bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct and Site‐Selective Palladium‐Catalyzed C‐7 Acylation of Indolines with Aldehydes
Authors: Shin Youngmi , Sharma Satyasheel , Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Han Sangil , Park Jihye , Oh Hyunji , Ha Jimin , Yoo Hyunwu , Jung Young Hoon , Kim In Su
Published: January 2015

The palladium‐catalyzed oxidative acylation of indolines at the C‐7 position with aldehydes or alcohols via CH bond activation is described. This protocol represents a facile access to 7‐acylated indolines, which can be readily transformed into 7‐acylated indoles with diverse biological properties.

magnified image
In Situ Preparation of Polypyrrole Nanorod Composite in the Presence of Phosphorylated Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Zang Limin , Qiu Jianhui , Sakai Eiichi , Yang Chao
Published: January 2015

Attapulgite/polypyrrole (ATP/PPy) nanocomposite, which is well defined with nanoscale rod‐like morphology, was prepared in the presence of phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol (PPVA–ATP/PPy) by chemical oxidative polymerization. PPVA functioned as both the dopant and the dispersant in this work. The composites possess good dispersion stability, high electrical conductivity at room temperature, and weak temperature dependence of the conductivity. Moreover, it was found that their dispersion stabilities in water increased with the increasing feeding ratio of PPVA. In addition, the thermal stability of conductivity PPVA–ATP/PPy composites was also enhanced by PPVA.
Qualitative path estimation: A fast and reliable algorithm for qualitative trend analysis
Authors: Villez Kris
Published: January 2015

Fault detection and identification is challenged by a lack of detailed understanding of process dynamics under anomalous circumstances as well as a lack of historical data concerning rare events in a typical process. Qualitative trend analysis (QTA) techniques provide a way out by focusing on a coarse‐grained representation of time series data. Such qualitative representations are valid in a larger set of operating conditions and thus provide a robust way to handle the detection and identification of rare events. Unfortunately, available methods fail when faced with moderate noise levels or result in rather large computational efforts. For this reason, this article provides a novel method for QTA. This leads to dramatic improvements in computational efficiency compared to the previously established shape constrained splines method while the accuracy remains high. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1535–1546, 2015
Mixing strategies for zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesis via a polyol process
Authors: Hosni Mongia , Farhat Samir , Ben Amar Mounir , Kanaev Andrei , Jouini Noureddine , Hinkov Ivaylo
Published: January 2015

We report on the effect of mixing on the morphology of ultrafine zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized via a polyol process using zinc acetate and water in a diethylene glycol medium. Three mixing strategies were considered: stirred batch, T‐mixer, and impinging free jets. The particle granulometry was accessed using the transmission electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction methods. The nanoparticle size and polydispersity decreased with an increase in the local dissipated energy. In particular, the polyol process conducted in the same chemical environment at 353 K did not lead to the observation of nanoparticles in the stirred batch reactor but resulted in unconventionally small 6‐nm particles in the T‐mixer and impinging jet configurations. This result is apparently related to the micromixing eddy geometry described by the Kolmogorov length. The hydrodynamic flow patterns and energy dissipation were obtained from computational ﬂuid dynamics simulations, which are essential in the design, optimization, and scale‐up of the polyol process. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1708–1721, 2015
A class of exact solutions for population balances with arbitrary internal coordinates
Authors: Saad Tony , Abboud Alex W. , Smith Sean T. , Ring Terry A.
Published: January 2015

We develop a novel transformation that maps the linear, nonhomogeneous, multidimensional population balance equation (PBE) into an advection equation that is readily solved using the method of characteristics. The PBEs targeted by this transformation exclude aggregation, breakage, and time dependent birth and death rates. In addition, internal coordinates are assumed to grow independently of each other. The ensuing general formulation is then used to recover closed‐form analytical solutions for problems with monosurface and bulk‐diffusion growth‐rates as well as Gaussian‐type nucleation. For completeness, we derive the multidimensional Green's functions for our approach. This is followed by a brief discussion on how the proposed framework may be used for code verification of moment methods such as the quadrature method of moments and the direct quadrature method of moments. Finally, a sample Mathematica code is provided to derive analytical solutions for the single‐internal‐coordinate case given user‐specified growth, birth, and death rates. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1691–1698, 2015
Microscopic imaging of biphasic oil‐air flow in French fries using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Patsioura Anna , Vauvre Jean‐Michaël , Kesteloot Régis , Jamme Frédéric , Hume Pamela , Vitrac Olivier
Published: January 2015

Spontaneous oil percolation in French fries was studied dynamically at cellular scale using deep‐UV synchrotron radiation enabling to image simultaneously the fluorescence of cell walls and of dyed oil. Experimental results report 75 oil filling kinetics of potato parenchyma cells previously emptied and equilibrated with superheated steam in conditions mimicking immersion frying. Counter‐current oil‐air flow was found the dominant factor controlling the kinetic of oil penetration, whereas, trapped bubbles delay the passage of oil from the first to the second cell layer for additional several minutes. The frequency of occurrence of passages between layers was assessed much lower than the percolation threshold suggested by the hierarchical honeycomb arrangement of cells. A description relating microscopic oil‐air flow and oil uptake is detailed in a companion paper. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1427–1446, 2015
Terminal versus Internal Diiodobenzyl Alcohol Derivatives via Regioselective Metal–Iodine Exchange of 1,2,3‐Triiodoarenes: Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Al‐Zoubi Raed M. , Al‐Zoubi Mazhar S. , Abazid Ayham H. , McDonald Robert
Published: January 2015

A wide range of unique diiodobenzyl alcohol building blocks have been synthesized by regioselective metal‐iodine exchange (MIE) reactions using isopropylmagnesium chloride is reported. Remarkably, the regioselectivity of the MIE reaction is easily controlled by both the aldehydes and the 1,2,3‐triiodoarenes to provide either the internal or the terminal products in good yields and in a highly regioselective fashion. The synthesized diiodobenzyl alcohols were tested for in vitro antibacterial activity against two Gram‐positive strains, Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 934) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), and two Gram‐negative strains, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Serratia marcescens (ATCC 27117). The biological data clearly shows that all tested diiodobenzyl alcohols have selective antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive strains and no activity against Gram‐negative ones. This report discloses a facile protocol for the synthesis of hitherto unknown ortho‐diiodobenzyl alcohol and 2,3‐diiodobenzyl alcohol derivatives in only one step that is quite general in scope and scalable, with products that are hard to make by any other means.
Crowding increases salivary cortisol but not self‐directed behavior in captive baboons
Authors: Pearson Brandon L. , Reeder DeeAnn M. , Judge Peter G.
Published: January 2015

Reduced space can lead to crowding in social animals. Crowding increases the risk of agonistic interactions that, in turn, may require additional physiological defensive coping mechanisms affecting health. To determine the stress induced from increased social density in a group of nineteen baboons living in an indoor/outdoor enclosure, saliva cortisol levels and rates of anxiety‐related behavior were analyzed across two unique crowding episodes. Initially, mean salivary cortisol levels when animals were restricted to their indoor quarters were compared to those when they also had access to their larger outdoor enclosure. Then, mean cortisol levels were compared before, during, and after two distinct crowding periods of long and short duration. Crowding resulted in significantly elevated cortisol during crowding periods compared to non‐crowded periods. Cortisol levels returned to baseline following two crowding episodes contrasting in their length and ambient climate conditions. These cortisol elevations indicate greater metabolic costs of maintaining homeostasis under social stress resulting from reduced space. Self‐directed behavior, conversely, was not reliably elevated during crowding. Results suggest that the potential for negative social interactions, and/or the uncertainty associated with social threat can cause physiological stress responses detected by salivary cortisol. Self‐directed behavioral measures of stress may constitute inadequate indicators of social stress in colony‐housed monkeys or represent subjective emotional arousal unrelated to hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal axis activation. Am. J. Primatol. 77:462–467, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dominance relationships among siamang males living in multimale groups
Authors: Morino Luca
Published: January 2015

Intense intolerance among males is considered to be an important mechanism maintaining the uni‐male organization traditionally attributed to socially monogamous gibbons. Long‐term field work, however, has revealed the existence of stable, socially polyandrous groups in at least two populations, raising questions about the mechanism that allows two adult males to co‐reside in the same group. I collected 21 months of behavioral data on 7 two‐male groups of wild siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) in southern Sumatra (Indonesia) to test the hypothesis that dominance relationships regulate the interactions of adult male siamangs and ultimately facilitate multi‐male social groups. A dominant male could clearly be identified in each dyad, based on a consistent direction of agonistic interactions, displacements and the maintenance of an advantageous position in the canopy. Males identified as dominant enjoyed greater social access to the resident female and monopolized copulations. These results suggest that gibbons possess the psycho‐social flexibility to regulate intra‐sexual aggression and live in multi‐male social units under certain social conditions. I discuss the effects that relatedness between males and female choice have in determining this grouping pattern, and the role of male intolerance in the maintenance of primate mating systems. Am. J. Primatol. 78:288–297, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gibbon (Hylobates lar) reintroduction success in Phuket, Thailand, and its conservation benefits
Authors: Osterberg Petra , Samphanthamit Phamon , Maprang Owart , Punnadee Suwit , Brockelman Warren Y.
Published: January 2015

We summarize the results from a long‐term gibbon reintroduction project in Phuket, Thailand, and evaluate its benefits to conservation. Between October 2002 and November 2012, eight breeding families of white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) were returned to the wild in Khao Phra Thaew non‐hunting area (KPT). Wild gibbons were extirpated from Phuket Island by the early 1980s, but the illegal wildlife trade has continued to bring young gibbons from elsewhere to the island's popular tourist areas as pets and photo props. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) has rescued and rehabilitated confiscated and donated captive gibbons since 1992 and aims to repopulate the island's last sizable forest area. Following unsuccessful early attempts at translocation in the 1990s, GRP has now developed specific methods for gibbon reintroduction that have led to the establishment of a small independent, reproducing population of captive‐raised and wild‐born gibbons on Phuket. Eleven infants have been born wild within the reintroduced population, including a second generation wild‐born gibbon in September 2012. Benefits of the GRP project include restoration of the gibbon population on Phuket, rescue of illegally kept gibbons, public education, training of personnel in gibbon conservation work, and gaining experience which may prove useful in saving more severely threatened species. It is unlikely that gibbon (and other large primate) translocations will make a significant contribution to conservation of the species as a whole, and primate translocation projects should not be judged solely by this criterion. Am. J. Primatol. 77:492–501, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What cortisol can tell us about the costs of sociality and reproduction among free‐ranging rhesus macaque females on Cayo Santiago
Authors: Maestripieri Dario , Georgiev Alexander V.
Published: January 2015

Research with the rhesus macaque population on Cayo Santiago can provide a unique perspective on the costs of sociality and reproduction in primates. Because the Cayo macaques live in unusually large groups and in a predator‐free environment, in which their artificial food source lacks seasonal variation in abundance or quality, these monkeys constitute a semi‐experimental study of the costs and benefits of group living. Here we review several long‐ and short‐term studies that have focused on female life history and stress physiology. Long‐term demographic data have shown that rhesus macaque females of middle‐ and low‐ranking matrilines have lower adult survival probabilities than females of high‐ranking matrilines. Costs of reproductive effort are also evident: adult females were more likely to die during the birth than during the mating season and they experienced higher cortisol levels when lactating. Lower‐ranking females, in particular, experienced greater relative increase in cortisol production during lactation, in comparison to middle‐ and high‐ranking females. Older high‐ranking females had lower plasma cortisol levels than younger ones but cortisol levels were similarly high among young and old middle‐ and low‐ranking females. Higher plasma cortisol levels and/or fecal glucocorticoid concentrations are associated with higher plasma concentrations of some proinflammatory cytokines. High cortisol, in turn, may be associated with chronic inflammation, and perhaps also with immunosuppression. In sum, the studies reviewed here provide multiple lines of evidence that sociality and reproductive effort impose measurable costs on female rhesus macaques. In line with socio‐ecological theory, female dominance rank consistently emerges as an important modulator of variation in female life histories and physiology. The Cayo Santiago macaques are therefore a valuable model for elucidating the mechanisms by which within‐group competition and reproduction impact health and survival in nonhuman primates and in humans. Am. J. Primatol. 78:92–105, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaque population: The role of density
Authors: Hernandez‐Pacheco Raisa , Delgado Diana L. , Rawlins Richard G. , Kessler Matthew J. , Ruiz‐Lambides Angelina V. , Maldonado Elizabeth , Sabat Alberto M.
Published: January 2015

Cayo Santiago is the oldest continuously operating free‐ranging rhesus monkey colony in the world. Population control of this colony has historically been carried out by periodic live capture and removal of animals. However, the effect of such a strategy on the size, growth rate, age structure, and sex ratio of the population has not been analyzed. This study reviews past removal data and uses a population projection model to simulate the effects of different removal schemes based on Cayo Santiago demographic data from 2000–2012. The model incorporates negative density‐dependence in female fertility, as well as male and female survival rates, to determine the population‐level effects of selective removal by age and sex. Modeling revealed that removal of sexually immature individuals has negligible effects on the population dynamics explaining why with an initial population of 1309 in 2000 and annual removals of immature monkeys a mean annual population growth rate of 12% and a final population size of ∼1,435 individuals by 2012 (∼0.009 animal/m2) was observed. With no removals, the population is expected to exhibit dampened oscillations until reaching equilibrium at ∼1,690 individuals (∼0.0111 animal/m2) in 2,100. In contrast, removal of adult females (≥4 yrs) would significantly reduce the population size, but would also promote an increase in population growth rate due to density feedback. A maximum annual production of 275 births is expected when 550 adult females are present in the population. Sensitivity analyses showed that removing females, in contrast to controlling their fertility through invasive treatments would contribute the most to changes in population growth rate. Given the density compensation on fertility, stabilizing the population would require removing ∼80% of the current population of adult females. This study highlights the importance of addressing the population‐level density effects, as well as sensitivity analyses, to optimize management strategies. Am. J. Primatol. 78:167–181, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
β‐Strand Mimetic Foldamers Rigidified through Dipolar Repulsion
Authors: German Elizabeth A. , Ross Jonathan E. , Knipe Peter C. , Don Michaela F. , Thompson Sam , Hamilton Andrew D.
Published: January 2015

Many therapeutically relevant protein–protein interactions contain hot‐spot regions on secondary structural elements, which contribute disproportionately to binding enthalpy. Mimicry of such α‐helical regions has met with considerable success, however the analogous approach for the β‐strand has received less attention. Presented herein is a foldamer for strand mimicry in which dipolar repulsion is a central determinant of conformation. Computation as well as solution‐ and solid‐phase data are consistent with an ensemble weighted almost exclusively in favor of the desired conformation.
A D‐Peptide Ligand of Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors for Brain‐Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Wei Xiaoli , Zhan Changyou , Shen Qing , Fu Wei , Xie Cao , Gao Jie , Peng Chunmei , Zheng Ping , Lu Weiyue
Published: January 2015

Lysosomes of brain capillary endothelial cells are implicated in nicotine acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)‐mediated transcytosis and act as an enzymatic barrier for the transport of peptide ligands to the brain. A D‐peptide ligand of nAChRs (termed DCDX), which binds to nAChRs with an IC50 value of 84.5 nM, was developed by retro–inverso isomerization. DCDX displayed exceptional stability in lysosomal homogenate and serum, and demonstrated significantly higher transcytosis efficiency in an in vitro blood–brain barrier monolayer compared with the parent L‐peptide. When modified on liposomal surface, DCDX facilitated significant brain‐targeted delivery of liposomes. As a result, brain‐targeted delivery of DCDX modified liposomes enhanced therapeutic efficiency of encapsulated doxorubicin for glioblastoma. This study illustrates the importance of ligand stability in nAChRs‐mediated transcytosis, and paves the way for developing stable brain‐targeted entities.
Direct dual layer spinning of aminosilica/Torlon® hollow fiber sorbents with a lumen layer for CO2 separation by rapid temperature swing adsorption
Authors: Labreche Ying , Fan Yanfang , Lively Ryan. P. , Jones Christopher W. , Koros William J.
Published: January 2015

The direct dual layer spinning of Torlon®/silica hollow fibers with a neat Torlon® lumen layer is reported here for the first time. The dual layer fibers containing a porous Torlon®/silica main structure and a dense, pure Torlon® polymer bore‐side coating provide a simplified, scalable platform from which to construct hollow fiber amine sorbents for postcombustion CO2 capture. After fiber spinning, an amine infusion process is applied to incorporate PEI into the silica pores. After combining dilute Neoprene treatment followed by poly(aramid)/PDMS treatment, a helium permeance of the fiber sorbents of 2 GPU with a He/N2 selectivity of 7.4 is achieved. Ten of the optimized amine‐containing hollow fibers are incorporated into a 22‐inch long, 1/2 inch OD shell‐and‐tube module and the module is then exposed on the shell side to simulated flue gas with an inert tracer (14 mol % CO2, 72 mol % N2, 14 mol % He [at 100% R.H.]) at 1 atm and 35°C in a RTSA system for preliminary CO2 sorption experiments. The fibers are found to have a breakthrough and equilibrium CO2 capacity of 0.8 and 1.2 mmol/g‐ dry fiber sorbent, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41845.
Sensitivity of PMMA nanoindentation measurements to strain rate
Authors: Jin Tao , Zhou Zhiwei , Liu Zhenguo , Xiao Gesheng , Yuan Guozheng , Shu Xuefeng
Published: January 2015

This study aims to investigate the effects of strain rate on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanoindentation measurements. Nanoindentation experiments were used to characterize the mechanical properties of PMMA. A wide range of strain rates were employed to examine strain rate sensitivity of PMMA. The test results indicate that the elastic modulus and hardness of PMMA are strain‐rate‐dependent. In addition, both the elastic modulus and hardness of PMMA exhibit increases with increasing strain rate. However, the elastic modulus became a stable value until strain‐rate of 0.2 s−1. Creep behavior of PMMA under the condition of high strain rate is more obvious than that experience a low strain rate. Moreover, the effects of strain rate on the PMMA nanomechanical properties are detailed analyzed by discussing each stage of the indentation process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41896.
Mechanical systems biology of C. elegans touch sensation
Authors: Krieg Michael , Dunn Alexander R. , Goodman Miriam B.
Published: January 2015

The sense of touch informs us of the physical properties of our surroundings and is a critical aspect of communication. Before touches are perceived, mechanical signals are transmitted quickly and reliably from the skin's surface to mechano‐electrical transduction channels embedded within specialized sensory neurons. We are just beginning to understand how soft tissues participate in force transmission and how they are deformed. Here, we review empirical and theoretical studies of single molecules and molecular ensembles thought to be involved in mechanotransmission and apply the concepts emerging from this work to the sense of touch. We focus on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a well‐studied model for touch sensation in which mechanics can be studied on the molecular, cellular, and systems level. Finally, we conclude that force transmission is an emergent property of macromolecular cellular structures that mutually stabilize one another.
When the Primary Caregiver is Missing: Investigating Proximal and Distal Variables Involved in Institutionalised Children's Adjustment
Authors: Barone Lavinia , Dellagiulia Antonio , Lionetti Francesca
Published: January 2015

Institutional rearing and structural neglect represent a primary caregiver deprivation experience and fall outside the range of the average expected typical childhood environment. Research indicates that variables related to proximal processes, such as the quality of care, rather than only distal variables, such as the duration of institutionalisation, may affect the adjustment of institutionalised children. The present study involved 100 Ukrainian children aged four‐ to eight‐years old (39 institution reared and 61 family reared) and investigated children's adjustment as a function of two distal variables and one proximal variable: age at admission and the duration of institutionalisation; and the current quality of care, as represented by favourite caregivers' perceived helplessness in the caring task. Attachment shortcomings and cognitive impairments were reported for institutionalised children, independently of the duration of institutionalisation. Low scores for professional caregivers' helplessness were associated with better scores for indiscriminate friendliness and non‐verbal reasoning in children. We conclude that caregiving variables matter and attention needs to be paid to them in order to improve the wellbeing of children in potentially neglectful contexts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘The present study involved 100 Ukrainian children aged four‐ to eight‐years old’

Key Practitioner Messages

Institutionalisation is a structural neglect condition, increasing the risk for children's social‐emotional and cognitive impairment.

Professional caregivers often lack information on how to support children and are faced with challenging working conditions, resulting in an emotionally distant caregiving.

The study showed that institutionalised children's attachment and cognitive development are two compromised domains.
Transforming growth factor‐beta differently regulates urokinase type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in mouse macrophages; analysis of intracellular signal transduction
Authors: Mojsilović Sonja S. , Santibanez Juan F.
Published: January 2015

Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) modulates capacity of macrophages to produce urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9). uPA and MMP9 actively participate in extracellular matrix reorganization and influence macrophages chemotaxis and cell migration. Although, TGF‐β regulates uPA and MMP9 macrophages expression, the underlying intracellular signal mechanisms are not well elucidated so far. Here we have investigated the implication of TGF‐β signaling in the regulation of uPA and MMP9 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The expression of uPA and MMP9 was assessed by zymography, Western blotting and RT‐PCR. The involvement of Smad, MAPK or NFκB signaling pathways was evaluated by using specific inhibitors. Our results indicated that TGF‐β simultaneously increased uPA and reduced MMP9 expression. The Smad3, ERK1,2, and JNK1,2 signaling pathways seem to be the main mechanisms that mediate TGF‐β‐induced uPA expression. Whereas TGF‐β‐reduced MMP9 expression appears to be regulated independently by JNK1,2 activation and by NFκB signaling inhibition. Thus, our results suggested that, in murine macrophages, TGF‐β differentially regulates uPA and MMP9 expressions through different intracellular signaling mechanisms. In addition, presented data may help in understanding the role of TGF‐β in macrophages proteases regulation in inflammatory diseases.
Induction of chondrogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic mesenchymal stem cells through an in vitro pellet model
Authors: Wa Qingde , Gao Manman , Dai Xuejun , Yu Ting , Zhou Zhiyu , Xu Dongliang , Zou Xuenong
Published: January 2015

This study employed transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF‐β3) induction of the C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) line to construct an in vitro chondrogenic differentiation model for MSCs. A C3H10T1/2 MSC cell line was cultured, amplified, and the seventh generation of cells was centrifuged to construct pellets, which were divided into a non‐induced group and an induced group (treated with TGF‐β3, vitamin C, dexamethasone, and ITS). Specimens were taken after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days under non‐induced and induced culture to compare these two groups by Alcian Blue staining, collagen type II immunohistochemical staining, and transmission election microscopy (TEM) on days 21 and 42. Cell pellets in the non‐induced group were smaller than those in the induced group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 with the pellet morphology of the induced group being more regular and nearly spherical. Alcian blue staining in the induced group was consistently stronger than that in non‐induced group across all time points, and type II collagen immunohistochemical IOD values were significantly higher in the induced group over the non‐induced group across all time points. On days 21 and 42, TEM revealed that the induced group displayed greater karyokinesis and a higher euchromatin ratio compared to the non‐induced group. This specially constructed pellet model treated with TGF‐β3‐containing chondrogenic medium can effectively promote chondrogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 MSC cells in vitro. This in vitro pellet model should be of value in providing a preliminary cell model reference for further studies of the mechanism of chondroblast differentiation of stem cells.
Gene network of a phosphoglycerate mutase in muscle wasting in mice
Authors: Wang Lishi , Jiao Yan , Sun Shuqiu , Jarrett Harry W. , Sun Dianjun , Gu Weikuan
Published: January 2015

We previously identified the insertion of an intracisternal A‐particle retrotransposons (IAPs) sequence in a gene, 9630033F20Rik, that contains domains involved in glycolysis from a mouse model called lethal wasting (lew). However, because both IAP insertion and the muation of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 1 (VAMP1) were discovered from lew, the impact of the IAP insertion and Vamp1 on the lew mouse phenotype needs further investigation. In this study, the effect of the 9630033F20Rik and Vamp1 on glycolysis and muscle‐wasting genes in heart, muscle, and brain tissues was further investigated using data of gene expression profiles in these tissues. Our data indicated that the expression levels of 9630033F20Rik and Vamp1 are not associated with each other. While 9630033F20Rik affects the expression of several key genes in pathways of glycolysis and muscle wasting, Vamp1 affects a different set of genes, with fewer numbers. In situ hybridization indicated that the expression of 9630033F20Rik is different in musculoskeletal tissues between the muscle‐wasting mouse model and the wild‐type model. Our data indicated that 9630033F20Rik may play an important role in muscle wasting and that it has a distinguished characterization of gene network. Our data also suggest that both 9630033F20Rik and Vamp1 play functional roles in muscle development and lead to the muscle‐wasting phenotype when they are mutated.
Gender disparity in the use of drug‐eluting stents during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Iyanoye Adeyemi , Moreyra Abel E. , Swerdel Joel N. , Gandhi Sampada K. , Cabrera Javier , Cosgrove Nora M. , Kostis John B. ,   for the MIDAS 23 Study Group
Published: January 2015

Objective

We examined gender disparity in the use of drug‐eluting stents (DES) versus bare metal stents (BMS) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and gender disparity in all‐cause mortality after coronary stent implantation for AMI.

Background

Gender disparities in AMI managements have been well documented, but it is unclear whether these disparities are seen in the type of coronary stent implantation for AMI and outcomes.

Methods

Hospital discharge data from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2010 in New Jersey from the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System were used to identify 40,215 patients (12,878 women and 27,337 men) with coronary stent implantation for AMI. The in‐hospital, short term (30 days) and long term (1 and 5 year) all‐cause mortality rates, unadjusted and adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, were determined.

Results

Women were older than men and had a higher prevalence of co‐morbidities. Men had higher prevalence of prior coronary revascularizations. After adjustment for co‐morbidities, there was no significant gender difference in the use of DES versus BMS for AMI, except in 2003 and 2006 where women were found to be more likely to receive a DES versus a BMS. After adjustment, women had higher odds of in‐hospital deaths but no difference in short and long‐term all‐cause mortality rates.

Conclusions

There was no significant gender difference in the proportion of DES implantation versus BMS for AMI in contemporary years. Women treated with either BMS or DES for AMI had higher in‐hospital death than men. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Study on the Catalytic Hydration of Carbon Dioxide by Catalysts that Mimic Carbonic Anhydrase Prepared with Zinc Salts
Authors: Kim Min‐Chul , Lee Sang‐Yup
Published: January 2015

Recently, a new catalyst that mimics carbonic anhydrase (CA) was constructed by the self‐assembly of histidyl bolaamphiphilic molecules and a Zn ion cofactor. The catalytic Zn ion complex in a tetrahedral coordination geometry is composed of self‐organized histidyl imidazoles and a single hydroxide ion. However, the Znhydroxide coordination, the key structure of the catalytic analogue, is disturbed by the pairing anion of the Zn salt. Here, the performances of the CA‐mimicking catalysts prepared from various Zn salts were examined along with CO2 hydration. Among the Zn salts with different anions, Zn(OH)2 showed the highest catalytic performance with increased CO2 hydrolysis activity. Spectroscopic and thermodynamic analyses proved the formation of histidineZnhydroxide coordination with a lowered activation energy if Zn(OH)2 was used. With regard to the anion interaction with the Zn ion, the catalytic performance is inversely proportional to the solution dissociation energy of the Zn salt.
Single‐Walled Metal–Organic Nanotube Built from a Simple Synthon
Authors: Adarsh Nayarassery N. , Dîrtu Marinela M. , Naik Anil D. , Léonard Alexandre F. , Campagnol Nicolo , Robeyns Koen , Snauwaert Johan , Fransaer Jan , Su Bao Lian , Garcia Yann
Published: January 2015

A conformationally flexible triazole‐carboxylic acid ligand derived from an L‐amino acid, namely, 4 H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐yl‐acetic acid (αHGlytrz), has been exploited to synthesize a structurally diverse and functionally intriguing metal–organic framework with CuSiF6. The crystal structure reveals a novel single‐walled metal–organic nanotube (SWMONT), namely, {[Cu3(μ3‐OH)(H2O)3(Glytrz)3]⋅SiF6⋅8 H2O⋅X}∞ (1), (where X=disordered lattice water molecules) having a pore size as large as zeolites. Compound 1 was synthesized as crystals, as powder, or as layers by precipitation/electrodeposition. Mercury intrusion porosimetry demonstrates the ability of this material to store metallic mercury, after a pressure treatment, contrary to previous literature examples.
A systematic class AB state space synthesis method based on MOSFET square law and translinear square‐root cells
Authors: Surav Yilmaz Saziye , Tola Abdullah T.
Published: January 2015

A new state space Class AB synthesis method for the design of square‐root domain filter based on the MOSFET square law is proposed in this study. Those circuits designed by the proposed Class AB systematic synthesis method have the advantages of Class AB circuit structure and translinear circuits. Two alternative design procedures were suggested for designing new circuits. Proposed synthesis technique is applied for designing of a first order all‐pass filter and a third order low‐pass filter. Circuits are simulated in PSpice using 0.35 µm CMOS technology parameters. Time domain and frequency domain analysis of the proposed filters are performed, and simulation results of those are also presented. The simulation results show that the proposed synthesis technique is appropriate for the design of different types of filters and has the advantages of Class AB circuit structure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application specific integrated circuit solution for multi‐input multi‐output piecewise‐affine functions
Authors: Brox Piedad , Martínez‐Rodríguez Macarena C. , Tena‐Sánchez Erica , Baturone Iluminada , Acosta Antonio J.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a fully digital architecture and its application specific integrated circuit implementation for computing multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) piecewise‐affine (PWA) functions. The work considers both PWA functions defined over regular hyperrectangular and simplicial partitions of the input domains and also lattice PWA representations. The proposed architecture is able to implement PWA functions following different realization strategies, using a common structure with a minimized number of blocks, thus reducing power consumption and hardware resources. Experimental results obtained with application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) integrated in a 90‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor standard technology are provided. The proposed architecture is compared with other digital architectures in the state of the art habitually used to implement model predictive control applications. The proposal is superior in power consumption (saving up to 86%) and economy of hardware resources (saving up to 40% in comparison with a mere replication of the three representations) to other proposals described in literature, being ready to be used in applications where high‐performance and minimum unitary cost are required. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A load‐balancing and coding‐aware multicast protocol for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Geng Rong , Ning Zhaolong , Ye Ning
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we propose a Load‐Balancing and Coding‐Aware Multicast (LCM) protocol for mobile ad hoc networks. In LCM protocol, a new route metric named Expected Transmission Time with Coding and Load Balancing (ETTCL) is presented at first, aiming at effectively selecting the path not only that has the possible coding opportunity but also where overflow due to network overload can be prevented. Then, we describe the route discovery phase by constructing the node‐disjoint multicast tree on the basis of ETTCL and employ network coding to encode the data flows for route maintenance. The effectiveness of LCM protocol is simulated and analyzed by NS‐2, which shows that this protocol has good performance in reducing average end‐to‐end delay and control overhead and can improve packet delivery ratio compared with the existing protocol. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecohydrological controls on grass and shrub above‐ground net primary productivity in a seasonally dry climate
Authors: Parolari Anthony J. , Goulden Michael L. , Bras Rafael L.
Published: January 2015

Seasonally dry, water‐limited regions are often co‐dominated by distinct herbaceous and woody plant communities with contrasting ecohydrological properties. We investigated the shape of the above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) response to annual precipitation (Pa) for adjacent grassland and shrubland ecosystems in Southern California, with the goal of understanding the role of these ecohydrological properties on ecosystem function. Our synthesis of observations and modelling demonstrates grassland and shrubland exhibit distinct ANPP‐Pa responses that correspond with characteristics of the long‐term Pa distribution and mean water balance fluxes. For annual grassland, no ANPP occurs below a ‘precipitation compensation point,’ where bare soil evaporation dominates the water balance, and ANPP saturates above the Pa where deep percolation and runoff contribute to the modelled water balance. For shrubs, ANPP increases at a lower and relatively constant rate across the Pa gradient, while deep percolation and runoff account for a smaller fraction of the modelled water balance. We identify precipitation seasonality, root depth, and water stress sensitivity as the main ecosystem properties controlling these responses. Observed ANPP‐Pa responses correspond to notably different patterns of rain‐use efficiency (RUE). Grass RUE exceeds shrub RUE over a wide range of typical Pa values, whereas grasses and shrubs achieve a similar RUE in particularly dry or wet years. Inter‐annual precipitation variability, and the concomitant effect on ANPP, plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of grass and shrub cover and ecosystem‐scale productivity across this landscape. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure: a dose–response meta‐analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Orsini Nicola , Wolk Alicja
Published: January 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of prospective studies assessing the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

We searched the PubMed database from inception to September 2014 and reviewed the reference list of relevant articles to identify prospective studies assessing the association between alcohol consumption and risk of HF. Study‐specific relative risk (RR) estimates were combined using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis included eight prospective studies, with a total of 202 378 participants and 6211 cases of HF. The pooled adjusted RRs of HF were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–0.93] for light to moderate alcohol consumption (<14 drinks/week) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.72–1.13) for high alcohol consumption (≥14 drinks/week) compared with non‐drinkers. In a dose–response meta‐analysis, we observed a non‐linear relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of HF (P for non‐linearity = 0.001). Compared with non‐drinkers, the RRs (95% CI) across levels of alcohol consumption were 0.90 (0.84–0.96) for 3 drinks/week, 0.83 (0.73–0.95) for 7 drinks/week, 0.84 (0.72–0.98) for 10 drinks/week, 0.90 (0.73–1.10) for 14 drinks/week, and 1.07 (0.77–1.48) for 21 drinks/week.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption in moderation is associated with a reduced risk of HF.
Efficient Use of 1,2‐Dihaloazine Synthons in Transition‐Metal‐Free Preparation of Diverse Heterocycle‐Fused 1,4‐Oxazepines
Authors: Sapegin Alexander V. , Kalinin Stanislav A. , Smirnov Alexey V. , Dorogov Mikhail V. , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: January 2015

A previously reported condensation reaction of ambiphilic 2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)phenols with various o‐chloro‐substituted nitroaromatic synthons to provide medicinally important tetracyclic pyrazolo[1,5‐d][1,4]oxazepines was extended to more readily available and convenient‐to‐use 1,2‐dihaloazines. Although 4,5‐dichloropyridazin‐3(2H)‐ones and 2,3‐dichloropyrazine are popular bis(electrophilic) partners in various SNAr‐type condensations and also were efficiently used in the reaction reported herein, the facility with which various 3‐bromo‐2‐chloropyridines underwent the same cyclization was unexpected. These reactions are presumed to occur as sequential intermolecular SNAr/Smiles rearrangement/intramolecular SNAr tandem reactions and provide a rare example of the transition‐metal‐free substitution of a bromine atom at the 3‐position of a pyridine ring.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Desulfitative Arylation of 5‐Alkoxy‐3,4‐dibromo‐2(5H)‐furanone with Sodium Arylsulfinates
Authors: Shi Jie , Tang Xiao‐Dong , Wu Yan‐Cheng , Li Hua‐Nv , Song Liu‐Juan , Wang Zhao‐Yang
Published: January 2015

A palladium‐catalyzed desulfitative arylation reaction of 5‐alkoxy‐3,4‐dibromo‐2(5H)‐furanones to provide 5‐alkoxy‐4‐aryl‐3‐bromo‐2(5H)‐furanones is reported. This reaction has a high reaction site selectivity, which can realize arylation at the C4‐position. Various sodium arylsulfinates are well tolerated under the mild reaction conditions. The current study makes the arylation of general alkenyl halides possible by the use of cheap and easily available sodium arylsulfinates as aryl sources.
Multivariate spatio‐temporal modelling for assessing Antarctica's present‐day contribution to sea‐level rise
Authors: Zammit‐Mangion Andrew , Rougier Jonathan , Schön Nana , Lindgren Finn , Bamber Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Antarctica is the world's largest fresh‐water reservoir, with the potential to raise sea levels by about 60 m. An ice sheet contributes to sea‐level rise (SLR) when its rate of ice discharge and/or surface melting exceeds accumulation through snowfall. Constraining the contribution of the ice sheets to present‐day SLR is vital both for coastal development and planning, and climate projections. Information on various ice sheet processes is available from several remote sensing data sets, as well as in situ data such as global positioning system data. These data have differing coverage, spatial support, temporal sampling and sensing characteristics, and thus, it is advantageous to combine them all in a single framework for estimation of the SLR contribution and the assessment of processes controlling mass exchange with the ocean.

In this paper, we predict the rate of height change due to salient geophysical processes in Antarctica and use these to provide estimates of SLR contribution with associated uncertainties. We employ a multivariate spatio‐temporal model, approximated as a Gaussian Markov random field, to take advantage of differing spatio‐temporal properties of the processes to separate the causes of the observed change. The process parameters are estimated from geophysical models, while the remaining parameters are estimated using a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme, designed to operate in a high‐performance computing environment across multiple nodes. We validate our methods against a separate data set and compare the results to those from studies that invariably employ numerical model outputs directly. We conclude that it is possible, and insightful, to assess Antarctica's contribution without explicit use of numerical models. Further, the results obtained here can be used to test the geophysical numerical models for which in situ data are hard to obtain. © 2015 The Authors. Environmetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Investigation on phototrophic growth of an indigenous Chlorella vulgaris for biodiesel production
Authors: Rajanren Jeevan Raj , Ismail Harun Mohamed , Narayanapillai Padmesh Tirunelveli
Published: January 2015

Microalgae are foreseen as a promising alternative source to produce biodiesel due to the potential high oil content in their cells and fast generation to yield a higher biomass. Hence, this study is focused in exploring the feasibility and potential of a locally isolated C. vulgaris strain in producing biodiesel. This comprises of cell growth, biomass productivity, lipid extraction and biodiesel analysis. The results show that C. vulgaris growth is influenced by light intensity whereby cultures illuminated with 2000 lux produces the highest number of cells and biomass. It is found that the combination of chloroform/methanol solvent extracts higher amount of lipid compared to hexane/ether or hexane. The biodiesel produced complies with ASTM standards. Based on this study, C. vulgaris strain is found to be a viable feedstock in the production of biodiesel. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1215–1220, 2015
The Gellyfish: An in situ equilibrium-based sampler for determining multiple free metal ion concentrations in marine ecosystems
Authors: Dong Zhao , Lewis Christopher G. , Burgess Robert M. , Shine James P.
Published: January 2015

Free metal ions are usually the most bioavailable and toxic metal species to aquatic organisms, but they are difficult to measure because of their extremely low concentrations in the marine environment. Many of the current methods for determining free metal ions are complicated and time-consuming, and they can only measure 1 metal at a time. The authors developed a new version of the “Gellyfish,” an in situ equilibrium-based sampler, with significantly reduced equilibration time and the capability of measuring multiple free metal ions simultaneously. By calibrating the Gellyfish to account for its uptake of cationic metal complexes and validating them in multi-metal competition experiments, the authors were able to determine free metal ion concentrations previously collected over 10 mo at 5 locations in Boston Harbor for Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd. This generated 1 of the largest free metal ion datasets and demonstrated the applicability of the Gellyfish as an easy-to-use and inexpensive tool for monitoring free ion concentrations of metal mixtures in marine ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:983–992. © 2015 SETAC