bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação de diagnósticos de enfermagem em adultos e idosos hospitalizados no pós-operatório
Authors: Bitencourt Graziele Ribeiro , Santana Rosimere Ferreira , Cavalcanti Ana Carla Dantas , Cassiano Keila Mara
Published: January 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os diagnósticos de enfermagem identificados em adultos e idosos no pós-operatório. Foram recrutados aleatoriamente 20 adultos e 20 idosos internados na clínica cirúrgica de um hospital geral, em Niterói-RJ-Brasil, de janeiro a abril de 2009. Como instrumento de coleta de dados optou-se pelo Protocolo de Carpenito. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva. Nos idosos identificou-se: dentição prejudicada (85%), constipação (75%), e déficit de autocuidado para vestir-se e arrumar-se (70%). Nos adultos: ansiedade (85%); déficit de autocuidado para vestir-se e arrumar-se (70%); e constipação (65%). Identificou-se 100% de risco de infecção e de integridade da pele prejudicada para ambos os grupos. Verificou-se uma proporção maior dos diagnósticos dentição prejudicada (p=0,008) e risco de quedas (p=0,000) em idosos, e privação do sono em adultos (p=0,028). Embora ambos os grupos estejam em pós-operatório, suas necessidades de cuidados mostraram especificidades, considerando as alterações do processo de envelhecimento. Descritores: Idoso; Processos de Enfermagem; Diagnóstico de Enfermagem; Enfermagem Geriátrica; Enfermagem Perioperatória.
Endovascular Treatment of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulas: Is Immediate Post-Interventional Blood Flow a Predictor of Patency?
Authors: Heerwagen Søren T. , Hansen Marc A. , Schroeder Torben V. , Ladefoged Søren D. , Lönn Lars
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the immediate hemodynamic outcome of an endovascular intervention on a dysfunctional hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula is a prognostic factor for primary patency.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study including 61 consecutive patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas referred to our endovascular unit. Patients were treated in accordance with institutional standard protocol including immediate pre- and post-interventional blood flow measurements using an intravascular catheter system. The primary end-point was primary patency at 12 months in patients with an immediate post-interventional blood flow above or below 600 ml/min. Primary patency was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with the standard error of the estimate. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to study the effect of blood flow and other potential predictor variables.

Results

Post interventional flow did not significantly influence primary patency (p = 0.76). Primary patency was found to be affected by having a history of previous intervention(s) (p = 0.008, hazard ratio 2.9) or low fistula age (P=.038, hazard ratio 0.97 [one-month increase]). Primary patency in group 1 (previous intervention(s)) was 34% ± 13% at 12 months. In group 2 (no previous intervention), primary patency at 12 months was 62% ± 9%.

Conclusions

The results of this study do not provide scientific support for using the immediate hemodynamic outcome of an intervention as a prognostic factor for primary patency. Low fistula age and a history of previous intervention in particular were found to reduce primary patency significantly.
Understanding Gravity: Some Extra-Dimensional Perspectives
Authors: Satheeshkumar V. H. , Suresh P. K.
Published: January 2012

Gravity is one of the most inexplicable forces of nature, controlling
everything, from the expansion of the Universe to the ebb and flow
of ocean tides. The search for the laws of motion and gravitation
began more than two thousand years ago but still we do not have
the complete picture of it. In this paper, we have outlined how our
understanding of gravity is changing drastically with time and how
the previous explanations have shaped the most recent developments
in the field like superstrings and braneworlds.
Rare Earth Doped Alkali Earth Sulfide Phosphors for White-Light LEDs
Authors: Suresh K. , Murthy K. V. R. , Atchyutha Rao Ch. , Poornachandra Rao N. V.
Published: January 2012

CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reaction. The effects of doping concentrations on luminescent properties of phosphors are investigated. The samples are excited using electroluminescent blue light emitting diode (460 nm) to examine them as potential coating phosphors for white-light LEDs. The excitation and emission spectra of these phosphors are broadband which can be viewed as the typical emission of Eu2+ ascribed to the 4f–5d transitions. Because of their broadband absorption in the region 400–630 nm, these phosphors meet the application requirements for blue LED chips. A white-light LED was fabricated through the integration of a 460 nm chip. The results indicate that these phosphors can be considered as candidates for the application in blue LED chip-based white-light LEDs.
Anencephaly: Do the Pregnancy and Maternal Characteristics Impact the Pregnancy Outcome?
Authors: Machado Isabela Nelly , Martinez Sílvia Dante , Barini Ricardo
Published: January 2012

Objective. To describe the characteristics of obstetric and perinatal outcome of a group of pregnancies complicated by an anencephalic fetus. Methods. Observational study including anencephalic fetuses, divided into groups according to the evolution of pregnancy: elective termination of pregnancy ETP; stillbirths (SBs); live births (LBs), and loss of follow-up. After a univariate description of the sample, some variables were compared using statistical tests. Results. 180 anencephalic fetuses were included. The mean maternal age was 25.3 years. In 71 fetuses (39%) were found additional anomalies. Comparing the groups, no statistical differences in maternal age (), parity (), number of previous abortion (), fetal sex () and additional anomalies () were found. Among those fetuses whose parents opted for continuation of pregnancy (), 20 spontaneous intrauterine deaths occurred (38%) and 33 were live births (62%). The average postnatal survival time was 51 minutes. There was no association between survival time and gestational age () or the presence of additional malformations (). Conclusion. Results presented here could contribute to a better understanding of the natural history of this malformation, allowing obstetricians a more detailed discussion with the families.
Liquid Phase Morphology Control of ZnO Nanowires, Ellipse Particles, Hexagonal Rods, and Particle in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Masuda Yoshitake , Kinoshita Naoto , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: January 2012

Liquid phase morphology control of ZnO crystals was realized with simple aqueous solution system. ZnO nanowires were successfully fabricated at 50∘C. They were over 50 μm in length and about 100 nm in width. Aspect ratio was estimated to be over 500. They had no branches and were obtained without aggregations. Curved nano-wires clearly indicated high flexibility and high mechanical strength. Additionally, ellipse particles, hexagonal rods and particles were fabricated in the solutions. Morphology, crystal growth speed, and preferred growth faces were well-controlled by precise adjustment of growth conditions.
The Higgs Boson: From the Lattice to LHC
Authors: Cea P. , Cosmai L.
Published: January 2012

We discuss the triviality and spontaneous symmetry breaking scenario where the Higgs boson
without self-interaction coexists with spontaneous symmetry breaking. We argue that
nonperturbative lattice investigations support this scenario. Moreover, from lattice simulations, we predict that the Higgs boson is rather heavy. We estimate the Higgs boson mass
(stat) (syst) GeV and the Higgs total width  GeV.
The Role of Granulysin in Cancer Immunology
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Morishita Tetsuo
Published: January 2012

Granulysin is a cytotoxic granule expressed in cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. Although its cytotoxic effect against a number of tumor cell lines has been demonstratedin vitro, recent studies with transgenic mice, and a number of clinical studies, have further established its significance in cancer immunology. Furthermore, granulysin-inducedin vitrochemotaxis and activation of both human and mouse dendritic cells have been reported. Given the results in recent clinical studies, granulysin may offer a useful indicator in the prognosis of cancer. Taken together, an understanding of the mechanism by which granulysin destroys target cells would provide vital information in the development of new therapies for the treatment of this disease.
Classic Stroop Negative Priming Effects for Children and Adults Diverge With Less-Conflicting and Nonconflicting Conditions
Authors: Pritchard Verena E. , Neumann Ewald
Published: January 2012

Negative priming indexes an inhibition process that aids target selection by reducing distractor interference. To date, children have produced negative priming only in tasks where distractor response tendencies are consistently greater than or equal to targets and not in tasks containing a substantial proportion of low-conflict distractors. To establish the exact parameters under which children’s negative priming attenuates relative to adults, we varied processing demands across 2 experiments involving children and adults. Negative priming was comparable when 100% high-conflict conditions were encountered (Experiment 1) and was intact in adults but not children when a ratio of 50:50 high- to low-conflict conditions was encountered (Experiment 2). Compared with adults, children seem induced to divide attention more generally when lowconflict attentional conditions are included, attenuating negative priming.
Workload and Stress in Vigilance: The Impact of Display Format and Task Type
Authors: Szalma James L.
Published: January 2012

Signal salience was manipulated using configural and object displays to examine their effects on the performance, workload, and stress of vigilance. Improving performance and reducing the workload and stress of vigilance are crucial concerns. Signal salience improves performance and reduces stress, but to date there have been no salience manipulations using configural displays in a vigilance task. Two task types (individual variable monitoring and midpoint identification) and 3 display formats (bar graph-different baselines, bar graph-common baseline, and a polygon graph display) were examined. Configural displays improved performance in the midpoint identification task but not in the individual variable monitoring task. Workload depended on the form of display features (bar graph vs. polygon). Stress increased across all conditions, but task and display format did not affect stress. The midpoint identification task was associated with more emotion-focused and avoidant coping. Increasing signal salience in a vigilance task using configural displays with emergent features or physical contours can improve performance and reduce the decrement. These displays may not reduce the stress of vigilance or encourage task-focused coping. Therefore, there may be hidden costs to vigilance performance even when highly salient configural displays are used.
Passive conservation: Codifying the use of water‐efficient technologies
Authors: Hoecker Jay , Bracciano Dave
Published: January 2012

This article investigates how water efficiency professionals can use the code adoption process to implement increased water efficiency technologies. Beyond the US Energy Policy Act, many standards are used to codify water use efficiency throughout the United States. In Florida, for example, the International Plumbing Code is used and updated frequently through a consensus‐based process described in this article. Conservation professionals assessing how to increase water use efficiency can be integrated into the code adoption process, but few know where or how to become involved. They may also provide input by either becoming a member of a technical advisory committee or through public testimony. Standards development and code adoption processes are sometimes overlooked by conservation professionals, who can achieve passive conservation by participating in such processes.
Predictive Modeling of Sulfide Removal in Tray Aerators
Authors: Duranceau Steven J. , Faborode Jumoke O.
Published: January 2012

An investigation studying the effectiveness of sulfide removal from groundwater by a variety of tray aerators was conducted and an empirical first‐order mathematical model was developed that accurately predicted sulfide removal. Total sulfide, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen content passing through each tray were analytically determined in the field at several facilities. The derived model took the form of Cn = C0 (10‐kn), in which k = (0.00248) (hydrogen ion [H+])‐0.397 (tray area)0.584 (flow)‐1.17, n is the number of tray stages (tray levels) in the aerator, C0 is the sulfide content entering the distribution tray, and Cn is the sulfide concentration exiting aeration tray n. Sulfide removal was negatively affected as H+ decreased and flow increased but positively affected as the available tray aerator surface area increased. The empirical model demonstrated linear correlation (R2 = 0.875‐0.962) when model projections were compared with analytically measured values, with an accuracy that ranged between 3.44 and 13.3%.
Gecko‐Inspired Controllable Adhesive Structures Applied to Micromanipulation
Authors: Mengüç Yiğit , Yang Sang Yoon , Kim Seok , Rogers John A. , Sitti Metin
Published: January 2012

Gecko‐inspired angled elastomer micropillars with flat or round tip endings are presented as compliant pick‐and‐place micromanipulators. The pillars are 35 μm in diameter, 90 μm tall, and angled at an inclination of 20°. By gently pressing the tip of a pillar to a part, the pillar adheres to it through intermolecular forces. Next, by retracting quickly, the part is picked from a given donor substrate. During transferring, the adhesion between the pillar and the part is high enough to withstand disturbances due to external forces or the weight of the part. During release of the part onto a receiver substrate, the contact area of the pillar to the part is drastically reduced by controlled vertical or shear displacement, which results in reduced adhesive forces. The maximum repeatable ratio of pick‐to‐release adhesive forces is measured as 39 to 1. It is found that a flat tip shape and shear displacement control provide a higher pick‐to‐release adhesion ratio than a round tip and vertical displacement control, respectively. A model of forces to serve as a framework for the operation of this micromanipulator is presented. Finally, demonstrations of pick‐and‐place manipulation of micrometer‐scale silicon microplatelets and a centimeter‐scale glass cover slip serve as proofs of the concept. The compliant polymer micropillars are safe for use with fragile parts, and, due to exploiting intermolecular forces, could be effective on most materials and in air, vacuum, and liquid environments.
Electrical Transport Properties of Large, Individual NiCo2O4 Nanoplates
Authors: Hu Linfeng , Wu Limin , Liao Meiyong , Hu Xinhua , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: January 2012

Understanding the electrical transport properties of individual semiconductor nanostructures is crucial to advancing their practical applications in high‐performance nanodevices. Large‐sized individual nanostructures with smooth surfaces are preferred because they can be easily made into nanodevices using conventional photolithography procedures rather than having to rely on costly and complex electron‐beam lithography techniques. In this study, micrometer‐sized NiCo2O4 nanoplates are successfully prepared from their corresponding hydroxide precursor using a quasi‐topotactic transformation. The Co/Ni atomic arrangement shows no changes during the transformation from the rhombohedral LDH precursor (space group R$ \bar 3 $m) to the cubic NiCo2O4 spinel (space group Fd $ \bar 3 $m), and the nanoplate retains its initial morphology during the conversion process. In particular, electrical transport within an individual NiCo2O4 nanoplate is further investigated. The mechanisms of electrical conduction in the low‐temperature range (T < 100 K) can be explained in terms of the Mott's variable‐range hopping model. At high temperatures (T > 100 K), both the variable‐range hopping and nearest‐neighbor hopping mechanisms contribute to the electrical transport properties of the NiCo2O4 nanoplate. These initial results will be useful to understanding the fundamental characteristics of these nanoplates and to designing functional nanodevices from NiCo2O4 nanostructures.
A High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor from Nano‐architectured Ni(OH)2/Carbon Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: Tang Zhe , Tang Chun‐hua , Gong Hao
Published: January 2012

The demand for advanced energy storage devices such as supercapacitors and lithium‐ion batteries has been increasing to meet the application requirements of hybrid vehicles and renewable energy systems. A major limitation of state‐of‐art supercapacitors lies in their relatively low energy density compared with lithium batteries although they have superior power density and cycle life. Here, we report an additive‐free, nano‐architectured nickel hydroxide/carbon nanotube (Ni(OH)2/CNT) electrode for high energy density supercapacitors prepared by a facile two‐step fabrication method. This Ni(OH)2/CNT electrode consists of a thick layer of conformable Ni(OH)2 nano‐flakes on CNT bundles directly grown on Ni foams (NFs) with a very high areal mass loading of 4.85 mg cm−2 for Ni(OH)2. Our Ni(OH)2/CNT/NF electrode demonstrates the highest specific capacitance of 3300 F g−1 and highest areal capacitance of 16 F cm−2, to the best of our knowledge. An asymmetric supercapacitor using the Ni(OH)2/CNT/NF electrode as the anode assembled with an activated carbon (AC) cathode can achieve a high cell voltage of 1.8 V and an energy density up to 50.6 Wh/kg, over 10 times higher than that of traditional electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs).
Novel Cu Nanowires/Graphene as the Back Contact for CdTe Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Jun , Bi Hui , Wan Dongyun , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2012

Cu‐nanowire‐doped graphene (Cu NWs/graphene) is successfully incorporated as the back contact in thin‐film CdTe solar cells. 1D, single‐crystal Cu nanowires (NWs) are prepared by a hydrothermal method at 160 °C and 3D, highly crystalline graphene is obtained by ambient‐pressure CVD at 1000 °C. The Cu NWs/graphene back contact is obtained from fully mixing the Cu nanowires and graphene with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and N‐methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP), and then annealing at 185 °C for solidification. The back contact possesses a high electrical conductivity of 16.7 S cm−1 and a carrier mobility of 16.2 cm2 V−1 s−1. The efficiency of solar cells with Cu NWs/graphene achieved is up to 12.1%, higher than that of cells with traditional back contacts using Cu‐particle‐doped graphite (10.5%) or Cu thin films (9.1%). This indicates that the Cu NWs/graphene back contact improves the hole collection ability of CdTe cells due to the percolating network, with the super‐high aspect ratio of the Cu nanowires offering enormous electrical transport routes to connect the individual graphene sheets. The cells with Cu NWs/graphene also exhibit an excellent thermal stability, because they can supply an active Cu diffusion source to form an stable intermediate layer of CuTe between the CdTe layer and the back contact.
Triflic Acid‐Functionalized Silica‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Magnetically Separable Catalyst for Synthesis of gem‐Dihydroperoxides
Authors: Liu Yong‐Hui , Deng Jia , Gao Jian‐Wu , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: January 2012

Triflic acid‐functionalized silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles [γ‐Fe2O3@SiO2‐TfOH] were readily prepared and identified as an effictive catalyst for the transformation of aldehydes or ketones into their corresponding gem‐dihydroperoxides with 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst was easily separated by magnetic decantation and the recovered catalyst was reused for seven cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Synthesis of Oxazolidin‐2‐ones via a Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Tandem Decarboxylative/Carboxylative Cyclization of a Propiolic Acid, a Primary Amine and an Aldehyde
Authors: Feng Huangdi , Ermolat'ev Denis S. , Song Gonghua , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: January 2012

A facile approach to polysubstituted oxazolidin‐2‐ones is presented via a copper(I)‐catalyzed tandem decarboxylative/carboxylative cyclization of a propiolic acid, a primary amine and an aldehyde (PA2‐coulpling). This new multicomponent coupling constitutes an efficient methodology to provide the corresponding oxazolidin‐2‐ones in good yields.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrazolidines, Pyrazolines and Pyrazolidinones
Authors: Fernández Maitane , Reyes Efraím , Vicario Jose L. , Badía Dolores , Carrillo Luisa
Published: January 2012

Enantiopure pyrazolidines, pyrazolines and pyrazolidinones have been accessed in a direct and efficient manner through an organocatalytic, enantioselective aza‐Michael/hemiaminal formation cascade process from enals and N,N′‐disubstituted hydrazides. The process takes place with high regio‐ and stereoselectivities and furnishes the target compounds in high overall yields by means of an operationally very simple methodology.
HITlights: A career perspective on heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: January 2012

Two decades of research into heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) permit a personal historical perspective on this fascinating syndrome. Previously, the frequency of HIT was unknown, although complicating thrombosis was believed to be rare and primarily arterial. The opportunity to apply a remarkable test for “HIT antibodies”—the 14C‐serotonin‐release assay (SRA)—to serial plasma samples obtained during a clinical trial of heparin thromboprophylaxis, provided insights into the peculiar nature of HIT, such as, its prothrombotic nature—including its strong association with venous thrombosis (RR = 11.6 [95%CI, 6.4–20.8; P < 0.0001); its more frequent occurrence with unfractionated versus low‐molecular‐weight heparin; the “iceberg” model, which states that among the many patients who form anti‐PF4/heparin antibodies during heparin therapy, only a minority whose antibodies evince strong platelet‐activating properties develop HIT; and the characteristic HIT timeline, whereby serum/plasma antibodies are readily detectable at or prior to the HIT‐associated platelet count fall. Applying the SRA also to patients encountered in clinical practice led to recognition of warfarin‐induced venous limb gangrene (for which HIT is a major risk factor via its extreme hypercoagulability) and delayed‐onset HIT (whereby thrombocytopenia begins or worsens following heparin discontinuation, due to the ability of HIT antibodies strongly to activate platelets even in the absence of heparin—so‐called heparin‐“independent” platelet activation). Recent concepts include the increasing recognition of HIT “overdiagnosis” (due to the low diagnostic specificity of the widely‐applied PF4‐dependent immunoassays), and the observation that HIT‐associated consumptive coagulopathy is a risk factor for treatment failure with PTT‐adjusted direct thrombin inhibitor therapy (“PTT confounding” secondary to HIT‐associated coagulopathy). Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular composite of lignin: Miscibility and complex formation of organosolv lignin and its acetates with synthetic polymers containing vinyl pyrrolidone and/or vinyl acetate units
Authors: Teramoto Yoshikuni , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Endo Takashi
Published: January 2012

Binary blends and pseudo‐complexes of organosolv lignin (OSL) or its acetate (OSL‐Ac) with synthetic polymers including poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), and poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) (P(VP‐co‐VAc)) were prepared by casting from mixed polymer solutions in N,N‐dimethylformamide as good solvent and by spontaneous coprecipitation from solutions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as comparatively poor solvent. Thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry showed that OSL was not miscible with PVAc; however, OSL(‐Ac) was miscible with PVP to form homogeneous blends irrespective of the degree of acetylation of OSL. OSL formed homogeneous blends with P(VP‐co‐VAc) with ≥30 mol % of VP contents. Fourier transform infrared spectra measurements for the miscible blends of OSL/PVP revealed the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions between hydroxyls of OSL and carbonyls of VP units. However, there was no evidence for the development of the hydrogen bonding in miscible blends of fully acetylated OSL with PVP. For complexes via THF solutions, its formation was found to be primarily due to a higher frequency of hydrogen bonding interactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Systematic review and meta-analysis of follow-up after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases2
Authors: Jones R P , Jackson R , Dunne D F J , Malik H Z , Fenwick S W , Poston G J , Ghaneh P
Published: January 2012

Background

The evidence surrounding optimal follow-up after liver resection for colorectal metastases remains unclear. A significant proportion of recurrences occur in the early postoperative period, and some groups advocate more intensive review at this time.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published between January 2003 and May 2010 was performed. Studies that described potentially curative primary resection of colorectal liver metastases that involved a defined follow-up protocol and long-term survival data were included. For meta-analysis, studies were grouped into intensive (more frequent review in the first 5 years after resection) and uniform (same throughout) follow-up.

Results

Thirty-five studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, involving 7330 patients. Only five specifically addressed follow-up. Patients undergoing intensive early follow-up had a median survival of 39·8 (95 per cent confidence interval 34·3 to 45·3) months with a 5-year overall survival rate of 41·9 (34·4 to 49·4) per cent. Patients undergoing routine follow-up had a median survival of 40·2 (33·4 to 47·0) months, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 38·4 (32·6 to 44·3) months.

Conclusion

Evidence regarding follow-up after liver resection is poor. Meta-analysis failed to identify a survival advantage for intensive early follow-up.
“Clicking” on the Lights To Reveal Bacterial Social Networking
Authors: Clevenger Kenneth D. , Fast Walter
Published: January 2012

“No man is an island.”1 With apologies to John Donne, the same could be said for a bacterium. The discovery of bacterial quorum sensing and its relevance to microbial ecology and pathogenesis have fueled the increasing scrutiny of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the apparent group behavior of microbes.2 A number of chemically diverse small molecules act as diffusible signaling molecules that regulate gene expression in a population‐dependent manner. Some of these signals, such as the N‐acyl‐L‐homoserine lactones, are produced and sensed by others in the same or closely related species, and other chemical classes of signals are used more broadly for interspecies and even interkingdom communication.3 As a field, the study of these microbial social networks has been termed “sociomicrobiology.”4
Metallopolymer–Peptide Hybrid Materials: Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Functional, Polyferrocenylsilane–Tetrapeptide Conjugates
Authors: Tangbunsuk Siree , Whittell George R. , Ryadnov Maxim G. , Vandermeulen Guido W. M. , Woolfson Derek N. , Manners Ian
Published: January 2012

Conjugates of poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFDMS) with Ac‐(GA)2‐OH, Ac‐A4‐OH, Ac‐G4‐OH and Ac‐V4‐OH have been prepared by reaction of the tetrapeptide units with the amino‐terminated metallopolymer. The number average degree of polymerisation (DPn) of the PFDMS was approximately 20 and comparable materials with shorter (DPn≈10) and/or amorphous chains have been prepared by the same procedure. Poly(ferrocenylethylmethylsilane) (PFEMS) was employed for the latter purpose. All conjugates were characterised by GPC, MALDI‐TOF MS, NMR and IR spectroscopy. With the exception of Ac‐V4‐PFDMS20, all materials exhibited some anti‐parallel β‐sheet structure in the solid state. The self‐assembly of the conjugates was studied in toluene by DLS. The vast majority of the materials, irrespective of peptide sequence or chain crystallinity, afforded fibres consisting of a peptidic core surrounded by a PFS corona. These fibres were found in the form of cross‐linked networks by TEM and AFM. The accessibility of the chemically reducing PFS corona has been demonstrated by the localised formation of silver nanoparticles on the surface of the fibres.
Enantioselective Zinc/BINOL‐Catalysed Alkynylation of Aldimines Generated in Situ from α‐Amido Sulfones
Authors: Blay Gonzalo , Brines Ana , Monleón Alicia , Pedro José R.
Published: January 2012

Chiral nonracemic N‐Cbz‐protected propargylic amines have been prepared by the addition of terminal alkynes to imines generated in situ from α‐amido sulfones in the presence of diethylzinc and BINOL‐type ligands as catalysts. The reactions give good yields and high enantioselectivities (ee values up to 95 %) for a good number of aromatic and heteroaromatic α‐amido sulfones and alkynes.
Electrosynthesis of Chirality Conducting Poly[N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L‐phenylalanine] with Good Blue Light‐Emitting Properties
Authors: Lai Cunyuan , Guo Wenjuan , Tang Xinde , Pei Meishan
Published: January 2012

Poly[N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L‐phenylalanine] (PN9FPA) films with good fluorescence properties and chirality were prepared electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L‐phenylalanine (N9FPA) in boron trifluoride diethyletherate (BFEE). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurement showed that the polymerization of N9FPA occurred mainly at the C(2) and C(7) positions. The fluorescence spectra indicated that PN9FPA films were blue‐light emitters. In addition, the structures and properties of the monomer and the polymers were characterized and evaluated with CV, UV, TGA and SEM.
Kinetic Determination of Uric Acid in Human Serum by Using the Uncatalyzed BZ Reaction in Non‐equilibrium Steady State
Authors: Ren Jie , Yang Wu , Niu Xiuli , Gao Jinzhang
Published: January 2012

A novel kinetic method for determination of uric acid in human serum by means of an uncatalyzed BZ system consisting of potassium bromate and p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (p‐HBA) in sulfuric acid medium was proposed, in which the analyte perturbation to the system was recorded close to the bifurcation point. The potential change was directly proportional to the logarithm of concentration of uric acid in the range of 3.73×10−8–7.48×10−4 mol·L−1 (r=0.9983) with a detection limit of 7.45×10−9 mol·L−1 and a recovery from 98.9% to 101.1%. A comparison between the proposed technique and other methods indicated that results obtained were in agreement with those in clinical detection. In addition, the possible mechanism of action of uric acid on the uncatalyzed BZ reaction was also discussed briefly.
Green Synthesis of Calcium Carbonate Uniform Microspheres Using Vegetables
Authors: Chen Long , Bao Zuben , Pan Jian , Xu Weibing , Zhang Heping , Hu Hongbo , Hu Jichao , Zhou Lili
Published: January 2012

We report a novel strategy for the green synthesis of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microspheres by using four vegetables: potato, cucumber, aubergine, and carrot. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffractometry and/or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the spherical calcite crystals are obtained in the presence of potato, cucumber and aubergine extracts, while uniform vaterite and calcite mixed microspheres are produced with the extracts of carrot. The possible formation mechanism of the CaCO3 microspheres by using vegetables is also discussed, suggesting that the biomolecules especially proteins may induce and control the nucleation and growth of CaCO3 crystals. CaCO3 is an important biomineral and inorganic material. Uniform particles have numerous important applications in many areas. Therefore, this study is very significant not only for expanding the scope of crystal engineering, but also for biomineralization research and green synthesis of functional inorganic materials.
A Novel One Pot Synthesis of o‐Nitrophenylacetic Acid and Unexpected p‐Nitrobenzoic Acid by HNO3‐Mediated CH2 Extrusion Reaction of Phenylacetic Acid
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Raza Abdul Rauf
Published: January 2012

The HNO3‐mediated CH2 extrusion reactions of phenylacetic acid lead to one pot synthesis of unexpected commercially important product 4‐nitrobenzoic acid through the formation of 4‐nitrophenylacetic acid and 2‐nitrophenylacetic acid.
Silica Nanoparticles for Bimodal MRI–Optical Imaging by Grafting Gd3+ and Eu3+/Tb3+ Complexes
Authors: Pinho Sonia L. C. , Faneca Henrique , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Rocha João , Carlos Luís D. , Delville Marie‐Hélène
Published: January 2012

Bimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/optical probes for bioimaging were obtained by grafting two types of lanthanide metal ions, Gd3+ and Eu3+/Tb3+, on the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles. The resulting systems were endowed with relaxometry and photoluminescent properties, respectively. Grafting a pyridine‐based aromatic backbone on to the silica surface enhances the emission quantum yield of the Eu3+‐containing nanoparticles fivefold compared to similar systems that bear no aromatic antennae. The emission properties of the mixed Ln3+/Gd3+‐based nanoparticles are not influenced by the presence of Gd3+. The relaxometric properties of these samples are slightly better than the properties of commercial [Gd(DTPA)]2 (DTPA = diethylenetriaminepentaacetate). When taken up by RAW 264.7 cells (mouse macrophage cell line), such bimodal probes exhibit both T1‐weighted MRI increased contrast and fluorescence tracking.
Effects of cold‐pressed and vitamin E‐enriched flaxseed oils on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high‐fat fed rats
Authors: Xiao Yu , Qianchun Deng , Jiqu Xu , Fenghong Huang , Qingde Huang , Zhihua Yin , Jine Yang
Published: January 2012

In this study we evaluate whether cold‐pressed flaxseed oil (CFO), vitamin E‐enriched hot pressed and totally refined flaxseed oils (HRFOs) characterized by different qualities of micronutrients have beneficial effects on lipid profile and antioxidant status in high‐fat fed rats. Male Wistar rats were fed synthetic diets containing 10% of HRFO, CFO, low‐dose (100 mg/100 g oil) vitamin E‐enriched HRFO (L‐HRFO) or high‐dose (200 mg/100 g oil) vitamin E‐enriched HRFO (H‐HRFO), respectively for 4 wk. The results showed that plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in CFO group decreased by 12, 21, and 18% compared with HRFO group (p < 0.05), the total hepatic lipids, TC and TG levels in CFO group were also lower significantly than those in HRFO group, but no significant differences were observed in plasma and hepatic lipid profiles among HRFO, L‐HRFO, and H‐HRFO groups. T‐AOC levels significantly increased by 11, 12, and 22% in CFO, L‐HRFO and H‐HRFO groups compared with HRFO group, which was negatively correlated with the MDA levels and similar changes were observed for GSH and vitamin E levels in plasma. The CFO had a significantly higher cholesterol secretion than HRFO, L‐HRFO, and H‐HRFO. These results indicated that CFO had a more beneficial effect on improving lipid status and preventing oxidative stress than HRFO, and vitamin E‐enriched HRFO decreased the lipid peroxidation concentration though there was no significant effect on lipid profiles.

Practical applications: The cold‐pressed and vitamin E‐enriched HRFOs characterized by different qualities of micronutrients reduced the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. This could provide a theoretical basis for the development of high value‐added functional food ingredients based on flaxseed oil or α‐linolenic acid.
Voltammetric Detection of a Specific DNA Sequence of Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Using HS‐ssDNA Probe Deposited onto Gold Electrode
Authors: Malecka Kamila , Grabowska Iwona , Radecki Jerzy , Stachyra Anna , Góra‐Sochacka Anna , Sirko Agnieszka , Radecka Hanna
Published: January 2012

The working principle of a genosensor is based on the mechanism of ion‐channel mimetic sensors. The analytical signals generated upon hybridization processes were recorded by a redox active marker [Fe(CN)6]3−/4−present in the sample solution using voltammetric techniques. The developed genosensor was suitable for determination of 20‐mer complementary oligonucleotide sequence, and also of the PCR products containing the complementary 20‐mer sequence in various positions, with detection limits in the 10 pM range. The noncomplementary 20‐mer oligonucleotide sequence as well as the PCR product without complementary region generated very weak response. The good discrimination of the position of the complementary part in the PCR products was observed.
Corrective eccentricities for assessment by the nonlinear static method of 3D structures subjected to bidirectional ground motions
Authors: Bosco Melina , Ghersi Aurelio , Marino Edoardo M.
Published: January 2012

Nonlinear static methods are reliable in the evaluation of the seismic response of planar structural schemes, but they are not very effective in the assessment of three‐dimensional building structures. The authors of this paper have recently proposed a nonlinear static approach for asymmetric structures, which is an improvement on that stipulated by seismic codes. This method is based on the observation that the distribution of the maximum dynamic displacements of the deck can be enveloped by two pushover analyses performed by applying the lateral force with two eccentricities with respect to the center of mass of the deck. These eccentricities, named “corrective eccentricities”, are defined so that the two corresponding pushover analyses provide displacements that are equal to those evaluated by nonlinear dynamic analysis at the two sides of the deck. In this paper, the corrective eccentricities are determined for a wide set of single‐story systems. The equations for their analytical evaluation are determined and their reliability is demonstrated. Finally, the analysis of a multi‐story structure is conducted to show how the method can be applied to real buildings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hessian‐based model reduction: large‐scale inversion and prediction
Authors: Lieberman C. , Fidkowski K. , Willcox K. , van Bloemen Waanders B.
Published: January 2012

Hessian‐based model reduction was previously proposed as an approach in deriving reduced models for the solution of large‐scale linear inverse problems by targeting accuracy in observation outputs. A control‐theoretic view of Hessian‐based model reduction that hinges on the equality between the Hessian and the transient observability gramian of the underlying linear system is presented. The model reduction strategy is applied to a large‐scale ( degrees of freedom) three‐dimensional contaminant transport problem in an urban environment, an application that requires real‐time computation. In addition to the inversion accuracy, the ability of reduced models of varying dimension to make predictions of the contaminant evolution beyond the time horizon of observations is studied. Results indicate that the reduced models have a factor speedup in computing time for the same level of accuracy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formate generated by cellular oxidation of formaldehyde accelerates the glycolytic flux in cultured astrocytes
Authors: Tulpule Ketki , Dringen Ralf
Published: January 2012

Formaldehyde is a neurotoxic compound that can be endogenously generated in the brain. Because astrocytes play a key role in metabolism and detoxification processes in brain, we have investigated the capacity of these cells to metabolize formaldehyde using primary astrocyte‐rich cultures as a model system. Application of formaldehyde to these cultures resulted in the appearance of formate in cells and in a time‐, concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent disappearance of formaldehyde from the medium that was accompanied by a matching extracellular accumulation of formate. This formaldehyde‐oxidizing capacity of astrocyte cultures is likely to be catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase 3 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, because the cells of the cultures contain the mRNAs of these formaldehyde‐oxidizing enzymes. In addition, exposure to formaldehyde increased both glucose consumption and lactate production by the cells. Both the strong increase in the cellular formate content and the increase in glycolytic flux were only observed after application of formaldehyde to the cells, but not after treatment with exogenous methanol or formate. The accelerated lactate production was not additive to that obtained for azide, a known inhibitor of complex IV of the respiratory chain, and persisted after removal of formaldehyde after a formaldehyde exposure for 1.5 h. These data demonstrate that cultured astrocytes efficiently oxidize formaldehyde to formate, which subsequently enhances glycolytic flux, most likely by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective inhibition of NF‐κB suppresses bone invasion by oral squamous cell carcinoma in vivo
Authors: Furuta Hiroyuki , Osawa Kenji , Shin Masashi , Ishikawa Ayataka , Matsuo Kou , Khan Masud , Aoki Kazuhiro , Ohya Keiichi , Okamoto Masato , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Takahashi Tetsu , Nakanishi Osamu , Jimi Eijiro
Published: January 2012

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is constitutively activated in many cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and is involved in the invasive characteristics of OSCC, such as growth, antiapoptotic activity and protease production. However, the cellular mechanism underlying NF‐κB's promotion of bone invasion by OSCC is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of NF‐κB in bone invasion by OSCC in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of OSCC invading bone in 10 patients indicated that the expression and nuclear translocation of p65, a main subunit of NF‐κB, was increased in OSCC compared with normal squamous epithelial cells. An active form of p65 phosphorylated at serine 536 was present mainly in the nucleus in not only differentiated tumor cells but also tumor‐associated stromal cells and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. We next injected mouse OSCC SCCVII cells into the masseter region of C3H/HeN mice. Mice were treated for 3 weeks with a selective NF‐κB inhibitor, NBD peptide, which disrupts the association of NF‐κB essential modulator (NEMO) with IκB kinases. NBD peptide treatment inhibited TNFα‐induced and constitutive NF‐κB activation in SCCVII cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Treatment with NBD peptide decreased zygoma and mandible destruction by SCCVII cells, reduced number of osteoclasts by inhibiting RANKL expression in osteoblastic cells and SCCVII cells, increased apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of SCCVII cells. Taken together, our data clearly indicate that inhibition of NF‐κB is useful for inhibiting bone invasion by OSCC.
Activation of lytic cycle of Epstein‐Barr virus by suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid leads to apoptosis and tumor growth suppression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hui K.F. , Ho Dona N. , Tsang C.M. , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Tsao George S.W. , Chiang Alan K.S.
Published: January 2012

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is strongly associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). We reported that suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) induced EBV lytic cycle in EBV‐positive gastric carcinoma cells and mediated enhanced cell death. However, expression of EBV lytic proteins was thought to exert antiapoptotic effect in EBV‐infected cells. Here, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of SAHA on EBV lytic cycle induction in NPC cells and investigated the cellular consequences. Micromolar concentrations of SAHA significantly induced EBV lytic cycle in EBV‐positive NPC cells. Increased apoptosis and proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and caspase‐3, ‐7 and ‐9 in EBV‐positive versus EBV‐negative NPC cells were observed. More than 85% of NPC cells expressing immediate‐early (Zta), early (BMRF1) or late (gp350/220) lytic proteins coexpressed cleaved caspase‐3. Tracking of expression of EBV lytic proteins and cleaved caspase‐3 over time demonstrated that NPC cells proceeded to apoptosis following EBV lytic cycle induction. Inhibition of EBV DNA replication and late lytic protein expression by phosphonoformic acid did not impact on SAHA's induced cell death in NPC, indicating that early rather than late phase of EBV lytic cycle contributed to the apoptotic effect. In vivo effects of SAHA on EBV lytic cycle induction and tumor growth suppression were also observed in NPC xenografts in nude mice. Taken together, our data indicated that activation of lytic cycle from latent cycle of EBV by SAHA leads to apoptosis and tumor growth suppression of NPC thereby providing experimental evidence for virus‐targeted therapy against EBV‐positive cancer.
[2.2]Paracyclophane as a Target of the Organic Solid State: Emergent Properties via Supramolecular Construction
Authors: Elacqua Elizabeth , Friščić Tomislav , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: January 2012

In this account, we review the synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophanes in the organic solid state. Reactions in crystalline solids provide a means to obtain molecules with high degrees of stereocontrol that can also be unattainable in solution. We show that [2.2]paracyclophanes form in the solid state stereospecifically and in quantitative yield via intermolecular [2+2] double photodimerization reactions. The double cycloaddition that affords a paracyclophane in the solid state does not readily occur in solution. Small molecules in the form of hydrogen‐bond‐donor templates can provide access to [2.2]paracyclophanes in a solid by design. A [2.2]paracyclophane obtained using a hydrogen‐bond template is shown to exhibit attractive optical properties and has been employed as a building block of a metal‐organic framework (MOF).
Comparative Study of Fatty Acid Components in Oils of Different Olive Varieties Grown in Different Regions of Pakistan by Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: ur Rahman Inayat , Qureshi Muhammad Nasimullah , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: January 2012

Olive oils were extracted from two consecutive crops (2008 and 2009) of three different varieties of olive cultivated at different geographical regions of Pakistan. The profiles of the fatty acid compositions were developed employing GC‐MS techniques and then compared. The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the olive oil constituents in Olive cultivated in different regions in order to determine the quality of olive oil and to ascertain the suitability of area for best quality products.
Cyclic Voltammetry of Ion Transfer for Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride at Water|Nitrobenzene Interface
Authors: Irdhawati Irdhawati , Tatsumi Hirosuke , Noviandri Indra , Buchari Buchari , Ibrahim Slamet
Published: January 2012

The transfer on phenylpropanolamine ion, PPAH+, has been studied at the Interface between Two Immiscible Solutions (ITIES). The polarizable potential range was determined by cyclic voltammetry at the interface between an aqueous solution of lithium chloride (LiCl) and a nitrobenzene (NB) solution of electrolyte tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate (TBATPB). The half‐wave potential of ion transfer for phenylpropanolamine accross the water|NB interface was found 465.3 mV. The peak separation, the diffusion coefficient, and the standard ion transfer potential of PPAH+ were observed to be 59.1 mV, 1.7 × 10−6 cm2/s, and 104.6 mV, respectively. The temperature of experiment was kept constantly at 25 ± 1 °C using water flow thermostate.