A one-pot, three-component approach to functionalised tetrahydroisoquinolines using domino Heck-aza-Michael reactions

A one-pot, three-component method incorporating a domino Heck–aza-Michael reaction has been developed for the rapid synthesis of functionalised tetrahydroisoquinolines. Following the in situ generation of an acrylamide, a domino process involving intermolecular Heck reaction and subsequent intramolecular aza-Michael addition affords tetrahydroisoquinolines bearing C1-acetamide functionality.

Three dimensional scaffolds from multilobal fibres for enhanced cell growth

Multilobal fibres are irregularly shaped fibres with several surface channels or grooves. Scaffolds created from these fibres have high surface area which may enhance cell density. This study compared the cell growth of dermal fibroblasts and osteoblast-like SaOS2 cells on multilobal fibre nonwoven scaffolds to the conventional fibre scaffolds. Cells were cultured on round nylon, trilobal nylon, round polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and multilobal PET scaffolds for 14 days. There were more cells growing on trilobal nylon and PET multilobal scaffolds than their round counterparts. The preference to the type of multilobal scaffolds was cell dependent. The density of fibroblast increased 37% on trilobal nylon compared to round nylon scaffolds after 14 days of culture. SaOS2 cells preferred the multilobal PET scaffolds, exhibiting a 66% increase in cell number after 14 days of culture. Scaffolds manufactured from multilobal fibres have the ability to accommodate a high number of cells, demonstrating a great potential in tissue engineering applications.

A three-dimensional highly interconnected composite oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst prepared from a core-shell precursor

Getting intimate: A 3D interconnected Bi_0.5Sr _0.5FeO_3-ð (BSF)-Ag electrocatalyst is prepared from a BSF-AgNO₃ core-shell precursor in one step. The nanometer-sized Ag enhances the sintering process, enabling an optimum cathode microstructure and good cathode-to-electrolyte attachment upon firing at 850°C. A solid-oxide fuel cell based on this cathode shows a near 100% peak power density enhancement at 550°C.

Interobserver reliability of radial head fracture classification : two-dimensional compared with three-dimensional CT

Background: The Broberg and Morrey modification of the Mason classification of radial head fractures has substantial interobserver variation. This study used a large web-based collaborative of experienced orthopaedic surgeons to test the hypothesis that three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography (CT) scans improve the interobserver reliability of the classification of radial head fractures according to the Broberg and Morrey modification of the Mason classification.

Methods: Eighty-five orthopaedic surgeons evaluated twelve radial head fractures. They were randomly assigned to review either radiographs and two-dimensional CT scans or radiographs and three-dimensional CT images to determine the fracture classification, fracture characteristics, and treatment recommendations. The kappa multirater measure (κ) was calculated to estimate agreement between observers.

Results: Three-dimensional CT had moderate agreement and two-dimensional CT had fair agreement among observers for the Broberg and Morrey modification of the Mason classification, a difference that was significant. Observers assessed seven fracture characteristics, including fracture line, comminution, articular surface involvement, articular step or gap of ≥2 mm, central impaction, recognition of more than three fracture fragments, and fracture fragments too small to repair. There was a significant difference in kappa values between three-dimensional CT and two-dimensional CT for fracture fragments too small to repair, recognition of three fracture fragments, and central impaction. The difference between the other four fracture characteristics was not significant. Among treatment recommendations, there was fair agreement for both three-dimensional CT and two-dimensional CT.

Conclusions: Although three-dimensional CT led to some small but significant decreases in interobserver variation, there is still considerable disagreement regarding classification and characterization of radial head fractures. Three-dimensional CT may be insufficient to optimize interobserver agreement.

Three-dimensional AlN microroses and their enhanced photoluminescence properties

Novel three-dimensional AlN microroses, for the first time, have been synthesized via direct reaction between Al and N2 in arc plasma without any catalyst and template.

Book review: Understanding human development:a multi-dimensional approach (2nd ed.)

Book review: This book has much to offer social work and human services students. It covers many key theories, ideas, and debates relevant to a wide range of practice fields in a comprehensive, clearly organised, and engaging fashion. The author proposes, as on overarching premise, a “multidimensional” approach to understanding lifespan development and experiences of trauma, stress, and grief, as well as responses of adaptation and resilience across the life course. Consistent with social work values, the multidimensional approach “places an emphasis on the constant interaction of the biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of our inner worlds with the relational, social, structural, and cultural dimensions of our outer worlds” (p. 394).

Interobserver reliability of classification and characterization of proximal humeral fractures: a comparison of two and three-dimensional CT

Interobserver reliability for the classification of proximal humeral fractures is limited. The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that interobserver reliability of the AO classification of proximal humeral fractures, the preferred treatment, and fracture characteristics is the same for two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT). Members of the Science of Variation Group--fully trained practicing orthopaedic and trauma surgeons from around the world--were randomized to evaluate radiographs and either 2-D CT or 3-D CT images of fifteen proximal humeral fractures via a web-based survey and respond to the following four questions: (1) Is the greater tuberosity displaced? (2) Is the humeral head split? (3) Is the arterial supply compromised? (4) Is the glenohumeral joint dislocated? They also classified the fracture according to the AO system and indicated their preferred treatment of the fracture (operative or nonoperative). Agreement among observers was assessed with use of the multirater kappa (κ) measure. Interobserver reliability of the AO classification, fracture characteristics, and preferred treatment generally ranged from "slight" to "fair." A few small but statistically significant differences were found. Observers randomized to the 2-D CT group had slightly but significantly better agreement on displacement of the greater tuberosity (κ = 0.35 compared with 0.30, p < 0.001) and on the AO classification (κ = 0.18 compared with 0.17, p = 0.018). A subgroup analysis of the AO classification results revealed that shoulder and elbow surgeons, orthopaedic trauma surgeons, and surgeons in the United States had slightly greater reliability on 2-D CT, whereas surgeons in practice for ten years or less and surgeons from other subspecialties had slightly greater reliability on 3-D CT. Proximal humeral fracture classifications may be helpful conceptually, but they have poor interobserver reliability even when 3-D rather than 2-D CT is utilized. This may contribute to the similarly poor interobserver reliability that was observed for selection of the treatment for proximal humeral fractures. The lack of a reliable classification confounds efforts to compare the outcomes of treatment methods among different clinical trials and reports.