bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid Solutions RE16Rh11–xZx (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; Z = Ga, Zn, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Bi) – Centrosymmetric n = 2 Variants of Parthé’s Homologous Series A5n+6B3n+5
Authors: Tappe Frank , Schappacher Falko M. , Langer Thorsten , Schellenberg Inga , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: July 2012

Several samples of solid solutions RE16Rh11-xZx (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; Z = Ga, Zn, Cd,In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Bi) were synthesized by high-frequency melting of the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, and the structures of eight compounds were refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The compounds crystallize with a centrosymmetric variant (space group P4⁄mbm) of the Ca16Sb11 type (P4̄ 21m). The relation between both structure types is discussed on the basis of a group-subgroup scheme. Only for La16Rh8Sn3 we observed full rhodium-tin ordering. The striking structural motif is a chain of face-sharing square prisms (filled with tin) and anti-prisms (filled with rhodium). The La16Rh8Sn3 structure is closely related to the structure types W5Si3, Ca16Sb11, Y3Rh2, Sm26Co11Ga6, Pu31Pt20, and Yb36Sn23 and is the centrosymmetric n = 2 member of Parthé’s A5n+6B3n+5 series. 119Sn Mössbauer spectra resolved the two crystallographically independent tin sites of La16Rh8Sn3, while a Pr16Rh9Sb2 sample shows only a singlet in its 121Sb Mössbauer spectrum.
An Intramolecular Boron Nitrogen Lewis Acid Base Pair on a Rigid Naphthyl Backbone
Authors: Winkelhaus Daniel , Neumann Beate , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: July 2012

The reaction of (C6F5)2BCl with 8-lithio-N,N-dimethyl-1-naphthylamine (1) afforded the fivemembered ring system 8-bis(pentafluorophenyl)boryl-N,N-dimethyl-1-naphthylamine (2) with an intramolecular dative B-N bond. The compound was characterised by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Disaster Planning for Biotechnology Companies
Authors: Goudsmit Frank
Published: July 2012

An earthquake in Japan cuts off the supply of key equipment and/or pharmaceutical ingredients to a biotechnology company with facilities in the U.S. Â High winds and flooding from a hurricane along the East coastâ€”home to a notable number of biotechnology facilitiesâ€”causes catastrophic property damage. What these cataclysmic events have in common is the wide scale business interruption that is left in their wake. While no company is immune to the threat that natural disasters pose to operations, biotechnology companies also face an increased risk of manmade disasters, from chemical spills and steam explosions to fires intensified by combustible dust. A business interruption of any kind jeopardizes a companyâ€™s critical output and its financial securityâ€”a reality that some never recover from. In order to withstand the crisis and return to business, developing and implementing a business continuity plan, which includes the purchase of insurance protection, is integral to the recovery process. Although the development and implementation of a business continuity plan may require a serious initial financial commitment, it can help protect your biotechnology firm against greater physical and financial loss.
Are laboratory notebooks necessary in a first inventor to file world?
Authors: Lu Deborah L. , Kowalski Thomas , Uthaman Smitha
Published: July 2012

The importance of laboratory notebooks was long touted in the US to prove a date of invention. With the dawning of a first-to-file era in the US, the importance of laboratory notebooks has been questioned. A perspective on the importance of laboratory notebooks is provided as well as an answer to the question whether laboratory notebooks are necessary in a first-to-file regime.
Evaluation of Basic Data Compression Algorithms in a Distributed Environment
Authors: Minhaj Ahmad Khan
Published: July 2012

Data compression methods aim at reducing the data size in order to make data transfer more efficient. To accomplish data compression, the basic algorithms such as Huffman, Lempel-Ziv (LZ), Shannon-Fano (SF) and Run-Length Encoding (RLE) are widely used. Most of the applications incorporate different variants of these algorithms. This paper analyzes the execution times, compression ratio and efficiency of compression methods in a client-server distributed environment. The data from a client is distributed to multiple processors/servers, subsequently compressed by the servers at remote locations, and sent back to the client. Our experimentation has been carried out using Simgrid Framework. Our results show that the LZ algorithm attains better efficiency/scalability and compression ratio, however, it works slower than other algorithms.
Investigating the Influence of Cosmic Rays on Ozone Layer Depletion at Beijing, China
Authors: Bulbul Jan  , M. Ayub Khan Yousuf Zai
Published: July 2012

In the present study monthly and annually data of ozone depth and cosmic rays (CRs) intensity at China Beijing during the period of 1984-2010 have been analyzed to investigate the effects of cosmic rays intensity on ozone layer depletion (OLD). This communication implements statistical analysis on the data sets for the specified period mentioned above. The analyses exhibit that mean monthly variation of cosmic rays intensity increases. Our investigation claims that in the month of May (1984-2010) changes occurred in the decrease the ozone depth due to the increase in cosmic rays intensity .This sort of study confirms cosmic rays influence on the ozone layer depletion.
The changing face of HIV vaccine research
Authors: Kwong Peter D , Mascola John R , Nabel Gary J
Published: July 2012

While there has been remarkable progress in understanding the biology of HIV‐1 and its recognition by the human immune system, we have not yet developed an efficacious HIV‐1 vaccine. Vaccine challenges include the genetic diversity and mutability of HIV‐1 which create a plethora of constantly changing antigens, the structural features of the viral envelope glycoprotein that disguise conserved receptor‐binding sites from the immune system, and the presence of carbohydrate moieties that shield potential epitopes from antibodies. Despite these challenges, there has been significant scientific progress in recent years. In 2009, a large‐scale clinical trial known as RV144 demonstrated that a HIV‐1 vaccine could modestly reduce the incidence of HIV‐1 infection. Further, the identification of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (such as VRC01, a human monoclonal antibody capable of neutralizing over 90% of natural HIV‐1 isolates, as well as PG and PGT antibodies that recognize conserved glycopeptide epitopes) has revealed new opportunities for vaccine design. Our ability to understand HIV‐1 structure and antibody epitopes at the atomic level, the rapid advance of computational and bioinformatics approaches to immunogen design, and our newly acquired knowledge that it is possible for a vaccine to reduce the risk of HIV‐1 infection, have all opened up new and promising pathways towards the development of an urgently needed effective HIV‐1 vaccine. This article summarizes challenges to the development of an HIV‐1 vaccine, lessons learned from scientific investigation and completed vaccine trials, and promising developments in HIV‐1 vaccine design.
Enhanced Nonlinear Effects in Metamaterials and Plasmonics
Authors: Argyropoulos C. , Chen P.-Y. , Alù A.
Published: July 2012

In this paper we provide an overview of the anomalous and enhanced nonlinear effects available when optical nonlinear materials are combined inside plasmonic waveguide structures. Broad, bistable and all-optical switching responses are exhibited at the cut-off frequency of these waveguides, characterized by reduced Q-factor resonances. These phenomena are due to the large field enhancement obtained inside specific plasmonic gratings, which ensures a significant boosting of the nonlinear operation. Several exciting applications are proposed, which may potentially lead to new optical components and add to the optical nanocircuit paradigm.
Iodine‐Catalyzed, Stereo‐ and Regioselective Synthesis of 4‐Arylidine‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazines and their Applications for the Synthesis of Quinazoline 3‐Oxides
Authors: Lee Wen‐Chun , Shen Ho‐Chuan , Hu Wan‐Ping , Lo Wei‐Sheng , Murali Chebrolu , Vandavasi Jaya Kishore , Wang Jeh‐Jeng
Published: July 2012

4‐Benzylidene‐2‐aryl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3] oxazines have been synthesized with high stereoselectivity and regioselectivities from 2‐alkynylbenzamides in the presence of a catalytic amount of I2. In the reaction mechanism, iodine plays a key role in two different aspects as a catalyst, such as to activate the alkyne with the iodinium donor which triggers the cascade, and then as a proper acid source to facilitate catalyst recovery. The benzoxazines have been exploited as potential substrates for the synthesis of quinazoline 3‐oxide derivatives directly in one step.
Characterization on hydrodynamic behavior in liquid‐containing gas‐solid fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Zhou Yefeng , Ren Congjing , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: July 2012

In many industrial processes involving gas–solid fluidized bed rectors, the addition of a liquid phase significantly alters the hydrodynamics. To fully characterize the hydrodynamics in the fluidized bed, pressure and acoustic measuring techniques were applied to study the behavior of gas bubbles and particles. A camera was used to take pictures to verify the pressure and acoustic results. During the liquid‐addition process, the pressure technique captured the bubble size variation and bubble motion while the acoustic technique reflected particle motion and particle size growth. Hurst and V‐statistics analyses of acoustic emission were used for the first time to detect periodic behavior during the injection process. The new break formation and change trend of Vmax were used as the criteria to judge occurrence of abnormal fluidization states, such as agglomeration and gas channeling formation. These measurement techniques are beneficial in the elimination of adverse effects caused by the addition of liquid. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 1056–1065, 2013
From Nanographene and Graphene Nanoribbons to Graphene Sheets: Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Chen Long , Hernandez Yenny , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus
Published: July 2012

Graphene, an individual two‐dimensional, atomically thick sheet of graphite composed of a hexagonal network of sp2 carbon atoms, has been intensively investigated since its first isolation in 2004, which was based on repeated peeling of highly oriented pyrolyzed graphite (HOPG). The extraordinary electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties of graphene make it a promising candidate for practical applications in electronics, sensing, catalysis, energy storage, conversion, etc. Both the theoretical and experimental studies proved that the properties of graphene are mainly dependent on their geometric structures. Precise control over graphene synthesis is therefore crucial for probing their fundamental physical properties and introduction in promising applications. In this Minireview, we highlight the recent progress that has led to the successful chemical synthesis of graphene with a range of different sizes and chemical compositions based on both top‐down and bottom‐up strategies.
Nafion®‐supported oxovanadium‐catalyzed hydrophosphonylation of aldehydes under solventless conditions
Authors: Weng Shiue‐Shien , Lin Guan‐Ying , Li Hsin‐Chun , Yang Kuo‐Chen , Yang Teng‐Mao , Liu Hui‐Chi , Sie Syuan‐Hua
Published: July 2012

A Nafion® resin‐supported oxovanadium(IV) catalyst was readily prepared via ion‐exchange method. This solid vanadyl perfluorinated sulfonate catalyst was used as an efficient and recoverable catalyst for the hydrophosphonylation of various aldehydes under solventless conditions at room temperature. The catalyst could be recovered by simple filtration and reused without a significant loss of activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene Sheet Orientation of Parent Material Exhibits Dramatic Influence on Graphene Properties
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: July 2012

The production of graphene from various sources has garnered much attention in recent years with the development of methods that range from “bottom‐up” to “top‐down” approaches. The top‐down approach often requires thermal treatment to obtain a few‐layered and lowly oxygenated graphene sheets. Herein, we demonstrate the production of graphene through oxidation and thermal‐reduction/exfoliation of two sources of differently orientated graphene sheets: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and stacked graphene nanofibers (SGNFs). These two carbon‐nanofiber‐like materials have similar axial (length: 5–9 μm) and lateral dimensions (diameter: about 100 nm). We demonstrate that, whereas SGNFs exfoliate along the lateral plane between adjacent graphene sheets, carbon nanotubes exfoliate along its longitudinal axis and leads to opening of the carbon nanotubes owing to the built‐in strain. Subsequent thermal exfoliation leads to graphene materials that have, despite the fact that their parent materials exhibited similar dimensions, dramatically different proportions and, consequently, materials properties. Graphene that was prepared from MWCNTs exhibited dimensions of about 5000×300 nm, whereas graphene that was prepared from SGNFs exhibited sheets with dimensions of about 50×50 nm. The density of defects and oxygen‐containing groups on these materials are dramatically different, as are the electrochemical properties. We performed morphological, structural, and electrochemical characterization based on TEM, SEM, high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis on the stepwise conversion of the target source into the exfoliated graphene. Morphological and structural characterization indicated the successful chemical and thermal treatment of the materials. Our findings have shown that the orientation of the graphene sheets in starting materials has a dramatic influence on their chemical, material, and electrochemical properties.
Regression trees for predicting mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: What improvement is achieved by using ensemble‐based methods?
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Lee Douglas S. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Tu Jack V.
Published: July 2012

In biomedical research, the logistic regression model is the most commonly used method for predicting the probability of a binary outcome. While many clinical researchers have expressed an enthusiasm for regression trees, this method may have limited accuracy for predicting health outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the improvement that is achieved by using ensemble‐based methods, including bootstrap aggregation (bagging) of regression trees, random forests, and boosted regression trees. We analyzed 30‐day mortality in two large cohorts of patients hospitalized with either acute myocardial infarction (N = 16,230) or congestive heart failure (N = 15,848) in two distinct eras (1999–2001 and 2004–2005). We found that both the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample prediction of ensemble methods offered substantial improvement in predicting cardiovascular mortality compared to conventional regression trees. However, conventional logistic regression models that incorporated restricted cubic smoothing splines had even better performance. We conclude that ensemble methods from the data mining and machine learning literature increase the predictive performance of regression trees, but may not lead to clear advantages over conventional logistic regression models for predicting short‐term mortality in population‐based samples of subjects with cardiovascular disease.
Transhepatic approach to create stent fenestration in the extracardiac fontan conduit in a child with dextrocardia and interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Turner Daniel R. , Forbes Thomas J.
Published: July 2012

Plastic bronchitis is a rare life‐threatening complication of Fontan operation. When medical treatment is ineffective in the setting of high systemic venous pressures, Fontan fenestration may be considered to decompress venous pressures and improve cardiac output by creation of the right‐to‐left shunting. However, transcatheter approach can be difficult in patients with complex venous anatomy. We report a 4‐year‐old girl born with hypoplastic left ventricle and heterotaxy syndrome, who developed plastic bronchitis following extracardiac Fontan procedure. Her venous anatomy was complex with dextrocardia and interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation. Stent fenestration was successfully performed via transhepatic approach, which was selected based on the anatomical relationship (between extracardiac conduit, left atrium, and hepatic veins) delineated by pre‐catheterization cardiac MRI. Simultaneous transesophageal echocardiography guided the intervention. Her plastic bronchitis improved significantly in 3 months but slowly progressed after the stent fenestration. At her 8‐month follow‐up, stent fenestration remains open and she is currently under heart transplantation evaluation due to persistent plastic bronchitis. Treatment of plastic bronchitis can be undertaken with Fontan fenestration, with pre‐procedural MRI playing an essential role in patients with complex venous anatomy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current percutaneous treatment strategies for saphenous vein graft disease
Authors: Marmagkiolis Kostantinos , Grines Cindy , Bilodeau Luc
Published: July 2012

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains one of the most widely performed surgical procedures in North America and aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are the most frequently used surgical conduits. SVG disease (SVGD) remains the leading cause of symptomatic coronary artery disease postcoronary artery bypass graft. When optimal medical therapy is ineffective, repeat surgery is associated with higher mortality combined with less favorable clinical and angiographic results, thus percutaneous revascularization on SVG is currently the standard of care for the revascularization of SVGD. Balloon angioplasty, bare metal stents, polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stents, and drug‐eluting stents have been extensively investigated for SVG interventions. Multiple recent randomized trials and meta‐analyses have confirmed the pathophysiologic and clinical differences between SVGD and coronary artery disease. Decisions such as patient selection, premedication, stent, and protection device characteristics should be carefully considered to achieve optimal procedural and clinical results. Acute coronary syndromes due to SVG involvement, chronic total occlusions, retrograde approaches, and SVG perforation management are newer fields requesting additional research. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐dose plasmid‐mediated VEGF gene transfer is safe in patients with severe ischemic heart disease (Genesis‐I). A phase I, open‐label, two‐year follow‐up trial
Authors: Favaloro Liliana , Diez Mirta , Mendiz Oscar , Janavel Gustavo Vera , Valdivieso León , Ratto Roxana , Garelli Guillermo , Salmo Fabián , Criscuolo Marcelo , Bercovich Andrés , Crottogini Alberto
Published: July 2012

Objectives

We aimed to assess safety and, secondarily, the efficacy of intramyocardial high‐dose plasmid‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 165 (pVEGF165) gene transfer in no‐option patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background

Controlled trials of pVEGF165 in CAD have shown little benefit. One possible reason is shortness of dosage. We have shown in large mammalian models of chronic myocardial ischemia and acute myocardial infarction that intramyocardial pVEGF165 at doses significantly higher than those used in recent phase II trials is safe and efficacious on myocardial perfusion, left ventricular function, and infarct size limitation.

Methods

Using an injection catheter, 10 patients with severe CAD not amenable for revascularization received 10 intramyocardial injections of 0.38 mg (total dose, 3.8 mg) pVEGF165 in zones exhibiting myocardial ischemia, as assessed by combined stress 99mTc‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computed tomography and stress echocardiography.

Results

No serious adverse events related to either VEGF or the injection procedure occurred over the 2‐year follow‐up. One patient suffered femoral artery thrombosis after a follow‐up coronary angiography, successfully resolved with medical treatment. Six patients suffered uncomplicated coronary ischemic events during the second year follow‐up. Angina functional class decreased from 2.6 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.3 (mean ± SEM, P < 0.05), quality of life increased from 56.9 ± 3.2 to 82.6 ± 2.4 (P < 0.05), the summed difference score of myocardial perfusion decreased from 13.4 ± 2 to 7.7 ± 1.8 (P < 0.04), and stress ejection fraction did not change (44.2 ± 3.6% to 47.8 ± 3.1%, P = NS).

Conclusions

High‐dose intramyocardial pVEGF165 is safe at 2 years follow‐up in patients with severe CAD. The efficacy results observed must be taken cautiously given the uncontrolled, open‐label study design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention for unstable plaques with grayscale and integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Shibuya Masahiko , Okamura Atsunori , Hao Hiroyuki , Date Motoo , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Nagai Hiroyuki , Ozawa Makito , Masuyama Tohru , Iwakura Katsuomi , Fujii Kenshi
Published: July 2012

Objectives

We performed microscopic examination of the debris collected by a distal protection device and investigated the usefulness of grayscale and integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB‐IVUS) for the prediction of distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in cases of unstable angina.

Background

The prediction of distal embolization during PCI has not been studied in depth because assessment of distal embolization is difficult.

Methods

We prospectively studied 39 consecutive patients with unstable angina who underwent PCI with a filter distal protection device. The preprocedural plaque volume at target lesions was measured with grayscale IVUS and plaque characteristics were assessed with IB‐IVUS. We performed microscopic examination of the particles collected by the distal protection device.

Results

There was a significant correlation between the plaque volume and the number of the collected particles >100 μm in diameter (r = 0.48, P = 0.0034). Filter no‐reflow (FNR) phenomenon was found in nine patients. The plaque volume was significantly greater (355 ± 133 mm3 vs. 199 ± 90 mm3, P = 0.0004), and the lipid ratio was significantly higher (29.3 ± 4.3% vs. 26.1 ± 4.3 P = 0.045) in the FNR group compared with the non‐FNR group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the plaque volume was an independent predictor of FNR phenomenon.

Conclusions

Although tissue characterization of IB‐IVUS may provide additional information for distal embolization, plaque volume is the only significant predictor of distal embolization during PCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists in Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Recent Literature and Insight Into Potential Future Indications
Authors: Markowitz Mindy , Messineo Frank , Coplan Neil L.
Published: July 2012

Randomized controlled trials demonstrate the efficacy of aldosterone receptor antagonists (spironolactone and eplerenone) as a useful pharmacologic intervention specifically in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure, in patients with an ejection fraction <40% after myocardial infarction, and most recently in patients with mildly symptomatic heart failure. However, aldosterone receptor antagonists may be beneficial in a broader patient population. Aldosterone receptor antagonists can potentially serve as an antiarrhythmic pharmacologic agent for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, an anti‐ischemic medication in coronary artery disease through prevention of myocardial fibrosis and vascular damage, and as an agent in people with asymptomatic and mild heart failure (NYHA classes I and II) and diastolic heart failure. However, many clinicians remain reluctant to prescribe this highly efficacious pharmacologic therapy for a variety of reasons, including concerns about polypharmacy and hyperkalemia. Recent observational analysis demonstrates that less than one‐third of eligible patients hospitalized with heart failure actually received aldosterone antagonist therapy. This article will review the current and potential future uses of aldosterone receptor antagonists across the entire spectrum of cardiovascular disease.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
General population norms for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index (FKSI)
Authors: Butt Zeeshan , Peipert John , Webster Kimberly , Chen Connie , Cella David
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor long‐term survival and has no cure. Traditional clinical endpoints are best supplemented by patient‐reported outcomes designed to assess symptoms and function. Normative data was obtained on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index (NFKSI) to aid in score interpretation and planning of future trials.

METHODS:

General population data were obtained from 2000 respondents, who completed the 19‐item NFKSI‐19, as well the SF‐36 (Short Form 36‐item instrument) and the PROMIS‐29 (29‐item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), both general health status measures. Basic demographic and self‐reported comorbidity data were also collected.

RESULTS:

The sample was 50% female, 85.7% caucasian, with an equal distribution across age bands from 18 years to 75 years and older. Most respondents (62.8%) had more than a high school education and reported an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of normal activity without symptoms (63.4%). Score distributions on the NFKSI‐19, its subscales, and individual items are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS:

The NFKSI‐19 and its subscales now have scores for the general US population, allowing comparability to generic questionnaires such as the SF‐36 and PROMIS‐29. These data can be used to guide treatment expectations and plan future comparative effectiveness research using the scales. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Higher maternal prenatal cortisol and younger age predict greater infant reactivity to novelty at 4 months: An observation‐based study
Authors: Werner Elizabeth , Zhao Yihong , Evans Lynn , Kinsella Michael , Kurzius Laura , Altincatal Arman , McDonough Laraine , Monk Catherine
Published: July 2012

Distress‐linked activation of the maternal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)‐axis is considered a pathway by which affect regulation impacts the fetal milieu and neurodevelopment. There is little direct evidence for this conceptual model. In 103 women [mean age 27.45 (±5.65) years] at 36–38 weeks gestation, salivary cortisol was measured before/after stress tasks; distress questionnaires were completed. At 18.49 (±1.83) weeks, infants underwent the Harvard Infant Behavioral Reactivity Protocol assessing cry/motor responses to novelty; women reported on infant behavior and postnatal distress. Prenatal cortisol and distress were not significantly correlated (all ps > .10). Proportional odds logistic regressions showed that neither prenatal nor postnatal distress was associated with infant responses to the Harvard Protocol yet pre‐stress cortisol and maternal age were: The odds of being classified as High Reactive were 1.60 times higher [95% CI: 1.04, 2.46] for each unit of added cortisol and .90 times lower [95% CI: .82, .99] for every additional year in maternal age. No associations were found between cortisol or prenatal distress and mother‐rated infant behavior; postnatal distress was positively associated with mother‐rated infant negative behavior (p = .03). Observer and mother‐rated infant behavior were not associated (all ps > .05). Based on independent observations of infants in contrast to maternal perceptions, these results lend support to the hypothesis that pregnant women's HPA‐axis activity influences infant behavior. The impact of maternal distress was not supported, except in so far as postnatal distress may increase the likelihood of making negative judgments about infant behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 707–718, 2013.
The effects of reproductive specialization on energy costs and fitness genetic variances in cyclical and obligate parthenogenetic aphids
Authors: Carter Mauricio J. , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Nespolo Roberto F.
Published: July 2012

Organisms with coexisting sexual and asexual populations are ideal models for studying the consequences of either reproductive mode on the quantitative genetic architecture of life‐history traits. In the aphidRhopalosiphum padi, lineages differing in their sex investment coexist but all share a common parthenogenetic phase. Here, we studied multiple genotypes ofR. padispecialized either for sexual and asexual reproduction and compared their genetic variation in fitness during the parthenogenetic phase. Specifically, we estimated maintenance costs as standard metabolic rate (SMR), together with fitness (measured as the intrinsic rate of increase and the net reproductive rate). We found that genetic variation (in terms of broad‐sense heritability) in fitness was higher in asexual genotypes compared with sexual genotypes. Also, we found that asexual genotypes exhibited several positive genetic correlations indicating that body mass, whole‐animal SMR, and apterous individuals production are contributing to fitness. Hence, it appears that in asexual genotypes, energy is fully allocated to maximize the production of parthenogenetic individuals, the simplest possible form of aphid repertoire of life‐histories strategies.
A Photoresponsive Hybrid Nanomaterial Based on Graphene and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Valentini Luca , Cardinali Marta , Kenny Josè M. , Prato Mirko , Monticelli Orietta
Published: July 2012

A novel nanomaterial that consists of graphene sheets decorated with silsesquioxane molecules has been developed. Aminopropyl‐silsesquioxane (POSS‐NH2) has been employed to functionalize graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The surface grafting of the GO sheets with POSS‐NH2 was established by IR spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the morphology was investigated by field‐emission electron microscopy as well as by atomic force microscopy. The combination of amino‐functionalized POSS molecules with GO sheets produces a hybrid silicon/graphite‐based nanomaterial, named GRAPOSS. When exposed to visible light the hybrid showed a photoconductivity response.
Crystallization‐Induced Asymmetric Synthesis of Nonracemic Platinum(IV) Polysulfide Tris(chelate) Complexes
Authors: Rybak Witold K. , Cymbaluk Agata , Siczek Miłosz , Skonieczny Janusz
Published: July 2012

The random nonracemic formation of the platinum(IV) polysulfide tris(chelate) anionic complex (NH4)2[Pt(S5)3]·2H2O, previously believed to be due to a crystallization‐induced asymmetric transformation of the reaction product, under scrutiny turned out to be a new type of autocatalytic asymmetric synthesis. The synthesis is driven by simultaneous crystallization of the product as an enantiomorphous conglomerate. In particular, the preparation becomes chemo‐ and stereoselective when carried out with continuous vigorous stirring in the presence of seeds of the desired nonracemic ultimate reaction product, i.e. an autocatalyst. However, structural characterization of the randomly obtained products by means of XRD, 195Pt NMR, and ESI‐MS measurements as well as X‐ray single‐crystal analyses, reveals the significant complexity of the reaction. Several tris(polysulfide) congeners and their stereoisomers are usually obtained, and they may even cocrystallize. All these characteristics point to the kinetic control of these autocatalytic asymmetric preparations under the applied nontrivial reaction conditions. Consequently, the composition and handedness of the products can to a large extent be controlled by seeding the reaction mixture with a small previously obtained solid sample, which contributes to the synthesis as an autocatalyst.
Pd‐Catalyzed Threefold Arylation of Baylis–Hillman Bromides and Acetates with Triarylbismuth Reagents
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Giri Somnath
Published: July 2012

Functionalized alkyl 2‐benzylacrylates and 2‐benzylacrylonitriles were synthesized by means of atom‐economic cross‐couplings of Baylis–Hillman bromides or acetates with BiAr3 under palladium‐catalyzed conditions. These reactions, involving threefold aryl couplings using BiAr3 reagents with bromides and acetates, are fast and are completed in 1–2 h with high product yields.
Sediment transport measurements with tracers in very low‐energy beaches
Authors: Carrasco A. R. , Ferreira Ó. , Matias A. , Freire P. , Bertin X. , Dias J. A.
Published: July 2012

This study investigates sediment transport at a very low‐energy backbarrier beach in southern Portugal, from a spring‐to‐neap tide period, during fair‐weather conditions. Rates and directions of transport were determined based on the application of fluorescent tracer techniques. Wind and currents were collected locally, whereas the dominant small and short‐period wind waves were characterized using a morphodynamic modelling system coupling a circulation model, a spectral wave model, and a bottom evolution model, well validated over the study area.

For the recorded conditions sediment transport was small and ebb oriented, with daily transport rates below 0.02 m3 day‐1. Tidal currents (mainly ebb velocities) were found to be the main causative forcing controlling sediment displacements. Transport rates were higher during spring tides, tending towards very small values at neap tides. Results herein reported points towards the distinction between tracer advection and tracer dispersion in this type of environment. Transport by advection was low as a consequence of the prevailing hydrodynamic conditions (Hs < 0.1 m, and max. current velocity of 0.5 m s‐1) and the tracer adjustment to the transport layer, whereas dispersion was relatively high (few metres per day). Tracer techniques allowed distinguishing the broad picture of transport, but revealed the need for refinement in this type of environments (bi‐directional forcing by ebb and flood cycles). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of solid phase microextraction to estimate toxicity: Relating fiber concentrations to toxicity—part I
Authors: Ding Yuping , Landrum Peter F. , You Jing , Harwood Amanda D. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Use of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers as a dose metric for toxicity testing was evaluated for hydrophobic pesticides to the midge Chironomus dilutus and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. Test compounds included p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), permethrin, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, and chlorpyrifos. Acute water toxicity tests were determined for 4- and 10-d exposures in both species. Median lethal and sublethal concentrations were expressed both on a water concentration (LC50 and EC50) and on an equilibrium SPME fiber concentration (LC50fiber and EC50fiber) basis. A significant log dose–response relationship was found between log fiber concentration and organism mortality. It has been shown in the literature that equilibrium SPME fiber concentrations reflect the bioavailable concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants, so these fiber concentrations should be a useful metric for assessing toxic effects from the bioavailable contaminant providing a framework to expand the use of SPME fibers beyond estimation of bioaccumulation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2159–2167. © 2012 SETAC
Use of zinc borate as the third component of a traditional brominated flame retardant system in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Kaynak Cevdet , Ozkaraca Ayse Cagil
Published: July 2012

Because zinc borate is an effective smoke suppressant and cheaper than antimony trioxide, the main aim of this study was to investigate usability of zinc borate as the third component of a traditional binary Br/Sb2O3 system in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Limiting oxygen index, UL‐94, and mass loss cone calorimeter studies indicated that almost all flame retardancy parameters were kept when certain percentages of antimony trioxide were replaced with zinc borate. Residue analysis revealed that the predominant flame retardancy mechanism of the traditional system was gas phase action, whereas zinc borate contributes especially in the condensed phase action by forming thicker and stronger char layer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnohistoric and Geoarchaeological Landscape Chronology at Kawaihae, Leeward Hawai‘i Island
Authors: Carson Mike T.
Published: July 2012

The royal court of the Kamehameha Dynasty in Kawaihae, Hawai‘i Island, presents an unequalled opportunity to examine the ethnohistoric rendering of a cultural landscape, in comparison to the geoarchaeological record of physical transformation of this same landscape. Beneath the surface, earlier occupation layers predate the historic royal precinct of the A.D. 1790s through 1820s. Drawing on results of 19 controlled excavations, point‐specific cultural activities are situated within the last several centuries of natural terrain formation, beginning A.D. 1200–1400 and ending A.D. 1830–present. Geoarchaeological excavations provide the means to place the stratified cultural deposits, occupational horizons, and activity areas in the context of depositional history, environmental transformation, and changing social circumstances in a continuous sequence. The material‐based geoarchaeological landscape chronology and the ethnohistorically defined cultural landscape are combined for a more holistic view than either one could provide independently.
P53 is required for the developmental restriction in Müller glial proliferation in mouse retina
Authors: Ueki Yumi , Karl Mike O. , Sudar Samuel , Pollak Julia , Taylor Russell J. , Loeffler Kati , Wilken Matthew S. , Reardon Sara , Reh Thomas A.
Published: July 2012

Müller glia are normally mitotically quiescent cells, but in certain pathological states they can re‐enter the mitotic cell cycle. While several cell cycle regulators have been shown to be important in this process, a role for the tumor suppressor, p53, has not been demonstrated. Here, we investigated a role for p53 in limiting the ability of Müller glia to proliferate in the mature mouse retina. Our data demonstrate that Müller glia undergo a developmental restriction in their potential to proliferate. Retinal explants or dissociated cultures treated with EGF become mitotically quiescent by the end of the second postnatal week. In contrast, Müller glia from adult trp53−/+ or trp53−/− mice displayed a greater ability to proliferate in response to EGF stimulation in vitro. The enhanced proliferative ability of trp53 deficient mice correlates with a decreased expression of the mitotic inhibitor Cdkn1a/p21cip and an increase in c‐myc, a transcription factor that promotes cell cycle progression. These data show that p53 plays an essential role in limiting the potential of Müller glia to re‐enter the mitotic cycle as the retina matures during postnatal development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Investigation of the Social‐Affective Effects Resulting from Appearance‐Related Product Models
Authors: Lo Cheng‐Hung , Chu Chih‐Hsing
Published: July 2012

This article proposes the concept of social‐affective product design to address the effects of product features on personal interactions. Using eyeglass frames as the target product, this study included a factorial experiment to evaluate design features concerning personality traits signified by facial shapes. The experiment involved extracting three representative types of facial shapes by sorting 60 photographs and constructing three‐dimensional models to rate attractiveness. The study then analyzed participant responses according to three social‐affective measures: approachability, assertiveness, and masculinity, evoked by faces wearing factorized eyeglass frames. Results show that increasing the levels of certain design features strengthens the impression of specific personality traits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Gangarossa Giuseppe , Longueville Sophie , De Bundel Dimitri , Perroy Julie , Hervé Denis , Girault Jean‐Antoine , Valjent Emmanuel
Published: July 2012

The hippocampal formation is part of an anatomical system critically involved in learning and memory. Increasing evidence suggests that dopamine plays an important role in learning and memory as well as in several forms of synaptic plasticity. However, the precise identification of neuronal populations expressing D1 or D2 dopamine receptors within the hippocampus is still lacking. To clarify this issue, we used BAC transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the promoter of dopamine D1 or D2 receptors. In Drd1a‐EGFP mice, sparse GFP‐expressing neurons were detected among glutamatergic projecting neurons of the granular layer of the dentate gyrus and GABAergic interneurons located in the hilus. A dense immunofluorescence was observed in the outer and medial part of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus as well as in the inner part of the molecular layer of CA1 corresponding to the terminals of pyramidal neurons of the entorhinal cortex defining the perforant and the temporo‐ammonic pathway respectively. Finally, scattered D1 receptor‐expressing neurons were also identified as GABAergic interneurons in the CA3/CA1 fields of the hippocampus. In Drd2‐EGFP transgenic mice, GFP was exclusively detected in the glutamatergic mossy cells located in the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus. This pattern was confirmed in Drd2‐Cre mice crossed with NLS‐LacZ‐TaumGFP:LoxP and RCE:LoxP reporter lines. Our results demonstrate that D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons are strictly segregated in the mouse hippocampus. By clarifying the identity of D1 and D2 receptor‐expressing neurons in the hippocampus, this study establishes a basis for future investigations aiming at elucidating their roles in the hippocampal network. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A practical approach to the assessment of probabilistic flow predictions
Authors: Liguori Sara , Rico‐Ramirez Miguel Angel
Published: July 2012

This paper deals with the assessment of hydrological predictions driven by probabilistic hybrid rainfall forecasts obtained by merging numerical weather prediction and radar‐based rainfall forecasts. Deterministic and ensemble hybrid rainfall forecasts have been utilized to provide river flow predictions on a catchment study located in the UK. A novel assessment methodology has been developed and implemented for the purpose of comparing deterministic and ensemble river flow predictions. The assessment methodology provides a measure of the degree of underestimation/overestimation characterizing the forecasts in comparison with a series of normalized reference thresholds. The analysis of the results obtained by implementing this evaluation methodology shows that the overall performance of the deterministic forecasts is very similar to that of the ensemble forecasts, with a slightly larger degree of underestimation affecting the ensemble forecasts in comparison with the deterministic forecasts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of electrospun silica–titania nanofibers with different silica content and evaluation of the morphology and osteoinductive properties
Authors: Wang Xiaokun , Zhu Jingxian , Yin Ling , Liu Shize , Zhang Xin , Ao Yingfang , Chen Haifeng
Published: July 2012

Ceramic‐derived materials have shown enhanced osteogenic potential for bone tissue engineering applications. Silica is the major component of bioglass, and titania, the oxide complex of titanium, has been found to enhance osteoblast differentiation. In this study, three groups of sol–gel‐derived silica–titania fibrous meshes with precursor ratios of Ti:Si = 7:3, 1:1, 3:7 were fabricated by electrospinning. The effects of silica content on the crystal phase and morphology of silica–titania hybrid nanofiber meshes were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and laser confocal microscopy. The osteogenic potential of the silica–titania meshes was evaluated by seeding mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on each mesh and determining cell number, osteodifferentiation markers, and osteopontin production over time. Our results show that cells proliferated throughout the mesh surfaces with similar morphology in all groups. Decreased cell proliferation was observed with the fiber meshes compared with glass controls, whereas cell differentiation toward osteoblast was enhanced on the mesh groups, especially on the Ti:Si = 7:3 group. These findings suggest that higher fiber diameter, degree of crystallization, and titania content of nanofibers can enhance osteodifferentiation of MSCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3511–3517, 2012.
Odanacatib in the treatment of postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density: Five years of continued therapy in a phase 2 study
Authors: Langdahl Bente , Binkley Neil , Bone Henry , Gilchrist Nigel , Resch Heinrich , Rodriguez Portales Jose , Denker Andrew , Lombardi Antonio , Le Bailly De Tilleghem Celine , DaSilva Carolyn , Rosenberg Elizabeth , Leung Albert
Published: July 2012

Odanacatib (ODN) is a selective inhibitor of the collagenase cathepsin K that is highly expressed by osteoclasts. In this 2-year, phase 2, dose-ranging trial, postmenopausal women with bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores −2.0 to −3.5 at spine or hip were randomized to weekly placebo or ODN 3, 10, 25, or 50 mg plus vitamin D3 and calcium. Prespecified trial-extensions continued through 5 years. In year 3, all women were re-randomized to ODN 50 mg or placebo. For years 4 and 5, women who received placebo or ODN 3 mg in years 1 and 2 and placebo in year 3 received ODN 50 mg; others continued year 3 treatments. Endpoints included lumbar spine (primary), hip, 1/3 radius, and total body BMD; markers of bone metabolism; and safety. Women in the year 4 to 5 extension receiving placebo (n = 41) or ODN 50 mg (n = 100) had similar baseline characteristics. For women who received ODN (10–50 mg) for 5 years, spine and hip BMD increased over time. With ODN 50 mg continually for 5 years (n = 13), mean lumbar spine BMD percent change from baseline (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 11.9% (7.2% to 16.5%) versus −0.4% (−3.1% to 2.3%) for women who were switched from ODN 50 mg to placebo after 2 years (n = 14). In pooled results of women receiving continuous ODN (10–50 mg, n = 26–29), year 5 geometric mean percent changes from baseline in bone resorption markers cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX)/creatinine and cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) were approximately −55%, but near baseline for bone formation markers bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) and amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP). In women switched from ODN 10 to 50 mg to placebo after 2 years (n = 25), bone turnover markers were near baseline. In summary, women receiving combinations of ODN (10–50 mg) for 5 years had gains in spine and hip BMD and showed larger reductions in bone resorption than bone formation markers. Discontinuation of ODN resulted in reversal of treatment effects. Treatment with ODN for up to 5 years was generally well-tolerated. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hadamard Matrices of Order 32
Authors: Kharaghani Hadi , Tayfeh‐Rezaie Behruz
Published: July 2012

Two Hadamard matrices are considered equivalent if one is obtained from the other by a sequence of operations involving row or column permutations or negations. We complete the classification of Hadamard matrices of order 32. It turns out that there are exactly 13,710,027 such matrices up to equivalence.