bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZIF‐11/Polybenzimidazole composite membrane with improved hydrogen separation performance
Authors: Li Lunxi , Yao Jianfeng , Wang Xiaojing , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Wang Huanting
Published: June 2014

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐11 crystals were prepared by the toluene‐assisted method, and they were incorporated into polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polybenzimidazole (PBI) matrix to investigate the compatibility. ZIF‐11 had a good connection with PBI matrix as they had the same benzimidazole groups. The evaporation temperature of the membrane formation was studied with two different solvents: N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Then, the ZIF‐11/PBI composite membranes prepared using NMP or DMAc as the solvent were characterized and tested by gas separation. Improved H2 and CO2 permeabilities with a H2/CO2 ideal selectivity of 5.6 were obtained on the 16.1 wt % ZIF‐11/PBI composite membrane prepared with DMAc as the solvent. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41056.
Comparative Analysis of Conjugated Alkynyl Chromophore–Triazacyclononane Ligands for Sensitized Emission of Europium and Terbium
Authors: Soulié Marine , Latzko Frédéric , Bourrier Emmanuel , Placide Virginie , Butler Stephen J. , Pal Robert , Walton James W. , Baldeck Patrice L. , Le Guennic Boris , Andraud Chantal , Zwier Jurriaan M. , Lamarque Laurent , Parker David , Maury Olivier
Published: June 2014

A series of europium and terbium complexes based on a functionalized triazacyclononane carboxylate or phosphinate macrocyclic ligand is described. The influence of the anionic group, that is, carboxylate, methylphosphinate, or phenylphosphinate, on the photophysical properties was studied and rationalized on the basis of DFT calculated structures. The nature, number, and position of electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing aryl substituents were varied systematically within the same phenylethynyl scaffold in order to optimize the brightness of the corresponding europium complexes and investigate their two‐photon absorption properties. Finally, the europium complexes were examined in cell‐imaging applications, and selected terbium complexes were studied as potential oxygen sensors.
Lithium Batteries as Technology of the Future – Technology Roadmap for Lithium Device Batteries
Authors: Meisenzahl Sonja , Sittig Peter‐Paul , Höck Michael
Published: June 2014

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wurden die zukünftigen Trends und Entwicklungen von Lithium‐Gerätebatterien durch eine bibliometrische Analyse der Batterieentwicklung zusammen mit einer Expertenbefragung untersucht. Die daraus entstandene Technologie‐Roadmap beinhaltet die typischen chemischen Zusammensetzungen für Lithium‐haltige Primär‐ und Sekundärbatterien, den Einfluss verschiedener Inhaltsstoffe auf unterschiedliche Batterieeigenschaften sowie zukünftige Gewichtsveränderungen der einzelnen Batterien in drei Zeiträumen.
Papanicolaou tests with coexisting squamous and glandular abnormalities
Authors: Khor Li Yan , Abdul‐Karim Fadi W. , Bruening Amanda E. , Weber Noffsinger Dana K. , Booth Christine N.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Papanicolaou (Pap) test interpretations of atypical glandular cells are associated with subsequent detection of squamous and, less often, glandular malignancies. A Pap test with a combined interpretation of squamous and glandular atypia indicates concern for either 2 distinct lesions (both squamous and glandular) or involvement of cervical squamous and glandular epithelium by a single pathologic process. Dual interpretations can potentially guide patient management. This retrospective study describes an institutional experience with Pap test dual reporting of squamous and glandular atypia and patient follow‐up in these cases.

METHODS

Following institutional review board approval, a search of the anatomic pathology database for Pap tests with both atypical squamous and atypical glandular interpretations from January 2005 to December 2010 was performed. Other recorded data included: prior history, age, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and most severe follow‐up histologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 361,953 Pap tests interpreted in the laboratory during this period, a total of 230 (0.06%) patients with dual interpretation Pap tests and follow‐up were identified. Follow‐up pathology results on these patients were predominantly squamous lesions (51.7%). Glandular lesions only were detected in 14 cases (6.1%). Nine (3.9%) patients had both squamous and glandular pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 6‐year period, dual Pap test interpretations with both squamous and glandular atypia were more often associated with squamous than glandular lesions. Dual interpretations did identify coexisting squamous and glandular lesions. However, the number of cases was small. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:620–626. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Sensitivity improvement in fluorescence‐based particle detection
Authors: Kettlitz Siegfried W. , Moosmann Carola , Valouch Sebastian , Lemmer Uli
Published: June 2014

Microfluidic flow cytometers are highly interesting candidates for biomedical point‐of‐care applications. However, the sensitivity, reliability, and throughput of these systems must be improved to provide the full functionality of established flow cytometric systems. One proposed method to improve fluorescence detection systems is to use spatial modulation techniques. We derive the noise‐related statistics and calculate the coefficient of variation for a detection system with and without spatial modulation. We measure the noise properties of a nonmodulated microfluidic fluorescence particle detection system and analyze the possible performance gains using spatial modulation. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Metabolic profiling of isomeric aglycones central‐icaritin (c‐IT) and icaritin (IT) in osteoporotic rats by UPLC‐QTOF‐MS
Authors: Jiang Jun , Feng Liang , Sun E , Li Haotian , Cui Li , Jia Xiaobin
Published: June 2014

The isomers, although of similarly chemical structures, have different pharmacological activities due to their metabolic processes in vivo. Central‐icaritin (c‐IT) and icaritin (IT) are isomers and major bioactive aglycones of the Herba Epimedii. In this study, we found that the anti‐osteoporotic effect of c‐IT was stronger than IT on bone structural changes in osteoporotic rats evaluated by Micro‐μCT with the parameters of bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), tissue mineral content (TMC), and tissue mineral density (TMD). c‐IT treatment significantly increased the bone microarchitecture, compared with IT (p < 0.05). In order to explain their differences in anti‐osteoporosis, the metabolic profiling and pathways of c‐IT and IT in the plasma, bile, urine, and faeces of ovariectomized (OVX) rats were investigated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS) after oral administration of c‐IT or IT (80 mg/kg). Finally, 59 metabolites of c‐IT and 43 metabolites of IT were identified by elucidating their corresponding quasimolecular ions and fragment ions. IT could be quickly absorbed into blood and reached a maximum plasma concentration, and then be rapidly conversed to its glucuronidation metabolites, most of which were excreted out by urine. Interestingly, the absorbed and conjugated speeds of c‐IT were slower than IT. The metabolic processes of c‐IT existed enterohepatic circulation, which decreased the metabolism and excretion rate of c‐IT, and prolonged the anti‐osteoporosis effect. Our findings provided evidence on the difference on metabolic profiles of c‐IT and IT in osteoporotic rats, which might shed new lights on improving anti‐osteoporotic effects of IT and c‐IT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel adaptations to nectarivory in parrots, key innovations and the diversification of theLoriinae
Authors: Schweizer Manuel , Güntert Marcel , Seehausen Ole , Leuenberger Christoph , Hertwig Stefan T.
Published: June 2014

Specialization to nectarivory is associated with radiations within different bird groups, including parrots. One of them, the Australasian lories, were shown to be unexpectedly species rich. Their shift to nectarivory may have created an ecological opportunity promoting species proliferation. Several morphological specializations of the feeding tract to nectarivory have been described for parrots. However, they have never been assessed in a quantitative framework considering phylogenetic nonindependence. Using a phylogenetic comparative approach with broad taxon sampling and 15 continuous characters of the digestive tract, we demonstrate that nectarivorous parrots differ in several traits from the remaining parrots. These trait‐changes indicate phenotype–environment correlations and parallel evolution, and may reflect adaptations to feed effectively on nectar. Moreover, the diet shift was associated with significant trait shifts at the base of the radiation of the lories, as shown by an alternative statistical approach. Their diet shift might be considered as an evolutionary key innovation which promoted significant non‐adaptive lineage diversification through allopatric partitioning of the same new niche. The lack of increased rates of cladogenesis in other nectarivorous parrots indicates that evolutionary innovations need not be associated one‐to‐one with diversification events.
An Organic Metal Derived from a Selenium Analogue of Benzothienobenzothiophene
Authors: Higashino Toshiki , Kadoya Tomofumi , Kumeta Shohei , Kurata Kohei , Kawamoto Tadashi , Mori Takehiko
Published: June 2014

Benzothieno[3,2‐b]benzothiophene (BTBT) is an excellent organic transistor material, and its charge‐transfer salt (BTBT)2PF6 is an organic metal that exhibits conductivity as high as 1500 S cm–1 at room temperature. Here, we report a charge‐transfer salt of the selenium analogue, benzoseleno[3,2‐b]benzoselenophene (BSBS). (BSBS)2TaF6 is a one‐dimensional metal isostructural to (BTBT)2PF6. The resistance jump temperature is reduced from 150 to 90 K, and the increase of the low‐temperature resistivity is largely diminished. However, the spin susceptibility shows an obvious drop below 50 K, which implies that the low‐temperature ground state is essentially a singlet state.
Novel 3‐hydroxypropyl‐bonded phase by direct hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol on amorphous hydride silica
Authors: Gómez Jorge E. , Navarro Fabián H. , Sandoval Junior E.
Published: June 2014

A novel 3‐hydroxypropyl (propanol)‐bonded silica phase has been prepared by hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol on a hydride silica intermediate, in the presence of platinum (0)‐divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (Karstedt's catalyst). The regio‐selectivity of this synthetic approach had been correctly predicted by previous reports involving octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (Q8M8H) and hydrogen silsesquioxane (T8H8), as molecular analogs of hydride amorphous silica. Thus, C‐silylation predominated (∼94%) over O‐silylation, and high surface coverages of propanol groups (5 ± 1 μmol/m2) were typically obtained in this work. The propanol‐bonded phase was characterized by spectroscopic (infrared (IR) and solid‐state NMR on silica microparticles), contact angle (on fused‐silica wafers) and CE (on fused‐silica tubes) techniques. CE studies of the migration behavior of pyridine, caffeine, Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)Ru(II) chloride and lysozyme on propanol‐modified capillaries were carried out. The adsorption properties of these select silanol‐sensitive solutes were compared to those on the unmodified and hydride‐modified tubes. It was found that hydrolysis of the SiH species underlying the immobilized propanol moieties leads mainly to strong ion‐exchange‐based interactions with the basic solutes at pH 4, particularly with lysozyme. Interestingly, and in agreement with water contact angle and electroosmotic mobility figures, the silanol–probe interactions on the buffer‐exposed (hydrolyzed) hydride surface are quite different from those of the original unmodified tube.
In vitro investigation of antioxidant, anti‐Inflammatory, and antiplatelet adhesion properties of genistein‐modified poly(ethersulfone)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hemodialysis membranes
Authors: Chang Teng , DeFine Linda , Alexander Thomas , Kyu Thein
Published: June 2014

Hemocompatibility of genistein‐modified poly(ethersulfone)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PES/PVP) hemodialysis (HD) membranes has been investigated in vitro with emphasis on evaluation of cell viability, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiplatelet adhesion properties. Genistein modified PES/PVP membranes reveal significant reduction of the reactive oxygen species and also considerable suppression of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in whole blood, but to a lesser extent ininterleukin‐6. The incorporation of PVP into the HD membrane reduces platelet adhesion by virtue of its hydrophilicity. Of particular importance is that platelet adhesion of the genistein modified membranes declines noticeably at low concentrations of genistein for about 5–10%, beyond which it raises the number of adhered platelets. The initial decline in the platelet adhesion is attributable to genistein's ability to inhibit intercellular and/or vascular cell adhesion, whereas the reversal of this adhesion trend with further increase of genistein loading is ascribed to the inherent hydrophobicity of the genistein modified HD membrane. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 539–547, 2015.
Characterization of an injectable, degradable polymer for mechanical stabilization of mandibular fractures
Authors: Henslee Allan M. , Yoon Diana M. , Lu Benjamin Y. , Yu Joseph , Arango Andrew A. , Marruffo Liann P. , Seng Luke , Anver Tamir D. , Ather Hunaiza , Nair Manitha B. , Piper Sean O. , Demian Nagi , Wong Mark E. K. , Kasper F. Kurtis , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the use of injectable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) formulations for mandibular fracture stabilization applications. A full factorial design with main effects analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of the PPF:N‐vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP, crosslinking agent) ratio and dimethyl toluidine (DMT, accelerator) concentration on key physicochemical properties including setting time, maximum temperature, mechanical properties, sol fraction, and swelling ratio. Additionally, the effects of formulation crosslinking time on the mechanical and swelling properties were investigated. The results showed that increasing the PPF:NVP ratio from 3:1 to 4:1 or decreasing the DMT concentration from 0.05 to 0.01 v/w % significantly decreased all mechanical properties as well as significantly increased the sol fraction and swelling ratio. Also, increasing the crosslinking time at 37°C from 1 to 7 days significantly increased all mechanical properties and decreased both the sol fraction and swelling ratio. This study further showed that the flexural stiffness of ex vivo stabilized rabbit mandibles increased from 1.7 ± 0.3 N/mm with a traditional mini‐plate fixator to 14.5 ± 4.1 N/mm for the 4:1 (0.05 v/w % DMT) PPF formulation at day 1. Overall, the formulations tested in this study were found to have properties suitable for potential further consideration in mandibular fracture fixation applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 529–538, 2015.
GATA4 Is Essential for Bone Mineralization via ERα and TGFβ/BMP Pathways
Authors: Güemes Miriam , Garcia Alejandro J , Rigueur Diana , Runke Stephanie , Wang Weiguang , Zhao Gexin , Mayorga Victor Hugo , Atti Elisa , Tetradis Sotirios , Péault Bruno , Lyons Karen , Miranda-Carboni Gustavo A , Krum Susan A
Published: June 2014

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. GATA4 is a zinc-finger transcription factor that is important in several tissues, such as the heart and intestines, and has recently been shown to be a pioneer factor for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in osteoblast-like cells. Herein, we demonstrate that GATA4 is necessary for estrogen-mediated transcription and estrogen-independent mineralization in vitro. In vivo deletion of GATA4, driven by Cre-recombinase in osteoblasts, results in perinatal lethality, decreased trabecular bone properties, and abnormal bone development. Microarray analysis revealed GATA4 suppression of TGFβ signaling, necessary for osteoblast progenitor maintenance, and concomitant activation of BMP signaling, necessary for mineralization. Indeed, pSMAD1/5/8 signaling, downstream of BMP signaling, is decreased in the trabecular region of conditional knockout femurs, and pSMAD2/3, downstream of TGFβ signaling, is increased in the same region. Together, these experiments demonstrate the necessity of GATA4 in osteoblasts. Understanding the role of GATA4 to regulate the tissue specificity of estrogen-mediated osteoblast gene regulation and estrogen-independent bone differentiation may help to develop therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Blast‐Induced tinnitus and spontaneous firing changes in the rat dorsal cochlear nucleus
Authors: Luo Hao , Pace Edward , Zhang Xueguo , Zhang Jinsheng
Published: June 2014

Exposure to high‐pressure blast shock waves is known to cause tinnitus. Although the underlying mechanisms may involve damage to structures in the ear and/or direct brain impact, which triggers a cascade of neuroplastic changes in both auditory and nonauditory centers, it remains unclear how the induced neuroplasticity manifests neurophysiologically. This study investigates the influence of blast exposure on spontaneous firing rates (SFRs) in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) and its time course in rats with blast‐induced tinnitus. Each rat was exposed to a single blast at 22 psi. Behavioral evidence of tinnitus was measured by using a gap‐detection acoustic startle–reflex paradigm. SFRs were measured 1 day, 1 month, and 3 months after blast exposure. The results showed that nine rats with blast‐induced tinnitus and hearing loss developed hyperactivity immediately and that the induced hyperactivity persisted in six rats with tinnitus at 1 month after blast exposure. At 3 months after blast exposure, however, the induced hyperactivity of four rats with tinnitus transitioned to hypoactivity. In addition, the 20–30‐kHz, and >30‐kHz regions in the DCN of rats with and without blast‐induced tinnitus were more affected than other frequency regions at different recovery time points after blast exposure. These results demonstrate that the neural mechanisms underlying blast‐induced tinnitus are substantially different from those underlying noise‐induced tinnitus. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors associated with severe and recurrent angioedema: An epidemic linked to ACE‐inhibitors
Authors: Loftus Patricia A. , Tan Melin , Patel Gunj , Lin Juan , Helman Sam , Badhey Arvind , Du Eugenie , Smith Richard V. , Fried Marvin P. , Ow Thomas J.
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the etiology and risk factors for severe manifestation and recurrent episodes of angioedema; to evaluate efficacy of short‐term and long‐term management strategies for angioedema among a high‐risk population.

Study Design

Institutional review board‐approved retrospective review of a large, urban population.

Methods

Data from 875 adult patients treated from January 2008 to December 2013 with the diagnosis of angioedema were obtained using the Clinical Looking Glass utility and review of medical records. Demographic and clinicopathologic risk factors were recorded. The major outcomes evaluated were hospital admission, need for airway intervention, and recurrent episodes of angioedema following the first presentation. Initial treatment strategy and follow‐up recommendations were also recorded.

Results

The most common cause of angioedema was angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)‐induced (496 [56.6%]). Significant risk factors for severe cases of angioedema included older age, Hispanic race, ACEi‐induced angioedema type, American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or above, coexistent cardiopulmonary disease, and a positive smoking history. A total of 17.2% of patients experienced recurrent attacks of angioedema; of those patients, 25.9% were still taking an ACEi at subsequent presentation. Risk factors for recurrent episodes included older age, idiopathic angioedema type, and coexistent cardiopulmonary disease. Only 54.1% of patients who experienced ACEi‐induced angioedema had electronic medical record documentation of these allergies.

Conclusions

Knowledge of risk factors for severe and recurrent episodes of angioedema and improved education for both healthcare providers and patients, specifically related to ACEi use and allergy documentation, may significantly decrease the burden and morbidity of angioedema among high risk populations.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:2502–2507, 2014
Aluminum hypophosphite in combination with expandable graphite as a novel flame retardant system for rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Wang Xin , Song Lei , Yu Bin , Yuan Yao , Hu Yuan , Yuen Richard K. K.
Published: June 2014

The main aim of this work was to investigate the synergistic effect of expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) on the flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). A series of flame retardant RPUF containing EG and AHP were prepared by one‐shot and free‐rise method. The flame retardant, thermal degradation, and combustion properties of RPUF hybrids were characterized through limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical burning (UL‐94) test, thermogravimetric analysis and microscale combustion calorimeter. The LOI and UL‐94 results showed that the RPUF sample with 10 wt% EG and 5 wt% AHP passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating and reached a relatively high LOI value of 28.5%, which is superior over other EG/AHP ratios in RPUF at the equivalent filler loading. Microscale combustion calorimeter results revealed that the incorporation of EG and AHP into RPUF reduced the peak heat release rate and total heat release, thus decrease the fire risk of RPUF significantly. Incorporation of EG and AHP improved the thermal stability of RPUF as observed from the thermogravimetric analysis results and also enhanced the thermal resistance of char layer at high temperature from scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, it could be seen from thermogravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry spectra that the addition of EG and AHP significantly decreased the combustible gaseous products such as hydrocarbons and ethers. Finally, the synergistic mechanism in flame retardancy was discussed and speculated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radical polymerization of 2,5‐norbornadienes containing ester groups by AIBN and oxygen gas
Authors: Shiotsuki Masashi , Kai Hironobu , Endo Takeshi
Published: June 2014

New 2,5‐norbornadiene‐type monomers bearing 1‐adamantyl and cyclohexyl ester groups on their 2‐position polymerized with azobisisobutyronitrile to form the polymers consisting of two types of polymer unit structures. The major part had a saturated nortricyclene framework, which was formed by 2,6‐addition along with intramolecular cyclization on the norbornadiene moiety. The minor part consisted of 2‐norbornene‐type units constructed via 2,3‐addition. A series of norbornadiene‐based monomers spontaneously polymerized in the presence of oxygen. Because a radical inhibitor, namely hydroquinone, could suppress this spontaneous reaction, it was indicated that the oxygen‐induced polymerization proceeds via free‐radical polymerization mechanism. Changing a quantity of provided oxygen gas (O2) to a norbornadiene monomer significantly affected on polymerization results, in specific, molecular weight of the formed polymer, which indicated that oxygen serves as one of the key reagents for the formation of free‐radical initiating species. It was proven that the combination of norbornadiene ethyl ester with O2 was applicable as a new free‐radical initiator for polymerization of methyl methacrylate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2528–2536
Synthesis and characterization of D‐(−)‐Salicine‐based star copolymers containing pendant carboxyl groups with fluorophore dyes
Authors: Mielańczyk Anna , Neugebauer Dorota
Published: June 2014

Salicin was modified to monoacetals and diacetals with bromoester groups (fBr = 4 and 6) initiating atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These glucoinitiators were used to synthesize 4‐ and 6‐arm star copolymers of tert‐butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) with different arm polymerization degree (DParm = 13 − 79), and composition (25–75 mol % of tBMA). The transformation of hydrophobic stars into amphiphilics by acidolysis of tert‐butyl groups resulted in copolymers with various contents of hydrophilic fraction based on methacrylic acid (MAA) units (13–75 mol %), which were labeled with fluorescein amine (FA) for the future studies of targeted internalization. The UV spectroscopy and fluorescence measurements of the prepared copolymers confirmed the incorporation of fluorophore moieties (1–14 FA labeled units as max. 5% of total MAA units). The solution properties of star polyacids observed by DLS in a function of a pH show a specific behavior related to the interchain/intrachain interactions yielding particles with diameter sizes in the range from 3 to 15 nm, which can be significantly increased to 180–270 nm by addition of NaCl. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2399–2411
Stretchable and transparent hydrogels as soft conductors for dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Chen Baohong , Bai Yuanyuan , Xiang Feng , Sun Jeong‐Yun , Mei Chen Yong , Wang Hong , Zhou Jinxiong , Suo Zhigang
Published: June 2014

A soft ionic conductor can serve as an artificial nerve in an artificial muscle. A polyacrylamide hydrogel is synthesized containing a hygroscopic salt, lithium chloride. Two layers of the hydrogel are used as ionic conductors to sandwich a dielectric elastomer and fabricate a highly stretchable and transparent actuator. When the two layers of the hydrogels are subject to a voltage, the actuator reduces its thickness and expands. An areal strain of 134% is demonstrated. The voltage‐strain curves are calculated by using a model that accounts for the elastic constraint of the hydrogel and the inhomogeneous deformation of the actuator. For actuators fabricated with the hydrogel of various thicknesses and with the dielectric elastomer of various prestretches, excellent agreements are found between experimental data and theoretical predictions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1055–1060
An architecture for secure mobile devices
Authors: Mayrhofer René
Published: June 2014

Mobile devices such as smart phones have become one of the preferred means of accessing digital services, both for consuming and creating content. Unfortunately, securing such mobile devices is inherently difficult for a number of reasons. In this article, we review recent research results, systematically analyze the technical issues of securing mobile device platforms against different threats, and discuss a resulting and currently unsolved problem: How to create an end‐to‐end secure channel between the digital service (e.g., a secure wallet application on an embedded smart card or an infrastructure service connected over wireless media) and the user. Although the problem has been known for years and technical approaches start appearing in products, the user interaction aspects have remained unsolved. We discuss the reasons for this difficulty and suggest potential approaches to create human‐verifiable secure communication with components or services within partially untrusted devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do banks matter for the risk of a firm's investment portfolio? Evidence from foreign direct investment programs
Authors: Betschinger Marie‐Ann
Published: June 2014

The study explores the role of banks as debt and equity holders for the riskiness of a firm's investment strategy using a panel of Japanese firms in the electronics industry in the period 1992–2004 for the empirical analysis. Based on a conceptual framework grounded in agency and financial intermediation theories, we find that a larger involvement of banks as debt holders in a firm is associated with lower foreign direct investment portfolio risk, while the shareholdings of universal banks increase it, supporting the theoretical predictions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on Desulfurization Abilities of Some Commonly Used Desulfurization Agents
Authors: Lindström David , Sichen Du
Published: June 2014

The desulfurization abilities of some commonly used agents, namely fluidized CaO, CaC2, commercial‐CaO, Mg, MgO, CaO · MgO, and mixtures of commercial‐CaO–Mg were studied and compared under the same experimental conditions in a laboratory furnace at 1773 K. The desulfurization mechanisms of CaO · MgO, commercial‐CaO, and mixtures of commercial‐CaO and Mg were also studied. While fluidized CaO showed the best performance, commercial‐CaO mixed with 20 mass% Mg achieved the second best desulfurization. Mg‐granules performed slightly better than CaC2 and commercial‐CaO, but somewhat less satisfactory compared to fluidized CaO and commercial‐CaO–Mg mixtures. Since only the CaO portion in CaO · MgO functioned to take up sulfur, additional 70% mass had to be added to achieve the same desulfurization level. The poor ability of commercial‐CaO in comparison to fluidized CaO powder was due to both its less reactive surface and agglomeration of the particles.
Enediynes, enyne‐allenes, their reactions, and beyond
Authors: Kraka Elfi , Cremer Dieter
Published: June 2014

Enediynes undergo a Bergman cyclization reaction to form the labile 1,4‐didehy‐drobenzene (p‐benzyne) biradical. The energetics of this reaction and the related Schreiner–Pascal reaction as well as that of the Myers–Saito and Schmittel reactions of enyne‐allenes are discussed on the basis of a variety of quantum chemical and available experimental results. The computational investigation of enediynes has been beneficial for both experimentalists and theoreticians because it has led to new synthetic challenges and new computational methodologies. The accurate description of biradicals has been one of the results of this mutual fertilization. Other results have been the computer‐assisted drug design of new antitumor antibiotics based on the biological activity of natural enediynes, the investigation of hetero‐ and metallo‐enediynes, the use of enediynes in chemical synthesis and materials science, or an understanding of catalyzed enediyne reactions.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
The epidemiological profile of inflammatory bowel disease patients on biologic therapy at a public hospital in Alagoas
Authors: de Barros Petrille André Cavalcante , da Silva Alberson Maylson Ramos , Neto M.Á.d.F. Lins
Published: June 2014

Introduction Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), represented by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic and idiopathic inflammatory conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract. There are several epidemiological studies that have shown an increased incidence of IBD worldwide.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with IBD under biologic therapy, treated in a coloproctology outpatient clinic, Hospital Universitario Professor Alberto Antunes, Alagoas.

Methods Retrospective observational clinical study, conducted by collecting patients’ records and interviewing them at the time of follow-up.

Results 40 patients were evaluated: 70% female, 27 patients (67.5%) with CD and 13 (32.5%) with UC, mean age of 37.8 years and predominance of white ethnicity. The ileocolonic area was more frequently affected among patients with CD (33.3%), whereas the extensive colitis presentation predominated among UC patients (61.5%). 95% of the patients received some medication before using biologicals. 70% of the respondents remain in deep remission in the period of 6–60 months.

Conclusion The socioeconomic profile of patients was similar to that described in the literature. Crohn's disease was more frequent in our study, while extensive colitis was more common among UC patients. Most patients used biologicals after failure of other treatment options.
Hip Rotator Strength in Healthy Young Adults Measured in Hip Flexion and Extension by Using a Hand‐held Dynamometer
Authors: Bloom Nancy , Cornbleet Suzanne L.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To investigate the effect of hip joint position on hip rotator muscle strength of healthy young adults by using a hand‐held dynamometer.

Design

A cross‐sectional cohort study.

Setting

A university medical center.

Participants

Thirty‐four healthy (19 women, 15 men; mean [standard deviation] age, 25 ± 2.3 years) participated in this study.

Methods

A hand‐held dynamometer was used to measure the strength of hip internal rotators and external rotators in 2 positions: hip flexion in sitting and hip extension in supine. The hip was tested in a neutral position with respect to rotation, abduction, and adduction. Isometric force in pounds was measured as the subject pushed against the device.

Main Outcome Measurements

For each subject, hip rotator muscle strength measurements were taken during a single session. Hypotheses were developed before data collection.

Results

Hip internal rotators were significantly stronger in hip flexion compared with hip extension (P < .01). There was no significant difference found in the hip external rotators between the 2 positions.

Conclusions

Hip internal rotators and external rotators behave differently when comparing strength measurements between the positions of hip flexion and hip extension. A hand‐held dynamometer provided an objective measurement of strength that was clinically feasible to use. Both muscle length and moment arms influence force production of the hip rotators as the hip position changes. Understanding these relationships may help clinicians interpret strength findings and direct intervention toward strengthening the appropriate muscles by using the most advantageous position.
Swirling Flow Over an Oscillatory Stretchable Disk
Authors: Munawar S. , Ali A. , Saleem N. , Naqeeb A.
Published: June 2014

In this work a numerical investigation has been conducted to study the unsteady oscillatory flow of a viscous fluid induced by a swirling disk. The disk stretches radially with the time-based sinusoidal oscillations. The governing equations for the three-dimensional boundary layer-flow are normalized using a suitable set of similarity transformations. The normalized partial differential equations are then solved numerically using a finite difference scheme by altering the semi-infinite domain to a finite domain. The effects of various imperative parameters on the oscillatory flow are discussed with graphs and tables.
REVIEWING THE UNITED KINGDOM'S ICCPR IMMIGRATION RESERVATION IN HONG KONG COURTS
Authors: Ramsden Michael
Published: June 2014

In 1976 the UK ratified the ICCPR with a reservation that prevented individuals without the right to ‘enter and remain’ in the UK from invoking Article 12(4) and ‘other provisions’ of the covenant. Upon Hong Kong's reunification with China, the ICCPR ‘as applied to Hong Kong’ in accordance with the UK's ratification was constitutionally guaranteed. It will be argued that the legislation implementing the ICCPR does not reflect the constitutional guarantee ‘as applied to Hong Kong’ because it amounts to a blanket exclusion of all ICCPR rights in immigration matters, impermissibly going beyond the UK's reservation.
Two erotic ideals
Authors: ELLIS FIONA
Published: June 2014

In his article ‘Nietzsche, Tristan, and the rehabilitation of erotic distance’ Joseph D. Kuzma identifies two seemingly opposed erotic ideals in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde. He claims that Nietzsche applauded the first and sought to dispense with the second, and that this was his solution to the problem of nihilism. I argue that this ‘solution’ is as ill-defined as the ideals it involves, and that it either consigns us to hell or offers a terminological variant upon theism. I rescue Schopenhauer from some familiar charges and make a link with Simone Weil's reflections upon love's impossibility.
Testing the Revised Hierarchical Model: Evidence from word associations
Authors: CLENTON JON
Published: June 2014

The main purpose of the work described in this paper is to examine the extent to which the L2 developmental changes predicted by Kroll and Stewart's (1994) Revised Hierarchical Model (RHM) can be understood by word association response behaviour. The RHM attempts to account for the relative “strength of the links between words and concepts in each of the bilingual's languages” (Kroll, Van Hell, Tokowicz & Green, 2010, p. 373). It proposes that bilinguals with higher L2 proficiency tend to rely less on mediation, while less proficient L2 learners tend to rely on mediation and access L2 words by translating from L1 equivalents. In this paper, I present findings from a simple word association task. More proficient learners provided a greater proportion of collocational links, suggesting that they mediate less when compared to less proficient learners. The results provide tentative support for Kroll and Stewart's model.
Development of a sensitive method for the quantification of urinary 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene by solid phase extraction, dansyl chloride derivatization and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Yao Li , Yang Jun , Liu Baizhan , Zheng Saijing , Wang Weimiao , Zhu Xiaolan , Qian Xiaobo
Published: June 2014

A sensitive method for the quantification of urinary 3-OHBaP was developed by SPE, dansyl chloride derivatization and LC-MS/MS detection.
Synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted indoline-2-thiones catalysed by an N-heterocyclic carbene
Authors: Ikota Hideo , Ishida Takayuki , Tsukano Chihiro , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: June 2014

A catalytic method has been developed for construction of indoline-2-thiones containing an all-carbon quaternary centre at the C-3 position.
An unusual temperature gradient crystallization process: facile synthesis of hierarchical ZnO porous hollow spheres with controllable shell numbers
Authors: Ma Xiaoming , Zhang Xiaoting , Yang Lin , Wang Kui , Jiang Kai , Wei Zipeng , Guo Yuming
Published: June 2014

Three types of hierarchical ZnO porous hollow spheres with controllable shell numbers were synthesized through not only the inside-out Ostwald ripening process but also an unusual temperature gradient crystallization mechanism.
Six new coordination polymers based on a tritopic pyridyldicarboxylate ligand: structural, magnetic and sorption properties
Authors: Ding Tao , Ren Li-Di , Du Xiao-Di , Quan Li , Gao Zi-Wei , Zhang Wei-Qiang , Zheng Chang-Zheng
Published: June 2014

Using a rigid ligand, pyridine-3,5-bis(phenyl-4-carboxylic) acid, six new coordination polymers have been synthesized and characterized, and their magnetic, photoluminescence and gas adsorption properties have been studied.
Small-angle neutron scattering study of micropore collapse in amorphous solid water
Authors: Mitterdorfer Christian , Bauer Marion , Youngs Tristan G. A. , Bowron Daniel T. , Hill Catherine R. , Fraser Helen J. , Finney John L. , Loerting Thomas
Published: June 2014

Amorphous solid water (ASW) is shown to undergo a micropore collapse from cylindrical pores (3D) to lamellae (2D) at >120 K using small-angle neutron scattering.
Linear free energy relationships in RNA transesterification: theoretical models to aid experimental interpretations
Authors: Huang Ming , York Darrin M.
Published: June 2014

Depending on the nature of the leaving group, reactions may proceedviaa stepwise mechanism or through a single early TS1. Brønsted correlations can be used to distinguish these two mechanisms.
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)–bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanocomposite: low loss and high dielectric constant materials with perceptible magnetic properties
Authors: Tamboli Mohaseen S. , Palei Prakash K. , Patil Santosh S. , Kulkarni Milind V. , Maldar Noormahmad N. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: June 2014

Formation mechanism of PMMA–BFO nanocomposites.
NAMI-A is highly cytotoxic toward leukaemia cell lines: evidence of inhibition of KCa 3.1 channels
Authors: Pillozzi Serena , Gasparoli Luca , Stefanini Matteo , Ristori Mirco , D'Amico Massimo , Alessio Enzo , Scaletti Federica , Becchetti Andrea , Arcangeli Annarosa , Messori Luigi
Published: June 2014

The anticancer ruthenium(iii) complex NAMI-A induces potent and unexpected cytotoxic effects in leukaemia cells causing selective inhibition of KCa 3.1 channels.
A fundamental view of enthalpy–entropy compensation
Authors: Ryde Ulf
Published: June 2014

There is no fundamental difference in enthalpy–entropy compensation between dispersion and electrostatics or between quantum and molecular mechanics.
A simple approach to pyrrolylimidazole derivatives by azirine ring expansion with imidazolium ylides
Authors: Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Tomashenko Olesya A. , Funt Liya D. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: June 2014

Versatile synthesis of 1-(1H-pyrrol-3-yl)-1H-imidazole derivatives by a domino reaction of 2H-azirines with 1-alkyl-3-phenacyl-1H-imidazolium bromides is reported.
One-pot synthesis of polysubstituted 3-acylpyrroles by cooperative catalysis
Authors: Cui Hai-Lei , Tanaka Fujie
Published: June 2014

Polysubstituted 3-acylpyrroles were synthesized from readily available unsaturated ketones and N-substituted propargylated amines via an aza-Michael/alkyne carbocyclization cascade followed by oxidation in one pot.
Supramolecular assemblies of triblock copolymers with hexanuclear molybdenum clusters for sensing antibiotics in aqueous solutions via energy transfer
Authors: Elistratova Julia , Mikhailov Maxim , Burilov Vladimir , Babaev Vasily , Rizvanov Ildar , Mustafina Asiya , Abramov Pavel , Sokolov Maxim , Konovalov Alexander , Fedin Vladimir
Published: June 2014

Water soluble hexanuclear molybdenum cluster assembled with triblock copolymer gives luminescent response on ion-pairing with difloxacin through energy transfer.
Natural rubber for sustainable high-power electrical energy generation
Authors: Kaltseis Rainer , Keplinger Christoph , Adrian Koh Soo Jin , Baumgartner Richard , Goh Yu Feng , Ng Wee Hoe , Kogler Alexander , Tröls Andreas , Foo Choon Chiang , Suo Zhigang , Bauer Siegfried
Published: June 2014

Sustainable natural rubber for soft generators opens up new possibilities for harvesting renewable resources. With this technology, ocean wave energy could become a cheap and clean resource for generation of electricity.
Multiple drug-loaded electrospun PLGA/gelatin composite nanofibers encapsulated with mesoporous ZnO nanospheres for potential postsurgical cancer treatment
Authors: Wei Junchao , Hu Jun , Li Ming , Chen Yong , Chen Yiwang
Published: June 2014

The novel PLGA/GE fibers encapsulated with DOX@mZnO were successfully fabricated, which enabled the delivery of two drugs with distinct rates.
Modification of PEGylated enzyme with glutaraldehyde can enhance stability while avoiding intermolecular crosslinking
Authors: Ritter D. W. , Newton J. M. , McShane M. J.
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate a novel and effective enzyme stabilization approach whereby an enzyme is initially PEGylated, followed by controlled glutaraldehyde modification.
Complexation between polyallylammonium cations and polystyrenesulfonate anions: the effect of ionic strength and the electrolyte type
Authors: Požar Josip , Kovačević Davor
Published: June 2014

The study provided insight on the influence of electrolyte type and ionic strength on the composition and stability of PAH–PSS complexes, the corresponding reaction energetics and the energetics of overcharging.
An Eu3+ post-functionalized nanosized metal–organic framework for cation exchange-based Fe3+-sensing in an aqueous environment
Authors: Zhou You , Chen Hao-Hong , Yan Bing
Published: June 2014

Highly luminescent MIL-53–COOH (Al) nanocrystals were fabricated by post-functionalization with Eu3+, which demonstrates super selectivity and sensitivity in detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solutions.
A guest-dependent thermochromic feature in a metal–organic framework and its thin film on different supports
Authors: Guo Ping-Chun , Chen Tian-Yu , Ren Xiao-Ming , Chu Zhenyu , Jin Wanqin
Published: June 2014

A three-dimensional NbO-type metal–organic framework (MOF) and its thin film on α-Al2O3 and SiO2 show novel reversible guest-dependent thermochromic behaviors.
Self-programmed nanovesicle to nanofiber transformation of a dipeptide appended bolaamphiphile and its dose dependent cytotoxic behaviour
Authors: Maity Indrajit , Parmar Hamendra S. , Rasale Dnyaneshwar B. , Das Apurba K.
Published: June 2014

A fluorescent nanostructured peptide bolaamphiphile hydrogel shows dose-dependent behaviour towards cytotoxicity and cell-proliferation.
Rapid and direct MALDI-MS identification of pathogenic bacteria from blood using ionic liquid-modified magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2)
Authors: Bhaisare Mukesh L. , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Wu Bo-Sgum , Wu Hui-Fen
Published: June 2014

A novel method for pathogenic bacteria identification directly from blood samples using cationic ionic liquid-modified magnetic nanoparticles (CILMS) is reported.
Facile preparation of polydiacetylene-based uniform porous fluorescent microspheres for potential immunoassay applications
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Yun , Shao Ya , Fan Li-Juan
Published: June 2014

Fluorescent microspheres are prepared by loading PDA onto the substrate microspheresviaa self-assembled vesicle precursor pathway.
A first-principles study of the spin transport properties of a 4H-TAHDI-based multifunctional spintronic device with graphene nanoribbon electrodes
Authors: Zhao P. , Wu Q. H. , Liu H. Y. , Liu D. S. , Chen G.
Published: June 2014

The 4H-TAHDI-based spintronic device can exhibit perfect giant magnetoresistance, spin-filtering, bipolar spin-rectifying, and negative differential resistance effects simultaneously.
Tailored defect-induced sharp excitonic emission from microcrystalline CuI and its ab initio validation
Authors: Das Swati , Saha Subhajit , Sen Dipayan , Ghorai Uttam Kumar , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: June 2014

Iodine concentration modulated free excitonic emission of CuI thin films developed by wet chemical reaction at room temperature.
Chiral frequency selective surfaces comprised of multiple conducting strips per unit cell
Authors: Delihacıoğlu Kemal
Published: June 2014

The periodic structure based on an array of multiple conducting strips per unit cell on a chiral slab is investigated in this letter. Instead of a single strip, a unit cell is constructed by equal and unequal lengths of double or triple strips. In this case, the array is periodic, as opposed to the traditional individual elements. The co‐polarised reflectance, co‐polarised transmittance and cross‐polarised transmittance of new types of frequency selective surfaces (FSS) comprised of perfectly conducting double or triple strips on a chiral slab are analysed theoretically for a plane wave at normal incidence. The analysis is based on the modal expansions and moment methods together with the Floquet theorem. The unknown current coefficients induced on the conducting elements are computed by using the subdomain overlapping piecewise sinusoidal basis functions. By using two or three conducting strips per unit cell, FSS can be operated in different frequency bands. The double and triple strips per unit cell on chiral slab produce double and triple resonances, respectively. The structure can be used in band‐stop filter, multiband antenna applications and subreflector systems as well as the polarisation rotator. The computed result of free‐standing strip FSS is compatible with the measured and calculated results in literature.