bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trommeln, Singen oder Sprechen – der Unterrichtsraum spielt immer mit!
Authors: Fuchs Helmut V.
Published: April 2014

Das Bewusstsein für raumakustische Missstände in unseren Bildungseinrichtungen steigt allmählich, und die Bereitschaft zu nachhaltigen Sanierungen wächst langsam, auch auf Druck der Betroffenen und von Fördervereinen. Weil die finanziellen Mittel für die eigentlich dringend notwendigen baulichen Maßnahmen in Kitas, Schulen und Hochschulen ihren öffentlichen Trägern aber auf absehbare Zeit nicht zur Verfügung stehen, ist man mancherorts bereit, privat zu investieren. Nachdem so im letzten Jahr ein Ganztageshort in einer Grundschule mustergültig streng nach DIN 18041 saniert werden konnte [1], wird hier über eine ähnlich vorbildliche Installation von preiswerten Kanten‐Absorbern in einem Musikraum einer Berliner Oberschule berichtet. Diese gemeinnützigen Initiativen regen mit ihrem Vorbildcharakter die Verantwortlichen der jeweiligen Bezirke bereits zur Nachahmung an.

Drumming, singing, or speaking – the tuition room will always interfere! – A contribution to the International Noise Awareness Day 2014. Severe deficits in the room acoustics of our educational facilities become more and more obvious, and the readiness for sustainable restorations increases slowly on pressure from those concerned. As financial resources for building measures urgently needed in kindergartens, schools, and universities will not become available in due course, one is ready, in places, to privately invest in them. After last year a full‐day nursery of a primary school could be restored exemplarily and strictly according to DIN 18041, a similarly representative installation of praiseworthy compact edge absorbers in a music classroom of a secondary school in Berlin is reported here. These charity initiatives with their prototype character have already motivated those responsible in the respective districts to imitative actions.
Experimental validations of in vivo human musculoskeletal tissue conductivity images using MR‐based electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Jeong Woo Chul , Meng Zi Jun , Kim Hyung Joong , Kwon Oh In , Woo Eung Je
Published: April 2014

Magnetic resonance (MR)‐based electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) is a widely used imaging technique that provides high‐resolution conductivity images at DC or below the 1 kHz frequency range. Using an MR scanner, this technique injects imaging currents into the human body and measures induced internal magnetic flux density data. By applying the recent progress of MREIT techniques, such as chemical shift artifact correction, multi‐echo pulse sequence, and improved reconstruction algorithm, we can successfully reconstruct conductivity images of the human body. Meanwhile, numerous studies reported that the electrical conductivity of human tissues could be inferred from in vitro or ex vivo measurements of different species. However, in vivo tissues may differ from in vitro and/or ex vivo state due to the complicated tissue responses in living organs. In this study, we performed in vivo MREIT imaging of a human lower extremity and compared the resulting conductivity images with ex vivo biological tissue phantom images. The human conductivity images showed unique contrast between two different types of bones, muscles, subcutaneous adipose tissues, and conductive body fluids. Except for muscles and adipose tissues, the human conductivity images showed a similar pattern when compared with phantom results due to the anisotropic characteristic of muscle and the high conductive fluids in the adipose tissue. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:363–372, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circadiane Uhren und Energiemetabolismus
Authors: Oster Henrik
Published: April 2014

Genetisch codierte innere Uhren steuern Physiologie und Verhalten im 24h‐Takt. Ein zentraler Schrittmacher im Nucleus suprachiasmaticus synchronisiert periphere Uhren in allen Geweben untereinander und mit dem äußeren Tag‐Nacht‐Rhythmus. Eine wichtige Funktion der circadianen Uhr ist die Regulation des Energiestoffwechsels über die rhythmische Aktivierung von gewebsspezifischen uhrenkontrollierten Genen. In der Leber sind besonders der Glucose‐ und Fettstoffwechsel, in den Adipozyten die Fettsäurefreisetzung und die Sekretion von Adipokinen auf diese Weise reguliert. Störungen der circadianen Rhythmik, z. B. bei Schichtarbeit, begünstigen die Entwicklung von Erkrankungen des Energiestoffwechsels wie Adipositas und Typ‐2‐Diabetes.
Amborella trichopoda – das Schnabeltier unter den Pflanzen
Authors: Brennicke Axel
Published: April 2014

Verschiedene Merkmale belegen, dass die buschigen Pflanzen von Amborella trichopoda eine der frühesten Abspaltungen von der Linie der bedecktsamigen Blütenpflanzen sind. Diese in Neukaledonien endemische Pflanze ist die einzige Schwesterlinie zu allen anderen Angiospermen und damit von großer Bedeutung für das Verständnis der Evolution dieser so erfolgreichen Pflanzen. Die jetzt analysierte Sequenz des Genoms bestätigt die Sonderstellung von Amborella und zeigt, wie sich Gene z.B. für die Entwicklung der Blüten herausbildeten.
Farbensehen mit den Augen eines Heuschrecken‐Krebses
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: April 2014

Heuschreckenkrebse (Stomatopoda) besitzen die wohl kompliziertesten Komplexaugen im Tierreich. Experimente zeigen, dass das Farbensehen bei ihnen ganz anders funktioniert als bei uns Menschen – wie von einer anderen Welt.
Blütenbildung mit epigenetischer Zeitschaltuhr
Authors: Sander Johannes
Published: April 2014

Blütenmeristeme erschöpfen sich bei der Bildung der Blüte. Doch dabei kommt es auf das richtige Timing an, denn solange noch Blütenorgane gebildet werden müssen, wird auch das Meristem noch benötigt. Dementsprechend müssen bestimmte Prozesse zeitverzögert ablaufen.
Ein Instrument der Qualitätssicherung: die Validierung
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: April 2014

Spätestens wenn eine Akkreditierung bzw. Zulassung ins Haus steht, müssen sich Anwender mit der Validierung ihrer Verfahren, Methoden und Prozesse auseinandersetzen. Validiert wird aber auch, wenn ein Produkt, beispielsweise ein analytischer Test, vor der Markteinführung steht. Hier erfahren Sie in aller Kürze das Wichtigste zum “mitreden”.
Model Molecules with Oxygenated Groups Catalyze the Reduction of Nitrobenzene: Insight into Carbocatalysis
Authors: Wu Shuchang , Wen Guodong , Liu Xiumei , Zhong Bingwei , Su Dang Sheng
Published: April 2014

The role of different oxygen functional groups on a carbon catalyst was studied in the reduction of nitrobenzene by using a series of model molecules. The carbonyl and hydroxyl groups played important roles, which may be ascribed to their ability to activate hydrazine. In comparison, the ester, ether, and lactone groups seemed to be inactive, whereas the carboxylic group had a negative effect. The reaction occurred most likely through a direct route, during which nitrosobenzene may be converted directly into aniline.
On the Frontier Between Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution and Catalysis
Authors: Pichette Drapeau Martin , Ollevier Thierry , Taillefer Marc
Published: April 2014

A study on the arylation of heteroatom nucleophiles by using activated haloarenes, with or without metal catalysts, is reported. A discussion concerning the involvement of traces of metals is presented, supported by an unexpected ''ligand'' effect in the absence of added metal catalysts. We believe that the frontier between nucleophilic aromatic substitution and catalysis will likely prove to be much harder to delimit than is generally thought.
Stabilisation of 2,6‐Diarylpyridinium Cation by Through‐Space Polar–π Interactions
Authors: Padial Joan Simó , de Gelder René , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Mecinović Jasmin
Published: April 2014

The through‐space polar–π interactions between pyridinium ion and the adjacent aromatic rings in 2,6‐diarylpyridines affect the pKa values. Hammett analysis illustrates that the basicity of pyridines correlates well with the sigma values of the substituents at the para position of the flanking aryl rings.
Probing Weak Intermolecular Interactions by Using the Invariom Approach: A Comparative Study ofs‐Tetrazine
Authors: Nelyubina Yulia V. , Korlyukov Alexander A. , Lyssenko Konstantin A.
Published: April 2014

A comparative study of chemical bonding peculiarities in 1,2,4,5‐tetrazine was carried out to test the performance of a recently developed invariom approach against a conventional charge density analysis of high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction data and quantum chemical calculations within the plane‐wave functional theory. The amazing similarity between the intermolecular features thus obtained for this van der Waals crystal showed the invariom approximation to now emerge as a fast and convenient way towards reliable description of weak intermolecular interactions.
Ureidopeptide‐Based Brønsted Bases: Design, Synthesis and Application to the Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Nitriles from (Arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles
Authors: Diosdado Saioa , López Rosa , Palomo Claudio
Published: April 2014

The addition of cyanoalkyl moieties to imines is a very attractive method for the preparation of β‐amino nitriles. We present a highly efficient organocatalytic methodology for the stereoselective synthesis of β‐amino nitriles, in which the key to success is the use of ureidopeptide‐based Brønsted base catalysts in combination with (arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles as synthetic equivalents of the acetonitrile anion. The method gives access to a variety of β‐amino nitriles with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities, and broadens the stereoselective Mannich‐type methodologies available for their synthesis.
A Glutathione‐Activated Phthalocyanine‐Based Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: He Hui , Lo Pui‐Chi , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: April 2014

A zinc(II) phthalocyanine substituted with a 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonate group has been prepared. Its fluorescence emission and reactive oxygen species generation can be greatly enhanced by glutathione in phosphate‐buffered saline and inside MCF‐7 cells. This compound thus functions as a highly efficient molecular‐based activatable photosensitizer.
Asymmetric Allylation of Ketones and Subsequent Tandem Reactions Catalyzed by a Novel Polymer‐Supported Titanium–BINOLate Complex
Authors: Yadav Jagjit , Stanton Gretchen R. , Fan Xinyuan , Robinson Jerome R. , Schelter Eric J. , Walsh Patrick J. , Pericas Miquel A.
Published: April 2014

By using a novel, simple, and convenient synthetic route, enantiopure 6‐ethynyl‐BINOL (BINOL=1,1‐binaphthol) was synthesized and anchored to an azidomethylpolystyrene resin through a copper‐catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The polystyrene (PS)‐supported BINOL ligand was converted into its diisopropoxytitanium derivative in situ and used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the asymmetric allylation of ketones. The catalyst showed good activity and excellent enantioselectivity, typically matching the results obtained in the corresponding homogeneous reaction. The allylation reaction mixture could be submitted to epoxidation by simple treatment with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), and the tandem asymmetric allylation epoxidation process led to a highly enantioenriched epoxy alcohol with two adjacent quaternary centers as a single diastereomer. A tandem asymmetric allylation/Pauson–Khand reaction was also performed, involving simple treatment of the allylation reaction mixture with Co2(CO)8/N‐methyl morpholine N‐oxide. This cascade process resulted in the formation of two diastereomeric tricyclic enones in high yields and enantioselectivities.
From the Lindlar Catalyst to Supported Ligand‐Modified Palladium Nanoparticles: Selectivity Patterns and Accessibility Constraints in the Continuous‐Flow Three‐Phase Hydrogenation of Acetylenic Compounds
Authors: Vilé Gianvito , Almora‐Barrios Neyvis , Mitchell Sharon , López Núria , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: April 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Prof. Javier Pérez‐Ramírez at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and Prof. Núria López at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Spain. The cover illustrates major evolutionary changes in the design of palladium catalysts for alkyne semi‐hydrogenation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201304795.
Anionic Bipyridyl Ligands for Applications in Metallasupramolecular Chemistry
Authors: Pascu Mirela , Marmier Mathieu , Schouwey Clément , Scopelliti Rosario , Holstein Julian J. , Bricogne Gérard , Severin Kay
Published: April 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Kay Severin at the EPFL in Switzerland (a picture of the campus is shown above; photo: Alain Herzog, EPFL) and collaborators from Global Phasing in Cambridge. The image refers to the (chemical) advantage of being negative. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201400285.
Aqueous Self‐Assembly and Cation Selectivity of Cobaltabisdicarbollide Dianionic Dumbbells
Authors: Tarrés Màrius , Viñas Clara , González‐Cardoso Patricia , Hänninen Mikko M. , Sillanpää Reijo , Ďorďovič Vladimír , Uchman Mariusz , Teixidor Francesc , Matějíček Pavel
Published: April 2014

The anion [3,3′‐Co(C2B9H11)2]− ([COSAN]−) produces aggregates in water. These aggregates are interpreted to be the result of CH⋅⋅⋅HB interactions. It is possible to generate aggregates even after the incorporation of additional functional groups into the [COSAN]− units. The approach is to join two [COSAN]− anions by a linker that can adapt itself to act as a crown ether. The linker has been chosen to have six oxygen atoms, which is the ideal number for K+ selectivity in crown ethers. The linker binds the alkaline metal ions with different affinities; thus showing a distinct degree of selectivity. The highest affinity is shown towards K+ from a mixture containing Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+ and Cs+; this can be indicative of pseudo‐crown ether performance of the dumbbell. One interesting possibility is that the [COSAN]− anions at the two ends of the linker can act as a hook‐and‐loop fastener to close the ring. This facet is intriguing and deserves further consideration for possible applications. The distinct affinity towards alkaline metal ions is corroborated by solubility studies and isothermal calorimetry thermograms. Furthermore, cryoTEM micrographs, along with light scattering results, reveal the existence of small self‐assemblies and compact nanostructures ranging from spheres to single‐/multi‐layer vesicles in aqueous solutions. The studies reported herein show that these dumbbells can have different appearances, either as molecules or aggregates, in water or lipophilic phases; this offers a distinct model as drug carriers.
Oxidative Addition of Water and Methanol to a Dicationic Trivalent Phosphorus Centre
Authors: Tay Madelyn Qin Yi , Lu Yunpeng , Ganguly Rakesh , Vidović Dragoslav
Published: April 2014

Our recently synthesised phosphorus dication is observed to activate water (and methanol) under reactions conditions atypical for other systems containing a non‐metal centre. This particular activation described as oxidative addition is quite rare and has been reserved exclusively for a couple of metal‐based compounds.
An Easy Route to (Hetero)arylboronic Acids
Authors: Erb William , Hellal Akila , Albini Mathieu , Rouden Jacques , Blanchet Jérôme
Published: April 2014

An unprecedented spontaneous reactivity between diazonium salts and diboronic acid has been unveiled, leading to a versatile arylboronic acid synthesis directly from (hetero)arylamines. This fast reaction (35 min overall) tolerates a wide range of functional groups and is carried out under very mild conditions. The radical nature of the reaction mechanism has been investigated.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of (±)‐1‐(2‐Furyl) Ethanol in Nonaqueous Media
Authors: Devendran Saravanan , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: April 2014

S‐1‐(2‐Furyl) ethanol serves as an important chiral building block for the preparation of various natural products, fine chemicals, and is widely used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In this work, lipase‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of (R/S)‐1‐(2‐furyl) ethanol using different acyl donors was investigated. Vinyl esters are good acyl donors vis‐à‐vis alkyl esters for kinetic resolution. Among them, vinyl acetate was found to be the best acyl donor. Different immobilized lipases such as Rhizomucor miehei lipase, Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase, and Candida antarctica lipase B were evaluated for this reaction, among which C. antarctica lipase B, immobilized on acrylic resin (Novozym 435), was found to be the best catalyst in n‐heptane as solvent. The effect of various parameters was studied in a systematic manner. Maximum conversion of 47% and enantiomeric excess of the substrate (ees) of 89% were obtained in 2 h using 5 mg of enzyme loading with an equimolar ratio of alcohol to vinyl acetate at 60°C at a speed of 300 rpm in a batch reactor. From the analysis of progress curve and initial rate data, it was concluded that the reaction followed the ordered bi–bi mechanism with dead‐end ester inhibition. Kinetic parameters were obtained by using nonlinear regression. This process is more economical, green, and easily scalable than the chemical processes. Chirality 26:286–292, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐Based Detection of Single Particles in Sieve Classification Using Radio‐Frequency Identification
Authors: Kaufeld Sebastian , Feil Alexander , Pretz Thomas
Published: April 2014

In der Siebklassierung wird eine hohe Trennschärfe angestrebt. Zielsetzung dieser Arbeit war der Aufbau eines Versuchsstands, mit dem das Verweilzeitverhalten definierter Einzelkornfraktionen beim Siebvorgang kontinuierlich erfasst werden kann. Transponder wurden an geometrisch definierten Prüfkörpern fixiert und deren Austragszeit mittels Radiofrequenz‐Identifikation (RFID) erfasst. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die grundsätzliche Eignung der RFID‐Technologie für diese Aufgabe. Beschränkungen stellen hohe Prüfkörper‐Austragsströme dar, die u. a. zu verringerten Erfassungsraten führen.
A Rapid and Sensitive Method for the Analysis of Pyrethroid Pesticides Using the Combination of Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Khoshmaram Leila
Published: April 2014

For the first time, combination of liquid–liquid extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (LLE‐DLLME) is reported in this study. The method is efficient and was applied to the analysis of pyrethroid pesticides (fenpropathrin, sumithrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, and deltamethrin) in fruit juices and fresh grape using gas chromatographic techniques with flame ionization detection system and mass spectrometric detection system. Five milliliter n‐hexane was used for the traditional liquid–liquid extraction of target analytes from 50 mL aqueous samples. After manual shaking, the supernatant phase (n‐hexane) was transferred into a test tube to which 0.75 mL dimethylformamide (DMF) was added then and the tube was shaken manually. After centrifugation, 0.6 mL of DMF was removed and used in a following DLLME procedure in which the extraction solvent was 20 μL of 1,1,2‐trichloroethane. Extraction with the optimized conditions resulted in linear analytical signals within the range 0.5–1200 μg L−1 and the limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.1–15 and 0.4–50 μg L−1, respectively. The method also showed high enrichment factors (2570–6835) and relatively good extraction recoveries (26–68%). Finally, the method was successfully applied to determination of analytes in tap water, strawberry juice, apricot juice, and fresh grape.
Treatment with FLT3 inhibitor in patients with FLT3‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia is associated with development of secondary FLT3–tyrosine kinase domain mutations
Authors: Alvarado Yesid , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Konopleva Marina , Estrov Zeev , Andreeff Michael , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

FLT3–internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations are found in approximately 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3 inhibitors have shown clinical activity in AML with FLT3‐ITD, but responses are usually short‐lived.

METHODS

This study examined 69 FLT3‐mutated patients with AML, who were treated with different FLT3 inhibitors to analyze emergence of new mutations.

RESULTS

At baseline, 87% of patients had an ITD mutation, 7% had a D835/I836 mutation, and 6% had combined ITD and D835/I836 mutations. Responses occurred in 32% of patients, all with FLT3‐ITD; none of the patients with D835/I836 or ITD+D835/I836 responded. Mutational assessment at the time of FLT3 inhibitor discontinuation showed that 68% of patients were unchanged, 10% had become undetectable, and 22% of patients progressed from a single ITD to have combined ITD+D835/I836 mutations. In those patients with unchanged FLT3 mutation at progression, the median survival was 5 months, whereas in those with undetectable and with combined ITD+D835/I836 mutations, the median survival was 7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm in vitro observations that a secondary tyrosine kinase domain mutation may arise after the use of FLT3 inhibitors in patients with single FLT3‐ITD mutated AML, a phenomenon that is associated with resistance and a poor prognosis. Cancer 2014;120:2142–2149. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Clinical outcome according to the level of preexisting epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation in patients with lung cancer harboring sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor mutations
Authors: Lee Youngjoo , Lee Geon Kook , Lee Yeon‐Su , Zhang Wenji , Hwang Jung‐Ah , Nam Byung‐Ho , Kim Seok Hyun , Kim Joo‐Hang , Yun Tak , Han Ji‐Youn , Kim Heung Tae , Lee Jin Soo
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation drives acquired drug resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) in patients with EGFR‐mutant lung cancer. However, it was reported that this mutation may exist before drug exposure. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether the clinical outcomes are affected by the percentage of preexisting T790M mutations within a tumor.

METHODS

Pretreatment tissues were collected from 124 patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with sensitizing EGFR mutations that were detected by direct sequencing. Genotyping for EGFR T790M mutation was further performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Patients who were positive for the T790M mutation were divided to 2 subgroups according to T790M mutant signal frequency.

RESULTS

The T790M mutation was found in 31 patients (25.0%). The T790M mutation frequency at which the risk of disease progression after therapy with EGFR‐TKIs begins to increase was estimated to be 3.2%. The patients with T790M‐positive tumors had a shorter time to disease progression after treatment with EGFR‐TKIs (median, 6.3 months vs 11.5 months; P < .001) and overall survival (median, 16.1 months vs 26.5 months; P = .065) compared with those with T790M‐negative tumors. Among the T790M‐positive patients, the patients with high T790M frequency (9 patients) were found to have a shorter time to disease progression (median, 2.4 months vs 6.7 months; P = .009) and overall survival (median, 9.1 months vs 18.7 months; P = .018) compared with those with low T790M frequency (22 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

A preexisting EGFR T790M mutation was noted in 25% of patients with EGFR‐mutant lung cancer. Patients with a high T790M mutation frequency had worse clinical outcomes to EGFR‐TKIs than patients with a low T790M mutation frequency. Cancer 2014;120:2090–2098. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Sodium‐Ion Battery based on an Electrochemically Converted NaFePO4 Cathode and Nanostructured Tin–Carbon Anode
Authors: Hasa Ivana , Hassoun Jusef , Sun Yang‐Kook , Scrosati Bruno
Published: April 2014

We report a new sodium‐ion battery formed by coupling a NaFePO4 cathode and a nanocomposite tin–carbon (Sn–C) sodium‐alloying anode. The NaFePO4 cathode is obtained by Li–Na conversion of a LiFePO4 cathode directly in the full cell employing the Sn–C anode and a sodium‐ion electrolyte. The results show that the unique approach adopted here is capable of successfully and efficiently converting LiFePO4 into NaFePO4 in a sodium‐ion battery operating at a voltage of 3 V, with a maximum reversible capacity of 150 mAh g−1, high reversibility, and high rate capability.
In Situ Growth of Noble‐Metal Nanoparticles on Cu2O Nanocubes for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection
Authors: Wang Jie , Cui Fangling , Chu Sibin , Jin Xiaoquan , Pu Jun , Wang Zhenghua
Published: April 2014

Invited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Zhenghua Wang from Anhui Normal University, China. The cover picture shows the synthesis of Cu2O/noble metal nanocomposites. The as‐obtained nanocomposites are applied as SERS substrates with high sensitivity and good reproducibility, which can be used for the detection of food contaminants. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201400028
Surface Functionalization for Synergistic Catalysis: Silica–Alumina‐Supported Cationic Indium and Organic Base for Cyanoethoxycarbonylation
Authors: Motokura Ken , Ito Yasuhiro , Noda Hiroto , Miyaji Akimitsu , Yamaguchi Sho , Baba Toshihide
Published: April 2014

A silica–alumina (SiO2–Al2O3) surface possessing both In3+ cations and an amine base has been prepared. Surface‐functionalized SiO2–Al2O3 was characterized by solid‐state 29Si MAS, 13C CP/MAS, and 27Al 2D MQ/MAS NMR spectroscopy; X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy; and elemental analysis. The bifunctional surface demonstrates synergistic catalysis for cyanoethoxycarbonylation of aldehyde.
Psychometric characteristics of the night eating questionnaire in a middle east population
Authors: Elsadek Adel M. , Hamid Mohamed S. , Allison Kelly C.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To translate and validate the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) into Arabic and to describe the distribution of night eating in an Egyptian sample.

Method

The NEQ was translated into Arabic and administered to 420 university students in Cairo, Egypt. Reliability, validity, and clinical cut‐scores were generated for the Arabic NEQ. Distribution and demographic information were examined.

Results

Cronbach's alpha for the Arabic NEQ was 0.54. A first order confirmatory factor analysis yielded five factors: 1: Nocturnal Ingestions, Factor 2: Evening Hyperphagia, Factor 3: Morning Anorexia, Factor 4: Insomnia, and Factor 5: Mood. A total NEQ score of 26 was determined to be very high after T‐score transformation. Of the students, 4.8% scored above this cut score, and no differences for total NEQ score were found for demographic variables.

Discussion

The Arabic NEQ generated a lower internal consistency score as compared to previous translations, but a similar factor structure. A cut score of 26 is similar to that determined significant for screening purposes in the original English version, and the proportion of those scoring above it is also similar to those of several international community samples. More research is needed to characterize night eating syndrome, its symptoms, and clinical impact in the Arabic culture. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:660–665)
Interkeukin‐34, a cytokine crucial for the differentiation and maintenance of tissue resident macrophages and Langerhans cells
Authors: Wang Yaming , Colonna Marco
Published: April 2014

IL‐34 is a recently discovered cytokine that acts on tissue resident macrophages and Langerhans cells upon binding the receptor for CSF‐1, CSF‐1R. The existence of two ligands for CSF‐1R, IL‐34, and CSF‐1, raises several intriguing questions. Are IL‐34 and CSF‐1 redundant or does each perform temporally and spatially distinct functions? Is IL‐34 involved in human pathology? Would therapeutic strategies based on selective inhibition or administration of either IL‐34 or CSF‐1 be advantageous for preventing human pathology? Recent in vivo studies indicate that IL‐34 promotes the development, survival, and function of microglia and Langerhans cells; therefore, this cytokine may predominately function in brain and skin biology. Here, we review the evidence for IL‐34 as a key cytokine in the development and function of these two diverse cell types and discuss its potential role in pathological conditions.
Regioselective Biomimetic Oxidative Cyclization Strategy for the Synthesis of Aryldihydronaphthalene Lignans
Authors: Li Wenling , Liu Hao , Xu Jingyan , Zang Peng , Liu Qian , Li Wenbo
Published: April 2014

A regioselective biomimetic oxidative cyclization strategy for the construction of aryldihydronaphthalene skeletons has been developed as an efficient synthetic approach to the preparation of natural 8‐8‐cyclic diferulic acid and canabisin D. The oxidative coupling of ethyl 5‐tert‐butylferulate catalyzed by different oxidants yielded tetrahydrofuran or dibenzylidenesuccinate‐type 8‐8‐coupling products, which were subsequently subjected to acid‐catalyzed cyclization to produce several isomeric trans‐aryldihydronaphthalenes. The reaction mechanisms for all the cyclization reactions have also been proposed.
Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Tandem Reduction of Oxo and Ene/Yne Functionalities by Hydrazine: Synthesis of Substituted Oxindoles from Isatins
Authors: Jha Mukund , Shelke Ganesh M. , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2014

An unprecedented one‐pot tandem reduction of oxo and ene/yne functionalities of substituted isatins is disclosed for the synthesis of oxindole derivatives in excellent yields. The reaction is simply performed by treating N‐(2‐alkenyl)/propargylisatins with an excess amount of hydrazine hydrate (25 %) under catalyst‐free refluxing conditions. The reduction process appears to be quite unique and proceeds quite efficiently without the aid of any catalyst at ambient pressure.
Heritability and lifestyle factors in chronic low back pain: Results of the Australian Twin Low Back Pain Study (The AUTBACK study)
Authors: Junqueira D.R.G. , Ferreira M.L. , Refshauge K. , Maher C.G. , Hopper J.L. , Hancock M. , Carvalho M.G. , Ferreira P.H.
Published: April 2014

Background

Heritability and population‐specific lifestyle factors are considered to significantly contribute to chronic low back pain (LBP), but traditional population studies fail to (1) adjust for genetics; and (2) use standard and validated definitions for LBP and for lifestyle factors.

Methods

Using a classical and a co‐twin control study design and validated definitions for chronic LBP and lifestyle variables, we explored the relative contribution of genetics and environment on the prevalence of chronic LBP in a sample of adult Australian twins.

Results

Data from 105 twin pairs showed that the prevalence of chronic LBP is significantly determined by genetic factors (heritability = 32%). Additionally, monozygotic twins were five times more likely to have chronic LBP than dizygotic twins when one of the siblings of the pair was affected. In a case‐control analysis (n = 38 twin pairs), an exploratory analysis showed higher prevalence of chronic LBP associated with light walking exercises and vigorous gardening or heavy work around the house. Daily time spent in sitting was also positively associated with chronic LBP, but not moderate physical activities such as jogging, cycling and gentle swimming. In the final multivariate model, only time spent in vigorous gardening or heavy work around the house remained associated with chronic LBP (odds ratio 6.5; 95% confidence interval 1.47–28.8).

Conclusions

The type, frequency and duration of physical activity may be important to understand risk factors for chronic LBP. The causation path between chronic LBP and people's engagement in activities involving frequent bending and twisting such as gardening and housework should be further investigated.
Pain reactivity in preterm neonates: examining the sex differences
Authors: Valeri B.O. , Gaspardo C.M. , Martinez F.E. , Linhares M.B.M.
Published: April 2014

Background

Early and repeated experiences of pain may have long‐term effects on vulnerable newborns hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and neonatal pain responses may be affected by a variety of factors that neonates encounter. We tested the hypothesis that male preterm neonates exhibited greater pain sensitivity than females by assessing biobehavioural pain reactivity and recovery patterns to painful procedure.

Methods

Fifty‐three infants born preterm and low birthweight who were admitted to NICU were observed during five phases (baseline, antisepsis, puncture, recovery‐dressing and recovery‐resting). Behavioural pain reactivity was measured using the Neonatal Facial Coding System (NFCS) and the Sleep–Wake States Scale (SWS). The heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded. All measures were assessed based on scores and magnitude of responses.

Results

We found that male and female preterm neonates had similar patterns of behavioural pain reactivity and recovery; there were no statistical differences between groups in NFCS and SWS scores. However, male preterm infants presented higher HR immediately in the first minute of the puncture phase and also higher change in maximum HR between the baseline and puncture phases, than female preterm infants.

Conclusion

Although we found that male infants showed higher physiological reactivity to painful stimulus in some HR parameters than female infants, the evidences were not sufficient to confirm the influence of sex on biobehavioural response to pain in vulnerable neonates.
Pain threshold and sleep quality in women with endometriosis
Authors: Nunes F.R. , Ferreira J.M. , Bahamondes L.
Published: April 2014

Background

Pain is a common complaint in women with endometriosis and can be influenced by many variables, including sleep disorders; however, no data are available on the sleep quality of women with endometriosis or on the correlation between sleep quality and pain.

Methods

The 510 volunteers included in this study were divided into two groups: 257 women with a laparoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of endometriosis and 253 women with no history of endometriosis and no endometriosis‐related symptoms. The volunteers answered two questionnaires: the Post‐Sleep Inventory to evaluate sleep quality and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess their level of physical activity. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and women were also submitted to a physical examination, during which their pain threshold was assessed at 20 different body sites.

Results

Sleep quality was significantly poorer in women with endometriosis compared to women without the disease. The pain threshold was significantly lower in the greater trochanter and abdomen in women with endometriosis when compared to women without the disease; however, there was no difference in VAS pain score between the groups. The higher the VAS pain score, the lower the Post‐Sleep Inventory score. Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the pain threshold at some body sites and sleep quality.

Conclusions

Sleep quality was poorer and the pain threshold at certain body sites was lower in the group of women with endometriosis.
Electrochemical Analysis of Acrylamide Using Screen‐Printed Carboxylated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Electrodes
Authors: González‐Fuentes Fanny Jaqueline , Manríquez J. , Godínez Luis A. , Escarpa Alberto , Mendoza Sandra
Published: April 2014

Acrylamide (AA) was electrochemically detected and quantified by means of its voltammetric response on carboxylic modified Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Screen Printed Electrodes (COOH‐SWCNT‐SPEs). The electroreduction signal of AA was proportional to AA concentration at low values (below 300 µM) and the observed sensitivity was explained in terms of AA adsorption on the COOH‐SWCNT‐SPEs that was demonstrated using the electrochemical response of [Fe(CN)6]3− and [Fe(CN)6]4− and Raman spectroscopy experiments. In order to test the suggested analytic approach (LOD of 0.03 µM, LOQ of 0.04 µM), detection and quantification of AA in fried potatoes was carried out using the proposed electrochemical method and HPLC. Both techniques showed similar contents of AA.
Voltammetry of Ferrocenated Gold Nanoparticles on a Nanometer‐Sized Electrode
Authors: Sun Peng , Sun Tong , Anz Samir , Corey Jason , Tan Yunshi
Published: April 2014

So far, almost all electrochemistry theories are based on an assumption that the size of an electroactive molecule is negligible. However, this assumption will not be true if the size of an electroactive molecule is comparable to or smaller than the size of an electrode being used to study the electroactive molecule. In this paper, the electrochemical behaviors of ferrocenated gold nanoparticles have been studied using an electrode with a radius that is smaller than the radius of the particle. This allows for the observation of phenomena which cannot be explained by conventional electrochemical theories. Also, stochastic collision current, which cannot be observed on a macro‐ or microelectrode, can be directly observed.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Donepezil and Its Voltammetric Determination at Gold Electrode
Authors: Mladenović Aleksandar R. , Mijin Dušan Ž. , Drmanić Saša Ž. , Vajs Vlatka E. , Jovanović Vladislava M. , Petrović Slobodan D. , Ivić Milka L. Avramov
Published: April 2014

The oxidative ability of donepezil, a frequently prescribed drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is reported for the first time at a gold electrode. It was oxidized by cyclic voltammetry and determined by square wave voltammetry in phosphate buffer electrolyte. Electrochemical degradation of donepezil was carried out by long term potential cycling. The identification and characterization of the major product, isolated by preparative high performance liquid chromatography, was performed by high resolution mass spectrometry and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Donepezil hydroxy derivative was identified as the major electrochemical oxidation product from donepezil.
Screening of Specific Gene Mutations Associated with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: García‐Mendiola Tania , Barreiro Martínez Tegra , Pariente Félix , Molano Jesús , Lorenzo Encarnación
Published: April 2014

A selective screening method for detection of gene mutations in highly mutated genes associated with cystic fibrosis is described. The method relies on a disposable DNA electrochemical biosensor based on the use of a selective pentaammine [3‐(2‐phenanthren‐9‐yl‐vinyl)‐pyridine] ruthenium complex as electrochemical indicator. This complex incorporates dual functionalities: the Ru center provides a redox probe and the ligand endows the complex with an intercalative character making it capable of binding preferently to double‐stranded DNA. The approach allows the simultaneous detection of different mutations and the determination of homozygous and heterozygous directly in large PCR amplicons extracted from blood cells. The results agree well to those obtained by High Resolution Melting sequencing suggesting that the proposed biosensing procedure is a robust and sensitive technique for screening mutations.
A Calcium Solid State Ion Selective Minisensor Based on Lipid Films on ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Mitrou Nikolaos , Nikoleli Georgia‐Paraskevi , Nikolelis Dimitrios P. , Psaroudakis Nikolas , Scoullos Michael
Published: April 2014

This article describes the development of a calcium solid minisensor based on lipid films on ZnO nanorods. The lipid film was composed from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcic acid (DPPA). The calibration graph was logarithmically related to the concentration of calcium ions in the range from 10−6 to 10−3 M. The response times of the electrode were less than 5 s. No memory effects were observed for this electrode. The reproducibility of the electrode was less than 5 %. The electrode has shown good stability for a period of 1 month. The influence of a wide range of metals and anions as potential interferences was checked. The method was applied to the rapid detection of calcium ions in mineral waters.
On‐line immunoaffinity solid‐phase extraction capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry for the analysis of large biomolecules: A preliminary report
Authors: Medina‐Casanellas Silvia , Benavente Fernando , Giménez Estela , Barbosa José , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria
Published: April 2014

The analysis of large biomolecules by on‐line immunoaffinity solid‐phase extraction capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry (IA‐SPE‐CE‐MS) remains unexplored because of the complex issues that need to be addressed. In this preliminary study, we used the human glycoprotein transferrin (Tf) as a model of a large biomolecule. First, we established by CE‐UV a novel method compatible with IA‐SPE‐CE‐MS, based on the use of a fused silica capillary coated with an anionic derivative of polyacrylamide (UltraTrolTM Dynamic Pre‐Coat High Normal, HN) to prevent protein adsorption. The methodology allowed the detection of the most abundant Tf sialoforms. Repeatability studies demonstrated high stability of the coated capillaries, which was required for on‐line immunoextraction and MS detection. IA‐SPE‐CE‐UV and IA‐SPE‐CE‐MS methods were optimized for the analysis of Tf standards and human serum samples using a laboratory‐made IA sorbent. Three peaks corresponding to Tf were detected with UV detection when on‐line immunoextraction was applied to the standards. The use of MS detection, however, reduced the resolution of the electrophoretic separation. Finally, we demonstrated that it was possible to detect Tf in human serum samples, after off‐line serum sample de‐salting by centrifugal filtration.
Harmonization and characterization of different single‐use bioreactors adopting a new sparger design
Authors: Minow Benjamin , Seidemann Janine , Tschoepe Susanne , Gloeckner Andreas , Neubauer Peter
Published: April 2014

In mammalian cell culture, single‐use bioreactors are widely used. Different hardware designs are available, ranging from stirred tank reactors to wave mixed and cubical shaken systems. Unlike in stainless steel systems, where standards exist, in single‐use bioreactors aeration devices are often predefined by the supplier. While ring sparger systems are the gold standard in stainless steel bioreactors, not all single‐use bioreactors are available with ring spargers. In this study, a comprehensive characterization of two stirred tank single‐use bioreactor systems (XDR™ from Xcellerex and S.U.B. from Thermo Scientific Hyclone) was performed under GMP conditions with 200/250 L and 1000 L bioreactors. Engineering facts like mass transfer rates for oxygen kLao2 and carbon dioxide kLaCO2 as well as mixing number were evaluated. To achieve improved similarity in key engineering parameters and in consequence cell culture performance, the submerse aeration device of the S.U.B. (to date only open tube and frit) was remodeled resulting in a drilled hole sparger design. Results of the characterization showed that kLao2 in the S.U.B. was enhanced from 8.5 h−1 to 11.5 h−1 at the maximum, and the kLaCO2 was very similar between both bioreactor types. Knowledge of the characterization data as well as improved oxygen transfer rate in the S.U.B. allows for an interchangeable usage of the two different single‐use bioreactors.
Association of pollution with quantiles and expectations of the hospitalization rate of elderly people by respiratory diseases in the city of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Alencar A. P. , Santos B. R.
Published: April 2014

Associations of pollution with expected rates of morbidity and mortality are discussed extensively in the literature, but associations between pollution and quantiles of these rates may change substantially. In this study, we compare the association of pollution and climate variables controlling for seasonality with the expectation and quantile of the hospitalization rate. The generalized linear model with the binomial negative distribution and the quantile regression are fitted to the daily number of hospitalizations of resident people older than 65 years in São Paulo City from 2006 to 2011. The daily average nitrogen oxide concentration presented the most significant association with the expected hospitalization rate and with the 90th percentile of this rate but no significant association with the median rate, controlling for seasonality and climate variables. The minimum temperature and relative humidity presented significant association with the expected hospitalization rate but no significant association with the 90th percentile. The effects may be very distinct for the average rate or high quantiles, which may affect planning the number of hospital beds mainly during the winter. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orang over Pd‐doped Bi2O3
Authors: Zhong Junbo , Li Jianzhang , Feng Famei , Fan Guangyin , Zeng Jun , Huang Shengtian , Hu Wei , Li Minjiao
Published: April 2014

In this article, Pd‐doped Bi2O3 photocatalysts with different molar ratios of Pd/Bi (1/100, 2/100, 3/100, 4/100, and 5/100) have been prepared by a facile sol–gel method. The photocatalysts prepared were characterized by Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method (BET), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV/Vis diffuse reflectance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) techniques, and surface photovoltage (SPV), respectively. The results indicate that Pd‐doped enhances the photo‐induced charge separation efficiency and leads to different electronic properties when Pd‐doped Bi2O3 photocatalysts are illuminated by different wavelengths of light: one is an electron acceptor in the UV light region, while the other is an electron donor in the visible light region. The photocatalytic activity of Pd‐doped Bi2O3 photocatalysts for decolorization of methyl orange aqueous solution was evaluated, the result shows that 4% Pd possesses the best photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation and 3% Pd possesses the best photocatalytic activity under simulated sun light irradiation, and the possible reason is suggested. Doping with Pd is an effective way to promote the photocatalytic performance of Bi2O3. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1229–1234, 2014
Comparing population recovery after insecticide exposure for four aquatic invertebrate species using models of different complexity
Authors: Baveco J. M. (Hans) , Norman Steve , Roessink Ivo , Galic Nika , Brink Paul J. Van den
Published: April 2014

Population models, in particular individual-based models (IBMs), are becoming increasingly important in chemical risk assessment. They can be used to assess recovery of spatially structured populations after chemical exposure that varies in time and space. The authors used an IBM coupled to a toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic model, the threshold damage model (TDM), to assess recovery times for 4 aquatic organisms, after insecticide application, in a nonseasonal environment and in 3 spatial settings (pond, stream, and ditch). The species had different life histories (e.g., voltinism, reproductive capacity, mobility). Exposure was derived from a pesticide fate model, following standard European Union scenarios. The results of the IBM–TDM were compared with results from simpler models: one in which exposure was linked to effects by means of concentration–effect relationships (IBM-CE) and one in which the IBM was replaced by a nonspatial, logistic growth model (logistic). For the first, exposure was based on peak concentrations only; for the second, exposure was spatially averaged as well. By using comparisons between models of different complexity and species with different life histories, the authors obtained an understanding of the role spatial processes play in recovery and the conditions under which the full time-varying exposure needs to be considered. The logistic model, which is amenable to an analytic approach, provided additional insights into the sensitivity of recovery times to density dependence and spatial dimensions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:???–???. © 2014 SETAC