bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Mediated Perfluoroalkylation of Heteroaryl Bromides with (phen)CuRF.
Authors: Mormino Michael G. , Fier Patrick S. , Hartwig John F.
Published: August 2014

The reaction with the phenanthroline‐ligated perfluoroalkyl copper reagents is applied to a wide range of heteroaromatic bromides.
ChemInform Abstract: Room‐Temperature Cu(II)‐Catalyzed Aromatic C—H Azidation for the Synthesis of ortho‐Azido Anilines with Excellent Regioselectivity.
Authors: Fan Yunpeng , Wan Wen , Ma Guobin , Gao Wei , Jiang Haizhen , Zhu Shizheng , Hao Jian
Published: August 2014

Cu(OAc)2 catalyzed aromatic C—H azidation with azidobenziodoxolone is described.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of One‐Carbon Homologated Amides from Aldehydes or Primary Alcohols.
Authors: Gupta Manoj K. , Li Zhexi , Snowden Timothy S.
Published: August 2014

An attempted transformation of (If‐h) with (VII) to the corresponding Weinreb amides fails due to formation of the N‐methylamides instead.
ChemInform Abstract: Orthogonal Reactivity of Acyl Azides in C—H Activation: Dichotomy Between C—C and C—N Amidations Based on Catalyst Systems.
Authors: Shin Kwangmin , Ryu Jaeyune , Chang Sukbok
Published: August 2014

The selective C‐C amidation is achieved with a rhodium based catalyst, whereas a ruthenium catalyst enables the C‐N amidation.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Synthesis of Z‐Acrylonitrile Derivatives: Catalytic and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Studies.
Authors: Parveen Mehtab , Malla Ali Mohammed , Alam Mahboob , Ahmad Musheer , Rafiq Shahnawaz
Published: August 2014

A new and eco‐friendly synthetic approach to (Z)‐acrylonitriles via Knoevenagel reaction is described.
ChemInform Abstract: Indium Trichloride Catalyzed Domino Reactions of Isatin: A Facile Access to the Synthesis of Spiro(indoline‐3,4′‐pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazol)‐2‐one Derivatives.
Authors: Poomathi Nataraj , Kamalraja Jayabal , Mayakrishnan Sivakalai , Muralidharan D. , Perumal Paramasivan T.
Published: August 2014

The regioselective domino one‐pot, three‐component reaction of isatins, pyrazoles, and an ethene derivative results in the formation of three new bonds in a single operation, presumably occurring via a domino Knoevenagel condensation/Michael addition/ intramolecular O‐cyclization sequence.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalyst‐Free System for Sulfenylation of Free (N—H) Indoles with 2,2′‐Dithiosalicylic Acid under Alkaline Conditions.
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Li Xinhua
Published: August 2014

The regioselective sulfenylation is performed in an eco‐friendly solvent system (iPrOH/H2O) under green, atmospheric conditions without a catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd/C‐Mediated Alkynylation of Indazoles: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Mono‐ and Dialkynyl‐Substituted Indazoles.
Authors: Gorja D. R. , Shiva Kumar K. , Dulla B. , Mukkanti K. , Pal M.
Published: August 2014

Some of the title compounds are screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Indan‐1‐one Enamines Across Arylnitrile Oxides Leading to Novel Cyclic Isoxazoline Derivatives.
Authors: Jelizi Hanene , Wannassi Nadia , El Baker Rammah Mohamed , Ciamala Kabula , Knorr Michael , Rousselin Yoann , Kubicki Marek M. , Strohmann Carsten , Enescu Mironel
Published: August 2014

A series of cyclic fused‐isoxazolines is obtained by regioselective and diastereoselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of enamines (I) and (IV) to arylnitrile oxides.
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Transfer‐Hydrogenative Cyclization/Intramolecular Diels—Alder Reaction of Enediynes Affording Dihydrocoumarin‐Fused Polycycles.
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Matsui Kazuma , Shibuya Masatoshi
Published: August 2014

A new tandem process is developed comprising a transfer‐hydrogenative cyclization followed by intramolecular Diels—Alder reaction using a cationic Ru‐catalyst and Hantzsch ester as hydrogen source.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Method for the Facile Synthesis of Hydroxylated Flavones by Using Allyl Protection.
Authors: Nawghare B. R. , Sakate S. S. , Lokhande P. D.
Published: August 2014

A simple and highly efficient method for the preparation of allyloxy‐ and related hydroxyflavones (18 examples in each case) via iodine‐induced cyclization of 2′‐hydroxy‐4‐allyloxychalcones (I) is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient C‐3 Reductive Alkylation of 4‐Hydroxycoumarin by Dehydrogenative Oxidation of Benzylic Alcohols Through Ruthenium Catalysis.
Authors: Montagut‐Romans A. , Boulven M. , Lemaire M. , Popowycz F.
Published: August 2014

Only benzylic alcohols react with 4‐hydroxycoumarin in the presence of Wilkinson′s catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Boron—Heck Reaction of Cyclic Enaminones: Regioselective Direct Arylation via Oxidative Palladium(II) Catalysis.
Authors: Kim Yong Wook , Georg Gunda I.
Published: August 2014

The method is utilized as the key step for the synthesis of the natural product lasubine II (XIII).
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Functionalized Pyridines Synthesis from N‐Sulfonyl Ketimines and Alkynes Using the N—S Bond as an Internal Oxidant.
Authors: Zhang Qian‐Ru , Huang Ji‐Rong , Zhang Wei , Dong Lin
Published: August 2014

Compound (XVI) results from alkene reduction of the intermediately formed 1‐phenylprop‐1‐en‐2‐ylpyridine.
ChemInform Abstract: A Scalable and Regioselective Synthesis of 2‐Difluoromethyl Pyridines from Commodity Chemicals.
Authors: Desrosiers Jean‐Nicolas , et al. et al.
Published: August 2014

This two step one‐pot method is performable on a 0.6 kg scale without loss of yield and purity.
ChemInform Abstract: In situ Generation of Ammonia for the Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Primary Aminoquinolines.
Authors: Aillerie Alexandre , Pellegrini Sylvain , Bousquet Till , Pelinski Lydie
Published: August 2014

Formamide acts as ammonia source in the copper‐catalyzed synthesis of primary aminoquinolines.
ChemInform Abstract: Direct sp3 C—H Bond Arylation, Alkylation, and Amidation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines Mediated by Hypervalent Iodine(III) under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Muramatsu Wataru , Nakano Kimihiro , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: August 2014

A series of 1‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines is prepared by oxidation of substrates (I) with bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene followed by coupling of the intermediate iminium cation with a nucleophile, e.g. phthalimide, p‐toluenesulfonamide, or a Grignard reagent.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd‐Catalyzed Branching Cyclizations of Enediyne‐Imides Toward Furo[2,3‐b]pyridines.
Authors: Li Zexiang , Ling Fei , Cheng Dong , Ma Cheng
Published: August 2014

A one‐step method for the construction of cross‐conjugated enediyne‐imides is presented as well as their Pd‐catalyzed reaction with allylic bromides to yield 3,5‐diallylfuropyridines (VI) and (VIII).
ChemInform Abstract: Visible Light Photocatalyzed Direct Conversion of Aryl‐/Heteroarylamines to Selenides at Room Temperature.
Authors: Kundu Debasish , Ahammed Sabir , Ranu Brindaban C.
Published: August 2014

A general method for the conversion of a variety of anilines to selenides is achieved using an in situ formation of diazonium salts and photocatalytic reaction with diselenides using eosin Y as catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Structure—Activity Relationship Study of Cytotoxic Lupane‐Type 3β‐O‐Monodesmosidic Saponins with an Extended C‐28 Side Chain.
Authors: Cmoch Piotr , Korda Anna , Rarova Lucie , Oklestkova Jana , Strnad Miroslav , Luboradzki Roman , Pakulski Zbigniew
Published: August 2014

Several of the compounds exhibit cyctoxicity against human cancer cell lines.
ChemInform Abstract: Sesquiterpenoids and Diterpenes from Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea f. crippsii.
Authors: Xu Jian , Zeng Guang‐Zhi , Liu Yi‐Mei , Chen Ke‐Li , Sun Zhang‐Hua , Zhang Yu‐Mei , Tan Ning‐Hua
Published: August 2014

Four new sesquiterpenoids (I)‐(III) are isolated from the branches and leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa var.
ChemInform Abstract: Biomimetic Total Synthesis of (.+‐.)‐Doitunggarcinone A and (+)‐Garcibracteatone.
Authors: Pepper Henry P. , Tulip Stephen J. , Nakano Yuji , George Jonathan H.
Published: August 2014

Additionally to the first total syntheses of the target compounds several novel syntheses of monoterpene fragments are described.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Rhoiptelol B via Prins Cyclization.
Authors: Yadav Jhillu S. , Rahman Md. Ataur , Reddy N. Mallikarjuna , Prasad Attaluri R. , Al Khazim Al Ghamdi Ahmad
Published: August 2014

A concise synthesis of title compound (I), a diarylheptanoid isolated from Rhoiptelea chiliantha, is achieved from a known homoallylic alcohol in 12 steps and 11% overall yield.
ChemInform Abstract: A Unified Stereodivergent Strategy for Prostaglandin and Isoprostanoid Synthesis.
Authors: Valli Matteo , Chiesa Francesco , Gandini Andrea , Porta Alessio , Vidari Giovanni , Zanoni Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

Starting from compound (III) important key intermediates for prostaglandin and isoprostanoid syntheses are prepared.
ChemInform Abstract: Surface Reactivity of Magnesium Alloys in Solid and Liquid States
Authors: Czerwinski Frank
Published: August 2014

Review: 14 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Interaction at the Buried Silicon/Zinc Oxide Thin‐Film Solar Cell Interface as Revealed by Hard X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Wimmer M. , Gerlach D. , Wilks R. G. , Scherf S. , Felix R. , Lupulescu C. , Ruske F. , Schondelmaier G. , Lips K. , Huepkes J. , et al. et al.
Published: August 2014

Review: 23 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Superconductivity and Ferromagnetic Quantum Criticality in Uranium Compounds
Authors: Aoki Dai , Flouquet Jacques
Published: August 2014

Review: 46 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Influence of Temperature on Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Sun Yin‐Xia , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: August 2014

Review: influence of reaction temperature on crystal growth/assembly, structural modultion and transformation of MOFs; 78 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbonylations of Alkenes with CO Surrogates
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Liu Qiang , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2014

Review: [59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Bismetallative Multicomponent Coupling Reactions: Scope, Applications, and Mechanisms
Authors: Cho Hee Yeon , Morken James P.
Published: August 2014

Review: [44 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments of Direct Rhenium‐Catalyzed [1,3]‐Transpositions of Allylic Alcohols and Their Silyl Ethers
Authors: Volchkov Ivan , Lee Daesung
Published: August 2014

Review: 50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organic Photoredox Catalysis as a General Strategy for anti‐Markovnikov Alkene Hydrofunctionalization
Authors: Nicewicz David A. , Hamilton David S.
Published: August 2014

Review: [25 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Past, Present, and Future of Molecular Gels. What Is the Status of the Field, and Where Is It Going?
Authors: Weiss Richard G.
Published: August 2014

Review: 169 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dehydrogenative Heck Anellations of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Le Bras Jean , Muzart Jacques
Published: August 2014

Review: [60 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives via Different Methods
Authors: Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Hussein Hoda A. R. , Aly Ahmed S. , Gouda Moustafa A.
Published: August 2014

Review: 84 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dimeric Pyrrole—Imidazole Alkaloids: Synthetic Approaches and Biosynthetic Hypotheses
Authors: Wang Xiao , Ma Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaolei , De Saptarshi , Ma Yuyong , Chen Chuo
Published: August 2014

Review: [50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Searching for Glycomimetics that Target Protein Misfolding in Rare Diseases: Successes, Failures, and Unexpected Progress Made in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Compain Philippe
Published: August 2014

Review: [113 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: NKP‐1339, the First Ruthenium‐Based Anticancer Drug on the Edge to Clinical Application
Authors: Trondl Robert , Heffeter Petra , Kowol Christian R. , Jakupec Michael A. , Berger Walter , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: August 2014

Review: 73 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Review on Biological Importance of Endoperoxides and Their Various Routes of Synthesis
Authors: Patel Hitesh D. , Christian Dayena J.
Published: August 2014

Review: [99 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Covalent Surface Modification of Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Pujari Sidharam P. , Scheres Luc , Marcelis Antonius T. M. , Zuilhof Han
Published: August 2014

Review: [208 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Flexible Energy‐Storage Devices: Design Consideration and Recent Progress
Authors: Wang Xianfu , Lu Xihong , Liu Bin , Chen Di , Tong Yexiang , Shen Guozhen
Published: August 2014

Review: 193 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Polymeric Micelles as Drug Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Ahmad Zaheer , Shah Afzal , Siddiq Muhammad , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: August 2014

Review: 119 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: New Frontiers in Hybrid Materials: Noble Metal Nanoparticles — Supramolecular Gel Systems
Authors: Cametti Massimo , Dzolic Zoran
Published: August 2014

Review: [48 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure of Organic Solids at Low Temperature and High Pressure
Authors: Lee Rachael , Howard Judith A. K. , Probert Michael R. , Steed Jonathan W.
Published: August 2014

Review: current state of the art in low temperature and high pressure crystallography of molecular organic and coordination compounds; 50 refs.
Wall vibration for characterizing fluidization hydrodynamics
Authors: Norouzi Hamid Reza , Haddadi‐Sisakht Bahram , Azizpour Hedayat , Zarghami Reza , Sotudeh‐Gharebagh Rahmat , Mostoufi Navid
Published: August 2014

Wall vibration of a lab‐scale fluidized bed was measured at various gas velocities (0.4–1.4 m/s) and aspect ratios (L/D: 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5), filled with 1500‐μm particles, as well as that of the empty bed. For comparison with the vibration signals, pressure fluctuations inside the bed were simultaneously collected. It was shown that the vibration intensity of the empty bed is significant compared to that of the fluidized bed. Thus, the original vibration signal was decomposed into coherent signal (reflecting the vibration arises from the empty bed) and inherent signal (reflecting the vibration arises from the bed hydrodynamics). The analysis of inherent signal showed that this measuring technique in conjunction with signal components decomposition are robust enough for detecting sharp changes (such as de‐fluidization) in the bed hydrodynamics. The same results were obtained from pressure fluctuations. The vibration signal analysis showed that the de‐fluidization velocity falls within the range of 0.44 and 0.47 m/s and this value is within the range of 0.44 and 0.46 m/s for pressure fluctuations. The frequency range of different length‐scale phenomena was determined. The frequency ranges of macro‐, meso‐, and micro‐structures were, respectively, 0–5, 5–40, and 40–200 Hz for pressure fluctuations. These frequency ranges were 0–9500, 9500–12 000, and 12 000–32 500 Hz for vibration signal. The vibration of bed wall qualitatively reflects the gradual changes in bed hydrodynamics, like changes in the relative energy of bubbles and clusters. However, it was shown that pressure fluctuations are more sensitive to these gradual changes.
Numerical investigation on phytosanitary treatment of frozen wood using microwave energy
Authors: Erchiqui Fouad , Annasabi Zouheir , Koubaa Ahmed , Kocaefe Duygu , Slaoui‐Hasnaoui Fouad , Imad Abdellatif
Published: August 2014

This paper addresses issues in the microwave phytosanitary treatment of frozen wood. Four eastern Canadian wood species are used: trembling aspen, yellow birch, white birch, and sugar maple. The nonlinear heat conduction problem involving phase changes such as wood freezing is solved by a volumetric specific enthalpy‐based finite element method. Dielectric and thermophysical properties are functions of temperature and moisture content. As an application, we studied the dielectric heating of four wood species as a function of moisture content and microwave properties.
Cytoskeletal regulation of mitochondrial movements in myoblasts
Authors: Iqbal Sobia , Hood David A.
Published: August 2014

Mitochondria are distributed in the cell to match the energy demands, and it is their interaction with the cytoskeleton that controls their movement and displacement. Our purpose was to determine which cytoskeletal components are primarily responsible for mitochondrial movement in muscle cells. Live‐cell imaging was used to visualize mitochondrial dynamics in myoblasts. Destabilization of microtubules (MT) reduced the total path length and average speed traveled by mitochondria by 64–74%, whereas actin disruption only reduced these variables by 37‐40%. Downregulation of the microtubule motor proteins, Kif5B and dynein, by siRNA resulted in decreases in the average speed of mitochondrial movements, by 30 to 40%. We observed a reduction in the average speed of mitochondrial movements (by 22 to 48%) under high calcium conditions. This attenuation in the presence of calcium was negated in cells pre‐treated with siRNA targeted to the microtubule motor protein adaptor, Milton, suggesting that Milton is involved in mediating mitochondrial arrest in the presence of high calcium within muscle cells. Thus, we have demonstrated that, in myoblasts, mitochondria primarily move along microtubules tracks with the aid of the motor proteins Kif5B and dynein, in a manner which is inhibited by calcium. These observations will eventually help us understand organelle movements in more complex muscle systems, such as mature myotubes subjected to elevated calcium levels and contractile activity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jasplakinolide reduces actin and tropomyosin dynamics during myofibrillogenesis
Authors: Wang Jushuo , Fan Yingli , Dube Dipak K. , Sanger Jean M. , Sanger Joseph W.
Published: August 2014

The premyofibril model proposes a three‐stage process for the de novo assembly of myofibrils in cardiac and skeletal muscles: premyofibrils to nascent myofibrils to mature myofibrils. FRAP experiments and jasplakinolide, a drug that stabilizes F‐actin, permitted us to determine how decreasing the dynamics of actin filaments affected the dynamics of tropomyosin, troponin‐T, troponin‐C, and two Z‐Band proteins (alpha‐actinin, FATZ) in premyofibrils versus mature myofibrils. Jasplakinolide reduced markedly the dynamics of actin in premyofibrils and in mature myofibrils in skeletal muscles. Two isoforms of tropomyosin‐1 (TPM1α, TPM1κ) are more dynamic in premyofibrils than in mature myofibrils in control skeletal muscles. Jasplakinolide reduced the exchange rates of tropomyosins in premyofibrils but not in mature myofibrils. The reduced tropomyosin recoveries did not match the YFP‐actin recoveries in premyofibrils in jasplakinolide. There were no significant differences in the effects of jasplakinolide on the dynamics of troponins in the thin filaments or of two Z‐band proteins in premyofibrils or skeletal mature myofibrils. Cardiac control mature myofibrils lack nebulin, and small decreases in actin (∼5%) and two tropomyosin isoforms (∼10–15%) dynamics are detected in premyofibril to mature myofibril transformations compared with skeletal muscle. In contrast to skeletal muscle, jasplakinolide lowered the dynamics of actin and tropomyosin isoforms in the cardiac mature myofibrils. These results suggest that the dynamics of tropomyosins in control muscle cells are related to actin exchange. These results also suggest a stabilizing role for nebulin, an actin and tropomyosin‐binding protein, present in mature myofibrils but not in premyofibrils of skeletal muscles. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐natural Acetogenin Analogues as Potent Trypanosoma brucei Inhibitors
Authors: Florence Gordon J. , Fraser Andrew L. , Gould Eoin R. , King Elizabeth F. B. , Menzies Stefanie K. , Morris Joanne C. , Tulloch Lindsay B. , Smith Terry K.
Published: August 2014

Neglected tropical diseases remain a serious global health concern. Here, a series of novel bis‐tetrahydropyran 1,4‐triazole analogues based on the framework of chamuvarinin, a polyketide natural product isolated from the annonaceae plant species are detailed. The analogues synthesized display low micromolar trypanocidal activities towards both bloodstream and insect forms of Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, also known as Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). A divergent synthetic strategy was adopted for the synthesis of the key tetrahydropyran intermediates to enable rapid access to diastereochemical variation either side of the 1,4‐triazole core. The resulting diastereomeric analogues displayed varying degrees of trypanocidal activity and selectivity in structure–activity relationship studies. Together, the biological potency and calculated lipophilicity values indicate that while there is room for improvement, these derivatives may represent a promising novel class of anti‐HAT agents.
End‐of‐life treatment preferences: A key to reducing ethnic/racial disparities in advance care planning?
Authors: Garrido Melissa M. , Harrington Shannon T. , Prigerson Holly G.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to identify targets for interventions to reduce end‐of‐life care disparities among patients with advanced cancer. To do this, the authors evaluated the degree to which end‐of‐life care values and preferences are associated with advance care planning within racial/ethnic minority groups.

METHODS

The Coping with Cancer study recruited patients with advanced cancer from outpatient clinics in 5 states from 2002 to 2008. Then, the rates of 1 type of advance care planning—do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders—reported at baseline interviews by 606 patients were investigated. Bivariate tests determined associations among DNR order completion, religious values, and treatment preferences within racial/ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Non‐Latino white patients were significantly more likely to have a DNR order (45%) than black (25%) and Latino (20%) patients (P<.001). A preference against specific life‐prolonging treatment (eg, chemotherapy, ventilation) was the only factor significantly associated with higher DNR order likelihood in each group, with non‐Latino white patients more likely than Latino or black patients to express preferences against life‐prolonging care (eg, 26% of non‐Latino white patients, 46% of black patients, and 41% of Latino patients wanted a feeding tube if it would extend life for 1 more day; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preferences against life‐prolonging care differ dramatically by race/ethnicity, but they have a uniform significant association with DNR order completion rates across racial/ethnic groups of patients with advanced cancer. Advance care planning interventions that target preferences associated with DNR orders across racial/ethnic groups may reach a broad patient population and reduce end‐of‐life care disparities. Cancer 2014;120:3981–3986. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Optimistic semaphores with non‐deterministic choice operation for heterogeneous manycore systems
Authors: Soriano‐Salvador Enrique , Muzquiz Gorka Guardiola , Ballesteros Francisco J.
Published: August 2014

The Nix operating system permits different roles to be assigned to the cores. One of the roles is to be able to run user‐space code with no interrupts from the operating system, which is particularly useful for high‐performance computing. System calls are especially expensive to a core playing this role. This paper presents a new implementation of optimistic semaphores that avoid performing expensive system calls in an uncontended scenario. The implementation is straightforward and somewhat unorthodox: a semaphore is based on a data structure and a lock that are shared between user space and kernel space. This study aims at evaluating if such an approach is viable. In addition, the implementation includes a non‐deterministic choice operation over a collection of semaphores, altsems. This novel operation facilitates the creation of higher‐level communication mechanisms, such as sockets and channels. To support this claim, we implemented a new kind of buffered communication channels named tubes, tailored for communicating processes running on different (heterogeneous) cores. The paper describes the implementation of the semaphores and the tubes, a comparative analysis of optimistic and non‐optimistic semaphores on Nix, and a comparative analysis of tubes and other kinds of communication channels that are available on the Nix operating system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naphtho[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells: How Molecular Structure Influences Nanoscale Morphology and Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Cheon Ye Rim , Back Jang Yeol , Kim Yun‐Hi , Chung Dae Sung , Park Chan Eon
Published: August 2014

Organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices based on a series of three naphtho[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (NDT) derivatives blended with phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester were studied. These three derivatives, which have NDT units with various thiophene‐chain lengths, were employed as the donor polymers. The influence of their molecular structures on the correlation between their solar‐cell performances and their degree of crystallization was assessed. The grazing‐incidence angle X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy results showed that the three derivatives exhibit three distinct nanoscale morphologies. We correlated these morphologies with the device physics by determining the J–V characteristics and the hole and electron mobilities of the devices. On the basis of our results, we propose new rules for the design of future generations of NDT‐based polymers for use in bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Type‐Dependent Identification of DNA Nucleobases by Using Diamondoids
Authors: Maier Frank C. , Fyta Maria
Published: August 2014

The possibility of distinguishing between DNA nucleobases of different sizes is manifested here through quantum‐mechanical simulations. By using derivatives of small, modified diamond clusters, known as diamondoids, it is possible to separate the pyrimidines (cytosine and thymine) from the larger purines (adenine and guanine), according to the collective electronic and binding properties of these DNA nucleobases and the diamondoid. The latter acts as a probe with which these properties can be examined in detail. Short single‐stranded DNA is built up from single nucleobases to reveal the effect of each DNA unit on the sensing abilities of the diamondoid probe. Several ways of orienting the nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides, and short single‐stranded DNA are investigated; these lead to quite different electronic properties and may or may not enhance the possibility of separating the DNA nucleobases. For the optimum orientation, that is, one that promotes stronger hydrogen bonding of the diamondoid to the short DNA strand, it is found that the electronic band gaps of a purine strand lie in a completely different range to the band gaps of a pyrimidine strand. This difference can be over 1 eV, which is measurable and shows the potential of using diamondoids and their derivatives in biosensing devices.
Modelling Ion‐Pair Geometries and Dynamics in a 1‐Ethyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium‐Based Ion‐Conductive Crystal
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Zhu Haijin , Forsyth Maria
Published: August 2014

Full conformational and energy explorations are conducted on an organic ionic plastic crystal, 1‐ethyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidium tetrafluoroborate [C2mpyr][BF4]. The onsets of various stages of dynamic behaviour, which appear to account for low‐temperature solid–solid phase transitions, are investigated by using quantum‐chemical simulations. It is suggested that pseudorotation of the pyrrolidine ring occurs in the first instance; the partial rotation of the entire cation subsequently occurs and may be accompanied by reorientation of the ethyl chain as the temperature increases further. A cation–anion configuration, whereby BF4− interacts with the C2mpy cation from the side of the ring, is the most likely structure in the low‐temperature phase IV region. These interpretations are supported by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance chemical‐shift analysis.
Electrodeposition and Magnetic Characterization of Iron and Iron–Silicon Alloys from the Ionic Liquid 1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethylsulfonate
Authors: Giridhar Pulletikurthi , Weidenfeller Bernd , Zein El Abedin Sherif , Endres Frank
Published: August 2014

The electrodeposition of soft magnetic iron and iron–silicon alloys for magnetic measurements is presented. The preparation of these materials in 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethylsulfonate, [Py1,4]TfO, at 100 °C with FeCl2 and FeCl2+SiCl4 was studied by using cyclic voltammetry. Constant‐potential electrolysis was carried out to deposit either Fe or FeSi, and deposits of approximately 10 μm thicknesses were obtained. By using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, the microstructure and crystallinity of the deposits were investigated. Grain sizes in the nanometer regime (50–80 nm) were found and the presence of iron–silicon alloys was verified. Frequency‐dependent magnetic polarizations, coercive forces, and power losses of some deposits were determined by using a digital hysteresis recorder. Corresponding to the small grain sizes, the coercive forces are around 950–1150 A m−1 and the power losses were at 6000 J m−3, which is much higher than in commercial Fe(3.2 wt %)Si electrical steel. Below a polarization of 1.8 T, the power losses are mainly caused by domain wall movements and, above 1.8 T, by rotation of magnetic moments as well as domain wall annihilation and recreation.
Supramolecular Interactions of Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drug in Nanochannels of Molecular Containers: A Spectroscopic, Thermogravimetric and Microscopic Investigation
Authors: Maity Banibrata , Chatterjee Aninda , Ahmed Sayeed Ashique , Seth Debabrata
Published: August 2014

Supramolecular host–guest complexation between the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin (IMC) and molecular containers were investigated. The weakly fluorescent drug molecule becomes highly fluorescent on complexation with different molecular containers, and time‐resolved fluorescence emission spectroscopy reveals that the lifetime components of IMC significantly increase in the presence of molecular containers, compared with the lifetimes in neat water. The respective solid host–guest complexes were synthesised and characterised by Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. Microscopy techniques were used to analyse modifications of the surface morphology, owing to the formation of supramolecular complexes. The effect of the molecular container on the optical properties of IMC has also been investigated to determine the effect of nanochannels of different size and structure.
Sonochemistry: What Potential for Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass into Platform Chemicals?
Authors: Chatel Gregory , De Oliveira Vigier Karine , Jérôme François
Published: August 2014

This Review focuses on the use of ultrasound to produce chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. However, the question about the potential of sonochemistry for valorization/conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into added‐value chemicals is rather conceptual. Until now, this technology has been mainly used for the production of low‐value chemicals such as biodiesel or as simple method for pretreatment or extraction. According to preliminary studies reported in literature, access to added‐value chemicals can be easily and sometimes solely obtained by the use of ultrasound. The design of sonochemical parameters offers many opportunities to develop new eco‐friendly and efficient processes. The goal of this Review is to understand why the use of ultrasound is focused rather on pretreatment or extraction of lignocellulosic biomass rather than on the production of chemicals and to understand, through the reported examples, which directions need to be followed to favor strategies based on ultrasound‐assisted production of chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass. We believe that ultrasound‐assisted processes represent an innovative approach and will create a growing interest in academia but also in the industry in the near future. Based on the examples reported in the literature, we critically discuss how sonochemistry could offer new strategies and give rise to new results in lignocellulosic biomass valorization.
A piggyBac transposon‐ and gateway‐enhanced system for efficient BAC transgenesis
Authors: Zhao Liang , Ng Ee Ting , Koopman Peter
Published: August 2014

Background: Bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) have become increasingly popular vectors for making transgenic mice, as they are able to carry large genomic DNA fragments that in many cases are needed to reproduce the endogenous gene expression pattern. However, the efficiency of BAC transgenesis is generally low, and gene transfer to BAC vectors by recombination‐mediated engineering (recombineering) is time‐consuming and technically demanding. Results and Conclusions: We present an enhanced system, comprising a BAC vector retrofitted with piggyBac DNA transposon elements and attL (Gateway) docking sites, that obviates these problems. Using this system, a gene‐of‐interest (such as a reporter gene) is transferred to the vector in a one‐step in vitro reaction, and piggyBac transposition mediates transgene integration at high efficiency when microinjected into mouse zygotes with piggyBac transposase mRNA. We establish proof‐of‐principle for this system using a Wilms tumour‐1 (Wt1) BAC to drive expression of an mCherry‐2A‐EGFP (RG) reporter gene, which yielded transgenic mice at a frequency of 33%, and recapitulated endogenous WT1 expression in developing gonads, kidneys and heart. The system we describe is applicable to any BAC transgenesis strategy. Developmental Dynamics 243:1086–1094, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tillandsia usneoides (L.) L. (Spanish moss) water storage and leachate characteristics from two maritime oak forest settings
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Stubbins Aron , Bittar Thais , Reichard James S. , Wright Kasey A. , Jenkins Robert B.
Published: August 2014

Along subtropical and tropical coastlines, Tillandsia usneoides L. (Spanish moss) can heavily cover tree crowns, altering the volume, timing and chemical composition of rainwater reaching soils as throughfall. It is well‐established that throughfall amount, dissolved ion and dissolved organic matter (DOM) enrichment, as well as the chemical character of DOM, can influence a host of ecological processes – e.g. litter decomposition and fine root patterns. However, no study known to the authors has holistically examined the water storage capacity, dissolved ions and DOM derived from T. usneoides. This study examined 60 T. usneoides samples from two maritime live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill.) forest settings for water absorbency, maximum water storage capacity, dissolved solutes (Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F−, Cl−, NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, dissolved organic carbon, total dissolved nitrogen) and DOM optical properties using ultraviolet‐visible and fluorescence spectrophotometry. Thirty samples were collected from each study site: downtown Savannah (SAV) and St. Catherine's Island (SCI), GA, USA. Results show that T. usneoides coverage can increase canopy water storage more markedly (up to 3 mm) than most other epiphyte communities, tree leaf forms or bark structures previously studied. Ion wash off/leaching was greater for N species from SAV samples; yet, base cation macronutrients (Mg2+, Ca2+) and sea salts (Na+, Cl−) were more enriched from SCI samples. Spectrophotometry revealed that T. usneoides leachates contained DOM with low‐specific UV absorbance at 254 nm per unit carbon (SUVA254) and high percentage of protein‐like fluorescent material compared with literature values for other throughfall and vegetation leachates. In other natural waters, these optical characteristics indicate highly biolabile DOM, suggesting that T. usneoides DOM may also be highly biolabile (i.e. highly relevant to soil microbial functions, like mineralization). Cluster analysis linked fluorescent DOM (FDOM) to ion concentrations of primarily anthropogenic source (F−, SO42−). Correlation analyses including both sites' data indicated that log‐transformed FDOM intensities indirectly relate (p < 0.01, r = −0.5) – and enrichment of major sea salt ions directly relate (Na+: p < 0.000001, r = 0.83; Cl−: p < 0.000001, r = 0.80) – to T. usneoides maximum water absorbency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
microRNA management of NK‐cell developmental and functional programs
Authors: Leong Jeffrey W. , Sullivan Ryan P. , Fehniger Todd A.
Published: August 2014

NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that are critical for host defense against infection, and mediate anti‐tumor responses. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of small noncoding RNAs that target the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs, thereby attenuating protein translation. The expression of miRNAs within human peripheral blood and mouse splenic NK cells has been cataloged, with the majority of the miRNA sequence pool represented in the top 60 most abundantly expressed miRNAs. Global miRNA deficiency within NK cells has confirmed their critical role in NK‐cell biology, including defects in NK‐cell development and altered functionality. Studies using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function of individual miRNAs in NK cells have demonstrated the role of specific miRNAs in regulating NK‐cell development, maturation, and activation. miRNAs also regulate fundamental NK‐cell processes including cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and proliferation. This review provides an update on the intrinsic miRNA regulation of NK cells, including miRNA expression profiles, as well as their impact on NK‐cell biology. Additional profiling is needed to better understand miRNA expression within NK‐cell developmental intermediates, subsets, tissues, and in the setting of disease. Furthermore, key open questions in the field as well as technical challenges in the study of miRNAs in NK cells are highlighted.
Tropos Amino Alcohol Mediated Enantioselective Aryl Transfer Reactions to Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Pisani Laura , Bochicchio Carmela , Superchi Stefano , Scafato Patrizia
Published: August 2014

The preparation of new chiral amino alcohols that possess a flexible biphenylazepine moiety and can work as tropos catalysts, is presented. In these compounds, the sign of the induced axial chirality depends on the nature of stereogenic centers near the flexible fragment and can determine the stereochemical outcome in asymmetric reactions mediated by them. The efficiency of these new ligands has been explored in the asymmetric addition of arylzinc species prepared in situ to aromatic aldehydes. Among them, amino alcohol (1R,2S)‐4 gave the best results and afforded optically active diarymethanols, which are precursors of well‐known chiral drugs, in high yields and with enantioselectivity up to 96 %.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between green fluorescent protein and doxorubicin enabled by DNA nanotechnology
Authors: Heger Zbynek , Kominkova Marketa , Cernei Natalia , Krejcova Ludmila , Kopel Pavel , Zitka Ondrej , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: August 2014

DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly growing research area, where DNA may be used for wide range of applications such as construction of nanodevices serving for large scale of diverse purposes. Likewise a panel of various purified fluorescent proteins is investigated for their ability to emit their typical fluorescence spectra under influence of particular excitation. Hence these proteins may form ideal donor molecules for assembly of fluorescence resonance emission transfer (FRET) constructions. To extend the application possibilities of fluorescent proteins, while using DNA nanotechnology, we developed nanoconstruction comprising green fluorescent protein (GFP) bound onto surface of surface active nanomaghemite and functionalized with gold nanoparticles. We took advantage of natural affinity between gold and thiol moieties, which were modified to bind DNA fragment. Finally we enclosed doxorubicin into fullerene cages. Doxorubicin intercalated in DNA fragment bound on the particles and thus we were able to connect these parts together. Because GFP behaved as a donor and doxorubicin as an acceptor using excitation wavelength for GFP (395 nm) in emission wavelength of doxorubicin (590 nm) FRET was observed. This nanoconstruction may serve as a double‐labeled transporter of doxorubicin guided by force of external magnetic force owing to the presence of nanomaghemite. Further nanomaghemite offers the possibility of using this technology for thermotherapy.
Analysis of aromatic acids by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with ionic‐liquid electrolytes
Authors: Lu Yuanqi , Wang Dunqing , Kong Chunyan , Zhong Hao , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: August 2014

The separation of six kinds of aromatic acids by CZE with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (EMIMHSO4), two kinds of ionic liquids (ILs) as background electrolytes, and acetonitrile as solvent were investigated. The six kinds of aromatic acids can be separated under positive voltage with low IL concentration with either of the two ILs and separation with EMIMHSO4 is better in consideration of peak shapes and separation efficiency. But the migration order is different when the IL is different. Under negative voltage with high IL concentration, the six analytes can be separated with EMIMCl as background electrolytes and the migration order of the analytes is opposite to those with low concentration of EMIMCl as background electrolyte. The separations are based on the combination effects of heteroconjugation between the anions and cations in the ILs and the analytes, of which the heteroconjugation between the anions in the ILs and the analytes plays a dominant role. The heteroconjugation between the anions of the ILs and analytes is proton sensitive and only a very small amount of proticsolvents added into the electrolyte solution can harm the separation. When EMIMCl concentration is high, the heteroconjugation between the IL anions and the proton in the analytes make the effective mobility of the analytes much higher than the EOF and their migration direction reversed. Finally, the six aromatic acids in water samples were analyzed by nonaqueous CE with low concentration of EMIMHSO4 as background electrolytes with satisfactory results.
Insights into the formation of rock varnish in prevailing dusty regions
Authors: Aulinas M. , Garcia‐Valles M. , Fernandez‐Turiel J. L. , Gimeno D. , Saavedra J. , Gisbert G.
Published: August 2014

The characteristics of rock varnish from the Campo de Piedra Pomez (CPP, Andes Argentina) provides new insights into the development of rock varnish under severe dusty conditions. The CPP varnish has been analysed using SEM‐EDAX and Raman techniques. The rock coating is tens of microns in thickness and under the microscope shows a micro to cryptocrystalline appearance and a general granular texture. Silica (quartz, cristobalite and amorphous silica) is the main phase forming these coverings followed by Al, K and Na compounds. Minor Fe oxides and Mn oxides are the source for the orange (Fe) and brown (Fe and Mn) hues of the coating.

The results obtained for the CPP coating show that desert varnish developed under dusty circumstances does not have the appearance of typical rock varnish. Textural characteristics include high crystallinity and granular arrangement of the components. Moreover the absence of typical microlaminations is related to the presence of aeolian mineral grains which inhibit their development. The main mechanism of formation of rock varnish under such environmental circumstances is the direct incorporation of aeolian mineral grains into the varnish. However, other physicochemical processes are also required to explain the formation of varnish components such as amorphous silica or iron oxides phases.

Although the development of the desert varnish may act as a protector of the underlying pyroclastic rock, the extreme and persistent windy conditions in the CPP field are high enough to weather and erode not only the rock coating but also the original ignimbrite.

As other warm desert sites on Earth, the CPP area can also be considered as possible terrestrial analogue to Mars. Some environmental attributes might be similar to those expected on the Martian surface and thus, textural similarities between the CPP varnish and the rock varnish‐like coating of Mars are likely. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts involved in the fermentation of amabere amaruranu, a Kenyan fermented milk
Authors: Nyambane Bitutu , Thari William M. , Wangoh John , Njage Patrick M. K.
Published: August 2014

Indigenous fermented milk products contain microbiota composed of technologically important species and strains which are gradually getting lost with new technologies. We investigated the microbial diversity in amabere amaruranu, a traditionally fermented milk product from Kenya. Sixteen samples of the product from different containers were obtained. One hundred and twenty isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and 67 strains of yeasts were identified using API 50 CH and API 20 C AUX identification kits, respectively. The average pH of all the traditional fermented samples was 4.00 ± 0.93. Lactobacilli, yeasts, and molds as well as Enterobacteriaceae counts from the plastic containers were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those from gourd. Enterobacteriaceae were below 1.00 ± 1.11 log10 cfu/mL in products from the gourds and 2.17 ± 1.92 log10 cfu/mL from the plastic containers. The LAB species were identified as Streptococcus thermophilus (25%), Lactobacillus plantarum (20%), and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (20%). The predominant yeasts were Saccharomyces cerevisiae (25%), Trichosporum mucoides (15%), Candida famata (10%), and Candida albicans (10%). The type of vessel used for fermentation had no significant influence on the type of isolated and identified species. The diverse mixture of LAB and yeasts microflora forms a potential consortium for further product innovation in amabere amaruranu and other fermented milk products.