bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kohl and surma eye cosmetics as significant sources of lead (Pb) exposure
Authors: Tiffany-Castiglioni Evelyn , Barhoumi Rola , Mouneimne Youssef
Published: May 2013

Kohl (surma) is a traditional eye cosmetic used in the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and parts of Africa that often contains high levels of lead (Pb), a developmental neurotoxicant. Many researchers have called for stricter governmental regulations of kohl trade and quality control and improved public education regarding its hazards and some governments have adopted import controls and educational campaigns to alert users to the hazards of using Pb-­-containing kohl. However, users remain unaware of the hazards of kohl usage, and some authorities minimize its potential danger. In this review, we summarize available data from the peer-­-reviewed literature on prevalence and attitudes regarding kohl use, Pb content of kohl samples from many sources, potential routes of entry of Pb into the body from kohl, and epidemiologic evidence that kohl is a source of Pb exposure in infants and women. Chemical analyses show that kohl has a wide range of formulae, with some containing PbS as the principal ingredient and others based on carbon and often Pb-­-free. Ocular, dermal, or gastrointestinal routes of entry of Pb into the body from kohl had been insufficiently studied to rule any of them out. The preponderance of epidemiologic evidence supports the conclusion that Pb-­-based kohl is associated with increased PbB in women who use kohl and their children.
Historia de la Astronomía en Honduras
Authors: Carías Marcos
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v2i1.613 Ciencias Espaciales 2(1) 2009 3-4
¿Es importante la Astronomía?
Authors: Sahade Jorge
Published: May 2013

Conferencia magistral desarrollada con motivo de la inauguración del “Salón de Conferencias JORGE SAHADE” del Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, el día 22 de Noviembre del 2000, coincidiendo con el aniversario del nacimiento del sabio hondureño JOSE CECILIO DEL VALLE. Este acto estuvo presidido por la Rectora de la UNAH, Dra. Ana Belén Castillo de Rodríguez, de la Directora del Sistema de Estudios de Postgrado, Dra. Margarita Oseguera de Ochoa, del Excelentísimo Embajador de Argentina en Honduras, Dr. Juan Peña, y de la Directora del Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa, Dra. María Cristina Pineda de Carías; asistieron además los miembros del personal docente, administrativo y estudiantes de este centro astronómico.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v2i1.615 Ciencias Espaciales 2(1) 2009 10-16
Astronomía para todos: Un enfoque desde el punto de vista del OACS/UNAH
Authors: Pineda de Carías María Cristina
Published: May 2013

La Astronomía es una ciencia que atrae la atención de la gente de todas las edades desde una gran variedad de puntos de vista e intereses. En el Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (OACS/UNAH), además de una asignatura general de Introducción a la Astronomía (AN111) y de las asignaturas regulares del Programa de Maestría en Astronomía y Astrofísica, tres diferentes programas académicos de extensión han llegado a tener importancia después de menos de una década de experiencia. “Visitas al OACS/UNAH”, un programa para escuelas primarias y colegios de secundaria, que involucra presentaciones de astrónomos tres veces a la semana para grupos desde 15 hasta 100 estudiantes y profesores; conferencias sobre temas selectos de Astronomía ilustrados con imágenes astronómicas y reales del cielo; oportunidades para observar el Sol, la Luna, y los planetas usando pequeños telescopios; y explicaciones de cómo los astrónomos contemporáneos hacen sus observaciones, y comparaciones con los métodos usados por los Mayas que habitaron Centro América.Los viernes en la noche, el “Programa de Noches Astronómicas”, dirigido al público en general involucra visitas al observatorio astronómico de niños, jóvenes y adultos; aquí los visitantes aprenden acerca de las propiedades de los cuerpos astronómicos, el cielo de la semana y las diferencias entre hacer observaciones utilizando telescopios y a simple vista. El “Programa de Introducción a la Astronomía @ Internet” es un curso en línea diseñada no sólo para estudiantes universitarios sino también para profesores de escuelas y colegios de Honduras y de Centro América, deseosos de aprender sistemáticamente y por su cuenta, usando nuevas tecnologías para el estudio del cielo, el Sistema Solar, las estrellas, las galaxias y el Universo. En este documento se presenta una descripción completa de estos programas del OACS/UNAH, y una discusión de cómo ellos contribuyen a implementar la Resolución de la IAU sobre el Valor de la Educación en Astronomía.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v2i1.619 Ciencias Espaciales 2(1) 2009 92-107
Learning from Surgery: How Medical Knowledge is Constructed
Authors: Serra Helena
Published: May 2013

Using data collected from surgeons working in a transplantation unit in Portugal this article aims to identify how medical knowledge is constructed within the context of surgery. The key theoretical guidelines are drawn from the sociology of professions and medical sociology, particularly social constructivist studies. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted, in which we opted for a partici-pant observation and on-site interviews. Three hypotheses are addressed: 1) the recent shift towards Evidence-Based-Medicine (EBM) influences the primacy of clinical experience in the construction of medical knowledge; 2) medical experience does not strongly links with EBM principles; 3) personal experience is central in the construction of medical knowledge and discourse. This article provides a new window into the study of medical profession, a step forward in the research field. Conclusions show new understanding about EBM practice, insofar as it ties the production of medical knowledge to professional dynamics and autonomy.
The Use of Fish‐Derived Cell Lines for Investigation of Environmental Contaminants: An Update Following OECD's Fish Toxicity Testing Framework No. 171
Authors: Dayeh Vivian R. , Bols Niels C. , Tanneberger Katrin , Schirmer Kristin , Lee Lucy E. J.
Published: May 2013

Protocols for evaluating chemical toxicity at the cellular level using fish cell lines are described in this unit. Routine methodologies for growing salmonid cell lines, and using them in aquatic toxicology studies that support the mandate of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) to reduce the use of whole animals in toxicity testing, are presented. Rapid, simple, cost‐effective tests evaluating viability of cells with three indicator dyes per sample provides a broad overview of the sensitivity of cells to chemical contaminants. This fluorometric assay involves: (1) alamar blue for metabolic activity, (2) CFDA‐AM for membrane integrity, and (3) neutral red for lysosomal function. These protocols are conveniently performed in semi‐unison within the same multiwell plates and read at three different wavelengths. Detailed step‐by‐step descriptions of the assays, parameters to consider, troubleshooting, and guidelines for data interpretation are provided as essential tools for investigating environmental aquatic contaminants at the cellular level. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 56:1.5.1‐1.5.20. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biology
Authors: Heinemann Stefan H. , Schönherr Roland , Hoshi Toshinori
Published: May 2013

The sections in this article are

Biomolecules: Building Blocks of Living Matter

Nucleic Acids: Storage of Genetic Information

Structure

Enzymes forDNAandRNAprocessing

Mutations, Damage and Repair ofDNA

UVAbsorption and Fluorescent Nucleic Acids

Proteins: Scaffolds and Molecular Machines

Amino Acids

Protein Translation – the Standard Genetic Code

Peptide Bonds, Polymerization, and Secondary Structure

Tertiary and Quaternary Protein Structure

Post‐translational Modifications: Dynamics of Protein Structure and Function

Noncovalent Structural Regulation

UVAbsorption and Fluorescence of Proteins

Carbohydrates: Energy Storage and Structural Elements

Sugars, Monosaccharides, and Polysaccharides

Glycosylation of Proteins and Lipids

Lipids and Membranes

Lipids: Fatty Acids and Head Groups

Formation of Membranes and Vesicles

Lipids as Signaling Molecules

Interaction of Lipids with Light

Special‐Purpose Proteins: Cofactors and Prosthetic Groups

Opsins Exemplified by Rhodopsin

Porphyrin Proteins

Living Colors: Fluorescent and Phosphorescent Proteins

Low Molecular Weight Molecules

Adenosine Phosphates

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Glutathione

Cells

Compartments of a Human Cell

The Plasma Membrane and Its Transport Proteins

The Nucleus

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

The Golgi Complex

Mitochondria are the “Power Plants” of the Cell

Peroxisomes

Lysosomes

The Cytoskeleton

Transport Vesicles, Exocytosis and Endocytosis

The Differentiated Cell

Cell Lineage and Tissue Types

Blood Cells

Cell Contacts and Extracellular Matrix

Epithelial Cells

Nerve Cells and Glial Cells

Muscle Cells

The Biological Diversity of Cells

Biological Diversity and Taxonomy

Plant Cells

Bacterial Cells

Cell Signaling

Electrical and Rapid Chemical Signaling

Ions and Membrane Potential

Action Potentials – Coding of Information

Ion Channels, Transporters and Pumps

Synapses and Chemical Signaling

Ligands, Receptors and Second Messengers

Second Messengers

GProtein‐Coupled Receptors

Receptor Kinases, Hormones, and Transcription Regulation

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

SmallGProteins – Intracellular Bimodal Switches

Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase

Nuclear Receptors

Gene Regulation

Signaling Pathways

Some Examples of Diseases

Cancer – Loss of Proliferation Control

Cell Division

Cell Death

Cancer – Diagnosis and Therapy

Cardiovascular Disease

Malfunction of the Immune System

Immune Cells and Their Functions

Adaptive Immune Response

Failure of the Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Bacterial Infection

Viral Infection

Degenerative Diseases Exemplified by Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diabetes: Malfunction of Blood Sugar Regulation

Personalized Medicine and Outlook
High Relaxivities and Strong Vascular Signal Enhancement for NaGdF4 Nanoparticles Designed for Dual MR/Optical Imaging
Authors: Naccache Rafik , Chevallier Pascale , Lagueux Jean , Gossuin Yves , Laurent Sophie , Vander Elst Luce , Chilian Cornelia , Capobianco John A. , Fortin Marc‐André
Published: May 2013

Near‐infrared (NIR)‐to‐NIR upconverting NaY(Gd)F4:Tm3+,Yb3+ paramagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) are efficiently detected by NIR imaging techniques. As they contain Gd3+ ions, they also provide efficient “positive” contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Water‐dispersible small (≈25 nm, “S‐”) and ultrasmall (<5 nm diam., “US‐”) NaY(Gd)F4:Tm3+,Yb3+ NPs are synthesized by thermal decomposition and capped with citrate. The surface of citrate‐coated US‐NPs shows sodium depletion and high Gd elemental ratios, as confirmed by a comparative X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)/neutron absorption analysis study. US‐NaGd0.745F4:Tm0.005,Yb0.25 NPs have hydrodynamic diameters close to that measured by TEM, with the lowest relaxometric ratios (r2/r1 = 1.18) reported for NaGdF4 nanoparticle suspensions (r1 = 3.37 mM−1 s−1 at 1.4 T and 37 °C). Strong relaxivity peaks in the range of 20 (0.47 T) ‐ 300 MHz (7.05 T) are revealed in nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion profiles, with high r2/r1 ratios at increasing field strengths for S‐NPs. This indicates the superiority of US‐NPs over S‐NPs for achieving high positive contrast at clinical MRI field strengths. I.‐v. injected citrate‐coated US‐NPs evidence long blood retention times (>90 min) in mice. Biodistribution studies (48 h, 8 d) show elimination through the reticuloendothelial and urinary systems, similarly to other citrate‐capped US‐NP systems. In summary, upconverting NaY(Gd)F4:Tm3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles have promising luminescent, relaxometric and blood‐retention properties for dual MRI/optical imaging.
Die Zukunft der Partikelreplikation in nicht benetzenden Templaten (PRINT)
Authors: Xu Jing , Wong Dominica H. C. , Byrne James D. , Chen Kai , Bowerman Charles , DeSimone Joseph M.
Published: May 2013

Die Partikelreplikation in nicht benetzenden Templaten (PRINT) ist ein kontinuierliches, hochauflösendes Roll‐to‐Roll‐Abgussverfahren zur Herstellung von präzise definierten Mikro‐ und Nanopartikeln. Die Technik greift Lithographietechniken aus der Mikroelektronikindustrie auf und kombiniert diese mit den Roll‐to‐Roll‐Verfahren der Photofilmindustrie. Das Resultat ist eine exzellente und in dieser Form beispiellose Steuerung von Größe, Form, chemischer Zusammensetzung, Beladung, Modul und Oberflächeneigenschaften der Partikel. Zudem ist PRINT mit der GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) kompatibel und daher auch für die großtechnische Partikelherstellung geeignet. In diesem Kurzaufsatz beschreiben wir unsere neuesten Arbeiten zur Anwendung der PRINT‐Technologie in den Bio‐ und Materialwissenschaften.
Future of the Particle Replication in Nonwetting Templates (PRINT) Technology
Authors: Xu Jing , Wong Dominica H. C. , Byrne James D. , Chen Kai , Bowerman Charles , DeSimone Joseph M.
Published: May 2013

Particle replication in nonwetting templates (PRINT) is a continuous, roll‐to‐roll, high‐resolution molding technology which allows the design and synthesis of precisely defined micro‐ and nanoparticles. This technology adapts the lithographic techniques from the microelectronics industry and marries these with the roll‐to‐roll processes from the photographic film industry to enable researchers to have unprecedented control over particle size, shape, chemical composition, cargo, modulus, and surface properties. In addition, PRINT is a GMP‐compliant (GMP=good manufacturing practice) platform amenable for particle fabrication on a large scale. Herein, we describe some of our most recent work involving the PRINT technology for application in the biomedical and material sciences.
Polyamide 12 (PA12)/clay nanocomposites fabricated by conventional extrusion and water‐assisted extrusion processes
Authors: Stoeffler Karen , Utracki Leszek A. , Simard Yves , Labonté Sylvain
Published: May 2013

This work aims at comparing the efficiency of three melt compounding methods for preparing polyamide 12 (PA12)/untreated clay composites. Conventional extrusion was compared with two water‐assisted extrusion methods previously described in the literature and respectively involving injection of water in the polymer/clay stream or injection of aqueous clay slurry in the polymer stream. The dispersion of the clay in the composites was analyzed at the microscale and at the nanoscale using microscopy (optical and electronic) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The tensile properties of the composites were evaluated. The results showed that injection of aqueous clay slurry in the polymer stream was the most efficient method for preparing PA12/untreated clay composites, although clay particles remained mainly dispersed at the microscale. This method allowed for a drastic size reduction of the microparticles, accompanied by enhancements of ca. +10 % in tensile modulus and tensile strength (compared with equivalent composites obtained by conventional extrusion). The influence of the pH of the aqueous clay slurry was also investigated: neutralization of the clay slurry generated finer dispersions, probably resulting from a better pre‐exfoliation of the clay in the water medium. PA12/organophilic clay composites were also prepared as control samples. When an adequate surface treatment was selected, nanoscale dispersion of the clay platelets was easily achieved. In this case, composites prepared by conventional extrusion showed overall similar properties as their equivalents prepared using injection of water in the polymer/clay stream. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1959–1974, 2013
Synthesis of New N‐Substituted 5‐Arylidene‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones as Anti‐Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Nastasă Cristina , Tiperciuc Brînduşa , Pârvu Alina , Duma Mihaela , Ionuţ Ioana , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: May 2013

A novel series of 5‐arylidene‐2,4‐thiazolidinediones (TZDs) 2a–p was synthesized from the condensation of 3‐((2‐phenylthiazol‐4‐yl)methyl)thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione with different benzaldehyde derivatives. All the structures were confirmed by their spectral (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass) and elemental analytical data. The new molecules were evaluated in vivo as anti‐inflammatory agents in an acute experimental inflammation, evaluating the acute phase bone marrow response and phagocyte activity. All compounds, excepting one, reduced the absolute leukocytes count due to the lower neutrophil percentage. Phagocytary index was decreased by the same molecules, while only half of them reduced the phagocytary activity. The effect was superior to meloxicam, the reference anti‐inflammatory drug, for the majority of the TZD derivatives. The new molecules were also investigated for their antimicrobial properties on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and one fungal strain. Two compounds (2e and 2n) manifested growth inhibition capacity on all the tested strains.
Oligonorbornenes with Hammock‐Like Crown Ether Pendants as Artificial Transmembrane Ion Channel
Authors: Lin Nai‐Ti , Xie Chen‐Yu , Huang Shou‐Ling , Chen Chung‐Hsuan , Luh Tien‐Yau
Published: May 2013

Trimeric oligonorbornenes with hammock‐like crown ether pendants 3b and 3c were selectively synthesized by cascade metathetical cyclopolymerization upon treatment with the first generation Grubbs catalyst. These crown‐ether‐containing oligonorbornenes are impregnated in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposome as an artificial ion channel. The efficiency of the sodium ion transport properties has been examined. Oligomer 3c having a polar hydroxy end group exhibits the highest transport efficiency, which is comparable with the best efficiencies reported in literature. The orientation of the crown ether moieties in these oligomers may be critical for the ion transport properties.
Widely Applicable Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Tertiary Alkyl‐Containing 1‐Alkanols by Zirconium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Carboalumination of Alkenes and Palladium‐ or Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Xu Shiqing , Lee Ching‐Tien , Wang Guangwei , Negishi Ei‐ichi
Published: May 2013

A highly enantioselective and widely applicable method for the synthesis of various chiral 2‐alkyl‐1‐alkanols, especially those of feeble chirality, has been developed. It consists of zirconium‐catalyzed asymmetric carboalumination of alkenes (ZACA), lipase‐catalyzed acetylation, and palladium‐ or copper‐catalyzed cross‐coupling. By virtue of the high selectivity factor (E) associated with iodine, either (S)‐ or (R)‐enantiomer of 3‐iodo‐2‐alkyl‐1‐alkanols (1), prepared by ZACA reaction of allyl alcohol, can be readily purified to the level of ≥99 % ee by lipase‐catalyzed acetylation. A variety of chiral tertiary alkyl‐containing alcohols, including those that have been otherwise difficult to prepare, can now be synthesized in high enantiomeric purity by Pd‐ or Cu‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of (S)-1 or (R)-2 for introduction of various primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon groups with retention of all carbon skeletal features. These chiral tertiary alkyl‐containing alcohols can be further converted into the corresponding acids with full retention of the stereochemistry. The synthetic utility of this method has been demonstrated in the highly enantioselective (≥99 % ee) and efficient syntheses of (R)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butanol and (R)‐ and (S)‐arundic acids.
Stereocontrolled Total Synthesis of Polygalolide A
Authors: Yamada Hitomi , Adachi Masaatsu , Isobe Minoru , Nishikawa Toshio
Published: May 2013

The total synthesis of polygalolide A, a secondary metabolite that was isolated from a Chinese medicinal plant, is reported. A key issue in this synthesis was construction of an oxabicyclo[3.2.1] skeleton, which was solved by the development of an intramolecular Ferrier‐type C‐glycosylation of a glucal with siloxyfuran as an internal nucleophile. The substrate was prepared from D‐glucal by the introduction of trimethylsilylacetylene and siloxyfuran groups. Although C‐glycosylation did not occur under the conditions found from model experiments, further examination revealed that the combination of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) and 2,4,6‐collidine successfully afforded the desired product as a single diastereomer. The siloxy group at the C3 position played a crucial role in the stereocontrol of this reaction. The product was further transformed into a tetracyclic compound as follows: The vinyl ether and acetylenic moieties were reduced and the siloxy group was removed with a Barton–McCombie reaction. The construction of the six‐membered ether and the γ‐lactone provided the tetracyclic compound. Finally, a phenolic moiety was introduced by using a Mukaiyama aldol reaction to furnish polygalolide A.
Seed‐Assisted, One‐Pot Synthesis of Hollow Zeolite Beta without Using Organic Structure‐Directing Agents
Authors: Iyoki Kenta , Itabashi Keiji , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: May 2013

Hollow aluminosilicate zeolite beta was successfully synthesized by adding CIT‐6, that is, zincosilicate zeolite, which has the same topology as beta, as seeds to the Na‐aluminosilicate gel without the need for organic structure‐directing agents. One important factor in the successful organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA)‐free synthesis of hollow beta crystals is the solubility of the seed crystals in alkaline media. CIT‐6 was less stable than aluminosilicate zeolite beta in alkaline media and the solubility changed depending on whether the crystals were calcined or not. The hollow beta could be obtained by using the uncalcined CIT‐6 seed crystals. The volumes of intra‐crystalline voids were tuned by changing the reaction time and the initial gel compositions, such as the SiO2/Al2O3 and Na2O/SiO2 ratios. We estimated that the intra‐crystalline voids were formed through the dissolution of the seed crystals, just after the crystal growth of new beta on the outer surface of the seeds. In addition, new crystal growth toward inside of the void was also observed by TEM. On the basis of the characterization data, such as chemical analysis, N2‐adsorption/desorption measurements, and TEM observation, a formation mechanism of the intra‐crystalline voids is proposed and discussed.
Effect of cross‐linkers in fabrication of carrageenan–alginate matrices for tissue engineering application
Authors: Ki Saet Byul , Singh Deepti , Kim Seong Cheol , Son Tae Won , Han Sung Soo
Published: May 2013

The three‐dimensional (3D) scaffold serves as a structural substrate and as a niche for cell proliferation to ensure tissue regeneration. Ideal scaffolds should have porous structures with high pore interconnectivity to allow cell adherence, differentiation, and proliferation while ensuring suitable mechanical strength and biodegradability without inflicting any immune response. Cross‐linker is one of the major factors that affect the mechanical and biological properties of scaffolds. In this study, different chemical cross‐linker effects on scaffold architecture were examined. Porous 3D scaffolds based on carrageenan and alginate (CA) were successfully fabricated by a freeze‐drying technique and using various cross‐linkers like glutaraldehyde (GA), genipin, and ethyl (dimethylamino propyl) carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS). The chemical cross‐linker effects on the CA scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry. A human fibroblast cell line (L929) was seeded into the fabricated scaffold, and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT and live/dead assay. Overall results suggested the potential cross‐linkers for ideal CA biomaterial could be EDC/NHS among other agents tested as the scaffold CAEN was found to be porous, interconnected, and physically and mechanically stable. When compared to matrices with other cross‐linkers, higher cell attachment, better cellular response, and higher metabolic activity could be observed in the scaffold synthesized using EDC/NHS as cross‐linker.
Prenatal alcohol exposure in the Republic of the Congo: Prevalence and screening strategies
Authors: Williams Andrew D. , Nkombo Yannick , Nkodia Gery , Leonardson Gary , Burd Larry
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine prevalence of prenatal alcohol use in Brazzaville, Congo and to evaluate a prenatal screening tool for use in this population.

Methods

A prospective population screening program of 3099 women at 10 prenatal care clinics in Brazzaville, Congo using the 1‐Question screen. To validate the 1‐Question screen in this population we screened 764 of these women again using the T‐ACE as a gold standard for comparison study. The study outcomes were as follows: prevalence of self‐reported prenatal alcohol use in Brazzaville using the 1‐Question screen, estimation of number of drinking days, drinks per drinking day, most drinks on any one occasion. We also estimated the epidemiologic performance criteria for the 1‐Question screen.

Results

The 3099 women screened were classified as follows: no risk 77% (n = 2,384); at risk 3.7% (n = 115); and as high risk 19.3% (n = 600). Of the women reporting drinking during pregnancy, 87.4% reported drinking 4 or more drinks on any occasion. The agreement for detection of alcohol use during pregnancy by the 1‐Question Screen and a positive T‐ACE score was 94.7%.

Conclusions

23.3% of women attending prenatal care in Brazzaville reported alcohol use during pregnancy and 83% of them continued to drink after recognition of pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure should be the focus of efforts to improve identification of alcohol use prior to and during pregnancy to improve maternal and child health. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:489–496, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coupling elastic solids with smoothed particle hydrodynamics fluids
Authors: Akinci Nadir , Cornelis Jens , Akinci Gizem , Teschner Matthias
Published: May 2013

We propose a method for handling elastic solids in smoothed particle hydrodynamics fluids. Our approach samples triangulated surfaces of solids using boundary particles. To prevent fluid particle tunneling in case of large expansions, additional boundary particles are adaptively generated to prevent gaps and undesired leakage. Furthermore, as an object compresses, particles are adaptively removed to avoid unnecessary computations. We demonstrate that our approach produces plausible interactions of smoothed particle hydrodynamics fluids with both slowly and rapidly deforming solids. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating and animating social dynamics: embedding small pedestrian groups in crowds
Authors: Park Seung In , Quek Francis , Cao Yong
Published: May 2013

We present a crowd model informed by common ground theory to accommodate high‐level socially aware behavioral realism of characters in crowd simulations. In our approach, group members maintain group cohesiveness by communicating and adapting their behaviors to each other. The resulting character behaviors in animations form a consequential chain interpreted as a coherent story by observers. We demonstrate that our model produces more believable animations from the viewpoint of human observers through a series of user studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pencil drawing animation from a video
Authors: Liang Dongxue , Park Kyoungju
Published: May 2013

We present an automatic, efficient, and simple technique to create pencil drawing animation, starting from a video. We generate pencil drawing from a source frame based on stroke modeling, specifying the properties of strokes, in combination with layered lines, flow‐guided difference‐of‐Gaussian (DoG) filter to several layers. Generated pencil strokes are translated and rotated because of forces exerted from the sequential frames using rigid body dynamics. Linear and angular forces acting on strokes are calculated according to the temporally filtered per‐pixel optical flow vectors. Our framework effectively generates the coherent animation of pencil strokes preserving the structured appearance of charcoal or pastel, which is difficult to achieve with previous‐abstraction based non‐photorealistic animation. Moreover, our stroke simulation step is suitable for animating the different styles of strokes, such as oil painting and watercolor, and can be efficiently implemented to produce animation in relatively inexpensive manner. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive elastic motion editing through space–time position constraints
Authors: Li Siwang , Huang Jin , Desbrun Mathieu , Jin Xiaogang
Published: May 2013

We present an intuitive and interactive approach for motion editing through space–time constraints on positions. Given an input motion of an elastic body, our approach enables the user to interactively edit node positions in order to alter and fine‐tune the motion. We formulate our motion editing as an optimization problem with dynamics constraints to enforce a physically plausible result. Through linearization of the editing around the input trajectory, we simplify this constrained optimal control problem into an unconstrained quadratic optimization. The optimal motion thus becomes the solution of a dense linear system, which we solve efficiently by applying the adjoint method in each iteration of a conjugate gradient solver. We demonstrate the efficiency and quality of our motion editing technique on a series of examples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physically based cosmetic rendering
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Guo , Huang Tsung‐Shian , Lin Wen‐Chieh , Chuang Jung‐Hong
Published: May 2013

Simulating realistic makeup effects is one of the important research issues in the 3D facial animation and cosmetic industry. Existing approaches based on image processing techniques, such as warping and blending, have been mostly applied to transfer one's makeup to another's. Although these approaches are intuitive and need only makeup images, they have some drawbacks, for example, distorted shapes and fixed viewing and lighting conditions. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach, which combines the Kubelka–Munk model and a screen‐space skin rendering approach, to simulate 3D makeup effects. The Kubelka–Munk model is used to compute total transmittance when light passes through cosmetic layers, whereas the screen‐space translucent rendering approach simulates the subsurface scattering effects inside human skin. The parameters of Kubelka–Munk model are obtained by measuring the optical properties of different cosmetic materials, such as foundations, blushes, and lipsticks. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to render realistic cosmetic effects on human facial models, and different cosmetic materials and styles can be flexibly applied and simulated in real time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decoupled Roles for the Atypical, Bifurcated Binding Pocket of the ybfF Hydrolase
Authors: Ellis Elizabeth E. , Adkins Chinessa T. , Galovska Natalie M. , Lavis Luke D. , Johnson R. Jeremy
Published: May 2013

Serine hydrolases have diverse intracellular substrates, biological functions, and structural plasticity, and are thus important for biocatalyst design. Amongst serine hydrolases, the recently described ybfF enzyme family are promising novel biocatalysts with an unusual bifurcated substrate‐binding cleft and the ability to recognize commercially relevant substrates. We characterized in detail the substrate selectivity of a novel ybfF enzyme from Vibrio cholerae (Vc‐ybfF) by using a 21‐member library of fluorogenic ester substrates. We assigned the roles of the two substrate‐binding clefts in controlling the substrate selectivity and folded stability of Vc‐ybfF by comprehensive substitution analysis. The overall substrate preference of Vc‐ybfF was for short polar chains, but it retained significant activity with a range of cyclic and extended esters. This broad substrate specificity combined with the substitutional analysis demonstrates that the larger binding cleft controls the substrate specificity of Vc‐ybfF. Key selectivity residues (Tyr116, Arg120, Tyr209) are also located at the larger binding pocket and control the substrate specificity profile. In the structure of ybfF the narrower binding cleft contains water molecules prepositioned for hydrolysis, but based on substitution this cleft showed only minimal contribution to catalysis. Instead, the residues surrounding the narrow binding cleft and at the entrance to the binding pocket contributed significantly to the folded stability of Vc‐ybfF. The relative contributions of each cleft of the binding pocket to the catalytic activity and folded stability of Vc‐ybfF provide a valuable map for designing future biocatalysts based on the ybfF scaffold.
Snare vegetectomy for right‐sided endocarditis
Authors: Seow Swee‐Chong , Lin Wei‐Qin , Wong Raymond C.C.
Published: May 2013

Introduction

A middle‐aged male developed right‐sided endocarditis from an infection of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) system. Following percutaneous device and lead explantation, a very large pedunculated vegetation (19 mm × 14 mm) was found on the Eustachian valve. We decided to remove the vegetation percutaneously using a wire snare instead of open heart surgery.

Case report

Real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy were used to guide the procedure. Access was from the right femoral vein. Using a triple‐loop wire snare through a deflectable sheath, the vegetation was successfully removed in its entirety without complications.

Conclusion

Percutaneous snare vegetectomy is feasible and may be a viable option in place of open heart surgery in selected patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanistic Study of Ethanol Dehydrogenation over Silica‐Supported Silver
Authors: Sushkevich Vitaly L. , Ivanova Irina I. , Taarning Esben
Published: May 2013

A silica‐supported Ag catalyst has been shown to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidant‐free dehydrogenation of ethanol into acetaldehyde. The reaction mechanism has been investigated by in situ FTIR spectroscopy. The kinetic isotope effects for proton and hydride abstraction have been studied by using CH3CD2OH and CH3CH2OD as labeled reactants. The results indicate that OH bond activation and the formation of a hydrogen‐bonded complex take place on the silica support and that the Ag particles are necessary for the activation of the CH bond. The kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD) is 1.9 for CH3CD2OH and 1.8 for CH3CH2OD. The concerted mechanism of CH cleavage on the Ag sites and proton abstraction on the silica sites is proposed to account for the results of the spectroscopic and kinetic experiments.
Solvent‐Dependent Enantiodivergence in the Chlorocyclization of Unsaturated Carbamates
Authors: Garzan Atefeh , Jaganathan Arvind , Salehi Marzijarani Nastaran , Yousefi Roozbeh , Whitehead Daniel C. , Jackson James E. , Borhan Babak
Published: May 2013

A remarkable solvent‐controlled enantiodivergence is seen in the hydroquinidine 1,4‐phthalazinediyl diether ((DHQD)2PHAL)‐catalyzed chlorocyclization of unsaturated carbamates. Eyring plot analyses of this previously unreported reaction are used to probe and compare the R‐ and S‐selective pathways. In the CHCl3/hexanes solvent system, the pro‐R process shows a surprising increase in selectivity with increasing temperature. These studies point to a strongly solvent‐dependent entropy–enthalpy balance between the pro‐R and pro‐S pathways.
Iron(III) Triflimide as a Catalytic Substitute for Gold(I) in Hydroaddition Reactions to Unsaturated Carbon–Carbon Bonds
Authors: Cabrero‐Antonino Jose R. , Leyva‐Pérez Antonio , Corma Avelino
Published: May 2013

In this work it is shown that iron(III) and gold(I) triflimide efficiently catalyze the hydroaddition of a wide array of nucleophiles including water, alcohols, thiols, amines, alkynes, and alkenes to multiple CC bonds. The study of the catalytic activity and selectivity of iron(III), gold(I), and Brønsted triflimides has unveiled that iron(III) triflimide [Fe(NTf2)3] is a robust catalyst under heating conditions, whereas gold(I) triflimide, even stabilized by PPh3, readily decomposes at 80 °C and releases triflimidic acid (HNTf2) that can catalyze the corresponding reaction, as shown by in situ 19F, 15N, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The results presented here demonstrate that each of the two catalyst types has weaknesses and strengths and complement each other. Iron(III) triflimide can act as a substitute of gold(I) triflimide as a catalyst for hydroaddition reactions to unsaturated carbon–carbon bonds.
QM/MM Study on the Light Emitters of Aequorin Chemiluminescence, Bioluminescence, and Fluorescence: A General Understanding of the Bioluminescence of Several Marine Organisms
Authors: Chen Shu‐Feng , Ferré Nicolas , Liu Ya‐Jun
Published: May 2013

Aequorea victoria is a type of jellyfish that is known by its famous protein, green fluorescent protein (GFP), which has been widely used as a probe in many fields. Aequorea has another important protein, aequorin, which is one of the members of the EF‐hand calcium‐binding protein family. Aequorin has been used for intracellular calcium measurements for three decades, but its bioluminescence mechanism remains largely unknown. One of the important reasons is the lack of clear and reliable knowledge about the light emitters, which are complex. Several neutral and anionic forms exist in chemiexcited, bioluminescent, and fluorescent states and are connected with the H‐bond network of the binding cavity in the protein. We first theoretically investigated aequorin chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, and fluorescence in real proteins by performing hybrid quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics methods combined with a molecular dynamics method. For the first time, this study reported the origin and clear differences in the chemiluminescence, bioluminescence and fluorescence of aequorin, which is important for understanding the bioluminescence not only of jellyfish, but also of many other marine organisms (that have the same coelenterazine caved in different coelenterazine‐type luciferases).
Highly Stereoselective Conjugate Addition and α‐Alkynylation Reaction with Electron‐Deficient Alkynes Catalyzed by Chiral Scandium(III) Complexes
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Zuliang , Yao Qian , Liu Xiaohua , Cai Yunfei , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: May 2013

The highly Z‐selective asymmetric conjugate addition of 3‐substituted oxindoles to alkynyl carbonyl compounds has been developed by using scandium complexes of chiral N,N′‐dioxides under mild conditions. The thermodynamically unstable Z‐olefin derivatives were obtained in excellent yields and high enantiomeric and geometric control. The catalyst was also found to be effective in the asymmetric acetylenic substitution reaction of 3‐substituted oxindoles, giving excellent enantioselectivities.
Fast, Reversible Lithium Storage with a Sulfur/Long‐Chain‐Polysulfide Redox Couple
Authors: Su Yu‐Sheng , Fu Yongzhu , Guo Bingkun , Dai Sheng , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: May 2013

The cathodic reactions in Li–S batteries can be divided into two steps. Firstly, elemental sulfur is transformed into long‐chain polysulfides (S8↔Li2S4), which are highly soluble in the electrolyte. Next, long‐chain polysulfides undergo nucleation reaction and convert into solid‐state Li2S2 and Li2S (Li2S4↔Li2S) by slow processes. As a result, the second‐step of the electrochemical reaction hinders the high‐rate application of Li–S batteries. In this report, the kinetics of the sulfur/long‐chain‐polysulfide redox couple (theoretical capacity=419 mA h g−1) are experimentally demonstrated to be very fast in the Li–S system. A Li–S cell with a blended carbon interlayer retains excellent cycle stability and possesses a high percentage of active material utilization over 250 cycles at high C rates. The meso‐/micropores in the interlayer are responsible for accommodating the shuttling polysulfides and offering sufficient electrolyte accessibility. Therefore, utilizing the sulfur/long‐chain polysulfide redox couple with an efficient interlayer configuration in Li–S batteries may be a promising choice for high‐power applications.
ChemInform Abstract: The Modulated Structure of Co3Al4Si2: Incommensurability and Co—Co Interactions in Search of Filled Octadecets.
Authors: Fredrickson Rie T. , Fredrickson Daniel C.
Published: May 2013

Co3Al4Si2 is prepared by arc melting of Co, Al, and Si in the ratio 3:5:2 followed by annealing (fused silica tube, Ar, 800 °C, 4 weeks).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Ln2Ru3Al15 (Ln: Ce, Gd): Comparison with LnRu2Al10 and CeRu4(Al,Si)15.58.
Authors: Morrison Gregory , Haldolaarachchige Neel , Chen Chih‐Wei , Young David P. , Morosan Emilia , Chan Julia Y.
Published: May 2013

Attempts to obtain phase‐pure Ln2Ru3Al15 (Ln: Ce, Gd) from the elements by either flux melting, induction heating, or arc melting show that the latter method is the most suitable one (alumina crucible, final annealing at 1150 °C, 6 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Neutron Diffraction Study of the Li‐Ion Battery Cathode Li2FeP2O7.
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer , Rousse Gwenaelle , Ye Tian , Ling Chris D. , Mohamed Zakiah , Klein Yannick , Yamada Atsuo
Published: May 2013

Li2FeP2O7 is prepared by solid state reaction of a stoichiometric mixture of Li2CO3, Fe2C2O4, and (NH4)2HPO4 (600 °C, 12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: (C4N2H12)3 [Ln3(OH)(SO4)7] (Ln: Sm, Eu, and Tb): A Series of Honeycomb‐Like Open‐Framework Lanthanide Sulfates with Extra‐Large Channels Containing 24‐Membered Rings.
Authors: Zhang Deng , Lu Yun , Zhu Dunru , Xu Yan
Published: May 2013

The honeycomb‐like lanthanide sulfates (H2pip)3 [Ln3(OH)(SO4)7] (Ln: Sm, Eu, and Tb; pip: piperazine) are prepared by solvothermal reaction of Ln2O3, H2SO4, and piperazine in a 3:2 glycol/H2O mixed solvent (autoclave, 453 K, 6 d).
ChemInform Abstract: The Gadolinium Nitride Selenides Gd3NSe3 and Gd23N5Se27: Three Connectivity Types of [NGd4]9+ Tetrahedra and Fivefold Coordinated Gd3+ Cations.
Authors: Schurz Christian M. , Talmon‐Gros Pia , Lissner Falk , Schleid Thomas
Published: May 2013

The title compounds are prepared by reaction of Gd metal with Se, CsN3, GdI3, and an excess of CsI as flux (silica ampule, 900 °C, 7 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure and Characterization of Two New Polar Sodium Tungsten Selenites: Na2(WO3)3 (SeO3)·2H2O and Na6(W6O19)(SeO3)2.
Authors: Nguyen Sau Doan , Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: May 2013

The new compounds (IV) and (V) are characterized by single crystal XRD, IR and UV/VIS diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation, piezoelectric, and polarization measurements.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral‐Anion‐Dependent Inversion of Diastereo‐ and Enantioselectivity in Carbonyl Crotylation via Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Butadiene Hydrohydroxyalkylation.
Authors: McInturff Emma L. , Yamaguchi Eiji , Krische Michael J.
Published: May 2013

The ruthenium catalyst generated in situ from H2Ru(CO)(PPh3)3, (S)‐SEGPHOS, and a TADDOL‐derived phosphoric acid (TPA) promotes butadiene hydrohydroxyalkylation to form enantiomerically enriched products.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidative Cleavage of Lactams in Water Using Dioxiranes: An Expedient and Environmentally‐Safe Route to ω‐Nitro Acids.
Authors: Annese Cosimo , D'Accolti Lucia , Filardi Rosella , Tommasi Immacolata , Fusco Caterina
Published: May 2013

Conditions A) are found to be optimal for the preparation of the desired target acids.
ChemInform Abstract: A Concise Assembly of Electron‐Deficient 2,4‐Dienes and 2,4‐Dienals: Regio‐ and Stereoselective exo‐Diels—Alder and Redox Reactions Through Sequential Amine and Carbene Catalysis.
Authors: Ma Chao , Jia Zhi‐Jun , Liu Jing‐Xin , Zhou Qing‐Qing , Dong Lin , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: May 2013

This reaction proceeds with high regio‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity (compounds (IV) and (VI) are formed as single diastereomers).
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Broensted Acid Promoted and Nazarov Carbocyclizations of Enyne Acetals to Hydroazulenones.
Authors: Escalante Luz , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Carlos , Varela Jesus A. , Saa Carlos
Published: May 2013

The reaction proceeds under metal‐free conditions and allows the access to various bicyclic products consisting of a cyclopentenone and a 7‐membered moiety.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Free Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diarylethynes by Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Alkynylboronates with Aryl Iodides Catalyzed by CuCl.
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Li Jing , Suetsugu Masato , Jiao Jiao , Iwasaki Masayuki , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: May 2013

The method allows the access to a broad spectrum of title compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Planar Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophane‐Based Phosphine‐Broensted Acid Catalysts Bearing Exceptionally High Reactivity for Aza‐Morita—Baylis—Hillman Reaction.
Authors: Kitagaki Shinji , Ohta Yuu , Takahashi Ryohei , Komizu Mika , Mukai Chisato
Published: May 2013

New title compounds are synthesized and tested as catalysts.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Organocatalytic Reduction of Ketimines with Catecholborane Employing a N‐Triflyl Phosphoramide Broensted Acid as Catalyst.
Authors: Enders Dieter , Rembiak Andreas , Seppelt Matthias
Published: May 2013

Optimized conditions are elaborated which allow the preparation of the desired amines with moderate to good enantioselectivity which depends on the substitution pattern of the aryl moiety.
ChemInform Abstract: Cooperatively Assisted N‐Arylation Using Organic Ionic Base—Broensted Acid Combination under Controlled Microwave Heating.
Authors: Singh Rahul , Allam Bharat Kumar , Raghuvanshi Dushyant Singh , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: May 2013

A new synthetic strategy is developed for the construction of C‐N bonds through the combined assistance of Broensted acid/DBU·AcOH without adding any metal catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Ruthenium Chloride, a New and Efficient Catalyst for Direct Amination of Arenes with Azodicarboxylates.
Authors: Inamdar Suleman M. , More Vinod K. , Mandal Sisir K.
Published: May 2013

The reaction proceeds under ligand‐free conditions to form hydrazide products.
ChemInform Abstract: Zinc(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds with Chloramine‐T.
Authors: Wang Peng , Cai Jin , Yang Jiabin , Sun Chunlong , Li Lushen , Hu Huayou , Ji Min
Published: May 2013

Various primary and secondary alcohols are rapidly oxidized without overoxidation to carboxylic acids.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of Methyl 2‐(Acetoxymethyl)acrylate: A Convenient Synthesis of Rearranged Morita—Baylis—Hillman Acetates.
Authors: Kim Ko Hoon , Lim Jin Woo , Lee Hyun Ju , Kim Jae Nyoung
Published: May 2013

The use of excess aryl iodides results in formation of bisaryl derivatives (V).
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidant Controlled Pd‐Catalyzed Selective Oxidation of Primary Alcohols.
Authors: Liu Chao , Tang Shan , Lei Aiwen
Published: May 2013

The electronic properties of benzylic alcohols and the structure of the oxidant control the selectivity of the oxidation to aldehydes or esters.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Synthesis of Aryl Hydrazines Using Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Halides with Hydrazine in PEG‐400.
Authors: Chen Junmin , Zhang Yimin , Hao Wenyan , Zhang Rongli , Yi Fei
Published: May 2013

The reaction is conducted under environmentally friendly conditions and is using inexpensive materials.
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Heck/Decarboxylation/Heck Strategy: Protecting‐Group‐Free Synthesis of Symmetric and Unsymmetric Hydroxylated Stilbenoids.
Authors: Shard Amit , Sharma Naina , Bharti Richa , Dadhwal Sumit , Kumar Rajesh , Sinha Arun K.
Published: May 2013

A sequential Heck reaction of acrylic acid with aromatic halides followed by decarboxylation and a second Heck reaction is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Dioxygen‐Driven C—C Bond Formation: Oxidative Dearomatization of 2‐Naphthols with Construction of a Chiral Quaternary Stereocenter.
Authors: Oguma Takuya , Katsuki Tsutomu
Published: May 2013

This reaction proceeds via an asymmetric oxidative dearomatization and coupling to a nitroalkane to yield cyclic enones with all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters with good enantioselectivity.