bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with and without a prolonged serologically active clinically quiescent period
Authors: Steiman Amanda J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Ibañez Dominique , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients' discordance presents a clinical dilemma. Does active serology alone warrant treatment? We explore outcomes in patients with and without a prolonged SACQ period, comparing the rate of damage accrual by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) and incidences of renal damage and coronary artery disease (CAD) over a decade.

Methods

SACQ was defined as a ≥2‐year sustained period without clinical activity, with persistent serologic activity (increased anti–double‐stranded DNA and/or hypocomplementemia). Antimalarials were permissible and corticosteroids/immunosuppressives were not. The SACQ patients were matched for relevant variables with SLE controls. Change in the SDI and incidences of CAD and renal damage were compared. Descriptive statistics were used; comparisons were made using t‐tests and McNemar's tests.

Results

Fifty‐five SACQ patients and 110 controls were identified. The mean ± SD SDI score at 3 years from the start of the SACQ period was 0.70 ± 1.27 in the SACQ patients versus 1.13 ± 1.54 in controls (P < 0.0001), and by 10 years was 1.26 ± 1.68 versus 2.26 ± 2.23 (P = 0.001); the intergroup difference in damage significantly increased over 10 years. Initially, 2 (3.6%) of the SACQ patients had CAD versus 7 (6.4%) of the controls (P = 0.32), with 1 (1.8%) new case in SACQ patients versus 8 (7.3%) new cases in controls over 10 years (P = 0.06). Baseline serum creatinine level did not differ between the groups. By definition, the SACQ patients had no baseline proteinuria versus 13 (12.3%) of the controls (P < 0.0001). By year 10, 2 (3.6%) SACQ patients versus 26 (23.6%) controls had renal damage (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients with a prolonged SACQ period accrued less damage over a decade compared to matched controls, supporting management with active surveillance without treatment during an SACQ period.
Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells Based on Nanocrystalline Mixtures of Boron Subphthalocyanine Chloride and C60
Authors: Pandey Richa , Gunawan Aloysius A. , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Holmes Russell J.
Published: December 2011

The electrical and structural behavior of uniformly mixed films of boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc) and C60 and their performance in organic photovoltaic cells is explored. Device performance shows a strong dependence on active‐layer donor–acceptor composition, and peak efficiency is realized at 80 wt.% C60. The origin of this C60‐rich optimum composition is elucidated in terms of morphological changes in the active layer upon diluting SubPc with C60. While neat SubPc is found to be amorphous, mixed films containing 80 wt.% C60 show clear nanocrystalline domains of SubPc. Supporting electrical characterization indicates that this change in morphology coincides with an increase in the hole mobility of the SubPc:C60 mixture, with peak mobility observed at a composition of 80 wt.% C60. Organic photovoltaic cells constructed using this optimum SubPc:C60 ratio realize a power conversion efficiency of (3.7 ± 0.1)% under 100 mW cm−2 simulated AM1.5G solar illumination.
Thirty Years of Luminescent Solar Concentrator Research: Solar Energy for the Built Environment
Authors: Debije Michael G. , Verbunt Paul P. C.
Published: December 2011

Research on the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) over the past thirty‐odd years is reviewed. The LSC is a simple device at its heart, employing a polymeric or glass waveguide and luminescent molecules to generate electricity from sunlight when attached to a photovoltaic cell. The LSC has the potential to find extended use in an area traditionally difficult for effective use of regular photovoltaic panels: the built environment. The LSC is a device very flexible in its design, with a variety of possible shapes and colors. The primary challenge faced by the devices is increasing their photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiencies. A number of laboratories are working to improve the efficiency and lifetime of the LSC device, with the ultimate goal of commercializing the devices within a few years. The topics covered here relate to the efforts for reducing losses in these devices. These include studies of novel luminophores, including organic fluorescent dyes, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dots. Ways to limit the surface and internal losses are also discussed, including using organic and inorganic‐based selective mirrors which allow sunlight in but reflect luminophore‐emitted light, plasmonic structures to enhance emissions, novel photovoltaics, alignment of the luminophores to manipulate the path of the emitted light, and patterning of the dye layer to improve emission efficiency. Finally, some possible ‘glimpses of the future’ are offered, with additional research paths that could result in a device that makes solar energy a ubiquitous part of the urban setting, finding use as sound barriers, bus‐stop roofs, awnings, windows, paving, or siding tiles.
Platinum nanoparticles generated in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes and their high catalytic activity
Authors: Wu Shuang , Zhu Zhongming , Siepenkötter Till , Guo Xuhong
Published: December 2011

Nano‐sized cationic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) consisting of a solid core of polystyrene and a shell of poly(aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride) grafted densely on the core were prepared by photo‐emulsion polymerization. They were found to be ideal nanoreactors to generate platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Because of Donnan equilibrium, SPBs can concentrate and confine the divalent PtCl62− ions as counterions within the brush layer. The PtCl62− ions were reduced into Pt particles with an average size of 3 nm by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in situ. The prepared Pt nanoparticles were stably immobilized in SPB and showed high catalytic activity in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol by NaBH4. The results reported here suggest that spherical polyelectrolyte brushes are ideal nanoreactors for the preparation of Pt nanoparticles. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological, transport, and adsorption properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/polyurethane/bentonite clay composites
Authors: Dlamini Derrick S. , Mishra Ajay K. , Mamba Bhekie B.
Published: December 2011

The effect of polyurethane (PU) foam on the morphological and transport properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with 9% vinyl acetate and the potential application of 3%bentonite/28.5% PU/68.5% EVA composites fabricated via the melt‐blending method in heavy‐metal extraction from water systems were investigated. EVA did not swell in water, whereas the PU/EVA blend attained a maximum percentage of deionized water uptake of 2.158 mol %. A 3% bentonite/28.5% PU/68.5% EVA composite blend successfully removed 90% of Pb2+ from an aqueous solution with an initial concentration of 30 mg/L, whereas 3% bentonite/97% EVA could only extract 7.323% of Pb2+ ions. Pb2+ adsorption was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption was favorable at room temperature and the uptake of Pb2+ was mostly by physical adsorption, as also indicated by the value n = 2.449 (where n is an empirical parameter indicating transport mode) from the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical properties and morphology of hot drawn polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous yarn
Authors: Hosseini Ravandi S. A. , Hassanabadi E. , Tavanai H. , Abuzade R. A.
Published: December 2011

In this study PAN nanofibrous yarn was produced by two‐nozzle conjugated electrospinning method. The nanofibrous yarns were drawn continuously in boiling water with drawing ratios of 1, 2, 3, and 4. The morphology of drawn yarns was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and tested for tensile properties as well as untreated yarn. The results showed that the nanofiber alignment in the yarn axis direction, the tensile strength, and tensile modulus of yarn increases as a result of drawing while the tensile strain and work of rapture decrease. X‐ray diffraction patterns of the produced yarns were analyzed as well. It was found that crystallinity index increases as the draw ratio increases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Gamma‐radiation initiated synthesis of Psyllium and acrylic acid‐based polymeric networks for selective absorption of water from different oil–water emulsions
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Kaith B. S. , Jindal Rajeev , Mittal Hemant
Published: December 2011

Removal of water from the crude petroleum during its extraction and refining process is one of the major problems faced by petroleum industries, so in this study a superabsorbent has been synthesized from Psyllium and acrylic acid based polymers under the influence of gamma radiations using hexamine as a crosslinker. After optimizing various reaction parameters, the optimized superabsorbent has been tested for its selective water absorption capacity from different oil–water emulsions as a function of time, temperature, pH, and NaCl concentration. The synthesized superabsorbent has been found to be highly selective toward water absorption with maximum percent swelling of 8560% in petrol–water emulsion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared with a novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer of N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐ acrylamide and its thermal and flame retardant properties
Authors: Huang Guobo , Wang Xu , Fei Zhengdong , Liang Huading , Ye Yuyuan
Published: December 2011

A novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer, N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐acrylamide (DPEAA), was synthesize and characterized. Flame retardant poly(methyl methacrylate)/organic‐modified montmorillonite (PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization by incorporating methyl methacrylate, DPEAA, and OMMT. The results from X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that exfoliated PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites were formed. Thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. The synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite improved thermal stability and reduced significantly the flammability [including peak heat release rates (PHRR), total heat release, average mass loss rate, etc.]. The PHRR of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT was reduced by about 40% compared with pure PMMA. The LOI value of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT reached 27.3%. The morphology and composition of residues generated after cone calorimeter tests were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), TEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). The SEM and TEM images showed that a compact, dense, and uniform intumescent char was formed for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites after combustion. The results of EDX confirmed that the carbon content of the char for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites increased obviously by the synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and structural characterization of novel chiral nanostructured poly(esterimide)s containing different natural amino acids and 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) linkages
Authors: Mallakpour S. , Soltanian S.
Published: December 2011

Pyromellitic dianhydride (benzene‐1,2,4,5‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride) (1) was reacted with several amino acids in acetic acid and the resulting imide‐acid [N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L‐amino acid diacid] (4a–4d) was obtained in high yield. The direct polycondensation reaction of these diacids with 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) (5) was carried out in a system of tosyl chloride(TsCl), pyridine, and N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) to give a series of novel optically active poly(esterimide)s. Step‐growth polymerization was carried out by varying the time of heating and the molar ratio of TsCl/diacid, and the optimum conditions were achieved. These new chiral polymers were characterized with respect to chemical structure and purity by means of specific rotation experiments, FTIR, 1H‐NMR, X‐ray diffraction, elemental, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. These polymers are readily soluble in many polar organic solvents like DMF, N,N‐dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and protic solvents such as sulfuric acid. TGA showed that the 10% weight loss temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere was more than 390°C; therefore, these new chiral polymers have useful levels of thermal stability associated with good solubility. Furthermore, study of the surface morphology of the obtained polymers by FE‐SEM showed that each polymers exhibit nanostructure morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, structure, and thermo‐physical properties of Fe2O3.Al2O3 and polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Vakhshouri Amir Reza , Azizov Akif , Aliyeva Reyhan , Bagirova Shefeq
Published: December 2011

In this study, Fe2O3.Al2O3/polyethylene composites were prepared using a two‐step process. In the first step, PE is synthesized using titanium based metallocene catalyst system. While the synthesized PE was subsequently purified, hydrated alumina filled PE (MHFP) composites was formed by the hydrolysis of methylaluminoxane (MAO). In the second step, Fe2O3.Al2O3/PE was prepared via thermal decomposition of ferric formate in a high temperature solution of MHFP composite. The structure, morphology, and thermal properties of the composites were characterized using the XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDX, TGA, and DSC analytical techniques. Results showed that the incorporation of a suitable amount of Fe2O3.Al2O3 into the composites enhances the thermal stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of some substituted anilines‐formaldehyde polymers on mild steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid medium
Authors: Shukla Sudhish Kumar , Quraishi Mumtaz Ahmad
Published: December 2011

The influence of linear copolymer of amines and formaldehyde namely poly(aniline‐formaldehyde) (Inh1), poly(o‐toluidene‐formaldehyde) (Inh2), and poly(p‐chloroaniline‐formaldehyde) (Inh3) on corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid was evaluated by weight loss measurements, linear polarization, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These polymers showed very high inhibition efficiency at very low concentrations. Results obtained showed that all inhibitors are mixed inhibitors and participate in reaction probably in the form of metal inhibitor complex on metal surface. Atomic force microscopic studies reveal that the surface of metal is quite unaffected after use of inhibitor in hydrochloric acid solution. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Capricious bioinvasions versus uncoordinated management strategies: how the most unlikely invaders can prosper under the current UK legislation framework
Authors: Morgan Eilir H. , Richardson Christopher A.
Published: December 2011

Bioinvasions are known to be highly unpredictable and context‐dependent, varying both spatially and temporally, particularly in areas of intense anthropogenic activity and disturbance. Even the most unlikely invader can rapidly become problematic in the absence of frequent, coherent, and flexible management strategies. Using the recent spread of the Chilean oyster (Ostrea chilensis Philippi 1845) within a designated Special Area of Conservation, the paper describes what can happen to seemingly innocuous non‐native species under the often complicated and uncoordinated current UK legislation framework.

Following >30 years of containment at Tal y Foel (North Wales, UK), O. chilensis, a species with a highly‐reduced natural dispersal capacity, has now spread over a range of >30 km of shoreline. Alternative vectors, including rafting and several anthropogenic activities, are likely to have facilitated the dispersal of O. chilensis away from Tal y Foel.

Areas of high oyster densities (maximum = 232 oysters m‐2) have become established both close to and distant from the site of original introduction. The presence of all year classes throughout the observed age range (≤7 and ≤9 years old in the intertidal and subtidal populations, respectively) confirms regular annual recruitment in the area. Information is now urgently required regarding the factors that promote the persistence and spread of O. chilensis within its new environment, as well as the impacts of its increasing localized dominance on the native biodiversity and ecosystem function.

As well as providing valuable, up‐to‐date information on the recent spread of this non‐native species, the paper highlights discrepancies in the current UK legislation framework that allow for the successful establishment and spread of even the most unlikely invaders. the formation of a comprehensive and dedicated EU legal framework for managing invasives is advocated that also promotes coherence and continuity with impending legislative instruments concerning other relevant sectors.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Genotype, phenotype, and clinical course in five patients with PAPA syndrome (pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne)
Authors: Demidowich Andrew P. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Kuhns Douglas B. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Gallin John I. , Turner Maria L. , Kastner Daniel L. , Holland Steven M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To describe the genotypes, phenotypes, immunophenotypes, and treatments of PAPA syndrome (pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne), a rare autoinflammatory disease, in 5 patients.

Methods

Clinical information was gathered from medical records and through interviews with 5 patients from 4 kindreds. PSTPIP1 (CD2BP1) exon 10 and exon 11 sequencing was performed in each patient. Neutrophil granule content and cytokine levels were determined in plasma and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients and controls.

Results

We identified 2 previously described PAPA syndrome–associated PSTPIP1 mutations, A230T and E250Q, and a novel change, E250K. Disease penetrance was incomplete, with variable expressivity. The cutaneous manifestations included pathergy, cystic acne, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and circulating neutrophil granule enzyme levels were markedly elevated in patients compared to those in controls. PBMC stimulation studies demonstrated impaired production of IL‐10 and enhanced production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. Good resolution of pyoderma gangrenosum was achieved in 3 patients with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockade treatment.

Conclusion

This analysis of 5 patients demonstrates that mutations in PSTPIP1 are incompletely penetrant and variably expressed in the PAPA syndrome. Neutrophil granule proteins are markedly elevated ex vivo and in the plasma, and elevated levels might be compatible with a diagnosis of PAPA syndrome. TNFα blockade appears to be effective in treating the cutaneous manifestations of PAPA syndrome.
Down‐regulation of microRNA‐34a* in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts promotes apoptosis resistance
Authors: Niederer Fabienne , Trenkmann Michelle , Ospelt Caroline , Karouzakis Emmanuel , Neidhart Michel , Stanczyk Joanna , Kolling Christoph , Gay Renate E. , Detmar Michael , Gay Steffen , Jüngel Astrid , Kyburz Diego
Published: December 2011

Objective

To investigate the expression and effect of the microRNA‐34 (miR‐34) family on apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).

Methods

Expression of the miR‐34 family in synovial fibroblasts with or without stimulation with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), hypoxia, or 5‐azacytidine was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Promoter methylation was studied by combined bisulfite restriction analysis. The effects of overexpression and silencing of miR‐34a and miR‐34a* on apoptosis were analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Production of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was assessed by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. Reporter gene assay was used to study the signaling pathways of miR‐34a*.

Results

Basal expression levels of miR‐34a* were found to be reduced in synovial fibroblasts from RA patients compared to osteoarthritis patients, whereas levels of miR‐34a, miR‐34b/b*, and miR‐34c/c* did not differ. Neither TNFα, IL‐1β, TLR ligands, nor hypoxia altered miR‐34a* expression. However, we demonstrated that the promoter of miR‐34a/34a* was methylated and showed that transcription of the miR‐34a duplex was induced upon treatment with demethylating agents. Enforced expression of miR‐34a* led to an increased rate of FasL‐ and TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis in RASFs. Moreover, levels of miR‐34a* were highly correlated with expression of XIAP, which was found to be up‐regulated in RA synovial cells. Finally, we identified XIAP as a direct target of miR‐34a*.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence of a methylation‐specific down‐regulation of proapoptotic miR‐34a* in RASFs. Decreased expression of miR‐ 34a* results in up‐regulation of its direct target XIAP, thereby contributing to resistance of RASFs to apoptosis.
Effect of oxidative stress on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in scleroderma dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Tsou Pei‐Suen , Talia Nadine N. , Pinney Adam J. , Kendzicky Ann , Piera‐Velazquez Sonsoles , Jimenez Sergio A. , Seibold James R. , Phillips Kristine , Koch Alisa E.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor, PDGFR, promote fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) dermal fibroblasts, and such cells in scleroderma skin lesions produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). PDGFR is phosphorylated upon PDGF stimulation, and is dephosphorylated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), including PTP1B. This study was undertaken to determine whether the thiol‐sensitive PTP1B is affected by ROS in SSc dermal fibroblasts, thereby enhancing the phosphorylation of PDGFR and synthesis of type I collagen. This study also sought to investigate the effect of a thiol antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), in SSc.

Methods

Fibroblasts were isolated from the skin of patients with diffuse SSc and normal healthy donors for cell culture experiments and immunofluorescence analyses. A phosphate release assay was used to determine the activity of PTP1B.

Results

Levels of ROS and type I collagen were significantly higher and amounts of free thiol were significantly lower in SSc fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts. After stimulation with PDGF, not only were PDGFR and ERK‐1/2 phosphorylated to a greater extent, but also the ability to produce PTP1B was hampered in SSc fibroblasts. The activity of PTP1B was significantly inactivated in SSc fibroblasts as a result of cysteine oxidation by the raised levels of ROS, which was confirmed by the oxidation of multiple PTPs, including PTP1B, in SSc fibroblasts. Decreased expression of PTP1B in normal fibroblasts led to increased expression of type I collagen. Treatment of the cells with NAC restored the activity of PTP1B, improved the profile of PDGFR phosphorylation, decreased the numbers of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins and levels of type I collagen, and scavenged ROS in SSc fibroblasts.

Conclusion

This study describes a new mechanism by which ROS may promote a profibrotic phenotype in SSc fibroblasts through the oxidative inactivation of PTP1B, leading to pronounced activation of PDGFR. The study also presents a novel molecular mechanism by which NAC may act on ROS and PTP1B to provide therapeutic benefit in SSc.
New Organic Dye Based on a 3,6‐Disubstituted Carbazole Donor for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Woochul , Cho Nara , Kwon Jongchul , Ko Jaejung , Hong Jong‐In
Published: December 2011

We have synthesized and characterized four organic dyes (9, 10, H1, H2) based on a 3,6‐disubstituted carbazole donor as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells. These dyes have high molar extinction coefficients and energy levels suitable for electron transfer from an electrolyte to nanocrystalline TiO2 particles. Under standard air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) solar irradiation, a device using dye H4 exhibits a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 13.7 mA cm−2, an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.68 V, a fill factor (FF) of 0.70, and a calculated efficiency of 6.52 %. This performance is comparable to that of a reference cell based on N719 (7.30 %) under the same conditions. After 1000 hours of visible‐light soaking at 60 °C, the overall efficiency remained at 95 % of the initial value.
Recent studies of magnetic fields in Herbig Ae/Be stars
Authors: Hubrig S. , Schöller M. , Ilyin I. , Wolff B. , Cowley C.R. , Pogodin M.A. , Yudin R.V. , Stelzer B. , Mikulášek Z.
Published: December 2011

New determinations of the mean longitudinal magnetic field for several Herbig Ae/Be stars are presented. The longitudinal magnetic field measurements of MWC 480 reveal the presence of a strong kG field, which was undetected in our previous low‐resolution polarimetric observations with FORS 1. The magnetic field geometries of Herbig Ae/Be stars studied with spectropolarimetric time series can likely be described by centred dipoles with polar magnetic field strengths of several hundred Gauss. A number of Herbig Ae/Be stars with detected magnetic fields were recently observed with X‐shooter in the visible and near‐IR as well as with the high‐resolution near‐IR spectrograph CRIRES. These observations are of great importance to understand the relation between the magnetic field topology and the physics of accretion flow and accretion disk gas emission (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Weak magnetic fields of intermediate‐mass stars
Authors: Petit P. , Lignières F. , Wade G.A. , Aurière M. , Alina D. , Böhm T. , Oza A.
Published: December 2011

We present the result of a highly sensitive spectropolarimetric study dedicated to intermediate‐mass stars. We report the detection of sub‐gauss surface magnetic fields on the normal, rapidly‐rotating A‐type star Vega and on the moderately‐rotating Am star Sirius A. These magnetic detections constitute the first evidence that tepid stars that do not belong to the class of Ap/Bp stars can also host magnetized photospheres, suggesting that a significant fraction of stars in this mass regime are magnetic. We present here the observational clues gathered so far to progress towards understanding the physical processes at the origin of this newly identified Vega‐like magnetism (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical simulations of magnetic relaxation in rotating stellar radiation zones
Authors: Duez V.
Published: December 2011

I detail the results of simulations of magnetic relaxation, as is assumed to happen in stellar radiation zones: starting from an initially stochastically organized magnetic field, this one self‐organizes towards a large‐scale, mainly dipolar configuration with both poloidal and toroidal components. While previous studies focused on the description of static equilibria, I include here the rotation in the numerical setup which substantially modifies the outcome of the simulations. In particular, magnetic equilibria are found, whose configuration remain stable over diffusive timescales (in general of the order of the main‐sequence lifetime) rather than dynamic ones, as would be the case in presence of MHD instability. Their privileged axis are inclined with respect to the rotation axis, as observed in early‐type, magnetic main sequence stars. The stationary internal flows and the dependence of the final equilibrium state on the rotation rate are described. Implications on stellar evolution are discussed (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Convection and differential rotation properties of G and K stars computed with the ASH code
Authors: Matt S.P. , Do Cao O. , Brown B.P. , Brun A.S.
Published: December 2011

The stellar luminosity and depth of the convective envelope vary rapidly with mass for G‐ and K‐type main sequence stars. In order to understand how these properties influence the convective turbulence, differential rotation, and meridional circulation, we have carried out 3D dynamical simulations of the interiors of rotating main sequence stars, using the anelastic spherical harmonic (ASH) code. The stars in our simulations have masses of 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 M⊙, corresponding to spectral types K7 through G0, and rotate at the same angular speed as the Sun. We identify several trends of convection zone properties with stellar mass, exhibited by the simulations. The convective velocities, temperature contrast between up‐ and downflows, and meridional circulation velocities all increase with stellar luminosity. As a consequence of the trend in convective velocity, the Rossby number (at a fixed rotation rate) increases and the convective turnover timescales decrease significantly with increasing stellar mass. The three lowest mass cases exhibit solar‐like differential rotation, in a sense that they show a maximum rotation at the equator and minimum at higher latitudes, but the 1.1 M⊙ case exhibits anti‐solar rotation. At low mass, the meridional circulation is multi‐cellular and aligned with the rotation axis; as the mass increases, the circulation pattern tends toward a unicellular structure covering each hemisphere in the convection zone (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Incidence and nature of testicular toxicity findings in pharmaceutical development
Authors: Sasaki Jennifer C. , Chapin Robert E. , Hall David Gregory , Breslin William , Moffit Jeffrey , Saldutti Louise , Enright Brian , Seger Monica , Jarvi Keith , Hixon Mary , Mitchard Terri , Kim James H.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Testicular toxicity (TT) is a sporadic and challenging issue in pharmaceutical drug development. Efforts to develop TT screening assays or biomarkers have been overshadowed by consortium efforts to predict drug‐induced toxicities such as hepatic injury, which are encountered more frequently. METHODS: To gauge the current state of the field and to prioritize future TT activities, the International Life Sciences Institute‐Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) Technical Committee sponsored a survey to better understand the incidence and nature of TT findings encountered during drug development. RESULTS: Highlights from the 16 survey respondents include: (1) Although preclinical TT was encountered relatively infrequently, half of the participants observed repeated problems with TT during pharmaceutical development, (2) despite control measures such as use of sexually mature animals to diminish confounding effects of spurious lesions, interpretation of TT remains a challenge, (3) “traditional” evaluation tools such as hormonal monitoring and newer approaches such as ‐omics are utilized to investigate testicular changes, and (4) an understanding of the risk and relevance of TT findings is achieved through joint consideration of factors such as species specificity, potential mode of action, and safety margins. CONCLUSIONS: TT remains a relatively uncommon but persistent challenge in pharmaceutical development. Although current preclinical TT approaches appear to be effective in limiting the occurrence of pharmaceutical candidate attrition in clinical trials, improved biomarker or screening platforms would allow companies to identify TT at an earlier stage, thus decreasing the time and resources expended on safety evaluation of pharmaceutical candidates. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92: 511–525, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemiluminescence investigations of antioxidative activities of some antibiotics against superoxide anion radical
Authors: Kruk Irena , Michalska Teresa , Kładna Aleksandra , Berczyński Paweł , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: December 2011

A chemiluminescent technique was applied to determine antioxidative activities of adriamycin, farmorubicin, mitomycin C and bleomycin against superoxide anion radical (O2•) in aprotic medium. The antioxidant capacity was expressed as the decrease in light emission from the O2• solution by and antibiotic. A KO2 solution in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and 18‐crown‐6 ether were used for the generation of O2•. The results showed that the examined compounds decreased the chemiluminescence (CL) sum from the O2•‐generating system in a dose‐dependent manner. Among the antibiotics examined, adriamycin, farmorubicin and bleomycin exhibited antioxidant activity almost comparable to that of 1,2‐dihydroxy benzene‐3,5‐disulphonic acid (tiron), an efficient of the O2• inhibitor. Mitomycin C was two‐times less effective as tiron in decreasing the initial CL intensity. The proposed assay with usage of ultraweak CL technique and the KO2–DMSO–crown ether system was useful for the evaluation of antioxidant activity in aprotic solvents. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supramolecular aggregation/disaggregation‐based molecular sensing: a review focused on investigations from China
Authors: Shen Jiang‐Shan , Li Dong‐Hua , Ruan Yi‐Bin , Xu Su‐Ying , Yu Tao , Zhang Hong‐Wu , Jiang Yun‐Bao
Published: December 2011

Supramolecular aggregation and disaggregation induced by external stimuli can impact the optical or electrical signals of the aggregates/constituting units (receptors). Therefore, manipulating supramolecular aggregation/disaggregation has recently been employed to construct novel and promising photoluminescence (PL)‐based sensing and recognition systems. The sensing systems were capable of substantially enhancing the sensitivity, relying on cooperative interactions occurring in the assembly/disassembly processes (mostly operating in emission turned‐on or emission‐enhanced mode). This review focuses mainly on recent advances in the new emerging PL‐based sensing platforms, based on manipulating the behaviours of supramolecular aggregation/disaggregation, including aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), metallophilic interactions‐related sensing (metallophilic interactions‐induced aggregation/disaggregation), metal coordination polymers‐related sensing, and other sensing systems involving supramolecular aggregation/disaggregation. In particular, those sensing systems developed by scientists in China are summarized and highlighted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combustion synthesis of blue‐emitting submicron CaAl4O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ persistence phosphor
Authors: Yerpude A. N. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: December 2011

Long persistence phosphor CaAl4O7: Eu2+, Dy3+ were prepared by a combustion method. The phosphors were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), decay time measurement techniques and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The CaAl4O7: Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor showed a broad blue emission, peaking at 445 nm when excited at 341 nm. Such a blue emission can be attributed to the intrinsic 4f → 5d transitions of Eu2+ in the host lattices. The lifetime decay curve of the Dy3+ co‐doped CaAl4O7: Eu2+ phosphor contains a fast decay component and another slow decay one. Surface morphology also has been studied by SEM. The calculated CIE colour chromaticity coordinates was (0.227, 043). We have also discussed a possible long‐persistent mechanism of CaAl4O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor. All the results indicate that this phosphor has promising potential for practical applications in the field of long‐lasting phosphors for the purposes of sign boards and defence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate Responsibility and Identity: from a Stakeholder to an Awareness Approach
Authors: Heikkurinen Pasi , Ketola Tarja
Published: December 2011

Firms are encouraged to manage their corporate responsibility and identity in accordance with the popular stakeholder theory. Managers are, however, confronted with the complexity of the praxis and related ethical dilemmas, as the expectations of their external stakeholders may be myriad, ambiguous and self‐contradictory, or even non‐existent in the global and dynamic business contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to (a) review and critically discuss the stakeholder approach in striving for a responsible identity and (b) introduce an alternative approach that can address its inadequacies and shortcomings. The study outlines an alternative theorem, the awareness approach to responsible identity. In the conclusions, the article proposes how firms can adopt a responsible identity that leads to a desired image and reputation, and maps out further research opportunities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Local Community Organizing and Change: Altering Policy in the Housing and Community Development System in Kansas City
Authors: Speer Paul W. , Christens Brian D.
Published: December 2011

This article presents a detailed case study of a local group of citizens organizing to hold governmental and nongovernmental organizations accountable for improving housing and communities in Kansas City, MO. The case study draws on a review of organizational archival documents (i.e., organizational attendance records and internal reports); public documents from local, state, and federal agencies; media coverage; and a series of qualitative interviews with participants. The case provides an example of successful local community action. Yet, it also highlights many of the challenges that organizing groups face in making lasting community change. Change is constant and ongoing. Citizens' groups must therefore not only mobilize but also achieve a sustainable and politically viable presence to continually exert pressure. This is particularly true because citizen actions on behalf of community interests often provoke reactions from special interests and other defenders of the status quo. Case study methods represent a critical tool for documenting and understanding important community phenomena in a more holistic way. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and Heterologous Expression of Three Type II PKS Gene Clusters from Streptomyces bottropensis
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Probst Katharina , Linnenbrink Anton , Arnold Moritz , Paululat Thomas , Zeeck Axel , Bechthold Andreas
Published: December 2011

Mensacarcin is a potent cytotoxic agent isolated from Streptomyces bottropensis. It possesses a high content of oxygen atoms and two epoxide groups, and shows cytostatic and cytotoxic activity comparable to that of doxorubicin, a widely used drug for antitumor therapy. Another natural compound, rishirilide A, was also isolated from the fermentation broth of S. bottropensis. Screening a cosmid library of S. bottropensis with minimal PKS‐gene‐specific primers revealed the presence of three different type II polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters in this strain: the msn cluster (mensacarcin biosynthesis), the rsl cluster (rishirilide biosynthesis), and the mec cluster (putative spore pigment biosynthesis). Interestingly, luciferase‐like oxygenases, which are very rare in Streptomyces species, are enriched in both the msn cluster and the rsl cluster. Three cosmids, cos2 (containing the major part of the msn cluster), cos3 (harboring the mec cluster), and cos4 (spanning probably the whole rsl cluster) were introduced into the general heterologous host Streptomyces albus by intergeneric conjugation. Expression of cos2 and cos4 in S. albus led to the production of didesmethylmensacarcin (DDMM, a precursor of mensacarcin) and the production of rishirilide A and B (a precursor of rishirilide A), respectively. However, no product was detected from the expression of cos3. In addition, based on the results of isotope‐feeding experiments in S. bottropensis, a putative biosynthesis pathway for mensacarcin is proposed.
Neuromethods, Vol. 60: Methods for the Discovery and Characterization of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. Edited by Craig W. Stevens.
Authors: O'Malley Michelle
Published: December 2011

Humana Press, Totowa 2011, XIII+428 pp., hardcover $ 139.00.—ISBN 978‐1‐61779‐178‐9
Are patients deemed ‘dangerous and severely personality disordered’ different from other personality disordered patients detained in forensic settings?
Authors: Howard Rick , Khalifa Najat , Duggan Conor , Lumsden John
Published: December 2011

Background

In 1999, the UK government initiated a programme for the assessment and treatment of individuals deemed to have ‘dangerous and severe personality disorder’ (DSPD). After over 10 years of specialist service development, it is not clear whether DSPD patients represent a distinct group.

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish whether people admitted to DSPD hospital units could be distinguished in presentation or personality traits from people with personality disorder admitted to standard secure hospital services.

Methods

Thirty‐eight men detained in high‐security hospital DSPD units were compared with 62 men detained in conventional medium or high security hospital units, using the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL‐R) and other standard personality disorder, clinical and offending measures.

Results

Compared with their counterparts in standard services, the DSPD group had higher scores on PCL‐R psychopathy, significantly more convictions before age 18 years, greater severity of institutional violence and more prior crimes of sexual violence. Regression analysis confirmed that only PCL‐R Factor 1, reflecting core interpersonal and affective features of psychopathy, predicted group membership.

Conclusion

The DSPD group emerged as having higher psychopathy scores, but as there is currently no evidence that the core personality features of psychopathy are amenable to treatment, there is little justification for treating high‐psychopathy forensic patients differently from those with other disorders of personality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of the crossboss catheter in coronary chronic total occlusion due to in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Papayannis Aristotelis , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: December 2011

We describe treatment of six chronic total occlusions due to in‐stent restenosis with the CrossBoss catheter (BridgePoint Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota). The CrossBoss catheter allowed successful CTO crossing in 5 of 6 lesions (83%): in 50% the catheter entered the distal true lumen, whereas in 33% a wire was required for distal true lumen crossing. No complications were observed. Use of the CrossBoss catheter can facilitate treatment of coronary chronic total occlusions due to in‐stent restenosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transitioning to the radial artery as the preferred access site for cardiac catheterization: An academic medical center experience
Authors: Turner Samuel , Sacrinty Matthew , Manogue Michael , Little William , Gandhi Sanjay , Kutcher Michael , Santos Renato , Applegate Robert
Published: December 2011

Objectives: To evaluate procedural and safety metrics of transradial (TR) versus transfemoral (TF) cardiac catheterization (CATH) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) during a complete institutional transition from TF to TR as the preferred access. Background: The TR approach has been shown to reduce complications compared to TF for CATH and PCI, but concerns of longer procedure times have limited utilization in the United States. Methods: 4,172 consecutive CATH and PCI procedures were performed (2,665 TF; 1,507 TR) at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center from January 2009 to November 2010. We assessed in‐hospital procedural and safety metrics. Results: After 6 months of a preferred TR strategy, TR to TF crossover rate was 9.1%, and 65% of all cases were TR procedures. For the cath lab (all TF + TR), we observed small but significant increases in procedural metrics for Preferred TR (last third) compared to Preferred TF (first third). This appeared to be due to increased access times, procedure length, fluoroscopy times, and contrast use for TR versus TF (propensity score matched). Nonetheless, over the course of the study, there was a trend for a decrease in all procedural metrics with TR use. Access site complications (2.3% TF, 1.2% TR) and bleeding (2.5% TF, 2.1% TR), both P < 0.05, decreased over the course of the study. Conclusions: Our observations support the concept that complete transition of a cath lab to a preferred TR strategy is feasible, achieves lower rates of vascular and bleeding complications but with modest increases in overall procedural metrics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerobic Epoxidation of Olefins Catalyzed by the Cobalt‐Based Metal–Organic Framework STA‐12(Co)
Authors: Beier Matthias J. , Kleist Wolfgang , Wharmby Michael T. , Kissner Reinhard , Kimmerle Bertram , Wright Paul A. , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Baiker Alfons
Published: December 2011

A Co‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) was investigated as a catalytic material in the aerobic epoxidation of olefins in DMF and exhibited, based on catalyst mass, a remarkably high catalytic activity compared with the Co‐doped zeolite catalysts that are typically used in this reaction. The structure of STA‐12(Co) is similar to that of STA‐12(Ni), as shown by XRD Rietveld refinement and is stable up to 270 °C. For the epoxidation reaction, significantly different selectivities were obtained depending on the substrate. Although styrene was epoxidized with low selectivity due to oligomerization, (E)‐stilbene was converted with high selectivities between 80 and 90 %. Leaching of Co was low and the reaction was found to proceed mainly heterogeneously. The catalyst was reusable with only a small loss of activity. The catalytic epoxidation of stilbene with the MOF featured an induction period, which was, interestingly, considerably reduced by styrene/stilbene co‐epoxidation. This could be traced back to the formation of benzaldehyde promoting the reaction. Detailed parameter and catalytic studies, including in situ EPR and EXAFS spectroscopy, were performed to obtain an initial insight into the reaction mechanism.
Rational Design of Ambipolar Organic Semiconductors: Is Core Planarity Central to Ambipolarity in Thiophene–Naphthalene Semiconductors?
Authors: Ortiz Rocío Ponce , Herrera Helena , Seoane Carlos , Segura José L. , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: December 2011

Herein, we report a new family of naphthaleneamidinemonoimide‐fused oligothiophene semiconductors designed for facile charge transport in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). These molecules have planar skeletons that induce high degrees of crystallinity and hence good charge‐transport properties. By modulating the length of the oligothiophene fragment, the majority carrier charge transport can be switched from n‐type to ambipolar behavior. The highest FET performance is achieved for solution‐processed films of 10‐[(2,2′‐bithiophen)‐5‐yl]‐2‐octylbenzo[lmn]thieno[3′,4′:4,5]imidazo[2,1‐b][3,8]phenanthroline‐1,3,6(2 H)‐trione (NDI‐3 Tp), with optimized film mobilities of 2×10−2 and 0.7×10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 for electrons and holes, respectively. Finally, these planar semiconductors are compared with their twisted‐skeleton counterparts, which exhibit only n‐type mobility, in order to understand the origin of the ambipolarity in this new series of molecular semiconductors.