bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Überweisung auf ein anderes Konto als vom Gläubiger angegeben
Authors: Dräger Thomas
Published: May 2014

Die Frage nach den Rechtsfolgen einer Überweisung auf das „falsche“ Konto des Gläubigers wird regelmäßig nur auf der Ebene der Aufrechnung mit einem bereicherungsrechtlichen Ausgleichsanspruch des Schuldners gegen den Erfüllungsanspruch des Gläubigers diskutiert. Wie selbstverständlich wird dabei vorausgesetzt, dass der Erfüllungsanspruch in solchen Fällen fortbesteht, obwohl der Gläubiger die Zahlung in Form der Gutschrift auf einem seiner Konten erhalten hat. Dieser Beitrag verlässt ausgetretene Denkpfade und soll entsprechend den Horizont erweitern. Er bietet eine einfache, praxisgerechte Lösung des Problems mit wünschenswerten Ergebnissen.
Die Rechtsprechung zum Erbrecht 2011/2012
Authors: Große-Wilde Franz M.
Published: May 2014

Der Beitrag schließt an den Bericht des Jahres 2011 (MDR 2011, 769) an. Der Berichtszeitraum umfasst die wichtigsten Entscheidungen des Jahres 2011 sowie des Jahres 2012 bis einschließlich März 2012. Während die Entscheidungen aus dem Jahre 2011 schon weitgehend veröffentlicht sein dürften, muss für 2012 noch mit Nachzüglern gerechnet werden.
Fitnessverträge – Wirksamkeit von AGB zu Laufzeitklauseln und außerordentlicher Kündigung
Authors: Blattner Jessica
Published: May 2014

Fitnessstudios erfreuen sich höchster Beliebtheit und verzeichnen steigende Mitgliederzahlen. Beim Abschluss ihrer Verträge bedienen sich Fitnessstudios ausschließlich Allgemeiner Geschäftsbedingungen (AGB). Aufgrund der wachsenden Konkurrenz haben sie ein großes Interesse daran, ihre Mitglieder an sich zu binden. Aus diesem Grund sind Probleme von Laufzeitklauseln und Kündigungsrechten in den AGB von Fitnessverträgen höchst praxisrelevant. Umso erfreulicher ist es, dass sich der BGH nun (endlich) zu AGB in Fitnessverträgen geäußert und damit einige unbeantwortete Fragen aus der Welt geschafft hat (BGH, Urt. v. 8.2.2012 - XII ZR 42/10, MDR 2012, 512).
Arzthaftung – Die Bedeutung des Aufklärungsformulars im Prozess
Authors: Petig Ulrike , Rensen Hartmut
Published: May 2014

Obgleich Aufklärungsformulare in der ärztlichen Praxis sehr verbreitet sind und sie dementsprechend oft zur Gerichtsakte gereicht werden, bereitet ihre rechtliche Behandlung im Arzthaftungsprozess doch einige Schwierigkeiten. Im Folgenden soll gezeigt werden, dass Aufklärungsformulare gewöhnlich im Rahmen der freien Beweiswürdigung als Dokumentation des erforderlichen Aufklärungsgesprächs zu würdigen sind und hier in der Regel nur gemeinsam mit den Angaben des aufklärenden Arztes den gebotenen Nachweis einer hinreichenden Aufklärung erbringen können. Umgekehrt können sie wegen der angestrebten Vollständigkeit und Richtigkeit auch zugunsten des klagenden Patienten wirken, soweit nämlich aufklärungsbedürftige Umstände nicht aufgeführt oder gar fehlerhaft abgehandelt worden sind. Der folgende Beitrag gilt der Behandlung von Aufklärungsformularen im Arzthaftungsprozess, nicht der mit dem Regierungsentwurf eines Gesetzes zur Verbesserung der Rechte von Patientinnen und Patienten beabsichtigten (Neu-)Regelung des materiellen Arzthaftungsrechts. Die hinsichtlich der gebotenen Aufklärung einschlägigen §§ 630c, 630e und § 630h Abs. 2 BGB-RegE spiegeln allerdings im Wesentlichen diejenige höchstrichterliche Rechtsprechung wieder, die Grundlage auch der folgenden Ausführungen ist.
Mediationsnovelle und Gericht
Authors: Hartmann Peter
Published: May 2014

Das seit 26.7.2012 geltende neue Recht (Gesetz zur Förderung der Mediation und anderer Verfahren der außergerichtlichen Konfliktbeilegung vom 21.7.2012, BGBl. I, S. 1577, in Kraft seit 26.7.2012, Art 9 G, mit dem als Art 1 G verkündeten Mediationsgesetz) mit seinem Kompromiss des Vermittlungsausschusses hat für fast alle Gerichte Änderungen bisheriger Praktiken und Neuerungen vor allem durch einen „Güterichter“ gebracht. Nur im Altfall bleibt gem. § 9 MediationsG eine bisherige Mediation bis zum 1.8.2013 statthaft. Für die Gerichte ergeben sich im wesentlichen die folgenden Auswirkungen.
Seismic anisotropy and shear wave splitting associated with mantle plume‐plate interaction
Authors: Ito Garrett , Dunn Robert , Li Aibing , Wolfe Cecily J. , Gallego Alejandro , Fu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2014

Geodynamic simulations of the development of lattice preferred orientation in the flowing mantle are used to characterize the seismic anisotropy and shear wave splitting (SWS) patterns expected for the interaction of mantle plumes and lithospheric plates. Models predict that in the deeper part of the plume layer ponding beneath the plate, olivine a axes tend to align perpendicular to the radially directed plume flow, forming a circular pattern reflecting circumferential stretching. In the shallower part of the plume layer, plate shear is more important and the a axes tend toward the direction of plate motion. Predicted SWS over intraplate plumes reflects the asymmetric influence of plate shear with fast S wave polarization directions forming a pattern of nested U shapes that open in the direction opposing both plate motion and the parabolic shape often used to describe the flow lines of the plume. Predictions explain SWS observations around the Eifel hot spot with an eastward, not westward, moving Eurasian plate, consistent with global studies that require relatively slow net (westward) rotation of all of the plates. SWS at the Hawaiian hot spot can be explained by the effects of plume‐plate interaction, combined with fossil anisotropy in the Pacific lithosphere. In ridge‐centered plume models, the fast polarization directions angle diagonally toward the ridge axis when the plume is simulated as having low viscosity beneath the thermal lithosphere. Such a model better explains SWS observations in northeast Iceland than a model that incorporates a high‐viscosity layer due to dehydration of the shallow‐most upper mantle.
Three‐dimensional shallow structure from high‐frequency ambient noise tomography: New results for the Mygdonia basin‐Euroseistest area, northern Greece
Authors: Hannemann Katrin , Papazachos Costas , Ohrnberger Matthias , Savvaidis Alexandros , Anthymidis Marios , Lontsi Agostiny M.
Published: May 2014

We examine the use of ambient noise cross‐correlation tomography for shallow site characterization using a modified two‐step approach. Initially, we extract Rayleigh wave traveltimes from correlation traces of vertical component seismic recordings from a local network installed in Mygdonia basin, northern Greece. The obtained Rayleigh wave traveltimes show significant spatial variability, as well as distance and frequency dependence due to the 3‐D structure of the area, dispersion, and anelastic attenuation effects. The traveltime data sets are inverted through a surface wave tomography approach to determine group velocity maps for each frequency. The proposed tomographic inversion involves the use of approximate Fresnel volumes and interfrequency smoothing constraints to stabilize the results. In the last step, we determine a final 3‐D velocity model using a node‐based Monte Carlo 1‐D dispersion curve inversion. The reliability of the final 3‐D velocity model is examined by spatial and depth resolution analysis, as well as by inversion for different model parameterizations. The obtained results are in very good agreement with previous findings from seismic and other geophysical methods. The new 3‐D VS model provides additional structural constraints for the shallow sediments and bedrock structure of the northern Mygdonia basin up to the depth of ∼200–250 m. Present work results suggest that the migration of ambient tomography techniques from large scales (tens or hundreds of km) to local scales (few hundred meters) is possible but cannot be used as a black box technique for 3‐D modeling and detailed geotechnical site characterization.
How well can we measure the ocean's mean dynamic topography from space?
Authors: Bingham R. J. , Haines K. , Lea D. J.
Published: May 2014

Recent gravity missions have produced a dramatic improvement in our ability to measure the ocean's mean dynamic topography (MDT) from space. To fully exploit this oceanic observation, however, we must quantify its error. To establish a baseline, we first assess the error budget for an MDT calculated using a 3rd generation GOCE geoid and the CLS01 mean sea surface (MSS). With these products, we can resolve MDT spatial scales down to 250 km with an accuracy of 1.7 cm, with the MSS and geoid making similar contributions to the total error. For spatial scales within the range 133–250 km the error is 3.0 cm, with the geoid making the greatest contribution. For the smallest resolvable spatial scales (80–133 km) the total error is 16.4 cm, with geoid error accounting for almost all of this. Relative to this baseline, the most recent versions of the geoid and MSS fields reduce the long and short‐wavelength errors by 0.9 and 3.2 cm, respectively, but they have little impact in the medium‐wavelength band. The newer MSS is responsible for most of the long‐wavelength improvement, while for the short‐wavelength component it is the geoid. We find that while the formal geoid errors have reasonable global mean values they fail capture the regional variations in error magnitude, which depend on the steepness of the sea floor topography.
Climate change projection in the Northwest Pacific marginal seas through dynamic downscaling
Authors: Seo Gwang‐Ho , Cho Yang‐Ki , Choi Byoung‐Ju , Kim Kwang‐Yul , Kim Bong‐guk , Tak Yong‐jin
Published: May 2014

This study presents future climate change projections in the Northwest Pacific (NWP) marginal seas using dynamic downscaling from global climate models (GCMs). A regional climate model (RCM) for the Northwest Pacific Ocean was setup and integrated over the period from 2001 to 2100. The model used forcing fields from three different GCM simulations to downscale the effect of global climate change. MIROC, ECHAM, and HADCM were selected to provide climate change signals for the RCM. These signals were calculated from the GCMs using Cyclostationary Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis and added to the present lateral open boundary and the surface forcing. The RCM was validated by comparing hindcast result with the observation. It was able to project detailed regional climate change processes that GCMs were not able to resolve. A relatively large increases of water temperature were found in the marginal seas. However, only a marginal change was found along the Kuroshio path. Heat supply to the atmosphere decreases in most study areas due to a slower warming of the sea surface compared to the atmosphere. The RCM projection suggests that the temperature of the Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water will gradually increase by 2100. Volume transports through major straits except the Taiwan Strait in the marginal seas are projected to increase slightly in future. Increased northeasterly wind stress in the East China Sea may also result in the transport change.
Three‐dimensional Vp and Vp/Vs models in the Coso geothermal area, California: Seismic characterization of the magmatic system
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Lin Guoqing
Published: May 2014

We combine classic and state‐of‐the‐art techniques to characterize the seismic and volcanic features in the Coso area in southern California. Seismic tomography inversions are carried out to map the variations of Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs beneath Coso. The velocities in the top layers of our model are correlated with the surface geological features. The Indian Wells Valley, with high silica content sediment strata, shows low‐velocity anomalies up to 3 km depth, whereas the major mountain ranges, such as the south Sierra Nevada and the Argus Range, show higher velocities. The resulting three‐dimensional velocity model is used to improve absolute locations for all local events between January 1981 and August 2011 in our study area. We then apply similar‐event cluster analysis, waveform cross correlation, and differential time relocation methods to improve relative event location accuracy. A dramatic sharpening of seismicity patterns is obtained after using these methods. We also estimate high‐resolution near‐source Vp/Vs ratio within each event cluster using the differential times from waveform cross correlation. The in situ Vp/Vs method confirms the trend of the velocity variations from the tomographic results. An anomalous low‐velocity body with low Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratios, corresponding to the ductile behavior underlying the Coso geothermal field from 6 to 12 km depth, can be explained by the existence of frozen felsic magmatic materials with the inclusion of water. The material is not likely to include pervasive partial melt due to a lack of high Vp/Vs ratios.
Photocatalytic degradation of malic acid using a thin coated TiO2‐film: Insights on the mechanism of photocatalysis
Authors: Rodgher Vanessa , Moreira Jesus , de Lasa Hugo , Serrano Benito
Published: May 2014

Decontamination of opaque fluids using photocatalysts and near Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation involves major technical challenges. This study considers a thin TiO2 layer placed in a new Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC)‐photoreactor cell. This new photoreactor cell is used for the photocatalytic degradation of malic and malonic acids, typical apple juice components. Conversion of organic species can only proceed through the “dark side” of the TiO2 layer, which is in direct contact with the fluid. Under the selected operating conditions both external mass‐transfer limitations and photolysis are found to be negligible. Macroscopic radiation balance shows that 92% of near UV radiation is absorbed by the ‘back side” of the TiO2‐film. Photocatalytic degradation experiments with 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppm malic acid initial concentrations, show that malonic acid is a main intermediate. Complete malic acid conversion occurs after 5–8 h of irradiation. Kinetic modeling of malic and malonic acid photodegradation with kinetic parameter estimation is performed using both an “in series” and an “in series‐parallel” reaction networks. The “in series‐parallel” reaction network displays better ability for predicting CO2 formation, showing maximum quantum yields of 14.2%. Given that in the CREC‐photoreactor cell with a thin TiO2‐film, photocatalysis can only proceed via the transfer of mobile “h+” sites from the irradiated side to the “dark side', this study demonstrates the significance of this step on the overall photocatalysis mechanism. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3286–3299, 2014
Autism spectrum disorders and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors in Japanese patients with Prader–Willi syndrome: A comparison between maternal uniparental disomy and deletion cases
Authors: Ogata Hiroyuki , Ihara Hiroshi , Murakami Nobuyuki , Gito Masao , Kido Yasuhiro , Nagai Toshiro
Published: May 2014

This study aims to compare maternal uniparental disomy 15 (mUPD) and a paternal deletion of 15q11‐13 (DEL) of Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in regard to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Forty‐five Japanese individuals with PWS were recruited from a single recruitment center. The participants consisted of 22 children (aged from 6 to 12) and 23 adolescents (aged from 13 to 19). Six children and seven adolescents were confirmed as having mUPD. Sixteen children and 16 adolescents were confirmed as having DEL. Under blindness to the participants' genotypes, a single psychologist carried out behavioral and psychological assessments, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Society Japan Rating Scale (PARS), and ADHD‐Rating Scale‐IV (ADHD‐RS‐IV). Two comparisons were made: one between mUPD and DEL children and another between mUPD and DEL adolescents. In children, no significant differences were found between mUPD and DEL participants in terms of autistic (PARS childhood, P = 0.657) and impulsive behaviors (ADHD‐RS‐IV hyperactive/impulsive, P = 0.275). In adolescents, mUPD patients showed significantly more autistic symptomatology (PARS adolescent, P = 0.027) and significantly more impulsive behavior (ADHD‐RS‐IV hyperactive/impulsive, P = 0.01) than DEL patients. Our findings about Japanese PWS patients were consistent with previous researches from western countries not focused on Asian patients, indicating that mUPD cases would be more prone to ASD than DEL cases, regardless of ethnoregional differences. In addition, our data suggested that the behavioral difference between mUPD and DEL cases in terms of autistic and impulsive symptoms tend to be unrecognizable in their childhood. © 2014 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counting of Oxygen Defects versus Metal Surface Sites in Methanol Synthesis Catalysts by Different Probe Molecules
Authors: Fichtl Matthias B. , Schumann Julia , Kasatkin Igor , Jacobsen Nikolas , Behrens Malte , Schlögl Robert , Muhler Martin , Hinrichsen Olaf
Published: May 2014

Different surface sites of solid catalysts are usually quantified by dedicated chemisorption techniques from the adsorption capacity of probe molecules, assuming they specifically react with unique sites. In case of methanol synthesis catalysts, the Cu surface area is one of the crucial parameters in catalyst design and was for over 25 years commonly determined using diluted N2O. To disentangle the influence of the catalyst components, different model catalysts were prepared and characterized using N2O, temperature programmed desorption of H2, and kinetic experiments. The presence of ZnO dramatically influences the N2O measurements. This effect can be explained by the presence of oxygen defect sites that are generated at the Cu‐ZnO interface and can be used to easily quantify the intensity of Cu‐Zn interaction. N2O in fact probes the Cu surface plus the oxygen vacancies, whereas the exposed Cu surface area can be accurately determined by H2.
Hydride Migration from a Triangular Face to a Tetrahedral Cavity in Tetranuclear Iron Carbonyl Clusters upon Coordination of [AuPPh3]+ Fragments
Authors: Bortoluzzi Marco , Ciabatti Iacopo , Femoni Cristina , Hayatifar Mohammad , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Longoni Giuliano , Zacchini Stefano
Published: May 2014

Metal hydrides are of fundamental importance in chemistry, both as solid‐state materials and molecular compounds. The first low‐valent molecular metal cluster containing an interstitial four‐coordinate hydride in a tetrahedral site is decribed, which undergoes hydride migration from the surface to the tetrahedral cavity of the cluster upon coordination of a [AuPPh3]+ fragment. The [HFe4(CO)12(AuPPh3)2]− mono‐anion, which contains a surface μ3‐H, was obtained from the reaction of [HFe4(CO)12]3− with two equivalents of [Au(PPh3)Cl]. This is, in turn, transformed into the neutral [HFe4(CO)12(AuPPh3)3] upon addition of a third [AuPPh3]+ fragment, with concomitant migration of the unique hydride from the surface of the cluster to its tetrahedral cavity. All of these species have been fully characterized in solution by means of IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry.
Bis‐NHC Chelate Complexes of Nickel(0) and Platinum(0)
Authors: Brendel Matthias , Braun Carolin , Rominger Frank , Hofmann Peter
Published: May 2014

For a long time d10‐ML2 fragments have been known for their potential to activate unreactive bonds by oxidative addition. In the development of more active species, two approaches have proven successful: the use of strong σ‐donating ligands leading to electron‐rich metal centers and the employment of chelating ligands resulting in a bent coordination geometry. Combining these two strategies, we synthesized bis‐NHC chelate complexes of nickel(0) and platinum(0). Bis(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)nickel(0) and ‐platinum(0) react with bisimidazolium salts, deprotonated in situ at room temperature, to yield tetrahedral or trigonal‐planar bis‐NHC chelate olefin complexes. The synthesis and characterization of these complexes as well as a first example of CC bond activation with these systems are reported. Due to the enforced cis arrangement of two NHCs, these compounds should open interesting perspectives for bond‐activation chemistry and catalysis.
The Structure Elucidation and Total Synthesis of β‐Lipomycin
Authors: Hartmann Olaf , Kalesse Markus
Published: May 2014

Here we describe the synthesis of β‐lipomycin, a secondary metabolite isolated from the fermentation broth of Corallococcus coralloides. The synthesis relies on the structural assignment made by a statistical method, the so‐called profile hidden Markov model. Using this protocol, not only the configuration of the secondary alcohol, but also of the adjacent methyl branch could be deduced. The synthesis therefore not only provides access to this natural product but also confirms the validity of this approach for configurational assignment at methyl branches of modular polyketides.
Following a Photoinduced Reconstructive Phase Transformation and its Influence on the Crystal Integrity: Powder Diffraction and Theoretical Study
Authors: Runčevski Tomče , Blanco‐Lomas Marina , Marazzi Marco , Cejuela Marcos , Sampedro Diego , Dinnebier Robert E.
Published: May 2014

In the course of solid‐state photoreactions, a single crystal (SC) of the reactant can be transformed into an SC of the product or it can lose crystallinity and become amorphous. In‐between these two scenarios exist the reconstructive phase transformations, where upon irradiation, the reactant SC becomes a powder or an SC with increased mosaicity. We present a detailed description of reconstructive photodimerization, where the structural changes are directly correlated with the disintegration process. The kinetics of the reaction is explained by two kinetic regimes, forming an autocatalytic autoinhibition photoreaction set with high quantum yield. In addition, the photoreaction pathways were studied theoretically.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Simple Ketones with Allylic Alcohols and Its Mechanistic Study
Authors: Huo Xiaohong , Yang Guoqiang , Liu Delong , Liu Yangang , Gridnev Ilya D. , Zhang Wanbin
Published: May 2014

Allylic alcohols were directly used in Pd‐catalyzed allylic alkylations of simple ketones under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeded smoothly at 20 °C by the concerted action of a Pd catalyst, a pyrrolidine co‐catalyst, and a hydrogen‐bonding solvent, and does not require any additional reagents. A computational study suggested that methanol plays a crucial role in the formation of the π‐allylpalladium complex by lowering the activation barrier.
Correlations between user voting data, budget, and box office for films in the internet movie database
Authors: Wasserman Max , Mukherjee Satyam , Scott Konner , Zeng Xiao Han T. , Radicchi Filippo , Amaral Luís A. N.
Published: May 2014

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is one of the most‐visited websites in the world and the premier source for information on films. Similar to Wikipedia, much of IMDb's information is user contributed. IMDb also allows users to voice their opinion on the quality of films through voting. We investigate whether there is a connection between user voting data and economic film characteristics. We perform distribution and correlation analysis on a set of films chosen to mitigate effects of bias due to the language and country of origin of films. Production budget, box office gross, and total number of user votes for films are consistent with double‐log normal distributions for certain time periods. Both total gross and user votes are consistent with a double‐log normal distribution from the late 1980s onward while for budget it extends from 1935 to 1979. In addition, we find a strong correlation between number of user votes and the economic statistics, particularly budget. Remarkably, we find no evidence for a correlation between number of votes and average user rating. Our results suggest that total user votes is an indicator of a film's prominence or notability, which can be quantified by its promotional costs.
Effect of web page menu orientation on retrieving information by people with learning disabilities
Authors: Williams Peter , Hennig Christian
Published: May 2014

The Internet facilitates the provision of accessible information to people with learning disabilities. However, problems with navigation and retrieval represent a barrier for this cohort. This article addresses one aspect of page design, testing whether a horizontal or vertical contents arrangement facilitates faster access to content for people with learning disabilities. Participants were timed as they looked for one‐word “dummy” menu entries appearing in various locations along a horizontal or vertical grid. The words corresponded to images shown at random in a word‐search type activity. Results were analyzed using mixed effects models. Results showed that mean search times increased as the position shifted from left to right and from top to bottom. Thus, participants undertook the test as if it were a reading exercise, despite the images appearing in the center of the page and the words appearing at random positions. The research also suggests that a horizontal menu may be more effective than a vertical one, with the most important links placed on the left. The propensity to imbibe information “serially” (word‐for‐word) rather than to skim or look “globally” has important website design implications.
Microtubules as key coordinators of nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum dynamics during mitosis
Authors: Schlaitz Anne‐Lore
Published: May 2014

During mitosis, cells comprehensively restructure their interior to promote the faithful inheritance of DNA and cytoplasmic contents. In metazoans, this restructuring entails disassembly of the nuclear envelope, redistribution of its components into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and eventually nuclear envelope reassembly around the segregated chromosomes. The microtubule cytoskeleton has recently emerged as a critical regulator of mitotic nuclear envelope and ER dynamics. Microtubules and associated molecular motors tear open the nuclear envelope in prophase and remove nuclear envelope remnants from chromatin. Additionally, two distinct mechanisms of microtubule‐based regulation of ER dynamics operate later in mitosis. First, association of the ER with microtubules is reduced, preventing invasion of ER into the spindle area, and second, organelle membrane is actively cleared from metaphase chromosomes. However, we are only beginning to understand the role of microtubules in shaping and distributing ER and other organelles during mitosis.
A mechanistic dissection of polyethylenimine mediated transfection of CHO cells: To enhance the efficiency of recombinant DNA utilization
Authors: Mozley Olivia L. , Thompson Ben C. , Fernandez‐Martell Alejandro , James David C.
Published: May 2014

In this study, we examine the molecular and cellular interactions that underpin efficient internalization and utilization of polyethylenimine (PEI):DNA complexes (polyplexes) by Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Cell surface polyplex binding and internalization was a biphasic process, consisting of an initial rapid Phase (I), lasting approximately 15 min, followed by a slower second Phase (II), saturating at approximately 240 min post transfection. The second Phase accounted for the majority (60–70%) of polyplex internalization. While cell surface heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs) were rapidly cointernalized with polyplexes during Phase I, cell surface polyplex binding was not dependent on HSPGs. However, Phase II polyplex internalization and HSPG regeneration onto the surface of trypsinized cells occurred at similar rates, suggesting that the rate of recycling of HSPG‐containing membrane to the plasma membrane limits Phase II internalization rate. Under optimal transfection conditions, polyplexes had a near neutral surface charge (zeta potential) and cell surface binding was dependent on hydrophobic interactions, being significantly inhibited by both chemical sequestration of cholesterol from the plasma membrane and addition of nonionic surfactant. Induced alterations in polyplex zeta potential, using ferric (III) citrate to decrease surface charge and varying PEI:DNA ratio to increase surface charge, served to inhibit polyplex binding or reduce secreted alkaline phosphatase reporter expression and cell viability, respectively. To increase polyplex hydrophobicity and internalization an alkylated derivative of PEI, propyl‐PEI, was chemically synthesized. Using Design of Experiments–Response Surface Modeling to optimize the transfection process, the function of propyl‐PEI was compared to that of unmodified PEI in both parental CHO‐S cells and a subclone (Clone 4), which exhibited superior transgene expression via an increased resistance to polyplex cytotoxicity. The combination of propyl‐PEI and Clone 4 doubled the efficiency of recombinant DNA utilization and reporter protein production. These data show that for maximal efficacy, strategies to increase polyplex internalization into cells must be used in concert with strategies to offset the inherent cytotoxicity of this process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1161–1170, 2014
Isolation and characterization of a biosurfactant‐producing Fusarium sp. BS‐8 from oil contaminated soil
Authors: Qazi Muneer A. , Kanwal Tayyaba , Jadoon Muniba , Ahmed Safia , Fatima Nighat
Published: May 2014

This study reports characterization of a biosurfactant‐producing fungal isolate from oil contaminated soil of Missa Keswal oil field, Pakistan. It was identified as Fusarium sp. BS‐8 on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic morphology, and 18S rDNA gene sequence homology. The biosurfactant‐producing capability of the fungal isolates was screened using oil displacement activity, emulsification index assay, and surface tension (SFT) measurement. The optimization of operational parameters and culture conditions resulted in maximum biosurfactant production using 9% (v/v) inoculum at 30°C, pH 7.0, using sucrose and yeast extract, as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. A C:N ratio of 0.9:0.1 (w/w) was found to be optimum for growth and biosurfactant production. At optimal conditions, it attained lowest SFT (i.e., 32 mN m−1) with a critical micelle concentration of ≥ 1.2 mg mL−1. During 5 L shake flask fermentation experiments, the biosurfactant productivity was 1.21 g L−1 pure biosurfactant having significant emulsifying index (E24, 70%) and oil‐displacing activity (16 mm). Thin layer chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectrometric analyses indicated a lipopeptide type of the biosurfactant. The Fusarium sp. BS‐8 has substantial potential of biosurfactant production, yet it needs to be fully characterized with possibility of relatively new class of biosurfactants. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1065–1075, 2014
Airway epithelial cell‐derived insulin‐like growth factor‐1 triggers skewed CD8+ T cell polarization
Authors: Zou Jian‐Yong , Huang Shao‐hong , Li Yun , Chen Hui‐guo , Rong Jian , Ye Sheng
Published: May 2014

Skewed CD8+ T cell responses are important in airway inflammation. This study investigates the role of the airway epithelial cell‐derived insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in contributing to CD8+ T cell polarization. Expression of IGF1 in the airway epithelial cell line, RPMI2650 cells, was assessed by quantitative real time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The role of IGF1 in regulating CD8+ T cell activation was observed by coculture of mite allergen‐primed RPMI2650 cells and naïve CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T cell polarization was assessed by the carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester‐dilution assay and the determination of cytotoxic cytokine levels in the culture medium. Exposure to mite allergen, Der p1, increased the expression of IGF1 by RPMI2650 cells. The epithelial cell‐derived IGF1 prevented the activation‐induced cell death by inducing the p53 gene hypermethylation. Mite allergen‐primed RPMI2650 cells induced an antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell polarization. We conclude that mite allergens induce airway epithelial cell line, RPMI2650 cells, to produce IGF1; the latter contributes to antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell polarization.
Synergistic Catalytic Effect of MoS2 Nanoparticles Supported on Gold Nanoparticle Films for a Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Tanyuan , Zhuo Junqiao , Chen Ye , Du Kuangzhou , Papakonstantinou Pagona , Zhu Zhiwei , Shao Yuanhua , Li Meixian
Published: May 2014

MoS2 nanoparticles supported on gold nanoparticle films (AuNP/MoS2 films) were constructed by a simple two‐step drop‐casting modification process on a glassy carbon electrode. The films realized a direct four‐electron pathway for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media with an onset potential of −0.10 V versus the saturated calomel electrode. The films exhibited superior stability and better electrocatalytic performance than commercial Pt/C. Electrochemical studies and composition characterization illustrated that the enhanced catalytic activity of the AuNP/MoS2 films could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the positive onset potential of the gold nanoparticles for the ORR and the four‐electron oxygen reduction properties of the ultrasmall MoS2 nanoparticles, which is different from gold nanoparticle and MoS2 nanoparticle modified electrodes.
Highly Selective and Immortal Magnesium Calixarene Complexes for the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of rac‐Lactide
Authors: Walton Mark J. , Lancaster Simon J. , Redshaw Carl
Published: May 2014

The lithiation of 1,3‐dipropoxy‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (LH2) followed by reaction with nBuMgBr in THF resulted in the formation of the hetero‐bimetallic complex [Li(THF)Mg(nBu)L] (1). By contrast, the treatment of tripropoxy‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (L′H) with nBu2Mg afforded a mononuclear complex [L′Mg(nBu)] (2). Single‐crystal XRD studies revealed that in both structures the calix[4]arene adopts a cone conformation, and a Li cation resides in the cavity for 1. Both 1 and 2 were active for the ring‐opening polymerisation of rac‐lactide. Compound 2 displayed not only exceptional activity (100 equivalents, 3 min, 92 % conversion, BnOH, room temperature) but also high selectivity (probability to form an r dyad, Pr=0.85) and exhibited an immortal character in THF. Surprisingly, compound 2 also showed isotactic bias (Pr=0.30–0.36) and an immortal character if toluene was employed as the solvent; 2 D J‐resolved 1H NMR spectroscopy was employed for the assignment of the stereoselectivity.
Endothelial Transcriptome in Response to Pharmacological Methyltransferase Inhibition
Authors: Okabe Jun , Fernandez Ana Z. , Ziemann Mark , Keating Samuel T. , Balcerczyk Aneta , El‐Osta Assam
Published: May 2014

The enzymatic activities of protein methyltransferases serve to write covalent modifications on histone and non‐histone proteins in the control of gene transcription. Here, we describe gene expression changes in human endothelial cells caused by treatment with methyltransferase inhibitors 7,7′‐carbonylbis (azanediyl) bis(4‐hydroxynaphthalene‐2 ‐sulfonic acid (AMI‐1) and disodium‐2‐(2,4,5,7‐ tetrabromo‐3‐oxido‐6‐oxoxanthen‐9‐yl) benzoate trihydrate (AMI‐5). Deep sequencing of mRNA indicated robust change on transcription following AMI‐5 treatment compared with AMI‐1. Functional annotation analysis revealed that both compounds suppress the expression of genes associated with translational regulation, suggesting arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) could be associated with regulation of this pathway. Interestingly, AMI‐5 but not AMI‐1 was found to decrease methylation of H3 histones at lysine 4 and down‐regulate gene expression associated with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling pathways. These results imply that inhibition of protein methylation by AMI‐1 and AMI‐5 can differentially regulate specific pathways with potential to interrupt pathological signaling in the vascular endothelium.
High‐Potential Perfluorinated Phthalocyanine–Fullerene Dyads for Generation of High‐Energy Charge‐Separated States: Formation and Photoinduced Electron‐Transfer Studies
Authors: Das Sushanta K. , Mahler Andrew , Wilson Angela K. , D'Souza Francis
Published: May 2014

High oxidation potential perfluorinated zinc phthalocyanines (ZnFnPcs) are synthesised and their spectroscopic, redox, and light‐induced electron‐transfer properties investigated systematically by forming donor–acceptor dyads through metal–ligand axial coordination of fullerene (C60) derivatives. Absorption and fluorescence spectral studies reveal efficient binding of the pyridine‐ (Py) and phenylimidazole‐functionalised fullerene (C60Im) derivatives to the zinc centre of the FnPcs. The determined binding constants, K, in o‐dichlorobenzene for the 1:1 complexes are in the order of 104 to 105 M−1; nearly an order of magnitude higher than that observed for the dyad formed from zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) lacking fluorine substituents. The geometry and electronic structure of the dyads are determined by using the B3LYP/6‐31G* method. The HOMO and LUMO levels are located on the Pc and C60 entities, respectively; this suggests the formation of ZnFnPc.+–C60Im.− and ZnFnPc.+–C60Py.− (n=0, 8 or 16) intra‐supramolecular charge‐separated states during electron transfer. Electrochemical studies on the ZnPc–C60 dyads enable accurate determination of their oxidation and reduction potentials and the energy of the charge‐separated states. The energy of the charge‐separated state for dyads composed of ZnFnPc is higher than that of normal ZnPc–C60 dyads and reveals their significance in harvesting higher amounts of light energy. Evidence for charge separation in the dyads is secured from femtosecond transient absorption studies in nonpolar toluene. Kinetic evaluation of the cation and anion radical ion peaks reveals ultrafast charge separation and charge recombination in dyads composed of perfluorinated phthalocyanine and fullerene; this implies their significance in solar‐energy harvesting and optoelectronic device building applications.
Influence of the Amount of Hydrogen Fluoride on the Formation of (001)‐Faceted Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets and Their Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation Performance
Authors: Zhang Yuliang , Shang Mingwei , Mi Yifan , Xia Ting , Wallenmeyer Petra , Murowchick James , Dong Lifeng , Zhang Qiao , Chen Xiaobo
Published: May 2014

The influence of the amount of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on product formation from the hydrothermal reaction of titanium butoxide and concentrated HF is investigated. Low HF contents lead to a preference for the formation of small TiO2 nanoparticles, medium HF contents lead to a preference for TiO2 nanosheets, and high HF contents lead to a preference for large TiOF2 particles. Meanwhile, TiO2 nanosheets display higher activity in photocatalytic hydrogen generation than that of smaller TiO2 nanoparticles; this demonstrates the higher photocatalytic activity of (001) facets over others. The synergistic effect between TiO2 nanosheets and TiOF2 particles could improve the performance of TiO2 nanosheets owing to possible charge separation over their interface, although TiOF2 particles themselves barely show any activity.
Impact of Proton Concentration on Equilibrium Potential and Polarization of Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Xi Xiaoli , Li Xianfeng , Wang Chenhui , Lai Qinzhi , Cheng Yuanhui , Zhou Wei , Ding Cong , Zhang Huamin
Published: May 2014

The electrolyte in the vanadium flow battery (VFB) is one of the key materials in determining the energy density, which further limits its commercialization. A novel strategy of varying the proton concentration to improve electrolyte utilization is proposed to enhance the energy density of the VFB. The effects of proton concentration on the equilibrium potential and polarization have been investigated systematically. Superior electrolyte utilization at a proton concentration of 5 mol L−1 is achieved; this corresponds to a high volumetric energy density (22.5 Wh L−1) and volumetric capacity density (14.8 Ah L−1), which is favorable toward the commercial application of VFBs. This general strategy also inspires research on improving electrolyte utilization in other flow battery systems.
Enantioselective Henry and Aza‐Henry Reaction in the Synthesis of (R)‐Tembamide Using Efficient, Recyclable Polymeric CuII Complexes as Catalyst
Authors: Das Anjan , Choudhary Manoj K. , Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Roy Tamal , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Abdi Sayed H. R. , Bajaj Hari C.
Published: May 2014

Chiral copper(II) polymeric [H4]salen (salen=bis[(salicylidene)ethylenediaminato]) complexes CuII‐1–3 were generated in situ and used as efficient catalysts in the asymmetric Henry and aza‐Henry reaction of various aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and N‐tosylimines in the presence of various nitroalkanes at room temperature (27±2 °C) for 20 hours. This group of polymeric [H4]salen complexes demonstrated excellent performance (product yield and enantiomeric excess ee up to 98 %) in the formation of β‐nitroalcohol by using nitromethane with low catalyst loading of 1 mol % (with respect to the monomeric salen unit) and high enantioinduction (ee 94 %) in the aza‐Henry product; β‐nitroamines were obtained with moderate yield (78 %). This catalytic system also worked well with nitroethane and 1‐nitropropane in the case of Henry reaction, to furnish the corresponding products in high yields and enantioselectivities for syn diastereomers. The CuII‐2 complex retained its performance at the gram level and was expediently recycled eight times with no significant loss in its performance. The kinetic study with CuII‐2 complex for the enantioselective aza‐Henry reaction of N‐Ts‐benzylimine (Ts=tosyl) revealed a first‐order dependence on catalyst and nitromethane concentration and was zero order with respect to the substrate. The product obtained was transformed straightforwardly to the pharmaceutically important enantiomerically pure (R)‐tembamide (β‐adrenergic agonist) drug in good yield by the asymmetric nitroaldol reaction of 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde in three successive steps.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxides with Uniformly Coated Polyaniline for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Salunkhe Rahul R. , Hsu Shao‐Hui , Wu Kevin C. W. , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: May 2014

We report an effective route for the preparation of layered reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with uniformly coated polyaniline (PANI) layers. These nanocomposites are synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of layered rGO. SEM, TEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy analysis results demonstrated that reduced graphene oxide–polyaniline (rGO–PANI) nanocomposites are successfully synthesized. Because of synergistic effects, rGO–PANI nanocomposites prepared by this approach exhibit excellent capacitive performance with a high specific capacitance of 286 F g−1 and high cycle reversibility of 94 % after 2000 cycles.
A series of Cre‐ERT2 drivers for manipulation of the skeletal muscle lineage
Authors: Southard Sheryl , Low SiewHui , Li Lydia , Rozo Michelle , Harvey Tyler , Fan Chen‐Ming , Lepper Christoph
Published: May 2014

We report the generation of five mouse strains with the tamoxifen‐inducible Cre (Cre‐ERT2; CE) gene cassette knocked into the endogenous loci of Pax3, Myod1, Myog, Myf6, and Myl1, collectively as a resource for the skeletal muscle research community. We characterized these CE strains using the Cre reporter mice, R26RLacZ, during embryogenesis and show that they direct tightly controlled tamoxifen‐inducible reporter expression within the expected cell lineage determined by each myogenic gene. We also examined a few selected adult skeletal muscle groups for tamoxifen‐inducible reporter expression. None of these new CE alleles direct reporter expression in the cardiac muscle. All these alleles follow the same knock‐in strategy by replacing the first exon of each gene with the CE cassette, rendering them null alleles of the endogenous gene. Advantages and disadvantages of this design are discussed. Although we describe potential immediate use of these strains, their utility likely extends beyond foreseeable questions in skeletal muscle biology. genesis 52:759–770, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy of the posterior septal artery with surgical implications on the vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wang Eric W. , Wei Hongquan , Shi Jin , Snyderman Carl H. , Gardner Paul A. , Fernandez–Miranda Juan C.
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to define the anatomic characteristics of the posterior septal artery related to the design of the vascularized pedicled nasoseptal flap.

Methods

The course and branching pattern of the posterior septal artery and its relationship with landmarks and other regional arteries were studied in 26 vascular latex‐injected head sides.

Results

The posterior septal artery is divided into 2 septal branches within the sphenoidal segment, which occurred either close to the sphenopalatine foramen (65.4%) or at the posterior border of the nasal septum (34.6%). The inferior branch was frequently dominant (61.5%). The dominant branch was always below the axial plane of the sphenoid ostium. On the posterior nasal septum, the inferior branch may run downward before coursing anteroinferiorly.

Conclusion

We identify 2 high‐risk areas for the design of the vascularized PNSF, namely, at the inferior aspect of the sphenoid ostium and the junction of the posterior nasal septum and the choana arch. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1470–1476, 2015
Impact of the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer in 2003–2004: Population‐based study from the Province of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hall Stephen F. , O'Sullivan Brian , Irish Jonathan C. , Meyer Ralph M. , Gregg Richard , Groome Patti
Published: May 2014

Background

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) became the standard of care for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancers based on clinical trials but its effectiveness at the community level is not reported.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based comparative effectiveness study of all 571 patients with oropharyngeal cancer in Ontario Canada (2003–2004) that describes the patients and the treatments and compares concurrent CRT to radiotherapy (RT) alone.

Results

When comparing the outcomes (CRT vs RT) for all patients or patients eligible for either treatment, for patients of centers with the “higher use” of CRT to patients of the ‘lower use’ centers and comparing all centers, we found no overall or disease‐specific advantage to CRT over RT alone. There was also no difference in recurrence‐free survival, pattern of recurrences, or distant control.

Conclusion

In Ontario (2003–2004), in daily clinical practice, the addition of concurrent CRT to RT had little impact on survival in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1461–1469, 2015
Dispositional optimism, self‐framing and medical decision‐making
Authors: Zhao Xu , Huang Chunlei , Li Xuesong , Zhao Xin , Peng Jiaxi
Published: May 2014

Self‐framing is an important but underinvestigated area in risk communication and behavioural decision‐making, especially in medical settings. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship among dispositional optimism, self‐frame and decision‐making. Participants (N = 500) responded to the Life Orientation Test‐Revised and self‐framing test of medical decision‐making problem. The participants whose scores were higher than the middle value were regarded as highly optimistic individuals. The rest were regarded as low optimistic individuals. The results showed that compared to the high dispositional optimism group, participants from the low dispositional optimism group showed a greater tendency to use negative vocabulary to construct their self‐frame, and tended to choose the radiation therapy with high treatment survival rate, but low 5‐year survival rate. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that self‐framing effect still exists in medical situation and individual differences in dispositional optimism can influence the processing of information in a framed decision task, as well as risky decision‐making.