bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling of N‐Amino­azoles with 3‐Halo‐Substituted ­Quinolin‐2(1H)‐ones, Coumarins, Quin­oxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, and Chromenes
Authors: Luong Thi Thanh Huyen , Brachet Etienne , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Messaoudi Samir , Alami Mouâd
Published: February 2015

An efficient and general palladium‐catalyzed coupling of 3‐bromoquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones, 3‐bromocoumarins, 3‐chloroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones, and 3‐iodo‐2H‐chromenes with a variety of 1‐aminoazoles is described. The reaction proceeds cleanly in the presence of the Pd(OAc)2/4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene (Xantphos) catalytic system to provide the coupling products in good to excellent yields.
Chemo‐ and Stereoselective NBS‐Promoted Intermolecular Oxygenation and Nitrogenation of α‐C–H Bonds of Tertiary Diamines
Authors: Pereira Raul , Otth Elisabeth , Cvengroš Ján
Published: February 2015

A new method for the activation of the non‐benzylic α‐C–H bonds in tertiary diamines has been developed. The protocol relies on an N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS)‐mediated oxidation of carbon atoms next to the nitrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)2 followed by an intermolecular reaction with oxygen‐ or nitrogen‐centered nucleophiles. Mechanistic studies hint towards a radical intermediate, which can be further oxidized to an olefin or a non‐classical carbocation. Stable α‐oxygen‐ or α‐nitrogen‐substituted bicyclic tertiary amines are thus efficiently accessed under mild conditions.
B12‐independent glycerol dehydratase and its reactivase from Clostridia butyricum: Optimizing cloning by uniform design logic
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Shizhen , Yang Zhongli , Fang Baishan
Published: February 2015

Glycerol dehydratase (GDHt) is a key and rate‐limiting enzyme in the biological process of producing 1, 3‐propanediol from glycerol. Using a uniform design to get the optimal system of amplifying dhaB1B2 by PCR, a new GDHt and its reactivase were obtained from Clostridia butyricum. SDS‐PAGE showed that the relative molecular weights of the dhaB1B2 expression products were about 88 and 35 kDa, which confirmed the coexpression of dhaB1B2 in Escherichia coli BL21. The best inducing conditions, 0.1 mM IPTG, 28°C, and 11‐h induction time, were obtained by the uniform design and regression analysis. By anaerobic inducible expression in E. coli BL21, the activity of GDHt activity was six times higher than in C. butyricum (2.37 U/mL), and its specific activity was 36.3 U/mg. These results and methods would be useful for effective PCR amplification on a long gene fragment, high‐efficiency expression of the recombinant enzyme, and enzymatic production of 1, 3‐propanediol.
Molecular mechanisms of human thyrocyte dysfunction induced by low concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl 118 through the Akt/FoxO3a/NIS pathway
Authors: Guo Hongwei , Yang Hui , Chen Huanhuan , Li Wen , Tang Jinmei , Cheng Pei , Xie Yuchun , Liu Yun , Ding Guoxian , Cui Dai , Zheng Xuqin , Duan Yu
Published: February 2015

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are typical persistent organic pollutants that can interfere with multiple organ systems of humans. Previously, we concluded that persistent exposure to low doses of PCB118 could severely damage the thyroidal structure, dramatically decrease the concentration of serum thyroid hormones and inhibit the pivotal gene expressions such as sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and thyroglobulin (Tg). To explore the molecular mechanisms of thyrocyte dysfunction induced by 2,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118), monolayer cultured human thyroid epithelial cells (HTECs) were treated with PCB118 or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a control. Our results indicated that relatively higher concentrations of PCB118 could induce a loss in the viability of HTEC. In cultures with concentrations of PCB118 from 0.025 to 25 nM, which did not affect cell viability or apoptosis, concentrations of Tg and thyroxine (T4) were significantly decreased compared with those in the controls. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of Akt were increased significantly in the PCB118‐treated groups, whereas FoxO3a expression did not show particular variation. Furthermore, exposure to PCB118 was associated with a significant increase of the protein levels of p‐Akt and p‐FoxO3a, and these effects were blocked by LY294002. In contrast, mRNA and protein expression levels of NIS were decreased significantly, and this effect was blocked by LY294002. Unlike control cells, a cytoplasmic shift of FoxO3a was observed in the PCB118‐treated group. Our research suggests that PCB118 may induce thyrocyte dysfunction through the Akt/FoxO3a/NIS signalling pathway, which provides potential new insights for finding interventions to counteract the damage to the human body caused by PCBs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bupropion treatment increases epididymal contractility and impairs sperm quality with no effects on the epididymal sperm transit time of male rats
Authors: Cavariani Marilia Martins , de Almeida Kiguti Luiz Ricardo , de Lima Rosa Josiane , de Araújo Leite Gabriel Adan , Silva Patrícia Villela e , Pupo André Sampaio , De Grava Kempinas Wilma
Published: February 2015

Bupropion is a dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitor used as smoking cessation and antidepressant drug with a lower incidence of male sexual dysfunction. We showed previously that sibutramine, a norepinephrine/serotonine reuptake inhibitor, reduced male rat fertility. As there are no studies evaluating the impact of bupropion treatment on spermatic parameters and male fertility, we evaluated the effects of bupropion treatment (15 and 30 mg kg−1, 30 days) on sexual behavior, spermatic parameters and fertility of male Wistar rats and on the epididymal duct in vitro contractility. Bupropion 15 mg kg−1 increased the serum luteinizing hormone level and the epididymal duct contractility, but the sperm quality was not affected. At 30 mg kg−1 bupropion impaired sperm quality increasing the incidence of non‐progressive sperm. The male sexual behavior and fertility were not modified at both bupropion doses. These results, in rats, suggest the importance of studies evaluating the effects of bupropion on the human male sperm quality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
iTRAQ‐Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Xin‐Zhang , Zeng Wei‐Qun , Xiang Yi , Liu Yi , Zhang Hong‐Min , Li Hong , She Sha , Yang Min , Xia Kun , Peng Shi‐Fang
Published: February 2015

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common disease in the southern provinces of China with a poor prognosis. To better understand the pathogenesis of NPC and identify proteins involved in NPC carcinogenesis, we applied iTRAQ coupled with two‐dimensional LC‐MS/MS to compare the proteome profiles of NPC tissues and the adjacent non‐tumor tissues. We identified 54 proteins with differential expression in NPC and the adjacent non‐tumor tissues. The differentially expressed proteins were further determined by RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, the up‐regulation of HSPB1, NPM1 and NCL were determined by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray. Functionally, we found that siRNA mediated knockdown of NPM1 inhibited the migration and invasion of human NPC CNE1 cell line. In summary, this is the first study on proteome analysis of NPC tissues using an iTRAQ method, and we identified many new differentially expressed proteins which are potential targets for the diagnosis and therapy of NPC. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1431–1441, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of Dose‐Dependent Regulation of UBE1L by Polyphenols in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Apei , Li Yuan , Wang Pengqi , Shan Xiaoyun , Jiang Pan , Wang Xuemin , Feng Qing
Published: February 2015

Ubiquitin activating enzyme E1‐like (UBE1L) is the activating enzyme for ISG15ylation (ISG15, interferon stimulated gene 15). UBE1L is thought to be a candidate tumor suppressor gene and has positive activity against stress responses such as viral infections. Both type I interferon and retinoic acid are known to induce UBE1L expression. However, the molecular mechanism of UBE1L regulation is unclear. Here, the effect of several chemopreventive polyphenols on UBE1L expression in human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas‐2B) was investigated. Lower concentrations of curcumin, (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol upregulated UBE1L, while high concentrations of curcumin, EGCG and resveratrol downregulated UBE1L levels. Interestingly, curcumin, EGCG and resveratrol diminished intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at lower concentrations but generated ROS at higher concentrations. The antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) increased UBE1L protein levels, while pro‐oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) decreased UBE1L protein levels, indicating that the intracellular redox status is associated with UBE1L expression. Kinase inhibitors were used to examine the contribution of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity to the polyphenol‐regulated UBE1L. Only the inhibition of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) significantly reduced UBE1L expression. Knockdown of nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor‐2 (Nrf2) caused a concomitant decrease in UBE1L protein levels. It is concluded from the above mentioned results that JNK/Nrf2 signal pathway is involved in the regulation of UBE1L via intracellular ROS status when cells came in contact with polyphenols. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1553–1562, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HPV 16 E2 binding sites 1 and 2 become more methylated than E2 binding site 4 during cervical carcinogenesis
Authors: Leung Tsin‐Wah , Liu Stephanie S. , Leung Rebecca C.Y. , Chu Mandy M.Y. , Cheung Annie N.Y. , Ngan Hextan Y.S.
Published: February 2015

E2 protein binding to the four E2 binding sites (E2BSs) at the long control region of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 genome may exert either transcriptional activation/repression on E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Methylation status at the E2BSs may affect the relative binding of E2 protein to them. In this study, methylation percentage at E2BS 1, 2 (promoter‐proximal), and 4 (promoter‐distal) were assessed by pyrosequencing and compared among HPV 16/18‐positive cervical cancer, high‐grade, and low‐grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia, Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance, and normal cervical epithelium. HPV 16 E2BS1&2 were more methylated than HPV 16 E2BS4 in cervical cancer whereas in cervical premalignant lesions and normal epithelium, HPV 16 E2BS1&2 were less methylated than HPV 16 E2BS4. HPV 18 E2BS1&2 remained more methylated than E2BS4 in all histological groups. HPV 16 E2BS1&2 methylation increased from high‐grade lesions to cervical cancer (P < 0.001). HPV 16 E2BS4 methylation increased from low‐grade to high‐grade premalignant lesions (P = 0.041). Both HPV 18 E2BS1&2 and E2BS4 methylation increased from low‐grade to high‐grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (P = 0.019 and 0.001 respectively) and further increased form high‐grade lesions to cervical cancer (P < 0.001 and 0.005 respectively). Conclusively, HPV 16 E2BS1&2 (for transcriptional repression of E6/E7 oncoproteins) became more heavily methylated than E2BS4 (for transcriptional activation of E6/E7) in cervical cancer, favouring the differential binding of E2 protein to E2BS4. Increasing methylation at HPV 16/18 E2BSs are potentially useful adjunctive molecular markers for predicting progression from low‐grade to high‐grade cervical premalignant lesions and from high‐grade lesions to cervical cancer. J. Med. Virol. 87:1022–1033, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of influenza A virus infection among hospitalized children in vietnam during post‐pandemic period
Authors: Tran Dinh Nguyen , Pham Thi Minh Hong , Ha Manh Tuan , Hayakawa Satoshi , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: February 2015

Genetic variability makes influenza virus to escape the immunity and causes yearly epidemics. Monitoring those changes is necessary for vaccine selection. In addition, H3N2 viruses were considered to be seeded from Southeast Asia before spreading globally. This study described the molecular epidemiology of influenza A during the post‐pandemic season 2010–2011 in Vietnam. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from children with respiratory infections at Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City. The HA, NA, M genes were amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Thirty‐five of 1,082 (3.2%) patients were positive for influenza A, including 14 pandemic H1N1 2009 (H1N1pdm09) and 21 H3N2 infections. H3N2 was dominant in the rainy season (May–October 2010) while H1N1pdm09 was dominant in the dry season (November 2010–April 2011). Phylogenetic analysis showed that Vietnamese H1N1pdm09 sequences in 2010–2011 formed the distinct cluster, with other contemporary Asian and 2012‐American sequences, suggesting a possible common ancestor. All were oseltamivir‐sensitive except two strains carrying S247N and D199N in NA which reduced the neuraminidase inhibitor susceptibility. The Vietnamese H3N2 viruses in mid‐2010 belonged to the emerging subclade Perth10/2010, which then spread worldwide in 2011. The Vietnamese influenza viruses were well matched with the Southern Hemisphere vaccine formulation. Mutations at antigenic sites were also identified in these viruses. Surveillance of influenza viruses in tropical countries is important not only for development of their prevention and control strategies but also for earlier identification of the newly emerged strains that may be selected for future vaccine. J. Med. Virol. 87:904–912, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability of prototype microcapsule diffuser for speckle noise reduction in laser displays
Authors: Okagaki Satoru , Kondo Jun , Kojima Kuniko , Nakano Yuzo , Miyata Akihisa , Kubo Kazuki , Yoshida Yasuhiro
Published: February 2015

A microcapsule diffuser of the transparent type is proposed to reduce the speckle noise generated on a laser display. This diffuser has a microcapsule that is secured between two transparent electrodes. The microcapsule contains light diffusion particles that are electrically charged. Because the particles in the microcapsules are moved by the electric field, the proposed device reduces speckle noise. This paper reports the results of one study of the device reliability.
Fabrication of poly‐Si complementary metal oxide semiconductor inverter by all sputtering deposition process
Authors: Yeh Wenchang , Huang Boting
Published: February 2015

Direct current sputtering was used for deposition of Si film for precursor film of excimer laser annealing, n+‐Si/p+‐Si film for source/drain contact, and SiO2 film for gate insulator of polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistor. Using these methods, poly‐Si thin‐film complementary metal oxide semiconductor inverter was fabricated by all sputtering process for the first time. The field‐effect mobility was, respectively, 6.5 and 12.5 cm2/Vs for n‐TFTs and p‐TFTs. This inverter exhibits a full rail‐to‐rail swing and abrupt voltage transfer characteristics over the entire voltage range, and the output voltage gain was ~117 at Vdd = 20 V.
Comparison of voice outcomes after trial and long‐term vocal fold augmentation in vocal fold atrophy
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie , Rosen Clark A.
Published: February 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare voice outcomes after vocal fold augmentation using a trial (temporary) vocal fold injection (VFI) versus long‐term augmentation in patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy.

Study Design

Retrospective, single‐blinded study.

Methods

Nineteen patients diagnosed with vocal fold atrophy underwent trial VFI and subsequent long‐term augmentation. Voice Handicap Index‐10, acoustic, and aerodynamic measures were analyzed following trial and long‐term augmentation procedures.

Results

Forty‐two percent (8/19) of patients had a good response to trial VFI (P < .0001); 58% (11/19) had a poor response to trial VFI (P = .95). Of the patients with good response to trial VFI, 75% (6/8) also had good response to long‐term augmentation (P = .006), but 25% (2/8) reported a poor response to long‐term treatment. Of the patients who had a poor response to trial VFI, 55% (6/11) also had a poor response to long‐term treatment, but 45% (5/11) of patients reported good response after long‐term augmentation.

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide comparative voice outcomes using both trial VFI and long‐term augmentation for vocal fold atrophy. Additional critical evaluation of the value of trial VFI for vocal fold atrophy patients is suggested.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:934–940, 2015
Robot‐assisted transnasal laryngoplasty in cadaveric models: Quantifying forces and identifying challenges
Authors: Groom Kelly , Wang Long , Simaan Nabil , Netterville James
Published: February 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We expanded our prior work with transnasal robotic surgery (TNRS) in this study with the following aims: 1) use a cadaveric model to evaluate the feasibility of laryngoplasty with TNRS, 2) measure robot insertion times and forces, and 3) identify operational challenges to further guide the development of a flexible robotic system.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Methods

A 5‐mm robot was guided to the larynx via a transnasal approach. Insertion times and forces using TNRS and a 4‐mm flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope (FFL) were measured. Target sites on the true vocal cords were marked, and the TNRS was telemanipulated to perform injection laryngoplasty.

Results

Insertion times averaged 5.05 seconds (range, 3.8–10.4 seconds) for the TNRS and 7.97 seconds (range, 6.2–11.6 seconds) for the FFL. Insertion forces averaged 2.06 newtons (range, 1.56–5.55 newtons) for the TNRS and 0.43 newtons (range, 0.157–1.138 newtons) for the FFL. The unpaired t test between times and forces revealed P values of .0024 and .0000658, respectively. Seven target injection sites on three vocal cords in two cadaveric larynxes were successfully injected. In two out of nine sites marked, we were unable to access the vocal cord due tongue base collapse that obscured the posterior airway.

Conclusions

TNRS is able to effectively access the larynx, although in a supine model may be limited by tongue base collapse. Forces with TNRS were significantly higher than with the FFL, albeit within the same scale. Despite increased forces, there was no evidence of tissue trauma using TNRS.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1166–1168, 2015
Conservative management of vestibular schwannoma: Predictors of growth and hearing
Authors: Jethanamest Daniel , Rivera Andrew M. , Ji Hongzhao , Chokkalingam Venkatakarthikeyan , Telischi Fred F. , Angeli Simon I.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To describe the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing serial observation for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and identify factors that may predict tumor growth or hearing loss.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients seen at a tertiary care medical center between 2002 and 2013 with an International Classification of Diseases‐9 diagnosis code of 225.1. Patients electing observation as initial management, with at least two documented imaging results, were included. Exclusion criteria comprised bilateral VS, diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2, and neoplasms other than VS. Decline in serviceable hearing, tumor growth, and changes in management strategy were recorded. Survival analysis to assess median time to outcomes and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 94 patients met inclusion criteria. While undergoing observation, 22.3% of patients underwent a change in management strategy to microsurgical excision or stereotactic radiotherapy. For patients with initial serviceable hearing, 24.3% observed a decline to a nonserviceable level. No significant clinical factors were identified to predict changes in hearing. Survival analysis revealed that an estimated 69.1% of patients electing observation as initial management continued to do so at 5 years. Imbalance or disequilibrium at presentation was found to be associated with an increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) (OR 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–8.50; P = 0.04) for tumor growth.

Conclusion

Serial observation of VS is a viable treatment strategy for selected patients, with two‐thirds of patients electing to continue this management option after 5 years. Disequilibrium as a presenting symptom may be associated with subsequent tumor growth.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:2163–2168, 2015
Treatment of angiotensin receptor blocker‐induced Angioedema: A case series
Authors: Strassen Ulrich , Bas Murat , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Knopf Andreas , Greve Jens
Published: February 2015

Background

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists have been proposed as a replacement therapy after the occurrence of either an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor‐induced angioedema or cough. However, recent studies indicate that angioedema is associated with elevated bradykinin levels in a small fraction of patients treated with angiotensin‐II‐receptor blockers, suggesting a common pathophysiological mechanism. To date, a standard treatment for angiotensin II receptor blocker‐induced angioedema does not exist.

Methods

We present a case series of patients admitted to our hospital due to angioedema induced by an angiotensin II receptor blocker. The patients were either treated with either icatibant (n = 3) or prednisolone‐21‐hydrogen succinate/clemastine (n = 5). Both patient groups were compared with an untreated patient cohort (n = 3). All patients were previously diagnosed with essential hypertonia.

Results

Icatibant was an effective therapy for angiotensin II receptor blocker‐induced angioedema. Full symptom recovery was achieved after 5 to 7 hours, whereas symptom remission occurred within 27 to 52 and 24 to 54 hours in patients treated with Solu‐Decortin prednisolone/clemastine and untreated patients, respectively. The recovery time for icatibant was similar to that described in previous studies regarding the therapeutic efficacy of icatibant for the treatment of hereditary angioedema and patients suffering from angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor‐induced angioedema.

Conclusions

Icatibant is a safe and effective substance for the treatment of angiotensin II receptor blocker–induced angioedema. Although the pathophysiology of angiotensin II receptor blocker‐induced angioedema remains unclear, it appears to be associated with the bradykinin pathway.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:1619–1623, 2015
Pediatric liver transplant portal vein anastomotic stenosis: Correlation between ultrasound and transhepatic portal venography
Authors: Hawkins C. Matthew , Shaw Dennis W. W. , Healey Patrick J. , Horslen Simon P. , Dick Andre A. S. , Friedman Seth , Shivaram Giridhar M.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to determine which transabdominal ultrasound parameters correlate with portal vein stenosis (PVS) on percutaneous transhepatic portal venography in pediatric liver transplant patients. A retrospective review was performed of percutaneous transhepatic portal venograms performed between 2005 and 2013. The findings were compared to those from ultrasounds performed before venography and at the baseline. Patients were stratified on the basis of the presence of significant PVS (group 1, >50% stenosis; group 2, ≤50% stenosis) on portal venography. Findings were compared to those for age‐matched controls. Twenty portal venograms were performed for 12 pediatric patients. Thirteen of the 20 patients (65%) demonstrated significant PVS (>50%). The mean peak anastomotic velocity (PAV) was 253.6 ± 96 cm/s in group 1, 169.7 ± 48 cm/s in group 2, and 51.3 ± 20 cm/s in the control group. PAV (r = 0.672, P = 0.002) was the only ultrasound variable that correlated with the presence of significant PVS. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated from PAV and PVS data (area under the curve = 0.75, P = 0.08). A threshold velocity of 180 cm/s led to a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 71% in predicting significant PVS on portal venography. At the baseline, the mean PAV was 155.8 ± 90 cm/s for group 1 and 69.5 ± 33 cm/s for group 2 (P = 0.08); for control subjects, it was 78.9 ± 53 cm/s (P = 0.06). PAV is the only measured ultrasound parameter that correlates with significant PVS on portal venography in pediatric liver transplant patients. An elevated baseline PAV may increase the risk of developing PVS. Liver Transpl 21:547–553, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Evolution of atmospheric corrosion of superplastic Zn‐Al alloys exposed to an industrial environment
Authors: Yang L.‐J. , Zeng X.‐D. , Zhang Y.‐M. , He J. , Song Z.‐L.
Published: February 2015

The microsturcture and atmospheric corrosion of superplastic Zn‐Al alloys with various Al contents was investigated in an industrial environment. With increased Al content, the corrosion rates of the four samples initially increased and then decreased. ZA8 alloy showed the lowest corrosion resistance, whereas ZA16 alloy showed the highest resistance, and ZA12 showed a resistance similar to ZA16. The Al‐rich phase was prone to preferential attack when the superplastic ZA alloy was exposed to an industrial environment. However, the corrosion rate of the alloy decreased with increased Al content. The continuous Al‐rich phase effectively blocked the corrosion process.
Evaluating Relative Chain Orientation of Amylose and Poly(l‐lactide) in Inclusion Complexes Formed by Vine‐Twining Polymerization Using Primer–Guest Conjugates
Authors: Tanaka Tomonari , Sasayama Shota , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kimura Yoshiharu , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi
Published: February 2015

The relative chain orientation of amylose and poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) in inclusion complexes formed by phosphorylase‐catalyzed enzymatic polymerization is made clear, by using primer–guest conjugates according to a vine‐twining polymerization manner. The conjugates, which have a maltoheptaosyl moiety at COOH‐ or OH‐terminus of poly(l‐ and d‐lactide)s, are synthesized by copper(I)‐catalyzed click chemistry using propargyl‐terminated polylactides (PLAs) and maltoheptaosyl azide. The cavity of amylose includes PLLA, regardless of the chain orientation, when the conjugates composed of PLLA are used on the vine‐twining polymerization. On the other hand, amylose–poly(d‐lactide) (PDLA) diblock copolymers, which are noninclusion products, are produced when the conjugates composed of PDLA are used. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of products and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses of their alkaline hydrolysates strongly support that the amylose‐PLLA inclusion supramolecular polymers are produced, probably owing to the same helical direction of amylose as that of PLLA, which is responsibly induced by its chirality, regardless of the chain orientation on complexation.

image
Desch‐Schappacher perturbation of one‐parameter semigroups on locally convex spaces
Authors: Jacob Birgit , Wegner Sven‐Ake , Wintermayr Jens
Published: February 2015

We prove a Desch‐Schappacher type perturbation theorem for strongly continuous and locally equicontinuous one‐parameter semigroups which are defined on a sequentially complete locally convex space.
Incorporation of Thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene Moieties as Novel Electropolymerizable Groups in a Conducting Metallopolymer and Study of the Effect on Photostability
Authors: Caraway Jennifer D. , Nguyen Minh T. , Mitchell Lauren A. , Holliday Bradley J.
Published: February 2015

A novel nickel(II)‐containing conducting metallopolymer utilizing thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene moieties as the electropolymerizable groups is synthesized and characterized. A metal‐free polymer is also obtained via electropolymerization of the title ligand allowing comparative studies of the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of the polymer system in the presence and absence of nickel(II) metal ions. Photodegradation of the two polymers is studied along with an analogous system incorporating bithiophene as the electropolymerizable groups. Stability is found to be comparable between the metal‐free thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐ and bithio­phene‐based polymers; however, significant enhancement is observed in the thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐based nickel(II) conducting metallopolymer.

image
A robust Nitsche's formulation for interface problems with spline‐based finite elements
Authors: Jiang Wen , Annavarapu Chandrasekhar , Dolbow John E. , Harari Isaac
Published: February 2015

The extended finite element method (X‐FEM) has proven to be an accurate, robust method for solving embedded interface problems. With a few exceptions, the X‐FEM has mostly been used in conjunction with piecewise‐linear shape functions and an associated piecewise‐linear geometrical representation of interfaces. In the current work, the use of spline‐based finite elements is examined along with a Nitsche technique for enforcing constraints on an embedded interface. To obtain optimal rates of convergence, we employ a hierarchical local refinement approach to improve the geometrical representation of curved interfaces. We further propose a novel weighting for the interfacial consistency terms arising in the Nitsche variational form with B‐splines. A qualitative dependence between the weights and the stabilization parameters is established with additional element level eigenvalue calculations. An important consequence of this weighting is that the bulk as well as the interfacial fields remain well behaved in the presence of large heterogeneities as well as elements with arbitrarily small volume fractions. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method through several numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of Gender Norms, Relationship and Intrapersonal Variables, and Acculturation With Sexual Communication Among Young Adult Latinos
Authors: Alvarez Carmen , Villarruel Antonia
Published: February 2015

Sexual communication is an important strategy in promoting safer sex behavior, but few investigators have explored sexual communication among young adult Latinos. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined the role of traditional gender norms, relationship factors (relationship characteristics and relationship power), intrapersonal factors (attitudes and subjective norms), and acculturation as statistical predictors of three different types of sexual communication (sexual health, pleasure discussions, and physical sexual communication) in Latino women and men. The sample was 220 Latinos (111 women and 109 men) ages 18–30 years who were sexually active in heterosexual relationships. In multiple regression, after controlling for relationship power, intrapersonal factors, and acculturation, traditional gender norms did not predict sexual communication for either women or men. For both women and men, pleasure‐focused communication (pleasure discussions and physical sexual communication) increased with acculturation. For women, the strongest predictor of all types of sexual communication was their attitudes toward sexual communication. Greater relationship power and lower acculturation were associated with women's sexual health communication. For men, no variables explained sexual health communication or physical sexual communication, and acculturation and attitude toward pleasure discussions predicted pleasure communication. Women who believed they had power in their relationships and had positive attitudes toward pleasure discussions and a high level of acculturation reported more physical sexual communication. Findings suggest the importance of relationship power, attitudes, and acculturation in young adult Latinos' sexual communication. Sexual risk prevention strategies among young adult Latinos should include encouraging sexual communication by supporting positive attitudes toward pleasure‐focused communication. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The accessibility of a unimolecular micelle's core to environmental ions: Exploration with a xanthene dye
Authors: Liu Honghai , Yang Pengfei , Wan Decheng
Published: February 2015

To learn the impact of aqueous environmental species on the property of the isolated core of a water‐soluble unimolecular micelle (UIM), a guest dye of erythrosine B (EB) is used as a probe to map the dynamic microenvironment of the UIM. PEGylation of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) with oxirane‐functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) leads to a UIM of PEI@PEG, and the core is further chemically engineered. The resulting UIMs can irreversibly encapsulate EB exclusively by the core. It is found that the stacking of EB molecules is dependent on the electronic microenvironment of the UIMs, where a polar and ionic core favors a twist stacking of EB, but a less polar core results in an unprecedented parallel stacking of EB. Spectral analysis shows that EB is encapsulated along with its counter ion of Na+, and an exterior ion can cause dehydration of the UIMs but can hardly enter the UIMs; moreover, ion exchange through the PEG shell is actually allowed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 566–573
Optical properties of a novel parabolic quantum well structure in InGaN/GaN light emitters
Authors: Yan Tongxing , He Juan , Yang Wei , Rajabi Kamran , Chen Weihua , Wu Jiejun , Kang Xiangning , Zhang Guoyi , Hu Xiaodong
Published: February 2015

We theoretically investigate the optical properties of conventional, normal (type A) parabolic and novel (type B) parabolic InGaN quantum well (QW) for blue light emitters. Two specially designed active layer structures by parabolic‐shaped QW are proposed, and the optical characteristics of these two parabolic QW structures are calculated and compared to those of conventional QW structures. The electron–hole wavefunction overlap (Γe–hh) of type‐B parabolic QWs is 2.8 times (69.6%) that in the conventional QW (24.8%), and the spontaneous emission rate is ninefold that of conventional QWs. The transparency carrier density of type‐B parabolic QWs is much smaller than type‐A parabolic or conventional QW. These results can be attributed to a higher indium index in the center of the type‐B parabolic QWs, and that leads to better confinement of carriers wavefunctions.
Growth of BiSe and BiTe on amorphous fused silica by MBE
Authors: Collins‐McIntyre L. J. , Wang W. , Zhou B. , Speller S. C. , Chen Y. L. , Hesjedal T.
Published: February 2015

Topological insulator (TI) thin films of BiSe and BiTe have been successfully grown on amorphous fused silica (vitreous SiO) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. We find that such growth is possible and investigations by X‐ray diffraction reveal good crystalline quality with a high degree of order along the c‐axis. Atomic force microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and X‐ray reflectivity are used to study the surface morphology and structural film parameters. Angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies confirm the existence of a topological surface state. This work shows that TI films can be grown on amorphous substrates, while maintaining the topological surface state despite the lack of in‐plane rotational order of the domains. The growth on fused silica presents a promising route to detailed thermoelectric measurements of TI films, free from unwanted thermal, electrical, and piezoelectric influences from the substrate.
Assessment of the endoscopic range of motion for head and neck surgery using the SOLOASSIST endoscope holder
Authors: Kristin Julia , Geiger Robert , Kraus Peter , Klenzner Thomas
Published: February 2015

Background

A ‘third hand’ is useful for holding the endoscope during surgery. The SOLOASSIST camera holder (AktorMed GmbH, Germany), which is used for abdominal surgery, is supposed to be modified for head and neck surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the intraoperative hand‐held endoscopic range of motion for different surgical procedures and to define the required technical changes.

Methods

The intraoperative movements of the hand‐held endoscope during sinus surgery, rigid laryngoscopy, and lateral skull base surgery were measured and calculated.

Results

The endoscopic range of motion during surgery revealed diverse geometric bodies and volumes. For use in the ENT area, the system must be expanded by a manual release function for the driven axes and two additional lockable axes at the distal end of the arm.

Conclusion

Intraoperative endoscopic range of motions in head and neck surgery are highly specific and, as expected, differ from the endoscopic movements in abdominal surgery. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vaccine design via nonnegative lasso‐based variable selection
Authors: Hu Zonghui , Follmann Dean A. , Miura Kazutoyo
Published: February 2015

There are many different strains of malaria parasites, each represented by a unique sequence of amino acids. A desirable vaccine would match the amino acid sequence of the parasite antigen. Because of the three‐dimensional structure of protein, not all sites in the amino acid sequence participate in the binding between the vaccine‐induced antibody and the parasite antigen. Nor do all sites have equal importance. In this work, we apply a nonnegative lasso‐based variable selection to identify the ‘important’ amino acid sites and evaluate their relative importance. We then define a metric, the functional coverage, to measure the ‘effective’ matching in the amino acid sequence between the vaccine and the parasite. With the variable selection procedure, development of a vaccine needs only to target the important sites, and the potential effectiveness of a vaccine candidate is reflected by the functional coverage. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Single‐Cell Detection of mRNA Expression Using Nanofountain‐Probe Electroporated Molecular Beacons
Authors: Giraldo‐Vela Juan P. , Kang Wonmo , McNaughton Rebecca L. , Zhang Xuemei , Wile Brian M. , Tsourkas Andrew , Bao Gang , Espinosa Horacio D.
Published: February 2015

New techniques for single‐cell analysis enable new discoveries in gene expression and systems biology. Time‐dependent measurements on individual cells are necessary, yet the common single‐cell analysis techniques used today require lysing the cell, suspending the cell, or long incubation times for transfection, thereby interfering with the ability to track an individual cell over time. Here a method for detecting mRNA expression in live single cells using molecular beacons that are transfected into single cells by means of nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP‐E) is presented. Molecular beacons are oligonucleotides that emit fluorescence upon binding to an mRNA target, rendering them useful for spatial and temporal studies of live cells. The NFP‐E is used to transfect a DNA‐based beacon that detects glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and an RNA‐based beacon that detects a sequence cloned in the green fluorescence protein mRNA. It is shown that imaging analysis of transfection and mRNA detection can be performed within seconds after electroporation and without disturbing adhered cells. In addition, it is shown that time‐dependent detection of mRNA expression is feasible by transfecting the same single cell at different time points. This technique will be particularly useful for studies of cell differentiation, where several measurements of mRNA expression are required over time.
Electrostatic Self‐Assembly of Au Nanoparticles onto Thermosensitive Magnetic Core‐Shell Microgels for Thermally Tunable and Magnetically Recyclable Catalysis
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Wang Daoai , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: February 2015

A facile route to fabricate a nanocomposite of Fe3O4@poly[N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)‐co‐2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)]@Au (Fe3O4@PND@Au) is developed for magnetically recyclable and thermally tunable catalysis. The negatively charged Au nanoparticles with an average diameter of 10 nm are homogeneously loaded onto positively charged thermoresponsive magnetic core‐shell microgels of Fe3O4@poly(NIPAM‐co‐DMAEMA) (Fe3O4@PND) through electrostatic self‐assembly. This type of attachment offers perspectives for using charged polymeric shell on a broad variety of nanoparticles to immobilize the opposite‐charged nanoparticles. The thermosensitive PND shell with swollen or collapsed properties can be as a retractable Au carrier, thereby tuning the aggregation or dispersion of Au nanoparticles, which leads to an increase or decrease of catalytic activity. Therefore, the catalytic activity of Fe3O4@PND@Au can be modulated by the volume transition of thermosensitive microgel shells. Importantly, the mode of tuning the aggregation or dispersion of Au nanoparticles using a thermosensitive carrier offers a novel strategy to adjust and control the catalytic activity, which is completely different with the traditional regulation mode of controlling the diffusion of reactants toward the catalytic Au core using the thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) network as a nanogate. Concurrent with the thermally tunable catalysis, the magnetic susceptibility of magnetic cores enables the Fe3O4@PND@Au nanocomposites to be capable of serving as smart nanoreactors for thermally tunable and magnetically recyclable catalysis.
DNA‐Directed Assembly of Capture Tools for Constitutional Studies of Large Protein Complexes
Authors: Meyer Rebecca , Faesen Alex , Vogel Katrin , Jeganathan Sadasivam , Musacchio Andrea , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: February 2015

Large supramolecular protein complexes, such as the molecular machinery involved in gene regulation, cell signaling, or cell division, are key in all fundamental processes of life. Detailed elucidation of structure and dynamics of such complexes can be achieved by reverse‐engineering parts of the complexes in order to probe their interactions with distinctive binding partners in vitro. The exploitation of DNA nanostructures to mimic partially assembled supramolecular protein complexes in which the presence and state of two or more proteins are decisive for binding of additional building blocks is reported here. To this end, four‐way DNA Holliday junction motifs bearing a fluorescein and a biotin tag, for tracking and affinity capture, respectively, are site‐specifically functionalized with centromeric protein (CENP) C and CENP‐T. The latter serves as baits for binding of the so‐called KMN component, thereby mimicking early stages of the assembly of kinetochores, structures that mediate and control the attachment of microtubules to chromosomes in the spindle apparatus. Results from pull‐down experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that CENP‐C and CENP‐T may bind cooperatively to the KMN network.
Solution of bonded bimaterial problem of two interfaces subjected to concentrated forces and couples
Authors: Hasebe Norio , Kato Seiji
Published: February 2015

A closed form solution is derived for the bonded bimaterial planes at two interfaces. The bonded planes with two interfaces are symmetric with respect to the interface, which is straight. A rational mapping function and complex stress functions are used for the analysis. The problem is reduced to a Riemann‐Hilbert problem. Two interfaces problem to derive the general solution is more difficult than one interface problem. As a demonstration of geometry, semi‐strips bonded at two parts at the ends of strips are considered. The solution of different geometrical shapes can be obtained by changing the mapping function. Concentrated forces and couples are applied to the each strip. The first derivative of complex stress functions which does not include integral terms with regard to variable of the mapping plane is achieved. Therefore, there is no need of numerical integration to calculate stress components and to determine unknown coefficients in complex stress function. This is very benefit. All elastic constants in complex stress functions are expressed by Dundurs’ parameters. Stress distributions are shown for different lengths of the interface.
Dutch adolescents from lesbian‐parent families: How do they compare to peers with heterosexual parents and what is the impact of homophobic stigmatization?
Authors: van Rijn‐van Gelderen Loes , Bos Henny M.W. , Gartrell Nanette K.
Published: February 2015

In this study, we compared internalizing and externalizing problem behavior of 67 Dutch adolescents (Mage = 16.04) in planned lesbian families who were matched with 67 adolescents in heterosexual‐parent families. We also examined whether homophobic stigmatization was associated with problem behavior in adolescents with lesbian mothers after taking into account demographic characteristics, mothers' scores on emotional involvement, and adolescents' earlier problem behavior (measured at age 4–8 years old). Standardized instruments measuring problem behavior were completed by parents and adolescent offspring, and questions about stigmatization were answered by adolescents with lesbian mothers. The results revealed no differences in internalizing and externalizing problem behavior associated with family type. Offspring in lesbian families who reported more experiences of homophobic stigmatization also demonstrated more internalizing and externalizing problem behavior.
Comparison of the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV‐1 test v1.0 with v2.0 in HIV‐1 viral load quantification
Authors: Tung Yi‐Ching , Ke Liang‐Yin , Lu Po‐Liang , Lin Kuei‐Hsiang , Lee Su‐Chen , Lin Yi‐Ying , Chou Li‐Chiu , Tsai Wen‐Chan
Published: February 2015

Roche modified the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) test version 1.0 (CAP/CTM v1.0), resulting in the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV‐1 test version 2.0 (CAP/CTM v2.0). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the CAP/CTM v2.0 and to compare this performance with that of the CAP/CTM v1.0. The study was conducted in a small local study group in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. A total of 86 plasma samples from HIV‐1‐seropositive patients were tested using the two assays. The correlation and concordance of results between the two assays were calculated. The CAP/CTM v2.0 generated higher values than did the CAP/CTM v1.0, and five samples (5.8%) yielded a difference of > 1 log10 copies/mL. In addition, our data show that CAP/CTM v1.0 and CAP/CTM v2.0 yielded relatively consistent values for 23 samples with low viral loads (< 200 copies/mL). Furthermore, when viral loads were in a medium range (2–5 log10 copies/mL), the results of the two assays were more compatible. This study shows a good correlation between CAP/CTM v1.0 and v2.0 in HIV‐1 viral load measurement. Further attention must be paid to those cases in which measured viral loads present larger differences between the two assays.
Cost and Effectiveness of Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Heavy Smokers Contacting a Quitline–CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Krupski Laurie , Michael Cummings K. , Hyland Andrew , Mahoney Martin C. , Toll Benjamin A. , Carpenter Matthew J. , Carlin-Menter Shannon
Published: February 2015

An error has been noted in the above mentioned article by Krupski et al. In the discussion section in the fourth paragraph, ‘greater than 15 cigarettes per day’ should read ‘greater than or equal to 10 cigarettes per day’.
George Rexworthy De Wilde (1832/3–1906): a forgotten pioneer of Arctic photography
Authors: Credland Arthur G.
Published: February 2015

An account of G.R. De Wilde's contribution to Arctic photography is presented. His images from Sir Allen Young's 1875 voyage in Pandora are the earliest to be published from a British expedition, albeit in a volume that was privately printed.