bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La migración y su efecto económico social
Authors: Prado Membreño Jennifer Yadira
Published: January 2015

El ensayo pretende conocer la problemática socio-económicas que se generan con las emigraciones de los nicaragüenses. Se ha diseñado un estudio documental, basándose en algunas teorías de pensadores economistas. En este caso se investigó sobre los conflictos que generan las emigraciones de ciudadanos nicaragüenses, generalmente de clase media a baja hacia países en desarrollo, además, se toman en cuenta tanto variables cuantitativas como cualitativas, mediante esta investigación se obtuvieron datos referentes al estudio demográfico y socio-económico, aspectos importantes a tomar en cuenta en el estudio de las migraciones. La migración nicaragüense se debe a las malas condiciones de supervivencia que vive la población de bajos ingresos, la falta de recursos, familias disfuncionales, empleos informales, falta de educación profesional. Como resultado de la investigación presentada, es posible concluir que existen distintas razones por las cuales miles de nicaragüenses emigran todos los años. No obstante este ensayo analiza las emigraciones desde un punto de vista general las problemáticas por las cuales atraviesan las familias pobres que tienen a un familiar en el extranjero. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/reice.v2i4.1731 REICE Vol. 2, No. 4, julio-diciembre 2014: 149-158
Perspectiva de una dolarización oficial en Nicaragua (2010-2014)
Authors: Salazar Gutiérrez José Ángel
Published: January 2015

Analizar la posibilidad y el impacto socioeconómico, ante una dolarización oficial en Nicaragua. Para la realización de este ensayo se utilizó el método deductivoinductivo, el cual permite aplicar la teoría indagada, para obtener una amplia información de este fenómeno. Partiendo de la deducción que presenta este problema a nivel del país, se valoró las expectativas que se darían ante un cambio oficial de moneda. Este trabajo también integra el método analítico, por que toma en cuenta los principales sectores de la economía nicaragüense, los cuales están dolarizados, de manera que se pueda brindar posibles sugerencias. Nicaragua posee un alto nivel de dolarización extra oficial, aproximadamente en un 70% y los más afectados es la clase trabajadora quienes reciben sus salarios en córdobas, provocando cada día mayor pérdida del poder adquisitivo sobre los bienes y servicios que adquiere. Es muy difícil que Nicaragua abandone el córdoba por el dólar, porque no posee las reservas de dinero suficiente, lo más conveniente es recordobizar nuestra economía, con mayor productividad del trabajo, más eficiencia en la economía y transmitir más confianza por parte de la población Nicaragüense hacia nuestra moneda local. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/reice.v2i4.1732 REICE Vol. 2, No. 4, julio-diciembre 2014: 159-177
Is Adolescent Body Weight Associated With Parental Beliefs About Overweight, Attitudes Towards Food, and the Home Environment?
Authors: Krömker Dörthe , Stolberg Andreas , Müller Claudia , Tian Zhe , Parlesak Alexandr
Published: January 2015

Parents play a crucial role in the development of childhood overweight and also in controling overweight. This study investigated a broad set of parental factors, including general attitudes towards food (price, identity, cooking, ecology, mood, dieting, convenience, functionality), social cognitions concerning overweight (risk perception, self-efficacy for exercising and healthy eating, response efficacy for exercising and healthy eating) and characteristics of the home environment (restriction of snacks, regular family meals, parents involved in sports) and their association with their children’s zBMI, i.e. adolescents between 12-19 years old. In a non-clinical sample of 842 parent-adolescent dyads we found that the zBMI is most strongly and positively associated with parental dieting attitudes and negatively with parents’ self-efficacy to motivate their children to exercise. The zBMI is negatively and weakly associated with dislike of cooking, identification with the way of eating and the perceived benefit of healthy eating (response efficacy). Half of the parents assessed their children’s overweight and obesity correctly, while the other half underestimated it. No difference was found with respect to all investigated variables (general attitudes, social cognitions concerning overweight and home environment) between parents who correctly perceive and those who misperceive their children’s weight status.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Butterfly Valve Performance Factors
Authors: Del Toro Adam , Johnson Michael C. , Spall Robert E.
Published: January 2015

Experimental and simulated performance factors for a 48‐in.‐diameter butterfly valve were compared for various valve openings and flow conditions to determine the validity of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict butterfly valve performance factors such as pressure drop, hydrodynamic torque, flow coefficient, loss coefficient, and torque coefficient. Experimental data for the butterfly valve were obtained from the Utah Water Research Lab. Simulations were carried out on three‐dimensional models of the valve using general‐purpose CFD code STAR‐CCM+. Results show that for mid‐open valve positions (30–60 degrees), CFD adequately predicted butterfly valve performance factors. For lower valve‐angle cases (10–20 degrees), CFD simulations failed to reasonably predict those same values, while higher valve‐opening angles (70–90 degrees) gave mixed results. However, CFD simulations can provide engineers the ability to understand and predict valve performance, especially when laboratory testing may not be possible.
O eterno retorno do mesmo em Assim falou Zaratustra
Authors: Brusotti Marco
Published: January 2015

O Eterno Retorno do mesmo é um pensamento em devir. Com ele, Nietzsche relaciona, separadamente, projetos de vida muito diferentes, experimenta formas de existência que retornam sempre de novo, pretende encontrar princípios éticos e estéticos heterogêneos. Mesmo uma obra como Assim falou Zaratustra deve ser lida diacronicamente. Nada prova que quando Nietzsche escreveu o que é conhecida como a primeira parte do Zaratustra, ele já tinha em mente o traçado do todo, pois publicou, concluiu e redigiu em separado, as quatro ‘partes’ do livro. Não se deve, portanto, ler o Zaratustra pura e simplesmente de maneira sincrônica. Mas esta foi justamente a regra adotada pelos estudos críticos até hoje. O presente artigo, ao contrário, pretende dar conta de sua conhecida singularidade. Mostra-se então, entre outras coisas, que o Eterno Retorno não pode negar a transitoriedade de maneira tão simples e direta, tal como pensa Heidegger.
Nietzsche, Féré e o tipo psicológico de Jesus em O Anticristo
Authors: Sena Allan Davy Santos
Published: January 2015

Em sua investigação sobre o tipo psicológico de Jesus em O Anticristo, Nietzsche irá recorrer muito mais a termos e conceitos psiquiátricos comuns à literatura médica do final do século XIX do que a dados historiográficos, exegéticos ou arqueológicos. É no estudo do fenômeno da hiperexcitabilidade e seu estado hereditariamente progressivo como sintoma característico da degenerescência fisiológica, encontrado por Nietzsche na obra do médico francês Charles Féré, que o filósofo buscará estabelecer o fundamento fisiológico para as suas considerações sobre o tipo psicológico de Jesus, classificado como idiota.
Dionísio e o mistagogo: apontamentos sobre a questão do parricídio filosófico
Authors: Fonseca Eduardo Ribeiro da
Published: January 2015

Em Schopenhauer, o sofrimento existencial ligado à recorrência do desejo cessa apenas, parcialmente, nos momentos de contemplação artística, ou, de modo mais amplo e profundo, na negação (Verneinung) da Vontade. Isto se traduz na condenação ética ao aspecto compulsivo da atividade da Vontade. Em Nietzsche, inversamente, a intensificação é parte da referência comum aos impulsos (Triebe) por poder, pois estes até mesmo buscam o que lhes resiste, formando soluções de compromisso e combatendo entre si, restando também uma possibilidade de refinamento dos alvos dos impulsos. A diferença em relação ao inevitável sofrimento admitido por ambos é que Nietzsche se recusa à compaixão e à negação da Wille zum Leben. A questão que analisamos neste artigo é se, apesar disso, não haverá alguma injustiça na visão de Nietzsche acerca de Schopenhauer, precisamente no que concerne ao fato do primeiro ser a fonte originária do pensar acerca dos impulsos inconscientes, e em que medida, apesar do “parricídio” em relação ao grande mestre de sua juventude, Nietzsche não terá preservado involuntariamente em sua filosofia muito mais de Schopenhauer do que poderia admitir.
Hydrogen‐Terminated Si Nanowires as Label‐Free Colorimetric Sensors in the Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective Detection of Fluoride Anions in Pure Water Phase
Authors: Wang Hui , Fan Pei‐Hong , Tong Bin , Dong Yu‐Ping , Ou Xue‐Mei , Li Fan , Zhang Xiao‐Hong
Published: January 2015

The detection of anions in pure water phase with colorimetric sensor is a long standing challenge. As one of the most important anions, F– is associated with nerve gases and the refinement of uranium for nuclear weapons. However, limited by its anions nature, few of the reported colorimetric sensors can successfully applied to detect F–1 in pure water phase. This work designs a colorimetric sensor for F–1 pure water phase detection by taking the advantages of the strong specific binding between F and Si, as well as the color‐changing property of H‐terminated Si nanowires (SiNWs). The sensor demonstrates ultra‐sensitivity, high selectivity, and good stability. The results reveal particular interest for the development of new type aqueous phase anions sensors with SiNWs.
On‐Chip Self‐Assembly of a Smart Hybrid Nanocomposite for Antitumoral Applications
Authors: Herranz‐Blanco Bárbara , Liu Dongfei , Mäkilä Ermei , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali , Ginestar Eloy , Zhang Hongbo , Aseyev Vladimir , Balasubramanian Vimalkumar , Salonen Jarno , Hirvonen Jouni , Santos Hélder A.
Published: January 2015

A hybrid nanocomposite comprised by porous silicon nanoparticles and a stimuli responsive polymeric material, polyethylene glycol‐block‐poly(L‐histidine), is spontaneously formed by nanoprecipitation in a flow‐focusing microfluidic chip. The nanocomposite presents a novel hybrid compound micelle structure with a great robustness for therapeutic applications. Therefore, the nanocomposite is developed and tested as a “smart” multistage drug delivery system (MDDS) in response to some of the current problems that cancer treatment presents. Based on the stimuli‐responsive behavior of the nanocomposite, a chemotherapeutic agent is successfully loaded into the nanosystem and released upon changes in the pH‐values. The nanocomposite demonstrates enhanced stability in plasma, narrow size distribution, improved surface smoothness, and high cytocompatibility. Furthermore, the nanocomposite presents reduced nanoparticle internalization by phagocytic macrophage cells and pH‐dependent cell growth inhibition capacity. Overall, the developed hybrid nanocomposite shows very promising features for its further development as a “smart” pH‐responsive MDDS.
Recent Advances in Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Nitriles
Authors: Bagal Dattatraya B. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: January 2015

Amines are important building blocks possessing various applications in agrochemicals, the fine chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, materials science and biotechnology. The catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles is an important reaction for the one‐step synthesis of diverse amines. However, significant amounts of side product formation during the course of the reaction is a major issue. In recent years, an enormous amount of work has been reported using both homogeneous and heterogeneous transition metal complex catalysts for the selective reduction of nitriles. Transition metal catalysts are the most crucial factor that controls the selectivity in this reaction. Therefore, transition metal catalysts are the central point of this review. We have also briefly discussed the effect of reaction parameters, selectivity to different substrate structures and reaction mechanisms. This review provides an overview of recent developments in transition metal‐catalyzed nitrile reduction along with examples which highlight its vast potential in organic transformations.

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Palladium versus Platin – das Metall im Katalysezentrum eines molekularen Photokatalysators bestimmt den Mechanismus der Wasserstoffproduktion mit sichtbarem Licht
Authors: Pfeffer Michael G. , Schäfer Bernhard , Smolentsev Grigory , Uhlig Jens , Nazarenko Elena , Guthmuller Julien , Kuhnt Christian , Wächtler Maria , Dietzek Benjamin , Sundström Villy , Rau Sven
Published: January 2015

Für die Entwicklung hocheffizienter molekularer Photokatalysatoren zur Wasserstoffproduktion mit sichtbarem Licht ist ein Verständnis der elektronischen und chemischen Prozesse im Photokatalysator von wesentlicher Bedeutung. In‐situ‐Röntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie (XAS) zeigte hierbei, dass die Art des katalytisch aktiven Metallzentrums in einer (N^N)MCl2‐Koordinationssphäre (M=Pd oder Pt) wesentlichen Einfluss auf den Mechanismus der Wasserstoffproduktion hat. Während Pd als Metallzentrum eine signifikante Veränderung der chemischen Umgebung und die Ausbildung von metallischen Kolloiden aufweist, zeigt Pt als Katalysezentrum keinerlei Veränderung der Koordinationssphäre unter katalytischen Bedingungen. Dieser Befund wird durch die Unabhängigkeit der Katalyse von Chloridionenzusatz und dem Quecksilbertest gestützt. Hieraus kann ein vollständig anderer Katalysemechanismus ohne Beteiligung von Kolloiden abgeleitet werden.
Dinuclear Copper Intermediates in Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition Directly Observed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Iacobucci Claudio , Reale Samantha , Gal Jean‐François , De Angelis Francesco
Published: January 2015

The mechanism of the CuAAC reaction has been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) using a combination of the neutral reactant approach and the ion‐tagging strategy. Under these conditions, for the first time, putative dinuclear copper intermediates were fished out and characterized by ESI(+)‐MS/MS. New insight into the CuAAC reaction mechanisms is provided and a catalytic cycle is proposed.
Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Carbon Dioxide Capture through Channel‐Wall Functionalization
Authors: Huang Ning , Chen Xiong , Krishna Rajamani , Jiang Donglin
Published: January 2015

Ordered open channels found in two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) could enable them to adsorb carbon dioxide. However, the frameworks’ dense layer architecture results in low porosity that has thus far restricted their potential for carbon dioxide adsorption. Here we report a strategy for converting a conventional 2D COF into an outstanding platform for carbon dioxide capture through channel‐wall functionalization. The dense layer structure enables the dense integration of functional groups on the channel walls, creating a new version of COFs with high capacity, reusability, selectivity, and separation productivity for flue gas. These results suggest that channel‐wall functional engineering could be a facile and powerful strategy to develop 2D COFs for high‐performance gas storage and separation.
Development of a predictive model for choosing cure agents for elastomer blends
Authors: Cañete Vebber Guilherme , Nunes Pereira Cláudio
Published: January 2015

In elastomer blends with either polarity differences or unbalanced double bond concentration, cure agents have a preferential partition to one of the phases, with a tendency of having overcure in one phase and undercure in the other. To achieve proper vulcanization and improved performance in the final product, it is essential to have a correct balance between solubility and miscibility of each of the various cure agents in the elastomer blend composite. Cure agents with varying polarities and various reactivities have different crosslinking densities in the rubber compound. A homogeneous crosslinking density leads to superior mechanical properties. The method presented in this work includes a new tool based on a genetic optimization algorithm for assessing the partitioning of cure agents in different elastomers and their blends. The quantitative data allowed for a series of analyses of the solubility of the cure agents in the elastomer mixtures of different phases and was validated by correlation with their physico–chemical and mechanical properties of the resulting blend. This is an important tool for planning a cure system in rubber blends and to avoid incorrect partitioning of cure agents and consequent uneven curing of the final compound. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41929.
Synthesis of hyperbranched polybenzoxazoles and their molecular composites with epoxy resins
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Yan , Yu Junrong , Zhu Jing , Hu Zuming
Published: January 2015

Hyperbranched aromatic polymers have attracted great attention recently because they combined the processability of hyperbranched polymers and the high‐level performance of aromatic polymers. Here, a one‐pot strategy for the synthesis of hyperbranched Polybenzoxazoles (HBPBOs) by polycondensation of 2,2‐Bis (3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane and 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid in Polyphosphoric acid was reported. The HBPBOs exhibited good solubility in organic solvents because of the branched structure and the flexible hexafluoropropane groups in main chains. The structure and terminal functional groups could be tailored by adjusting the molar ratio of two monomers. FT‐IR, NMR and XRD measurements confirmed the structure of HBPBOs, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV‐vis, and photoluminescence spectra, combined with the comparison with linear PBOs demonstrated the intriguing optical properties and good thermal stabilities of HBPBOs. The good solubility of HBPBOs also permitted their usage as molecular reinforcement for polymer composites as demonstrated in this study of HBPBOs/epoxy composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41942.
DIFFERENTIALLY REGULATED GENES IN THE SALIVARY GLANDS OF BROWN PLANTHOPPER AFTER FEEDING IN RESISTANT VERSUS SUSCEPTIBLE RICE VARIETIES
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Zhang Mei , Feng Fei , He Ruifeng
Published: January 2015

Brown planthopper (BPH) is a damaging insect pest of rice. We used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) and mirror orientation selection to identify differentially regulated genes in salivary glands of BPH after feeding on resistant and susceptible varieties. The forward SSH library included 768 clones with insertions ranging from 250 to 1000 bp. After differential screening, a total of 112 transcripts were identified, which included 27 upregulated genes and seven downregulated genes. Several of these transcripts showed sequence homology to known proteins such as trehalase, mucin‐like protein, vitellogenin, calcium ion binding protein, and eukaryotic initiation factor‐like protein. About half of the transcripts, however, did not match to any sequences in the protein databases currently available. Functional annotation of the transcripts showed gene ontology association with metabolism, signal transduction, and regulatory responses. Notably, many known functional genes were predicted to be secreted proteins. Also, gene expression profiles of the salivary glands of BPH feeding on resistant rice (B5) and susceptible rice (TN1) varieties were compared. Our data provide a molecular resource for future functional studies on salivary glands and will be useful for elucidating the molecular mechanisms between BPH feeding and rice varieties with BPH resistance differences.
Tunable photoluminescence properties of Sr1‐yCayMoO4:Sm3+ phosphors (0 ≤ y < 1)
Authors: Cao Renping , Chen Kangbin , Liu Pan , Cao Chunyan , Xu Yongchun , Ao Hui , Tang Pengjie
Published: January 2015

A series of Sr1‐x‐yCayMoO4:xSm3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 7 mol% and 0 ≤ y < 1) phosphors was synthesized by a conventional solid‐state reaction method in air, and their structural and spectroscopic properties were investigated. The optimal doping concentration of Sm3+ in SrMoO4:Sm3+ phosphor is 5 mol%. Under excitation with 275 nm, in Sr1‐x‐yCayMoO4:xSm3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 7 mol% and 0 ≤ y < 1) phosphors, the emission band of the host was found to overlap with the excitation bands peaking at ~500 nm of Sm3+ ion, and the energy transfer from MoO42− group to Sm3+ ion can also be observed. The International Commission on Illumination (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of Sr0.95‐yCayMoO4:0.05Sm3+ phosphors with excitation 275 nm varied systematically from an orange (0.4961, 0.3761) (y = 0) to a white color (0.33, 0.3442) (y = 0.95) with increasing calcium oxide (CaO) concentration. However, Sr0.95‐yCayMoO4:0.05Sm3+ phosphors with excitation at 404 nm only showed red emission and the energy transfer between MoO42− group to Sm3+ ion was not observed. The complex mechanisms of luminescence and energy transfer are discussed by energy level diagrams of MoO42− group and Sm3+ ion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro and in vivo identification of metabolites of magnoflorine by LC LTQ‐Orbitrap MS and its potential pharmacokinetic interaction in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction in rat
Authors: Xue Baojuan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Miao Qing , Miao Peipei , Yang Xiaoyan , Sun Guixia , Su Jin , Ye Jing , Wei Baohong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Yujie
Published: January 2015

Magnoflorine, an important aporphine alkaloid in Coptidis Rhizoma, is increasingly attracting research attention because of its pharmacological activities. The in vivo and in vitro metabolism of magnoflorine was investigated by LC LTQ‐Orbitrap MS. In vivo samples including rat urine, feces, plasma and bile were collected separately after both oral (50 mg kg−1) and intravenous administration (10 mg kg−1) of magnoflorine, along with in vitro samples prepared by incubating magnoflorine with rat intestinal flora and liver microsome. As a result, 12 metabolites were found in biological samples. Phase I metabolites were identified in all biological samples, while phase II metabolites were mainly detected in urine, plasma and bile. In a pharmacokinetic study, rats were not only dosed with magnoflorine via oral (15, 30 and 60 mg kg−1) and intravenous administration (10 mg kg−1) but also dosed with Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (equivalent to 30 mg kg−1 of magnoflorine) by intragastric administration to investigate the interaction of magnoflorine with the rest of compounds in Coptidis Rhizoma. Studies showed that magnoflorine possessed lower bioavailability and faster absorption and elimination. However, pharmacokinetic parameters altered significantly (p < 0.05) when magnoflorine was administered in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction. Oral gavage of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction decreased the absorption and elimination rates of magnoflorine, which revealed that there existed pharmacokinetic interactions between magnoflorine and the rest of ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rapid lipopolysaccharide‐induced release of matrix metalloproteinases 9 is suppressed by simvastatin
Authors: Li Dan‐Dong , Pang Hong‐Gang , Song Jin‐Ning , Huang Huan , Zhang Ming , Zhao Yong‐Lin , Sun Peng , Zhang Bin‐Fei , Ma Xu‐Dong
Published: January 2015

A rapid increase in matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) expression by stimulated leukocytes is common in many diseases. Recent evidence suggests that the beneficial effects of statins are mediated in part by the suppression of MMP‐9 release. In this study, we investigated the effect of statin on MMP‐9 expression and its antagonist, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) in LPS‐stimulated leukocytes. Rat neutrophils and monocytes were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of simvastatin. MMP‐9 secretion and mRNA expression were analyzed using ELISA and RT‐PCR, respectively. Total MMP‐9 protein production was measured by Western blot analysis. Potential signal transduction pathways responsible for MMP‐9 production were investigated using luciferase reporter assays (NF‐κB), pull‐down assays (RhoA), and pharmacological inhibition. Our data show that MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 expression are differentially induced by LPS in neutrophils and monocytes. We showed that rapid MMP‐9 release occurred mainly via secretion from intracellular stores. Moreover, we showed that statin significantly suppressed LPS‐induced MMP‐9 release and mRNA expression in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. We also evaluated that simvastain postponed the rapid LPS‐induced MMP‐9 release for about 20 min. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the suppressive effect of simvastatin on LPS‐stimulated MMP‐9 release does not occur via the NF‐κB pathway and the MAPKs pathway, but via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Novel hemodynamic index for assessment of aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Bugan Baris , Kapadia Samir , Svensson Lars , Krishnaswamy Amar , Tuzcu Emin Murat
Published: January 2015

Background

Paravalvular aortic regurgitation (AR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been associated with increased mortality. Precise assessment of the degree of AR within the catheterization laboratory is crucial to take counter measures, but it remains challenging. The aim of this study was to determine whether any modification to AR index can improve its performance.

Methods

The study included 64 patients treated with the Sapien valve (Edwards Life Sciences, Inc., Irvine, CA). The severity of AR was evaluated using echocardiography, angiography, and invasive hemodynamic parameters. We evaluated the time‐integrated aortic regurgitation (TIAR) index as follows: (LV − Ao diastolic pressure time integral)/(LV systolic pressure time integral) × 100. We analyzed the AR index and TIAR index with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

AR was observed in 58 patients (90.7%) and graded as mild in 33 (51.6%), moderate in 20 (31.3%), or moderate to severe in 5 (7.8%) patients. No severe AR was detected. The AR index and TIAR index decreased proportionately to the increased severity of AR (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). TIAR index < 80 was associated with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 83% for ≥mild AR. The area under the curve was greater for the TIAR index compared to the AR index (0.93 vs. 0.74).

Conclusion

The TIAR index provides a better hemodynamic measure for assessing severity of AR compared to the AR index. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumoral calcinosis in a patient with hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Hiramatsu Rikako , Ubara Yoshifumi , Tajima Toshihiro , Usui Takeshi , Namba Kazutaka , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Sawa Naoki , Hasegawa Eiko , Takaichi Kenmei
Published: January 2015

Key Clinical Message

We describe a hemodialysis patient with hypoparathyroidism due to HDR (hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia) syndrome caused by GATA3 mutation. She presents tumoral calcinosis which is a rare complication of end‐stage renal failure. A novel mutation of GATA3 is identified in this patient.
Kinetics of liquid phase alkylation of benzene with dodecene over mordenite
Authors: Aslam Waqas , Hossain Mohammad M. , Bari Siddiqui Mohammed A. , Abussaud Basim A. , Al‐Khattaf Sulaiman S.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the kinetics investigation of liquid phase alkylation of benzene with dodecene using mordenite having Si/Al = 20. The models are developed based on physicochemical characterization of the catalyst and a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor data. The FTIR analysis shows that approximately 90 % of the acidic sites are Brønsted acid type while the remaining 10 % are Lewis acid type. The kinetic experiments are conducted with 6:1 molar ratio of benzene to dodecene at four different temperature levels between 80 to 140 °C. The product analysis shows that the main alkylation product is 2‐phenyldodecane. At lower temperature, the concentration of dodecene isomers is significant. On the other hand at higher temperature linear alkylbenzene isomers are the dominating products. The kinetic models are formulated considering simultaneous dodecene isomerization and benzene alkylation. The reaction rate parameters are estimated by fitting of the experimental data implemented in MATLAB. The adequacy of the estimated model parameters are verified by thermodynamic consistency and statistical fitting indicators. The activation energy for protonation of 1‐dodecene to 2‐dodecene found to be significantly lower (34 kJ/mol) than that of the 2‐dodecene to 3‐dodecene reaction (51 kJ/mol). The activation energies of surface alkylations of benzene to 2‐phenyldodecane and 3‐phenyldodecane are 49 kJ/mol and 66 kJ/mol, respectively.
Differential expression of protocadherin‐19, protocadherin‐17, and cadherin‐6 in adult zebrafish brain
Authors: Liu Qin , Bhattarai Sunil , Wang Nan , Sochacka‐Marlowe Alicja
Published: January 2015

Cell adhesion molecule cadherins play important roles in both development and maintenance of adult structures. Most studies on cadherin expression have been carried out in developing organisms, but information on cadherin distribution in adult vertebrate brains is limited. In this study we used in situ hybridization to examine mRNA expression of three cadherins, protocadherin‐19, protocadherin‐17, and cadherin‐6 in adult zebrafish brain. Each cadherin exhibits a distinct expression pattern in the fish brain, with protocadherin‐19 and protocadherin‐17 showing much wider and stronger expression than that of cadherin‐6. Both protocadherin‐19 and protocadherin‐17‐expressing cells occur throughout the brain, with strong expression in the ventromedial telencephalon, periventricular regions of the thalamus and anterior hypothalamus, stratum periventriculare of the optic tectum, dorsal tegmental nucleus, granular regions of the cerebellar body and valvula, and superficial layers of the facial and vagal lobes. Numerous sensory structures (e.g., auditory, gustatory, lateral line, olfactory, and visual nuclei) and motor nuclei (e.g., oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal motor, abducens, and vagal motor nuclei) contain protocadherin‐19 and/or protocadherin‐17‐expressing cell. Expression of these two protocadherins is similar in the ventromedial telencephalon, thalamus, hypothalamus, facial, and vagal lobes, but substantially different in the dorsolateral telencephalon, intermediate layers of the optic tectum, and cerebellar valvula. In contrast to the two protocadherins, cadherin‐6 expression is much weaker and limited in the adult fish brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1419–1442, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Big data‐based extraction of fuzzy partition rules for heart arrhythmia detection: a semi‐automated approach
Authors: Behadada Omar , Trovati Marcello , Chikh MA , Bessis Nik
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we introduce a novel method to define semi‐automatically fuzzy partition rules to provide a powerful and accurate insight into cardiac arrhythmia. In particular, we define a text mining approach applied to a large dataset consisting of the freely available scientific papers provided by PubMed. The information extracted is then integrated with expert knowledge, as well as experimental data, to provide a robust, scalable and accurate system, which can successfully address the challenges posed by the management and assessment of big data in the medical sector. The evaluation we carried out shows an accuracy rate of 93% and interpretability of 0.646, which clearly shows that our method provides an excellent balance between accuracy and system transparency. Furthermore, this contributes substantially to the knowledge discovery and offers a powerful tool to facilitate the decision‐making process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life history correlates of fecal bacterial species richness in a wild population of the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Benskin Clare McW. H. , Rhodes Glenn , Pickup Roger W. , Mainwaring Mark C. , Wilson Kenneth , Hartley Ian R.
Published: January 2015

Very little is known about the normal gastrointestinal flora of wild birds, or how it might affect or reflect the host's life‐history traits. The aim of this study was to survey the species richness of bacteria in the feces of a wild population of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus and to explore the relationships between bacterial species richness and various life‐history traits, such as age, sex, and reproductive success. Using PCR‐TGGE, 55 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in blue tit feces. DNA sequencing revealed that the 16S rRNA gene was amplified from a diverse range of bacteria, including those that shared closest homology with Bacillus licheniformis, Campylobacter lari, Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. For adults, there was a significant negative relationship between bacterial species richness and the likelihood of being detected alive the following breeding season; bacterial richness was consistent across years but declined through the breeding season; and breeding pairs had significantly more similar bacterial richness than expected by chance alone. Reduced adult survival was correlated with the presence of an OTU most closely resembling C. lari; enhanced adult survival was associated with an OTU most similar to Arthrobacter spp. For nestlings, there was no significant change in bacterial species richness between the first and second week after hatching, and nestlings sharing the same nest had significantly more similar bacterial richness. Collectively, these results provide compelling evidence that bacterial species richness was associated with several aspects of the life history of their hosts.
Three Scandium Compounds with Unsaturated Coordinative Metal Sites – Structures and Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Liying , Wang Li , Wang PengCheng , Song Tianyou , Li Da , Chen Xiaobo , Fan Yong , Xu Jianing
Published: January 2015

Two scandium coordination polymers, a 2D supermolecule structure {[Sc(OH)(L1)2(H2O)]}n (1) (HL1 = isonicotinic acid), a 1D infinite chain structure {[Sc3(L2)4(H2O)4]·NO3·H2O}n (2) (H2L2 = 4,5‐imidazole dicarboxylic acid), as well as a scandium complex {[Sc2(OH)2(L3)2(H2O)4]}n (3) (H2L3 = 1,2,3‐triazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Compounds 1–3 are active heterogeneous catalysts for high‐yield cyanosilylation of aromatic aldehydes in acetonitrile, particularly for p‐nitrobenzaldehyde. Moreover, these three catalysts can be reused three times without significant loss in activity or mass.
The Orthoperiodates of Calcium, Strontium, and Barium
Authors: Hummel Thorsten , Salk Florian , Ströbele Markus , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: January 2015

Orthoperiodates of calcium, strontium, and barium were prepared by solid‐state reactions of metal iodides or metal iodates with oxygen in air. M(IO3)2 (M = Ca) or MI2 (M = Sr, Ba) were heated in an open corundum crucible to yield M5(IO6)2 as a product with beige to light brown body color. Reactions were investigated by thermal analyses, using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Two distinct crystal structures were assigned for M5(IO6)2 with the space group R$\bar {3}$c for M = Ca, Sr (isotypic with Ca, Sr perrhenates) and Pnma for M = Ba based on recorded powder X‐ray diffraction data. Luminescence properties of europium‐doped samples are reported.
Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on Alkaline Earth Metals – Hydrothermal Synthesis, X‐ray Structures, Gas Adsorption, and Heterogeneously Catalyzed Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Saha Debraj , Maity Tanmoy , Koner Subratanath
Published: January 2015

New carboxylate systems with alkaline earth metals, namely, [Ca2Na2(L)2(H2O)6]n·nH2O (1, H3L = chelidamic acid) and [Sr3(L)2(H2O)9]n·2nH2O (2), have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions and characterized. The compounds featured different three‐dimensional (3D) structural motifs and new topologies. The amount of void space for the dehydrated materials of 1 and 2 was calculated to be ca. 19 and 35 %, respectively. The dehydrated materials are thermally stable to more than 450 °C. The dehydrated species of 1 and 2 displayed excellent N2, H2, and CO2 sorption capacity at 1 atm pressure. Furthermore, both compounds efficiently catalyze the hydrogenation of alkenes under mild heterogeneous conditions (60 °C, 1 atm H2). The porous catalysts demonstrate size selectivity towards substrates owing to presence of active sites inside the pores of the MOF.
Amperometric Detection and Quantification of Nitrate Ions Using a Highly Sensitive Nanostructured Membrane Electrocodeposited Biosensor Array
Authors: Gokhale Ankush A. , Lu Jue , Weerasiri Rankothge R. , Yu Jing , Lee Ilsoon
Published: January 2015

In the past few decades, there has been a steady rise in the release of nitrate (NO3−), a prominent water soluble contaminant associated with the increasing use of nitrate based fertilizers. In this study, we suggest the use of a highly sensitive, enzymatic biosensor capable of quantifying minute concentrations of nitrate. The disposable nitrate biosensor consists of a sensing element in the form of nitrate reductase which is immobilized within a conductive polymer matrix to generate a quantifiable amperometric response. In this work, nanoarrays of co‐immobilized nitrate reductase and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), were grown using a template assisted electropolymerization route. The performance of the biosensor is a strong function of electropolymerization conditions and the morphology of the PEDOT nanostructures. The electropolymerized biosensor displays excellent specificity w.r.t other interfering ions as evidenced from the initial rate kinetics. With a response time of a few seconds, limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.16 ppm and sensitivity of about 92 µA/mM , the one‐step electropolymerized nanostructured nitrate biosensor developed in this study shows improved performance compared to similar electrochemical sensors reported in literature. The PEDOT/nitrate reductase nanowire sensor developed in this work shows superior attributes compared to a flat 2D nitrate reductase‐co‐immobilized PEDOT film grown using similar electropolymerization conditions. This combined with easy and fast fabrication technique opens up exciting opportunities for developing high accuracy PEDOT based nanobiosensors for field testing of nitrate contaminants in the future.
Characteristics and mechanisms of arsenate adsorption onto manganese oxide‐doped aluminum oxide
Authors: Liu Ting , Wu Kun , Xue Wen , Ma Chao
Published: January 2015

This study focused on the characteristics and mechanisms of arsenate [As(V)] adsorption onto manganese oxide‐doped aluminum oxide. The adsorbent surface was characterized via the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The characterization results indicated a rough and Al‐enriched surface, a surface area of 91.2 m2/g, and an amorphous structure for manganese oxide‐doped aluminum oxide. Most of the As(V) was adsorbed within 1.5 h, and the kinetics data were described well by the pseudo‐second‐order model. Meanwhile, the adsorption process was controlled by more than one rate‐limiting step. The Langmuir model fitted the isotherm data better compared with the Freundlich model, and the maximum adsorption amount was 114.5 mg/g at T = 298 K. The As(V) adsorption was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The optimal As(V) removal was achieved at a pH range of 4.0–6.0. Furthermore, the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy suggested that As(V) adsorption was primarily through the adhesion to the surface hydroxyl groups and ligand exchange with the sulfate. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1009–1018, 2015
Safety of long‐term biologic therapy in rheumatologic patients with a previously resolved hepatitis B viral infection
Authors: Barone Michele , Notarnicola Antonella , Lopalco Giuseppe , Viggiani Maria Teresa , Sebastiani Francesco , Covelli Michele , Iannone Florenzo , Avolio Alfonso W. , Di Leo Alfredo , Cantarini Luca , Lapadula Giovanni
Published: January 2015

European and Asian studies report conflicting data on the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in rheumatologic patients with a previously resolved HBV (prHBV) infection undergoing long‐term biologic therapies. In this patient category, the safety of different immunosuppressive biologic therapies, including rituximab, was assessed. A total of 1218 Caucasian rheumatologic patients, admitted consecutively as outpatients between 2001 and 2012 and taking biologic therapies, underwent evaluation of anti–HCV and HBV markers as well as liver amino transferases every 3 months. Starting from January 2009, HBV DNA monitoring was performed in patients with a prHBV infection who had started immunosuppressive biologic therapy both before and after 2009. Patients were considered to have elevated aminotransferase levels if values were >1× upper normal limit at least once during follow‐up. We found 179 patients with a prHBV infection (14 treated with rituximab, 146 with anti–tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and 19 with other biologic therapies) and 959 patients without a prHBV infection or other liver disease (controls). The mean age in the former group was significantly higher than the controls. Patients with a prHBV infection never showed detectable HBV DNA serum levels or antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen/hepatitis B surface antigen seroreversion. However, when the prevalence of elevated amino transferases in patients with prHBV infection was compared to controls, it was significantly higher in the former group only for aminotransferase levels >1× upper normal limit but not when aminotransferase levels >2× upper normal limit were considered. Conclusion: Among patients with a prHBV infection and rheumatologic indications for long‐term biologic therapies, HBV reactivation was not seen; this suggests that universal prophylaxis is not justified and is not cost‐effective in this clinical setting. (Hepatology 2015;62:40‐46)
QTc prolongation in schizophrenia patients in Asia: clinical correlates and trends between 2004 and 2008/2009
Authors: Xiang Yu‐Tao , Chiu Helen F. K. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Correll Christoph U. , Lai Kelly Y. C. , Wang Chuan‐Yue , Si Tian‐Mei , Lee Edwin H. M. , He Yan‐Ling , Yang Shu‐Yu , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Kua Ee‐Heok , Fujii Senta , Sim Kang , Yong Michael K. H. , Trivedi Jitendra K. , Chung Eun‐Kee , Udomratn Pichet , Chee Kok‐Yoon , Sartorius Norman , Tan Chay‐Hoon , Shinfuku Naotaka
Published: January 2015

Objective

Little is known about the pattern of QT interval (QTc) prolongation in Asian patients with schizophrenia. This study examined trends of QTc prolongation in schizophrenia inpatients in six Asian countries and territories between 2004 and 2008/2009 and its independent demographic and clinical correlates.

Method

Data on 3482 hospitalized schizophrenia patients (2004 = 1826 and 2008/2009 = 1656) in six Asian countries and territories were collected by either chart review or interviews during a 1‐month period. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, prescriptions of psychotropic drugs, and QTc interval were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure.

Results

The frequency of QTc prolongation (>456 ms) was 2.4% in the whole sample, decreasing from 3.1% in 2004 to 1.6% in 2008/2009 (p = 0.004) with wide intercountry variations. However, this decreased trend was driven by decreased QTc prolongation detected in China and Hong Kong (both p‐values < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis of the whole sample revealed that patients having more likely to have an illness lasting longer than 5 years and received antipsychotics classified as list‐1 drugs according to the Arizona Centre for Education and Research on Therapeutics. Compared with 2004, patients in 2008/2009 were less likely to have QTc prolongation. Thioridazine caused QTc prolongation most frequently (odds ratio (OR) 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–15.2), followed by sulpiride (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3–4.5), clozapine (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4–4.2), and chlorpromazine (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.07–3.5).

Conclusions

Frequency of QTc prolongation was low in Asian patients with schizophrenia. QTc prolongation in schizophrenia decreased in China and Hong Kong between 2004 and 2008/2009 but increased in Taiwan over the same period, remaining low in the other countries. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the nature of residual immune function explain the differential risk of non‐melanoma skin cancer development in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients?
Authors: Jung Ji‐Won , Overgaard Nana H. , Burke Michael T. , Isbel Nicole , Frazer Ian H. , Simpson Fiona , Wells James W.
Published: January 2015

Patients receiving immunosuppression to prevent organ transplant rejection are at a greatly increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer. In recent years a correlation has been identified between the class of immunosuppressant that these patients receive and their subsequent cancer risk; in particular, patients switched from calcineurin inhibitors to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors not only displayed a dramatic reduction in new tumor formation but also in some cases a regression of their existing lesions. Studies of cancer models in mice and cell lines in the laboratory have attributed these discrepancies in cancer risk to the ability of immunosuppressants such as mTOR inhibitors to elicit direct anticancer effects, including suppressing angiogenesis and increasing autophagy‐mediated DNA repair. Recent evidence from the immunological literature however, suggests a significant alternative contribution of mTOR inhibitors; namely the promotion of memory T‐cell function. Recent advances in understanding memory T‐cell establishment and the demonstration of their critical role in long‐term immunity make it timely to review the available evidence as to whether the improved nonmelanoma skin cancer outcome shown by patients switched to mTOR inhibitor treatment regimens may be associated with the retainment of memory T‐cell function.
Thoracic aorta 3D hemodynamics in pediatric and young adult patients with bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Allen Bradley D. , van Ooij Pim , Barker Alex J. , Carr Maria , Gabbour Maya , Schnell Susanne , Jarvis Kelly B. , Carr James C. , Markl Michael , Rigsby Cynthia , Robinson Joshua D.
Published: January 2015

Background

To evaluate the 3D hemodynamics in the thoracic aorta of pediatric and young adult bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients.

Methods

4D flow MRI was performed in 30 pediatric and young adult BAV patients (age: 13.9 ± 4.4 (range: [3.4, 20.7]) years old, M:F = 17:13) as part of this Institutional Review Board‐approved study. Nomogram‐based aortic root Z‐scores were calculated to assess aortic dilatation and degree of aortic stenosis (AS) severity was assessed on MRI. Data analysis included calculation of time‐averaged systolic 3D wall shear stress (WSSsys) along the entire aorta wall, and regional quantification of maximum and mean WSSsys and peak systolic velocity (velsys) in the ascending aorta (AAo), arch, and descending aorta (DAo). The 4D flow MRI AAo velsys was also compared with echocardiography peak velocity measurements.

Results

There was a positive correlation with both mean and max AAo WSSsys and peak AAo velsys (mean: r = 0.84, P < 0.001, max: r = 0.94, P < 0.001) and AS (mean: rS = 0.43, P = 0.02, max: rS = 0.70, P < 0.001). AAo peak velocity was significantly higher when measured with echo compared with 4D flow MRI (2.1 ± 0.98 m/s versus 1.27 ± 0.49 m/s, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In pediatric and young adult patients with BAV, AS and peak ascending aorta velocity are associated with increased AAo WSS, while aortic dilation, age, and body surface area do not significantly impact AAo hemodynamics. Prospective studies are required to establish the role of WSS as a risk‐stratification tool in these patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:954–963.