bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distal Hemorrhoidectomy With ALTA Injection: A New Method for Hemorrhoid Surgery
Authors: Abe Tatsuya , Hachiro Yoshikazu , Ebisawa Yoshiaki , Hishiyama Houhei , Kunimoto Masao
Published: May 2014

Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid injection (ALTA) is a useful and less-invasive treatment for internal hemorrhoids. However, it is not a treatment option for external hemorrhoidal diseases, including mixed hemorrhoids. Distal hemorrhoidectomy with ALTA injection involves surgical resection of external piles, followed by injection therapy on internal piles. We report technical details and the short-term results of this procedure in patients with mixed hemorrhoids. Seventy-two patients with mixed hemorrhoids treated between 2010 and 2011 were included. The main outcome measures were the short-term response and complication rates. At 28 days after surgery, the disappearance rate of prolapse was 100%. Three patients (4%) had postoperative complications, all minor in nature. No prolapse recurrence was observed within a median follow-up period of 6 months. Distal hemorrhoidectomy with ALTA injection appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with mixed hemorrhoids.
Prevalence of Surgical Site Infection in Orthopedic Surgery: A 5-year Analysis
Authors: Al-Mulhim Fahad A. , Baragbah Mohammed A. , Sadat-Ali Mir , Alomran Abdallah S. , Azam Md Q.
Published: May 2014

Surgical site infection (SSI) is disastrous in orthopedic practice as it is difficult to rid the bone and joint of the infection. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of SSI in orthopedic practice and to identify risk factors associated with surgical site infections. All patients admitted to the orthopedic male and female wards between January 2006 and December 2011 were included in the study group. The data, which were collected from the medical charts and from the QuadraMed patient filing system, included age, sex, date of admission, type of admission (elective versus emergency), and classification of fractures. Analyses were made to find out the association between infection and risk factors, the χ2 test was used. The strength of association of the single event with the variables was estimated using Relative Risk, with a 95% confidence interval and P < 0.05. A total of 79 of 3096 patients (2.55%) were included: 60 males and 19 females with the average age of 38.13 ± 19.1 years. Fifty-three patients were admitted directly to the orthopedic wards, 14 were transferred from the surgical intensive care unit, and 12 from other surgical wards. The most common infective organism was Staphylococcus species including Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 23 patients (29.11%); Acinetobacter species, 17 patients (21.5%); Pseudomonas species, 15 patients (18.9%); and Enterococcus species, 14 patients (17.7%). Fifty-two (65.8%) had emergency procedures, and in 57 patients trauma surgery was performed. Three (3.78%) patients died as a result of uncontrolled septicemia. SSI was found to be common in our practice. Emergency surgical procedures carried the greatest risk with Staphylococcus species and Acinetobacter species being the most common infecting organisms. Proper measures need to be undertaken to control infection rates by every available method; antibiotics alone may not be sufficient to win this war.
Primary Papillary Hyperplasia of the Gallbladder Mimicking Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Baba Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Mai , Oba Atsushi , Tsubomoto Takashi , Nakamura Hiroshi , Sanada Takahiro , Kuwabara Hiroshi , Nakajima Kazumi , Goseki Narihide
Published: May 2014

Primary papillary hyperplasia of the gallbladder (PPHG) is a rare entity. PPHG is a benign diffuse mucosal projection without any background chronic inflammation-related disease of the gallbladder or bile ducts. Reported cases of PPHG are limited in that its characteristics are not well defined. We herein report a case of PPHG mimicking gallbladder cancer in radiologic investigations and present a review of the literature. Also coincident erythroderma is discussed.
Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF)-Producing Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Shimakawa Takeshi , Asaka Shinichi , Usuda Atsuko , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Yoshimatsu Kazuhiko , Shiozawa Shunichi , Katsube Takao , Naritaka Yoshihiko
Published: May 2014

There are very few reports of esophageal G-CSF-producing cancer. This report describes a case of G-CSF-producing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma we recently encountered. A 70-year-old male patient had Stage III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received preoperative chemotherapy, and therapeutic response for the primary lesion was rated as complete response and that of the lymph node metastasis as stable disease. A radical operation was then performed. A relapse to neutrophilia occurred as liver metastasis recurred postoperation, and serum G-CSF level was high. Immunohistochemical staining of the resected specimen with anti-G-CSF antibody was positive. The patient died about 1 year after the operation. According to our search of the literature, there are 22 cases of esophageal G-CSF-producing cancer. Carcinosarcoma was more frequent as compared to esophageal non-G-CSF-producing cancer. The prognosis was graver in those cases of G-CSF-producing squamous cell carcinoma, relative to cases of non-G-CSF-producing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Comparison Between Transverse Mini-Incision and Longitudinal Mini-Incision for the Resection of Locally Advanced Colonic Cancer
Authors: Ishida Hideyuki , Sobajima Jun , Yokoyama Masaru , Nakada Hiroshi , Okada Norimichi , Kumamoto Kensuke , Ishibashi Keiichiro
Published: May 2014

We performed a retrospective review of non-overweight (body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m2) patients scheduled to undergo a curative resection of locally advanced colon cancer via a transverse mini-incision (n = 62) or a longitudinal mini-incision (skin incision ≤7 cm, n = 62), with the latter group of patients randomly selected as historical controls matched with the former group according to tumor location. Extension of the transverse mini-incision wound was necessary in 3 patients (5%). Both groups were largely equivalent in terms of demographic, clinicopathological, and surgical factors and frequency of postoperative complications. Postoperative analgesic was significantly less (P = 0.04) and postoperative length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in the transverse mini-incision group. Concerning a mini-incision approach for locally advanced colonic cancer, a transverse incision seems to be advantageous with regard to minimal invasiveness and early recovery compared with a longitudinal incision.
Patient Awareness and Symptoms From an Incisional Hernia
Authors: Ah-kee Elliott Yann , Kallachil Thomas , O'Dwyer Patrick J.
Published: May 2014

Incisional hernia is a common postoperative complication following open abdominal surgery with incidence varying between 3% and 20%.1 Approximately half of all incisional hernias are diagnosed within 1 year following surgery. In the United Kingdom alone, about 10,000 incisional hernia repairs are performed annually. Incisional hernia repairs are generally elective with emergency repair due to incarceration or strangulation constituting about 15% of repairs.1 Incisional hernia repair is not a low-risk operation and generally has relatively poor results due to chronic postoperative pain and high recurrence rates.2−3 Little has been published on patients' awareness of incisional hernia following open abdominal surgery. Moreover, there are very few publications on indications for incisional hernia repair and on the natural course of such hernias. The literature suggests that symptoms and complaints usually presented by patients include pain, discomfort, cosmetic complaints, skin problems, incarceration, strangulation, functional disability, and pulmonary dysfunction.4−6 The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients were aware that they had a hernia. In addition, we sought to determine symptoms for those who knew that they had an incisional hernia.
Temporal solar radiation change at high elevations in Hawai‘i
Authors: Longman Ryan J. , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Alliss Randall J. , Barnes Mallory L.
Published: May 2014

Trends in downwelling global solar irradiance were evaluated at high‐elevation sites on the island of Maui, Hawai‘i. Departures from monthly means were assessed for the 6 month Hawaiian wet and dry seasons over the period 1988 to 2012. Linear regression analysis was used to characterize trends in each season. For the dry season (May–October), statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive trends of 9–18 W m−2 (3–6%) per decade were found at all four high‐elevation stations tested. Wet season trends were not significant, except at the highest‐elevation station, which had a significant negative trend. No consistent trends in aerosol concentrations have been observed at high elevations in Hawai‘i; therefore, the observed dry season brightening is most likely the result of decreasing cloud cover. Supporting this hypothesis, analysis of 15 years (1997–2012) of high temporal resolution Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) imagery over the Hawaiian Islands showed a statistically significant decrease in leeward cloud cover amounting to 5–11% per decade over the stations. In addition, analysis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data were in general agreement with the GOES trends, although statistically significant dry season trends were found at only one of the four stations.
Two‐dimensional/three‐dimensional waveform modeling of subducting slab and transition zone beneath Northeast Asia
Authors: Wang Tao , Revenaugh Justin , Song Xiaodong
Published: May 2014

Subduction plays a fundamental role in dynamics of the mantle convection and in material circulations of the Earth's interior. Slabs have been imaged to subduct near horizontally in the transition zone (TZ) beneath the Northeast Asia in seismic tomography. Triplication waveform modeling is an effective tool to study the detailed seismic structure in the TZ. However, TZ triplication modeling has traditionally relied on 1‐D models. In this study, we use the spectral element method to explore influences of 2‐D/3‐D slab structure on TZ triplication waveforms and to model, for the first time, the slab and TZ structures beneath the Northeast Asia. Synthetic tests suggest that, for a subduction zone earthquake, slab structure can have important influences on TZ triplication waveforms and that, even in a narrow azimuth range, the effects from 2‐D/3‐D slab structure on the wave propagation can lead to erroneous conclusions with 1‐D modeling. Our data are high‐quality triplicated SH waveforms (at distances of 10°–32°) from a deep event (below 410 km discontinuity) in the Pacific subducting slab. Our 2‐D/3‐D waveform modeling results suggest that a simple model of the subducting slab (+5% high‐velocity anomaly and ~100 km thick down to 560 km) but normal below 560 km can match most of the observed waveforms remarkably well. The bottom of the TZ of the sampling region (north of the Yellow Sea) contains a patch of very slow anomaly. The results indicate that subhorizontal slab above the 660 discontinuity is not everywhere beneath Northeast Asia and the subducting slab is not everywhere continuous to the bottom of the TZ. Compared with the traditional 1‐D modeling, our new 2‐D/3‐D approach provides better fits to the data and allows us to constrain the slab geometry and to separate TZ structure from slab structure
Kinetic study of ethyl octyl ether formation from ethanol and 1‐octanol on Amberlyst 70
Authors: Guilera Jordi , Bringué Roger , Ramírez Eliana , Fité Carles , Tejero Javier
Published: May 2014

An option to introduce bioethanol to diesel, improving at the same time its fuel quality, is by adding ethyl octyl ether (EOE). It can be obtained successfully by the dehydration reaction between ethanol and 1‐octanol over acidic ion‐exchange resins. In the present work, the kinetic study of EOE synthesis on Amberlyst 70 in the liquid phase is performed in a 20‐cm3 fixed‐bed reactor and in a 100‐cm3 batch reactor at 423–463 K and 2.5 MPa. EOE synthesis takes place together with diethyl ether (DEE) formation as main side reaction. A mechanistic kinetic model in terms of component activities is proposed for EOE synthesis (Ea=105 ± 4 kJ/mol) and for DEE formation (Ea =100 ± 5 kJ/mol). Reaction rates were highly inhibited by the adsorption of the formed water on Amberlyst 70. The inhibitor effect of water is well represented as a competitive adsorption with alcohols reactants on the catalysts surface. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2918–2928, 2014
Synthesis of the Tetrahydropyran Fragment of Bistramide D
Authors: Bates Roderick W. , Li Lu , Palani Kalpana , Phetsang Wanida , Loh Joanna Kejun
Published: May 2014

A synthesis of the tetrahydropyran (THP) moiety of bistramide D has been completed by using cross‐metathesis and kinetically controlled intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition to form the ring with excellent trans selectivity. The C9 methyl substituent was introduced by using an unsaturated sulfone building block, which can be most effectively prepared through a combination of diastereoselective allylation and alkene isomerisation. The effect of this methyl group on subsequent cross‐metathesis reactions can be mitigated by careful choice of reaction conditions.
Brief communication: Cineradiographic analysis of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints
Authors: Thompson Nathan E. , Holowka Nicholas B. , O'Neill Matthew C. , Larson Susan G.
Published: May 2014

During terrestrial locomotion, chimpanzees exhibit dorsiflexion of the midfoot between midstance and toe‐off of stance phase, a phenomenon that has been called the “midtarsal break.” This motion is generally absent during human bipedalism, and in chimpanzees is associated with more mobile foot joints than in humans. However, the contribution of individual foot joints to overall foot mobility in chimpanzees is poorly understood, particularly on the medial side of the foot. The talonavicular (TN) and calcaneocuboid (CC) joints have both been suggested to contribute significantly to midfoot mobility and to the midtarsal break in chimpanzees. To evaluate the relative magnitude of motion that can occur at these joints, we tracked skeletal motion of the hindfoot and midfoot during passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion manipulations using cineradiography. The sagittal plane range of motion was 38 ± 10° at the TN joint and 14 ± 8° at the CC joint. This finding indicates that the TN joint is more mobile than the CC joint during ankle plantarflexion–dorsiflexion. We suggest that the larger range of motion at the TN joint during dorsiflexion is associated with a rotation (inversion–eversion) across the transverse tarsal joint, which may occur in addition to sagittal plane motion. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:604–608, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief Communication: An enigmatic enamel alteration on the anterior maxillary teeth in a prehistoric North Italian population
Authors: Dori Irene , Moggi‐Cecchi Jacopo
Published: May 2014

In this paper we describe a hitherto undocumented modification of the dental enamel surface observed in an Early Bronze Age population from northern Italy. The defect, which can be described as a curvilinear groove, is located on the lingual surface of incisors and canines in the upper jaw. This groove, documented both in the permanent and deciduous dentition, is located at approximately 1 mm from the cervix and extends from the mesiolingual to the distolingual surface. The occurrence of the groove is not related to the sex of the affected individuals, but its degree of expression is related to age at death. Because of its morphology, the groove cannot be considered as a result of disruptions in the process of enamel deposition. At the present stage of research we suggest that the groove might have been the result of some kind of dental erosion caused by as yet unidentified chemical factors. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:609–614, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serine‐Selective Aerobic Cleavage of Peptides and a Protein Using a Water‐Soluble Copper–Organoradical Conjugate
Authors: Seki Yohei , Tanabe Kana , Sasaki Daisuke , Sohma Youhei , Oisaki Kounosuke , Kanai Motomu
Published: May 2014

The site‐specific cleavage of peptide bonds is an important chemical modification of biologically relevant macromolecules. The reaction is not only used for routine structural determination of peptides, but is also a potential artificial modulator of protein function. Realizing the substrate scope beyond the conventional chemical or enzymatic cleavage of peptide bonds is, however, a formidable challenge. Here we report a serine‐selective peptide‐cleavage protocol that proceeds at room temperature and near neutral pH value, through mild aerobic oxidation promoted by a water‐soluble copper–organoradical conjugate. The method is applicable to the site‐selective cleavage of polypeptides that possess various functional groups. Peptides comprising D‐amino acids or sensitive disulfide pairs are competent substrates. The system is extendable to the site‐selective cleavage of a native protein, ubiquitin, which comprises more than 70 amino acid residues.
Reversible Redox Reaction Between Antiaromatic and Aromatic States of 32π‐Expanded Isophlorins
Authors: Gopalakrishna Tullimilli Y. , Anand Venkataramanarao G.
Published: May 2014

32π‐antiaromatic expanded isophlorins with a varying number of thiophene and furan rings adopt either planar, ring‐inverted, or twisted conformations depending on the number of furan rings in the macrocycle. However, they exhibit identical reactivity with respect to their oxidation to aromatic 30π‐dicationic species under acidic conditions. These 32π‐antiaromatic macrocycles can also be oxidized with [Et3O+SbCl6−]and NOBF4 to generate dications, thus confirming ring oxidation of macrocycles. Furthermore, they can be reduced back to their parent 32π‐antiaromatic state by triethylamine, Zn, or FeCl2. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed a figure‐eight conformation for a hexafuran system, which opens to a planar structure upon oxidation.
Synthesis of Poly(ethylene oxide) Approaching Monodispersity
Authors: Maranski Krzysztof , Andreev Yuri G. , Bruce Peter G.
Published: May 2014

Polydispersity in polymers hinders fundamental understanding of their structure–property relationships and prevents them from being used in fields like medicine, where polydispersity affects biological activity. The polydispersity of relatively short‐chain poly(ethylene oxide) [(CH2CH2O2)n; PEO] affects its biological activity, for example, the toxicity and efficacy of PEOylated drugs. As a result, there have been intensive efforts to reduce the dispersity as much as possible (truly monodispersed materials are not possible). Here we report a synthetic procedure that leads to an unprecedented low level of dispersity. We also show for the first time that it is possible to discriminate between PEOs differing in only 1 ethylene oxide (EO) unit, essential in order to verify the exceptionally low levels of dispersity achieved here. It is anticipated that the synthesis of poly(ethylene oxide) approaching monodispersity will be of value in many fields where the applications are sensitive to the distribution of molar mass.
Monitoring Endocytic Trafficking of Anthrax Lethal Factor by Precise and Quantitative Protein Labeling
Authors: Zheng Siqi , Zhang Gong , Li Jie , Chen Peng R.
Published: May 2014

Coupling the genetic code expansion technique with bioorthogonal reactions enables precise control over the conjugation site as well as the choice of fluorescent probes during protein labeling. However, the advantages of this strategy over bulky and rigid fluorescent proteins (FPs) remain to be fully explored. Here we applied site‐specific bioorthogonal labeling on anthrax lethal factor (LF) to visualize its membrane translocation inside live cells. In contrast to the previously reported FP tags that significantly perturbed LF’s membrane trafficking, our precisely and quantitatively labeled LF exhibited an endocytic activity comparable to wild‐type LF. This allowed time‐lapse imaging of LF’s natural translocation process from host cell membrane to cytosol, which revealed molecular details of its virulence mechanism. Our strategy is generally applicable for monitoring intracellular protein membrane translocation that is difficult to access using conventional protein labeling methodologies.
Tuning the Composition of AuPt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Zhao Yuyun , Ye Chunjie , Liu Wenwen , Chen Rong , Jiang Xingyu
Published: May 2014

We show that bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) of AuPt without any surface modification are potent antibiotic reagents, while pure Au NPs or pure Pt NPs display no antibiotic activities. The most potent antibacterial AuPt NPs happen to be the most effective catalysts for chemical transformations. The mechanism of antibiotic action includes the dissipation of membrane potential and the elevation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. These bimetallic NPs are unique in that they do not produce reactive oxygen species as most antibiotics do. Being non‐toxic to human cells, these bimetallic noble NPs might open an entry to a new class of antibiotics.
Discovery of Clostrubin, an Exceptional Polyphenolic Polyketide Antibiotic from a Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium
Authors: Pidot Sacha , Ishida Keishi , Cyrulies Michael , Hertweck Christian
Published: May 2014

Genome mining of the strictly anaerobic bacterium Clostridium beijerinckii, an industrial producer of solvents, revealed the presence of several cryptic gene clusters for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. To unearth its metabolic potential, a C. beijerinckii strain was cultured under various conditions, which led to the discovery of a deep purple pigment. This novel metabolite, named clostrubin (1), was isolated and its structure was fully elucidated. The pentacyclic polyphenol features a benzo[a]tetraphene ring topology that is unprecedented for natural products. Stable‐isotope labeling experiments showed that 1 is an aromatic polyketide that folds in a noncanonical manner to form the unusual perifused ring system. In addition to being the first reported polyketide from an anaerobic bacterium, 1 is a potent antibiotic with pronounced activity against various pathogenic bacteria, such as MRSA, VRE, and mycobacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.12–0.97 μM.
Design and Synthesis of Copper–Cobalt Catalysts for the Selective Conversion of Synthesis Gas to Ethanol and Higher Alcohols
Authors: Prieto Gonzalo , Beijer Steven , Smith Miranda L. , He Ming , Au Yuen , Wang Zi , Bruce David A. , de Jong Krijn P. , Spivey James J. , de Jongh Petra E.
Published: May 2014

Combining quantum‐mechanical simulations and synthesis tools allows the design of highly efficient CuCo/MoOx catalysts for the selective conversion of synthesis gas (CO+H2) into ethanol and higher alcohols, which are of eminent interest for the production of platform chemicals from non‐petroleum feedstocks. Density functional theory calculations coupled to microkinetic models identify mixed Cu–Co alloy sites, at Co‐enriched surfaces, as ideal for the selective production of long‐chain alcohols. Accordingly, a versatile synthesis route is developed based on metal nanoparticle exsolution from a molybdate precursor compound whose crystalline structure isomorphically accommodates Cu2+ and Co2+ cations in a wide range of compositions. As revealed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray nanospectroscopy and temperature‐resolved X‐ray diffraction, superior mixing of Cu and Co species promotes formation of CuCo alloy nanocrystals after activation, leading to two orders of magnitude higher yield to high alcohols than a benchmark CuCoCr catalyst. Substantiating simulations, the yield to high alcohols is maximized in parallel to the CuCo alloy contribution, for Co‐rich surface compositions, for which Cu phase segregation is prevented.
Multiple Phases of Molybdenum Carbide as Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wan Cheng , Regmi Yagya N. , Leonard Brian M.
Published: May 2014

Molybdenum carbide has been proposed as a possible alternative to platinum for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Previous studies were limited to only one phase, β‐Mo2C with an Fe2N structure. Here, four phases of Mo‐C were synthesized and investigated for their electrocatalytic activity and stability for HER in acidic solution. All four phases were synthesized from a unique amine–metal oxide composite material including γ‐MoC with a WC type structure which was stabilized for the first time as a phase pure nanomaterial. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and valence band studies were also used for the first time on γ‐MoC. γ‐MoC exhibits the second highest HER activity among all four phases of molybdenum carbide, and is exceedingly stable in acidic solution.
Dramatic Increase in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction for Platinum Cathodes from Tuning the Solvent Dielectric Constant
Authors: Fortunelli Alessandro , Goddard William A. , Sha Yao , Yu Ted H. , Sementa Luca , Barcaro Giovanni , Andreussi Oliviero
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen fuel cells (FC) are considered essential for a sustainable economy based on carbon‐free energy sources, but a major impediment are the costs. First‐principles quantum mechanics (density functional theory including solvation) is used to predict how the energies and barriers for the mechanistic steps of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) over the fcc(111) platinum surface depend on the dielectric constant of the solvent. The ORR kinetics can be strongly accelerated by decreasing the effective medium polarizability from the high value it has in water. Possible ways to realize this experimentally are suggested. The calculated volcano structure for the dependence of rate on solvent polarization is considered to be general, and should be observed in other electrochemical systems.
Screw‐Dislocation‐Driven Bidirectional Spiral Growth of Bi2Se3 Nanoplates
Authors: Zhuang Awei , Li Jia‐Jun , Wang You‐Cheng , Wen Xin , Lin Yue , Xiang Bin , Wang Xiaoping , Zeng Jie
Published: May 2014

Bi2Se3 attracts intensive attention as a typical thermoelectric material and a promising topological insulator material. However, previously reported Bi2Se3 nanostructures are limited to nanoribbons and smooth nanoplates. Herein, we report the synthesis of spiral Bi2Se3 nanoplates and their screw‐dislocation‐driven (SDD) bidirectional growth process. Typical products showed a bipyramid‐like shape with two sets of centrosymmetric helical fringes on the top and bottom faces. Other evidence for the unique structure and growth mode include herringbone contours, spiral arms, and hollow cores. Through the manipulation of kinetic factors, including the precursor concentration, the pH value, and the amount of reductant, we were able to tune the supersaturation in the regime of SDD to layer‐by‐layer growth. Nanoplates with preliminary dislocations were discovered in samples with an appropriate supersaturation value and employed for investigation of the SDD growth process.
Effect of physical and chemical crosslinking structure on fatigue behavior of styrene butadiene elastomer
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Chen Jian , Li Guangxian , Liu Xiaolin , Liao Xia , Yang Qi
Published: May 2014

The fatigue behavior of two styrene butadiene rubbers, thermoplastic elastomer (SBS) with physical crosslinking structure and vulcanized styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with chemical crosslinking structure, was investigated. The fatigue lives of SBS and SBR were greatly affected by the fatigue frequency, amplitude, and temperature. The fatigue lives of both SBS and SBR decreased with the increasing fatigue frequency and amplitude. However, the effect of fatigue temperature on the fatigue life of SBS was different from that of SBR. With the increasing fatigue temperature, the fatigue life of SBS first decreased and then increased, however, the fatigue life of SBR showed continuous decreasing trend. The tensile strength of SBS first increased and then decreased with the increase of fatigue time, but the tensile strength of SBR was not significantly influenced by the fatigue time. The fatigue amplitude had greater effect on the tensile strength of SBS than that of SBR. The permanent deformation of both SBS and SBR increased with temperature; however, the parameter for the former rubber was higher than that of the latter. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40917.
From the Perceiving Soma to the Phantasized Body
Authors: Joannidis Christo
Published: May 2014

This article attempts to convey a psychoanalytic understanding of the movement from a body‐state where the perceptive – biological – reflex reactions are paramount to a body‐state where this is intertwined with the emerging presence of psychic representations and the mentalization processes. The central position of sexuality and gender identification in all this, is highlighted. Through the use of two clinical vignettes, a putative link is attempted between early infantile experiences and psychic constitutions in adult life. Finally the influence of environmental/societal factors on the shaping of individual sexuality is emphasized. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of bus dwell time using univariate time series models
Authors: Rashidi Soroush , Ranjitkar Prakash
Published: May 2014

A significant proportion of bus travel time is contributed by dwell time for passenger boarding and alighting. More accurate estimation of bus dwell time (BDT) can enhance efficiency and reliability of public transportation system. Regression and probabilistic models are commonly used in literatures where a set of independent variables are used to define the statistical relationship between BDT and its contributing factors. However, due to technical and monetary constraints, it is not always feasible to collect all the data required for the models to work. More importantly, the contributing factors may vary from one bus route to another. Time series based methods can be of great interest as they require only historical time series data, which can be collected using a facility known as automatic vehicle location (AVL) system. This paper assesses four different time series based methods namely random walk, exponential smoothing, moving average (MA), and autoregressive integrated moving average to model and estimate BDT based on AVL data collected from Auckland. The performances of the proposed methods are ranked based on three important factors namely prediction accuracy, simplicity, and robustness. The models showed promising results and performed differently for central business district (CBD) and non‐CBD bus stops. For CBD bus stops, MA model performed the best, whereas for non‐CBD bus stops, ARIMA model performed the best compared with other time series based models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tenascin‐C is increased in atherothrombotic stroke patients and has an anti‐inflammatory effect in the human carotid artery
Authors: Clancy Paula , Lincz Lisa F. , Maguire Jane , McEvoy Mark , Koblar Simon A. , Golledge Jonathan
Published: May 2014

Tenascin‐C (Tn‐C) is an endogenous ligand of toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4); a key signalling molecule associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Both Tn‐C and TLR‐4 are increased in unstable human atheroma, but their effects on local inflammatory conditions have not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association and functional implications of Tn‐C/TLR‐4 signalling in large artery atherosclerotic stroke. Plasma Tn‐C was measured by ELISA and found to be higher in recent stroke patients (n = 336; median 12.77 µg/mL, inter‐quartile range 10.23–15.74 µg/mL) than in controls (n = 321; median 11.31 µg/mL, inter‐quartile range 8.89–13.90 µg/mL), P < 0.001. Plasma Tn‐C was also independently positively associated with stroke (odds ratio for highest Tn‐C quartile 2.27, 95% confidence interval 1.37–3.76). Assessment of Tn‐C associated chronic cytokine secretion was performed in vitro using paired, human, macroscopically disease matched, carotid atheroma tissue biopsies obtained from five patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. A 4‐day incubation with specific Tn‐C blocking antibodies (Abs) increased secretion of TLR‐4‐associated cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐1β, tumour necrosis factor and C‐C motif chemokine (CCL)3 and expression of TLR‐4 in the tissue. These results suggest with Tn‐C blockade another endogenous TLR‐4 ligand upregulates TLR‐4 expression and subsequent cytokine secretion. Titration of the Tn‐C Abs also dose dependently increased secretion of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, and CCL3 in mixed, healthy, primary vascular cell culture. In summary, circulating concentrations of Tn‐C are higher in patients with a recent history of atherosclerotic stroke and may play an anti‐inflammatory role by reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokine release from atheroma. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(4):448–457, 2014
Daphnane‐Type Diterpenoid Glucosides and Further Constituents of Euphorbia pilosa
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Dong , Ni Wei , Yan Huan , Li Gen‐Tao , Zhong Hui‐Min , Li Yan , Liu Hai‐Yang
Published: May 2014

Phytochemical investigation of whole plants of Euphorbia pilosa led to the isolation and identification of two new daphnane‐diterpenoid glucosides, euphopilosides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and a new ent‐abietane, euphopilolide (3), together with eight known compounds. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first daphnane‐type diterpenoid glycosides. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and MS analyses, and acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1–9 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicities against five human tumor cell lines, HL‐60, SMMC‐7721, A‐549, MCF‐7, and SW‐480. Compound 7 showed moderate inhibitory activity against all five cell lines.
Volatile‐Oils Composition, and Bioactivity of the Essential Oils of Plectranthus barbatus, P. neochilus, and P. ornatus Grown in Portugal
Authors: Mota Luísa , Figueiredo A. Cristina , Pedro Luís G. , Barroso José G. , Miguel M. Graça , Faleiro M. Leonor , Ascensão Lia
Published: May 2014

Volatile‐oils chemical composition and bioactivity of the essentail oils from Plectranthus barbatus, P. neochilus, and P. ornatus (Lamiaceae) were assessed. Aerial parts from these three related Plectranthus species were collected from cultivated plants grown in Portugal, during vegetative and flowering phases. Volatiles, isolated by distillationextraction, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (12–74%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (4–45%) constituted the main fractions in all volatiles. α‐Pinene (3; 12–67%), oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol (6; traces–28%), β‐pinene (7; 0.1–22%), and β‐caryophyllene (50; 7–12%) dominated P. barbatus volatiles. P. neochilus major volatile components were α‐terpenyl acetate (41; traces–48%), α‐thujone (2; 2–28%), β‐caryophyllene (50; 2–28%), β‐pinene (7; 1–25%), and α‐pinene (3; 1–19%). Oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol (6; 13–31%), β‐pinene (7; 11–24%), α‐pinene (3; 11–19%), and β‐caryophyllene (50; traces–11%) were the main constituents from P. ornatus volatiles. These chemical compositions were rather different from those previously found for specimens harvested in Africa and Brazil. Moreover, the volatiles from the flowers are herewith reported for the first time. Essential oils, isolated by hydrodistillation from leaves and stems, showed a yellowish color and unpleasant odor, with yields ranging from 0.08% to 0.84% (v/dry weight). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils were evaluated by DPPH. and TBARS assays, and agar disc‐diffusion method, respectively. Results showed low or moderate antioxidant capacity and significant antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria.
Bioactive Tyrosine‐Derived Cytochalasins from Fungus Eutypella sp. D‐1
Authors: Liu Jing‐Tang , Hu Bo , Gao Yun , Zhang Jian‐Peng , Jiao Bing‐Hua , Lu Xiao‐Ling , Liu Xiao‐Yu
Published: May 2014

Three new cytochalasins Z24, Z25, Z26 (1–3, resp.) and one known compound, scoparasin B (4), were isolated from the fungus Eutypella sp. D‐1 isolated from the soil of high latitude of the Arctic. The structures of 1–3 were elucidated from spectroscopic data (NMR, MS). These compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities against several human tumor cell lines. Among them, compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity toward human breast cancer MCF‐7 cell line with IC50 of 9.33 μM.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. Growing Wild in Lebanon
Authors: Khoury Madona , El Beyrouthy Marc , Ouaini Naïm , Iriti Marcello , Eparvier Véronique , Stien Didier
Published: May 2014

The essential oils (EOs) isolated from the leaves and twigs of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb. growing wild in Lebanon were characterized, and their antimicrobial activity and antiradical capacity were evaluated. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger‐type apparatus and characterized by GC and GC/MS analyses. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a Gram‐positive and a Gram‐negative bacterium, a yeast, and a dermatophyte with the broth microdilution technique.

A total of 28 constituents was identified and accounted for 90.1 and 95.6% of the twig and leaf EO composition, respectively. Both EOs were essentially composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.7 and 59.6% for twig and leaf EOs, resp.) and sesquiterpenes (39.4 and 32.1%, resp.). The main components were α‐pinene, α‐cedrol, and δ‐car‐3‐ene.

The J. excelsa EOs did not show any antiradical potential, but revealed interesting in vitro antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum (MICs of 64 and 128 μg/ml, resp.). The three major compounds were tested separately and in combination according to their respective amounts in the oil. δ‐Car‐3‐ene was the most active component and is undoubtedly one of the constituents driving the antifungal activity of J. excelsa essential oil, even though synergies are probably involved.
Designed Di‐Heme Binding Helical Transmembrane Protein
Authors: Mahajan Mukesh , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: May 2014

De novo designing of functional membrane proteins is fundamental in terms of understanding the structure, folding, and stability of membrane proteins. In this work, we report the design and characterization of a transmembrane protein, termed HETPRO (HEme‐binding Transmembrane PROtein), that binds two molecules of heme in a membrane and catalyzes oxidation/reduction reactions. The primary structure of HETPRO has been optimized in a guided fashion, from an antimicrobial peptide, for transmembrane orientation, defined 3D structure, and functions. HETPRO assembles into a tetrameric form, from an apo dimeric helical structure, in complex with cofactor in detergent micelles. The NMR structure of the apo HETPRO in micelles reveals an antiparallel helical dimer that inserts into the nonpolar core of detergent micelles. The well‐defined structure of HETPRO and its ability to bind to heme moieties could be utilized to develop a functional membrane protein mimic for electron transport and photosystems.
Prognostic implications of severe coronary calcification in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: An analysis of the SYNTAX Study
Authors: Bourantas Christos V. , Zhang Yao‐Jun , Garg Scot , Mack Michael , Dawkins Keith D. , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Mohr Friedrich W. , Colombo Antonio , Holmes David R. , Ståhle Elisabeth , Feldman Ted , Morice Marie‐Claude , de Vries Ton , Morel Marie‐Angèle , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To investigate the prognostic implications of the presence of severe lesion calcification in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation.

Background

There is robust evidence that lesion calcification is a predictor of worse prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention; however, there is limited data about the prognostic implication of lesion calcium in patients treated with CABG.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,545 patients who underwent CABG and were recruited in the SYNTAX study and CABG registry. Two experts reviewed the angiographic data and classified patients in two groups: those with severely calcified coronary arteries and those without severe lesion calcification. Clinical outcomes at 5‐year follow‐up were collected and compared in the two groups.

Results

One out of three patients exhibited severe lesion calcification (n = 588). Patients with calcified coronaries had an increased mortality at 5‐year follow‐up (17.1% vs. 9.9%, P < 0.001) and a higher event rate of death‐myocardial infarction (MI) compared with those without (19.4% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.003), but there was no statistical significant difference between the two groups for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, 26.8% vs. 21.8%, P = 0.057). In multivariate Cox regression analysis severe lesion calcification was an independent predictor of an increased all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.89; P = 0.037) but it was not an independent predictor of the combined end‐points death‐MI or MACE.

Conclusions

Severe lesion calcification is associated with an increased mortality in patients undergoing CABG, but it is not an independent predictor of death‐MI or MACE. This paradox can be attributed to the fact that CABG allows perfusion of the healthy coronaries bypassing the diseased arteries and thus it minimizes the risk of coronary events due to progressive atherosclerosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Behavior of Supramolecular Comb Polymers Consisting of Poly(2‐Vinyl Pyridine) and Palladium‐Pincer Surfactants in the Solid State
Authors: Davidi Inbal , Hermida‐Merino Daniel , Keinan‐Adamsky Keren , Portale Giuseppe , Goobes Gil , Shenhar Roy
Published: May 2014

When poly(2‐vinyl pyridine) is combined with Pd‐pincer‐based organometallic surfactants, a mesomorphic structure forms due to weak stacking interactions between the pyridine units and the Pd‐pincer headgroups. The weak binding between the surfactant and the polymer competes with the tendency of the aliphatic tails of the surfactant to crystallize. Here, we demonstrate that over extended periods of incubation, the crystallization tendency of the surfactant tails causes the surfactant molecules to detach from the polymer and gives rise to additional packing modes of the alkyl tails featuring higher crystalline order. The dynamic behavior of these aged structures was investigated by variable‐temperature small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and solid‐state 13C NMR, and revealed the influence of thermal changes on the molecular level, and how these changes propagate to the mesoscale structure.
A Novel Bismuth‐Based Metal–Organic Framework for High Volumetric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Savage Mathew , Yang Sihai , Suyetin Mikhail , Bichoutskaia Elena , Lewis William , Blake Alexander J. , Barnett Sarah A. , Schröder Martin
Published: May 2014

Solvothermal reaction of H4L (L=biphenyl‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetracarboxylate) and Bi(NO3)3⋅(H2O)5 in a mixture of DMF/MeCN/H2O in the presence of piperazine and nitric acid at 100 °C for 10 h affords the solvated metal–organic polymer [Bi2(L)1.5(H2O)2]⋅(DMF)3.5⋅(H2O)3 (NOTT‐220‐solv). A single crystal X‐ray structure determination confirms that it crystallises in space group P2/c and has a neutral and non‐interpenetrated structure comprising binuclear {Bi2} centres bridged by tetracarboxylate ligands. NOTT‐220‐solv shows a 3,6‐connected network having a framework topology with a {4⋅62}2{42⋅65⋅88}{62⋅8} point symbol. The desolvated material NOTT‐220a shows exceptionally high adsorption uptakes for CH4 and CO2 on a volumetric basis at moderate pressures and temperatures with a CO2 uptake of 553 g L−1 (20 bar, 293 K) with a saturation uptake of 688 g L−1 (1 bar, 195 K). The corresponding CH4 uptake was measured as 165 V(STP)/V (20 bar, 293 K) and 189 V(STP/V) (35 bar, 293 K) with a maximum CH4 uptake for NOTT‐220a recorded at 20 bar and 195 K to be 287 V(STP)/V, while H2 uptake of NOTT‐220a at 20 bar, 77 K is 42 g L−1. These gas uptakes have been modelled by grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which confirm the experimental data and give insights into the nature of the binding sites of CH4 and CO2 in this porous hybrid material.
Quantum Mechanical Calculations Unveil the Structure and Properties of the Absorbing and Emitting Excited Electronic States of Guanine Quadruplex
Authors: Improta Roberto
Published: May 2014

Herein, a full quantum mechanical study, in solution, of several models of guanine‐quadruplex helices, both parallel and antiparallel, containing up to eight guanine residues, in their electronic excited state is reported. By exploiting TD‐DFT calculations and including solvent effects by the polarizable continuum model, we provide the first atomistic description of the processes triggered by the absorption of UV light, reproducing and assigning the experimental optical and electronic circular dichroism spectra. The absorbing excited states are delocalized over multiple bases, whereas emission involves a stacked guanine dimer or a monomer. Several states, with a varying degree of localization and charge‐transfer character, rule the photoexcited dynamics, which are deeply affected by the quadruplex topology. The lowest excited‐state minimum for parallel quadruplex is an asymmetric excimer involving two stacked guanines, with a small charge transfer character, whereas for the anti‐parallel structure, with the same topology of the thrombin binding aptamer, it is a fully symmetric excimer, characterized by a strong decrease of the stacking distance. A monomer‐like decay path is the most relevant nonradiative decay pathway. Insights on the effect of the ions (K+ or Na+) on the excited state decay are also provided.
Synthesis and Reactivity of New Functionalized Perfluoroalkylfluorophosphates
Authors: Allefeld Nadine , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Röschenthaler Gerd‐Volker , Ignat'ev Nikolai , Hoge Berthold
Published: May 2014

A new efficient synthesis of functionalized perfluoroalkyl fluorophosphates by oxidative addition of Me2NCH2F to the electron‐deficient phosphanes (C2F5)nPF3−n (n=0–3) is reported. The initially formed zwitterionic, hexacoordinated phosphates [(C2F5)nF5−nP(CH2NMe2−CH2NMe2)] are converted into the corresponding phosphonium salts [(Me3PCH2NMe2]+[(C2F5)nF5−nP(CH2NMe2)]− by treatment with PMe3. In addition [(C2F5)3F2P(CH2NMe2CH2NMe2)] can undergo a 1,3‐methyl shift from the internal to the terminal nitrogen—a structural characterization was achieved from the CF3 analogue. Reaction of [(C2F5)3F2P(CH2NMeCH2NMe3)] and PMe3 gave rise to the formation of the zwitterionic phosphonium phosphate [(C2F5)3F2P(CH2NMeCH2PMe3)], which was fully characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, an efficient one‐pot synthesis of Cs+[(C2F5)3F2P(CH2NMe2)]− was pursued. This salt turned out to be a useful nucleophile in several alkylation reactions.
Donor–Acceptor Adducts of a 1,3‐Disila‐2‐oxyallyl Zwitterion
Authors: Cowley Michael J. , Huch Volker , Scheschkewitz David
Published: May 2014

In the presence of a Lewis acid or base, cyclotrisilene cSi3Tip4 (Tip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl) reacts with CO to form stable adducts of a 1,3‐disila‐2‐oxyallyl zwitterion. Coordination of an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) to one silicon center results in a localized SiC bond, whereas B(C6F5)3 bonds to the carbonyl moiety leading to the delocalization of the positive charge over the oxyallyl moiety. Computational analysis of the electronic structure of the Lewis acid adduct reveals a considerable interaction between the two silicon atoms in 1,3‐position and thus aromaticity akin to the homocyclopropenium cation.