bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Genetics of LEOPARD Syndrome
Authors: Martínez‐Quintana Efrén , Rodríguez‐González Fayna 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLEOPARD syndrome (LS) is an acronym for the cardinal features lentigines, electrocardiogram conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth and sensorineural deafness. However, other disorders, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, occur frequently and represent a potentially life‐threatening problem. PTPN11 mutations, located on chromosome 12q24, are observed in up to 90% of patients with LS. Meanwhile, mutations in the RAF1 gene on chromosome 3p25.2 and mutations in the BRAF gene on chromosome 7q34 occur in 5% of the cases. Eleven different missense PTPN11 mutations, characterised by a decrease in physiological activity of the mutated protein (Tyr279Cys/Ser, Ala461Thr, Gly464Ala, Thr468Met/Pro, Arg498Trp/Leu, Gln506Pro and Gln510Glu/Pro) have been reported, two of which (Tyr279Cys and Thr468Met) occur in approximately 65% of the cases.Key Concepts:LEOPARD syndrome (LS) (OMIM #151100) and Noonan syndrome (NS) (OMIM #163950) are two disorders that are part of a newly classified family of autosomal dominant syndromes termed ‘RASopathies’, which are caused by germline mutations in components of the RAS‐MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinases) signal transduction pathway that is involved in the regulation of normal cell proliferation, survival and differentiation.LS is an acronym for the cardinal features lentigines, electrocardiogram conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth and sensorineural deafness.The diagnosis of LS is made on clinical grounds by observation of key features.PTPN11, RAF1 and BRAF are the genes known to be associated with LS. Molecular genetic testing of the three genes identifies mutations in approximately 95% of affected individuals.LS may be sporadic (de‐novomutation) or inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.Lentigines are the most prominent manifestation of LS and are found in more than 90% of the patients.On the whole, 85% of patients with LS have heart defects. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most frequent cardiac anomaly observed, representing a potentially life‐threatening problem in these patients.To date, it is unclear whether the genotype may influence the clinical course in LS patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Although some haematologic tumours have been reported in patients with LS the association is inconclusive.Genetic counselling helps families and patients to understand and cope with the diagnosis of their genetic condition and its implications.
Functionally modified, melt‐electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane mats for wound‐dressing applications
Authors: Hacker Christoph , Karahaliloglu Zeynep , Seide Gunnar , Denkbas Emir Baki , Gries Thomas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe electrospinning of a polymer melt is an interesting process for medical applications because it eliminates the cytotoxic effects of solvents in the electrospinning solution. Wound dressings made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), particularly as a porous structured electrospun membrane, are currently the focus of scientific and commercial interest. In this study, we developed a functionalized fibrillar structure as a novel antibacterial wound‐dressing material with the melt‐electrospinning of TPU. The surface of the fibers was modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and silver nanoparticles (nAg's) to improve their wettability and antimicrobial properties. TPU was processed into a porous, fibrous network of beadless fibers in the micrometer range (4.89 ± 0.94 μm). The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results and scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the successful incorporation of nAg's onto the surface of the fiber structure. An antibacterial test indicated that the PEG‐modified nAg‐loaded TPU melt‐electrospun structure had excellent antibacterial effects against both a Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus strain and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli compared to unmodified and PEG‐modified TPU fiber mats. Moreover, modification with nAg's and PEG increased the water‐absorption ability in comparison to unmodified TPU. The cell viability and proliferation on the unmodified and modified TPU fiber mats were investigated with a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). The results demonstrate that the PEG‐modified nAg‐loaded TPU mats had no cytotoxic effect on the fibroblast cells. Therefore, the melt‐electrospun TPU fiber mats modified with PEG and nAg have the potential to be used as antibacterial, humidity‐managing wound dressings. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40132.
Variable Time Impulse System Optimization with Continuous Control and Impulse Control
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Huang Yao , Wang Hua , Balakrishnan S.N. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractOptimal control of a variable time impulse system is considered in this study. Besides impulse control, the system is assumed to operate with continuous control also. Necessary conditions for the optimization of such system are derived using the calculus of variations. A reinforcement based solution technique called a single network adaptive critic (SNAC) method is developed in this paper to obtain an optimal solution. Details of the SNAC‐based algorithm are presented. Simulation examples are also presented for illustrative purposes.
Huge thymoma obstructing view of mediastinal cervical vessels
Authors: Nakagiri Tomoyuki , Okumura Meinoshin 
Published: November 2013

Key Clinical MessageThe 3D‐computed tomography (CT) image helped to make the operation strategy for the resection of huge thymoma obstruction large mediastinal vessels. Even in the rare situation, preoperatively enhanced 3D‐CT image is useful for a safe operation.
A Chemical–Biological Evaluation of Rhodium(I) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Prospective Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Oehninger Luciano , Küster Laura Nadine , Schmidt Claudia , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Prokop Aram , Ott Ingo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRhodium(I) complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely used in catalytic chemistry, but there are very few reports of biological properties of these organometallics. A series of RhI‐NHC derivatives with 1,5‐cyclooctadiene and CO as secondary ligands were synthesized, characterized, and biologically investigated as prospective antitumor drug candidates. Pronounced antiproliferative effects were noted for all complexes, along with moderate inhibitory activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and efficient binding to biomolecules (DNA, albumin). Biodistribution studies showed that the presence of albumin lowered the cellular uptake and confirmed the transport of rhodium into the nuclei. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed as well as DNA fragmentation in wild‐type and daunorubicin‐ or vincristine‐resistant Nalm‐6 leukemia cells. Overall, these studies indicated that RhI‐NHC fragments could be used as partial structures of new antitumor agents, in particular in those drugs designed to address resistant malignant tissues.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants and Atrial Fibrillation: Efficacy and Safety Considerations
Authors: Apostolakis Stavros 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

For almost six decades, vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin) were the only available oral drugs for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Recently, novel oral anticoagulants that target thrombin (dabigatran) or activated factor X (rivaroxaban and apixaban) have successfully completed clinical development and received approval for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Novel oral anticoagulants have been shown to be noninferior, or in some cases superior to warfarin in both safety and efficacy aspects. Their advanced pharmacological properties result to rapid, consistent anticoagulation at fixed dosing without need for laboratory monitoring. As with any antithrombotic therapy, novel oral anticoagulants should be used with caution, for the appropriate clinical indications and with an awareness of their limitations and contraindication.
The Utility of Platelet and Coagulation Testing of Antithrombotics: Fusing Science with Patient Care
Authors: Jennings Lisa K. , Kotha Jayaprakash 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

There is an increasing need for the standardization of platelet function and coagulation testing for the assessment of antithrombotic therapies. Investigators continue to strive to identify ideal laboratory testing and monitoring procedures for acquired and inherited platelet function defects as well as for evaluating patient status when treated with existing or emerging antithrombotics. These therapies are used primarily in the treatment of ischemic complications. In patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, the balance between hemostasis and thrombosis is a challenge as there is an ongoing risk for bleeding when patients are receiving antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants to lessen their risk for secondary thrombotic events. There are several diverse tests for monitoring anticoagulant therapy; however, as new agents are developed, more specific tests will be required to directly assess these agents in relationship to overall coagulation status. Research in the platelet biology field is ongoing to provide point‐of‐care methodologies for the assessment of platelet reactivity in terms of both bleeding and thrombosis risk. Currently there are no instruments that reliably assess the risk of bleeding. The challenges that routinely faced are the complexity of physiology, the need for standardization of platelet testing methodology, and the necessity for appropriate interpretation of the test results.
Synthesis and Crystal Packing of trans‐Bis(2‐aminotroponato)palladium(II) Complexes Bearing Linear Alkyl Chains – Hard Lamellar Structures Self‐Locked by Cross‐Shaped Molecular Units
Authors: Komiya Naruyoshi , Hori Takao , Naito Masaya , Naota Takeshi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe synthesis, structure, and three‐dimensional lamellar array of a series of trans‐bis(2‐aminotroponato‐κN,κO)palladium(II) complexes bearing linear alkyl chains (1a: n = 5; 1b: n = 8; 1c: n = 14; 1d: n = 16; 1e: n = 18, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the chain) attached to trans nitrogen donor atoms are described. The trans‐coordination of the ligands, the cross‐shaped molecular structures, and the crystal packing of 1b and 1c have been unequivocally established from single‐crystal XRD studies. Highly regulated multilayered lamellar structures are observed for 1b and 1c, where every lamellar layer in the crystallographic ab plane, formed by π‐stacking interactions of metal cores and van der Waals interactions between alkyl chains, is laminated alternately on the c axis with an orthogonal lamellar array of the identical unit. Powder XRD analysis showed that 1b–1e exhibit diffraction peaks attributed to periodic (n00) reflections of a typical lamellar structure. A linear correlation between the d‐spacing and chain lengths in these compounds indicates that they form the same type of three‐dimensional layer‐by‐layer structure of lamellar aggregates. The correlation between the cross‐shaped molecular structures of 1b–1e and the dimensionality of molecular constraint in the crystal packing is discussed by comparison with those of rod‐shaped analogues that exhibit high liquid crystallinity.
Synthesis, Skeletal Rearrangement, and Biological Activities of Spirooxindoles: Exploration of a Stepwise C‐Piancatelli Rearrangement
Authors: Huang Li , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Jing , Ding Ke , Li Xuehui , Zheng Wenxu , Yin Biaolin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBased on our previous studies, the scope of the transformation of 2‐furylcarbinols into spirofurooxindoles, and also the skeletal rearrangements of spiro[furo‐oxindoles] and spiro[thieno‐oxindoles] were studied. The spiro[furo‐oxindoles] thermally rearranged into spiro[pentenone‐oxindoles] by a mechanism involving the conrotatory electrocyclization of the 4π‐electron system. The free energy of the electrocyclization step was calculated to interpret the stereochemical outcomes. In contrast, the spiro[thieno‐oxindoles] were rearranged under acidic conditions into thieno[2,3‐c]quinolin‐4‐ones, involving an interesting dienone–phenol‐like mechanism. The transformation of 2‐furylcarbinols into spiro[pentenone‐oxindoles] seems to be the first stepwise C‐Piancatelli rearrangement. The spirooxindole products were biologically evaluated, and some of them showed promising cytotoxic activities against DU145 and LNCaP tumor cell lines.
Syntheses of Heteraphosphacyclanes: Follow the Guide!
Authors: Brewster Richard , Vandergeten Marie‐Christine , Montel Florian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPhosphorus heterocycles have been extensively studied over the past 100 years, yet for many chemists some of the most useful synthetic routes to these cycles remain unknown. These phosphorus‐containing compounds have long been seen as the “holy grail” for the chemical industries, promising not only better physical‐chemical properties and novelty in terms of intellectual property, but also for academic researchers intrigued by their challenging accessibility. Every chemist who has worked with phosphorus derivatives knows that this heteroatom is always a great source of surprises and can often lead to ground‐breaking findings. This review aims to guide readers through the various synthetic routes for the formation of monocyclic pentavalent phosphorus heterocycles of key importance in the development of future new and original chemical entities.
Asymmetric Synthesis of cis‐ and trans‐2‐Aryl‐6‐methylpyrans from D‐Glucose by Arylation and Inversion of Configuration at the C‐2 Position
Authors: Michigami Kyosuke , Shimazaki Atsuko , Hayashi Masahiko 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAsymmetric synthesis of optically active cis‐ and trans‐2‐aryl‐6‐methylpyrans from commercially available tetra‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucopyranosyl bromide has been developed. The reaction proceeds by two important steps. One is the arylation, and the other is deoxygenation at the C‐3 position and inversion of configuration at the C‐2 position during the preparation of the cis‐isomer, when 2‐aryl‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrans were treated with trimethylsilyl chloride and sodium iodide.
Electrochemical Detection and Characterisation of Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou X.‐F. , Cheng W. , Batchelor‐McAuley C. , Tschulik K. , Compton R. G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe report the detection and characterisation of polymer nanoparticles using electrochemistry using poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) nanoparticles (PVK NPs) as a model system. These were synthesised using the reprecipitation method. The number of electrons (n=2) transferred per PVK monomer was characterised by drop‐casting method. Sticking and sensing experiments were then conducted, which involve PVK nanoparticle immobilisation on the electrode surface and subsequent oxidative sensing, to enable rapid detection of polymer nanoparticles in aqueous solution. It is shown for the first time, that using this “stick and sense” method, polymer nanoparticles in aqueous solution can be immobilised, preconcentrated and quantified.
Effects of sodium benzoate on storage stability of previously improved beverage from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)
Authors: Adeola Abiodun A. , Aworh Ogugua C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe effect of sodium benzoate on the quality attributes of improved tamarind beverage during storage was investigated. Tamarind beverages were produced according to a previously reported improved method, with or without chemical preservatives (100 mg/100 mL sodium benzoate). Tamarind beverage produced according to traditional processing method served as the control. The tamarind beverages were stored for 4 months at room (29 ± 2°C) and refrigerated (4–10°C) temperatures. Samples were analyzed, at regular intervals, for chemical, sensory, and microbiological qualities. Appearance of coliforms or overall acceptability score of 5.9 was used as deterioration index. The control beverages deteriorated by 2nd and 10th days at room and refrigerated temperatures, respectively. Improved tamarind beverage produced without the inclusion of sodium benzoate was stable for 3 and 5 weeks at room and refrigerated temperatures, respectively. Sodium benzoate extended the shelf life of the improved tamarind beverage to 6 and 13 weeks, respectively, at room and refrigerated temperatures.
A New Taraxastane‐Type Triterpene from Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yu , Zhong Lin‐Jing , Xie Jie‐Ming , Wang Fei , Zhang Yong‐Hong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract3‐Oxotaraxer‐14‐en‐30‐al (1), a new taraxastane‐type triterpene, together with 14 known compounds, taraxerone (2), 3‐epiursolic acid (3), 2α,3β‐dihydroxyurs‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid (4), lupeol (5), betulinic acid (6), casticin (7), artemetin (8), luteolin (9), 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (10), docosanoic acid (11), tetracosanoic acid (12), cerotic acid (13), β‐sitosterol (14), and β‐daucosterol (15), was isolated from the leaves and twigs of Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia . Compounds 2–6 were found for the first time in this plant. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis, including 2D‐NMR techniques. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 3, and 5–10 were tested on the three cancer cell lines, PANC‐1, K562, and BxPC‐3. Results revealed that 7 exhibited cytotoxicity against PANC‐1, K562, and BxPC‐3, with IC50 values of 4.67, 0.72, and 4.01 μg/ml, respectively, whereas 8 was inactive against these cancer cell lines. The structureactivity relationship of compound 7 and 8 indicated that the 3′‐OH group in polymethoxyflavonoids is essential for antitumor activity.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Fluorophore‐Labeled Oligospiroketal Rods
Authors: Techen Anne , Czapla Sylvia , Möllnitz Kristian , Budach Dennis , Wessig Pablo , Kumke Michael U. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFluorescence probes consisting of well‐established fluorophores in combination with rigid molecular rods based on spirane‐type structures were investigated with respect to their fluorescence properties under different solvent conditions. The attachment of the dyes was accomplished by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between alkynes and azides (‘click’ reaction) and is a prime example for a novel class of sensor constructs. Especially, the attachment of two (different) fluorophores on opposite sides of the molecular rods paves the way to new sensor systems with less bulky (compared to the conventional DNA‐ or protein‐based concepts), nevertheless rigid spacer constructs, e.g., for FRET‐based sensing applications. A detailed photophysical characterization was performed in MeOH (and in basic H2O/MeOH mixtures) for i) rod constructs containing carboxyfluorescein, ii) rod constructs containing carboxyrhodamine, iii) rod constructs containing both carboxyfluorescein and carboxyrhodamine, and iv) rod constructs containing both pyrene and perylene parts. For each dye (pair), two rod lengths with different numbers of spirane units were synthesized and investigated. The rod constructs were characterized in ensemble as well as single‐molecule fluorescence experiments with respect to i) specific roddye and ii) dyedye interactions. In addition to MeOH and MeOH/NaOH, the rod constructs were also investigated in micellar systems, which were chosen as a simplified model for membranes.
Synthesis of 3‐Carbamoyl β‐Lactams via Manganese(III)‐Promoted Cyclization of N‐Alkenylmalonamides
Authors: Punda Paweł , Ponikiewski Łukasz , Makowiec Sławomir 
Published: November 2013

AbstractManganese(III)‐promoted cyclization of N‐alkenylmalonamides (=N‐alkenylpropanediamides) gave 3‐(aryl/(alkylamino)carbonyl) β‐lactams as well as 3‐(aryl/(alkylamino)thiocarbonyl) β‐lactams. The relative configuration of the obtained products was unambiguously determined by X‐ray crystallography. The proposed method is very useful for the one‐pot synthesis of a number of 3‐(aryl/(alkylamino)carbonyl) β‐lactams, especially those containing an amino(thiocarbonyl) moiety, which are not selectively accessible by other methods.
Three New C19‐Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum forrestii
Authors: Xu Jun‐Ju , Zhao Da‐Ke , Ai Hong‐Lian , Zhang Li‐Mei , Xie Shi‐Qing , Zi Shu‐Hui , Yang Sheng‐Chao , Shen Yong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA further study of the alkaloid constituents of Aconitum forrestii led to the isolation of three new C19‐diterpenoid alkaloids, named 14‐acetoxy‐8‐O‐methylsachaconitine (1), 14‐acetoxyscaconine (2), and 8‐O‐ethylcammaconine (3). Their structures were determined by UV, IR, and MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses.
Leadership as an Ideograph: A Rhetorical Analysis of Military Leadership Training Material
Authors: Hutchison Phillip J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe current rhetorical study used McGee's theory of ideographs to identify how cultural politics influence efforts to portray “leadership” in a military setting. Such an approach seeks to better address some of the enigmas that have complicated the understanding of military leadership—and leadership in general—for decades. McGee's theory emphasizes that language reflects political as well as referential qualities and, in some instances, these attributes come into conflict. Acknowledging this reality in an applied setting can help address ambiguous issues that escape the net of prevailing social‐science approaches to leadership inquiry. The rhetorical analysis, which examines U.S. Air Force leadership training material, documents the manner in which ideographic portrayals of leadership were pervasive in each training program, and it considers practical implications of such a situation. Most notably, the analysis provides an explanation of how ideographic portrayals of leadership implicitly emphasize cultural indoctrination over promoting social influence skills. Such an orientation fortifies the military hierarchy and perpetuates romantic views of the military profession, but it also blurs key distinctions between social control and social influence. It is suggested that because ideographs reflect vital cultural motives, associated problems are inherently difficult to remedy.
The Emerging Role of Higher Education in Educating and Assessing Future Leaders for Disaster Relief
Authors: Buschlen Eric , Goffnett Sean 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAs the frequency and intensity of disasters throughout the world increase, so do the demands for humanitarian relief and the need for effective disaster‐based leadership training. Numerous organizations are poised to act in response to disasters that necessitate a significant amount of leadership and logistics support. Although there are many entities often involved in disaster relief, the symposium outlines the emerging role higher education can play in improving response outcomes, not only by providing “boots on the ground” but also by developing skilled disaster relief leaders in both curricular and cocurricular venues. Institutions of higher education provide experiential learning opportunities offering critical service for immediate disaster relief while developing the skills of future leaders. During these experiences, students develop disaster‐based leadership and logistics acumen. Similarly, programmatic assessment is critical in measuring student leadership growth during the experiential learning process of providing disaster relief. The education and assessment of these trainings provides an important dimension of disaster leadership as it examines the leaders in action and fosters a commitment to adequately prepare them to lead in a time of disaster. A qualitative approach is recommended for assessing experiential leadership learning to better inform teaching and to cultivate future disaster leadership that meets ongoing global needs.