bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing Evolutionary Novelty: Moving Beyond Definitional Debates
Authors: Brigandt Ingo , Love Alan C.
Published: July 2012

According to many biologists, explaining the evolution of morphological novelty and behavioral innovation are central endeavors in contemporary evolutionary biology. These endeavors are inherently multidisciplinary but also have involved a high degree of controversy. One key source of controversy is the definitional diversity associated with the concept of evolutionary novelty, which can lead to contradictory claims (a novel trait according to one definition is not a novel trait according to another). We argue that this diversity should be interpreted in light of a different epistemic role played by the concept of evolutionary novelty—the structuring of a problem space or setting of an explanatory agenda—rather than the concept's capacity to categorize traits as novel. This distinctive role is consistent with the definitional diversity and shows that the concept of novelty benefits ongoing investigation by focusing attention on answering different questions related to comprehending the origins of novelty. A review of recent theoretical and empirical work on evolutionary novelty confirms this interpretation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 9999B:000–000, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thieno[3,4‐b]pyrazines and Its Extended Analogs: Important Buildings Blocks for Conjugated Materials
Authors: Rasmussen Seth C. , Mulholland Michael E. , Schwiderski Ryan L. , Larsen Cole A.
Published: July 2012

This review describes the synthesis and characterization of thieno[3,4‐b]pyrazines and its extended fused‐ring analogs as important building blocks for the production of low‐band gap conjugated materials.
Synthesis and Characterization via Molecular Quantum Parameters of 2H‐Thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐3,5,7(6H)‐trione
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Soliman Mamdouh S. , Shaaban Saad , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: July 2012

2H‐Thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐3,5,7(6H)‐trione (2) was synthesized and characterized via molecular quantum parameters using the PM3‐semiempirical MO method. This is considered the only route not previously reported in the literature to synthesize compound 2 from 2‐imino‐4‐thiazolidinone (1).
Synthesis of New Aza Macrocyclic Diamides 2,2′‐Diaminodiphenyl Sulfide Using Crab‐Like Method
Authors: Shockravi Abbas , Kamali Mahmood
Published: July 2012

Six new aza crown ethers (4–9) were synthesized based on the conventional route crab‐like method with the reaction of corresponding bis‐α‐chloroacetamidediphenylsulfide (BCADPS) (3) and aliphathic diamines (a–e) in refluxing acetonitrile in good yields. BCADPS (3) was synthesized with the reaction of 2,2′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfide (2) and chloroacetyl chloride. Interestingly, only the macrocyclization of BCADPS (3) with diamine (e) was led to the cryptand (9) in which methylene hydrogens were found as diastereotopic nucleis which is attributed to the rigidity of the cryptand (9). The formation of this cryptand (9) may be related the template effect of potassium ion. The structures of all compounds were confirmed using IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass spectroscopies, and elemental analysis.
Synthesis of Some 3‐(4‐Aryl‐benzofuro[3,2‐b]pyridin‐2‐yl)coumarins and Their Antimicrobial Screening
Authors: Patel Anil K. , Patel Niraj H. , Patel Mehul A. , Brahmbhatt Dinker I.
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of some 3‐(4‐aryl‐benzofuro[3,2‐b]pyridin‐2‐yl)coumarins 3a–r has been carried out by the reaction of 3‐coumarinoyl methyl pyridinium salts 1a–c with 2‐arylidene aurones 2a–f in the presence of ammonium acetate and acetic acid under Kröhnke's reaction conditions. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical and spectral data. They have been screened for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) as Gram‐negative bacteria, Bacillus subtillis (ATCC 1633) as Gram‐positive bacteria and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9029).
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of(1Z, 3Z)‐4,4‐Dimethyl‐1‐substitutedphenyl‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐pent‐1‐en‐3‐oneO‐[2,4‐dimethylthiazole(or 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole)]‐5‐carbonyl Oximes
Authors: Mao Hui‐Yu , Song Hong , Shi De‐Qing
Published: July 2012

A series of novel (Z)‐1‐tert‐butyl (or phenyl)‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐ethanoneO‐[2,4‐dimethylthiazole (or 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole) −5‐carbonyl] oximes5a–5cand (1Z, 3Z)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐1‐substitutedphenyl‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐pent‐1‐en‐3‐oneO‐[2,4‐dimethylthiazole (or 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole)‐5‐carbonyl] oximes6a–6ewere synthesized by the condensations of (Z)‐1‐tert‐butyl (or phenyl)‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐ethanone oximes3or (1Z, 3Z)‐4,4‐dimethyl‐1‐substitutedphenyl‐2‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐pent‐1‐en‐3‐one oximes4with 2,4‐dimethylthiazole‐5‐carbonyl chloride or 4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl chloride in the basic condition. Their structures were confirmed by IR,1H NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The results of preliminary bioassays showed the title compounds5and6exhibited moderate to good fungicidal activities. For example, compound6cpossessed 86.4% inhibition againstFusarium oxysporum, and compound6bexhibited 86.4 and 100% inhibition againstFusarium oxysporumandCercospora arachidicola Horiat the concentration of 50 mg/L, respectively.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Thiopyrans
Authors: Meier Herbert , Schmidt Michael , Mayer Axel , Schollmeyer Dieter , Beile Bernhard
Published: July 2012

The reaction of benzothiete (1) and the bicyclic alkenes 5, 7, 9, or 12 shows a very high π side selectivity (de > 95%) in the formation of the polycyclic thiopyrans 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14.
Green Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione Derivatives via Microwave‐Assisted Three‐Component Reactions in Neat Water
Authors: Wang Shu‐Liang , Ding Jie , Shi Fen , Liu Yin‐Ping , Jiang Bo , Ma Ning , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: July 2012

A novel and efficient access to 2‐(argio(3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐3‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione derivatives from readily available substrates in neat water is described with aid of microwave irradiation. The results of our study provide a green, simple and practical one‐pot approach to the synthesis of 3‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione analogs in excellent yields without further purification.
Synthesis of 1,2,4,5‐Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles Using Sulfuric Acid ([3‐(3‐Silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl]ester as a Recyclable Solid Acid
Authors: Tavakoli Ziba , Bagherneghad Mojtaba , Niknam Khodabakhsh
Published: July 2012

Sulfuric acid ([3‐(3‐silicapropyl)sulfanyl]propyl]ester (SASPSPE) is used as a recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles. A range of various polysubstituted imidazoles was synthesized via four‐component condensation of benzil, aldehydes, amines, and ammonium acetate in the presence of SASPSPE under solvent‐free conditions at 140°C. The heterogeneous catalyst was recycled for five runs on the reaction of benzil, 4‐methylbenzaldehyde, benzyl amine, and ammonium acetate without losing its catalytic activity.
Chemoselectivity of 2‐Arylmethyleneaminoisoindolin‐1,3‐diones toward Arenes under Friedel–Crafts Conditions: An Efficient Synthesis of Benzophenones Integrated with 2‐Substituted Hydrazone Moieties
Authors: Derbala Hamed A.
Published: July 2012

Treatment 2‐arylmethyleneaminoisoindole‐1,3‐diones 1a–c with arenes in the presence of AlCl3‐DMF complex as a catalyst afforded the novel compounds, 2‐((arylidenehydrazono)(aryl)‐methyl)benzophenones 3a–n in satisfactory yields. The structure of the obtained products 3a–n was confirmed by the use of IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses.
Posaconazole: Application of HSQC‐ADEQUATE from General Indirect Covariance Processing
Authors: Martin Gary E.
Published: July 2012

Posaconazole is a structurally complex triazole antifungal agent that, by virtue of its structural complexity, provides a good test molecule for the evaluation of NMR structure elucidation methodologies. Although GHMBC and related long‐range 1H–13C heteronuclear shift correlation techniques are extremely powerful, at the same time, when dealing with unknowns, they can be problematic in that there is no way to readily differentiate adjacent (2 JCH) correlations from longer range correlations, e.g., 3JCH and nJCH, n > 3. The 1,1‐ADEQUATE experiment, in contrast, provides unequivocal experimental access to adjacent carbon–carbon correlation information, albeit with a sensitivity penalty, as the experiment involves an adjacent 13C–13C out‐and‐back magnetization transfer. In part, the sensitivity penalty can be overcome by using unsymmetrical indirect covariance or general indirect covariance processing methods. The application of these methods through the coprocessing of multiplicity‐edited GHSQC and 1,1‐ADEQUATE data to generate an HSQC‐ADEQUATE correlation plot is demonstrated for posaconazole.
Evolving practice of hospital medicine and its impact on hospital throughput and efficiencies
Authors: Chadaga Smitha R. , Maher Mary P. , Maller Nancy , Mancini Diana , Mascolo Margherita , Sharma Shailendra , Anderson Mel L. , Chu Eugene S.
Published: July 2012

Hospitalists are uniquely positioned to implement strategies to improve patient flow and efficiency. Hospital leaders have stated they expect hospitalists to comanage surgical patients, participate in observation units, and screen medical admissions, in addition to providing inpatient care for medical patients. We review how the hospitalists' role in acute inpatient care, surgical comanagement, short stay units, chest pain units, and active bed management has improved throughput and patient flow. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
ESI‐MS and MALLS analysis of quaternary structure of molluscan hemocyanins
Authors: Dolashka Pavlina , Zal Franck , Dolashki Aleksandar , Molin Laura , Traldi Pietro , Salvato Benedetto
Published: July 2012

The understanding of the function of macromolecular complexes is mainly related to a precise knowledge of their structure. Recently, the development of suitable mass spectrometric techniques (electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)) and multi‐angle laser light scattering has enabled mass determination of native complexes and of their subunits. By these techniques, the structure and association/dissociation behavior of huge molecules of molluscan Octopus vulgaris, Sepia officinalis and Rapana venosa have been characterized. Molecular masses of the native and dissociated molecule of cephalopodan Hcs O. vulgaris (3545 and 359.3 kDa, respectively) and S. officinalis (4134 and 443.8 kDa, respectively) revealed that only one type subunit organizes their molecules, while the presence of two isoforms with different masses (422.8 and 400.0 kDa) has been determined for gastropodan R. venosa Hc, aggregated into didecamers. The difference of their structural subunits was also established after limited proteolysis with TPCK‐trypsin. Eight functional units (FUs) with masses of ~ 50 kDa were isolated from both subunits of RvH and isoform of Sepia officinalis, while seven FUs were purified from OvH. Further characterization of proteins by ESI‐mass spectrometry (MS) and MALDI‐MS, methods gave insights into post‐translational modifications such as glycosylation. Glycosylation of O. vulgaris and S. officinalis Hcs was suggested based on the differences (11.6 and 40.0 kDa, respectively) between the masses measured by ESI‐MS and those calculated by their gene sequences. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LC‐DAD/ESI‐MS/MS study of phenolic compounds in ash (Fraxinus excelsior L. and F. americana L.) heartwood. Effect of toasting intensity at cooperage
Authors: Sanz Miriam , de Simón Brígida Fernández , Cadahía Estrella , Esteruelas Enrique , Muñoz Angel M. , Hernández Teresa , Estrella Isabel , Pinto Ernani
Published: July 2012

The phenolic composition of heartwood extracts from Fraxinus excelsior L. and F. americana L., both before and after toasting in cooperage, was studied using LC‐DAD/ESI‐MS/MS. Low‐molecular weight (LMW) phenolic compounds, secoiridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, dilignols and oligolignols compounds were detected, and 48 were identified, or tentatively characterized, on the basis of their retention time, UV/Vis and MS spectra, and MS fragmentation patterns. Some LMW phenolic compounds like protocatechuic acid and aldehyde, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol, were unlike to those for oak wood, while ellagic and gallic acid were not found. The toasting of wood resulted in a progressive increase in lignin degradation products with regard to toasting intensity. The levels of some of these compounds in medium‐toasted ash woods were much higher than those normally detected in toasted oak, highlighting vanillin levels, thus a more pronounced vanilla character can be expected when using toasted ash wood in the aging wines. Moreover, in seasoned wood, we found a great variety of phenolic compounds which had not been found in oak wood, especially oleuropein, ligstroside and olivil, along with verbascoside and isoverbascoside in F. excelsior, and oleoside in F. americana. Toasting mainly provoked their degradation, thus in medium‐toasted wood, only four of them were detected. This resulted in a minor differentiation between toasted ash and oak woods. The absence of tannins in ash wood, which are very important in oak wood, is another peculiar characteristic that should be taken into account when considering its use in cooperage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of positive affectivity in team effectiveness during crises
Authors: Kaplan Seth , LaPort Kate , Waller Mary J.
Published: July 2012

Organizational efforts to improve team effectiveness in crisis situations primarily have focused on team training initiatives and, to a lesser degree, on staffing teams with respect to members' ability, experience, and functional backgrounds. Largely neglected in these efforts is the emotional component of crises and, correspondingly, the notion of staffing teams with consideration for their affective makeup. To address this void, we examined the impact of team member dispositional positive affect (PA) on team crisis effectiveness and the role of felt negative emotion in transmitting that influence. A study of 21 nuclear power plant crews engaged in crisis training simulations revealed that homogeneity in PA, but not mean‐level PA, was associated with greater team effectiveness. Mediation analysis suggested that homogeneity in PA leads to greater team effectiveness by reducing the amount of negative emotions that team members experience during crises. Furthermore, homogeneity in PA compensated for lower mean‐level PA in predicting effectiveness. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for understanding and further exploring the importance of affective factors and especially team affective composition in team crisis performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of impervious surface development on land surface temperature in a subtropical city: Xiamen, China
Authors: Xu Hanqiu , Lin Dongfeng , Tang Fei
Published: July 2012

Impervious surface coverage is a quantifiable environmental indicator correlating closely with the urban thermal environment. This study measured the impervious surface development in the subtropical coastal area of Xiamen, southeastern China, and investigated its impact on the regional thermal environment. The Normalized Difference Impervious Surface Index was used to extract impervious surface features of the Xiamen area from the Landsat Thematic Mapper images of 1989, 1996, and 2009, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was implemented to examine how land surface temperature (LST) was related to impervious surface and to some other urban biophysical descriptors such as vegetation and water. Results show that the impervious surface of the study area increased by approximately eight times during the 20 study years. Detailed relationship analysis can find that (1) impervious surface is positively exponentially correlated with LST, while vegetation and water are inversely related to LST; (2) the impervious surface contribution to regional LST change can be up to six times greater than the sum of vegetation and water contributions and (3) each decrement of 10% impervious surface cover with additional 10% green or water space could lower LST by up to 2.9 or 2.5 °C, respectively. These findings would facilitate the regional urban planning strategies to minimize the local temperature rise in future urban growth. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Relationship between ENSO phases with Northwest India winter precipitation
Authors: Dimri A. P.
Published: July 2012

Winter (December, January, February and March—DJFM) precipitation variability over Northwestern India is examined in association with large scale global forcing of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). During winter, Northwestern India receives precipitation in the form of snow, by eastward moving synoptic weather systems—western disturbances (WDs). An attempt is made to define relationship between wintertime large scale atmospheric fields with different phases of ENSO. A composite set of El Niño (10 years) and La Niña (8 years) is prepared to analyse role of large scale fields followed by ENSO response with wintertime precipitation over Northwestern India. Significant correlation between the two indicates increased (decreased) precipitation over Northwestern India during warm (cold) phase of ENSO. Higher geopotential height, with stronger southwesterly to northwesterly wind flow suggests more moisture flux from the Caspian and Arabian Sea. Empirical orthogonal function analysis also suggests instance of ENSO impact on Northwest India winter precipitation. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Responses of barley to hypoxia and salinity during seed germination, nutrient uptake, and early plant growth in solution culture
Authors: Kırmızı Serap , Bell Richard W.
Published: July 2012

The resistance of most plants to salt can be impaired by concurrent waterlogging. However, few studies have examined this interaction during germination and early seedling growth and its implications for nutrient uptake. The aim of the study was to examine the response of germination, early growth, and nutrient uptake to salt (NaCl) and hypoxia applied to barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Stirling), in solution culture. Hypoxia, induced by covering seeds with water, lowered the germination from 94% to 28% but salinity and hypoxia together lowered it further to 13% at 120 mM NaCl. While the germination was 75% at 250 mM NaCl in aerated solution, it was completely inhibited at this NaCl concentration under hypoxia. Sodium ion (Na+) concentrations in germinated seedlings increased with increasing salinity under both aerated and hypoxic conditions during germination, while K+ and Mg+ concentrations were decreased with increasing salinity in 6 d old seedlings. After 20 d, control seedlings had the same dry weights of the roots and shoots with and without hypoxia but at 10 mM NaCl and higher, shoot and root dry weight was depressed with hypoxia. Sodium ion increased in roots and shoots with increased NaCl under both aerated and hypoxic conditions while K+ was depressed when salinity and hypoxia were applied together and Ca2+ was mostly decreased by NaCl. In general, hypoxia had greater effects on nutrient concentrations than NaCl by decreasing N, P, S, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Fe in shoots and by increasing B concentrations. The threshold salinity levels decreased markedly for germination, uptake of a range of nutrients, and for seedling growth of barley under hypoxic compared to well‐aerated conditions.
Verte and Romaine lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa) show differential responses to high NaCl concentrations
Authors: Mahmoudi Hela , Baâtour Olfa , Huang Jun , Nasri Nawel , Ben Salah Imen , Tarchoun Imen , Zaghdoudi Maha , Gruber Margaret Y. , Lachaâl Mokhtar , Ouerghi Zeineb , Hannoufa Abdelali
Published: July 2012

In this study, we report on the relationship between individual antioxidant carotenoids, phenolic fractions, and flavonoids and attenuating NaCl toxicity in two contrasting varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. Verte and Romaine), as a means of developing more precise targets for lettuce breeding. In seedling leaves, carotenoid levels increased under NaCl stress in Verte, but remained unchanged in Romaine. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a soluble polyphenol abundantly present in leaves, was the only phenolic acid that accumulated significantly in both varieties and was predominant under salinity. Remarkably, CGA was more prominent in Verte than Romaine at moderate salinity levels (100 mM). Foliar flavonoid levels were also differentially increased in both seedling types grown under 100 mM NaCl, but dropped significantly in both varieties under 200 mM NaCl. Germination, which was overall more salt‐resistant in Romaine, was significantly increased under salt stress by application of low dosage (10–6 to10–5 M) of CGA to Verte, but not to Romaine. These results suggest that CGA is involved in modulating NaCl‐induced oxidative‐stress responses during seed germination in Verte.
In vivo staining of reduced iron by 2,2′ bipyridine in rice exposed to iron toxicity
Authors: Engel Katrin , Asch Folkard , Becker Mathias
Published: July 2012

A protocol for a novel method to visualize Fe(II) in rice tissues is proposed. The method is based on the selective formation of a purple‐red color complex of 2,2′ bipyridine and Fe(II). Rice genotypes were exposed to 18 mM Fe(II) in nutrient solution for 2 d. Root systems of intact plants were subsequently placed in 2,2′ bipyridine solutions. The formation of the [Fe(bipy)<$>_3^{2+}<$>] color complex was visualized using bifocal microscopy. The method may improve the selection of genotypes during breeding for Fe‐toxicity resistance of rice.
Hydrogel Reinforced by Short Albumin Fibers: Mechanical Characterization and Assessment of Biocompatibility
Authors: Regev Omri , Reddy Chaganti Srinivasa , Nseir Nora , Zussman Eyal
Published: July 2012

Injectable hydrogels represent biomaterials attractive for many biomedical applications. Here, a hybrid material composed of dextran‐crosslinked gelatin embedded with ≈100–1 000 µm long, electrospun bovine serum albumin fibers is described. Incorporation of fibers at weight fractions of 1–6% increases the hydrogel elastic modulus by up to ≈40% and decreases the gelation time by ≈20%. The addition of short fibers does not affect the injection of the pre‐gel solution throughout medical needles at moderate shear rates. Finally, viability of seeded fibroblasts confirms the biocompatibility of the composite scaffold. This hybrid represents a class of biomaterials that structurally mimics the ECMs of common tissues and that can be delivered by a minimal‐invasive approach.

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Polymer Gradient Materials: Can Nature Teach Us New Tricks?
Authors: Claussen Kai U. , Scheibel Thomas , Schmidt Hans‐Werner , Giesa Reiner
Published: July 2012

Nature offers interesting examples of structures with a gradually changing composition that provides unique mechanical properties. Today, the transfer of biological principles to technical applications is gaining increasing attention. One prominent example of the transfer of biomimetic principles to materials science is the mussel byssus. Byssus threads possess gradually changing mechanical properties from soft to stiff in order to efficiently attach the mussel to the rock. This design is the basis for polymer gradient materials. Herein, we give a comprehensive overview of the most recent developments in the field of PGMs. In addition to basic terminology and definitions, selected highlights of PGMs are presented, followed by experimental techniques and characterization methods.

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A regularity criterion to the biharmonic map heat flow in ℜ4
Authors: Fan Jishan , Gao Hongjun , Ogawa Takayoshi , Takahashi Futoshi
Published: July 2012

We consider the regularity problem under the critical condition to the biharmonic map heat flow from ℜ4 to a smooth compact Riemannian manifold without boundary. Using Gagliardo‐Nirenberg inequalities and delicate estimates, the Serrin type regularity criterion for the smooth solutions of biharmonic map heat flow is obtained without assuming a smallness condition on the initial energy. Our result improved the results of Lamm in 5 and 6 and generalized the results of Chang, Wang, Yang 1, Strzelecki 11 and Wang 13, 14 to non‐stationary case.
HyperCEST detection of a 129Xe‐based contrast agent composed of cryptophane‐A molecular cages on a bacteriophage scaffold
Authors: Stevens Todd K. , Palaniappan Krishnan K. , Ramirez R. Matthew , Francis Matthew B. , Wemmer David E. , Pines Alex
Published: July 2012

A hyperpolarized 129Xe contrast agent composed of many cryptophane‐A molecular cages assembled on an M13 bacteriophage has been demonstrated. Saturation of xenon bound in the large number of cryptophane cages is transferred to the pool of aqueous‐solvated xenon via chemical exchange, resulting in efficient generation of hyperCEST contrast. No significant loss of contrast per cryptophane cage was observed for the multivalent phage when compared with unscaffolded cryptophane. Detection of this phage‐based hyperCEST agent is reported at concentrations as low as 230 fM, representing the current lower limit for NMR/MRI‐based contrast agents. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gadgetron: An open source framework for medical image reconstruction
Authors: Hansen Michael Schacht , Sørensen Thomas Sangild
Published: July 2012

This work presents a new open source framework for medical image reconstruction called the “Gadgetron.” The framework implements a flexible system for creating streaming data processing pipelines where data pass through a series of modules or “Gadgets” from raw data to reconstructed images. The data processing pipeline is configured dynamically at run‐time based on an extensible markup language configuration description. The framework promotes reuse and sharing of reconstruction modules and new Gadgets can be added to the Gadgetron framework through a plugin‐like architecture without recompiling the basic framework infrastructure. Gadgets are typically implemented in C/C++, but the framework includes wrapper Gadgets that allow the user to implement new modules in the Python scripting language for rapid prototyping. In addition to the streaming framework infrastructure, the Gadgetron comes with a set of dedicated toolboxes in shared libraries for medical image reconstruction. This includes generic toolboxes for data‐parallel (e.g., GPU‐based) execution of compute‐intensive components. The basic framework architecture is independent of medical imaging modality, but this article focuses on its application to Cartesian and non‐Cartesian parallel magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Late profound muscle weakness following heart transplantation due to danon disease
Authors: Van Der Starre Pieter , Deuse Tobias , Pritts Chad , Brun Carlos , Vogel Hannes , Oyer Philip
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Postoperative muscle weakness is a serious complication in surgical intensive care patients. It is mostly described as critical illness polyneuromyopathy. Risk factors include intensive care length of stay, sepsis, poor glycemic control, and combined use of corticosteroids and neuromuscular blocking agents, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalance. Methods: We report a case of late‐progressive, profound weakness after heart transplantation for noncompaction cardiomyopathy which required prolonged mechanical ventilation. The patient's muscle strength recovered completely after prolonged rehabilitation. Results: Electromyographic assessment showed myopathy. Muscle biopsy revealed Danon disease, a genetic disorder affecting the lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 gene (LAMP2). Conclusions: The finding of this genetic disorder was unexpected, because the preoperative echocardiographic diagnosis of noncompaction cardiomyopathy has not been reported in Danon disease. This report underlines the need for early availability of pathology results from the explanted heart, which showed the same disorder. Muscle Nerve, 2013
A progressive translational mouse model of human valosin‐containing protein disease: The VCPR155H/+ mouse
Authors: Nalbandian Angèle , Llewellyn Katrina J. , Badadani Mallikarjun , Yin Hong Z. , Nguyen Christopher , Katheria Veeral , Watts Giles , Mukherjee Jogeshwar , Vesa Jouni , Caiozzo Vincent , Mozaffar Tahseen , Weiss John H. , Kimonis Virginia E.
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Mutations in the valosin‐containing protein (VCP) gene cause hereditary inclusion body myopathy (IBM) associated with Paget disease of bone (PDB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). More recently, these mutations have been linked to 2% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases. A knock‐in mouse model offers the opportunity to study VCP‐associated pathogenesis.

Methods:

The VCPR155H/+ knock‐in mouse model was assessed for muscle strength and immunohistochemical, Western blot, apoptosis, autophagy, and microPET/CT imaging analyses.

Results:

VCPR155H/+ mice developed significant progressive muscle weakness, and the quadriceps and brain developed progressive cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP‐43, ubiquitin‐positive inclusion bodies, and increased LC3‐II staining. MicroCT analyses revealed Paget‐like lesions at the ends of long bones. Spinal cord demonstrated neurodegenerative changes, ubiquitin, and TDP‐43 pathology of motor neurons.

Conclusions:

VCPR155H/+ knock‐in mice represent an excellent preclinical model for understanding VCP‐associated disease mechanisms and future treatments. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Muscle force development after low‐frequency magnetic burst stimulation in dogs
Authors: Emrich Daniela , Fischer Andrea , Altenhöfer Caroline , Weyh Thomas , Helling Florian , Goetz Stefan , Brielmeier Markus , Matiasek Kaspar
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Magnetic stimulation allows for painless and non‐invasive extrinsic motor nerve stimulation. Despite several advantages, the limited coupling to the target reduces the application of magnetic pulses in rehabilitation. According to experience with electrical stimulation, magnetic bursts could remove this constraint.

Methods:

A novel burst stimulator was used to apply single and burst pulses to the femoral nerve in 10 adult dogs. A figure‐of‐eight coil was connected, and pulses were applied at 7.5 HZ. Contractions of the quadriceps muscle were measured via an angle force transducer.

Results:

Muscle forces were significantly higher upon burst stimulation than after single pulses. Four consecutive burst pulses proved most effective. Stimulation by more bursts resulted in fatigue.

Conclusion:

Burst stimulation is superior to standard magnetic single pulses, and 4 consecutive burst pulses proved most effective. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Second moment constraints and the control problem of Markov jump linear systems
Authors: Vargas Alessandro N. , Furloni Walter , do Val João B.R.
Published: July 2012

This paper addresses the optimal solution for the regulator control problem of Markov jump linear systems subject to second moment constraints. We can characterize and obtain the solution explicitly using linear matrix inequalities techniques. The constraints are imposed on the second moment of both the system state and control vector, and the optimal solution is obtained in a computable form. To illustrate the usefulness of the approach, specially that for systems subject to abrupt variations and physical limitations, we present an application for one joint of the European Robotic Arm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined numerical/experimental investigation of particle diameter and interphase effects on coefficient of thermal expansion and young's modulus of SiO2/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Jang Jae‐Soon , Bouveret Benoît , Suhr Jonghwan , Gibson Ronald F.
Published: July 2012

A combined numerical/experimental approach is used to study the effects of the particle/matrix interphase on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and Young's modulus of SiO2/epoxy nanocomposites having nanoparticle reinforcements of different sizes. Our experiments showed that the composite CTE decreases and composite Young's modulus increases with decreasing nanoparticle diameter at the same volume fraction, but our finite element (FE) model predictions did not match the expected trends when the interphase was not accounted for. The new models include an interphase region around the nanoparticle which results in an “effective particle volume fraction” that is larger than the actual particle volume fraction. The results from the models are compared with the experimental results and the new models are accurately fitted to the experimental results using the interphase thickness as a curve‐fitting parameter. We believe that this is the first published report on the use of combined numerical/experimental investigations of both elastic stiffness and thermal expansion characteristics to demonstrate the existence of a particle size‐dependent “effective particle volume fraction” due to the particle/matrix interphase region in a nanoparticle‐reinforced composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermodynamic stability and electronic properties of F‐ and Cl‐terminated diamond
Authors: Tiwari Amit K. , Goss J. P. , Briddon P. R. , Wright N. G. , Horsfall A. B. , Jones R. , Pinto H. , Rayson M. J.
Published: July 2012

The chemical termination of diamond has important consequences for its electrical and chemical properties. Despite the impressive potential for various scientific and technological applications, halogen termination of diamond is not fully understood. We find using first principle atomistic simulation that 100% fluorinated diamond (100) surface exhibit a chemically stable positive electron affinity of 2.13 eV, whereas 100% chlorination is energetically unfavourable. The positive electron affinity of halogenated diamond generally increases with increasing surface coverage. For mixed halogen and hydrogen termination, a wide range of negative and positive electron affinities can be achieved theoretically by varying the relative concentrations of adsorbed species.
Bromine functionalisation of diamond: An ab initio study
Authors: Tiwari Amit K. , Goss J. P. , Briddon P. R. , Wright N. G. , Horsfall A. B. , Rayson M. J.
Published: July 2012

Immobilisation of organic molecules on diamond surfaces is of great interest for biomedical applications. While H, F and Cl terminations, as a linker, have been studied extensively, the bromination of diamond is not fully understood. We have performed ab initio simulations to investigate the chemisorption of Br onto C‐ and H‐terminated diamond (100) surfaces. We find that due to steric interaction, 100% surface coverage of Br is not stable, however, surface coverage up to around 50% is theoretically achievable. The chemisorption energies corresponding to lower surface coverages of Br are found comparable to those of hydrogen. Partial surface coverages (25 and 50%) of Br on C‐terminated diamond exhibit nearly equal positive electron affinities of 0.45 and 0.52 eV, respectively. Addition of hydrogen reduces the electron affinity and for 25% of Br on an otherwise H‐terminated surface, a negative electron affinity of 0.57 eV is calculated.
Effect of different surface coverages of transition metals on the electronic and structural properties of diamond
Authors: Tiwari Amit K. , Goss J. P. , Briddon P. R. , Wright N. G. , Horsfall A. B. , Rayson M. J.
Published: July 2012

The presence of adsorbate species on diamond surfaces, even in relatively small concentrations, strongly influences electrical, chemical and structural properties. Despite the technological significance, coverage of diamond by transition metals has received relatively little attention. In this paper, we present the results of density functional calculations examining up to a mono‐layer of transition metals on the (001) diamond surface. We find that addition of carbide forming species, such as Ti, results in significantly higher adsorption energies at all surface coverages relative to non‐carbide forming species. For monolayer coverage by Cu, and sub‐monolayer coverage by Ti, we find a negative electron affinity. We propose that based upon the electron affinities and binding energies, metal‐terminated (001) diamond surfaces are promising candidates for electron emission device applications.
A novel passive/active hybrid robot for orthopaedic trauma surgery
Authors: Kuang Shaolong , Leung Kwok‐sui , Wang Tianmiao , Hu Lei , Chui Elvis , Liu Wenyong , Wang Yu
Published: July 2012

Background

Image guided navigation systems (IGNS) have been implemented successfully in orthopaedic trauma surgery procedures because of their ability to help surgeons position and orient hand‐held drills at optimal entry points. However, current IGNS cannot prevent drilling tools or instruments from slipping or deviating from the planned trajectory during the drilling process. A method is therefore needed to overcome such problems.

Methods

A novel passive/active hybrid robot (the HybriDot) for positioning and supporting surgical tools and instruments while drilling and/or cutting in orthopaedic trauma surgery is presented in this paper. This new robot, consisting of a circular prismatic joint and five passive/active back‐drivable joints, is designed to fulfill clinical needs. In this paper, a system configuration and three operational modes are introduced and analyzed. Workspace and layout in the operating theatre (OT) are also analyzed in order to validate the structure design. Finally, experiments to evaluate the feasibility of the robot system are described.

Results

Analysis, simulation, and experimental results show that the novel structure of the robot can provide an appropriate workspace without risk of collision within OT environments during operation. The back‐drivable joint mechanism can provide surgeons with more safety and flexibility in operational modes. The mean square value of the positional accuracy of this robot is 0.811 mm, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.361 mm; the orientation is accurate to within 2.186º, with a SD of 0.932º. Trials on actual patients undergoing surgery for distal locking of intramedullary nails were successfully conducted in one pass using the robot.

Conclusion

This robot has the advantages of having an appropriate workspace, being well designed for human–robot cooperation, and having high accuracy, sufficient rigidity, and easy deployability within the OT for use in common orthopaedic trauma surgery tasks such as screw fixation and drilling assistance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing an Eclipse editor for MARC records using Xtext
Authors: Surla Bojana Dimić
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we present the idea of developing an editor for MAchine‐Readable Cataloguing records that is part of a library management system. The idea was realized and implemented as a part of the library management system BISIS. The objective was to generate an Eclipse plug‐in of the editor in an Xtext environment by specifying the Xtext grammar and generating an Eclipse Modelling Framework model of the MAchine‐Readable Cataloguing record. The next step was to specify additional features of the editor in the Xtext environment such as content assist and constraints on the record used for checking the correctness of the input. The implementation of additional functionalities of the editor was carried out in the Eclipse plug‐in development environment, and user interface components were implemented by using Standard Widget Toolkit and JFace libraries. A special emphasis is placed on the Eclipse extension model that relies on the Open Services Gateway initiative standard and enables efficient implementation of the systems with a component‐based, service‐oriented architecture. We took advantage of that model and created an extensible and adoptable application that can be used by any database management system and can be integrated in other library management systems. Finally, we discuss a possible way of extracting applications from Eclipse by using Rich Client Platform technology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Total Oxygen Content on the Machinability of Low Carbon Resulfurized Free Cutting Steel
Authors: Liu Haitao , Chen Weiqing
Published: July 2012

The effect of total oxygen content on the machinability of low carbon resulfurized free cutting steel was studied by means of machinability tests, metallographic, and scanning electron microscopy observation. The results showed that the total oxygen content had a notable effect on the machinability of SAE 1215 steel. The best machinability of the steel in terms of tool life and surface roughness could be obtained by controlling the total oxygen content at 0.0105 and 0.0125 wt%. When total oxygen content in the steel was less than 0.0105 wt%, the machinability of the steel was increased with the increase of total oxygen content because of the significant reduction of the aspect ratio of MnS inclusions. However, when total oxygen content in the steel was more than 0.0125 wt%, the machinability of the steel was deteriorated dramatically with the increase of total oxygen content, which was attributed to that the amount and the size of oxide inclusions (MnO–Al2O3, MnO–SiO2, and 2MnO–SiO2) with high hardness and high melting point both had a significant increase, and some MnS inclusions were also wrapped by the MnO–SiO2 and 2MnO–SiO2 hard oxides. Furthermore, the tool wear would reach the maximum when total oxygen in the steel rose to 0.0150 wt%.
An in‐Depth Model‐Based Analysis of Decarburization in the AOD Process
Authors: Andersson Nils Å. I. , Tilliander Anders , Jonsson Lage T. I. , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: July 2012

A previously reported flow and reaction model for an argon‐oxygen decarburization converter was extended to also include a thermodynamic description. An in‐depth study of the model results has been conducted to answer how concentrations of elements and species in the converter at different locations change with time. This may contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of the refining procedure in the argon‐oxygen decarburization process. The refining procedure includes several step‐wise changes of an injected gas composition to higher and higher inert gas ratio, called step changes. A step change leads to a decreased partial pressure of carbon monoxide and maintains the decarburization at a higher efficiency. The results shows early and late concentration profiles for the first injection step and suggests a way to determine when a step change should be made. Moreover, the step change could be determined by calculating the carbon concentration profiles and deciding when the carbon concentration gradients start to diminish.
The Development of Boronic Acids as Sensors and Separation Tools
Authors: Fossey John S. , D'Hooge Francois , van den Elsen Jean M. H. , Pereira Morais Marta P. , Pascu Sofia I. , Bull Steven D. , Marken Frank , Jenkins A. Toby A. , Jiang Yun‐Bao , James Tony D.
Published: July 2012

Synthetic receptors for diols that incorporate boronic acid motifs have been developed as new sensors and separation tools. Utilizing the reversible interactions of diols with boronic acids to form boronic esters under new binding regimes has provided new hydrogel constructs that have found use as dye‐displacement sensors and electrophoretic separation tools; similarly, molecular boronic‐acid‐containing chemosensors were constructed that offer applications in the sensing of diols. This review provides a somewhat‐personal perspective of developments in boronic‐acid‐mediated sensing and separation, placed in the context of the seminal works of others in the area, as well as offering a concise summary of the contributions of the co‐authors in the area. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201200006
Exploring the Use of the iPad for Literacy Learning
Authors: Hutchison Amy , Beschorner Beth , Schmidt‐Crawford Denise
Published: July 2012

The goal of this investigation was to explore how a fourth grade teacher could integrate iPads into her literacy instruction to simultaneously teach print‐based and digital literacy goals. The teacher used iPads for a three‐week period during her literacy instruction and selected apps that provided unique approaches to helping the students meet their literacy learning goals.

An explanation of how to develop lessons that meaningfully integrate iPads is presented, as well as lessons learned from the project. Considerations for integrating tablets, such as the iPad, into literacy instruction are provided.

Because iPads and similar tablets are relatively unexplored as tools for literacy learning, this work may provide a foundation for teachers and leaders making decisions about whether mobile devices such as these can be useful in literacy classrooms.
Molecular genetic, cardiac and neurodevelopmental findings in cases of prenatally diagnosed rhabdomyoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Lee K. A , Won H.‐S. , Shim J.‐Y. , Lee P. R. , Kim A.
Published: July 2012

Objective

Rhabdomyoma is the most common type of cardiac tumor in fetuses and is often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) with neurologic sequelae. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardiac and neurodevelopmental outcomes of fetal rhabdomyoma.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical characteristics of 23 cases of cardiac rhabdomyoma diagnosed prenatally by fetal echocardiography at the Asan Medical Center between January 1998 and December 2009. We also reviewed postnatal results of brain magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, renal ultrasound examination and molecular genetic analysis to confirm the presence of cardiac rhabdomyoma with or without TSC.

Results

Among 23 cases, outcome data were available for 17 (73.9%) and six cases (26.1%) were lost to follow‐up. The survival rate was 100.0% (17/17). Among the 17 cases with outcome data, spontaneous tumor regression occurred in eight (47.1%), and no change in tumor size and number was observed in the remaining nine cases (52.9%). There was no evidence of long‐term cardiac dysfunction caused by persisting rhabdomyomas, regardless of tumor size. TSC was found in nine patients (52.9%), of whom five (55.6%) showed neurodevelopmental morbidity. We identified mutations in one of the TSC1 or TSC2 genes in four of nine TSC infants whose parents allowed us to perform molecular genetic analysis. Three of these (75.0%) were found to have neurologic impairment. Seven (77.8%) of nine TSC cases were non‐familial.

Conclusions

The overall outcome of isolated cardiac rhabdomyoma appears to be favorable. We suggest that systematic postnatal evaluation of TSC be performed even in cases of cardiac rhabdomyoma without a family history of TSC. Molecular characterization of TSC1 and TSC2 might be helpful in predicting short‐ and long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes.Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.