bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back. The Serbian Path to Europe at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Prelić Mladena
Published: June 2013

In most eastern European countries, consensus on EU integration was reached relatively easily. In Serbia, however, the political and intellectual elites are still reluctant to make definite decisions with respect to EU integration. This paper analyzes public discourse, its possible contextual meanings, and its relation to the public opinion polls on this issue. The findings offer a particular perspective on the slow and still far from completed process of Serbian integration into the European Union.
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Za večino vzhodnoevropskih držav je značilno, da so razmeroma zlahka dosegle javni konsenz o integraciji v Evropsko unijo. V Srbiji pa politične in intelektualne elite še vedno omahujejo o dokončni odločitvi za evropsko integracijo. V prispevku avtorica analizira javne diskurze, njihove možne pomene in jih primerja z rezultati raziskav javnega mnenja, ki obravnavajo ta vprašanja. Avtoričina namera je z izbranega gledišča nekoliko osvetliti nedokončan in počasen proces vključevanja Srbije v Evropsko unijo.
Aplicación de tomografía de refracción sísmica y análisis de microtremores como técnicas de prospección geofísicas en estudios geotécnicos en edificación
Authors: Pérez C. , Mateo M. , Maciá A.
Published: June 2013

Aunque el CTE posibilita la aplicación de técnicas de prospección geofísicas como información complementaria a sondeos mecánicos para la caracterización geotécnica del terreno, su utilización en edificación está poco generalizada haciendo pertinente estudios que analicen las ventajas de su uso. Este artículo expone el análisis comparativo de los resultados obtenidos mediante una campaña experimental con técnicas de prospección geofísicas y tradicionales. La metodología empleada ha consistido en la caracterización de un terreno mediante tomografía de refracción sísmica con análisis de microtremores y sondeos mecánicos, comparándolos con los datos obtenidos durante la ejecución posterior de un recalce de cimentación en el mismo emplazamiento. Los resultados han permitido evaluar las limitaciones de cada método y ventajas de su combinación. En conclusión, la aplicación de técnicas de prospección geofísicas complementarias a sondeos mecánicos ha contribuido a una mejor caracterización geotécnica del terreno, mejorando la planificación y estimación de costes del proyecto de edificación.
Las yeserías del Patio del Sol del Real Alcázar de Sevilla: Caracterización y cronología
Authors: Blasco F. J. , Alejandre F. J.
Published: June 2013

En esta investigación se realiza un estudio interdisciplinario que tiene como finalidad discernir la originalidad de las yeserías mudéjares del Patio del Sol del Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Para ello se ha trabajado con una doble metodología: una histórica sintética, basada en el análisis y relación de la documentación gráfica e historiográfica existente de este Patio, y otra de caracterización del material de las yeserías, mediante las técnicas instrumentales de FRX, DRX, datación por radiocarbono de fibras vegetales y el análisis gravimétrico del residuo insoluble en agua. La comparación de la composición química, mineralógica y porcentaje de residuo insoluble realizado a tres muestras de yeserías en las que se han observado distintas texturas, sumado a la datación mediante C-14 efectuada a una de ellas, junto al conocimiento de las fuentes históricas y documentales, han permitido identificar y acotar las zonas originales mudéjares de los siglos XIII y XIV y las restauradas del siglo XX.
Bóvedas de madera: características constructivas y consideraciones estructurales de las bóvedas encamonadas edificadas en Castilla
Authors: Hurtado P.
Published: June 2013

A finales del siglo XVI hacen su aparición en Castilla las técnicas encamonadas para la ejecución de cúpulas y bóvedas. En los dos siglos venideros innumerables bóvedas encamonadas se levantarán en tierras castellanas. Muchas de estas construcciones se perderían posteriormente, como consecuencia de incendios, guerras e incluso restauraciones que las eliminaron con el argumento de dejar a la vista armaduras de mayor antigu.edad. El presente trabajo trata de mostrar las características constructivas de estas bóvedas a partir de su descripción en tratados de arquitectura, documentos de archivo y casos concretos observados. Se pretende además establecer consideraciones para el estudio de su comportamiento estructural.
Aportaciones al análisis constructivo de fábricas antiguas: La capilla de La Antigua de San Miguel en Morón (1538)
Authors: Pinto F.
Published: June 2013

Las obras de restauración sobre construcciones antiguas es un momento indispensable para el conocimiento del legado constructivo que permanece oculto en ellas, sobre todo cuando son resultado de reformas y ampliaciones históricas. El conocimiento de las soluciones en muros, arcos y bóvedas de piedra adoptadas por los constructores, la lógica constructiva seguida y las técnicas aplicadas, es indispensable para comprender su comportamiento estructural, las causas de las lesiones perceptibles, y proceder a su correcta evaluación. Durante la restauración de la capilla de La Antigua, adosada al templo de San Miguel en Morón, hemos podido observar este legado y confirmar hasta que punto era necesario su conocimiento interrelacionando diversas fuentes como la información obtenida mediante su levantamiento gráfico, la lectura de la secuencia constructiva, los estudios geotécnicos y documentales, así como el análisis de los sistemas gráficos de control formal que permitieron su trazado, conocidos por tratados y manuscritos de Arquitectura.
La evolución de las estructuras laminares; innovaciones de Ildefonso Sánchez del Río
Authors: Cassinello P.
Published: June 2013

El legado de Ildefonso Sánchez del Río Pisón (1898-1980) contiene algunas de las más pioneras estructuras laminares españolas. Es un hecho que la “Aventura Laminar de la Arquitectura Moderna” empezó cuando él proyectó y construyó sus primeros trabajos en España (1924). En el contexto internacional de la década de los años veinte, el hormigón armado estaba todavía en desarrollo. La primera estructura laminar fue construida por Dyckerhoff and Widman en Jena. Alemania (1922-1925). Ildefonso Sánchez buscó un método sencillo de diseño. Finalmente, encontró su propio e innovador sistema, que estaba basado en un método similar al de las bóvedas nervadas del Gótico. Usó este sistema para construir diferentes estructuras laminares, como el Palacio de Deportes de Oviedo, España (90 m luz). Este artículo contiene algunos de los resultados de la investigación que he realizado sobre el trabajo de Sánchez del Río y su repercusión en el contexto internacional.
Employee perceptions of risks and rewards in terms of corporate entrepreneurship participation
Authors: Nikolov Kristo , Urban Boris
Published: June 2013

Orientation: Early studies recognise how important corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is to achieving sustainable competitive advantage.Research purpose: With the scope of CE widening, organisations that lack prior entrepreneurial recognition are adopting CE in order to survive and succeed in increasingly competitive and financially constrained environments.Motivation for the study: By using conjoint analysis, the study is able to determine empirically which criteria organisations use, when they decide to participate in CE activities, are significant.Research design, approach and method: The authors used conjoint analysis. It simulates real life situations where it presents and tests various scenarios in terms of combinations of attributes and levels of intensity that influence decisions to participate in CE.Main findings: The results show that the most important attribute that influences the decision to participate in CE is the probability of venture success. Financial reward follows closely. As expected, job risk, pay risk and exerted effort are deterrents to CE participation.Practical/managerial implications: The study provides guidance to managers and leaders interested in motivating their employees to undertake CE activities. The results give direction to employees by offering them different scenarios of incentives and commensurate risks when they participate in CE.Contribution/value-add: This is one of the first studies to test empirically the likelihood of CE participation in terms of conjoint analysis. It provides managers with a dashboard of possible attributes, according to which they can devise optimal incentive strategies.
Hormone Receptors and Age Distribution in Breast Cancer Patients at a University Hospital in Northern Egypt
Authors: Hussein Osama , Mosbah Mahmoud , Farouk Omar , Farag Kamel , El-Saed Aiman , Arafa Mohammad , Abdallah Ahmed
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Egyptian women. The disease is often advanced at diagnosis. Since molecular profiling is not feasible in routine practice, we sought to examine the association of age distribution with hormone receptor profile, disease stage and outcome among Egyptian women.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of breast cancer patients treated at Mansoura University Cancer Center in the Nile Delta from 2006 through 2011. Age groups were examined in relation to hormone receptors status and tumor clinicopathological criteria. Additionally, the effect of receptor status on disease relapse and disease-free survival was examined with logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

A total of 263 patients were included in the current analysis. About 66.9% (n = 176) of patients were hormone receptor positive, 14.1% (n = 37) were Her2/neu positive, and 19.0% (n = 50) were triple negative. Median age of the patients was 52 years and was equal across all receptor status types. Triple negative status correlated with increased risk of disease relapse (odds ratio = 1.8, P = 0.03) and with shortened disease-free survival (hazards ratio = 2.6, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The age distribution and receptor status pattern in the Nile Delta region does not explain the aggressive behavior of the disease. The age of the patients at diagnosis is older than patients in earlier studies from Egypt emphasizing the importance of implementing mammographic screening programs.
Correlation between Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Plasma Levels in Autistic Children
Authors: Russo Anthony J.
Published: June 2013

There is much support for the role of Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the etiology of autism. Recent research has shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulates GABAergic inhibition and seizure susceptibility. This study was designed to determine and correlate plasma levels of HGF, GABA, as well as symptom severity, in autistic children and neurotypical controls. Plasma from 48 autistic children and 29 neurotypical controls was assessed for HGF and GABA concentration using ELISAs. Symptom severity was assessed in these autistic individuals and compared to HGF and GABA concentrations. We previously reported that autistic children had significantly decreased levels of HGF. In this study, the same autistic children had significantly increased plasma levels of GABA ( P = 0.002) and decreased HGF levels correlated with these increased GABA levels (r = 0.3; P = 0.05). High GABA levels correlated with increasing hyperactivity (r = 0.6; P = 0.0007) and impulsivity severity (r = 0.5; P = 0.007), tip toeing severity (r = 0.35; P = 0.03), light sensitivity (r = 0.4; P = 0.02), and tactile sensitivity (r = 0.4; P = 0.01). HGF levels did not correlate significantly with any symptom severity. These results suggest an association between HGF and GABA levels and suggest that plasma GABA levels are related to symptom severity in autistic children.
A Fatal Case of Relapsing Pneumonia Caused by Legionella pneumophila in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis After Two Injections of Adalimumab
Authors: Hayashi Masatoshi , Kuraishi Hiroshi , Masubuchi Takeshi , Furihata Kaneyuki , Aida Yuka , Kobayakawa Tomonori , Deguchi Masao , Kojima Toshihisa , Ishiguro Naoki , Kanamono Toshihisa
Published: June 2013

We present a rare fatal case of relapsing pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis after only two injections of adalimumab. A 78-year-old Japanese woman with a 14-year history of rheumatoid arthritis was prescribed adalimumab because her disease activity remained high. However, 8 days after her second injection of adalimumab, she was admitted to our hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia caused by L. pneumophila. Following intravenous antibiotic therapy, she recovered completely from pneumonia and was discharged on day 10, but pneumonia relapsed, resulting in death 79 days after the first episode of pneumonia. L. pneumophila can lead to recurrence of pneumonia that can ultimately prove fatal, similar to the present case. A review of the pertinent literature is also presented.
rbrothers: R Package for Bayesian Multiple Change-Point Recombination Detection
Authors: Irvahn Jan , Chattopadhyay Sujay , Sokurenko Evgeni V. , Minin Vladimir N.
Published: June 2013

Phylogenetic recombination detection is a fundamental task in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology. Most of the computational tools developed to attack this important problem are not integrated into the growing suite of R packages for statistical analysis of molecular sequences. Here, we present an R package, rbrothers, that makes a Bayesian multiple change-point model, one of the most sophisticated model-based phylogenetic recombination tools, available to R users. Moreover, we equip the Bayesian change-point model with a set of pre- and post- processing routines that will broaden the application domain of this recombination detection framework. Specifically, we implement an algorithm that forms the set of input trees required by multiple change-point models. We also provide functionality for checking Markov chain Monte Carlo convergence and creating estimation result summaries and graphics. Using rbrothers, we perform a comparative analysis of two Salmonella enterica genes, fimA and fimH, that encode major and adhesive subunits of the type 1 fimbriae, respectively. We believe that rbrothers, available at R-Forge: http://evolmod.r-forge.r-project.org/ , will allow researchers to incorporate recombination detection into phylogenetic workflows already implemented in R.
NW European shelf under climate warming: implications for open ocean – shelf exchange, primary production, and carbon absorption
Authors: Gröger M. , Maier-Reimer E. , Mikolajewicz U. , Moll A. , Sein D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Shelves have been estimated to account for more than one-fifth of the global marine primary production. It has been also conjectured that shelves strongly influence the oceanic absorption of anthropogenic CO2 (carbon shelf pump). Owing to their coarse resolution, currently applied global climate models are inappropriate to investigate the impact of climate change on shelves and regional models do not account for the complex interaction with the adjacent open ocean. In this study, a global ocean general circulation model and biogeochemistry model were set up with a distorted grid providing a maximal resolution for the NW European shelf and the adjacent northeast Atlantic. Using model climate projections we found that already a~moderate warming of about 2.0 K of the sea surface is linked with a reduction by ~ 30% of the biological production on the NW European shelf. If we consider the decline of anthropogenic riverine eutrophication since the 1990s, the reduction of biological production amounts is even larger. The relative decline of NW European shelf productivity is twice as strong as the decline in the open ocean (~ 15%). The underlying mechanism is a spatially well confined stratification feedback along the continental shelf break. This feedback reduces the nutrient supply from the deep Atlantic to about 50%. In turn, the reduced productivity draws down CO2 absorption in the North Sea by ~ 34% at the end of the 21st century compared to the end of the 20th century implying a strong weakening of shelf carbon pumping. Sensitivity experiments with diagnostic tracers indicate that not more than 20% of the carbon absorbed in the North Sea contributes to the long-term carbon uptake of the world ocean. The rest remains within the ocean's mixed layer where it is exposed to the atmosphere. The predicted decline in biological productivity, and decrease of phytoplankton concentration (in the North Sea by averaged 25%) due to reduced nutrient imports from the deeper Atlantic will probably affect the local fish stock negatively and therefore fisheries in the North Sea.
Presence of Prochlorococcus in the aphotic waters of the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Jiao N. , Luo T. , Zhang R. , Yan W. , Lin Y. , Johnson Z. I. , Tian J. , Yuan D. , Yang Q. , Sun J. , Hu D. , Wang P.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Prochlorococcus, the smallest but most abundant marine primary producer, plays an important role in carbon cycling of the global ocean. As a phototroph, Prochlorococcus is thought to be confined to the euphotic zone, with commonly observed maximum depths of ∼150–200 m. But here we show, using flow cytometry and cellular ribosomal content, for the first time the presence of abundant and active Prochlorococcus in the dark ocean ("deep Prochlorococcus" hereafter). Intensive studies at the Luzon strait in the western Pacific Ocean show that the deep Prochlorococcus populations are exported from the euphotic zone. Multiple physical processes including internal solitary waves could be responsible for the transportation. The unexpected abundance of the tiny phototrophs in the dark ocean reveals a novel mechanism for picoplankton carbon export other than the known mechanisms such as sinking of phytodetritus and aggregates or grazing-mediated transportation. Such direct transportation of picoplanktonic phototrophs from surface to deep waters is poorly understood, but could significantly contribute to both the biological pump (through particulate organic carbon) and the microbial carbon pump (through release of dissolved organic carbon from microbial processes) for carbon sequestration in the ocean.
Heterogeneity of impacts of high CO2 on the North Western European Shelf
Authors: Artioli Y. , Blackford J. C. , Nondal G. , Bellerby R. G. J. , Wakelin S. L. , Holt J.T. , Butenschön M. , Allen J. I.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The increase in atmospheric CO2 is a dual threat to the marine environment: from one side it drives climate change leading to changes in water temperature, circulation patterns and stratification intensity; on the other side it causes a decrease in pH (Ocean Acidification or OA) due to the increase in dissolved CO2. Assessing the combined impact of climate change and OA on marine ecosystems is a challenging task: the response of the ecosystem to a single driver is highly variable and still uncertain, as well as the interaction between these that could be either synergistic or antagonistic. In this work we use the coupled oceanographic-ecosystem model POLCOMS-ERSEM driven by climate forcing to study the interaction between climate change and OA. We focus in particular on primary production and nitrogen speciation. The model has been run in three different configurations in order to separate the impacts of ocean acidification from those due to climate change. The model shows significant interaction among the drivers and high variability in the spatial response of the ecosystem. Impacts of climate change and of OA on primary production have similar magnitude, compensating in some area and exacerbating in others. On the contrary, the direct impact of OA on nitrification is much lower than the one imposed by climate change.
Water displacement by sewer infrastructure in the Grote Nete catchment, Belgium, and its hydrological regime effects
Authors: Vrebos D. , Vansteenkiste T. , Staes J. , Willems P. , Meire P.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Urbanization and especially impervious areas, in combination with wastewater treatment infrastructure, can exert several pressures on the hydrological cycle. These pressures were studied for the Grote Nete catchment in Belgium (8.18% impervious area and 3.89% effective impervious area), based on a combination of empirical and model-based approaches. The effective impervious area, combined with the extent of the wastewater collection regions which do not coincide with the natural catchment boundaries, was used as an indicator for the urbanization pressure. Our study revealed changes in the total upstream areas of the subcatchments between −16% and +3%, and in upstream impervious areas between −99% and +64%. These changes lead to important inter-catchment water transfers. Based on simulations with a physically-based and spatially-distributed hydrological catchment model, profound impacts of effective impervious area on infiltration and runoff were found. The model results show that the changes in impervious areas and related water displacements in and between catchments due to the installation of the wastewater treatment infrastructure severely impacted low flows, peak flows and seasonal trends. They moreover show that it is difficult, but of utmost importance, to incorporate these pressures and artificial processes in an accurate way during the development of hydrological models for urbanized catchments.
A simple model for the estimation of the number of fatalities due to floods in Central Europe
Authors: Brazdova M. , Riha J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this paper a model for the estimation of the number of potential fatalities is proposed based on data from 19 past floods in Central Europe. First, the factors contributing to human losses during river floods are listed and assigned to the main risk factors: hazard – exposure – vulnerability. The order of significance of individual factors has been compiled by pairwise comparison based on experience with real flood events. A comparison with factors used in existing models for the estimation of fatalities during floods shows good agreement with the significant factors identified in this study. The most significant factors affecting the number of human losses in floods have been aggregated into three groups and subjected to correlation analysis. A close-fitting regression dependence is proposed for the estimation of loss of life and calibrated using data from selected real floods in Central Europe. The application of the proposed model for the estimation of fatalities due to river floods is shown via a flood risk assessment for the locality of Krnov in the Czech Republic.
Ocean state indicators from MyOcean altimeter products
Authors: Bessières L. , Rio M. H. , Dufau C. , Boone C. , Pujol M. I.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The European MyOcean project (http://www.myocean.eu.org) provides observations of the ocean dynamic topography from altimeter measurements. Three specific indicators have been developed, based on altimeter data only, in order to monitor the ocean state. The first ocean indicator observes the positive and negative phases of the ENSO events in the tropical Pacific, the El Niño/La Niña events, since 1992. The second ocean indicator tracks the contracted or extended state of the Kuroshio Extension. The last ocean indicator is dedicated to the Ionian Basin in the Mediterranean Sea and permits separation of "zonal-cyclonic" state (1998–2005 and since 2011 up to now) from the "anticyclonic" state (1993–1996) usually discussed in the literature. In addition, it allows identifying a third state in which both the anticyclonic circulation around the northern part of the basin and the strong zonal Mid-Ionian Jet co-exist (2008–2010).
Developing High-Fidelity Hepatotoxicity Models From Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Medine Claire N. , Lucendo-Villarin Baltasar , Storck Christopher , Wang Faye , Szkolnicka Dagmara , Khan Ferdous , Pernagallo Salvatore , Black James R. , Marriage Howard M. , Ross James A. , Bradley Mark , Iredale John P. , Flint Oliver , Hay David C.
Published: June 2013

Faithfully recapitulating human physiology “in a dish” from a renewable source remains a holy grail for medicine and pharma. Many procedures have been described that, to a limited extent, exhibit human tissue-specific function in vitro. In particular, incomplete cellular differentiation and/or the loss of cell phenotype postdifferentiation play a major part in this void. We have developed an interdisciplinary approach to address this problem, using skill sets in cell biology, materials chemistry, and pharmacology. Pluripotent stem cells were differentiated to hepatocytes before being replated onto a synthetic surface. Our approach yielded metabolically active hepatocyte populations that displayed stable function for more than 2 weeks in vitro. Although metabolic activity was an important indication of cell utility, the accurate prediction of cellular toxicity in response to specific pharmacological compounds represented our goal. Therefore, detailed analysis of hepatocellular toxicity was performed in response to a custom-built and well-defined compound set and compared with primary human hepatocytes. Importantly, stem cell-derived hepatocytes displayed equivalence to primary human material. Moreover, we demonstrated that our approach was capable of modeling metabolic differences observed in the population. In conclusion, we report that pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes will model toxicity predictably and in a manner comparable to current gold standard assays, representing a major advance in the field.
Pluripotent Stem Cells in Translation: A Food and Drug Administration-National Institutes of Health Collaboration
Authors: Kleitman Naomi , Rao Mahendra S. , Owens David F.
Published: June 2013

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the stem cell research community have collaborated on a series of workshops that address moving pluripotent stem cell therapies into the clinic. The first two workshops in the series focused on preclinical science, and a third, future workshop will focus on clinical trials. This summary addresses major points from both of the recent preclinically focused meetings. When entering into a therapeutics developmental program based on pluripotent cells, investigators must make decisions at the very early stages that will have major ramifications during later phases of development. Presentations and discussions from both invited participants and FDA staff described the need to characterize and document the quality, variability, and suitability of the cells and commercial reagents used at every translational stage. This requires consideration of future regulatory requirements, ranging from donor eligibility of the original source material to the late-stage manufacturing protocols. Federal, industrial, and academic participants agreed that planning backward is the best way to anticipate what evidence will be needed to justify human testing of novel therapeutics and to eliminate wasted efforts.
Ruinas del imaginario nacional argentino: contar Malvinas
Authors: Bruña Bragado María José , Mira Delli-Zotti Guillermo
Published: June 2013

Resumen: No es posible una aproximación teórica unívoca a la guerra de las Malvinas, ya que el conflicto está ligado a diferentes y contradictorios sentidos y constituye uno de los más reveladores ejemplos de control “biopolítico” de nuestra historia reciente. La ficción arroja alguna luz sobre los agujeros del conflicto y procedimientos como la parodia, la farsa y la alegoría pueden renovar nuestra mirada sobre los acontecimientos del pasado reciente. Por ello nos proponemos una lectura política y literaria de algunas novelas que representan la guerra, especialmente de Los pichiciegos (Fogwill, 1982).Palabras clave: Malvinas, Biopolítica, Historia, Ficción, MemoriaAbstract: There is not possible an univocal theorical approach about Malvinas or Falklands War. Testimonial Literature, Historical or Anthropological Studies seem to be unsatisfactory to explain the paradoxes attached to Malvinas events. Fiction can help us and Parody, Farce and Allegory are the main literary modalities that can renew our looks about recent past events. In this sense we propose a political and literary reading on some Malvinas’s novels, especially Los pichiciegos (Fogwill, 1982). Key Words: Falkland Islands, Biopolitics, History, Fiction, Memory.
Patient Perspectives on Achieving Treat‐to‐Target Goals: A Critical Examination of Patient‐Reported Outcomes
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Shan Ying , Harrold Leslie , Zhang Jie , Greenberg Jeffrey D. , Reed George W.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Treat‐to‐target (T2T) recommendations suggest that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients should strive for remission or low disease activity (LDA). However, it is unclear whether patients experiencing a good response to biologic agents might experience further improvement in patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) if they subsequently achieve a lower disease activity state, particularly the T2T goals of LDA or remission.

Methods

Using the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America database, we identified RA patients initiating biologic agents. We restricted the analysis to patients with improvement (Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI] improvement of ≥10 units) at 3–6 months (baseline visit; n = 1,368) with a followup visit approximately 9 months later (n = 984). Patients in CDAI remission or with a worsened disease activity category were excluded, leaving 562 eligible patients. PROs (global assessment, pain, and fatigue by 0–10 visual analog scales and disability by the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire [M‐HAQ]) were examined at these 2 visits. Mean change in PROs compared achievement of a lower disease activity category versus staying in the same disease activity category, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Patients who achieved a lower disease activity category (40% of the eligible cohort, 86% of these achieving LDA or remission) had significantly better improvement in patient pain (−14.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −18.4, −11.6), patient global (−17.5; 95% CI −20.8, −14.3), fatigue (−8.5; 95% CI −15.8, −1.3), and M‐HAQ score (−0.13; 95% CI −0.18, −0.08) compared to patients who stayed in the same disease activity category. However, even for patients improving, fewer than half exceeded the minimum clinically important difference for each PRO.

Conclusion

Achievement of a lower disease activity disease state, especially T2T goals, was associated with further improvement in PROs, albeit modest in magnitude.
Biomimetic Coatings to Control Cellular Function through Cell Surface Engineering
Authors: Drachuk Irina , Gupta Maneesh K. , Tsukruk Vladimir V.
Published: June 2013

Biologically inspired materials and structures with tailored biological, physical, and chemical properties provide an indispensable platform to actively modulate and protect cell function in hostile and synthetic environments (e.g., devices or matrices). Herein, recent innovations are discussed in cell surface engineering methods based on bulk hydrogels, microgels, and ultrathin capsules derived from inorganic, polymeric, biomolecular, or nanoparticle materials applicable to various protective and interaction mediating applications. These biomimetic cell coatings can dramatically increase cell viability and stability in a hostile environment and expand their applicability for demanding biomedical, biotechnology, and bioelectronics applications. Some of the most recent studies of traditional inorganic and organic gels, polymeric and biomolecular microgels, and ultrathin conformal soft shells from polymers and proteins are also discussed. Proper selection of chemical composition and assembly conditions has potential to dramatically enhance viability of encapsulated cells by increasing their mechanical stability, masking the cell surface from immunological agents, increasing mechanical stability, and providing chemical resistance to aggressive environments. Some recent examples of such robust and viable protected cells for biotechnology and bioelectronics are presented.
Integrating Multiple Resistive Memory Devices on a Single Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Brunel David , Anghel Costin , Kim Do‐Yoon , Tahir Saïd , Lenfant Stéphane , Filoramo Arianna , Kontos Takis , Vuillaume Dominique , Jourdain Vincent , Derycke Vincent
Published: June 2013

Nano‐objects would be of great interest for the development of new types of electronic circuits if one could combine their nanometer scale with original functionalities beyond the conventional transistor action. However, the associated circuit architectures will have to handle the increasing variability and defect rate intrinsic to the nanoscale. In this context, there is a very fast growing interest for memory devices, and in particular resistive memory devices, used as building blocks in reconfigurable circuits tolerant to defects and variability. It was recently shown that optically gated carbon nanotube field effect transistors (OG‐CNTFETs) based on large assemblies of nanotubes covered by an organic photoconductive thin film can be operated as programmable resistors and thus used as artificial synapses in circuits with function‐learning capabilities. Here, the potential of such approach is evaluated in terms of scalability by integrating and addressing several individually programmable resistances on a single carbon nanotube. In addition, the charge storage mechanism can be controlled at a length scale smaller than the device length allowing to also program the direction in which the current flows. It thus demonstrates that a single nanotube section can combine all‐in‐one the properties of an analog resistive memory and of a rectifying diode with tunable polarity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Metal Complexes and Their Catalytic Activity in Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M.
Published: June 2013

A new polymeric ligand, 4,7‐dihydroxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline/formaldehyde polymeric ligand [poly‐(DHPF)], was synthesized via the polycondensation of 4,7‐dihydroxy‐1,10‐phenanthroline and formaldehyde in an acidic medium. Polymer metal complexes, poly‐[DHPF‐M(II)Cl2], were subsequently prepared with Co(II) and Ni(II) ions. The synthesized polymers were characterized by elemental and spectral analyses. The polymer metal complexes were evaluated as catalyst precursors for ethylene oligomerization, using methylaluminoxane as an activator. Different Al/M [M = Co(II) and Ni(II)] ratios were investigated at two different ethylene pressures. Poly‐[DHPF‐Co(II)Cl2] (C1) and poly‐([DHPF‐Ni(II)Cl2] (C2) were isolated as blue and green solids, respectively. Complex C2 was found to be a more effective precatalyst than C1 in the presence of a cocatalyst. Thus, C2 exhibited the maximum activity of 1.92 × 106 g mol−1 (Ni) h−1 bar−1 with an Al/Ni ratio of 3000:1 at room temperature, whereas C1 exhibited a maximum activity of 1.87 × 106 g mol−1(Co) h−1 bar−1 with a 5‐atm pressure of ethylene. Upon increasing the Al/Co ratio at 1 atm pressure of ethylene, the catalytic activity of precatalyst increased and the process became more selective for higher oligomers. The catalytic activity and selectivity with 1‐decene using C1 were 3.16 × 105 g mol−1(Co) h−1 bar−1 and 72%, respectively, with 5 atm ethylene and an Al/Co ratio of 300:1. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21350; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21350
Effects of Li3+ and Ni9+ Ion Beams on Polyether Sulfone Polymer
Authors: Ramola R. C. , Semwal Anju , Negi Ambika , Joshi Veena , Singh Fouran
Published: June 2013

High‐energy ion beam irradiation of polymer is an effective technique to enhance the optical, structural, and mechanical properties. So polyether sulfone (PES) films were irradiated by lithium ions (energy 45 MeV, charge state 3+) and nickel ions (energy 120 MeV, charge state 9+) with fluence varying from 3 × 1010 to 3 × 1012 ions/cm2. Ion‐induced optical, structural, and surface modifications were studied by ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractrometer (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PES suffers degradation under irradiation. It is observed that the band gap of the polymer decreases with ion fluence. The decrease in the band gap was found to be more in the case of the Ni ion beam as compared to the Li ion beam. The intensity of the infrared bands, characteristics of different chemical functional groups are found to be decreased with swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. Significant loss of crystallinity was observed at higher fluences. Atomic force microscopy showed that the roughness of the polymer surface increased with increasing fluence © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21360; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21360
Relating Recombination, Density of States, and Device Performance in an Efficient Polymer:Fullerene Organic Solar Cell Blend
Authors: Hawks Steven A. , Deledalle Florent , Yao Jizhong , Rebois Dylan G. , Li Gang , Nelson Jenny , Yang Yang , Kirchartz Thomas , Durrant James R.
Published: June 2013

We explore the interrelation between density of states, recombination kinetics, and device performance in efficient poly[4,8‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐4‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy‐1‐one)thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐2,6‐diyl]:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PBDTTT‐C:PC71BM) bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells. We modulate the active‐layer density of states by varying the polymer:fullerene composition over a small range around the ratio that leads to the maximum solar cell efficiency (50–67 wt% PC71BM). Using transient and steady‐state techniques, we find that nongeminate recombination limits the device efficiency and, moreover, that increasing the PC71BM content simultaneously increases the carrier lifetime and drift mobility in contrast to the behavior expected for Langevin recombination. Changes in electronic properties with fullerene content are accompanied by a significant change in the magnitude or energetic separation of the density of localized states. Our comprehensive approach to understanding device performance represents significant progress in understanding what limits these high‐efficiency polymer:fullerene systems.
Plasma‐Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition of Ultrathin Oxide Coatings for Stabilized Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kim Hyea , Lee Jung Tae , Lee Dong‐Chan , Magasinski Alexandre , Cho Won‐il , Yushin Gleb
Published: June 2013

One of the most challenging problems in the development of lithium–sulfur batteries is polysulfide dissolution, which leads to cell overcharge and low columbic efficiency. Here, we propose the formation of a thin conformal Li‐ion permeable oxide layer on the sulfur‐carbon composite electrode surface by rapid plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) in order to prevent this dissolution, while preserving electrical connectivity within the individual electrode particles. PEALD synthesis offers a fast deposition rate combined with a low operating temperature, which allows sulfur evaporation during deposition to be avoided. After PEALD of a thin layer of aluminium oxide on the surface of electrode composed of large (ca. 10 μm in diameter) S‐infiltrated activated carbon fibers (S‐ACF), significantly enhanced cycle life is observed, with a capacity in excess of 600 mA·h·g−1 after 300 charge–discharge cycles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows a significant amount of redeposited lithium sulfides on the external surface of regular S‐ACF electrodes. However, the PEALD alumina‐coated electrodes show no lithium sulfide deposits on the fiber surface. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) studies of the electrodes’ chemical composition further confirms that PEALD alumina coatings dramatically reduce S dissolution from the cathodes by confining the polysulfides inside the alumina barrier.
Structural and Electrochemical Study of Al2O3 and TiO2 Coated Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 Cathode Material Using ALD
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Belharouak Ilias , Li Li , Lei Yu , Elam Jeffrey W. , Nie Anmin , Chen Xinqi , Yassar Reza S. , Axelbaum Richard L.
Published: June 2013

Nanolayers of Al2O3 and TiO2 coatings were applied to lithium‐ and manganese‐rich cathode powder Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The ALD coatings exhibited different surface morphologies; the Al2O3 surface film appeared to be uniform and conformal, while the TiO2 layers appeared as particulates across the material surface. In a Li‐cell, the Al2O3 surface film was stable during repeated charge and discharge, and this improved the cell cycling stability, despite a high surface impedance. The TiO2 layer was found to be more reactive with Li and formed a LixTiO2 interface, which led to a slight increase in cell capacity. However, the repetitive insertion/extraction process for the Li+ ions caused erosion of the surface protective TiO2 film, which led to degradation in cell performance, particularly at high temperature. For cells comprised of the coated Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 and an anode of meso‐carbon‐micro‐beads (MCMB), the cycling stability introduced by ALD was not enough to overcome the electrochemical instability of MCMB graphite. Therefore, protection of the cathode materials by ALD Al2O3 or TiO2 can address some of the capacity fading issues related to the Li‐rich cathode at room temperature.
Selectively Modified Cobyrinic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Proinsias Keith ó , Giedyk Maciej , Banach Łukasz , Rutkowska‐Zbik Dorota , Gryko Dorota
Published: June 2013

A method for the synthesis of cobinamide derivatives by aminolysis of cobyrinate (CN)2Cby(III)(OMe)6(c‐lactone) is described. Reactions catalyzed by a benzotriazole/1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) system afford heptaamides in good yields. During aminolysis of heptamethyl cobyrinate hydroxylation occurred at the C8 position. DFT calculations indicate that the CH bond at this position is the weakest and, as such, is the easiest to break. The use of (CN)2Cby(III)(OMe)6(c‐lactone) circumvented the problem, as the hydroxy group is already present at the 8 position and can be easily removed by c‐lactone reformation and subsequent reduction. Moreover, selective functionalization of heptaamides at either the c or meso position was also explored.
Reaktionen an Nucleinsäuretemplaten: mehr Methoden zur Übersetzung Oligonucleotid‐basierter Informationen in neue Funktionen
Authors: Gorska Katarzyna , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: June 2013

Die Programmierbarkeit der Oligonucleotid‐Erkennung bietet eine vielversprechende Plattform, um die Anordnung von Reaktanten zu steuern. Sowohl bei der Bandbreite chemischer Umwandlungen als auch beim funktionalen Ergebnis der Reaktion wurden kürzlich erhebliche Fortschritte erzielt. Hier fassen wir diese jüngsten Fortschritte zusammen und erläutern ihre Anwendungen, z. B. die Übersetzung von Oligonucleotid‐Informationen in Funktionsmaterialien und neuartige Architekturen (leitende Polymere, Nanomuster, neuartige Oligonucleotid‐Kreuzungen) oder – mithilfe zellulärer RNA – in fluoreszierende oder bioaktive Moleküle; zur Untersuchung von Sekundärstrukturen oder Oligonucleinsäuren; sowie in ein synthetisches Oligomer.
Reactions Templated by Nucleic Acids: More Ways to Translate Oligonucleotide‐Based Instructions into Emerging Function
Authors: Gorska Katarzyna , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: June 2013

The programmability of oligonucleotide recognition offers an attractive platform to direct the assembly of reactive partners that can engage in chemical reactions. Recently, significant progress has been made in both the breadth of chemical transformations and in the functional output of the reaction. Herein we summarize these recent progresses and illustrate their applications to translate oligonucleotide instructions into functional materials and novel architectures (conductive polymers, nanopatterns, novel oligonucleotide junctions); into fluorescent or bioactive molecule using cellular RNA; to interrogate secondary structures or oligonucelic acids; or a synthetic oligomer.
Enhanced Photodynamic Efficiency of an Aptamer‐Guided Fullerene Photosensitizer toward Tumor Cells
Authors: Liu Qiaoling , Xu Li , Zhang Xuejie , Li Nan , Zheng Junpeng , Guan Mirong , Fang Xiaohong , Wang Chunru , Shu Chunying
Published: June 2013

Fullerene‐based photosensitizers exhibit great potential in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Based on the high photodynamic efficacy of trimalonic acid‐modified C70 fullerene (TF70), we constructed an aptamer‐guided TF70 photosensitizer and investigated its photodynamic effect. Conjugation of the novel aptamer (named R13) could effectively enhance the PDT efficiency of TF70 against A549 lung cancer cells in the presence of serum. The lysosomal location of the TF70‐R13 conjugate inside cells facilitates the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can efficiently kill cells, under light irradiation. The enhanced photodynamic efficiency, along with its good biocompatibility in the dark, makes TF70‐R13 a highly promising photosensitizer for tumor‐specific PDT.
CNT@Fe3O4@C Coaxial Nanocables: One‐Pot, Additive‐Free Synthesis and Remarkable Lithium Storage Behavior
Authors: Cheng Jianli , Wang Bin , Park Cheol‐Min , Wu Yuping , Huang Hui , Nie Fude
Published: June 2013

By using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a shape template and glucose as a carbon precursor and structure‐directing agent, CNT@Fe3O4@C porous core/sheath coaxial nanocables have been synthesized by a simple one‐pot hydrothermal process. Neither a surfactant/ligand nor a CNT pretreatment is needed in the synthetic process. A possible growth mechanism governing the formation of this nanostructure is discussed. When used as an anode material of lithium‐ion batteries, the CNT@Fe3O4@C nanocables show significantly enhanced cycling performance, high rate capability, and high Coulombic efficiency compared with pure Fe2O3 particles and Fe3O4/CNT composites. The CNT@Fe3O4@C nanocables deliver a reversible capacity of 1290 mA h g−1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1, and maintain a reversible capacity of 690 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 2000 mA g−1. The improved lithium storage behavior can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the high electronic conductivity support and the inner CNT/outer carbon buffering matrix.
Tetra(p‐tolyl)borate‐Functionalized Solvent Polymeric Membrane: A Facile and Sensitive Sensing Platform for Peroxidase and Peroxidase Mimetics
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Qin Wei
Published: June 2013

The determination of peroxidase activities is the basis for enzyme‐labeled bioaffinity assays, peroxidase‐mimicking DNAzymes‐ and nanoparticles‐based assays, and characterization of the catalytic functions of peroxidase mimetics. Here, a facile, sensitive, and cost‐effective solvent polymeric membrane‐based peroxidase detection platform is described that utilizes reaction intermediates with different pKa values from those of substrates and final products. Several key but long‐debated intermediates in the peroxidative oxidation of o‐phenylenediamine (o‐PD) have been identified and their charge states have been estimated. By using a solvent polymeric membrane functionalized by an appropriate substituted tetraphenylborate as a receptor, those cationic intermediates could be transferred into the membrane from the aqueous phase to induce a large cationic potential response. Thus, the potentiometric indication of the o‐PD oxidation catalyzed by peroxidase or its mimetics can be fulfilled. Horseradish peroxidase has been detected with a detection limit at least two orders of magnitude lower than those obtained by spectrophotometric techniques and traditional membrane‐based methods. As an example of peroxidase mimetics, G‐quadruplex DNAzymes were probed by the intermediate‐sensitive membrane and a label‐free thrombin detection protocol was developed based on the catalytic activity of the thrombin‐binding G‐quadruplex aptamer.