bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mononuclear Iron(II) Dicarbonyls Derived from NNS Ligands – Structural Models Related to a “Pre‐Acyl” Active Site of Mono‐Iron (Hmd) Hydrogenase
Authors: Muthiah Keren A. Thomas , Durgaprasad Gummadi , Xie Zhu‐Lin , Williams Owen M. , Joseph Christopher , Lynch Vincent M. , Rose Michael J.
Published: February 2015

We report the syntheses and characterization of dicarbonyliron complexes derived from tridentate, ortho‐substituted Schiff base pyridine/thioether ligands (RNNS). Metalation reactions of RNNS (R = CH3, OCH3) at low temperature (–78 °C) with [Fe(CO)4(Br)2] afforded the desired complexes [(RNNS)Fe(CO)2Br]Br (2‐COBr, 3‐COBr). Reactions under similar conditions with more sterically demanding ligands [R = quinoline (Q), ClPh] afforded complex salts of the form [(RNNS)Fe(CO)2Br][Fe(CO)3(Br)3] (4‐COFe and 5‐COFe, respectively). Alternatively, the metalation of the RNNS ligands (for all R ≠ H) with [Fe(CO)4(Br)2] in Et2O at room temperature reliably affords the complex species of type [(RNNS)Fe(CO)2Br][Fe(CO)3(Br)3] (2‐COFe, 3‐COFe, 5‐COFe). The metalation reactions of RNNS at only moderately low temperatures (–20 to 0 °C) result in the loss of CO to form the corresponding trigonal‐bipyramidal iron(II) dibromide species of type [(RNNS)FeBr2] (2‐Br, 4‐Br, 5‐Br; μeff ≈ 5.3 μB, S = 2). The IR spectrum of each dicarbonyl cation exhibits two ν(CO) stretches at ≈ 2070 and 2030 cm–1. Low‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy measurements of 2‐CO to 5‐CO in CD3CN (–35 to 5 °C) revealed sharp resonances in the diamagnetic region. Under dark conditions, each dicarbonyl species is relatively stable (<10 % loss of CO, 1–2 h). However, photolysis revealed varying extents of photostability (stability rank: R = OMe > Me ≈ Q > ClPh). An examination of the structural parameters reveals that higher photostabilities correlate with shorter Fe–C(O) bond lengths, which are induced by variation of the ortho substituent of the pyridine ring. DFT calculations along the putative photolysis pathway revealed that the bulky ligand substituent (in 5‐CO) destabilizes the monocarbonyl intermediate, and this is a likely explanation for its more rapid rate of CO photodissociation. Relevance to a possible “apo‐active site” of mono‐iron hydrogenase (pre‐acyl formation) is discussed.
CdS/g‐C3N4 Hybrids with Improved Photostability and Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Xu Yao , Zhang Wei‐De
Published: February 2015

Novel composite photocatalysts consisting of CdS and graphitic carbon nitride (CdS/g‐C3N4) with different ratios of CdS were prepared. The CdS/g‐C3N4 composite photocatalysts were characterized in detail and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by using rhodamine B and colorless metronidazole as probes. Compared with pure g‐C3N4, the CdS/g‐C3N4 composite exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible‐light irradiation. More importantly, g‐C3N4 substantially reinforces the photostability of CdS nanowires even in a nonsacrificial system. The synergistic effect between CdS and g‐C3N4 is found to be primarily responsible for enhancement of the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, which helps improve the photocatalytic performance. A probable photodegradation process of metronidazole was proposed based on an analysis of the degradation products. This study provides new insight into the preparation of highly efficient and stable sulfide‐based composite photocatalysts and facilitates their application in a number of environmentally sensitive areas.
Carbonylative Synthesis of Phthalimides and Benzoxazinones by Using Phenyl Formate as a Carbon Monoxide Source
Authors: Chavan Sujit P. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: February 2015

A simple and efficient palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of N‐substituted 2‐iodobenzamides and 2‐iodoanilides was investigated for the synthesis of phthalimides and benzoxazinones, respectively, by using phenyl formate as a CO source. The present catalytic protocol circumvents the use of an expensive phosphine ligand as well as solvent in the case of the phthalimide synthesis. Moreover, mild reaction conditions and a tolerance of various functional groups enhance the general applicability of this method.
Nucleophile‐Selective Cross‐Coupling Reactions with Vinyl and Alkynyl Bromides on a Dinucleophilic Aromatic Substrate
Authors: He Lu‐Ying , Schulz‐Senft Mathias , Thiedemann Birk , Linshoeft Julian , Gates Paul J. , Staubitz Anne
Published: February 2015

A nucleophile‐selective cross‐coupling reaction on an aromatic compound bearing two metal groups, Bpin and SnMe3, has been developed. Previously, only aryl bromides and iodides could be used as electrophilic components, but in this work, the scope could be extended to vinyl and alkynyl bromides as electrophiles. This means that the roles typical in Sonogashira couplings or Heck reactions of the aromatic ring as the dielectrophile coupling to vinyl and alkynyl metal species are reversed, which presents a new tool for organic synthesis. The first nucleophilic site to react is the stannyl group, and subsequently, a Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction can take place on the same molecule.
Green bioprinting: Viability and growth analysis of microalgae immobilized in 3D‐plotted hydrogels versus suspension cultures
Authors: Krujatz Felix , Lode Anja , Brüggemeier Sophie , Schütz Kathleen , Kramer Julius , Bley Thomas , Gelinsky Michael , Weber Jost
Published: February 2015

In this study, microalgae were cultivated in the form of suspension cultures and a new structurally organized immobilization technique called “Green Bioprinting.” This technique allows the cocultivation of microorganisms in close vicinity to, but without direct contact with microalgae, to improve the oxygen supply of different cell types by photosynthetic oxygen evolution. However, more research on the optimum culture conditions for immobilized microalgae is necessary. Therefore, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii 11.32b and Chlorella sorokiniana UTEX1230 were suspended in culture medium or embedded in hydrogels by the 3D‐bioprinting process followed by cultivation under different temperatures (26°C, 30°C, or 37°C) and modes of illumination (continuous illumination or a 14/10 h light/dark cycle). The viability was monitored by either flow cytometry (suspension cultures) analysis of DiBAC4(3)‐stained cells or fluorescence image analysis (hydrogel‐embedded cultures). Suspended microalgae subjected to continuous illumination exhibited an increased number of membrane‐depolarized cells compared to those cultivated at a 14/10 h light/dark cycle. Hydrogel immobilization resulted in a facilitated viability and stable growth rates between 0.4 and 0.7 d−1 for both microalgae strains. Concluding, the 3D‐bioprinting immobilization represents a technique to cultivate microalgae at a high viability and growth rate even under nonoptimal temperature conditions.
A broad cocktail of environmental pollutants found in eggs of three seabird species from remote colonies in Norway
Authors: Huber Sandra , Warner Nicholas A. , Nygård Torgeir , Remberger Mikael , Harju Mikael , Uggerud Hilde T. , Kaj Lennart , Hanssen Linda
Published: February 2015

Eggs of 3 seabird species, common eider (Somateria mollisima), European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis aristotelis), and European herring gull (Larus argentatus), were surveyed for a broad range of legacy and emerging pollutants to assess chemical mixture exposure profiles of seabirds from the Norwegian marine environment. In total, 201 chemical substances were targeted for analysis ranging from metals, organotin compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and associated metabolites, chlorinated paraffins, chlorinated and nonchlorinated organic pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dechlorane plus, octachlorostyrene, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphorous compounds, brominated and alkyl phenols, cyclic siloxanes, and phthalates. Of the chemicals targeted, 149 substances were found above the detection limits, with metals dominating the contaminant profile and comprising 60% of the total contaminant load. Polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, organophosphorous compounds, and PFAS were the dominant contaminant classes of organic pollutants found within the seabird species, with the highest loads occurring in herring gulls, followed by shag, and common eider. New generation pollutants (e.g., PFAS, organophosphorous compounds, and alkylphenols) were detected at similar or higher concentrations than the legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Time trends of reported concentrations of legacy POPs appear to have decreased in recent decades from the Norwegian coastal environment. Concentrations of detected pollutants do not appear to have a negative effect on seabird population development within the sampling area. Additional stress caused by pollutants, however, may affect seabird health more at the individual level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1296–1308. © 2015 SETAC
Cadmium inhibits the vitellogenesis of freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Dongmei , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Wang Lan
Published: February 2015

Cadmium (Cd) may pose risks to freshwater organisms, including crabs that live at the interface of sediments and water column all year round. One of the major changes that occur during oocyte maturation of crabs is the production of vitellin. In the present study, the authors investigated the effects of Cd on oocyte size, vitellin level, and vitellogenin (Vtg) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the ovary of the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense. The authors studied the impacts of Cd on carbohydrate as well as on the protein metabolism, metallothionein, glutathione (GSH) synthesis, energy-related parameters, and mRNA expression of genes involved in energy metabolism. After Cd treatment, vitellin concentration, Vtg mRNA expression, and oocyte diameter decreased. Less carbohydrate and enhanced protein catabolism were found in the ovary. Adenosine triphosphate to adenosine diphosphate (ATP:ADP) ratios, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) ratios, mitochondrial membrane potential, and energy production-related mRNA expressions increased in the ovary after 10 d Cd treatment and decreased after 20 d. Metallothionein and GSH synthesis were up-regulated after 10 d on Cd exposure. Moreover, Cd caused a time-dependent up-regulation of malondialdehyde. The authors' findings show significant effects of Cd on vitellogenesis, which suggests that Cd slows down vitellogenesis in S. henanense because of excessive energy consumption and an activated defense system. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1609–1616. © 2015 SETAC
Fast and upper bounded Fano decoding algorithm: queuing analysis
Authors: Darabkh Khalid A.
Published: February 2015

In computer networking, having limited buffer size is one of the vital causes of splitting the messages into smaller frames to be then transmitted over the network. Increasing the buffer size will not improve the case much but rather it is likely to degrade the performance of the system if it is not investigated properly. On the other hand, frames' retransmissions, as a result of frames being corrupted or dropped, need to be avoided as much as possible because of possible network congestion. To investigate the problem of undesired retransmissions, this paper addresses the use of convolutional codes utilising variable complexity decoding algorithms, such as the Fano algorithm, which mainly aim to mitigate frames' retransmissions caused by frames' corruption. It is noteworthy to mention that the rapid growth of wireless technologies has attracted everybody's attention. As wireless technology evolves, new decoding algorithms are emerging to demonstrate designs with variable power consumptions. Hence, in this paper, we propose a novel queuing model that describes not only frame arriving and departing processes after getting decoded according to how worse the channel condition is or what is the remaining system power but also a decoder with a double speed compared with what is best scrutinised in the literature. Moreover, in our buffering model, we can reduce the number of frames being dropped because of insufficient buffer size, and unwanted retransmissions owing to long frame waiting time, by virtue of bestowing larger buffer size, through our derived closed‐form expression that represents the expected number of awaiting frames in the buffers of Fano decoders parameterised by channel status, decoding threshold and frame arriving probability. As far as the system occupancy is concerned and over what have been previously proposed, our analytical results show impressive improvements. As such, through our proposed queuing model, the required decoder's buffer is substantially smaller of what that obtained by a prior model, considering the same networking parameters, which prompts decreasing the average frame waiting time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel low complexity energy‐efficient resource allocation for OFDM systems
Authors: Kazemi Jafar , Omidi Mohammad Javad , Navaie Keivan
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we study energy efficiency of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing based system under power constraint and minimum rate requirement with system circuit power consideration. The optimal radio resource allocation is then formulated as an energy‐efficient maximisation where we propose a novel low complexity solution for obtaining the optimal solution. The solution consists of the optimal source transmission power and its distribution among subcarriers. In spite of the iterative solution with high computational complexity in previous works, we propose a quickly convergent low complexity scheme based on solving a nonlinear logarithmic equation. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, we compared its accuracy through simulations with the optimal solution in systems with and without circuit power consideration. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed method provide accurate solutions in both low and high signal to noise ratio regimes. The simulation results also indicate using our proposed method results in a significant improvement in the computational complexity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of two‐dimensional Kelvin–Helmholtz instability using weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Yue Thomas , Pearce Frazer , Kruisbrink Arno , Morvan Herve
Published: February 2015

The growth of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability generated at the interface between two ideal gases is studied by means of a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) scheme suitable for multi‐fluids. The SPH scheme is based on the continuity equation approach where the densities of SPH particles are evolved during the simulation, in combination with a momentum equation previously proposed in the literature. A series of simulations were carried out to investigate the influence of viscosity, smoothing, the thickness of density and velocity transition layers. It was found that the effective viscosity of the presented results are strongly dependent on the artificial viscosity parameter αAV, with a linear dependence of 0.15. The utilisation of a viscosity switch is found to significantly reduce the spurious viscosity dependence to 1.68 × 10−4 and generated qualitatively improved behaviour for inviscid fluids. The linear growth rate in the numerical solutions is found to be in satisfactory agreement with analytical expectations, with an average relative error 〈ηsmooth〉=13%. In addition, the role played by velocity and density transition layers is also in general agreement with the analytical theory, except for the sharp‐velocity, finite‐density gradient cases where the larger growth rate than the classical growth rate is expected. We argue the inherited smoothing properties of the velocity field during the simulations are responsible for causing this discrepancy. Finally, the SPH results are in good agreement for finite velocity and density gradient scenarios, where an average relative error of 〈ηsmooth〉=11.5% is found in our work. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning off of GluN2B subunits and turning on of CICR in hippocampal LTD induction after developmental GluN2 subunit switch
Authors: Yasuda Hiroki , Mukai Hideyuki
Published: February 2015

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are essential for the induction of synaptic plasticity that mediates activity‐dependent refinement of neural circuits during development. GluN2B subunits of NMDARs are abundant at synapses in the immature hippocampus and begin to be replaced by GluN2A subunits with the help of casein kinase 2 activity in the second postnatal week, the critical period for the GluN2 subunit switch (Sanz‐Clemente et al. (2000) Neuron 67:984–996). However, the physiological role of GluN2B subunits in the hippocampus during this critical period has not been elucidated. Here, we report that GluN2B subunits mediate the induction of long‐term depression (LTD) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus only until this period. Ifenprodil and Ro25‐6981, selective inhibitors of NMDARs containing GluN2B subunits, blocked LTD in postnatal Day 11–14 (P11–14) rat hippocampal slices but not in P18–22 hippocampus. Just a few days after P14, synaptic NMDAR currents became narrower than those at P11–14, and calcium influx through NMDARs must be reduced. We found that calcium‐induced calcium release (CICR) through ryanodine receptors starts to support the induction of NMDAR‐dependent LTD at P18–22. Intracellular application of thapsigargin and ryanodine, inhibitors of Ca2+‐ATP pumps on internal stores and ryanodine receptors, respectively, did not at all affect LTD in the hippocampus at P11–14 but completely blocked LTD in the P18–22 hippocampus. Therefore, calcium influx through NMDAR with GluN2B subunits is sufficient to induce LTD at P11–14, after which CICR compensates for the decrease in calcium influx during LTD induction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toxicity induced by Basic Violet 14, Direct Red 28 and Acid Red 26 in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Shen Bing , Liu Hong‐Cui , Ou Wen‐Bin , Eilers Grant , Zhou Sheng‐Mei , Meng Fan‐Guo , Li Chun‐Qi , Li Yong‐Quan
Published: February 2015

Basic Violet 14, Direct Red 28 and Acid Red 26 are classified as carcinogenic dyes in the European textile ecology standard, despite insufficient toxicity data. In this study, the toxicity of these dyes was assessed in a zebrafish model, and the underlying toxic mechanisms were investigated. Basic Violet 14 and Direct Red 28 showed acute toxicity with a LC50 value at 60.63 and 476.84 µg ml–1, respectively, whereas the LC50 of Acid Red 26 was between 2500 and 2800 µg ml–1. Treatment with Basic Violet 14, Direct Red 28 and Acid Red 26 resulted in common developmental abnormalities including delayed yolk sac absorption and swimming bladder deflation. Hepatotoxicity was observed in zebrafish treated with Basic Violet 14, and cardiovascular toxicity was found in zebrafish treated with Acid Red 26 at concentrations higher than 2500 µg ml–1. Basic Violet 14 also caused significant up‐regulation of GCLC gene expression in a dose‐dependent manner whereas Acid Red 26 induced significant up‐regulation of NKX2.5 and down‐regulation of GATA4 at a high concentration in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Basic Violet 14, Direct Red 28 and Acid Red 26 induce developmental and organ‐specific toxicity, and oxidative stress may play a role in the hepatotoxicity of Basic Violet 14, the suppressed GATA4 expression may have a relation to the cardiovascular toxicity of Acid Red 26. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of G‐CSF on the osteoinductive property of a BCP/blood clot composite
Authors: Paul Adrien J. , Momier David , Boukhechba Florian , Michiels Jean‐François , Lagadec Patricia , Rochet Nathalie
Published: February 2015

We previously reported that blood clot combined with biphasic calcium phosphate microparticles constitute a biomaterial (BRB) that can repair a bone critical defect in rat and induces subcutaneous bone formation in mice. The granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is the agent most commonly used in human to enrich blood with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) as well as granulocytes (GCs). Moreover, recent data also suggest that it can mobilize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, we asked whether the osteoinductive properties of the BRB could be further enhanced by G‐CSF, either by replacing normal blood by G‐CSF‐mobilized blood (BRBe) or by treating the recipient animals with G‐CSF. The experiments performed in C57BL/6 mice showed that G‐CSF induces a marked increase of circulating HPCs and GCs, but not of MSCs. BRBe prepared with G‐CSF‐enriched blood induced a slight but significant decrease of subcutaneous bone formation compared to BRB prepared with normal blood. Additional injection of G‐CSF to the recipient mice had no significant effect on the bone formation induced by BRB or BRBe. Altogether these results indicate that, in this model of ectopic implantation, cell mobilization induced by G‐CSF has a negative effect on the osteoinductive property of this blood/BCP composite. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2830–2838, 2015.
Local delivery of COMP‐angiopoietin 1 accelerates new bone formation in rat calvarial defects
Authors: Lim Shin‐Saeng , Kook Sung‐Ho , Bhattarai Govinda , Cho Eui‐Sic , Seo Young‐Kwon , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: February 2015

Recombinant COMP‐Ang1, a chimera of angiopoietin‐1 (Ang1) and a short coiled‐coil domain of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), is under consideration as a therapeutic agent in bone reconstruction. However, the potential of COMP‐Ang1 to regenerate impaired bone and induce new bone formation has not been completely explored. In this study, male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent calvarial defect surgery and divided into two groups: scaffold treatment alone (control group) and COMP‐Ang1‐impregnated scaffold (COMP‐Ang1 group). According to live micro‐CT and histological analyses, the COMP‐Ang1 group showed greater new bone formation and maturation than did the control both four and eight weeks after surgery. The values of bone volume, bone mineral density, and bone surface were also higher in the COMP‐Ang1 group than in the control at the same weeks after surgery. In addition, the delivery of COMP‐Ang1 facilitated significantly the expression of osteoblast‐specific markers such as runt‐related transcription factor 2 (p < 0.001), osterix (p < 0.001), bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (p < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.01), osteocalcin (p < 0.001), and type I collagen (p < 0.05) in newly formed bone, compared with the control. Immunohistochemistric assay supported the COMP‐Ang1‐facilitated induction of bone‐specific markers. Furthermore, COMP‐Ang1 augmented the mRNA expression of angiogenic factors, especially of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, stromal cell‐derived factor 1, and Tie‐2 in the defect site. Our current findings demonstrate for the first time that a local delivery of recombinant COMP‐Ang1 promotes bone formation in calvarial defects, which is coupled with enhanced angiogenesis and chemoattraction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2942–2951, 2015.
Client‐Therapist Alliance Discrepancies and Outcome in Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy for Youth Anxiety
Authors: Zandberg Laurie J. , Skriner Laura C. , Chu Brian C.
Published: February 2015

Background

Studies exploring the association between alliance and outcome in youth cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) have yielded inconsistent results based upon whose perspective is measured.

Objective

The current study explored the degree to which youth with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, anxiety disorders and their therapists agree in their ratings of the alliance at multiple assessment points and evaluated whether inter‐rater discrepancies predicted treatment outcome.

Method

Youth (N= 62;Mage= 12.43,SD= .76) received empirically supported CBT. Paired samplesttests assessed for significant disagreement between youth‐ and therapist‐rated alliance at sessions 4, 8, and 12. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate whether discrepancies between raters at each time point predicted posttreatment anxiety symptom scores.

Results

Overall, alliance was positive for both child (aged 7–12 years) and adolescent (aged 13–16 years) clients. Discrepancies between youth and therapist ratings of alliance were statistically significant at session 4 for children and session 8 for adolescents, with youth rating the relationship more favorably than therapists. However, rating discrepancies did not predict youth‐ or parent‐reported treatment outcome.

Conclusions

Considerable variability may exist between youth and therapist perspectives on the therapeutic alliance, indicating potential attunement problems, particularly during earlier phases of treatment. However, these discrepancies did not negatively affect treatment response. Implications for alliance research and clinical practice are discussed.
Bioactive quinone derivatives from the marine brown alga Sargassum thunbergii induce anti‐adipogenic and pro‐osteoblastogenic activities
Authors: Kim Jung‐Ae , Karadeniz Fatih , Ahn Byul‐Nim , Kwon Myeong Sook , Mun Ok‐Ju , Bae Min Joo , Seo Youngwan , Kim Mihyang , Lee Sang‐Hyeon , Kim Yuck Yong , Mi‐Soon Jang , Kong Chang‐Suk
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Health problems related to the lack of bone formation are a major problem for ageing populations in the modern world. As a part of the ongoing trend to develop natural substances that attenuate bone loss in osteoporosis, the effects of the edible brown alga Sargassum thunbergii and its active contents on adipogenic differentiation in 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts and osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts were evaluated.

RESULTS

Treatment with S. thunbergii significantly reduced lipid accumulation and expression of adipogenic differentiation markers such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein α and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c. In addition, S. thunbergii successfully enhanced osteoblast differentiation as indicated by increased alkaline phosphatase activity along raised levels of osteoblastogenesis indicators, namely bone morphogenetic protein‐2, osteocalcin and collagen type I. Two compounds, sargaquinoic and sargahydroquinoic acid, were isolated from active extract and shown to be active by means of osteogenesis inducement.

CONCLUSION

S. thunbergii could be a source for functional food ingredients for improved treatment of osteoporosis and obesity. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Cyclodextrin‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide as a fiber coating material for the solid‐phase microextraction of some volatile aromatic compounds
Authors: Zhang Shuaihua , Li Zhi , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: February 2015

A novel solid phase microextraction fiber was prepared for the first time by using a sol–gel technique with hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide as the fiber coating material. The results verified that the β‐cyclodextrin was successfully grafted onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide and the coating possessed a uniform folded and wrinkled structure. The performance of the solid phase microextraction fiber was evaluated by using it to extract nine volatile aromatic compounds from water samples before determination with gas chromatography and flame ionization detection. Some important experimental parameters that could affect the extraction efficiency such as the extraction time, extraction temperature, desorption temperature, desorption time, the volume of water sample solution, stirring rate, as well as ionic strength were optimized. The new method was validated to be effective for the trace analysis of some volatile aromatic compounds, with the limits of detection ranging from 2.0 to 8.0 ng/L. Single fiber repeatability and fiber‐to‐fiber reproducibility were in the range of 2.5–9.4 and 5.4–12.9%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of three different water samples, and the recoveries of the method were in the range from 77.9 to 113.6% at spiking levels of 10, 100, and 1000 ng/L, respectively.
The effect of 595 nm pulsed dye laser on connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in cultured keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Zhu Rongyi , Yue Baishuang , Yang Qiaorong , Ma Ying , Huang Guiqin , Guan Ming , Avram Mathew M. , Lu Zhong
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the effect of pulsed dye laser (PDL 595 nm) on the proliferation and expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in cultured keloid fibroblasts.

Materials and Methods

Cultured keloid fibroblasts were exposed to pulsed dye laser irradiation at fluences of 6, 8, and 10 J/cm2, with pulse durations of 1.5, 3, and 10 ms. The viability of keloid fibroblasts was measured with CCK‐8 at 72, 24, and 12 hours prior to irradiation. Subsequently, viability was measured at 12, 24, and 72 hours post‐irradiation. Additionally, the fibroblast cell cycle and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry. Finally, keloid fibroblasts underwent real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot to investigate the CTGF mRNA and protein expression after PDL irradiation. The untreated cultured keloid fibroblasts served as controls.

Results

The proliferation of keloid fibroblasts was significantly inhibited after PDL irradiation. Both CTGF mRNA and protein expression were significantly down‐regulated in 1.5, 3, and 10 ms pulse duration groups, in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups of different pulse duration in 6, 8, and 10 J/cm2 fluence ranges (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Within certain fluence ranges, pulsed dye laser can effectively suppress the growth of keloids and significantly down‐regulate CTGF mRNA and CTGF expression. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:203–209, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixed impedance transmission problems for vibrating layered elastic bodies
Authors: Athanasiadis C. E. , Natroshvili D. , Sevroglou V. , Stratis I. G.
Published: February 2015

Direct scattering problems for partially coated piecewise homogenous and inhomogeneous layered obstacles in linear elasticity lead to mixed impedance transmission problems for the steady‐state elastic oscillation equations. For a piecewise homogenous isotropic composite body, we employ the potential method and reduce the mixed impedance transmission problem to an equivalent system of boundary pseudodifferential equations. We give a detailed analysis of the corresponding pseudodifferential operators, which live on the interface between the layers and on a proper submanifold of the boundary of the composite elastic body, and establish uniqueness and existence results for the original mixed impedance transmission problem for arbitrary values of the oscillation frequency parameter; this is crucial in the study of inverse elastic scattering problems for partially coated layered obstacles. We also investigate regularity properties of solutions near the collision curves, where the different boundary conditions collide, and establish almost best Hölder smoothness results. Further, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of the stress vector near the collision curve and derive explicit formulas for the stress singularity exponents. The case of Lipschitz surfaces is briefly treated separately. In the case of a composite body containing homogeneous or inhomogeneous finite anisotropic inclusions, we develop an alternative hybrid method based on the so‐called nonlocal approach and reduce the mixed transmission problem to an equivalent functional‐variational equation with a sesquilinear form that ‘lives’ on a bounded part of the layered composite body and its boundary. We show that this sesquilinear form is coercive and that the corresponding variational equation is uniquely solvable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase I trial and viral clearance study of reovirus (Reolysin) in children with relapsed or refractory extra‐cranial solid tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Phase I Consortium report
Authors: Kolb E . Anders , Sampson Valerie , Stabley Deborah , Walter Alexa , Sol‐Church Katia , Cripe Timothy , Hingorani Pooja , Ahern Charlotte Hsieh , Weigel Brenda J. , Zwiebel James , Blaney Susan M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Reovirus is a naturally occurring human virus that is cytopathic to malignant cells possessing an activated Ras signaling pathway. We conducted a phase I trial of Reolysin, a manufactured, proprietary isolate of purified reovirus, in children with relapsed/refractory extracranial solid tumors to define the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), toxicities, and pharmacokinetic properties when administered as a single agent or in combination with cyclophosphamide.

Procedures

Reolysin was administered intravenously for 5 consecutive days, every 28 days. Using a 3 + 3 design, the following dose levels were evaluated: 3 × 108 Tissue Culture Inhibitory Dose 50% (TCID50)/kg; 5 × 108 TCID50/kg (maximum dose was 3 × 1010 TCID50); and 5 × 108 TCID50/kg plus oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg/m2/day × 21 days).

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were enrolled; 28 were eligible and 24 were evaluable for toxicity and response. There were no hematologic dose‐limiting toxicities. Grade 5 respiratory failure and a Grade 5 thromboembolic event were reported, both in the setting of progressive disease. The median time to clear the reovirus viremia was 6.5 days. Eight of 24 patients were viremic beyond the 5 days of therapy, all were negative by day 17. No patient had detectable viral RNA in saliva or stool. There were no objective responses.

Conclusions

Reolysin at a dose of 5 × 108 TCID50/kg daily for 5 days was well tolerated in children alone and in combination with oral cyclophosphamide. Virus was cleared rapidly from the serum and shedding in stool and saliva was not detectable. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:751–758. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stress induced reversible crystal transition in polymers
Authors: Liu Guoming , Zhang Xiuqin , Wang Dujin
Published: February 2015

This minireview introduces the state of the art in the stress induced reversible crystal transition phenomenon frequently found in polyethers and polyesters. This type of crystal transition is thermodynamically a first order phase transition. Microscopically, it generally corresponds to a change from gauche conformers to trans conformers under external stress, which leads to longer repeating length per monomeric unit along polymer chains. The dimension of the lamellar structure is influenced by the crystal transition as well. The crystal lattice parameters, chain conformation, critical stress and the energy barrier for crystal transition in different polymers are summarized. The mechanical property features imparted by the reversible crystal transition are briefly introduced. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth and characterization of mixed polar GaN columns and core–shell LEDs
Authors: Wang Xue , Jahn Uwe , Mandl Martin , Schimpke Tilman , Hartmann Jana , Ledig Johannes , Straßburg Martin , Wehmann Hergo‐H. , Waag Andreas
Published: February 2015

The growth mechanisms of selective area growth of GaN microcolumns by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy on patterned SiOx/sapphire templates, are investigated. Both Ga‐ and N‐polar domains within a GaN column are detected. The growth system of mixed polar GaN columns is near reaction limitation, which is quantitatively determined by the Damköhler number. The major part of the mixed polar GaN columns is N‐polar. However, the Ga‐polar domains increase the vertical growth rate of the whole column. The strain status of the columns is almost totally relaxed. Core–shell LED structures were realized on the mixed polar GaN columns. The optical properties of the core–shell LEDs were characterized.
Long‐term, long‐distance recording of a living migrating neuron by scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Gesper Astrid , Thatenhorst Denis , Wiese Stefan , Tsai Teresa , Dietzel Irmgard D. , Happel Patrick
Published: February 2015

Bias‐free, three‐dimensional imaging of entire living cellular specimen is required for investigating shape and volume changes that occur during cellular growth or migration. Here we present fifty consecutive recordings of a living cultured neuron from a mouse dorsal root ganglion obtained by Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). We observed a saltatory migration of the neuron with a mean velocity of approximately 20 μm/h. These results demonstrate the non‐invasiveness of SICM, which makes it unique among the scanning probe microscopes. In contrast to SICM, most scanning probe techniques require a usually denaturating preparation of the cells, or they exert a non‐negligible force on the cellular membrane, impeding passive observation. Moreover, the present series of recordings demonstrates the potential use of SICM for the detailed investigation of cellular migration and membrane surface dynamics even of such delicate samples as living neurons. SCANNING 37:226–231, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photosynthetic Proteins in Supported Lipid Bilayers: Towards a Biokleptic Approach for Energy Capture
Authors: Wang Lei , Roth Johannes S. , Han Xiaojun , Evans Stephen D.
Published: February 2015

In nature, plants and some bacteria have evolved an ability to convert solar energy into chemical energy usable by the organism. This process involves several proteins and the creation of a chemical gradient across the cell membrane. To transfer this process to a laboratory environment, several conditions have to be met: i) proteins need to be reconstituted into a lipid membrane, ii) the proteins need to be correctly oriented and functional and, finally, iii) the lipid membrane should be capable of maintaining chemical and electrical gradients. Investigating the processes of photosynthesis and energy generation in vivo is a difficult task due to the complexity of the membrane and its associated proteins. Solid, supported lipid bilayers provide a good model system for the systematic investigation of the different components involved in the photosynthetic pathway. In this review, the progress made to date in the development of supported lipid bilayer systems suitable for the investigation of membrane proteins is described; in particular, there is a focus on those used for the reconstitution of proteins involved in light capture.
Mutational analyses of YqjA, a Tvp38/DedA protein of E. coli
Authors: Keller Rebecca , Schleppi Nicole , Weikum Julia , Schneider Dirk
Published: February 2015

Membrane proteins of the DedA/Tvp38 protein family are involved in membrane integrity and virulence of pathogenic organisms. However, the structure and exact function of any member of this large protein family are still unclear. In the present study we analyzed the functional and structural properties of a DedA homolog. Purified YqjA variants from Escherichia coli are detectable in different oligomeric states and specific homo‐interaction of YqjA monomers in the membrane were confirmed by formation of a disulfide bond in the C‐terminal transmembrane helix. Moreover, alanine scanning mutagenesis exhibited different interaction sites crucial for YqjA activity vs. dimer formation.
What can obstetrician/gynecologists do to support abortion access?
Authors: Mark Alice G. , Wolf Merrill , Edelman Alison , Castleman Laura
Published: February 2015

Unsafe abortion causes approximately13% of all maternal deaths worldwide, with higher rates in areas where abortion access is restricted. Because safe abortion is so low risk, if all women who needed an abortion could access safe care, this rate would drop dramatically. As women's health providers and advocates, obstetrician/gynecologists can support abortion access. By delivering high‐quality, evidence‐based care ourselves, supporting other providers who perform abortion, helping women who access abortion in the community, providing second‐trimester care, and improving contraceptive uptake, we can decrease morbidity and mortality from unsafe abortion.
Osler on Migraine
Authors: Boes Christopher J.
Published: February 2015

William Osler’s 1892 textbook The Principles and Practice of Medicine became the dominant medical text in the English-speaking world. Osler was labeled a therapeutic nihilist by some. The topic of migraine, including treatment, was succinctly covered in his text. The objectives of this study were to review Osler’s thoughts on migraine, and outline his therapeutic recommendations. Preventively Osler mentioned bromides, iron, arsenic, nitroglycerin, and cannabis. Acutely he recommended coffee, chloroform, cannabis, antipyrin, antifebrin, phenacetin, caffeine citrate, nux vomica, or ergot. He thought cannabis was the most satisfactory remedy. Osler was not a therapeutic nihilist when it came to migraine, and his treatment recommendations were similar to other writers of his time. Osler did not draw upon his personal experience to contribute new knowledge about migraine. Regardless, given the popularity and clarity of his text, Osler’s well-summarized migraine chapter had a great influence on practicing physicians.
Mind the Gap: State Capacity and the Implementation of Human Rights Treaties
Authors: Cole Wade M.
Published: February 2015

According to recent studies, international human rights treaties are ineffective, counterproductive, or else beneficial for only those countries that tend to respect human rights regardless of treaty membership. Analysts often attribute gaps between human rights principles and practices to willful disobedience, self-interested defection, and ineffective enforcement. Using two-stage regression models to analyze compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, I examine whether countries' inability (as opposed to unwillingness) to implement treaty terms is also responsible for the gap between commitment and compliance. I find that one dimension of state capacity in particular—bureaucratic efficacy—enhances levels of compliance with civil, political, and physical integrity rights provisions. These findings lend credence to an important aspect of the managerial approach—that noncompliance is often inadvertent and conditioned by a state's ability to implement treaty terms.
An ex-ante economic appraisal of Bluetongue virus incursions and control strategies
Authors: FOFANA A. , TOMA L. , MORAN D. , GUNN G. J. , GUBBINS S. , SZMARAGD C. , STOTT A. W.
Published: February 2015

The incursion of Bluetongue disease into the UK and elsewhere in Northern Europe in 2008 raised concerns about maintaining an appropriate level of preparedness for the encroachment of exotic diseases as circumstances and risks change. Consequently the Scottish government commissioned the present study to inform policy on the specific threat of Bluetongue virus 8 (BTV8) incursion into Scotland. An interdisciplinary expert panel, including BTV and midge experts, agreed a range of feasible BTV incursion scenarios, patterns of disease spread and specific control strategies. The study was primarily desk-based, applying quantitative methodologies with existing models, where possible, and utilizing data already held by different members of the project team. The most likely distribution of the disease was explored given Scotland's agricultural systems, unique landscape and climate. Epidemiological and economic models are integrated in an ex-ante cost-benefit appraisal of successful prevention of hypothetical BTV8 incursion into Scotland under various feasible incursion scenarios identified by the interdisciplinary panel. The costs of current public and private surveillance efforts are compared to the benefits of the avoided losses of potential disease outbreaks. These avoided losses included the direct costs of alternative vaccination, protection zone (PZ) strategies and their influence on other costs arising from an outbreak as predicted by the epidemiological model. Benefit-cost ratios were ranked within each incursion scenario to evaluate alternative strategies. In all incursion scenarios, the ranking indicated that a strategy, including 100% vaccination within a PZ set at Scottish counties along the England–Scotland border yielded the least benefit in terms of the extent of avoided outbreak losses (per unit cost). The economically optimal vaccination strategy was the scenario that employed 50% vaccination and all Scotland as a PZ. The results provide an indicator of how resources can best be targeted for an efficient ex-ante control strategy.
The magnetized dusty plasma experiment (MDPX)
Authors: Thomas E. , Konopka U. , Artis D. , Lynch B. , Leblanc S. , Adams S. , Merlino R. L. , Rosenberg M.
Published: February 2015

The magnetized dusty plasma experiment (MDPX) is a newly commissioned plasma device that started operations in late spring, 2014. The research activities of this device are focused on the study of the physics, highly magnetized plasmas, and magnetized dusty plasmas. The design of the MDPX device is centered on two main components: an open bore, superconducting magnet that is designed to produce, in a steady state, both uniform magnetic fields up to 4 Tesla and non-uniform magnetic fields with gradients of 1–2 T m−1and a flexible, removable, octagonal vacuum chamber that provides substantial probe and optical access to the plasma. This paper will provide a review of the design criteria for the MDPX device, a description of the research objectives, and brief discussion of the research opportunities offered by this multi-institution, multi-user project.
I. Of the King's Title of Defender of the Faith. By Alexander Luders, Esq. Communicated by Samuel Lysons, Esq. V.P. F.R.S.
Authors: Luders Alexander
Published: February 2015

Our Kings do not bear this title under the authority of Leo the tenth's Bull to Henry VIII. or that of Clement VII. his successor, who confirmed it. Although the original came from the church of Rome, the modern title is thoroughly English, and derived from our own legislature.
A new motion planning method for discretely actuated hyper-redundant manipulators
Authors: Motahari Alireza , Zohoor Hassan , Korayem Moharam Habibnejad
Published: February 2015

A hyper-redundant manipulator is made by mounting the serial and/or parallel mechanisms on top of each other as modules. In discrete actuation, the actuation amounts are a limited number of certain values. It is not feasible to solve the kinematic analysis problems of discretely actuated hyper-redundant manipulators (DAHMs) by using the common methods, which are used for continuous actuated manipulators. In this paper, a new method is proposed to solve the trajectory tracking problem in a static prescribed obstacle field. To date, this problem has not been considered in the literature. Theremoving first collision(RFC) method, which is originally proposed for solving the inverse kinematic problems in the obstacle fields was modified and used to solve the motion planning problem. For verification, the numerical results of the proposed method were compared with the results of thegenetic algorithm(GA) method. Furthermore, a novel DAHM designed and implemented by the authors is introduced.