bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Research on High‐Voltage Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan Shi , Ji Ya J. , Zhang Zhong R. , Yang Yong
Published: July 2014

Developing a stable and safe electrolyte that works at voltages as high as 5 V is a formidable challenge in present Li‐ion‐battery research because such high voltages are beyond the electrochemical stability of the conventional carbonate‐based solvents available. In the past few years, extensive efforts have been carried out by the research community toward the exploration of high‐voltage electrolytes. In this review, recent progress in the study of several promising high‐voltage electrolyte systems, as well as their recipes, electrochemical performance, electrode compatibility, and characterization methods, are summarized and reviewed. These new electrolyte systems include high‐voltage film‐forming additives and new solvents, such as sulfones, ionic liquids, nitriles, and fluorinated carbonates. It appears to be very difficult to find a good high‐voltage (∼5 V) electrolyte with a single‐component solvent at the present stage. Using mixed fluorinated–carbonate solvents and additives are two realistic solutions for practical applications in the near term, while sulfones, nitriles, ionic liquids and solid‐state electrolyte/polymer electrolytes are promising candidates for the next generation of high‐voltage electrolyte systems.
An active‐clamping zero‐voltage‐switching flyback converter with integrated transformer
Authors: Lin Jing‐Yuan , Wang Chao‐Fu , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chen John L , Wang Jian‐Min
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes an active‐clamping flyback converter using an integrated transformer. The proposed converter is composed of two active‐clamp flyback converters. The presented converter can balance the total load current between secondary sides of two transformers so that the rectifier diode conduction loss is reduced. Also, the main switch of one converter is the auxiliary switch for the other converter, so that only two switches are required and both can achieve zero‐voltage‐switching operation. The two transformers are integrated into one magnetic core; therefore, the volume and copper loss of transformer can be reduced. Detailed analysis and design of this integrated magnetic active‐clamping flyback converter are described. Experimental results are recorded for a prototype converter with an AC input voltage ranging from 85 to 135 V, an output voltage of 24 V and an output current of 5 A, operating at a switching frequency of 100 kHz. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis of energy consumption for TCP data transfer with burst transmission over a wireless LAN
Authors: Hashimoto Masafumi , Hasegawa Go , Murata Masayuki
Published: July 2014

A common strategy for energy saving in wireless network devices is to remain in sleep mode for as long as possible. The timing of packet transmission and reception depends on the behavior of the transport‐layer protocols used by upper‐layer applications. Therefore, understanding the relation between the behavior of the transport‐layer protocols and energy efficiency using sleep mode is important for effective energy saving, especially when a wireless network interface (WNI) is activated in sleep mode at packet interarrivals. In this paper, we analyze the energy consumption of a client's WNI in Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) data transfer over a wireless LAN by focusing on the detailed behavior of TCP congestion control mechanisms. This model considers three situations: the WNI is activated in continuously active mode, in sleep mode, and in sleep mode with burst transmission. The latter is proposed as an effective method to improve energy efficiency, which lengthens sleep periods by transmitting and receiving multiple packets in a bursty fashion. Through numerical examples, we show that sleeping without modification of transmission timing reduces energy consumption in TCP data transfer by only around 10%, and that the burst transmission can contribute further 50% energy reduction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual and asexual reproduction in the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri
Authors: Gasparini Fabio , Manni Lucia , Cima Francesca , Zaniolo Giovanna , Burighel Paolo , Caicci Federico , Franchi Nicola , Schiavon Filippo , Rigon Francesca , Campagna Davide , Ballarin Loriano
Published: July 2014

The colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri is a widespread filter‐feeding ascidian that lives in shallow waters and is easily reared in aquaria. Its peculiar blastogenetic cycle, characterized by the presence of three blastogenetic generations (filtering adults, buds, and budlets) and by recurrent generation changes, has resulted in over 60 years of studies aimed at understanding how sexual and asexual reproduction are coordinated and regulated in the colony. The possibility of using different methodological approaches, from classical genetics to cell transplantation, contributed to the development of this species as a valuable model organism for the study of a variety of biological processes. Here, we review the main studies detailing rearing, staging methods, reproduction and colony growth of this species, emphasizing the asymmetry in sexual and asexual reproduction potential, sexual reproduction in the field and the laboratory, and self‐ and cross‐fertilization. These data, opportunely matched with recent tanscriptomic and genomic outcomes, can give a valuable help to the elucidation of some important steps in chordate evolution. genesis 53:105–120, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute myeloid leukemia impairs natural killer cells through the formation of a deficient cytotoxic immunological synapse
Authors: Khaznadar Zena , Henry Guylaine , Setterblad Niclas , Agaugue Sophie , Raffoux Emmanuel , Boissel Nicolas , Dombret Hervé , Toubert Antoine , Dulphy Nicolas
Published: July 2014

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are killed by allogeneic NK cells. However, autologous NK cells from AML patients express decreased levels of activating receptors, and show reduced cytotoxicity. Here, we investigated how interactions between NK and AML cells might cause loss of NK‐cell activity in patients. Our results show that AML cell lines and primary blasts alter the NK‐cell phenotype, reducing their cytotoxic potential upon prolonged contact. Downregulation of NK‐cell‐activating receptors was contact‐dependent and correlated with conjugate formation. Time‐lapse imaging of HL60 AML cell line and NK‐cell interactions showed a high proportion of noncytolytic contacts. Studies of NK‐cell immunological synapses revealed a defect in lytic synapse formation. Namely, despite correct F‐actin and LFA‐1 recruitment, polarization of lytic granules toward primary blasts or AML cell lines was reduced. The NK–AML cell line synapses showed impairment of CD3ζ recruitment. Attempts to correct these synapse defects by cytokine stimulation of NK cells improved conjugate formation, but not granule polarization. Pretreatment of AML cell lines with the immunomodulating molecule lenalidomide significantly enhanced granule polarization. We speculate that combining immunomodulatory drugs and cytokines could increase AML cell sensitivity to autologous NK cells and reinforce the activity of allogeneic NK cells in adoptive immunotherapy.
Iminobisphosphines to (Non‐)Symmetrical Diphosphinoamine Ligands: Metal‐Induced Synthesis of Diphosphorus Nickel Complexes and Application in Ethylene Oligomerisation Reactions
Authors: Boulens Pierre , Lutz Martin , Jeanneau Erwann , Olivier‐Bourbigou Hélène , Reek Joost N. H. , Breuil Pierre‐Alain R.
Published: July 2014

We describe the synthesis of a range of novel iminobisphosphine ligands based on a sulfonamido moiety [R1SO2N=P(R2)2‐P(R3)2]. These molecules rearrange in the presence of nickel by metal‐induced breakage of the P–P bond to yield symmetrical and nonsymmetrical diphosphinoamine nickel complexes of general formula Ni{[P(R2)2]N(SO2R1)P(R3)2}Br2. The complexes can be isolated and are very stable. Upon activation by MAO, these complexes oligomerise ethylene to small chain oligomers (mainly C4–C8) with high productivity. Surprisingly fast codimerisation reactions of ethylene with butenes is observed, leading to a high content of branched C6 products.
Phytochemical contents and oxidative stability of oils from non‐traditional sources
Authors: Hassanien Minar M. M. , Abdel‐Razek Adel G. , Rudzińska Magdalena , Siger Aleksander , Ratusz Katarzyna , Przybylski Roman
Published: July 2014

Non‐traditional plant oils, such as cold pressed black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds oil and oils extracted by n‐hexane in the lab conditions from food industry by‐products, namely, apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca), wheat germ (Triticum vulgare), grape seeds (Vitis vinifera), and tomato seeds (Lycopersicon esculentum) were investigated. Bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols, and also fatty acid composition were determined by GLC and HPLC. The oxidative stability index of oils was evaluated by rancimat method. The fatty acid composition of lipids from apricot kernels was different from the other oils. The contribution of oleic acid in apricot oil amount 66.77%, while in the other oils ranged from 12.39% to 21.86%. The highest level of α‐linolenic acid was determined in wheat germ oil (7.58%). Concerning phytosterols, β‐sitosterol was major component in all oils extracted from non‐traditional sources, with wheat germ oil being the richest in total phytosterol content. Wheat germ oil was very rich in campesterol and sitostanol. It was found that wheat germ, black cumin seed, tomato seed, and apricot kernel oils contained significant amount of citrostadienol. Concerning the vitamin E, it was found that black cumin seed oil contained highest amount of tocotrienols and gamma tocopherols, while, tomato seed oil contain highest amount of gamma‐tocotrienols. Wheat germ oil was unique in having a high content of alpha‐tocopherol. Apricot kernel and wheat germ oils showed the highest oxidative stability as shown from its induction period compared to the other investigated oils. It is recommended that these oils can be utilized as sources of value added products, natural antioxidants, edible, and healthy oils.

Apricot kernels, black cumin, grape, and tomato seeds and wheat germ oils were investigated. Bioactive compounds such as phytosterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols, and also fatty acid composition were determined by GLC and HPLC. The oxidative stability index of oils was evaluated by rancimat method. It is recommended that these oils can be utilized as sources of value added products, natural antioxidants, edible and healthy oils.
Determination of the Stereostructure of Pyrimidine Nucleoside Derivatives with a Combination of Various Chiroptical Methods
Authors: Górecki Marcin , Karczmarska‐Wódzka Aleksandra , Kołodziejska Renata , Dramiński Marcin , Frelek Jadwiga
Published: July 2014

The absolute configuration of pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives prepared by enantioselective reduction was determined using a combination of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy in tandem with quantum chemical calculations. Such a combined approach based on a comparison of experimentally measured and theoretically simulated chiroptical properties allows reliable predictions of absolute configuration. The advantage of using more than one chiroptical method for the assignment of absolute configuration is demonstrated. The reliability of the proposed assignment was further confirmed by ECD measurements at variable temperatures and the use of Moscowitz procedure. This allowed the relative energies of the conformers obtained from the calculations to be verified, and the distribution of conformers to be estimated.
Synthesis, Electrochemistry, Crystal Structures, and Optical Properties of Quinoline Derivatives with a 2,2′‐Bithiophene Motif
Authors: Slodek Aneta , Filapek Michal , Szafraniec Grazyna , Grudzka Iwona , Pisarski Wojciech Andrzej , Malecki Jan Grzegorz , Zur Lidia , Grela Malgorzata , Danikiewicz Witold , Krompiec Stanislaw
Published: July 2014

New quinolines bearing a 2,2′‐bithiophene motif have been prepared through Ru‐ and In‐catalyzed reactions as well as by Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. The novel quinolines have been characterized by using EI‐HRMS and NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, the molecular structures of the novel quinolines were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of all quinoline derivatives were investigated by using absorption and luminescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The main intense absorption bands associated with the quinoline derivatives were located between 350 and 450 nm. Intense blue‐green and orange‐red fluorescence, moderate Stokes shifts, and microsecond lifetimes were observed. Quinolines containing one bithiophene moiety underwent oxidation leading to dimerization, whereas bis(bithiophenyl)‐substituted quinoline underwent polymerization. All the studied quinolines showed multistep reversible reduction, with 6‐nitro‐4‐phenylquinoline being the easiest to reduce. The study of novel quinoline derivatives indicates a strong correlation between their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties and the character of the substituent (electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing) in the quinoline ring.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of a Small Naphthoquinone Library: First Synthesis of Juglonbutin
Authors: Brötz Elke , Herrmann Jennifer , Wiese Jutta , Zinecker Heidi , Maier Armin , Kelter Gerhardt , Imhoff Johannes F. , Müller Rolf , Paululat Thomas
Published: July 2014

A synthetic protocol has been designed to synthesize grecoketidone (2k), 5‐hydroxylapachol (2g), and the recently discovered natural products juglonbutin (2o) and its derivatives, leading to a small library of different 1,4‐naphthoquinones with the intention of finding new active compounds. Within our collection, 2‐O‐alkylated naphthoquinones with an ester functionality in the side‐chain and a free OH group at C‐5 showed the best activities. Compounds 2f, 2m, and 2n showed GI50 values against 12 tumor cell lines in the lower micromolar range and juglonbutin (2o) showed remarkably efficient inhibition of the glycogen synthase kinase 3β with an IC50 value of 2.03 μM. Furthermore, studies on the mode of action of the most active cytotoxic compounds have been carried out. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of juglonbutin (2o) and its biological activity.
One‐Pot Preparation of Enantiopure Fluorinated β‐Amino Acid Precursors
Authors: Jones Joshua H. , Appayee Chandrakumar , Brenner‐Moyer Stacey E.
Published: July 2014

Chiral β‐fluoro amines and β,β‐difluoro amines are common substructures in medicinal compounds. Industrial syntheses typically use enantiopure starting materials, chiral auxiliaries, or the resolution of enantiomeric or diastereomeric mixtures to install these functionalities in enantiopure form. With the goal of improving access to these substructures, we recently developed the first catalytic enantioselective olefin aminohalogenation reaction, which produced chiral β‐fluoro amines in a single flask from achiral enal starting materials. This paper describes the extension of this method to the preparation of β‐amino‐α,α‐difluoro carbonyl compounds. Specifically, carbon–nitrogen and carbon–fluorine bond‐forming reactions were combined in an organocascade reaction to produce β‐amino‐α,α‐difluoro carbonyl compounds containing alkyl substituents at the β‐position. As such, this method is mechanistically distinct from, and complementary to, existing one‐pot catalytic enantioselective methods for the preparation of fluorinated β‐amino acid precursors.
Boron/Zinc Exchange Reaction in the Diastereoselective Arylation of N‐Protected L‐Prolinal
Authors: Martins Bruna S. , Lüdtke Diogo S.
Published: July 2014

The diastereoselective arylation of chiral, non‐racemic, N‐trityl‐protected L‐prolinal has been investigated. The reactive aryl groups were generated by a boron/zinc exchange reaction between arylboronic acids and diethylzinc. The reactions proceeded in a highly diastereoselective fashion, and the resulting amino alcohols possessing two vicinal stereocenters were obtained in diastereomeric ratios of >20:1, regardless of the substituent at the transferable aryl group. The diastereoselectivity of the reactions is believed to be the result of an energetically favored Felkin–Anh transition state, with the competing Cram‐chelation pathway precluded due to the presence of the bulky N‐trityl protecting group.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Enantiopure Oxetanes, a Carbohydrate Mimic, an ϵ‐Lactone, and Cyclitols from Biocatalytically Derived β‐Hydroxy Esters as Chiral Precursors
Authors: Das Debabrata , Halder Joydev , Bhuniya Rajib , Nanda Samik
Published: July 2014

Biocatalytically derived enantiopure α‐substituted β‐hydroxy esters serve as excellent chirons for the synthesis of a diverse set of structures such as oxetanes, a carbohydrate mimic, an ϵ‐lactone, and carbocyclic and aromatic cyclitols. The starting materials can be easily accessed in enantiopure form from α‐substituted β‐keto esters by biocatalytic reduction with Klebsiella pneumoniae (NBRC 3319). Ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) is one of the key transformations used to create the carbocyclic/heterocyclic frameworks reported in this article. The synthesized cyclitols were screened for their inhibitory effect on α‐ and β‐glucosidases.
HAC robust trend comparisons among climate series with possible level shifts
Authors: McKitrick Ross R. , Vogelsang Timothy J.
Published: July 2014

Comparisons of trends across climatic data sets are complicated by the presence of serial correlation and possible step‐changes in the mean. We build on heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation robust methods, specifically the Vogelsang–Franses (VF) nonparametric testing approach, to allow for a step‐change in the mean (level shift) at a known or unknown date. The VF method provides a powerful multivariate trend estimator robust to unknown serial correlation up to but not including unit roots. We show that the critical values change when the level shift occurs at a known or unknown date. We derive an asymptotic approximation that can be used to simulate critical values, and we outline a simple bootstrap procedure that generates valid critical values and p‐values. Our application builds on the literature comparing simulated and observed trends in the tropical lower troposphere and mid‐troposphere since 1958. The method identifies a shift in observations around 1977, coinciding with the Pacific Climate Shift. Allowing for a level shift causes apparently significant observed trends to become statistically insignificant. Model overestimation of warming is significant whether or not we account for a level shift, although null rejections are much stronger when the level shift is included. © 2014 The Authors. Environmetrics published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic frequency management in 802.11‐based multi‐radio wireless networks
Authors: Athanasiou George , Tassiulas Leandros
Published: July 2014

Efficient channel selection is essential in 802.11 mesh deployments, for minimising contention and interference among co‐channel devices and thereby supporting a plurality of quality of service (QoS)‐sensitive applications. A few protocols have been proposed for frequency allocation in such networks; however, they do not address the problem end‐to‐end. In this paper, we present a general formulation of the channel selection problem, taking into account the performance of both mesh access and mesh backhaul. Moreover, we propose a routing‐aware channel selection protocol for wireless mesh networks (ARACHNE). ARACHNE is distributed in nature and motivated by our measurements on a wireless testbed. The main novelty of our protocol comes from adopting a metric that captures the end‐to‐end link loads across different routes in the network. ARACHNE prioritises the assignment of low‐interference channels to links that (i) need to serve high‐load aggregate traffic and/or (ii) already suffer significant levels of contention and interference. Our protocol takes into account the number of potential interfaces (radios) per device and allocates these interfaces in a manner that efficiently utilises the available channel capacity. We evaluate ARACHNE through extensive, trace‐driven simulations, and we show the approaches to the optimal channel selection. We observe that our protocol improves the total network throughput, as compared to three other representative channel allocation approaches in literature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beneficial effects of gfap/vimentin reactive astrocytes for axonal remodeling and motor behavioral recovery in mice after stroke
Authors: Liu Zhongwu , Li Yi , Cui Yisheng , Roberts Cynthia , Lu Mei , Wilhelmsson Ulrika , Pekny Milos , Chopp Michael
Published: July 2014

The functional role of reactive astrocytes after stroke is controversial. To elucidate whether reactive astrocytes contribute to neurological recovery, we compared behavioral outcome, axonal remodeling of the corticospinal tract (CST), and the spatio‐temporal change of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) expression between wild‐type (WT) and glial fibrillary acidic protein/vimentin double knockout (GFAP–/–Vim–/–) mice subjected to Rose Bengal induced cerebral cortical photothrombotic stroke in the right forelimb motor area. A foot‐fault test and a single pellet reaching test were performed prior to and on day 3 after stroke, and weekly thereafter to monitor functional deficit and recovery. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the left motor cortex to anterogradely label the CST axons. Compared with WT mice, the motor functional recovery and BDA‐positive CST axonal length in the denervated side of the cervical gray matter were significantly reduced in GFAP–/–Vim–/– mice (n = 10/group, P < 0.01). Immunohistological data showed that in GFAP–/–Vim–/– mice, in which astrocytic reactivity is attenuated, CSPG expression was significantly increased in the lesion remote areas in both hemispheres, but decreased in the ischemic lesion boundary zone, compared with WT mice (n = 12/group, P < 0.001). Our data suggest that attenuated astrocytic reactivity impairs or delays neurological recovery by reducing CST axonal remodeling in the denervated spinal cord. Thus, manipulation of astrocytic reactivity post stroke may represent a therapeutic target for neurorestorative strategies. GLIA 2014;62:2022–2033
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of 2,6‐Diaryl‐4‐hydroxybenzenethiol
Authors: Sasaki Shigeru , Sutoh Katsuhide , Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: July 2014

Novel 2,6‐diaryl‐4‐hydroxybenzenethiol, 2,6‐bis(2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl)‐4‐hydroxybenzenethiol, was synthesized from the corresponding 2,6‐diaryl‐4‐bromoiodobenzene as a potential precursor of the corresponding thiobenzoquinone. The X‐ray crystallography showed that the two aryl groups are nearly orthogonal to the central benzene ring and shield the mercapto group, but there still remains open space and the oxidation of the 4‐hydroxybenzenethiol by MnO2 led to the formation of the corresponding disulfide. The oxidation of the 4‐hydroxybenzenethiol as well as the corresponding disulfide was studied, and the spectroscopic studies suggested the formation of the labile thiobenzoquinone.
Superior survival using living donors and donor-recipient matching using a novel living donor risk index
Authors: Goldberg David S. , French Benjamin , Abt Peter L. , Olthoff Kim , Shaked Abraham
Published: July 2014

The deceased-donor organ supply in the U.S. has not been able to keep pace with the increasing demand for liver transplantation. We examined national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) data from 2002-2012 to assess whether living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has surpassed deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) as a superior method of transplantation, and used donor and recipient characteristics to develop a risk score to optimize donor and recipient selection for LDLT. From 2002-2012, there were 2,103 LDLTs and 46,674 DDLTs that met the inclusion criteria. The unadjusted 3-year graft survival for DDLTs was 75.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75.1-76.0%) compared with 78.9% (95% CI: 76.9-80.8%;

P

< 0.001) for LDLTs that were performed at experienced centers (>15 LDLTs), with substantial improvement in LDLT graft survival over time. In multivariate models, LDLT recipients transplanted at experienced centers with either autoimmune hepatitis or cholestatic liver disease had significantly lower risks of graft failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37-0.84 and HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.92, respectively). An LDLT risk score that included both donor and recipient variables facilitated stratification of LDLT recipients into high, intermediate, and low-risk groups, with predicted 3-year graft survival ranging from >87% in the lowest risk group to <74% in the highest risk group.

Conclusion

: Current posttransplant outcomes for LDLT are equivalent, if not superior, to DDLT when performed at experienced centers. An LDLT risk score can be used to optimize LDLT outcomes and provides objective selection criteria for donor selection in LDLT. (Hepatology 2014;60:1717–1726)
Developing and Verifying a Questionnaire for Evaluating User Value of a Mobile Device
Authors: Park Jaehyun , Han Sung H. , Kim Hyun K. , Moon Heekyung , Park Joohwan
Published: July 2014

User experience has become a major issue lately with user value as one of its key elements. This study proposes a method to evaluate user value using a questionnaire specialized for a mobile device such as smartphones. The questionnaire was developed considering elements of user value, product features, and context of use. Then, a case study with hundreds of participants was conducted via the Internet to verify and screen out questionnaire items in terms of reliability and validity. Finally, a total of 16 questionnaire items were selected for evaluating elements of user value, consisting of self‐satisfaction, pleasure, sociability, customer need, and attachment. The results of this study are expected to help understand potential users and select design alternatives.
First Stereoselective and Concise Synthesis of Rhoiptelol C
Authors: Purushotham Reddy Sudina , Chinnababu Baggu , Venkateswarlu Yenamandra
Published: July 2014

The first concise stereoselective total synthesis of diarylheptanoid rhoiptelol C (1) was achieved from readily available vanillin. The synthesis involves Keck's asymmetric allylation, olefin cross metathesis, and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction as key steps.
Three New Cassane‐Type Diterpenes from Caesalpinia minax
Authors: Ma Rui‐Jing , Hu Jiang‐Miao , Yang Xun‐Yun , Wang Li‐Qin
Published: July 2014

Three new cassane‐type diterpenes, 14‐dehydroxy‐12,16‐dihydrocaesaldekarin L (1), 1‐deacetyl‐12‐ethoxyneocaesalpin N (2), and 1‐deacetylneocaesalpin N (3), together with two known cassane‐type diterpenes, neocaesalpin A and neocaesalpin L, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the twigs and leaves of Caesalpinia minax. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, as well as by comparison of their spectral data with those of related compounds.
Synthesis of 1‐Acyl‐3,4‐dihydroquinazoline‐2(1H)‐thiones by Cyclization of N‐[2‐(Isothiocyanatomethyl)phenyl] Amides Generated in situ from N‐[2‐(Azidomethyl)phenyl] Amides
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Naoki
Published: July 2014

An efficient method for the preparation of 1‐acyl‐3,4‐dihydroquinazoline‐2(1H)‐thiones 5 has been developed. The reaction of N‐[2‐(azidomethyl)phenyl] amides 3, easily prepared by a three‐step sequence starting with (2‐aminophenyl)methanols, with Ph3P, followed by CS2, allowed generation of N‐[2‐(isothiocyanatomethyl)phenyl]‐amide intermediates 4, which underwent cyclization on treatment with NaH to furnish the corresponding desired products in generally good yields.
Targeting the relaxin hormonal pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Neschadim Anton , Summerlee Alastair J.S. , Silvertown Joshua D.
Published: July 2014

Targeting the androgen signalling pathway has long been the hallmark of anti‐hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. However, development of androgen‐independent prostate cancer is an inevitable outcome to therapies targeting this pathway, in part, owing to the shift from cancer dependence on androgen signalling for growth in favor of augmentation of other cellular pathways that provide proliferation‐, survival‐ and angiogenesis‐promoting signals. This review focuses on the role of the hormone relaxin in the development and progression of prostate cancer, prior to and after the onset of androgen independence, as well as its role in cancers of other reproductive tissues. As the body of literature expands, examining relaxin expression in cancerous tissues and its role in a growing number of in vitro and in vivo cancer models, our understanding of the important involvement of this hormone in cancer biology is becoming clearer. Specifically, the pleiotropic functions of relaxin affecting cell growth, angiogenesis, blood flow, cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling are examined in the context of cancer progression. The interactions and intercepts of the intracellular signalling pathways of relaxin with the androgen pathway are explored in the context of progression of castration‐resistant and androgen‐independent prostate cancers. We provide an overview of current anti‐hormonal therapeutic treatment options for prostate cancer and delve into therapeutic approaches and development of agents aimed at specifically antagonizing relaxin signalling to curb tumor growth. We also discuss the rationale and challenges utilizing such agents as novel anti‐hormonals in the clinic, and their potential to supplement current therapeutic modalities.
Limited Clinical Utility of a Genetic Risk Score for the Prediction of Fracture Risk in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Eriksson Joel , Evans Daniel S , Nielson Carrie M , Shen Jian , Srikanth Priya , Hochberg Marc , McWeeney Shannon , Cawthon Peggy M , Wilmot Beth , Zmuda Joseph , Tranah Greg , Mirel Daniel B , Challa Sashi , Mooney Michael , Crenshaw Andrew , Karlsson Magnus , Mellström Dan , Vandenput Liesbeth , Orwoll Eric , Ohlsson Claes
Published: July 2014

It is important to identify the patients at highest risk of fractures. A recent large-scale meta-analysis identified 63 autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with bone mineral density (BMD), of which 16 were also associated with fracture risk. Based on these findings, two genetic risk scores (GRS63 and GRS16) were developed. Our aim was to determine the clinical usefulness of these GRSs for the prediction of BMD, BMD change, and fracture risk in elderly subjects. We studied two male (Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study [MrOS] US, MrOS Sweden) and one female (Study of Osteoporotic Fractures [SOF]) large prospective cohorts of older subjects, looking at BMD, BMD change, and radiographically and/or medically confirmed incident fractures (8067 subjects, 2185 incident nonvertebral or vertebral fractures). GRS63 was associated with BMD (≅3% of the variation explained) but not with BMD change. Both GRS63 and GRS16 were associated with fractures. After BMD adjustment, the effect sizes for these associations were substantially reduced. Similar results were found using an unweighted GRS63 and an unweighted GRS16 compared with those found using the corresponding weighted risk scores. Only minor improvements in C-statistics (AUC) for fractures were found when the GRSs were added to a base model (age, weight, and height), and no significant improvements in C-statistics were found when they were added to a model further adjusted for BMD. Net reclassification improvements with the addition of the GRSs to a base model were modest and substantially attenuated in BMD-adjusted models. GRS63 is associated with BMD, but not BMD change, suggesting that the genetic determinants of BMD differ from those of BMD change. When BMD is known, the clinical utility of the two GRSs for fracture prediction is limited in elderly subjects. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
TALKING TO YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT SEX IN SOUTH AFRICA: NEIGHBORHOOD AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES
Authors: Tarantino Nicholas , Anthony Elizabeth R. , Zimmerman Lindsey , Armistead Lisa P. , Cook Sarah L. , Skinner Donald , Toefy Yoesrie
Published: July 2014

Our study seeks to untangle systemic influences on specific family dynamics understudied in a non‐Western context. Specifically, we examine the associations between caregivers’ perceptions of neighborhood cohesion, neighborhood safety, and social support, and one aspect of parenting relevant to the South African community from which data were drawn, caregiver–youth communication about sex. Multivariate regression models demonstrate interactive relationships among our variables of interest (p≤ .05). For caregiver–youth dyads (N= 99), living in a neighborhood caregivers perceived to be relatively cohesive or safe was associated with differential relationships (i.e., conditional effects;p≤ .07) between caregiver social support and youth report of communication about sex. Our findings indicate that neighborhood and social‐level influences on parenting are not universal. Moreover, cross‐cultural adaptations of family‐based behavioral interventions to prevent HIV should consider the role of caregiver social support within diverse neighborhood contexts.
Nutrient removal via nitrite from reject water and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) storage during nitrifying conditions
Authors: Frison Nicola , Katsou Evina , Malamis Simos , Oehmen Adrian , Fatone Francesco
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Nutrient removal via nitrite was investigated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating reject water produced from the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and the subsequent dewatering process. The polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) storage capacity of the biomass obtained under nitrifying (nitritation) and non‐nitrifying aerobic conditions was investigated in batch reactors for biomass taken from the SBR.

RESULTS

In situ activity tests showed that the nitritation rate was not affected by the type of external organic carbon source that was added (i.e. propionic acid ‐ HPr and sludge fermentation liquid ‐ SFL). In contrast, the specific nitrite uptake rate (sNUR) and the specific phosphate uptake rate (sPUR) via nitrite were much higher when SFL was applied compared with HPr (22.39 ± 1.08 mgN g−1VSS h−1 and 3.41 ± 1.71mgP g−1VSS h−1 when SFL was added compared with 7.80 ± 1.23mgN g−1VSS h−1 and 1.09 ± 0.12mgP g−1VSS h−1 when HPr was added). The majority of phosphorus removal was attributed to the normal growth of biomass rather than the activity of phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs). The PHA yield was 0.65–0.67 C‐mmol PHA/C‐mmol short chain fatty acid (SCFA) when nitrification was inhibited, and 0.60–0.63 C‐mmol PHA/C‐mmol SCFA when nitritation also occurred.

CONCLUSION

The PHA yield was not adversely affected under nitrifying conditions, demonstrating that nitritation can be integrated with the production of PHA. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Transducer hygiene: Comparison of procedures for decontamination of ultrasound transducers and their use in clinical practice
Authors: Häggström Mikael , Spira Jack , Edelstam Greta
Published: July 2014

Background

To determine whether current hygiene practices are appropriate during sonographic examinations.

Methods

Five major hospitals in Sweden were investigated with a survey. At each hospital, the departments corresponding to the main types of sonographic examination were chosen. Personnel who were responsible for or acquainted with the local hygiene procedures completed a standardardized questionnaire.

Results

The surveys were completed by 25 departments, where the total number of sonographic examinations was approximately 20,000 per month. For transvaginal and transrectal sonographic examinations, the most common method for decontamination of the transducer was barrier protection during the procedure followed by cleansing with alcohol. Latex was the predominant cover material, but one department used polyethylene gloves, and another department used nitrile gloves. Both of these involved transvaginal ultrasonography. In transcutaneous examinations, all hospitals were using alcohol and paper or cloth for decontamination at a minimum. Transesophageal examinations were carried out without barrier protection, and decontamination was performed with an alkylating substance.

Conclusions

The hygiene practices appear to be appropriate at most hospitals, but there is a prevalence of transducer cover materials of unacceptable permeability, as well as use of gloves on transducers despite insufficient evidence of safety. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 43:81–88, 2015
Multiple treatments with L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine modulate dopamine biosynthesis and neurotoxicity through the protein kinase A‐transient extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and exchange protein activation by cyclic AMP‐sustained extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathways
Authors: Park Keun Hong , Park Hyun Jin , Shin Keon Sung , Lee Myung Koo
Published: July 2014

Multiple treatments with L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA; 20 µM) induce neurite‐like outgrowth and reduce dopamine biosynthesis in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC) 12 cells. We therefore investigated the effects of multiple treatments with L‐DOPA (MT‐LD) on cell survival and death over a duration of 6 days by using PC12 cells and embryonic rat midbrain primary cell cultures. MT‐LD (10 and 20 µM) decreased cell viability, and both types of cells advanced to the differentiation process at 4–6 days. MT‐LD induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation and exchange protein activation by cAMP (Epac) expression at 1–3 days, which led to transient extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in both cells. In these states, MT‐LD activated cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB; Ser133) and tyrosine hydroxylase (Ser40) phosphorylation in PC12 cells, which led to an increase in intracellular dopamine levels. In contrast, MT‐LD induced prolonged Epac expression at 4–5 days in both cells, which led to sustained ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In these states, the dopamine levels were decreased in PC12 cells. In addition, MT‐LD induced c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase1/2 phosphorylation and cleaved caspase‐3 expression at 4–6 days in both cells. These results suggest that MT‐LD maintains cell survival via PKA‐transient ERK1/2 activation, which stimulates dopamine biosynthesis. In contrast, at the later time period, MT‐LD induces differentiation via both prolonged Epac and sustained ERK1/2 activation, which subsequently leads to the cell death process. Our data demonstrate that L‐DOPA can cause neurotoxicity by modulating the Epac‐ERK pathways in neuronal and PC12 cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Last glacial hydrological variations at the southern margin of sub‐tropical North America and a regional comparison
Authors: ROY PRIYADARSI D. , CHARLES‐POLO MARCELA P. , LOPEZ‐BALBIAUX NAYELI , PI‐PUIG TERESA , SANKAR G. MUTHU , LOZANO‐SANTACRUZ RUFINO , LOZANO‐GARCÍA SOCORRO , ROMERO FRANCISCO M.
Published: July 2014

Geochemical and magnetic characteristics of sediments from paleolake La Salada provide information about the last glacial hydrological conditions at the southern margin of sub‐tropical North America. Proxy records of runoff, lake water salinity, brine composition and provenance of organic matter are based on multi‐element concentration, magnetic susceptibility, mineralogy, carbonate content and C/N relation. Runoff was higher than average during ca. 43–36k cal a BP and at ca. 33k cal a BP. A shift in mineralogical assemblage from calcite > protodolomite–halite to protodolomite–gaylussite suggests that the brine composition changed from Ca–(Mg–Na)–HCO3–(Cl) to Mg–Na–Ca–HCO3 because of more runoff after the desiccation event at ca. 28k cal a BP. In general, organic matter deposited during the intervals of more runoff and deeper lake conditions were sourced from lacustrine phytoplankton. The contribution of terrestrial vegetation dominates during the intervals of reduced runoff. Comparison with other records provides a regional perspective of moisture variability. Humid conditions at ca. 33k cal a BP could be due to more summer precipitation in northern Mexico as well as increased winter rainfall in the south‐western USA.
Rapid detection of 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) using a portable Au‐colloid SERS sensor
Authors: Sun Zhenli , Du Jingjing , Yan Li , Jing Chuanyong
Published: July 2014

In situ rapid detection and identification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a group of well‐known persistent organic pollutants, present a great challenge. To develop a portable and sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor for rapid 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) detection, we adopted the most commonly used Au nanoparticles, which are effective in the analysis of hydrophobic BDE‐47 with a simple optimization in citrate content and sampling technique. Qualitative and quantitative determination of BDE‐47 was achieved using a portable Raman spectrometer. The SERS response exhibited a linear dependence on the BDE‐47 concentration up to 1000 nM with a detection limit of 75 nM. The density function theory‐calculated Raman spectra agreed well with the experimental observations, and the results justified the existence of electromagnetic enhancement and charge transfer mechanism. This in situ SERS platform allows easy and reliable detection of hydrophobic molecules such as BDE‐47 in complex matrices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fat, lipids, or cheese: Understanding the algebra of the consumer mind
Authors: Moskowitz Howard R.
Published: July 2014

Embedding the notion of lipids and fat by testing ideas about food allows the researcher to move away from the now‐standard rejection by consumers of ‘fat' as being ‘no good'. Indeed, the opposite is true; fat can be accepted or rejected, when presented as part of a description of a cheese product, i.e., an implicit rather than an explicit presentation of fat. This paper presents a three‐country study of responses to messages about cheese, focusing on differences emerging from countries, and more profound differences emerging from underlying mind‐sets. From a study of different messages about cheese embedded in concepts (small paragraphs, similar to advertisements), two mind‐set segments emerge, one disliking full fat cheese, the other liking the same product very much.
On a paper of Edmunds and Opic on limiting interpolation of compact operators between spaces
Authors: Cobos Fernando , Fernández‐Cabrera Luz M. , Martínez Antón
Published: July 2014

We show abstract versions for Banach couples of several limiting compact interpolation theorems established by Edmunds and Opic for couples of spaces.
Effect of dietary fat modification on subcutaneous white adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jimenez‐Gomez Yolanda , Cruz‐Teno Cristina , Rangel‐Zuñiga Oriol A. , Peinado Juan R. , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Garcia‐Rios Antonio , Camargo Antonio , Vazquez‐Martinez Rafael , Ortega‐Bellido Maria , Perez‐Jimenez Francisco , Roche Helen M. , Malagon Maria M. , Lopez‐Miranda Jose
Published: July 2014

Scope

To determine whether the insulin resistance that exists in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients is modulated by dietary fat composition.

Methods and results

Seventy‐five patients were randomly assigned to one of four diets for 12 wk: high‐saturated fatty acids (HSFAs), high‐MUFA (HMUFA), and two low‐fat, high‐complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diets supplemented with long‐chain n‐3 (LFHCC n‐3) PUFA or placebo. At the end of intervention, the LFHCC n‐3 diet reduced plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and nonsterified fatty acid concentration (p < 0.05) as compared to baseline Spanish habitual (BSH) diet. Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) analysis revealed decreased EH‐domain containing‐2 mRNA levels and increased cbl‐associated protein gene expression with the LFHCC n‐3 compared to HSFA and HMUFA diets, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LFHCC n‐3 decreased gene expression of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase with respect to HMUFA and BSH diets (p < 0.05). Finally, proteomic characterization of subcutaneous WAT identified three proteins of glucose metabolism downregulated by the LFHCC n‐3 diet, including annexin A2. RT‐PCR analysis confirmed the decrease of annexin A2 (p = 0.027) after this diet.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the LFHCC n‐3 diet reduces systemic insulin resistance and improves insulin signaling in subcutaneous WAT of MetS patients compared to HSFA and BSH diets consumption.
Stereospecific 5JHortho,OMe couplings in methoxyindoles, methoxycoumarins, and methoxyflavones
Authors: Alvarez‐Cisneros Celina , Muñoz Marcelo A. , Suárez‐Castillo Oscar R. , Pérez‐Hernández Nury , Cerda‐García‐Rojas Carlos M. , Morales‐Ríos Martha S. , Joseph‐Nathan Pedro
Published: July 2014

Long‐range coupling constants 5JHortho,OMe were measured in series of methoxyindoles, methoxycoumarins, and methoxyflavones by the modified J doubling in the frequency domain method. The COSY and NOESY spectra revealed the coupling of the –OMe group with a specific proton at the ortho position and its preferred conformation. Homonuclear 1H–1H couplings were confirmed by irradiation of the –OMe signal. Density functional theory calculations of 5JHortho,OMe using the modified aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis set evidenced that the Fermi contact term shows good agreement with the experimental J values. Accurate chemical shift and coupling constant values followed after iterative quantum mechanical spectral analysis using the PERCH software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model for extra‐axonal diffusion spectra with frequency‐dependent restriction
Authors: Lam Wilfred W. , Jbabdi Saâd , Miller Karla L.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

In the brain, there is growing interest in using the temporal diffusion spectrum to characterize axonal geometry in white matter because of the potential to be more sensitive to small pores compared to conventional time‐dependent diffusion. However, analytical expressions for the diffusion spectrum of particles have only been derived for simple, restricting geometries such as cylinders, which are often used as a model for intra‐axonal diffusion. The extra‐axonal space is more complex, but the diffusion spectrum has largely not been modeled. We propose a model for the extra‐axonal space, which can be used for interpretation of experimental data.

Theory and Methods

An empirical model describing the extra‐axonal space diffusion spectrum was compared with simulated spectra. Spectra were simulated using Monte Carlo methods for idealized, regularly and randomly packed axons over a wide range of packing densities and spatial scales. The model parameters are related to the microstructural properties of tortuosity, axonal radius, and separation for regularly packed axons and pore size for randomly packed axons.

Results

Forward model predictions closely matched simulations. The model fitted the simulated spectra well and accurately estimated microstructural properties.

Conclusions

This simple model provides expressions that relate the diffusion spectrum to biologically relevant microstructural properties. Magn Reson Med 73:2306–2320, 2015. © 2014 The authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.