bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific Aspects of Sterility Assurance, Sterility, Asepsis, and Sterilization
Authors: Akers James E. , Agalloco James P.
Published: November 2013

This chapter provides introductory level information relating to sterile product manufacturing and the control of microbiological contamination in that endeavor.However, many of the principles discussed here will be relevant to any process in which the control of microbiological contamination is paramount.Microbiology is a broad and intensely complex science, and unfortunately, the novice often fails to grasp the complexity of the discipline and further fails to appreciate the diversity of the microbial world. So diverse are the organisms in the science of microbiology that they fall into two primary phylogenetic kingdoms, the prokaryotes and the eukaryotes.In fact, the incredible diversity of the microbial world is such that some organisms, viruses, are neither prokaryotes nor eukaryotes and instead are obligate intracellular parasites possessing genetic material, a limited complement of functioning enzymes, but lacking any innate metabolic apparatus.Although in sterile product manufacturing the focus is primarily on the bacterial and mycological world (prokaryotes and eukaryotes), this is most assuredly not true in the case of some products of biological origin where contamination with adventitious viruses could be problematic.
Methods for Characterizing Proteins in Aluminum Adjuvant Formulations
Authors: Capelle Martinus A.H. , Poirier Emilie , Arvinte Tudor
Published: November 2013

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) mixed with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant (Alhydrogel®) was used as a vaccine model for physicochemical studies. Methods are presented that allow studies of protein in the vaccine formulations without separation of the protein from the aluminum salt adjuvant: (i) UV‐Vis transmission, (ii) 90° light‐scatter, (iii) fluorescence spectroscopy, (iv) time‐correlated single photon counting fluorescence lifetime, (v) light microscopy, (vi) attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, (vii) UV resonance Raman spectroscopy, (viii) sedimentation by gravitation, (ix) analytical centrifugation with the LUMiSizer®, (x) circular dichroism, and (xi) ultrasound resonator technology. The advantages of using fluorescence emission compared with UV‐Vis absorbance for the determination of the amount of protein bound to the adjuvant are discussed. The presented methods can be applied to characterize the vaccines' stability and improve the formulation. The physico‐chemical properties (e.g., conformation, binding strengths, and type of aggregates or formed complexes) together with in vivo activity data will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism(s) of action that can be applied to design more potent vaccines.
Routes of Delivery for Biological Drug Products
Authors: Irvine Darrell J. , Su Xingfang , Kwong Brandon
Published: November 2013

Unlike conventional small‐molecule drugs, many of which can be formulated effectively with excipients to avoid degradation in the stomach and which exhibit reasonably efficient uptake through the gastrointestinal tract, biological drugs may exhibit lower stability and a greater sensitivity to enzymatic degradation, making oral delivery problematic. Thus, the majority of biologics are currently administered through subcutaneous/intramuscular injection or via intravenous infusion. Recent advances in delivery of traditional biologics include methods to increase the acceptable volume of drug solutions that can be administered subcutaneously.In addition, a number of alternative routes of administration for biologic drug products are being intensively investigated at the preclinical and clinical stages, such as intranasal, pulmonary, transcutaneous, and other routes, with some first examples of products recently licensed.This chapter will review current methods in use for marketed biologics and advanced approaches undergoing clinical testing.
Active fault‐tolerant control system design with trajectory re‐planning against actuator faults and saturation: Application to a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Chamseddine A. , Theilliol D. , Zhang Y.M. , Join C. , Rabbath C.A.
Published: November 2013

During the past 30 years, various fault‐tolerant control (FTC) methods have been developed to address actuator or component faults for various systems with or without tracking control objectives. However, very few FTC strategies establish a relation between the post‐fault reference trajectory to track and the remaining resources in the system after fault occurrence. This is an open problem that is not well considered in the literature. The main contribution of this paper is in the design of a reconfigurable FTC and trajectory planning scheme with emphasis on online decision making using differential flatness. In the fault‐free case and on the basis of the available actuator resources, the reference trajectories are synthesized so as to drive the system as fast as possible to its desired setpoint without violating system constraints. In the fault case, the proposed active FTC system (AFTCS) consists in synthesizing a reconfigurable feedback control along with a modified reference trajectories once an actuator fault has been diagnosed by a fault detection and diagnosis scheme, which uses a parameter‐estimation‐based unscented Kalman filter. Benefited with the integration of trajectory re‐planning using the flatness concept and the compensation‐based reconfigurable controller, both faults and saturation in actuators can be handled effectively with the proposed AFTCS design. Advantages and limitations of the proposed AFTCS are illustrated using an experimental quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle testbed.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monolithically Integrated Circuits from Functional Oxides
Authors: Jany Rainer , Richter Christoph , Woltmann Carsten , Pfanzelt Georg , Förg Benjamin , Rommel Marcus , Reindl Thomas , Waizmann Ulrike , Weis Jürgen , Mundy Julia A. , Muller David A. , Boschker Hans , Mannhart Jochen
Published: November 2013

The rich array of conventional and exotic electronic properties that can be generated by oxide heterostructures is of great potential value for device applications. However, only single transistors bare of any circuit functionality have been realized from complex oxides. Here, monolithically‐integrated n‐type metal‐oxide‐semiconductor logic circuits are reported that utilize the two‐dimensional electron liquid generated at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface. Providing the capability to process the signals of functional oxide devices such as sensors directly on oxide chips, these results illustrate the practicability and the potential of oxide electronics.
Nanoantenna‐Sandwiched Graphene with Giant Spectral Tuning in the Visible‐to‐Near‐Infrared Region
Authors: Shao Lei , Wang Xiaomu , Xu Haitao , Wang Jianfang , Xu Jian‐Bin , Peng Lian‐Mao , Lin Hai‐Qing
Published: November 2013

Graphene exhibits intriguing electronic and optical properties, making it promising for integrating electronics and optics. Effective light modulation can be achieved by combining graphene with plasmonic metal structures. However, to tune plasmonic response with graphene at visible‐to‐near‐infrared frequencies has remained challenging owing to the weak coupling between plasmonic resonances and graphene optical transitions as well as inefficient gate control of the latter. Here the remarkable tuning of plasmonic scattering is reported by loading graphene into the cavities between Au nanocrystals and a Au film. The graphene‐loaded nanoantennas show dramatic resonance red shifts, which can further be modified by varying graphene dielectric screening effect. Such nanoantennas can therefore not only strengthen light−graphene interactions drastically but also exemplify an electroplasmonic system naturally. This study will open up an avenue for effectively operating graphene photonic devices in the visible‐to‐near‐infrared range and pave a way for electrically controlling light with plasmonic structures.
A globally convergent method for finding all steady‐state solutions of distillation columns
Authors: Baharev Ali , Neumaier Arnold
Published: November 2013

Significance

A globally convergent method is proposed that either returns all solutions to steady‐state models of distillation columns or proves their infeasibility. Initial estimates are not required. The method requires a specific but fairly general block‐sparsity pattern; in return, the computational efforts grow linearly with the number of stages in the column. The well‐known stage‐by‐stage (and the sequential modular) approach also reduces the task of solving high‐dimensional steady‐state models to that of solving a sequence of low‐dimensional ones. Unfortunately, these low‐dimensional systems are extremely sensitive to the initial estimates, so that solving them can be notoriously difficult or even impossible. The proposed algorithm overcomes these numerical difficulties by a new reparameterization technique. The successful solution of a numerically challenging reactive distillation column with seven steady‐states shows the robustness of the method. No published software known to the authors could compute all solutions to this difficult model without expert tuning. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 410–414, 2014
Pesticide exposures to migrant farmworkers in eastern NC: Detection of metabolites in farmworker urine associated with housing violations and camp characteristics
Authors: Raymer J.H. , Studabaker W.B. , Gardner M. , Talton J. , Quandt S.A. , Chen H. , Michael L.C. , McCombs M. , Arcury T.A.
Published: November 2013

Background

The purpose of this paper is to present and evaluate descriptively bivariate associations between urinary metabolites of pesticides and herbicides and migrant camp conditions, violations, and personal worker behaviors at home for farmworkers who do not apply pesticides.

Methods

We studied 183 migrant farmworker camps in eastern North Carolina in 2010. Data and urine samples were collected from 371 men. Predictor measures included violations in six domains of housing regulations and nonviolation characteristics and personal behaviors that might impact urinary metabolites.

Results

Cockroaches and bathroom violations were predictive of increased exposure to pyrethroids and cyfluthrin/chlorpyrifos, respectively. Changing and storing clothing and shoes in sleeping rooms increased the number of detects for the diazinon metabolite.

Conclusions

Farmworkers had exposures to multiple chemicals. No single housing domain was identified as critical to mitigating housing‐related exposure; specific attention should be paid to changing and storing soiled clothing in sleeping rooms, and insect infestations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:323–337, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
X chromosome exome sequencing reveals a novel ALG13 mutation in a nonsyndromic intellectual disability family with multiple affected male siblings
Authors: Bissar‐Tadmouri Nesrine , Donahue Whithey L. , Al‐Gazali Lihadh , Nelson Stanley F. , Bayrak‐Toydemir Pinar , Kantarci Sibel
Published: November 2013

X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a heterogeneous condition associated with mutations in >100 genes, accounting for over 10% of all cases of intellectual impairment. The majority of XLID cases show nonsyndromic forms (NSXLID), in which intellectual disability is the sole clinically consistent manifestation. Here we performed X chromosome exome (X‐exome) sequencing to identify the causative mutation in an NSXLID family with four affected male siblings and five unaffected female siblings. The X‐exome sequencing at 88× coverage in one affected male sibling revealed a novel missense mutation (p.Tyr1074Cys) in the asparagine‐linked glycosylation 13 homolog (ALG13) gene. Segregation analysis by Sanger sequencing showed that the all affected siblings were hemizygous and the mother was heterozygous for the mutation. Recently, a de novo missense mutation in ALG13 has been reported in a patient with X‐linked congenital disorders of glycosylation type I. Our study reports the first case of NSXLID caused by a mutation in ALG13 involved in protein N‐glycosylation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intellectual disability, coarse face, relative macrocephaly, and cerebellar hypotrophy in two sisters
Authors: Sousa Sérgio B. , Ramos Fabiana , Garcia Paula , Pais Rui P. , Paiva Catarina , Beales Philip L. , Moore Gudrun E. , Saraiva Jorge M. , Hennekam Raoul C. M.
Published: November 2013

We report on two Portuguese sisters with a very similar phenotype characterized by severe intellectual disability, absent speech, relative macrocephaly, coarse face, cerebellar hypotrophy, and severe ataxia. Additional common features include increased thickness of the cranial vault, delayed dental eruption, talipes equino‐varus, clinodactyly, and camptodactyly of the fifth finger. The older sister has retinal dystrophy and the younger sister has short stature. Their parents are consanguineous. We suggest this condition constitutes a previously unreported autosomal recessive entity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WNT10A mutations account for ¼ of population‐based isolated oligodontia and show phenotypic correlations
Authors: Arzoo Pakeeza Shaiq , Klar Joakim , Bergendal Birgitta , Norderyd Johanna , Dahl Niklas
Published: November 2013

A large proportion (>50%) of patients with isolated oligodontia were recently reported with WNT10A mutations. We have analyzed a population‐based cohort of 102 individuals diagnosed with non‐syndromic oligodontia and a mean of 8.2 missing teeth. The cohort included 94 families and screening of WNT10A identified that 26 probands (27.7%) had at least one WNT10A variant. When we included the MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, EDA, EDAR, and EDARADD genes, 38.3% of probands were positive for a mutation. Biallelic WNT10A mutations were strongly associated with a larger number of missing teeth (11.09) when compared to both monoallelic WNT10 mutations (6.82) and the group without mutations in WNT10A, MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD (7.77). Genotype–phenotype analysis of individuals with WNT10A mutations showed that premolars were the most common missing teeth. Furthermore, biallelic WNT10A mutations were associated with absence of maxillary and mandibular molars as well as mandibular central incisors. Maxillary central incisors were always present. Thus, our study indicates that WNT10A mutations are associated with both the type and numbers of missing teeth. Furthermore, we show that this population‐based cohort of isolated oligodontia had a considerably lower frequency of mutated WNT10A alleles and a lower mean number of missing teeth when compared to patients recruited from dental specialist centers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In search of biomarkers in psychiatry: EEG‐based measures of brain function
Authors: McLoughlin Gráinne , Makeig Scott , Tsuang Ming T.
Published: November 2013

Current clinical parameters used for diagnosis and phenotypic definitions of psychopathology are both highly variable and subjective. Intensive research efforts for specific and sensitive biological markers, or biomarkers, for psychopathology as objective alternatives to the current paradigm are ongoing. While biomarker research in psychiatry has focused largely on functional neuroimaging methods for identifying the neural functions that associate with psychopathology, scalp electroencephalography (EEG) has been viewed, historically, as offering little specific brain source information, as scalp appearance is only loosely correlated to its brain source dynamics. However, ongoing advances in signal processing of EEG data can now deliver functional EEG brain‐imaging with distinctly improved spatial, as well as fine temporal, resolution. One computational approach proving particularly useful for EEG cortical brain imaging is independent component analysis (ICA). ICA decomposition can be used to identify distinct cortical source activities that are sensitive and specific to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Given its practical research advantages, relatively low cost, and ease of use, EEG‐imaging is now both feasible and attractive, in particular for studies involving the large samples required by genetically informative designs to characterize causal pathways to psychopathology. The completely non‐invasive nature of EEG data acquisition, coupled with ongoing advances in dry, wireless, and wearable EEG technology, makes EEG‐imaging increasingly attractive and appropriate for psychiatric research, including the study of developmentally young samples. Applied to large genetically and developmentally informative samples, EEG imaging can advance the search for robust diagnostic biomarkers and phenotypes in psychiatry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GRIN2B mutations in west syndrome and intellectual disability with focal epilepsy
Authors: Lemke Johannes R. , Hendrickx Rik , Geider Kirsten , Laube Bodo , Schwake Michael , Harvey Robert J. , James Victoria M. , Pepler Alex , Steiner Isabelle , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Neidhardt John , Ruf Susanne , Wolff Markus , Bartholdi Deborah , Caraballo Roberto , Platzer Konrad , Suls Arvid , De Jonghe Peter , Biskup Saskia , Weckhuysen Sarah
Published: November 2013

Objective

To identify novel epilepsy genes using a panel approach and describe the functional consequences of mutations.

Methods

Using a panel approach, we screened 357 patients comprising a vast spectrum of epileptic disorders for defects in genes known to contribute to epilepsy and/or intellectual disability (ID). After detection of mutations in a novel epilepsy gene, we investigated functional effects in Xenopus laevis oocytes and screened a follow‐up cohort.

Results

We revealed de novo mutations in GRIN2B encoding the NR2B subunit of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor in 2 individuals with West syndrome and severe developmental delay as well as 1 individual with ID and focal epilepsy. The patient with ID and focal epilepsy had a missense mutation in the extracellular glutamate‐binding domain (p.Arg540His), whereas both West syndrome patients carried missense mutations within the NR2B ion channel‐forming re‐entrant loop (p.Asn615Ile, p.Val618Gly). Subsequent screening of 47 patients with unexplained infantile spasms did not reveal additional de novo mutations, but detected a carrier of a novel inherited GRIN2B splice site variant in close proximity (c.2011‐5_2011‐4delTC). Mutations p.Asn615Ile and p.Val618Gly cause a significantly reduced Mg2+ block and higher Ca2+ permeability, leading to a dramatically increased Ca2+ influx, whereas p.Arg540His caused less severe disturbance of channel function, corresponding to the milder patient phenotype.

Interpretation

We identified GRIN2B gain‐of‐function mutations as a cause of West syndrome with severe developmental delay as well as of ID with childhood onset focal epilepsy. Severely disturbed channel function corresponded to severe clinical phenotypes, underlining the important role of facilitated NMDA receptor signaling in epileptogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:147–154
Die katalytische asymmetrische α‐Benzylierung von Aldehyden
Authors: List Benjamin , Čorić Ilija , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Kaib Philip S. J. , Komarov Igor , Lee Anna , Leutzsch Markus , Chandra Pan Subhas , Tymtsunik Andrey V. , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: November 2013

Die erste aminokatalytische α‐Alkylierung α‐verzweigter Aldehyde mit Benzylbromiden als Alkylierungsmittel wurde entwickelt. Unter Verwendung eines sterisch anspruchsvollen, von Prolin abgeleiteten Katalysators reagieren racemische α‐verzweigte Aldehyde mit Alkylierungsmitteln in einem DYKAT‐Prozess und ergeben mit guten Ausbeuten und hohen Enantioselektivitäten α‐alkylierte Aldehyde mit quartären Stereozentren.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Decarboxylation/Oxidative Amidation of α‐Keto Acids with Amines under Mild Reaction Conditions Using O2
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Qiang , Yi Hong , Qin Chu , Bai Ruopeng , Qi Xiaotian , Lan Yu , Lei Aiwen
Published: November 2013

Photochemistry has ushered in a new era in the development of chemistry, and photoredox catalysis has become a hot topic, especially over the last five years, with the combination of visible‐light photoredox catalysis and radical reactions. A novel, simple, and efficient radical oxidative decarboxylative coupling with the assistant of the photocatalyst [Ru(phen)3]Cl2 is described. Various functional groups are well‐tolerated in this reaction and thus provides a new approach to developing advanced methods for aerobic oxidative decarboxylation. The preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that: 1) an SET process between [Ru(phen)3]2+* and aniline play an important role; 2) O2 activation might be the rate‐determining step; and 3) the decarboxylation step is an irreversible and fast process.
An Effective Pd–Ni2P/C Anode Catalyst for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells
Authors: Chang Jinfa , Feng Ligang , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei , Hu Xile
Published: November 2013

The direct formic acid fuel cell is an emerging energy conversion device for which palladium is considered as the state‐of‐the‐art anode catalyst. In this communication, we show that the activity and stability of palladium for formic acid oxidation can be significantly enhanced using nickel phosphide (Ni2P) nanoparticles as a cocatalyst. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals a strong electronic interaction between Ni2P and Pd. A direct formic acid fuel cell incorporating the best Pd–Ni2P anode catalyst exhibits a power density of 550 mW cm−2, which is 3.5 times of that of an analogous device using a commercial Pd anode catalyst.
Catalyst‐Free Dehydrative α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Alcohols: Green and Selective Autocatalyzed Synthesis of Alcohols and Ketones
Authors: Xu Qing , Chen Jianhui , Tian Haiwen , Yuan Xueqin , Li Shuangyan , Zhou Chongkuan , Liu Jianping
Published: November 2013

Direct dehydrative α‐alkylation reactions of ketones with alcohols are now realized under simple, practical, and green conditions without using external catalysts. These catalyst‐free autocatalyzed alkylation methods can efficiently afford useful alkylated ketone or alcohol products in a one‐pot manner and on a large scale by CC bond formation of the in situ generated intermediates with subsequent controllable and selective Meerwein–Pondorf–Verley–Oppenauer‐type redox processes.
The Catalytic Asymmetric α‐Benzylation of Aldehydes
Authors: List Benjamin , Čorić Ilija , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Kaib Philip S. J. , Komarov Igor , Lee Anna , Leutzsch Markus , Chandra Pan Subhas , Tymtsunik Andrey V. , van Gemmeren Manuel
Published: November 2013

The first aminocatalyzed α‐alkylation of α‐branched aldehydes with benzyl bromides as alkylating agents has been developed. Using a sterically demanding proline derived catalyst, racemic α‐branched aldehydes are reacted with alkylating agents in a DYKAT process to give the corresponding α‐alkylated aldehydes with quaternary stereogenic centers in good yields and high enantioselectivities.
Exploiting Protein Symmetry To Design Light‐Controllable Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Reisinger Bernd , Kuzmanovic Natascha , Löffler Patrick , Merkl Rainer , König Burkhard , Sterner Reinhard
Published: November 2013

The activity of the metabolic branch‐point enzyme PriA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mtPriA) can be controlled reversibly by light. Two‐pronged inhibitors based on the dithienylethene scaffold were designed utilizing mtPriA’s natural rotational symmetry. Switching from the flexible, ring‐open to the rigid, ring‐closed isomer reduces inhibition activity by one order of magnitude.
Controlling the Shape of Evaporating Droplets by Ionic Strength: Formation of Highly Anisometric Silica Supraparticles
Authors: Sperling Marcel , Velev Orlin D. , Gradzielski Michael
Published: November 2013

Anisometric silica supraparticles are produced by a simple process of evaporation of sessile droplets containing fumed silica deposited on a superhydrophobic substrate. The shape of the supraparticles is directly controlled by the salt (NaCl) concentration, becoming anisometric beyond a threshold concentration, as quantified by light microscopy. This process is easily extended to supraparticles containing further functional colloidal components.
Synthesis of Segmented Silica Rods by Regulation of the Growth Temperature
Authors: Datskos Panos , Sharma Jaswinder
Published: November 2013

The control of the diameter of colloidal structures is of fundamental interest and practical importance. We synthesized segmented silica rods by regulating the reaction temperature while the rods were growing. With higher growth temperatures, the segment diameter became smaller. Longer incubation times gave longer segments at the same temperature. Similarly, high temperature for the same incubation time gave longer segments. It appears that the correlation between temperature and diameter results from the relation between temperature and the size of the emulsion droplet, that is, the higher the temperature, the smaller the emulsion droplet.
Stereospecific Cyclic Poly(methyl methacrylate) and Its Topology‐Guided Hierarchically Controlled Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Ren Jing Ming , Satoh Kotaro , Goh Tor Kit , Blencowe Anton , Nagai Kanji , Ishitake Kenji , Christofferson Andrew Joseph , Yiapanis George , Yarovsky Irene , Kamigaito Masami , Qiao Greg Guanghua
Published: November 2013

In this study, the stereocomplexation between a novel stereospecific cyclic vinyl polymer, that is, cyclic syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (st‐PMMA), with the complementary linear isotactic (it‐) PMMA was investigated. Surprising new insight into the effects of the topology (i.e., end groups), size, and tacticity of the assembling components on stereocomplex formation was obtained. Characterization of the stereocomplexes revealed that the self‐assembly of cyclic st‐PMMAs and linear it‐PMMAs resulted in the formation of an unprecedented “polypseudorotaxane‐type” supramolecular assembly. This stereocomplex exhibited remarkably different physical properties as compared to the conventional PMMA triple‐helix stereocomplex as a result of the restricted topology imposed by the cyclic st‐PMMA assembling component.
Copper‐64‐Alloyed Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Imaging: Improved Radiolabel Stability and Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Zhao Yongfeng , Sultan Deborah , Detering Lisa , Cho Sangho , Sun Guorong , Pierce Richard , Wooley Karen L. , Liu Yongjian
Published: November 2013

Gold nanoparticles, especially positron‐emitter‐ labeled gold nanostructures, have gained steadily increasing attention in biomedical applications. Of the radionuclides used for nanoparticle positron emission tomography imaging, radiometals such as 64Cu have been widely employed. Currently, radiolabeling through macrocyclic chelators is the most commonly used strategy. However, the radiolabel stability may be a limiting factor for further translational research. We report the integration of 64Cu into the structures of gold nanoparticles. With this approach, the specific radioactivity of the alloyed gold nanoparticles could be freely and precisely controlled by the addition of the precursor 64CuCl2 to afford sensitive detection. The direct incorporation of 64Cu into the lattice of the gold nanoparticle structure ensured the radiolabel stability for accurate localization in vivo. The superior pharmacokinetic and positron emission tomography imaging capabilities demonstrate high passive tumor targeting and contrast ratios in a mouse breast cancer model, as well as the great potential of this unique alloyed nanostructure for preclinical and translational imaging.
Multi‐Colored Fibers by Self‐Assembly of DNA, Histone Proteins, and Cationic Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Wang Fengyan , Liu Zhang , Wang Bing , Feng Liheng , Liu Libing , Lv Fengting , Wang Yilin , Wang Shu
Published: November 2013

The development of biomolecular fiber materials with imaging ability has become more and more useful for biological applications. In this work, cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs) were used to construct inherent fluorescent microfibers with natural biological macromolecules (DNA and histone proteins) through the interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) procedure. Isothermal titration microcalorimetry results show that the driving forces for fiber formation are electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, as well as the release of counterions and bound water molecules. Color‐encoded IPC fibers were also obtained based on the co‐assembly of DNA, histone proteins, and blue‐, green‐, or red‐ (RGB‐) emissive CCPs by tuning the fluorescence resonance energy‐transfer among the CCPs at a single excitation wavelength. The fibers could encapsulate GFP‐coded Escherichia coli BL21, and the expression of GFP proteins was successfully regulated by the external environment of the fibers. These multi‐colored fibers show a great potential in biomedical applications, such as biosensor, delivery, and release of biological molecules and tissue engineering.
Preparation and properties of polyamide‐6‐based thermoplastic laminate composites by a novel in‐mold polymerization technique
Authors: Dencheva Nadya , Sampaio Ana S. , Oliveira Filipa M. , Pouzada António S. , Brito Antonio M. , Denchev Zlatan
Published: November 2013

In this work, a method for preparation of polyamide‐6 (PA6) based laminates reinforced by glass fiber‐ (GFL) or polyamide‐66 (PA66) textile structures (PL) via reactive injection molding is disclosed. It is based on in‐mold anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam carried out at 165°C in the presence of the respective reinforcements performed in newly developed prototype equipment whose design concept and operation are described. Both composite types were produced for reaction times of 20 min, with conversion degrees of 97–99%. Initial mechanical tests in tension of GFL samples displayed almost twofold increase of the Young's modulus and stress at break values when compared with the neat anionic PA6. The improvement was proportional to the volume fraction Vf of glass fiber fabric that was varied in the 0.16–0.25 range. A 300% growth of the impact strength was registered in PL composites with Vf of PA66 textile of 0.1. Removing the surface finish of the latter was found to be a factor for improving the adhesion at the matrix–fiber interface. The mechanical behavior of GFL and PL composites was discussed in conjunction with the morphology of the samples studied by optical and electron microscopy and the matrix crystalline structure as revealed by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40083.
PET as a support material for TiO2 in advanced oxidation processes
Authors: de Barros Allen Lopes , Domingos Antonio Anailton Queiroz , Fechine Pierre Basílio Almeida , de Keukeleire Denis , do Nascimento Ronaldo Ferreira
Published: November 2013

The use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a support material for TiO2 films in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for water treatment was investigated. A green, low‐cost immobilization procedure was developed and the amount of deposited photocatalyst ranged from 0.036 to 0.202 mg per cm2 PET. Photocatalytic activity of the films was evidenced by degrading paracetamol solutions under UV radiation. The highest kinetic constants were observed for at least 0.09 mg TiO2 per cm2 PET. Scan electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses indicated 0.15 mg TiO2 per cm2 PET as enough to provide complete covering of the PET support. Characterization analyses were also performed with a film after 30 h of use in a UV/TiO2/O3 reactor. According to SEM analyses, the photocatalyst was not detached from the PET support, while EDX and gravimetric data indicated the possibility of the TiO2 to have been contaminated by compounds present in the solution during the treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40175.
Evaluation of usage of virtual microscopy for the study of histology in the medical, dental, and veterinary undergraduate programs of a UK University
Authors: Gatumu Margaret K. , MacMillan Frances M. , Langton Philip D. , Headley P. Max , Harris Judy R.
Published: November 2013

This article describes the introduction of a virtual microscope (VM) that has allowed preclinical histology teaching to be fashioned to better suit the needs of approximately 900 undergraduate students per year studying medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. Features of the VM implementation include: (1) the facility for students and teachers to make annotations on the digital slides; (2) in‐house development of VM‐based quizzes that are used for both formative and summative assessments; (3) archiving of teaching materials generated each year, enabling students to access their personalized learning resources throughout their programs; and (4) retention of light microscopy capability alongside the VM. Student feedback on the VM is particularly positive about its ease of use, the value of the annotation tool, the quizzes, and the accessibility of all components off‐campus. Analysis of login data indicates considerable, although variable, use of the VM by students outside timetabled teaching. The median number of annual logins per student account for every course exceeded the number of timetabled histology classes for that course (1.6–3.5 times). The total number of annual student logins across all cohorts increased from approximately 9,000 in the year 2007–2008 to 22,000 in the year 2010–2011. The implementation of the VM has improved teaching and learning in practical classes within the histology laboratory and facilitated consolidation and revision of material outside the laboratory. Discussion is provided of some novel strategies that capitalize on the benefits of introducing a VM, as well as strategies adopted to overcome some potential challenges. Anat Sci Educ 7: 389–398. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Synthesis of Size‐Controlled Ag@Co@Ni/Graphene Core–Shell Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane
Authors: Qiu Fangyuan , Li Li , Liu Guang , Xu Changchang , An Cuihua , Xu Yanan , Wang Ying , Huang Yanan , Chen Chengcheng , Wang Yijing , Jiao Lifang , Yuan Huatang
Published: November 2013

Size‐controlled Ag0.04@Co0.48@Ni0.48 core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by employing graphene (rGO) with different reduction degrees as supports. The number of CO and CO functional groups on the surface of rGO might play a major role in controlling the particle size. The strong steric‐hindrance effect of CO resulted in the growth of large particles, whereas CO contributed to the formation of small particles. The particle size of Ag0.04@Co0.48@Ni0.48 NPs supported on rGO with different reduction degrees decreased as the number of CO functional groups decreased. The decrease in the particle size probably led to the increase in the catalytic activity towards the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). The enhanced catalytic activity largely stemmed from the increasing active sites on the surface of catalysts owing to the decreasing particle size.
Photocontrolled Intramolecular Charge/Energy Transfer and Fluorescence Switching of Tetraphenylethene‐Dithienylethene‐Perylenemonoimide Triad with Donor–Bridge–Acceptor Structure
Authors: Li Chong , Yan Hui , Zhang Guo‐Feng , Gong Wen‐Liang , Chen Tao , Hu Rui , Aldred Matthew P. , Zhu Ming‐Qiang
Published: November 2013

Photochromic 1,2‐dithienylethene (DTE) derivatives with a high thermal stability and fatigue resistance are appealing for optical switching of fluorescence. Here, we introduce a donor–photochromic bridge–acceptor tetraphenylethene‐dithienylethene‐perylenemonoimide (TPE‐DTE‐PMI) triad, in which TPE acts as the electron donor, PMI as the electron acceptor, and DTE as the photochromic bridge. In this system, the localized and intramolecular charge transfer emission of TPE‐DTE‐PMI with various Stokes shifts have been observed due to the photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer in different solvents. Upon UV irradiation, the fluorescence quenching resulting from photochromic fluorescence resonance energy transfer in TPE‐DTE‐PMI has been demonstrated in solution and in solid films. The fluorescence on/off switching ratio in polymethylacrylate film exceeds 100, a value much higher than in polymethylmethacrylate film, thus indicating that the fluorescence switching is dependent on matrices.
Dinuclear Zinc Hydride Supported by an Anionic Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligand
Authors: Rit Arnab , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: November 2013

Methylene‐linked bis(N,N′‐di‐tert‐butylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) 1 reacted with diethylzinc to give dinuclear zinc ethyl compound 2, which contains a formally anionic bis(carbene) ligand as a result of deprotonation of the methylene bridge. The reaction of 2 with PhSiH3 gave the phenylsilyl compound 3. The zinc hydride 4 was obtained by the reaction of 2 with LiAlH4 or Ph3SiOH followed by treatment with PhSiH3. X‐ray diffraction studies show that compounds 2, 3, and 4 all have a similar dimeric structure with D2h symmetry. The reaction of hydride 4 with carbon dioxide and N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide gave formato (5) and formamidinato (7) derivatives as a result of the insertion of the heterocumulene into both ZnH bonds. Reaction with Ph2CO gave the diphenylmethoxy compound 6. Hydride 4 shows catalytic activity in the hydrosilylation of 1,1‐diphenylethylene and methanolysis of silanes.
Did the fire ant supergene evolve selfishly or socially?
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ching , Wang John
Published: November 2013

The genetic basis for animal social organization is poorly understood. Fire ants provide one of the rare cases where variation in social organization has been demonstrated to be under genetic control, which amazingly, segregates as a single Mendelian locus. A recent genetic, genomic, and cytological analysis revealed that this locus actually consists of over 600 genes locked together in a supergene that possesses many characteristics of sex chromosomes. The fire ant social supergene also behaves selfishly, and an interesting evolutionary question is whether the genes incorporated first into the social supergene were those for social adaptation, selfish genetic drive, or something else. In depth, functional molecular genetic analysis in fire ants and comparative genomics in other closely related socially polymorphic species will be required to resolve this question.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays Social supergenes of superorganisms: Do supergenes play important roles in social evolution? Abstract
Parallel dynamics and evolution: Protein conformational fluctuations and assembly reflect evolutionary changes in sequence and structure
Authors: Marsh Joseph A. , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: November 2013

Protein structure is dynamic: the intrinsic flexibility of polypeptides facilitates a range of conformational fluctuations, and individual protein chains can assemble into complexes. Proteins are also dynamic in evolution: significant variations in secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure can be observed among divergent members of a protein family. Recent work has highlighted intriguing similarities between these structural and evolutionary dynamics occurring at various levels. Here we review evidence showing how evolutionary changes in protein sequence and structure are often closely related to local protein flexibility and disorder, large‐scale motions and quaternary structure assembly. We suggest that these correspondences can be largely explained by neutral evolution, while deviations between structural and evolutionary dynamics can provide valuable functional insights. Finally, we address future prospects for the field and practical applications that arise from a deeper understanding of the intimate relationship between protein structure, dynamics, function and evolution.
Closing the (nuclear) envelope on the genome: How nuclear lamins interact with promoters and modulate gene expression
Authors: Collas Philippe , Lund Eivind G. , Oldenburg Anja R.
Published: November 2013

The nuclear envelope shapes the functional organization of the nucleus. Increasing evidence indicates that one of its main components, the nuclear lamina, dynamically interacts with the genome, including the promoter region of specific genes. This seems to occur in a manner that accords developmental significance to these interactions. This essay addresses key issues raised by recent data on the association of nuclear lamins with the genome. We discuss how lamins interact with large chromatin domains and with spatially restricted regions on gene promoters. We address the relationship between these interactions, chromatin modifications and gene expression outcomes. Lamin‐genome contacts are redistributed after cell division and during stem cell differentiation, with evidence of lineage specificity. Thus, we also speculate on a developmental role of lamin interactions with specific genes. Finally, we highlight how concepts arising from this recent work lay the foundations of future challenges and investigations.
Effect of the introduction of an emergency general surgery service on outcomes from appendicectomy
Authors: Suen K , Hayes I P , Thomson B N J , Shedda S
Published: November 2013

Background

Appendicectomy is a common general surgical emergency procedure and may be used as a surrogate marker to evaluate quality in surgical management. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of appendicectomy before and after the introduction of a consultant-led emergency general surgery (EGS) service at a large metropolitan tertiary referral centre.

Methods

A retrospective historical control study was performed that included all adult patients undergoing appendicectomy during two 18-month periods, before and after the introduction of the EGS service. Data collected included patient demographics, use of radiological investigations, time to surgery, length of hospital stay and histopathology findings. Outcome measures were time to surgery, hospital length of stay, use of radiological investigations, negative appendicectomy rate and perforation rate.

Results

A total of 675 patients were identified of whom 276 had an appendicectomy before the EGS service was introduced (2008–2009) and 399 after its introduction (2011–2012). The EGS service resulted in an increase in time to surgery (15 versus 18 h; P < 0·001) with no increase in length of hospital stay (3 days for both periods; P = 0·424). An increase in the rate of appendicectomies performed within office hours was seen (54·3 versus 64·4 per cent; P < 0·001), with no significant increase in negative appendicectomy (13·0 versus 15·8 per cent; P = 0·322) or perforation (8·3 versus 5·5 per cent; P = 0·149) rates. The use of preoperative computed tomography reduced from 38·4 to 26·6 per cent (P = 0·001).

Conclusion

The introduction of a consultant-led EGS service resulted in a decrease in the use of computed tomography and a greater proportion of appendicectomies performed within office hours, with no increase in length of stay. Overall negative appendicectomy and perforation rates did not change.
Global disease burden of conditions requiring emergency surgery
Authors: Stewart B , Khanduri P , McCord C , Ohene-Yeboah M , Uranues S , Vega Rivera F , Mock C
Published: November 2013

Background

Surgical disease is inadequately addressed globally, and emergency conditions requiring surgery contribute substantially to the global disease burden.

Methods

This was a review of studies that contributed to define the population-based health burden of emergency surgical conditions (excluding trauma and obstetrics) and the status of available capacity to address this burden. Further data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 and the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation online data.

Results

In the index year of 2010, there were 896 000 deaths, 20 million years of life lost and 25 million disability-adjusted life-years from 11 emergency general surgical conditions reported individually in the Global Burden of Disease Study. The most common cause of death was complicated peptic ulcer disease, followed by aortic aneurysm, bowel obstruction, biliary disease, mesenteric ischaemia, peripheral vascular disease, abscess and soft tissue infections, and appendicitis. The mortality rate was higher in high-income countries (HICs) than in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (24·3 versus 10·6 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants respectively), primarily owing to a higher rate of vascular disease in HICs. However, because of the much larger population, 70 per cent of deaths occurred in LMICs. Deaths from vascular disease rose from 15 to 25 per cent of surgical emergency-related deaths in LMICs (from 1990 to 2010). Surgical capacity to address this burden is suboptimal in LMICs, with fewer than one operating theatre per 100 000 inhabitants in many LMICs, whereas some HICs have more than 14 per 100 000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

The global burden of surgical emergencies is described insufficiently. The bare estimates indicate a tremendous health burden. LMICs carry the majority of emergency conditions; in these countries the pattern of surgical disease is changing and capacity to deal with the problem is inadequate. The data presented in this study will be useful for both the surgical and public health communities to plan a more adequate response.
Hilton's law revisited
Authors: HÉbert‐Blouin Marie‐NoËlle , Shane Tubbs R. , Carmichael Stephen W. , Spinner Robert J.
Published: November 2013

Hilton's Law, put forth 150 years ago, is well known and frequently taught in anatomy courses. We critically analyzed the complex description of associated muscular, cutaneous, and articular innervations in order to assess the general applicability of Hilton's Law. We applied rules for interpretation of the Law extrapolated upon but based on Hilton's original writings, and excluded obscure supplementary clauses not considered as part of the Law. We found the Law, as originally written and as we interpreted with some latitude, to be reliable and applicable to all cranial and peripheral nerves. Hilton's Law is a powerful springboard to understand articular anatomy and pathophysiology. Clin. Anat. 548–555, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Confined Nanospace Pyrolysis for the Fabrication of Coaxial Fe3O4@C Hollow Particles with a Penetrated Mesochannel as a Superior Anode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lei Cheng , Han Fei , Sun Qiang , Li Wen‐Cui , Lu An‐Hui
Published: November 2013

In this study, a method is developed to fabricate Fe3O4@C particles with a coaxial and penetrated hollow mesochannel based on the concept of “confined nanospace pyrolysis”. The synthesis involves the production of a polydopamine coating followed by a silica coating on a rod‐shaped β‐FeOOH nanoparticle, and subsequent treatment by using confined nanospace pyrolysis and silica removal procedures. Typical coaxial hollow Fe3O4@C possesses a rice‐grain morphology and mesoporous structure with a large specific surface area, as well as a continuous and flexible carbon shell. Electrochemical tests reveal that the hollow Fe3O4@C with an open‐ended nanostructure delivers a high specific capacity (ca. 864 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1), excellent rate capability with a capacity of about 582 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1, and a high Coulombic efficiency (>97 %). The excellent electrochemical performance benefits from the hollow cavity with an inner diameter of 18 nm and a flexible carbon shell that can accommodate the volume change of the Fe3O4 during the lithium insertion/extraction processes as well as the large specific surface area and open inner cavity to facilitate the rapid diffusion of lithium ions from electrolyte to active material. This fabrication strategy can be used to generate a hollow or porous metal oxide structure for high‐performance Li‐ion batteries.