bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 6-acyl phenanthridines by oxidative radical decarboxylation–cyclization of α-oxocarboxylates and isocyanides
Authors: Liu Jie , Fan Chao , Yin Hongyu , Qin Chu , Zhang Guoting , Zhang Xu , Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen
Published: January 2014

A silver catalysed synthesis of 6-acyl phenanthridines by oxidative radical decarboxylation–cyclization of α-oxocarboxylates and isocyanides was developed.
Highly regioselective and chemoselective titanocene mediated Barbier-type allylation reactions
Authors: Morcillo Sara P. , Martínez-Peragón Ángela , Jakoby Verena , Mota Antonio J. , Kube Christian , Justicia José , Cuerva Juan M. , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: January 2014

New titanocene(iii) has been developed for chemoselective α-regioselective Barbier-type reactions, constituting the first titanocene(iii) able to tolerate epoxides and readily reduced carbonyl compounds.
Formation, self-assembly and transformation of a transient selenotungstate building block into clusters, chains and macrocycles
Authors: Cameron Jamie M. , Gao Jing , Vilà-Nadal Laia , Long De-Liang , Cronin Leroy
Published: January 2014

The one-pot syntheses of a series of dimeric and trimeric selenotungstates based on the [Se2W12O46]12− unit are presented alongside the structure of the tetrameric [Se8W48O176]32− wheel.
Photoresponsive metallo-hydrogels based on visual discrimination of the positional isomers through selective thixotropic gel collapse
Authors: Fang Weiwei , Liu Xiyu , Lu Zhengwei , Tu Tao
Published: January 2014

Incorporating the visual discrimination of 2,2′-bipyridine and self-healing properties, a novel photo-switchable metallo-hydrogel system is fabricated using a pincer-type Cu(ii) complex and 2,2′-azopyridine.
Polymorphism and isostructurality in sulfonylhydrazones
Authors: Thakuria Ranjit , Nath Naba K. , Roy Saikat , Nangia Ashwini
Published: January 2014

Five new methyl and halogen derivatives of triaryl sulfonylhydrazone were synthesized to understand polymorphism and isostructurality upon Cl–Me and inter-halogen exchange. Conformational rigidity and sulfonamide dimer synthon control the isostructurality in this family of crystal structures.
Molecular tectonics: generation of grid and porous diamondoid coordination networks by calixarene based tectons
Authors: Ovsyannikov A. , Ferlay S. , Solovieva S. E. , Antipin I. S. , Konovalov A. I. , Kyritsakas N. , Hosseini M. W.
Published: January 2014

Combinations of tetrakismeta-pyridyl appended tetrathia- or tetrathiamercapto-calix[4]arene in 1,3-A conformation with MX2(M = Cd, Co or Fe, X = Cl or Br), behaving as a neutral metallatecton, lead to 2D grid type and 3D porous diamondoid coordination networks.
C-3 alkylation of oxindole with alcohols by Pt/CeO2 catalyst in additive-free conditions
Authors: Chaudhari Chandan , Siddiki S. M. A. Hakim , Kon Kenichi , Tomita Atsuko , Tai Yutaka , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: January 2014

Pt-loaded CeO2 acted as an effective and recyclable catalyst for alkylation of oxindole with alcohols under additive-free conditions.
One-pot synthesis of furfural derivatives from pentoses using solid acid and base catalysts
Authors: Shirotori Mahiro , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: January 2014

One-pot synthesis of (2-furanylmethylene)malononitrile, a Knoevenagel product of furfural with malononitrile, from xylose efficiently proceeded by combined use of acid Amberlyst-15 and acid-base Cr/hydrotalcites in 44% yield.
Chromium(iii) amine-bis(phenolate) complexes as catalysts for copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and CO2
Authors: Chen Hua , Dawe Louise N. , Kozak Christopher M.
Published: January 2014

Chromium complexes of tri- and tetradentate amine-bis(phenolate) ligands in combination with chloride, azide or DMAP nucleophiles are effective catalysts for the copolymerization of CO2 with cyclohexene oxide to give polycarbonates.
Mechanistic studies of CO2 reduction to methanol mediated by an N-heterocyclic germylene hydride
Authors: Tan Gengwen , Wang Wenyuan , Blom Burgert , Driess Matthias
Published: January 2014

The mechanism of CO2 reduction to methanol mediated by germylene hydrides is elucidated based on the model reaction of LAlH2 with LGeOCH(O) (L = CH(MeCNAr)2, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3).
Inhibition of DNA polymerase λ and associated inflammatory activities of extracts from steamed germinated soybeans
Authors: Mizushina Yoshiyuki , Kuriyama Isoko , Yoshida Hiromi
Published: January 2014

The two glucosyl compounds from the steamed germinated soybean extract had anti-inflammatory activity based on DNA polymerase λ inhibition.
Inkjet patterned superhydrophobic paper for open-air surface microfluidic devices
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohamed , Schutzius Thomas M. , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: January 2014

Inkjet-patterned hydrophilic spots on superhydrophobic paper overlaid with pH indicators to create a point-of-care diagnostic device for droplet sampling at 50 Hz.
Continuous flow micro-bioreactors for the production of biopharmaceuticals: the effect of geometry, surface texture, and flow rate
Authors: Garza-García Lucía D. , García-López Erika , Camacho-León Sergio , del Refugio Rocha-Pizaña María , López-Pacheco Felipe , López-Meza Julián , Araiz-Hernández Diana , Tapia-Mejía Eduardo J. , Trujillo-de Santiago Grissel , Rodríguez-González Ciro A. , Alvarez Mario Moisés
Published: January 2014

Continuous flow micro-devices were used as bioreactors to produce monoclonal antibodies at high productivities.
Systemic and characteristic metabolites in the serum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at different stages as revealed by a1H-NMR based metabonomic approach
Authors: Diao Chengfeng , Zhao Liangcai , Guan Mimi , Zheng Yongquan , Chen Minjiang , Yang Yunjun , Lin Li , Chen Weijian , Gao Hongchang
Published: January 2014

A schematic diagram of the disturbed metabolic pathways showing that glycolysis, the TCA cycle, glucogeogenesis andetc. are involved in the evolution of diabetes.
Structure and properties of metal complexes of a pyridine based oxazolidinone synthesized by atmospheric CO2fixation
Authors: Sarkar Amrita , Bhattacharyya Sudipta , Dey Suman Kr , Karmakar Subhendu , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: January 2014

Copper, platinum and palladium complexes of an oxazolidinone ligand show potential in catalysis or cytotoxicity, depending on the metal incorporated.
PEDOT nanostructures synthesized in hexagonal mesophases
Authors: Ghosh Srabanti , Remita Hynd , Ramos Laurence , Dazzi Alexandre , Deniset-Besseau Ariane , Beaunier Patricia , Goubard Fabrice , Aubert Pierre-Henri , Brisset Francois , Remita Samy
Published: January 2014

Anisotropic conducting PEDOT polymers are prepared within hexagonal mesophases according to an original one-pot synthesis and are characterized after extraction.
Self-assembled nanoparticles from thiol functionalized liquid crystalline brush block copolymers for dual encapsulation of doxorubicin and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Chi Thanh , Tran Thanh Huyen , Lu Xiuling , Kasi Rajeswari M.
Published: January 2014

A facile approach to synthesize new thiol functionalized liquid crystalline brush block copolymers for dual encapsulation of an anticancer drug and inorganic nanoparticles.
Optimising the enzyme response of a porous silicon photonic crystal via the modular design of enzyme sensitive polymers
Authors: Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Gupta Bakul , Reece Peter J. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: January 2014

The incorporation of a versatile and tuneable polymer–peptide network into the pores of porous silicon photonic crystals improves the selectivity of porous silicon optical biosensors to detect certain types of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes.
Recent progress on carbon-based support materials for electrocatalysts of direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Huang Huajie , Wang Xin
Published: January 2014

This review summarizes recent significant progress in the fabrication and applications of carbon-based anode catalysts for direct methanol fuel cells.
A metal-oxide catalyst enhanced the desorption properties in complex metal hydrides
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Isobe Shigehito , Wang Yongming , Oka Hiroshi , Hashimoto Naoyuki , Ohnuki Somei
Published: January 2014

It is reported for the first time, that the desorption properties in complex metal hydrides (MgH2, LiAlH4, and LiNH2) are enhanced by a lithium-ion-battery material, LiTi2O4. Three different systems for hydrogen storage are catalysed by one material.
A stimulatory effect of Ca3ZrSi2O9 bioceramics on cementogenic/osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Zhang Xufang , Han Pingping , Jaiprakash Anjali , Wu Chengtie , Xiao Yin
Published: January 2014

Ca3ZrSi2O9 bioceramics promote the cementogenic/osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs.
Lanthanide CPs: the guest-tunable drastic changes of luminescent quantum yields, and two photon luminescence
Authors: Zeng Cheng-Hui , Wang Jing-Ling , Yang Yang-Yi , Chu Tian-Shu , Zhong Sheng-Liang , Ng Seik Weng , Wong Wing-Tak
Published: January 2014

Drastic change of luminescent QY was found in a serial of guest-tuned lanthanide CPs. An octupolar-like structure lanthanide CP shows a high two-photon luminescence.
Studies on the effect of the axial magnetic field on the x-ray bremsstrahlung in a 2.45 GHz permanent magnet microwave ion source
Authors: Kumar Narender , Rodrigues G. , Lakshmy P. S. , Baskaran R. , Mathur Y. , Ahuja R. , Kanjilal D.
Published: January 2014

A compact microwave ion source has been designed and developed for operation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The axial magnetic field is based on two permanent magnet rings, operating in the “off-resonance” mode and is tunable by moving the permanent magnets. In order to understand the electron energy distribution function, x-ray bremsstrahlung has been measured in the axial direction. Simulation studies on the x-ray bremsstrahlung have been carried out to compare with the experimental results. The effect of the axial magnetic field with respect to the microwave launching position and the position of the extraction electrode on the x-ray bremsstrahlung have been studied.
Development of a radio frequency ion source with multi-helicon plasma injectors for neutral beam injection system of Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus
Authors: Choe Kyumin , Jung Bongki , Chung Kyoung-Jae , Hwang Y. S.
Published: January 2014

Despite of high plasma density, helicon plasma has not yet been applied to a large area ion source such as a driver for neutral beam injection (NBI) system due to intrinsically poor plasma uniformity in the discharge region. In this study, a radio-frequency (RF) ion source with multi-helicon plasma injectors for high plasma density with good uniformity has been designed and constructed for the NBI system of Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus at Seoul National University. The ion source consists of a rectangular plasma expansion chamber (120 × 120 × 120 mm3), four helicon plasma injectors with annular permanent magnets and RF power system. Main feature of the source is downstream plasma confinement in the cusp magnetic field configuration which is generated by arranging polarities of permanent magnets in the helicon plasma injectors. In this paper, detailed design of the multi-helicon plasma injector and plasma characteristics of the ion source are presented.
In situ X-ray powder diffraction study of Ho5Ge4
Authors: Singh Niraj K. , Mudryk Ya. , Pecharsky V. K. , Gschneidner K. A.
Published: January 2014

In Ho5Ge4 the magnetostructural transition (MST) from high temperature paramagnetic Sm5Ge4-type (O-II type) orthorhombic structure to a new low temperature antiferromagnetic (AFM) monoclinic structure (Mβ-structure; the distortion occurs in the ac-plane) results in discontinuities of 400, 400, and 300 ppm along a, b, and c axes, respectively. During MST the unit cell volume exhibits discontinuity of 1000 ppm, and changes in both inter and intra slab bonds are less than 2%. In the AFM state the application of 35 kOe magnetic field leads to a partial reconstruction of the high temperature O-II structure, which is accompanied with a large magnetostriction. The strain energy associated with magnetostriction effects leads to an incomplete field driven MST in the magnetically ordered state.
Studies of the mechanism of the cluster formation in a thermally sampling atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer
Authors: Albrecht Sascha , Klopotowski Sebastian , Derpmann Valerie , Klee Sonja , Brockmann Klaus J. , Stroh Fred , Benter Thorsten
Published: January 2014

In this study a thermally sampling atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer is described and characterized. The ion transfer stage offers the capability to sample cluster ions at thermal equilibrium and during this transfer fundamental processes possibly affecting the cluster distribution are also readily identified. Additionally, the transfer stage combines optional collision-induced dissociation (CID) analysis of the cluster composition with thermal equilibrium sampling of clusters. The performance of the setup is demonstrated with regard to the proton-bound water cluster system. The benefit of the studied processes is that they can help to improve future transfer stages and to understand cluster ion reactions in ion mobility tubes and high-pressure ion sources. In addition, the instrument allows for the identification of fragmentation and protonation reactions caused by CID.
A simulation of X-ray shielding for a superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source
Authors: Park Jin Yong , Won Mi-Sook , Lee Byoung-Seob , Yoon Jang-Hee , Choi Seyong , Ok Jung-Woo , Choi Jeong-Sik , Kim Byoung-Chul
Published: January 2014

It is generally assumed that large amounts of x-rays are emitted from the ion source of an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) instrument. The total amount of x-rays should be strictly limited to avoid the extra heat load to the cryostat of the superconducting ECR ion source, since they are partly absorbed by the cold mass into the cryostat. A simulation of x-ray shielding was carried out to determine the effective thickness of the x-ray shield needed via the use of Geant4. X-ray spectra of the 10 GHz Nanogan ECR ion source were measured as a function of the thickness variation in the x-ray shield. The experimental results were compared with Geant4 results to verify the effectiveness of the x-ray shield. Based on the validity in the case of the 10 GHz ECR ion source, the x-ray shielding results are presented by assuming the spectral temperature of the 28 GHz ECR ion source.
Towards tailoring the magnetocaloric response in FeRh-based ternary compounds
Authors: Barua Radhika , Jiménez-Villacorta Félix , Lewis L. H.
Published: January 2014

In this work, we demonstrate that the magnetocaloric response of FeRh-based compounds may be tailored for potential magnetic refrigeration applications by chemical modification of the FeRh lattice. Alloys of composition Fe(Rh1−xAx) or (Fe1−xBx)Rh (A = Cu, Pd; B = Ni; 0 < x < 0.06) were synthesized via arc-melting and subsequent annealing in vacuum at 1000 °C for 48 h. The magnetocaloric properties of the FeRh-based systems were determined using isothermal M(H) curves measured in the vicinity of the magnetostructural temperature (Tt). It is found that the FeRh working temperature range (δTFWHM) may be chemically tuned over a wide temperature range, 100 K ≤ T ≤ 400 K. While elemental substitution consistently decreases the magnetic entropy change (ΔSmag) of the FeRh-based ternary alloys from that of the parent FeRh compound (ΔSmag,FeRh ∼ 17 J/kg K; ΔSmag,FeRh-ternary = 7–14 J/kg K at Happ = 2 T), the net refrigeration capacity (RC), defined as the amount of heat that can be transferred during one magnetic refrigeration cycle, of the modified systems is significantly higher (RCFeRh ∼ 150 J/kg; RCFeRh-ternary = 170–210 J/kg at Happ = 2 T). These results are attributed to stoichiometry-induced changes in the FeRh electronic band structure and beneficial broadening of the magnetostructural transition due to local chemical disorder.
A constructive inter-track interference coding scheme for bit-patterned media recording system
Authors: Arrayangkool A. , Warisarn C. , Kovintavewat P.
Published: January 2014

The inter-track interference (ITI) can severely degrade the system performance of bit-patterned media recording (BPMR). One way to alleviate the ITI effect is to encode an input data sequence before recording to avoid some data patterns that easily cause an error at the data detection process. This paper proposes a constructive ITI (CITI) coding scheme for a multi-track multi-head BPMR system to eliminate the data patterns that lead to severe ITI. Numerical results indicate that the system with CITI coding outperforms that without CITI coding, especially when an areal density (AD) is high and/or the position jitter is large. Specifically, for the system without position jitter at bit-error rate of 10−4, the proposed scheme can provide about 3 dB gain at the AD of 2.5 Tb/in.2 over the system without CITI coding.
Capacitor blocks for linear transformer driver stages
Authors: Kovalchuk B. M. , Kharlov A. V. , Kumpyak E. V. , Smorudov G. V. , Zherlitsyn A. A.
Published: January 2014

In the Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) technology, the low inductance energy storage components and switches are directly incorporated into the individual cavities (named stages) to generate a fast output voltage pulse, which is added along a vacuum coaxial line like in an inductive voltage adder. LTD stages with air insulation were recently developed, where air is used both as insulation in a primary side of the stages and as working gas in the LTD spark gap switches. A custom designed unit, referred to as a capacitor block, was developed for use as a main structural element of the transformer stages. The capacitor block incorporates two capacitors GA 35426 (40 nF, 100 kV) and multichannel multigap gas switch. Several modifications of the capacitor blocks were developed and tested on the life time and self breakdown probability. Blocks were tested both as separate units and in an assembly of capacitive module, consisting of five capacitor blocks. This paper presents detailed design of capacitor blocks, description of operation regimes, numerical simulation of electric field in the switches, and test results.
The tensor hierarchy algebra
Authors: Palmkvist Jakob
Published: January 2014

We introduce an infinite-dimensional Lie superalgebra which is an extension of the U-duality Lie algebra of maximal supergravity in D dimensions, for 3 ⩽ D ⩽ 7. The level decomposition with respect to the U-duality Lie algebra gives exactly the tensor hierarchy of representations that arises in gauge deformations of the theory described by an embedding tensor, for all positive levels p. We prove that these representations are always contained in those coming from the associated Borcherds-Kac-Moody superalgebra, and we explain why some of the latter representations are not included in the tensor hierarchy. The most remarkable feature of our Lie superalgebra is that it does not admit a triangular decomposition like a (Borcherds-)Kac-Moody (super)algebra. Instead the Hodge duality relations between level p and D − 2 − p extend to negative p, relating the representations at the first two negative levels to the supersymmetry and closure constraints of the embedding tensor.
Achieving an H-induced transparent state in 200 nm thick Mg–Ti film by amorphization
Authors: Fang Fang , Zhao Qiyang , Wu Wangyang , Qiu Jiameng , Song Yun , Cui Xiaoli , Sun Dalin , Ouyang Liuzhang , Zhu Min
Published: January 2014

Crystalline Mg-Ti films with a thickness of more than 50 nm are only switched to a highly absorbing state and cannot be further changed to the transparent state after hydrogen loading at room temperature. To solve this problem, 200 nm thick amorphous MgTix (x = 0.11–0.29) films were prepared and their switchable mirror properties upon hydrogen loading and unloading were investigated. The results show that amorphous MgTix films can be reversibly switched between mirror and transparent states without an absorbing state due to the significant acceleration of hydrogen diffusion by amorphization. Moreover, the switching time of amorphous MgTix films are dramatically shortened with increasing Ti content. Using quartz crystal microbalance method plus transmission spectrum, it is experimentally proved that Ti addition shows little influence on hydrogen diffusion but a strong catalytic effect on MgH2 formation and decomposition. Therefore, the quick formation of a blocking MgH2 layer due to the combined effect of slower hydrogen diffusion in crystalline films and rapid MgH2 formation under Ti catalysis is considered as the reason why the crystalline Mg-Ti films cannot be changed to transparent state after hydrogen loading.
The effect of magnetic field on bistability in 1D photonic crystal doped by magnetized plasma and coupled nonlinear defects
Authors: Mehdian H. , Mohammadzahery Z. , Hasanbeigi A.
Published: January 2014

In this work, we study the defect mode and bistability behavior of 1-D photonic band gap structure with magnetized plasma and coupled nonlinear defects. The transfer matrix method has been employed to investigate the magnetic field effect on defect mode frequency and bistability threshold. The obtained results show that the frequency of defect mode and bistability threshold can be altered, without changing the structure of the photonic multilayer. Therefore, the bistability behavior of the subjected structure in the presence of magnetized plasma can be utilized in manufacturing wide frequency range devices.
Superconducting and magneto-transport properties of BiS2 based superconductor PrO1-xFxBiS2 (x = 0 to 0.9)
Authors: Jha Rajveer , Kishan Hari , Awana V. P. S.
Published: January 2014

We report superconducting properties of PrO1-xFxBiS2 compounds, synthesized by the vacuum encapsulation technique. The synthesized PrO1-xFxBiS2 (x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9) samples are crystallized in a tetragonal P4/nmm space group. Both transport and DC magnetic susceptibility measurements showed bulk superconductivity below 4 K. The maximum Tc is obtained for x = 0.7 sample. Under applied magnetic field, both Tconset and Tc (ρ = 0) decrease to lower temperatures. We estimated highest upper critical field [Hc2(0)] for PrO0.3F0.7BiS2 sample to be above 4 T (Tesla). The thermally activated flux flow activation energy (U0) is estimated 54.63 meV in 0.05 T field for PrO0.3F0.7BiS2 sample. Hall measurement results showed that electron charge carriers are the dominating ones in these compounds. Thermoelectric effects (Thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient) data suggest strong electron-electron correlations in this material.
Magnetic susceptibility measurement of solid oxygen at pressures up to 3.3 GPa
Authors: Mito M. , Yamaguchi S. , Tsuruda H. , Deguchi H. , Ishizuka M.
Published: January 2014

The magnetic susceptibility of solid oxygen had long been observed only in the restricted pressure region below 0.8 GPa. We succeeded in extending the pressure region up to 3.3 GPa by clamping condensed oxygen in the sample chamber of a miniature diamond anvil cell and measuring the dc magnetic susceptibility using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. In this experiment, the well-known α–β and β–γ transitions are observed in the phase diagram, suggesting consistency with the previous results of X-ray and Raman studies. In addition, a new magnetic anomaly is observed in the β phase.
Enhanced ferromagnetic properties in Ho and Ni co-doped BiFeO3 ceramics
Authors: Park J. S. , Yoo Y. J. , Hwang J. S. , Kang J.-H. , Lee B. W. , Lee Y. P.
Published: January 2014

The magnetic properties of polycrystalline Bi1-xHoxFe1-yNiyO3 (x = 0, 0.1; y = 0, 0.03), which were prepared by the solid-state method, have been investigated. The powder X-ray diffraction reveals that all the samples are polycrystalline and show rhombohedral perovskite structure. The micro-Raman scattering studies confirm that Bi0.9Ho0.1Fe0.97Ni0.03O3 has a compressive lattice distortion induced by the simultaneous substitution of Ho and Ni ions at A and B-sites, respectively. From the magnetization dependences at room temperature, Bi0.9Ho0.1Fe0.97Ni0.03O3 has enhanced magnetization (0.2280 emu/g) and low coercive field (280 Oe). It was revealed that the Ni dopant plays an important role for the improved ferromagnetic properties and the Ho dopant favors the magnetic exchange interactions in the co-doped ceramic.
Photocapacitance study of type-II GaSb/GaAs quantum ring solar cells
Authors: Wagener M. C. , Carrington P. J. , Botha J. R. , Krier A.
Published: January 2014

In this study, the density of states associated with the localization of holes in GaSb/GaAs quantum rings are determined by the energy selective charging of the quantum ring distribution. The authors show, using conventional photocapacitance measurements, that the excess charge accumulated within the type-II nanostructures increases with increasing excitation energies for photon energies above 0.9 eV. Optical excitation between the localized hole states and the conduction band is therefore not limited to the Γ(k = 0) point, with pseudo-monochromatic light charging all states lying within the photon energy selected. The energy distribution of the quantum ring states could consequently be accurately related from the excitation dependence of the integrated photocapacitance. The resulting band of localized hole states is shown to be well described by a narrow distribution centered 407 meV above the GaAs valence band maximum.
Michael Kozlov: A twist in membrane physics
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: January 2014

Kozlov studies the biophysics of membrane shape and behavior.
Public–Private Collaboration in Clinical Research During Pregnancy, Lactation, and Childhood
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Benninga Marc A. , Godfrey Keith M. , Hornnes Peter J. , Kolaček Sanja , Koletzko Sibylle , Lentze Michael J. , Mader Silke , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Oepkes Dick , Oddy Wendy H. , Phillips Alan , Rzehak Peter , Socha Piotr , Szajewska Hania , Symonds Michael E. , Taminiau Jan , Thapar Nikhil , Troncone Riccardo , Vandenplas Yvan , Veereman Gigi
Published: January 2014

This position statement summarises a view of academia regarding standards for clinical research in collaboration with commercial enterprises, focussing on trials in pregnant women, breast‐feeding women, and children. It is based on a review of the available literature and an expert workshop cosponsored by the Early Nutrition Academy and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Clinical research collaborations between academic investigators and commercial enterprises are encouraged by universities, public funding agencies, and governmental organisations. One reason is a pressing need to obtain evidence on the effects, safety, and benefits of drugs and other commercial products and services. The credibility and value of results obtained through public–private research collaborations have, however, been questioned because many examples of inappropriate research practice have become known. Clinical research in pregnant and breast‐feeding women, and in infants and children, raises sensitive scientific, ethical, and societal questions and requires the application of particularly high standards. Here we provide recommendations for the conduct of public–private research collaborations in these populations. In the interest of all stakeholders, these recommendations should contribute to more reliable, credible, and acceptable results of commercially sponsored trials and to reducing the existing credibility gap.
Exploring the nutritional basis of starvation resistance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lee Kwang Pum , Jang Taehwan
Published: January 2014

Food limitation is the most common environmental challenge faced by animals and the capacity of animals to survive prolonged periods of starvation is linked to their diet and nutritional status. The fruit flies of the genus Drosophila have been widely used to study the ecology and evolution of starvation resistance (SR), but the nutritional basis of their resistance to starvation has not yet been fully explored.

We have taken a nutritionally explicit approach to investigate the quantitative and qualitative effects of nutrition on SR in Drosophila melanogaster using state‐space geometric models of nutrition. Experimental flies were given ad libitum access to artificial diets differing in concentrations and ratios of protein and carbohydrate for 5 days before they were assayed for starvation time, body composition and life‐history parameters. The main objectives of this study were to determine the most critical nutritional factor of SR and to understand the utilization patterns of endogenous metabolic fuels during starvation in Drosophila.

Starvation resistance in Drosophila was greatly influenced by the dietary protein : carbohydrate (P : C) ratio, but neither by the caloric content of the diet nor by carbohydrate alone. SR was strongest at the lowest P : C ratio and decreased with rising P : C ratio. When fed on low P : C diets, Drosophila not only deposited more lipids, but also lowered the minimum body weight required for tolerating starvation. During starvation, Drosophila exhibited a dramatic transition in the utilization of endogenous fuels. In the early phase of starvation, Drosophila exclusively used nonlipid substrates, but switched to the late phase during which they mobilized lipids to maintain life under starvation.

Our results highlight the important role that nutrition plays in determining the phenotypic expression of SR in Drosophila and provide broad implications for understanding starvation responses in other species, including humans. This study introduces how the recent advances in nutritional physiology can offer new insights into the ecology and evolution of starvation responses.
How do individual farmers' objectives influence the evaluation of rangeland management strategies under a variable climate?
Authors: Jakoby Oliver , Quaas Martin F. , Müller Birgit , Baumgärtner Stefan , Frank Karin
Published: January 2014

Management decisions by farmers are influenced by complex interrelations of ecological, economic and social factors. Of equal importance are the individual farmers' objectives. However, their relevance has been rarely considered in analyses of management decisions in farming systems. This study systematically analyses the role of farmers' objectives in their decision‐making under various climatic conditions, with dryland grazing systems as a case study.

We develop a generic ecological–economic simulation model to compare the performance of a range of fixed grazing strategies under two objectives: (i) maximizing expected utility under risk aversion and (ii) achieving stochastic viability (‘safety first’). We investigate combined effects of several management components in rotational grazing systems and assess the robustness of the results under different climate scenarios.

The two objectives considered have structurally different outcomes. The evaluation under the objective to maximize (risk averse) expected utility indicates a trade‐off between mean income and income variability under which farmers would choose one individually optimal management strategy depending on their risk preferences. In contrast, a whole set of strategies is viable under the safety‐first objective. Thus, it offers a solution space for decision support rather than selecting a single optimal strategy.

Under both objectives, economically preferable strategies share common characteristics: short standing time, large paddock number and reasonably high stocking rate improve the efficiency of a farm enterprise in terms of higher mean income, lower variance, coverage of certain minimum income requirements while preserving pasture quality.

Synthesis and applications. The outcomes of this study contribute to both management support at the farm scale and policy advice at the regional scale and beyond. An insight of practical relevance for individual farmers is that a strategy type with high‐intensity, short‐duration grazing management appears to be most robust under changing climate and economic conditions. Nevertheless, considering individual farmers' objectives is essential for determining the individually optimal strategy. Furthermore, for policymakers, we provide an approach to evaluate policy programmes governing farming activities in terms of effectiveness and implications (particularly side effects). The explicit consideration of the diversity of individual objectives is crucial for avoiding counterproductive incentives and improving sustainability of land‐use policies.
Pipelines for New Chemicals: a strategy to create new value chains and stimulate innovation‐based economic revival in Southern European countries
Authors: Timmis Kenneth , de Lorenzo Victor , Verstraete Willy , Garcia Jose Luis , Ramos Juan Luis , Santos Helena , Economidis Ioannis , Nogales Balbina , Timmis James Kenneth , Fonseca César , Pruzzo Carla , Karagouni Amalia , Panopoulos Nickolas , Dixon Bernard
Published: January 2014

Countries of Southern Europe are currently suffering from severe socio‐economic pain resulting from high debt levels and austerity measures which constrain investment in innovation‐based recovery strategies that are essential for entry into a long‐term sustainable period of increasing employment and wealth creation. Young university‐educated people are particularly innovative, and hence vital to the development of such strategies, but employment opportunities are poor and many are forced to seek employment that neither profits from their training nor satisfies their justified career expectations, or to emigrate. They are the ‘lost generation’. A strategy is proposed here for the creation of Pipelines for New Chemicals, national centre‐network partnerships for the discovery‐synthesis of new chemicals obtained though harvesting new biological diversity, and their exploitation to develop new medicines, agrochemicals, materials, and other products and applications. The goal is to create new regional motors of economic growth and development, by harnessing the knowledge, motivation and innovation potential of the excellently educated young people of Europe to catalyse the development of new small, medium and large enterprises centred around novel chemicals, and the value chains that will evolve with them, and thereby develop a powerful sector of sustainable growth in employment and social and economic prosperity in Southern Europe.
Back to Little Havana: Controlling Gentrification in the Heart of Cuban Miami
Authors: Feldman Marcos , Jolivet Violaine
Published: January 2014

In this article we examine the nature and implementation of governing strategies to control the gentrification of Little Havana, the symbolic heart of Cuban Miami. We ask how Cuban American power relations at the neighborhood level operate to ‘produce’ the citizen best suited to fulfill and help reproduce policies and practices of ‘securing’ in order to gentrify Little Havana. Based on long‐term ethnographic research in Little Havana and Miami, our analysis reveals how governance operates through neighborhood‐level intermediaries and interpersonal relations. We apply Foucault's ‘pastoral power’ to Miami's Cuban exile community in order to explain how the ‘Cuban‐ness’ and ‘Latin‐ness’ of governing relations and the personification of political power are crucial to socio‐spatial control in Little Havana. Elites shape the conduct of individuals in order to achieve strategic goals in the name of community interest. Residents are key partners in the relational ensemble that governs and disciplines the neighborhood comprised mostly of low‐income, Central‐American immigrants.
Demographic and Treatment Patterns for Infections in Ambulatory Settings in the United States, 2006‐2010
Authors: May Larissa , Mullins Peter , Pines Jesse
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Many factors may influence choice of care setting for treatment of acute infections. The authors evaluated a national sample of U.S. outpatient clinic and emergency department (ED) visits for three common infections (urinary tract infection [UTI], skin and soft tissue infection [SSTI], and upper respiratory infection [URI]), comparing setting, demographics, and care.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 2006–2010 data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey (NHAMCS) and National Ambulatory Care Survey (NAMCS). Patients age ≥ 18 years with primary diagnoses ofUTI,URI, andSSTIwere the visits of interest. Demographics, tests, and prescriptions were compared, divided byEDversus outpatient setting using bivariate statistics.

Results

Between 2006 and 2010, there were an estimated 40.9 million ambulatory visits forUTI, 168.3 million visits forURI, and 34.8 million visits forSSTI; 24% ofUTI, 11% ofURI, and 33% ofSSTIvisits were seen inEDs. Across all groups,EDpatients were more commonly younger and black and had Medicaid or no insurance.EDpatients had more blood tests (54% vs. 22% forUTI, 21% vs. 14% forURI, and 25% vs. 20% forSSTI) and imaging studies (31% vs. 9% forUTI, 27% vs. 8% forURI, and 16% vs. 5% forSSTI). Pain medications were more frequently used in theED; over one‐fifth ofUTIandSSTIvisits included narcotics. In both settings, greater than 50% ofURIvisits received antibiotics; more than 40% ofUTI EDvisits included broad‐spectrum fluoroquinolones.

Conclusions

Emergency departments treated a considerable proportion of U.S. ambulatory infections from 2006 to 2010. Patient factors, including the presence of acute pain and access to care, appear to influence choice of care setting. Observed antibiotic use in both settings suggests a need for optimizing antibiotic use.
Comparison of Outcomes for Children With Cervical Spine Injury Based on Destination Hospital From Scene of Injury
Authors: Anders Jennifer F. , Adelgais Kathleen , Hoyle John D. , Olsen Cody , Jaffe David M. , Leonard Julie C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Pediatric cervical spine injury is rare. As a result, evidence‐based guidance for prehospital triage of children with suspected cervical spine injuries is limited. The effects of transport time and secondary transfer for specialty care have not previously been examined in the subset of children with cervical spine injuries.

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine if prehospital destination choice affects outcomes for children with cervical spine injuries. The secondary objectives were to describe prehospital and local hospital interventions for children ultimately transferred to pediatric trauma centers for definitive care of cervical spine injuries.

Methods

The authors searched the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) cervical spine injury data set for children transported by emergency medical services (EMS) from scene of injury. Neurologic outcomes in children with cervical spine injuries transported directly to pediatric trauma centers were compared with those transported to local hospitals and later transferred to pediatric trauma centers, adjusting for injury severity, indicated by altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits, and substantial comorbid injuries. In addition, transport times and interventions provided in the prehospital, local hospital, and pediatric trauma center settings were compared. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data.

Results

The PECARN cervical spine injury cohort contains 364 patients transported from scene of injury by EMS. A total of 321 met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 180 were transported directly to pediatric trauma centers, and 141 were transported to local hospitals and later transferred. After adjustments for injury severity, odds of a normal outcome versus death or persistent neurologic deficit were higher for patients transported directly to pediatric trauma centers (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03 to 3.47). EMS transport times to first hospital did not differ and did not affect outcomes. Prehospital analgesia was very infrequent.

Conclusions

Initial destination from scene (pediatric trauma center vs. local hospital) appears to be associated with neurologic outcome of children with cervical spine injuries. Markers of injury severity (altered mental status and focal neurologic findings) are important predictors of poor outcome in children with cervical spine injuries and should remain the primary guide for prehospital triage to designated trauma centers.
Long‐term Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills After Shortened Chest Compression–only Training and Conventional Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nishiyama Chika , Iwami Taku , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Ando Masahiko , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Marukawa Seishiro , Kawamura Takashi
Published: January 2014

Objectives

It is unclear how much the length of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training program can be reduced without ruining its effectiveness. The authors aimed to compare CPR skills 6 months and 1 year after training between shortened chest compression–only CPR training and conventional CPR training.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to either the compression‐only CPR group, which underwent a 45‐minute training program consisting of chest compressions and automated external defibrillator (AED) use with personal training manikins, or the conventional CPR group, which underwent a 180‐minute training program with chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED use. Participants' resuscitation skills were evaluated 6 months and 1 year after the training. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of appropriate chest compressions 1 year after the training.

Results

A total of 146 persons were enrolled, and 63 (87.5%) in the compression‐only CPR group and 56 (75.7%) in the conventional CPR group completed the 1‐year evaluation. The compression‐only CPR group was superior to the conventional CPR group regarding the proportion of appropriate chest compression (mean ± SD = 59.8% ± 40.0% vs. 46.3% ± 28.6%; p = 0.036) and the number of appropriate chest compressions (mean ± SD = 119.5 ± 80.0 vs. 77.2 ± 47.8; p = 0.001). Time without chest compression in the compression‐only CPR group was significantly shorter than that in the conventional CPR group (mean ± SD = 11.8 ± 21.1 seconds vs. 52.9 ± 14.9 seconds; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The shortened compression‐only CPR training program appears to help the general public retain CPR skills better than the conventional CPR training program.
Risk factors and health during pregnancy among women previously exposed to sexual violence
Authors: Gisladottir Agnes , Harlow Bernard L. , Gudmundsdottir Berglind , Bjarnadottir Ragnheidur I. , Jonsdottir Eyrun , Aspelund Thor , Cnattingius Sven , Valdimarsdottir Unnur A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine whether women exposed to sexual violence in adolescence or adulthood are at increased risk of adverse maternal characteristics during subsequent pregnancies.

Design

Register‐based cohort study.

Setting

Iceland.

Population

We identified 586 women who attended a Rape Trauma Service (RTS) between 1993 and 2008 and all subsequent births of these women up to April 2011 (n = 915). These pregnancies were compared with 1641 randomly selected pregnancies of women who had not attended the RTS and who gave birth during the same calendar month.

Methods

Information on maternal smoking, body mass index and illicit drug use was obtained from maternal charts. We used Poisson regression to obtain multivariable adjusted relative risks (aRR) with 95% CI contrasting prevalence of outcomes in the two groups.

Main outcome measures

Characteristics and risk factors during pregnancy, including maternal smoking, body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, illicit drug use.

Results

Compared with unexposed women, sexually assaulted women were younger and more often primiparous in subsequent pregnancy, more likely not to be employed (7.8% vs. 4.3%; aRR 2.42, 95% CI 1.49–3.94), not cohabiting (45.6% vs. 14.2%; aRR 2.15, 95% CI 1.75–2.65), smokers (45.4% vs. 13.5%; aRR 2.68, 95% CI 2.25–3.20), and more likely to have used illicit drugs during pregnancy (3.4% vs. 0.4%; aRR 6.27, 95% CI 2.13–18.43). Exposed primiparas were more likely to be obese (15.5% vs. 12.3%; aRR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15–2.12).

Conclusions

Women with a history of sexual violence are more likely to have risk factors during pregnancy that may affect maternal health and fetal development.
Is it time to challenge the established theories surrounding type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: January 2014

Type one diabetes (T1D) seems a well‐defined disease, but its classification may be difficult. Evidence is weak that an autoimmune process with insulitis causes loss of the beta cells in all patients. Some scientists propose that it may be caused by a virus, increased hygiene or the early introduction of cow's milk or gluten, while views about the nerve supply, vascular function and the beta cells own role tend to be disregarded. Immune interventions have had limited success. There are differences, but also similarities, between T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Conclusion

Several views on T1D have become so widely accepted that they may actually hamper progress into the true cause of this disease. Research on T1D needs to be carried out with an open mind, and clinicians might be wise to recommend a lifestyle that aims to decrease both the risk of T1D and T2D.
Severity of anaemia is associated with bone marrow haemozoin in children exposed to Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Aguilar Ruth , Moraleda Cinta , Achtman Ariel H. , Mayor Alfredo , Quintó Llorenç , Cisteró Pau , Nhabomba Augusto , Macete Eusebio , Schofield Louis , Alonso Pedro L. , Menéndez Clara
Published: January 2014

There are no large‐scale ex vivo studies addressing the contribution of Plasmodium falciparum in the bone marrow to anaemia. The presence of malaria parasites and haemozoin were studied in bone marrows from 290 anaemic children attending a rural hospital in Mozambique. Peripheral blood infections were determined by microscopy and polymerase chain reactions. Bone marrow parasitaemia, haemozoin and dyserythropoiesis were microscopically assessed. Forty‐two percent (123/290) of children had parasites in the bone marrow and 49% (111/226) had haemozoin, overlapping with parasitaemia in 83% (92/111) of cases. Sexual and mature asexual parasites were highly prevalent (62% gametocytes, 71% trophozoites, 23% schizonts) suggesting their sequestration in this tissue. Sixteen percent (19/120) of children without peripheral infection had haemozoin in the bone marrow. Haemozoin in the bone marrow was independently associated with decreased Hb concentration (P = 0·005) and was more common in dyserythropoietic bone marrows (P = 0·010). The results of this ex vivo study suggest that haemozoin in the bone marrow has a role in the pathogenesis of malarial‐anaemia through ineffective erythropoiesis. This finding may have clinical implications for the development of drugs targeted to prevent and treat malarial‐anaemia.