New Multifunctional Lanthanide and Zr(IV) Phosphonates Derived from the 5-(dihydroxyphosphoryl) Isophthalate Ligand as Proton Conductors

Metal phosphonates are essentially acidic solids featured by groups such as P-OH, -COOH, etc. Moreover, the presence of coordination and lattice water molecules favors the formation of H-bond networks, which make these compounds appropriate as proton conductors, attractive for proton exchange membranes (PEMs) of fuel Cells.1 We report here, general characteristics of metal phosphonate derivatives composed of the polyfunctional 5-(dihydroxyphosphoryl) isophthalate ligand2 and lanthanides or zirconium ions. In the case of the lanthanide derivatives, crystalline compounds were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Preliminary results suggest that at least three isostructural series of compounds are formed. One of them, with La3+ derivative as prototype, is characterized by an orthorhombic unit cell (a = 12.7745(6) Å, b = 11.8921(4) Å, c = 7.2193(5) Å). Pr3+, Eu3+ and Gd3+ compounds, displays a monoclinic unit cell likewise the Yb3+ solid, the latter exhibiting different crystallographic parameters. Zr(IV) = compound, with formula Zr[(HO3P-C6H3-(COO)2H)2]·8H2O; was obtained at 80 ºC in the presence of HF as mineralizing agent. This solid crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell (a = 21.9306 Å, b = 16.6169 Å, c = 3.6462 Å). All these compounds contain in their frameworks water molecules that contribute to the formation of H-bond networks, making them prone as proton conductor candidates. Structural and proton conductivity are underway.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Plan Propio de Investigación de la UMA MAT2016-77648

Synthesis and properties of novel lanthanide carboxyphosphonates

Metal phosphonates are essentially acidic solids featured by groups such as P-OH, -COOH, etc. The presence of bound and lattice water favors the formation of H-bond networks, which make these compounds appropriate as proton conductors, attractive for proton exchange membranes (PEMs) of Fuel Cells. Moreover, these properties can be enhanced by appropriate modification of the synthesis conditions. We report here, general characteristics of three new series of isostructural compounds resulting from the combination of the polyfunctional 5-(dihydroxyphosphoryl) isophthalate acid with lanthanide ions. All compounds were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and their crystal structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data using synchrotron radiation. In contrast with Series III compounds, which exhibit a layered structure, Series I and II present pillared frameworks. All these compounds contain water molecules that contribute to the formation of H-bond networks. Upon exposure to ammonia vapour, from an aqueous solution, solid state transformations are observed which are accompanied of an enhancement of their proton conductivity properties.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Permanent Campaigning: A Meta-Analysis and Framework for Measurement

Permanent campaigning emerged as a concept in the 1970s in studies of US politics but is now recognized as a universal phenomenon. Despite its long history, there has been no attempt to build a holistic picture of the elements that constitute a permanent campaign. Generally, researchers focus on tactical elements, situating their use within an overall strategy, but there is a lack of a broader methodological framework for holistically measuring adherence to the permanent campaigning. This article presents results of a meta-analysis of relevant research to provide a framework to understand how permanent campaigning is practiced. Our study showed there were three reasonably discrete forms of campaigning activities that had been identified: those in which permanent campaign strategies are related to capacity building and strategy; a second, in which permanent campaigning relates to paid and owned media; and a third in which earned media is the main focus. In mapping these studies, we identify the common features of permanent campaigning, identifying strong and weak indicators and the extent these are employed by the government, parties, or elected representatives and within which political systems: parliamentarism or presidentialism. Our framework can be applied in future comparative research to understand trends in political communication

Analysis of the influence of current frequency on the thermal field of the insulated busbar

The paper analysed the influence of current frequency on the thermal field of the insulated busbar. Its physical model consists of two hollow cylinders and a solid cylinder with different material properties. In turn, the mathematical model is a system of heat conduction equations with the appropriate set of the boundary, initial and continuity conditions. The problem was solved using the modified Green’s method. As a result, the following characteristics and parameters of the busbar were determined as a functions of frequency: heating curves, local time constants, steady-state current ratings, and stationary temperature profiles. The results were positively verified by finite element method

Glucagonoma as a rare case of neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas: a case report

Introduction: Glucagonoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor with characteristic features such as the presence of the glucagon-producing tumor, diabetes, and necrolytic migratory erythema. Case presentation: the 60-year-old patient was admitted to hospital with periodic pain in the right and middle upper abdominal appearing after eating. Laboratory tests presented a high glucose level and anemia. Tumor of the body and tail of the pancreas passing the organ pouch has been found during the surgery. Diagnosis of glucagonoma was confirmed in histopathological examination in immunohistochemical stainings: a positive reaction was observed with chromogranin, synaptophysin and CEA. The proliferative activity of Ki-67 was less than 1%. Staining for glucagon also was positive so confirmed the presence of neuroendocrine tumor - glucagonoma. Conclusions: Glucagonoma sometimes may occur without characteristic features which may cause delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of glucagonoma is important because it increases the chances of successful recovery

The comparisons of blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid S100B protein concentrations in patients with Alzheimer`s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis

Introduction:S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) is a biochemical marker of astroglial damage. Purpose: To assess the pathophysiological implications of S100B concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurodegenerative central nervous system disorders. Materials and Methods: In this study, we determined and compare S100B concentrations in blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid obtained from subjects diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (n=20), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n=12), multiple sclerosis (n=40) and the reference group (n=20), using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Concentrations of S100B in plasma collected from patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (252,38±183,50 pg/mL) and multiple sclerosis (164,92±250,14 pg/mL) were above laboratory standards, but in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (53,96±56,92 pg/mL) and the reference group (2,12 pg/mL) were below laboratory norms (N>75 pg/mL). Concentrations of S100B in plasma collected from patients with Alzheimer's disease (252,38±183,50 pg/mL) were significantly higher than in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (53,96±56,92 pg/mL) (p<0,029). Concentrations of S100B in CSF collected from the reference group (546,96±236,62 pg/mL) and from patients with Alzheimer's disease (587,53±189,57 pg/mL), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (404,41±179,56 pg/mL), multiple sclerosis (462,03±146,01 pg/mL) were very similar, and none of pairwise comparisons reached statistical significance. Conclusions: Results of our studies indicate the importance of S100B protein concentration assessment in blood in central nervous system disorders differential diagnostics

Spigelian hernia: a case report

Spigelian hernias constitute a minute fraction of all abdominal hernias. In this monography, we present a case report of this relatively seldom seen phenomenon which some general surgeons never get to see during their medical career

Assessment of the presence of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in various diseases of this organ

Purpose: Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is one of the most commonly occurring precancerous lesion in pancreas which leads to development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We assessed the presence and grade of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the course of various diseases of the pancreas and its correlations with chosen clinicopathological parameters. null Results: A total of 276 foci of PanIN were identified in 94 patients. The most common lesions were PanIN 1a and PanIN 1b which together constituted 68.2 % of all lesions, whereas the PanIN 2 was present in 21.7% and PanIN 3 in 10.1% of patients. No statistical differences were observed in gender tendency for the development of PanINs. There was correlation between age of patients and degree of PanIN (p=0.034). There is no statistical difference in PanIN frequency among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts (p=0.592). Conclusions: Our study showed that important factor in development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia is age and the presence of PanIN in nonneoplastic diseases in older people should be included to the group with increased risk of cancer development