bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chlorination of IPR C100 Fullerene Affords Unconventional C96Cl20 with a Nonclassical Cage Containing Three Heptagons
Authors: Yang Shangfeng , Wang Song , Kemnitz Erhard , Troyanov Sergey I. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractChlorination of C100 fullerene with a mixture of VCl4 and SbCl5 afforded C96Cl20 with a strongly unconventional structure. In contrast to the classical fullerenes containing only hexagonal and pentagonal rings, the C96 cage contains three heptagonal rings and, therefore, should be classified as a fullerene with a nonclassical cage (NCC). There are several types of pentagon fusions in the C96 cage including pentagon pairs and pentagon triples. The three‐step pathway from isolated‐pentagon‐rule (IPR) C100 to C96(NCC‐3hp) includes two C2 losses, which create two cage heptagons, and one Stone–Wales rotation under formation of the third heptagon. Structural reconstruction established C100 isomer no. 18 from 450 topologically possible IPR isomers as the starting C100 fullerene. Until now, no pristine C100 isomers have been confirmed based on the experimental results.
Radical Cyclization/ipso‐1,4‐Aryl Migration Cascade: Asymmetric Synthesis of 3,3‐Difluoro‐2‐propanoylbicyclo[3.3.0]octanes
Authors: Thaharn Watcharaporn , Soorukram Darunee , Kuhakarn Chutima , Tuchinda Patoomratana , Reutrakul Vichai , Pohmakotr Manat 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA novel method for the asymmetric synthesis of 3,3‐difluoro‐2‐propanoylbicyclo‐[3.3.0]octanes involves an unprecedented intramolecular radical cyclization/ipso‐1,4‐aryl migration cascade.
Powerful Fluoroalkoxy Molybdenum(V) Reagent for Selective Oxidative Arene Coupling Reaction
Authors: Schubert Moritz , Leppin Jana , Wehming Kathrin , Schollmeyer Dieter , Heinze Katja , Waldvogel Siegfried R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe introduce the novel fluoroalkoxy molybdenum(V) reagent 1 which has superior reactivity and selectivity in comparison to MoCl5 or the MoCl5/TiCl4 reagent mixture in the oxidative coupling reactions of aryls. Common side reactions, such as chlorination and/or oligomer formation, are drastically diminished creating a powerful and useful reagent for oxidative coupling. Theoretical treatment of the reagent interaction with 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene‐type substrates indicates an inner‐sphere electron transfer followed by a radical cationic reaction pathway for the oxidative‐coupling process. EPR spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, X‐ray analyses, computational investigations, and the experimental scope provide a highly consistent picture. The substitution of chlorido ligands by hexafluoroisopropoxido moieties seems to boost both the reactivity and selectivity of the metal center which might be applied to other reagents as well.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of modified barium sulfate nanoparticles/polyethylene nanocomposites as T‐shaped copper intrauterine devices
Authors: Cao Xiuxiang , Zhang Han , Chen Minfang , Wang Liang 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTTo improve the mechanical properties and shelf‐life of barium sulfate nanoparticles (BaSO4‐NPs)/polyethylene (PE) composites, which are used as the scaffold of T‐shaped copper intrauterine devices (Cu‐IUDs) in the clinic, an Al coupling agent was used to modify BaSO4‐NPs. The influence of the Al coupling agent on the microstructures, properties, and shelf‐life of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results showed that: (1) a chemical reaction occurred between the Al coupling agent and the hydroxyl groups adsorbed by BaSO4‐NPs. (2) BaSO4‐NPs modified by the Al coupling agent dispersed in the PE matrix were much better than unmodified NPs. The interface bonding between modified NPs and the PE matrix was better than unmodified NPs. (3) the maximum tensile strength of nanocomposites containing modified NPs was 11.87 MPa, flexural strength was 6.61 MPa, and the elongation rate was 66.78%. (4) After an accelerated aging experiment, the tensile strength of the nanocomposites only decreased 5–15%. All of these results indicate that m‐BaSO4‐NPs/PE nanocomposites are more clinically useful than unmodified nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40393.
Effect of extruder elements on fiber dimensions and mechanical properties of bast natural fiber polypropylene composites
Authors: El‐Sabbagh Ahmed Mohammed Moneeb , Steuernagel Leif , Meiners Dieter , Ziegmann Gerhard 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIllusions and facts about aspect ratio and the corresponding mechanical properties of the polypropylene flax are studied in this work. Selection of extruder elements controls significantly the fiber final dimensions. Hence, the load transfer efficiency can be improved. Different extruder layouts are tried. First and second trials investigate the mixing degree effect using kneading elements with eight and four kneading elements, respectively. The third and fourth trials keep four kneading blocks but differentiate in using multiprocessing element MPE and toothed elements, respectively. All the four configurations are tested at different shearing rates namely 100, 200, and 300 rpm and different fiber loadings 10, 20, and 30 wt %. Polypropylene (PP) with high flowing properties and slivers flax natural fibers are used. The output extruded strands are mechanically tested. The third and fourth configurations showed superiority to the normal kneading profiles regarding the mechanical properties. Samples of composites are withdrawn after each processing extruder element to study the effect of this element on the fiber dimension. Measurement of extracted fibers is carried out by two methods namely dynamic image analysis machine and secondly normal microscopic investigation. Weibull distributions are defined for fiber geometry distributions for the different locations on the extruder configuration. Also, the effect of the shear rate and the extruder configuration on the final dimensions of the fibers extracted from the composite. The results show the correlation between extruder configuration and fiber aspect ratio and hence the composite overall strength. However, further processing like injection molding erases the pre‐extrusion effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40435.
A Computing Approach for Delay Margin of Linear Fractional‐Order Retarded Systems with Commensurate Time Delays
Authors: Gao Zhe , Liao Xiaozhong 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper proposes a computing approach for the delay margin of fractional‐order retarded systems with commensurate time delays. By the Orlando formula, a matrix constructed by the coefficients and commensurate fractional‐order of the characteristic function is defined. By calculating the eigenvalues of this matrix, the existence conditions and computing approach are proposed. If the matrix has some positive real eigenvalues, a finite delay margin exists. If the matrix has no positive real eigenvalue, the delay margin is infinity and the system is stable, independent of the delay margin. Finally, a numerical example and simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Assessing the environmental sustainability of ethanol from integrated biorefineries
Authors: Falano Temitope , Jeswani Harish K. , Azapagic Adisa 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper considers the life cycle environmental sustainability of ethanol produced in integrated biorefineries together with chemicals and energy. Four types of second‐generation feedstocks are considered: wheat straw, forest residue, poplar, and miscanthus. Seven out of 11 environmental impacts from ethanol are negative, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, when the system is credited for the co‐products, indicating environmental savings. Ethanol from poplar is the best and straw the worst option for most impacts. Land use change from forest to miscanthus increases the GHG emissions several‐fold. For poplar, the effect is opposite: converting grassland to forest reduces the emissions by three‐fold. Compared to fossil and first‐generation ethanol, ethanol from integrated biorefineries is more sustainable for most impacts, with the exception of wheat straw. Pure ethanol saves up to 87% of GHG emissions compared to petrol per MJ of fuel. However, for the current 5% ethanol–petrol blends, the savings are much smaller (<3%). Therefore, unless much higher blends become widespread, the contribution of ethanol from integrated biorefineries to the reduction of GHG emissions will be insignificant. Yet, higher ethanol blends would lead to an increase in some impacts, notably terrestrial and freshwater toxicity as well as eutrophication for some feedstocks.
Generic chromatography‐based purification strategies accelerate the development of downstream processes for biopharmaceutical proteins produced in plants
Authors: Buyel Johannes F. , Fischer Rainer 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPlants offer a valuable alternative to cultured mammalian cells for the production of recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins. However, the target protein typically represents only a minor fraction of the total protein in the initial plant extract, which means that the development of product‐specific chromatography‐based purification strategies is often laborious and expensive. To address this challenge, we designed a generic downstream process that is suitable for the purification of recombinant proteins with diverse properties from plant production platforms. This was achieved by focusing on the binding behavior of tobacco host cell proteins (HCPs) to a broad set of chromatography resins under different pH and conductivity conditions. Strong cation exchanger and salt‐tolerant anion exchanger resins exhibited the best resolution of tobacco HCPs among the 13 tested resins, and their selectivity was easy to manipulate through the adjustment of pH and conductivity. The advantages, such as direct capture of a target protein from leaf extract, and limitations, such as low binding capacity, of various chromatography ligands and resins are discussed. We also address the most useful applications of the chromatography ligands, namely recovery of proteins with a certain pI, in a downstream process that aims to purify diverse plant‐derived biopharmaceutical proteins. Based on these results, we describe generic purification schemes that are suitable for acidic, neutral, and basic target proteins, as a first step toward the development of industrial platform processes.
Phase III development of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire module for women undergoing breast reconstruction
Authors: Winters Z E , Balta V , Thomson H J , Brandberg Y , Oberguggenberger A , Sinove Y , Unukovych D , Nava M , Sandelin K , Johansson H , Dobbeleir J , Blondeel P , Bruno N , Catanuto G , Llewellyn-Bennett R 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Comprehensive outcome assessments after breast reconstruction (BRR) require surgery-specific patient-reported outcome measures. The aims of this study were to assess the relevance, acceptability and redundancy of questions/items (phase III pretesting) of a new BRR questionnaire evaluating patients' health-related quality of life before and after BRR. Phase III occurred in collaboration with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) following earlier development phases that identified 31 items.

Methods
The EORTC BRR subgroup applied decision-making rules to each question according to eight EORTC criteria. A total of 197 patients (from the UK, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Sweden) were recruited. Forty-seven patients completed pre- and post-BRR questionnaires prospectively, and 150 reported post-BRR questionnaires only retrospectively. Qualitative debriefing interviews were undertaken in 189 patients. Preliminary psychometric analyses were performed.

Results
Thirty-one items fulfilled ‘relevance’, with none producing ‘difficulties’. Ten items were not a priority for 10 per cent of respondents. Of these, two questions concerning muscle twitching in the affected breast and problem with donor-site swelling were deleted. Three redundant items were deleted: weakness in arm, which correlated significantly to the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) BR23 breast questionnaire, and shape and colour of the affected nipple. Descriptive statistics reduced the module to 26 items conceptualized into three provisional scales (disease treatment/surgery-related symptoms, sexuality and cosmetic outcome) within the newly completed questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BRR26.

Conclusion
The QLQ-BRR26 is available for psychometric validation in a large-field international sample. The intended use for QLQ-BRR26 is alongside EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23, in women treated by mastectomy for breast cancer and undergoing all types of BRR.
Intracystic concentrations of tumour markers for the diagnosis of cystic liver lesions
Authors: Fuks D , Voitot H , Paradis V , Belghiti J , Vilgrain V , Farges O 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Imaging occasionally fails to differentiate hepatic simple cysts from malignant or premalignant mucinous cystic lesions such as biliary cystadenomas. Hepatic simple cysts can be treated conservatively, whereas malignant or premalignant cysts require complete resection. This study assessed the ability of intracystic tumour marker concentrations to differentiate these disease entities.

Methods
Intracystic fluid was sampled in patients undergoing partial or complete resection of a cystic lesion of the liver. The indication for surgery in hepatic simple cysts was symptoms or suspicion of a biliary cystadenoma. Intracystic concentrations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 and tumour-associated glycoprotein (TAG) 72 were measured to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these tumour markers. Cut-off values were defined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results
The study population comprised 118 patients (94 women) with a median age of 59 years. There were 75 patients with hepatic simple cysts, 27 with mucinous cysts (19 biliary cystadenomas, 4 biliary cystadenocarcinomas, 4 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the bile duct) and 16 with miscellaneous cysts. Unlike CEA and CA19-9, a TAG-72 concentration of more than 25 units/ml differentiated hepatic simple cysts from mucinous cysts with a sensitivity and a specificity of 0·79 and 0·97 respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0·98 for mucinous versus hepatic simple cysts.

Conclusion
The concentration of TAG-72 in cyst fluid accurately identified hepatic cysts that required complete resection.
Influence of co-morbidity on long-term quality of life after oesophagectomy for cancer
Authors: Djärv T , Derogar M , Lagergren P 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The extent to which co-morbidities affect recovery of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in long-term survivors of oesophageal cancer surgery is poorly understood.

Methods
This was a prospective, population-based, nationwide Swedish cohort study of patients who underwent surgery for oesophageal cancer between 2001 and 2005, and were alive 5 years after operation. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-OES18 questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL up to 5 years after surgery. Eight aspects from the questionnaires were selected. Matched reference values from the Swedish general population were used as a proxy for HRQoL before presentation of the cancer. Adjusted multivariable linear mixed-effect models were used to assess mean score differences (MDs) of each HRQoL aspect in patients with or without co-morbidities.

Results
Of 616 patients who underwent surgery, 153 (24·8 per cent) survived 5 years, of whom 141 (92·2 per cent) completed the questionnaires at 5 years. Among these, 79 (56·0 per cent) had co-morbidities. Patients with co-morbidity had clinically relevant (MD at least 10) and statistically significantly poorer global quality of life (MD −10, 95 per cent confidence interval −12 to −7), and more problems with dyspnoea (MD 10, 6 to 13) throughout the whole follow-up period than those without co-morbidity. Patients with co-morbidity had a clinically relevant worse level of fatigue at 6 months (MD 10, 1 to 19) and 5 years (14, 4 to 24). With regard to specific co-morbidities, only patients with diabetes reported more clinically relevant, but not statistically significant, problems with fatigue at 6 months (MD 16, 2 to 31) and 5 years (MD 13, –5 to 31) compared with patients without co-morbidity.

Conclusion
Among survivors of oesophageal cancer surgery, the presence of co-morbidity was associated with poor HRQoL over time and increasing symptoms of fatigue.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin and schisandrin B in rats after combining acupuncture and herb medicine (schisandra chinensis)
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Zhou Yuan , Yin Fangzhou , Dai Guoliang , Li Lin , Xu Bin , Ji De , Sun Yong , Mao Chunqin , Lu Tulin 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTRecently, combination therapy with acupuncture and medicine as a practical strategy to treat diseases has gained increasing attention. The present study aimed to investigate whether acupuncture stimulation at ST.36 had a potential impact on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of lignans. An HPLC‐ESI/MS analytical method was established and successfully applied to a comparative study of drug concentration in plasma and tissues of three lignans. The parameters area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the final measurable point and from time zero to infinity, and peak concentration were significantly increased, with a prolonged mean residence time and a corresponding decrease in clearance in comparision with the Schisandra‐alone group. Additionally, tissue concentrations of three lignans were improved in the group with acupuncture, especially in liver. The results indicated that acupuncture has a synergistic effect on the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of the three lignans, which could postpone their elimination, resulting in a longer blood circulating time in rat plasma and prolonged residence time in target tissues, leading to higher tissue concentration. The findings provide some scientific evidence for the mechanism of the combined use of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Furthermore, we suggest that acupuncture and its combination with herbal medicine should be investigated further as a possible adjuvant therapy in clinical treatment for liver injury. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active Efflux Influences the Potency of Quorum Sensing Inhibitors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Moore Joseph D. , Gerdt Joseph P. , Eibergen Nora R. , Blackwell Helen E. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMany bacteria regulate gene expression through a cell–cell signaling process called quorum sensing (QS). In proteobacteria, QS is largely mediated by signaling molecules known as N‐acylated L‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) and their associated intracellular LuxR‐type receptors. The design of non‐native small molecules capable of inhibiting LuxR‐type receptors (and thereby QS) in proteobacteria is an active area of research, and numerous lead compounds are AHL derivatives that mimic native AHL molecules. Much of this previous work has focused on the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which controls an arsenal of virulence factors and biofilm formation through QS. The MexAB‐OprM efflux pump has been shown to play a role in the secretion of the major AHL signal in P. aeruginosa, N‐(3‐oxododecanoyl) L‐homoserine lactone. In the current study, we show that a variety of non‐native AHLs and related derivatives capable of inhibiting LuxR‐type receptors in P. aeruginosa display significantly higher potency in a P. aeruginosa Δ(mexAB‐oprM) mutant, suggesting that MexAB‐OprM also recognizes these compounds as substrates. We also demonstrate that the potency of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐aminobenzimidazole, recently shown to be a QS and biofilm inhibitor in P. aeruginosa, is not affected by the presence/absence of the MexAB‐OprM pump. These results have implications for the use of non‐native AHLs and related derivatives as QS modulators in P. aeruginosa and other bacteria, and provide a potential design strategy for the development of new QS modulators that are resistant to active efflux.
Clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients undergoing entrapped guidewire retrieval in stent‐jailed side branch using a balloon catheter
Authors: Sakamoto Shingo , Taniguchi Norimasa , Mizuguchi Yukio , Yamada Takeshi , Nakajima Shunsuke , Hata Tetsuya , Takahashi Akihiko 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of method for retrieval of entrapped guidewire in stent‐jailed side branch using a balloon catheter.BackgroundGuidewire entrapment in the side branch after main vessel stenting is an infrequent but potentially serious complication of bifurcation lesion treatment. Entrapped wire retrieval with device advancement over the wire is a previously reported bail‐out method, but its efficacy and impact on the proximal edge of the stent are unknown.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, prospective study to evaluate the outcome of 28 consecutive patients who developed guidewire entrapment in a stent‐jailed side branch after drug‐eluting stent implantation, and underwent retrieval of entrapped wire using a balloon catheter. The primary objective was cumulative 12‐month major adverse cardiac events including death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Secondary objectives included binary restenosis and late lumen loss, evaluated in‐stent, 5‐mm proximal edge, and 5‐mm distal edge sites at 9‐month angiographic follow‐up.ResultsEntrapped guidewire retrieval was successfully achieved in all patients. Cumulative 12‐month major adverse cardiac events were not observed in any patient. At angiographic follow‐up, no significant differences were observed in late lumen loss between in‐stent, 5‐mm proximal edge, and 5‐mm distal edge sites (0.12 ± 0.38 mm vs. 0.09 ± 0.27 mm vs. 0.03 ± 0.3 mm, P = 0.57). None of the patients had binary in‐stent or in‐segment restenosis.ConclusionAlthough the decision to apply the present method for entrapped guidewire retrieval should be made with careful consideration, it appears effective for bail‐out. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total Synthesis of (18S)‐ and (18R)‐Homolargazole by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Hydrocarboxylation
Authors: Schotes Christoph , Ostrovskyi Dmytro , Senger Johanna , Schmidtkunz Karin , Jung Manfred , Breit Bernhard 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHomolargazole derivatives, in which the macrocycle of natural largazole is extended by one methylene group, were prepared by the recently developed rhodium‐catalyzed hydrocarboxylation reaction onto allenes. This strategy gives access to both the (18S)‐ and (18R)‐stereoisomers in high stereoselectivity under ligand control.
Cyclic Peptides as Inhibitors of Amyloid Fibrillation
Authors: Luo Jinghui , Abrahams Jan Pieter 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMany neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or Huntington’s disease, occur as a result of amyloid protein fibril formation and cell death induced by this process. Cyclic peptides (CPs) and their derivatives form a new class of powerful inhibitors that prevent amyloid fibrillation and decrease the cytotoxicity of aggregates. The strategies for designing CPs are described, with respect to their amino acid sequence and/or conformational similarity to amyloid fibrils. The implications of CPs for the study and possible treatment of amyloid‐related diseases are discussed.