bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an e-learning package on Service-Learning for university teachers: experience from Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Chan Stephen C.F. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
To help university teachers to understand Service-Learning and develop Service-Learning subjects, a 3-h+ e-learning package was developed at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). There are seven units in this e-learning package: introduction session (Unit 1), what is Service-Learning? (Unit 2), impact and benefits of Service-Learning (Unit 3), myths and positive attitudes toward Service-Learning (Unit 4), developing a Service-Learning subject at PolyU (Unit 5), self-reflection about Service-Learning (Unit 6), and concluding session (Unit 7). To understand the views of the users on the e-learning package, the package was offered before formal launching. For the first offering, three focus group sessions were held. Results showed that the users were satisfied with the structural arrangement of the e-learning package and agreed that the e-learning package was useful for them to understand more about Service-Learning. For the second offering, colleagues were generally satisfied with the e-learning package and demonstrated gain in knowledge on Service-Learning. Suggestions for improvement were noted.
Material Investigations on Highly Irradiated Aluminum Magnesium Alloys for Lifetime Assessment of a Neutron Beam Tube in the BER II Research Reactor
Authors: Hein Hieronymus , Schnabel Hilmar , Welzel Stephan 
Published: February 2013

For the research reactor BER II operated in Berlin, Germany material investigations on irradiated and unirradiated AlMg3 specimens were performed in order to assess the allowable operation time of a conic neutron beam tube. For this purpose, tensile specimens have been manufactured from archived material and from a highly irradiated decommissioned component of the same material. The uniform elongations obtained in this way were used for the proof of the remaining ductility of the neutron beam tube with respect to the neutron fluence accumulated. The irradiation history, the essential steps of the neutron fluence determination, of the manufacturing process and of the testing procedure are described. The results of the tensile tests are discussed in detail and with respect to the remaining lifetime of the component. The measured tensile data shows reasonable agreement with existing test data for similar materials and comparable conditions. Below the designed end of life fluence of 1 × 1022 n/cm2 (E &gt; 0.1 MeV) a uniform elongation of at least 5 % was confirmed which is the minimum to ensure sufficient ductility during operation.
It can be concluded that the use of representative material from decommissioned components is an appropriate measure to monitor the irradiation behavior of research reactor components made by aluminum magnesia alloy. Finally, an approach for fracture toughness testing is introduced in order to complement tensile testing in dedicated surveillance programs for research reactors.
One-Year Safety and Efficacy Results of a Hydrogel Inlay to Improve Near Vision in Patients With Emmetropic Presbyopia
Authors: Garza Enrique Barragan , Gomez Sandra , Chayet Arturo , Dishler Jon 
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:
To conduct a feasibility study of the safety and efficacy of a corneal contouring inlay as a treatment for emmetropic presbyopia.

METHODS:
The Raindrop corneal inlay (ReVision Optics, Inc., Lake Forest, CA) was implanted on the corneal stromal bed beneath a keratotomy flap in 20 nondominant eyes of 20 patients. The implant is designed to cause a change in the curvature of the overlying cornea, with a subsequent multifocal change in refractive power. Efficacy outcome was defined as at least 75% of eyes with uncorrected near visual acuity of 0.3 logMAR (20/40 Snellen) or better at 6 months. Main safety outcomes were retention of preoperative best-corrected distance visual acuity and reports of adverse events. Other outcome measures included contrast sensitivity; near, intermediate, and distance visual acuities; patient satisfaction; spectacle use; and complications.

RESULTS:
All implanted eyes achieved uncorrected near visual acuity of 0.3 logMAR (20/40 Snellen) or better by the 1-week postoperative examination and remained so throughout the 1-year follow-up period, also averaging less than 0.1 logMAR (20/25 Snellen) monocularly and binocularly throughout that period. Mean binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity remained within 0.02 logMAR of the preoperative mean throughout the study. One patient who was dissatisfied with the resulting vision underwent explantation. At 1 year, 16 of 19 patients seldom or never wore glasses and all 19 were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall vision.

CONCLUSIONS:
The hydrogel corneal inlay improved uncorrected near and intermediate visual acuity in patients with emmetropic presbyopia, with high patient satisfaction and little effect on distance visual acuity.
Efficacy and Stability of AT TORBI 709 M Toric IOL
Authors: Bascaran Lucia , Mendicute Javier , Macias-Murelaga Beatriz , Arbelaitz Nagore , Martinez-Soroa Itziar 
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:
To describe the intraocular rotational stability and refractive results of the toric AT TORBI 709 M (former AT.Comfort 464 TLC) intraocular lens (IOL) (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany).

METHODS:
Forty-eight eyes of 32 consecutive patients with cataract and greater than 1 diopter of corneal astigmatism were included. Implantation of the toric IOL was performed after phacoemulsification. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), residual refractive sphere, residual keratometric and refractive cylinders, and toric IOL axis were measured before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS:

Mean logMAR UDVA and CDVA improved significantly after surgery (
P
< .05). UDVA was 20/40 or better in 88.1% of eyes and 20/25 or better in 61.9%. CDVA was 20/40 or better in 100% of eyes and 20/25 or better in 90.2%. Mean refractive cylinder decreased significantly from −2.23 ± 1.72 before to −0.43 ± 0.53 after surgery (
P
< .05). Vector analysis of attempted versus achieved correction showed 100% of eyes within ± 1.00 D and 95.2% within ± 0.50 D for J
0
and 100% of eyes were within ± 1.00 D and 95.2% within ± 0.50 D for J
45
. Mean toric IOL axis rotation was 4.42 ± 4.31 degrees (range: 0 to 16 degrees) and 86% of the lenses rotated less than 10 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS:
The AT TORBI 709 M IOL has proved to be a predictable and effective device with good rotational stability for the correction of preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery.
Factors Affecting Near Vision After Monofocal Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Lim Dong Hui , Han Jong Chul , Kim Myung Hun , Chung Eui-Sang , Chung Tae-Young 
Published: February 2013

PURPOSE:
To identify factors that influence near vision after monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for distance vision.

METHODS:
A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent cataract surgery with monofocal IOL implantation from October 2009 to April 2010 at Samsung Medical Center. Eyes were classified as having good (⩾ J4) or poor (< J4) near vision. Factors analyzed included age, sex, intraocular lens (IOL) movement, axial length, pupil size, degree and type of astigmatism, IOL type, total aberration, and higher-order aberrations. Binary logistic regression and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were determined.

RESULTS:

This retrospective study involved 84 eyes of 84 patients. Thirty-four eyes were classified as having good near vision and 50 eyes as having poor near vision. All groups had a postoperative uncorrected visual acuity greater than 0.2 logMAR (Snellen 20/32) and a refractive error within ± 0.5 diopter of spherical equivalent. Pupil size and axial length were inversely associated with good near vision (
P
= .034 and .039, respectively). A pupil size smaller than 2.6 mm and an axial length less than 23.0 mm resulted in better near vision than larger measurements after monofocal IOL implantation for distant target.

CONCLUSIONS:
Among the factors analyzed, small pupil size and short axial length predicted good near vision after phacoemulsification and monofocal IOL implantation.
CaMKIα Regulates AMP Kinase–Dependent, TORC-1–Independent Autophagy during Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Neutrophilic Inflammation
Authors: Guo Lanping , Stripay Jennifer L. , Zhang Xianghong , Collage Richard D. , Hulver Mei , Carchman Evie H. , Howell Gina M. , Zuckerbraun Brian S. , Lee Janet S. , Rosengart Matthew R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic process regulated by the energy rheostats mammalian target of rapamycin and AMP kinase (AMPK) that recycles damaged or unused proteins and organelles. It has been described as an important effector arm of immune cells. We have shown that the cytoplasmically oriented calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK)Iα regulates the inflammatory phenotype of the macrophage (Mϕ). In this study, we hypothesize that CaMKIα mediates Mϕ autophagy. LPS induced autophagy in RAW 264.7 cells and murine peritoneal Mϕ that was attenuated with biochemical CaMK inhibition or CaMKIα small interfering RNA (siRNA). Inhibition of CaMKIα reduced LPS-induced p-Thr172AMPK and target of rapamycin complex-1 activity, and expression of a constitutively active CaMKIα but not a kinase-deficient mutant induced p-Thr172AMPK and autophagy that was attenuated by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Coimmunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase assays demonstrated that CaMKIα activates AMPK, thereby inducing ATG7, which also localizes to this CaMKIα/AMPK complex. During LPS-induced lung inflammation, C57BL/6 mice receiving CaMKIαsiRNA displayed reduced lung and bronchoalveolar immune cell autophagy that correlated with reduced neutrophil recruitment, myeloperoxidase activity, and air space cytokine concentration. Independently inhibiting autophagy, using siRNA targeting the PI3K VPS34, yielded similar reductions in lung autophagy and neutrophil recruitment. Thus, a novel CaMKIα/AMPK pathway is rapidly activated in Mϕ exposed to LPS and regulates an early autophagic response, independent of target of rapamycin complex-1 inhibition. These mechanisms appear to be operant in vivo in orchestrating LPS-induced lung neutrophil recruitment and inflammation.
Shear Stress–Dependent Downregulation of the Adhesion-G Protein–Coupled Receptor CD97 on Circulating Leukocytes upon Contact with Its Ligand CD55
Authors: Karpus Olga N. , Veninga Henrike , Hoek Robert M. , Flierman Dennis , van Buul Jaap D. , vandenAkker Corianne C. , vanBavel Ed , Medof M. Edward , van Lier René A. W. , Reedquist Kris A. , Hamann Jörg 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Adhesion G protein–coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are two-subunit molecules, consisting of an adhesive extracellular α subunit that couples noncovalently to a seven-transmembrane β subunit. The cooperation between the two subunits and the effect of endogenous ligands on the functioning of aGPCRs is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction between the pan-leukocyte aGPCR CD97 and its ligand CD55. We found that leukocytes from CD55-deficient mice express significantly increased levels of cell surface CD97 that normalized after transfer into wild-type mice because of contact with CD55 on both leukocytes and stromal cells. Downregulation of both CD97 subunits occurred within minutes after first contact with CD55 in vivo, which correlated with an increase in plasma levels of soluble CD97. In vitro, downregulation of CD97 on CD55-deficient leukocytes cocultured with wild-type blood cells was strictly dependent on shear stress. In vivo, CD55-mediated downregulation of CD97 required an intact circulation and was not observed on cells that lack contact with the blood stream, such as microglia. Notably, de novo ligation of CD97 did not activate signaling molecules constitutively engaged by CD97 in cancer cells, such as ERK and protein kinase B/Akt. We conclude that CD55 downregulates CD97 surface expression on circulating leukocytes by a process that requires physical forces, but based on current evidence does not induce receptor signaling. This regulation can restrict CD97–CD55-mediated cell adhesion to tissue sites.
Cutting Edge: Leptin-Induced RORγt Expression in CD4+ T Cells Promotes Th17 Responses in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yu Yiyun , Liu Yaoyang , Shi Fu-Dong , Zou Hejian , Matarese Giuseppe , La Cava Antonio 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Th17 CD4+ cells promote inflammation and autoimmunity. In this study, we report that Th17 cell frequency is reduced in ob/ob mice (that are genetically deficient in the adipokine leptin) and that the administration of leptin to ob/ob mice restored Th17 cell numbers to values comparable to those found in wild-type animals. Leptin promoted Th17 responses in normal human CD4+ T cells and in mice, both in vitro and in vivo, by inducing RORγt transcription. Leptin also increased Th17 responses in (NZB × NZW)F1 lupus-prone mice, whereas its neutralization in those autoimmune-prone mice inhibited Th17 responses. Because Th17 cells play an important role in the development and maintenance of inflammation and autoimmunity, these findings envision the possibility to modulate abnormal Th17 responses via leptin manipulation, and they reiterate the link between metabolism/nutrition and susceptibility to autoimmunity.
Chiral NCN Pincer Rhodium(III) Complexes with Bis(imidazolinyl)phenyl Ligands: Synthesis and Enantioselective Catalytic Alkynylation of Trifluoropyruvates with Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Wang Tao , Niu Jun‐Long , Liu Shuang‐Liang , Huang Juan‐Juan , Gong Jun‐Fang , Song Mao‐Ping 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA series of new chiral C2‐symmetrical NCN pincer rhodium(III) complexes with bis(imidazolinyl)phenyl ligands have been conveniently synthesized from easily available materials. The complexes were subsequently applied in the enantioselective addition of terminal alkynes to trifluoropyruvates. With catalyst loading of 1.5–3.0 mol%, the alkynylation of ethyl or methyl trifluoropyruvate with a variety of electronically and structurally diverse terminal alkynes gave the optically active trifluoromethyl‐substituted tertiary propargylic alcohols with enantioselectivities of up to >99% ee and high yields. Although good to excellent enantioselectivities (85–98% ee) could be achieved only for some of the aliphatic terminal alkynes under the optimized conditions, the enantioselectivities were consistently excellent (94% to >99% ee) in the case of aromatic as well as heteroaromatic alkynes and enynes.
A Phosphite‐Pyridine/Iridium Complex Library as Highly Selective Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of Minimally Functionalized Olefins
Authors: Mazuela Javier , Pàmies Oscar , Diéguez Montserrat 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA modular library of readily available phosphite‐pyridine ligands has been successfully applied for the first time in the iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of a broad range of minimally functionalized olefins. The modular ligand design has been shown to be crucial in finding highly selective catalytic systems for each substrate. Excellent enantioselectivities (ees up to 99%) have therefore been obtained in a wide range of E‐ and Z‐trisubstituted alkenes, including more demanding triaryl‐substituted olefins and dihydronaphthalenes. This good performance extends to the very challenging class of terminal disubstituted olefins, and to olefins containing neighbouring polar groups (ees up to 99%). Both enantiomers of the reduction product can be obtained in excellent enantioselectivities by simply changing the configuration of the carbon next to the phosphite moiety. The hydrogenations were also performed using propylene carbonate as solvent, which allowed the iridium catalyst to be reused and maintained the excellent enantioselectivities.magnified image
Synthesis and Evaluation of 1,ω‐Bis(1,2,3,5‐thiatriazol‐5‐yl)alkanes as In Vitro and In Vivo α‐Amylase and Lipase Inhibitors
Authors: Hamzaoui Salwa , Hamden Khaled , Ben Salem Adel , Mourer Maxime , Regnouf‐De‐Vains Jean‐Bernard , Kossentini Mohamed 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThionyl chloride reacts with 1,ω‐bis‐(1‐tosylamidrazone)alkanes 1 to give a series of 1,ω‐bis‐(4‐alkyl‐2‐tosyl‐1,2,3,5‐thiatriazol‐5‐yl)alkanes 2. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, and ESI–MS spectral data. All the new compounds were screened for their inhibitory effect on key enzymes related to diabetes and obesity, such as α‐amylase and lipase. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that these thiatriazole derivatives exert an inhibitory action against these key enzymes. Moreover the administration of these compounds to surviving diabetic rats induced a significant decrease in plasma glucose level. Additively 2d significantly protected the liver–kidney functions and modulated lipid metabolism, which were evidenced by the decrease in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activities and creatinine, urea albumin, LDL‐cholesterol and triglycerides levels as well as an increase in the HDL‐cholesterol level in surviving diabetic rats. Overall, the findings of the current study indicate that 2d exhibits attractive properties and can, therefore, be considered for future application in the development of anti‐diabetic and hypolipidemic drugs.
Allyl‐End‐Grafted Carbosilane Dendrimers Based on 1,4‐Phenylene Units: Synthesis, Reactivity, Structure, and Bonding Motifs
Authors: Ishtaiwi Zakariyya , Rüffer Tobias , Hildebrandt Alexander , Awwadi Firas F. , Hahn Harald , Abylaikhan Akerke , Taher Deeb , Siegert Uwe , Walfort Bernhard , Lang Heinrich 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe synthesis of a series of carbosilanes of type 1‐Br–C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n (n = 1, 2, 3), Si[C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n]4, 1‐Br–C6H4‐4‐Si[C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n]3 (n = 0, 1, 2, 3), ClSi[C6H4–4‐Si{C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n}3]3, Si[C6H4–4‐Si{C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n}3]4 (n = 1, 2), and 1‐Br–C6H4–4‐Si[C6H4–4‐Si{C6H4–4‐SiMe3–n(CH2CH=CH2)n}3]3 (n = 0, 1, 2, 3) is discussed. The structures of Si[C6H4–4‐SiMe2(CH2CH=CH2)]4 (7b) and ClSi[C6H4–4‐Si{C6H4–4‐SiMe2(CH2CH=CH2)}3]3 (10a) in the solid state are reported. The crystal structures of both dendrimers are based on C–H···πCC (πCC = double bond of the CH=CH2 groups) and π–π interactions. The 3D network structure observed for 7b is composed of three crystallographically independent head‐to‐head stacking columns along the crystallographic b axis with π–π contacts among the C6H4 groups of neighboring molecules, with the columns interacting further by C–H···πCC arrangements. Two molecules of 10a interdigitate in the solid state to form self‐complementary dimers that are stabilized by C–H···πCC and π–π contacts. The structures of the monomer and the dimer were optimized by using the MM+ force field as implemented in HyperChem 4.02. In addition, the presence of self‐complementary structures in solution is evidenced from 1H NMR spectroscopy. In dichloromethane solely dimeric species exist, whereas in benzene monomers are observed. Calculated electrostatic potentials were used to rationalize the supramolecular structures of these two carbosilane compounds.
2‐Aminoimidazolyl and 2‐Aminopyridyl (S)‐Prolinamides as Versatile Multifunctional Organic Catalysts for Aldol, Michael, and Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Orlandi Manuel , Benaglia Maurizio , Raimondi Laura , Celentano Giuseppe 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe synthesis of multifunctional organocatalysts, easily obtained by the condensation of (S)‐proline with 2‐aminopyridine, 2,6‐diaminopyridine, or 2‐aminoimidazole, is reported. These chiral prolinamides promoted the aldol condensation between cyclohexanone and different aromatic aldehydes with moderate to very high enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee), depending on the nature of the substituents on the aryl ring. Computational studies were performed to clarify the stereochemical behaviour of the two different types of catalysts and to understand the role of the different structural components of the chiral prolinamides in the recognition processes between the catalysts and the reactants. In preliminary experiments, trifluoroacetate salts of the chiral prolinamides have been used for the first time as catalysts in Diels–Alder reactions between cyclopentadiene and cinnamaldehyde and in Michael reactions.
2‐Cyanoazetidines and Azetidinium Ions: Scaffolds for Molecular Diversity
Authors: Couty François , Drouillat Bruno , Evano Gwilherm , David Olivier 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRing strain in azetidines and azetidinium ions can be efficiently used to promote ring‐expansion and ring‐opening reactions, and this renders these four‐membered heterocycles ideal scaffolds for diversity oriented synthesis. This microreview focuses on 2‐cyanoazetidines, which are easily prepared from β‐amino alcohols through a ring‐closing reaction involving C–C bond formation. The azetidines can be readily expanded to five‐ to eight‐membered nitrogen heterocycles after suitable functionalization and/or activation. Alternatively, N‐alkylated derivatives, namely, azetidinium ions, are easily prepared and displayed rich reactivity as new electrophilic building blocks and as sources of nitrogen ylides.
Synthesis of All Four Stereoisomers of 6,10,13‐Trimethyltetradecan‐2‐one, a Sex Pheromone Component Produced by Males of the Stink Bug Pallantia macunaima
Authors: Muraki Yuta , Taguri Tomonori , Yamamoto Masanobu , Zarbin Paulo H. G. , Ando Tetsu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe stink bug Pallantia macunaima (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is a soybean pest in southern Brazil, and the males produce 6,10,13‐trimethyltetradecan‐2‐one to communicate with females. All four stereoisomers of the sex pheromone were synthesized by coupling two chiral building blocks, which were synthesized from (S)‐ and (R)‐propylene oxides using stereospecific inversion of secondary tosylates as a key reaction. The enantiomeric purities of the building blocks were confirmed by chiral HPLC analysis.
The role of chemokines in guillain–barré syndrome
Authors: Chiang Sharon , Ubogu Eroboghene E. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Chemokines and their receptors are important mediators of inflammation. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute paralysis worldwide. Despite current treatments, outcomes are suboptimal. Specific chemokine receptor antagonists have the potential to be efficacious against pathogenic leukocyte trafficking in GBS. Methods: A 36‐year literature review was performed to summarize available data on chemokine expression in GBS and its representative animal model, experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Results: Although there were a few observational human and animal studies demonstrating chemokine ligand/receptor expression in GBS and EAN, in vitro and in vivo functional studies using gene knockouts, neutralizing antibodies, or small molecular antagonists were limited. CCL2–CCR2, CCL5–CCR5, and CXCL10–CXCR3 have been most strongly implicated in EAN and GBS pathogenesis, providing targets for molecular blockade. Conclusions: Preclinical human in vitro and in vivo EAN studies are needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of chemokine signaling inhibition in GBS. Muscle Nerve 48: 320–330, 2013