bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Started With Electronic Reference Statistics: Case Studies and Best Practices for Collection and Analysis
Authors: Dean Elaine H. , Williams Maureen
Published: October 2013

Collecting reference statistics is an important facet of academic librarianship. Having accurate, shareable data about the services a library provides is key to understanding the needs of users and highlighting the importance of the library within the overall institution. While many libraries collect reference statistics on paper, gathering this data using an electronic statistics system is an efficient and customizable way to track and analyze reference service trends. By detailing Neumann University Library and Harrell Health Sciences Library’s experiences with two different but equally effective systems, this article will explore the complexities of implementing, customizing, and analyzing the data from an electronic reference statistics system. The authors also discuss challenges encountered and offer recommendations and best practices for others wishing to explore electronic reference statistic collection.
Millennials and Mentoring: Why I’m calling out “Bullpucky!” on Generational Differences and Professional Development
Authors: Burns Erin
Published: October 2013

A commentary on the current generational hype about Millennials in the workforce, especially regarding mentoring programs. Mentoring programs have been targeted as needing to change because of the perception that the Millennial cohort is very different from other age cohorts, and this author sets out to prove otherwise. Communication and compatibility between the mentor and mentee are indicators in whether that relationship is successful or unsuccessful. Also discussed is a mentoring program which has recently been expanded at the Pennsylvania State University Libraries.
Training with Technology: How Information Technology Enhanced the RDA Training Experience at the University of Pittsburgh
Authors: Salem Brenda , Peña Carlos
Published: October 2013

To prepare for the nationwide adoption of RDA cataloging rules, the task was taken at the University Library System of the University of Pittsburgh to provide RDA training to librarians and staff with cataloging duties. This article discusses the trainers’ experience, particularly in regards to the role information technology played in the training. It also recounts the experience of teaching a library school RDA class that included both in-person and online participants. Throughout these training and teaching opportunities, facilitating online participation and creating a web site for training documentation put into focus the importance of technical support and ensuring long-term access to online materials. While using information technology to teach and train has become commonplace to the point of necessity, it is important to not lose sight of the objectives of education that precede the latest technological innovations.
Narrándose en la flexibilidad. Un análisis narrativo discursivo de la identidad en tiempos de flexibilidad laboral
Authors: Sisto Vicente , Fardella Carla
Published: October 2013

El vínculo laboral se ha hecho cada vez más flexible, transformando con ello la relación que establece el sujeto con lo social a través del trabajo. Si el trabajo fue considerado por la teoría social moderna como el principal mecanismo de integración social, a través del cual los sujetos obtienen su lugar como actores sociales, hoy esto está cambiando radicalmente. Las nuevas formas de ordenamiento social que se imponen a través del trabajo tienen como correlato la producción de nuevas subjetividades y, con ello, nuevas formas de ser actor social. La investigación que aquí se presenta asume una perspectiva narrativa discursiva, con el fin de abordar los relatos identitarios como formas de acción que nos posicionan como actores sociales. Desde esta perspectiva, se aborda la emergencia de nuevas formas de identidad bajo este orden laboral. Para ello nos hemos centrado en adultos jóvenes profesionales, considerados como los mejor posicionados para integrarse socialmente en este nuevo orden laboral. Mediante análisis del discurso, fueron analizadas 32 entrevistas. Tal como se apreciará, la figura del emprendedor libre elector, autor de su propia trayectoria, constituye el eje que estructura las narrativas, coincidiendo con algunos estudios sociológicos. Sin embargo, el estudio muestra que este eje es tensionado, indicando también cómo dicha tensión es resuelta por este trabajo de construirse a sí mismo respondiendo al orden social contingente.
Histórico, Personal y Político: Psicología y Revolución
Authors: Parker Ian
Published: October 2013

El desarrollo de la psicología se ha visto interrumpido, a menudo, por eventos históricos que escapan a su control, los que hasta el día de hoy marcan esta disciplina. En vez de tratar las revoluciones simplemente como vestigios históricos de tiempos pasados, podemos considerarlas como elementos claves en la memoria colectiva de la psicología y examinarlas como parte de la "historia del presente". La historia convencional de la psicología es una versión parcial, elaborada desde un punto de vista particular, y la forma en que nosotros la volvemos a relatar, desde la perspectiva de los oprimidos, tiene consecuencias para cómo pensamos en nosotros mismos. Este capítulo trata de las revoluciones que obligaron a los psicólogos a repensar su quehacer, y sobre cómo las ideas radicales que en algún momento afectaron la disciplina perviven en la actualidad.
Revalorización del movimiento anti-manicomial de Franco Basaglia
Authors: Montecchi Leonardo
Published: October 2013

La trayectoria vital de Franco Basaglia se entrecruza con el movimiento de los años 60/70 en Italia y en el mundo. Si hoy pensamos en las formas de aquel movimiento debemos, en primer lugar, ubicarnos para dar cuenta del punto de vista desde el cual provienen nuestras observaciones.
Entrepreneurial Knowledge and Aspirations of Dentistry Students in South Africa
Authors: Brijlal Pradeep , Brijlal Priscilla
Published: October 2013

An investigation of the intentions and knowledge of entrepreneurship of final-year university dentistry students is reported, with particular regard to the factors of gender and race. A questionnaire survey was used with final-year dentistry students, over two years, at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. The findings show that dentistry students across race and gender groups believed that entrepreneurship education was important. At least half of the students showed an interest in starting a business practice soon after their graduation and completion of a mandatory one-year internship, with more male students indicating an interest in starting a business than female students. More Black African students indicated interest compared to other race groups (Coloureds, Whites and Indians). There were no significant differences between male and female students with regard to knowledge of entrepreneurship, but there were significant differences with regard to race in the scores for knowledge of entrepreneurship, with White students scoring the highest and African students the lowest. The authors conclude that entrepreneurship education should be included in the curriculum in the final year of dentistry studies to encourage business practice start-up soon after the one-year internship period, with the aim of contributing to growth in employment.
The Myth of the US Grace Period: An Open Invitation to Litigate against Inventor Rights
Authors: Bremer Howard W.
Published: October 2013

This article considers the effects of the Leahy–Smith America Invents Act, signed into law in September 2011, on the US patent system and its potential negative implications for US patent activities and patent culture.
Optimización de un protocolo de extracción de ADN genómico para Pinus tecunumanii
Authors: Cerda Granados David , Díaz Varónica
Published: October 2013

Se optimizó un protocolo para la extracción de ADN genómico de Pinus tecunumanii basado en el método de extracción de Doyle y Doyle (1990). Se probaron los megagametofitos de las semillas de árboles de P. tecunumanii muestreados en cinco poblaciones naturales de Nicaragua. El método consta de maceración del tejido en tubos Eppendorf, una extracción con bromuro trimetil amonio de cetilo (CTAB) empleando altas concentraciones de sales, proteinasa K, extracciones sucesivas con cloroformo-alcohol isoamílico y un tratamiento con ARNasa A. El rendimiento fue aproximadamente 13 µg de ADN por 58.7 mg de tejido inicial fresco. El ADN genómico obtenido por este método fue apropiado para ser usado en reacciones RAPD (ADN polimórfico amplificado al azar).
Pulmonary embolism in young people
Authors: Santosa F. , Moysidis T. , Moerchel C. , Bufe A. , Kröger K.
Published: October 2013

Ziele: Es gibt eine anhaltende Diskussion über die Auswirkungen der hormonalen Kon-trazeption auf die Inzidenz von venösen Thromboembolien (VTE) bei jungen Frauen. Spezifische Daten für die Größe des Problems und ihre Veränderungen in den letzten Jahren in Deutschland sind nicht verfügbar. Daher untersuchten wir die Häufigkeit von VTE bei hospitalisierten jungen Menschen und analysierten geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede.

Patienten und Methoden: Detaillierte Listen aller Lungenembolien (LE), kodiert als I26, und tiefer Venenthrombosen (TVT), kodiert als I80, bei Patienten im Alter von 10 bis 39 Jahre, die in den Jahren 2005 bis 2011 ins Krankenhaus eingeliefert worden waren, stellte das Statistische Bundesamt zur Verfügung.

Ergebnisse: Beginnend im Alter von 12–13 Jahren wurde für Frauen im Vergleich zu Männern eine höhere Anzahl von LE und TVT als Hauptdiagnose dokumentiert. Dieser geschlechtsspezifische Unterschied verschwindet im Alter von 32–33 Jahren. Dieser Unterschied in der Gesamtzahl der LE als Hauptdiagnose zwischen Männern und Frau-en innerhalb dieses Lebensabschnitts von 20 Jahre erhöhte sich von 318 in 2005 auf 606 im Jahr 2010 und sank auf 505 im Jahr 2011. Die Differenzierung in LE mit und ohne akutes cor pulmonale zeigte insbesondere eine spezifische Erhöhung der LE ohne akutes cor pulmonale bei jungen Frauen innerhalb dieser sieben Jahre. Ähnliche Änderungen konnten nicht für TVT als Hauptdiagnose gezeigt werden.

Schlussfolgerung: Die präsentierten Daten aus der deutschen DRG-Statistik zeigen einen dysproportional höheren Anstieg der Hospitalisierung junger Frauen mit Lungenembolie als Hauptdiagnose in den vergangenen Jahren. Die möglichen Ursachen der hormonalen Kon-trazeption für diesen Anstieg müssen weiter aufgeklärt werden.
ENGLISH IN THE GLOBAL WORKPLACE: A NARRATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Wąsikiewicz-Firlej Emilia
Published: October 2013

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the new directions in ESP education and revisit the concepts of the native speaker and lingua franca as seen from the lay perspective. It reports the results of a research study – an analysis of narratives of ten Polish professionals working for international organizations who share their experiences and tell stories on communicating and using English in the workplace. The narrative approach adopted in the study gives an insight into individual perspectives, facilitating an in-depth, holistic understanding of the studied matters. The fi ndings have shown that native English is still deemed to be the main point of reference by the participants of the study and the notion of lingua franca appears unfamiliar and diffi cult to accept, especially in the educational context. Variations in individual preferences concerning communication with native or non-native users of English and declared comfort related to such interactions have been observed and correlated with the level of profi ciency in English. In most cases, more profi cient users have reported to feel more comfortable in interactions with native speakers of English. They have also demonstrated certain language awareness, which stands in a sharp contrast to the participants less profi cient in English, whose perception of language is very simplifi ed. As regards pedagogical implications, the study has signalled a need for sound cultural preparation of professionals working in international environment and a greater emphasis on developing communication skills for socialising – an essential aspect of business communication.
Englobement et autonégation
Authors: Tremblay Jacynthe
Published: October 2013

L’intérêt de Nishida Kitarō (1870-1945) pour la théologie chrétienne répond à un but essentiellement philosophique. À travers son utilisation de thèmes théologiques, il s’efforça d’approfondir ses propres concepts philosophiques et de montrer qu’une juste compréhension du fait religieux repose sur une compréhension adéquate de sa « logique du lieu » (場所的論理, basho-teki ronri). Il parvint ainsi à établir une chose très importante pour la compréhension de l’être humain : le soi est un lieu. Non limité au statut de sujet connaissant classifiant des objets de connaissance et détaché de l’aspect intuitif de la connaissance, le soi devient le lieu même de la rencontre avec Dieu. Il peut alors se posséder dans ce qui le dépasse absolument au fondement de lui-même et s’affirmer, comme le fait Dieu lui-même, au sein de l’autonégation, devenant alors un individu véritable ou un soi véritable.
Le problème du mal et du péché selon Nishitani
Authors: Stevens Bernard
Published: October 2013

Il s’agit d’un exposé de la manière dont Nishitani présente la question du mal et du péché dans Qu’est-ce que la religion ?, tâchant de montrer que cette question joue un rôle essentiel dans l’approfondissement de la prise de conscience en direction du néant et de la vacuité. Afin de mieux mettre en perspective la pensée de Nishitani, celle-ci est brièvement comparée à celle de Paul Ricoeur à propos de la même problématique. La mise en relief de leurs positions métaphysiques divergentes permet de constater que le « penser plus et autrement », qu’induit l’aporie du mal, les conduit à des positions finalement très proches.
Mahāyāna Emptiness or « Absolute Nothingness » ?
Authors: Keenan John P.
Published: October 2013

Abe Masao’s contribution to late twentieth-century Buddhist-Christian dialogue was important in opening new avenues of interfaith understanding. However, some clarity in this dialogue was sacrificed when Christian participants were given to believe that they encountered « the Buddhist view » in Abe’s presentations. The present article contends that in significant ways Abe represented only the Kyōto School philosophy that drew on earlier Japanese philosophers of Absolute Nothingness and their appropriation of Zen enlightenment as the locus for all religious understanding, a place where all negation and affirmation are simultaneously affirmed and denied. The present article contends that Abe’s Kyōto School philosophy does not represent the broad classical traditions of Mahāyāna Buddhism, wherein emptiness does not mean absolute nothingness, but the dependent arising of all places and all philosophies.
On the role of pressure and flow perturbations around dipolarizing flux bundles
Authors: Liu Jiang , Angelopoulos V. , Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Runov A. , Yao Zhonghua
Published: October 2013

As a dipolarizing flux bundle (DFB) moves earthward, it creates pressure and flow perturbations. These perturbations may play a significant role in controlling DFB motion and generating field‐aligned currents (FACs) which render the DFB a “wedgelet”, a traveling building block of the substorm current wedge. To investigate this hypothesis, we use DFB observations from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission to reconstruct the spatial profiles of the thermal and total (thermal plus magnetic) pressures and of the plasma flow near the DFB. The total pressure reaches maximum inside the dipolarization front (DF, the leading edge of the DFB). The resultant pressure gradient force pushes ambient plasma in the direction normal to the front and exerts a gradient force density of ~0.15 nPa/RE against the DFB motion. The thermal pressure in the equatorial plane is strongest immediately ahead of the DFB's leading point; it decreases with distance from that peak: toward the ambient plasma, toward the DFB interior, and toward the DFB flanks. Combining our estimate of the flux tube volume distortion with the measured equatorial thermal pressure distribution, we obtain a region‐1‐sense FAC inside the DF layer and region‐2‐sense FAC in the ~1 RE thick region immediately ahead of it. This system of FACs is indeed consistent with a wedgelet.
The seasonal cycle of planetary boundary layer depth determined using COSMIC radio occultation data
Authors: Chan Ka Man , Wood Robert
Published: October 2013

The seasonal cycle of planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth is examined globally using observations from the Constellation Observing System for the Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellite mission. COSMIC uses GPS radio occultation to derive the vertical profile of refractivity at high vertical resolution (~100 m). Here, we apply an algorithm to determine PBL top height and thus PBL depth from the maximum vertical gradient of refractivity. PBL top detection is sensitive to hydrolapses at nonpolar latitudes but to both hydrolapses and temperature jumps in polar regions. The PBL depths and their seasonal cycles compare favorably with selected radiosonde‐derived estimates at tropical, midlatitude, and Antarctic sites, adding confidence that COSMIC can effectively provide estimates of seasonal cycles globally. PBL depth over extratropical land regions peaks during summer consistent with weak static stability and strong surface sensible heating. The subtropics and tropics exhibit a markedly different cycle that largely follows the seasonal march of the Intertropical Convergence Zone with the deepest PBLs associated with dry phases, again suggestive that surface sensible heating deepens the PBL and that wet periods exhibit shallower PBLs. Marine PBL depth has a somewhat similar seasonal march to that over continents but is weaker in amplitude and is shifted poleward. The maximum seasonal amplitude over oceans occurs over the Arctic. Over subtropical/tropical oceans there is seasonal asymmetry about the equator, with winter maxima in the Northern Hemisphere but fall maxima in the south. The seasonal march of PBL depth is largely modulated by the seasonal cycle of static stability in the extratropics and by the monsoon circulations at tropical and subtropical latitudes.
Health Care Use of Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee After Implementation of a Stepped‐Care Strategy: An Observational Study
Authors: Smink Agnes J. , Dekker Joost , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , Swierstra Bart A. , Kortland Joke H. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Teerenstra Steven , Voorn Theo B. , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita M. A. , Schers Henk J. , van den Ende Cornelia H. M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To enhance guideline‐based nonsurgical management of osteoarthritis (OA), a multidisciplinary stepped‐care strategy has been implemented in clinical practice. This study aimed to describe health care use after implementation of this strategy and to identify factors related to such use at multiple levels.

Methods

For this 2‐year observational prospective cohort, patients with symptomatic hip or knee OA were included by their general practitioner. Activities aligned with patients and health care providers were executed to implement the strategy. Health care use was described as the cumulative percentage of “users” for each modality recommended in the strategy. Determinants were identified at the level of the patient, general practitioner, and practice using backward stepwise logistic multilevel regression models.

Results

Three hundred thirteen patients were included by 70 general practitioners of 38 practices. Their mean ± SD age was 64 ± 10 years and 120 (38%) were men. The most frequently used modalities were education, acetaminophen, lifestyle advice, and exercise therapy, which were used by 242 (82%), 250 (83%), 214 (73%), and 187 (63%) patients, respectively. Fourteen percent of the overweight patients reported being treated by a dietician. Being female, having an active coping style, using the booklet “Care for Osteoarthritis,” and having limitations in functioning were recurrently identified as determinants of health care use.

Conclusion

After implementation of the stepped‐care strategy, most recommended nonsurgical modalities seem to be well used. Health care could be further improved by providing dietary therapy in overweight patients and making more efforts to encourage patients with a passive coping style to use nonsurgical modalities.
Cost Effectiveness of Duloxetine for Osteoarthritis: A Quebec Societal Perspective
Authors: Wielage Ronald C. , Patel Ankur J. , Bansal Megha , Lee Shannon , Klein Robert W. , Happich Michael
Published: October 2013

Objective

To assess the cost effectiveness of duloxetine compared to other oral postacetaminophen treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) from a Quebec societal perspective.

Methods

A cost‐utility analysis was performed enhancing the Markov model from the 2008 OA guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The NICE model was extended to include opioid and antidepressant comparators, adding titration, discontinuation, and relevant adverse events (AEs). Comparators included duloxetine, celecoxib, diclofenac, naproxen, hydromorphone, and oxycodone extended release (oxycodone). AEs included gastrointestinal and cardiovascular events associated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as fracture, opioid abuse, and constipation, among others. Costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated in 2011 Canadian dollars. The base case modeled a cohort of 55‐year‐old patients with OA for a 12‐month period of treatment, followed by treatment from a basket of post‐discontinuation oral therapies until death. Sensitivity analyses (one‐way and probabilistic) were conducted.

Results

Overall, naproxen was the least expensive treatment, whereas oxycodone was the most expensive. Duloxetine accumulated the highest number of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), with an ICER of $36,291 per QALY versus celecoxib. Duloxetine was dominant over opioids. In subgroup analyses, ICERs for duloxetine versus celecoxib were $15,619 and $20,463 for patients at high risk of NSAID‐related AEs and patients ages ≥65 years, respectively.

Conclusion

Duloxetine was cost effective for a cohort of 55‐year‐old patients with OA, and more so in older patients and those with greater AE risks.
Thermophysical Properties of Pressed and Casted Carbon‐Bonded Alumina (Al2O3‐C) up to 800 °C
Authors: Goetze Pitt , Wulf Rhena , Gross Ulrich , Dopita Milan , Rafaja David , Dudczig Steffen , Aneziris Christos G. , Klemm Yvonne , Biermann Horst B.
Published: October 2013

Carbon‐bonded alumina manufactured by use of a novel binding system Carbores® P are among the most promising materials for future high temperature industry products. Their secure application is based on an accurate knowledge of their thermophysical properties. In this work, an experimental investigation will be presented for the determination of the coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity within a temperature range up to 800 °C. Experiments are represented for materials containing various mass fractions of Carbores® P, produced through various processes. It is found that the coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity are decreased by an increasing mass fraction of Carbores® P, while the specific heat is not affected.
Structural Electrochemistry: Conductivities and Ionic Content from Rising Reduced Polypyrrole Films
Authors: Otero Toribio F. , Martinez Jose G.
Published: October 2013

Free‐standing polypyrrole films are submitted in NaCl aqueous solutions with different potentials corresponding to the swollen, closed, or reduced and rising conformational packed states, defined from the closed coulovoltammetric responses in the potential range between –1.5 and 0.65 V versus Ag/AgCl. Decreasing anion content from rising reduced and conformational packed films is detected by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The cation, Na+, is not present in the studied samples. At the closing potential, the film keeps over 30% of the counterions present in a fully oxidized film. The film reduction‐compaction process at high cathodic potentials consumes over 15% of the full redox charge, expelling a similar percentage of counterions. By using free‐standing PPy‐DBS films, the Na+ content increases for rising reduced states, but some increase of the chloride content is attained for deep oxidized and packed states. This polypyrrole blend experiences a major exchange of cations for charge balance. Some polypyrrole chains not balanced by DBS require perchlorate exchange at high anodic potentials. The continuous decrease of anion content promotes in polypyrrole films a parallel decrease of the electronic conductivities obtained in nitrogen atmosphere. Ionic content and conductivities in polypyrrole films support that the two structural reduction (shrinking and compaction) processes correspond to the same reaction: the injection of electrons and expulsion of counterions with two different kinetics imposed by two reaction‐induced 3D structures (swollen or closed and rising packed) in the film.
Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kitanosono Taku , Kobayashi Shū
Published: October 2013

Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media have been surveyed. While the original Mukaiyama aldol reactions entailed stoichiometric use of Lewis acids in organic solvents under strictly anhydrous conditions, Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media are not only suitable for green sustainable chemistry but are found to produce singular phenomena. These findings led to the discovery of a series of water‐compatible Lewis acids such as lanthanide triflates in 1991. Our understanding on these beneficial effects in the presence of water will be deepened through the brilliant examples collected in this review.

magnified image
Ontogenetic scaling of the human nose in a longitudinal sample: Implications for genus Homo facial evolution
Authors: Holton Nathan E. , Yokley Todd R. , Froehle Andrew W. , Southard Thomas E.
Published: October 2013

Researchers have hypothesized that nasal morphology, both in archaic Homo and in recent humans, is influenced by body mass and associated oxygen consumption demands required for tissue maintenance. Similarly, recent studies of the adult human nasal region have documented key differences in nasal form between males and females that are potentially linked to sexual dimorphism in body size, composition, and energetics. To better understand this potential developmental and functional dynamic, we first assessed sexual dimorphism in the nasal cavity in recent humans to determine when during ontogeny male‐female differences in nasal cavity size appear. Next, we assessed whether there are significant differences in nasal/body size scaling relationships in males and females during ontogeny. Using a mixed longitudinal sample we collected cephalometric and anthropometric measurements from n = 20 males and n = 18 females from 3.0 to 20.0+ years of age totaling n = 290 observations. We found that males and females exhibit similar nasal size values early in ontogeny and that sexual dimorphism in nasal size appears during adolescence. Moreover, when scaled to body size, males exhibit greater positive allometry in nasal size compared to females. This differs from patterns of sexual dimorphism in overall facial size, which are already present in our earliest age groups. Sexually dimorphic differences in nasal development and scaling mirror patterns of ontogenetic variation in variables associated with oxygen consumption and tissue maintenance. This underscores the importance of considering broader systemic factors in craniofacial development and may have important implications for the study of patters craniofacial evolution in the genus Homo. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:52–60, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antimicrobial activity and biodegradation behavior of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Mondal Dibyendu , Bhowmick Biplab , Mollick Md. Masud R. , Maity Dipanwita , Ranjan Saha Nayan , Rangarajan Vivek , Rana Dipak , Sen Ramkrishna , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: October 2013

Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) nanocomposites films are prepared by a solution intercalation process using natural montmorillonite (MMT) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)‐modified montmorillonite (CMMT). Cation exchange technique has been used for modification of MMT by CTAB and characterized by Fourier transform infrared analysis, thermo‐gravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies. CMMT gives better dispersion in the PBAT matrix than MMT and is confirmed by XRD and transmission electron microscopy. Because of better compatibility of CMMT, water vapor transmission rate of PBAT decreases more in the presence of CMMT than MMT. The biodegradability of PBAT and its nanocomposite films are studied in compost and from the morphological analysis it is apparent that the PBAT/CMMT shows a lower biodegradation rate in comparison to the PBAT/MMT. The antimicrobial activity of PBAT and its nanocomposite films is tested by an inhibition zone method. Because of the presence of the quaternary ammonium group of CTAB‐modified MMT, PBAT/CMMT nanocomposites show adequate antimicrobial activity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40079.
Critical Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1 in Determining the Length and Sequence of Peptides Bound and Presented by HLA–B27
Authors: Chen Liye , Fischer Roman , Peng Yanchun , Reeves Emma , McHugh Kirsty , Ternette Nicola , Hanke Tomas , Dong Tao , Elliott Tim , Shastri Nilabh , Kollnberger Simon , James Edward , Kessler Benedikt , Bowness Paul
Published: October 2013

Objective

HLA–B27 and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) are the two strongest genetic factors predisposing to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A key aminopeptidase in class I major histocompatibility complex presentation, ERAP1 potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of AS by altering HLA–B27 peptide presentation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ERAP1 on the HLA–B27 peptide repertoire and peptide presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).

Methods

ERAP1‐silenced and ‐competent HeLa.B27 and C1R.B27 cells were isotope‐labeled, mixed, lysed, and then immunoprecipitated using W6/32 or ME1 antibodies. Peptides bound to HLA–B27 were eluted and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Selected peptides were synthesized and tested for HLA–B27 binding ability. The effect of ERAP1 silencing/mutation on presentation of an immunodominant viral HLA–B27 epitope, KK10, to CTLs was also studied.

Results

In both HeLa.B27 and C1R.B27 cells, the proportion of 9‐mer HLA–B27–bound peptides was decreased by ERAP1 silencing, whereas the percentages of longer peptides (11–13 mer) were increased. Surprisingly, following ERAP1 silencing, C‐terminally extended peptides were readily identified. These were better able to bind to HLA–B27 than were N‐terminally extended peptides lacking an arginine at position 2. In both HeLa.B27 cells and mouse fibroblasts expressing HLA–B27, the absence of ERAP1 reduced peptide recognition by HLA–B27–restricted KK10‐specific CTLs following infection with recombinant vaccinia virus or transfection with minigenes expressing KK10 precursors. Presence of an AS‐protective variant of ERAP1, K528R, as compared to wild‐type ERAP1, reduced the peptide recognition by KK10 CTLs following transfection with extended KK10 minigenes.

Conclusion

These results show that ERAP1 directly alters peptide binding and presentation by HLA–B27, thus demonstrating a potential pathogenic mechanism in AS. Inhibition of ERAP1 could potentially be used for treatment of AS and other ERAP1‐associated diseases.
Comparison of early and late outcomes of TAVI alone compared to TAVI plus PCI in aortic stenosis patients with and without coronary artery disease
Authors: Abramowitz Yigal , Banai Shmuel , Katz Guy , Steinvil Arie , Arbel Yaron , Havakuk Ofer , Halkin Amir , Ben‐Gal Yanai , Keren Gad , Finkelstein Ariel
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To assess the safety and effectiveness of performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

The presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) negatively impact procedural outcomes and long‐term survival after (TAVI). The management of obstructive CAD before TAVI is not yet well established.

Methods

Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) (n = 249) that underwent TAVI were divided into two groups: patients with CAD (subdivided to patients treated with TAVI alone and to patients that underwent PCI before TAVI) and patients with isolated AS. Procedural endpoints, device success and adverse events were considered according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) definitions.

Results

Of a cohort of 249 consecutive patients with mean age of 83.2 ± 5.5 years, 83 patients with AS + CAD were treated with TAVI alone, 61 patients with AS + CAD underwent PCI before TAVI and 105 patients underwent TAVI for isolated AS. The mean duration of follow‐up was 17 months (range: 6–36 months). Despite a significantly higher logistic EuroScore of the AS+CAD group compared to the AS alone group (30.1 vs. 21.1 P < 0. 001), the overall VARC‐adjudicated endpoints did not differ between the groups. All‐cause mortality at 30‐days was 1.6% for patients with AS+CAD treated with PCI compared to 2.9% for patients with AS alone (P = 1).

Conclusions

Performing PCI before TAVI in high‐risk elderly patients with significant CAD and severe AS is feasible and safe. This combined treatment approach did not increase the periprocedural risk for complications or the all‐cause mortality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optical coherence tomography evaluation of late strut coverage patterns between first‐generation drug‐eluting stents and everolimus‐eluting stent
Authors: Toledano Delgado Francisco Javier , Álvarez‐Ossorio Manuel Pan , de Lezo Cruz‐Conde José Suárez , Bellido Francisco Mazuelos , Romero Moreno Miguel Ángel , Fernández‐Aceytuno Alfonso Medina , de Lezo Herrerosde Tejada Javier Suárez , Pineda Soledad Ojeda , Saint‐Gerons José María Segura , Pavlovic Djordje
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To compare strut coverage patterns between everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) and first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) at more than 12 months after successful implantation, using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Background

No sufficient OCT data has been reported comparing late strut coverage patterns between EES and first‐generation DES. The favorable late results after EES implantation could be related to lower rates of uncovered and malapposed struts.

Methods

A total of 66 DES (21 EES, 23 SES, and 22 PES) that were implanted at least 1 year in advance in 40 patients and met good late angiographic results were evaluated by OCT. The percentage of uncovered and malapposed struts, calculated as the ratio of uncovered or malapposed struts to total struts in all cross‐sectional images per stent, was compared among the three groups.

Results

A total of 35,061 struts were analyzed: 11,967 from EES, 11,855 from SES, and 11m239 from PES. The average tissue coverage thickness of the struts per stent was greater in EES than in SES and PES (109 ± 40 µm vs. 72 ± 27 µm and 83 ± 26 µm, respectively;P = 0.001). The percentage of uncovered struts (1.9 ± 4.1% in EES vs. 11.6 ± 12.7% in SES,P = 0.01 and vs. 7.1 ± 5.2% in PES,P < 0.001) and malapposed struts (0.1 ± 0.3% in EES vs. 1.8 ± 3.5% in SES,P = 0.01 and vs. 3.5 ± 5.1% in PES,P = 0.02) was much lower in EES than in first‐generation DES, with no significant differences between SES and PES.

Conclusions

Late strut coverage patterns are not similar between EES and first‐generation DES. EES showed a lower percentage of uncovered and malapposed struts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term outcome following percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents compared with bare‐metal stents in saphenous vein graft lesions: From Western Denmark heart registry
Authors: Hougaard Mikkel , Thayssen Per , Kaltoft Anne , Tilsted Hans‐Henrik , Maeng Michael , Flensted Lassen Jens , Thuesen Leif , Okkels Jensen Lisette
Published: October 2013

Objectives

We used the Western Denmark Heart Registry to assess one‐year and long‐term all‐cause mortality and stent failure following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) or bare‐metal stents (BMS).

Background

The use of DES compared with BMS during PCI has reduced the risk of restenosis in native coronary artery lesions. In saphenous vein grafts (SVG) the outcome after DES compared with BMS is insufficiently described.

Methods

From January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2010 all patients with PCI of SVG lesions were identified among 3.0 million inhabitants. Stent failure was defined as clinically driven target lesion revascularization, graft occlusion without intervention, or stent thrombosis.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 529 patients with 755 SVG lesions (348 DES patients with 510 lesions and 181 BMS patients with 245 lesions). Mean age did not differ between patients with DES‐treated lesions compared to patients with BMS‐treated lesions (67.5 ± 9.1 years vs. 67.6 ± 9.3 years; P = 0.85). The median follow‐up time was 3.0 years (25th–75th percentile: 1.4–5.1 years). One‐year (n = 27 (8.2%) vs. n = 12 (6.7%), log rank P = 0.60) and 3‐year cumulative mortality (n = 31 (18.8%) vs. n = 59 (21.8%), log rank P = 0.64) did not differ significantly between DES‐ and BMS‐treated patients. One‐year cumulative stent failure was seen in 39 (6.6%) DES‐treated lesions vs. 24 (10.8%) BMS‐treated lesions (P = 0.088), and 3‐year cumulative stent failure in 48 (15.4%) vs. 34 (18.8%) lesions (P = 0.25), respectively.

Conclusion

In SVG lesions, DES showed no long‐term benefit compared to BMS in rates of all‐cause mortality or stent failure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cu‐Mediated Direct Aryl CH Halogenation: a Strategy to Control Mono‐ and Di‐Selectivity
Authors: Du Zhi‐Jun , Gao Lian‐Xun , Lin Ying‐Jie , Han Fu‐She
Published: October 2013

A protocol for the copper‐mediated direct aryl CH halogenation is presented. Highly selective mono‐ and di‐halogenations are achieved by using acyl hypohalites, generated in situ from the readily available carboxylic acid and N‐halosuccinimides (NXS; X=Br and Cl) as powerful halogenating reagents. The correct choice of carboxylic acid additives and solvents is essential for both high yield and selectivity. Consequently, the use of inexpensive Cu catalyst and the new strategy for the in situ generation of acyl hypohalite halogenating reagents from the readily affordable and easily‐to‐handle carboxylic acid and NXS (X=Br and Cl) offers advantages for practical application.
Fluid Dynamics of a Sand‐Biomass Mixture in a Spouted‐Bed Reactor for Fast Pyrolysis
Authors: Santos K. G. , Campos A. V. P. , Ferreira L. V. , Santana R. C. , Barrozo M. A. S.
Published: October 2013

The spouted‐bed reactor represents an interesting alternative to pyrolysis as compared with conventional fluid beds due to its better performance in handling coarse and irregular materials, requiring lower fluidizing flow rates and providing intense thermal contact. The fluid dynamics of a mixture of sand and sugarcane bagasse in a spouted bed was investigated. Since this process involves a mixture of solids of different sizes, shapes, and densities, particle segregation was also analyzed. The results provided significant insights about the segregation phenomenon which may cause severe operating problems during pyrolysis. Various mixture compositions were identified in which the particles exhibited good circulation in the bed.
Polarcardiographic and vectorcardiographic study of 70 normal children aged 3‐4 years
Authors: Niederberger M. , Dower G.E. , Machado H.B.
Published: October 2013

This polarcardiographic and vectorcardiographic study of 70 normal children, aged three to four years using the Frank lead system, provides data on an important age group that were not previously available. High‐resolution xyz signals, recorded on magnetic tape, were edited, digitized, compressed, and fed into a digital computer together with typed information. Computer outputs included measurements, analysis, VCG loops, Aitoff plots of P̌, Ř, and Ť directions, derived 12‐lead ECGs, and polar tracings. Conventional ECGs were also recorded; differences from the derived ECG were not clinically significant. Various normal bounds for polar coordinate variables were established, such as criteria for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy. There was a significant sex difference in the Ť directions, which were more posterior than those previously reported for adults. Among the VCGs, it was interesting to note several patterns suggesting persistence of right ventricular forces.
Sustained salutary effects of oral controlled‐release nitroglycerin on ventricular function in congestive heart failure
Authors: Amsterdam E. A. , Awan N. A. , Demaria A. N. , Miller R. R. , Williams D. O. , Mason D. T.
Published: October 2013

The hemodynamic effects of a controlled‐release preparation of original nitroglycerin (ONTG), 6.5 mg to 19.5 mg, were determined during a four hour period in 10 patients with left ventricular failure. After ONTG ingestion left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) diminished in 20 min (23 to 17 mm Hg, p < 0.01), declined maximally within one hour (15 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and remained decreased (p < 0.02) throughout the four hours. For the entire group no significant alterations (p > 0.05) occurred in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac index (CI) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). However, two subgroups were identified relative to ONTG hemodynamic response. In the four patients in whom LVFP declined but remained substantially elevated (29 to 23 mm Hg, p < 0.05), CI rose (1.7 to 2.1 l/min/m2, p < 0.01) while PVR fell (2074 to 1571 dyne · s · cm‐5, p < 0.02). In contrast, in the six patients with LVFP reductions to 12 mm Hg or less (18 to 10 mm Hg, p < 0.005), CI was unchanged (2.2, p > 0.05) without alteration of PVR (1799, p > 0.05). This investigation provides objective evidence of the salutary hemodynamic effects of ONTG and confirms adequate gastrointestinal absorption with attainment of pharmacologically active blood levels. Moreover, oral sustained‐release nitroglycerin is shown to possess long‐acting peripheral vasodilator actions of considerable value in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Coronary ostial embolus and mitral vegetation simulating a left atrial myxoma: A case of probable cryptococcal valvulitis
Authors: Child J. S. , Macalpin R. N. , Moyer G. H. , Shanley J. D. , Layfield L. J.
Published: October 2013

A 56 year old man died with disseminated cryptococcosis after immunosuppressive therapy for a hematologic disorder of unknown etiology. The immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock, probably resulting from a large right coronary ostial embolus and subsequent ischemic myocardial injury. The embolus originated from a bulky mitral vegetation (possibly cryptococcal) demonstrated ante mortem by echocardiography and cardiac angiography, and at autopsy. The differential diagnosis of such an echocardiographic pattern is discussed.
Clinical spectrum of “Unstable Angina”
Authors: Bertolasi C. A. , Tronge J. E. , Mon G. A. , Turri D. , Lugones M. I.
Published: October 2013

In order to determine the natural evolution of different clinical types of “unstable angina”, 167 patients were included in a prospective study. After angiography, 11 (6.5%) were excluded because they had no significant coronary lesions. The remaining 156 were sorted into different groups according to their clinical characteristics and were followed up for a period of 24 months at least. After that follow‐up period, mortality and incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were as follows: angina of recent onset (Class III‐IV NYHA): 8.5% (3/35) and 34.2% (12/35). Progressive angina: 7.4% (2/27) and 7.4% (2/27). Intermediate syndrome: 41.6% (10/24) and 37.5% (9/24).

Prinzmetal's angina: 10% (1/10) and 10% (1/10). Post acute myocardial infarction angina: 35% (7/20) and 10% (2/20). Acute persistent ischemia: 2.5% (1/40) and 20% (8/40). Comparison of these figures pointed out significant differences (p < 0.001 for mortality and p < 0.03 for AMI incidence respectively).

We conclude that it is clinically possible to identify different groups within the so‐called unstable angina. Such a division not only allows for the creation of more homogeneous groups, but it contributes to a more rational therapeutic approach and also permits identification of high risk prodromes of greater complications, such as myocardial infarction or sudden death.
An unusual form of mitral insufficiency accompanying atrial septal defect
Authors: Friedensohn A. , Schlesinger Z. , Algom M. , Stryjer D.
Published: October 2013

An unusual case of atrial septal defect secundum type, associated with intermittent severe mitral insufficiency due to billowing anterior mitral leaflet, in a 56‐year old female is described. The degree of mitral insufficiency ranged from severe to none. This phenomenon manifested itself by an intermittent systolic apical thrill and intermittent mitral regurgitation on angiocardiography.

Pulling the anterior mitral leaflet at operation through the atrial septal defect demonstrated that this leaflet could be caught in the left atrium, thus causing intermittent mitral insufficiency. Closure of the atrial septal defect and replacement of the mitral valve was performed.
Sustained intra‐atrial reentrant tachycardia. Electrophysiologic study of 20 cases
Authors: Coumel P. , Flammang D. , Attuel P. , Leclercq J.‐F.
Published: October 2013

Twenty cases of sustained tachycardia due to intra‐atrial reentry were investigated in patients aged 17 to 80 years (mean 47). The average frequency of the tachycardia was 128.6/min (extremes 95 and 180). Three modes of onset of the tachycardia were observed: atrial extra‐stimulus (19 times), progressively accelerated atrial pacing (9 times) and atrial escape beat (10 times). The tachycardia was stopped in all cases by a premature stimulation. When spontaneous, the termination was either sudden (10 times) or preceded by a progressive slowing (9 times) or an alternating phenomenon of long‐short cycle (13 times). Precise atrial mapping allowed to localize the first atrial depolarization less frequently in the sinus node area (1 case) than in the mean right atrium (21 cases), the low right atrium (2 cases), the interatrial septum (2 cases), and the left atrium (4 cases). The macroscopic size of the reentry circuit was demonstrated in only 3 cases. A junctional reentry was accurately ruled out in all cases thanks to the existence of a second or third‐degree AV or VA block, or by studying the sequence of retrograde atrial activation. A true junctional reciprocating tachycardia was associated with the intra‐atrial reentry in 2 cases.