bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Performance of Polyester Composites Reinforced with Functionalized Grewia optiva Short Fibers
Authors: Rana Ashvinder K. , Singha Amar S.
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the fabrication and characterization of raw and surface‐modified Grewia optiva fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix based composites. Raw and surface‐modified fibers are used in different proportions (10, 20, 30, and 40%) for the fabrication of composites. The fiber proportion is optimized by studying various mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of UPE matrix‐based composites. After the optimization of fiber loadings, the optimized samples were evaluated for their physicochemical, thermal, fire retardancy, and biodegradability properties. Physicochemical and thermal stability of the composites is improved after fibers’ surface modification. The effect of different fire retardants (magnesium hydroxide and zinc borate) on the fire‐retardant behavior of polymer composites is also evaluated. Biodegradability of polymer composites is checked by using a soil burial method.
Surface Modification of PVC Film with Allylamine Plasma Polymers
Authors: Demirci Nagihan , Demirel Miyaser , Dilsiz Nursel
Published: May 2014

In this study, surface modifications of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films were performed with the plasma polymerization process. For this purpose, allylamine was used as a hydrophilic polymer for surface modification of PVC films. The wettability of PVC films was investigated using contact angle measurement. The water contact angle values increased from 116.4° to 12° by 104.4° for the coated PVC film. Surface free energies of PVC films were calculated using acid–base approaches and increased with increasing plasma treatment time. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results, N–H peaks appeared in the expected wavelength. The thermal degradation behaviors of PVC films were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The degradation temperature of PVC films was altered by the plasma treatment from 275°C to 380°C. Surface topography of PVC films was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Distinct changes were observed in the topography of plasma‐treated PVC surface using AFM results. The results showed that allylamine plasma treatment can be used to enhance hydrophilicity of PVC surfaces.
Cardiovascular and genitourinary anomalies in patients with duplications within the Williams syndrome critical region: Phenotypic expansion and review of the literature
Authors: Zarate Yuri A. , Lepard Tiffany , Sellars Elizabeth , Kaylor Julie A. , Alfaro Maria P. , Sailey Charles , Schaefer G. Bradley , Collins R. Thomas
Published: May 2014

Williams syndrome results from a microdeletion of approximately 1.5 Mb of chromosome 7q11.23. Several patients have been reported with the reciprocal microduplication in association with a variety of phenotypic features including cognitive impairment and typical facial features, though only a few have had birth defects. We report on three probands with duplications within 7q11.23 of variable sizes; two with cardiovascular involvement including aortic dilation and the other with unilateral renal and gonadal agenesis. We offer a comparison with previously reported cases of duplications of 7q11.23. In light of the present cases, we recommend undertaking echocardiographic and renal ultrasound evaluation of patients with documented 7q11.23 duplications. Further, this cytogenetic abnormality should be part of the differential diagnosis for patients with aortic dilation, as well as those with unilateral renal and gonadal agenesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent risk factors for open surgical mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Uchida Kenichiro , Io Akinori , Akita Sho , Munakata Hisaaki , Hibino Makoto , Fujii Kei , Kato Wataru , Sakai Yoshimasa , Tajima Kazuyoshi , Mizobata Yasumitsu
Published: May 2014

Aim

We examined recent relevant prognostic factors for the outcome of open surgical treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2012, 35 patients received emergency open surgical treatment for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm at our institute. We reviewed ambulance activity logs and clinical records of 34 infrarenal ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm patients retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for surgical outcomes.

Results

Eight patients died during surgery or within a few hours following surgery completion. Through univariate analysis, body mass index, serum lactate level, arterial blood pH, base excess, platelet count, prothrombin time–international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, type of ruptured aneurysm, response to i.v. fluid resuscitation within 2,000 mL in the initial therapy, and volume of blood loss during surgery were detected to be significant variants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the patients who were hemodynamically stabilized after primary volume loading had a 13.2 times higher possibility of survival. Body mass index, high serum lactate level, and volume of blood loss were also found to be independent risk factors of mortality.

Conclusion

The risk factors of open surgical ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, body mass index, lactate level, volume of intraoperative blood loss, and response to initial 2,000 mL fluid resuscitation were correlated to survival.
Electrocardiogram findings of patients with serum potassium levels of nearly 10.0 mmol/L: a report of two cases
Authors: Kotera Atsushi , Irie Hiroki , Iwashita Shinsuke , Taniguchi Junichi , Kasaoka Shunji , Sagishima Katsuyuki , Kamohara Hidenobu , Kinoshita Yoshihiro
Published: May 2014

Cases

In Case 1, a 63‐year‐old woman was admitted with muscular weakness. She had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. She was taking a beta‐blocker. Her pulse rate was 42 b.p.m. (irregular rhythm); serum potassium level was 9.8 mmol/L; electrocardiogram revealed widening of the QRS complex (0.256 s). In Case 2, a 59‐year‐old man was admitted with muscular weakness. He had hypertension and chronic renal failure, and was taking a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor. His pulse rate was 42 b.p.m. (irregular rhythm); serum potassium level was 10.1 mmol/L; electrocardiogram revealed widening of the QRS complex (0.180 s).

Outcome

Life‐threatening arrhythmia did not occur, and patients survived under appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, or medications affecting extrarenal potassium homeostasis can produce a tolerance to hyperkalemia. This tolerance may help prevent life‐threatening arrhythmia despite fatal levels of serum potassium.
Flexible stereoselektive Funktionalisierung von Ketonen durch Umpolung mit hypervalenten Iodreagentien
Authors: Mizar Pushpak , Wirth Thomas
Published: May 2014

Die Funktionalisierung von Carbonylverbindungen in der α‐Position hat aufgrund der biologischen Bedeutung der Produkte große Aufmerksamkeit als Syntheseweg erhalten. Durch Polaritätsumkehr (“Umpolung”) zeigen wir, dass Sauerstoff‐, Stickstoff‐ und sogar Kohlenstoffnukleophile nach Anknüpfung an Enolether in Additionsreaktionen eingesetzt werden können. Unsere Resultate eröffnen die Möglichkeit neuer Retrosynthesen und einer raschen Erzeugung von vorher nur in vielstufigen Synthesen zugänglichen Strukturen.
A Graphene Oxide Membrane with Highly Selective Molecular Separation of Aqueous Organic Solution
Authors: Huang Kang , Liu Gongping , Lou Yueyun , Dong Ziye , Shen Jie , Jin Wanqin
Published: May 2014

A graphene oxide (GO) membrane is supported on a ceramic hollow fiber prepared by a vacuum suction method. This GO membrane exhibited excellent water permeation for dimethyl carbonate/water mixtures through a pervaporation process. At 25 °C and 2.6 wt % feed water content, the permeate water content reached 95.2 wt % with a high permeation flux (1702 g m−2 h−1).
Small‐Molecule Recognition for Controlling Molecular Motion in Hydrogen‐Bond‐Assembled Rotaxanes
Authors: Martinez‐Cuezva Alberto , Berna Jose , Orenes Raul‐Angel , Pastor Aurelia , Alajarin Mateo
Published: May 2014

Di(acylamino)pyridines successfully template the formation of hydrogen‐bonded rotaxanes through five‐component clipping reactions. A solid‐state study showed the participation of the pyridine nitrogen atom in the stabilization of the mechanical bond between the thread and the benzylic amide macrocycle. The addition of external complementary binders to a series of interlocked bis(2,6‐di(acylamino)pyridines) promoted restraint of the back and forward ring motion. The original translation can be restored through a competitive recognition event by the addition of a preorganized bis(di(acylamino)pyridine) that forms stronger ADA–DAD complexes with the external binders.
Controlled ring‐opening polymerization of trimethylene carbonate and access to PTMC‐PLA block copolymers mediated by well‐defined N‐heterocyclic carbene zinc alkoxides
Authors: Fliedel Christophe , Mameri Samir , Dagorne Samuel , Avilés Teresa
Published: May 2014

Four novel Zinc–NHC alkyl/alkoxide/chloride complexes (4, 5, 9 and 9′) were readily prepared and fully characterized, including X‐ray diffraction crystallography for 5 and 9′. The reaction of N‐methyl‐N′‐butyl imidazolium chloride (3.HCl) with ZnEt2 (2 equiv.) afforded the corresponding [(CNHC)ZnCl(Et)] complex (4) via a protonolysis reaction, as deduced from NMR data. The alcoholysis of 4 with BnOH led to quantitative formation of the dinuclear Zn(II) alkoxide species [(CNHC)ZnCl(OBn)]2 (5), as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The NMR data are in agreement with species 5 retaining its dimeric structure in solution at room temperature. The protonolysis reaction of N‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐N′‐ethyl methyl ether imidazolium chloride (8.HCl) with ZnEt2 (2 equiv.) yielded the [(CNHC)ZnCl(Et)] species 9. The latter was found to be reactive with CH2Cl2 in solution and to cleanly convert to the corresponding Zn(II) dichloride [(CNHC)ZnCl2]2 (9′), whose molecular structure was also elucidated using X‐ray diffractometry. Unlike Zn(II)–NHC alkoxide species 1 and 2, which contain a NHC flanked with an additional N‐functional group (i.e. thioether and ether, respectively), the Zn(II) alkoxide species 5 incorporates a monodentate NHC ligand. The Zn(II) complexes 1, 2 and 5 were tested in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of trimethylene carbonate (TMC). All three species are effective initiators for the controlled ROP of trimethylene carbonate, resulting in the production of narrow disperse PTMC material. Initiator 1 (incorporating a thioether moiety) was found to perform best in the ROP of TMC. Notably, the latter also readily undergoes the sequential ROP of TMC and rac‐LA in the presence of a chain‐transfer agent, leading to well‐defined and high‐molecular‐weight PTMC/PLA block copolymers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual survival probabilities of juvenile loggerhead sea turtles indicate high anthropogenic impact on Mediterranean populations
Authors: Casale Paolo , Freggi Daniela , Furii Giovanni , Vallini Carola , Salvemini Pasquale , Deflorio Michele , Totaro Giovanni , Raimondi Stefano , Fortuna Caterina , Godley Brendan J.
Published: May 2014

One of the major gaps in the knowledge of sea turtle population dynamics is survival probability, in particular of juveniles, which represent the bulk of the population and whose survival has the greatest effect on population growth. One of the major global threats to sea turtles is incidental bycatch, although not all animals die in the process. This is particularly acute for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

Here fisheries‐dependent monitoring is used to seek insights into patterns of survival at multiple Mediterranean foraging areas: north and south Adriatic, north Ionian, and the Tunisian shelf. Annual survival probability was estimated using the catch curve method. Size data of 2191 loggerhead turtles ranging from 19 to 92 cm curved carapace length were converted to age according to eight age–size curves available from the Mediterranean Sea.

The mean annual survival probabilities for the four areas were heterogeneous and ranged between 0.710 and 0.862. Results suggest that the survival probabilities for Mediterranean loggerheads, especially in some areas, are lower than would be expected from a healthy population. This is of particular concern for the Greek rookeries, which appear most affected by anthropogenic mortality occurring in the study areas. This supports the implementation in those areas of measures mitigating the main threats, notably bycatch.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Optical Properties, and Photocurrent Response of Heteroacene Derivatives
Authors: Ren Tiejun , Xiao Jinchong , Wang Wenying , Xu Wenya , Wang Sujuan , Zhang Xuemin , Wang Xuefei , Chen Hua , Zhao Jianwen , Jiang Li
Published: May 2014

Six 5,9,14,18‐tetrathiaheptacene derivatives (1 a–1 f) were synthesized by using a simple ether–ether exchange reaction and fully characterized. In contrast to the planar conformation usually observed in thiophene‐fused benzene systems, single‐crystal analysis indicates that 7,16‐dipropyl‐5,9,14,18‐tetrathiaheptacene (1 a), 7,16‐diphenyl‐5,9,14,18‐tetrathiaheptacene (1 b), and 7,16‐di(4′‐chlorophenyl)‐5,9,14,18‐tetrathiaheptacene (1 c) adopt chair conformations. The as‐formed dihedral angle between anthracene and the terminal benzene units are 137.258, 137.855, and 134.912° for 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c, respectively, which is close to the theoretical optimization results (128° for 1 b). Interestingly, the oxidized product of 7,16‐di(trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5,9,14,18‐tetrathiaheptacene (1 e) has a saddle shape, which results in the formation of column‐shaped units in the single crystal. The substituents on the side phenyl group have less effect on their UV/Vis absorption spectra, but a distinct redshift that accounts for the intramolecular charge transfer can be observed in the emission spectra. The electrochemical measurements show that all compounds present two oxidation waves. The photoswitching behavior based on 1 a–1 f was further measured and the experimental results suggest that these heteroacene derivatives are promising semiconductor materials for organic electronics.
No major role for periconceptional folic acid use and its interaction with theMTHFR C677Tpolymorphism in the etiology of congenital anorectal malformations
Authors: Wijers Charlotte H.W. , de Blaauw Ivo , Zwink Nadine , Draaken Markus , van der Zanden Loes F.M. , Brunner Han G. , Brooks Alice S. , Hofstra Robert M. , Sloots Cornelius E.J. , Broens Paul M.A. , Wijnen Marc H. , Ludwig Michael , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Reutter Heiko , Marcelis Carlo L.M. , Roeleveld Nel , van Rooij Iris A.L.M.
Published: May 2014

Background: Both genetic and nongenetic factors are suggested to be involved in the etiology of congenital anorectal malformations (ARM). Maternal periconceptional use of folic acid supplements were inconsistently suggested to play a role in the prevention of ARM. Therefore, we investigated independent associations and interactions of maternal periconceptional folic acid supplement use and the infant and maternalMTHFR(methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase)C677Tpolymorphisms with the risk of ARM and subgroups of ARM. Methods: A case–control study was conducted among 371 nonsyndromic ARM cases and 714 population‐based controls born between 1990 and 2012 using maternal questionnaires and DNA samples from mother and child. Cases were treated for ARM at departments of Pediatric Surgery of the Radboud university medical center, Sophia Children's Hospital‐Erasmus MC Rotterdam, and the University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands and hospitals throughout Germany. Results: No association with folic acid use was present (odds ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.8–1.4) for ARM as a group. Infant and maternalMTHFR C677Tpolymorphisms were weakly associated with isolated ARM in particular. Lack of folic acid supplement use in combination with infants or mothers carrying theMTHFR C677Tpolymorphism did not seem to increase the risk of ARM or subgroups of ARM. The relative excess risks due to interaction did not clearly indicate interaction on an additive scale either. Conclusion: This first study investigating interactions between periconceptional folic acid supplement use and infant and maternalMTHFR C677Tpolymorphisms in the etiology of ARM did not provide evidence for a role of this gene–environment interaction. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:483–492, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multipotent adult hippocampal progenitor cells maintained as neurospheres favor differentiation toward glial lineages
Authors: Oh Jisun , Daniels Gabrielle J. , Chiou Lawrence S. , Ye Eun‐Ah , Jeong Yong‐Seob , Sakaguchi Donald S.
Published: May 2014

Adult hippocampal progenitor cells (AHPCs) are generally maintained as a dispersed monolayer population of multipotent neural progenitors. To better understand cell–cell interactions among neural progenitors and their influences on cellular characteristics, we generated free‐floating cellular aggregates, or neurospheres, from the adherent monolayer population of AHPCs. Results from in vitro analyses demonstrated that both populations of AHPCs were highly proliferative under maintenance conditions, but AHPCs formed in neurospheres favored differentiation along a glial lineage and displayed greater migrational activity than the traditionally cultured AHPCs. To study the plasticity of AHPCs from both populations in vivo, we transplanted green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing AHPCs via intraocular injection into the developing rat eyes. Both AHPC populations were capable of surviving and integrating into developing host central nervous system, but considerably more GFP‐positive cells were observed in the retinas transplanted with neurosphere AHPCs, compared to adherent AHPCs. These results suggest that the culture configuration during maintenance for neural progenitor cells (NPCs) influences cell fate and motility in vitro as well as in vivo. Our findings have implication for understanding different cellular characteristics of NPCs according to distinct intercellular architectures and for developing cell‐based therapeutic strategies using lineage‐committed NPCs.
Faecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Nieuwdorp M
Published: May 2014

Research opportunities in a variety of surgical conditions
Robust placement and tuning of UPFC via a new multiobjective scheme‐based fuzzy theory
Authors: Aghazadeh Hadi , Germi Masoud Bakhshi , Khiav Behzad Esazadeh , Ghadimi Noradin
Published: May 2014

This article addresses a new modified honey bee mating optimization namely multiobjective honey bee mating optimization (MOIHBMO) based fuzzy multiobjective methodology for optimal locating and parameter setting of unified power flow controller (UPFC) in a power system for a long‐term period. One of the profits obtained by UPFC placement in a transmission network is the reduction in total generation cost due to its ability to change the power flow pattern in the network. Considering this potential, UPFC can be also used to remove or at least mitigate the congestion in transmission networks. The other issue in a power system is voltage violation which could even render the optimal power flow problem infeasible to be solved. Voltage violation could be also mitigated by proper application of UPFC in a transmission system. These objectives are considered simultaneously in a unified objective function for the proposed optimization algorithm. At first, these objectives are fuzzified and designed to be comparable against each other and then they are integrated and introduced to a MOIHBMO method to find the solution which maximizes the value of integrated objective function in a 3‐year planning horizon, considering the load growth. A power injection model is adopted for UPFC. Unlike, the most previous works in this field the parameters of UPFC are set for each load level to avoid inconvenient rejection of more optimal solutions. IEEE reliability test system is used as an illustrative example to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 126–137, 2015
Prognostic information and biological insights in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by high‐resolution immunophenotypic analysis of ZAP70
Authors: Kaplan David , Sun Zhuoxin , Tallman Martin S. , Flinn Ian W. , Xiao Wenbin , Caimi Paolo F. , Kaye Nicholas M. , Lazarus Hillard M.
Published: May 2014

The E2997 Phase III trial included preservation of valuable chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient specimens and relevant clinical outcome data. Using a novel high‐resolution technology on a flow cytometry platform, we assessed 79 E2997 samples for the expression of 27 analytes that reflected the activity of signaling pathways and apoptosis. We found that the expression levels of ZAP70 segregated the samples into two subpopulations with the distribution showing a peak‐trough‐peak configuration. Although prior assessment of ZAP70 by standard procedures did not reveal any prognostic information, we found by using the trough in the distribution as a cutpoint that ZAP70 expression levels were significantly correlated with both progression‐free survival and overall survival. Additionally, the cells expressing high versus low levels of ZAP70 demonstrated distinct molecular organization as indicated by the other analytes assessed. Our analysis demonstrates the value of ZAP70 expression as a prognostic indicator and suggests that the different clinical results may be due to the distinct molecular biology of the ZAP70‐low versus the ZAP70‐high CLL samples. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Efficient mobile dynamic ID authentication and key agreement scheme without trusted servers
Authors: Lin Han‐Yu
Published: May 2014

Remote user authentication schemes allow an authorized user to access the resources of remote servers. A dynamic ID authentication scheme further provides the property of user anonymity, that is, information of user identification will not be compromised even if communicated messages are intercepted. When it comes to the mobile user authentication, the client‐side processing capability is usually concerned the most. In this paper, the author proposes an efficient mobile dynamic ID authentication and key agreement scheme without trusted servers. For facilitating the application of mobile devices with limited processing capability, our scheme is optimized for the client‐side computation. Moreover, compared with related works, the proposed scheme is also more secure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NK cell‐extrinsic IL‐18 signaling is required for efficient NK‐cell activation by vaccinia virus
Authors: Brandstadter Joshua D. , Huang Xiaopei , Yang Yiping
Published: May 2014

NK cells are important for the control of vaccinia virus (VV) in vivo. Recent studies have shown that multiple pathways are required for effective activation of NK cells. These include both TLR‐dependent and ‐independent pathways, as well as the NKG2D activating receptor that recognizes host stress‐induced NKG2D ligands. However, it remains largely unknown what controls the upregulation of NKG2D ligands in response to VV infection. In this study using C57BL/6 mice, we first showed that IL‐18 is critical for NK‐cell activation and viral clearance. We then demonstrated that IL‐18 signaling on both NK cells and DCs is required for efficient NK‐cell activation upon VV infection in vitro. We further showed in vivo that efficient NK‐cell activation in response to VV is dependent on DCs and IL‐18 signaling in non‐NK cells, suggesting an essential role for NK cell‐extrinsic IL‐18 signaling in NK‐cell activation. Mechanistically, IL‐18 signaling in DCs promotes expression of Rae‐1, an NKG2D ligand. Collectively, our data reveal a previously unrecognized role for NK cell‐extrinsic IL‐18 signaling in NK‐cell activation through upregulation of NKG2D ligands. These observations may provide insights into the design of effective NK‐cell‐based therapies for viral infections and cancer.
c‐Cbl regulates MICA‐ but not ULBP2‐induced NKG2D down‐modulation in human NK cells
Authors: Molfetta Rosa , Quatrini Linda , Capuano Cristina , Gasparrini Francesca , Zitti Beatrice , Zingoni Alessandra , Galandrini Ricciarda , Santoni Angela , Paolini Rossella
Published: May 2014

The NKG2D activating receptor on human NK cells mediates “altered self” recognition, as its ligands (NKG2DLs) are upregulated on target cells in a variety of stress conditions. Evidence collected in the past years shows that, even though expression of NKG2DLs acts as a danger signal that renders tumor cells susceptible to cytotoxicity, chronic exposure to soluble or membrane‐bound NKG2DLs can lead to down‐modulation of receptor expression and impairment of NKG2D‐mediated cell functions. Here, we evaluated whether different cell‐bound NKG2DLs, namely MICA and ULBP2, are equivalently able to induce NKG2D down‐modulation on human NK cells. We found that although both ligands reduce NKG2D surface expression, MICA promotes a stronger receptor down‐modulation than ULBP2, leading to a severe impairment of NKG2D‐dependent NK‐cell cytotoxicity. We also provide evidence that the ubiquitin pathway and c‐Cbl direct MICA‐induced but not ULBP2‐induced NKG2D internalization and degradation, thus identifying a molecular mechanism to explain the differential effects of MICA and ULBP2 on NKG2D expression. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms employed by the different NKG2DLs to control NKG2D surface expression could be useful for the development of anti‐tumor strategies to restore a normal level of NKG2D receptors on human NK cells.
Nucleophilic gem‐Difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation of Carbonyl Compounds with PhSCF2H in the Presence of a Phosphazene as a Base
Authors: Punirun Teerachai , Soorukram Darunee , Kuhakarn Chutima , Reutrakul Vichai , Pohmakotr Manat
Published: May 2014

Direct nucleophilic gem‐difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation of carbonyl compounds has been achieved by use of difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methane (PhSCF2H) and the phosphazene base P4‐tBu in THF. Non‐enolizable aldehydes and ketones are suitable substrates to undergo nucleophilic gem‐difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation, providing α‐gem‐difluoromethylated adducts in good yields. In addition, this methodology is also applicable with cyclic imides and acid anhydrides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Oxadisilole‐Fused 9‐Aminoacridines and 12‐Aminobenzo[b]acridines
Authors: Chen Xuanming , Zhang Yajuan , Chen Yali , Zhang Jie , Chen Jingda , Li Minjie , Cao Weiguo , Chen Jie
Published: May 2014

Oxadisilole‐fused 9‐aminoacridines and 12‐aminobenzo[b]acridines have been synthesized by the nucleophilic addition and 1,5‐hydrogen shift reaction of arynes with 2‐aminobenzonitriles in good yield at room temperature. Dioxatrisilole‐fused 9‐aminoacridines have also been obtained. The photophysical, redox, and thermal properties of these compounds have been determined. The oxadisilole‐fused 9‐aminoacridines show potential for use as blue emitters for OLED applications, because of their high fluorescence quantum yields and good thermal stabilities. The proposed mechanism was also studied. Theoretical calculations on the HOMO and LUMO values of these compounds were performned.
Laser heat hyperalgesia is not a feature of non‐specific chronic low back pain
Authors: Franz M. , Ritter A. , Puta C. , Nötzel D. , Miltner W.H.R. , Weiss T.
Published: May 2014

Background

Based upon studies using mechanical pin‐prick, pressure, electrical or heat stimuli applied to painful and/or pain‐free parts of the body, chronic low back pain (CLBP) has been shown to be associated with generalized and enhanced pain sensitivity and altered brain responses to noxious stimuli. To date, no study examined the processing of noxious laser heat pulses, which are known to selectively excite thermal nociceptors located in the superficial skin layers, in CLBP.

Methods

We studied laser heat pain thresholds (LHPTs) and nociceptive laser‐evoked brain electrical potentials (LEPs) following skin stimulation of the pain‐affected back and the pain‐free abdomen using noxious laser heat stimulation in 16 CLBP patients and 16 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs).

Results

We observed no statistically significant differences in LHPTs between CLBP patients and HCs, neither on the back nor on the abdomen. Furthermore, we found no evidence for altered brain responses between CLBP patients and HCs in response to stimulation of the back and abdomen in single‐trial latencies and amplitudes of LEP components (N2, P2).

Conclusion

The results are in contrast to previous studies showing hypersensitivity to different experimental noxious stimuli (e.g., contact heat). We argue that these discrepancies may be due to low spatial and temporal summation within the central nervous system following laser heat stimulation. Our results indicate important methodological differences between laser heat and thermode stimulation that should be taken into account when interpreting results, such as from thermal quantitative sensory testing.
Better understanding of carbon nanoparticles via high‐performance liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detection and mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Qin , Paau Man Chin , Choi Martin M. F. , Zhang Yan , Gong Xiaojuan , Zhang Lei , Liu Yang , Yao Jun
Published: May 2014

RP‐HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection for separation of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) synthesized with microwave‐assisted pyrolysis of citric acid and 1,2‐ethylenediamine is presented. The influence of methanol content and pH of mobile phase on the separation of CNP has been investigated. Under optimal mobile phase and elution gradient conditions, the effect of mole ratio of amine to carboxylic groups (NH2/COOH) in the initial reagents on CNP product is studied. At NH2/COOH = 0.67, the strongest fluorescence CNP sample is obtained. The separated CNP fractions are collected and further characterized by UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, CE, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and MALDI‐TOF MS. The absorption and PL emission bands of the fractions are bathochromatically shifted with the elution order of CNP on RP‐HPLC. The TEM images prove that CNP are eluted from the smallest to the largest. The MS data show that CNP undergo fragmentations, closely relating to their surface‐attached carboxylic acid and amide/amine moieties. This work highlights the merit of RP‐HPLC coupled with fluorescence detection, TEM, and MS for isolation and characterization of individual CNP species present in a CNP sample.
Meiotic cohesin STAG3 is required for chromosome axis formation and sister chromatid cohesion
Authors: Winters Tristan , McNicoll Francois , Jessberger Rolf
Published: May 2014

The cohesin complex is essential for mitosis and meiosis. The specific meiotic roles of individual cohesin proteins are incompletely understood. We report in vivo functions of the only meiosis‐specific STAG component of cohesin, STAG3. Newly generated STAG3‐deficient mice of both sexes are sterile with meiotic arrest. In these mice, meiotic chromosome architecture is severely disrupted as no bona fide axial elements (AE) form and homologous chromosomes do not synapse. Axial element protein SYCP3 forms dot‐like structures, many partially overlapping with centromeres. Asynapsis marker HORMAD1 is diffusely distributed throughout the chromatin, and SYCP1, which normally marks synapsed axes, is largely absent. Centromeric and telomeric sister chromatid cohesion are impaired. Centromere and telomere clustering occurs in the absence of STAG3, and telomere structure is not severely affected. Other cohesin proteins are present, localize throughout the STAG3‐devoid chromatin, and form complexes with cohesin SMC1β. No other deficiency in a single meiosis‐specific cohesin causes a phenotype as drastic as STAG3 deficiency. STAG3 emerges as the key STAG cohesin involved in major functions of meiotic cohesin.
ICK is essential for cell type‐specific ciliogenesis and the regulation of ciliary transport
Authors: Chaya Taro , Omori Yoshihiro , Kuwahara Ryusuke , Furukawa Takahisa
Published: May 2014

Cilia and flagella are formed and maintained by intraflagellar transport (IFT) and play important roles in sensing and moving across species. At the distal tip of the cilia/flagella, IFT complexes turn around to switch from anterograde to retrograde transport; however, the underlying regulatory mechanism is unclear. Here, we identified ICK localization at the tip of cilia as a regulator of ciliary transport. In ICK‐deficient mice, we found ciliary defects in neuronal progenitor cells with Hedgehog signal defects. ICK‐deficient cells formed cilia with mislocalized Hedgehog signaling components. Loss of ICK caused the accumulation of IFT‐A, IFT‐B, and BBSome components at the ciliary tips. In contrast, overexpression of ICK induced the strong accumulation of IFT‐B, but not IFT‐A or BBSome components at ciliary tips. In addition, ICK directly phosphorylated Kif3a, while inhibition of this Kif3a phosphorylation affected ciliary formation. Our results suggest that ICK is a Kif3a kinase and essential for proper ciliogenesis in development by regulating ciliary transport at the tip of cilia.
Efficient Ternary CdSSe Quantum‐Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells based on MgO‐coated TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Hui , Xiao Ran , Li Zhe , Zhan Yawen , Bian Haidong , Nie Biao , Chen Zhenhua , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: May 2014

The high rate of charge recombination in quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) limits their power conversion efficiency. Here we address a facile way to reduce back electron transfer of QDSCs by introducing a thin MgO bridge layer between the TiO2 film and quantum dots. The ternary CdSSe QDs were used as our model system, and the MgO‐coated TiO2‐based ternary QDSCs showed a fill factor 41 % larger and efficiency 29 % higher than non‐coated ones. The enhanced performance is owing to the reduced recombination induced by the MgO bridge layer, which has been confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) analysis.
Kinematic interaction factors of deep foundations with inclined piles
Authors: Medina Cristina , Padrón Luis A. , Aznárez Juan J. , Santana Ariel , Maeso Orlando
Published: May 2014

The beneficial or detrimental role of battered piles on the dynamic response of piled foundations has not been yet fully elucidated. In order to shed more light on this aspect, kinematic interaction factors of deep foundations with inclined piles, are provided for single‐battered piles, as well as for 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 groups of piles subjected to vertically incident plane shear S waves. Piles are modelled as linear‐elastic Bernoulli beams, whereas soil is assumed to be a linear, isotropic, homogeneous viscoelastic half‐space. Different pile group configurations, pile‐soil stiffness ratios, and rake angles are considered. The relevance and main trends observed in the influence of the rake angle on the kinematic interaction factors of the analysed foundations are inferred from the presented results. An important dependence of the kinematic interaction factors on the rake angle is observed together with the existence of an inclination angle at which cap rotation and excitation become out of phase in the low‐to‐mid frequency range. The existence of a small batter angle that provides minimum cap rotation is also shown. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Workforce: New Skill Requirements to Lead to a Changed Utility Business
Authors: Willett Robert E.
Published: May 2014

Beginning almost immediately, after a long period of downsizing, the utility business is facing a huge workforce expansion and transformation, given that a great deal of our power is to come from renewables and energy efficiency.
New Workforce: Changing Demographics' Impact on Electric and Gas Utilities: A Practitioner's Solution
Authors: Heler David
Published: May 2014

Over the past several years, many articles have been written regarding the potential impact to energy providers as a result of the aging demographic workforce. This article is intended to provide a practitioner's perspective on how to implement a successful workforce planning strategy.
Electric Regulation: FERC Streamlines Natural Gas/Electric Integration, Increasing Natural Gas Demand
Authors: Bowden Nicholas S.
Published: May 2014

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) release of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) on March 20, 2014, provides another sign of the importance that natural gas will play in the future of electric power generation in the United States. FERC's NOPR proposes to revise standards for pipeline business operations and communications, including changes to the industry's operating day and the scheduling of transportation service. FERC states clearly that the impetus for the revisions is the “increased reliance on natural gas for electric generation.”
Unexpected Formation of Highly Strained 2,5‐Dioxa‐3‐Silabicyclo[2.1.0]Pentane by the Reaction of Isolable Dialkylsilylene with Benzil
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Uchida Kenya , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: May 2014

The reaction of isolable dialkylsilylene 1 with benzil gave [1+4] cycloadduct 1,3‐dioxa‐2‐sila‐cyclopent‐4‐ene 2 and unexpected 2,5‐dioxa‐3‐silabicyclo[2.1.0]pentane derivative 3. Compound 3 slowly isomerized to 2. The global reaction route mapping method of the model compounds suggests that three reaction paths from an initial silylene–ketone complex (carbonyl silaylide) to 2. A large ring strain energy of model compound for 3 (3′) (218.9 kJ·mol−1) was estimated by density functional theory calculations.
Tetrakis(di‐tert‐butylmethylsilyl)digermene: Synthesis, Structure, Electrochemical Properties, and Reactivity
Authors: Lee Vladimir Ya , McNiece Kiera , Ito Yuki , Sekiguchi Akira , Geinik Natalie , Becker James Y.
Published: May 2014

The tetrasilyl‐substituted digermene (tBu2MeSi)2GeGe(SiMetBu2)2 1 was prepared by the reduction of the readily available 1,1‐dichlorogermane (tBu2MeSi)2GeCl2 with potassium graphite. Compound 1 is a rather unusual example of a digermene featuring planar geometry at the doubly bonded germanium atoms, on the one hand, and an extraordinarily twisted GeGe bond, on the other hand, caused by the electronic and steric factors of the bulky σ‐donating silyl substituents. Although it maintains the structural integrity of its double bond in solution, 1 revealed reactivity that is not characteristic of the >GeGe< bond but is typical for germylenes >Ge: upon reaction with nucleophilic reagents (isocyanide, orthoquinone). Unlike common alkenes, 1 affords stable cation and anion radicals generated by cyclic voltammetry.
Shotgun proteomics: Identification of unique protein profiles of apoptotic bodies from biliary epithelial cells
Authors: Lleo Ana , Zhang Weici , McDonald Hayes W. , Seeley Erin H. , Leung Patrick S.C. , Coppel Ross L. , Ansari Aftab A. , Adams David H. , Afford Simon , Invernizzi Pietro , Gershwin Eric M.
Published: May 2014

Shotgun proteomics is a powerful analytic method to characterize complex protein mixtures in combination with multidimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We used this platform for proteomic characterization of apoptotic bodies in an effort to define the complex protein mixtures found in primary cultures of human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HiBEC), human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, human bronchial epithelial cells, isolated intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells from explanted primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and control liver using a total of 24 individual samples. Further, as additional controls and for purposes of comparison, proteomic signatures were also obtained from intact cells and apoptotic bodies. The data obtained from LC-MS/MS, combined with database searches and protein assembly algorithms, allowed us to address significant differences in protein spectral counts and identify unique pathways that may be a component of the induction of the signature inflammatory cytokine response against BECs, including the Notch signaling pathway, interleukin (IL)8, IL6, CXCR2, and integrin signaling. Indeed, there are 11 proteins that localize specifically to apoptotic bodies of HiBEC and eight proteins that were specifically absent in HiBEC apoptotic bodies. Conclusion: Proteomic analysis of BECs from PBC liver compared to normal liver are significantly different, suggesting that an immunological attack affects the repertoire of proteins expressed and that such cells should be thought of as living in an environment undergoing continuous selection secondary to an innate and adaptive immune response, reflecting an almost “Darwinian” bias. (Hepatology 2014;60:1314–1323)
MiRNA expression in breast cancer varies with lymph node metastasis and other clinicopathologic features
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Jindong , Sun Mei , Sun Lihua , Zhang Xingyi
Published: May 2014

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in females, and lymph node (LN) status is one of the most important prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer. MiRNAs have been shown to have important role in oncogenesis, invasion, and metastasis via epigenetic post‐transcriptional gene regulation. However, lymphatic metastasis‐related miRNAs of breast cancer has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate miRNAs related to breast cancer LN metastasis and to explore the clinical significance of the differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with breast cancer. The expression of miRNAs in patients with primary breast cancer with LN metastasis and that without LN metastases was compared by miRNA microarray. We further validated the miRNAs (miR‐185‐5p, miR‐339‐5p, miR‐542‐5p, and miR‐3923) between LN (n = 31) and nonlymph node (NLN; n = 42) group using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the relationship between miRNA expression and clinical pathological features was analyzed. The miRNA microarray initially identified that eight miRNAs (miR‐206, miR‐3923, miR‐181a, miR‐92a, miR‐421, miR‐339‐5p, miR‐3196, and miR‐29b) were downregulated in LN metastasis group, whereas five miRNAs (miR‐542‐5p, miR‐200a, miR‐564, miR‐451, miR‐30c, miR‐200b, miR‐191‐3p, miR‐142‐5p, and miR‐185‐5p) were upregulated in LN group when compared with those in NLN group. In the validation cohort, the expression levels of miR‐185‐5p and miR‐542‐5p were significantly expressed higher in LN group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively), and the expression levels of miR‐339‐5p and miR‐3923 were significantly expressed lower in LN group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Our results indicate the potential role of miR‐185‐5p, miR‐542‐5p, miR‐339‐5p, and miR‐3923 in predicting metastasis to the LN and prognosis in breast cancers. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(5):371–377, 2014
Comparative authentication of three “snow lotus” herbs by macroscopic and microscopic features
Authors: Chen Qilei , Yi Tao , Tang Yina , Wong Lai Lai , Huang Xiaoxuan , Zhao Zhongzhen , Chen Hubiao
Published: May 2014

“Snow lotus” is a famous Chinese Materia Medica derived from species of the genus Saussurea (Compositae). To differentiate three representative easily‐confused snow lotus herbs, namely, Saussurea involucrata (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.‐Bip, Saussurea laniceps Hand.‐Mazz., and Saussurea medusa Maxim., macroscopic features of the three herbs were systemically observed, and microscopic features were compared by using ordinary light microscopy, polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that, as for macroscopic identification, capitula situation and arrangement, and as for microscopic identification, pollen grains, nonglandular hairs, glandular hairs, and cells of inner surface of the microdiodange can be used to authenticate the three snow lotus herbs. Comprehensive table comparing the characteristics were presented in this study. SEM has been found to provide a number of unique characteristics of pollen grains. Based on the observation of pollen grains, evolution sequence of the three species was speculated. The present method was proven to be efficient, convenient, simple, and reliable, which was successfully applied to the authentication of three snow lotus herbs. Microsc. Res. Tech.1 77:631–641, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of intercostal trocars on laparoscopic liver resection for tumors in segments 7 and 8
Authors: Lee Woohyung , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Cho Jai Young , Choi YoungRok , Shin Hong Kyung
Published: May 2014

Performing laparoscopic liver resection for lesions located in segment 7 and 8 is technically difficult, as the operative field is far from the conventional trocar site, and the liver impedes free motion of the laparoscopic instrument. Inserting the port through the intercostal space (ICS) may facilitate liver resection for these lesions. From January 2012 to July 2013, five patients (four men and one woman) underwent laparoscopic S7 or 8 segmentectomy for liver metastasis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ports were inserted at the 7th and 9th ICS, respectively, in addition to conventional abdominal ports. The mean age was 58 ± 10 (45–74) years; operation time, 197 ± 68 (110–300) minutes; blood loss, 161 ± 138 (40–320) ml; and length of hospital stay, 7 ± 3 (4–12) days. Pathologic findings revealed three, one, and one case(s) of colon cancer metastasis, breast cancer metastasis, and HCC, respectively. The mean tumor size and tumor‐free margin were 2.2 ± 1.1 cm and 5.8 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. There were no postoperative complications. Laparoscopic liver resection using intercostal trocars could be a useful method for tumors located in segments 7 and 8 of the liver in selected patients.
Thermal Decomposition of Carbamoyl Meldrum's Acids: A Starting Point for the Preparation of 1,3‐Oxazine Derivatives
Authors: Makowiec Sławomir , Najda Ewelina , Janikowska Karolina
Published: May 2014

The ability to undergo [4 + 2] versus [2 + 2] cycloaddition was under investigation for ketenes thermally generated from carbamoyl Meldrum's acid. Usually, 1,3‐oxazino‐5‐carbamoylo‐4,6‐diones are formed when carbamoyl Meldrum's acid reacts with imine. However, in some cases, a reaction takes an unexpected course, leading to the formation of tetraponerines alkaloids derivatives or cyclic iminoethers.
The Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of 5‐(Substituted‐phenyl)‐4,6‐dioxo −4,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Cheng XueMing , Wang ShiHui , Cui DongLiang , Li Bin
Published: May 2014

5‐(Substituted‐phenyl)‐4,6‐dioxo‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. From the result of the herbicidal activities, several compounds demonstrated good herbicidal activity. Compound 5f showed better inhibition rate against Zinnia elegans in comparison to 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5g in the post‐emergence test.