bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphic Materials as Catalyst in Reading Comprehension
Authors: Poliden Samuel S.
Published: May 2014

The study embarked on graphic materials as a catalyst in reading comprehension. Unknown to many, graphic materials are effective media in teaching the language. The study was conducted in 2010 to Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics students at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. A 50-item test which consisted of comprehension of tables, graphs/charts, instructions, diagrams, pictorial illustrations, maps and notices/common signs was administered to determine their comprehension level with 10 items each. The test on graphic materials was taken from various local and national reading materials. Results showed that the most difficult task to comprehend by the respondents was the tables while instructions were the easiest. A significant difference was noted in the performance of the students as influenced by their year level. Based on the result of the study, it is recommended that any authentic material should be used in teaching the language. Language teachers should also utilize any graphic materials, multiple media, art, multidisciplinary thematic units, and even games in designing classroom tasks to promote reading comprehension skills. They should likewise provide interesting language lessons using newspapers, magazines or any graphic materials as input in developing comprehension skills.
Associative and Strategic Study Approaches: Their Significant Relationships to Solving Meta Cognitive Problems of Mathematics Majors
Authors: Daguplo Marvin
Published: May 2014

University students still found difficulties in working successfully mathematical word problems. Some researchers attributed this to students' weak cognitive and abstract thinking. To address such problem, this study aimed to understand student's cognitive approaches in processing mathematics information to determine students' level of cognition and come up with classroom activities that enhance the desired approaches in processing mathematical information which influences learning. A total of thirty-seven students of SLSU â€“ Tomas Oppus were the respondents of this descriptive-correlational study. A standardized Mathematics Information Processing Scale (Cronbach's alpha coefficient=.89) was utilized to gather the data for this study. Statistical analysis revealed that there is no significant difference in the performance of male and female mathematics majors in solving word problems who performed at below average level. The same finding is found between male and female mathematics majors in their approaches in processing mathematics information when solving metacognitive problems, when doing deep-associative study, and when doing strategic study. Correlational analysis revealed that a strong relationship exists between solving metacognitive problems and doing associative and strategic study approaches. This study concludes that students who apply associative and strategic study methods perform well in solving meta-cognitive problems.
Programmed Learning Sequence and Instructional Module: Their Acceptability and Effectiveness in Teaching Plane Geometry
Authors: Valderama Julius
Published: May 2014

The search for innovative teaching approaches has gained popularity in educational research. The study aimed to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of the Instructional Module (IM) and Programmed Learning Sequence (PLS) in teaching plane geometry. Quasi experimental design, specifically the Counter Balanced with Matched Group Design was adopted. The study was conducted in a State University in the Northern Philippines, during the summer term of 2011. Two sections with more than 40 students each were the source of respondents. Students were matched based on their average grade in Math1 and Math 2 creating two matched groups of 35 subjects each. The first group was taught using IM for the first set of topics then PLS in the second set of topics. The second group was exposed to PLS first and then followed by the IM. The study noted improvement in the math achievement of the students exposed to IM and PLS. However, neither of these two methodologies could be said better than the other. In addition, these teaching methods were fully accepted by the students to use. Hence, IM and PLS are advisable to be adopted by the teachers teaching geometry classes though, some features of PLS like the integrated activities are more acceptable than IM.
Streitverkündung – Rechtsprechungsüberblick zu Möglichkeiten, Wirkungen und Kosten
Authors: Ghassemi-Tabar Nima , Eckner David
Published: May 2014

Der BGH hat erneut seine Auffassung bestätigt, dass die verjährungshemmende Wirkung der Streitverkündung ihre Zulässigkeit voraussetze und durch den Inhalt der Streitverkündungsschrift begrenzt werde (BGH, Urt. v. 8.12.2011 - IX ZR 204/09, MDR 2012, 211). Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die relevante Rechtsprechung zu Anforderungen an die Streitverkündungsschrift, die Wirkungen der Streitverkündung sowie die Kostenentscheidung.
Einstweilige Anordnungen nach §§ 49 ff. FamFG
Authors: Finger Peter
Published: May 2014

Nach §§ 49 ff. FamFG ist der vorläufige Rechtsschutz durch einstweilige Anordnung für familienrechtliche Streitsachen anders geregelt als bisher und insbesondere vom Betrieb eines korrespondierenden Verfahrens zur Hauptsache gelöst. § 52 FamFG stellt lediglich mittelbare Zusammenhänge her. Denn das Gericht kann die Beteiligten zum Betrieb der Hauptsache veranlassen. Im Übrigen kann jeder von ihnen den anderen auffordern, so vorzugehen, wobei die einstweilige Anordnung aufzuheben ist, wenn dies nicht geschieht. Beide Verfahrensteile sind stets voneinander unabhängig. Aber das bedeutet nicht, dass der Antragsteller ohne weiteres VKH für sich in Anspruch nehmen kann; vielmehr hat die Bewertung jeweils im Einzelnen zu erfolgen, die auf die Mutwilligkeit der Verfahrensführung abstellt. Rechtshängigkeit oder Rechtskraft stehen dagegen nicht entgegen. Für die Anfechtung und Abänderung der Regelung ist § 54 FamFG maßgeblich, während § 56 FamFG festlegt, wann die vorläufige Entscheidung außer Kraft tritt. Rechtsmittel sind weiterhin nur in beschränktem Umfang statthaft, § 57 FamFG.
WEG-Jahresabrechnung – Ende der bloßen Ergänzung bei Unvollständigkeit?
Authors: Schmid Michael J.
Published: May 2014

Es entsprach bisher zumindest überwiegender Auffassung, dass ein Eigentümerbeschluss über eine unvollständige Abrechnung nicht für ungültig zu erklären ist, sondern nur ein Anspruch auf Ergänzung der Abrechnung besteht. Dem ist die neuere Rechtsprechung entgegen getreten. Der Beitrag erläutert die Konsequenzen für die Praxis.
Die aktuelle Rechtsprechung zu „freiwillig“ eingeräumten Widerrufsrechten
Authors: Jordans Roman
Published: May 2014

In der Praxis werden immer wieder Vertragsformulare verwendet, die eine Widerrufsbelehrung enthalten, obwohl im konkreten Fall ein gesetzliches Widerrufsrecht nicht besteht. Mögliche Gründe für diese Verfahrensweise können sein: Der Vertragspartner ist kein Verbraucher, es liegt kein Haustürgeschäft vor oder der Verwender nutzt Formulare sowohl im Rechtsverkehr mit Verbrauchern als auch mit Unternehmern, wobei er zur Vereinfachung der Abwicklung unabhängig von der Vertragssituation Widerrufsbelehrungen erteilt. Der Beitrag stellt die bisherige Entwicklung in der Rechtsprechung dar und erläutert die vom BGH entwickelten Prüfungsschritte.
„Zuviel an Bord“ – Rechtsfragen beim Personalabbau
Authors: Seel Henning-Alexander
Published: May 2014

In Zeiten von Euro-, Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise kommen viele Unternehmen nicht umhin, sich mit dem Thema Personalabbau zu beschäftigen. Aus Arbeitgebersicht stellen sich dabei im Rahmen der Planung und Vorbereitung diverse Fragen. Verschiedene gesetzliche Vorgaben sind unbedingt zu beachten, andernfalls erweisen sich Kündigungserklärungen ggf. als unwirksam. Arbeitnehmer, die von Personalabbaumaßnahmen betroffen sind, stehen vor der Entscheidung, ob sie Angebote im Rahmen von „Freiwilligenprogrammen“ annehmen oder das Ziel verfolgen sollen, das Arbeitsverhältnis fortzusetzen, z.B. weil sie die (angekündigte) Kündigung für sozial ungerechtfertigt halten. Im Folgenden sollen die wesentlichen rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen dargestellt werden.
Vereinsversammlung – Einberufung durch E-Mail trotz satzungsmäßiger Anordnung der Schriftform
Authors: Grziwotz Herbert
Published: May 2014

Das Internet bestimmt zunehmend auch das Vereinsleben. Vereine sind nicht nur in sozialen Netzwerken präsent. Auch Mitgliederversammlungen werden durch die Telekommunikation bestimmt. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Frage, ob die Einberufung der Mitgliederversammlung bei satzungsmäßiger Anordnung der Schriftform durch E-Mail möglich ist und gibt eine Musterformulierung für die Vereinssatzung an die Hand.
Rechtsstellung von Leiharbeitnehmern im Betriebsverfassungsrecht
Authors: Seel Henning-Alexander
Published: May 2014

Leiharbeit ist ein Thema, das zunehmend Politik, Medien und natürlich auch die Gerichte beschäftigt. Dabei stellen sich vielfältige Fragen insbesondere im Hinblick auf das Betriebsverfassungsrecht. Nachstehend sollen die in der Praxis wesentlichen Gesichtspunkte einer näheren Prüfung unterzogen werden. Dabei wird die maßgebliche Rechtsprechung beleuchtet und deren praktische Auswirkung auf die betriebliche Praxis untersucht.
E-Mails in der anwaltlichen Praxis
Authors: Reus Katharina
Published: May 2014

Der Informationsaustausch via E-Mail ist schnell und kostengünstig und spielt daher in der international vernetzten Geschäftswelt eine immer wichtigere Rolle. Auch viele Anwälte sind aufgrund dessen mittlerweile über E-Mail fast jederzeit und überall erreichbar. Die Effizienz der anwaltlichen Tätigkeit kann dadurch signifikant gesteigert werden, während der Anwalt räumlich flexibler wird. Gleichzeitig gilt die E-Mail jedoch vielfach als unsicheres Medium. Der Beitrag gibt praxisnahe Erläuterungen und Hinweise zu Vertraulichkeit, Datenschutz, Gewährleistung von Authentizität und Integrität sowie der Möglichkeit eines Zugangsnachweises.
Trittschallschutz – Neue Anforderungen bei der Sanierung von Eigentumswohnungen
Authors: Hogenschurz Johannes
Published: May 2014

In einer aktuellen Entscheidung hat mit seinem Urteil der BGH, Urt. v. 1.6.2012 - V ZR 195/11, MietRB 2012, 233 = MDR 2012, 898 die Frage, wann bei der Sanierung von Eigentumswohnungen ein erheblicher und damit nicht hinzunehmender Nachteil gem. § 14 Nr. 1 WEG vorliegt, in weitem Umfang geklärt. Hieran knüpft der Beitrag an und erläutert die neuen Anforderungen an den Trittschallschutz.
Observations of continental biogenic impacts on marine aerosol and clouds off the coast of California
Authors: Coggon M. M. , Sorooshian A. , Wang Z. , Craven J. S. , Metcalf A. R. , Lin J. J. , Nenes A. , Jonsson H. H. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: May 2014

During the 2011 Eastern Pacific Emitted Aerosol Cloud Experiment (E‐PEACE) and 2013 Nucleation in California Experiment (NiCE) field campaigns, a predominantly organic aerosol (> 85% by mass) was observed in the free troposphere over marine stratocumulus off the coast of California. These particles originated from a densely forested region in the Northwestern United States. The organic mass spectrum resolved by positive matrix factorization is consistent with the mass spectra of previously measured biogenic organic aerosol. Particulate organic mass exhibits a latitudinal gradient that corresponds to the geographical distribution of vegetation density and composition, with the highest concentration over regions impacted by densely populated monoterpene sources. Due to meteorological conditions during summer months, cloud‐clearing events transport aerosol from the Northwestern United States into the free troposphere above marine stratocumulus. Based on the variation of meteorological variables with altitude, dry air containing enhanced biogenic organic aerosol is shown to entrain into the marine boundary layer. Fresh impacts on cloud water composition are observed north of San Francisco, CA which is consistent with fresh continental impacts on the marine atmosphere at higher latitudes. Continental aerosol size distributions are bimodal. Particles in the 100 nm mode are impacted by biogenic sources, while particles in the ∼ 30 nm mode may originate from fresh biogenic emissions. Continental aerosol in the 100 nm mode is cloud condensation nuclei active and may play a role in modulating marine stratocumulus microphysics.
Influence of watershed‐climate interactions on stream temperature, sediment yield, and metabolism along a land use intensity gradient in Indonesian Borneo
Authors: Carlson Kimberly M. , Curran Lisa M. , Ponette‐González Alexandra G. , Ratnasari Dessy , Ruspita  , Lisnawati Neli , Purwanto Yadi , Brauman Kate A. , Raymond Peter A.
Published: May 2014

Oil palm plantation expansion into tropical forests may alter physical and biogeochemical inputs to streams, thereby changing hydrological function. In West Kalimantan, Indonesia, we assessed streams draining watersheds characterized by five land uses: intact forest, logged forest, mixed agroforest, and young (<3 years) and mature (>10 years) oil palm plantation. We quantified suspended sediments, stream temperature, and metabolism using high‐frequency submersible sonde measurements during month‐long intervals between 2009 and 2012. Streams draining oil palm plantations had markedly higher sediment concentrations and yields, and stream temperatures, compared to other streams. Mean sediment concentrations were fourfold to 550‐fold greater in young oil palm than in all other streams and remained elevated even under base flow conditions. After controlling for precipitation, the mature oil palm stream exhibited significantly greater sediment yield than other streams. Young and mature oil palm streams were 3.9°C and 3.0°C warmer than the intact forest stream (25°C). Across all streams, base flow periods were significantly warmer than times of stormflow, and these differences were especially large in oil palm catchments. Ecosystem respiration rates were also influenced by low precipitation. During an El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐associated drought, the mature oil palm stream consumed a maximum 21 g O2 m−2 d−1 in ecosystem respiration, in contrast with 2.8 ± 3.1 g O2 m−2 d−1 during nondrought sampling. Given that 23% of Kalimantan's land area is occupied by watersheds similar to those studied here, our findings inform potential hydrologic outcomes of regional periodic drought coupled with continued oil palm plantation expansion.
3‐D inversion of gravity data in spherical coordinates with application to the GRAIL data
Authors: Liang Qing , Chen Chao , Li Yaoguo
Published: May 2014

Three‐dimensional (3‐D) inversion of gravity data has been widely used to reconstruct the density distributions of ore bodies, basins, crust, lithosphere, and upper mantle. For global model of 3‐D density structures of planetary interior, such as the Earth, the Moon, or Mars, it is necessary to use an inversion algorithm that operates in the spherical coordinates. We develop a 3‐D inversion algorithm formulated with specially designed model objective function and radial weighting function in the spherical coordinates. We present regional and global synthetic examples to illustrate the capability of the algorithm. The inverted results show density distribution features consistent with the true models. We also apply the algorithm to a set of lunar Bouguer gravity anomaly derived from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) gravity field and obtain a lunar 3‐D density distribution. High‐density anomalies are clearly identified underlying lunar basins, a wide region of the lateral density heterogeneities that exist beneath the South Pole‐Aitken basin are found, and low‐density anomalies are distributed beneath the Feldspathic Highlands Terrane on the lunar far‐side. The consistency of these results with those obtained independently from other existing methods verifies the newly developed algorithm.
Approaching the Minimum Thermal Conductivity in Rhenium‐Substituted Higher Manganese Silicides
Authors: Chen Xi , Girard Steven N. , Meng Fei , Lara‐Curzio Edgar , Jin Song , Goodenough John B. , Zhou Jianshi , Shi Li
Published: May 2014

Higher manganese silicides (HMS) made of earth‐abundant and non‐toxic elements are regarded as promising p‐type thermoelectric materials because their complex crystal structure results in low lattice thermal conductivity. It is shown here that the already low thermal conductivity of HMS can be reduced further to approach the minimum thermal conductivity via partial substitution of Mn with heavier rhenium (Re) to increase point defect scattering. The solubility limit of Re in the obtained RexMn1‐xSi1.8 is determined to be about x = 0.18. Elemental inhomogeneity and the formation of ReSi1.75 inclusions with 50−200 nm size are found within the HMS matrix. It is found that the power factor does not change markedly at low Re content of x ≤ 0.04 before it drops considerably at higher Re contents. Compared to pure HMS, the reduced lattice thermal conductivity in RexMn1‐xSi1.8 results in a 25% increase of the peak figure of merit ZT to reach 0.57 ± 0.08 at 800 K for x = 0.04. The suppressed thermal conductivity in the pure RexMn1‐xSi1.8 can enable further investigations of the ZT limit of this system by exploring different impurity doping strategies to optimize the carrier concentration and power factor.
Is there an influence of modern life style on skeletal build?
Authors: Scheffler Christiane , Hermanussen Michael
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Modern human life style has led to significant decrease in everyday physical activity and bipedal locomotion. It has previously been shown that skeletal robustness (relative elbow breadth) is associated with daily step counts. The aim of the study was to investigate whether also other skeletal measures, particularly pelvic breadth may have changed in recent decades.

Methods

We re‐analyzed elbow breadth, pelvic breadth (bicristal), and thoracic depth and breadth, of up to 28,975 healthy females and 28,288 healthy males aged 3–18 years from cross‐sectional anthropological surveys performed between 1980 and 2012 by the Universities of Potsdam and Berlin, Germany.

Results

Relative elbow breadth (Frame index) significantly decreased in both sexes since 1980 (<0.001). The trend toward slighter built was even more pronounced in absolute and relative pelvic breadth. In contrast, equivalent changes of parts of the skeletal system that are not involved in bipedal locomotion such as thoracic breadth, thoracic depth, and the thoracic index were absent.

Conclusions

The present investigation confirms the decline in relative elbow breadth in recent decades. Analogue, but even more pronounced changes were detected in pelvic breadth that coincides with the modern decline in upright locomotion. The findings underscore the phenotypic plasticity of humans while adapting to new environmental conditions. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:590–597, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demographics and survival trends of sinonasal adenocarcinoma from 1973 to 2009
Authors: D'Aguillo Christine M. , Kanumuri Vivek V. , Khan Mohemmed N. , Sanghvi Saurin , Patel Neal R. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: May 2014

Background

The purpose of this work was to study the demographics and survival of patients diagnosed with sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) within the time period of 1973 to 2009 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using the U.S. National Cancer Institute's SEER registry was performed to study the demographics and survival for SNAC from 1973 to 2009. Analysis was conducted based on race, gender, and stage.

Results

In total, 1270 cases of SNAC were analyzed for demographics and survival. Males accounted for 51.6% of cases, while females accounted for 48.4% of cases, amounting to a male to female ratio of 1.06:1.00. Disease specific survival at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years was 65.2%, 50.9%, 40.9%, and 36.5%, respectively. When analyzed by gender, females had higher survival than males, although this difference was not statistically significant. When analyzed by race, the category of other, which encompasses American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, and unknown or unspecified race, was shown to have the best survival, followed by whites and blacks, respectively.

Conclusion

SNAC is a rare tumor classically associated with occupational exposure and carries a variable prognosis. This is the first dedicated large‐scale, retrospective analysis of a North American SNAC population. SNAC appears to affect both males and females equally and predominantly affects whites. Patients categorized as other had significantly better survival outcomes, while gender appeared to have no significant effect on survival.
Die Strukturaufklärung und Totalsynthese von β‐Lipomycin
Authors: Hartmann Olaf , Kalesse Markus
Published: May 2014

Wir beschreiben hier die Synthese des aus Corallococcus coralloides isolierten Naturstoffs β‐Lipomycin. Die Konfiguration des Zielmoleküls wurde dabei mithilfe eines “Profile‐Hidden‐Markov”‐Modells bestimmt, da sich mit diesem statistischen Ansatz nicht nur die Konfigurationen von sekundären Alkoholen sondern auch die von α‐Methylgruppenverzweigungen vorhersagen lassen. Damit liefert die Synthese nicht nur einen praktikablen Zugang zu diesem Naturstoff, sondern bestätigt auch die Gültigkeit des hier verwendeten Modells zur Vorhersage der Konfiguration von α‐Methylgruppenverzweigungen in modularen Polyketiden.
Bildung von Superoxiden an isolierten kationischen Goldclustern
Authors: Woodham Alex P. , Fielicke André
Published: May 2014

Nanopartikel aus Gold katalysieren vielfältige Oxidationsreaktionen mit molekularem Sauerstoff, allerdings sind die Reaktionsmechanismen und die für Aktivierung des Sauerstoffs verantwortlichen Spezies unklar. Wir untersuchten die Reaktion zwischen freien kationischen Goldclustern und molekularem Sauerstoff. Die gebildeten Komplexe wurden in der Gasphase mittels Infrarotspektroskopie charakterisiert. Eine starke Rotverschiebung der beobachteten ν(O‐O)‐Streckfrequenz verweist auf die Bildung von Superoxo(O2−)‐Einheiten. Diese bilden sich spontan in Systemen, die durch den Elektronentransfer eine geschlossene Schale innerhalb des sphärischen Jellium‐Modells ausbilden (Au10+ und Au22+). Für andere Cluster (Au4+, Au12+, Au21+) wird die Aktivierung erst nach der Bindung weiterer Sauerstoffmoleküle beobachtet.
Direct Electrochemical Capture and Release of Carbon Dioxide Using an Industrial Organic Pigment: Quinacridone
Authors: Apaydin Dogukan Hazar , Głowacki Eric Daniel , Portenkirchner Engelbert , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar
Published: May 2014

Limiting anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions constitutes a major issue faced by scientists today. Herein we report an efficient way of controlled capture and release of carbon dioxide using nature inspired, cheap, abundant and non‐toxic, industrial pigment namely, quinacridone. An electrochemically reduced electrode consisting of a quinacridone thin film (ca. 100 nm thick)on an ITO support forms a quinacridone carbonate salt. The captured CO2 can be released by electrochemical oxidation. The amount of captured CO2 was quantified by FT‐IR. The uptake value for electrochemical release process was 4.61 mmol g−1. This value is among the highest reported uptake efficiencies for electrochemical CO2 capture. For comparison, the state‐of‐the‐art aqueous amine industrial capture process has an uptake efficiency of ca. 8 mmol g−1.
Synthesis and fluorescence properties of 1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol derivatives and their terbium complexes
Authors: Zhang Wu , Chai Yuchao , Li Kangyun , Chen Yanwen , Yan Dong , Guo Dongcai
Published: May 2014

Eight novel 1,2,4‐triazolo[3,4‐b]‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol derivatives have been designed and synthesized, and their corresponding Tb3+ complexes were also prepared successfully. The fluorescence properties and fluorescence quantum yields of the target complexes were investigated, the results showed that the ligands were an efficient sensitizer for Tb3+ luminescence, and the target complexes exhibited characteristic fluorescence emissions of Tb3+ ion. The fluorescence intensity of the complex substituted by chlorine was stronger than that of other complexes. The substituents' nature has a great effect upon the electrochemical properties of the target complexes. The results showed that the introduction of the electron‐withdrawing groups tended to decrease the oxidation potential and highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels of the target Tb3+ complexes; however, introduction of the electron‐donating groups can increase the corresponding complexes' oxidation potential and highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statin use and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Wemmelund H , Høgh A , Hundborg H H , Thomsen R W , Johnsen S P , Lindholt J S
Published: May 2014

Background

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is associated with high mortality. Research suggests that statins may reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth and improve rAAA outcomes. However, the clinical impact of statins remains uncertain in relation to both the risk and prognosis of rAAA.

Methods

This nationwide, population-based, combined case–control and follow-up study included all patients (aged at least 50 years) with a first-time hospital admission for rAAA and 1 : 1 matched AAA controls without rupture in Denmark from 1996 to 2008. Individual-level data on preadmission drug use, co-morbidities, socioeconomic markers, healthcare contacts and death were obtained from Danish nationwide registries.

Results

The study included 3584 cases and 3584 matched controls. Current statin use was registered for 418 patients with rAAA (11·7 per cent) and 539 AAA controls (15·0 per cent), corresponding to an age- and sex-matched odds ratio (OR) of 0·70 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·60 to 0·81) for rAAA in current statin users versus never users. The decreased risk of rAAA remained after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR 0·73, 0·61 to 0·86). The overall 30-day mortality rate from time of hospital admission among patients with rAAA was 46·1 per cent in current statin users compared with 59·3 per cent in never users (adjusted mortality rate ratio (MRR) 0·80, 95 per cent c.i. 0·68 to 0·95). Patients who had formerly used statins did not have reduced mortality (adjusted MRR 0·98, 0·78 to 1·22).

Conclusion

Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of rAAA and lower case fatality following rAAA. These results support current guidelines that recommend statin therapy in patients diagnosed with AAA.
Populating semantic virtual environments
Authors: Pelkey Cameron D. , Allbeck Jan M.
Published: May 2014

The capacity for knowledge representation within simulated environments is a growing field of research geared toward the inclusion of detailed descriptors within the environment through which to provide a virtual agent the knowledge necessary to afford decision‐making and interaction. One such layer of representation is that concerning the natural‐language, or semantic, depiction of the environment and the objects within it. However, even as technology grows more capable of representing such information‐rich environments, the process of authoring and injecting this knowledge has largely remained a manual effort. Not only is this effort arduous for the author in both time and energy expenditure required, but the process also lends itself to limiting the ontology of the simulation further constraining the extent to which such knowledge may be used. Here, we offer an affordable method for semi‐automating the generation and injection of semantic properties into a virtual environment for the purpose of producing more natural agent‐object interaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left atrial thrombus after complete left atrial appendage exclusion with LARIAT device
Authors: Koranne Ketan P. , Fernando Rajeev R. , Laing Susan T.
Published: May 2014

A 74‐year‐old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion with a LARIAT snare device. Transesophageal echocardiogram one month later demonstrated a left atrial thrombus at orifice of the completely occluded LAA that subsequently resolved with two months of anticoagulation. This case highlights that LAA ligation with LARIAT device continues to pose a risk for left atrial thrombosis in the immediate post‐operative period. It also emphasizes the need for further evidence regarding antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in these patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers: Synthesis, Microstructure, Catalytic Properties, and Self‐Sustained Oscillation Phenomena in Carbon Monoxide Oxidation
Authors: Stonkus Olga A. , Kibis Lidiya S. , Yu. Podyacheva Olga , Slavinskaya Elena M. , Zaikovskii Vladimir I. , Hassan Abdelwahab H. , Hampel Silke , Leonhardt Albrecht , Ismagilov Zinfer R. , Noskov Aleksandr S. , Boronin Andrey I.
Published: May 2014

The oxidation of CO over Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and N‐doped carbon nanofibers (N‐CNFs) has been studied. Investigation by scanning transmission electron microscopy together with electron energy‐loss spectroscopy revealed that Pd nanoparticles are located on the N‐CNFs surface patches that have a high concentration of N atoms. The N‐doping of CNFs was shown to change the electric conductivity of N‐CNFs and redox properties of Pd, which thus determines the self‐oscillatory behavior of the catalysts during CO oxidation, the type of oscillations, and the conditions of their generation. Mechanisms that underlie the effect of N in N‐CNFs on the electronic state of Pd as well as the occurrence of two types of oscillation mechanisms—the known redox mechanism and the mechanism related to Pd intercalation into graphene layers—are discussed.
Membrane Fuel Cell Cathode Catalysts Based on Titanium Oxide Supported Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Gebauer Christian , Jusys Zenonas , Wassner Maximilian , Hüsing Nicola , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: May 2014

The potential of platinum catalysts supported on pure, nitrogen‐, or carbon‐doped titania for application in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as a cathode catalyst in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, is investigated. The oxide supports are synthesized by using a sol–gel route. Modification with nitrogen and carbon doping is achieved by thermal decomposition of urea and the structure‐directing agent P123. Platinum nanoparticles are prepared by reduction of a PtIV salt in ethylene glycol and subsequently immobilized on different support materials. Structural and electronic properties of the support materials and the resulting catalysts are characterized by various methods, including X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results and electrochemical characterization of the support materials and platinum nanoparticle catalysts indicate distinct support effects in the catalysts. The electrocatalytic performance of these catalysts in the ORR, as determined in rotating ring disc electrode measurements, is promising. Also here, distinct support effects can be identified. Correlations with the structural/electronic and the electrochemical properties are discussed, as well as the role of metal–support interactions.
Potential interactions between HIV drugs, ritonavir and efavirenz and anticancer drug, nilotinib—a study in primary cultures of human hepatocytes that is applicable to HIV patients with cancer
Authors: Pillai Venkateswaran C. , Parise Robert A. , Christner Susan M. , Rudek Michelle A. , Beumer Jan H. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: May 2014

Nilotinib is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and is metabolized by CYP3A. With a black‐box warning for QT prolongation, which is exposure dependent, controlling for drug interactions is clinically relevant. Treatments of HIV patients with CML are with HAART drugs, ritonavir and efavirenz, may cause complex drug interactions through CYP3A inhibition or induction. We evaluated the interactions of ritonavir or efavirenz on nilotinib using human hepatocytes and compared these interactions with those of ketoconazole or rifampin, classical CYP3A inhibitor and inducer, respectively. Hepatocytes were treated with vehicle, ritonavir (10 μM), ketoconazole (10 μM), efavirenz (10 μM), or rifampin (10 μM) for 5 days. On day 5, nilotinib (3 μM) was coincubated for an additional 24–48 hours. The concentrations of nilotinib were quantitated in collected samples (combined lysate and medium) by LC‐MS. Apparent intrinsic clearance (CLint,app) of nilotinib was lowered 5.8‐ and 3.1‐fold, respectively, by ritonavir and ketoconazole. Efavirenz and rifampin increased the CLint,app of nilotinib by 2.1‐ and 4.1‐fold, respectively. The clinically recommended dose (300 mg twice daily) of nilotinib may have to be reduced substantially (150 mg once daily) or increased (400 mg thrice daily), respectively, to achieve desired drug exposure, when ritonavir or efavirenz is co‐administered.
Population pharmacokinetics of brodalumab in healthy adults and adults with psoriasis from single and multiple dose studies
Authors: Endres Christopher J. , Salinger David H. , Köck Kathleen , Gastonguay Marc R. , Martin David A. , Klekotka Paul , Nirula Ajay , Gibbs Megan A.
Published: May 2014

Brodalumab, a human monoclonal IgG2‐antibody, acts as a potent antagonist at the interleukin‐17 receptor A, which is important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To characterize the pharmacokinetics of brodalumab and assess the effects of covariates, brodalumab concentrations from Phase 1a and Phase 2 clinical studies in healthy adults and subjects with psoriasis were used to construct a population PK model. The final two‐compartment model with parallel linear and non‐linear elimination pathways fit the data well. The population typical values for PK parameters CL, V, and Vmax were 0.223 L/day, 4.62 L, and 5.40 mg/day with between‐subject‐variability of 69.2, 69.6, and 25.9%CV, respectively. Body weight (BW) was an important covariate on CL (and Q), V (and V2) and Vmax, with estimated effect exponents of 0.598, 0.849, and 1.12, respectively. Based on simulations from the final model, for doses between 140 and 210 mg, AUC was predicted to be greater than two fold higher in subjects weighing less than 75 kg compared to reference subjects. Age and diagnosis had smaller influence on exposure and was not clinically significant. These data suggest that BW is an important covariate explaining some of the variability in population PK observed in human clinical trials with brodalumab.
Frequency of SPINK1 N34S mutation in acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Rai Praveer , Sharma Anjali , Gupta Ankur , Aggarwal Rakesh
Published: May 2014

Background

Several studies have reported association of c.101A>G (p.N34S) mutation in SPINK1 gene with chronic pancreatitis; however, the data on its relationship with acute pancreatitis (AP) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) are limited.

Methods

We studied 183 unrelated patients with AP and RAP and 168 healthy controls for p.N34S variant in SPINK1 gene using sequencing of genomic DNA.

Results

SPINK1 p.N34S mutation was found in four of 168 (2.4%; all heterozygotes) controls and 22 of 183 (12.0%; including one homozygote) patients with AP (P = 0.006). On subgroup analysis, seven of 70 (10.0%) patients with gallstone‐related AP, eight of 59 (13.6%; including one homozygote) patients with idiopathic AP, and six of 44 (14.6%) patients with alcohol‐related AP had the p.N34S mutation (P = 0.027, 0.002 and 0.006, respectively, compared to controls). Frequency of this mutation was similar in patients with one episode of AP and those with recurrent AP (12% each). The first attack of AP occurred earlier in patients with p.N34S mutation than in those without it (mean ± SD age: 32.0 ± 9.7 versus 39.1 ± 13.4 years; P = 0.004). No patient had any other mutation in the exon 3 of the SPINK1 gene, whereas one control had a heterozygous p.P55S mutation.

Conclusions

The p.N34S mutation in SPINK1 gene was found more frequently in patients with AP in the Indian population, irrespective of disease etiology and whether the disease was recurrent or not, and was associated with disease onset at an earlier age. These findings suggest that p.N34S mutation lowers the threshold for occurrence of AP irrespective of the causative insult.
Regioselective Synthesis of 2‐Acylquinazolines and 3H‐1,4‐Benzodiazepin‐3‐ones by a Ugi 4CC/Staudinger/aza‐Wittig Sequence
Authors: Zhong Ying , Zhang Hao , Ding Ming‐Wu
Published: May 2014

α‐Acylamino‐carboxamide azides 1, obtained from Ugi reactions of o‐azidobenzaldehyde, amines, benzoylformic acid, and isocyanides, reacted with triphenylphosphine to give various 2‐acylquinazolines 3 and/or 3H‐1,4‐benzodiazepin‐3‐ones 4 in moderate to good yields via sequential Staudinger and intramolecular aza‐Wittig reaction.
An NMR and Computational Study of Azolo[a]pyrimidines with Special Emphasis on Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines
Authors: Aggarwal Ranjana , Kumar Virender , Singh Gulshan , Sanz Dionisia , Claramunt Rosa M. , Alkorta Ibon , Sánchez‐Sanz Goar , Elguero José
Published: May 2014

The reaction of 3(5)‐amino‐5(3)‐hydrazinopyrazole, a bifunctional compound, with 3‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropanenitrile and two of its p‐substituted derivatives affords 2,5‐diaryl‐7‐aminopyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines. A mechanism for this unexpected reaction involving the formation of hydrazine is proposed. The position of the aryl substituents on the bicyclic ring has been established by the combined use of NMR and DFT calculations. Moreover, the chemical shifts have been calculated, and some general rules have been withdrawn.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Substituted Bis‐Pyridone, Pyrazole, and Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Metwally Nadia H. , Abdelrazek Fathy M. , Jaafar Mohammed T.
Published: May 2014

A variety of novel bis‐heterocyclic derivatives were synthesized via the reaction of bis‐cyanoacetanilide derivative 3 with various aromatic aldehydes (1:2 molar ratio), to give the corresponding bis‐arylidene derivatives 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k, 5l, 5m. On the other hand, reacting compound 3 with substituted 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes 6a, 6b, 6c afforded 2‐iminochromene‐3‐carboxamides 7a, 7b, 7c. The reaction of compound 5 with malononitrile afforded the novel bis‐pyridones 9a, 9b, 9c,9f, 9g, 9h. The reaction of 5 with hydrazine derivatives afforded pyrazoles 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, respectively. Compound 3 reacts with phenyl isothiocyanate in the presence of potassium hydroxide at room temperature followed by addition of some different halo‐carbonyl compounds to afford bis‐poly‐functionalized thiazole derivatives 13a, 13b, 13c. The bis‐enamine derivative 15 reacts also with hydrazine hydrate, guanidine, and hydroxylamine to give bis‐pyrazole 17, pyrimidine 19, and isoxazole 21 derivatives, respectively. Some of the newly synthesized compounds show moderate to high antimicrobial activity.
1,3,4‐Thiadiazolidine‐2,5‐dione: Crystal Structure, Calculation of Aromaticity and Photodecomposition Quantum Yield
Authors: Morsing Thorbjørn J. , Schau‐Magnussen Magnus , Døssing Anders
Published: May 2014

Single crystals of 1,3,4‐thiadiazolidine‐2,5‐dione (1) have been grown and the X‐ray crystal structure showed the molecule to be planar with sp2‐hybridized nitrogen atoms. Density functional theory calculations of nucleus‐independent chemical shifts profiles show that 1 is non‐aromatic. From actinometry, it was found that continuous photolysis of 1 in methanol at λ = 254 nm resulted in a decomposition with the quantum yield Φ = 0.076(7) mol/Einstein at room temperature.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial, and Brine Shrimps Lethality Assays of 3,3‐Diaryl‐4‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)azetidin‐2‐ones
Authors: Singh Girija S. , Al‐kahraman Yasser M. S. A. , Mpadi Disah , Yasinzai Masoom
Published: May 2014

The paper describes the synthesis, characterization data, and biological activity (antibacterial, antifungal, and brine shrimps lethality) of new azetidin‐2‐ones. The compounds have been synthesized by the reaction of diarylketenes, generated in situ from thermal decomposition of the 2‐diazo‐1,2‐diarylethanones, with N‐(1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyleneamines. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and MS) data. The paper also reports the results of antibacterial, antifungal, and brine shrimps lethality assays of these compounds. Some of the compounds exhibited significant biological activity.
Synthesis of New 1, 10‐Phenanthroline Analogs as Potent Antimicrobial Agents Using Montmorillonite K‐10 as Catalyst
Authors: Pagadala Ramakanth , Chidurala Praveen , Jetti Venkateshwarlu , Meshram Jyotsna S. , Maddila Suresh , Jonnalagadda Sreekanth B.
Published: May 2014

A series of new 1, 10‐phenanthroline derivatives are synthesized by the four‐component domino reactions of 8‐hydroxy quinoline, aromatic aldehydes, methyl/ethyl acetoacetate and ammonium acetate in the presence of zeolite (montmorillonite K‐10) using both conventional and microwave methods. Most of the new compounds possessed moderate to significant anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal activities.
Molecular profiling in gastric cancer: Examining potential targets for chemotherapy
Authors: Miura John T. , Johnston Fabian M. , Thomas James , George Ben , Eastwood Dan , Tsai Susan , Christians Kathleen K. , Turaga Kiran K. , Gamblin T. Clark
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Current NCCN guidelines recommend epirubicin (E), cisplatin (C), and 5‐fluorouracil (F) as a first‐line therapeutic approach for operable gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). Molecular profiling (MP) was used to evaluate the expression of chemotherapy targeted biomarkers associated with ECF therapy and other first‐line cytotoxic regimens for GC.

Methods

GC specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TOP2A, TS, ERCC1, PGP, and TOPO1 expression (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ) from 2009 to 2012.

Results

A total of 230 GC specimens were analyzed. The median age of patients was 61 (IQR: 50–72) years with the majority being male (n = 139, 60%). IHC actionable targets included: 60% (n = 138) high TOP2A, 55% (n = 127) negative ERCC1, and 63% (n = 145) negative TS, indicating potential benefit from E, C, and F, respectively. Simultaneous expression analysis demonstrated only 24% (n = 55) of patients had gene expression levels that suggested uniform sensitivity to ECF. Biomarker results of 6.5% (n = 15) of patients revealed a potential complete lack of sensitivity to first‐line ECF.

Conclusions

MP of GC has the potential to define patients who would derive the greatest benefit from current therapies. Prospective controlled studies are required to validate the role of biomarkers in the management of GC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:302–306. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation of Isolated Titanium(III) Ions as Active Sites of Supported Titanium–Magnesium Catalysts for Polymerization of Olefins
Authors: Mikenas Tatiana B. , Koshevoy Evgeny I. , Zakharov Vladimir A. , Nikolaeva Marina I.
Published: May 2014

Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies reveal a high yield of isolated Ti3+ compounds (30–70% of the total titanium content) that form in superactive supported titanium–magnesium catalysts (TMCs) of composition TiCl4/MgCl2 with a low titanium content (≤0.1 wt%) after their interaction with different aluminum trialkyls (AlR3). These catalysts strongly differ from conventional TMCs with titanium contents of 1–3 wt%, which produce a set of isolated or associated Ti(II) and Ti(III) species after the interaction with the AlR3. A correlation is found between the content of the isolated Ti(III) ions and the activity in ethylene polymerization. According to temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) data, the catalysts with a low titanium content (isolated Ti(III) ions) mainly produce polypropylene with a very high atactic‐fraction content. Organic products formed on the interaction of AlEt3 and AlMe3 with TMC are identified. The data obtained allow a scheme of Ti3+ and Ti2+ compounds formed in these catalysts to be proposed.

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Enhanced aggressiveness of benzopyrene‐induced squamous carcinomas in transgenic mice overexpressing the proprotein convertase PACE4 (PCSK6)
Authors: Bassi Daniel E. , Cenna Jonathan , Zhang Jirong , Cukierman Edna , Klein‐Szanto Andres J.
Published: May 2014

PACE4 (PCSK6) is a proprotein convertase (PC) capable of processing numerous substrates involved in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Because of the human relevancy of the tobacco‐associated carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) we investigated whether transgenic mice in which this PC is targeted to the epidermis (K5‐PACE4) may be more susceptible to B(a)P complete carcinogenesis than wild type (WT) mice. In an in vitro experiment, using cell lines derived from skin tumors obtained after B(a)P treatment, we observed that PACE4 overexpression and activity accounts for an increased proliferation rate, exaggerated sensitivity to the PC inhibitor CMK, and interference with IGF‐1R autophosphorylation. Squamous cell carcinomas, obtained from K5‐PACE4 mice subjected to complete chemical carcinogenesis, were characterized by a 50% increase in cell proliferation, when compared with similar tumors from WT mice. In addition, tumors from K5‐PACE4 mice showed deeper invasion into the underlying dermis. Thus, mice overexpressing PACE4 exhibited tumors of increased growth rate and invasive potential when exposed to the human carcinogen B(a)P, further supporting the significance of PCs in tumor growth and progression. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of high flow nasal cannula therapy on the work of breathing in infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Pham Trang M.T. , O'Malley Lee , Mayfield Sara , Martin Simon , Schibler Andreas
Published: May 2014

The main physiological impact of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is presumed to be a decrease in work of breathing (WOB). To assess this, diaphragmatic electrical activity and esophageal pressure changes were measured off then on HFNC delivered at 2 L/kg/min, in 14 infants with bronchiolitis and 14 cardiac infants. Electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) was measured using an Edi catheter with calculations of signal peak (EdiMAX) and amplitude (EdiAMPL). Pressure–rate and pressure–time products (PRP, PTP) were calculated from analyses of esophageal pressure. Changes in end‐expiratory lung volume were measured using respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIPEEL). The EdiMAX and EdiAMPL were significantly higher in infants with bronchiolitis than in cardiac infants (P < 0.05). Within the bronchiolitis group, both were significantly reduced between HFNC states from 27.9 µV [20.4, 35.4] to 21.0 µV [14.8, 27.2] and from 25.1 µV [18.0, 32.2] to 19.2 µV [13.3, 25.1], respectively (mean, 95% CI, P < 0.05). A less prominent offload of the diaphragm was observed in cardiac infants (P < 0.05). WOB decreased in both groups with a significant reduction of PRP and PTP (P < 0.05). RIPEEL increased significantly in bronchiolitis only (P < 0.05). HFNC offloads the diaphragm and reduces the WOB in bronchiolitis. A similar effect was demonstrated in cardiac infants, a group without signs of airway‐obstruction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:713–720. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.