bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Cycloadditions of 1,2,3‐Triazines Bearing C5‐Electron Donating Substituents: Robust Pyrimidine Synthesis.
Authors: Glinkerman Christopher M. , Boger Dale L.
Published: December 2015

A single‐step cycloaddition mechanism is supposed according to 15N labeling experiments.
ChemInform Abstract: An Efficient Catalyst‐Free Mukaiyama‐Aldol Reaction of Fluorinated Enol Silyl Ethers with Tryptanthrin.
Authors: Liao Fu‐Min , Liu Yun‐Lin , Yu Jin‐Sheng , Zhou Feng , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2015

Derivative (VIIc) is further modified to difluoro analogues of the natural product phaitanthrin B.
ChemInform Abstract: A Salt‐Free Synthesis of 1,2‐Bisphosphorylethanes via an Efficient PMe3‐Catalyzed Addition of <P(O)H to Vinylphosphoryl Compounds.
Authors: Saga Yuta , Han Daoqing , Kawaguchi Shin‐ichi , Ogawa Akiya , Han Li‐Biao
Published: December 2015

The scalable process is performed under halogen and metal‐free conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Fused Selenazolinium Salt Derivatives with a Se—N+ Bond: Preparation and Properties.
Authors: Arsenyan Pavel , Vasiljeva Jelena , Belyakov Sergey , Liepinsh Edvards , Petrova Marina
Published: December 2015

It is found that the title compounds can serve as inexpensive catalysts in the oxidation of aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to their corresponding acids.
ChemInform Abstract: Diterpene Constituents of Euphorbia exigua L. and Multidrug Resistance Reversing Activity of the Isolated Diterpenes.
Authors: Redei Dora , Boros Klara , Forgo Peter , Molnar Joseph , Kele Zoltan , Palinko Istvan , Pinke Gyula , Hohmann Judit
Published: December 2015

Two novel, (I) and (II), and one known jatrophane diterpene are isolated from the title species and evaluated for their multidrug resistance reversing activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Lupane‐ and Friedelane‐Type Triterpenoids from Celastrus stylosus.
Authors: Ying You‐Min , Li Cui‐Yu , Chen Yan , Xiang Jia‐Gui , Fang Ling , Yao Jian‐Biao , Wang Fa‐Song , Wang Ru‐Wei , Shan Wei‐Guang , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: December 2015

isolation, structure elucidation, and antiproliferative activities of two new triterpenoids along with eight known compounds
ChemInform Abstract: Five New Guaiane Sesquiterpenes from the Endophytic Fungus Xylaria sp. YM 311647 of Azadirachta indica.
Authors: Huang Rong , Xie Xiao‐Song , Fang Xiao‐Wei , Ma Kai‐Xia , Wu Shao‐Hua
Published: December 2015

isolation, structure elucidation and antifungal activities
ChemInform Abstract: Selenium Nanostructures: Microbial Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Shirsat Shubhangi , Kadam Ambadas , Naushad Mu. , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: December 2015

Review: 108 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Noble Metal Ions in CeO2 and TiO2: Synthesis, Structure and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Bera Parthasarathi , Hegde M. S.
Published: December 2015

Review: 225 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Surface Reactions Are Crucial for Energy Storage
Authors: Callini Elsa , Kato Shunsuke , Mauron Philippe , Zuttel Andreas
Published: December 2015

Review: 43 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Zinc(II)‐ and Cadmium(II)‐Organic Frameworks with 1‐Imidazole‐Containing and 1‐Imidazole‐Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Sun Yin‐Xia , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: December 2015

Review: 155 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Valence Tautomerism in Metal Complexes: Stimulated and Reversible Intramolecular Electron Transfer Between Metal Centers and Organic Ligands
Authors: Tezgerevska Tina , Alley Kerwyn G. , Boskovic Colette
Published: December 2015

Review: 130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free, Carbon‐Based Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Wu Zhiyi , Iqbal Zafar , Wang Xianqin
Published: December 2015

Review: 133 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Protic Ionic Liquids: Evolving Structure‐Property Relationships and Expanding Applications
Authors: Greaves Tamar L. , Drummond Calum J.
Published: December 2015

Review: 635 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Coarsening in Fluid Phase Transitions
Authors: Das Subir K. , Roy Sutapa , Midya Jiarul
Published: December 2015

Review: various possible mechanisms for domain growth are pointed out and discussions f corresponding theoretical predictions are provided; 90 refs.
Modification of existing permeation models of mixed matrix membranes filled with porous particles for gas separation
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra , Omidkhah Mohammadreza , Masoumi Mir Esmaeil , Abedini Reza
Published: December 2015

Gas separation methods have received much attention, as the process plays a key role in various industries. Among the gas separation methods, membrane‐based methods, particularly those employing mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), are important. MMMs are formed by modifying the properties of polymeric membranes by fabricating them with inorganic particles. This paper presents the gas transport behaviour in MMMs fabricated with porous particles, as described by two‐phase (ideal) and three‐phase (non‐ideal) models. The effect of particle porosity on gas permeability was incorporated into existing models through the J parameter, which adjusts the particle loading percentage. J‐modified models were verified against existing models and experimental data for gas permeability were obtained with various MMMs. It was found that the proposed modified models provide a better prediction of the gas transport behaviour in MMMs.
Theoretical analysis of heat transfer and friction factor for turbulent flow of nanofluids through pipes
Authors: Sharma K. Viswanatha , Azmi Wan H. , Kamal Subhash , Sarma Pullela K. , Vijayalakshmi Bathula
Published: December 2015

A numerical model for determining the turbulent characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer is presented, treating certain constants in the van Driest eddy diffusivity equation of momentum and heat as variables. The viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluids are estimated using regression equations. It was observed that the turbulent characteristics of nanofluids are different from those of water. The numerical results indicate a higher velocity of SiO2 nanofluid and lower eddy diffusivity compared to Cu under similar operating conditions. The nanofluid temperature gradient increases with concentration and decreases with temperature. However, the temperature gradient is significantly influenced by the particle density. Equations for estimating the coefficient and the Prandtl index in the eddy diffusivity equations of momentum and heat, respectively, are developed as a function of Reynolds number, concentration, and nanofluid properties. The Prandtl index value decreases with increasing concentration, reflecting the reduction in heat transfer coefficients observed at lower operating temperatures.
Modular experimental setup for real‐time analysis of emergent behavior in networks of Chua's circuits
Authors: de Magistris Massimiliano , di Bernardo Mario , Manfredi Sabato , Petrarca Carlo , Yaghouti Soudeh
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the design, realization and use of an analogical, fully reconfigurable experimental setup to analyze the complex dynamics of networks of chaotic circuits. It reports details of the implementation and characterization of the setup, together with representative results, showing its flexibility and potential. The setup allows to choose arbitrarily the coupling strength and interconnection structure among the circuits, the type of link and to select the parameters of the node dynamics. It has a modular structure, and it can accommodate up to 32 nodes interconnected by at most 32 links. The collective dynamics of a relatively large set of different network structures and configurations has been investigated using the setup. Synchronization, pattern formation and other interesting collective phenomena were observed experimentally, their evidence being reported here as an illustration of the potential of the proposed setup. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FERC's Anti‐Manipulation Efforts Need Better Balance
Authors: Corcoran Andrew R.
Published: December 2015

Numerous industry commentators have expressed skepticism and concern regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC's) interpretation of what constitutes market manipulation.1 Some have also challenged FERC's procedural tactics.2 Although FERC has to date disagreed with most of these criticisms,3 this article recommends that FERC consider whether certain reforms would achieve a better balance between vigorous enforcement and fair treatment of those being prosecuted.
Older adults with poor self‐rated memory have less depressive symptoms and better memory performance when perceived self‐efficacy is high
Authors: O'Shea Deirdre M. , Dotson Vonetta M. , Fieo Robert A. , Tsapanou Angeliki , Zahodne Laura , Stern Yaakov
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate whether self‐efficacy moderates the association between self‐rated memory and depressive symptoms in a large sample of older adults. The influence of self‐efficacy and depressive symptoms on memory performance was also examined in a subsample of individuals who reported poor memory.

Methods

Non‐demented participants (n = 3766) were selected from the 2012 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Depressive symptomatology was assessed with the 8‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A modified version of the Midlife Developmental Inventory Questionnaire was used as the measure of self‐efficacy. Participants were asked to rate their memory presently on a five‐point scale from Excellent (1) to Poor (5). Immediate memory and delayed memory (after a 5‐min interval) were measured by the number of correct words recalled from a 10‐item word list.

Results

Multiple regression analyses revealed that negative ratings of memory were significantly associated with greater levels of depressive symptoms, with this effect being greatest in those with low levels of self‐efficacy. Additionally, greater self‐efficacy was associated with optimal objective memory performances but only when depressive symptoms were low in individuals who reported poor memory function (n = 1196).

Conclusion

Self‐efficacy moderates the relationship between self‐rated memory function and depressive symptoms. Higher self‐efficacy may buffer against the impact of subjective memory difficulty on one's mood and thereby mitigating the effect of depressive symptoms on memory. Interventions should focus on increasing perceived self‐efficacy in older adults reporting poor memory function to potentially minimize memory impairment.
Effects of episodic future thinking on discounting: Personalized age‐progressed pictures improve risky long‐term health decisions
Authors: Kaplan Brent A. , Reed Derek D. , Jarmolowicz David P.
Published: December 2015

Many everyday choices are associated with both delayed and probabilistic outcomes. The temporal attention hypothesis suggests that individuals' decision making can be improved by focusing attention on temporally distal events and implies that environmental manipulations that bring temporally distal outcomes into focus may alter an individual's degree of discounting. One such manipulation, episodic future thinking, has shown to lower discount rates; however, several questions remain about the applicability of episodic future thinking to domains other than delay discounting. The present experiments examine the effects of a modified episodic‐future‐thinking procedure in which participants viewed age‐progressed computer‐generated images of themselves and answered questions related to their future, on probability discounting in the context of both a delayed health gain and loss. Results indicate that modified episodic future thinking effectively altered individuals' degree of discounting in the predicted directions and demonstrate the applicability of episodic future thinking to decision making of socially significant outcomes.
Novel Raman Spectroscopic Biomarkers Indicate That Postyield Damage Denatures Bone's Collagen
Authors: Unal Mustafa , Jung Hyungjin , Akkus Ozan
Published: December 2015

Raman spectroscopy has become a powerful tool in the assessment of bone quality. However, the use of Raman spectroscopy to assess collagen quality in bone is less established than mineral quality. Because postyield mechanical properties of bone are mostly determined by collagen rather than the mineral phase, it is essential to identify new spectroscopic biomarkers that help infer the status of collagen quality. Amide I and amide III bands are uniquely useful for collagen conformational analysis. Thus, the first aim of this work was to identify the regions of amide bands that are sensitive to thermally induced denaturation. Collagen sheets and bone were thermally denatured to identify spectral measures that change significantly following denaturation. The second aim was to assess whether mechanical damage denatures the collagen phase of bone, as reflected by the molecular spectroscopic biomarkers identified in the first aim. The third aim was to assess the correlation between these new spectroscopic biomarkers and postyield mechanical properties of cortical bone. Our results revealed five peaks whose intensities were sensitive to thermal and mechanical denaturation: ∼1245, ∼1270, and ∼1320 cm–1 in the amide III band, and ∼1640 and ∼1670 cm–1 in the amide I band. Four peak intensity ratios derived from these peaks were found to be sensitive to denaturation: 1670/1640, 1320/1454, 1245/1270, and 1245/1454. Among these four spectral biomarkers, only 1670/1640 displayed significant correlation with all postyield mechanical properties. The overall results showed that these peak intensity ratios can be used as novel spectroscopic biomarkers to assess collagen quality and integrity. The changes in these ratios with denaturation may reflect alterations in the collagen secondary structure, specifically a transition from ordered to less-ordered structure. The overall results clearly demonstrate that this new spectral information, specifically the ratio of 1670/1640, can be used to understand the involvement of collagen quality in the fragility of bone. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of HTLV‐1 in a segregated population in Iran
Authors: Rafatpanah Houshang , Torkamani Mahmood , Valizadeh Narges , Vakili Rosita , Meshkani Baratali , Khademi Hassan , Gerayli Sina , Mozhgani Sayed Hamid Reza , Rezaee Seyed Abdolrahim
Published: December 2015

Human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infection is an important health issue that affects a variety of endemic areas. The Khorasan province, mainly its capital Mashhad in northeastern Iran, was reported to be as one of these endemic regions. Torbat‐e Heydarieh, a large city Southwest border to Mashhad with a segregated population was investigated for the prevalence and associated risk factors of HTLV‐1 infection in 400 randomly selected individuals. Blood samples were tested for the presence of HTLV‐1 antibodies via the ELISA method and then were confirmed by an Immunoblot test. For the presence of HTLV‐1 in lymphocytes of infected subjects, PCR was performed on LTR and TAX regions. DNA sequencing of LTR fragment was also carried out to determine the phylogenetic of HTLV‐1, using the Maximum likelihood method. HTLV‐1 sero‐reactivity (sero‐prevalence) among the study population was 2% (8/400), of which 1.25% had HTLV‐1 provirus in lymphocytes (actual prevalence). HTLV‐1 infection was significantly associated with the age, marital status, and history of blood transfusion (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistical differences between HTLV‐1 infection, and gender, surgery, and hospitalization. In regression analysis, age showed the most significant correlation with the infection (P = 0.006, OR = 4.33). Based on our phylogenetic study, the HTLV‐1 prevalent sequence type of Torbat‐e Heydarieh belongs to the cosmopolitan subtype A. HTLV‐1 prevalence in Torbat‐e Heydarieh (1.25%) is low comparing to those of both Mashhad (2–3%) and Neishabour (3.5–5%) in the province of Khorasan. Thus, traveling mobility and population mixing such as marriage, bureaucratic affairs, occupation, and economic activities could be the usual routs of HTLV‐1 new wave of spreading in this segregated city. J. Med. Virol. 88:1247–1253, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative magnitude and kinetics of human cytomegalovirus‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses in pregnant women with primary versus remote infection and in transmitting versus non‐transmitting mothers: Its utility for dating primary infection in pregnancy
Authors: Fornara Chiara , Furione Milena , Arossa Alessia , Gerna Giuseppe , Lilleri Daniele
Published: December 2015

To discriminate between primary (PI) and remote (RI) human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, several immunological parameters were monitored for a 2‐year period in 53 pregnant women with PI, and 33 pregnant women experiencing HCMV PI at least 5 years prior. Cytokine (IFN‐γ and IL‐2) production by and phenotype (effector/memory CD45RA+) of HCMV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells as well as the lymphoproliferative responses (LPR) were evaluated, with special reference to the comparison between a group of women transmitting (T) and a group of non‐transmitting (NT) the infection to fetus. While HCMV‐specific CD4+ T‐cells reached at 90 days post‐infection (p.i.) values comparable to RI, CD8+ T–cells reached at 60 days p.i. levels significantly higher and persisting throughout the entire follow‐up. Instead, IL‐2 production and lymphoproliferative responses were lower in PI than RI for the entire follow‐up period. Effector memory CD45RA+ CD4+ and CD8+ HCMV‐specific T‐cells increased until 90 days p.i., reaching and maintaining levels higher than RI. The comparison between T and NT women showed that, at 30 days p.i., in NT women there was a significantly higher IL‐2 production by HCMV‐specific CD4+ T‐cells, and at 60 days p.i. a significantly higher frequency of both specific CD4+ and CD8+ CD45RA+ T‐cells. HCMV T‐cell response appears to correlate with virus transmission to fetus and some parameters (CD4+ lymphoproliferation, and frequency of HCMV‐specific CD8+ IL2+ T‐cells) may help in dating PI during pregnancy. J. Med. Virol. 88:1238–1246, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How ‘ground‐picked’ olive fruits affect virgin olive oil ethanol content, ethyl esters and quality
Authors: Beltran Gabriel , Sánchez Raquel , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Aguilera Maria P , Bejaoui Mohamed A , Jimenez Antonio
Published: December 2015

Background

Olives dropped on the ground naturally sometimes are not separated from those fresh and healthy collected from the tree for harvest and processing. In this work we compared the quality, ethanol content and bioactive components of virgin olive oils from ground‐picked olives, tree‐picked fruits and their mixture.

Results

Ground‐picked olives produced ‘Lampante’ virgin olive oils; these are of a lower quality category, because of important alterations in chemical and sensory characteristics. Ethyl esters showed the highest values, although under the regulated limit. The mixture of ground and tree‐picked olives gave oils classified as ‘virgin’ because of sensory defects, although the quality parameters did not exceed the limits for the ‘extra’ category. Ethanol content showed a significant increase in the oils from ground‐ picked olives and their mixture with respect to those from tree‐picked fruits. Furthermore, bioactive compounds showed a significant decrease as fruit quality was poorer.

Conclusion

Ground‐picked olives must be harvested and processed separately since they produce low‐quality virgin olive oils with sensory defects and lower concentrations of bioactive compounds. The higher acidity and ethanol concentration observed in oils from ground‐picked fruits or their mixture may help ethyl ester synthesis during storage. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis in A549 cells by compounds from oxheart cabbage extract
Authors: Wang Nan , Wang Wei , Liu Caiqin , Jin Jianchang , Shao Bo , Shen Lianqing
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Oxheart cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a member of the Brassica genus. Although some studies on the anticancer effects of extracts from oxheart cabbage have been reported, comprehensive information on the bioactive fractions and components from oxheart cabbage extracts is still lacking. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the bioactive fractions and components from oxheart cabbage seeds using activity‐guided isolation methods.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of fraction II, fraction III, iberverin, sulforaphane and iberin from oxheart cabbage seed extract were investigated. The results showed that all five components had inhibitory effects on the in vitro growth of A549 cells which were dose‐dependent. These compounds also changed the morphology of A549 cells, and their inhibitory activity on A549 cells was as follows: sulforaphane > iberin > iberverin > fraction III > fraction II. The IC50 values were 3.53 ± 0.63, 4.93 ± 1.02, 7.07 ± 0.51, 15.56 ± 0.24 and 27.32 ± 0.63 µg mL−1 respectively. Fraction II, fraction III, iberverin, sulforaphane and iberin induced cell apoptosis by increasing early apoptosis and late apoptosis/necrosis, and activation of caspase‐3, −8 and −9.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the decrease in A549 cell viability by active compounds from oxheart cabbage seed extract was due to the induction of apoptosis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Hierarchical Structure of the Fibrillar Hydrogel Network of a Self‐Assembled Synthetic Peptide Revealed by X‐ray Scattering and Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Yokoi Hidenori , Otani Aya
Published: December 2015

We herein developed a self‐assembling peptide with the ability to form a gel in water at pH ∼7 (SPG‐178 (a self‐assembling peptide gel with the amino acid sequence #178; [CH3CO]‐RLDLRLALRLDLR‐[NH2]; R = arginine, L = leucine, D = aspartic acid, and A = alanine). Leucine residues were employed to increase the hydrophobic interaction of SPG‐178 in water, which was one of the important driving forces of self‐assembly, and stabilize fibrillar hydrogel formation. The hierarchical structure of the fibrillar hydrogel of the peptide was analyzed using small/wide angle X‐ray scattering measurements (SAXS and WAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atmospheric scanning electron microscopy (ASEM). SAXS, AFM, and TEM measurements revealed the fibril nano‐structure of the self‐assembled peptide; the width of the fibril was ∼5 nm, which coincided with the length of one molecule in the β‐sheet structure revealed by FT‐IR and WAXS in water. ASEM permitted in situ observations, even in water, without freezing. The fibrillar network structure of the gel (micrometer scale) was directly visualized using ASEM measurements.
Olympic Gels: Concatenation and Swelling
Authors: Lang Michael , Fischer Jakob , Werner Marco , Sommer Jens‐Uwe
Published: December 2015

Concatenation and equilibrium swelling of Olympic gels, which are composed of entangled cyclic polymers, is studied under athermal conditions with Monte‐Carlo simulations. The average number of concatenated molecules per cyclic polymer,fn, is found to depend on the degree of polymerization,N, and polymer volume fraction at network preparation,, aswith scaling exponentv = 0.588. In contrast to chemically cross‐linked polymer networks, we observe that Olympic gels made of longer cyclic chains exhibit a smaller equilibrium swelling degree,, at the same polymer volume fraction. This observation is explained by a des‐interspersion process of overlapping non‐concatenated rings upon swelling, which is tested directly by analyzing the change in overlap of the molecules upon swelling.
Effect of Constraints on Swelling of Polymer Networks
Authors: Dušek Karel , Dušková‐Smrčková Miroslava , Šomvársky Ján
Published: December 2015

Swelling of cross‐linked polymer constructs in which swelling of network is constrained by adhering rigid substrate or another cross‐linked polymer (coatings, core‐shell particles, and particulate composites of rigid filler in cross‐linked matrix) is investigated. The equilibrium state was modeled analytically or by the Finite Element Method. A Gibbs energy function was selected which respects the finite extensibility of network chains. Also, the additive contribution to the Gibbs energy of swollen systems due to mixing was reformulated. The mixing of cross‐linked polymer with solvent is considered without deforming the network chains, instead of mixing of solvent with an infinite uncross‐linked polymer molecule.
Click Chemistry in Materials Synthesis: The Beginning
Authors: Díaz Díaz David
Published: December 2015

The transition from the early applications of click chemistry in organic synthesis and biotechnology to materials synthesis was profoundly marked by the pioneering preparation of metal‐adhesive polymers based on the copper (I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction between azides and alkynes. Herein, it is summarized a fascinating journey from the original discovery, made more than a decade ago, until the recent development of high‐strength electrically conductive adhesives.
Synergistic Chemomechanical Oscillators: Periodic Gel Actuators without Oscillatory Chemical Reaction
Authors: Horváth Judit
Published: December 2015

Synergistic chemomechanical oscillators fundamentally differ from BZ‐gels or ordinary pH‐actuators where oscillatory chemical reactions are required as (internal) “frequency generators”. Periodicity can arise from the interplay between a non‐periodic but nonlinear chemical reaction (e.g., a “pH‐switch”) and a geometrical feedback that modifies the transport time of species between the gel core and the environment. The experimental realization of several different such systems is essential to identify their universal properties. To be operational, the fine tuning of the gel's pH‐response to the region of the pH‐drop in a particular chemical reaction turned out to be an essential step. Simultaneously, the weak acid functional groups present in the gel modify the pH‐drop range, and this also needs to be considered. Analogous interdependence between chemical and physical actions is believed to be an underlying mechanism in primary biological processes.
Interaction of Cartilage Biopolymers
Authors: Horkay Ferenc
Published: December 2015

Aggrecan is a charged biopolymer whose complexes with hyaluronic acid provide the compressive resistance of cartilage. In cartilage extracellular matrix aggrecan‐hyaluronic acid complexes are enmeshed within a network of collagen fibrils. Osmotic pressure measurements and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements are reported on solutions of aggrecan and aggrecan‐hyaluronic acid complexes. These techniques probe the length scales relevant to the biological functions of cartilage. Osmotic pressure measurements indicate that dissolved aggrecan monomers form microgel‐like assemblies. The osmotic pressure of aggrecan‐hyaluronic acid complexes decreases with decreasing the ratio of aggrecan to hyaluronic acid. SANS reveals that there is no significant interpenetration between the neighboring aggrecan molecules. Both osmotic pressure measurements and SANS indicate weak interactions between the aggrecan bottlebrushes and collagen fibers.
Self‐Healing Poly(acrylic acid) Hydrogels: Effect of Surfactant
Authors: Gulyuz Umit , Okay Oguz
Published: December 2015

Physical poly(acrylic acid) gels were prepared by micellar copolymerization of hydrophilic monomer acrylic acid with large hydrophobic monomer stearyl methacrylate (C18) in solutions of worm‐like anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB) micelles. Hydrophobe content of the monomer mixtures was 2 mol.% and total monomer concentration in gels was 20 w/v%. Gelation reactions were monitored by rheometry using oscillatory deformation tests. Hydrogel samples were also subjected to uniaxial elongation and compression tests after preparation and swelling. The physical gels with SDS and CTAB showed similar properties as long as they are at the state of preparation, such as insoluble in water and exhibit time‐dependent dynamic moduli, high Young's modulus, high fracture stress, high elongation ratios at break. Also self‐healing was evidenced by mechanical measurements. Physical gels formed in SDS solution were stable, exhibited high equilibrium swelling ratios and SDS progressively extracted from the network in water. On the other hand, gels with CTAB formed a complex and resulted in shrinkage after gels were immersed in a large excess of water because both electrostatic interactions between the charged components and hydrophobic interactions between the polymer backbone and the alkyl chains of the surfactant are important in driving the self‐assembly of molecules to form ordered structures. These structures of the polyelectrolyte surfactant complexes have unusual mechanical properties. Also, the hydrogel samples with CTAB self‐healed via heating and surfactant treatment of the damaged areas withstand up to 1.05 MPa stresses and rupture at a stretch of 800%.
Characterization of the Secondary Structure of CP30, a Highly Repetitive Ampholytic Protein in Beetle Elytral Cuticle
Authors: Sprouse Patricia A. , Dittmer Neal T. , Kramer Karl J. , Kanost Michael R. , Dhar Prajnaparamita , Gehrke Stevin H.
Published: December 2015

CP30 is a major component protein in the rigid cuticle of the beetle elytron which we recently identified. It has a highly unusual amino acid sequence comprised largely of alternating blocks of 3–5 anionic and cationic amino acid residues (three charged residues, glutamic acid, arginine and histidine, make up 76% of the sequence) which suggest an unusual stuctural role. The secondary structure of CP30 was evaluated at a variety of pH, ionic strength and temperature conditions. Circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence spectroscopy and static and dynamic light scattering showed that the protein had an extended α‐helical structure at pH 3, 5 and 7 which unfolded around 60°C and reformed upon cooling back to 10°C. The protein aggregated or adhered to the dialysis membrane at pH 5, low salt, which is close to the protein's isoelectric point (5.82), preventing analysis at that condition. Further studies aimed at solubilizing the protein near that condition may uncover evidence of assembly. While the structural function of CP30 is currently unknown, the sequence of CP30 may offer new design motifs for the development of novel polymer or gel biomaterials.
Structurally Versatile Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Khanlari Anahita , Suekama Tiffany C. , Gehrke Stevin H.
Published: December 2015

Despite widespread use of hydrogels in biomedical devices, low moduli and brittleness of hydrogels has hindered applications with load bearing requirements. In this study, different molecular network design strategies (homopolymer, copolymer, and double network) were used to control the arrangement of macromers to tune the mechanical properties of glycosaminoglycan (GAG)‐based hydrogels. The resulting changes in swelling ratio, crosslink density, and fracture properties of the gels were then investigated. It was hypothesized that increasing the number of polymerizable groups on the macromers methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (MCS) or methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MHA) and using oligo(ethylene glycol diacrylate) s to copolymerize with can improve the crosslinking by increasing the effectiveness of polymerization through the kinetic chains. By increasing the degree of methacrylation of MCS from 24 to 34 mol%, the swelling ratio q and the crosslink density ρx of 13 wt% MCS gel was changed from 210 to 44 g/g and from 230 to 740 mol/m3, respectively. Despite improved ρx and tuned q, the fracture strain of the homo‐ and copolymer gels remained fairly low (<25%), likely due to the highly extended conformation of glycosaminoglycans, and the microheterogeneity induced by the kinetic chains. However, using a DN double network design (with PAAm), the fracture strain and toughness of the gels were greatly improved as the fracture strain of 15 wt% MCS‐PAAm DN increased more than 3 times, from 15 to 55%. The versatile physical and favorable biological properties of GAG‐based hydrogels make them promising materials for many biomedical applications.
Rechallenging With Intrathecal Methotrexate After Developing Subacute Neurotoxicity in Children With Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Badke Colleen , Fleming Amy , Iqbal Asneha , Khilji Ohmed , Parhas Sophia , Weinstein Joanna , Morgan Elaine , Hijiya Nobuko
Published: December 2015

Methotrexate is associated with neurologic side effects. It is recommended that patients who developed neurotoxicity be rechallenged with methotrexate, but little is known about the safety of this approach. We performed a chart review to identify patients who received high‐dose or intrathecal (IT) methotrexate. Twenty‐one of 298 patients (7%) experienced neurologic symptoms attributed to methotrexate treatment in the premaintenance phase. Seventeen of these patients were rechallenged with IT methotrexate and 13 (76%) had no further neurotoxic events. No patients rechallenged during maintenance (n = 9) experienced recurrence of neurotoxic events. It is safe to rechallenge with IT methotrexate in maintenance.
The effect of nanoclay on the crystallization behavior, microcellular structure, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposite foams
Authors: Wang Xin‐Chao , Jing Xin , Peng Yi‐Yan , Ma Zhi‐Kui , Liu Chun‐Tai , Turng Lih‐Sheng , Shen Chang‐Yu
Published: December 2015

The effects of nanoclay on the crystallization behavior, microcellular structure, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/clay nanocomposite (TPUCN) foams were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, rheometry, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. It was found that the nanoclay acted as an effective nucleating agent for both crystal nucleation and cell nucleation. As a result, it significantly enhanced the crystallization behavior of the hard segment (HS) domains in TPU while refining the foamed structure of the microcellular injection molded parts. In particular, the average cell diameter of TPUCN foams decreased from 45 µm for neat TPU to 27 µm for TPUCN5 (5 wt% clay) and 18 µm for TPUCN10 (10 wt% clay). Furthermore, the cell density increased from 0.7 × 107 cell/cm3 for neat TPU to 1.4 × 107 cell/cm3 and 3.1 × 107 cell/cm3 for TPUCN5 and TPUCN10, respectively. In addition, the tensile strength also increased by 56.3% and 89.2% with 5 and 10 wt% clay content, respectively. By controlling the cell nucleation behavior through uniformly dispersed nanoclay, this study demonstrates that it is feasible to produce TPUCN foams via microcellular injection molding with desirable microcellular structures and improved mechanical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:319–327, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rapid label‐free profiling of oral cancer biomarker proteins using nano‐UPLC‐Q‐TOF ion mobility mass spectrometry
Authors: Nassar Ala. F. , Williams Brad J. , Yaworksy Dustin C. , Patel Vyomesh , Rusling James F.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

It has become quite clear that single cancer biomarkers cannot in general provide high sensitivity and specificity for reliable clinical cancer diagnostics. This paper explores the feasibility of rapid detection of multiple biomarker proteins in model oral cancer samples using label‐free protein relative quantitation.

Experimental design

MS‐based label‐free quantitative proteomics offer a rapid alternative that bypasses the need for stable isotope containing compounds to chemically bind and label proteins. Total protein content in oral cancer cell culture conditioned media was precipitated, subjected to proteolytic digestion, and then analyzed using a nano‐UPLC (where UPLC is ultra‐performance liquid chromatography) coupled to a hybrid Q‐Tof ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (MS).

Results

Rapid, simultaneous identification and quantification of multiple possible cancer biomarker proteins was achieved. In a comparative study between cancer and noncancer samples, approximately 952 proteins were identified using a high‐throughput 1D ion mobility assisted data independent acquisition (IM‐DIA) approach. As we previously demonstrated that interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) were readily detected in oral cancer cell conditioned media1, we targeted these biomarker proteins to validate our approach. Target biomarker protein IL‐8 was found between 3.5 and 8.8 fmol, while VEGF‐A was found at 1.45 fmol in the cancer cell media.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Overall, our data suggest that the nano‐UPLC‐IM‐DIA bioassay is a feasible approach to identify and quantify proteins in complex samples without the need for stable isotope labeling. These results have significant implications for rapid tumor diagnostics and prognostics by monitoring proteins such as IL‐8 and VEGF‐A implicated in cancer development and progression. The analysis in tissue or plasma is not possible at this time, but the subsequent work would be needed for validation.
Toxicity to Diaphania hyalinata, selectivity to non‐target species and phytotoxicity of furanones and phthalide analogues
Authors: Resende Gabriela C , Alvarenga Elson S , de Araújo Tamíris A , Campos Júlia ND , Pincanço Marcelo C
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Despite being of great importance to crop protection, the disadvantages of intensive and inappropriate use of pesticides have stimulated the search for more selective and less harmful agrochemicals. Thus, we have evaluated the effectiveness of 16 synthetic molecules (phthalides and precursors) to control the melonworm Diaphania hyalinata, a key pest in cucurbit crops of economic importance in Brazil. The selectivity to beneficial organisms Solenopsis saevissima and Tetragonisca angustula and the phytotoxicity to Cucumis sativus of the promising insecticides were also assessed.

RESULTS

In the screening assay, compounds 1 and 6 provided 91 and 88% mortality of the melonworm. Compound 1 presented higher toxicity (median lethal dose LD50 = 15.99 µmol g−1) and higher speed on pest control (median survival time LT50 = 420 min) than compound 6 (LD50 = 44.51 µmol g−1 and LT50 = 840 min). Both compounds inhibited less than 11% of host‐plant growth and caused ≤36 and ≥93% mortality of predator and pollinator respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among the tested compounds, only compounds 1 and 6 were effective in melonworm control. Both compounds presented no considerable phytotoxicity and were selective to predator but non‐selective to pollinator, which enables their application for pest control if the exposure of the bees is minimised. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Pancreatic enucleation using the da Vinci robotic surgical system: a report of 26 cases
Authors: Shi Yusheng , Peng Chenghong , Shen Baiyong , Deng Xiaxing , Jin Jiabin , Wu Zhichong , Zhan Qian , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2015

Background

As a tissue‐sparing procedure, pancreatic enucleation has become an alternative for benign or borderline pancreatic tumours; it has been proved to be safe and feasible. To date, a large sample size of robotic pancreatic enucleation has not been reported. This study aimed to discuss the clinical evaluation and postoperative complications after robotic pancreatic enucleation and compare it with open surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent robotic or open pancreatic enucleation during December 2010–December 2014 at Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in China, were included. Clinical data were collected and analysed.

Results

Patients were divided into an open group and a robotic group: 26 patients underwent robotic pancreatic enucleation, of whom 13 patients were female. The mean age was 51.7 years, the operation time was 125.7 ± 58.8 min, blood loss was 49.4 ± 33.4 ml and mean tumour size was 18.8 ± 7.9 mm; 17 patients underwent open pancreatic enucleation, of whom 11 were female. The mean age was 54.6 ± 17.2 min, blood loss was 198.5 ± 70.7 ml and mean tumour size was 3.5 ± 1.9 cm. Pathology included insulinomas, intrapancreatic mucinous neoplasmas (IPMNs), pancreatic neuro‐endocrine tumours (PNETs), solid pseudopapillary tumours (SPTs) and serous cystadenomas (SCAs). Robotic pancreatic enucleations were associated with less trauma, shorter operation time, less blood loss and faster wound recovery compared with open pancreatic enucleation. Pancreatic fistulas (PFs) were the main complication that occurred in the robotic group; infection also occurred in the open group. All patients recovered after effective drainage and the use of somatostatin. The mean follow‐up time was 25 months. No recurrence was discovered, and one patient in the open group suffered endocrine insufficiency.

Conclusion

Robotic pancreatic enucleation is a safe and effective surgical procedure for pancreatic benign and borderline tumours. It produces less trauma than open pancreatic enucleation and might extend the indications for enucleation. The PF rate after surgery is still high and a long‐term follow‐up needs to be performed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A regulatory perspective on missing data in the aftermath of the NRC report
Authors: LaVange Lisa M. , Permutt Thomas
Published: December 2015

The issuance of a report in 2010 by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences entitled ‘The Prevention and Treatment of Missing Data in Clinical Trials,’ commissioned by the US Food and Drug Administration, had an immediate impact on the way that statisticians and clinical researchers in both industry and regulatory agencies think about the missing data problem. We believe that there is currently great potential to improve study quality and interpretability—by reducing the amount of missing data through changes in trial design and conduct and by planning and conducting analyses that better account for the missing information. Here, we describe our view on some of the recommendations in the report and suggest ways in which these recommendations can be incorporated into new or ongoing clinical trials in order to improve their chance of success. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
When is cash good or bad for firm performance?
Authors: Deb Palash , David Parthiban , O'Brien Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Research summary: Cash can create shareholder value when used for adaptation to unfolding contingencies, but can also reduce value when appropriated by other stakeholders. We synthesize arguments from the behavioral theory of the firm, economic perspectives like agency theory, and the value‐creation versus value‐appropriation literatures to argue that the implications of cash for firm performance are context‐specific. Cash is more beneficial for firms operating in highly competitive, research‐intensive, or growth‐focused industries that are typical of contexts requiring adaptation in the face of uncertainties. Conversely, cash is more detrimental to performance in firms that are poorly governed, diversified, or opaque, as are typical of contexts where stakeholder conflicts, information asymmetries, or power imbalances can encourage value appropriation by other stakeholders.

Managerial summary: Cash can create shareholder value when used for adaptation to unfolding contingencies, but can also reduce value when appropriated by other stakeholders. While cash‐rich firms have higher performance on average, with those in the 75th percentile having a market‐to‐book value 15 percent higher than those in the 25th percentile, we find that the performance benefits of cash depend on the context. Cash is more beneficial for firms operating in highly competitive, research‐intensive, or growth‐focused industries that are typical of contexts requiring adaptation in the face of uncertainties. Conversely, cash is more detrimental to performance in firms that are poorly governed, diversified, or opaque, as are typical of contexts where stakeholder conflicts, information asymmetries, or power imbalances can encourage value appropriation by other stakeholders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizing for knowledge generation: internal knowledge networks and the contingent effect of external knowledge sourcing
Authors: Grigoriou Konstantinos , Rothaermel Frank T.
Published: December 2015

Research summary: When faced with a new technological paradigm, incumbent firms can opt for internal development and/or external sourcing to obtain the necessary new knowledge. We explain how the effectiveness of external knowledge sourcing depends on the properties of internal knowledge production. We apply a social network lens to delineate interpersonal, intra‐firm knowledge networks and capture the emergence of two important firm‐level properties: the incumbent's internal potential for knowledge recombination and the level of knowledge coordination costs. We rely on firm‐level internal knowledge networks to dynamically track the emergence of these properties across 106 global pharmaceutical companies over a 25‐year time period. We find that a firm's success in developing knowledge in a new technological paradigm using external knowledge sourcing is contingent on these internal knowledge properties.

Managerial summary: Incumbent firms in high‐tech industries often face competence‐destroying technological change. In their effort to adapt and develop new knowledge in a novel paradigm, incumbent firms have several corporate strategy options available to them: internal knowledge development and a wide array of external knowledge sourcing strategies, including alliances and acquisitions. In this study, we make an effort to address a critical question: How effective is external knowledge sourcing under different internal knowledge generation regimes? We find that external sourcing strategies are less effective when firms can already internally generate new knowledge or if they have high internal coordination costs. Therefore, when considering external sourcing, managers must carefully weigh the benefits of it vis‐à‐vis its commensurate costs as the benefits of external sourcing may be overstated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balance the wind power generation and transmission—case study in China
Authors: Song Yanqin
Published: December 2015

In most places in the world, the load center and the best wind resources are located far away from each other. Therefore, electricity generated from wind farms has to be transmitted to the load center over lengthy transmission lines. However, in some cases, lower quality wind resources also available close to load centers. Therefore, decision makers are sometime faced with competing alternatives: building wind farms in areas with higher wind speeds far away from load centers and or building wind farms in areas with lower wind speeds close to load centers. This paper proposes a methodology to help policy makers to develop wind resources cost effectively, balancing wind power generation from best wind resources and transmission of electricity over long distance. The methodology is applied to China, to compare development of high‐quality wind resources in the Three‐North region (north, northwest and northeast) and transmission of electricity to Southeast load centers to the development of lower quality resources closer to the same load centers. The results would help decision makers at the national and provincial levels to optimally develop the country's resources and assess the benefits of renewable energy trade between provinces. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.