bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targets for Particle Accelerators
Authors: Lommel Bettina , Kindler Birgit
Published: September 2014

This article gives an overview of the different targets applied in particle accelerators and a short introduction to the material demands and the techniques established for the production. The main emphasis is placed not only on solid targets and strategies to increase their lifetime but also liquid and internal targets are touched. Special production processes for highly enriched isotopes are discussed. Finally, characterization in the sense of thickness, purity, and homogeneity is an important issue. This review is meant to be an outline, so we have provided an extensive bibliography furnishing details of the original publications.
Weak Interaction
Authors: Hikasa Ken‐ichi
Published: September 2014

Weak interaction is one of the four known fundamental forces in Nature. H induces instability of many elementary particles. The interaction is mediated by particles called W and Z bosons and its structure has been understood in terms of so‐called gauge theory. The origin of the mass of the W and Z bosons as well as quarks and leptons still remains to be clarified.
Applied String Theory
Authors: Schimmrigk Rolf
Published: September 2014

This review contains a brief summary of the current status of the experimental constraints on the phenomena associated to the physics of extra dimensions. The emphasis is on those phenomenological ad hoc models that can be embedded into the fundamental framework of string theory.
Free‐Electron Lasers
Authors: Pellegrini Claudio , Reiche Sven
Published: September 2014

Free‐electron lasers (FELs) are radiation sources, based on the coherent emission of synchrotron radiation of relativistic electrons within an undulator or wiggler. The resonant radiation wavelength depends on the electron beam energy and can be tuned over the entire spectrum from micrometer to X‐ray radiation. The emission level of FELs is several orders of magnitude larger than the emission level of spontaneous synchrotron radiation, because the interaction between the electron beam and the radiation field modulates the beam current with the periodicity of the resonant radiation wavelength. The high brightness and the spectral range of this kind of radiation source facilitate the study of physical and chemical process on a femtosecond scale with angstrom resolution.
Electrostatic Accelerators
Authors: Weisser David C.
Published: September 2014

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Types of Electrostatic Accelerators

Cockcroft–Walton Voltage Multiplier Accelerator

Symmetric Cascaded Voltage Multiplier Accelerator

Dynamitron Accelerator

Insulating Core Transformer (
ICT
) Accelerator

V
an
de
G
raaff Accelerator

Two‐Stage (Tandem) Accelerators

Tandetron Accelerator

Pelletron Accelerator

Applications of Low‐Energy Electrostatic Accelerators

Material Transformation

Ion Implantation

Surface Processing

Electron‐Beam‐Induced Radiation Damage

Materials Analysis with Ion Beams

Particle‐Induced
X
‐Ray Emission (
PIXE
)

Rutherford Backscattering Analysis (
RBS
)

Channeling

Elastic Recoil Detection (
ERD
)

Resonance Scattering

Nuclear Reaction Analysis (
NRA
)

Activation Analysis

Ion Beam Microprobe

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (
AMS
)

High‐Energy Electrostatic Accelerators

Injectors in Nuclear Physics Research

Electrostatic Accelerator Injectors

LNS
Catania Injector and Radioactive Ion Beam Accelerators

ORNL
Injector and Radioactive Ion Beam Accelerator

Brookhaven National Laboratory—Dual
MP
Injectors

Argonne National Lab—
ATLAS

NEC
14–16
UD
Injectors

Acknowledgments
Tetrabutylammonium Iodide‐Catalyzed Phosphorylation of Benzyl CH Bonds via a Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling (CDC) Reaction
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Pengbo , Li Xueqin , Gao Yuzhen , Wu Ju , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: September 2014

Phosphate esters play important roles as biological active principles and synthons in chemistry. An efficient metal‐free approach for the synthesis of phosphate esters through sp3 CH activation is described. By using tetrabutylammonium iodide (Bu4NI) as a catalyst and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant, various toluene derivatives and phosphorus nucleophiles are tolerated in this transformation, affording the corresponding products in moderate to good yields.

magnified image
Enhancing the Image Contrast of Defect Patterns in Molded Plastic Cases of Mobile Phones with a Digital Image Process
Authors: Lee Taekyong , Tho Gihoon , Oh Seonghyeon , Hahn Jae W.
Published: September 2014

In this work, we describe a scatterometer, which is devised to detect defect patterns in the molded plastic cases of mobile phones. Fourier transform is applied to the scattered image of the defect pattern to calculate the distribution of spatial frequency of the pattern. By examining the spatial frequency distribution, which meets the defect patterns, we can greatly enhance the image contrast of the defect by separating the defect and background patterns. For practical purposes, a dielectric‐layer coating containing micrometer‐sized TiO2‐coated urethane balls is proposed for the molded case to reduce the visibility of defect patterns. The resulting changes in visibility are analyzed to investigate the effect of the weight ratio of the microballs in the dielectric layer. The visibility decreases by a factor of 2.7 with 5% weight ratio of the microball.
Recurrent ∼100 Kb microdeletion in the chromosomal region 14q11.2, involving CHD8 gene, is associated with autism and macrocephaly
Authors: Prontera Paolo , Ottaviani Valentina , Toccaceli Daniela , Rogaia Daniela , Ardisia Carmen , Romani Rita , Stangoni Gabriela , Pierini Angiolo , Donti Emilio
Published: September 2014

The most frequent causes of Intellectual Disability (ID)/Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are chromosomal abnormalities, genomic rearrangements and submicroscopic deletions coupled with duplications. We report here on an 11‐year‐old girl showing autism, macrocephaly, and facial dysmorphism, in which array‐CGH showed a de novo microdeletion of ∼114 Kb in the 14q11.2 chromosomal region, involving the SUPT16H, CHD8, and RAB2B genes. Four patients with ID and/or ASD and/or macrocephaly with overlapping deletions have been previously described: three showed very large rearrangements (>1 Mb), while one had a microdeletion of ∼101 Kb, largely overlapping the one reported herein. The minimal critical region, considering present and previous cases, contains the SUPT16H and CHD8 genes. Notably, recent studies also disclosed CHD8 heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in patients with ASD and macrocephaly. Our finding shows the presence of a recurrent microdeletion associated with a clinically recognizable phenotype, and further on underlines the pivotal role of CHD8 gene in the pathogenesis of the disorder. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Periventricular nodular heterotopia in Smith‐Magenis syndrome
Authors: Capra Valeria , Biancheri Roberta , Morana Giovanni , Striano Pasquale , Novara Francesca , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , Boeri Luca , Celle Maria Elena , Mancardi Maria Margherita , Zuffardi Orsetta , Parrini Elena , Guerrini Renzo
Published: September 2014

Smith‐Magenis syndrome (SMS) is caused by an interstitial microdeletion of chromosome 17p11.2. A few patients with the typical SMS phenotype have RAI1 gene mutations. The syndrome is characterized by minor craniofacial anomalies, short stature, sleep disturbances, behavioural and neurocognitive abnormalities, as well as variable multisystemic manifestations. Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is a genetically heterogeneous neuronal migration disorder characterized by subependymal heterotopic nodules, and is variably associated with other brain malformations, epileptic seizures and intellectual disability. Here we report on two patients harboring deletions of the 17p11.2 region in whom the SMS typical phenotype was associated with bilateral PNH. Our observations expand the spectrum of chromosomal rearrangements associated with PNH and indicate that abnormal neuronal migration may contribute to the neurocognitive phenotype of SMS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe epilepsy in an adult with partial trisomy 18q
Authors: del Gaudio Luigi , Striano Salvatore , Coppola Antonietta
Published: September 2014

Epilepsy is one of the most common presentations associated with chromosome aberrations. Detailed descriptions of some aberration‐specific epileptic and electroencephalographic (EEG) phenotypes have been reported (i.e., Angelman syndrome, ring 20 etc.). However there is limited and mixed information about the characteristics of epilepsy related to trisomy 18. Thus a common seizure phenotype has not been characterized yet. Here we describe in detail a patient with refractory epilepsy and partial 18q trisomy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seizures and EEG features in 74 patients with genetic‐dysmorphic syndromes
Authors: Alfei Enrico , Raviglione Federico , Franceschetti Silvana , D'Arrigo Stefano , Milani Donatella , Selicorni Angelo , Riva Daria , Zuffardi Orsetta , Pantaleoni Chiara , Binelli Simona
Published: September 2014

Epilepsy is one of the most common findings in chromosome aberrations. Types of seizures and severity may significantly vary both between different conditions and within the same aberration. Hitherto specific seizures and EEG patterns are identified for only few syndromes. We studied 74 patients with defined genetic‐dysmorphic syndromes with and without epilepsy in order to assess clinical and electroencephalographic features, to compare our observation with already described electro‐clinical phenotypes, and to identify putative electroencephalographic and/or seizure characteristics useful to address the diagnosis. In our population, 10 patients had chromosomal disorders, 19 microdeletion or microduplication syndromes, and 32 monogenic syndromes. In the remaining 13, syndrome diagnosis was assessed on clinical grounds. Our study confirmed the high incidence of epilepsy in genetic‐dysmorphic syndromes. Moreover, febrile seizures and neonatal seizures had a higher incidence compared to general population. In addition, more than one third of epileptic patients had drug‐resistant epilepsy. EEG study revealed poor background organization in 42 patients, an excess of diffuse rhythmic activities in beta, alpha or theta frequency bands in 34, and epileptiform patterns in 36. EEG was completely normal only in 20 patients. No specific electro‐clinical pattern was identified, except for inv‐dup15, Angelman, and Rett syndromes. Nevertheless some specific conditions are described in detail, because of notable differences from what previously reported. Regarding the diagnostic role of EEG, we found that—even without any epileptiform pattern—the generation of excessive rhythmic activities in different frequency bandwidths might support the diagnosis of a genetic syndrome. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mosaic deletion of EXOC6B: Further evidence for an important role of the exocyst complex in the pathogenesis of intellectual disability
Authors: Evers Christina , Maas Bianca , Koch Karin A. , Jauch Anna , Janssen Johannes W.G. , Sutter Christian , Parker Michael J. , Hinderhofer Katrin , Moog Ute
Published: September 2014

We describe a boy with developmental delay, speech delay, and minor dysmorphic features with a heterozygous de novo ∼460 kb deletion at 2p13.2 involving only parts of EXOC6B present in about 50% of lymphocytes. This widely expressed gene encodes the exocyst component 6B, which is part of a multiprotein complex required for targeted exocytosis. Little is known about the effect of EXOC6B haploinsufficiency. In 2008, a patient with a complex syndromic phenotype, including left renal agenesis, neutropenia, recurrent pulmonary infections, long bone diaphysis broadening, growth retardation, and developmental delay (DD) was found to carry a de novo translocation t(2;7) involving TSN3 and EXOC6B. Further characterization of the translocation indicated that disruption of TSN3 may be responsible for the skeletal phenotype. Recently, a heterozygous deletion of EXOC6B along with a deletion of the CYP26B1 gene has been reported in a boy with intellectual disability, speech delay, hyperactivity, facial asymmetry, a dysplastic ear, brachycephaly, and mild joint contractures. Additionally, disruption of EXOC6B by a de novo balanced translocation t(2;8) has been described in a patient with developmental delay, epilepsy, autistic and aggressive behavior. This is the first report of a de novo deletion affecting only EXOC6B in an individual with developmental delay. In conclusion, based on our findings and recent data from the literature, there is evidence that EXOC6B and the exocyst complex might play an important role in the molecular pathogenesis of intellectual disability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Major congenital anomalies in babies born with Down syndrome: A EUROCAT population‐based registry study
Authors: Morris Joan K. , Garne Ester , Wellesley Diana , Addor Marie‐Claude , Arriola Larraitz , Barisic Ingeborg , Beres Judit , Bianchi Fabrizio , Budd Judith , Dias Carlos Matias , Gatt Miriam , Klungsoyr Kari , Khoshnood Babak , Latos‐Bielenska Anna , Mullaney Carmel , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J. , O'Mahony Mary , Queisser‐Luft Annette , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Rounding Cath , Sipek Antonin , Stoianova Sylvia , Tucker David , de Walle Hermien , Yevtushok Lyubov , Loane Maria , Dolk Helen
Published: September 2014

Previous studies have shown that over 40% of babies with Down syndrome have a major cardiac anomaly and are more likely to have other major congenital anomalies. Since 2000, many countries in Europe have introduced national antenatal screening programs for Down syndrome. This study aimed to determine if the introduction of these screening programs and the subsequent termination of prenatally detected pregnancies were associated with any decline in the prevalence of additional anomalies in babies born with Down syndrome. The study sample consisted of 7,044 live births and fetal deaths with Down syndrome registered in 28 European population‐based congenital anomaly registries covering seven million births during 2000–2010. Overall, 43.6% (95% CI: 42.4–44.7%) of births with Down syndrome had a cardiac anomaly and 15.0% (14.2–15.8%) had a non‐cardiac anomaly. Female babies with Down syndrome were significantly more likely to have a cardiac anomaly compared to male babies (47.6% compared with 40.4%, P < 0.001) and significantly less likely to have a non‐cardiac anomaly (12.9% compared with 16.7%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of cardiac and non‐cardiac congenital anomalies in babies with Down syndrome has remained constant, suggesting that population screening for Down syndrome and subsequent terminations has not influenced the prevalence of specific congenital anomalies in these babies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyrotaxane‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanospheres into Fully Reversible Supercrystals
Authors: Coelho Joao Paulo , González‐Rubio Guillermo , Delices Annette , Barcina José Osío , Salgado Cástor , Ávila David , Peña‐Rodríguez Ovidio , Tardajos Gloria , Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés
Published: September 2014

The use of a thiol‐functionalized nonionic surfactant to stabilize spherical gold nanoparticles in water induces the spontaneous formation of polyrotaxanes at the nanoparticle surface in the presence of the macrocycle α‐cyclodextrin. Whereas using an excess of surfactant an amorphous gold nanocomposite is obtained, under controlled drying conditions the self‐assembly between the surface supramolecules provides large and homogenous supercrystals with hexagonal close packing of nanoparticles. Once formed, the self‐assembled supercrystals can be fully redispersed in water. The reversibility of the crystallization process may offer an excellent reusable material to prepare gold nanoparticle inks and optical sensors with the potential to be recovered after use.
Sequential Rhodium/Palladium Catalysis: Enantioselective Formation of Dihydroquinolinones in the Presence of Achiral and Chiral Ligands
Authors: Zhang Lei , Qureshi Zafar , Sonaglia Lorenzo , Lautens Mark
Published: September 2014

Compatible combinations of achiral and chiral ligands can be used in rhodium/palladium catalysis to achieve highly enantioselective domino reactions. The difference in rates of catalysis and minimal effects of ligand interference confer control in the domino sequence. The “all‐in‐one” 1,4‐conjugate arylation and CN cross‐coupling through sequential Rh/Pd catalysis provides access to enantioenriched dihydroquinolinone building blocks.
Ein heterometallischer FeII‐DyIII‐Einzelmolekülmagnet mit Rekord‐Anisotropiebarriere
Authors: Liu Jun‐Liang , Wu Jie‐Yi , Chen Yan‐Cong , Mereacre Valeriu , Powell Annie K. , Ungur Liviu , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Tong Ming‐Liang
Published: September 2014

Eine Rekord‐Anisotropiebarriere (319 cm−1) unter sämtlichen d‐f‐Komplexen wurde für einen einzigartigen FeII‐DyIII‐FeII‐Einzelmolekülmagneten (single molecule magnet, SMM) gefunden, der zwei asymmetrische und verzerrte FeII‐Ionen und ein quasi‐D5h‐symmetrisches DyIII‐Ion enthält. Die eingefrorene Magnetisierung der DyIII‐Ionen führt zur verlangsamten Relaxation der FeII‐Ionen, die im Mößbauer‐Spektrum beobachtet wird. Ab‐initio‐Rechnungen legen nahe, dass ein Tunneln durch Austauschdubletts erfolgreich unterbrochen wird.
Ein kationischer Zinkhydridcluster, stabilisiert durch ein N‐heterocyclisches Carben: Synthese, Reaktivität und Hydrosilylierungskatalyse
Authors: Rit Arnab , Zanardi Alessandro , Spaniol Thomas P. , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: September 2014

Der dreikernige kationische Zinkhydridcluster [(IMes)3Zn3H4(THF)](BPh4)2 (1) wurde entweder durch Protonierung des neutralen Zinkdihydrids [(IMes)ZnH2]2 mit einer Brønsted‐Säure oder durch Zugabe des Zink‐Dikations [(IMes)Zn(THF)]2+ gebildet. Oxidation von 1 mit PhS‐SPh führte zum dreifach verbrückten Thiophenolato‐Komplex 2. Die Protonolyse von 1 mit Methanol oder Wasser ergab die entsprechenden dreikernigen kationischen Derivate. Bei Raumtemperatur katalysierte 1 die Hydrosilylierung von Aldehyden, Ketonen und Nitrilen. Unter vergleichsweise harschen Reaktionsbedingungen wurde auch Kohlendioxid hydrosilyliert; Hauptprodukt bei der Umsetzung mit (EtO)3SiH ist Silylformiat.
The Formation of Imidazolium Salt Intimate (Contact) Ion Pairs in Solution
Authors: Zanatta Marcileia , Girard Anne‐Lise , Simon Nathalia M. , Ebeling Gunter , Stassen Hubert K. , Livotto Paolo R. , dos Santos Francisco P. , Dupont Jairton
Published: September 2014

1‐n‐Butyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium (BMMI) ionic liquids (ILs) associated with different anions undergo H/D exchange preferentially at 2‐Me group of the imidazolium in deuterated solvents. This process is mainly related to the existence of ion pairs rather than the anion basicity. The H/D exchange occurs in solvents (CDCl3 and MeCN for instance) in which intimate contact ion pairs are present and the anion possesses a labile H in its structure, such as hydrogen carbonate and prolinate. In D2O, separated ion pairs are formed and the H/D exchange does not occur. A plausible catalytic cycle is that the IL behaves as a neutral base in the course of all H/D exchange processes. NMR experiments, density functional calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations corroborate these hypotheses.
A Cationic Zinc Hydride Cluster Stabilized by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Hydrosilylation Catalysis
Authors: Rit Arnab , Zanardi Alessandro , Spaniol Thomas P. , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: September 2014

The trinuclear cationic zinc hydride cluster [(IMes)3Zn3H4(THF)](BPh4)2 (1) was obtained either by protonation of the neutral zinc dihydride [(IMes)ZnH2]2 with a Brønsted acid or by addition of the putative zinc dication [(IMes)Zn(THF)]2+. A triply bridged thiophenolato complex 2 was formed upon oxidation of 1 with PhSSPh. Protonolysis of 1 by methanol or water gave the corresponding trinuclear dicationic derivatives. At ambient temperature, 1 catalyzed the hydrosilylation of aldehydes, ketones, and nitriles. Carbon dioxide was also hydrosilylated under forcing conditions when using (EtO)3SiH, giving silylformate as the main product.
Effect of zinc maleate/zinc oxide complex on thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Li Guoxing , Wang Ming , Huang Xingliang , Li Haixia , He Hong
Published: September 2014

In this study, zinc maleate (ZnMA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) complex (ZnMA/ZnO) was prepared by two methods, namely, by the reaction of maleic acid (MAH) with excess ZnO in aqueous solution and by direct mixing of ZnMA and ZnO at 180°C. The chemical structure of the complex was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stabilizing effect of the complex on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was evaluated through static and dynamic stability methods. Compared to calcium and zinc soaps and ZnMA alone, the complex exhibited better thermal stabilizing effect on PVC. The stabilization mechanism was also investigated by ultraviolet–visible spectrometer, FTIR, TGA, and gel content analysis. The results indicated that the complex which involved the replacement of labile chlorine atoms hindered the formation of conjugated double bonds in PVC chains via Diels–Alder reaction, and ZnMA/ZnO complex also exhibited the ability to absorb hydrogen chloride. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41464.
Effects of hydrolysis degree of soy protein isolate on the structure and performance of hydrolyzed soy protein isolate/urea/formaldehyde copolymer resin
Authors: Qu Ping , Huang Hongying , Wu Guofeng , Sun Enhui , Chang Zhizhou
Published: September 2014

The hydrolyzed soy protein isolate (HSPI) with different hydrolysis degree was applied to modify urea‐formaldehyde resins (UF) via copolymerization process. The properties of HSPI were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and TGA. The results show that HSPI with different hydrolysis degree is obtained. 1H NMR and ATR‐FTIR spectra indicate that HSPI with different hydrolysis degree can incorporate into the structure of cured and uncured UF. The UF modified with higher hydrolysis degree of HSPI possess more stable units and contribute to the lower exothermic peak temperature in DSC curves. The bonding strength of HSPI modified UF increases as the hydrolysis degree of HSPI increases at the hot‐press temperature of 120°C and decreases at the hot‐press temperature of 150°C. The best bonding strength is 1.53 MPa at the hot‐press temperature of 135°C and improved 56.12% compared with UF. In addition, the formaldehyde emission is dramatically reduced. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41469.
Flame retarding effect of graphite in rotationally molded polyethylene/graphite composites
Authors: Mhike Washington , Ferreira Ignatius V. W. , Li Jing , Stoliarov Stanislav I. , Focke Walter W.
Published: September 2014

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) compounds containing 10 wt % graphite fillers were rotationally molded into flat sheets. Flame retardancy was studied using cone calorimeter tests conducted at a radiative heat flux of 35 kW/m2. Only the expandable graphite, an established flame retardant for polyethylene, significantly reduced the peak heat release rate. Compared with the neat polyethylene, it was easier to ignite the LLDPE composites containing carbon black, expandable graphite, and exfoliated graphite. However, rather unexpectedly, the inclusion of flake graphite increased the time to ignition by up to 80%. Simulations conducted with the ThermaKin numerical pyrolysis software suggest that increased reflectivity was mainly responsible for this effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41472.
Rheological properties of hydroxyl‐terminated and end‐capped aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters
Authors: Dunjic Branko , Tasic Srba , Bozic Branislav , Aleksandrovic‐Bondzic Vesna , Nikolic Marija S. , Djonlagic Jasna
Published: September 2014

The rheological behavior of two series of aliphatic hyperbranched (HB) polyesters, based on 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis‐MPA) and di‐trimethylol propane (Di‐TMP) as a tetrafunctional core, was studied. The effect of the size (pseudo‐generation number, from second to eight) and structure on the melt rheological properties was investigated for a series of hydroxyl‐terminated HB polyesters. In addition, the influence of the nature and degree of modification of the terminal OH groups in a series of fourth‐generation polyesters end‐capped with short and long alkyl chains and some aryl groups on the rheological properties was analyzed. The time–temperature superposition procedure was applied for the construction of master curves and for the analysis of the rheological properties of HB polyesters. The data obtained from WLF analysis of the HB polyesters showed that the values of the thermal coefficient of expansion of free volume αf and the fractional free volume at the glass transition temperature, fg, increase with increasing size of the HB polyesters. It was shown that the modified HB polyesters exhibited lower Tg and TG′=G″ temperatures, above which viscous became dominant over elastic behavior. From an analysis of the master curves of the modified HB polyesters, it was observed that with increasing degree of modification, both storage and loss modules and complex dynamic viscosity and apparent energy for viscoelastic relaxation decrease, because of reduced intermolecular hydrogen interactions. They do not exhibit a plateau of rubbery behavior, which confirms that no entanglements are present and that the molar masses are below the critical molar mass. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41479.
Synthesis of two PET waste derived bisacrylic and bisallylic monomers and their potential use as crosslinking agents and dental resin composites
Authors: Coreño Alonso Juan , Cruz Aguilar Antonio , Cuevas‐Suárez Carlos Enrique , Vázquez García Rosa Ángeles , Herrera‐González Ana María
Published: September 2014

Two novel bifunctional monomers obtained from PET waste glycolisis are reported. Bis(2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl) terephthalate and bis(2‐(((allyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)ethyl) terephthalate (BACET) monomers were obtained from bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate derived from PET waste and acryloyl chloride and allyl chloroformate, respectively. The monomers were characterized by FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies. They were evaluated as crossslinking agents for acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic (MA) acids using thermally initiated polymerization. The obtained copolymers showed higher thermal stability than the acrylic homopolymers. They were also tested for dental formulations as Bis‐GMA substitutes in heat curing resin composites. In spite of its lower reactivity, only BACET was able to substitute Bis‐GMA, due to its high solubility in the TEGDMA comonomer. Resin formulations containing nanosized silica and the mixture Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA or BACET/TEGDMA were prepared in order to compare physical and chemical properties. Water sorption, solubility, and flexural strength were found statistically similar for both formulations. However, flexural modulus was lower and double bond conversion was higher for the BACET resin, which could make it appropriate for its potential use in dental resin composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41487.
Motor Deficits in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross‐Syndrome Study
Authors: McPhillips Martin , Finlay Jennifer , Bejerot Susanne , Hanley Mary
Published: September 2014

Recent research suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience some level of motor difficulty, and that this may be associated with social communication skills. However, other studies show that children with language impairments, but without the social communication problems, are at risk of motor difficulties as well. The aim of the present study was to determine if children with ASD have syndrome‐specific motor deficits in comparison to children with specific language impairment (SLI). We used an independent groups design with three groups of children (8–10 years old) matched on age and nonverbal IQ: an ASD group, an SLI group, and a typically developing (TD) group. All of the children completed an individually administered, standardized motor assessment battery. We found that the TD group demonstrated significantly better motor skills than either the ASD or SLI groups. Detailed analyses of the motor subtests revealed that the ASD and SLI groups had very similar motor profiles across a range of fine and gross motor skills, with one exception. We conclude that children with ASD, and SLI, are at risk of clinically significant motor deficits. However, future behavioral and neurological studies of motor skills in children with ASD should include an SLI comparison group in order to identify possible autism‐specific deficits. Autism Res 2014, 7: 664–676. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Fluorimetric Readout Reporting the Kinetics of Nucleotide‐Induced Human Ribonucleotide Reductase Oligomerization
Authors: Fu Yuan , Lin Hong‐Yu , Wisitpitthaya Somsinee , Blessing William A. , Aye Yimon
Published: September 2014

Human ribonucleotide reductase (hRNR) is a target of nucleotide chemotherapeutics in clinical use. The nucleotide‐induced oligomeric regulation of hRNR subunit α is increasingly being recognized as an innate and drug‐relevant mechanism for enzyme activity modulation. In the presence of negative feedback inhibitor dATP and leukemia drug clofarabine nucleotides, hRNR‐α assembles into catalytically inert hexameric complexes, whereas nucleotide effectors that govern substrate specificity typically trigger α‐dimerization. Currently, both knowledge of and tools to interrogate the oligomeric assembly pathway of RNR in any species in real time are lacking. We therefore developed a fluorimetric assay that reliably reports on oligomeric state changes of α with high sensitivity. The oligomerization‐directed fluorescence quenching of hRNR‐α, covalently labeled with two fluorophores, allows for direct readout of hRNR dimeric and hexameric states. We applied the newly developed platform to reveal the timescales of α self‐assembly, driven by the feedback regulator dATP. This information is currently unavailable, despite the pharmaceutical relevance of hRNR oligomeric regulation.
Cognitive function is associated with prison behaviour among women in prison but not with subjective perception of adjustment to prison
Authors: Rocha Nuno B. F. , Fonseca Duarte A. , Marques Alina B. , Rocha Susana A. , Hoaken Peter N. S.
Published: September 2014

Background

There is considerable evidence that aspects of cognitive function, especially executive function, are associated with antisocial behaviour and violence, but most research to date has measured current cognition and previous criminal behaviour. Furthermore, this research has been conducted almost exclusively with male offenders.

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine relationships between a wide range of cognitive functions and behaviours among women in prison. Our hypotheses were that cognitive functioning would be associated with both more‐or‐less contemporaneously observed behaviour problems and self‐rated adjustment to the environment.

Method

Forty‐five drug‐free imprisoned female offenders were individually assessed on a battery of cognitive measures. Prison staff rated their behaviour on the Prison Behaviour Rating Scale and the women rated their own sense of adjustment to the environment on the Prison Adjustment Questionnaire.

Results

Stepwise hierarchical regressions indicated that attention was independently associated with behaviours reflecting tension, depression, isolation, fear, victimisation and worry, whereas processing speed was independently associated with behaviours reflecting lack of energy, mental slowness and lack of awareness of the surrounding environment and total Prison Adjustment Questionnaire score. There was no relationship between cognitive functioning and subjective perception of adjustment to prison.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice and Future Research

Results indicate that cognition contributes to some of the behavioural problems displayed by inmates in the prison context. Future studies should evaluate the role of programmes to improve cognitive processes in also improving prison behaviour and also test for continuities and discontinuities with post‐release integrative success. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection of Biphasic Liquid Systems in Liquid‐Liquid Chromatography Using Predictive Thermodynamic Models
Authors: Frey Andreas , Hopmann Elisabeth , Minceva Mirjana
Published: September 2014

The possibility of using thermodynamic models for screening biphasic liquid systems, including systems for which liquid‐liquid equilibrium data are not available, is demonstrated. The liquid‐liquid equilibrium in different biphasic systems and the partition coefficients of solutes in these systems are predicted with UNIFAC and COSMO‐RS. The predictions are based only on the molecular structure of the solutes and solvents. The advantages and limitations of the two models are explored using fourteen solutes and five biphasic solvent systems. The overall results show that the theoretically selected systems closely match the systems chosen by experimental screening. The experimental work needed for selecting a suitable biphasic system for a given separation problem can be drastically reduced with the help of predictive thermodynamic models.
THF: An Efficient Electron Donor in Continuous Flow Radical Cyclization Photocatalyzed by Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Woźnica Magdalena , Chaoui Nicolas , Taabache Soraya , Blechert Siegfried
Published: September 2014

Mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐C3N4) was found to be an efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for the metal‐free radical cyclization of 2‐bromo‐1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds. Reactions leading to functionalized cyclopentanes proceed under mild conditions and can be conducted in a continuous flow photoreactor. Compared to the batch reaction, the use of a continuous flow reactor resulted in a significant reduction in reaction time (complete conversion of 0.04 mmol of substrate in a batch was achieved after 4 h, whereas in a flow reactor the same amount of substrate was fully converted into a product within 40 min). Mechanistic studies of the reaction showed that THF plays not only the role of solvent, but is also a crucial hydrogen and electron donor.
A new tool for the quantitative analysis of dendritic filopodial motility
Authors: Tárnok Krisztián , Gulyás Márton , Bencsik Norbert , Ferenc Katalin , Pfizenmaier Klaus , Hausser Angelika , Schlett Katalin
Published: September 2014

Dendritic filopodia are tiny and highly motile protrusions formed along the dendrites of neurons. During the search for future presynaptic partners, their shape and size change dynamically, with a direct impact on the formation, stabilization and maintenance of synaptic connections both in vivo and in vitro. In order to reveal molecular players regulating synapse formation, quantitative analysis of dendritic filopodia motility is needed. Defining the length or the tips of these protrusions manually, however, is time consuming, limiting the extent of studies as well as their statistical power. Additionally, area detection based on defining a single intensity threshold can lead to significant errors throughout the image series, as these small structures often have low contrast in fluorescent images. To overcome these problems, the open access Dendritic Filopodia Motility Analyzer, a semi‐automated ImageJ/Fiji plugin was created. Our method calculates the displacement of the centre of mass (CoM) within a selected region based on the weighted intensity values of structure forming pixels, selected by upper and lower intensity thresholds. Using synthetic and real biological samples, we prove that the displacement of the weighted CoM reliably characterizes the motility of dendritic protrusions. Additionally, guidelines to define optimal parameters of live cell recordings from dendritic protrusions are provided. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Patterns of postprandial hyperglycemia after basal insulin therapy: individual and regional differences
Authors: Shaefer Charles , Reid Timothy , DiGenio Andres , Vlajnic Aleksandra , Zhou Rong , Ameer Barbara , Riddle Matthew
Published: September 2014

Background

Treatment of postprandial hyperglycemia could be needed when basal insulin added to oral therapy does not maintain glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) targets in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Knowing individual and regional patterns of postprandial hyperglycemia in this setting might improve therapeutic decisions.

Methods

Patient‐level self‐monitored blood glucose data were pooled from six studies of insulin glargine for patients with HbA1C ≥ 7.0% after 24 weeks. Percentages of participants with highest daily postprandial blood glucose and greatest postprandial increments after each of the three daily meals were calculated and compared between four geographical regions; USA, Canada, Germany, and other European countries.

Results

For 494 participants (mean age 60.1 years, diabetes duration 9.6 years, and BMI 29.8 kg/m2), mean endpoint HbA1C was 7.8%. On insulin glargine treatment, highest postprandial blood glucose most often occurred post‐dinner (44% of participants) and greatest postprandial increments post‐breakfast (46% of participants) in all regions. Participants with greatest postprandial increments post‐breakfast were older and experienced less HbA1C improvement with insulin glargine than those with greatest postprandial increments after other meals. Post‐breakfast and post‐dinner postprandial blood glucose was higher in the USA and Canada versus Germany, and in the USA versus Other European countries (all p < 0.05). Postprandial increments after dinner were greater in the USA versus all other regions.

Conclusions

Generally, highest postprandial blood glucose follows dinner and greatest postprandial increments follow breakfast. Variations in patient characteristics and eating patterns might underlie differences both within and between regions. Awareness of regional differences and evaluation of an individual's typical eating pattern might facilitate appropriate prandial therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of diabetes on hospitalization for ischemic stroke and related in‐hospital mortality: a study in Tuscany, Italy, over years 2004–2011
Authors: Policardo Laura , Seghieri Giuseppe , Anichini Roberto , De Bellis Alessandra , Franconi Flavia , Francesconi Paolo , Del Prato Stefano , Mannucci Edoardo
Published: September 2014

Background

Incidence of ischemic stroke and associated in‐hospital mortality is decreasing in Western populations, while the prevalence of diabetes, a well‐known risk factor for ischemic stroke, is progressively rising. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of diabetes on ischemic stroke hospitalization and in‐hospital mortality after ischemic stroke.

Methods

Discharges with diagnosis of ischemic stroke were identified in a database containing all hospitalizations of resident population of Tuscany, Italy, over years 2004–2011. Cases with diabetes were identified through specific drug prescriptions, official certifications or previous hospital diagnosis. Rates of annual ischemic stroke incidence and related in‐hospital mortality were separately calculated for gender and age class, in subjects with and without diabetes.

Results

Sixty‐five thousand one hundred sixty‐five hospital discharges with ischemic stroke diagnosis were identified. Diabetes was associated with increased risk of stroke odds ratio(95% confidence interval):1.31(1.28–1.34) in men and 1.24(1.21–1.37) in women. Diabetic women, compared with men, had a higher in‐hospital mortality risk after ischemic stroke (odds ratio:1.32; 1.06–1.64), whereas in non‐diabetic subjects, there was no difference between genders. Incidence of ischemic stroke has declined in non‐diabetic subjects, except for women aged ≤70 years; a similar reduction was observed for in‐hospital mortality. Among diabetic patients, conversely, annual incidence of ischemic stroke rose by 3% in the elderly people (>70 years), and annual mortality trend remained unchanged.

Conclusions

In the last decade, the incidence of ischemic stroke and of related in‐hospital mortality declined in persons without diabetes, while increasing among diabetic patients of advanced age. Women with diabetes, compared with men, had a higher in‐hospital mortality risk. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk genes and autoantibodies in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes – low frequency of autoantibodies in carriers of the HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*02 risk haplotype
Authors: El‐Amir Mostafa I. , El‐Feky Mohamed Ali , Laine Antti‐Pekka , Härkönen Taina , El‐Badawy Omnia , Eltayeb Azza A. , El‐Melegy Tarek Taha , Kiviniemi Minna , Knip Mikael , Ilonen Jorma
Published: September 2014

Background

The study aimed to define the frequencies of type 1 diabetes‐associated gene polymorphisms and their associations with various diabetes‐associated autoantibodies in Egyptian children.

Methods

One hundred and one children with type 1 diabetes and 160 healthy controls from the same region were studied for HLA‐DQB1, HLA‐DQA1, and HLA‐DRB1 (DR4 subtypes) alleles; for INS and protein tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor type 22 gene polymorphisms (rs689 and rs2476601); and for diabetes‐associated autoantibodies.

Results

Most children with diabetes (77.2%) were positive for the HLA‐(DR3)‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02 (DR3‐DQ2) haplotype compared with 26.2% of the controls (OR = 9.5; p < 0.001). HLA‐DRB1*04:02‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*03:02 (DR4‐DQ8) (26.7%, OR = 3.3; p < 0.001), DRB1*04:05‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*02 (DR4‐DQ2) (23.8%, OR 5.2; p < 0.001), and DRB1*04:05‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*03:02 (DR4‐DQ8) (8.9%, OR = 7.7; p = 0.007) were also significantly increased. HLA‐(DR15)‐DQB1*06:01, (DR13)‐DQB1*06:03, and DRB1*04:03‐DQA1*03‐DQB1*03:02 were the most protective haplotypes with OR values from 0.04 to 0.06. Patients positive for DR3‐DQ2 but negative for DR4 haplotypes had a high frequency of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (78%; p < 0.001 versus other genotypes), but only 26.6% of those with DR3‐DQ2/DR4‐DQ2 tested positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (p = 0.006 versus other genotypes). Subjects with the DR4‐DQ8 haplotype without DR3‐DQ2 or DR4‐DQ2 were more often positive for islet antigen‐2 and zinc transporter 8 antibodies (55.5%, p = 0.007 and 55.5%, p = 0.01 respectively). The AA genotype of the INS gene was more common in patients than in controls (75.2 versus 59.5%, OR = 2.07; p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Besides a strong HLA‐DR3‐DQ2 association, a relatively high frequency of the DR4‐DQ2 haplotype characterized the diabetic population. The low frequency of autoantibodies in children with HLA‐DR4‐DQ2 may indicate specific pathogenetic pathways associated with this haplotype. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of action potentials in determining neuron‐type‐specific responses to nitric oxide
Authors: Estes Stephen , Zhong Lei Ray , Artinian Liana , Tornieri Karine , Rehder Vincent
Published: September 2014

The electrical activity in developing and mature neurons determines the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which in turn is translated into biochemical activities through various signaling cascades. Electrical activity is under control of neuromodulators, which can alter neuronal responses to incoming signals and increase the fidelity of neuronal communication. Conversely, the effects of neuromodulators can depend on the ongoing electrical activity within target neurons; however, these activity‐dependent effects of neuromodulators are less well understood. Here, we present evidence that the neuronal firing frequency and intrinsic properties of the action potential (AP) waveform set the [Ca2+]i in growth cones and determine how neurons respond to the neuromodulator nitric oxide (NO). We used two well‐characterized neurons from the freshwater snail Helisoma trivolvis that show different growth cone morphological responses to NO: B5 neurons elongate filopodia, while those of B19 neurons do not. Combining whole‐cell patch clamp recordings with simultaneous calcium imaging, we show that the duration of an AP contributes to neuron‐specific differences in [Ca2+]i, with shorter APs in B19 neurons yielding lower growth cone [Ca2+]i. Through the partial inhibition of voltage‐gated K+ channels, we increased the B19 AP duration resulting in a significant increase in [Ca2+]i that was then sufficient to cause filopodial elongation following NO treatment. Our results demonstrate a neuron‐type specific correlation between AP shape, [Ca2+]i, and growth cone motility, providing an explanation to how growth cone responses to guidance cues depend on intrinsic electrical properties and helping explain the diverse effects of NO across neuronal populations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 435–451, 2015
High altitude, prolonged exercise, and the athlete biological passport
Authors: Schumacher Yorck O. , Garvican Laura A. , Christian Ryan , Lobigs Louisa M. , Qi Jiliang , Fan Rongyun , He Yingying , Wang Hailing , Gore Christopher J. , Ma Fuhai
Published: September 2014

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) detects blood doping in athletes through longitudinal monitoring of erythropoietic markers. Mathematical algorithms are used to define individual reference ranges for these markers for each athlete. It is unclear if altitude and exercise can affect the variables included in these calculations in a way that the changes might be mistaken for blood manipulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the simultaneous strenuous exercise and low to high altitude exposure on the calculation algorithms of the ABP. 14 sea level (SL) and 11 altitude native (ALT) highly trained athletes participated in a 14‐day cycling stage race taking place at an average altitude of 2496 m above sea level (min. 1014 m, max. 4120 m), race distances ranged between 96 and 227 km per day. ABP blood measures were taken on days ‐1,3,6,10,14 (SL) and ‐1,9,15 (ALT) of the race. Four results from three samples of two different SL athletes exceeded the individual limits at the 99% specificity threshold and one value at 99.9%. In ALT, three results from three samples of three different athletes were beyond the individual limits at 99%, one at 99.9%. The variations could be explained by the expected physiological reaction to exercise and altitude. In summary, the abnormalities observed in the haematological ABP´s of well‐trained athletes during extensive exercise at altitude are limited and in line with expected physiological changes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.