bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Isoxazoline Containing Natural Products as Anticancer Agents: A Review
Authors: Kaur Kamalneet , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Anil Kumar , Gupta Girish Kumar
Published: May 2014

Review: 67 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 25th Anniversary Article: Carbon Nanotube‐ and Graphene‐Based Transparent Conductive Films for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Du Jinhong , Pei Songfeng , Ma Laipeng , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: May 2014

Review: 279 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 25th Anniversary Article: Materials for High‐Performance Biodegradable Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Lee Kyung‐Mi , et al. et al.
Published: May 2014

Review: 24 refs.
A Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Detection of Al3+ in Totally Aqueous Media
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Chen Jiayi , Wang Enju
Published: May 2014

A fluorescent chemosensor (1) based on 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde Schiff‐base was developed for the detection of Al3+ in 100% aqueous solution. Upon addition of Al3+, a significant fluorescence enhancement was observed, which was not affected by other metal ions including Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Ag+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ under weak acid conditions. Moreover, the specific response to Al3+ was visible under natural light. The binding mode between 1 and Al3+ was clarified by ESI‐MS and 1H NMR.
4‐Benzamido‐TEMPO Catalyzed Oxidation of a Broad Range of Alcohols to the Carbonyl Compounds with NaBrO3 under Mild Conditions
Authors: Shen Jiaxuan , Sun Jiangkai , Qin Shuangshuang , Chu Changhu , Liu Renhua
Published: May 2014

4‐Benzamido‐TEMPO catalyzed oxidation system for conversion of a wide range of alcohols to the aldehydes or ketones with NaBrO3 under room temperature conditions has been developed. The credible, operationally convenient and economical, and condition mild oxidation protocol is particularly of interest in laboratory and in fine chemicals manufacture.
Efficient Extractive Desulfurization of Fuel Oils Using N‐Pyrrolidone/Alkylphosphate‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Liu Chunhai , He Qihui , Zhang Zheng , Su Yangyang , Xu Renfu , Hu Baixing
Published: May 2014

Four BrØsted acid ionic liquids (ILS) [MMP][DMP], [MEP][DEP], [HMP][DMP] and [HEP][DEP] were synthesized and used as extractants for desulfurization of aromatic sulfur compounds in model oil. The mutual solubility of four ILs were investigated. The extraction equilibrium of four ILs could be reached in as soon as 5 min and the extraction capability followed the order [MMP][DMP]>[MEP][DEP]>[HEP][DEP]>[HMP][DMP]. The S extraction showed the highest efficiency under the conditions of 30°C, 30 min and 1:1 (V/V) IL:oil. Under the optimal condition, 70.9% of thiophene (TS), 76.9% of benzothiophene (BT) and 87.5% of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in n‐octane could be efficiently removed by [MMP][DMP]. The multiple extraction and regeneration performance of [MMP][DMP] for TS was also investigated and the results were satisfying. These results suggest that [MMP][DMP] has the best extraction capability and can serve as a promising solvent for extractive desulfurization of fuel oils.
An improved method of genome size estimation by flow cytometry in five mucilaginous species of Hyacinthaceae
Authors: Nath Sayantani , Mallick Sanjaya Kumar , Jha Sumita
Published: May 2014

The family Hyacinthaceae constitutes about 900 species of bulbous geophytes usually characterized by high mucilage content. Taxonomic delimitation of Hyacinthaceae has been controversial since the time of Linnaeus due to the absence of reliable discriminating characters. Pattern of genome size variation can thus be considered as an added character to aid intergeneric and intrageneric relationship of the group. However, reports on genome size estimation by flow cytometric analysis of these plants are rare due to the presence of mucilage, which causes problem with nuclei sample preparation. To overcome this problem five reported nuclei isolation buffers were tested in Drimia indica of which Galbraith's buffer gave comparatively better results and was further modified by increasing pH, detergent concentration, and replacing sodium citrate by citric acid. The modified buffer enabled better sample preparation with increased yield, lesser debris, and improved DNA peak CV. The standardized buffer was used to estimate the 2C values of Drimia indica, Drimia nagarjunae, Drimia wightii, Drimia coromandeliana, and Ledebouria revoluta for the first time by flow cytometric analysis. This study also opens up the scope for further improvement in sample preparation for flow cytometric analysis of mucilaginous plants, which is otherwise problematic due to nuclei clumping and increased viscosity of sample. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Privacy‐friendly weighted‐reputation aggregation protocols against malicious adversaries in cloud services
Authors: Zhang Mingwu , Xia Yong , Yuan Ou , Morozov Kirill
Published: May 2014

Reputation systems are used for evaluating trustworthiness of the users based on their feedback (i.e., votes) about each other. Such systems are particularly important for cloud service providers, as they allow them to collect and aggregate feedback on the past behavior of users. Weighted‐reputation aggregation is a protocol, where the vote server has a weight vector
for all voters, each voter has a vote score yi, and they cooperate to compute
. We call it ‘privacy‐friendly’, if the respective inputs are kept private. In other words, a privacy‐friendly weighted aggregation protocol is a secure evaluation for functionality
. In this work, we propose two privacy‐friendly weighted‐reputation aggregation protocols: one in semi‐honest model and another one in malicious model. The latter protocol uses the cryptographic primitives of homomorphic encryption, verifiable encryption, and the proof of knowledge of a discrete logarithm. Our protocols need only two rounds of communications, which is very efficient in practice. Our protocols are secure against the collusion of at most n − 2malicious adversaries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fast automated screening method for the detection of blood transfusion in sports
Authors: Leuenberger Nicolas , Ansermet Camille , Pottgiesser Torben , Baume Norbert , Robinson Neil , Saugy Martial , Schumacher Yorck Olaf
Published: May 2014

Currently, there is no simple direct screening method for the misuse of blood transfusions in sports. In this study, we investigated whether the measurement of iron in EDTA‐plasma can serve as biomarker for such purpose. Our results revealed an increase of the plasma iron level up to 25‐fold 6 h after blood re‐infusion. The variable remained elevated 10‐fold one day after the procedure. A specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 93% were obtained with a proposed threshold at 45 µg/dL of plasma iron. Therefore, our test could be used as a simple, cost effective biomarker for the screening for blood transfusion misuse in sports. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropomyosin is required for cardiac morphogenesis, myofibril assembly, and formation of adherens junctions in the developing mouse embryo
Authors: McKeown Caroline R. , Nowak Roberta B. , Gokhin David S. , Fowler Velia M.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND: We explored a function for tropomyosin (TM) in mammalian myofibril assembly and cardiac development by analyzing a deletion in the mouse TPM1 gene targeting αTM1, the major striated muscle TM isoform. RESULTS: Mice lacking αTM1 are embryonic lethal at E9.5 with enlarged, misshapen, and non‐beating hearts characterized by an abnormally thin myocardium and reduced trabeculae. αTM1‐deficient cardiomyocytes do not assemble striated myofibrils, instead displaying aberrant non‐striated F‐actin fibrils with α‐actinin puncta dispersed irregularly along their lengths. αTM1's binding partner, tropomodulin1 (Tmod1), is also disorganized, and both myomesin‐containing thick filaments as well as titin Z1Z2 fail to assemble in a striated pattern. Adherens junctions are reduced in size in αTM1‐deficient cardiomyocytes, α‐actinin/F‐actin adherens belts fail to assemble at apical cell–cell contacts, and cell contours are highly irregular, resulting in abnormal cell shapes and a highly folded cardiac surface. In addition, Tmod1‐deficient cardiomyocytes exhibit failure of α‐actinin/F‐actin adherens belt assembly. CONCLUSIONS: Absence of αTM1 resulting in unstable F‐actin may preclude sarcomere formation and/or lead to degeneration of partially assembled sarcomeres due to unregulated actomyosin interactions. Our data also identify a novel αTM1/Tmod1‐based pathway stabilizing F‐actin at cell–cell junctions, which may be required for maintenance of cell shapes during embryonic cardiac morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 243:800–817, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of discontinuing methylphenidate on weight and eating behavior
Authors: Benard Victoire , Cottencin Olivier , Guardia Dewi , Vaiva Guillaume , Rolland Benjamin
Published: May 2014

Chronic administration of the amphetamine‐derivative methylphenidate (MPH) may induce appetite reduction and weight loss. By contrast, the effects that stopping chronic MPH may exert on eating behavior and body weight are poorly known.

We report the case of a male patient with childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who discontinued MPH treatment at the age of 11 years and was lost to follow‐up until the age of 16. The patient's body mass index increased by five points within 1 year of MPH cessation while the symptoms of ADHD were re‐emerging. The patient secondarily developed DSM‐5 criteria for eating disorders.

Discontinuing chronic MPH can significantly affect weight and eating behavior. Such risks should warrant further studies, as they could be particularly increased in patients with ADHD, who share common vulnerability factors with both obesity and eating disorders. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:345–348)
Is isolation by adaptation driving genetic divergence among proximate Dolly Varden char populations?
Authors: Bond Morgan H. , Crane Penelope A. , Larson Wesley A. , Quinn Tom P.
Published: May 2014

Numerous studies of population genetics in salmonids and other anadromous fishes have revealed that population structure is generally organized into geographic hierarchies (isolation by distance), but significant structure can exist in proximate populations due to varying selective pressures (isolation by adaptation). In Chignik Lakes, Alaska, anadromous Dolly Varden char (Salvelinus malma) spawn in nearly all accessible streams throughout the watershed, including those draining directly to an estuary, Chignik Lagoon, into larger rivers, and into lakes. Collections of Dolly Varden fry from 13 streams throughout the system revealed low levels of population structure among streams emptying into freshwater. However, much stronger genetic differentiation was detected between streams emptying into freshwater and streams flowing directly into estuarine environments. This fine‐scale reproductive isolation without any physical barriers to migration is likely driven by differences in selection pressures across freshwater and estuarine environments. Estuary tributaries had fewer larger, older juveniles, suggesting an alternative life history of smolting and migration to the marine environment at a much smaller size than occurs in the other populations. Therefore, genetic data were consistent with a scenario where isolation by adaptation occurs between populations of Dolly Varden in the study system, and ecological data suggest that this isolation may partially be a result of a novel Dolly Varden life history of seawater tolerance at a smaller size than previously recognized.
Serendipitous Metal‐Catalyzed H–H/Si–H Exchange
Authors: Nikonov Georgii I. , Vyboishchikov Sergei F. , Shirobokov Oleg G. , Simionescu Razvan
Published: May 2014

Various metal complexes catalyze exchange between H2 and hydrosilanes. Catalyst screening suggests that the electron deficiency of the metal center is necessary for exchange, but silane and/or hydrogen addition or σ‐bond metathesis with the M–Si and M–H bonds are not required. Kinetic measurements for the system [(ArN=)Mo(PMe3)3(H)(SiH2Ph)/H2/H3SiPh] (Ar = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3) suggest that the reaction proceeds through activation of the silane.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Synthesis of Benzimidazoles
Authors: Park Sehyun , Jung Jaehun , Cho Eun Jin
Published: May 2014

A simple and environmentally‐friendly synthetic method for benzimidazoles, which are important structural motifs in many applications owing to their various biological functions, has been developed. The reaction of o‐phenylenediamine and a variety of aliphatic/aromatic aldehydes in methanol proceeds at room temperature with only natural sources, molecular oxygen and visible light.
Nonlinear seismic analysis of reinforced concrete frames using the force analogy method
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Yu , Li Hong‐Nan
Published: May 2014

A method of nonlinear seismic analysis for RC framed structures considering full‐range factors, including stiffness and strength degradation, geometric nonlinearity, and structural member failure, is established based on the fundamental concept of the force analogy method. The strong material nonlinearity, large geometric deformation, and internal forces redistribution due to the member failure can be depicted by the proposed local plastic mechanisms, the rotation hinges at the member ends and the slide hinges assigned to the columns, of which the measurement relationships are moment versus plastic rotation and shear force versus shear plastic deformation, respectively. They are capable of evaluating the exact response of RC structures. Because only unchanging initial stiffness matrices are used through the whole computation process, the state‐space formulation was used for solving the equations of motion. The advantages of the force analogy method, such as high efficiency and stability, are still retained. The exactness of the proposed local plastic mechanisms is verified against a group of tests data, and the application of the proposed procedure is performed to an RC framed structure to simulate the full‐range nonlinear response by increasing the excitation step by step until failure of partial structural members appear. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potassium sarcosinate promoted aqueous ammonia solution for post‐combustion capture of CO2
Authors: Yang Nan , Xu Dong Yao , Yu Hai , Conway William , Maeder Marcel , Feron Paul
Published: May 2014

Aqueous ammonia (NH3) is regarded as one of the most cost‐effective solvents for carbon dioxide (CO2) separation processes but suffers from low CO2 absorption rates and high NH3 vapor losses which hinder industrial application of this solvent in CO2 capture from the flue gas of the coal‐fired power sectors. In an attempt to address these issues, the effect of adding of potassium sarcosinate (K‐SAR) to NH3 solutions as a rate promoter on CO2 mass transfer and NH3 vapor loss in the aqueous NH3‐based post‐combustion capture process was investigated in this work. Overall mass transfer coefficients (KG) describing CO2 absorption and NH3 vapor loss in 3.0M NH3 and blended 3.0M NH3 solutions containing a wide range of K‐SAR concentrations from 0.0 to 3.0M were determined using a wetted‐wall column contactor at 15–25 °C and CO2 loadings from 0.0 to 0.5(molCO2/mol total amine). Additionally, prediction of equilibrium species distribution using fundamental chemical modelling software (ReactLab) in CO2‐loaded NH3 containing blended solutions were used to explain our experimental results. Addition of K‐SAR resulted in significant improvement of KG of CO2 absorption in NH3 solutions, but also increased NH3 vapor losses. The effect of temperature on KG of CO2 absorption in K‐SAR solution was greater than in the NH3/K‐SAR blended solution. The improvement in mass transfer upon addition of K‐SAR is due to the faster reaction of CO2 with K‐SAR than with NH3. The greater loss of NH3 upon addition of K‐SAR can be ascribed to the availability of more free NH3 and the decrease of solubility of CO2 and NH3 in the NH3/K‐SAR blended solution. The investigation of KG of CO2 and NH3 vapor losses in NH3 and other amines (PZ, 1‐MPZ, DEA and MEA) blended solutions also proved the competition for CO2 is one of the reasons for the increasing of NH3 vapor losses.
The impact of expanded health system reform on governmental contributions and individual copayments in the new Chinese rural cooperative medical system
Authors: Dong Hengjin , Duan Shengnan , Bogg Lennart , Wu Yuan , You Hua , Chen Jianhua , Ye Xujun , Seccombe Karen , Yu Hai
Published: May 2014

In 2002, the Chinese central government created a new rural cooperative medical system (NCMS), ensuring that both central and local governments partner with rural residents to reduce their copayments, thus making healthcare more affordable. Yet, significant gaps in health status and healthcare utilization persisted between urban and rural communities. Therefore, in 2009, healthcare reform was expanded, with (i) increased government financing and (ii) sharply reduced individual copayments for outpatient and inpatient care. Analyzing data from China's Ministry of Health, the Rural Cooperative Information Network, and Statistical Yearbooks, our findings suggest that healthcare reform has reached its preliminary objectives—government financing has grown significantly in most rural provinces, especially those in poorer western and central China, and copayments in most rural provinces have been reduced. Significant intraprovincial inequality of support remains. The central government contributes more money for poor provinces than for rich ones; however, NCMS schemes operate at the county level, which vary significantly in their level of economic development and per capital gross domestic products (GDP) within a province. Data reveal that the compensation ratios for both outpatient and inpatient care are not adjusted to compensate for a rural county's level of economic development or per capita GDP. Consequently, a greater financial burden for healthcare persists among persons in the poorest rural regions. A recommendation for next step in healthcare reform is to pool resources at prefectural/municipal level and also adjust central government contributions according to the GDP level at prefectural/municipal level. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Which catchment characteristics control the temporal dependence structure of daily river flows?
Authors: Chiverton Andrew , Hannaford Jamie , Holman Ian , Corstanje Ron , Prudhomme Christel , Bloomfield John , Hess Tim M.
Published: May 2014

Hydrological classification systems seek to provide information about the dominant processes in the catchment to enable information to be transferred between catchments. Currently, there is no widely agreed‐upon system for classifying river catchments. This paper develops a novel approach to classifying catchments based on the temporal dependence structure of daily mean river flow time series, applied to 116 near‐natural ‘benchmark’ catchments in the UK. The classification system is validated using 49 independent catchments. Temporal dependence in river flow data is driven by the flow pathways, connectivity and storage within the catchment and can thus be used to assess the influence catchment characteristics have on moderating the precipitation‐to‐flow relationship. Semi‐variograms were computed for the 116 benchmark catchments to provide a robust and efficient way of characterising temporal dependence. Cluster analysis was performed on the semi‐variograms, resulting in four distinct clusters. The influence of a wide range of catchment characteristics on the semi‐variogram shape was investigated, including: elevation, land cover, physiographic characteristics, soil type and geology. Geology, depth to gleyed layer in soils, slope of the catchment and the percentage of arable land were significantly different between the clusters. These characteristics drive the temporal dependence structure by influencing the rate at which water moves through the catchment and/or the storage in the catchment. Quadratic discriminant analysis was used to show that a model with five catchment characteristics is able to predict the temporal dependence structure for un‐gauged catchments. This method could form the basis for future regionalisation strategies, as a way of transferring information on the precipitation‐to‐flow relationship between gauged and un‐gauged catchments. © 2014 The Authors. Hydrological Processes by published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The langmuir isotherm: A commonly applied but misleading approach for the analysis of protein adsorption behavior
Authors: Latour Robert A.
Published: May 2014

The Langmuir adsorption isotherm provides one of the simplest and most direct methods to quantify an adsorption process. Because isotherm data from protein adsorption studies often appear to be fit well by the Langmuir isotherm model, estimates of protein binding affinity have often been made from its use despite that fact that none of the conditions required for a Langmuir adsorption process may be satisfied for this type of application. The physical events that cause protein adsorption isotherms to often provide a Langmuir‐shaped isotherm can be explained as being due to changes in adsorption‐induced spreading, reorientation, clustering, and aggregation of the protein on a surface as a function of solution concentration in contrast to being due to a dynamic equilibrium adsorption process, which is required for Langmuir adsorption. Unless the requirements of the Langmuir adsorption process can be confirmed, fitting of the Langmuir model to protein adsorption isotherm data to obtain thermodynamic properties, such as the equilibrium constant for adsorption and adsorption free energy, may provide erroneous values that have little to do with the actual protein adsorption process, and should be avoided. In this article, a detailed analysis of the Langmuir isotherm model is presented along with a quantitative analysis of the level of error that can arise in derived parameters when the Langmuir isotherm is inappropriately applied to characterize a protein adsorption process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 949–958, 2015.
Gelatin–siloxane nanoparticles to deliver nitric oxide for vascular cell regulation: Synthesis, cytocompatibility, and cellular responses
Authors: Zhang Qin‐Yuan , Wang Zu‐Yong , Wen Feng , Ren Lei , Li Jun , Teoh Swee Hin , Thian Eng San
Published: May 2014

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator in cardiovascular system to regulate vascular tone and maintain tissue homeostasis. Its role in vascular cell regulation makes it promising to address the post‐surgery restenosis problem. However, the application of NO is constrained by its high reactivity. Here, we developed a novel NO‐releasing gelatin–siloxane nanoparticle (GS–NO NP) to deliver NO effectively for vascular cell regulation. Results showed that gelatin–siloxane nanoparticles (GS NPs) could be synthesized via sol‐gel chemistry with a diameter of ∼200 nm. It could be modified into GS–NO NPs via S‐nitrosothiol (RSNO) modification. The synthesized GS–NO NPs could release a total of ∼0.12 µmol/mg NO sustainably for 7 days following a first‐order exponential profile. They showed not only excellent cytocompatibility, but also rapid intracellularization within 2 h. GS–NO NPs showed inhibition of human aortic smooth muscle cell (AoSMC) proliferation and promotion of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, which is an important approach to prevent restenosis. With GS–NO NP dose at 100 µg/mL, the proliferation of AoSMCs could be slowed down whereas the growth of HUVECs was significantly promoted. We concluded that GS–NO NPs could have potential to be used as a promising nano‐system to deliver NO for vascular cell regulation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 929–938, 2015.
Comparison of the BISAP scores for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis in Chinese patients according to the latest Atlanta classification
Authors: Zhang Jia , Shahbaz Muhammad , Fang Ruliang , Liang Benjia , Gao Chao , Gao Huijie , Ijaz Muhammad , Peng Cheng , Wang Ben , Niu Zhengchuan , Niu Jun
Published: May 2014

Background

The bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) is a new, convenient, prognostic multifactor scoring system. As there were no studies designed to validate this system according to the latest Atlanta classification in China and more data are needed before clinical application, we compared BISAP, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Ranson scoring systems in predicting the severity, pancreatic necrosis and mortality of acute pancreatitis (AP) using the latest 2012 Atlanta classification in a tertiary care center in China.

Methods

The medical records of all patients with AP admitted to our hospitals between January 2010 and June 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Severe AP was defined as the persistence of organ failure for more than 48 h. The capacity of the BISAP, APACHE II and Ranson's score system to predict severity, pancreatic necrosis and mortality was evaluated using linear‐by‐linear association. The predictive accuracy of the BISAP, APACHE II and Ranson's score was measured as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Of 155 patients enrolled in the study, 16.7% were classified as having severe AP, and six (3.2%) died. There were statistically significant trends for increasing severity (P < 0.001), PNec (P < 0.001) and mortality (P < 0.001) with increasing BISAP. The AUC for severity predicted by BISAP was 0.793 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.700–0.886), APACHE II 0.836 (95% CI 0.744–0.928) and by Ranson score was 0.903 (95% CI 0.814–0.992). The AUC for PNec predicted by BISAP was 0.834 (95% CI 0.739–0.929), APACHE II 0.801 (95% CI 0.691–0.910) and by Ranson score was 0.840 (95% CI 0.741–0.939). The AUC for mortality predicted by BISAP was 0.791 (95% CI 0.593–0.989), APACHE II 0.812 (95% CI 0.717–0.906) and by Ranson score was 0.904 (95% CI 0.829–0.979).

Conclusions

BISAP score may be a valuable source for risk stratification and prognostic prediction in Chinese patients with AP. A prospective and multicenter validation study is required to confirm our results and further our recognition of BISAP scores in AP.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Novel Imidazole Containing Bisazetidinones and Bisthiazolidinone Derivatives
Authors: Pagadala Ramakanth , Kusampally Uppalaiah , Rajanna Kamatala Chinna , Meshram Jyotsna S.
Published: May 2014

A simple, practical, and efficient approach to new series of imidazole containing bisazetidinones (7a,7b,7c,7d,7e,7f,7g,7h,7i,7jand9a,9b,9c,9d,9e,9f,9g,9h,9i,9j) was prepared by Staudinger [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction, and bisthiazolidinones (8a,8b,8c,8d,8e,8f,8g,8h,8i,8jand10a,10b,10c,10d,10e,10f,10g,10h,10i,10j) were obtained by cyclization of bisimines with thioglycolic acid. The bisimines (5a,5b,5c,5d,5e,5f,5g,5h,5i,5jand6a,6b,6c,6d,6e,6f,6g,6h,6i,6j) were synthesized by the condensation of 3‐(1‐(3‐aminobenzyl)‐4, 5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl) aniline (3,4) with a series of different substituted aromatic aldehydes. All the newly synthesized target compounds were evaluated for theirin vitroantimicrobial activity against two Gram‐positive bacteria and two Gram‐negative bacteria. Additionally, these synthesized compounds were tested for their antifungal activities. Few compounds showed very good antibacterial and antifungal activity.
First Synthesis of Bis(di(indolyl)aryl)methanes From Bis(salicylaldehydes)
Authors: Bakthadoss Manickam , Devaraj Anthonisamy , Srinivasan Jayakumar
Published: May 2014

In this article, a simple method for the synthesis of bis(di(indolyl)aryl)methanes is described. The iodine‐catalyzed (5 mol %) reaction of indoles with various bis(salicylaldehyde) derivatives affords the bis(di(indolyl)aryl)methanes in excellent yields. The reaction works well under mild reaction condition with shorter reaction time.
Selected Methodologies Convenient for the Synthesis of N,5‐Diaryloxazole‐2‐amine Pharmacophore
Authors: Lintnerová Lucia , Kováčiková Lucia , Hanquet Gilles , Boháč Andrej
Published: May 2014

N,5‐Diaryloxazole‐2‐amine moiety is a strong pharmacophore found in 775 biologically active compounds possessing antitumor, anti‐infective, immunosuppressive, anti‐inflammatory, and other activities. Despite a broad biological exploitation, synthesis of N,5‐diaryloxazole‐2‐amine‐containing compounds is still not well developed. Preparation of oxazole‐2‐amine moiety is a relatively complex topic, and often low yields are observed. In this article, we discussed four synthetic methodologies and provided some generalization of their advantages, as well as further synthetic development. Using these methodologies, we prepared all together 10 new oxazole‐2‐amine derivatives and discovered presence of urea and enamine side products.
Synthesis of Imidazo[2,1‐b][2H‐1,3,4]thiadiazines and 1,2,4‐Triazolo[3,4‐b][2H‐1,3,4]thiadiazines
Authors: Knak Stefanie , Pfeiffer Wolf‐Diethard , Dollinger Horst , Saghyan Ashot S. , Langer Peter
Published: May 2014

Imidazo[2,1‐b][2H‐1,3,4]thiadiazines were prepared by cyclization of 2‐amino‐5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐6H‐1,3,4‐thiadiazine with α‐haloketones. 1,2,4‐Triazolo[3,4‐b][2H‐1,3,4]thiadiazines were prepared by cyclization of 4‐amino‐5‐sulfanyl‐l,2,4‐triazoles with phenacyl bromides.
Effect of heavy metals on growth response and antioxidant defense protection in Bacillus cereus
Authors: Behera Madhumita , Dandapat Jagneshwar , Rath Chandi Charan
Published: May 2014

Bacterial cells in aerobic environment generate reactive oxygen species which may lead to oxidative stress, induced by a wide range of environmental factors including heavy metals. In the present context an attempt has been made to determine the toxic impact of cadmium and copper on growth performance, oxidative stress, and relative level of antioxidant protection in Bacillus cereus. Outcome of this study suggests that both the metal ions depleted the growth rate in this organism with respect to time and concentration of the metal ions. CdCl2 exposure induced extracellular glutathione (GSH) production, whereas, its level was declined in response to CuSO4. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content was elevated under CdCl2 stress but the activity of catalase (CAT) was inhibited. In contrast, incubation of bacteria with CuSO4 exhibited decreased SOD activity with concomitant rise in CAT activity and H2O2 content. We also observed elevation of intracellular GSH level in this bacteria following supplementation of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) in the medium. Overall findings of this study indicated differential toxicity of CdCl2 and CuSO4 in inducing oxidative stress, depleting growth rate and the possible involvement of GSH and CAT in adaptive antioxidant response.
Influence of viticulture practices on grape aroma precursors and their relation with wine aroma
Authors: Hernandez‐Orte Purificacion , Concejero Belen , Astrain Jesus , Lacau Blanca , Cacho Juan , Ferreira Vicente
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The effects of two different operations in the vineyard (basal leaf plucking and head trimming) on the synthesis of aromatic precursors in the grape and their impact on wine aroma have been studied and compared with a control sample. The study was carried out over two consecutive years with four different varieties. Glycosidic precursors were analysed in grapes and volatile compounds were studied in the wines. ANOVA studies were performed to study the effect of the vintage, variety and treatment for each of the compounds released from their precursors.

RESULTS

Regarding treatment, the highest values in the concentration of free aroma compounds were achieved in the leaf plucking grapes, except for Chardonnay. Significant and positive correlations between aromatic precursors of terpenes present in grapes and their released form in wines were found for all varieties. For norisoprenoids, significant and positive correlations were exclusively found for Chardonnay and for phenols and vanillins in the year 2010 the correlations were high in three of the four varieties studied.

CONCLUSION

In the assays of the 2 years, more precursors were synthesised in Merlot, Gewurztraminer and Tempranillo grapes if the vineyards were plucked. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Psychotherapy on Trauma‐Related Cognitions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Diehle Julia , Schmitt Katja , Daams Joost G. , Boer Frits , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: May 2014

In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) incorporate trauma‐related cognitions. This adaptation of the criteria has consequences for the treatment of PTSD. Until now, comprehensive information about the effect of psychotherapy on trauma‐related cognitions has been lacking. Therefore, the goal of our meta‐analysis was to determine which psychotherapy most effectively reduces trauma‐related cognitions. Our literature search for randomized controlled trials resulted in 16 studies with data from 994 participants. We found significant effect sizes favoring trauma‐focused cognitive–behavioral therapy as compared to nonactive or active nontrauma‐focused control conditions of Hedges’ g = 1.21, 95% CI [0.69, 1.72], p < .001 and g = 0.36, 95% CI [0.09, 0.63], p = .009, respectively. Treatment conditions with elements of cognitive restructuring and treatment conditions with elements of exposure, but no cognitive restructuring reduced trauma‐related cognitions almost to the same degree. Treatments with cognitive restructuring had small advantages over treatments without cognitive restructuring. We concluded that trauma‐focused cognitive–behavioral therapy effectively reduces trauma‐related cognitions. Treatments comprising either combinations of cognitive restructuring and imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure, or imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure alone showed the largest effects.
Long‐Term Tillage and Cropping System Effects on Chemical and Biochemical Characteristics of Soil Organic Matter in a Mediterranean Semiarid Environment
Authors: Laudicina Vito Armando , Novara Agata , Barbera Vito , Egli Markus , Badalucco Luigi
Published: May 2014

Several studies have reported how tillage and cropping systems affect quantity, quality, and distribution of soil organic matter (SOM) along the profile. However, the effect of soil management on the chemical structure of SOM and on its hydrophobic and hydrophilic components has been little investigated. In this work, the long‐term (19 years) effects of two cropping systems (wheat monoculture and wheat/faba bean rotation) and three tillage managements (conventional, reduced, and no tillage) on some chemical characteristics of SOM and their relationships with labile carbon (C) pools were evaluated. Soil samples were taken from the topsoil (0–15 cm) of a Chromic Haploxerert (central Sicily, Italy). After 19 years of different tillage and cropping systems management, total organic C significantly differed among treatments with the labile organic C pools showing the greater amount in no till and in wheat/faba bean plots. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic components of SOM, determined by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, were mainly affected by cropping system, whereas aromatic components of SOM by tillage. Soil organic matter components and characteristics showed significant correlations with the soil biochemical parameters, confirming the expected synergism between chemical and biochemical properties. This study demonstrated that (i) no tillage and crop rotation improve the chemical and biochemical properties of SOM of Vertisols under semiarid environment; and (ii) tillage management and cropping systems have affected, after 19 years, more the chemical and biochemical properties of SOM than its quantity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subthalamic stimulation improves motor function but not home and neighborhood mobility
Authors: Daneault Jean‐François , Duval Christian , Barbat‐Artigas Sébastien , Aubertin‐Leheudre Mylène , Jodoin Nicolas , Panisset Michel , Sadikot Abbas F.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Subthalamic (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a recognized therapy for alleviating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known about its impact on mobility, an important component of quality of life (QoL). To address this issue, we assessed the impact of STN DBS on life‐space mobility and QoL.

Methods

Twenty surgical patients with PD were assessed using mobility and QoL scales and the United Parkinson's disease rating scale, and results were compared before surgery and 6 to 9 months postoperatively.

Results

STN DBS significantly improved motor dysfunction but had a limited impact on measures of life‐space mobility and QoL.

Interpretation

STN DBS improves motor function and some components of QoL. However, motor recovery does not translate into improved life‐space in the intermediate term. In addition to a focus on motor function, multidisciplinary attention to increasing mobility may further improve QoL in the intermediate and long‐term. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of Warfarin Dose Requirements in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sakaan Sami A. , Hudson Joanna Q. , Oliphant Carrie S. , Tolley Elizabeth A. , Cummings Carolyn , Alabdan Numan A. , Self Timothy H.
Published: May 2014

Study Objectives

The effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on warfarin has gained attention because of an increased risk of thromboembolism and an increased risk of bleeding associated with warfarin treatment in these patients. Data suggest that patients with reduced kidney function require lower warfarin doses; however, relatively few patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) were included in previous studies. The goal of this study was to evaluate warfarin dosing requirements and time to reach therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) in patients with CKD stages 3–5 and ESRD compared with patients with normal kidney function (NKF).

Methods

A historical cohort was identified to evaluate warfarin response in 210 hospitalized adults with varying degrees of kidney function initiated or maintained on warfarin for 4 or more consecutive days including 49 patients with NKF (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] higher than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), 44 with CKD stage 3, 27 with CKD stage 4/5, and 90 with ESRD. The average daily dose (ADD), time to achieve a therapeutic INR, and adverse effects were compared.

Measurements and Main Results

The ADD to maintain a therapeutic INR was 5.6 ± 1.7 mg in the NKF group, 4.3 ± 1.6 mg in CKD stage 3, 4.6 ± 1.9 mg in CKD stage 4/5, and 4.8 ± 1.9 mg in ESRD. The ADD was lower in CKD/ESRD patients compared with NKF patients (p=0.001), especially among whites. The time to reach a therapeutic INR in patients newly initiated on warfarin was significantly lower in the CKD/ESRD group when compared with the NKF group (p=0.02). No differences in bleeding episodes were observed during hospitalization or within 30 days of discharge in patients with CKD stage 3 or higher compared with patients with NKF.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CKD and ESRD patients require ~20% lower warfarin doses to maintain a therapeutic INR and may require less time to achieve a therapeutic INR compared with patients with NKF.
Cumulative neonatal oxygen exposure predicts response of adult mice infected with influenza A virus
Authors: Maduekwe Echezona T. , Buczynski Bradley W. , Yee Min , Rangasamy Tiruamalai , Stevens Timothy P. , Lawrence B. Paige , O'Reilly Michael A.
Published: May 2014

An acceptable level of oxygen exposure in preterm infants that maximizes efficacy and minimizes harm has yet to be determined. Quantifying oxygen exposure as an area‐under‐the curve (OAUC) has been predictive of later respiratory symptoms among former low birth weight infants. Here, we test the hypothesis that quantifying OAUC in newborn mice can predict their risk for altered lung development and respiratory viral infections as adults. Newborn mice were exposed to room air or a FiO2 of 100% oxygen for 4 days, 60% oxygen for 8 days, or 40% oxygen for 16 days (same cumulative dose of excess oxygen). At 8 weeks of age, mice were infected intranasally with a non‐lethal dose of influenza A virus. Adult mice exposed to 100% oxygen for 4 days or 60% oxygen for 8 days exhibited alveolar simplification and altered elastin deposition compared to siblings birthed into room air, as well as increased inflammation and fibrotic lung disease following viral infection. These changes were not observed in mice exposed to 40% oxygen for 16 days. Our findings in mice support the concept that quantifying OAUC over a currently unspecified threshold can predict human risk for respiratory morbidity later in life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:222–230. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Individualized Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain
Authors: Keays Susan L. , Mason Marjon , Newcombe Peter A.
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is associated with a wide range of local and global physical factors possibly contributing to pain and thus requires detailed assessment and individualized treatment. Yet, no cohort study was found that assessed the value of individualized physiotherapy, probably because this approach lends itself to clinical practice but not to scientific research. Most studies focus on a ‘knee’ or ‘hip’ treatment approach irrespective of individual global differences in lower limb alignment, movement patterns and muscle tightness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of supplementing local treatment of PFP with individualized treatment targeting global contributing factors. Secondarily it aimed to subgroup the patients according to variations in lower limb alignment/laxity, movement patterns, biarticular muscle tightness and joint degeneration. Method. Forty‐one patients (60 knees) with PFP who had followed a programme of local quadriceps strengthening, quadriceps stretching and taping for one fortnight were prescribed an individualized programme based on assessment. This global assessment included lower limb postural alignment, movement patterns, muscle tightness and range of motion. Another fortnights treatment was prescribed accordingly and included specific, individualized postural and movement retraining, stretching and functional weight‐bearing, strengthening exercises. Seven outcome measures, namely four pain measures, isokinetic quadriceps strength, quadriceps length and eccentric knee control, assessed improvement. Results. All outcome measures showed further significant improvement following individualized treatment (p < 0.03). Patients fell into four broad physical subgroups: hypermobility (often with malalignment), hypomobility (with three of four tight muscle groups), faulty movement patterns (mostly dynamic knee valgus) and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Conclusions. Individualized treatment supplementing local standard physiotherapy for PFP leads to further significant improvement over 2 weeks. This study highlights the importance of assessing patients globally in order to optimize treatment and ongoing improvement. Recognition of different subgroups may guide treatment that should include both local and deficit‐targeted global treatment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid fabrication of micron‐sized CVD‐diamond structures by microfluidic contact printing
Authors: Vandenryt Thijs , Grieten Lars , Janssens Stoffel D. , van Grinsven Bart , Haenen Ken , Ruttens Bart , D'Haen Jan , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , De Ceuninck Ward
Published: May 2014

In this contribution we report on a novel method for the growth of laterally patterned synthetic diamond films with submicron feature sizes. The lateral patterning is induced by depositing a nanodiamond‐based seeding layer prior to the chemical vapor deposition of the diamond films. The seeding layer is prepared by a microfluidic approach, based on soft lithography with PDMS moulds, used in the microcontact printing. These moulds are prepared by electron‐beam lithography of photoresist on silicon substrates. The master moulds are reusable, allowing for cheap, high‐throughput manufacturing, and the resulting diamond microstructures exhibit an outstanding smoothness and structural reproducibility. Possible applications are expected in the fields of diamond electronics, micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) as well as bio‐ and chemosensors.

The abstract figure shows the SU‐8 master mould (left). The resulting diamond structure (right) is shown, after chemical vapor deposition. The purple color originates from the settings of the optical microscope, used to get a high‐contrast image.
Solvothermal synthesis of three‐dimensional CeO2 micropillows and their photocatalytic property
Authors: Arul Narayanasamy Sabari , Mangalaraj Devanesan , Han Jeong In
Published: May 2014

Three‐dimensional (3D) CeO2 micropillows were synthesized by using solvothermal method. The pH of the precursor solution was adjusted to 10 by adding ammonium hydroxide. The structural, morphology and compositional characteristics of CeO2 micropillows were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDAX. XRD analysis showed the formation of CeO2 micropillows. BET analysis showed high specific surface area for the synthesized CeO2 micropillows (191 m2 g–1). Optical absorption of CeO2 micropillows showed enhanced photoabsorption ability with the estimated band gap energy of 2.8 eV. The photodegradation rate of the CeO2micropillows was found to be 87% and obeys pseudo‐first‐order equation. The photocatalytic results indicated that the CeO2 micropillows exhibit enhanced photocatalytic property towards azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) under UV–Vis light illumination.

magnified image

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Proanthocyanin Content in Cranberry CE Medicinal Products
Authors: Chrubasik‐Hausmann Sigrun , Vlachojannis Christian , Zimmermann Benno F.
Published: May 2014

The CE marking is a statutory marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area. Medicinal products with a CE label are not regulated by the European Medicines Agency but are licensed according to the directives of the European Community. We have analysed the proanthocyanin (PAC) content of four cranberry CE products by both a photometric (DMAC method using 4‐dimethylamino‐cinnamic‐aldehyde as colouring reagent) and a high‐performance liquid chromatography assay and have compared the daily dosages recommended for the products by their manufacturers with benchmark doses obtained from the literature. For all CE products, the identified DMAC values for the PAC content per unit were below those declared. For two of the CE medicinal products, not even the manufacturers' maximum daily dosages have type A PAC contents that would have any chance of providing the health benefits promised on the product information sheets; the other two might have some chance, but only at maximum dosage (nine capsules per day for one of them). CE medicinal products should be better controlled by regulatory authorities to prevent consumers from buying and taking doses that are inadequate to provide the benefits claimed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.