bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Correlation and Paramagnetic Properties in (Cr1-xTix)5Te8 with 0 ≦ x ≦ 1
Authors: Hatakeyama Kazuo , Takase Atsushi , Anzai Shuichiro , Yoshida Hajime , Kaneko Takejiro , Abe Shunya , Ohta Satoru
Published: March 2014

Ferromagnetic Cr5Te8 (a strongly correlated electron system) and Pauli-paramagnetic Ti5Te8 (a weakly correlated electron system) constitute a CdI2-type solid solution. The Curie temperature steeply and slowly decreases with increasing x. Temperature dependences of paramagnetic susceptibilities are fitted with the generalized Curie-Weiss (GCW) law. The x-dependence of GCW parameters is discussed on the basis of the spin-fluctuation model.
New optical media based on Ge4Sb1-xBixTe5
Authors: Lee Chain-Ming , Chin Tsung-Shune
Published: March 2014

Ge4SbTe5 is known for its applicability as an optical media for phase change recording. One major problem of using this material is its slow crystallization rate, thus the erasability is not satisfactory. In this study, we explored the possibility of bismuth addition to enhance the crystallization rate. Ge4Sb1-xBixTe5 films were prepared by rf magnetron sputtering onto glass or Si substrate. Thermal analysis was done by DSC measurements, crystalline phase after annealing was examined by X-ray diffraction, and optical properties were taken by using an optical spectrometer. It was found that the Bi modified 415 maintains an fee phase up to x = 0.5. The crystallization temperature was lowered from 227 (x = 0) to 202 °C (x = 0.5), and the activation energy for crystallization is greatly lowered from 4.03 to 2.70 eV. However, the optical contrast is slightly lowered. All these factors denote that the 5 at% Bi added 415 film might be a better candidate than the un-doped ones.
Role of Metall-Organic Precursor-doped Silver Paste in Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics
Authors: Chou Ching-Huan , Chen San-Yuan , Cheng Syh-Yuh
Published: March 2014

In this study, a variety of metall-organic precursors were used to compare its effect on sintering densification of Ag-based paste. It was found that the thermal shrinkage of silver-based paste was strongly influenced by powder characteristics, solid loading and compositions. Furthermore, we found that the addition of metall-organic precursor, especially Zr-based organic precursor, in silver-paste is more useful to inhibit the sintering of silver particles and further reduce shrinkage mismatch between silver-based paste and dielectrics. The microstructure evolution of silver-paste/dielectrics is also discussed.
Crystal Growth and Characterization of Mn0.9Lu0.1In2Se4
Authors: Perez S. , Khan A. , Chalbaud L. M. de , Sagredo V.
Published: March 2014

The crystals of Mn0.9Lu0.1In2Se4 were grown from the vapor phase by using the chemical transport technique, with the elements as starting materials. The crystals grown from the vapor phase are platelete-type and show a black color. Optical studies reveal that Mn0.9Lu0.1In2Se4is an direct bandgap semiconductor with an energy gap Eg=1.37 eV at RT. It was found that the Varshni relation fits quite well the temperature dependence of the energy gap between.
Cellular Automata Approach and Simulation of Crystal Growth of Ternary Compounds
Authors: Joshi Narahari , Zuñiga Hernán.
Published: March 2014

Simulation of crystal growth is an important aspect in understanding some hidden features of growth mechanisms and its relation with thermodynamical properties. It is important to understand the basic role of the parameters involved in the growth process and their effects at microscopic level to control the distribution of intrinsic impurities. We have used “Mathematica” environment and extended a conventional model of Cellular Automata to explain these aspects. The growth process is simulated for CuInTe2 crystal both by thermal cooling process and by Bridgman technique. This simulation approach explains satisfactorily some special growth patterns, which were reported earlier.
Change in Alloy Composition in Cu(Ga1-xInx)ySz after CuI or Cu2S Annealing
Authors: Kato Takamasa , Ishihara Yujiro , Nabetani Yoichi , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: March 2014

We investigated the effect of heat treatment on Cu(Ga1-x
In
x
)
y
S
z
(1<y<5) bulk crystals under Cu vapor atmosphere. The alloy compositions of as-grown crystal surfaces changed into CuGa1-x'In
x'S2 after CuI heat treatment. The crystal structures also changed to the chalcopyrite from OVC (ordered vacancy compound) or hexagonal structures. Similar changes in the alloy compositions were observed after Cu2S heat treatment for crystals with as-grown alloy compositions of 1<y<3. However, as-grown crystals with compositions of 3<y<5 showed only small changes in alloy composition toward Cu(Ga,In)3S5.
Optical Properties of AgGaxIn1-xSe2 Crystals
Authors: Andreev Yuri , Geiko Pavel , Voevodin Valery , Geiko Liliya , Gusamov Alexander
Published: March 2014

Optical properties: absorption coefficients and refractive indices in the near and middle IR range of nonlinear AgGa\tildeoIn1-\tildeoSe2 crystals have been studied. Sellmeier coefficients for the crystals at different In content are presented. An experiment on TEA- and Q-switched CO2 laser SHG was carried out and 10.9% SHG efficiency has been achieved.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Hydroxycamptothecin-encapsulated Chitosan Nanospheres for the Treatment of Liver Cancer
Authors: Han J. , Hou Z. Q. , Wang Y. G. , Guo X.
Published: March 2014

Hydroxycamptothecin-encapsulated chitosan (HC) nanospheres were prepared by Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. The properties and morphology of HC nanospheres were characterized. The diameter of the nanospheres could be controlled within a narrow distribution according to the pore-size of SPG membrane. Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) encapsulation efficiency could reach to 81.3%. The long-term drug release of HCPT could be presented by an accumulated drug release of 85.4% in 15 days with an initial burst effect. In vitro study, HC showed its anti-tumor ability to human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. In vivo study, HC could reduce tumor weight and growth rate. The results indicated that HC nanospheres prepared by SPG had potential application as a sustained drug delivery system for the treatment of liver cancer.
Are Family Communication and School Belonging Protective Factors Against Depressive Symptoms in Homeless Youth in Toronto?
Authors: Gattis Maurice N.
Published: March 2014

This study examined the relationship between family communication, school engagement, negative peer behaviours, and depressive symptoms in a sample of youths experiencing homelessness. Interviews were conducted with 123 youths experiencing homelessness. Outcome measures included youth self-reports of negative peer behaviours, family communication levels, school engagement, and depressive symptoms. After controlling for demographic variables, higher family communication (b = -0.38, t = -2.74, p = 0.007) and higher school engagement (b = -4.32, t = -2.61, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Negative peer behaviours were not associated with depressive symptoms in the sample. Family communication and school engagement may serve as protective factors against depressive symptoms in youths experiencing homelessness. Practitioners who work with youths experiencing homelessness may collaborate with the youths, schools, and families to improve school engagement and family communication when possible.
Electrophysiological Techniques for Studying Synaptic Activity In Vivo
Authors: Jeggo Ross , Zhao Fei‐Yue , Spanswick David
Published: March 2014

Understanding the physiology, pharmacology, and plasticity associated with synaptic function is a key goal of neuroscience research and is fundamental to identifying the processes involved in the development and manifestation of neurological disease. A diverse range of electrophysiological methodologies are used to study synaptic function. Described in this unit is a technique for recording electrical activity from a single component of the central nervous system that is used to investigate pre‐ and post‐synaptic elements of synaptic function. A strength of this technique is that it can be used on live animals, although the effect of anesthesia must be taken into consideration when interpreting the results. This methodology can be employed not only in naïve animals for studying normal physiological synaptic function, but also in a variety of disease models, including transgenic animals, to examine dysfunctional synaptic plasticity associated with neurological pathologies. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 64:11.11.1‐11.11.17. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional Characterization of Human Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kirsch Glenn E. , Obejero‐Paz Carlos A. , Bruening‐Wright Andrew
Published: March 2014

Cardiac toxicity is a leading contributor to late stage attrition in the drug discovery process and to withdrawal of approved drugs from the market. In vitro assays that enable earlier and more accurate testing for cardiac risk provide early stage predictive indicators that aid in mitigating risk. Human cardiomyocytes, the most relevant subjects for early stage testing, are severely limited in supply, but human stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (SC‐hCM) are readily available from commercial sources and are increasingly used in academic research, drug discovery, and safety pharmacology. As a result, SC‐hCM electrophysiology has become a valuable tool for assessing cardiac risk associated with drug administration. Described in this unit are techniques for recording individual sodium, calcium, and potassium currents, as well as single‐cell action potentials and impedance recordings from contracting syncytia of thousands of interconnected cells. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 64:11.12.1‐11.12.26. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of intermediate scale structure near the peak of the F region within an equatorial plasma bubble
Authors: Bhattacharyya A. , Kakad B. , Sripathi S. , Jeeva K. , Nair K. U.
Published: March 2014

Scintillation observations are used to study the evolution of intermediate scale (~100 m–few kilometers) irregularities through growth of the Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability on the bottom side of the post‐sunset equatorial F region during magnetically quiet periods. Amplitude scintillations on a VHF signal from a geostationary satellite, recorded by spaced receivers at an equatorial station, are used to compute as a function of local time: (1) the coherence scale length for spatial variations of intensity in the ground scintillation pattern, which is linked with the spectrum of the intermediate scale irregularities near the peak of the equatorial F region that contribute the most to the observed scintillations; and (2) the “random velocity”, which accounts for the de‐correlation of the spaced receiver signals. The relationship between the coherence scale length and the random velocity for saturated scintillations at different local times suggests that (1) the random velocity is linked with fluctuations in the drift velocity of the irregularities caused by the perturbation electric fields associated with the R‐T instability rather than structural changes in the intermediate scale irregularities, (2) the spectrum of intermediate scale irregularities in the equatorial F peak region tends to be shallowest after the decay of the perturbation electric fields associated with the R‐T instability, and (3) evolution of intermediate‐scale irregularity spectrum in the equatorial plasma bubble near the equatorial F region peak depends on season and solar flux. These have implications for observation of low‐latitude L‐band scintillations.
No evidence for the localized heating of solar wind protons at intense velocity shear zones
Authors: Borovsky Joseph E. , Steinberg John T.
Published: March 2014

Using measurements from the Wind spacecraft at 1 AU, the heating of protons in the solar wind at locations of intense velocity shear is examined. The 4321 sites of intense shear in fast coronal hole origin plasma are analyzed. The proton temperature, the proton specific entropy, and the proton number density at the locations of the shears are compared with the same quantities in the plasmas adjacent to the shears. A very slight but statistically significant enhancement of the proton temperature is seen at the sites of the shears, but it is accompanied by a larger enhancement of the proton number density at the sites of the shears. Consequently, there is no enhancement of the proton specific entropy at the shear sites, indicating no production of entropy; hence, no evidence for plasma heating is found at the sites of the velocity shears. Since the shearing velocities have appreciable Mach numbers, the authors suggest that there can be a slight adiabatic compression of the plasma at the shear zones.
The effects of laterally varying icy shell structure on the tidal response of Ganymede and Europa
Authors: A G. , Wahr J. , Zhong S.
Published: March 2014

We use a finite‐element model to solve for the response of Ganymede and Europa to tidal forcing from Jupiter, using various icy shell models with laterally variable (3‐D) structure. In all cases, the shell is assumed to be underlain by a liquid‐water ocean. Icy shells with laterally varying thickness are derived from a thermal conduction model. Three‐dimensional shear modulus profiles for the shell are built either from a conduction model or, for Europa, by assuming a hemispherical difference in composition. Icy shell structures with a nonglobal ocean are built for Ganymede. Using these shell structures to calculate the tidal response of Ganymede and Europa, we conclude the following: (1) the presence of lateral variations in thickness or in shear modulus would not degrade future attempts to use tidal observations to decide on the existence or absence of a liquid ocean and to determine the mean icy shell thickness. (2) Given accurate enough observations, the presence of lateral variations in thickness or in shear modulus could be determined by searching for nondegree‐2 components in the tidal response. (3) In the absence of significant viscous convective flow in the shell, the effects of a laterally varying shear modulus on the tidal response would be smaller than those of a laterally varying shell thickness. (4) If the shell is partially grounded, tidal observations of either gravity or uplift would be able to roughly differentiate regions where the ice is grounded from those where it is floating.
A convection‐based gravity wave parameterization in a general circulation model: Implementation and improvements on the QBO
Authors: Schirber Sebastian , Manzini Elisa , Alexander M. Joan
Published: March 2014

In order to simulate stratospheric phenomena, such as the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO), atmospheric general circulation models (GCM) require parameterizations of small‐scale gravity waves (GW). In the tropics, the main source of GWs is convection, showing high spatial and temporal variability in occurrence and strength. In this study, we implement in the GCM ECHAM6 a source parameterization for GWs forced by convection. The GW source parameterization is based on the convective heating depth, convective heating rate, and the background wind. First, we show that the heating depth distribution of convective properties strongly influences the waves' source spectra. The strong sensitivity of spectral wave characteristics on heating property distributions highlights the importance of a realistic parameterization of convective processes in a GCM. Second, with the convection‐based GW scheme as the unique source of GWs, the GCM simulates a QBO with realistic features. While the vertical extent of the easterly jet shows deficiencies, the wind speeds of the jet maxima and the variance of wind alteration show a clear improvement, compared to the standard model which employs a parameterization with constant, prescribed GW sources. Furthermore, the seasonality of the QBO jets downward progression is modeled more realistically due to the seasonality of physically based gravity wave sources.
High‐resolution vertical polarimetric imaging of pine forests
Authors: Albinet C. , Borderies P. , Hamadi A. , Dubois‐Fernandez P. , Koleck T. , Angelliaume S.
Published: March 2014

This paper describes a field campaign performed with a ground‐based polarimetric tomographic imager designed to measure the vertical response of several forest plots in order to better understand the mechanisms contributing to the total radar response. The campaign took place in the Mende forest, an artificial forest of European black pines, in the south of France. The objective is to perform a sensitivity study on the radar observables based on biophysical parameters. This paper presents a description of the experiment hardware and procedure, the results obtained for all sites, and a discussion of the results in the light of the ground truth. The results show the vertical distribution of the backscattered intensity for several parameters like tree density, forest growth, presence of undergrowth, and ground slope. The evolution of the energy backscattered by the ground, the volume, and the whole forest structure is also displayed. These results have shown the interest of such a campaign to improve the understanding of the distribution of radar mechanisms along the vertical axis.
Origin and consequences of western Mediterranean subduction, rollback, and slab segmentation
Authors: van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J. , Vissers Reinoud L. M. , Spakman Wim
Published: March 2014

The western Mediterranean recorded subduction rollback, slab segmentation and separation. Here we address the questions of what caused Oligocene rollback initiation, and how its subsequent evolution split up an originally coherent fore arc into circum‐southwest Mediterranean segments. We kinematically reconstruct western Mediterranean geology from subduction initiation to present, using Atlantic plate reconstructions as boundary condition. We test possible reconstructions against remnants of subducted lithosphere imaged by seismic tomography. Transform motion between Africa and Iberia (including the Baleares) between ~120 and 85 Ma was followed by up to 150 km convergence until 30 Ma. Subduction likely initiated along the transform fault that accommodated pre‐85 Ma translation. By the ~30 Ma inception of rollback, up to 150 km of convergence had formed a small slab below the Baleares. Iberia was disconnected from Sardinia/Calabria through the North Balearic Transform Zone (NBTZ). Subduction below Sardinia/Calabria was slightly faster than below the Baleares, the difference being accommodated in the Pyrenees. A moving triple junction at the trench‐NBTZ intersection formed a subduction transform edge propagator fault between the Baleares and Calabria slab segments. Calabria rolled back eastward, whereas the Baleares slab underwent radial (SW‐S‐SE) rollback. After Kabylides‐Africa collision, the western slab segment retreated toward Gibraltar, here reconstructed as the maximum rollback end‐member model, and a Kabylides slab detached from Africa. Opening of a slab window below the NBTZ allowed asthenospheric rise to the base of the fore arc creating high‐temperature metamorphism. Western Mediterranean rollback commenced only after sufficient slab‐pull was created from 100 to 150 km of slow, forced subduction before ~30 Ma.
Evolution, distribution, and characteristics of rifting in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Philippon Melody , Corti Giacomo , Sani Federico , Bonini Marco , Balestrieri Maria‐Laura , Molin Paola , Willingshofer Ernst , Sokoutis Dimitrios , Cloetingh Sierd
Published: March 2014

Southern Ethiopia is a key region to understand the evolution of the East African rift system, since it is the area of interaction between the main Ethiopian rift (MER) and the Kenyan rift. However, geological data constraining rift evolution in this remote area are still relatively sparse. In this study the timing, distribution, and style of rifting in southern Ethiopia are constrained by new structural, geochronological, and geomorphological data. The border faults in the area are roughly parallel to preexisting basement fabrics and are progressively more oblique with respect to the regional Nubia–Somalia motion proceeding southward. Kinematic indicators along these faults are mainly dip slip, pointing to a progressive rotation of the computed direction of extension toward the south. Radiocarbon data indicate post 30 ka faulting at both western and eastern margins of the MER with limited axial deformation. Similarly, geomorphological data suggest recent fault activity along the western margins of the basins composing the Gofa Province and in the Chew Bahir basin. This supports that interaction between the MER and the Kenyan rift in southern Ethiopia occurs in a 200 km wide zone of ongoing deformation. Fault‐related exhumation at ~10–12 Ma in the Gofa Province, as constrained by new apatite fission track data, occurred later than the ~20 Ma basement exhumation of the Chew Bahir basin, thus pointing to a northward propagation of the Kenyan rift‐related extension in the area.
Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Receiving a Diagnosis of Hypertension Among Patients With Regular Primary Care
Authors: Bartels Christie M. , Johnson Heather , Voelker Katya , Thorpe Carolyn , McBride Patrick , Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Pandhi Nancy , Smith Maureen
Published: March 2014

Objective

Despite numerous studies reporting increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the impact of RA on managing modifiable CVD risk factors remains understudied. We tested the hypothesis that RA is a risk factor for not receiving a hypertension diagnosis.

Methods

Using a cohort design, we studied adult patients with and without RA/inflammatory arthritis from a large academic multispecialty practice. All were seen regularly in primary care and met clinical guideline hypertension criteria, but lacked prior hypertension diagnosis/treatment. The primary outcome was time to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for hypertension or elevated blood pressure, or antihypertensive medication prescription. Kaplan‐Meier survival curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to examine the impact of RA on diagnosis of hypertension.

Results

Among 14,974 patients with undiagnosed hypertension, 201 patients had RA codes. RA patients had equivalent primary care visits and more total visits compared to patients without RA. At the end of the study, the likelihood of hypertension diagnosis was 36% in RA patients compared to 51% in patients without RA. In adjusted Cox models, RA patients had a 29% lower hypertension diagnosis hazard (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.93), reflecting more undiagnosed hypertension than with other comorbidities.

Conclusion

Among patients meeting guideline‐based hypertension criteria, RA patients were less likely to be diagnosed despite more visits than those without RA. Given heightened CVD risks in RA and the importance of hypertension diagnosis as a first step toward controlling risk, rheumatologists should collaborate to improve rates of diagnosis for this modifiable CVD risk factor.
Shear‐Induced Aggregation of Mammalian Synovial Fluid Components under Boundary Lubrication Conditions
Authors: Banquy Xavier , Lee Dong Woog , Das Saurabh , Hogan Jack , Israelachvili Jacob N.
Published: March 2014

The lubricating and structural properties of different mammalian synovial fluids in thin films undergoing shear between two mica surfaces are studied in detail using a surface force apparatus (SFA). A 10–13 nm thick film of synovial components (proteins, lipids, and polymers) adsorbs on the mica surfaces in less than an hour of incubation time, and induces a strong repulsion between the surfaces that prevents them from coming into contact. Upon shearing, the structure of the confined synovial fluid changes dramatically when sheared above a “critical” shear rate of about 2 s−1 (corresponding to approximately 40 nm s−1). Above this critical shear rate and up to at least 70 μm s−1, the proteins and biopolymers in the fluid gradually aggregate to form a homogenous gel layer on each mica surface. As shearing continues, the gel layer gradually breaks up into discrete/individual gel particles that can roll in the contact keeping the sheared surfaces far apart even under high compressive loads (pressure P ≈ 20 MPa). These particles eventually become elongated and finally behave as roller bearings. This mechanism is consistently observed for three mammalian synovial fluids and two types of surfaces suggesting that it actually occurs in articular joints and prostetic implants in vivo. The implications of these findings for joints and prosthetic implants structure and lubrication are discussed; in particular the formation and function of the lamina splendens.
Effect of Non‐Chlorinated Mixed Solvents on Charge Transport and Morphology of Solution‐Processed Polymer Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Wen‐Ya , Giri Gaurav , Diao Ying , Tassone Christopher J. , Matthews James R. , Sorensen Michael L. , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Chen Wen‐Chang , Fong Hon H. , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Toney Michael F. , He Mingqian , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2014

Using non‐chlorinated solvents for polymer device fabrication is highly desirable to avoid the negative environmental and health effects of chlorinated solvents. Here, a non‐chlorinated mixed solvent system, composed by a mixture of tetrahydronaphthalene and p­‐xylene, is described for processing a high mobility donor‐acceptor fused thiophene‐diketopyrrolopyrrole copolymer (PTDPPTFT4) in thin film transistors. The effects of the use of a mixed solvent system on the device performance, e.g., charge transport, morphology, and molecular packing, are investigated. p‐Xylene is chosen to promote polymer aggregation in solution, while a higher boiling point solvent, tetrahydronaphthalene, is used to allow a longer evaporation time and better solubility, which further facilitates morphological tuning. By optimizing the ratio of the two solvents, the charge transport characteristics of the polymer semiconductor device are observed to significantly improve for polymer devices deposited by spin coating and solution shearing. Average charge carrier mobilities of 3.13 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a maximum value as high as 3.94 cm2 V−1 s−1 are obtained by solution shearing. The combination of non‐chlorinated mixed solvents and the solution shearing film deposition provide a practical and environmentally‐friendly approach to achieve high performance polymer transistor devices.
Spatial Mapping of Morphology and Electronic Properties of Air‐Printed Pentacene Thin Films
Authors: Biswas Shaurjo , Yang Yongsoo , Schlepütz Christian M. , Geva Nadav , Headrick Randall L. , Pindak Ron , Clarke Roy , Shtein Max
Published: March 2014

To accelerate the pace of materials discovery and application, comprehensive links need to be established between a material's structure, properties, and process conditions used to obtain the material and/or final application format. This work examines the dry printing of pentacene thin film transistor (TFT) channels by guard flow‐enhanced organic vapor jet printing (GF‐OVJP), a technique that enables direct, solvent‐free, additive patterning of device‐quality molecular semiconductors in air. Deposition in air entails non‐trivial effects at the boundary between ambient surroundings and the gas jet carrying the semiconductor vapor that influence the morphology and properties of the resulting electronic devices. Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is employed, complemented by measurement of electronic properties of GF‐OVJP deposited films in a TFT to reveal how the morphology and electronic properties of the films depend on thickness, location within the printed pattern, nozzle translation velocity, and other process parameters. The hole field‐effect mobility of the printed pentacene film is linked quantitatively with its crystallinity, as well as with extent of exposure to ambient air during deposition. The analysis can be extended to accurately predict the performance of devices deposited in air by GF‐OVJP, which are demonstrated here for a planar, large area deposit.
Ten Years of N‐Heteropentacenes as Semiconductors for Organic Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Miao Qian
Published: March 2014

Introducing N atoms to the pentacene backbone leads to N‐heteropentacenes, whose properties can be tuned by changing the number, position and valence state of N atoms in the pentacene backbone. With a rapid development in recent years, N‐heteropentacenes and their derivatives have arisen as a new family of organic semiconductors with high performance in organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). This article reviews the research efforts of developing N‐heteropentacenes into organic semiconductors starting from 2003 with emphasis on the work of the author's group since 2009. The structure–property relationship and design rationale are highlighted based on an overview of reported organic semiconductors of N‐heteropentacenes.
Analysis of Deep‐UV Nonlinear Optical Borates: Approaching the End
Authors: Yao Wenjiao , He Ran , Wang Xiaoyang , Lin Zheshuai , Chen Chuangtian
Published: March 2014

The rapid development of deep‐UV (DUV) all‐solid‐state laser sources greatly depends on the good performance of the nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals used for harmonic generation. In this work, the potential prospects for NLO borate crystals are investigated from the point of view of their structure–property relationships. The microscopic structural units, energy bandgaps, linear and nonlinear optical properties of numerous borate compounds with diverse structural features are compared and summarized. The results reveal that KBe2BO3F2 almost achieves the theoretical limits of DUV NLO borates. It would be a great challenge to discover other borates which have comparable NLO capability, especially for coherent light production below the wavelength of 190 nm by direct second harmonic generation.
Silver‐Catalyzed Alkyne Activation: The Surprising Ligand Effect
Authors: Su Yijin , Lu Mei , Dong Boliang , Chen Hao , Shi Xiaodong
Published: March 2014

An unexpected ligand effect was discovered in the silver(I)‐catalyzed alkyne activation. For both aldehyde‐alkyne‐amine (A3) condensation and intermolecular alkyne hydroamination, the type B complex (P:Ag=1:1) effectively promoted the reaction, while no reaction occurred with either no ligand or excess ligands under the identical conditions.

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Iodine‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Oxidative Thiolation of Vinylic Carbon‐Hydrogen Bonds via Tandem Iodocyclization and Dehydroiodination: Construction of 2‐Methylene‐3‐thiophenones
Authors: Zheng Gang , Ma Xiaoli , Liu Bangyu , Dong Ying , Wang Mang
Published: March 2014

A metal‐free vinylic carbon‐hydrogen bond thiolation has been developed. Under the catalysis of iodine (10 mol%), the cyclization of α‐alkenoyl ketene dithioacetals afforded a broad range of polyfunctionalized 2‐methylene‐3‐thiophenones in good selectivity with moderate to excellent yields via tandem iodocyclization and dehydroiodination. The synthetic strategy can also be extended to the cyclization of ortho‐methylthiophenyl vinyl ketones leading to 2‐methylene‐3‐benzothiophenones.

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Stereoselective Synthesis of Phosphoryl‐Substituted Phenols
Authors: Xiong Biquan , Li Mei , Liu Yanxi , Zhou Yongbo , Zhao Changqiu , Goto Midori , Yin Shuang‐Feng , Han Li‐Biao
Published: March 2014

Copper‐catalyzed CX activation‐phosphorylation of aryls bearing different groups has been achieved using P(O)H compounds as efficient phosphorylation reagents without the assistance of any ligand. Optically active H‐phosphinates can also act as good substrates in the reaction, giving the (Sp)‐phosphoryl substituted phenolic compounds stereospecifically with retention of configuration at the phosphorus center. Furthermore, it is shown that the migration of phosphorus on O‐aryl phosphonates from oxygen to carbon also proceeds stereospecifically to produce the corresponding optically active (Rp)‐phosphoryl‐substituted phenolic compounds with retention of configuration at phosphorus via treatment with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA). Plausible mechanisms have been proposed for these reactions.

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Gold‐Catalyzed Redox Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines using Pyridine N‐Oxide and Alkynes
Authors: Talbot Eric P. A. , Richardson Melodie , McKenna Jeffrey M. , Toste F. Dean
Published: March 2014

A mild, catalytic, atom economical synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines has been developed: catalytic dichloro(2‐pyridinecarboxylato)gold [PicAuCl2] in the presence of an acid produces a range of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines in good yields starting from alkynes and 2‐aminopyridine N‐oxides. This strategy is mild and foreseen to be of particular use for the installation of stereogenic centers adjacent to the imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine ring without loss of enantiomeric excess.

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Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Heck Arylations of Acyclic Electron‐Rich Olefins with Internal Selectivity
Authors: Fardost Ashkan , Lindh Jonas , Sjöberg Per J. R. , Larhed Mats
Published: March 2014

Despite the recent emergence of decarboxylative CC bond forming reactions, methodologies providing internally arylated electron‐rich olefins are still lacking. We herein report on palladium(II)‐catalyzed decarboxylative Heck arylations of linear electron‐rich olefins with excellent selectivity for the internal position. The method allows a variety of electron‐rich linear olefins to undergo arylation with ortho‐functionalized aromatic carboxylic acids, including heterocycles. The reaction mechanism has been explored with ESI‐MS studies to confirm previous findings, and to reveal the formation of a highly stable palladium complex as a result of the Heck product reacting with the catalyst.

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Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1‐Naphthylcarbenoids and Their Synthetic Utilization in Cyclopropanation Reactions
Authors: Lauterbach Tobias , Ganschow Michael , Hussong Matthias W. , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2014

1‐Naphthylcarbenoids are generated via 1,2‐acyl migration and subsequent carbene shift from simple, easily available diyne starting materials. These highly reactive species were allowed to react with differently substituted alkenes in both intermolecular and intramolecular fashions. In the intermolecular cases even a simple 1:1 ratio of the starting materials delivered the corresponding cyclopropylnaphthalenes in high yields by the use of a gold(III) catalyst. The methodology offers a completely new approach to these valuable targets, the new route represents an efficient alternative to common methods that are based on cross‐coupling strategies.

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Imaging flow cytometry for automated detection of hypoxia‐induced erythrocyte shape change in sickle cell disease
Authors: van Beers Eduard J. , Samsel Leigh , Mendelsohn Laurel , Saiyed Rehan , Fertrin Kleber Y. , Brantner Christine A. , Daniels Mathew P. , Nichols James , McCoy J. Philip , Kato Gregory J.
Published: March 2014

In preclinical and early phase pharmacologic trials in sickle cell disease, the percentage of sickled erythrocytes after deoxygenation, an ex vivo functional sickling assay, has been used as a measure of a patient's disease outcome. We developed a new sickle imaging flow cytometry assay (SIFCA) and investigated its application. To perform the SIFCA, peripheral blood was diluted, deoxygenated (2% oxygen) for 2 hr, fixed, and analyzed using imaging flow cytometry. We developed a software algorithm that correctly classified investigator tagged “sickled” and “normal” erythrocyte morphology with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.1%. The percentage of sickled cells as measured by SIFCA correlated strongly with the percentage of sickle cell anemia blood in experimentally admixed samples (R = 0.98, P ≤ 0.001), negatively with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels (R = −0.558, P = 0.027), negatively with pH (R = −0.688, P = 0.026), negatively with pretreatment with the antisickling agent, Aes‐103 (5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural) (R = −0.766, P = 0.002), and positively with the presence of long intracellular fibers as visualized by transmission electron microscopy (R = 0.799, P = 0.002). This study shows proof of principle that the automated, operator‐independent SIFCA is associated with predictable physiologic and clinical parameters and is altered by the putative antisickling agent, Aes‐103. SIFCA is a new method that may be useful in sickle cell drug development. Am. J. Hematol. 89:598–603, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Work‐related traumatic injuries onboard freezer‐trawlers and freezer‐longliners operating in Alaskan waters during 2001–2012
Authors: Lucas Devin L. , Kincl Laurel D. , Bovbjerg Viktor E. , Lincoln Jennifer M. , Branscum Adam J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Workers onboard freezer‐trawl (FT) and freezer‐longline (FL) vessels in Alaska may be at high risk for fatal and non‐fatal injuries.

Methods

Traumatic occupational injuries onboard vessels in the FT and FL fleets were identified through two government data sources.

Results

The annual risk of fatal injuries was 125 per 100,000 FTEs in the FT fleet, and 63 per 100,000 FTEs in the FL fleet. The annual risk of non‐fatal injuries was 43 per 1,000 FTEs in the FT fleet and 35 per 1,000 FTEs in the FL fleet. The majority of injuries in the FT fleet occurred in the factories and freezer holds, whereas the most common injuries in the FL fleet occurred on deck while working the fishing gear.

Conclusions

The findings confirmed that workers in those fleets were at high risk for work‐related injuries. Injury prevention should focus on removing hazards in the work processes injuring the most workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:826–836, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of intranasal sodium hyaluronate on the short‐term quality of life of patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cantone Elena , Castagna Giovanni , Sicignano Stefania , Ferranti Immacolata , Rega Felice , Di Rubbo Vittoria , Iengo Maurizio
Published: March 2014

Background

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has become the treatment of choice for patients with medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nasal polyps. Despite the consolidated use of different treatments, the postoperative period is often very painful and uncomfortable, especially during the first month. Although evidence on the effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate (SH) on postoperative care following FESS is available, data on the quality of life (QoL) from the patients’ perspective are still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of nasal douche with SH in reducing patients’ discomfort during the first month following FESS.

Methods

A double‐blind randomized controlled study was carried out on 124 subjects undergoing FESS for CRS with nasal polyposis. They were divided into 2 groups: group I was treated with nasal douche containing 9 mg of high molecular weight SH plus saline solution and group II was treated with saline solution alone. To assess QoL in CRS patients, the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) test, the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaires were administered.

Results

At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. However, after 30 days of long postoperative treatments, we found clinically significant improvements in QoL of subjects treated with SH, as evidenced by all QoL scales.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that SH significantly improves patients’ short‐term QoL following FESS in terms of both general health and specific sinonasal status.
Mutations in mammalian target of rapamycin regulator DEPDC5 cause focal epilepsy with brain malformations
Authors: Scheffer Ingrid E. , Heron Sarah E. , Regan Brigid M. , Mandelstam Simone , Crompton Douglas E. , Hodgson Bree L. , Licchetta Laura , Provini Federica , Bisulli Francesca , Vadlamudi Lata , Gecz Jozef , Connelly Alan , Tinuper Paolo , Ricos Michael G. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Dibbens Leanne M.
Published: March 2014

We recently identified DEPDC5 as the gene for familial focal epilepsy with variable foci and found mutations in >10% of small families with nonlesional focal epilepsy. Here we show that DEPDC5 mutations are associated with both lesional and nonlesional epilepsies, even within the same family. DEPDC5‐associated malformations include bottom‐of‐the‐sulcus dysplasia (3 members from 2 families), and focal band heterotopia (1 individual). DEPDC5 negatively regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which plays a key role in cell growth. The clinicoradiological phenotypes associated with DEPDC5 mutations share features with the archetypal mTORopathy, tuberous sclerosis, raising the possibility of therapies targeted to this pathway. Ann Neurol 2014;75:782–787
Copper‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Intramolecular Amidation of Unactivated C(sp3)H Bonds
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Zhao Yan , Zhang Guangwu , Ge Haibo
Published: March 2014

The intramolecular dehydrogenative amidation of aliphatic amides, directed by a bidentate ligand, was developed using a copper‐catalyzed sp3 CH bond functionalization process. The reaction favors predominantly the CH bonds of β‐methyl groups over the unactivated methylene CH bonds. Moreover, a preference for activating sp3 CH bonds of β‐methyl groups, via a five‐membered ring intermediate, over the aromatic sp2 CH bonds was also observed in the cyclometalation step. Additionally, sp3 CH bonds of unactivated secondary sp3 CH bonds could be functionalized by favoring the ring carbon atoms over the linear carbon atoms.
A New Structural Motif for an Enantiomerically Pure Metallosupramolecular Pd4L8 Aggregate by Anion Templating
Authors: Klein Christoph , Gütz Christoph , Bogner Maximilian , Topić Filip , Rissanen Kari , Lützen Arne
Published: March 2014

An enantiomerically pure BINOL‐based bis(3‐pyridyl) ligand 1 assembles into a homochiral [Pd4(1)8] complex upon coordination to tetravalent PdII ions. The formation of this aggregate is templated by two tetrafluoroborate counterions that are encapsulated in two peripheral cavities. The resulting structure is a new structural motif for this kind of metallosupramolecular assemblies that arranges the palladium ions in a distorted tetrahedral fashion and forces ligand 1 to adopt two different conformations. Both phenomena are unique and cause an overall three‐dimensional structure that has another confined, chiral, and hydrophilic central cavity.
The influence of triphenylantimony(V) catecholate and its spiroendoperoxide on lipid peroxidation
Authors: Smolyaninov Ivan V. , Antonova Natalia A. , Poddel'sky Andrey I. , Smolyaninova Susanna A. , Osipova Viktoria P. , Luzhnova Svetlana A. , Berberova Nadezhda T. , Pimenov Yuri T.
Published: February 2014

The effects of triphenylantimony(V) catecholate Ph3Sb(Cat) (1) and its spiroendoperoxide Ph3Sb(L‐O2) (2) (Cat = 3,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4,5‐dimethoxycatecholate) on lipid peroxidation (LP) in vitro and in vivo were examined in BALB/c line mice. A comparative study of the impact of compounds 1 and 2 on LP under similar conditions was made by measuring the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The anti‐ or pro‐oxidant action of complexes 1 and 2 may be caused by the different redox level of the ligand acting as radical scavenger and/or by the bound molecular oxygen promoting the oxidation process. Biological experiments (in vitro and in vivo) were performed using mouse tissue homogenates. Decreasing TBARS concentration was observed in all examined tissues and blood serum (in vitro as well as in vivo) for catecholate 1. These results indicate inhibition of LP in the presence of complex 1. In contrast to 1, spiroendoperoxide 2 increases the level of TBARS in tissue homogenates. Minor fluctuations of TBARS concentration in erythrocytes and in blood serum indicate the absence of an obvious anti/pro‐oxidant influence of 2 on the LP process in vivo. The role of catecholate fragment was found to be essential in explaining antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of Therapeutic Responses to Tocilizumab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Biomarkers Identified by Analysis of Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Using Genome‐Wide DNA Microarray
Authors: Sanayama Yoshie , Ikeda Kei , Saito Yukari , Kagami Shin‐ichiro , Yamagata Mieko , Furuta Shunsuke , Kashiwakuma Daisuke , Iwamoto Itsuo , Umibe Takeshi , Nawata Yasushi , Matsumura Ryutaro , Sugiyama Takao , Sueishi Makoto , Hiraguri Masaki , Nonaka Ken , Ohara Osamu , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Objective

The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to identify biomarkers that can be used to predict therapeutic responses to tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We recruited patients with RA who were treated with tocilizumab for the first time, and determined therapeutic responses at 6 months. In the training cohort (n = 40), gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at baseline was analyzed using genome‐wide DNA microarray, with 41,000 probes derived from 19,416 genes. In the validation cohort (n = 20), expression levels of the candidate genes in PBMCs at baseline were determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis.

Results

We identified 68 DNA microarray probes that showed significant differences in signal intensity between nonresponders and responders in the training cohort. Nineteen putative genes were selected, and a significant correlation between the DNA microarray signal intensity and the qPCR relative expression was confirmed in 15 genes. In the validation cohort, a significant difference in relative expression between nonresponders and responders was reproduced for 3 type I interferon response genes (IFI6, MX2, and OASL) and MT1G. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of models incorporating these genes showed that the maximum area under the curve was 0.947 in predicting a moderate or good response to tocilizumab in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Using genome‐wide DNA microarray analyses, we identified candidate biomarkers that can be used to predict therapeutic responses to tocilizumab in patients with RA. These findings suggest that type I interferon signaling and metallothioneins are involved in the pathophysiology of RA.
Ir(III)‐Catalyzed C7‐Position‐Selective Oxidative CH Alkenylation of Indolines with Alkenes in Air
Authors: Pan Shiguang , Wakaki Takayuki , Ryu Naoto , Shibata Takanori
Published: March 2014

An efficient method for C7‐position‐selective alkenylation of N‐substituted indolines with alkenes is reported. Various 7‐alkenylindolines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields in air in the presence of catalytic amounts of [Cp*IrCl2]2, AgOTf, and Cu(OAc)2. The protocol relies on the use of a carbonyl or carbamoyl group on the nitrogen atom of indoline as a directing group and is potentially applicable to the synthesis of 7‐alkenylindoles and 7‐alkylindoles.