bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Thermal Cross‐Linking Temperature on the Crystallization Behavior of Poly(phenylene sulfide)
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Haitao , Chi Yu , Lu Ai , Liu Tao , Luo ShiKai
Published: March 2015

The isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization behaviors of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) are systematically investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the thermal cross‐linking temperature have an important impact on crystallization behaviors of PPS apparently. With the increase in the thermal cross‐linking temperature, the crystallization properties are promoted. It is attributed to the chemically cross‐linking points and formation of network structures during the high thermal cross‐linking temperature, which lead to increment of the effective nucleating sites. Meanwhile, kinetic analysis of crystal growth demonstrates that the regime transitions of PPS crystal growth, from regime III to regime II and from regime II to regime I, can be really observed at different thermal cross‐linking temperatures, respectively. The temperature of regime III/II and II/I transitions decreases with the increase in cross‐linking temperature.
Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), but not galactin‐3, adds to prognostication in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis independent of NT‐proBNP and troponin T
Authors: Dispenzieri Angela , Gertz Morie A. , Saenger Amy , Kumar Shaji K. , Lacy Martha Q. , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Leung Nelson , Zeldenrust Steven , Hayman Suzanne R. , Kapoor Prashant , Grogan Martha , Hwa Lisa , Russell Stephen J. , Go Ronald S. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A. , Jaffe Allan
Published: March 2015

The use of soluble cardiac biomarkers such as N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and troponin has revolutionized prognostication for patients with AL amyloidosis. Soluble ST2 (sST2) and galectin‐3 have also been reported to have prognostic value in other cardiac patient populations. We identified 502 patients with AL amyloidosis, who provided a research sample and consent to review their medical records between 1/1/2006‐12/31/2010 within 90 days of their diagnosis. Samples were assayed for sST2 and galectin‐3. Within this AL amyloidosis population, overall survival (OS) was 25.5 months (95% CI 18, 35.7 months). Receiver operating curve analyses were done to detect the best cut‐points for sST2 and galectin‐3 to predict both 1‐ and 5‐year OS. The respective cut points for sST2 were 30 and 29.7 ng/mL, while the median sST2 for the entire population was 31 ng/mL (IQR 19.8, 53.6). The respective cut points for galectin‐3 were 11 and 10.4 ng/mL while the median for the entire population was 16.6 ng/mL (IQR 11.5, 24.0). Although on univariate analysis, both sST2 and galectin‐3 were prognostic, upon multivariate analysis, only sST2 was independent of troponin, NT‐proBNP, serum immunoglobulin free light chain, and blood pressure. Not only did sST2 add to previously reported prognostication systems, but a novel prognostication 5‐point system including sST2 was possible. The addition of sST2 – but not galectin‐3 – to existing prognostication systems for patients with AL amyloidosis strengthens the ability to predict for death. Am. J. Hematol. 90:524–528, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A 7‐month‐old male with Allan‐Herndon‐Dudley syndrome and the power of T3
Authors: Langley Katherine G. , Trau Steven , Bean Lora J. H. , Narravula Alekhya , Schrier Vergano Samantha A.
Published: March 2015

Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS, MIM 300523) is an X‐linked neurodegenerative disorder characterized by intellectual disability, severe hypotonia, diminished muscle mass, and progressive spastic paraplegia. All affected males have pathognomonic thyroid profiles with an elevated T3, low‐normal free T4, and normal TSH. Mutations in the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) gene, SLC16A2, have been found to be causative. Here, we describe a proband whose extensive evaluation and ultimate diagnosis of AHDS unmasked three previously undiagnosed generations of affected individuals in one family. This case illustrates the need for clinicians to consider obtaining full thyroid studies on individuals with the non‐specific findings of severe hypotonia, failure to thrive, and gross motor delay. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Speech and language in a genotyped cohort of individuals with Kabuki syndrome
Authors: Morgan Angela T. , Mei Cristina , Da Costa Annette , Fifer Joanne , Lederer Damien , Benoit Valérie , McMillin Margaret J. , Buckingham Kati J. , Bamshad Michael J. , Pope Kate , White Susan M.
Published: March 2015

Speech and language deficits are commonly associated with Kabuki syndrome. Yet little is known regarding the specific symptomatology of these disorders, preventing use of targeted treatment programs. Here we detail speech and language in 16 individuals with Kabuki syndrome (thirteen with KMT2D mutations, one with a KDM6A mutation, and two mutation‐negative cases), aged 4–21 years. The most striking speech deficit was dysarthria, characterised by imprecise consonants, harsh vocal quality, hypernasality, reduced rate and stress, and distorted pitch. Oromotor functioning was also impaired. Delayed, rather than disordered, articulation and phonology was common. Both receptive and expressive language abilities were reduced in the majority and deficits were noted across all language sub‐domains (i.e., semantics, syntax, morphology, and pragmatics) with no clear differentiation or specific language profile. Individuals with Kabuki syndrome present with a heterogenous pattern of oromotor, speech, and language deficits. This variability fits with the multisystem nature of the disorder, which may encompass neurological, orofacial structural, hearing, and cognitive deficits, any or all of which may contribute to speech or language impairment. Our results suggest that all individuals with Kabuki syndrome have some level of communication deficit, warranting speech pathology involvement in all cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soft sensor development for nonlinear and time‐varying processes based on supervised ensemble learning with improved process state partition
Authors: Shao Weiming , Tian Xuemin , Wang Ping
Published: March 2015

The nonlinearities and time‐varying characteristics are two major causes of low performance of soft sensors in process systems. Motivated of solving the two problems, this paper proposes an adaptive soft sensing method under the ensemble learning framework. An improved process state partition scheme is proposed to construct independent local models, which not only inherits the merits of the original process state partition method but also possesses the function of detecting and deleting redundant models. These prepared local models are weighted by a supervised weighting mechanism and then combined via the Bayesian inference to predict the y‐value of the query sample. Because the weighting mechanism can fully exploit the historical data set and quantify each local model's generalization ability for the query sample, it is potential to compute the combination weights more accurately. Simulations are conducted on two benchmark data sets from two real‐life chemical processes. Extensive performance evaluations of the proposed soft sensor are conducted, and results show its effectiveness. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A facile approach in fabricating superhydrophobic and superoleophilic poly (vinylidene fluoride) membranes for efficient water–oil separation
Authors: Ju Junping , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: March 2015

New preparation strategies for films that exhibit separation of emulsified oil/water mixtures through a simple, practical, and cost‐effective method are highly desirable. Herein a poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane with superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface had been successfully fabricated via a facile dip‐coating process. As‐prepared membrane exhibits good stability of wettability and can be applied for oil and water mixture separation. After cycles, the membranes still keep a relatively high flux, which indicates their great potential for practical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42077.
Stress memory of a thermoset shape memory polymer
Authors: Wang Anqi , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2015

The performance of stress recovery and shape recovery are equally important for high performance shape memory polymers (SMPs) in emerging applications. However, unlike shape recovery, stress recovery does not always follow a monotonic behavior, i.e., “stress plateau,” “stress overshoot,” and “stress undershoot” can be observed. In order to reveal the complicated stress memorization and recovery behavior, this study employs a phenomenological model which considers the recovery stress as the sum of residual programming stress, memorized stress, thermal stress, and relaxed stress for amorphous crosslinked SMPs. This model is demonstrated by a stress recovery experiment in which a polystyrene based SMP was programmed at two prestrain levels above the glass transition temperature, i.e., 20% (neo‐Hookean hyperelastic region) and 50% (strain‐hardening region), and two fixation temperatures, i.e., 20°C (below Tg) and 45°C (within the Tg region), respectively. In addition, a clear distinction between the memorized stress and recovery stress is presented. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42112.
Application of response surface methodology to evaluate the effect of dry‐spinning parameters on poly (ε‐caprolactone) fiber properties
Authors: Azimi Bahareh , Nourpanah Parviz , Rabiee Mohammad , Arbab Shahram , Cascone Maria Grazia , Baldassare Andrea , Lazzeri Luigi
Published: March 2015

Poly (ε‐caprolactone) fibers were prepared by dry‐spinning method. The effect of processing parameters on linear density, mechanical, and morphological properties of fibers was investigated using the response surface methodology (RSM). This method allowed evaluating a quantitative relationship between polymer concentrations, spinning speed, and draw ratio on the properties of the fibers. Polynomial regression model was fitted to the experimental data to generate predicted response. The results were subjected to analysis of variance to determine significant parameters. It was found that all three parameters had significant effect on linear density of fibers. Combined effect of concentration and spinning speed was observed in which the linear density of fiber was more sensitive to changes in the solution concentration at lower spinning speed. Polymer concentration had the largest influence on the mechanical properties of fibers. An average cross‐sectional radius of fibers was affected by concentration and draw ratio in opposite manner. Among all three parameters, only polymer concentration had significant effect on circularity of fiber cross sections. By applying the RSM, it was possible to obtain a mathematical model that can be used to better define processing parameters to fabricate dry‐spun PCL fiber in a more rational manner. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42113.
Comparing the Health Care Systems of High‐Performing Asian Countries
Authors: Smullen Amanda , Hong Phua Kai
Published: March 2015

The newly industrialised and high income economies of East Asia perform remarkably well on a range of health system indicators. We adopt an institutional lens to examine and compare the similarities and differences in health care financing and provision in the paired cases of Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. This illuminates how, despite seemingly common global, regional and functional demands, reformers have responded through diverse means to different institutional constraints. Moreover, some of these cases illuminate the cognizance of reformers with respect to vulnerabilities in their own health care systems enabling effective, albeit ongoing, management.
Developmental abnormality induced by strong static magnetic field in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Lei , Du Hua , Guo Xiaoying , Wang Xinan , Wang Meimei , Wang Yichen , Wang Min , Chen Shaopeng , Wu Lijun , Xu An
Published: March 2015

Understanding the effects of strong static magnetic fields (SMFs) on living organisms is significant in health risk assessment, but underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, we determined developmental abnormalities induced by 8.5Tesla (T) SMFs in a well‐established in vivo model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Exposure of C. elegans eggs to 8.5 T SMF resulted in a time‐dependent lifespan decrease, whereas only slight changes were observed upon exposure to 5 T SMF. Although SMF exposure did not alter brood size, development rate and stages were significantly modified by 8.5 T SMF. Germ cell apoptosis dramatically increased upon exposure to 8.5 T SMF in adult worms, as confirmed by ced‐3 and ced‐4 mutants, and could be prevented by concurrent treatment with a free radical scavenger, dimethyl sulfoxide. Compared to wild‐type worms, shorter lifespan and greater numbers of apoptotic cells were observed in abnormal methyl viologen sensitivity‐1 (mev‐1(kn1)) nematodes with increased sensitivity to oxidative damage. Furthermore, exposure to 8.5 T SMF increased expression of superoxide dismutase‐3 (sod‐3), which is thought to protect against oxidative stress. However, 8.5 T SMF had minimal effects on lifespans of daf‐2 and daf‐16 mutants, which have compromised insulin/IGF‐1 (insulin‐like growth factors‐1) mediated signaling pathways; this finding was consistent with the expression of these genes in wild‐type worms. Our results indicate that developmental toxicity induced by strong SMF in C. elegans is mediated by oxidative stress and may be regulated by the insulin‐like receptor pathway. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:178–189, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free Schools and disadvantaged intakes
Authors: Morris Rebecca
Published: March 2015

The Free Schools policy in England has led to the opening of a number of new autonomous state‐funded schools. This article uses data from the Annual Schools Census to present the proportions of socioeconomically disadvantaged children attending the first three waves of these schools. It updates and builds on previous work that focused on the student composition of the first wave of Free Schools that opened in 2011. The analysis compares the Free School intakes with other local schools and Local Authority (LA) data and seeks to establish whether the schools are taking an equal share of disadvantaged children in relation to their nearby competitors. Differences emerge between the different waves of schools with those that opened in 2011 generally underrepresenting disadvantaged children. In the second and third waves the picture is more mixed. It is also the case that Free Schools with a faith designation or an alternative or specialist curriculum appear particularly likely to have proportionally fewer disadvantaged children than might be expected based on their location. The potential impacts of having an increasing number of new schools with unbalanced intakes are discussed.
Reactivity of pyruvic acid and its derivatives towards reactive oxygen species
Authors: Kładna Aleksandra , Marchlewicz Mariola , Piechowska Teresa , Kruk Irena , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: March 2015

Pyruvic acid and its derivatives occurring in most biological systems are known to exhibit several pharmacological properties, such as anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective or anticancer, many of which are suggested to originate from their antioxidant and free radical scavenger activity. The therapeutic potential of these compounds is a matter of particular interest, due to their mechanisms of action, particularly their possible antioxidant behaviour. Here, we report the results of a study of the effect of pyruvic acid (PA), ethyl pyruvate (EP) and sodium pyruvate (SP) on reactions generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen, and their total antioxidant capacity. Chemiluminescence (CL) and spectrophotometry techniques were employed. The pyruvate analogues studied were found to inhibit the CL signal arising from superoxide anion radicals in a dose‐dependent manner with IC50 = 0.0197 ± 0.002 mM for EP and IC50 = 69.2 ± 5.2 mM for PA. These compounds exhibited a dose‐dependent decrease in the CL signal of the luminol + H2O2 system over the range 0.5–10 mM with IC50 values of 1.71 ± 0.12 mM for PA, 3.85 ± 0.21 mM for EP and 22.91 ± 1.21 mM for SP. Furthermore, these compounds also inhibited hydroxyl radical‐dependent deoxyribose degradation in a dose‐dependent manner over the range 0.5–200 mM, with IC50 values of 33.2 ± 0.3 mM for SP, 116.1 ± 6.2 mM for EP and 168.2 ± 6.2 mM for PA. All the examined compounds also showed antioxidant capacity when estimated using the ferric–ferrozine assay. The results suggest that the antioxidant activities of pyruvate derivatives may reflect a direct effect on scavenging ROS and, in part, be responsible for their pharmacological actions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification and simultaneous immobilization of Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxynitrile lyase using a family 2 carbohydrate‐binding module
Authors: Kopka Benita , Diener Martin , Wirtz Astrid , Pohl Martina , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Krauss Ulrich
Published: March 2015

Tedious, time‐ and labor‐intensive protein purification and immobilization procedures still represent a major bottleneck limiting the widespread application of enzymes in synthetic chemistry and industry. We here exemplify a simple strategy for the direct site‐specific immobilization of proteins from crude cell extracts by fusion of a family 2 carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) derived from the exoglucanase/xylanase Cex from Cellulomonas fimi to a target enzyme. By employing a tripartite fusion protein consisting of the CBM, a flavin‐based fluorescent protein (FbFP), and the Arabidopsis thaliana hydroxynitrile lyase (AtHNL), binding to cellulosic carrier materials can easily be monitored via FbFP fluorescence. Adsorption properties (kinetics and quantities) were studied for commercially available Avicel PH‐101 and regenerated amorphous cellulose (RAC) derived from Avicel. The resulting immobilizates showed similar activities as the wild‐type enzyme but displayed increased stability in the weakly acidic pH range. Finally, Avicel, RAC and cellulose acetate (CA) preparations were used for the synthesis of (R)‐mandelonitrile in micro‐aqueous methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) demonstrating the applicability and stability of the immobilizates for biotransformations in both aqueous and organic reaction systems.
Metabolic study of Angelica dahurica extracts using a reusable liver microsomal nanobioreactor by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Hai‐Li , Jia Yan‐Wei , Peng Shu‐Lin , Liao Xun , Ding Li‐Sheng , Liu Yi‐Ming
Published: March 2015

Highly active and recoverable nanobioreactors prepared by immobilizing rat liver microsomes on magnetic nanoparticles (LMMNPs) were utilized in metabolic study of Angelica dahurica extracts. Five metabolites were detected in the incubation solution of the extracts and LMMNPs, which were identified by means of HPLC‐MS as trans‐imperatorin hydroxylate (M1), cis‐imperatorin hydroxylate (M2), imperatorin epoxide (M3), trans‐isoimperatorin hydroxylate (M1′) and cis‐isoimperatorin hydroxylate (speculated M2′). Compared with the metabolisms of imperatorin and isoimperatorin, it was found that the five metabolites were all transformed from these two major compounds present in the plant. Since no study on isoimperatorin metabolism by liver microsomal enzyme system has been reported so far, its metabolites (M1′ and M3′) were isolated by preparative HPLC for structure elucidation by 1H‐NMR and MS2 analysis. M3′ was identified as isoimperatorin epoxide, which is a new compound as far as its chemical structure is concerned. However, interestingly, M3′ was not detected in the metabolism of the whole plant extract. In addition, a study with known chemical inhibitors on individual isozymes of the microsomal enzyme family revealed that CYP1A2 is involved in metabolisms of both isoimperatorin and imperatorin, and CYP3A4 only in that of isoimperatorin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐assisted method based on continuous feedback to improve the academic achievements of first‐year students on computer engineering
Authors: Lemus‐Zúñiga Lenin G. , Montañana J. M. , Buendia‐García F. , Poza‐Luján J. L. , Posadas‐Yagüe J. L. , Benlloch‐Dualde J. V.
Published: March 2015

The student‐centered learning is being promoted worldwide in higher education, from 2005, in North‐American universities [Principles of teaching. Carnegie Mellon University [Online]. Available www.cmu.edu/teaching/principles/teaching.html], in 2010 in the European Union, but also in Asian countries like Japan [J. M. Bachnik, Roadblocks on the Information Highway: The IT Revolution in Japanese Educa­tion, ser. Studies of Modern Japan. Lexington Books, 2003.]. This paradigm is characterized by applying innovative methods of teaching that involve students as active participants in their own learning. In this paper, it is proposed a method based on detecting the students' learning gains by using low time consuming “Pretests” and “Posttests”, on a selection of learning activities. The overload of introducing the “Pretest‐Posttest” is minimized by using information and communication technologies. The results of the “Pretests” and “Posttests”, provided online, allow the students to be aware of their learning progress. The analysis of these results helps teachers adapt their strategies when presenting the learning activities. The method has been applied on a first‐year course on Computer Engineering, during the 2010–2011, 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 academic years. To verify that the method works, two student groups, one control and one experimental, were created. The method was applied in the experimental group. The statistical analysis of the obtained results by the experimental and control groups, shows that the method enhances the grades of the experimental group. Additionally, the support of Information and Communication Technologies minimizes the overload of using this method. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:610–620, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21633
Resolution and identification of co‐eluting alkylphenols in comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry by multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares
Authors: Omar Jone , Vallejo Asier , Olivares Maitane , Usobiaga Aresatz , Zuloaga Olatz , Etxebarria Nestor
Published: March 2015

The interest in the analysis of alkylphenols (APs) has widely increased in the last decades because of the endocrine disrupting features of these phenol derivatives. However, the isolation and identification of many of the multiple chemical structures of all APs is a very challenging task because of their similar physicochemical properties. In this work, the co‐elution of the isomers present in technical mixtures and using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry was resolved using multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares algorithm. The mass spectrum of each resolved compound was compared with the theoretical mass spectrum obtained from the literature, in order to assign the appropriate identification of each isomer. Two commercial mixtures were studied; in one of them, 34 compounds were resolved, and in the second mixture, 40 compounds were resolved. The relative abundances of the compounds were also calculated in both mixtures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the IR Spectra of Aqueous Metal Carboxylate Complexes: Correlation between Bonding Geometry and Stretching Mode Wavenumber Shifts
Authors: Sutton Catherine C. R. , da Silva Gabriel , Franks George V.
Published: March 2015

A widely used principle is that shifts in the wavenumber of carboxylate stretching modes upon bonding with a metal center can be used to infer if the geometry of the bonding is monodentate or bidentate. We have tested this principle with ab initio modeling for aqueous metal carboxylate complexes and have shown that it does indeed hold. Modeling of the bonding of acetate and formate in aqueous solution to a range of cations was used to predict the infrared spectra of the metal‐carboxylate complexes, and the wavenumbers of the symmetric and antisymmetric vibrational modes are reported. Furthermore, we have shown that these shifts in wavenumber occur primarily due to how bonding with the metal changes the carboxylate CO bond lengths and O‐C‐O angle.
Ordered Microporous Layered Lanthanide 1,3,5‐Benzenetriphosphonates Pillared with Cationic Organic Molecules
Authors: Araki Takahiro , Kondo Atsushi , Maeda Kazuyuki
Published: March 2015

Novel isomorphous pillared‐layer‐type crystalline lanthanide 1,3,5‐benzenetriphosphonates were prepared with bpy and dbo as organic pillars (LnBP‐bpy and LnBP‐dbo; Ln: Ce, Pr, and Nd). Ab initio crystal structure solution using synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction data revealed that the organic pillars do not exist as neutral coordinating ligands but as cationic molecules. Especially the LnBP‐dbo phases have ordered interlayer space filled with water molecules between the dbo pillars, and the interlayer water is successfully removed by heating under vacuum with slightly distorted but basically retained pillared layer structures. Microporosity of the materials is confirmed by adsorption of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen gases. Such microporous layered metal phosphonates pillared with cationic molecules should be unprecedented and should offer new strategies to design ordered microporous materials.
CdTe‐paper‐based Visual Sensor for Detecting Methyl Viologen
Authors: Su Yingchun , Ma Shenghua , Jiang Kunpeng , Han Xiaojun
Published: March 2015

This study developed a method on detecting methyl viologen (paraquat) using a CdTe‐paper‐based visual sensor. The CdTe Qdots were immobilized on the paper using glycerin. The volume percentages of CdTe in glycerin were optimized to be 50%. The sensing principle is that the methyl viologen quenches the fluorescence intensity of CdTe Qdots in a concentration dependent manner. The sensor is linearly response to the logarithm concentration of the methyl viologen in the range from 0.39 µmol/L to 3.89 mmol/L with a detection limit of 0.16 µmol/L and the correlation coefficient R2 of 0.99. Three parallel experiments at the methyl viologen concentration of 38.89 µmol/L give a relative error of 2.45%, which indicates a good reproducibility. The sensor is not disturbed by other pestisides including omethoate, anilofos, machete and glyphosate isopropylamine salt. The advantages of this sensor are disposable, stable, convenient, and easy to operate.
Fluorescent Recognition of Small Organic Molecules Based on Supramolecular Aggregation/Deaggregation of Planar Cu(II) Coordination Complex
Authors: Hao Liang , Zhang Tong , Chang Ge , Li Hui
Published: March 2015

A Cu(II) coordination complex (1) with Schiff ligand derived from diaminomaleonitrile was synthesized and characterized, in which the ligand is rigid, planar and conjugated. The complex 1 displays an interesting fluorescent property relative to solvents which can be turned‐on by CH2Cl2 and CHCl3 solvent molecules. The mechanism of this selective fluorescence emission has been studied based on the crystal structure and the spectrum analysis. The tuning on and off fluorescence of complex 1 can be controlled by the process of supramolecular aggregation/deaggregation in different solvents.
Naphthalene Diimide Templated Synthesis of Pillar[6]arenes
Authors: Ke Hua , Jiao Chen , Qian Yu‐Heng , Lin Mei‐Jin , Chen Jian‐Zhong
Published: March 2015

A facile method for the selective synthesis of pillar[6]arenes has been developed. Due to a strong electron donor‐acceptor interaction between the electron‐deficient naphthalene diimide and a precursor for the pillararene, 1,4‐diisobutoxy‐2,5‐bis(methoxymethyl) benzene, naphthalene diimide has been demonstrated to act as a template for selective synthesis of pillar[6]arene in a modest yield (30%).
Aggregation Control of Hemicyanine Fluorescent Dye by Using of Cucurbit[7]uril and Pillar[6]arene
Authors: Cao Meijiao , Hu Fang , Han Xie , Zhang Yufeng , Wu Di , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun
Published: March 2015

The aggregation of cyanine‐based fluorescent dyes easily results in the fluorescence quenching, which limits the applications in biological science and materials science. So developing an efficient method to adjust the aggregation of cyanine dyes is very significant. In this work, we employ two different macrocyclic hosts pillar[6]arene (DEP[6]) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) to investigate their effects towards fluorescence spectra of dye 1. The result indicates that both of them can disrupt the aggregation of dye 1, resulting in the enhancement of its fluorescence intensity. Interestingly, investigation on the corresponding titration experiments of 1H NMR and density functional theory calculations shows that CB[7] and DEP[6] play different roles in the process of disaggregation.
Synthesis of Copillar[5]arenes and Their Host‐Guest Complexation with Two Types of Guests
Authors: Huang Hongfei , Liu Luzhi , Duan Wengui , Huang Yan , Lin Guishan
Published: March 2015

A series of novel copillar[5]arenes 1a–1f containing different substituents were synthesized. And their complexation with two types of guests was investigated. For symmetrical guests, 1,4‐dibromobutane (DBB) could thread in the cavity of copillar[5]arenes to form inclusion complexes. But for the unsymmetrical guests, copillar[5]arene 1f bearing 4‐(naphthalen‐1‐yloxy)butoxy could not complex with sec‐butyl iodide (SBI) and sec‐butyl bromide (SBB) at all, while 1f showed weak interaction with sec‐butylamine·HCl (SBA) outside the cavity. These results indicated that the modified group of copillar[5]arene and the symmetry of guest played an important role in the complexation model and selectivity.
Synthesis of Pillar[n]arene[5−n]quinines via Partial Oxidation of Pillar[5]arene
Authors: Xie Changdong , Hu Weibo , Hu Wenjing , Liu Yahu A. , Huo Jichuan , Li Jiusheng , Jiang Biao , Wen Ke
Published: March 2015

An improved partial oxidation of 1,4‐dimethoxypillar[5]arene (DMP[5]) was described, through which selected pillar[n]arene[5−n]quinones, such as pillar[4]arene[1]quinone, pillar[3]arene[2]quinone, pillar[2]arene[3]quinone and pillar[1]arene[4]quinone, were synthesized by manipulating the ratio of oxidative reagent (NH4)2[Ce(NO3)6] to DMP[5].
Effect of Nitrogen and Fluorine Co‐substitution on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Cr2O3
Authors: Pan Jaysree , Waghmare Umesh V. , Kumar Nitesh , Ehi‐Eromosele C. O. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: March 2015

First‐principles density functional calculations were carried out to determine the structure as well as electronic and magnetic properties of N and F co‐substituted Cr2O3. The formation of strong CrN bonds upon substitution of oxygen with nitrogen leads to large distortions in the local structure and changes in magnetic moments, which are partly compensated by co‐substitution with fluorine. The effects of spin–orbit coupling are relatively weak, but its combination with local structural distortions gives rise to canting of spins and an overall magnetic moment in N, F co‐substituted Cr2O3. Experimentally, we observe spin canting in N, F co‐substituted Cr2O3 with considerable enhancement in the coercive field at low temperatures.
Dual‐axis hormonal covariation in adolescence and the moderating influence of prior trauma and aversive maternal parenting
Authors: Simmons Julian G. , Byrne Michelle L. , Schwartz Orli S. , Whittle Sarah L. , Sheeber Lisa , Kaess Michael , Youssef George J. , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: March 2015

Adversity early in life can disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axes and increase risk for negative health outcomes. The interplay between these axes and the environment is complex, and understanding needs to be advanced by the investigation of the multiple hormonal relationships underlying these processes. The current study examined basal hormonal associations between morning levels of cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone in a cohort of adolescents (mean age 15.56 years). The moderating influence of childhood adversity was also examined, as indexed by self‐reported trauma (at mean age 14.91), and observed maternal aggressive parenting (at mean age 12.41). Between‐person regressions revealed significant associations between hormones that were moderated by both measures of adversity. In females, all hormones positively covaried, but also interacted with adversity, such that positive covariation was typically only present when levels of trauma and/or aggressive parenting were low. In males, hormonal associations and interactions were less evident; however, interactions were detected for cortisol‐testosterone — positively covarying at high levels of aggressive parenting but negatively covarying at low levels — and DHEA‐cortisol — similarly positively covarying at high levels of parental aggression. These results demonstrate associations between adrenal and gonadal hormones and the moderating role of adversity, which is likely driven by feedback mechanisms, or cross‐talk, between the axes. These findings suggest that hormonal changes may be the pathway through which early life adversity alters physiology and increases health risks, but does so differentially in the sexes; however further study is necessary to establish causation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 670–687, 2015.
Neprilysin inhibition to treat heart failure: a tale of science, serendipity, and second chances
Authors: McMurray John J.V.
Published: March 2015

This review describes the role of neprilysin (also known as neutral endopeptidase or enkephalinase) in the degradation of natriuretic and other vasoactive peptides, including bradykinin and adrenomedullin. The initial development of neprilysin inhibitors, then angiotensin converting enzyme‐neprilysin inhibitors and, most recently, the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) LCZ696 (sacubitril valsartan) as an extension of the nurohumoral basis for the treatment of heart failure is also summarised. Finally, the implications of the compelling benefits of LCZ696 compared with enalapril in the Prospective comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and morbidity in Heart Failure trial (PARADIGM‐HF) is discussed.
Evidence for Photochemical Linkage Isomerism of the Phenylazo Ligand in M(CO)2(N2Ph)(PPh3)2 Cations (M = Fe and Ru)
Authors: Thornley Wyatt A. , Bitterwolf Thomas E.
Published: March 2015

Frozen‐matrix photolysis studies of M(CO)2(N2Ph)(PPh3)2 cations (M = Fe and Ru) have revealed end‐on/side‐on photochemical linkage isomerism of the phenylazo ligand. The previously reported solvent‐dependent vibrational bands of the Ru(CO)2(N2Ph)(PPh3)2 cation have now been identified as an equilibrium between the two linkage isomers. DFT calculations have been performed on the end‐on and side‐on isomers of the iron and ruthenium complexes.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Transformation of Secondary Allylic and Benzylic Alcohols into Azides and Amides: An Efficient Utility of Azide as a Nitrogen Source
Authors: Rokade Balaji V. , Gadde Karthik , Prabhu Kandikere Ramaiah
Published: March 2015

A mild and convenient method for the synthesis of amides has been explored by using secondary alcohols, Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O as a catalyst, and trimethylsilyl azide (TMSN3) as a nitrogen source in the presence of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐p‐benzoquinone (DDQ) at ambient temperature. This method has been successfully adapted to the preparation of azides directly from their corresponding alcohols and offers excellent chemoselectivity in the formation of ω‐halo azides and the azidation of allylic alcohols in the presence of a benzyl alcohol moiety. In addition, this strategy provides an opportunity to synthesize azides that can serve as precursors to β‐amino acids.
Reductive Cyclization and Petasis‐Like Reaction for the Synthesis of Functionalized γ‐Lactams
Authors: Wu Peng , Petersen Michael Åxman , Cohrt A. Emil , Petersen Rico , Clausen Mads H. , Nielsen Thomas E.
Published: March 2015

An efficient reductive cyclization strategy was employed for the synthesis of N‐substituted β,γ‐dihydroxy‐γ‐lactams. A subsequent Petasis‐like reaction (PLR) through nucleophilic additions of boronic acids to intermediate N‐acyliminium ions produced substituted γ‐lactams. Overall, the application of this protocol provides β,γ‐dihydroxy‐γ‐lactams and functionalized γ‐lactams with potential interest for synthetic and bioorganic chemistry.
Synthesis of Novel CuO Nanosheets with Porous Structure and Their Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensing Applications
Authors: Sun Fang , Zhu Ruihua , Jiang Hongwei , Huang Hailiang , Liu Peng , Zheng Youjin
Published: March 2015

Novel CuO thin films composed of porous nanosheets were in situ formed on indium tin oxide (ITO) by a simple, low temperature solution method, and used as working electrodes to construct nonenzymatic glucose sensor after calcinations. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the CuO/ITO electrode calcinated at 200 °C exhibited better electrocatalytic activity for glucose. For the amperometric glucose detection, such prepared electrode showed low operating potential of 0.35 V and high sensitivity of 2272.64 μA mM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the CuO/ITO electrode also showed good stability, reproducibility and high anti‐interference ability. Thus, it is a promising material for the development of non‐enzymatic glucose sensors.
Electroanalytical Method for Determining Pyrogallol in Biodiesel in the Presence of a Surfactant
Authors: Araujo Alessandra Silveira Antunes , Caramit Ricardo Pini , Oliveira Lincoln Carlos Silva , Ferreira Valdir Souza
Published: March 2015

A sensitive, straightforward electroanalytical method for determining pyrogallol (PY) in biodiesel in the presence of a surfactant was developed using a voltammetric technique and screen‐printed electrodes. The influence of surfactant addition (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X‐100 (TX‐100), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), or tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB)) on the supporting electrolyte (0.04 mol L−1 BrittonRobinson buffer) was evaluated. Only CTAB significantly increased the oxidation peak current. Under optimal conditions, the method demonstrated linearity over the concentration range of 0.8–9.0×10−6 mol L−1, with limits of detection and quantification of 4.9×10−7 and 1.5×10−6 mol L−1, respectively. The results were satisfactory, relative to those obtained using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Electrochemical and Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of Graphene Electrodes Derived from Solution‐Based Exfoliation
Authors: Campos Hernández Tania , Fernández Blanco A. Cristina , Williams Aled T. , Velický Matěj , Patten Hollie V. , Colina Alvaro , Dryfe Robert A. W.
Published: March 2015

Solution phase exfoliation of graphite to yield multilayer graphene is used to form transparent electrodes, when transferred to polymer substrates. The electrochemical performance of these electrodes is determined and their use as optically‐transparent electrodes for spectro‐electrochemical applications is described.
Influence of Low‐Dosage Hydrate Inhibitors on Methane Clathrate Hydrate Formation and Dissociation Kinetics
Authors: Kumar Asheesh , Sakpal Tushar , Kumar Rajnish
Published: March 2015

This work investigates the effect of low‐dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs) on methane hydrate formation and dissociation. The hydrate inhibitors used in this study were the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, a polysaccharide chitosan, and the linear sulfated polysaccharide i‐carrageenan; the inhibiting behavior of these additives were compared with that of the commonly used hydrate inhibitor polyvinylpyrrolidone for methane hydrate formation. A LDHI concentration of 1 wt % was found to increase the induction time relative to that at a LDHI concentration of 0.1 wt %. Chitosan was found to be better than the others in reducing nucleation and the growth rate of the hydrate at a concentration of 1 wt %. At a lower concentration of 0.1 wt %, nucleation inhibition was minimal, however, growth inhibition was significant. The effect of these inhibitors on the decomposition rate of the hydrate was also studied, and the decomposition kinetics at a constant driving force in excess of three‐phase equilibrium is reported.
Predictors and costs of readmissions at an academic head and neck surgery service
Authors: Dziegielewski Peter T. , Boyce Brian , Manning Amy , Agrawal Amit , Old Matthew , Ozer Enver , Teknos Theodoros N.
Published: March 2015

Background

Health care metrics, such as readmission rates, are being scrutinized to improve quality and decrease cost of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate, predictors, and costs of 30‐day unplanned readmissions (30dURs) in patients who undergo head and neck surgery.

Methods

All patients undergoing head and neck surgery at the Ohio State University from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for 30dURs.

Results

\Six hundred seven patients underwent 660 operations. Forty‐eight cases (7.3%) had a 30dUR. Significant independent risk factors for readmissions included: coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR] = 2.80; confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–5.9), chronic renal failure (OR = 3.56; CI = 1.5–8.5), not attending the preoperative clinic (OR = 2.74; CI = 1.2–6.3), length of stay (LOS) >5 days (OR = 3.19; CI = 1.6–6.5), and presence of a gastrostomy tube (OR = 2.75; CI = 1.3–5.8).The total cost of 30dURs was $1.68 million.

Conclusion

The 30dURs in patients who undergo head and neck surgery can be low, but costly. Identifying patients at risk for 30dUR will help develop preventative strategies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E502–E510, 2016
Domestic Technology Adoption: Comparison of Innovation Adoption Models and Moderators
Authors: Chen Nai‐Hua , Huang Stephen Chi‐Tsun
Published: March 2015

Domestic technologies, such as assistant robots, have the potential to provide considerable assistance to families in societies with aging populations and increasing labor costs. This study intends 1) to test a series of innovation adoption theories to examine which models may better predict consumer behavioral intention toward the use of domestic technologies and 2) to examine whether lead‐usership and global identity predict intentions. With the floor cleaning robots as target products of the survey and employing a sample of 299 potential consumers in Taiwan, a rapidly aging society, this study finds: 1) the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model accounts for 55% of the variance and better predicts purchase intention than the technology acceptance model and the theory of reasoned action. 2) In the nested TPB model, the effects of usefulness and ease of use on intentions are fully mediated by attitude. 3) When including 2 additional constructs, global identity and lead‐usership, the explanatory power of the extended TPB model rises from 55% to 66%. 4) Lead‐usership moderates the link between attitude and intentions, that is, the stronger the lead‐usership the weaker the effect of attitude on intentions. 5) As lead‐usership and global identity are included in the model, the impact of perceived behavioral control vanishes. 6) Subjective norms moderate (weakening) the effect of attitude on adoption intentions; thus, word of mouth and peer pressure could be powerful communication tools to persuade follower consumers to adopt domestic technologies, such as family robots.
Professionalization and Expertise In Care Work: The Hoarding and Discarding of Tasks in Nursing
Authors: Kessler Ian , Heron Paul , Dopson Sue
Published: March 2015

Although health and social care workforces are heavily professionalized, the mainstream human resource management literature has been slow to engage with debates in the field of organizational studies on this distinctive group of employees. This lacuna is addressed by focusing on how the search for more flexible working practices in care services has affected the professions and especially their relationship with their assistant coworkers. The character of this relationship is seen as contingent on the logic of professionalization, in turn based on different notions of expertise, with implications for the allocation of tasks. The article distinguishes between a specialist expertise, encouraging the profession to discard routine tasks, and a holistic expertise, nurturing the hoarding of tasks. This distinction is used to explore the nurse professional project in Britain, a critical case where the statutory regulation of the nursing workforce has remained relatively weak. While noting shifts over the years in the British nursing professions’ adherence to these two logics, workplace data on the nurse–health care assistant relationship reveal a fragmented pattern of nursing work consistent with a specialist‐discard logic, albeit underpinned by a residual ambiguity among nurses about their preferred professional logic. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative and rapid estimations of human sub‐surface skin mass using ultra‐high‐resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Chuan , Kuo Yue‐Ming , Wen Su‐Ying
Published: March 2015

Non‐invasive and quantitative estimations for the delineation of sub‐surface tumor margins could greatly aid in the early detection and monitoring of the morphological appearances of tumor growth, ensure complete tumor excision without the unnecessary sacrifice of healthy tissue, and facilitate post‐operative follow‐up for recurrence. In this study, a high‐speed, non‐invasive, and ultra‐high‐resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (UHR‐SDOCT) imaging platform was developed for the quantitative measurement of human sub‐surface skin mass. With a proposed robust, semi‐automatic analysis, the system can rapidly quantify lesion area and shape regularity by an en‐face‐oriented algorithm. Various sizes of nylon sutures embedded in pork skin were used first as a phantom to verify the accuracy of our algorithm, and then in vivo, feasibility was proven using benign human angiomas and pigmented nevi. Clinically, this is the first step towards an automated skin lesion measurement system.

In vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of angioma (A). Thin red arrows point to a blood vessel (BV).

magnified image

In vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of angioma (A). Thin red arrows point to a blood vessel (BV).
Gcn5 Modulates the Cellular Response to Oxidative Stress and Histone Deacetylase Inhibition
Authors: Gaupel Ann‐Christin , Begley Thomas J. , Tenniswood Martin
Published: March 2015

To identify chemical genetic interactions underlying the mechanism of action of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) a yeast deletion library was screened for hypersensitive deletion mutants that confer increased sensitivity to the HDACi, CG‐1521. The screen demonstrated that loss of GCN5 or deletion of components of the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex, SAGA, sensitizes yeast to CG‐1521‐induced cell death. Expression profiling after CG‐1521 treatment reveals increased expression of genes involved in metabolism and oxidative stress response, and oxidative stress response mutants are hypersensitive to CG‐1521 treatment. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species and increased cell death are enhanced in the gcn5Δ deletion mutant, and are abrogated by anti‐oxidants, indicating a central role of oxidative stress in CG‐1521‐induced cell death. In human cell lines, siRNA mediated knockdown of GCN5 or PCAF, or chemical inhibition of GCN5 enzymatic activity, increases the sensitivity to CG‐1521 and SAHA. These data suggest that the combination of HDAC and GCN5/PCAF inhibitors can be used for cancer treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1982–1992, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.