorrhage: a population-based study
Authors: Löppönen Pekka , Tetri Sami , Juvela Seppo , Huhtakangas Juha , Saloheimo Pertti , Bode Michaela K. , Hillbom Matti
Published: February 2014

Object

Patients receiving oral anticoagulants run a higher risk of cerebral hemorrhage with a poor outcome. Serotonin-modulating antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs]) are frequently used in combination with warfarin, but it is unclear whether this combination of drugs influences outcome after primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH). The authors investigated case fatality in PICH among patients from a defined population who were receiving warfarin alone, with aspirin, or with serotonin-modulating antidepressants.

Methods

Nine hundred eighty-two subjects with PICH were derived from the population of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, for the years 1993–2008, and those with warfarin-associated PICH were eligible for analysis. Their hospital records were reviewed, and medication data were obtained from the national register of prescribed medicines. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn to illustrate cumulative case fatality, and a Cox proportional-hazards analysis was performed to demonstrate predictors of death.

Results

Of the 176 patients eligible for analysis, 17 had been taking aspirin and 19 had been taking SSRI/SNRI together with warfarin. The 30-day case fatality rates were 50.7%, 58.8%, and 78.9%, respectively, for those taking warfarin alone, with aspirin, or with SSRI/SNRI (p = 0.033, warfarin plus SSRI/SNRI compared with warfarin alone). Warfarin combined with SSRI/SNRI was a significant independent predictor of case fatality (adjusted HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.13–3.92, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Concurrent use of warfarin and a serotonin-modulating antidepressant, relative to warfarin alone, seemed to increase the case fatality rate for PICH. This finding should be taken into account if hematoma evacuation is planned.
Histological structure of filum terminale in human fetuses
Authors: Kural Cahit , Guresci Servet , Simsek Gulcin Guler , Arslan Erhan , Tehli Ozkan , Solmaz Ilker , Izci Yusuf
Published: February 2014

Object

The structure of the filum terminale (FT) is important in the development of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children. Although many studies have been performed on the histological structure of the FT in adults, there has been no detailed investigation for those of fetuses. The aim of this study was to examine the histological structure of the FT in normal human fetuses and to compare the results with those of previous studies.

Methods

The histological examination of the FT was performed in 15 normal human fetuses; 11 of them were female and 4 were male. The gestational age of the fetuses ranged between 14 weeks and 35 weeks, and they weighed between 180 g and 1750 g. The FT of each fetus was cut and examined for adipose tissue, fibrous tissue, peripheral nerve, ganglion, ependymal cells, gliosis, elastic fibers, and collagen types (Types I and III).

Results

Adipose tissue was observed in 2 specimens (13%), whereas fibrous tissue was found in 8 specimens. Peripheral nerve was detected in 11 (73%), ganglion in 6, ependymal cells in 5, and glial tissue in 7 FT samples. Type III collagen was present in 12 specimens (80%) with different concentrations, whereas Type I collagen and elastic fibers were not detected.

Conclusions

The normal structure of the FT in fetuses is different from its structure in adults. The FT has no elasticity during intrauterine life because of the lack of elastic fibers. More detailed studies are needed to understand the histological basis of TCS in children.
Leptin Promotes Metastasis by Inducing an Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in A549 Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Feng Helin , Liu Qingyi , Zhang Ning , Zheng Lihua , Sang Meixiang , Feng Jiangang , Zhang Jinming , Wu Xiangyun , Shan Baoen
Published: February 2014

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived cytokine associated with obesity, has been reported to participate in carcinogenesis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is also considered as a key event in tumor metastasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of leptin in
the promotion of EMT leading to metastasis in A549 lung cancer cells. We investigated the effect of leptin on migration of A549 cells using wound healing and transwell assays. The incidence of EMT in A549 cells was examined by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The expression of
TGF-β in A549 cells was detected by real-time PCR, and blocking of TGF-β in A549 cells was achieved by siRNA techniques. Additional work was performed using 100 patient samples, which included samples from 50 patients diagnosed with lung cancer and an additional 50 patients diagnosed
with lung cancer with metastatic bone lesions. Leptin expression was measured using immunohistochemistry techniques. We demonstrated that leptin can effectively enhance the metastasis of human lung cancer A549 cell line using both wound healing and transwell assays. We also found the incidence
of EMT in A549 cells after leptin exposure. Furthermore, we detected the expression of TGF-β in A549 cells, which had been reported to play an important role in inducing EMT. We showed that leptin can significantly upregulate TGF-β at both the mRNA and protein levels in A549 cells.
Using siRNA to block the expression of TGF-β in A549 cells, we confirmed the role of TGF-β in the promotion of metastasis and induction of EMT. Furthermore, we found that in patient samples leptin was present at higher levels in samples associated with diagnosis of lung cancer bone
metastases tissue than lung cancer tissue. Our results indicated that leptin promoted the metastasis of A549 human lung cancer cell lines by inducing EMT in a TGF-β-dependent manner.
Time-evolving mass loss of the Greenland ice sheet from satellite altimetry
Authors: Hurkmans R. T. W. L. , Bamber J. L. , Davis C. H. , Joughin I. R. , Khvorostovsky K. S. , Smith B. S. , Schoen N.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Mass changes of the Greenland ice sheet may be estimated by the Input Output Method (IOM), satellite gravimetry, or via surface elevation change rates (dH / dt). Whereas the first two have been shown to agree well in reconstructing mass changes over the last decade, there are few decadal estimates from satellite altimetry and none that provide a time evolving trend that can be readily compared with the other methods. Here, we interpolate radar and laser altimetry data between 1995 and 2009 in both space and time to reconstruct the evolving volume changes. A firn densification model forced by the output of a regional climate model is used to convert volume to mass. We consider and investigate the potential sources of error in our reconstruction of mass trends, including geophysical biases in the altimetry, and the resulting mass change rates are compared to other published estimates. We find that mass changes are dominated by SMB until about 2001, when mass loss rapidly accelerates. The onset of this acceleration is somewhat later, and less gradual, compared to the IOM. Our time averaged mass changes agree well with recently published estimates based on gravimetry, IOM, laser altimetry, and with radar altimetry when merged with airborne data over outlet glaciers. We demonstrate, that with appropriate treatment, satellite radar altimetry can provide reliable estimates of mass trends for the Greenland ice sheet. With the inclusion of data from CryoSat II, this provides the possibility of producing a continuous time series of regional mass trends from 1992 onward.
E-Selectin S128R Gene Polymorphism in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liarmakopoulos Emmanouil , Gazouli Maria , Aravantinos Gerasimos , Theodoropoulos George , Rizos Spyros , Vaiopoulou Anna , Kouraklis Gregory , Nikiteas Nikolaos
Published: February 2014

Background

E-selectin is an adhesion molecule expressed on activated endothelial cells. E-selectin plays an important role in the process of inflammation and is also involved in the mechanism of cancer metastasis regulating the adhesion of circulating cancer cells to the blood vessels. The aim of our study was to determine whether an association exists between its most common gene polymorphism, S128R, and gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

We performed a case-control study of 88 GC cases and 480 controls to analyze the association between E-selectin S128R gene polymorphism and GC susceptibility. The genotyping analysis was done by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

The E-selectin S128R C allele, CA and CC genotypes were over-represented among the GC cases. No statistically significant association was observed between E-selectin S128R polymorphisms and tumor characteristics. However, carrying the C allele was associated with poor survival.

Conclusions

The E-selectin S128R C allele may confer an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer development and correlate with a poor prognosis.
An Extension of the Interscale SURE-LET Approach for Image Denoising
Authors: Cui Lihong , Wang Zhan , Cen Yigang , Li Xuguang , Sun Jianjun
Published: February 2014

In this paper, an extension of the interscale SURE-LET approach exploiting the interscale and intrascale dependencies of wavelet coefficients is proposed to improve denoising performance. This method incorporates information on neighbouring coefficients into the linear expansion of thresholds (LETs) without additional parameters to capture the texture characteristics of this image. The resulting interscale-intrascale wavelet estimator consists of a linear expansion of multivariate thresholding functions, whose parameters are optimized thanks to a multivariate Stein's unbiased risk estimate (SURE). Some experimental results are given to demonstrate the strength of the proposed method.
Authentication and Secure Robot Communication
Authors: Yfantis Evangelos A. , Fayed Ahmad
Published: February 2014

In many cases robots are connected wirelessly with a file server and often with one another, either directly, or via the file server. The network connections form a subnet where the router has the static IP address visible to the outside world and the server along with the robots form a subnet with local IP addresses. Often however, each robot has its own static IP address. In addition, each robot has a NIC card and a unique NIC address, as well as other hardware identifiers depending on the functionality and complexity of the robot. The non-electronic part of the robot hardware usually represents mature technology that has been understood for a long time. The electronic hardware has evolved to the point that the embedded software can provide the needed intelligence for the robot to perform sophisticated tasks previously performed by one or more human beings. However, in previous research emphasis has been placed on the tasks performed by the robots, neglecting any security issues or liabilities that may arise due to lack of security. In this paper, we provide an algorithm for secure key management, and secure communication in an insecure wireless and noisy environment in which the robots operate.
Simulation Research on Adaptive Control of a Six-degree-of-freedom Material-testing Machine
Authors: Wang Dan , Fan Rui , Chen Wuyi
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an adaptive controller equipped with a stiffness estimation method for a novel material-testing machine, in order to alleviate the performance depression caused by the stiffness variance of the tested specimen. The dynamic model of the proposed machine is built using the Kane method, and kinematic model is established with a closed-form solution. The stiffness estimation method is developed based on the recursive least-squares method and the proposed stiffness equivalent matrix. Control performances of the adaptive controller are simulated in detail. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed controller can greatly improve the control performance of the target material-testing machine by online stiffness estimation and adaptive parameter tuning, especially in low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and high-cycle fatigue (HCF) tests.
New challenges in the biomedical science: biobanking problems and solutions
Authors: Gudlevičienė Živilė , Chvatovič Genovefa
Published: February 2014

Background. A huge progress has been recently made in the field of biomedical research and personalized medicine. Despite the advances of biobanking, significant limitations remain that are restricting the impact of researches. The major issues include the need to increase the quality and standardization of biospecimens and to maintain public trust. In general, it is named as harmonization of biobanking activities. The purpose of this article is to overview the current situation in biobanking issues and discuss about the possible solutions of these problems in Lithuania. The first steps in biobanking activities were made in the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University (IOVU); several methods of DNA extraction from peripheral blood were tested and compared.
Materials and methods. During the experiment, four manual DNA extractions and one automated DNA purification method to determine the efficiency of each method in terms of the purity and yields of DNA extracted from blood samples were tested. DNA from patient’s blood remaining after a routine blood test was purified.
Results. Two of the four manual extraction methods produced good yields of DNA (from 57 to 126 µg/ml), the other two were of poor quality (from 8 to 47 µg/ml). In the same samples automatically isolated DNA concentrations ranged from 15 to 95 µg/ml.
Conclusions. The first steps for biobanking activities, SOPs creation and process harmonization were made in IOVU. Finally, after appreciation of the general situation the main threats in Lithuania could be proposed. The general working plan and strategy for biobanking in Lithuania, according to international rules and national needs, must be applied.
Methods of main bronchus stump closure and incidence of bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomies for lung cancer (a retrospective single center review)
Authors: Cicėnas Saulius , Jackevičius Algirdas , Aškinis Renatas , Krasauskas Arnoldas , Šileika Nerijus , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas , Naujokaitis Pranas
Published: February 2014

Background. Bronchopleural fistulas (BPFs) development after pneumo­nectomy remains a serious complication and is associated with high mortality rate. We evaluated incidence and risk factors, that influenced BPF rate after pneumonectomies for lung cancer patients treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology of the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, and compared different bronchial stump suturing techniques.
Methods. It is a retrospective study. We reviewed 580 lung cancer patients who underwent pneumonectomies from January 1990 to January 2009. The average patient’s age was 60.1 ± 7.9 years (range from 34 to 76). Patients according to postoperative staging: stage IIA – 30 patients, IIB – 80, IIIA – 320, IIIB – 96, IV – 54. The most common tumor histology was planocellular carcinoma – 301, adenocarcinoma – 108, small-cell carcinoma – 76.
Results. There were 327 (56.4%) right and 253 (43.6%) left pneumonectomies. Mediastinal lymph node dissection (LND) was performed to 387 (66.7%) and lymph node sampling (LNS) to 193  (33.3%) patients. The bronchial stump was covered in 285 (49.1%) patients. Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy developed in 48 (8.3%) patients (bronchial dehiscence was confirmed by bronchoscopy), and 7 patients with BPF died (14.5%). BPF after right pneumonectomy occurred in 30 cases (9.5%) and after left pneumonectomy in 18 cases (7.1%), the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). BPF after LND occurred in 38 cases (9.82%) and after LNS in 10 cases (5.18%), the dif­f erence was statistically significant (p
Entre la physiognomonie et les Physiologies : le Calicot, figure du panorama parisien sous la Restauration
Authors: Davis Peggy
Published: February 2014

Le sobriquet de Calicot désigne le jeune commis marchand prétentieux sous la Restauration, dont l’archétype apparaît en 1817 au théâtre comique et est aussitôt relayé par des estampes satiriques et autres imprimés éphémères. La représentation du Calicot comme type social parisien, dans la culture visuelle et imprimée, traduit l’intérêt de l’époque pour l’observation des rôles sociaux dans une modernité urbaine en mutation. Cette étude propose d’envisager l’imagerie du Calicot comme un jalon dans une tradition d’observation sociale, héritée de la physiognomonie, qui préfigure la vaste opération de taxonomie de la société française des Physiologies. En outre, l’examen d’une sélection d’estampes satiriques sur les calicots permet de saisir le rôle de cette figure dans la formation des identités masculines de la société parisienne de la Restauration.
Le paradigme indiciaire dans La comédie humaine : le cas de la cognomologie
Authors: Smaniotto Ada
Published: February 2014

En 1832, dans Le curé de Tours, Balzac augmente la série de ses sciences favorites : à la physiognomonie, à la phrénologie, mais aussi aux plus personnelles vestignomonie et élégantologie, s’ajoute la cognomologie. Si la conformation externe du visage ou crâne conditionne les instincts et facultés, la forme graphique et phonique du nom propre déterminerait le caractère de l’individu qu’il désigne. Le paradigme indiciaire mis en place par les sciences de Lavater et Gall s’étend donc dans La comédie humaine aux noms propres. La cognomologie, discipline désignée par un néologisme et précurseur de l’onomastique, participe de l’observation méthodique du réel et plus précisément des personnages. La mobilisation simultanée dans certains portraits d’indices physiques et onomastiques sert alors des desseins narratifs, esthétiques et épistémologiques. Le nom de certains personnages (Gobseck et Z. Marcas par exemple) ne doit cependant être réduit au statut de simple indice : talisman occulte, le nom peut, chez Balzac, donner accès au plus secret de l’individu. Le statut de la cognomologie balzacienne, ou plus généralement de la réflexion de l’auteur sur les noms, est donc à préciser. Légitimée par son lien avec la physiognomonie et la phrénologie, elle relève néanmoins de l’intuition démiurgique et place les noms propres au coeur d’une réflexion plus générale sur la création littéraire.
Power device trends for high-power density operation of power electronics system
Authors: Saito Wataru
Published: February 2014

This paper reports on specific on-resistance (R
on
A) trends of power device and discusses the effect of R
on
A reduction on high-power density operation of power electronics system. The R
on
A has been reduced by a factor of 1 for 15–20 years with the fine pitch structure and the innovation of the new structure. The R
on
A reduction achieves the increase in the output power due to high current density operation. In addition, the high-speed switching operation downsizes the passive component due to high frequency operation. To realize these operating conditions, dynamic avalanche capability design and low inductance package technologies have been also developed.
Separating body and Rayleigh waves with cross terms of the cross‐correlation tensor of ambient noise
Authors: Takagi Ryota , Nakahara Hisashi , Kono Toshio , Okada Tomomi
Published: February 2014

We develop a novel method to separate body and Rayleigh waves with the vertical‐radial (ZR) and radial‐vertical (RZ) components of the cross‐correlation tensor of ambient noise. Furthermore, analyzing ambient noise records observed at a seismic array, we validate the method. For the separation, we utilize the difference in polarizations between the rectilinear P and the elliptic Rayleigh waves. Assuming the two‐dimensional surface and three‐dimensional body waves are the superposition of random uncorrelated plane waves, we derive two fundamental characteristics of the ZR and RZ correlations. One is that between the ZR and RZ correlations, Rayleigh wave contributions have the opposite signs, and P waves have the same signs. The other is that for both ZR and RZ correlations, Rayleigh wave contributions are time symmetric, and P waves are time antisymmetric. Accordingly, we can separate P and Rayleigh waves by just taking the sum and difference between ZR and RZ correlations and by just taking the time‐symmetric and time‐antisymmetric components. This method can be performed (1) without any knowledge of velocity structure, (2) using only two stations with three‐component sensors on a ground surface, (3) even in the case of anisotropic wave incidence, and (4) with the quite simple procedure. We consider that the developed method can make better use of three‐component observations of ambient noise for evaluating the cross‐correlation tensor accurately, for improving deep velocity structure using both of extracted body and surface waves, and, more fundamentally, for understanding the composition of ambient noise.
Microphysical characteristics of MJO convection over the Indian Ocean during DYNAMO
Authors: Rowe Angela K. , Houze Robert A.
Published: February 2014

The microphysical characteristics of precipitating convection occurring in various stages of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Indian Ocean are determined from data obtained from the National Center for Atmospheric Research dual‐polarimetric Doppler S‐band radar, S‐PolKa, deployed as part of the Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) field experiment. Active MJO events with increased rainfall occurred in October, November, and December 2011. During each of these active MJO phases, in addition to enhanced rainfall, convection became deeper and ice‐phase microphysics played a greater role. S‐PolKa consistently showed nonoriented small ice particles dominating the radar echoes at altitudes of 9–10 km, dry aggregates concentrated between 7 and 9 km, and wet aggregates and graupel near the melting level (~5 km). Graupel occurred mainly in actively convective towers, while the wet aggregates occurred almost exclusively in the stratiform regions of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). During each of the three multiweek MJO active phases, the maximum rainfall occurred in short bursts lasting a few days. Each multiday rainy period began with deepening convective elements and a concurrent increase in occurrence of dry aggregates, which maximized just prior to organization into MCSs. The peak rainfall occurrence coincided with the maximum coverage of the radar domain by MCSs, reflecting large stratiform regions that exhibited the most frequent occurrence of wet aggregates. During the December active MJO phase, however, the MCSs were shallower and had a slightly lower tendency for wet aggregates in the stratiform regions and, therefore, generally weaker brightbands.
Microstructural Analysis of Electron Beam Cladded Surface Layers Using Co‐ and Fe‐Enriched Additives
Authors: Jung Anne , Zenker Rolf , Lerche Joachim , Lerche Kristina
Published: February 2014

In this report, an electron beam surface treatment technology is introduced by which applies a cladding layer of defined thickness is deposited on an austenitic steel (e.g., X6CrNiMoTi17‐12‐2) and a duplex steel (e.g., X2CrNiMoN22‐5‐3). The applied cladding alters the microstructure and, thus, the properties of the material's surface layer in such a way that a considerable improvement in mechanical properties is achieved. The Co‐ and Fe‐based additives used are deposited thermally to the base material in wire form by means of an electron beam (EB). The layer produced in this manner is free of cracks and pores, and is firmly bonded metallurgically to the substrate material. The cladding layers are evaluated with respect to their modification of the microstructure of the substrate material, and with respect to their effect on hardness. As a result of the high heating and cooling rates during EB application, an extremely fine, dendritic microstructure with homogenously distributed additive elements and low substrate material contents of between 19 and 37% is produced. An increase in hardness of between 2 and 3 times the hardness of the substrate material is thereby achieved.
Experimental study and modeling of UV‐enhanced PVC chlorination to CPVC using a gas–solid process
Authors: Bai Lin , Lu Wei , Yang Qianli , Yan Binhang , Cheng Yi
Published: February 2014

Experiments were carried out in a vibrated fluidized bed to investigate the dynamic process of UV‐enhanced synthesis of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) using a gas–solid method, where a UV‐Vis online analysis system was used to record the kinetics of chlorination. Meanwhile, a comprehensive mathematical model incorporating the distributed activation energy model was established to describe the hindrance effect of Cl atoms already inserted on the PVC polymer chain on the later insertion during the chlorination process. Each of the hypotheses in the model was validated by the well‐designed experiments, and the model predictions matched well with the experimental data under various operating conditions. Sensitivity analyses of three primary operating parameters, that is, temperature, chlorine concentration, and UV intensity, were made for better understanding of the mechanism of PVC chlorination. It is anticipated that the modeling methodology in this work would be also suitable for similar gas–solid reaction systems. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2235–2243, 2014
Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis: an evolving approach to management
Authors: Halderman Ashleigh , Shrestha Rabin , Sindwani Raj
Published: February 2014

Background

Chronic granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (CGIFS) is rare and a consensus on ideal management is lacking. We present an extensive case managed successfully with a conservative approach.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Results

The patient presented with unilateral proptosis, papilledema, and headache. Imaging revealed an infiltrative process with extensive intracranial and intraorbital involvement. Biopsy showed fungal elements and granulomatous reaction consistent with CGIFS. The patient was managed with conservative surgery and long‐term oral voriconazole.

Conclusion

This case supports a conservative surgical approach in some patients with extensive CGIFS. Oral voriconazole is effective and has significant advantages over more toxic agents administered intravenously.
Catalytic Asymmetric Tamura Cycloadditions
Authors: Manoni Francesco , Connon Stephen J.
Published: February 2014

In the presence of a novel, tert‐butyl‐substituted squaramide‐based catalyst, enolizable anhydrides react with alkylidene oxindoles to generate spirooxindole products of significant synthetic interest with excellent enantio‐ and diastereocontrol. The methodology is of wide scope and encompasses both homophthalic and glutaconic anhydride derivatives, which lead to structurally diverse products. Glutaconic acid‐derived anhydrides undergo a clean post‐cyclization decarboxylation process which is not a feature of reactions involving homophthalic acid‐derived anhydrides. The unusual influence of reaction temperature on diastereocontrol has been probed, with reactions occurring at 30 °C and −30 °C delivering products epimeric at one stereocenter only, in near optical purity.
Reactivity of Diruthenium and Dirhodium Analogues of Pentaborane(9): Agostic versus Boratrane Complexes
Authors: Anju R. S. , Roy Dipak Kumar , Mondal Bijan , Yuvaraj K. , Arivazhagan C. , Saha Koushik , Varghese Babu , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: February 2014

A series of novel Cp*‐based (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5) agostic, bis(σ‐borate), and boratrane complexes have been synthesized from diruthenium and dirhodium analogues of pentaborane(9). The synthesis and structural characterization of the first neutral ruthenadiborane(6) analogue are also reported. This new route offers a very efficient method for the isolation of bis(σ‐borate) and agostic complexes from diruthenapentaborane(9).
Bioinspired Green Composite Lotus Fibers
Authors: Wu Mengxi , Shuai Hua , Cheng Qunfeng , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2014

Owing to the growing global environmental problems, demands for environmentally friendly, fully biodegradable sustainable composites have substantially increased across various industries. Inspired by the composite structure of cocoon silk, we fabricated a fully green composite fiber (GCF) that is based on the lotus fiber (LF) and a biodegradable polymer, namely poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). After the formation of cross‐linkages between the LF and PVA, the mechanical properties of this bioinspired GCF had substantially improved. In particular, the specific mechanical properties are superior to those of cocoon silk and other natural fibers. These findings suggest that LFs may be used as reinforcement materials for the fabrication of bulk green materials for various industries, such as the textile, medical, automobile, and aerospace industries.
Viable Photocatalysts under Solar‐Spectrum Irradiation: Nonplasmonic Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Sarina Sarina , Zhu Huai‐Yong , Xiao Qi , Jaatinen Esa , Jia Jianfeng , Huang Yiming , Zheng Zhanfeng , Wu Haishun
Published: February 2014

Supported nanoparticles (NPs) of nonplasmonic transition metals (Pd, Pt, Rh, and Ir) are widely used as thermally activated catalysts for the synthesis of important organic compounds, but little is known about their photocatalytic capabilities. We discovered that irradiation with light can significantly enhance the intrinsic catalytic performance of these metal NPs at ambient temperatures for several types of reactions. These metal NPs strongly absorb the light mainly through interband electronic transitions. The excited electrons interact with the reactant molecules on the particles to accelerate these reactions. The rate of the catalyzed reaction depends on the concentration and energy of the excited electrons, which can be increased by increasing the light intensity or by reducing the irradiation wavelength. The metal NPs can also effectively couple thermal and light energy sources to more efficiently drive chemical transformations.
Methylseleninic acid elevates REDD1 and inhibits prostate cancer cell growth despite AKT activation and mTOR dysregulation in hypoxia
Authors: Sinha Indu , Allen Joshua E. , Pinto John T. , Sinha Raghu
Published: February 2014

Methylseleninic acid (MSeA) is a monomethylated selenium metabolite theoretically derived from subsequent β‐lyase or transamination reactions of dietary Se‐methylselenocysteine that has potent antitumor activity by inhibiting cell proliferation of several cancers. Our previous studies showed that MSeA promotes apoptosis in invasive prostate cancer cells in part by downregulating hypoxia‐inducible factor HIF‐1α. We have now extended these studies to evaluate the impact of MSeA on REDD1 (an mTOR inhibitor) in inducing cell death of invasive prostate cancer cells in hypoxia. In both PTEN+ and PTEN− prostate cancer cells we show that MSeA elevates REDD1 and phosphorylation of AKT along with p70S6K in hypoxia. Furthermore, REDD1 induction by MSeA is independent of AKT and the mTOR inhibition in prostate cancer cells causes partial resistance to MSeA‐induced growth reduction in hypoxia. Our data suggest that MSeA induces REDD1 and inhibits prostate cancer cell growth in hypoxia despite activation of AKT and dysregulation of mTOR.
Gas Analysis by In Situ Combustion in Heavy‐Oil Recovery Process: Experimental and Modeling Studies
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad‐Ali , Masumi Mohammad , Kharrat Riaz , Mohammadi Amir H.
Published: February 2014

Enormous efforts have been made to facilitate produced‐gas analyses by in situ combustion implication in heavy‐oil recovery processes. Robust intelligence‐based approaches such as artificial neural network (ANN) and hybrid methods were accomplished to monitor CO2/O2/CO. Implemented optimization approaches like particle swarm optimization (PSO) and hybrid approach focused on pinpointing accurate interconnection weights through the proposed ANN model. Solutions acquired from the developed approaches were compared with the pertinent experimental in situ combustion data samples. Implication of hybrid genetic algorithm and PSO in gas analysis estimation can lead to more reliable in situ combustion quality predictions, simulation design, and further plans of heavy‐oil recovery methods.
New Mechanistic Insight into Stepwise Metal‐Center Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework Based on Asymmetric Zn4 Clusters
Authors: Meng Wei , Li Huijun , Xu Zhouqing , Du Shanshan , Li Yunxia , Zhu Yanyan , Han Yi , Hou Hongwei , Fan Yaoting , Tang Mingsheng
Published: February 2014

Herein, a mechanism of stepwise metal‐center exchange for a specific metal–organic framework, namely, [Zn4(dcpp)2(DMF)3(H2O)2]n (H4dcpp=4,5‐bis(4′‐carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid), is disclosed for the first time. The coordination stabilities between the central metal atoms and the ligands as well as the coordination geometry are considered to be dominant factors in this stepwise exchange mechanism. A new magnetic analytical method and a theoretical model confirmed that the exchange mechanism is reasonable. When the metathesis reaction occurs between CuII ions and framework ZnII ions, the magnetic exchange interaction of each pair of CuII centers gradually strengthens with increasing amount of framework CuII ions. By analyzing the changes of coupling constants in the Cu‐exchanged products, it was deduced that Zn4 and Zn3 are initially replaced, and then Zn1 and Zn2 are replaced later. The theoretical calculation further verified that Zn4 is replaced first, Zn3 next, then Zn1 and Zn2 last, and the coordination stability dominates the Cu/Zn exchange process. For the Ni/Zn and Co/Zn exchange processes, besides the coordination stability, the preferred coordination geometry was also considered in the stepwise‐exchange behavior. As NiII and CoII ions especially favor octahedral coordination geometry in oxygen‐ligand fields, NiII ions and CoII ions could only selectively exchange with the octahedral ZnII ions, as was also confirmed by the experimental results. The stepwise metal‐exchange process occurs in a single crystal‐to‐single crystal fashion.
Unprecedented High‐Nuclear Transition‐Metal‐Cluster‐Substituted Heteropolyoxoniobates: Synthesis by {V8} Ring Insertion into the POM Matrix and Antitumor Activities
Authors: Shen Jian‐Qiang , Wu Qiong , Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhi‐Ming , Li Yang‐Guang , Lu Ying , Wang En‐Bo
Published: February 2014

Reactions of hexaniobate with vanadate in the presence of Ni2+, Zn2+, or Cu2+ have furnished three high‐nuclear vanadium cluster‐substituted heteropolyoxoniobates (HPNs): {Ni(en)3}5H{VVNb8VIV8O44}⋅9 H2O (1), (H2en)Na2[{Zn(en)2(Hen)}{Zn(en)2(H2O)}2{PNb8VIV8O44}]⋅11 H2O (2), and Na{Cu(en)2}3{[Cu(en)2]2[PNb8VIV8O44]}⋅11 H2O (3) (en=1,2‐diaminoethane). Their structures have been determined and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. Structural analysis has revealed that compounds 1–3 contain similar {V8}‐substituted [XVNb8VIV8O44]11− (X=P, V) clusters, obtained by inserting a {V8} ring into tetravacant HPN [XNb8O36]27−. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1–3 represent the first high‐nuclear vanadium cluster‐substituted HPNs, and compound 1 is the largest vanadoniobate cluster yet obtained in HPN chemistry. Nickel and zinc cations have been introduced into HPNs for the first time, which might promise a more diverse set of structures in this family. Antitumor studies have indicated that compounds 1 and 2 exhibit high activity against human gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells, SC‐1680 cells, and MG‐63 cells.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Physicochemical Properties of LnIII Complexes of Aminoethyl‐DO3A as pH‐Responsive T1‐MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Rolla Gabriele A. , Negri Roberto , Forgács Attila , Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Tei Lorenzo
Published: February 2014

N‐Substituted aminoethyl groups were attached to 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (DO3A) with the aim to design pH‐responsive LnIII complexes based on the pH‐dependent on/off ligation of the amine nitrogen to the metal ion. The following ligands were synthesized: AE‐DO3A (aminoethyl‐DO3A), MAE‐DO3A (N‐methylaminoethyl‐DO3A), DMAE‐DO3A (N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl‐DO3A) and MEM‐AE‐DO3A (N‐methoxyethyl‐N‐methylaminoethyl‐DO3A). The physicochemical properties of the LnIII complexes were investigated for the evaluation of their potential applicability as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In particular, a 1H and 17O NMR relaxometric study was carried out for these GdIII complexes at two different pH values: at basic pH (pendant amino group coordinated to the metal centre) and at acidic pH (protonated amine, not interacting with the metal ion). EuIII complexes allow one to estimate the number of inner‐sphere water molecules through luminescence lifetime measurements and obtain some structural information through variable‐temperature (VT) high‐resolution 1H NMR studies. Equilibria between differently hydrated species were found for most of the complexes at both acidic and basic pH. The thermodynamic stability of CaII, ZnII, CuII and LnIII complexes and kinetics of formation and dissociation reactions of LnIII complexes of AE‐DO3A and DMAE‐DO3A were investigated showing stabilities comparable to currently approved GdIII‐based CAs. In detail, higher total basicity (Σlog KiH) and higher stability constants of LnIII complexes were found for AE‐DO3A with respect to DMAE‐DO3A (i.e., log KGd‐AE‐DO3A=22.40 and log KGd‐DMAE‐DO3A=20.56). The transmetallation reactions of GdIII complexes are very slow (Gd‐AE‐DO3A: t1/2=2.7×104 h; Gd‐DMAE‐DO3A: 1.1×105 h at pH 7.4 and 298 K) and occur through proton‐assisted dissociation.
ChemInform Abstract: Na2CaSn2Ge3O12: A Novel Host Lattice for Sm3+‐Doped Long‐Persistent Phosphorescence Materials Emitting Reddish Orange Light.
Authors: Xu Jiao , Ju Zhenghua , Gao Xiuping , An Yanqing , Tang Xiaoliang , Liu Weisheng
Published: February 2014

Powder samples of Na2Ca1‐xSn2Ge3O12 :xSm3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.4) are prepared by solid state reactions of Na2CO3, CaCO3, SnO2, GeO2, and Sm2O3 using an equimolar mixture of (NH4)2C2O4 and H3BO3 as flux (alumina crucible, air, 1250 °C, 5 h).
ChemInform Abstract: LiBa1.5[B5O8(OH)3]: A New 1‐D Metal Borate Chain Constructed from B5O9(OH)36‐ Cluster Units.
Authors: Wu Han‐Qing , Yang Bai‐Fei , He Huan , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: February 2014

The title compound is hydrothermally synthesized from a mixture of Ba(OH)2, H3BO3, Li2CO3, and H2O (autoclave, 200 °C, 7 d, 48% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: A Heterogeneous Layered Bifunctional Catalyst for the Integration of Aerobic Oxidation and Asymmetric C—C Bond Formation.
Authors: Miyamura Hiroyuki , Choo Gerald C. Y. , Yasukawa Tomohiro , Yoo Woo‐Jin , Kobayashi Shu
Published: February 2014

A novel layered heterogeneous bifunctional chiral catalyst consisting of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles and a chiral polymer‐supported Jorgensen—Hayashi‐type organocatalyst (POC) is designed, synthesized and successfully applied to the sequential aerobic oxidation—asymmetric Michael reaction of primary allylic alcohols and dibenzyl malonate.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Active Cationic Ruthenium Complex for Alkene Isomerization: A Catalyst for the Synthesis of High Value Molecules.
Authors: Manzini Simone , Nelson David J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: February 2014

The amine (V) rearranges spontaneously to the corresponding imine (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: Regioselective Sulfonylation and N‐ to O‐Sulfonyl Migration of Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones and Analogues Thienopyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones.
Authors: Mertens Matthias D. , Pietsch Markus , Schnakenburg Gregor , Guetschow Michael
Published: February 2014

A hydrogen substituent at the 2‐position directs the sulfonyl group to the N‐3 position, while alkylsulfanyl or amino substituents lead to sulfonylation of the carbonyl oxygen.
ChemInform Abstract: A Convenient Catalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition Reaction to Enones Using Alkylzirconium Reagents.
Authors: Maksymowicz Rebecca M. , Sidera Mireia , Roth Philippe M. C. , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: February 2014

Alkylmetal species generated in situ from alkenes and the Schwartz reagent undergo enantioselective 1,4‐conjugate addition to enones in the presence of a chiral copper complex as catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Visible‐Light‐Induced Intermolecular Atom‐Transfer Radical Addition of Benzyl Halides to Olefins: Facile Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines.
Authors: Paria Suva , Pirtsch Michael , Kais Viktor , Reiser Oliver
Published: February 2014

Radical addition of nitro‐substituted benzyl halides to silyl enol ethers or styrenes provides ketones or halides which can be easily cyclized to produce tetrahydroquinoline derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold‐Catalyzed Hydration of Haloalkynes to α‐Halomethyl Ketones.
Authors: Xie Longyong , Wu Yundong , Yi Weiguo , Zhu Lei , Xiang Jiannan , He Weimin
Published: February 2014

The title reaction allows a simple and efficient access to a wide variety of α‐halomethyl ketones.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Allenyl‐N‐benzyltrifluoromethanesulfonamide
Authors: Shainyan B. A. , Danilevich Yu. S.
Published: February 2014

synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the first N‐allenyl‐substituted triflamide (IV)
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclopropanation/Cope Rearrangement of 4‐Alkenyl‐1‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Dienes.
Authors: Parr Brendan T. , Davies Huw M. L.
Published: February 2014

This method uses 4‐alkenyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles as alkenylcarbene precursors which undergo a formal [4 + 3] cycloaddition to give substituted cycloheptadiene derivatives in high yields and with good enantioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Y(OTf)3 Catalyzed Substitution Dependent Oxidative C(sp3)—C(sp3) Cleavage and Regioselective Dehydration of β‐Allyl‐β‐hydroxydithioesters: Alternate Route to α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones and Functionalized Dienes.
Authors: Chowdhury Sushobhan , Chanda Tanmoy , Nandi Ganesh Chandra , Koley Suvajit , Ramulu B. Janaki , Pandey S. K. , Singh Maya Shankar
Published: February 2014

Regioselective addition of allylmagnesium bromide to β‐ketodithioesters (I) produces β‐allyl‐β‐hydroxydithioesters (III).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity of Sulfonated Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Heterogeneous, Robust and Reusable Catalysts for the Synthesis of Bisphenolic Antioxidants under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Fareghi‐Alamdari Reza , Golestanzadeh Mohsen , Agend Farima , Zekri Negar
Published: February 2014

Sulfonated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes prove to be a robust, eco‐friendly, reusable and stable catalyst for the efficient synthesis of bisphenolic antioxidants under solvent‐free conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Cross Deoxygenative and Dehydrogenative Coupling of Aldehydes and Alkenes: A Redox‐Neutral Process to Produce Skipped Dienes
Authors: Qian Bo , Zhang Guoying , Ding Yongzheng , Huang Hanmin
Published: February 2014

24 examples
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Pterostilbene by Julia Olefination.
Authors: Peddikotla Prabhakar , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: February 2014

A simple synthesis of the biologically active trans‐pterostilbene (VI) from readily available starting materials using a Julia olefination as key step is given.
ChemInform Abstract: Visible Light‐Mediated Synthesis of (Spiro)anellated Furans.
Authors: Kachkovskyi Georgiy , Faderl Christian , Reiser Oliver
Published: February 2014

The photocyclization of the furoic acid derivatives affords spirobutenolides.
ChemInform Abstract: A Simple and Highly Effective Water‐Compatible Organocatalytic System for Asymmetric Direct Michael Reactions of Linear Aldehydes to Maleimides.
Authors: Qiao Yupu , Headley Allan D.
Published: February 2014

The reaction is conducted under environmentally benign conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Nano n‐Propylsulfonated γ‐Fe2O3: A Novel Magnetically Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Efficient Synthesis of Bis(pyrazolyl)methanes in Water.
Authors: Sobhani Sara , Pakdin‐Parizi Zahra , Nasseri Razieh
Published: February 2014

The employed catalyst can be easily isolated from the reaction mixture by a magnetic bar and reused at least five times without significant loss in its activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Formation of tert‐Alkylamines from Serinols by a Dual Function Catalyst.
Authors: You Young Suk , Kim Tae Woo , Kang Sung Ho
Published: February 2014

A series of enantiopure oxazolidinones (III), useful tert.‐alkylamine building blocks, is prepared in an one‐pot manner by intramolecular desymmetrization of serinols (I) by a copper‐catalyzed cyclization and a subsequent kinetic resolution of enantiomerically enriched hydroxymethyl‐oxazolidinone intermediates (75—80% e.e.) by a benzoylation.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbene Transfer from Triazolylidene Gold Complexes as a Potent Strategy for Inducing High Catalytic Activity.
Authors: Canseco‐Gonzalez Daniel , Petronilho Ana , Mueller‐Bunz Helge , Ohmatsu Kohsuke , Ooi Takashi , Albrecht Martin
Published: February 2014

Catalytically active cationic complexes generated in situ from newly synthesized gold(I) complexes containing triazolylidene ligands in combination with AgBF4 are used as effective catalysts in the reaction of isocyanides and aldehydes to form oxazolines.
ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Liquid‐Mediated Three‐Component Synthesis of Fluorinated Spiro‐Thiazine Derivatives and Their Antimycobacterial and DNA Cleavage Activities.
Authors: Dandia Anshu , Singh Ruby , Saini Deepti
Published: February 2014

DNA cleavage studies reveal that the title compounds (IV) and (VI) exhibit promising cleavage activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Concise Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (4R,6R)‐Lactone Moiety Analogue (IV) of Mevinoline and Compactin
Authors: Rao D. Chandra , Reddy D. Kumar , Chinnababu B. , Shekhar V. , Venkateswarlu Y.
Published: February 2014

[involving the Corey—Bakshi—Shibata reduction [→ (II)] as a key step].
ChemInform Abstract: Superconductivity, Antiferromagnetism, and Neutron Scattering
Authors: Tranquada John M. , Xu Guangyong , Zaliznyak Igor A.
Published: February 2014

Review: 197 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies on the Persistent Luminescence of Eu2+ and Dy3+‐Doped SrAl2O4 Phosphors: A Review
Authors: Kaur Jagjeet , Shrivastava Ravi , Jaykumar Beena , Suryanarayana N. S.
Published: February 2014

Review: 58 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanisms of Metal‐Catalyzed Hydrophosphination of Alkenes and Alkynes
Authors: Rosenberg Lisa
Published: February 2014

Review: 81 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Artificial Metalloenzymes and Metallopeptide Catalysts for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Lewis Jared C.
Published: February 2014

Review: 224 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Multistep One‐Pot Reactions Combining Biocatalysts and Chemical Catalysts for Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Denard Carl A. , Hartwig John F. , Zhao Huimin
Published: February 2014

Review: 120 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Magnetic Interactions in Molecules and Highly Correlated Materials: Physical Content, Analytical Derivation, and Rigorous Extraction of Magnetic Hamiltonians
Authors: Malrieu Jean Paul , Caballol Rosa , Calzado Carmen J. , de Graaf Coen , Guihery Nathalie
Published: February 2014

Review: 918 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: What Role Has Organic Chemistry Played in the Development of Molecule‐Based Magnets?
Authors: Iwamura Hiizu
Published: February 2014

Review: 78 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Comparative Review of Structural Parameters of the Nearest Surrounding of Monoatomic Cations in Water and Methanol Media
Authors: Smirnov P. R.
Published: February 2014

Review: 78 refs.