bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and dynamic mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber/silica/organoclay nanocomposites manufactured by a latex method
Authors: Kim Wook‐Soo , Jang Suk Hee , Kang Yong Gu , Han Min Hyun , Hyun Kyu , Kim Wonho
Published: July 2012

In this study, the styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)/N, N‐dimethyldodecylamine‐montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared with a latex method by applying DDA to Na+‐MMT as a modifier. The dispersion of silica and the dynamic viscoelastic properties of the SBR/silica (60 phr) compound were studied by replacing 7 phr of the silica with organoclay. By the analysis of transmission electron microscopy images and the Payne effect, the dispersion of silica in the SBR/silica (53 phr)/DDA‐MMT (7 phr) compound was further improved as compared to the SBR/silica (60 phr) compound that used only silica as a filler. The Payne effect curve of the SBR/silica/DDA‐MMT compound was close to the curve of the SBR/silica (53 phr) compound. This indicates that organically modified silicate did not form filler–filler networks with silica. Also, the SBR/DDA‐MMT compound filled with silica showed the highest values of Tg and tan δ at 0°C. This result was attributed to the shift of the tan δ curve to the right because of the relatively higher degree of crosslink. Consequently, the SBR/silica/organoclay nanocomposite showed the best skid resistance due to the increase of Tg, and the best rolling resistance due to the reduced filler–filler networks. High 100% and 300% modulus values were also achieved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Generalized approach for using unbiased symmetric metrics with negative values: normalized mean bias factor and normalized mean absolute error factor
Authors: Gustafson William I. , Yu Shaocai
Published: July 2012

Unbiased symmetric metrics provide a useful measure to quickly compare two datasets, with similar interpretations for both under and overestimations. Two examples include the normalized mean bias factor and normalized mean absolute error factor. However, the original formulations of these metrics are only valid for datasets with positive means. This article presents a methodology to use and interpret the metrics with datasets that have negative means. The updated formulations give identical results compared to the original formulations for the case of positive means, so researchers are encouraged to use the updated formulations going forward without introducing ambiguity. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
On generalized shock models for deteriorating systems
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: July 2012

Standard assumptions in shock models are that failures of items are related either to the cumulative effect of shocks (cumulative models) or that they are caused by shocks that exceed a certain critical level (extreme shocks models). In this paper, we present useful generalizations of this setting to the case when an item is deteriorating itself, for example, when the boundary for the fatal shock magnitude is decreasing with time. Three stochastic failure models describing different impacts of shocks on items are considered. The cumulative effect of shocks is modeled in a way similar to the proportional hazards model. Explicit formulas for the corresponding survival functions are derived and several simple examples are considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phylogenetic analysis, molecular modeling, substrate–inhibitor specificity, and active site comparison of bacterial, fungal, and plant heme peroxidases
Authors: Singh Swati , Pandey Veda P. , Naaz Huma , Dwivedi Upendra N.
Published: July 2012

Phylogenetic analysis of 40 heme peroxidases, belonging to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, revealed their clustering into three major classes. Class I represented sequences from plants, bacteria, fungi, and algae, whereas classes II and III exclusively represented plant and fungal peroxidases, respectively. Modeling of three representative classes of peroxidases, belonging to each of bacterial, plant, and fungal categories, revealed a similar kind of folding; however, superimposition analysis revealed relatively more closeness between plant and fungal peroxidases than that of the bacterial peroxidase. The docking analysis of three representative modeled peroxidases with three common substrates, namely, H2O2, guaiacol, and ascorbate, and three arginine‐specific inhibitors, namely, phenylglyoxal, 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, and 2,3‐butanedione, revealed that all three inhibitors competed for guaiacol‐ and ascorbate‐binding sites of peroxidases, except for phenylglyoxal binding in the case of plant peroxidase. Phenylglyoxal, 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, and 2,3‐butanedione were found to be most potent inhibitors of bacterial, fungal, and plant peroxidases, respectively.
Improved Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by Structure Optimized Nonstoichiometric Y2Ti2O7
Authors: Merka Oliver , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Wark Michael
Published: July 2012

Nonstoichiometric Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlores with Ti/Y ratios ranging from 0.95 to 1.15 were prepared by an aqueous sol–gel method and annealed at different temperatures. These synthesized catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV/Vis reflectance spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The samples were loaded with nanoparticles of rhodium or platinum acting as co‐catalysts and tested for photocatalytic hydrogen production in the presence of methanol as sacrificial agent. It was found that the cationic lattice distortion in the Y2Ti2O7 structure is significantly influenced by the Ti/Y ratio and the annealing temperature. By optimization of these parameters, the intrinsic cationic distortion characterized by yttrium and titanium interchanging their lattice positions was minimized. Probing the materials in the hydrogen production test reaction revealed that the photocatalytic activity of pyrochlore mixed oxides is clearly determined by the cationic lattice distortion and can be tuned considerably.
ChemInform Abstract: Probing the Lower Limit of Lattice Thermal Conductivity in an Ordered Extended Solid: Gd117Co56Sn112, a Phonon Glass—Electron Crystal System.
Authors: Schmitt Devin C. , Haldolaarachchige Neel , Xiong Yimin , Young David P. , Jin Rongying , Chan Julia Y.
Published: July 2012

The title compound is prepared by heating a mixture of Gd, Co, and Sn in a molar ratio of 12:6:11 to 1260 °C followed by controlled cooling.
ChemInform Abstract: Disconnection Enhances the Second Harmonic Generation Response: Synthesis and Characterization of Ba23Ga8Sb2S38.
Authors: Chen Mei‐Chun , Wu Li‐Ming , Lin Hua , Zhou Liu‐Jiang , Chen Ling
Published: July 2012

The title compound is synthesized by solid state reaction of the elements (920 °C, 100 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Large Magnetocaloric Effect in Laves Phase TbMn1.8Fe0.2 Compound over a Wide Temperature Range.
Authors: Gao Tian , Nishimura Katsuhiko , Li Lingwei , Namiki Takahiro , Isikawa Yosikazu
Published: July 2012

The title compound is characterized by magnetization and heat capacity measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: Room‐Temperature Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols by Bromate—Bromide Coupling Acidic Water.
Authors: Paeaekkoenen Sanna , Pursiainen Jouni , Lajunen Marja
Published: July 2012

Various aliphatic and aromatic secondary alcohols are efficiently oxidized into corresponding ketones using non‐hazardous and inexpensive BrOH, generated in situ from NaBr and NaBrO3 in aqueous acid.
ChemInform Abstract: Cyclic Seleninate Esters as Catalysts for the Oxidation of Sulfides to Sulfoxides, Epoxidation of Alkenes, and Conversion of Enamines to α‐Hydroxyketones.
Authors: Mercier Eric A. , Smith Chris D. , Parvez Masood , Back Thomas G.
Published: July 2012

Generally, the seleninate efficiently promotes the reactions.
ChemInform Abstract: Silica Supported Perchloric Acid Catalyzed Rapid N‐Formylation under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Ansari Mohd. Imran , Hussain Mohd. Kamil , Yadav Nisha , Gupta Puneet K. , Hajela K.
Published: July 2012

Various primary and secondary amines can be successfully formylated under conditions A).
ChemInform Abstract: Design of Ionic Liquid 3‐Methyl‐1‐sulfonic Acid Imidazolium Nitrate as Reagent for the Nitration of Aromatic Compounds by in situ Generation of NO2 in Acidic Media.
Authors: Zolfigol Mohammad A. , Khazaei Ardeshir , Moosavi‐Zare Ahmad R. , Zare Abdolkarim , Kruger Hendrik G. , Asgari Zhila , Khakyzadeh Vahid , Kazem‐Rostami Masoud
Published: July 2012

The new ionic liquid allows efficient nitration of various aromatic compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Surfactant‐Free Single‐nano‐sized Colloidal Cu Nanoparticles for Use as an Active Catalyst in Ullmann‐Coupling Reaction.
Authors: Isomura Yuto , Narushima Takashi , Kawasaki Hideya , Yonezawa Tetsu , Obora Yasushi
Published: July 2012

The title catalyst shows high activity in Ullmann‐type cross‐coupling of aryl halides (I) and (IV) with phenols (II) under ligand‐free conditions to give diaryl ethers (III) in moderate to good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Secondary Amine Catalyzed Retro‐Aldol Reactions of Enals and Enones: One‐Pot Conversion of Enals to α‐Substituted Derivatives.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Nguyen Thanh V.
Published: July 2012

Optimized conditions which include pyrrolidine as the promoter allow the retro aldol hydrolysis of cinnamaldehydes and aliphatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Diastereoselective Tandem Conjugate Addition—Elimination Reaction of Morita—Baylis—Hillman C Adducts by C—C Bond Cleavage.
Authors: Yang Wenguo , Tan Davin , Lee Richmond , Li Lixin , Pan Yuanhang , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Tan Choon‐Hong , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: July 2012

For the first time, the title reaction is presented with various C‐, S‐, and P‐nucleophiles.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfides by Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Halides with Aminothiourea.
Authors: Wu Xiang Mei , Hu Wei Ya
Published: July 2012

Symmetrical diaryl sulfides are prepared by reaction of aryl iodides with aminothiourea.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective and Solvent‐Controlled Diastereoselective Mannich Reaction of Isatin Imines with Hydroxyacetone: Synthesis of 3‐Substituted 3‐Aminooxindoles.
Authors: Guo Qi‐Xiang , Liu Yu‐Wan , Li Xing‐Cheng , Zhong Ling‐Zhi , Peng Yun‐Gui
Published: July 2012

The amino acid (AMS) efficiently promotes the asymmetric reaction which selectively provides anti‐ or syn‐adducts depending on the solvent and isatin imine used.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Imidazo[4,5‐c]pyrazoles via Copper‐Catalyzed Amidine Cyclization.
Authors: Liubchak Kostiantyn , Tolmachev Andrey , Nazarenko Kostiantyn
Published: July 2012

The new method provides a number of imidazopyrazoles of biological interest.
ChemInform Abstract: Convergent Integration of Two Self‐Labor Domino Sequences: A Novel Method for the Synthesis of Oxazole Derivatives from Methyl Ketones and Benzoins.
Authors: Xue Wei‐Jian , Li Qi , Zhu Yan‐Ping , Wang Jun‐Gang , Wu An‐Xin
Published: July 2012

A mechanism for the synthesis of polysubstituted oxazole derivatives (III) from methyl ketones (II), benzoin (I) and ammonium acetate is suggested.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel Three‐Component Reaction Involving Benzothiazole, Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylate and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds or Anthrone.
Authors: Nassiri Mahmoud
Published: July 2012

Benzothiazole forms 1,3‐dipolar intermediates with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates which are trapped by 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds or anthrone in a one‐pot procedure.
ChemInform Abstract: o‐Iodoxybenzoic Acid Mediated Oxidative Desulfurization Initiated Domino Reactions for Synthesis of Azoles.
Authors: Chaudhari Pramod S. , Pathare Sagar P. , Akamanchi Krishnacharaya G.
Published: July 2012

New methods to prepare biologically important oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, tetrazoles, and 1,2,4‐triazoles are reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Synthesis of Substituted Isoquinolines.
Authors: Chang Meng‐Yang , Wu Ming‐Hao , Lee Nein‐Chia , Lee Ming‐Fang
Published: July 2012

Monomethoxy‐substituted isoquinolines (II) are synthesized from 2‐allylbenzaldehydes by a one‐pot oxidative cleavage of the olefinic group followed by condensation of the resulting 1,5‐dicarbonyl compound with ammonium acetate.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Substituted Pyrazolo[4,3‐b]pyridines via Copper‐Mediated Intramolecular C—N Cross‐Coupling of Primary Allylamines.
Authors: Nayak Maloy , Batra Sanjay
Published: July 2012

Primary allylamines, generated from the Morita—Baylis—Hillman adducts of 4‐iodopyrazolecarbaldehydes, are converted into substituted pyrazolo[4,3‐b]pyridines by the new amination/cyclization /oxidation sequence which is catalyzed by CuI and L‐proline.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Synthetic Approach to Azuleno[2,1‐b]pyridin‐4(1H)‐ones (IX)
Authors: Wang Dao‐Lin , Cui Qing‐Tao , Feng Shan‐Shan , Yu Jia‐Yi
Published: July 2012

via a tandem addition—elimination—SNAr reaction of β‐enaminone (VII) with primary amines
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Protocols for the Synthesis of 2,3‐trans‐ and 2,3‐cis‐6‐Methoxy‐morpholine‐2‐carboxylic Acid Derivatives.
Authors: Penso Michele , Foschi Francesca , Pellegrino Sara , Testa Andrea , Gelmi Maria Luisa
Published: July 2012

Straightforward and diastereoselective methods to prepare the title compounds are reported.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Acyliminium Cyclization as an Approach for an Asymmetric Synthesis of the Pyrrolo[2,1‐a]benzazepine Ring System.
Authors: Allin Steven M. , Towler Joannah M. R. , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Saha Basu , Page Philip C. Bulman
Published: July 2012

The key step is a stereoselective N‐acyliminium cyclization.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of an Unexpected Rearrangement Product Using Grubbs′ Second Generation Catalyst: 2‐Allyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,4‐benzothiazines from Diene Precursors.
Authors: Morgans Garreth L. , Yadav Dharmendra B. , Fernandes Manuel A. , de Koning Charles B. , Michael Joseph P. , van Otterlo Willem A. L.
Published: July 2012

Ring closing reaction of dienes (I) in the presence of Grubbs′ II catalyst produces benzothiazocines (II) and unexpected benzothiazines (III).
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Phosphonates by ClickFerrophos Ligands.
Authors: Konno Takashi , Shimizu Kenta , Ogata Kenichi , Fukuzawa Shin‐ichi
Published: July 2012

The ferrocene derivative efficiently promotes the asymmetric hydrogenation of various α,β‐unsaturated phosphonates.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Dialkyl(aryl)cyclobutenylphosphine Oxides.
Authors: Bogachenkov Alexander S. , Efremova Mariya M. , Ionin Boris I.
Published: July 2012

The novel target compounds (IV) can also be obtained via ring closure of dichloride (I) followed by treatment with the Grignards.
ChemInform Abstract: Three New Phenolic Glucosides from the Roots of Rheum palmatum.
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Wei , Wang Jun‐Song , Luo Jun , Wei Dan‐Dan , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: July 2012

isolation, structure elucidation and cytotoxicity of new glucoside, rheumone A (I), and glycosides (II) and (III)
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of Hydroxytyrosol from 3,4‐Dihydroxybenzaldehyde.
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Li , Chen Jinglei , Xu Qiongming , Rao Cui , Qiao Chunhua
Published: July 2012

The presented synthesis is distinguished by mild conditions, high efficiency, and low cost.
ChemInform Abstract: Discovery, Development, and Functionalization of Zr(IV)‐Based Metal—Organic Frameworks
Authors: Kim Min , Cohen Seth M.
Published: July 2012

Review: 53 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stable Two‐Coordinate, Open‐Shell (d1‐d9) Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Power Philip P.
Published: July 2012

Review: 234 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbonyl Complexes of Rhodium‐ and Iridium‐Containing Nitrogen and Nitrogen—Oxygen Donor Ligands: Reactivity and Catalytic Carbonylation of Alcohol
Authors: Dutta Dipak Kumar
Published: July 2012

Review: 114 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Small Molecules Targeting the Infectious Diseases Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Hepatitis C.
Authors: Gising Johan , Odell Luke R. , Larhed Mats
Published: July 2012

Review: 164 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Isotope Labeled/Unlabeled Key Intermediates in 2‐Methyl‐D‐erythritol 4‐Phosphate Terpenoid Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Li Heng , Dai Shao‐Bo , Gao Wen‐Yun
Published: July 2012

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses and Applications of Furanyl‐Functionalized 2,2′:6′,2“‐Terpyridines
Authors: Husson Jerome , Knorr Michael
Published: July 2012

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Allylic Substitutions in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Crawley Matthew L.
Published: July 2012

Review: 24 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: From Ni‐YSZ to Sulfur‐Tolerant Anode Materials for SOFCs: Electrochemical Behavior, in situ Characterization, Modeling, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Wang Jeng‐Han , Choi YongMan , Yang Lei , Lin M. C. , Liu Meilin
Published: July 2012

Review: 217 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanically Interlocked Molecules Assembled by .pi±pi. Recognition
Authors: Barin Gokhan , Coskun Ali , Fouda Moustafa M. G. , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: July 2012

Review: 213 refs.
Cooperative slit and netrin signaling in contralateralization of the mouse trigeminothalamic pathway
Authors: Mirza Rusella , Kivrak Beril G. , Erzurumlu Reha S.
Published: July 2012

Ascending somatosensory pathways are crossed pathways representing each side of the body in the contralateral neocortex. The principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve (PrV) relays the facial sensations to the contralateral somatosensory cortex via the ventrobasal thalamus. In the companion article (Kivrak and Erzurumlu [2012] J. Comp. Neurol. 12–0013) we described the normal development of the trigeminal lemniscal pathway in the mouse. In this study we investigated the role of midline axon navigation signals, the netrin and slit proteins. In situ hybridization assays revealed that both netrin and slit mRNAs are expressed along the midline facing the PrV axons and their receptors are expressed in developing PrV neurons. In wild‐type mouse embryos, PrV axons cross the midline and take a sharp rostral turn heading toward the contralateral thalamus. Examination of trigeminal lemniscal axons in dcc knockout mice revealed absence of midline crossing between E11 and E15. However, a few axons crossed the midline at E17 and reached the contralateral thalamus, resulting in a bilateral PrV lemniscal pathway at P0. We also found that slit1, ‐2 or ‐3 single or double knockout mice have impaired development of the trigeminal–lemniscal pathway. These include axon stalling along the midline, running within the midline, and recrossing of axons back to the site of origin. Collectively, our studies indicate a cooperative role for netrin and slit proteins in midline attraction and crossing behavior of the ascending facial somatosensory projections during development. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:312–325, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polytopic vector analysis of soil, dust, and serum samples to evaluate exposure sources of PCDD/Fs
Authors: Towey Timothy P. , Barabás Noémi , Demond Avery , Franzblau Alfred , Garabrant David H. , Gillespie Brenda W. , Lepkowski James , Adriaens Peter
Published: July 2012

As part of the University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study, soil, household dust, and serum samples were collected from more than 750 households in five populations around the city of Midland and in Jackson and Calhoun Counties, Michigan, USA. Polytopic vector analysis, a type of receptor model, was applied to better understand the potential sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans found in these samples and to quantify the contributions of the sources in each matrix across populations. The results indicated that source signatures found in soil are similar to those found in dust, reflecting various combustion profiles, pentachlorophenol, and graphite electrode sludge. The profiles associated with contamination in the Tittabawassee River, likely related to historical discharges from the Dow Chemical Company facility in Midland, exhibited the largest differences among the regional populations sampled. Differences in serum source contributions among the study populations were consistent with some of the regional differences observed in soil samples. However, the age trends of these differences suggested that they are related to past exposures, rather than ongoing sources. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2191–2200. © 2012 SETAC
Identification of an intrahepatic transcriptional signature associated with self-limiting infection in the woodchuck model of hepatitis B
Authors: Fletcher Simon P. , Chin Daniel J. , Cheng Donavan T. , Ravindran Palanikumar , Bitter Hans , Gruenbaum Lore , Cote Paul J. , Ma Han , Klumpp Klaus , Menne Stephan
Published: July 2012

The woodchuck model of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection displays many characteristics of human infection and has particular value for characterizing the host immune responses during the development of chronic infection. Using the newly developed custom woodchuck microarray platform, we compared the intrahepatic transcriptional profiles of neonatal woodchucks with self-limiting woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection to those woodchucks progressing to persistent WHV infection. This revealed that WHV does not induce significant intrahepatic gene expression changes during the early-acute stage of infection (8 weeks), suggesting it is a stealth virus. At the mid-acute phase of infection (14 weeks), resolution was associated with induction of a prominent cytotoxic T-cell signature. Strikingly, this was accompanied by high-level expression of PD-1 and various other inhibitory T-cell receptors, which likely act to minimize liver damage by cytotoxic T cells during viral clearance. In contrast to the expression of perforin and other cytotoxic effector genes, the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling response in the mid-acute phase was comparable to that in chronically infected adult animals. The absence of a strong IFN-α/β transcriptional response indicated that type I IFN is not a critical mediator of self-limiting infection. Nevertheless, a number of antiviral genes, including viperin, were differentially expressed during resolving infection, suggesting that a subset of IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) may play a role in the control of WHV replication. Conclusion: We identified new immune pathways associated with the clearance of hepadnavirus infection revealing novel molecular targets with potential for the therapeutic treatment of chronic hepatitis B. (Hepatology 2013)
Simultaneous knockdown of multiple ligands of innate receptor NKG2D prevents natural killer cell–mediated fulminant hepatitis in mice
Authors: Huang Mei , Sun Rui , Wei Haiming , Tian Zhigang
Published: July 2012

NKG2D activation plays an important role in initiating and maintaining liver inflammation, and blockade of NKG2D recognition becomes a promising approach to alleviate liver inflammation. Treatment by silencing NKG2D ligands on hepatocytes, but not NKG2D on circulating immune cells, is more liver-specific, and simultaneous knockdown of multiple NKG2D ligands on hepatocytes will be more efficient in liver disease intervention. Here, we constructed a single vector that could simultaneously express multiple short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against all murine NKG2D ligands including Rae1, Mult1, and H60. After hydrodynamic injection of plasmid containing the three shRNA sequences (shRae1-shMult1-shH60), also called pRNAT-shRMH, we found the expression of all three NKG2D ligands on hepatocytes was downregulated both on messenger RNA and protein levels. Moreover, natural killer (NK) cell–mediated NKG2D-dependent fulminant hepatitis of the mice was alleviated, along with inactivation of hepatic NK cells, by pRNAT-shRMH if compared with its counterpart RNA interference vectors against single or double ligands. The therapeutic efficacy of pRNAT-shRMH was equivalent to that of injecting three monoclonal antibodies against Rae1, Mult1, and H60. For better in vivo application, we constructed a recombinant adenovirus containing pRNAT-shRMH (called Ad-RMH) with efficient hepatotropic infection capacity and observed that Ad-RMH intravenous injection exerted a similar therapeutic efficiency as plasmid pRNAT-shRMH hydrodynamic injection. Noticeably, simultaneous knockdown of multiple human NKG2D ligands (MICA/B, ULBP2, and ULBP3) also significantly attenuated NK cell cytolysis against human NKG2D ligand-positive hepatocyte L-02 cells, suggesting a possible translation into human settings. Conclusion: Simultaneous knockdown of multiple ligands of NKG2D prevents NK cell–mediated fulminant hepatitis and is a potential therapeutic approach to treat liver diseases. (Hepatology 2013)
Retraction of “Using ergonomic digital human modeling in evaluation of workplace design and prevention of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders onboard small fishing vessel”
Authors: Álvarez‐Casado Enrique , Zhang Bing , Sandoval Sonia Tello , Pedro Mondelo
Published: July 2012

The following article from Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, “Using ergonomic digital human modeling in evaluation of workplace design and prevention of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders onboard small fishing vessel,” by Enrique Álvarez‐Casado, Bing Zhang, Sonia Tello Sandoval and Mondelo Pedro, published online on October 11, 2011 in Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors‐in‐Chief, Waldemar Karwowski and Gavriel Salvendy, and Publisher Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed as these articles were mistakenly published after being rejected.
Retraction of “The effect of LED lighting on color discrimination and preference of the elderly”
Authors: Cheng Wenting , Ju Jiaqi , Sun Yaojie , Lin Yandan
Published: July 2012

The following article from Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, “The Effect of LED Lighting on Color Discrimination and Preference of the Elderly,” by Wenting Cheng, Jiaqi Ju, Yaojie Sun and Yandan Lin, published online on December 12, 2011 in Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors‐in‐Chief, Waldemar Karwowski and Gavriel Salvendy, and Publisher Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed as these articles were mistakenly published after being rejected.
Retraction of “The influence of elderly vision degradation on subjective rating of floor slipperiness”
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Wen
Published: July 2012

The following article from Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, “The Influence of Elderly Vision Degradation on Subjective Rating of Floor Slipperiness,” by Yao‐Wen Hsu, published online on December 12, 2011 in Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors‐in‐Chief, Waldemar Karwowski and Gavriel Salvendy, and Publisher Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed as these articles were mistakenly published after being rejected.
Retraction of “Developing an integrated display of health data for aging in place”
Authors: Gong Yang , Chandra Arpita
Published: July 2012

The following article from Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, “Developing an Integrated Display of Health Data for Aging in Place,” by Yang Gong and Arpita Chandra, published online on October 20, 2011 in Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors‐in‐Chief, Waldemar Karwowski and Gavriel Salvendy, and Publisher Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed as these articles were mistakenly published after being rejected.
Fabrication of TiO2 nanotubes on porous titanium scaffold and biocompatibility evaluation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fan Xingping , Feng Bo , Liu Zhiyuan , Tan Jing , Zhi Wei , Lu Xiong , Wang Jianxin , Weng Jie
Published: July 2012

Porous titanium was modified by anodic oxidation and heat treatment method. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction examinations revealed that the modified surface of porous titanium was covered by anatase nanotubes. In vitro, the bioactivity of specimens before and after modification was evaluated by immersing into the double‐concentration simulated body fluid for 7 days. The porous titanium specimens were implanted into the femurs of dogs for 3 months. The osteointegration of the implants was investigated by push‐out test and histological examination. The results showed that the porous titanium with anatase nanotubes has the superior ability of apatite formation and a higher push‐out force when compared with the other implants. The histological analysis indicated that the implant with anatase nanotubes had excellent ability to facilitate the osteointegration in vivo. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3422–3427, 2012.
Characterization and degradation of elastomeric four‐armed star copolymers based on caprolactone and L‐lactide
Authors: Kong Jen Fong , Lipik Vitali , Abadie Marc J. M. , Roshan Deen G. , Venkatraman Subbu S.
Published: July 2012

Although biodegradable polymers have found extensive applications in medical areas, there are limited reports that show elastomeric behavior. In this work, a biodegradable, elastomeric polymer is demonstrated from a four‐armed star copolymer. With a fixed middle core composition, comprising caprolactone (CL) and L‐lactide (LA), an elastomer is obtained by increasing the polylactide (PLA) end block lengths to obtain sufficient end block crystallinity. This increase suppressed the middle core's crystallinity yet ensured cocrystallization of the PLA ends of individual star copolymer chains to form a three‐dimensional network via physical crosslinking. Cyclic and creep test of the star copolymers showed that at least 75% of recovery was achieved. Degradation study of the copolymer showed that degradation first occurred in the caprolactone‐co‐lactide (CLLA) core, followed by degradation in the PLA ends. Chain scission in the middle core resulted in immediate formation of CL crystals within the core and increased crystallinity over time, in both CLLA core and PLA ends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3436–3445, 2012.
Effects of surface functionalization of PLGA membranes for guided bone regeneration on proliferation and behavior of osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Gang , Xia Yang , Lu Xiaoli , Zhou Xuefeng , Zhang Feimin , Gu Ning
Published: July 2012

Covalent immobilization of bioactive compounds onto modified poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) surfaces is being rapidly developed in tissue engineering, but the compounds and the grafting procedure require optimization. Here, PLGA membranes were grafted with various ratios of collagen/chitosan (COL/CHI) composites after modification by polydopamine and then analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and a contact angle meter. Mechanical properties of the membranes were examined by tensile testing. Proliferation of osteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1 cultured on the membranes was examined by MTT (3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiozole‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometric analysis. Effects on cell behavior, including cytotaxis, adhesion, and migration, were further investigated by continuous time‐lapse imaging for 8 h. The COL/CHI composites were successfully immobilized onto PLGA surfaces. PLGA mainly contributed the mechanical properties, while COL/CHI played a major role in bioactivity. COL facilitated cell adhesion and spread, but the addition of CHI decreased both. A critical ratio of COL/CHI (2:1) above which the addition of CHI only slightly impacted cell proliferation was found. The results should be useful for combining versatile materials from different origins to construct guided bone regeneration membranes and to further optimize the ratio of COL/CHI composites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A:44–53, 2013.
Microarchitecture and bone quality in the human calcaneus: Local variations of fabric anisotropy
Authors: Souzanchi Mohammad F , Palacio-Mancheno Paolo , Borisov Yury A , Cardoso Luis , Cowin Stephen C
Published: July 2012

The local variability of microarchitecture of human trabecular calcaneus bone is investigated using high-resolution micro–computed tomography (µCT) scanning. The fabric tensor is employed as the measure of the microarchitecture of the pore structure of a porous medium. It is hypothesized that a fabric tensor–dependent poroelastic ultrasound approach will more effectively predict the data variance than will porosity alone. The specific aims of the present study are as follows: (1) to quantify the morphology and local anisotropy of the calcaneus microarchitecture with respect to anatomical directions; (2) to determine the interdependence, or lack thereof, of microarchitecture parameters, fabric, and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD); and (3) to determine the relative ability of vBMD and fabric measurements in evaluating the variance in ultrasound wave velocity measurements along orthogonal directions in the human calcaneus. Our results show that the microarchitecture in the analyzed regions of human calcanei is anisotropic, with a preferred alignment along the posterior-anterior direction. Strong correlation was found between most scalar architectural parameters and vBMD. However, no statistical correlation was found between vBMD and the fabric components, the measures of the pore microstructure orientation. Therefore, among the parameters usually considered for cancellous bone (ie, classic histomorphometric parameters such as porosity, trabecular thickness, number and separation), only fabric components explain the data variance that cannot be explained by vBMD, a global mass measurement, which lacks the sensitivity and selectivity to distinguish osteoporotic from healthy subjects because it is insensitive to directional changes in bone architecture. This study demonstrates that a multidirectional, fabric-dependent poroelastic ultrasound approach has the capability of characterizing anisotropic bone properties (bone quality) beyond bone mass, and could help to better understand anisotropic changes in bone architecture using ultrasound. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dopaminergic differentiation using pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Momčilović Olga , Montoya‐Sack Justine , Zeng Xianmin
Published: July 2012

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The motor symptoms of PD are caused by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of mesencephalon. The causes for death of DA neurons are not well understood, but the strongest risk factor is increasing age. There is no cure currently available for PD, and treatment is limited to management of PD symptoms in patients. Primary DA neurons are virtually unobtainable from living patients and animal studies have proven inadequate for studying the mechanism of PD development. Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) are primary self‐renewing cells capable of differentiating into all cell types of an organism, including DA neurons. PSCs represent an abundant source of cells that can be genetically modified or isolated from patients with complex diseases, enabling the production of large quantities of DA neurons for disease modeling, drug screening, and gene function studies. Furthermore, since PD arises as a result of deterioration of DA neurons in a specific brain region, it has been suggested that a relatively small number of cells could restore normal function. PSCs could provide a source of DA neurons for cell replacement therapy. In this Prospects article, we focus on the development and in vitro derivation of DA neurons from PSCs, as well as current applications of the technological advances, with the emphasis on future directions and efforts in the field. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3610–3619, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NELL‐1 promotes cell adhesion and differentiation via integrinβ1
Authors: Shen Jia , James Aaron W. , Chung Jonguk , Lee Kiho , Zhang James B. , Ho Stephanie , Lee Kevin S. , Kim Toyong M. , Niimi Tomoaki , Kuroda Shun'ichi , Ting Kang , Soo Chia
Published: July 2012

NELL‐1 (Nel‐like molecule‐1) is a secreted osteogenic growth factor first identified in human craniosynostosis (CS) patients. NELL‐1 protein has been observed to promote bone and cartilage differentiation and to suppress adipogenesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. Despite these findings, the cell surface receptors of NELL‐1 have remained unknown. In this study, we observed for the first time that NELL‐1 promotes cell adherence in multiple cell lines, including ST2, C3H10T1/2, M2‐10B4, ATDC5, and MC3T3 cells. Additionally, we found that NELL‐1 binds to extracellular Integrinβ1 and induces cell focal adhesion. By utilizing siRNA methods, we determined that NELL‐1 cell surface binding and enhanced cell attachment were dependent on Integrinβ1 expression. Finally, we observed that pre‐coating of culture dishes or PLGA (polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffold with NELL‐1 resulted in a significant increase in both cell attachment and osteogenic differentiation. Our results identify for the first time a cell surface target of NELL‐1, Integrinβ1, and elucidate new functions of NELL‐1 in promoting cell adherence and osteogenic differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3620–3628, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knockdown of nucleosome assembly protein 1‐like 1 promotes dimethyl sulfoxide‐induced differentiation of P19CL6 cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Lu , Gong Hui , Yu Hongxiu , Liu Xiaohui , Liu Qingping , Yan Guoquan , Zhang Yang , Lu Haojie , Zou Yunzeng , Yang Pengyuan
Published: July 2012

Transplantation of cardiomyocytes derived from stem cells is a promising option for cardiac repair. However, how to obtain efficient cardiomyocytes from stem cells is still a great challenge. Understanding of the mechanism that regulates the cardiac differentiation of stem cells is necessary for the effective induction of cardiomyocytes. A clonal derivative named P19CL6 cells can easily differentiate into cardiomyocytes with 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment, which offers a valuable model to study cardiomyocytes differentiation in vitro. In this study, the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics were performed to identify proteins associated with cardiomyocytes differentiation of P19CL6 cells induced by DMSO. Out of 543 non‐redundant proteins identified, 207 proteins showed significant changes during differentiation with ≥1.2‐fold or ≤0.83‐fold changes cut‐offs. Nine proteins were confirmed by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis respectively. Notably, broad consistency was well showed between mRNA and protein expression for down‐regulation of nucleosome assembly protein 1‐like 1 (Nap1l1). Further study revealed that knockdown of Nap1l1 by stable transfection of shRNA vector significantly accelerated DMSO‐induced cardiomyocytes differentiation of P19CL6 cells characterized by increases in expression of cardiac specific transcription factors, genes, and proteins (GATA4, MEF‐2C, ANP, BNP, cTNT, and β‐MHC). Therefore, Nap1l1 is a novel protein that regulates cardiomyocytes differentiation of P19CL6 cells induced by DMSO. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3788–3796, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of abortion using three‐dimensional ultrasound volumetry of the gestational sac and the amniotic sac in threatened abortion
Authors: Odeh Marwan , Ophir Ella , Grinin Vitaly , Tendler Rene , Kais Mohamad , Bornstein Jacob
Published: July 2012

Purpose.

To determine whether gestational sac volume (GSV) or amniotic sac volume (ASV) and/or the difference between them can predict abortion in women with first‐trimester threatened abortion.

Methods.

Ninety patients between 6 and 12 weeks of gestation presenting with vaginal bleeding were studied. Seventy‐six delivered after 24 weeks of gestation (group A) and 14 aborted before 20 weeks of gestation (group B). All patients had a singleton viable pregnancy demonstrated by transvaginal ultrasound. Gestational sac and amniotic sac volumes were measured in all the patients using three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound with Virtual Organ Computer‐aided Analysis software, and the gestational sac volume − amniotic sac volume (GSV − ASV) was calculated.

Results.

The groups did not differ in terms of age, parity, number of previous abortions, or term deliveries. The GSV (group A: mean 32.0 ± 27.7 cm3; group B: 26.7 ± 29.1 cm3) and the ASV (group A: 21.1 ± 25.5 cm3; group B: 20.6 ± 26.0 cm3) were not statistically different, while the GSV − ASV was significantly smaller in group B (aborting before week 20) (group A: 10.9 ± 10.9 cm3; group B: 6.1 ± 8.6 cm3; p < 0.05). Using receiver operator curves, the area under the curve for predicting normal pregnancy outcome of the GSV − ASV measurement was 0.654. When the GSV − ASV was 1.8 cm3 or less, abortion was predicted with 84% sensitivity and 43% specificity.

Conclusions.

The measurement of the GSV and the ASV are not good predictors of abortion in patients with first‐trimester vaginal bleeding, whereas the use of the GSV − ASV may be helpful in predicting the outcome of pregnancy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:389–393, 2012
Uterus‐like mass involving the appendix: Us and CT findings
Authors: Kim Hyun Cheol , Yang Dal Mo , Kim Sang Won , Kim Gou Young , Choi Sung Il , Park Seong Jin
Published: July 2012

Uterus‐like mass is a rare extrauterine mass composed of a central cavity lined by endometrium and surrounding smooth muscle. Uterus‐like mass has frequently been reported in the ovary, but has rarely been found in extraovarian regions. We report a case of uterus‐like mass involving the appendix in a woman who presented with right lower abdominal pain indistinguishable from acute appendicitis. Sonography revealed a heterogeneous mass of mixed echogenicity with inner cystic change, abutting the appendix. CT depicted an enhanced mass with inner cystic change abutting the appendix. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:518–521, 2012
Induction of Ovarian Maturation in Penaeus monodon by Molecular Signal Interventional Approach
Authors: Devaraj Halagowder , Saravanakumar Marimuthu , Thiyagu Mani
Published: July 2012

Vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis in the hepatopancreas and ovary is negatively regulated by vitellogenesis‐inhibiting hormone (VIH) produced in the neurosecretory cell of X‐organ/sinus gland complex of the eyestalks of penaeid shrimp. Eyestalk ablation is used commercially to induce ovarian maturation in shrimps which leads to an eventual loss of the spawner. The aim of the present study was to understand the molecular mechanism of VIH regulation in ovarian development and its inhibition of VTG gene expression by using a MEK‐specific inhibitor (U0126). The real‐time quantitative PCR results showed VTG mRNA level was progressively increased in the ovary and hepatopancreas of unilateral eyestalk‐ablated and inhibitor‐treated shrimps. Western blot analysis also showed that phosphoMEK was detected only in the unilateral eyestalk‐ablated and control shrimp, whereas phospho‐MEK was not detected in inhibitor‐treated shrimp. DAX‐1, SF‐1, and StAR expression correlated with changes in VIH mRNA and altered phospho‐ERK levels. This is consistent with the hypothesis that suppression of DAX‐1 results in SF‐1‐mediated StAR protein upregulation of estradiol that is implicated in vitellogenesis. This is the first report that demonstrates the molecular mechanism of VIH suppression via MEK pathway to induce ovarian maturation in female Penaeus monodon by molecular signal intervention, a less‐invasive method than traditional eyestalk ablation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318B:572–585, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape analysis of odontocete mandibles: Functional and evolutionary implications
Authors: Barroso Celia , Cranford, Ted W. , Berta Annalisa
Published: July 2012

Odontocete mandibles serve multiple functions, including feeding and hearing. We consider that these two major functions have their primary influence in different parts of the mandibles: the anterior feeding component and the posterior sound reception component, though these divisions are not mutually exclusive. One hypothesis is that sound enters the hearing apparatus via the pan bone of the posterior mandibles (Norris, Evolution and Environment,1968, pp 297–324). Another viewpoint, based on finite element models, suggests that sound enters primarily through the gular region and the opening created by the absent medial lamina of the posterior mandibles. This unambiguous link between form and function has catalyzed this study, which uses Geometric Morphometrics to quantify mandibular shape across all major lineages of Odontoceti. The majority of shape variation was found in the anterior (feeding) region: Jaw Flare (45.0%) and Symphysis Elongation (35.5%). Shape differences in the mandibular foramen, within the posterior (sound reception) region, also accounted for a small portion of the total variation (10.9%). The mandibles are an integral component of the sound reception apparatus in toothed whales and the geometry of the mandibular foramen likely plays a role in hearing. Furthermore, model goodness‐of‐fit tests indicate that mandibular foramina shapes, which appear conserved, evolved under a selective regime, possibly driven by sound reception requirements across Odontoceti. J. Morphol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postnatal long bone growth in terrestrial placental mammals: Allometry, life history, and organismal traits
Authors: Kilbourne Brandon M. , Makovicky Peter J.
Published: July 2012

The ontogenetic allometry of long bone proportions is poorly understood in Mammalia. It has previously been suggested that during mammalian ontogeny long bone proportions grow more slender (positive allometry; length ∝ circumference>1.0), although this conclusion was based upon data from a few small‐bodied taxa. It remains unknown how ontogenetic long bone allometry varies across Mammalia in terms of both taxonomy and body size. We collected long bone length and circumference data for ontogenetic samples of 22 species of mammals spanning six major clades and three orders of magnitude in body mass. Using reduced major axis bivariate regressions to compare bone length to circumference, we found that isometry and positive allometry are the most widespread patterns of growth across mammals. Negative allometry (i.e., bones growing more robust during ontogeny) occurs in mammals but is largely restricted to cetartiodactyls. Using regression slope as a proxy for long bone allometry, we compared long bone allometry to life history and organismal traits. Neonatal body mass, adult body mass, and growth rate have a negative relationship with long bone allometry. At an adult mass of roughly 15–20 kg, long bone growth shifts from positive allometry to mainly isometry and negative allometry. There were no significant relationships between ontogenetic long bone allometry and either cursoriality or basal metabolic rate. J. Morphol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.