bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A compact and high throughput reactor of monolithic‐structured catalyst bed for conversion of syngas to liquid fuels
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Yong , Wilcox Wayne , Li Shari
Published: October 2011

Syngas conversion is needed for the production of liquid fuels and/or chemicals from renewable or remote feedstock at capacities much smaller than the conventional Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) plant. Here, we present a multiscale‐engineered, modular‐type design approach toward the development of a compact reactor unit to make syngas‐to‐liquids economically feasible at small scales. The fundamental design idea is tested by using a Re‐Co/alumina catalyst coated on a monolith support of channel size about 0.9 mm. One‐pass CO conversion (92–98%) with <10% of CH4 selectivity is obtained with the structured bed under typical F–T reaction conditions. The gas superficial linear velocity was found as one critical parameter that may allow scale‐up of the hydrodynamics from the small‐scale laboratory tests directly to practical sizes of the reactor with the proposed design strategy. A pore wetness and surface perspiration model is proposed to explain the experimental data and rationalize the new design concepts. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Process development of treatment plants for dyeing wastewater
Authors: Fung Ka Y. , Lee Chin M. , Ng Ka M. , Wibowo Christianto , Deng Zhiyi , Wei Chaohai
Published: October 2011

A three‐step methodology that integrates experiments, modeling and synthesis has been developed for the systematic development of a plant for treating dyeing wastewater for discharge and/or reuse. First, wastewater characteristics, discharge water standards, and reuse water quality specifications, etc. are collected as input information. Heuristics developed in our industrial practice and gleaned from the literature are used to guide the designer to come up with preliminary flow sheet alternatives. Then, bench‐scale experiments and pilot plant tests for the relevant unit operations are performed. A computer code accepts the bench‐scale and pilot plant experimental data for regression of model parameters and determines the superior process configuration and equipment operating conditions through sensitivity analysis. The workflow among various stakeholders to reach the final design is presented. Possible extension of the methodology to other industrial wastewater treatment plants is discussed. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Neutron bound states in a supersymmetric double Dirac delta electrostatic potential
Authors: Bruce S. , Diaz‐Valdes J. , Campos M.D.
Published: October 2011

We study neutron bound states in a particular (1+1)‐supersymmetric configuration. A simple physical setup is chosen so that the effective interaction becomes a particular kind of double Dirac delta potential. In this configuration it is shown that the neutron distinguishes between positive and negative electric charge as a consequence of a purely quantum mechanical effect. The theoretical background is presented and a possible application to a real‐life physical system is discussed.
Influence of template/functional monomer/cross‐linking monomer ratio on particle size and binding properties of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles
Authors: Yoshimatsu Keiichi , Yamazaki Tomohiko , Chronakis Ioannis S. , Ye Lei
Published: October 2011

A series of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles have been synthesized employing various template/functional monomer/crosslinking monomer ratio and characterized in detail to elucidate the correlation between the synthetic conditions used and the properties (e.g., particle size and template binding properties) of the obtained nanoparticles. In brief, the presence of propranolol (template) in the polymerization mixture turned out to be a critical factor on determination of the size as well as the binding properties of the imprinted nanoparticles. The functional monomer/crosslinking monomer ratio significantly affects the binding capability of the imprinted nanoparticles, but its influence on the size of the nanoparticles was found to be rather limited. The results obtained provide valuable clues for designing molecularly imprinted nanoparticle preparation in future studies, where fine tuning of particle size and binding properties are required to fit practical applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Nerve regeneration with aid of nanotechnology and cellular engineering
Authors: Sedaghati Tina , Yang Shi Yu , Mosahebi Afshin , Alavijeh Mohammad S. , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: October 2011

Repairing nerve defects with large gaps remains one of the most operative challenges for surgeons. Incomplete recovery from peripheral nerve injuries can produce a diversity of negative outcomes, including numbness, impairment of sensory or motor function, possibility of developing chronic pain, and devastating permanent disability. In the last few years, numerous microsurgical techniques, such as coaptation, nerve autograft, and different biological or polymeric nerve conduits, have been developed to reconstruct a long segment of damaged peripheral nerve. A few of these techniques are promising and have become popular among surgeons. Advancements in the field of tissue engineering have led to development of synthetic nerve conduits as an alternative for the nerve autograft technique, which is the current practice to bridge nerve defects with gaps larger than 30 mm. However, to date, despite significant progress in this field, no material has been found to be an ideal alternative to the nerve autograft. This article briefly reviews major up‐to‐date published studies using different materials as an alternative to the nerve autograft to bridge peripheral nerve gaps in an attempt to assess their ability to support and enhance nerve regeneration and their prospective drawbacks, and also highlights the promising hope for nerve regeneration with the next generation of nerve conduits, which has been significantly enhanced with the tissue engineering approach, especially with the aid of nanotechnology in development of the three‐dimensional scaffold. The goal is to determine potential alternatives for nerve regeneration and repair that are simply and directly applicable in clinical conditions.
Creation of Aggregation‐Defective α‐Synuclein Variants by Engineering the Sequence Connecting β‐Strand‐Forming Domains
Authors: Hernandez Michael , Golbert Sofia , Zhang Li Guo , Kim Jin Ryoun
Published: October 2011

The aggregation of α‐synuclein (αS), which is implicated in the pathology of Parkinson's disease, produces fibrils in which layers of parallel, in‐register β‐sheet–loop–β‐sheets are formed. The effects of sequence variation in the loop‐forming region (referred to as the linker region) on αS aggregation have yet to be systematically studied. In the study described here, we created and characterized αS variants containing mutations in the linker regions. Our results indicate that although the physicochemical properties of the linker region, evaluated based on an intrinsic property of a single amino acid, still play a significant role in aggregation, additional factors can also determine aggregation of αS linker mutants. Our analyses suggest that these factors include a pairwise potential for parallel in‐register β‐sheet formation. A linker variant displaying significantly reduced self‐aggregation interfered with αS aggregation by inhibiting the conversion of αS soluble species to αS insoluble fibrils. We anticipate that linker mutations could serve as a novel method of creating αS variants that are aggregationdefective and/or inhibit αS aggregation.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Alkaline Vapor Oxidation Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Activity Towards Glucose Oxidation of CuO Nanobelt Arrays.
Authors: Soejima Tetsuro , Yagyu Hitomi , Kimizuka Nobuo , Ito Seishiro
Published: October 2011

CuO nanobelt arrays supported on copper substrates are synthesized by partly immersing a Cu plate in an aqueous solution of NH3 and H2O2 (80 °C, 7 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Composition Dependence of the Photocatalytic Activities of BiOCl1‐xBrx Solid Solutions under Visible Light.
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Son Won‐Joon , Lu Jibao , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: October 2011

The title solid solutions are synthesized over the whole composition range (x = 0—1) by hydrothermal reaction of stoichiometric amounts of KCl, KBr, and Bi(NO3)3 (autoclave, 160 °C, 12 h).
ChemInform Abstract: A New Strategy for the Synthesis of Chiral β‐Alkynyl Esters via Sequential Palladium and Copper Catalysis.
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Taft Benjamin R. , Masters James T. , Lumb Jean‐Philip
Published: October 2011

A new synthetic access towards enantioenriched β‐alkynyl esters (IV) and (XI) is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Recycling of a Chiral Palladium Catalytic System for Asymmetric Allylic Substitutions in Ionic Liquid.
Authors: Favier Isabelle , Castillo Angelica Balanta , Godard Cyril , Castillon Sergio , Claver Carmen , Gomez Montserrat , Teuma Emmanuelle
Published: October 2011

A pyrrolidinium‐based ionic liquid is employed for the Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation, amination and phosphination of acetate (I).
ChemInform Abstract: Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Cyclopropanation with tert‐Butyl α‐Diazopropionate Catalyzed by Dirhodium(II) Tetrakis[N‐tetrabromophthaloyl‐(S)‐tert‐leucinate].
Authors: Goto Takayuki , Takeda Koji , Anada Masahiro , Ando Kaori , Hashimoto Shunichi
Published: October 2011

Generally high diastereoselectivity is already observed in the crude mixtures.
ChemInform Abstract: Mild Nonepimerizing N‐Alkylation of Amines by Alcohols Without Transition Metals.
Authors: Guerin Claire , Bellosta Veronique , Guillamot Gerard , Cossy Janine
Published: October 2011

The method includes the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols followed by imine/iminium formation upon treatment with amines and reduction with NaBH(OAc)3.
ChemInform Abstract: Atom‐Economical Chemoselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Diynes and Polysubstituted Furans/Pyrroles from Propargyl Alcohols and Terminal Alkynes.
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Xin‐liang , Chen Li , Zhan Zhuang‐ping
Published: October 2011

All types of title compounds are prepared from the same propargylic alcohols and terminal alkynes.
ChemInform Abstract: Expeditious Construction of Spiro‐Pyrrolidines by an Autocatalytic One‐Pot, Five‐Component, 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of in situ Generated Azomethine Ylides and Olefinic Dipolarophiles.
Authors: Li Ming , Gong Fu‐Meng , Wen Li‐Rong , Li Zhao‐Rui
Published: October 2011

The title compounds are prepared by a solvothermal synthesis in a highly regio‐ and stereoselective manner involving a classical Huisgen reaction in which the azomethine ylide and olefinic dipolarophiles are simultaneously generated in situ without the need to isolate the intermediates.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrosynthesis of Fluorinated Benzo[b]thiophene Derivatives.
Authors: Yin Bin , Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: October 2011

Anodic oxidation of benzo[b]thiophen‐3(2H)‐ones with Et3N·5HF in DME gives monofluorinated products in reasonable yields.
ChemInform Abstract: Regiodivergent Annulation of Alkynyl Indoles to Construct Spiro‐pseudoindoxyl and Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines.
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Qiang , Zhu Dao‐Yong , Jiao Zhi‐Wei , Li Bao‐Sheng , Zhang Fu‐Min , Tu Yong‐Qiang , Bi Zhigang
Published: October 2011

The N‐protecting group in the starting alkynyl indoles determines the reaction path.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Novel Heterocycles from 5‐Chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenylpyrazole‐4‐carbaldehyde.
Authors: Siddiqui Zeba N. , Praveen Shagufta , Musthafa T. N. Mohammed
Published: October 2011

4 Compounds of type (IV) or (VI) are prepared and screened for their antibacterial activities.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,2‐Amino Alcohol Derivatives.
Authors: Boto Alicia , Romero‐Estudillo Ivan
Published: October 2011

Decarboxylation/alkylation allows the introduction of alkyl, allyl or aryl substituents at the position of the carboxyl group.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 5‐Acetyloxazoles and 1,2‐Diketones from β‐Alkoxy‐β‐ketoenamides and Their Subsequent Transformations.
Authors: Lechel Tilman , Gerhard Markus , Trawny Daniel , Brusilowskij Boris , Schefzig Luise , Zimmer Reinhold , Rabe Juergen P. , Lentz Dieter , Schalley Christoph A. , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: October 2011

Three‐component reaction of lithiated alkoxyallenes (I) and (IX), nitriles and carboxylic acids provides access towards highly substituted β‐alkoxy‐β‐ketoenamides (IV), (XII) and (XIX).
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of Substituted Cyclopentanes Through a Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Formal [3 + 2]‐Cycloaddition of Vinyl Cyclopropanes and Alkylidene Azlactones.
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Morris Patrick J.
Published: October 2011

Vinyl cyclopropane (I) is used in asymmetric cycloadditions with a range of aryl, heterocyclic, alkenyl, and alkyl substituted azlactone alkylidenes.
ChemInform Abstract: A Mild and Efficient Four Component One‐Pot Synthesis of 2,4,5‐Triphenyl‐(1H‐1‐imidazolyl)isoxazoles Catalyzed by Ceric Ammonium Nitrate.
Authors: Rajanarendar E. , Murthy K. Rama , Reddy M. Nagi
Published: October 2011

A four‐component one‐pot reaction of benzil (I), aromatic aldehydes of type (II) or (V), isoxazole amines of type (III) or (VI), and ammonium acetate in the presence of cerium(IV) ammonium acetate is described.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of 3‐Aryl‐5‐methylisoxazoles from Aryl Aldehydes.
Authors: Zhu Shirong , Shi Shuhao , Gerritz Samuel W.
Published: October 2011

The approach includes a one‐pot combination of oxime formation, chlorination to hydroximinoyl chlorides and subsequent nitrile oxide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition with different dipolarophiles.
ChemInform Abstract: Improved Preparation of 2,4‐Thiazolidinedione.
Authors: Meng Ge , Gao Yang , Zheng Mei‐Lin
Published: October 2011

An economic and eco‐friendly synthesis of title compound (III) is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Some New Derivatives of 3,5‐Dimethyl Azopyrazole as Antifungal Agents.
Authors: Sareen V. , Khatri V. , Shinde D. , Sareen S.
Published: October 2011

8 Title compounds of type (V) are screened as antifungal agents.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Substituted Triazolyl Curcumin Mimics that Inhibit RANKL‐Induced Osteoclastogenesis.
Authors: Park Sang‐Kyu , Oh Sangtae , Shin Hye Kyoung , Kim Seong Hwan , Ham Jungyeob , Song Jae‐Seok , Lee Seokjoon
Published: October 2011

Cu‐catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐cycloaddition reaction between azidoarenes (I) and various alkynes leads to the title compounds (III) (22 examples).
ChemInform Abstract: 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐quinolones. Part 195. Synthesis of Novel, Potential Analgesics Based on 4‐(Hetarylmethyl)amino‐2‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carboxylic Acids.
Authors: Ukrainets I. V. , Mospanova E. V. , Savchenkova L. V. , Yankovich S. I.
Published: October 2011

A variety of the title 4‐aminoquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acids (III) are synthesized by amination of corresponding 4‐chloroquinolinecarboxylic acid (I) with primary amines (II).
ChemInform Abstract: 10‐Alkyl‐2,7‐dinitro‐9(10H)‐acridinones by Tandem SNAr Reactions.
Authors: Bunce Richard A. , Grant Matthew T.
Published: October 2011

Title compounds (VI) are formed smoothly by tandem SNAr reaction while all attempts to cyclize the mono‐nitro substrate (IX) fail.
ChemInform Abstract: 6,7‐Dimethoxy‐3,4‐dihydroisoquinolin‐1(2H)‐ylidenoacetonitrile in Some Fusion Reactions.
Authors: Afon'kin A. A. , Kostrikin M. L. , Shumeiko A. E. , Popov A. F.
Published: October 2011

A series of 1,2‐heterofused 6,7‐dimethoxytetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives is synthesized by reaction of title compound (I) with versatile dielectrophiles.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed C—C Coupling Reactions of 3,5‐Dichloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazin‐4‐one.
Authors: Ioannidou Heraklidia A. , Kizas Christos , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: October 2011

A wide range of derivatives is prepared via Suzuki—Miyaura, Stille and Sonogashira coupling from the parent (I).
ChemInform Abstract: Review on the Progress in Synthesis and Application of Magnetic Carbon Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhu Maiyong , Diao Guowang
Published: October 2011

Review: 251 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioenriched Compounds via Enzyme‐Catalyzed Redox Reactions
Authors: Hall Melanie , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: October 2011

Review: 243 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Reduction of Imines with Trichlorosilane Catalyzed by Chiral Lewis Bases
Authors: Kocovsky Pavel , Stoncius Sigitas
Published: October 2011

Review: 115 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Synthesis of α‐Branched Amines by Nucleophilic Addition of Unstabilized Carbanions to Imines
Authors: Charette Andre B.
Published: October 2011

Review: 242 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biocatalytic Methods for the Synthesis of Enantioenriched Odor Active Compounds
Authors: Brenna Elisabetta , Fuganti Claudio , Gatti Francesco G. , Serra Stefano
Published: October 2011

Review: 251 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Olefin Metathesis: A Revolution for the Synthesis of Complex Molecules During the 20th Century
Authors: Cossy Janine
Published: October 2011

Review: 26 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Gas‐Phase Cucurbit[n]uril Chemistry
Authors: Yang Fan , Dearden David V.
Published: October 2011

Review: 62 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Minimalist and Universal Peptidomimetics
Authors: Ko Eunhwa , Liu Jing , Burgess Kevin
Published: October 2011

Review: 101 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Terahertz Pulsed Spectroscopy and Imaging for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Shen Yao‐Chun
Published: October 2011

Review: 94 refs.
Hydrothermal Carbonization: A Review
Authors: Glasner Christoph , Deerberg Görge , Lyko Hildegard
Published: October 2011

Die hydrothermale Carbonisierung (HTC) eröffnet eine verfahrenstechnisch praktikable Möglichkeit, um aus einer Vielzahl von organischen Rest‐ und Abfallstoffen wertvollere Produkte zu erzeugen. Diese können Humus oder eine Art Biokohle sein, die als lagerfähiger und leicht zu transportierender Brennstoff oder evtl. als Bodenverbesserer genutzt werden kann. Darüber hinaus können spezialisierte, nanostrukturierte Materialien hergestellt werden. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Prozessen der Biomasseumwandlung sind die Anforderungen an den Rohstoff relativ gering. Besonders für feuchte Biomasse mit geringen Anteilen an reinen Wertstoffen wie Pflanzenöl, Stärke oder Zucker bietet sich die HTC an. Der Beitrag fasst den Stand des Wissens zusammen und ergänzt an geeigneten Stellen durch eigene Untersuchungen.
Non‐Adsorbing Macromolecules in Plasma Induce Erythrocyte Adhesion to the Endothelium
Authors: Yang Yang , Koo Stephanie , Xia Yun , Venkatraman Subbu , Neu Björn
Published: October 2011

Red blood cell (RBC) adhesion to the endothelium is usually insignificant. However, an enhanced adhesion can be observed in various pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus or sickle cell disease, which is often accompanied by elevated levels of pro‐adhesive plasma proteins such as fibrinogen. In the past, these proteins have only been considered to act as ligands, cross‐linking the corresponding receptors on adjacent cells, but the detailed underlying mechanism often remained obscure. This work demonstrates that the presence of non‐adsorbing polymers in plasma can also enhance the adhesion efficiency of RBCs to endothelial cells (ECs) through depletion interaction. Furthermore, adhesion of RBCs to ECs may be likewise promoted by the protein fibrinogen through depletion interaction. We propose an alternative mechanism for the pro‐adhesive effects of plasma proteins and indicate that depletion interaction might play a significant role for the stabilization and destabilization of blood flow in health and disease.
The Chemistry of Bioluminescence: An Analysis of Chemical Functionalities
Authors: Navizet Isabelle , Liu Ya‐Jun , Ferré Nicolas , Roca‐Sanjuán Daniel , Lindh Roland
Published: October 2011

Firefly luciferase is one of the most studied bioluminescent systems, both theoretically and experimentally. Herein we review the current understanding of the bioluminescent process from a chemical functionality perspective based on those investigations. Three key components are emphasized: the chemiluminophore, the electron‐donating fragment, and how these are affected by the substrate–enzyme interaction. The understanding is based on details of how the peroxide OO bond supports the production of electronically excited products and how the charge‐transfer (CT) mechanism, with the aid of an electron‐donating group, lowers the activation barrier to support a reaction occurs in living organisms. For the substrate–enzyme complex it is demonstrated that the enzyme can affect the hydrogen‐bonding around the CT‐controlling group, resulting in a mechanism for color modulation. Finally, we analyse other luciferin–luciferase systems and compare them to the key chemical functionalities of the fragments of the luciferin–luciferase complex with respect to similarities and differences.
Dielectric Properties of Lead‐Free BZT–KNN Perovskite Ceramics for Energy Storage
Authors: Gui Dong‐Yun , Liu Han‐Xing , Hao Hua , Sun Yue , Cao Ming‐He , Yu Zhi‐Yong
Published: October 2011

Lead‐free (1−x)Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3–x(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3; x=0–0.05) (BZT–KNN) perovskite ceramics, a materials with potential applications for energy storage, are investigated. The samples are prepared by a solid‐state reaction method. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to study the microstructure of the samples. Their dielectric properties and impedance spectra are reported as functions of temperature and frequency. The addition of 1 mol % (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 to Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3 improves the dielectric constant and enhances its diffuseness in a wide temperature range. The small amount of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 is found to markedly affect the microstructure of the Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3 ceramic (grain size and other characteristics) without changing the phase or crystal symmetry. In addition, we report that fine substructures in the grains, so‐called sheet structures, are responsible for the dielectric properties (both diffuseness and dielectric constant) of (1−x)Ba(Zr0.15Ti0.85)O3–x(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (x=0–0.03; especially x=0.01) ceramics.
RC models of a constant phase element
Authors: Valsa Juraj , Vlach Jiri
Published: October 2011

The paper describes models of a constant‐phase element consisting of passive R and C components. The models offer any input impedance argument (phase) between −90° and 0° over a selectable frequency band covering several decades. The design procedure makes it possible to choose values of average phase, phase ripple, frequency bandwidth, and total number of R and C elements. The model can cover three frequency decades with as few as five resistors and five capacitors. The models can be used for practical realization of fractional analog differentiators and integrators, fractional oscillators, chaotic networks or for analog simulation of fractional control systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A complementary metal–oxide semiconductor digitally programmable current conveyor
Authors: Alzaher Hussain , Tasadduq Noman , Al‐Ees Osama , Al‐Ammari Fares
Published: October 2011

A second‐generation current conveyor with digitally programmable current gains is presented. A current division network with zero standby power consumption is utilized in two different ways to provide both gain and attenuation of the second‐generation current conveyor's current transfer characteristics. The proposed topology overcomes several drawbacks of the previous solutions through affording a more power and area efficient solution while exhibiting relatively wider tuning range and bandwidth. A variable‐gain amplifier and a two‐integrator‐loop filter biquad providing low‐pass and band‐pass responses are given as application examples. A modified two‐integrator‐loop topology is developed to offer independent control of the pole frequency and quality factor without disturbing the passband gain. Simulation results obtained from a standard 0.18 µm complementary metal–oxide semiconductor process are given. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design space exploration for sparse matrix‐matrix multiplication on FPGAs
Authors: Lin Colin Yu , Wong Ngai , So Hayden Kwok‐Hay
Published: October 2011

The design and implementation of a sparse matrix‐matrix multiplication architecture on field‐programmable gate arrays is presented. Performance of the design, in terms of computational latency, as well as the associated power‐delay and energy‐delay tradeoff are studied. Taking advantage of the sparsity of the input matrices, the proposed design allows user‐tunable power‐delay and energy‐delay tradeoffs by employing different number of processing elements (PEs) in the architecture design and different block size in the blocking decomposition. Such ability allows designers to employ different on‐chip computational architecture for different system power‐delay and energy‐delay requirements. It is in contrast to conventional dense matrix‐matrix multiplication architectures that always favor the maximum number of PEs and largest block size. In our implementation, the better energy consumption and power‐delay product favors less PEs and smaller block size for the 90%‐sparsity matrix‐matrix multiplications. Although in order to achieve better energy‐delay product, more PEs and larger block size are preferred. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A transgenic mouse line expressing cre recombinase in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Dahlhoff Maik , Grzech Marjeta , Habermann Felix A. , Wolf Eckhard , Schneider Marlon R.
Published: October 2011

Transgenic mouse lines expressing Cre recombinase in a cell‐specific and tissue‐specific manner are essential tools for studying gene function and for developing suitable models for human diseases. Here, we used an expression cassette containing the full 5′ untranslated region of the porcine insulin gene to generate a mouse line expressing Cre recombinase specifically in pancreatic β‐cells by pronuclear DNA microinjection. We obtained a founder animal that transmitted the construct to its descendants in a Mendelian fashion and whose descendants showed a clear activation of β‐galactosidase expression in pancreatic β‐cells after crossing into the ROSA26 lacZ reporter mouse line. Cre expression in other organs was negative except for the kidney, intestine, and the cerebral pons where β‐galactosidase activity was detected in a small percentage of the cells. This new mouse line is a valuable tool for recombination of floxed alleles in pancreatic β‐cells in vivo. genesis 50:437–442, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Olefin‐Metathesis‐Based Synthesis of Furans by an RCM/Deprotonation/Phosphorylation Sequence and Their Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Geißler Diana
Published: October 2011

Butenolides, obtained by ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of acrylates, undergo quantitative deprotonation with amide bases. Trapping of the resulting anions with electrophiles, for example, chlorophosphates, give furans. Subsequent Diels–Alder reaction and acid‐catalysed rearrangement of the resulting oxabicyclonorbornadienes give substituted benzenes.
Triterpenoids and Limonoids from Dysoxylum lukii with Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Hu Jiang , Wang Xiao , Shi Xiaodong
Published: October 2011

A phytochemical investigation of a 70 % ethanol extract of the stem bark of Dysoxylum lukii has resulted in the isolation of eight new tirucallane‐type triterpenoids, one new limonoid, and five known compounds. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) analyses. The cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties of the isolated compounds were evaluated in vitro. Compounds 6 and 10 exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against all tested cell lines with IC50 values of 6.64–10.55 and 8.90–12.08 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compounds 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all the Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria tested.
Sol‐Gel Derived Nanostructured Metal Oxide Platform for Bacterial Detection
Authors: Solanki Pratima R. , Patel Manoj K. , Kaushik Ajeet , Pandey M. K. , Kotnala R. K. , Malhotra B. D.
Published: October 2011

O1 gene based 24‐mer single stranded deoxyribonucleic acid probe (ssDNA) has been immobilized onto sol‐gel derived nanostructured zirconium oxide (NanoZrO2) film fabricated onto indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) coated glass plate to detect Vibrio cholerae. The X‐ray diffraction and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques have been used to characterize the nanostructured ZrO2 (particle size of ∼ 30–40 nm) and the ssDNA/ZrO2 bioelectrode. The hybridization of ssDNA/ZrO2 bioelectrode with the complementary and genomic DNA has been investigated using differential pulse voltammetry. The results of electrochemical studies suggest that electro‐active and cationic NanoZrO2 provides an effective surface to bind with the phosphate group of DNA resulting in enhanced electron transport. The ssDNA/NanoZrO2 bioelectrode shows a detection range from 1×10−8 to 10 nM of complementary DNA of V. cholerae within 60 s of hybridization time at 25 °C using methylene blue as an electroactive indicator. This O1 gene based metal oxide (ZrO2) sensor exhibits sensitivity for ssDNA/NanoZrO2/ITO bioelectrode as 0.48 µA/nM cm−2 for complementary DNA and 2.34 µA/nM cm−2 for genomic DNA with regression coefficients (R) of 0.991 and 0.995, respectively. This DNA bioelectrode is stable for about 15 weeks when stored at 4 °C.
Ionic liquid‐assisted SDS‐PAGE to improve human serum protein separation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Gai Qingqing , Qu Feng , Zhang Yukui
Published: October 2011

Ionic liquid (IL)‐assisted sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ILs‐SDS‐PAGE) was presented to improve protein separation. ILs were employed during the preparation process of polyacrylamide gel, then the modified gel was used for commercial protein marker, binary bovine serum albumin/lysozyme (BSA/Lyz) and human serum separation. The influence of ionic liquid concentration, cation alkyl chain length, cation and anion types on proteins separation were investigated. The results showed that ILs played a role in improving some protein separation, and ILs‐SDS‐PAGE provided higher resolution and separation efficiency than ordinary SDS‐PAGE for low and middle relative molecular mass proteins in human serum. In addition, the principle of ILs‐SDS‐PAGE was discussed and the comparison of ILs‐SDS‐PAGE with ordinary SDS‐PAGE and Native PAGE was made.
Technical-grade perfluorooctane sulfonate alters the expression of more transcripts in cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes than linear perfluorooctane sulfonate
Authors: O'Brien Jason M , Austin Aislynn J , Williams Andrew , Yauk Carole L , Crump Doug , Kennedy Sean W
Published: October 2011

Recently it was discovered that the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) detected in wildlife, such as fish-eating birds, had a greater proportion of linear PFOS (L-PFOS) than the manufactured technical product (T-PFOS), which contains linear and branched isomers. This suggests toxicological studies based on T-PFOS data may inaccurately assess exposure risk to wildlife. To determine whether PFOS effects were influenced by isomer content, we compared the transcriptional profiles of cultured chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEH) exposed to either L-PFOS or T-PFOS using Agilent microarrays. At equal concentrations (10 µM), T-PFOS altered the expression of more transcripts (340, >1.5-fold change, p < 0.05) compared with L-PFOS (130 transcripts). Higher concentrations of L-PFOS (40 µM) were also less transcriptionally disruptive (217 transcripts) than T-PFOS at 10 µM. Functional analysis showed that L-PFOS and T-PFOS affected genes involved in lipid metabolism, hepatic system development, and cellular growth and proliferation. Pathway and interactome analysis suggested that genes may be affected through the RXR receptor, oxidative stress response, TP53 signaling, MYC signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and PPARγ and SREBP receptors. In all functional categories and pathways examined, the response elicited by T-PFOS was greater than that of L-PFOS. These data show that T-PFOS elicits a greater transcriptional response in CEH than L-PFOS alone and demonstrates the importance of considering the isomer-specific toxicological properties of PFOS when assessing exposure risk. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2846–2859. © 2011 SETAC
The US department of Energy's R&D program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through beneficial uses of carbon dioxide
Authors: Damiani Darin , Litynski John T. , McIlvried Howard G. , Vikara Derek M. , Srivastava Rameshwar D.
Published: October 2011

As high CO2‐emitting utilities and other industries move toward implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to manage greenhouse gas emissions, more and more CO2 will become available as a resource for multiple applications. CO2 will be a plentiful potential feedstock (carbon source) for many products, including commercial chemicals, plastics, and improved cement. Unfortunately, CO2 is a stable compound with a low energy state and does not readily participate in chemical reactions without added energy. Additionally, the supply of CO2 that may be available as the USA moves toward a carbon‐constrained economy far exceeds the current demand for CO2 as a commodity chemical. Thus, identifying candidate chemistries and economically feasible approaches that utilize large amounts of CO2 as a feedstock for high‐demand products is very challenging.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE), through its National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), has an active carbon sequestration program. The goal of the CO2 Utilization Focus Area is to identify and develop a suite of technologies that can beneficially use CO2 to produce useful products that can generate revenue to offset capture costs associated with CCS implementation, contribute to CO2 emissions reductions, and reduce the demand for petroleum based feedstocks and products. Currently, projects being supported fall into the categories of (i) enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, (ii) chemicals production, (iii) mineralization processes for building products, and (iv) plastics production. This perspective discusses the current status of CO2 use and presents a review of DOE's program to identify and demonstrate uses for captured CO2. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Geopolymer as well cement and the variation of its mechanical behavior with curing temperature
Authors: Nasvi Mohamed M.C. , Gamage Ranjith P. , Jay Sanjayan
Published: October 2011

Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are a major problem for all nations, and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration is one of the best practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gases. A large amount of CO2 is injected through sequestration wells into injection reservoirs. The injection wells play an important role; well integrity is an important part of any CO2 sequestration projects and well cement is the key to maintaining well integrity. To date, Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)‐based well cement has been used and there are many problems associated with this, including cement degradation, durability issues, and sustenance in acid‐rich environments. Therefore, this paper aims to study geopolymer as a well cement and the variation of its mechanical properties with different curing temperatures. Temperatures from ambient level (23 °C) up to 80 °C were considered, as well cement undergoes a range of temperatures from the ground surface to deep underground with a geothermal gradient of 30 °C/km. Stress‐strain variations and crack propagation stress thresholds were studied using stress‐strain and acoustic emission (AE) methods, and failure strain and orientation were studied using ARAMIS photogrammetry software for samples cured at different curing temperatures. The results show that the optimal curing temperature for higher strength is 60 °C; Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio generally increase with curing temperature. In general, crack closure, crack initiation, and crack damage thresholds increase with curing temperature. ARAMIS image capture showed that failure modes of low‐temperature cured samples are diagonal, whereas elevated‐temperature cured samples start to fail at the top and bottom compression plates. In addition, low‐temperature cured samples exhibit higher strain (6–8%) at failure, while elevated‐temperature cured samples exhibit low strain (0.8–3.5%) at failure. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The crystal structure of (1E,2E)‐2,2′‐dipyridylglyoxime
Authors: Sabaté Carles Miró , Delalu Henri
Published: October 2011

(1E,2E)‐2,2′‐dipyridylglyoxime (1) was synthesized by a literature method involving the reaction of 2,2′‐pyridyl with an excess of hydroxylammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide in distilled water. 1 was characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, mass spectrometry, and NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy. In addition, the crystal structure of 1 was determined by low temperature X‐ray analysis. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with four formula units in the unit cell and the following unit cell parameters: a = 6.269(1) Å, b = 10.258(1) Å, c = 9.132(1) Å, β = 107.59(1)°, and V = 559.7(1) Å3. Strong OċN hydrogen bonds link the molecules of 1, forming three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded networks; whereas the unclassical CċO hydrogen bonds result in the formation of C1,1(9) and C2,2(18) infinite chains and dimmer pairs with the graph‐set descriptor R2,2(16). Lastly, the structure of 1 was fully optimized using DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p)) and the NBO and Mulliken charges were calculated at the same level of theory. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:59–65, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20752
Evaluation of a biodegradable novel periosteal distractor
Authors: Zakaria Osama , Kon Kazuhiro , Kasugai Shohei
Published: October 2011

We developed a new device composed of a thin biodegradable mesh (poly‐L‐lactide/hydroxyapatite composite) for distracting periosteum. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of using this device as a periosteal distractor.

Materials and Methods:

Eight Japanese male rabbits were divided into two groups according to time of sacrifice. The calvarial periosteum was elevated and one side of a biodegradable mesh was fixed to the bone surface with two titanium screws. Seven days after the surgery, an elevating screw was inserted into the other side of the mesh. Then, the calvarial periosteum was elevated at maximum 0.5 mm every 12 h for 5 days. The device was designed to distract the periosteum at different rates along its entire surface. At 4 and 6 weeks of the consolidation, the animals were sacrificed and newly formed bone was histologically and radiographically evaluated.

Results:

The new device simplified periosteal distraction and reduced its invasiveness. Moreover, it successfully induced new bone formation from two sources; the periosteum and the underlying basal bone. Histomorphometric analysis of the distracted space showed that there is a relation between the rate of distraction and the amount of newly formed bone. We suggest that the optimal speed range for periosteal distraction in rabbit calvarial model could be less than 0.33 mm/day.

Conclusions:

The new device is slim, biodegradable and the procedure is simple. Thus, periosteal distraction with this device is potential for vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation in oral cavity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Creating a web‐based incident analysis and communication system
Authors: Marsal Scott , Heffner John E.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

Hospitals perform root cause analyses (RCA) and implement action plans for sentinel events (SE) to prevent similar adverse events. Dissemination of RCA action plans between hospitals has been limited by an absence of universal definitions of terms and classification frameworks, which have been recently proposed by the World Health Organization's International Classification for Patient Safety (ICPS). Tools do not exist, however, to assist hospitals in performing SE reviews aligned with the ICPS framework.

METHODS:

We developed an intranet‐based decision support tool that aligns SE reviews with the ICPS framework, and captures SEs and action plans into a searchable database for aggregate reporting. Its structural elements include: 1) encrypted database on a secure server; 2) decision support resources that align SE analyses with the ICPS classification; 3) drop‐down lists and help tools to standardize input; 4) standardized individual and aggregate SE reports that vary depending on recipients; 5) real‐time access to Web‐based RCA resources; 6) fishbone diagramming; and 7) query functions for database searches.

RESULTS:

Entry of 15 SE reports into the database framework identified gaps in our previous reviews. Safety personnel and health system leadership have expressed positive assessments of the database and approved funding for evaluation of system‐wide implementation.

DISCUSSION:

Expansion of our database to all safety incidents beyond SEs provides a resource for communicating safety opportunities between hospitals. We demonstrate how the ICPS classifications can be migrated into a decision support tool that has potential for standardizing root cause analyses, disseminating action plans, and improving patient safety. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Synthesis of deuterium‐labeled pregabalin
Authors: Shen Zucheng , Wu Wenchao , Wang Wei , Chen Liqin
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the synthesis of deuterium‐labeled pregabalin. The stable isotopic‐labeled compound was obtained in nine steps starting from the commercially available 4‐[2H11]methylvaleric acid as the stable‐labeled reagent. It is used as an internal standard for analysis and metabolic studies.

Pregabalin labeled with 2H was obtained in nine steps using the commercially available 4‐[2H11]methylvaleric acid as the stable‐labeled reagent. The synthesis prevents deuterium from scrambling and offers the labeled compound with over 99% isotopic enrichment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nano‐liquid chromatography—direct electron ionization mass spectrometry: improving performance by a new ion source adapter
Authors: Flender Cornelia , Wolf Christian , Leonhard Peter , Karas Michael
Published: October 2011

A novel interface adapter has been designed to provide a new way of directly coupling a nano‐liquid chromatograph to an electron ionization mass spectrometer. It connects the transfer capillary coming from the liquid chromatograph to the ionization chamber and can be easily screwed into the ion source. Liquid coming from the column passes through the heated adapter flow path and is vaporized. A continuous flow of new liquid pushes the vapor into the ionization chamber where it is ionized and continues on to the mass analyzer. The advantages of the new adapter are reduced ice formation inside the ion source and less clogging of the transfer capillary. Improvements achieved are demonstrated on the basis of caffeine and steroid analysis. The limits of detection of selected steroids are compared with and without the adapter. The adapter improves the detection limit of the system by a factor of 2 and precision from ≤15% to ≤9% relative standard deviation. No derivatization procedure is necessary before the analysis of small polar compounds. The resulting spectra are reproducible, easily interpretable, and database searchable. The new method is robust, delivers reproducible results, and provides a highly efficient alternative to existing methods in the field of pharmaceutical analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of chorea
Authors: Edwards Thomas C. , Zrinzo Ludvic , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Tom
Published: October 2011

Deep brain stimulation has been used as a means of reducing dyskinesias in various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and dystonia for many years. Recently, owing to the clinical similarities between L‐dopa induced dyskinesia and chorea, deep brain stimulation has now been implemented as a novel treatment method in both Huntington's disease and neuroacanthocytosis, and a paucity of case studies exist reporting its efficacy. This review will summarize the case studies of deep brain stimulation in both Huntington's disease and neuroacanthocytosis, and discuss the possible implications and limitations associated with these reports. As both these disorders are often refractory to medication and difficult to treat, deep brain stimulation may be a useful treatment option in the future. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Doorway‐provoked freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cowie Dorothy , Limousin Patricia , Peters Amy , Hariz Marwan , Day Brian L.
Published: October 2011

Freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease can be difficult to study in the laboratory. Here we investigate the use of a variable‐width doorway to provoke freeze behavior together with new objective methods to measure it. With this approach we compare the effects of anti‐parkinsonian treatments (medications and deep‐brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus) on freezing and other gait impairments. Ten “freezers” and 10 control participants were studied. Whole‐body kinematics were measured while participants walked at preferred speed in each of 4 doorway conditions (no door present, door width at 100%, 125%, and 150% of shoulder width) and in 4 treatment states (offmeds/offstim, offmeds/onstim, onmeds/offstim, onmeds/onstim). With no doorway, the Parkinson's group showed characteristic gait disturbances including slow speed, short steps, and variable step timing. Treatments improved these disturbances. The Parkinson's group slowed further at doorways by an amount inversely proportional to door width, suggesting a visuomotor dysfunction. This was not improved by either treatment alone. Finally, freeze‐like events were successfully provoked near the doorway and their prevalence significantly increased in narrower doorways. These were defined clinically and by 2 objective criteria that correlated well with clinical ratings. The risk of freeze‐like events was reduced by medication but not by deep‐brain stimulation. Freeze behavior can be provoked in a replicable experimental setting using the variable‐width doorway paradigm, and measured objectively using 2 definitions introduced here. The differential effects of medication and deep‐brain stimulation on the gait disturbances highlight the complexity of Parkinsonian gait disorders and their management. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
A Continuous‐Flow Polymerization Microprocess with Online GPC and Inline Polymer Recovery by Micromixer‐Assisted Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Bally Florence , Serra Christophe A. , Brochon Cyril , Anton Nicolas , Vandamme Thierry , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: October 2011

A microplant, starting from monomers to produce polymer particles, is described and integrates polymerization reaction, polymer analysis and nanoparticle formation in a single continuous‐flow microprocess. Original contribution is brought by online polymer analysis and inline polymer nanoprecipitation. Multi‐detection GPC of samples taken at the outlet of the microreactor actually enables the characterization of linear and branched polymers by combining a concentration‐ and a mass‐sensitive detection technique. When the steady state of the microreactor is reached, micromixer‐assisted nanoprecipitation of the polymer solution follows, leading to a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles with a narrow particle size distribution. Particle sizes, around 100 nm, can be tuned by process parameters.

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