bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Concept of Hydrogen Redox Electric Power Generation
Authors: ONO KATSUTOSHI
Published: August 2016

This paper demonstrates the electric power generator with both zero energy input and zero matter input and emission without violating the laws of thermodynamics. The hydrogen redox power generation system is a combined energy cycle consisting of the H2O reduction by the electrostatic induction hydrogen electrolytic cell for the synthesis of pure stoichiometric H2‐O2 fuel and the H2 oxidation to H2O by the fuel cell. The electrostatic induction potential superposed hydrogen electrolytic cell works on the mechanism in which, on the theoretical base, power used is 17% of the total electrical energy required, while the remaining 83% can be provided by the electrostatic energy free of power. Part of the power delivered by the fuel cell is returned to the electrolytic cell, and the remainder represents the net power output. For high‐power applications, the cycle power efficiency defined as the ratio of net power output outside the generator to power delivered by the H2‐O2 fuel cell is of primary interest. According to calculations using the operational data of alkaline water electrolysis in industries, the cycle power efficiencies exceed 70%.
Capillary Zone Electrophoresis as a Tool to Monitor the Stability and Hydrolytic Equilibria of Strandberg‐Type Polyoxometalates in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sun Shucheng , Liu Xin , Yang Li , Tan Huaqiao , Wang EnBo
Published: August 2016

In this study, we applied capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) to investigate the solution stability and equilibria of pentamolybdobis(phenylphosphonate), [(C6H5PO3)2Mo5O15]4–, which is a Strandberg‐type of polyoxometalate (POM) with considerable promise as an antiviral and anti‐HIV chemotherapeutic agent. This is achieved by analyzing the intensities and shapes of the three peaks in the CZE electropherogram that correspond to the three components involved in the equilibria, that is, [(C6H5PO3)2Mo5O15]4–, [Mo7O24]6–, and [Mo8O26]4– anions. The dependence of the equilibria of pentamolybdobis(phenylphosphonate) on various conditions, including sample concentration, counterion, and solution pH, was investigated through CZE. The interactions of pentamolybdobis(phenylphosphonate) with amino acids and cyclodextrins in solution were also investigated and discussed on the basis of the CZE results. Our study indicates that CZE has great potential as a simple, low‐cost, and efficient method to monitor the synthesis, purity, stability, and solution equilibria of POMs.
Synthesis, Electronic Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry, Photophysics, Electrical Properties and X‐ray Molecular Structures of meso‐{Tetrakis[4‐(benzoyloxy)phenyl]porphyrinato}zinc(II) Complexes with Aza Ligands
Authors: Nasri Soumaya , Zahou Imen , Turowska‐Tyrk Ilona , Roisnel Thierry , Loiseau Fredérique , Saint‐Amant Eric , Nasri Habib
Published: August 2016

The synthesis of the new meso‐porphyrin tetrakis[4‐(benzoyloxy)phenyl]porphyrin (H2TPBP), the meso‐{tetrakis[4‐(benzoyloxy)phenyl]porphyrinato}zinc(II) starting material [Zn(TPBP)] (1), and the 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (dabco), pyrazine (pyz), 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy), 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (4,4′‐mda), and 4‐cyanopyridine (4‐CNpy) coordination compounds with [Zn(TPBP)] (2–7) are described. The preparation of the dabco derivative in chlorobenzene leads to a crystalline monomeric five‐coordinate zinc porphyrin species (2), whereas the synthesis in dichloromethane gives a five‐coordinate zinc metalloporphyrin dimer (3) in the solid state. The pyrazine derivative crystallizes as a bis‐pyrazine six‐coordinate zinc metalloporphyrin (4). Complex 5 in the solid state is a dimer with 4,4′‐bpy as a bridging ligand, whereas the 4,4′‐mda species (6) is a five‐coordinated monomeric zinc derivative in the solid state. All of structures of 2–6 possess cavities with different dimensions in which solvent molecules are located. The solution UV/Vis spectra of 2–7 exhibit redshifted Soret bands that indicate that these derivatives are five‐coordinate zinc(II) porphyrin complexes in solution. UV/Vis titrations show that the association constants of 2–7 are close to those of known five‐coordinate zinc(II) meso‐porphyrins. The 1H NMR spectra of these species confirm this deduction. The photophysical proprieties of 1–7 are similar to those of related zinc(II) meso‐porphyrins. The cyclic voltammograms of the H2TPBP free base and 1–7 present a third one‐electron reversible oxidation wave. Single‐layer diode devices of the [iridium tin oxide/zinc porphyrin/aluminum] configuration show relatively low turn‐on voltages.
Multiferrocenyl Cobalt‐Based Sandwich Compounds
Authors: Filipczyk Grzegorz , Lehrich Steve W. , Hildebrandt Alexander , Rüffer Tobias , Schaarschmidt Dieter , Korb Marcus , Lang Heinrich
Published: August 2016

The reaction of FcC≡C–C≡CFc [Fc = Fe(η5‐C5H4)(η5‐C5H5)] (1) with Co(η5‐C5H5)(CO)2 (2) afforded ferrocenyl‐functionalized cyclobutadiene and cyclopentadienone cobalt(I) compounds as well as multiferrocenyl benzene derivatives. The synthesis procedures are described. Eleven products could be separated by column chromatography and were characterized by NMR, UV/Vis, and IR spectroscopy, high‐resolution ESI‐TOF mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. For five representatives, the structure in the solid state was determined by single X‐ray structure analysis. The electronic properties of the appropriate compounds were studied by using cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry. Further investigation of the interaction between FeII/FeIII centers in the mixed‐valent species was achieved by in situ UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry. These measurements demonstrated that weak electronic metal–metal interactions through the cobalt‐coordinated cyclobutadiene building block occur (weakly coupled class II systems according to the classification of Robin and Day), whereas the cyclopentadienone core acts as an insulator (class I), and hence only electrostatic interactions are characteristic.
Altered functional network architecture in orbitofronto‐striato‐thalamic circuit of unmedicated patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Jung Wi Hoon , Yücel Murat , Yun Je‐Yeon , Yoon Youngwoo B. , Cho Kang Ik K. , Parkes Linden , Kim Sung Nyun , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: August 2016

Dysfunction of corticostriatal loops has been proposed to underlie certain cognitive and behavioral problems associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts, and behaviors. Although functional abnormalities in the loops involving the orbitofronto‐striato‐thalamic (OFST) circuitry in patients with OCD have been reported, our understanding of a link between disruptions in the architecture of the intrinsic functional network of the OFST circuit and their symptoms remain incomplete. Using resting‐state functional MRI in conjunction with unsupervised clustering and multilevel functional connectivity (FC) techniques, FC of the OFST network and its topological organization in 61 OCD patients versus 61 matched controls were characterized. Patients exhibited disruptions in small‐world properties of the OFST circuit, which indicates an imbalance between functional integration and segregation. Patients also showed decreased FC between the central orbitofrontal cortex and dorsomedial striatum but increased FC between the medial thalamus and striatal areas. Using one of the largest samples of unmedicated OCD patients to date, our findings provide evidence supporting the OFST dysconnection hypothesis in OCD as a basic pathophysiological mechanism underlying the disorder, showing the disruption of FC between specific cortical, striatal, and thalamic clusters and aberrant topological patterns of the OFST circuit. Hum Brain Mapp 38:109–119, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of stroke in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Gin‐Yi , Lee Yu‐Ting , Yeh Chiu‐Mei , Hsu Pei , Lin Ting‐Wei , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Liu Yao‐Chung , Liu Chia‐Jen
Published: August 2016

Cerebrovascular events are a common complication among patients with cancer, increasing morbidity and mortality. However, the association between multiple myeloma and cerebrovascular events remains unclear. We therefore investigated multiple myeloma patients' risk factors for stroke to devise a better stroke‐prevention strategy. This study includes consecutive patients 20 years and older who were newly diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a tertiary medical center, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2014. The primary outcome was stroke development. Patients with head injuries, brain tumors, brain parenchymal invasions, or antecedent malignancies were excluded. Hazard ratios (HRs) of stroke risk factors for multiple myeloma patients were estimated by Cox proportional regression analysis. Overall, 395 patients with a median age of 70 years were investigated. In the median follow‐up period of 18 months, cerebrovascular events occurred in 16 patients, including 10 ischemic strokes and 6 hemorrhagic strokes. The 5‐year estimated cumulative incidence rate was 7.45%. In the multivariate analysis, the κ light chain isotype (adjusted HR, 8.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91‐39.8), previous cerebrovascular accidents (adjusted HR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.48‐17.9), and serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.10‐16.0) were identified as independent risk factors for stroke. Subgroup analysis showed that atrial fibrillation (adjusted HR, 8.07) and previous cerebrovascular accident (adjusted HR, 4.89) are significant risk factors for ischemic stroke. Serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 30.6) and previous cerebrovascular accident (adjusted HR, 13.9) are significant for hemorrhagic stroke. Moreover, therapeutic strategies for multiple myeloma were not associated with stroke in our study. This study demonstrates that risk of stroke increases in myeloma patients with a κ light chain isotype, previous cerebrovascular events, and renal impairment. Further prospective clinical studies to clarify the relationship between multiple myeloma and stroke are warranted.
Regulation of RNA polymerase II‐mediated transcriptional elongation: Implications in human disease
Authors: Sharma Nimisha
Published: August 2016

Expression of protein‐coding genes is primarily regulated at the level of transcription. Most of the earlier studies focussed on understanding the assembly of the pre‐initiation complex at the promoter of genes and subsequent initiation of transcription as the regulatory steps in transcription. However, research over the last decade has demonstrated the significance of regulating transcription of genes at the elongation stage. Several new proteins have been identified that control this step and our knowledge about their functions is expanding rapidly. Moreover, an increasing body of evidence suggests that a dysfunction of these transcription elongation factors is related to several diseases. Here, we review the latest advances in our understanding about the in vivo roles of the transcription elongation factors and their link with diseases. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(9):709–716, 2016
Live endothelial cells imaged by Scanning Near‐field Optical Microscopy (SNOM): capabilities and challenges
Authors: Bulat Katarzyna , Rygula Anna , Szafraniec Ewelina , Ozaki Yukihiro , Baranska Malgorzata
Published: August 2016

The scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM) shows a potential to study details of biological samples, since it provides the optical images of objects with nanometric spatial resolution (50–200 nm) and the topographic information at the same time. The goal of this work is to demonstrate the capabilities of SNOM in transmission configuration to study human endothelial cells and their morphological changes, sometimes very subtle, upon inflammation. Various sample preparations were tested for SNOM measurements and promising results are collected to show: 1) the influence of α tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) on EA.hy 926 cells (measurements of the fixed cells); 2) high resolution images of various endothelial cell lines, i.e. EA.hy 926 and HLMVEC (investigations of the fixed cells in buffer environment); 3) imaging of live endothelial cells in physiological buffers. The study demonstrate complementarity of the SNOM measurements performed in air and in liquid environments, on fixed as well as on living cells. Furthermore, it is proved that the SNOM is a very useful method for analysis of cellular morphology and topography. Changes in the cell shape and nucleus size, which are the symptoms of inflammatory reaction, were noticed in TNF‐α activated EA.hy 926 cells. The cellular structures of submicron size were observed in high resolution optical images of cells from EA.hy 926 and HLMVEC lines.

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Vascular tree extraction for photoacoustic microscopy and imaging of cat primary visual cortex
Authors: Li Qian , Li Lin , Yu Tianhao , Zhao Qingliang , Zhou Chuanqing , Chai Xinyu
Published: August 2016

A vascular tree extraction algorithm is proposed to automatically extract independent and complete vascular trees from both background and other crossed vascular trees for photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) imaging. Extracted parameters include vascular tree centerline, diameters, boundaries and three‐dimensional (3‐D) direction along the tree. Based on the concept of blood vessel tracking, the proposed algorithm extracts complete vascular trees by utilizing a ray casting framework to realize functions which includes vessel direction estimation, vessel branching detection and vessel crossover point detection. An optical‐resolution PAM (OR‐PAM) system is set up and the acquired images of cat primary visual cortex are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The proposed algorithm successfully extracts a complete and complex arteriole tree composed of multiple loop structures. Most branches and vessel crossovers in the arteriole tree are accurately extracted. Accuray of the algorithm is further tested on phantom images and real OR‐PAM vascular tree images. As the extracted parameters are directly related with monitoring hemodynamic responses at the level of vascular trees, the proposed algorithm may facilitate the application of PAM on studies of neurovascular coupling and related brain functions and diseases.

OR‐PAM maximum intensity projection image of cat primary visual cortex.

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OR‐PAM maximum intensity projection image of cat primary visual cortex.
Are unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries a patient safety issue?
Authors: Veltman Larry
Published: August 2016

Unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries occur on most labor and delivery units. Some precipitous deliveries are unavoidable, but others, occurring after admission with the expectation that the woman's designated provider would attend the delivery are, for a variety of reasons, still attended only by nursing staff. This study was undertaken to establish a benchmark for unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries. Fifty perinatal units were studied with respect to their statistics regarding unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries. Ten of the 50 perinatal units (20%) did not keep statistics on unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries. The average percentage of unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries in the 40 perinatal units that did keep this statistic was 1.38% (range 0–5.3%). This benchmark should be useful as the safety issues for these types of deliveries are analyzed. Audits regarding timing of examinations during labor, practices regarding notification of providers and other communication practices, provider arrival times, and involved personnel should help perinatal units develop policies, protocols, and strategies to minimize the chances for unintentional nurse‐attended deliveries when there should be enough time and appropriate communication to allow the woman's provider to be present at the delivery.
Not‐for‐profit hospitals and Affordable Care Act: Navigating the new health care landscape
Authors: Nakra Prema , Nakra Sushma
Published: August 2016

On a sunny Thursday morning, June 25, 2015, President Obama strode into the Rose Garden and declared a victory for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by stating that the act was working exactly the way it was supposed to work. He further reinforced that ACA has enabled young Americans up to the age of 26 to remain on their parents’ health plans. It disallows the insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions. Above all, an expansion of Medicaid has also brought an additional 16 million Americans under health coverage in a span of less than 2 years. The ACA went into full effect on January 1, 2014, ushering in health insurance reforms and new health coverage options across the country. As the states expand Medicaid and provide new coverage options through the federal health insurance marketplace, they are busy streamlining application and enrollment processes for coverage programs. This article highlights the positive impact of the ACA on uninsured and the challenges that not‐for‐profit and public hospitals are facing as they navigate the new health care landscape.
A new type of brachyuran seminal receptacle in the masked crab Ethusa mascarone (Brachyura, Ethusidae)
Authors: Hayer Sarah , Köhnk Stephanie , Boretius Susann , Brandis Dirk
Published: August 2016

The reproductive system of the female Ethusa mascarone was studied with a combination of histological and MRI‐techniques. The study reveals a completely new type of eubrachyuran seminal receptacle. This receptacle consists of two largely separate chambers that engage with each other in a manner similar to shaking hands. One chamber facing the medial axis is lined by cuticle while the second chamber consists of a thick holocrine epithelium. Both chambers are connected by two openings of a unique structure. First, the glandular chamber opens ventro‐laterally to the cuticle chamber via a laterally flattened connective duct that is lined by a highly folded cuticle. A second opening connects both chambers dorsally with the oviduct orifice. A distinct character is the cuticular hook‐like projection that is situated in between the connection of oviduct opening, the glandular chamber and the cuticle chamber of the seminal receptacle. The complete seminal receptacle exhibits a combination of plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters. The arrangement of the receptacles featured in two separate chambers, including the ventro‐lateral connection of the glandular chamber to the cuticle chamber, presumably reflects an early evolutionary stage of an eubrachyuran receptacle. In contrast, the dorso‐lateral opening between both chambers, including the hook‐like projection, appears to be an apomorphic character of at least E. mascarone. J. Morphol. 277:1497–1508, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptation of Ustilago maydis to extreme pH values: A transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Cervantes‐Montelongo Juan Antonio , Aréchiga‐Carvajal Elva Teresa , Ruiz‐Herrera José
Published: August 2016

Fungi are capable to adapt to environments with different pH values. Here we used microarrays to analyze the transcriptomic response of the Basidiomycota Ustilago maydis when transferred from a neutral pH medium to acidic, or alkaline media. Yeast and hyphal monomorphic mutants were used as controls, permitting the identification of 301 genes differentially regulated during the transfer from neutral to an acidic medium, of which 162 were up‐regulated and 139 down‐regulated. When cells were transferred to an alkaline medium, we identified 797 differentially regulated genes, 335 up‐regulated, and 462 down‐regulated. The category showing the highest number of regulated genes during the change to either pH, besides “unclassified,” was “metabolism,” indicating that a very important factor for adaptation is a change in the metabolic machinery. These data reveal that adaptation of U. maydis to environments with different pH involves a severe modification of the transcription machinery to cope with the new conditions, and that the stress by an alkaline environment is more drastic than a change to an acidic medium. The data also revealed that only a minor proportion of the identified genes are under the apparent control of the Pal/Rim pathway, indicating that pH adaptation of this fungus involves other than this cannonical pathway.
Growth–climate relationships of Himalayan conifers along elevational and latitudinal gradients
Authors: Sohar Kristina , Altman Jan , Lehečková Eliška , Doležal Jiří
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

High mountains are some of the most vulnerable regions to climate change and therefore a matter of global concern. Here, the climatic growth factors of conifers and their course in time and space along an elevational gradient in the northwestern Himalayan part of India were studied. Increment cores of Juniperus semiglobosa and Cedrus deodara (xeric species), and Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana (mesic species) were collected from thirteen sites. Tree‐ring width and maximum latewood density were measured and cross‐dated. The time‐series were standardized and site‐ and species‐level chronologies were built. Static and moving bootstrap correlation and response functions between the tree‐ring chronologies and monthly climatic variables were computed. The largest climate changes in the region were increasing winter and early‐spring temperatures and decreasing monsoon precipitation. The growth of all species was negatively correlated with pre‐monsoon temperature, as the higher temperatures probably increased evapotranspiration and caused water deficit. The phenomenon was most pronounced in May, but also in June for the Juniperus at the northernmost, highest, and driest sites. The pre‐monsoon temperature signal of the drought‐prone Juniperus and Cedrus endured, while the signal of the climate‐susceptible Abies and Picea at the mesic sites was unstable. Namely, the May temperature signal of Picea became significant since the second half of the last century whereas the signal of Abies shifted from May to April. This apparently related to the earlier onset of spring due to the accelerated warming in the region. Besides, maximum latewood density of Picea and Abies negatively correlated with May and June temperature, respectively. Additionally, the Cedrus benefitted from winter precipitation and the Abies and Picea from pre‐monsoon rainfall. Counterintuitively, we detected no direct effect of monsoon precipitation decrease on the conifers because their growth was driven by pre‐monsoon conditions, which changed only slightly.
Persistently elevated parathyroid hormone after successful parathyroid surgery
Authors: Duke William S. , Kim Anna Song , Waller Jennifer L. , Terris David J.
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

Explore potential causes of persistently elevated parathyroid hormone levels after curative parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to single gland disease.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Methods

An analysis was undertaken of 314 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroid surgery in a tertiary academic practice between January 2009 and April 2013. There were 187 patients with single‐gland disease; 68 failed to meet inclusion criteria, resulting in a study population of 119 patients. Preoperative parathyroid hormone, calcium, ionized calcium, 25‐OH‐vitamin D, creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate values were determined, along with postoperative calcium, ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone levels. Patients were divided into two groups based on their postoperative parathyroid hormone values: elevated parathyroid hormone and normal parathyroid hormone.

Results

Thirty (25.2%) patients achieved postoperative normocalcemia but had elevated parathyroid hormone levels. This group had significantly higher preoperative levels of parathyroid hormone (P =.002) and creatinine (P =.007), and a lower glomerular filtration rate (P =.002) than patients with normal postoperative parathyroid hormone levels. The preoperative 25‐OH‐vitamin D level was not significantly associated with an elevated parathyroid hormone (odds ratio [OR]: 1.56). Preoperative impaired renal function, specifically an abnormal glomerular filtration rate (OR: 12.8), was significantly associated with an elevated parathyroid hormone.

Conclusions

Parathyroid hormone remains elevated in 25% of patients who are cured (eucalcemic) after surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. This phenomenon was associated with higher preoperative parathyroid hormone levels and impaired renal function rather than low 25‐OH‐vitamin D levels.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1720–1723, 2017
MicroRNA‐21 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Diagnostic and prognostic features
Authors: Erkul Evren , Yilmaz Ismail , Gungor Atila , Kurt Onuralp , Babayigit Mustafa A.
Published: August 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

We aimed to determine the microRNA‐21 expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and assess the association between the disease and clinical characteristics of patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2005 to May 2011, in a tertiary hospital following tumor resection in 72 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. We used formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (study group) and adjacent nontumor tissues (control group) for microRNA‐21 expressions, and we successfully extracted microRNAs detectable by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. All patients were evaluated separately, and the study and control groups were compared. The study group was assessed in terms of localization, smoking, alcohol consumption, lymph node staging, tumor stage, overall survival, disease‐free survival, perineural, and vascular invasion.

Results

All patients were male, and the average age of patients was 64.2 ± 10.3 years. MicroRNA‐21 was upregulated in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas compared to adjacent nontumor tissues (P = .005). However, the microRNA‐21 did not differ significantly according to any clinicopathological features (P > .05). MicroRNA‐21 has been found to be expressed at lower levels in early stage (stages 1 and 2) compared with advanced stage (stages 3 and 4), but this was not statistically significant (P = .455).

Conclusions

We conclude that the microRNA‐21 level may play an important role in diagnosis and serve as a potential biomarker; such measurement thus has clinical applications. However, any possible prognostic associations with microRNA‐21 levels should be re‐evaluated in future studies on laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma samples amenable to retrospective analysis.

Levels of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2016 127:E62–E66, 2017
Factors involved in access and utilization of adult hearing healthcare: A systematic review
Authors: Barnett Margaret , Hixon Brian , Okwiri Neville , Irungu Catherine , Ayugi John , Thompson Robin , Shinn Jennifer B. , Bush Matthew L.
Published: August 2016

Objective/Hypothesis

Hearing loss is a public health concern, yet hearing healthcare disparities exist and influence utilization of rehabilitation services. The objective of this review was to systematically analyze the published literature on motivators, barriers, and compliance factors affecting adult patient access and utilization of hearing rehabilitation healthcare.

Data Sources

Pubmed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles. Eligible studies were those containing original, peer‐reviewed research in English pertaining to factors affecting adult hearing healthcare access and utilization of hearing aids and cochlear implantation. The search encompassed 1990 to 2015.

Methods

Two investigators independently reviewed all articles and extracted data. Specific variables regarding access to care and compliance to recommended care were extracted from each study.

Results

Thirty articles were reviewed. The factors affecting access and utilization of hearing rehabilitation could be classified into motivators, barriers, and compliance in treatment or device use. The key motivators to seek care include degree of hearing loss, self‐efficacy, family support, and self‐recognition of hearing loss. The primary barriers to care were financial limitations, stigma of hearing devices, inconvenience, competing chronic health problems, and unrealistic expectations. Compliance is most affected by self‐efficacy, education level, and engagement in the rehabilitation process.

Conclusion

Accessing hearing healthcare is complicated by multiple factors. Considering the current climate in healthcare policy and legislation toward improved access of care, a deeper understanding of motivators, barriers, and compliance factors can aid in delivery of effective and efficient hearing healthcare. Laryngoscope, 127:1187–1194, 2017
Einfluß von Kohlenstoff, Stickstoff und Phosphor auf die interkristalline Korrosion und Spannungsrißkorrosion des Eisens
Authors: Pyun Su‐Il , Bohnenkamp Konrad
Published: August 2016

Zum Einfluß von C, N und P auf die interkristalline Spannungsriß‐korrosion (SpRK) des Eisens wurden Versuche in siedender, konzentrierter Ca(NO3)2‐Lösung ohne Belastung, mit konstanter Belastung sowie mit konstanter Dehngeschwindigkeit durchgeführt. Die Ausgangsschmelze enthielt 20 bis 40 ppm C, 17 ppm N und 20 ppm P. Ein Teil der Proben wurde auf weniger als 10 ppm C entkohlt, ein Teil dieser Proben auf 140 bis 220 ppm N aufgestickt. Einige Proben wurden einen Monat bei 550°C getempert.

Die normalisierten Proben der Ausgangsschmelze, die entkohlten sowie die aufgestickten Proben zeigten keine interkristalline Korrosion (IK) bei EH = 800 bis 1000 mV. Durch die Temperung wurden nicht entkohlte und entkohlte Proben anfällig. Für Letztere gilt das selbst bei EH = 200 mV. Auger‐Aufnahmen der hier bei tiefer Temperatur entstandenen interkristallinen Bruchflächen ergaben eine Korngrenzenanreicherung des Phosphors von 20 ppm auf rund 10 Atom%. Unter konstanter Last von 0,8 oder 0,9 Rm gingen die Proben der Ausgangsschmelze bei EH = 0 schnell zu Bruch, die entkohlten und die aufgestickten Proben hielten demgegenüber. Mit langsamer Dehnung waren die Brucharbeiten bei den nicht entkohlten Proben stark, bei den aufgestickten deutlich herabgesetzt. An den entkohlten Proben ergaben sich demgegenüber bei EH = 0 meist ähnliche Werte wie bei den Vergleichsversuchen in heißem ö1 (115°C). Eine stark erniedrigte Brucharbeit wurde hier nur nach der Temperung bei 550°C beobachtet, die auch zur IK‐Anfälligkeit bei EH = 200 geführt hatte.
Sulfide‐promoters and acetylenic inhibitors of hydrogen penetration of 4130 steel
Authors: Nobe Ken , Saito Y.
Published: August 2016

The rates of the hydrogen evolution reaction (h.e.r.), corrosion (icorr) and hydrogen penetration (h.p.) of AlSI 4130 steel in H2 SO4 (PH 2) have been determined. These rates for film‐free (fresh) surfaces and film‐covered (aged) surfaces are shown to be substantially different. Sulfide‐promoted h.p. of this steel by H2S and thiourea and hexynol, in the absence and presence of halides (Cl, Br and I) have been examined. Both acetylenes are effective inhibitors for corrosion and h.p. of this steel. Furthermore, hexynol has been shown to reduce significantly sulfide‐promoted h.p. with the effect completely eliminated in H2SO4‐KI solutions. The h.p. experiments indicate that the hydrogen concentration in 4130 steel can be almost 3 orders of magnitude greater than in Ferrovac E iron.
Zur Schwingungsrißkorrosion feuerverzinkter Schweißverbindungen unter Dauertauch‐ und Wechseltauchbeanspruchung
Authors: Olivier Rainer
Published: August 2016

Zink‐Überzüge gewinnen als Korrosionsschutz schwingbeanspruchter Schweißkonstruktionen an Bedeutung. Da entsprechende Bemessungsunterlagen im allgemeinen nicht verfügbar sind, werden Wöhler‐und Betriebsfestigkeitsversuche an Kehlnahtschweißverbindungen durchgeführt unter Dauertauchbeanspruchung in künstlichem Meerwasser oder unter Wechseltauchbeanspruchung in 5%‐NaCl‐Lösung unter Einbeziehung einer Vielzahl werkstofflicher, geometrischer und fertigungstechnischer Parameter. Die Auswertung der Ergebnisse liefert verläßliche Hinweise zum Einfluß des Feuerverzinkens auf die Schwingungsrißkorrosion von Schweißverbindungen.
Schutzmaßnahmen gegen interkristalline Spannungsrißkorrosion von Gashochdruckleitungen aus Stahl bei erhöhter Betriebstemperatur
Authors: Delbeck W. , Engel A. , Müller D. , Spörl R. , Schwenk W.
Published: August 2016

Abschnitte aus Leitungsrohren der Güte X 60 wurden zu Behältern umgebaut und in Betongruben folgender definierten Korrosionsbelastung unterworfen: NaHCO3‐haltiger Sandboden, Wandtemperatur 70°C, Potential UH = − 0.43, − 0.55 und − 0.68 V. Die Rohroberflächen lagen in den Zuständen „mit Walzzunder belassen”︁, „gebürstet”︁ und „gestrahlt”︁ vor und waren zusätzlich mit PE entsprechend DIN 30 670 umhüllt. Weiterhin wurden Fehlstellen in der Umhüllung in unterschiedlicher Größe angebracht, von denen ausgehend die Umhüllung unterwandert werden konnte. Die Behälter wurden einer sägezahnähnlichen dynamischen Innendruckbelastung unterworfen. Dabei lag die Dehnrate um 10−7 s−1, während die Entlastung in wenigen Sekunden erfolgte. Das Belastungsprogramm umfaßte 4800 Zyklen zwischen 44 und 87%, 1390 Zyklen zwischen 66 und 87% und 5000 Zyklen zwischen 79 bis 87% Rp0,2 mit einer Gesamtdauer von 9830 h.

Die Untersuchung der Rohroberflächen zeigte an den Fehlstellen keinen Korrosionsangriff. Im unterwanderten Bereich der Umhüllung konnten bei gestrahlten und gebürsteten Behältern keinerlei Hinweise für örtlichen Korrosionsangriff gefunden werden. Dagegen zeigten die mit Walzzunder behafteten Behälter stellenweise schwache Rißfelder, die durch konventionelle Rißprüfverfahren nicht erkannt werden konnten. REM‐Untersuchungen ergaben lochfraßartige dehnungsinduzierte Anrisse mit einer Tiefe bis zu 0,2 mm. Von diesen Anrissen ging in wenigen Fällen ein interkristalliner Angriff aus, der als Folge einer Spannungsrißkorrosion anzusehen ist. Aus den Untersuchungsergebnissen werden die erforderlichen Schutzmaßnahmen gegen Spannungsrißkorrosion abgeleitet. Bei Beachten der derzeit geltenden Technischen Regeln in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ist Spannungsrißkorrosion bei Gashochdruckleitungen auszuschließen.
Temperature as a pitting and crevice corrosion criterion in the FeCl3 test
Authors: Renner M. , Heubner U. , Rockel M. B. , Wallis E.
Published: August 2016

The FeCl3 test is applied to an increasing extent for examining the resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. Two methods having proved their value are described, the chemical properties of the FeCl3 solution with regard to hydrolysis, pH and redox potential behaviour at various test temperatures are set forth and finally numerous results of the application of this test to high‐alloy stainless steels and nickel alloys are presented. These results have been used to establish, be means of multiple regression, two empirical equations that allow to estimate rather accurately the critical pitting and crevice corrosion temperatures (CPT, CCT) from the contents of the decisive alloying constituents.

These temperatures vary by about 2.5°C in the CPT test and by approx. 10°C in the CCT test, which can be reduced, however, by extending the test period beyond 24 hours. This is due to the fact that corrosion potentials in a 10% FeCl3 · 6H2O solution take a long time to stabilize. The variation of the critical crevice temperature can be further reduced by pressing the crevice blocks at a higher torque to the specimen. Another section particularly deals with the application of the CPT test for determining the influence of the matrix on the resistance to local corrosion. Consequently, the CPT test lends itself excellently to the examination of welds and as a quality control. Finally, CPT test results are compared with pitting data determined electro‐chemically in artificial seawater. This shows that the ranking order with regard to corrosion resistance is identical, although media and processes differ considerably from each other.
Elektrochemische und werkstoffphysikalische Untersuchungen von Laserstrahl‐umgeschmolzenen Eisenwerkstoffen
Authors: Peter Ralf , Löschau Wolfgang , Pompe Wolfgang , Forker Wolfgang
Published: August 2016

Die Oberflächen von Reinsteisen‐, St 38‐ und KT 45‐Proben wurden mit Hilfe eines CO2‐cw‐Lasers umgeschmolzen. Elektrochemische und werkstoffphysikalische Eigenschaften der dabei entstandenen Oberflächenschichten wurden untersucht.

Zwischen unbehandelten und mit Laserstrahlen behandelten Proben ergeben sich signifikante Unterschiede, deren mögliche Ursachen diskutiert werden.
Der Einfluß eines Magnetfeldes auf Korrosionsprozesse
Authors: Peev Todor , Mandjukova B. , Mandjukov I. , Rusanov V.
Published: August 2016

Mittels Mössbauerspektroskopie wurden Korrosionsprodukte untersucht, die unter statischen Bedingungen an kohlenstoffarmem Stahl entstanden waren. Korrosionsmedien waren Meerwasser und eine Modellösung, jeweils in Gegenwart und in Abwesenheit eines Magnetfeldes. Das Magnetfeld beeinflußt die Dispersität der entstehenden Phasen und bewirkt einen erhöhten Gehalt an paramagnetischen Komponenten im Rost. Von Bedeutung ist auch das Medium, in dem die Korrosionsvorgänge ablaufen.
Über die Anwendung von Ionensensitiven Feldeffekttransistoren zur Untersuchung von Korrosionsvorgängen
Authors: Oelßner Wolfram , Kaden Heiner
Published: August 2016

Ionensentitive Feldeffekttransistoren (ISFET) sind chemische Sensoren auf Halbleiterbasis. Sie zeichnen sich aus durch kleine Abmessungen, eine ebene Meßfläche und kurze Ansprechzeiten. Damit eignen sie sich sehr gut zur Bestimmung lokaler pH‐Änderungen bei elektrochemischen Korrosionsuntersuchungen. Die in dieser Arbeit beschriebene experimentelle Anordnung gestattet in‐situ‐Messungen des pH‐Wertes mit ISFET‐Sensoren in Flüssigkeitsmengen von weniger als 1 mm3; die aktive Oberfläche des zu untersuchenden Werkstoffs kann kleiner als 1 mm2 sein. In Modellversuchen wurden zunächst hauptsächlich durch die Korrosion von Stahl St 38 verursachte Änderungen des pH‐Wertes von dest. Wasser untersucht. Nach anfänglichem kurzzeitigem Anstieg infolge Sauerstoffreduktion wurde ein Absinken des pH‐Wertes auf pH = 3 ⃛4 beobachtet. Außerdem wurden ISFET‐Sensoren als Potentialsonde bei elektrochemischen Polarisationsmessungen in Medien mit geringer elektrischer Leitfähigkeit eingesetzt. Es wird gezeigt, daß sich der geringe Ausgangswiderstand des ISFET günstig auf das dynamische Verhalten potentiostatischer Regelsysteme auswirkt.
A Precursor Approach to Electrospun Polyaniline Nanofibers for Gas Sensors
Authors: Uh Kyungchan , Kim Taegeun , Lee Chan Woo , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: August 2016

Polyaniline (PANI) has served as one of the most promising conducting materials in a variety of fields including sensors, actuators, and electrodes. Fabrication of 1D PANI fibers using electrospinning methods has gained a significant amount of attention. Due to the extremely poor solubility of PANI in common organic solvents, fabrication of electrospun PANI fiber has been carried out either by using corrosive solvents such as H2SO4 or by electrospinning in the presence of other matrix polymers. Herein, a new approach to the fabrication of PANI fibers using tert‐butyloxycarbonyl‐protected PANI (t‐Boc PANI) as the conducting polymer precursor is reported. The t‐Boc PANI is soluble in common organic solvents (e.g., chloroform and tetrahydrofuran), and electrospinning of t‐Boc PANI in those solvents affords nano/micrometer‐sized t‐Boc PANI fibers. Treatment of the electrospun t‐Boc PANI fibers with HCl results in the removal of the acid labile t‐Boc group and the generation of conducting (≈20 S cm−1) PANI fibers. The HCl‐doped PANI fibers are successfully used in the detection of gaseous ammonia with a detection limit of 10 ppm.

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Depth‐Sensing Macroindentation Test and Stepped Iso­thermal Method – Accelerated Assessment of the Local Retardation Behaviour of Thermoplastic Polymers
Authors: Lach Ralf , Schön Jan , Krolopp Tobias , Arndt Stephan , Langer Beate , Grellmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2016

The prototype of a depth‐sensing macrohardness testing system with temperature chamber and temperature controlling unit for contact heating/cooling was upgraded in terms of control and software in such a way, that it allows application of the Stepped Isothermal Method (SIM) as for now. The SIM is a single‐specimen method, for which the temperature is raised stepwise at constant load and kept constant for a given time for each step, where the changes in indentation depth are measured as a function of time in this case. After correction of the thermally induced change in indentation depth and mathematical procedures a master curve construction is realised along a logarithmic time axis. The method was successfully applied to the assessment of the long‐term creep behaviour of different thermoplastic polymers such as PP, PE‐HD, PET and PVDF. The results obtained were compared with results of the SIM using tensile testing and the short‐term creep test using the depth‐sensing macrohardness testing system.
Irisolidone attenuates ethanol‐induced gastric injury in mice by inhibiting the infiltration of neutrophils
Authors: Kang Geum‐Dan , Lee Sang‐Yoon , Jang Se‐Eun , Han Myung Joo , Kim Dong‐Hyun
Published: August 2016

Scope

This study was designed to determine whether irisolidone and its glycoside kakkalide, which are the major constituents of the flower of Pueraria lobata (Kudzu) can attenuate ethanol‐induced gastritic injury in mice.

Methods and results

Irisolidone and kakkalide inhibited IL‐8 secretion and NF‐κB activation in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated KATO III cells. Therefore, we investigated their protective effects against ethanol‐induced gastric injury in mice. Pretreatment with kakkalide or irisolidone decreased the area of hemorrhagic ulcerative lesions caused by ethanol and suppressed stomach myeloperoxidase activity, CXCL4 secretion, and NF‐κB activation. The ameliorating effect of irisolidone was more potent than that of kakkalide.

Conclusion

Irisolidone may attenuate ethanol‐induced gastritis by inhibiting the infiltration of immune cells, particularly neutrophils, through the regulation of CXCL‐4 or IL‐8 secretion.
Synthesis of Narrow Molecular Weight Distribution Copolymers for ArF Photoresist Materials by Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Wang Zi Jun , Wylie Kevin , Marić Milan
Published: August 2016

ArF candidate photoresist polymers have been synthesized by nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP). Statistical copolymerizations of α‐gamma butyrolactone methacrylate, 3‐hydroxy‐1‐adamantyl methacrylate, and 2‐methyl 2‐adamantyl methacrylate with 5–10 mol% of controlling comonomers (i.e., styrene, p‐acetoxystyrene, 2‐vinyl naphthalene, acrylonitrile, and pentafluorostyrene), which are necessary for controlled polymerization of methacrylates by NMP with the unimolecular alkoxyamine initiator BlocBuilder, have been used. As little as 5 mol% controlling comonomer in the feed is demonstrated to be sufficient to produce linear evolution of number average molecular weight against conversion (X) up to X = 0.7 for relatively low target degrees of polymerization. All of the resulting copolymers have relatively low dispersities and show relatively low absorbance at 193 nm, comparable to other 193 nm candidate photoresists reported previously, with the exception of VN‐containing copolymer.

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Parental Body Mass Index Is Associated With Adolescent Obesity in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chen‐Mei , Lou Meei‐Fang , Gau Bih‐Shya
Published: August 2016

Adolescent obesity is a crucial public health concern, and understanding its risk factors can facilitate the establishment of prevention policies. In this study we investigated the prevalence of adolescent obesity in Taiwan, determined the influential factors, and compared the prevalence of obesity in our study population with international indices. The cross‐sectional study was an analysis of data from the 2010–2011 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan, an anthropometric measurement and questionnaire survey of adolescents aged 11–18 years. Our sample was 1,826 adolescents (910 males and 916 females). Data were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. Based on body mass index standards specific to Taiwan norms, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Taiwan adolescents was 12.4% and 16.8%, respectively. The prevalence was lower when international indices of overweight and obesity were applied. In logistic regression, obesity was linked to male gender, an obese father, overweight or obese mother, poor dietary attitudes, and perceived low dietary benefits. Monitoring and preventing adolescent obesity should focus on both adolescents and their parents. When planning behavioral change and education for adolescent obesity, health professionals and policy‐makers should view the family as a unit. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of thermoplastic spacer on the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon black filled epoxy adhesives
Authors: Phua Jin‐Luen , Teh Pei‐Leng , Ghani Supri Abdul , Yeoh Cheow‐Keat
Published: August 2016

A new approach of mimicking the selective localization mechanism of conductive filler into one phase of immiscible polymer blend system is proposed here, where a moderate fine of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) powder is prepared and used as the spacer in the carbon black (CB) filled epoxy adhesives system that can be applied at room temperature. The main purpose of PMMA‐spacer is to promote the formation of conductive networks via aiding the 3D self‐assembly of CB filler, selectively in the continuous phase of epoxy. PMMA‐spacer content ranged from 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 vol.% were investigated under electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties for both unfilled and 15 vol.% CB filled system. With the incorporation of 10 vol.% PMMA‐spacer, the filled system shows promising improvement in electrical conductivity, with three order of magnitude increment at 15 vol.% CB loading. Toughening mechanism of epoxy was observed, where crack deflection upon the PMMA‐spacer is observed under scanning electron microscopy characterization and agreed by fracture toughness calculation. Thermal stability and coefficient of thermal expansion were improved at the minimum addition of PMMA‐spacer content, at 10 vol.%, while a small reduction in flexural strength is observed because of the poor interface interaction between the PMMA‐spacer and epoxy matrix. Interestingly, a limited interaction between the PMMA‐spacer with epoxy at the curing temperature of 100°C is observed, indicating the solubility of PMMA‐spacer in epoxy before crosslinking process occurred. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.