bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Set of Precipitants on the Formation of BaFe12O19 Phase Nanomaterials
Authors: Balamurugan S. , Resmi S. P. , Brightlin B. C. , Sherly Arputha Kiruba V. , Reshma A.
Published: November 2019

This work deals with the preparation of BaFe12O19 materials by soft chemical co-precipitation method using a different set of precipitants namely, (i) NaOH and Na2CO3, (ii) NH2CONH2 and NH4OH, and (iii) NH4HCO3
and NH4OH. The influence of these precipitants on the different properties is also investigated by various characterizations. The precipitants used in this work considerably affected the phase formation of BaFe12O19 materials. The thermal analyses reveal the
thermal decomposition of the intermediate phase as well as the crystallization of BaFe12O19 phase. Due to the amorphous nature, all the co-precipitated products were annealed for 2 h at 1000 °C. Among the different annealed samples, the NaOH and Na2CO3
set of precipitant derived materials exhibit nearly single hexagonal phase of crystalline BaFe12O19 nanomaterials with an average crystalline size of ˜48 nm with a = 0.5888(4) nm and c = 2.320(2) nm. The particle size observed in micrograph was rather
much higher than the average crystalline size obtained from XRD for the best sample. The BaFe12O19 nanomaterials studied in the present work have been found potential applications in magneto-optic recording media, biomolecular separations, magnetic carriers for drug targeting,
permanent magnet, chip inductors, microwave absorbers, and hyperthermia cancer treatment.
An Ultra-Simple Method for Synthesis of Violet CdS Quantum Dots at Sub-Room Temperature
Authors: Yadav Chandan , Surana Karan , Singh Pramod K. , Bhattacharya Bhaskar
Published: November 2019

The emergence of fluorescence quantum dots (QDs) has led to the development of variety of applications in science and technology. Owing to the diverse optical and electrical properties of CdS QDs we have synthesized the same using wet chemical method. The QDs have been prepared at sub-room
temperature using a new solvent comprising a mixture of water and methanol. The QDs when seen under UV light radiate violet color. The band-gap of the QDs deduced from the absorption spectra was 3.08 eV while PL spectra of the QDs suggested possibility of multiple exciton generation with a
close to narrow size distribution. XRD analysis confirmed cubic structure of the particles. The obtained results suggest that these QDs can play ideal role in quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) or in light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Studies on Pd/C Nano-Composite System: Effect of Metal Concentration and Annealing Temperature
Authors: Kulriya P. K. , Singh V. N. , Agarwal D. C. , Ojha S. , Avasthi D. K.
Published: November 2019

The effects of metal concentration and annealing temperature on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of the Pd nanoparticles (NP) dispersed in carbon were investigated. The Pd/C nano-composite thin films with 7 to 39 atomic % concentration of metal content were
deposited using the atom beam co-sputtering techniques and subjected to annealing at temperature varying from 300 °C to 600 °C. The UV-vis spectroscopy studies on as-prepared films displayed a Mie scattering profile, but not well-defined LSPR bands were observed for all the values
of Pd concentration. This is attributed to the smaller size (3–4 nm) of Pd NPs and rough Pd/C interface, as confirmed from TEM studies. When samples were annealed at a temperature of 300 °C, three broad LSPR absorption bands in the visible region, along with a sharp peak at 210 nm,
were observed and the effect of Pd concentration variation was insignificant on their position. The multiple LSPR bands were observed due to agglomeration NPs, which is consistent with earlier reports and is also observed in the TEM images. When annealing temperature was subsequently increased
to 500 °C, a blue shift in the LSPR peak position with an increase in the Pd concentration was observed, which phenomena is attributed to the formation of bigger NPs with the formation of sharp NPs-interface at high temperature upon annealing. A monotonic increase in the magnitude and
decrease in the FWHM with an increase in concentration suggested change in the dielectric function of sample due to the growth of NPs. This is further confirmed from XRD studies, where strain relaxation and grain growth were observed. The intensity of the SPR peak decreased with an increase
in the annealing temperature. The LSPR peak disappeared on annealing at a temperature of 600 °C, suggesting the formation of continuous polycrystalline thin films of Pd. In summary, NPs size, metalmatrix interface, and concentration of metal play key roles in the tailoring the LSPR properties
of the Pd.
A Review on Antimicrobial Properties of Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Gharpure Saee , Akash Aman , Ankamwar Balaprasad
Published: November 2019

The field of nanotechnology elaborates the synthesis, characterization as well as application of nanomaterials. Applications of nanoparticles in various fields have interested scientists since decades due to its unique properties. Combination of pharmacology with nanotechnology has
helped in development of newer antimicrobial agents in order to control the ever increasing multidrug resistant micro-organisms. Properties of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles like silver, gold, titanium dioxide as well as magnesium oxide as antimicrobial agents are very well known. This
review elaborates synthesis methods and antimicrobial mechanisms of various metal as well as metal oxide nanoparticles for better understanding in order to utilize their potentials in various biomedical applications.
Carbon Quantum Dots/Polyaniline Nanocomposite (S-CQD/PANI) for High Capacitive Asymmetric Supercapacitor Device
Authors: Mehare Manohar D. , Deshmukh Abhay D. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: November 2019

A sucrose derived carbon quantum dots/polyaniline (S-CQD/PANI) nanocomposite was synthesized as electrode materials by electrodeposition method to achieve excellent electrocapacitive performance for supercapacitor application. The morphology reveals that CQD were distributed uniformly
over the surface of PANI. The highest specific capacitance obtained to be 1512.4 Fg−1 at current density 1 Ag−1 for S-CQD/PANI-25 composite in three electrode system with 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte within the potential range of −0.2
to 0.8 V. In addition asymmetric supercapacitor device was fabricated reveals highest specific capacitance of 295 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1 with excellent stability over 1000 cycle at 3 Ag−1. Remarkably, the device delivers energy density of 40.86 Whkg−1
at power density 2000 Wkg−1.
Summertime Surface Wind Variability over Northeastern North America at Multidecadal to Centennial Time Scales via Statistical Downscaling
Authors: Lucio-Eceiza Etor E. , González-Rouco J. Fidel , García-Bustamante Elena , Navarro Jorge , Rojas-Labanda Cristina , Beltrami Hugo
Published: November 2019

The variability of the surface zonal and meridional wind components over northeastern North America during June–October is analyzed through a statistical downscaling (SD) approach that relates the main wind and large-scale circulation modes. An observational surface wind dataset of 525 sites over 1953–2010 provides the local information. Twelve global reanalyses provide the large-scale information. The large-to-local variability of the wind field can be explained, to a large extent, in terms of four coupled modes of circulation explaining a similar amount of variance. The SD method is mostly sensitive to the number of retained modes and subregionally to the large-scale information variable, but not to the reanalysis source. The SD methodological uncertainty based on the use of multiple configurations is directly related to the variability of the wind, similar in relative terms for both components. With an adequate choice of parameters the SD estimates provide more realistic variances than the reanalysis wind, although their correlations with respect to observations are lower than the latter. Additionally, while these different SD estimations are very similar on the reanalysis used, the various reanalysis wind fields show noticeable differences, especially in their variances. The wind variability is reconstructed back to 1850, making use of century-long reanalyses and two additional SLP gridded datasets, which allows estimating the variability at decadal to multidecadal time scales. Recent negative (significant) trends in the zonal component do not stand out in the multidecadal context, but they are consistent with a global stilling process, and are partially attributable to changes in the large-scale dynamics.
Precipitation Features of the Maritime Continent in Parameterized and Explicit Convection Models
Authors: Argüeso D. , Romero R. , Homar V.
Published: November 2019

The Maritime Continent is the largest archipelago in the world and a region of intense convective activity that influences Earth’s general circulation. The region features one of the warmest oceans, very complex topography, dense vegetation, and an intricate configuration of islands, which together result in very specific precipitation characteristics, such as a marked diurnal cycle. Atmospheric models poorly resolve deep convection processes that generate rainfall in the archipelago and show fundamental errors in simulating precipitation. Spatial resolution and the use of convective schemes required to represent subgrid convective circulations have been pointed out as culprits of these errors. However, models running at the kilometer scale explicitly resolve most convective systems and thus are expected to contribute to solve the challenge of accurately simulating rainfall in the Maritime Continent. Here we investigate the differences in simulated precipitation characteristics for different representations of convection, including parameterized and explicit, and at various spatial resolutions. We also explore the vertical structure of the atmosphere in search of physical mechanisms that explain the main differences identified in the rainfall fields across model experiments. Our results indicate that both increased resolution and representing convection explicitly are required to produce a more realistic simulation of precipitation features, such as a correct diurnal cycle both over land and ocean. We found that the structures of deep and shallow clouds are the main differences across experiments and thus they are responsible for differences in the timing and spatial distribution of rainfall patterns in the various convection representation experiments.
Benchmarking the Raw Model-Generated Background Forecast in Rapidly Updated Surface Temperature Analyses. Part II: Gridded Benchmark
Authors: Hamill Thomas M. , Scheuerer Michael
Published: November 2019

This is the second part of a series on benchmarking raw 1-h high-resolution numerical weather prediction surface-temperature forecasts from NOAA’s High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) system. Such 1-h forecasts are commonly used to underpin the background for an hourly updated surface temperature analysis. The benchmark in this article was produced through a gridded statistical interpolation procedure using only surface observations and a diurnally, seasonally dependent gridded surface temperature climatology. The temporally varying climatologies were produced by synthesizing high-resolution monthly gridded climatologies of daily maximum and minimum temperatures over the contiguous United States with yearly and diurnally dependent estimates of the station-based climatologies of surface temperature. To produce a 1-h benchmark forecast, for a given hour of the day, say 0000 UTC, the gridded climatology was interpolated to station locations and then subtracted from the observations. These station anomalies were statistically interpolated to produce the 0000 UTC gridded anomaly. This anomaly pattern was continued for 1 h and added to the 0100 UTC gridded climatology to generate the 0100 UTC gridded benchmark forecast. The benchmark is thus a simple 1-h persistence of the analyzed deviations from the diurnally dependent climatology. Using a cross-validation procedure with July 2015 and August 2018 data, the gridded benchmark provided competitive, relatively unbiased 1-h surface temperature forecasts relative to the HRRR. Benchmark forecasts were lower in error and bias in 2015, but the HRRR system was highly competitive or better than the gridded benchmark in 2018. Implications of the benchmarking results are discussed, as well as potential applications of the simple benchmarking procedure to data assimilation.
Non-Gaussian Deterministic Assimilation of Radar-Derived Precipitation Accumulations
Authors: Buehner Mark , Jacques Dominik
Published: November 2019

Data assimilation (DA) approaches currently used for operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) generally assume that errors in the background state are Gaussian. At the same time, approaches that make no assumptions regarding the background state probability distribution are gaining attention in research. Most such approaches, including the particle filter, are ensemble DA methods that produce an ensemble of analysis states consistent with the background and observation distributions. The present study instead proposes a non-Gaussian deterministic (NGD) DA method for producing a single deterministic analysis state. Consequently, the usual challenge of maintaining an ensemble with sufficient spread and diversity is avoided. The NGD approach uses background ensembles generated by a standard ensemble Kalman filter. A series of noncycled DA experiments is conducted to evaluate the NGD approach for assimilating precipitation derived from North American weather radars to initialize limited-area deterministic forecasts. The resulting forecasts are compared with those produced using either a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) deterministic analysis or latent heat nudging (LHN). The experimental results indicate that, for forecast lead times beyond 1.5 h, the NGD approach improves precipitation forecasts relative to LHN. The NGD approach also leads to better temperature and zonal wind forecasts at lead times up to 12 h when compared to those obtained with either LHN or the LETKF. For precipitation, the NGD and LETKF approaches produce forecasts that are of comparable quality. Finally, simple strategies are demonstrated that combine the NGD approach for assimilating radar-derived precipitation accumulations with the ensemble–variational approach for assimilating all other observations.
Empowering Women Researchers in the New Century: IADR’s Strategic Direction
Authors: Ioannidou E. , Letra A. , Shaddox L.M. , Teles F. , Ajiboye S. , Ryan M. , Fox C.H. , Tiwari T. , D’Souza R.N.
Published: November 2019

Gender inequality in science, medicine, and dentistry remains a central concern for the biomedical research workforce today. Although progress in areas of inclusivity and gender diversity was reported, growth has been slow. Women still face multiple challenges in reaching higher ranks and leadership positions while maintaining holistic success in these fields. Within dental research and academia, we might observe trends toward a more balanced pipeline. However, women continue to face barriers in seeking leadership roles and achieving economic equity and scholarship recognition. In an effort to evaluate the status of women in dental research and academia, the authors examined the role of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), a global research organization, which has improved awareness on gender inequality. The goal of this article is to review five crucial issues of gender inequality in oral health research and academics—workforce pipeline, economic inequality, workplace harassment, gender bias in scholarly productivity, and work-life balance—and to discuss proactive steps that the IADR has taken to promote gender equality. Providing networking and training opportunities through effective mentoring and coaching for women researchers, the IADR has developed a robust pipeline of women leaders while promoting gender equality for women in dental academia through a culture shift. As knowledge gaps remained on the levels of conscious and unconscious bias and sexist culture affecting women advancement in academics, as well as the intersectionality of gender with race, gender identity, ability status, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds, the IADR has recognized that further research is warranted.
Gender Inequalities in the Dental Workforce: Global Perspectives
Authors: Tiwari T. , Randall C.L. , Cohen L. , Holtzmann J. , Webster-Cyriaque J. , Ajiboye S. , Schou L. , Wandera M. , Ikeda K. , Fidela de Lima Navarro M. , Feres M. , Abdellatif H. , Al-Madi E. , Tubert-Jeannin S. , Fox C.H. , Ioannidou E. , D’Souza R.N.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this review is to investigate the growth of diversity and inclusion in global academic dental research with a focus on gender equality. A diverse range of research methodologies were used to conduct this review, including an extensive review of the literature, engagement of key informants in dental academic leadership positions around the world, and review of current data from a variety of national and international organizations. Results provide evidence of gender inequalities that currently persist in dental academics and research. Although the gender gap among graduating dental students in North America and the two most populous countries in Europe (the United Kingdom and France) has been narrowed, women make up 30% to 40% of registered dentists in countries throughout Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa. In academic dentistry around the globe, greater gender inequality was found to correlate with higher ranking academic and leadership positions in the United States, United Kingdom, several countries in European Union, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Further disparities are noted in the dental research sector, where women make up 33% of dental researchers in the European Union, 35% in North America, 55% in Brazil, and 25% in Japan. Family and societal pressures, limited access to research funding, and lack of mentoring and leadership training opportunities are reported as also contributing to gender inequalities. To continue advancing gender equality in dental academia and research, efforts should be geared toward the collection and public dissemination of data on gender-specific distributions. Such evidence-driven information will guide the selection of future strategies and best practices for promoting gender equity in the dental workforce, which provides a major pipeline of researchers and scholars for the dental profession.
Why African American Economists Should Abandon Mainstream Economic Theory ASAP
Authors: Komlos John
Published: November 2019

Markets have 14 Achilles heels that reduce the chances of those born into poverty to succeed in today’s complex economy. These intrinsic imperfections, generally overlooked in mainstream Econ 101, include costly information that implies that its acquisition by poor people requires a greater share of their income. Because of inferior schooling opportunities, the poor are more exposed to the myriad of problems associated with bounded rationality. That tastes are assumed to be exogenous is hardly a benign oversight, because people enter the market as children; so the market has a long time to affect their character. This has a harsh effect especially on poor children because they are particularly vulnerable to advertisements and Pavlovian conditioning. Opportunistic behavior means that people with better information can take advantage of others in an immoral, unprincipled, cunning, crafty or deceptive manner. Because of less information at their disposal and because of inferior schooling, minorities are more exposed to the vagaries of predatory advertisements. This often leads to exploitation by people with more power. Mainstream Econ 101 overlooks these Achilles heels. Hence, economists who teach conventional economics provide succor for the maintenance of the status quo which finds minorities in a disadvantageous position in U.S. society.
Entrepreneurship as Boundary Object: Toward Reintegration of Colombia’s Ex-Militants into Civil Society
Authors: Fajardo Andrés Barrios , Shultz Clifford , Joya Juan Carlos Montes
Published: November 2019

War and other violent conflicts greatly degrade a country’s economic, social, and marketing systems. In the aftermath of conflict, national and international organizations develop different strategies, such as business development, aimed at the reconstruction of these systems. This article draws on boundary theory to frame the way in which entrepreneurship can help ex-militants to discard war-activities and to reintegrate peacefully and productively into a peace-time economy. An interpretive study examining the life-narratives of former militants of illegal groups involved in Colombia’s armed conflict – the world’s longest, lasting 52 years – regarding their business start-ups was designed and administered. Findings extend current Macromarketing and Entrepreneurship literature by showing how policies and entrepreneurial business practices in recovering marketing systems can help ex-militants to overcome discrimination, to transform their identities and to reintegrate peacefully into civil society, which in turn may portend a more inclusive and equitable marketing system and robust national economy.
Dietary Iron Bioavailability: A Simple Model That Can Be Used to Derive Country-Specific Values for Adult Men and Women
Authors: Fairweather-Tait Susan , Speich Cornelia , Mitchikpè Comlan Evariste S. , Dainty Jack R.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Reference intakes for iron are derived from physiological requirements, with an assumed value for dietary iron absorption. A new approach to estimate iron bioavailability, calculated from iron intake, status, and requirements was used to set European dietary reference values, but the values obtained cannot be used for low- and middle-income countries where diets are very different.

Objective:

We aimed to test the feasibility of using the model developed from United Kingdom and Irish data to derive a value for dietary iron bioavailability in an African country, using data collected from women of child-bearing age in Benin. We also compared the effect of using estimates of iron losses made in the 1960s with more recent data for whole body iron losses.

Methods:

Dietary iron intake and serum ferritin (SF), together with physiological requirements of iron, were entered into the predictive model to estimate percentage iron absorption from the diet at different levels of iron status.

Results:

The results obtained from the 2 different methods for calculating physiological iron requirements were similar, except at low SF concentrations. At a SF value of 30 µg/L predicted iron absorption from the African maize-based diet was 6%, compared with 18% from a Western diet, and it remained low until the SF fell below 25 µg/L.

Conclusions:

We used the model to estimate percentage dietary iron absorption in 30 Beninese women. The predicted values agreed with results from earlier single meal isotope studies; therefore, we conclude that the model has potential for estimating dietary iron bioavailability in men and nonpregnant women consuming different diets in other countries.
Wheelbase preview control of an active suspension with a disturbance-decoupled observer to improve vehicle ride comfort
Authors: Kwon Baek-soon , Kang Daejun , Yi Kyongsu
Published: November 2019

This article deals with the design of a partial preview active suspension control algorithm for the improvement of vehicle ride comfort. Generally, while preview-controlled active suspension systems have even greater potential than feedback-controlled systems, their main challenge is obtaining preview information of the road profile ahead. A critical drawback of the “look-ahead” sensors is an increased risk of incorrect detection influenced by water, snow, and other soft obstacles on the road. In this work, a feasible wheelbase preview suspension control algorithm without information about the road elevation has been developed based on a novel 3-degree-of-freedom full-car dynamic model which incorporates only the vehicle body dynamics. The main advantage of the employed vehicle model is that the system disturbance input vector consists of vertical wheel accelerations that can be measured easily. The measured acceleration information of the front wheels is used for predictive control of the rear suspension to stabilize the body motion. The suspension state estimator has also been designed to completely remove the effect of unknown road disturbance on the state estimation error. The estimation performance of an observer is verified via a simulation study and field tests. The performance of the proposed suspension controller is evaluated on a frequency domain and time domain via a simulation study. It is shown that the vehicle ride comfort can be improved more by the proposed wheelbase preview control approach than by the feedback approach.
Epistemic violence in psychological science: Can knowledge of, from, and for the (othered) people solve the problem?
Authors: Held Barbara S.
Published: November 2019

A primary target of Indigenous psychologists and critical psychologists is the epistemic violence found in mainstream research. The epistemic violence derives from two alleged mainstream tendencies: (a) omitting concepts/conceptions of othered peoples and (b) interpreting observed group differences to be caused by inherent inferiorities of othered peoples. In seeking remedial research practice, some theoretical psychologists distinguish (a) psychological knowledge from and for the folk, which they advocate and (b) psychological “knowledge” about the folk, the alleged source of objectification of othered peoples. Though seemingly self-evident, this for/about prepositional divide may not be clear. First, mainstream epistemic violence often depends on folk notions. Second, the use in science of folk concepts/conceptions has advanced oppressive purposes, whereas some mainstream findings may serve progressive goals. I exemplify with race concepts, especially racialized essentialism and dehumanization, and I demonstrate how mainstream science sometimes reveals mechanisms of othering that may inform progressive social reform efforts.
Growth of adenocarcinoma from canine pleural fluid on aerobic bacterial culture
Authors: Dusick Allison F. , Bach Jonathan F. , Liao Pen-Ting , Hartmann Faye A.
Published: November 2019

We report a case of canine adenocarcinoma with multi-organ metastasis in which colonies of adenocarcinoma cells grew upon aerobic bacterial culture of pleural effusion. Stained agar colonies were highly similar to rare suspicious cells seen on cytologic examination of the pleural effusion, as well as rare cells seen on cytologic examination of pancreatic and gastric wall fine-needle aspirates. Cells from colonies growing on agar media were mildly immunoreactive for cytokeratin. Histologic examination of tissues obtained at autopsy revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma with vascular invasion and nodal, gastric, pulmonary, and pleural metastasis.
Scandcleft Project Trial 2—Comparison of Speech Outcome in 1- and 2-Stage Palatal Closure in 5-Year-Olds With UCLP
Authors: Hammarström Inger Lundeborg , Nyberg Jill , Alaluusua Suvi , Rautio Jorma , Neovius Erik , Berggren Anders , Persson Christina , Willadsen Elisabeth , Lohmander Anette
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To investigate in-depth speech results in the Scandcleft Trial 2 with comparisons between surgical protocols and centers and with benchmarks from peers without cleft palate.

Design:

A prospective randomized clinical trial.

Setting:

Two Swedish and one Finnish Cleft Palate center.

Participants:

One hundred twelve participants were 5-years-old born with unilateral cleft lip and palate randomized to either lip repair and soft palate closure at 4 months and hard palate closure at 12 months or lip repair at 3 to 4 months (Arm A), or a closure of both the soft and hard palate at 12 months (Arm C).

Main Outcome Measures:

A composite measure dichotomized into velopharyngeal competency (VPC) or velopharyngeal incompetency (VPI), overall assessment of velopharyngeal function (VPC-Rate), percentage of consonants correct (PCC score), and consonant errors. In addition, number of speech therapy visits, average hearing thresholds, and secondary surgeries were documented to assess burden of treatment.

Results:

Across the trial, 53.5% demonstrated VPC and 46.5% VPI with no significant differences between arms or centers. In total, 27% reached age-appropriate PCC scores with no statistically significant difference between the arms. The Finnish center had significantly higher PCC scores, the Swedish centers had higher percentages of oral consonant errors. Number of speech therapy visits was significantly higher in the Finnish center.

Conclusion:

At age 5, poor speech outcomes with some differences between participating centers were seen but could not be attributed to surgical protocol. As one center had very few participants, the results from that center should be interpreted with caution.
Fertility Counseling With Couples: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Koser Kristy
Published: November 2019

Couples face significant concerns while undergoing fertility treatment as they cope with complex decision-making, rigid medication schedules, side effects, and the ongoing process of dealing with the diagnosis of infertility. This highlights the increasing need for counselors to become educated and specialized in the unique support fertility patients require. Attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy can help counselors understand how to work with couples experiencing infertility, providing opportunities for new bonding, connection through grief and loss, and potentially a more smooth transition into parenthood.
Current evidence from a worldwide, multicentre, follow-up study of the recalled Articular Surface Replacement Hip System
Authors: Galea Vincent P , Rojanasopondist Pakdee , Matuszak Sean J , Connelly James W , Ray Gabrielle S , Madanat Rami , Muratoglu Orhun , Malchau Henrik
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Our first aim was to report the longitudinal clinical performance of patients treated with the ASR Hip System, a metal-on-metal (MoM) device, in their mid- to late-term follow-up. Secondly, we sought to report on the reasons and risk factors for mid- to late-term implant failure.

Methods:

A total of 1721 ASR patients (1933 hips) from 16 centres in 6 countries were enrolled to a prospective, post-recall study. The average time to enrollment was 7.4 years from index surgery. Data from 3 follow-up visits over 2 years were analysed. Implant performance, based on ion levels and PROMs, was determined at each clinical visit.

Results:

The proportion of those exhibiting good performance decreased over time for hip resurfacing (ASR HRA) and total hip arthroplasty (ASR XL) patients. ASR XL patients were likely to exhibit longitudinal blood metal ion increases regardless of symptom state. ASR HRA patients were more likely to present with and maintain good performance over time, especially males with high general health indicators. 6% of ASR HRA and 14% of ASR XL patients were revised throughout the study period.

Discussion:

ASR XL THA patients are likely to exhibit blood metal ion increases without accompanying changes in symptom state, and therefore should be followed with annual blood tests at minimum. While appropriately selected ASR HRA patients were the most likely to exhibit low blood metal ion levels and report no symptoms, we recommend vigilant follow-up of all ASR patients to ensure that worsening clinical outcomes and asymptomatic soft tissue damage are not missed.
‘Rock the Boat’: song-writing as geographical practice
Authors: Gibbs Leah , Williams Kim , Hamylton Sarah , Ihlein Lucas
Published: November 2019

Climate change science is unequivocal on the link between fossil fuels and climate change. Yet, some governments – including those in Australia – fail to meet agreed targets and continue to invest in the coal industry. Scientists and other scholars have expressed concern that the science is not prompting shifts in policy adequate to address current and future effects of climate change. Many have called for other tools – specifically, the arts and social sciences – to investigate and communicate about the environmental and social changes underway. In this context, this article explores the potential of interdisciplinary collaborative song-writing as research practice. Beginning on a boat on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the research team adopted singing and song-writing as a method for coming together to reflect upon our research aims and motivations, to explore and express the delight and grief we were experiencing in this climate-changing land and seascape and potentially to reach new audiences and create different affects. Our multidisciplinary expertise offered impetus to pursue a hybrid form: an original song written, professionally recorded and vinyl pressed; scholarly notes to expand on our song lyrics; visual presentation of our music as annotated score; and written reflections on the process and its contribution to knowledge. Here, we present and explore the possibilities of song-writing as creative geographical practice.
Research on Internet of Things security architecture based on fog computing
Authors: Mai Trung Dong
Published: November 2019

The traditional data processing of the Internet of Things is concentrated in cloud computing, and its huge number of devices and massive real-time data transmission are extremely stressful on network bandwidth and cloud computing data centers. Fog computing is the infrastructure that can use processing power anywhere in the cloud. Virtual computing extends the power of cloud computing to the edge of the network, enabling any computing device to host and process software services, analyzing and storing data closer to where data are generated. The architecture of the fog computing brings enormous processing power. Since its processing power is often located near the required equipment, the distance of data transmission is reduced and the delay is reduced. This article explores how to use the fog computing layer between the cloud data center and the end node layer to store and process large amounts of local data in a timely manner, speeding decision making and enabling Internet of Things manufacturers and software developers to limit their ability to send data. They reduced cloud computing costs and built a reasonable security architecture.
Selective denervation of the wrist for chronic pain: a systematic literature review
Authors: Chin Kenneth W. T. K. , Engelsman Anton F. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Strackee Simon D.
Published: November 2019

Selective denervation of sensory nerve branches to the wrist is a palliative surgical treatment option for patients with chronic wrist pain when preserving the range of motion and function is preferred. Treatment varies from partial isolated denervation of the posterior interosseous nerve to extensive ‘complete’ denervations. This study aimed to provide an overview of the literature regarding treatment outcomes in the domains of pain, grip strength, patient satisfaction and return to work. MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane databases were systematically searched and identified 993 studies, of which 12 were eligible for analysis. Denervation resulted in high ‘return to work’ rates (up to 94%), patient satisfaction (up to 92%), increased grip strength (7%–64%) and improved average pain scores (36%–92%). Treatment outcomes of both partial and complete denervations were favourable; however, variations in outcomes suggest the need for improving evidence regarding surgical technique and nerve identification.
A natural bioactive feed additive alters expression of genes involved in inflammation in whole blood of healthy Angus heifers
Authors: Armstrong Shelby A , McLean Derek J , Bionaz Massimo , Bobe Gerd
Published: November 2019

A greater demand for food animal production without antibiotics has created the common practice of feeding food animals dietary immunomodulatory feed additives (IFA) throughout their life cycle. However, little is known about the impact of IFA on cytokine and chemokine signaling in non-stressed, non-pathogen-challenged food animals during the early feeding period. We evaluated the expression of 82 genes related to cytokine and chemokine signaling in the whole blood of growing Angus heifers to determine the effect of IFA supplementation on cytokine and chemokine signaling during the first 28 d of feeding. One gene ( CCL1) was significantly up-regulated and 14 genes (17%) were significantly down-regulated by IFA feeding during the entire early feeding period including 5 of 21 (24%) evaluated chemokine and IL receptors (CCR1, CCR2, IL1R1, IL10RA, IL10RB). These data when taken together suggest providing an IFA in the diet of growing beef cattle during the early feeding period may suppress the inflammatory response through cytokine–cytokine receptor signaling.
Fifteen-minute Frequency of Glucose Measurements and the Use of Threshold Alarms: Impact on Mitigating Dysglycemia in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Bochicchio Grant V. , Nasraway Stanley A. , Moore Laura J. , Furnary Anthony P. , Nohra Eden A. , Bochicchio Kelly M. , Boyd James C. , Bruns David I. , Hirsch Irl B. , Preiser Jean-Charles , Krinsley James S.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The use of near-continuous blood glucose (BG) monitoring has the potential to improve glycemic control in critically ill patients. The MANAGE IDE trial evaluated the performance of the OptiScanner (OS) 5000 in a multicenter cohort of 200 critically ill patients.

Methods:

An Independent Group reviewed the BG run charts of all 200 patients and voted whether unblinded use of the OS, with alarms set at 90 and 130 to 150 mg/dL to alert the clinical team to impending hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, respectively, would have eliminated episodes of dysglycemia: hypoglycemia, defined as a single BG <70 mg/dL; hyperglycemia, defined as >4 hours of BG >150 mg/dL; severe hyperglycemia, defined as >4 hours of BG >200 mg/dL and increased glucose variability (GV), defined as coefficient of variation (CV) >20%.

Results:

At least one episode of dysglycemia occurred in 103 (51.5%) of the patients, including 6 (3.0%) with hypoglycemia, 83 (41.5%) with hyperglycemia, 18 (9.0%) with severe hyperglycemia, and 40 (20.0%) with increased GV. Unblinded use of the OS with appropriate alarms would likely have averted 97.1% of the episodes of dysglycemia: hypoglycemia (100.0%), hyperglycemia (96.4%), severe hyperglycemia (100.0%), and increased GV (97.5%). Point accuracy of the OS was very similar to that of the point of care BG monitoring devices used in the trial.

Conclusion:

Unblinded use of the OS would have eliminated nearly every episode of dysglycemia in this cohort of critically ill patients, thereby markedly improving the quality and safety of glucose control.
A Comparison of Revision Rates and Patient-Reported Outcomes for a 2-Level Posterolateral Fusion Augmented With Single Versus 2-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Kaye I. David , Fang Terry , Wagner Scott C. , Butler Joseph S. , Sebastian Arjun , Morrissey Patrick B. , Levine Marc J. , Vaccaro Alex R. , Hilibrand Alan S.
Published: November 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective, single institution, multisurgeon case control series.

Objective:

To determine whether there are differences in reoperation rates or outcomes for patients undergoing 2-level posterolateral fusion (PLF) augmented by a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) at only one of the levels or at both.

Methods:

A total of 416 patients were identified who underwent 2-level PLF with a TLIF at either one of those levels (n = 183) or at both (n = 233) with greater than 1-year follow-up. Demographic, surgical, radiographic, and clinical data was reviewed for each patient. These included age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking status, Charleston Comorbidity Index, operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and patient-reported outcome measures.

Results:

Each cohort underwent 24 reoperations. Although the number of overall reoperations was not significantly different ( P > .05), among the reoperation types, there were significantly more reoperations for adjacent segment disease in the 2-level group compared to the 1-level group (19 vs 12, P = .04). There was no difference in reoperation for pseudarthrosis between the groups ( P > .05). Although both groups experienced significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index ( P < .001) and Short Form–12 health questionnaire ( P < .001), there were no differences between improvements for 1- versus 2-level cohorts.

Conclusions:

For patients undergoing 2-level PLF in the setting of a TLIF, using a TLIF at one versus both levels does not seem to influence reoperation rates or outcomes. However, reoperation rates for adjacent segment disease are increased in the setting of a 2-level PLF augmented by a 2-level TLIF.
How I treat newly diagnosed T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in children
Authors: Teachey David T. , O’Connor David
Published: November 2019

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy that has historically been associated with a very poor prognosis. Nevertheless, despite a lack of incorporation of novel agents, the development of intensified T-ALL–focused protocols has resulted in significant improvements in outcome in children. Through the use of several representative cases, we highlight the key changes that have driven these advances including asparaginase intensification, the use of induction dexamethasone, and the safe omission of cranial radiotherapy. We discuss the results of recent trials to explore key topics including the implementation of risk stratification with minimal residual disease measurement and how to treat high-risk subtypes such as early T-cell precursor ALL. In particular, we address current discrepancies in treatment between different cooperative groups, including the use of nelarabine, and provide rationales for current treatment protocols for both T-ALL and T-lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Role of interleukin-6 in the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cell lines OCI-My 1 to 7 established from patients with advanced stage of the disease
Authors: Hitzler JK , Martinez-Valdez H , Bergsagel DB , Minden MD , Messner HA
Published: November 2019

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells purified to a high degree from human bone marrow. IL-6 production in multiple myeloma has been attributed to cells belonging to the myeloma clone, thus supporting a mechanism of autostimulation. In addition, it has been shown that IL-6 may be produced by auxiliary cell populations of the bone marrow that are not part of the myeloma clone. A definitive separation of both putative sources for IL-6 may be difficult to achieve in fresh patient IL-6 growth requirement and production by pure myeloma cell populations using seven human myeloma cell lines (OCI-My 1 to 7) that were established from patients with advanced disease. The proliferative response of each line to recombinant IL-6 was measured in a clonogenic assay providing human plasma and methylcellulose as a viscous support and by 3H-thymidine uptake in liquid suspension culture. We observed marked heterogeneity, ranging from IL-6-dependent colony formation by OCI-My 4, to IL-6-independent growth. All lines expressed mRNA for the IL-6 receptor. Expression of IL-6 mRNA was analyzed after amplification by polymerase chain reaction and was present in five of seven lines. IL- 6 protein was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the culture supernatants of two lines (OCI-My 3 and 2). Its functional activity was confirmed in a bioassay using the IL-6-dependent murine hybridoma line B 13.29. This activity was neutralized by anti-IL-6 antibody. Two lines did not express mRNA for IL-6. The remaining three lines expressed mRNA for IL-6, but did not secrete IL-6 protein. Immunoprecipitation experiments with lysates of one of these three lines did not detect the presence of IL-6 protein. These results suggest that autocrine stimulation by IL-6 may occur in some cell lines derived from patients with multiple myeloma. However, it does not represent a universal mechanism in myeloma cell growth.
Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Leukemia Survivors: Prevalence, Viral Load, and Severity of Liver Disease
Authors: Paul Ian M. , Sanders Jeffrey , Ruggiero Francesca , Andrews Thomas , Ungar David , Eyster M. Elaine
Published: November 2019

The natural history of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infections in long-term leukemia survivors has not been well characterized. We studied the prevalence of HCV infections, measured HCV RNA levels, and evaluated the severity of liver disease in patients with leukemia who achieved long-term remissions after intensive chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). HCV antibody tests were performed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and positive tests confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). HCV RNA levels were measured by the branched DNA (bDNA) assay. Seventy-five leukemia survivors with 25 or more blood donor exposures were identified. Nine (12%) were anti-HCV positive. All were infected before 1992 when second generation HCV screening tests were implemented. Mean HCV RNA levels were 10.3 ×106 eq/mL versus 3.2 × 106 eq/mL (P = .056) in a control group of 20 anti-HCV positive immunocompetent individuals of comparable age who were infected twice as long (17.8 ± 6.5 years v 9.0 ± 4.4 years in leukemia survivors, P = .001). Liver biopsies were performed on six of the nine anti-HCV positive leukemia survivors. All showed at least moderate portal inflammation and half had evidence of bridging fibrosis. We conclude that viral loads in anti-HCV positive leukemia survivors are markedly higher than in immunocompetent controls. Our results suggest that long-term leukemia survivors with chronic HCV may have more rapidly progressive liver disease than has been previously recognized.
Durable preservation of antiviral antibodies after CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy
Authors: Hill Joshua A. , Krantz Elizabeth M. , Hay Kevin A. , Dasgupta Sayan , Stevens-Ayers Terry , Bender Ignacio Rachel A. , Bar Merav , Maalouf Joyce , Cherian Sindhu , Chen Xueyan , Pepper Greg , Riddell Stanley R. , Maloney David G. , Boeckh Michael J. , Turtle Cameron J.
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Virus-specific IgG levels were stable for up to 1 year after CD19-CARTx in adults with durable complete remission. Preexisting humoral immunity may be preserved in adult recipients of CD19-CARTx.
Lung clearance index: assessment and utility in children with asthma
Authors: Nuttall Amy G. L. , Velásquez Werner , Beardsmore Caroline S. , Gaillard Erol A.
Published: November 2019

There is increasing evidence that ventilation heterogeneity and small airway disease are significant factors in asthma, with evidence suggesting that the small airways are involved from an early stage in childhood asthma. Spirometry is commonly used to monitor lung function in asthmatics; however, it is not sensitive to small airway disease. There has been renewed interest in multibreath washout (MBW) tests, with recognition of the lung clearance index (LCI) as a global index of abnormality in gas mixing of the lungs that therefore also reflects small airway disease. This review summarises the technical and practical aspects of the MBW/LCI in children, and the differences between commercially available equipment. Children with severe asthma are more likely to have an abnormal LCI, whereas most children with mild-to-moderate asthma have an LCI within the normal range, but slightly higher than age-matched healthy controls. Monitoring children with asthma with MBW alongside standard spirometry may provide useful additional information.