bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assimilation of decomposed in-situ directional wave spectra into a numerical wave model on typhoon wave
Authors: Fan Y. M. , Günther H. , Kao C. C. , Lee B. C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to enhance the accuracy of numerical wave forecasts through data assimilation during typhoon period. A sequential data assimilation scheme was modified to enable its use with partitions of directional wave spectra. The performance of the system was investigated with respect to operational applications specifically for typhoon wave. Two typhoons that occurred in 2006 around Taiwan (Kaemi and Shanshan) were used for this case study. The proposed data assimilation method increased the forecast accuracy in terms of wave parameters, such as wave height and period. After assimilation, the shapes of directional spectra were much closer to those reported from independent observations.
Research Note: The Growth of Internet Purchases and the Travel Trade
Authors: Ginanneschi Marco
Published: August 2013

The changes introduced by the Internet to travel agencies (TAs) and tour operators have been investigated for the last 15 years. Researchers have focused mainly on disintermediation and re-intermediation processes fostered by the Web and on their implications for the organization of agencies and sales management. However, the hypothesis that Internet diffusion may have a negative impact on the consistency of the travel agency sector still needs to be proven. Moving on from an analysis of the Italian situation, this study first attempts to reconstruct the ongoing trends at industry level in other European countries. It then explores the relationship between online travel purchases and TAs' total frequency. The evidence gathered shows a significant degree of correlation between the two variables, suggesting that the growth of the online travel market can effectively prove to be a reduction of existing TAs.
The collateral benefits of having chiropractic available in a public central hospital
Authors: Orlin Jan Roar , Didriksen Andrè , Hagen Helge , Sørfonden Anders
Published: August 2013

Following previous reports on the co-operation between a chiropractor and a central hospital, experiences from the past five years are presented. The objective of this paper is to show that improved management of muscular and skeletal problems within a hospital setting depends on the availability of chiropractic health care as a treatment option. The following pain groups were sampled: 1) sacro-lumbar dysfunction and sciatic leg symptoms, with or without joint dysfunction and sciatica; 2) myo-fascial referred pain syndromes, frequently caused by peripheral nerve entrapment; and 3) tinnitus, dizziness/vertigo, facial pain, ear plug and swallowing difficulties, frequently caused by biomechanical components. A majority of pain patients, after being subjected to traditional conservative treatment, usually over a period of several years, fail to return to work despite younger than average age. The only effective procedures seem to be those of chiropractors. In order to benefit from their particular knowledge, public hospitals need to open their doors to chiropractors. For that to happen, determined hospital administrators are needed.
Stochastic Mixed-Integer Programming for Integrated Portfolio Planning in the LNG Supply Chain
Authors: Werner Adrian , Uggen Kristin Tolstad , Fodstad Marte , Lium Arnt-Gunnar , Egging Ruud
Published: August 2013

We present a new model to support strategic planning by actors in the liquefied natural gas market. The model takes an integrated portfolio perspective and addresses uncertainty in future prices. Decision variables include investments and disinvestments in infrastructure and vessels, chartering of vessels, the timing of contracts, and spot market trades. The model accounts for various contract types and vessels, and it addresses losses. The underlying mathematical model is a multistage stochastic mixed-integer linear problem. Industry-motivated numerical cases are discussed as benchmarks for the potential increases in profits that can be obtained by using the model for decision support. These examples illustrate how a portfolio perspective leads to decisions different than those obtained using the traditional net present value approach. We show how explicitly considering uncertainty affects investment and contracting decisions, leading to higher profits and better utilization of capacity. In addition, model run times are competitive with current business practices of manual planning.
Interneuron Development and Epilepsy: Early Genetic Defects Cause Long-Term Consequences in Seizures and Susceptibility
Authors: Powell Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2013

Errors in the generation of the inhibitory GABAergic interneurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus have variable consequences. Studies of the molecular pathways of interneuron development reveal genes that are associated with human epilepsies. Animal models of gene variants exhibit seizures and abnormal electroencephalographic activity, providing unique models for discovering better treatments for individual forms of epilepsy.
Brasiliana & história geral da civilização brasileira: escrita da História, disputas editoriais e processos de especialização acadêmica (1956-1972)
Authors: Venâncio Giselle Martins , Furtado André Carlos
Published: August 2013

O presente artigo analisa aspectos da coleção Brasiliana, sob a direção de Américo Jacobina Lacombe, e da História Geral da Civilização Brasileira (HGCB), na época em que foi coordenada por Sérgio Buarque de Holanda. O estudo abrange o período compreendido entre os anos de 1956 e 1972. Contempla fontes bibliográficas e documentais, particularmente dos arquivos pessoais dos autores mencionados, quando referentes aos empreendimentos editoriais que organizaram. O objetivo principal é refletir sobre a institucionalização e especialização acadêmica da área de História no Brasil, evidenciada por meio dos processos de organização das coleções.
Guardar para mirar, guardar para mostrar: acervos autorreferenciais, da gaveta ao museu
Authors: Gastaud Carla Rodrigues , Souza Cristiéle Santos
Published: August 2013

Este artigo trata da publicização de acervos autorreferenciais em um contexto contemporâneo de busca memorial, percurso no qual são relevantes as elaborações de Andreas Huyssen, sobre a “compulsão contemporânea pela memória”, e de François Hartog, em torno de uma mudança no “regime de historicidade”. Da mesma forma, discute o conceito de produção de si, por meio dos escritos autorreferenciais e de seu arquivamento. Por fim, são apresentadas as trajetórias de constituição e publicização de dois conjuntos documentais autorreferenciais, as cartas de D. Joaquim, bispo de Pelotas, escritas entre os anos de 1915 e 1940, e as cartas da baronesa Amélia, escritas entre 1889 e 1918.
Memória e ensino de história: as interfaces entre a formação e o saber de professoras
Authors: Zarbato Jaqueline Martins
Published: August 2013

Este artigo pretende apontar reflexões sobre as experiências de professoras de História, e interpretar o processo de formação, suas implicações e tensões no fazer docente, desde os elementos simbólicos, as escolhas, as trajetórias no fazer de professoras
Os arquivos da segunda guerra mundial na França, da história à história de si
Authors: Marcilloux Patrice
Published: August 2013

A abertura ao público dos arquivos da segunda guerra mundial nos anos 1990 constituiu um episódio marcante e por vezes conflituoso da história recente dos arquivos na França. O período foi marcado, com efeito, por uma série de calorosos debates, por vezes polêmicos, sobre as condições jurídicas do acesso a esses documentos. Voltamos aqui a esses anos difíceis, esforçando-nos por decifrar o que eles puderam significar em termos de relação entre leitor e documento de arquivos. Atrás de uma evidente necessidade de história e de uma problemática de memória social e coletiva que não poderiam ser negadas, esconde-se uma assaz profunda transformação das lógicas de uso do documento de arquivos.
Pasta Bergery: uma trajetória política na história recente da frança
Authors: Pourcher Yves
Published: August 2013

Gaston Bergery, nascido em 1892 e falecido em 1974, foi advogado e político francês. De editor de política da revistaLa Flèche a embaixador na Turquia durante o governo de Vichy. Busca-se, através da análise de cartas, artigos e outros documentos pessoais e públicos, traçar a trajetória deste indivíduo politicamente atuante durante a primeira metade do século XX. Para isto foi feita uma extensa pesquisa por diversos arquivos entre os quais o do Castelo de Vincennes(arquivo do exército), do Cais de Orsay(arquivos do Ministério dos Assuntos Estrangeiros), os Arquivos Nacionais, da fundação Hoover, da Universidade de Yale, bem como algumas entrevistas orais.
Resistência e gênero nos arquivos das ditaduras militares do Cone Sul
Authors: Wolff Cristina Scheibe
Published: August 2013

Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre os arquivos que guardam acervos sobre as ditaduras nos países do Cone Sul (Argentina, Bolívia, Brasil, Chile, Paraguai e Uruguai) que tem sido explorado no Projeto Gênero, Feminismos e Ditaduras pelo Laboratório de Estudos de Gênero e História da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Busca mostrar como se pode encontrar perspectivas de gênero em acervos que originalmente tiveram como principal propósito a repressão aos movimentos políticos de resistência às ditaduras, ou que se constituíram justamente no esforço de memória desta resistência, mas que não problematizaram especialmente as questões de gênero. A reflexão pretende mostrar que o gênero é um aspecto importante na constituição dos discursos da resistência nestes países.
Sustained Knockdown of a Disease-Causing Gene in Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Lentiviral Vector-Based Gene Therapy
Authors: Eggenschwiler Reto , Loya Komal , Wu Guangming , Sharma Amar Deep , Sgodda Malte , Zychlinski Daniela , Herr Christian , Steinemann Doris , Teckman Jeffrey , Bals Robert , Ott Michael , Schambach Axel , Schöler Hans Robert , Cantz Tobias
Published: August 2013

Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for studies on disease-related developmental processes and may serve as an autologous cell source for future treatment of many hereditary diseases. New genetic engineering tools such as zinc finger nucleases and transcription activator-like effector nuclease allow targeted correction of monogenetic disorders but are very cumbersome to establish. Aiming at studies on the knockdown of a disease-causing gene, lentiviral vector-mediated expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) is a valuable option, but it is limited by silencing of the knockdown construct upon epigenetic remodeling during differentiation. Here, we propose an approach for the expression of a therapeutic shRNA in disease-specific iPSCs using third-generation lentiviral vectors. Targeting severe α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency, we overexpressed a human microRNA 30 (miR30)-styled shRNA directed against the PiZ variant of A1AT, which is known to cause chronic liver damage in affected patients. This knockdown cassette is traceable from clonal iPSC lines to differentiated hepatic progeny via an enhanced green fluorescence protein reporter expressed from the same RNA-polymerase II promoter. Importantly, the cytomegalovirus i/e enhancer chicken β actin (CAG) promoter-driven expression of this construct is sustained without transgene silencing during hepatic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. At low lentiviral copy numbers per genome we confirmed a functional relevant reduction (−66%) of intracellular PiZ protein in hepatic cells after differentiation of patient-specific iPSCs. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that lentiviral vector-mediated expression of shRNAs can be efficiently used to knock down and functionally evaluate disease-related genes in patient-specific iPSCs.
The Timing of Neural Stem Cell-Based Virotherapy Is Critical for Optimal Therapeutic Efficacy When Applied With Radiation and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Authors: Tobias Alex L. , Thaci Bart , Auffinger Brenda , Rincón Esther , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Kim Chung Kwon , Han Yu , Zhang Lingjiao , Aboody Karen S. , Ahmed Atique U. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: August 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains fatal despite intensive surgical, radiotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic interventions. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been used as cellular vehicles for the transportation of oncolytic virus (OV) to therapeutically resistant and infiltrative tumor burdens throughout the brain. The HB1.F3-CD human NSC line has demonstrated efficacy as a cell carrier for the delivery of a glioma tropic OV CRAd-Survivin-pk7 (CRAd-S-pk7) in vitro and in animal models of glioma. At this juncture, no study has investigated the effectiveness of OV-loaded NSCs when applied in conjunction with the standard of care for GBM treatment, and therefore this study was designed to fill this void. Here, we show that CRAd-S-pk7-loaded HB1.F3-CD cells retain their tumor-tropic properties and capacity to function as in situ viral manufacturers in the presence of ionizing radiation (XRT) and temozolomide (TMZ). Furthermore, for the first time, we establish a logical experimental model that aims to recapitulate the complex clinical scenario for the treatment of GBM and tests the compatibility of NSCs loaded with OV. We report that applying OV-loaded NSCs together with XRT and TMZ can increase the median survival of glioma bearing mice by approximately 46%. Most importantly, the timing and order of therapeutic implementation impact therapeutic outcome. When OV-loaded NSCs are delivered prior to rather than after XRT and TMZ treatment, the median survival of mice bearing patient-derived GBM43 glioma xenografts is extended by 30%. Together, data from this report support the testing of CRAd-S-pk7-loaded HB1.F3-CD cells in the clinical setting and argue in favor of a multimodality approach for the treatment of patients with GBM.
Mechanism of ubiquitin ligation and lysine prioritization by a HECT E3
Authors: Kamadurai Hari B , Qiu Yu , Deng Alan , Harrison Joseph S , MacDonald Chris , Actis Marcelo , Rodrigues Patrick , Miller Darcie J , Souphron Judith , Lewis Steven M , Kurinov Igor , Fujii Naoaki , Hammel Michal , Piper Robert , Kuhlman Brian , Schulman Brenda A
Published: August 2013

Ubiquitination by HECT E3 enzymes regulates myriad processes, including tumor suppression, transcription, protein trafficking, and degradation. HECT E3s use a two-step mechanism to ligate ubiquitin to target proteins. The first step is guided by interactions between the catalytic HECT domain and the E2∼ubiquitin intermediate, which promote formation of a transient, thioester-bonded HECT∼ubiquitin intermediate. Here we report that the second step of ligation is mediated by a distinct catalytic architecture established by both the HECT E3 and its covalently linked ubiquitin. The structure of a chemically trapped proxy for an E3∼ubiquitin-substrate intermediate reveals three-way interactions between ubiquitin and the bilobal HECT domain orienting the E3∼ubiquitin thioester bond for ligation, and restricting the location of the substrate-binding domain to prioritize target lysines for ubiquitination. The data allow visualization of an E2-to-E3-to-substrate ubiquitin transfer cascade, and show how HECT-specific ubiquitin interactions driving multiple reactions are repurposed by a major E3 conformational change to promote ligation.
Clinical and Laboratory Features Distinguishing Juvenile Polymyositis and Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Mamyrova Gulnara , Katz James D. , Jones Robert V. , Targoff Ira N. , Lachenbruch Peter A. , Jones Olcay Y. , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G. ,   the Childhood Myositis Heterogeneity Collaborative Study Group
Published: August 2013

Objective

To differentiate juvenile polymyositis (PM) and muscular dystrophy, both of which may present with chronic muscle weakness and inflammation.

Methods

We studied 39 patients with probable or definite juvenile PM and 9 patients with muscular dystrophies who were initially misdiagnosed as having juvenile PM. Differences in demographic, clinical, and laboratory results; outcomes; and treatment responses were evaluated by Fisher's exact and rank sum tests. Random forests classification analysis and logistic regression were performed to examine significant differences in multivariable models.

Results

Clinical features and serum muscle enzyme levels were similar between juvenile PM and dystrophy patients, except 89% of dystrophy patients had muscle atrophy compared with 46% of juvenile PM patients. Dystrophy patients had a longer delay to diagnosis (median 12 versus 4 months) and were less frequently hospitalized than juvenile PM patients (22% versus 74%). No dystrophy patients, but 54% of juvenile PM patients, had a myositis autoantibody. Dystrophy patients more frequently had myopathic features on muscle biopsy, including diffuse variation of myofiber size, fiber hypertrophy, and myofiber fibrosis (44–100% versus 8–53%). Juvenile PM patients more frequently had complex repetitive discharges on electromyography and a complete response to treatment with prednisone or other immunosuppressive agents than dystrophy patients (44% versus 0%). Random forests analysis revealed that the most important features in distinguishing juvenile PM from dystrophies were myositis autoantibodies, clinical muscle atrophy, and myofiber size variation on biopsy. Logistic regression confirmed muscle atrophy, myofiber fibrosis, and hospitalization as significant predictors.

Conclusion

Muscular dystrophy can present similarly to juvenile PM. Selected clinical and laboratory features are helpful in combination in distinguishing these conditions.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rahman M. Mushfiqur , Kopec Jacek A. , Anis Aslam H. , Cibere Jolanda , Goldsmith Charlie H.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To determine the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among osteoarthritis (OA) patients using population‐based administrative data from British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

The medical history of a random sample of 600,000 individuals from 1991–2009 was analyzed. A total of 12,745 OA cases and up to 3 non‐OA individuals matched by age, sex, and year of diagnosis were followed for CVD events. Cox proportional hazards and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risks (RRs) of CVD, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease (IHD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and stroke after adjusting for available sociodemographic and medical factors.

Results

OA was an independent predictor of CVD. The adjusted RRs were 1.15 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–1.27), 1.26 (95% CI 1.13–1.42), and 1.17 (95% CI 1.07–1.26) among older men, younger women, and older women, respectively. Analyses were stratified by age and sex due to statistically significant interactions between OA and age and sex. RRs among older men, younger women, and older women were 1.33 (95% CI 1.11–1.62), 1.66 (95% CI 1.37–2.01), and 1.45 (95% CI 1.22–1.72) for IHD, respectively, and 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.54), 1.29 (95% CI 1.00–1.68), and 1.20 (95% CI 1.03–1.39) for CHF, respectively. Compared to non‐OA individuals, OA cases who underwent total joint replacements had a 26% increased risk of CVD.

Conclusion

This prospective longitudinal study suggests that OA is associated with an increased risk of CVD. Older men and adult women with OA had a higher risk of CVD, particularly IHD and CHF. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to elucidate the potential biologic mechanisms.
Association of Incident Symptomatic Hip Osteoarthritis With Differences in Hip Shape by Active Shape Modeling: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Nelson Amanda E. , Liu Felix , Lynch John A. , Renner Jordan B. , Schwartz Todd A. , Lane Nancy E. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate hip shape by active shape modeling (ASM) as a potential predictor of incident radiographic hip osteoarthritis (RHOA) and symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (SRHOA).

Methods

All hips developing RHOA from baseline (Kellgren/Lawrence [K/L] grade 0/1) to mean 6‐year followup (K/L grade ≥2, 190 hips) and 1:1 control hips (K/L grade 0/1 at both times, 192 hips) were included. Proximal femur shape was defined on baseline anteroposterior pelvis radiographs and submitted to ASM, producing a mean shape and continuous variables representing independent modes of shape variation. Mode scores (n = 14, explaining 95% of shape variance) were simultaneously included in logistic regression models with incident RHOA and SRHOA as dependent variables, adjusted for intraperson correlations, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), baseline K/L grade, and/or symptoms.

Results

We evaluated 382 hips from 342 individuals: 61% women and 83% white, with mean age 62 years and mean BMI 29 kg/m2. Several modes differed by sex and race, but no modes were associated with incident RHOA overall. Among men only, modes 1 and 2 were significantly associated (for a 1‐SD decrease in mode 1 score: odds ratio [OR] 1.7 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1–2.5] and for a 1‐SD increase in mode 2 score: OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0–2.2]) with incident RHOA. A 1‐SD decrease in mode 2 or 3 score increased the odds of SRHOA by 50%.

Conclusion

This study confirms other reports that variations in proximal femur shape have a modest association with incident hip OA. The observation of proximal femur shape associations with hip symptoms requires further investigation.
Cutaneous Adverse Events During Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Conditions With Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists: Study Using the Spanish Registry of Adverse Events of Biological Therapies in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Hernández Mª Victoria , Sanmartí Raimon , Cañete Juan D. , Descalzo Miguel A. , Alsina Mercè , Carmona Loreto , Gomez‐Reino Juan J. ,   on behalf of the BIOBADASER 2.0 Study Group
Published: August 2013

Objective

To analyze the incidence rate (IR) and risk factors of cutaneous adverse events (CAE) in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists.

Methods

We analyzed all patients from the BIOBADASER (Base de Datos de Productos Biológicos de la Sociedad Española de Reumatología) registry treated with a TNF antagonist (infliximab, etanercept, or adalimumab). Data collected included age, sex, diagnosis and duration of rheumatic disease, type of TNF antagonist, and concomitant treatment. Type of CAE was classified as local or systemic cutaneous manifestation related to treatment administration (infusion reaction), infection, malignancy, or autoimmune skin disease. Time of onset of CAE and outcome were also recorded. The IRs of CAE per 1,000 patient‐years of exposure with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for CAE.

Results

A total of 5,437 patients were included, representing 17,330 patient‐years of exposure. A total of 920 CAE were reported; the IRs per 1,000 patient‐years were 53 (95% CI 50–57) for CAE, 28 (95% CI 25–30) for infection, 15 (95% CI 13–17) for infusion reactions, 5 (95% CI 4–6) for autoimmune skin diseases, and 3 (95% CI 2–4) for skin malignancy. The mean time between starting TNF antagonist treatment and CAE was 1.78 years. In 32% of patients, CAE required TNF antagonist withdrawal. The main risk factors for CAE were female sex and treatment with infliximab, leflunomide, and glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

The IR of CAE in patients treated with TNF antagonists is significant and should be addressed carefully, and withdrawal of therapy is required in some cases.
Blue–Green Emission in Terbium‐Doped Alumina (Tb:Al2O3) Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Penilla Elias H. , Kodera Yasuhiro , Garay Javier E.
Published: August 2013

Alumina (Al2O3) is one of the most versatile ceramics, utilized in an amazing range of structural and optical applications. In fact, chromium‐doped single crystal Al2O3was the basis for the first laser. Today, most photoluminescent (PL) materials rely on rare earth (RE) rather than transition‐metal dopants because RE doping produces greater efficiencies and lower lasing thresholds. RE‐doped alumina could provide an extremely versatile PL ceramic, opening the door for a host of new applications and devices. However, producing a transparent RE:Al2O3suitable for PL applications is a major challenge due to the very low equilibrium solubility of RE (∼10−3%) in Al2O3in addition to alumina's optical anisotropy. A method is presented here to successfully incorporate Tb3+ions up to a concentration of 0.5 at% into a dense alumina matrix, achieving a transparent light‐emitting ceramic. Sub‐micrometer alumina and nanometric RE oxide powders are simultaneously densified and reacted using current‐activated, pressure‐assisted densification (CAPAD), often called spark plasma sintering (SPS). These doped ceramics have a high transmission (∼75% at 800 nm) and display PL peaks centered at 485 nm and 543 nm, characteristic of Tb3+emission. Additionally, the luminescent lifetimes are long and compare favorably with lifetimes of other laser ceramics. The high transparencies and PL properties of these ceramics have exciting prospects for high energy laser technology.
Carbon dioxide capture using solid sorbents in a fluidized bed with reduced pressure regeneration in a downer
Authors: Kongkitisupchai Sunti , Gidaspow Dimitri
Published: August 2013

The most common technology for postcombustion CO2 capture for existing power plants is the amine solvent scrubber. The energy consumption for capturing CO2 from flue gases using amine solvent technology is 15 to 30% of the power plant electricity production. Hence, there is a need to develop more efficient methods of removing CO2. Here, we show a novel design, obtained using multiphase CFD, and of a fluidized‐bed reduced pressure regenerator, coupled with a fluidized‐bed sorber, which has the potential to reduce the energy consumption. The undesirable core‐annular flow regime in the riser‐sorber is eliminated using multiple jet inlets and large particles leading to a shorter height. Up to 88% of the heat liberated in the riser‐sorber is recovered in the downer‐regenerator. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4519–4537, 2013
De novo 15q13.3 microdeletion with cryptogenic west syndrome
Authors: Lacaze Elodie , Gruchy Nicolas , Penniello‐Valette Marie‐José , Plessis Ghislaine , Richard Nicolas , Decamp Mathieu , Mittre Hervé , Leporrier Nathalie , Andrieux Joris , Kottler Marie‐Laure , Gerard Marion
Published: August 2013

West syndrome is a well‐recognized form of epilepsy, defined by a triad of infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia and developmental arrest. West syndrome is heterogenous, caused by mutations of genes ARX, STXBP1, KCNT1 among others; 16p13.11 and 17q21.31 microdeletions are less frequent, usually associated with intellectual disability and facial dysmorphism. So‐called “idiopathic” West syndrome is of better prognostic, without prior intellectual deficiency and usually responsive to anti‐epileptic treatment. We report on a boy falling within the scope of idiopathic West syndrome, with no dysmorphic features and normal development before the beginning of West syndrome, with a good resolution after treatment, bearing a de novo 15q13.3 microdeletion. Six genes are located in the deleted region, including CHRNA7, which encodes a subunit of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and is frequently associated with epilepsy. Exploration of the 15q13.3 region should be proposed in idiopathic West syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advances and challenges in treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke
Authors: Grossman Aaron W. , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: August 2013

We review recent advances in the treatment and prevention of acute ischemic stroke, including the current state of endovascular therapy, in light of 5 randomized controlled trials published this past year. Although no benefit of endovascular therapy over intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) has been demonstrated, endovascular therapy is an appropriate treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients within the t‐PA window who are ineligible for IV t‐PA but have a large vascular occlusion. These trials reveal promises and current limitations of endovascular therapy, and comparison of reperfusion therapies remains an important area of research. One common theme is the strong association between a faster time to reperfusion, improved outcome, and reduced mortality. Primary and secondary stroke prevention trials emphasize the importance of aggressive management of medical risk factors as part of any preventative strategy. New oral anticoagulants, for example, offer cost‐effective risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation, and may represent an opportunity for those with cryptogenic stroke. We highlight areas of unmet need and promising research in stroke, including the need to deliver proven therapies to more patients, and the need to recruit patients into clinical trials that better define the role of endovascular and other stroke therapies. Finally, improvement in strategies to recover speech, cognition, and motor function has the potential to benefit far more stroke patients than any acute stroke therapy, and represents the greatest opportunity for research in the coming century. Ann Neurol 2013;74:363–372
Effects of emulsion parameters on relaxation behaviors for immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Xu Lin‐Qiong , Huang Han‐Xiong , Chen Zhao‐Ke , Wu Xiong‐Jun
Published: August 2013

The relaxation behaviors of the binary immiscible blends reflected on the plots of the storage modulus and the imaginary part of complex viscosity were investigated using the Maxwell and the Palierne models. It was revealed that the peaks in the high‐ and low‐frequency regions on the complex viscosity imaginary part plot are owing to the relaxations of the blend and deformed dispersed droplets, respectively. Based on these two models, six emulsion parameters (interfacial tension, relaxation times and viscosities of two components, and dispersed phase volume fraction) were investigated in terms of their effects on the shape features of the plots of the imaginary part of complex viscosity and the Cole–Cole. The results showed that the viscosities of two components and dispersed phase volume fraction play key roles in the radii of the two circular arcs on the Cole–Cole plot. Furthermore, the two circular arcs are well separated in the case of lower interfacial tensions and dispersed phase viscosities, shorter matrix relaxation times, and higher matrix viscosities and dispersed phase volume fractions. The total relaxation time of the deformed dispersed droplets increases with increasing the viscosities of two components, especially with decreasing the interfacial tension. Three types of polymer blends were prepared and their dynamic frequency sweep testing results demonstrated the effectiveness of the corresponding predicted results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39690.
Effects of CH2CH2CF3 on properties of RTV polysiloxane rubber: Processability, thermal stability, and oil/solvent resistance
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2013

Room temperature vulcanizing fluorosilicone rubbers (FSRs) were prepared from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), vinyl fluorosilicone‐oil (VFS‐oil), and precipitated silica (PDMS/VFS/SiO2). Rheological tests showed appropriate processing condition could be obtained when shear rate > 10 s−1. Mechanical tests indicated that tensile strength and elongation at break were not much affected by VFS‐oil and no decline was observed after being aged in 70 °C ASTM 1# oil. The CF3 group could not only increase oil‐resistance, but also decrease surface energy, which were proved by ATR‐FTIR and contact angle tests. The PDMS oil immersion tests showed that the higher the content of VFS‐oil, the better oil resistance can be obtained. The solvent‐resistance tests indicated that the VFS‐oil improved resistance to nonpolar/low‐polar solvent. TGA results showed that the increasing content of VFS‐oil could slightly decrease FSRs' thermal stability but increase FSRs' residual mass ratio at 790°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39708.
Atomic Force Microscopy Study of the Effects of Water‐Soluble Fullerenes on the Elasticity of Living Plant Cells
Authors: Zhang Xuejie , Liu Qiaoling , Xia Tie , Li Nan , He Kangmin , Wang Chunru , Tan Weihong , Fang Xiaohong
Published: August 2013

In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to characterize the elastic properties of a living suspension of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Bright Yellow (BY‐2) cells and to investigate the changes in plant‐cell elasticity that were induced by water‐soluble C70 fullerene derivatives. The results revealed different effects of the three fullerene derivatives that had different numbers of carboxylic groups on the cell elasticity. BY‐2 cells that were repressed by dimalonic‐acid‐modified C70 fullerenes (DiF70) and trimalonic‐acid‐modified C70 fullerenes (TriF70) showed a clear decrease in their Young′s modulus. However, the Young′s modulus of cells that were treated with tetramalonic‐acid‐modified C70 fullerenes (TetraF70) increased. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton arrangement was observed following treatment with DiF70 and TriF70, but not with TetraF70. Moreover, the fullerene‐induced cell‐elasticity change was consistent with the change in cell‐proliferation rate. This work provides a new approach and valuable information for the study of the biological effect of nanomaterials on plant cells.
Oxygenation of Ruthenium Carbene Complexes Containing Naphthothiophene or Naphthofuran: Spectroscopic and DFT Studies
Authors: Tsai Fu‐Yuan , Lo Ji‐Xian , Hsu Hsin‐Tzu , Lin Ying‐Chih , Huang Shou‐Ling , Wang Ju‐Chun , Liu Yi‐Hong
Published: August 2013

The aryl propargylic alcohol 1‐[2‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)phenyl]prop‐2‐yn‐1‐ol (1a) is readily prepared from 2‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)benzaldehyde. In the presence of visible light, treatment of 1a with one‐half mole equivalent of [Ru]Cl ([Ru]Cp(dppe)Ru) (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) and NH4PF6 in O2 affords the naphtha[2,1‐b]thiophene‐4‐carbaldehyde (4a) in high yields. The cyclization reaction of 1a proceeds through the formation of the carbene complex 2a that contains the naphtha[2,1‐b]thiophene ring, which is isolated in a 1:1 stoichiometric reaction. The CC bond formation between the inner carbon of the terminal triple bond and the heterocyclic ring is confirmed by structure determination of 2a using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Facile oxygenation of 2a by O2 yields the aldehyde product 4a accompanied by the formation of phosphine oxide of dppe. Oxygen is most likely activated by coordination to the ruthenium center when one PPh2 unit of the dppe ligand dissociates. This dissociated PPh2 unit then reacts with the coordinated oxygen nearby to generate half‐oxidized dppe ligand and an unobserved oxo–carbene intermediate. Coupling of the oxo/carbene ligands followed by demetalation then yields 4a. Presumably the resulting complex with the half‐oxidized dppe ligand continuously promotes cyclization/oxygenation of 1a to yield the second aldehyde molecule. In alcohol such as MeOH or EtOH, the oxygenation reaction affords a mixture of 4a and the corresponding esters 5a or 5a'. Four other aryl propargylic alcohols 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, which contain thiophen‐2‐yl, isopropenyl, fur‐3‐yl, and fur‐2‐yl, respectively, on the aryl ring are also prepared. Analogous aldehydes 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e are similarly prepared from 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, respectively. For oxygenations of 1b, 1d, and 1e in alcohol, mixtures of aldehyde 4, ester 5, and acetal 8 are obtained. The carbene complex 2b obtained from 1b was also characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The UV/Vis spectra of 2a and 2b consist of absorption bands with a high extinction coefficient. From DFT calculations on 2a and 2b, the visible light is found to populate the LUMO antibonding orbital of mainly RuC bonds, thereby weakening the RuC bond and promoting the oxygenation/demetalation reactions of 2.
Time‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 by sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Masubuchi Yasuhiro , Kawaguchi Yuki
Published: August 2013

Drug–drug interactions associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely known. A major interaction by SSRIs is the inhibition of cytochrome P450 (P450)‐mediated hepatic drug metabolism. The SSRI, sertraline, is also reported to increase the blood concentration of co‐administered drugs. The potency of sertraline directly to inhibit hepatic drug metabolism is relatively weak compared with the other SSRIs, implying that additional mechanisms are involved in the interactions. The study examined whether sertraline produces time‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 and/or other P450 enzymes. Incubation of human liver microsomes with sertraline in the presence of NADPH resulted in marked decreases in testosterone 6β‐hydroxylation activities, indicating that sertraline metabolism leads to CYP3A4 inactivation. This inactivation required NADPH and was not protected by glutathione. No significant inactivation was observed for other P450 enzymes. Spectroscopic evaluation revealed that microsomes with and without sertraline in the presence of NADPH gave a Soret peak at 455 nm, suggesting the formation of metabolic intermediate (MI) complexes of sertraline metabolite(s) with the reduced form of P450. This is the first report indicating that sertraline produced time‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A4, which may be associated with MI complex formation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the synthesis of short chain fatty acids
Authors: Leber Christopher , Da Silva Nancy A.
Published: August 2013

Carbon feedstocks from fossilized sources are being rapidly depleted due to rising demand for industrial and commercial applications. Many petroleum‐derived chemicals can be directly or functionally substituted with chemicals derived from renewable feedstocks. Several short chain organic acids may fulfill this role using their functional groups as a target for chemical catalysis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered to produce short chain carboxylic acids (C6 to C10) from glucose using the heterologous Homo sapiens type I fatty acid synthase (hFAS). This synthase was activated by phosphopantetheine transfereases AcpS and Sfp from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo. hFAS was produced in the holo‐form and produced carboxylic acids in vitro, confirmed by NADPH and ADIFAB assays. Overexpression of hFAS in a yeast FAS2 knockout strain, deficient in de novo fatty acid synthesis, demonstrated the full functional replacement of the native fungal FAS by hFAS. Two active heterologous short chain thioesterases (TEs) from Cuphea palustris (CpFatB1) and Rattus norvegicus (TEII) were evaluated for short chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis in vitro and in vivo. Three hFAS mutants were constructed: a mutant deficient in the native TE domain, a mutant with a linked CpFatB1 TE and a mutant with a linked TEII TE. Using the native yeast fatty acid synthase for growth, the overexpression of the hFAS mutants and the short‐chain TEs (linked or plasmid‐based) increased in vivo caprylic acid and total SCFA production up to 64‐fold (63 mg/L) and 52‐fold (68 mg/L), respectively, over the native yeast levels. Combined over‐expression of the phosphopantetheine transferase with the hFAS mutant resulted in C8 titers of up to 82 mg/L and total SCFA titers of up to 111 mg/L. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 347–358. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Addition of Sulfonic Acids to Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by a Rhodium Complex: Ligand Concentration‐Controlled Reaction Selectivity
Authors: Yang Yong , Moschetta Eric G. , Rioux Robert M.
Published: August 2013

A Rh‐catalyzed process for the regioselective formation of vinyl sulfonate esters in moderate to high yields through the hydrosulfonation of alkynes with sulfonic acids has been developed. Our synthetic approach is capable of adding a variety of alkynes to a set of sulfonic acids and is amenable to different phosphorus ligands, solvents, and Rh precursors. We control the chemo‐ and regioselectivity of the reaction to the Markovnikov vinyl sulfonate ester by tuning the concentration of the exogenous ligand, PPh3, which forms the active RhP species in situ. At lower PPh3 concentrations, the reaction favors the formation of vinyl sulfonate esters, whereas at higher PPh3 concentrations, the reaction favors the formation of vinylphosphonium salts. We perform Hammett analyses and kinetic isotope effect experiments to determine the steps of the catalytic mechanism. Reaction data for substituted acetylenes indicates syn and anti addition occur across the triple bond. Experiments performed with the vinylphosphonium salt as the exogenous ligand determined that the formation of the salt was not a necessary step in the catalytic mechanism for the direct formation of the vinyl sulfonate esters.
Melt Index Prediction by Fuzzy Functions and Weighted Least Squares Support Vector Machines
Authors: Zhang M. , Liu X.
Published: August 2013

The melt index (MI) is considered as one of the most important quality variables to determine propylene product specifications. Reliable prediction of the MI is significant in practical propylene polymerization (PP) processes. This paper presents novel predictive fuzzy functions (FF), combining the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and weighted least squares support vector machines (WLS‐SVM) to infer MI from real PP process variables, where the FF utilize WLS‐SVM for regression models to calculate the parameters and the PSO algorithm further optimizes the model. Research on the proposed FF model is carried out with the data from a real PP plant and the results are compared among the standard SVM, FF‐LS‐SVM, FF‐WLS‐SVM, and PSO‐FF‐WLS‐SVM models. The results show that the model developed here can be a powerful tool for online MI prediction.
ChemInform Abstract: The New Hg‐Rich Barium Indium Mercurides BaInxHg7‐x (x = 3.1) and BaInxHg11‐x (x = 0—2.8) Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structure.
Authors: Wendorff Marco , Schwarz Michael , Roehr Caroline
Published: August 2013

The title compounds BaIn3.1Hg3.9 (x = 3.1) (I) and BaInxHg11‐x (x = 0—2.8) (II) are prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of the elements (Ta crucible, 825 K, cooling rate of 5 K/h).
ChemInform Abstract: From One to Three Dimensions: Corrugated ∞1[NiGe] Ribbons as a Building Block in Alkaline Earth Metal Ae/Ni/Ge Phases with Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding in AeNiGe (Ae: Mg, Sr, Ba).
Authors: Hlukhyy Viktor , Siggelkow Lisa , Faessler Thomas F.
Published: August 2013

MgNiGe (I), SrNiGe (II), and BaNiGe (III) are synthesized from equimolar ratios of the elements (sealed Ta tubes, 1.
ChemInform Abstract: Penikisite, BaMg2Al2(PO4)3(OH)3, Isostructural with Bjarebyite.
Authors: Bowman Michael G. , Downs Robert T. , Yang Hexiong
Published: August 2013

Single crystal XRD of naturally occurring single crystals of the title compound (Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada) show penikisite to be monoclinic and isotypic with other members of the bjarebyite group with space group P21/m (Z = 2).
ChemInform Abstract: Schaurteite, Ca3Ge(SO4)2 (OH)6·3H2O.
Authors: Origlieri Marcus J. , Downs Robert T.
Published: August 2013

Single crystal XRD results reveal that the naturally occurring title mineral (Tsumeb, Otavi Mountains, Namibia) crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P63/mmc with Z = 2.
ChemInform Abstract: Pirquitasite, Ag2ZnSnS4.
Authors: Schumer Benjamin N. , Downs Robert T. , Domanik Kenneth J. , Andrade Marcelo B. , Origlieri Marcus J.
Published: August 2013

Single crystal XRD of a twinned crystal of the title mineral (specimens from Pirquitas deposit, Jujuy Province, Argentina) shows anisotropic displacement parameters for all atoms and a measured composition of (Ag1.87Cu0.13) (Zn0.61Fe0.36Cd0.03)SnS4.
ChemInform Abstract: New Metal Chalcogenides Ba4CuGa5Q12 (Q: S, Se) Displaying Strong Infrared Nonlinear Optical Response.
Authors: Kuo Shu‐Ming , Chang Yu‐Ming , Chung In , Jang Joon‐Ik , Her Bo‐Hsian , Yang Siao‐Han , Ketterson John B. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Hsu Kuei‐Fang
Published: August 2013

Ba4CuGa5S12 (I), Ba4CuGa5 (S0.75Se0.25)12 (II), and Ba4CuGa5Se12 (III) are prepared by melting of the elements in a KBr flux (1.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Turbostratically Disordered (PbSe)1.18(TiSe2)2.
Authors: Moore Daniel B. , Beekman Matt , Disch Sabrina , Zschack Paul , Haeusler Ines , Neumann Wolfgang , Johnson David C.
Published: August 2013

The title compound is prepared by annealing (350 °C, N2) a system of 28 repetitions of sputtered layer sequences of Ti‐Se‐Ti‐Se‐Pb‐Se.
ChemInform Abstract: Effect of Defects in the Formation of AlB2‐Type WB2 and MoB2.
Authors: Hayami Wataru , Momozawa Ai , Otani Shigeki
Published: August 2013

First‐principles DFT calculations indicate that boron defects are responsible for the difference in synthesizability of the title compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Titanium(III) Sulfate as New Negative Electrode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Senguttuvan P. , Rousse G. , Vezin H. , Tarascon J.‐M. , Palacin M. R.
Published: August 2013

Ti2(SO4)3 is prepared by treatment of Ti metal powder with conc.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterization of Strontium Chloroborate Whiskers.
Authors: Zhu Donghai , Yun Shan , Nai Xueying , Zhao Dongmei , Liu Xin , Li Wu
Published: August 2013

Single crystalline Sr2B5O9Cl whiskers with uniform diameter are precipitated with SrCl2 from aqueous Na2B4O7 solutions followed by evaporation at 150 °C.
ChemInform Abstract: Ammonothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of BaAl2(NH2)8·2NH3.
Authors: Pust Philipp , Schmiechen Sebastian , Hintze Frauke , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

BaAl2(NH2)8·2NH3 is synthesized from Al2Ba intermetallic phase, NH3, and Al foil as substrate under ammonothermal conditions (autoclave, 823 K, 245 MPa; 700 h).
ChemInform Abstract: A Template‐Free Solution Route for the Synthesis of Well‐Formed One‐Dimensional Zn2GeO4 Nanocrystals and Its Photocatalytic Behavior.
Authors: Liang Jun , Cao Yiqun , Lin Huan , Zhang Zizhong , Huang Changcang , Wang Xuxu
Published: August 2013

Zn2GeO4 hexagonal nanorods are obtained via a surfactant and template‐free hydrothermal reaction of a 2:1 mixture of Zn(OAc)2 and GeO2 in aq.
ChemInform Abstract: A Ferrimagnetic Zintl Phase Pr4MnSb9: Synthesis, Structure, and Physical Properties.
Authors: Chen Xiong , Shen Jin‐Ni , Wu Li‐Ming , Chen Ling
Published: August 2013

The title compound is synthesized by solid state reaction of stoichiometric mixtures of the elements (sealed carbon‐coated silica tube; 1373 K, 20 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Cooperative N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) and Ruthenium Redox Catalysis: Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes with Air as the Terminal Oxidant.
Authors: Zhao Junfeng , Mueck‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Studer Armido
Published: August 2013

The cooperative NHC and Ru‐based redox catalysis for the aerobic oxidative esterification of aldehydes (I) is described.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free Fluorination of C(sp3)—H Bonds Using a Catalytic N‐Oxyl Radical.
Authors: Amaoka Yuuki , Nagatomo Masanori , Inoue Masayuki
Published: August 2013

The simple reagent system composed of NDHPI (cat.) and Selectfluor enables a metal‐free fluorination under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient and Regioselective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation of Olefins.
Authors: Wu Lipeng , Fleischer Ivana , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: August 2013

Synthetically valuable linear amines are prepared with high yields and regioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Hydroxymethylation Reactions of Iodoarenes Using CO and 1,3‐Dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene Borane.
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Okada Takuma , Curran Dennis P. , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: August 2013

While iodoarenes react smoothly, bromoarenes and chloroarenes do not couple under conditions used.