bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid relay control mechanism for ribbon topology in low‐voltage power line communication networks
Authors: Xiang Min , Wen Chao , Hou Xing‐ zhe
Published: October 2014

The communication reliability and distance of the low‐voltage power line communication system are seriously affected by the channel interference and the time variant load impedance. Therefore, how to control the relay nodes to reduce the communication delay and improve the communication reliability is mainly considered in the design. A novel hybrid relay control mechanism (HRCM) that includes the static relay pre‐configuration and the dynamic relay selection is designed for the ribbon topology in the low‐voltage power line communication networks. In the ribbon topology, the initial configuration for the communication link is realized through the pre‐configure relay nodes, which guarantees that the concentrator can communicate with the furthest terminal node. During the normal operations, the dynamic relay node is selected according to the sequence number of the uplink or downlink data frame and the data discard strategy. With the relay node dynamical selected mechanism, the frame repeated transmission can be avoided and the communication delay is reduced. The actual test results show that the hybrid relay control mechanism can effectively extend the communication distance, improve the communication real‐time and the reliability of the low‐voltage power line communication. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasting roles for MyoD in organizing myogenic promoter structures during embryonic skeletal muscle development
Authors: Cho Ok Hyun , Mallappa Chandrashekara , Hernández‐Hernández J. Manuel , Rivera‐Pérez Jaime A. , Imbalzano Anthony N.
Published: October 2014

Background: Among the complexities of skeletal muscle differentiation is a temporal distinction in the onset of expression of different lineage‐specific genes. The lineage‐determining factor MyoD is bound to myogenic genes at the onset of differentiation whether gene activation is immediate or delayed. How temporal regulation of differentiation‐specific genes is established remains unclear. Results: Using embryonic tissue, we addressed the molecular differences in the organization of the myogenin and muscle creatine kinase (MCK) gene promoters by examining regulatory factor binding as a function of both time and spatial organization during somitogenesis. At the myogenin promoter, binding of the homeodomain factor Pbx1 coincided with H3 hyperacetylation and was followed by binding of co‐activators that modulate chromatin structure. MyoD and myogenin binding occurred subsequently, demonstrating that Pbx1 facilitates chromatin remodeling and modification before myogenic regulatory factor binding. At the same time, the MCK promoter was bound by HDAC2 and MyoD, and activating histone marks were largely absent. The association of HDAC2 and MyoD was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and sequential ChIP. Conclusions: MyoD differentially promotes activated and repressed chromatin structures at myogenic genes early after the onset of skeletal muscle differentiation in the developing mouse embryo. Developmental Dynamics 244:43–55, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early divergence of central and peripheral neural retina precursors during vertebrate eye development
Authors: Venters Sara J. , Mikawa Takashi , Hyer Jeanette
Published: October 2014

Background: During development of the vertebrate eye, optic tissue is progressively compartmentalized into functionally distinct tissues. From the central to the peripheral optic cup, the original optic neuroepithelial tissue compartmentalizes, forming retina, ciliary body, and iris. The retina can be further sub‐divided into peripheral and central compartments, where the central domain is specialized for higher visual acuity, having a higher ratio and density of cone photoreceptors in most species. Results: Classically, models depict a segregation of the early optic cup into only two domains, neural and non‐neural. Recent studies, however, uncovered discrete precursors for central and peripheral retina in the optic vesicle, indicating that the neural retina cannot be considered as a single unit with homogeneous specification and development. Instead, central and peripheral retina may be subject to distinct developmental pathways that underlie their specialization. Conclusions: This review focuses on lineage relationships in the retina and revisits the historical context for segregation of central and peripheral retina precursors before overt eye morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 244:266–276, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One shall become two: Separation of the esophagus and trachea from the common foregut tube
Authors: Billmyre Katherine Kretovich , Hutson Mary , Klingensmith John
Published: October 2014

The alimentary and respiratory organ systems arise from a common endodermal origin, the anterior foregut tube. Formation of the esophagus from the dorsal region and the trachea from the ventral region of the foregut primordium occurs by means of a poorly understood compartmentalization process. Disruption of this process can result in severe birth defects, such as esophageal atresia and tracheo‐esphageal fistula (EA/TEF), in which the lumina of the trachea and esophagus remain connected. Here we summarize the signaling networks known to be necessary for regulating dorsoventral patterning within the common foregut tube and cellular behaviors that may occur during normal foregut compartmentalization. We propose that dorsoventral patterning serves to establish a lateral region of the foregut tube that is capable of undergoing specialized cellular rearrangements, culminating in compartmentalization. We review established as well as new rodent models that may be useful in addressing this hypothesis. Finally, we discuss new experimental models that could help elucidate the mechanism behind foregut compartmentalization. An integrated approach to future foregut morphogenesis research will allow for a better understanding of this complex process. Developmental Dynamics 244:277–288, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in the thermal physiology of adult Yarrow's spiny lizards (Sceloporus jarrovii) in relation to sex and body size
Authors: Beal Martin S. , Lattanzio Matthew S. , Miles Donald B.
Published: October 2014

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is often assumed to reflect the phenotypic consequences of differential selection operating on each sex. Species that exhibit SSD may also show intersexual differences in other traits, including field‐active body temperatures, preferred temperatures, and locomotor performance. For these traits, differences may be correlated with differences in body size or reflect sex‐specific trait optima. Male and female Yarrow's spiny lizards, Sceloporus jarrovii, in a population in southeastern Arizona exhibit a difference in body temperature that is unrelated to variation in body size. The observed sexual variation in body temperature may reflect divergence in thermal physiology between the sexes. To test this hypothesis, we measured the preferred body temperatures of male and female lizards when recently fed and fasted. We also estimated the thermal sensitivity of stamina at seven body temperatures. Variation in these traits provided an opportunity to determine whether body size or sex‐specific variation unrelated to size shaped their thermal physiology. Female lizards, but not males, preferred a lower body temperature when fasted, and this pattern was unrelated to body size. Larger individuals exhibited greater stamina, but we detected no significant effect of sex on the shape or height of the thermal performance curves. The thermal preference of males and females in a thermal gradient exceeded the optimal temperature for performance in both sexes. Our findings suggest that differences in thermal physiology are both sex‐ and size‐based and that peak performance at low body temperatures may be adaptive given the reproductive cycles of this viviparous species. We consider the implications of our findings for the persistence of S. jarrovii and other montane ectotherms in the face of climate warming.
The phenotypic variance gradient – a novel concept
Authors: Pertoldi Cino , Bundgaard Jørgen , Loeschcke Volker , Barker James Stuart Flinton
Published: October 2014

Evolutionary ecologists commonly use reaction norms, which show the range of phenotypes produced by a set of genotypes exposed to different environments, to quantify the degree of phenotypic variance and the magnitude of plasticity of morphometric and life‐history traits. Significant differences among the values of the slopes of the reaction norms are interpreted as significant differences in phenotypic plasticity, whereas significant differences among phenotypic variances (variance or coefficient of variation) are interpreted as differences in the degree of developmental instability or canalization. We highlight some potential problems with this approach to quantifying phenotypic variance and suggest a novel and more informative way to plot reaction norms: namely “a plot of log (variance) on the y‐axis versus log (mean) on the x‐axis, with a reference line added”. This approach gives an immediate impression of how the degree of phenotypic variance varies across an environmental gradient, taking into account the consequences of the scaling effect of the variance with the mean. The evolutionary implications of the variation in the degree of phenotypic variance, which we call a “phenotypic variance gradient”, are discussed together with its potential interactions with variation in the degree of phenotypic plasticity and canalization.
A Descriptive Study of Universities' Use of GRE® General Test Scores in Awarding Fellowships to First‐Year Doctoral Students
Authors: Rock JoAnn Leah , Adler Rachel M.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways in which universities use the GRE® General Test scores to award merit‐based fellowships to first‐year graduate students in doctoral programs. While GRE use in fellowship award decisions is a common practice, there is very little validity evidence to support its use in this context. This exploratory qualitative study uses an argument‐based validity approach as a conceptual framework to document GRE use systematically in award decisions. The findings from this study indicate that universities use merit‐based fellowships to recruit the best and the brightest graduate students. The GRE is used as part of the nominee selection process in departments and is also used in the final selection process by university‐wide committees. The GRE scores are primarily used to infer whether students have the baseline knowledge and skills needed to succeed in graduate school. These academic competencies were one of the characteristics the decision makers identified as required for successful doctoral students. The participants stated that the factors for success in graduate school are nebulous; however, the students with high GRE scores and other noteworthy supporting materials are expected to perform strongly in graduate school and, therefore, are worthy of the investment of a merit‐based fellowship.
Development of Lightweight 200‐W Direct Methanol Fuel Cell System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Applications and Flight Demonstration
Authors: Kang K. , Park S. , Cho S.‐O. , Choi K. , Ju H.
Published: October 2014

A lightweight 200‐W direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) stack was developed to power a small‐scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). To reduce the weight and volume of the DMFC stack, carbon‐composite bipolar plates were fabricated using natural graphite, phenolic resin, and carbon black. In addition, lightweight end plates, bolts, and nuts were fabricated using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials. The lightweight DMFC stack, which was designed for small UAV operating under cruising conditions, consisted of 33 cells, in which membrane‐electrode assemblies (MEAs) with active area of 88 cm2 were stacked with the composite bipolar plates. The DMFC stack was first evaluated under various methanol feed concentrations. It produced a maximum power of 251 W at 13.4 V and 71.3 °C under methanol feed concentration of 2 M. Thereafter, the DMFC stack was integrated with a Li‐polymer battery as an auxiliary power source, and the load‐sharing characteristics of the UAV propulsion system were tested under actual flight mode comprising takeoff, cruising, and landing. The flight test results showed that the lightweight DMFC stack successfully delivered full power for cruise flight, whereas the battery provided the additional power required during takeoff. This work successfully demonstrated that the DMFC technology can be applied to small‐scale UAVs.
Effects of dorsal hippocampal damage on conditioning and conditioned‐response timing: A pooled analysis
Authors: Tam Shu K.E. , Jennings Dómhnall J. , Bonardi Charlotte
Published: October 2014

Behavioral findings suggest that the dorsal hippocampus (DHPC) plays a role in timing of appetitive conditioned responding. The present article explored the relationship between the extent of DHPC damage and timing ability, in a pooled analysis of three published studies from our laboratory. Initial analyses of variance confirmed our previous reports that DHPC damage reduced peak time (a measure of timing accuracy). However, the spread (a measure of timing precision) was unchanged, such that the coefficient of variation (spread/peak time) was significantly larger in DHPC‐lesioned animals. This implies that, in addition to the well‐established effect of DHPC lesions on timing accuracy, DHPC damage produced a deficit in precision of timing. To complement this analysis, different generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs) were performed on the combined dataset, to examine which combinations of the different behavioral measures of timing were the best predictors of the degree of hippocampal damage. The results from the GLMM analysis suggested that the greater the DHPC damage, the greater the absolute difference between the observed peak time and reinforced duration. Nevertheless, this systematic relationship between damage and performance was not specific to the temporal domain: paradoxically the greater the damage the greater the magnitude of peak responding. We discuss these lesion effects in terms of scalar timing theory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolooxazine and Fused 1,2,3‐Triazolo‐δ‐Lactone Derivatives
Authors: Gümüş Ayşegül , Mert Kudret , Tanyeli Cihangir
Published: October 2014

The stereoselective synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazolooxazine and fused 1,2,3‐triazolo‐δ‐lactone by applying chemoenzymatic methods is described. trans‐2‐Azidocyclohexanol was successfully resolved by Novozyme 435 with an ee value of 99%. Installation of the alkyne moiety on the enantiomerically enriched azidoalcohol by O‐alkylation, followed by intramolecular azidealkyne [3+2] cycloaddition resulted in the desired 1,2,3‐triazolooxazine derivative. Enantiomerically pure azidocyclohexanol was also subjected to the Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate, followed by intramolecular cyclization of the corresponding cycloadduct, to furnish a fused 1,2,3‐triazolo‐δ‐lactone.
DielsAlder Cyclization of a Dihydropyridine: NMR Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Crystallography, and DFT Computations. Bent Aromatic Dimeric Clusters in the Solid Phase
Authors: Fraenkel Gideon , Song Jinhua , Chow Albert , Gallucci Judith C.
Published: October 2014

Structural studies of the N‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl) derivative of a DielsAlder‐cyclized 1,2‐dihydropyridine both unequivocally established the polycyclic framework and revealed interesting distortions of aromatic structure and unique dimeric clustering of the aromatic entities in the solid state.
Aphagranols D – H: Five New Limonoids from the Fruits of Aphanamixis grandifolia
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wang Jun‐Song , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: October 2014

Five new limonoids, aphagranols D–H (1–5, resp.), were isolated from the EtOH extract of the fruits of Aphanamixis grandifolia by chromatographic methods. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by comparison the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All of the isolates were evaluated for insecticidal activities.
Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Synthesis of Ketene Imines under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Emtiazi Hamideh , Amrollahi Mohammad A.
Published: October 2014

An efficient and simple procedure for the synthesis of ketene imines via a one‐pot three‐component reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanide, diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and 1,4‐dihydropyridines under ultrasonic irradiation is described. The remarkable advantages are the simplicity of the experimental procedures, high yields, and short reaction times.
Prenylated Indole Alkaloid Derivatives from Marine Sediment‐Derived Fungus Penicillium paneum SD‐44
Authors: Li Chun‐Shun , Li Xiao‐Ming , An Chun‐Yan , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: October 2014

Three new prenylated indole alkaloids, including two β‐carbolines, penipalines A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and one indole carbaldehyde derivative, penipaline C (3), as well as two known indole derived analogs, 4 and 5, were isolated from the deep‐sea‐sediment derived fungus Penicillium paneum SD‐44 cultured in a 500‐l bioreactor. The structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy, as well as by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The new compounds 2 and 3 showed potent cytotoxic activities against A‐549 and HCT‐116 cell lines.
The Institutional Antecedents of the Assignment of HRM Responsibilities to Line Managers
Authors: Brewster Chris , Brookes Michael , Gollan Paul J.
Published: October 2014

This article uses large‐scale international data to examine how much autonomy organizations have to assign human resource management responsibilities to line managers, as indicated in the prescriptions of the literature. We use data from 11 countries to explore the impact of a variety of internal characteristics of organizations and the kind of economy in which they operate. We find that around half of the organizations assign HRM responsibilities to the line and that organizations appear to have considerable latitude in making choices in this area. Organizations in the Nordic economies are most likely to assign responsibilities for HRM to the line and those in the liberal market economies are the least likely to do so. In any economy, larger organizations, unionized organizations, and those with strategically positioned HRM departments are the least likely to allocate responsibilities for HRM to the line. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research and for practice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A combined rainfall infiltration model based on Green–Ampt and SCS‐curve number
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Zhonggen , Liu Changming
Published: October 2014

The Green–Ampt infiltration equation is an incomplete governing equation for rainfall infiltration due to the absence of an inertia term. The estimation of the capillary pressure head at the wetting front is difficult to determine. Thus, a major limitation of the Green–Ampt model is the constant, non‐zero surface ponding depth. This paper proposes an integrated rainfall infiltration model based on the Green–Ampt model and the SCS‐CN model. It achieves a complete governing equation for rainfall infiltration by momentum balance and the water budget based on the Green–Ampt assumption, and uses the curve number from the SCS‐CN method to calculate the initial abstraction, which is used as a basic parameter for the governing equation of the intensity of rainfall loss during the runoff period. The integrated rainfall infiltration model resolves the dilemma for capillary pressure head estimation, overcomes the limitation of constant, non‐zero surface ponding depth, and facilitates the calculation of runoff for individual flood simulations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA‐378 inhibits cell growth and enhances l‐OHP‐induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Kai‐Yu , Ma Jun , Zhang Fu‐Xi , Yu Ming‐Jun , Xue Ji‐Shan , Zhao Ji‐Sheng
Published: October 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that participate in a variety of biological processes, and dysregulation of miRNAs is widely associated with cancer development and progression. MiR‐378 is frequently downregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cell lines; however, it has high serum levels. Bioinformatics analysis further deduced that CDC40 is a potential target of miR‐378, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed the direct regulation of CDC40 by miR‐378. CDC40 plays a key role in cell cycle progression through G1/S and G2/M and pre‐mRNA splicing. Subsequently, we determined that miR‐378 inhibits cell growth and the G1/S transition in CRC cells and that these effects were CDC40‐dependent. Finally, miR‐378 increased cell apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic drug l‐OHP. Our data highlight the potential application of miR‐378 as a tumor suppressor for CRC therapy and overcoming chemoresistance, and it may also be a potential tumor marker for CRC prognosis. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(9):645–654, 2014
Computing pKA values of hexa‐aqua transition metal complexes
Authors: Galstyan Gegham , Knapp Ernst‐Walter
Published: October 2014

Aqueous pKA values for 15 hexa‐aqua transition metal complexes were computed using a combination of quantum chemical and electrostatic methods. Two different structure models were considered optimizing the isolated complexes in vacuum or in presence of explicit solvent using a QM/MM approach. They yield very good agreement with experimentally measured pKA values with an overall root mean square deviation of about 1 pH unit, excluding a single but different outlier for each of the two structure models. These outliers are hexa‐aqua Cr(III) for the vacuum and hexa‐aqua Mn(III) for the QM/MM structure model. Reasons leading to the deviations of the outlier complexes are partially explained. Compared to previous approaches from the same lab the precision of the method was systematically improved as discussed in this study. The refined methods to obtain the appropriate geometries of the complexes, developed in this work, may allow also the computation of accurate pKA values for multicore transition metal complexes in different oxidation states. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moral Injury, Meaning Making, and Mental Health in Returning Veterans
Authors: Currier Joseph M. , Holland Jason M. , Malott Jesse
Published: October 2014

Objective

This study examined whether exposure to morally injurious experiences (MIEs) contribute to mental health problems among returning Veterans via meaning made of possible traumas.

Method

A total of 131 Iraq and/or Afghanistan Veterans completed assessments of exposure to possible warzone traumas, meaning made of a salient stressor from their lives, and mental health symptomatology (e.g., posttraumatic stress, depression, suicidality).

Results

Structural equation modeling findings revealed that MIEs were indirectly linked with mental health outcomes via the extent to which Veterans were able to make meaning of their identified stressors. However, we also found that the direct path from MIEs to mental health problems was statistically significant.

Conclusion

These findings provide preliminary evidence that difficulties with meaning making could serve as a mediating pathway for how MIEs increase the risk for adjustment problems after warzone service, but that other factors associated with moral injury also have a bearing on psychological functioning among Veterans.
Metformin powder formulation compared to metformin tablets on glycemic control and on treatment satisfaction in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Derosa Giuseppe , Romano Davide , Bianchi Lucio , D'Angelo Angela , Maffioli Pamela
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the new metformin powder formulation improves the treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes, in a case‐control clinical trial. We enrolled 602 subjects in therapy with metformin in tablets formulation and instructed them to take the same dose of metformin in the new powder formulation. At baseline, and after 6 months since the assumption of metformin powder, each patient answered the following questionnaires: the SF‐36 Health Survey, the Diabetes Quality Of Life questionnaire Modified (DQOL/Mod), and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). We also assessed the following at baseline, at 3 and 6 months: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial glucose (PPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). We observed a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c, FPG, PPG, FPI, and HOMA‐IR (P < .05 for all) with metformin powder. The DTSQ questionnaire showed a higher level of satisfaction linked to the assumption of metformin powder compared to the tablets formulation. In conclusion, metformin powder formulation seems to be more appropriate for the treatment of diabetic patients. The improvement of glycemic control suggests a better adherence to the powder formulation.
Stem cells in the development and differentiation of the human adrenal glands
Authors: Terada Tadashi
Published: October 2014

There are no studies on stem cells (SCs) and development and differentiation (DD) of the human adrenal glands. The SCs in DD of the adrenal glands were herein investigated histochemically and immunohistochemically in 18 human embryonic adrenal glands at gestational week (GW) 7–40. At 7 GW, the adrenal glands were present, and at 7 GW, numerous embryonic SCs (ESCs) are seen to create the adrenal cortex. The ESCs were composed exclusively of small cells with hyperchromatic nuclei without nucleoli. The ESCs were positive for neural cell adhesion molecule, KIT, neuron‐specific enolase, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α, synaptophysin, and MET. They were negative for other SC antigens, including chromogranin, ErbB2, and bcl‐2. They were also negative for lineage antigens, including cytokeratin (CK)7, CK8, CK18, and CK19, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, epithelial membrane antigen, HepPar1, mucin core apoprotein (MUC)1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6, and cluster differentiation (CD)3, CD45, CD20, CD34, and CD31. The Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) was high (Ki‐67 LI = around 20%). α‐Fetoprotein was positive in the ESCs and adrenal cells. The ESC was first seen in the periphery of the adrenal cortex at 7–10 GW. The ESC migrates into the inner part of the adrenal cortex. Huge islands of ESC were present near the adrenal, and they appeared to provide the ESC of the adrenal. At 16 GW, adrenal medulla appeared, and the adrenal ESCs were present in the periphery or the cortex, in the cortical parenchyma, corticomedullary junctions, and in the medulla. The adrenal essential architecture was established around 20 GW; however, there were still ESCs. At term, there are a few ESCs. These data suggest that the adrenal glands were created by ESCs. Microsc. Res. Tech., 78:59–64, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beyond Aid: A Conceptual Perspective on the Transformation of Development Cooperation
Authors: Janus Heiner , Klingebiel Stephan , Paulo Sebastian
Published: October 2014

Development cooperation is part of an international system characterised by fragmentation and limitations in global problem solving. Drawing on the term beyond aid, this article explores the transformation of development cooperation within this system. The article distinguishes four dimensions of beyond aid – actors, finance, regulation and knowledge – where aid loses relevance relative to other fields of international cooperation. Creating links to these beyond aid dimensions is at the core of the transformation of development cooperation. Understanding this transformation as a learning process, the article identifies ‘specialisation’ and ‘integration’ as two options for the future of development cooperation. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Versuche zum Vorgang der Wasserstoffübertragung, X. Der H‐D‐Austausch Zwischen Deuterium‐Gas und Alkylbenzolen in Gegenwart von Raney‐Nickel
Authors: Horner Leopold , Mayer Dietmar
Published: October 2014

Die Wasserstoffatome in der Seitenkette von Alkylbenzolen werden an trockenem Raney‐Nickel schneller ausgetauscht als kernständig gebundener Wasserstoff. Der Deuterium‐Gehalt des Kerns nimmt jedoch mit der Reaktionszeit auf Kosten desjenigen der Seitenkette zu. Im Vakuum getrocknetes Raney‐Nickel (Methode C) besitzt eine höhere Hydrierungs‐ und Austauschaktivität als mit Benzol azeotrop entwässerter Katalysator (Methode B). Ein nach Methode C hergestelltes Präparat bewirkt eine Verteilung des Deuteriums in der Reihenfolge Seitenkette para> meta>ortho, wie mit Toluol, o‐, m‐ und p‐Xylol sowie Mesitylen gezeigt wird. Auf Grund eines Isotopeneffektes reichert sich C‐gebundenes Deuterium in der flüssigen Phase an. Austauschversuche mit Äthyl‐, Isopropyl‐ und tert.‐Butyl‐benzol ergeben, daß der α‐ständige Wasserstoff der Seitenkette bevorzugt ausgetauscht wird.
Hypaconitin (Desoxymesaconitin) und Desoxyaconitin
Authors: Tsuda Yoshisuke , Achmatowicz Osman , Marion Léo
Published: October 2014

Es wird gezeigt, daß das Alkaloid Hypaconitin mit Desoxymesaconitin (II) identisch ist, welches aus Mesaconitin (III) durch Entfernung des Ring‐A‐Hydroxyls dargestellt wurde. Hypaconitin hat dieselbe absolute Konfiguration wie Aconitin (I). — Handelsaconitin enthält eine geringe Menge Desoxyaconitin (N‐Äthyl‐N‐desmethyl‐hypaconitin, V), welches isoliert wird.
Über Triterpene, XVII. Das Aglykon des Cyclamins
Authors: Tschesche Rudolf , Inchaurrondo Fermin , Wulff Günter
Published: October 2014

Es wird gezeigt, daß „Cyclamiretin”︁ (Cyclamiretin D, V) nicht das genuine Aglykon des Cyclamins (I) ist, sondern erst durch Säurehydrolyse aus dem genuinen Oleanan‐3β. 16α‐diol‐25‐al‐13β.28‐oxid (Cyclamiretin A, II) entsteht.
Aminozuckersynthesen, VII. 3.4‐Anhydrozucker der Galaktosamin‐ und Allosamin‐Reihe
Authors: Gross Paul H. , Brendel Klaus , Zimmerman Howard K.
Published: October 2014

Im Benzyl‐N‐cbo‐3‐acetyl‐4.6‐dimesyl‐α‐D‐glucosamin kann die 6‐Mesyl‐Gruppe mit Eisessig/Acetanhydrid + Kaliumacetat durch Acetyl ersetzt werden, wobei die 4‐Mesyl‐Gruppe erhalten bleibt. Die 4‐Mesyl‐Gruppe kann unter Bildung eines 3.4‐Anhydrozuckers in Dioxan/Isopropylalkohol mit Natriumisopropylat abgespalten werden, wobei die 6‐Mesyl‐Gruppe erhalten bleibt. Ausgehend von Benzyl‐N‐cbo‐3‐mesyl‐4.6‐diacetyl‐β‐D‐glucosamin gelangt man zum Benzyl‐N‐cbo‐3.4‐anhydro‐6‐mesyl‐β‐D‐allosamin. Selektiv mesylierte Aminozucker sind für Synthesen von Polyaminozuckern und Desoxyaminozuckern von Interesse.
Systemic Injection of CK2.3, a Novel Peptide Acting Downstream of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor BMPRIa, Leads to Increased Trabecular Bone Mass
Authors: Akkiraju Hemanth , Bonor Jeremy , Olli Kristine , Bowen Chris , Bragdon Beth , Coombs Harold , Donahue Leah Rae , Duncan Randall , Nohe Anja
Published: October 2014

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) regulates bone integrity by driving both osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. However, BMP2 as a therapeutic has significant drawbacks. We have designed a novel peptide CK2.3 that blocks the interaction of Casein Kinase 2 (CK2) with Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor type Ia (BMPRIa), thereby activating BMP signaling pathways in the absence of ligand. Here, we show that CK2.3 induced mineralization in primary osteoblast cultures isolated from calvaria and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) of 8 week old mice. Further, systemic tail vein injections of CK2.3 in 8 week old mice resulted in increased bone mineral density (BMD) and mineral apposition rate (MAR). In situ immunohistochemistry of the femur found that CK2.3 injection induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK), but not Smad in osteocytes and osteoblasts, suggesting that CK2.3 signaling occurred through Smad independent pathway. Finally mice injected with CK2.3 exhibited decreased osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast activity. These data indicate that the novel mimetic peptide CK2.3 activated BMPRIa downstream signaling to enhance bone formation without the increase in osteoclast activity that accompanies BMP 2 stimulation.© 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:208–215, 2015.
Reactive Blending of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber and In situ Synthesized Thermoplastic Polyurethane‐Urea: Novel Preparation Method and Characterization
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Stöckelhuber Klaus Werner , Mahmood Nasir , Komber Hartmut , Heinrich Gert
Published: October 2014

Blends of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and in‐situ synthesized thermoplastic polyurethane‐urea (PUU) are prepared by a reactive blending method. The PUU is synthesized in‐situ from the polyaddition of 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate‐terminated prepolymer with Bisaniline‐M during blending with NBR in an internal mixer. The 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis shows up to 93% conversion of Bisaniline‐M to PUU in NBR/PUU blends. The incorporation of PUU improves the tensile characteristic, tear and abrasion resistance however a temperature dependent softening of amorphous PUU phase diminishes the dynamic‐mechanical behavior of blend vulcanizates. Improvement in physical properties of blends is attributed to good interfacial adhesion between dispersed PUU domains and continuous NBR matrix as seen by TEM.
Metabolic fate of neutral human milk oligosaccharides in exclusively breast‐fed infants
Authors: Dotz Viktoria , Rudloff Silvia , Meyer Christina , Lochnit Günter , Kunz Clemens
Published: October 2014

Scope

Various biological effects have been postulated for human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), as deduced from in vitro, animal, and epidemiological studies. Little is known about their metabolic fate in vivo in the breast‐fed infant, which is presented here.

Methods and results

Human milk and infant urine and feces were collected from ten mother–child pairs and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF MS (/MS), accompanied by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Previously, we detected intact small and complex HMO in infant urine, which had been absorbed from gut, as verified via intrinsic 13C‐labeling. Our current work reveals the presence of novel HMO metabolites in urine and feces of breast‐fed infants. The novel metabolites were identified as acetylated HMOs and other HMO‐like structures, produced by the infants or by their gut microbiota. The finding of secretor‐ or Lewis‐specific HMO in the feces/urine of infants fed with nonsecretor or Lewis‐negative milk suggested a correspondent modification in the infant.

Conclusion

Our study reveals new insights into the metabolism of neutral HMO in exclusively breast‐fed infants and provides further indications for multiple factors influencing HMO metabolism and functions that should be considered in future in vivo investigations.
Surgical treatment of neurogenic stress urinary incontinence: A systematic review of quality assessment and surgical outcomes
Authors: Farag Fawzy , Koens Martin , Sievert Karl‐Dietrich , De Ridder Dirk , Feitz Wout , Heesakkers John
Published: October 2014

Background

There are many opinions but little firm knowledge about the optimal treatment of neurogenic stress urinary incontinence (NSUI).

Objective

To scrutinize the quality and surgical outcomes of the available treatment modalities in the published literature.

Evidence Acquisition

A systematic review of the published literature from Pub Med and Web of Science was undertaken for studies describing surgical treatment of NSUI between 1990 and 2013. A checklist of criteria of methodological and reporting quality of interventions in urological publications was applied to assess quality of the retrieved publications. Surgical outcomes of success, failure, and reoperation were calculated. Statistical analyses included one‐way ANOVA and post‐hoc tests to determine significant differences between groups.

Evidence Synthesis

Thirty studies were identified with Level 3 evidence. The quality of reporting was 43–81%, with significantly higher quality noted in studies published after 2002 (64% vs. 45%, P < 0.0001). None of the studies followed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Three primary surgical procedures were used in 29 of 30 studies: artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), urethral slings, and urethral bulking agents. One study used a ProACT device. AUS was considered more successful than urethral bulking agents (77 ± 15% vs. 27 ± 20%, P = 0.002). Urethral bulking agents reported higher failures than urethral sling procedures (49 ± 16% vs. 21 ± 19%, P = 0.016) and AUS (21 ± 19% vs. 10 ± 11%, P < 0.002).

Conclusions

The quality of evidence obtained from non‐RCTs is modest. Surgeries for NSUI have relatively high success rates but also high complication rates in this highly heterogeneous population. More studies using modern techniques are required to update our knowledge. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:21–25, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of exogenous substrate concentrations on true and apparent metabolism of hyperpolarized pyruvate in the isolated perfused lung
Authors: Kadlecek Stephen , Shaghaghi Hoora , Siddiqui Sarmad , Profka Harrilla , Pourfathi Mehrdad , Rizi Rahim
Published: October 2014

Although relatively metabolically inactive, the lung has an important role in maintaining systemic glycolytic intermediate and cytosolic redox balance. Failure to perform this function appropriately may lead to lung disease progression, including systemic aspects of these disorders. In this study, we experimentally probe the response of the isolated, perfused organ to varying glycolytic intermediate (pyruvate and lactate) concentrations, and the effect on the apparent metabolism of hyperpolarized 1‐13C pyruvate. Twenty‐four separate conditions were studied, from sub‐physiological to super‐physiological concentrations of each metabolite. A three‐compartment model is developed, which accurately matches the full range of experiments and includes a full account of evolution of agent concentration and polarization. The model is then refined using a series of approximations which are shown to be applicable to cases of physiological relevance, and which facilitate an intuitive understanding of the saturation and scaling behavior. Perturbations of the model assumptions are used to determine the sensitivity to input parameter estimates, and finally the model is used to examine the relationship between measurements accessible by NMR and the underlying physiological parameters of interest. Based on the observed scaling of lactate labeling with lactate and pyruvate concentrations, we conclude that the level of hyperpolarized lactate signal in the lung is primarily determined by the rate at which NAD+ is reduced to NADH. Further, although weak dependences on other factors are predicted, the modeled NAD+ reduction rate is largely governed by the intracellular lactate pool size. Conditions affecting the lactate pool can therefore be expected to display the highest contrast in hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate imaging. The work is intended to serve as a basis both to interpret the signal dynamics of hyperpolarized measurements in the normal lung and to understand the cause of alterations seen in a variety of disease and exposure models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference node selection in dynamic tree
Authors: Jabbarifar Masoume , Dagenais Michel
Published: October 2014

The reference node (RN) is a central node that has minimum distance/hop count to all other nodes in the network. This central node can play several critical roles such as being the time reference in order to synchronise computer nodes. For synchronisation, the main goal is to minimise the sum of synchronisation errors. The time synchronisation error, known for each link between two nodes, accumulates for each hop along the path used for synchronisation between two nodes. In such a context, the best RN is defined as having the minimal sum of time synchronisation errors between itself and every other node. Thus, the first step for error minimisation is to select a minimum spanning tree (MST), formed by the links with minimum synchronisation error, as synchronisation path. The second step is to select an RN, which minimises the sum of synchronisation errors to all nodes in the MST, as time reference for synchronisation. In a dynamic network, where communication links appear and disappear, and synchronisation accuracy improves as more packets are exchanged, a static RN would entail suboptimal synchronisation accuracy. All existing models in this area are limited to static RNs because of the computing cost of updating the RN, yielding a suboptimal total synchronisation error over time and causing problems if the selected node is removed from the dynamic network. This paper presents a novel and efficient method for dynamic RN selection in dynamic networks. The approach proposed in this paper improves the performance of RN computation and update in live mode for dynamic networks. This new method concentrates on the altered path with respect to the RN, each time the MST is updated. This provides an efficient way to find and maintain a RN incrementally in an average time complexity of O(log n) per update, which n is the total number of nodes in the network. The proposed approach was tested with a huge dynamic network containing 60 000 simulated nodes, in a number of different situations. The proposed approach achieves excellent running time while minimising synchronisation error. Although this work is currently used for time synchronisation purposes, several dynamic network tools can benefit from an efficient incremental algorithm to calculate hop counts and select a central point for the network. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Anion Binding Properties of Alkynylplatinum(II) Complexes with Amide‐Functionalized Terpyridine: Host–Guest Interactions and Fluoride Ion‐Induced Deprotonation
Authors: Yeung Margaret Ching-Lam , Chu Ben Wai-Kin , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: October 2014

Invited for this months cover is the group of Prof. Vivian Wing‐Wah Yam, at the Department of Chemistry of The University of Hong Kong. The cover picture shows the structure of one of their alkynylplatinum(II) complexes with amide‐functionalized terpyridine ligands in the present work. In their article, Margaret Ching‐Lam Yeung et al. successfully demonstrated an anion sensing strategy based on the host–guest interaction between the amide‐based receptor moiety and various anions by monitoring UV/Vis and emission spectral changes. In particular, drastic color changes were observed for the complex upon titration with F− ions. These were ascribed to the deprotonation of the amide functionalities induced by F− ions. This has been confirmed by the restoration of spectral changes upon the addition of CF3COOH to the F– ion–complex mixture. With such drastic color changes, this complex could be a promising candidate to serve as a probing sensor for the visual detection of F− ions. For more details, see the Communication on 10.1002/open.201402019 (p. 172 ff.)
Cover Picture: Anion Binding Properties of Alkynylplatinum(II) Complexes with Amide‐Functionalized Terpyridine: Host–Guest Interactions and Fluoride Ion‐Induced Deprotonation (ChemistryOpen 5/2014)
Authors: Yeung Margaret Ching-Lam , Chu Ben Wai-Kin , Yam Vivian Wing-Wah
Published: October 2014

No Abstract
Pubertal development and primary ovarian insufficiency in female survivors of embryonal brain tumors following risk‐adapted craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: DeWire Mariko , Green Daniel M. , Sklar Charles A. , Merchant Thomas E. , Wallace Dana , Lin Tong , Vern‐Gross Tamara , Kun Larry E. , Krasin Matthew J. , Boyett James M. , Wright Karen D. , Wetmore Cynthia , Broniscer Alberto , Gajjar Amar
Published: October 2014

Background

Female survivors of central nervous system (CNS) tumors are at an increased risk for gonadal damage and variations in the timing of puberty following radiotherapy and alkylating agent‐based chemotherapy.

Procedure

Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from 30 evaluable female patients with newly diagnosed embryonal CNS tumors treated on a prospective protocol (SJMB 96) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). Pubertal development was evaluated by Tanner staging. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) was determined by Tanner staging and FSH level. Females with Tanner stage I–II and FSH > 15 mIU/ml, or Tanner stage III–V, FSH > 25 mIU/ml and FSH greater than LH were defined to have ovarian insufficiency. Recovery of ovarian function was defined as normalization of FSH without therapeutic intervention.

Results

Median length of follow‐up post completion of therapy was 7.2 years (4.0–10.8 years). The cumulative incidence of pubertal onset was 75.6% by the age of 13. Precocious puberty was observed in 11.1% and delayed puberty in 11.8%. The cumulative incidence of POI was 82.8%, though recovery was observed in 38.5%.

Conclusions

Treatment for primary CNS embryonal tumors may cause variations in the timing of pubertal development, impacting physical and psychosocial development. Female survivors are at risk for POI, a subset of whom will recover function over time. Further refinement of therapies is needed in order to reduce late ovarian insufficiency. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:329–334. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of a prediction model for diagnosing blood stream infections in febrile, non‐neutropenic children with cancer
Authors: Esbenshade Adam J. , Pentima M. Cecilia Di , Zhao Zhiguo , Shintani Ayumi , Esbenshade Jennifer C. , Simpson Monique E. , Montgomery Kathleen C. , Lindell Robert B. , Lee Haerin , Wallace Ato , Garcia Kelly L. , Moons Karel G.M. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: October 2014

Background

Pediatric oncology patients are at increased risk for blood stream infections (BSI). Risk in the absence of severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≥500/µl) is not well defined.

Procedure

In a retrospective cohort of febrile (temperature ≥38.0° for >1 hr or ≥38.3°) pediatric oncology patients with ANC ≥500/µl, a diagnostic prediction model for BSI was constructed using logistic regression modeling and the following candidate predictors: age, ANC, absolute monocyte count, body temperature, inpatient/outpatient presentation, sex, central venous catheter type, hypotension, chills, cancer diagnosis, stem cell transplant, upper respiratory symptoms, and exposure to cytarabine, anti‐thymocyte globulin, or anti‐GD2 antibody. The model was internally validated with bootstrapping methods.

Results

Among 932 febrile episodes in 463 patients, we identified 91 cases of BSI. Independently significant predictors for BSI were higher body temperature (Odds ratio [OR] 2.36 P < 0.001), tunneled external catheter (OR 13.79 P < 0.001), peripherally inserted central catheter (OR 3.95 P = 0.005), elevated ANC (OR 1.19 P = 0.024), chills (OR 2.09 P = 0.031), and hypotension (OR 3.08 P = 0.004). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis (OR 0.34 P = 0.026), increased age (OR 0.70 P = 0.049), and drug exposure (OR 0.08 P < 0.001) were associated with decreased risk for BSI. The risk prediction model had a C‐index of 0.898; after bootstrapping adjustment for optimism, corrected C‐index 0.885.

Conclusions

We developed a diagnostic prediction model for BSI in febrile pediatric oncology patients without severe neutropenia. External validation is warranted before use in clinical practice. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:262–268. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.