bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation and evolution: Local newspapers as ambidextrous organizations
Authors: Jenkins Joy , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: February 2020

This study uses 48 in-depth interviews with managers, editors, and reporters at local and regional newspapers and their parent companies in four countries (Finland, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) to examine how they discuss changes to their business models and the ways their news organizations are adapting to emerging audience-consumption trends in the digital environment. The results show that interviewees continue to prioritize the economic importance of their print products, despite declines in advertising and subscriptions. They also believe that for local news to continue, journalists must better understand the business strategies of their news organizations. Finally, they acknowledge the value of experimenting with new approaches to monetization, including implementing paywalls and using analytics to personalize content. In balancing the merits of their print products with their desire to develop new digital offerings, local newspapers seek to operate as ‘ambidextrous organizations’ that exploit the products of the past while exploring innovations that may help sustain them in the future.
Design of a new low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle and vision-based concrete crack inspection method
Authors: Lei Bin , Ren Yali , Wang Ning , Huo Linsheng , Song Gangbing
Published: February 2020

With the explosive development of the computer vision technology, more and more vision-based inspection methods enabled by unmanned aerial vehicle technologies have been researched on the crack inspection of the sundry concrete structures. However, because of the limitation of the low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle hardware, whose cost is around US$500, most of the vision-based methods are difficult to be implemented on the low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle for real-time crack inspection. To address this challenge, in this article, a new computationally efficient vision-based crack inspection method is designed and successfully implemented on a low-cost unmanned aerial vehicle. Furthermore, to reduce the acquired data samples, a new algorithm entitled crack central point method is designed to extract the effective information from the pre-processed images. The proposed vision-based crack detection method includes the following three major components: (1) the image pre-processing algorithm, (2) crack central point method, and (3) the support vector machine model–based classifier. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the new inspection method, a concrete structure inspection experiment is implemented. The experimental results indicate that this new method is able to accurately and rapidly inspect the cracks of concrete structure in real time. This new vision-based crack inspection method shows great promise for the practical application.
A comparative study of two indirect methods to monitor surface integrity of ground components
Authors: Hübner Henrique Butzlaff , da Silva Rosemar Batista , Duarte Marcus Antônio Viana , da Silva Marcio Bacci , Ferreira Fabio Isaac , de Aguiar Paulo Roberto , Baptista Fabrício Guimarães
Published: February 2020

One of the major challenges in grinding is to conciliate the material removal rate with components free from damages. Due to the poor thermal conductivity of conventional grinding wheels, most of the heat generated during grinding is transferred to the workpiece surface and subsurface, which can cause thermal damages and impair the performance in service of machined components. Hence, it is very important to monitor the grinding process to ensure the quality of the machined parts. Thus, this work presents an innovative study comparing two indirect monitoring methods in monitoring surface integrity of steel during grinding: the acoustic emission technique and the electromechanical impedance technique. Worktable speed and radial depth of cut were used as input parameters. Visual inspection and scanning electron microscopy images of ground surfaces as well as microhardness were the output variables used to assess surface integrity and to establish a relationship with the acoustic emission and electromechanical impedance techniques. Since the acoustic emission signals are non-stationary in nature, these signals were analyzed in the time–frequency domain by applying the short-time Fourier transform and the continuous wavelet transform. The root mean square deviation index was extracted as feature from the acoustic emission and electromechanical impedance signals. Results showed that both techniques presented similar results. The root mean square deviation index showed a good correlation with alterations in surface integrity under the conditions investigated.
Social Marketing Interventions in Iran: A Systematic Review; 2002–2017
Authors: Alhosseini Almodarresi Seyed Mahdi , Shahadati Asghar , Ardekani Saeid Saeida
Published: February 2020

Social marketing, as an interdisciplinary approach, has been proved effective in improving individual and social life in multiple fields. One way to expand this growing field is to investigate and evaluate the current literature on principles and benchmark criteria of social marketing. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate social marketing interventions in the country of Iran with two main objectives: (a) examining the use of seven social marketing components used in interventions and (b) investigating the scope of intervention in three social marketing streams (i.e., downstream, midstream, upstream). Following standard review studies in this field, a primary search was conducted on 13 online databases (7 Persian and 6 English databases). Using relevant keywords, Persian and English articles published from 2002 to 2017 were extracted from national and international journals. A total of 497 records were obtained from the search, 5 of which met the criteria for entering this review study. Analyses of the findings indicated that most interventions in Iran lack the minimum social marketing criteria and merely focused on a downstream approach. By investigating social marketing interventions, this research extends understanding of the social marketing status in developing countries, specifically in Iran with a non-English language. While the findings provide empirical support for the previous framework of the seven benchmark criteria, it can be concluded that Iran is at an early stage in its development of using social marketing interventions. This study recommends the use of multiple methods for conducting formative research and considers midstream and upstream approaches.
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates cigarette smoke-induced COPD through inhibition of the TGF-β1/smad pathway
Authors: Wang Liang , Meng Jing , Wang Caicai , Yang Chao , Wang Yuan , Li Yamei , Li Yujing
Published: February 2020

Smoking has become a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through weakening of the respiratory mucus-ciliary transport system, impairing cough reflex sensitivity, and inducing inflammation. Recent researches have indicated that hydrogen sulfide is essential in the development of various lung diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of hydrogen sulfide on cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not been reported. In this study, rats were treated with cigarette smoke to create a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model followed by treatment with a low concentration of hydrogen sulfide. Pulmonary function, histopathological appearance, lung edema, permeability, airway remodeling indicators, oxidative products/antioxidases levels, inflammatory factors in lung, cell classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured to examine the effect of hydrogen sulfide on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model. The results showed that hydrogen sulfide effectively improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, and permeability. Airway remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation were also reduced by hydrogen sulfide treatment. To understand the mechanisms, we measured the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-βIand TGF-βII receptors and Smad7 and phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3. The results indicated that the TGF-β1 and Smad were activated in cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model, but inhibited by hydrogen sulfide. In conclusion, this study showed that hydrogen sulfide treatment alleviated cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.

Impact statement

COPD has become a severe public health issue in the world and smoking has become a major cause of COPD. As a result, it is a demandingly needed to explore new potential therapy for cigarette smoke-associated COPD. The present study suggested that H2S treatment improved pulmonary function and reduced histopathological changes, lung edema, permeability, inflammation, airway remodeling and oxidative injury in a COPD model induced by cigarette smoke. Although additional studies are required to elucidate the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of H2S in the cigarette smoke-associated COPD, our findings provide an experimental basis for the potential clinical application of H2S in COPD treatment.
BDNF Met allele Is Associated With Lower Cognitive Function in Poststroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Han Zhenxiang , Qi Lili , Xu Qinfeng , Xu Mingzhu , Cai Lei , Wong John , Hu Xinjia , Luo Xun , Wang Jiening , Zhang Yuling , Li Yapeng , Wang Qing Mei
Published: February 2020

Background and purpose. The identification of a genetic role for cognitive outcome could influence the design of individualized treatment in poststroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to determine whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is independently associated with poststroke functional outcome. Methods. A total of 775 stroke patients with genomic data were identified from the Partners HealthCare Biobank, which contains a large number of genotypes from Biobank’s consented patients. Of 775 stroke patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 86 were enrolled. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure scores at the time of admission and discharge. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for covariate variables, including age, sex, and medical conditions, were used to evaluate the association between BDNF Val66Met and functional outcome. Results. We detected a significant correlation between Met alleles and lower cognitive function at discharge in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Genotyping findings confirmed that BDNF Met allele frequency was higher in contrast to Val/Val allele frequency in lower cognitive functional recovery. Furthermore, after adjusting for covariate variables, BDNF Met alleles were found to be associated with lower cognitive outcome [ P = .003; odds ratio (OR) = 5.95 (1.81-19.52)] and recovery [ P = .006; OR = 3.16 (1.4-7.15)], especially with lower problem solving, expression, and social recovery in all stroke patients. Conclusions. Met allele carriers exhibited impaired poststroke cognitive function. The BDNF genotype may be a useful predictor of cognitive function in inpatient poststroke rehabilitation.
Most recent developments in electrospun magnetic nanofibers: A review
Authors: Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2020

One-dimensional materials, such as nanowires, nanotubes, or nanofibers, have attracted more and more attention recently due to their unique physical properties. Their large length-to-diameter ratio creates anisotropic material properties which could not be reached in bulk material. Especially one-dimensional magnetic structures are of high interest since the strong shape anisotropy reveals new magnetization reversal modes and possible applications. One possibility to create magnetic nanofibers in a relatively simple way is offered by electrospinning them from polymer solutions or melts with incorporated magnetic nanoparticles. This review gives an overview of most recent methods of electrospinning magnetic nanofibers, measuring their properties as well as possible applications from basic research to single-cell manipulation to microwave absorption.
Identifying the Need for Respite Care for People with Learning Disabilities in Northern Ireland
Authors: Sines D.
Published: February 2020

The present paper describes the methods employed to investigate the range and models of respite care services provided for people with learning disabilities and their carers in Northern Ireland. A total of 1786 carers (representing 1917 persons with learning disabilities) were surveyed to determine their perceptions and levels of satisfaction regarding the range of services provided for them. In addition 101 local respite care services were examined and interviews conducted with commissioners, providers and professional support staff to assess the perceptions of individuals involved in the planning, commissioning and provision of respite care services. The study confirmed that regional variations existed throughout the Province and that the current range of services often failed to meet the significant (and often complex) needs of users. Epidemiological data was obtained regarding the presenting needs of users. Specific recommendations were made requesting that the availability of comprehensive information about respite care should be readily accessible to users and carers. The need to extend the range of services and to provide more inclusive services for groups such as children and adults with autistic spectrum disorder, people with behavioural and complex medical conditions was also identified. Whilst the study was conducted in Northern Ireland it is considered that many of the findings will be equally applicable to elsewhere in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The Laying on of Hands: Nursing Staff Talk about Physical Restraint
Authors: Edwards R.
Published: February 2020

‘Care and Responsibility’, previously labelled ‘Control and Restraint’, is a nationally recognized approach to physical restraint. This study explores how 11 nursing staff, who work with people with learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges services, evaluate the method. Whilst there has been a considerable debate in the literature concerning physical restraint methods – and the discussion is often vociferous – there is no consensus about the appropriateness of different approaches. Peculiarly, the opinions of staff are at the periphery, or worse still, absent from the arena. In this qualitative project, this issue is addressed by using intensive, semi-structured interviews to probe the views of the participants. The interviewees discussed a range of topics and identified a number of main themes. This paper details one of these, teamwork, and explores three key elements associated with this category.
Association between Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease: Review of the Literature
Authors: Hutchinson N. J.
Published: February 2020

In recent years, advances in medical, surgical and nursing care have resulted in a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of children born with Down's syndrome (DS), giving rise to an older population of people with DS not previously seen. It has become clear from the study of the ageing DS population that an association exists between DS and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This paper reviews neuropathological and clinical evidence of an association between DS and AD. The clinical features of AD in people with DS and apparent differences between the signs and symptoms of AD seen in individuals with DS and older people with AD in the general population are discussed. Issues pertaining to the diagnosis of AD in people with DS, such as diagnostic criteria, the process of diagnosis, and specific problems of diagnosing AD in people with DS are also discussed. The therapeutic needs of individuals with DS who are diagnosed as having AD are considered and the necessity to strive to make the diagnostic procedure as valid as possible is expressed. The paper concludes that neuropsychological testing has an important role to play in the diagnostic process.
Involving Service Users in Professional Nurse Education in Wales
Authors: Fisher M. , Coyle D.
Published: February 2020

A small scale survey was conducted among nurse educationalists within Wales as part of the ongoing monitoring of Welsh Office targets for learning disability nursing. This survey showed that there has been very little service user involvement in professional nurse education in Wales. The authors discuss the possible reasons for such low level involvement. Examples of involvement of people with learning disabilities are compared to the much more favourable situation within the mental health field. Possible reasons for the barriers to progress in this area are discussed. The history of service user involvement and the development of advocacy both within the UK and other countries is also highlighted. The impact of various government initiatives on this situation is considered.
Participatory Research with People who have a Earning Difficulty: Journeys without a Map
Authors: McClimens A.
Published: February 2020

Emancipatory research has become a focus of interest in the field of disability studies. Despite concerns over its methodological and epistemological position it continues to stimulate debate. Widely adopted by those concerned with social inequity it has become influential in the arena of researching the lives of people who have learning difficulties. Some recent commentators have attempted to use a collaborative approach in conducting their research and in doing so have discovered problems in trying to make the process truly participative. Are these problems inherent in the research design or are they contingent upon the nature of the relationship between the researcher and the researched? This paper considers the theoretical background and the practical problems in the light of the author's experiences of collaborating on a small-scale presentational project with a young man who has a learning difficulty. It is suggested that the purpose of emancipatory research must be made transparent if the intentions are to be translated into a reality. This honesty is necessary in order to appreciate the difference in intention and outcome which will necessarily be shared by parties who approach a ‘common problem’ from different perspectives.
N-Acetylcysteine causes analgesia in a mouse model of painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Notartomaso Serena , Scarselli Pamela , Mascio Giada , Liberatore Francesca , Mazzon Emanuela , Mammana Santa , Gugliandolo Agnese , Cruccu Giorgio , Bruno Valeria , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

N-Acetylcysteine, one of the most prescribed antioxidant drugs, enhances pain threshold in rodents and humans by activating mGlu2 metabotropic glutamate receptors. Here, we assessed the analgesic activity of N-acetylcysteine in the streptozotocin model of painful diabetic neuropathy and examined the effect of N-acetylcysteine on proteins that are involved in mechanisms of nociceptive sensitization. Mice with blood glucose levels ≥250 mg/dl in response to a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (200 mg/kg) were used for the assessment of mechanical pain thresholds. Systemic treatment with N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg, i.p., either single injection or daily injections for seven days) caused analgesia in diabetic mice. N-acetylcysteine-induced analgesia was abrogated by the [Formula: see text] inhibitors, sulfasalazine (8 mg/kg, i.p.), erastin (30 mg/kg, i.p.), and sorafenib (10 mg/kg, i.p.), or by the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Repeated administrations of N-acetylcysteine in diabetic mice reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the dorsal region of the lumbar spinal cord. The analgesic activity of N-acetylcysteine was occluded by the MEK inhibitor, PD0325901 (25 mg/kg, i.p.), the TRPV1 channel blocker, capsazepine (40 mg/kg, i.p.), or by a cocktail of NMDA and mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists (memantine, 25 mg/kg, plus MTEP, 5 mg/kg, both i.p.). These findings offer the first demonstration that N-acetylcysteine relieves pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and holds promise for the use of N-acetylcysteine as an add-on drug in diabetic patients.
A failure interaction model for multicomponent repairable systems
Authors: Vijayan Vimal , Chaturvedi Sanjay K , Chandra Ritesh
Published: February 2020

Modeling of stochastic dependency among components in a repairable system is still a challenging task when dealing with the maintenance of multicomponent systems. With the help of stochastic dependency information, failure of a component brings attention to the components having strong interactions with the failed component. With this information, one can plan the maintenance of components in a better way. Since a change in failure probability of a component (due to deterioration or failure of a component in a given time interval) influences the failure probabilities of other components in the system, therefore, in this article, we consider probability of failure to represent the state of the component to model the stochastic dependency among components. We apply the Bayesian belief network to model such scenario of dependency among the components and present two case studies to compute various probabilities. In the first study, expert elicitation is being used, whereas the time between failure of the components is used in the second case to calculate failure probabilities. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach, one case study for each is presented. The first case study takes the case of an army truck through expert elicitation approach whereas the second case study deals with a rolling mill gearbox whose time between failure of components was available.
Goal-setting with patients with multi-morbidity
Authors: Shiner Alice , Player Emily , Salter Charlotte , Steel Professor Nicholas
Published: February 2020

It can be a challenging task for GPs to find the best approach to providing care for patients with multiple medical conditions (multi-morbidity). Most care focuses on the management of single diseases; however, adopting a patient-centred focus may be better for patients with multi-morbidity. This is encouraged in recent health policy and guidance. However, it is not always clear how this should be put into practice. This article describes how GPs might use ‘goal-setting’ during consultations with patients with multi-morbidity, to help achieve more effective care that is better suited to patient’s needs.
Estimating the Abundance of Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii) in the High Andes of Northern Ecuador
Authors: Naveda-Rodríguez Adrián , Santander Tatiana , Utreras B. Víctor , Zapata-Ríos Galo
Published: February 2020

The Andean Ibis ( Theristicus branickii) is discontinuously distributed in western South America from Ecuador to northern Chile. In Ecuador, it inhabits high elevations (>3,700 m) where it is classified as critically endangered because of its low population number caused by hunting and habitat loss. However, the population size of Andean Ibis in Ecuador is unknown, hindering the implementation of conservation actions. We performed a survey to estimate the abundance of Andean Ibis in the Ecuadorian Andes. In February 2016, and January 2017 and 2018, we conducted 11 point counts. Point counts were located in two provinces, each point count had nine 30-min visits. We recorded Andean Ibis in eight point counts, all in the Province of Napo. Detectability was explained by the amount of nontree vegetation cover and terrain slope, whereas abundance corresponded to gross primary productivity, annual mean temperature, and annual precipitation. We estimated there were 85 (95% credible interval [CI]: 63–117), 94 (95% CI: 32–125), and 134 (95% CI = 77–210) individuals of Andean Ibis in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. The fact that abundance increased in the past 3 years could be explained by an increase in gross primary productivity. We suggest continuing population monitoring and adopting the sampling protocol and data analysis methods presented here as a baseline to better understand the spatiotemporal variation in abundance.
Nucleophosmin1 (NPM1) abnormality in hematologic malignancies, and therapeutic targeting of mutant NPM1 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Hu Jianda
Published: February 2020

Nucleophosmin ( NPM1) is an abundant nucleolar protein that is implicated in a variety of biological processes and in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies. For hematologic malignancies, approximately one-third of anaplastic large-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas were found to express a fusion between NPM1 and the catalytic domain of anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase. About 50–60% of acute myeloid leukemia patients with normal karyotype carry NPM1 mutations, which are characterized by cytoplasmic dislocation of the NPM1 protein. Nevertheless, NPM1 is overexpressed in various hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. NPM1 overexpression is considered a prognostic marker of recurrence and progression of cancer. Thus, NPM1 abnormalities play a critical role in several types of hematologic malignancies. This has led to intense interest in the development of an NPM1 targeting strategy for cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize present knowledge on NPM1 origin, pathogenesis, and therapeutic interventions in hematologic malignancies.
A Link Between Attitudinal and Behavioral Loyalty of Service Customers
Authors: Saini Shivani , Singh Jagwinder
Published: February 2020

Past research works in the area of customer loyalty are insufficient to provide clear understanding of linkage in attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. In order to explain this linkage, present research tests the relationship between two forms of customer loyalty: attitudinal and behavioral. The study employs survey methodology to collect the responses from 600 customers of health clinics, fitness centers, beauty salons, and convenience stores. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire with a series of statements based on a 7-point Likert scale. To examine the bilateral relationships, a non-recursive model was implemented using structural equation modeling in Amos 17.0 designed for data analytics. The results reveal that attitudinal loyalty drives behavioral loyalty, while behavioral to attitudinal loyalty has been insupportable across the sample collected from diverse service categories. The study provides insights about the design of marketing strategies in targeting customers’ attitudinal loyalty, so that positive behavioral responses can be obtained to sustain the growth and profitability. This research adds value to the growing body of literature on customer loyalty by identifying the relationships between two broad dimensions: attitudinal and behavioral. The study empirically substantiates that an attitude–behavior relationship is significant to achieve true customer loyalty.
Understanding Women’s Access to Sanitation: A Study of the Slums in Delhi
Authors: Singh Kislay Kumar , Mishra Pragati
Published: February 2020

Sanitation is an important basic right for a dignified living. About 130 million households lack toilets; even more than 72 per cent of the rural population defecate in open areas. The dearth of proper sanitation facilities is visible throughout the Indian sub-continent. Even the capital has failed to distance from this crisis. Lack of sanitation facilities causes pollution, health issues and, above all, security problems, especially for women. Women ought to go for open defecation that makes them more vulnerable towards crime. Rape, sexual assault or eve-teasing often take place in the silence of the night, and the screams of pain never come out. This paper highlights the poor sanitation facilities in slums and jhuggi jhopadi clusters in Delhi and its effect on people living there. A gender analysis framework has been used to get a wider perspective on the problems arising due to the lack of sanitation.
Varieties of green: On aesthetic contestations over urban sustainability pathways in a Copenhagen community garden
Authors: Laage-Thomsen Jakob , Blok Anders
Published: February 2020

Alongside kindred civic-driven and place-based urban greening initiatives, studies document an upsurge over the last decade in urban gardening and alternative food initiatives across a range of Euro-American settings. Meanwhile, historical and cultural inquiries into urban design, planning and politics suggest that the place and role of ‘nature’ in the city is now undergoing significant shifts. In this article, we deploy a case study of a civic-driven permaculture garden in Copenhagen in order to suggest a novel analytical grid of the imaginative and material domain of public aesthetic norms shaping current-day tensions over interventions in and valuations of the fabric of multiform green-spaces in the city. Reading across existing literatures, we model this domain along two structuring axes – of ‘orderliness’ versus ‘wildness’ and ‘pastoral nature’ versus city-nature ‘imbrication’ – and illustrate the usefulness of the resulting grid for making sense of internal debates and external criticisms in the Copenhagen permaculture gardening case. By assisting us in explaining how and why this garden struggled to carve out a legitimate space in a city otherwise committed to urban nature, we argue that attention to variable urban-green aesthetic commitments helps recast questions of urban sustainability politics in important ways.
A probabilistic design method to achieve targeted levels of reliability for seismically isolated structures
Authors: Shao Benshun , Mahin Stephen A.
Published: February 2020

Previous studies conclude that additional capacities of isolation system are needed beyond minimum demand required in minimum design loads for buildings and other structures (ASCE 7) to achieve the targeted level of reliability for seismically isolated structures. To implement this concept for practical design, a probabilistic design method with minor computational cost is proposed to obtain the isolation system capacities based on the targeted failure fragility. As an essential statistical parameter for determining the fragility curve shape, total system uncertainty value ( βTOT) is needed. Among different sources of βTOT, the record to record uncertainty ( βRTR) contributes most to the isolator deformation demand and is challenging to obtain for a specific design case. A simplified procedure with minor computational cost has been proposed for estimating βRTR when failure is governed by the isolators. Main assumptions and simplifications in the proposed design method have been investigated and justified. Finally, a step-by-step procedure for implementing the proposed probabilistic design method has been introduced. A design example was given, and the three-dimensional incremental dynamic analysis was performed to validate the design method.
The influence of binders for the pelletization of fly ash zeolites on sulfur dioxide sorption properties
Authors: Czuma Natalia , Panek Rafał , Baran Paweł , Zarębska Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

Fly ash zeolites are economically and ecologically attractive alternatives to synthetic and natural zeolites. Their use as sulfur dioxide sorbents is one of the possible applications of these materials. During the process of fly ash zeolite synthesis, a light powder is formed, which is not acceptable in practical applications due to technical problems, such as a marked drop in pressure, diffusion limits, hydraulic resistance, clogging in the packed beds and the possibility of losing a bed. It is therefore necessary to perform a pelletization process. Thickening of the material during pelletization influences sorption capacity negatively due to diffusing limitations, while the lack of an additional binder may result in a material of low mechanical durability. In this study, pressure pelletization experiments with fly ash zeolite were performed. Binders were selected on the basis of economic considerations as well as their potential to exert a positive influence on the sorption properties of the produced pellets. Cyclic sorption experiments were conducted (on sulfur dioxide) in which one zeolite powder sample was subjected to pelletization without a binder and another sample was subjected to the process with selected binders added. The results of the experiments were then analysed to ascertain the influence of the pelletization process on sulfur dioxide sorption capacity.
Interplay between the tyrosine kinases Chk and Csk and phosphatase PTPRJ is critical for regulating platelets in mice
Authors: Nagy Zoltan , Mori Jun , Ivanova Vanesa-Sindi , Mazharian Alexandra , Senis Yotis A.
Published: February 2020

The Src family kinases (SFKs) Src, Lyn, and Fyn are essential for platelet activation and also involved in megakaryocyte (MK) development and platelet production. Platelet SFKs are inhibited by C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), which phosphorylates a conserved tyrosine in their C-terminal tail, and are activated by the receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase PTPRJ (CD148, DEP-1), which dephosphorylates the same residue. Deletion of Csk and PTPRJ in the MK lineage in mice results in increased SFK activity, but paradoxically hypoactive platelets resulting from negative feedback mechanisms, including upregulation of Csk homologous kinase (Chk) expression. Here, we investigate the role of Chk in platelets, functional redundancy with Csk, and the physiological consequences of ablating Chk, Csk, and PTPRJ in mice. Platelet count was normal in Chk knockout (KO) mice, reduced by 92% in Chk;Csk double KO (DKO) mice, and partially rescued in Chk;Csk;Ptprj triple KO (TKO) mice. Megakaryocyte numbers were significantly increased in both DKO and TKO mice. Phosphorylation of the inhibitory tyrosine of SFKs was almost completely abolished in DKO platelets, which was partially rescued in Src and Fyn in TKO platelets. This residual phosphorylation was abolished by Src inhibitors, revealing an unexpected mechanism in which SFKs autoinhibit their activity by phosphorylating their C-terminal tyrosine residues. We demonstrate that reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of SFKs leads to thrombocytopenia, with Csk being the dominant inhibitor in platelets and Chk having an auxiliary role. PTPRJ deletion in addition to Chk and Csk ameliorates the extent of thrombocytopenia, suggesting targeting it may have therapeutic benefits in such conditions.
Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis
Authors: van Dam Lisette F. , Dronkers Charlotte E. A. , Gautam Gargi , Eckerbom Åsa , Ghanima Waleed , Gleditsch Jostein , von Heijne Anders , Hofstee Herman M. A. , Hovens Marcel M. C. , Huisman Menno V. , Kolman Stan , Mairuhu Albert T. A. , Nijkeuter Mathilde , van de Ree Marcel A. , van Rooden Cornelis J. , Westerbeek Robin E. , Westerink Jan , Westerlund Eli , Kroft Lucia J. M. , Klok Frederikus A.
Published: February 2020

The diagnosis of recurrent ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is challenging, because persistent intravascular abnormalities after previous DVT often hinder a diagnosis by compression ultrasonography. Magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI), a technique without intravenous contrast and with a 10-minute acquisition time, has been shown to accurately distinguish acute recurrent DVT from chronic thrombotic remains. We have evaluated the safety of MRDTI as the sole test for excluding recurrent ipsilateral DVT. The Theia Study was a prospective, international, multicenter, diagnostic management study involving patients with clinically suspected acute recurrent ipsilateral DVT. Treatment of the patients was managed according to the result of the MRDTI, performed within 24 hours of study inclusion. The primary outcome was the 3-month incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after a MRDTI negative for DVT. The secondary outcome was the interobserver agreement on the MRDTI readings. An independent committee adjudicated all end points. Three hundred five patients were included. The baseline prevalence of recurrent DVT was 38%; superficial thrombophlebitis was diagnosed in 4.6%. The primary outcome occurred in 2 of 119 (1.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-5.9) patients with MRDTI negative for DVT and thrombophlebitis, who were not treated with any anticoagulant during follow-up; neither of these recurrences was fatal. The incidence of recurrent VTE in all patients with MRDTI negative for DVT was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.13%-3.8%). The agreement between initial local and post hoc central reading of the MRDTI images was excellent (κ statistic, 0.91). The incidence of VTE recurrence after negative MRDTI was low, and MRDTI proved to be a feasible and reproducible diagnostic test. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02262052.
Inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal may improve outcomes in elderly patients with COPD exacerbation: a nationwide database study
Authors: Jo Taisuke , Yasunaga Hideo , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Mitani Akihisa , Hiraishi Yoshihisa , Hasegawa Wakae , Sakamoto Yukiyo , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Nagase Takahide
Published: February 2020

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are used for advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The application and safety of ICS withdrawal remain controversial.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between ICS withdrawal and outcomes in elderly patients with COPD with or without comorbid bronchial asthma, who were hospitalised for exacerbation.

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from July 2010 to March 2016.We identified patients aged ≥65 years who were hospitalised for COPD exacerbation. Re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death, frequency of antimicrobial medicine prescriptions and frequency of oral corticosteroid prescriptions after discharge were compared between patients with withdrawal and continuation of ICSs using propensity score analyses, namely 1–2 propensity score matching and stabilised inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results

Among 3735 eligible patients, 971 and 2764 patients had ICS withdrawal and continuation, respectively. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death for ICS withdrawal compared to continuation were 0.65 (0.52–0.80) in the propensity score matching and 0.71 (0.56–0.90) in the inverse probability of treatment weighting. The frequency of antimicrobial prescriptions but not corticosteroid prescriptions within 1 year was significantly less in the ICS withdrawal group. Among patients with comorbid bronchial asthma, ICS withdrawal was significantly associated with reduced re-hospitalisation for COPD exacerbation or death only in the propensity score matching analysis.

Conclusion

ICS withdrawal after COPD exacerbation was significantly associated with reduced incidences of re-hospitalisation or death among elderly patients, including those with comorbid bronchial asthma.
Expression of Concern to: The α7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor agonist GTS-21 improves bacterial clearance in mice by restoring hyperoxia-compromised macrophage function
Authors: Sitapara Ravikumar A. , Antoine Daniel J. , Sharma Lokesh , Patel Vivek S. , Ashby Charles R. , Gorasiya Samir , Yang Huan , Zur Michelle , Mantell Lin L.
Published: February 2020

The Editors-in-Chief would like to alert readers that this article (Sitapara et al. 2014) is part of an investigation being conducted by the journal following the conclusions of an institutional enquiry at the University of Liverpool with respect to the quantitative mass spectrometry-generated results regarding acetylated and redox-modified HMGB1.
A Computational Synthesis Approach of Mechanical Conceptual Design Based on Graph Theory and Polynomial Operation
Authors: Han Lin , Liu Geng , Yang Xiaohui , Han Bing
Published: February 2020

The design synthesis is the key issue in the mechanical conceptual design to generate the design candidates that meet the design requirements. This paper devotes to propose a novel and computable synthesis approach of mechanisms based on graph theory and polynomial operation. The graph framework of the synthesis approach is built firstly, and it involves: (1) the kinematic function units extracted from mechanisms; (2) the kinematic link graph that transforms the synthesis problem from mechanical domain into graph domain; (3) two graph representations, i.e., walk representation and path representation, of design candidates; (4) a weighted matrix theorem that transforms the synthesis process into polynomial operation. Then, the formulas and algorithm to the polynomial operation are presented. Based on them, the computational flowchart to the synthesis approach is summarized. A design example is used to validate and illustrate the synthesis approach in detail. The proposed synthesis approach is not only supportive to enumerate the design candidates to the conceptual design of a mechanical system exhaustively and automatically, but also helpful to make that enumeration process computable.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of wood and acetylated wood in nonequilibrium states swollen by water or organic liquids
Authors: Miyoshi Yuka , Sakae Ai , Arimura Nao , Kojiro Keisuke , Furuta Yuzo
Published: February 2020

To discuss the factors that greatly affect the stabilization and destabilization of the conformation of lignin caused by changes in temperature and/or swelling, the temperature dependence of the loss tangent (tanδ) of the sample given the different cooling rates and the changes in the storage elastic modulus (E′) and the loss elastic modulus (Eʺ) over time during the swelling process were measured using the untreated or the acetylated wood samples swollen by water or organic liquids. The difference in the glass transition temperature of lignin mainly affects the degree of the destabilization of the conformation of lignin caused by quenching in the untreated and acetylated wood samples. The changes in E′ and Eʺ during swelling process were significantly different between the liquids in the untreated wood sample. The differences of E′ and Eʺ in the different liquids were considered to be caused by the balance of the stabilization depending on the swelling amount and passage of time and the destabilization due to the rapid swelling.
Are pre-existing psychiatric disorders the only reason for involuntary holds in the emergency department?
Authors: Lachner Christian , Maniaci Michael J. , Vadeboncoeur Tyler F. , Dawson Nancy L. , Rummans Teresa A. , Roy Archana , Hall Lorrina L. , Burton M. Caroline
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To determine the role of previous psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders on emergency department (ED) patients on involuntary holds and compare presentations, treatment, and outcomes based on cause.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients ≥ 18 years old on involuntary holds in the ED of a tertiary care center from January 1, 2013, to November 30, 2015. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Those with and without prior psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder were compared.

Results

We identified 251 patients of which 129 (51.4%) had a psychiatric disorder, 23 (9.2%) had a substance use disorder, and 86 (34.3%) had both. Thirteen patients (5.2%) had no psychiatric disorder or substance use disorder and the majority 10 (76.9%) were on involuntary holds due to suicidal threats related to pain or another medical problem. Patients without a psychiatric or substance use disorder were older (55 years [17.8] vs 42 [19]; P = 0.01), more likely to be married (10 [76.9%] vs 64 [26.9%]; P < 0.001), and had more medical comorbidities (10 [76.9%] vs 114 [47.9%]; P = 0.049) compared with those without a psychiatric or substance use disorder.

Conclusion

Patients on involuntary holds most commonly have pre-existing psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder. Patients on involuntary holds without history of psychiatric disorder often have severe pain or other active medical conditions which may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Addressing these underlying medical issues may be crucial in preventing further psychiatric decompensation.
Window phase analysis of nutrient losses from a typical rice-planting area in the Yangtze river delta region of China
Authors: He Shuang , Li Fayong , Liang Xinqiang , Li Hua , Wang Sheng , Jin Yingbing , Liu Boyi , Tian Guangming
Published: February 2020

Background

Rice paddy wetlands may serve as a nutrient source or sink in agricultural ecosystems. However, the pattern of nutrient loss on a watershed scale is not clear. A year-round on-site observation study based on 6-h intervals was conducted. Rainfall, temperature, runoff nutrient concentrations, and adjacent stream water samples were automatically monitored to uncover the temporal changes in the runoff losses of the predominant nutrient proxies (total N and total P) from a typical rice-planting area (120 ha) in the Yangtze river delta region of China.

Results

A high total N concentration in the rice-planting area was observed during the rice-planting season; however, significant fluctuation in the total P was evident throughout the year. The Δtotal N (drainage minus stream) parameter showed negative values with a mean of −0.25 mg L−1, while Δtotal P showed positive values with a mean of 0.06 mg L−1. The annual average N and P runoff from paddy field were 11.6 kg ha−1 and 1.5 kg ha−1, respectively. The window phases for the total N loss were mainly concentrated in the rice-growing season. However, the window phase for the total P loss was more dispersive throughout the year. No apparent relationships were found between rainfall and N and P concentrations by self-organizing map analysis.

Conclusions

The high-resolution monitoring, in this study, suggested that nutrient loss loading rather than nutrient concentration was strongly related to surface runoff Therefore, fertilization before high-intensity rainfall should be avoided to mitigate the nutrient runoff losses and maintain the rice wetland eco-function.
Chronic administration of plasma from exercised rats to sedentary rats does not induce redox and metabolic adaptations
Authors: Goutianos Georgios , Margaritelis Nikos V. , Sparopoulou Theodora , Veskoukis Aristidis S. , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Paschalis Vassilis , Nikolaidis Michalis G. , Kyparos Antonios
Published: February 2020

The present study aimed to investigate whether endurance exercise-induced changes in blood plasma composition may lead to adaptations in erythrocytes, skeletal muscle and liver. Forty sedentary rats were randomly distributed into two groups: a group that was injected with pooled plasma from rats that swam until exhaustion and a group that was injected with the pooled plasma from resting rats (intravenous administration at a dose of 2 mL/kg body weight for 21 days). Total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls were higher in the plasma collected from the exercised rats compared to the plasma from the resting rats. Νo significant difference was found in blood and tissue redox biomarkers and in tissue metabolic markers between rats that received the “exercised” or the “non-exercised” plasma (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that plasma injections from exercised rats to sedentary rats do not induce redox or metabolic adaptations in erythrocytes, skeletal muscle and liver.