bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structures and Magnetism of DyAlxGa3‐x (where x = 0.33 and x = 0.85).
Authors: Lyutyy Pavlo , Niehaus Oliver , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Poettgen Rainer , Porodko Iryna , Fedorchuk Anatolii
Published: August 2014

The title compounds are prepared by arc melting of the elements (Ta foil in evacuated silica tubes, 870 K, 10 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Structural Origin of the Anisotropic Thermal Expansion of a K2NiF4‐Type Oxide CaErAlO4 Through Interatomic Distances.
Authors: Omoto Kazuki , Yashima Masatomo , Hester James R.
Published: August 2014

The crystal structure and anisotropic thermal expansion of the title compound is investigated by neutron diffraction from 298 to 1473 K.
ChemInform Abstract: Phase Equilibrium Studies in the PbTe—Ga2Te3 and PbTe—In2Te3 Systems for Growing New Nonlinear Optical Crystals of PbGa6Te10 and PbIn6Te10 with Transparency Extending into the Far‐IR.
Authors: Avanesov S. A. , Badikov D. V. , Badikov V. V. , Panyutin V. L. , Petrov V. , Shevyrdyaeva G. S. , Martynov A. A. , Mitin K. V.
Published: August 2014

Nonlinear crystals of the title compounds, which are transparent into the mid‐ and far‐infrared spectral range to beyond 30 μm are grown and their linear and nonlinear optical properties are determined.
ChemInform Abstract: Colloidal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Orthorhombic AgGaS2 Nanocrystals.
Authors: Fan Cong‐Min , Regulacio Michelle D. , Ye Chen , Lim Suo Hon , Zheng Yuangang , Xu Qing‐Hua , Xu An‐Wu , Han Ming‐Yong
Published: August 2014

Colloidal orthorhombic AgGaS2 nanocrystals are synthesized from a mixture of Ag(S2CNEt2) and Ga(S2CNEt2)3 and a coordinating solvent such as dodecanethiol, hexadecanethiol, oleylamine, and hexadecylamine (Ar, 280 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Enantioselective Synthesis of Boron‐Substituted Quaternary Carbon Stereogenic Centers Through NHC‐Catalyzed Conjugate Additions of (Pinacolato)boron Units to Enones.
Authors: Radomkit Suttipol , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: August 2014

The enantioselective boryl conjugate addition of bis(pinacolato)diboron to cyclic and linear α,β‐unsaturated ketones leads to corresponding boron‐substituted chiral ketones (III) and (V).
ChemInform Abstract: Ring‐Opening of cis‐3‐Substituted‐2‐vinylaziridines with Heteroatom Nucleophiles.
Authors: Lee Ga‐Eun , Shin Mi‐Ri , Kang Han‐Young
Published: August 2014

Ring opening reactions of N‐protected 2‐vinylaziridines (I) and (VIII) with alcohols, amines and thiophenol proceed with excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: Simple, Chemoselective Hydrogenation with Thermodynamic Stereocontrol.
Authors: Iwasaki Kotaro , Wan Kanny K. , Oppedisano Alberto , Crossley Steven W. M. , Shenvi Ryan A.
Published: August 2014

The presented hydrogenation reaction can be performed at room temperature and is applicable to a broad variety of simple and complex alkenes bearing different functional groups.
ChemInform Abstract: A Concerted Transfer Hydrogenolysis: 1,3,2‐Diazaphospholene‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of N=N Bond with Ammonia—Borane.
Authors: Chong Che Chang , Hirao Hajime , Kinjo Rei
Published: August 2014

The reduction of azoarenes (I) with ammonia—borane leads to hydrazines (II), whilst the reaction of substrates (III) affords anilines (IV).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of β‐Haloketones by β‐Addition Reactions of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones with BX3 (X : Br, Cl) as Halide Source.
Authors: Lee Adam Shih‐Yuan , Wang Shu‐Huei , Chang Yu‐Ting
Published: August 2014

Reaction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones with a slight excess of an equimolar mixture of BBr3 or BCl3 and ethylene glycol offers a straightforward synthesis of β‐haloketones.
ChemInform Abstract: Bis(amidate)bis(amido) Titanium Complex: A Regioselective Intermolecular Alkyne Hydroamination Catalyst.
Authors: Yim Jacky C.‐H. , Bexrud Jason A. , Ayinla Rashidat O. , Leitch David C. , Schafer Laurel L.
Published: August 2014

An efficient, selective, easy to use, and overall general complex for the catalysis of anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination of alkynes is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: A Practical and Catalytic Reductive Olefin Coupling.
Authors: Lo Julian C. , Yabe Yuki , Baran Phil S.
Published: August 2014

The described protocol allows the direct C‐C bond formation between alkenes using a readily available iron source as catalyst.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrophilic Alkynylation of Ketones Using Hypervalent Iodine.
Authors: Utaka Aline , Cavalcanti Livia N. , Silva Luiz F. Jr.
Published: August 2014

A new method for the electrophilic α‐alkynylation of ketones is developed using a hypervalent iodine reagent (II).
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free Synthesis of N‐Aryloxyimides and Aryloxyamines.
Authors: Ghosh Raju , Olofsson Berit
Published: August 2014

A general metal‐free method for the O‐arylation of N‐hydroxyimides is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Pd(OAc)2/DPPF‐Catalyzed Microwave‐Assisted Cyanide‐Free Synthesis of Aryl Nitriles
Authors: Sawant Dinesh N. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: August 2014

using formamide as solvent and cyanide source
ChemInform Abstract: Cleavage of the C=N Bond in Carbodiimides via Release of High Ring Strain: A New Strategy for the Selective Synthesis of 2‐Aminoaryl Alkynyl Imines.
Authors: Zhou Yi , Chi Yue , Zhao Fei , Zhang Wen‐Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: August 2014

A novel multicomponent reaction of terminal alkynes or haloalkynes, carbodiimides, and benzynes is achieved via cleavage and reorganization of C=N bond to efficiently obtain the title compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Intramolecular Amidation of Unactivated C(sp3)—H Bonds.
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Zhao Yan , Zhang Guangwu , Ge Haibo
Published: August 2014

The reaction requires a tertiary α‐carbon atom since N‐quinoline‐protected propane and 2‐methylpropanamide as well as cyclohexane and cyclopentanecarboxamide do not give the desired products.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Synthesis of Spirooxazino Derivatives via Enzyme‐Initiated Multicomponent Reactions.
Authors: Wang Jun‐Liang , Chen Xiao‐Yang , Wu Qi , Lin Xian‐Fu
Published: August 2014

Novozym‐435‐initiated reaction of cyclohexanones, nitrostyrenes, 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde, and acetamide results in the formation of spirooxazines in a single step.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Oxazolidin‐2‐ones and Imidazolidin‐2‐ones Directly from 1,3‐Diols or 3‐Amino Alcohols Using Iodobenzene Dichloride and Sodium Azide.
Authors: He Tian , Gao Wen‐Chao , Wang Wei‐Kun , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2014

In addition to tosyl‐protected amino alcohols, 4‐nitrobenzenesulfonyl‐ or methanesulfonyl‐protected amines can be used giving similar to lower yields of the corresponding imidazolidin‐2‐ones.
ChemInform Abstract: Three‐Component Coupling Approach for the Synthesis of Diverse Heterocycles Utilizing Reactive Nitrilium Trapping.
Authors: Varadi Andras , Palmer Travis C. , Notis Paula R. , Redel‐Traub Gabriel N. , Afonin Daniel , Subrath Joan J. , Pasternak Gavril W. , Hu Chunhua , Sharma Indrajeet , Majumdar Susruta
Published: August 2014

Nearly any aryl or alkyl isocyanide is also effective in transforming (I) to (IV) in low to very good yields.
ChemInform Abstract: A Facile and Efficient Synthesis of 2‐(5‐(4‐Substitutedphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐phenylpyrazol‐1‐yl) ‐6‐substitutedbenzothiazoles and Their Biological Studies.
Authors: Munirajasekhar D. , Himaja M. , Mali Sunil V.
Published: August 2014

16 Title compounds of type (III) are prepared under microwave irradiation and screened for their antibacterial and anthelmintic activities.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Dihydrochromeno[4,3‐b]pyrazolo[4,3‐e]pyridin‐6(7H)‐ones Involving One‐Pot Three‐Component Tandem Knoevenagel—Michael Reaction Catalyzed by n‐Tetrabutylammonium Tribromide (TBATB).
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Khan Abu T.
Published: August 2014

A simple protocol for the three‐component reaction of 4‐hydroxycoumarin, pyrazole (II) and aldehydes to give the title compounds via a tandem Knoevenagel‐Michael reaction followed by cyclization.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Pyrazolo[1,2‐a]cinnolines via a Rhodium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling Approach.
Authors: Xing Li , Fan Zhoulong , Hou Chengyu , Yong Guoping , Zhang Ao
Published: August 2014

The oxidative coupling of N‐arylpyrazolones with terminal alkynes tolerates various substituents in both partners and provides a broad range of pyrazolocinnoline derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Step Method for Synthesis of 2,4‐Disubstituted Quinazoline 3‐Oxides by Reaction of a 2‐Aminoaryl Ketone with a Hydroxamic Acid Using Zn(OTf)2 as the Catalyst.
Authors: Madabhushi Sridhar , Mallu Kishore Kumar Reddy , Jillella Raveendra , Kurva Srinivas , Singh Rajpal
Published: August 2014

The title reaction allows the synthesis of quinazoline 3‐oxides in good to excellent yields and tolerates various substituents.
ChemInform Abstract: Heteroannulation of 6‐Polyfluoroalkyl‐2‐thiouracils.
Authors: Khudina O. G. , Ivanova A. E. , Burgart Ya. V. , Slepukhin P. A. , Saloutin V. I. , Chupakhin O. N. , Kravchenko M. A.
Published: August 2014

Multi‐component double Mannich cyclocondensation of 6‐polyfluoroalkylthiouracils (III) with formalin and heterocyclic amines provides regiospecifically 3‐hetaryl‐8‐polyfluoroalkylpyrimidothiadiazines (VI) (7 examples).
ChemInform Abstract: Intermolecular/Intramolecular Sequential Aldol Reaction.
Authors: Izumiseki Atsuto , Yamamoto Hisashi
Published: August 2014

The presented method gives access to five, six and seven‐membered ring aldol products in a highly diastereoselective manner from disilyl enol ethers and different aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: NHC—Cu‐Catalyzed Addition of Propargylboron Reagents to Phosphinoylimines. Enantioselective Synthesis of Trimethylsilyl‐Substituted Homoallenylamides and Application to the Synthesis of S‐(‐)‐Cyclooroidin.
Authors: Mszar Nicholas W. , Haeffner Fredrik , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: August 2014

The title reaction proceeds in very short reaction times with high chemoselectivity to give the allene in mostly 98% vs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Cochliomycin A.
Authors: Wang Linlin , Gao Yangguang , Liu Jun , Cai Chao , Du Yuguo
Published: August 2014

The stereoselective synthesis of the title compound (I) from L‐arabinose is reported.
ChemInform Abstract: Layered Rare Earth Hydroxides (LREHs): Synthesis and Structure Characterization Towards Multifunctionality
Authors: Liang Jianbo , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: August 2014

Review: 52 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Crystal Chemistry of Uranium Carboxylates
Authors: Loiseau Thierry , Mihalcea Ionut , Henry Natacha , Volkringer Christophe
Published: August 2014

Review: 345 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Synthesis, Conformational Analysis and Application of Indolizidin‐2‐one Dipeptide Mimics
Authors: Khashper Arkady , Lubell William D.
Published: August 2014

Review: 76 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydrogenation Catalysts Based on Metal Nanoparticles Stabilized by Organic Ligands
Authors: Karakhanov E. A. , Maksimov A. L. , Zolotukhina A. V. , Kardasheva Yu. S.
Published: August 2014

Review: 153 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dilute Ferromagnetic Semiconductors: Physics and Spintronic Structures
Authors: Dietl Tomasz , Ohno Hideo
Published: August 2014

Review: 476 refs.
Recent Advances in The Discovery of N‐Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors
Authors: Zhao Can , Ma Shutao
Published: August 2014

N‐Myristoyltransferase (NMT) is a cytosolic monomeric enzyme present in eukaryotes such as fungi and protozoa, but is not found in prokaryotes. The attachment of a 14‐carbon saturated fatty acid, myristate, from myristoyl‐CoA (14:0 CoA) to the N‐terminal glycine residue in a specific set of cellular proteins is commonly called protein N‐myristoylation. The myristoylation reaction catalyzed by the enzyme myristoyl CoA:NMT is both necessary for the growth of various organisms and conclusive for cellular proliferation. Therefore, NMT has been identified as a novel and promising target for antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer agents, and a large number of potent NMT inhibitors with antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer activities have been reported. Herein we describe recent advances in the discovery of NMT inhibitors. We introduce not only the functions of NMT, but also some representative natural and synthetic inhibitors, with a focus on their biological activity, selectivity, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) information. In particular, inspiration from NMT inhibitor structures and the future direction of these compounds are highlighted.
Generalizations and Properties of the Principal Eigenvalue of Elliptic Operators in Unbounded Domains
Authors: Berestycki Henri , Rossi Luca
Published: August 2014

Using three different notions of the generalized principal eigenvalue of linear second‐order elliptic operators in unbounded domains, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of the maximum principle, as well as for the existence of positive eigenfunctions for the Dirichlet problem. Relations between these principal eigenvalues, their simplicity, and several other properties are further discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An effective single‐hop distributed hash table with high lookup performance and low traffic overhead
Authors: Monnerat Luiz , Amorim Claudio L.
Published: August 2014

Distributed hash tables (DHTs) have been used in several applications, but most DHTs have opted to solve lookups with multiple hops, to minimize bandwidth costs while sacrificing lookup latency. This paper presents D1HT, an original DHT that has a peer‐to‐peer and self‐organizing architecture and maximizes lookup performance with reasonable maintenance traffic, and a Quarantine mechanism to reduce overheads caused by volatile peers. We implemented both D1HT and a prominent single‐hop DHT, and we performed an extensive and highly representative DHT experimental comparison, followed by complementary analytical studies. In comparison with current single‐hop DHTs, our results showed that D1HT consistently had the lowest bandwidth requirements, with typical reductions of up to one order of magnitude, and that D1HT could be used even in popular Internet applications with millions of users. In addition, we ran the first latency experiments comparing DHTs to directory servers, which revealed that D1HT can achieve latencies equivalent to or better than a directory server, and confirmed its greater scalability properties. Overall, our extensive set of results allowed us to conclude that D1HT can provide a very effective solution for a broad range of environments, from large‐scale corporate data centers to widely deployed Internet applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polysaccharide‐Based Oleogels Prepared with an Emulsion‐Templated Approach
Authors: Patel Ashok R. , Cludts Nick , Bin Sintang Mohd Dona , Lewille Benny , Lesaffer Ans , Dewettinck Koen
Published: August 2014

The preparation and characterization of oleogels structured by using a combination of a surface‐active and a non‐surface‐active polysaccharide through an emulsion‐templated approach is reported. Specifically, the oleogels were prepared by first formulating a concentrated oil‐in‐water emulsion, stabilized with a combination of cellulose derivatives and xanthan gum, followed by the selective evaporation of the continuous water phase to drive the network formation, resulting in an oleogel with a unique microstructure and interesting rheological properties, including a high gel strength, G′>4000 Pa, shear sensitivity, good thixotropic recovery, and good thermostability.
Ultra‐low‐noise large‐bandwidth transimpedance amplifier
Authors: Giusi Gino , Cannatà Gianluca , Scandurra Graziella , Ciofi Carmine
Published: August 2014

Equivalent input current noise and bandwidth are the most relevant parameters qualifying a low‐noise transimpedance amplifier. In the conventional topology consisting of an operational amplifier in a shunt‐shunt configuration, the equivalent input noise decreases as the feedback resistor (RF), which also sets the gain, increases. Unfortunately, as RF increases above a few MΩ, as it is required for obtaining high sensitivity, the bandwidth of the system is set by the parasitic capacitance of RF and reduces as RF increases. In this paper, we propose a new topology that allows overcoming this limitation by employing a large‐bandwidth voltage amplifier together with a proper modified feedback network for compensating the effect of the parasitic capacitance of the feedback resistance. We experimentally demonstrate, on a prototype circuit, that the proposed approach allows to obtain a bandwidth in excess of 100 kHz and an equivalent input noise of about 4 fA/
, corresponding to the current noise of the 1 GΩ resistor that is part of the feedback network. The new approach allows obtaining larger bandwidth with respect to those obtained in previously proposed configurations with comparable background noise. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Two‐Photon Absorption Properties of Ladder‐Type Chromophores with Functionalized Pyrazine Units Fused as the End‐Groups
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Chau , Tsai Bo‐Kai , Liu Yi‐You , Tsai Ming‐Yu
Published: August 2014

Three new multipolar chromophores based on ladder‐type units (fluorene, indenofluorene, and bisindenofluorene) as the central π‐bridges and with functionalized pyrazine moieties fused at the molecular terminal positions have been designed and synthesized in order to serve as a set of model compounds for the study of possible effects on the molecular two‐photon absorption (2PA) properties that might be introducible by the structural arrangement. Preliminary experimental results showed that these model dye molecules display broad and intense 2PA in the near‐IR region. Tentative analysis of the relationship between structure and 2PA revealed that the π‐conjugation length of the central oligo‐p‐phenylene component is closely related to the magnitude of overall molecular 2PA and that such a structural motif provides access to highly efficient nonlinear absorbers.
Sensory characterization of Hunter Valley Semillon aged in bottle
Authors: Blackman John W. , Hopfer Helene , Saliba Anthony J. , Schmidtke Leigh M. , Barril Celia , Scollary Geoffrey R.
Published: August 2014

The evolution of sensory characters of white wine cellared under ideal conditions has not previously been studied extensively. The effect of 3 years of bottle ageing of 16 commercial Hunter Valley Semillon (HVS) has been investigated by sensory descriptive analysis. Overall, although primary fruit characters (lemon/lime, grassy, floral, grapefruit and pineapple) generally decreased, some attributes, particularly lemon/lime, remained important features of the wine after the ageing period. Although the grapefruit aroma decreased in all but one wine, none of the decreases were found to have been significant (p < 0.05). Developed characters such as honey, toast and orange marmalade also became more prominent. This study also provides an illustration of the sensory changes in bottled HVS with regard to previously identified HVS styles, with the most noticeable changes occurring in styles categorized by primary fruit characters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fibrosis stage is the strongest predictor for disease‐specific mortality in NAFLD after up to 33 years of follow‐up
Authors: Ekstedt Mattias , Hagström Hannes , Nasr Patrik , Fredrikson Mats , Stål Per , Kechagias Stergios , Hultcrantz Rolf
Published: August 2014

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world, strongly associated with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, i.e., fatty liver accompanied by necroinflammatory changes, is mostly defined by the NAFLD activity score (NAS). The aim of the current study was to determine disease‐specific mortality in NAFLD, and evaluate the NAS and fibrosis stage as prognostic markers for overall and disease‐specific mortality. In a cohort study, data from 229 well‐characterized patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were collected. Mean follow‐up was 26.4 (±5.6, range 6‐33) years. A reference population was obtained from the National Registry of Population, and information on time and cause of death were obtained from the Registry of Causes of Death. NAFLD patients had an increased mortality compared with the reference population (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29, confidence interval [CI] 1.04‐1.59, P = 0.020), with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (HR 1.55, CI 1.11‐2.15, P = 0.01), hepatocellular carcinoma (HR 6.55, CI 2.14‐20.03, P = 0.001), infectious disease (HR 2.71, CI 1.02‐7.26, P = 0.046), and cirrhosis (HR 3.2, CI 1.05‐9.81, P = 0.041). Overall mortality was not increased in patients with NAS 5‐8 and fibrosis stage 0‐2 (HR 1.41, CI 0.97‐2.06, P = 0.07), whereas patients with fibrosis stage 3‐4, irrespective of NAS, had increased mortality (HR 3.3, CI 2.27‐4.76, P < 0.001). Conclusion: NAFLD patients have increased risk of death, with a high risk of death from cardiovascular disease and liver‐related disease. The NAS was not able to predict overall mortality, whereas fibrosis stage predicted both overall and disease‐specific mortality. (Hepatology 2015;61:1547–1554)
Transcriptional activation of Fsp27 by the liver‐enriched transcription factor CREBH promotes lipid droplet growth and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Xu Xu , Park Jong‐Gil , So Jae‐Seon , Lee Ann‐Hwee
Published: August 2014

Fat‐specific protein 27 (Fsp27) is a lipid droplet‐associated protein that promotes lipid droplet (LD) growth and triglyceride (TG) storage in white adipocytes. Fsp27 is also highly expressed in the steatotic liver and contributes to TG accumulation. In this study we discovered that the liver produces Fsp27β, an alternative Fsp27 isoform, which contains 10 additional amino acids at the N‐terminus of the original Fsp27 (Fsp27α). White adipose tissue (WAT) and the liver specifically expressed Fsp27α and Fsp27β transcripts, respectively, which were driven by distinct promoters. The Fsp27β promoter was activated by the liver‐enriched transcription factor cyclic‐AMP‐responsive‐element‐binding protein H (CREBH) but not by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which activated the Fsp27α promoter. Enforced expression of the constitutively active CREBH strongly induced Fsp27β and the human ortholog CIDEC2 in mouse hepatocytes and HepG2 cells, respectively. In contrast, loss of CREBH decreased hepatic Fsp27β in fasted mice, suggesting that CREBH plays a critical role in Fsp27β expression in the liver. Similar to Fsp27α, Fsp27β localized on the surface of lipid droplets and suppressed lipolysis. Consequently, enforced expression of Fsp27β or CREBH promoted lipid droplet enlargement and TG accumulation in the liver. Conclusion: The CREBH‐Fsp27β axis is important for regulating lipid droplet dynamics and TG storage in the liver. (Hepatology 2015;61:857–869)
Theory of Mind and Sensitivity to Teacher and Peer Criticism Among Japanese Children
Authors: Mizokawa Ai
Published: August 2014

This study investigated sensitivity to teacher and peer criticism among 89 Japanese 6‐year‐olds and examined the connection between sensitivity to criticism and first‐order and second‐order theory of mind separately. Participants completed a common test battery that included tasks assessing sensitivity to criticism (teacher or peer condition), the Picture Vocabulary Test—Revised, and theory of mind tasks. The results showed that the children with better understanding of second‐order mental states rated their ability negatively after teacher criticism, but they were motivated to keep trying. This phenomenon was found under only the teacher condition, and peer criticism did not significantly affect children's response, irrespective of theory‐of‐mind level. Cognitive and social factors that may have contributed to the children's responses to criticism are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent insights into the biology of neuroblastoma
Authors: Schleiermacher Gudrun , Janoueix‐Lerosey Isabelle , Delattre Olivier
Published: August 2014

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system which accounts for 8–10% of pediatric cancers. It is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical behaviors from spontaneous regression to fatal outcome despite aggressive therapies. Considerable progress has been made recently in the germline and somatic genetic characterization of patients and tumors. Indeed, predisposition genes that account for a significant proportion of familial and syndromic cases have been identified and genome‐wide association studies have retrieved a number of susceptibility loci. In addition, genome‐wide sequencing, copy‐number and expression studies have been conducted on tumors and have detected important gene modifications, profiles and signatures that have strong implications for the therapeutic stratification of patients. The identification of major players in NB oncogenesis, including MYCN, ALK, PHOX2B and LIN28B, has enabled the development of new animal models. Our review focuses on these recent advances, on the insights they provide on the mechanisms involved in NB development and their applications for the clinical management of patients.
Expression of TNF‐α and CD44 is implicated in poor prognosis, cancer cell invasion, metastasis and resistance to the sunitinib treatment in clear cell renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Mikami Shuji , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kosaka Takeo , Saya Hideyuki , Oya Mototsugu , Okada Yasunori
Published: August 2014

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is involved in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and expression of CD44, a cancer stem cell marker, in several cancers. This study was performed to clarify the significance of TNF‐α and CD44 in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). Expression of TNF‐α and CD44 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 120 ccRCCs. Involvement of TNF‐α in EMT and induction of CD44 was analyzed by monitoring expression of EMT‐related genes and CD44, and invasion in cultured ccRCC cell lines. TNF‐α and CD44 were immunolocalized mainly to carcinoma cells of high‐grade ccRCCs with positive correlations with primary tumor stage. A positive correlation was also obtained between TNF‐α and CD44 expression, and co‐upregulation of TNF‐α and CD44 was associated with primary tumor stage, distant metastasis, and poor prognosis. TNF‐α enhanced migration and invasion of ccRCC cells together with down‐regulation of E‐cadherin expression and up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and CD44 expression. TNF‐α also up‐regulated the expression of TNF‐α itself in ccRCC cells. Among the 25 ccRCC patients treated with sunitinib for metastatic disease, high CD44 expression was associated with poor treatment outcome. Importantly, residual carcinoma cells in the sunitinib‐treated metastatic ccRCCs were strongly positive for CD44, and the CD44 expression was significantly higher in the tumors from the sunitinib‐treated patients than in those from untreated ones. Our data show that TNF‐α plays an important role in progression of ccRCCs by inducing EMT and CD44 expression, and suggest that CD44 induced by TNF‐α may be involved in the resistance to the sunitinib treatment.
High‐throughput continuous flow femtosecond laser‐assisted cell optoporation and transfection
Authors: Breunig Hans Georg , Uchugonova Aisada , Batista Ana , König Karsten
Published: August 2014

We present a femtosecond‐laser based nanoprocessing system for transient optical cell membrane poration to allow the introduction of foreign molecules into the interior of a cell with very high throughput. In the setup, cells flow through a micro‐flow tube for spatial confinement and are simultaneously targeted by fs laser radiation. Beam‐shaping generates a focal geometry along a line which is scanned across the micro‐flow cell to increase the number of reachable cells. Successful cell membrane poration was observed indirectly by cell transfection even with cell‐light interaction times in the millisecond range. The system was characterized by experiments with Chinese hamster ovary cells regarding cell viability, the uptake of extrinsic molecules and cell transfection efficiency. The continuous flow of cells enables a tremendous increase of cell throughput compared to previous nonflow approaches by treating millions of cells, although with only limited efficiency. The setup opens the possibility to realize a completely automated high‐throughput laser‐assisted cell‐poration system which could be integrated in lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:974–979, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manifold learning based ECG‐free free‐breathing cardiac CINE MRI
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Atkinson David , Kolbitsch Christoph , Schaeffter Tobias , Prieto Claudia
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To present and validate a manifold learning (ML)‐based method that can estimate both cardiac and respiratory navigator signals from electrocardiogram (ECG)‐free free‐breathing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to achieve self‐gated retrospective CINE reconstruction.

Materials and Methods

In this work the use of the ML method is demonstrated for 2D cardiac CINE to achieve both cardiac and respiratory self‐gating without the need of an external navigator or ECG signal. This is achieved by sequentially applying ML to two sets of retrospectively reconstructed real‐time images with differing temporal resolutions. A 1D cardiac signal is estimated by applying ML to high temporal resolution real‐time images reconstructed from the acquired data. Using the estimated cardiac signal, a 1D respiratory signal was obtained by applying the ML method to low temporal resolution images reconstructed from the same acquired data for each cardiac cycle. Data were acquired in five volunteers with a 2D golden angle radial trajectory in a balanced steady‐state free precession (b‐SSFP) acquisition. The accuracy of the estimated cardiac signal was calculated as the standard deviation of the temporal difference between the estimated signal and the recorded ECG. The correlation between the estimated respiratory signal and standard pencil beam navigator signal was evaluated. Gated CINE reconstructions (20 cardiac phases per cycle, temporal resolution ∼30 msec) using the estimated cardiac and respiratory signals were qualitatively compared against conventional ECG‐gated breath‐hold CINE acquisitions.

Results

Accurate cardiac signals were estimated with the proposed method, with an error standard deviation in comparison to ECG lower than 20 msec. Respiratory signals estimated with the proposed method achieved a mean cross‐correlation of 94% with respect to standard pencil beam navigator signals. Good quality visual scores of 2.80 ± 0.45 (scores from 0, bad, to 4, excellent quality) were observed for the proposed approach in comparison with the conventional ECG‐gated breath‐hold images (visual score: 3.00 ± 0.71).

Conclusion

Accurate respiratory and cardiac navigator signals can be estimated using the proposed framework from the acquired data itself, resulting in retrospective self‐gated CINE reconstruction with high spatial and temporal quality. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1521–1527. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using support vector machines to predict cation exchange capacity of different soil horizons in Qingdao City, China
Authors: Liao Kaihua , Xu Shaohui , Wu Jichun , Zhu Qing , An Lesheng
Published: August 2014

Agricultural, environmental and ecological modeling requires soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) that is difficult to measure. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are thus routinely applied to predict CEC from easily measured physicochemical properties (e.g., texture, soil organic matter, pH). This study developed the support vector machines (SVM)‐based PTFs to predict soil CEC based on 208 soil samples collected from A and B horizons in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China. The database was randomly split into calibration and validation datasets in proportions of 3:1 using the bootstrap method. The optimal SVM parameters were searched by applying the genetic algorithm (GA). The performance of SVM models was compared to those of multiple stepwise regression (MSR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models. Results show that the accuracy of CEC predicted by SVM improves considerably over those predicted by MSR and ANN. The performance of SVM for B horizon (R2 = 0.85) is slightly better than that for A horizon (R2 = 0.81). The SVM is a powerful approach in the simulation of nonlinear relationship between CEC and physicochemical properties of widely distributed samples from different soil horizons. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to explore the influence of each input parameter on the CEC predictions by SVM. The clay content is the most sensitive parameter, followed by soil organic matter and pH, while sand content has the weakest influence. This suggests that clay is the most important predictor for predicting CEC of both soil horizons.
Finding your way out of the forest without a trail of bread crumbs: development and evaluation of two novel displays of forest plots
Authors: Schild Anne H. E. , Voracek Martin
Published: August 2014

Research has shown that forest plots are a gold standard in the visualization of meta‐analytic results. However, research on the general interpretation of forest plots and the role of researchers' meta‐analysis experience and field of study is still unavailable. Additionally, the traditional display of effect sizes, confidence intervals, and weights have repeatedly been criticized. The current work presents an online statistical cognition experiment in which a total of 279 researchers with experience in meta‐analysis from 36 countries evaluated conventional forest plots and two novel versions of forest plots, namely, thick forest plots and rainforest plots. The results indicate certain biases in the interpretation of forest plots, especially with regard to heterogeneity, the distribution of weights, and the theoretical concept of confidence intervals. Although the two novel displays (thick forest plots and rainforest plots) are associated with slightly longer viewing times, they are at least as well‐suited and esthetically and perceptively pleasing as the conventional displays while facilitating the correct and exhaustive interpretation of the meta‐analytic information. Furthermore, it is advisable to combine conventional forest plots with distribution information of the individual effects, make confidence lines more visually striking, and to display a background grid in the graph. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pediatric tracheostomy revisited: A nine‐year experience using horizontal intercartilaginous incision
Authors: Song Jae‐Jin , Choi Ik J. , Chang Hyun , Kim Dong W. , Chang Hyung W. , Park Gyeong‐Hun , Kim Min‐Su , Sung Myung W. , Hah J. Hun
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe our tracheostomy procedure using a vertical skin incision and a horizontal intercartilaginous incision and to compare our postoperative results with those in the recent literature.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review and literature review.

Methods

One hundred eleven children underwent tracheostomy using a vertical skin incision and a horizontal intercartilaginous incision over a 9‐year period. A retrospective chart review was undertaken with respect to the following variables: demographics, weight, primary diagnosis, surgical indication, follow‐up duration, decannulation, interval between tracheostomy and decannulation, and complications experienced. In addition, the outcomes were compared to results from a literature review.

Results

Of the 111 patients, 56 had a history of prolonged intubation, 52 had upper airway obstruction, and three underwent tracheostomy for tracheobronchial toileting. Three (2.7%) patients experienced early major complications without major sequelae, and 14 (12.6%) experienced late major complications. Twenty‐one (18.9%) patients were decannulated during the follow‐up period, whereas 17 (17.8%) died of their primary disease or tracheostomy‐related complications (15 died of their primary disease and two died of tracheostomy‐related complications). The complication rates showed overall no differences, but our patient series showed significantly less stomal granulation tissue formation and non‐significant trend for less suprastomal collapse as compared with previous literature.

Conclusions

Pediatric tracheostomy using a vertical skin incision and horizontal intercartilaginous incision is comparable with the conventional procedure in terms of complication and mortality rates. Future randomized controlled studies are mandatory to directly compare conventional tracheotomy using a vertical skin incision and a horizontal intercartilaginous incision with our procedure.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:485–492, 2015
Thyroarytenoid cross‐innervation by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in the porcine model
Authors: Paskhover Boris , Wadie Mikhail , Sasaki Clarence T.
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cross‐innervation patterns to the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle have long been sought after. We have identified in the porcine model, cross‐innervation by way of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (eSLN).

Study Design

Experimental study.

Methods

TA contraction was electromyographically recorded when electrically stimulating the eSLN in six porcine necks. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was subsequently transected. The insertion of the cricothyroid (CT) muscle on the cricoid was then subsequently removed as well.

Results

Stimulation of the eSLN rendered a response from the TA muscle in 6/6 subject necks, with a mean latency of 2.76 msec. TA muscle contraction by way of eSLN stimulation persisted after the RLN was transected and after CT insertion release.

Conclusions

The TA muscle is directly cross‐innervated by a branch of the eSLN in the porcine model. This finding may have implications regarding possible future laryngeal pacing strategies and could be a target nerve for rehabilitation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:177–179, 2015
Quantification of the triglyceride fatty acid composition with 3.0 T MRI
Authors: Leporq Benjamin , Lambert Simon A. , Ronot Maxime , Vilgrain Valerie , Van Beers Bernard E.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this work was to validate a sequential method for quantifying the triglyceride fatty acid composition with 3.0 T MRI.

The image acquisition was performed with a 3D spoiled gradient multiple echo sequence. A specific phase correction algorithm was implemented to correct the native phase images for wrap, zero‐ and first‐order phase and rebuild the real part images. Then, using a model of a fat 1H MR spectrum integrating nine components, the number of double bonds (ndb) and the number of methylene‐interrupted double bonds (nmidb) were derived. The chain length (CL) was obtained from these parameters using heuristic approximation. Validations were performed on different vegetable oils whose theoretical fatty acid composition was used as reference and in five human subjects. In vivo measurements were made in the liver and in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues.

Linear regressions showed strong correlations between ndb and nmidb quantified with MRI and the theoretical values calculated using oil composition. Mean ndb/nmidb/CL were 1.80 ± 0.25/0.51 ± 0.21/17.43 ± 0.07, 2.72 ± 0.31/0.94 ± 0.16/17.47 ± 0.08 and 2.53 ± 0.21/0.84 ± 0.14/17.43 ± 0.07 in the liver, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues respectively.

The results suggest that the triglyceride fatty acid composition can be assessed in human fatty liver and adipose tissues with a clinically relevant MRI method at 3.0 T. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of chiral iridium complexes immobilized on amphiphilic polymers and their application to asymmetric catalysis
Authors: Itsuno Shinichi , Hashimoto Yosuke , Haraguchi Naoki
Published: August 2014

This article details the enantioselective catalytic performance of crosslinked, polymer immobilized, Ir‐based, chiral complexes for transfer hydrogenation of cyclic imines to chiral amines. Polymerization of the achiral vinyl monomer, divinylbenzene, and a polymerizable chiral 1,2‐diamine monosulfonamide ligand followed by complexation with [IrCl2Cp*]2 affords the crosslinked polymeric chiral complex, which can be successfully applied to asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of cyclic imines. Polymeric catalysts prepared from amphiphilic achiral monomers have high catalytic activity in the reaction and can be used both in organic solvents and water to give chiral cyclic amines with a high level of enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee). The asymmetric reaction allows for reuse of the heterogeneous catalyst without any loss in activity or enantioselectivity over several runs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3037–3044
Identification of putative kdr mutations in the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Dang Kai , Toi Cheryl S , Lilly David G , Lee Chow‐Yang , Naylor Richard , Tawatsin Apiwat , Thavara Usavadee , Bu Wenun , Doggett Stephen L
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Bed bugs [both Cimex hemipterus (F.) and Cimex lectularius L.] are highly resistant to pyrethroids worldwide. An important resistance mechanism known as ‘knockdown resistance’ (kdr) is caused by genetic point mutations on the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene. Previous studies have identified two point mutations (V419L and L925I) on the VGSC gene in C. lectularius that are responsible for kdr‐type resistance. However, the kdr mutations in C. hemipterus have not been investigated.

RESULTS

Four novel mutations, L899V (leucine to valine), M918I (methionine to isoleucine), D953G (aspartic acid to glycine) and L1014F (leucine to phenylalanine), were identified in the domain II region of the C. hemipterus VGSC gene. This region has been widely investigated for the study of kdr‐type resistance to pyrethroids in other insect pests. The V419L and L925I kdr mutations as previously identified in C. lectularius were not detected in C. hemipterus.

CONCLUSION

M918I and L1014F are considered to be probable kdr mutations and may play essential roles in kdr‐type resistance to pyrethroids in C. hemipterus. Further studies are under way in the authors' laboratory to determine the non‐kdr‐type resistance mechanisms in C. hemipterus. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A pattern discovery framework for adverse event evaluation and inference in spontaneous reporting systems
Authors: Markatou Marianthi , Ball Robert
Published: August 2014

Safety of medical products is a major public health concern. We present a critical discussion of the currently used analytical tools for mining spontaneous reporting systems (SRS) to identify safety signals after use of medical products. We introduce a pattern discovery framework for the analysis of SRS. The terminology ‘pattern discovery’ is borrowed from the engineering and artificial intelligence literature and signifies that the basis of the proposed framework is the medical case, formalizing the cognitive paradigm known to clinicians who evaluate individual patients and individual case safety reports submitted to SRS. The fundamental contribution of this approach is a strong probabilistic component that may account for selection and other biases and facilitates rigorous modeling and inference. We discuss somewhat in depth the concept of signal in pharmacovigilance and connect it with the concept of a pattern; we illustrate this conceptual framework using the example of anaphylaxis. Finally, we propose a research agenda in statistics, informatics, and pharmacovigilance practices needed to advance the pattern discovery framework in both the short and long terms.
Poor neonatal acid–base status in term fetuses with low cerebroplacental ratio
Authors: Morales‐Roselló J. , Khalil A. , Morlando M. , Bhide A. , Papageorghiou A. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine whether small‐ and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA and AGA) term fetuses with a low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) have worse neonatal acid–base status than those with normal CPR.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 2927 term fetuses divided into groups according to birth‐weight centile and CPR multiple of the median. The acid–base status at birth as determined by arterial and venous umbilical cord blood pH was compared between weight‐centile groups with and without low CPR.

Results

CPR was better correlated with umbilical cord blood pH (arterial pH, r2 = 0.008, P < 0.0001 and venous pH, r2 = 0.01, P < 0.0001) than was birth weight (arterial pH, r2 = 0.001, P =0.180 and venous pH, r2 = 0.005, P < 0.001). AGA fetuses with low CPR were more acidemic than were those with normal CPR (P = 0.0359 and 0.0006, respectively, for arterial and venous pH).

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate that low CPR in AGA fetuses is an equally important marker of low neonatal pH secondary to placental underperfusion as is being SGA. Although the relative importance of low CPR and birth weight in identifying pregnancies at risk of placental hypoxemia and adverse fetal and neonatal outcome remains to be determined, this finding may be of particular value in the prediction and prevention of stillbirth and long‐term neurodevelopmental disability. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
BRCA Genetic Counseling Among At‐Risk Latinas in New York City: New Beliefs Shape New Generation
Authors: Sussner Katarina M. , Edwards Tiffany , Villagra Cristina , Rodriguez M. Carina , Thompson Hayley S. , Jandorf Lina , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis B.
Published: August 2014

Despite the life‐saving information that genetic counseling can provide for women at hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk, Latinas disproportionately underuse such services. Understanding Latinas’ beliefs and attitudes about BRCA genetic counseling may be the key to better health promotion within this underserved, at‐risk group. We conducted 12 focus groups (N = 54) with at‐risk Latina women in New York City, followed by 30 in‐depth interviews among a subset of the focus group women. Both were professionally transcribed, translated where applicable and data analysis was completed by two coders trained in qualitative methods. Results revealed personal and community knowledge about BRCA genetic counseling was relatively low, although women felt largely positive about counseling. The main motivator to undergo genetic counseling was concerns about learning family members’ cancer status, while the main barrier was competing demands. Generational differences were apparent, with younger women (approximately <55 years) reporting that they were more interested in educating themselves about counseling and other ways to prevent cancer. Younger women were also less likely to ascribe to traditionally Latino‐centered cultural beliefs which could serve as barriers (e.g. machismo, fatalismo, destino) to undergoing genetic counseling. Participants were largely enthusiastic about educational efforts to increase awareness of genetic counseling among Latinos. Revealing the beliefs and attitudes of underserved Latinas may help shape culturally appropriate educational materials and promotion programs to increase BRCA genetic counseling uptake within this underrepresented community.