bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La apicultura: ¿Una alternativa de desarrollo rural sostenible para las laderas secas de Nicaragua?
Authors: Dietsch Laurent
Published: December 2011

Se presenta una investigación participativa enfocada en los actores del sector apícola y sus interacciones, tanto a nivel territorial como de cadenas productivas, en tres zonas de laderas del trópico seco de Nicaragua: Boaco, El Sauce y Ciudad Darío.Utilizando la metodología RAAKS se realizó de manera sucesiva en cada territorio un mapa de actores y cadena de miel, un análisis de innovaciones, una identificación y medición de indicadores locales y una construcción de estrategias territoriales de desarrollo de la apicultura. Cada etapa descansó sobre la recopilación de información secundaria, entrevistas y un taller con los actores relacionados a la apicultura.Se analizaron las principales características e interrelaciones, y de forma general, los rasgos comunes y especificidades de las dinámicas de desarrollo de la apicultura en cada territorio. Se evidencia que el sector productivo apícola está principalmente en manos de pequeños productores y presenta un nivel fuerte de organización. Las organizaciones de apicultores juegan un papel muy importante en el desarrollo de la apicultura en su territorio, articulando diferentes servicios y actores de apoyo, y facilitando a los apicultores el acceso a mercados más remuneradores pero con requerimientos que no podrían cumplir individualmente. Se ha logrado identificar, de forma participativa, en cada territorio, de 4 a 8 innovaciones claves para lograr el “progreso” de la apicultura. Su análisis sirvió de base a la formulación concertada de un conjunto de acciones estratégicas para el desarrollo de la apicultura en cada territorio con sus indicadores y metas.
Ventanas en la Memoria: recuerdos de la Revolución en la Frontera Agrícola, de Fernanda Soto Joya
Authors: Chamorro Carlos Fernando
Published: December 2011

Gracias a Fernanda Soto por invitarme a comentar este libro porque me ha dado la oportunidad de detenerme a pensar, un ejercicio que suele ser escaso en estos tiempos, sobre todo para quienes vivimos inmersos en el medio periodístico que se mueve a un ritmo vertiginoso. Me ha permitido pensar y repensar sobre un tema que resulta ineludible en nuestros tiempos, como es la memoria de la Revolución Sandinista y sus implicaciones políticas para el presente.
Censo estadounidense 2010: cifras e implicaciones de la mayor presencia de centroamericanos en Estados Unidos
Authors: Rocha José Luis
Published: December 2011

Con el tic-tac del reloj del censo estadounidense, este texto da cuenta de las cifras de migrantes centroamericanos en Estados Unidos: cuántos son, a qué ritmo crecen, dónde se ubican. Posteriormente, con base en el procesamiento de las estadísticas del Census Bureau 2010, muestra algunas características de los centroamericanos: son los más rezagados -en educación, arraigo, ingresos, obtención de ciudadanía, y de empleos estables y bien remunerados- entre los inmigrantes latinos. Sus patrones de asentamiento pueden repercutir negativamente sobre su futuro porque sus opciones geográficas son un voto político de los sin voto: contribuyen al crecimiento demográfico y de sillas en el congreso de los estados sureños, proverbial plaza de republicanos que han promovido leyes y operativos anti-inmigrantes.
Tumor Vascular Morphology Undergoes Dramatic Changes during Outgrowth of B16 Melanoma While Proangiogenic Gene Expression Remains Unchanged
Authors: Langenkamp Elise , vom Hagen Franziska M. , Zwiers Peter J. , Moorlag Henk E. , Schouten Jan P. , Hammes Hans-Peter , Gouw Annette S. H. , Molema Grietje
Published: December 2011

In established tumors, angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) coexist next to “quiescent” EC in matured vessels. We hypothesized that angio-gene expression of B16.F10 melanoma would differ depending on the growth stage. Unraveling the spatiotemporal nature thereof is essential for drug regimen design aimed to affect multiple neovascularization stages. We determined the angiogenic phenotype—represented by 52 angio-genes—and vascular morphology of small, intermediate, and large s.c. growing mouse B16.F10 tumors and demonstrated that expression of these genes did not differ between the different growth stages. Yet vascular morphology changed dramatically from small vessels without lumen in small to larger vessels with increased lumen size in intermediate/large tumors. Separate analysis of these vascular morphologies revealed a significant difference inαSMA expression in relation to vessel morphology, while no relation with VEGF, HIF-1α, nor Dll4 expression levels was observed. We conclude that the tumor vasculature remains actively engaged in angiogenesis during B16.F10 melanoma outgrowth and that the major change in tumor vascular morphology does not follow molecular concepts generated in other angiogenesis models.
Weight-Bearing and Effort Distributions at the Lower Limbs during the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test in Hemiparetic and Healthy Individuals
Authors: Brière Anabèle , Nadeau Sylvie , Lauzière Séléna , Gravel Denis
Published: December 2011

Background. The weight-bearing (WB) and effort distributions during the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS) were assessed in healthy and hemiparetic subjects and were compared to the distributions obtained for a single STS task (1-STS).Methods. Eighteen hemiparetic subjects and 12 controls were included. The WB distribution and time were computed using the vertical ground reaction forces. The knee muscles' effort distribution was quantified with the electromyographic (EMG) data of the STS transfers expressed relatively to the EMG values of maximal strength assessments.Results. In both groups, the time, WB, and effort distributions did not differ between repetitions of the 5R-STS test. The WB and effort distributions of the first repetition were more asymmetrical than those for the 1-STS for the hemiparetic subjects only.Conclusions. Since no changes were found between repetitions, the 5R-STS test might not be demanding enough. The hemiparetic subjects adopt different WB and effort distribution strategies according to the number of STSs to complete.
Ag(I) Catalyzed Grafting of Acrylonitrile onto Gum Arabic by Ce(IV) in Medium: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Thota Geeta , Srinivas P.
Published: December 2011

Grafting of Acrylonitrile (AN) onto water-soluble polymer Gum arabic (GA) was carried out using ceric ammonium sulfate [Ce(IV)] as initiator in the presence and absence of Ag(I) in H2SO4 medium at 313 K. The rate of oxidation (), rate of grafting (), and grafting efficiency (GE) were determined for catalyzed and uncatalyzed grafting and suitable mechanism was proposed to explain the observed results. No homopolymerization in the absence of GA indicates that the polymer obtained is purely a graft copolymer. A probable mechanism involving the formation of Ag(I)-GA adduct followed by its oxidation with Ce(IV) to give Ag(II)-GA adduct, and its decomposition to give initiating radicals is proposed to explain the observed results. The graft polymer was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) considering GA as reference.
A Home Toolkit for Primary Prevention of Influenza by Individuals and Families
Authors: Finkelstein Stan , Prakash Shiva , Nigmatulina Karima , McDevitt James , Larson Richard
Published: December 2011

An influenza pandemic can overwhelm the capacities of hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and emergency services. The likelihood is that most of the individuals who are stricken will be cared for at home, and there is strong evidence that in-home caregivers bear a disproportionate risk of becoming infected. We reviewed the scientific literature after 2000 to identify steps that in-home caregivers can take to reduce the chances that they and other household members will become infected in the home. Personal hygiene, common masks, and technologies including air filters and UV light each offer incremental benefits, and in combination are expected to reduce a portion of the risk that household members face when caring for a member who has become infected. In pandemics and even seasonal epidemics, seemingly small steps can literally mean the difference between life and death, especially for in-home caregivers.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:266–271)
Measurement of Action Potential Generation in Isolated Canine Left Ventricular Midmyocardial Myocytes
Authors: Johnson Daniel M. , Hussein Leyla , Spätjens Roel L.H.M.G. , Valentin Jean‐Pierre , Volders Paul G.A. , Abi‐Gerges Najah
Published: December 2011

Proarrhythmic side effects are a major limitation during the drug development process for cardiac and non‐cardiac compounds. Because changes in cardiac action potential (AP) are undesirable, the evaluation of the effects of test compounds on the AP is essential before advancing new compounds to clinical testing. However, an increase in repolarization duration alone is not always proarrhythmic, and newer surrogate markers have been suggested to better predict the occurrence of arrhythmia. Described in this unit is a protocol for assessing changes in AP duration in canine ventricular myocytes utilizing optical imaging techniques. This protocol can be used at an early stage of drug discovery due to its relatively fast throughput. Additionally, a protocol is presented for assessing the occurrence of after‐depolarizations, as well as a novel parameter for proarrhythmic risk, beat‐to‐beat variability of repolarization. This protocol can be used at a later stage of the drug discovery process to assess proarrhythmic potential. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 55:10.14.1‐10.14.23. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of the Tellurium‐Derivatized Phosphoramidites and Their Incorporation into DNA Oligonucleotides
Authors: Jiang Sibo , Sheng Jia , Huang Zhen
Published: December 2011

In this unit, an efficient method for the synthesis of 2′‐tellerium‐modified phosphoramidite and its incorporation into oligonucleotide are presented. We choose 5′‐O‐DMTr‐2,2′‐anhydro‐uridine and ‐thymidine nucleosides (S.1, S.2) as starting materials due to their easy preparation. The 5′‐O‐DMTr‐2,2′‐anhydro‐uridine and ‐thymidine can be converted to the corresponding 2′‐tellerium‐derivatized nucleosides by treating with the telluride nucleophiles. Subsequently, the 2′‐Te‐nucleosides can be transformed into 3′‐phosphoramidites, which are the building blocks for DNA/RNA synthesis. The DNA synthesis, purification, and applications of oligonucleotides containing 2′‐Te‐U or 2′‐Te‐T are described in the protocol. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 47:1.25.1‐1.25.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of Entecavir and Its Novel Class of Analogs
Authors: Rawal Ravindra K. , Singh Uma Sharan , Gadthula Srinivas , Chu Chung K.
Published: December 2011

Due to the slow kinetics of viral clearance and the spontaneous genetic variability of hepatitis B virus (HBV), antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B remains a clinical challenge. Entecavir (S.10; a 2′‐deoxy carbocyclic guanosine analog with an exo‐cyclic double bond on the 5′‐position; Fig. 14.7.1) has been approved in the U.S. for the therapy of chronic hepatitis B. Entecavir is synthesized from D‐ribose via a key allylic alcohol (S.3) intermediate. This intermediate is also utilized to synthesize entecavir‐modified carbocyclic nucleosides S.13, S.15, S.19, and S.22. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 47:14.7.1‐14.7.17. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Clinical outcomes in psoriatic arthritis: A systematic literature review
Authors: Palominos Penélope Esther , Gaujoux‐Viala Cécile , Fautrel Bruno , Dougados Maxime , Gossec Laure
Published: December 2011

Objective

Many outcomes have been proposed in the assessment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) core set for PsA evaluation comprises 6 domains: joints, skin, function, pain, patient's global assessment, and quality of life. The objective of this work was to assess reporting of outcomes in PsA, including patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in recent publications.

Methods

A systematic literature search of clinical trials related to PsA and reporting at least 1 clinical outcome between 2006 and 2010 was performed in PubMed, i.e., just before to just after publication of the OMERACT core set. All clinical outcomes were noted and subdivided into domains of health. Data analysis was descriptive.

Results

Fifty‐eight articles (12,405 patients) were included in the analysis: 17 (29%) were randomized clinical trials; the patients' mean ± SD age was 48.2 ± 5.4 years and the mean ± SD disease duration was 9.0 ± 3.1 years. Eighty‐four different outcomes were reported, with a mean ± SD of 6.9 ± 4.3 per study. Patients were mainly assessed using the 6 core set domains, reported in 37.9% (quality of life) to 55.2% (skin) of articles; however, the core set was rarely completely reported since only 10.3% of the studies reported all 6 core domains. PROs were heterogeneous and in particular there was no consensus regarding the number of joints to assess and instruments for dactylitis and enthesitis. PROs were assessed in more than 75% of publications using 28 different instruments.

Conclusion

There is great heterogeneity in PsA assessment, even since publication of the OMERACT core set. Better consensus on instruments to assess each domain of health and better insight into which outcomes are important for patients is needed.
Complete 2,5‐Diastereocontrol in the Organocatalytic Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of Enals with Azomethine Ylides Derived from α‐Iminocyanoacetates: Asymmetric Synthesis of Pyrrolidines with Four Stereocentres
Authors: Reboredo Silvia , Vicario Jose L. , Badía Dolores , Carrillo Luisa , Reyes Efraím
Published: December 2011

Racemic α‐iminocyanoacetates have been used as azomethine ylide precursors in the catalytic enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes catalyzed by (S)‐α,α‐diphenylprolinol leading to the fully stereocontrolled formation of pyrrolidine cycloadducts with four stereocentres, one of them being a quaternary one. The reaction proceeded with excellent yields, endo‐selectivities and enantioselectivities. Remarkably, complete 2,5‐diastereoselection has also been achieved under the optimized reaction conditions, which has been explained in terms of the participation of intramolecular H‐bonding interaction which contributes to stabilize one determined geometry for the in situ generated azomethine ylide.
Epoxidized perfluoropolyethers: A route to hydrophobic, negative‐tone photoresists
Authors: Chaffins Sterling , Hinch Garry , DeKam Kevin , Waterhous Vince , Smith Jim , Overbay Milo , Bilich Dan , Hovermale Chris , Jones John
Published: December 2011

The synthesis, formulation, and wafer level processing conditions of a heavily fluorinated hydrophobic photoresist was demonstrated. The synthesis is based on terminal epoxy modification of commercially available perfluoropolyethers. Structural characterization shows that terminal epoxide can open during the synthetic process, but in a simple formulation has a negligible effect on photoresolution of the photoresist. Formulation into a traditional photoresist requires careful selection of appropriate cosolvents to ensure solubility of the hydrophobic epoxy and hydrophilic photoacid generator while attaining adequate coating quality. Formulation processing conditions are presented and the chemical resistance of the resist through aggressive processing steps is demonstrated. Wafer level patterning using traditional photolithographic tools illustrates the applicability of the formulation and process conditions for traditional resist or microfluidic applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
The dispersants effect on physical properties of long‐lasting luminescent polypropylene
Authors: Jang Shin‐Cheng , Shu Yao‐Chi , Chuang Fu‐Sheng , Tsen Wen‐Chin , Chow Jing‐Dong , Chen Chien‐Chung
Published: December 2011

Two series of blends, O‐PP15 and O‐PP35, were prepared by mixing polypropylene (PP), luminescent powders (SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+) of 15 and 35 μm average particle diameter, and hydrophobic dispersant at about 190°C in the Brabender mixer. The effect of amounts and diameter of luminescent powders on the physical properties of PP material were discussed herein. The luminescence and afterglow time tests indicated that the initial luminescence of all blends increased with the luminescent powders amounts. O‐PP35 blends showed lower afterglow luminance than O‐PP15 blends at low luminescent powder amounts. The melting and crystallization temperatures of the blends appeared at 152–168°C and 87–103°C, respectively. The blends displayed peaks attributable to a α crystal structure at 2θ = 18°–19°. The β crystal structure was only evident from its characteristic 2θ peak at 15°–16° in the WAXD pattern of the O‐PP35 blends with high luminescent powder amounts. All of the blends had lower tensile strengths. However, the improvement in the luminescent powder distribution was evident from the SEM images after adding hydrophobic dispersant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of polyacrylate/polymerized rosin composite emulsions by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization
Authors: Chen Pingxu , Zeng Xingrong , Li Hongqiang , Liu Xiaodan , Liu Dandan , Li Xiaolan
Published: December 2011

Polyacrylate/polymerized rosin composite emulsions were prepared by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization of acrylate monomers in which polymerized rosin was dissolved. The effects of polymerized rosin content on the polymerization stability, monomer conversion, polymer structure, and adhesive properties were studied. Polyacrylate/polymerized rosin composites were characterized by gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogracvimetry (TG). The results showed that with an increase of polymerized rosin content from 0 to 6 wt %, gel fraction and sol molecular weight decreased obviously but monomer conversion was basically unchanged. In contrast, with a further increase of polymerized rosin content, the decreasing rates of gel fraction, and sol molecular weight were slowed down. Meanwhile, monomer conversion decreased remarkably. Moreover, interface failure changed into cohesive failure after the addition of polymerized rosin, and the peel adhesion and shear resistance of composite latex films declined with the increase of polymerized rosin content. Thermal analysis showed that polymerized rosin and polyacrylate were compatible and the composite latex films had good thermal stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Expandable styrene/methyl methacrylate copolymer: Synthesis and determination of VOCs by combined thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Haddadi E. , Mehravar E. , Abbasi F. , Jalili K.
Published: December 2011

Parts cast of metals using expandable polystyrene foams may have an unacceptable amount of surface defects, such as lustrous carbon. The use of foams made of styrenic/acrylic copolymers can improve the quality of foam molds and metal parts made using such molds. Lost foam copolymer was synthesized by suspension copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate. The polymerization was carried out in the presence of blowing agents. The decomposition products of lost foam beads were studied by a method composed of the thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). With these systems, the TG/DTA data can be combined with a GC separation and MS identification methods. This combined method improves the analysis of the decomposition products of lost foam beads and enables the precise identification of the amount and the nature of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped during suspension polymerization. The results obtained from the combined method were verified for the nature and amount of VOCs with the results of time‐conversion studies for copolymerization of monomers in the presence of different concentrations of blowing agent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A randomized controlled trial of rituximab following failure of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus–associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: Sneller Michael C. , Hu Zonghui , Langford Carol A.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To perform a randomized controlled trial of rituximab in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)–associated mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, open‐label, randomized controlled trial of rituximab (375 mg/ m2/week for 4 weeks) compared to the best available therapy (maintenance or increase in immunosuppressive therapy) for HCV‐associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in patients in whom antiviral therapy had failed to induce remission. The primary end point was disease remission at 6 months from study entry.

Results

A total of 24 patients were enrolled (12 in each treatment group). Baseline disease activity and organ involvement were similar in the two groups. Ten patients in the rituximab group (83%) were in remission at study month 6, as compared with 1 patient in the control group (8%), a result that met the criterion for stopping the study (P < 0.001). The median duration of remission for rituximab‐treated patients who reached the primary end point was 7 months. No adverse effects of rituximab on HCV plasma viremia or on hepatic transaminase levels were observed.

Conclusion

Rituximab was a well‐tolerated and effective treatment in patients with HCV‐associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in whom antiviral therapy failed to induce remission.
The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib regulates synovitis through inhibition of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17 production by human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Maeshima Keisuke , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Kubo Satoshi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Iwata Shigeru , Saito Kazuyoshi , Ohishi Masanobu , Miyahara Hisaaki , Tanaka Shinya , Ishii Koji , Yoshimatsu Hironobu , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: December 2011

Objective

Tofacitinib (CP‐690,550) is a novel JAK inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of tofacitinib in vitro and in vivo in RA, in order to elucidate the role of JAK in the disease process.

Methods

CD4+ T cells, CD14+ monocytes, and synovial fibroblasts (SFs) were purified from the synovium and peripheral blood of patients with RA and were evaluated for the effect of tofacitinib on cytokine production and cell proliferation. For in vivo analysis, synovium and cartilage samples obtained from patients with RA were implanted in immunodeficient mice (SCID‐HuRAg mice), and tofacitinib was administered via an osmotic minipump.

Results

Tofacitinib treatment of CD4+ T cells originating from synovium and peripheral blood inhibited the production of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in a dose‐dependent manner, affecting both proliferation and transcription, but had no effect on IL‐6 and IL‐8 production. Tofacitinib did not affect IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by RASFs and CD14+ monocytes. However, conditioned medium from CD4+ T cells cultured with tofacitinib inhibited IL‐6 production by RASFs and IL‐8 production by CD14+ monocytes. Treatment of SCID‐HuRAg mice with tofacitinib decreased serum levels of human IL‐6 and IL‐8 and markedly suppressed invasion of synovial tissue into cartilage.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib directly suppressed the production of IL‐17 and IFNγ and the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, resulting in inhibition of IL‐6 production by RASFs and IL‐8 production by CD14+ cells and decreased cartilage destruction. In CD4+ T cells, presumably Th1 and Th17 cells, JAK plays a crucial role in RA synovitis.
A randomized controlled trial of rituximab for the treatment of severe cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: De Vita S. , Quartuccio L. , Isola M. , Mazzaro C. , Scaini P. , Lenzi M. , Campanini M. , Naclerio C. , Tavoni A. , Pietrogrande M. , Ferri C. , Mascia M. T. , Masolini P. , Zabotti A. , Maset M. , Roccatello D. , Zignego A. L. , Pioltelli P. , Gabrielli A. , Filippini D. , Perrella O. , Migliaresi S. , Galli M. , Bombardieri S. , Monti G.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To conduct a long‐term, prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating rituximab (RTX) therapy for severe mixed cryoglobulinemia or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV).

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with CV and related skin ulcers, active glomerulonephritis, or refractory peripheral neuropathy were enrolled. In CV patients who also had hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment of the HCV infection with antiviral agents had previously failed or was not indicated. Patients were randomized to the non‐RTX group (to receive conventional treatment, consisting of 1 of the following 3: glucocorticoids; azathioprine or cyclophosphamide; or plasmapheresis) or the RTX group (to receive 2 infusions of 1 gm each, with a lowering of the glucocorticoid dosage when possible, and with a second course of RTX at relapse). Patients in the non‐RTX group who did not respond to treatment could be switched to the RTX group. Study duration was 24 months.

Results

Survival of treatment at 12 months (i.e., the proportion of patients who continued taking their initial therapy), the primary end point, was statistically higher in the RTX group (64.3% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]), as well as at 3 months (92.9% versus 13.8% [P < 0.0001]), 6 months (71.4% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]), and 24 months (60.7% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]). The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score decreased only after treatment with RTX (from a mean ± SD of 11.9 ± 5.4 at baseline to 7.1 ± 5.7 at month 2; P < 0.001) up to month 24 (4.4 ± 4.6; P < 0.0001). RTX appeared to be superior therapy for all 3 target organ manifestations, and it was as effective as conventional therapy. The median duration of response to RTX was 18 months. Overall, RTX treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion

RTX monotherapy represents a very good option for severe CV and can be maintained over the long term in most patients.
Novelty detection for topic tracking
Authors: Aksoy Cem , Can Fazli , Kocberber Seyit
Published: December 2011

Multisource web news portals provide various advantages such as richness in news content and an opportunity to follow developments from different perspectives. However, in such environments, news variety and quantity can have an overwhelming effect. New‐event detection and topic‐tracking studies address this problem. They examine news streams and organize stories according to their events; however, several tracking stories of an event/topic may contain no new information (i.e., no novelty). We study the novelty detection (ND) problem on the tracking news of a particular topic. For this purpose, we build a Turkish ND test collection called BilNov‐2005 and propose the usage of three ND methods: a cosine‐similarity (CS)‐based method, a language‐model (LM)‐based method, and a cover‐coefficient (CC)‐based method. For the LM‐based ND method, we show that a simpler smoothing approach, Dirichlet smoothing, can have similar performance to a more complex smoothing approach, Shrinkage smoothing. We introduce a baseline that shows the performance of a system with random novelty decisions. In addition, a category‐based threshold learning method is used for the first time in ND literature. The experimental results show that the LM‐based ND method significantly outperforms the CS‐ and CC‐based methods, and category‐based threshold learning achieves promising results when compared to general threshold learning.
Decentralized DES Supervisory Control for Coordination of ULTC and SVC
Authors: Noorbakhsh S. Mohammad , Afzalian Ali A.
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses the issues involved in modeling and synthesizing a discrete‐event supervisory control system in a decentralized structure to coordinate the behavior of an under‐load tap‐changing transformer (ULTC) and a static VAR compensator (SVC) in electrical power systems. The control specifications are modeled as some automata, and it is shown that they are controllable. The designed closed‐loop control system is non‐blocking. The consistency of the high‐level model in a two‐level hierarchical control system is investigated. The proposed supervisory control is tested by inspecting its behavior in a simulated situation.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Air‐Stable Platinum and Palladium Complexes Featuring Bis[2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphinous Acid Ligands
Authors: Kurscheid Boris , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: December 2011

Secondary phosphane oxides, R2P(O)H, are commonly used as preligands for transition‐metal complexes of phosphinous acids, R2POH (R=alkyl, aryl), which are relevant as efficient catalysts in cross‐coupling processes. In contrast to previous work by other groups, we are interested in the ligating properties of an electron‐deficient phosphinous acid, (Rf)2POH, bearing the strongly electron‐withdrawing and sterically demanding 2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group towards catalysis‐relevant metals, such as palladium and platinum. The preligand bis[2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphane oxide, (Rf)2P(O)H, reacts smoothly with solid platinum(II) dichloride yielding the trans‐configured phosphinous acid platinum complex trans‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2]. The deprotonation of one phosphinous acid ligand with an appropriate base leads to the cis‐configured monoanion complex cis‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2‐ PO)2H]−, featuring the quasi‐chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, (Rf)2POH⋅⋅⋅OP(Rf)2, which exhibits a strong hydrogen bridge substantiated by an O⋅⋅⋅O distance of 245.1(4) pm. The second deprotonation step is accompanied by a rearrangement to afford the trans‐configured dianion trans‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2]2−. The reaction of (Rf)2P(O)H with solid palladium(II) dichloride initially yields a mononuclear palladium complex [PdCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2], which condenses under liberation of HCl to the neutral dinuclear palladium complex [Pd2(μ‐Cl)2{({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2H}2]. The equilibrium between the mononuclear [PdCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2] and dinuclear [Pd2(μ‐Cl)2{({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2H}2] palladium complexes is reversible and can be shifted in each direction by the addition of base or HCl, respectively. Treatment of palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, [Pd(F6acac)2], with a slight excess of (Rf)2P(O)H yields the complex [Pd(F6acac)({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2‐ PO)2H]. The quasi‐chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, which is formed by the liberation of HF6acac, is characterized by a O⋅⋅⋅O distance of 244.1(3) pm. These transition metal complexes are stable towards air and moisture and can be stored for months without any evidence of decomposition.
Potential to Optimize Scrubbers for Biogas Cleaning Part 2. Chemical Scrubbers
Authors: Götz Manuel , Köppel Wolfgang , Reimert Rainer , Graf Frank
Published: December 2011

In Deutschland sind die Anforderungen für die Einspeisung von Biogas in das Erdgasnetz durch die DVWG‐Arbeitsblätter G 260 und G 262 festgelegt. Als Aufbereitungstechniken für Biogas werden hauptsächlich die Druckwechseladsorption und verschiedenartige Wäschen eingesetzt. Die Verfahren werden jedoch bisher kaum an die standortspezifischen Parameter angepasst. Am Beispiel der Diethanolamin(DEA)‐Wäsche werden die Einflüsse der Prozessparameter und Optimierungspotenziale aufgezeigt. Die DEA‐Wäsche wird mit physikalischen Wäschen u. a. hinsichtlich des Energiebedarfs verglichen. Die Untersuchung erfolgte auf Basis von Messungen, unterstützt durch die Software Aspen Plus.
Intraaortic Balloon Pump: Incidence and Predictors of Complications in the Florence Registry
Authors: Valente Serafina , Lazzeri Chiara , Crudeli Elena , Chiostri Marco , Giglioli Cristina , Bernardo Pasquale , Gensini Gian Franco
Published: December 2011

Background:

The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support for patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock. Nevertheless, IABP‐related complications are still frequent and associated with a poor prognosis.

Hypothesis:

To prospectively assess the incidence and predictors of complications in patients treated with IABP.

Methods:

A total of 481 patients treated with IABP were prospectively enrolled in our registry (the Florence Registry). At multivariable logistic regression analysis the following variables were independent predictors for complications (when adjusted for age >75 years, eGFR and time length of IABP support): use of inotropes (OR 2.450, P < 0.017), nadir platelet count (1000/µL step; OR 0.990, P < 0.001), admission lactate (OR 1.175, P = 0.003). Nadir platelet count showed a negative correlation with length of time of IABP implantation (r−0.31; P < 0.001). A nadir platelet count cutoff value of less than 120,000 was identified using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the development of complications (area under the curve [AUC] 0.70; P < 0.001).

Results:

Complications were observed in the 13.1%, among whom 33 of 63 showed major bleeding. The incidence of complications was higher in patients aged >75 years (P = 0.015) and in those who had an IABP implanted for more than 24 hours (P = 0.001). Patients with complications showed an in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) mortality higher than patients who did not (44.4% vs 17.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In consecutive patients treated with IABP support, the degree of hemodynamic impairment and the decrease in platelet count were independent predictors of complications, whose development was associated with higher in‐ICCU mortality. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Size Evolution of Gold Nanoparticles in a Millifluidic Reactor
Authors: Li Yuehao , Sanampudi Ashwin , Raji Reddy Vanga , Biswas Sanchita , Nandakumar Krishnaswamy , Yemane Dawit , Goettert Jost , Kumar Challa S. S. R.
Published: December 2011

The size evolution of gold nanoparticles in a millifluidic reactor is investigated using spatially resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental data is supported by numerical simulations, carried out to study the residence‐time distribution (RTD) of tracers that have the same properties as Au ions. Size and size distribution of the particles within the channels are influenced by the mixing zones as well as the RTD. However, the Au nanoparticles obtained show a broader size distribution even at the shortest investigated residence time of 3.53 s, indicating that in addition to surface growth reaction kinetics also plays an important role. The comparison of time resolved particle growth within the millifluidic channel with flask‐based reactions reveals that the particle size can be controlled better within millifluidic channels. Overall, the results indicate potential opportunities to utilize easy to fabricate millifluidic reactors for the synthesis of nanoparticles, as well as as for carrying out time resolved kinetic studies.
Improved Li‐Storage Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Coated with CN Compounds Derived from Pyrolysis of Urea through a Low‐Temperature Approach
Authors: Pan Huilin , Zhao Liang , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Li Hong , Chen Liquan
Published: December 2011

A uniform and thin amorphous layer of a CN compound was coated on porous Li4Ti5O12 by pyrolysis of urea on its surface at a rather low temperature of 400 °C in an Ar atmosphere. Such a CN coating layer greatly improved the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12. After coating, Li4Ti5O12 showed good rate and excellent cycling performance. Reversible capacities for the coated sample of 134 and 105 mAh g−1 were obtained at current rates of 5C and 10C, respectively, in the voltage range of 1–2.2 V, which is approximately two and five times higher than those of pristine Li4Ti5O12 at the same current rates. Excellent capacity retention of 95.8 % was achieved for the coated sample after 2000 cycles in a half cell at a 2C rate.
Myocardial progenitors in the pharyngeal regions migrate to distinct conotruncal regions
Authors: Takahashi Makiko , Terasako Yumi , Yanagawa Nariaki , Kai Masatake , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji
Published: December 2011

Background: The cardiac progenitor cells for the outflow tract (OFT) reside in the visceral mesoderm and mesodermal core of the pharyngeal region, which are defined as the secondary and anterior heart fields (SHF and AHF), respectively. Results: Using chick embryos, we injected fluorescent‐dye into the SHF or AHF at stage 14, and the destinations of the labeled cells were examined at stage 31. Labeled cells from the right SHF were found in the myocardium on the left dorsal side of the OFT, and cells from the left SHF were detected on the right ventral side of the OFT. Labeled cells from the right and left AHF migrated to regions of the ventral wall of the OFT close to the aortic and pulmonary valves, respectively. Conclusion: These observations indicate that myocardial progenitors from the SHF and AHF contribute to distinct conotruncal regions and that cells from the SHF migrate rotationally while cells from the AHF migrate in a non‐rotational manner. Developmental Dynamics 241:284–293, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular data as a possible tool for tracing groundwater flow in karst environment: example ofDelminichthys adspersusin Dinaric karst system
Authors: Palandačić Anja , Bonacci Ognjen , Snoj Aleš
Published: December 2011

Karst areas have some of the most complex aquifers in the world. Because of extreme groundwater oscillations, different hydrological connections are active depending on the season. Therefore, the complex water network remains poorly investigated, despite many geological, hydrological and geomorphological studies performed. The methodology of water tracing was developed especially to determine water interconnections in karst. In addition to tracing with salt, dye or temperature, the use of rich endemic fauna, their dispersion and population structure is lately considered. In this paper, we used population structure of endemic fish speciesDelminichthys adspersusto confirm hydrological data as well as suggest new underground water connections in part of central Dinaric karst. Moreover, we propose a holistic approach of karst area studies, combining hydrology with biology to develop a better strategy for the protection of vulnerable karst ecosystems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oleum and Sulfuric Acid as Reaction Media: The Actinide Examples UO2(S2O7)‐lt (low temperature), UO2(S2O7)‐ht (high temperature), UO2(HSO4)2, An(SO4)2 (An = Th, U), Th4(HSO4)2(SO4)7 and Th(HSO4)2(SO4)
Authors: Betke Ulf , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: December 2011

New uranium sulfates have been synthesised by the reaction of UO2(CH3COO)2·2H2O with sulfuric acid/sulfur trioxide mixtures in sealed glass ampoules. Both polymorphs of the disulfate UO2(S2O7) [low temperature (lt): triclinic, P$\bar {1}$, Z = 2, a = 647.8(1) pm, b = 684.2(1) pm, c = 800.1(1) pm, α = 87.31(2)°, β = 78.37(2)°, γ = 75.34(2)°, V = 0.33605(9) nm3; high temperature (ht): orthorhombic, Pca21, Z = 8, a = 1080.21(2) pm, b = 814.74(1) pm, c = 1655.63(3) pm, V = 1.45710(4) nm3] and the hydrogensulfate UO2(HSO4)2 [monoclinic, P21/n, Z = 4, a = 779(3) pm, b = 815.39(3) pm, c = 1285.77(5) pm, β = 103.700(1)°, V = 0.79428(5) nm3] contain hexavalent uranium in the form of the well‐known linear [UO2]2+ ion. The pentagonal bipyramidal coordination sphere around U is completed by disulfate and hydrogensulfate ions, which connect the uranyl groups to a three‐dimensional network. Reaction of uranyl acetate with sulfuric acid at sufficiently high temperature (300 °C) leads to a reduction of uranium to the tetravalent form under separation of green plates of U(SO4)2 [orthorhombic, Pbca, Z = 8, a = 940.11(2) pm, b = 898.13(2) pm, c = 1349.09(3) pm, V = 1.13909(4) nm3]. The U4+ ions in U(SO4)2 are in a square antiprismatic coordination of eight monodentate sulfate tetrahedra. By treatment of ThO2 with sulfuric acid, the thorium (hydrogen)sulfates Th(SO4)2 [orthorhombic, Pbca, Z = 8, a = 953.74(3) pm, b = 911.49(3) pm, c = 1365.02(4) pm, V = 1.18665(6) nm3], Th4(HSO4)2(SO4)7 [tetragonal, I$\bar {4}$2d, Z = 4, a = 1327.7(2) pm, c = 1362.8(2) pm, V = 2.402.3(6) nm3] and Th(HSO4)2(SO4) [triclinic, P$\bar {1}$, Z = 2, a = 576.18(2) pm, b = 896.11(3) pm, c = 948.58(3) pm, α = 65.387(2)°, β = 87.838(2)°, γ = 88.917(2)°, V = 0.44495(3) nm3] could be obtained. Whereas Th(SO4)2 is isotypic with the respective uranium compound, both hydrogensulfates contain ninefold‐coordinated thorium to form a triple‐capped trigonal prism. The structure of Th(HSO4)2(SO4) can be described as a distorted variant of the UCl3 structure type.
The impact of processing on the profile of volatile compounds in sesame oil
Authors: Xu‐Yan Dong , Ping‐Ping Li , Fang Wei , Mu‐lan Jiang , Ying‐Zhong Zhao , Guang‐Ming Li , Hong Chen , Yuan‐Di Zhao
Published: December 2011

The flavor of sesame oil significantly depends on the roasting conditions and the relative concentrations of volatiles. In the present study, volatile components from three varieties of sesame oil produced by roasting the seeds under different conditions were analyzed and profiled using GC–mass chromatography. The results showed that the roasting temperature had an obvious effect on the aroma of the oils since there was an increase in the concentration of the volatiles responsible for aroma such as pyrazines, furans, and sesamol as the temperature at which the seeds were roasted was increased. However, the concentration of some components such as alcohols and aldehydes, decreased with an increase in the roasting temperature. The roasting conditions have an important effect on the characteristic aroma of sesame oil. Other methods used to process sesame oil, such as solvent extraction, mechanical pressing and hot water flotation, were also investigated. Sesame oil produced using the Chinese traditional hot water flotation method had the most preferred flavor. There was good consistency between the principal components analysis (PCA) and sensory evaluation. The results of the present study suggested that production of sesame oil with the most acceptable aroma was dependent on the appropriate processing method.
Haploscope: a tool for the graphical display of haplotype structure in populations
Authors: San Lucas F. Anthony , Rosenberg Noah A. , Scheet Paul
Published: December 2011

Patterns of linkage disequilibrium are often depicted pictorially by using tools that rely on visualizations of raw data or pairwise correlations among individual markers. Such approaches can fail to highlight some of the more interesting and complex features of haplotype structure. To enable natural visual comparisons of haplotype structure across subgroups of a population (e.g. isolated subpopulations or cases and controls), we propose an alternative visualization that provides a novel graphical representation of haplotype frequencies. We introduceHaploscope, a tool for visualizing the haplotype cluster frequencies that are produced by statistical models for population haplotype variation. We demonstrate the utility of our technique by examining haplotypes around theLCTgene, an example of recent positive selection, in samples from the Human Genome Diversity Panel.Haploscope, which has flexible options for annotation and inspection of haplotypes, is available for download athttp://scheet.org/software.
Using knowledge in the world to improve patient safety: Designing affordances in health care equipment to specify a sequential “checklist”
Authors: Bakdash Jonathan Z. , Drews Frank A.
Published: December 2011

Use of current health care equipment for medical procedures (e.g., central line insertions and central line care) is primarily dependent on the cognition of the health care worker. That is, the present design of equipment (typically numerous, separately packaged individual items) provides minimal information about the optimal order of procedure steps and no defenses against human error, such as omitting steps in procedure. In this article, we propose patient safety may be improved by redesigning equipment to integrate a “checklist” using sequencing, color coding, and visual icons. We hypothesize this reduces cognitive demand by off‐loading knowledge into the world, creating affordances that provide guidance reducing the likelihood of errors and promoting adherence to best practices. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and tolerability of extended release quetiapine fumarate (quetiapine XR) monotherapy in patients with generalised anxiety disorder: an analysis of pooled data from three 8‐week placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: Stein Dan J. , Bandelow Borwin , Merideth Charles , Olausson Bengt , Szamosi Johan , Eriksson Hans
Published: December 2011

Objective

Prospectively planned pooled analysis evaluating efficacy and tolerability of acute quetiapine XR monotherapy in generalised anxiety disorder.

Methods

Data from three 10‐week, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of similar design were analysed.

Results

At Week 8, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A) total score significantly improved with quetiapine XR: least squares means change −13.31, p < 0.001 (50 mg/day, n = 452), −14.39, p < 0.001 (150 mg/day, n = 673) and −12.50, p < 0.05 (300 mg/day, n = 444) versus −11.30 placebo; significant (p < 0.001, n = 665) improvements versus placebo were observed with each dose at Week 1. Significant improvements versus placebo at Week 8 are as follows: HAM‐A psychic symptom subscale, Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global scores for all quetiapine XR doses; HAM‐A response and remission rates, HAM‐A somatic symptom subscale score, Clinical Global Impression‐Severity of Illness total score, % patients with Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement score ≤2 with quetiapine XR 50 and 150 mg/day; and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire short form % maximum total score with quetiapine XR 150 mg/day. In the quetiapine XR 50, 150 and 300 mg/day and placebo groups, 13.2%, 16.5%, 24.0% and 5.4% of patients discontinued because of an adverse event, and 1.9%, 1.4%, 3.7% and 1.8% of patients experienced clinically significant changes in glucose. The most common adverse events with quetiapine XR included dry mouth, somnolence, sedation and constipation.

Conclusion

Quetiapine XR monotherapy reduced the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, with improvement from Week 1. Adverse events were consistent with the known tolerability profile of quetiapine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.