bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction: In situ study of the catalytic mechanism for the oxygen reduction reaction on a polypyrrole modified carbon supported cobalt hydroxide cathode in direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Qin Haiying , Wang Juan , Liu Jiabin , He Yan , Li Zhoupeng , Yan Shuai , Li Aiguo , Yu Xiaohan
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘In situ study of the catalytic mechanism for the oxygen reduction reaction on a polypyrrole modified carbon supported cobalt hydroxide cathode in direct borohydride fuel cells' by Haiying Qin et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, 15, 9070–9074.
The loading of coordination complex modified polyoxometalate nanobelts on activated carbon fiber: a feasible strategy to obtain visible light active and highly efficient polyoxometalate based photocatalysts
Authors: Lu Tingting , Xu Xinxin , Li Huili , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Xia , Ou Jinzhao , Mei Mingliang
Published: December 2014

NCC/POM/ACF composite material was successfully fabricated, and displays excellent photocatalytic activity in visible light.
A highly active nanostructured metallic oxide cathode for aprotic Li–O2batteries
Authors: Kundu Dipan , Black Robert , Berg Erik Jämstorp , Nazar Linda F.
Published: December 2014

A new nanostructured metallic metal oxide shows excellent ORR/OER properties in a Li–air cell, and highlights the importance of controlling the cathode interface to achieve better Li–O2cell round-trip efficiency.
Efficient and selective carbon dioxide reduction on low cost protected Cu2O photocathodes using a molecular catalyst
Authors: Schreier Marcel , Gao Peng , Mayer Matthew T. , Luo Jingshan , Moehl Thomas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Tilley S. David , Grätzel Michael
Published: December 2014

A TiO2-protected Cu2O photocathode was paired with a molecular catalyst to drive the efficient and selective reduction of CO2 to CO.
Ferroelectric materials for solar energy conversion: photoferroics revisited
Authors: Butler Keith T. , Frost Jarvist M. , Walsh Aron
Published: December 2014

Ferroelectric materials offer opportunities for unconventional solar energy conversion.
Corrosion protection of iron using porous anodic oxide/conducting polymer composite coatings
Authors: Konno Yoshiki , Tsuji Etsushi , Aoki Yoshitaka , Ohtsuka Toshiaki , Habazaki Hiroki
Published: December 2014

Conducting polymers (CPs), including polypyrrole, have attracted attention for their potential in the protection of metals against corrosion; however, CP coatings have the limitation of poor adhesion to metal substrates. In this study, a composite coating, comprising a self-organized porous anodic oxide layer and a polypyrrole layer, has been developed on iron. Because of electropolymerization in the pores of the anodic oxide layer, the composite coating showed improved adhesion to the substrate along with prolonged corrosion protection in a NaCl aqueous corrosive environment. The anodic oxide layers are formed in a fluoride-containing organic electrolyte and contain a large amount of fluoride species. The removal of these fluoride species from the oxide layer and the metal/oxide interface region is crucial for improving the corrosion protection.
Inertial focusing of spherical particles in rectangular microchannels over a wide range of Reynolds numbers
Authors: Liu Chao , Hu Guoqing , Jiang Xingyu , Sun Jiashu
Published: December 2014

This work provides physical insight into the multiplex focusing of particles in rectangular microchannels with different geometries and Reynolds numbers.
CN: a consensus algorithm for inferring gene regulatory networks using the SORDER algorithm and conditional mutual information test
Authors: Aghdam Rosa , Ganjali Mojtaba , Zhang Xiujun , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: December 2014

Diagram of the CN algorithm.
Recombinant protein (EGFP-Protein G)-coated PbS quantum dots forin vitroandin vivodual fluorescence (visible and second-NIR) imaging of breast tumors
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Tsukasaki Yoshikazu , Komatsuzaki Akihito , Sakata Takao , Yasuda Hidehiro , Jin Takashi
Published: December 2014

We report a one-step synthetic strategy for the preparation of recombinant protein (EGFP-Protein G)-coated PbS quantum dots for dual (visible and second-NIR) fluorescence imaging of breast tumors.
Redox and acidic properties of chalcogenido-substituted mixed-metal polyoxoanions: a DFT study of α-[PW11O39ME]4− (M = Nb, Ta; E = O, S, Se)
Authors: Wu Cai Xia , Yan Li Kai , Zhang Ting , Su Zhong Min
Published: December 2014

Substitution of one O atom by S and Se atoms in POMs enhances the redox and acidic properties.
Organic melt, electride, and CVD induced in situ deposition of luminescent lanthanide imidazolate MOFs on nanostructured alumina
Authors: Meyer Larissa Valerie , Vogt Joachim , Schäfer Helmut , Steinhart Martin , Böttcher Rolf , Pöppl Andreas , Mai Marit , Feldmann Claus , Müller-Buschbaum Klaus
Published: December 2014

Highly luminescent MOF coatings were grown on nanostructured alumina membranes via melt, electride and CVD approaches.
Halolactones are potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: Han Xin , Wu Haoming , Dong Chune , Tien Po , Xie Wei , Wu Shuwen , Zhou Hai-Bing
Published: December 2014

Halolactones with an isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one core structure have been developed as efficient non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). The best compound13ashowed excellent potency against WT HIV-1 with a low EC50value of 0.45 μM.
One-step green synthesis of a ruthenium/graphene composite as a highly efficient catalyst
Authors: Zhao Jian , Hu Wenbin , Li Hongqi , Ji Min , Zhao Changzhi , Wang Zhaobo , Hu Haiqing
Published: December 2014

Ruthenium particles with an average size of 3.17 nm are uniformly anchored on supercritical water-reduced graphene oxide (WRG).
The upconversion and enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Er3+-doped tetragonal BiVO4
Authors: Yang Wei , Tan Guoqiang , Ren Huijun , Zhang Lili , Zhao Chengcheng , Xia Ao
Published: December 2014

Er3+-doped BiVO4 with tetragonal structure is prepared by the microwave hydrothermal method.
A novel coumarin based molecular switch for dual sensing of Zn(ii) and Cu(ii)
Authors: Sarkar Deblina , Pramanik Ajoy Kumar , Mondal Tapan Kumar
Published: December 2014

New coumarin based molecular switch for Zn2+ and Cu2+ presents a tunable system comprising of two INHIBIT logic gates with Zn2+ and Cu2+ or Zn2+ and EDTA as chemical inputs. IMPLICATION logic gate is obtained with Cu2+ and EDTA as chemical inputs.
Hierarchical porous Co3O4@CoxFe3−xO4film as an advanced electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Gu Yaohang , Jia Dandan , Peng Youshun , Song Shitao , Zhao Yongguang , Zhang Jianping , Wang Dongjun
Published: December 2014

Fabricating a delicate structure for water oxidation is critical for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts, which hold significant promise for energy conversion devices.
Aligning 3D nanofibrous networks from self-assembled phenylalanine nanofibers
Authors: Wang Xianfeng , Chen Yi Charlie , Li Bingyun
Published: December 2014

We report the application of freeze-drying, for the first time, to direct self-assembled l-phenylalanine (Phe) and diphenylalanine nanofibers into 3D well-aligned nanofibrous architectures, and to develop Phe-based nanofibrous composites.
Molybdate sulfuric acid (MSA): an efficient reusable catalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-1(2H)-ones under solvent-free conditions and evaluation of their in vitro bioassay
Authors: Reddy Mudumala Veeranarayana , Reddy Gangireddy Chandra Sekhar , Jeong Yeon Tae
Published: December 2014

The attractive features of this methodology are green and easy workability with high product yields. All the title compounds have good to excellent anti-oxidant and anticancer activity.
Preparation of mesoporous nanocrystalline alkali promoted chromium free catalysts (Fe2O3–Al2O3–NiO) for a high temperature water gas shift reaction
Authors: Meshkani Fereshteh , Rezaei Mehran
Published: December 2014

Alkali promoted-Fe–Al–Ni catalysts exhibited higher activity and lower methanation compared to the unpromoted Fe–Al–Ni catalyst in high temperature water gas shift reaction.
Deep eutectic solvent based on choline chloride and malonic acid as an efficient and reusable catalytic system for one-pot synthesis of functionalized pyrroles
Authors: Hu Hai-Chuan , Liu Yu-Heng , Li Bao-Le , Cui Zhen-Shui , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: December 2014

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on choline chloride and malonic acid was applied as catalyst and reaction medium for synthesis of pyrroles by one-pot, four-component reaction of amines, aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and nitromethane.
Enhanced proton conductivity of proton exchange membrane at low humidity based on poly(methacrylic acid)-loaded imidazole microcapsules
Authors: Yang Hao , Wu Hong , Shen Xiaohui , Cao Ying , Li Zhen , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: December 2014

Poly(methacrylic acid)-loaded imidazole microcapsules with high water retention property and significantly enhanced membrane proton conductivity at low humidity.
Effect of curing conversion on the water sorption, corrosion resistance and thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Wang Huiping , Liu Yi , Zhang Jie , Li Tian , Hu Zhongnan , Yu Yingfeng
Published: December 2014

Thermal mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of an epoxy resin correlated with the curing conversion. An optimized performance regime atca.85% of curing was found due to the balanced property of water sorption and crosslink density.
Solubility properties and spectral characterization of sulfur dioxide in ethylene glycol derivatives
Authors: Sun Shaoyang , Niu Yanxia , Sun Zuchen , Xu Qiuxia , Wei Xionghui
Published: December 2014

NMR with external references is applied in the mechanistic study of sulfur dioxide absorption.
Thermo-mechanical and dielectric properties of graphene reinforced caprolactam cardanol based benzoxazine–epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Sethuraman K. , Alagar M.
Published: December 2014

In the present work a new type of benzoxazine was synthesized using caproamine with cardanol and the molecular structure was characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.
Effect of the heat-induced whey proteins/κ-casein complex on the acid gelation of yak milk
Authors: Xu Weiyi , He Shenghua , Ma Ying , Zhang Yixin , Wang Rongchun
Published: December 2014

The soluble whey protein/κ-casein complexes were predominant in changing the rheological properties of yak milk yoghurt.
Compressible graphene aerogel supported CoO nanostructures as a binder-free electrode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dong Yanfeng , Liu Shaohong , Wang Zhiyu , Liu Yang , Zhao Zongbin , Qiu Jieshan
Published: December 2014

Binder-free electrodes have been synthesized by coupling compressible graphene aerogels with CoO nanostructures, which exhibit superior electrochemical performance to conventional electrodes made of powders and binders in lithium-ion batteries.
A DFT study on an alkali atom doped decahedral silver nanocluster for potential application in opto-electronics and catalysis
Authors: Debnath Shaikat , Mohd Said Suhana , Roslan Muhammad Faris , Mohd Sabri Mohd Faizul , Long Bui Duc
Published: December 2014

Electronic and optical properties of silver–alkali metals alloys are explored and lithium doped silver nanoclusters are found to have excellent potential for opto-electronics and catalysis.
Self-assembled hollow urchin-like NiCo2O4microspheres for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Lei Ying , Wang Yanyan , Yang Wen , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2014

Gas bubble- and CTAB-assisted low temperature coprecipitation synthesis of hollow NiCo2O4microspheres for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors with remarkable energy density and power density.
Removal of Malachite Green from water using hydrothermally carbonized pine needles
Authors: Hammud Hassan H. , Shmait Abeer , Hourani Nadim
Published: December 2014

Hydrothermal carbonization of pine needles (HTC-PN) and their oxidized-activated form HTC-APN are prepared and applied for the adsorption of Malachite Green (MG) in aqueous solution.
Influence of water vapour with non-thermal plasma jet on the apoptosis of SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Attri Pankaj , Choi Eun Ha , Sup Uhm Han
Published: December 2014

Hydroxyl radicals (OH) generated through H2O + N2plasma induce apoptosis in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells through a DNA damage signalling cascade.
N-doped carbon-coated cobalt nanorod arrays supported on a titanium mesh as highly active electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Weijia , Zhou Yucheng , Yang Linjing , Huang Jilin , Ke Yunting , Zhou Kai , Li Ligui , Chen Shaowei
Published: December 2014

N-doped carbon-coated cobalt nanorod arrays on a Ti mesh exhibited efficient HER performance with an overpotential of −56 mV, a Tafel slope of 78.2 mV dec−1 and robust stability.
Gd(iii) complex conjugated ultra-small iron oxide as an enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging contrast agent
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Hongwei , Zhou Zhiguo , Kong Bin , An Lu , Wei Jie , Yang Hong , Zhao Jiangmin , Yang Shiping
Published: December 2014

In this work, Gd(III) complex conjugated ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles were simply synthesized and were observed with a novel T1-weight MR imaging enhancement.
Extensive Deep Venous Thrombosis Resulting from Anterior Lumbar Spine Surgery in a Patient with Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Reddy Deepak , Mikhael Mark M. , Shapiro Gary S. , Farrell Tony
Published: December 2014

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Although May-Thurner syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome is covered in the vascular literature, it remains absent from the orthopedic and neurosurgery literature and has not been previously reported to occur in concordance with spine surgery. We review the salient points of disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

A 33-year-old woman was followed postoperatively via clinical and radiographic findings. Her presentation, operative treatment, postoperative extensive deep venous thrombosis (DVT) formation, and management are described.

Results

We present a unique case of a healthy 33-year-old woman who developed an extensive left iliac vein DVT after anterior lumbar spine fusion. Although she had multiple risk factors for thrombosis, the size of the thrombus was atypical. A subsequent venogram showed compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery, consistent with May-Thurner syndrome.

Conclusions

May-Thurner syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome is a rare diagnosis that is absent from the spine literature. The condition can predispose patients to extensive iliac vein DVT. The contributing anatomy and subsequent clot often require catheter-directed thrombolysis and stenting to achieve a favorable outcome.
Passivation of phosphorus diffused silicon surfaces with Al2O3: Influence of surface doping concentration and thermal activation treatments
Authors: Richter Armin , Benick Jan , Kimmerle Achim , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: December 2014

Thin layers of Al2O3 are well known for the excellent passivation of p-type c-Si surfaces including highly doped p+ emitters, due to a high density of fixed negative charges. Recent results indicate that Al2O3 can also provide a good passivation of certain phosphorus-diffused n+ c-Si surfaces. In this work, we studied the recombination at Al2O3 passivated n+ surfaces theoretically with device simulations and experimentally for Al2O3 deposited with atomic layer deposition. The simulation results indicate that there is a certain surface doping concentration, where the recombination is maximal due to depletion or weak inversion of the charge carriers at the c-Si/Al2O3 interface. This pronounced maximum was also observed experimentally for n+ surfaces passivated either with Al2O3 single layers or stacks of Al2O3 capped by SiNx, when activated with a low temperature anneal (425 °C). In contrast, for Al2O3/SiNx stacks activated with a short high-temperature firing process (800 °C) a significant lower surface recombination was observed for most n+ diffusion profiles without such a pronounced maximum. Based on experimentally determined interface properties and simulation results, we attribute this superior passivation quality after firing to a better chemical surface passivation, quantified by a lower interface defect density, in combination with a lower density of negative fixed charges. These experimental results reveal that Al2O3/SiNx stacks can provide not only excellent passivation on p+ surfaces but also on n+ surfaces for a wide range of surface doping concentrations when activated with short high-temperature treatments.
Anxiety, insecurity and complexity of transnational educational migration among Korean middle class families
Authors: Sohee Bae
Published: December 2014

Language is one of the most crucial factors which influence social experiences and relations of transnational migrants. Moreover, crossing borders becomes an important strategy for acquiring valuable linguistic resources in the globalized neoliberal economy. For instance, through jogi yuhak (Early Study Abroad), the transnational educational migration of Korean middle class families, parents aim to provide their children with the opportunities to acquire multilingual competence as important skills for them to become competitive neoliberal workers in the global economy. However, anxiety and insecurity are inherent in transnational movement in the sense that relocation necessarily implies adjustment to new conditions of life. This paper investigates the anxieties and insecurities which Korean jogi yuhak families experience during their transnational educational migration. Based on an ethnographic study on Korean educational migrant families in Singapore, it explores how uncertainty and tension serve as an unavoidable aspect of strategic migratory choices and how the fierce pursuit of neoliberal subjectivity through global mobility works to increase the anxieties of the families. Korean jogi yuhak families’ constant negotiation between conflicting expectations and options across multiple scales of Time and Space in their migratory trajectories leads to awareness of the complex relationship between language and space, resulting in increasing anxiety and insecurity.
English language spread in academia
Authors: Uysal Hacer Hande
Published: December 2014

This article first historically examines the macro-level Turkish state policies with regard to scholarly publishing within the framework of the English language spread paradigms ofdiffusion-of-Englishandlanguage-ecology. Then, the effects of these policies at the micro-level are investigated in two major Turkish universities through a survey of scholars’ perceptions and practices of scientific publishing in English. The results reveal a rapid spread of English in academia as the language of scientific publishing consistently encouraged by the state policies and somewhat by academics which may lead to a gradual ‘domain loss’ for Turkish; however, reactions against English dominance are also evident in various forms in language planning, attitudes, and practices. Thus, language spread and ecology seem to co-exist in some interesting and contradictory ways.
A PIK3C3–Ankyrin-B–Dynactin pathway promotes axonal growth and multiorganelle transport
Authors: Lorenzo Damaris Nadia , Badea Alexandra , Davis Jonathan , Hostettler Janell , He Jiang , Zhong Guisheng , Zhuang Xiaowei , Bennett Vann
Published: December 2014

Axon growth requires long-range transport of organelles, but how these cargoes recruit their motors and how their traffic is regulated are not fully resolved. In this paper, we identify a new pathway based on the class III PI3-kinase (PIK3C3), ankyrin-B (AnkB), and dynactin, which promotes fast axonal transport of synaptic vesicles, mitochondria, endosomes, and lysosomes. We show that dynactin associates with cargo through AnkB interactions with both the dynactin subunit p62 and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) lipids generated by PIK3C3. AnkB knockout resulted in shortened axon tracts and marked reduction in membrane association of dynactin and dynein, whereas it did not affect the organization of spectrin–actin axonal rings imaged by 3D-STORM. Loss of AnkB or of its linkages to either p62 or PtdIns(3)P or loss of PIK3C3 all impaired organelle transport and particularly retrograde transport in hippocampal neurons. Our results establish new functional relationships between PIK3C3, dynactin, and AnkB that together promote axonal transport of organelles and are required for normal axon length.
Management performance of ecological indicators in the Georges Bank finfish fishery
Authors: Fay Gavin , Link Jason S. , Large Scott I. , Gamble Robert J.
Published: December 2014

Successful implementation of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) requires appropriate action as informed by reference points in an ecosystem context. Thresholds in the response of ecological indicators to system drivers have been suggested as reference points for EBFM, though the management performance of these indicators and possible values for their reference points have not been widely evaluated. We used Management Strategy Evaluation to test the performance of control rules that used ecological indicators to adjust the advice from single-species stock assessments, using the Georges Bank finfish fishery as a case study. We compare the performance of control rules that used ecological indicators to that of single-species FMSY control rules when the system dynamics were governed by the same multispecies population model. Control rules that used indicator-based reference points were able to perform better against catch and biodiversity objectives than when harvests were based on single-species advice alone. Indicators and values for reference points associated with good performance varied depending on the management objective. We quantified tradeoffs between total catch, biodiversity, and interannual variability in catch, noting that it was possible in some instances to achieve higher than average biodiversity while maintaining high catches using indicator-based control rules. While improved performance was noted using ecological indicators, outcomes were variable, and the gains in performance obtained may be similar to alternative methods of implementing precaution in single-species fishery control rules.
A statistical analysis of current helicity and twist in solar active regions over the phases of the solar cycle using the spectro-polarimeter data of Hinode
Authors: Otsuji Kenichi , Sakurai Takashi , Kuzanyan Kirill
Published: December 2014

Current helicity and twist of solar magnetic fields are important in characterizing the dynamo mechanism working in the convection zone of the Sun. We have carried out a statistical study on the current helicity of solar active regions observed with the spectro-polarimeter (SP) of the Hinode Solar Optical Telescope (SOT). We used SOT-SP data of 558 vector magnetograms of a total of 80 active regions obtained during the period from 2006 to 2012. We have applied spatial smoothing and division of data points into weak and strong field ranges to compare the contributions from different scales and field strengths. We found that the current helicity follows the “hemispheric sign rule” when weak magnetic fields (absolute field strength < 300 gauss) are considered and no smoothing is applied. On the other hand, the pattern of current helicity fluctuates and violates the hemispheric sign rule when stronger magnetic fields are considered and smoothing of 2${^{\prime\prime}_{.}}$0 (modeled on ground-based observations) is applied. Furthermore, we found a tendency that weak and inclined fields conform to the hemispheric sign rule and strong and vertical fields violate it. These different properties of helicity through the strong and weak magnetic field components give important clues in understanding the solar dynamo as well as the mechanism of formation and evolution of solar active regions.
The relative importance of biotic and abiotic processes for structuring plant communities through time
Authors: Jeffers Elizabeth S. , Bonsall Michael B. , Froyd Cynthia A. , Brooks Stephen J. , Willis Katherine J.
Published: December 2014

The question of the relative importance of biotic interactions versus abiotic drivers for structuring plant communities is highly debated but largely unresolved. Here, we investigate the relative importance of mean July air temperature, nitrogen (N) availability and direct plant interactions in determining the millennial‐scale population dynamics through the Holocene (10 700–5200 cal. years bp) for four temperate tree taxa in the Scottish Highlands.

A variety of dynamic population models were fitted to our palaeoecological time‐series data to determine the mechanism(s) by which each driver affected the population biomass dynamics of Betula (birch), Pinus (pine), Alnus (alder) and Quercus (oak). Akaike information criterion weights identified the best model(s) for describing the relationship between each population and driver. The relative importance of these drivers was then assessed by the ability of each model to predict the observed population biomass dynamics. We also measured the change in goodness‐of‐fit of each model over time.

We found that models of intra‐ and interspecific plant interactions described the plant population dynamics better than temperature‐ or N‐dependent population growth models over the 5000‐year study period. The best‐fitting models were constant over time for pine, alder and oak. However, the plant–N availability and plant–temperature models provided a progressively better fit to the birch data when temperatures rose and N availability declined, suggesting increasing importance of these abiotic factors coincident with changing conditions.

Synthesis. Multiple mechanistic models were applied to palaeoecological data to infer the most likely processes driving millennial‐scale plant biomass dynamics in a woodland ecosystem. Direct plant interactions provided a better explanation for population biomass dynamics than growing season temperature or N availability over the full study period. The relative importance of all drivers we assessed here varied by species and – in the case of birch – over time in response to warming and reduced N availability.
An Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (as of 31 December 2012)
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Hanafusa Norio , Masakane Ikuto , Taniguchi Masatomo , Hamano Takayuki , Shoji Tetsuo , Hasegawa Takeshi , Itami Noritomo , Yamagata Kunihiro , Shinoda Toshio , Kazama Junichiro James , Watanabe Yuzo , Shigematsu Takashi , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Wada Atsushi , Hashimoto Seiji , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Kimata Naoki , Wakai Kenji , Fujii Naohiko , Ogata Satoshi , Tsuchida Kenji , Nishi Hiroshi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: December 2014

A nationwide statistical survey of 4279 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2012, among which 4238 responded (99.0%). The number of new dialysis patients was 38 055 in 2012. Since 2008, the number of new dialysis patients has remained almost the same without any marked increase or decrease. The number of dialysis patients who died in 2012 was 30 710; a slight decrease from 2011 (30 743). The dialysis patient population has been growing every year in Japan; it was 310 007 at the end of 2012, which exceeded 310 000 for the first time. The number of dialysis patients per million at the end of 2012 was 2431.2. The crude death rate of dialysis patients in 2012 was 10.0%, a slight decrease from that in 2011 (10.2%). The mean age of new dialysis patients was 68.5 years and the mean age of the entire dialysis patient population was 66.9 years. The most common primary cause of renal failure among new dialysis patients was diabetic nephropathy (44.2%). The actual number of new dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy has been approximately 16 000 for the last few years. Diabetic nephropathy was also the most common primary disease among the entire dialysis patient population (37.1%), followed by chronic glomerulonephritis (33.6%). The percentage of dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy has been continuously increasing, whereas not only the percentage but also the actual number of dialysis patients with chronic glomerulonephritis has decreased. The number of patients who underwent hemodiafiltration (HDF) at the end of 2012 was 21 725, a marked increase from that in 2011 (14 115). In particular, the number of patients who underwent on‐line HDF increased threefold from 4890 in 2011 to 14 069 in 2012. From the results of the facility survey, the number of patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD) was 9514 and that of patients who did not undergo PD despite having a PD catheter in the abdominal cavity was 347. From the results of the patient survey, among the PD patients, 1932 also underwent another dialysis method using extracorporeal circulation, such as hemodialysis (HD) and HDF. The number of patients who underwent HD at home in 2012 was 393, a marked increase from that in 2011 (327).
Alginate‐Based Emulsion Template Containing High Oil Loading Stabilized by Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Ong Wan‐Ding , Tey Beng‐Ti , Quek Siew Young , Tang Siah‐Ying , Chan Eng‐Seng
Published: December 2014

Oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion‐gel systems containing high oil payloads are of increasing interest for food applications because of the reduction in encapsulation cost, consumption frequency or volume of food products. This study shows a facile approach to prepare stable alginate‐based O/W emulsions at high oil loading using a mixture of nonionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 20) as a template to form gelled‐emulsions. The synergistic effects of alginate and surfactants on the O/W emulsion properties were evaluated in terms of oil droplet size and emulsion stability. At 2% (w/v) of alginate and 1% (w/v) of surfactants, the size distribution of oil droplets was narrow and monomodal, even at an oil loading of 70% (v/v). The emulsions formed were stable against phase separation. The oil droplet size could be further reduced to below 1 μm using a high‐shear homogenizer. The emulsions formed could be easily molded and gelled into solids of different shapes via ionic gelation. The findings of this study create possible avenues for applications in food industries.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in patients with neuropathic cancer pain undergoing morphine therapy
Authors: Dou Zhi , Jiang Zongbin , Zhong Jincai
Published: December 2014

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of pregabalin (PGB)‐morphine combination for the treatment of neuropathic cancer pain (NCP).

Methods

In this double‐blind, randomized, placebo (PL)‐controlled crossover study, 40 cancer patients with severe NCP were randomized into two groups (20 per group): PGB‐PL and PL‐PGB. Patients in the PGB‐PL group received PGB plus oral morphine in phase I, and PL plus oral morphine in phase II. The treatment sequence for the PL‐PGB group was PL plus oral morphine in phase I, and PGB plus oral morphine in phase II. These 2‐week treatment periods were separated by a 1‐week washout period. The primary outcome measure was the decrements in morphine dose; secondary outcomes included quantitative assessments of sleep (rated according to the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale), the Constipation Assessment Scale and adverse effects.

Results

The mean minimal effective dose of morphine was 184.4 ± 69.9 mg/day in the period of PGB treatments, which was significantly lower than that of PL‐controls (228.7 ± 66.9 mg/day; P < 0.001) and baseline (247.5 ± 80.0 mg/day; P < 0.001). Compared with PL, PGB resulted in a significant sleep improvement as measured by sleep disturbance, sleep quantity, and sleep problems index (P < 0.001), as well as a Constipation Assessment Scale reduction (P < 0.001). PGB resulted in a higher frequency of dry mouth and somnolence than PL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PGB enhances the efficacy of oral morphine and reduces dose‐related adverse reactions. The PGB‐morphine combination is an effective approach to controlling NCP.
Myocardial Bridging: A Review with Emphasis on Electrocardiographic Findings
Authors: Rovai Daniele , Di Bella Gianluca , Pingitore Alessandro , Coceani Michele
Published: December 2014

Background

Myocardial bridging (MB) occurs when a segment of an epicardial coronary artery takes an intra– myocardial course, thus leading to systolic compression. Most myocardial bridges involve the left anterior descending artery and are observed in 14–35% of patients. Different pathophysiological mechanisms can induce symptoms secondary to myocardial ischemia: systolic coronary compression, diastolic dysfunction associated with aging and coronary atherosclerosis, LV hypertrophy, vasospasm, microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, plaque development proximal to the bridge.

Methods

We performed a literature review of MB, with a particular emphasis on electrocardiographic manifestations.

Results

Stable angina–like chest pain is the usual presentation and MB should be suspected in patients at low risk for coronary atherosclerosis which refer this symptom or which present myocardial ischemia at instrumental examinations. ECG changes are not specific for MB and resting ECG is often normal or presents ST segment anomalies. Exercise stress test often shows non specific signs of ischemia, conduction disturbances or arrhythmias which do not allow the distinction between myocardial bridging and other causes of myocardial ischemia; angina often appears during exercise, even in the absence of ECG changes. Myocardial perfusion deficits at scintigraphy are neither obligatory nor specific. Although the clinical significance of MB is still debated, MB has been associated with acute coronary syndrome, coronary vasospasm, and even sudden cardiac death.

Conclusion

Although MB may lead to myocardial ischemia during stress, its clinical presentation and electrocardiographic findings are not specific.
Early Repolarization Pattern Is Associated with Increased Risk of Early Ventricular Arrhythmias during Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ali Diab Osama , Abdel‐hafez Allam Ragab Mohammed , Mohamed Haitham Galal , Mohamed Tarek Rashid , Abel‐Hafeez Khalid Said
Published: December 2014

Background

Early repolarization (ER) and acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are sharing the pathophysiology of J wave syndromes. It is speculated that early ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) during STEMI may be predisposed by ER. Our aim was to study the association between ER pattern and risk of VAs during acute STEMI.

Methods

The study included 102 male patients with acute STEMI who were divided into two groups: cases and controls. Cases included 52 patients with sustained VAs during the first 48 hours from the onset of STEMI, while controls included 50 patients with no VAs. On 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram, ER was defined as ≥ 1 mm elevation of J point in at least two inferior or lateral leads with or without ST segment elevation.

Results

Mean age was 48.44 ± 10.08 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 42.25 ± 11.1%. ER pattern was more frequent in cases than controls (29 vs 14 patients, P = 0.008). Notched J wave (P = 0.0007) and horizontal ST segment (P = 0.033) were more frequent in cases than controls. On adjusted regression model, LVEF (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, P = 0.015) and ER (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.41–8.12, P = 0.006) could predict VAs, while QTc interval (P = 0.24) and QTd (P = 0.86) did not have predictive effect. Inferior/inferolateral and global ER pattern (P = 0.044 and 0.031 respectively), notched J wave (P = 0.001), increasing J wave amplitude (P = 0.042), and ST segment elevation (P = 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of VAs.

Conclusions

ER is associated with increased risk of VAs in the setting of acute STEMI.
Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical, Radiologic and Pathologic Insights
Authors: DeLuca Gabriele C. , Yates Richard L. , Beale Harry , Morrow Sarah A.
Published: December 2014

Cognitive impairment is a common and debilitating feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) that has only recent gained considerable attention. Clinical neuropsychological studies have made apparent the multifaceted nature of cognitive troubles often encountered in MS and continue to broaden our understanding of its complexity. Radiographic studies have started to decipher the neuroanatomic substrate of MS‐related cognitive impairment and have shed light onto its pathogenesis. Where radiographic studies have been limited by inadequate resolution or non‐specificity, pathological studies have come to the fore. This review aims to provide an overview of the nature of cognitive impairment typically seen in MS and to explore the literature on imaging and pathological studies relevant to its evolution. In particular, the relative contributions of gray (ie, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and basal ganglia) and white matter to MS‐related cognitive impairment will be discussed and the importance of interconnectivity between structures highlighted. The pressing need for longitudinal studies combining standardized neuropsychometric, paraclinical and radiographic outcomes obtained during life with post‐mortem tissue analysis after death is presented.
Distinct roles of microglia and monocytes in central nervous system inflammation and degeneration
Authors: Yamasaki Ryo
Published: December 2014

Monocytes and microglia both originate from myeloid precursor cells and share common characteristics even after differentiation. Recent studies have shown functional differences between these cell types, indicating their unique roles in lesion formation in neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the functional characteristics of these “similar but different” macrophages in both health and disease.
Geographic inequity results in disparate mortality: a multivariate intent‐to‐treat analysis of liver transplant data
Authors: Rana Abbas , Riaz Irbaz Bin , Gruessner Angelika C. , Gruessner Rainer W.
Published: December 2014

Context

The distribution of livers to listed transplant candidates shows substantial geographic inequity.

Objective

To compare mortality between the 11 UNOS (United Network of Organ Sharing) regions from the time of listing and to show that the geographic region impacts survival.

Design, Setting, and Patients

We studied the data of 1930 adults listed with a Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 18 for a liver transplant from March 1, 2002 through December 31, 2007. We calculated one‐ and three‐yr survival rates and performed multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine significant risk factors for mortality.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient survival from the time of listing for transplantation.

Results

Actual one‐yr mortality rate from the time of listing ranged from 30.5% (Region 2) to 12.9% (Region 4). The three‐yr mortality rate ranged from 42.0% (Region 2) to 21.6% (Region 4). Multivariate analysis showed a significant increase in mortality in Region 2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 1.83) and a significant decrease in mortality in Region 3 (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.93).

Conclusions

We found significant differences in one‐ and three‐yr mortality rates among UNOS regions. Regional disparities significantly affect patient survival and result in national inequality.
Birthweight, body composition, and motor performance in 7‐ to 10‐year‐old children
Authors: Moura‐Dos‐Santos Marcos André , De Almeida Marcelus Brito , Manhães‐De‐Castro Raul , Katzmarzyk Peter T , Maia José António Ribeiro , Leandro Carol Góis
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of birthweight on motor performance and body composition in children. Further, we investigated whether associations between birthweight and motor performance changed after adjustment for current height, body mass index (BMI), fat‐free mass (FFM), and % body fat.

Method

A total of 483 children (251 males and 232 females) aged 7 to 10 years (mean 8.78, SD 1.0y) born in Vitória Santo Antão (northeast Brazil) were sampled. Motor performance was operationalized using different physical fitness components and gross motor coordination. Physical fitness was measured by handgrip strength, muscle endurance, explosive power, flexibility, agility, running speed, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Gross motor coordination was evaluated by means of the Körper Koordination Test für Kinder (KTK).

Results

Positive correlations between birthweight and height, BMI, and FFM were found. Birthweight was positively correlated with handgrip strength and negatively correlated with 20‐meter sprint time, even after controlling for age, height, BMI, FFM, and % body fat. Birthweight was negatively associated with relative VO2max (mL/kg/min); however, the association was no longer significant after inclusion of BMI or FFM in the model.

Interpretation

Birthweight significantly predicted height, BMI, FFM, and performance in strength and velocity tests, but did not influence gross motor coordination.
Metabolic evaluations of cancer metabolism by NMR‐based stable isotope tracer methodologies
Authors: Tavares Ludgero C. , Jarak Ivana , Nogueira Fernando N. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Carvalho Rui A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Cancer cells are widely recognized for being able to adapt their metabolism towards converting available nutrients into biomass to increase proliferation rates.

Materials and methods

We will review a series of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based stable isotope tracer methodologies for probing cancer metabolism.

Results

The monitoring of such adaptations is of the utmost importance to unravel cancer metabolism and tumour growth. Several major metabolic targets have been recognized as promising foci and have been addressed by multiple studies in recent years. In this work are presented strategies to quantify glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, Krebs cycle turnover and de novo lipogenesis by NMR isotopomer analysis.

Conclusions

Being able to adequately define the interplay between metabolic pathways allows the monitoring of their prevalence in tissues and such information is critical for an accurate knowledge of the metabolic distinctive nature of tumours towards devising more efficient antitumorigenic strategies. Discussed methodologies are currently available in the literature, but to date, no single review has compiled all their possible uses, particularly in an interdependent perspective.
Wage inequality in Turkey, 2002–10
Authors: Bakis Ozan , Polat Sezgin
Published: December 2014

This paper studies the evolution of wage inequality in Turkey using household labour force survey data from 2002 to 2010. Between 2002 and 2004, the relative supply of more‐educated workers to less‐educated workers remained constant while their relative wages decreased in favour of less‐educated workers. However, between 2004 and 2010, the relative supply of more‐educated workers to less‐educated workers rose, while their relative wages remained constant or kept increasing in favour of more‐educated workers. This suggests factors other than those implied by a simple supply‐demand model are involved, such as skill‐biased technical change or minimum wage variations. The decomposition of wage inequality reveals that the price (wage) effect dominates the composition effect particularly in the first period. Our results show that the real minimum wage hike in 2004 corresponds to a major institutional change, which proved to be welfare‐increasing in terms of wage inequality. The upper‐tail (90/50) wage inequality decreased between 2002 and 2004 and stayed constant thereafter, whereas the lower‐tail (50/10) wage inequality decreased throughout the period. Our findings thus provide evidence supporting the institutional argument for explaining wage inequality.
Efficacy of ranitidine in olanzapine‐induced weight gain: a dose–response study
Authors: Mehta Varun S. , Ram Daya
Published: December 2014

Aim

Weight gain has long been recognized as a side‐effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Numerous new approaches have been tried for prevention of weight gain, the H2 blockers being one of them. The study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of ranitidine in olanzapine‐induced weight gain at two fixed doses of 150 and 300 mg day−1.

Methods

Seventy‐five inpatients with an ICD‐10‐DCR diagnosis of schizophrenia as their first episode were randomized into three groups of 25 patients each, receiving 150 mg day−1 ranitidine, 300 mg day−1 ranitidine and third group receiving only olanzapine. Their weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline and at intervals of 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

All patients were comparable with respect to their weight and BMI at baseline. When a change in the weight and BMI was assessed at 4 and 8 weeks from baseline, no significant difference was observed between the three groups.

Conclusion

Ranitidine at doses of 150 and 300 mg day−1 when combined with olanzapine was ineffective in attenuating olanzapine‐induced weight gain. The likely reasons could be the use of low doses for a shorter period of time, or mechanisms other than H2 receptors might play an important role in weight gain.
Factor analysis of the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms: data from the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program
Authors: Tso Ivy F. , Taylor Stephan F. , Grove Tyler B. , Niendam Tara , Adelsheim Steven , Auther Andrea , Cornblatt Barbara , Carter Cameron S. , Calkins Roderick , Ragland J. Daniel , Sale Tamara , McFarlane William R.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS) was developed to identify individuals experiencing early signs of psychosis, a critical first step towards early intervention. Preliminary dimension reduction analyses suggested that psychosis‐risk symptoms may deviate from the traditional symptom structure of schizophrenia, but findings have been inconsistent. This study investigated the phenomenology of psychosis risk symptoms in a large sample from a multi‐site, national study using rigorous factor analysis procedure.

Methods

Participants were 334 help‐seeking youth (age: 17.0 ± 3.3) from the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program, consisting of 203 participants at clinically higher risk (sum of P scores ≥ 7), 87 with clinically lower risk (sum of P scores < 7) and 44 in very early first‐episode psychosis (<30 days of positive symptoms). Baseline SOPS data were subjected to principal axis factoring (PAF), estimating factors based on shared variance, with Oblimin rotation.

Results

PAF yielded four latent factors explaining 36.1% of total variance: positive symptoms; distress; negative symptoms; and deteriorated thought process. They showed reasonable internal consistency and good convergence validity, and were not orthogonal.

Conclusions

The empirical factors of the SOPS showed similarities and notable differences compared with the existing SOPS structure. Regrouping the symptoms based on the empirical symptom dimensions may improve the diagnostic validity of the SOPS. Relative prominence of the factors and symptom frequency support early identification strategies focusing on positive symptoms and distress. Future investigation of long‐term functional implications of these symptom factors may further inform intervention strategies.