bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Mobility in Solution‐Processed 2,7‐Dialkyl‐[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors Prepared with a Simplified Deposition Method
Authors: Colella Silvia , Ruzié Christian , Schweicher Guillaume , Arlin Jean‐Baptiste , Karpinska Jolanta , Geerts Yves , Samorì Paolo
Published: February 2014

A high performing solution‐processed field‐effect transistors based on 2,7‐didodecyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (C12‐BTBT) has been fabricated by using a simple and straightforward two‐step process. We have demonstrated that UV/ozone treatment of the Si/SiO2 substrates makes it possible to notably enhance the field‐effect mobility in spin‐coated C12‐BTBT based OFETs reaching values as high as 2.7 cm2 V−1 s−1. The influence of this treatment relies essentially on the coverage of the dielectric surface, while the crystalline order remains unaffected. Importantly, the employed method is simple, cheap and easily up‐scalable and provides outstanding OFET performances that are comparable to those obtained using expensive and complicated treatments.
Ultrasounds in Melted Poly(ethylene glycol) Promote Copper‐Catalyzed Cyanation of Aryl Halides with K4[Fe(CN)6]
Authors: Giachi Guido , Frediani Marco , Oberhauser Werner , Lamaty Frederic , Martinez Jean , Colacino Evelina
Published: February 2014

Melted poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) were used for the first time as solvent for the sonochemically promoted cyanation of aryl halides employing inexpensive and safe K4[Fe(CN)6] and a relatively low amount of Cu‐based catalyst. The Mw (weight‐average polymer molecular weight) of PEG proved to notably influence the substrate conversion, which is indicative of a strong dependence of the sonication efficacy on solvent properties. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) contributed to the characterization of the polymer and the elucidation of the catalytic system.
Enhanced Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversion of Furfuryl Alcohol into Butyl Levulinate
Authors: Demma Carà Piera , Ciriminna Rosaria , Shiju N. R. , Rothenberg Gadi , Pagliaro Mario
Published: February 2014

We study the catalytic condensation of furfuryl alcohol with 1‐butanol to butyl levulinate. A screening of several commercial and as‐synthesized solid acid catalysts shows that propylsulfonic acid‐functionalized mesoporous silica outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art phosphotungstate acid catalysts. The catalyst is prepared via template‐assisted sol‐gel polycondensation of TEOS and MPTMS. It gives 96 % yield (and 100 % selectivity) of butyl levulinate in 4 h at 110 °C. Reaction profiles before and after a hot filtration test confirm that the active catalytic species do not leach into the solution. The catalyst synthesis, characterization, and mode of operation are presented and discussed.
Green‐Engineered All‐Substrate Mesoporous TiO2 Photoanodes with Superior Light‐Harvesting Structure and Performance
Authors: Benehkohal Nima Parsi , Demopoulos George P.
Published: February 2014

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is employed successfully in a suspension of multicomponent TiO2 nanoparticulates of different sizes and morphologies to engineer a very robust bifunctional electrode structure for dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications that shows excellent light‐harvesting and photoelectrochemical performance. Aqueous‐synthesized anatase nanocrystallites and sub‐micrometer‐sized “sea urchin”‐like rutile aggregates are formulated in a stable isopropanol suspension without resorting to binders or charging agents. Interestingly, extremely robust films are obtained because of the high surface reactivity, electrophoretic mobility, and unique morphology of the rutile aggregates. DSSCs built with the newly configured bifunctional electrode yielded a record efficiency (8.59 %) for EPD‐fabricated devices without resorting to mechanical compression. Such green‐engineered mesoporous electrode structures can be built on both metallic and plastic substrates and can find applications in various energy and environmental fields.
Towards a Sustainable Manufacture of Hierarchical Zeolites
Authors: Verboekend Danny , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: February 2014

Hierarchical zeolites have been established as a superior type of aluminosilicate catalysts compared to their conventional (purely microporous) counterparts. An impressive array of bottom‐up and top‐down approaches has been developed during the last decade to design and subsequently exploit these exciting materials catalytically. However, the sustainability of the developed synthetic methods has rarely been addressed. This paper highlights important criteria to ensure the ecological and economic viability of the manufacture of hierarchical zeolites. Moreover, by using base leaching as a promising case study, we verify a variety of approaches to increase reactor productivity, recycle waste streams, prevent the combustion of organic compounds, and minimize separation efforts. By reducing their synthetic footprint, hierarchical zeolites are positioned as an integral part of sustainable chemistry.
Analyses of copy number variation reveal putative susceptibility loci in MTX‐induced mouse neural tube defects
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Wang Xiuwei , Guan Tao , Xiang Qian , Wang Mingsheng , Zhang Zhi , Guan Zhen , Wang Guoliang , Zhu Zhiqiang , Xie Qiu , Li Guannan , Guo Jin , Wang Fang , Zhang Zhengguo , Niu Bo , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2014

Copy number variations (CNVs) are thought to act as an important genetic mechanism underlying phenotypic heterogeneity. Impaired folate metabolism can result in neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the precise nature of the relationship between low folate status and NTDs remains unclear. Using an array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) assay, we investigated whether CNVs could be detected in the NTD embryonic neural tissues of methotrexate (MTX)‐induced folate dysmetabolism pregnant C57BL/6 mice and confirmed the findings with quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). The CNVs were then comprehensively investigated using bioinformatics methods to prioritize candidate genes. We measured dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) activity and concentrations of folate and relevant metabolites in maternal serum using enzymologic method and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Three high confidence CNVs on XqA1.1, XqA1.1‐qA2, and XqE3 were found in the NTD embryonic neural tissues. Twelve putative genes and three microRNAs were identified as potential susceptibility candidates in MTX‐induced NTDs and possible roles in NTD pathogenesis. DHFR activity and 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (5‐MeTHF), 5‐formyltetrahydrofolate (5‐FoTHF), and S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentrations of maternal serum decreased significantly after MTX injection. These findings suggest that CNVs caused by defects in folate metabolism lead to NTD, and further support the hypothesis that folate dysmetabolism is a direct cause for CNVs in MTX‐induced NTDs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 877–893, 2014
Prospective evaluation of potential toxicity of repeated doses of Thymus vulgaris L. extracts in rats by means of clinical chemistry, histopathology and NMR‐based metabonomic approach
Authors: Benourad Fouzia , Kahvecioglu Zehra , Youcef‐Benkada Mokhtar , Colet Jean‐Marie
Published: February 2014

In the field of natural extracts, research generally focuses on the study of their biological activities for food, cosmetic, or pharmacological purposes. The evaluation of their adverse effects is often overlooked. In this study, the extracts of Thymus vulgaris L. were obtained by two different extraction methods. Intraperitoneal injections of both extracts were given daily for four days to male Wistar Han rats, at two different doses for each extract. The evaluation of the potential toxic effects included histopathological examination of liver, kidney, and lung tissues, as well as serum biochemistry of liver and kidney parameters, and 1H‐NMR‐based metabonomic profiles of urine.

The results showed that no histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney in rats treated with both extracts of thyme. Serum biochemical investigations revealed significant increases in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid in animals treated with polyphenolic extract at both doses. In these latter groups, metabonomic analysis revealed alterations in a number of urine metabolites involved in the energy metabolism in liver mitochondria. Indeed, the results showed alterations of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and β‐oxidative pathways as evidenced by increases in lactate and ketone bodies, and decreases in citrate, α‐ketoglutarate, creatinine, hippurate, dimethylglycine, and dimethyalanine. In conclusion, this work showed that i.p. injection of repeated doses of thyme extracts causes some disturbances of intermediary metabolism in rats. The metabonomic study revealed interesting data which could be further used to determine the cellular pathways affected by such treatments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct analysis of traditional Chinese medicines using surface‐enhanced raman scattering (SERS)
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Yang , Fales Andrew M. , Register Janna , Yuan Hsiangkuo , Vo‐Dinh Tuan
Published: February 2014

Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectrometry provides an excellent tool to characterize chemical constituents in Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) without requiring separation and extraction procedures. This study involved the use of SERS to analyze two TCMs, namely Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron amurense, and their main active constituent, berberine. Using silver nanospheres as SERS‐active probes, the decoctions of two raw TCMs and their counterfeits were analyzed. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the expected Raman spectrum of berberine, and liquid chromatography‐ mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) was used as a comparative technique to quantify the amount of berberine in the samples. The results of the SERS measurements were consistent with the results of DFT calculations and LCMS analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the potential of SERS was demonstrated as a sensitive, rapid, and non‐destructive method to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the active constituents in raw TCM products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Docetaxel epimerization in silicone films: a case of drug excipient incompatibility
Authors: Mohsin Shaikh , Arellano Ian Harvey , Choudhury Namita Roy , Garg Sanjay
Published: February 2014

Docetaxel (DTX) is an anti‐cancer compound derived from 10‐deacetyl baccatin III which is indicated for treatment of breast, lung, prostate, gastro‐esophageal, and head and neck cancers. Epimerization of DTX at the C‐7 hydroxyl position has intrigued chemists and has been implicated in loss of potency, as well as in the development of resistance in tumour cells. For localized controlled delivery of this agent, silicone films were prepared from a commercially available silicone kit. High levels of epimeric degradants were unexpectedly found in the in vitro release media. Herein, we discuss this anomalous DTX degradation to epimeric impurities, and discuss the possible reasons for degradation. Systematic stability studies were performed on the release media and the silicone kit components. It was found that release media and tin‐based catalyst present in the silicone kit could be responsible for the epimeric conversion. This unusual case of chemical incompatibility can affect product performance and can even lead to development of resistance in tumour cells towards DTX. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of drainage divides versus arid corridors on genetic structure and demography of a widespread freshwater turtle, Emydura macquarii krefftii, from Australia
Authors: Todd Erica V. , Blair David , Jerry Dean R.
Published: February 2014

The influence of Pleistocene climatic cycles on Southern Hemisphere biotas is not yet well understood. Australia's eastern coastal margin provides an ideal setting for examining the relative influence of landscape development, sea level fluctuation, and cyclic climatic aridity on the evolution of freshwater biodiversity. We examined the impact of climatic oscillations and physical biogeographic barriers on the evolutionary history of the wide‐ranging Krefft's river turtle (Emydura macquarii krefftii), using range‐wide sampling (649 individuals representing 18 locations across 11 drainages) and analysis of mitochondrial sequences (~1.3‐kb control region and ND4) and nuclear microsatellites (12 polymorphic loci). A range of phylogeographic (haplotype networks, molecular dating), demographic (neutrality tests, mismatch distributions), and population genetic analyses (pairwise FST, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian clustering analysis) were implemented to differentiate between competing demographic (local persistence vs. range expansion) and biogeographic (arid corridor vs. drainage divide) scenarios. Genetic data reveal population genetic structure in Krefft's river turtles primarily reflects isolation across drainage divides. Striking north‐south regional divergence (2.2% ND4 p‐distance; c. 4.73 Ma, 95% higher posterior density (HPD) 2.08–8.16 Ma) was consistent with long‐term isolation across a major drainage divide, not an adjacent arid corridor. Ancient divergence among regional lineages implies persistence of northern Krefft's populations despite the recurrent phases of severe local aridity, but with very low contemporary genetic diversity. Stable demography and high levels of genetic diversity are inferred for southern populations, where aridity was less extreme. Range‐wide genetic structure in Krefft's river turtles reflects contemporary and historical drainage architecture, although regional differences in the extent of Plio–Pleistocene climatic aridity may be reflected in current levels of genetic diversity.
Relating microbial community structure to functioning in forest soil organic carbon transformation and turnover
Authors: You Yeming , Wang Juan , Huang Xueman , Tang Zuoxin , Liu Shirong , Sun Osbert J.
Published: February 2014

Forest soils store vast amounts of terrestrial carbon, but we are still limited in mechanistic understanding on how soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization or turnover is controlled by biotic and abiotic factors in forest ecosystems. We used phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) as biomarker to study soil microbial community structure and measured activities of five extracellular enzymes involved in the degradation of cellulose (i.e., β‐1,4‐glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase), chitin (i.e., β‐1,4‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase), and lignin (i.e., phenol oxidase and peroxidase) as indicators of soil microbial functioning in carbon transformation or turnover across varying biotic and abiotic conditions in a typical temperate forest ecosystem in central China. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was performed to determine the interrelationship between individual PFLAs and biotic and abiotic site factors as well as the linkage between soil microbial structure and function. Path analysis was further conducted to examine the controls of site factors on soil microbial community structure and the regulatory pathway of changes in SOC relating to microbial community structure and function. We found that soil microbial community structure is strongly influenced by water, temperature, SOC, fine root mass, clay content, and C/N ratio in soils and that the relative abundance of Gram‐negative bacteria, saprophytic fungi, and actinomycetes explained most of the variations in the specific activities of soil enzymes involved in SOC transformation or turnover. The abundance of soil bacterial communities is strongly linked with the extracellular enzymes involved in carbon transformation, whereas the abundance of saprophytic fungi is associated with activities of extracellular enzymes driving carbon oxidation. Findings in this study demonstrate the complex interactions and linkage among plant traits, microenvironment, and soil physiochemical properties in affecting SOC via microbial regulations.
Habitat‐specific differences in plasticity of foliar δ13C in temperate steppe grasses
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Zhang Lirong , Niu Haishan , Sun Yue , Xu Xingliang
Published: February 2014

A decrease in foliar δ13C with increasing precipitation is a common tendency in steppe plants. However, the rate of decrease has been reported to differ between different species or populations. We here hypothesized that plant populations in the same habitat of temperate steppes may not differ in foliar δ13C response patterns to precipitation, but could differ in the levels of plasticity of foliar δ13C across different habitats. In order to test this hypothesis, we conducted controlled watering experiments in northeast China at five sites along a west–east transect at latitude 44°N, which show substantial interannual fluctuations and intra‐annual changes in precipitation among them. In 2001, watering treatment (six levels, three replicates) was assigned to 18 plots at each site. The responses of foliar δ13C to precipitation (i.e., the sum of watering and rainfall) were determined in populations of several grass species that were common across all sites. Although similar linear regression slopes were observed for populations of different species growing at the same site, significantly different slopes were obtained for populations of the same species growing at different sites. Further, the slope of the line progressively decreased from Site I to Site V for all species in this study. These results suggest habitat‐specific differences in plasticity of foliar δ13C in temperate steppe grasses. This indicates that species' δ13C response to precipitation is conservative at the same site due to their long‐term acclimation, but the mechanism responsible behind this needs further investigations.
Clinical features, management, and short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure: phase I results of the HEARTS database
Authors: AlHabib Khalid F. , Elasfar Abdelfatah A. , Alfaleh Hussam , Kashour Tarek , Hersi Ahmad , AlBackr Hanan , Alshaer Fayez , AlNemer Khalid , Hussein Gamal A. , Mimish Layth , Almasood Ali , AlHabeeb Waleed , AlGhamdi Saleh , Alsharari Mubrouk , Chakra Esmail , Malik Asif , Soomro Raza , Ghabashi Abdullah , Al‐Murayeh Mushabab , Abuosa Ahmed
Published: February 2014

Aims

The HEart function Assessment Registry Trial in Saudi Arabia (HEARTS) is a national multicentre project, studying clinical features, management, short‐ and long‐term outcomes, and mortality predictors in patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and results

Our prospective registry enrolled 2610 ADHF patients admitted to 18 hospitals in Saudi Arabia between October 2009 and December 2010, and followed mortality rates until January 2013. The patients included 66% men and 85.5% Saudis, with a median age (interquartile range) of 61.4 (15) years; 64% had acute on chronic heart failure (HF), 64.1% diabetes mellitus, 70.6% hypertension, and 55.7% CAD. Exacerbating factors for hospital admission included acute coronary syndromes (37.8%), infections (20.6%), non‐compliance with low‐salt diet (25.2%), and non‐compliance with HF medications (20%). An LVEF <40% was found in 73%. In‐hospital use of evidence‐based medications was high. All‐cause cumulative mortality rates at 30 days, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 8.3, 13.7, 19.5, 23.5, and 24.3%, respectively. Important independent predictors of mortality were history of stroke, acute on chronic HF, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg upon presentation, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min, and haemoglobin <10 g/dL.

Conclusion

Patients with ADHF in Saudi Arabia presented at a younger age and had higher rates of CAD risk factors compared with those in developed countries. Most patients had reduced LV systolic function, mostly due to ischaemic aetiology, and had poor long‐term prognosis. These findings indicate a need for nationwide primary prevention and HF disease management programmes.
Boron Macrocycles Based on Multicomponent Assemblies using (3‐Aminophenyl)boronic Acid and Pentaerythritol as Common Reagents; Molecular Receptors toward Lewis Bases
Authors: Celis Norma A. , Godoy‐Alcántar Carolina , Guerrero‐Álvarez Jorge , Barba Victor
Published: February 2014

Four cyclic boronate esters were synthesized by using a multicomponent reaction from (3‐aminophenyl)boronic acid, pentaerythritol, and aldehyde derivatives [isophthalaldehyde (1), dialdehyde A (2), (3‐formylphenyl)boronic acid (3), and (2,4‐difluoro‐3‐formylphenyl)boronic acid (4)]. All four reactions lead to the formation of macrocyclic compounds in good yields of more than 70 %. The cavities of the compounds consist of 29‐, 30‐ and 40‐membered rings, and the macrocyclic structures contain two (2) and four (1 and 3–4) boron atoms as Lewis acids. Additionally, the molecules contain eight (1) and six (2–4) donor atoms (N,O) within the macrocyclic structure, thus constituting a ditopic cavity. X‐ray analysis of 2 and 3 revealed the whole conformation within the trigonal planar geometry for the boron atoms and the inclusion of neutral guest molecules, chloroform for 2 and benzene for 3. Titration of the receptors with triethylamine, pyridine, and tetrabutylammonium fluoride show that the Lewis acids are available for interaction with Lewis bases. The interaction was follow by 11B NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Reaction Mechanisms of a Tungsten–Germylyne Complex with One or Two Molecules of Alcohols and Arylaldehydes: A DFT Study
Authors: Ye Xinchen , Yang Liu , Li Yang , Huang Jianying , Zhou Li , Lei Qunfang , Fang Wenjun , Xie Hujun
Published: February 2014

The mechanisms for the reactions of a tungsten–germylyne complex with one or two molecules of alcohols and arylaldehydes have been investigated with the aid of density functional theory (DFT). The calculation results show that a germylyne complex 1a [Cp*(CO)2W≡GeC(SiH3)3] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) reacts with only one molecule of alcohol to give hydrido(alkoxygermylene) complexes through coordination of the alcohol oxygen atom to the electron‐deficient germylyne germanium atom followed by hydrogen‐atom transfer from the oxygen atom to the tungsten atom, whereas 1a reacts with two molecules of arylaldehydes consecutively to lead to base‐stabilized alkoxy(germylene) complexes through C–H bond activation followed by hydrogermylation. In addition, two diastereomers can be formed from the reaction of a tungsten–germylyne complex with benzaldehyde. The interconversion of two diastereomers is involved in the consecutive decoordination of the C(O)Ph ligand, rotation of the germylene ligand, and recoordination of the C(O)Ph ligand to the germanium center. Our calculations are consistent with experimental observations and could provide new insights into the reactivity of the germylyne complex.
Efficient Synthesis of Aluminium‐Terminated Polyethylene by Means of Irreversible Coordinative Chain‐Transfer Polymerisation Using a Guanidinatotitanium Catalyst
Authors: Obenauf Johannes , Kretschmer Winfried P. , Kempe Rhett
Published: February 2014

A series of guanidinato‐ligand‐stabilised titanium complexes has been synthesised and characterised. These compounds can be prepared by carbodiimide insertion into titanium–amide bonds. Reaction of carbodiimides N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)carbodiimide, N,N′‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)carbodiimide and N‐tert‐butyl‐N′‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)carbodiimide (2a–2c, respectively) with [(Et2N)TiCl3] led to mono(guanidinato)trichloridotitanium(IV) complexes (3a–3c). Subsequent conversion with methylmagnesium chloride gave the corresponding trimethyl complexes (4a and 4b). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses were carried out for all complexes. Compound 4a showed very high activities in the polymerisation of ethylene in the presence of very high amounts of triethylaluminium and undergoes polymeryl chain transfer to aluminium. Irreversible coordinative chain‐transfer polymerisation and a unique combination of catalyst economy and high activity were observed. In the presence of 1000 equivalents of aluminium, a chain elongation of 83.3 % could be achieved with an activity of 9900 kgPE molcat–1 h–1 bar–1. The influence of the steric demand of the ligand on the polymerisation capability is significant and was investigated too.
Interactive effects of salinity, high light, and nitrogen starvation on fatty acid and carotenoid profiles in Nannochloropsis oceanica CCALA 804
Authors: Solovchenko Alexei , Lukyanov Alexander , Solovchenko Olga , Didi‐Cohen Shoshana , Boussiba Sammy , Khozin‐Goldberg Inna
Published: February 2014

Flexible responses of lipid metabolism to changes in cultivation conditions characteristic of oleaginous microalgae of the genus Nannochloropsis render them a promising source of triacylglycerols for biodiesel (under nutrient‐deprivation and high‐light stress) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5, n‐3) (under nutrient sufficient conditions). We investigated the responses of fatty acid and pigment profile in the euryhaline Nannochloropsis oceanica CCALA 804 to the combined stresses of high light (HL), salinity (0, 27, and 40 g/L NaCl) and nitrogen deprivation. The growth in nitrogen‐replete medium under HL triggered a rapid acclimation of the microalgae to the HL stress in a salinity‐dependent manner associated with a moderate decrease of EPA proportion of total FA. Nitrogen starvation (i) slowed the biomass accumulation, (ii) enhanced the production of reserve lipids at the expense of chloroplast lipids, and (iii) triggered photoprotective responses of pigment apparatus in N. oceanica. Regardless of cultivation conditions, the stress‐induced changes in pigments and fatty acid profile were highly coordinated. Nitrogen‐starvation promoted total FA accumulation on the background of a marked decline in EPA and light‐harvesting Car as well as up‐regulation of violaxanthin cycle with concomitant rise in non‐photochemical quenching. Zero‐NaCl conditions appeared to be beneficial for biomass and EPA accumulation and alleviated, especially under nitrogen starvation, the effects of salinity stresses (the decline in biomass accumulation rate, content of light‐harvesting carotenoids and EPA, and photosynthetic efficiency). Strategies of N. oceanica acclimation to stresses of different nature and their possible implications for the biotechnology of this species are discussed.
Synthesis of N‐Glycosyl Conjugates through a Multicomponent Domino Process
Authors: Bellucci Maria Cristina , Volonterio Alessandro
Published: February 2014

The development of efficient methods for the combinatorial synthesis of N‐glycosyl conjugates is vital for many fields of modern synthetic organic chemistry. Herein, we report a multicomponent domino process for the regioselective synthesis of a large array N‐glycosyl‐Asp‐urea conjugates, which could be further functionalized in a chemoselective way, starting from easily accessible reactants such as N‐glycosylamines, fumaric acid monoesters, azides, and isocyanates. The process occurs under very mild conditions, does not require the use of strong bases/acids or high temperature, and is highly versatile, working efficiently with a range of protecting groups and substituents.
Synthesis of (S)‐ and (R)‐Harmicine from Proline: An Approach Toward Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines
Authors: Lood Christopher S. , Koskinen Ari M. P.
Published: February 2014

(S)‐ and (R)‐Harmicine were synthesized from L‐ and D‐proline, respectively. This chiral pool synthesis constitutes a new approach towards C1 substituted tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines. The developed route makes use of the 9‐phenyl‐9‐fluorenyl protecting group strategy of amino acids to prevent racemization of the vulnerable α‐amino carbonyl stereocenter. Enantiopure harmicine (> 99 % ee) was obtained in nine steps from commercially available starting material. The synthesis was performed without the use of any silica gel flash chromatography.
Importance models of the physical self: Improved methodology supports a normative‐cultural importance model but not the individual importance model
Authors: Scalas L. Francesca , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Marsh Herbert W. , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: February 2014

We examine theoretical and methodological issues associated with the roles of individual and group‐normative importance in self‐esteem determination. Critical issues include multicollinearity among the physical self‐subdomains, which may have affected previous results, and the need for a multidimensional perspective on importance models. We apply state‐of‐the‐art methodologies, including exploratory structural equation modelling and the product‐of‐indicators approach to latent interactions. Positive interactions would be required to support the individually importance‐weighted average model, but none were observed in the multidimensional model estimated on the full sample. Nonetheless, some interaction effects were found in the country‐specific version of the model. Rather, we found support for the alternative group importance‐weighted average model. We conclude that domain‐specific self‐concepts are weighted differently and thus differentially affect self‐esteem, but these weights do not seem to depend on individual differences in importance. Although awaiting confirmation from further studies, our results suggest the idea that individuals use mainly normative importance processes based on cultural factors in weighting each domain‐specific component of self‐concept. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative proteomics analysis of host cells infected with Brucella abortusA19
Authors: Wu Yongping , Jin Yulan , Pan Wei , Ye Chengjin , Sun Xiaoyuan , Sun Yanting , Hu Boli , Zhou Jiyong
Published: February 2014

We carried out a proteomic analysis of THP‐1‐derived macrophages with and without Brucella abortus A19 (B. abortus A19) infection in order to study the cellular responses to B. abortus A19. The proteins were analyzed at different time points after infection with 2DE followed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF identification. Comparative analysis of multiple 2DE gels revealed that the majority of changes in protein abundance appeared between 48 and 96 h after infection. MS identified 44 altered proteins, including 20 proteins increased in abundance and 24 proteins decreased in abundance, which were found to be involved in cytoskeleton, signal transduction, energy metabolism, host macromolecular biosynthesis, and stress response. Moreover, 22 genes corresponding to the altered proteins were quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR to examine the transcriptional profiles between infected and uninfected THP‐1‐derived macrophages. Finally, we mapped the altered pathways and networks using ingenuity pathway analysis, which suggested that the altered protein species were heavily favored germ cell‐Sertoli cell junction signaling as the primary pathway. Furthermore, mechanisms of viral exit from host cell and macrophage stimulating protein‐recepteur d'origine nantais signaling appeared to be major pathways modulated in infected cells. This study effectively provides useful dynamic protein‐related information concerning B. abortus infection in macrophages.
Combining proteomic tools to characterize the protein fraction of llama (Lama glama) milk
Authors: Saadaoui Besma , Bianchi Leonardo , Henry Céline , Miranda Guy , Martin Patrice , Cebo Christelle
Published: February 2014

Llamas belong to the Camelidae family along with camels. While dromedary camel milk has been broadly characterized, data on llama milk proteins are scarce. The objective of this study was thus to investigate the protein composition of llama milk. Skimmed llama milk proteins were first characterized by a 2D separation technique coupling RP‐HPLC in the first dimension with SDS‐PAGE in the second dimension (RP‐HPLC/SDS‐PAGE). Llama milk proteins, namely caseins (αs1‐, αs2‐, β‐, and κ‐caseins), α‑lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and serum albumin, were identified using PMF. Llama milk proteins were also characterized by online LC‐ESI‐MS analysis. This approach allowed attributing precise molecular masses for most of the previously MS‐identified llama milk proteins. Interestingly, α‐lactalbumin exhibits distinct chromatographic behaviors between llama and dromedary camel milk. De novo sequencing of the llama α‐lactalbumin protein by LC coupled with MS/MS (LC‐MS/MS) showed the occurrence of two amino acid substitutions (R62L/I and K89L/I) that partly explained the higher hydrophobicity of llama α‐lactalbumin compared with its dromedary counterpart. Taken together, these results provide for the first time a thorough description of the protein fraction of Lama glama milk.
A systematic evaluation of protocols for a proteomics analysis of (lyophilized) fruit tissues
Authors: Amoako‐Andoh Francis O. , Daniëls Bruno , Keulemans Wannes , Davey Mark W.
Published: February 2014

This study represents a systematic evaluation of protocols for protein extraction and cleanup for fruit proteomic analysis. Procedures were optimized using pooled lyophilized banana fruit pulp, which is known to be particularly tricky due to high concentrations of soluble polysaccharides, phenolics, and other substances that interfere with protein extraction and purification. A total of 18 combinations of three protein extraction procedures (SDS‐based, Triton X‐100‐based, and phenol‐based), three protein precipitating agents (ammonium acetate/methanol, TCA/acetone, and acetone), and two resolubilization buffers (classical Rabilloud and the so‐called R2D2) were compared for total protein yields and efficiency of recovery. The results demonstrate that while losses in total recovered protein are unavoidable, the degree of these losses depends on the method combinations used. Combinations based on buffer‐saturated phenol always gave the highest yields, and overall recovery and purity was highest when acetone was combined with the R2D2 buffer for protein purification and concentration. Comparative 2D‐PAGE analysis confirmed that this method combination produced high‐quality and reproducible gels and the largest numbers of spots per gel. The usefulness of this methodology was demonstrated on ripe fruits from several other species and shown to give excellent results.
Hydrolysis of milk gangliosides by infant‐gut associated bifidobacteria determined by microfluidic chips and high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Hyeyoung , Garrido Daniel , Mills David A. , Barile Daniela
Published: February 2014

Gangliosides are receiving considerable attention because they participate in diverse biological processes. Milk gangliosides appear to block pathogen adhesion and modify the intestinal ecology of newborns. However, the interaction of milk gangliosides with gut bifidobacteria has been little investigated. The digestion products of a mixture of gangliosides isolated from milk following incubation with six strains of bifidobacteria were studied using nanoHPLC Chip Q‐TOF MS. To understand ganglioside catabolism in vitro, the two major milk gangliosides—GM3 and GD3—remaining in the media after incubation with bifidobacteria were quantified. Individual gangliosides were identified through postprocessing precursor ion scans, and quantitated with the “find by molecular feature” algorithm of MassHunter Qualitative Analysis software. Bifidobacterium infantis and B. bifidum substantially degraded the GM3 and GD3, whereas B. longum subsp. longum and B. animalis subsp. lactis only showed moderate degradation. MALDI FTICR MS analysis enabled a deeper investigation of the degradation and identified ganglioside degradation specifically at the outer portions of the glycan molecules. These results indicate that certain infant gut‐associated bifidobacteria have the ability to degrade milk gangliosides releasing sialic acid, and that these glycolipids could play a prebiotic role in the infant gut.
Cell‐free expression of recombinant antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi and microarray‐based multiplex detection using different patient sera
Authors: Richter Carolin , Konstantinidis Kosta , Asen Iris , Kneusel Richard , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: February 2014

Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick‐borne disease in North America and Europe. A two‐test approach (an ELISA followed by immunoblots) for testing current and past infection has been adopted in most countries. However, the heterogeneity of Borrelia antigens (ags) and the semiquantitative character of the immunoblot remain a limitation. By combining a microarray system with cell‐free expression, we established a procedure for the expression and subsequent printing of different Borrelia ags onto several multiwell microarray plate surfaces. We successfully expressed and partially purified 11 immunodominant ags of Lyme borreliosis from different Borrelia species in a self‐generated Escherichia coli cell‐free system. Using sera from patients suffering from Lyme disease and different specific mAbs, proteins could be reproducibly detected on the microarray plates. To confirm the diagnostic outcome of the new assay, a comparison to the same cell‐based expressed, purified, and printed Borrelia ags was performed. In summary, this approach serves as a proof of principle for the identification of potential biomarkers and offers the possibility of multiplex protein detection for specific diseases.
Inelastic displacement ratios for soil–structure systems allowed to uplift
Authors: Ghannad Mohammad Ali , Jafarieh Amir Hossein
Published: February 2014

The simultaneous effects of soil–structure interaction, foundation uplift and inelastic behavior of the superstructure on total displacement response of soil–structure systems are investigated. The superstructure is modeled as an equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom system with bilinear behavior mounted on a rigid foundation resting on distributed tensionless Winkler springs and dampers. It is well known that the behavior of soil–structure systems can be well described using a limited number of nondimensional parameters. Here, by introducing two new parameters, the concept is extended to inelastic soil–structure systems in which the foundation is allowed to uplift. An extensive parametric study is conducted for a wide range of the key parameters through nonlinear time history analyses. It is shown that while uplifting soil–structure systems experience excessive displacements, in comparison with systems that are not allowed to uplift, ductility demand in the superstructure generally decreases owing to foundation uplift. A new inelastic displacement ratio (IDR) is proposed in conjunction with a nonlinear static analysis of uplifting soil–structure systems. Simplified expressions are also provided to estimate the proposed IDR. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic health monitoring of an instrumented multistory building using the interpolation method
Authors: Limongelli M. P.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a new approach to structural damage localization is presented using as damage feature the interpolation error related to the use of a spline function in modeling the operational deformed shapes of the structure. Statistically significant variations of the interpolation error between the undamaged and the inspection phase indicate the onset of damage. A threshold value of the damage feature is defined in terms of the tolerable probability of false alarm to select variations of the interpolation error because of damage from those due to random sources. The method is successfully applied to a calibrated model of the factor building a real densely instrumented building at the University of California, Los Angeles. Results show that the method is effective for damage localization for both single and multiple locations of damage also in case of responses corrupted by noise. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network‐turbo‐coding‐based cooperation with distributed space‐time block codes
Authors: Chen Bin , Flanagan Mark F.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we propose a scheme to improve the performance of turbo‐coded two‐user cooperative uplink transmission. In the proposed scheme, each user transmits its partner's second parity frame in addition to its own, using a network‐coded combination, which is further protected by a space‐time block code. The proposed system is simulated in slow and fast fading environments. Numerical simulation results indicate that for slow fading, the proposed scheme can yield up to 20% increase in data throughput compared to the traditional distributed turbo coding, while simultaneously providing a gain of 0.7 dB in bit error rate. This latter gain rises to approximately 2.5 dB when a fast fading environment is considered. Furthermore, an outage probability analysis is conducted, which corroborates the simulated performance results.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of horizontal flame spread over rigid polyurethane foam on a plateau: effects of sample width and ambient pressure
Authors: Zhou Y. , Xiao H. H. , Sun J. H. , Zhang X. N. , Yan W. G. , Huang X. J.
Published: February 2014

The effects of sample width and ambient pressure on horizontal flame spread over horizontal rigid polyurethane foams are experimentally studied. A series of comparative experiments are conducted at two places with different altitudes in China. The sample surface temperature, spread rate, and height of flame are measured over a range of sample widths from 4 to 16 cm. Experimental results show that the horizontal flame spread rate decreases as the sample width increases in a negative power law at both two altitudes and the flame spread rate in the Hefei plain (at an altitude of 30 m) is larger than that on the Tibetan plateau (at an altitude of 3658 m) of the same width. The horizontal flame spread mechanism on the rigid polyurethane foam is analyzed qualitatively in comparison with the results of the flame spread rate of expanded polystyrene foams. The relationship between the dimensionless flame height (Hf/W) and the sample width (W) is obtained by using Froude number similarity. It is found based on the experimental data under two different ambient pressures that the average value of the exponent of the ambient pressure in the power law for the horizontal flame spread rate is about 1.9, which is in good agreement with the theoretical value 2.0. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Price Dynamics in Global Crude Oil Markets
Authors: Liu Wai‐Man , Schultz Emma , Swieringa John
Published: February 2014

We use high‐frequency data to better characterize price dynamics in global crude oil markets. Initially, we provide much‐needed quantitative evidence on interactions between physical and financial layers of the Brent market, highlighting the ICE Brent futures contract as the overwhelming source of price discovery in this market. Thereafter, we quantify the impact of oil supply constraints at Cushing, showing they are a significant determinant of ever decreasing levels of cointegration between Brent and WTI markets. Finally, against this backdrop we show that, on days where ICE Brent and CME WTI futures remain cointegrated, the latter still dominate price discovery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:148–162, 2015
Identification and functional characterization of imatinib‐sensitive DTD1‐PDGFRB and CCDC88C‐PDGFRB fusion genes in eosinophilia‐associated myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Gosenca Darko , Kellert Beate , Metzgeroth Georgia , Haferlach Claudia , Fabarius Alice , Schwaab Juliana , Kneba Michael , Scheid Christof , Töpelt Karin , Erben Philipp , Haferlach Torsten , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Seifarth Wolfgang , Reiter Andreas
Published: February 2014

Eosinophilia‐associated myeloid neoplasms with rearrangement of chromosome bands 5q31‐33 are frequently associated with PDGFRB fusion genes, which are exquisitely sensitive to treatment with imatinib. In search for novel fusion partners of PDGFRB, we analyzed three cases with translocation t(5;20)(q33;p11), t(5;14)(q33;q32), and t(5;17;14)(q33;q11;q32) by 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends polymerase chain reaction (5′‐RACE‐PCR) and DNA‐based long‐distance inverse PCR (LDI‐PCR) with primers derived from PDGFRB. LDI‐PCR revealed a fusion between CCDC88C exon 25 and PDGFRB exon 11 in the case with t(5;17;14)(q33;q11;q32) while 5′‐RACE‐PCR identified fusions between CCDC88C exon 10 and PDGFRB exon 12 and between DTD1 exon 4 and PDGFRB exon 12 in the cases with t(5;14)(q33;q32) and t(5;20)(q33;p11), respectively. The PDGFRB tyrosine‐kinase domain is predicted to be retained in all three fusion proteins. The partner proteins contained coiled‐coil domains or other domains, which putatively lead to constitutive activation of the PDGFRB fusion protein. In vitro functional analyses confirmed transforming activity and imatinib‐sensitivity of the fusion proteins. All three patients achieved rapid and durable complete hematologic remissions on imatinib. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laryngeal replacement with an artificial larynx after total laryngectomy: The possibility of restoring larynx functionality in the future
Authors: Debry Christian , Dupret–Bories Agnes , Vrana Nihal E. , Hemar Patrick , Lavalle Philippe , Schultz Philippe
Published: February 2014

Background

Most patients perceive total laryngectomy as a mutilation carrying with it a loss of physical and psychological integrity. Thus, an artificial larynx system that can replace the laryngeal functions would significantly improve the quality of life for the afflicted patients.

Methods

This report, with accompanying video, presents the first case in an ongoing clinical trial of laryngeal rehabilitation using an artificial larynx after total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma, for an 8‐month follow‐up period. We depict the prosthesis' features, our 2‐step surgical procedure, and the outcome. The prosthesis is formed of 2 parts: (1) a tracheal prosthesis with a porous titanium junction with trachea, which was implanted in the first step to ensure its colonization, and (2) a removable part composed of concentric valves that enable inhalation and exhalation. The second part was implanted endoscopically. The implant was monitored with a retrograde nasofibroscopy of the tracheal prosthesis lumen and CT scans over a course of 8 months.

Results

The patient's functioning in the relevant postoperative problem areas, such as swallowing, breathing, and smelling, has significantly improved. The patient was able to talk in a whispering fashion while the tracheostomy was temporarily closed. The implant's porous part was in the process of being colonized by the surrounding tissue and no fistulas were observed as evidenced by barium swallow.

Conclusion

As the current case shows, tracheotomy closure can be performed, and laryngeal functions are restored, by means of an implant. With further improvements, this system can alleviate the need for a permanent tracheostomy after total laryngectomy, while maintaining important larynx functions intact. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1669–1673, 2014