bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Addition of Perfluoroalkyl Iodides to Alkynes and Alkenes
Authors: Xu Tao , Cheung Chi Wai , Hu Xile
Published: March 2014

Iron catalysis has been developed for the intermolecular 1,2‐addition of perfluoroalkyl iodides to alkynes and alkenes. The catalysis has a wide substrate scope and high functional‐group tolerance. A variety of perfluoroalkyl iodides including CF3I can be employed. The resulting perfluoroalkylated alkyl and alkenyl iodides can be further functionalized by cross‐coupling reactions. This methodology provides a straightforward and streamlined access to perfluoroalkylated organic molecules.
Arc length asymptotics for multivariate time series
Authors: Wickramarachchi Tharanga D. , Gallagher Colin , Lund Robert
Published: March 2014

This paper quantifies the asymptotic behavior of sample arc lengths in a multivariate time series. Arc length is a natural measure of the fluctuations in a data series and can be used to quantify volatility. The idea is that processes with larger sample arc lengths exhibit larger fluctuations and hence suggest greater volatility. Here, a Gaussian functional central limit theorem for sample arc lengths is proven under finite second moment conditions. With equally spaced observations, the theory is shown to apply when the first differences of the series obey many of the popular stationary time series models in today's literature, including autoregressive moving‐average, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic, and stochastic volatility model classes. A cumulative sum statistic is introduced to identify series regimes of differing volatilities. Our applications consider log prices of asset series. Specifically, the results are used to detect nonstationary periods of stock prices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic Analysis of Large Enzyme Families: Identification of Specificity‐ and Selectivity‐Determining Hotspots
Authors: Pleiss Jürgen
Published: March 2014

A general strategy is described that integrates data mining of enzyme families and molecular modeling of enzyme–substrate interactions to identify selectivity hotspots and to design focused variant libraries for changed regio‐ and stereoselectivity. This strategy is demonstrated for two case studies; the design of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases with improved regioselectivity and of thiamine diphosphate dependent enzymes with improved stereoselectivity. In both families, two selectivity hotspots are found in almost all sequences, and simple, generic rules are established to predict the effect of mutations at these positions on selectivity. The crucial role of the hotspot positions is validated for an increasing number of enzymes by designing variants with improved or switched selectivity.
Expanded‐Ring N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes Efficiently Stabilize Gold(I) Cations, Leading to High Activity in π‐Acid‐Catalyzed Cyclizations
Authors: Morozov Oleg S. , Lunchev Andrey V. , Bush Alexander A. , Tukov Aleksandr A. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Zalesskiy Sergey S. , Ananikov Valentine P. , Nechaev Mikhail S.
Published: March 2014

A series of six‐ and seven‐membered expanded‐ring N‐heterocyclic carbene (er‐NHC) gold(I) complexes has been synthesized using different synthetic approaches. Complexes with weakly coordinating anions [(er‐NHC)AuX] (X−=BF4−, NTf2−, OTf−) were generated in solution. According to their 13C NMR spectra, the ionic character of the complexes increases in the order X−=Cl−<NTf2−<OTf−<BF4−. Additional factors for stabilization of the cationic complexes are expansion of the NHC ring and the attachment of bulky substituents at the nitrogen atoms. These er‐NHCs are bulkier ligands and stronger electron donors than conventional NHCs as well as phosphines and sulfides and provide more stabilization of [(L)Au+] cations. A comparative study has been carried out of the catalytic activities of five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered carbene complexes [(NHC)AuX], [(Ph3P)AuX], [(Me2S)AuX], and inorganic compounds of gold in model reactions of indole and benzofuran synthesis. It was found that increased ionic character of the complexes was correlated with increased catalytic activity in the cyclization reactions. As a result, we developed an unprecedentedly active monoligand cationic [(THD‐Dipp)Au]BF4 (1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,4,5,6‐tetrahydrodiazepin‐2‐ylidene gold(I) tetrafluoroborate) catalyst bearing seven‐membered‐ring carbene and bulky Dipp substituents. Quantitative yields of cyclized products were attained in several minutes at room temperature at 1 mol % catalyst loadings. The experimental observations were rationalized and fully supported by DFT calculations.
Redox Non‐Innocence of Coordinated 2‐(Arylazo) Pyridines in Iridium Complexes: Characterization of Redox Series and an Insight into Voltage‐Induced Current Characteristics
Authors: Goswami Sreetosh , Sengupta Debabrata , Paul Nanda D. , Mondal Tapan K. , Goswami Sreebrata
Published: March 2014

Two examples of a rare class of di‐radical azo‐anion complexes of 2‐(arylazo) pyridine with IrIII carrier are introduced. Their electronic structures have been elucidated using a host of physical methods that include X‐ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Room temperature magnetic moments of these are consistent with two nearly non‐interacting azo‐anion radicals. These displayed rich electrochemical properties consisting of six numbers of reversible and successive one electron CV‐waves. Redox processes occur entirely at the coordinated ligands without affecting metal redox state. Apart from reporting their chemical characterization, I‐V characteristics of these complexes in film state are investigated using sandwich‐type devices comprising of a thin film of 100–125 nm thickness placed between two gold‐plated ITO electrodes. These showed memory switching properties covering a useful voltage range with a reasonable ON/OFF ratio and also are suitable for RAM/ROM applications. I‐V characteristics of two similar complexes of Rh and Cr with identical ligand environment and electronic structure are also referred for developing an insight into the memory switching ability of Ir‐ and Rh‐ complexes on the basis of comparative analysis of responses of the respective systems. In a nutshell, thorough analysis of voltage driven redox dynamics and corresponding solid and solution state current responses of all the systems are attempted and there from an unexplored class of switching devices are systematically introduced.
Hierarchical MoS2 Shells Supported on Carbon Spheres for Highly Reversible Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: March 2014

Hierarchical MoS2 shells supported on carbon spheres (denoted as C@MoS2) have been synthesized through a one‐step hydrothermal method. The obtained hierarchical C@MoS2 microspheres simultaneously integrate the structural and compositional design rationales for high‐energy electrode materials based on two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the hierarchical C@MoS2 microspheres manifest high specific capacity, enhanced cycling stability and good rate capability.
Structural Optimization and Biological Screening of a Steroidal Scaffold Possessing Cucurbitacin‐Like Functionalities as B‐Raf Inhibitors
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud S. , Kopel Lucas C. , Halaweish Fathi T.
Published: March 2014

Inhibition of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by targeting the commonly occurring mutated B‐Raf in melanoma has become a practical method for the development of drugs and drug candidates. In order to expand upon the currently reported structural scaffolds used to target the MAPK pathway, molecular docking studies led to the installation an α,β‐unsaturated ketone side chain, related to the cucurbitacin class of natural products, on to an estrone core via an aldol condensation reaction, along with installation of the Δ9,11 olefin to assemble what has been defined as a pseudo‐cis configuration at the B/C ring juncture. Combination of these cucurbitacin‐like features resulted in a compound with an enhanced biological profile against the A‐375 mutant B‐Raf cell line, in regards to their cytotoxicity and inhibitory activity toward phosphorylated extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK).
Retracted: Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of 2‐Anilinopyridine‐3‐Acrylamides as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Ashraf Md. , Khan M. Naseer Ahmed , Nimbarte Vijaykumar D. , Faazil Shaikh , Subba Reddy N. V. , Taj Shaik
Published: March 2014

The following article Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of 2‐Anilinopyridine‐3‐Acrylamides as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors, by A. Kamal, Md. Ashraf, M. N. A. Khan, V. D. Nimbarte, S. Faazil, N. V. Subba Reddy, S. Taj, ChemMedChem, DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201400036, published online on March 28, 2014 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Natalia Ortúzar, and Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. The retraction has been agreed due to concern over the reproducibility of the Western blot results reported in the article.
Evaluation of the potential interaction between tofacitinib and drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion using metformin, an in vivo marker of renal organic cation transporter 2
Authors: Klamerus Karen J. , Alvey Christine , Li Lei , Feng Bo , Wang Rong , Kaplan Irina , Shi Haihong , Dowty Martin E. , Krishnaswami Sriram
Published: March 2014

Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor. The potential for drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between tofacitinib and drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion was evaluated using metformin as a probe transporter substrate, and genotyping for organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2 and multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 polymorphisms.

Twenty‐four healthy male subjects completed this open‐label, fixed‐sequence study. Subjects were administered a single oral metformin 500 mg dose on Days 1 and 4, and multiple oral tofacitinib 30 mg twice daily doses on Days 2, 3, and 4. Subjects underwent serial blood and urine samplings (Days 1 and 4) to estimate metformin pharmacokinetics. A single blood sample for tofacitinib was collected 2 hours after the morning dose (Day 4).

The 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve and renal clearance of metformin, with and without tofacitinib, were contained within the 80–125% acceptance range commonly used to establish a lack of DDI. No deaths, serious adverse events (AEs), severe AEs or discontinuations due to AEs were reported. The study confirms tofacitinib is unlikely to impact the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion, and concurs with its weak in vitro OCT2 inhibitory profile.
CO2 Captured in Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks: Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Uptake and Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Kontos Athanassios G. , Likodimos Vlassis , Veziri Charitomeni M. , Kouvelos Evangelos , Moustakas Nikolaos , Karanikolos Georgios N. , Romanos George Em. , Falaras Polycarpos
Published: March 2014

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) exhibit enhanced selectivity and increased CO2 uptake due to the incorporation of functional imidazolate units in their structure as well as their extensive porosity and ring flexibility. In situ Raman investigation of a representative host compound, ZIF‐69, in practical CO2 pressure and temperature regimes (0–10 bar and 0–64 °C) correlates well with corresponding macroscopic CO2 sorption data and shows clear clear spectroscopic evidence of CO2 uptake. Significant positive shift of the 159 cm−1 phenyl bending mode of the benzimidazole moiety indicates weak hydrogen bonding with CO2 in the larger cavities of the ZIF matrix. Raman spectroscopy is shown to be an easy and sensitive tool for quantifying CO2 uptake, identifying weak host–guest interactions and elucidating CO2 sorption mechanism in ZIFs.
Mineralization of malathion by Fusarium oxysporum strain JASA1 isolated from sugarcane fields
Authors: Peter Logeswari , Gajendiran Anudurga , Mani Deepa , Nagaraj Sugitha , Abraham Jayanthi
Published: March 2014

The present work was focused in isolating fungus which possessed the special ability to degrade malathion. The pesticide of choice was malathion as it is being used to control a variety of pests in the agricultural fields in India. The fungal strains with the potential to degrade malathion was isolated by enrichment technique from malathion contaminated soil. The molecular characterization of 18S rRNA sequence homology confirmed its identity as Fusarium oxysporum. The isolate was able to degrade 400 mg L−1 malathion completely in mineral medium. In soil spiked with malathion and with addition of nutrients (carbon, nitrogen, phosphate), the isolate was capable of degrading malathion at 8th day of incubation. Where as in the second trial, in the absence of nutrients, JASA1 was able to degrade 400 mg L−1 malathion on the 9th day of incubation. The course of the degradation process was studied using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses which confirmed the degradation potential of the fungus. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 112–116, 2015
Neural substrates of visual masking by object substitution in schizophrenia
Authors: Lee Junghee , Cohen Mark S. , Engel Stephen A. , Glahn David , Nuechterlein Keith H. , Wynn Jonathan K. , Green Michael F.
Published: March 2014

Despite a well‐known behavioral finding of visual backward masking impairment in schizophrenia, its underlying neural mechanism remains obscure. This study examined neural correlates of a distinct type of visual backward masking, object substitution masking (OSM), in schizophrenia. Twenty schizophrenia patients and 26 healthy controls completed a 4‐Dot OSM task and three functional localizer tasks for the lateral occipital (LO), human motion‐sensitive (hMT+), and retinotopic areas in the scanner. In 4‐dot masking, subjects detected a target that was followed by a mask consisting of 4 dots that surrounded a target. Stimulus‐onset asynchrony (SOA) between target and mask was varied to examine the modulation of masking: (1) within three visual processing areas regions of interest (ROI) (i.e., ROI analysis) and (2) in brain regions outside the three visual processing areas (i.e., whole brain analysis). In the ROI analyses, LO and retinotopic areas showed increased peak amplitude when SOA become longer in both patients and controls. There was also an effect of ROI in that both groups showed higher activation in LO and hMT+ compared with the retinotopic areas. The whole brain analyses revealed a significantly activated area for longer SOAs vs. a short SOA in the occipital cortex in controls only, but the group contrast was not significant. Overall, this study did not find strong evidence for neural abnormalities of OSM in schizophrenia, suggesting that neural substrates of OSM in schizophrenia are not as compromised as those involved in the more common masking methods that rely on disruption of object formation. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4654–4662, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of microRNA-24 expression in liver prevents hepatic lipid accumulation and hyperlipidemia
Authors: Ng Raymond , Wu Heng , Xiao Hong , Chen Xin , Willenbring Holger , Steer Clifford J. , Song Guisheng
Published: March 2014

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hyperlipidemia, with their associated risks of endstage liver and cardiovascular diseases, is increasing rapidly due to the prevalence of obesity. Although the mechanisms of NAFLD have been studied extensively, the underlying pathogenesis and the role of microRNAs in this process remain relatively unclear. MicroRNA (miRNA)-dependent posttranscriptional gene silencing is now recognized as a key element of lipid metabolism. Here we report that the expression of microRNA-24 (miR-24) is significantly increased in the livers of high-fat diet-treated mice and in isolated human hepatocytes incubated with fatty acid. Knockdown of miR-24 in those mice caused impaired hepatic lipid accumulation and reduced plasma triglycerides. Bioinformatic and in vitro and in vivo studies led us to identify insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig1), an inhibitor of lipogenesis, as a novel target of miR-24. Inhibition of endogenous miR-24 expression by way of miR-24 inhibitors led to up-regulation of Insig1, and subsequently decreased hepatic lipid accumulation. It is well established that liver-specific deletion of Insig1 leads to higher hepatic and plasma triglyceride levels by inhibiting the processing of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), transcription factors that activate lipid synthesis. As expected, miR-24 knockdown prevented SREBP processing, and subsequent expression of lipogenic genes. In contrast, the opposite result was observed with overexpression of miR-24, which enhanced SREBP processing. Thus, our study defines a potentially critical role for deregulated expression of miR-24 in the development of fatty liver by way of targeting of Insig1. Conclusion: Our findings show a novel mechanism by which miR-24 promotes hepatic lipid accumulation and hyperlipidemia by repressing Insig1, and suggest the use of miR-24 inhibitor as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD and/or atherosclerosis. (Hepatology 2014;60:554–564)
A mini‐review: Cell response to microscale, nanoscale, and hierarchical patterning of surface structure
Authors: Jeon HoJun , Simon Carl G. , Kim GeunHyung
Published: March 2014

Cellular behavior can be influenced by the chemical and physical surface characteristics of biomedical substrates. To understand the relationships between various topographical surface patterns and cellular activities, various types of pattern models have been developed and examined in a range of sizes (microscale, nanoscale, and hierarchical structures consisting of both) and shapes (pillar, hole, groove, grate, grid, and island). Here, we review fabrication methods for obtaining physically patterned microscale and nanoscale surfaces, and discuss the relationships between cellular responses and physically patterned surfaces, which could be applied to various biomedical scaffolds used in tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1580–1594, 2014.
Enhanced Immunoprotective Effects by Anti-IL-17 Antibody Translates to Improved Skeletal Parameters Under Estrogen Deficiency Compared With Anti-RANKL and Anti-TNF-α Antibodies
Authors: Tyagi Abdul M , Mansoori Mohd N , Srivastava Kamini , Khan Mohd P , Kureel Jyoti , Dixit Manisha , Shukla Priyanka , Trivedi Ritu , Chattopadhyay Naibedya , Singh Divya
Published: March 2014

Activated T cell has a key role in the interaction between bone and immune system. T cells produce proinflammatory cytokines, including receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 17 (IL-17), all of which augment osteoclastogenesis. RANKL and TNF-α are targeted by inhibitors such as denosumab, a human monoclonal RANKL antibody, and infliximab, which neutralizes TNF-α. IL-17 is also an important mediator of bone loss, and an antibody against IL-17 is undergoing phase II clinical trial for rheumatoid arthritis. Although there are a few studies showing suppression of Th17 cell differentiation and induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by infliximab, the effect of denosumab remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of anti-TNF-α, anti-RANKL, or anti-IL-17 antibody administration to estrogen-deficient mice on CD4+ T-cell proliferation, CD28 loss, Th17/Treg balance and B lymphopoesis, and finally, the translation of these immunomodulatory effects on skeletal parameters. Adult Balb/c mice were treated with anti-RANKL/-TNF-α/-IL-17 subcutaneously, twice a week, postovariectomy (Ovx) for 4 weeks. Animals were then autopsied; bone marrow cells were collected for FACS and RNA analysis and serum collected for ELISA. Bones were dissected for static and dynamic histomorphometry studies. We observed that although anti-RANKL and anti-TNF-α therapies had no effect on Ovx-induced CD4+ T-cell proliferation and B lymphopoesis, anti-IL-17 effectively suppressed both events with concomitant reversal of CD28 loss. Anti-IL-17 antibody reduced proinflammatory cytokine production and induced Tregs. All three antibodies restored trabecular microarchitecture with comparable efficacy; however, cortical bone parameters, bone biomechanical properties, and histomorphometry were best preserved by anti-IL-17 antibody, likely attributable to its inhibitory effect on osteoblast apoptosis and increased number of bone lining cells and Wnt10b expression. Based on the superior immunoprotective effects of anti-IL-17, which appears to translate to a better skeletal preservation, we propose beginning clinical trials using a humanized antibody against IL-17 for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Guest editorial for the special issue on modeling of high‐frequency silicon transistors
Authors: Crupi Giovanni , Schreurs Dominique , Caddemi Alina
Published: March 2014

This special issue presents an original and high‐quality selection of twenty referred papers, including this editorial, to provide the readers of the International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields with a representative snapshot of the state‐of‐the‐art, challenges, and future prospects in the timely and fascinating field of the high‐frequency modeling for advanced silicon transistors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HIF‐1α‐induced HSP70 regulates anabolic responses in articular chondrocytes under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Tsuchida Shinji , Arai Yuji , Takahashi Kenji A. , Kishida Tsunao , Terauchi Ryu , Honjo Kuniaki , Nakagawa Shuji , Inoue Hiroaki , Ikoma Kazuya , Ueshima Keiichiro , Matsuki Tomohiro , Mazda Osam , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: March 2014

We assessed whether heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is involved in hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α)‐dependent anabolic pathways in articular chondrocytes under hypoxic conditions. Primary rabbit chondrocytes were cultured under normoxia (20% oxygen condition) or hypoxia (1% oxygen condition). Alternatively, cells cultured under normoxia were treated with CoCl2, which induces HIF‐1α, to simulate hypoxia, or transfected with siRNAs targeting HIF‐1α (si‐HIF‐1α) and HSP70 (si‐HSP70) under hypoxia. HSP70 expression was enhanced by the increased expression of HIF‐1α under hypoxia or simulated hypoxia, but not in the presence of si‐HIF‐1α. Hypoxia‐induced overexpression of ECM genes was significantly suppressed by si‐HIF‐1α or si‐HSP70. Cell viability positively correlated with hypoxia, but transfection with si‐HIF‐1α or si‐HSP70 abrogated the chondroprotective effects of hypoxia. Although LDH release from sodium nitroprusside‐treated cells and the proportion of TUNEL positive cells were decreased under hypoxia, transfection with si‐HIF‐1α or si‐HSP70 almost completely blocked these effects. These findings indicated that HIF‐1α‐induced HSP70 overexpression increased the expression levels of ECM genes and cell viability, and protected chondrocytes from apoptosis. HIF‐1α may regulate the anabolic effects of chondrocytes under hypoxic conditions by regulating HSP70 expression. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:975–980, 2014.
Electrospun Nanofibers as Dressings for Chronic Wound Care: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Abrigo Martina , McArthur Sally L. , Kingshott Peter
Published: March 2014

Chronic non‐healing wounds show delayed and incomplete healing processes and in turn expose patients to a high risk of infection. Treatment currently focuses on dressings that prevent microbial infiltration and keep a balanced moisture and gas exchange environment. Antibacterial delivery from dressings has existed for some time, with responsive systems now aiming to trigger release only if infection occurs. Simultaneously, approaches that stimulate cell proliferation in the wound and encourage healing have been developed. Interestingly, few dressings appear capable of simultaneously impairing or treating infection and encouraging cell proliferation/wound healing. Electrospinning is a simple, cost‐effective, and reproducible process that can utilize both synthetic and natural polymers to address these specific wound challenges. Electrospun meshes provide high‐surface area, micro‐porosity, and the ability to load drugs or other biomolecules into the fibers. Electrospun materials have been used as scaffolds for tissue engineering for a number of years, but there is surprisingly little literature on the interactions of fibers with bacteria and co‐cultures of cells and bacteria. This Review examines the literature and data available on electrospun wound dressings and the research that is required to develop smart multifunctional wound dressings capable of treating infection and healing chronic wounds.
Sustained autoimmune mechanisms in dermatomyositis
Authors: Greenberg Steven A
Published: March 2014

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease predominantly affecting skin and muscle. Its poorly understood pathogenesis is increasingly being linked to the overproduction of type 1 interferon‐inducible gene transcripts and proteins. Mechanisms have been identified by which chronic sustained accumulation of these proteins might occur and thereby injure tissue in dermatomyositis. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties and Application of a Novel Type of Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP)‐Modified Nitrocellulose Powders
Authors: Wu Yanguang , Luo Yunjun , Ge Zhen
Published: March 2014

GAP‐modified nitrocellulose powders were prepared by an internal solution method and applied in cross‐linked modified double base (XLDB) propellants. It was found that GAP‐modified nitrocellulose powders exhibit high round, no bonding between the particles and excellent fluidity. When the amount of GAP increased from 10.0 % to 30.0 %, the median diameter (d50) of powders decreased from 134.53 μm to 94.54 μm. The thermal decomposition process of GAP appeared also in the GAP‐modified nitrocellulose powders, but the thermal decomposition peak temperatures of N3 and the GAP main chain were found to be lower for the 10.0 % and 20.0 % GAP‐modified samples than the corresponding peak temperatures for pure GAP, respectively. The plasticizing properties of GAP‐modified nitrocellulose powders are better than that of pure nitrocellulose powders, and the drop weight impact sensitivity of the modified powders is reduced as the mass ratio of GAP increases. It was experimentally shown that GAP‐modified nitrocellulose powders can improve the mechanical characteristics of the propellant with a maximum tensile strength (σm) between 0.36 MPa<σm< 1.10 MPa and an elongation at maximum tensile strength (εm) between 28.8 %<εm<51.8 % at temperatures of −40, +20 and +50 °C.
Acceleration or Avoidance? The Role of Temporary Moves Abroad in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Frändberg Lotta
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the meaning attributed to the practice of ‘going abroad’ from the perspective of youth transitions. It assumes that the growing prevalence of temporary moves abroad among middle‐class youth can be understood as spatial manifestations of, and responses to, both expanded opportunities for individual choice and increased demands for flexibility in the face of uncertainty. The paper is based on an analysis of in‐depth retrospective interviews with 14 thirty‐year‐old Swedes who had spent at least 1 year studying or working abroad in their early to mid twenties. The questions addressed concern the meanings attributed to temporary moves abroad in relation to (a) personal history and personal choice and (b) the management of opportunity and uncertainty. Although going abroad is fairly common among middle‐class Swedish youth, the results indicate that the decision to do so is typically described as highly personal, with reference to one's family history, childhood environment, personality, or desire to become someone different. The act of physical displacement is conceptualised as a way to accelerate progress towards independence and autonomy and to incorporate evidence of courage, flexibility, and ability to act into one's biography. However, mobility is also used to create ‘fail‐safe’ situations – to postpone and avoid the demands for long‐term planning and progress integral to the transition to adulthood. Whereas the pressure for success seems to be considerably relaxed in many temporary communities of mobile youth, it is clearly part of the social context at home. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling magnetostructural textures in magnetic shape‐memory alloys: Strain and magnetic glass behaviour
Authors: Lloveras Pol , Touchagues Gilles , Castán Teresa , Lookman Turab , Porta Marcel , Saxena Avadh , Planes Antoni
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we propose a model that combines a Landau free energy part and a micromagnetic free energy part aimed at describing a magnetostructural multiferroic. We show that in the limit of high‐elastic anisotropy and strong magnetostructural interplay, the model is able to reproduce characteristic strain and magnetization configurations typical of magnetic shape‐memory materials. For low‐elastic anisotropy, in the presence of disorder arising from compositional fluctuations giving rise to a distribution of local transition temperatures, the model is able to reproduce strain glass behaviour. In this case, the temperature dependence of the magnetization measured after zero magnetic field cooling deviates from the magnetization measured after magnetic field cooling protocol, which proves that the strain glass behaviour induces non‐ergodicity in the magnetic degrees of freedom as well.
Large scale supercell calculations for forces around substitutional defects in NiTi
Authors: Zeller Rudolf
Published: March 2014

Density functional calculations are used to investigate the interatomic forces that arise if Ti atoms are substituted by Ni or Cu defect atoms. For the experimentally found monoclinic B19’ ground state structure, these forces are calculated for the unrelaxed atomic positions by the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker Green‐function method. The force field in the vicinity of the defects is markedly different in 32‐ and 256‐atom supercells while it is nearly the same in 256‐ and 2048‐atom supercells. This difference is explained by symmetry arguments and discussed as a possible explanation for the concentration dependent transition from the high‐temperature B2 phase to low temperature B19’ or strain glass phases.
Site diversity gain at the equator: radar‐derived results modeling in Singapore
Authors: Yeo Jun Xiang , Lee Yee Hui , Ong Jin Teong
Published: March 2014

Site diversity is an effective rain attenuation mitigation technique, especially in the tropical region where high rainfall rates are common. According to our previous study, site diversity gain is found to be dependent on the site separation distance and path elevation angle while it is independent of signal frequency, baseline angle and polarization angle. Therefore, using 28 months of radar data, a simple site diversity gain prediction model is proposed. The proposed model is compared with the existing ITU‐R models. The seasonal wind direction, another factor that might affect the site diversity gain prediction model, is shown to have negligible effect on site diversity gain. Triple‐site diversity is also investigated, and although it is found to provide gain improvement over dual‐site diversity, this gain improvement is too little to justify for the cost of setting up an additional site. This study is useful for the implementation of site diversity as a rain attenuation mitigation technique in the tropical region. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional group quantification on epoxy surfaces by chemical derivatization (CD)‐XPS
Authors: Nietzold Carolin , Dietrich Paul M. , Ivanov‐Pankov Sergej , Lippitz Andreas , Gross Thomas , Weigel Wilfried , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: March 2014

In this study, epoxy‐terminated silicon oxide surfaces were chemically derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) and 4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐benzylamine (TFMBA) and analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. TFAA was used for quantitative derivatization to determine the amount of reactive epoxy groups on these surfaces. Furthermore, epoxy‐terminated surfaces were derivatized with TFMBA (a model compound for biomolecules with an amino linker) yielding secondary amines because of formation of covalent C–N bonds between TFMBA and the epoxy films. Fluorine being part of TFAA and TFMBA composition was used to follow the progress of the chemical derivatization reaction. Both derivatization agents – TFAA and TFMBA – gave comparable reaction yields of ~60% on epoxy silicon surfaces, whereas on epoxy glass slides, the derivatization yields were considerably lower (30–40%).The protocol for attachment of TFMBA (model compound) on epoxy‐modified surfaces was adapted to (bio)molecules with an amino linker, e.g. carbohydrates to prepare carbohydrate‐functionalized biointerfaces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping One Strong ‘Ohana: Using Network Analysis and GIS to Enhance the Effectiveness of a Statewide Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Cardazone Gina , U. Sy Angela , Chik Ivan , Corlew Laura Kate
Published: March 2014

Network analysis and GIS enable the presentation of meaningful data about organizational relationships and community characteristics, respectively. Together, these tools can provide a concrete representation of the ecological context in which coalitions operate, and may help coalitions identify opportunities for growth and enhanced effectiveness. This study uses network analysis and GIS mapping as part of an evaluation of the One Strong ‘Ohana (OSO) campaign. The OSO campaign was launched in 2012 via a partnership between the Hawai‘i Children's Trust Fund (HCTF) and the Joyful Heart Foundation. The OSO campaign uses a collaborative approach aimed at increasing public awareness of child maltreatment and protective factors that can prevent maltreatment, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the HCTF Coalition. This study focuses on three elements of the OSO campaign evaluation: (1) Network analysis exploring the relationships between 24 active Coalition member organizations, (2) GIS mapping of responses to a randomized statewide phone survey (n= 1,450) assessing awareness of factors contributing to child maltreatment, and (3) Combined GIS maps and network data, illustrating opportunities for geographically‐targeted coalition building and public awareness activities.
Swinburne's argument for the existence of God: a critical comment on conceptual issues
Authors: BRAUNSTEINER-BERGER JULIA
Published: March 2014

In this article I discuss two interrelated problems found in Richard Swinburne's cumulative case argument for the existence of God. First, I argue that the probabilistic proof apparatus introduced by Swinburne inThe Existence of God(1979; 2004) would require him to provide a normalized preference order of God's intentions based on a measure of the ‘relative moral goodness’ of possible-world states. However, the approach offered in the second edition ofThe Existence of God(2004) fails to do so for various reasons. Second, a slightly different version of the argument briefly indicated by Swinburne might avoid the problems of normalizability but falls apart when meeting the criteria of relevant confirmation.
Against deliberation restrictions
Authors: PENDERGRAFT GARRETT
Published: March 2014

Traditional views about God and about deliberation seem to imply that we need a deliberation restriction on the concept of divine omniscience. I will argue, however, that this deliberation restriction is both irrelevant and unnecessary. It is irrelevant because there is no time at which God needs to deliberate; and it is unnecessary because even if God does deliberate, it's possible for him to do so while knowing what the results of that deliberation will be. And because this possibility of deliberating despite knowing the results holds for deliberation in general, my argument provides useful (and perhaps surprising) results not only for discussions of the divine attributes, but also for broader discussions of deliberation itself.
My Child Will Be a Citizen: Intergenerational Motives for Naturalization
Authors: Street Alex
Published: March 2014

A reform of German citizenship law in 2000 was expected to greatly increase the number of foreign residents becoming German citizens. In fact, the naturalization rate fell and has remained low ever since. This outcome cannot be explained either by existing research on citizenship laws or by scholarship on individual incentives to naturalize. Instead, this article argues that the family context shapes decision making about citizenship, with distinctive behavioral implications. Parents have an incentive to naturalize and thereby extend their new citizenship status to their children. The introduction of a right to citizenship for many children born in Germany to immigrant parents removed this incentive for the parents to naturalize. The author tests the predictions of this argument against both qualitative and quantitative evidence. The article concludes with a discussion of other domains in which it may be possible to gain analytic leverage by studying political decisions in the family context.
Engineering Stability: Authoritarian Political Control over University Students in Post-Deng China
Authors: Yan Xiaojun
Published: March 2014

Given their critical influence on society and politics, university students are one of the key target groups for authoritarian political control around the world. To further our understanding of the endurance and resilience of authoritarianism in post-Deng China, it is necessary to examine one of the Party-state's most crucial control frameworks: the institutional mechanism through which it preserves social stability in the nation's 2,358 university campuses, and maintains control over its more than 22 million college students. Drawing upon intensive field research conducted in 2011, this article attempts to map out the structures and measures deployed by the post-Deng regime to nurture political compliance and consolidate its domination of university campuses. By deciphering an essential component of the state's political control apparatus, this article aims to shed new light on the internal operations of the authoritarian system that is running China today.
Mechanism of action of the SPARI vilazodone: serotonin 1A partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: March 2014

ISSUE:Vilazodone is an antidepressant with a novel mechanism of pharmacologic action: serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor (SPARI).
PET/SPECT imaging agents for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zhu Lin , Ploessl Karl , Kung Hank F.
Published: March 2014

Amyvid/PET imaging of a living brain detects β-amyloid plaque deposition, a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease.
A cyclic dinucleotide containing 2-aminopurine is a general fluorescent sensor for c-di-GMP and 3′,3′-cGAMP
Authors: Roembke Benjamin T. , Zhou Jie , Zheng Yue , Sayre David , Lizardo Allan , Bernard Laurentee , Sintim Herman O.
Published: March 2014

A cyclic dinucleotide containing 2-amino purine is fluorescent but upon dimer formation with c-di-GMP or cGAMP, in the presence of Mn2+, the fluorescence of the 2AP probe is quenched, providing a means to detect c-di-GMP.
Five additional macrocycles that allow Na+ ion-templated threading of guest units featuring a single urea or amide functionality
Authors: Lin You-Han , Lai Chien-Chen , Chiu Sheng-Hsien
Published: March 2014

Five analogues of the macrocycle BPX26C6 are also capable of recognizing single urea and/or amide functionalities in the presence of templating Na+ ions.
Characterization and identification of chemical components in Neopicrorhiza scrphulariiflora roots by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Chunting , Liu Yongqiang , Abdulla Rahima , Aisa Haji Akber , Suo Yourui
Published: March 2014

A simple and effective method employing LC-ESI-QTOF-MS was established for the qualitative analysis of chemical constituents inNeopicrorhiza scrphulariifloraroots.
A novel LC-ESI-MS/MS assay method for the determination of anagrelide in human plasma by using a solid phase extraction technique and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Batta Neelima , Pilli Nageswara Rao , Vurimindi Hima Bindu , Yejella Rajendra Prasad
Published: March 2014

A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) assay method has been developed and validated for the determination of anagrelide in human plasma samples.
Comparative studies of thermogels in preventing post-operative adhesions and corresponding mechanisms
Authors: Yu Lin , Hu Hongtao , Chen Lin , Bao Xiaogang , Li Yuzhuo , Chen Liang , Xu Guohua , Ye Xiaojian , Ding Jiandong
Published: March 2014

Thermogelling PLGA–PEG–PLGA, PCGA–PEG–PCGA, and PCL–PEG–PCL triblock copolymers and their efficacies of prevention of post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in rabbits were investigated and compared.
A surface plasmon resonance assay coupled with a hybridization chain reaction for amplified detection of DNA and small molecules
Authors: Li Xuemei , Wang Yan , Wang Linlin , Wei Qingli
Published: March 2014

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection system based on a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) was developed for amplified detection of DNA and small molecules with high sensitivity. This methodology is capable of detecting the target in complicated biological samples and can be further extended to the detection of other proteins or biomarkers.
A new alkaline beryllium borate KBe4B3O9 with ribbon alveolate [Be2BO5]∞ layers and the structural evolution of ABe4B3O9(A = K, Rb and Cs)
Authors: Wang Shichao , Ye Ning , Zou Guohong
Published: March 2014

A new alkaline beryllium borate, KBe4B3O9, consisting of 2D ribbon alveolate beryllium borate [Be2BO5]∞ layers connected by strong covalent bonds.
PCBM supported on titania used as an efficient photocatalyst under visible light
Authors: Liu Chun-Bo , Cong Yao , Sun He-Yi , Che Guang-Bo , Zhang Ji-Shuang
Published: March 2014

A [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)-modified TiO2 photocatalyst was prepared by a simple facile chemisorption approach.
Synthesis of dimesitylborane-substituted phenylcarbazoles as bipolar host materials and the variation of the green PHOLED performance with the substituent position of the boron atom
Authors: Jang Hong-Gu , Kim Bo Seong , Lee Jun Yeob , Hwang Seok-Ho
Published: March 2014

Two structural isomers of bipolar host materials containing the dimesitylborane moiety were synthesized and the quantum efficiency of their devices depends on the substituent position of the dimesitylborane moiety.
Synthesis, characterization and ethylene polymerization behaviour of binuclear nickel halides bearing 4,5,9,10-tetra(arylimino)pyrenylidenes
Authors: Xing Qifeng , Song Kuifeng , Liang Tongling , Liu Qingbin , Sun Wen-Hua , Redshaw Carl
Published: March 2014

Binuclear nickel halides were found to be long-lived, high active ethylene polymerization catalysts; the polyethylene possessed branched features.
Synthesis of mesoporous Beta and Sn-Beta zeolites and their catalytic performances
Authors: Jin Junjiang , Ye Xinxin , Li Yongsheng , Wang Yanqin , Li Liang , Gu Jinlou , Zhao Wenru , Shi Jianlin
Published: March 2014

Mesoporous Beta and Sn-Beta zeolites have been successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal templating and a subsequent post-synthetic route, respectively.
Novel phthalimide derivatives with TNF-α and IL-1β expression inhibitory and apoptotic inducing properties
Authors: Coêlho Lucas Cunha Duarte , Cardoso Marcos Veríssimo de Oliveira , Moreira Diogo Rodrigo Magalhães , Gomes Paulo André Teixeira de Moraes , Cavalcanti Suellen Melo Tibúrcio , Oliveira Arsenio Rodrigues , Filho Gevanio Bezerra de Oliveira , Siqueira Lucianna Rabelo Pessoa de , Barbosa Miria de Oliveira , Borba Elizabeth Fernanda de Oliveira , Silva Teresinha Gonçalves da , Kaskow Belinda , Karimi Mahdad , Abraham Lawrence J. , Leite Ana Cristina Lima
Published: March 2014

24 compounds were synthesized and their immunomodulation of TNF-α and IL-1β was evaluated.
Synthesis of homochiral tris-indanyl molecular rods
Authors: Kjeldsen Niels Due , Funder Erik Daa , Gothelf Kurt V.
Published: March 2014

By Ti-mediated alkyne trimerization and subsequent Sonogashira and Ohira–Bestman reactions, homochiral molecular rod molecules were prepared for surface self-assembly studies.
NHC–gold(i) catalysed [4 + 2] cycloaddition–acyclic addition of dialkyl substituted propargylic esters with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran: synthesis of novel benzo[c]fluorenols and substituted dienes
Authors: Kotikalapudi Ramesh , Siva Kumari A. Leela , Swamy K. C. Kumara
Published: March 2014

A new class of benzofluorenols is generated via a novel gold carbene complex [IPrAuCl/AgSbF6] catalysed cycloaddition of propargylic esters with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran.
Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-graft-polythiophene via a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and Grignard reaction
Authors: Hatamzadeh Maryam , Jaymand Mehdi
Published: March 2014

For the first time, synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-graft-polythiopheneviaa combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and Grignard reaction is reported.
Non-destroyable graphene cladding on a range of textile and other fibers and fiber mats
Authors: Samad Yarjan Abdul , Li Yuanqing , Alhassan Saeed M. , Liao Kin
Published: March 2014

Electrically insulating textile and synthetic fibers were cladded with chemically modified graphene via a three-step technique to induce electrical conductivity.
Self-immolative trigger-initiated polydiacetylene probe for β-glucuronidase activity
Authors: Wang Dong-En , Zhang Yanrong , Li Tianbao , Tu Qin , Wang Jinyi
Published: March 2014

We report a new probe for β-glucuronidase based on the colorimetric and fluorescent responses of polydiacetylene liposomes.
Multicomponent diversity-oriented synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,4-dihydropyridines in recyclable glycine nitrate (GlyNO3) ionic liquid: a mechanistic insight using Q-TOF, ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Andhare Nitin H. , Shard Amit , Richa Richa , Sinha Arun Kumar
Published: March 2014

Glycine nitrate (GlyNO3) ionic liquid has been explored for the synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,4-DHPs in good-to-excellent yields with mechanistic studies using Q-TOF and ESI-MS/MS.
Emulsions stabilised by whey protein microgel particles: towards food-grade Pickering emulsions
Authors: Destribats Mathieu , Rouvet Martine , Gehin-Delval Cécile , Schmitt Christophe , Binks Bernard P.
Published: March 2014

We have investigated a new class of food-grade particle, whey protein microgels, as stabilisers of triglyceride-water emulsions. The sub-micron particles stabilised food-grade oil-in-water emulsions exhibiting exceptional resistance to coalescence.
Mechanically strong and stretchable PEG-based supramolecular hydrogel with water-responsive shape-memory property
Authors: Cui Yulin , Tan Mei , Zhu Aidi , Guo Mingyu
Published: March 2014

A stretchable and elastic supramolecular hydrogel with water-responsive shape-memory behavior, which can be realized under mild and green conditions, was developed.