bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Merits of Mannitol in the Repair of Orbital Blowout Fracture
Authors: Shin Kyung Jin , Lee Dong Geun , Park Hyun Min , Choi Mi Young , Bae Jin Ho , Lee Eui Tae
Published: November 2013

Background One of the main concerns in orbital blowout fracture repair is a narrow operation field, due mainly to the innate complex three dimensions of the orbit; however, a deep location and extensive area of the fracture and soft tissue edema can also cause concern. Swelling of the orbital contents progresses as the operation continues. Mannitol has been used empirically in glaucoma, cerebral hemorrhage, and orbital compartment syndrome for decompression. The authors adopted mannitol for the control of intraorbital edema and pressure in orbital blowout fracture repair.

Methods This prospective study included 108 consecutive patients who were treated for a pure blowout fracture from January 2007 to October 2012. For group I, mannitol was administered during the operation. Under general anesthesia, all patients underwent surgery by open reduction and insertion of an absorbable mesh implant. The authors compared postoperative complications, the reoperation rate, operation time, and surgical field improvement between the two groups.

Results In patients who received intraoperative administration of mannitol, the reoperation rate and operation time were decreased; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The total postoperative complication rates did not differ. Panel assessment for the intraoperative surgical field video recordings showed significantly improved vision in group I.

Conclusions For six years, mannitol proved itself an effective, reliable, and safe adjunctive drug in the repair of orbital blowout fractures. With its rapid onset and short duration of action, mannitol could be one of the best methods for obtaining a wider surgical field in blowout fracture defects.
Two-Year Follow-up on the Use of Absorbable Mesh Plates in the Treatment of Medial Orbital Wall Fractures
Authors: You Jae-Pil , Kim Deok-Woo , Jeon Byung-Joon , Jeong Seong-Ho , Han Seung-Kyu , Dhong Eun-Sang , Kim Woo-Kyung
Published: November 2013

Background Absorbable materials offer many advantages in the reconstruction of orbital walls; however, the possibility of postoperative enophthalmos after complete absorption cannot be excluded. We evaluated the postoperative results of absorbable mesh plates used as onlay implanting on the medial orbital wall to determine whether they are suitable for medial orbital wall reconstruction.

Methods The study included 20 patients with medial orbital wall fractures who were followed up for more than 2 years postoperatively. We used absorbable mesh plates in all of the patients. We measured the following: the changes in the expanded orbital volume by comparing the preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and the degree of clinical enophthalmos.

Results There were no major complications associated with the use of absorbable materials such as infection, migration, or extrusion of mesh plates during the long-term follow-up. The orbital volumetric changes between the preoperative and postoperative CT scans were not statistically significant. However, the expanded orbital volume was not related to the degree of clinical enophthalmos.

Conclusions The reconstructed orbital wall may provide supportive scar tissue to the orbital contents even after the absorbable materials have dissolved completely. Absorbable mesh plates could be another option for the reconstruction of the medial orbital wall.
Fault frictional parameters and material properties revealed by slow slip events at Kilauea volcano, Hawai‘i
Authors: Foster James H. , Lowry Anthony R. , Brooks Benjamin A.
Published: November 2013

We categorize slow slip events at Kilauea Volcano into two distinct families based on GPS measurements of the surface displacement patterns. An event correlation filter confirms that “eastern” and “western” families are statistically distinguishable, with the western family notably self‐similar. The western family exhibits quasi‐periodicity with regular repeat times, while eastern family events are aperiodic or have complicated periodicity. If the decollement is the source fault for both families of events, it must have varying frictional properties at the ~10 km scale of separation. The temporal slip and spatial scaling behavior are consistent with a simplistic rate‐ and state‐dependent frictional formalism provided that the characteristic slip distance for state evolution, Dc, is of the order of millimeters rather than the 10–100 µm typically found in lab studies, and the shear rigidity is around 2 GPa, consistent with fault gouge material.
The occurrence of cirrus clouds associated with eastward propagating equatorial n = 0 inertio‐gravity and Kelvin waves in November 2011 during the CINDY2011/DYNAMO campaign
Authors: Suzuki Junko , Fujiwara Masatomo , Nishizawa Tomoaki , Shirooka Ryuichi , Yoneyama Kunio , Katsumata Masaki , Matsui Ichiro , Sugimoto Nobuo
Published: November 2013

Cirrus cloud variability associated with n = 0 eastward inertio‐gravity equatorial waves and equatorial Kelvin waves (both with the period of ~4 days) and equatorial Kelvin wave with another periodicity (~16 days) were observed in the tropical Indian Ocean (8.0°S, 80.5°E) in November of 2011 during the Cooperative Indian Ocean experiment on intraseasonal variability in the Year 2011 (CINDY2011)/Dynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field campaign using balloon‐borne cryogenic frostpoint hygrometers, Vaisala radiosondes, and a shipborne high spectral resolution lidar system. During early to mid‐November, the cirrus cloud appearance corresponded primarily with high supersaturation and high relative humidity caused by the temperature disturbances associated with the ~4 day waves between 12 km altitude and the cold‐point tropopause. The cirrus clouds disappeared under the unfavorable (downward wind and dry) conditions that were caused by the ~4 day waves, although the ~16 day wave was generating favorable conditions. Our multi‐instrument cirrus measurements revealed that we must consider the phases of various overlapping waves when estimating dehydration efficiency caused by cirrus clouds around the cold‐point tropopause.
Ear and Lateral Line of Vertebrates: Organisation and Development
Authors: Harding Molly , McCarroll Matthew , McGraw Hillary , Nechiporuk Alex
Published: November 2013

In vertebrates, perception of movement and sound is accomplished by the lateral line and inner ear sensory systems. These systems sense reverberations, movement and acceleration by transducing mechanical stimuli from the environment into electrical signals by means of mechanosensory hair cells. Vestibular and auditory hair cells have associated sensory neurons that transmit these signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. During development, cranial sensory systems arise from an initially homogeneous population of cells that ultimately give rise to discrete sensory structures. Although the demands for auditory and vestibular sensation differ between species and environments, vertebrates use common cell types, genetic programmes and molecules to achieve the development of these mechanosensory organs. In this article, the structure and function of the mechanosensory hair cells, lateral line and inner ear and how these systems develop across species are discussed, and as well as the innervation of these systems.

Key Concepts:

The vertebrate inner ear is composed of both auditory and vestibular components.

Both the lateral line and the inner ear are derived from embryonic structures known as cranial placodes.

All cranial placodes originate from a homogenous group of cells known as the preplacodal ectoderm.

Hair cells are structurally and functionally similar in both auditory and lateral line systems.

The adult lateral line mediates sensation of movement in the aquatic environment of fishes and frogs.

Embryonic posterior lateral line development is accomplished by the pre‐patterned posterior lateral line primordium.

The lateral line is an experimentally accessible model for studying mechanosensory system development and biology.
Christianity and Genetics
Authors: Messer Neil G
Published: November 2013

It is sometimes assumed that genetics, together with other biological sciences, makes Christian belief increasingly irrelevant and untenable. However, conflict is not the only way of conceiving the relationship between biosciences and Christianity, as an exploration of the three key issues shows. First, genetic and theological explanations of the natural world need not be in competition with each other. Second, Christian understandings of personal identity can incorporate an understanding of genetic influences without being undermined by it. Third, a deterministic account of behaviour incorporating genetic and environmental influences does not deny the possibility of genuine free will and responsibility, but a Christian understanding of sin and salvation will, in any case, reframe debates about free will and responsibility. An exploration of these issues suggests that the relationship between genetics and Christian theology is best understood as some kind of dialogue, in which each has gifts to offer the other.

Key Concepts:

The relationship between genetics and Christianity is not necessarily one of inevitable conflict: other possibilities include independence, dialogue and integration.

Some form of dialogue is the most satisfactory way to think of the relationship between Christianity and genetics.

Explanation of the natural world is not a zero‐sum game: science deals mostly with ‘efficient’ causes, whereas religious explanations are often concerned with ‘formal’ and ‘final’ causes.

Traditionally, Christians have thought of personal identity in terms of the soul, though alternative accounts of human personhood such as ‘nonreductive physicalism’ are also proposed by theologians in dialogue with the biosciences.

Even a deterministic account of human thought and behaviour would not exclude the possibility of genuine freedom and moral responsibility, but in any case this discussion is complicated and enriched by a Christian account of sin and salvation.

Dialogue with genetics and other biological sciences can help Christian theology understand more fully what it means for humans to be physically embodied creatures.

Genetics, like other sciences, raises ethical questions that it does not in itself have the moral resources to address, and Christianity has resources of moral wisdom to offer for deliberation on these questions.
Bounded‐error state and parameter estimation of tip‐tilt disturbances in adaptive optics systems
Authors: Khemane Firas , Abbas‐Turki Mohamed , Durieu Cécile , Raynaud Henri‐François , Conan Jean‐Marc
Published: November 2013

The main objective of this paper was to estimate tip‐tilt disturbances in adaptive optics systems. In a bounded‐error context, set inversion methods based on interval analysis are used to guarantee both state and parameter estimation of tip‐tilt disturbances. Consequently, two methods are performed. The first method is based on contraction–bisection, and the second one is based only on contraction. Both methods are thus compared, and results are discussed according to computational time and pessimism introduced on each estimated parameter. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable approaches to genetic counseling for microarray regions of homozygosity associated with parental relatedness
Authors: Grote Lauren , Myers Melanie , Lovell Anne , Saal Howard , Sund Kristen Lipscomb
Published: November 2013

SNP microarrays are capable of detecting regions of homozygosity (ROH) which can suggest parental relatedness. This study was designed to describe pre‐ and post‐test counseling practices of genetics professionals regarding ROH, explore perceived comfort and ethical concerns in the follow‐up of such results, demonstrate awareness of laws surrounding duty to report consanguinity and incest, and allow respondents to share their personal experiences with results suggesting a parental relationship. A 35 question survey was administered to 240 genetic counselors and geneticists who had ordered or counseled for SNP microarray. The results are presented using descriptive statistics. There was variation in both pre‐ and post‐test counseling practices of genetics professionals. Twenty‐five percent of respondents reported pre‐test counseling that ROH can indicate parental relatedness. The most commonly reported ethical concern was disclosure of findings suggesting parental relatedness to parents of the patient; only 48.4% reported disclosing parental relatedness when indicated. Fifty‐seven percent felt comfortable receiving results suggesting parental consanguinity while 17% felt comfortable receiving results suggesting parental incest. Twenty percent of respondents were extremely/moderately familiar with the laws about duty to report incest. Personal experiences in post‐test counseling included both parental acknowledgement and denial of relatedness. This study highlights the differences in genetics professionals' pre‐ and post‐test counseling practices, comfort, and experiences surrounding parental relatedness suggested by SNP microarray results. It identifies a need for professional organizations to offer guidance to genetics professionals about how to respond to and counsel for molecular results suggesting parental consanguinity or incest. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening of TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and FLNA in familial mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Aalberts Jan J.J. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Oomen Toon , Bergman Jorieke E.H. , Halley Dicky J.J. , Jongbloed Jan D.H. , Suurmeijer Albert J.H. , van den Berg Maarten P.
Published: November 2013

So far only mutations in the filamin A gene (FLNA) have been identified as causing familial mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Previous studies have linked dysregulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) cytokine family to MVP. We investigated whether mutations in the TGF‐β receptors genes type I (TGFBR1) and II (TGFBR2) underlie isolated familial MVP cases. Eight families with isolated familial MVP were evaluated clinically and genetically. Ventricular arrhythmias were present in five of the eight families and sudden cardiac death occurred in six patients. Tissue obtained during mitral valve surgery or autopsy was available for histological examination in six cases; all demonstrated myxomatous degeneration. A previously described FLNA missense mutation (p.G288R) was identified in one large family, but no mutations were discovered in TGFBR1 or TGFBR2. An FLNA missense mutation was identified in one family but we found no TGFBR1 or TGFBR2 mutations. Our results suggest that TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 mutations do not play a major role in isolated myxomatous valve dystrophy. Screening for FLNA mutations is recommended in familial myxomatous valvular dystrophy, particularly if X‐linked inheritance is suspected. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maize dependence or market integration? Caries prevalence among indigenous maya communities with maize‐based versus globalized economies
Authors: Vega Lizama Elma Maria , Cucina Andrea
Published: November 2013

The relationship between diet and oral health is widely known, yet data on dental caries prevalence is lacking for many indigenous groups with traditional or rapidly modernizing diets. This research documents caries prevalence in two Maya communities from northern Yucatán (Mexico) with significantly different levels of market integration, subsistence, and diet: Yalsihón, with a traditional, maize‐based subsistence economy, and Dzilam, with access to globalized food markets. Each sample was subdivided by sex into 15–19, 20–24, and 25–30 years‐of‐age classes. Caries prevalence was considered separately both when the lesion affected the enamel superficially (grade 1+) and when it reached the dentin (grade 2+). In both villages, females of all age classes manifest more caries than males. Results show higher prevalence of caries at Dzilam than at Yalsihón, except for grade 1+ caries among 15–19‐year‐old males and grade 2+ caries among 15–19‐year‐old females. Though differences are not significant, earlier pregnancies among 15–19‐year‐old females at Yalsihón could be a causative factor. A survey indicated a more balanced diet at Yalsihón despite a heavier intake of maize than at Dzilam. Striking differences were documented in the ingestion of soda and globalized foods; sodas were virtually absent at Yalsihón, while at Dzilam they were ingested daily in great quantities. The decline in oral health at Dzilam is inferred to result from consumption of industrially processed foods and drinks, while a traditional diet leads to less caries despite daily heavy consumption of maize, which must be considered when interpreting caries rates in archaeological samples. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:190–202, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early versus delayed treatment of primary epistaxis in the United States
Authors: Villwock Jennifer A. , Goyal Parul
Published: November 2013

Background

Epistaxis treatment is variable. This study sought to determine demographic, management, and outcome differences in patients treated with early (<24 hours) vs late ligation or embolization.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of the 2008 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients admitted with epistaxis. Hospital and patient demographics and outcomes were compared between early vs late surgical intervention. Multivariate models analyzed the economic measures (length of stay and hospital charges) between early and late treatment.

Results

Of 57,039 cases of primary epistaxis identified in the NIS database, 4662 (8.2%) received ligation or embolization. There was no significant influence of early treatment on the odds of mortality, stroke, blindness, or blood transfusion. The total charges and length of stay were significantly reduced for early surgical intervention using embolization or ligation. Two predictors of early intervention were common to both ligation and embolization: (1) weekday admission (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 1.856), and (2) admission to a non‐Midwest hospital (p < 0.001; OR, 3.276). Additional predictors of early intervention with ligation included: (1) admission to an urban hospital; (2) admission to a nonteaching hospital; (3) black race; and (4) income >$39,000. The odds of embolization within the first 24 hours were lowered with each additional chronic condition (p = 0.017; OR, 0.912).

Conclusion

Efficient and effective healthcare delivery is paramount given the potentially life‐threatening nature of epistaxis and the current economic environment. Delayed intervention significantly increased hospital charges and length of stay. Rapid identification and treatment may prove to be a cost‐saving measure.
Molecular Characterization of DNA Double Strand Breaks with Tip‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Lipiec Ewelina , Sekine Ryo , Bielecki Jakub , Kwiatek Wojciech M. , Wood Bayden R.
Published: November 2013

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are deadly lesions that can lead to genetic defects and cell apoptosis. Techniques that directly detect DNA DSBs include scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fluorescence based approaches. While these techniques can be used to identify DSBs they provide no information on the molecular events occurring at the break. Tip‐enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) can provide molecular information from DNA at the nanoscale and in combination with AFM provides a new way to visualize and characterize the molecular structure of DSBs. DSBs result from cleavage at the 3’‐ and 5’‐bonds of deoxyribose upon exposure to UVC radiation based on the observation of POH and methyl/methylene deformation modes enhanced in the TERS spectra. It is hypothesized that strand fragments are hydrogen‐terminated at the lesion, indicating the action of free radicals during photon exposure.
Accelerated Self‐Replication under Non‐Equilibrium, Periodic Energy Delivery
Authors: Zhang Rui , Walker David A. , Grzybowski Bartosz A. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: November 2013

Self‐replication is a remarkable phenomenon in nature that has fascinated scientists for decades. In a self‐replicating system, the original units are attracted to a template, which induce their binding. In equilibrium, the energy required to disassemble the newly assembled copy from the mother template is supplied by thermal energy. The possibility of optimizing self‐replication was explored by controlling the frequency at which energy is supplied to the system. A model system inspired by a class of light‐switchable colloids was considered where light is used to control the interactions. Conditions under which self‐replication can be significantly more effective under non‐equilibrium, cyclic energy delivery than under equilibrium constant energy conditions were identified. Optimal self‐replication does not require constant energy expenditure. Instead, the proper timing at which energy is delivered to the system is an essential controllable parameter to induce high replication rates.
Influence of room‐temperature‐stretching technology on the crystalline morphology and microstructure of PVDF hard elastic film
Authors: Lei Caihong , Hu Bing , Xu Ruijie , Cai Qi , Shi Wenqiang
Published: November 2013

The crystalline morphology and microstructure during stretching of polyvinylidene fluoride hard elastic film under room temperature was followed using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that an endotherm plateau from the contribution of some new crystals formed during annealing appeared and some thinner lamellae existed in the annealed film. During stretching, the endotherm plateau disappeared and those thinner lamellae transformed into β‐phase. At the same time, some initial pores were observed. With increasing stretching ratio from 20 to 100%, the β‐phase content increased, whereas within the strain rate range of 0.003–0.034 s−1, its content was least under 0.017 s−1. During stretching, lamellae separation, crystalline morphology transformation and disappearance of grown crystals formed by annealing coexisted. From the viewpoint of pore initiation, less crystalline morphology transformation was beneficial for the lamellae separation. Higher stretching ratio resulted in the breakage of separated lamellae. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40077.
Hydrogel composites based on linear low‐density polyethylene‐g‐poly (acrylic acid)/Kaolin or halloysite nanotubes
Authors: Irani Maryam , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: November 2013

Two series of superabsorbent hydrogel composites were prepared using waste linear low‐density polyethylene, acrylic acid, and two types of clays including kaolin and halloysite nanotube (HNT) through emulsion polymerization. The effects of the clay content on Water absorbency were investigated to obtain a high swelling capacity. The prepared samples were characterized using FTIR, SEM, thermogravimetric analysis, XRD, solid‐state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, and 29Si NMR. SEM characterization of the samples showed that the hydrogel composites have more pores and a higher swelling ratio than the clay‐free hydrogels. The hydrogel composite containing kaolin had higher water absorbency compared to the hydrogel composites with HNT. The swelling behavior of the hydrogel composite was investigated in various saline solutions. The hydrogel composite containing 5 wt % kaolin had the highest water absorbency (760 g/g in distilled water). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40101.
Largely improved crystallization behavior and thermal stability of poly(L‐lactide) via the synergistic effects of graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chen Hai‐Ming , Shao Li‐Na , Shen Ying , Yang Jing‐Hui , Huang Ting , Zhang Nan , Wang Yong , Zhang Chao‐liang
Published: November 2013

Graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their compound were introduced into semicrystalline poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) to prepare the corresponding binary and/or ternary nanocomposites, respectively. The dispersion states of nanofillers in different nanocomposites were investigated using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and rheological measurement. The results showed that when GO and CNTs were simultaneously present in the PLLA matrix, good dispersion states of both GO and CNTs could be achieved and the ternary nanocomposites exhibited percolated network structure. The effects of different nanofillers on the crystallization behavior of PLLA matrix were comparatively investigated under the different crystallization conditions including melt crystallization process (nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization from the melt) and cold crystallization (crystallization occurring from an amorphous state during the annealing process). The results showed that GO and CNTs exhibited apparent synergistic effects in improving crystallization ability and enhancing crystallinity of PLLA matrix. Study on the thermal stability of nanocomposites showed that the presence of nanofillers greatly improved the thermal stability of PLLA matrix. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40143.
Chemical Variability and Antioxidant Activity of Limbarda crithmoides L. Essential Oil from Corsica
Authors: Andreani Stéphane , De Cian Marie‐Cecile , Paolini Julien , Desjobert Jean‐Marie , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: November 2013

The chemical compositions of 25 Corsican Limbarda crithmoides ssp. longifolia essential oils were investigated for the first time using GC‐FID, GC/MS, and NMR analyses. Altogether, 65 compounds were identified, accounting for 90.0–99.3% of the total oil compositions. The main components were p‐cymene (1; 15.1–34.6%), 3‐methoxy‐p‐cymenene (4; 11.8–28.5%), 2,5‐dimethoxy‐p‐cymenene (5; 5.9–16.4%), thymol methyl ether (6; 1.3–14.9%), α‐phellandrene (2; 0.9–11.9%), and α‐pinene (3; 0.2–13.4%). The chemical variability of the Corsican oil samples was studied using multivariate statistical analysis, which allowed the discrimination of two main clusters. A direct correlation between the water salinities of the plant locations and the chemical compositions of the L. crithmoides essential oils was evidenced. Indeed, essential oils rich in 1 (30.4–34.6%) were found in samples growing in the wetlands of the southern oriental coast, which exhibit high salinity levels (24.4±0.2–33.9±0.2 ppt), and essential oils with lower contents of 1 (15.1–27.3%) were isolated form samples growing in the wetlands of northern Corsica, which exhibit lower salinity levels (10.90±0.20–15.47±0.15 ppt). The antioxidant potential of L. crithmoides essential oil was also investigated, by assessing the DPPH.‐ and ABTS.+‐scavenging activities and the reducing power of ferric ions, and was found to be interesting. Moreover, using bioassay‐guided fractionation of the essential oil, a higher antioxidant activity was obtained for the oxygenated fraction and both ester and alcohol subfractions.
Pressure‐Dependent Effect of Hydrogen Adsorption on Structural and Electronic Properties of Pt/γ‐Al2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Mistry Hemma , Behafarid Farzad , Bare Simon R. , Roldan Cuenya B.
Published: November 2013

Understanding the interaction of hydrogen with subnanometer platinum nanoparticles (NPs) under industrially relevant conditions is of great importance to heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, we investigate the pressure‐dependent changes in hydrogen coverage on size‐ and shape‐selected Pt/γ‐Al2O3 NPs by in situ X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) analysis. Difference XANES calculations revealed an increase in the H/Pt ratio from 1.9 to 2.5 upon increasing the hydrogen pressure from 1 to 21 bar at room temperature (1 bar=100 kPa). In addition, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements of the local geometrical structure showed changes in PtPt bond length and coordination number, revealing a morphological transformation in the NPs from a 2 D to a 3 D shape under increasing H2 pressure at room temperature. Such shape evolution leads to a decrease in the NP–support contact area and is thus expected to affect the NP stability against coarsening.
Bifunctional (Cyclopentadienone)Iron–Tricarbonyl Complexes: Synthesis, Computational Studies and Application in Reductive Amination
Authors: Moulin Solenne , Dentel Hélène , Pagnoux‐Ozherelyeva Anastassiya , Gaillard Sylvain , Poater Albert , Cavallo Luigi , Lohier Jean‐François , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2013

Reductive amination under hydrogen pressure is a valuable process in organic chemistry to access amine derivatives from aldehydes or ketones. Knölker’s complex has been shown to be an efficient iron catalyst in this reaction. To determine the influence of the substituents on the cyclopentadienone ancillary ligand, a series of modified Knölker’s complexes was synthesised and fully characterised. These complexes were also transformed into their analogous acetonitrile iron–dicarbonyl complexes. Catalytic activities of these complexes were evaluated and compared in a model reaction. The scope of this reaction is also reported. For mechanistic insights, deuterium‐labelling experiments and DFT calculations were undertaken and are also presented.
Mesoporous Anatase TiO2 Nanorods as Thermally Robust Anode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries: Detailed Insight into the Formation Mechanism
Authors: Seisenbaeva Gulaim A. , Nedelec Jean‐Marie , Daniel Geoffrey , Tiseanu Carmen , Parvulescu Vasile , Pol Vilas G. , Abrego Luis , Kessler Vadim G.
Published: November 2013

Uniformly mesoporous and thermally robust anatase nanorods were produced with quantitative yield by a simple and efficient one‐step approach. The mechanism of this process was revealed by insertion of Eu3+ cations from the reaction medium as luminescent probes. The obtained structure displays an unusually high porosity, an active surface area of about 300 m2g−1 and a specific capacity of 167 mA h g−1 at a C/3 rate, making it attractive as an anode electrode for Li‐ion batteries. An additional attractive feature is its remarkable thermal stability; heating to 400 °C results in a decrease in the active surface area to a still relatively high value of 110 m2 g−1 with conservation of open mesoporosity. Thermal treatment at 800 °C or higher, however, causes transformation into a non‐porous rutile monolith, as commonly observed with nanoscale titania.
Control of limit cycle oscillations in a multiple‐sampled digitally controlled buck converter
Authors: Bradley Mark , Alarcón Eduard , Feely Orla
Published: November 2013

Digital control in switching power converters has been proposed and researched in recent years. However, one of the problems which arise in these circuits is that of quantization‐induced limit cycle oscillations, which are generally considered to be undesirable. In this work, we investigate the addition of new control terms in the feedback loop of the system, in order to actively prevent these limit cycles from occurring. Firstly, the addition of a sinusoidal signal is considered, and then a more complicated signal which focuses on interrupting how the system switches between duty cycle levels is presented. The methods are effective in removing the limit cycle oscillations which arise in the system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemin Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as a Matrix for Sensitive Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Cholesterol Biosensor
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo , Chen Shihong , Zhang Meihe , Zhang Juanjuan
Published: November 2013

Based on hemin‐MWCNTs nanocomposite and hemin‐catalyzed luminol‐H2O2 reaction, a sensitive electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) cholesterol biosensor was proposed in this paper. Firstly, hemin‐MWCNTs was prepared via π–π stacking and modified on the surface of GCE. Subsequently, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was adsorbed on the modified electrode to achieve a cholesterol biosensor. Hemin‐MWCNTs nanocomposite provided the electrode with a large surface area to load ChOx, and endowed the nanostructured interface on the electrode surface to enhance the performance of biosensor. The biosensor responded to cholesterol in the linear range from 0.3 µM to 1.2 mM with a detection limit of 0.1 µM (S/N=3).
DNA aggregation and cleavage in CGE induced by high electric field in aqueous solution accompanying electrokinetic sample injection
Authors: Ye Xiaoxue , Mori Satomi , Xu Zhongqi , Hayakawa Shinjiro , Hirokawa Takeshi
Published: November 2013

The phenomenon of peak area decrease due to high injection voltage (Vinj, e.g. 10–30 kV, 200–600 V/cm in the 50 cm capillary) was found in the analysis of very dilute DNA fragments (<0.2 mg/L) by using high‐sensitive electrokinetic supercharging‐CGE. The possibility of DNA cleavage in aqueous solution was suggested, in addition to the aggregation phenomenon that is already known. The analysis of intentionally voltage‐affected fragments (at 200 V/cm) also showed decreased peak areas depending on the time of the voltage being applied. Computer simulation suggested that a high electric field (a few kV/cm or more) could be generated partly between the electrode and the capillary end during electrokinetic injection (EKI) process. After thorough experimental verification, it was found that the factors affecting the damage during EKI were the magnitude of electric field, the distance between tips of electrode and capillary (De/c), sample concentration and traveling time during EKI in sample vials. Furthermore, these factors are correlating with each other. A low conductivity of diluted sample would cause a high electric field (over a few hundred volts per centimeter), while the longer De/c results in a longer traveling time during EKI, which may cause a larger degree of damage (aggregation and cleavage) on the DNA fragments. As an important practical implication of this study, when the dilute DNA fragments (sub mg/L) are to be analyzed by CGE using EKI, injection voltage should be kept as low as possible.
Maternal preconception body mass index and offspring cord blood DNA methylation: Exploration of early life origins of disease
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Qi , Tsai Hui‐Ju , Wang Guoying , Hong Xiumei , Zhou Ying , Zhang Chunling , Liu Chunyu , Liu Rong , Wang Hongjian , Zhang Shanchun , Yu Yunxian , Mestan Karen K. , Pearson Colleen , Otlans Peters , Zuckerman Barry , Wang Xiaobin
Published: November 2013

Maternal obesity is associated with a variety of common diseases in the offspring. One possible underlying mechanism could be maternal obesity induced alterations in DNA methylation. However, this hypothesis is yet to be tested. We performed epigenomic mapping of cord blood among 308 Black mother‐infant pairs delivered at term at the Boston Medical Center using the Illumina HumanMethylation27 BeadChip. Linear regression and pathway analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between DNA methylation levels and prepregnancy maternal BMI (<25, 25–30, ≥30 kg/m2). The methylation levels of 20 CpG sites were associated with maternal BMI at a significance level of P‐value <10−4 in the overall sample, and boys and girls, separately. One CpG site remained statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons (FDR corrected P‐value = 0.04) and was annotated to a potential cancer gene, ZCCHC10. Some of the other CpG site annotated genes appear to be critical to the development of cancers and cardiovascular diseases (i.e., WNT16, C18orf8, ANGPTL2, SAPCD2, ADCY3, PRR16, ERBB2, DOK2, PLAC1). Significant findings from pathway analysis, such as infectious and inflammatory and lipid metabolism pathways, lends support for the potential impact of maternal BMI on the above stated disorders. This study demonstrates that prepregnancy maternal BMI might lead to alterations in offspring DNA methylation in genes relevant to the development of a range of complex chronic diseases, providing evidence of trans‐generational influence on disease susceptibility via epigenetic mechanism. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:223–230, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On sparse sensing and sparse sampling of coded signals at sub‐Landau rates
Authors: Peleg Michael , Shamai Shlomo
Published: November 2013

Advances in information‐theoretic analysis of sparse sampling of continuous uncoded signals at sampling rates exceeding the Landau rate were reported in recent works. This work examines sparse sampling of coded signals at sub‐Landau sampling rates. It is shown that with coded and with discrete signals, the Landau condition may be relaxed, and the sampling rates required for signal reconstruction and for support detection can be lower than the effective bandwidth. Equivalently, the number of measurements in the corresponding sparse sensing problem can be smaller than the support size. Tight bounds on information rates and on signal and support detection performance are derived for the Gaussian sparsely sampled channel and for the frequency‐sparse channel using the context of state dependent channels. Support detection results are verified by a simulation. When the system is high‐dimensional, the required signal to noise ratio is shown to be finite but high and rising with decreasing sampling rate; in some practical applications, it can be lowered by reducing the a‐priory uncertainty about the support, for example, by concentrating the frequency support into a finite number of subbands. The sub‐Landau sampling rates are analysed also in large systems with discrete signal constellations replacing the coding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THERIAK_D: An add‐on to implement equilibrium computations in geodynamic models
Authors: Duesterhoeft Erik , de Capitani Christian
Published: November 2013

This study presents the theory, applicability, and merits of the new THERIAK_D add‐on for the open source Theriak/Domino software package. The add‐on works as an interface between Theriak and user‐generated scripts, providing the opportunity to process phase equilibrium computation parameters in a programming environment (e.g., C or MATLAB®). THERIAK_D supports a wide range of features such as calculating the solid rock density or testing the stability of mineral phases along any pressure‐temperature (P‐T) path and P‐T grid. To demonstrate applicability, an example is given in which the solid rock density of a 2‐D‐temperature‐pressure field is calculated, portraying a simplified subduction zone. Consequently, the add‐on effectively combines thermodynamics and geodynamic modeling. The carefully documented examples could be easily adapted for a broad range of applications. THERIAK_D is free, and the program, user manual, and source codes may be downloaded from http://www.min.uni‐kiel.de/∼ed/theriakd/.
Double Asymmetric Induction in the Synthesis of Enantiomeric α‐Aminophosphonic Acids Mediated by Sulfinimines
Authors: Łyżwa Piotr
Published: November 2013

A double asymmetric induction in the synthesis of α‐aminophosphonic acids is described. It involves the nucleophilic addition of anions of enantiomeric dimenthyl phosphites to both (+)‐(S)‐ and (–)‐(R)‐enantiomers of N‐(p‐tolylsulfinyl)benzaldimine and subsequent acidic hydrolysis of the adducts formed. The match and mismatch effects were observed.
Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of Functionalized Pyrroles from Sulfonyl Azides, Alkynes, and (p‐Toluenesulfonyl)methyl Isocyanide
Authors: Yavari Issa , Nematpour Manijeh
Published: November 2013

Ketenimine intermediates generated by the addition of copper acetylides to sulfonyl azides are trapped by (p‐toluenesulfonyl)methyl isocyanide (TsCH2NC), in the presence of Et3N, to afford functionalized pyrroles in moderate‐to‐good yields.
The bispecific immunoligand ULBP2‐aCEA redirects natural killer cells to tumor cells and reveals potent anti‐tumor activity against colon carcinoma
Authors: Rothe Achim , Jachimowicz Ron D. , Borchmann Sven , Madlener Marie , Keßler Jörg , Reiners Katrin S. , Sauer Maike , Hansen Hinrich P. , Ullrich Roland T. , Chatterjee Sampurna , Borchmann Peter , Yazaki Paul , Koslowsky Thomas C. , Engert Andreas , Heukamp Lukas C. , Hallek Michael , von Strandmann Elke Pogge
Published: November 2013

NKG2D, an activating receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, is critically involved in tumor immunosurveillance. In this study, we explored the potential therapeutic utility of the NKG2D ligand ULBP2 for the treatment of colon carcinoma. To this end we designed a fusion protein consisting of human ULBP2 and an antibody‐derived single chain targeting the tumor carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The bispecific recombinant fusion protein re‐directed NK cells towards malignant cells by binding to both, tumor cells and NK cells, and triggered NK cell‐mediated target cell killing in vitro. Moreover, tumor growth was significantly delayed in a syngeneic colon carcinoma mouse model in response to immunoligand treatment. The anti‐tumor activity could be attributed to the stimulation of immune cells with an elevated expression of the activation marker CD69 on NK, T and NKT cells and the infiltration of CD45+ immune cells into the solid tumor. In summary, it was demonstrated that immunoligands provide specific tumor targeting by NK cells and exert anti‐tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. This technology represents a novel immunotherapeutic strategy for solid tumors with the potential to be further developed for clinical applications.
Interaction between silver nanoparticles of 20 nm (AgNP20) and human neutrophils: induction of apoptosis and inhibition of de novo protein synthesis by AgNP20 aggregates
Authors: Poirier Michelle , Simard Jean‐Christophe , Antoine Francis , Girard Denis
Published: November 2013

Cytotoxic and proinflammatory properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported in few studies but the direct interaction between AgNPs and neutrophils, which play a key role in inflammation, has never been documented. Here, we examined the role of AgNPs with a starting size of 20 nm (AgNP20) in human neutrophils. Using dynamic light scattering for the characterization of NPs suspended under identical conditions to those used for in vitro experiments, we found that, at 10 µg ml–1, 92% of AgNP20 possess a diameter of 17.1 nm but, at 100 µg ml–1, a tri‐modal size distribution with large aggregates was observed (> 500 nm). Neutrophil cell size increased when treated with AgNP20 and transmission electronic microscopy experiments revealed that AgNP20 can rapidly interact with the cell membrane, penetrate neutrophils, localize in vacuole‐like structures, and be randomly distributed in the cytosol after 24 h. Treatment with 100 µg ml–1 AgNP20 for 24 h (but not 10 µg ml–1) increased the neutrophil apoptotic rate and inhibited de novo protein synthesis. We conclude that AgNP20 induced apoptosis and can act as potent inhibitors of de novo protein synthesis at 100, but not 10 µg ml–1 in human neutrophils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of Age and Creativity in the Workforce
Authors: Chan Kara , Hui Anna , Cheng Sheung‐Tak , Ng Yu Leung
Published: November 2013

As the workforce ages it becomes important to examine if there is misperception of creativity and age in work contexts. A laboratory experiment examined perceptions of the creativity of a team with both young and old workers and of a team composed entirely of young workers. Scripted videos portrayed such teams engaged in designing an outdoor advertising campaign. Altogether, 220 participants were randomly assigned to watch one of the video clips and complete a structured questionnaire. No significant differences were observed in the perceptions of the two teams' performance or of the quality of the resulting advertising proposal. In general, there was also no significant difference in the individual characteristics attributed to the four characters on the teams. However, participants aged 35 or above evaluated both teams and all four characters more favorably than participants aged 20–34.
The influence of divalent metal ions on low pH induced LacDNA structural changes as probed with UV resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Muntean Cristina M. , Salehi Mohammad , Niebling Stephan , Walkenfort Bernd
Published: November 2013

UV (275 nm) resonance Raman spectra of LacDNA 22‐mer duplex [d(TAATGTGAGTTAGCTCACTCAT) · d(ATGAGTGAGCTAACTCACATTA)], which contain protein binding sites within the E. coli lac promoter, were measured at two pH values (6.4 and 3.45) in the absence and presence of Mn2+ and Ca2+ metal ions, respectively. Also, the UV (275 nm) resonance Raman markers of the corresponding oligonucleotide d(TAATGTGAGTTAGCTCACTCAT) and of its complementary anti‐sense strand d(ATGAGTGAGCTAACTCACATTA) were established and tentatively assigned.

Large changes in the UV (275 nm) resonance Raman spectra of LacDNA duplex were observed at pH 3.45 as compared with the corresponding spectrum at pH 6.4, in the absence of divalent metal ions and at low concentrations of Ca2+ ions, respectively. Major changes comprise: adenine protonation, GC base pair protonation, DNA bases unstacking and changes in the hydrogen bonding strength between the strands of different LacDNA complexes, respectively. Divalent metal ions (Mn2+ and Ca2+) were found to inhibit LacDNA protonation even at low concentrations. Manganese(II) ions are much more effective in this regard, as compared with calcium(II) ions. Binding of Mn2+ ions to N7 of guanine and, possibly, in a lesser extent to adenine was observed as judging from the difference Raman bands at 1315, 1354 and 1493 cm−1. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Living donor liver transplantation for obese patients: Challenges and outcomes
Authors: Gunay Yusuf , Guler Necdet , Dayangac Murat , Taskesen Fatih , Yaprak Onur , Emek Ertan , Akyildiz Murat , Altaca Gulum , Yuzer Yildiray , Tokat Yaman
Published: November 2013

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an accepted option for end-stage liver disease, particularly in countries in which there are organ shortages. However, little is known about LDLT for obese patients. We sought to determine the effects of obesity on pretransplant living donor selection for obese recipients and their outcomes. On the basis of body mass index (BMI) values, 148 patients were classified as normal weight (N), 148 were classified as overweight (OW), and 74 were classified as obese (O). O recipients had significantly greater BMI values (32.1 ± 1.6 versus 23.2 ± 1.9 kg/m2, P < 0.001) and received larger actual grafts (918.9 ± 173 versus 839.4 ± 162 g, P = 0.002) than recipients with normal BMI values. Donors who donated to O recipients had a greater mean BMI (26.3 ± 3.8 kg/m2) than those who donated to N recipients (24.4 ± 3.2 kg/m2, P = 0.001). Although O recipients were more likely to face some challenges in finding a suitable living donor, there were no differences in graft survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.955, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.474-1.924, P = 0.90] or recipient survival (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.56-1.5, P = 0.67) between the 3 groups according to an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. There were no significant differences in posttransplant complication rates between the 3 recipient groups or in the morbidity rates for the donors who donated to O recipients versus the donors who donated to OW and N recipients (P = 0.26). Therefore, we recommend that obese patients undergo pretransplant evaluations. If they are adequately evaluated and selected, they should be considered for LDLT. Liver Transpl 20:311-322, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.