bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precarity
Authors: Castelein Tammy Lynn , Ieven Bram
Published: March 2012

Precarity refers to the fragile and insecure employment conditions to which an increasing amount of workers are subjected in the global economy. The concept refers to the fact that there is a large amount of workers who are employed on temporary contracts, are forced to work with flexible schedules and have little or no job security or social security. The result is that these groups are in a socially and economically precarious condition. This form of precarity, which is understood as a major issue in the current economy, has been studied intensively by economists and sociologists and has been at the center of attention of various social movements (Bourdieu 1998; Bauman 2002). The situation is usually understood as the result of the new global post‐Fordist economy in which the demand for temporary workers is higher than the demand for long‐term workers. In contradistinction to Fordism, post‐Fordist economy does not rely on a consistent production output that is brought into the market, but largely produces on demand from the market. The result of this new economic production system is that there is a growing need for temporary workers who can be employed for short stretches of time. In extension, the rise of temporary employment agencies can be seen as a symptom of the new economy and the precarious workers it produces.
Public Sphere
Authors: Rhomberg Markus
Published: March 2012

Public spheres may be defined as the collection of places and spaces – from neighborhood cafes to mass media and Internet chat rooms – where private individuals can express their opinion in public, pass judgments, and have the possibility of becoming independent agents in governing the state (Habermas 1989). Ideas about how to transfer this national model to the transnational and even global scale are widespread and have not been restricted to the twenty‐first century. The concept has been extended increasingly from the nation‐state to an international, transnational, cosmopolitan and global level. Public spaces are built from condensed networks of communication. The idea of a public sphere can be found in many modern social theories (for example, Luhmann's concept of a functionally differentiated society) but it was Juergen Habermas who first introduced the idea of a public sphere into modern social theory. In a normative manner, he conceptualized the public sphere within the nation‐state as a sphere of private individuals discussing freely and rationally, where all matters are oriented to the common good, and serving to crystallize public opinion. Public spheres should legitimize the political system, control it and produce transparency. A well‐developed, pluralized and vital media system is one of the conditions for establishing a public sphere and thus democracy within nation‐states. In contemporary modern society, the news media are important in determining who communicates with larger publics. The structures and contents of public spheres are determined by the production routines of the media. The mass media permit the circulation of opinions. We emphasize the role of the media, although some scholars state that the mass media themselves are dominated by money and power and therefore cannot be an independent societal force (Herman & Chomsky 1988).
World Bank
Authors: Lee Susan Hagood
Published: March 2012

The World Bank is a multilateral development bank (MDB) that provides low‐interest loans, interest‐free credits, grants, and technical assistance to middle‐ and low‐income countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The Bank's goals are to eliminate poverty, reduce inequity, and improve opportunities for people in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It originated in the 1944 Bretton Woods conference with its sister organization, the International Monetary Fund, to stabilize the international economy after World War II. The Bank raises funds through subscriptions and donations from its 186 member states, the Bank's owners, and through the sale of bonds on the international market. Voting is weighted by the size of member nations' economies, and the United States has the most influence. The Bank makes loans at concessional rates for infrastructure, agriculture, social programs, and private enterprise development. Since the debt crisis of the 1970s, the Bank has required structural adjustment policy reforms as a condition of its loans. Critics charge that World Bank policies have hurt the most vulnerable, increased poverty, and damaged the environment.
World Cultural Heritage: Conventions
Authors: Schmutz Vaughn , Elliott Michael A.
Published: March 2012

The conceptualization and definition of world cultural heritage, as well as the principles guiding its preservation, have gradually emerged through a series of international conventions and other agreements since the nineteenth century. The most influential of these agreements has been the
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage
, also known as the World Heritage Convention (WHC), adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1972. The WHC represents a comprehensive effort to formalize and globalize the process by which world cultural heritage is identified and preserved. Subsequent conventions have sought to expand UNESCO's original interpretation to include underwater and intangible heritage, for example, and have taken measures to protect world heritage sites from a variety of threats, such as globalization.
World Wildlife Fund
Authors: Wapner Paul
Published: March 2012

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), called the World Wide Fund for Nature outside the United States and Canada, is one of the oldest international environmental conservation organizations. A group of British naturalists (including Julian Huxley and Peter Scott) established the WWF in 1961 to defend endangered species from extinction. Headquartered in Switzerland, this charitable trust relies on private donations from its more than 5 million members, which fund about 60 percent of its activities, averaging 1300 projects in 100 countries at any given moment. WWF employs science to preserve biodiversity and healthy ecosystems through the protection of wild plant and animal populations and the promotion of efficient, renewable, or otherwise sustainable, natural and energy resources.
Socialism
Authors: Shevchenko Olga
Published: March 2012

The rise, and later the decline, of state socialism has defined the political landscape of the twentieth century. While the number of countries that claim to adhere to the state socialist model has dwindled (and the exact extent to which they embody socialist principles is questionable), the potential of the socialist model as a conceptual alternative to capitalism continues to fascinate social thinkers, politicians and rank‐and‐file citizens alike. Socialist (or social‐democratic or labor) parties, whose policies may have little in common with those of state socialist regimes, remain important players in the political landscape of many democratic nations, from Australia to Norway, and in that sense, socialist principles remain relevant to the world's political imagination.
Transnational Speech Regulation
Authors: Kyckelhahn Tracey
Published: March 2012

Transnational speech regulation is the legislation from multinational bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe (CofE), and the European Union (EU) that prohibits certain types of written and spoken statements. Often the legislation focuses on speech deemed hateful, discriminatory, or offensive towards certain groups and includes both criminal and civil laws. While there is debate over what such speech should be called, for the purpose of this entry such speech will be called “hate speech.” In addition, statements deemed libelous or slanderous against an individual or corporation are also the targets of such legislation. Major treaties include the UN's International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the International Convention of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the CofE's Convention on Cybercrime and European Convention on Human Rights. Other transnational speech legislation includes the EU's Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia.
Tripartite Standards Regime
Authors: Loconto Allison , Stone John V. , Busch Lawrence
Published: March 2012

Standards are exemplary measures against which people and things are judged. They can be informal, resembling norms and habits; they can also be formal, resembling laws or written codes of conduct or embedded in material objects. Both formal and informal standards are involved in nearly every aspect of human life. However, we will use the term “standards” to refer exclusively to “formal standards” which are those that are primarily invoked in global governance. In order for formal standards to create and keep the ordering that is intended by their use, a number of elements employed: (i) processes for certifying compliance to the standards, (ii) processes for accrediting the certifiers who audit the standards, and (iii) relatively clear sanctions for violation of these standards. Generally referred to as “conformity assessment,” these processes traverse and integrate the public and private sectors domestically and internationally. As such, formal standards are part of a “tripartite standards regime” (TSR), which is a regime of governance that consists of standards‐setting, accreditation, and certification (Loconto & Busch 2010). These three processes involved in constructing a TSR emerged pragmatically at different times and in different geographic spaces beginning in the late nineteenth century.
Assessment of Motor Coordination and Balance in Mice Using the Rotarod, Elevated Bridge, and Footprint Tests
Authors: Brooks Simon P. , Trueman Rebecca C. , Dunnett Stephen B.
Published: March 2012

In order fully to utilize animal models of disease states, to test experimental therapeutics, and to understand the underlying pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease, behavioral characterization of the model is essential. Deterioration of normal motor function within a disease state signals the progression of an underlying pathological process, and identifies disease‐sensitive time points according to which the onset of therapeutic trials may be scheduled. Deterioration in the performance of motor tasks may also indicate the point when motor deficits begin to compromise our ability to measure other deficits within cognitive and behavioral domains. In acute therapeutic trials, the separation of motor from cognitive or behavioral function may be crucial in determining the functional specificity of the drug effect. If we are to accurately measure motor performance in disease progression or during drug trials, tests of motor function that have been highly optimized with respect to sensitivity must be applied. Since motor coordination and balance are essential to normal motor function, tests that probe these facets are ideal for the purpose. In this chapter, we describe in detail three test protocols that principally measure motor coordination (the rotarod and footprint tests) and balance (the elevated bridge test) in mice. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:37‐53 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and its association with the presence and intensity of chronic widespread pain
Authors: Barakat Ansam , Vogelzangs Nicole , Licht Carmilla M. M. , Geenen Rinie , MacFarlane Gary J. , de Geus Eco J. C. , Smit Johannes H. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Dekker Joost
Published: March 2012

Objective

To test the hypotheses that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is associated with the presence of chronic widespread pain (CWP), and that dysregulation of the ANS is associated with higher pain intensity in CWP.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained from 1,574 subjects (healthy controls as well as persons with depressive and anxiety disorders) participating in The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. The Chronic Pain Grade was used to assess pain intensity and pain‐related disability. Heart rate (HR), SD of the normal‐to‐normal interval (SDNN), the preejection period (PEP), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were used to assess the ANS. Logistic regression analyses and linear regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

No differences in HR, PEP, SDNN, or RSA values were found between CWP subjects and controls after adjustment for confounders. However, lower SDNN and lower RSA were associated with higher pain intensity in subjects with CWP.

Conclusion

Lower parasympathetic activity, as assessed with SDNN and RSA, is associated with higher pain intensity in subjects with CWP. This large and well‐controlled study does not provide evidence for an association between dysregulation of the ANS and the presence of CWP.
Engineering Integration: Real‐Time Approaches to Performative Computational Design
Authors: Fisher Al
Published: March 2012

Parametric techniques herald an age of predictive design. Results from simulations, analytical data and design performance criteria directly influence or drive architecture. However, this is still a relatively passive design approach: parameters go in, design comes out. Al Fisher explains the work of Buro Happold's SMART Solutions team on developing real‐time simulations where the analysis is persistent within the model. Lightweight, mobile versions of tools traditionally reserved for detailed analysis can form the early conceptual stages of design. Interactive models can be tweaked and manipulated, with the live feedback of results providing a link to the materiality of the design. Through a responsive approach, hybrid design can be achieved that blends performance with design intent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PCL Nanopillars Versus Nanofibers: A Contrast in Progenitor Cell Morphology, Proliferation, and Fate Determination
Authors: Prasad Ashok , Berger Dustin , Popat Ketul
Published: March 2012

The role of nanotopography on the long‐term response of progenitor cells is explored using polycaprolactone (PCL) nanopillar and nanofiber surfaces seeded with plastic‐adherent rat multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). After 4 weeks in culture under normal expansion media conditions, MSCs cultured on nanofibers exhibit better adherence, increased proliferation, and maintain increasingly dense fibroblast‐like morphologies. In contrast, MSCs seeded on nanopillar surfaces display lowered adherence, reduced proliferation, and adopt highly elongated cellular morphologies. Immunofluorescent staining of MSCs on PCL nanopillars reveals the presence of two bone marker proteins, osteopontin and osteocalcin, providing evidence for surface induced differentiation into osteoblast‐like cells. Unlike the nanopillar topography, MSCs cultured on nanofiber and smooth PCL surfaces did not appear to undergo osteogenesis. Observed differences in cellular response to the PCL nanotopographies offer strategies to direct progenitor cell populations solely based upon submicron surface modifications. This study provides a foundation for future work exploring variations in PCL nanopillar topography with the goal of optimizing adherence and osteogenic response of MSCs.
Asymmetric Hydrosilane Reduction of Ketones Catalyzed by an Iridium Complex Bearing a Hydroxyamide‐Functionalized NHC Ligand
Authors: Kawabata Shun , Tokura Hiromu , Chiyojima Hiroyuki , Okamoto Masaki , Sakaguchi Satoshi
Published: March 2012

An enantioselective hydrosilylation of prochiral ketones was achieved by using a catalytic amount of the readily accessible and air‐ and moisture‐stable iridium complex [IrCl(cod)(NHC)] at room temperature.
Handedness in nature: First evidence on manual laterality on bimanual coordinated tube task in wild primates
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Hopkins William D. , Li Baoguo
Published: March 2012

Handedness is a defining feature of human manual skill and understanding the origin of manual specialization remains a central topic of inquiry in anthropology and other sciences. In this study, we examined hand preference in a sample of wild primates on a task that requires bimanual coordinated actions (tube task) that has been widely used in captive primates. The Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an arboreal Old World monkey species that is endemic to China, and 24 adult individuals from the Qinling Mountains of China were included for the analysis of hand preference in the tube task. All subjects showed strong individual hand preferences and significant group‐level left‐handedness was found. There were no significant differences between males and females for either direction or strength of hand preference. Strength of hand preferences of adults was significantly greater than juveniles. Use of the index finger to extract the food was the dominant extractive‐act. Our findings represent the first evidence of population‐level left‐handedness in wild Old World monkeys and broaden our knowledge on evaluating primate hand preference via experimental manipulation in natural conditions. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Technical note: Shape variability induced by reassembly of human pelvic bones
Authors: Bonneau Noémie , Bouhallier July , Simonis Caroline , Baylac Michel , Gagey Olivier , Tardieu Christine
Published: March 2012

In traditional as well as in geometric morphometric studies, the shape of the pelvis is often quantified after the reassembly of the two hip bones and the sacrum. However, on dry bones, the morphology of the cartilaginous tissues that form the two sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis before death remains unknown, leading to potential inaccuracies and errors during the reassembly process. A protocol was established to investigate the effects of reassembly on the quantification of pelvis shape. The shape of fresh pelves obtained after dissection, in which the three bones are in an anatomically relevant position, was compared with the shape of different reassemblies based on the individual dry bones of the same individuals. Our results demonstrated a significant effect of the reassembly. Variation in the reassembly process is likely related, first, to the complete absence of cartilaginous tissues on dry bones and, second, to the morphology of the sacroiliac joint which, in vivo, allows physiological movements, resulting in different potential positions of the two sacroiliac surfaces relative to one another. However, the artificial variation introduced by the reassembly process appears small compared with the biological variation between the different individuals. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological–Pharmacological Evaluation of New Phosphazenes Bearing Dioxybiphenyl and Schiff Base Groups
Authors: Cil Erol , Tanyildizi Mehmet Ali , Ozen Furkan , Boybay Mustafa , Arslan Mustafa , Gorgulu Ahmet Orhan
Published: March 2012

A new spirocyclophosphazene, 2,2‐bis(2‐formylphenoxy)‐4,4,6,6‐bis[spiro(2′,2″‐dioxy‐1′‐1″‐biphenylyl)]cyclotriphosphazene (3), was obtained from the reaction of 2,2‐dichloro‐4,4,6,6‐bis[spiro(2′,2″‐dioxy‐1′‐1″‐biphenylyl)]cyclotriphosphazene (2) with 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. New phosphazene derivatives bearing Schiff base and dioxybiphenyl groups have been synthesized by the reactions of 3 with different amines. The structures of the compounds were defined by elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against both types of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. The most potent antibacterial compound of this series was compound 12 which has the low MIC value of 3.75–0.9375 µg/mL. Both minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and inhibition zones were determined in order to monitor the efficacy of the synthesized compounds. New compounds were also screened for anticonvulsant, CNS depressant, and sedative‐hypnotic activity. After i.p. injection to mice at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg body weight phosphazenes were examined in the maximal electroshock‐induced seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) induced seizure models in mice. The neurotoxicity was assessed using the rotorod method. Compounds 4, 5, and 11 were found to be active in both MES screen and scPTZ screen at 0.5 h. All except 12 showed more than 44% decrease in locomotor activity after 1 h of compound administration via actophotometer screen. CNS‐depressant activity screened with the help of the forced swim method resulted in some potent compounds. Except for 7 and 12 other tested compounds were found to exhibit potent CNS depressants activity as indicated by increased immobility time.
Synthesis and Preliminary Pharmacological Investigation of New N‐Substituted‐N‐[ω‐(ω‐phenoxy‐alkylpiperazin‐1‐yl)alkyl]guanidines as Non‐Imidazole Histamine H3 Antagonists
Authors: Staszewski Marek , Walczyński Krzysztof
Published: March 2012

Novel, potent non‐imidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists were prepared. Detailed structure–activity studies revealed that N‐(4‐trifluoromethylbenzyl)‐N‐[4‐(7‐phenoxyheptylpiperazin‐1‐yl)butyl]guanidine (pA2 = 8.49 ± 0.05), 1h, and N‐(4‐nitrobenzyl)‐N‐[4‐(7‐phenoxyheptylpiperazin‐1‐yl)butyl]guanidine (pA2 = 8.43 ± 0.05), 1l, exhibit high affinity for the H3 histamine receptor. The most potent antagonists in this series, 1e, 1h, and 1l, were also in vitro tested as H1 receptor antagonists, showing weak H1‐antagonistic activity with pA2 = 6.70 ± 0.09, pA2 = 6.46 ± 0.09, and pA2 = 6.65 ± 0.11, respectively.
Friedel–Crafts Acylation on Graphene
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2012

There is an excitement around graphene as a promising new material for nanotechnological and nanoarchitectonic applications. Despite the low chemical reactivity of graphene, chemical functionalization remains a prominent and viable solution to tailor its chemical, physical, and electronic properties. Herein, we report the covalent functionalization of reduced graphene oxide through Friedel–Crafts reactions under mild conditions of polyphosphoric‐acid/phosphorus‐pentoxide and 4‐aminobenzoic acid. Successful functionalization was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The success of the Friedel–Crafts reaction provides an important expansion of the synthetic “toolbox” for future modifications of graphene towards the specific needs of different applications.
The Cognitive Processes Underlying Risky Choice
Authors: Brandstätter Eduard , Gussmack Manuela
Published: March 2012

In this article, we tested two concepts of decision making: expected utility theory and heuristic choice. In Experiment 1, we applied think‐aloud protocols to investigate violations of expected utility theory. In Experiments 2 to 4, we introduced a new process‐tracing method—called predict‐aloud protocols—that has advantages over previously suggested research methods. Results show the following: (i) people examine information between rather than within gambles; (ii) the priority heuristic emerges as the most frequently used strategy when problems are difficult; and (iii) people check for similarity when problems are easy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Super‐resolution imaging prompts re‐thinking of cell biology mechanisms
Authors: Saka Sinem , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: March 2012

The use of super‐resolution imaging techniques in cell biology has yielded a wealth of information regarding cellular elements and processes that were invisible to conventional imaging. Focusing on images obtained by stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, we discuss how the new high‐resolution data influence the ways in which we use and interpret images in cell biology. Super‐resolution images have lent support to some of our current hypotheses. But, more significantly, they have revealed unexpectedly complex processes that cannot be accounted for by the simpler models based on diffraction‐limited imaging. The super‐resolution imaging data challenge cell biologists to change their theoretical framework, by including, for instance, interpretations that describe multiple functions, functional errors or lack of function for cellular elements. In this context, we argue that descriptive research using super‐resolution microscopy is now as necessary as hypothesis‐driven research.
Immunofluorescent spectral analysis reveals the intrathecal cannabinoid agonist, AM1241, produces spinal anti‐inflammatory cytokine responses in neuropathic rats exhibiting relief from allodynia
Authors: Wilkerson Jenny L. , Gentry Katherine R. , Dengler Ellen C. , Wallace James A. , Kerwin Audra A. , Kuhn Megan N. , Zvonok Alexander M. , Thakur Ganesh A. , Makriyannis Alexandros , Milligan Erin D.
Published: March 2012

During pathological pain, the actions of the endocannabinoid system, including the cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R), leads to effective anti‐allodynia and modifies a variety of spinal microglial and astrocyte responses. Here, following spinal administration of the CB2R compound, AM1241, we examined immunoreactive alterations in markers for activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) as well as degradative endocannabinoid enzymes, and markers for altered glial responses in neuropathic rats. In these studies, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were examined. AM1241 produced profound anti‐allodynia with corresponding immunoreactive levels of p38 mitogen‐activated kinase, IL‐1β, IL‐10, the endocannabinoid enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase, and astrocyte activation markers that were similar to nonneuropathic controls. In contrast, spinal AM1241 did not suppress the increased microglial responses observed in neuropathic rats. The differences in fluorescent markers were determined within discrete anatomical regions by applying spectral analysis methods, which virtually eliminated nonspecific signal during the quantification of specific immunofluorescent intensity. These data reveal expression profiles that support the actions of intrathecal AM1241 control pathological pain through anti‐inflammatory mechanisms by modulating critical glial factors, and additionally decrease expression levels of endocannabinoid degradative enzymes.
Examining Mental Health Symptoms in Male and Female Incarcerated Juveniles
Authors: Grande Todd L. , Hallman Janelle , Rutledge Brandon , Caldwell Kristen , Upton Brian , Underwood Lee A. , Warren Kellie M. , Rehfuss Mark
Published: March 2012

Varying risk factors for both incarceration and mental health diagnoses have been identified for female juveniles, highlighting the need for gender‐specific assessments and treatment protocols. The purpose of this study is to determine how the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms differ in male and female juvenile offenders. It was hypothesized that the prevalence rates would be greater for females than males. This study found significant differences between males and females on several clinical scales. These findings are consistent with past studies that have identified differences in mental health symptoms between genders. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bond Path and an Attractive Ehrenfest Force Do Not Necessarily Indicate Bonding Interactions: Case Study on M2X2(M=Li, Na, K; X=H, OH, F, Cl)
Authors: Dem'yanov Piotr , Polestshuk Pavel
Published: March 2012

Interactions in dimers of model alkali metal derivatives M2X2(M=Li or Na or K; X=H or F, Cl, OH) are studied in the frame of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) using the interacting quantum atoms approach (IQA). Contrary to opinion prevalent in QTAIM studies, the interaction between two anions linked by a bond path is demonstrated to be strongly repulsive. One may therefore say that a bond path does not necessarily indicate bonding interactions. The interactions between two anions or two cations that are not linked by a bond path are also strongly repulsive. The repulsive anion–anion and cation–cation interactions are outweighed by much stronger attractive anion–cation interactions, and the model molecules are therefore in a stable state. The attractive Ehrenfest forces (calculated in the frame of the QTAIM) acting across interatomic surfaces shared by anions in the dimers do not reflect the repulsive interactions between anions. Probable reasons of this disagreement are discussed. The force exerted on the nucleus and the electrons of a particular atom by the nucleus and the electrons of any another atom in question is proposed. It is assumed that this force unambiguously exposes whether basins of two atoms are attracted or repelled by each other in a polyatomic molecule.
Supported Pd–Cu Bimetallic Nanoparticles That Have High Activity for the Electrochemical Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Yin Zhen , Zhou Wu , Gao Yongjun , Ma Ding , Kiely Christopher J. , Bao Xinhe
Published: March 2012

Monodisperse bimetallic Pd–Cu nanoparticles with controllable size and composition were synthesized by a one‐step multiphase ethylene glycol (EG) method. Adjusting the stoichiometric ratio of the Pd and Cu precursors afforded nanoparticles with different compositions, such as Pd85–Cu15, Pd56–Cu44, and Pd39–Cu61. The nanoparticles were separated from the solution mixture by extraction with non‐polar solvents, such as n‐hexane. Monodisperse bimetallic Pd–Cu nanoparticles with narrow size‐distribution were obtained without the need for a size‐selection process. Capping ligands that were bound to the surface of the particles were removed through heat treatment when the as‐prepared nanoparticles were loaded onto a Vulcan XC‐72 carbon support. Supported bimetallic Pd–Cu nanoparticles showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation compared with supported Pd nanoparticles that were fabricated according to the same EG method. For a bimetallic Pd–Cu catalyst that contained 15 % Cu, the activity was even comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art commercially available Pt/C catalysts. A STEM‐HAADF study indicated that the formation of random solid‐solution alloy structures in the bimetallic Pd85–Cu15/C catalysts played a key role in improving the electrochemical activity.
On Oxygen‐Containing Groups in Chemically Modified Graphenes
Authors: Bonanni Alessandra , Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2012

Reduced graphenes (belonging to the class of chemically modified graphenes, CMG) are one of the most investigated and utilized materials in current research. Oxygen functionalities on the CMG surfaces have dramatic influences on material properties. Interestingly, these functionalities are rarely comprehensively characterized. Herein, the four most commonly used CMGs, mainly electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ER‐GO), thermally reduced graphene oxide (TR‐GO), and the corresponding starting materials, that is, graphene oxide and graphite oxide, were comprehensively characterized by a wide variety of methods, such as high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and voltammetry, to establish connections between the structures of these materials that carry different oxygen functionalities and their electrochemical behaviors. This was followed by the quantification of the negatively charged oxygen‐containing groups (OCGs) by UV/Vis spectroscopy and of the electrochemically reducible OCGs by voltammetry. Lastly, a biofunctionalization with gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐modified DNA sequences was performed by the formation of covalent bonds with the carboxylic groups (COOH) on the CMG surfaces. There was an evident predominance of functionalizable COOH groups on the ER‐GO surface, as confirmed by a higher amount of Au detected both with differential‐pulse voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, coupled with visualization by TEM. We exploited the DNA–Au bioconjugates as highly specific stains to localize and visualize the positions of carboxylic groups. Our findings are very important to clearly identify the presence, nature, and distribution of oxygen functionalities on different chemically modified graphenes.
ChemInform Abstract: Ba6P12N17O9Br3 — A Column‐Type Phosphate Structure Solved from Single‐Nanocrystal Data Obtained by Automated Electron Diffraction Tomography.
Authors: Mugnaioli Enrico , Sedlmaier Stefan J. , Oeckler Oliver , Kolb Ute , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

The new title compound is obtained as main product from a mixture of BaBr2, BaS, PS(NH2)3, and PO(NH2)3 (silica glass ampule, 750 °C, 48 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Structural Studies of Magnesium Nitride Fluorides by Powder Neutron Diffraction.
Authors: Brogan Michael A. , Hughes Robert W. , Smith Ronald I. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: March 2012

MgNF3 and Mg2NF are synthesized by solid state reaction of stoichiometric mixtures of Mg3N2 and MgF2 (flowing Ar, 1323—1423 K, 5 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Unprecedented Bidentate Coordination of the Uranyl Cation by the Chromate Anion in the Structure of [(CH3)2CHNH3]2 [UO2(CrO4)2].
Authors: Siidra Oleg I. , Nazarchuk Evgeny V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: March 2012

Orange‐yellow crystals of the title compound are hydrothermally prepared from a mixture of CrO3, UO2(NO3)2, iPrNH2, and H2O (autoclave, 100 °C, 6 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Regio‐ and Stereoselective Hydrometalation of Alkynes with a Combination of Carboxylic Acids and Group 10 Transition Metal Complexes: Selective Hydrogenation of Alkynes with Formic Acid.
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Chen Tieqiao , Zhao Yalei , Qiu Renhua , Zhou Yongbo , Yin Shuangfeng , Wang Xiangbo , Goto Midori , Han Li‐Biao
Published: March 2012

The catalytic hydrogenation of alkynes such as (I) with formic acid can be controlled by changing the conditions to selectively produce (Z)‐alkenes such as (II), (E)‐alkenes such as (III), or alkanes such as (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidative Nitration of Alkenes with tert‐Butyl Nitrite and Oxygen.
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi , Yajima Atsushi , Ishibashi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2012

It allows a simple, efficient, and mild access to various β‐oxygenated nitro compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Aryl—Aryl Bond Formation by the Fluoride‐Free Cross‐Coupling of Aryldisiloxanes with Aryl Bromides.
Authors: Spring David R. , et al. et al.
Published: March 2012

The procedure described herein offers a novel, cost‐effective, fluoride‐free, operationally simple and robust alternative for the preparation of a wide range of substituted biaryl systems.
ChemInform Abstract: Well‐Defined Cyclopentadienyl NHC Iron Complex as the Catalyst for Efficient Hydrosilylation of Amides to Amines and Nitriles.
Authors: Bezier David , Venkanna Gopaladasu T. , Sortais Jean‐Baptiste , Darcel Christophe
Published: March 2012

A variety of secondary and tertiary aromatic and aliphatic amides is successfully reduced to the corresponding amines, e.g. (II), (IV), (VI) and (VIII), by visible light‐induced Fe—NHC‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Tandem Reaction of 1,2‐Allenic Ketone with α‐Halo Ketone or α‐Halo Ester in Water: An Efficient and Sustainable Synthesis of 1,3,4′‐Tricarbonyl Compounds.
Authors: Fan Xuesen , He Yan , Cui Liangyan , Zhang Xinying , Wang Jianji
Published: March 2012

It is further noticed that with 1,4‐diaryl‐buta‐2,3‐dien‐1‐ones, e.g. (IV), 2‐allenyl‐1,4‐diketones (V) rather than their 1,3,4′‐tricarbonyl counterparts are obtained.
ChemInform Abstract: Convenient and General Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Sonogashira Coupling of Aryl Amines.
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: March 2012

Optimization reveals Pd(O‐Ac)2/TFP to be the optimal catalyst system.
ChemInform Abstract: Cationic Palladium Complex Catalyzed Diastereoselective Tandem Annulation of 2‐Iminoarylboronic Acids with Substituted Alkynes: Enantioselective Synthesis of Aminoindene Derivatives by Double Asymmetric Induction.
Authors: Yu Xufen , Lu Xiyan
Published: March 2012

A new and efficient method to prepare chiral and achiral aminoindenes is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd(0)‐Catalyzed Oxy‐ and Aminoalkynylation of Olefins for the Synthesis of Tetrahydrofurans and Pyrrolidines.
Authors: Nicolai Stefano , Waser Jerome
Published: March 2012

The first Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular oxy‐ and aminoalkynylation of nonactivated olefins is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: A Dual‐Catalysis Approach to the Asymmetric Steglich Rearrangement and Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of O‐Acylated Azlactones to Isoquinolines.
Authors: De Chandra Kanta , Mittal Nisha , Seidel Daniel
Published: March 2012

O‐acylated azlactones (I) can be efficiently rearranged to the corresponding C‐acylated products (II) by using the combination of a chiral hydrogen‐bonding catalyst and a simple nucleophilic catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: The Solvent‐Free and Catalyst‐Free Conversion of an Aziridine to an Oxazolidinone Using Only Carbon Dioxide.
Authors: Phung Chau , Ulrich Rani M. , Ibrahim Mostafa , Tighe Nathaniel T. G. , Lieberman Deborah L. , Pinhas Allan R.
Published: March 2012

The conversion of unactivated 2‐alkyl or 2‐aryl aziridines (I) and (IV) with CO2 (II) generates the corresponding oxazolidones (III) and (V) without the need of catalysis or solvent in high yields, especially when using high speed ball milling.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile Synthetic Route for the Preparation of 4‐Substituted 6‐Methyl‐2‐pyrone Derivatives via Organozinc Reagents.
Authors: Rieke Reuben D. , Kim Seung‐Hoi
Published: March 2012

Two different approaches are presented, the first includes the novel organozinc reagent (I) for Pd‐ or Cu‐catalyzed reactions with acid chlorides, heteroaryl bromides, or aryl iodides.
ChemInform Abstract: Tin‐Free Radical Reactions under Minimal Solvent Conditions for the Synthesis of Substituted Chromones and Coumarins.
Authors: Zimmerman Jake R. , Manpadi Madhuri , Spatney Russell
Published: March 2012

The radical addition of alkyl iodides (II) to chromone (I) proceeds readily in the presence of triethylborane as both a radical initiator and a chain transfer agent.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of a New Class of β‐Iodo N‐Alkenyl 2‐Pyridones.
Authors: Tasker Sarah Z. , Brandsen Benjamin M. , Ryu Keun Ah , Snapper Gregory S. , Staples Richard J. , DeKock Roger L. , Anderson Carolyn E.
Published: March 2012

A new method for the synthesis of title compounds (II) from 2‐propargyloxypyridines (I) is described and a mechanism for the transformation is suggested.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Quinoxalinone‐N‐oxide via Tandem Nitrosation/Aerobic Oxidative C—N Bond Formation.
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Kuroda Mami , Toba Natsuki , Okada Mari , Tanaka Rie , Kimachi Tetsutaro
Published: March 2012

An new method for the preparation of quinoxalinone‐N‐oxides (II) from cyanoacetanilides (I) via a tandem reaction sequence is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Way for Synthesis of Phenoxazine and Diphenoxazine Derivatives via Electrochemical Method.
Authors: Davarani Saied Saeed Hosseiny , Bojdi Majid Kalate , Mehdinia Ali
Published: March 2012

The electrochemical oxidation of hydroquinones (I) and (VI) in the presence of phenols (II) and (IV) as nucleophiles is studied.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Azepino[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles and Imidazo[1,2‐a]azepines
Authors: Potikha L. M. , Turelyk A. R. , Kovtunenko V. A.
Published: March 2012

via reactions of benzimidazole or imidazoles with γ‐bromodypnones
ChemInform Abstract: Simple Inexpensive Boron Electrophiles for Direct Arene Borylation.
Authors: Del Grosso Alessandro , Helm Matthew D. , Solomon Sophia A. , Caras‐Quintero Dolores , Ingleson Michael J.
Published: March 2012

The regioselective title synthesis can be used for large‐scale production.
ChemInform Abstract: Cyclizations Using Selenium Chemistry for Substituted 3‐Hydroxypiperidines and 3‐Hydroxypyrrolidines.
Authors: Cooper Matthew A. , Ward A. David
Published: March 2012

A novel selenium‐induced cyclization to nitrogen heterocycles with moderate control of stereochemistry is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Alkylidene‐Substituted Cephems and Penams.
Authors: Potorocina I. , Vorona M. , Shestakova I. , Domracheva I. , Liepinsh E. , Veinberg G.
Published: March 2012

New tert‐butyl esters of cephalosporin and penicillin analogs with an alkylidene substituent in the β‐lactam ring are synthesized.
ChemInform Abstract: Potential of Nanocarbons and Related Substances as Adsorbents and Chemical Storage Materials for H2, CO2 and Other Gases
Authors: Rao C. N. R. , Maitra Urmimala , Subrahmanyam K. S. , Gopalakrishnan K. , Kumar Nitesh , Kumar Ram , Govindaraj A.
Published: March 2012

Review: 120 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organotin(IV) Complexes of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Matela Garima , Aman Robina
Published: March 2012

Review: 115 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Interplay of Turn Formation and Hydrophobic Interactions on the Early Kinetic Events in Protein Folding
Authors: Huang Joseph Jen‐Tse , Larsen Randy W. , Chan Sunney I.
Published: March 2012

Review: 67 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Inclusion Compounds of Cucurbit[n]urils with Metal Complexes
Authors: Gerasko O. A. , Fedin V. P.
Published: March 2012

Review: 90 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Benzotriazole in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Suma B. V. , Natesh N. N. , Madhavan V.
Published: March 2012

Review: 15 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of Electron Delocalization Indicators in the Study of Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Reactions
Authors: Garcia‐Revilla Marco , Rocha‐Rinza Tomas
Published: March 2012

Review: 162 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Nickel(II) Complexes in the Preparation of 11C‐ and 18F‐Labeled Enantiomerically Pure α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Popkov Alexander , De Spiegeleer Bart
Published: March 2012

Review: 132 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Ionic Liquids: Neoteric Solvents for Nucleoside Chemistry
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Parmar Virinder S. , Malhotra Sanjay V.
Published: March 2012

Review: 64 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Bent Pyrenes — Springboards to Aromatic Belts?
Authors: Bodwell Graham J. , Venkataramana Gandikota , Kiran Sagar Unikela
Published: March 2012

Review: 52 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Applications of High‐Resolution 1H Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Brown Steven P.
Published: March 2012

Review: 310 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanomaterials for Mycotoxin Extraction
Authors: Yu Jorn C. C. , Lai Edward P. C.
Published: March 2012

Review: 64 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Titanium Isopropoxide/Pyridine Mediated Knoevenagel Reactions.
Authors: Robichaud Brian A. , Liu Kevin G.
Published: March 2012

A condensation procedure between aromatic ketones and activated methylene compounds, esspecially cyanoacetamides, is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Cobalt‐Catalyzed Coupling of Alkyl Iodides with Alkenes: Deprotonation of Hydridocobalt Enables Turnover.
Authors: Weiss Matthias E. , Kreis Lukas M. , Lauber Alex , Carreira Erick M.
Published: March 2012

A novel method using cobalt catalysts (I) and irradiation with blue LEDs allows the intramolecular Heck‐type coupling yield the corresponding cyclic products under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Chiral Sulfoximines Derived from 3‐Aminoquinazolinones and Their Catalysis of Enantioselective Diethylzinc Addition to Aldehydes.
Authors: Karabuga Semistan , Cakici Murat , Kazaz Cavit , Sahin Ertan , Kilic Hamdullah , Ulukanli Sabri
Published: March 2012

The sulfoximine QAS, which can be easily prepared in 5 steps in a 41% overall yield, shows the best results in the title reaction [cf.
ChemInform Abstract: A Sustainable Byproduct‐Catalyzed Domino Strategy: Facile Synthesis of α‐Formyloxy and Acetoxy Ketones via Iodination/Nucleophilic Substitution/Hydrolyzation/Oxidation Sequences.
Authors: Zhu Yan‐Ping , Gao Qing‐He , Lian Mi , Yuan Jing‐Jing , Liu Mei‐Cai , Zhao Qin , Yang Yan , Wu An‐Xin
Published: March 2012

α‐Formyloxy and acetoxy ketones (III) and (V) are prepared from aromatic and unsaturated methyl ketones (I).
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Aromatic Sulfonylation: A New Catalytic Domino Process Exploiting in situ Generated Sulfinate Anions.
Authors: Le Duc Gaetan , Bernoud Elise , Prestat Guillaume , Cacchi Sandro , Fabrizi Giancarlo , Iazzetti Antonia , Madec David , Poli Giovanni
Published: March 2012

Pd‐catalyzed generation of sulfinate anions and subsequent reaction with aryl iodides gives sulfones in varying yields.
ChemInform Abstract: An Improved Synthesis of a β‐Blocker Celiprolol Hydrochloride (X).
Authors: Ji Li , Mao Xiao‐yuan , Qian Chao , Chen Xin‐zhi
Published: March 2012

Key step in the sequence is an improved Fries rearrangement procedure to urea derivative (VII).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Diaryl Ketones via a Phosphine‐Free Fukuyama Reaction.
Authors: Kunchithapatham Kamala , Eichman Chad C. , Stambuli James P.
Published: March 2012

Significant improvements in the diaryl ketone synthesis via the Fukuyama reaction are achieved by employing Pd(dba)2 without an external ligand.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free Synthesis of 3‐Chalcogen Benzo[b]furans via an Iodine‐Mediated Electrophilic Cyclization of 2‐Alkynylanisoles.
Authors: Xu Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Zhong Ping
Published: March 2012

The convenient protocol is applied to various aliphatic and aromatic disulfides and some diselenides.
ChemInform Abstract: Regioselective and Stereoselective Cyclizations of Cyclohexadienones Tethered to Active Methylene Groups.
Authors: Tello‐Aburto Rodolfo , Kalstabakken Kyle A. , Volp Kelly A. , Harned Andrew M.
Published: March 2012

The regio‐ and stereoselectivity is primarily influenced by electronic effects.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Benzothiophene Derivatives from Dilithio Reagents, Sulfur, and Electrophiles via Electrophilic Cyclization.
Authors: Wang Zitao , Geng Weizhi , Wang Hanliu , Zhang Shaoguang , Zhang Wen‐Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: March 2012

Twofold lithiation of o‐bromoethynylbenzenes (I) followed by addition of 0.25 equiv.
ChemInform Abstract: [(S)‐BINAP]PdBr2‐Catalyzed Direct Synthesis of 2,3‐Disubstituted Indoles via a Tandem Reaction Between Arylamines and α‐Diketones.
Authors: Cabrera A. , Sharma P. , Ayala M. , Rubio‐Perez L. , Amezquita‐Valencia Manuel
Published: March 2012

Interestingly, unsymmetrical 1,2‐diones react highly regioselectively with the bulkier substituent at the 2‐position of the resulting indole.
ChemInform Abstract: Solvent‐Free, Microwave Assisted Knoevenagel Condensation of Novel 2,5‐Disubstituted Indole Analogues and Their Biological Evaluation.
Authors: Biradar J. S. , Sasidhar B. S.
Published: March 2012

Synthesis of Knoevenagel condensation products (III), (V), (VII) and screening for their cytotoxic and antioxidant activities are described.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antileishmanial Evaluation of 1‐Aryl‐4‐(4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole Derivatives.
Authors: dos Santos Mauricio S. , Oliveira Mariana L. V. , Bernardino Alice M. R. , de Leo Rosa M. , Amaral Veronica F. , de Carvalho Flavia T. , Leon Leonor L. , Canto‐Cavalheiro Marilene M.
Published: March 2012

A series of title compounds of type (I) (14 examples) is prepared and tested in vitro against three Leishmania species.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Polysubstituted Pyridines from β‐Sulfonylvinylamines via 1‐Aza‐Allyl Anion Intermediates.
Authors: Lau Chan , Tsui Gavin Chit , Lautens Mark
Published: March 2012

A modular synthesis of 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridines is developed using the base‐promoted cyclocondensation of (Z)‐β‐sulfonylvinylamines with chalcone‐type α,β‐unsaturated ketones.
ChemInform Abstract: Renin Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hypertension: Design and Optimization of a Novel Series of Spirocyclic Piperidines.
Authors: Chen Austin , et al. et al.
Published: March 2012

The discovery, synthesis, and SAR of a novel series of spirocyclic renin inhibitors are described.