bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxygen‐induced transcriptional dynamics in human osteoblasts are most prominent at the onset of mineralization
Authors: Nicolaije Claudia , van de Peppel Jeroen , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M.
Published: March 2013

Oxygen tension plays an important role in the regulation of cellular processes. During hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation, HSCs migrate from one stem cell niche to the next, each with a different oxygen tension that determines which signaling pathways are on and off, determining the differentiation stage of the cell. Oxygen tension influences osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Low oxygen levels inhibit matrix formation and mineralization. We were interested in the regulatory mechanisms that underlie this inhibition and wondered whether a switch in oxygen tension could have varying effects depending on the differentiation phase of the osteoblasts. We performed an oxygen tension switch phase study in which we switched osteoblasts from high to low oxygen tension during their 3 week differentiation and mineralization process. We performed microarray expression profiling on samples collected during this 3 week period and analyzed biochemical and histo‐chemical endpoint parameters to determine the effect of a switch in oxygen levels on mineralization. We found that low oxygen tension has the most profound impact on mineralization when administered during the period of matrix maturation. Additionally, a large set of genes was regulated by oxygen, independent of the differentiation phase. These genes were involved in cell metabolisms and matrix formation. Our study demonstrates that variation in oxygen tension strongly affects gene expression in differentiating osteoblasts. The magnitude of this change for either expression levels or the number of regulated probes, depends on the osteoblast differentiation stage, with the phase prior to the onset of mineralization being most sensitive. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1863–1872, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCL20 induces migration and proliferation on breast epithelial cells
Authors: Marsigliante Santo , Vetrugno Carla , Muscella Antonella
Published: March 2013

The communication between the tumor cells and the surrounding cells helps drive the process of tumor progression. Since the microenvironment of breast cancer includes CCL20 chemokine, the purpose of this study was to determine whether CCL20 modulates the physiology of healthy breast epithelial cells in areas adjacent to the tumor. Therefore, primary cultures of mammary cells taken from normal peritumoral areas were used. We assessed that breast cells expressed CCR6 CCL20 receptor. Using molecular (siRNA) and pharmacological (inhibitors) techniques, we found multiple signaling kinases to be activated by CCR6 and involved in CCL20‐induced breast cell proliferation and migration. The binding of 10 ng/ml CCL20 to CCR6 induced cell migration whilst higher concentrations (from 15 to 25 ng/ml) led to cell proliferation. CCL20 controlled cell migration and MMP‐9 expression by PKC‐alpha that activated Src, which caused the activation of downstream Akt, JNK, and NF‐kB pathways. Furthermore, higher CCL20 concentrations increased cycE and decreased p27Kip expression ending in enhanced cell proliferation. Cell proliferation occurred through PKC‐epsilon activation that transactivated EGFR and ERK1/2/MAPK pathway. Although activated by different CCL20 concentrations, these pathways function in parallel and crosstalk to some extent, inasmuch as Akt activation was responsible for ERK1/2 nuclear translocation and enhanced the transcription of of c‐fos and c‐myc, involved in cell proliferation. In summary, tumor cells exchange signals with the surrounding healthy cells modifying the extracellular matrix through enzyme secretion; thus, CCL20 might be a factor involved in the ontogeny of breast carcinoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1873–1883, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Anticancer and Antiviral Activities of New 2‐Pyrazoline‐Substituted 4‐Thiazolidinones
Authors: Havrylyuk Dmytro , Zimenkovsky Borys , Vasylenko Olexandr , Lesyk Roman
Published: March 2013

2‐(4,5‐Dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl)‐thiazol‐4‐ones (2–5) have been synthesized starting from 3‐phenyl‐5‐aryl‐1‐thiocarbamoyl‐2‐pyrazolines via [2+3]‐cyclization with 2‐bromopropionic acid, maleic anhydride, N‐arylmaleimides, and aroylacrylic acids. The in vitro anticancer activity of 2a, 3a, 4a, 5b, and 5c were tested by the National Cancer Institute. Compounds 4a, 5b, and 5c demonstrated selective inhibition of leukemia cell lines growth at a single concentration (10−5 M). The screening of antiviral activity for a broad panel of viruses revealed that N‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐{2‐[5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydropyrazol‐1‐yl]‐4‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydrothiazol‐5‐yl}‐acetamide 4a was highly active against Tacaribe TRVL 11 573 virus strain (EC50 = 0.71 μg/mL, selectivity index = 130).
An Efficient and Green Procedure for Synthesis of Pyrrole Derivatives by Paal–Knorr Condensation Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate in Aqueous Micellar
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Azadbakht Reza , Ezadifar Mehdi , Hemmati Saba
Published: March 2013

A simple, economical, and green approach to the synthesis of N‐substituted pyrroles using sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant in water is described. The experiment protocol features simple operations, and the products are isolated in high to excellent yields (60–98%).
Localization of function‐specific segments of the primary motor pathway in children with Sturge‐Weber syndrome: A multimodal imaging analysis
Authors: Jeong Jeong‐Won , Chugani Harry T. , Juhász Csaba
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To explore whether diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can localize specific segments of primary motor areas in children with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS), this study investigated the corticospinal tract (CST) between precentral gyrus (PCG) and posterior limb of internal capsule (PIC).

Materials and Methods

DWI was performed on 32 healthy children and seven children with unilateral SWS affecting the sensorimotor area variably. A hierarchical dendrogram was applied to find PCG‐segments uniquely connected to PIC‐segments. The resulting PCG‐clusters were used to image primary motor pathways in DWI and find metabolic abnormalities of primary motor areas in positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Results

In healthy children, five PCG‐clusters were found to have unique CST courses, corresponding to CST segments of mouth/lip, fingers, and leg/ankle primary motor areas determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In children with SWS, reduced streamlines in these PCG clusters were highly correlated with glucose‐hypometabolism on PET (R2 = 0.2312, P = 0.0032). Impaired CST segment corresponding to finger movements correlated with severity of hand motor deficit.

Conclusion

The presented method can detect impaired CST segments corresponding to specific motor functions in young children who cannot cooperate for fMRI. This approach can be clinically useful for a noninvasive presurgical evaluation of cortical motor areas in such children. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1152–1161. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cells in vitro through a mammalian target of rapamycin‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Legacy Jacqueline , Hanea Sonia , Theoret Jennifer , Smith Patrice D.
Published: March 2013

Lack of regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is a major hurdle that limits recovery from neurological ailments. Although accumulating research suggests the possibility of axon regeneration by targeting intrinsic signaling mechanisms, it remains a matter of controversy whether functional recovery can be achieved by manipulating aspects of molecular signaling. Recent studies have shown that granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) may be an effective means of targeting repair following CNS injury; how this molecule is able to produce this effect is not known. Indeed, GM‐CSF has been shown to promote neuronal survival, potentially through activation of as yet unknown cytokine‐dependent signals and potentially through regulation of antiapoptotic mechanisms. It is well established that the loss of intrinsic regenerative ability is highly correlated with development of CNS neurons. We therefore designed experiments, using a well‐established in vitro retinal ganglion cell (RGC) culture system, to evaluate the effect of GM‐CSF on axon growth and cell survival and define possible mechanisms involved in GM‐CSF‐mediated effects in vitro. Several developmental stages were evaluated, with particular focus placed on stages at which axon growth is known to be significantly diminished. Our results reveal that GM‐CSF not only promotes axon growth in postnatal RGCs but also enhances cell survival through a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐dependent mechanism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic degeneration of dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons modulates cortical spreading depression: A possible pathophysiology of migraine
Authors: Cui Yilong , Li Qing‐Hua , Yamada Hisao , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Kataoka Yosky
Published: March 2013

The vascular serotonergic system in the brain has been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine, however, involvement of the serotonergic nervous system of the brain parenchyma in the pathophysiology remains unclear. To investigate whether the brain parenchymal serotonergic nervous system is involved in the etiology of migraine, we prepared an experimental model of migraine by generation of cortical spreading depression (SD), characterized by spreading of neuronal/glial membrane depolarization accompanied by temporal elevation of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) throughout the cerebral cortical hemisphere in rats, which underwent pharmacological treatment for degeneration of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus. We show here that 1) significant degeneration of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and serotonergic fibers in the cerebral cortex was observed in treated rats, 2) spreading velocity of the CBF changes was significantly increased in these rats, and 3) calculated width of the depolarization wave was significantly extended in these rats. These results indicate that the dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons modulate cortical spreading depression and might be involved in migraine pathology via a similar mechanism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for lectins from basidiomycetes and isolation of Punctularia atropurpurascens lectin
Authors: Alborés Silvana , Mora Paola , Cerdeiras María Pía , Franco Fraguas Laura
Published: March 2013

Aqueous extracts of basidiomycete fungi were screened for the presence of lectins by hemagglutination (HA) assays with mouse, rabbit, and sheep red blood cells. From mycelia and/or fruiting bodies, 23 extracts were prepared; 15 extracts exhibited HA activity towards mouse erythrocytes, with specific activities ranging from 12 to 440 lectin units (LU) mg−1 protein. In HA inhibition assays, 43 carbohydrates including mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetrasaccharides, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides were tested as haptens, to determine the saccharide‐binding specificities of the lectins. A novel lectin with specificity towards N‐acetyl‐glucosamine was purified from mycelia of Punctularia atropurpurascens using affinity chromatography on chitosan–Sepharose. The lectin has a subunit molecular mass of 67 kDa determined by SDS–PAGE and a pI of 5.0.
Transformation of xanthohumol by Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Tronina Tomasz , Bartmańska Agnieszka , Popłoński Jarosław , Huszcza Ewa
Published: March 2013

Microbial transformation of xanthohumol isolated from agro‐residue (spent hops), by Aspergillus ochraceus was investigated. A new aurone, (Z)‐2″‐(‐hydroxyisopropyl)‐dihydrofurano[4″,5″:6,7]‐3′,4′‐dihydroxy‐4‐methoxyaurone, was obtained as a main transformation product. Three minor metabolites were identified as 2″‐(‐hydroxyisopropyl)‐dihydrofurano[4″,5″:3′,4′]‐2′,4‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxychalcone, (2S,2″S)‐2″‐(‐hydroxyisopropyl)‐dihydrofurano[4″,5″:7,8]‐4′‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyflavanone and (2S,2″R)‐2″‐(‐hydroxyisopropyl)‐dihydrofurano[4″,5″:7,8]‐4′‐hydroxy‐5‐methoxyflavanone. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences. The antioxidant properties of xanthohumol and its metabolites were investigated using the 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The major biotransformation product, was 8.6‐fold stronger antioxidant than xanthohumol and 2.3‐fold than ascorbic acid.
Transcanal approach for implantation of a cochlear nerve electrode array
Authors: Kiumehr Saman , Mahboubi Hossein , Middlebrooks John C. , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate a transcanal approach for placement of a stimulating electrode array in the cochlear nerve.

Study Design

Prospective cadaveric temporal bone study.

Methods

Ten human cadaveric temporal bones were dissected. Both a facial recess approach with mastoidectomy and a transcanal approach using the novel technique were performed in each bone. A middle fossa dissection of the internal auditory canal was performed to confirm the position of the electrode in the cochlear nerve.

Results

The transcanal approach offered a direct approach to the cochlear nerve in all 10 bones. The procedure was quicker than the facial recess approach and did not endanger the facial or chorda tympani nerves. Inspection of the medial end of the internal auditory canal confirmed correct placement of the electrode in the cochlear nerve. In contrast, anatomical constraints, specifically the position of the facial nerve, blocked access to the cochlear nerve by the facial recess approach in three of the specimens to achieve the exposure to place the electrode at a perpendicular angle to the cochlear nerve. Sacrifice of the chorda tympani was necessary in five of the seven bones in which the cochlear nerve could be accessed.

Conclusions

The transcanal approach offers a simpler, safer approach for cochlear nerve implantation compared to the facial recess approach. This approach can be accomplished in less time and avoids the hazards of dissection around the facial nerve. Use of the proposed approach will facilitate development of intraneural stimulation for an improved auditory prosthesis.
Clickable Poly(ethylene glycol)‐Microsphere‐Based Cell Scaffolds
Authors: Nguyen Peter K. , Snyder Christopher G. , Shields Jason D. , Smith Amanda W. , Elbert Donald L.
Published: March 2013

Clickable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives are used with two sequential aqueous two‐phase systems to produce microsphere‐based scaffolds for cell encapsulation. In the first step, sodium sulfate causes phase separation of the clickable PEG precursors and is followed by rapid geleation to form microspheres in the absence of organic solvent or surfactant. The microspheres are washed and then deswollen in dextran solutions in the presence of cells, producing tightly packed scaffolds that can be easily handled while also maintaining porosity. Endothelial cells included during microsphere scaffold formation show high viability. The clickable PEG‐microsphere‐based cell scaffolds open up new avenues for manipulating scaffold architecture as compared with simple bulk hydrogels.

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Cross‐Linking Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization from a Bayesian Experimental Design Angle
Authors: Nabifar Afsaneh , Hernandez‐Ortiz Julio , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Penlidis Alexander
Published: March 2013

Summary: In an attempt to collect “meaningful” experimental data in cross‐linking nitroxide‐mediated radical copolymerization of stryene and divinyl benzene, a Bayesian design approach was used to derive optimal experimental sequences to be carried out in the laboratory. Since a considerable amount of prior knowledge about this polymerization system was already available from previous experimental and modeling efforts, application of the Bayesian design of experiments seemed like a perfect approach. In addition, the implementation of the Bayesian approach would, in principle, result in running fewer experiments, hence saving considerable time and resources.
Extension of the Application of Piers‐Rubinsztajn Conditions to Produce Triarylamine Pendant Dimethylsiloxane Copolymers
Authors: Gretton Michael J. , Kamino Brett A. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: March 2013

Summary: In this paper we show how the strong organic Lewis acid catalyst, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5) or BCF), can be used to facilitate the functionalization of simple polymeric silicones with a triarylamine yielding a novel class of charge transporting materials. The reaction conditions we refer to as Piers‐Rubinsztajn Conditions and we have previously shown such conditions to be suitable when using phenylated silicones as precursors. In this work we found they also work successfully for a silicone oligomer as well as cocopolymers of polymethylhydridosiloxane (PMHS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a PMHS homopolymer, all of which are highly abundent and available in industrial quanitities. The resulting material was either a waxy solid, viscous oil or a glass. An additional “finishing” step with anisole using the same chemistry was found necessary to prevent gelation of the copolymer and homopolymer of PMHS. Even after finishing a small fraction (<5%) of Si‐H groups remained in the silicones. This nonetheless provides a rapid and mild method to synthesize functional silicones and tune their physical properties, using commonly available starting materials.
Emulsion Copolymerization of Vegetable Oil Macromonomers Possessing both Acrylic and Allylic Functionalities
Authors: Kaya Ethem , Mendon Sharathkumar K. , Delatte David , Rawlins James W. , Thames Shelby F.
Published: March 2013

Summary: A soybean oil‐based vegetable oil macromonomer (VOMM) was incorporated as a comonomer into an all‐acrylic copolymer via semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization. Structurally, VOMMs are comprised of long hydrocarbon fatty acid moieties with allylic double bonds which enable auto‐oxidative crosslinking at ambient temperature. VOMMs facilitate low temperature film formation and the fatty acid chains tethered to the polymer backbone auto‐oxidize upon film formation to yield crosslinked films. Latexes with varying VOMM levels were synthesized to elucidate the effect of VOMMs on the pre‐cure and post‐cure glass transition temperature (Tg) and minimum film formation temperature (MFT). Thermoplastic control latexes (without VOMM) were also synthesized via copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. This paper details the characterization performed to validate and quantify the VOMM allylic unsaturation retention before, during, and after polymerization, and to quantify and confirm the increase in Tg resulting from auto‐oxidative crosslinking via solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.
An Early History of Multiple Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Köksalan Murat , Wallenius Jyrki , Zionts Stanley
Published: March 2013

This historical note is based on a plenary talk ‘A History of Early Developments in Multiple Criteria Decision Making’, presented by Stanley Zionts at the 21st International Conference on Multiple Criteria Decision Making held in Jyväskylä, Finland, June 2011. It draws heavily on our book, Multiple Criteria Decision Making: From Early History to the 21st Century, published by World Scientific, Singapore, 2011. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zum Problem radialer Trennzugspannungen beim Tübbingschacht
Authors: Klein Joachim
Published: March 2013

Gut 150 Jahre ist es nun her, dass im Bergbau erstmals mit eisernen englischen Tübbingen als Schachtausbau größere Teufen erfolgreich erreicht werden konnten. Die Wandstärken wurden in jener Zeit nach der Fassformel oder anderen empirischen Faustformeln festgelegt, erst seit etwa 100 Jahren wird der zum “Deutscher Tübbing” entwickelte Ausbau mit unterschiedlichen baustatischen Berechnungsverfahren dimensioniert. Vor genau 50 Jahren begann ein Arbeitskreis des Steinkohlenbergbauvereins in Essen damit, einheitliche Richtlinien zur Berechnung von Schachtauskleidungen in nicht standfestem Gebirge aufzustellen, die späteren Schachtbaurichtlinien. In diesem Beitrag werden noch einmal in kompakter Form das viel diskutierte Problem des Lastangriffs des Wasserdrucks und seine Bedeutung bei der Ausbaubemessung dargestellt.

Problem of separating radial tension stresses in a tubbing shaft

In water‐bearing strata the watertight shaft lining can be constructed as non‐rock‐connected sliding shaft or as bedded tubbing shaft consisting of adequate material. Concerning cylindrical shafts the widest advance to a watertight wall, i.e. the minimum radius of the water loads has a decisive influence on the design. Not only the greater tangential stresses but also the corresponding radial stresses are of importance. The problem of separating radial tension stresses and the consequences for the construction are recalled by an example of a classical cast iron tubbing shaft. From statics point of view, those impacts acting within a composite cross section form a special load case, which is not limited to tubbing shafts but does hold true for all watertight shaft‐lining systems.
Informations‐ und Dialogprozess zur Sicherheit und Umweltverträglichkeit der Fracking‐Technologie: Ergebnisse der Risikostudie
Authors: Borchardt Dietrich , Ewen Christoph , Richter Sandra , Hammerbacher Ruth
Published: March 2013

Unternehmen der Erdgasindustrie planen in Deutschland die Förderung von Erdgas aus unkonventionellen Lagerstätten (Schiefergas, Kohleflözgas) mit der Fracking‐Technologie (Hydraulic Fracturing). Dabei wird ein Wasser‐Chemikalien‐Sand Gemisch unter hohem Druck in das Gas führende Gestein gepresst und gezielt Risse erzeugt, um das fest eingeschlossene Gas zu mobilisieren. Um die teilweise massiven Bedenken aus der Öffentlichkeit zu adressieren, wurde ein “Informations‐ und Dialogprozess über die Sicherheit und Umweltverträglichkeit der Fracking‐Technologie” initiiert. Eine dabei erarbeitete Risikostudie gibt Empfehlungen für eine in der Sache fundierte, sorgfältige und realistische Diskussion über die Vertretbarkeit des “Frackings” aus umweltbezogener Sicht.

Dialogue and information dissemination process concerning the health and environmental aspects of hydrofracking

In Germany, several gas companies are currently prospecting for so‐called unconventional natural gas reservoirs (shale gas and coal bed methane) in many parts of the country using the fracking technology (hydraulic fracturing). Therefore, a mixture of water, chemicals and sand is forced in the reservoir rock under high pressure in order to mobilize the enclosed gas. To address the sometimes massive public concerns about the safety and the environmental compatibility of the fracking technology the “Dialogue and information dissemination process concerning the health and environmental aspects of hydrofracking” has been initiated. During the process recommendations have been developed by a panel of experts to promote a thoughtful, realistic and fact‐based debate on the vices and virtues of hydrofracking.
Bohren auf der oberen Ebene – eine wirtschaftliche Alternative im Streckenvortrieb im Bergbau und im Tunnelbau
Authors: Saelhoff Günther
Published: March 2013

Wenn sich der Geräteeinsatz im Strecken‐ und Tunnelvortrieb auf die untere Querschnittsebene beschränkt, müssen die einzelnen Arbeitsgänge für Ausbruch und Sicherung nacheinander ausgeführt werden, sodass die Vortriebsgeschwindigkeit durch die Zeitdauer der einzelnen Arbeitsgänge und die Rüstzeiten für das Umsetzen der Geräte bestimmt wird. In nahezu allen Strecken‐ und Tunnelvortrieben können die Bohrarbeiten aber auch von im Firstbereich verfahrbar aufgehängten Bohrgeräten bewältigt werden. Durch die Trennung der Arbeitsebenen ergeben sich vielfältige Möglichkeiten zur Parallelisierung von Arbeitsvorgängen als Voraussetzung für höhere Vortriebsleistungen. Der Beitrag fasst den Entwicklungsstand der verfügbaren Maschinensysteme für Streckenvortriebe mit Teilschnittmaschinen und mit Bohr‐ und Sprengarbeit im Bergbau sowie im konventionellen Tunnelbau zusammen.

Drilling works on the upper gateroad – an alternative in gateroad and tunnel excavation

If the use of machinery to drive gateroads and tunnels is restricted to the floor of the cross‐section, the individual working steps of excavation and support have to be performed successively, so the advance rate will be determined by the duration of the individual working steps and the setting‐up times for moving machines. For nearly all roadway and tunnel drives, however, it is also possible to carry out drilling works using mobile drill rigs suspended from the crown. The separation of working levels opens up many opportunities for performing working steps in parallel as a precondition for faster advance rates. The article summarises the state of development of the machinery available for driving roadways and galleries using roadheaders and drill and blast in mining as well as in conventional tunnel construction.
Meta‐analytic approaches to determine gender differences in the age‐incidence characteristics of schizophrenia and related psychoses
Authors: Jackson Dan , Kirkbride James , Croudace Tim , Morgan Craig , Boydell Jane , Errazuriz Antonia , Murray Robin M. , Jones Peter B.
Published: March 2013

A recent systematic review and meta‐analysis of the incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychoses in England investigated the variation in the rates of psychotic disorders. However, some of the questions of interest, and the data collected to answer these, could not be adequately addressed using established meta‐analysis techniques. We developed a novel statistical method, which makes combined use of fractional polynomials and meta‐regression. This was used to quantify the evidence of gender differences and a secondary peak onset in women, where the outcome of interest is the incidence of schizophrenia. Statistically significant and epidemiologically important effects were obtained using our methods. Our analysis is based on data from four studies that provide 50 incidence rates, stratified by age and gender. We describe several variations of our method, in particular those that might be used where more data is available, and provide guidance for assessing the model fit. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective multifunctionality of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) nanocomposites filled with different amounts of carbon nanotubes, graphite, and short carbon fibers
Authors: Noll Andreas , Friedrich Klaus , Burkhart Thomas , Breuer Ulf
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work was the fundamental research on multifunctional properties of poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) composites using commercially available multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) in combination with micro‐scale short carbon fibers (SCF) and graphite as fillers. Systematic combinations of the three fillers were investigated to explore the efficiency of the respective single fillers in combined systems. It could be demonstrated that MWNT are the most effective filler for realizing electrical conductivity, whereas SCF are favorable to improve mechanical and tribological properties, and graphite is good for improving the tribological properties too. Multimodally filled composites resulted in the best overall property profile. Existing synergies between SCF and MWNT with regard to the electrical conductivity, especially near to the percolation threshold, were modeled using a modified mixture rule, based on the general effective media theory. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1405–1412, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of low molecular weight tail of polypropylene resin on the pore structure by room‐temperature stretching
Authors: Caihong Lei , Shuqiu Wu , Ruijie Xu , Xinlong Peng , Wenqiang Shi , Bing Hu
Published: March 2013

Two polypropylene resins with approximate weight‐average and z‐average molecular weight but differing in low molecular weight tail content were used for the fabrication of microporous membrane based on melt‐stretching mechanism. The precursor film with row‐nucleated crystalline structure, annealed film and cold‐stretched film were prepared and characterized. It was found that the existence of the low molecular weight tail resulted in higher lamellar thickness in precursor film and more perfect grown crystalline part during annealing. During stretching under room temperature, within the plastic region in stress–strain curve, these grown parts were pulled out and converted to bridges connecting separated lamellae. Higher content of connecting bridges existed in the cold‐stretching film with low molecular weight tail. In addition, the polypropylene resin with low molecular weight tail showed more pronounced stain‐hardening behavior in stress–strain curve, indicating crystallization occurrence of stretched tie chains, resulting in more stable connecting bridges and less deterioration to formed pore structures. Therefore, it can be seen that for polypropylene resin with certain high molecular weight chains, the existence of low molecular weight tail is important to the formation and stabilization of pore structure during the fabrication of microporous membrane by stretching. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 53:2594–2602, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Association of pre‐operative brain pathology with post‐operative delirium in a cohort of non‐small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgical resection
Authors: Root James C. , Pryor Kane O. , Downey Robert , Alici Yesne , Davis Marcus L. , Holodny Andrei , Korc‐Grodzicki Beatriz , Ahles Tim
Published: March 2013

Objective

Post‐operative delirium is associated with pre‐operative cognitive difficulties and diminished functional independence, both of which suggest that brain pathology may be present in affected individuals prior to surgery. Currently, there are few studies that have examined imaging correlates of post‐operative delirium. To our knowledge, none have examined the association of delirium with existing structural pathology in pre‐operative cancer patients. Here, we present a novel, retrospective strategy to assess pre‐operative structural brain pathology and its association with post‐operative delirium. Standard of care structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) from a cohort of surgical candidates prior to surgery were analyzed for white matter hyperintensities and cerebral atrophy.

Methods

We identified 23 non‐small cell lung cancer patients with no evidence of metastases in the brain pre‐operatively, through retrospective chart review, who met criteria for post‐operative delirium within 4 days of surgery. 24 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects were identified for comparison to the delirium sample. T1 and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery sequences were collected from standard of care pre‐operative MRI screening and assessed for white matter pathology and atrophy.

Results

We found significant differences in white matter pathology between groups with the delirium group exhibiting significantly greater white matter pathology than the non‐delirium group. Measure of cerebral atrophy demonstrated no significant difference between the delirium and non‐delirium group.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study utilizing standard of care pre‐operative brain MRIs for assessment of structural risk factors to delirium, we found white matter pathology to be a significant risk factor in post‐operative delirium. Limitations and implications for further investigation are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obliterative lower airway lesions in childhood: Bronchoscopic diagnosis and clinical spectrum
Authors: Quizon Annabelle , Minic Pedrag , Pohunek Petr , Tal Asher , Colin Andrew A.
Published: March 2013

Previous reports have described structural airway abnormalities in children with non‐cystic fibrosis chronic supportive lung disease as well as obliterative membranes in the major bronchi of cystic fibrosis patients. The putative paradigm proposed in the evolution of these membranes invokes intense inflammation resulting in granulation tissue and neovascularization with the formation of pyogenic granuloma and eventually fibrosis.

Our series of four cases widens the spectrum of conditions that may be conducive to large airway obliteration to include non‐suppurative chronic infections and possibly immunosuppression. Obliteration of lumina in proximal and distal airways was visualized on bronchoscopy, the latter by the use of the ultrathin bronchoscopes. An attempt at invasive intervention by transbronchial breaching of the obstruction was unsuccessful in three cases, and in one case, the obliterative process resolved spontaneously and without any radiologic trace, presumably by resorption or rupture or through development of collateral ventilation.

This series highlights the use of bronchoscopy for diagnosis and occasionally for therapeutic intervention in hitherto little recognized obliterative airway lesions. These acquired obliterative lesions should be considered in the evaluation of patients with isolated non‐resolving pulmonary infiltrates or other conditions in which bronchial and bronchiolar patency may be impaired. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:E27–E34. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of superhard AlB2‐type WB2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Jiang Chunlei , Pei Zhiliang , Liu Yanming , Xiao Jinquan , Gong Jun , Sun Chao
Published: March 2013

WB2 nanocomposite coatings were synthesized by dc magnetron sputtering. The morphology, chemical composition, chemical bonding state, microstructure, hardness, and tribological properties were investigated. The columnar‐structured coatings are dense and uniform. The as‐deposited coatings were found to have a metastable AlB2‐type structure as characterized by X‐ray diffraction and further confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Coatings exhibit superhardness about 43.2 ± 5 GPa (taken from the plateau region) obtained by nanoindentation. In addition, the steady‐state friction coefficient µ = 0.23 and wear rate K = 6.5 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 were obtained under dry sliding condition in ambient environments. These characteristics indicate AlB2‐type WB2 coatings have high potential application as superhard and low wear coatings. Moreover, the AlB2‐type WB2 can hardly be prepared using the conventional powder metallurgy technology without high pressure, and this study proposes a new practical approach to prepare it.
Optimization or Bricolage? Overcoming Resource Constraints in Global Social Entrepreneurship
Authors: Desa Geoffrey , Basu Sandip
Published: March 2013

Resources play a vital role in the development of an entrepreneurial venture. For ventures operating in the public interest, the process of effective resource mobilization can be especially critical to the social mission. However, there has been limited empirical examination of the approaches used by social ventures to mobilize critical resources. We study two processes of resource mobilization—optimization and bricolage, and examine the antecedent conditions that influence a venture's selection of these processes. Our theory predicts that environmental munificence and organizational prominence have U‐shaped associations with the use of bricolage and positive associations with the use of optimization. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 202 technology social ventures from 42 countries and discuss implications for the social entrepreneurship and broader entrepreneurship literatures. Copyright © 2013 Strategic Management Society.
Unique Role of Self‐Assembled Monolayers in Carbon Nanomaterial‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Chen Hongliang , Guo Xuefeng
Published: March 2013

Molecular self‐assembly is a promising technology for creating reliable functional films in optoelectronic devices with full control of thickness and even spatial resolution. In particular, rationally designed self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) play an important role in modifying the electrode/semiconductor and semiconductor/dielectric interfaces in field‐effect transistors. Carbon nanomaterials, especially single‐walled carbon nanotubes and graphene, have attracted intense interest in recent years due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. The combination of the advantages of both SAMs and carbon nanomaterials has been opening up a thriving research field. In this Review article, the unique role of SAMs acting as either active or auxiliary layers in carbon nanomaterials‐based field‐effect transistors is highlighted for tuning the substrate effect, controlling the carrier type and density in the conducting channel, and even installing new functionalities. The combination of molecular self‐assembly and molecular engineering with materials fabrication could incorporate diverse molecular functionalities into electrical nanocircuits, thus speeding the development of nanometer/molecular electronics in the future.
Effect of horizontal members on column shortening of reinforced concrete building structures
Authors: Kim Han‐Soo
Published: March 2013

An improved analysis method for column shortening of tall buildings has been proposed. The analysis method considers the restraining effects of steel bars and horizontal members. A step‐by‐step method was applied for the exact displacement and internal forces for any elapsed time. The sectional properties of the asymmetrically reinforced and cracked section were also taken into account. Column shortenings of an 80‐story reinforced concrete frame–shear wall building were investigated as numerical examples. The horizontal members reduce the differential shortening between the adjacent vertical members and transfer the axial forces of more shortened vertical members to less shortened members.
Pedotransfer functions for permeability: A computational study at pore scales
Authors: Hyman Jeffrey D. , Smolarkiewicz Piotr K. , Larrabee Winter C.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Computational experiments are used to develop generalized pedotransfer functions

Kozeny eqn gives good estimates of permeability for porosities in a normal range

Power laws give better estimates of permeability across wider ranges of porosity
Modeling fine‐scale soil surface structure using geostatistics
Authors: Croft H. , Anderson K. , Brazier R. E. , Kuhn N. J.
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Aggregate breakdown and crust formation represented by decrease in sill variance

Soil cracks quantifiable by local semi‐variance maxima at a given length‐scale

Directional semi‐variograms modelled the spatial orientation of erosional areas
Transport and fate of microorganisms in soils with preferential flow under different solution chemistry conditions
Authors: Wang Yusong , Bradford Scott A. , Šimůnek Jiří
Published: March 2013

Key Points

Preferential transport became more important under higher overall retention.

Mass transfer was significant and important in preferential flow systems.
Synthese und Deprotonierung des verzweigten Triphosphanyltetrasilans PhSi(SiMe2PH2)3
Authors: von Hänisch Carsten , Feierabend Michael
Published: March 2013

The branched triphosphanyltetrasilane PhSi(SiMe2PH2)3 (1) could be obtained in a three‐stage synthesis. It was characterised by multi‐nuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. Deprotonation of 1 with GaiPr3 or [M{N(SiMe3)2}2(thf)2] (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) yields new phosphorus bridged polynuclear complexes of these metals with phosphorus atoms connected through tetrasilane fragments. While trinuclear complexes with single deprotonated phosphanyl groups could be obtained from the reactions of 1 with GaiPr3, calcium or barium silazanide (compounds 2, 3 and 5), the tetranuclear complex [Sr4{PhSi(SiMe2PH)2(SiMe2P)}2(dme)6] (4) was formed in the reaction of 1 with strontium silazanide. In this compound, two of six phosphorus atoms are deprotonated twice. Compounds 2–5 were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis as well as IR spectroscopy and as far as possible by NMR spectroscopic techniques.
Wolfphos in Sheep's Clothing: The First Trinuclear Triboryl‐ and Other Boryl Platinum Complexes Featuring a Flexible Phosphine Ligand
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Brenner Peter , Radacki Krzysztof
Published: March 2013

Studies on the reactivity of the novel bis(phosphine) platinum complex [Pt{P(CH2Cy)3}2] towards haloboranes are presented. The resulting complexes of the general formula trans‐[Pt{B(R)R′}X{P(CH2Cy)3}2] were isolated in good to excellent yields (82–91 %) and the molecular structure of trans‐[Pt{B(Br)Fc}Br{P(CH2Cy)3}2] is reported. The reactions of 1,4‐(Br2B)2C6H4 and 1,3,5‐(Br2B)3C6H3 with two and three equivalents of the platinum precursor yield the corresponding di‐ and trinuclear boryl platinum complexes, respectively. The structural characterization of the first trinuclear triboryl complex 1,3,5‐trans‐[Pt(BBr)Br{P(CH2Cy)3}2]3C6H3 extends the number of possible structural motifs in boryl platinum chemistry by a noteworthy example and confirms that P(CH2Cy)3 has flexible steric bulk.
Perchlorate‐Free Pyrotechnic Formulations Utilizing Energetic Chlorine Donors: 1‐CDN, 11‐CDN, 13‐CDN
Authors: Naud Darren L. , Hiskey Michael A. , Chavez David E.
Published: March 2013

Several novel materials were investigated as energetic chlorine donors, specifically for the preparation of perchlorate‐free pyrotechnic formulations with low‐smoke output. The novel compounds, 2‐chloromethyl‐2‐methyl‐5,5‐dinitro‐1,3‐dioxane (1‐CDN), 2,2‐bis(chloromethyl)‐5,5‐dinitro‐1,3‐dioxane (13‐CDN), and 2‐(dichloromethyl)‐2‐methyl‐5,5‐dinitro‐1,3‐dioxane (11‐CDN), were formulated with a variety of fuels and oxidizers and their resulting colored flames analyzed for color quality. The preparation and preliminary characterization of these energetic chlorine donors are described.
Lifshitz field theories with SDiff symmetries
Authors: Adam C. , Naya C. , Sanchez-Guillen J. , Wereszczynski A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract

We consider Lifshitz field theories with a dynamical critical exponent z equal to the dimension of space d and with a large group of base space symmetries, concretely space coordinate transformations with unit determinant (“Special Diffeomorphisms”). The field configurations of the theories considered may have the topology of skyrmions, vortices or monopoles, although we focus our detailed investigations on skyrmions. The resulting Lifshitz field theories have a BPS bound and exact soliton solutions saturating the bound, as well as time-dependent topological Q-ball solutions. Finally, we investigate the U(1) gauged versions of the Lifshitz field theories coupled to a Chern-Simons gauge field, where the BPS bound and soliton solutions saturating the bound continue to exist.
The effect of S-wave interference on the B

0

→ K

∗0

ℓ

+

ℓ− angular observables
Authors: Blake Thomas , Egede Ulrik , Shires Alex
Published: March 2013

Abstract

The rare decay B

0

→ K

∗0

ℓ

+

ℓ

−
is a flavour changing neutral current decay with a high sensitivity to physics beyond the Standard Model. Nearly all theoretical predictions and all experimental measurements so far have assumed a K
∗0 P-wave that decays into the K

+

π

−
final state. In this paper the addition of an S-wave within the K
+π− system of B

0

→ K

∗0

ℓ

+

ℓ

−
and the subsequent impact of this on the angular distribution of the final state particles is explored. The inclusion of the S-wave causes a distinction between the values of the angular observables obtained from counting experiments and those obtained from fits to the angular distribution. The effect of a non-zero S-wave on an angular analysis of B

0

→ K

∗0

ℓ

+

ℓ

−
is assessed as a function of dataset size and the relative size of the S-wave amplitude. An S-wave contribution, equivalent to what is measured in B

0

→ J/ψK

∗0
at BaBar, leads to a significant bias on the angular observables for datasets of above 200 signal decays. Any future experimental analysis of the K

+

π

−

ℓ

+

ℓ

−
final state will have to take the S-wave contribution into account.
Katol Meteorite Shower, Maharashtra: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Suresh G. , Wankhade S. H. , Shareef Mohamed , Malviya Vivek P. , Kumar Binod , Mohan M.
Published: March 2013

A meteorite shower occurred in Katol (21° 15' 30" N ; 78° 35' 00" E ; at an elevation of 415 m above msl), Nagpur district of Maharashtra state, India on May 22, 2012 between 14:00 to 14:30 hrs (Indian Standard Time) with a presently observed strewn field of ~5.0 sq km area. The event was experienced by the hundreds of inhabitants with a loud noise and fire ball between Akola in the west to Nagpur in the east. The Geological Survey of India has so far collected 27 meteorite pieces with a total weight of 3500 gm. The locations, size, shape and surface features of the individual meteorite pieces have been recorded. Based on their physical properties, mineralogy, mineral chemical mapping and REE chemistry, the Katol meteorites have been classified as olivine-rich H5 type differentiated stony meteorite with reconstituted chondrules. The preliminary evidence suggests the presence of pre-solar grains in Katol meteorite.
Proterozoic Granite Magmatism along the Terrane Boundary Tectonic Zone to the East of Cuddapah Basin, Andhra Pradesh – Petrotectonic Implications for Precambrian Crustal Growth in Nellore Schist Belt of Eastern Dharwar Craton
Authors: Sai V. V. Sesha
Published: March 2013

The area adjoining the western part of Archaean Nellore schist belt and the eastern margin of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin in south Peninsular India is marked by emplacement of a number of granite plutons of Proterozoic age, intermittently extending over a stretch of 350 km from Vinukonda in the north to Sri Kalahasti in the south. Vinukonda, Darsi, Podili and Anumalakonda plutons are intensely deformed particularly along the margins, while development of crude deformational fabric is noticed in Kanigiri, Rapur and Kayyuru-Vendodu plutons. Petrographically majority of these granites vary from alkali feldspar granite to granite with the exception of Rapur granite which varies from granite to granodiorite. Geochemically they exhibit calc-alkaline trend and in A/NK-A/CNK plot they are positioned at the juncture of peraluminous-metaluminous-peralkaline field. Characteristically, majority of these granites are fluorite bearing. Biotite mineral chemistry suggests high FeOT contents (31.68 to 34.69 %) and very low MgO contents (0.49 to 2.41 %). Geochemically, these are charecterised by high SiO2 (69 to 74.5 %), Na2O+K2O (8.19 to 10.11%), Zr (280-660ppm), Y (70-340 ppm), Rb content (180-370 ppm) and high REE contents (except Eu); and low CaO (0.01 to 1.99), MgO (0.01 to 0.92%) and Sr (10 ppm to 85 ppm) contents. Rare earth element studies reveal a general enrichment of LREE, pronounced negative Eu anomaly; flat and depleted HREE. Enriched LILE and HFSE contents; presence of fluorite and interstitial biotite indicate that these granites are crystallized from a fluorine saturated magma derived from enriched crustal source. The field setup, distinct mineralogy and chemical characteristics suggest that these granite plutons are emplaced along a major tectonic zone i.e. terrane boundary shear zone (TBSZ) in a late-orogenic to anorogenic tectonic setup, close to the vicinity of a collision boundary zone; western margin of NSB and eastern margin of Nallamalai Fold Belt (NFB). The Proterozoic granite magmatism reported in the present studies represents a significant event of Precambrian crustal growth at the juncture of two tectonically contrasting terranes i.e. the Archaean Nellore schist belt and the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin in eastern Dharwar craton.