bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Metabolite Predictors of Glycemia in Middle-Aged Men and Women
Authors: Würtz Peter , Tiainen Mika , Mäkinen Ville-Petteri , Kangas Antti J. , Soininen Pasi , Saltevo Juha , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Mäntyselkä Pekka , Lehtimäki Terho , Laakso Markku , Jula Antti , Kähönen Mika , Vanhala Mauno , Ala-Korpela Mika
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

Metabolite predictors of deteriorating glucose tolerance may elucidate the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. We investigated associations of circulating metabolites from high-throughput profiling with fasting and postload glycemia cross-sectionally and prospectively on the population level.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Oral glucose tolerance was assessed in two Finnish, population-based studies consisting of 1,873 individuals (mean age 52 years, 58% women) and reexamined after 6.5 years for 618 individuals in one of the cohorts. Metabolites were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy from fasting serum samples. Associations were studied by linear regression models adjusted for established risk factors.

RESULTS

Nineteen circulating metabolites, including amino acids, gluconeogenic substrates, and fatty acid measures, were cross-sectionally associated with fasting and/or postload glucose (P < 0.001). Among these metabolic intermediates, branched-chain amino acids, phenylalanine, and α1-acid glycoprotein were predictors of both fasting and 2-h glucose at 6.5-year follow-up (P < 0.05), whereas alanine, lactate, pyruvate, and tyrosine were uniquely associated with 6.5-year postload glucose (P = 0.003–0.04). None of the fatty acid measures were prospectively associated with glycemia. Changes in fatty acid concentrations were associated with changes in fasting and postload glycemia during follow-up; however, changes in branched-chain amino acids did not follow glucose dynamics, and gluconeogenic substrates only paralleled changes in fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Alterations in branched-chain and aromatic amino acid metabolism precede hyperglycemia in the general population. Further, alanine, lactate, and pyruvate were predictive of postchallenge glucose exclusively. These gluconeogenic precursors are potential markers of long-term impaired insulin sensitivity that may relate to attenuated glucose tolerance later in life.
On factorization of the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers using tridiagonal determinants
Authors: Seibert Jaroslav , Trojovský Pavel
Published: May 2012

The aim of this paper is to give new results about factorizations of the Fibonacci numbers F
n and the Lucas numbers L
n. These numbers are defined by the second order recurrence relation a
n+2 = a
n+1+a
n with the initial terms F
0 = 0, F
1 = 1 and L
0 = 2, L
1 = 1, respectively. Proofs of theorems are done with the help of connections between determinants of tridiagonal matrices and the Fibonacci and the Lucas numbers using the Chebyshev polynomials. This method extends the approach used in [CAHILL, N. D.—D’ERRICO, J. R.—SPENCE, J. P.: Complex factorizations of the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers, Fibonacci Quart. 41 (2003), 13–19], and CAHILL, N. D.—NARAYAN, D. A.: Fibonacci and Lucas numbers as tridiagonal matrix determinants, Fibonacci Quart. 42 (2004), 216–221].
Oscillation criteria for quasi-linear functional dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Saker Samir , Grace Said
Published: May 2012

This paper is concerned with oscillation of the second-order quasilinear functional dynamic equation $(r(t)(x^\Delta (t))^\gamma )^\Delta + p(t)x^\beta (\tau (t)) = 0,$ on a time scale $\mathbb{T}$ where γ and β are quotient of odd positive integers, r, p, and τ are positive rd-continuous functions defined on $\mathbb{T},\tau :\mathbb{T} \to \mathbb{T}$ and $\mathop {\lim }\limits_{t \to \infty } \tau (t) = \infty $. We establish some new sufficient conditions which ensure that every solution oscillates or converges to zero. Our results improve the oscillation results in the literature when γ = β, and τ(t) ≤ t and when τ(t) > t the results are essentially new. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
On properties of G-expansive homeomorphisms
Authors: Das Ruchi , Das Tarun
Published: May 2012

We show that LUB of the set of G-expansive constants for a G-expansive homeomorphism h on a compact metric G-space, G compact, is not a G-expansive constant for h. We obtain a result regarding projecting and lifting of G-expansive homeomorphisms having interesting applications. We also prove that the G-expansiveness is a dynamical property for homeomorphisms on compact metric G-spaces and study G-periodic points.
On the first pontrjagin class of homotopy complex projective spaces
Authors: Kitada Yasuhiko
Published: May 2012

Let M
2n
be a closed smooth manifold homotopy equivalent to the complex projective space ℂP(n). It is known that the first Pontrjagin class p
1(M) of M
2n
has the form (n+1+24α(M))u
2 for some integer α(M) where u is a generator of H
2(M; ℤ). We prove that α(M) is even when n is even but not divisible by 64.
Analysis of nonautonomous two species system in a polluted environment
Authors: Samanta G.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a two-species nonautonomous Lotka-Volterra model of population growth in a polluted environment is proposed. Global asymptotic behaviour of this model by constructing suitable bounded functions has been investigated. It is proved that each population for competition, predation and cooperation systems respectively is uniformly persistent (permanent) under appropriate conditions. Sufficient conditions are derived to confirm that if each of competition, predation and cooperation systems respectively admits a positive periodic solution, then it is globally asymptotically stable.
Rasch Validation of the Streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test in People With Chronic Stroke and Subacute Stroke
Authors: Chen Hui-fang , Wu Ching-yi , Lin Keh-chung , Chen Hsieh-ching , Chen Carl P-C. , Chen Chih-kuang
Published: May 2012

Background

The construct validity and reliability of the short form of the Wolf Motor Function Test (S-WMFT) in people with subacute stroke and chronic stroke (S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions) have not been investigated.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensionality, item difficulty hierarchy, differential item functioning (DIF), and reliability of the S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions in people with mild to moderate upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction.

Design

This was a secondary study in which data collected from randomized controlled trials were used.

Methods

Data were collected at baseline from 97 people with chronic stroke (>12 months after stroke) and 75 people with subacute stroke (3–9 months after stroke) at 3 medical centers in Taiwan. Test structure, hierarchical properties, DIF, and reliability were assessed with Rasch analysis.

Results

The test structure for both versions was unidimensional. No DIF relevant to sex, age, or stroke location (hemispheric laterality) was detected. The tasks of moving a hand to a box and moving a hand to a table in the S-WMFT for subacute stroke showed a significantly high correlation. The reliability coefficients for both versions were approximately .90.

Limitations

The findings were limited to people with stroke and mild to moderate impairment of UE function.

Conclusions

The S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions are useful tools for assessing UE function in different subgroups of people with stroke and show evidence of construct validity and reliability. A high correlation between the tasks of moving a hand to a box and moving a hand to a table in the S-WMFT for subacute stroke suggests that the removal of 1 of these 2 items is warranted.
Phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of the methanolic extracts of Bombax buonopozense leaf and root
Authors: Akuodor Godwin C , Essien Augustine D , Ibrahim Jemilat A , Bassey Augustine , Akpan Joseph L , Ikoro Nwakaego C , Onyewenjo Simon C
Published: May 2012

Objective: The leaf and root of Bombax buonopozense which have some ethnomedicinal applications were subjected to phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity against some disease causing microorganisms. Material & Methods: The phytochemical composition was evaluated using standard procedures. Susceptibility of these clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonae, Proteus spp. and Escherichia coli) to the extracts was determined using the agar diffusion method. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, phlobatannins, anthraquinones and carbohydrates (mostly in root). The root extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against all the organisms tested, while the leaf extract had activity on S. aureus and B. subtilis only. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the root extract contain the most active components which may be used to source antibiotic substances for possible treatment of bacterial infections. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i3.4222 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 190-194
Space-ifesto 2012 (A Manifesto Toward Conditions and the Proliferation of Culture in a BETTER CANADA)
Authors: Singh Rebecca
Published: May 2012

OCCUPY SPACE

ALWAYS START BACKWARDS:

(TO BE READ ALOUD)

To the civil servant, the city counselor, and MP!

To our friends, supporters, benefactors.

To the courageous follower (you know who you are!)

You are making space for ART:

Cheers to you!

To the women and men who make space

on the fringes

for the masses who like Fringes.

To the festival organizers,

the fundraiser,

the arts administrator,

WE, THE ARTISTS, Thank you!

To the theatre managers who in this day and age

might be wishing for a “found space”,

To the architects who thought about the city, the people,

and what would happen inside,

To function first! (with no disrespect to form).

To large washrooms, with twice as many stalls for women,

To soft lighting that makes you look good,

To artists paying artists. Let this never be a bad thing,

To designers who deal in magic,

To postage stamp size studio spaces,

To the agora, where it all began,

and to the faithful technician, devoted, sitting watch.

THREE CHEERS TO THE THEATRE AND ALL ITS PARTS!! LONG LIVE THE THEATRE!!!

Hip Hip, Hurrah! Hip Hip, HURRAH!! Hip Hip, HURRAH!!!
On the Force of Time
Authors: Rajaram Anand
Published: May 2012

Language is the brush with which we paint ideas. Change the brush and you change the painting. But, to change the language we use to be more inclusive, we must first see the dominant paradigm within which we presently operate and recognize it to be problematic. I humbly present my simple attempt at illumination.
Ondinnok: the First Nations Theatre of Quebec
Authors: Sioui Durand Yves , Moran Meg
Published: May 2012

To be, or not to be, that is the question: and that's the question of all theatre. In everyday life, it is the question being asked by thousands of indigenous youth who are at the end of their ropes in the face of alienation and cultural imprisonment. Some answer and prefer “not to be” because they no longer feel native; that is they don't feel like free or autonomous people. I would have had to go into exile to survive, to escape the alienation, to flee the suffocation—exile to undertake the paradoxical quest for my roots outside of my own, for the birth of a vision, the quest for my dramatic art and my theatricality. What is theatre? Its source is intimately linked to shamanic practices, which begat the arts of psychological and physical healing and all the forms of art that followed. Theatre is simultaneously place and action. It is the place of speech clarified by the body, carried by the body until it glows. It is an “acting” on the profound archetypes which instantly connect the individual and the community. It proposes the experience of a collective consciousness, of a shared consciousness of what makes us human through the celebration of the attempt despite all the fears, all the childishness, to produce an encounter of man and of the universe at the core of his angst. Theatre is also an intrusion of the imaginary into the heart of reality, magnifying reality with the power of performance in the face of death. It is an expression of survival, of life that dares to laugh in the face of death. Violence, suicide, idleness, and political foolishness keep us in this “neo-colonial inferiority” of indulgence that means that under the yoke of the disdain of others, we feel disdain for ourselves. Theatre is “Amerindian” because it questions the origins of the culture, of the indigenous man at the heart of this continent because he makes himself a vehicle of ritual actions which have an actual effect on the audience. My dramatic art expresses a visionary spirituality; it takes the spotlight, exposing the pre-conceived notions of “Indianness” through the actor's body and the archetypal objects of our mythology.
Dangers of the Theatrical–Dramaturgical Complex: A Call to Artists to Run Faster and Jump Higher on Their Own Two Feet
Authors: Ferguson Alex Lazaridis
Published: May 2012

This manifesto is an attack on the role of dramaturgs in Canadian theatre and dance by Alex Lazaridis Ferguson (a theatre artist, scholar, journalist, and dramaturg). The rising power of the dramaturg, a role that in many cases is becoming one of gatekeeper between artist and audience, is questioned. Who does the dramaturg owe allegiance to—the artist or the presenting institution? The artist's increasing reliance on the dramaturg in rehearsal is also questioned. Does this reliance represent a lack of know-how on the part of the artist? When does the dramaturg become a co-artist, and is she acknowledged as such?
There is No Revolution, Televised or Otherwise
Authors: Nutting Kristine
Published: May 2012

This article explores the effects of postmodernity on stage production and its funding. It is written as an anti-manifesto which examines the corporatization of Canadian main stage's due to the demands of boards and budgets. This piece is a creative work.
Mary Wigman's London Performances: A New Dance in Search of a New Audience
Authors: Kew Carole
Published: May 2012

Mary Wigman (1886–1973) visited London on two occasions in order to perform her solo work. These fleeting visits act as the backdrop to an essay on the reception of her dance in Britain. In both dance composition and in spectatorship Wigman encouraged a process of self-enquiry. This new approach challenged prevailing cultural expectations in Britain concerning the nature of dance performance. Wigman returned to Germany having made little overt impact on the dance culture in Britain. But the possibility remains that her visits influenced the development of dance in a more oblique way by acting as a stimulus to the inter-war drive to establish a British ballet tradition.
A Fast Response Highly Selective Probe for the Detection of Glutathione in Human Blood Plasma
Authors: Guo Yixing , Yang Xiaofeng , Hakuna Lovemore , Barve Aabha , Escobedo Jorge O. , Lowry Mark , Strongin Robert M.
Published: May 2012

A fluorescent probe for glutathione (GSH) detection was developed. Our study indicates a possible mechanism which couples a conjugate addition and micelle-catalyzed large membered ring formation/elimination sequence. This method enables excellent selectivity towards GSH over other biological thiols such as cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy). The proposed method is precise with a relative standard deviation (R.S.D) lower than 6% (n = 3) and has been successfully applied to determine GSH in human plasma with recoveries between 99.2% and 102.3%.
Les deux guerres justes. L'éthique de la guerre face aux évolutions récentes de la conflictualité internationale
Authors: Holeindre Jean-Vincent
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article vise à mesurer l'impact des transformations de la conflictualité internationale sur l'éthique de la guerre. Il s'agit tout d'abord de montrer que l'effacement de la guerre interétatique au profit de guerres « irrégulières » représente un défi à la fois moral et politique pour les démocraties occidentales qui y sont confrontées. Nous examinons ensuite les effets de l'évolution du droit international sur l'éthique de la guerre. Le droit de la guerre « grotien », fondé sur les théories de la guerre juste héritées de l'Antiquité, avait initialement pour but de limiter le recours à la force et les effets meurtriers de la guerre. Le droit des conflits armés, en tant que domaine spécifique du droit international humanitaire, considère la guerre comme une pathologie qui justifie le recours à l'« intervention » militaire motivée par des raisons humanitaires. Deux logiques différentes se dégagent, qui correspondent à deux définitions distinctes de la guerre juste : dans l'approche classique initiée par Grotius, celle-ci répond à certains critères normatifs et constitue un conflit « dans les formes » entre États qui se reconnaissent mutuellement comme entités légitimes. Dans l'approche nouvelle, est dite juste une guerre qui consiste à intervenir là où les droits de l'homme et la démocratie sont bafoués. Face à cette évolution, les armées des États démocratiques tentent de s'adapter : la morale traditionnelle du soldat, fondée sur l'idéal chevaleresque et la théorie des vertus, est concurrencée par une déontologie appliquée au métier des armes, qui vise à régler les questions morales par un discours fondé sur la compétence professionnelle.
La traversée du politique : Derrida et Ricœur entre pureté de la philosophie et tragique de l'action
Authors: Boudou Benjamin
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article propose un examen comparé et critique de la pensée politique de Paul Ric ur et de Jacques Derrida. Il s'agit d'analyser deux manières singulières d'agencer philosophie, éthique et théorie politique. Leur étonnante proximité thématique et leur méfiance commune vis-à-vis d'une politique purement procédurale et libérale ne doivent pas masquer des différends profonds quant à l'interprétation du sens de la justice et de la souveraineté. Le débordement éthique par l'inconditionnalité de l'« événement » chez Derrida s'oppose radicalement au souci de Ric ur pour l'« institution » et le lien social. Illustré par le concept d'hospitalité développée tardivement par l'un et par l'autre, cette différence d'approche implique de refuser à la fois l'ignorance de la théorie politique pour la pensée de Derrida, mais aussi une mobilisation trop hâtive de ses concepts avant tout philosophiques.
Corps marqués, corps publics : étiquettes, emblèmes, tatouages
Authors: Reverzy Éléonore
Published: May 2012

La question de la marque, mot polysémique, sert de point de départ à l’analyse du tatouage et de sa représentation dans les œuvres littéraires. Image dans le texte ou en regard de lui, texte dans le texte, il interroge toujours les frontières de la figuration du corps, qu’il fait exister et donne à voir par l’écriture. Les enquêtes médicales du XIX e siècle en ont établi des classements, voire les ont disposés dans des recueils d’emblèmes nosologiques, permettant l’identification des populations marginales. Les écrivains, à leur tour, s’en emparent, soit pour les intégrer dans une topique, soit pour leur faire dire autre chose, exhiber un indice crypté, attirer le regard sur ce quelque chose qui est tu et montré simultanément. Le tatouage participe ainsi d’une stratégie complexe où la publicité et le camouflage servent un propos esthétique ou renvoient aux nouvelles conditions de la littérature.
Les Jésuites de Quinet : un événement littéraire ? Réflexions sur une réception complexe
Authors: Anfray Clélia
Published: May 2012

Les cours de Quinet et Michelet au Collège de France marquèrent non seulement les esprits de leurs contemporains mais s’inscrivirent encore dans le cadre d’une réflexion originale sur les rapports entre jésuitisme et révolution. Aussi méritent-ils d’être reconsidérés non plus seulement par le prisme des incidents conjoncturels qu’ils occasionnèrent, mais selon une vision symptomatique d’un processus historique large. Quatre formes de réception se dessinent : une réception immédiate et matérielle du cours, une réception politicienne et idéologique, qui envisage le thème des jésuites dans le contexte immédiat du « monopole universitaire » ; une réception ad personam qui lit les Jésuites par le prisme de convictions religieuses prêtées à Quinet ; et une réception historique qui, avec la distance temporelle et la lecture croisée des ouvrages de Quinet, lit derrière le thème des jésuites, une réflexion profonde et personnelle sur la révolution.
Bourdieu y Luhmann. Diferencias, similitudes, sinergias
Authors: Pfeilstetter Richard
Published: May 2012

Una compilación de artículos editada por Nassehi y Nollmann (2004) y un texto de Pokol (2002) inauguran una discusión sobre las similitudes entre las teorías de Pierre Bourdieu y Niklas Luhmann a pesar de su aparente discrepancia. el presente artículo aglutina el debate sobre la cuestión que hasta el momento ha sido desarrollada aisladamente por varios autores y la introduce en el ámbito académico hispanohablante. retomando y profundizando en la idea comparativa, el artículo argumenta que el uso en paralelo, previamente justificado, de las teorías de Bourdieu y Luhmann supone una posibilidad interesante de síntesis epistemológica. Se desarrolla una comparación sistemática de similitudes y diferencias de los conceptos clave de ambos autores, sus relaciones con la teoría sociológica clásica y contemporánea, sus axiomas epistémicos, visiones sobre agente/estructura y éticas subyacentes, para finalmente concluir en las sinergias que sugieren para la investigación social una mirada teórica que se nutre de ambas fuentes.
Virtual microscopy in cytotechnology education: Application of knowledge from virtual to glass
Authors: Donnelly Amber D , Mukherjee Maheswari S , Lyden Elizabeth R , Radio Stanley J
Published: May 2012

Background:

Virtual microscopy (VM) is a technology in which the glass slides are converted into digital images. The main objective of this study is to determine if cellular morphology, learned through virtual microscopy, can be applied to glass slide screening.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 142 glass slides (61 teaching and 81 practice) of breast, thyroid, and lymph node fine needle aspiration body sites were scanned with a single focal plane (at 40X) using iScanCoreo Au (Ventana, Tuscan, AZ, USA, formerly known as BioImagene, California, USA). Six students including one distant student used these digital images to learn cellular morphology and conduct daily screening. Subsequently, all the students were tested on 10 glass slides using light microscopy (LM). At the end of the study, the students were asked to respond to an online survey on their virtual microscopy experience. The glass slide screening test scores of the participating students who were taught through VM and tested on glass slides (VMLM group) were compared with the last three classes of students who were taught through LM and tested on glass slides (LMLM group).

Results:

A non-parametric statistical analysis indicated no difference (P= 0.20) in the glass screening test scores between VMLM (median = 93.5) and LMLM groups (median = 87). The survey indicated that the annotated teaching slides and access to the VM, off campus, were well appreciated by the students.

Conclusions:

Although the students preferred LM, they were able to apply the cytological criteria learned through VM to glass slide screening. Overall, VM was considered a great teaching tool.
Public and Private Health Insurance Premiums: How Do They Affect the Health Insurance Status of Low-Income Adults? Childless
Authors: Guy Gery P. , Adams E. Kathleen , Atherly Adam
Published: May 2012

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will substantially increase public health insurance eligibility and alter the costs of insurance coverage. Using Current Population Survey (CPS) data from the period 2000–2008, we examine the effects of public and private health insurance premiums on the insurance status of low-income childless adults, a population substantially affected by the ACA. Results show higher public premiums to be associated with a decrease in the probability of having public insurance and an increase in the probability of being uninsured, while increased private premiums decrease the probability of having private insurance. Eligibility for premium assistance programs and increased subsidy levels are associated with lower rates of uninsurance. The magnitudes of the effects are quite modest and provide important implications for insurance expansions for childless adults under the ACA.
Food Supplement in Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia dubia Cultures: Effects of Yeast and Feed Digestion
Authors: Buratini S. V. , Aragão M. A.
Published: May 2012

Over ten years the diet consisting of green algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) and a suspension of digested fish flake food plus yeast was employed in culturing daphnids, Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia dubia in the Aquatic Ecotoxicology Laboratory of CETESB (Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo, SP, Brazil). However, oscillations in the quality of cultures, with adverse effects on adult survival, were attributed to the addition of this complement. For this reason, experiments were conducted to evaluate the supplying of such mixture with the presence and absence of yeast and, later on, with and without digestion of fish flake food. The results showed that a diet including algae and the suspension of non digested (solubilized) fish flake food, permitted the attainment of the quality criteria for Daphnia similis and Ceriodaphnia dubia cultures, established in the respective standard procedures.
Heavy Metals in Liver of the Franciscana Dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, From the Southern Coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Panebianco M. V. , Botte S. E. , Negri M. F. , MarcoVecchio J. E. , Cappozzo H. L.
Published: May 2012

The present study shows the considerable concentrations of heavy metals found in the liver of franciscana dolphins (n=24) by-caught between 2001 and 2007 in four localities of Buenos Aires province. Concentration of heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni were manifested in the four assessed localities, yet Cr was only detected in one of them, Necochea city. Differences according localities (Necochea and Claromecó) were found for Zn, Ni, Pb and Cu concentration. It was found that Cd concentrations were significantly different between maturity stages, yet positive correlated with age, total length and body weight. A positive correlation between Ni-Cd and a negative between Cu-Ni concentrations were registered. Based on these results, it is feasible to conclude that, not only the area of origin, but also total length, age and mainly the feeding habit, have taken part of this heavy metals accumulation in franciscana dolphins’ liver.
99mTc-DMSA (V) in Evaluation of Osteosarcoma: Comparative Studies with 18F-FDG PET/CT in Detection of Primary and Malignant Lesions
Authors: Bandopadhyaya G. P. , Gupta Priyanka , Singh Archana , Shukla Jaya , Rastogi S. , Kumar Rakesh , Malhotra Arun
Published: May 2012

To evaluate the role of 99mTc-DMSA (V) and [18F]FDG PET-CT in management of patients with osteosarcoma, 22 patients were included in our study. All patients underwent both 99mTc-DMSA (V) and whole-body [18F]FDG PET-CT scans within an interval of 1 week. 555–740 MBq of 99mTc-DMSA (V) was injected i.v. the whole-body planar, SPECT images of primary site and chest were performed after 3-4 hours. [18F]FDG PET-CT images were obtained 60 minutes after i.v. injection of 370 MBq of F-18 FDG. Both FDG PET-CT (mean SUVmax = 7.1) and DMSA (V) scans showed abnormal uptake at primary site in all the 22 patients (100% sensitivity for both). Whole-body PET-CT detected metastasis in 11 pts (lung mets in 10 and lung + bone mets in 1 patient). Whole-body planar DMSA (V) and SPECT detected bone metastasis in one patient, lung mets in 7 patients and LN in 1 patient. HRCT of chest confirmed lung mets in 10 patients and inflammatory lesion in one patient. 7 patients positive for mets on DMSA (V) scan had higher uptake in lung lesions as compared to FDG uptake on PET-CT. Three patients who did not show any DMSA uptake had subcentimeter lung nodule. Resuts of both 99mTc-DMSA (V) (whole-body planar and SPECT imaging) and [18F]FDG PET-CT were comparable in evaluation of primary site lesions and metastatic lesions greater than 1 cm. Though 99mTc-DMSA (V) had higher uptake in the lesions as compared to [18F]FDG PET-CT, the only advantage [18F]FDG PET-CT had was that it could also detect subcentimeter lesions.
Enhanced Size-Dependent Piezoelectricity in Nanostructured Films
Authors: Dallacasa V.
Published: May 2012

We have developed a nanogenerator that is driven by mechanical forces to produce continuous direct-current output. The nanogenerator was fabricated with titanium dioxide nanoparticle arrays forming a Schottky barrier with a conducting electrode with a small gap. Under uniaxial mechanical compression, nanogenerators have shown repeatable and consistent electrical outputs with energy-conversion efficiency of order of magnitude at least comparable to similar nanogenerators based on piezoelectric materials. Flexoelectricity due to inhomogeneous strain induced in the nanostructured film has been identified as one possible mechanism of the high apparent piezoelectricity in the nanoparticles. The approach presents an adaptable, mobile, and cost-effective technology for harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. At the present stage it offers a potential solution for powering nanodevices.
O Papel da Alfabetização Financeira e do Cartão de Crédito no Endividamento dos Consumidores Brasileiros
Authors: Donadio Rosimara , Campanario Milton De Abreu , Rangel Armênio De Sousa Rangel
Published: May 2012

O objetivo do presente estudo realizar uma reviso terica sobre a influncia do nvel de alfabetizao financeira e do carto de crdito sobre o endividamento do consumidor brasileiro. Nos ltimos anos, o crescimento do endividamento da populao brasileira bateu recordes e a maior parte das dvidas refere-se aos gastos com carto de crdito. Vrios podem ser os fatores que influenciam esse fenmeno: o baixo grau de alfabetizao financeira, a disseminao do carto de crdito e sua respectiva facilidade de uso, a popularizao da oferta de crdito, dentre outros. O endividamento gera severas conseqncias pessoais, econmicas e sociais. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i1.2281
Can the law help us to tackle genetic diseases that affect the welfare of dogs?
Authors: Boissevain I
Published: May 2012

Some pedigree and other dogs suffer from serious genetic health problems. It is sad to acknowledge that this is not new. Dogs have been exposed to an increasing number of hereditary diseases for decades. Some of the diseases are the result of naturally occuring processes that result in mutations and the close linkeage of undesirable traits with desirable ones, others, however, are the result of choices made by breeders and owners about what is desirable for the dog breed. An owner with a sick dog, has recourse to consumer's legislation should they wish to get some of the money back that they paid for the ‘defective’ animal. Consumer's law is based on EU standards, and does give the owner some opportunities to litigate. This paper explains EU legislation, and provides an overview of the opinion of (Dutch) judges regarding cases involving animals with genetic defects. Legal and veterinary perspectives do not always work together in a satisfactory manner. The need for further legislation to prevent the continued breeding of dogs with serious genetic defects is discussed.
Electron‐Deficient Sites Constructed by Boron Doping Induce Homogenous Zn Deposition in Alkaline Zinc–Iron Flow Batteries
Authors: Zhu Fulong , Hu Zhengcheng , Guo Wei , Fu Yongzhu
Published: June 2024

Alkaline zinc‐iron flow batteries (ZFBs) have recently attracted renewed attention. However, the critical issues with zinc anodes, such as dendrite formation, side reactions, and labile plating or stripping, have yet to be adequately addressed. Here, an attempt is made to overcome these challenges by designing Boron‐doped carbon‐felt (B–CF) electrodes rich in electron‐deficient sites and defects. The fabricated B–CF provides improved adsorption of negatively charged Zn(OH)42−, robust Zn nucleation sites, and lower Zn nucleation and deposition overpotentials, leading to homogeneous Zn deposition morphology. Uniform Zn deposition enables the prevention of undesirable dendrite growth and parasitic reactions. As a result, the constructed alkaline ZFBs achieve a high average Coulombic efficiency of ≈99.85% and energy efficiency of 88% with uniform Zn deposition during 300 cycles (40 mA cm−2). This work expands the understanding of the electrode design strategy for achieving favorable Zn plating/stripping.
Access to Functionalized Indenes via Palladium‐Catalyzed Homolytic Cleavage of a Furan C−O Bond
Authors: Jiang Kai , Zeng Guohui , Xie Xinyue , Luo Hui , Fan Qi , Yin Biaolin
Published: June 2024

A photoinduced palladium‐catalyzed ring‐opening hydroarylation of furans to form functionalized indenes was achieved via an intramolecular reductive coupling of aryl bromide with furan using silane as the reductant. Deuterium tracking and DFT analysis revealed a reasonable reaction pathway involving: 1) the homolytic cleavage of the furan C−O bond induced by the α‐allyl radical; 2) a 1,6‐H atom transfer from carbon to oxygen.
Palladium (II) Precursors for Clean In Situ Formation of Ad Hoc Cross‐Coupling Catalysts. Their Application in One‐Pot/Two‐Step Catalyses with 2‐Biaryl‐Dialkylphosphine Ligands
Authors: Ponce‐de‐León Jaime , Villalba‐Antolín Sara , Martínez‐Ilarduya Jesús M. , Espinet Pablo
Published: June 2024

Complexes cis‐[Pd(ArF)2(NCMe)2] (A) and cis‐[Pd(ArF)2(THF)2] (B) (ArF=C6F3H2) are fast general precursors easy to prepare, store and handle, which allow in situ synthesis of tailor‐made [Pd(Ar)(X)(L)] catalysts for chosen Ar‐Nu couplings, provided that the L ligand (in this case PR2(2‐biaryl)) induces (ArF)2 coupling. This fluorinated byproduct is inert in the reaction conditions, and no other byproduct is expected because the Ar and X groups are the same in the catalyst, the intermediates and the products. The application of A or B in catalysis (e. g. with 1% catalyst) consists of a first step (formation of 1% tailor‐made catalyst) where 100 ArX+1 A (or B)+1 L in THF gives a solution with 99 ArX+1 [Pd(Ar)(X)(L)]+(ArF)2. The only other byproduct is THF or NCMe. In the second step, addition of the nucleophile, 100 Q(Nu), triggers and completes the catalytic cycle yielding 100 Ar‐Nu+100 Q(X)+1 [Pd0(L)]. The 100% yield is theoretical, but the tested catalysis (Ar‐Me Negishi coupling, C6F5‐alkynyl Stille coupling and Ar‐naphthyl Suzuki coupling) using A as precursor, SPhos as ligand, and 1000:1 reagents:catalyst ratio, afford 95–99% yield. In contrast, aryl‐amination requires 1000:5 ratio to give 96% yield (or 1000:50 for 99% yield) because PhNH2 eventually displaces the SPhos from Pd and blocks the catalyst. As a bonus, the presence of F in the precursors facilitates stepwise 19F NMR monitoring of the formation of [Pd(Ar)(X)(L)] with different phosphines, facilitating analysis of weaknesses or strengths of each of them to produce the catalyst, and helps in the choice of the most convenient one for the case. The in situ catalyst formation is ideal for serial two‐step catalysis with different phosphines or different nucleophiles.
A Web‐Based Architecture to Operationalize Geospatial Simulation Environments
Authors: Wainer Gabriel , St‐Aubin Bruno
Published: June 2024

Large scale geospatial simulation projects require multidisciplinary efforts by actors with highly variable skills and domains of expertise. Subject matter experts, modelers, developers, analysts, and decision makers must collaborate closely to model a real‐world system, simulate it, analyze its results and disseminate them. Simulation environments, tailored to business scenarios, can provide the necessary support to facilitate their collaboration throughout the simulation lifecycle. Commercial modeling and simulation software can provide an environment to facilitate simulation studies for users but, they tend to be narrowly scoped. This research focuses on the different categories of users and introduces four business processes that carry those users across the simulation lifecycle. These concepts are translated into an architecture that facilitates the operationalization of geospatial simulation environments using modeling and simulation as a service and Discrete Event Systems Specification.
A Flexible Hybrid Generator for Efficient Dual Energy Conversion from Raindrops to Electricity
Authors: Zhang Yonghui , Zhang Jiahao , Zheng Huanxi , Zhao Yue , Chen Yang , Zhou Yuyang , Liu Xiu
Published: June 2024

Electromagnetic generators are conventionally used to harvest energy from large water bodies, but they are ineffective for harvesting low hydro‐energy, such as raindrops or fogs, due to their bulky, heavy and immovable. Unfortunately, developing new strategies that are lightweight, small, and have high conversion efficiency to convert such low hydro‐energy into electricity remains a challenge. Herein, a flexible droplet‐based hybrid electricity generator (DHEG) consisting of a droplet‐based electricity generator (DEG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) is proposed to convert the dual energy of water droplets into electricity simultaneously. The DHEG is assembled by facilely merging DEG and EMG using conductive elastic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane (MWCNTs/PDMS) film. The MWCNTs/PDMS film can not only serve as a bottom electrode for switching on the DEG, but also as an elastic component for the EMG to vibrate the coil when impacted by water droplets. Activated by a single 58.2 µL droplet falling from a height of 50 cm, the peak voltage, current and power generated by the DHEG are ≈84.6 V, ≈19.85 mA, and ≈595.8 µW, respectively. The energy conversion efficiency of the DHEG is up to ≈13.8%. This flexible hybrid generator may provide a promising strategy for effectively harvesting energy from raindrops.
Microcavity Complex Lasers: from Order to Disorder
Authors: Zhu Hongyang , He Zhen , Wang Jianlong , Zhang Weili , Pei Chuang , Ma Rui , Zhang Junfeng , Wei Junxin , Liu Weiren
Published: June 2024

Microstructures, characterized by gain, nonlinearity, internal scattering, and boundary effects, offer an exceptional platform for exploring complex optical phenomena such as random lasing, chaos, and multidimensional speckles. Specifically, complex lasers generated within microcavities and optical fibers, where strong light confinement and scattering play diverse roles, have become a significant branch of laser research. Recently, the rapid advancement of materials, micro‐nano technologies, and artificial intelligence has introduced new opportunities and challenges for the generation, control, and application of complex lasers. This review systematically examines various types of microcavity complex lasers from the perspective of microcavity structures with different degrees of disorder. It primarily focuses on the historical development, characteristics, regulation, and applications of disordered microcavity lasers and concludes with a discussion on the future trends in the development of microcavity complex lasers.
Multiphoton‐Driven Photocatalytic Defluorination of Persistent Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polymers by Visible Light
Authors: Arima Yuzo , Okayasu Yoshinori , Yoshioka Daisuke , Nagai Yuki , Kobayashi Yoichi
Published: June 2024

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and fluorinated polymers (FPs) have been extensively utilized in various industries, whereas their extremely high stability poses environmental persistence and difficulty in waste treatment. Current decomposition approaches of PFASs and FPs typically require harsh conditions such as heating over 400 °C. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop a new technique capable of decomposing them under mild conditions. Here, we demonstrated that perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), known as a “persistent chemical,” and Nafion, a widely utilized sulfonated FP for ion‐exchange membranes, can be efficiently decomposed into fluorine ions under ambient conditions via the irradiation of visible LED light onto semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). PFOS was completely defluorinated within 8‐h irradiation of 405‐nm LED light, and the turnover number of the C−F bond dissociation per NC was 17200. Furthermore, 81 % defluorination of Nafion was achieved for 24‐h light irradiation, demonstrating the efficient photocatalytic properties under visible light. We revealed that this decomposition is driven by cooperative mechanisms involving light‐induced ligand displacements and Auger‐induced electron injections via hydrated electrons and higher excited states. This study not only demonstrates the feasibility of efficiently breaking down various PFASs and FPs under mild conditions but also paves the way for advancing toward a sustainable fluorine‐recycling society.
Teaching water flossing to children with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Somers Kandace P. , Sidener Tina M. , Callahan Ashley , Reeve Sharon A. , Pane Heather
Published: June 2024

Oral hygiene is an important self‐care skill that some children may lack, especially children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although some studies have evaluated procedures for teaching toothbrushing, no previous studies have demonstrated procedures for teaching flossing, which is essential for oral hygiene. This study evaluated an intervention for teaching water flossing to two children with ASD and two children without an ASD diagnosis. The intervention package included backward chaining, video modeling, and reinforcement, with some components implemented by a caregiver and some components implemented by an experimenter via telehealth. Behavioral skills training was used to train caregivers prior to implementation of the study. Results indicated that the intervention package was effective in teaching all participants to independently floss their teeth with a water flosser. Effects maintained for all participants 1‐week after completion of teaching. Questionnaires given to caregivers, participants, and dental professionals indicated high social validity.
Continuous thermodilution and microvascular resistance reserve during the index procedure in acute coronary syndrome without obstructive coronary artery disease: A pilot study
Authors: Demandt Jesse P. A. , El Farissi Mohamed , de Vos Annemiek , Eerdekens Rob , Teeuwen Koen , Brueren Guus , Zimmermann Frederik M. , Tonino Pim A. L. , Pijls Nico H. J. , Vlaar Pieter J.
Published: June 2024

Background

In 5%−25% of non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) patients, coronary angiography reveals no obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Coronary microvascular disease (CMD) is a potential causal pathophysiological mechanism in these patients and can be diagnosed by continuous thermodilution assessment. Recently, the microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) has been introduced as a novel index to assess the vasodilatory capacity of the microcirculation. However, continuous thermodilution and MRR have never been investigated in the acute setting in MINOCA patients and invasive assessment of the microcirculation in these patients are currently lacking.

Aims

The objectives of the study were to investigate the incidence of CMD (MRR ≤ 2.7) in patients with MINOCA and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of continuous thermodilution‐based assessment during index coronary angiography in the acute setting.

Methods

This study was a prospective, observational, pilot study investigating coronary physiology in the acute setting in MINOCA patients. Patients admitted with a diagnosis of NSTE‐ACS were eligible for inclusion.

Results

In total, 19 MINOCA patients were included in this analysis; the mean age was 70 ± 9 years, and 79% were females. CMD was present in 6 patients (32%). Qrest was significantly higher in the MRR ≤ 2.7 group compared to the MRR > 2.7 group (0.076 [0.057−0.100] vs. 0.049 [0.044−0.071] L/min, p = 0.03). Rµ,rest was significantly lower in the MRR ≤ 2.7 group compared to the MRR > 2.7 group (1083 [710−1510] vs. 1563 [1298−1970] WU, p = 0.04). No periprocedural complications or hemodynamic instability have occurred during continuous thermodilution assessment during the index coronary angiography.

Conclusion

In patients admitted for MINOCA undergoing immediate coronary angiography, continuous thermodilution assessment and MRR are feasible and safe in the acute setting, and evidence of functional CMD could be observed in one‐third of the MINOCA patients.
Self‐Assembled Chiral Film Based on Melanin Polymers
Authors: Gaeta Massimiliano , Travagliante Gabriele , Barcellona Matteo , Fragalà Maria Elena , Purrello Roberto , D'Urso Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Chirality plays a fundamental role in natural phenomena, yet its manifestation on solid surfaces remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we investigate the formation of chiroptical melanin‐based self‐assembled films on quartz substrates, leveraging mussel‐inspired surface chemistry. Water‐soluble porphyrins serve as molecular synthons, facilitating the spontaneous formation of hetero‐aggregates in phosphate‐buffered saline containing L‐ or D‐DOPA. Spectroscopic analysis reveals chiral transfer from DOPA enantiomers to porphyrin hetero‐aggregates, followed by the disruption of these latter and subsequent generation of chiral melanin structures in solution. Quartz substrates inserted into these solutions spontaneously accumulate homogeneous melanin‐like films over days, demonstrating the feasibility of self‐assembly. The resulting films exhibit characteristic UV/Vis and CD spectra, with distinct signals indicating successful chiral induction. Interestingly, the AFM characterizations reveal a distinct surface morphology, and in addition, some thermal and mechanical properties have been taken into account. Overall, this study sheds light on the formation, stability, and chiroptical properties of melanin‐based films, paving the way for their application in various fields.