bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthotopic Heart Transplant for Treatment-Resistant Cardiomyopathy in Kawasaki Syndrome: Report of a Successful Case
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyed Mohsen , Asadollahi Shadi , Fakhri Mohammad
Published: December 2013

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vascular inflammatory disorder of yet unknown cause that is associated with critical cardiovascular complications. Several long-term medical therapies, coronary revascularization, and heart transplant have been introduced to treat coronary artery lesions. This report describes a 20-year-old man with Kawasaki disease manifesting as intermittent chest pain and nausea who had advanced decompensated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction, 15%) diagnosed. Coronary artery bypass surgery and implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator had been performed, although no significant clinical improvement was observed. Finally, a successful orthotopic bicaval heart transplant was performed. Follow-up examination after 1 year revealed normal cardiac function with no evidence of organ rejection. This experience demonstrated that heart transplant might be a successful method of treating permanent ischemic cardiomyopathy in patients with Kawasaki syndrome.
Validation and Adaptation of the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale-59 Items Revised into Turkish
Authors: Ordin Yaprak S. , Karayurt Özgül , Çilengiroğlu Özgül Vupa
Published: December 2013

Context

The Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale-59 Items Revised (MTSOSD-59R) is a validated self-reported scale assessing patients' subjective experiences of adverse effects of immunosuppressants. It has been reported that the scale should be adapted and validated before it is used in patients of a different cultural (Brazilian, Dutch, German, French, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish) background.

Objective

To validate and adapt the MTSOSD-59R for use in Turkish transplant recipients.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed between March 2010 and February 2011, and included 180 liver and kidney transplant recipients treated in 2 university hospitals in western Turkey. In addition, 180 healthy control participants were recruited from a community health service. Data were collected by using a demographic and clinical characteristics scale (MTSOSD-59R) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Items were translated in a culturally sensitive way by using forward-backward translation. Content validity was evaluated by using the content validity index. Ridit analysis and descriptive statistics helped to describe symptom experience in our population, and Mann Whitney U testing was used to compare patients versus healthy controls, depressed versus nondepressed patients, and male versus female patients for validity purposes. Split-half reliability analysis was used.

Results

The content validity index was perfect (ie, value 1.0); the Turkish translation of the MTSOSD-59R had excellent known group validity. Split-half Spearman Brown corrected reliability coefficient was 0.991 for symptom occurrence and 0.992 for symptom distress.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the Turkish scale has appropriate language, content, and construct validity. This scale can now be used to assess the symptom experience related to immunosuppressive therapy in Turkish organ transplant recipients.
Revisiting the structure, age, and evolution of the Wharton Basin to better understand subduction under Indonesia
Authors: Jacob Jensen , Dyment Jérôme , Yatheesh V.
Published: December 2013

Understanding the subduction processes along the Sunda Trench requires detailed constraints on the subducting lithosphere. We build a detailed tectonic map of the Wharton Basin based on reinterpretation of satellite‐derived gravity anomalies and marine magnetic anomalies. The Wharton Basin is characterized by a fossil ridge, dated ~36.5 Ma, offset by N‐S fracture zones. Magnetic anomalies 18 to 34 (38–84 Ma) are identified on both flanks, although a large part of the basin has been subducted. We analyze the past plate kinematic evolution of the Wharton Basin by two‐plate (India‐Australia) and three‐plate (India‐Australia‐Antarctica) reconstructions. Despite the diffuse plate boundaries within the Indo‐Australian plate for the last 20 Ma, we obtain finite rotation parameters that we apply to reconstruct the subducted Wharton Basin and constrain the thickness, buoyancy, and rheology of the subducting plate. The lower subductability of younger lithosphere off Sumatra has important consequences on the morphology, with a shallower trench, forearc islands, and a significant inward deviation of the subduction system. This deviation decreases in the youngest area, where the Wharton fossil spreading center enters subduction: The discontinuous magmatic crust and serpentinized upper mantle, consequences of the slow spreading rates at which this area was formed, weaken the mechanical resistance to subduction and facilitate the restoration of the accretionary prism. Deeper effects include the possible creation of asthenospheric windows beneath the Andaman Sea, in relation to the long‐offset fracture zones, and east of 105°E, as a result of subduction of the spreading center.
Solar radiation measurements compared to simulations at the BSRN Izaña station. Mineral dust radiative forcing and efficiency study
Authors: García R. D. , García O. E. , Cuevas E. , Cachorro V. E. , Romero‐Campos P. M. , Ramos R. , de Frutos A. M.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a comparative study of shortwave downward radiation (SDR) measurements and simulations, obtained with the radiative transfer model LibRadtran, at the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) site of Izaña Atmospheric Observatory (IZA, Spain). The analysis is based on cloud‐free days between March 2009 and August 2012 (386 days), including aerosol‐free and Saharan mostly pure mineral dust conditions and comparing the day‐to‐day, annual, and interannual variability. The observed agreement between simulations and measurements is excellent: the variance of daily measurements overall agrees within 99% with the variance of daily simulations, and the mean bias (simulations−measurements) is −0.30±0.24 MJm−2(−1.1±0.9%) for global, −0.16±0.34 MJm−2(−0.4±0.9%) for direct, and +0.02±0.25 MJm−2(+0.9±9.2%) for diffuse SDR. Furthermore, the diurnally averaged aerosol radiative forcing (ΔDF) and radiative forcing efficiency (ΔDFeff) due to Saharan mostly pure mineral dust events has been computed at Izaña Observatory. The mean ΔDF values are −7±1, −96±5, and 44±2 Wm−2 for global, direct, and diffuse BSRN SDR, respectively (mean aerosol optical depth, AOD, at 500 nm of 0.18±0.01), whereas the mean ΔDFeffvalues are −59±6, −495±11, and 230±8 Wm−2 per unit of AOD at 500 nm for global, direct, and diffuse BSRN SDR, respectively. These values highlight the importance of scattering processes for mineral dust aerosols: the ratio between ΔDF and the corresponding SDR without aerosols is ~2.5% for diffuse SDR versus 0.2% for direct SDR. This illustrates the significant potential of mineral dust particles to cool the Earth‐atmosphere system.
Igneous mineralogy at Bradbury Rise: The first ChemCam campaign at Gale crater
Authors: Sautter V. , Fabre C. , Forni O. , Toplis M. J. , Cousin A. , Ollila A. M. , Meslin P. Y. , Maurice S. , Wiens R. C. , Baratoux D. , Mangold N. , Le Mouélic S. , Gasnault O. , Berger G. , Lasue J. , Anderson R. A. , Lewin E. , Schmidt M. , Dyar D. , Ehlmann B. L. , Bridges J. , Clark B. , Pinet P.
Published: December 2013

Textural and compositional analyses using Chemistry Camera (ChemCam) remote microimager and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) have been performed on five float rocks and coarse gravels along the first 100 m of the Curiosity traverse at Bradbury Rise. ChemCam, the first LIBS instrument sent to another planet, offers the opportunity to assess mineralogic diversity at grain‐size scales (~ 100 µm) and, from this, lithologic diversity. Depth profiling indicates that targets are relatively free of surface coatings. One type of igneous rock is volcanic and includes both aphanitic (Coronation) and porphyritic (Mara) samples. The porphyritic sample shows dark grains that are likely pyroxene megacrysts in a fine‐grained mesostasis containing andesine needles. Both types have magnesium‐poor basaltic compositions and in this respect are similar to the evolved Jake Matijevic rock analyzed further along the Curiosity traverse both with Alpha‐Particle X‐ray Spectrometer and ChemCam instruments. The second rock type encountered is a coarse‐grained intrusive rock (Thor Lake) showing equigranular texture with millimeter size crystals of feldspars and Fe‐Ti oxides. Such a rock is not unique at Gale as the surrounding coarse gravels (such as Beaulieu) and the conglomerate Link are dominated by feldspathic (andesine‐bytownite) clasts. Finally, alkali feldspar compositions associated with a silica polymorph have been analyzed in fractured filling material of Preble rock and in Stark, a putative pumice or an impact melt. These observations document magmatic diversity at Gale and describe the first fragments of feldspar‐rich lithologies (possibly an anorthosite) that may be ancient crust transported from the crater rim and now forming float rocks, coarse gravel, or conglomerate clasts.
Near‐Infrared Light‐Mediated Photoactivation of a Platinum Antitumor Prodrug and Simultaneous Cellular Apoptosis Imaging by Upconversion‐Luminescent Nanoparticles
Authors: Min Yuanzeng , Li Jinming , Liu Fang , Yeow Edwin K. L. , Xing Bengang
Published: December 2013

Platinum‐based drugs are among the most active antitumor reagents in clinical practice; their application is limited by side effects and drug resistance. A novel and personalized near‐infrared (NIR) light‐activated nanoplatform is obtained by combining a photoactivatable platinum(IV) prodrug and a caspase imaging peptide conjugated with silica‐coated upconversion‐luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) for the remote control of antitumor platinum prodrug activation, and simultaneously for real‐time imaging of apoptosis induced by activated cytotoxicity. Upon NIR light illumination, the PtIV prodrug complex is activated at the surface of the nanoparticle and active components are selectively released which display cytotoxicity against human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells and its cisplatin‐resistant variant A2780cis cells. More importantly, the caspases enzymes triggered by cytotoxicity would effectively cleave the probe peptide, thereby allowing the direct imaging of apoptosis in living cells.
Oxidative amidation of aromatic aldehydes with amine hydrochloride salts catalyzed by silica‐coated magnetic carbon nanotubes (MagCNTs@SiO2)‐immobilized imine–Cu(I)
Authors: Saberi Dariush , Heydari Akbar
Published: December 2013

Mesoporous silica‐coated magnetic carbon nanotubes were prepared; their surface functionalization, followed by reaction with CuI, were carried out to develop a Cu‐grafted functionalized mesoporous material. This system is able to catalyze oxidative amidation of aromatic aldehydes with amine hydrochloride salts, generating amide derivatives in moderate to good yields. Magnetic properties of this catalyst led to easy separation as well as providing significant recyclability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bifunctional Reduced Graphene Oxide/V2O5 Composite Hydrogel: Fabrication, High Performance as Electromagnetic Wave Absorbent and Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xie Anjian , Wang Cuiping , Wang Haisheng , Shen Yuhua , Tian Xingyou
Published: December 2013

Multifunctional graphene hydrogels have attracted great attention aimed at practical applications. Herein, the novel and bifunctional composite hydrogel containing reduced graphene‐oxide nanosheets (RGO) and V2O5 nanobelts (RGO/V2O5) is successfully prepared for the first time. Surprisingly, tridimensional (3D) RGO/V2O5 composite hydrogels cannot only be used as high‐performance electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbents; they also exhibit excellent properties suitable for supercapacitor electrodes. The composites exhibit a maximum absorption of up to −21.5 dB. In particular, a composite hydrogel showed a bandwidth of 6.63 GHz, corresponding to a reflection loss at −10 dB, which opens the possibility for the use of 3D graphene with other functional nanomaterials as lightweight and high‐performance EM wave absorption materials. Remarkably, the composite hydrogel is capable of delivering a high specific capacitance of about 320 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1.
An Equivalent Circuit Model for Semiparallel Plate Electrostatic Torsion Mirror
Authors: Maruyama Satoshi , Mita Makoto , Isamoto Keiji , Chong Changho , Fujita Hiroyuki , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

An equivalent circuit model for a semiparallel plate electrostatic torsion mirror has been developed based on an electrical circuit simulator. An analytical model for the electrostatic torque has been translated into a nonlinear dependent current source as a function of the input voltages that interpret the drive voltages and the mirror angle. Use of the suspension width as a fitting parameter explained well the experimental results on frequency response and the mirror's static deflection. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 37–47, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11486
Phononic‐Crystal Acoustic Lens by Design for Energy‐Transmission Devices
Authors: Kanno Yusuke , Tsuruta Kenji , Fujimori Kazuhiro , Fukano Hideki , Nogi Shigeji
Published: December 2013

The lens effect of acoustic waves in a two‐dimensional (2D) phononic crystal is studied by numerical simulation based on the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method. We calculate the phonon band structure of 2D phononic crystals, consisting of metal/ceramic cylinders placed periodically in water. The lens effect is observed for the far‐field wave in phononic crystals with two‐layered and graded‐index structure. We compare the focal intensity and the energy transmission efficiency in these numerical experiments, and show that a novel energy‐transmission device can be designed using phononic crystals. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 97(1): 22–27, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11491
Organocatalytic Synthesis of (Arylselanyl)phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxamides by Cycloaddition between Azidophenyl Arylselenides and β‐Oxo‐amides
Authors: Seus Natália , Goldani Bruna , Lenardão Eder J. , Savegnago Lucielli , Paixão Márcio W. , Alves Diego
Published: December 2013

We describe the use of β‐oxo‐amides in organocatalytic cycloaddition with aryl azidophenyl selenides. The cycloaddition reactions were performed under mild conditions, with β‐oxo‐amides and aryl azidophenyl selenides in the presence of a catalytic amount of Et2NH (5 mol‐%), and the corresponding products were obtained in good to excellent yields. This organocatalytic methodology tolerated a range of substituents either in the β‐oxo‐amides or in the aryl azidophenyl selenides and proved to be an efficient methodology for the combinatorial synthesis of new selenium‐containing triazole compounds.
Age‐related biological features of germ cell tumors
Authors: Collinson Kate , Murray Matthew J. , Orsi Nicolas M. , Cummings Michele , Shipley Janet , Joffe Johnathan K. , Coleman Nicholas , Stark Daniel
Published: December 2013

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare but clinically and pathologically diverse tumors that occur in an extensive range of age groups, from children to older adults and which include both seminomatous and nonseminomatous tumors. Current clinical management for both male and female teenagers and young adults (TYAs) with GCTs remains inconsistent, alternating between pediatric and adult multidisciplinary oncology teams, based on locally defined age cutoffs. Therefore, we reviewed available literature to determine the biological similarities and differences between GCTs in young children (0–12 years), TYAs (13–24 years), and older adults (>24 years). GCTs arising in pediatric and adult populations in general showed marked molecular biological differences within identical histological subtypes, whereas there was a distinct paucity of available data for GCTs in the TYA population. These findings highlight that clinical management based simply on chronological age may be inappropriate for TYA and suggests that the optimal future management of GCTs should consider specific molecular biological factors in addition to clinical parameters in the context of patient‐specific age group rather than medical specialty. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activated microglia in a rat stroke model express NG2 proteoglycan in peri‐infarct tissue through the involvement of TGF‐β1
Authors: Sugimoto Kana , Nishioka Ryutaro , Ikeda Airi , Mise Ayano , Takahashi Hisaaki , Yano Hajime , Kumon Yoshiaki , Ohnishi Takanori , Tanaka Junya
Published: December 2013

We investigated activated microglia in ischemic brain lesions from rats that had been subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Activated microglia expressing NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (NG2) were found only in the narrow zone (demarcation zone) that demarcated the peri‐infarct tissue and ischemic core. NG2− activated microglia were abundantly distributed in the peri‐infarct tissue outside the demarcation zone. NG2+ microglia but not NG2− microglia expressed both CD68 and a triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM‐2), suggesting that NG2+ microglia eliminated apoptotic neurons. In fact, NG2+ microglia often attached to degenerating neurons and sometimes internalized NeuN+ or neurofilament protein+ material. Kinetic studies using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR revealed that expression of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was most evident in the ischemic core; with this marker produced mainly by macrophages located in this region. TGF‐β receptor mRNA expression peaked at 3 days post reperfusion (dpr) in the peri‐infarct tissue, including the demarcation zone. Primary cultured rat microglia also expressed the receptor mRNA. In response to TGF‐β1, primary microglia enhanced the expression of NG2 protein and TREM‐2 mRNA as well as migratory activity. A TGF‐β1 inhibitor, SB525334, abolished these effects. The present results suggest that TGF‐β1 produced in the ischemic core diffused toward the peri‐infarct tissue, driving activated microglial cells to eliminate degenerating neurons. Appropriate control of NG2+ microglia in the demarcation zone might be a novel target for the suppression of secondary neurodegeneration in the peri‐infarct tissue. GLIA 2014;62:185–198
Arylsulfatase B modulates neurite outgrowth via astrocyte chondroitin‐4‐sulfate: Dysregulation by ethanol
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Bhattacharyya Sumit , Kusumo Handojo , Goodlett Charles R. , Tobacman Joanne K. , Guizzetti Marina
Published: December 2013

In utero ethanol exposure causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, associated with reduced brain plasticity; the mechanisms of these effects are not well understood, particularly with respect to glial involvement. Astrocytes release factors that modulate neurite outgrowth. We explored the hypothesis that ethanol inhibits neurite outgrowth by increasing the levels of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in astrocytes. Astrocyte treatment with ethanol inhibited the activity of arylsulfatase B (ARSB), the enzyme that removes sulfate groups from chondroitin‐4‐sulfate (C4S) and triggers the degradation of C4S, increased total sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), C4S, and neurocan core‐protein content and inhibited neurite outgrowth in neurons cocultured with ethanol‐treated astrocytes in vitro, effects reversed by treatment with recombinant ARSB. Ethanol also inhibited ARSB activity and increased sulfate GAG and neurocan levels in the developing hippocampus after in vivo ethanol exposure. ARSB silencing increased the levels of sulfated GAGs, C4S, and neurocan in astrocytes and inhibited neurite outgrowth in cocultured neurons, indicating that ARSB activity directly regulates C4S and affects neurocan expression. In summary, this study reports two major findings: ARSB modulates sulfated GAG and neurocan levels in astrocytes and astrocyte‐mediated neurite outgrowth in cocultured neurons; and ethanol inhibits the activity of ARSB, increases sulfated GAG, C4S, and neurocan levels, and thereby inhibits astrocyte‐mediated neurite outgrowth. An unscheduled increase in CSPGs in the developing brain may lead to altered brain connectivity and to premature decrease in neuronal plasticity and therefore represents a novel mechanism by which ethanol can exert its neurodevelopmental effects. GLIA 2014;62:259–271
The influence of lithium on calcium homeostasis in older patients in daily clinical practice
Authors: van Melick Els Jacoba Maria , Wilting Ingeborg , Ziere Gijsbertus , Kok Robert Martin , Egberts Toine Cornelis Gerardus
Published: December 2013

Background

Lithium can influence calcium homeostasis resulting in changes in parathormone set point and renal calcium handling. The clinical significance of these changes in older patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between duration of lithium treatment and corrected calcium, parathormone and 24‐h urinary calcium excretion in older psychiatric patients corrected for renal function and vitamin 25OH D and also to estimate the point prevalence of hypercalcemia and raised parathormone.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of psychiatric outpatients visiting a specialized facility for older patients treated with lithium was performed. Patients underwent a comprehensive assessment and blood and urine testing. Potential confounders of calcium homeostasis were recorded. On the basis of the duration of lithium treatment, patients were divided into four groups.

Results

One hundred eleven patients were included, mean age 75.2 years. There was no significant association between the duration of lithium treatment and corrected calcium, parathormone and 24‐h urinary calcium excretion. The point prevalence of hypercalcemia was 2.7% and 47.8% for raised parathormone. There was an unexpected but significant negative association between the duration of lithium treatment and vitamin 25OH D, with 76.9% vitamin 25OH D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) in the group using lithium for more than 10 years.

Conclusions

No association was found between duration of lithium treatment and calcium parameters in older psychiatric outpatients, but there was a high prevalence of raised parathormone and an unexpected negative association between duration of lithium treatment and 25OH D. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical classification as relational framing
Authors: Slattery Brian , Stewart Ian
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to model hierarchical classification as contextually controlled, generalized relational responding or relational framing. In Experiment 1, a training procedure involving nonarbitrarily related multidimensional stimuli was used to establish two arbitrary shapes as contextual cues for ‘member of’ and ‘includes’ relational responding, respectively. Subsequently those cues were used to establish a network of arbitrary stimuli in particular hierarchical relations with each other, and then test for derivation of further untrained hierarchical relations as well as for transformation of functions. Resultant patterns of relational framing showed properties of transitive class containment, asymmetrical class containment, and unilateral property induction, consistent with conceptions of hierarchical classification as described within the cognitive developmental literature. Experiment 2 extended the basic model by using “fuzzy category” stimuli and providing a better controlled test of transformation of functions. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
In Dogs We Trust? Intersubjectivity, Response‐Able Relations, and the Making of Mine Detector Dogs
Authors: Kirk Robert G. W.
Published: December 2013

The utility of the dog as a mine detector has divided the mine clearance community since dogs were first used for this purpose during the Second World War. This paper adopts a historical perspective to investigate how, why, and to what consequence, the use of minedogs remains contested despite decades of research into their abilities. It explores the changing factors that have made it possible to think that dogs could, or could not, serve as reliable detectors of landmines over time. Beginning with an analysis of the wartime context that shaped the creation of minedogs, the paper then examines two contemporaneous investigations undertaken in the 1950s. The first, a British investigation pursued by the anatomist Solly Zuckerman, concluded that dogs could never be the mine hunter's best friend. The second, an American study led by the parapsychologist J. B. Rhine, suggested dogs were potentially useful for mine clearance. Drawing on literature from science studies and the emerging subdiscipline of “animal studies,” it is argued that cross‐species intersubjectivity played a significant role in determining these different positions. The conceptual landscapes of Zuckerman and Rhine's disciplinary backgrounds are shown to have produced distinct approaches to managing cross‐species relations, thus explaining how diverse opinions on minedog can coexist. In conclusion, it is shown that the way one structures relationships between humans and animals has profound impact on the knowledge and labor subsequently produced, a process that cannot be separated from ethical consequence.
Cyclic Carboxylic Anhydrides as New Reagents for Formation of Chromone Ring
Authors: Frasinyuk Mykhaylo S. , Bondarenko Svitlana P. , Gorbulenko Nataliia V. , Turov Alexander V. , Khilya Volodymyr P.
Published: December 2013

The propensity of cyclic carboxylic anhydrides to undergo ring‐opening was exploited in a reaction with 2'‐hydroxy‐α‐heteroarylacetophenones leading to the formation of chromones. New simple method was developed for the synthesis of 2‐(ω‐carboxyalkyl)‐3‐heteroarylchromones without protecting either the phenolic or the carboxylic groups. Treatment with hydrazine led to the formation of 3(5)‐(ω‐carboxyalkyl)‐5(3)‐(2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐4‐heteroarylpyrazoles.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Substituted Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepines, Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines, Benzothiazoles, and Benzimidazoles
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chin , Li Ni‐Ching , Cherng Yie‐Jia
Published: December 2013

A highly efficient synthesis for possessing 7‐membered rings with two heteroatoms is described, using efficient microwave‐assisted one‐pot method to synthesize (substituted) dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepines [1] and dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines [2] in high yields (up to 99%) by cyclocondensations of o‐aminothiophenol or o‐aminophenol with o‐halobenzaldehydes, o‐fluoroacetophenone, and o‐fluorobenzophenone. In the absence of base, o‐aminothiophenol reacted with o‐halobenzaldehydes to afford benzothiazoles.
A Convenient Synthesis of New Pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidines and Their Fused Heterocycles
Authors: Rote Ramhari V. , Shelar Deepak P. , Patil Sandeep R. , Jachak Madhukar N.
Published: December 2013

A series of some fused heterocycles originated from pyrazolopyrimidines were synthesized using 4‐amino1‐methyl‐3‐propyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐5‐carboxamide as a starting material. The nucleophilic substitution reactions with different amino acids followed by cyclization and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions with different aryl boronic acids of 7‐chloro‐5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐methyl‐3‐propyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine were performed. Also, the oxidative cyclization reactions of 1‐(5‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐methyl‐3‐propyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐yl)hydrazine with different aldehydes in the presence of diacetoxy iodobenzene are described. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods.
Photosensitized oxidation of phosphatidylethanolamines monitored by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Melo Tânia , Santos Nuno , Lopes Diana , Alves Eliana , Maciel Elisabete , Faustino Maria A. F. , Tomé João P. C. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Almeida Adelaide , Domingues Pedro , Segundo Marcela A. , Domingues M. Rosário M.
Published: December 2013

Photodynamic therapy combines visible light and a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species able to modify biological structures such as phospholipids. Phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), being major phospholipid constituents of mammalian cells and membranes of Gram‐negative bacteria, are potential targets of photosensitization. In this work, the oxidative modifications induced by white light in combination with cationic porphyrins (Tri‐Py+‐Me‐PF and Tetra‐Py+‐Me) were evaluated on PE standards. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) were used to identify and characterize the oxidative modifications induced in PEs (POPE: PE 16:0/18:1, PLPE: PE 16:0/18:2, PAPE: PE 16:0/20:4). Photo‐oxidation products of POPE, PLPE and PAPE as hydroxy, hydroperoxy and keteno derivatives and products due to oxidation in ethanolamine polar head were identified. Hydroperoxy‐PEs were found to be the major photo‐oxidation products. Quantification of hydroperoxides (PE‐OOH) allowed differentiating the potential effect in photodamage of the two porphyrins. The highest amounts of PE‐OOH were notorious in the presence of Tri‐Py+‐Me‐PF, a highly efficient PS against bacteria. The identification of these modifications in PEs is an important key point in the understanding cell damage processes underlying photodynamic therapy approaches. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Six Competencies of a CEO
Authors: Maidique Modesto A. , Atamanik Candace , Perez Ruthann B.
Published: December 2013

Maidique, Atamanik, and Perez asked 25 CEOs of multibillion‐dollar organizations a challenging question: “What does a business leader need to do well to be effective?” This led to an analysis of 442 comments and 178 individual ideas, yielding many important insights with implications for anyone running an enterprise. They identified six critical competencies, explained in more detail in their article: (1) self‐awareness, (2) having a moral compass, (3) being an effective listener, (4) possessing good judgment, (5) being a persuasive communicator, and (6) leading with tenacity. “The self,” they contend, “is the centerpiece of leadership.”
On the validity of the flow rule postulate for geomaterials
Authors: Wan Richard , Pinheiro Mauricio
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with a fundamental assumption in the theory of plasticity: the direction of plastic strain increments is independent of the loading (stress) increment direction. This assumption, also known as plastic flow rule postulate, works quite well for metal‐like materials. However, geomaterials such as sand present deformational mechanisms that are distinctive from those of metals when they are loaded. As such, we hereby examine the validity of this postulate for granular media accounting for their discrete nature. This is accomplished by analysing the mechanical behaviour of a cubic assembly of polydispersed spherical articles using a particle flow code. An extension to Gudehus' response envelope to three‐dimensional conditions is used to study the incremental character and influence of loading direction on the behaviour of these materials. It is found that plastic flow in granular media is governed by both current state variables and incremental loading direction and magnitude, especially under non‐axisymmetric stress conditions. The flow rule postulate of plasticity remains valid only in axisymmetric and biaxial conditions. We also verified that the plastic response might be significantly influenced by the stress path (or history) taken prior to loading. These findings raise the question of whether or not classic elastoplastic models based on the above postulate will have serious shortcomings, especially in true‐triaxial conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gesture Formalization for Multitouch
Authors: Kammer D. , Henkens D. , Henzen C. , Groh R.
Published: December 2013

Since multitouch interfaces are steadily moving out of the experimental niche, the demand for comprehensive programming support increases. Between the formation of de facto standards for multitouch gestures by the industry, and continued research and experimentation by developers or academia, the abstraction of gesture properties becomes essential. This paper contributes a revision of the Gesture Formalization for Multitouch (GeForMT) gesture description language. This language aims at a short and concise syntax, which is still able to capture the complexity of multitouch gestures. We report on a previously missing reference architecture and practical implementation. Based on a study comparing the revised GeForMT language with other formalization approaches for multitouch gestures, we introduce an editor for GeForMT.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of nanostructured carbon materials for electrochemical capacitor applications: advantages and limitations of activated carbon, carbide‐derived carbon, zeolite‐templated carbon, carbon aerogels, carbon nanotubes, onion‐like carbon, and graphene
Authors: Gu Wentian , Yushin Gleb
Published: December 2013

Electric double layer capacitors, also called supercapacitors, ultracapacitors, and electrochemical capacitors, are gaining increasing popularity in high power energy storage applications. Novel carbon materials with high surface area, high electrical conductivity, as well as a range of shapes, sizes and pore size distributions are being constantly developed and tested as potential supercapacitor electrodes. This article provides an overview of the electrochemical studies on activated carbon, carbide derived carbon, zeolite‐templated carbon, carbon aerogel, carbon nanotube, onion‐like carbon, and graphene. We discuss the key performance advantages and limitations of various nanostructured carbon materials and provide an overview of the current understanding of the structure–property relationships related to the transport and adsorption of electrolyte ions on their surfaces, specific and volumetric capacitance, self‐discharge, cycle life, electrolyte stability, and others. We discuss the impact of microstructural defects, pore size distribution, pore tortuosity, chemistry and functional groups on the carbon surface, nanoscale curvature, and carbon‐electrolyte interfacial energy. Finally, we review state‐of‐the art commercial large scale applications of supercapacitors, including their use in smart grids and distributed energy storage, hybrid electric and electric vehicles, energy efficient industrial equipment, ships, wind power stations, uninterruptible power supplies, power backup, and consumer devices. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:424–473. doi: 10.1002/wene.102

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Energy Infrastructure > Science and Materials

Energy and Development > Science and Materials

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Engineered skeletal muscle tissue for soft robotics: fabrication strategies, current applications, and future challenges
Authors: Duffy Rebecca M. , Feinberg Adam W.
Published: December 2013

Skeletal muscle is a scalable actuator system used throughout nature from the millimeter to meter length scales and over a wide range of frequencies and force regimes. This adaptability has spurred interest in using engineered skeletal muscle to power soft robotics devices and in biotechnology and medical applications. However, the challenges to doing this are similar to those facing the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields; specifically, how do we translate our understanding of myogenesis in vivo to the engineering of muscle constructs in vitro to achieve functional integration with devices. To do this researchers are developing a number of ways to engineer the cellular microenvironment to guide skeletal muscle tissue formation. This includes understanding the role of substrate stiffness and the mechanical environment, engineering the spatial organization of biochemical and physical cues to guide muscle alignment, and developing bioreactors for mechanical and electrical conditioning. Examples of engineered skeletal muscle that can potentially be used in soft robotics include 2D cantilever‐based skeletal muscle actuators and 3D skeletal muscle tissues engineered using scaffolds or directed self‐organization. Integration into devices has led to basic muscle‐powered devices such as grippers and pumps as well as more sophisticated muscle‐powered soft robots that walk and swim. Looking forward, current, and future challenges include identifying the best source of muscle precursor cells to expand and differentiate into myotubes, replacing cardiomyocytes with skeletal muscle tissue as the bio‐actuator of choice for soft robots, and vascularization and innervation to enable control and nourishment of larger muscle tissue constructs.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Mesenchymal cells emerge as primary contributors to fibrosis in multiple tissues
Authors: Tsang Matthew
Published: December 2013

A longstanding controversy exists regarding the cellular origin of myofibroblasts in tissue fibrosis. A recent study by Hung and colleagues (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 188(7):820–830, 2013) used genetic fate mapping of FoxD1 embryonic progenitor cells to show a major and direct contribution of mesenchymal cells to fibrogenesis in the lung. Future studies using FoxD1‐specific inducible knockout models of pro‐fibrotic genes such as CCN2 will be valuable for determining anti‐fibrotic drug targets. The emergence of pericyte‐like myofibroblast precursors also raises the question of whether mesenchymal stem cells in various niches contribute to fibrotic responses throughout the body.
Effective exchange coupling in alternating-chains of a π-extended 1,2,4-benzotriazin-4-yl
Authors: Constantinides Christos P. , Berezin Andrey A. , Manoli Maria , Leitus Gregory M. , Bendikov Michael , Rawson Jeremy M. , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: December 2013

Air stable 1,3,7-triphenyl-1,4-dihydrothiazolo[5′,4′:4,5]benzo[1,2-e][1,2,4]triazin-4-yl packs in 1D π stacks made of radical pairs with alternate short and long interplanar distances.
Heterometallic complexes, tandem catalysis and catalytic cooperativity
Authors: Mata José A. , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Peris Eduardo
Published: December 2013

N-heterocyclic carbene-based heterometallic complexes have emerged as useful multicatalysts for tandem reactions.
Deep red luminescent hybrid copolymer materials with high transition metal cluster content
Authors: Amela-Cortes Maria , Garreau Alexandre , Cordier Stéphane , Faulques Eric , Duvail Jean-Luc , Molard Yann
Published: December 2013

High contents of transition metal clusters are copolymerized with methylmethacrylate to give homogeneous bright deep red NIR luminescent hybrid polymers.
An evolving story of angiotensin-II-forming pathways in rodents and humans
Authors: Ferrario Carlos Maria , Ahmad Sarfaraz , Nagata Sayaka , Simington Stephen W. , Varagic Jasmina , Kon Neal , Dell’Italia Louis Joseph
Published: December 2013

Lessons learned from the characterization of the biological roles of Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] in opposing the vasoconstrictor, proliferative and prothrombotic actions of AngII (angiotensin II) created an underpinning for a more comprehensive exploration of the multiple pathways by which the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) of blood and tissues regulates homoeostasis and its altered state in disease processes. The present review summarizes the progress that has been made in the novel exploration of intermediate shorter forms of angiotensinogen through the characterization of the expression and functions of the dodecapeptide Ang-(1–12) [angiotensin-(1–12)] in the cardiac production of AngII. The studies reveal significant differences in humans compared with rodents regarding the enzymatic pathway by which Ang-(1–12) undergoes metabolism. Highlights of the research include the demonstration of chymase-directed formation of AngII from Ang-(1–12) in human left atrial myocytes and left ventricular tissue, the presence of robust expression of Ang-(1–12) and chymase in the atrial appendage of subjects with resistant atrial fibrillation, and the preliminary observation of significantly higher Ang-(1–12) expression in human left atrial appendages.
New blind, adaptive channel shortening TEQ for multicarrier modulation systems
Authors: Berriah Boubakeur , Bouziani Merahi , Elahmar Sid Ahmed
Published: December 2013

Channel shortening is a necessary equalisation for mitigation of inter‐symbol and inter‐carrier interferences in multicarrier transceivers. Its purpose is to reduce the length of the impulse response of the channel. In this study, the authors present a new algorithm with low complexity for updating the coefficients of time‐domain equalisation (TEQ) to shorten the effective channel in multicarrier transmission systems. Based on the orthogonality between adjacent subcarriers and cyclic prefix, a new cost function is defined to create a blind and adaptive TEQ. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the algorithm.
Internal‐to‐internal transition method for consecutive hierarchical template matching
Authors: Jung Ho Gi
Published: December 2013

This study proposes a method reducing the tree traversal cost by first investigating the most probable node instead of the root node when a hierarchical template matching is consecutively applied to the object. In particular, this study gives a novel viewpoint that a consecutive hierarchical template matching could be regarded as a transition of a hierarchical finite state machine, and then it proposes a novel method considering the transitions between the internal nodes of the hierarchical template tree. The proposed method is verified by applying it to pedestrian silhouette detection.
Single and double compound manifold sliding mode observers for flux and speed estimation of the induction motor drive
Authors: Comanescu Mihai
Published: December 2013

The study discusses the problem of speed and flux estimation for the induction motor (IM) drive and presents the design of two sliding mode observers (SMO) with compound manifolds. Both observers are developed using the IM model in the stationary reference frame. The first observer is a single‐manifold SMO – it estimates the motor fluxes and yields an approximate value of the speed; however, it is not a converging observer. The single‐manifold design is transformed into a double‐manifold observer by adding extra feedback terms – this leads to a fully convergent observer that also yields an accurate estimate of the speed. The observers are designed using compound manifolds, which are chosen as a combination of the estimated fluxes and current mismatches. Observers with compound manifolds have been rarely investigated because they cannot be designed using a standard procedure; however, they are shown to have interesting properties. Observer uniqueness is also discussed. The methods proposed are suited to a sensorless IM drive control algorithm where the speed, the flux magnitude and the rotor flux angle are needed. The theoretical developments are supported with simulations and experiments.
Speed convergence rate‐based feedback gains design of adaptive full‐order observer in sensorless induction motor drives
Authors: Chen Bin , Wang Ting , Yao Wenxi , Lee Kevin , Lu Zhengyu
Published: December 2013

The convergence rate of speed estimation is an important criterion to evaluate the performance of the adaptive full‐order observer (AFO) in speed‐sensorless induction motor drives. Based on the analysis of the speed convergence rate, the AFO with different feedback gains has corresponding shortcomings in specific operating regions. Thus, a new proposed design strategy that adopts a different set of feedback gains in different operating regions is more appropriate. In this study, the AFO below rated speed uses two optional sets of feedback gains. In the low‐speed regenerative mode, a novel set of feedback gains is proposed to enhance the stability and provide a faster convergence rate of the speed estimation. In the other operating region, the traditional set of feedback gains with zero parameters is selected. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed by simulation study and experimental results. Good sensorless experimental operation, containing zero speed, is implemented.
Maximum available power of multi‐infeed hvdc system analysed by sensitivity method
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Chen Chen
Published: December 2013

Power stability of multi‐infeed HVDC (MIHVDC) system, especially maximum available power of MIHVDC in different control modes is analysed by the sensitivity method. The state equation of the load flow and its Jacobian matrix are solved by a few steps of iteration. The critical short‐circuit ratio (SCR) of the MIHVDC is directly calculated by a formula presented in this study which possesses a similar form as a single‐infeed HVDC system. The sensitivity method is further compared with the equivalence method based on multi‐infeed SCR concept.
Development of a high‐performance bridge‐type fault current limiter
Authors: Ghanbari Teymoor , Farjah Ebrahim , Zandnia Amir
Published: December 2013

A new high‐performance bridge‐type fault current limiter (BFCL) is proposed in this study. The proposed BFCL can moderate transient overcurrent in abrupt load change condition and dramatically limit the fault current in fault condition. The key feature of this new BFCL is based on using a switched transformer‐type DC reactor. In fact, the secondary side of the transformer is short‐circuited during normal condition. Therefore, the transformer has negligible effect on the circuit in this condition. When the load current exceeds a predefined threshold (permissible maximum load current), secondary side of the transformer is opened by an insulated gate bipolar transistor. Consequently, inrush current of the load suppresses in abrupt load change condition or the current increases at a constant rate in fault condition. When current exceeds a higher predefined threshold (in the order of fault current), it is limited via the switched DC reactor and a discharging resistor. Analytical analysis of the proposed BFCL is presented in detail. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of this structure in abrupt load change and fault conditions.
Coplanar waveguide‐fed Koch‐like sided Sierpinski hexagonal carpet multifractal monopole antenna
Authors: Li Daotie , Mao Jun‐Fa
Published: December 2013

A Koch‐like sided Sierpinski hexagonal carpet multifractal monopole antenna fed by coplanar waveguide with a Koch‐like edged fractal ground is designed, fabricated and measured, which covers WLAN, WPAN, WiFi and WiMAX bands simultaneously. The multifractal monopole has ideal dipole‐like gain patterns, which are omnidirectional in the H‐plane (Phi = 0°, XOZ) and doughnut‐shaped in the E‐plane (Phi = 90°, YOZ) with considerable gain (2.0–5.11 dBi) and high efficiency (90–97%), of which f1 = 2.5 GHz (|S11| = − 11.6 dB, WLAN + WiMAX), f2 = 3.5 GHz (|S11| = − 15.5 dB, WiMAX), f3 = 5.5 GHz (|S11| = − 15.5 dB; WLAN + WiMAX) are generally useful. The multifractal monopole is superior compared to other designs in bandwidth, directivity, efficiency, polarisation and dimension. It is a very attractive candidate for applications mentioned above and other fixed or mobile wireless multiband communication systems.