bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Pyrrolophenanthridine Alkaloids Based on C(sp3)H and C(sp2)H Functionalization Reactions
Authors: Tsukano Chihiro , Muto Nobusuke , Enkhtaivan Iderbat , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: July 2014

Assoanine, pratosine, hippadine, and dehydroanhydrolycorine belong to the pyrrolophenanthridine family of alkaloids, which are isolated from plants of the Amaryllidaceae species. Structurally, these alkaloids are characterized by a tetracyclic skeleton that contains a biaryl moiety and an indole core, and compounds belonging to this class have received considerable interest from researchers in a number of fields because of their biological properties and the challenges associated with their synthesis. Herein, a strategy for the total synthesis of these alkaloids by using CH activation chemistry is described. The tetracyclic skeleton was constructed in a stepwise manner by C(sp3)H functionalization followed by a Catellani reaction, including C(sp2)H functionalization. A one‐pot reaction involving both C(sp3)H and C(sp2)H functionalization was also attempted. This newly developed strategy is suitable for the facile preparation of various analogues because it uses simple starting materials and does not require protecting groups.
Serial transverse enteroplasty to facilitate enteral autonomy in selected children with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Wester T , Borg H , Naji H , Stenström P , Westbacke G , Lilja H E
Published: July 2014

Background

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) was first described in 2003 as a method for lengthening and tapering of the bowel in short bowel syndrome. The aim of this multicentre study was to review the outcome of a Swedish cohort of children who underwent STEP.

Methods

All children who had a STEP procedure at one of the four centres of paediatric surgery in Sweden between September 2005 and January 2013 were included in this observational cohort study. Demographic details, and data from the time of STEP and at follow-up were collected from the case records and analysed.

Results

Twelve patients had a total of 16 STEP procedures; four children underwent a second STEP. The first STEP was performed at a median age of 5·8 (range 0·9–19·0) months. There was no death at a median follow-up of 37·2 (range 3·0–87·5) months and no child had small bowel transplantation. Seven of the 12 children were weaned from parenteral nutrition at a median of 19·5 (range 2·3–42·9) months after STEP.

Conclusion

STEP is a useful procedure for selected patients with short bowel syndrome and seems to facilitate weaning from parenteral nutrition. At mid-term follow-up a majority of the children had achieved enteral autonomy. The study is limited by the small sample size and lack of a control group.
Comparison and analysis of objective functions in flux balance analysis
Authors: García Sánchez Carlos Eduardo , Torres Sáez Rodrigo Gonzalo
Published: July 2014

Flux balance analysis (FBA) is currently one of the most important and used techniques for estimation of metabolic reaction rates (fluxes). This mathematical approach utilizes an optimization criterion in order to select a distribution of fluxes from the feasible space delimited by the metabolic reactions and some restrictions imposed over them, assuming that cellular metabolism is in steady state. Therefore, the obtained flux distribution depends on the specific objective function used. Multiple studies have been aimed to compare distinct objective functions at given conditions, in order to determine which of those functions produces values of fluxes closer to real data when used as objective in the FBA; in other words, what is the best objective function for modeling cell metabolism at a determined environmental condition. However, these comparative studies have been designed in very dissimilar ways, and in general, several factors that can change the ideal objective function in a cellular condition have not been adequately considered. Additionally, most of them have used only one dataset for representing one condition of cell growth, and different measuring techniques have been used. For these reasons, a rigorous study on the effect of factors such as the quantity of used data, the number and type of fluxes utilized as input data, and the selected classification of growth conditions, are required in order to obtain useful conclusions for these comparative studies, allowing limiting clearly the application range on any of those results. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:985–991, 2014
Toxicity of Thiophenes from Echinops transiliensis (Asteraceae) against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Ali Abbas , Ur Rehman Junaid , Mamonov Leonid K. , Cantrell Charles L. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: July 2014

Structureactivity relationships of nine thiophenes, 2,2′: 5′,2″‐terthiophene (1), 2‐chloro‐4‐[5‐(penta‐1,3‐diyn‐1‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]but‐3‐yn‐1‐yl acetate (2), 4‐(2,2′‐bithiophen‐5‐yl)but‐3‐yne‐1,2‐diyl diacetate (3), 4‐[5‐(penta‐1,3‐diyn‐1‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]but‐3‐yne‐1,2‐diyl diacetate (4), 4‐(2,2′‐bithiophen‐5‐yl)‐2‐hydroxybut‐3‐yn‐1‐yl acetate (5), 2‐hydroxy‐4‐[5‐(penta‐1,3‐diyn‐1‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]but‐3‐yn‐1‐yl acetate (6), 1‐hydroxy‐4‐[5‐(penta‐1,3‐diyn‐1‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]but‐3‐yn‐2‐yl acetate (7), 4‐(2,2′‐bithiophen‐5‐yl)but‐3‐yne‐1,2‐diol (8), and 4‐[5‐(penta‐1,3‐diyn‐1‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl]but‐3‐yne‐1,2‐diol (9), isolated from the roots of Echinops transiliensis, were studied as larvicides against Aedes aegypti. Structural differences among compounds 3, 5, and 8 consisted in differing AcO and OH groups attached to C(3″) and C(4″), and resulted in variations in efficacy. Terthiophene 1 showed the highest activity (LC50, 0.16 μg/ml) among compounds 1–9, followed by bithiophene compounds 3 (LC50, 4.22 μg/ml), 5 (LC50, 7.45 μg/ml), and 8 (LC50, 9.89 μg/ml), and monothiophene compounds 9 (LC50, 12.45 μg/ml), 2 (LC50, 14.71 μg/ml), 4 (LC50, 17.95 μg/ml), 6 (LC50, 18.55 μg/ml), and 7 (LC50, 19.97 μg/ml). These data indicated that A. aegypti larvicidal activities of thiophenes increase with increasing number of thiophene rings, and the most important active site in the structure of thiophenes could be the tetrahydro‐thiophene moiety. In bithiophenes, 3, 5, and 8, A. aegypti larvicidal activity increased with increasing number of AcO groups attached to C(3″) or C(4″), indicating that AcO groups may play an important role in the larvicidal activity.
Leaf n‐Alkanes as Characters Differentiating Coastal and Continental Juniperus deltoides Populations from the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Rajčević Nemanja , Janaćković Pedja , Dodoš Tanja , Tešević Vele , Bojović Srdjan , Marin Petar D.
Published: July 2014

The composition of the cuticular n‐alkanes isolated from the leaves of nine populations of Juniperus deltoides R.P.Adams from continental and coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula was characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. In the leaf waxes, 14 n‐alkane homologues with chain‐lengths ranging from C22 to C35 were identified. n‐Tritriacontane (C33) was dominant in the waxes of all populations, but variations between the populations in the contents of all n‐alkanes were observed. Several statistical methods (ANOVA, principal component, discriminant, and cluster analyses) were used to investigate the diversity and variability of the cuticular‐leaf‐n‐alkane patterns of the nine J. deltoides populations. This is the first report on the n‐alkane composition for this species. The multivariate statistical analyses evidenced a high correlation of the leaf‐n‐alkane pattern with the geographical distribution of the investigated samples, differentiating the coastal from the continental populations of this taxon.
Phytochemical Diversity of the Essential Oils of Mexican Oregano (Lippia graveolensKunth) Populations along an Edapho‐Climatic Gradient
Authors: Calvo‐Irabién Luz María , Parra‐Tabla Victor , Acosta‐Arriola Violeta , Escalante‐Erosa Fabiola , Díaz‐Vera Luciana , Dzib Gabriel R. , Peña‐Rodríguez Luis Manuel
Published: July 2014

Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is an important aromatic plant, mainly used as flavoring and usually harvested from non‐cultivated populations. Mexican oregano essential oil showed important variation in the essential‐oil yield and composition. The composition of the essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from 14 wild populations of L. graveolens growing along an edaphoclimatic gradient was evaluated. Characterization of the oils by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses allowed the identification of 70 components, which accounted for 89–99% of the total oil composition. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses divided the essential oils into three distinct groups with contrasting oil compositions, viz., two phenolic chemotypes, with either carvacrol (C) or thymol (T) as dominant compounds (contents >75% of the total oil composition), and a non‐phenolic chemotype (S) dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes. While Chemotype C was associated with semi‐arid climate and shallower and rockier soils, Chemotype T was found for plants growing under less arid conditions and in deeper soils. The plants showing Chemotype S were more abundant in subhumid climate. High‐oil‐yield individuals (>3%) were identified, which additionally presented high percentages of either carvacrol or thymol; these individuals are of interest, as they could be used as parental material for scientific and commercial breeding programs.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Growth Inhibition on Medical Plastic Materials by Immobilized Esterases and Acylase
Authors: Kisch Johannes Martin , Utpatel Christian , Hilterhaus Lutz , Streit Wolfgang R. , Liese Andreas
Published: July 2014

Biofilms are matrix‐encapsulated cell aggregates that cause problems in technical and health‐related areas; for example, 65 % of all human infections are biofilm associated. This is mainly due to their ameliorated resistance against antimicrobials and immune systems. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a biofilm‐forming organism, is commonly responsible for nosocomial infections. Biofilm development is partly mediated by signal molecules, such as acyl‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Gram‐negative bacteria. We applied horse liver esterase, porcine kidney acylase, and porcine liver esterase; these can hydrolyze AHLs, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. As biofilm infections are often related to foreign material introduced into the human body, we immobilized the enzymes on medical plastic materials. Biofilm formation was quantified by Crystal Violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, revealing up to 97 % (on silicone), 54 % (on polyvinyl chloride), and 77 % (on polyurethane) reduced biomass after 68 h growth.
Drug Encapsulation and Release by Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: The Effect of Surface Functional Groups
Authors: Tan Si Yu , Ang Chung Yen , Li Peizhou , Yap Qi Ming , Zhao Yanli
Published: July 2014

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) have been widely used as drug carriers for stimuli‐responsive drug delivery. Herein, a catalysis screening technique was adopted for analyzing the effects of chain length, terminal group, and density of disulfide‐appended functional ligands on the surface of MSNPs on drug‐loading capacity and glutathione‐triggered drug‐release kinetics. The ligand with an intermediate length (5 carbon atoms) and a bulky terminal group (cyclohexyl) that complexes with theβ‐cyclodextrin ring showed the highest drug loading capacity as well as good release kinetics. In addition, decreasing the surface coverage of the functional ligands led to an enhancement in drug release. In vitro drug‐delivery experiments on a melanoma cell line (B16‐F10) by using the functionalized MSNPs further supported the conclusion. The results obtained may serve as a general guide for developing more effective MSNP systems for drug delivery.
Thermodynamic Properties of the Isomers of [HNOS], [HNO2S], and [HNOS2] and the Role of the Central Sulfur
Authors: Méndez Mariano , Francisco Joseph S. , Dixon David A.
Published: July 2014

Simple hydrides of compounds containing N, S, and O are of significant interest due to the role that they play in atmospheric chemistry and in biological pathways. There is a lack of quantitative thermodynamic data on these compounds. We have used a reliable computational chemistry approach based on valence CCSD(T) calculations extrapolated to the complete basis set limit with additional corrections to predict the heats of formation and bond dissociation energies of such compounds. The results show that compounds with the ability of the central S atom to effectively expand its valency leads to more stable isomers and, as a consequence, that those with the NSO structural motif are thermochemically more stable than those with the SNO motif. In addition, SO bonds are preferred over NO bonds.
Kinetics and Thermodynamic Studies of Oxytetracycline Mineralization Using UV/H2O2
Authors: Rahmah Anisa Ur , Harimurti Sabtanti , Omar Abdul Aziz , Murugesan Thanapalan
Published: July 2014

Oxytetracycline (OTC), a widely used antibiotic, was taken as the model contaminant to study the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of mineralization using a UV/H2O2 system. Mineralization experiments were carried out at different initial OTC concentrations of 0.0156–0.0531 M, initial H2O2 concentrations of 0.043–0.116 M and at a temperature range of 20 − 50°C. The OTC mineralization process was monitored by measuring the total organic carbon as well as H2O2 consumption. The analysis of mineralization data showed two phases of mineralization: phase I: 0 ≤ t ≤ 30 min and phase II: 30 ≤ t ≤ 180 min. Based on this, the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were established. The order of reaction obtained for organic C and H2O2 is 0.624 and 0.599 (phase I) and 0.954 and 0.062 (phase II), respectively. Based on this kinetic model, the OTC degradation rate constants were 0.0069 min−1 (phase I) and 0.0051 min−1 (phase II). The activation energy for phase I and phase II oxidation was 10.236 and 9.913 kJ mol−1, respectively. The estimated Δ#G and Δ#H values are positive, whereas negative Δ#S values were obtained.
Effects of Nitrogen Pollution on Periphyton Distribution, Elemental Composition and Assemblage Shifts in River Ecosystems
Authors: Tang Wenzhong , Shan Baoqing , Cui Jingguo , Zhao Yu , Zhang Wenqiang
Published: July 2014

Ecological stoichiometry (ES) can provide a good insight and predictive power for environmental research. For some years, it has been suggested that ES should be used in river ecosystem studies. This study applied this method to a river system of Hai River Basin (HRB), to identify which pollutants affect periphyton distribution and how pollutants affect periphyton stoichiometry. In rivers with different levels of nitrogen (N) pollution, periphyton could be classified into three groups based on typologies as follows: attached diatoms (AD), filamentous algae (FA), and filamentous algae with epiphyte (FE). AD represented clean ambient water, FE indicated slight pollution, and FA showed that water had been contaminated by N. Ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N) was the main factor of periphyton distribution and assemblage shifts. The carbon/N ratio differed significantly between the groups, and values were 14 for AD, 12 for FE, and ten for FA. The N/phosphorus (P) ratios for AD, FE, and FA were 47, 24, and 19, respectively. NH4+‐N and total P (TP) controlled the N/P ratio of AD, NOx–‐N (nitrite and nitrate–nitrogen) controlled the N/P ratio of FE and TP controlled the N/P ratio of FA. Based on the changes observed in periphyton assemblages in the HRB, managing and controlling N pollution in freshwater, especially from NH4+‐N, should be prioritized.
Synthesis of Potassium‐Modified Graphitic Carbon Nitride with High Photocatalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Ming , Yan Jun‐Min , Tang Xian‐nian , Zhao Ming , Jiang Qing
Published: July 2014

Potassium‐modified graphitic carbon nitride (K‐g‐C3N4) nanosheets are synthesized by a facile KCl‐template method that holds the advantage of easy removal of residual template. A combination of XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma analyses are utilized to characterize the obtained resultant K‐g‐C3N4 architectures, which are composed of nanosheets of variable thickness (<10 nm). Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution experiments under visible light irradiation showed that K‐g‐C3N4 nanosheets have high photocatalytic activities (up to about thirteen times higher than that of pure g‐C3N4) as well as good stability (no reduction in activity within 16 h); both features emanate from their unique structural characteristics. These results illustrate the viability of this methodology for the facile synthesis of efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts for potential commercial applications.
Characterization of missense alleles of the glial cells missing Gene of Drosophila
Authors: Jones Bradley W.
Published: July 2014

Glial cells missing (Gcm) is the primary regulator of glial cell fate in Drosophila. Gcm belongs to a small family of transcriptional regulators involved in fundamental developmental processes found in diverse animal phyla including vertebrates. Gcm proteins contain the highly conserved DNA‐binding GCM domain, which recognizes an octamer DNA sequence. To date, studies in Drosophila have primarily relied on gcm alleles caused by P‐element induced DNA deletions at the gcm locus, as well as a null allele caused by a single base pair substitution in the GCM domain that completely abolishes DNA binding. Here I characterize two hypomorphic missense alleles of gcm with intermediate glial cells missing phenotypes. In embryos homozygous for either of these gcm alleles the number of glial cells in the central nervous cystem (CNS) is reduced approximately in half. Both alleles have single amino acid changes in the GCM domain. These results suggest that Gcm protein activities in these mutant alleles have been attenuated such that they are operating at threshold levels, and trigger glial cell differentiation in neural precursors in the CNS in a stochastic fashion. These hypomorphic alleles provide additional genetic resources for understanding Gcm functions and structure in Drosophila and other species. genesis 52:864–869, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Survival relative to new and ancestral host plants, phytoplasma infection, and genetic constitution in host races of a polyphagous insect disease vector
Authors: Maixner Michael , Albert Andreas , Johannesen Jes
Published: July 2014

Dissemination of vectorborne diseases depends strongly on the vector's host range and the pathogen's reservoir range. Because vectors interact with pathogens, the direction and strength of a vector's host shift is vital for understanding epidemiology and is embedded in the framework of ecological specialization. This study investigates survival in host‐race evolution of a polyphagous insect disease vector, Hyalesthes obsoletus, whether survival is related to the direction of the host shift (from field bindweed to stinging nettle), the interaction with plant‐specific strains of obligate vectored pathogens/symbionts (stolbur phytoplasma), and whether survival is related to genetic differentiation between the host races. We used a twice repeated, identical nested experimental design to study survival of the vector on alternative hosts and relative to infection status. Survival was tested with Kaplan–Meier analyses, while genetic differentiation between vector populations was quantified with microsatellite allele frequencies. We found significant direct effects of host plant (reduced survival on wrong hosts) and sex (males survive longer than females) in both host races and relative effects of host (nettle animals more affected than bindweed animals) and sex (males more affected than females). Survival of bindweed animals was significantly higher on symptomatic than nonsymptomatic field bindweed, but in the second experiment only. Infection potentially had a positive effect on survival in nettle animals but due to low infection rates the results remain suggestive. Genetic differentiation was not related to survival. Greater negative plant‐transfer effect but no negative effect of stolbur in the derived host race suggests preadaptation to the new pathogen/symbiont strain before strong diversifying selection during the specialization process. Physiological maladaptation or failure to accept the ancestral plant will have similar consequences, namely positive assortative mating within host races and a reduction in the likelihood of oviposition on the alternative plant and thus the acquisition of alternative stolbur strains.
High‐Efficiency Motors Using Soft Magnetic Cores
Authors: Tokoi Hirooki , Kawamata Shoichi , Enomoto Yuji
Published: July 2014

We have developed a small and highly efficient axial gap motor whose stator core consists of a soft magnetic core. First, the loss sensitivities to various motor design parameters were evaluated by magnetic field analysis. Low sensitivity to the pole number and core dimensions ( ⩽ 2.2 dB) was found for the total loss, which is the sum of the copper loss and the iron losses in the stator core and the rotor yoke. From this we concluded that to improve the motor efficiency, it is essential to reduce the iron loss in the rotor yoke and to minimize the other losses. With this in mind, a prototype axial gap motor was manufactured and tested. The motor has four poles and six slots. The motor is 123 mm in diameter and the axial length is 47 mm. The rotor has parallel magnetized magnets and a rotor yoke with magnetic steel sheets. The maximum measured rotor efficiency is 93%. This value roughly agrees with the maximum calculated efficiency of 95%.
Synthesis, Characterization, Magnetic and Catalytic Properties of a Ladder‐Shaped MnII Coordination Polymer
Authors: Lymperopoulou Smaragda , Papastergiou Maria , Louloudi Maria , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Milios Constantinos J. , Plakatouras John C.
Published: July 2014

[Mn(LH)(H2O)]n {1, where LH2– is the dianion of N‐(4‐carboxybenzyl)iminodiacetic acid} has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been determined. The crystal of 1 is built from 1D polymeric ladder‐shaped chains that extend to a 3D supramolecular architecture through H‐bonds. The compound was characterized with spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques. Variable‐temperature magnetic data suggest that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions. Compound 1 has been evaluated as a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst. It catalyzes alkene epoxidation selectively in relatively high yields.
Elucidating the Origin of Enhanced Phosphorescence Emission in the Solid State (EPESS) in Cyclometallated Iridium Complexes
Authors: Howarth Ashlee J. , Patia Raissa , Davies David L. , Lelj Francesco , Wolf Michael O. , Singh Kuldip
Published: July 2014

A new mechanism for enhanced phosphorescence emission in the solid state (EPESS) in cyclometallated Ir complexes with the general formula [Ir(CN)2(NO)] involving distortion of the six‐membered chelate ring of the ancillary ligand is proposed. Photophysical and computational studies show that neither π‐stacking nor restricted rotation cause the observed EPESS in these complexes and that ligand distortions in the triplet excited state are responsible for EPESS
Antinociceptive activity of the new triple reuptake inhibitor NS18283 in a mouse model of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Hache G. , Guiard B.P. , Nguyen T.H. , Quesseveur G. , Gardier A.M. , Peters D. , Munro G. , Coudoré F.
Published: July 2014

Background

Chronic neuropathic pain can lead to anxiety and depression. Drugs that block reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and/or dopamine are widely used to treat depression, and have emerged as useful drugs in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This study compared the acute antinociceptive effects of NS18283, a novel triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (MRI) with indatraline, venlafaxine and escitalopram in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Method

Neuropathic pain‐like behaviours were induced in mice by repeated injections of oxaliplatin (OXA), and assessed using the von Frey hair test, the cold plate test and the thermal preference plate test. Anxio/depressive phenotype and antidepressant‐like properties of compounds were assessed by the novelty suppressed feeding test and the tail suspension test, respectively.

Results

In vivo microdialysis experiments showed that each MRI increased extracellular serotonin, norepinephrine and/or dopamine levels in the cingulate cortex, in agreement with their in vitro reuptake inhibitory properties. Indatraline (3 mg/kg) reversed the full repertoire of OXA‐induced neuropathic hypersensitivity. NS18283 (10 mg/kg) reversed OXA‐induced mechano‐hypersensitivity and cold allodynia. Venlafaxine (16 mg/kg) and escitalopram (4 mg/kg) only reversed cold allodynia and mechano‐hypersensitivity, respectively. All MRIs produced antidepressant‐like activity in anxio/depressive phenotype of OXA mice.

Conclusions

Acute administration of drugs that enhance the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmission within nociceptive pathways may provide a broader spectrum of antinociception than dual or selective reuptake inhibitors in animal models of neuropathic pain. Whether similar observations would occur after repeated administration of such compounds in an attempt to simulate dosing in humans, or be compromised by dopaminergic‐mediated adverse effects warrants further investigation.
Synthesis of novel perphenylcarbamated β‐cyclodextrin based chiral stationary phases via thiol‐ene click chemistry
Authors: Huang Guang , Ou Junjie , Zhang Xiaodan , Ji Yongsheng , Peng Xiaojun , Zou Hanfa
Published: July 2014

Novel cyclodextrin (CD) chiral stationary phases (CD‐CSPs) with well‐defined structure have been successfully synthesized by immobilization of mono/di(10‐undecenoyl)‐perphenylaminocarbonyl β‐CD on the 3‐mercaptopropyl functionalized silica gel via thiol‐ene click chemistry. The phenyl carbamate groups on the rims of CD extended the cavity of CD‐CSPs, which facilitated the formation of inclusion complex with various types of racemic compounds under RP mode, and also improved the π‐π stacking interaction, dipole‐dipole interaction, and hydrogen bonding interaction with racemic compounds under normal phase mode. Fifteen racemic compounds were successfully separated on this CD‐CSP with HPLC, and the chromatographic results also demonstrated that thiol‐ene click chemistry affords a facile approach for preparation of CSPs.
Displacement amplification factors for steel eccentrically braced frames
Authors: Kuşy𝚤lmaz Ahmet , Topkaya Cem
Published: July 2014

Inelastic deformation capacity of links is a factor that significantly influences design of steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs). The link rotation angle is used to describe inelastic link deformation. The link rotation angle is generally calculated by making use of design story drifts that in turn are calculated by modifying the elastic displacements by a displacement amplification factor. This paper presents a numerical study undertaken to evaluate the displacement amplification factor given in ASCE7‐10 for EBFs and the rigid‐plastic mechanism used for calculating link rotation angles. A total of 72 EBFs were designed by considering the number of stories, the bay width, the link length to bay width ratio, and the seismic hazard level as the prime variables. All structures were analyzed using elastic and inelastic time history analyses. The results indicated that the displacement amplification factor given in ASCE7‐10 provides unconservative estimates of the story drifts. On the other hand, the rigid‐plastic mechanism provides conservative estimates of link rotations. Based on the results of the numerical study, a new set of displacement amplification factors that vary along the height of the structure and modifications to the rigid‐plastic mechanism were developed. In light of the proposed modifications, the EBFs were redesigned and analyzed using inelastic time history analysis. The results indicated that the proposed modifications provide improvements for the displacement amplification factor and link rotation angle calculation procedures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute sensitivity of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to copper, cadmium, or zinc in water-only laboratory exposures
Authors: Calfee Robin D. , Little Edward E. , Puglis Holly J. , Scott Erinn , Brumbaugh William G. , Mebane Christopher A.
Published: July 2014

The acute toxicity of cadmium, copper, and zinc to white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were determined for 7 developmental life stages in flow-through water-only exposures. Metal toxicity varied by species and by life stage. Rainbow trout were more sensitive to cadmium than white sturgeon across all life stages, with median effect concentrations (hardness-normalized EC50s) ranging from 1.47 µg Cd/L to 2.62 µg Cd/L with sensitivity remaining consistent during later stages of development. Rainbow trout at 46 d posthatch (dph) ranked at the 2nd percentile of a compiled database for Cd species sensitivity distribution with an EC50 of 1.46 µg Cd/L and 72 dph sturgeon ranked at the 19th percentile (EC50 of 3.02 µg Cd/L). White sturgeon were more sensitive to copper than rainbow trout in 5 of the 7 life stages tested with biotic ligand model (BLM)-normalized EC50s ranging from 1.51 µg Cu/L to 21.9 µg Cu/L. In turn, rainbow trout at 74 dph and 95 dph were more sensitive to copper than white sturgeon at 72 dph and 89 dph, indicating sturgeon become more tolerant in older life stages, whereas older trout become more sensitive to copper exposure. White sturgeon at 2 dph, 16 dph, and 30 dph ranked in the lower percentiles of a compiled database for copper species sensitivity distribution, ranking at the 3rd (2 dph), 5th (16 dph), and 10th (30 dph) percentiles. White sturgeon were more sensitive to zinc than rainbow trout for 1 out of 7 life stages tested (2 dph with an biotic ligand model–normalized EC50 of 209 µg Zn/L) and ranked in the 1st percentile of a compiled database for zinc species sensitivity distribution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2259–2272. © 2014. The Authors. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published byWiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
A New Procedure for the Synthesis of Optically Active t‐Butylphenylphosphinothioic Acid
Authors: Drabowicz Józef , Pokora‐Sobczak Patrycja , Zając Adrian , Wach‐Panfiłow Paulina
Published: July 2014

A new procedure for the synthesis of optically active t‐butylophenylphosphinothioic acid as an enantiomerically pure dextrorotatory enantiomer having the absolute configuration (R), by a reaction of the racemate of secondary t‐butylphenylphosphine oxide with elemental sulfur in the presence of a molar equivalent of the levorotatory enantiomer of enantiomerically pure (S)‐α‐phenylethylamine, is reported. It is obvious that with the use of the dextrorotatory enantiomer of α‐phenylethylamine, the levorotatory enantiomer of this thioacid will be isolated.
Three New Pentacyclic Triterpenoids from Centella asiatica
Authors: Shao Yan , Ou‐Yang Dan‐Wei , Gao Wen , Cheng Liang , Weng Xiao‐Xiang , Kong De‐Yun
Published: July 2014

Three new pentacyclic triterpenoids, named centellasaponin I (1), centellasaponin J (2), and centellasaponin E (3), together with three known compounds, were isolated from the whole plants of Centella asiatica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and HR‐MS experiments, and by comparison with literature data.
Generation of Aryl(2‐lithiophenyl)methanone O‐Methyl Oximes and Their Use for the Synthesis of N‐(3‐Alkyl‐1‐aryl‐ or 1,3‐diaryl‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐yl)‐O‐methylhydroxylamines via the Reaction with Nitriles
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Kota , Shirai Yuu , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Inouchi Hiroki , Tanmatsu Miyuki
Published: July 2014

An efficient two‐step procedure for the preparation of a new type of 1H‐isoindoles, i.e., N‐(3‐alkyl‐1‐aryl‐ or 1,3‐diaryl‐1H‐isoindol‐1‐yl)‐O‐methylhydroxylamines 5, from readily available aryl(2‐bromophenyl)methanones 1 has been developed. Aryl(2‐bromophenyl)methanone O‐methyloximes 2, derived from the corresponding ketones, were treated with BuLi in Et2O at 0° to generate novel lithium compounds, aryl(2‐lithiophenyl)methanone O‐methyloximes 3, which were allowed to react with nitriles to give the desired products 5 in moderate‐to‐fair yields.
Brillouin spectroscopy as a new method of screening for increased CSF total protein during bacterial meningitis
Authors: Steelman Zachary , Meng Zhaokai , Traverso Andrew J. , Yakovlev Vladislav V.
Published: July 2014

Bacterial meningitis is a disease of pronounced clinical significance, especially in the developing world. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is essential, and no single test can provide a conclusive diagnosis. It is well established that elevated total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is associated with bacterial meningitis. Brillouin spectroscopy is a widely used optical technique for noninvasive determination of the elastic moduli of materials. We found that elevated protein levels in CSF alter the fluid elasticity sufficiently to be measurable by Brillouin spectroscopy, with model healthy and diseased fluids distinguishable to marked significance (P = 0.014), which increases with sample concentration by dialysis.

Typical raw output of a 2‐stage VIPA Brillouin spectrometer: inelastically scattered Brillouin peaks (arrows) and elastically scattered incident radiation (center cross).

magnified image

Typical raw output of a 2‐stage VIPA Brillouin spectrometer: inelastically scattered Brillouin peaks (arrows) and elastically scattered incident radiation (center cross).
Variability in Secondary Structure of 18S Ribosomal RNA as Topological Marker for Identification of Paramecium species
Authors: Shakoori Farah R. , Tasneem Fareeda , Al‐Ghanim K. , Mahboob S. , Al‐Misned F. , Jahan Nusrat , Shakoori Abdul Rauf
Published: July 2014

Besides cytological and molecular applications, Paramecium is being used in water quality assessment and for determination of saprobic levels. An unambiguous identification of these unicellular eukaryotes is not only essential, but its ecological diversity must also be explored in the local environment. 18SrRNA genes of all the strains of Paramecium species isolated from waste water were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Phylogenetic comparison of the nucleotide sequences of these strains with 23 closely related Paramecium species from GenBank Database enabled identification of Paramecium multimicronucleatum and Paramecium jenningsi. Some isolates did not show significant close association with other Paramecium species, and because of their unique position in the phylogenetic tree, they were considered new to the field. In the present report, these isolates are being designated as Paramecium caudatum pakistanicus. In this article, secondary structure of 18SrRNA has also been analyzed as an additional and perhaps more reliable topological marker for species discrimination and for determining possible phylogenetic relationship between the ciliate species. On the basis of comparison of secondary structure of 18SrRNA of various isolated Paramacium strains, and among Paramecium caudatum pakistanicus, Tetrahymena thermophila, Drosophila melanogaster, and Homo sapiens, it can be deduced that variable regions are more helpful in differentiating the species at interspecific level rather than at intraspecific level. It was concluded that V3 was the least variable region in all the organisms, V2 and V7 were the longest expansion segments of D. melanogaster and there was continuous mutational bias towards G.C base pairing in H. sapiens. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2077–2088, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NEGATIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL SENSE OF COMMUNITY: DEVELOPMENT OF A MEASURE AND THEORETICAL IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Mannarini Terri , Rochira Alessia , Talò Cosimo
Published: July 2014

Psychological sense of community (PSOC) has been a focus of extensive research investigation. However, despite the emphasis on the positive aspects of PSOC, scholars have paid relatively little attention on its negative aspects. The present work assumes PSOC to be a bipolar construct (Brodsky, ), introduces negative psychological sense of community (NPSOC) as a centrifugal force that drives individuals away from the community, and reports the development of the NPSOC scale. Community residents (N = 612) were sampled and surveyed to examine the statistical validity and the psychometric properties of the NPSOC scale. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed that the second‐order factor structure of NPSOC (consisting of four first‐order factors) yielded the most satisfactory fit indices, with correlational analyses supporting the construct validity of NPSOC. To lay the foundation for future directions, the concept of NPSOC was further discussed in relation to its implications and to the construct of PSOC.
Short‐term outcomes of seniors aged 80 years and older with acute illness: Hospitalist care by geriatricians and other internists compared
Authors: Ding Yew Yoong , Sun Yan , Tay Jam Chin , Chong Wai Fung
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Although acute geriatric units have improved the outcomes of hospitalized seniors, it is uncertain as to whether hospitalist care by geriatricians outside of these units confers similar benefit.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether hospitalist care by geriatricians reduces short‐term mortality and readmission, and length of stay (LOS) for seniors aged 80 years and older with acute medical illnesses compared with care by other internists.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using administrative and chart review data on demographic, admission‐related, and clinical information of hospital episodes.

SETTING

General internal medicine department of an acute‐care hospital in Singapore from 2005 to 2008.

PATIENTS

Seniors aged 80 years and older with specific focus on 2 subgroups with premorbid functional impairment and acute geriatric syndromes.

INTERVENTION

Hospitalist care by geriatricians compared with care by other internists.

MEASURES

Hospital mortality, 30‐day mortality or readmission, and LOS.

RESULTS

For 1944 hospital episodes (intervention: 968, control: 976), there was a nonsignificant trend toward lower hospital mortality (15.5% vs 16.9%) but not 30‐day mortality or readmission, or LOS for care by geriatricians compared with care by other internists. A marginally stronger trend toward lower hospital mortality for care by geriatricians among those with acute geriatric syndromes (20.2% vs 23.1%) was observed. Similar treatment effects were found after adjustment for demographic, admission‐related, and clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

For seniors aged 80 years and over with acute medical illness, hospitalist care by geriatricians did not significantly reduce short‐term mortality, readmission, or LOS, compared with care by other internists. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:634–639. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Quantifying intra‐ and inter‐fractional motion in breast radiotherapy
Authors: Jones Scott , Fitzgerald Rhys , Owen Rebecca , Ramsay Jonathan
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The magnitude of intra‐ and inter‐fractional variation in the set up of breast cancer patients treated with tangential megavoltage photon beams was investigated using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Methods

Daily cine‐EPID images were captured during delivery of the tangential fields for ten breast cancer patients treated in the supine position. Measurements collected from each image included the central lung distance (CLD), central flash distance (CFD), superior axial measurement (SAM) and the inferior axial measurement (IAM). The variation of motion within a fraction (intra‐fraction) and the variation between fractions (inter‐fraction) was analysed to quantify set up variation and motion due to respiration.

Results

Altogether 3775 EPID images were collected from 10 patients. The effect of respiratory motion during treatment was <0.1 cm standard deviation (SD) in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction. The inter‐fraction movement caused by variations in daily set up was larger at 0.28 cm SD in the AP direction. Superior–inferior (SI) variation was more difficult to summarise and proved unreliable as the measurements were taken to an ambiguous point on the images. It was difficult to discern true SI movement from that implicated by AP movement.

Conclusion

There is minimal intra‐fractional chest wall motion due to respiration during treatment. Inter‐fractional variation was larger, however, on average it remained within departmental tolerance (0.5 cm) for set up variations. This review of our current breast technique provides confidence in the feasibility of utilising advanced treatment techniques (field‐in‐field, intensity modulated radiotherapy or volumetric modulated arc therapy) following a review of the current imaging protocol.
Late Quaternary (15 ka to present) development of a sandy landscape in the Mol area, Campine region, north‐east Belgium
Authors: BEERTEN K. , VANDERSMISSEN N. , DEFORCE K. , VANDENBERGHE N.
Published: July 2014

The geomorphological analysis of two sections cut into a sandy landscape in north‐east Belgium enabled the establishment of a chronology for a sequence of events during the last 15 ka that illustrate the polycyclical nature of the evolution of such landscapes. Field descriptions, analytical sediment and soil characterization, and pollen analysis are combined with the optically stimulated luminescence dating method to unravel the recent geomorphological history of the investigated site. The principal results include apparently discontinuous sand deposition between ∼15 and 12 ka, landscape stabilization and Podzol formation between ∼12 and 1 ka, the development of a drift sand landscape between ∼650 and 200 a, and renewed stabilization over the last two centuries. The results are discussed in the light of climate, land‐use and vegetation changes and compared with findings at similar sites in the European Sand Belt.
Northern European summer temperature variations over the Common Era from integrated tree‐ring density records
Authors: ESPER JAN , DÜTHORN ELISABETH , KRUSIC PAUL J. , TIMONEN MAURI , BÜNTGEN ULF
Published: July 2014

Tree‐ring chronologies of maximum latewood density are most suitable to reconstruct annually resolved summer temperature variations of the late Holocene. The two longest such chronologies have been developed in northern Europe stretching back to the 2nd century BC, and the 5th century AD. We show where similarities between the two chronologies exist, and combine portions of both into a new summer temperature reconstruction for the Common Era. To minimize the transfer of potential biases, we assess the contribution of the candidate reconstructions' measurements, and exclude data (i) from exceptionally young and old trees, and (ii) produced by different laboratory technologies. Our new composite reconstruction reveals warmer conditions during Roman, Medieval and recent times, separated by prolonged cooling during the Migration period and Little Ice Age. Twentieth century warmth, as indicated in one of the existing density records, is reduced in the new reconstruction, also affecting the overall, millennial‐scale, cooling trend over the late Holocene (−0.30 °C per 1000 years). Due to the reduced biological memory, typical for tree‐ring density measurements, the new reconstruction is most suitable for evaluating the rate and speed of abrupt summer cooling following large volcanic eruptions.
Pressure Dependence and Kinetic Isotope Effects in the Absolute Rate Constant for Methoxy Radical Reacting with NO2
Authors: CHAI JIAJUE , DIBBLE THEODORE S.
Published: July 2014

We have investigated the kinetics for the reaction CH3O• + NO2 in N2 bath gas. The rate constants are well‐fit by the Troe expression over the temperature (250–335 K) and pressure range (30–700 Torr) investigated. The termolecular rate constant is given by cm6 molecule−2 s−1, and the rate constant at the high‐pressure limit is given by cm3 molecule−1 s−1. We also studied the kinetics of the reaction of CD3O• + NO2 as a function of temperature and pressure under similar conditions as those for CH3O• + NO2. The resulting low‐ and high‐pressure limiting rate constants are cm6 molecule−2 s−1 and cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively. The rate constants for the two isotopologues track each other closely as the high‐pressure limit is approached. The present results agree with most previous results at 295 K over a range of pressures, but there is substantial disagreement about the temperature dependence.
Evolution and changing trends in surgery for benign Parotid tumors
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Koch Michael , Klintworth Nils , Zenk Johannes , Iro Heinrich
Published: July 2014

Objective/Hypothesis

The ideal extent of surgical intervention for benign parotid tumors remains a matter of controversy. The aim of the study was to trace the development of surgical therapy in a large cohort, explore its changes in a single institution specializing in salivary gland pathologies over the last 12 years, and determine the extent to which a possible shift in the surgical therapy of parotid benign tumors toward less radical methods was correlated with a change in the incidence of facial palsy and Frey's syndrome.

Study Design

Retrospective clinical study.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of the records for all patients treated for benign parotid tumors between 2000 and 2012 at a tertiary referral center was carried out. Surgical methods were classified into four groups: extracapsular dissection, partial superficial parotidectomy, superficial parotidectomy, and complete parotidectomy.

Results

A total of 1,624 patients were included in the study. Our analysis demonstrated an increase in the total number of parotidectomies for benign lesions from 71 (2000) to 184 (2012), mostly due to the increase in extracapsular dissections (from 9 to 123). Increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with a significantly decreased incidence of temporary and permanent facial palsies (from 22.8% to 9% and 9.8% to 5.9%, respectively) and Frey's syndrome (from 11.3% to 1.6%).

Conclusions

One of the most controversial issues in the treatment of benign parotid tumors is the best therapeutic approach to be taken in such patients. Our study showed that increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with better functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:122–127, 2015
Dynamic laser prototyping for biomimetic nanofabrication
Authors: Liu Dong‐Xu , Sun Yun‐Lu , Dong Wen‐Fei , Yang Rui‐Zhu , Chen Qi‐Dai , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: July 2014

Micronanofabrication technologies developed so far pursue faithful conversion from digital models to matter structures. This is vital for microdevices in optics, mechanics, and electronics, where device shape and size matter. However, biotissues grow under rich environmental factor interactions, as demands novel manufacturing approaches for biomimetic and biological fabrication. Here, a concept of dynamic laser prototyping is reported, which is based on a new finding of a multilayered three‐dimensional (3D) wrinkling phenomenon. The 3D wrinkling started with formation of a photocrosslinked hydrogel sheet by femtosecond laser direct writing. It was followed by spontaneous self‐bending of the sheet, caused by a purposely designed sheet–substrate stress mismatch. The flower blooming process has been successfully mimicked, indicating broader usages of the technology in biotissue‐growth‐related manufacturing.