bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence characteristics of Sr3B2O6:Eu2+ yellow phosphor
Authors: Ho Van Tuyen , Nguyen Manh Son , Vu Xuan Quang , Bounyavong Sengthong
Published: December 2015

Sr3B2O6:Eu2+ yellow phosphor was prepared by the combustion method. The crystalline structure, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Sr3B2O6:Eu2+ were investigated extensively. The X‐ray diffraction result indicates that the Sr3B2O6:Eu2+ phosphor exhibited a rhombohedral crystal structure. The emission spectra under a 435 nm excited wavelength showed an intense broad band peaking at 574 nm, which corresponds to the 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+ ion. There were two different sites of Sr replaced by Eu in host lattice. The concentration quenching process between Eu2+ ions is determined and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was verified as dipole‐quadrupole interaction. The glow curve under 3 Gy β‐ ray irradiation had the glow peak at 160°C and the average activation energy was defined as about 0.98 eV. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for postoperative delirium among older patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Scholz A F M , Oldroyd C , McCarthy K , Quinn T J , Hewitt J
Published: December 2015

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is common after surgery. As age is a known risk factor, the increased ageing of the population undergoing surgery emphasizes the importance of the subject. Knowledge of other potential risk factors in older patients with surgical gastrointestinal diseases is lacking. The aim here was to collate and synthesize the published literature on risk factors for delirium in this group.

Methods

Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL® and PSYCinfo®) between January 1987 and November 2014. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to rate study quality. Pooled odds ratios or mean differences for individual risk factors were estimated using the Mantel–Haenszel and inverse-variance methods.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria; they provided a total of 1427 patients (318 with delirium and 1109 without), and predominantly included patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The incidence of POD ranged from 8·2 to 54·4 per cent. A total of 95 risk factors were investigated, illustrating wide heterogeneity in study design. Seven statistically significant risk factors were identified in pooled analysis: old age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status grade at least III, body mass index, lower serum level of albumin, intraoperative hypotension, perioperative blood transfusion and history of alcohol excess. Patients with POD had a significantly increased duration of hospital stay and a higher mortality rate compared with those without delirium.

Conclusion

Delirium is common in older patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Several risk factors were consistently associated with POD.
The Amyloid Fibril‐Forming Properties of the Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptide Uperin 3.5
Authors: Calabrese Antonio N. , Liu Yanqin , Wang Tianfang , Musgrave Ian F. , Pukala Tara L. , Tabor Rico F. , Martin Lisandra L. , Carver John A. , Bowie John H.
Published: December 2015

The amphibian skin is a vast resource for bioactive peptides, which form the basis of the animals' innate immune system. Key components of the secretions of the cutaneous glands are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exert their cytotoxic effects often as a result of membrane disruption. It is becoming increasingly evident that there is a link between the mechanism of action of AMPs and amyloidogenic peptides and proteins. In this work, we demonstrate that the broad‐spectrum amphibian AMP uperin 3.5, which has a random‐coil structure in solution but adopts an α‐helical structure in membrane‐like environments, forms amyloid fibrils rapidly in solution at neutral pH. These fibrils are cytotoxic to model neuronal cells in a similar fashion to those formed by the proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The addition of small quantities of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol accelerates fibril formation by uperin 3.5, and is correlated with a structural stabilisation induced by this co‐solvent. Uperin 3.5 fibril formation and the associated cellular toxicity are inhibited by the polyphenol (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG). Furthermore, EGCG rapidly dissociates fully formed uperin 3.5 fibrils. Ion mobility–mass spectrometry reveals that uperin 3.5 adopts various oligomeric states in solution. Combined, these observations imply that the mechanism of membrane permeability by uperin 3.5 is related to its fibril‐forming properties.
Hydrophobic Tagged Dihydrofolate Reductase for Creating Misfolded Glycoprotein Mimetics
Authors: Hachisu Masakazu , Seko Akira , Daikoku Shusaku , Takeda Yoichi , Sakono Masafumi , Ito Yukishige
Published: December 2015

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), nascent glycoproteins that have not acquired the native conformation are either repaired or sorted for degradation by specific quality‐control systems composed by various proteins. Among them, UDP‐glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) serves as a folding sensor in the ER. However, the molecular mechanism of its recognition remains obscure. This study used pseudo‐misfolded glycoproteins, comprising a modified dihydrofolate reductase with artificial pyrene–cysteine moiety on the protein surface (pDHFR) and Man9GlcNAc2‐methotrexate (M9‐MTX). All five M9‐MTX/pDHFR complexes, with a pyrene group at different positions, were found to be good substrates of UGGT, irrespective of the site of pyrene modification. These results suggest UGGT's mode of substrate recognition is fuzzy, thus allowing various glycoproteins to be accommodated in the folding cycle.
Investigation of Activated‐Carbon‐Supported Copper Catalysts with Unique Catalytic Performance in the Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate to Methyl Glycolate
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan , Wang Bin , Wen Chao , Chen Xi , Dai Wei‐Lin
Published: December 2015

Copper‐based activated‐carbon (AC)‐supported catalysts were synthesized by a facile ammonia evaporation–impregnation method. Unlike the conventional Cu/SiO2 catalyst, which showed highly catalytic selectivity towards ethylene glycol (EG) or EtOH, Cu/AC catalysts display unique selectivity to methyl glycolate (MG). The catalytic performance relies on the high content of surface Cu+ species and the relatively large copper particles with moderate hydrogenation activity.
A Microbial Biosensor Platform for Inline Quantification of Acetate in Anaerobic Digestion: Potential and Challenges
Authors: Kretzschmar Jörg , Rosa Luis F. M. , Zosel Jens , Mertig Michael , Liebetrau Jan , Harnisch Falk
Published: December 2015

Real‐time measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in anaerobic digestion (AD) is crucial for process monitoring and management. It is essential for establishing demand‐driven biogas production, however, to date it is not commercially available. A novel microbial electrochemical sensor for inline measurement of acetate and other VFA in AD is proposed. The measurement range as well as the measurement resolution and dynamic behavior of the biosensor were investigated under flow conditions. For application in AD the achieved measurement range is still too low, therefore, measures to improve it as well as further application properties of the sensor are discussed.
Biomimetic Taste Receptors with Chiral Recognition by Photoluminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks Chelated with Polyaniline Helices
Authors: Lee Tu , Lin Tsung Yan , Lee Hung Lin , Chang Yun Hsuan , Tsai Yee Chen
Published: December 2015

The adsorption of phenylaniline (Phe) enantiomers on (+)‐polyaniline (PAN)‐chelated [In(OH)(bdc)]nmicrocrystals was carefully designed and studied by using the Job titration, circular dichroism, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence to mimic heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide‐binding protein (G protein)‐coupled receptors in selective, but not specific, ligand binding with chiral recognition and signal transduction. Six essential working principles across different length scales are unraveled: 1) a chiral (+)‐PAN (host), 2) specific sites for Phe‐(+)/PAN (guest–host) binding, 3) a conformational change of (+)‐PAN after binding with Phe enantiomers, 4) different degrees of packing for (+)‐PAN, 5) interactions between (+)‐PAN and the underlying signal‐generating framework (i.e., [In(OH)(bdc)]nmicrocrystals), and 6) a systematic photoluminescent signal combination by using principal‐component analysis from the other three polymer‐chelated metal–organic frameworkds (MOFs), such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), sodium alginate (SA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to enhance the selectivity and discrimination capabilities.
Anion‐ and Solvent‐Induced Assembly and Reversible Structural Transformation of d10‐Metal Coordination Architectures Containing N‐(4‐(4‐Aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide
Authors: Tzeng Biing‐Chiau , Hung Yu‐Ching , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: December 2015

We set out studies on anion‐ and solvent‐induced assembly based on the ligand N‐(4‐(4‐aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide (papoa), which is synthesized to show a bent and flexible backbone. Reactions of papoa with ZnX2 (X=Cl, Br, and I) gave the dinuclear macrocycles ([ZnX2(papoa)]2; X=Cl (1 a), Br (2 a), I (3)), the structure of which was determined by X‐ray diffraction. Notably, the less bulky Cl and Br compounds afforded the coordinated imine in acetone (i.e., [ZnX2(papoi)]2, papoi=N‐(4‐(4‐(propan‐2‐ylideneamino)phenoxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide; X=Cl (1 b), Br (2 b)), whereas the iodine one only gave the coordinated amine compound 3 under the same reaction condition. In fact, the coordinated imine can return to the amine analogue upon exposure to air or in DMSO, which has been monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy and powder X‐ray diffraction. Both the dinuclear [Zn(papoa)(NO3)2]2 (4 a) and the 1D [Zn(papoa)2(NO3)2]n (4 b) were formed from the reaction of Zn(NO3)2 and papoa in mixed solvents with acetone and acetonitrile, respectively. In addition, Cd(ClO4)2 can react with papoa to give the 1D framework {[Cd(papoa)2(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2}n (5 a) and the 2D framework [Cd(papoa)2(ClO4)2]n (5 b), depending on the solvent used, that is, MeOH and CH3CN, respectively. Importantly, the 1D framework with axially coordinated CH3CN molecules and the 2D framework with axially coordinated ClO4− ions can be interconverted by heating and grinding in the presence of CH3CN, respectively. Such a reversible structural transformation process was proven by PXRD studies.
[U(bipy)4]: A Mistaken Case of U0?
Authors: Fortier Skye , Veleta José , Pialat Amélie , Le Roy Jennifer , Ghiassi Kamran B. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Metta‐Magaña Alejandro , Murugesu Muralee , Villagrán Dino
Published: December 2015

After more than 50 years, the synthesis and electronic structure of the first and only reported “U0 complex” [U(bipy)4] (1) has been reinvestigated. Additionally, its one‐electron reduced product [Na(THF)6][U(bipy)4] (2) has been newly discovered. High resolution crystallographic analyses combined with magnetic and computational data show that 1 and its derivative 2 are best described as highly reduced species containing mid‐to‐high‐valent uranium ligated by redox non‐innocent ligands.
The rise of concurrent care for veterans with advanced cancer at the end of life
Authors: Mor Vincent , Joyce Nina R. , Coté Danielle L. , Gidwani Risha A. , Ersek Mary , Levy Cari R. , Faricy‐Anderson Katherine E. , Miller Susan C. , Wagner Todd H. , Kinosian Bruce P. , Lorenz Karl A. , Shreve Scott T.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Unlike Medicare, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) health care system does not require veterans with cancer to make the “terrible choice” between receipt of hospice services or disease‐modifying chemotherapy/radiation therapy. For this report, the authors characterized the VA's provision of concurrent care, defined as days in the last 6 months of life during which veterans simultaneously received hospice services and chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included veteran decedents with cancer during 2006 through 2012 who were identified from claims with cancer diagnoses. Hospice and cancer treatment were identified using VA and Medicare administrative data. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the changes in concurrent care, hospice, palliative care, and chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

RESULTS

The proportion of veterans receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy remained stable at approximately 45%, whereas the proportion of veterans who received hospice increased from 55% to 68%. The receipt of concurrent care also increased during this time from 16.2% to 24.5%. The median time between hospice initiation and death remained stable at around 21 days. Among veterans who received chemotherapy or radiation therapy in their last 6 months of life, the median time between treatment termination and death ranged from 35 to 40 days. There was considerable variation between VA medical centers in the use of concurrent care (interquartile range, 16%‐34% in 2012).

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent receipt of hospice and chemotherapy or radiation therapy increased among veterans dying from cancer without reductions in the receipt of cancer therapy. This approach reflects the expansion of hospice services in the VA with VA policy allowing the concurrent receipt of hospice and antineoplastic therapies. Cancer 2016;122:782–790. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Facile Synthesis of Nanostructured MnO2 as Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Zhian , Zhao Xingxing , Li Jie
Published: December 2015

Nanostructured MnO2 (including nanorods and nanoflowers) has been synthesized by a simple two‐step hydrothermal method and thermal treatment. When employed as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries, MnO2 nanorods and nanoflowers demonstrate high initial sodium ion storage capacities of 427.4 and 487.8 mA h g−1, respectively, at a current density of 50 mA g−1. Compared with MnO2 nanorods, MnO2 nanoflowers achieved a much better electrochemical performance including good rate capability (103.3 mA h g−1 at 800 mA g−1 after 100 cycles) and superior cyclability (133.6 mA h g−1 at 400 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles). The good performance can be ascribed to the nanocrystalline nature and the three‐dimensional hierarchical architecture of MnO2 nanoflowers, which promotes the contact between MnO2 and electrolyte and shortens the electronic sodium ion pathway in the charge and discharge processes.
Detection of Plasmon Coupling between Silver Nanowires Based on Hyperspectral Darkfield and SERS Imaging and Supported by DDA Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Santos Jonnatan J. , Ivanov Evandro , dos Santos Diego P. , Toma Henrique E. , Corio Paola
Published: December 2015

We report the unprecedented observation of plasmon coupling between silver nanowires, showing how the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering depends upon this interaction and how the spectrum can be shaped by the hot spot. Such observations were accomplished by Raman spectroscopy mapping of silver nanowires modified with rhodamine. The local spectra on the hot spots were measured by darkfield hyperspectral microscopy, a powerful but uncommonly used technique that is capable of determining the location, structure, and spectra of the hot spots. The result obtained by the simulation of two parallel nanowires based on the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method was in excellent agreement with the results obtained experimentally.
Synthesis of Perdeuterated 1‐Palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine ([D82]POPC) and Characterisation of Its Lipid Bilayer Membrane Structure by Neutron Reflectometry
Authors: Yepuri Nageshwar R. , Darwish Tamim A. , Krause‐Heuer Anwen M. , Leung Anna E. , Delhom Robin , Wacklin Hanna P. , Holden Peter J.
Published: December 2015

1‐Palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC), an unsaturated acyl chain containing lipid, is often the predominant lipid in eukaryotic cell membranes in which it is crucial for the fluidity of membranes under physiological conditions. Commercially available, partially deuterated [D31]1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine ([D31]POPC) does not provide sufficient isotopic contrast for detailed structural studies of multicomponent membranes through neutron techniques. Herein, a relatively straightforward and generic chemical deuteration method is discussed for the asymmetric synthesis of perdeuterated [D31]1‐palmitoyl‐[D33]2‐oleoyl‐sn‐[D5]glycero‐[D13]3‐phosphocholine ([D82]POPC) that also allows selective deuteration of any of its constituent groups. Neutron reflectivity of a [D82]POPC‐supported bilayer was used to experimentally determine the neutron scattering length density profile of the lipid. The acyl chains of [D82]POPC are closely contrast‐matched to heavy water, whereas the very high scattering length density of the deuterated glycerophosphocholine head groups provides good contrast to membrane‐binding agents in both deuterated and non‐deuterated solvent environments.
Effects of root mat buoyancy and heterogeneity on floating fen hydrology
Authors: Stofberg Sija F , van Engelen Joeri , Witte Jan‐Philip M , van der Zee Sjoerd EATM
Published: December 2015

Floating fen ecosystems are home to several protected habitats and species. Their development and conservation require special attention regarding water management. Although they are known to be heterogeneous and partially buoyant, their root mats are simulated in hydrological models as homogeneous, static systems. The objective of this study is to quantify root mat heterogeneity and buoyancy and to assess their effects on groundwater flow and transport, and to determine if these factors need to be taken into account in modelling.

We conducted field measurements of root mat heterogeneity and buoyancy in the ‘Nieuwkoopse Plassen’, the Netherlands. We found that hydraulic conductivity varied over four orders of magnitude and negatively correlated with degree of decomposition, resulting in a zonation of high conductivity near the surface and low conductivity in the deeper layers. Also, we found that the root mat moved vertically with the surface water. It became more buoyant with higher temperatures, but less buoyant with increasing groundwater levels relative to the surface.

We implemented the findings in a semi‐steady state hydrological model of a floating fen to compare the effects with other parameters. The profound heterogeneity had a limited effect on the water budget, but a clear effect on the flow lines and thus should be taken into account when modelling transport processes in floating fens. Although buoyancy affected the relative groundwater level near the root mat edge, it did not affect the water budget or the flow lines and may therefore be neglected in water budget modelling. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma growth hormone is a strong predictor of risk at 1 year in acute heart failure
Authors: Bhandari Sanjay S. , Narayan Hafid , Jones Donald J.L. , Suzuki Toru , Struck Joachim , Bergmann Andreas , Squire Iain B. , Ng Leong L.
Published: December 2015

Aims

We sought to compare the prognostic utility of growth hormone (GH) with NT‐proBNP) and the ADHERE score in a large cohort of acute heart failure (HF) patients, subcategorized into HF with reduced EF <50% (HFrEF) and preserved EF ≥50% (HFpEF).

Methods and results

GH and NTproBNP levels were measured in 537 patients (HFrEF n = 415; HFpEF n = 122) with acute HF recruited into this prospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was death or HF readmission at 1 year. GH levels were higher in both HFrEF [1.26 (0.54–2.62) vs. 0.8 (0.26–1.94) ng/mL, P < 0.001] and HFpEF [1.04 (0.48–2.92) vs. 0.53 (0.18–1.94) ng/mL, P = 0.020] patients with the outcome compared with event‐free survivors. GH levels were independently predictive for the outcome at 1 year in the entire cohort [HR 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.86, P = 0.001] and those with HFrEF (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19–1.99, P = 0.001) in multivariate Cox hazard analysis. GH improved risk classification as measured by continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) when added to the ADHERE multivariate logistic model of age, sex, urea, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure, for all patients [NRI 29.6 (12.1–47.1), P = 0.001] and HFrEF NRI 21.7 (1.9–41.6), P = 0.034] patients, as well as in addition to the ADHERE model combined with NT‐proBNP for all patients [NRI 25.4 (7.8–43.1), P = 0.005].

Conclusions

GH offers incremental prognostic information over the ADHERE score clinical predictors and NT‐proBNP for risk stratification of acute HF patients.
Correlating the Structural and Photo­physical Features of Pincer Luminophores and Monodentate Ancillary Ligands in PtII Phosphors
Authors: Galstyan Anzhela , Naziruddin Abbas Raja , Cebrián Cristina , Iordache Adriana , Daniliuc Constantin G. , De Cola Luisa , Strassert Cristian A.
Published: December 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Prof. Luisa De Cola and Priv.‐Doz. Cristian A. Strassert from the Westfälische Wilhelms‐Universität Münster, Germany. The cover image shows a series of bright PtII complexes with improved excited state properties.
Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Anthraquinone Imine Based Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Prinzisky Christian , Meyenburg Ingo , Jacob Andreas , Heidelmeier Benjamin , Schröder Fabian , Heimbrodt Wolfram , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: December 2015

A number of anthraquinone imines (1–3, 5–8) and an anthrone diamine (4) have been synthesized by the condensation of 9,9‐dimethoxy‐10‐anthrone derivatives (13, 18, and 23) with different primary aromatic amines and, in the case of benzoacridinone 7, by a subsequent photoinduced 6 electrocyclization. All the compounds were fully characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and X‐ray diffraction. The XRD analyses proved that the preferred tautomers of 1, 3, and 5 have the 9‐amino‐1,10‐anthraquinone or 1‐hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone imine core. Furthermore, aminoanthraquinone 9 and phenoxazine 10 were synthesized by the reaction of 1‐amino‐9,10‐anthraquinone with 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl‐o‐benzoquinone, which led to dyes with high molar extinction coefficients of up to 101600 L mol–1 cm–1. In addition, the absorption maxima of the 1‐hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone imines appear in the range of 246 and 591 nm, at variance with the absorption maxima of the parent 1‐hydroxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone. The cyclic voltammograms of all the compounds show multiple redox processes. In addition, the optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of 3 show suppressed segregation on mesoporous TiO2 and an almost pure molecule photoluminescence spectrum containing two main transitions. A new excitonic transition was found in the crystal form.
Western environment/lifestyle is associated with increased genome methylation and decreased gene expression in Chinese immigrants living in Australia
Authors: Zhang Guicheng , Wang Kui , Schultz Ennee , Khoo Siew‐Kim , Zhang Xiaopeng , Annamalay Alicia , Laing Ingrid A. , Hales Belinda J. , Goldblatt Jack , Le Souëf Peter N.
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Several human diseases and conditions are disproportionally distributed in the world with a significant “Western‐developed” vs. “Eastern‐developing” gradient.

Methods: We compared genome‐wide DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 25 newly arrived Chinese immigrants living in a Western environment for less than 6 months (“Newly arrived”) with 23 Chinese immigrants living in the Western environment for more than two years (“Long‐term”) with a mean of 8.7 years, using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. In a sub‐group of both subject groups (n = 12 each) we also investigated genome‐wide gene expression using a Human HT‐12 v4 expression beadChip.

Results: There were 62.5% probes among the total number of 382,250 valid CpG sites with greater mean Beta (β) in “Long‐term” than in “Newly arrived”. In the regions of CpG islands and gene promoters, compared with the CpG sites in all other regions, lower percentages of CpG sites with mean methylation levels in “Long‐term” greater than “Newly arrived” were observed, but still >50%. The increase of methylation was associated with a general decrease of gene expression in Chinese immigrants living in the Western environment for a longer period of time. After adjusting for age, gender and other confounding factors the findings remained.

Conclusion: Chinese immigrants living in Australia for a longer period of time have increased overall genome methylation and decreased overall gene expression compared with newly arrived immigrants. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:65–73, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible Operation of Fixed‐Bed Reactors for a Catalytic Fuel Synthesis—CO2 Hydrogenation as Example Reaction
Authors: Iglesias González María , Eilers Hilko , Schaub Georg
Published: December 2015

It may become attractive in the future to operate fuel‐related chemical reactions, with H2 as reactant, under flexible load conditions when H2 is produced through H2O electrolysis using fluctuating renewable energy. In this way, the size of the H2 storage device connected to the electrolysis cell can be reduced and, consequently, its investment costs. The design of a flexible reactor depends on the characteristics of the catalyst and the chemical reaction. CO2 hydrogenation over Fe catalysts to short‐chain hydrocarbons, which can be used to adjust the heating value of substitute natural gas, is investigated as example reaction. A specific reactor design for flexible operation with gas recycling is a consequence of the constraints resulting from product partial pressures and reaction temperature. The experimental and mathematical methods developed can be applied to other fuel‐synthesis processes.
Rheological, baking, and sensory properties of composite bread dough with breadfruit (Artocarpus communis Forst) and wheat flours
Authors: Bakare Adegoke H. , Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin F. , Olusanya Joseph O.
Published: December 2015

The rheological (Pasting, farinograph, and alveograph) properties of wheat flour (WF) replaced with breadfruit four (05–40%) was analyzed. Baking and sensory qualities of the resulting bread were evaluated. Differences in baking properties of loaves produced under laboratory and industrial conditions were analyzed with t‐test, whereas ANOVA was used for other analyses. Peak and final viscosities in the composite blends (CB) ranged from 109.20 to 114.06 RVU and 111.86 to 134.40 RVU, respectively. Dough stability decreased from 9.15 to 0.78 min, whereas farinograph water absorption increased 59.7–65.9%. Alveograph curve configuration ratio increased from 1.27 to 7.39, whereas specific volume (Spv) of the loaves decreased from 2.96 to 1.32 cm3/g. The Spv of WF loaves were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from that of the 5% CB, whereas production conditions had no significant effects on absorbed water (t = 0.532, df = 18 P = 0.3005), weight loss during baking (t = 0.865, df = 18, P = 0.199), and Spv (t = 0.828, df = 14.17, P = 0.211). The sensory qualities of the 5% blend were not significantly different from the WF.
A study on the physicochemical parameters for Penicillium expansum growth and patulin production: effect of temperature, pH, and water activity
Authors: Tannous Joanna , Atoui Ali , El Khoury André , Francis Ziad , Oswald Isabelle P. , Puel Olivier , Lteif Roger
Published: December 2015

Penicillium expansum is among the most ubiquitous fungi disseminated worldwide, that could threaten the fruit sector by secreting patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite. Nevertheless, we lack sufficient data regarding the growth and the toxigenesis conditions of this species. This work enables a clear differentiation between the favorable conditions to the P. expansum growth and those promising for patulin production. A mathematical model allowing the estimation of the P. expansum growth rate according to temperature, aW, and pH, was also developed. An optimal growth rate of 0.92 cm/day was predicted at 24°C with pH level of 5.1 and high aW level of 0.99. The model's predictive capability was tested successfully on artificial contaminated apples. This model could be exploited by apple growers and the industrialists of fruit juices in order to predict the development of P. expansum during storage and apple processing.
Discrimination of Lexical Tones in the First Year of Life
Authors: Chen Ao , Kager René
Published: December 2015

In the current study, we examined the developmental course of the perception of non‐native tonal contrast. We tested 4, 6 and 12‐month‐old Dutch infants on their discrimination of Chinese low‐rising tone and low‐dipping tone using the visual fixation paradigm. The infants were tested in two conditions that differed in terms of degree of variability. The 4‐month‐olds did not show discrimination effect in either condition. The 6‐ and 12‐month‐old infants, however, discriminated the tones in both conditions. The improvement of perception might be the result of cognitive development carried over from learning the native phonology. Infants can become better listeners in general in the first year of life, as well as get cognitively better equipped in dealing with the variable input in speech in general. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incompletely Fractured Families
Authors: McCallum Peter , Lang Moshe
Published: December 2015

The modern family is increasingly isolated and increasingly unstable. As a result, family therapists are faced with a variety of problems in families where the parents have separated or divorced. One previously unrecognised problem occurs when the partners, although separated, covertly remain attached to the old alliance. Frequently a child, by becoming “ill”, remains as a bridge between them to prevent the final disintegration of the marriage bond.

Three case histories are provided as an illustration of this phenomenon.
The First Interview: Context and Process
Authors: Crawley Jim
Published: December 2015

This paper suggests that insufficient attention has been paid to the unique features of the first interview in family therapy. Much of the literature about first interviews is descriptive rather than analytic, and is couched in terms of what a particular theory about family therapy suggests that the first interview issues ought to be. Five processes inherent in the first interview situation are outlined. Implicit in these processes is the reality that the first interview is not an isolated event: it can only be adequately understood in the light of the family's past experience of problem recogniton, self‐help, and referral, and in the light of the therapist's future strategy.
On the Reification of Systems in Family Therapy*
Authors: Kaye John
Published: December 2015

All theories of Psychotherapy may be viewed as metaphors, each of which draws attention to particular aspects of human personality, behaviour and the behaviour change process. As such they are partly reflections of their own philosophic assumptions rather than absolute representations of reality. Yet the disciples of each school tend to internalize its model and act as if its assumptions were reality. Symptomatic of such reification, systems oriented and individually oriented therapists often appear to inhabit different and mutually incompatible worlds. This paper a) discusses the limiting effects of reification; b) describes the logical and practical shortcomings of being shackled to either frame of reference; c) argues for the therapeutic benefit of bringing both perspectives to bear simultaneously; d) outlines five principles of psychotherapeutic change which are independent of any one therapeutic metaphor.
Supervision and Supervision of Supervision, One Perspective
Authors: MacKinnon Laurie
Published: December 2015

This paper provides one perspective on the theory, structure and process of supervision and supervision of supervision. A case study is provided of the supervision process with one trainee over a six month period of training during which the supervisor also received live supervision of supervision. Three further examples illustrate the use of supervision of supervision in resolving training difficulties.
Therapy with the whamere
Authors: Medland Jocelyn
Published: December 2015

The writer describes an experience of working with rural Maori whamere groups in the far north of New Zealand. It is suggested that therapists in such a context can choose to suspend their judgement and work in the existing cultural milieu. A case study is presented to illustrate the discussion.
An Ecological Model of Professional School Counseling
Authors: McMahon H. George , Mason Erin C. M. , Daluga‐Guenther Nichole , Ruiz Alina
Published: December 2015

The 21st century has witnessed a drastic transformation in professional school counseling, fueled by calls for social justice and educational equity and characterized by a movement toward collaboration, advocacy, leadership, and systemic change to promote academic success for all students. The authors describe how this transformation is aligned with an ecological perspective, provide an overview of the basic tenets of ecological thinking, and take a first step toward developing an intentional model of ecological school counseling.
The Impact of Early Life Stress on the Neurodevelopment of the Stress Response System
Authors: Kindsvatter Aaron , Geroski Anne
Published: December 2015

The focus of this article is on the impact of early life stress on the neurodevelopment of the stress response mechanisms of the brain. The functioning of the stress response system and mechanisms of neurodevelopmental change are described. The theoretical and clinical implications of the reviewed literature are discussed.
Adolescent Dating Violence: Application of a U.S. Primary Prevention Program in St. Lucia
Authors: Alexander Charlene M. , Hutchison Ashley N. , Clougher Kelly M. , Davis Holly A. , Shepler Dustin K. , Ambroise Yves
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the Choose Respect dating violence prevention program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, , n.d.‐a) with secondary students in St. Lucia. Multivariate analysis of variance results indicated that the Choose Respect program had a positive influence on participants’ attitudes about control in relationships. Significant gender and school effects were found. Implications of these findings for primary prevention efforts targeting dating violence in St. Lucia and limitations of the study are discussed.
Pharmacokinetics, Mechanisms of Action, Indications, and Adverse Effects of Timolol Maleate, A Nonselective Beta‐Adrenoreceptor Blocking Agent
Authors: Dunn Francis G. , Frohlich Edward D.
Published: December 2015

Timolol, a nonselective beta‐adrenoreceptor blocking agent without intrinsic sympathomimetic or membrane stabilizing activity, has been shown effective in the treatment of angina and hypertension. It is particularly useful in patients with stable angina pectoris and patients with mild to moderate hypertension. In both of these conditions, timolol appears to be comparable to propranolol. A recent study has suggested that timolol reduces mortality and reinfarction rate in patients who have recently had a myocardial infarction. When given topically timolol reduces intraocular pressure in patients with open‐angle glaucoma; the drug may be used as the primary agent or as an adjunct to standard therapy.

Careful selection of patients will reduce the frequency of adverse effects due to beta‐receptor inhibition. Thus, timolol should not be used in patients who are predisposed to asthmatic bronchitis or cardiac failure, and it should be used with caution in patients with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes mellitus.
Nifedipine in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Mueller Hiltrud S. , Antman Elliott M. , Ferst Jeffrey A. , Muller James E.
Published: December 2015

Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocking agent, has been shown safe and effective in the treatment of various cardiac disorders. In Prinzmetal's variant angina, nifedipine relieves the acute spasm of a large coronary artery, and thereby reverses the sudden decrease in myocardial oxygen supply. In chronic stable angina, the efficacy of nifedipine stems from an interplay of direct and reflex effects. A decrease in systemic vascular resistance, and thus, in myocardial oxygen demand, is considered the most important effect. Although this is partially offset by baroreceptor‐mediated reflex increases in blood pressure and heart rate, the net effect is a decrease in myocardial oxygen consumption. The importance of nifedipine‐induced increases in coronary blood flow in relieving stable angina remains controversial. Numerous clinical trials in patients with chronic angina have demonstrated that nifedipine increases exercise tolerance by lowering the heart rate‐blood pressure product (an approximation of myocardial oxygen consumption). The maximal double product during exercise, however, does not increase, suggesting that the drug does not importantly improve myocardial oxygen supply. Nifedipine may also be of value in the therapy of unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and hypertension, as well as in the protection of the myocardium at risk during open heart surgery. However, definite recommendations on the use of the drug for these indications must await results of ongoing randomized studies. The effects of nifedipine are dose‐related. Larger doses have been shown more effective than smaller doses, as long as an appropriate blood pressure is maintained. The side effects of nifedipine are mild and related to its vasodilating action.
Immunology of Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Witte Kenneth W. , West Dennis P.
Published: December 2015

Adverse reactions to drugs often include an immunologic response. An understanding of immunologic mechanisms is useful in understanding the clinical manifestations of drug allergy. Predisposing factors to the development of allergic reactions to drugs include host factors as well as drug factors. Immune response relates to what we know about the components of the immune system as well as their differentiation and maturation processes. Immunologic reactions are often classified as Type I, Type II, Type III or Type IV, and these reaction types often correlate with clinical manifestations. For each reaction type the mechanism, drugs implicated, clinical manifestations, and treatment can be described.
Mechanism of Action, Antimicrobial Activity, Pharmacology, Adverse Effects, and Clinical Efficacy of Cefotaxime
Authors: LeFrock Jack L. , Prince Randall A. , Left Richard D.
Published: December 2015

Cefotaxime sodium, a parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic, exerts its bactericidal action through inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Chemical structure modifications have enabled this compound to be resistant to the action of Richmond I, III, IV, and V β‐lactamase enzymes. Excellent activity against many gram‐negative bacilli, especially Enterobacteriaceae, has been demonstrated. Antipseudomonal activity is generally poor, however. Activity against gram‐positive cocci, with the notable exception of Streptococcus fecalis, is adequate. Anaerobic activity is variable, particularly against Clostridia and Bacteroides species.

Acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity studies in animals were generally unremarkable. No mutagenic effects or reproductive toxicity have been noted in animals.

In man, cefotaxime is desacetylated to a microbiologically active metabolite. Urinary excretion is approximately 50–60% and 15–20% of a dose for the parent compound and desacetyl metabolite, respectively. The elimination half‐life of cefotaxime is about one hour, with the total body clearance being approximately twice that of the renal clearance. Severe renal dysfunction causes a prolongation of the elimination half‐life of cefotaxime and particularly desacetyl cefotaxime. A relatively low degree of protein binding in part attributes to a wide bodily distribution of cefotaxime.

Cefotaxime is effective in a variety of infectious processes caused by susceptible organisms. Local reactions at the injection site and hypersensitivity phenomena are the most common adverse effects. Comparative trials attesting to cefotaxime's clinical utility over other parenteral cephalosporins or aminoglycosides are very limited.

Based on the available evidence, cefotaxime should be most useful in combating serious gram‐negative infections, because of its excellent activity against most of these organisms and its low toxicity profile.
Evaluation and Medical Therapy of Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Spiro Alan H. , Peppercorn Mark A.
Published: December 2015

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major reason for hospitalization and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of this common clinical problem has changed markedly over the past 40 years. The initial approach to patients with gastrointestinal bleeding should be both therapeutic and diagnostic, with close attention to cardiovascular status and clotting parameters. Once the patient is stabilized, clinical history, physical examination, gastric aspirate, and laboratory data should be assessed to determine if the bleeding site is in the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. Once that is determined, a more specific diagnosis should be made if possible, as therapy often will depend upon a precise diagnosis. Therapy includes angiographic and pharmacologic techniques, as well as tamponade in the case of esophageal varices. The use of antacids in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding is well established, while the role of cimetidine is less clear. Newer modalities of treatment, such as the use of laser coagulation, are currently being evaluated.
Alprazolam: Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy, and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Fawcett Jan A. , Kravitz Howard M.
Published: December 2015

Alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, is the first of this new class of benzodiazepine drugs to be marketed in the United States and Canada. It achieves peak serum levels in 0.7 to 2.1 hours and has a serum half‐life of 12 to 15 hours. When given in the recommended daily dosage of 0.5 to 4.0 mg, it is as effective as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide as an anxiolytic agent. Its currently approved indication is for the treatment of anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety, including anxiety associated with depression. Although currently not approved for the treatment of depressive disorders, studies published to date have demonstrated that alprazolam compares favorably with standard tricyclic antidepressants. Also undergoing investigation is the potential role of alprazolam in the treatment of panic disorders. Alprazolam has been used in elderly patients with beneficial results and a low frequency of adverse reactions. Its primary side effect, drowsiness, is less than that produced by diazepam at comparable doses. Data on toxicity, tolerance, and withdrawal profile are limited, but alprazolam seems to be at least comparable to other benzodiazepines. Drug interaction data are also limited, and care should be exercised when prescribing alprazolam for patients taking other psychotropic drugs because of potential additive depressant effects.
Piperacillin Sodium: Antibacterial Spectrum, Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy, and Adverse Reactions
Authors: Fortner Clarence L. , Finley Rebecca S. , Schimpff Stephen C.
Published: December 2015

Piperacillin sodium is a beta lactam antibiotic with a broad range of antibacterial activity that includes gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive cocci (except penicillinase‐producing S. aureus) and anaerobic pathogens such as Clostridium difficile, and Bacteroides fragilis. Piperacillin inhibits many of the members of the Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella sp and Pseudomonas, at lower concentrations than required for carbenicillin and ticarcillin.

Piperacillin sodium is administered by intramuscular and intravenous injection and is widely distributed throughout body fluids and tissues. Like other newer penicillins, piperacillin is excreted by both renal and biliary mechanisms. The primary route of elimination is by glomerular filtration, which results in high urinary concentrations of the unchanged compound. Piperacillin has been approved for patients with serious infection caused by susceptible strains of specific organisms in intra‐abdominal, urinary tract, gynecologic, lower respiratory tract, skin and skin structure, bone and joint, and gonococcal infections and septicemia. As with other penicillins, piperacillin has a low frequency of toxicity. The usual dose of piperacillin in adults with serious infections with normal renal function is 3–4 g every 4–6 hr as a 20–30 min infusion, with a maximum dose of 24 g per day. It is stable in most large volume parenteral solutions. Less serious infections (requiring smaller dosages) may be treated by intramuscular injection; however, no more than 2 g should be given at any one injection site.

Overall, piperacillin has a greater degree of activity than other penicillins. Evidence from prospective studies indicates that piperacillin is a highly effective agent for the treatment of patients with infections caused by susceptible organisms.
The Use of Diltiazem Hydrochloride in Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: McAuley Bruce J. , Schroeder John S.
Published: December 2015

Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocking agent, has potent cardiovascular effects that are directly related to its influence on vascular smooth muscle, ventricular myocardium, and specialized conducting tissue. It causes coronary and peripheral vasodilation, has a negative chronotropic and dromotropic effect, and little to no negative inotropic effect in patients with normal ventricular function. Diltiazem has potential use in a wide variety of cardiovascular disorders. It has been shown extremely effective in relieving the coronary artery spasm associated with variant angina. When compared with nitrates in patients with exertional angina, diltiazem has similar efficacy. Preliminary work indicates it will have a therapeutic role in the treatment of unstable angina. Because of its ability to improve the balance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand and reduce cellular injury secondary to ischemia, it is likely that diltiazem will be of benefit in the treatment of acutely ischemic myocardium during cardiopulmonary bypass and possibly acute myocardial infarction. It has proven efficacy in treating re‐entrant supraventricular tachycardia. Adverse effects are seen in less than 5% of patients, indicating that it is well tolerated.