bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Chemistry Meets Advanced Functional Materials
Authors: Myers Rebecca M. , Fitzpatrick Daniel E. , Turner Richard M. , Ley Steven V.
Published: August 2014

Flow chemistry and continuous processing techniques are beginning to have a profound impact on the production of functional materials ranging from quantum dots, nanoparticles and metal organic frameworks to polymers and dyes. These techniques provide robust procedures which not only enable accurate control of the product material’s properties but they are also ideally suited to conducting experiments on scale. The modular nature of flow and continuous processing equipment rapidly facilitates reaction optimisation and variation in function of the products.
On the Control of Magnetic Anisotropy through an External Electric Field
Authors: Goswami Tamal , Misra Anirban
Published: August 2014

The effect of an external electric field on the magnetic anisotropy of a single‐molecule magnet has been investigated, for the first time, with the help of DFT. The application of an electric field can alter the magnetic anisotropy from “easy‐plane” to “easy‐axis” type. Excitation analysis performed through time‐dependent DFT predicts that the external electric field facilitates metal to π‐acceptor ligand charge transfer, leading to uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and concomitant spin Hall effect in a single molecule.
Turbulent couette flow between corrugated walls: The case with motion of one wall perpendicular to the corrugation cavities
Authors: Nasab Nina Rajabi , Mithrush Troy , Olson James A. , Martinez D. Mark
Published: August 2014

In this work, we numerically examine the two dimensional flow of a Newtonian fluid in the gap formed between two opposing cavities. The fluid is driven by the motion of the upper cavity and the case considered represents a simplified version of the geometry found in Low Consistency (LC) refiners. Numerical studies were conducted in which we characterized the effect of gap size on the flow field. Then, we examine material transport between the cavities by introducing a passive scalar to represent the motion of tracer particles. A large number of unsteady simulations were conducted over the range of velocities and gap sizes. Over the range of parameters studied, we identify two characteristic flow fields, defined as either steady or unsteady.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Graphene Oxide‐Wrapped Gold Nanoparticles Hybrid Materials: Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Cui Yi , Zhou Ding , Sui Zhuyin , Han Baohang
Published: August 2014

Graphene oxide (GO)‐wrapped gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) hybrid materials are constructed via one‐pot sonochemical synthesis and self‐assembly, using ethylene glycol as the reducing agent. The synthesis process above took only 1 h, and the obtained hybrid materials exist as spheres wrapped with gauze‐like GO sheets via ionic interaction‐based self‐assembly. The GO sheets are helpful for the well dispersion of the Au NPs. Furthermore, these materials possess enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation, owing to the synergistic effect of the two components in the hybrid materials. Our work may provide a convenient approach to control the size and morphology of the Au NPs for the synthesis of GO‐wrapped hybrid materials, which opens up a feasible way to synthesize metal NPs/GO composites. Moreover, this method might lead to developing of a broad class of new functionalized materials wrapped with GO sheets.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Optically Active Bis(β‐hydroxy) Sulfones through Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Corresponding Ketones Catalyzed by a Chiral Cationic Ruthenium Diamine Catalyst
Authors: Huang Xiaofei , Zhao Min , Li Naikai , Li Haiyan , Li Jie , Wang Xingwang
Published: August 2014

Chiral molecules containing sulfonyl and 1,5‐diol moieties are useful synthetic blocks for various asymmetric transformations. A protocol has been developed for the enantioselective synthesis of optically active bis(β‐hydroxy) sulfones catalyzed by a chiral cationic ruthenium diamine catalyst. A series of bis(β‐hydroxy) sulfones have been obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%) as well as good diastereoselectivities (up to 99:1).
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed All Carbon‐[4+2] Cyclocondensation of α,β‐Unsaturated Acyl Chlorides with 3‐Alkylenyloxindoles
Authors: Shen Litao , Jia Wenqiang , Ye Song
Published: August 2014

Although the NHC‐catalyzed cyclization reactions have been well established for the synthesis of various heterocycles, the corresponding all carbon cyclization reaction for the synthesis of carbocycles is far less established. In this note, the NHC‐catalyzed all carbon [4+2] cyclocondensation of α,β‐unsaturated acyl chlorides and 3‐alkenyloxindoles was developed to give the corresponding spirocarbocyclic oxindoles in good yield with good to high diastereoselectivities.
Primary‐Tertiary Diamine/Br⊘nsted Acid Catalyzed α‐Allylation of Carbonyl Compounds with Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Cui Lingyun , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: August 2014

A simple and direct α‐allylic alkylation of unmodified aldehydes with allylic alcohols catalyzed by primary amine/Br⊘nsted acid has been developed. The N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine/TfOH was identified as the optimal catalyst to promote this transformation via an enamine process in high yields (up to 88%) and with good diastereoselectivities (up to 9:1).
Molecular Mechanism of Action of 2‐Ferrocenyl‐1,1‐diphenylbut‐1‐ene on HL‐60 Leukemia Cells
Authors: de Oliveira Alane Cabral , da Silva Emanuella Gomes , Rocha Danilo Damasceno , Hillard Elizabeth A. , Pigeon Pascal , Jaouen Gérard , Rodrigues Felipe A. R. , de Abreu Fabiane C. , da Rocha Ferreira Fabrícia , Goulart Marilia O. F. , Costa‐Lotufo Letícia V.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of action of 2‐ferrocenyl‐1,1‐diphenylbut‐1‐ene (1) on HL‐60 human leukemia cells. While inactive against noncancerous cells, 1 provoked a concentration‐dependent decrease in viable tumor cells, primarily via apoptosis, as evidenced by analysis of cell morphology, activation of caspases 3 and 7, increased DNA fragmentation, and externalization of phosphatidylserine. Necrosis was observed only at the highest tested concentration (4 μM). Compound 1 interfered with the cell cycle, causing an accumulation of cells in the G1/G0 phase. Interaction of 1 with dsDNA and ssDNA was observed by differential pulse voltammetry and confirmed by hyperchromicity in the UV/Vis spectra of dsDNA, with an interaction constant of 2×104 M−1. Both the organic analogue 1,1,2‐triphenylbut‐1‐ene (2) and ferrocene were inactive against cancer and noncancer cell lines and did not react with DNA. These results reinforce the idea that the hybrid strategy of conjugating ferrocene to the structure of tamoxifen derivatives is advantageous in finding new substances with antineoplastic activity.
KRAS mutation in patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis: A biomarker of cancer biology or a byproduct of patient selection?
Authors: Søreide Kjetil , Sandvik Oddvar M. , Søreide Jon A.
Published: August 2014

Patients with colorectal cancer have experienced remarkable progress in a range of surgical and oncologic management strategies over the past few years, with a corresponding improvement in survival. The KRAS mutation may be a biomarker of cancer biology and prognosis, but also reflects patient selection.
Rapid Double‐Dye‐Layer Coating for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells using a New Method
Authors: Jung Cho‐long , Han Chi‐Hwan , Moon Doo Kyung , Jun Yongseok
Published: August 2014

Intensive research with the specific aim of developing inexpensive renewable energy sources is currently being undertaken. In dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) production, the most time‐consuming process is coating the dye on working electrodes: absorption of ruthenium‐based dyes [e.g., N719=bis(trtrabutylammonium)‐cis‐di(thiocyanato)‐N,N′‐bis(4‐carboxylato‐4′‐carboxylic acid‐2,2′‐bipyridine) ruthenium(II)] on a photoanode takes a long time. We report a simple dye‐coating method using a mixed solvent of ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol (Gly). According to our experiments, dye‐coating time can be reduced to 5 min from several hours. Maximum performance was obtained with an EG/Gly ratio of 1:1. This mixture of solvents gave a performance of 9.1 %. Furthermore, the viscous solvent system could control coating depth; positioning dye coatings to a specific depth was rapid and facile. A cell containing two different dyes (N719+black dye) had an efficiency of 9.4 %.
Multi‐parameter dose estimations in radiation biodosimetry using the automated cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay with imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Rodrigues M. A. , Beaton‐Green L. A. , Kutzner B. C. , Wilkins R. C.
Published: August 2014

The cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is an established technique in radiation biological dosimetry for estimating the dose to an individual by measuring the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in binucleated lymphocyte cells (BNCs). The assay has been partially automated using slide‐scoring algorithms, but an automated multiparameter method without the need of the slide‐making procedure would be advantageous to further increase throughput for application in mass casualty events. The development of the ImageStreamX (ISX) imaging flow cytometer has made it possible to adapt the CBMN assay to an automated imaging flow cytometry (FCM) method. The protocol and analysis presented in this work tailor and expand the assay to a multiparameter biodosimetry tool. Ex vivo irradiated whole blood samples were cultured, processed, and analyzed on the ISX and BNCs, MN, and mononuclear cells were imaged, identified, and enumerated automatically and simultaneously. Details on development of the method, gating strategy, and dose response curves generated for the rate of MN per BNC, percentage of mononuclear cells as well as the replication index are presented. Results indicate that adapting the CBMN assay for use in imaging FCM has produced a rapid, robust, multiparameter analysis method with higher throughput than is currently available with standard microscopy. We conclude that the ISX‐CBMN method may be an advantageous tool following a radiological event where triage biodosimetry must be performed on a large number of casualties. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Signaling to the microtubule cytoskeleton: An unconventional role for CaMKII
Authors: McVicker Derrick P. , Millette Matthew M. , Dent Erik W.
Published: August 2014

Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is thought to be integral to higher brain functions such as learning and memory. Calcium, acting as a second messenger, and the calcium/calmodulin dependent kinase CaMKII are key regulators of neuronal plasticity. Given the importance of the actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton in dendritic spine morphology, composition and plasticity, it is not surprising that many regulators of these cytoskeletal elements are downstream of the CaMKII pathway. In this review, we discuss the emerging role of calcium and CaMKII in the regulation of MTs and cargo unloading during synaptic plasticity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 423–434, 2015
Mono‐ and Hetero‐Dinuclear Complexes of Janus‐Head NHC Ligands Possessing Backbone Phosphinoyl Groups: the Case of Soft and Hard Metal Centers
Authors: Majhi Paresh Kumar , Serin Spencer C. , Schnakenburg Gregor , Gates Derek P. , Streubel Rainer
Published: August 2014

The synthesis and structures of RhI and IrI complexes bearing 4‐phosphinoyl‐ and 4,5‐bis(phosphinoyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene ligands (NHCP) is reported. Deprotonation of the corresponding imidazolium hydrogen sulfate salts by KOtBu in the presence of [M(cod)Cl]2 afforded complexes of the formula [M(cod)Cl(NHCP)] [5a/5b: NHCP = 4‐Ph2P(O)‐IiPrMe, 5a: M = Rh, 5b: M = Ir and 7a/7b: NHCP = 4,5‐{Ph2P(O)}2‐InBuMe]. The RhI complexes 5a and 7a were then converted into [Rh(CO)2Cl(NHCP)] 8a and 9a via reaction with carbon monoxide; the average CO stretching frequencies [8a: $\tilde {\nu}$(CO)av = 2036 cm–1 and 9a: $\tilde {\nu}$(CO)av = 2038.4 cm–1] led to the conclusion that mono‐ and bis‐functionalized NHCPs act as relatively weaker donors than backbone unsubstituted NHC. A first examination of Janus‐head ligand properties of complex 7a revealed that reaction with TiCl4 afforded hetero‐dinuclear 10a,a′ as a mixture of isomeric monodentate phosphinoyl titanium(IV) adducts. All products were characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and spectrometric methods and, in addition, complexes 7a and 7b by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis.
A selective α2B adrenoceptor agonist (A‐1262543) and duloxetine modulate nociceptive neurones in the medial prefrontal cortex, but not in the spinal cord of neuropathic rats
Authors: Chu K.L. , Xu J. , Frost J. , Li L. , Gomez E. , Dart M.J. , Jarvis M.F. , Meyer M.D. , McGaraughty S.
Published: August 2014

Background

The noradrenergic system contributes to pain modulation, but the roles of its specific adrenoceptors are still being defined. We have identified a novel, potent (rat EC50 = 4.3 nM) and selective α2B receptor agonist, A‐1262543, to further explore this adrenoceptor subtype's contribution to pathological nociception.

Methods

Systemic administration of A‐1262543 (1–10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) dose‐dependently attenuated mechanical allodynia in animals with a spinal nerve ligation injury. To further explore its mechanism of action, the activity of nociceptive neurones in the spinal cord and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were examined after injection of 3 mg/kg of A‐1262543 (intravenous, i.v.). These effects were compared with duloxetine (3 mg/kg, i.v.), a dual noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5‐HT) reuptake inhibitor.

Results

Systemic administration of A‐1262543 or duloxetine did not alter the spontaneous or evoked firing of spinal wide dynamic range and nociceptive‐specific neurones in the neuropathic rats, indicating that neither compound engaged spinal, peripheral or descending pathways. In contrast to the lack of effect on spinal neurones, both A‐1262543 and duloxetine reduced the evoked and spontaneous firing of ‘pain‐responsive’ (PR) neurones in the mPFC. Duloxetine, but not A‐1262543, also inhibited the firing of pain non‐responsive (nPR) neurones in the mPFC probably reflecting duloxetine's contribution to modulating non‐pain endpoints.

Conclusions

These data highlight that activation of the α2B adrenoceptor as well as inhibiting NA and 5‐HT reuptake can result in modulating the ascending nociceptive system, and in particular, dampening the firing of PR neurones in the mPFC.
Pilot‐scale parametric evaluation of concentrated piperazine for CO2 capture at an Australian coal‐fired power station
Authors: Cousins Ashleigh , Huang Sanger , Cottrell Aaron , Feron Paul H.M. , Chen Eric , Rochelle Gary T.
Published: August 2014

Concentrated piperazine (PZ) is a promising new solvent under consideration for post‐combustion capture (PCC) of CO2. A solution of 8 molal PZ was recently evaluated at the Tarong CO2 capture pilot plant in Australia. Initial operation involved evaluation of different operating conditions at the plant to determine the minimum energy conditions for this solvent. Comparison was made to results achieved previously at the same pilot plant with 30 wt% monoethanolamine (MEA). Regeneration energy requirements achieved with concentrated PZ were consistently lower than those achieved with MEA. The lowest regeneration energy for PZ at the pilot plant (2.9 MJ/kgCO2) was roughly 15% lower than the best result predicted for MEA. Inter‐cooling located at the center of the absorber column was also evaluated for the concentrated PZ solvent. The benefit of inter‐cooling was found to depend on the operating conditions of the plant, with operation at higher liquid‐to‐gas (L/G) ratios showing a more pronounced effect. For an L/G ratio of 3.3 kg/kg, inter‐cooling was found to lower the regeneration energy required for PZ by approximately 10%.
The EIIIA domain from astrocyte‐derived fibronectin mediates proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells following CNS demyelination
Authors: Stoffels Josephine M. J. , Hoekstra Dick , Franklin Robin J. M. , Baron Wia , Zhao Chao
Published: August 2014

Central nervous system remyelination by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) ultimately fails in the majority of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Remyelination benefits from transient expression of factors that promote migration and proliferation of OPCs, which may include fibronectin (Fn). Fn is present in demyelinated lesions in two major forms; plasma Fn (pFn), deposited following blood‐brain barrier disruption, and cellular Fn, synthesized by resident glial cells and containing alternatively spliced domains EIIIA and EIIIB. Here, we investigated the distinctive roles that astrocyte‐derived Fn (aFn) and pFn play in remyelination. We used an inducible Cre‐lox recombination strategy to selectively remove pFn, aFn or both from mice, and examined the impact on remyelination of toxin‐induced demyelinated lesions of spinal cord white matter. This approach revealed that astrocytes are a major source of Fn in demyelinated lesions. Furthermore, following aFn conditional knockout, the number of OPCs recruited to the demyelinated lesion decreased significantly, whereas OPC numbers were unaltered following pFn conditional knockout. However, remyelination completed normally following conditional knockout of aFn and pFn. Both the EIIIA and EIIIB domains of aFn were expressed following demyelination, and in vitro assays demonstrated that the EIIIA domain of aFn mediates proliferation of OPCs, but not migration. Therefore, although the EIIIA domain from aFn mediates OPC proliferation, aFn is not essential for successful remyelination. Since previous findings indicated that astrocyte‐derived Fn aggregates in chronic MS lesions inhibit remyelination, aFn removal may benefit therapeutic strategies to promote remyelination in MS. GLIA 2015;63:242–256
From details to large scale: The representation of environmental positions follows a granularity gradient along the human hippocampal and entorhinal anterior–posterior axis
Authors: Evensmoen Hallvard Røe , Ladstein Jarle , Hansen Tor Ivar , Møller Jarle Alexander , Witter Menno P. , Nadel Lynn , Håberg Asta K.
Published: August 2014

In rodents representations of environmental positions follow a granularity gradient along the hippocampal and entorhinal anterior–posterior axis; with fine‐grained representations most posteriorly. To investigate if such a gradient exists in humans, functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired during virtual environmental learning of the objects' positions and the association between the objects and room geometry. The Objects‐room geometry binding led to increased activation throughout the hippocampus and in the posterior entorhinal cortex. Within subject comparisons related specifically to the level of spatial granularity of the object position encoding showed that activation in the posterior and intermediate hippocampus was highest for fine‐grained and medium‐grained representations, respectively. In addition, the level of fine granularity in the objects' positions encoded between subjects correlated with posterior hippocampal activation. For the anterior hippocampus increased activation was observed for coarse‐grained representations as compared to failed encoding. Activation in anterior hippocampus correlated with the number of environments in which the objects positions were remembered when permitting a coarse representation of positions. In the entorhinal cortex, activation in the posterior part correlated with level of fine granularity for the objects' positions encoded between subjects, and activation in the posterior and intermediate entorhinal cortex increased for medium‐grained representations. This demonstrates directly that positional granularity is represented in a graded manner along the anterior–posterior axis of the human hippocampus, and to some extent entorhinal cortex, with most fine‐grained positional representations posteriorly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current status and perspective of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided gastrojejunostomy: endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided double‐balloon‐occluded gastrojejunostomy (with videos)
Authors: Itoi Takao , Ishii Kentaro , Tanaka Reina , Umeda Junko , Tonozuka Ryosuke
Published: August 2014

Surgical intervention and, more recently, endoscopic intervention have been performed for the treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Recently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided gastrojejunostomy using special devices has been established. In line with this, we have developed a novel EUS‐guided double‐balloon‐occluded gastrojejunostomy (EBOG) using a lumen‐apposing biflanged metal stent. Herein, we describe the technique and outcome of EBOG.
Active co‐infection with HBV and/or HCV in South African HIV positive patients due for cancer therapy
Authors: Musyoki Andrew M. , Msibi Thembeni L. , Motswaledi Mojakgomo H. , Selabe Selokela G. , Monokoane Tshweu S. , Mphahlele M. Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) share routes of transmission. There is limited data on the incidence of active co‐infection with HBV and/or HCV in cancer patients infected with HIV in Africa. This was a prospective study based on 34 patients with varied cancer diagnosis, infected with HIV and awaiting cancer therapy in South Africa. HIV viral load, CD4+ cell counts, Alanine‐aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were tested. Exposure to HBV and HCV was assessed serologically using commercial kits. Active HBV and/or HCV co‐infection was detected using viral specific nested PCR assays. HCV 5′‐UTR PCR products were sequenced to confirm active HCV infection. Active viral infection was detected in 64.7% of patients for HBV, 38.2% for HCV, and 29.4% for both HBV and HCV. Occult HBV infection was observed in 63.6% of the patients, while seronegative HCV infection was found in 30.8% of patients. In addition, CD4+ cell count < 350 cells/µl was not a risk factor for increased active HBV, HCV or both HBV and HCV co‐infections. A total of 72.7%, 18.2% and 9.1% of the HCV sequences were assigned genotype 5, 1 and 4 respectively.The study revealed for the first time a high active HBV and/or HCV co‐infection rate in cancer patients infected with HIV. The findings call for HBV and HCV testing in such patients, and where feasible, appropriate antiviral treatment be indicated, as chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been associated with reactivation of viral hepatitis and termination of cancer therapy. J. Med. Virol. 87:213–221, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Etiology and outcomes for patients infected with HIV in intensive care units in a tertiary care hospital in China
Authors: Xiao Jiang , Zhang Wen , Huang Yingxiu , Tian Yunfei , Su Wenjing , Li Yanmei , Zhang Wei , Han Ning , Yang Di , Zhao Hongxin
Published: August 2014

Although the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP) has resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of AIDS‐defining illnesses in China, severe complications in patients infected with HIV may require aggressive treatment and critical care support. The objective for this study was to investigate the etiology and outcomes of patients infected with HIV admitted to intensive care units in Ditan Hospital, China. The evaluation of the etiology and outcomes of patients infected with HIV admitted to intensive care units was conducted using the clinical data from 122 patients infected with HIV (129 occasions) admitted to the Beijing Ditan hospital from January 1, 2009, to October 1, 2013. Over the five‐year study period, 129 occasions occurred for 122 patients infected with HIV admitted to intensive care units. Respiratory failure was the most common condition (53.4%) among the 129 occasions analyzed. This was followed by pneumothorax (12.4%), infectious shock (8.5%), neurological problems (8.5%), renal failure (7.8%), post‐operative complications and trauma (5.4%), coronary heart disease (3.1%), adverse effects of HAART (3.1%), lymphoma (2.4%), and liver failure (0.8%). Mortality in intensive care units was 64.5% while in‐hospital mortality was 65.9%. The strongest protective predictor for in‐hospital mortality was earlier admission to an intensive care unit (OR = 0.050, CI = 0.020–0.126, P < 0.001). Respiratory failure was the most common condition in patients infected with HIV admitted to intensive care units, and the outcome for the patients was poor. Mortality was negatively associated with earlier admission to an intensive care unit, but was not associated with HAART. J. Med. Virol. 87:366–374, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Drivers of North Atlantic Polar Front jet stream variability
Authors: Hall Richard , Erdélyi Róbert , Hanna Edward , Jones Julie M. , Scaife Adam A.
Published: August 2014

Polar front jet stream variability is responsible for instances of extreme weather and is crucial for regional climate change. The North Atlantic Polar Front jet stream is of particular significance to the heavily populated areas of western Europe and eastern North America as storm track variability, atmospheric modes of variability such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), temperature and rainfall are all intimately linked with jet stream changes. Although seasonal and interannual variability are often attributed to internal variability, there are several possible drivers of polar front jet stream changes that are reviewed in this study. Cryospheric effects from sea‐ice extent and snow cover, oceanic effects from North Atlantic sea‐surface temperatures and tropical influences such as the El‐Niño Southern Oscillation, and stratospheric effects due to stratospheric circulation variability, solar variability, volcanic eruptions and the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation are all identified in the literature as factors that impact on the Atlantic Polar Front jet stream. These drivers of jet stream variability can oppose or reinforce one another, and there are some indications of possible nonlinear interactions between them. We also review the modelling of jet stream variability. While a consensus has now been reached that some observed drivers can be reproduced in climate models, we conclude that improved understanding of more recently identified drivers of the Atlantic extratropical jet stream is crucial for making progress in regional climate predictions on all timescales from months to decades ahead.
Labrador tea – the aromatic beverage and spice: a review of origin, processing and safety
Authors: Dampc Anna , Luczkiewicz Maria
Published: August 2014

Labrador tea is a name for the dried leaves of Rhododendron groenlandicum, R. tomentosum or R. neoglandulosum (family Ericaceae, previously genus Ledum) as well as for the beverage native to North America, which is made from them. The above species are rich in the essential oil, which gives a conifer aroma to the tisane. Labrador tea is a valuable source of ascorbic acid, with tonic, improving digestion and relaxing activity. However, this beverage should not be drunk more than once daily because of the ledol and grayanotoxin toxicity. The common recipe for making Labrador tea is to add one teaspoonful of dried leaves to one cup of boiling water and to brew for 5 min. It is often sweetened or enriched with other flavors. Additionally, Labrador tea dried leaves are used to spice meat, soups, sauces, salads, beer, cakes and other dishes. In agriculture, its insecticidal properties can be useful for controlling pests. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular markers for thyroid cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy
Authors: Yip Linwah
Published: August 2014

Molecular markers including gene expression profiles, somatic gene alterations, and circulating peripheral markers have augmented diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for thyroid cancer patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:43–50. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved Photovoltaic Performance of a Side‐Chain D–A Polymer in Polymer Solar Cells by Shortening the Phenyl Spacer between the D and A Units
Authors: Su Wenyan , Fan Qunping , Xiao Manjun , Chen Jianhua , Zhou Pei , Liu Bin , Tan Hua , Liu Yu , Yang Renqiang , Zhu Weiguo
Published: August 2014

To study the influence of the spacer between the donor (D) and acceptor (A) units in a side chain on the photophysical and photovoltaic performance, a novel side‐chain D–A conjugated copolymer of PDPAT‐BDT‐BT is made, which contains binary donor units of N,N‐diphenyl­thiophen‐2‐amine (DPAT) and benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) in the main chain and an appending benzothiadiazole (BT) acceptor unit in the side chain. Compared with its counterpart of PDPAT‐BDT‐BT, which has an additional phenyl spacer between the DPAT and BT units, this PDPAT‐BDT‐BT exhibits a smaller optical bandgap, a broader absorption range, and a lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level (−5.42 eV), as well as improved photovoltaic properties in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells containing [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester as an electron acceptor. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 3.27% with an open circuit voltage of 0.87 V and a fill factor of 49.8% are obtained in the cells. This work indicates that the photophysical and photovoltaic performance of the side‐chain D–A polymers in polymer solar cells can be significantly improved by shortening the phenyl spacer between the D and A units.

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Biodegradable Copolyesters of Poly(hexamethylene terephthalate) Containing Bicyclic 2,4:3,5‐Di‐O‐methylene‐d‐Glucarate Units
Authors: Japu Cristina , de Ilarduya Antxon Martínez , Alla Abdelilah , García‐Martín M. Gracia , Galbis Juan A. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: August 2014

A set of copolyesters (PHTxGluxy) with compositions ranging between 90/10 and 50/50 in addition to the parent homopolyesters poly(hexamethylene terephthalate) (PHT) and PHGlux, are prepared by the melt polycondensation of 1,6‐hexanediol (HD) with mixtures of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and dimethyl 2,4:3,5‐di‐O‐methylene‐d‐glucarate (Glux). The copolyesters have in the 35 000–45 000 g mol−1 range, their microstructure is random, and they start to decompose at a temperature well above 300 °C. Crystallinity of PHT is repressed by copoly­merization so that copolyesters containing more than 20% of sugar‐based units are essentially amorphous. On the contrary, PHTxGluxy displays a Tg that increases monotonically with composition from 16 °C in PHT up to 73 °C in PHGlux. Compared with PHT, the copolyesters show an accentuated susceptibility to hydrolysis and are sensitive to the action of lipases upon incubation under physiological conditions. The degradability of PHTxGluxy increases with the content in Glux units.

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Cu(II)‐Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate via a Strategy of Thermo‐Regulated Phase‐Separable Catalysis in a Liquid/Liquid Biphasic System: Homogeneous Catalysis, Facile Heterogeneous Separation, and Recycling
Authors: Pan Jinlong , Zhang Bingjie , Jiang Xiaowu , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: August 2014

A strategy of thermo‐regulated phase‐separable catalysis (TPSC) is applied to the Cu(II)‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in a p‐xylene/PEG‐200 biphasic system. Initiators for continuous activator regeneration ATRP (ICAR ATRP) are used to establish the TPSC‐based ICAR ATRP system using water‐soluble TPMA as a ligand, EBPA as an initiator, CuBr2 as a catalyst, and AIBN as a reducing agent. By heating to 70 °C, unlimited miscibility of both solvents is achieved and the polymerization can be carried out under homogeneous conditions; then on cooling to 25 °C, the mixture separates into two phases again. As a result, the catalyst complex remains in the PEG‐200 phase while the obtained polymers stay in the p‐xylene phase. The catalyst can therefore be removed from the resultant polymers by easily separating the two different layers and can be reused again. It is important that well‐defined PMMA with a controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution could be obtained using this TPSC‐based ICAR ATRP system.

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Targets for future clinical trials in Huntington's disease: What's in the pipeline?
Authors: Wild Edward J. , Tabrizi Sarah J.
Published: August 2014

The known genetic cause of Huntington's disease (HD) has fueled considerable progress in understanding its pathobiology and the development of therapeutic approaches aimed at correcting specific changes linked to the causative mutation. Among the most promising is reducing expression of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with RNA interference or antisense oligonucleotides; human trials are now being planned. Zinc‐finger transcriptional repression is another innovative method to reduce mHTT expression. Modulation of mHTT phosphorylation, chaperone upregulation, and autophagy enhancement represent attempts to alter cellular homeostasis to favor removal of mHTT. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) remains of interest; recent work affirms HDAC4 as a target but questions the assumed centrality of its catalytic activity in HD. Phosphodiesterase inhibition, aimed at restoring synaptic function, has progressed rapidly to human trials. Deranged cellular signaling provides several tractable targets, but specificity and complexity are challenges. Restoring neurotrophic support in HD remains a key potential therapeutic approach. with several approaches being pursued, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mimesis through tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonism and monoclonal antibodies. An increasing understanding of the role of glial cells in HD has led to several new therapeutic avenues, including kynurenine monooxygenase inhibition, immunomodulation by laquinimod, CB2 agonism, and others. The complex metabolic derangements in HD remain under study, but no clear therapeutic strategy has yet emerged. We conclude that many exciting therapeutics are progressing through the development pipeline, and combining a better understanding of HD biology in human patients, with concerted medicinal chemistry efforts, will be crucial for bringing about an era of effective therapies. © 2014 The Authors.MovementDisorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Peripheral nerve ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis phenotypes
Authors: Schreiber Stefanie , Abdulla Susanne , Debska‐Vielhaber Grazyna , Machts Judith , Dannhardt‐Stieger Verena , Feistner Helmut , Oldag Andreas , Goertler Michael , Petri Susanne , Kollewe Katja , Kropf Siegfried , Schreiber Frank , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Dengler Reinhard , Nestor Peter J. , Vielhaber Stefan
Published: August 2014

Introduction: In this study we sought to determine the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of peripheral nerves in patients with distinct subtypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Ulnar and median nerve ultrasound was performed in 78 ALS patients [classic, n = 21; upper motor neuron dominant (UMND), n = 14; lower motor neuron dominant (LMND), n = 20; bulbar, n = 15; primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), n = 8] and 18 matched healthy controls. Results: Compared with controls, ALS patients had significant, distally pronounced reductions of ulnar CSA (forearm/wrist level) across all disease groups, except for PLS. Median nerve CSA (forearm/wrist level) did not differ between controls and ALS. Conclusion: Ulnar nerve ultrasound in ALS subgroups revealed significant differences in distal CSA values, which suggests it has value as a marker of LMN involvement. Its potential was particularly evident in the UMND and PLS groups, which can be hard to separate clinically, yet their accurate separation has major prognostic implications. Muscle Nerve 51:669–675, 2015
Gold Nanowire Forests for SERS Detection
Authors: La Porta Andrea , Grzelczak Marek , Liz-Marzán Luis M.
Published: August 2014

Invited for this months cover is the group of Prof. Luis M. Liz‐Marzán, the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory at CIC biomaGUNE, Spain. The cover picture shows a schematic view of a “forest” of gold nanowires vertically grown on a solid support. Standard Raman‐active molecules and their corresponding surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra are depicted in between the nanowires. The manuscript by La Porta et al. describes the controlled growth of such gold nanowires and their corresponding plasmonic properties. For more details, see the Full Paper on p. 146 ff.
Nano hexagonal boron nitride–Nafion composite membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Akel Mert , Ünügür Çelik Sevim , Bozkurt Ayhan , Ata Ali
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the proton conductivity and characterization of nano hexagonal boron nitride–Nafion composite membranes. Proton conducting composite membranes are prepared by mixing Nafion and nano hexagonal boron nitride (NhBN) particles with 3, 5, 10, and 15% weight ratios. Particle size distribution analysis is made for BN nanoparticles and the homogeneity of the membranes is proved by SEM and AFM. FTIR confirms the interaction between NhBN and Nafion. Methanol permeation and water absorption tests are made and it shows that hydrophobic NhBN particles decrease the swelling property and methanol retention of the membranes. X‐ray investigation of the composites supports semi‐crystalline nature of the composite materials. At dry conditions, the maximum proton conductivity was measured as 0.005 S/cm at 150°C for NafBN10, which is much higher than the pure Nafion. The results confirm that boron nitride nanoparticles have high contribution on the proton transfer, which may be explained with the formation of hydrogen bonds between amine and hydroxyl groups of boron nitride and sulfonic acid groups of Nafion. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:422–428, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Life‐cycle greenhouse gas emissions and energy payback time of current and prospective silicon heterojunction solar cell designs
Authors: Louwen A. , van Sark W.G.J.H.M. , Schropp R.E.I. , Turkenburg W.C. , Faaij A.P.C.
Published: August 2014

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells offer high efficiencies and several advantages in the production process compared to conventional crystalline silicon solar cells. We performed a life‐cycle assessment to identify the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, energy payback time (EPBT) and cumulative energy demand of four different SHJ solar cell designs. We analyse these environmental impacts for cell processing and complete systems for both current and prospective designs. On the basis of in‐plane irradiation of 1700 kWh/m2, results for current designs show that life‐cycle GHG emissions could be 32 gCO2‐eq/kWh for complete SHJ photovoltaic (PV) systems (module efficiencies of 18.4%), compared with 38 gCO2‐eq/kWh for conventional monocrystalline silicon systems (module efficiency of 16.1%). The EPBT of all SHJ designs was found to be 1.5 years, compared with 1.8 years for the monocrystalline PV system. Cell processing contributes little (≤6%) to the overall environmental footprint of SHJ PV systems. Among cell processing steps, vacuum based deposition contributes substantially to the overall results, with 55–80%. Atomic layer deposition of thin films was found to have a significantly lower environmental footprint compared to plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition and sputtering. Copper‐based compared with silver‐based metallization was shown to reduce the impact of this processing step by 74–84%. Increases in cell efficiency, use of thin silicon wafers and replacement of silver‐based with copper‐based metallization could result in life‐cycle GHG emissions for systems to be reduced to 20 gCO2‐eq/kWh for SHJ systems and 25 gCO2‐eq/kWh for monocrystalline system, while EPBT could drop to 0.9 and 1.2 years, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning the energy gap of conjugated polymer zwitterions for efficient interlayers and solar cells
Authors: Page Zachariah A. , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P. , Emrick Todd
Published: August 2014

Narrow band gap conjugated polymer zwitterions (CPZs) were synthesized by Suzuki polymerization and characterized to understand their electronic properties and utility as cathode modification layers in solar cells. The polymers were prepared from diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and iso‐indigo monomers containing sulfobetaine (SB) pendant groups, benefiting from an ion‐rich aqueous phase in the polymerizations. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy revealed the optical energy gap value for the CPZs, ranging from 1.7 to 1.2 eV. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of the CPZs as thin layers on Ag metal showed that the pendent zwitterions impart an interfacial dipole (Δ) to the metal and a work function reduction of ∼0.9 eV. OPVs fabricated using a conventional bulk heterojunction (BHJ) device architecture of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/(PTB7:PC71BM)/CPZ/Ag led to dramatic improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE) values relative to devices having bare Ag cathodes (PCE < 2% for bare Ag vs. 6.7–7.7% for CPZ/Ag). The benzothiadiazole (BT)/DPP polymer denoted as PT2BTDPPSB gave an optimal PCE of 7.7% in a conventional BHJ OPV device architecture fabricated on a Ag cathode. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 327–336
Giant surfactants based on molecular nanoparticles: Precise synthesis and solution self‐assembly
Authors: Yu Xinfei , Li Yiwen , Dong Xue‐Hui , Yue Kan , Lin Zhiwei , Feng Xueyan , Huang Mingjun , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: August 2014

Giant surfactants are polymer‐tethered molecular nanoparticles (MNPs) and can be considered as a subclass of giant molecules. The MNPs serve as functionalized heads with persistent shape and volume, which may vary in size, symmetry, and surface chemistry. The covalent conjugation of MNPs and polymer tails affords giant surfactants with diverse composition and architecture. Synthetic strategies such as “grafting‐from” and “grafting‐onto” have been successfully applied to the precise synthesis of giant surfactants, which is further facilitated by the emergence of “click” chemistry reactions. In many aspects, giant surfactants capture the essential features of small‐molecule surfactants, yet they have much larger sizes. They bridge the gap between small‐molecule surfactants and traditional amphiphilic macromolecules. Their self‐assembly behaviors in solution are summarized in this Review. Micelle formation is affected not only by their primary chemical structures, but also by the experimental conditions. This new class of materials is expected to deliver general implications on the design of novel functional materials based on MNP building blocks in the bottom‐up fabrication of well‐defined nanostructures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1309–1325
Clinical application of nasal nitric oxide measurement in pediatric airway diseases
Authors: Manna Angelo , Montella Silvia , Maniscalco Mauro , Maglione Marco , Santamaria Francesca
Published: August 2014

Nitric oxide plays an important role in several physiological and pathophysiological processes in the respiratory tract. Different ways to measure nasal nitric oxide levels in children are currently available. The possibility of obtaining nasal nitric oxide measurement from relatively young children, combined with the availability of portable devices that can be used even in the office setting, opens new perspectives for nasal nitric oxide analysis in the pediatric daily practice. This review presents a synopsis about the current clinical applications of nasal nitric oxide measurement in the pediatric clinical practice. A total of 3,775 articles on the topic were identified, of which 883 duplicates were removed, and 2,803 were excluded based on review of titles and abstracts. Eighty‐nine full text articles were assessed for eligibility and 32 additional articles were obtained from the reference lists of the retrieved studies. Since very low nasal nitric oxide levels are found in the majority of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia, most publications support a central role for nasal nitric oxide to screen the disease, and indicate that it is a very helpful first‐line tool in the real‐life work‐up in all age groups. Decreased nasal nitric oxide concentration is also typical of cystic fibrosis, even though nasal nitric oxide is not as low as in primary ciliary dyskinesia. In other upper airway disorders such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, and adenoidal hypertrophy, clinical utility of nasal nitric oxide is still critically questioned and remains to be established. Since nNO determination is flow dependent, a general consensus from the major investigators in this area is highly desirable so that future studies will be performed with the same flow rate. A shared nNO methodology will enable to overcome the challenges that lie ahead in incorporating nNO measurement into the mainstream clinical setting of pediatric airway diseases. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:85–99. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survival benefit of ghrelin in the heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Du Cheng‐Kun , Zhan Dong‐Yun , Morimoto Sachio , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Schwenke Daryl O. , Hosoda Hiroshi , Kangawa Kenji , Shirai Mikiyasu
Published: August 2014

Although ghrelin has been demonstrated to improve cardiac function in heart failure, its therapeutic efficacy on the life expectancy remains unknown. We aim to examine whether ghrelin can improve the life survival in heart failure using a mouse model of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) caused by a deletion mutation ΔK210 in cardiac troponin T (cTnT). From 30 days of age, ghrelin (150 μg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to DCM mice once daily, control mice received saline only. The survival rates were compared between the two groups for 30 days. After 30‐day treatment, functional and morphological measurements were conducted. Ghrelin‐treated DCM mice had significantly prolonged life spans compared with saline‐treated control DCM mice. Echocardiography showed that ghrelin reduced left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic dimensions and increased LV ejection fraction. Moreover, histoanatomical data revealed that ghrelin decreased the heart‐to‐body weight ratio, prevented cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, and markedly decreased the expression of brain natriuretic peptide. Telemetry recording and heart rate variability analysis showed that ghrelin suppressed the excessive cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) and recovered the cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity. These results suggest that ghrelin has therapeutic benefits for survival as well as for the cardiac function and remodeling in heart failure probably through suppression of CSNA and recovery of cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity.