bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les études à temps partiel, les retours aux études et la parentalité étudiante
Authors: Julien Mélanie , Gosselin Lynda
Published: July 2015

Plusieurs personnes entretiennent aujourd’hui un rapport non traditionnel à leurs études universitaires, comme en témoignent, notamment, les études à temps partiel, les retours aux études et la parentalité étudiante. Parmi ces personnes, les femmes sont surreprésentées. Si ces façons non traditionnelles de réaliser un projet d’études contribuent à l’accès des femmes aux études universitaires et à la persévérance à cet égard, elles peuvent aussi s’accompagner de risques, voire de désavantages, en raison des défis qu’elles comportent et de certaines règles qui existent au sein des universités et de l’État québécois. Les constats des deux auteures révèlent un terreau fertile pour d’éventuelles recherches féministes.
Planarian ‘kidneys’ go with the flow
Authors: Issigonis Melanie , Newmark Phillip A
Published: July 2015

Flatworms have organs called protonephridia that could be used as a model system for the study of kidney disease.
Existence and Stability Results for Nonlinear Boundary Value Problem for Implicit Differential Equations of Fractional Order
Authors: Benchohra Mouffak , Bouriah Soufyane
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of solutions for a class of boundary value problem for implicit fractional differential equations with Caputo fractional derivative. The arguments are based upon the Banach contraction principle. Two examples are included to show the applicability of our results.
Statistical study of atmospheric gravity waves in the mesopause region observed by a lidar chain in eastern China
Authors: Gong Shaohua , Yang Guotao , Dou Xiankang , Xu Jiyao , Chen Chunxia , Gong Shunsheng
Published: July 2015

Atmospheric gravity wave activities in the mesopause region have been observed and statistically investigated with a sodium lidar chain in eastern China. In total, there were 471 gravity waves identified from over 5400 h of observations at Hainan (19.99°N, 110.34°E), Hefei (31.87°N, 117.23°E), and Beijing (40.47°N, 115.97°E). These waves typically had vertical wavelengths of λz = 2 − 4 km, observed periods of Tob = 1 − 4 h, amplitude growth factors of β = − 0.025 ~ + 0.05 km−1, and wave amplitudes of Aeβ * 90km = 1.5 − 6 %. Strong systematic parameter relationships were found, and they agree with the predictions of diffusive filtering theory. Statistical results show that the seasonal variability of gravity wave activity had a summer‐maximum and winter‐minimum characteristics in the mesopause region over eastern China. A qualitative interpretation is proposed regarding the seasonal and geographic variability observed by the lidar chain, based on analysis of source properties and influences from background wind, which vary by season.
Continental U.S. streamflow trends from 1940 to 2009 and their relationships with watershed spatial characteristics
Authors: Rice Joshua S. , Emanuel Ryan E. , Vose James M. , Nelson Stacy A. C.
Published: July 2015

Changes in streamflow are an important area of ongoing research in the hydrologic sciences. To better understand spatial patterns in past changes in streamflow, we examined relationships between watershed‐scale spatial characteristics and trends in streamflow. Trends in streamflow were identified by analyzing mean daily flow observations between 1940 and 2009 from 967 U.S. Geological Survey stream gages. Results indicated that streamflow across the continental U.S., as a whole, increased while becoming less extreme between 1940 and 2009. However, substantial departures from the continental U.S. (CONUS) scale pattern occurred at the regional scale, including increased annual maxima, decreased annual minima, overall drying trends, and changes in streamflow variability. A subset of watersheds belonging to a reference data set exhibited significantly smaller trend magnitudes than those observed in nonreference watersheds. Boosted regression tree models were applied to examine the influence of watershed characteristics on streamflow trend magnitudes at both the CONUS and regional scale. Geographic location was found to be of particular importance at the CONUS scale while local variability in hydroclimate and topography tended to have a strong influence on regional‐scale patterns in streamflow trends. This methodology facilitates detailed, data‐driven analyses of how the characteristics of individual watersheds interact with large‐scale hydroclimate forces to influence how changes in streamflow manifest.
T phase observations in global seismogram stacks
Authors: Buehler J. S. , Shearer P. M.
Published: July 2015

The T phase, conversion of acoustic to seismic energy, is typically observed as a high‐frequency wave train at hydrophones or coastal seismic stations. Here we show that the T phase can be observed in broadband waveform stacks of ∼5200 earthquakes recorded by the Global Seismic Network. To enhance the phase arrivals in stacks, we apply short‐time window average over long‐time window average filtering to individual traces before stacking. Although the T phase arrival is visible in stacks from seismograms filtered at 0.5–5 Hz, it appears much stronger at higher frequencies (2–8 Hz) and is further enhanced by only stacking seismograms from oceanic paths. Stacking only subsets of the data depending on continental path lengths on the receiver side shows that the T phase can be observed at stations up to 4∘ inland from the coast, and changes in the T phase arrival time correspond to reasonable crustal velocities.
Probabilistic infrasound propagation using realistic atmospheric perturbations
Authors: Smets P. S. M. , Evers L. G. , Näsholm S. P. , Gibbons S. J.
Published: July 2015

This study demonstrates probabilistic infrasound propagation modeling using realistic perturbations. The ensembles of perturbed analyses, provided by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), include error variances of both model and assimilated observations. Ensemble spread profiles indicate a yearly mean effective sound speed variation of up to 8 ms−1 in the stratosphere, exceeding occasionally 25 ms−1 for a single ensemble set. It is shown that errors in point estimates of effective sound speed are dominated by variations in wind strength and direction. One year of large mining explosions in the Aitik mine, northern Sweden, observed at infrasound array IS37 in northern Norway are simulated using 3‐D ray tracing. Probabilistic propagation modeling using the ensembles demonstrates that small‐scale fluctuations are not always necessary to improve the match between predictions and observations.
First observations of poleward large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances over the African sector during geomagnetic storm conditions
Authors: Habarulema John Bosco , Katamzi Zama Thobeka , Yizengaw Endawoke
Published: July 2015

This paper presents first observations of poleward traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) during strong geomagnetic conditions over the African sector. By analyzing different data sets we have observed both positive and negative ionospheric responses during the storm period of 08–10 March 2012. Considering the African region as a whole, three longitudinal sectors were strategically selected to establish the entire regional response. On both sides of the geomagnetic equator, results show poleward shift in peak total electron content (TEC) enhancements/depletions at different times which are associated to large‐scale TIDs. The observed phenomena are linked to the global ionospheric response and electrodynamics. The understanding has been established using data from International GNSS Service receiver network, radio occultation electron density profiles, derived E×B drift measurements from magnetometer observations and regional ground‐based and satellite data. Contrary to other related studies, generated regional TEC perturbation maps were not enough to show obvious directions of the large‐scale TIDs due to insufficient data over the northern hemispheric part of the African sector. There appears to be a switch between positive and negative storm phases during the same storm period especially in the Southern Hemisphere part of the African region where “enough” data were available. However, a detailed analysis revealed that the positive storm phase corresponded to the expansion of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) toward some parts of midlatitude regions (and possibly with the contribution from low‐latitude electrodynamics associated to equatorial electrojet), while the other part recorded a negative storm phase due to storm‐induced changes from the auroral origin. We have observed a simultaneous occurrence of both poleward and equatorward propagating TIDs over the African sector during the same geomagnetic storm period. Our results show that short‐lived large‐scale TIDs are possibly launched by the equatorial electrojet, while the EIA expansion contributes (through modulation) to the poleward propagation of the disturbances. Temporal variation of TEC perturbations on a storm day over the entire African sector showed the existence of large‐scale TIDs during the main and recovery phases which can travel poleward up to 20° latitude. The amplitudes of the TIDs have range ±2 total electron content unit, 1 TECU = 1016 el m−2, period of 2 h and virtual velocities of 250 ± 59–750 ± 95 m/s in midlatitude regions and up to 990 ± 65 m/s within the EIA region.
Slow westward movement of salinity anomalies across the tropical South Indian Ocean
Authors: Vargas‐Hernandez J. Mauro , Wijffels Susan , Meyers Gary , Holbrook Neil J.
Published: July 2015

Decadal salinity variability is an important characteristic of the ocean. It characterizes differences in evaporative and precipitation fluxes at the surface, and in the subsurface it contributes to steric sea level change and freshwater/salt transports. In this paper, we identify and describe westward moving and decadally varying salinity anomalies within the thermocline of the tropical South Indian Ocean (SIO) based on ocean state estimates from the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation version 2.2.4 (SODA). This signature in the salinity anomalies is expressed at the depth of 20°C isotherm (D20). A two‐dimensional radon transform quantifies the westward speeds as being between 0.4 and 1.7 cm s−1. These speeds are slower than those of first baroclinic‐mode Rossby waves or mean advection speeds of the background flow in the same regions. The decadal salinity anomaly originates in the subtropical eastern SIO (∼ 39% of the variance explained) and merges with remote anomalies from the western tropical Pacific Ocean (WTPO) via the Indonesian Seas (∼ 11% of the variance explained). The eastern SIO displays both decadal (∼ 10–15 years) and interdecadal (∼ 15–30 years) variability influenced by the WTPO, whereas the decadal variability in the western SIO seems to be more influenced by signals originating in the subtropical eastern SIO. We conclude that these salinity anomalies are consistent with signatures of nonlinear baroclinic disturbances as explained in the recent literature, and possible interaction of higher order baroclinic‐mode Rossby waves with the mean flow.
Multistream heat exchanger modeling and design
Authors: Watson Harry A. J. , Khan Kamil A. , Barton Paul I.
Published: July 2015

A new model formulation and solution strategy for the design and simulation of processes involving multistream heat exchangers (MHEXs) is presented. The approach combines an extension of pinch analysis with an explicit dependence on the heat exchange area in a nonsmooth equation system to create a model which solves for up to three unknown variables in an MHEX. Recent advances in automatic generation of derivative‐like information for nonsmooth equations make the method tractable, and the use of nonsmooth equation solving methods make the method very precise. Several illustrative examples and a case study featuring an offshore liquefied natural gas production concept are presented which highlight the flexibility and strengths of the formulation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3390–3403, 2015
Maschinengestützte organische Synthese
Authors: Ley Steven V. , Fitzpatrick Daniel E. , Myers Rebecca M. , Battilocchio Claudio , Ingham Richard. J.
Published: July 2015

In diesem Aufsatz beschreiben wir, welche Konsequenzen der zunehmende Einsatz von Maschinen für organische Syntheseprogramme haben wird, wobei wir einen besonderen Schwerpunkt auf praktische Fragen des Reaktor‐Designs legen. In dem sich rasch verändernden und vielschichtigen Umfeld eines Forschungslabors ist eine modulare Ausstattung erforderlich, um hohe und tiefe Temperaturen und Drücke, Enzyme, Mehrphasensysteme, Schlämme, Gase und Organometallverbindungen in Einklang zu bringen. Um spezialisierte Reaktionsverfahren wie elektrochemische und photochemische Umsetzungen zu vereinfachen, wurden weitere Techniken entwickelt. All diese Teilgebiete halten Chancen und Herausforderungen bereit.
Preparation of Solid, Substituted Allylic Zinc Reagents and Their Reactions with Electrophiles
Authors: Ellwart Mario , Knochel Paul
Published: July 2015

The treatment of various allylic chlorides or bromides with zinc dust in the presence of lithium chloride and magnesium pivalate (Mg(OCOtBu)2) in THF affords allylic zinc reagents which, after evaporation of the solvent, produce solid zinc reagents that display excellent thermal stability. These allylic reagents undergo Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions with PEPPSI‐IPent, as well as highly regioselective and diastereoselective additions to aryl ketones and aldehydes. Acylation with various acid chlorides regioselectively produces the corresponding homoallylic ketones, with the new CC bond always being formed on the most hindered carbon of the allylic system.
Meta-analysis of KRAS mutations and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Brudvik K W , Kopetz S E , Li L , Conrad C , Aloia T A , Vauthey J-N
Published: July 2015

Background

In patients with advanced colorectal cancer, KRAS mutation status predicts response to treatment with monoclonal antibody targeting the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). Recent reports have provided evidence that KRAS mutation status has prognostic value in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM) irrespective of treatment with chemotherapy or anti-EGFR therapy. A meta-analysis was undertaken to clarify the impact of KRAS mutation on outcomes in patients with resectable CLM.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically to identify full-text articles reporting KRAS-stratified overall (OS) or recurrence-free (RFS) survival after resection of CLM. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 per cent c.i. from multivariable analyses were pooled in meta-analyses, and a random-effects model was used to calculate weight and overall results.

Results

The search returned 355 articles, of which 14, including 1809 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies reported OS after resection of CLM in 1181 patients. The mutation rate was 27·6 per cent, and KRAS mutation was negatively associated with OS (HR 2·24, 95 per cent c.i. 1·76 to 2·85). Seven studies reported RFS after resection of CLM in 906 patients. The mutation rate was 28·0 per cent, and KRAS mutation was negatively associated with RFS (HR 1·89, 1·54 to 2·32).

Conclusion

KRAS mutation status is a prognostic factor in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases and should be considered in the evaluation of patients having liver resection.
Do Prosecutors Use Interview Instructions or Build Rapport with Child Witnesses?
Authors: Ahern Elizabeth C. , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: July 2015

This study examined the quality of interview instructions and rapport‐building provided by prosecutors to 168 children aged 5–12 years testifying in child sexual abuse cases, preceding explicit questions about abuse allegations. Prosecutors failed to effectively administer key interview instructions, build rapport, or rely on open‐ended narrative producing prompts during this early stage of questioning. Moreover, prosecutors often directed children's attention to the defendant early in the testimony. The productivity of different types of wh‐ questions varied, with what/how questions focusing on actions being particularly productive. The lack of instructions, poor quality rapport‐building, and closed‐ended questioning suggest that children may not be adequately prepared during trial to provide lengthy and reliable reports to their full ability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Critical appraisal of the anatomic landmarks for a complete intrafascial approach
Authors: Asimakopoulos Anastasios D. , Miano Roberto , Galfano Antonio , Bocciardi Aldo Massimo , Vespasiani Giuseppe , Spera Enrico , Gaston Richard
Published: July 2015

To provide an overview of the anatomical landmarks needed to guide a retropubic (Retzius)‐sparing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), and a step‐by‐step description of the surgical technique that maximizes preservation of the periprostatic neural network. The anatomy of the pelvic fossae is presented, including the recto‐vesical pouch (pouch of Douglas) created by the reflections of the peritoneum. The actual technique of the trans‐Douglas, intrafascial nerve‐sparing robotic radical prostatectomy is described. The technique allows the prostate gland to be shelled out from under the overlying detrusor apron and dorsal vascular complex (DVC‐Santorini plexus), entirely avoiding the pubovesical ligaments. There is no need to control the DVC, since the line of dissection passes beneath the plexus. Three key points to ensure enhanced nerve preservation should be respected: (1) the tips of the seminal vesicles, enclosed in a “cage” of neuronal tissue; a seminal vesicle‐sparing technique is therefore advised when oncologically safe; (2) the external prostate‐vesicular angle; (3) the lateral surface of the prostate gland and the apex. The principles of tension and energy‐free dissection should guide all the maneuvers in order to minimize neuropathy. Using robotic technology, a complete intrafascial dissection of the prostate gland can be achieved through the Douglas space, reducing surgical trauma and providing excellent functional and oncological outcomes. Clin. Anat. 28:896–902, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renal frame count: A measure of renal flow that predicts success of renal artery stenting in hypertensive patients
Authors: Naghi Jesse , Palakodeti Samhita , Ang Lawrence , Reeves Ryan , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Renal artery (RA) stenting can improve control of hypertension yet predicting clinical response remains difficult. We sought to determine the role of the renal frame count (RFC) (number of angiographic frames for contrast to reach distal renal parenchyma after initial RA opacification) as a predictor of improvement in blood pressure (BP) after RA stenting.

Methods

Renal flow was quantified in 68 consecutive patients (age 72.5 ± 9.1 years, 72% male) undergoing RA stenting for refractory hypertension (BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg despite treatment with two or more antihypertensive medications) by measuring RFC pre‐RA stenting. Significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) was defined as a stenosis ≥ 70% by visual estimation on angiography. Baseline and 6‐month follow‐up BP was recorded. Clinical response was defined by a drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) >10 mm Hg on the same or fewer number of anti‐hypertensive medications.

Results

Patients with RFC > 30 had SBP reduction (43.2 ± 25.7 mm Hg vs. 30.1 ± 31.3 mm Hg, P = 0.067), diastolic blood pressure reduction (9.1 ± 19.0 vs. −0.2 ± 13.4 mm Hg, P = 0.02), and mean arterial pressure reduction (23.8 ± 19.4 vs. 11.8 ± 16.1 mm Hg, P < 0.001) compared to patients with RFC ≤ 30. Furthermore, baseline RFC >30 was associated with a higher rate of clinical response to RA stenting (93.5% vs. 73%, P = 0.027).

Conclusions

RFC can be used as a clinical predictor of response to RA stenting. RFC > 30 was associated with reduction in BP after RA stenting and was predictive of clinical response. RFC provides a useful intraprocedural tool in assessing the severity of RAS and predicts the likelihood of clinical response following RA stenting. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Same day discharge after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Are we there yet?
Authors: Généreux Philippe , Demers Philippe , Poulin Frédéric
Published: July 2015

Early discharge after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been increasingly reported, and is now becoming routinely performed in experienced TAVR centers. However, to the best of our knowledge, no case has been described where a patient was safely discharged on the same the day of the procedure. This report will present the case of a patient who underwent a successful transfemoral TAVR and was safely discharged home the same day. Specific requirements and criteria are proposed to ensure the safety of this approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renal artery stenting: Patient selection post‐CORAL
Authors: Segrest J. Hudson , Hillegass William B.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Randomized trials (RCT) show no meaningful improvement in hypertension control with renal artery stenting (RAS) compared to medical therapy alone in patients with largely moderate hypertension and intermediate grade stenoses. Observational studies of patients with severe hypertension and high‐grade stenoses on multiple medications report blood pressure improvement after RAS.

Angiographic severity of renal artery stenosis has poor correlation with functional measures of flow impairment.

Renal frame count may be a useful simple measure of flow impairment, predicting beneficial blood pressure response to RAS. If confirmed in other studies, renal frame count > 30 and a combination of predictive clinical factors may help guide selection of patients for RAS in contemporary practice.
Which do you prefer, OCT or IVUS?
Authors: Tobis Jonathan
Published: July 2015

Key Points

OCT has higher resolution than IVUS.

This study compared the measurements of lumen and stent diameters from IVUS or OCT but the images were chosen by the 11 observers so that the exact same images were not measured.

The standard deviation of the measurements is tighter with OCT images. The absolute difference in measurements was small. This may be clinically insignificant, but operators may feel that it is easier to measure stent size from the OCT images.
In Situ Monitoring of Pit Nucleation and Growth at an Iron Passive Oxide Layer by using Combined Atomic Force and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Izquierdo Javier , Eifert Alexander , Kranz Christine , Souto Ricardo M.
Published: July 2015

Generation of single corrosion pits and in situ monitoring of pit growth on iron exposed to 0.5 m NaCl solution was achieved by using combined atomic force and scanning electrochemical microscopy (AFM–SECM). Pits as small as 2.7 μm in diameter were formed at arbitrary locations on the substrate through the local generation of highly concentrated nitric acid in the vicinity of the AFM–SECM probe. Addition of nitrite ions to the environment, which act as corrosion inhibitors for iron, ensures passivation of the metal and hinders metal corrosion, despite exposure to the chloride‐containing media. Localized acidification was achieved by oxidizing nitrite ions at the probe. Acidification in combination with the high chloride content in the solution led to a local rapid attack at the surface and pit generation below the AFM–SECM probe. Besides improved spatial resolution and precise control of the pit nucleation site, combined AFM–SECM allows simultaneous imaging of the generated pits by the AFM tip.
Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability of Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon–Molybdenum Oxides for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Martins Pedro F. B. D. , Ticianelli Edson A.
Published: July 2015

The degradation of Pt‐based electrocatalysts used in proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathodes is one of the main issues restricting the widespread application of PEMFCs as energy converters. This work aims to contribute to the improvement of the stability of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) by modifying the support to which they are anchored. Thus, syntheses of catalyst supports based on molybdenum oxides and carbon are carried out, followed by impregnation of the supports with Pt NPs. The Pt/MoO3–C catalyst shows the highest specific activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and this must be because of synergistic metal–support effects. Regarding the electrochemical stability of the materials, it is observed that, in principle, none of the Mo oxides decrease the extent of Pt degradation. However, after comparing the specific ORR activities before and after electrochemical ageing, it is concluded that Pt/MoO2*–C is a more stable material compared to Pt/C and Pt/MoO3–C.
Alkali‐Ion Storage Behaviour in Spinel Lithium Titanate Electrodes
Authors: Pan Huilin , Sun Yang , Mu Linqin , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Chen Liquan , Huang Xuejie
Published: July 2015

The alkali‐ion storage in spinel lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12) is comprehensively investigated in this work. In Li4Ti5O12, Na storage is more dependent on the particle size compared to Li storage. Electrochemical results show a Na‐storage capacity from 150 to 16 mAh g−1, with increasing particle size from 50 to 500 nm, whereas the Li‐storage capacity appears to be independent of particle size. The Na‐storage rate capability in Li4Ti5O12 is much worse than that of Li, probably because of the sluggish Na+ diffusion in Li4Ti5O12. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations also indicate that this can be attributed to the slow diffusion kinetics of Na+ in spinel Li4Ti5O12.
Reaction Mechanism of the Symmetry‐Forbidden [2+2] Addition of Ethylene and Acetylene to Amido‐Substituted Digermynes and Distannynes Ph2NEENPh2, (E=Ge, Sn): A Theoretical Study
Authors: Zhao Lili , Jones Cameron , Frenking Gernot
Published: July 2015

Quantum chemical calculations of reaction mechanisms for the formal [2+2] addition of ethylene and acetylene to the amido‐substituted digermyne and distannyne Ph2NEENPh2 (E=Ge, Sn) have been carried out by using density functional theory at the BP86/def2‐TZVPP level. The nature and bonding situations were studied with the NBO method and with the charge and energy decomposition analysis EDA‐NOCV. The addition of ethylene to Ph2NEENPh2 takes place through an initial [2+1] addition to one metal atom and consecutive rearrangement to four‐membered cyclic species, which feature a weak EE bond. Rotation about the CC bond with concomitant rupture of the EE bond leads to the 1,2‐disubstituted ethanes, which have terminal E(NPh2) groups. The overall reaction Ph2NEENPh2+C2H4→(Ph2N)EC2H4E(NPh2) has very low activation barriers and is slightly exergonic for E=Ge but slightly endergonic for E=Sn. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that there is charge donation of nearly one electron to the ethylene moiety already in the first part of the reaction. The energy partitioning analysis suggests that the HOMO(Ph2NEENPh2)→LUMO(C2H4) interaction has a similar strength as the HOMO(C2H4)→LUMO(Ph2NEENPh2) interaction. The [2+2] addition of acetylene to Ph2NEENPh2 also takes place through an initial [2+1] approach, which eventually leads to 1,2‐disubstituted olefins (Ph2N)EC2H2E(NPh2). The formation of the energetically lowest lying conformations of cis‐(Ph2N)EC2H2E(NPh2), which occurs with very low activation barriers, is clearly exergonic for the germanium and the tin compound. The trans‐coordinated isomers of (Ph2N)EC2H2E(NPh2) are slightly lower in energy than the cis form but they are separated by a substantial energy barrier for the rotation about the CC bond. The energy decomposition analysis indicates that the initial reaction takes place under formation of electron‐sharing bonds between triplet fragments rather than HOMO–LUMO interactions.
Dynamic Ligand Reactivity in a Rhodium Pincer Complex
Authors: Tang Zhou , Otten Edwin , Reek Joost N. H. , van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar , de Bruin Bas
Published: July 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Bas de Bruin and Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt at the University of Amsterdam. The image depicts the complementary nucleophilic and electrophilic ligand arms of a new cooperative PNN pincer ligand. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201501453.
Stable Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid Gel Electrolyte for Stretchable Fiber‐Shaped Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Li Houpu , Guo Jiajie , Sun Hao , Fang Xin , Wang Donghai , Peng Huisheng
Published: July 2015

Fiber‐shaped dye‐sensitized solar cells have attracted increasing interest in powering wearable and portable electronic devices. However, the use of liquid electrolytes gives rise to vulnerabilities, greatly limiting their practical applications. Here we develop a stable gel electrolyte based on polymer–ionic liquid gel with high nonvolatility and durability. The gel electrolyte maintains a quasi‐solid state from room temperature to 98 °C and can sustain high temperatures up to 300 °C. Based on this gel electrolyte, the resulting fiber‐shaped dye‐sensitized solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of 5.47 % that remains at 90 % after 30 days. The gel electrolyte makes the device more environmentally adaptive and compatible to bending and stretching deformations.
Pharmaceuticals and Surfactants from Alga‐Derived Feedstock: Amidation of Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives with Amino Alcohols
Authors: Tkacheva Anastasia , Dosmagambetova Inkar , Chapellier Yann , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Hachemi Imane , Savela Risto , Leino Reko , Viegas Carolina , Kumar Narendra , Eränen Kari , Hemming Jarl , Smeds Annika , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: July 2015

Amidation of renewable feedstocks, such as fatty acids, esters, and Chlorella alga based biodiesel, was demonstrated with zeolites and mesoporous materials as catalysts and ethanolamine, alaninol, and leucinol. The last two can be derived from amino acids present in alga. The main products were fatty alkanol amides and the corresponding ester amines, as confirmed by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Thermal amidation of technical‐grade oleic acid and stearic acid at 180 °C with ethanolamine were non‐negligible; both gave 61 % conversion. In the amidation of stearic acid with ethanolamine, the conversion over H‐Beta‐150 was 80 % after 3 h, whereas only 63 % conversion was achieved for oleic acid; this shows that a microporous catalyst is not suitable for this acid and exhibits a wrinkled conformation. The highest selectivity to stearoyl ethanolamide of 92 % was achieved with mildly acidic H‐MCM‐41 at 70 % conversion in 3 h at 180 °C. Highly acidic catalysts favored the formation of the ester amine, whereas the amide was obtained with a catalyst that exhibited an optimum acidity. The conversion levels achieved with different fatty acids in the range C12–C18 were similar; this shows that the fatty acid length does not affect the amidation rate. The amidation of methyl palmitate and biodiesel gave low conversions over an acidic catalyst, which suggested that the reaction mechanism in the amidation of esters was different.
MiR‐23b and miR‐199a impair epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition during atrioventricular endocardial cushion formation
Authors: Bonet Fernando , Dueñas Ángel , López‐Sánchez Carmen , García‐Martínez Virginio , Aránega Amelia E. , Franco Diego
Published: July 2015

Background: Valve development is a multistep process involving the activation of the cardiac endothelium, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the progressive alignment and differentiation of distinct mesenchymal cell types. Several pathways such as Notch/delta, Tgf‐beta and/or Vegf signaling have been implicated in crucial steps of valvulogenesis. We have previously demonstrated discrete changes in microRNAs expression during cardiogenesis, which are predicted to target Bmp‐ and Tgf‐beta signaling. We now analyzed the expression profile of 20 candidate microRNAs in atrial, ventricular, and atrioventricular canal regions at four different developmental stages. Results: qRT‐PCR analyses of microRNAs demonstrated a highly dynamic and distinct expression profiles within the atrial, ventricular, and atrioventricular canal regions of the developing chick heart. miR‐23b, miR‐199a, and miR‐15a displayed increased expression during early AVC development whereas others such as miR‐130a and miR‐200a display decreased expression levels. Functional analyses of miR‐23b, miR‐199a, and miR‐15a overexpression led to in vitro EMT blockage. Molecular analyses demonstrate that distinct EMT signaling pathways are impaired after microRNA expression, including a large subset of EMT‐related genes that are predicted to be targeted by these microRNAs. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that miR‐23b and miR‐199a over‐expression can impair atrioventricular EMT. Developmental Dynamics 244:1259–1275, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trinuclear CuIIStructural Isomers: Coordination, Magnetism, Electrochemistry and Catalytic Activity towards the Oxidation of Alkanes
Authors: Sutradhar Manas , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Mahmudov Kamran T. , Liu Cai‐Ming , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: July 2015

The reaction of the Schiff base (3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)‐2‐hydroxybenzohydrazide (H3L) with copper(II) nitrate, acetate or metaborate has led to the isomeric complexes [Cu3(L)2(MeOH)4] (1), [Cu3(L)2(MeOH)2]·2MeOH (2) and [Cu3(L)2(MeOH)4] (3), respectively, in which the ligand L exhibits dianionic (HL2–, in1) or trianionic (L3–, in2and3) pentadentate 1κO,O′,N:2κN′,O″chelation modes. Complexes1–3were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, electrochemical methods and variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements, which indicated that the intratrimer antiferromagnetic coupling is strong in the three complexes and that there exists very weak ferromagnetic intermolecular interactions in1but weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interactions in both2and3. Electrochemical experiments showed that in complexes1–3the CuIIions can be reduced, in distinct steps, to CuIand Cu0. All the complexes act as efficient catalyst precursors under mild conditions for the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, leading to overall yields (based on the alkane) of up to 31 % (TON = 1.55 × 103) after 6 h in the presence of pyrazinecarboxylic acid.
Short Stack and Full System Test Using a Ceramic A‐Site Deficient Strontium Titanate Anode
Authors: Verbraeken M. C. , Iwanschitz B. , Stefan E. , Cassidy M. , Weissen U. , Mai A. , Irvine J. T. S.
Published: July 2015

A lanthanum and calcium co‐doped A‐site deficient strontium titanate (LSCTA–) was used as alternative anode material in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) with an active area of 100 cm2. Cell performance was tested in both short (5 cell) stack configuration, as well as a full HEXIS Galileo system (nominally 1 kW AC). Impregnation with various electrocatalysts, such as nickel and ceria, yielded promising fuel cell performance at this scale. The system test initially produced 70% of the nominal output power and is to the authors' knowledge the first all‐oxide SOFC test on this scale. The strontium titanate backbone provides sufficient electronic conductivity to ensure acceptable ohmic losses. Power densities up to 200 mA cm−2 could be obtained at 900 °C, which compares well with Ni‐cermet based anodes. Degradation is however severe at 900 °C, due to impregnate coarsening, but operation at 850 °C minimizes this effect. Short stacks could be stably operated for 1,600 hours with an output power of 100 mA cm−2. Stacks are redox stable, but currently not sulphur tolerant.
Hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics of Lower Permian P1f source rocks in the Fengcheng area, northwest margin, Junggar Basin, NW China: implications for tight oil accumulation potential assessment
Authors: Hu Tao , Pang Xiongqi , Yu Sa , Wang Xulong , Pang Hong , Guo Jigang , Jiang Fujie , Shen Weibing , Wang Qifeng , Xu Jing
Published: July 2015

Combined with the actual geological settings, tight oil is the oil that occurs in shale or tight reservoirs, which has permeability less than 1 mD and is interbedded with or close to shale, including tight dolomitic oil and shale oil. The Fengcheng area (FA), at the northwest margin of the Junggar Basin, northwest China, has made significant progress in the tight oil exploration of the Fengcheng (P1f) Formation recently, which indicates that the tight oil resources have good exploration prospects. Whereas the lack of recognition of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics of Permian P1f source rocks results in the misunderstanding of tight oil resource potential. Based on the comprehensive analysis of geological and geochemical characteristics of wells, seismic inversion, sedimentary facies, tectonic burial depth, etc., the characteristics of P1f source rocks were investigated, and the horizontal distributions of the following aspects were predicted: the thickness of source rocks, abundance and type of organic matter. And on this basis, an improved hydrocarbon generation potential methodology together with basin simulation techniques was applied to unravel the petroleum generation and expulsion characteristics of P1f source rocks in FA. Results show that the P1f source rocks distribute widely (up to 2039 km2), are thick (up to 260 m), have high total organic content (TOC, ranging from 0.15 to 4 wt%), are dominated by type II kerogen and have entered into low mature–mature stage. The modeling results indicate that the source rocks reached hydrocarbon generation threshold and hydrocarbon expulsion threshold at 0.5% Ro and 0.85% Ro and the comprehensive hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency was about 46%. The amount of generation and expulsion from the P1f source rocks was 31.85 × 108 and 15.31 × 108 t, respectively, with a residual amount of 16.54 × 108 t within the source rocks. Volumetrically, the geological resource of shale oil is up to 15.65 × 108 t. Small differences between the amounts calculated by the volumetric method compared with that by hydrocarbon generation potential methodology may be due to other oil accumulations present within interbedded sands associated with the oil shales. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GP responses to price regulation: evidence from a French nationwide reform
Authors: Coudin Elise , Pla Anne , Samson Anne‐Laure
Published: July 2015

This paper uses a French reform to evaluate the impacts of overbilling restrictions on general practitioner (GP) care provision, fees and incomes. Since 1990, this reform has introduced conditions self‐employed GPs must fulfil to be permitted to bill freely. We exploit 2005 and 2008 public health insurance administrative data on GP activity and fees. We use fuzzy regression discontinuity techniques to estimate local causal impacts for GPs who established practices in 1990 and who were constrained by the new regulation to charge regulated prices (compliers). We find that those GPs practices to income effects. In the regulated fee regime, GPs face prices lower by 42% and provide 50% more care than they would do in the unregulated fee regime. Male care provision increasing reaction is larger than the female one, which results in a higher male labour income in the regulated fee regime than with unregulated fees, whereas it is the opposite for women. With regulated fees, GPs limit side‐salaried activities, use more lump‐sum payment schemes and occupy more often gatekeeper positions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ limits NF‐κB‐dependent inflammation in mouse cystic fibrosis biliary epithelium
Authors: Scirpo Roberto , Fiorotto Romina , Villani Ambra , Amenduni Mariangela , Spirli Carlo , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: July 2015

Cystic fibrosis–associated liver disease is a chronic cholangiopathy that negatively affects the quality of life of cystic fibrosis patients. In addition to reducing biliary chloride and bicarbonate secretion, up‐regulation of toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB)–dependent immune mechanisms plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis–associated liver disease and may represent a therapeutic target. Nuclear receptors are transcription factors that regulate several intracellular functions. Some nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), may counterregulate inflammation in a tissue‐specific manner. In this study, we explored the anti‐inflammatory effect of PPAR‐γ stimulation in vivo in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (Cftr) knockout mice exposed to dextran sodium sulfate and in vitro in primary cholangiocytes isolated from wild‐type and from Cftr‐knockout mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide. We found that in CFTR‐defective biliary epithelium expression of PPAR‐γ is increased but that this does not result in increased receptor activity because the availability of bioactive ligands is reduced. Exogenous administration of synthetic agonists of PPAR‐γ (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) up‐regulates PPAR‐γ‐dependent genes, while inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (lipopolysaccharide‐induced CXC chemokine, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, keratinocyte chemoattractant) in response to lipopolysaccharide. PPAR‐γ agonists modulate NF‐κB‐dependent inflammation by up‐regulating nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitor alpha, a negative regulator of NF‐κB. Stimulation of PPAR‐γ in vivo (rosiglitazone) significantly attenuates biliary damage and inflammation in Cftr‐knockout mice exposed to a dextran sodium sulfate–induced portal endotoxemia. Conclusion: These studies unravel a novel function of PPAR‐γ in controlling biliary epithelium inflammation and suggest that impaired activation of PPAR‐γ contributes to the chronic inflammatory state of CFTR‐defective cholangiocytes. (Hepatology 2015;62:1551–1562)
Plasmapheresis therapy in ANCA‐associated vasculitides: A single‐center retrospective analysis of renal outcome and mortality
Authors: Solar‐Cafaggi David , Atisha‐Fregoso Yemil , Hinojosa‐Azaola Andrea
Published: July 2015

Background

The evidence of the benefit of plasmapheresis in renal and survival outcomes in patients with severe manifestations of ANCA‐associated vasculitides is inconsistent.

Purpose

To address whether plasmapheresis is associated with improvement in renal function and survival at 12 months in patients with severe manifestations of ANCA‐associated vasculitides.

Patients and Methods

Single‐center retrospective comparative cohort of 24 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis or microscopic polyangiitis that received plasmapheresis adjunctive to conventional therapy (steroids and immunosuppressants), matched 1:1 according to age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and disease activity with 24 patients treated with standard treatment only. Comorbidities, demographic, clinical, treatment and laboratory characteristics were recorded.

Results

After 12 months both groups showed improvement in eGFR (19.0 ± 14.34 to 41.61 ± 37.77 ml/min, p = 0.003 in plasmapheresis group; 23.16 ± 14.71 to 39.86 ± 25.67 ml/min, p = 0.001 in conventional therapy group). No differences were found between groups (p = 0.68). Patients free of dialysis at 12 months after intervention increased in the plasmapheresis group from 9/24 (38%) to 12/24 (50%), p = 0.5; and in the conventional therapy group from 19/24 (79%) to 22/24 (92%), p = 0.25. Difference between groups was significant at 12 months (p = 0.001). Survival at 12 months after intervention was 79% in the plasmapheresis group and 96% in the conventional therapy group (p = 0.08). The main cause of death was infectious and a tendency for a higher prevalence of severe infections was observed in patients that received plasmapheresis (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Both plasmapheresis and conventional therapy improved eGFR at 12 months after intervention. Dialysis independence and survival were similar between groups. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:411–418, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Some Novel Class of Peptides from α‐Amino Nitrones and Their Potential Biological Activities
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaskar , Samanta Amalesh , Luitel Govinda Prasad , Rai Neelam , Mitra Debmalya
Published: July 2015

α‐amino nitrones are found to have a great significance in the synthesis of peptides. Simple reaction methodology, high yield, and atom efficiency in these reactions have made this protocol highly attractive. The synthetic route may be extended to the synthesis of dipeptides in enantiomerically pure form. Potential biological activity of the newly synthesized peptides is the major application in this new methodology.
Dimensions and Determinants of Morbidity: Evidence from Slums of Chandigarh
Authors: Kumar Sumit
Published: July 2015

Slum dwellers due to their low level of living and unhealthy environment can be at higher risk of illness. The present paper explores the dimension and determinants of morbidity in the slums of Chandigarh. The paper revealed that there is high morbidity among the slum dwellers and there is also co‐existence of both chronic and acute diseases, infectious and lifestyle diseases. The determinants of morbidity are also explored, and factors responsible in curtailing the morbidity among the slum dwellers are identified. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative effectiveness of propranolol and botulinum for the treatment of essential voice tremor
Authors: Justicz Natalie , Hapner Edie R. , Josephs Joshua S. , Boone Benjamin C. , Jinnah Hyder A. , Johns Michael M.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the comparative effectiveness of botulinum toxin and propranolol in patients with essential vocal tremor (EVT).

Study Design

Individual prospective cohort study.

Methods

Study patients were recruited at the Emory Voice Center from patients seeking treatment for EVT. Exclusion criteria included current β‐blocker treatment, spasmodic dysphonia, or other disease that prevented the use of propranolol therapy. A 10‐week washout period from prior botulinum toxin treatment occurred before enrollment. Patients were assessed via the Voice‐Related Quality‐Of‐Life (VRQOL) questionnaire, Quality of life in Essential Tremor questionnaire, and blinded perceptual voice assessment. These assessments were made at baseline voice 2 weeks after propranolol therapy and 4 weeks after botulinum toxin injection.

Results

Eighteen patients were enrolled. After 2 to 4 weeks of propranolol therapy (with a maximum dosage of 60 mg to 90 mg per day), patients report an average ΔVRQOL of 9.31. Six patients report significant VRQOL improvement >10, with the rest reporting changes between −7.5 and 7.5. Fifteen patients were followed for at least 4 weeks after botulinum toxin injection, reporting an average improvement in scaled VRQOL of 22.00. Blinded perceptual voice assessment demonstrates an improvement in overall severity of tremor with botulinum toxin.

Conclusions

In some patients with EVT, propranolol led to significant vocal improvement with no major side effects. Although botulinum toxin remains the gold‐standard therapy for patients with EVT, propranolol represents a possible alternative or adjuvant therapy for certain patients.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 126:113–117, 2016