bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Post Heated TiN Coating on Pitting Corrosion of Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Hsun , Liu Hong-Tsair , Huang Wei-Che , Lin Meng-Ru
Published: January 2016

This study used cathodic arc deposition technique to coat TiN film on 316L austenitic stainless steel, and then the coated specimens were heat-treated at the different temperatures. Observation of coating morphology and corrosion tests were conducted for exploring the effect of post-heating temperature on composition, microstructure, and corrosion behavior of the coatings. The results showed when the heating temperature was up to the range of 500-600 oC, a Ti-N-O mixed film consisting of the two TiO2 and TiN phases was formed on the outer layer. Particular, the film heated at 500 oC had a dense structure as well as homogeneous chemical composition. Such the result could effectively inhibit pitting corrosion of 316L stainless steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl and 10 vol% HCl solutions.
The p38 MAP kinase pathway modulates the hypoxia response and glutamate receptor trafficking in aging neurons
Authors: Park Eun Chan , Rongo Christopher
Published: January 2016

Neurons are sensitive to low oxygen (hypoxia) and employ a conserved pathway to combat its effects. Here, we show that p38 MAP Kinase (MAPK) modulates this hypoxia response pathway in C. elegans. Mutants lacking p38 MAPK components pmk-1 or sek-1 resemble mutants lacking the hypoxia response component and prolyl hydroxylase egl-9, with impaired subcellular localization of Mint orthologue LIN-10, internalization of glutamate receptor GLR-1, and depression of GLR-1-mediated behaviors. Loss of p38 MAPK impairs EGL-9 protein localization in neurons and activates the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF-1, suggesting that p38 MAPK inhibits the hypoxia response pathway through EGL-9. As animals age, p38 MAPK levels decrease, resulting in GLR-1 internalization; this age-dependent downregulation can be prevented through either p38 MAPK overexpression or removal of CDK-5, an antagonizing kinase. Our findings demonstrate that p38 MAPK inhibits the hypoxia response pathway and determines how aging neurons respond to hypoxia through a novel mechanism.
Solution-processed crystalline silicon double-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Devkota Ramesh , Liu Qiming , Ohki Tatsuya , Hossain Jaker , Ueno Keiji , Shirai Hajime
Published: January 2016

Crystalline silicon double-heterojunction solar cells were fabricated using Si/organic and Si/Cs2CO3 heterojunctions. The front heterojunction is formed by spin-coating conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethyenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on n-type Czochralski (CZ) (100) silicon, which separates the photogenerated carriers and blocks the electron dark current while allowing the photocurrent to pass through. The rear heterojunction, formed by spin-coating Cs2CO3 and polyethylenimine (PEI) dissolved in 2-ethoxyethanol and Al metal evaporation, functions as a back surface field that reduces the hole dark current while allowing the electron photocurrent to pass through. The double-heterojunction device showed a power conversion efficiency of 12.7% under AM1.5G simulated solar light exposure.
High-power supercontinuum generation using high-repetition-rate ultrashort-pulse fiber laser for ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography in 1600 nm spectral band
Authors: Yamanaka Masahito , Kawagoe Hiroyuki , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: January 2016

We describe the generation of a high-power, spectrally smooth supercontinuum (SC) in the 1600 nm spectral band for ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). A clean SC was achieved by using a highly nonlinear fiber with normal dispersion properties and a high-quality pedestal-free pulse obtained from a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser operating at 182 MHz. The center wavelength and spectral width were 1578 and 172 nm, respectively. The output power of the SC was 51 mW. Using the developed SC source, we demonstrated UHR-OCT imaging of biological samples with a sensitivity of 109 dB and an axial resolution of 4.9 µm in tissue.
Controlled superconductivity in infinite-layer Sr0.875La0.125CuO2 films sputter-deposited on BaySr1−
yTiO3 buffer layers
Authors: Sakuma Keita , Ito Masataka , Hajiri Tetsuya , Ueda Kenji , Asano Hidefumi
Published: January 2016

We present a systematic study of the structural and electrical properties of electron-doped infinite-layer Sr0.875La0.125CuO2 (SLCO) thin films grown on Ba
y
Sr1−

y
TiO3 (BSTO; y = 0.2–0.7) buffer layers. The BSTO (y = 0.2–0.6) buffer layers were found to allow the coherent growth of SLCO thin films. The coherently tensile-strained SLCO thin films grown on BSTO (y = 0.6) buffer layers at a low deposition rate of 0.2 nm/min showed a low room-temperature resistivity (118 µΩ cm) and a high T
c (36 K). All the other SLCO thin films exhibited a reduced T
c of around 20 K. The present results are discussed in terms of correlation among epitaxial strain, c
SLCO/a
SLCO ratio, and T
c.
One-pass manufacturing of multimaterial colloidal particles using optical recognition-enhanced laser direct imaging lithography
Authors: Kavčič Blaž , Kokot Gašper , Poberaj Igor , Babić Dušan , Osterman Natan
Published: January 2016

We report on a maskless lithography rapid prototyping system for the fabrication of multimaterial hybrid structures in standard i-line negative photoresists enriched by the addition of functionalization particles. The system uses a combination of image recognition methods to detect particle positions in the photoresist and laser direct imaging to illuminate it with a focused ultraviolet laser. A set of acousto-optic deflectors, used to steer the laser, enables precise high-speed illumination of complex patterns. As a result, hybrid micron-sized structures composed of a base particle embedded in a photoresist frame can be manufactured using a one-pass process.
Analytical drain current model for long-channel gate-all-around negative capacitance transistors with a metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor structure
Authors: Jiang Chunsheng , Liang Renrong , Wang Jing , Xu Jun
Published: January 2016

A carrier-based analytical drain current model was proposed for long-channel gate-all-around negative capacitance transistors with a metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor structure, which was derived by solving Poisson’s equation and a one-dimensional Landau–Khalatnikov equation. The electrostatic potential, gain of surface potential, and drain current were examined extensively by changing different device parameters, including the ferroelectric film thickness, channel radius, insulator layer thickness, and permittivity of the insulator layer. The device design methodologies are discussed in detail in this paper. A nonhysteretic transfer characteristic with a steep subthreshold swing (<60 mV/decade) was achieved at room temperature by optimizing the device parameters. The developed model is valid for all operation regions without any auxiliary variables or functions.
Development of ethenetetrathiolate hybrid thermoelectric materials consisting of cellulose acetate and semiconductor nanomaterials
Authors: Asano Hitoshi , Sakura Naoko , Oshima Keisuke , Shiraishi Yukihide , Toshima Naoki
Published: January 2016

We investigated novel organic/inorganic hybrid thermoelectric materials prepared using several metal-polymer complexes, binders (insulating polymers), and inorganic semiconductor nanomaterials. It was found that the three-component hybrid thermoelectric materials, which consisted of nanodispersed poly(nickel 1,1,2,2-ethenetetrathiolate) (Ni-PETT), cellulose acetate (CA), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), showed high thermoelectric performance. Ni-PETT had a large negative Seebeck coefficient of −42 µV K−1 and was an n-type semiconducting polymer complex. Ni-PETT sufficiently dispersed p-type CNTs in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The charge transfer interaction between Ni-PETT and CNTs could provide a strong contact. Good films could be obtained by using CA as a binder. In addition, the electrical conductivity of the three-component hybrid films was increased by methanol treatment. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and power factor of Ni-PETT/CA/CNT films normalized on the basis of the CNT mass were 1.9, 5.2, and 2.8 times higher than those of the CNT sheets.
Structural and optical properties of Fe doped bismuth titanate thin film deposited by RF sputtering
Authors: Han Jun Young , Bark Chung Wung
Published: January 2016

Achieving wide band gap tunability in complex oxide materials is highly desirable for the development of current materials research and photovoltaic device applications. To tune the band gap of complex oxides, ferroelectric iron doped BLT thin films (BLFT) were fabricated on SrTiO3 substrates by RF sputtering at various growth temperatures. The structural and optical properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. As the growth temperature was increased from 500 to 800 °C, the crystallinity of the BLFT thin films was enhanced by the smooth surfaces, whereas the optical band gap was increased from 2.69 to 2.75 eV. On the other hand, the optimized deposition temperature of the BLFT film was 750 °C because of the almost complete crystalline phase. This result was found to be sensitive to the deposition temperature when the BLFT epitaxial thin-films were prepared by RF sputtering for the band-gap narrowing.
Intermediate-term emotional bookkeeping is necessary for long-term reciprocal grooming partner preferences in an agent-based model of macaque groups
Authors: Evers Ellen , de Vries Han , Spruijt Berry M. , Sterck Elisabeth H.M.
Published: January 2016

Whether and how primates are able to maintain long-term affiliative relationships is still under debate. Emotional bookkeeping (EB), the partner-specific accumulation of emotional responses to earlier interactions, is a candidate mechanism that does not require high cognitive abilities. EB is difficult to study in real animals, due to the complexity of primate social life. Therefore, we developed an agent-based model based on macaque behavior, the EMO-model, that implements arousal and two emotional dimensions, anxiety-FEAR and satisfaction-LIKE, which regulate social behavior. To implement EB, model individuals assign dynamic LIKE attitudes towards their group members, integrating partner-specific emotional responses to earlier received grooming episodes. Two key parameters in the model were varied to explore their effects on long-term affiliative relationships: (1) the timeframe over which earlier affiliation is accumulated into the LIKE attitudes; and (2) the degree of partner selectivity. EB over short and long timeframes gave rise to low variation in LIKE attitudes, and grooming partner preferences were only maintained over one to two months. Only EB over intermediate-term timeframes resulted in enough variation in LIKE attitudes, which, in combination with high partner selectivity, enables individuals to differentiate between regular and incidental grooming partners. These specific settings resulted in a strong feedback between differentiated LIKE attitudes and the distribution of grooming, giving rise to strongly reciprocated partner preferences that could be maintained for longer periods, occasionally up to one or two years. Moreover, at these settings the individual’s internal, socio-emotional memory of earlier affiliative episodes (LIKE attitudes) corresponded best to observable behavior (grooming partner preferences). In sum, our model suggests that intermediate-term LIKE dynamics and high partner selectivity seem most plausible for primates relying on emotional bookkeeping to maintain their social bonds.
Activity and biophysical inhibition resistance of a novel synthetic lung surfactant containing Super-Mini-B DATK peptide
Authors: Notter Robert H. , Wang Zhengdong , Walther Frans J.
Published: January 2016

Background/objectives.This study examines the surface activity, resistance to biophysical inhibition, and pulmonary efficacy of a synthetic lung surfactant containing glycerophospholipids combined with Super Mini-B (S-MB) DATK, a novel and stable molecular mimic of lung surfactant protein (SP)-B. The objective of the work is to test whether S-MB DATK synthetic surfactant has favorable biophysical and physiological activity for future use in treating surfactant deficiency or dysfunction in lung disease or injury.

Methods.The structure of S-MB DATK peptide was analyzed by homology modeling and by FTIR spectroscopy. Thein vitrosurface activity and inhibition resistance of synthetic S-MB DATK surfactant was assessed in the presence and absence of albumin, lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), and free fatty acids (palmitoleic and oleic acid). Adsorption and dynamic surface tension lowering were measured with a stirred subphase dish apparatus and a pulsating bubble surfactometer (20 cycles/min, 50% area compression, 37 °C).In vivopulmonary activity of S-MB DATK surfactant was measured in ventilated rabbits with surfactant deficiency/dysfunction induced by repeated lung lavages that resulted in arterial PO2values <100 mmHg.

Results.S-MB DATK surfactant had very high surface activity in all assessments. The preparation adsorbed rapidly to surface pressures of 46–48 mN/m at 37 °C (low equilibrium surface tensions of 22–24 mN/m), and reduced surface tension to <1 mN/m under dynamic compression on the pulsating bubble surfactometer. S-MB DATK surfactant showed a significant ability to resist inhibition by serum albumin, C16:0 lyso-PC, and free fatty acids, but surfactant inhibition was mitigated by increasing surfactant concentration. S-MB DATK synthetic surfactant quickly improved arterial oxygenation and lung compliance after intratracheal instillation to ventilated rabbits with severe surfactant deficiency.

Conclusions.S-MB DATK is an active mimic of native SP-B. Synthetic surfactants containing S-MB DATK (or related peptides) combined with lipids appear to have significant future potential for treating clinical states of surfactant deficiency or dysfunction, such as neonatal and acute respiratory distress syndromes.
In plantacomparative transcriptomics of host-adapted strains ofRalstonia solanacearum
Authors: Ailloud Florent , Lowe Tiffany M. , Robène Isabelle , Cruveiller Stéphane , Allen Caitilyn , Prior Philippe
Published: January 2016

Background.Ralstonia solanacearumis an economically important plant pathogen with an unusually large host range. The Moko (banana) and NPB (not pathogenic to banana) strain groups are closely related but are adapted to distinct hosts. Previous comparative genomics studies uncovered very few differences that could account for the host range difference between these pathotypes. To better understand the basis of this host specificity, we used RNAseq to profile the transcriptomes of anR. solanacearumMoko strain and an NPB strain underin vitroandin plantaconditions.

Results.RNAs were sequenced from bacteria grown in rich and minimal media, and from bacteria extracted from mid-stage infected tomato, banana and melon plants. We computed differential expression between each pair of conditions to identify constitutive and host-specific gene expression differences between Moko and NPB. We found that type III secreted effectors were globally up-regulated upon plant cell contact in the NPB strain compared with the Moko strain. Genes encoding siderophore biosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation genes were highly up-regulated in the NPB strain during melon pathogenesis, while denitrification genes were up-regulated in the Moko strain during banana pathogenesis. The relatively lower expression of oxidases and the denitrification pathway during banana pathogenesis suggests thatR. solanacearumexperiences higher oxygen levels in banana pseudostems than in tomato or melon xylem.

Conclusions.This study provides the first report of differential gene expression associated with host range variation. Despite minimal genomic divergence, the pathogenesis of Moko and NPB strains is characterized by striking differences in expression of virulence- and metabolism-related genes.
Biased sampling of methane release from northern lakes: A problem for extrapolation
Authors: Wik Martin , Thornton Brett F. , Bastviken David , Uhlbäck Jo , Crill Patrick M.
Published: January 2016

Methane emissions from lakes are widely thought to be highly irregular and difficult to quantify with anything other than numerous distributed measurement stations and long‐term sampling campaigns. In spite of this, a large majority of the study sites north of 50°N have been measured over surprisingly short time periods of only one to a few days. Using long‐term data from three intensively studied small subarctic lakes, we recommend that measurements of diffusive methane flux and ebullition should be made over at least 11 and 39 days scattered throughout the ice‐free season using depth‐stratified sampling at 3 and 11 or more locations, respectively. We further show that low temporal and spatial resolutions are unlikely to cause overestimates. Therefore, we argue that most sites measured previously are likely underestimated in terms of emission potential. Avoiding these biases seen in much of the contemporary data is crucial to further constrain large‐scale methane emissions from northern lakes and ponds.
Statistics of the field‐aligned currents at the high‐latitude energetic electron boundaries in the nightside: Cluster observation
Authors: Ren Jie , Zong Q. G. , Zhou X. Z. , Zhang Hui , Fu S. Y. , Wang Y. F. , Liu Yong C.‐M.
Published: January 2016

Magnetic field disturbances with a clear bipolar signature are frequently observed when the Cluster spacecraft fleet passes through both southern and northern high‐latitude energetic electron boundaries at the nightside magnetosphere. The dominant variation of the bipolar signature is in the azimuthal direction of the local mean field‐aligned coordinate, indicating a field‐aligned current. From 2001 to 2008, we have examined 110 events with the magnetic field and energetic electron measurements. The main results can be summarized as follows: (1) The density and thickness of the field‐aligned current, calculated under the assumption of the one‐dimensional sheet, are in order of tens of nA/m2 and hundreds of kilometers, respectively. (2) Currents flowing into and away from the ionosphere tend to be observed in the postmidnight and premidnight sector, respectively, which have the same polarity as the region 1 current system. (3) These currents mainly distribute in the 60°–75° magnetic latitude region after mapping to the ionosphere. We also find that the current density and corresponding magnetic field variation are positively correlated with the Kp index and solar wind pressure, but almost independent of the AE index.
Knowingly Unfinished: Exploiting the Temporality of Landscapes
Authors: Ware SueAnne
Published: January 2016

For landscape architects, working in a natural growing medium heavily exposed to changing climatic conditions, temporality is a given. Here, SueAnne Ware, Head of the School Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Newcastle, Australia, explains how landscape architects are accentuating this situation by consciously working with the performative aspects of the landscapes they design, as exemplified in three projects in France, Spain and Australia.
Ever Faster But Still Very Good
Authors: Mallie Jonathan
Published: January 2016

Completing a building on time at a high quality is an age‐old challenge for design and construction professionals. But what happens when everything speeds up exponentially? Jonathan Mallie is an expert in integrating design innovation with technologically advanced construction solutions. The founder of JLM | design & construction consultancy, he was previously a principal at SHoP in New York. Here he describes how 4D and 5D building information modelling (BIM) technologies allow architects to build quickly in response to clients' needs for speed, but also benefit the design‐and‐build process.
Potassium Iodide/tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide‐Mediated Oxidative Annulation for the Selective Synthesis of N‐Substituted 1,2,3‐Benzotriazine‐4(3H)‐ones Using Nitromethane as the Nitrogen Synthon
Authors: Yan Yizhe , Niu Bin , Xu Kun , Yu Jianhua , Zhi Huanhuan , Liu Yanqi
Published: January 2016

A novel and efficient oxidative annulation of 2‐aminobenzamides with nitromethane has been developed for the chemoselective synthesis of N‐substituted 1,2,3‐benzotriazine‐4(3H)‐ones in moderate to excellent yields under transition metal‐free conditions. Two NN bonds were constructed in one pot via CN cleavage of nitromethane, which was selectively employed as the nitrogen synthon. The preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that this protocol proceeded under hypoiodite catalysis generated in situ.

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Retracted: Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Selective Acylation of 4H‐Benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one Derivatives with α‐Oxo Carboxylic acids via Preferential Cyclic Imine‐N‐Directed Aryl C−H Activation
Authors: Majhi Biju , Kundu Debasish , Ghosh Tubai , Ranu Brindaban C.
Published: January 2016

The benzoxazine scaffolds are of much interest as they are found in a large array of natural products and pharmaceutical drugs with diverse activities. We have developed a palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative selective mono‐ and bis‐acylation of 4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one derivatives with α‐oxo carboxylic acids via preferential cyclic imine‐N‐directed C−H activation. 2‐Aryl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one was acylated with a variety of substituted phenylglyoxylic acids to produce the corresponding products. It was observed that electron‐donating groups (CH3, OCH3) at any position of the aromatic ring of phenylglyoxylic acid provided good to excellent yields, whereas phenylglyoxylic acids containing electron‐withdrawing groups (COCH3, CN, NO2) gave the products in moderate yields. Interestingly when the reaction was performed with silver triflate (AgOTf) in place of silver nitrate (AgNO3) in the presence of 4 equivalents of glyoxylic acid, the bis‐acylated product was obtained together with a small amount of mono‐acylated product. This is the first report of acylation of 2‐aryl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones via C−H activation. The notable features of this reaction are acylation with more challenging heteroarene‐oxo carboxylic acids and alkyl oxo carboxylic acids. This new protocol provides an easy and efficient access to a variety of o‐acyl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one derivatives which are of pharmaceutical importance.

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Synthesis of Exocyclic Trisubstituted Alkenes via Nickel‐ Catalyzed Kumada‐Type Cross‐Coupling Reaction of gem‐ Difluoroalkenes with Di‐Grignard Reagents
Authors: Dai Wenpeng , Zhang Xuxue , Zhang Juan , Lin Yingyin , Cao Song
Published: January 2016

A practical, nickel‐catalyzed Kumada‐type double cross‐coupling reaction of gem‐difluoroalkenes with 1,4‐ or 1,5‐di‐Grignard reagents was developed. The reaction proceeded efficiently at room temperature and a variety of cyclization products, arylmethylenecyclopentanes and arylmethylenecyclohexanes, were obtained in high to excellent yields, respectively.

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Convergent Activation Concept for CO2 Fixation in Carbonates
Authors: Desens Willi , Werner Thomas
Published: January 2016

Concepts to facilitate the conversion of epoxides with carbon dioxide to the corresponding cyclic carbonates commonly focus on the activation of the epoxide. Herein we report a catalytic system which allows the simultaneous activation of carbon dioxide and the epoxide. This convergent activation concept is realized by combining a suitable carbene as catalyst for the carbon dioxide activation with a second catalytic system based on potassium iodide for epoxide activation. Initial experiments showed synergistic effects and thus proving the feasibility of this activation concept. Moreover a standard protocol was developed and the substrate scope under these conditions has been studied. Under mild and solvent‐free conditions 14 epoxides could be converted. The respective cyclic carbonates were obtained in good to excellent yields with selectivities ≥ 99 % after simple filtration.

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Microform holoprosencephaly with bilateral congenital elbow dislocation; increasing the phenotypic spectrum of Steinfeld syndrome
Authors: Jones Gabriela E. , Robertson Lisa , Maniyar Amit , Shammas Christos , Phelan Marie M. , Vasudevan Pradeep C. , Tanteles George A.
Published: January 2016

Steinfeld syndrome (MIM #184705) was first reported in 1982. It is characterised by holoprosencephaly and limb defects, however other anomalies may also be present. Following the initial description, three further cases have been reported in the literature. We report on a 23‐year‐old girl, with features of microform holoprosencephaly and bilateral congenital elbow dislocation in association with hypoplastic radial heads. She was identified to have a variant in the CDON gene inherited from her father who had ocular hypotelorism, but no other clinical features. We discuss the clinical features of Steinfeld syndrome, and broaden the phenotypic spectrum of this condition. Structural analysis suggests that this variant could lead to destabilisation of binding of CDON with hedgehog proteins. Further work needs to be done to confirm whether mutations in the CDON gene are the cause of Steinfeld syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanostructured Amorphous Nickel Boride for High‐Efficiency Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over a Broad pH Range
Authors: Zeng Min , Wang Hao , Zhao Chong , Wei Jiake , Qi Kuo , Wang Wenlong , Bai Xuedong
Published: January 2016

A fruitful paradigm in the development of low‐cost and efficient water splitting systems for hydrogen generation is to search the highly active non‐noble catalysts towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, the electrocatalytic HER activity of nanostructured amorphous nickel boride (Ni−B) alloy has been investigated. Amorphous Ni−B has exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency and long‐term stability for HER over a broad pH range, which is actually comparable to the performance of Pt. This high catalytic activity is due to the amorphous structure and the moderate electron structure of Ni−B. The Ni−B catalyst is easily obtained via electroless plating technique and we could get a supported Ni−B catalyst on desired substrates. Given the low cost, abundance, corrosion resistance, high efficiency and ease of fabrication, amorphous Ni−B is among the best alternatives to noble metal hydrogen evolution catalysts for water splitting.
Catalyst‐Controlled Selectivity in C−S Bond Formation: Highly Efficient Synthesis of C2‐ and C3‐Sulfonylindoles
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Wanmei , Xia Chengcai , Ying Beibei , Shen Chao , Zhang Pengfei
Published: January 2016

The front cover artwork for Issue 02/2016 is provided by the Zhang group, Hangzhou Normal University (P.R. China). The image shows the choice of two different methods to accomplish C−S bond formation for the highly effective synthesis of C2‐ and C3‐sulfonylindoles. See the Full Paper itself at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201500917.
Community Connections
Authors: Compton Neville
Published: January 2016

Progress on all fronts: Over the course of 2015, Chemistry—A European Journal has been making significant advances in all the key metrics for the journal. Published articles rose by about 9%, impact factor rose to 5.731 and publication times were cut by about 20 days.
Experimental and Model Studies on Continuous Separation of 2‐Phenylpropionic Acid Enantiomers by Enantioselective Liquid–Liquid Extraction in Centrifugal Contactor Separators
Authors: Feng Xiaofeng , Tang Kewen , Zhang Pangliang , Yin Shuangfeng
Published: January 2016

Multistage enantioselective liquid–liquid extraction (ELLE) of 2‐phenylpropionic acid (2‐PPA) enantiomers using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) as extractant was studied experimentally in a counter‐current cascade of centrifugal contactor separators (CCSs). Performance of the process was evaluated by purity (enantiomeric excess, ee) and yield (Y). A multistage equilibrium model was established on the basis of single‐stage model for chiral extraction of 2‐PPA enantiomers and the law of mass conservation. A series of experiments on the extract phase/washing phase ratio (W/O ratio), extractant concentration, the pH value of aqueous phase, and the number of stages was conducted to verify the multistage equilibrium model. It was found that model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental results. The model was applied to predict and optimize the symmetrical separation of 2‐PPA enantiomers. The optimal conditions for symmetric separation involves a W/O ratio of 0.6, pH of 2.5, and HP‐β‐CD concentration of 0.1 mol L−1 at a temperature of 278 K, where eeeq (equal enantiomeric excess) can reach up to 37% and Yeq (equal yield) to 69%. By simulation and optimization, the minimum number of stages was evaluated at 98 and 106 for eeeq > 95% and eeeq > 97%. Chirality 28:235–244, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Research highlights are as follows:

Multistage enantioselective liquid‐liquid extraction is suitable for the separation of 2‐phenylpropionic acid enantiomers with HP‐β‐CD as hydrophilic chiral selector.

Model predictions of multistage countercurrent centrifugal extraction of 2‐phenylpropionic acid enantiomers are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Purity for 2‐phenylpropionic acid enantiomers could be remarkably improved by changing W/O ratio or extractant concentration, and or adding the number of centrifugal contact separators.

Multistage enantioselective liquid‐liquid extraction in centrifugal contactor separators can be hopeful for separations of various enantiomers at a large‐scale.
Fully automated liver segmentation using Sobolev gradient‐based level set evolution
Authors: Göçeri Evgin
Published: January 2016

Quantitative analysis and precise measurements on the liver have vital importance for pre‐evaluation of surgical operations and require high accuracy in liver segmentation from all slices in a data set. However, automated liver segmentation from medical image data sets is more challenging than segmentation of any other organ due to various reasons such as vascular structures in the liver, high variability of liver shapes, similar intensity values, and unclear edges between liver and its adjacent organs. In this study, a variational level set‐based segmentation approach is proposed to be efficient in terms of processing time and accuracy. The efficiency of this method is achieved by (1) automated initialization of a large initial contour, (2) using an adaptive signed pressure force function, and also (3) evolution of the level set with Sobolev gradient. Experimental results show that the proposed fully automated segmentation technique avoids local minima and stops evolution of the active contour at desired liver boundaries with high speed and accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining the influence of distal radius orientation on distal radioulnar joint contact using a finite element model
Authors: Greybe Desney , Boland Michael R. , Wu Tim , Mithraratne Kumar
Published: January 2016

Distal radius malunion is a problem that is common to distal radius fractures and can affect the contact mechanics of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The goal of this study was to use a computational model of the DRUJ to investigate the influence distal radius orientation has on its contact mechanics. Detailed, finite element models of the radius and ulna bones were constructed from magnetic resonance imaging data. The orientation of the distal radius was rotated in 2° increments about three orthogonal axes representing dorsal–palmar rotation, radial–ulnar rotation and anteversion‐retroversion. A computational model was used to predict joint contact at the DRUJ in each condition. Joint contact was found to be most sensitive to dorsal rotation of the distal radius, while radial and ulnar rotation did not substantially affect joint contact pressure. Slight retroversion was found to lower joint contact pressure. In most cases, more than 6° rotation in a given direction resulted in dislocation of the DRUJ, so that adaptation at the joint would be required to maintain articular contact. The joint contact model implemented in this study allowed the relationship between distal radius orientation and DRUJ contact to be examined systematically, in a way that is difficult to achieve using a cadaver‐based approach. The results demonstrated the distal radius displacements most critical for maintaining healthy joint mechanics at the DRUJ. It is important that clinicians consider the influence of distal radius malunion and its treatment on DRUJ mechanics, in addition to its consequences for wrist function and forearm rotation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual and Non‐Sexual Trauma, Depression and Self‐Esteem in a Sample of Polish Women. A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kucharska Justyna
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this research was to explore the issue of the psychological aftermaths of traumatic events in women. According to the existing body of evidence, women suffer more often than men from mental health problems as a result of a traumatic event—one of the explanations for this is that women experience sexual trauma more frequently and this type of trauma causes more severe negative consequences. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to compare the aftermaths of sexual and non‐sexual traumatic events in women. Only traumatic events in adulthood were taken into consideration and were divided into two categories: recent events (previous two years) and those of an earlier occurrence. Depression and low level of self‐esteem were included in the research model as possible consequences of traumatic events. A total of 273 women from Poland took part in a questionnaire survey. As hypothesized, in the case of recent events, participants who experienced a sexual trauma showed a higher level of depression and lower level of self‐esteem compared with those subjects, who experienced a non‐sexual trauma or did not experience a traumatic event at all. However, this effect was not observed in the case of events of earlier occurrence. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Relations between traumatic experiences and the level of depression and self‐esteem in women were demonstrated.

Women who experienced sexual trauma showed higher levels of depression and lower levels of self‐esteem than women who experienced other types of trauma.

Time of the occurrence of the traumatic events matters: the relations between traumatic events, depression and self‐esteem were demonstrated in the case of the events that occurred within the last two years.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine actions and use in man
Authors: von Euler U.S.
Published: January 2016

Our present concepts of the role and use of epinephrine and norepinephrine in man are largely based on the doctrine of epinephrine as the emergency hormone of the adrenal medulla, originally outlined by Cannon and his associates, and the more recent finding that norepinephrine serves as neurotransmitter of the adrenergic nervous system and also as a medullary hormone. Important contributions to the knowledge of these amines have also been gained by empirical work on their use as remedies in various conditions.

While soon after its discovery epinephrine was introduced into the therapeutic arsenal, it was almost 50 years before norepinephrine came to be used more regularly as a drug.

As soon as it became recognized in the 1940's, however, that norepinephrine served as an adrenal medullary hormone as well as adrenergic nerve transmitter, the situation changed. It is true that inadequate experimentation and defective conclusions in the beginning caused some of the important physiologic differences between the two hormones to be overlooked, but gradually the pattern of actions and, based upon these, the indications for the use of both epinephrine and norepinephrine became clearer.

In this review an outline is given of what is now regarded as the physiologic roles of the two hormones, based on a survey of some of their most important pharmacologic actions in man, and these are compared with reported results of the therapeutic effects of the hormones.
Failure of ethylenediamine condensation method to detect increased plasma norepinephrine concentrations during general anesthesia in man
Authors: Price H. L. , Linde H. W. , Price M. L.
Published: January 2016

Analysis of human plasma by the ethylenediamine condensation method did not reveal a striking increase in norepinephrine concentration during general anesthesia, although this elevation could be clearly shown both by biologic assay and by the more specific trihydroxyindole method. This disercpancy probably results from the presence in normal plasma of relatively large amounts of biologieally inactive eateehol substance or substances whieh interfere with analyses made by ethylenediamine condensation.
Mechanism of the antihypertensive: effects of diuretics: possible role of salt in hypertension
Authors: Freis Edward D.
Published: January 2016

The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of chlorothiazide does not differ trom that of such potent salt‐depleting therapeutic agents as the mercurial diuretics and the rice diet. The extracellular fluid and plasma volumes are reduced and, as a result, right heart filling pressure, cardiac output, and blood pressure (if abnormally elevated by same pressor stimulus) fall. Because of the reduction in plasma volume, drugs which increase the capacity of the peripheral vasculature, such as ganglioplegic agents, synergize with chlorothiazide. The reasons for some of the contradictory interpretations of chlorothiazide activity are discussed and appear to be due primarily to (1) the difficulty in assessing antihypertensive mechanisms in long‐term studies and (2) confusion over the significance of “normal” values for total exchangeable sodium in chronic experiments with chlorothiazide. For the reasons stated, it is suggested that salt plays a permissive rather than a primary etiological role in the genesis of essential hyptertension.
Therapeutic trends in the treatment of barbiturate poisoning: The Scandinavian method
Authors: Clemmesen Carl , Nilsson Eric
Published: January 2016

The “Scandinavian method” of treating barbiturate poisoning is presented. As a result of close and constant attention to the support of vital function (the cardiovascular system, respiration, renal function, electrolyte homeostasis) and the prevention of infection, the mortality rate from barbiturate poisoning in our clinics has been brought down to 1.5 per cent whereas previously it was over 10 per cent. The details of this method, the history of its development, and the basis of its use are explained.
Comparison of the effectiveness of phenobarbital, mephobarbital, primidone, diphenylhydantoin, ethotoin, metharbital, and methylphenylethylhydantoin in motor seizures
Authors: Gruber Charles M. , Brock Joseph T. , Dyken Mark , Gibson Martha
Published: January 2016

Forty‐four patients with focal brain damage and epilepsy were given phenobarbital, mephobarbital, primidone, diphenylhydantoin, ethotoin, metharbital, methylphenylethylhydantoin, and blank on a double blind basis as replacement for their usual anticonvulsant medications. The number of seizures observed provided a score which was used to determine drug effectiveness.

The results indicate that the patients differed with regard to the severity of epilepsy, their response to medication and dose, and their response during 5 days of study. With effective doses of medication, the seizure scores increased more slowly than when ineffective doses were given. With all of the treatments except the blank and the smaller doses of diphenylhydantoin and ethotoin, there was an inverse relationship between dose and seizure scores.

The doses of phenobarbital, diphenylhydantoin, metharbital, methylphenylethylhydantoin, mephobarbital, and primidone which were calculated to be equally effective were, respectively, 30, 200, 110, 112, 128, and 93 mg. Doses of 70 mg. diphenylhydantoin and 470 mg. ethotoin appeared to lower the seizure scores equally.
Antibacterial activity of serum after oral doses of tetracycline, demethylchlortetracycline, and 6‐methyleneoxytetracycline
Authors: Remington Jack S. , Finland Maxwell , Dunnett Charles W. , Roepke R. R. , Wilcox Clare , Yarrows Joan H.
Published: January 2016

Studies in man indicate that tetracycline and 6‐methyleneoxytetracycline are absorbed more rapidly after oral administration than demethylchlortetracycline but that the antibacterial activity of the last is longer lasting. After 500 mg. of tetracycline and 300 mg. of the others, the amount in the blood stream is proportional to the dose; but when compared in terms of activity against Bacillus cereus, the effects of tetracycline are distinctly inferior to those of the other two, while the average antistreptococcal activity after demethylchlortetracycline is about the same as that after tetracycline and slightly greater than that after 6‐methyleneoxytetracycline. Plasma protein binding is about the same for demethylchlortetracycline and 6‐methyleneoxytetracycline but much less for tetracycline.
Part IV. The concept of threshold in carcinogenesis
Authors: Mantel Nathan
Published: January 2016

Whether or nat there is a threshold level of a carcinogen depends on the nature of the cancer‐inducing mechanisms. It may be that under some mechanisms thresholds do exist. In general, with the mechanisms proposed, the carcinogenic hazard never disappears with diminishing dose but rather becomes indefinitely small. A more practical approach is then not to attempt to determine the threshold level of a carcinagen, but rather to determine some arbitrarily safe (1/100,000,000) level. Such levels can be established from knawledge of the carcinagenic mechanism or, when the mechanism is not known, through the use of conservative procedures.

The concept of a carcinogenic threshold becomes further obscured when one considers alterations which may occur in the environment. Safe or threshold levels of a carcinogen may become unsafe if a promoting agent is introduced into the environment.

From these considerations various recommendations are made as to the conduct of a carCinogen testing program. These recommendations include testing over a wide dose range, testing in conjunction with knawn promoters or initiators, use of both skin‐painting tests and tests which permit the agent to be metabolized by the host.
The influence of solubility on the rate of gastrointestinal absorption of aspirin
Authors: Leonards Jack R.
Published: January 2016

The blood plasma concentration of salicylate 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes following the oral ingestion of 0.64 Gm. of aspirin in various pharmaceutical preparations was determined in a total of 168 experiments on 55 normal human subiects and used as an index of the rate of gastrointestinal absorption. Aspirin was absorbed relatively slowly, maximum blood levels not being attained at the end of 60 minutes. "Buffered" LWpirin preparations containing aluminum and magnesium "buffers" were somewhat more rapidly absorbed, maximum blood levels being attained at 30 to 45 minutes. A commercially available etfervescent preparation containing aspirin, which must be dissolved prior to ingestion, was still more rapidly absorbed, yielding maximum blood levels at 20 to 30 minutes. Similar results were obtained when aspirin was dissolved in hot water. To extend these observations soluble sodium acetylsalicylate was prepared by neutralizing aspirin with an equivalent amount of sodium bicarbonate. This was also rapidly absorbed. It is concluded that the rate of gastrointestinal absorption of aspirin is markedly influenced by solubility.
The clinical pharmacology of the hallucinogens
Authors: Jacobsen Erik
Published: January 2016

Whereas, formerly, interest was mainZy paramedical, in recent years medical interest in hallucinogenic drugs has greatly increased. Because of the Zarge number of new drugs with unusual effects as weil, there has been the hope that the drugs might lead to better understanding of abnormal mental processes. The history structure, and pharmacologic effects of these drugs in man is considered. In addition, differences hetween the effects in man and animals and differences in the actions of the several drugs are discussed.
The limited clinical pharmacology of nitrous oxide
Authors: Hamilton William K.
Published: January 2016

Despite more than a century of clinical use, there is a bare minimum of precise information on the pharmacology of nitrous oxide. This is probably the consequence of (1) weakness of general effect which makes results difficult to measure and provides unstable conditions for study, (2) inadequate number of studies of nitrous oxide without accompanying depressant drugs, and (3) failure of many reports to provide data. Nitrous oxide now has been proved to he analgetic and, at least to some degree, anesthetic. It does not depend upon hypoxia for this effect. Serious neurological sequelae coincident to use of the agent are due to asphyxia.

Clinical use of such a weak agent gives rise to interesting problems of pharmacologic concept. There is question as to whether weakness of the drug and its lack of tOXicity are separate phenomena or different ways of expressing the same thing. The use of supplemental drugswith nitrous oxide brings up "polypharmacy versus purism" as an approach to anesthetic depression and gives information suggesting that other agents add to toxicity as well as "potency." Exposure of patients to surgical procedures during very "light" anesthesia has been suggested as cause for shock and perhaps other sequelae. Current usage fails to support this concept.

Nitrous oxide remai118 a useful clinical anesthetic agent and knowledge has increased, even with few precise pharmacologic studies, and the scope of clinical usefulness has been enlarged thereby.
A comparative clinical study of methyclothiazide and pargyline in patients with essential hypertension
Authors: Patel Natoo , Mock David C. , Colmore John P. , Clark Mervin
Published: January 2016

The ability of a nonhydrazine monoamine oxidase inhibitor (pargyline) and a benzothiozide diuretic (methyclothiazide) to reduce the blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension was studied with a double‐blind placebo control. The drugs were administered separately and in combination, and, in the circumstances of this study, only the simultaneous use of both active drugs induced a significant fall in blood pressure. Undesirable side effects were eliminated without loss of therapeutic action by careful regulation of the dosage. No evidence of drug toxicity was found in the studies made of hepatic, renal, and hematopoietic function.
Evaluation of aspirin in treatment of headache
Authors: Murray William J.
Published: January 2016

The effectiveness of aspirin in treatment of the common headache has been evaluated in a group of university students employing a blind Latin‐square design. A total of 322 headaches was reported by 100 subjects during the 12 week study. The dosages of aspirin and the per cent of treated headaches showing some degree of relief were: 650 mg. (81 per cent), 325 mg. (68 per cent), 163 mg. (57 per cent), and placebo (57 per cent). Only the percentage associated with the 650 mg. dosage differed significantly from the others. Also, significantly fewer subjects who received the 650 mg. dosage took additional analgesics as allowed by the study. In addition, observations were made concerning the nature and treatment pattern of the headaches. These included their distribution according to time of day of onset (peak 4 to 6 P.M.) and anatomical location (bilateral frontal and generalized most frequent), and measurement of the average time lapse from onset of headache until medication was taken (average 67 minutes).