bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Manifestations of Adult‐Onset Still's Disease Presenting With Erosive Arthritis: Association With Low Levels of Ferritin and Interleukin‐18
Authors: Ichida Hisae , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Sugiura Tomoko , Takagi Kae , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Gono Takahisa , Ota Yuko , Kataoka Sayuri , Kawasumi Hidenaga , Yamanaka Hisashi
Published: October 2013

Objective

Adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a clinical entity with a heterogeneous etiology. We have encountered patients with AOSD who had severe polyarthritis and who fulfilled the classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, most patients with AOSD typically exhibit mild arthritis. In this study, we proposed 2 clinical subsets of AOSD and investigated the clinically significant characteristics of the 2 subtypes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 71 consecutive patients with AOSD. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who were followed up for more than 2 years. We classified all of the patients with AOSD into the following 2 subsets: an RA subtype for patients who met the criteria for RA according to the American College of Rheumatology and a non‐RA subtype for patients who did not meet the criteria for RA.

Results

Our results indicated that the non‐RA subtype was accompanied by severe inflammatory complications, including pleuritis and hemophagocytic syndrome. In addition, the serum ferritin and serum interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) levels were significantly higher in patients with the non‐RA subtype than in those with the RA subtype. Interestingly, only 1 patient with the RA subtype had anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and 1 patient with the non‐RA subtype had rheumatoid factor. These findings distinguish these patients from patients with true RA.

Conclusion

There were 2 subsets of patients with AOSD in the examined population. Patients with high levels of IL‐18 or ferritin presented with severe systemic inflammatory disorders (non‐RA subtype) and patients with low levels of IL‐18 or ferritin developed severe arthritis (RA subtype).
Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography for the Detection and Quantification of Enthesitis Vascularization in Patients With Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Mouterde Gaël , Aegerter Philippe , Correas Jean‐Michel , Breban Maxime , D'Agostino Maria‐Antonietta
Published: October 2013

Objective

To evaluate if contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can improve the detection and quantification of the vascularization of mild enthesitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to evaluate the influence of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on such detection.

Methods

Fourteen patients with mildly active SpA were evaluated at 3 consecutive visits: at baseline while undergoing NSAID treatment (V1), after 1 week of stopping NSAIDs (V2), and after 1 week of resuming NSAIDs (V3). At each visit, enthesitis was evaluated clinically and by power Doppler US (PDUS). A selected enthesis with a doubtful PDUS vascularization signal was studied by CEUS in 2 steps: 1) using a dedicated technology that preserves microbubbles (Contrast Tuned Imaging technology [CEUS‐CnTI]) and 2) using high PD (CEUS‐PD) to destroy microbubbles. A linear mixed model statistical analysis, taking visits and contrast agent as fixed factors and the patient as a random factor, was used.

Results

Disease activity and PDUS findings increased between V1 and V2 and then decreased between V2 and V3. As compared with PDUS alone, CEUS‐PD and CEUS‐CnTI each detected 1 supplementary vascularized enthesis at V1, CEUS‐PD detected 1 vascularized enthesis and CEUS‐CnTI detected 3 vascularized entheses at V2, and CEUS‐PD and CEUS‐CnTI each detected 2 vascularized entheses at V3. The mean inflammation score was increased by the use of CEUS (P = 0.04). This score increased between V1 and V2 (P = 0.03 by CEUS‐PD and P = 0.01 by CEUS‐CnTI) and decreased between V2 and V3.

Conclusion

CEUS improved the detection of enthesitis in SpA patients by confirming all doubtful enthesitis signals and confirming the absence of enthesis vascularization. The use of NSAIDs influenced the detection of vascularization.
Processing of Magnesium Porous Structures by Infiltration Casting for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Trinidad Javier , Marco Iñigo , Arruebarrena Gurutze , Wendt Joachim , Letzig Dietmar , Sáenz de Argandoña Eneko , Goodall Russell
Published: October 2013

Magnesium and its alloys are currently considered to be a promising metallic biomaterial. The interest in magnesium alloys arises from their biocompatibility, bioabsorbility, and especially from their mechanical properties, which are more compatible to those of human bone than the mechanical properties of other metallic biomaterials, such as stainless steel and titanium. A medical application in which magnesium is gaining interest is regenerative medicine where scaffolds are used to create tissues from cells. For its application in regenerative medicine, the scaffolds have to present a 3D open‐cell structure. The main purpose of the present research is to set up the fabrication procedure necessary to manufacture porous magnesium scaffolds; for this the replication (infiltration) process has been used and adapted to process magnesium alloys, processing five different biodegradable magnesium alloys (AZ91E, WE43, ZM20, ZWM200, and ZXM200).
Nickel–Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets for High‐performance Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Chen Hao , Hu Linfeng , Chen Min , Yan Yan , Wu Limin
Published: October 2013

A facile and novel one‐step method of growing nickel‐cobalt layered double hydroxide (Ni‐Co LDH) hybrid films with ultrathin nanosheets and porous nanostructures on nickel foam is presented using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as nanostructure growth assisting agent but without any adscititious alkali sources and oxidants. As pseudocapacitors, the as‐obtained Ni‐Co LDH hybrid film‐based electrodes display a significantly enhanced specific capacitance (2682 F g−1 at 3 A g−1, based on active materials) and energy density (77.3 Wh kg−1 at 623 W kg−1), compared to most previously reported electrodes based on nickel‐cobalt oxides/hydroxides. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor, with the Ni‐Co LDH hybrid film as the positive electrode material and porous freeze‐dried reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as the negative electrode material, exhibits an ultrahigh energy density (188 Wh kg−1) at an average power density of 1499 W kg−1 based on the mass of active material, which greatly exceeds the energy densities of most previously reported nickel or cobalt oxide/hydroxide‐based asymmetric supercapacitors.
Hybrid Antibacterial Fabrics with Extremely High Aspect Ratio Ag/AgTCNQ Nanowires
Authors: Davoudi Zahra Mohammad , Kandjani Ahmad Esmaielzadeh , Bhatt Anand I. , Kyratzis Ilias L. , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Bansal Vipul
Published: October 2013

This study reports the synthesis of extremely high aspect ratios (>3000) organic semiconductor nanowires of Ag–tetracyanoquinodimethane (AgTCNQ) on the surface of a flexible Ag fabric for the first time. These one‐dimensional (1D) hybrid Ag/AgTCNQ nanostructures are attained by a facile, solution‐based spontaneous reaction involving immersion of Ag fabrics in an acetonitrile solution of TCNQ. Further, it is discovered that these AgTCNQ nanowires show outstanding antibacterial performance against both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, which outperforms that of pristine Ag. The outcomes of this study also reflect upon a fundamentally important aspect that the antimicrobial performance of Ag‐based nanomaterials may not necessarily be solely due to the amount of Ag+ ions leached from these nanomaterials, but that the nanomaterial itself may also play a direct role in the antimicrobial action. Notably, the applications of metal‐organic semiconducting charge transfer complexes of metal‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) have been predominantly restricted to electronic applications, except from our recent reports on their (photo)catalytic potential and the current case on antimicrobial prospects. This report on growth of these metal‐TCNQ complexes on a fabric not only widens the window of these interesting materials for new biological applications, it also opens the possibilities for developing large‐area flexible electronic devices by growing a range of metal‐organic semiconducting materials directly on a fabric surface.
High‐Content, Well‐Dispersed γ‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Macroporous Silica with Superior Arsenic Removal Performance
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Hongwei , Yu Meihua , Emmanuelawati Irene , Zou Jin , Yuan Zhiguo , Yu Chengzhong
Published: October 2013

Novel composites of iron oxide encapsulated in macroporous silica with excellent arsenic adsorption performance have been successfully developed. Macroporous silica foams with large pore sizes of ≈100 nm and a high pore volume of 1.6 cm3 g−1 are chosen as the porous matrix. Electron tomography technique confirms that γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles with an average particle size of ≈6 nm are spatially well‐dispersed and anchored on the pore walls at even a high γ‐Fe2O3 content of 34.8 wt%, rather than forming aggregates inside the pores or on the external surface. The open large‐pore structure, high loading amount, and the non‐aggregated nature of γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles lead to increased adsorption sites and thus high adsorption capacities of both As (V) and As (III) without pre‐treatment (248 and 320 mg g−1, respectively). Moreover, the composites can reduce the concentration of both As (V) and As (III) from 100 to 2 μg L−1. It is also demonstrated that the composites can be applied in a household drinking water treatment device, which can continuously treat 20 L of wastewater containing As (V) with the effluent concentration lower than the World Health Organization standard.
Interaction of SH‐SY5Y Cells with Nanogratings During Neuronal Differentiation: Comparison with Primary Neurons
Authors: Tonazzini Ilaria , Cecchini Alessandra , Elgersma Ype , Cecchini Marco
Published: October 2013

Controlling neuronal cell adhesion, migration, and axonal outgrowth via contact interactions with biomaterials is a critical element for tissue engineering applications and for developing artificial neuronal interfaces. One promising approach relies on the exploitation of nanostructured surfaces. Here, the human neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y is interfaced with plastic nanogratings (NGs; anisotropic topographies composed by alternating lines of grooves and ridges with sub‐micrometer lateral dimension). The SH‐SY5Y cells' (SHs) contact guidance is investigated under proliferating conditions and upon differentiation after treatment with retinoic acid (RA) and brain‐derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), and compared with mouse primary hippocampal neurons (HNs). Quantitative readouts are obtained by measuring changes in tubulin cytoskeleton organization and cell morphology induced by mechanotransduction. Results demonstrate that SHs effectively retrieve substrate topographical signals, in particular during differentiation. Remarkably, RA/BDNF improves SH responsiveness to NG directional cues, and significantly enhances the alignment to the NG lines. HNs behave similarly, showing a marked change in network organization if cultured on NGs. These results might help the rational engineering of neuro‐regenerative scaffolds to improve peripheral nerve wound healing, as well as to investigate the basic mechanisms of neuronal wiring.
Osteotropic Therapy via Targeted Layer‐by‐Layer Nanoparticles
Authors: Morton Stephen W. , Shah Nisarg J. , Quadir Mohiuddin A. , Deng Zhou J. , Poon Zhiyong , Hammond Paula T.
Published: October 2013

Current treatment options for debilitating bone diseases such as osteosarcoma, osteoporosis, and bone metastatic cancer are suboptimal and have low efficacy. New treatment options for these pathologies require targeted therapy that maximizes exposure to the diseased tissue and minimizes off‐target side effects. This work investigates an approach for generating functional and targeted drug carriers specifically for treating primary osteosarcoma, a disease in which recurrence is common and the cure rate has remained around 20%. This approach utilizes the modularity of Layer‐by‐Layer (LbL) assembly to generate tissue‐specific drug carriers for systemic administration. This is accomplished via surface modification of drug‐loaded nanoparticles with an aqueous polyelectrolyte, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), side‐chain functionalized with alendronate, a potent clinically used bisphosphonate. Nanoparticles coated with PAA‐alendronate are observed to bind and internalize rapidly in human osteosarcoma 143B cells. Encapsulation of doxorubicin, a front‐line chemotherapeutic, in an LbL‐targeted liposome demonstrates potent toxicity in vitro. Active targeting of 143B xenografts in NCR nude mice with the LbL‐targeted doxorubicin liposomes promotes enhanced, prolonged tumor accumulation and significantly improved efficacy. This report represents a tunable approach towards the synthesis of drug carriers, in which LbL enables surface modification of nanoparticles for tissue‐specific targeting and treatment.
An Abnormal N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Copper(I) Complex in Click Chemistry
Authors: Sau Samaresh Chandra , Roy Sudipta Raha , Sen Tamal K. , Mullangi Dinesh , Mandal Swadhin K.
Published: October 2013

Herein we report the synthesis of a copper(I) chloro complex using an abnormal N‐heterocyclic carbene (aNHC) salt, 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2,4‐diphenylimidazolium. The CuCl(aNHC) complex efficiently catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions (click reactions) of azides with alkynes to give 1,4‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in excellent yields at room temperature within short reaction time under solvent‐free conditions. The catalyst successfully activated benzyl azide and phenylacetylene under the low catalyst loading of 0.005 mol% resulting in a nearly quantitative yield of the product at room temperature with the high TON value of 19,800. The catalyst also exhibits high efficiency in the reaction between sterically hindered azides and alkynes under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. Furthermore, a number of internal alkynes was successfully tested in this copper‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction for synthesis of 4,5‐disubstituted triazoles.

magnified image
Phosphine‐Catalyzed [3+2] Annulation of Electron‐Deficient Alkynes with N‐Hydroxyphthalimide: Synthesis of 3a‐Hydroxyisoxazolo[3,2‐a]isoindol‐8(3aH)‐ones
Authors: Zhou Qing‐Fa , Chu Xue‐Ping , Ge Fei‐Fei , Wang Yue , Lu Tao
Published: October 2013

The phosphine‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation of electron‐deficient alkynes with N‐hydroxyphthalimide has been developed to give a variety of pharmaceutically attractive 3a‐hydroxyisoxazolo[3,2‐a]isoindol‐8(3aH)‐ones in good to excellent yields.

magnified image
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Transvinylation – New Insights
Authors: Ziriakus Jennifer , Zimmermann. Teresa K. , Pöthig Alexander , Drees Markus , Haslinger Stefan , Jantke Dominik , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: October 2013

The use of ruthenium complexes in transvinylation catalysis has been well established since the 1980s. However, the reaction mechanism and the active catalyst species, which is presumed to contain ruthenium carbonyl carboxylate entities, have so far remained elusive. In this work the synthesis and characterization of three novel ruthenium complexes comprising ruthenium carbonyl carboxylate structural motifs including two single crystal structures as well as the crystal structures of two known ruthenium complexes are reported. These new complexes and four known ruthenium complexes with appropriate structural motifs were applied in transvinylation catalysis. Mechanistic studies including identification and characterization of the active species, isotope labeling experiments and examination of the regio‐ and stereoselectivity of the transvinylation reaction are presented, resulting in the proposal of a probable reaction mechanism, which is supported by DFT calculations on the B3LYP/6‐31G* level of theory.

magnified image
Diastereoselective Methyl Orthoformate Alkylations of Chiral N‐Acylthiazolidinethiones Catalyzed by Nickel(II) Complexes
Authors: Romo Juan Manuel , Gálvez Erik , Nubiola Ignasi , Romea Pedro , Urpí Fèlix , Kindred Max
Published: October 2013

The completely diastereoselective silyl triflate‐mediated methyl orthoformate alkylation of chiral N‐acyl‐4‐isopropyl‐1,3‐thiazolidine‐2‐thiones catalyzed by commercially available nickel(II) complexes is reported. The simple experimental procedure requires 2.5–5 mol% of bis(phosphine)nickel dichloride [(R3P)2NiCl2] complexes, proceeds under very mild conditions, and covers a wide array of acyl groups. Furthermore, it can potentially be expanded to different electrophiles.

magnified image
Synthesis of 1H‐Indole‐3‐carboxamidines through a Palladium‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction Involving Isocyanide Insertion as a Key Step
Authors: Hu Ziwei , Wang Jian , Liang Dongdong , Zhu Qiang
Published: October 2013

A three‐component reaction involving isocyanides, o‐alkynyltrifluoroacetanilides, and amines for the efficient synthesis of 2‐substituted 1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamidines has been developed. The reaction proceeds through intramolecular aminopalladation of alkynes activated by isocyanide‐ligated palladium(II) species. Dioxygen acts as the sole oxidant to regenerate the active palladium(II) species.

magnified image
Gold‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Aryl Alkynylphosphonates for the Synthesis of Phosphacoumarins
Authors: Kim Cheol‐Eui , Ryu Taekyu , Kim Sanghyuck , Lee Kooyeon , Lee Chang‐Hee , Lee Phil Ho
Published: October 2013

Intramolecular hydroarylation using aryl alkynylphosphonates proceeds smoothly with a gold/silver catalyst in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) in the 6‐endo mode, thus affording a unique synthetic method for phosphacoumarins having various functional groups, which could be a privileged structure and prevalent scaffold in phosphorus heterocycles.

magnified image
Decatungstate Photocatalyzed Benzylation of Alkenes with Alkylaromatics
Authors: Qrareya Hisham , Ravelli Davide , Fagnoni Maurizio , Albini Angelo
Published: October 2013

The direct benzylation of electrophilic alkenes with alkylbenzenes has been achieved by decatungstate photocatalysis in a high ionic strength medium (5:1 acetonitrile/water mixed solvents, 0.5 M lithium perchlorate). The reaction has been extended to ring‐substituted (Cl, F, CN) toluenes and further alkylbenzenes. Intramolecular selectivity (p‐cymene, 4‐methylanisole) and deuteration effects support the atom transfer character of the process that, however, requires a sufficient stabilization of the intermediate polar exciplex to occur. The reactivity of the decatungstate anion is compared with that of aromatic ketones, the benchmark of photochemical hydrogen/electron transfer processes.

magnified image
Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Alkylation of β‐Keto Esters with Xanthydrols
Authors: Trillo Paz , Baeza Alejandro , Nájera Carmen
Published: October 2013

The copper(II) triflate‐tert‐butyl‐bisoxazoline [Cu(OTf)2‐t‐Bu‐BOX]‐catalyzed asymmetric alkylation of β‐keto esters using free benzylic alcohols such as xanthydrols, as alkylating agents, is herein described for the first time. This green protocol renders in general the corresponding products with good results in terms of both yields and enantioselectivities using different keto esters, even when quaternary stereocenters were created. The scope, limitations and mechanistic aspects of the process are also discussed.

magnified image
Synthesis and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Enantioenriched Secondary Potassium β‐Trifluoroboratoamides: Catalytic, Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Bisboronic Acid and Tetrakis(dimethylamino)diboron to α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Molander Gary A. , Wisniewski Steven R. , Hosseini‐Sarvari Mona
Published: October 2013

Enantioenriched potassium β‐trifluoroboratoamides have been synthesized via an asymmetric, copper‐catalyzed 1,4‐addition of tetrahydroxydiboron (BBA) and tetrakis(dimethylamino)diboron to α,β‐unsaturated amides. These dibora reagents provide access to the desired organotrifluoroborates using effective and atom economical sources of boron. The copper‐catalyzed β‐boration is extended to α,β‐unsaturated ketones and esters. The desired potassium organotrifluoroborates are synthesized with yields up to 92% and enantiomeric ratios up to 98:2. The enantioenriched potassium β‐trifluoroboratoamides are successfully cross‐coupled with an array of aryl and heteroaryl chlorides in high yield with complete stereochemical fidelity as the transmetalation proceeds through an SE2 mechanism via an open transition state.

magnified image
Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling of Primary and Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Musa Sanaa , Ackermann Lutz , Gelman Dmitri
Published: October 2013

Homo‐ and cross‐coupling of alcohols resulting in the formation of the corresponding ketones in very good to excellent yield was realized through the one‐pot sequence of dehydrogenation/aldol condensation/hydrogenation accompanied by the release of molecular hydrogen. The dehydrogenation and hydrogenation steps are catalyzed by the previously reported ruthernium‐ and iridium‐based ligand‐metal cooperating catalysts.

magnified image
Physically Stable Polymer‐Membrane Electrolytes for Highly Efficient Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells with Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Park Sung‐Hae , Lim Jongchul , Song In Young , Lee Jae‐Ryung , Park Taiho
Published: October 2013

A 3D polymer‐network‐membrane (3D‐PNM) electrolyte is described for highly stable, solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with excellent power‐conversion efficiency (PCE). The 3D‐PNM electrolyte is prepared by using one‐pot in situ cross‐linking polymerization on the surface of dye‐sensitized TiO2 particles in the presence of redox species. This method allows the direct connection of the 3D‐PNM to the surface of the TiO2 particles as well as the in situ preparation of the electrolyte gel during device assembly. There are two junction areas (liquid and solid‐state junctions) in the DSCs that employ conventional polymer electrolytes, and the major interface is at the liquid‐state junction. The solid‐state junction is dominant in the DSCs that employ the 3D‐PNM electrolyte, which exhibit almost constant performance during aging at 65 °C for over 700 h (17.0 to 17.2 mA cm–2). The best cell performance gives a PCE of 9.1%; this is slightly better than the performance of a DSC that employs a liquid electrolyte.
Electrical Performance of Organic Solar Cells with Additive‐Assisted Vertical Phase Separation in the Photoactive Layer
Authors: Kim Min , Kim Joo‐Hyun , Choi Hyun Ho , Park Jong Hwan , Jo Sae Byeok , Sim Myungsun , Kim Jong Soo , Jinnai Hiroshi , Park Yeong Don , Cho Kilwon
Published: October 2013

Understanding the vertical phase separation of donor and acceptor compounds in organic photovoltaics is requisite for the control of charge transport behavior and the achievement of efficient charge collection. Here, the vertically phase‐separated morphologies of poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6]phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) blend films are examined with transmission electron microtomography, dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The 3D morphologies of the processed films are analyzed and how the solvent additive causes vertical segregation is determined. The photocurrent–voltage characteristics of the vertically segregated blend films are strongly dependent on the 3D morphological organization of the donor and acceptor compounds in the photoactive layer. This dependence is correlated with asymmetric carrier transport at the buried interface and the air surface in the vertically segregated blend films.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin Films as Ultrabarriers for Organic Electronics
Authors: Yamaguchi Hisato , Granstrom Jimmy , Nie Wanyi , Sojoudi Hossein , Fujita Takeshi , Voiry Damien , Chen Mingwei , Gupta Gautam , Mohite Aditya D. , Graham Samuel , Chhowalla Manish
Published: October 2013

Encapsulation of electronic devices based on organic materials that are prone to degradation even under normal atmospheric conditions with hermetic barriers is crucial for increasing their lifetime. A challenge is to develop ultrabarriers that are impermeable, flexible, and preferably transparent. Another important requirement is that they must be compatible with organic electronics fabrication schemes (i.e., must be solution processable, deposited at room temperature and be chemically inert). Here, a lifetime increase of 1300 h for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) films encapsulated by uniform and continuous thin (≈10 nm) films of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is reported. This level of protection against oxygen/water vapor diffusion is substantially better than conventional polymeric barriers such as Cytop, which degrades after only 350 h despite being 400 nm thick. Analysis using atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy suggest that the superior oxygen gas/moisture barrier property of rGO is due to the close interlayer distance packing and absence of pinholes within the impermeable sheets. These material properties can be correlated to the enhanced lag time of 500 h. The results provide new insight for the design of high‐performance and solution‐processable transparent ultrabarriers for a wide range of encapsulation applications.
Numerical study on steady and transient mass/heat transfer involving a liquid sphere in simple shear creeping flow
Authors: Li Run , Zhang Jingsheng , Yang Chao , Mao Zai‐Sha , Yin Xiaolong
Published: October 2013

A numerical method is utilized to examine the steady and transient mass/heat transfer processes that involve a neutrally buoyant liquid sphere suspended in simple shear flow at low Reynolds numbers is described. By making use of the known Stokes velocity field, the convection‐diffusion equations are solved in the three‐dimensional spherical coordinates system. For the mass transfer either outside or inside a liquid sphere, Sherwood number Sh approaches an asymptotic value for a given viscosity ratio at sufficiently high Peclet number Pe. In terms of the numerical results obtained in this work, two new correlations are derived to predict Sh at finite Pe for various viscosity ratios. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 343–352, 2014
Segregation of granular particles by mass, radius, and density in a horizontal rotating drum
Authors: Arntz M. M. H. D. , Beeftink H. H. , den Otter W. K. , Briels W. J. , Boom R. M.
Published: October 2013

The impact of particle properties on segregation and mixing of bidisperse granular beds in a rotating horizontal drum have been studied by discrete element method (DEM) simulations. Bidispersities in radius, density, and mass have pronounced influences on the stationary mixing pattern, although they hardly affect the granules' flow regime. At 50% fill level, all beds mix well for a Froude number of ∼0.56, corresponding to a flow regime intermediate to cascading and cataracting, while segregation occurs both at lower (rolling and cascading regime) and higher (cataracting/centrifuging regime) Froude numbers. These observations are explained qualitatively by noticing that the angular drum velocity dictates the flow regime, which in turn determines the effectiveness and direction of four competing (de)mixing mechanisms: random collisions, buoyancy, percolation, and inertia. A further dozen particle properties have been varied, including the friction coefficients and elastic modulus, but these proved inconsequential to the steady‐state degree of mixing. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 50–59, 2014
An atmosphere‐switching polymerization process: A novel strategy to advanced polyolefin materials
Authors: Tian Zhou , Gu Xue‐Ping , Feng Lian‐Fang , Fan Zhi‐Qiang , Hu Guo‐Hua
Published: October 2013

Significance

We report on a novel atmosphere‐switching polymerization process (ASPP) that produces advanced polyolefin materials with high performance in a single polymerization reactor through unique monomer feeding policies. In the ASPP, each polymer particle is exposed to “atmosphere A” and “atmosphere B” in an alternating manner and time and again. As a result, “polymer A” and “polymer B” are formed within the polymer particle in an alternating manner and time and again too. Two types of polypropylene (PP) in‐reactor alloys are prepared: impact polypropylene copolymers (IPCs) with an exceptional stiffness‐toughness balance and soft polypropylene alloys (SPPs) with well‐defined, high‐rubber content sticking‐free particles. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4468–4473, 2013
Chloroform hydrodechlorination behavior of alumina‐supported Pd and PdAu catalysts
Authors: Velázquez Juan C. , Leekumjorn Sukit , Nguyen Quang X. , Fang Yu‐Lun , Heck Kimberly N. , Hopkins Gary D. , Reinhard Martin , Wong Michael S.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Chloroform is a common groundwater contaminant that is very difficult to remove. Chemically converting it into a less toxic form through heterogeneous catalysis is an attractive approach over conventional physical removal methods if it can be done economically. In this study, we explore the efficacy of supported precious metal catalysts for chloroform hydrodechlorination. We find that Pd/Al2O3 is catalytically active for this reaction (6.4 L/gPd/min) at room temperature, atmospheric pressure, in buffered water, and in the presence of hydrogen gas, and that Pd deposited on commercial Au/Al2O3 shows activities as high as 22.4 L/gPd/min, suggestive of some Pd metal located on top of Au domains. The primary reaction product is methane, with selectivity values exceeding 90%. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy shows evidence of chloroform adsorption and dechlorination on the catalyst surface under aqueous conditions. The results highlight the potential of ambient‐condition reductive catalysis to remove chloroform from water. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4474–4482, 2013
External analysis‐based regression model for robust soft sensing of multimode chemical processes
Authors: Ge Zhiqiang , Song Zhihuan , Kano Manabu
Published: October 2013

To remove the influence of operation mode changes in the chemical process, the whole variable set is partitioned into external, main, and quality variables. External variables are related to the operation mode. Two regression models are initially developed between external variables and main variables/quality variables, based on which the influence of the operation mode is removed from both input and output of the soft sensor. Then, an additional regression model is constructed for soft sensing, which is robust to the change of the operation mode. Compared to existing methods, the new method has advantages to handle two critical issues: (1) capable of quality estimation in new process modes; (2) able to distinguish changes in operation modes from process faults. Besides, a monitoring and analysis strategy is proposed for performance evaluation of the new soft sensor. Two case studies are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 136–147, 2014
Subcooled boiling oscillations in natural circulation boiling loop at low pressure
Authors: Karmakar Arnab , Goswami Nababithi , Paruya Swapan
Published: October 2013

Flow instabilities in a natural circulation boiling loop at a low pressure are reported. The oscillations at boiling incipience are primarily chaotic and bifurcate to quasiperiodic ones depending on inlet subcooling ΔTsub and heater power Q. They also strongly depend on water volume Φ in the loop. We have presented power spectrums, attractor reconstructions, and Hurst exponents for the analysis of the experimental data. The analysis shows that the primary oscillations are very similar to geysering instability. Chaotic oscillations occur at low ΔTsub or high Q, whereas quasiperiodic oscillations occur at high ΔTsub or low Q. Our experiments also suggest that wall superheat exceeding a critical value triggers the instability. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 375–386, 2014
Improved relapse‐free survival after autologous stem cell transplantation does not translate into better quality of life in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Lessons from the randomized European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation‐Intergroup study
Authors: de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Watson Maggie , van Os Marleen , Milligan Donald , van Gelder Michel , Michallet Mauricette , Dreger Peter , Dearden Claire E. , Homewood Janis , Dupuis Jehan , Leporrier Michel , Karas Michal , Corront Bernadette , Baerlocher Gabriela M. , Herr Wolfgang , Choquet Sylvain , Niederwieser Dietger W. , Sutton Laurent , Kröger Nicolaus , de Witte Theo M. , Schetelig Johannes ,   the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT, and the UK Medical Research Council
Published: October 2013

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) medical progress is driven by clinical studies with relapse‐free survival (RFS) as the primary endpoint. The randomized EBMT‐Intergroup trial compared high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to observation and demonstrated a substantial improvement of RFS without showing improved overall survival for the transplant arm. Here we report quality of life (QoL) information of the first 3 years following randomization from that study. The main objective was to assess the impact of treatment on QoL over time. Two secondary analyses were performed to further investigate the impact of ASCT and relapse on QoL. In the primary analysis, we demonstrate an adverse impact of ASCT on QoL which was largest at 4 months and continued throughout the first year after randomization. Further, we demonstrated a sustained adverse impact of relapse on QoL which worsened over time. Despite better disease control by ASCT the side effects thus turned the net effect towards inferior QoL in the first year and comparable QoL in the following 2 years after randomization. This study emphasizes the importance of information concerning QoL impacts when patients are counseled about treatments aimed at improving RFS in the absence of a survival benefit. Am. J. Hematol. 89:174–180, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skeletal variability in the pelvis and limb skeleton of humans: Does stabilizing selection limit female pelvic variation?
Authors: Kurki Helen K.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study tests the hypothesis, a correlate of the obstetric dilemma, that skeletal variability in the human female pelvic canal is limited owing to the action of stabilizing selection. Levels of variation in three skeletal regions (pelvic canal, noncanal pelvis, and limbs) of females and males are compared to each other and between sexes.

Methods

Nine human skeletal samples (total female n = 101; male n = 117) representing diverse populations were included. Osteometric data were collected from the articulated pelvis, os coxa, sacrum, femur, tibia, humerus, radius, and clavicle. Coefficients of variation, adjusted for small sample size (V*), were calculated for variables in separate samples by sex, and mean V*s were taken for the skeletal regions. Size variances were measured as V* of the geometric mean (GM) of the skeletal region variables. Using nonparametric methods, coefficients were compared between sexes and skeletal regions and correlations among V*s were calculated.

Results

Females and males do not differ in levels of variation for any skeletal region. The pelvic canal is the most variable region in both sexes, while size variability (GM) is similar among the three skeletal regions. Across the samples, canal and noncanal pelvic regions share patterns of variability in females but not males, while variability of the limb skeleton is independent in both sexes.

Conclusions

The results suggest that stabilizing selection does not limit variability in the female pelvic canal. Biological plasticity may be greater in the canal than that in other skeletal regions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:795–802, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High hsCRP is associated with reduced lung function in structural firefighters
Authors: Gaughan Denise M. , Christiani David C. , Hughes Michael D. , Baur Dorothee M. , Kobzik Lester , Wagner Gregory R. , Kales Stefanos N.
Published: October 2013

Background

To assess the association between markers of systemic inflammation and pulmonary function in a population of structural firefighters.

Methods

We studied male career members of a large Midwestern fire department with questionnaires, spirometry, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We examined percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%‐predicted) and forced vital capacity (FVC%‐predicted).

Results

Complete data were available for 401 firefighters. Higher hsCRP levels were associated with lower lung function values, after adjusting for confounding variables. Specifically, for every twofold increase in log10‐hsCRP, FEV1%‐predicted decreased by a mean 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.6%) and FVC%‐predicted decreased by a mean 1.4% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.3%).

Conclusion

hsCRP as a biomarker of systemic inflammation may indicate reduced lung function in structural firefighters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:31–37, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expanding the genotype–phenotype correlation in subtelomeric 19p13.3 microdeletions using high resolution clinical chromosomal microarray analysis
Authors: Peddibhotla Sirisha , Khalifa Mohamed , Probst Frank J. , Stein Jennifer , Harris Leslie L. , Kearney Debra L. , Vance Gail H. , Bull Marilyn J. , Grange Dorothy K. , Scharer Gunter H. , Kang Sue‐Hae L. , Stankiewicz Pawel , Bacino Carlos A. , Cheung Sau W. , Patel Ankita
Published: October 2013

Structural rearrangements of chromosome 19p are rare, and their resulting phenotypic consequences are not well defined. This is the first study to report a cohort of eight patients with subtelomeric 19p13.3 microdeletions, identified using clinical chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). The deletion sizes ranged from 0.1 to 0.86 Mb. Detailed analysis of the patients' clinical features has enabled us to define a constellation of clinical abnormalities that include growth delay, multiple congenital anomalies, global developmental delay, learning difficulties, and dysmorphic facial features. There are eight genes in the 19p13.3 region that may potentially contribute to the clinical phenotype via haploinsufficiency. Moreover, in silico genomic analysis of 19p13.3 microdeletion breakpoints revealed numerous highly repetitive sequences, suggesting LINEs/SINEs‐mediated events in generating these microdeletions. Thus, subtelomeric 19p13.3 appears important for normal embryonic and childhood development. The clinical description of patients with deletions in this genomic interval will assist clinicians to identify and treat individuals with similar deletions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A patient with a unique frameshift mutation in GPC3, causing Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome, presenting with craniosynostosis, penoscrotal hypospadias, and a large prostatic utricle
Authors: Villarreal Diana D. , Villarreal Humberto , Paez Ana Maria , Peppas Dennis , Lynch Jane , Roeder Elizabeth , Powers George C.
Published: October 2013

We present a Hispanic male with the clinical and molecular diagnosis of Simpson–Golabi–Behmel syndrome (SGBS). The patient was born with multiple anomalies not entirely typical of SGBS patients, including penoscrotal hypospadias, a large prostatic utricle, and left coronal craniosynostosis. In addition, he demonstrated endocrine anomalies including a low random cortisol level suspicious for adrenal insufficiency and low testosterone level. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a prostatic utricle in SGBS and the second report of craniosynostosis. The unique disease‐causing mutation likely arose de novo in the mother. It is a deletion‐insertion that leads to a frameshift at the p.S349 residue of GPC3 and a premature stop codon after five more amino acids. P.S349 is the same residue that is normally cleaved by the Furin convertase, although the significance of this novel mutation with respect to the patient's multiple anomalies is unknown. We present this case as the perinatal course of a patient with unique features of SGBS and a confirmed molecular diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Congenital heart defects in oculodentodigital dysplasia: Report of two cases
Authors: Izumi Kosuke , Lippa Andrew M. , Wilkens Alisha , Feret Holly A. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: October 2013

Oculodentodigital dysplasia is caused by mutations in the GJA1 gene. Oculodentodigital dysplasia presents with a spectrum of clinical features including craniofacial, ocular, dental, and limb anomalies. Although recent findings implicate the major role of GJA1 during cardiac organogenesis, congenital heart defects are infrequently reported in oculodentodigital dysplasia. Here we report on two patients with GJA1 mutations presenting with cardiac malformations and type III syndactyly. Patient 1 presented with pulmonary atresia, an intact septum, right ventricular hypoplasia and tricuspid stenosis. The infant had a small nose, thin columella and bilateral 4–5 syndactyly of the fingers. A de novo c.226C>T (p.Arg76Cys) mutation was identified. Patient 2 presented at 6 months with a ventricular septal defect. The child had hypoplastic alae nasi with a thin columella and bilateral 4–5 syndactyly of the digits. A de novo missense mutation, c.145C>G (p.Gln49Glu) was found. Our two patients underscore the importance of cardiac evaluations as part of the initial workup for patients with findings of oculodentodigital dysplasia. Conversely, those patients with type III syndactyly and congenital heart defect should be screened for GJA1 mutations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perspectives on RAGE signaling and its role in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Cohen M. Michael
Published: October 2013

RAGE stands for Receptor of Advanced Glycation Endproducts. The two main topics discussed are (1) the nature of RAGE signaling and (2) its role in cardiovascular disease. RAGE may occur in membrane‐bound form or in secretory form. RAGE signaling involves multiple ligands: (1) several AGEs (2) amyloid β pecursor protein (APP), (3) high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), (4) S100A4, (5) S100A8/A9, and (6) S100A12, which are calcium‐binding proteins, and (7) S100B, a glial‐derived protein. RAGE ligands and various diseases involving RAGE signaling are summarized in tabular form. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Historical perspective on developmental concepts and terminology
Authors: Opitz John M. , Neri Giovanni
Published: October 2013

In their ontogeny and phylogeny all living beings are historical entities. The revolution in biology of the 18th and 19th centuries that did away with thescala naturaeaccording to which we humans, the acme of creation, “made a little lower than the angels,” also led to the gradual realization that a humble one‐celled protist (“protoctist”), such asEntamoeba histolyticaof ill repute [Margulis and Chapman,] has the same 4‐billion‐year phylogeny as that ofHomo sapiens, vivid testimony to common ancestry and the relatedness of all living beings on earth. The group of medical geneticists who assembled at the NIH, Bethesda, MD this January to address terms pertaining to human ontogeny, did so in the long tradition of Sydenham, Linnaeus, Meckel, Geoffroy St‐Hilairepère et fils, Wilhelm His and so many others before who had over the previous two centuries wrestled as earnestly as they could with concepts of “classification” and nomenclature of developmental anomalies. The prior massive need for classificationper sein medical morphology has diminished over the years in favor of ever more sophisticated understanding of pathogenesis and cause through experimental biology and genetics; however, in the winter of 2013 it was still found prudent to respect terminological precedent on general terms while recognizing recent advances in developmental pathology requiring clarification and definition of special terms. Efforts along similar lines instigated by the German Society of Anatomists at their first meeting in Leipzig in 1887 culminated, after intense years of work by hundreds of experts and consultants under the goad of Wilhelm His, in the BaselNomina Anatomica[BNA, His (1895)]. His, himself, stated prefatorily that the BNA had no legislative weight, only an evanescent consensus of many to be amended in the future as needed and indicated. Without hubris, no one before or after will do the same. The more substantial the consensus the more permanent the structure. After some 120 years the BNA is alive and flourishing. Now retitledTerminologia Anatomica, it has been amended and added to many times, is still in Latin but now with synonyms in English, the newlingua francaof science, for every anatomical, histological and embryological term. May our successors be equally effective. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solving the puzzle of spinal muscular atrophy: What are the missing pieces?
Authors: Tiziano Francesco Danilo , Melki Judith , Simard Louise R.
Published: October 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive, lower motor neuron disease. Clinical heterogeneity is pervasive: three infantile (type I–III) and one adult‐onset (type IV) forms are recognized. Type I SMA is the most common genetic cause of death in infancy and accounts for about 50% of all patients with SMA. Most forms of SMA are caused by mutations of the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. A second gene that is 99% identical to SMN1 (SMN2) is located in the same region. The only functionally relevant difference between the two genes identified to date is a C → T transition in exon 7 of SMN2, which determines an alternative spliced isoform that predominantly excludes exon 7. Thus, SMN2 genes do not produce sufficient full length SMN protein to prevent the onset of the disease. Since the identification of the causative mutation, biomedical research of SMA has progressed by leaps and bounds: from clues on the function of SMN protein, to the development of different models of the disease, to the identification of potential treatments, some of which are currently in human trials. The aim of this review is to elucidate the current state of knowledge, emphasizing how close we are to the solution of the puzzle that is SMA, and, more importantly, to highlight the missing pieces of this puzzle. Filling in these gaps in our knowledge will likely accelerate the development and delivery of efficient treatments for SMA patients and be a prerequisite towards achieving our final goal, the cure of SMA. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.