bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Extent of Lymphadenectomy does Affect Cancer Specific Survival in Pathologically Confirmed T4 Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Capitanio Umberto , Matloob Rayan , Suardi Nazareno , Abdollah Firas , Castiglione Fabio , Di Trapani Dario , Russo Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Carenzi Cristina , Salonia Andrea , Montorsi Francesco , Rigatti Patrizio , Bertini Roberto
Published: June 2012

Background

Controversies exist regarding the effect of lymphadenectomy (LND) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We hypothesized that patients with locally advanced cancer invading beyond Gerota's fascia (pT4 Nany Many RCC) might benefit from an extended LND not only for staging but also for survival purposes.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and pathologic data were prospectively gathered in 1.847 patients treated at a single Academic Center, between 1987 and 2011. Only patients with pT4 RCC (TNM 2009, n=44, 2.4%) were included. Univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) Cox regression analyses targeted the association between the number of lymph nodes removed and cancer specific mortality (CSM). Analyses were adjusted for age, Fuhrman grade, symptoms at presentation, metastases at diagnosis, ECOG performance status, tumor size, number of positive nodes, and presence of necrosis or sarcomatoid features.

Results

Mean number of nodes removed was 11.8 (median 8, range 1–37). Mean number of positive nodes was 4.8 (median 2, range 0–36). Cancer-specific survival rates at 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up were 39.3%, 25.0% and 8.6%, respectively. When stratified for nodal status, cancer-specific survival rates at 1, 2 and 3 years of follow-up were 65.0, 36.1, and 9.0% vs. 13.3, 13.0, and 6.7%, for pN0 vs. pN+ cases, respectively (p=0.004). At MVA, after adjusting for all the possible confounders, the number of positive nodes resulted independently associated with CSM (HR 1.25, p=0.001). Interestingly, at MVA, the number of nodes removed achieved the independent predictor status, as well (HR 0.84, p=0.007) showing a protective effect on survival. The risk of dying increased of 16% every positive node found (p<0.001), and decreased of 8% every node removed (p=0.02) (Table II).

Conclusions

A more extended retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy at the time of nephrectomy statistically significantly decreased CSM in pT4 cases.
DNase1: No Association with Crohn's Disease in a New Zealand Population
Authors: Morgan Angharad R. , Lam Wen-Jiun , Han Dug-Yeo , Fraser Alan G. , Ferguson Lynnette R.
Published: June 2012

DNase1 has been implicated in a number of immune disorders and is an excellent candidate gene for Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated whether DNase1 SNPs rs1053874 and rs8176938 were associated with CD in a well-characterized New Zealand dataset consisting of 447 cases and 716 controls. Furthermore, we measured serum DNase1 activity levels in a number of CD patients and controls. We did not find any evidence of association for either DNase1 genetic variation or DNase1 activity levels with CD. The lack of association indicates that DNase1 does not play a significant role in predisposing to CD in the New Zealand population.
Survey Law Education Through Distance Learning
Authors: Rijcke Izaak de
Published: June 2012

After many months of research and course design, an initial distance learning course offering was delivered in early 2011 called, “Introduction to Canadian Common Law for Land Surveyors”. The course was designed to expose foreign trained professional land surveyors to the study of boundary law. Many present candidates for articles and licensing in professional land surveying have been welcomed to Canada as permanent residents as part of an immigration screening process that recognizes foreign education and credentials. In meeting its obligation to offer learning opportunities for such candidates to gain admission to the practice of professional surveying in Ontario, AOLS undertook the development of adult learning courses in all disciplines, including survey law. This presentation will describe the issues surrounding development and delivery of survey law learning. The challenges are usually daunting enough when the subject matter is law. What has made the development of this series of courses novel is the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) which allows for the integration of reading resources, external references, video vignettes, and a replay of past learning sessions. The course design has been internet based and allows for learner participation from a distance through the internet. For adult learners who are working, have families, and live away from the teaching venue, these courses offer new opportunities in the education of the geomatics professional. For existing members looking for professional development, the full suite of courses promises to be a rich resource for staying current and in touch with new developments in boundary law.
Contribution de la coopération, de l’économie sociale et des entreprises collectives dans le développement territorial des Îles Lamèque et Miscou en Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick1
Authors: Chouinard Omer , Leclerc André , Beaudin Maurice , Martin Gilles , Donovou-Vinagbe Pricette
Published: June 2012

La contribution de l’économie sociale, de la coopération et de l’intercoopération a marqué le territoire insulaire de Lamèque-Miscou depuis les années 1930 et 1940. La présente étude met en perspective l’intercoopération entre les coopératives de pêche, de consommation et de services financiers pour favoriser de nouvelles entreprises collectives. C’est au moyen de l’analyse des rapports annuels, d’entrevues semi-dirigées et de validation par groupe de discussion que nous avons mené cette recherche. Nous montrons que la mobilisation des coopératives en partenariat avec les municipalités et diverses agences gouvernementales a permis l’investissement en ressources monétaires et en capital humain dans des domaines aussi variés que l’habitation, les arts et la culture, les loisirs, l’énergie renouvelable et l’environnement. Il en ressort une capacité de résilience des entreprises collectives et une contribution remarquable au développement territorial.
Les technologies de l’information, la gestion des connaissances et un avantage concurrentiel soutenu : une analyse par la théorie des ressources
Authors: Booto Ekionea Jean-Pierre , Fillion Gérard , Bernard Prosper , Plaisent Michel
Published: June 2012

La théorie des ressources présente une approche stratégique par laquelle une organisation a recours à ses ressources internes en vue d’obtenir un avantage concurrentiel durable. En effet, depuis une vingtaine d’années, les gestionnaires considèrent que certaines ressources et certaines capacités spécifiques des entreprises sont cruciales pour expliquer la performance en affaires. Un des défis à relever, pour ces gestionnaires, est d’identifier, de développer, de protéger et de déployer ces ressources dans une direction qui assure un avantage concurrentiel durable. Or, la connaissance est reconnue comme l’une de ces rares ressources organisationnelles intangibles susceptibles d’accorder un avantage concurrentiel durable. Ainsi, reprenant l’étude de cas de Cooper, Watson, Wixon et Goodhue (2000), cette note de recherche applique la théorie des ressources en gestion des connaissances et en technologies de l’information et contribue à conscientiser les gestionnaires sur le potentiel stratégique et l’importance de développer un leadership spécifique en gestion des connaissances et en technologies de l’information.
Responsiveness of five outcome measurement instruments in total elbow arthroplasty
Authors: Angst Felix , Goldhahn Jörg , Drerup Susann , Kolling Christoph , Aeschlimann André , Simmen Beat R. , Schwyzer Hans‐Kaspar
Published: June 2012

Objective

To quantify and compare the sensitivity to change of 5 outcome instruments for the elbow joint.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study (n = 65), outcome was measured by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), the modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire for the elbow, patient part (pmASES) and examiner/clinical part (cmASES), and the Patient‐Rated Elbow Evaluation form (PREE). Responsiveness was quantified by the effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) before and 6 months after total elbow arthroplasty. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the instruments' ability to classify effects into global health change assessment categories.

Results

For the total scores, the ES were 1.50 for the PREE, 1.32 for the pmASES, 0.86 for the cmASES, 0.56 for the DASH, and 0.11 for the SF‐36 (P ≤ 0.002 for all differences, except the cmASES and DASH). The same order was found within the subdomains of pain/symptoms and function and remained consistent when using the SRM and in ROC curve analysis. PREE total (area under the ROC curve 0.68), DASH function, and pmASES total and pain (area under the ROC curve range 0.64–0.67) discriminated best between “much better” and the other categories.

Conclusion

The PREE was the most responsive instrument and can be recommended for every set of measures for elbow joint disorders. The pmASES was slightly less responsive but is a valid alternative. The examiner‐assessed cmASES is affected by concerns regarding validity and was relatively less responsive. The DASH for comprehensive measurement of the entire upper extremity and the SF‐36 for chronic pain conditions complete the assessment set.
Association of weight gain with incident knee pain, stiffness, and functional difficulties: A longitudinal study
Authors: Tanamas Stephanie K. , Wluka Anita E. , Davies‐Tuck Miranda , Wang Yuanyuan , Strauss Boyd J. , Proietto Joseph , Dixon John B. , Jones Graeme , Forbes Andrew , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To examine the longitudinal association between significant weight change and change in knee symptoms (pain, stiffness, and function), and to determine whether the effects differ in those who are obese and those with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Two hundred fifty subjects ranging from normal weight to obese (body mass index range 16.9–59.1 kg/m2) and no significant musculoskeletal disease were recruited from the general community and weight loss clinics and organizations. Seventy‐eight percent were followed at ∼2 years. Weight, height, and knee symptoms (using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) were assessed at baseline and followup. Any weight loss methods were recorded.

Results

Thirty percent of subjects lost ≥5% of baseline weight, 56% of subjects' weight remained stable (loss or gain of <5% of baseline weight), and 14% of subjects gained ≥5% of baseline weight. Using estimated marginal means, weight gain was associated with worsening pain (mean 27.1 mm; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −1.1, 55.2), stiffness (mean 18.4 mm; 95% CI 1.5, 35.3), and function (mean 99.3 mm; 95% CI 4.0, 194.6) compared to stable weight. Weight loss was associated with reduced pain (mean −22.4 mm; 95% CI −44.4, −0.3), stiffness (mean −15.3 mm; 95% CI −28.50, −2.0), and function (mean −73.2 mm; 95% CI −147.9, 1.3) compared to stable weight.

Conclusion

Weight gain was associated with adverse effects on knee symptoms, particularly in those who are obese and who have OA. Although losing weight is potentially beneficial for symptom improvement, the effects were more modest. Avoiding weight gain is important in managing knee symptoms.
Reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness of the hip outcome score in patients with end‐stage hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Naal Florian D. , Impellizzeri Franco M. , von Eisenhart‐Rothe Rüdiger , Mannion Anne F. , Leunig Michael
Published: June 2012

Objective

To evaluate reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness of the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) in patients with end‐stage hip osteoarthritis.

Methods

In a cohort of 157 consecutive patients (mean age 66 years; 79 women) undergoing total hip replacement, the HOS was tested for the following measurement properties: feasibility (percentage of evaluable questionnaires), reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement [SEM]), construct validity (correlation with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC], Oxford Hip Score [OHS], Short Form 12 health survey, and University of California, Los Angeles activity scale), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), factorial validity (factor analysis), floor and ceiling effects, and internal and external responsiveness at 6 months after surgery (standardized response mean and change score correlations).

Results

Missing items occurred frequently. Five percent to 6% of the HOS activities of daily living (ADL) subscales and 20–32% of the sport subscales could not be scored. ICCs were 0.92 for both subscales. SEMs were 1.8 points (ADL subscale) and 2.3 points (sport subscale). Highest correlations were found with the OHS (r = 0.81 for ADL subscale and r = 0.58 for sport subscale) and the WOMAC physical function subscale (r = 0.83 for ADL subscale and r = 0.56 for sport subscale). Cronbach's alpha was 0.93 and 0.88 for the ADL and sport subscales, respectively. Neither unidimensionality of the subscales nor the 2‐factor structure was supported by factor analysis. Both subscales showed good internal and external responsiveness.

Conclusion

The HOS is reproducible and responsive when assessing patients with end‐stage hip osteoarthritis in whom the items are relevant. However, based on the large proportion of missing data and the findings of the factor analysis, we cannot recommend this questionnaire for routine use in this target group.
Obesity and other modifiable factors for physical inactivity measured by accelerometer in adults with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Jungwha , Song Jing , Hootman Jennifer M. , Semanik Pamela A. , Chang Rowland W. , Sharma Leena , van Horn Linda , Bathon Joan M. , Eaton Charles B. , Hochberg Marc C. , Jackson Rebecca , Kwoh C. Kent , Mysiw W. Jerry , Nevitt Michael , Dunlop Dorothy D.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To investigate the public health impact of obesity and other modifiable risk factors related to physical inactivity in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The frequency of inactivity as defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services was assessed from objective accelerometer monitoring of 1,089 participants (ages 49–84 years) with radiographic knee OA during the Osteoarthritis Initiative 48‐month visit (2008–2010). The relationship between modifiable factors (weight status, dietary fat, fiber, smoking, depressive symptoms, knee function, knee pain, and knee confidence) with inactivity was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) and attributable fractions (AFs), controlling for descriptive factors (age, sex, race, education, lives alone, employment, frequent knee symptoms, and comorbidity).

Results

Almost half (48.9%) of participants with knee OA were inactive. Being overweight (OR 1.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–2.5) or obese (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6–5.7), having inadequate dietary fiber intake (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2), severe knee dysfunction (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8), and severe pain (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.5) were significantly related to inactivity, controlling for descriptive factors. Modifiable factors with significant average AFs were being overweight or obese (AF 23.8%, 95% CI 10.5–38.6%) and inadequate dietary fiber (AF 12.1%, 95% CI 0.1–24.5%), controlling for all factors.

Conclusion

Being obese or overweight, the quality of the diet, severe pain, and severe dysfunction are significantly associated with physical inactivity in adults with knee OA. All components should be considered in designing physical activity interventions that target arthritis populations with low activity levels.
Direct medical expenditure associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a nationally representative sample from the medical expenditure panel survey
Authors: Kawatkar Aniket A. , Jacobsen Steven J. , Levy Gerald D. , Medhekar Swati S. , Venkatasubramaniam Kumarapuram V. , Herrinton Lisa J.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To quantify the incremental direct medical expenditure associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the US population from a payer's perspective.

Methods

A probability‐weighted sample of adult respondents from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2008) was used to identify a cohort of patients with RA and compared to a control cohort without RA. Annual expenditure outcomes, including total expenditure and subgroups related to pharmacy, office‐based visits, emergency department visits, hospital inpatient stays, and residual expenditures were estimated. Differences between the RA and control cohort were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, employment status, insurance coverage, health behavior, and health status using a generalized linear model with log link and gamma distribution. Statistical inferences on difference in expenditures between RA and non‐RA controls were based on nonparametric cluster bootstrapping using percentiles.

Results

The adjusted average annual total expenditure of the RA cohort in 2008 US dollars (USD) was $13,012 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] $1,737–$47,081), while that of the control cohort was $4,950 (95% CI $567–$17,425). The incremental total expenditure of the RA patients as compared to non‐RA controls was $2,085 (95% CI $250–$7,822). RA patients also had a significantly higher pharmacy expenditure of $5,825 (95% CI $446–$30,998) that was on average $1,380 (95% CI $94–$7,492) higher as compared to the controls. The summated total incremental expenditure of all RA patients in the US was $22.3 billion (2008 USD).

Conclusion

RA exerts considerable incremental economic burden on US health care, which is primarily driven by the incremental pharmacy expenditure.
Quantitative In Situ Mechanical Characterization of the Effects of Chemical Functionalization on Individual Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Jiangnan , Loya Phillip , Peng Cheng , Khabashesku Valery , Lou Jun
Published: June 2012

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been used for applications in composite material for decades because of their unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Consequently, an in‐depth understanding of mechanical properties of individual CNFs, particularly after chemical functionalization, would provide important insight into its effective integration into composite materials. Fluorination and amination of CNFs is achieved and systematic chemical characterizations of functionalized CNFs are performed. An in situ tensile testing method, which combines a simple microfabricated device with a quantitative nanoindenter inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber, is used to measure mechanical properties of individual pristine, fluorinated, and amino‐functionalized CNFs. The nominal CNFs strengths follow the Weibull distribution and the fluorinated CNFs are found to possess higher nominal strength but similar strain when compared with the pristine and amino‐functionalized CNFs. SEM fracture surfaces analysis shows that all nanofibers failed in a similar cup‐and‐cone fashion. Microscopy image sof fluorinated CNFs reveal an unexpected change in the hollow core before and after fiber fracture, which is attributed to the possible effects of fluorination‐induced compression on nanofiber surfaces. The results demonstrate the potential of fluorination for improving both the mechanical properties of CNFs and their successful integration into composites.
Deposition of Triamcinolone Acetonide and Its Effect on Soft Tissue Topography
Authors: Valentin‐Rodriguez Celimar , Tezel Tongalp H. , Ivanisevic Albena
Published: June 2012

Bimodal imaging is utilized to characterize the topography of human tissue samples. The deposition of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on various surfaces – including surgical human inner limiting membrane (ILM) samples and collagen fibrillar sheets – was studied. Changes in composition were well defined with bimodal imaging when TA deposition was examined on mica. TA sedimentation resulted in observable changes in ILM topography when compared to collagen fibrillar sheets. The heterogeneous chemical and topographical features of the ILM tissues promoted the TA crystallization compared to the flatter and homogeneous collagen surfaces. Higher spatial resolution was achieved by imaging ILM samples in the new bimodal imaging mode. The most apparent difference was observed in the imaging of ILM samples which had been exposed to the steroid TA. The study demonstrated the usefulness of bimodal imaging to evaluate tissue samples.
Selective Formation of Formamidines or 7‐Aminomethylbenzoxazoles from Unprecedented Couplings between Benzoxazoles and Amines
Authors: Yu Dingyi , Lee Szehui , Sum Yin Ngai , Zhang Yugen
Published: June 2012

A method for the selective synthesis of amidines by ring‐opening amination or of 7‐aminomethylbenzoxazoles via a novel three‐component‐coupling reaction (arene, dichloromethane and amine) from benzoxazoles and amines was developed. Amidines could be further converted into 2‐aminobenzoxazoles in high yield.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Click Reaction of Cyclic Sulfates and Cyclic Sulfamidates
Authors: Megia‐Fernandez Alicia , Ortega‐Muñoz Mariano , Hernandez‐Mateo Fernando , Santoyo‐Gonzalez Francisco
Published: June 2012

A one‐pot, three‐component methodology involving tandem azidation and click copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) of cyclic sulfates or cyclic sulfamidates in the presence of sodium azides and alkynes is reported. The developed protocol takes also advantage of the concomitant use of microwave (MW) irradiation and heterogeneous catalysis. The protocol allows the fast and efficient preparation of (alkyl sulfate)‐ and (alkyl sulfamidate)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles in a simple manner.
The Substrate Spectrum of the Inverting sec‐Alkylsulfatase Pisa1
Authors: Schober Markus , Knaus Tanja , Toesch Michael , Macheroux Peter , Wagner Ulrike , Faber Kurt
Published: June 2012

The substrate spectrum of the inverting alkylsulfatase Pisa1 was investigated using a range of sec‐alkyl sulfate esters bearing aromatic, olefinic and acetylenic moieties. Perfect enantioselectivities were obtained for substrates bearing groups of different size adjacent to the sulfate ester moiety. Insufficient selectivities could be doubled by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as co‐solvent. Hydrolytically unstable benzylic sulfate esters could be sufficiently stabilised by introduction of electron‐withdrawing substituents. Overall, Pisa1 appears to be a very useful inverting alkylsulfatase for the deracemisation of rac‐sec‐alcohols via enzymatic hydrolysis of their corresponding sulfate esters, which furnishes homochiral products possessing the ‘anti‐Kazlauskas’ configuration.
Catalytic Asymmetric Epoxidation of 2‐Cyclopentenones
Authors: Lee Anna , Reisinger Corinna M. , List Benjamin
Published: June 2012

The first highly efficient asymmetric epoxidation of 2‐cyclopentenones has been developed. Using a newly designed and readily available Cinchona amine catalyst, 2‐cyclopentenones are reacted with hydrogen peroxide to give the corresponding epoxycyclopentanones in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Transition Metal‐Free Stereoselective α‐Vinylation of Cyclic Ketones with Arylacetylenes in the Superbasic Catalytic Triad Potassium Hydroxide/tert‐Butyl Alcohol/Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Zorina Nadezhda V. , Ivanova Elena V. , Ushakov Igor' A. , Mikhaleva Al'bina I.
Published: June 2012

A stereoselective α‐vinylation of cycloaliphatic ketones with arylacetylenes under the transition metal‐free conditions has been developed. The reaction is promoted by the superbasic catalytic triad potassium hydroxide/tert‐butyl alcohol/dimethyl sulfoxide (80–110 °C, 1–2 h) to afford mainly (E)‐β,γ‐ethylenic ketones, their (E)‐α,β‐isomers being minor products, in up to 83% total yield.
A Scalable, Efficient Gold‐Catalyzed Oxidative Phosphonation of sp3 CH Bonds using Air as Sustainable Oxidant
Authors: Xie Jin , Li Huamin , Xue Qicai , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian
Published: June 2012

A scalable, efficient gold‐catalyzed oxidative phosphonation of sp3 CH bonds with various diarylphosphine oxides and dialkyl phosphites has been developed by using air as a sustainable oxidant under mild reaction conditions. It provides an easy access to α‐amino phosphonic compounds in high yields with a broad reaction scope. The safe, convenient and environmentally benign process makes this protocol very promising.
Incorporating setting information for maintenance‐free quality modeling of batch processes
Authors: Ge Zhiqiang , Song Zhihuan , Gao Furong
Published: June 2012

Typically, the operation condition of the batch process is changed frequently, following different recipes or manufacturing various production grades. For quality prediction purpose, the prediction model should also be updated or rebuilt, which leads to a significant model maintenance effort, especially for those processes which have various phases. To reduce such effort, a maintenance‐free method is proposed in this article, which incorporates the setting information of the batch process for modeling. The whole process variations are separated into two parts: setting information related and other quality related variations. By constructing a relationship between setting variables and other process variables, the data variations explained by the setting information can be efficiently removed. Then, a robust regression model connecting process variables to the quality variable is developed in different phases of the batch process. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated through an industrial injection molding process. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 772–779, 2013
Effects of common agricultural tasks on measures of hearing loss
Authors: Humann Michael J. , Sanderson Wayne T. , Gerr Fred , Kelly Kevin M. , Merchant James A.
Published: June 2012

Background

Among agricultural populations, hearing loss caused by excessive noise exposure is common. However, examinations of associations between exposure to agricultural tasks and hearing loss are limited.

Methods

Audiometry and lifetime exposure to 11 agricultural tasks were analyzed among 1,568 participants. Gender stratified multivariable linear regression was used to estimate associations between exposure duration and three hearing loss metrics.

Results

Among men, significant associations were observed between hearing loss and hunting or target shooting, all‐terrain vehicle (ATV) or motorcycle riding, chain saw use, electric or pneumatic tool use, living on a farm, and all agricultural tasks combined. When all significant exposure metrics were included in a single model, associations remained for hunting or target shooting, electric or pneumatic tool use and living on a farm. Significant associations were sparse among women, and in all cases paradoxical.

Conclusions

Despite imprecise estimation of noise exposure, specific agricultural tasks were associated with hearing loss. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:904–916, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotube/sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) composite membrane with low methanol permeability for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Yun Sungjin , Heo Yusun , Im Hyungu , Kim Jooheon
Published: June 2012

An organic/inorganic composite membrane was prepared based on sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) (s‐PES) embedded with sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (s‐MWNTs). The ion exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity, and water uptake of the SPES membranes increased with increasing s‐MWNTs content. The increased water uptake was attributed to hydrogen bond formation between the carbonyl group of the s‐MWNTs and a water molecule. The composite membranes exhibited proton conductivities ranging from 3.9281 × 10−4 to 7.0788 × 10−3 S/cm at 80°C, as well as low methanol permeability ranging from 4.4405 × 10−10 to 9.1008 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 at 25°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐contrast, high‐sensitivity aqueous base‐developable polynorbornene dielectric
Authors: Raeis‐Zadeh Mehrsa , Kohl Paul A.
Published: June 2012

The impact of multifunctional epoxy‐based additives on the crosslinking, photolithographic properties, and adhesion properties of a tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide developable, polynorbornene (PNB)‐based dielectric was investigated. Three different multifunctional epoxy additives were investigated: di‐functional, tri‐functional, and tetra‐functional epoxy compounds. The tetra‐functional epoxy crosslinker enhanced the UV absorbing properties of the polymer at 365 nm wavelength. It was found that the epoxy photo‐catalyst could be efficiently activated without a photosensitizer when the tetra‐functional epoxy was used. The polymer mixture with additional (3 wt %) tetra‐functional epoxy crosslinker and without a UV sensitizer showed improved sensitivity by a factor of 4.7 as compared to a polymer mixture containing the same number of equivalents of non‐UV sensitive epoxy with a UV sensitizer. The contrast improved from 7.4 for the polymer mixture with non‐UV absorbing epoxy and a UV sensitizer to 33.4 for the new formulation with 3 wt % tetra‐functional epoxy and no UV sensitizer. The addition of the tetra‐functional epoxy crosslinker also improved the polymer‐to‐substrate adhesion, which permitted longer development times, and allowed the fabrication of high‐aspect‐ratio structures. Hollow‐core pillars were fabricated in 96‐µm thick polymer films with a depth‐to‐width aspect‐ratio of 14 : 1. The degree of crosslinking in the cured films was studied by nanoindentation and swelling measurements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Kinetics of thermodegradation of palm kernel oil derived medium‐chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Sin Mei Chan , Tan Irene Kit Ping , Annuar Mohd Suffian Mohd , Gan Seng Neon
Published: June 2012

Oligomeric hydroxyalkanoic acids have potential industrial, medical, and pharmaceutical applications and they can be produced from the degradation of high molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates by a number of different ways. Thermal decomposition takes place in the absence of organic solvent and other chemicals and this justified the method of producing low molecular weight PHA as green chemistry. The kinetics for thermal degradation of medium‐chain‐length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl‐PHA) prepared from saponified palm kernel oil (SPKO) was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. Employing the nonisothermal Kissinger's method, the degradation activation energy, Ed, and pre‐exponential factor, A, were 129 kJ mol−1 and 1.15 × 1010 s−1, respectively. Specific degradation rate constant, k was found to increase at higher heating rate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Hybrid polyaniline/nanomagnetic particles composites: High performance materials for EMI shielding
Authors: Kamchi Noureddine El , Belaabed Belkacem , Wojkiewicz Jean‐Luc , Lamouri Saad , Lasri Tuami
Published: June 2012

In this work, two types of hybrid composite materials were elaborated. The first based on polyaniline (PANI) doped Camphor Sulfonic acid (CSA), Carbon‐Coated Cobalt (CCo), and FeNi nanoparticles dispersed in polyurethane. A value of 104 S/m of conductivity and a 90 dB of shielding effectiveness in multilayer structure were obtained over the 8–18 GHz frequency band. The second type, based on PANI doped para‐toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA), dispersed in epoxy resin with FeNi nanoparticles. A thick material with moderate conductivity and high attenuation of electromagnetic waves was obtained. It was found that a PANI‐PTSA/FeNi/epoxy resin composite with thicknesses of 9.7 and 6.5 mm had, respectively, reflection loss values of −22 dB at 9.52 GHz, and −20.7 dB at 14.7 GHz. The electromagnetic properties of the elaborated structure hybrid materials can be optimized to increase the electromagnetic reflection–absorption properties. Thus, the obtained structure can be used in shielding and radar absorbing materials applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Political Violence: Transgenerational Inscription and Trauma
Authors: de Viñar Maren Ulriksen
Published: June 2012

Threatened by voices by popular dissent, some South American governments used massive imprisonments, systematic torture of prisoners, executions, indictments, and forced exile to silence and intimidate thousands of men and women. This profoundly disturbed all aspects of “normal” life from the co‐existence of different groups of the population to the core of the family.

The traumatic effect produced by these events, which are both repressive to, and sustained in children's personality development, and the family as a whole, cannot be ignored. This article will look at the way in which terror is imprinted upon the psyche of victims of violence, and the effects of the transmission of that imprint from one generation to the next if there is no treatment intervention. The word “mark” is used to describe this imprint, its manifestations, and its effects on the psychic life of survivors and their children. The word “inscription” is used to describe the way in which this mark is burned into the psyche, just as the tattoos of Auschwitz were burned into the skin. Four case examples will elucidate how these histories of violence disturb the individual capacity to examine reality. They will explore the ways in which the defense mechnisms, built to insure psychic survival, are strained by the struggle between keeping the secret of umentionable and irresolvable horrors and the need to restore psychic continuity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hybrid model for open access publication of scholarly articles: A failed experiment?
Authors: Björk Bo‐Christer
Published: June 2012

Since 2004, mainstream scholarly publishers have been offering authors publishing in their subscription journals the option to free their individual articles from access barriers against a payment (hybrid OA). This has been marketed as a possible gradual transition path between subscription and open access to the scholarly journal literature, and the publishers have pledged to decrease their subscription prices in proportion to the uptake of the hybrid option. The number of hybrid journals has doubled in the past couple of years and is now over 4,300; the number of such articles was around 12,000 in 2011. On average only 1–2% of eligible authors utilize the OA option, due mainly to the generally high price level of typically 3,000 USD. There are, however, a few publishers and individual journals with a much higher uptake. This article takes a closer look at the development of hybrid OA and discusses, from an author‐centric viewpoint, the possible reasons for the lack of success of this business model.
microRNAs as novel regulators of stem cell pluripotency and somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Li Meng Amy , He Lin
Published: June 2012

Emerging evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated post‐transcriptional gene regulation plays an essential role in modulating embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency maintenance, differentiation, and reprogramming of somatic cells to an ES cell‐like state. Investigations from ES cell‐enriched miRNAs, such as mouse miR‐290 cluster and human miR‐302 cluster, and ES cell‐depleted miRNAs such as let‐7 family miRNAs, revealed a common theme that miRNAs target diverse cellular processes including cell cycle regulators, signaling pathway effectors, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifiers and shape their protein output. The combinatorial effects downstream of miRNA action allow miRNAs to modulate cell‐fate decisions effectively. Furthermore, the transcription and biogenesis of miRNAs are also tightly regulated. Thus, elucidating the interplay between miRNAs and other modes of gene regulation will shed new light on the biology of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell reprogramming.
Determination of carbamazepine in human urine and serum samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with post‐column Ru(bipy)‐Ce(SO4)2 chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Long Xing‐yu , Chen Fu‐nan
Published: June 2012

A novel, sensitive and rapid CL method coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography separation for the determination of carbamazepine is described. The method was based on the fact that carbamazepine could significantly enhance the chemiluminescence of the reaction of cerium sulfate and tris(2,2‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) in the presence of acid. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil® (Sigma‐Aldrich) TM RP‐C18 column (id: 150 mm × 4.6 mm, particle size: 5 µm, pore size: 100 Å) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water‐glacial acetic acid (70:29:1, v/v/v) at a flowrate of 1.0 mL/min, the total analysis time was within 650 s. Under optimal conditions, CL intensity was linear for carbamazepine in the range 2.0 × 10−8 ~ 4.0 × 10−5 g/mL, with a detection limit of 6.0 × 10−9 g/mL (S/N = 3) and the relative standard detection was 2.5% for 2.0 × 10−6 g/mL (n = 11). This method was successfully applied to the analysis of carbamazepine in human urine and serum samples. The possible mechanism of the CL reaction is also discussed briefly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid screening and identification of α‐glucosidase inhibitors from mulberry leaves using enzyme‐immobilized magnetic beads coupled with HPLC/MS and NMR
Authors: Tao Yi , Zhang Yufeng , Cheng Yiyu , Wang Yi
Published: June 2012

α‐Glucosidase plays important roles in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. The inhibition of α‐glucosidase is regarded as a potential way to treat diabetes. We established an approach to screening α‐glucosidase inhibitors from medicinal plants using enzyme‐coated magnetic bead. Using 1‐(3‐dimethyl‐aminopropyl)‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide and N‐hydroxysuccinimide as reaction reagents, α‐glucosidase was immobilized on the magnetic beads by covalent linkage. The conjugation of α‐glucosidase to the magnetic beads was characterized using scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffractometer. The proposed approach was applied in fishing potential α‐glucosidase inhibitors from extract of Morus alba, a Chinese medicinal plant. The structures of potential active compounds were identified via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The results demonstrated that two flavonoids (isoquercitrin and astragalin) could bind to α‐glucosidase, which was confirmed via conventional α‐glucosidase inhibitory assay. Our findings suggested that enzyme‐coated magnetic beads may be suitable for discovering active compounds from medicinal plants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Samarium‐exchanged Heteropoly Tungstate: An Efficient Solid Acid Catalyst for the Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate from Glycerol and Benzylation of Anisole
Authors: Kumar Ch. Ramesh , Jagadeeswaraiah K. , Prasad P. S. Sai , Lingaiah N.
Published: June 2012

Samarium‐exchanged heteropoly tungstate (SmxTPA) is an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and urea. The catalysts with varying Sm content were prepared and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, XRD, laser Raman spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, and X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy. The activity of the catalysts is related to the Lewis and Brønsted acidity, which depends on the Sm content in the catalysts. Partially exchanged SmxTPA catalyst showed high activity, owing to a higher number of Lewis acidic sites. The catalyst exhibited consistent activity and selectivity during recycling. A plausible reaction mechanism is presented. The catalyst also exhibited high activity in the acid‐catalyzed benzylation of anisole.
Kalorienfreie Süße aus Labor und Natur
Authors: Roth Klaus , Lück Erich
Published: June 2012

Zu üppige und zu süße Ernährung bei zu wenig Bewegung führten zur starken Gewichtszunahme großer Teile der Bevölkerung. Heute stehen 10 zugelassene kalorienfreie Süßstoffe zur Verfügung, um den großen Bedarf zu decken. Keiner von ihnen ist ideal, aber optimale Mischungen zeigen eine so gute Geschmacksqualität, dass selbst Gourmets den Zucker in verschiedenen Essenszubereitungen ersetzen können. Kalorienfreie Süßstoffe sind, trotz ihres schlechten Rufs in den Medien, eine wirkliche Erfolgsgeschichte. Die Chemie hat sie möglich gemacht.
Indigo auf Speicherchips
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: June 2012

Bitte schön stone‐washed – Indigo ist seit Jahrtausenden als hervorragender Farbstoff für Textilien bekannt. Ganz neue Qualitäten scheint das Molekül jetzt in der Anwendung für eine nachhaltige und preiswerte Elektronik zu entfalten.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Device Closure of Very Large Secundum Atrial Septal Defects: A Comparison of Transcatheter vs Intraoperative Approaches
Authors: Guo Jin‐Jian , Luo Yu‐Kun , Chen Zhao‐Yang , Cao Hua , Yan Xiao‐Ping , Chen Hua , Peng Ya‐Fei , Lin Chao‐Gui , Chen Liang‐Long
Published: June 2012

Background:

Transcatheter device closure (TCDC) and intraoperative device closure (IODC) have emerged as minimally invasive methods in the treatment of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs), but the long‐term safety and efficacy remains uncertain for the large ASDs.

Hypothesis:

TCDC may be as safe and efficacious as IODC for closure of large ASDs in terms of long‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Ninety‐two patients who had ASDs with a defect diameter of ≥30 mm were included in this study. The patients received either TCDC (n = 42) or IODC (n = 50). An Amplatzer septal occluder was used in both groups. The dumbbell‐like device deploying technique was introduced in the TCDC group. Physical exams, electrocardiography, and echocardiography were performed preprocedurally and postprocedurally at the index follow‐up visits.

Results:

The procedural immediate success rate was 97.6% for TCDC and 98.0% for IODC (P = 0.328). The rate of periprocedural complications was 9.5% for TCDC and 28.0% for IODC (P = 0.026). The mean hospital stay was 7.5 ± 2.7 days for TCDC and 11.9 ± 3.8 days for IODC (P < 0.001). For the mean follow‐up of 5.4 ± 0.5 years, there were no cardiac deaths and late complications in either group. No significant residual shunts were documented, and symptoms were significantly improved in both groups. Right and left ventricular diameter, pulmonary artery diameter, and pulmonary systolic pressure were all significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The present study confirmed the long‐term safety and efficacy for closing a large ASD either by TCDC or IODC. Either of them could become an effective alternative to the surgery for large ASD closure.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Iron Resonant Photoemission Spectroscopy on Anodized Hematite Points to Electron Hole Doping during Anodization
Authors: Braun Artur , Chen Qianli , Flak Dorota , Fortunato Giuseppino , Gajda‐Schrantz Krisztina , Grätzel Michael , Graule Thomas , Guo Jinghua , Huang Tzu‐Wen , Liu Zhi , Popelo Anastasiya V. , Sivula Kevin , Wadati Hiroki , Wyss Pradeep P. , Zhang Liang , Zhu Junfa
Published: June 2012

Anodization of α‐Fe2O3 (hematite) electrodes in alkaline electrolyte under constant potential conditions the electrode surface in a way that an additional current wave occurs in the cyclic voltammogram. The energy position of this current wave is closely below the potential of the anodization treatment. Continued cycling or exchanging of the electrolyte causes depletion of this new feature. The O 1s and Fe 2p core‐level X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of such conditioned hematite exhibit a chemical shift towards higher binding energies, in line with the general perception that anodization generates oxide species with dielectric properties. The valence band XPS and particularly the iron resonant valence band photoemission spectra, however, are shifted towards the opposite direction, that is, towards the Fermi energy, suggesting that hole doping on hematite has taken place during anodization. Quantitative analysis of the Fe 2p resonant valence band photoemission spectra shows that the spectra obtained at the Fe 2p absorption threshold are shifted by virtually the same energy as the anodization potential towards the Fermi energy. The tentative interpretation of this observation is that anodization forms a surface film on the hematite that is specific to the anodization potential.
Directionality of Dihydrogen Bonds: The Role of Transition Metal Atoms
Authors: Filippov Oleg A. , Belkova Natalia V. , Epstein Lina M. , Lledos Agusti , Shubina Elena S.
Published: June 2012

A theoretical study on two series of electron‐rich group 8 hydrides is carried out to evaluate involvement of the transition metal in dihydrogen bonding. To this end, the structural and electronic parameters are computed at the DFT/B3PW91 level for hydrogen‐bonded adducts of [(PP3)MH2] and [Cp*MH(dppe)] (M=Fe, Ru, Os; PP3=κ4‐P(CH2CH2PPh2)3, dppe= κ2‐Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) with CF3CH2OH (TFE) as proton donor. The results are compared with those of adduct [Cp2NbH3]⋅TFE featuring a “pure” dihydrogen bond, and classical hydrogen bonds in pyridine⋅TFE and Me3N⋅TFE. Deviation of the H⋅⋅⋅HA fragment from linearity is shown to originate from the metal participation in dihydrogen bonding. The latter is confirmed by the electronic parameters obtained by NBO and AIM analysis. Considered together, orbital interaction energies and hydrogen bond ellipticity are salient indicators of this effect and allow the MH⋅⋅⋅HA interaction to be described as a bifurcate hydrogen bond. The impact of the M⋅⋅⋅HA interaction is shown to increase on descending the group, and this explains the experimental trends in mechanisms of proton‐transfer reactions via MH⋅⋅⋅HA intermediates. Strengthening of the M⋅⋅⋅H interaction in the case of electron‐rich 5d metal hydrides leads to direct proton transfer to the metal atom.
Efficient Excitation‐Energy Transfer in Ion‐Based Organic Nanoparticles with Versatile Tunability of the Fluorescence Colours
Authors: Yao Hiroshi , Ashiba Koji
Published: June 2012

Organic nanoparticles consisting of 3,3′‐diethylthiacyanine (TC) and ethidium (ETD) dyes are synthesized by ion‐association between the cationic dye mixture (10 % ETD doping) and the tetrakis(4‐fluorophenyl)borate (TFPB) anion, in the presence of a neutral stabilizing polymer, in aqueous solution. Doping with ETD makes the particle size smaller than without doping. Size tuning can also be conducted by varying the molar ratio (ρ) of the loaded anion to the cationic dyes. The fluorescence spectrum of TC shows good overlap with the absorption of ETD in the 450–600 nm wavelength region, so efficient excitation‐energy transfer from TC (donor) to ETD (acceptor) is observed, yielding organic nanoparticles whose fluorescence colours are tunable. Upon ETD doping, the emission colour changes significantly from greenish‐blue to reddish or whitish. This change is mainly dependent on ρ. For the doped nanoparticle sample with ρ=1, the intensity of fluorescence ascribed to ETD is ∼150‐fold higher than that from pure ETD nanoparticles (efficient antenna effect). Non‐radiative Förster resonance‐energy transfer (FRET) is the dominant mechanism for the ETD fluorescence enhancement. The organic nanoparticles of a binary dye system fabricated by the ion‐association method act as efficient light‐harvesting antennae, which are capable of transferring light energy to the dopant acceptors in very close proximity to the donors, and can have multi‐wavelength emission colours with high fluorescence quantum yields.