bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal dysplasia, global developmental delay, and multiple congenital anomalies in a 5‐year‐old boy—Report of the second family with B3GAT3 mutation and expansion of the phenotype
Authors: von Oettingen Julia E. , Tan Wen‐Hann , Dauber Andrew
Published: March 2014

As a major component of the extracellular matrix, proteoglycans influence the mechanical properties of connective tissue and play an important role in cell‐cell and cell‐matrix interactions. Genetic defects of proteoglycan biosynthesis lead to multi‐system disorders, often most prominently affecting the skeletal system and skin. Specific deficiencies in the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the linkage region between the core of the proteoglycan protein and its glycosaminoglycan side chains are known as linkeropathies. We report on a patient from a second family with a homozygous c.830G>A (p.Arg277Gln) mutation in the B3GAT3 gene. The clinical features expand the previously reported phenotype of B3GAT3 mutations and of linkeropathies in general. This patient has short stature, facial dysmorphisms, skeletal findings, joint laxity, and cardiac manifestations similar to those previously associated with B3GAT3 mutations. However, he also has developmental delay, a refractive errors, dental defects, pectus carinatum, and skin abnormalities that have only been associated with linkeropathies caused by mutations in B4GALT6 and B4GALT7. He has bilateral inguinal hernias and atlanto‐axial as well as atlanto‐occipital instability that have not been previously associated with B3GAT3 mutations. We provide a detailed clinical report and a comparative overview of the phenotypic features of the linkeropathies caused by mutations in B3GAT3, B4GALT6, and B4GALT7. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imidazolium Salt‐Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts‐Type Conjugate Addition of Indoles: Analysis of Indole/Imidazolium Complex by High Level ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Narumi Tetsuo , Tsuzuki Seiji , Tamamura Hirokazu
Published: March 2014

We describe the facile synthesis of 3‐substituted indoles by Friedel–Crafts‐type conjugate addition catalyzed by imidazolium salts. The reactions proceed under mild conditions with no base, solvent, or N‐heterocyclic carbene. Mechanistic studies suggest the potential mechanism operates through the dual activation of indoles involving cation–π interactions of imidazolium cations with indoles and Lewis base activation by chloride anions derived from the imidazolium salts. High‐level ab initio molecular orbital calculations reveal that there is a strong attraction between the imidazolium cation and the indole, and that the electrostatic and induction interactions strongly contributes to the attraction in the indole/imidazolium complex, which is a characteristic feature of the cation–π interaction.
Oxidant‐Resistant Hydrogen‐Bond‐Donating Organocatalyst for Enantioselective Nucleophilic Epoxidation of α,β‐Unsaturated Amides
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Li Shanji , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: March 2014

Bifunctional benzothiadiazine‐catalyzed epoxidation of α,β‐unsaturated amides proceeds efficiently to give chiral 2‐oxiranecarboxamides in excellent yields of 89–99 % and with good enantioselectivity of up to 84 % ee. A synthetic application of the oxiranecarboxamides is also described.
Bilateral juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: Report of a case
Authors: Wu Edward C. , Chark Davin W. , Bhandarkar Naveen D.
Published: March 2014

Background

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is the most common benign neoplasm of the nasopharynx. Almost always unilateral on diagnosis, JNAs are locally invasive and may extend across the midline, giving a false bilateral appearance; as such, true bilateral JNA is exceedingly rare. We present a recent case of true bilateral JNA.

Methods

Single case report of a patient with bilateral JNA, including clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Results

The patient presented with unilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral, noncontiguous masses. Angiography revealed independent vascular supplies from each respective side with no bilateral supply noted. The patient underwent preoperative embolization followed by endoscopic surgical removal of the larger mass; no complications were noted. Follow‐up at 2 years demonstrated no recurrence or growth.

Conclusion

The vast majority of JNAs are unilateral, though invasive growth to the contralateral side may appear “bilateral” in presentation. Proper identification of true bilateral JNA is helpful in guiding management, wherein excision of both tumors may not be necessary.
Carbonfasern: Präkursor‐Systeme, Verarbeitung, Struktur und Eigenschaften
Authors: Frank Erik , Steudle Lisa M. , Ingildeev Denis , Spörl Johanna M. , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: March 2014

Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über Präkursorsysteme, deren Verarbeitung und die resultierenden Eigenschaften der Carbonfasern (CF) in Abhängigkeit des Präkursors und berücksichtigt dabei die neuesten Entwicklungen auf dem Gebiet der alternativen Präkursoren für die Herstellung von preisgünstigeren CF. Es werden folgende Präkursoren behandelt: Polyacrylnitril‐basierte Copolymere, Pech, Cellulose, Lignin, Polyethylen und neue synthetische Polymerpräkursoren für hochwertige CF. Außerdem werden Zusammenhänge zwischen Struktur und Eigenschaften aufgezeigt, und es werden verschiedene Modelle vorgestellt, die sowohl die Struktur als auch die Morphologie von CF beschreiben.
Isoprene–Styrene Chain Shuttling Copolymerization Mediated by a Lanthanide Half‐Sandwich Complex and a Lanthanidocene: Straightforward Access to a New Type of Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Valente Andreia , Stoclet Gregory , Bonnet Fanny , Mortreux André , Visseaux Marc , Zinck Philippe
Published: March 2014

A lanthanide half‐sandwich complex and a ansa lanthanidocene have been assessed for isoprene–styrene chain shuttling copolymerization with n‐butylethylmagnesium (BEM). In the presence of 1 equiv BEM, a fully amorphous multiblock microstructure of soft and hard segments is achieved. The microstructure consists of poly(isoprene‐co‐styrene) blocks, with hard blocks rich in styrene and soft blocks rich in isoprene. The composition of the blocks and the resulting glass transition temperatures (Tg) can be easily modified by changing the feed and/or the relative amount of the catalysts, highlighting a new class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with tunable transition temperatures. The materials self‐organize into nanostructures in the solid state.
Confirmed by X‐ray Crystallography: The B⋅B One‐Electron σ Bond
Authors: Hübner Alexander , Diehl Andreas M. , Diefenbach Martin , Endeward Burkhard , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Holthausen Max C. , Wagner Matthias
Published: March 2014

Is one electron sufficient to bring about significant σ bonding between two atoms? The chemist’s view on the chemical bond is usually tied to the concept of shared electron pairs, and not too much experimental evidence exists to challenge this firm belief. Whilst species with the unusual one‐electron σ‐bonding motif between homonuclear atoms have so far been identified mainly by spectroscopic evidence, we present herein the first crystallographic characterization, augmented by a detailed quantum‐chemical validation, for a radical anion featuring a B⋅B one‐electron‐two‐center σ bond.
Fusing N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Carborane Anions
Authors: El‐Hellani Ahmad , Lavallo Vincent
Published: March 2014

Here we describe the fusion of two families of unusual carbon‐containing molecules that readily disregard the tendency of carbon to form four chemical bonds, namely N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and carborane anions. Deprotonation of an anionic imidazolium salt with lithium diisopropylamide at room temperature leads to a mixture of lithium complexes of C‐2 and C‐5 dianionic NHC constitutional isomers as well as a trianionic (C‐2, C‐5) adduct. Judicious choice of the base and reaction conditions allows the selective formation of all three stable polyanionic carbenes. In solution, the so‐called abnormal C‐5 NHC lithium complex slowly isomerizes to the normal C‐2 NHC, and the process can be proton‐catalyzed by the addition of the anionic imidazolium salt. These results indicate that the combination of two unusual forms of carbon atoms can lead to unexpected chemical behavior, and that this strategy paves the way for the development of a broad new generation of NHC ligands for catalysis.
Flux potentials of aerosols and their spatial variations in a coastal metropolis
Authors: Uygur Nihan , Saral Arslan , Yetilmezsoy Kaan , Demir Selami , Kuzu S. Levent , Celikten Hakan , Abdul‐Wahab Sabah Ahmed
Published: March 2014

Contribution of marine aerosols to marine boundary layer was investigated in Istanbul, Turkey. Average fluxes of Na+ and Cl− were determined to be 49.0 and 64.9 mg (m2 day)−1, with the highest values being 510.8 and 825.2 mg (m2 day)−1, respectively. Monthly fluxes of other parameters (flouride, chloride, bromide, phosphate, lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, zinc, lead, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, manganese, chromium, vanadium, copper, iron, aluminum and boron) were also studied. Contribution of sea salt aerosols from Black Sea was of great importance along the Bosphorous line, while other sources are also effective along the coasts of Marmara Sea.
Synoptic climatology associated with extreme snowfall events in Sapporo city of northern Japan
Authors: Farukh M. A. , Yamada Tomohito J.
Published: March 2014

Synoptic‐scale atmospheric circulations are crucial for extreme snowfall events. On the basis of topmost 100 snowfall intensity days in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan over winter seasons from 1992 to 2011, this study uses principal component analysis and K‐means clustering to characterize synoptic circulation patterns. Composite maps were constructed for sea‐level pressure, 850 hPa moisture and wind field, and 500 hPa geopotential height. The circulation patterns of the topmost seven snowfall events were triggered by the advection of very cold airmass from eastern Siberia, anomalously huge moisture with northerly strong wind, active and stationary Aleutian low, and 500 hPa deep cold‐core low over the southern Hokkaido.
Autism Characteristics and Behavioural Disturbances in ∼ 500 Children with Down's Syndrome in England and Wales
Authors: Warner Georgina , Moss Joanna , Smith Patrick , Howlin Patricia
Published: March 2014

Recent research shows that a significant minority of children with Down's syndrome (DS) also meet diagnostic criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study investigated what proportion of children aged 6–15 years with a confirmed diagnosis of DS in England and Wales display autistic‐type behaviours, and explored the characteristics of this group of children. The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was used to screen for autism characteristics and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to explore behavioural difficulties. The proportion of children who met the cut‐off score for ASD on the SCQ (total score ≥ 15) was 37.7% (95% CI: 33.4–42.0%); for autism (total score ≥ 22) the proportion was 16.5% (95% CI: 13.2–19.8%). Children who met the cut‐off for ASD were significantly more likely to be reported as having emotional symptoms, conduct problems and hyperactivity on the SDQ than children who scored well below cut‐off (total score < 10). However, the profile of their autism characteristics on the SCQ was atypical compared with individuals with idiopathic ASD. The pervasiveness of ASD in children with DS in England and Wales is substantially higher than in the general population. These children also experience significantly greater behavioural problems than children with DS only. Early detection of autism characteristics is important for appropriate intervention. However, the unusual profile of autism characteristics in this group may affect the recognition of the disorder and hinder the implementation of appropriate interventions. Autism Res 2014, 7: 433–441. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinome profiling of osteoblasts on hydroxyapatite opens new avenues on biomaterial cell signaling
Authors: Gemini‐Piperni Sara , Milani Renato , Bertazzo Sérgio , Peppelenbosch Maikel , Takamori Esther R. , Granjeiro José Mauro , Ferreira Carmen V. , Teti Anna , Zambuzzi Willian
Published: March 2014

In degenerative diseases or lesions, bone tissue replacement and regeneration are important clinical goals. The most used bone substitutes today are hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds. These scaffolds, developed over the last few decades, present high porosity and good osteointegration, but haven't completely solved issues related to bone defects. Moreover, the exact intracellular mechanisms involved in the response to HA have yet to be addressed. This prompted us to investigate the protein networks responsible for signal transduction during early osteoblast adhesion on synthetic HA scaffolds. By performing a global kinase activity assay, we showed that there is a specific molecular machinery responding to HA contact, immediately triggering pathways leading to cytoskeleton rearrangement due to activation of Adducin 1 (ADD1), protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Moreover, we found a significantly increased phosphorylation of the activating site Ser‐421 in histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), a substrate of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5). These phosphorylation events are hallmarks of osteoblast differentiation, pointing to HA surfaces ability to promote differentiation. We also found that AKT was kept active, suggesting the maintenance of survival pathways. Interestingly, though, the substrate sequence of CDK5 also presented higher phosphorylation levels when compared to control conditions. To our knowledge, this kinase has never before been related to osteoblast biology, opening a new avenue of investigation for novel pathways involved in this matter. These results suggest that HA triggers a specific intracellular signal transduction cascade during early osteoblast adhesion, activating proteins involved with cytoskeleton rearrangement, and induction of osteoblast differentiation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1900–1905. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of HER2 expression between primary colorectal cancer and their corresponding metastases
Authors: Lee Won‐Suk , Park Yeon Ho , Lee Jung Nam , Baek Jeong‐Heum , Lee Tae‐Hoon , Ha Seung Yeon
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to compare human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) status in primary colorectal cancer and paired liver or lung metastasis. Gene amplification of HER2 has been intensively evaluated in contemporary oncology, especially in breast and stomach cancer. The knowledge of HER2 status in primary and metastatic sites may be of potential value for therapeutic decision making in metastatic colon cancer. The HER2 status was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 94 colorectal cancer with corresponding liver or lung metastases. HER2 amplification was present in 19 of the 188 (10.1%) of both primary and metastases combined. Four (4.6%) patients showed HER2 amplification in the metastasis and 10 (10.6%) patients showed HER2 amplification in the primary tumor. In 14 cases (14.8%), the HER2 status of the primary lesions was different from that of the associated metastases. The presence of HER2 overexpression in KRAS mutant colon cancer was found in 5.3%. No relationship was found between HER2 expression and KRAS status (P = 0.486). The evidence of HER2 positive metastatic lesion and primary colorectal cancer suggest that HER2 assessment might be considered in selected cases when this may help change the therapeutic decision.
Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the mitraclip system according to the predicted risk by the logistic EuroSCORE: Preliminary results from the German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions (TRAMI) registry
Authors: Wiebe Jens , Franke Jennifer , Lubos Edith , Boekstegers Peter , Schillinger Wolfgang , Ouarrak Taoufik , May Andreas E. , Eggebrecht Holger , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Baldus Stephan , Senges Jochen , Sievert Horst ,   for the German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions (TRAMI) Investigators
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate in‐hospital and short‐term outcomes of percutaneous mitral valve repair according to patients' logistic EuroSCORE (logEuroSCORE) in a multicenter registry

Background

The logEuroSCORE is an established tool to predict the risk of mortality during cardiac surgery. In high‐risk patients percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system represents a less‐invasive alternative

Methods

Data from 1002 patients, who underwent percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system, were analyzed in the German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions (TRAMI) Registry. A logEuroSCORE (mortality risk in %) ≥ 20 was considered high risk

Results

Of all patients, 557 (55.6%) had a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20. Implantation of the MitraClip was successful in 95.5 % (942/986) patients. Moderate residual mitral valve regurgitation was more often detected in patients with a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20 (23.8% vs. 17.1%, respectively, P < 0.05). In patients with a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20 the procedural complication rate was 8.9% (vs. 6.4, n.s.) and the in‐hospital MACCE rate 4.9% (vs. 1.4% P < 0.01). The in‐hospital mortality rate in patients with a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20 and logEuroSCORE < 20 was 4.3 and 1.1%, respectively (P ≤ 0.01)

Conclusion

Percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system is feasible in patients with a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20 with similar procedural results compared to patients with lower predicted risk. Although mortality was four times higher than in patients with logEuroSCORE < 20, mortality in high risk patients was lower than predicted. In those with a logEuroSCORE ≥ 20, moderate residual mitral valve regurgitation was more frequent. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure–Activity Relationships of Nickel–Hexaaluminates in Reforming Reactions Part II: Activity and Stability of Nanostructured Nickel–Hexaaluminate‐Based Catalysts in the Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Roussière Thomas , Schulz Linus , Schelkle Korwin M. , Wasserschaff Guido , Milanov Andrian , Schwab Ekkehard , Deutschmann Olaf , Jentys Andreas , Lercher Johannes , Schunk Stephan A.
Published: March 2014

Ni–hexaaluminates exhibiting a high magnetoplumbite or β“‐alumina phase content (>80 wt %) and high specific surface areas (10–30 m2 g−1) were investigated under dry reforming conditions. Ni content and choice of mirror plane cation are the key factors controlling the structure–property relationship in the dry reforming reaction of CH4. The Ni content is favorably kept below a threshold ofy=0.25 in ANiyAl12‐yO19−δ, (A=Ba, La, Sr) to ensure controlled nanoparticle formation and to avoid uncontrolled Ni0nanoparticle growth apart from the support. Sr,Ni and Ba,Ni–hexaaluminates promote high activity of the catalyst in the dry reforming reaction of CH4, but show fast deactivation if the Ni content is maladjusted in the hexaaluminate framework (y≥0.5). La,Ni–magnetoplumbites display much lower activity accompanied by fast deactivation. The use of very high calcination temperatures (1600 °C) resulting in low specific surface area is detrimental to the activity in the dry reforming of CH4, simultaneously higher hexaaluminate phase content obtained undoes catalytic stability, reasoned by Ni0nanoparticles produced after reduction cannot be stabilized over surface defects typically found on hexaaluminate platelets calcined at moderated temperatures (<1300 °C). As a result, larger metallic Ni ensembles are built up, selectivity to coke is increased and catalytic stability is compromised.
Spontaneous H2Loss through the Interaction of Squaric Acid Derivatives and BeH2
Authors: Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Yáñez Manuel , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Mó Otilia
Published: March 2014

The most stable complexes between squaric acid and its sulfur‐ and selenium‐containing analogues (C4X4H2; X=O, S, Se) with BeY2(Y=H, F) were studied by means of the Gaussian 04 (G4) composite ab initio theory. Squaric acid derivatives are predicted to be very strong acids in the gas phase; their acidity increases with the size of the chalcogen, with C4Se4H2being the strongest acid of the series and stronger than sulfuric acid. The relative stability of the C4X4H2⋅BeY2(X=O, S, Se; Y=H, F) complexes changes with the nature of the chalcogen atom; but more importantly, the formation of the C4X4H2⋅BeF2complexes results in a substantial acidity enhancement of the squaric moiety owing to the dramatic electron‐density redistribution undergone by the system when the beryllium bond is formed. The most significant consequence of this acidity enhancement is that when BeF2is replaced by BeH2, a spontaneous exergonic loss of H2is observed regardless of the nature of the chalcogen atom. This is another clear piece of evidence of the important role that closed‐shell interactions play in the modulation of physicochemical properties of the Lewis acid and/or the Lewis base.
Facile Identification of Dual FLT3–Aurora A Inhibitors: A Computer‐Guided Drug Design Approach
Authors: Chang Hsu Yung , Ke Yi‐Yu , Shiao Hui‐Yi , Lee Chieh‐Chien , Lin Wen‐Hsing , Chen Chun‐Hwa , Yen Kuei‐Jung , Hsu John T.‐A. , Chang Chungming , Hsieh Hsing‐Pang
Published: March 2014

Computer‐guided drug design is a powerful tool for drug discovery. Herein we disclose the use of this approach for the discovery of dual FMS‐like receptor tyrosine kinase‐3 (FLT3)–Aurora A inhibitors against cancer. An Aurora hit compound was selected as a starting point, from which 288 virtual molecules were screened. Subsequently, some of these were synthesized and evaluated for their capacity to inhibit FLT3 and Aurora kinase A. To further enhance FLT3 inhibition, structure–activity relationship studies of the lead compound were conducted through a simplification strategy and bioisosteric replacement, followed by the use of computer‐guided drug design to prioritize molecules bearing a variety of different terminal groups in terms of favorable binding energy. Selected compounds were then synthesized, and their bioactivity was evaluated. Of these, one novel inhibitor was found to exhibit excellent inhibition of FLT3 and Aurora kinase A and exert a dramatic antiproliferative effect on MOLM‐13 and MV4‐11 cells, with an IC50 value of 7 nM. Accordingly, it is considered a highly promising candidate for further development.
Developmental remodeling of corticocortical feedback circuits in ferret visual cortex
Authors: Khalil Reem , Levitt Jonathan B.
Published: March 2014

Visual cortical areas in the mammalian brain are linked through a system of interareal feedforward and feedback connections, which presumably underlie different visual functions. We characterized the refinement of feedback projections to primary visual cortex (V1) from multiple sources in juvenile ferrets ranging in age from 4–10 weeks postnatal. We studied whether the refinement of different aspects of feedback circuitry from multiple visual cortical areas proceeds at a similar rate in all areas. We injected the neuronal tracer cholera toxin B (CTb) into V1 and mapped the areal and laminar distribution of retrogradely labeled cells in extrastriate cortex. Around the time of eye opening at 4 weeks postnatal, the retinotopic arrangement of feedback appears essentially adult‐like; however, suprasylvian cortex supplies the greatest proportion of feedback, whereas area 18 supplies the greatest proportion in the adult. The density of feedback cells and the ratio of supragranular/infragranular feedback contribution declined in this period at a similar rate in all cortical areas. We also found significant feedback to V1 from layer IV of all extrastriate areas. The regularity of cell spacing, the proportion of feedback arising from layer IV, and the tangential extent of feedback in each area all remained essentially unchanged during this period, except for the infragranular feedback source in area 18, which expanded. Thus, while much of the basic pattern of cortical feedback to V1 is present before eye opening, there is major synchronous reorganization after eye opening, suggesting a crucial role for visual experience in this remodeling process. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3208–3228, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Singularities of Steady Axisymmetric Free Surface Flows with Gravity
Authors: Varvaruca Eugen , S. Weiss Georg
Published: March 2014

We consider a steady axisymmetric solution of the Euler equations describing the irrotational flow without swirl of an incompressible inviscid fluid acted on by gravity and with a free surface. We analyze stagnation points as well as points on the axis of symmetry. At points on the axis of symmetry that are not stagnation points, constant velocity motion is the only blowup profile consistent with the invariant scaling of the equation. This suggests the presence of downward‐pointing cusps at those points. At stagnation points on the axis of symmetry, the unique blowup profile consistent with the invariant scaling of the equation is the Garabedian pointed bubble solution with water above air. Thus at stagnation points on the axis of symmetry with no water above the stagnation point, the invariant scaling of the equation cannot be the right scaling. A finer blowup analysis of the velocity field yields that in the case when the surface is described by an injective curve, the velocity field scales almost like and is asymptotically given by

urn:x-wiley:10429832:media:cpa21514:cpa21514-math-0002

with a nonzero constant c0. The last result relies on a frequency formula in combination with a concentration compactness result for the axially symmetric Euler equations by Delort. While the concentration compactness result alone does not lead to strong convergence in general, we prove the convergence to be strong in our application. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Linker Rectifiers for Covalent Attachment of Transition‐Metal Catalysts to Metal‐Oxide Surfaces
Authors: Ding Wendu , Negre Christian F. A. , Palma Julio L. , Durrell Alec C. , Allen Laura J. , Young Karin J. , Milot Rebecca L. , Schmuttenmaer Charles A. , Brudvig Gary W. , Crabtree Robert H. , Batista Victor S.
Published: March 2014

Linkers that favor rectification of interfacial electron transfer are likely to be required for efficient photo‐driven catalysis of multi‐electron reactions at electrode surfaces. Design principles are discussed, together with the synthesis and characterization of a specific pair of molecular linkers, related by inversion of the direction of an amide bond in the heart of the molecule. The linkers have a terpyridyl group that can covalently bind Mn as in a well‐known water oxidation catalyst and an acetylacetonate group that allows attachment to TiO2 surfaces. The appropriate choice of the sense of the amide linkage yields directionality of interfacial electron transfer, essential to enhance electron injection and slow back‐electron transfer. Support comes from electron paramagnetic resonance and terahertz spectroscopic measurements, as well as computational modeling characterizing the asymmetry of electron transfer properties.
Diagnostic of Plasma Produced by a Spark Plug at Atmospheric Pressure: Reduced Electric Field and Vibrational Temperature
Authors: Hnatiuc B. , Astanei D. , Pellerin S. , Cerqueira N. , Hnatiuc M.
Published: March 2014

The electric discharge generated between the electrodes of a classic spark plug could not assure a fast and total combustion of the air – hydrocarbon mixture. To be able to improve the quality of the combustion process through the ignition system improvement it is necessary to have a complete diagnostic of the discharge produced by a spark plug, from physical and chemical point of view. This work presents a comparative study of the reduced electric field and the vibrational temperature for a classic spark produced in air at atmospheric pressure, as functions of pulses widths applied by the power supply. The reduced electric field was calculated by using the rotational temperature values established by a previous study, considering them as temperature plasma gas temperatures. The vibrational temperature was determined by using the N2second positive molecular emission spectra. The spark plug was supplied with trains of pulses containing one or two pulses having variable widths provided by a special power supply.

The results obtained for the vibrational temperature of nitrogen molecules are close to these obtained for the rotational temperature calculated by using a spectroscopic diagnostic method based on the OH UV molecular band spectra (between 2000 and 3500 K). The electron temperature values, imposed by the reduced electric field (up to 2000 Td), are superior to 10000 K. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predictors of Reading in Urdu: Does Deep Orthography Have an Impact?
Authors: Farukh Ammara , Vulchanova Mila
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to establish the extent to which rapid automatized naming (RAN) and non‐word repetition (NWR) tasks predict reading fluency and reading accuracy in Urdu. One hundred sixty (8–9 years) children attending two types of schools (Urdu and English medium schools) were distributed into two groups, a control and a reading disability group on the basis of teacher's report. The results confirmed the role of RAN in predicting reading fluency in both groups. The role of NWR as a predictor of accuracy was also confirmed, although the strength of the relationship was modulated by RAN in the reading disability group. There are no tests available to identify children with reading problems in Urdu. Our study supports the validity of NWR and RAN tasks for the purposes of screening for reading deficits. The performance results also confirm the original grouping based on teacher reports. The study further highlights the importance of medium of instruction and increased oral language input in learning to read. © 2014 The Authors. Dyslexia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Reliability of teacher reports in screening for reading difficulties in the classroom.

Appropriateness of non‐word repetition and rapid automatized naming tasks for establishing reading problems in Urdu.

School type and exposure to instruction influences reading skills.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Proline‐Derived Dipeptide Scaffolds (ProM‐3 and ProM‐7) Rigidified in a PPII Helix Conformation
Authors: Reuter Cédric , Kleczka Margarethe , de Mazancourt Sarah , Neudörfl Jörg‐Martin , Kühne Ronald , Schmalz Hans‐Günther
Published: March 2014

Following a peptide coupling/metathesis‐based strategy, the two diastereomeric scaffolds ProM‐3 and ProM‐7 were stereoselectively synthesized (as 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl derivatives), and their configuration was unambiguously proven by means of X‐ray crystallography. The required dehydroisoleucine building blocks were prepared by applying the enantioselective Kazmaier–Claisen rearrangement. The target compounds represent dipeptide analogs rigidified in a PPII helix conformation, which are of interest for the development of new proteomimetics that selectively bind to protein domains specialized in the recognition of ligands adopting a PPII helix secondary structure.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Reaction Involving C–C Bond Cleavage To Construct 2‐Aryl Quinazolinones
Authors: Wang Li‐Xia , Xiang Jun‐Feng , Tang Ya‐Lin
Published: March 2014

A copper‐catalyzed approach for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐quinazolinones through a domino reaction involving C–C bond cleavage is described. This protocol involves intramolecular C–C bond cleavage to construct 2‐aryl‐quinazolinones, which may offer an alternative method to prepare medically important quinazolinone derivatives and a new strategy for C–C bond cleavage. Besides C–C bond cleavage, this domino reaction includes N‐arylation and benzylic C–H amidation.
Role of Fiber Length and Pore Former on the Porous Network of Carbon Paper Electrode and its Performance in PEMFC
Authors: Maheshwari P. H. , Gupta C. , Mathur R. B.
Published: March 2014

Porous conducting carbon paper has been recognized as one of the ideal materials to be used as an electrode backing in a fuel cell assembly. Carbon paper is prepared by the combined process of papermaking followed by composite formation. Two different studies, i.e. (i) using chopped carbon fiber of different lengths in the papermaking process, and (ii) introducing pore formers (blowing agents) in the sample during the resin impregnation/composite formation step, were adopted separately to control the porosity of the paper. The effect of the above processes on the various properties of the carbon paper electrode affecting its performance in a unit polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell has been discussed. A maximum power density of 766 mW cm–2 has been achieved for carbon paper with 0.6 cm fiber length, an increase of nearly 12% as compared to 684 mW cm–2 for sample with 1.0 cm fiber length and tested under similar conditions. The introduction of pore former demonstrates increased performance of the fuel cell at high current densities.
High resolution ammonite–benthic foraminiferal biostratigraphy across the Aalenian–Bajocian boundary in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal)
Authors: Silva S. C. , Henriques M. H. , Canales M. L.
Published: March 2014

This work describes the ammonite and benthic foraminiferal assemblages recorded across the Aalenian–Bajocian boundary of the Serra da Boa Viagem II section, located about 6 km to the east of the Bajocian GSSP (Murtinheira, Portugal), and calibrated to the standard ammonite zonation previously established for the Lusitanian Basin. A total of 220 ammonite specimens referred to 30 fossiliferous levels were collected and identified throughout the section, enabling the recognition of the Concavum Zone (Concavum and Limitatum subzones) of the upper Aalenian, and the Discites Zone of the lower Bajocian. A total of 2356 foraminifers were obtained from the 16 samples collected along the section, corresponding to 4 suborders, 8 families, 16 genera and 44 species.

The occurrence of Lenticulina quenstedti (Gümbel) has enabled the recognition of the Lenticulina quenstedti Zone, ranging from the Bradfordensis Zone (middle Aalenian) to the lower Discites Zone (lower Bajocian). The first record of Ramulina spandeli Paalzow, whose occurrence, up to now, was limited in the Lusitanian Basin to the Murtinheira section (the Bajocian GSSP), highlights the usefulness of the Ramulina spandeli Zone, with its lower boundary referred to the lower Discites Zone (lower Bajocian). Other bioevents displaying local, basinal or regional biostratigraphic interest have also been identified.

The benthic foraminiferal record here presented, accurately calibrated with the ammonite record, aims at contributing to support the recognition of the Lenticulina quenstedti Zone and the Ramulina spandeli Zone as formal biostratigraphic units integrating the biostratigraphic scale based on benthic foraminifers for the Aalenian–Bajocian boundary in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous annexin A1 is a novel protective determinant in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Locatelli Irene , Sutti Salvatore , Jindal Aastha , Vacchiano Marco , Bozzola Cristina , Reutelingsperger Chris , Kusters Dennis , Bena Stefania , Parola Maurizio , Paternostro Claudia , Bugianesi Elisabetta , McArthur Simon , Albano Emanuele , Perretti Mauro
Published: March 2014

Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is an effector of the resolution of inflammation and is highly effective in terminating acute inflammatory responses. However, its role in chronic settings is less investigated. Because changes in AnxA1 expression within adipose tissue characterize obesity in mice and humans, we queried a possible role for AnxA1 in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a disease commonly associated with obesity. NASH was induced in wild-type (WT) and AnxA1 knockout (AnxA1 KO) C57BL/6 mice by feeding a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet up to 8 weeks. In MCD-fed WT mice, hepatic AnxA1 increased in parallel with progression of liver injury. This mediator was also detected in liver biopsies from patients with NASH and its degree of expression inversely correlated with the extent of fibrosis. In both humans and rodents, AnxA1 production was selectively localized in liver macrophages. NASH in AnxA1 KO mice was characterized by enhanced lobular inflammation resulting from increased macrophage recruitment and exacerbation of the M1 phenotype. Consistently, in vitro addition of recombinant AnxA1 to macrophages isolated from NASH livers down-modulated M1 polarization through stimulation of interleukin-10 production. Furthermore, the degree of hepatic fibrosis was enhanced in MCD-fed AnxA1 KO mice, an effect associated with augmented liver production of the profibrotic lectin, galectin-3. Accordingly, AnxA1 addition to isolated hepatic macrophages reduced galectin-3 expression. Conclusions: Macrophage-derived AnxA1 plays a functional role in modulating hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis during NASH progression, suggesting the possible use of AnxA1 analogs for therapeutic control of this disease. (Hepatology 2014;60:531–544)
Prediction of symptoms of emotional distress by mood regulation expectancies and affective traits
Authors: Catanzaro Salvatore J. , Backenstrass Matthias , Miller Steven A. , Mearns Jack , Pfeiffer Nils , Brendalen Sherry
Published: March 2014

Three studies examined negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE) and affective traits as independent predictors of self‐reported symptoms of emotional distress. NMRE represent individuals' beliefs that they can alleviate unpleasant emotional states. Stronger NMRE are associated with more adaptive coping, more positive cognition during negative moods, more effective responses under stress and less emotional distress. Affective traits represent long‐term tendencies toward particular affective experiences; they confer risk for specific symptoms of emotional distress. In Study 1, NMRE, trait negative affect (TNA) and trait positive affect (TPA) were all independently associated with depression among students and staff of a German university. In Study 2, in prospective analyses among U.S. college students traits exhibited hypothesised relationships with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and NMRE uniquely predicted anhedonic depression. Study 3 revealed independent prediction of change in symptoms over time by NMRE among U.S. college students, whereas traits were not associated with change in distress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Results suggest independent roles for NMRE and traits in the development of depression and anxiety symptoms and highlight the importance of NMRE as a potential target of therapeutic intervention in the process of symptom change.
Selenium and selenoprotein function in brain disorders
Authors: Pillai Roshan , Uyehara‐Lock Jane H. , Bellinger Frederick P.
Published: March 2014

Selenoproteins are important for normal brain function, and decreased function of selenoproteins can lead to impaired cognitive function and neurological disorders. This review examines the possible roles of selenoproteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and epilepsy. Selenium deficiency is associated with cognitive decline, and selenoproteins may be helpful in preventing neurodegeneration in AD. PD is associated with impaired function of glutathione peroxidase selenoenzymes. In HD, selenium deters lipid peroxidation by increasing specific glutathione peroxidases. Selenium deficiency increases risk of seizures in epilepsy, whereas supplementation may help to alleviate seizures. Further studies on the mechanisms of selenoprotein function will increase our understanding of how selenium and selenoproteins can be used in treatment and prevention of brain disorders. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(4):229–239, 2014
A Vertical Application Platform for Knowledge‐Based Financial Systems
Authors: Damens Jeffrey , Sitruk Paul , Martin Nancy
Published: March 2014

Implementations of knowledge‐based systems can be divided into two distinct parts: the knowledge base and the underlying control software. The underlying control software implements reasoning mechanisms and manages data required by the knowledge base. We call this underlying control software a ‘vertical application platform‘. The vertical application platform may be re‐used by other knowledge‐based applications which have similar reasoning requirements. This paper studies a knowledge‐based system called Risk Advisorsm which aids in the identification and assessment of audit risks. The knowledge roles and reasoning requirements of the knowledge base, and the architecture and implementation of the vertical application platform which implement the necessary reasoning mechanisms are described. The Risk Advisorsm application platform has in fact been applied with a different knowledge model to other problems in a similar domain.
The ‘SKADE LITorSET’ Expert System for Corporate ‘Litigate or Settle’ Decisions
Authors: Raghupathi Wullianallur ‘RP‘ , Schkade Lawrence L.
Published: March 2014

The ‘SKADE LITotSET’ system is a blackboard‐based expert system that makes ‘litigate or settle’ decisions in the product liability area. It has three knowledge sources: Legal, Manager and Insurance Adjuster. The combined expertise from each of these is required to solve the ‘litigate or settle’ problem. The control component co‐ordinates the interaction between the various knowledge sources on the blackboard. Based on the latest changes to the data on the blackboard, it selects and executes the next knowledge source. The model reproduces the decision makers' opportunistic reasoning processes by the interaction between the various knowledge sources through the blackboard. The results of analyses of a hypothetical case through a series of experiments with the ‘SKADE LITorSET’ system indicate that the blackboard is an appropriate model for development of expert systems in the ‘litigate or settle’ decision domain. The initial success with the blackboard approach suggests that further work needs to be done to see whether more complex models can be built to incorporate a broader range of determinants of settlement decisions.
Expert Systems at the Customer Interface
Authors: Houghton Tony , Gardner Michael
Published: March 2014

ESCFE (Expert System for Customer Facing Environments) is an integrated expert systems architecture which supports a three‐way dialogue between British Telecommunications (BT) customers, staff and its technical and commercial support systems. ESCFE is customer facing—this means that the user interface dialogue is directed explicitly at the customer, as opposed to other expert systems/help desks which have a user interface directed at staff, who then deal with the customer in whatever manner they have been trained. In dealing with the customer, BT staff require a wide range of knowledge concerning the products and services portfolio, internal BT procedures, selling opportunities, customer‐care policy and contractual liabilities. This knowledge can be contained within ESCFE. The knowledge is used to support a dialogue which allows for both customer‐ and staff‐driven interaction, and for different levels of expertise in both customers and staff.
Automated Induction of Rule‐based Neural Networks from Databases
Authors: Goodman Rodney M. , Smyth Padhraic
Published: March 2014

This paper describes our approach to the problem of automated knowledge acquisition from large databases of examples using an information‐theoretic approach. Our previous research has resulted in practical algorithms (ITRULE) for the automatic induction of rules from large example databases. Utilizing these algorithms, the raw data can be transformed into a set of human readable IF THEN rules, thus giving insight into the knowledge hidden within the data. These rules can then be automatically loaded into an expert system shell. Alternatively, they can be used to build a new type of parallel inference system—a rule‐based neural network. This process enables a prototype expert system to be automatically generated and up and running in a matter of minutes, compared with months using a manual knowledge‐acquisition approach. The resulting expert system can then be used as a sophisticated search and analysis tool to query the original database capable of reasoning with uncertain and incomplete data.
Performance of Neural Networks in Managerial Forecasting
Authors: Jhee Won Chul , Lee Jae Kyu
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a multi‐layered neural network as a tool for forecasting in a managerial time‐series setting. To handle noisy data of limited length we adopted two different neural network approaches. First, the neural network is used as a pattern classifier to automate the ARMA model‐identification process. We tested the performance of multi‐layered neural networks with two statistical feature extractors: ACF/PACF and ESACF. We found that ESACF provides better performance, although the noise in ESACF patterns still caused the classification performance to deteriorate. Therefore we adopted the noise‐filtering network as a preprocessor to the pattern‐classification network, and were able to achieve an average of about 89% classification accuracy. Second, the neural network is used as a tool for function approximation and prediction. To alleviate the overfitting problem we adopted the structure of minimal networks and recurrent networks. The experiment with three real‐world time series showed that the prediction by Elman's recurrent network outperformed those by the ARMA model and other structures of multi‐layered neural networks, especially when the time series contained significant noise.
Expert Systems in Insurance: A Review and Analysis
Authors: Rowe Gene , Wright George
Published: March 2014

The financial services industry and, in particular, the insurance industry has emerged as an important user of expert systems. In the following review we examine evidence of the spread of such systems in insurance, and focus more particularly upon life insurance, where the greatest amount of progress has been made. We attempt to identify the major trends in this area and examine one of the favoured tasks for the implementation of expert systems, namely underwriting. After assessing the current state of work and level of satisfaction in this area, we finally consider the likely direction of future initiatives.
Quantitative Modeling of Complex Environments
Authors: Decker Keith S. , Lesser Victor R.
Published: March 2014

There are many formal approaches to specifying how the mental state of an agent entails the particular actions it will perform. These approaches put the agent at the center of analysis. For some questions and purposes, it is more realistic and convenient for the center of analysis to be the task environment, domain or society of which agents will be a part. This paper presents such a task environment‐oriented modeling framework that can work hand in hand with more agent‐centered approaches. Our approach features careful attention to the quantitative computational interrelationships between tasks, to what information is available (and when) to update an agent's mental state and to the general structure of the task environment rather than single‐instance examples. A task environment model can be used for both analysis and simulation, it avoids the methodological problems of relying solely on single‐instance examples and provides concrete, meaningful characterizations with which to state general theories. This paper is organized around an example model of co‐operative problem solving in a distributed sensor network.