bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspended Multiwall Carbon Nanotube‐Based Infrared Sensors via Roll‐to‐Roll Fabrication
Authors: John Jacob , Muthee Martin , Yogeesh Maruthi , Yngvesson Sigfrid K. , Carter Kenneth R.
Published: March 2014

Sensors sensitive to infrared radiation based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared. The physical suspension and thermal isolation needed for bolometric sensing are achieved by suspending the MWCNTs on polymer gratings fabricated by roll‐to‐roll (R2R) methods. The physical suspension of MWCNTs on nanoimprinted polymer gratings reduced the thermal link of tubes to the substrate and resulted in an enhanced bolometric photoresponse for the suspended devices. The performance of the R2R fabricated sensor is in the same range as those made by other previously reported wafer batch mode nanofabrication processes and the approximate detectivity of the IR sensor is found to be 4 × 106 cm Hz1/2/W. The successful R2R sensor fabrication process developed in the present work opens up a new low cost, high volume manufacturing technique for the production of sensors based on 1D nanomaterials.
FKBP14‐related Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome: Expansion of the phenotype to include vascular complications
Authors: Murray Mitzi L. , Yang Margaret , Fauth Christine , Byers Peter H.
Published: March 2014

Biallelic mutations in FKBP14 cause a recessive form of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) characterized by progressive kyphoscoliosis, myopathy, and hearing loss. To date, four children and one adult with this condition have been reported. We recently identified a 42‐year‐old man with severe kyphoscoliosis, restrictive/obstructive lung disease, short stature, mild hearing loss, decreased muscle mass, and a dissection of the celiac artery at age 41. He also had complete occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery with compensatory flow through an enlarged and tortuous inferior mesenteric artery. He was homozygous for a previously identified FKBP14 mutation, c.362dupC, p.(Glu122Argfs*7). He had no mutations in COL3A1, ACTA2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, or SMAD3. The FKBP14 mutations in our patient occurred on the same haplotype as others with this same mutation. Although one family member in a previous report was thought to have early vascular complications, it could not be confirmed that she had biallelic mutations in FKBP14. This report expands the phenotype of FKBP14‐related EDS to include risk for vascular complications and also raises the question of whether the shared haplotype represents a risk allele or founder mutation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amelioration of the typical cognitive phenotype in a patient with the 5pter deletion associated with Cri‐du‐chat syndrome in addition to a partial duplication of CTNND2
Authors: Sardina Jennifer M. , Walters Allyson R. , Singh Kathryn E. , Owen Renius X. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: March 2014

Cri‐du‐chat is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, severe speech/developmental delay, dysmorphic features, and additional syndromic findings. The etiology of this disorder is well known, and is attributed to a large deletion on chromosome 5 that typically ranges from band 5p15.2 to the short arm terminus. This region contains CTNND2, a gene encoding a neuronal‐specific protein, delta‐catenin, which plays a critical role in cellular motility and brain function. The exact involvement of CTNND2 in the cognitive functionality of individuals with Cri‐du‐chat has not been fully deciphered, but it is thought to be significant. This report describes an 8‐year‐old African–American female with a complex chromosome 5 abnormality and a relatively mild case of cri‐du‐chat syndrome. Because of the surprisingly mild cognitive phenotype, although a karyotype had confirmed the 5p deletion at birth, an oligo‐SNP microarray was obtained to further characterize her deletion. The array revealed a complex rearrangement, including a breakpoint in the middle of CTNND2, which resulted in a partial deletion and partial duplication of that gene. The array also verified the expected 5p terminal deletion. Although the patient has a significant deletion in CTNND2, half of the gene (including the promoter region) is not only preserved, but is duplicated. The patient's milder cognitive and behavioral presentation, in conjunction with her atypical 5p alteration, provides additional evidence for the role of CTNND2 in the cognitive phenotype of individuals with Cri‐du‐chat. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Haploinsufficiency of MEIS2 is associated with orofacial clefting and learning disability
Authors: Johansson Stefan , Berland Siren , Gradek Gyri Aasland , Bongers Ernie , de Leeuw Nicole , Pfundt Rolph , Fannemel Madeleine , Rødningen Olaug , Brendehaug Atle , Haukanes Bjørn Ivar , Hovland Randi , Helland Gunnar , Houge Gunnar
Published: March 2014

MEIS2 is a homeodomain‐containing transcription factor of the TALE superfamily that has been proven important for development. We confirm and extend a recent single clinical report stating that deletions in MEIS2 can cause cleft palate [Crowley et al. (2010); Am J Med Genet 152A:1326–1327]. Here we report on five additional patients with 15q14 deletions of sizes 0.6, 0.6, 1.0, 1.9, and 4.8 Mb, respectively, all involving MEIS2. In addition, we present a family with four affected individuals and an intragenic 58 kb direct duplication disrupting MEIS2. In total, 7/9 cases had clefting, from mild (submucous cleft palate) to severe (cleft lip and palate), and 3/9 cases had ventricular septal defects. All cases had delayed motor development and most had learning disability, at worst in the mild intellectual disability range. The cases had overlapping facial features (broad forehead, finely arched eyebrows, mildly shortened philtrum, and tented upper lip) but individually they were not considered to be dysmorphic. Our results show that MEIS2 is a gene needed for palate closure. In syndromic cases of cleft palate, MEIS2 should be considered among the candidate genes, for example, in cases without 22q11.2 deletions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autosomal dominant brachyolmia in a large Swedish family: Phenotypic spectrum and natural course
Authors: Grigelioniene Giedre , Geiberger Stefan , Horemuzova Eva , Moström Eva , Jäntti Nina , Neumeyer Lo , Åström Eva , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Nordgren Ann , Mäkitie Outi
Published: March 2014

Autosomal dominant brachyolmia (Type 3, OMIM #113500) belongs to a group of skeletal dysplasias caused by mutations in the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 4 (TRPV4) gene, encoding a Ca++‐permeable, non‐selective cation channel. The disorder is characterized by disproportionate short stature with short trunk, scoliosis and platyspondyly. The phenotypic variability and long‐term natural course remain inadequately characterized. The purpose of this study was to describe a large Swedish family with brachyolmia type 3 due to a heterozygous TRPV4 mutation c.1847G>A (p.R616Q) in 11 individuals. The mutation has previously been detected in another family with autosomal dominant brachyolmia [Rock et al., 2008]. Review of hospital records and patient assessments indicated that clinical symptoms of brachyolmia became evident by school age with chronic pain in the spine and hips; radiographic changes were evident earlier. Growth was not affected during early childhood but deteriorated with age in some patients due to increasing spinal involvement. Affected individuals had a wide range of subjective symptoms with chronic pain in the extremities and the spine, and paresthesias. Our findings indicate that autosomal dominant brachyolmia may be associated with significant long‐term morbidity, as seen in this family. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personality and subjective well‐being in captive male western lowland gorillas living in bachelor groups
Authors: Schaefer Sarah A. , Steklis H. Dieter
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the personality structure of eight male gorillas (five silverbacks and three blackbacks) housed at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas and to determine if personality predicts behavior and subjective well‐being in male gorillas living in bachelor groups. We used the Hominoid Personality Questionnaire which contains 54 descriptive adjectives with representative items from the human five‐factor model. Rates of 12 behaviors that are broadly defined as agonistic or affiliative were independently recorded and calculated. Principal components analysis yielded three reliable personality factors: Dominance, Extraversion/Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. These results are the first potential quantitative evidence for a Conscientiousness factor in a hominoid other than chimpanzees and humans. This suggests that Conscientiousness originated with the common ancestor of male gorillas and humans around 10 million years ago. These results indicate that humans can reliably assess the personality and subjective well‐being of captive male gorillas living in bachelor groups with robust levels of inter‐rater reliability and validity. Furthermore, personality can accurately predict behavior (r = 0.79; n = 13) and subjective well‐being (r = 0.83; n = 5) in gorillas and provide convergent and discriminant validity for the personality factors. The results advocate for the use of personality questionnaires in the captive management of bachelor gorillas over long‐term multi‐institutional behavioral studies. Am. J. Primatol. 76:879–889, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early and late complications of endoscopic hemostatic techniques following different carotid artery injury characteristics
Authors: Padhye Vikram , Valentine Rowan , Paramasivan Sathish , Jardeleza Camille , Bassiouni Ahmed , Vreugde Sarah , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: March 2014

Background

The most dreaded hemorrhagic complication in endoscopic endonasal surgery is injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA). Although a number of treatment protocols are currently used, none have been formally investigated. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the muscle patch, bipolar diathermy, and aneurysm clip on hemostasis, pseudoaneurysm formation, and long‐term vessel patency for different injury types in a sheep model of carotid bleeding.

Methods

Twenty‐seven sheep underwent ICA dissection/isolation followed by the artery placement within a modified “sinus model otorhino neuro trainer” (SIMONT) model. Standardized linear, punch, and stellate injuries were made. Randomization of sheep to receive 1 of 3 hemostatic techniques was performed (muscle, bipolar, clip). Specific outcome measures included attainment of primary hemostasis, time to hemostasis, blood loss, pseudoaneurysm formation, and carotid patency on follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Bipolar achieved primary hemostasis in 7 of 9 cases and 2 cases of secondary hemorrhage. It had no associated pseudoaneurysm formation. Carotid patency was variable on follow‐up MRI. Muscle patch achieved 100% primary hemostasis with 2 cases of secondary hemorrhage. There were 2 cases of pseudoaneurysm and 100% patency rate on follow‐up MRI. Aneurysm clip achieved 100% primary hemostasis with 1 case of secondary hemorrhage. No pseudoaneurysm formation and a 50% rate of carotid insufficiency on MRI.

Conclusion

This study shows that the crushed muscle patch and aneurysm clip can be viable options in the management of ICA injury with short‐term and long‐term benefits. Complications associated with these techniques were comparable if not reduced when compared to the published literature.
K4[PbSe4]⋅en⋅NH3 – eine nicht‐oxidische, Halogenid‐freie anorganische Blei(IV)‐Verbindung
Authors: Thiele Günther , Krüger Thomas , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: March 2014

Die erste anorganische PbIV‐Verbindung ohne Sauerstoff‐, Stickstoff‐ oder Halogen‐Liganden am Bleiatom, das Kaliumsalz des Tetraselenidoplumbat(IV)‐Anions (K4[PbSe4]⋅en⋅NH3), wurde synthetisiert und eindeutig charakterisiert. Die Verbindung ist unter Inertbedingungen stabil, was den Grundstein für den Transfer der Chemie von Chalkogenidogermanat(IV)‐ oder Chalkogenidostannat(IV)‐Materialien auf die Blei‐Homologen legen könnte.
Palladium Enolate Umpolung: Cyclative Diacetoxylation of Alkynyl Cyclohexadienones Promoted by a Pd/SPRIX Catalyst
Authors: Takenaka Kazuhiro , Mohanta Suman C. , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: March 2014

A novel palladium‐catalyzed reaction involving an unusual nucleophilic attack on a palladium enolate was developed using a spiro‐bis(isoxazoline) (SPRIX) ligand. Treatment of alkynyl cyclohexadienone substrates with a Pd/SPRIX catalyst in acetic acid under an oxygen atmosphere furnished diacetoxylated benzofuranone derivatives in good yields. This cyclative diacetoxylation proceeded enantioselectively in the presence of an optically pure SPRIX ligand.
Bright White‐Light Emission from a Single Organic Compound in the Solid State
Authors: Yang Qing‐Yuan , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2014

White‐light‐emitting materials and devices have attracted enormous interest because of their great potential for various lighting applications. We herein describe the light‐emitting properties of a series of new difunctional organic molecules of remarkably simple structure consisting of two terminal 4‐pyridone push–pull subunits separated by a polymethylene chain. They were found to emit almost “pure” white light as a single organic compound in the solid state, as well as when incorporated in a polymer film. To the best of our knowledge, they are the simplest white‐light‐emitting organic molecules reported to date.
An Integrated Photoelectrochemical–Chemical Loop for Solar‐Driven Overall Splitting of Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Zong Xu , Han Jingfeng , Seger Brian , Chen Hongjun , Lu Gaoqing (Max) , Li Can , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2014

Abundant and toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from industry and nature has been traditionally considered a liability. However, it represents a potential resource if valuable H2 and elemental sulfur can be simultaneously extracted through a H2S splitting reaction. Herein a photochemical‐chemical loop linked by redox couples such as Fe2+/Fe3+ and I−/I3− for photoelectrochemical H2 production and H2S chemical absorption redox reactions are reported. Using functionalized Si as photoelectrodes, H2S was successfully split into elemental sulfur and H2 with high stability and selectivity under simulated solar light. This new conceptual design will not only provide a possible route for using solar energy to convert H2S into valuable resources, but also sheds light on some challenging photochemical reactions such as CH4 activation and CO2 reduction.
Optical Devices Constructed from Multiresponsive Microgels
Authors: Zhang Qiang Matthew , Xu Wenwen , Serpe Michael J.
Published: March 2014

Novel multiresponsive microgels based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) were synthesized to contain triphenylmethane leucohydroxide, and used to construct etalons. The optical properties of the resultant etalons were investigated, and their response to ultraviolet and visible irradiation, solution pH changes, and the presence of a mimic of the nerve agent Tabun characterized. We clearly show that the optical properties of the device depended dramatically on these stimuli. This investigation illustrates the versatility of the microgel‐based etalon structure, and showcases the clear utility of such devices for remote actuation, color tunable optics, sensing, and potential remotely triggered drug delivery applications.
An Efficient and Modular Route to Sequence‐Defined Polymers Appended to DNA
Authors: Edwardson Thomas G. W. , Carneiro Karina M. M. , Serpell Christopher J. , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: March 2014

Inspired by biological polymers, sequence‐controlled synthetic polymers are highly promising materials that integrate the robustness of synthetic systems with the information‐derived activity of biological counterparts. Polymer–biopolymer conjugates are often targeted to achieve this union; however, their synthesis remains challenging. We report a stepwise solid‐phase approach for the generation of completely monodisperse and sequence‐defined DNA–polymer conjugates using readily available reagents. These polymeric modifications to DNA display self‐assembly and encapsulation behavior—as evidenced by HPLC, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence studies—which is highly dependent on sequence order. The method is general and has the potential to make DNA–polymer conjugates and sequence‐defined polymers widely available.
On The Remarkably Different Role of Salt in the Cross‐Coupling of Arylzincs From That Seen With Alkylzincs
Authors: McCann Lucas C. , Organ Michael G.
Published: March 2014

The role of halide salt additives has been investigated in the Negishi reaction involving aryl zinc reagents. Diarylzincs readily transmetallate to Pd in relatively non‐polar media (e.g., THF) with zero salt present and coupling proceeds. Arylzinc halides (ArZnX) fail to couple in THF without salt, but do couple with it. However, unlike alkylzincs that form higher‐order zincates in order to facilitate transmetallation, all that is required with arylzincs in an increase in solvent dielectric as even ZnX2 works as an additive, which completely terminates alkylzinc coupling.
Constructing 3D Branched Nanowire Coated Macroporous Metal Oxide Electrodes with Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Compositions for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Wu‐Qiang , Xu Yang‐Fan , Rao Hua‐Shang , Feng Hao‐Lin , Su Cheng‐Yong , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: March 2014

Light‐harvesting and charge collection have attracted increasing attention in the domain of photovoltaic cells, and can be facilitated dramatically by appropriate design of a photonic nanostructure. However, the applicability of current light‐harvesting photoanode materials with single component and/or morphology (such as, particles, spheres, wires, sheets) is still limited by drawbacks such as insufficient electron–hole separation and/or light‐trapping. Herein, we introduce a universal method to prepare hierarchical assembly of macroporous material–nanowire coated homogenous or heterogeneous metal oxide composite electrodes (TiO2–TiO2, SnO2–TiO2, and Zn2SnO4–TiO2; homogenous refers to a material in which the nanowire and the macroporous material have the same composition, i.e. both are TiO2. Heterogeneous refers to a material in which the nanowires and the macroporous material have different compositions). The dye‐sensitized solar cell based on a TiO2‐macroporous material–TiO2‐nanowire homogenous composition electrode shows an impressive conversion efficiency of 9.51 %, which is much higher than that of pure macroporous material‐based photoelectrodes to date.
Evaluation of pH‐sensitive hydrogels to control the permeability anisotropy of oil reservoirs
Authors: Garcia Cordeiro Tessarolli Fernanda , Gomes De Carvalho Queirós Yure , Regina Elias Mansur Claudia
Published: March 2014

In stratified or fractured oil reservoirs, the oil recovery efficiency tends to be low as the injected fluid flows mainly through the matrix's most permeable regions, leaving behind part of the displaceable oil in the matrix's unswept zones. Given this issue, this study aims to evaluate the potential of applying seven commercial samples, based on poly(acrylic acid), to control the anisotropic permeability profile of reservoirs. To perform this study, first, continuous and oscillatory shear tests were conducted to characterize the hydrogel's rheological and viscoelastic behavior in various subsurface conditions (salinity, temperature, and/or pH value). Second, polymer dispersion elution tests were performed in a porous medium to evaluate the matrix's permeability reduction after treatment with hydrogels. The seven commercial samples were classified as pseudoplastic fluids at pH values ranging from 1 to 10. Under typical reservoir conditions, PAAr 70 (which has intermediate molar mass and intermediate number of crosslinks) was the only sample to behave as a strong gel (G′/G″ > 10). Elution tests confirmed that the PAAr 70 hydrogel gelified inside the consolidated sandstone plugs and reduced the matrix's permeability four‐fold. Therefore, samples based on poly(acrylic acid) with high crosslink density proved to be the most promising for controlling the anisotropic permeability profile of heterogeneous oil reservoirs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40665.
Optorheological thickening under the pulsed laser photocrosslinking of a polymer
Authors: Okoniewski Stephen Richard , Wisniewski Danielle , Frazer N. Laszlo , Mu Weiqiang , Arceo Andrew , Rathi Pranjali , Ketterson J. B.
Published: March 2014

Electro‐, magneto‐, and other rheological effects can be used to externally control fluid viscosity. However, they are largely reversible and in addition subject to colloidal settling, electrostatic breakdown, or high cost. In the experiments described here the dependence of the viscosity of a polymer solution under pulsed laser photocrosslinking as a function of radiation dose is determined using the Brownian motion of colloidal polystyrene tracers that were optically confined to a one dimensional channel. The system studied was a transparent aqueous solution of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate together with a 1‐hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone photoinitiator. An increase in the viscosity of the solution with the laser fluence was observed. The growth was exponential, stable between pulses, and spanned nearly three orders of magnitude. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40690.
The mechanical properties of β‐Si3N4 whiskers‐reinforced dental resin composites
Authors: Zuo Kai‐Hui , Lu Li‐Min , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: March 2014

The surface‐modified β‐Si3N4 whiskers were used as inorganic fillers to reinforce dental resin (Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA) matrix with filler level ranging from 0 to 60 wt %. The experimental results indicated that the fracture strength of the composites increased from 79.85 to 139.8 MPa with increasing the whiskers loading. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and rockwell hardness all increased monotonously with increasing filler level. Furthermore, thermal cycling did not decrease the fracture strength of the composites. Moreover, the composites showed good biocompatibility to support MG63 cells adhesion and proliferation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40692.
Fullerene Sugar Balls: A New Class of Biologically Active Fullerene Derivatives
Authors: Nierengarten Iwona , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: March 2014

Among the large variety of bioactive C60 derivatives, fullerene derivatives substituted with sugar residues, that is, glycofullerenes, are of particular interest. The sugar residues are not only solubilizing groups; their intrinsic biological properties also provide additional appealing features to the conjugates. The most recent advances in the synthesis and the biological applications of glycofullerenes are summarized in the present review article with special emphasis on globular glycofullerenes, that is, fullerene sugar balls, constructed on a hexa‐substituted fullerene scaffold. The high local concentration of carbohydrates around the C60 core in fullerene sugar balls is perfectly suited to the binding of lectins through the “glycoside cluster effect”, and these compounds are potential anti‐adhesive agents against bacterial infection. Moreover, mannosylated fullerene sugar balls have shown antiviral activity in an Ebola pseudotyped infection model. Finally, when substituted with peripheral iminosugars, dramatic multivalent effects have been observed for glycosidase inhibition. These unexpected observations have been rationalized by the interplay of interactions involving the catalytic site of the enzyme and non‐glycone binding sites with lectin‐like abilities.
Optimization of pH values to formulate the bireagent kit for serum uric acid assay
Authors: Huang Ya , Chen Yuanxiang , Yang Xiaolan , Zhao Hua , Hu Xiaolei , Pu Jun , Liao Juan , Long Gaobo , Liao Fei
Published: March 2014

A new formulation of the bireagent kit for serum uric acid assay was developed based on the effects of pH on enzyme stability. At 4 °C, half‐lives of uricases from Bacillus fastidious and Arthrobacter globiforms were longer than 15 months at pH 9.2, but became shorter at pH below 8.0; half‐lives of ascorbate oxidase and peroxidase were comparable at pH 6.5 and 7.0, but became much shorter at pH higher than 7.4. In the new formulation of the bireagent kit, Reagent A contained peroxidase, 4‐aminoantipyrine, and ascorbate oxidase in 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 6.5; Reagent B contained B. fastidious or A. globiforms uricase in 50 mM sodium borate buffer at pH 9.2; Reagents A and B were mixed at 4:1 to produce a final pH from 7.2 to 7.6 for developing a stable color. The new bireagent kit consumed smaller quantities of three enzymes for the same shelf life. With the new bireagent kit, there were linear responses of absorbance at 546 nm to uric acid up to 34 mM in reaction mixtures and a good correlation of uric acid levels in clinical sera with those by a commercial kit, but stronger resistance to ascorbate. Therefore, the new formulation was advantageous.
Interleukin‐7 receptor‐α gene mutations are not detected in adult T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rozovski Uri , Li Ping , Harris David , Ohanian Maro , Kantarjian Hagop , Estrov Zeev
Published: March 2014

Somatic mutations in cancer cell genes are classified according to their functional significance. Those that provide the malignant cells with significant advantage are collectively referred to as driver mutations and those that do not, are the passenger mutations. Accordingly, analytical criteria to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations have been recently suggested. Recent studies revealed mutations in interleukin‐7 receptor‐α (IL7R) gene in 10% of pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) patients and in only a few cases of pediatric B‐ALL. IL7R mutations are also frequently found in patients with lung cancer, but whereas in pediatric T‐ALL IL7R mutations are “drivers” (consisting of gain‐of‐function mutations within a narrow 50‐base pair interval at exon 6 that confer cytokine‐independent cell growth and promote tumor transformation), in lung cancer, mutations are substitution mutations randomly distributed across the gene and are probably only “passenger” events. Because the treatment response of adult T‐ALL is significantly poorer than that of childhood T‐ALL and because exon 6 IL7R mutations play a role in the pathogenesis of childhood T‐ALL, we sought to determine how the pattern of IL7R mutations varies between adult and childhood T‐ALL. To that end, we sequenced the 50‐base pair interval in exon 6 of the IL7R of DNA obtained from bone marrow samples of 35 randomly selected adult patients with T‐ALL. Our analysis revealed that none of these 35 samples carried an IL7R mutation in exon 6. Whether differences in the genetic makeup of adult and childhood T‐ALL explain the differential response to therapy remains to be determined.
Improving Student Performance Outcomes and Graduation Rates Through Institutional Partnerships
Authors: Roggow Michael J.
Published: March 2014

This chapter explores a grant‐sponsored program and examines the role of departmental and institutional collaborations in advancing student performance outcomes. It provides a theoretical framework and a description of best practices for ensuring the success of first‐generation urban community college students.
The Role of Key Administrators in Internationalizing the Community College Student Experience
Authors: Opp Ronald D. , Gosetti Penny Poplin
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines the roles, reasons, facilitators, and challenges of chief executive, academic, and student affairs officers in internationalizing the community college student experience.
Production of Macrocyclic Sesqui‐ and Diterpenes in Heterologous Microbial Hosts: A Systems Approach to Harness Nature’s Molecular Diversity
Authors: Brück Thomas , Kourist Robert , Loll Bernhard
Published: March 2014

Macrocyclic sesqui‐ (C15) and diterpenes (C20) are a functionally diverse group of natural products with versatile bioactivities encompassing anticancer, antimicrobial and insecticidal agents. Structural complexity prevents economically efficient total synthesis of these higher terpenoids. Heterologous production in recombinant whole‐cell biocatalysts is an emerging alternative. Conventional cell systems (i.e., Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) frequently suffer from low volumetric yields. However, recent combinations of metabolic, enzyme and process engineering in conjunction with systems biology allow significant improvements towards economically viable processes. This Review analyzes research trends in the dynamic fields of terpene‐centered microbial cell systems and enzyme engineering. An outlook is given on emerging microbial hosts, which may simplify cellular engineering towards higher product titers.
Shielding of a Microdisc Electrode Surrounded by an Adsorbing Surface
Authors: Eloul Shaltiel , Compton Richard G.
Published: March 2014

Microdisc electrodes are usually made by surrounding a metal wire with a diameter of a few microns in a flat insulating sheath made of glass or another insulating material. The sheath is generally assumed to play no role in the voltammetry at the microdisc electrode. However, in some cases, and especially for experiments with nanoparticles, significant adsorption can occur onto the sheath, perturbing the current response measured at the disc. We report theoretical calculations of the effect of shielding by the insulating sheath of microelectrodes and show that it can significantly influence the magnitude of the current, even for relatively small levels of adsorption, not least because of the typically very large area of the insulation relative to the electrode size. Working curves are provided to permit the analysis of experimental data.
Regiospecific Coordination of Re3 Clusters with the Sumanene‐Type Hexagons on Endohedral Metallofullerenes and Higher Fullerenes That Provides an Efficient Separation Method
Authors: Chen Chia‐Hsiang , Lin Dong‐Yui , Yeh Wen‐Yann
Published: March 2014

The reactions of [(μ‐H)3Re3(CO)11(NCMe)] with Sc2@C82‐C3v(8), Sc2C2@C80‐C2v(5), Sc2O@C82‐Cs(6), C86‐C2(17), and C86‐Cs(16) have been carried out to produce face‐capping cluster complexes. The Re3 triangles are found to bind to the sumanene‐type hexagons on the fullerene surface regiospecifically. In contrast, Sc3N@C78‐D3h(5) and Sc3N@C80‐Ih show no reactivity toward [(μ‐H)3Re3(CO)11(NCMe)], probably due to electronic and steric factors. These complexes can be easily purified by using HPLC. Carbonylation of each complex releases the corresponding higher fullerene or endohedral metallofullerene in pure form. Remarkably, the C86‐C2(17) and C86‐Cs(16) isomers were successively separated through Re3 cluster complexation/decomplexation. This unique bonding feature may provide an attractive general strategy to purify as yet unresolved fullerene mixtures.
TiO2 Nanospheres: A Facile Size‐Tunable Synthesis and Effective Light‐Harvesting Layer for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Shuan , Ding Yong , Xu Sichao , Zhang Yunxia , Li Guanghai , Hu Linhua , Dai Songyuan
Published: March 2014

A facile route to synthesize amorphous TiO2 nanospheres by a controlled oxidation and hydrolysis process without any structure‐directing agents or templates is presented. The size of the amorphous TiO2 nanospheres can be easily turned from 20 to 1500 nm by adjusting either the Ti species or ethanol content in the reaction solution. The phase structure of nanospheres can be controlled by hydrothermal treatment. The TiO2 nanospheres show excellent size‐dependent light‐scattering effects and can be structured into a light‐harvesting layer for dye‐sensitized solar cells with a quite high power conversion efficiency of 9.25 %.
Selenoquinones Stabilized by Ruthenium(II) Arene Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Dubarle‐Offner Julien , Clavel Catherine M. , Gontard Geoffrey , Dyson Paul J. , Amouri Hani
Published: March 2014

A new series of monoselenoquinone and diselenoquinone π complexes, [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(η4‐C6R4SeE)] (R=H, E=Se (6); R=CH3, E=Se (7); R=H, E=O (8)), as well as selenolate π complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(η5‐C6H3R2Se)][SbF6] (R=H (9); R=CH3 (10)), stabilized by arene ruthenium moieties were prepared in good yields through nucleophilic substitution reactions from dichlorinated‐arene and hydroxymonochlorinated‐arene ruthenium complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(C6R4XCl)][SbF6]2 (R=H, X=Cl (1); R=CH3, X=Cl (2); R=H, X=OH (3)) as well as the monochlorinated π complexes [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(η5‐C6H3R2Cl)][SbF6]2 (R=H (4); R=CH3 (5)). The X‐ray crystallographic structures of two of the compounds, [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(η4‐C6Me4Se2)] (7) and [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(η4‐C6H4SeO)] (8), were determined. The structures confirm the identity of the target compounds and ascertain the coordination mode of these unprecedented ruthenium π complexes of selenoquinones. Furthermore, these new compounds display relevant cytotoxic properties towards human ovarian cancer cells.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct Amination of Arenes with Nitrosobenzenes: A New Route to Diarylamines
Authors: Du Juanjuan , Yang Yaxi , Feng Huijin , Li Yuanchao , Zhou Bing
Published: March 2014

A RhIII‐catalyzed addition of aryl CH bonds to nitrosobenzenes, followed by cleavage of the resulting hydroxylamines in situ, has been reported. Different directing groups, such as N‐based heterocycles and ketoximes, can be used in this CH amination process, providing valuable diarylamines in excellent yields. Most importantly, this process provides a new method for attaching arylamine groups to aromatic rings.
Long Noncoding RNAs: Emerging Stars in Gene Regulation, Epigenetics and Human Disease
Authors: Bhan Arunoday , Mandal Subhrangsu S.
Published: March 2014

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are classes of transcripts that are encoded by the genome and transcribed but never get translated into proteins. Though not translated into proteins, ncRNAs play pivotal roles in a variety of cellular functions. Here, we review the functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their implications in various human diseases. Increasing numbers of studies demonstrate that lncRNAs play critical roles in regulation of protein‐coding genes, maintenance of genomic integrity, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, mRNA processing, cell differentiation, and development. Misregulation of lncRNAs is associated with a variety of human diseases, including cancer, immune and neurological disorders. Different classes of lncRNAs, their functions, mechanisms of action, and associations with different human diseases are summarized in detail, highlighting their as yet untapped potential in therapy.
1‐(1H‐Indol‐3‐yl)ethanamine Derivatives as Potent Staphylococcus aureus NorA Efflux Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Hequet Arnaud , Burchak Olga N. , Jeanty Matthieu , Guinchard Xavier , Le Pihive Emmanuelle , Maigre Laure , Bouhours Pascale , Schneider Dominique , Maurin Max , Paris Jean‐Marc , Denis Jean‐Noël , Jolivalt Claude
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of 37 1‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethanamine derivatives, including 12 new compounds, was achieved through a series of simple and efficient chemical modifications. These indole derivatives displayed modest or no intrinsic anti‐staphylococcal activity. By contrast, several of the compounds restored, in a concentration‐dependent manner, the antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus strains that were resistant to fluoroquinolones due to overexpression of the NorA efflux pump. Structure–activity relationships studies revealed that the indolic aldonitrones halogenated at position 5 of the indole core were the most efficient inhibitors of the S. aureus NorA efflux pump. Among the compounds, (Z)‐N‐benzylidene‐2‐(tert‐butoxycarbonylamino)‐1‐(5‐iodo‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethanamine oxide led to a fourfold decrease of the ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration against the SA‐1199B strain when used at a concentration of 0.5 mg L−1. To the best of our knowledge, this activity is the highest reported to date for an indolic NorA inhibitor. In addition, a new antibacterial compound, tert‐butyl (2‐(3‐hydroxyureido)‐2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)ethyl)carbamate, which is not toxic for human cells, was also found.
A randomized, open‐label clinical trial of tasisulam sodium versus paclitaxel as second‐line treatment in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Hamid Omid , Ilaria Robert , Garbe Claus , Wolter Pascal , Maio Michele , Hutson Thomas E. , Arance Ana , Lorigan Paul , Lee Jeeyun , Hauschild Axel , Mohr Peter , Hahka‐Kemppinen Marjo , Kaiser Christopher , Turner P. Kellie , Conti Ilaria , Grob Jean‐Jacques
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Tasisulam sodium (hereafter referred to as tasisulam) is a novel, highly albumin‐bound agent that demonstrated activity in a phase 2 melanoma study.

METHODS

In this open‐label phase 3 study, patients with AJCC stage IV melanoma received tasisulam (targeting an albumin‐corrected exposure of 1200‐6400 h (hour).μg/mL on day 1) or paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15) every 28 days as second‐line treatment.

RESULTS

The study was placed on clinical hold after randomization of 336 patients when a safety review indicated an imbalance of possibly drug‐related deaths in the tasisulam arm. Efficacy results for tasisulam versus paclitaxel revealed a response rate of 3.0% versus 4.8%, a median progression‐free survival of 1.94 months versus 2.14 months (P = .048), and a median overall survival of 6.77 months versus 9.36 months (P = .121). The most common drug‐related grade ≥3 laboratory toxicities (graded according to Common Terminology for Adverse Events [version 3.0]) were thrombocytopenia (18.9%) for patients treated with tasisulam and neutropenia/leukopenia (8.7%) among those receiving paclitaxel. There were 13 possibly related deaths reported to occur on the study, with the majority occurring during cycle 2 in the setting of grade 4 myelosuppression, all in the tasisulam arm. Investigation of the unexpectedly high rate of hematologic toxicity revealed a subset of patients with low tasisulam clearance, leading to drug accumulation and high albumin‐corrected exposure in cycle 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study was stopped early because of safety issues in the tasisulam arm, tasisulam was considered unlikely to be superior to paclitaxel, and paclitaxel activity in the second‐line treatment of melanoma was much lower than expected. The toxicity imbalance was attributed to an unexpectedly low tasisulam clearance in a subset of patients, underscoring the importance of pharmacokinetic monitoring of compounds with complex dosing, even in late‐phase studies. Cancer 2014;120:2016–2024. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Effect of adjuvant/neoadjuvant trastuzumab on clinical outcomes in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Murthy Rashmi K. , Varma Ankur , Mishra Priyankana , Hess Kenneth R. , Young Elliana , Murray James L. , Koenig Kimberly H. , Moulder Stacy L. , Melhem‐Bertrandt Amal , Giordano Sharon H. , Booser Daniel , Valero Vicente , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Esteva Francisco J.
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the current study was to describe the outcomes of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐overexpressed/amplified (HER2+) early breast cancer who received adjuvant or neoadjuvant trastuzumab‐based therapy and were subsequently retreated with trastuzumab for metastatic disease.

METHODS

A total of 353 patients with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer who were treated with trastuzumab as part of their first‐line treatment for metastatic disease were identified. A total of 75 patients had received adjuvant or neoadjuvant trastuzumab‐based therapy for early breast cancer, and 278 had not. Clinical outcomes of patients who had or had not received prior trastuzumab were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression analyses. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

RESULTS

The clinical benefit (complete response, partial response, or stable disease of ≥ 6 months) rates were 71% in the group who did not receive prior trastuzumab and 39% in the group previously treated with trastuzumab. The adjusted odds ratios were 0.28 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.13‐0.59; P = .0009) for clinical benefit rates and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.18‐0.82; P = .038) for objective (complete or partial) response rates. In the univariate analysis, the median overall survival rate was longer in the group who did not receive prior trastuzumab (36 months vs 28 months) (hazards ratio, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.07‐2.01 [P = .022]). The multivariate analysis found no significant difference in overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

When treated with trastuzumab for metastatic disease, patients with HER2+ breast cancer without prior exposure to trastuzumab were found to have superior clinical outcomes to those with prior exposure. Prior trastuzumab exposure should be considered in treatment algorithms and in HER2‐targeted clinical trial enrollment for metastatic disease. Cancer 2014;120:1932–1938. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Macroscopic Control of Helix Orientation in Films Dried from Cholesteric Liquid‐Crystalline Cellulose Nanocrystal Suspensions
Authors: Park Ji Hyun , Noh JungHyun , Schütz Christina , Salazar‐Alvarez German , Scalia Giusy , Bergström Lennart , Lagerwall Jan P. F.
Published: March 2014

The intrinsic ability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to self‐organize into films and bulk materials with helical order in a cholesteric liquid crystal is scientifically intriguing and potentially important for the production of renewable multifunctional materials with attractive optical properties. A major obstacle, however, has been the lack of control of helix direction, which results in a defect‐rich, mosaic‐like domain structure. Herein, a method for guiding the helix during film formation is introduced, which yields dramatically improved uniformity, as confirmed by using polarizing optical and scanning electron microscopy. By raising the CNC concentration in the initial suspension to the fully liquid crystalline range, a vertical helix orientation is promoted, as directed by the macroscopic phase boundaries. Further control of the helix orientation is achieved by subjecting the suspension to a circular shear flow during drying.
Multifunctional Organized Mesoporous Tin Oxide Films Templated by Graft Copolymers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Park Jung Tae , Ahn Sung Hoon , Roh Dong Kyu , Lee Chang Soo , Kim Jong Hak
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of organized mesoporous SnO2 films with high porosity, larger pores, and good interconnectivity, obtained by sol–gel templating with an amphiphilic graft copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride)‐graft‐poly(oxyethylene methacrylate), is reported. An improved performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is demonstrated by the introduction of a 400 nm thick organized mesoporous SnO2 interfacial (om‐SnO2 IF) layer between nanocrystalline TiO2 (nc‐TiO2) and a fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrate. To elucidate the improved efficiency, the structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of the devices were characterized by SEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, noncontact 3D surface profilometry, intensity‐modulated photocurrent/voltage spectroscopy, incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The energy‐conversion efficiency of the solid polymerized ionic liquid based DSSC fabricated with the om‐SnO2 IF/nc‐TiO2 photoanode reached 5.9 % at 100 mW cm−2; this is higher than those of neat nc‐TiO2 (3.5 %) and organized mesoporous TiO2 interfacial/nc‐TiO2 layer (5.4 %) photoanodes. The improved efficiency is attributed to the antireflective property, cascadal energy band gap, good interconnectivity, and high electrical conductivity of the om‐SnO2 IF layer, which results in enhanced light harvesting, increased electron transport, reduced charge recombination, and decreased interfacial/internal resistance.
Electrochemical Performance of Hierarchical Porous Carbon Materials Obtained from the Infiltration of Lignin into Zeolite Templates
Authors: Ruiz‐Rosas R. , Valero‐Romero M. J. , Salinas‐Torres D. , Rodríguez‐Mirasol J. , Cordero T. , Morallón E. , Cazorla‐Amorós D.
Published: March 2014

Hierarchical porous carbon materials prepared by the direct carbonization of lignin/zeolite mixtures and the subsequent basic etching of the inorganic template have been electrochemically characterized in acidic media. These lignin‐based templated carbons have interesting surface chemistry features, such as a variety of surface oxygen groups and also pyridone and pyridinic groups, which results in a high capacitance enhancement compared to petroleum‐pitch‐based carbons obtained by the same procedure. Furthermore, they are easily electro‐oxidized in a sulfuric acid electrolyte under positive polarization to produce a large amount of surface oxygen groups that boosts the pseudocapacitance. The lignin‐based templated carbons showed a specific capacitance as high as 250 F g−1 at 50 mA g−1, with a capacitance retention of 50 % and volumetric capacitance of 75 F cm−3 at current densities higher than 20 A g−1 thanks to their suitable porous texture. These results indicate the potential use of inexpensive biomass byproducts, such as lignin, as carbon precursors in the production of hierarchical carbon materials for electrodes in electrochemical capacitors.
Electrophilicities of 1,2‐Disubstituted Ethylenes
Authors: Allgäuer Dominik S. , Mayr Herbert
Published: March 2014

The kinetics of the reactions of maleic anhydride, N‐methylmaleimide, fumaronitrile, diethyl fumarate, and diethyl maleate with pyridinium and sulfonium ylides were studied in DMSO at 20 °C. All of the reactions were found to follow a second‐order rate law, and can be described by the linear free energy relationship log k2 (20 °C) = sN(N + E), where N and sN are solvent‐dependent nucleophile‐specific parameters, and E is an electrophile‐specific parameter. The electrophilicity parameters E of the investigated acceptor‐substituted alkenes were derived from the linear correlations of (log k2)/sN vs. N, and range from –19.8 to –11.1.
Diagnostics Using Multiplexed Electrochemical Readout Devices
Authors: Díaz‐González María , Muñoz‐Berbel Xavier , Jiménez‐Jorquera Cecilia , Baldi Antoni , Fernández‐Sánchez César
Published: March 2014

Molecular diagnostics of human diseases requires the development of analytical tools with the capacity of simultaneously detecting several biomarkers of interest, mainly proteins and nucleic acids. Until now, most multiplexed analyses have been performed in a microarray format and using optical detection, these showing some limitations in terms of cost, portability and integration into point‐of‐care medical devices. In this context, electrochemical detection can offer an alternative to optical systems due to their high sensitivity, low‐cost, easy miniaturization and integration in compact analytical devices. This article reviews most relevant electroanalytical systems developed so far for multiplexed analysis of DNA and proteins.