bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human body morphology, prevalence of nasopharyngeal potential bacterial pathogens, and immunocompetence handicap principal
Authors: Pawlowski Boguslaw , Nowak Judyta , Borkowska BARBARA , Drulis‐Kawa Zuzanna
Published: February 2014

Objective

Body height, body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) are the main traits characterizing human body morphology. Studies show that these traits are related to attractiveness and, therefore, according to an evolutionary point of view, are supposed to be honest signals of biological quality. If the immunocompetence handicap principal (IHP) is true, people with more attractive values of these traits should be more immunologically competent. To test this, we analyzed whether nasal and throat colonization with potentially pathogenic bacteria is related to body height and BMI in both sexes and to WHR in females.

Methods: 103 healthy females and 90 healthy males (with the mean age of 21.4 and 22.8, respectively) participated in the study. The heights and weights were self‐reported and waist and hip circumferences measured. Six potentially pathogenic species (with the most commonStaphylococcus aureus) isolated from nasal and throat swabs were identified by colony morphology, standard biochemical assays, and latex tests. To compare carrier and noncarrier individuals, Kruskal‐Wallis test was used.

Results

Colonized males had higher BMI than non‐colonized males (no difference for females) and colonized females had lower WHR's. Body height was not related to colonization in either sex.

Conclusions

We confirmed our hypothesis only for BMI in males. This result and a higher WHR in non‐colonized females indicate higher immunocompetence of those who bear the costs of higher levels of testosterone, which according to previous studies is correlated negatively to BMI in males and positively to WHR in females. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:305–310, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Computational Study of Allene Synthesis via the ZnI2‐Promoted Alleylation of Terminal Alkynes (ATA Reaction)
Authors: Zhang Xue
Published: February 2014

A detailed mechanism of allene formation via the ZnI2‐promoted alleylation of terminal alkynes (ATA reaction) was investigated through DFT. The originally proposed pathway for this process was evaluated and accords perfectly with the calculated results. The formation of a propargylamine, the subsequent [1,5]‐hydride migration, and β‐elimination are the key steps of the whole process. The [1,5]‐hydride migration is the rate‐determining step. The main role of ZnI2 in the whole process is alkyne activation to facilitate the [1,5]‐hydride migration and the stabilization of the zwitterionic intermediate.
Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines by Iron(III)‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Coupling Reaction of Aldehydes, Amines, and Styrenes
Authors: Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Rajamalli P. , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: February 2014

A practical and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of substituted quinolines via an FeCl3‐catalysed coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines, and styrenes in the presence of oxygen is described. The remarkable features of this quinoline synthesis include simple operation, mild reaction conditions, a wide substrate scope, a non‐toxic and inexpensive FeCl3 catalyst, readily available starting materials, the use of oxygen as an oxidant, and no hazardous byproducts.
Effect of habitat quality on diet flexibility in Barbary macaques
Authors: Ménard Nelly , Motsch Peggy , Delahaye Alexia , Saintvanne Alice , Le Flohic Guillaume , Dupé Sandrine , Vallet Dominique , Qarro Mohamed , Tattou Mohamed Ibn , Pierre Jean‐Sébastien
Published: February 2014

Barbary macaques live in extreme temperate environments characterized by strongly seasonal resource availability. They are mainly terrestrial while foraging, harvesting food from the herbaceous layer. These monkeys are threatened mainly because of anthropogenic habitat degradation. We studied the adaptive capacities of wild groups of Barbary macaques that lived in different cedar forests undergoing varying extents of grazing pressure from domestic livestock. In all three sites, diet varied seasonally. Heavy grazing led to a significant decrease in herbaceous production and species richness. As a consequence, the monkeys' diet in this poor habitat showed a decreased plant species richness. Moreover, it incorporated fewer above‐ground herbaceous resources, and a greater proportion of subterranean resources (especially hypogeous fungi and subterranean invertebrates such as earthworms, eggs and adults of earwigs, and ant's larvae) than the diet of monkeys inhabiting ungrazed forest. Cedar bark, cedar strobiles, earthworms, and earwigs were part of the monkeys' diet only in grazed forest. Monkeys in heavily grazed forest compensated for a lack of herbaceous foods by eating subterranean foods preferentially to tree and shrub products. The foods they consumed take longer to harvest and process than the seeds or leaves consumed by Barbary macaques in less heavily grazed forest habitats. Our results suggest that monkeys do differ in their diets according to the degree of habitat change induced by human activities. They also highlight the dietary flexibility of Barbary macaques as a key element that allows them to cope with degraded habitats. We later compare the dietary adjustments of Barbary macaques facing environmental change to dietary strategies of other macaques and temperate‐zone primates. Am. J. Primatol. 76:679–693, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocultural implications of oral pathology in an ancient Central California population
Authors: Griffin Mark C.
Published: February 2014

Bioarchaeologists have long noted two unusual trends in the dentitions of prehistoric Native Californian populations: high rates of wear and low prevalence of caries. The Central California site of CA‐CCO‐548 offers a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between oral pathology and extreme dental wear in a large (n = 480), ancient (4,300–3,100 BP), and temporally well‐defined population sample. This study specifically examines three interrelated processes of the oral cavity in this population: dental wear, dental caries, and periodontal disease. The results show high levels of dental wear (average of 6.1, Smith system), low frequencies of carious lesions (2.5%), low frequencies of periodontal disease (17.8%), and high frequencies of periapical abscesses (10.7%). The pathological processes examined here have complicated multifactorial etiologies. However, they all share the common primary etiological agents of facultative pathogenic bacteria proliferation in the oral biofilm. Integration of the current etiological explanations for infections of the oral cavity, information from the ethnographic record pertaining to subsistence and activity patterns in Native Californian populations, and statistical analysis of specific disease and wear patterns leads to a novel explanation for the observed pattern of oral pathology in this population sample. Specifically, the introduction of antibacterial compounds through dietary items and non‐alimentary tooth use is suggested as the most likely explanation for the unusually low prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:171–188, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overlapping demyelinating syndromes and anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Titulaer Maarten J. , Höftberger Romana , Iizuka Takahiro , Leypoldt Frank , McCracken Lindsey , Cellucci Tania , Benson Leslie A. , Shu Huidy , Irioka Takashi , Hirano Makito , Singh Gagandeep , Cobo Calvo Alvaro , Kaida Kenichi , Morales Pamela S. , Wirtz Paul W. , Yamamoto Tomotaka , Reindl Markus , Rosenfeld Myrna R. , Graus Francesc , Saiz Albert , Dalmau Josep
Published: February 2014

Objective

To report the clinical, radiological, and immunological association of demyelinating disorders with anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis.

Methods

Clinical and radiological analysis was done of a cohort of 691 patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis. Determination of antibodies to NMDAR, aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) was performed using brain immunohistochemistry and cell‐based assays.

Results

Twenty‐three of 691 patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis had prominent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or clinical features of demyelination. Group 1 included 12 patients in whom anti‐NMDAR encephalitis was preceded or followed by independent episodes of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorder (5 cases, 4 anti‐AQP4 positive) or brainstem or multifocal demyelinating syndromes (7 cases, all anti‐MOG positive). Group 2 included 11 patients in whom anti‐NMDAR encephalitis occurred simultaneously with MRI and symptoms compatible with demyelination (5 AQ4 positive, 2 MOG positive). Group 3 (136 controls) included 50 randomly selected patients with typical anti‐NMDAR encephalitis, 56 with NMO, and 30 with multiple sclerosis; NMDAR antibodies were detected only in the 50 anti‐NMDAR patients, MOG antibodies in 3 of 50 anti‐NMDAR and 1 of 56 NMO patients, and AQP4 antibodies in 48 of 56 NMO and 1 of 50 anti‐NMDAR patients (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons with Groups 1 and 2). Most patients improved with immunotherapy, but compared with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis the demyelinating episodes required more intensive therapy and resulted in more residual deficits. Only 1 of 23 NMDAR patients with signs of demyelination had ovarian teratoma compared with 18 of 50 anti‐NMDAR controls (p = 0.011).

Interpretation

Patients with anti‐NMDAR encephalitis may develop concurrent or separate episodes of demyelinating disorders, and conversely patients with NMO or demyelinating disorders with atypical symptoms (eg, dyskinesias, psychosis) may have anti‐NMDAR encephalitis. Ann Neurol 2014;75:411–428
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Enantioselective γ‐Addition of 3‐Substituted Oxindoles to 2,3‐Butadienoates and 2‐Butynoates: Use of Prochiral Nucleophiles
Authors: Wang Tianli , Yao Weijun , Zhong Fangrui , Pang Guo Hao , Lu Yixin
Published: February 2014

The first phosphine‐catalyzed enantioselective γ‐addition with prochiral nucleophiles and 2,3‐butadienoates as the reaction partners has been developed. Both 3‐alkyl‐ and 3‐aryl‐substituted oxindoles could be employed in this process, which is catalyzed by a chiral phosphine that is derived from an amino acid, thus affording oxindoles that bear an all‐carbon quaternary center at the 3‐position in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity. The synthetic value of these γ‐addition products was demonstrated by the formal total synthesis of two natural products and by the preparation of biologically relevant molecules and structural scaffolds.
Das Zintl‐Klemm‐Konzept auf dem Prüfstand: eine theoretische und experimentelle Ladungsdichtestudie an der Zintl‐Phase CaSi
Authors: Kurylyshyn Iryna M. , Fässler Thomas F. , Fischer Andreas , Hauf Christoph , Eickerling Georg , Presnitz Manuel , Scherer Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

Die Natur der chemischen Bindungen in CaSi, einem Paradebeispiel für eine Zintl‐Phase, wurde durch eine kombinierte Analyse der experimentellen und theoretischen Ladungsdichte untersucht, um das Zintl‐Klemm‐Konzept zu überprüfen. Das Vorliegen von kovalenten Si‐Si‐Wechselwirkungen, welche durch eine QTAIM‐Analyse aufgedeckt wurden, unterstützt dieses fundamentale Bindungskonzept. Durch den Einsatz einer experimentellen Ladungsdichtestudie und theoretischer Bandstrukturanalysen konnten wir jedoch klare Beweise dafür finden, dass die Kation‐Anion‐Wechselwirkung nicht als rein ionisch beschrieben werden kann, sondern auch partiell kovalenten Charakter aufweist. Zudem weichen die integrierten QTAIM‐Atomladungen der Ca‐Kationen und der Si‐Anionen mit ±1.28 e deutlich vom postulierten Idealwert von ±2 e ab, was in klarem Widerspruch zum ursprünglichen Zintl‐Klemm‐Konzept steht. Diese Beobachtungen liefern eine mögliche Erklärung für das unerwartete metallische Verhalten von CaSi.
Topochemische Pseudomorphose eines Chlorids in ein Bismutid
Authors: Kaiser Martin , Rasche Bertold , Ruck Michael
Published: February 2014

Die heterogene Reaktion von Kristallen des erstmals synthetisierten Subhalogenids Bi12Rh3Cl2 mit einer n‐Butyllithium‐Lösung bei 70 °C führte zum vollständigen topochemischen Austausch der Chloridionen gegen Bismutatome und somit zur Transformation in den isostrukturellen, metastabilen Supraleiter Bi14Rh3. Bis auf einige Risse senkrecht zur a‐Achse blieb die Kristallmorphologie bei der Pseudomorphose unverändert. Detaillierte elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen der substituierten Kristalle lieferten keinen Hinweis auf Volumendefekte, die auf eine innere chemische Reaktion hindeuten würden. Demnach muss ein beträchtlicher Stofftransport durch die scheinbar dicht gepackte Kristallstruktur stattgefunden haben. Als Mechanismus für den effizienten Stofftransport wird eine zwischenzeitliche Aufweitung des dreidimensionalen Netzwerks aus kantenverknüpften [RhBi8]‐Würfeln und ‐Antiprismen angenommen. Der Ersatz der ionischen Wechselwirkung im Chlorid durch das metallische Bindungssystem der binären Verbindung schließt die Pseudolücke in der Zustandsdichte am Fermi‐Niveau. Aus einer Stabpackung leitfähiger, aber elektrisch isolierter Stränge von [RhBi8]‐Würfeln in Bi12Rh3Cl2 wird das dreidimensional metallische Bi14Rh3.
Acoustic Propulsion of Nanorod Motors Inside Living Cells
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Sixing , Mair Lamar , Ahmed Suzanne , Huang Tony Jun , Mallouk Thomas E.
Published: February 2014

The ultrasonic propulsion of rod‐shaped nanomotors inside living HeLa cells is demonstrated. These nanomotors (gold rods about 300 nm in diameter and about 3 μm long) attach strongly to the external surface of the cells, and are readily internalized by incubation with the cells for periods longer than 24 h. Once inside the cells, the nanorod motors can be activated by resonant ultrasound operating at 4 MHz, and show axial propulsion as well as spinning. The intracellular propulsion does not involve chemical fuels or high‐power ultrasound and the HeLa cells remain viable. Ultrasonic propulsion of nanomotors may thus provide a new tool for probing the response of living cells to internal mechanical excitation, for controllably manipulating intracellular organelles, and for biomedical applications.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Chain‐Growth Polycondensation of AB‐type Monomers: High Catalyst Turnover and Polymerization Rates
Authors: Tkachov Roman , Senkovskyy Volodymyr , Beryozkina Tetyana , Boyko Kseniya , Bakulev Vasiliy , Lederer Albena , Sahre Karin , Voit Brigitte , Kiriy Anton
Published: February 2014

Chain‐growth catalyst‐transfer polycondensations of AB‐type monomers is a new and rapidly developing tool for the preparation of well‐defined π‐conjugated (semiconducting) polymers for various optoelectronic applications. Herein, we report the Pd/PtBu3‐catalyzed Negishi chain‐growth polycondensation of AB‐type monomers, which proceeds with unprecedented TONs of above 100 000 and TOFs of up to 280 s−1. In contrast, related AA/BB‐type step‐growth polycondensation proceeds with two orders of magnitude lower TONs and TOFs. A similar trend was observed in Suzuki‐type polycondensation. The key impact of the intramolecular (vs. intermolecular) catalyst‐transfer process on both polymerization kinetics and catalyst lifetime has been revealed.
Heterologe Rekonstitution der Ikarugamycin‐Biosynthese in E. coli
Authors: Antosch Janine , Schaefers Françoise , Gulder Tobias A. M.
Published: February 2014

Polycyclische Tetramat‐Makrolactame (PTM) bilden eine Familie biomedizinisch vielversprechender Naturstoffe mit anspruchsvollen Molekülstrukturen. Trotz dieser interessanten Eigenschaften der PTMs ist bislang relativ wenig über ihren biosynthetischen Ursprung bekannt, insbesondere bezüglich der Mechanismen der Ausbildung der Ringsysteme. Hier liefern wir erste Einblicke in diese Prozesse am Beispiel der Biosynthese des Ikarugamycins. Dies gelingt durch erstmalige heterologe Expression eines PTM‐Biosynthesegenclusters in Escherichia coli. Mit diesem Verfahren wird es in Zukunft nicht nur möglich sein, bereits bekannte PTM‐Biosynthesegencluster mechanistisch genauer zu untersuchen, sondern auch durch Genom‐Mining identifizierte, chemisch bislang unerschlossene PTM‐Biosynthesewege chemisch und biochemisch eingehend zu beschreiben.
Two‐Orbital Three‐Electron Stabilizing Interaction for Direct Co2+As3+ Bonds involving Square‐Planar CoO4 in BaCoAs2O5
Authors: David Rénald , Kabbour Houria , Pautrat Alain , Touati Nadia , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan , Mentré Olivier
Published: February 2014

The quest for new oxides with cations containing active lone‐pair electrons (E) covers a broad field of targeted specificities owing to asymmetric electronic distribution and their particular band structure. Herein, we show that the novel compound BaCoAs2O5, with lone‐pair As3+ ions, is built from rare square‐planar Co2+O4 involved in direct bonding between As3+E and Co2+ dz2 orbitals (CoAs=2.51 Å). By means of DFT and Hückel calculations, we show that this σ‐type overlapping is stabilized by a two‐orbital three‐electron interaction allowed by the high‐spin character of the Co2+ ions. The negligible experimental spin‐orbit coupling is expected from the resulting molecular orbital scheme in O3AsE–CoO4 clusters.
Total Syntheses of Secalonic Acids A and D
Authors: Qin Tian , Porco John A.
Published: February 2014

Total syntheses of the dimeric tetrahydroxanthone natural products secalonic acids A and D are described. Key steps involve kinetic resolution of the tetrahydroxanthone core structure using homobenzotetramisole catalysis and late‐stage copper(I)‐mediated homodimerization of complex aryl stannane monomers.
Iron(II) Spin‐Crossover Complexes in Ultrathin Films: Electronic Structure and Spin‐State Switching by Visible and Vacuum‐UV Light
Authors: Ludwig E. , Naggert H. , Kalläne M. , Rohlf S. , Kröger E. , Bannwarth A. , Quer A. , Rossnagel K. , Kipp L. , Tuczek F.
Published: February 2014

The electronic structure of the iron(II) spin crossover complex [Fe(H2bpz)2(phen)] deposited as an ultrathin film on Au(111) is determined by means of UV‐photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) in the high‐spin and in the low‐spin state. This also allows monitoring the thermal as well as photoinduced spin transition in this system. Moreover, the complex is excited to the metastable high‐spin state by irradiation with vacuum‐UV light. Relaxation rates after photoexcitation are determined as a function of temperature. They exhibit a transition from thermally activated to tunneling behavior and are two orders of magnitude higher than in the bulk material.
Surfactant‐Free Nonaqueous Synthesis of Plasmonic Molybdenum Oxide Nanosheets with Enhanced Catalytic Activity for Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane under Visible Light
Authors: Cheng Hefeng , Kamegawa Takashi , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: February 2014

Plasmonic materials have drawn emerging interest, especially in nontraditional semiconductor nanostructures with earth‐abundant elements and low resistive loss. However, the actualization of highly efficient catalysis in plasmonic semiconductor nanostructures is still a challenge, owing to the presence of surface‐capping agents in their synthetic procedures. To fulfill this, a facile non‐aqueous procedure was employed to prepare well‐defined molybdenum oxide nanosheets in the absence of surfactants. The obtained MoO3‐x nanosheets display intense absorption in a wide range attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonances, which can be tuned from the visible to the near‐infrared region. Herein, we demonstrate that such plasmonic semiconductor nanostructures could be used as highly efficient catalysts that dramatically enhance the hydrogen‐generation activity of ammonia borane under visible light irradiation.
Total Synthesis of the Isodon Diterpene Sculponeatin N
Authors: Moritz Benjamin J. , Mack Daniel J. , Tong Liuchuan , Thomson Regan J.
Published: February 2014

The total synthesis of sculponeatin N, a bioactive polycyclic diterpene isolated from Isodon sculponeatus, is reported. Key features of the synthesis include diastereoselective Nazarov and ring‐closing metathesis reactions, and a highly efficient formation of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system by a reductive radical cyclization.
Boron Clusters as Highly Stable Magnesium‐Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Carter Tyler J. , Mohtadi Rana , Arthur Timothy S. , Mizuno Fuminori , Zhang Ruigang , Shirai Soichi , Kampf Jeff W.
Published: February 2014

Boron clusters are proposed as a new concept for the design of magnesium‐battery electrolytes that are magnesium‐battery‐compatible, highly stable, and noncorrosive. A novel carborane‐based electrolyte incorporating an unprecedented magnesium‐centered complex anion is reported and shown to perform well as a magnesium‐battery electrolyte. This finding opens a new approach towards the design of electrolytes whose likelihood of meeting the challenging design targets for magnesium‐battery electrolytes is very high.
Mechanical and thermal properties of thermoplastic random copolyesters made from lipid‐derived Medium and long chain poly(ω‐hydroxyfatty acid)s
Authors: Jose Jesmy , Li Shaojun , Bouzidi Laziz , Leao Alcides Lopes , Narine Suresh S.
Published: February 2014

The physical properties of novel thermoplastic random copolyesters [‐(CH2)n‐COO‐/‐(CH2)n‐COO‐]x made of long (n = 12) and medium (n = 8) chain length ω‐hydroxyfatty esters [HO‐(CH2)n‐COOCH3] derived from bio‐based vegetable oil feedstock are described. Poly(ω‐hydroxy tridecanoate/ω‐hydroxy nonanoate) P(−Me13−/−Me9−) random copolyesters (Mn = 11,000–18,500 g/mol) with varying molar ratios were examined by TGA, DSC, DMA and tensile analysis, and WAXD. For the whole range of P(−Me13−/−Me9−) compositions, the WAXD data indicated an orthorhombic polyethylene‐like crystal packing. Their melting characteristics, determined by DSC, varied with composition suggesting an isomorphic cocrystallization behavior. TGA of the P(−Me13−/−Me9−)s indicated improved thermal stability determined by their molar compositions. The glass transition temperature, investigated by DMA, was also found to vary with composition. The crystallinities of P(−Me13−/−Me9−)s however, were unaffected by the composition. The stiffness (Young's modulus) of these materials was found to be related to their degrees of crystallinity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40492.
Impact of impeller type on methyl methacrylate emulsion polymerization in a batch reactor
Authors: Fathi Roudsari Shideh , Dhib Ramdhane , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad
Published: February 2014

The emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out in a lab‐scale reactor, which was equipped with a top‐entry agitator, four wall baffles, a U‐shaped cooling coil, and a temperature controller. Potassium per sulfate and sodium dodecyl sulfate as were used as the initiator and the surfactant, respectively. The experimental investigation demonstrated the impact of the impeller type (45° six pitched‐blade turbine and Rushton impeller), number of impellers (single and double impellers), and impeller speed (100–350 rpm) on the monomer conversion, polymer particles size, molecular weight, and glass transition temperature. The results revealed that the effect of the impeller speed on the characteristics of the polymer attained using the pitched‐blade turbine was more prominent than that for the Rushton turbine. It was also found that the impact of the impeller speed on the polymer characteristics was much more pronounced for the double pitched‐blade turbines rather than for the double Rushton turbines. However, more uniform size distribution was achieved with the Rushton turbine. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40496.
Deposition of nonfouling plasma polymers to a thermoplastic silicone elastomer for microfluidic and biomedical applications
Authors: Gross‐Kosche Petra , Low Suet P. , Guo Rui , Steele David A. , Michelmore Andrew
Published: February 2014

Plasma polymerization is used for the modification and control of surface properties of a highly transparent, thermoplastic elastomeric silicone copolymer, GENIOMER® 80 (G80). PEG‐like diglyme plasma polymer films were deposited with ether retentions varying between 20% and 70% as measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis which did not affect the transparency of the substrate. Films with ether retentions of greater than 70% inhibit protein binding (bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen) and cell proliferation. A short oxygen plasma pretreatment enhances the adhesion and stability of the film as shown by protein binding and cell adhesion experiments. The transparency of the material and the stability of the coating makes this material a versatile bulk material for technical (e.g., lab‐on‐a‐chip) and biomedical (e.g., intraocular lens) applications. The G80/plasma polymer composite is stable against vigorous washing and storage over 5 months and, therefore, offers an attractive alternative to poly(dimethylsiloxane). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40500.
Enhanced film forming ability of benzoxazine–urethane hybrid polymer network by sequential cure method
Authors: Rimdusit Sarawut , Sudjidjune Manop , Jubsilp Chanchira , Tiptipakorn Sunan
Published: February 2014

Uniform copolymer films of benzoxazine resin (BA‐a) and urethane prepolymer (PU) were prepared at various BA‐a/PU mass ratios (100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100) via sequential cure method comprising of moisture cure and thermal cure steps. In the moisture cure step, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) spectra revealed the network formation between NCO‐terminated group and moisture to firstly produce PU solid film. Then in the thermal cure step, the change of tri‐substituted benzene ring to tetra‐substituted benzene ring was observed suggesting polybenzoxazine network formation in this step. Moreover, the spectra reveal that isocyanate groups in polyurethane structure could react with phenolic hydroxyl groups of BA‐a to form biuret and allophanate groups. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) confirms a synergistic behavior in glass transition temperature (Tg) of the alloys with the highest Tg value of 275°C which is uniquely observed in these alloys obtained from traditionally thermal cure method. The proposed sequential cure method above is found to be highly useful for uniform coating or film casting process which lacks in traditional, low A‐stage viscosity, benzoxazine resin. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40502.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane with piezoelectric β‐form prepared by immersion precipitation from mixed solvents containing an ionic liquid
Authors: Li Chun , Zhu Yun , Lv Ruihua , Na Bing , Chen Bibo
Published: February 2014

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with exclusive β‐form have been directly obtained by immersion precipitation from the mixed solvents containing an ionic liquid (IL). In contrast, without the IL only the α‐form is generated. The ion–dipole interactions between the IL and PVDF chains should account for the formation of the β‐form with TTTT conformation. In addition, the presence of the IL accelerates the crystallization and gelation of PVDF, responsible for the particulate morphology and high water flux in the membranes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40505.
Adhesion failure of antiscratch coatings on polycarbonate under UV irradiation
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhong Yan‐Li , Li Lei , Yan Yue
Published: February 2014

The adhesion failure of antiscratch (AS) coatings on unmodified and plasma‐modified polycarbonate (PC) substrate was studied using both chemical and physical methods while considering the surface and interface changes between coatings and PC under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The differences in the wettability and surface elemental compositions of the PC surface (PCs) and AS coatings after UV ageing were evaluated by contact angle and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements. The nanoindentation technique was employed for the quantitative assessment of the changes in the nanomechanical properties of both PCs and AS coatings under UV irradiation. The adhesion of coating on plasma‐modified PC was found to be significantly better than that of unmodified substrates. The hydrophilicity and polarity of PCs covered by AS coatings were significantly increased because of the photodegradation of PCs, whereas silicon coatings remained invariant. Nanoindentation tests revealed an obvious enhancement in stiffness of the coating and exposed PC after ageing. Based on these experiments, we proposed that adhesion failure under UV irradiation may be caused by two reasons: first, the photodegradation that occurred at the PCs covered by AS coatings; and second, the stress induced by the changes in stiffness of both AS and PCs under UV ageing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40507.
Preparation of Zn porphyrin‐functionalized polystyrene and the fluorescence quenching of it by terbuthylazine
Authors: Wang Ruixin , Gao Baojiao , Jiao Weizhou , Yu Long , Pan Wen
Published: February 2014

Zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnPP) was bond on the side chains of linear chloromethylated polystyrene (CMPS) through Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction, and the metalloporphyrin‐functionalized polystyrene (ZnPP/PS) was obtained successfully. Its chemical structure was characterized with FTIR. And the effects of various factors on the bonding reaction of ZnPP had been investigated in detail. In addition, the photophysical properties of ZnPP/PS were studied by means of UV‐Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The research results show that ZnPP/PS could be prepared favorably through Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction between ZnPP and CMPS, and the most bonding degree of ZnPP on PS is up to 7% under the condition of the temperature 25°C and 0.1 mL of SnCl4 lasting 8 h. Moreover, ZnPP/PS show the characteristic photophysical behavior similar to ZnPP. ZnPP moieties in ZnPP/PS interact with terbuthylazine (TBA) and form a complex with a red‐shift of Q‐band of absorbance peak from 559 to 565 nm. Especially TBA quenches ZnPP/PS emission intensity at 610 and 662 nm when excites at 423 nm. The TBA‐ZnPP/PS complex is formed in the ground state and TBA is bonded to the excited state of ZnPP/PS simultaneously on the basis of a non‐linear Stern–Volmer plot indicative of the combined dynamic and static quenching. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40516.
Synthesis of Pyridine N‐Oxide–BF2CF3 Complexes and Their Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Nishida Tomoaki , Fukazawa Aiko , Yamaguchi Eriko , Oshima Hiroya , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Kanai Motomu , Kuninobu Yoichiro
Published: February 2014

Pyridine N‐oxide–BF2CF3 and –BF2C2F5 complexes and their derivatives were synthesized. Most of the complexes show fluorescence both in solution and in the solid state. By expanding the π‐conjugated skeleton, the color of the fluorescence could be changed dramatically. A fluorophore with a high solvent dependency could also be produced. Since such compounds can be synthesized on a gram scale in high yield, and are stable to oxygen, water, and heat, the complexes hold great potential as organic functional materials.
Silicon‐Based Bulky Group‐Induced Remote Control and Conformational Preference in the Synthesis and Application of Isolable Atropisomeric Amides with Secondary Alcohol or Amine Moieties
Authors: Bai Xing‐Feng , Deng Wen‐Hui , Xu Zheng , Li Fu‐Wei , Deng Yuan , Xia Chun‐Gu , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: February 2014

Remote stereocontrol through conformational transmission along a carbon chain is highly important in synthetic systems and molecular architectures. In this work, the interactional reactivity between a remote silicon‐based bulky group and an O‐/N‐containing functional group has been revealed and determined by lateral lithiation–substitution, desilylation, as well as desilylation–olefination with benzaldehyde. The results suggest considerable information transmission and steric hindrance that can be exploited for the controllable synthesis of atropisomeric molecules. Based on the remote steric effect of a functional group across the aromatic ring of an amide, the construction of isolable atropisomeric amides with functional groups, such as alcohol, amine, and olefin was successfully achieved. All these new atropisomers were obtained in reasonable yield in pure diastereomeric form, and the specific configuration of representative products was confirmed by X‐ray crystallography.
Multivariate conditional hazard rate functions – an overview
Authors: Shaked Moshe , Shanthikumar J. George
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we describe the usefulness and the applications of the multivariate conditional hazard rate functions. First, we define these, as well as the accumulated hazard functions, and then give some properties of them. Using these definitions and properties, we describe the total hazard construction and its main traits. Using the technical tools described previously, we define and discuss various stochastic orders, various positive dependence concepts, and various aging notions that entail nonnegative multivariate random vectors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of proximal partial trisomy 1q confirmed by comparative genomic hybridization array: Molecular cytogenetic analysis, fetal pathology and review of the literature
Authors: Sifakis Stavros , Eleftheriades Makarios , Kappou Dimitra , Murru Roberta , Konstantinidou Anastasia , Orru Sandro , Ziegler Monika , Liehr Thomas , Manolakos Emmanouil , Papoulidis Ioannis
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q) is an exceptionally rare chromosomal abnormality and most of the prenatally diagnosed cases are associated with either complete (q11‐qter) or large (q21‐qter) duplications with pre‐ or perinatal demise of all reported cases. The most common sonographic findings associated with this karyotype abnormality include ventriculomegaly, increased nuchal translucency or nuchal fold, renal and cardiac abnormalities, craniofacial dysmorphism, and limb deformities. However, there is a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations due to the great variability in the extent of the duplication size and the possible contribution of additional genetic rearrangements in the final phenotype.

CASE REPORT

We report on a female fetus with sole partial trisomy 1q presenting with multiple structural malformations in the second trimester scan. Standard karyotyping demonstrated a large duplication on the proximal end of chromosome 1 [46,XX,dup(1)(pter→q31::q31→q12::q31→qter)] and further application of comparative genomic hybridization array confirmed the diagnosis and offered a precise characterization of the genetic defect.

CONCLUSION

A fetus with nonmosaic partial trisomy 1q that was prenatally diagnosed upon multiple abnormal ultrasound findings is presented. A detailed review of the currently available literature on the prenatal diagnostic approach of partial trisomy 1q in terms of fetal sonographic assessment and molecular cytogenetic investigation is also provided. The use of novel molecular techniques such comparative genomic hybridization array could shed further light on the correlation between the genes identified in the chromosomal region of interest and the resultant phenotype. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:284–293, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Object oriented data analysis under spatial correlation
Authors: Mateu Jorge
Published: February 2014

This is a discussion of the following paper: “Overview of object oriented data analysis” by J. Steve Marron and Andrés M. Alonso.
Engineering articular cartilage‐like grafts by self‐assembly of infrapatellar fat pad‐derived stem cells
Authors: Mesallati Tariq , Buckley Conor T. , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: February 2014

Well documented limitations associated with primary chondrocytes for cartilage tissue engineering applications have led to increased interest in the use of multi‐potent stem/progenitor cells. The objective of this study was to firstly investigate if infrapatellar fat pad‐derived stem cells (FPSCs) could be used to engineer cartilage‐like tissues through a self‐assembly (SA) process, and secondly to compare the properties of such grafts to those engineered by agarose hydrogel encapsulation (AE). Self‐assembled cartilaginous tissues were first engineered by geometrically confining FPSCs on tissue culture plastic, and then either continuously or transiently supplementing these constructs with transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3). Transient supplementation with TGF‐β3 (for the first 21 days of culture) enhanced the development of self‐assembled grafts, with sGAG accumulation reaching levels of 8.4 ± 1.5% w/w after 6 weeks of culture. While overall levels of matrix synthesis were higher with AE compared to SA, when normalized to tissue wet weight, ECM accumulation was significantly greater in the lighter SA constructs. A potential drawback with the SA approach on tissue culture plastic was that it often led to the development of contracted, geometrically inconsistent tissues. We therefore next explored if SA on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) transwell membranes would lead to the development of more morphologically stable and homogenous tissues. At high seeding densities, SA on such transwell membranes led to the formation of geometrically uniform constructs that underwent minimal contraction during culture. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate the potential of SA using FPSCs for cartilage tissue engineering, with grafts attaining relatively high levels of sGAG content within clinically relevant timeframes. Such an approach is easily scalable and may lend itself to treating large, full thickness cartilage defects. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1686–1698. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zehnfußkrebse – Pioniere der Evolution
Authors: Anger Klaus
Published: February 2014

Die ursprünglich marine und auch heute noch vorwiegend im Meer lebende Crustaceen‐Gruppe der Decapoda hat es im Laufe ihrer Evolution geschafft, auch festes Land sowie Süßwasser zu besiedeln. Den mit diesen Lebensräumen verbundenen Stressfaktoren konnten die langlebigen Juvenil‐ und Erwachsenen‐Stadien mit strukturellen und physiologischen Anpassungen entgegengewirken. Sehr viel schwächer ausgeprägt ist die evolutive Anpassungsfähigkeit der ursprünglich planktischen, physiologisch empfindlichen und von planktischer Nahrung abhängigen Larven‐Stadien. Terrestrische und limnische Dekapoden haben verschiedene “Export‐Strategien” entwickelt, die auf ausgeprägten Wanderungen der erwachsenen Weibchen und/oder des ersten Larvenstadiums beruhen und auf eine Stressvermeidung in der Larvalphase hinzielen. Um die Larvalentwicklung ganz im Süßwasser vollenden zu können, müssen schon in frühen Entwicklungsstadien spezielle Strukturen und physiologische Funktionen ausgebildet werden, die der Aufrechterhaltung der osmotischen Homöostase durch Osmoregulation sowie einer Unabhängigkeit von planktischer Nahrung dienen.
Deutsch‐luxemburgische Naturparadiese
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: February 2014

In der Moselaue liegen im saarländisch‐luxemburgischen Grenzgebiet zahlreiche große Kiesweiher, die als Brut‐ und Rastgebiet für Wasservögel eine herausragende Bedeutung haben. Das luxemburgische Naturschutzgebiet “Haff Réimech” bietet aber auch ausgezeichnete Beobachtungsmöglichkeiten für wärmeliebende Libellen. Wildbienen‐Arten, die für Flussauen charakteristisch sind, haben in sandigen Böschungen Ersatzlebensräume gefunden. Weiter nördlich prägen beiderseits der Sauer waldreiche Landschaften mit tiefen Schluchten und hoch aufragenden Felsen aus Sandstein (Unterer Jura) die Grenzregion zwischen Luxemburg und Rheinland‐Pfalz. In Tälern und Klüften begünstigt ein ausgeglichenes, feucht‐kühles Mikroklima atlantisch verbreitete Pflanzen. Insbesondere die Kleine Luxemburger Schweiz ist durch eine reichhaltige Moos‐Flora gekennzeichnet.
Ein Sonnendachs aus Vietnam
Authors: Stefen Clara , Nadler Tilo , Streicher Ulrike , Schwierz Elke , Roos Christian
Published: February 2014

Sonnendachse der Gattung Melogale sind in weiten Teilen Südost‐Asiens heimisch. Bisher wurden vier Arten unterschieden. Nun wurden im Cuc Phuong Nationalpark (Nord‐Vietnam) zwei Exemplare einer neuen Art (Melogale cucphuongensis) entdeckt und wissenschaftlich beschrieben [1].
Von Vorratsschädlingen und Frühlingsboten: Schmetterlinge
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: February 2014

Wenn der erste Zitronenfalter durch den Garten fliegt, ist der lang ersehnte Frühling nicht mehr fern. Bunte Falter und gefräßige Raupen begleiten uns fortan durch das Garten‐Jahr. Wie viele Arten man beobachten kann, hängt entscheidend von der Strukturvielfalt, dem Blütenangebot und der Existenz von Raupen‐Nahrungspflanzen ab. Manchmal lohnt es sich schon im Haus, mit einer Schmetterlings‐“Exkursion” zu beginnen.
Review of the validated HPLC and LC‐MS/MS methods for determination of drugs used in clinical practice for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ponnayyan Sulochana Suresh , Sharma Kuldeep , Mullangi Ramesh , Sukumaran Sathesh Kumar
Published: February 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder and is the most frequent type of dementia among elderly people. Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, tacrine and memantine are the US Food and Drug Administration approved oral drugs used in the treatment of AD. Quantitation of these drugs in various biological matrices and monitoring them in long‐term treatment is essential to titer the dose of these drugs and ensure patient compliance. This review provides a comprehensive account of various HPLC and LC‐MS/MS assays, which have been successfully employed to measure the drug levels in various biological matrices arising from preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, this review collates various considerations such as internal standard selection, extraction schemes, matrix effect, selectivity evaluation and optimization of mass spectrometric conditions to enable the development of sound bioanalytical methods for quantitation of Alzheimer's drugs. Overall LC‐MS/MS methods have proven to be the choice of bioanalytical method for the quantification of Alzheimer's drugs in both preclinical and clinical studies. In conclusion, important features of LC‐MS/MS methodology for Alzheimer's drugs include shortened analysis time, increased throughput, selectivity and lower cost of analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cis‐eQTL of HLA‐DRB1 and a frameshift mutation of MICA contribute to the pattern of association of HLA alleles with cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Dan , Gyllensten Ulf
Published: February 2014

The association of classic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles with risk of cervical cancer has been extensively studied, and a protective effect has consistently been found for DRB1*1301, DQA1*0103, and/or DQB1*0603 (these three alleles are in perfect linkage disequilibrium [LD] and often occur on the same haplotype in Europeans), while reports have differed widely with respect to the effect of HLA‐B*07, DRB1*1501, and/or DQB1*0602 (the last two alleles are also in perfect LD in Europeans). It is not clear whether the reported HLA alleles are responsible for the differences in cervical cancer susceptibility, or if functional variants at other locations within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region may explain the effect. In order to assess the relative contribution of both classic HLA alleles and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MHC region to cervical cancer susceptibility, we have imputed classic HLA alleles in 1034 cervical cancer patients and 3948 controls in a Swedish population for an integrated analysis. We found that the protective haplotype DRB1*1301‐DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0603 has a direct effect on cervical cancer and always occurs together with the C allele of a HLA‐DRB1 cis‐eQTL (rs9272143), which increases the expression of HLA‐DRB1. The haplotype rs9272143C‐DRB1*1301‐DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0603 conferred the strongest protection against cervical cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32–0.52, P = 6.2 × 10−13). On the other hand, the associations with HLA‐B*0702 and DRB1*1501‐DQB1*0602 are attributable to the joint effects of both the HLA‐DRB1 cis‐eQTL (rs9272143) and a frameshift mutation (G inserion of rs67841474, also known as A5.1) of the MHC class I polypeptide‐related sequence A gene (MICA). Variation in LD between the classic HLA loci, rs9272143 and rs67841474 between populations may explain the different associations of HLA‐B*07 and DRB1*1501‐DQB1*0602 with cervical cancer between studies. The mechanism suggested may also explain similar inconsistent results for other HLA‐associated diseases.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio for predicting palliative chemotherapy outcomes in advanced pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Xue Peng , Kanai Masashi , Mori Yukiko , Nishimura Takafumi , Uza Norimitsu , Kodama Yuzo , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Takaori Kyoichi , Matsumoto Shigemi , Uemoto Shinji , Chiba Tsutomu
Published: February 2014

Several previous studies reported that the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be a promising prognostic factor for patients with cancer. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of NLR in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) following palliative chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed 252 consecutive APC patients receiving palliative chemotherapy between January 2006 and December 2012. We classified the patients according to the pretreatment NLR values (≤5 or >5) into two groups and investigated the difference in treatment outcomes, including time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS). A total of 212 patients had pretreatment NLR values of ≤5 (group A), while 40 patients had an NLR of >5 (group B). TTF and OS were significantly shorter in group B than in group A (3.1 vs. 8.7 months and 6.0 vs. 12.8 months, respectively; both P < 0.01). After adjustment for putative prognostic factors, including distant metastasis, status of recurrent/unresectable disease, pretreatment carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels, and carcinoembryonic antigen levels using the Cox regression model, elevated pretreatment NLR remained an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.90; P < 0.01). In addition, patients in group B whose NLR dropped to ≤5 before the second cycle of chemotherapy showed longer TTF and OS compared with those whose NLR remained at >5. Our results support the idea that NLR can be a promising prognostic and predictive marker for APC patients receiving palliative chemotherapy.