bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocrine and Local IGF-I in the Bony Fish Immune System
Authors: Franz Anne-Constance , Faass Oliver , Köllner Bernd , Shved Natallia , Link Karl , Casanova Ayako , Wenger Michael , D’Cotta Helena , Baroiller Jean-François , Ullrich Oliver , Reinecke Manfred , Eppler Elisabeth
Published: January 2016

A role for GH and IGF-I in the modulation of the immune system has been under discussion for decades. Generally, GH is considered a stimulator of innate immune parameters in mammals and teleost fish. The stimulatory effects in humans as well as in bony fish often appear to be correlated with elevated endocrine IGF-I (liver-derived), which has also been shown to be suppressed during infection in some studies. Nevertheless, data are still fragmentary. Some studies point to an important role of GH and IGF-I particularly during immune organ development and constitution. Even less is known about the potential relevance of local (autocrine/paracrine) IGF-I within adult and developing immune organs, and the distinct localization of IGF-I in immune cells and tissues of mammals and fish has not been systematically defined. Thus far, IGF-I has been localized in different mammalian immune cell types, particularly macrophages and granulocytes, and in supporting cells, but not in T-lymphocytes. In the present study, we detected IGF-I in phagocytic cells isolated from rainbow trout head kidney and, in contrast to some findings in mammals, in T-cells of a channel catfish cell line. Thus, although numerous analogies among mammals and teleosts exist not only for the GH/IGF-system, but also for the immune system, there are differences that should be further investigated. For instance, it is unclear whether the primarily reported role of GH/IGF-I in the innate immune response is due to the lack of studies focusing on the adaptive immune system, or whether it truly preferentially concerns innate immune parameters. Infectious challenges in combination with GH/IGF-I manipulations are another important topic that has not been sufficiently addressed to date, particularly with respect to developmental and environmental influences on fish growth and health.
Diastereoselective Ugi reaction of chiral 1,3-aminoalcohols derived from an organocatalytic Mannich reaction
Authors: Caputo Samantha , Basso Andrea , Moni Lisa , Riva Renata , Rocca Valeria , Banfi Luca
Published: January 2016

Enantiomerically pure β-aminoalcohols, produced through an organocatalytic Mannich reaction, were subjected to an Ugi multicomponent reaction under classical or Lewis acid-promoted conditions with diastereoselectivities ranging from moderate to good. This approach represents a step-economical path to enantiomerically pure, polyfunctionalized peptidomimetics endowed with three stereogenic centers, allowing the introduction of five diversity inputs.
Political Dis-Empowerment of Women by ICTs
Authors: Phiri Sam
Published: January 2016

This chapter explores how bloggers in two Zambia online publications represent women politicians and how interlopers ‘frame' such politicians so as to exclude them from the public spaces. It argues that although ICTs are generally thought to be facilitators of women's empowerment, they can also be used to dis-empower the women with the full utilisation of cultural or religious frames and practices. It is further said that ICTs have both a positive and negative edge to them and thus should be used much more carefully.
The Contribution of mHealth in the Care of Obese Pediatric Patients
Authors: Vlachopapadopoulou Elpis , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: January 2016

In this chapter the evolution of mHealth solutions for monitoring and treatment of children suffering from obesity is discussed. Nowadays, obesity emerges as a major chronic health condition that affects the general population, both children and adults. mhealth solutions are already used for self-management, remote monitoring and counseling of several chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, heart failure, Parkinson's disease, etc. Today, those solutions can result to closed loops, which support health self-management for chronic diseases, in a personalized manner. Concerning childhood obesity, those solutions can combine targeted games and motivational approaches towards both physical activity and diet, which could help in addressing this serious and global health issue, in the direction of minimizing co-morbidities and eventually preventing serious, life threatening events.
Sharing knowledge is the key to success in a patient-physician relationship: how to produce a patient information leaflet on COPD
Authors: Scala D. , Cozzolino S. , D’Amato G. , Cocco G. , Sena A. , Martucci P. , Ferraro E. , Mancini A.A.
Published: January 2016

Background. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prevalence is rising. In Italy, respiratory diseases are the third most common cause of death. The aim of the study is to produce a patient information leaflet (PIL) designed to educate patients about COPD in accordance with the best recommendations based on evidence and guidelines for the production of good quality written information, and to evaluate the impact of this intervention on the patients’ knowledge of COPD. Methods. The study was conducted in the Department of Chest Diseases of the Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy. A total of 166 patients admitted with a diagnosis of COPD participated in the study. Patients were asked to answer 10 multiple-choice questions compiled to assess their knowledge of the disease and then to read the leaflet. Two days later they were asked to complete the questionnaire again to assess their post-intervention knowledge. Analysis of the data was performed using SPSS version 15.0. Results. After reading the leaflet, a statistically significant increase in the proportion of correct responses was noted (p<0.001 by Wilcoxon signed rank test). Patients had retained the knowledge gained at the one year followup (p<0.05 by Cochran’s Q test). Conclusions. An educational intervention directed at adults with COPD had a positive impact on the patients’ knowledge of COPD and this effect is long lasting.
Effectiveness of omalizumab in a patient with severe asthma and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Incorvaia C. , Pravettoni C. , Mauro M. , Yacoub M.-R. , Tarantini F. , Riario-Sforza G.G.
Published: January 2016

The anti-IgE antibody omalizumab is currently indicated in severe asthma not controlled by standard drug therapy. Recently, new indications for omalizumab were suggested, which include atopic dermatitis (AD), a skin disorder characterized by elevated levels of IgE. We report the case of a 39-year old woman with severe asthma and severe AD, both resistant to conventional drug treatment. The patient had a IgE level of 1304 kU/L, which exceeded the recommended maximum level for treating asthma with omalizumab (stated in 700 Ku/L) but was far lower than previously reported in cases of AD treated with anti-IgE. The treatment consisted of a dose of omalizumab 375 mg every two weeks, and induced a rapid improvement of asthma, with no need of other drugs after three months, along with a progressive decline of severity of AD, which after five months was completely cured. These findings suggest the usefulness of omalizumab in patients with concomitant severe asthma and AD, also considering the pharmaco-economic balance obtained by withdrawing the multiple drugs used to treat both diseases.
Tobacco and tuberculosis
Authors: Zellweger J.P.
Published: January 2016

Smoking is not only the most important source of avoidable disability and death, but a risk factor for TB infection, disease and death. Even passive smoking exposure may increase the risk of infection and disease in adults and children exposed to TB. Considering the increase in tobacco consumption in developing countries, where the prevalence of TB is the highest, smoking may be responsible for a large part of the burden of disease. Therefore, medical advice and counselling in smoking cessation is an important activity for all care providers engaged in management of TB.
Tuberculosis, one disease, many faces
Authors: Migliori G.B. , Centis R. , Lange C. , Matteelli A. , Cirillo D.
Published: January 2016

-
Álgebra aplicada en el mundo de las telecomunicaciones
Authors: Montero Morales José Antonio
Published: January 2016

En este documento se expone un ejercicio de modelización matemática que se propone a alumnos de ingeniería de telecomunicaciones durante el primer curso, en la asignatura de ´algebra lineal. Aunque la modelización matemática hace referencia generalmente a la construcción de modelos que ayudan a realizar predicciones o a explicar fenómenos complejos, en este caso debe interpretarse como una herramienta docente que permite llevar a la práctica con los estudiantes una actividad organizativa y estructurada mediante la cual se utilizan conocimientos previamente adquiridos para descubrir regularidades y relaciones en situaciones pertenecientes al mundo real.
Derivative-based optimization in colour image filtering an application for derivative learning
Authors: Sapena A. , Morillas S. , Camacho José
Published: January 2016

La noción de derivada de una función y su aplicación a la optimización de funciones es un problema interesante e ilustrativo para los estudiantes de ingeniería. En este trabajo, desarrollamos un aplicación del concepto de derivada para la optimización del filtrado de imágenes en color. Ello implica ajustar el parámetro del filtro para obtener un rendimiento óptimo de filtrado. Proponemos maximizar la calidad de la imagen filtrada representada por la relación señal-ruido (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio, PSNR), que es una función del parámetro del filtro. El valor óptimo del parámetro se obtiene mediante un algoritmo basado en la aproximación de la derivada de la función del PSNR de manera que se obtenga la imagen filtrada óptima.
Técnicas Monte Carlo aplicadas a la resolución de ecuaciones en derivadas parciales
Authors: Serrano Lombillo Armando
Published: January 2016

En este trabajo se aplican las técnicas Monte Carlo a la resolución de ecuaciones en derivadas parciales, en concreto a la ecuación del calor. Si bien estas técnicas no mejoran las técnicas clásicas proporcionan una manera alternativa y más intuitiva de entender los métodos tradicionales. La última parte del trabajo se dedica al estudio estadístico de la importancia de cuatro factores en la precisión del método Monte Carlo. Para realizar el estudio se utilizó Statgraphics y Mathematica.
Un singular desfile de modelos
Authors: Gómez Urgellés Joan
Published: January 2016

Se aborda desde un punto de vista educativo la modelización matemática, introduciendo herramientas útiles para la implementación en las aulas de diferentes niveles educativos y en particular de secundaria. Se presentan iniciativas desarrolladas en este campo orientadas a la formación del profesorado |a nivel de máster y posgrados| y a su vez se muestra la situación actual y tendencias del tema (congresos, tesis,...) ilustrado con algunos trabajos “de campo”. Al tratarse Msel de una publicación electrónica, el presente documento menciona algunas direcciones Web en las cuales podría accederse desde la misma página de Msel y en las cuales pueden encontrarse desarrollado parte de los ejemplos mostrados.
Utilización de un modelo compartimental de transporte de pesticidas en las prácticas de Química Agrícola y Ambiental
Authors: Contreras W.A. , Bautista-Carrascosa I. , Lidón A. , Ginestar D.
Published: January 2016

Los modelos computacionales son herramientas útiles  en  la  mayoría  de  las  áreas  de conocimiento y pueden ser fácilmente utilizados para visualizar el comportamiento de sistemas complejos. En este trabajo se presenta un modelo sencillo de compartimentos para simular la dinámica de la concentración de un plaguicida en un cultivo de arroz. En el modelo se consideran diferentes compartimentos, tales como: aire, agua, plantas de arroz y sedimentos al que se acopla una columna de suelo mediante una ecuación de convección-advección. El modelo ha sido implementado en MatlabQc y tiene una interfaz gráfica de usuario (Gui) que permite cambiar fácilmente el valor de los diferentes parámetros del modelo y obtener representaciones gráficas de los resultados. Se proponen también diferentes posibilidades de aplicación del modelo para una clase práctica de Química Ambiental y  Agrícola.
La diagonalización de matrices en arquitectura
Authors: Jiménez Fernández E.
Published: January 2016

En este trabajo se presenta un ejemplo de cómo introducir la diagonalización de matrices simétricas a partir de un problema clásico de esfuerzo de vigas. Se pretende a partir de un contexto relacionado con la construcción establecer una conexión entre conceptos matemáticos como son los autovalores y autovectores de una matriz cuadrada y los conceptos propios de la física y mecánica como son los momentos y fuerzas, estableciendo un nexo de unión entre ellos.
Una aplicación didáctica de la modelización matemática: control de velocidad de vehículos en vías rurales
Authors: Juan M.A. , Sánchez-Pérez E.A.
Published: January 2016

En este artículo presentamos un modelo didáctico para el control de la velocidad de los vehículos en una carretera. Basado en supuestos empíricos, el modelo da una respuesta al problema de encontrar el mejor trazado de carretera desde el punto de vista del tiempo que se necesita para ir desde la cima de una colina a un cierto punto en el valle, respetando las limitaciones de velocidad necesarias. Así, construimos un modelo simple para representar la dependencia temporal del tráfico en una carretera como un ejercicio de modelización matemático para un nivel básico de una carrera de ingeniería civil.
Un viaje de fin de curso y tres tareas de modelización. Una experiencia en un aula de secundaria.
Authors: Ferrando Palomares Irene , Navarro Martínez Borja
Published: January 2016

Este trabajo describe una experiencia llevada a cabo en un aula de tercer curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Para su desarrollo se han diseñado tres tareas de modelización con un contexto comun cercano a la realidad de los estudiantes: la organización de un viaje de n de curso. El objetivo principal es extraer los aspectos que han de tenerse en cuenta al plantear una actividad de modelización y analizar el resultado de la experiencia en base a las respuestas de los estudiantes para as identicar y clasicar las dicultades encontradas por los alumnos.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 2
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: January 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 2, 2016
The Mobilization of the Formal Normative Rules in an Educational Institution: A Sociological Study in Portugal
Authors: Serpa Sandro
Published: January 2016

The formal dimension can greatly condition the operation of an organization. The present article aims to study the mobilization of organizations’ formal structures within educational institutions. To achieve this goal, I analyze the situations between 1858 and 1913 in which the bylaws and/or regulations of the Disadvantaged Children’s Shelter of Horta (Asilo de Infância Desvalida da Horta-AIDH), the Azores, Portugal, are explicitly noted with different chairmen and administrations through documents found in the organization’s archives. We find that these formal instruments are mobilized not only by the chairman and the administration but also by the governance, whether to justify the shelter’s operation, legitimize decisions already made, or refer to the importance of these formal official normative guidelines. As a result, we find that this formal dimension is of the utmost importance, not only as a potential guiding framework but also for legitimizing action, even though it does not necessarily reflect the operations of an organization.
The Implementation of Team-Based Discovery Learning to Improve Students’ Ability in Writing Research Proposal
Authors: Arifani Yudhi
Published: January 2016

Writing research proposal in educational setting is a very complex process involving variety of elements. Consequently, analyzing the complex elements from introduction to data analysis sections in order to yield convinced research proposal writing through reviewing reputable journal articles is worth-contributing. The objectives of this research are to improve students’ ability in generating a research topic from reputable journal articles, developing thesis proposal draft, and writing comprehensive thesis proposal. A classroom action research administered at English Department University of Muhammadiyah Gresik Indonesia is adopted. The results reveal that the implementation of team-based discovery learning may improve students’ ability in generating a research topic, developing research proposal draft and writing comprehensive research proposal. Several suggestions are addressed. First, although the syntax of the team based discovery learning is quite similar to the remaining strategies but it will not work more optimally if it is not followed by relevant sets of guiding questions reflecting the detailed content of each reputable journal article in each meeting. Second, learning innovations activities through intensive writing practices and consultations should be taken into account to foster the steps of discovery learning in group discussion process. Finally, the results of commonalities of strategies may be used as a reference to enhance students’ ability in writing comprehensive research proposal.
Reduced functional connectivity of somatosensory network in writer's cramp patients
Authors: Cheng Chia‐Hsiung , Tseng Yi‐Jhan , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Lin Yung‐Yang
Published: January 2016

Background

The involvement of motor cortex and sensorimotor integration in patients with writer's cramp (WC) has been well documented. However, the exact neurophysiological profile within the somatosensory system, including primary somatosensory cortex (SI), contralateral (SIIc), and ipsilateral (SIIi) secondary somatosensory areas remains less understood.

Methods

This study investigated the neuromagnetic cortical activities of median nerve stimulation in 10 patients with WC and 10 healthy controls (HC). To comprehensively explore all the aspects of somatosensory functioning, we analyzed our data with the minimum norm estimate (MNE), the time‐frequency approach with evoked and induced activities, and functional connectivity between SI and SIIc (SI–SIIc), SI and SIIi (SI–SIIi), and SIIc and SIIi (SIIc–SIIi) from theta to gamma oscillations.

Results

No significant between‐group differences were found in the MNE cortical amplitudes of SI, SIIc, and SIIi. Power strengths of evoked gamma oscillation and induced beta synchronization were also equivalent between WC and HC groups. However, we found significantly reduced theta coherence of SI–SIIi, alpha coherence of SI–SIIi and SIIc–SIIi, as well as beta coherence of SIIc–SIIi in patients with WC.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the involvement of somatosensory abnormalities, primarily with the form of functional connectivity, in patients with WC.
Tit for Tat
Authors: Ockenfels Axel
Published: January 2016

Whether in online business, corporate bonus systems or multilateral negotiations, reciprocity can be the key to success. By using experimental methods and models drawn from game theory, behavioural economists are seeking to put this principle to effective use.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Novel Zafirlukast Sulfonyl Derivatives
Authors: Rajasekhar Donka , Srinivasulu Doddaga , Sridhar Chenchugari , Kumar Godlaveti Vijay Narasimha , Ramesh Peddakonda
Published: January 2016

A new series of cyclopentyl 3‐(2‐methoxy‐4‐(piperazine‐1‐carbonyl)benzyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐5‐ylcarbamate sulfonyl derivatives were synthesized by the reaclion of 4‐((5‐(cyclopentyloxycarbonylamino)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyl)‐3‐methoxybenzoic acid (ZAK drug intermediate) with Boc piperazine in the presence of EDC⋅HCl, HOBt, TEA in DMF followed by deboxylation by using 2N HCl or 35 % HCl in acetone to get an intermediate compound. Further, this compound was treated with various substituted benzene sulfonyl chlorides in the presence of TEA in THF to afford title compounds. All the title compounds were characterized by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and mass spectral data. The title compounds and starting material were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by using the DPPH, H2O2 and NO methods. The results revealed that some of the compounds have shown significant antioxidant activity.
Calocephalactone: A New Phthalide Derivative from the Root of Leontopodium calocephalum
Authors: Shen Tong , Liu Xiao Bin , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2016

A new phthalide derivative named calocephalactone was isolated from the root of Leontopodium calocephalum. Its structure was elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR. We also evaluated its the antibacterial experiment, calocephalactone (1) did not show obvious antibacterial activity.
Ultra‐Fast Continuous‐Flow Photo Degradation of Organic Peroxide Explosives for Their Efficient Conversion into Hydrogen Peroxide and Possible Application
Authors: Mahbub Parvez , Wilson Richard , Nesterenko Pavel N.
Published: January 2016

Fast, quantitative, and efficient direct photo degradation of organic peroxide explosives (HMTD, MEKP, TATP) using characteristic continuous‐flow UV radiation was investigated in aqueous solutions and achieved in less than 30 s.
dissolution in a background hydrological flow
Authors: Unwin H. Juliette T. , Wells Garth N. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: January 2016

During $\text{CO}_{2}$ sequestration into a deep saline aquifer of finite vertical extent, $\text{CO}_{2}$ will tend to accumulate in structural highs such as offered by an anticline. Over times of tens to thousands of years, some of the $\text{CO}_{2}$ will dissolve into the underlying groundwater to produce a region of relatively dense, saturated water directly below the plume of $\text{CO}_{2}$. Continued dissolution then requires the supply of unsaturated aquifer water. In an aquifer of finite vertical extent, this may be provided by a background hydrological flow, or a laterally-spreading buoyancy-driven flow caused by the greater density of the $\text{CO}_{2}$ saturated water relative to the original aquifer water.

We investigate long time steady-state dissolution in the presence of a background hydrological flow. In steady state, the distribution of $\text{CO}_{2}$ in the groundwater upstream of the aquifer involves a balance between three competing effects: (i) the buoyancy-driven flow of $\text{CO}_{2}$ saturated water; (ii) the diffusion of $\text{CO}_{2}$ from saturated to under-saturated water; and (iii) the advection associated with the oncoming background flow. This leads to three limiting regimes. In the limit of very slow diffusion, a nearly static intrusion of dense fluid may extend a finite distance upstream, balanced by the pressure gradient associated with the oncoming background flow. In the limit of fast diffusion relative to the flow, a gradient zone may become established in which the along-aquifer diffusive flux balances the advection associated with the background flow. However, if the buoyancy-driven flow speed exceeds the background hydrological flow speed, then a third, intermediate regime may become established. In this regime, a convective recirculation develops upstream of the anticline involving the vertical diffusion of $\text{CO}_{2}$ from an upstream propagating flow of dense $\text{CO}_{2}$ saturated water into the downstream propagating flow of $\text{CO}_{2}$ unsaturated water. For each limiting case, we find analytical solutions for the distribution of $\text{CO}_{2}$ upstream of the anticline, and test our analysis with full numerical simulations. A key result is that, although there may be very different controls on the distribution and extent of $\text{CO}_{2}$ bearing water upstream of the anticline, in each case the dissolution rate is given by the product of the background volume flux and the difference in concentration between the $\text{CO}_{2}$ saturated water and the original aquifer water upstream.
Learning by Doing: Mentoring Group-Based Undergraduate Research Projects in an Upper-Level Political Science Course
Authors: Knoll Benjamin R.
Published: January 2016

Undergraduate research (UGR) is a “high-impact practice” that has been consistently shown to effectively promote desirable student-learning outcomes (SLOs) including critical thinking, logic, written and oral communication, problem solving, and interpretation of evidence, especially among minority and disadvantaged students. Mentoring quality UGR experiences in regular upper-level political science courses, however, is a difficult and time-consuming activity. This article describes an attempt to provide an intensive, semester-long, and group-based UGR experience in an upper-level American politics course. It discusses how this experience was designed to deliberately foster specific institutional UGR SLOs and summarizes student perceptions of the overall effectiveness of the experience.
Innovative High Gas Pressure Microscopy Chamber Designed for Biological Cell Observation
Authors: Ragon Mélanie , Nguyen Thi Minh Hue , Guyot Stéphane , Loison Pauline , Burgaud Gaëtan , Dupont Sébastien , Beney Laurent , Gervais Patrick , Perrier-Cornet Jean-Marie
Published: January 2016

An original high-pressure microscopy chamber has been designed for real-time visualization of biological cell growth during high isostatic (gas or liquid) pressure treatments up to 200 MPa. This new system is highly flexible allowing cell visualization under a wide range of pressure levels as the thickness and the material of the observation window can be easily adapted. Moreover, the design of the observation area allows different microscope objectives to be used as close as possible to the observation window. This chamber can also be temperature controlled. In this study, the resistance and optical properties of this new high-pressure chamber have been tested and characterized. The use of this new chamber was illustrated by a real-time study of the growth of two different yeast strains – Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida viswanathii – under high isostatic gas pressure (30 or 20 MPa, respectively). Using image analysis software, we determined the evolution of the area of colonies as a function of time, and thus calculated colony expansion rates.
Rapid and accurate tumor-target bio-imaging through specific in vivo biosynthesis of a fluorescent europium complex
Authors: Ye Jing , Wang Jianling , Li Qiwei , Dong Xiawei , Ge Wei , Chen Yun , Jiang Xuerui , Liu Hongde , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: January 2016

We explored a novel strategy for thein situself-imaging of cancer cells and tumors using a specifically biosynthesized fluorescent Eu complex.
Synthesis and characterization of [(HPO3)6Mo21O60(H2O)4]8−: a new redox active heteropoly blue cluster with layered shape containing a phosphite template that self-assembles under controlled microwave irradiation
Authors: Jin Xiang-xiao , Yu Wei-dong , Nie Yan-Mei , Liu Meng-Shu , Yan Jun
Published: January 2016

A redox active layered shape [(HPO3)6Mo21O60(H2O)4]8− with a phosphite template is synthesised by a microwave-assisted method and characterized.
Bovine serum albumin catalyzed one-pot, three-component synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives in aqueous ethanol
Authors: Dalal Kiran S. , Tayade Yogesh A. , Wagh Yogesh B. , Trivedi Darshak R. , Dalal Dipak S. , Chaudhari Bhushan L.
Published: January 2016

A BSA catalyzed synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives via a one pot, three component reaction of an aldehyde/ketone/isatin, malononitrile and 3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-(4H)-one in H2O–EtOH (7 : 3) at ambient temperature is reported.
The passive behaviour of ferritic stainless steel containing alloyed tin in acidic media
Authors: Luo Hong , Dong Chaofang , Xiao Kui , Li Xiaogang
Published: January 2016

The addition of Sn will not change the microstructure of stainless steel, 0.3 wt% Sn (a) and 0.1 wt% Sn (b), the equiaxed ferrite grain structure and a small amount of inclusions can be observed.
Self-assembled nanospheres for encapsulation and aerosolization of rifampicin
Authors: Ishikawa Aline A. , Velazquez Salazar J. Jesus , Salinas Magaly , Gaitani Cristiane M. , Nurkiewicz Timothy R. , Negrete George R. , Garcia Carlos D.
Published: January 2016

Aerosolization of encapsulated rifampicin using a hand-held nebulizer.
Comparative efficiency of TiO2 nanoparticles in suspension vs. immobilization into P(VDF–TrFE) porous membranes
Authors: Martins P. M. , Miranda R. , Marques J. , Tavares Carlos. J. , Botelho G. , Lanceros-Mendez S.
Published: January 2016

Optimized photocatalytic membranes based on TiO2 and NaY immobilized into P(VDF–TrFE) have been developed showing a degradation efficiency of 96%.
Synthesis and characterization of highly fluorinated sulfonated polytriazoles for proton exchange membrane application
Authors: Singh Asheesh , Banerjee Susanta , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: January 2016

A series of polytriazole copolymers were synthesized by the click polymerization of fluorinated dialkyne with a mixture of two different diazide monomers and the proton exchange membrane properties of the copolymers were investigated.
Synthesis and characterization of high grafting density bottle-brush poly(oxa)norbornene-g-poly(ε-caprolactone)
Authors: N'Guyen Duc Anh , Leroux Flavien , Montembault Véronique , Pascual Sagrario , Fontaine Laurent
Published: January 2016

The synthesis and the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of well-defined poly(ε-caprolactone)-based (oxa)norbornene macromonomers bearing two poly(ε-caprolactone) chains on the polymerizable entity are reported.
Synthesis, characterization and reactivity study of aluminum compounds incorporating bi- and tri-dentate pyrrole–piperazine ligands
Authors: Hu Ting-Chia , Wu Ming-Chun , Wu Shih-Sheng , Hu Ching-Han , Lin Chia-Her , Datta Amitabha , Lin Tzung-Han , Huang Jui-Hsien
Published: January 2016

A series of Al derivatives are afforded incorporating substituted bi- and tri-dentate pyrrole–piperazine precursors. The reactivity with small organic molecules and the associated mechanistic details are also reported.
Effects of line defects on spin-dependent electronic transport of zigzag MoS2 nanoribbons
Authors: Li Xin-Mei , Long Meng-Qiu , Cui Li-Ling , Yang Kai-Wei , Zhang Dan , Ding Jia-Feng , Xu Hui
Published: January 2016

The nonlinear spin-dependent transport properties in zigzag molybdenum-disulfide nanoribbons (ZMNRs) with line defects are investigated systematically using nonequilibrium Green’s function method combined with density functional theory. The results show that the line defects can enhance the electronic transfer ability of ZMNRs. The types and locations of the line defects are found critical in determining the spin polarization and the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the line defected ZMNRs. For the same defect type, the total currents of the ribbons with the line defects in the centers are lager than those on the edges. And for the same location, the total currents of the systems with the sulfur (S) line defect are larger than the according systems with the molybdenum (Mo) line defect. All the considered systems present magnetism properties. And in the S line defected systems, the spin reversal behaviors can be observed. In both the spin-up and spin-down states of the Mo line defected systems, there are obvious negative differential resistance behaviors. The mechanisms are proposed for these phenomena.
Implications of information theory in optical fibre communications
Authors: Agrell Erik , Alvarado Alex , Kschischang Frank R.
Published: January 2016

Recent decades have witnessed steady improvements in our ability to harness the information-carrying capability of optical fibres. Will this process continue, or will progress eventually stall? Information theory predicts that all channels have a limited capacity depending on the available transmission resources, and thus it is inevitable that the pace of improvements will slow. However, information theory also provides insights into how transmission resources should, in principle, best be exploited, and thus may serve as a guide for where to look for better ways to squeeze more out of a precious resource. This tutorial paper reviews the basic concepts of information theory and their application in fibre-optic communications.
Three‐year randomized study of manual and power toothbrush effects on pre‐existing gingival recession
Authors: Dörfer Christof E. , Staehle Hans Jörg , Wolff Diana
Published: January 2016

Aim

To compare long‐term effects of brushing with an oscillating–rotating power toothbrush or an ADA reference manual toothbrush on pre‐existing gingival recession.

Materials and Methods

In this controlled, prospective, single‐blind, parallel‐group study, healthy subjects with pre‐existing recession were randomized and brushed with a power toothbrush (n = 55) or an ADA reference manual toothbrush (n = 54) for a 3‐year study period. Subjects were required to brush their teeth twice daily for 2 min. using a standard fluoride toothpaste. During the study, subjects were assessed for clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depths to the nearest mm at six sites per tooth by the same calibrated examiner. Gingival recession was calculated at pre‐existing sites as the difference between clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depths. Hard and soft oral tissues were examined to assess safety.

Results

After 35 ± 2 months, mean gingival recession did not differ significantly between groups, but was significantly reduced from baseline (p < 0.001), from 2.35 ± 0.35 mm to 1.90 ± 0.58 mm in the power and from 2.26 ± 0.31 mm to 1.81 ± 0.66 mm in the manual group.

Conclusions

Gingival recession in subjects with pre‐existing recession was significantly reduced after 3 years of brushing with either a power or manual toothbrush.
Comparison of Flow Fields in a Centrifugal Pump Among Different Tracer Particles by Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Li Yalin , Yuan Shouqi , Wang Xikun , Keat Tan Soon , Mao Jieyun
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the flow fields in a centrifugal pump by particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique with two different tracer particles, all designed for the same operating point. In order to systematically analyze the tracking characteristics of tracer particles once used in centrifugal pump by Basset–Boussinesq–Oseen (BBO) equation, aluminum powder (AP, with high density ratio and small diameter) and hollow glass spheres (HGS, with neutral density and large diameter) were selected. The velocity fields obtained for AP and HGS were presented and compared, in order to enhance the understanding of their tracking properties in rotating impeller. The results show that AP and HGS give nearly the same phase-averaged velocity fields except at two small regions. BBO extended equation by the phase average theory in a centrifugal pump was applied to explain the first difference, namely, why the velocity of HGS is higher than that of AP in the low-speed zone. In addition, the mean vorticity distributions for AP and HGS show high strength velocity micelles with different directions of development and dissemination, which causes the second difference in energy exchange. As a consequence, HGS tends to conglomerate closer to the pressure side (PS) near the impeller outlet than AP
The synthesis of new potential photosensitizers [1–3]. Part 4. Photophysical properties of some monophenyltripyridyl-porphyrin derivatives
Authors: Kuś Piotr , Pasewicz-Sokół Anna , Ratuszna Alicja , Rojkiewicz Marcin
Published: January 2016

Six monophenyltripyridylporphyrin derivatives were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy in order to demonstrate their potential usefulness as photosensitizers for anticancer therapy purposes. Compounds 1 and 3–5 are amphiphilic, thus they may be suitable for transfer inside cells. Photochemical parameters such as fluorescence yield and singlet oxygen yield were determined. The former parameter does not exceed 10% which makes them unsuitable for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). However, singlet oxygen yields are high and sufficient for these compounds to be considered as potential photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers.
Participatory Cultural Mapping Based on Collective Behavior Data in Location-Based Social Networks
Authors: Yang Dingqi , Zhang Daqing , Qu Bingqing
Published: January 2016

Culture has been recognized as a driving impetus for human development. It co-evolves with both human belief and behavior. When studying culture,
Cultural Mapping
is a crucial tool to visualize different aspects of culture (e.g., religions and languages) from the perspectives of indigenous and local people. Existing cultural mapping approaches usually rely on large-scale survey data with respect to human beliefs, such as moral values. However, such a data collection method not only incurs a significant cost of both human resources and time, but also fails to capture human behavior, which massively reflects cultural information. In addition, it is practically difficult to collect large-scale human behavior data. Fortunately, with the recent boom in Location-Based Social Networks (LBSNs), a considerable number of users report their activities in LBSNs in a participatory manner, which provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to study large-scale user behavioral data. In this article, we propose a participatory cultural mapping approach based on collective behavior in LBSNs. First, we collect the participatory sensed user behavioral data from LBSNs. Second, since only local users are eligible for cultural mapping, we propose a progressive “home” location identification method to filter out ineligible users. Third, by extracting three key cultural features from daily activity, mobility, and linguistic perspectives, respectively, we propose a cultural clustering method to discover cultural clusters. Finally, we visualize the cultural clusters on the world map. Based on a real-world LBSN dataset, we experimentally validate our approach by conducting both qualitative and quantitative analysis on the generated cultural maps. The results show that our approach can subtly capture cultural features and generate representative cultural maps that correspond well with traditional cultural maps based on survey data.
In privacy law, it's the U.S. vs. the world
Authors: Geller Tom
Published: January 2016

Snowden revelations force changes, but Facebook (and others) resist.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute Kidney Injury: Present Status
Authors: Zhou Hai Ying , Chen Tian Wu , Zhang Xiao Ming
Published: January 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of hospitalization that is characterized by a sudden loss of renal excretory function and associated with the subsequent development of chronic kidney disease, poor prognosis, and increased mortality. Although the pathophysiology of renal functional impairment in the setting of AKI remains poorly understood, previous studies have identified changes in renal hemodynamics, perfusion, and oxygenation as key factors in the development and progression of AKI. The early assessment of these changes remains a challenge. Many established approaches are not applicable to humans because of their invasiveness. Functional renal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging offers an alternative assessment tool that could be used to evaluate renal morphology and function noninvasively and simultaneously. Thus, the purpose of this review is to illustrate the principle, application, and role of the techniques of functional renal MR imaging, including blood oxygen level-dependent imaging, arterial spin labeling, and diffusion-weighted MR imaging, in the management of AKI. The use of gadolinium in MR imaging may exacerbate renal impairment and cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Therefore, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging will not be discussed in this paper.
Novel Mesoporous Silica Materials with Hierarchically Ordered Nanochannel: Synthesis with the Assistance of Straight-Chain Alkanes and Application
Authors: Zhang Haidong , Li Xiaohong
Published: January 2016

The straight-chain alkane-assisted synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous silica materials (MSM) results in variable mesostructures and morphologies due to remarkably different self-assembly routes of template agent from those without the assistance of straight-chain alkanes. The textural properties, particularly pore size, channel structure, morphology, and hierarchical structure of those MSM make them demonstrate peculiar effects in the immobilization of homogeneous catalysts.
High Plasma Levels of Galectin-3 Are Associated with Increased Risk for Stroke after Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Edsfeldt Andreas , Bengtsson Eva , Asciutto Giuseppe , Dunér Pontus , Björkbacka Harry , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Nilsson Jan , Goncalves Isabel
Published: January 2016

Background: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been suggested to have both pro- and anti-atherogenic properties. High plasma Gal-3 levels are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) death. However, it has so far not been investigated if plasma Gal-3 levels can predict the risk for future stroke in patients suffering from carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Gal-3 could be used as a marker to predict postoperative cerebrovascular ischemic events among patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from 558 CEA patients and Gal-3 levels were analyzed by the proximity extension assay technique. The Swedish national in-patient health register was used to identify postoperative cerebrovascular events during the follow-up period (42.6 ± 26.2 months). Results: Plasma Gal-3 was increased in patients treated for a symptomatic carotid stenosis (p = 0.013). Patients with Gal-3 levels above the median value had an increased incidence of stroke as shown by Kaplan-Meier curves of event-free survival (p = 0.007). Gal-3 was a predictor of postoperative stroke among women (hazard ratio 15.1, 95% CI 1.3-172.2; p = 0.028) even after correction for traditional CV risk factors. Conclusions: This study is the first to show that increased plasma levels of Gal-3 can help in predicting the occurrence of postoperative strokes among female subjects who undergo CEA, independently of traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. This finding suggests that Gal-3 could be used as a marker to identify patients in need of intensified postoperative medical care.
Optic Nerve Assessment Using 7-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Singh Arun D. , Platt Sean M. , Lystad Lisa , Lowe Mark , Oh Sehong , Jones Stephen E. , Alzahrani Yahya , Plesec Thomas
Published: January 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to correlate high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histologic findings in a case of juxtapapillary choroidal melanoma with clinical evidence of optic nerve invasion. Methods: With institutional review board approval, an enucleated globe with choroidal melanoma and optic nerve invasion was imaged using a 7-tesla MRI followed by histopathologic evaluation. Results: Optical coherence tomography, B-scan ultrasonography, and 1.5-tesla MRI of the orbit (1-mm sections) could not detect optic disc invasion. Ex vivo, 7-tesla MRI detected optic nerve invasion, which correlated with histopathologic features. Conclusions: Our case demonstrates the potential to document the existence of optic nerve invasion in the presence of an intraocular tumor, a feature that has a major bearing on decision making, particularly for consideration of enucleation.
Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in a Patient with Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Fujii Tomoko , Akashi Mari , Morishita Seita , Fukumoto Masanori , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Takatoshi , Kida Teruyo , Kagitani Maki , Morino Ichiro , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: January 2016

Introduction: In this study, we report a case of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in whom vitrectomy was performed with good results. Case: A 57-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of decreased visual acuity (VA) in the left eye. Corrected VA of the left eye was 0.03, and ophthalmic examination showed fibrovascular membranes along the vascular arcade and a combined rhegmatogenous-traction retinal detachment with a macular hole. The patient began hemodialysis for diabetic nephropathy in March 2014; thrombocytopenia developed after dialysis was started, and HIT was diagnosed after further evaluation. Argatroban hydrate was being used during dialysis. Treatment was switched from warfarin to argatroban hydrate 6 days prior to vitrectomy being performed on the patient's left eye. Although there was bleeding with somewhat difficult hemostasis during the intraoperative treatment of the fibrovascular membranes, surgery was completed without complications and the postoperative course was good. Discussion: Vitrectomy was performed with good results in this patient with HIT. Treatment with argatroban hydrate during surgery enabled surgery without the danger of intraoperative clotting.
Novel Stratification of Mortality Risk by Kidney Disease Stage
Authors: Rassa Allen C. , Horne Benjamin D. , McCubrey Raymond O. , Bair Tami L. , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Morris Donald R. , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2016

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disorder with a variable clinical course and it is associated with increased mortality. The Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) is an electronic risk calculator that utilizes complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic panel (BMP) values to predict mortality in various healthcare populations. We hypothesized that IMRS would predict mortality in patients with CKD even with adjustment for serum phosphate and urinary albumin. Methods: Three thousand eight hundred seventy-two patients with CKD classes IIIA-V had IMRS calculated retrospectively and survival analysis was performed investigating 1- and 5-year mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for predefined IMRS groups of low, medium and high risk for CKD patients overall and by sex and CKD stage. Serum phosphate and urinary albumin/creatinine ratios were modeled in multivariate Cox-proportional hazard models. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine c-statistics for mortality. Results: For all patients with CKD, mortality was significantly greater for those with medium- or high-risk compared to low-risk IMRS categories, among each CKD stage. Overall, IMRS was predictive of mortality at both 1 and 5 years, even when adjusted for CKD stage and predicted mortality more accurately than CKD stage alone. Albuminuria was not independently associated with mortality and serum phosphate weakly predicted mortality. Conclusion: IMRS is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with CKD and is robustly complementary to CKD stage in refining risk prediction. Given the universal availability and low cost of the CBC and BMP, IMRS may be of a substantial value in CKD risk assessment and management.