bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the Crisis on Healthcare Risk Management in Slovenia: The Case of Regional Hospitals
Authors: Ravšelj Dejan , Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: August 2016

The main purpose of the article is to identify which components of public internal financial control (PIFC), as part of risk management, have been improved by the crisis the most at the regional level, and what is the possible reason for that. During the period 2008–2014, healthcare in the EU and consequently in Slovenia was under the pressure of aggravated circumstances. Therefore, it is important that healthcare organizations, especially regional hospitals, as a main provider of secondary healthcare, have risk management tools in place that prevent risks and provide a reasonable assurance that public funds are being used for the intended purpose. To test which components significantly improved in that period, a paired-samples t-test is performed on a sample of 10 Slovenian regional hospitals. The empirical results show that the components of risk assessment and control activities saw the greatest improvement.
Long Term Effects of Property Tax: Case of Croatia
Authors: Vidaković Neven , Gregurek Miroslav , Vlahović Domagoj
Published: August 2016

Property tax in probably one of the most controversial taxes which were ever announced in Croatia's recent history. There was not a single tax or government measure which has occupied so much media and public discourse with the exception of the introduction of VAT. Most of the discussion regarding the new tax was focused on the actual fiscal impact of the new tax, how it will be calculated and what will be the overall fiscal impact. This paper however takes another approach and tries to determine the overall long term effects of the new tax in terms of the class separation and sociological impact this tax will have. Particular focus is paid on possible ghettoization of Croatia cities. The paper creates a model which investigates how the new tax affects the households long term consumption plans. If the households cannot adjust its consumption due to the new taxation it is forced to sell its property and move into lower value neighborhood. Over time this process leads to a large reclassification and regrouping of the households depending on their income. The paper also investigates how the introduction of the new tax will affect the educational system. Our model shows the new tax will have an adverse effect on the educational system and quality of education in Croatia.
A New Paradigm to Analyze Data Completeness of Patient Data
Authors: Nasir Ayan , Liu Xinliang , Gurupur Varadraj
Published: August 2016

There is a need to develop a tool that will measure data completeness of patient records using sophisticated statistical metrics. Patient data integrity is important in providing timely and appropriate care. Completeness is an important step, with an emphasis on understanding the complex relationships between data fields and their relative importance in delivering care. This tool will not only help understand where data problems are but also help uncover the underlying issues behind them.

Develop a tool that can be used alongside a variety of health care database software packages to determine the completeness of individual patient records as well as aggregate patient records across health care centers and subpopulations.

Methods: The methodology of this project is encapsulated within the Data Completeness Analysis Package (DCAP) tool, with the major components including concept mapping, CSV parsing, and statistical analysis.

The results from testing DCAP with Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Database (SID) data show that this tool is successful in identifying relative data completeness at the patient, subpopulation, and database levels. These results also solidify a need for further analysis and call for hypothesis driven research to find underlying causes for data incompleteness.

DCAP examines patient records and generates statistics that can be used to determine the completeness of individual patient data as well as the general thoroughness of record keeping in a medical database. DCAP uses a component that is customized to the settings of the software package used for storing patient data as well as a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file parser to determine the appropriate measurements. DCAP itself is assessed through a proof of concept exercise using hypothetical data as well as available HCUP SID patient data.

Citation: Nasir A, Gurupur V, Liu X. A new paradigm to analyze data completeness of patient data.
Examining Paid Mobile Application Customer Loyalty: The Moderating Effect of Switching Costs
Authors: Wu Wen-Tsung , Chen Chie-Bein , Chang Chiao-Chen
Published: August 2016

The mobile application industry has more actions and services in recent years due to consumer demand.The purpose of this study is to explain the relationships among perceived value, satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the paid mobile application industry. Moreover, this studydevelops and testsa conceptual model that offer a value perspective in understanding customer loyalty toward paid mobile applications. Toachieve this aim, perceived value and customer satisfaction must be measured and “switching costs” identified. This study also takes a value component perspective from Bernardo, Marimon and del Mar Alonso-Almeida (2012) to confirm how the two types of switching costs (monetary vs. nonmonetary switching costs) moderate the link in perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty in the instance of a paid entertainment mobile application. The results from an online survey indicate that the switching costs had a moderating effect on the relationship between perceived value and loyalty, and the satisfaction and loyalty of using paid mobile applications. With respect to the findings, the moderating effect of switching cost play a critical role in determining customer loyalty of paid mobile applications. It also revealed that nonmonetary switching costs has more importance than monetary switching costs in engendering loyalty, since monetary contains price in the download paid mobile applications, which provides negative outcomes among the relationship of perceived value, satisfaction, and loyalty. In the conclusion, the implications of these findings are discussed.
Perioperative Cefovecin to Reduce the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs Undergoing Hemilaminectomy
Authors: Palamara Joseph D. , Bonczynski Jennifer J. , Berg Jason M. , Bergman Philip J.
Published: August 2016

The prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs with Type I intervertebral disc extrusion has been reported as high as 38% within 6 wk of surgery. Proper treatment of a UTI is important with myelopathy because it is a risk factor for persistent infection and reinfection in dogs. The study authors' investigated the incidence of UTIs in dogs having received either cefovecin or cefazolin as a preoperative prophylactic antibiotic for thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy. Thirty-nine dogs were retrospectively identified and assigned to groups based on preoperative antibiotic administration and postoperative urinary tract management. Urinalysis and urine culture performed preoperatively, at 2 wk, and at 6 wk, were reviewed to determine the incidence of UTIs. Urinary tract management, grade of neurologic deficit, time to ambulation, and time to voluntary urination were identified to evaluate for additional risk factors. No significant prevalence of UTI incidence was appreciated between the cefovecin and cefazolin groups. Patients with higher grades of neurologic deficit and that took longer to regain ambulation and voluntary urination were at significantly greater risk for UTIs throughout the postoperative period. This study reemphasizes the importance of continued surveillance for UTIs in patients with prolonged neurologic recovery.
El instrumento CODICE-Derecho y su aplicación en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Chile
Authors: Cabrera Pommiez Marcela
Published: August 2016

Se presentan las características y el diseño del instrumento denominado CODICE-Derecho, el cual mide comprensión de lectura y escritura de los estudiantes de primer año de la carrera de Derecho. El énfasis de este instrumento es que está orientado específicamente a estudiantes de Derecho, pues la selección de textos proviene de manuales y revistas especializadas del área, con lo cual se busca responder al principio de vincular las habilidades comunicativas a la disciplina. Además, se presentan los resultados, en las secciones de Lectura y Escritura, de la cohorte 2011 y se interpretan estos resultados a la luz de los niveles de desempeño descritos para cada sección.
El derecho a la educación en el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos
Authors: Espejo Yasik Nicolás
Published: August 2016

El derecho a la educación es un derecho fundamental de las personas, de lo cual se deriva la obligación de los estados de ofrecérselo a sus ciudadanos. El artículo analiza en qué consisten las condiciones mínimas para que este derecho sea un derecho fundamental: disponibilidad, accesibilidad, aceptabilidad y adaptabilidad; enfoque denominado “de las 4-A”, por sus siglas en inglés (availability, accesibility,acceptability y adaptability). También se realiza una selección jurisprudencial sobre la misma materia, en la cual se considera especialmente el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales (PIDESC).
La educación jurídica en Brasil: una lectura crítica de las directrices curriculares nacionales brasileñas para el derecho y sus formas de recontextualización a partir de las teorías de Basil Bernstein
Authors: Duro Dias Renato
Published: August 2016

El Proyecto Pedagógico de organización de una carrera de Derecho se aplica en una universidad del sur de Brasil para mejorar la calidad de la educación impartida, en el sentido de incorporar la formación práctica y articular un currículum integrado entre las distintas asignaturas; siendo el objetivo final la formación de un licenciado crítico, reflexivo y agente de transformación social. La ideología que está presente es la que el autor denomina “educación emancipadora”, que se basa en una visión transdisciplinar del Derecho y las Ciencias Humanas y Sociales y que pretende formar un licenciado consciente de la diversidad cultural y humana existente en la sociedad, donde él mismo debe ser un elemento participativo.
Enseñar derecho de forma colaborativa. Ensayo sobre una primera experiencia
Authors: Pérez Villar Carmen Gloria
Published: August 2016

El estado actual de la enseñanza del derecho muestra la presencia aún fuerte de la clase magistral como metodología recurrente. Frente a este hecho, se plantea la necesidad de innovar en la enseñanza y así desarrollar en los estudiantes otras competencias, además del saber escuchar. La propuesta de la autora es una metodología participativa o colaborativa, que se caracteriza por la participación del estudiante en su proceso de aprendizaje y por desplazar el foco del proceso desde la enseñanza al aprendizaje. Los aspectos que hay que privilegiar en esta metodología son: el perfil de egreso, el desarrollo de competencias, ceñirse a un programa de estudio y seleccionar actividades relevantes, entre otros.
Confiabilidad y propiedades psicométricas de los ítemes: prueba CODICE-Derecho Universidad de Chile
Authors: Hernández Muñoz Jorge
Published: August 2016

La prueba CODICE-Derecho es un instrumento de evaluación diseñado en conjunto entre el DEMRE y la Facultad de Derecho, ambos de la Universidad de Chile, con el objeto de precisar las competencias de lectura y escritura de sus estudiantes. El artículo ofrece un análisis comparativo de los resultados obtenidos en las aplicaciones del año 2009 y del 2011, el cual considera la confiabilidad del instrumento y dos indicadores psicométricos (la dificultad y el índice de discriminación). Por último, se destaca el carácter piloto del instrumento y se plantean algunos análisis estadísticos futuros con los resultados obtenidos.
Distancia entre el currículo de Educación Secundaria y Terciaria: desafío para la política pública e instituciones
Authors: Fonseca Grandón Gonzalo
Published: August 2016

El problema central que se aborda es la existencia o no de continuidad entre el currículo de la educación secundaria y el nivel de exigencia de la educación terciaria o superior. Para estudiarlo, se presenta un estudio que contempló al análisis del Marco Curricular de la Enseñanza Media (2005) y un cuestionario aplicado a estudiantes de primer año de universidad. Los resultados arrojan que sí existe una continuidad curricular entre ambos niveles educacionales, aun cuando hay algunas dimensiones (como Habilidades del aprendizaje y sus subcategorías) que presentan una ruptura parcial. La conclusión apunta a la necesidad de articular más estrechamente ambos currículos, para evitar la reprobación y la deserción en los primeros años universitarios.
Validación del instrumento de medición para la caracterización nacional de estudiantes de derecho
Authors: Elgueta Rosas María Francisca , Zamorano Figueroa Francisco
Published: August 2016

el presente artículo representa el recorrido metodólogico realizado por los autores para la construcción del cuestionario utilizado en la primera Encuesta Nacional de Caracterización de Estudiantes de Derecho en Chile. A lo largo del texto, se consideran los procedimientos que permitieron entregar validez y fiabilidad al instrumento de medición. Finalmente, se exponen análisis estadísticos que miden la consistencia interna de las escalas destinadas a medir conceptos más complejos dentro del cuestionario.
Inherited platelet function disorders
Authors: Falcinelli Emanuela , Bury Loredana , Gresele Paolo
Published: August 2016

Inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs) make up a significant proportion of congenital bleeding diatheses, but they remain poorly understood and often difficult to diagnose. Therefore, a rational diagnostic approach, based on a standardized sequence of laboratory tests, with consecutive steps of increasing level of complexity, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of most IPFDs.

In this review we discuss a diagnostic approach through platelet phenotyping and genotyping and we give an overview of the options for the management of bleeding in these disorders and an account of the few systematic studies on the bleeding risk associated with invasive procedures and its treatment.
Teaching of problem-solving strategies in mathematics in secondary schools
Authors: Kozákné Székely Ildikó
Published: August 2016

In the Hungarian mathematics education there is no explicit teaching of problem-solving strategies. The best students can abstract the strategies from the solutions of concrete problems, but for the average students it is not enough. In our article we report about a developmental research. The topic of the research was the explicit teaching of two basic strategies (forward method, backward method). Based on our experiences we state that it is possible to increase the effectivity of students' problemsolving achievement by teaching the problem-solving strategies explicitly.
Teaching geometry using computer visualizations
Authors: Ripco Sipos Elvira
Published: August 2016

In this work we study the development of students' creativity using computer-aided-teaching during IT classroom. Teaching geometry in Bolyai Grammar School specialized natural science classes is not an easy task. Here is introduced a new didactic means of teaching geometry which nevertheless requires the same effort to understand the material, but uses a different more active method to familiarize students with the topics. Traditional methods, and the use of compasses and rulers are not omitted either, as they develop the students' motor skills.
Re-reading Your CELTA Training Course: A Case Study of Four International Teachers Working at a Saudi HE Institution
Authors: Barnawi Osman Z.
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the philosophy and underlying assumptions of one of the most popular short TESOL teacher training courses, CELTA—Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The findings from semi-structured interviews with four international teachers working at a Saudi HE institution that were designed to discover how these teachers viewed their CELTA training in retrospect are also presented. These findings show that the CELTA course was based mainly on a performance-based philosophy (competency-based training—CBT), which is an inappropriate approach for language teacher education. The paper also contends that it is inappropriate to realize language teacher education on a performance-based philosophy such as this, and that furthermore, in light of the neoliberal globalization of English education, the uncritical acceptance of language teachers with such qualifications in particular discourse communities may bring more contradictions to the already complex role a teacher is required to play.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modeling and Evaluation of Therapeutics for Niemann-Pick Disease Type A
Authors: Long Yan , Xu Miao , Li Rong , Dai Sheng , Beers Jeanette , Chen Guokai , Soheilian Ferri , Baxa Ulrich , Wang Mengqiao , Marugan Juan J. , Muro Silvia , Li Zhiyuan , Brady Roscoe , Zheng Wei
Published: August 2016

Niemann-Pick disease type A (NPA) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the SMPD1 gene that encodes acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Deficiency in ASM function results in lysosomal accumulation of sphingomyelin and neurodegeneration. Currently, there is no effective treatment for NPA. To accelerate drug discovery for treatment of NPA, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells from two patient dermal fibroblast lines and differentiated them into neural stem cells. The NPA neural stem cells exhibit a disease phenotype of lysosomal sphingomyelin accumulation and enlarged lysosomes. By using this disease model, we also evaluated three compounds that reportedly reduced lysosomal lipid accumulation in Niemann-Pick disease type C as well as enzyme replacement therapy with ASM. We found that α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and ASM reduced sphingomyelin accumulation and enlarged lysosomes in NPA neural stem cells. Therefore, the NPA neural stem cells possess the characteristic NPA disease phenotype that can be ameliorated by tocopherols, cyclodextrin, and ASM. Our results demonstrate the efficacies of cyclodextrin and tocopherols in the NPA cell-based model. Our data also indicate that the NPA neural stem cells can be used as a new cell-based disease model for further study of disease pathophysiology and for high-throughput screening to identify new lead compounds for drug development.

Significance

Currently, there is no effective treatment for Niemann-Pick disease type A (NPA). To accelerate drug discovery for treatment of NPA, NPA-induced pluripotent stem cells were generated from patient dermal fibroblasts and differentiated into neural stem cells. By using the differentiated NPA neuronal cells as a cell-based disease model system, α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin significantly reduced sphingomyelin accumulation in these NPA neuronal cells. Therefore, this cell-based NPA model can be used for further study of disease pathophysiology and for high-throughput screening of compound libraries to identify lead compounds for drug development.
Transplantation of Donor-Origin Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Thymic Epithelial Progenitors Prevents the Development of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease in Mice
Authors: Hu Rong , Liu Yalan , Su Min , Song Yinhong , Rood Debra , Lai Laijun
Published: August 2016

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for many malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains a significant cause of late morbidity and mortality after allogeneic HSCT. cGVHD often manifests as autoimmune syndrome. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play a critical role in supporting negative selection and regulatory T-cell (Treg) generation. Studies have shown that damage in TECs is sufficient to induce cGVHD. We have previously reported that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be selectively induced to generate thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs) in vitro. When transplanted in vivo, mESC-TEPs further develop into TECs that support T-cell development. We show here that transplantation of donor-origin mESC-TEPs into cGVHD recipients induces immune tolerance to both donor and host antigens and prevents the development of cGVHD. This is associated with more TECs and Tregs. Our results suggest that embryonic stem cell-derived TEPs may offer a new tool to control cGVHD.
Pluripotent Nontumorigenic Adipose Tissue-Derived Muse Cells have Immunomodulatory Capacity Mediated by Transforming Growth Factor-β1
Authors: Gimeno María L. , Fuertes Florencia , Barcala Tabarrozzi Andres E. , Attorressi Alejandra I. , Cucchiani Rodolfo , Corrales Luis , Oliveira Talita C. , Sogayar Mari C. , Labriola Leticia , Dewey Ricardo A. , Perone Marcelo J.
Published: August 2016

Adult mesenchymal stromal cell-based interventions have shown promising results in a broad range of diseases. However, their use has faced limited effectiveness owing to the low survival rates and susceptibility to environmental stress on transplantation. We describe the cellular and molecular characteristics of multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells derived from adipose tissue (AT), a subpopulation of pluripotent stem cells isolated from human lipoaspirates. Muse-AT cells were efficiently obtained using a simple, fast, and affordable procedure, avoiding cell sorting and genetic manipulation methods. Muse-AT cells isolated under severe cellular stress, expressed pluripotency stem cell markers and spontaneously differentiated into the three germ lineages. Muse-AT cells grown as spheroids have a limited proliferation rate, a diameter of ∼15 µm, and ultrastructural organization similar to that of embryonic stem cells. Muse-AT cells evidenced high stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3) expression (∼60% of cells) after 7–10 days growing in suspension and did not form teratomas when injected into immunodeficient mice. SSEA-3+-Muse-AT cells expressed CD105, CD29, CD73, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, CD44, and CD90 and low levels of HLA class II, CD45, and CD34. Using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and antigen-challenged T-cell assays, we have shown that Muse-AT cells have anti-inflammatory activities downregulating the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Muse-AT cells spontaneously gained transforming growth factor-β1 expression that, in a phosphorylated SMAD2-dependent manner, might prove pivotal in their observed immunoregulatory activity through decreased expression of T-box transcription factor in T cells. Collectively, the present study has demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of obtaining Muse-AT cells that can potentially be harnessed as immunoregulators to treat immune-related disorders.
Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Upregulation of B-Cell Lymphoma 2 Enhances Bone Regeneration
Authors: Brett Elizabeth , Zielins Elizabeth R. , Luan Anna , Ooi Chin Chun , Shailendra Siny , Atashroo David , Menon Siddarth , Blackshear Charles , Flacco John , Quarto Natalina , Wang Shan X. , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: August 2016

Clinical translation of cell-based strategies for tissue regeneration remains challenging because survival of implanted cells within hostile, hypoxic wound environments is uncertain. Overexpression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) has been shown to inhibit apoptosis in implanted cells. The present study describes an “off the shelf” prefabricated scaffold integrated with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) used to upregulate Bcl-2 expression in implanted adipose-derived stromal cells for bone regeneration. Iron oxide cores were sequentially coated with branched polyethyleneimine, minicircle plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein and Bcl-2, and poly-β-amino ester. Through in vitro assays, increased osteogenic potential and biological resilience were demonstrated in the magnetofected group over control and nucleofected groups. Similarly, our in vivo calvarial defect study showed that magnetofection had an efficiency rate of 30%, which in turn resulted in significantly more healing compared with control group and nucleofected group. Our novel, prefabricated MNP-integrated scaffold allows for in situ postimplant temporospatial control of cell transfection to augment bone regeneration.
Spatial tuning and brain state account for dorsal hippocampal CA1 activity in a non-spatial learning task
Authors: Shan Kevin Q , Lubenov Evgueniy V , Papadopoulou Maria , Siapas Athanassios G
Published: August 2016

The hippocampus is a brain area crucial for episodic memory in humans. In contrast, studies in rodents have highlighted its role in spatial learning, supported by the discovery of place cells. Efforts to reconcile these views have found neurons in the rodent hippocampus that respond to non-spatial events but have not unequivocally dissociated the spatial and non-spatial influences on these cells. To disentangle these influences, we trained freely moving rats in trace eyeblink conditioning, a hippocampally dependent task in which the animal learns to blink in response to a tone. We show that dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons are all place cells, and do not respond to the tone when the animal is moving. When the animal is inactive, the apparent tone-evoked responses reflect an arousal-mediated resumption of place-specific firing. These results suggest that one of the main output stages of the hippocampus transmits only spatial information, even in this non-spatial task.
Triwavelength synchronously mode-locked fiber laser based on few-layered black phosphorus
Authors: Zhao Ruwei , Li Jing , Zhang Baitao , Li Xiaowen , Su Xiancui , Wang Yiran , Lou Fei , Zhang Haikun , He Jingliang
Published: August 2016

A triwavelength synchronously mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser with black phosphorus (BP) was demonstrated. The BP was proved to be not only an excellent saturable absorber (SA) but also a strong nonlinear material benefiting the stabilization of a multiwavelength fiber laser. The laser worked for a long time at three synchronous wavelengths of 1557.2, 1557.7, and 1558.2 nm. The autocorrelation trace of 9.41 ps pulses showed an interference beating of 0.06 THz, corresponding to a beating period of 16.37 ps. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the usage of BP as an SA for building a multiwavelength synchronous mode-locked fiber laser.
LearningRx Cognitive Training Effects in Children Ages 8–14: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Carpenter Dick M. , Ledbetter Christina , Moore Amy Lawson
Published: August 2016

In a randomized controlled study, we examined the effects of a one‐on‐one cognitive training program on memory, visual and auditory processing, processing speed, reasoning, attention, and General Intellectual Ability (GIA) score for students ages 8–14. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group to complete 60 h of cognitive training or to a wait‐list control group. The purpose of the study was to examine changes in multiple cognitive skills after completing cognitive training with ThinkRx, a LearningRx program. Results showed statistically significant differences between groups on all outcome measures except for attention. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are examined. © 2016 The Authors Applied Cognitive Psychology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Aminocatalytic Strategy for the Synthesis of Optically Active Benzothiophene Derivatives
Authors: Skrzyńska Anna , Albrecht Anna , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: August 2016

A novel approach for the stereoselective synthesis of benzothiophene derivatives with a fused dihydropyran moiety is demonstrated. The reaction of 2‐alkylidenebenzothiophene‐3(2H)‐ones with dienamines derived from α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and chiral secondary amines proceeds according to the inverse‐electron‐demand hetero‐Diels–Alder pathway. The formation of the aromatic benzothiophene moiety is a driving force for the developed reaction cascade. Target products bearing three adjacent stereogenic centers are obtained in excellent yields and in a highly stereoselective manner.

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Rate Acceleration of Solid‐Liquid Phase‐Transfer Catalysis by Rotor‐Stator Homogenizer
Authors: Kano Taichi , Aota Yusuke , Maruoka Keiji
Published: August 2016

A rotor‐stator homogenizer was found to be an effective mixing tool that accelerated solid‐liquid phase‐transfer reactions. In the asymmetric alkylation under phase‐transfer conditions using the homogenizer, a considerably high turnover frequency was observed.

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Direct Synthesis of N‐Acyl‐N,O‐hemiacetals via Nucleophilic Addition of Unactivated Amides and Their O‐Acetylation: Access to α,α‐Difunctionalized N‐Acylimines
Authors: Asahara Haruyasu , Inoue Kanami , Tani Shinki , Umezu Kazuto , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: August 2016

A mild, metal‐free synthesis of polyfunctionalized N‐acyl‐N,O‐hemiacetals was developed via the nucleophilic addition of unactivated amides to ketones. The protocol demonstrated a wide substrate scope, with good isolated yields. Additionally, their O‐acetylated products serve as a precursor of α,α‐difunctionalized N‐acylimines. An addition reaction of broad scope of nucleophiles to generate N‐acylimines is also reported.

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Polymer Electrolyte Composite Membrane Based on Molecular Sieve 13X Mixed with Sulfonated Poly(ether ketone ether sulfone)/Poly(phenylene ether ether sulfone) Blended Membrane for Use in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Changkhamchom S. , Sirivat A.
Published: August 2016

Blend membranes between sulfonated poly(ether ketone ether sulfone) (S‐PEKES) and poly(phenylene ether ether sulfone) (PPEES) were fabricated at various mole ratios. Interestingly, increasing the hydrophobic PPEES in S‐PEKES/PPEES blend membranes led to the decreases in water uptake (%) when compared to S‐PEKES. Incorporation of molecular sieve 13X drastically improved proton conductivity. Methanol permeability slightly decreased with molecular sieve 13X. The composite membrane with the 15% v/v molecular sieve 13X content showed the highest proton conductivity of 1.44 × 10−2 S/cm which is four times higher than Nafion 117. Thus, the blending between S‐PEKES and PPEES can help to decrease methanol permeability, and incorporating molecular sieve 13X can enhance proton conductivity.
Conveying Advanced Li‐ion Battery Materials into Practice The Impact of Electrode Slurry Preparation Skills
Authors: Kraytsberg Alexander , Ein‐Eli Yair
Published: August 2016

Li‐ion batteries (LIB's) are of the greatest practical utility for portable electronics and electric vehicles (EV's). LIB energy, power and cycle life performances depend on cathode and anode compositions and morphology, electrolyte composition and the overall cell design. Electrode morphology is influenced by the shape and size of the active material (AM), conductive additive (CA) particles, the polymeric binder properties, and also on the AM/CA/binder mass ratio. At the same time, it also substantially depends on the electrode preparation process. This process is usually comprised of mixing a solvent, a binder, AM and CA powders, and casting the resulting slurry onto a current collector foil followed by a drying process. Whereas the problems of electrode morphology and their influence on the LIB‐electrode performance always receive a proper attention, the influence of slurry properties and slurry preparation techniques on the electrode morphology is often overlooked or at least underrated. The present work summarizes the current state‐of‐the‐art in the field of LIB‐electrode precursor slurries preparation, characterized by multicomponent compounds and large variations in sizes and shapes of the solid components. Approaches to LIB‐electrode slurry preparation are outlined and discussed in the context of the ultimate LIB‐electrode morphology and performance.
Methodological concerns related to response bias in migrant and seasonal farmworkers
Authors: Benson Jemma , Garrison Emma , Dropkin Jonathan , Jenkins Paul L.
Published: August 2016

Background

The original objective was to measure the impact of kneepads on musculoskeletal pain in migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs). Secondary analyses were conducted to quantify the extent to which response bias may have skewed the study's results.

Methods

Surveys were used to collect data on baseline pain and post‐intervention pain, the amount of time participants spent wearing kneepads, and their overall ratings of the intervention.

Results

Participants did not experience significantly less pain with kneepads, and wore them for considerably less than the prescribed amount of time. However, subjects rated them very favorably. Given the strong suspicion of response bias, no firm conclusions could be drawn regarding the intervention.

Conclusions

Unique survey methodologies must be used with MSFWs, who tend to have low research literacy and are particularly susceptible to response bias. Objective study outcomes are particularly favorable in this population in order to minimize dependence on self‐reported measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1112–1119, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case of type 2 diabetes mellitus with metformin‐associated lactic acidosis initially presenting the appearance of a sulfonylurea‐related hypoglycemic attack
Authors: Nishihama Kota , Maki Kanako , Okano Yuko , Hashimoto Rei , Hotta Yasuhiro , Uemura Mei , Yasuma Taro , Suzuki Toshinari , Hayashi Toyomi , Ishikawa Eiji , Yano Yutaka , Gabazza Esteban C. , Ito Masaaki , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2016

Case

A 64‐year‐old Japanese woman with diabetes mellitus was admitted for hypoglycemia. Her diabetes had been under good control with glimepiride, voglibose, exenatide, and metformin for a few years. Although overt proteinuria was observed, the serum creatinine values were within normal range during the routine outpatient follow‐up. Hypoglycemic attack caused by glimepiride and loss of appetite by urinary tract infection were diagnosed. Then, metformin‐associated lactic acidosis with acute renal failure caused by dehydration was detected.

Outcome

Her condition was improved by continuous veno‐venous hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis, known to be useful to remove metformin.

Conclusion

We reported a case of metformin‐associated lactic acidosis with hypoglycemia during routine treatment of diabetes that was successfully rescued by early renal replacement therapy.
Highly Efficient Multiphoton‐Pumped Frequency‐Upconversion Stimulated Blue Emission with Ultralow Threshold from Highly Extended Ladder‐Type Oligo(p‐phenylene)s
Authors: Guo Lei , Li King Fai , Zhang Xiaoqin , Cheah Kok Wai , Wong Man Shing
Published: August 2016

A series of highly extended π‐conjugated ladder‐type oligo(p‐phenylene)s containing up to 10 phenyl rings with (L)‐Ph(n)‐NPh (n=7–10) or without diphenylamino endcaps (L)‐Ph(n) (n=7 and 8) were synthesized and investigated for their multiphoton absorption properties for frequency upconverted blue ASE/lasing. Extremely large two‐photon absorption (2PA) cross‐sections and highly efficient 2PA ASE/lasing with ultralow threshold were achieved. (L)‐Ph(10)‐NPh exhibits the highest intrinsic 2PA cross‐section of 3643 GM for a blue emissive organic fluorophore reported so far. The record‐high 2PA pumped ASE/lasing efficiency of 2.06 % was obtained by un‐endcapped oligomer, (L)‐Ph(8) rather than that with larger σ2, suggesting that a molecule with larger σ2 is not guaranteed to exhibit higher η2. All of these oligomers exhibit exceptionally ultralow 2PA pumped ASE/lasing thresholds, among which the lowest 2PA pumped threshold of circa 0.26 μJ was achieved by (L)‐Ph(10)‐NPh.
Mechanistic Insights into Catalytic Ethanol Steam Reforming Using Isotope‐Labeled Reactants
Authors: Crowley Stephen , Castaldi Marco J.
Published: August 2016

The low‐temperature ethanol steam reforming (ESR) reaction mechanism over a supported Rh/Pt catalyst has been investigated using isotope‐labeled EtOH and H2O. Through strategic isotope labeling, all nonhydrogen atoms were distinct from one another, and allowed an unprecedented level of understanding of the dominant reaction pathways. All combinations of isotope‐ and non‐isotope‐labeled atoms were detected in the products, thus there are multiple pathways involved in H2, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H4, and C2H6 product formation. Both the recombination of C species on the surface of the catalyst and preservation of the C−C bond within ethanol are responsible for C2 product formation. Ethylene is not detected until conversion drops below 100 % at t=1.25 h. Also, quantitatively, 57 % of the observed ethylene is formed directly through ethanol dehydration. Finally there is clear evidence to show that oxygen in the SiO2‐ZrO2 support constitutes 10 % of the CO formed during the reaction.
Multistimuli‐Responsive Bilirubin Nanoparticles for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Yonghyun , Lee Soyoung , Lee Dong Yun , Yu Byeongjun , Miao Wenjun , Jon Sangyong
Published: August 2016

Although stimuli‐responsive materials hold potential for use as drug‐delivery carriers for treating cancers, their clinical translation has been limited. Ideally, materials used for the purpose should be biocompatible and nontoxic, provide “on‐demand” drug release in response to internal or external stimuli, allow large‐scale manufacturing, and exhibit intrinsic anticancer efficacy. We present multistimuli‐responsive nanoparticles formed from bilirubin, a potent endogenous antioxidant that possesses intrinsic anticancer and anti‐inflammatory activity. Exposure of the bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs) to either reactive oxygen species (ROS) or external laser light causes rapid disruption of the BRNP nanostructure as a result of a switch in bilirubin solubility, thereby releasing encapsulated drugs. In a xenograft tumor model, BRNPs loaded with the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX@BRNPs), when combined with laser irradiation of 650 nm, significantly inhibited tumor growth. This study suggests that BRNPs may be used as a drug‐delivery carrier as well as a companion medicine for effectively treating cancers.
Amorphous Li2O2: Chemical Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Zhang Yelong , Cui Qinghua , Zhang Xinmin , McKee William C. , Xu Ye , Ling Shigang , Li Hong , Zhong Guiming , Yang Yong , Peng Zhangquan
Published: August 2016

When aprotic Li–O2 batteries discharge, the product phase formed in the cathode often contains two different morphologies, that is, crystalline and amorphous Li2O2. The morphology of Li2O2 impacts strongly on the electrochemical performance of Li–O2 cells in terms of energy efficiency and rate capability. Crystalline Li2O2 is readily available and its properties have been studied in depth for Li–O2 batteries. However, little is known about the amorphous Li2O2 because of its rarity in high purity. Herein, amorphous Li2O2 has been synthesized by a rapid reaction of tetramethylammonium superoxide and LiClO4 in solution, and its amorphous nature has been confirmed by a range of techniques. Compared with its crystalline siblings, amorphous Li2O2 demonstrates enhanced charge‐transport properties and increased electro‐oxidation kinetics, manifesting itself a desirable discharge phase for high‐performance Li–O2 batteries.
Homochiral [2.2]Paracyclophane Self‐Assembly Promoted by Transannular Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Fagnani Danielle E. , Meese Michael J. , Abboud Khalil A. , Castellano Ronald K.
Published: August 2016

[2.2]paracyclophane (pCp), unlike many π‐building blocks, has been virtually unexplored in supramolecular constructs. Reported here is the synthesis and characterization of the first pCp derivatives capable of programmed self‐assembly into extended cofacial π‐stacks in solution and the solid state. The design employs transannular (intramolecular) hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds), hitherto unstudied in pCps, between pseudo‐ortho‐positioned amides of a pCp‐4,7,12,15‐tetracarboxamide (pCpTA) to preorganize the molecules for intermolecular H‐bonding with π‐stacked neighbors. X‐ray crystallography confirms the formation of homochiral, one‐dimensional pCpTA stacks helically laced with two H‐bond strands. The chiral sense is dictated by the planar chirality (Rp or Sp) of the pCpTA monomers. A combination of NMR, IR, and UV/Vis studies confirms the formation of the first supramolecular pCp polymers in solution.
Photoinduced Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Garbarino Silvia , Ravelli Davide , Protti Stefano , Basso Andrea
Published: August 2016

The combination of multicomponent approaches with light‐driven processes opens up new scenarios in the area of synthetic organic chemistry, where the need for sustainable, atom‐ and energy‐efficient reactions is increasingly urgent. Photoinduced multicomponent reactions are still in their infancy, but significant developments in this area are expected in the near future.
Microscopic and mechanical properties of semi‐crystalline and amorphous polymeric parts produced by laser cutting
Authors: Karimzad Ghavidel Ayub , Shabgard Mohammadreza , Biglari Hasan
Published: August 2016

Microscopic and mechanical properties of polymeric parts are effective factors on their durability. Laser cutting is one of the most common methods for production of 2D polymeric parts. Experimental study of the mentioned properties of semi‐crystalline and amorphous polymeric parts after laser cutting is conducted in this research. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) are considered as semi‐crystalline and amorphous polymers, respectively. Laser power and cutting velocity were selected as input parameters of cutting process. According to microscopic observations, the microcracks, re‐solidified spots of molten material, and sink marks just appear in heat affected zone (HAZ) on amorphous polymer. Results also showed that the HAZ width and surface roughness values are smaller for semi‐crystalline polymer. For both polymers, decreasing of power and increasing of cutting velocity reduce the HAZ and surface roughness. In the case of mechanical properties, tensile strength of semi‐crystalline and amorphous polymers reduces after laser cutting. Results of experiments revealed that the extension of HAZ and deterioration of surface finish decrease tensile strength of parts. Therefore, lower power and higher cutting velocity condition is preferable for reaching the better mechanical properties. Furthermore, two separate mathematical models for each polymer are presented for prediction of tensile strength after laser cutting process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44179.
Thermo‐responsive polymers for drag reduction in turbulent Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Bhambri Pallavi , Narain Ravin , Fleck Brian A.
Published: August 2016

The addition of a small amount of high molecular weight polymer to a solvent can substantially decrease friction losses by approximately 80%. This phenomenon known as drag reduction (DR) is used extensively in oil recovery during hydraulic fracturing and in many other applications to reduce the pumping costs. However, because of long chain length, these polymers get adsorbed on the surface of reservoir, diminishing the effectiveness of fracking. In the current study, a thermo‐responsive polymer, i.e., poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is investigated as a drag reducing agent (DRA), which collapses reversibly above 33 °C known as lower critical solution temperature (LCST), thereby preventing it from getting adsorbed beyond this temperature. Free radical polymerization was used to synthesize the PNIPAM and a Taylor–Couette (TC) setup with a rotating inner cylinder was utilized for measuring the DR. The effect of concentration, Reynolds number (Re), and temperature on DR were studied and a maximum of 50% DR was observed at 400 PPM concentration. PNIPAM demonstrated significant decrease in DR beyond LCST, validating its thermo‐responsive nature that could be beneficial for DR in oil recovery or in providing a control modality to DR technologies.DR versus temperature for PNIPAM solution (500 PPM) at Re = 100,000 demonstrating responsive behavior with temperature © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44191.
Brief Report: Synovial Fluid White Blood Cell Count in Knee Osteoarthritis: Association With Structural Findings and Treatment Response
Authors: McCabe Paul S. , Parkes Matthew J. , Maricar Nasimah , Hutchinson Charles E. , Freemont Anthony , O'Neill Terence W. , Felson David T.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with a significant inflammatory component. The aim of this analysis was to determine the relationship between synovial fluid (SF) white blood cell (WBC) count and 2 parameters: disease severity and the reduction in knee pain after intraarticular (IA) steroid injection.

Methods

Subjects with painful knee OA were recruited for participation in an open‐label study of IA steroid therapy. Information was obtained about knee pain using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, and a proportion of subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior to injection with 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate, the index knee joint was aspirated and the fluid obtained was forwarded for assessment of SF WBC count.

Results

Information on SF WBC count was available for 55 subjects. An increase in WBC count category (≤100, 101–250, and 251–1,000 cells/mm3) was associated with an increase in synovial tissue volume (P = 0.028) and with other MRI‐based measures of disease severity. Also, with each increase in SF WBC count category, there was a greater reduction in KOOS score after steroid injection (for WBC count of ≤100 cells/mm3 [referent], mean ± SD 12.5 ± 15.2; for WBC count of 101–250 cells/mm3, mean ± SD 21.3 ± 20.6 [β coefficient 0.279, P = 0.049]; for WBC count of 251–1,000 cells/mm3, mean ± SD 29.3 ± 15.2 [β coefficient 0.320, P = 0.024]).

Conclusion

Although all participants in the analysis had SF WBC counts within the “normal” range, total SF WBC count appears to be a biomarker for synovitis on MRI and may also predict response to antiinflammatory treatment.
Synchronization of General Linear Multi‐Agent Systems With Measurement Noises
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Yang Chunjie , Deng Feiqi , Liang Jiarong
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the synchronization of general linear multi‐agent systems with measurement noises in mean square. It shows that the conventional consensus protocol is efficient and robust to the additive and multiplicative measurement noises in mean square. For the additive measurement noises which are independent of the relative‐states, it shows that the multi‐agent systems can achieve synchronization in practical mean square. For the multiplicative measurement noises which are dependent of the relative‐states, it shows that the multi‐agent systems can achieve synchronization in (strict) mean square. Furthermore, the new consensus protocol is better than the conventional one at some specific situations, i.e., the multi‐agent systems with additive measurement noises can also achieve synchronization in (strict) mean square. Numerical simulations are also provided and the results show highly consistent with the theoretical results.