bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of the Coordination Sphere of AlIII in Trifluoromethyl‐Heteroarylalkenolato Complex Ions by Gas‐Phase IRMPD Spectroscopy and Computational Modelling
Authors: Brückmann Lisa , Tyrra Wieland , Mathur Sanjay , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Schäfer Mathias
Published: March 2012

A series of aluminium complex ions with trifluoromethyl‐heteroarylalkenolato (TMHA) ligands are studied by gas‐phase infrared multiphoton‐dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and computational modelling. The selected series of aluminium TMHA complex ions are promising species for the initial study of intrinsic binding characteristics of AlIII cations in the gas phase as corresponding molecular ions. They are readily available for examination by (+) and (−) electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) by spraying of [Al3+⋅(L−)3] solutions. The complex ions under investigation contain trivalent Al3+ cations with two chelating anionic enolate ligands, [Al3+⋅(L−)2]+, providing insights in the nature of the heteroatom‐Al bonds. Additionally, the structure of a deprotonated benzimidazole ligand, L−, and an anionic complex ion of AlIII with two doubly deprotonated benzimidazole ligands, [Al3+⋅(L2−)2]−, are examined by (−)ESI‐IRMPD spectroscopy. Experimental and computational results are highly consistent and allow a reliable identification of the ion structures. In all complex ions examined the planar TMHA ligands are oriented perpendicular to each other around the metal ion, leading to a tetrahedral coordination sphere in which aluminium interacts with the enolate oxygen and heteroaryl nitrogen atoms available in each of the bidentate ligands.
Controlling Size, Amount, and Crystalline Structure of Nanoparticles Deposited on Graphenes for Highly Efficient Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Choi Bong Gill , Park Ho Seok
Published: March 2012

A facilitated electrochemical reaction at the surface of electrodes is crucial for highly efficient energy conversion and storage. Herein, various nanoparticles (NPs) including Au, Pt, Pd, Ru, and RuO2, were synthesized in situ and directly deposited on the ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized reduced graphene oxides (RGOs) in a controlled manner. The size, amount, and crystalline structures of discrete NPs were readily controlled, giving rise to enhanced methanol oxidation and pseudocapacitance. The well‐defined nanostructure of decorated NPs and the favorable interaction between ILs and RGOs (or NPs) facilitated the electrochemical reaction, where NPs acted as electrocatalysts for energy conversion and played the role of redox‐active electrodes for energy storage.
Responding to requests of families for unproven interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders: Hyperbaric oxygen “treatment” and stem cell “therapy” in cerebral palsy
Authors: Bell Emily , Wallace Tessa , Chouinard Isabelle , Shevell Michael , Racine Eric
Published: March 2012

Faced with the limitations of currently available mainstream medical treatments and interventions, parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders often seek information about unproven interventions. These interventions frequently have undetermined efficacy and uncertain safety profiles. In this article, we present a general background and case vignettes that highlight the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers and stem cells in cerebral palsy, the leading cause of pediatric physical disability. We then review the current evidence about these interventions as exemplars of unproven therapies. Building on the background and cases, we explore and review two important questions related to unproven interventions: (1) How should clinicians respond to requests for innovative and alternative interventions? (2) What should clinicians keep in mind when such requests come from online sources? © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011; 17:19–26.
Prenatal testing for intellectual disability: Misperceptions and reality with lessons from down syndrome
Authors: Acharya Kruti
Published: March 2012

Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability. In the United States, it is recommended that prenatal testing for Down syndrome be offered to all women. Because of this policy and consequent public perception, having Down syndrome has become a disadvantage in the prenatal period. However, in the postnatal period, there may be some advantage in having Down syndrome. To help parents make informed decisions about screening and testing, it is crucial to reconcile divergent prenatal and postnatal perspectives. Advancements in genetic technologies will also impact the informed consent process and need to be considered. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011; 17:27–31.
Preparation and Characterisation of Dinuclear Nickel(II) Complexes Containing N3Ni(μ1,3‐SO3R)2(μ‐O2CR)NiN3 Cores: Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of [Ni2(L2)(O2CCH3)]BPh4 and [Ni2(L2)(O2CPh)]BPh4 [H2L2 = Macrocyclic Ligand with a N6(SO3)2 Donor Set]
Authors: Lach Jochen , Hahn Torsten , Kersting Berthold , Kortus Jens
Published: March 2012

The preparation and characterisation of two new macrocyclic NiII complexes containing N3Ni(μ1,3‐SO3R)2(μ‐O2CR)NiN3 cores are described. Complexes [Ni2(L2)(O2CMe)]+ (4) and [Ni2(L2)(O2CPh)]+ (5), where (L2)2– represents a macrocyclic hexaaza‐bis(phenylsulfonato) ligand, were synthesised by H2O2 oxidation of the respective parent complexes, [Ni2(L1)(O2CMe)]+ (1) and [Ni2(L1)(O2CPh)]+ (2), supported by the corresponding hexaaza‐bis(thiophenolate) macrocycle(L1)2–. The compounds were characterised by means of elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the tetraphenylborate salts of 4 and 5 show that the bridging thiophenolato functions in 1 and 2 are in both cases converted to μ1,3‐bridging sulfonato groups. The conversion to the sulfonato groups is accompanied by a drastic increase of the Ni···Ni distance from 3.483(1) Å in 1 and 3.491(1) Å in 2 to 4.543(1) Å in 4 and 4.5725(8) Å in 5. The magnetic properties are also affected. In contrast to 1 and 2, which exhibit an intramolecular ferromagnetic exchange interaction (S = 2 ground state), the spins of the nickel(II) (Si = 1 ions) in 4 and 5 are weakly antiferromagnetically coupled, the coupling constants J (H = –2JS1S2) being –2.0 cm–1 (4) and –2.3 cm–1 (5), to produce a diamagnetic (S = 0) ground state. Supporting DFT (density functional theory) calculations substantiate the experimental results.
3,5‐Dimethylpyrazole Derivatives of (Hydrido)chlorosilanes
Authors: Bitto Florian , Wagler Jörg , Kroke Edwin
Published: March 2012

Tetrachlorosilane, trichlorosilane and dichlorosilane react with 1‐trimethylsilyl‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazole (Me3Sipz*), triethylamine/3,5‐dimethylpyrazole (Hpz*) or solely Hpz* to afford the new silicon‐based scorpionate analogues X4–nSi(pz*)n (1 n = 4; 2 X = Cl, n = 3; 3 X = H, n = 3; 4 X = H, n = 2) and the ionic complex [H2Si(Hpz*)4]Cl2 (5). Compounds 1 and 2 are involved in a complex system of equilibria of both Si–Cl vs. Si–N dismutation and intramolecular Si–N exchange. The Si–H bonds in 3 and 4 remain intact, thus intermolecular exchange phenomena like that in compounds Cl4–nSi(pz*)n were not observed. 29Si NMR and Raman spectra indicate that 4 forms oligomers with hexacoordinate Si atoms in solution as well as in the solid state. The Si atom of 5 is also hexacoordinate in the solid state. However, the coordination mode in 5 is completely different to that in 1–4, because all four Hpz* ligands coordinate by using the available nitrogen lone pairs.
Unprecedented Transformation of Diiron Bridging Vinyliminium Ligands into Carboxyamido‐ and Alkylphosphonate‐Vinylalkylidenes
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Zacchini Stefano , Zanotti Valerio
Published: March 2012

The vinyliminium complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐C(R′)=C(R′)C=N(Me)(R)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (R = Me, R′ = CO2Me, 6a; R = R′ = Me, 6b; R = Me, R′ = Et, 6c; R = Xyl, R′ = CO2Me, 6d; R = Xyl, R′ = Me, 6e; Xyl = 2,6‐Me2C6H3) upon treatment with NaH in thf fragmented to afford the metallacyclopentadienone complexes [Fe(CO)(Cp){CN(Me)(R)C(R′)C(R′)C(O)}] (7a–7e). When the reaction of 6c with NaH was carried with thf direct from the bottle (i.e., not freshly distilled), the product was the vinylalkylidene complex[Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐C(Et)C{C(O)NMe2}C(H)(Me)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2] (8), which contains a carboxyamido group. The formation of 8 implies deprotonation of the bridging ligand and oxygen addition to the iminium carbon of 6c with rearrangement of the bridging coordination. Reaction of the vinyliminium complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐C(R′)=C(R″)C=N(Me)(R)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2][SO3CF3] (R = Me, R′ = R″ = CO2Me, 6a; R = R′ = Me, R″ = H, 6f; R = R′ = Me, R″ = H, 6g; R = Xyl, R = CH2Ph, R′ = CO2Me, R″ = H, 6h) with NaH and P(OMe)3 afforded the corresponding alkylphosphonate‐vinylalkylidene complexes [Fe2{μ‐η1:η3‐C(R′)C(R″)C{P(O)(OMe)2}N(Me)(R)}(μ‐CO)(CO)(Cp)2] (9a–9d). The reaction can be considered an Arbuzov‐like rearrangement involving an iminium group. The crystal structures of 8 and 9c were determined X‐ray diffraction.
Lanthanide‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles–modified electrode for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of dye
Authors: Xing Li , Jia Jianbo , Wang Yizhe , Dong Shaojun
Published: March 2012

Lanthanide‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles (La‐TiO2NP)‐modified electrode was successfully prepared by the sol–gel and dip‐coating methods on the indium tin oxide electrode. Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize its structure and composition. The degradation efficiency of methyl orange could be increased by 26.17% with the La‐TiO2NP‐modified electrode compared with that using the pure TiO2NP‐modified electrode under applied voltage of 0.3 V with illumination. The as‐prepared electrode also exhibited good repeatability and reproducibility. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 302‐306, 2013
Biomagnification of mercury through the benthic food webs of a temperate estuary: Masan Bay, Korea
Authors: Kim Eunhee , Kim Hyunji , Shin Kyung-hoon , Kim Min-seob , Kundu Sampa Rani , Lee Byeong-gweon , Han Seunghee
Published: March 2012

The authors examined food web magnification factors of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) for the benthic organisms in Masan Bay, a semiclosed, temperate estuary located on the southeastern coast of Korea. For benthic invertebrates, concentrations of THg and MeHg (%MeHg) ranged from 9.57 to 195 and 2.56 to 111 ng/g dry weight (12.2–85.6%), respectively. Benthic fish THg and MeHg (%MeHg) concentrations ranged widely from 10.8 to 618 and 2.90 to 529 ng/g dry weight (22.9–93.9%), respectively. The linear regression slopes of log [Hg] relative to δ15N (i.e., food web magnification factors) found for the Masan Bay benthic organisms were 0.119 for THg and 0.168 for MeHg. These values are similar to the food web magnification factors of benthic organisms and lower than those of pelagic organisms of various coastal marine environments. It suggests that pelagic organisms might be at greater risk of THg and MeHg accumulation than benthic biota. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1254–1263. © 2012 SETAC
Toxicity of major cations and anions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO 42−) to a macrophyte and an alga
Authors: Simmons Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2012

In many freshwater systems around the world, the concentrations of major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, HCO 3−, CO 32−, and SO 42−) are exhibiting increasing trends, approaching the concentrations historically found mainly in estuaries. The objectives of the present study were to determine at what concentrations these salts are toxic to an aquatic plant and a green alga, to investigate two potential mechanisms of toxicity, and to determine the usefulness of conductivity as an indicator of salt toxicity. In a series of laboratory trials, Lemna minor and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were exposed to a range of concentrations of five different salts. Conductivity levels that caused 10 or 50% reductions in growth-related traits (EC10 and EC50, respectively) were determined, using conductivity of the test solutions as the independent variable. The EC10 values ranged from 0.44 to 2.67 mS/cm for P. subcapitata and from 1.3 to >19 mS/cm for L. minor. The EC50 values ranged from 1.7 to 5.8 mS/cm for P. subcapitata and from 4.2 to >27 mS/cm for L. minor. For both species the EC values varied dramatically among the salts. Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was most sensitive to KCl and NaCl, whereas L. minor was most sensitive to Na2SO4. The mechanism of toxicity does not appear to be related to production of reactive oxygen species, nor to reduction in chlorophyll concentrations. Because toxicity was strongly influenced by salt composition, regulation and management of specific ions may be preferable to conductivity. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1370–1374. © 2012 SETAC
Diagnosis of potential stressors adversely affecting benthic communities in New Bedford Harbor, MA (USA)
Authors: Ho Kay T , Pelletier Marguerite C , Campbell Daniel E , Burgess Robert M , Johnson Roxanne L , Rocha Kenneth J
Published: March 2012

Diagnosing the causes of impaired ecosystems in the marine environment is critical for effective management action. When ecological impairment is based on toxicological or biological criteria (i.e., degraded benthic community composition or toxicity test results), managers are faced with the additional problem of diagnosing the cause of impairment before plans can be initiated to reduce the pollutant loading. We evaluated a number of diagnostic tools to determine their ability to identify pollutants in New Bedford Harbor (NBH), Massachusetts (USA), using a modified version of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) stressor identification (SI) guidance. In this study, we linked chemical sources and toxic chemicals in the sediment with spatial concentration studies; we also linked toxic chemicals in the sediment with toxicity test results using toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) studies. We used geographical information systems (GIS) maps to determine sources and to aid in determining spatially integrated inorganic nitrogen (SIIN). The SIIN values of reference and test estuaries were quantified and compared. Using this approach, we determined that toxic chemicals continue to be active stressors in NBH and that a moderate nutrient stress exists, but we were unable to link the nutrient stressor with a source. Also excess sedimentation was evaluated, but it does not appear to be an active stressor in this harbor. The research included an evaluation of the effectiveness of tools under development that may be used to evaluate stressors in water bodies. We found that the following tools were useful in diagnosing active stressors: toxicity tests, toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) methods, comparison of grain size-normalized total organic carbon (TOC) ratios with reference sites, and comparison of SIIN with reference sites. This approach allowed us to successfully evaluate stressors in NBH retrospectively; however, a limitation in using retrospective data sets is that the approach may underestimate current or newly emerging stressors. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 685–702. © 2012 SETAC
Meat consumption, heterocyclic amines and colorectal cancer risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Ollberding Nicholas J. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Henderson Brian E. , Kolonel Laurence N. , Le Marchand Loïc
Published: March 2012

Greater consumption of red and processed meat has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in several recent meta‐analyses. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) have been hypothesized to underlie this association. In this prospective analysis conducted within the Multiethnic Cohort Study, we examined whether greater consumption of total, red or processed meat was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer among 165,717 participants who completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire at baseline. In addition, we examined whether greater estimated intake of HCAs was associated with the risk of colorectal cancer among 131,763 participants who completed a follow‐up questionnaire that included a meat‐cooking module. A total of 3,404 and 1,757 invasive colorectal cancers were identified from baseline to the end of follow‐up and from the date of administration of the meat‐cooking module to the end of follow‐up, respectively. Proportional hazard models were used to estimate basic and multivariable‐adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals for colorectal cancer associated with dietary exposures. In multivariable models, no association with the risk of colorectal cancer was detected for density‐adjusted total meat (RRQ5 vs. Q1 = 0.93 [0.83–1.05]), red meat (RR = 1.02 [0.91–1.16]) or processed meat intake (RR = 1.06 [0.94–1.19]) or for total (RR = 0.90 [0.76–1.05]) or specific HCA intake whether comparing quintiles of dietary exposure or using continuous variables. Although our results do not support a role for meat or for HCAs from meat in the etiology of colorectal cancer, we cannot rule out the possibility of a modest effect.
Perifosine sensitizes curcumin‐induced anti‐colorectal cancer effects by targeting multiple signaling pathways both in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Chen Min‐Bin , Wu Xiao‐Yang , Tao Guo‐Qing , Liu Chao‐Ying , Chen Jian , Wang Li‐Qiang , Lu Pei‐Hua
Published: March 2012

Our study shows that coadministration of curcumin and an orally bioactive alkylphospholipid perifosine results in a significant increase in colorectal cancer cell apoptosis and a marked inhibition of cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. This novel combinatorial regimen leads to changes of multiple cell signaling pathways including inactivation of Akt and nuclear factor‐κB as well as activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Further, perifosine and curcumin synergistically increase intracellular level of reactive oxygen species and ceramide, and downregulate the expression of cyclin D1 and Bcl‐2 in colorectal cancer cells. These changes at molecular level together account for the cancer cell apoptosis and growth inhibition. We conclude that perifosine sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to curcumin by modulating multiple signaling pathways. Adding perifosine with curcumin may represent an effective therapy regimen against colorectal cancers, and possible other aggressive tumors.
18F‐FDG‐PET evaluation of treatment response to neo‐adjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Chenpeng , Tong Jinlu , Sun Xiaoguang , Liu Jianjun , Wang Yuting , Huang Gang
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) using fluor‐18‐deoxyglucose (FDG) to predict the response of rectal cancer to neo‐adjuvant therapy. All previously published studies on the role of FDG‐PET in predicting the response of rectal cancer to neo‐adjuvant therapy were collected. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using statistical software. A total of 28 studies, comprising 1,204 patients with rectal cancer, were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for FDG‐PET predicting the response to therapy was 78% [95% confidence interval (CI): 75–82%], 66% (95% CI: 62–69%), 70% (95% CI; 66–73%) and 75% (95% CI: 71–0.79%), respectively. The included studies were of a relatively high methodological quality according to the QUADAS (quality assessment of studies of diagnostic accuracy included in systematic reviews) criteria. Based on the subgroup analyses, there was no significant difference between the response index, the standardized uptake value and the visual response score in predicting the therapy response. However, the accuracy of the group that underwent PET scanning during therapy showed significantly higher values (sensitivity 86% and specificity 80%) than the group that was scanned after completion of the therapy. Therefore, FDG‐PET is valuable for predicting the response of rectal carcinoma to neo‐adjuvant therapy, and early evaluation of response during the therapy may be more promising. However, additional studies using prospective clinical trials will be required to assess the clinical benefit of this strategy.
Blockade of β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors in the temporomandibular joint induces antinociception especially in female rats
Authors: Fávaro‐Moreira N.C. , Parada C.A. , Tambeli C.H.
Published: March 2012

Background

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) receives rich sympathetic innervations that may contribute to TMJ pain through the local release of sympathomimetic amines. The aim of this study was to determine whether blockade of β‐adrenoceptors in the TMJ of male and female rats reduces formalin‐induced TMJ nociceptive behaviour.

Methods

We co‐administrated each one of the selective β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors antagonists, atenolol, ICI 118.551 and SR59230A, respectively, with formalin in the TMJ of male and proestrus and dioestrus female rats. Because intra‐temporomandibular joint formalin induces significantly different concentration‐dependent responses among the three groups, with dioestrus females showing greater responses than males or proestrus females, equi‐nociceptive formalin concentrations were used to test the effects of the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists.

Results

We found that atenolol, ICI 118.551 and SR59230A significantly reduced formalin‐induced TMJ nociception in a dose response fashion in both males and females. However, a lower dose of each β‐adrenoceptor antagonist was sufficient to significantly reduce nociceptive responses in females than in males. Administration of the highest doses of each β‐adrenoceptor antagonist in the TMJ contralateral to that receiving formalin did not affect formalin‐induced nociception in males and females, confirming the local action of the β‐adrenoceptor antagonists.

Conclusions

We conclude that blockade of β‐adrenoceptors in the temporomandibular joint suppresses formalin‐induced TMJ nociceptive behaviour in both males and females but females are more responsive. These findings suggest that the use of β‐blockers in the treatment of TMJ pain might be of benefit, especially in females.
Aging of porous silicon in physiological conditions: Cell adhesion modes on scaled 1D micropatterns
Authors: Noval Alvaro Muñoz , Vaquero Vanessa Sánchez , Quijorna Esther Punzón , Costa Vicente Torres , Pérez Darío Gallach , Méndez Laura González , Montero Isabel , Palma Raul J. Martín , Font Aurelio Climent , Ruiz Josefa P. García , Silván Miguel Manso
Published: March 2012

The surface properties of porous silicon (PSi) evolve rapidly in phosphate‐buffered saline. X‐ray photoelectron spectra indicate the formation of a Si–OH and C–O enriched surface, which becomes increasingly hydrophilic with aging time. Multiscale stripe micropatterns of Si and PSi have been fabricated by means of a high‐energy ion‐beam irradiation process. These micropatterns have been aged in physiological conditions and used to analyze human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) adhesion. The actin cytoskeleton of hMSCs orients following the uniaxial micropatterns. In the wider Si stripes, hMSCs are dominantly located on Si areas. However, for reduced Si widths, adhesion is avoided on PSi by a split assembly of the actin cytoskeleton on two parallel Si areas. These results confirm that nanostructured Si–OH/C–O‐rich surfaces with hydrophilic character are specially adapted for the creation of cell adhesion surface contrasts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2012.
Beta‐tricalcium phosphate particles as a controlled release carrier of osteogenic proteins for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Hu Junli , Hou Yaping , Park Hyejin , Lee Min
Published: March 2012

Beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) has been widely used as bone substitutes and delivery carriers of osteogenic proteins. However, low protein carrying capacity and agent burst release profiles of β‐TCP limit their usage. This study investigates strategies to enhance protein carrying capacity of β‐TCP particles with reduced initial burst by surface etching in citric acid solution or by creating apatite coatings with the simulate body fluid immersion approach. The release kinetics of protein from the modified β‐TCP particles was investigated using Nel‐like molecule‐1 (Nell‐1), a novel osteogenic protein, as a model protein. Although chemical etching treatments reduced the initial burst release of protein from the particles, a rapid burst release was observed with high protein dose. In contrast, the burst release of protein was significantly reduced by the apatite coating and a high protein dose was successfully delivered over a prolonged period from the apatite‐coated particles. Protein release was further modulated by simultaneously delivering proteins from two different substrates: acid‐etched and apatite‐coated particles. The bioactivity of the protein was preserved during the loading procedure onto the particles. In addition, protein‐loaded particles maintained biological activity in the lyophilized state over 4 weeks. These findings suggest that the protein carrying capacity of β‐TCP can be modulated by surface modification, which has a potential for use as a protein carrier with controlled release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
New ureteral scaffold constructed with composite poly(L‐lactic acid)–collagen and urothelial cells by new centrifugal seeding system
Authors: Fu Wei‐Jun , Xu Yong‐De , Wang Zhong‐Xin , Li Gang , Shi Jian‐Guo , Cui Fu‐Zhai , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2012

A tissue‐engineered ureteral scaffold was constructed with composited poly L‐lactic acid (PLLA)–collagen endoluminal stent and uroepithelial cells (UECs) using a new seeding system. The electrospun PLLA–collagen nanofibrous mesh was seeded efficiently with human ureteral epithelial cells using a modified centrifugal seeding device. The cellular nanofibrous mesh was then wound around a spiral endoluminal stent to form a cellular composited PLLA–collagen ureteral scaffold. The cellular ureteral scaffold was subcutaneously implanted into nude mice. Cell attachment, distribution, and viability in vitro were investigated along with the cell fate in vivo. (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay showed that scaffolds seeded with centrifugal method had higher cellular activity than scaffolds seeded with static method (p < 0.05), and the metabolic activity per cell had no significant differences between the two methods (p > 0.05). Histologic analysis showed that the entrapped UECs remained in the scaffolds after 2 wk of implantation. The results of the study indicated that the composited PLLA–collagen endoluminal stent could serve as alternative cell carrier for tissue engineering ureter. In addition, the new modified centrifugal seeding system allowed rapid homogeneous distribution of cells onto the nanofibrous mesh, which will be useful to ureteral reconstruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Effect of deposition parameters on the photocatalytic activity and bioactivity of TiO2 thin films deposited by vacuum arc on Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates
Authors: Lilja Mirjam , Welch Ken , Åstrand Maria , Engqvist Håkan , Strømme Maria
Published: March 2012

This article evaluates the influence of the main parameters in a cathodic arc deposition process on the microstructure of titanium dioxide thin coatings and correlates these to the photocatalytic activity (PCA) and in vitro bioactivity of the coatings. Bioactivity of all as deposited coatings was confirmed by the growth of uniform layers of hydroxyapatite (HA) after 7 days in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C. Comparison of the HA growth after 24 h indicated enhanced HA formation on coatings with small titanium dioxide grains of rutile and anatase phase. The results from the PCA studies showed that coatings containing a mixed microstructure of both anatase and rutile phases, with small grain sizes in the range of 26–30 nm and with a coating thickness of about 250 nm, exhibited enhanced activity as compared with other microstructures and higher coating thickness. The results of this study should be valuable for the development of new bioactive implant coatings with photocatalytically induced on‐demand antibacterial properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Patterns of endorhizal fungal associations in fruit crops of southern India
Authors: Jaison Sarah , Rajeswari Krishnasamy , Muthukumar Thangavelu
Published: March 2012

A survey on the endorhizal status of 39 fruit crops of 25 families, indicated that 22 fruit crops had arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)–, four had dark septate endophyte (DSE)–fungal association, and 13 had dual colonization of AM and DSE fungi. Fruit crops were capable of forming Arum‐, Paris‐, or intermediate‐types of AM morphologies of which intermediate‐type was common. To our knowledge, we report for the first time AM in 10 fruit crops and DSE‐fungal association in 17 fruit crops. The extent of AM‐ and DSE‐fungal colonization ranged from 41% to 98% and < 1% to 89.9%, respectively, in different fruit crops. Arbuscular mycorrhizal–fungal spore numbers in the rhizosphere ranged from 6 to 61 spores per 25 g of soil. Arbuscular mycorrhizal–fungal spores belonging to Acaulospora, Glomus, and Scutellospora were isolated from the rhizosphere soil.
Effectiveness of different soil amendments to reduce the Pb and Zn extractability and plant uptake in soils contaminated by anticorrosion paints beneath pylons
Authors: Brokbartold Marcel , Grupe Marianne , Marschner Bernd
Published: March 2012

Red lead (Pb3O4)‐ and ZnO‐containing anticorrosion paints in the past have been extensively applied to high‐voltage steel pylons which has led to heavy metal (HM) soil contaminations in their vicinity. Since pylons are commonly found on agricultural land, there is a potential risk of HM plant uptake. This is promoted by the fact that in contrast to the moderate total Pb contents (several 100 mg kg–1) in three nutrient‐poor and acidic pylon soils the Pb amounts extractable with NH4NO3 were extremely high, reaching almost 20% of total Pb. A 18‐week field pot trial (three harvests in a six‐week interval) using Lolium multiflorum was conducted to study the HM plant uptake and the efficiency of the four soil additives, lime (LI), Novaphos (NP), water‐treatment sludge (WS), and ilmenite residue (IR) in reducing the plant uptake and NH4NO3‐extractability of Pb and Zn in the soils. Lead concentrations in L. multiflorum shoots grown in the untreated soils reached maximum values of 128 mg (kg dry weight)–1. Novaphos was most efficient in decreasing shoot Pb (–90%) followed by LI (–78%) and WS (–73%). For Zn, too, LI (–82%), NP, and WS (both –66%) substantially reduced plant uptake. Ilmenite residue was generally only poorly efficient. The dry‐matter yield in the NP, LI, and WS treatments was significantly increased. While the relationship between Pb‐NH4NO3 and Pb‐plant was high when considering the three harvests separately (R > 0.93) a poor relationship (R = 0.63) exists over all harvests together. This was attributed to different transpiration rates affecting the HM flux into the plants, since the temperature regime changed greatly during the cultivation period. For Zn, no such close relationship between the NH4NO3‐extractable soil fraction and shoot Zn was found, most likely due to antagonistic effects from Mg which greatly varied in the three soils.
Molecular staging individualizing cancer management
Authors: Mejia Alex , Schulz Stephanie , Hyslop Terry , Weinberg David S. , Waldman Scott A.
Published: March 2012

Although the most important prognostic and predictive marker in colorectal cancer is tumor cells in lymph nodes, ∼30% of patients who are node‐negative die from occult metastases. Molecular staging employing specific markers and sensitive detection technologies has emerged as a powerful platform to assess prognosis in node‐negative colon cancer. Integrating molecular staging into algorithms that individualize patient management will require validation and the definition of relationships between occult tumor cells, prognosis, and responses to chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:468–474. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The quest for diagnostic molecular markers for thyroid nodules with indeterminate or suspicious cytology
Authors: Kouniavsky Guennadi , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: March 2012

Thyroid nodules are very common and fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a very sensitive means of diagnosis. However, its limitations include the fact that the cytology reports are often indeterminate or suspicious only. The quest for adjunctive measures to improve its specificity has been ongoing for decades, but significant results have remained elusive. The potential use of diagnostic molecular markers appears to be the most promising area of research at this time. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:438–443. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a Mo back contact on Na diffusion in CIGS thin film solar cells
Authors: Yoon Ju‐Heon , Seong Tae‐Yeon , Jeong Jeung‐hyun
Published: March 2012

We investigated the effects of the microstructures of molybdenum (Mo) back contacts on sodium (Na) diffusion from sodalime glass into a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber as a function of the sputter deposition pressure during preparation of the Mo contact layer. The surface characteristics of the Mo layers more significantly affected the diffusion of Na ions into the CIGS compared with the Mo bulk. The Na ion diffusion depended strongly on the amount of oxygen adsorbed onto the Mo layer surfaces. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy results showed that Na accumulated in a layer (Na–O compound) on the Mo surface (the CIGS/Mo interface), and this layer served as a primary source of Na ions diffusing into the CIGS. A trilayered Mo back contact structure was prepared in an effort to decouple the functions of electrical conductance and Na diffusion. The ability of this surface to control the Na concentration in a CIGS absorber is discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Room temperature detection of amine vapours using copper phthalocyanine based thin films
Authors: Saini R. , Mahajan A. , Bedi R. K. , Aswal D. K.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we report the preparation and characterization of 50 nm thin film of non‐peripherally substituted copper(II)1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25‐octabutoxy‐29H,31H‐phthalocyanine (nCuPc(OBu)8) using spin coating technique for room temperature sensing of different primary amines namely methylamine, butylamine and octylamine, respectively. AFM studies of film reveal that film is porous, uniform and crack free. The rms roughness and average pore size of film is found to be 24 and 430 nm, respectively. The adsorption of analytes on film surface is consistent with Elovich equation. The response of the film towards different amines is related to the vapour temperature and chain length of amine molecules. The film shows better response for methylamine vapours at room temperature 25 °C.
Analysis of the depletion layers and conduction band barrier at the n‐ZnSe/n‐GaAs interface for different growth start procedures
Authors: Bass U. , Geurts J. , Frey A. , Mahapatra S. , Schumacher C. , Brunner K.
Published: March 2012

We report on the electronic properties of n‐doped (n ∼ 1018 cm‐3) ZnSe/GaAs(001) heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy with pre‐deposition of different amounts of Zn or Se in the fractional monolayer range at ZnSe epilayer growth start. Special attention is spent on the depletion layers on both sides of the interface and to the conduction band potential barrier. The depletion layers are studied by Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical capacitance‐voltage profiling, while the potential barrier height is derived from temperature‐dependent transport across the hetero‐interface. We observe a carrier‐depleted interface region with an overall thickness of about 50 to 65 nm. For a Zn‐rich growth start the thickness contribution on the GaAs‐side slightly prevails, but for Se‐pre‐deposition, the ZnSe‐side contribution clearly dominates, and for the highest Se pre‐deposition the total depletion width is slightly reduced. The potential barrier is 550 meV for the Zn‐rich hetero‐interface. With Se pre‐deposition it decreases down to about 70 meV, which implies an increase of the conductivity across the hetero‐interface by as much as five orders of magnitude. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preface: Phys. Status Solidi C 3–4/2012
Authors: Parbrook Peter J. , Martin Robert W. , Halsall Matthew P.
Published: March 2012

The 9th International Conference on Nitride Semiconductors (ICNS‐9) was held in Glasgow, Scotland from 10th to 15th July 2011. The conference continues the successful series of biennial events started in Nagoya in 1995, and followed by meetings in Tokushima (1997), Montpellier (1999), Denver (2001), Nara (2003), Bremen (2005), Las Vegas (2007), and most recently Jeju, Korea in 2009.

Despite the ongoing global economic climate, the conference was very well attended with a record 1050 participants enjoying a summer week in Glasgow, experiencing some Scottish culture, including a trip on the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world or to the whisky distilleries, in addition to the scientific programme. The growing attendance is testament to the continuing development of III‐nitrides as a material for a wealth of applications, including those needed for a ‘greener’ world, with applications in both more powerful and efficient lighting and electrical power transmission.

Nearly 1000 abstracts were submitted to the conference, leading to 378 oral and 509 poster presentations. The field continues to grow and diversify, and as a result, for the first time, the conference series ran four parallel sessions. The meeting was divided into 12 different symposia, covering the entire spectrum of III‐nitride semiconductor research and application, extending to cover newer, or less developed concepts such as solar cells and sensor applications.

The organisers are very grateful to the 49 members of the programme committee who worked hard to rank the submissions, as well as identify topical and stimulating invited speakers. We are particularly grateful to the subject chairs (P. Dawson, T. Martin and T. Wang) and regional chairs (D. Hommel, Y. Kawakami, and W. Walukiewicz) for their invaluable help and advice, and to K. P. O'Donnell for coordinating the stimulating rump sessions. Many thanks are due to the International Advisory Committee for their advice concerning the event arrangements, conference structure and invited speakers. We would also like to the sponsors and agencies for all their financial support, particularly the UK Nitrides Consortium and British Association of Crystal Growth, for their funding in the initial stages.

We received 184 submissions for the conference proceedings to be published in physica status solidi, using their standard evaluation procedures. Of these 177 have been accepted for publication in this special volume, with 37 being accepted for the special sections: Phys. Status Solidi A and B. We are grate‐ ful to the editorial support provided by Stefan Hildebrandt, Julia Hübner and their team in bringing the proceedings together, as well as to our Guest co‐Editors (P. J. Klar, M. A. Migliorato, M. A. Moram, and T. C. Sadler).

Finally we thank all those who attended and contributed to making ICNS‐9 such an enjoyable conference and we look forward to meeting you all again in Washington at ICNS‐10 in 2013 (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Damnacanthal from the Congolese Medicinal Plant Garcinia huillensis has a Potent Preferential Cytotoxicity against Human Pancreatic Cancer PANC‐1 Cells
Authors: Dibwe Dya Fita , Awale Suresh , Kadota Shigetoshi , Tezuka Yasuhiro
Published: March 2012

Screening of eight Congolese medicinal plants showed that the CHCl3 and MeOH extracts of Aframomum melegueta (PC50 = 47.8 µg/mL and 13.8 µg/mL, respectively) and CHCl3 extracts of Garcinia huillensis (PC50 = 17.8 µg/mL) and Securidaca longepedunculata (PC50 = 23.4 µg/mL) had preferential cytotoxicity against human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 cells under nutrient‐deprived conditions. The active constituents of the CHCl3 extract of G. huillensis were examined and 12 known anthraquinones were identified. Among them, damnacanthal (1) caused preferential necrotic cell death of PANC‐1 and PSN‐1 cells under nutrient‐deprived and serum‐sensitive conditions (PC50 = 4.46 µm and 3.77 µm, respectively). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive analysis of metal cations in positive ion mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using commercial chelating agents and cationic ion‐pairing reagents
Authors: Dodbiba Edra , Xu Chengdong , Wanigasekara Eranda , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: March 2012

Metals play a very important role in many scientific and environmental fields, and thus their detection and analysis is of great necessity. A simple and very sensitive method has been developed herein for the detection of metals in positive ion mode ESI‐MS. Metal ions are positively charged, and as such they can potentially be detected in positive ion mode ESI‐MS; however, their small mass‐to‐charge (m/z) ratio makes them fall in the low‐mass region of the mass spectrum, which has the largest background noise. Therefore, their detection can become extremely difficult. A better and well‐known way to detect metals by ESI‐MS is by chelating them with complexation agents. In this study eleven different metals, Fe(II), Fe(III), Mg(II), Cu(II), Ru(III), Co(II), Ca(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Sn(II), and Ag(I), were paired with two commercially available chelating agents: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS). Since negative ion mode ESI‐MS has many disadvantages compared to positive ion mode ESI‐MS, it would be very beneficial if these negatively charged complex ions could be detected in the positive mode. Such a method is described in this paper and it is shown to achieve much lower sensitivities. Each of the negatively charged metal complexes is paired with six cationic ion‐pairing reagents. The new positively charged ternary complexes are then analyzed by ESI‐MS in the positive single ion monitoring (SIM) and single reaction monitoring (SRM) modes. The results clearly revealed that the presence of the cationic reagents significantly improved the sensitivity for these analytes, often by several orders of magnitude. This novel method developed herein for the detection of metals improved the limits of detection (LODs) significantly when compared to negative ion mode ESI‐MS and shows great potential in future trace studies of these and many other species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of relative isotopic abundance and mass measurements in a single‐stage orbitrap mass spectrometer
Authors: Kaufmann A. , Walker S.
Published: March 2012

Orbitrap technology offers a combination of different technical specifications which have not yet been achieved by other high‐resolution mass spectrometry instrumentation. This refers to the combination of sensitivity, dynamic range, mass accuracy, resolution and speed. The high stability of the mass axis and the general ease of use made the orbitrap instrumentation attractive for routine laboratories. However, there are circumstances where significantly deviating relative isotopic abundance (RIA) and shifting accurate masses can be observed. RIA becomes biased at low ion counts. Furthermore, two adjacent, only partially resolved near‐isobaric ions are detected with a deviating RIA. The presence of a very intensive mass peak does not only induce Fourier transformation related artefacts (side‐lobes) but can cause mass shifts of small adjacent near‐isobaric mass peaks. These effects are not as drastic as known for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance instruments. Still, users trying to identify or quantify trace level compounds should be aware about such limitations in order to avoid possible pitfalls. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation of diamide derivatives of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene
Authors: Stolić Ivana , Bratoš Igor , Kovačević Goran , Bajić Miroslav
Published: March 2012

The sequential product ion (MSn) fragmentation of four symmetric diamide derivatives of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene were characterized using ion trap mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization and their fragmentation patterns were studied. The experimental data consists of mass spectra obtained by tandem mass spectrometry, and calculations were obtained by the M06‐2X/6‐31 G (d,p) method. Investigated compounds represent building blocks in synthesis of compounds used in different areas of chemistry and industry such as in medicinal chemistry, as potential anticancer and anticonvulsant agents, in organic chemistry as linkers for solid‐phase synthesis, and in the synthesis of a variety of materials in polymer chemistry. We present herein the investigation of the fragmentation pathway of protonated diamide derivatives of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene that involves the identification of fragments, influence of proton transfer on direction of fragmentation and mechanisms of reactions by which the fragmentation process occurs. Data obtained from product ion spectra of these protonated compounds and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the fragmentation process takes place via four main reactions: amido‐iminol proton transfer, reverse cycloaddition, cleavage of the amide bond, and isocyanic acid elimination. The 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxamide was observed as an intermediate in the fragmentation of its alkyl derivatives. To our knowledge, this work brings the first correct description of the mechanism of elimination of isocyanic acid. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Razumikhin–Nussbaum‐lemma‐based adaptive neural control for uncertain stochastic pure‐feedback nonlinear systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Yu Zhaoxu , Li Shugang , Du Hongbin
Published: March 2012

This paper addresses the problem of adaptive neural control for a class of uncertain stochastic pure‐feedback nonlinear systems with time‐varying delays. Major technical difficulties for this class of systems lie in: (1) the unknown control direction embedded in the unknown control gain function; and (2) the unknown system functions with unknown time‐varying delays. Based on a novel combination of the Razumikhin–Nussbaum lemma, the backstepping technique and the NN parameterization, an adaptive neural control scheme, which contains only one adaptive parameter is presented for this class of systems. All closed‐loop signals are shown to be 4‐Moment semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in a compact set, and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the origin. Finally, two simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.