bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestão de recursos humanos na adhocracia: estudo de uma empresa de consultoria
Authors: De Paula Vérica Marconi Freitas , Santos Fernando César Almada
Published: November 2012

Esse trabalho trata da configuração da estrutura organizacional e da sua influência na gestão de recursos humanos. Visa analisar como se desenvolve a gestão de pessoas na Adhocracia, detalhando o seu estágio evolutivo. Para isso, são retratadas e discutidas as diferentes configurações organizações (estrutura simples, burocracia mecanizada, divisionalização e adhocracia), bem como o desenvolvimento e a transformação do papel da gestão de pessoas (de suporte administrativo relacionado à administração de pessoal para uma função estratégica) nas organizações. Para a consecução do objetivo proposto, o trabalho foi estruturado como de natureza aplicada, sendo uma pesquisa qualitativa com objetivo exploratório, a estratégia utilizada foi o estudo de caso, com coleta de dados através de entrevista semiestruturada individual com participantes escolhidos intencionalmente. Foi realizada em uma empresa de consultoria multinacional, com grande presença na América Latina e no Brasil. As análises realizadas evidenciam que a gestão de recursos humanos assume papel estratégico nesse tipo de organização, tendo papel crucial para o alcance dos seus intentos estratégicos. Apesar disso, as decisões de recursos humanos da organização ainda estão alinhadas às decisões do estágio de configuração da estrutura organizacional anterior ao adotado.
Estratégias de Ecodesign aplicadas às atividades da logística reversa
Authors: Araujo Fernanda Steinbruch , Ruschival Claudete Barbosa , Barquet Ana Paula Bezerra , Ferreira Marcelo Gitirana Gomes , Forcellini Fernando Antônio
Published: November 2012

Fabricantes originais (OEM) muitas vezes não levam em consideração questões relacionadas ao reuso, reparo e descarte de seus produtos, por não as considerar favoráveis mediante a avaliação custo-benefício. Isto gera impactos ambientais em todo o ciclo de vida do produto, que poderiam ser evitados se considerações ambientais fossem incorporadas as atividades das empresas, assim como a responsabilidade sobre a disposição final dos seus produtos. O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir e relacionar estratégias de Ecodesign, pensadas ainda durante as fases iniciais do desenvolvimento do produto, para a maximização das etapas da Logística Reversa. O presente estudo constitui um ensaio teórico (SEVERINO, 2000) que faz uma análise lógico-reflexiva com ênfase na argumentação e interpretação pessoal a cerca dos temas Ecodesign e Logística Reversa. Com os resultados dessas análises, foram propostas ações para subsidiar a concepção de produtos mais adequados as diferentes etapas da Logística Reversa. Essas estratégias, quando aplicadas pensando no retorno do produto para o reaproveitamento pelo OEM, podem melhorar as etapas do fluxo reverso e ainda levar a diminuição dos impactos ambientais durante as fases de uso e reaproveitamento.
New species of Sporadanthus and Lepyrodia (Restionaceae) from eastern and western Australia
Authors: Briggs Barbara
Published: November 2012

Names are provided for one species of Sporadanthus from the south of Western Australia (S. rivularis), five species of Lepyrodia from the same region (L. curvescens, L. extensa, L. fortunata, L. porterae and L. riparia) and four from eastern Australia (L. imitans, L. cryptica, L. oligocolea and L. verruculosa). These new eastern species have previously all been included within L. scariosa sens. lat. Seed surface patterns assist in characterizing the species. A lectotype, L. scariosa R.Br., is designated for Lepyrodia and a lectotype also designated for L. scariosa. There is evidence suggesting some hybridisation in various combinations of L. scariosa, the species allied to L. scariosa, and L. anarthria.
Utility of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 to Assess Suicide Risk in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Razykov Ilya , Hudson Marie , Baron Murray , Thombs Brett D. ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: November 2012

Objective

Item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), which inquires about both passive thoughts of death and active ideas of self‐harm, has been used to assess suicide risk in arthritis. The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the proportion of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients who responded “yes” to item 9 who endorsed active suicidal ideation in response to more direct questions during a structured clinical interview, and 2) to report whether the PHQ‐8, which does not include item 9 from the PHQ‐9, performs similarly to the PHQ‐9.

Methods

Patients were recruited from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. The PHQ‐9 and Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) depression module were administered during a phone interview. Scores on the PHQ‐8 were calculated by removing item 9 from the PHQ‐9. Item 9 responses were compared to suicidal ideation and intent in the last year based on the CIDI. Scores on the PHQ‐8 and PHQ‐9 were compared using Pearson's correlations.

Results

There were 345 patients interviewed, of whom 31 (9.0%) endorsed item 9 of the PHQ‐9. Of those, based on the CIDI, 14 (45.2%) had passive thoughts of suicide or death. Only 1 patient (3.2%) had thoughts about suicide in some detail at any point in the last 12 months. The correlation between PHQ‐9 and PHQ‐8 scores was 0.998.

Conclusion

Item 9 appears to identify many patients who do not report active suicidal ideation. The PHQ‐8 may be a better option for assessment of depressive symptoms than the PHQ‐9 in patients with SSc.
Interstitial Lung Disease in Anti–Jo‐1 Patients With Antisynthetase Syndrome
Authors: Marie I. , Josse S. , Hatron P. Y. , Dominique S. , Hachulla E. , Janvresse A. , Cherin P. , Mouthon L. , Vittecoq O. , Menard J.‐F. , Jouen F.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess the outcome of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in anti–Jo‐1 patients with antisynthetase syndrome, determine predictive variables of ILD deterioration in these patients, and compare features of anti–Jo‐1 patients with and without ILD.

Methods

Ninety‐one anti–Jo‐1 patients were identified by medical records search in 4 medical centers. All of these patients had undergone pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans.

Results

Sixty‐six patients (72.5%) had ILD. Patients could be divided into 3 groups according to their presenting lung manifestations: acute onset of lung disease (n = 12), progressive onset of lung signs (n = 35), and asymptomatic patients exhibiting abnormalities consistent with ILD on PFTs and HRCT scans (n = 19). Sixteen patients had resolution of ILD; 39 and 11 patients experienced improvement and deterioration of ILD, respectively. ILD led to decreased functional status, since 29.8% of patients exhibited a marked reduction of activities due to ILD and 13.6% had respiratory insufficiency requiring oxygen therapy; 5 of 6 patients died due to ILD complications. Predictive parameters of ILD deterioration were HRCT scan pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia, respiratory muscle involvement, and age ≥55 years. Furthermore, anti–Jo‐1 patients with ILD, compared with those without, more frequently exhibited mechanic's hands and lower creatine kinase levels.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that ILD is a frequent complication in anti–Jo‐1 patients, resulting in high morbidity. We suggest that patients with predictive factors of ILD deterioration may require more aggressive therapy. Finally, anti–Jo‐1 patients with ILD, compared with those without, may exhibit a particular clinical phenotype.
Decline of Mean Initial Prednisone Dosage From 10.3 to 3.6 mg/day to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Between 1980 and 2004 in One Clinical Setting, With Long‐Term Effectiveness of Dosages Less Than 5 mg/day
Authors: Pincus Theodore , Sokka Tuulikki , Castrejón Isabel , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: November 2012

Objective

To analyze prednisone treatment from 1980–2004 in 308 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including 75 monitored over 4–8 years and 73 monitored over >8 years, for initial dose, long‐term doses and effectiveness, and adverse events.

Methods

A database of all patients of a single rheumatologist included medications and Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) scores at each visit. Proportions of patients whose initial prednisone dosages were >5, 5, or <5 mg/day were computed in 5‐year periods: 1980–1984, 1985–1989, 1990–1994, 1995–1999, and 2000–2004. Mean changes in MDHAQ function, pain, and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) scores were compared in patients treated with <5 versus ≥5 mg/day of prednisone; scores and adverse events were analyzed in quartiles by treatment duration of ≤1, 1.1–4, 4.1–8, and >8 years.

Results

In the respective 5‐year periods, the mean initial prednisone dosages were 10.3, 6.5, 5.1, 4.1, and 3.6 mg/day, with >5 mg/day in 49%, 16%, 7%, 7%, and 3% of patients, 5 mg/day in 51%, 80%, 70%, 26%, and 10% of patients, and <5 mg/day in 0%, 4%, 23%, 67%, and 86% of patients. Most patients received early concomitant methotrexate after 1990, and prednisone <5 mg/day was maintained indefinitely. Patients treated with prednisone ≥5 mg/day had poorer clinical status as baseline and followup. MDHAQ scores improved similarly in patients treated with <5 or ≥5 mg/day. Primary adverse events were skin thinning and bruising. New hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cataracts occurred in <10% of all patients, and <13% of those treated longer than 8 years.

Conclusion

The data suggest that many patients with RA might be treated effectively with initial and long‐term prednisone <5 mg/day, although further research and observational data are needed to characterize more fully effectiveness and safety.
Development of Eco‐Friendly Cotton Fabric Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties
Authors: Rukmini K. , Ramaraj B. , Shetty Suchetana K. , Taraiya Ajay , Bandyopadhyay Sumanda , Siddaramaiah
Published: November 2012

To determine the possibility of using cotton fabric (CF) as reinforcement in the thermoplastic polymer matrix, woven CF‐reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were fabricated by the compression molding of PP sheets with 20% and 30 wt% of CF. The fabrication process involved laying up multiple layers of woven CF between precut extruded sheets of PP and compression molding to achieve 3.5–4.0 mm CF‐reinforced PP composite laminate sheets. From the laminated sheets, test specimens were prepared and tested for tensile, flexural, and impact properties. It was found that the reinforcement of PP with 30% CF increased the tensile strength from 21.87 to 28.07 MPa, tensile modulus from 618 to 1867 MPa, flexural strength from 21.7 to 45.3 MPa, and flexural modulus from 813 to 1925 MPa. However, the tensile elongation at break decreased marginally from 26.72% to 20.99%. A multiaxial impact test indicates reduction in the total energy absorbed and the peak force of the fabric‐reinforced laminates in comparison with neat PP. Coefficient of thermal expansion results on CF‐reinforced PP laminate sheet indicate reduction in thermal expansion. Dynamic mechanical analysis of CF‐reinforced PP shows an increase in the storage modulus and loss modulus. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal fibers pull out and breakages due to lack of an interfacial interaction between the CF and the PP matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 2013, 32, 21327; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21327
Valgus malalignment is a risk factor for lateral knee osteoarthritis incidence and progression: Findings from the multicenter osteoarthritis study and the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Felson David T. , Niu Jingbo , Gross K. Douglas , Englund Martin , Sharma Leena , Cooke T. Derek V. , Guermazi Ali , Roemer Frank W. , Segal Neil , Goggins Joyce M. , Lewis C. Elizabeth , Eaton Charles , Nevitt Michael C.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To study the effect of valgus malalignment on knee osteoarthritis (OA) incidence and progression.

Methods

We measured the mechanical axis from long limb radiographs from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) to define limbs with valgus malalignment (mechanical axis of ≥1.1° valgus) and examined the effect of valgus alignment versus neutral alignment (neither varus nor valgus) on OA structural outcomes. Posteroanterior radiographs and knee magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained at the time of the long limb radiograph and at followup examinations. Lateral progression was defined as an increase in joint space narrowing (on a semiquantitative scale) in knees with OA, and incidence was defined as new lateral narrowing in knees without radiographic OA. We defined lateral cartilage damage and progressive meniscal damage as increases in cartilage or meniscus scores at followup on the Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score scale (for the MOST) or the Boston Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Score scale (for the OAI). We used logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and Kellgren/Lawrence grade, as well as generalized estimating equations, to evaluate the effect of valgus alignment versus neutral alignment on disease outcomes. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

We studied 5,053 knees (881 valgus) of subjects in the MOST cohort and 5,953 knees (1,358 valgus) of subjects in the OAI cohort. In both studies, all strata of valgus malalignment, including 1.1° to 3° valgus, were associated with an increased risk of lateral disease progression. In knees without radiographic OA, valgus alignment >3° was associated with incidence (e.g., in the MOST, adjusted OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.0–5.9]). Valgus alignment >3° was also associated with cartilage damage on MR imaging in knees without OA (e.g., in the OAI, adjusted OR 5.9 [95% CI 1.1–30.3]).We found a strong relationship of valgus malalignment with progressive lateral meniscal damage.

Conclusion

Valgus malalignment increases the risk of knee OA radiographic progression and incidence as well as the risk of lateral cartilage damage. It may cause these effects, in part, by increasing the risk of meniscal damage.
Am80, a retinoic acid receptor agonist, ameliorates murine vasculitis through the suppression of neutrophil migration and activation
Authors: Miyabe Chie , Miyabe Yoshishige , Miura Noriko N. , Takahashi Kei , Terashima Yuya , Toda Etsuko , Honda Fumiko , Morio Tomohiro , Yamagata Naoko , Ohno Naohito , Shudo Koichi , Suzuki Jun‐Ichi , Isobe Mitsuaki , Matsushima Kouji , Tsuboi Ryoji , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Nanki Toshihiro
Published: November 2012

Objective

Vasculitis is characterized by leukocyte infiltration in the vessel walls, with destructive damage to mural structures. Retinoids are compounds that bind to retinoic acid receptors and exert biologic activities similar to those of vitamin A, including modulatory effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. This study was undertaken to examine the therapeutic effects of a synthetic retinoid, Am80, in a murine model of vasculitis induced by Candida albicans water‐soluble fraction (CAWS).

Methods

Vasculitis was induced in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injection of CAWS. Neutrophils were depleted by injection of antineutrophil antibody–positive serum. Am80 was administered orally once daily. Vasculitis was evaluated histologically. Migration of labeled adoptively transferred cells was quantified. Chemotaxis was assessed by cell mobility analysis. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of MAPKs were measured by flow cytometry. Concentrations of elastase were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Administration of CAWS induced vasculitis in the coronary arteries and aortic root, with abundant neutrophil infiltration. Depletion of neutrophils reduced CAWS‐induced vasculitis. Treatment with Am80 led to a significant attenuation of the vasculitis score and inhibition of the migration of transferred neutrophils into the site of vasculitis. In vitro, Am80 suppressed fMLP‐induced chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils. ROS production and elastase release by stimulated neutrophils were reduced by AM80 treatment, and Am80 also inhibited phosphorylation of ERK‐1/2 and p38 in neutrophils stimulated with fMLP plus lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusion

Am80 significantly suppressed CAWS‐induced vasculitis. This effect was presumably exerted via inhibition of neutrophil migration and activation.
An In Situ Carbonization–Replication Method to Synthesize Mesostructured WO3/C Composite as Nonprecious‐Metal Anode Catalyst in PEMFC
Authors: Cui Xiangzhi , Hua Zile , Wei Chenyang , Shu Zhu , Zhang Liangxia , Chen Hangrong , Shi Jianlin
Published: November 2012

A meostructured WO3/C composite with crystalline framework and high electric conductivity has been synthesized by a new in situ carbonization–replication route using the block copolymer (poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(propylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)) present in situ in the pore channels of mesoporous silica template as carbon source. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis, and N2 adsorption techniques were adopted for the structural characterization. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and single‐cell test for hydrogen electrochemical oxidation were adopted to characterize the electrochemical activities of the mesoporous WO3/C composite. The carbon content and consequent electric conductivity of these high‐surface‐area (108–130 m2 g−1) mesostructured WO3/C composite materials can be tuned by variation of the duration of heat treatment, and the composites exhibited high and stable electrochemical catalytic activity. The single‐cell test results indicated that the mesostructured WO3/C composites showed clear electrochemical catalytic activity toward hydrogen oxidation at 25 °C, which makes them potential non‐precious‐metal anode catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
Randomized clinical trial of self-gripping mesh versus sutured mesh for Lichtenstein hernia repair
Authors:   Danish Multicentre DANGRIP Study Group, Jorgensen L N , Sommer T , Assaadzadeh S , Strand L , Dorfelt A , Hensler M , Rosenberg J
Published: November 2012

Background

Many patients develop discomfort after open repair of a groin hernia. It was hypothesized that suture fixation of the mesh is a cause of these symptoms.

Methods

This patient- and assessor-blinded randomized multicentre clinical trial compared a self-gripping mesh (Parietene Progrip®) and sutured mesh for open primary repair of uncomplicated inguinal hernia by the Lichtenstein technique. Patients were assessed before surgery, on the day of operation, and at 1 and 12 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was moderate or severe symptoms after 12 months, including a combination of chronic pain, numbness and discomfort.

Results

The intention-to-treat population comprised 163 patients with self-gripping mesh and 171 with sutured mesh. The 12-month prevalence of moderate or severe symptoms was 17·4 and 20·2 per cent respectively (P = 0·573). There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative complications (33·7 versus 40·4 per cent; P = 0·215), rate of recurrent hernia within 1 year (1·2 per cent in both groups) or quality of life.

Conclusion

The avoidance of suture fixation using a self-gripping mesh was not accompanied by a reduction in chronic symptoms after inguinal hernia repair. Registration number: NCT00815698 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Anatomic basis of radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion in female patients
Authors: Clifton Marisa M. , Tollefson Matthew K.
Published: November 2012

Long considered oncologically hazardous or functionally damaging, radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion is the accepted standard of care for invasive bladder cancer. A number of anatomical and clinical observations have come together to make orthotopic urinary diversion possible for female patients. Not only have these observations led to the development of an oncologically safe, low‐pressure reservoir for urine, but also have improved the postoperative quality of life. Urethral sparing technique is safe for patients without bladder neck or trigonal tumors. Furthermore, improved understanding of the female urethral rhabdosphincter has decreased the likelihood of postoperative urinary incontinence. Finally, female sexual function may be preserved in patients who undergo preservation of the neurovascular tissue lateral to the vagina. These improvements have solidified orthotopic urinary diversion as the procedure of choice for selected female patients requiring radical cystectomy. Clin. Anat. 26:105–109, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
If I want you to like me, should I be like you or unlike you? The effect of prior positive interaction with the group on conformity and distinctiveness in consumer decision making
Authors: Papyrina Veronika
Published: November 2012

The extant research points to conflicting results regarding social influence in consumer decision making. On the one hand, there is empirical evidence that suggests that people conform to other members of their groups. On the other hand, several studies demonstrated the opposite pattern, namely, that individuals seek distinctiveness from others in the group. The goal of the present research is to reconcile these contradictory findings. To this end, I propose that whether a person will conform to or seek distinctiveness from others in a particular consumption situation is contingent on the absence or presence of one's prior positive interaction with the group. I also suggest that this effect will occur in a public context, that is, when an individual's choice is visible to other group members. The results of experiment supported these propositions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Shared Biosynthetic Pathway for Botcinins and Botrylactones Revealed through Gene Deletions
Authors: Massaroli Michelli , Moraga Javier , Bastos Borges Keyller , Ramírez‐Fernández Jacinto , Viaud Muriel , González Collado Isidro , Durán‐Patrón Rosa , Hernández‐Galán Rosario
Published: November 2012

Isotopic labelling experiments and the study of mutants with disrupted genes encoding botcinic acid have revealed a common link in the biosynthesis of the polyketide toxins excreted by Botrytis cinerea: botcinins and botrylactones. Furthermore, the results reported here shed light on the origin of the starter unit, thereby solving a long‐standing mystery in the biosynthesis of botcinins.
Ad Hoc percutaneous coronary intervention: A consensus statement from the society for cardiovascular angiography and interventions
Authors: Blankenship James C. , Gigliotti Osvaldo S. , Feldman Dmitriy N. , Mixon Timothy A. , Patel Rajan A.G. , Sorajja Paul , Yakubov Steven J. , Chambers Charles E.
Published: November 2012

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) may be performed during the same session as diagnostic catheterization (ad hoc PCI) or at a later session (delayed PCI). Randomized trials comparing these strategies have not been performed; cohort studies have not identified consistent differences in safety or efficacy between the two strategies. Ad hoc PCI has increased in prevalence over the past decade and is the default strategy for treating acute coronary syndromes. However, questions about its appropriateness for some patients with stable symptoms have been raised by the results of recent large trials comparing PCI to medical therapy or bypass surgery. Ad hoc PCI for stable ischemic heart disease requires preprocedural planning, and reassessment after diagnostic angiography must be performed to ensure its appropriateness. Patients may prefer ad hoc PCI because it is convenient. Payers may prefer ad hoc PCI because it is cost‐efficient. The majority of data confirm equivalent outcomes in ad hoc versus delayed PCI. However, there are some situations in which delayed PCI may be safer or yield better outcomes. This document reviews patient subsets and clinical situations in which one strategy is preferable over the other. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porous‐Organic‐Framework‐Templated Nitrogen‐Rich Porous Carbon as a More Proficient Electrocatalyst than Pt/C for the Electrochemical Reduction of Oxygen
Authors: Pachfule Pradip , Dhavale Vishal M. , Kandambeth Sharath , Kurungot Sreekumar , Banerjee Rahul
Published: November 2012

Porous nitrogen‐rich carbon (POF‐C‐1000) that was synthesized by using a porous organic framework (POF) as a self‐sacrificing host template in a nanocasting process possessed a high degree of graphitization in an ordered structural arrangement with large domains and well‐ordered arrays of carbon sheets. POF‐C‐1000 exhibits favorable electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) with a clear positive shift of about 40 mV in the onset potential compared to that of a traditional, commercially available Pt/C catalyst. In addition, irrespective of its moderate surface area (785 m2 g−1), POF‐C‐1000 showed a reasonable H2 adsorption of 1.6 wt % (77 K) and a CO2 uptake of 3.5 mmol g−1 (273 K).
A One‐Pot, Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Route to 2‐Indolyl‐C‐glycosides
Authors: Subramanian Parthasarathi , Kaliappan Krishna P.
Published: November 2012

An efficient and high‐yielding, one‐pot, Cu‐catalyzed synthesis of 2‐indolyl‐C‐glycosides is delineated. The sequence involves a cascade Sonogashira type coupling and a hydroamination reaction between sugar‐derived alkynes and N‐tosyl‐o‐iodoaniline followed by removal of the N‐tosyl group to provide a library of 2‐indolyl‐C‐glycosides in moderate to excellent yields.
Efficient Manganese/Copper Bimetallic Catalyst for N‐Arylation of Amides and Sulfonamides Under Mild Conditions in Water
Authors: Teo Yong‐Chua , Yong Fui‐Fong , Ithnin Idzham Khalid , Yio Siew‐Hui Trionna , Lin Zhiyin
Published: November 2012

An efficient and mild method using a bimetallic MnF2/CuI catalyst at 60 °C in water was developed for the N‐arylation of amides and sulfonamides with aryl halides. A variety of functionalized amides and sulfonamides were coupled with different substituted aryl halides to afford the corresponding N‐arylated products in good to excellent yields (up to 97 %).
Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides and Vinylamines through Catalytic Intramolecular Hydroarylation in the Presence of FeCl3 and AgOTf
Authors: Eom Dahan , Mo Juntae , Lee Phil Ho , Gao Zhiming , Kim Sunggak
Published: November 2012

A synthetic method was developed for the preparation of vinyl sulfides and vinylamines from arylalkynyl phenyl sulfides and sulfonamides. Under mild conditions, a catalytic intramolecular hydroarylation reaction was carried out in the presence of FeCl3 and AgOTf (OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) in 1,2‐dichloroethane. A variety of 1,2‐dihydronaphthalenes, 2H‐chromenes, and 1,2‐dihydroquinolines containing a phenylsulfenyl or N‐phenyl‐N‐tosyl group on the sp2‐hybridized benzylic carbon were prepared in good to excellent yields. The present method could be extended to the preparation of dihydropyrano[2,3‐g]chromenes through a twofold Fe‐catalyzed hydroarylation by a selective 6‐endo mode.
Collagen–nanofiber hydrogel composites promote contact guidance of human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells and directed capillary tube formation
Authors: Laco Filip , Grant M. Helen , Black Richard A.
Published: November 2012

Collagen and fibronectin matrices are known to stimulate migration of microvascular endothelial cells and the process of tubulogenesis, but the physical, chemical, and topographical cues for directed vessel formation have yet to be determined. In this study, growth, migration, elongation, and tube formation of human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LECs) were investigated on electrospun poly(D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(L‐lactic‐co‐D‐lactic acid) (PLDL) nanofiber‐coated substrates, and correlated with fiber density and diameter. Directed migration of LECs was observed in the presence of aligned nanofibers, whereas random fiber alignment slowed down migration and growth of LECs. Cell guidance was significantly enhanced in the presence of more hydrophobic PLDL polymer nanofibers compared to PLGA (10:90). Subsequent experiments with tube‐forming assays reveal the ability of resorbable hydrophobic nanofibers >300 nm in diameter to promote cell guidance in collagen gels without direct cell–fiber contact, in contrast to the previously reported contact‐guidance phenomena. Our results show that endothelial cell guidance is possible within nanofiber/collagen–gel constructs that mimic the native extracellular matrix in terms of size and orientation of fibrillar components. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Optimization of low sulfur carob pulp liquor as carbon source for fossil fuels biodesulfurization
Authors: Silva Tiago P. , Paixão Susana M. , Teixeira Alexandra V. , Roseiro José C. , Alves Luís
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND: Biodesulfurization (BDS) is a complementary technology to hydrodesulfurization since it allows the removal of recalcitrant sulfur compounds present in fossil fuels. The cost of culture medium to produce the biocatalysts is still one limitation for BDS application. Carob pulp, as an alternative carbon source, can reduce this cost. However, the presence of sulfates is critical, since BDS is inhibited at very low concentrations. Thus, the goal of this work was to optimize the process of sulfur precipitation on carob pulp liquor.

RESULT: The effect of BaCl2 concentration (0–0.5%) and exposure time (6–36 h) on sulfate removal from carob pulp liquor was studied according to a statistical design following the Doehlert distribution for two factors. This experimental design determined that 0.5% BaCl2 concentration for 21 h were adequate conditions for sulfate removal from carob pulp liquor using BDS.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that it is possible to use alternative carbon sources derived from agro‐industrial wastes for BDS, even those with high sulfur levels. For future industrial application, an inexpensive culture medium would have to be employed in a large‐scale process and carob pulp liquor could be the carbon source. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of axial dispersion and mixing performance in oscillatory baffled reactors using CFD
Authors: Manninen Mikko , Gorshkova Elena , Immonen Kirsi , Ni Xiong‐Wei
Published: November 2012

Background

The paper reports extensive CFD work and analyses of an oscillatory baffled reactor (OBR) planned to be used for the production of polyaniline continuously. In the polyaniline process, viscosity changes during the course of the reaction. Two non‐Newtonian fluids were used to represent the stages of fluids during the reaction in a simulation, in addition to water as the reference fluid. Two quantitative measures derived from the CFD results are employed to evaluate OBR reactor performance: the axial dispersion coefficient and the ratio of axial and transverse velocities.

Results

The CFD data showed that the dispersion coefficient as a function of viscosity exhibits a maximum for given oscillation parameters. In the turbulent regime, the axial dispersion is often correlated with the oscillatory Reynolds number in OBR or equivalent Reynolds numbers in other reactor devices. In the high viscosity regime, such a general correlation is not valid for different operational parameters. The results of the CFD simulations in the moving baffle‐OBR indicate, for the first time, that the axial dispersion coefficients in the moving baffle arrangement is 10–17% higher than that in the moving fluid type, due to enhanced shear rate in the former device. This quantitative information is valuable for the design and smooth transition from batch to continuous reactors.

Conclusion

The established dependence of axial dispersion and the ratio of axial to transverse velocities on both viscosity and the operational parameters enhanced the understanding of mixing and dispersion characteristics of the OBR. The CFD analysis supplied the information needed to determine the design parameters for the reactor used in continuous production of polyaniline.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The Expression Patterns of Reg IV Gene in Normal Rat Reproduction System
Authors: Du Fang , Yao Zhen‐Wei
Published: November 2012

Reg IV, the latest member of the regenerating gene family, has been documented in different tissues of human and rat, such as the colon, small intestine, stomach, and pancreas. Expression of Reg IV gene in distinct cell types has been correlated with its various functions in regeneration, cell growth and survival, proliferation and differentiation, cell adhesion, and resistance to apoptosis. However, there was no evidence to show whether the Reg IV protein is present in the reproductive system of normal rat. The aim of this study was to reveal the expression patterns of Reg IV in rat ovary and uterus. The expression of Reg IV was analyzed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. The localization of Reg IV protein within rat ovary and uterus was investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our results showed that the expression of Reg IV in ovary was significantly higher than that in the uterus. The strong immunoreactive signals of Reg IV was observed in granulosa cells and oocytes of ovarian follicles, corpus luteum, and interstitial cells in rat ovary; only weak signals were detected in luminal and gland epithelium of rat endometrium. These findings first demonstrate the expression of Reg IV in ovary and uterus of the healthy rat at both mRNA and protein levels. It provides an evidence of Reg IV expression in rat reproductive system, which may help elucidate a potential role in cell growth and proliferation of reproductive system. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:32–38, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with lymphoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Wyss Etienne , Mueller‐Garamvölgyi Esther , Ghadjar Pirus , Rauch Daniel , Zbären Peter , Arnold Andreas
Published: November 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Lymphoma of the parotid gland (LPG) is a rare disease. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, due to a lack of specific symptoms and findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic workup based on the analysis of our cases of LPG and to present the stage‐dependent treatment outcome.

Study Design:

Retrospective case–control study.

Methods:

From 1992 to 2008, 697 patients at our institution underwent surgery because of a parotid tumor. Among 246 malignancies, an LPG was found histologically in 28 cases (4%). Staging was performed according to the Ann Arbor classification, and treatment was performed by radiotherapy and/or chemo/immunotherapy. The patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

No specific symptoms were found, with the main finding being a unilateral, painless, slowly progressing parotid mass. The sensitivities of imaging and fine‐needle aspiration cytology in detecting LPG were 41% and 12%, respectively. Histology was the key to diagnosis, and frozen sections often revealed the diagnosis during surgery, which obviated the need for more extensive surgery in 89% of cases. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival estimates were 100% and 75% for early tumor stages (I and II) and advanced stages (III and IV), respectively.

Conclusions:

When the precise nature of a parotid mass remains obscure after fine‐needle aspiration cytology and imaging, but LPG is clinically suspected, surgical tissue sampling with frozen sections appears to be a valid option and can prevent the need for more extensive surgery. The treatment outcome for LPG is favorable. Laryngoscope, 2013
Modelling the Impacts of Wildfire on Ash Thickness in a Short‐Term Period
Authors: Pereira P. , Cerdà A. , Úbeda X. , Mataix‐Solera J. , Arcenegui V. , Zavala L. M.
Published: November 2012

Ash can provide valuable soil protection. However, ash is also very mobile, and soil protection patterns can be quickly changed, favouring the protection of some areas and exposing others with implications for soil erosion. In this research, the effects of a high severity wildfire on ash thickness were studied, 1 and 15 days after the fire. For this evaluation, several interpolation methods were tested to identify the best spatial predictor of ash distribution. The results showed that 1 day after the fire, ash was thinner in high severity areas. Fifteen days after the fire, ash thickness decreased, and the spatial pattern changed. This implies that evaluation of fire severity based on ash thickness must take a place immediately after the fire because it is affected by (re)distribution. There was an increase in the spatial autocorrelation, and ash distribution corresponded to a specific spatial pattern, because of wind (re)distribution. One day after the fire, the most accurate predictor was Inverse to a Weight 3 (IDW3) that detected easily the small‐scale variability of ash thickness, and after 15 days, ordinary kriging identified a specific pattern of ash distribution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of RF unsafe devices using a parallel transmission MR system
Authors: Graesslin Ingmar , Krueger Sascha , Vernickel Peter , Achtzehn Johannes , Nehrke Kay , Weiss Steffen
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The permanent presence of devices (pacemakers) inside a patient, or the need to use other devices (catheters), for diagnosis and treatment, usually represents a contraindication for a magnetic resonance examination. To help overcome this problem, a novel and noninvasive magnetic resonance system‐based concept is proposed to detect potentially unsafe radio frequency (RF) conditions of such devices to ensure patient safety.

Methods

This concept makes use of parallel transmit technology by monitoring currents in individual RF transmit coil elements during RF transmission using suitable current sensors. For interventional devices, current changes can be directly measured, whereas for implanted devices, the use of reference signals is proposed, which cannot be measured in the patient.

Results

Coupling of unsafe devices to transmit coils led to detectable current changes in the elements because of energy absorption into the device. The concept was successfully tested on interventional and implantable devices and turned out to be so sensitive that even very weak RF coupling to these devices was detectable.

Conclusion

In this study, basic feasibility to detect RF unsafe conditions was successfully demonstrated. In the future, RF patient safety may be improved in the presence of implanted devices, as well as during interventions using this concept. Magn Reson Med 70:1440–1449, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Froment–Rauber nerve: A case report and review
Authors: Kamerath Joseph H. , Epstein David K. , Fitzpatrick Kevin F.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

The Froment–Rauber nerve is a rarely described anomalous nerve arising from 1 of the terminal branches of the radial nerve that provides innervation to intrinsic hand muscles. We describe a 26‐year‐old man who had a traumatic radial nerve injury that resulted in first dorsal interosseous muscle wasting. He presented to our clinic 2.5 years post‐injury, after having had unnecessarily undergone surgical exploration of the ulnar nerve.

Methods

The patient's history, clinical examination, and multiple electrodiagnostic tests were reviewed.

Results

All findings were consistent with a diagnosis of anomalous innervation via a Froment–Rauber nerve.

Conclusions

Understanding this rare phenomenon may aid in diagnosing confusing clinical cases and prevent unnecessary procedures. Muscle Nerve 47: 768–771, 2013
Reporting the results of diagnostic neuromuscular ultrasound: An educational report
Authors: Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Boon Andrea J.
Published: November 2012

Introduction: Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS), an emerging diagnostic subspecialty field, has become an important extension of the electrodiagnostic examination. However, there are no formal guidelines on how to appropriately report NMUS results. Methods: The AANEM convened an expert panel to develop recommendations for reporting NMUS findings. Results: Providers should describe the reason for referral, the nerves or muscles studied, and normal values as well as numerical values for the results of imaging. Muscle imaging reports should also include a description of how gray‐scale values were calculated. NMUS‐guided needle placement reports should include a description of the length and gauge of needle, the type of probe used, and an indication of how well the patient tolerated the procedure. All reports should clearly state whether the findings were normal or abnormal and include a definitive diagnosis. Conclusions: NMUS reports should provide comprehensive information along with a succinct conclusion, mirroring guidelines for electrodiagnostic reports. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Does Electron Capture Dissociation Cleave Protein Disulfide Bonds?
Authors: Ganisl Barbara , Breuker Kathrin
Published: November 2012

Peptide and protein characterization by mass spectrometry (MS) relies on their dissociation in the gas phase into specific fragments whose mass values can be aligned as ‘mass ladders’ to provide sequence information and to localize possible posttranslational modifications. The most common dissociation method involves slow heating of even‐electron (M+n H)n+ ions from electrospray ionization by energetic collisions with inert gas, and cleavage of amide backbone bonds. More recently, dissociation methods based on electron capture or transfer were found to provide far more extensive sequence coverage through unselective cleavage of backbone NCα bonds. As another important feature of electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD), their unique unimolecular radical ion chemistry generally preserves labile posttranslational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation. Moreover, it was postulated that disulfide bond cleavage is preferred over backbone cleavage, and that capture of a single electron can break both a backbone and a disulfide bond, or even two disulfide bonds between two peptide chains. However, the proposal of preferential disulfide bond cleavage in ECD or ETD has recently been debated. The experimental data presented here reveal that the mechanism of protein disulfide bond cleavage is much more intricate than previously anticipated.
Influence of moieties on morphology, thermal, and dielectric properties in polyamide‐polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes nanocomposites
Authors: Gnanasekaran D. , Walter P. Ajit , Reddy B.S.R.
Published: November 2012

A series of new hexafluoroisopropylidene, isopropylidene, carbonyl, and ether moieties substituted polyamides have been prepared from aromatic diamines and various moieties substituted aromatic dianhydrides. The synthesized polyamides were readily soluble in polar solvents such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide. These polyamides exhibited good thermal stability and high char yields. The chemical and physical properties of the newly prepared polyamide‐polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxanes (PA‐POSS) were compared in terms of their chemical structures and thermal properties. The morphological properties of the polymeric nanocomposites depend both on their chemical structure of dianhydride and the aggregation of POSS were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Polyamides with bulky POSS and ﬂuoro groups can effectively decrease dielectric constants. The dielectric constants of PA‐POSS were found to be decreased from 3.75 to 3.29 by changing the substitution. These polyamides showed good thermal stability up to 353 °C for a 10 % weight loss. The fluorinated polyamides have relatively higher thermal stability than the polyamides without halogen because of high bond energy of CF bond. The fiuorinated groups in the polymer backbone have played an important role in the improvement of dielectric performance of polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
An alternative approach for optimal carrier concentration towards ideal thermoelectric performance
Authors: Rawat Pankaj Kumar , Paul Biplab , Banerji P.
Published: November 2012

Optimization of the carrier concentration of any thermoelectric material is a prime factor for the enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit. An alternative approach for achieving optimal carrier concentration is presented here. We introduce impurity levels of ytterbium (Yb) near the valence band edge of Pb1–xSnx Te. The temperature‐dependent redistribution of electrons between the Yb‐impurity levels and the valence band is found to optimize the excess hole concentration at low temperature and negating the effect of intrinsic conduction at higher temperature leading to significantly improved thermoelectric performance in Pb1–xSnx Te. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New metaphors about culture: Implications for research in science teacher preparation
Authors: Seiler Gale
Published: November 2012

Culture has been commonly used in science education research, in particular to examine issues of equity for students from low‐income, racial, and ethnic minority communities. It has provided a lens with which to appreciate science classrooms as cultural places and to recognize the importance of students' cultural ways of being as resources for science learning. Scanning the ways that “culture” has been used in recent publications shows that much science education research continues to draw from an older view of culture(s) as a bounded and coherent set of beliefs and practices associated with a distinct social world, referred to as a pluralizable or discontinuous view of culture. This view of culture has been critiqued on the basis of its assumptions of homogeneity of groups and as masking the role of systemic inequity in the marginalization of people from certain communities. This view of culture is often associated with a particular set of metaphors, such as cultural borders, gaps, mismatch, conflict, and tension. Despite increasing attention in science education research to an alternative view of culture as porous and emergent, these newer ways of thinking about culture do not yet seem to have been taken up in research around science teacher preparation. Recognizing the usefulness as well as the limits of the older view of culture as bounded and coherent social worlds, this paper points to other metaphors about culture—such as funds of knowledge, third space, and figured world—that might be more helpful in preparing science teachers. By exploring the metaphors we use to think about culture and how they structure the inferences and actions of teachers and researchers alike, we can envision new avenues of research and practice that will inform the preparation of science teachers for the complexity of our schools and classrooms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50:104–121, 2013