bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Use of Disease Modifying Drugs for MS in Canada
Authors: Rotstein Dalia L. , Mamdani Muhammad , O'Connor Paul W.
Published: December 2014

Background/Objectives:

The course of multiple sclerosis may be slowed by use of the disease modifying drugs (DMDs): subcutaneous or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, glatiramer acetate, and natalizumab. We set out to compare utilization of these drugs in the Canadian provinces from 2002-2007.

Methods:

Using a retrospective cohort analysis, we reviewed population data from International Medical Statistics (IMS) Health between November 2001 and October 2007.

Results:

The total annual number of DMD prescriptions increased from 3.9, in 2002, to 5.1, in 2007, per 1,000 Canadians. The total annual cost of prescriptions rose from $187 million to $287 million. Of the four provinces responsible for the majority of prescriptions - Alberta, BC, Ontario, and Quebec - Quebec had the highest average annual prescription rate (7 per 1,000 population) and BC had the lowest rate (3.3 per 1,000 population). Subcutaneous interferon beta-1a was the most commonly used drug whereas glatiramer acetate showed the greatest growth in use from 2002 to 2007.

Conclusions:

Disease modifying drugs prescription rates and costs increased by more than 30% between 2002 and 2007. There was wide variation in DMD prescription rates and relative drug preferences across the provinces.
GPI-1046 Increases Presenilin-1 Expression and Restores NMDA Channel Activity
Authors: Steiner Joseph P. , Payne Kathryn B. , Main Christopher Drummond , D'Alfonso Sabrina , Jacobsen Kirsten X. , Hicks T. Philip , Staines William A. , Poulter Michael O.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Previously we showed that 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra eliminate corticostriatal LTP and that the neuroimmunolophilin ligand (NIL), GPI-1046, restores LTP.

Methods:

We used cDNA microarrays to determine what mRNAs may be over- or under-expressed in response to lesioning and/or GPI-1046 treatment. Patch clamp recordings were performed to investigate changes in NMDA channel function before and after treatments.

Results:

We found that 51 gene products were differentially expressed. Among these we found that GPI-1046 treatment up-regulated presenilin-1 (PS-1) mRNA abundance. This finding was confirmed using QPCR. PS-1 protein was also shown to be over-expressed in the striatum of lesioned/GPI-1046-treated rats. As PS-1 has been implicated in controlling NMDA-receptor function and LTP is reduced by lesioning we assayed NMDA mediated synaptic activity in striatal brain slices. The lesion-induced reduction of dopaminergic innervation was accompanied by the near complete loss of NDMA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission between the cortex and striatum. GPI-1046 treatment of the lesioned rats restored NMDA-mediated synaptic transmission but not the dopaminergic innervation. Restoration of NDMA channel function was apparently specific as the sodium channel current density was also reduced due to lesioning but GPI-1046 did not reverse this effect. We also found that restoration of NMDA receptor function was also not associated with either an increase in NMDA receptor mRNA or protein expression.

Conclusion:

As it has been previously shown that PS-1 is critical for normal NMDA receptor function, our data suggest that the improvement of excitatory neurotransmission occurs through the GPI-1046-induced up-regulation of PS-1.
Scedosporium Cerebral Abscesses After Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Al-Jehani Hosam , Guiot Marie-Christine , Torres Carlos , Marcoux Judith
Published: December 2014

Background:

Scedosporial infections are usually encountered in the immunocompromised patients. However, they are now emerging in the immunocompetent population and have an affinity for the central nervous system. They represent a therapeutic challenge, since they are highly resistant to most antifungal medications.

Methods:

We report the case of an immunocompetent patient with multiple cerebral abscesses secondary toScedosporium apiospermumfollowing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and review the literature about this challenging cerebral infection.

Results:

A previously healthy 33-year-old male admitted to the hospital for a community-acquired pneumonia requiring ECMO subsequently developed multiple cerebral abscesses. He was empirically treated with caspofungin, which was changed to voriconazole once surgical aspiration revealedScedosporium apiospermum.Despite multiple aspirations, decompressive craniectomy to alleviate intracranial pressure, and an appropriate antifungal agent, the patient did not survive this aggressive infection.

Conclusion:

Brain abscesses withScedosporium apiospermumpresent a therapeutic challenge. High clinical suspicion leading to early appropriate antifungal therapy and combined surgical interventions might improve the prognosis.
Why is ALS so Difficult to Treat?
Authors: Turnbull John
Published: December 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is proving intractable. Difficulties in pre-clinical studies contribute in small measure to this futility, but the chief reason for failure is an inadequate understanding of disease pathogenesis. Many acquired and inherited processes have been advanced as potential causes of ALS but, while they may predispose to disease, it seems increasingly likely that none leads directly to ALS. Rather, two recent overlapping considerations, both involving aberrant protein homeostasis, may provide a better explanation for a common disease phenotype and a common terminal pathogenesis. If so, therapeutic approaches will need to be altered and carefully nuanced, since protein homeostasis is essential and highly conserved. Nonetheless, these considerations provide new optimism in a difficult disease which has hitherto defied treatment.
Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline in Transient Ischemic Attack Patients
Authors: Sivakumar Leka , Camicioli Richard , Butcher Ken
Published: December 2014

Chronic cerebrovascular disease and large ischemic stroke are both associated with cognitive impairment. Much less is known about the acute cognitive sequelae of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although often overlooked, there is increasing evidence that cognitive impairment does occur following TIA. In some patients, cognitive changes persist after resolution of focal neurological deficits, but the temporal profile of these symptoms is unknown. In addition, clinical and imaging correlates of cognitive impairment after TIA have not been systematically studied. This under-studied and recognized problem has significant implications for TIA patient management. In this review, we summarize the evidence currently available and identify future research priorities.
Glioblastoma Treatment in the Elderly in the Temozolomide Therapy Era
Authors: Coate Linda , McNamara Mairéad G. , Lwin Zarnie , MacFadden Derek , Al-Zahrani Ahmed , Massey Christine , Menard Cynthia , Millar Barbara Ann , Sahgal Arjun , Laperriere Normand , Mason Warren P.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Optimal treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) in the elderly remains unclear. The impact of age on treatment planning, toxicity, and efficacy at a Canadian Cancer Centre was retrospectively reviewed.

Methods:

Glioblastoma patients treated consecutively between 2004 and 2008 were reviewed. Utilizing 70 years as the threshold for definition of an elderly patient, treatments and outcome were compared in younger and elderly populations.

Results:

Four hundred and twenty one patients were included in this analysis and median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 9.8 months. 290 patients were aged <70 (median age 57, range 17–69) and 131 were aged ≥70 (median age 76, range 70–93). Patients ≥70 were more likely to receive best supportive care (BSC) and all patients >70 who were treated with radiotherapy received <60 Gy (P<0.001), except one. Patients aged >70 demonstrated inferior survival (one year OS 16% versus 54% for those <70, HR 3.46, P<0.001). In patients treated with BSC only, age had no impact on survival (median survival two months in both groups, HR 0.89, P=0.75). For those treated with higher doses of radiotherapy (>30 Gy to <60 Gy), one year survival was 19% versus 24% in patients aged >70 versus <70 (HR 1.47, P=0.02) respectively.

Conclusions:

In this retrospective single institution series, elderly patients were more likely to be treated with BSC or palliative doses of radiotherapy. Randomized phase III study results are required for guidance in treatment of this population of patients.
Neurocognitive Changes in Tertiary Neurosyphilis: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Beauchemin Philippe , Laforce Robert
Published: December 2014

Context:

Since the beginning of the new millennium, prevalence of syphilis has re-increased and is once again, a major public health problem. Neurosyphilis is the extension of syphilitic infection to the nervous system. It is considered by many as a cause of reversible dementia, when treated early. However, scarce data exist on the evolution of cognitive and behavioral impairments in patients affected by tertiary neurosyphilis.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore the cognitive and behavioral changes in a cohort of patients diagnosed with neurosyphilis.

Design:

A retrospective study based on systematized chart review between 2000 and 2012 in a large neurological tertiary care facility.

Outcome measure:

Clinical evaluations by treating physicians.

Results:

Eighteen patients were identified with tertiary neurosyphilis. Out of this group, only two had systematic neuropsychological follow-up despite physician reports of significant and persistent cognitive and psychiatric changes. For these two cases, only slight improvements were noted in memory and executive skills while improvements in attention were marked. None of our patients had previous psychiatric history yet a large proportion developed symptoms after the infection.

Conclusion:

Although neurosyphilis is traditionally considered a reversible form of dementia, we found limited support for this claim in our two patients with close follow-up. Quality data on the cognitive and psychiatric changes in the rest of our cohort was dramatically lacking, and this could not be explained by absence of symptoms at presentation. Given the recrudescence of syphilis, we propose a systematic approach to the evaluation and follow-up of this disorder.
Kan injectivity in order-enriched categories
Authors: ADÁMEK JIŘÍ , SOUSA LURDES , VELEBIL JIŘÍ
Published: December 2014

Continuous lattices were characterised by Martín Escardó as precisely those objects that are Kan-injective with respect to a certain class of morphisms. In this paper we study Kan-injectivity in general categories enriched in posets. As an example, ω-CPO's are precisely the posets that are Kan-injective with respect to the embeddings ω ↪ ω + 1 and 0 ↪ 1.

For every class$\mathcal{H}$of morphisms, we study the subcategory of all objects that are Kan-injective with respect to$\mathcal{H}$and all morphisms preserving Kan extensions. For categories such asTop0andPos, we prove that whenever$\mathcal{H}$is a set of morphisms, the above subcategory is monadic, and the monad it creates is a Kock–Zöberlein monad. However, this does not generalise to proper classes, and we present a class of continuous mappings inTop0for which Kan-injectivity does not yield a monadic category.
Intergenerational risk-sharing through funded pensions and public debt
Authors: CHEN DAMIAAN H. J. , BEETSMA ROEL M. W. J. , PONDS EDUARD H. M. , ROMP WARD E.
Published: December 2014

We explore the benefits of intergenerational risk-sharing through both private funded pensions and via the public debt. We use a multi-period overlapping generation model with a pay-as-you-go pension pillar, a funded pension pillar and a government. Shocks are smoothed via the public debt and variations in the indexation of pension entitlements and pension contributions. The intensity of these adjustments increases when the pension funding ratio or public debt gets closer to their boundaries. The best-performing pension arrangement is a hybrid funded scheme in which both contributions and entitlement indexation are simultaneously deployed as stabilisation instruments. We find that contribution and indexation adjustment policies are substitutes and the same is the case for contribution and tax adjustment policies. By contrast, indexation and tax adjustment policies are complements. We compare different taxation regimes and conclude that a regime in which pension benefits are taxed, while contributions are paid before taxes, is preferred to a regime in which contributions are paid after taxes, but benefits are untaxed.
MALCOLM’SLEVIATHAN: HOBBES’S “THING”
Authors: COLLINS JEFFREY
Published: December 2014

The publication of the Clarendon edition of theWorks of Thomas Hobbesrecently entered its fourth decade. The monumental project has unfolded against shifting methodologies in the practice of intellectual history, and the edition's own history exemplifies these shifts. Its first general editor was Howard Warrender, who died in 1985 after a distinguished career as a professor of political theory at the University of Sheffield. Warrender was best known for thePolitical Philosophy of Hobbes: His Theory of Obligation. This influential book offered a deontological interpretation of Hobbes's theory of obligation, according to which the Hobbesian natural laws were to be understood as divine commands. Warrender's book appeared in 1957 and was resolutely textualist in its approach, exploring Hobbes's arguments in isolation and with considerable interpretive charity. His subject was the “theoretical basis” of Hobbes's writing, the importance of which might not be “historically conspicuous.”
(Un)nötige Operationen in der Schulterchirurgie: „Table of Confusion“ appliziert auf „Field of Confusion“
Authors: Zdravkovic Vilijam , Jost Bernhard , Zumstein Matthias A.
Published: December 2014

Eine Operation oder Behandlung als „nötig“ oder „unnötig“ zu deklarieren kann als binomialer Klassifikator betrachtet werden und in einer Konfusionsmatrix („Table of Confusion“) analysiert werden. Ambroise Parré (1510–1590) hat die Wundbehandlung mit heissem Öl dank wissenschaftlicher Reflexion über eigener Arbeit als „Standard of Care“ ablösen können. Immer noch ist die Frage: „Was ist die aktuelle Standardbehandlung?“ entscheidend darüber, ob eine Operation nötig oder unnötig sei. Die Erwartungen des Patienten können die Entscheidung operative versus konservative Behandlung beeinflussen. Am Beispiel der proximalen Humerusfraktur können zwei unterschiedliche operative Strategien (primäre versus sekundäre Schulterprothese) zu einer unnötigen Operation führen, was allerdings erst im Nachhinein beurteilbar wird. Weitere Faktoren, welche analysiert werden, sind Zeit („Test of Time“) und finanzielle Aspekte. Zusammenfassend kann uns nur die objektive wissenschaftliche Analyse richtige Leitlinien für unser Handeln geben und damit sowohl den Patienten wie auch den Orthopädischen Chirurgen vor unnötigen Operationen schützen.
Primum et super omnium: nihil nocere Operationsindikation im Wandel bei Divertikulitis
Authors: Galli Raffaele , Schnüriger Beat , Brügger Lukas , Inderbitzin Daniel
Published: December 2014

Die Inzidenz der Divertikelkrankheit des Kolons nahm in den letzten drei Jahrzehnten in der westlichen Welt zu und zunehmend sind auch junge Patienten betroffen. Eine Progression zu einer Divertikulitis fand sich in neuen Studien in nur ca. 4 % der betroffenen Patienten. Durch neue klinische Erkenntnisse kam es in den letzten Jahren zu einem Wandel in der Behandlung der Divertikulitis mit einem Trend zugunsten der konservativen Therapie sowie wenig aggressiven Verfahren. Die frühere Empfehlung, eine Sigmaresektion nach zwei Schüben unkomplizierter Divertikulitis oder nach dem ersten Schub bei komplizierter Divertikulitis sowie bei Patienten < 50 Jahren durchzuführen, wurde nach neuen Untersuchungen zum natürlichen Verlauf der Divertikelerkrankung sehr kritisch hinterfragt. Die Indikation zur elektiven Sigmaresektion bei wiederholten unkomplizierten Episoden sollte heutzutage individuell und zurückhaltend gestellt werden. In der Notfallsituation im Rahmen einer freien Kolonperforation kann auch primär anastomosiert werden. Bei Risikopatienten ist aber die Sigmadiskontinuitätsresektion nach Hartmann nach wie vor indiziert. In mehreren retrospektiven Serien zeigten sich vielversprechende Resultate bei der initialen Behandlung der perforierten Sigmadivertikulitis mit generalisierter Peritonitis mittels laparoskopischer Lavage und Drainageneinlage. Bis zum Vorliegen von Daten aus randomisierten Studien sollte dieses Verfahren im klinischen Alltag jedoch strengen Indikationen unterliegen. Dieser Artikel soll einen kurzen Überblick über den Wandel der Indikationen in der chirurgischen Behandlung der Divertikulitis verschaffen und, basierend auf dem natürlichen Verlauf der Divertikelkrankheit, erklären, warum die Indikation zur Operation heute zurückhaltend gestellt wird.
Life-cycle modification in open oceans accounts for genome variability in a cosmopolitan phytoplankton
Authors: von Dassow Peter , John Uwe , Ogata Hiroyuki , Probert Ian , Bendif El Mahdi , Kegel Jessica U , Audic Stéphane , Wincker Patrick , Da Silva Corinne , Claverie Jean-Michel , Doney Scott , Glover David M , Flores Daniella Mella , Herrera Yeritza , Lescot Magali , Garet-Delmas Marie-José , de Vargas Colomban
Published: December 2014

Emiliania huxleyi is the most abundant calcifying plankton in modern oceans with substantial intraspecific genome variability and a biphasic life cycle involving sexual alternation between calcified 2N and flagellated 1N cells. We show that high genome content variability in Emiliania relates to erosion of 1N-specific genes and loss of the ability to form flagellated cells. Analysis of 185 E. huxleyi strains isolated from world oceans suggests that loss of flagella occurred independently in lineages inhabiting oligotrophic open oceans over short evolutionary timescales. This environmentally linked physiogenomic change suggests life cycling is not advantageous in very large/diluted populations experiencing low biotic pressure and low ecological variability. Gene loss did not appear to reflect pressure for genome streamlining in oligotrophic oceans as previously observed in picoplankton. Life-cycle modifications might be common in plankton and cause major functional variability to be hidden from traditional taxonomic or molecular markers.
Identification of the remains of King Richard III
Authors: King Turi E. , Fortes Gloria Gonzalez , Balaresque Patricia , Thomas Mark G. , Balding David , Delser Pierpaolo Maisano , Neumann Rita , Parson Walther , Knapp Michael , Walsh Susan , Tonasso Laure , Holt John , Kayser Manfred , Appleby Jo , Forster Peter , Ekserdjian David , Hofreiter Michael , Schürer Kevin
Published: December 2014

In 2012, a skeleton was excavated at the presumed site of the Grey Friars friary in Leicester, the last-known resting place of King Richard III. Archaeological, osteological and radiocarbon dating data were consistent with these being his remains. Here we report DNA analyses of both the skeletal remains and living relatives of Richard III. We find a perfect mitochondrial DNA match between the sequence obtained from the remains and one living relative, and a single-base substitution when compared with a second relative. Y-chromosome haplotypes from male-line relatives and the remains do not match, which could be attributed to a false-paternity event occurring in any of the intervening generations. DNA-predicted hair and eye colour are consistent with Richard’s appearance in an early portrait. We calculate likelihood ratios for the non-genetic and genetic data separately, and combined, and conclude that the evidence for the remains being those of Richard III is overwhelming.
Pleiotropy of the de novo-originated gene MDF1
Authors: Li Dan , Yan Zhihui , Lu Lina , Jiang Huifeng , Wang Wen
Published: December 2014

MDF1 is a young de novo-originated gene from a non-coding sequence in baker's yeast, S. cerevisiae, which can suppress mating and promote vegetative growth. Our previous experiments successfully demonstrated how Mdf1p binds to the key mating pathway determinant MATα2 to suppress mating. However, how Mdf1p promotes growth and fulfills the crosstalk between the yeast mating and growth pathways are still open questions. Thus, the adaptive significance of this new de novo gene remains speculative. Here, we show that Mdf1p shortens the lag phase of S. cerevisiae by physically interacting with SNF1, the governing factor for nonfermentable carbon source utilization and thereby confers a selective advantage on yeasts through the rapid consumption of glucose in the early generational stage in rich medium. Therefore, MDF1 functions in two important molecular pathways, mating and fermentation and mediates the crosstalk between reproduction and vegetative growth. Together, our results provide a comprehensive example of how a de novo-originated gene organizes new regulatory circuits and thereby confers a selective advantage on S. cerevisiae to allow exquisite adaptation to the changing environment.
Hollow fiber supported ionic liquid membrane microextraction for speciation of mercury by high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Xu Qingzhong , Li Saiyu , Luan Lingyu , Li Jian , Zhang Shengxiao , Dong Houhuan
Published: December 2014

Hollow fiber supported ionic liquid membrane microextraction for the preconcentration of monomethylmercury and inorganic mercury with high sensitivity detection.
Mesoporous carbon reinforced hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction for the enrichment of phenylurea herbicides followed by their determination with high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Wu Qiuhua , Zhao Ying , Wang Chun , Sun Meng , Ma Xiaoxing , Wang Zhi
Published: December 2014

A mesoporous carbon reinforced hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction method was developed for the enrichment of phenylurea herbicides from water and soil samples.
A new liquid–liquid microextraction method by ultrasound assisted salting-out for determination of triazole pesticides in water samples coupled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Xin-Yi , Ye Jing-qing , Nie Jing , Li Zu-Guang , Lee Maw-Rong
Published: December 2014

A simple, fast and green method termed “ultrasound assisted salting-out homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction (UASO-HLLME)” has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of triazole pesticides in water.
Asymmetric synthesis of α-(1-oxoisoindolin-3-yl)glycine: synthetic and mechanistic challenges
Authors: Li Tingting , Zhou Shengbin , Wang Jiang , Aceña José Luis , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Liu Hong
Published: December 2014

The NaOMe-catalyzed reactions between the chiral glycine Schiff base (S)-4 with 2-cyanobenzaldehyde 3 provide for a convenient preparation of the novel α-(1-oxoisoindolin-3-yl)glycine 1 of high pharmaceutical potential, which involve at least eight synthetic steps mechanistically.
The disodium salt of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone as anode material for rechargeable sodium ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Li Hao , Liang Jing , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun
Published: December 2014

The disodium salt of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone has been prepared and proposed as an anode for rechargeable sodium ion batteries for the first time.
A strategy for screening of high-quality enzyme inhibitors from herbal medicines based on ultrafiltration LC-MS and in silico molecular docking
Authors: Song Hui-Peng , Chen Jun , Hong Jia-Ying , Hao Haiping , Qi Lian-Wen , Lu Jun , Fu Yu , Wu Bin , Yang Hua , Li Ping
Published: December 2014

A universal and promising route for screening of high-quality enzyme inhibitors from herbal medicines.
A self-assembling lanthanide molecular nanoparticle for optical imaging
Authors: Brown Katherine A. , Yang Xiaoping , Schipper Desmond , Hall Justin W. , DePue Lauren J. , Gnanam Annie J. , Arambula Jonathan F. , Jones Jessica N. , Swaminathan Jagannath , Dieye Yakhya , Vadivelu Jamuna , Chandler Don J. , Marcotte Edward M. , Sessler Jonathan L. , Ehrlich Lauren I. R. , Jones Richard A.
Published: December 2014

The structure and photophysical properties of the nano-drum [Eu8Cd24L12(OAc)48] are described as well as imaging capabilities using commercial microscopy platforms.
Inhibitory effect of leonurine on the formation of advanced glycation end products
Authors: Huang Lianqi , Yang Xin , Peng Anlin , Wang Hui , Lei Xiang , Zheng Ling , Huang Kun
Published: December 2014

Leonurine inhibits AGE formation through scavenging of the carbonyl species
Classification of iron ores by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with random forest (RF)
Authors: Sheng Liwen , Zhang Tianlong , Niu Guanghui , Wang Kang , Tang Hongsheng , Duan Yixiang , Li Hua
Published: December 2014

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with the random forest (RF) algorithm was proposed for the classification of ten iron ore samples.
Factors affecting bismuth vanadate photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Sinclair Timothy S. , Hunter Bryan M. , Winkler Jay R. , Gray Harry B. , Müller Astrid M.
Published: December 2014

Undoped bismuth vanadate was synthesized and investigated to differentiate the effect of physical characteristics on photoelectrochemical performance.
Coordination polymers with free Brønsted acid sites for selective catalysis
Authors: Ma Lu-Fang , Shi Zhen-Zhen , Li Fei-Fei , Zhang Jian , Wang Li-Ya
Published: December 2014

The Cu(ii) coordination polymers with free –COOH groups as Brønsted acid sites show high activity and regioselectivity in catalyzing epoxide ring-opening reactions.
Polymeric ionic liquid nanogel-anchored tungstate anions: a robust catalytic system for oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Nazari-Chamazkoti Mojtaba , Hosseini Seyed Hassan
Published: December 2014

A new heterogeneous catalytic system was prepared by immobilization of tungstate ions on a cross-linked poly(ionic liquid) nanogel.
Chemo-enzymatic Baeyer–Villiger oxidation in the presence of Candida antarctica lipase B and ionic liquids
Authors: Drożdż Agnieszka , Erfurt Karol , Bielas Rafał , Chrobok Anna
Published: December 2014

A new method for the synthesis of lactones in the presence of ionic liquids and lipase has been developed.
A short, rigid linker between pyrene and guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole induced a new set of spectroscopic responses to the ds-DNA secondary structure
Authors: Radić Stojković Marijana , Piotrowski Patryciusz , Schmuck Carsten , Piantanida Ivo
Published: December 2014

A DNA-targeting dye exhibited pH-dependent selectivity toward AT-DNA (pH 7) or GC-DNA (pH 5), accompanied by fluorimetric (pH 5) and ICD (pH 7) recognition.
Amphiphilic benzothiadiazole–triphenylamine-based aggregates that emit red light in water
Authors: Ishi-i Tsutomu , Kitahara Ikumi , Yamada Shimpei , Sanada Yusuke , Sakurai Kazuo , Tanaka Asami , Hasebe Naoya , Yoshihara Toshitada , Tobita Seiji
Published: December 2014

An amphiphilic donor–acceptor dye can provide red light emission in water in an aggregate state.
A monolith immobilised iridium Cp* catalyst for hydrogen transfer reactions under flow conditions
Authors: Rojo Maria Victoria , Guetzoyan Lucie , Baxendale Ian. R.
Published: December 2014

An immobilised iridium hydrogen transfer catalyst has been developed for use in flow based processing by incorporation of a ligand into a porous polymeric monolithic flow reactor.
Fluorescent organic ion pairs based on berberine: counter-ion effect on the formation of particles and on the uptake by colon cancer cells
Authors: Soulié Marine , Frongia Céline , Lobjois Valérie , Fery-Forgues Suzanne
Published: December 2014

Counter-ions modulate the fluorescence of berberine ion pairs in cells, this process being possibly linked to the formation of nanoparticles.
Polymer impregnated sulfonated carbon composite solid acid catalyst for alkylation of phenol with methyl-tert-butyl ether
Authors: Khatri Praveen K. , Manchanda Manvi , Ghosh Indrajit K. , Jain Suman L.
Published: December 2014

A polymer impregnated sulfonated carbon composite solid acid catalyst was synthesized via sulfonation of a composite material and used for the alkylation of phenol using methyl-tert-butyl ether as an alkylating agent in a pressure reactor under autogenous pressure.
Magnetic adsorbents based on micro- and nano-structured materials
Authors: Kharissova Oxana V. , Dias H. V. Rasika , Kharisov Boris I.
Published: December 2014

Micro- and nano-sized magnetic adsorbents based on elemental metals, iron oxides, and ferrites and supported by inorganic (carbon, graphene, silica, and zeolites) or organic (macromolecules, polysaccharides, and biomolecules) compounds are reviewed.
One-minute deposition of micrometre-thick porous Si anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lee Jungho , Noda Suguru
Published: December 2014

3–14 μm-thick porous Si anodes were vapor-deposited on Cu current collectors in 10–60 s and discharge capacities of 1000 mA h gSi−1 and 0.66 mA h cmanode−2 were achieved for the 50th cycle.
Mild catalytic depolymerization of low rank coals: a novel way to increase tar yield
Authors: Liang Litong , Huang Wei , Gao Fuxing , Hao Xiaogang , Zhang Zhonglin , Zhang Qian , Guan Guoqing
Published: December 2014

Catalyst dissolved in an accessory ingredient and was sprayed into coal particles, in this case, even the active catalyst content was only 0.1 wt%, a good catalytic effect could be generated for the depolymerization of coal.
Improving SO2 capture by tuning functional groups on the cation of pyridinium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Zeng Shaojuan , He Hongyan , Gao Hongshuai , Zhang Xiangping , Wang Jian , Huang Ying , Zhang Suojiang
Published: December 2014

Novel pyridinium-based ionic liquids [NEt2C2Py][SCN], [C4OPy][SCN] and [C4CNPy][SCN] with high SO2 gravimetric capacity were developed and the mechanism was discussed.
The influence of pH and temperature on the stability of flutamide. An HPLC investigation and identification of the degradation product by EI+-MS
Authors: El-Shaheny R. N. , Yamada K.
Published: December 2014

Stability of flutamide was investigated using validated stability-indicating HPLC method. Degradation kinetics, Arrhenius plots, and pH-rate profile curve were explored.
Large mesoporous carbons decorated with silver and gold nanoparticles by a self-assembly method: enhanced electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 electroreduction and sodium nitrite electrooxidation
Authors: Yang X. J. , Wang Y. H. , Bai J. , He X. Y. , Jiang X. E.
Published: December 2014

The silver, gold nanoparticles were grown onto poly (diallyldimethyl ammoniumchloride, PDDA)-functionalized large mesoporous carbon (LMC) by simple self-assembly method. AuNPs or AgNPs/PDDA–LMC show superior electrocatalytic activity.
Electroless deposition of iridium oxide nanoparticles promoted by condensation of [Ir(OH)6]2−on an anodized Au surface: application to electrocatalysis of the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Karthik P. Esakki , Raja K. Alagar , Kumar S. Senthil , Phani K. L. N. , Liu Yuping , Guo Si-Xuan , Zhang Jie , Bond Alan M.
Published: December 2014

High reactivity of anodized gold allows electroless deposition of active IrOxnanoparticles. With its highly stable electrocatalytic activity for OER, the method is the simplest yet developed.
Photochemical synthesis and characterization of novel samarium oxide nanoparticles: toward a heterogeneous Brønsted acid catalyst
Authors: Hodgson Gregory K. , Impellizzeri Stefania , Hallett-Tapley Geniece L. , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: December 2014

Samarium oxide nanoparticles (Sm2O3NP) were prepared photochemically for the first time.
An autonomic and “off–on–off”-switchable polymer microreactor
Authors: Luo Rong , Zhu Maiyong , Yuan Xinhua , Li Songjun
Published: December 2014

An autonomic “off–on–off” polymer microreactor containing the switchable domains of molecular chains is reported. The switching of molecular chains acted as a molecular switch for regulating access to the encapsulated metal nanoparticles.
Flexible ribbon-shaped coaxial electrical conductive nanocable array endowed with magnetism and photoluminescence
Authors: Ma Qianli , Wang Jinxian , Dong Xiangting , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia
Published: December 2014

A new type of flexible ribbon-shaped coaxial conductive nanocable array possessing conductivity, magnetism and photoluminescence can be achieved by one-pot electrospinning using a specially designed coaxial spinneret.
5,20-Bis(α-oligothienyl)-substituted [26]hexaphyrins possessing electronic circuits strongly perturbed by meso-oligothienyl substituents
Authors: Mori Hirotaka , Suzuki Masaaki , Kim Woojae , Lim Jong Min , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: December 2014

A series of [26]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) bearing two α-oligothienyl substituents at 5,20-positions have been synthesised and are shown to have a dumbbell hexaphyrin conformation, to which the α-oligothienyl groups are linked to form an acyclic helix-like conjugated network.
Self-assembled three-dimensional hierarchical graphene hybrid hydrogels with ultrathin β-MnO2 nanobelts for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Zhang Hui , Chen Ping , Nie Lin-Hui , Li Chuan-Hao , Li Shi-Kuo
Published: December 2014

A facile protocol for the self-assembly of the rGO/β-MnO2 hybrid hydrogel with ultrafine structure and precise control of mass-loading for high performance supercapacitors is reported.
A high-performance supportless silver nanowire catalyst for anion exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Zeng L. , Zhao T. S. , An L.
Published: December 2014

The use of supportless Ag NWs enabled the H2/O2 AEMFC to yield a peak power density of 164 mW cm−2.
One-pot synthesis of carbon coated Fe3O4 nanosheets with superior lithium storage capability
Authors: Gao Guoxin , Lu Shiyao , Dong Bitao , Zhang Zhicheng , Zheng Yuansuo , Ding Shujiang
Published: December 2014

Large-scale flat Fe3O4 nanosheets coated by an amorphous carbon overlayer (denoted as Fe3O4@C NSs) was prepared via a simple one-pot solution method. When evaluated as an electrode for LIBs, the as-prepared Fe3O4@C NSs hybrids exhibit highly enhanced lithium storage properties.
Novel bioactive nanocomposite cement formulations with potential properties: incorporation of the nanoparticle form of mesoporous bioactive glass into calcium phosphate cements
Authors: El-Fiqi Ahmed , Kim Joong-Hyun , Perez Roman A. , Kim Hae-Won
Published: December 2014

Novel calcium phosphate cements incorporated with bioactive glass nanoparticles demonstrate excellent properties for bone injectables.
Nanoindentation studies to separate thermal and optical effects in photo-softening of azo polymers
Authors: Harrison James M. , Goldbaum Dina , Corkery T. Christopher , Barrett Christopher J. , Chromik Richard R.
Published: December 2014

Nanomechanical characterization of azobenzene dye-containing polymers which photo-soften can separate the thermal response of the materials from the purely optical response associated with isomerizations of the azobenzene chromophores.
Un trouble temporo-mandibulaire particulier : l’ankylose. Notions fondamentales et cliniques
Authors: Bocquet Emmanuelle , Mercier Marie , Moreau Alexis , Ferri Joël , Danguy Michel
Published: December 2014

L’ankylose temporo-mandibulaire touche préférentiellement l’enfant et l’adulte jeune. Malgré sa rareté, c’est une pathologie extrêmement invalidante dont les conséquences au niveau de la croissance, du développement morphologique et du développement personnel sont majeures. La connaissance de ses étiologies, de ses formes anatomiques et de ses signes cliniques est indispensable à sa prise en charge. De ces connaissances va découler également le choix de la thérapeutique la plus adaptée, qui pourra présenter malgré tout des échecs et des récidives, nécessitant une réhabilitation prothétique.
La recherche de l’excellence en orthodontie de l’adulte :
entretien avec Bjørn U. Zachrisson
Authors: Zachrisson Bjørn U. , Amat Philippe
Published: December 2014

Bjørn U. Zachrisson est Professeur Émérite au sein du Département d’Orthodontie de
l’Université d’Oslo (Norvège). Il conserve à Oslo une pratique libérale consacrée aux
traitements de l’adulte.

Il a rédigé plus de 270 articles cliniques et scientifiques,
publiés dans des revues internationales et dans des manuels d’orthodontie, de
parodontologie, de traumatologie et de dentisterie générale.

Il a représenté l’orthodontie
européenne à l’occasion de multiples congrès à travers le monde. Il a présenté de
nombreuses conférences magistrales et donné des cours pendant les congrès internationaux.

Bjørn U. Zachrisson a reçu toutes les récompenses essentielles en orthodontie, y compris
le prix Ketcham et Jaraback décerné par l’American Association of
Orthodontics. Il est co-rédacteur du Journal of Clinical
Orthodontics, rédacteur et auteur de «Ask an Expert» dans le World
Journal of Orthodontics. Il collabore à l’Editorial Board of the
Seminars in Orthodontics, à l’Angle Orthodontist, au
World Journal of Orthodontics, à la Revista Dental Press de
Ortodontia e Ortopedia and Revista Clinica de Ortodontia (Brésil), à
l’Italian Journal of Orthodontics, ainsi qu’à l’European
Journal of Esthetic Dentistry.
Direct observation and analysis of yolk-shell materials using low-voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy: Nanometal-particles encapsulated in metal-oxide, carbon, and polymer
Authors: Asahina Shunsuke , Suga Mitsuo , Takahashi Hideyuki , Young Jeong Hu , Galeano Carolina , Schüth Ferdi , Terasaki Osamu
Published: December 2014

Nanometal particles show characteristic features in chemical and physical properties depending on their sizes and shapes. For keeping and further enhancing their features, the particles should be protected from coalescence or degradation. One approach is to encapsulate the nanometal particles inside pores with chemically inert or functional materials, such as carbon, polymer, and metal oxides, which contain mesopores to allow permeation of only chemicals not the nanometal particles. Recently developed low-voltage high-resolution scanning electron microscopy was applied to the study of structural, chemical, and electron state of both nanometal particles and encapsulating materials in yolk-shell materials of Au@C, Ru/Pt@C, Au@TiO2, and Pt@Polymer. Progresses in the following categories were shown for the yolk-shell materials: (i) resolution of topographic image contrast by secondary electrons, of atomic-number contrast by back-scattered electrons, and of elemental mapping by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy; (ii) sample preparation for observing internal structures; and (iii) X-ray spectroscopy such as soft X-ray emission spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy was also used for characterization of Au@C.
N-representability-driven reconstruction of the two-electron reduced-density matrix for a real-time time-dependent electronic structure method
Authors: Jeffcoat David B. , DePrince A. Eugene
Published: December 2014

Propagating the equations of motion (EOM) for the one-electron reduced-density matrix (1-RDM) requires knowledge of the corresponding two-electron RDM (2-RDM). We show that the indeterminacy of this expression can be removed through a constrained optimization that resembles the variational optimization of the ground-state 2-RDM subject to a set of known N-representability conditions. Electronic excitation energies can then be obtained by propagating the EOM for the 1-RDM and following the dipole moment after the system interacts with an oscillating external electric field. For simple systems with well-separated excited states whose symmetry differs from that of the ground state, excitation energies obtained from this method are comparable to those obtained from full configuration interaction computations. Although the optimized 2-RDM satisfies necessary N-representability conditions, the procedure cannot guarantee a unique mapping from the 1-RDM to the 2-RDM. This deficiency is evident in the mean-field-quality description of transitions to states of the same symmetry as the ground state, as well as in the inability of the method to describe Rabi oscillations.
Origin of major donor states in In–Ga–Zn oxide
Authors: Nakashima Motoki , Oota Masashi , Ishihara Noritaka , Nonaka Yusuke , Hirohashi Takuya , Takahashi Masahiro , Yamazaki Shunpei , Obonai Toshimitsu , Hosaka Yasuharu , Koezuka Junichi
Published: December 2014

To clarify the origin of the major donor states in indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), we report measurement results and an analysis of several physical properties of IGZO thin films. Specifically, the concentration of H atoms and O vacancies (VO), carrier concentration, and conductivity are investigated by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and Hall effect measurements. The results of these experiments suggest that the origin of major donor states is H occupancy of VO sites. Furthermore, we use first-principles calculations to investigate the influence of the coexistence of VO and H in crystalline InGaO3(ZnO)m (m = 1). The results indicate that when H is trapped in VO, a stable complex is created that serves as a shallow-level donor.
GNSS technology and its application for improved reproductive management in extensive sheep systems
Authors: Fogarty Eloise S. , Manning Jaime K. , Trotter Mark G. , Schneider Derek A. , Thomson Peter C. , Bush Russell D. , Cronin Greg M.
Published: December 2014

The behaviour of Merino ewes during non-oestrus and oestrus were quantified using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking devices and direct visual observation. GNSS devices were attached to neck collars and deployed on mixed-age ewes (38 maiden and 40 experienced ewes) following hormonal oestrus synchronisation. The positional accuracy of the GNSS data was validated through a comparative study of GNSS estimates of each animal’s location compared with direct visual observations. Positional accuracy was estimated at 90–94%, for a 4-m and 6-m-buffer radius, respectively. Ewe speed of movement was calculated from the GNSS data and plotted against hour of the day to determine diurnal activity patterns during non-oestrus and oestrus days. Ewes showed increased speed of movement during the early morning of the anticipated day of oestrus compared with the non-oestrus day (P < 0.001). In addition, ewes that increased their speed of movement by 0.05 m/s received 1.4–28.4 times more mounts depending on the hour of the day (P = 0.02). Ewes also displayed an increased speed of movement in the period leading up to maximum sexual activity, defined as the hour in which ewes received the maximum number of mounts. Thereafter, ewe activity decreased. No difference in sexual activity was detected between maiden and experienced ewes. The present study has demonstrated a change in ewe diurnal activity at oestrus, suggesting the onset of sexual activity can be identified as a period of increased speed of movement followed by a return to ‘normal’ activity. The development of commercial remote autonomous monitoring technologies such as GNSS tracking to detect this change in behaviour could facilitate improved reproductive management of sheep in extensive systems.
Sexual maturation of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): a histological, hormonal and spermatic evaluation
Authors: Pinto-Fochi Maria Etelvina , Negrin Ana Carolina , Scarano Wellerson Rodrigo , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: December 2014

This study determined the phases of sexual development of the male Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) based on an integrative analysis of testicular morphology, hormonal data and sperm parameters. Male gerbils were analysed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 50, 60, 70, 90, 100 and 120 days of age. Body, testicular and epididymal weights increased up to Day 70, 60 and 90, respectively. The impuberal phase, characterised by the presence of gonocytes, extended until Day 14. The prepubertal period lasted until Day 42, when puberty was achieved and a drastic increase in serum testosterone levels, mature adult Leydig cells and elongated spermatids was observed. Gerbils at 60 days of age showed a remarkable number of spermatozoa in the testis, epididymidis caput/corpus and cauda, and at Day 70 the maximum daily sperm production was reached. However, the gerbil may be considered sexually mature only from Day 90 onward, when sperm reserves become stable. The total transit time of spermatozoa along the epididymis of sexually mature gerbils was 11 days, with 1 day in the caput/corpus and 10 days in the cauda. These data cover a lacuna regarding the reproductive parameters of this rodent and provide foundations for its use in testicular toxicology studies.
Evaluation of short-, mid- and long-term effects of toe clipping on a wild rodent
Authors: Borremans Benny , Sluydts Vincent , Makundi Rhodes H. , Leirs Herwig
Published: December 2014

Context
Toe clipping is a widely used method for permanent marking of small mammals, but its effects are not well known, despite the ethical and scientific implications. Most studies do not find any clear effects, but there is some indication that toe clipping can affect survival in specific cases. Although effects on survival are arguably the most important, more subtle effects are also plausible, yet very few studies have included body condition and none has investigated effects on mobility.

Aims
We analysed the effects of toe clipping on free-living Mastomys natalensis, a common, morphologically and behaviourally intermediate small rodent.

Methods
Using a 17-year capture–mark–recapture dataset, we compared movement, body weight and survival between newly and previously clipped animals, and tested whether any of these parameters correlated with the number of clipped toes.

Key results
No evidence for a correlation between total number of clips and any of the variables was found. Newly clipped animals had a slightly smaller weight change and larger travel distance than did those that were already clipped, and we show that this is most likely due to stress caused by being captured, clipped and handled for the first time rather than to the actual clipping.

Conclusions
The combination of trapping, handling and marking has a detectable effect on multimammate mice; however, there is no evidence for a clear effect of toe clipping.

Implications
Our study suggests a re-evaluation of ethical guidelines on small-mammal experiments, so as to reach a rational, fact-based decision on which marking method to use.
Social, institutional, and knowledge mechanisms mediate diverse ecosystem service benefits from coral reefs
Authors: Hicks Christina C. , Cinner Joshua E.
Published: December 2014

Significance

Ecosystems provide a range of services that can benefit people. However, the extent to which people are able to harness those benefits depends not only on the supply of ecosystem services but also on their capacity to access them via a range of social, economic, and institutional mechanisms. Here, we examine how people perceive ecosystem service benefits across 28 coral reef fishing communities in four countries. We quantitatively show that bundles of benefits are mediated by key access mechanisms (e.g., rights-based, economic, knowledge, social, and institutional). Interestingly, social, institutional, and knowledge mechanisms were associated with the greatest number and diversity of benefits. Resource managers can focus on these access mechanisms to maximize ecosystem service benefits while minimizing human–environment impacts.