bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Asymmetric Inverse‐Electron‐Demand (IED) [4+2] Cycloaddition of Salicylaldimines: Preparation of Optically Active 4‐Aminobenzopyran Derivatives
Authors: Bernardi Luca , Comes‐Franchini Mauro , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Leo Virginia , Mazzanti Andrea , Ricci Alfredo
Published: December 2010

The catalytic asymmetric inverse‐electron‐demand (IED) [4+2] cycloaddition of various salicylaldehyde‐derived N‐arylimines with electron‐rich alkenes in the presence of chiral BINOL‐derived phosphoric acid catalysts has been studied with the aim of obtaining optically active 4‐aminobenzopyran derivatives. Dienophiles such as 2,3‐dihydro‐2H‐furan, benzyl N‐vinylcarbamate and 2‐vinylindole have been employed.
Highly Enantioselective Zinc‐Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with Ethyl Trifluoropyruvate
Authors: Hui Yonghai , Chen Weiliang , Wang Wentao , Jiang Jun , Cai Yunfei , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: December 2010

A highly enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with ethyl trifluoropyruvate has been developed using N,N′‐dioxide‐zinc(II) complexes. Both enantiomers of the desired adducts were obtained by the use of enantiomeric ligands in excellent results (up to 99% yield and 98% ee) within 0.5 h under mild conditions. On the basis of the experimental results, a proposed working model was proposed to explain the origin of the asymmetric induction.
Synergistic Effect: Hydroalkoxylation of Allenes through Combination of Enantiopure BIPHEP‐Gold Complexes and Chiral Anions
Authors: Aikawa Kohsuke , Kojima Masafumi , Mikami Koichi
Published: December 2010

A synergistic effect is observed for the combination of a neutral dinuclear gold complex with a chiral silver phosphate in the intramolecular hyroalkoxylation of allenes to give furan derivatives in high yields and enantioselectivities. The monocationic dinuclear gold complex affords higher catalytic activity and enantioselectivity than the neutral or dicationic digold complexes. The synergistic effect is thus highly promising to provide a guiding principle in designing an efficient chiral environment for creating an asymmetric catalyst.
Synthesis and characterization of Na‐alginate/acrylamide hydrogel and its application in dye removal
Authors: Gad Y. H. , Aly R. O. , Abdel‐Aal S. E.
Published: December 2010

Sodium‐alginate/acrylamide (Na‐alginate/AAm) cross‐linked hydrogel was prepared by using gamma irradiation. The gel content and the water absorbency behavior of the obtained hydrogel were investigated. The thermal and morphological properties of the prepared hydrogel were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of Na‐alginate significantly changed when mixed with AAm. The adsorption of basic violet 7 dye on the prepared hydrogel was studied under different experimental conditions. The adsorption process for the basic dye was proven pH dependent. The maximum amount adsorbed (mg/g) of the Na‐alginate/AAm for the dye was found to be 78.1.0 mg/g at pH 9.0. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cross‐linking of aqueous base‐developable, photosensitive polynorbornene
Authors: Raeis‐Zadeh Mehrsa , Elce Ed , Knapp Brian , Kohl Paul A.
Published: December 2010

The effect of epoxy‐based cross‐linking additives with different functionalities on the photolithographic properties, adhesion to substrates, and cross‐link density of a tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide‐developable polynorbornene‐based dielectric was investigated. Three different multifunctional epoxy additives were investigated: difunctional, trifunctional, and tetrafunctional compounds. It was found that incorporation of a small quantity (1 wt % of solution) of an ultraviolet‐absorbing tetrafunctional cross‐linker, tetraphenylol ethane tetraglycidyl ether, activated the photo‐catalyst and improved the sensitivity of a previously photosensitive polynorbornene‐based formulation by a factor of 3.7. The impact of the epoxy cross‐linkers on the physical and optical properties of the polymer formulations was evaluated. The contrast was improved from 7.37, for the control formulation, to 24.2. The polymer‐to‐substrate adhesion was also improved by addition of the tetrafunctional epoxy cross‐linker, which facilitates the development of high‐aspect‐ratio structures. Hollow‐core pillar structures in 40‐μm‐thick films with a depth‐to‐width aspect ratio of 13 : 1 were produced. The cross‐link density was studied by using swelling measurements of cured films to evaluate the average molecular weight between cross‐links. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Anticipatory approach to design robust iterative learning control for uncertain time‐delay systems
Authors: Meng Deyuan , Jia Yingmin
Published: December 2010

This paper is devoted to robust iterative learning control (ILC) design for time‐delay systems (TDS) with uncertainties in both model plant and delay time. An ILC law is considered by using anticipation in time to compensate for the effects of delay, which has three design parameters: the weighting function, the lead time and the learning gain. For iteration‐invariant TDS, it is shown that a necessary and sufficient condition can be obtained for the tracking error to converge for all admissible plant uncertainties. If the uncertainty is considered to be varying randomly from iteration to iteration, resulting in iteration‐varying TDS, then a necessary and sufficient condition can be derived to ensure the convergence of the expected tracking error. For TDS in both cases, it is also shown that the convergence is monotonic in the sense of the ℒ︁2‐norm, and the estimated delay is sufficiently anticipatory for the selection of the lead time to achieve the robust ILC design. Simulation results are included to verify the theoretical study.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Zig‐zagging into the future: the role of biofuels in India
Authors: Das Subhashree , Priess Joerg A
Published: December 2010

India announced a long‐awaited and much‐needed national biofuel policy in December 2009 with a mandate of achieving 20% blending of bioethanol and biodiesel by 2017. However, while the determination of specific time‐bound targets is a crucial step in the Indian biofuel program, several aspects of the guidelines reflect uncertainty that may render the 20% target unachievable. This perspective traces the rapid changes in political strategies of biofuels in India over the last decade and reviews significant scientific progress, achieved in the same period. Our observation indicates that biofuel policies in India have followed a zigzag course interspersed with several positive initiatives, severely discouraging advocacies and occasional neglect of biofuels. The multiplicity of related policies, each partially addressing biofuel issues have amounted to increasing ambiguity.

We present an analysis of the tenets of the current policy with respect to land availability, related land use, and economic and marketing institutions, which are some of the important determinants of success for the Indian biofuel program. Some recommendations emanating from the analysis are (1) to estimate of available land and land use change effects; (2) to build resilience for energy crops towards climate change; and (3) to strengthen marketing and financial mechanisms at grass‐roots level. In conclusion we emphasize the need for timely scientific assessments and the subsequent incorporation into policy formulation to enable India to achieve the overall goal of sustainable biofuel production. © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Oxygen radicals shaping evolution: Why fatty acid catabolism leads to peroxisomes while neurons do without it
Authors: Speijer Dave
Published: December 2010

Oxygen radical formation in mitochondria is a highly important, but incompletely understood, attribute of eukaryotic cells. I propose a kinetic model in which the ratio between electrons entering the respiratory chain via FADH2 or NADH is a major determinant in radical formation. During the breakdown of glucose, this ratio is low; during fatty acid breakdown, this ratio is much higher. The longer the fatty acid, the higher the ratio and the higher the level of radical formation. This means that very long chain fatty acids should be broken down without generation of FADH2 for mitochondria. This is accomplished in peroxisomes, thus explaining their role and evolution. The model explains many recent observations regarding radical formation by the respiratory chain. It also sheds light on the reasons for the lack of neuronal fatty acid (beta‐) oxidation and for beneficial aspects of unsaturated fatty acids. Last but not least, it has very important implications for all models describing eukaryotic origins.
Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Minimally Functionalised Terminal Olefins: An Alternative Sustainable and Direct Strategy for Preparing Enantioenriched Hydrocarbons
Authors: Pàmies Oscar , Andersson Pher G. , Diéguez Montserrat
Published: December 2010

This account discusses the progress made in the asymmetric hydrogenation of minimally functionalised terminal olefins as a new, alternative, sustainable and direct strategy for preparing enantioenriched hydrocarbons. It discusses the latest development in catalyst design, from the initial discovery of lanthanide catalytic precursors, through the use of transition‐metal/diphosphine–iminophosphorane precursors, to the successful iridium/P,N catalytic systems.
Flexibility and Sorption Selectivity in Rigid Metal–Organic Frameworks: The Impact of Ether‐Functionalised Linkers
Authors: Henke Sebastian , Schmid Rochus , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Fischer Roland A.
Published: December 2010

The functionalisation of well‐known rigid metal–organic frameworks (namely, [Zn4O(bdc)3]n, MOF‐5, IRMOF‐1 and [Zn2(bdc)2(dabco)]n; bdc=1,4‐benzene dicarboxylate, dabco=diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) with additional alkyl ether groups of the type ‐O‐(CH2)n‐O‐CH3 (n = 2–4) initiates unexpected structural flexibility, as well as high sorption selectivity towards CO2 over N2 and CH4 in the porous materials. These novel materials respond to the presence/absence of guest molecules with structural transformations. We found that the chain length of the alkyl ether groups and the substitution pattern of the bdc‐type linker have a major impact on structural flexibility and sorption selectivity. Remarkably, our results show that a high crystalline order of the activated material is not a prerequisite to achieve significant porosity and high sorption selectivity.
Acetals as Novel Fuel Additives from Glycerol and Olefins
Authors: Neubert Lorenz , Paetzold Eckhard , Fischer Chrstine , Beller Matthias , Kragl Udo , Kragl Udo , Schümann Ulrike , Sadlowski Thomas , Kempers Peter , Schörken Ulrich
Published: December 2010

In einem Eintopf‐Verfahren werden aus Olefinen durch Hydroformylierung mit Synthesegas (CO/H2 = 1/1) und nachfolgende säurekatalysierte Umsetzung mit Glycerin langkettige Acetale in Ausbeuten > 95 % hergestellt. Die erhaltenen Gemische von 5‐ und 6‐Ringverbindungen stellen neuartige potenzielle Kraftstoffadditive dar. Durch Optimierung der Reaktionsbedingungen und geeignete Katalysatorwahl ([Rh(COD)]acac/Xantphos) gelingt eine hochregioselektive Hydroformylierung zu den linearen Acetalen. Zur Herstellung von ausreichenden Mustermengen wurde Glycerin mit Alkenen im 2‐L‐Autoklav und mit Aldehyden im 60‐L‐Rührreaktor umgesetzt.
The characterization of prepared organoclay materials (DDMA) and gas sorption of chlorobenzene
Authors: Jarraya Ikram , Fourmentin Sophie , Benzina Mourad , Bouaziz Samir
Published: December 2010

In this paper, adsorptive performance of Tunisian natural clay materials has been investigated as a potential adsorbent for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The materials used were taken from Aleg and Douiret formations in the south of Tunisia. Organoclay materials (OC) were prepared by intercalating didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide on clay materials. This intercalation allowed the improvement of the porous texture of the studied materials. The adsorption isotherms showed that the intercalation of the didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide on clay materials improved their adsorption capacities of chlorobenzene with an adsorption capacity up to 375 mg g−1 for calcined modified clay of Douiret.
Three‐parameter cubic equation of state for pure components of heavy oils
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Henni Amr
Published: December 2010

A three‐parameter cubic equation of state for pure hydrocarbons is proposed to model PVT properties of heavy hydrocarbons found in heavy oils. Thirty hydrocarbons up to C40 and some commonly found (associated) non‐hydrocarbons in heavy oils have been used to regress the parameters. Predicted results from the proposed equation for the liquid density, vapour pressure, saturated liquid density, and saturated vapour density have been compared with the widely used Peng–Robinson (PR), Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK), and Patel and Teja (PT) equations of state. With the increase in carbon number in hydrocarbon, the % average absolute errors in liquid density, vapour pressure, and saturated liquid density prediction using PR, SRK, and PT equations of state were found to increase, whereas the proposed equation shows consistency in the prediction, with a % average absolute error of 2.5% only.
Kinetic study of copper cementation onto zinc using a rotating packed bed cylindrical reactor
Authors: Amin N. K. , El‐Ashtoukhy E.‐S. Z.
Published: December 2010

The Kinetics of copper cementation onto zinc Raschig rings in a rotating packed bed cylindrical reactors have been studied. The effect of initial concentration of copper ions, packed cylinder rotation speed and diameter of zinc Raschig rings on the rate of cementation has been investigated. The influence of zinc packing geometry (Raschig rings and cylinders), the presence of surfactant (Triton X‐100) and sand particles in the solution were also studied. The rate of cementation was found to increase with increasing cylinder rotation speed raised to a power of 0.947 and solid to liquid ratio. The rate decreases with increasing the initial copper ions concentration and the diameter of zinc Raschig rings. The rate of cementation was inhibited in solutions containing Triton X‐100. Raschig rings were found to increase the rate of cementation more than cylinders. The present reactor proved to be more efficient than the traditional solid rotating cylinder reactor for cementation reactions in view of its high area per unit volume and its high rate of mass transfer. The present data can be correlated in terms of the mass transfer coefficient of cementation by the equation: $Sh = 0.0005\quad {\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} {}^{0.947} \quad Sc^{0.33} $. For the conditions 13900 < Re < 70500, 2056 < Sc < 2202.

Nous avons étudié la cinétique de la cémentation du cuivre sur les anneaux de Raschig en zinc dans un réacteur cylindrique à lit de garnissage rotatif. Nous avons également examiné les effets des concentrations initiales d'ions cuivre, de la vitesse de rotation du cylindre à garnissage et du diamètre des anneaux de Raschig en zinc sur le taux de cémentation. L'influence de la géométrie du garnissage en zinc (anneaux de Raschig et cylindres) ainsi que la présence de surfactant (Triton X‐100) et de particules de sable dans la solution ont également été étudiées.

Il a été démontré que le taux de cémentation augmente lorsque la vitesse de rotation du cylindre augmente jusqu'à une puissance de 0,947 et un rapport solide/liquide. Le taux diminue lorsque l'on augmente la concentration initiale d'ions cuivre ainsi que le diamètre des anneaux de Raschig en zinc. Le taux de cémentation a été inhibé dans des solutions contenant du Triton X‐100. Selon les résultats, les anneaux de Raschig augmentent plus le taux de cémentation que les cylindres. Le présent réacteur a été plus efficace que les réacteurs traditionnels à cylindres rotatifs solides en matière de réactions de cémentation. Cette efficacité accrue est due à la plus grande surface par unité de volume et son taux élevé de transfert de masse. Les présentes données peuvent être corrélées en matière de coefficient de transfert de masse de cémentation par l'équation: $Sh = 0.0005\quad {\mathop{\rm Re}\nolimits} {}^{0.947} \quad Sc^{0.33} $. Pour les conditions suivantes: 13900 < Re < 70500, 2056 < Sc < 2202. © 2010 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Amitosis requires γ‐tubulin‐mediated microtubule assembly in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Kushida Yasuharu , Nakano Kentaro , Numata Osamu
Published: December 2010

To reveal the molecular systems involved in the division of a cell and its contents during cell proliferation is one of the major subjects in cell biology. Although cytoskeletal organization during mitosis has been well studied, consensus on the molecular basis of amitosis has not been achieved. Here we adapted an immunofluorescence method and investigated the cellular localization of γ‐tubulin and microtubules (MTs) in dividing Tetrahymena. Although the macronucleus (Mac) lacks a bipolar spindle, γ‐tubulin and MTs are specifically detected in the dividing Mac and show a marked change in the pattern of localization. First, γ‐tubulin and MTs appear in whole Mac, then, γ‐tubulin gathers at the center of the Mac where the aster‐like structure of MTs forms. On Mac expansion, MTs associated with numerous dots of γ‐tubulin are reorganized into longitudinally arranged bundles, suggesting that the mutual sliding of each filament and polymerization of MTs may induce Mac expansion. Moreover, normal Mac expansion and equal segregation of the Mac are severely disturbed when γ‐tubulin is shut off. We propose that γ‐tubulin‐mediated MT assembly is required in Mac amitosis of Tetrahymena. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct measurement of magnetic field gradient waveforms
Authors: Han Hui , Ouriadov Alexei V. , Fordham Edmund , Balcom Bruce J.
Published: December 2010

As eddy currents increase with gradient amplitude and faster slew rate, they have become a greater problem with the advent of higher‐performance gradients in modern MRI scanners. Success in eddy current reduction techniques such as active gradient shielding and waveform pre‐emphasis, however, require that the residual eddy currents must be measured with high accuracy for image improvement. Traditional MR based gradient calibration techniques, whether based on an entire FID or a gradient echo, measure the integral of gradient waveforms. We have however previously proposed a different category of methods, which employ pure phase encode FIDs and have proven advantageous in directly measuring the gradient waveforms. In this article, we review the basis of these pure phase encode methods. In keeping with the instructional nature of CMRA, we undertake this review by describing specific experiments and the line of the thought behind the experiments. The pure phase encode approach is sensitive to low amplitude gradients (0.001–1 G/cm), and also permits measurement of high amplitude gradients (10–300 G/cm). The inverse Fourier transform permits ready understanding of these pure phase encode methods. The accuracy of pure phase encode gradient measurement is significantly improved by a multiple FID point acquisition, which permits high temporal resolution of the gradient waveform. The accuracy of gradient measurements is also analyzed and improved through elimination of potential artifacts. As one example of the capability of these methods, waveform measurements were undertaken to reduce the repetition time TR for centric scan SPRITE experiments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 36A: 349–360, 2010.
Dynamics of $I = {3 \over 2}$ nuclei in isotropic slow motion, anisotropic and partially ordered phases
Authors: Shekar S. Chandra , Tang Joel A. , Jerschow Alexej
Published: December 2010

NMR of quadrupolar nuclei, and, in particular 23Na in soft tissues has attracted renewed interest due to the importance that sodium plays in physiology. The quadrupolar coupling and relaxation dynamics, including the appearance of the dynamic frequency shift are treated in this article. The equations governing irreducible spherical tensor analysis are derived and discussed. Experiments are shown to demonstrate how parameters such as the correlation time, the instantaneous and the residual quadrupolar couplings can be extracted from the data. Such experiments and procedures are particularly useful in the analysis of 23Na NMR data from tissues or cell suspensions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 36A: 362–387, 2010
A cryptographicallyt‐private auction system
Authors: Hinkelmann Markus , Jakoby Andreas , Moebius Nina , Rompf Tiark , Stechert Peer
Published: December 2010

We present a cryptographicallyt‐private protocol for electronic auctions whose low resource demands make it viable for practical use. Our construction is based on Yao's garbled circuits and pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs). Our protocol involves a field of (t+ 1)2parties for the generation of the garbled circuit and permits an arbitrary large number of bidders. The computational requirements are low: Onlyt+ 1 parties of the field have to use the PRNG, the remaining parties execute only primitive computations (XOR, permutations and sharing). The bidders have to stay active for one round of communication, independent of each other. Each bidder has to compute onlyt+ 1 XOR‐operations. We present an implementation and evaluate its performance. The observed running time of our protocol is linear in the size of the auction circuit and the number of bidders and, as expected, grows quadratically in the parametert. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallels between use of constraint‐induced movement therapy to treat neurological motor disorders and amblyopia training
Authors: Taub Edward
Published: December 2010

There are striking similarities between the visual defect of amblyopia and the motor deficit of the extremities produced by such types of damage to the central nervous system (CNS) as stroke and traumatic brain injury, both after and before maturity. Part of the motor deficit of the extremities following CNS injury can be attributed to a learning phenomenon termed “learned nonuse” or if present from birth, “developmental disregard.” The same mechanism is hypothesized to be involved in the development of amblyopia. Treatments that are efficacious in the remediation of these defects, Constraint‐Induced Movement therapy and amblyopia training, also share a number of strong similarities. In addition, plastic brain changes are produced by CI therapy and are hypothesized to occur during amblyopia training. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:274‐292, 2012.
Patterning and plasticity in development of the respiratory lineage
Authors: Domyan Eric T. , Sun Xin
Published: December 2010

The mammalian respiratory lineage, consisting of the trachea and lung, originates from the ventral foregut in an early embryo. Reciprocal signaling interactions between the foregut epithelium and its associated mesenchyme guide development of the respiratory endoderm, from a naive sheet of cells to multiple cell types that line a functional organ. This review synthesizes current understanding of the early events in respiratory system development, focusing on three main topics: (1) specification of the respiratory system as a distinct organ of the endoderm, (2) patterning and differentiation of the nascent respiratory epithelium along its proximal–distal axis, and (3) plasticity of the respiratory cells during the process of development. This review also highlights areas in need of further study, including determining how early endoderm cells rapidly switch their responses to the same signaling cues during development, and how the general proximal–distal pattern of the lung is converted to fine‐scale organization of multiple cell types along this axis. Developmental Dynamics 240:477–485, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The harmonization game: Reasons and rules in European biodiversity policy
Authors: Hiedanpää Juha , Bromley Daniel W.
Published: December 2010

Since Finland joined the European Union (EU) in 1995, the European Commission has shown growing impatience with how EU rules with respect to protection of wolves and other large carnivores have been enforced within Finland. In 2005 the Commission referred the matter to the European Court of Justice, which subsequently found Finland deficient in the strict protection of wolves. We investigate the reasons underlying the court case. We identify two problems in the realm of ‘reason giving’. The first problem arises from the lack of a causal model linking decentralized actions on the part of the subjects of administrative rules with the desired outcomes imagined by the centralized entities issuing the new administrative rulings. The second problem arises from the authoritarian tendencies of the EU that fail to understand the context of wolves for rural livelihoods in Finland. Both of these problems give rise to surprising practical effects emerging from the ‘harmonization game’. We introduce the concept of ‘instrumentality’ with respect to the goal of sustainable wolf populations. We also introduce the concept of ‘inverse high‐grading’ of wolves under the umbrella of biodiversity protection. The EU and the people of rural Finland will continue to struggle over wolves until a more coherent policy goal, and a more defensible administrative rule structure, can be formulated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Domino Reactions of Formylcyclopropane 1,1‐Diesters: Construction of a 6‐5‐5 Tricyclic Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole
Authors: Li Linxia , Du Ding , Ren Jun , Wang Zhongwen
Published: December 2010

Catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), a domino ring‐opening/redox amidation/Knoevenagel condensation of readily available formylcyclopropane 1,1‐diesters with 1H‐indole‐2‐carbaldehydes is reported. This methodology provides a new and direct method for the construction of a 6‐5‐5 tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole skeleton.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Molecular Rods Comprising a Central Core‐Substituted Naphthalenediimide Chromophore for Carbon Nanotube Junctions
Authors: Grunder Sergio , Muñoz Torres David , Marquardt Christoph , Błaszczyk Alfred , Krupke Ralph , Mayor Marcel
Published: December 2010

The synthesis of a series of molecular rods 1–5, designed to bridge the gap of a carbon nanotube junction in order to emit light as a characteristic signal of integrated molecules, is reported. The molecular rods consist of a central naphthalenediimide (NDI) core, which itself is substituted with benzylamino and benzylsulfanyl groups, providing distinct absorption and emission properties. The NDI core is embedded in an oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) system providing the rod‐like structure required to bridge gaps between nanoelectrodes. The number of repeating units of the OPE is varied to adjust the length of the target compounds between 2.3 and 6.6 nm. The OPE parts are terminally functionalized with polyaromatic hydrocarbon groups (naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene or pyrene), which possess affinity with the surface of the carbon nanotubes due to van der Waals interactions. Synthetic protocols based on Sonogashira–Hagihara couplings were developed to build up the OPE backbone. Bifunctional iodophenyl acetylene derivative 33 served as a key building block in a coupling–deprotecting–coupling sequence. The NDI building block was synthesized by an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,6‐dichloro‐1,4,5,8‐tetracarboxylic acid naphthalenediimide derivative 9 and the corresponding amine and sulfide (i.e., 11, 12), respectively. The convergent synthesis allows modular assembly of the NDI and OPE parts in a final Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reaction. The target structures were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Further, the optical properties of compounds 3–5 in solution, and on a graphene surface were qualitatively investigated. A Dexter‐type energy transfer from the OPE unit to the NDI unit was observed. The studies of target structures 3–5 revealed that diamino‐functionalized compound 3 is ideally suited for the envisaged single molecule electroluminescence experiments.
Allocation of available transfer capability in planning horizon
Authors: Rajabi‐Ghahnavieh A. , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad M. , Feuillet R.
Published: December 2010

In the United States electricity market standard, when several transmission service requests (TSRs) are made for a specific pair of power injection/extraction points, the independent system operator (ISO) must allocate the available transmission capability (ATC) associated with the pair to the requests. An ATC allocation must determine the amount of accepted requests as well as the priority of the accepted requests during emergencies. The requests could have different types (recallable/non‐recallable), tariffs, and time frames and these factors must be properly considered in ATC allocation.

This paper proposes a method for optimal ATC allocation in the planning horizon which incorporates the type and tariffs of the requests in a mixed integer linear optimization programming for which the expected net revenue of ATC allocation on a seasonal base has to be maximized. The method also incorporates maintenance and forced outage of power system components as well as the load forecast uncertainty in ATC allocation problem. Once allocation accomplished by solving the optimization problem, the amount of the accepted requests and their priorities to the power system operator during emergencies are determined. The proposed method is applied to the modified IEEE reliability test system (IEEE‐RTS) and its performance is evaluated. A comparison is made between the results obtained by the proposed method and those obtained using existing ATC allocation methods. Two approaches are finally presented and evaluated to apply the proposed method for allocating ATC to the requests with a yearly base. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multistage transmission network expansion planning in competitive electricity market based on bi‐level programming method
Authors: Fan Hong , Cheng Hao‐zhong
Published: December 2010

A new bi‐level programming model for market‐based transmission network expansion planning is presented in the paper. Open access transmission brings new challenges to transmission network expansion planning. From the transmission corporation's view, the goal of optimal transmission network expansion planning scheme should not only bring the optimal transmission profit in the market, but also ensure high operation security and reliability, meanwhile social welfare is necessary to be accounted for. In this paper, the upper level programming considers transmission profit maximization in long‐term planning, the lower level programming considers the social welfare maximization in short‐term operation. Furthermore,N−1 security constraints are also considered in the model. A hybrid algorithm integrated with niche genetic algorithm (GA) and primal‐dual interior method is adopted to solve the proposed bi‐level programming model of the transmission network expansion planning. The planning methodology has been demonstrated on the 18‐bus system to show the feasibility and validity, moreover, comparison has been made between traditional transmission expansion plan and proposed market‐based transmission expansion plan; it was also applied to the real life system 77‐bus system transmission grid. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel approach for evaluating market power in reactive power markets
Authors: Asgari Mohammad Hossein , Monsef Hassan , Buygi Majid Oloomi
Published: December 2010

One of the main concerns for any power markets is whether individual participants can increase their profit by withholding capacity or bidding away from the marginal cost of providing the products. To address this concern, some tools and techniques for identifying and detecting dominant and must‐run suppliers are required. Market power problems are more intricate in reactive power markets than those in other markets due to the specific properties of this ancillary service. This paper introduces a new structural index which takes into account reactive demand level, transmission network constraints, output limits, and circumstances of other suppliers. The proposed measure (reactive must procurement (RMP)) is a must‐run index‐based method which calculates the minimum reactive power capacity which must be procured by a reactive source (whether in generation or absorption mode) to supply reactive requirements of system. To illustrate the simplicity, practicality, and usefulness of introduced measure, the proposed index is applied to the IEEE 57‐bus test system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchrophasors measurement in a GPS‐IEEE 1588 hybrid system
Authors: Lixia Marco , Locci Nicola , Muscas Carlo , Sulis Sara
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a study on a hybrid architecture considering Global Positioning System (GPS) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP), defined in Standard IEEE 1588, for applications in electric power systems, with reference to one of the most challenging measurement problems, namely the measurement of synchrophasors. The proposed approach refers in particular to situations in which many measurement devices, connected to each other by suitable communication links, are located in a geographically limited subarea of the power system. A laboratory experimental setup has been built to evaluate the performance achievable with this solution. A detailed analysis of the obtained results is presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational strategy for multi‐converter based variable speed wind generator during network fault
Authors: Muyeen S. M. , Tamura J.
Published: December 2010

This paper proposes novel multiconverter operation and control scheme for variable speed wind energy conversion system to withstand against grid fault. The full or partial rating frequency converters (FCs), in general, are widely used in variable speed wind turbine (VSWT) driven wind generators. Among the variable speed wind generators, permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), which uses a full rating FC for grid interfacing, is drawing much attention nowadays due to its salient features. However, considering the factors such as higher‐reliability, higher efficiency, and lower harmonics, the multiconverter based topology might be preferable instead of using a full rating FC. This paper proposes a coordinated control scheme for multiple parallel‐connected FC units integrated with VSWT driving PMSG to augments the transient performance during a network disturbance. Multimode operation (inverter and rectifier) of the individual FC unit is another salient feature of this study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flame retardancy working mechanism of methyl‐DOPO and MPPP in flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: König A. , Kroke E.
Published: December 2010

The chemical nature of flexible polyurethane (flex PU) foams, the low density, the high air permeability and the open cell structure cause this material to be highly flammable. The new phosphorus flame‐retardant (FR) methyl‐DOPO (9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐methylphosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide) is known to show an excellent flame retarding behavior in flex PU foam by acting mainly in the gas phase. In this study, the FR working mechanism of methyl‐DOPO and its ring‐opened analogue MPPP (methylphenoxyphenyl‐phosphinate) is investigated by TGA, TG–MS, FMVSS 302 and Cone Calorimeter measurements. Under TG–MS conditions comparable concentrations of low molecular weight species such as HPO, mathrmCH3PO or PO2 are released. These species are able to scavenge the H‐ and OH‐radicals in the radical chain reactions of the flame leading to a significant increase in the CO/CO2 ratio and the smoke density during cone calorimeter experiments. Finally, the flame retardancy of MPPP is determined to be less efficient in flex PU foam because of the higher vapor pressure compared with methyl‐DOPO. Here, the vaporization of methyl‐DOPO occurs in the same temperature region as the depolymerization of the urethane and the bisubstituted urea groups during pyrolysis of the foam leading to an optimal interaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of a once‐daily formulation of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ihl Ralf , Bachinskaya Natalia , Korczyn Amos D. , Vakhapova Veronika , Tribanek Michael , Hoerr Robert , Napryeyenko Oleksandr
Published: December 2010

Objective

To test the efficacy and safety of a once‐daily formulation of EGb 761 in the treatment of patients with dementia with neuropsychiatric features.

Methods

Multi‐centre trial of 410 outpatients with mild to moderate dementia (Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or mixed form) scoring between 9 and 23 on the SKT cognitive test battery, at least five on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and three or higher in at least one item of the NPI. Patients were randomly allocated to double‐blind treatment with 240 mg of EGb 761 or placebo once daily for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes were the changes from baseline in the SKT total score and the NPI total score. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC), Activities of Daily Living International Scale (ADL‐IS), NPI distress score, DEMQOL‐Proxy quality‐of‐life scale and Verbal Fluency Test were secondary outcomes.

Results

At endpoint, patients treated with EGb 761 (n = 202) improved by −1.4 (95% confidence interval −1.8; −1.0) points on the SKT and by −3.2 (−4.0; −2.3) on the NPI total score, whereas those receiving placebo (n = 202) deteriorated by +0.3 (−0.1; 0.7) on the SKT and did not change on the NPI total score (−0.9; 0.9). Both drug‐placebo comparisons were significant at p < 0.001. EGb 761 was significantly superior to placebo with respect to all secondary outcome measures. Adverse event rates were similar for both treatment groups.

Conclusions

EGb 761, 240 mg once‐daily, was found significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of patients with dementia with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin-10–Mediated Heme Oxygenase 1–Induced Underlying Mechanism in Inflammatory Down-Regulation by Norfloxacin in Cirrhosis §δ
Authors: Gómez-Hurtado Isabel , Zapater Pedro , Bellot Pablo , Pascual Sonia , Pérez-Mateo Miguel , Such José , Francés Rubén
Published: December 2010

Patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin show a restored inflammatory balance that likely prevents clinical complications derived from an excessive proinflammatory response to bacterial product challenges. This study sought to investigate associated inflammatory control mechanisms established in patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin. A total of 62 patients with cirrhosis and ascites in different clinical conditions were considered. Blood samples were collected and intracellular and serum norfloxacin were measured. Inflammatory mediators were evaluated at messenger RNA and protein levels. Neutrophils from all patients were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anti–interleukin-10 (anti–IL-10) monoclonal antibody in different conditions. IL-10 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were up-regulated in patients receiving norfloxacin and correlated with norfloxacin in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and nuclear factor-κB behaved inversely. Higher IL-10 levels correlated with lower white blood cell count and higher mean arterial pressure. No correlations were found between IL-10 and disease clinical scores or liver function markers in blood. Neutrophilic

in vitro

assays showed that the effect of LPS on proinflammatory mediator levels in the presence of norfloxacin was abrogated by significantly increasing IL-10 and HO-1 expression. After stimulation with LPS plus anti–IL-10, proinflammatory mediators were dramatically increased in patients receiving norfloxacin, and increasing intracellular norfloxacin concentrations did not decrease the expression levels of these proinflammatory molecules. Unblocking IL-10 restored proinflammatory mediator and HO-1 expression to previously observed levels in response to LPS stimulation.

Conclusion:

Although the described association does not necessarily mean causality, an IL-10–mediated HO-1–induced anti-inflammatory mechanism is present in patients with cirrhosis receiving norfloxacin, that is directly associated with cell-modulating events in these patients. (Hepatology 2011;)
Bioluminescence reporter gene imaging characterize human embryonic stem cell‐derived teratoma formation
Authors: Su Weijun , Zhou Manqian , Zheng Yizhou , Fan Yan , Wang Lina , Han Zhongchao , Kong Deling , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Wu Joseph C. , Xiang Rong , Li Zongjin
Published: December 2010

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells have a potential use for the repair and regeneration of injured tissues. However, teratoma formation can be a major obstacle for hES‐mediated cell therapy. Therefore, tracking the fate and function of transplanted hES cells with noninvasive imaging could be valuable for a better understanding of the biology and physiology of teratoma formation. In this study, hES cells were stably transduced with a double fusion reporter gene consisting of firefly luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein. Following bioluminescence imaging and histology, we demonstrated that engraftment of hES cells was followed by dramatically increasing signaling and led to teratoma formation confirmed by histology. Studies of the angiogenic processes within teratomas revealed that their vasculatures were derived from both differentiated hES cells and host. Moreover, FACS analysis showed that teratoma cells derived from hES cells expressed high levels of CD56 and SSEA‐4, and the subcultured SSEA‐4+ cells showed a similar cell surface marker expression pattern when compared to undifferentiated hES cells. We report here for the first time that SSEA‐4+ cells derived from teratoma exhibited multipotency, retained their differentiation ability in vivo as confirmed by their differentiation into representative three germ layers. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 840–848, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of desacyl ghrelin, obestatin and related peptides on triglyceride storage, metabolism and GHSR signaling in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Miegueu Pierre , St Pierre David , Broglio Fabio , Cianflone Katherine
Published: December 2010

Acyl‐ghrelin (AG), desacyl‐ghrelin (DAG) and obestatin are all derived from the same gene transcript; however their plasma levels do not necessarily change in parallel. The influence of these peptides towards the development of obesity and their direct effects on adipocyte physiology has not been thoroughly investigated. This study was designed to evaluate the direct effects of peptides of the ghrelin family on preadipocyte proliferation, differentiation and adipocyte lipid and glucose metabolism in 3T3‐L1 cells. 3T3 cells were treated with physiological peptide concentrations for 1 h to 9 days, and the relevant assays measured. In preadipocytes, AG, GHRP‐6 and DAG stimulated proliferation, measured as 3H‐thymidine incorporation (up to 200%, P < 0.05), while all peptides stimulated differentiation (up to 300%, P < 0.01) as compared to standard differentiation conditions. In adipocytes, FA uptake was increased in a concentration‐dependent manner especially with obestatin (three‐ to fourfold, P < 0.001) and DAG (three‐ to fivefold, P < 0.001). By contrast, glucose transport was unchanged. DAG and obestatin significantly decreased lipolysis measured as non‐esterified fatty acid and glycerol release by 50%, P < 0.05–0.01 and 51%, P < 0.01, respectively. Interestingly, DAG stimulation of FA uptake was blocked with GHSR1 antagonist (D‐lys3)‐GHRP‐6 (P < 0.05), phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin (P < 0.001). Finally, in omental but not subcutaneous human adipose tissue, GHSR1 correlated with BMI (r = 0.549, P < 0.05) and insulin (r = 0.681, P < 0.01). Taken together, these results suggest that ghrelin‐related peptides may directly affect adipose tissue metabolism. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 704–714, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nephroblastoma overexpressed (Nov) induces gremlin in ST‐2 stromal cell lines by post‐transcriptional mechanisms
Authors: Smerdel‐Ramoya Anna , Zanotti Stefano , Canalis Ernesto
Published: December 2010

Nephroblastoma overexpressed (Nov) inhibits osteoblastogenesis in part because it binds bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2. In the present study, we investigated whether Nov regulated the expression of the BMP antagonist gremlin. Overexpression of Nov increased gremlin mRNA levels in ST‐2 cells, and its downregulation by RNA interference decreased gremlin mRNA. Nov did not affect Grem1 transcription, but prolonged the half‐life of gremlin mRNA in ST‐2 cells, demonstrating that Nov acts by post‐transcriptional mechanisms. This was confirmed by demonstrating that downregulation of Nov destabilizes gremlin transcripts. To assess whether the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of gremlin mRNA mediated the effect of Nov, the decay of a chimeric cfos gremlin 3′‐UTR construct was compared to that of cfos in ST‐2 cells. The presence of the gremlin 3′‐UTR prolonged the half‐life of cfos and was responsible for the effect of Nov. To examine the binding of the gremlin 3′‐UTR to ribonucleoproteins, radiolabeled gremlin RNA fragments were incubated with cytosolic extracts from Nov overexpressing and control cells. RNA electrophoretic mobility analysis revealed that Nov enhanced the binding of cytosolic proteins to the fragments spanning the 3′‐UTR of gremlin between bases 1,358–1,557 and 1,158–1,357 from the transcriptional start. Mutations of AU‐rich elements in these two RNA fragments prevented the formation of RNA–protein complexes induced by Nov. Nov did not alter the binding of cytosolic extracts to sequences present in the 5′‐UTR or coding region of gremlin. In conclusion, Nov stabilizes gremlin transcripts, and this effect is possibly mediated by AU‐rich elements present in the 3′‐UTR of gremlin. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 715–722, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RASSF1A suppresses melanoma development by modulating apoptosis and cell‐cycle progression
Authors: Yi Mei , Yang Jianbo , Chen Xiang , Li Ji , Li Xiayu , Wang Li , Tan Yixin , Xiong Wei , Zhou Ming , McCarthy James B. , Li Guiyuan , Xiang Bo , Xie Hongfu
Published: December 2010

The tumor suppressor candidate gene Ras association domain family 1, isoform A (RASSF1A) encodes a microtubule‐associated protein that is implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Several studies indicate that down‐regulation of RASSF1A resulting from promoter hypermethylation is a frequent epigenetic abnormality in malignant melanoma. In this study, we report that compared with melanocytes in normal skins or benign skin lesions, RASSF1A is down‐regulated in melanoma tissues as well as cell lines, and its expression negatively correlates with lymph node metastasis. Following ectopic expression in RASSF1A‐deficient melanoma A375 cell line, RASSF1A reduces cell viability, suppresses cell‐cycle progression but enhances apoptotic cell death. In vivo, RASSF1A expression inhibits the tumorigenic potential of A375 cells in nude mice, which also correlates with decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. On the molecular level, ectopic RASSF1A expression leads to differential expression of 209 genes, including 26 down‐regulated and 183 up‐regulated ones. Among different signaling pathways, activation of the apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/p38 MAP kinase signaling is essential for RASSF1A‐induced mitochondrial apoptosis, and the inhibition of the Akt/p70S6 kinase/eIF4E signaling is also important for RASSF1A‐mediated apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest. This is the first study exploring the biological functions and the underlying mechanisms of RASSF1A during melanoma development. It also identifies potential targets for further diagnosis and clinical therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2360–2369, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.