bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rater Reliability and Rater Effects of the Safe Driving Behavior Measure
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Wen Pey-Shan , Velozo Craig A. , Bédard Michel , Winter Sandra M. , Brumback Babette A. , Lanford Desiree N.
Published: December 2011

We used the Safe Driving Behavior Measure (SDBM) to determine rater reliability and rater effects (erratic responses, severity, leniency) in three rater groups: 80 older drivers (mean age = 73.26, standard deviation = 5.30), 80 family members or caregivers (age range = 20–85 yr), and two driving evaluators. Rater agreement was significant only between the evaluators and the family members or caregivers. Participants rated driving ability without erratic effects. We observed an overall rater effect only between the evaluator and family members or caregivers, with the evaluators being the more severe rater group. Training family members or caregivers to rate driving behaviors more consistently with the evaluator’s ratings may enhance the SDBM’s usability and provide a role for occupational therapists to interpret proxy reports as an entry point for logical and efficient driving safety interventions.
Origin and fates of the proepicardium
Authors: Schlueter Jan , Brand Thomas
Published: December 2011

The embryonic heart initially consists of only two cell layers, the endocardium and the myocardium. The epicardium, which forms an epithelial layer on the surface of the heart, is derived from a cluster of mesothelial cells developing at the base of the venous inflow tract of the early embryonic heart. This cell cluster is termed the proepicardium and gives rise not only to the epicardium but also to epicardium-derived cells. These cells populate the myocardial wall and differentiate into smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, while the contribution to the vascular endothelial lineage is uncertain. In this review we will discuss the signaling molecules involved in recruiting mesodermal cells to undergo proepicardium formation and guide these cells to the myocardial surface. Marker genes which are suitable to follow these cells during proepicardium formation and cell migration will be introduced. We will address whether the proepicardium consists of a homogenous cell population or whether different cell lineages are present. Finally the role of the epicardium as a source for cardiac stem cells and its importance in cardiac regeneration, in particular in the zebrafish and mouse model systems is discussed.
Verification of Performance Specifications of a Molecular Test: Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Testing Using the Luminex Liquid Bead Array
Authors: Lacbawan Felicitas L , Weck Karen E , Kant Jeffrey A , Feldman Gerald L , Schrijver Iris ,   for the Biological and Molecular Genetic Resource Committee of the College of American Pathologists
Published: December 2011

Context.—The number of clinical laboratories introducing various molecular tests to their existing test menu is continuously increasing. Prior to offering a US Food and Drug Administration–approved test, it is necessary that performance characteristics of the test, as claimed by the company, are verified before the assay is implemented in a clinical laboratory.

Objective.—To provide an example of the verification of a specific qualitative in vitro diagnostic test: cystic fibrosis carrier testing using the Luminex liquid bead array (Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, Inc, Toronto, Ontario).

Design.—The approach used by an individual laboratory for verification of a US Food and Drug Administration–approved assay is described.

Results.—Specific verification data are provided to highlight the stepwise verification approach undertaken by a clinical diagnostic laboratory.

Conclusions.—Protocols for verification of in vitro diagnostic assays may vary between laboratories. However, all laboratories must verify several specific performance specifications prior to implementation of such assays for clinical use. We provide an example of an approach used for verifying performance of an assay for cystic fibrosis carrier screening.
Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis: Diagnostic Studies and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Chekol Seble S , Sun Chen-Chin
Published: December 2011

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is an extremely rare tumor representing 0.3% to 5% of all malignant mesotheliomas. Gross examination of testicular mesotheliomas typically reveals tumor nodules studding the thickened tunica vaginalis and, in some cases, infiltrating the testicular parenchyma, leading to diagnostic challenges. Microscopically, the tumor is characterized by epithelioid cells arising from the tunica vaginalis with papillary, tubulopapillary, or solid architectural patterns. The papillae are usually lined by a single layer of cells with relatively bland cytologic features. An epithelial cell phenotype admixed with a sarcomatoid pattern has also been described in a few cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor is usually positive for calretinin, Wilms tumor-1, epithelial membrane antigen, D2-40, thrombomodulin, cytokeratin 7, and cytokeratin 5/6. Electron microscopic studies reveal epithelial cells joined by tight junctions, forming lumina, and displaying long microvilli with length to width ratios often greater than 10. The most important differential diagnostic considerations include florid mesothelial hyperplasia, adenomatoid tumor, carcinoma of the rete testis, and serous papillary tumors. In addition, the various types of testicular germ cell tumors should be considered, including seminomas, embryonal carcinomas, and intratubular germ cell tumors, particularly in tumors with testicular parenchymal involvement. Pleomorphic sarcomas should also be considered, particularly when dealing with the biphasic variant. The prognosis for this entity is grave, with a median survival of 23 months. Aggressive therapy with radical orchiectomy remains the mainstay of treatment.
Design and Analytical Validation of Clinical DNA Sequencing Assays
Authors: Pont-Kingdon Genevieve , Gedge Friederike , Wooderchak-Donahue Whitney , Schrijver Iris , Weck Karen E , Kant Jeffrey A , Oglesbee Devin , Bayrak-Toydemir Pinar , Lyon Elaine ,   for the Biochemical and Molecular Genetic Resource Committee of the College of American Pathologists
Published: December 2011

Context.—DNA sequencing is the method of choice for mutation detection in many genes.

Objectives.—To demonstrate the analytical accuracy and reliability of DNA sequencing assays developed in clinical laboratories. Only general guidelines exist for the validation of these tests. We provide examples of assay validation strategies for DNA sequencing tests.

Design.—We discuss important design and validation considerations.

Results.—The validation examples include an accuracy study to evaluate concordance between results obtained by the newly designed assay and analyzed by another method or laboratory. Precision (reproducibility) studies are performed to determine the robustness of the assay. To assess the quality of sequencing assays, several sequence quality measures are available. In addition, assessing the ability of primers to specifically and robustly amplify target regions before sequencing is important.

Conclusion.—Protocols for validation of laboratory-developed sequencing assays may vary between laboratories. An example summary of a validation is provided.
Primary Nodal Hemangioma
Authors: Elgoweini Maha , Chetty Runjan
Published: December 2011

Benign vascular tumors arising primarily in lymph nodes are rare. The importance of identifying these entities is to avoid misdiagnosing them as malignant vascular tumors, which occur more often in lymph nodes. Hemangioma is a benign nodal vascular tumor, but its occurrence in lymph nodes is extremely rare. Hemangiomas can occur at any age, mostly in females. It is usually asymptomatic, affects only one node, and does not recur. Four histologic types of hemangioma have been identified: capillary/cavernous, lobular capillary, cellular, and epithelioid. This review highlights the key features of previously reported cases and discusses the differential diagnosis.
FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Internal Tandem Duplication and the Patterns of Its Gene Sequence in 207 Chinese Patients With De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhong Ling , Jia Yong Qian , Meng Wen Tong , Ni Xun
Published: December 2011

Context.—Constitutive activation of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor tyrosine kinase by internal tandem duplication (ITD) has been researched in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Objective.—To study the patterns of FLT3-ITD in Chinese patients with AML.

Design.—A total of 207 patients with de novo AML were enrolled in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and polymerase chain reaction was performed. GeneScan was used to analyze the mutant to wild-type ratio. The sequencing of mutated genes was performed to confirm the mutation types and exclude false positives.

Results.—A total of 42 cases (20.3%) were associated with mutations. FLT3-ITD was found equally in AML subtypes M1 to M6. The level of the ITD allele was heterogeneous. GeneScan showed that the mutant to wild-type ratio ranged from 0.03 to 3.78 (median, 0.43). Patients with a high ratio had significantly lower cancer remission rates and shorter survival. They also showed distinct clinical features including higher white blood cell counts and higher CD7 and CD56 expression. The length of the duplicated fragment was 26 to 57 bp (median, 43 bp). Twenty-two cases (52%) had simple tandem duplications, while 20 other cases (48%) had an extra interval of 12 to 30 bp before the tandem duplications. A hexanucleotide consisting of GAAAAG was found exclusively in the intervals. Patients with this GAAAAG interval showed better survival. The ITD to wild-type ratio, gene pattern, and CD7 expression status appear to be independent prognostic indices for patients with AML.

Conclusion.—Detection of FLT3 mutation is fast, easy, and inexpensive. The mutant to wild-type ratio is helpful for performing detailed risk stratification. DNA sequence analysis is more precise for confirming and evaluating the mutation pattern.
Causes and Relevance of Unsatisfactory and Satisfactory but Limited Smears of Liquid-Based Compared With Conventional Cervical Cytology
Authors: Siebers Albertus G , Klinkhamer Paul JJM , Vedder Judith EM , Arbyn Marc , Bulten Johan
Published: December 2011

Context.—Recent randomized controlled trials have shown a significant decrease in unsatisfactory rates for liquid-based cytology (LBC) compared with conventional Papanicolaou test (CP). The underlying causes and relevance of unsatisfactory results for LBC and CP have never been compared within the setting of a randomized controlled trial.

Objective.—To examine differences in causes and relevance of unsatisfactory and satisfactory but limited by (SBLB) results for LBC and CP.

Design.—Data from the Netherlands ThinPrep Versus Conventional Cytology (NETHCON) trial were used, involving 89 784 women. Causes and relevance of unsatisfactory and SBLB results were analyzed.

Results.—The primary cause for unsatisfactory results for CP and LBC was scant cellularity. Other causes for unsatisfactory CPs were virtually eliminated with LBC. The same was true for SBLB subcategories, with the exception of SBLB absence of transformation zone component and SBLB scant cellularity. The SBLB absence of transformation zone component showed a statistically significant 22% and SBLB scant cellularity a 12% nonsignificant increase with LBC. The detection rates of abnormalities found during 18 months of follow-up of unsatisfactory test results did not differ significantly between the 2 study arms, nor did they differ from the initial test positivity rates from the NETHCON trial.

Conclusions.—Liquid-based cytology shows an almost complete elimination of most causes for unsatisfactory CP, with scant cellularity remaining as the sole cause for unsatisfactory LBC. On the other hand, with LBC a significant increase of smears without a transformation zone component was noted. Women with an unsatisfactory test result are not at increased risk for cervical abnormalities either with LBC or with CP.

Trial Registration.—Nederlands Trial Register, NTR1032, www.trialregister.nl.
Design and Analytic Validation of BCR-ABL1 Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease
Authors: Jennings Lawrence J , Smith Frederick A , Halling Kevin C , Persons Diane L , Kamel-Reid Suzanne ,   for the Molecular Oncology Resource Committee of the College of American Pathologists
Published: December 2011

Context.—Monitoring minimal residual disease by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction has proven clinically useful, but as yet there are no Food and Drug Administration–approved tests. Guidelines have been published that provide important information on validation of such tests; however, no practical examples have previously been published.

Objective.—To provide an example of the design and validation of a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test.

Design.—To describe the approach used by an individual laboratory for development and validation of a laboratory-developed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts.

Results.—Elements of design and analytic validation of a laboratory-developed quantitative molecular test are discussed using quantitative detection of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts as an example.

Conclusions.—Validation of laboratory-developed quantitative molecular tests requires careful planning and execution to adequately address all required analytic performance parameters. How these are addressed depends on the potential for technical errors and confidence required for a given test result. We demonstrate how one laboratory validated and clinically implemented a quantitative BCR-ABL1 assay that can be used for the management of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Persia and Byzantium
Authors: Greatrex Geoffrey
Published: December 2011

From the 320s to the 630sCE, the two greatest powers of the Near East comprised the Eastern Roman Empire, otherwise known as Byzantium, and Sasanian Iran.
Cavalry, Hellenistic
Authors: Sekunda Nicholas V.
Published: December 2011

In the reign of Alexander, the striking force of the army was the regiments of Companion and Thessalian cavalry, and later in the reign these were augmented by large numbers of Iranian cavalry. Cavalry continued to be used in large numbers and to decisive effect under the “Successors,” not least in their long‐range, swift‐moving campaigns switching from one continent to another.
Beauty
Authors: Llewellyn‐Jones Lloyd
Published: December 2011

There are as many conceptions of beauty as there are cultures. Every society defines beauty, predominantly female beauty, according to a set of commonly held criteria operating around the construction of gender, class, and aesthetics which are specific to a time and a locale.
Julian, emperor
Authors: Tougher Shaun
Published: December 2011

Julian is famed as the last pagan Roman emperor, whose attempt to restore traditional religion and undermine the position of christianity in the Roman empire was curtailed when he was killed during his abortive invasion ofthe Persian Empire.
Adrianople, battle of
Authors: Lee A. D.
Published: December 2011

The battle of Adrianople (August 9, 378ce), in which a Roman army suffered a crushing defeat by Gothic forces(seegoths) and the emperor VALENS died, was described by one contemporary as the worst Roman defeat since Cannae (Amm. Marc. 31.13.19; see cannae, battle of). It is usually seen as an important step in the hemorrhaging of Roman power during late antiquity, although there are dangers of oversimplifying its significance.
Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in organic solvents initiated by hydrogen bonding interactions
Authors: Li Lili , Feng Wei , Ji Peijun
Published: December 2011

Phase transfer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) from an aqueous phase into an organic phase is achieved. The transfer uses the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the disaccharide group of a sugar‐based amphiphile and oxygenated functional groups on the surface of MWNTs. The dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a wide range of organic solvents is enabled, which represents the first example of solubilization of carbon nanotubes in organic solvents via hydrogen bonding interactions. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2997–3002, 2012
Computational and experimental studies of electrohydrodynamic atomization for pharmaceutical particle fabrication
Authors: Rezvanpour Alireza , Lim Eldin Wee Chuan , Wang Chi‐Hwa
Published: December 2011

Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) is a promising method for the fabrication of micro‐ and nanosized particles with narrow‐size distribution and better morphologies in comparison to conventional methods of particle fabrication. A computational model was developed in this study to simulate the fluid and particle dynamics in an EHDA chamber, and thereby providing a means of predicting particle collection efficiencies at various operating conditions. Experiments were also conducted using a new design of the EHDA chamber. It was found that nitrogen flow rate, solution flow rate and voltage difference between the nozzle and ring can significantly affect the particle collection efficiency of the EHDA process. Electric field and electric potential profiles in the chamber were significantly affected by the combined voltages of the nozzle and ring. In general, a good qualitative agreement in particle collection efficiencies was obtained from experiments and simulations. The computational model developed in this study provided a means of understanding the various processes involved in micro‐ and nano‐sized particle fabrication using the EHDA methodology. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Safety and efficacy of total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide, and cytarabine as a conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mori Takehiko , Aisa Yoshinobu , Kato Jun , Yamane Akiko , Nakazato Tomonori , Shigematsu Naoyuki , Okamoto Shinichiro
Published: December 2011

Disease relapse still greatly interferes with the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study retrospectively evaluated the long‐term safety and efficacy of a conditioning regimen consisting of total body irradiation (TBI; 12 Gy), cyclophosphamide (CY; 60 mg kg−1, two doses), and high‐dose cytarabine (Ara‐C; 2 g m−2; four doses) for patients with ALL. Fifty‐five patients (median age: 31‐years old) were evaluated. Stem cells were from human leukocyte antigen‐identical siblings in 22 patients and from alternative donors in 33. There were no cases of early death before engraftment, and 100‐day transplant‐related mortality was 7.3%. With a median follow‐up period of 9.6 years, 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival were 63.2% (95% CI: 46.5–79.9%) and 63.6% (95% CI: 47.1–80.1%) in patients with complete remission, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than the values of 27.3% (95% CI: 8.7–46.0%) and 22.7% (95% CI: 5.3–40.1%) for patients in advanced stages (P < 0.01). These results suggest that TBI and CY (TBI‐CY) plus Ara‐C could be a feasible and effective conditioning regimen for adult patients with ALL both in remission and in advanced stages, and a future study to compare this combination therapy with TBI‐CY is required. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of macro reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer copolymers and their application in pigment dispersion
Authors: Zhang Lianbing , Fang Kuanjun , Fu Shaohai , Zhang Xia , Tian Anli
Published: December 2011

By using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled polymerization, we prepared styrene–maleic anhydride copolymers with RAFT end groups. The resulting copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights and molecular weight distributions were determined with gel permeation chromatography. The dispersing ability of the hydrolyzed macro reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (macro‐RAFT) copolymers was evaluated. An organic phthalocyanine blue pigment (P.B.15 : 3) was dispersed with the macro‐RAFT copolymers by vigorous stirring and ultrasonic processing. The properties (particle size and polydispersity index) of the pigment dispersions were measured. The results show that with prolonged ultrasonication time, the particle size and polydispersity index decreased first and increased slightly later. There were no remarkable differences in the particle size and particle size distribution between the macro‐RAFT copolymer and poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) dispersed pigment dispersions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Melt index prediction by adaptively aggregated RBF neural networks trained with novel ACO algorithm
Authors: Li Jiubao , Liu Xinggao , Jiang Huaqin , Xiao Yundu
Published: December 2011

Three estimation models of polypropylene (PP) process to infer the melt index, an important quality indicator determining product specification, are presented. Radial basis function (RBF) neural network (NN) is used to develop the models because of its capacity of fitting the complex relationship in PP process. A novel ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm is also proposed and used to solve the optimization problem of the continuous linking weights when training the RBF NN. Based on the RBF NN and the novel ACO algorithm, a single NN model is developed. However, a single network cannot always work well due to some defects (such as overfitting) of a NN. Thus, as an improvement of the single NN model, several RBF NN trained with a certain objective are combined, and the aggregated NN model is obtained. To make the aggregated NN more robust and effective, an adaptive method of assigning the combinational weight to every individual network is applied to the former aggregated NN model and finally an adaptive aggregated NN model is achieved. Further researches of the three models are carried out on the data from a real industrial plant, and the prediction result shows that the performance of the obtained prediction models is better and better with every improvement step taken as above. The adaptive aggregated NN model works best, and the satisfying prediction error it provides depicts its prediction accuracy and universality, as well as an application prospect in PP process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Properties and structures of polylactide filled with poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐coated calcium carbonate
Authors: Zhang Yu , Meng Bing , Chen Long , Tao Jian , Wu Zhihua
Published: December 2011

The poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐coated microsized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was prepared by high‐speed hybrid mechanical coating. Polylactide (PLA) was melt‐blended with neat and modified CaCO3 particles. Phase morphology, microstructure, and thermal dynamic rheological and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals that the addition of coated CaCO3 remarkably makes the cold crystallization temperature decrease but has little influence on the final degree of crystallinity of PLA. Dynamic rheological tests indicate that complex viscosity and loss modulus of modified CaCO3 system are lower than those of neat CaCO3 system. Scanning electron microscopic results show that the coated CaCO3 microparticles disperse more uniformly in the PLA matrix compared with neat particles. The smooth and round coated particles promote the dispersion of CaCO3 particles in the PLA matrix, and PCL enhances the interfacial adhesion between CaCO3 particles and the PLA matrix. From mechanical tests, it is found that toughness of the composites is greatly improved by the incorporation of PCL‐coated CaCO3 microparticles. It is glad to see that the elongation at break of the composite with 15 phr coated CaCO3 is as high as 310%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Dynamic mechanical analysis of recycled polystyrene composites reinforced with wood flour
Authors: Poletto Matheus , Zeni Mara , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: December 2011

The dynamic mechanical properties of wood flour (WF) reinforced recycled expanded polystyrene (r‐EPS) composites were investigated as a function of the WF content and coupling agent used. With the incorporation of WF into the polystyrene the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) were found to increase and the mechanical damping (tan δ) decreased. The use of coupling agents improved the storage modulus and reduced the damping peak values of the composites because of the improved WF/matrix interfacial adhesion. The height of the damping peaks was found to be dependent on the content of maleic anhydride groups and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the coupling agent used. Finally, the experimental results were compared with the theoretical predictions for tan δ and the storage modulus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and characterization of organic/inorganic hybrid epoxy networks from reactive inorganic precursors
Authors: Beneš Hynek , Galy Jocelyne , Gérard Jean‐François , Pleštil Josef , Valette Ludovic
Published: December 2011

Organic/inorganic hybrid networks were prepared by a novel solvent‐free two‐step synthesis method. In the first step, prehydrolyzed–condensed reactive inorganic precursors (clusters) were prepared by a sol–gel process from monomeric alkoxysilanes with amino and glycido groups. The second step comprised their addition into epoxy resin and amine hardener, followed by the reaction of all components giving the final hybrid crosslinked materials. Their structure was evaluated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis. The morphology of the organic/inorganic hybrid structures formed from glycidoprecursor revealed spherical silica‐rich domains forming agglomerates with diameter from 100 to 500 nm. The aminoprecursor led to large highly condensed and branched silicon‐rich structures. The organic/inorganic hybrid networks obtained from this precursor consisted of mixed silicon–organic phases covalently interconnected via epoxy–amine bonds. Such hybrid networks showed significantly improved thermomechanical properties and better resistance against thermooxidation when compared with the neat epoxy–amine network. Thin films as well as bulk materials were successfully prepared by this process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Compatibility study in natural rubber and maize starch blends
Authors: Khalaf A. I. , Sadek E. M.
Published: December 2011

Blends containing various ratios of natural rubber (NR) and maize starch (MS) were prepared on a two roll mill. The effect of starch contents on physico‐mechanical properties and curing characteristics of the prepared blend vulcanizates was investigated. The data indicate poor mechanical properties, delayed cure rate index, and decreased maximum torque with increasing starch content in the blend formulation. This indicates that the interfacial interaction between the blend components was poor. Various contents of the compatibilizers, maleic acid anhydride (MAH) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), were mixed with the blend NR/MS (90/10). The effect of the compatibilizer contents on the physico‐mechanical properties and curing characteristics of the binary blend was investigated. Compatibilized blends with GMA (1 phr) showed an improvement in the physico‐mechanical properties in comparison with uncompatibilized blend samples. Blends with MAH exhibited higher modulus and hardness values with respect to GMA blends. The efficiency of the compatibilizers was also evaluated by studies of phase morphology (scanning electron microscope), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Random regret minimization or random utility maximization: an exploratory analysis in the context of automobile fuel choice
Authors: Hensher David A. , Greene William H. , Chorus Caspar G.
Published: December 2011

Interest in alternative behavioural paradigms to random utility maximization (RUM) has existed ever since the dominance of the RUM formulation. One alternative is known as random regret minimization (RRM), which suggests that when choosing between alternatives, decision makers aim to minimize anticipated regret. Although the idea of regret is not new, its incorporation into the same discrete choice framework of RUM is very recent. This paper is the first to apply the RRM‐model framework to model choice amongst durable goods. Specifically, we estimate and compare the RRM and RUM models in a stated choice context of choosing amongst vehicles fuelled with petrol, diesel and hybrid (associated with specific levels of fuel efficiency and engine capacity). The RRM model is found to achieve a marginally better fit (using a non‐nested test of differences) than its equally parsimonious RUM counterpart. As a second contribution, we derive a formulation for regret‐based elasticities and compare utility‐based and regret‐based elasticities in the context of stated vehicle type choices. We find that in the context of our choice data, mean estimates of elasticities are different for many of the attributes and alternatives. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
About the possibilities of using the renewable energy power sources on railway transport
Authors: Vorobiev Pavel , Vorobiev Yuri
Published: December 2011

Several electrification systems based on renewable energy power sources (first of all, solar energy) are discussed in respect to their applicability to railway transport and, in particular, to suburban electric trains. Two systems are considered with basic technical details and economic estimation, both including the onboard bank of batteries and the photovoltaic converters (PVC) of solar energy for compensation of energy expenses, which could be positioned either on stations or on wagon's roofs. Sun‐tracking systems and their effect on the solar energy conversion efficiency are discussed in application to stationary and moving PVC platforms. An analysis made shows that introduction of the “green” systems discussed will not only have positive ecological impact, but also can bring a notable economical effect even with today's components, while it could be considerably greater with the usage of new PVCs, which are being developed by the authors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental Policy, Rankings and Stock Values
Authors: Amato Louis H. , Amato Christie H.
Published: December 2011

This paper examines the impact of Newsweek's ‘The Greenest Big Companies in America’ on stock values for large companies. Newsweek ranks the biggest Companies in America from one to 500. An event window of ten days following the rankings release to the public was examined to analyze the impact of relative rankings on stock values. Dummy variables were constructed denoting firms ranked in the highest and lowest quartiles. Control variables included return to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the firm's beta coefficient and total revenue. The main finding of the study is that inclusion in the top quartile of the rankings has a positive and statistically significant impact on firms' stock values, while the coefficient for the lowest quartile was not statistically different from zero. The results provide evidence of a positive impact on stock values from favorable environmental recognition but no effect for low ranked firms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Pyridine‐Based Lanthanide Complexes Combining MRI and NIR Luminescence Activities
Authors: Bonnet Célia S. , Buron Frédéric , Caillé Fabien , Shade Chad M. , Drahoš Bohuslav , Pellegatti Laurent , Zhang Jian , Villette Sandrine , Helm Lothar , Pichon Chantal , Suzenet Franck , Petoud Stéphane , Tóth Éva
Published: December 2011

A series of novel triazole derivative pyridine‐based polyamino–polycarboxylate ligands has been synthesized for lanthanide complexation. This versatile platform of chelating agents combines advantageous properties for both magnetic resonance (MR) and optical imaging applications of the corresponding Gd3+ and near‐infrared luminescent lanthanide complexes. The thermodynamic stability constants of the Ln3+ complexes, as assessed by pH potentiometric measurements, are in the range log KLnL=17–19, with a high selectivity for lanthanides over Ca2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+. The complexes are bishydrated, an important advantage to obtain high relaxivities for the Gd3+ chelates. The water exchange of the Gd3+ complexes (kex298=7.7–9.3×106 s−1) is faster than that of clinically used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and proceeds through a dissociatively activated mechanism, as evidenced by the positive activation volumes (ΔV≠=7.2–8.8 cm3 mol−1). The new triazole ligands allow a considerable shift towards lower excitation energies of the luminescent lanthanide complexes as compared to the parent pyridinic complex, which is a significant advantage in the perspective of biological applications. In addition, they provide increased epsilon values resulting in a larger number of emitted photons and better detection sensitivity. The most conjugated system PheTPy, bearing a phenyl–triazole pendant on the pyridine ring, is particularly promising as it displays the lowest excitation and triplet‐state energies associated with good quantum yields for both Nd3+ and Yb3+ complexes. Cellular and in vivo toxicity studies in mice evidenced the non‐toxicity and the safe use of such bishydrated complexes in animal experiments. Overall, these pyridinic ligands constitute a highly versatile platform for the simultaneous optimization of both MRI and optical properties of the Gd3+ and the luminescent lanthanide complexes, respectively.
ChemInform Abstract: Ternary Rare‐Earth Arsenides REZn3As3 (RE: La—Nd, Sm) and RECd3As3 (RE: La—Pr).
Authors: Stoyko Stanislav S. , Mar Arthur
Published: December 2011

The compounds LnZn3As3 (Ln: La—Nd, Sm) with polymorphic modifications different from the previously known forms and the corresponding compounds LnCd3As3 (Ln: La—Pr) are prepared from the elements (800 °C, 7 d) and characterized by powder and single crystal XRD, electrical resistivity and magnetic measurements, and TB‐LMTO computations.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Dy3+‐Activated Strontium Orthosilicate (Sr2SiO4:Dy3+) Phosphors and Its Photoluminescent Properties.
Authors: Zhang Le , Lu Zhou , Yang Hao , Han Pengde , Xu Naicen , Zhang Qitu
Published: December 2011

Pure single phase β‐ and α′‐Sr2SiO4:Dy3+ phosphors are synthesized by solid state reaction of SrCO3, Dy2O3, and Li2CO3 using 1.0 and 2.0—5.0 wt.% NH4Cl, resp., as a flux (1000 °C, 4 h).
ChemInform Abstract: The System Ce—Zn—B at 800 °C
Authors: Malik Z. , Sologub O. , Giester G. , Rogl P.
Published: December 2011

phase equilibria and single crystal XRD structures for Ce3Zn11 (space group Immm) and Ce3Zn22 (I41/amd)
ChemInform Abstract: Extended Utility of Molten‐Salt Chemistry: Unprecedented Synthesis of a Water‐Soluble Salt‐Inclusion Solid Comprised of High‐Nuclearity Vanadium Oxide Clusters.
Authors: Queen Wendy L. , West J. Palmer , Hudson Joan , Hwu Shiou‐Jyh
Published: December 2011

Cs11Na3(V15O36)Cl6 is synthesized by reaction of Cs3VO4, V2O5, and VO2 in a eutectic NaCl/CsCl flux (600 °C, 4 d).
ChemInform Abstract: The Unique Bis‐(disulfato)‐aurate Anion [Au(S2O7)2]‐: Synthesis and Characterization of Li[Au(S2O7)2] and Na[Au(S2O7)2].
Authors: Logemann Christian , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: December 2011

Yellow single crystals of the title compounds are prepared by reaction of Au(OH)3 and oleum (65% SO3) in the presence of M2SO4 (M: Li, Na; sealed glass tube, 250 °C, 24 h, 80% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Broensted Acid from a Cationic Gold(I) Complex: Catalytic Enantioselective Protonation of Silyl Enol Ethers of Ketones.
Authors: Cheon Cheol Hong , Kanno Osamu , Toste F. Dean
Published: December 2011

Optically active cyclohexanones as well as a cycloheptanone are formed from the corresponding silyl enol ethers.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Biarylketones and Phthalides from Organoboronic Acids and Aldehydes Catalyzed by Cobalt Complexes.
Authors: Karthikeyan Jaganathan , Parthasarathy Kanniyappan , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: December 2011

The presented reaction uses environmentally benign oxygen as oxidant.
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Facile Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Quinazoline Containing Pyrazolothiazolyl, Triazinone and Their Ethoxyphthalimide Derivatives.
Authors: Dangi Raja Ram , Hussain Nasir , Joshi Ajit , Pemawat Gangotri , Talesara Ganpat Lal
Published: December 2011

Newly synthesized compounds (VIII) and (XV) are screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free, Aerobic Dioxygenation of Alkenes Using Simple Hydroxamic Acid Derivatives.
Authors: Giglio Benjamin C. , Schmidt Valerie A. , Alexanian Erik J.
Published: December 2011

The method involves the intermolecular addition of the oxygen‐centered amidoxyl radical derived from hydroxy carbamate (II) to a variety of alkenes in the presence of molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Amination of Unactivated C(sp3)—H Bonds.
Authors: Pan Jun , Su Mingjuan , Buchwald Stephen L.
Published: December 2011

The Pd‐catalyzed intermolecular amination of sterically bulky o‐tert‐butylaryl bromides proceeds regioselectively at the C(sp3)—H bond of o‐tert‐butyl group if the other substituents are bulky enough to suppress direct C(sp2)—N coupling reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Nanocrystalline TiO2 as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for the Chemoselective Trimethylsilylation of Primary and Secondary Alcohols and Phenols.
Authors: Shirini Farhad , Khoshdel Meysam Alipour , Abedini Masoumeh , Atghia Seyyed Vahid
Published: December 2011

Sterically hindered secondary aliphatic and tertiary alcohols as well as amines and thiols are resistant to the reagent system.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct ortho C—H Olefination of Phenol Derivatives.
Authors: Feng Chao , Loh Teck‐Peng
Published: December 2011

The mechanism of the reaction is also investigated by means of deuterium labeling and kinetic isotope‐effect studies.
ChemInform Abstract: Improved Synthesis of D,L‐Fluorocitric Acid.
Authors: Vardanyan Ruben , Kumirov Vlad K. , Hruby Victor J.
Published: December 2011

A decagram synthesis of D,L‐fluorocitric acid (VI) is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: New Synthesis of Allylidenecyclobutanes by the Reaction of Cyclobutylmagnesium Carbenoids with Vinyl Sulfones.
Authors: Ishigaki Masashi , Inumaru Mio , Satoh Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2011

The cyclobutylmagnesium carbenoids react with carbanions, generated according to B) or C) from vinylsulfones, to give the title compounds as versatile synthetic intermediates.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Enantioselective Aza‐Henry Reaction Promoted by Amine‐Functionalized Tridentate Sulfinyl Ligands.
Authors: Rachwalski Michal , Lesniak Stanislaw , Kielbasinski Piotr
Published: December 2011

Ligands (I) and (II) are used as a highly efficient catalyst to give the desired products in high yields and enantioselectivities up to 95%.
ChemInform Abstract: Aerobic Oxybromination of Phenols Catalyzed by Sodium Nitrite under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Yong , Wen Xin , Ding Chengrong , Zhang Guofu , Liang Xinmiao
Published: December 2011

An efficient method is developed using oxygen or air as the terminal oxidant.
ChemInform Abstract: Efficient Ball‐Mill Procedure in the ′Green′ Asymmetric Aldol Reaction Organocatalyzed by (S)‐Proline‐Containing Dipeptides in the Presence of Water.
Authors: Hernandez Jose G. , Juaristi Eusebio
Published: December 2011

Among 3 dipeptides tested, DPT is found to be the most efficient one.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Arylboroxines to β‐Alkoxyacrylate Esters.
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Kasai Atsuyuki , Nagaosa Makoto , Hayashi Tamio
Published: December 2011

Several examples are given where compounds (III) are converted into chiral acids or alcohols by means of standard procedures.
ChemInform Abstract: TAPC‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Thioethers from Thiols and Alcohols.
Authors: Bahrami Kiumars , Khodaei Mohammad Mehdi , Khodadoustan Nayere
Published: December 2011

A new application of the title catalyst allows the efficient formation of thioethers from benzyl and cinnamic alcohols and different thiols within a very short time and generally excellent yield.
ChemInform Abstract: KOH‐Catalyzed Highly Efficient Aminohalogenation of β‐Nitrostyrenes with t‐Butyl N,N‐Dichlorocarbamate as Nitrogen/Halogen Source.
Authors: Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Li Guigen , Pan Yi
Published: December 2011

The reaction tolerates a wide scope of substrates and gives the dichlorinated products at room temperature in short reaction times.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Acylation of Acetanilides with Aldehydes Through Direct C—H Bond Activation.
Authors: Li Chengliang , Wang Lei , Li Pinhua , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2011

Direct ortho‐acylation is achieved according to A).
ChemInform Abstract: Design, Synthesis and Bioevaluation of Novel Candidate Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators.
Authors: Yadav Yogesh , MacLean Erin D. , Bhattacharyya Annyt , Parmar Virinder S. , Balzarini Jan , Barden Christopher J. , Too Catherine K. L. , Jha Amitabh
Published: December 2011

The compounds (IV) and (VI) are evaluated against estrogen‐responsive human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of meso‐Substituted Tetraarylalkynylporphyrins via Rhenium‐Catalyzed Formation of Naphthalene Units.
Authors: Samarat Ali , Kuninobu Yoichiro , Takai Kazuhiko
Published: December 2011

Rhenium‐catalyzed three‐component reaction of ketimine (I), aldehydes (II), and olefins (III) affords naphthalene‐substituted aryl halides.
ChemInform Abstract: DABCO‐Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Allenoates and Trifluoromethylketones: Synthesis of 2‐Alkyleneoxetanes.
Authors: Wang Tong , Chen Xiang‐Yu , Ye Song
Published: December 2011

Under optimized conditions, the reaction affords the products with high (E)‐selectivity.
ChemInform Abstract: 2‐Aminothiophene Derivatives in a Novel Synthesis of Phthalimidines.
Authors: Ukhin L. Yu. , Shepelenko E. N. , Belousova L. V. , Orlova Zh. I. , Borodkin G. S. , Suponitsky K. Yu.
Published: December 2011

New aminophthalides (III) are synthesized by reaction of o‐formylbenzoic acid with substituted 2‐aminothiophenes.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Heterocyclic Carbene and Broensted Acid Cooperative Catalysis: Asymmetric Synthesis of trans‐γ‐Lactams.
Authors: Zhao Xiaodan , DiRocco Daniel A. , Rovis Tomislav
Published: December 2011

The target compounds are prepared with high dia‐ and enantioselectivities from the unactivated α,β‐unsaturated imines and enals using a catalytic system consisting of the cyclohexyl‐substituted azolium salt and sodium o‐chlorobenzoate as a weak base.
ChemInform Abstract: Axially Chiral BINIM and Ni(II)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Chlorination of 3‐Substituted Oxindoles.
Authors: Wang De , Jiang Jia‐Jun , Zhang Rui , Shi Min
Published: December 2011

Substituted oxindoles (I) are chlorinated according to A) to give the corresponding optically active adducts in good yields and enantioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Regiocontrolled Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Indoles and Benzene Using Pd Catalysts with 4,5‐Diazafluorene Ligands.
Authors: Campbell Alison N. , Meyer Eric B. , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: December 2011

The oxidative coupling of indoles with benzene in the presence of palladium(II) trifluoroacetate leads to 3‐substituted indoles (IV) as main reaction products, whilst the use of palladium(II) pivalate favors the formation of 2‐substituted products (III), in general.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Efficient Hydrogen‐Bonding Catalysis of the Diels—Alder Reaction of 3‐Vinylindoles and Methyleneindolinones Provides Carbazolespirooxindole Skeletons.
Authors: Tan Bin , Hernandez‐Torres Gloria , Barbas Carlos F. III
Published: December 2011

The reaction proceeds with complete stereocontrol to generate the target compounds with up to 4 stereodefined centers and excellent enantioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 4‐Oxoindeno[1,2‐b]pyrroles Through Copper‐Catalyzed Tandem Reactions of 1‐(2‐Haloaryl)enones with Isocyanides.
Authors: Zhou Fengtao , Fu Liangbing , Wie Jiajia , Ding Ke , Cai Qian
Published: December 2011

The reaction takes place efficiently with good functional group compatibility.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Cytotoxicities and DNA‐Binding Affinities of Benzofuran‐3‐ols and Their Fused Analogues.
Authors: Zhou Zhong‐Zhen , Zou Min , Zhou Jia , Zhou Chun‐Qiong , Deng Yan‐Hong , Chen Ming‐Hui , Gu Chun‐Ping , Jiang Zhi‐Hong , Chen Wen‐Hua , Liu Shu‐Wen
Published: December 2011

A series of 3‐aryl‐1H‐benzofuro[3,2‐c]pyrazoles (II) are synthesized and screened for their anti‐tumor activities towards four human solid tumor cell lines (MKN45, HepG2, MCF‐7, and A549).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of N‐Alkyl‐2‐aryl‐5H‐imidazo[1,2‐b]pyrazol‐3‐amines by a Three‐Component Condensation Reaction.
Authors: Rahmati Abbas , Kouzehrash Meysam Alizadeh
Published: December 2011

Reaction conditions are optimized for the condensation process.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of the 1,3‐Oxathiolanes Using Asymmetrically Oxiranes.
Authors: Rostami‐Charati Faramarz , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Mohtat Bita , Shahraki Mehdi , Hosseini‐Tabatabaei Mohammad R.
Published: December 2011

The mild and simple procedure allows a rapid access to the title compounds (11 examples) with excellent yields (<85%) and within a short time.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of New Series of N‐3‐[‐{2‐Substituted phenyl‐4‐oxo‐5‐(substituted benzylidene)‐1,3‐thiazolidine}‐carbamyl]‐propyl‐2‐aminothiazole and Their Biological Importance.
Authors: Samadhiya Pushkal , Sharma Ritu , Srivastava Santosh K. , Srivastava Savitri D.
Published: December 2011

A variety of new title thiazole derivatives (X) (19 examples) is synthesized via ZnCl2‐catalyzed cycloaddition of Schiff bases (VII) with thioglycolic acid as key step.
ChemInform Abstract: An Expeditious Green Synthesis of Schiff Bases and Azetidinones Derivatized with 1,2,4‐Triazoles.
Authors: Taj Tasneem , Kamble Ravindra R. , Gireesh Tegginamath , Badami Bharathi V.
Published: December 2011

Azetidinones (V) are synthesized via Schiff bases (III) and evaluated for their bioavailability and antibacterial activities.
ChemInform Abstract: A Novel One‐Pot Synthesis of α‐Keto‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole Derivatives Based on Isocyanide‐Nef Reaction.
Authors: Cui Liren , Liu Qiong , Yu Jingxun , Ni Chongzhi , Yu Hui
Published: December 2011

Imidoyl chloride intermediates, generated by isocyanide‐Nef reaction of acyl chlorides and phosphorane (II), undergo sequential dehydrochlorination/intramolecular aza‐Wittig reaction with carboxylic acids to give the title compounds.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Spiroketals under Neutral Conditions via a Type III Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis Strategy.
Authors: Mandel Jeremie , Dubois Nathalie , Neuburger Markus , Blanchard Nicolas
Published: December 2011

Several novel spiroketals, e.g. compounds (V) and (VII), are prepared via a ring‐rearrangement metathesis reaction of oxabicycles (III).
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Enantioselective Aziridoarylation of Aryl Cinnamyl Ethers Toward Synthesis of trans‐3‐Amino‐4‐arylchromans.
Authors: Hajra Saumen , Sinha Debarshi
Published: December 2011

The procedure provides a new, widely applicable, and highly stereoselective method to prepare the title compounds as precursors of biologically important chromenoisoquinolines.