bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembling Fibrillar Networks—Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Smith David K.
Published: February 2012

Self‐assembled fibrillar gels have developed into an important class of supramolecular nanomaterial in which molecular‐scale building blocks hierarchically assemble into nanostructured systems with intriguing macroscopic properties. This chapter provides an overview of supramolecular gels, placing them clearly in a historical context and explaining how they can be investigated experimentally. This chapter then explores how key principles of molecular recognition and self‐assembly can be used to rationalize and predict their behavior. Different classes of gelator are explored in terms of the structures of the molecular‐scale building blocks. Finally, the chapter focuses on the unique features of gel‐phase materials, and the way in which they can be exploited to develop a wide range of new applications—from oil‐spill remediation and artwork conservation to nanoscale electronics and tissue engineering.
Self‐Assembled Polymer Supermolecules as Templates for Nanomaterials
Authors: Nandan Bhanu , Stamm Manfred
Published: February 2012

The current trend of modern high‐tech industries toward minimization and increase of surface/bulk feature density is today dictating the search of novel principles and routes. The top‐down approaches such as conventional lithographic techniques are currently able to achieve feature sizes down toward 100 nm; however, the associated cost of their manufacturing increases rapidly as the process shifts to shorter wavelengths. Therefore, bottom‐up approaches such as self‐assembly by means of a chemical or a physical driving force have attracted considerable interest as an alternative way to build periodic nanostructures with a feature size ranging from a few nanometers up to submicrometers. Self‐assembled polymeric systems, especially, have played an important role as templates for nanofabrication; they offer nanotemplates with different morphologies and tunable sizes, are easily removed after reactions, and could be further modified with different functional groups to enhance the interactions. Among the various self‐assembled polymeric systems, block copolymer (BCP) supramolecular assemblies have received considerable attention because of the inherent processing advantages. These supramolecular assemblies are formed by the noncovalent interactions of one of the blocks of the BCP with a low‐molar‐mass additive. Selective extraction of the additive leads to porous membranes or nano‐objects which could then be used as templates for nanofabrication, leading to a variety of ordered organic/inorganic nanostructures. Moreover, if the low‐molecular‐weight additive has some specific properties (optical, conducting, magnetic, etc.) then it gets incorporated in the polymer system without actually going through some tedious synthetic processes. In this chapter, we present an overview of the recent developments in this area, with a special focus on the use of such materials for fabrication of nanomaterials.
Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
Authors: Gasparini Giulio , Dal Molin Marta , Lovato Andrea , Prins Leonard J.
Published: February 2012

Dynamic covalent chemistry forms the key ingredient for a new approach toward organic synthesis. Dynamic covalent chemistry regards the synthesis of covalent organic molecules under thermodynamic control. It relies on the use of covalent bonds that can be reversibly formed under the experimental conditions. It combines the advantages typically associated with noncovalent synthesis (the formation of molecular structures using noncovalent interactions), such as spontaneous formation, error correction, and proof reading, with the robustness of covalent bonds. For many covalent bonds, experimental conditions under which the reaction occurs reversibly are known, but the majority of systems relies on trans(thio)esterifications and disulfide or imine‐type exchange reactions. These reactions occur rapidly under mild conditions, use readily accessible building blocks, and can be turned off to obtain kinetically inert products. It is illustrated that dynamic covalent chemistry gives a rapid access toward organic structures of nanometer dimensions. Typically, a one‐step, one‐pot synthetic protocol is used, which in some cases also involves multiple dynamic covalent bonds in an orthogonal manner. The fundamental difference with covalent synthesis is that equilibrium reactions are used. This introduces a characteristic property, which is the possibility of the chemical system to adapt to changes in its environment according to Le Châtelier's principle. This concept is referred to as
dynamic combinatorial chemistry
(
DCC
) and has been successfully applied for the preparation of new receptors, guests, sensors, materials, and so forth. Examples, together with the potential and limitations of this approach, are discussed. The final section is dedicated to the systems in which dynamic covalent bonds provide structural stability but intramolecular noncovalent interactions determine the composition of the resulting equilibrium. It is shown that this approach, that is, dynamic covalent capture, is a very sensitive tool for the quantification of weak interactions, for instance, in protein folding or catalysis.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Membranes
Authors: Noble Gavin T. , Mart Robert J. , Liem Kwan Ping , Webb Simon J.
Published: February 2012

Phospholipid bilayer membranes are more than just the delimiting boundaries of cells, they are home to some of the fundamental functions of living organisms, including respiration and photosynthesis. At the core of these complex and remarkably large self‐assembled biological structures is the hydrophobic effect, which causes phospholipids to assemble into bilayers and form closed compartments. Although this elegant process is an area of keen study in its own right, much recent research into the supramolecular chemistry of biomembranes has targeted specific functions, such as signaling, catalysis, or transport. Replicating these cellular processes draws heavily on supramolecular principles and this review describes some of the key works that have progressed supramolecular research into biomembranes, with a focus on those systems developed in phospholipid bilayers. A brief discussion of the fundamental principles that govern biomembrane formation and behavior is provided, which aims to provide background material for researchers in supramolecular chemistry who wish to explore biomembrane chemistry in supramolecular chemistry. Case studies are then introduced to illustrate progress in different aspects of supramolecular membrane chemistry, namely, intramembrane recognition, intermembrane recognition, and reactivity at membranes.
Supramolecular Bioinorganic Chemistry
Authors: Rebilly Jean‐Noël , Reinaud Olivia
Published: February 2012

Metalloenzymes are natural catalysts that carry out various types of reactions including hydrolytic, redox, and others, with impressive turnovers and exquisite selectivity. To achieve this goal, they gather a metal active site and a well‐defined supramolecular environment generated by the protein folding that allows specific spatial preorganization of the substrate and thus high reaction kinetics and selectivities. Traditional chemical models of metalloenzymes (classical coordination complexes), despite being a source of valuable data, miss this fundamental supramolecular aspect. Over the last 30 years, chemists have thus developed several supramolecular strategies to refine them, through the use of molecular receptors or mesoporous matrices to mimic the binding pocket of the enzyme. This field is still in its infancy, but several behaviors observed in natural systems were evidenced by these synthetic supramolecular systems. Each results from supramolecular strategies based on the control of metal site nuclearity, metal/substrate interaction, and the interlocking of host–guest and metal properties. These various approaches constitute tools for the development of new generations of biomimetic coordination systems.
Aptamer Moieties in Biochemical Applications
Authors: Donovan Michael J. , Meng Ling , Gulbakan Basri , Chen Yan , Parekh Parag , Sefah Kwame , Tan Weihong
Published: February 2012

Aptamers developed for applications in cancer therapy can improve the efficacy of drug treatment and enhance imaging. Aptamers for these purposes are generated from a process known as SELEX (
s
ystematic
e
volution of
l
igands by
ex
ponential enrichment), or, more precisely when biological cells are used, cell‐based SELEX. Aptamers provide a highly target‐specific means of transporting drugs to cancer cells. Improved imaging is also possible when aptamers are coupled with micelles, nanomaterials, or hydrogels. These aptamer conjugates show great ability as molecular probes in a variety of applications.
Biologically Derived Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Langford Steven J. , Latter Melissa J. , Wilman Bradley E. , Bhosale Sheshanath V.
Published: February 2012

Inspired by nature and its ability to form well‐defined architectures on the nanoscale, this chapter investigates not only examples of hybrid nanostructured materials that utilize the building blocks of nature, such as DNA, biopolymers, and bilayers, but also of biomimicry.
Magnetically Responsive Self‐Assembled Composite Materials
Authors: Nelson Alshakim , Dai Qiu
Published: February 2012

This chapter summarizes the recent advances on the self‐assembled magnetic nanoparticle‐polymer composite materials. This class of composite materials has gained significant attention owing to their unique stimuli‐responsive behavior under internal and external magnetic fields. After a brief introduction of magnetism associated with magnetic materials, we outline the various approaches that have been investigated to synthesize magnetic nanoparticle‐polymer composites with well‐controlled one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional architectures. This chapter also highlights promising future applications of these composite materials, including magnetic data storage media and nanomedicine (diagnostics, biosensor, and therapeutic agents).
Photochemically Driven Molecular Devices and Machines
Authors: Credi Alberto , Silvi Serena , Venturi Margherita
Published: February 2012

Light‐induced processes are the basis of many fundamental natural phenomena as well as of a variety of applications. Since the functions that can arise from the interaction between light and matter depend on the degree of complexity and organization of the receiving “matter,” the research on these processes has progressively moved from molecular to supramolecular (multicomponent) systems, thereby originating the field of supramolecular photochemistry. In this context, several research groups have synthesized and investigated multicomponent chemical systems capable of performing specific light‐induced functions, such as elaboration of information in the form of input/output signals and relative mechanical motions of the molecular components. Systems of this type can be viewed as simple examples of molecular devices and machines. These studies are of interest not only for increasing the basic understanding of photoinduced processes but also for the growth of nanoscience and the development of nanotechnology.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Biocompatibility and Drug Delivery
Authors: Tang Fangqiong , Li Linlin , Chen Dong
Published: February 2012

In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted more and more attention for their potential biomedical applications. With their tailored mesoporous structure and high surface area, MSNs as drug delivery systems (DDSs) show significant advantages over traditional drug nanocarriers. In this review, we overview the recent progress in the synthesis of MSNs for drug delivery applications. First, we provide an overview of synthesis strategies for fabricating ordered MSNs and hollow/rattle‐type MSNs. Then, the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and biotranslocation of MSNs are discussed in relation to their chemophysical properties including particle size, surface properties, shape, and structure. The review also highlights the significant achievements in drug delivery using mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their multifunctional counterparts as drug carriers. In particular, the biological barriers for nano‐based targeted cancer therapy and MSN‐based targeting strategies are discussed. We conclude with our personal perspectives on the directions in which future work in this field might be focused.
A New Fe/V Redox Flow Battery Using a Sulfuric/Chloric Mixed‐Acid Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Wei , Nie Zimin , Chen Baowei , Chen Feng , Luo Qingtao , Wei Xiaoliang , Xia Guan‐Guang , Skyllas‐Kazacos Maria , Li Liyu , Yang Zhenguo
Published: February 2012

A redox flow battery using Fe2+/Fe3+ and V2+/V3+ redox couples in chloric/sulfuric mixed‐acid supporting electrolyte is investigated for potential stationary energy storage applications. The Fe/V redox flow cell using mixed reactant solutions operates within a voltage window of 0.5–1.35 V with a nearly 100% utilization ratio and demonstrates stable cycling over 100 cycles with energy efficiency >80% and no capacity fading at room temperature. A 25% improvement in the discharge energy density of the Fe/V cell is achieved compared with a previously reported Fe/V cell using a pure chloride acid supporting electrolyte. Stable performance is achieved in the temperature range between 0 and 50 °C as well as when using a microporous separator as the membrane. The improved electrochemical performance makes the Fe/V redox flow battery a promising option as a stationary energy storage device to enable renewable integration and stabilization of the electric grid.
Electrospun LiFe1−yMnyPO4/C Nanofiber Composites as Self‐Supporting Cathodes in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: von Hagen Robin , Lorrmann Henning , Möller Kai‐Christian , Mathur Sanjay
Published: February 2012

LiFe1−yMnyPO4/C nanofiber composites are applied as cathode materials in Li‐ion batteries and their electrochemical properties are explored. Nanofiber meshes are synthesized via electrospinning of commercially available precursors (LiOH·H2O, FeSO4·7H2O, MnSO4·H2O, H3PO4, and polyvinylpyrrolidone). Nanofibers calcined at 850 °C under Ar/H2 (95/5 vol%) atmosphere are directly used as self‐supporting electrodes in Swagelok half cells without the need for any conductive additive or polymer binder. The morphology, phase, and chemical composition of as‐prepared and heat‐treated samples are analyzed by means of X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and electron and scanning microscopy techniques. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller gas adsorption–desorption measurements show a high specific surface area (111m2 g−1) for LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4. The influence of different Fe/Mn ratios on the morphology, electrical, and electrochemical performances are analyzed.
Cavitation during deformation of polymers on the example of polypropylene
Authors: Pawlak Andrzej
Published: February 2012

Cavitation during uniaxial deformation of isotactic polypropylene (PP) was studied in samples having different amounts of α and β crystals. It has been shown that deformation is always accompanied by neck formation. Because the very beginning the plastic deformation is accompanied by cavitation. The scale of cavitation, determined with the use of X‐ray scattering and volume measurements increases with an increase of the content of β phase in the examined samples. Cavities change their shape with deformation—at first they are elongated perpendicularly to the direction of stretching, next, at the strain of 1.5, they reorient in the direction of deformation, which is connected with changes in the surrounding lamellar structure. The calculations of Guinier's radius showed that two populations of voids are present in deformed PP samples, characterized by the gyration radii of 5 and 13 nm for small deformations. Estimations based on the volume increase and sizes of cavities indicate that typically more than one cavity are present in amorphous layers adhering to lamella surfaces. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Simple methods influencing on properties of electrospun fibrous mats
Authors: Tomaszewski Waclaw , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Szadkowski Marek , Kudra Michal , Ciechanska Danuta
Published: February 2012

In many cases, potentially good electrospun materials are not satisfactory to the intended uses, but the use of the additional processing allows for an achievement of more suitable properties. Sometimes certain modifications of the spinning solutions are needed to improve its spinning ability and to properly carry out the electrospinning. For example an introducing of ionic and nonionic surfactants as Tebac or Triton X‐100 significantly improved spinning ability of PLA or chitosan solutions. In turn the annealing or the annealing under pressure has enhanced crystallinity, mechanical strength, and an apparent density of raw electrospun fibrous mats from various PLAs, making them more useful. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Crystallization of polypropylene at high cooling rates: Microscopic and calorimetric studies
Authors: Boyer S. A. E. , Robinson P. , Ganet P. , Melis J.‐P. , Haudin J.‐M.
Published: February 2012

The use of three different calorimeters made it possible to measure the overall kinetics of isotactic polypropylene in the α‐phase in a wide temperature range. Original results concerning the growth rate of α spherulites were also obtained by optical microscopy by using a prototype hot stage developed in our laboratory. A new growth regime seems to exist at low crystallization temperature. The number of nuclei shows a smooth evolution with temperature with no rupture in the nucleation behavior in the low‐temperature range. Combination of experimental results and an appropriate extrapolation procedure lead to an overall kinetics law valid in the whole domain of existence of the α‐phase. This law is based on Ozawa's formalism. It will be used in polymer processing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Degradation of polyurethanes in compost under natural conditions
Authors: Krasowska Katarzyna , Janik Helena , Gradys Arkadiusz , Rutkowska Maria
Published: February 2012

The estimation of degradability of different polyurethanes under natural weather depending conditions in compost pile was the subject of this study. The incubation of polymer samples took place for a period up to 24 months. The characteristic parameters of the compost: temperature, pH, moisture content, and activity of dehydrogenases were monitored and their influence on degradation of polyurethanes was discussed. The compostability of polyurethanes was investigated by changes of weight, tensile strength, morphology, and thermal properties. The degradation study revealed that the degree of degradation of polyurethanes in the natural environment, like compost, is dependent on their chemical and structural composition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Golimumab in psoriatic arthritis: One‐year clinical efficacy, radiographic, and safety results from a phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kavanaugh Arthur , van der Heijde Désirée , McInnes Iain B. , Mease Philip , Krueger Gerald G. , Gladman Dafna D. , Gómez‐Reino Juan , Papp Kim , Baratelle Anna , Xu Weichun , Mudivarthy Surekha , Mack Michael , Rahman Mahboob U. , Xu Zhenhua , Zrubek Julie , Beutler Anna
Published: February 2012

Objective

Golimumab, administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) through week 24 of the GO‐REVEAL study. Herein we report 1‐year clinical, radiographic, and safety findings.

Methods

Adult patients with active PsA (≥3 swollen and ≥3 tender joints) were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous placebo, golimumab 50 mg, or golimumab 100 mg every 4 weeks through week 20. At week 16, patients with <10% improvement from baseline in swollen and tender joint counts entered a blinded early escape phase, with placebo crossover to golimumab 50 mg, golimumab 50 mg increased to 100 mg, and golimumab 100 mg continued at 100 mg. Patients receiving placebo who did not enter the early escape phase crossed over to golimumab 50 mg at week 24. Findings through 1 year are reported, including the second of 2 coprimary end points (i.e., change from baseline to week 24 in PsA‐modified Sharp/van der Heijde score [SHS]).

Results

A total of 405 patients were randomized: 113 to placebo and 146 each to the golimumab 50 mg and 100 mg groups. Mean changes in PsA‐modified SHS from baseline to week 24 for the combined golimumab 50 mg and 100 mg group (−0.09) and the golimumab 50 mg group (−0.16) were significantly different versus placebo (0.27) (P = 0.015 and P = 0.011, respectively). Radiographic benefit was maintained through week 52 with golimumab. Clinical efficacy, including improvement in joint and skin responses and physical function, was maintained through 1 year. The frequency/types of adverse events were similar to those reported through week 24.

Conclusion

Treatment of PsA with golimumab inhibited structural damage progression and demonstrated continued clinical efficacy and safety through 1 year.
Association study of IL10 and IL23R–IL12RB2 in Iranian patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Xavier Joana M. , Shahram Farhad , Davatchi Fereydoun , Rosa Alexandra , Crespo Jorge , Abdollahi Bahar Sadeghi , Nadji Abdolhadi , Jesus Gorete , Barcelos Filipe , Patto José Vaz , Shafiee Niloofar Mojarad , Ghaderibarim Fahmida , Oliveira Sofia A.
Published: February 2012

Objective

Independent replication of the findings from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) remains the gold standard for results validation. Our aim was to test the association of Behçet's disease (BD) with the interleukin‐10 gene (IL10) and the IL‐23 receptor–IL‐12 receptor β2 (IL23R–IL12RB2) locus, each of which has been previously identified as a risk factor for BD in 2 different GWAS.

Methods

Six haplotype‐tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL10 and 42 in IL23R–IL12RB2 were genotyped in 973 Iranian patients with BD and 637 non‐BD controls. Population stratification was assessed using a panel of 86 ancestry‐informative markers.

Results

Subtle evidence of population stratification was found in our data set. In IL10, rs1518111 was nominally associated with BD before and after adjustment for population stratification (odds ratio [OR] for T allele 1.20, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–1.40, unadjusted P [Punadj] = 2.53 × 10−2; adjusted P [Padj] = 1.43 × 10−2), and rs1554286 demonstrated a trend toward association (Punadj = 6.14 × 10−2; Padj = 3.21 × 10−2). Six SNPs in IL23R–IL12RB2 were found to be associated with BD after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, the most significant of which were rs17375018 (OR for G allele 1.51, 95% CI 1.27–1.78, Punadj = 1.93 × 10−6), rs7517847 (OR for T allele 1.48, 95% CI 1.26–1.74, Punadj = 1.23 × 10−6), and rs924080 (OR for T allele 1.29, 95% CI 1.20–1.39, P = 1.78 × 10−5). SNPs rs10489629, rs1343151, and rs1495965 were also significantly associated with BD in all tests performed. Results of meta‐analyses of our data combined with data from other populations further confirmed the role of rs1518111, rs17375018, rs7517847, and rs924080 in the risk of BD, but no epistatic interactions between IL10 and IL23R–IL12RB2 were detected. Results of imputation analysis highlighted the importance of IL23R regulatory regions in the susceptibility to BD.

Conclusion

These findings independently confirm, extend, and refine the association of BD with IL10 and IL23R–IL12RB2. These associations warrant further validation and investigation in patients with BD, as they may have implications for the development of novel therapies (e.g., immunosuppressive therapy targeted at IL‐23p19).
An approach to the study of multistate insurance contracts
Authors: Dȩbicka Joanna
Published: February 2012

We derive a matrix representation for formulas of moments of cash value of future payment streams arising from multistate insurance contract, where the evolution of the insured risk and the interest rate are random. As an application, we derive formulas for net single and period premiums. The general theory is illustrated with a case where the evolution of the insured risk is modeled by a Markov chain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jatropha cultivation in southern India: assessing farmers' experiences
Authors: Axelsson Lisa , Franzén Maria , Ostwald Madelene , Berndes Göran , Lakshmi G. , Ravindranath N.H.
Published: February 2012

Together with 106 farmers who started growing Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) in 2004–2006, this research sought to increase the knowledge around the real‐life experience of Jatropha farming in the southern India states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Launched as an alternative for diesel in India, Jatropha has been promoted as a non‐edible plant that could grow on poor soils, yield oil‐rich seeds for production of bio‐diesel, and not compete directly with food production. Through interviews with the farmers, information was gathered regarding their socio‐economic situation, the implementation and performance of their Jatropha plantations, and their reasons for continuing or discontinuing Jatropha cultivation. Results reveal that 82% of the farmers had substituted former cropland for their Jatropha cultivation. By 2010, 85% (n = 90) of the farmers who cultivated Jatropha in 2004 had stopped. Cultivating the crop did not give the economic returns the farmers anticipated, mainly due to a lack of information about the crop and its maintenance during cultivation and due to water scarcity. A majority of the farmers irrigated and applied fertilizer, and even pesticides. Many problems experienced by the farmers were due to limited knowledge about cultivating Jatropha caused by poor planning and implementation of the national Jatropha program. Extension services, subsidies, and other support were not provided as promised. The farmers who continued cultivation had means of income other than Jatropha and held hopes of a future Jatropha market. The lack of market structures, such as purchase agreements and buyers, as well as a low retail price for the seeds, were frequently stated as barriers to Jatropha cultivation. For Jatropha biodiesel to perform well, efforts are needed to improve yield levels and stability through genetic improvements and drought tolerance, as well as agriculture extension services to support adoption of the crop. Government programs will ‐probably be more effective if implementing biodiesel production is conjoined with stimulating the demand for Jatropha biodiesel. To avoid food‐biofuel competition, additional measures may be needed such as land‐use restrictions for Jatropha producers and taxes on biofuels or biofuel feedstocks to improve the competitiveness of the food sector compared to the bioenergy sector. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Numeracy as a Predictor of Adaptive Risky Decision Making
Authors: Jasper John D. , Bhattacharya Chandrima , Levin Irwin P. , Jones Lance , Bossard Elaine
Published: February 2012

Numeracy or one's ability to appropriately process and use numerical information has been shown to be an important individual difference factor in decision making. The current study utilized a risky decision‐making task (called the “cups task”) in which choices are made to both earn and avoid losing hypothetical money. Critically, this design allowed investigators to examine numeracy‐related differences in adaptive decision‐making as measured by sensitivity to expected value (EV) differences over 54 paired‐choice trials—some in which it was advantageous to take a risk and some in which it was not. Results showed that in an undergraduate sample of 114 individuals, the less numerate took more risks and were less sensitive to varying EV levels than the more numerate, especially when it was disadvantageous to take a risk and when the choice involved a potential loss (rather than a gain). These results are consistent with a dual processing account in which the more numerate are much better than the less numerate at extracting the precise affective “gist” of the numerical information, which is then used to determine the goodness or badness of a particular choice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for iPS cell generation for basic research and clinical applications
Authors: Mochiduki Yuji , Okita Keisuke
Published: February 2012

The induction of pluripotency can be achieved by forced expression of defined factors in somatic cells. The established cells, termed induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, have pluripotency and an infinite capacity for self‐renewal in common with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Patient‐specific iPS cells could be a useful source for drug discovery and cell transplantation therapies; however, the original method for iPS cell generation had several issues that were obstacles to their clinical application. Recent studies have brought about various improvements for iPS cell generation and uncovered several characteristics of iPS cells. Here we summarize the current status of iPS cell studies, with a focus on the improved methods that can be used to generate iPS cells, and also refer to the future challenges.
Examining the Prevalence, Role and Impact of Evidence Regarding Antisocial Personality, Sociopathy and Psychopathy in Capital Cases: A Survey of Defense Team Members
Authors: Edens John F. , Cox Jennifer
Published: February 2012

Although anecdotal case accounts suggest that evidence concerning Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), sociopathy and psychopathy is frequently introduced by the prosecution in capital murder trials, to date there has been no systematic research to determine the actual prevalence, role, or perceived impact of such evidence in these cases. Survey data collected from attendees at a national capital mitigation conference (n = 41) indicated that prosecution evidence concerning APD was quite prevalent, with “sociopath” and “psychopath” labels being introduced less frequently. Evidence concerning these disorders, which were assessed primarily via DSM criteria and self‐report personality inventories, was most often introduced by the prosecution in the sentencing phase to address a defendant's ostensible risk of future dangerousness and/or to rebut mitigating evidence—although it was also introduced frequently in the guilt/innocence phase of these trials to rebut mental health evidence offered by the defense. Survey respondents believed that evidence concerning APD, sociopathy, and psychopathy had a considerable impact on trial outcomes. Also, although defense objections were common, such evidence was rarely ruled to be inadmissible in these cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle‐based simulation of bubbles in water–solid interaction
Authors: Shao Xuqiang , Zhou Zhong , Wu Wei
Published: February 2012

In this paper, a particle‐based multiphase method for creating realistic animations of bubbles in water–solid interaction is presented. To generate bubbles from gas dissolved in the water on the fly, we propose an approximate model for the creation of bubbles, which takes into account the influence of gas concentration in the water, the solid material, and water–solid velocity difference. As the air particle on the bubble surface is treated as a virtual nucleation site, the bubble absorbs air from surrounding water and grows. The density and pressure forces of air bubbles are computed separately using smoothed particle hydrodynamics; then, the two‐way coupling of bubbles with water and solid is solved by a new drag force, so the generated bubbles’ flow on the surface of solid and the deformation in the rising process can be simulated. Additionally, touching bubbles merge together under the cohesion forces weighted by the smoothing kernel and velocity difference. The experimental results show that this method is capable of simulating bubbles in water–solid interaction under different physical conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of rice parboiling on performance and metabolic responses in rats
Authors: Denardin C. C. , Boufleur N. , Reckziegel P. , Emanuelli T. , da Silva L. P.
Published: February 2012

This research is aimed at evaluating the effect of rice grains submitted to different processing (white or parboiling) on performance and biological responses in rat. Male Wistar rats were fed with diets containing white or parboiled rice grains of the cultivar IRGA 417. Wet and dry faecal production, fasting serum glucose concentration, serum total protein and organs' weights as liver, kidney and epididymal fat pads were not affected by processing. The animals in the treatment with parboiled rice showed higher body weight gain, feed intake, nitrogen excretion, serum triglycerides, uric acid levels and pancreas weight and lower feed conversion, faecal pH, albumin and serum HDL cholesterol, when compared with the treatment with white rice. The results obtained in this work allow the conclusion that structural change of rice components caused by parboiling results in variations in different essential body metabolic parameters, such as body weight gain, gastrointestinal function and glycaemic control. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous left ventricular assist device with TandemHeart for high‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention: The Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Alli Oluseun O. , Singh Inder M. , Holmes David R. , Pulido Juan N. , Park Soon J. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: February 2012

Background

In patients with poor left ventricular function and severe left main or multivessel coronary disease, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery has been the preferred therapy. However, a number of these patients are either inoperable or poor surgical candidates due to comorbid conditions and previous cardiac surgical procedures. These patients are generally poor candidates for standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques. A hybrid PCI approach with hemodynamic support may be a viable strategy for these patients. We report our experience using the TandemHeart percutaneous left ventricular assist device during high‐risk PCI.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of prospectively collected data in 54 patients undergoing high‐risk PCI using the TandemHeart device for support. Hemodynamic and clinical data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Baseline clinical characteristics were as follows: mean age 72 ± 1.7 years, males 78%, median ejection fraction 20%, mean serum creatinine 1.6 ± 0.3 2 mg/dL, recent myocardial infarction 52%, COPD 33%, previous CABG 50%, diabetes mellitus 41%, and hypertension 83%. The median SYNTAX score was 33, and the median Jeopardy score was 10. The predicted surgical revascularization mortality was 13% by the Society for Thoracic Surgery risk score and 33% by Euroscore. There was a significant decrease in right and left heart pressures (P < 0.05) with a concomitant increase in the cardiac output from 4.7 to 5.7 L/min (P = 0.03) during TandemHeart support. Left main and multivessel PCI was performed in 62% of patients, and rotablation was used in 48%. Procedural success rate was 97%, whereas 30‐day and 6 month survival were 90% and 87%, respectively. Major vascular complications occurred in 13% of cases. None of our patients developed contrast induced nephropathy or needed dialysis.

Conclusions

High‐risk PCI with percutaneous left ventricular support using TandemHeart is a viable therapeutic strategy for a select subset of patients at very high risk with standard percutaneous revascularization techniques. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Intrinsic Catalytic Role of Mesoporous Silica in Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide in Excess Hydrogen
Authors: Huang Shengjun , Hara Kenji , Fukuoka Atsushi
Published: February 2012

We have studied the intrinsic catalytic role of MCM‐41 mesoporous silica in preferential oxidation of CO in excess H2 (PROX). Two types of MCM‐41 supports (MCM‐41A and MCM‐41B) were obtained from the same pristine as‐synthesized materials by using different procedures for surfactant removal: one‐step calcination or two‐step extraction–calcination. Although two kinds of Pt catalysts prepared from the MCM‐41 supports exhibit high similarity in apparent physicochemical parameters such as Pt morphology, particle‐size distribution, electronic states, support architecture, and pore‐size distribution, they show a dramatic difference in catalytic activity (ca. 100 % versus 10 % CO conversions at 298 K). This feature motivated us to investigate the catalytic role of MCM‐41 in the PROX reaction. By means of infrared experiments with the isotope tracer technique, it was revealed that the reactive microenvironment at the interface between Pt and the MCM‐41A support is the origin of the high activity. On the highly active Pt/MCM‐41A catalyst, interfacial silanols play a decisive role in the ignition of CO oxidation, and gaseous O2 and H2 are dissociated on CO‐free Pt sites created by the interfacial reaction. The dissociated oxygen and hydrogen are proposed to sustain the catalytic cycle in the form of regenerated silanols on the support, which is catalyzed by the Pt surface in the presence of H2.
Ruthenium(II) Photosensitizers of Tridentate Click‐Derived Cyclometalating Ligands: A Joint Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Schulze Benjamin , Escudero Daniel , Friebe Christian , Siebert Ronald , Görls Helmar , Sinn Stephan , Thomas Martin , Mai Sebastian , Popp Jürgen , Dietzek Benjamin , González Leticia , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: February 2012

A systematic series of heteroleptic bis(tridentate)ruthenium(II) complexes of click‐derived 1,3‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)benzene N^C^N‐coordinating ligands was synthesized, analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, investigated photophysically and electrochemically, and studied by computational methods. The presented comprehensive characterization allows a more detailed understanding of the radiationless deactivation mechanisms. Furthermore, we provide a fully optimized synthesis and systematic variations towards redox‐matched, broadly and intensely absorbing, cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes. Most of them show a weak room‐temperature emission and a prolonged excited‐state lifetime. They display a broad absorption up to 700 nm and high molar extinction coefficients up to 20 000 M−1 cm−1 of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer bands, resulting in a black color. Thus, the complexes reveal great potential for dye‐sensitized solar‐cell applications.
Simulation of Extraction Columns in Industrial Practice
Authors: Buchbender Florian , Schmidt Markus , Steinmetz Tilmann , Pfennig Andreas
Published: February 2012

Die Dimensionierung von Extraktionskolonnen erfolgt in der Regel auf Basis von experimentellen Untersuchungen im Labor und Auslegungsversuchen im Technikum. Eine neue, alternative Auslegungsmethode basiert auf Einzeltropfenuntersuchungen zum Stoffaustausch und zur Sedimentation im Labormaßstab, aus denen die erforderlichen Modellparameter zur Simulation der Technikumskolonnen ermittelt werden. Diese bisher bei Standardtestsystemen erfolgreich erprobte Vorgehensweise soll in der Industrie etabliert werden. Hierzu werden Trennleistungen und Flutpunkte aus Kolonnenexperimenten eines realen industriellen Stoffsystems mit Simulationsergebnissen auf Basis von Einzeltropfenmessungen verglichen. Die bei der Simulation technischer Systeme vorhandenen Herausforderungen werden angesprochen und diskutiert.
Synthesis and Characterization of Planar Five‐Ring‐Fused Dithiophene‐dione
Authors: Wang Jing , Zeng Weijing , Xu Huan , Li Bin , Cao Xiaoping , Zhang Haoli
Published: February 2012

A series of new organic semiconductors based on s‐indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene‐4,9‐dione was successfully synthesized and characterized. The electron withdrawing carbonyl group lowers the LUMO energy levels, leading to increased electronegativities, which is beneficial for high photo‐stability in air. The n‐alkyl substituted compounds, 1c and 1d, crystallize with the rigid coplanar systems packed into slipped face‐to‐face π‐stacks. Interestingly, 1c and 1d also show liquid crystalline behaviors, which give highly ordered molecular packing over large area.
Study on the Metabolic Characteristics of Aconite Alkaloids in the Extract of Radix aconiti under Intestinal Bacteria of Rat by UPLC/MSn Technique
Authors: Xin Yang , Pi Zifeng , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying
Published: February 2012

The extract of Radix aconiti was incubated with rat intestinal bacteria in vitro. Further, aconitine and hypaconitine standard were incubated at the same condition as the extract of Radix aconiti, respectively. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography/Multi‐Mass Spectrometry (UPLC/MSn) was used for detecting and identifying all the aconite alkaloids. Results showed that there were four metabolites which were identified as 8‐butyryl‐14‐benzoylmesa‐conine (m/z660), 8‐propionyl‐14‐benzoylaconine (m/z660), 8‐butyryl‐14‐benzoylaconine (m/z 674) and 8‐valeryl‐14‐benzoylmesaconine (m/z674) in the metabolized sample of the extract of Radix aconiti. The relative area ratio of them presented increasing trend during 6 d. On the basis of all results, we could concluded that substitution at N atom mainly influenced the metabolizing rate of diester‐diterpenoid alkaloids (DDAs), C‐8 substitute was active metabolized site, intestinal bacterial metabolites of the aconite alkaloids in the extract of Radix aconiti were mainly the substitute with propionyl group, butyl group or valeryl group at C‐8. This paper illustrated holistic metabolizing profile of the extract of Radix aconiti in vitro and possible metabolizing reaction type of main DDAs, which could provide reference for finding out potential bioactive components in the extract and the prescription of Chinese Medicine.
Efficient Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline and Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoline Derivatives via One‐pot Two‐step Metal‐catalyzed Three‐component Reactions
Authors: Wu Lei , Sun Jing , Yan Chaoguo
Published: February 2012

A sequential one‐pot two‐step reaction for efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline and pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoline derivatives in good yields has been successfully developed. The reaction included firstly Cu‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of isoquinoline (quinoline), acetylenedicarboxylate and alkynylbenzene and then Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C(sp)‐C(sp2) coupling reaction of initially formed 1‐alkenyl‐2‐alkynyl‐1,2‐dihydroisoquinoline (1,2‐dihydroquinoline).
Fabrication of a Retinal‐protein Photoreceptor Array
Authors: Zhao Yingchun , Wu Jia , Huang Weida , Ding Jiandong
Published: February 2012

A pixel‐architecture film of retinal proteins was prepared by an approach combining chemical, physical and biological technologies. Oriented multilayers of purple membrane composed of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and lipids were patterned on an array of gold electrode pixels. In order to improve stability and resolution, the gene engineering technique was employed to make a mutant of the protein BR by replacing the 36th amino acid residue from aspartic acid to cysteine with a thiol end group ready to react with gold; electric sedimentation was used to guarantee the high probability of formation of the Au‐S bond and meanwhile to orient BR; further chemical crosslinking was introduced among layers of purple membranes to significantly enhance photoelectrical signals while keeping high stability. The non‐bound BR region was eventually washed out by detergent, and the remaining BR pixels were thus detergent resistant due to chemical crosslinking among BR layers and covalent binding between the multilayer and the substrate. The protein array was confirmed to keep photoelectrical activity.
Aluminum Complexes Stabilized by Piperazidine‐Bridged Bis(phenolate) Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Application in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ε‐Caprolactone
Authors: Li Wenyi , Yao Yingming , Zhang Yong , Shen Qi
Published: February 2012

The synthesis and characterization of aluminum alkoxide and alkyl complexes stabilized by piperazidine‐bridged bis(phenolate) ligands are described. Treatment of ligand precursors H2[ONNO]1 {H2[ONNO]1=1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylbenzyl)piperazidine} and H2[ONNO]2 {H2[ONNO]2=1,4‐bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzyl)piperazidine} with AlEt2(OCH2Ph) and AlEt2(OPr‐i), which were generated in situ by the reactions of AlEt3 with equivalent of the corresponding alcohols, in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF gave the corresponding aluminum alkoxide complexes [ONNO]1Al(OCH2Ph) (1) and [ONNO]2Al(OPr‐i) (2), respectively. The reaction of H2[ONNO]1 with AlEt2(OCH2Ph) in a 1:2 molar ratio in THF afforded a mixture of monometallic aluminum ethyl complex [ONNO]1AlEt (3) and complex 1, which can be isolated by stepwise crystallization. Similarly, H2[ONNO]2 reacted with AlEt2(OPr‐i) in a 1:2 molar ratio in THF to give a mixture of aluminum ethyl complex [ONNO]2AlEt (4) and complex 2. Complexes 1 and 2 were also available via treatment of complexes 3 and 4 with 1 equiv. of benzyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, respectively. All of these complexes were fully characterized including X‐ray structural determination. It was found that complexes 1 to 4 can initiate the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, and complexes 1 and 2 showed higher catalytic activity in comparison with complexes 3 and 4.
A Deliberation on Nanobubbles at Surfaces and in Bulk
Authors: Seddon James R. T. , Lohse Detlef , Ducker William A. , Craig Vincent S. J.
Published: February 2012

Surface and bulk nanobubbles are two types of nanoscopic gaseous domain that have recently been discovered in interfacial physics. Both are expected to be unstable to dissolution because of the high internal pressure driving diffusion and the surface tension which squeezes the gas out, but there is a rapidly growing body of experimental evidence that demonstrates both bubble types to be stable. However, the two types of bubbles also differ in many respects: surface nanobubble stability is most probably assisted by the nearby wall, which can repel the water (in the case of hydrophobicity), accept physisorbed gas molecules, and reduce the surface area through which outfluxing can occur; bulk nanobubbles, on the other hand, must stabilise themselves. This is perhaps through ionic shielding, perhaps through diffusive shielding, or perhaps through both. Herein, the features of both bubble types are described individually, their common and disparate features are discussed, and emerging applications are examined.
Conformational Analysis of Green Apple Flavour: The Gas‐Phase Structure of Ethyl Valerate Validated by Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Mouhib H. , Stahl W.
Published: February 2012

We report on the microwave spectrum of ethyl valerate, C4H9‐COO‐C2H5, observed by molecular beam Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy (MB‐FTMW). Highly accurate rotational and centrifugal distortion constants of the two most abundant conformers were determined. Their structure was investigated by comparison of the experimental rotational constants with those obtained by quantum chemical calculations. MP2/ 6‐311++G(d,p) calculations failed to give a proper description of the observed conformers in the supersonic jet. Therefore, also other basis sets were tried using Hartree–Fock, second‐order Møller–Plesset (MP2), and B3LYP methods to predict the observed gas‐phase structures of the molecule. The quantum chemical results guided the conformer assignment of the rotational constants, obtained from the microwave experiment. One of the two observed conformers has Cs symmetry, while the most abundant conformer has C1 symmetry. The main conformer possesses a strong spectrum with high intensities. Additionally, harmonic frequency calculations at different levels of theory where carried out and a low lying vibration of the entire n‐butyl group against the rest of the molecule was identified. The symbiotic interplay of microwave gas‐phase investigations and quantum chemical calculations becomes evident in our results.