bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Efficiency and Thermal Stability of Polymer–Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Salim Teddy , Lee Hang‐Woo , Wong Lydia Helena , Oh Joon Hak , Bao Zhenan , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: November 2015

The effects of the incorporation of semiconducting single‐walled nanotubes (sc‐SWNTs) with high purity on the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cell (OSC) based on regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (rr‐P3HT:PCBM) are reported for the first time. The sc‐SWNTs induce the organization of the polymer phase, which is evident from the increase in crystallite size, the red‐shifted absorption characteristics and the enhanced hole mobility. By incorporating sc‐SWNTs, OSC with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 4% can be achieved, which is ≈8% higher than our best control device. A novel application of sc‐SWNTs in improving the thermal stability of BHJ OSCs is also demonstrated. After heating at 150 °C for 9 h, it is observed that the thermal stability of rr‐P3HT:PCBM devices improves by more than fivefold with inclusion of sc‐SWNTs. The thermal stability enhancement is attributed to a more suppressed phase separation, as shown by the remarkable decrease in the formation of sizeable crystals, which in turn can be the outcome of a more controlled crystallization of the blend materials on the nanotubes.
Chronic myeloid leukemia: Second‐line drugs of choice
Authors: Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Aroldi Andrea , Cordani Nicoletta , Piazza Rocco
Published: November 2015

The efficacy of second‐line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) plays an important role in allowing CML patients to enjoy a normal life expectancy. Four tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are presently available: bosutinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, ponatinib. Each one has different safety and activity profiles, which are reviewed here. No controlled studies are available to guide treatment decision, which must be based on the characterization of leukemic cells, especially in cases of resistance to TKI, coupled with the safety profile of each TKI. Patient comorbidities also play an important role in the treatment decision, which can achieve a new durable response in over 50% of treated patients. Am. J. Hematol. 91:67–75, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal maya ancestry and birth weight in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Azcorra Hugo , Vázquez‐Vázquez Adriana , Mendez Nina , Carlos Salazar Juan , Datta‐Banik Sudip
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between maternal Maya ancestry and the birth weight of infants born in Yucatan, Mexico, during 2013.

Methods

A total of 30,435 singletons born at term (≥37 weeks) in Yucatan during 2013 were analyzed. Birth weights, gestational ages, and maternal socioeconomic data were provided by the Ministry of Health of Yucatan. Maternal Maya ancestry was defined by the presence of Maya surnames in: (1) non‐Maya surnames (NM‐NM), (2) one Maya surname (NM‐M), and (3) two Maya surnames (M‐M). Biological and socioeconomic parameters were compared between the categories of ancestry through one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multiple regression model was used to analyze the association between ancestry and infants' birth weight controlling for influence of covariates.

Results

Mean birth weight was 3,114 g (SD = 406) (NM‐NM: 3,150 g [SD = 404], NM‐M: 3,106 g [SD = 402], M‐M: 3,088 g [SD = 408]). With the biological and socioeconomic variables statistically adjusted for, the presence of one and two maternal Maya surnames was associated with decreases in birth weight of 42 g and 63 g, respectively. None of the interactions between ancestry and other predictors was statistically significant.

Conclusions

The lower mean birth weights of Maya infants are consistent with studies reporting poor growth and nutritional status of Maya children from Yucatan. Historically adverse socioeconomic conditions experienced by the Maya population are probably linked to the relatively lower birth weights of their infants. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:436–439, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Nitrogen Containing Heterocycles With Fully Substituted N‐fused Pyrrole Rings
Authors: Bakshi Debanjan , Singh Anand
Published: November 2015

The efficient synthesis of C‐2 alkylated indolizine, pyrrolo[1,2‐a]isoquinoline, and pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoline derivatives utilizing a single reactivity platform is described. Employing a [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction between heterocyclic N‐ylides and allenoates, the incorporation of C‐2 alkyl substituents was achieved resulting in various N‐fused heterocycles with a fully substituted pyrrole ring. This metal‐free route employing allenoates as a dipolarophile solves the longstanding limitations of functional diversity at the C‐2 position and the efficient creation of the pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoline motif.
Functionalizations of Mixtures of Regioisomeric Aryllithium Compounds by Selective Trapping with Dichlorozirconocene
Authors: Castelló‐Micó Alicia , Herbert Simon A. , León Thierry , Bein Thomas , Knochel Paul
Published: November 2015

The reaction of mixtures of aryllithium regioisomers obtained either by directed lithiation or by Br/Li exchange with substoichiometric amounts of Cp2ZrCl2 proceeds with high regioselectivity. The least sterically hindered regioisomeric aryllithium is selectively transmetalated to the corresponding arylzirconium species leaving the more hindered aryllithium ready for various reactions with electrophiles. As an application, these regioselective transmetalations from Li to Zr were used to prepare all three lithiated regioisomers of 1,3‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene.
Self‐assembling amphiphilic PEGylated block copolymers obtained through RAFT polymerization for drug‐delivery applications
Authors: Colombo Claudio , Gatti Simone , Ferrari Raffaele , Casalini Tommaso , Cuccato Danilo , Morosi Lavinia , Zucchetti Massimo , Moscatelli Davide
Published: November 2015

In this work, ring‐opening polymerization and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) have been employed for the production of block copolymers where the backbone is brushed with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polyester chains. Because of their amphiphilic properties, they are able to self‐assemble in water, forming micelles. Molecular dynamics simulations have been accomplished to study the behavior of the copolymer single chain in water, and the self‐assembly properties have been characterized and correlated to the copolymer structure in terms of critical micellar concentration and particle size. As a proof of their flexibility, these materials have been employed for the production of polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles with tunable dimensions (from 120 to 260 nm) adopted for the controlled release of anticancer compounds (paclitaxel and curcumin). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43084.
Latex co‐coagulation approach to fabrication of polyurethane/graphene nanocomposites with improved electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and barrier property
Authors: Wu Sheng Li , Shi Tie Jun , Zhang Li Yuan
Published: November 2015

This study describes a simple and effective method of synthesis of a polyurethane/graphene nanocomposite. Cationic waterborne polyurethane (CWPU) was used as the polymer matrix, and graphene oxide (GO) as a starting nanofiller. The CWPU/GO nanocomposite was prepared by first mixing a CWPU emulsion with a GO colloidal dispersion. The positively charged CWPU latex particles were assembled on the surfaces of the negatively charged GO nanoplatelets through electrostatic interactions. Then, the CWPU/chemically reduced GO (RGO) was obtained by treating the CWPU/GO with hydrazine hydrate in DMF. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman analysis showed that the RGO nanoplatelets were well dispersed and exfoliated in the CWPU matrix. The electrical conductivity of the CWPU/RGO nanocomposite could reach 0.28 S m−1, and the thermal conductivity was as high as 1.71 W m−1 K−1. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the CWPU/RGO‐coated PET film was significantly decreased to 0.6 cm3 m−2 day−1, indicating a high oxygen barrier property. This remarkable improvement in the electrical and thermal conductivity and barrier property of the CWPU/RGO nanocomposite is attributed to the electrostatic interactions and the molecular‐level dispersion of RGO nanoplatelets in the CWPU matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43117.
Preparation of cinchonine molecularly imprinted photonic crystal film and its specific recognition and optical responsive properties
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Huang Shaomei , Qian Chuntong , Wu Quanzhou , He Jianfeng
Published: November 2015

The cinchonine molecularly imprinted photonic polymer (MIPP) film was prepared by using methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross linker, benzoyl peroxide and N,N‐dimethylaniline as initiation system by a combination of colloidal crystal template method and molecular imprinting technique. The structure and morphology of the polymer film were characterized by infrared spectra and scanning electronic microscope. The results exhibit that a highly ordered three‐dimensionally interconnected macroporous array with typical face‐centered cubic (fcc) structure was formed in the MIPP film. The binding experiments showed that the special, hierarchical porous structure enabled this polymer to possess rapid adsorption kinetics, improved binding capacity, and specificity to analytes. The Bragg diffractive measurements showed that the MIPP film has good specific responsiveness for the template molecules. The Bragg diffraction peaks shifted from 527 to 503 nm with the concentration of the cinchonine varying from 0 to 10−3 mol/L, whereas there were no obvious peaks shifts for its structural analogues. This may be ascribed that the changes in the lattice constants and the average refractive indices of MIPP film caused by the special adsorption of template molecules toward recognition sites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43191.
“Detached concern” of medical students in a cadaver dissection course: A phenomenological study
Authors: Tseng Wei‐Ting , Lin Ya‐Ping
Published: November 2015

The cadaver dissection course remains a time‐honored tradition in medical education, partly because of its importance in cultivating professional attitudes in students. This study aims to investigate students’ attitudes—specifically characterized as “detached concern”—in a cadaver dissection course. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was performed with semi‐structured, focus group interviews among 12 third‐year medical students from a Taiwanese medical school to reveal their perceptions and learning experiences regarding human cadaver dissection. Based on these interviews, four relevant categories of perspectives were delineated: (1) initial emotional impact, (2) human referents, (3) coping strategies, and (4) ways of perceiving cadavers. Students were divided into two groups based on these categories. Students in Group 1 developed mechanisms described as “detachment” to cope with their initial emotional reactions to cadaveric dissection, which was noted to have disruptive effects on their learning. They considered human referents to be learning obstacles and avoided contact with or thinking about the human referents while performing dissections. Some of them faced a conflict between perceiving the cadaver as a learning tool versus as a human being. This impasse could be resolved if they latently adopted a “perspective switch” between the concept of a learning tool (rational aspect) and a human being (sensitive aspect). The students in Group 2 had no obvious initial emotional reaction. For them, the human referents functioned as learning supports, and the cadavers were consistently perceived as humans. These students held the notion that “cadaver dissection is an act of love”; therefore, they did not experience any need to detach themselves from their feelings during dissection. This alternative attitude revealed that detached concern alone is not sufficient to describe the entire range of medical students' attitudes toward cadaver dissection. Anat Sci Educ 9: 265–271. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
The role of real‐life mathematics instruction on mathematics outcomes in kindergarten
Authors: Gottfried Michael
Published: November 2015

In an era of a declining quality and quantity of students entering and persisting in mathematics in the USA, researchers and policy makers are looking for new strategies to engage students in these fields and improve mathematics outcomes. One push has been to make mathematics instruction more relevant with real‐world applications throughout the K‐12 curriculum—i.e. to make instruction more focused on real‐life situations. This empirical study examines specifically whether real‐life mathematics instruction can influence mathematics achievement for students at the beginning of the educational pipeline. Using a newly released national‐level dataset of a cohort of US kindergarten students, approximately ages 5–6 years old, from the 2010/11 school year (ECLS‐K:2011), the findings indicate a positive relationship between the frequency of real‐life mathematics instruction, as reported by the teacher and mathematics outcomes. The results are differentiated by student demographics, and implications are discussed.
Evaluation of the effect of post‐translational modification toward protein structure: Chemical synthesis of glycosyl crambins having either a high mannose‐type or a complex‐type oligosaccharide
Authors: Dedola Simone , Izumi Masayuki , Makimura Yutaka , Ito Yukishige , Kajihara Yasuhiro
Published: November 2015

Glycoproteins are assembled and folded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and transported to the Golgi for further processing of their oligosaccharides. During these processes, two types of oligosaccharides are used: that is, high mannose‐type oligosaccharide in the ER and complex‐type oligosaccharide in the Golgi. We were interested to know how two different types of oligosaccharides could influence the folding pathway or the final three‐dimensional structure of the glycoproteins. For this purpose, we synthesized a new glycosyl crambin having complex‐type oligosaccharide and evaluated the folding process, the final protein structure analyzed by NMR, and compared the CD spectra with previously synthesized glycosyl crambin bearing high mannose‐type oligosaccharides. From our analysis, we found that the two different oligosaccharides do not influence the folding pathway in vitro and the final structure of the small glycoproteins. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 446–452, 2016.
Effect of spacer length and type on the biological activity of peptide–polysaccharide matrices
Authors: Kumai Jun , Hozumi Kentaro , Yamada Yuji , Katagiri Fumihiko , Kikkawa Yamato , Nomizu Motoyoshi
Published: November 2015

Peptide–polysaccharide matrices can mimic extracellular matrix structure and function and are useful for tissue and cell engineering. The spacer between the peptide and the polysaccharide is important for both peptide conformation and the interaction between the peptide and receptors. Here, the effect of a spacer on the biological activity of peptide–polysaccharide matrices using various lengths of spacers consisting of glycine, β‐alanine, and ε‐aminocaproic acid has been examined. Active laminin‐derived peptides, including a syndecan‐binding peptide (AG73: RKRLQVQLSIRT), an integrin αvβ3‐binding peptide (A99a: ALRGDN), and an integrin α6β1‐binding peptide (A2G10: SYWYRIEASRTG), were used as the peptide ligands and chitosan was used as a polysaccharide matrix. The spacers did not influence the biological activity of the AG73‐chitosan matrix. In contrast, the integrin‐binding peptide–chitosan matrices showed spacer‐dependent activity. Hydrophobic spacers enhanced the cell attachment activity of the A99a‐chitosan matrix. A four‐glycine spacer showed the strongest effect for the biological activity of the A2G10‐chitosan matrix. These results suggested that spacer‐optimization for each peptide is important for designing effective peptide–polysaccharide matrices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 512–520, 2016.
Integrating Wisdom and Sustainability: Dealing with Instability
Authors: Intezari Ali
Published: November 2015

A thorough review of the literature reveals that there is a paucity of studies on integrating wisdom and sustainability disciplines. This paper investigates the role of sustainability in fostering wisdom in the interaction between businesses and their surrounding environment. Wisdom has recently attracted a lot of attention in both academia and the practical world. However, despite the strong emphasis that is put on the necessity of incorporating wisdom into business practices, there is little on how wisdom can be practically integrated in the real business world. To address this issue, this paper draws a linkage between wisdom and sustainability by noting the assumptions that the concepts of wisdom and sustainability share with respect to human flourishing, environmental preservation and economic growth. It is concluded that wisdom manifests through organizational sustainability, and that wisdom promotes organizational sustainability capacity. A model of the interaction between the two practices is proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Reconceptualizing Power Relations as Sustainable Business Practice
Authors: Bolton Dianne , Landells Terry
Published: November 2015

The concept of ‘sustainable development’ has brought diverse stakeholders together to consider approaches to economic development. Thus, the possibility of irreconcilable tensions between ‘sustainability’ and ‘economic development’ has been identified, together with an apparent domination of the discourse on ‘sustainable development’ by corporations. In relation to this latter claim and mindful of Foucault's tenet that power also comes from below, we suggest that alternative ‘voices’ significant to the discourse should not be jettisoned because they are ‘managerial’ or ‘corporate’. This argument focuses on the significance of ‘voice’ generated by managers taking strategic action with salient stakeholders. Given increasing strategic ambiguity, managers are leveraging broad stakeholder knowledge and input to achieve credible strategic outcomes that stakeholders can accommodate. We contend that the relationship between knowledge and power is significant in the discourse on sustainable development and that knowledge generated by stakeholder collaboration be recognized as an alternative ‘voice’. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Implementation of Authentic Sustainable Strategies: i‐SITE Middle Managers, Employees and the Delivery of 100% Pure New Zealand
Authors: Morrow Jeremy , Mowatt Simon
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the processes by which 100% Pure New Zealand is translated into action by middle managers and employees at the point of contact with consumers at i‐SITEs. Within the tourism industry, organizations that differentiate employing ‘green' and ‘authentic' imagery of the natural environment highlight the importance of the active participation and engagement of middle managers and employees whose actions are observable to consumers. However, there has been little previous research on how employees understand concepts of sustainability and authenticity, or how their own views and values support embedding strategy. These issues were examined with a multiple case study methodology. Thematic analysis identified three barriers to authentic implementation: failure to support bottom‐up policy engagement, unclear top‐down communication of strategic priorities, and perceived lack of strategic vision and commitment. The paper suggests that organization‐wide vision and commitment are required to implement authentic sustainability strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Poly(3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐vinylthiazolium)/DBU‐Catalyzed Thioesterification of Aldehydes with Thiols
Authors: Chung Junyong , Seo Ue Ryung , Chun Supill , Chung Young Keun
Published: November 2015

Poly(3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐vinylthiazolium) was synthesized from 3,4‐dimethyl‐5‐vinylthiazole through free radical polymerization and was examined as polymer precatalysts in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) for the thioesterification of aldehydes with thiols. The poly(5‐vinylthiazolium)/DBU had excellent catalytic activity and could be reused 10 times without a considerable loss of activity.
On the influence of data noise and uncertainty on ordering of objects, described by a multi‐indicator system. A set of pesticides as an exemplary case
Authors: Carlsen Lars , Bruggemann Rainer
Published: November 2015

A priori in partial ordering methodology the input data are understood as exact and true values, which is denoted as the “original data matrix”. As such even minor differences between values are regarded as real. However, in real life data are typically associated with a certain portion of noise or uncertainty. Hence, introducing noise may cause changes in the overall ordering of objects. The present paper deals with the effects of data noise or uncertainties on the partial ordering of a series of objects, a series of obsolete pesticides being used as an illustrative example. The approach is fuzzy like, and partially ordered sets are obtained as function of noise. A main focus of the work is to identify the range in terms of noise, where the original partial order is retained. We call this range the “stability range”. It is demonstrated that by increasing data noise the range where the “original partial order” is obtained decreases. The original partial order is based on the original data matrix. Further, it is found that significant changes in the partial ordering appear outside of this stability range. The possible relation between data noise and the stability range is discussed on an empirical basis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binding of Reactive Oxygen Species at FeS Cubane Clusters
Authors: Bruska Marta K. , Stiebritz Martin T. , Reiher Markus
Published: November 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the biochemistry of the cell and occur in degenerative processes as well as in signal transduction. Ironsulfur proteins are particularly oxygen‐sensitive and their inorganic cofactors frequently undergo ROS‐induced decomposition reactions. As experimental knowledge about these processes is still incomplete we present here a quantum chemical study of the relative energetics for the binding of the most relevant ROS to [Fe4S4] clusters. We find that cubane clusters with one uncoordinated Fe atom (as found, for instance, in aconitase) bind all oxygen derivatives considered, whereas activation of triplet O2 to singlet O2 is required for binding to valence‐saturated iron centers in these clusters. The radicals NO and OH feature the most exothermic binding energies to Fe atoms. Direct sulfoxidation of coordinating cysteine residues is only possible by OH or H2O2 as attacking agents. The thermodynamic picture of ROS binding to ironsulfur clusters established here can serve as a starting point for studying reactivity‐modulating effects of the cluster‐embedding protein environment on ROS‐induced decomposition of ironsulfur proteins.
The Control of Conjugation Lengths and Steric Hindrance to Modulate Aggregation‐Induced Emission with High Electroluminescence Properties and Interesting Optical Properties
Authors: Xue Miao‐Miao , Xie Yue‐Min , Cui Lin‐Song , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Yuan Xiao‐Dong , Li Yong‐Xi , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: November 2015

A series of novel AIE‐active (aggregation‐induced emission) molecules, named SAF‐2‐TriPE, SAF‐3‐TriPE, and SAF‐4‐TriPE, were designed and synthesized through facile reaction procedures. We found that incorporation of the spiro‐acridine‐fluorene (SAF) group, which is famous for its excellent hole‐transporting ability and rigid structure, at different substitution positions on the phenyl ring affected the conjugation lengths of these compounds. Consequently, we have obtained molecules with different emission colors and properties without sacrificing good EL (electroluminescence) characteristics. Accordingly, a device that was based on compound SAF‐2‐TriPE displayed superior EL characteristics: it emitted green light with ηc, max=10.5 cd A−1 and ηext, max=4.22 %, whereas a device that was based on compound SAF‐3‐TriPE emitted blue‐green light with ηc, max=3.9 cd A−1 and ηext, max= 1.71 %. These compounds also displayed different AIE performances: when the fraction of water in the THF solutions of these compounds was increased, we observed a significant improvement in the ΦF of compounds SAF‐2‐TriPE and SAF‐3‐TriPE; in contrast, compound SAF‐4‐TriPE showed an abnormal phenomenon, in that it emitted a strong fluorescence in both pure THF solution and in the aggregated state without a significant change in ΦF. Overall, this systematic study confirmed a relationship between the regioisomerism of the luminophore structure and its AIE activity and the resulting electroluminescent performance in non‐doped devices.
Preparation of Mesoporous Bimetallic Au–Pt with a Phase‐Segregated Heterostructure Using Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Kitahara Masaki , Kubara Saori , Takai Azusa , Takimoto Daisuke , Enomoto Shinpei , Yamauchi Yusuke , Sugimoto Wataru , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: November 2015

Mesoporous bimetallic Au–Pt with a phase‐segregated heterostructure has been prepared by using mesoporous silica SBA‐15 as a template. Au nanoparticles were prepared as a seed metal within the mesopores, and subsequently Pt was deposited, sandwiching the Au seeds. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectral mapping showed that the framework of mesoporous bimetallic Au–Pt, prepared by removing the silica template with HF, was composed of Au nanoparticles joined with Pt nanowires. The Au/Pt ratio of the mesoporous bimetallic Au–Pt could be varied by controlling the number of Au deposition cycles. Pre‐adsorbed CO (COad) stripping voltammetry of the mesoporous bimetallic Au–Pt showed that the surfaces of the joined bimetallic structure were electrochemically active. This could be attributed to the open framework structure having a high ratio of exposed bimetallic mesopore surfaces. The described preparative approach, involving a mesoporous silica template and stepwise deposition within the mesopores, enables control of the nanostructure of the bimetallic material, which is greatly promising for the further development of synthetic methodologies for bimetallic structures.
A Post‐Synthetically Modified MOF for Selective and Sensitive Aqueous‐Phase Detection of Highly Toxic Cyanide Ions
Authors: Karmakar Avishek , Kumar Naveen , Samanta Partha , Desai Aamod V. , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: November 2015

Selective and sensitive detection of toxic cyanide (CN−) by a post‐synthetically altered metal–organic framework (MOF) has been achieved. A post‐synthetic modification was employed in the MOF to incorporate the specific recognition site with the CN− ion over all other anions, such as Cl−, Br−, and SCN−. The aqueous‐phase sensing and very low detection limit, the essential prerequisites for an effective sensory material, have been fulfilled by the MOF. Moreover, the present detection level meets the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the permissible limit of cyanide concentration in drinking water. The utilization of MOF‐based materials as the fluorometric probes for selective and sensitive detection of CN− ions has not been explored till now.
Facile Installation of 2‐Reverse Prenyl Functionality into Indoles by a Tandem N‐Alkylation–Aza‐Cope Rearrangement Reaction and Its Application in Synthesis
Authors: Chen Xiaobei , Fan Huaqiang , Zhang Shilei , Yu Chenguang , Wang Wei
Published: November 2015

An unprecedented tandem N‐alkylation–ionic aza‐Cope (or Claisen) rearrangement–hydrolysis reaction of readily available indolyl bromides with enamines is described. Due to the complicated nature of the two processes, an operationally simple N‐alkylation and subsequent microwave‐irradiated ionic aza‐Cope rearrangement–hydrolysis process has been uncovered. The tandem reaction serves as a powerful approach to the preparation of synthetically and biologically important, but challenging, 2‐reverse quaternary‐centered prenylated indoles with high efficiency. Notably, unusual nonaromatic 3‐methylene‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indole architectures, instead of aromatic indoles, are produced. Furthermore, the aza‐Cope rearrangement reaction proceeds highly regioselectively to give the quaternary‐centered reverse prenyl functionality, which often produces a mixture of two regioisomers by reported methods. The synthetic value of the resulting nonaromatic 3‐methylene‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indole architectures has been demonstrated as versatile building blocks in the efficient synthesis of structurally diverse 2‐reverse prenylated indoles, such as indolines, indole‐fused sultams and lactams, and the natural product bruceolline D.
Sequence‐Dependent Duplex Stabilization upon Formation of a Metal‐Mediated Base Pair
Authors: Scharf Philipp , Jash Biswarup , Kuriappan Jissy A. , Waller Mark P. , Müller Jens
Published: November 2015

An artificial nucleoside surrogate with 1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (P) acting as an aglycone has been introduced into DNA oligonucleotide duplexes. This nucleoside surrogate can act as a bidentate ligand, and so is useful in the context of metal‐mediated base pairs. Several duplexes involving a hetero base pair with an imidazole nucleoside have been investigated. The stability of DNA duplexes incorporating the respective AgI‐mediated base pairs strongly depends on the sequence context. Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations have been performed in order to gain insight into the factors determining this sequence dependence. The results indicated that, in addition to the stabilizing effect that results from the formation of coordinative bonds, destabilizing effects may occur when the artificial base pair does not fit optimally into the surrounding B‐DNA duplex.
Synthesis and Biopharmaceutical Evaluation of Imatinib Analogues Featuring Unusual Structural Motifs
Authors: Nicolaou Kyriacos C. , Vourloumis Dionisios , Totokotsopoulos Sotirios , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Karsunky Holger , Fernando Hanan , Gavrilyuk Julia , Webb Damien , Stepan Antonia F.
Published: November 2015

A convenient synthesis of imatinib, a potent inhibitor of ABL1 kinase and widely prescribed drug for the treatment of a variety of leukemias, was devised and applied to the construction of a series of novel imatinib analogues featuring a number of non‐aromatic structural motifs in place of the parent molecule's phenyl moiety. These analogues were subsequently evaluated for their biopharmaceutical properties (e.g., ABL1 kinase inhibitory activity, cytotoxicity). The bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane‐ and cubane‐containing analogues were found to possess higher themodynamic solubility, whereas cubane‐ and cyclohexyl‐containing analogues exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against ABL1 kinase and the most potent cytotoxicity values against cancer cell lines K562 and SUP‐B15. Molecular modeling was employed to rationalize the weak activity of the compounds against ABL1 kinase, and it is likely that the observed cytotoxicity of these agents arises through off‐target effects.
The efficacy of adjuvant therapy for pancreatic invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)
Authors: McMillan Matthew T. , Lewis Russell S. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Teitelbaum Ursina R. , Lee Major K. , Roses Robert E. , Fraker Douglas L. , Vollmer Charles M.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

The literature investigating pancreatic invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has largely come from small institutional studies, preventing adequately powered comparisons of adjuvant therapy versus surgery alone (SA) within specific patient subgroups.

METHODS

Patients with resected, stage I through IV, invasive IPMN and conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (1998‐2010). Cox modeling of patients with invasive IPMN was used to compare overall survival (OS) between patients who received adjuvant therapy and those who underwent SA. A second model was used to compare OS between patients with invasive IPMN and those with PDAC.

RESULTS

For the 1220 patients with invasive IPMN, the median OS was 28.9 months; the 1‐year and 5‐year actuarial survival rates were 76% and 17%, respectively; and 47% received adjuvant therapy. Cox modeling associated SA with worse OS (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.17‐1.58; P = .00005) as well as American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM stage III/IV disease, positive lymph node status, positive margins, and poor tumor differentiation (all P ≤ .05). In addition, Cox modeling stratified by the following characteristics demonstrated improved OS with adjuvant therapy: AJCC TNM stage II or III/IV, positive lymph node status, positive margins, and poorly differentiated tumors. There was no survival advantage from adjuvant therapy for patients who had AJCC TNM stage I or lymph node‐negative disease. Patients who had invasive IPMN had improved risk‐adjusted OS compared with those who had PDAC (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.68‐0.78; P < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Invasive IPMN appears to be more indolent than conventional PDAC. Adjuvant therapy is associated with improved OS compared with SA in patients with invasive IPMN, especially for those with higher stage disease, positive lymph nodes, positive margins, or poorly differentiated tumors. Conversely, this benefit does not extend to patients with stage I or lymph node‐negative disease. Cancer 2016;122:521–533. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Organization of the sleep‐related neural systems in the brain of the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Authors: Dell Leigh‐Anne , Karlsson Karl Æ. , Patzke Nina , Spocter Muhammad A. , Siegel Jerome M. , Manger Paul R.
Published: November 2015

The current study analyzed the nuclear organization of the neural systems related to the control and regulation of sleep and wake in the basal forebrain, diencephalon, midbrain, and pons of the minke whale, a mysticete cetacean. While odontocete cetaceans sleep in an unusual manner, with unihemispheric slow wave sleep (USWS) and suppressed REM sleep, it is unclear whether the mysticete whales show a similar sleep pattern. Previously, we detailed a range of features in the odontocete brain that appear to be related to odontocete‐type sleep, and here present our analysis of these features in the minke whale brain. All neural elements involved in sleep regulation and control found in bihemispheric sleeping mammals and the harbor porpoise were present in the minke whale, with no specific nuclei being absent, and no novel nuclei being present. This qualitative similarity relates to the cholinergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic and orexinergic systems, and the GABAergic elements of these nuclei. Quantitative analysis revealed that the numbers of pontine cholinergic (274,242) and noradrenergic (203,686) neurons, and hypothalamic orexinergic neurons (277,604), are markedly higher than other large‐brained bihemispheric sleeping mammals. Small telencephalic commissures (anterior, corpus callosum, and hippocampal), an enlarged posterior commissure, supernumerary pontine cholinergic and noradrenergic cells, and an enlarged peripheral division of the dorsal raphe nuclear complex of the minke whale, all indicate that the suite of neural characteristics thought to be involved in the control of USWS and the suppression of REM in the odontocete cetaceans are present in the minke whale. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2018–2035, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EphA4 has distinct functionality from EphA7 in the corticothalamic system during mouse brain development
Authors: Son Alexander I. , Hashimoto‐Torii Kazue , Rakic Pasko , Levitt Pat , Torii Masaaki
Published: November 2015

Deciphering the molecular basis for guiding specific aspects of neocortical development remains a challenge because of the complexity of histogenic events and the vast array of protein interactions mediating these events. The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases is implicated in a number of neurodevelopmental activities. Eph receptors have been known to be capable of responding to several ephrin ligands within their subgroups, often eliciting similar downstream effects. However, several recent studies have indicated specificity between receptor–ligand pairs within each subfamily, the functional relevance of which is not defined. Here we show that a receptor of the EphA subfamily, EphA4, has effects distinct from those of its close relative, EphA7, in the developing brain. Both EphA4 and EphA7 interact similarly with corresponding ligands expressed in the developing neocortex. However, only EphA7 shows strong interaction with ligands in the somatosensory thalamic nuclei; EphA4 affects only cortical neuronal migration, with no visible effects on the guidance of corticothalamic (CT) axons, whereas EphA7 affects both cortical neuronal migration and CT axon guidance. Our data provide new evidence that Eph receptors in the same subfamily are not simply interchangeable but are functionally specified through selective interactions with distinct ligands in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2080–2092, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential distribution of the sodium‐activated potassium channels slick and slack in mouse brain
Authors: Rizzi Sandra , Knaus Hans‐Günther , Schwarzer Christoph
Published: November 2015

The sodium‐activated potassium channels Slick (Slo2.1, KCNT2) and Slack (Slo2.2, KCNT1) are high‐conductance potassium channels of the Slo family. In neurons, Slick and Slack channels are involved in the generation of slow afterhyperpolarization, in the regulation of firing patterns, and in setting and stabilizing the resting membrane potential. The distribution and subcellular localization of Slick and Slack channels in the mouse brain have not yet been established in detail. The present study addresses this issue through in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Both channels were widely distributed and exhibited distinct distribution patterns. However, in some brain regions, their expression overlapped. Intense Slick channel immunoreactivity was observed in processes, varicosities, and neuronal cell bodies of the olfactory bulb, granular zones of cortical regions, hippocampus, amygdala, lateral septal nuclei, certain hypothalamic and midbrain nuclei, and several regions of the brainstem. The Slack channel showed primarily a diffuse immunostaining pattern, and labeling of cell somata and processes was observed only occasionally. The highest Slack channel expression was detected in the olfactory bulb, lateral septal nuclei, basal ganglia, and distinct areas of the midbrain, brainstem, and cerebellar cortex. In addition, comparing our data obtained from mouse brain with a previously published study on rat brain revealed some differences in the expression and distribution of Slick and Slack channels in these species. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2093–2116, 2016. © 2015 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extended drill‐down operator: Digging into the structure of performance indicators
Authors: Diamantini Claudia , Potena Domenico , Storti Emanuele
Published: November 2015

Performance measurement is the subject of interdisciplinary research on information systems, organizational modeling and decision support systems. The data cube model is usually adopted to represent performance indicators (PI) and enable flexible analysis, visualization and reporting. However, the major obstacles against effective design and management of PI monitoring systems are related to the facts that PIs are complex objects with an aggregate/compound nature. This often leads to unawareness of indicator semantics as well as of dependencies among indicators. In this work, we propose to enrich the data cube model with the formal description of the structure of an indicator given in terms of its algebraic formula and aggregation function. Such a model enables the definition of a novel operator, namely indicator drill‐down, which relies on formula manipulation functionalities and reasoning. Like the usual drill‐down, this operator increases the detail of a measure of the data cube by expanding an indicator into its components. Thus, the two notions of drill‐down are integrated, allowing a novel way of data exploration. As a proof‐of‐concept, an implementation of the approach is presented. The evaluation of the implementation on real and synthetic scenarios enlightens the effectiveness and the efficiency of the approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
End Capping Alters the Structural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Transthyretin (105–115) Amyloid Protofibrils
Authors: Lee Myeongsang , Na Sungsoo
Published: November 2015

Pathological amyloid proteins are associated with degenerative and neurodegenerative diseases. These amyloid proteins develop as oligomer, fibrillar, and plaque forms, due to the denatured and unstable status of the amyloid monomers. Specifically, the development of fibrillar amyloid proteins has been investigated through several experimental studies. To understand the generation of amyloid fibrils, environmental factors such as point mutations, pH, and polymorphic characteristics have been considered. Recently, amyloid fibril studies related to end‐capping effects have been conducted to understand amyloid fibril development. However, atomic‐level studies to determine the stability and mechanical properties of amyloid fibrils based on end capping have not been undertaken. In this study, we show that end capping alters the structural characteristics and conformations of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid fibrils by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Variation in the structural conformations and characteristics of the TTR fibrils through end capping are observed, due to the resulting electrostatic energies and hydrophobicity characteristics. Moreover, the end capping changes the mechanical properties of TTR fibrils. Our results shed light on amyloid fibril formation under end‐capping conditions.
Noble‐Metal‐Free Molybdenum Disulfide Cocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yuan Yong‐Jun , Lu Hong‐Wei , Yu Zhen‐Tao , Zou Zhi‐Gang
Published: November 2015

Photocatalytic water splitting using powered semiconductors as photocatalysts represents a promising strategy for clean, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly production of H2 utilizing solar energy. The loading of noble‐metal cocatalysts on semiconductors can significantly enhance the solar‐to‐H2 conversion efficiency. However, the high cost and scarcity of noble metals counter their extensive utilization. Therefore, the use of alternative cocatalysts based on non‐precious metal materials is pursued. Nanosized MoS2 cocatalysts have attracted considerable attention in the last decade as a viable alternative to improve solar‐to‐H2 conversion efficiency because of its superb catalytic activity, excellent stability, low cost, availability, environmental friendliness, and chemical inertness. In this perspective, the design, structures, synthesis, and application of MoS2‐based composite photocatalysts for solar H2 generation are summarized, compared, and discussed. Finally, this Review concludes with a summary and remarks on some challenges and opportunities for the future development of MoS2‐based photocatalysts.
A reduced reference spur multiplying delay‐locked loop
Authors: Wang Xin Jie , Kwasniewski Tadeusz
Published: November 2015

This letter presents a reduced reference spur multiplying delay‐locked loop (MDLL). The static phase offset (SPO) between the reference edge and its counterpart of MDLL output is the dominant mechanism causing reference spur in the spectrum of MDLL output. SPO is mainly caused by the non‐idealities on charge pump (e.g., sink and source current mismatch) and control line (e.g., gate leakage of loop filter and voltage‐controlled delay line control circuit). With a high‐gain stage inserting between phase detector/phase frequency detector and charge pump, the equivalent SPO has been decreased by a factor equal to the gain of the gain stage. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique, an MDLL is implemented in TSMC CMOS 0.18 µm process. The simulation result shows that −60.1 dBc reference spur was achieved at center frequency of 1.8 GHz. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sp8 expression in putative neural progenitor cells in guinea pig and human cerebrum
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Mei , Cai Yan , Wang Fang , Wu Jun , Mo Lin , Zhang Feng , Patrylo Peter R. , Pan Aihua , Ma Chao , Fu Jin , Yan Xiao‐Xin
Published: November 2015

Neural stem/progenitor cells have been characterized at neurogenic sites in adult mammalian brain with various molecular markers. Here it has been demonstrated that Sp8, a transcription factor typically expressed among mature GABAergic interneurons, also labels putative neural precursors in adult guinea pig and human cerebrum. In guinea pigs, Sp8 immunoreactive (Sp8+) cells were localized largely in the superficial layers of the cortex including layer I, as well as the subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ). Sp8+ cells at the SGZ showed little colocalization with mature and immature neuronal markers, but co‐expressed neural stem cell markers including Sox2. Some layer I Sp8+ cells also co‐expressed Sox2. The amount of Sp8+ cells in the dentate gyrus was maintained 2 weeks after X‐ray irradiation, while that of doublecortin (DCX+) cells was greatly reduced. Mild ischemic insult caused a transient increase of Sp8+ cells in the SGZ and layer I, with the subgranular Sp8+ cells exhibited an increased colabeling for the mitotic marker Ki67 and pulse‐chased bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Sp8+ cells in the dentate gyrus showed an age‐related decline in guinea pigs, in parallel with the loss of DCX+ cells in the same region. In adult humans, Sp8+ cells exhibited comparable morphological features as seen in guinea pigs, with those at the SGZ and some in cortical layer I co‐expressed Sox2. Together, these results suggested that Sp8 may label putative neural progenitors in guinea pig and human cerebrum, with the labeled cells in the SGZ appeared largely not mitotically active under normal conditions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 939–955, 2016
Ferrocene‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with Functionalised Benzyl Substituents
Authors: Thie Charlotte , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: November 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Professor Ulrich Siemeling from the University of Kassel, Germany. The cover image shows the core of a metal complex containing a ferrocene‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand with substituents that can be used to tune the lipophilicity, an important property in crossing biological membranes. In the background, the statue of Hercules symbolises the challenges of drug discovery.