Physical characterization of growing media using standard methods (CEN)- Limitations of Applicability for pine bark and vermiculite

CEN standards have helped to harmonize analytical methods for substrate analysis.Though, for special substrates or constituents the applicability might be Iimited. In this paper a comparative study of implementation of CEN standards to samples of pine bark and vermiculite has been carried out. For composted pine bark, an elongation of the equilibrium period up to 72 instead of 48 hours might increase the accuracy of determinations physical parameters according to EN 13041. For vermiculite, we suggest pycnometry as a feasible technique for the determination of particle density (PD), as the determination of organic matter (OM) as requested by EN 13041 for the calculation of the PD seems not to be applicable for this kind of material

Generalized “one-pot” preparative strategy to obtain highly functionalized silica-based mesoporous spherical particles

In this work we present a synthesis strategy for the preparation of Stöber-type mesoporous particles functionalized with inorganic species. The procedure is based on a combination of the Atrane and the Stöber methods. Both as a source of silicon and of the incorporated heteroelements (Fe, Zn, Al, Ti) the corresponding atrane complexes are used as hydrolytic reagents. These complexes are easily formed by reaction with triethanolamine. Mesoporosity is achieved using surfactant micelles as templates. Obtaining uniform spherical particles is achieved by optimizing the amount of water-ethanol in the reaction medium. The particle sizes have been modulated by controlling simple parameters such as reaction time or temperature. The incorporation of inorganic species is on many occasions incompatible with the preservation of spherical morphology, resulting in heterogeneous particles in shape and size and even phase segregation for high functionalization degrees. The methodology that we propose makes it possible to achieve a high concentration of highly dispersed heteroelements (even at molecular level), maintaining, to a large extent, both sphericity and particle size homogeneity. The Si/M molar ratios achieved are significantly lower (greater functionalization) than those usually reported in the literature. The strategy is generalizable for the incorporation of a great variety of elements, and specially for first row transition elements

Clinical Determinants and Prognosis of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodelling in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Aims: Non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is characterized by left ventricular (LV) chamber enlargement and systolic dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease. Left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is the ability of a dilated ventricle to restore its normal size, shape and function. We sought to determine the frequency, clinical predictors and prognostic implications of LVRR, in a cohort of heart failure (HF) patients with NIDCM. Methods: We conducted a multicentre observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with NIDCM, with prospective serial echocardiography evaluations. LVRR was defined as an increase of >= 15% in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or as a LVEF increase >= 10% plus reduction of LV end-systolic diameter index >= 20%. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the baseline clinical predictors of LVRR and evaluate the prognostic impact of LVRR. Results: LVRR was achieved in 42.5% of 527 patients with NIDCM during the first year of follow-up (median LVEF 49%, median change +22%), Alcoholic aetiology, HF duration, baseline LVEF and the absence of LBBB (plus NT-proBNP levels when in the model), were the strongest predictors of LVRR. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 134 patients died (25.4%) and 7 patients (1.3%) received a heart transplant. Patients with LVRR presented better outcomes, regardless of other clinical conditions. Conclusions: In patients with NIDCM, LVRR was frequent and was associated with improved prognosis. Major clinical predictors of LVRR were alcoholic cardiomyopathy, absence of LBBB, shorter HF duration, and lower baseline LVEF and NT-proBNP levels. Our study advocates for clinical phenotyping of non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and intense gold-standard treatment optimization of patients according to current guidelines and recommendations in specialized HF units

Derechos, gobierno y parlamento en los Estatutos de Autonomía de Cataluña y Comunidad Valenciana

Treball final de Grau en Criminologia i Seguretat. Codi: CS1044. Curs acadèmic 2015-2016En este trabajo se ha pretendido analizar y comparar dos estatutos de autonomía de nuestro país, en concreto el valenciano y el catalán, ambos territorios se han enfrentado desde la proclamación de los Decretos de Nueva Planta al gobierno central, luchando por la autosuficiencia política de forma más o menos ambiciosa. La Comunidad Valenciana no formalizó su estatuto hasta 1982, sin embargo Cataluña tuvo varios estatutos a lo largo del siglo XX, y un prototipo de estatuto en 1919. A día de hoy los estatutos siguen reivindicando más competencias y el gobierno se va mostrando más o menos permisivo dependiendo de que partido político lidere el país. Son distintas las competencias que contemplan ambos estatutos, y también fue distinta la forma en que ambos llegaron a formalizar sus estatutos actuales, desde la forma establecida en la Disposición Transitoria Segunda de la Constitución Española, (caso excepcional de vía rápida por el cual accedió Cataluña) hasta la vía lenta con ayuda de la Ley Orgánica de Transferencias a la Comunidad Valenciana de Competencias de Titularidad Estatal. Posteriormente he comparado la composición de ambos estatutos actuales en base a su gobierno, su parlamento, la regulación y la defensa de los derechos. Ambas comunidades disponen de un parlamento formado por los diputados y por los órganos de dirección comunes como el presidente, la mesa y la junta de portavoces, aunque a pesar de éstas similitudes el sistema electoral de ambas es diferente. Los gobiernos de ambos territorios también son parecidos, pues se componen ambos del presidente, el vicepresidente y un número determinado de consejeros Finalmente en cuanto a regulación de derechos, Cataluña se muestra más ambiciosa que la Comunidad Valenciana, pero a modo de proteger éstos derechos ambos estatutos cuentan con una figura similar al Defensor del Pueblo, llamado Síndic de Greuges. A modo de conclusión destacar que no es tan diferente la regulación de ambos estatutos, pues mantienen estructuras similares y han reaccionado de forma parecida a los acontecimientos históricos de nuestro país como la segunda república, el Franquismo y la llegada de la democracia.In this work I have tried analyze and compare two autonomy statutes of our country, specifically Valencian and Catalan, both territories have fought against the central government since “Decretos de Nueva Planta” proclamation. Fighting for the politic self-sufficiency of a manner more or less ambitious. The Valencian Community didn’t formalize his statute until 1982, however Catalonia had got many statutes throughout the twentieth century, and a prototype of statute in 1919. Today the statutes still they claim more competences and the government is more or less permissive depending that the politic party lead the country. Are different the competences that regulate both statutes, and was different too the form at the both statutes arrived to formalize their current statutes, since the form establish in the Second Transitory Disposition of the Spanish Constitution (exceptional case of fast form for Catalonia acceded) until the slow form whit help of the LOTRAVA law. Later I compared the composition of both current statutes based on her government, her parliament, the regulation and defense of rights. Both communities have of a parliament formed for the deputies and for the common direction organs like the President, La Mesa, and the Board of Spokesmen, however in spite of the similarities, the electoral system is different. The governments of both territories are similar too, so both governments form the president, the vice president, and a fixed number of ministers. Finally as for regulation of rights, Catalonia is more ambitious than Valencian Community, but for protect these rights, both statutes count on a figure similar to “Defensor del Pueblo”, called “Síndic de Greuges. In conclusion is important emphasize that isn’t so different the regulation of boths statutes, so they are maintaining similar structure and they have reacted of similar form to the historic events of our country like a Second Republic, the Francoism, and the born of democracy

Ferromagnetic Oxime-Based Manganese(III) Single-Molecule Magnets with Dimethylformamide and Pyridine as Terminal Ligands

Two new members of the [Mn6] family of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) of formulae [Mn6(μ3-O)2(H2N-sao)6(dmf)8](ClO4)2 (1) and [Mn6(μ3-O)2(H2N-sao)6(py)6(EtOH)2][ReO4]2·4EtOH (2), (dmf = N,N′-dimethylformamide, py = pyridine, H2N-saoH2 = salicylamidoxime) have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. Both compounds were straightforwardly prepared from the deprotonation of the H2N-saoH2 ligand in the presence of the desired manganese salt and solvent (dmf (1) vs. py (2)). Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group Pī and 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P21/n. In the crystal packing of 1 and 2, the (ClO4)− (1) and [ReO4]− (2) anions sit between the cationic [Mn6]2+ units, which are H-bonded to –NH2 groups from the salicylamidoxime ligands. The study of the magnetic properties of 1 and 2 revealed ferromagnetic coupling between the MnIII metal ions and the occurrence of slow relaxation of the magnetization, which is a typical feature of single-molecule magnet behavior. The cationic nature of these [Mn6]2+ species suggests that they could be used as suitable building blocks for preparing new magnetic materials exhibiting additional functionalities

Hexakis(dimethylformamide)iron(II) complex cation in hexahalorhenate(IV)-based salts: synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic properties

<p>Two iron(II)-rhenium(IV) compounds of general formula [Fe^II(dmf)₆][Re^IVX₆] [X = Cl (<b>1</b>) and Br (<b>2</b>); dmf = <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-dimethylformamide] have been prepared and characterized. X-ray powder diffraction measurements on samples of <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> support the same structure for both systems. The crystal structure of <b>1</b> was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. <b>1</b> crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group <i>P</i>ī. Each iron(II) is six-coordinate and bonded to six oxygens from six dmf molecules building a distorted octahedral environment. Rhenium(IV) is six-coordinate by six halide anions in an almost regular octahedral geometry. The magnetic properties were investigated from variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements performed on microcrystalline samples of <b>1</b> and <b>2</b>, whose experimental data were reproduced by a model of two isolated paramagnetic centers [<i>S</i> = 2 (Fe^II) and <i>S</i> = 3/2 (Re^IV)] with large values of zero-field splitting (zfs) parameter.</p

Breastfeeding disparities between multiples and singletons by NICU discharge

Multiple pregnancy increases the risk of a range of adverse perinatal outcomes, including breastfeeding failure. However, studies on predictive factors of breastfeeding duration in preterm twin infants have a conflicting result. The purpose of this observational study was to compare feeding practices, at hospital discharge, of twin and singleton very low birth weight infants. The study is part of a prospective survey of a national Spanish cohort of very low birth weight infants (SEN1500) that includes 62 neonatal units. The study population comprised all infants registered in the network from 2002 to 2013. They were grouped into singletons and multiples. The explanatory variables were first analyzed using univariate models; subsequently, significant variables were analyzed simultaneously in a multiple stepwise backward model. During the twelve-year period, 32,770 very low birth weight infants were included in the database, of which 26.957 were discharged alive and included in this analysis. Nine thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight neonates were multiples, and 17,199 were singletons. At discharge, 31% of singleton infants were being exclusively breastfed, 43% were bottle-fed, and 26% were fed a combination of both. In comparison, at discharge, only 24% of multiple infants were exclusively breastfed, 43% were bottle-fed, and 33% were fed a combination of both (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, twin pregnancy had a statistically significant, but small effect, on cessation of breastfeeding before discharge (OR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.19). Risks of early in-hospital breastfeeding cessation were also independently associated with multiple mother-infant stress factors, such as sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis, intubation, and use of inotropes. Instead, antibiotic treatment at delivery, In vitro fertilization and prenatal steroids were associated with a decreased risk for shorter in-hospital breastfeeding duration. Multiple pregnancy, even in the absence of pathological conditions associated to very low birth weight twin infants, may be an impeding factor for in-hospital breastfeeding