bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2.2.4 Oxidative Coupling of Nitromethane
Authors: Ballini R. , Petrini M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractOxidation of tertiary amines under various conditions generates the corresponding iminium ions, which readily react with the methanenitronate anion, leading to β-nitro amines. Molecular oxygen, peroxides, and peracids are widely used for this purpose in transition-metal-catalyzed reactions. Conversely, organic oxidants such as (diacetoxyiodo)benzene, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzo-1,4-quinone, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl are effective without the need for any added catalyst. Visible-light photoinduced coupling reactions are emerging as a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to the above-mentioned procedures. Oxidation is mediated by organometallic complexes of iridium and ruthenium as well as organic sensitizers (rose Bengal and eosin Y) brought into their excited states by irradiation with visible light. Utilization of nitromethyl radicals, obtained by oxidation of nitromethane with ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate, in addition reactions with electron-rich alkenes is limited to the synthesis of nitrosugar derivatives.
2.4.2 Carbon Monoxide Insertion into Aziridines
Authors: Ibrahim H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this chapter, the most significant developments in the area of aziridine carbonylation are reviewed. The majority of procedures deal with the ring-expansion carbonylation of aziridines to β-lactams catalyzed by cobalt, rhodium, or palladium complexes. In the General Introduction, an effort is made to summarize the current mechanistic understanding of these diverse carbonylation systems. The regio- and stereoselectivity of these reactions is then discussed with regard to aziridine substitution and the type of catalytic system used. The chapter closes with short sections on the ring-expansion carbonylation of methyleneaziridines, α-lactams (aziridin-2-ones), and diaziridines.
2.6.2 Difluoro- and Fluoromethylation
Authors: Hu J. , Ni C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis chapter summarizes the currently known synthetically useful difluoro- and fluoromethylation methods employing various fluorinated C-1 building blocks. The classical routes to difluoro- and fluoromethyl compounds are direct nucleophilic, electrophilic, and free-radical reactions, but more recent developments involving fluoroalkyl transition-metal species are also included.
2.6.3 Kharasch Reaction (Atom-Transfer Radical Addition Reactions)
Authors: Muñoz-Molina J. M. , Belderrain T. R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSince the 1990s, highly active ruthenium and copper catalysts for atom-transfer radical addition (ATRA) reactions have been described and applications of these processes in organic synthesis have been developed. In this chapter are presented some examples of homologation reactions using carbon tetrahalide or haloform polyhalogenated compounds (halogen = Cl, Br) for atom-transfer radical addition for which isolated yields have been reported.
Cell wall reconstruction and DNA damage repair play a key role in the improved salt tolerance effects of He-Ne laser irradiation in tall fescue seedlings
Authors: Gao Limei , Li Yongfeng , Han Rong 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The improved salt tolerance effects of He–Ne laser were further studied through the estimation of ROS levels, cell viability, DNA damage phenomena, physicochemical properties, and monosaccharide compositions of cell wall polysaccharides in tall fescue seedlings. Salt stress produced deleterious effects on seedlings growth and development. ROS levels and genomic DNA damage were markedly increased compared with controls. Physicochemical activities and monosaccharide proportions of cell wall polysaccharide were also pronouncedly altered. He–Ne laser irradiation improved plant growth retardation via increasing cell viability and reverting physicochemical parameters. According to the results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) scanning spectra and DNA apopladder analysis, He–Ne laser was showed to efficiently ameliorate cell wall polysaccharide damage and DNA fragmentation phenomena. The treatment with DNA synthesis inhibitor further demonstrated that DNA damage repair was correlated with the improvement effects of the laser. Therefore, our data illustrated that He–Ne laser irradiation resulted in cell wall reconstruction and genomic DNA injury repair in vivo in salt-stressed seedlings, then enhanced salt tolerance probably via interactions between plant cell wall and related resistance gene expression pattern.
Study of the semi-conductive behavior of the passive film on carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution under stress
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Poursaee Amir 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to clarify the semi-conductive behavior of the passive layer formed in concrete environment without and with presence of chloride ions under different loading conditions. Passivation and depassivation of steel play an essential role in the subsequent stages of the corrosion process. Due to the nature of passive films on metals, they show electrochemical properties of a semi-conductor.

Design/methodology/approach
– A C-ring model was proposed in this experiment to induce stress on the specimens. Specimens under different levels of compressive and tensile loadings were exposed to chloride-free and chloride-contaminated solutions and their semi-conductive behavior was investigated using Mott–Schottky technique.

Findings
– Irrespective of the type and magnitude of the applied load, the passive film on rebars in simulated concrete pore solution is a highly disordered n-type semi-conductor. In all specimens, the presence of chloride ions decreases the slope of the Mott-Schottky plots, the donor density and the space charge layer thickness, which leads to a thinner passive film. Results indicate that steel specimens immersed in chloride-free pore solution under tensile loadings passivate more rapidly compared to those under compressive loadings. However, the situation in chloride-contaminated solution is different, and steel under tensile stress exhibits more corrosion than steel under compressive stress or under no load.

Originality/value
– Reinforced concrete structures inevitably experience variable mechanical loads, and continuous degradation from aggressive environments. Therefore, it is imperative to study the synergic impact of different types of mechanical loadings and exposure to chloride ions on this process. This paper fulfils this need.
Applying student-generated theories about global change and energy demand
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore how learning technology could be applied to the development of educational tools for global climate change. The task to be performed in an informed dialogue is to assess the causes and drivers for global climate change and to produce an improved basis of scientific understanding for the implementation of the climate protection targets suggested for each country. By character, this approach integrates the political and the scientific level.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper applies learning theories and options for educational technologies to socio-economic, technological, biospheric, political and scientific themes relevant to present climate change.

Findings
– Drivers, effects and subsequent measures are subject to highly nonlinear effects. Thus, the combination of a (scientific, fact based) “Global Change Data Base” and a (dialogic, communication based) discourse (in the spirit of “Surfing Global Change”) seems best suitable to produce solutions for the seemingly unresolvable issues of climate protection. This combination of approaches is entitled “Tackle the Task of a Transition through Technological Targets (T5)” and allows the application of hypotheses generated by students in a scaffolded setting of discursive learning.

Social implications
– Suggestions for CO2 abatement measures are currently passing the process of political negotiation in all countries in the world. The different views and patterns of ethical values are harmonised during the T5 learning process and symbolise the required political process of consensus finding among and between different ministries, countries and global interest groups.

Originality/value
– This approach includes social and natural driving factors such as population, land use, economics, politics, energy systems, the global carbon cycle, biosphere and climate, and thus offers a more comprehensive learning endeavour than many other approaches.
Supervision of financial institutions
Authors: Vousinas Georgios L 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to highlight the new regulatory framework established by Basel III.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper provides a critical review of the existing literature concerning bank supervision while providing an overview of the transition from Basel I to Basel III rules and critical appraisal of the current regulatory framework. Review of the existing literature.

Findings
– Basel III introduces new measures in favor of bank stability and in order to mitigate the propagation of financial shocks. But on the other hand the new regulatory framework adds an extra burden to banks’ business plans affecting credit policies and thus the real economy. Another issue that is not properly addressed is the rising of financial innovations that are able to pass by the new regulations. Overall Basel III rules are moving to the right direction but need to stay always up-to-date in order to catch up with the modern ever-evolving financial system. Pros and cons. Need for improvement.

Originality/value
– The paper presents an up-to-date review of Basel rules with future prospects.
Violence in general practice: a gendered risk?
Authors: Elston Mary Ann , Gabe Jonathan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article focuses on the extent to which violence against family doctors in England is experienced in gendered terms. It draws on data from two studies: a postal survey of 1,300 general practitioners (GPs) (62% response rate) and in‐depth interviews with 26 doctors who have been assaulted or threatened; and 13 focus groups with primary care teams and 19 in‐depth interviews with GPs who had expressed an interest in the topic of violence against doctors. Most GPs, regardless of gender, reported receiving verbal abuse over the last two years, often interpreted as a consequence of declining deference to professionals, while actual physical assaults and threats were much rarer and more likely to be reported by men. Overall, women GPs were much more likely to express concern about violence and to take personal precautions, although younger male GPs working in inner‐city practices also had high levels of concern. The study shows how some aspects of family doctors’ work has been organised on gendered lines and how these contribute to the differences in experience of violence. We suggest that the increasing proportion of women among family doctors may have implications for these, often tacit, organisational routines.
Serum anti‐Mullerian hormone levels across different ethnic groups: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bhide P , Gudi A , Shah A , Homburg R 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo assess whether ethnic differences in serum anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) exist in a population of subfertile women presenting to a fertility clinic.DesignObservational cross‐sectional study.SettingHomerton University Hospital Fertility Centre, London, UK.PopulationA total of 865 women attending the fertility clinic for their first consultation appointment between September 2012 and September 2013.MethodsSerum AMH was compared amongst women from five different ethnic groups.Main outcome measuresSerum AMH and ethnicity were the primary outcome variables.ResultsAlthough initial comparison showed South Asian women to have a higher serum AMH, compared with white European and Afro‐Caribbean women (F = 3.817; P < 0.005), South Asian women attending the clinic were significantly younger and less likely to be smokers than women from other ethnic groups. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was significantly higher in South Asian and South East Asian women than in other ethnic groups. Differences in serum AMH were no longer significant after controlling for confounding factors: age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking status with (P = 0.869) and without (P = 0.215) controlling for PCOS.ConclusionThe results from our study show that there was no independent association of ethnicity and serum AMH levels in an unselected population of women attending the fertility clinic.
A Global Comprehensive Measure of the Impact of Natural Hazards and Disasters
Authors: Noy Ilan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe adverse impacts of natural hazards are typically measured separately by the number of fatalities, of injuries, of people otherwise affected, and the financial damage that they wreak. Without a comprehensive measure of disaster impacts it is impossible to fully comprehend their importance and therefore successfully prepare for them. We propose an aggregate measure of disaster impact, which builds on the conceptual underpinnings of the calculations of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost due to the burden of diseases and injuries (WHO, 2013). The proposed measure, however, adds a quantification of the importance of destruction of infrastructure, capital and housing into an overall assessment. The index converts all measures of impact into ‘lifeyears’ units. We then analyze worldwide trends in lifeyears lost to disasters and discuss policy implications of these measurements.
Clinical Impact of Alcohol‐Related Cirrhosis in the Next Decade: Estimates Based on Current Epidemiological Trends in the United States
Authors: Guirguis John , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Dasarathy Jaividhya , Rivas John , McMichael David , Nagy Laura E. , McCullough Arthur J. , Dasarathy Srinivasan 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundIdentifying changes in the epidemiology of liver disease is critical for establishing healthcare priorities and allocating resources to develop therapies. The projected contribution of different etiologies toward development of cirrhosis in the United States was estimated based on current publications on epidemiological data and advances in therapy. Given the heterogeneity of published reports and the different perceptions that are not always reconcilable, a critical overview rather than a formal meta‐analysis of the existing data and projections for the next decade was performed.MethodsData from the World Health Organization Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health of 2014, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients from 1999 to 2012, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were inquired to determine future changes in the epidemiology of liver disease.ResultsAlcohol consumption has increased over the past 60 years. In 2010, transplant‐related costs for liver recipients were the highest for hepatitis C (~$124 million) followed by alcohol‐related cirrhosis (~$86 million). We anticipate a significant reduction in incidence cirrhosis due to causes other than alcohol because of the availability of high efficiency antiviral agents for hepatitis C, universal and effective vaccination for hepatitis B, relative stabilization of the obesity trends in the United States, and novel, potentially effective therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The proportion of alcohol‐related liver disease is therefore likely to increase in both the population as a whole and the liver transplant wait list.ConclusionsAlcohol‐related cirrhosis and alcohol‐related liver disorders will be the major cause of liver disease in the coming decades. There is an urgent need to allocate resources aimed toward understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and its complications so that effective therapies can be developed.
A Bayesian Hierarchical Framework for Modeling Brain Connectivity for Neuroimaging Data
Authors: Chen Shuo , Bowman F. DuBois , Mayberg Helen S. 
Published: October 2015

Summary
We propose a novel Bayesian hierarchical model for brain imaging data that unifies voxel-level (the most localized unit of measure) and region-level brain connectivity analyses, and yields population-level inferences. Functional connectivity generally refers to associations in brain activity between distinct locations. The first level of our model summarizes brain connectivity for cross-region voxel pairs using a two-component mixture model consisting of connected and nonconnected voxels. We use the proportion of connected voxel pairs to define a new measure of connectivity strength, which reflects the breadth of between-region connectivity. Furthermore, we evaluate the impact of clinical covariates on connectivity between region-pairs at a population level. We perform parameter estimation using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques, which can be executed quickly relative to the number of model parameters. We apply our method to resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 32 subjects with major depression and simulated data to demonstrate the properties of our method.
A 2‐year multicentre, open‐label, randomized, controlled study of growth hormone (Genotropin®) treatment in very young children born small for gestational age: Early Growth and Neurodevelopment (EGN) Study
Authors: De Schepper Jean , Vanderfaeillie Johan , Mullis Primus‐E. , Rooman Raoul , Robertson Anna , Dilleen Maria , Gomez Roy , Wollmann Hartmut A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectiveIn Europe, growth hormone (GH) treatment for children born small for gestational age (SGA) can only be initiated after 4 years of age. However, younger age at treatment initiation is a predictor of favourable response. To assess the effect of GH treatment on early growth and cognitive functioning in very young (<30 months), short‐stature children born SGA.DesignA 2‐year, randomized controlled, multicentre study (NCT00627523; EGN study), in which patients received either GH treatment or no treatment for 24 months.PatientsChildren aged 19–29 months diagnosed as SGA at birth, and for whom sufficient early growth data were available, were eligible. Patients were randomized (1:1) to GH treatment (Genotropin®, Pfizer Inc.) at a dose of 0·035 mg/kg/day by subcutaneous injection, or no treatment.MeasurementsThe primary objective was to assess the change from baseline in height standard deviation score (SDS) after 24 months of GH treatment.ResultsChange from baseline in height SDS was significantly greater in the GH treatment vs control group at both month 12 (1·03 vs 0·14) and month 24 (1·63 vs 0·43; both P < 0·001). Growth velocity SDS was significantly higher in the GH treatment vs control group at 12 months (P < 0·001), but not at 24 months. There was no significant difference in mental or psychomotor development indices between the two groups.ConclusionsGH treatment for 24 months in very young short‐stature children born SGA resulted in a significant increase in height SDS compared with no treatment.
Pituitary dysfunction following cranial radiotherapy for adult‐onset nonpituitary brain tumours
Authors: Kyriakakis Nikolaos , Lynch Julie , Orme Steve M. , Gerrard Georgina , Hatfield Paul , Loughrey Carmel , Short Susan C. , Murray Robert D. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectiveThere are limited data concerning the evolution of radiation‐induced hypopituitarism in adult‐onset brain tumour (AO‐BT) survivors, in part the consequence of the limited survival of many of these individuals. We aim to characterize the pituitary‐related outcomes following cranial radiotherapy (cXRT) for adult‐onset primary nonpituitary brain tumours.DesignWe retrospectively analysed longitudinal data of patients with AO‐BT who received cXRT within a tertiary cancer referral centre.PatientsA total of 107 adults (age 40·0 ± 13·1 years) followed for a median duration of 8 years following cXRT.MeasurementsPrevalence of radiotherapy‐induced hypopituitarism.Results94·4% received fractionated photon radiotherapy (median dose 54 Gy), while the remaining patients received proton beam or stereotactic radiotherapy. 88·8% of patients developed hypopituitarism during follow‐up. The frequency of GH, gonadotrophin, ACTH and TSH deficiencies was 86·9% (severe GHD 64·5%, partial GHD 22·4%), 34·6%, 23·4% and 11·2%, respectively. ACTH deficiency was clinically significant, necessitating glucocorticoid replacement, in only 10·3% of cases. Hyperprolactinaemia developed in 15% of patients, which was persistent in only 50% of cases. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies were present in 47·7% of patients, encountered more frequently in patients with tumours in proximity to the sella. Longitudinal data analysis revealed accumulation of hormone deficits throughout the follow‐up period, with incidence of all pituitary hormone deficiencies almost doubling between years 2 and 7 of follow‐up.ConclusionsPituitary dysfunction in AO‐BT survivors following cXRT is a common, evolving, time‐dependent phenomenon. It is important that deficits are identified early and replacement therapies introduced to optimize quality of life in these individuals, where prognosis is often guarded.
SL4, a chalcone‐based compound, induces apoptosis in human cancer cells by activation of the ROS/MAPK signalling pathway
Authors: Wang L.‐H. , Li H.‐H. , Li M. , Wang S. , Jiang X.‐R. , Li Y. , Ping G.‐F. , Cao Q. , Liu X. , Fang W.‐H. , Chen G.‐L. , Yang J.‐Y. , Wu C.‐F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesSL4, a chalcone‐based compound, exhibits clearly inhibitory effects on HIF‐1 and has been shown to effectively suppress tumour invasion and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Here, studies were conducted to determine SL4's anti‐apoptotic effects and its underlying mechanisms, in human cancer cells.Materials and methodsCytotoxicity, apoptotic induction and its involved mechanisms of SL4 were investigated using normal cells, cancer cells and mouse xenograft models. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling in SL4‐induced apoptosis was explored by manipulating specific scavenger or signalling inhibitors, in cultured cells.ResultsSL4 significantly inhibited cell population growth of human cancer cell lines but exhibited lower cytotoxicity against normal cells. In addition, SL4 effectively induced apoptosis of Hep3B and MDA‐MB‐435 cells by activating procaspase‐8, ‐9 and ‐3, and down‐regulating expression levels of XIAP, but did not affect HIF‐1 apoptosis‐related targets, Survivin and Bcl‐XL. Further study showed that SL4 also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and promoted generation of ROS. ROS generation and apoptotic induction by SL4 were blocked by NAC, a scavenger of ROS, suggesting SL4‐induced apoptosis via ROS accumulation. We also found that MAPKs, JNK and p38, but not ERK1/2, to be critical mediators in SL4‐induced apoptosis. SP600125 and SB203580, specific inhibitors of JNK kinase and p38 kinase, significantly retarded apoptosis induced by SL4. Moreover, anti‐oxidant NAC blocked activation of JNK and p38 induced by SL4, indicating that ROS may act as upstream signalling of JNK and p38 activation. It is noteworthy that animal studies revealed dramatic reduction (49%) in tumour volume after 11 days SL4 treatment.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that SL4 induced apoptosis in human cancer cells through activation of the ROS/MAPK signalling pathway, suggesting that it may be a novel lead compound, as a cancer drug candidate, with polypharmacological characteristics.