bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interfacial compatibility of wood flour/polypropylene composites by stress relaxation method
Authors: Wang Yi , Cao Jinzhen , Zhu Lizhi , Zhao Guangjie
Published: February 2012

To investigate the interfacial compatibility of wood flour/polypropylene (PP) composite, compressive stress relaxation curves at different temperatures (26, 40, and 60°C) were determined at various wood contents (0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70%) without coupling agent and further determined at wood contents of 50 and 60% by using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and silane as coupling agents. The apparent activation energy (▵E) was also calculated according to the Eyring's absolute rate reaction theory. The results showed that the stress relaxed faster at higher temperatures. ▵E of wood flour/polypropylene composites without coupling agent showed the highest value at wood content of 40%, suggesting that the best interfacial compatibility between wood and PP occurred at 40% wood content. Adding coupling agents increased ▵E obviously at higher wood contents (50 and 60%). With the increasing loading level of coupling agents, ▵E increased at first and then decreased gradually or finally reached a constant level depending on the type of coupling agent. The optimal loading of coupling agent corresponding to the highest ▵E value was related to wood content and the type of coupling agent. Within the experimental conditions used in this study, the optimal loading level for MAPP was 2% at both wood contents while for silane it was 1.5% and 2% at wood content of 50 and 60%, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effect of absorbed moisture on dielectric behavior of silica (micro)‐unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Sharma Ram A. , D'Melo Dawid , Chaudhari L. , Bhattacharya S. , Gawande Rajiv , Patil Gopal S.
Published: February 2012

It is well known that most of the dielectric failures occur in high voltage equipment due to absorption of moisture by the insulating material from the environment. Hence, the effect of absorbed moisture on electrical and mechanical properties of silica‐unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites has been evaluated. The absorption of moisture in silica‐UPR composites does not show any significant change in electrical and mechanical properties. The effect of acetone and water absorption on silica‐UPR composites was determined and it was that found silica‐UPR composite shows higher acetone absorption when compared with water. The differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis studies of silica‐UPR composites show no significant change in glass transition temperature using prehumidified (0–95% RH) silica filler. As there is no significant change in thermal and mechanical properties after exposure to humid conditions, it can be concluded that water does not penetrate inside the polymer matrix. Hence, the silica particles are the best choice to use as filler in UPR matrix for UPR composite used in electrical equipment. The developed silica‐UPR composite was successfully used in the preparation of medium voltage inductive transformers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Group 3 Metal Initiators with an [OSSO]‐Type Bis(phenolate) Ligand for the Stereoselective Polymerization of Lactide Monomers
Authors: Kapelski Andreas , Buffet Jean‐Charles , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: February 2012

A series of 1,ω‐dithiaalkanediyl‐bridged bis(phenols) of the general type [OSSO]H2 with variable steric properties and various bridges were prepared. The stoichiometric reaction of the bis(phenols) 1,3‐dithiapropanediyl‐2,2′‐bis(4,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol), 1,3‐dithiapropanediyl‐2,2′‐bis[4,6‐di(2‐phenyl‐2‐propyl)phenol], rac‐2,3‐trans‐propanediyl‐1,4‐dithiabutanediyl‐2,2′‐bis[4,6‐di(2‐phenyl‐2‐propyl)phenol], rac‐2,3‐trans‐butanediyl‐1,4‐dithiabutane diyl‐2,2′‐bis[4,6‐di(2‐phenyl‐2‐propyl)phenol], rac‐2,3‐trans‐hexanediyl‐1,4‐dithiabutanediyl‐2,2′‐bis[4,6‐di(2‐phenyl‐2‐propyl)phenol], 1,3‐dithiapropanediyl‐2,2′‐bis[6‐(1‐methylcyclohexyl)‐4‐methylphenol] (C1, R=1‐methylcyclohexyl), and 1,4‐dithiabutanediyl‐2,2′‐bis[6‐(1‐methylcyclohexyl)‐4‐methylphenol] with rare‐earth metal silylamido precursors [Ln{N(SiHMe2)2}3(thf)x] (Ln=Sc, x=1 or Ln=Y, x=2; thf=tetrahydrofuran) afforded the corresponding scandium and yttrium bis(phenolate) silylamido complexes [Ln(OSSO){N(SiHMe2)2}(thf)] in moderate to good yields. The monomeric nature of these complexes was shown by an X‐ray diffraction study of one of the yttrium complexes. The complexes efficiently initiated the ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐ and meso‐lactide to give heterotactic‐biased poly(rac‐lactides) and highly syndiotactic poly(meso‐lactides). Variation of the ligand backbone and the steric properties of the ortho substituents affected the level of tacticity in the polylactides.
Effects of dehydration on immune functions after a judo practice session
Authors: Chishaki Takeharu , Umeda Takashi , Takahashi Ippei , Matsuzaka Masashi , Iwane Kaori , Matsumoto Hidehiko , Ishibashi Goshi , Ueno Yuichi , Kashiwa Naohiro , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: February 2012

We investigated the effects of dehydration after a judo practice session on player muscle and immune functions. Subjects included 25 female university judoists. Investigations were performed before and after 2.5 h of regular judo practice. Body composition, serum enzymes (myogenic enzymes, immunoglobulins and complements), neutrophils counts, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capability, and phagocytic activity (PA) were measured. Subjects were divided into two groups according to level of dehydration after practice (mild dehydration and severe dehydration groups) and results were compared. Creatine kinase was found to increase significantly after practice. In addition, neutrophil count also increased significantly after practice in both groups. The changing ratios of IgA, IgG and C3 observed in the mild dehydration group were significantly higher than those in the severe dehydration group. In the severe dehydration group, post‐practice PA/neutrophil had decreased significantly. Significant positive correlations were found between severity of dehydration and changing ratios of IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4 and ROS production capabilities, whereas no significant association was seen with PA and/or serum SOD activity. These results suggest that dehydration resulted in immunosuppression, including decreased neutrophil function. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in neutrophil functions during a 10‐month soccer season and their effects on the physical condition of professional Japanese soccer players
Authors: Suda Yoshimasa , Umeda Takashi , Watanebe Kiyotaka , Kuroiwa Jun , Sasaki Eiji , Tsukamoto Toshiaki , Takahashi Ippei , Matsuzaka Masashi , Iwane Kaori , Nakaji Shigeyuki
Published: February 2012

We examined changes in neutrophil function of soccer players over a 10‐month period and determined its effectiveness as an index for athlete physical condition. Subjects included 21 male professional Japanese soccer players. Data on body composition, myogenic enzymes and neutrophil function were obtained before and after 2 h of training at 3 investigation points: one week before opening season, at season mid‐point, and one week before the last game of the season. As a result, change ratios of myogenic enzyme levels before and after the 2‐hr training session at the third investigation point were significantly higher compared to the two other points. Reactive oxygen species production and phagocytic activity significantly increased after 2‐hr training session at point 1, although the extent of the increase became smaller over time and ROS production capability decreased significantly by point 3 assessment. Fatigue, especially muscle fatigue, chronically accumulated along with a gradual decrease in neutrophil immune function over the 10‐month season. Therefore, determination of neutrophil function can be used as a useful index to assess and understand an athlete's physical condition. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective randomized trial of preoperative enteral immunonutrition followed by elective total gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Fujitani K , Tsujinaka T , Fujita J , Miyashiro I , Imamura H , Kimura Y , Kobayashi K , Kurokawa Y , Shimokawa T , Furukawa H
Published: February 2012

Background

Perioperative enteral immunonutrition is thought to reduce postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. This study assessed the clinical effects of preoperative enteral immunonutrition in well nourished patients with gastric cancer undergoing total gastrectomy.

Methods

Well nourished patients with primary gastric cancer, fit for total gastrectomy, were randomized to either a control group with regular diet, or an immunonutrition group that received regular diet supplemented with 1000 ml/day of immunonutrients for 5 consecutive days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of surgical-site infection (SSI). Secondary endpoints were rates of infectious complications, overall postoperative morbidity and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on 3–4 days after surgery.

Results

Of 244 randomized patients, 117 were allocated to the control group and 127 received immunonutrition. SSIs occurred in 27 patients in the immunonutrition group and 23 patients in the control group (risk ratio (RR) 1·09, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·66 to 1·78). Infectious complications were observed in 30 patients in the immunonutrition group and 27 in the control group (RR 1·11, 0·59 to 2·08). The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 30·8 and 26·1 per cent respectively (RR 1·18, 0·78 to 1·78). The median CRP value was 11·8 mg/dl in the immunonutrition group and 9·2 mg/dl in the control group (P = 0·113).

Conclusion

Five-day preoperative enteral immunonutrition failed to demonstrate any clear advantage in terms of early clinical outcomes or modification of the systemic acute-phase response in well nourished patients with gastric cancer undergoing elective total gastrectomy. Registration number: ID 000000648 (University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) database).
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cutting diathermyversusscalpel for skin incision
Authors: Ly J , Mittal A , Windsor J
Published: February 2012

Background

Skin incisions have traditionally been made using a scalpel. Cutting diathermy, a more recent alternative, is thought to increase the risk of infection, impair healing and decrease cosmesis. Recent studies suggest otherwise, claiming that diathermy may offer potential advantages with respect to blood loss, incision time and postoperative pain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare skin incisions made by either scalpel or cutting diathermy.

Methods

A systematic literature search and review was performed for studies published from January 1980 until June 2011. Randomized clinical trials comparing scalpel and cutting diathermy for skin incisions of any operation were included. Primary outcomes included wound complication rate, blood loss, incision times and pain scores.

Results

Fourteen randomized trials met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, providing outcome data for a total of 2541 patients (1267 undergoing skin incision by cutting diathermy and 1274 by scalpel). The median length of follow-up across all studies was 6 weeks (range 4 days to 19 months). Compared with a scalpel incision, cutting diathermy resulted in significantly less blood loss (mean difference 0·72 ml/cm2; P < 0·001) and shorter incision times (mean difference 36 s; P < 0·001), with no differences in the wound complication rate (odds ratio 0·87; P = 0·29) or pain score at 24 h (mean difference 0·89; P = 0·05).

Conclusion

Skin incisions made by cutting diathermy are quicker and associated with less blood loss than those made by scalpel, and there are no differences in the rate of wound complications or postoperative pain.
An improved gas chromatography screening method for doping substances using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, with an emphasis on quality assurance
Authors: De Brabanter Nik , Van Gansbeke Wim , Geldof Lore , Van Eenoo Peter
Published: February 2012

A GC‐QqQ‐MS method was developed for the detection of over 150 compounds from different classes (steroids, narcotics, stimulants, β‐blockers, β‐2‐agonists and hormone antagonists) in a qualitative way. In the quantitative part, the traditional steroid profile with the most important endogenous steroids is expanded with six minor metabolites, which further improves the detection and identification of endogenous steroid abuse. In addition to these, norandrosterone, salbutamol and the major metabolite of cannabis are also quantified. Methods developed for anti‐doping purposes should be subjected to the highest level of quality. Here, the addition of a combination of (deuterated) internal standards allows for an accurate quality control of every single step of the methodology: hydrolysis efficiency, derivatization efficiency and microbiological degradation are monitored in every single sample. Additionally, special attention is paid to the relationships between parameters indicating degradation by micro‐organisms and the reliability of the steroid profile. The impact of the degradation is studied by evaluation of the quantities and percentages of 5α‐androstane‐3,17‐dione and 5β‐androstane‐3,17‐dione. The concept of measurement uncertainty was introduced for the evaluation of relative abundances of mass‐to‐charge ratios and the obtained ranges were compared with the World Anti‐Doping Agency regulations on tolerance windows for relative ion intensities. The results indicate that the approaches are similar. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of monoclonal antibodies, IgG1, from cell culture supernatant by use of metal chelate convective interaction media monolithic columns
Authors: Rajak Poonam , Vijayalakshmi M. A. , Jayaprakash N. S.
Published: February 2012

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have diverse applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. The recent advancement in hybridoma technology for large‐scale production of MAbs in bioreactors demands rapid and efficient purification methods. Conventional affinity purification systems have drawbacks of low flow rates and denaturation of antibodies owing to harsh elution conditions. Here, we attempted purification of MAbs by use of a high‐throughput metal–chelate methacrylate monolithic system. Monolithic macroporous convective interaction media–iminodiacetate (CIM‐IDA) disks immobilized with four different metal ions (Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+ and Co2+) were used and evaluated for purification of anti‐human serum albumin IgG1 mouse MAbs from cell culture supernatant after precipitation with 50% ammonium sulfate. Elution with 10 mM imidazole in the equilibration buffer (25 mM MMA = MOPS (Morpholino propane sulfonic acid) + MES (Morpholino ethane sulfonic acid) + Acetate + 0.5 M NaCl, pH 7.4) resulted in a purification of 25.7 ± 2.9‐fold and 32.5 ± 2.6‐fold in experiments done using Zn2+ and Co2+ metal ions, respectively. The highest recovery of 85.4 ± 1.0% was obtained with a CIM‐IDA‐Zn(II) column. SDS–PAGE, ELISA and immuno‐blot showed that the antibodies recovered were pure, with high antigen‐binding efficiency. Thus, metal chelate CIM monoliths could be a potential alternative to conventional systems for fast and efficient purification of MAbs from the complex cell culture supernatant. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological Correlates of Violent and Non‐violent Hong Kong Juvenile Probationers
Authors: Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Chui Wing Hong
Published: February 2012

There is little known about Hong Kong juvenile offenders on probation. The purpose of this study was to compare Hong Kong juvenile violent with non‐violent probationers on static demographic and psychological variables. The study comprised 109 male juvenile probationers aged 14–20 years (M = 16.97, SD = 1.44) in community transitional housing; 34 were adjudicated for violent offenses, while 75 were non‐violent. The Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Social Bonding Scale‐Theft (SBS‐T), Social Bonding Scale‐Violent Crime (SBS‐VC), Positive and Negative Affect Scales (PANAS), Impulsiveness Scale‐Short Form (IS‐SF) and CRIME‐PICS II were administered to measure self‐esteem, life satisfaction, social bond, positive and negative affect, impulsivity, pro‐offending attitudes, and self‐perceived life problems. Data on onset age of delinquent behavior, age of first adjudication, number of prior adjudications, and frequency of self‐reported delinquency in the past year were also collected. t‐tests were consistent with significant differences for violent offenders including higher self‐esteem (p < 0.05). Non‐violent offenders self‐reported significantly more theft (p < 0.05) with a tendency to deny victim hurt more often (p < 0.01); 76.5% of violent offenders self‐reported both violent and non‐violent crime, while 58.7% of non‐violent offenders reported only non‐violent crime. For violent and non‐violent offenders, the onset of delinquency was inversely related to the frequency of self‐reported delinquency. Using ordinary least‐squares (OLS) regression analyses, self‐anticipated violent reoffending risk was predicted by age of onset, frequency of self‐reported delinquency, social bond (inversely), and impulsivity, while non‐violent reoffending risk was predicted by the number of prior convictions and self‐reported delinquency. Only two psychological correlates, social bond and impulsivity, were related to violent delinquency; interventions are suggested. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Computational Modeling, and Properties of Benzo‐Appended BODIPYs
Authors: Uppal Timsy , Hu Xiaoke , Fronczek Frank R. , Maschek Stephanie , Bobadova‐Parvanova Petia , Vicente M. Graça H.
Published: February 2012

A series of new functionalized mono‐ and dibenzo‐appended BODIPY dyes were synthesized from a common tetrahydroisoindole precursor following two different synthetic routes. Route A involved the assembly of the BODIPY core prior to aromatization, while in Route B the aromatization step was performed first. In general, Route A gave higher yields of the target dibenzo‐BODIPYs, due to the ease of aromatization of the BODIPYs compared with the corresponding dipyrromethenes, probably due to their higher stability under the oxidative conditions (2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone in refluxing toluene). However, due to the slow oxidation of highly electron‐deficient BODIPY 3 c bearing a meso‐C6F5 group, dibenzo‐BODIPY 4 c was obtained, in 35 % overall from dipyrromethane, only by Route B. Computational calculations performed at the 6‐31G(d,p) level are in agreement with the experimental results, showing similar relative energies for all reaction intermediates in both routes. In addition, BODIPY 3 c had the highest molecular electrostatic potential (MEPN), confirming its high electron deficiency and consequent resistance toward oxidation. X‐ray analyses of eight BODIPYs and several intermediates show that benzannulation further enhances the planarity of these systems. The π‐extended BODIPYs show strong red‐shifted absorptions and emissions, about 50–60 nm per benzoannulated ring, at 589–658 and 596–680 nm, respectively. In particular, db‐BODIPY 4 c bearing a meso‐C6F5 group showed the longest λmax of absorption and emission, along with the lowest fluorescence quantum yield (0.31 in CH2Cl2); on the other hand monobenzo‐BODIPY 8 showed the highest quantum yield (0.99) of this series. Cellular investigations using human carcinoma HEp2 cells revealed high plasma membrane permeability for all dibenzo‐BODIPYs, low dark‐ and photo‐cytotoxicities and intracellular localization in the cell endoplasmic reticulum, in addition to other organelles. Our studies indicate that benzo‐appended BODIPYs, in particular the highly stable meso‐substituted BODIPYs, are promising fluorophores for bioimaging applications.
Label‐Free Live‐Cell Imaging of Nucleic Acids Using Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Xu , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Basu Srinjan , Daniele Joseph R. , Fu Dan , Freudiger Christian W. , Holtom Gary R. , Xie X. Sunney
Published: February 2012

Imaging of nucleic acids is important for studying cellular processes such as cell division and apoptosis. A noninvasive label‐free technique is attractive. Raman spectroscopy provides rich chemical information based on specific vibrational peaks. However, the signal from spontaneous Raman scattering is weak and long integration times are required, which drastically limits the imaging speed when used for microscopy. Coherent Raman scattering techniques, comprising coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, overcome this problem by enhancing the signal level by up to five orders of magnitude. CARS microscopy suffers from a nonresonant background signal, which distorts Raman spectra and limits sensitivity. This makes CARS imaging of weak transitions in spectrally congested regions challenging. This is especially the case in the fingerprint region, where nucleic acids show characteristic peaks. The recently developed SRS microscopy is free from these limitations; excitation spectra are identical to those of spontaneous Raman and sensitivity is close to shot‐noise limited. Herein we demonstrate the use of SRS imaging in the fingerprint region to map the distribution of nucleic acids in addition to proteins and lipids in single salivary gland cells of Drosophila larvae, and in single mammalian cells. This allows the imaging of DNA condensation associated with cell division and opens up possibilities of imaging such processes in vivo.
Feedback‐Based Alcohol Interventions for Mandated Students: An Effectiveness Study of Three Modalities
Authors: Alfonso Jacqueline , Hall Thomas V. , Dunn Michael E.
Published: February 2012

The present study used a randomized clinical trial design to examine the effectiveness of personalized alcohol feedback delivered individually, in a group and via computer on alcohol use and related negative consequences in a sample of 173 college students referred for alcohol‐related violations. Findings revealed statistically significant reductions in alcohol use and related harms for the individually delivered intervention, with significant reductions in alcohol‐related harms for the electronically delivered intervention. No statistically significant results were found for the group‐delivered intervention or between groups, and a main effect of time was noted for all outcome variables. This study adds to the literature by being the first randomized clinical trial to include analyses of an empirically supported individually delivered personalized alcohol feedback intervention with more cost‐effective group‐delivered and electronically delivered feedback formats within a single research design, by expanding the range of participant drinking habits reported at baseline to include all drinking levels and not solely those classified as ‘heavy drinking’ and by providing anonymity pre‐intervention and post‐intervention given the potential demand characteristics to underreport illegal and/or illicit behaviours in this vulnerable population. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

Personalized alcohol feedback delivered in a one‐on‐one, face‐to‐face format serves to decrease both alcohol use and harms in mandated college students.

The use of web‐delivered personalized alcohol feedback may be clinically useful when working with a mandated student population to reduce alcohol‐related harms.

Personalized alcohol feedback delivered in a group setting may not be indicated for use with a mandated student population as it does not demonstrate decreases in either alcohol use or harms, possibly because of the normalization of deviant behaviour.
Regulatory aspects of workplace drug testing in Europe
Authors: Pierce Anya
Published: February 2012

Workplace drug testing in Europe is governed by a patchwork of legislation – or lack of it. Other difficulties are caused by language, currency and a host of other factors, including the difficulty in defining ‘safety critical’. The European Workplace Drug Testing Society's (EWDTS) history and objectives are briefly outlined. Some of the problems peculiar to testing in Europe are discussed. Finally, some of the legislation in the different countries is described. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purity of antidotal oxime HI‐6 DMS as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for auto‐injectors and infusions
Authors: Bogan Reinhard , Koller Marianne , Klaubert Bernd
Published: February 2012

As reactivators of inhibited acetylcholinesterase, oximes are essential antidotes in poisoning by organophosphorus compounds. Due to its superior efficacy in cases of soman, cyclosarin, and sarin poisoning, the oxime HI‐6 represents a promising option for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the further development of antidote therapy for nerve agent poisoning. Developmental lots of HI‐6 DMS (dimethanesulfonate) provided by different manufacturers were examined with respect to their content and purity with a view to their future use as an API. There are distinct differences in the HI‐6 content from three manufacturers. With respect to purity, gradual differences arise with the known synthetic by‐products as well as with unknown accompanying compounds. It became apparent that in the case of a modified synthesis using protective groups, the proportion of some synthesis by‐products decreases considerably. With one exception, they are thus below the reporting threshold for API in accordance with pertinent regulatory guidelines. In HI‐6, an unknown impurity always occurs, whose percentage necessitates identification due to regulations. This unknown impurity, which has not been described so far, could be identified as an isomer. These findings supply data required for the description of pharmaceutical quality in accordance with module 3 of a Common Technical Document (CTD). They thus contribute to the marketing authorization of this substance as an API for auto‐injectors and infusions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical characterization of three trifluoromethyl‐substituted methcathinone isomers
Authors: Brandt Simon D. , Daley Paul F. , Cozzi Nicholas V.
Published: February 2012

Cathinone derivatives display a wide range of pharmacological activities and uses; some of them are used as prescription medicines, while others are encountered within a recreational context and are available without a prescription over the Internet and in retail shops around the world. One of the difficulties involved in the unambiguous identification of these new psychoactive substances is the lack of suitable reference standards, particularly when dealing with unreported derivatives and positional isomers. In order to address this need, three trifluoromethyl analogues of the psychostimulant methcathinone, with a CF3 substituent at the 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐position of the phenyl ring (2‐TFMAP 1, 3‐TFMAP 2 and 4‐TFMAP 3), have been prepared for analytical characterization using ATR‐FTIR, 1H and 13 C NMR, and GC‐(EI/CI)‐ion trap‐MS. Differentiation among isomers was feasible by IR, for example when assessing the carbonyl stretch at 1711 (1), 1693 (2) and 1688 (3) cm‐1, respectively. In addition to the expected iminium base peak at m/z 58, EI‐MS displayed key ions at m/z 173, 145, 125, 95, and 75. Separation of isomers was possible under GC conditions. A characteristic feature under CI conditions was the loss of water from the [M + H]+ yielding m/z 214 in addition to m/z 58. Studies currently underway show that the three CF3‐methcathinone analogues have central nervous system effects and that the 4‐CF3 isomer 3 is more potent as a serotonin uptake inhibitor and releasing agent than the 3‐CF3 and 2‐CF3 counterparts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor stabilizers and other small‐molecule erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents in current and preventive doping analysis
Authors: Beuck Simon , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: February 2012

Increasing the blood's capacity for oxygen transport by erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) constitutes a prohibited procedure of performance enhancement according to the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). The advent of orally bio‐available small‐molecule ESAs such as hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) stabilizers in the development of novel anti‐anaemia therapies expands the list of potential ESA doping techniques. Here, the erythropoiesis‐stimulating properties and doping relevance of experimental HIF‐stabilizers, such as cobaltous chloride, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid or GSK360A, amongst others, are discussed. The stage of clinical trials is reviewed for the anti‐anaemia drug candidates FG‐2216, FG‐4592, GSK1278863, AKB‐6548, and BAY85‐3934. Currently available methods and strategies for the determination of selected HIF stabilizers in sports drug testing are based on liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). For the support of further analytical assay development, patents claiming distinct compounds for the use in HIF‐mediated therapies are evaluated and exemplary molecular structures of HIF stabilizers presented. Moreover, data concerning the erythropoiesis‐enhancing effects of the GATA inhibitors K7174 and K11706 as well as the lipidic small‐molecule ESA PBI‐1402 are elucidated the context of doping analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A snapshot of workplace drug testing in Italy
Authors: Santoro Paolo Emilio , Nardis Isabella De , Fronterrè Pietrangelo , Felli Marialinda , Martello Simona , Bergamaschi Antonio , Chiarotti Marcello
Published: February 2012

The Italian Decree on Health and Safety at Work (81/08) prescribes mandatory drug tests for jobs which pose safety hazards to others. Workplace drug testing is performed in accordance with the Provision of the Government‐Regions Conference, 2008. The aim of our survey was to examine the prevalence of drug use and the main drug findings in a sample of Italian workers performing hazardous jobs. From September 2009 to February 2011, 551 urine samples were collected in 42 Italian companies. Sample collection was carried out at the workplace by qualified laboratory personnel sent from the Institute of Occupational Medicine of the Catholic University (UCSC) of Rome. The workers to be tested were informed the day before, as the law requires. The samples were checked for adulteration, coded, and sent immediately to the laboratory of the UCSC Forensic Toxicology Analytical Unit. The screening test was an immunoassay. The positive samples proceeded to the confirmatory analysis with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The urine samples were analyzed for cannabis, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, methadone, and MDMA. Out of 16 samples .9% screened positive; only 4 of them (0.7%) were confirmed with the LC‐MS/MS. Confirmed results included cocaine (2 samples), cannabis (1 sample), both cocaine and cannabis (1 sample). The prevalence of positive samples was lower than expected. Such finding cannot be explained by a low reliability of the testing procedure but could be due to test scheduling. More positive cases might be found performing short‐notice random testing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Legal workplace policies for drugs and alcohol in Turkey
Authors: Akgür Serap Annette , Erdem Aslı , Coşkunol Hakan
Published: February 2012

The widespread of individual and social problems related to substance use/abuse provoked the new approaches for workplace drug testing systems in the world. Workplace drug testing laws are constructed to protect the community from the consequences of drug use by workers. In Turkey, the legal arrangements on workplace drug testing exist in Turkish Penal Code, Turkish Labour Law, Workplace Physicians Regulations, Maritime Labour Law and Medical Examination Instructions in Highway Transportation Although Turkey has made the initial attempts to develop homogeneous and reliable regulations for workplace drug testing, a detailed workplace policy for drug testing at workplace has still not been provided.. An amendment has been done in the Regulations on Seafarers and a drug test (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine like drugs and opiate) has been added into the routine tests to take a “Seafarer Health Report”. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three 3D Metal–Quinolone Complexes Based on Trimetallic or Rod‐Shaped Secondary Building Units
Authors: Xiao Dong‐Rong , He Jiang‐Hong , Sun Dian‐Zhen , Chen Hai‐Yan , Yan Shi‐Wei , Wang Xin , Yang Juan , Yuan Ruo , Wang En‐Bo
Published: February 2012

The self‐assembly of quinolones with metal salts in the presence of aromatic polycarboxylato ligands or chloride anions produced three novel 3D metal–quinolone coordination polymers, namely [Cu3(ppa)2(oba)2(H2O)4]·H2O (1), [Cd3(ppa)2(bpdc)2(H2O)2]·5H2O (2), and [Cd2(sara)2(μ2‐Cl)2]·5H2O (3) [ppaH = pipemidic acid, saraH = sarafloxacin, oba = 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoate), bpdc = 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylate]. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and they were further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, X‐ray powder diffraction, and TG analyses. Compound 1 represents a novel 3D (3,4)‐connected network with a (6·82)2(6·82)2(62·82·102) topology constructed from Cu atoms and ppa ligands. Compound 2 represents the first example of a 3D metal–quinolone complex with a (3,4,6)‐connected (52·6)2(52·64)(54·66·72·8·92) topology. Compound 3 is an unprecedented 3D metal–quinolone complex constructed from Cl– ions connecting the {Cd(sara)}nn+ layers. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of compounds 2 and 3 are discussed.
Rare‐Earth Melonates LnC6N7(NCN)3·xH2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb; x = 8–12): Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Thermal Behavior, and Photoluminescence Properties of Heptazine Salts with Trivalent Cations
Authors: Makowski Sophia J. , Schwarze Arne , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The rare‐earth melonates LnC6N7(NCN)3·xH2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb; x = 8–12) have been synthesized by metathesis reactions in aqueous solution and characterized by single‐crystal and powder XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and photoluminescence studies. Powder XRD patterns revealed isotypism of the La–Sm compounds. The structure of LaC6N7(NCN)3·8H2O has been solved and refined from single‐crystal diffraction data and those of the remaining salts have been refined from powder XRD data by Rietveld refinement. In the crystal structures, the melonate entities are arranged in corrugated layers, which alternate with layers of crystal water molecules. The lanthanide ions are coordinated by two melonate and six water molecules. LnC6N7(NCN)3·xH2O (Ln = Eu, Tb; x = 9–12) have also been investigated by photoluminescence studies. Neither hydrated nor dehydrated europium melonate exhibits luminescence under UV excitation, whereas photoluminescence studies of terbium melonate showed green emission with a maximum at 545 nm due to the 5D4→7F5 transition. Thermal analysis revealed rather low thermal stability of the rare‐earth melonates, which is probably due to the tight binding of crystal water that results in hydrolytic decomposition at elevated temperatures.
On the Directing Effect of Boronate Groups in the Lithiation of Boronated Thiophenes
Authors: Borowska Elena , Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz , Serwatowski Janusz , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: February 2012

An investigation of thiophene boronates has revealed the usefulness of a metalation reaction in the synthesis of various lithiated thiophene boronates, which were further converted to functionalized thiopheneboronic derivatives. The lithiation of 2‐ and 3‐thienylboronic N‐butyldiethanolamine (BDEA) esters with lithium diisopropylamide and lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide showed that both boronated thiophenes were readily deprotonated. In the latter case, lithiation at the 2‐position adjacent both to sulfur and the borocanyl group is thermodynamically favoured due to the significant stabilizing effect of the borocanyl group. Further derivatization with a range of electrophiles followed by hydrolysis afforded various 2‐substituted 3‐thiopheneboronic acids. Lithiation of the corresponding thiopheneboronic “ate” complexes of the type [ThB(OR)3]Li revealed that the 2‐thienyl derivatives could not be effectively deprotonated, whereas the “ate” complex, [3‐ThB(OEt)3]Li, was selectively lithiated with nBuLi at C‐2. This points to a directing effect of the anionic boronate moiety. The resulting bimetallic species, [(2‐Li‐3‐Th)B(OEt)3]Li, underwent ring‐closing dimerization upon heating to give, after subsequent hydrolysis, 4,8‐dihydro‐4,8‐dihydroxy‐p‐diborino[2,3‐b:5,6‐b′]dithiophene ― a cyclic diborinic acid. A computational study of the lithiation of boronated thiophenes and furans proved that boronation decreases ring‐proton acidity. This effect is much stronger for the boronic “ate” complexes than for the corresponding neutral BDEA esters. Calculations of the transition states have shown that the specific directing effect of boronate groups in 3‐thienyl derivatives is due to intramolecular oxygen–lithium coordination.
Reactions of Fluorinated Organic Radicals in Aqueous Media
Authors: Barata‐Vallejo Sebastián , Postigo Al
Published: February 2012

Fluorinated radicals in water are shown to enable a useful array of synthetic organic transformations, reflecting these intermediates' distinct behavior in water or aqueous media. The enhanced reactivities of perfluroalkyl radicals in water facilitate their addition reactions to carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom multiple bonds. Activated and unactivated unsaturated substrates are equally reactive candidates for radical perfluoroalkylation reactions in aqueous systems. Parallel behavior of perfluorinated radicals in organic solvents and in water is presented, demonstrating the scope of reactions based on fluorinated radicals in aqueous media, as well as the ease of carbocyclic construction.
Access to Optically Active 3‐Aminopiperidines by Ring Expansion of Prolinols: Thermodynamic versus Kinetic Control
Authors: Cochi Anne , Pardo Domingo Gomez , Cossy Janine
Published: February 2012

3‐Aminopiperidines are of great interest because they can possess a wide range of biological activity depending on the nitrogen substituents. Different approaches their synthesis are presented and the most efficient is a ring expansion of prolinols induced by XtalFluor‐E (diethylaminodifluorosulfinium tetrafluoroborate) in the presence of tetrabutylammonium azide, via an aziridinium intermediate, followed by the reduction of the corresponding azide. Under kinetic conditions, a 2‐(azidomethyl)pyrrolidine/3‐azidopiperidine ratio of 0:100 can be attained depending on the substituents present on the prolinol.
Cycloaddition of C,C‐Disubstituted Ketonitrones with Acceptor Methylenecyclopropanes and Subsequent Rearrangement Cascade of 5‐Spirocyclopropane‐isoxazolidines
Authors: Tran Tung Q. , Diev Vyacheslav V. , Starova Galina L. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Molchanov Alexander P.
Published: February 2012

A new reaction cascade to give tricyclic cores of 2,4‐dihydro‐1H‐azeto[1,2‐a]quinolines (benzocarbacephems) and pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinolines starting from acyclic N‐aryl ketonitrones and acceptor ring substituted methylenecyclopropanes has been reported. This reaction includes 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of N‐aryl‐C,C‐diaryl or N‐aryl‐C,C‐bis(methoxycarbonyl) nitrones 1 to the double bond of dimethyl methylenecyclopropane‐1,2‐dicarboxylate 2 or benzylidenecyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarboxylate 3, followed by Brandi–Guarna rearrangement of the initially formed 5‐spirocyclopropane‐isoxazolidine cycloadducts to give 2,4‐dihydro‐1H‐azeto[1,2‐a]quinolines 4 or pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinolines 6.
Repression of miR‐142 by p300 and MAPK is required for survival signalling via gp130 during adaptive hypertrophy
Authors: Sharma Salil , Liu Jing , Wei Jianqin , Yuan Huijun , Zhang Taifang , Bishopric Nanette H.
Published: February 2012

An increase in cardiac workload, ultimately resulting in hypertrophy, generates oxidative stress and therefore requires the activation of both survival and growth signal pathways. Here, we wanted to characterize the regulators, targets and mechanistic roles of miR‐142, a microRNA (miRNA) negatively regulated during hypertrophy. We show that both miRNA‐142‐3p and ‐5p are repressed by serum‐derived growth factors in cultured cardiac myocytes, in models of cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in human cardiomyopathic hearts. Levels of miR‐142 are inversely related to levels of acetyltransferase p300 and MAPK activity. When present, miR‐142 inhibits both survival and growth pathways by directly targeting nodal regulators p300 and gp130. MiR‐142 also potently represses multiple components of the NF‐κB pathway, preventing cytokine‐mediated NO production and blocks translation of α‐actinin. Forced expression of miR‐142 during hypertrophic growth induced extensive apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction; conversely, loss of miR‐142 fully rescued cardiac function in a murine heart failure model. Downregulation of miR‐142 is required to enable cytokine‐mediated survival signalling during cardiac growth in response to haemodynamic stress and is a critical element of adaptive hypertrophy.
Bayesian estimation of climate sensitivity based on a simple climate model fitted to observations of hemispheric temperatures and global ocean heat content
Authors: Aldrin Magne , Holden Marit , Guttorp Peter , Skeie Ragnhild Bieltvedt , Myhre Gunnar , Berntsen Terje Koren
Published: February 2012

Predictions of climate change are uncertain mainly because of uncertainties in the emissions of greenhouse gases and how sensitive the climate is to changes in the abundance of the atmospheric constituents. The equilibrium climate sensitivity is defined as the temperature increase because of a doubling of the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere when the climate reaches a new steady state. CO2 is only one out of the several external factors that affect the global temperature, called radiative forcing mechanisms as a collective term. In this paper, we present a model framework for estimating the climate sensitivity. The core of the model is a simple, deterministic climate model based on elementary physical laws such as energy balance. It models yearly hemispheric surface temperature and global ocean heat content as a function of historical radiative forcing. This deterministic model is combined with an empirical, stochastic model and fitted to observations on global temperature and ocean heat content, conditioned on estimates of historical radiative forcing. We use a Bayesian framework, with informative priors on a subset of the parameters and flat priors on the climate sensitivity and the remaining parameters. The model is estimated by Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ns‐3 architecture for simulating joint radio resource management strategies in interconnected WLAN and UMTS networks
Authors: Monego Hermes Del , Carneiro Gustavo , Oliveira José Manuel , Ricardo Manuel
Published: February 2012

Interconnection of different access network technologies is an important research topic in mobile telecommunications systems. In this paper, we propose an ns‐3 architecture for simulating the interconnection of wireless local area network (WLAN) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). This architecture is based on the architecture proposed by the Third Generation Partnership Project, being the use of virtual interfaces as its main innovation. In order to demonstrate the value of the proposed simulation framework, we implemented the UMTS and WLAN interconnection considering three joint radio resource management strategies for distributing arriving calls. From the simulations results, we can conclude that the proposed simulation architecture is suitable to test and evaluate performance aspects related to the interconnection and joint management of UMTS and WLAN technologies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Featured structures of fire residue of high‐impact polystyrene/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites during burning
Authors: Zhang Jun , Bai Maojuan , Wang Yong , Xiao Fengyan
Published: February 2012

The structures and constituents of fire residue of high‐impact polystyrene/organically modified montmorillonite (HIPS/OMMT) nanocomposite during burning was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and elementary analysis techniques and based on quenched samples obtained during the cone calorimeter test. It was found that during burning the HIPS/OMMT nanocomposite tends to form a two‐layer structure of fire residue on the surface of material. This two‐layer structure contains a thin and condensed skin layer at the top and a loose and expanded cellular layer under the skin layer. The skin structure contains many small sizes of voids, while the cellular structure includes a large number of large‐size voids. Both the skin and cellular layers are composed of mainly montmorillonite platelets, which are aggregated to form a nanoscale network structure, in which certain amounts of carbonaceous char components are trapped during burning but decompose above approximately 550°C in the presence of oxygen. Finally, an idealized model was put forward to explain the featured structures of fire residues for the nanocomposite studied. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colorimetric artificial nose for baijiu identification
Authors: Ya Zhang , He Kun , Lu Zhong‐ming , Yi Bin , Hou Chang‐jun , Shan Shen , Huo Dan‐qun , Luo Xiao‐gang
Published: February 2012

Based on a colorimetric sensor array, five commercial baijiu were analysed by a simple colorimetric artificial nose. Utilizing porphyrin, porphyrin derivatives and chemically responsive dyes as sensitive materials, the sensor array of the artificial nose showed a unique pattern of colorific changes upon its exposure to baijiu. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were employed to investigate the presence of classes inside the sample and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was employed to identify baijiu of different fragrances. The results of PCA and HCA analyses suggested that the colorimetric artificial nose might characterize the types of baijiu according to their trace components, rather than the raw materials, fermentation method, manufacturing process and other conditions. The accuracy in terms of the classification of each baijiu flavours using LDA was 100% and confirmed the great potential of colorimetric artificial nose in the detection of baijiu flavour styles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of new organophosphorus compounds using the atherton–todd reaction as a versatile tool
Authors: Wagner Sebastian , Rakotomalala Muriel , Bykov Yana , Walter Olaf , Döring Manfred
Published: February 2012

This article discusses the behavior of seven organophosphorus compounds under Atherton–Todd conditions. Therefore, the reactivity and selectivity of different (phen)oxaphosphinines, dioxaphosphinines, dioxaphosphinanes, and diphenylphosphine oxide with three nucleophiles were systematically studied. The results prove the versatility of the Atherton–Todd reaction to a broad range of organophosphorus compounds with different phosphorus environments and reactive PH bonds. The nucleophiles studied in this article were chosen as model substrates for amines and alcohols. Because organophosphorus molecules are important and versatile compounds, for a broad field of applications, novel synthetic approaches are of interest to both academia and industry. As an example, the single‐step synthesis of the bridged 1,3‐phenylene bis(diphenylphosphinate) with potential flame‐retardant properties was added to this study. In addition, the reaction is utilized for the synthesis of a novel organophosphorus anhydride. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:216–222, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21006