bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning zirconia-supported metal catalysts for selective one-step hydrogenation of levoglucosenone
Authors: Mazarío Jaime , Parreño Romero Miriam , Concepción Patricia , Chávez-Sifontes Marvin , Spanevello Rolando A. , Comba María B. , Suárez Alejandra G. , Domine Marcelo E.
Published: July 2019

One-pot selective hydrogenation of levoglucosenone to Cyrene and levoglucosanol was successfully carried out by using Pd/ZrO2 and Pt/ZrO2 catalysts, respectively.
Conjugated tri-nuclear salen-Co complexes for the copolymerization of epoxides/CO2: cocatalyst-free catalysis
Authors: Duan Ranlong , Hu Chenyang , Sun Zhiqiang , Zhang Han , Pang Xuan , Chen Xuesi
Published: July 2019

PPC and PLA/PPC copolymers were prepared by a novel trinuclear salen-metal catalytic system in the absence of a cocatalyst.
Multivariate assessment of extraction conditions for the fractionation analysis of mercury in oily sludge samples using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Pereira Letícia , Maranhão Tatiane de Andrade , Frescura Vera L. A. , Borges Daniel L. G.
Published: July 2019

The extraction conditions for fractionation analysis of Hg in triphasic oily sludge samples were thoroughly evaluated, using multivariate approaches.
238U/235U measurement in single-zircon crystals: implications for the Hadean environment, magmatic differentiation and geochronology
Authors: Tissot François L. H. , Ibanez-Mejia Mauricio , Boehnke Patrick , Dauphas Nicolas , McGee David , Grove Timothy L. , Harrison T. Mark
Published: July 2019

We present novel analytical methods allowing the precise determination of the uranium isotopic composition (238U/235U) of single zircon crystals.
On-chip organic synthesis enabled using an engine-and-cargo system in an electrowetting-on-dielectric digital microfluidic device
Authors: Torabinia Matin , Asgari Parham , Dakarapu Udaya Sree , Jeon Junha , Moon Hyejin
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a microfluidic chemical reaction using an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) digital microfluidic device.
Synergistic effect of tolfenamic acid and glycyrrhizic acid on TPA-induced skin inflammation in mice
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Huang Shun , Li Yonglian , Zheng Xi , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2019

Combinational use of tolfenamic acid and glycyrrhizic acid has importantly enhanced influences on treating inflammatory skin diseases.
Free radical induced selenoxide formation in isomeric organoselenium compounds: the effect of chemical structures on antioxidant activity
Authors: Singh Beena G. , Kumar Pavitra , Phadnis P. , Iwaoka Michio , Priyadarsini K. Indira
Published: July 2019

Formation of selenoxides improves the antioxidant activity of organoselenium compounds and should be considered as an important marker in the design of new selenium based antioxidants.
Highly selective two-electron oxygen reduction to generate hydrogen peroxide using graphite felt modified with N-doped graphene in an electro-Fenton system
Authors: Li Guishu , Zhang Yonggang
Published: July 2019

Preferential promotion of the two-electron reduction reaction of dissolved oxygen by controlling the type and amount of doped nitrogen atoms.
Theoretical insights into the structural, photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of phenoxazin-3-one dyes
Authors: Kariyottu Kuniyil Muhammed Jeneesh , Padmanaban Ramanathan
Published: July 2019

Here we investigate the structural, photophysical and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of phenoxazin-3-one dyes, resazurin (Rz) and resorufin (Rf), by performing quantum chemical calculations using the DFT and TDDFT methods.
Tailoring the mechanical and gas barrier properties of nanocomposites by incorporating a MWCNT/CuS hybrid nanofiller
Authors: Varghese Jini
Published: July 2019

Variation of MWCNT/CuS hybrid filler addition on the stress–strain curves of the nanocomposites.
A facile synthesis method for fabrication of LaFeO3/g-C3N4nanocomposite as efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst for photodegradation of RhB and 4-CP
Authors: Ismael Mohammed , Wu Ying
Published: July 2019

A solid state method for the large scale synthesis of LaFeO3/g-C3N4nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic degradation activity.
Shape-persistent porous organic cage supported palladium nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalytic materials
Authors: Jiang Shan , Cox Harrison J. , Papaioannou Evangelos I. , Tang Chenyang , Liu Huiyu , Murdoch Billy J. , Gibson Emma K. , Metcalfe Ian S. , Evans John S. O. , Beaumont Simon K.
Published: July 2019

Porous organic cage templates for Pd nanoparticle catalysts – a new porous, solution processable and fully soluble, recrystallisable support for heterogeneous catalysts.
Minisci C–H alkylation of N-heteroarenes with aliphatic alcoholsviaβ-scission of alkoxy radical intermediates
Authors: Hu Xiafei , Li Guo-Xing , He Gang , Chen Gong
Published: July 2019

A generally applicable method for Minisci C–H alkylation of N-heteroarenes with aliphatic alcoholsviaβ-scission of alkoxy radical intermediates under photoredox-catalyzed conditions.
Correction: Direct impregnation of SeS2 into a MOF-derived 3D nanoporous Co–N–C architecture towards superior rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: He Jiarui , Lv Weiqiang , Chen Yuanfu , Xiong Jie , Wen Kechun , Xu Chen , Zhang Wanli , Li Yanrong , Qin Wu , He Weidong
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘Direct impregnation of SeS2 into a MOF-derived 3D nanoporous Co–N–C architecture towards superior rechargeable lithium batteries’ by Jiarui He et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2018, 6, 10466–10473.
A gene cluster for taurine sulfur assimilation in an anaerobic human gut bacterium
Authors: Xing Meining , Wei Yifeng , Hua Gaoqun , Li Mengya , Nanjaraj Urs Ankanahalli N. , Wang Feifei , Hu Yiling , Zhai Weixiang , Liu Yangping , Ang Ee Lui , Zhao Huimin , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2019

Aminoethylsulfonate (taurine) is widespread in the environment and highly abundant in the human body. Taurine and other aliphatic sulfonates serve as sulfur sources for diverse aerobic bacteria, which carry out cleavage of the inert sulfonate C–S bond through various O2-dependent mechanisms. Taurine also serves as a sulfur source for certain strict anaerobic fermenting bacteria. However, the mechanism of C–S cleavage by these bacteria has long been a mystery. Here we report the biochemical characterization of an anaerobic pathway for taurine sulfur assimilation in a strain of Clostridium butyricum from the human gut. In this pathway, taurine is first converted to hydroxyethylsulfonate (isethionate), followed by C–S cleavage by the O2-sensitive isethionate sulfo-lyase IseG, recently identified in sulfate- and sulfite-reducing bacteria. Homologs of the enzymes described in this study have a sporadic distribution in diverse strict and facultative anaerobic bacteria, from both the environment and the taurine-rich human gut, and may enable sulfonate sulfur acquisition in certain nutrient limiting conditions.
Up-regulation of microRNA-497-5p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and invasion via targeting PTPN3
Authors: Hong Sen , Yan Zhenkun , Wang Helei , Ding Lei , Bi Miaomiao
Published: July 2019

To investigate the role of microRNA-497-5p (miR-497-5p) in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), the present study applied qRT-PCR to detect the expression level of miR-497-5p in both clinical samples and CRC cell lines. Furthermore, to specifically evaluate the carcinogenic role of miR-497-5p in CRC, the expression of miR-497-5p was monitored by transfecting with the mimics or inhibitors of miR-497-5p. Transwell assay as well as CCK-8 assay were used to determine the functions of miR-497-5p on cell invasion, migration and proliferation, respectively. miR-497-5p expression was remarkably down-regulated in clinical samples with cancer development as well as in CRC cell lines. Additionally, low miR-497-5p expression was remarkably correlated with higher TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of CRC patients. Up-regulation of miR-497-5p significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of LOVO CRC cell line. Conversely, antagonizing miR-497-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistic analysis revealed that miR-497-5p directly bound to its downstream target, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 3 (PTPN3), whose aberrant expression partially reversed inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Taken together, the present study elucidated the inhibitory role of miR-497-5p in CRC via targeting PTPN3, which potentiated miR-497-5p as a potential therapeutic target for combating CRC.
Clinical Outcomes Following Language-Specific Attention Treatment Versus Direct Attention Training for Aphasia: A Comparative Effectiveness Study
Authors: Peach Richard K. , Beck Katherine M. , Gorman Michelle , Fisher Christine
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study was conducted to examine the comparative effectiveness of 2 different approaches, 1 domain-specific and the other domain-general, to language and attention rehabilitation in participants with stroke-induced aphasia. The domain-specific treatment consisted of language-specific attention treatment (L-SAT), and the domain-general treatment consisted of direct attention training (DAT) using the computerized exercises included in Attention Process Training-3 (
Sohlberg & Mateer, 2010
).

Method

Four individuals with mild–moderate aphasia participated in this study. A randomized controlled cross-over single-subject design was used to assess the effectiveness of the 2 treatments administered in this study. Treatment outcomes were evaluated in terms of participants' task performance for each program, standardized language and attention measures, tests of functional abilities, and patient-reported outcomes.

Results

Visual comparisons demonstrated linear improvements following L-SAT and variable patterns following DAT. Omnibus effect sizes were statistically significant for 9 of the 13 L-SAT tasks. The weighted standardized effect sizes for posttreatment changes following L-SAT ranged from small to large, with the exception of 1 task. The average group gain following DAT was 5%. The Western Aphasia Battery–Revised Aphasia Quotients (
Kertesz, 2007
) demonstrated reliable improvements for 3 of the 4 participants following L-SAT, whereas only 1 of the participants improved reliably following DAT. The margins of improvements in functional language were substantially larger following L-SAT than DAT. Performance on the Test of Everyday Attention improved significantly for 2 participants following L-SAT and for 1 participant following DAT on selected Test of Everyday Attention (Robertson, Ward, Ridgeway, & Nimmo-Smith, 1994) subtests. Patient-reported outcomes for communication and attention following treatment favored L-SAT compared to DAT.

Conclusions

The results support the view that attention is allocated in ways that are particular to specific tasks rather than as a general resource that is allocated equivalently to all processing tasks. Domain-specific treatment for language deficits due to attentional impairment appears to be a suitable, if not preferable, approach for aphasia rehabilitation.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8986427
Performance improvement of distribution networks using the demand response resources
Authors: Mohammad Hoseini Mirzaei Shahla , Ganji Babak , Abbas Taher Seyed
Published: July 2019

Despite a great focus of attention dedicated to demand response (DR) resources, their potential benefits for the distribution networks have not yet been quantitatively studied. Considering the DR programmes in the present study, the load profile is determined for a real distribution network and the impacts of the DR resources on different aspects of the network operation such as the power losses, voltage profile, and reliability are evaluated. For doing so, two different types of customers are considered at first. Some data loggers are then installed on two real distribution feeders in Golpayegan city and the maximum load profile is selected with a comparison of the recorded load profiles. Based on the given mathematical equations, a new load profile is obtained using the proposed DR programmes. Both load profiles, before and after doing the DR programmes, are applied to the above‐mentioned real network and the system is simulated using the CYME software. The simulation results show well that the DR resources are able to reduce peak demand, thereby alleviating the need to operate high‐cost high‐emission generation units. In this study, time of use and emergency DR programmes are considered together.
Admittance study of grid‐connected VSCs for harmonic oscillatory instabilities
Authors: Sainz Luis , Monjo Lluis , Cheah‐Mane Marc , Liang Jun , Gomis‐Bellmunt Oriol , Prieto‐Araujo Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Voltage source converters (VSCs) can reduce damping of grid‐connected VSC systems at harmonic resonances, leading to system instability. The conductance of the VSC admittance can be shaped selecting appropriate VSC parameter values to increase VSC damping at poorly damped harmonic resonances and ensure system stability. This study extends existing findings and makes contributions in this direction. Analytical expressions of the positive‐ and negative‐sequence VSC conductances are presented to study exhaustively the impact of VSC parameters on harmonic oscillatory instabilities. Two applications, i.e. a traction system and an offshore wind power plant, are used to show the contribution of this study. The analytical study is validated from PSCAD/EMTDC time‐domain simulations.
Control of VSC for enhancement of power quality in off‐grid distributed power generation
Authors: Giri Ashutosh K. , Arya Sabha Raj , Maurya Rakesh , Chittibabu B.
Published: July 2019

In this study, a control algorithm based on non‐linear adaptive second‐order Volterra filter (NLVF) is utilised to operate the voltage‐source converter (VSC). The main role of VSC is to supply compensating current to improve the power quality in wind‐based off‐grid distributed power generation system. This off‐grid system consists of three‐phase induction generator, VSC and non‐linear loads. The proposed control algorithm is adaptive as well as non‐linear in nature. The characteristic of Volterra series is exploited to generate the reference source current for VSC operation. The NLVF estimates the active and reactive weights of fundamental load current for reference current generation. It mitigates the power quality problems created by disturbances in non‐linear load or wind oscillations on off‐grid system. The solution of power quality problems such as the presence of harmonics in supply current, load unbalance and reactive power compensation is obtained. Nevertheless, voltage and frequency control are also achieved. The VSC is used as a shunt compensator in the system. The entire off‐grid system is designed and validated through the laboratory prototype development. The objective of the system is achieved and the steady state and dynamic performance is found satisfactory.
Competitive numerical analysis for stochastic HIV/AIDS epidemic model in a two‐sex population
Authors: Raza Ali , Rafiq Muhammad , Baleanu Dumitru , Shoaib Arif Muhammad , Naveed Muhammad , Ashraf Kaleem
Published: July 2019

This study is an attempt to explain a reliable numerical analysis of a stochastic HIV/AIDS model in a two‐sex population considering counselling and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The authors are comparing the solutions of the stochastic and deterministic HIV/AIDS epidemic model. Here, an endeavour has been made to explain the stochastic HIV/AIDS epidemic model is comparatively more pragmatic in contrast with the deterministic HIV/AIDS epidemic model. The effect of threshold number H* holds on the stochastic HIV/AIDS epidemic model. If H*  < 1 then condition helps us to control disease in a two‐sex human population while H*  > 1 explains the persistence of disease in the two‐sex human population. Lamentably, numerical methods such as Euler–Maruyama, stochastic Euler, and stochastic Runge–Kutta do not work for large time step sizes. The recommended structure preserving framework of the stochastic non‐standard finite difference (SNSFD) scheme conserve all vital characteristics such as positivity, boundedness, and dynamical consistency defined by Mickens. The effectiveness of counselling and ART may control HIV/AIDS in a two‐sex population.
Improved morphological filtering method for interferograms
Authors: Zhang Bin , Li Shuang
Published: July 2019

This study proposes an improved interferogram filtering method with mathematical morphology. The algorithm firstly converts the interferogram in cosine and sine parts to preserve the continuity of phases, then adopts the improved adaptive line structure elements to run reconstruction process on two parts based on grey scale morphological opening and closing operations. In addition combine the two filtered parts to get the wrapped phases. Simulated and real‐data experiments show that the proposed algorithm is more robust in filtering compared with other algorithms referred in this study.
Integrated design of active phased array for low‐altitude detection radar
Authors: Wang Hao , Ding Juanjuan , Shi Yongrong , Zhang Junzhi , Quan Shuanglong , Xu Dalong , Wang Yan
Published: July 2019

This article presents an integrated design of active phased array for low‐altitude detection radar. Integrated design is an important method to realise miniaturisation and low cost. The multifunctional integrated chip technology is used to design the tile‐type transmit/receive module. The whole array is divided into subarrays for modularisation. In addition, in order to be integrated with active circuits, a wide‐beam and silicon‐based antenna is proposed and verified.
Moving ships refocusing for spaceborne SAR based on Doppler parameters estimation
Authors: Zhu Yunfei , He Feng , Dong Zhen
Published: July 2019

Moving ships imaging is an important issue in marine remote‐sensing by spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR). As the moving ships defocus generally in high‐resolution spaceborne SAR images, the refocusing step is demanded for the following processing in classification and identification. A new refocusing method based on Doppler parameters search is proposed to enhance the performance of ship images. This method is applied directly on the single‐look complex image data. Furthermore, the space‐variant characteristic of Doppler parameters is taken into account within this method. Finally, the GF‐3 satellite SAR data refocusing results of moving ships verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Searching for intergalactic star forming regions in Stephan’s Quintet with SITELLE
Authors: Duarte Puertas S. , Iglesias-Páramo J. , Vilchez J. M. , Drissen L. , Kehrig C. , Martin T.
Published: July 2019

Stephan’s Quintet (SQ), the prototypical compact group of galaxies in the local Universe, has been observed with the imaging Fourier transform spectrometer SITELLE, attached to the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope, to perform a deep search for intergalactic star-forming emission. In this paper we present the extended ionised gaseous structures detected and analyse their kinematical properties. The large field of view (11′ × 11′) and the spectral ranges of SITELLE have allowed a thorough study of the entire galaxy system, its interaction history and the main properties of the ionised gas. The observations have revealed complex three-dimensional strands in SQ seen for the first time, as well as the spatially resolved velocity field for a new SQ dwarf galaxy (M 82-like) and the detailed spectral map of NGC 7320c, confirming its AGN nature. A total of 175 SQ Hα emission regions have been found, 22 of which present line profiles with at least two kinematical components. We studied 12 zones and 28 sub-zones in the SQ system in order to define plausible physical spatial connections between its different parts in the light of the kinematical information gathered. In this respect we have found five velocity systems in SQ: (i) v = [5600−5900] km s−1 associated with the new intruder and the southern debris region; (ii) v = [5900−6100] km s−1, associated with the north starburst A and south starburst A and the strands connected to these zones; (iii) v = [6100−6600] km s−1, associated with the strands from the large-scale shock region (LSSR); (iv) v = [6600−6800] km s−1, associated with the young tidal tail, the starburst A (SQA), NGC 7319, and the NGC 7319 north lobe; and (v) v = [6800−7000] km s−1, associated with the strands seen connecting LSSR with SQA. We fail to detect ionised gas emission in the old tail, neither in the vicinity of NGC 7318A nor in NGC 7317, and the connection between NGC 7319 north lobe and SQA cannot be confirmed. Conversely, a clear gaseous bridge has been confirmed both spatially and kinematically between the LSSR zone and the NGC 7319 AGN nucleus. Finally, a larger scale, outer rim winding the NGC 7318B/A system clockwise north-west to south-east has been highlighted in continuum and in Hα. This structure may be reminiscent of a sequence of a previously proposed scenario for SQ a sequence of individual interactions.
Intestinale Rehabilitation bei Kurzdarmsyndrom und chronischem Darmversagen
Authors: Pape Ulrich-Frank , Maasberg Sebastian
Published: July 2019

Was ist neu?

Anatomische und funktionelle Klassifikation Das chronische Darmversagen (CVD) bei Kurzdarmsyndrom (KDS) wird sowohl durch die postoperative Anatomie als auch funktionell anhand des parenteralen Kalorien- und Volumenbedarfs klassifiziert.

Spontane intestinale Adaptation Die postoperative Anpassungsreaktion nach Darmresektion verläuft in 3 Phasen, die jeweils eines interdisziplinären Managements bedürfen.

Therapie des chronischen Darmversagens bei Kurzdarmsyndrom Ziel der Therapie ist eine ausreichende Kalorien- und Nährstoffversorgung unter Vermeidung einer Hyperalimentation bzw. die Linderung/Beherrschung der Diarrhöen.

Chirurgische Maßnahmen einschließlich Transplantation Die chirurgische Wiederherstellung der Kontinuität ausgeschalteter Darmabschnitte ist unverzichtbar. Es bestehen prinzipiell verschiedene Optionen der Transplantation, der Nachweis für eine Verbesserung der Gesamtprognose steht allerdings noch aus.

Funktionelle intestinale Rehabilitation durch GLP-2-Analoga Durch die Einführung von Glucagon-like-peptide-2-Analoga (GLP-2-Analoga) in die funktionelle intestinale Rehabilitation von KDS-Patienten ist nunmehr eine kausale Behandlung dieses Malabsorptionssyndroms möglich. Durch die GLP-2-Analoga-vermittelte Steigerung der Flüssigkeits-, Nährstoff- und Kalorienabsorption ist eine Reduzierung der parenteralen Substitution (PS), im Idealfall mit kompletter Entwöhnung, möglich.
Zirkadiane Rhythmen – Wie beeinflussen sie unser Leben?
Authors: Harder Lisbeth , Oster Henrik
Published: July 2019

Was ist neu?

Chronodisruption und Metabolismus Die zunehmende Aufweichung von festen Tagesrhythmen in der modernen Gesellschaft stört die zeitliche Koordination physiologischer Prozesse im Körper. Die resultierende interne Desynchronisation begünstigt die Entwicklung zahlreicher Krankheiten, insbesondere im metabolischen Bereich – von Verdauungsstörungen über Adipositas bis hin zu Typ-2-Diabetes.

Chronodisruption und Immunsystem Die Kombination aus Chronodisruption und Schlafmangel beeinträchtigt zudem die Sensitivität und Effektivität der Immunabwehr. Umgekehrt kann eine Stabilisierung des zirkadianen Systems die Resilienz gegen viele Krankheiten erhöhen.

Chronomedizin Das Feld der Chronobiologie hat sich in den letzten Jahren von einer Grundlagendisziplin zu einer klinisch angewandten Wissenschaft entwickelt. Neben der klassischen Chronotherapie, der tageszeitlich optimierten Gabe von Medikamenten, bietet insbesondere die Stabilisierung des zirkadianen Systems – durch Verhaltensinterventionen oder Chronobiologicals – eine Reihe neuer Ansätze für die Prävention und Therapie vieler Volkskrankheiten.
Stem Cells for Extreme Prematurity
Authors: Thébaud Bernard
Published: July 2019

Regenerative medicine is a bourgeoning field promising to repair damaged organs and thus has created high hopes in neonatology to curb some of the complications due to extreme preterm birth. Extensive laboratory investigations over the past 15 years have tried to harness the regenerative potential of a variety of (stem) cell-based therapies. Most preclinical studies have focused on experimental neonatal lung and brain injury. These promising results lead to the initiation of phase I clinical trials for chronic lung disease of prematurity and severe intraventricular hemorrhage, two of the most devastating complications of extreme preterm birth. Despite this relative rapid clinical translation, major gaps persist in our understanding of the biology of these putative repair cells and our ability to predict the quality and thus the efficacy of the cell product. This review will provide a brief overview of the various cell-based therapies that have been investigated in experimental neonatal lung injury and the remaining challenges in utilizing these new, disruptive therapies to their full extend to realize the promise of regenerative medicine in neonatology.
The ReSVinet Score for Bronchiolitis: A Scale for All Seasons
Authors: Justicia-Grande Antonio José , Martinón-Torres Federico
Published: July 2019

The ReSVinet Scale is a clinical score for the assessment of respiratory difficulty in infancy. Our aim was to provide an update on the characteristics that make this tool different to any other. We descriptively compared the characteristics of the ReSVinet Scale with other options that can be found in the current literature or mobile apps stores. The ReSVinet Scale has been devised for its use regardless of the age of the child, entity causing respiratory symptoms, and setting. To this date, it is the only pediatric respiratory scale for acute respiratory distress that provides a parental version, and it is also the first one to have undergone validation in primary care. The tool can be found either in paper format or can be downloaded via App stores for devices running on Android or iOS systems. It has also been adopted recently as the assessment instrument for several clinical trials and for an IMI2 initiative (RESCEU project). All the aforementioned characteristics of the ReSVinet Scale should help toward its dissemination, as currently no other clinical tool for the assessment of respiratory difficulty can offer those advantages.
Impact of Sport Activity and Physical Exercise on Obstetrical and Perineal Outcomes at Delivery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Uccella Stefano , Manzoni Paolo , Marconi Nicola , Toscani Carlotta , Biasoli Sara , Cianci Stefano , Franchi Massimo , Sorice Paola , Bertoli Francesca , Zorzato Pier Carlo , Gallina Davide , Ghezzi Fabio , Serati Maurizio
Published: July 2019

Objective This study was aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on perineal outcomes at delivery according to the different levels and types of maternal physical activity before and during pregnancy.

Study Design We prospectively evaluated the obstetrical and perineal outcomes of all consecutive women who delivered at the Del Ponte Hospital, in the period between July 2014 and September 2014. Women were divided into three groups according to the features of physical activity performed before pregnancy: group 1: “very sporty women,” group 2: “moderately sporty women,” and group 3: “inactive women.” A subanalysis of our data was performed based on the specific type of sport activity, on the degree of involvement of perineal muscles during physical activity, and on the continuation/discontinuation of this activity during pregnancy.

Results A total of 135, 84, and 85 women were included in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively. The demographic characteristics were comparable among all the groups. Sport activity during pregnancy was more frequent in groups 1 and 2 (59.3 and 53.6%, respectively, vs. 29.4% in group 3; p = 0.003). No differences among groups were detected in terms of perineal outcomes. A lower rate of episiotomy/lacerations ≥ 2nd degree was found among women who practiced sports that specifically involved the perineal muscles and who continued this practice during pregnancy.

Conclusion Perineal outcomes are not influenced by the intensity of sport activity performed before/during pregnancy. Continuous sports during pregnancy that specifically train the perineal muscles are associated with a lower rate of episiotomy and perineal lacerations ≥ 2nd degree.
New Developments in Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants
Authors: Jain Deepak , Bancalari Eduardo
Published: July 2019

The evolution of neonatal respiratory support has been one of the cornerstones for the advancements in neonatal–perinatal medicine, allowing survival of infants previously considered not viable. There is an increasing focus on developing strategies which are not only lifesaving but also minimize lung and other organ systems injury, thereby reducing long-term morbidities. Respiratory support immediately after birth is an area that had lagged behind in terms of evidence base and technological advancements until recently. Some of these advancements include use of a respiratory function monitors for measuring flow and tidal volume, new evidence for oxygen supplementation and monitoring, and the efforts to formulate an ideal strategy for establishing functional residual capacity after birth. Increasing evidence for the benefits of avoiding invasive ventilation on reduction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has resulted in efforts to further reduce the need for endotracheal intubation by applying newer strategies such as less invasive surfactant instillation, noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, or use of high flow nasal cannula oxygen. For infants requiring mechanical ventilation, newer strategies such as volume targeted ventilation or neurally adjusted ventilation are being evaluated to reduce ventilator induced lung injury. Despite these advances, there are significant challenges, including lack of conclusive evidence base for many of currently used respiratory strategies, no reduction in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the last decade, and difficulties in defining outcome measures that better reflect long-term respiratory health.
Pregnancy after Endometriosis: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes according to the Location of the Disease
Authors: Uccella Stefano , Manzoni Paolo , Cromi Antonella , Marconi Nicola , Gisone Baldo , Miraglia Andrea , Biasoli Sara , Zorzato Pier Carlo , Ferrari Stefania , Lanzo Gabriele , Bertoli Francesca , Capozzi Vito Andrea , Gallina Davide , Agosti Massimo , Ghezzi Fabio
Published: July 2019

Objective To systematically evaluate pregnancy and labor course, obstetrical complications, and maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with endometriosis, stratifying according to the specific location of the disease.

Study Design We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained obstetrical database from January 2011 to August 2014 to identify all women with a previous histological diagnosis of endometriosis who delivered at our institution (cases). We divided the cases according to the specific location of the disease (deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and peritoneal endometriosis). As controls, we identified all unaffected women who delivered in the year 2013. To avoid the confounding effect of parity, we limited our analysis to nulliparous women.

Results A total of 118 nulliparous women with endometriosis and 1,690 nulliparous controls were identified. Women with endometriosis were significantly older, had a lower body mass index, and had a higher incidence of assisted reproductive technology. The duration of pregnancy was significantly shorter among women with endometriosis. A higher incidence of placenta previa (3.4 vs. 0.5%; p = 0.006), hypertension (11 vs. 5.9%; p = 0.04), cesarean section (41.5 vs. 24.2%; p < 0.0001), and vacuum delivery (10.1 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.006) was found in women with endometriosis. Neonatal outcomes were similar between groups. The incidence of placenta previa in patients with deep endometriosis was 11.7 versus 0.5% among controls (p < 0.0001), whereas in women with ovarian and peritoneal endometriosis, it was similar to the controls.

Conclusion Women with endometriosis have a higher incidence of vacuum delivery, cesarean section, and placenta previa compared with unaffected women. The higher risk of placenta previa is attributable exclusively to women with deep endometriosis. Neonatal outcomes are unaffected by the presence of the disease.
Effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Formula on Severity and Outcomes of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Alsaleem Mahdi , Berkelhamer Sara K. , Wilding Gregory E. , Miller Lorin M. , Reynolds Anne Marie
Published: July 2019

Objective This study compares the effect of partially hydrolyzed formula (PHF) and standard formula (SF) on the severity and short-term outcomes of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

Study Design We performed a retrospective chart review of 124 opioid-dependent mothers and their term or near-term infants. Infants were categorized according to the predominant type of formula consumed during the hospital stay. Finnegan's scale was used to assess symptoms of withdrawal.

Results A total of 110 infants met our inclusion criteria. Thirty-four (31%) infants were fed predominantly PHF, 60 (54%) infants were fed SF, and 16 (15%) infants were fed maternal breast milk. There was no difference between the infants in the PHF and SF groups with respect to requirement of morphine (MSO4) therapy, maximum dose of MSO4 used, duration of MSO4 treatment or length of hospital stay after performing multivariate analyses to control for type of drug used by the mother, maternal smoking, regular prenatal care, inborn status, and maximum Finnegan score prior to MSO4 treatment.

Conclusion Use of PHF failed to impact short-term outcomes in infants treated for NAS including maximum MSO4 dose, duration of MSO4 treatment, and length of hospital stay. A prospective randomized controlled trial may be indicated to confirm this finding.
Self-Reported Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use in Pregnant Women with Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Hyer Jennifer , Ulrickson Claire , Yerelian Elise , Metz Torri D. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Hoffman M. Camille
Published: July 2019

Objective Substance use disorders often coexist with depression. The objective of this study was to establish whether pregnant women who report depressive symptomatology were more likely to report use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana during pregnancy.

Study Design This was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Preterm Prediction Study. Self-reported history of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use was compared between pregnant women with and without depressive symptomatology with adjustment for demographic factors.

Results After adjustment for demographic factors, women with depressive symptomatology were more likely to report: any alcohol use (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.8), >1 drink per week (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0–1.8), and >1 drink per day (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.4). Women with depressive symptomatology were also more likely to report use of marijuana (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.6) and cigarettes (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7).

Conclusion Depressive symptomatology was associated with an increase in self-reported the use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana during pregnancy. These data reveal the importance of targeted screening of pregnant women with depressive symptomatology for substance use.
Association of Caloric Intake, Protein Intake, and Enteral Feeding Initiation with Weight Gain in Infants Born 32 to 34 Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Talbo Meryem Khadija , Besner Marie-Eve , Plourde Hugues , Claveau Martine , Beltempo Marc
Published: July 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine the association of caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time in the first 3 days of life with weight loss percentage (%WL) at 7 days among infants born 32 to 34 weeks' gestational age (GA).

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of 252 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Patient data included patient characteristics, daily weight, intake, and method of nutrition in the first 3 days. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore associations between outcome (%WL at day 7 of life) and exposures (caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time) and adjusted for covariates (GA, birth weight, and sex).

Results Median 7 days %WL was 2.3% (interquartile range: −5.2, 1.2). Average caloric intake and average protein intake in the first 3 days were 57 kcal/kg/d and 2.3 g/kg/d. In the adjusted linear regression, caloric intake and protein intake (coefficient = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.06, 0.09 and coefficient = 0.11, 95% CI: −0.36, 2.30) were not associated with %WL at 7 days. Enteral feeds ≤12 hours were associated with less %WL at 7 days of life (Coef = −0.15, 95% CI: −2.67, −0.17).

Conclusion Enteral feeds ≤12 hours after delivery is associated with lower %WL at 7 days among preterm infants 32 to 34 weeks' GA.
Room temperature magnetoelectric coupling and relaxor-like multiferroic nature in a biphase of cubic pyrochlore and spinel
Authors: Rahman Raja Altaf U , Jain Ruth D. E. , Chakravarty Sujoy , Schmid-Beurmann Peter , Duraisamy Dhayanithi , Venkatesan Giridharan Nambi , Zhou Peng , Srinivasan G. , Murugan Ramaswamy
Published: July 2019

The search for multiferroic order in a single phase of bismuth pyrochlore has been unsuccessful so far. In this direction, our study unveiled the capability of a biphase of bismuth pyrochlore and spinel in hosting a multiferroic order at room temperature. A complex oxide biphase of cubic pyrochlore and cubic spinel crystals acquired in the Bi2O3-Nb2O5-2MnCO3-Fe2O3 system revealed the crystals of a spinel phase (Fe1.59(3)Mn1.39(3)O4.26(7)) intergrown in the dense pyrochlore (Bi1.35(1)Fe0.64(1)Nb1.26(1)Mn0.75(1)O6.39(5)) matrix. The average composition of the components of the investigated biphase was determined using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The structural features indicated the presence of large ionic displacements within the cubic pyrochlore phase as seen from the appearance of 442 reflection in the X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared active mode at ∼64 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum recorded at room temperature. The pyrochlore single-phase composition (Bi1.35(1)Fe0.64(1)Nb1.26(1)Mn0.75(1)O6.39(5)), as suggested from a thorough EPMA microstructural analysis, exhibited broad dielectric relaxation and an overall paramagnetic behavior. The observation of disordered superparamagnetism as well as dielectric relaxation in the biphase conformed to that of a relaxorlike multiferroic behavior at room temperature. Moreover, self-biased magnetoelectric voltage coefficients of 0.60 mV/cm Oe at 100 Hz and 5.54 mV/cm Oe at 1 kHz were detected between magnetization and electric polarization at room temperature. Therefore, the composite of such a pyrochlore and spinel with an inherent property of strong spin–orbit and spin–lattice coupling will be interesting from theoretical and experimental point of view in the arena of magnetoelectrics.
Transport control of dust particles by pulse-time modulated RF in dusty plasmas
Authors: Lin Jiashu , Hashimoto Kuri , Togashi Rui , Utegenov Almasbek , Hénault Marie , Takahashi Kazuo , Boufendi Laïfa , Ramazanov Tlekkabul
Published: July 2019

Transport of dust particles was studied in radio frequency (RF) plasmas. Dust particles of two sizes were injected in the plasmas. The plasmas were generated by applying a pulse-time modulated RF voltage. The pulse-time modulation made it possible to change the electron temperature in the plasmas. The electron temperature dominates the charges of the dust particles and the electric fields around the sheath where the dust particles are levitated. The equilibrium position of the dust particles can be determined by forces on them derived from the charges and the electric fields. In this research, it was clearly shown to change the position of the dust particles and drop them from the plasmas by the pulsed-time modulation. Furthermore, the modulated RF plasma worked as sieves of the dust particles. It was possible to drop larger dust particles from the plasma, while smaller ones remain in the plasmas.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth and structural properties of hetero-crystalline and heterovalent PbTe/CdTe/InSb structures
Authors: Lassise Maxwell B. , McCarthy Tyler T. , Tracy Brian D. , Smith David J. , Zhang Yong-Hang
Published: July 2019

Rock-salt lead chalcogenides such as PbTe are of much current interest for the physics study of quantum materials as a topological insulator and practical applications for infrared photodetectors. Heterocrystalline (rock-salt on zincblende) and heterovalent PbTe/CdTe/InSb heterostructures are grown on (001) InSb substrates using a single-chamber molecular beam epitaxy system. Elemental Pb and Te sources are used to independently vary the flux conditions at the heterocrystalline interface in nearly lattice-matched PbTe/InSb and PbTe/CdTe heterostructures. A streaky (1 × 1) surface reconstruction is observed during the growth of thicker PbTe layers on both InSb and CdTe, signifying smooth layer-by-layer growth. The thickness required for smooth PbTe growth on nearly lattice-matched zincblende materials can be minimized with the proper choice of growth conditions, particularly at the heterocrystalline interface. Characterization with x-ray diffraction indicates good crystalline quality, and observations by transmission electron microscopy reveal sharp interfaces between the PbTe and CdTe films.
Electric-field control of the remanent-magnetic-state relaxation in a piezoelectric-ferromagnetic PZT-5%Fe3O4 composite
Authors: Vertsioti G. , Pissas M. , Zhang S. J. , Stamopoulos D.
Published: July 2019

Magnetoelectric (ME) composites that exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties have attracted significant attention, thanks to their potential applications, e.g., low-energy-consumption storage devices. Here, we study bulk composites based on Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) as a piezoelectric (PE) matrix and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) as soft ferromagnetic (FM) and magnetostrictive additives, in the form PZT-xFe3O4 with 0% ≤ x ≤ 50 wt. %, all sintered at T = 1000 °C for 2 h in air. We focus our study on a completely insulating sample x = 5% and measure its properties at room temperature upon an out-of-plane external electric field, Eex: namely, piezoelectric response [in-plane strain, S(Eex)], polarization [P(Eex)], and relaxation of the remanent magnetization, [mrem(t,Eex)], prepared upon application and removal of an external magnetic field. The peaks observed in the butterflylike S(Eex) curves at E±peak = ±6 kV/cm and the nucleation field recorded in the P(Eex) loops at the same range around E±nuc = ±6 kV/cm (both referring to the PZT PE matrix) are clearly imprinted on the relaxation behavior of the mrem(t,Eex) data (referring to the Fe3O4 FM NPs). This experimental fact proves the ME coupling between the PZT matrix and the embedded Fe3O4 NPs. We ascribe this feature to the comparable piezoelectricity of the PZT matrix and the magnetostriction of the Fe3O4 NPs that probably motivate and/or promote a strain transfer mechanism occurring at the PZT matrix-Fe3O4 NP interfaces. Our work proves that the low cost PZT-xFe3O4 composite is a promising candidate ME material for future studies, aiming to potential applications.
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) on inorganic or polymeric membranes
Authors: Weber Matthieu , Julbe Anne , Kim Sang Sub , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: July 2019

Membranes can be defined as physical barriers allowing the selective transport of species. This tutorial aims to provide the basics of membrane technologies and materials, the fundamentals of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, and, most importantly, to describe how to efficiently perform ALD on different membrane substrates. Membrane devices enable a considerable reduction of costs and environmental impacts for many industries, and there is a constant need to improve their operational performance. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a deposition technique enabling the preparation of high quality thin films on extremely high-aspect-ratio substrates with an excellent conformality and a thickness control at the nanolevel, a unique capability. Therefore, this technology can be applied for both pore size tailoring and interface engineering in membrane structures. Certain important aspects that must be taken into consideration when carrying out ALD on these highly porous ceramic or polymeric membrane substrates will be addressed, in order to achieve a conformal coating of pore walls. Finally, this tutorial will also provide specific case studies to illustrate how ALD can be applied to various membrane devices and improve their operational performance. Thus, by providing this knowledge of ALD for membrane applications, this tutorial will permit us to better exploit this emerging and growing field.
Design and power generation of tilted Cu/Fe2V(Al0.9Si0.1) multilayers via the transverse thermoelectric effect
Authors: Kodaira Naoto , Miyazaki Yuzuru , Hayashi Kei
Published: July 2019

We have conducted a computer simulation of thermoelectric (TE) properties in tilted Cu/Fe2V(Al0.9Si0.1) multilayers. Such a tilted configuration yields a transverse (off-diagonal) TE effect whereby an electric current can flow perpendicularly to the temperature gradient. Appropriately controlling the relative Cu thickness and the tilting angle realizes a higher power factor than that of the parent TE materials. In our multilayers, the estimated power factor exceeds 8mW/K2m, being approximately three times higher than that of the parent TE materials. On the basis of the simulation results, we have fabricated several modules and achieved a maximum power of 4.83 mW in the module with a relative Cu thickness of 0.7 and a tilting angle of 30°.
Particle heating and energy partition in low-β guide field reconnection with kinetic Riemann simulations
Authors: Zhang Qile , Drake J. F. , Swisdak M.
Published: July 2019

Kinetic Riemann simulations have been completed to explore particle heating during guide field reconnection in the low-β environment of the inner heliosphere and the solar corona. The reconnection exhaust is bounded by two rotational discontinuities (RDs), and two slow shocks (SSs) form within the exhaust as in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models. At the RDs, ions are accelerated by the magnetic field tension to drive the reconnection outflow as well as flows in the out-of-plane direction. The out-of-plane flows stream toward the midplane and meet to drive the SSs. The SSs differ greatly from those in the MHD model. The turbulence at the shock fronts and both upstream and downstream is weak, and so the shocks are laminar and produce little dissipation. Downstream of the SSs, the counterstreaming ion beams lead to higher density, which leads to a positive potential between the SSs which acts to confine the downstream electrons to maintain charge neutrality. The potential accelerates electrons from upstream of the SSs to the downstream region and traps a small fraction but only modestly increases the downstream electron temperature above the upstream value. In the low-β limit, the released magnetic energy is split between bulk flow and ion heating with little energy going to electrons. That the model produces neither strong electron heating nor an energetic electron component suggests that other mechanisms, such as multiple x-line reconnection, are required to explain energetic electron production in large flares. The model can be tested with the expected data from the Parker Solar Probe.