bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Imaging Application of miRNA in Cells and Living Organisms with Nano-Fluorescent Probes Made by Novel Synthesis Materials
Authors: Zhou Dan , Zhou Lei , Hu Xiaoyan , Hu Yan , Hu Ping
Published: October 2019

As a kind of rare earth fluorescent material, the rare earth upconversion nanomaterial can be applied in various fields such as biological detection and imaging, solar cells, and safe positioning, which has attracted wide concerns. In this study, the novel material is applied to the
preparation of biological nano-fluorescent probes. Due to its broad UV absorption spectrum, cobalt oxyhydroxide is selected and used as a quencher for upconversion nanomaterials. Once the cobalt oxyhydroxide is placed on upconversion nanomaterials, the surface reaction can effectively remove
the fluorescence reaction of the upconversion nanomaterial. In terms of the molecular miRNA tests for cells and living organisms, the nano-fluorescent probe can reduce the fluorescence intensity of miRNA, while the control group can finish the normal fluorescence reaction. The designed fluorescent
probe can adjust the contents of cobalt oxyhydroxides and cells to regulate the fluorescence intensity. In terms of the miRNA sensitivity tests, the fluorescence intensity detected by the nano-fluorescent probe is significantly lower than that in the control group, which can be observed through
the fluorescence recovery tests of the chemical system. After the addition of miRNA obtained from cells or living organisms, the fluorescent probe has apparently changed the fluorescence intensity of miRNA in cells/living organisms. Also, the detection range of miRNA is effectively expanded,
i.e., the different concentrations of miRNA can be detected by adjusting the ratio of the components of the fluorescent probes, which indicates the excellent sensitivity of the fluorescent probe in detecting miRNA in cells and living organisms. In terms of the miRNA tests for cells, different
degrees of cancer cells are selected. The fluorescent probe can discriminate the concentration of cancer cells according to fluorescence imaging of cancer cells, thereby further explaining that the fluorescent probe has high-sensitivity in bio-detection.
The Preparation and Mechanical Properties of a Pure Titanium-Based Matrix Composite Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Zhang Zai-Yu , Liang Yi-Long , Cao Hong-Chuan , Zhu Yong
Published: October 2019

A lightweight titanium matrix composite material was fabricated by vacuum sintering using semi-powder metallurgy. The graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were used as a reinforcement for the titanium matrix composites. Fabricating the composite materials used three steps: dispersion, formation,
and sintering. In particular, GNPs were dispersed by ionic liquid through a centrifugal testing machine instead of ball milling in the process. The better pressure for composite forming was 600 MPa. At the same time, the better sintering temperature and holding time were 1200 °C and 3
h. The influences of the GNP addition on the density, microstructure, and microhardness of the Ti/GNP composites were investigated. For the mechanical properties of the composites, we focused on the tensile strength with different GNP contents. The Ti 0.075 wt% and Ti 0.15 wt% GNP composites
exhibited yield strengths of 850 and 948 MPa, which demonstrated 66% and 85% increase compared to those of extruded titanium materials with no GNP additive (512 MPa yield strength). The main strengthening mechanisms of Ti/GNP composites are grain refinement strengthening, thermal mismatch
strengthening, and dispersion strengthening.
Development of New TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Photosensitive Resin for Rapid Prototyping
Authors: Xu Yiwen , Qi Shengcai , Xu Yuanzhi
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study is to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the photosensitive resin for RP (Rapid Prototyping) modifying with TiO2 nanoparticles NPs. The coupling agent KH570 was chosen for treating the surface of TiO2 NPs. The influence
of the TiO2 content on the viscosity and the curing depth of photosensitive resin were analyzed in this study. We also tested the mechanical properties such as tensile modulus, tensile strength, hardness and flexural strength. Using differential scanning calorimetry, we tested the
thermal stability of the modified photosensitive resin. Modified photosensitive resin's comprehensive performance was really good when the content of TiO2 was at 0.25%, the increase in tensile strength from 24.3 to 46.9 MPa was noticed to be 89%, the increase in tensile modulus
from 1990 to 2251 MPa was noticed to be 18%, the increase in hardness and flexural strength was noticed to be 5 and 6%, respectively. Moreover, the heat stability and plasticity of the modified photosensitive resin are also enhanced. This paper gives a cost-efficient method of improving the
functioning of photosensitive resin for RP.
Floating Adsorbent for Organic Removal Fabricated Through Crystallization of Silicalite-1 on Hollow Glass Microspheres
Authors: Nijpanich Supinya , Hagio Takeshi , Kamimoto Yuki , Ichino Ryoichi
Published: October 2019

MFI-type zeolite is a crystalline microporous aluminosilicate with an intersecting two-dimensional pore structure and well-defined windows of approximately 0.55 nm. It generally crystallizes in high silica to alumina ratios, leading to a rather hydrophobic character. This makes it an
attractive adsorbent for removing organic pollutants from wastewater. However, separating the conventional powdery-zeolites from the media after treatment is difficult because they require considerable time to settle. They also trigger filter clogging. In this work, high silica MFI-type zeolite,
namely, silicalite-1, was synthesized on the surfaces of hollow glass microspheres to develop a floating adsorbent with high hydrophobicity. Tetraethylorthosilicate and tetrapropylammonium hydroxide were used as the additional silica source and structure directing agent, respectively. The
crystallization of silicalite-1 on hollow glass microspheres was performed using hydrothermal synthesis at 180 °C or 150 °C for 40 h using a precursor sol with a molar composition of 3SiO2:1TPA:14EtOH:286H2O. The surface coverage and crystallinity of the as-prepared
samples were optimized, and the floatability and adsorption performance of the optimized sample were investigated. Well-covered microspheres were obtained when hydrothermal synthesis was conducted at 180 °C using 0.5 g of hollow glass microspheres and 15 g of a precursor sol adjusted to
pH 12.5. The balance between the dissolution rate of the hollow glass microspheres and the crystallization rate of silicalite-1 appeared to be the key factor in the successful synthesis.
One-Pot Synthesis of Lithium Nickel Manganese Oxide-Carbon Composite Nanoparticles by a Flame Spray Pyrolysis Process
Authors: Ramadhan Zeno Rizqi , Yun Changhun , Park Bo-In , Yu Seunggun , Park Sung Bin , Hong Juhee , Han Joo Won , Kang Moon Hee , Kim Soyeon , Lim Dong Chan , Kim Yong Hyun
Published: October 2019

The nanoparticles based on nickel-manganese oxide and carbon-coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 are synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis technology with controlled particle sizes. The structural properties of nanoparticles are characterized by X-ray diffraction and
high-resolution electron microscopy. It is observed that the higher surface tension of precursors in the flame spray pyrolysis setup increases the particle sizes. The post annealing treatment significantly enhances the crystallinity of nanoparticles due to the favorable oxidation process and
the structure conversion from NiMn2O4 to NiMnO3. In addition, the solid-state reaction of as-prepared NiMn2O4 results in the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles which can be applied to the cathode in Li-ion batteries.
The carboncoated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles are also made by additional carbonization reaction. The control of surface tension of precursors in the flame spray pyrolysis process is expected to result in the small size of nanoparticles, which can result in
high cyclic stability and high capacity for Li-ion batteries.
The Effects of Synthesis Conditions on the Carbon Capture Capacity of Polyethylenimine Impregnated Protonated Titanate Nanotubes
Authors: Kommalapati Raghava R. , Du Hongbo , Stewart Melisa L. , Shen Xinhua , Huque Ziaul
Published: October 2019

Capture and storage of carbon dioxide emitted from power plants, which burn fossil fuels, is one of the best ways to mitigate climate change. Polyethylenimine (PEI) impregnated protonated titanate nanotubes (PEI-PTNTs) are efficient amine-modified solid adsorbents for post combustion
carbon capture. This study is to investigate the effects of synthesis conditions of titanate nanotubes on the carbon capture capacity of PEI-PTNTs. PTNTs are synthesized using hydrothermal treatment of TiO2 anatase powder at different temperatures and in different days, followed
by washing with dilute HCl solution and deionized water. PEI-PTNTs are prepared by loading PEI (M.W. = 10,000) onto PTNTs at a weight ratio of 1:1 using a wet impregnation process. PTNTs and PEI-PTNTs are characterized using transmission electron microscopy, porosity and surface area analysis,
powder X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. CO2 adsorption is conducted at 75 °C using simulated flue gas, and CO2 desorption is performed at 110 °C by purging the adsorbent with dry nitrogen gas. CO2 adsorption experiments
demonstrate that the PEI-PTNTs synthesized at 130 °C within 3 or 5 days, have the highest CO2 capture capacity. These optimized PEI-PTNTs have a significant potential to capture CO2 from power plants.
The Role of Free-Stream Turbulence in Attenuating the Wind Updraft above the Collector of Precipitation Gauges
Authors: Cauteruccio Arianna , Colli Matteo , Freda Andrea , Stagnaro Mattia , Lanza Luca G.
Published: October 2019

In operational conditions, wind is the main environmental source of measurement biases for catching-type precipitation gauges. The gauge geometry induces a deformation of the surrounding airflow pattern, which is generally characterized by relevant updraft zones in front of the collector and above it. This effect deviates the trajectories of the lighter hydrometeors away from the collector and thus is responsible for a significant reduction of the collection performance. Previous approaches to this problem, using computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind-tunnel tests, mostly assumed steady and uniform free-stream conditions. Wind is turbulent in nature, though. The role of natural free-stream turbulence on collection performance is investigated in this work for the case study of a calyx-shaped precipitation gauge and wind velocity between 10 and 18 m s−1. The unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model was adopted. Turbulent conditions were simulated by imposing constant free-stream velocity and introducing a fixed solid fence upstream of the gauge to generate the desired turbulence intensity. Wind-tunnel measurements allowed validating numerical results by comparing measured and simulated velocity profiles in representative portions of the investigated domain. Results revealed that in the case of turbulent free-stream conditions both the normalized magnitude of the flow velocity and the updraft above the collector are reduced by approximately 20% and 12%, respectively. The dissipative effect of the turbulent fluctuations in the free stream has a damping role on the acceleration of the flow and on the updraft. This would result in a reduced undercatch with respect to literature simulations that employed the traditional uniform free-stream conditions.
The Extratropical Transition of Hurricane Debby (1982) and the Subsequent Development of an Intense Windstorm over Finland
Authors: Laurila Terhi K. , Sinclair Victoria A. , Gregow Hilppa
Published: October 2019

On 22 September 1982, an intense windstorm caused considerable damage in northern Finland. Local forecasters noted that this windstorm potentially was related to Hurricane Debby, a category 4 hurricane that occurred just 5 days earlier. Due to the unique nature of the event and lack of prior research, our aim is to document the synoptic sequence of events related to this storm using ERA-Interim reanalysis data, best track data, and output from OpenIFS simulations. During extratropical transition, the outflow from Debby resulted in a ridge building and an acceleration of the jet. Debby did not reintensify immediately in the midlatitudes despite the presence of an upper-level trough. Instead, ex-Debby propagated rapidly across the Atlantic as a diabatic Rossby wave–like feature. Simultaneously, an upper-level trough approached from the northeast and once ex-Debby moved ahead of this feature near the United Kingdom, rapid reintensification began. All OpenIFS forecasts diverged from reanalysis after only 2 days indicating intrinsic low predictability and strong sensitivities. Phasing between Hurricane Debby and the weak trough, and phasing of the upper- and lower-level potential vorticity anomalies near the United Kingdom was important in the evolution of ex-Debby. In the only OpenIFS simulation to correctly capture the phasing over the United Kingdom, stronger wind gusts were simulated over northern Finland than in any other simulation. Turbulent mixing behind the cold front, and convectively driven downdrafts in the warm sector, enhanced the wind gusts over Finland. To further improve understanding of this case, we suggest conducting research using an ensemble approach.
Monitoring the Kinetics of the Cellular Uptake of a Metal Carbonyl Conjugated with a Lipidic Moiety in Living Cells Using Synchrotron Infrared Spectromicroscopy
Authors: Clède Sylvain , Sandt Christophe , Dumas Paul , Policar Clotilde
Published: October 2019

Presented here is the exploitation of synchrotron infrared spectromicroscopy to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring the cellular uptake of rhenium-tris-carbonyl-tagged (Re(CO)3) lipophilic chains in living cells. To this aim, an in-house thermostated microfluidic device was used to limit water absorption while keeping cells alive. Indeed, cells showed a high survival rate in the microfluidic device over the course of the experiment, proving the short-term biocompatibility of the device. We recorded spectra of single, living, fully hydrated breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells and could follow the penetration of the rhenium complexes for up to 2 h. Despite the strong variations observed in the uptake kinetics between individual cells, the Re(CO)3 complex was traced inside the cells at low concentration and shown to enter them on the hour time scale by active transport.
Application of Doehlert Matrix for an Optimized Preparation of a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) Substrate Based on Silicon Nanowires for Ultrasensitive Detection of Rhodamine 6G
Authors: Ouhibi Awatef , Saadaoui Maroua , Lorrain Nathalie , Guendouz Mohammed , Raouafi Noureddine , Moadhen Adel
Published: October 2019

In this work, we combined a hierarchical nano-array effect of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with a metallic surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to design a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) scattering substrate for sensitive detection of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) which is a typical dye for fluorescence probes. The SiNWs were prepared by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching (MACE) of n-Si (100) wafers. The Doehlert design methodology was used for planning the experiment and analyzing the experimental results. Thanks to this methodology, the R6G SERS response has been optimized by studying the effects of the silver nitrate concentration, silver nitrate and R6G immersion times and their interactions. The immersion time in R6G solution stands out as the most of influential factor on the SERS response.
Nondispersive Infrared Gas Analyzer for Partial Pressure Measurements of a Tantalum Alkylamide During Vapor Deposition Processes
Authors: Maslar James E. , Kimes William A. , Sperling Brent A. , Kanjolia Ravindra K.
Published: October 2019

A nondispersive infrared gas analyzer was demonstrated for investigating metal alkylamide precursor delivery for microelectronics vapor deposition processes. The nondispersive infrared analyzer was designed to simultaneously measure the partial pressure of pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum, a metal precursor employed in high volume manufacturing vapor deposition processes to deposit tantalum nitride, and dimethylamine, the primary decomposition product of pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum at typical delivery conditions for these applications. This sensor was based on direct absorption of pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum and dimethylamine in the fingerprint spectral region. The nondispersive infrared analyzer optical response was calibrated by measuring absorbance as a function of dimethylamine and pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum density. The difference between the mass of material removed from the ampoule during flow tests as measured gravimetrically and as determined optically, by calculating flow rates from the nondispersive infrared analyzer measurements, was only ≈2 %. The minimum detectable molecular densities for pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum and dimethylamine were ≈2 × 1013 cm−3 and ≈5 × 1014 cm−3, respectively (with no signal averaging and for a sampling rate of 200 Hz), and the corresponding partial pressures were ≈0.1 Pa and ≈2 Pa for pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum and dimethylamine, respectively (for an optical flow cell temperature of 93 ℃). Pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum could be detected at all conditions of this investigation and likely the majority of conditions relevant to high volume manufacturing tantalum nitride deposition. Dimethylamine was not detected at all conditions in this study, because of a lower nondispersive infrared analyzer sensitivity to dimethylamine compared to pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum and because conditions of this study were selected to minimize DMA production. While this nondispersive infrared gas analyzer was specifically developed for pentakis(dimethylamido) tantalum and dimethylamine, it is suitable for characterizing the vapor delivery of other metal alkylamide precursors and the corresponding amine decomposition products, although in the case of some metal alkylamides a different bandpass filter would be required.
Age and Gender Characteristics of the Infrared Spectra of Normal Human Saliva
Authors: Bel’skaya Lyudmila V. , Sarf Elena A. , Solomatin Denis V.
Published: October 2019

The comparison of the characteristics of the infrared (IR) spectra of saliva of healthy volunteers was carried out based on gender and age. It is shown that statistically significant differences between male and female groups are observed for the absorption bands of proteins and lipids. At the same time, the absorbance of the bands assigned to proteins and nucleic acids is higher for males, whereas the absorbance of the bands assigned to lipids is higher in the group of females. It is established that the correlation relationships of the characteristics of the spectra and age are weakly expressed. Thus, when forming the criteria of the norm and pathology for saliva, it is necessary to take into account the gender of the subjects, while there are no strict requirements for taking into account age periodization. Nevertheless, the revealed patterns are valid only for the composition of the saliva of healthy volunteers, the extension of the results to groups of patients with various diseases, as well as other biological fluids, requires additional testing.
Serum neuron-specific enolase measurement for neuro-prognostication post out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Determination of the optimum testing strategy in routine clinical use
Authors: Clifford-Mobley Oliver , Palmer Frances , Rooney Kieron , Skorko Agnieszka , Bayly Graham
Published: October 2019

Background

Measurement of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) for neuro-prognostication post out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is recommended by international guidelines. There is, however, a lack of consensus regarding the cut-offs and time points to use. In addition, NSE is particularly susceptible to haemolysis interference. This study aimed to define the optimum NSE testing strategy to support the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Patients admitted to ICU post-OHCA over 16 months had NSE measured. The outcome was survival to ICU discharge. NSE at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and change in NSE (ΔNSE) were assessed for prognostic accuracy using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The magnitude of haemolysis interference was quantified by spiking haemolysate into paired serum.

Results

There is a consistent linear increase in NSE with increasing haemolysis, independent of baseline NSE concentration. A haemolysis index acceptance threshold was defined as 20. There were 142 patients, and 82 survived to ICU discharge. The NSE parameter with best predictive performance was ΔNSE at 48 h, which had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.91. A cut-off of >0 μg/L at this time point had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 97% for predicting death on ICU. When patients who died of non-neurological causes were removed, the sensitivity increased to 91%.

Conclusions

Application of a stringent haemolysis interference threshold and measurement of NSE at two time points enabled us to achieve excellent discrimination. Increasing NSE over the first 48 h, suggestive of an ongoing reperfusion injury to the brain, is a strong predictor of poor outcome.
When Does Information Influence Voters? The Joint Importance of Salience and Coordination
Authors: Adida Claire , Gottlieb Jessica , Kramon Eric , McClendon Gwyneth
Published: October 2019

Scholars argue that access to information about a politician’s programmatic performance helps voters reward good performers and punish poor ones. But in places where resources are made conditional on collective electoral behavior, voters may not want to defect to vote for a strong legislative performer if they do not believe that others will. We argue that two conditions must hold for information about politician performance to affect voter behavior: Voters must care about the information and believe that others in their constituency care as well. In a field experiment around legislative elections in Benin, voters rewarded good programmatic performance only when information was both made relevant to voters and widely disseminated within the electoral district. Otherwise, access to positive legislative performance information actually lowered vote share for the incumbent’s party. These results demonstrate the joint importance of Salience and voter coordination in shaping information’s impact in clientelistic democracies.
Dealing With Feeling Crowded on Public Transport: The Potential Role of Design
Authors: Lombardi Debora B. , Ciceri Maria Rita
Published: October 2019

Extensive evidence has documented the moderating role of design attributes in crowding; yet, the effect of public transportation design on travel experience has been overlooked. We conducted a within-design experimental study aimed to estimate the buffering role of design resources in both subjective experience (crowding, pleasantness, stimulation, and dominance) and behavioral responses (patterns of eye movements) to crowded conditions on a bus. Three physical bus elements (seat demarcation, access to the window, outdoor surrounding) and their degree of supportiveness (poor, moderate, high) were manipulated. The results of Phase 1 ( N = 80) and Phase 2 ( N = 33) confirmed the beneficial moderating effect of the three physical components on crowding and their compensatory role. The adopted multimethodological approach confirmed to be an ecologically valid strategy for studying the effects of the physical environment on human behavior. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Before It Is Too Late: Implementation Strategies of an Efficient Opioid and Pain Stewardship Program
Authors: Santalo Oscar
Published: October 2019

Hospital pharmacies may not have the necessary resources, tools, or policies in place to implement a valuable opioid stewardship program. Meanwhile, the number of opioid prescriptions and medication use has increased nationwide. The overuse of opioids is due to the challenging nature of pain management, drug diversion prevention, and opioid abuse, as well as difficulty in recognizing and implementing best practices regarding opioid stewardship. The purpose of this review is to describe the components and executional strategy of an effective opioid and pain stewardship program. Opioid and pain stewardship programs can help identify opportunities for better adherence to best practice recommendations such as standardization of opioid dosing strategies, prescription of multimodal and opioid-sparing regimens, identification of substance misuse, review of patient history information, recognition of pain as a disease state, and increased dispensing of opioid reversal medications.
Public–private partnerships: procedural over results-driven accountability
Authors: Parrado Salvador , Reynaers Anne-Marie
Published: October 2019

The article examines to what extent Dutch and Spanish officials make trade-offs between process and result accountability during the design, management and adaptation of contracts for public–private partnerships. The countries’ distinct administrative traditions (legalistic versus managerial-oriented, respectively) are expected to be influential. Analysing contracts, policy documents and interviews with 89 Dutch and Spanish project members, the article shows that Dutch administrators focus on outcome accountability, following the tenets of relational governance, whereas Spanish officials opt for process accountability in line with the contractual governance framework in non-clinical services, and for result accountability for clinical services in hospitals.

Points for practitioners

• Procedural and results-based accountability are not necessarily alternatives. High legalistic countries may emphasize process accountability but results-based accountability is needed to realize the potential from the private-sector operator delivering public services. • Long-term contracts require that the procurer first sets the results to be achieved and then work out the more suitable accountability mechanisms. • Results-based accountability requires competencies that are not easily found in the public sector of legalistic countries and this is key for properly giving account of the contract.
Performance evaluation of building-integrated photovoltaic systems for residential buildings in southern India
Authors: Ramanan P , Kalidasa Murugavel K , Karthick A , Sudhakar K
Published: October 2019

The integration of photovoltaic modules into the building structure is a challenging task with respect to power generation of PV module and the effect of incident solar radiation. The performance of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules varies depending upon the orientation and azimuth angle of the building. In this work, the year-round performance and economic feasibility analysis of grid-connected building-integrated photovoltaic (GBIPV) modules is reported for the hot and humid climatic regional condition at Kovilpatti (9°10′0′′N, 77°52′0′′E), Tamil Nadu, India. The appropriate mounting structures are provided, to experimentally simulate the performance of GBIPV modules at various orientations and inclination angles (0° to 90°). The result indicated that the optimum orientation for installation of BIPV modules in the façade and walls is found to be east while that for a pitched roof south orientation is recommended. The overall average annual performance ratio, capacity utilisation factor, array capture loss and system losses are found to be 0.83, 23%, 0.07 (h/day), and 0.17 (h/day), respectively. In addition, the economic feasibility of grid connected PV system for residential buildings in Tamil Nadu, India is analysed using HOMER by incorporating both a net metering process and electricity tariff.

Practical application: Grid-connected building-integrated photovoltaic system has many benefits and barriers by being installed and integrated into the building structure. The application of GBIPV in building structures and its orientation of installation needs to be optimised before installing into buildings. This study will assist architects and wider community to design buildings facades and roofs with GBIPV system which are more aesthetic and account for noise protection and thermal insulation in the region of equatorial climate zones. By adding as shading devices, they can reduce the need for artificial lighting, and moderate heating or cooling load of the buildings.
A Couples-Based Approach for Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wooldridge Jennalee S. , Ranby Krista W. , Roberts Sydneyjane , Huebschmann Amy G.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine feasibility outcomes and obtain initial efficacy data on an intervention testing collaborative implementation intentions (IIs) for physical activity (PA) among participants with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study used a pilot randomized design and enrolled people with diabetes (PWD) and their partners (N = 40 couples, 80 individuals). PWD reported psychosocial measures, including self-efficacy for PA, diabetes partner investment in diabetes self-management, and PA-related social support. Accelerometers (objective) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (self-report) were used to assess PA.

Results

Participants in both experimental conditions reported being satisfied with the intervention and highly committed to their PA plans. Participants were able to follow instructions and completed the intervention in less than 30 minutes. Participants in the collaborative IIs condition reported a greater increase in PA-related social support (partial 2 = .185, P < .05) and self-reported recreational PA (partial 2 = .210, P < .05) at 6 weeks compared to the other 2 conditions. In this pilot study, there were no significant group differences on other psychosocial outcomes or for objective PA; however, time in light PA trended higher for the collaborative IIs condition compared to the other 2 conditions (partial 2 = .237, P = .056).

Conclusions

This study provides initial support for collaborative IIs for PA with PWD and their partners. This brief intervention was feasible and highly acceptable, and it may improve relationship dynamics around PA as well as ultimately increase PA.
The effect of a home exercise intervention on persons with lower limb amputations: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Godlwana Lonwabo , Stewart Aimee , Musenge Eustasius
Published: October 2019

Objective:

To establish if a home-based exercise and education programme is more effective than usual treatment in improving function, mobility and quality of life in people with lower limb amputation due to peripheral vascular disease.

Method:

A blocked randomized single-blinded controlled trial (RCT) with 154 participants (54 female; mean age 58) compared a home-based exercise and education programme (n = 77) with usual care (control) (n = 77). Participants were measured at baseline, immediately post intervention at three months, and after a further three months without any intervention. The outcome measures were the Barthel Index, Participation Scale, EuroQuol 5D, Modified Locomotor Capability Index and Timed Up and Go Test. Changes over time were established using generalized estimating equations and analysis of covariance, ( P < 0.05)

Results:

The Participation Scale (18.73 ± 14.91 against 26.67 ± 19.14; P = 0.011), the EuroQuol5D visual analogue scale (69.10 ± 20.31 against 55.37 ± 27.67; P = 0.003), EuroQuol5D utility index (0.672 ± 0.300 against 0.532 ± 0.358; P = 0.25) and the Modified Capability Index (21.03 ± 15.79 against 15.91 ± 13.67; P = 0.034) improved in the intervention group compared with the control group at three months. At six months, there was no difference between the groups in any of the measures except for the EuroQuol5D visual analogue scale (74.52 ± 16.14 against 66.34 ± 22.91; P = 0.033). Although there were no differences between the Timed Up and Go test at 3 (35.39 ± 32.48 against 45.08 ± 41.52; P = 0.192) and six months (28.22 ± 20.96 against 36.08 ± 36.19; P = 0.189) between the groups the intervention group was more mobile.

Conclusion:

This intervention improved function, mobility and quality of life in persons following lower limb amputation in the first three months post amputation.
From standing balance to walking: A single control structure for a continuum of gaits
Authors: Razavi Hamed , Faraji Salman , Ijspeert Auke
Published: October 2019

This article presents a control algorithm framework with which a bipedal robot can perform a variety of gaits by only modifying a small set of control parameters. The controller drives a number of variables, called non-emergent variables, to their desired trajectories resulting in a desired emergent walking gait. While the non-emergent variables remain the same independent of the gait, their desired trajectories are functions of a small set of control parameters that change as a function of the desired gait. This control algorithm has been tested on the humanoid robot COMAN, where different gaits including standing balance, stepping in place, periodic walking gaits with different velocities, as well as gait switching are demonstrated in experiments.
A feast of Tantalus: Corporeal crisis and death by starvation in Britain 1830–1914
Authors: Rioux Sébastien
Published: October 2019

This article argues that capitalism in general and social reproduction theory in particular must be understood through the body. Based on a study of hunger and starvation in Britain between 1830 and 1914, it maintains that the conflicting dialectics between the ‘freedom to starve’ underpinning competitive labour markets and the ‘right to live’ institutionalised by society’s attempt to offset its worst effects are key for understanding how social reproduction orders are historically established and stabilised.
Location of the Glenoid Defect in Shoulders With Recurrent Posterior Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Dekker Travis J. , Peebles Liam A. , Goldenberg Brandon T. , Millett Peter J. , Bradley James P. , Provencher Matthew T.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Posterior glenoid bone deficiency is an increasingly recognized entity in the setting of recurrent posterior shoulder instability; however, little is known about the subject. Due to the paucity of literature on posterior bone loss, historical comparisons with anterior bone loss may not be fully accurate.

Purpose:

To systematically describe the morphology of posterior bone defects in the setting of recurrent posterior shoulder instability based on several quantitative parameters, including the mean location, orientation, and extent of bone loss on a clockface model, as well as the angle of the defect relative to the long axis of the glenoid.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography scans of serially collected patients with a history of recurrent posterior shoulder instability were evaluated by 3 separate reviewers. The posterior glenoid bone defect was characterized using the following measures: (1) the mean lesion location and orientation based on a clockface model with 6 o’clock denoted as inferior and 9 o’clock as directly posterior for all patients; (2) the total extent of the posterior bone defect based on the clockface; and (3) the average angle of the bone loss relative to the long axis of the glenoid.

Results:

A total of 70 male patients and 1 female patient with a mean age of 29.3 years (range, 24.4-35.1 years) were included in the analysis. The mean clockface location of the posterior glenoid defect originated at 6:44 (range, 4:16-8:12) and extended to a mean of 9:28 (range, 7:02-10:38). The mean extent of the posterior glenoid defect was 2:43 (range, 1:08-4:50), which corresponds to a mean total bone loss arc of 81.5° (range, 34.2°-144.9°), nearly 1 quadrant of the glenoid. Posterior bone loss occurred in a posteroinferior direction at a mean angle of 30.7° (range, 8.0°-80.0°) relative to the long axis of the glenoid.

Conclusion:

Posterior bone defects in the setting of posterior shoulder instability most commonly occur in the posteroinferior quadrant of the glenoid and extend on average from 6:44 to 9:28 (81.5° total degrees of arc) on a clockface model. Posterior bone loss occurs at a mean of 30° off the long axis of the glenoid in a posteroinferior direction, which is historically different from anterior bone loss, which occurs parallel to the long axis of the glenoid. This study serves to highlight the location and orientation of bone loss that one can expect in a patient with recurrent posterior shoulder instability, although additional work is needed to assess why this develops.
Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-Food Consumption: A Meta-Analysis of Global School-Based Student Health Surveys
Authors: Beal Ty , Morris Saul S. , Tumilowicz Alison
Published: October 2019

Background:

Adolescence presents an opportunity to influence diet, which impacts present and future health outcomes, yet adolescent diets globally are poorly understood.

Objective:

We generate evidence on adolescent diets globally and explore patterns and trends by subpopulation.

Methods:

We estimated mean frequency of consumption and prevalence of less-than-daily fruit and vegetable consumption, at-least-daily carbonated beverage consumption, and at-least-weekly fast-food consumption among school-going adolescents aged primarily 12 to 17 years from the Global School-based Student Health Surveys in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America between 2008 and 2015. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates globally and by subgroup.

Results:

On average, adolescents consumed fruit 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–1.60) times per day, vegetables 1.75 (1.58–1.92) times per day, carbonated soft drinks 0.99 (0.77–1.22) times per day, and fast food 1.05 (0.78–1.32) times per week. Overall, 34.5% (95% CI 29.4–39.7) consumed fruit less than once per day, 20.6% (15.8–25.9) consumed vegetables less than once per day, 42.8% (35.2–50.7) drank carbonated soft drinks at least once per day, and 46.1% (38.6–53.7) consumed fast food at least once per week. Mean daily frequency of fruit consumption was particularly low in South and East Asia (1.30 [1.02–1.58]); carbonated soft drink consumption high in Latin America (1.54 [1.31–1.78]), high-income countries (1.66 [1.29–2.03]), and modern food system typologies (1.44 [0.75–2.12]); and mean weekly fast food consumption high in mixed food system typologies (1.29 [0.88–1.71]).

Conclusions:

School-going adolescents infrequently consume fruits and vegetables and frequently consume carbonated soft drinks, but there is wide variability by subpopulation.
Access to Firearms Among People Assessed by Psychiatric Services in the Emergency Department
Authors: Katz Cara , Bhaskaran Joanna , Bolton James M.
Published: October 2019

Objective:

In Canada, 80% of firearm-related deaths are suicides. Access to firearms is associated with increased suicide rates. This study examines the frequency and factors that influence assessment of firearm access in an emergency setting.

Methods:

A total of 15,847 consecutive adults seen for psychiatric consultation in two tertiary emergency departments (EDs) in Winnipeg, Manitoba were interviewed. Data captured whether access to firearms was assessed, and whether respondents endorsed access or not. Comparisons were done to determine group differences among those with and without and with known and unknown firearm access.

Results:

Access to firearms was unknown in 47% ( n = 7,363) of psychiatric ED consultations, including 43% ( n = 998) of individuals who presented with a suicide attempt. Female sex was associated with decreased odds of firearm access (odds ratio [ OR] 0.28; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.35). Being single was associated with lower odds of known firearm access ( OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.89) yet higher likelihood of firearm access ( OR 1.36; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.68). Presenting with a suicide attempt ( OR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.80 to 3.34), preparatory acts ( OR 6.40; 95% CI, 4.38 to 9.36) and suicidal ideation ( OR 2.45; 95% CI, 1.87 to 3.21) were associated with increased odds of reporting access. When clinicians felt there was a high likelihood of future suicide, firearm access remained unknown in half of cases.

Conclusion:

Firearm ownership and access is an essential component of a suicide risk assessment and remains unknown in half of individuals seen by psychiatry in this tertiary care ED sample. People presenting with suicidal ideation and attempts were more likely to report access to firearms.
Complete heart block in lupus
Authors: Natsheh A , Shimony D , Bogot N , Nesher G , Breuer G S
Published: October 2019

Conduction abnormalities are uncommon in adult patients with lupus. We present a young woman with recurrent syncope caused by third-degree atrio-ventricular block as the initial manifestation of lupus and review 31 additional cases of systemic lupus erythematosus patients that have been described previously with complete heart block. Heart blocks occurred almost exclusively in females. The median age was 37 years. In 24 cases heart blocks were diagnosed in patients with established lupus. In only five patients, including the patient presented here, heart blocks were diagnosed before the lupus diagnosis. Syncope was the most common presenting symptom of heart block. Electrocardiographic findings prior to heart block episodes were reported in 17 cases: eight had normal findings, but nine had already variant forms of atrioventricular or intraventricular conduction defects. Anti-nuclear antibody tests were reported in 25 cases and were all positive. Anti-DNA antibodies were also common and were positive in 16 of 19 cases (84%). Anti-La and anti-Ro antibodies were less common (13% and 35%, respectively). Three patients died, all prior to 1975. Heart block resolved in 10 cases. Follow-up was reported in four of these cases and heart block recurred in three of them. A permanent pacemaker was the eventual treatment in 22 cases. The etiology of lupus-associated complete heart block is not clear. It is probably variable, possibly related to effects of autoantibodies reacting with the conduction system, myocardial disease and adverse effects of antimalarials. Insertion of a permanent pacemaker seems to be the preferable method of treatment.
Dynamic Linkages and Volatility Transmissions between Macroeconomic Uncertainty and Performance: Evidence from South Asian Countries
Authors: Shah Said Zamin , Baharumshah Ahmad Zubaidi , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: October 2019

In this article, we examine the time-varying linkages and volatility transmissions between macroeconomic uncertainty and macroeconomic performance in four South Asian countries over the last 20–30 years. Through the lens of bivariate GARCH family models supplemented with two-step procedure, we arrive at several important conclusions. First, there is an overwhelming support for the Friedman–Ball hypothesis that higher inflation leads to inflation uncertainty in all countries. Second, Holland’s idea of negative influence of inflation volatility on the level of inflation holds only for one country (India). Third, there is no significant effect of macroeconomic uncertainty on the output growth in all countries under study, where real uncertainty induces inflation but impedes output growth, except in India. Fourth, output growth leads to decline real uncertainty in all countries except Sri Lanka and improves (reduces) inflation uncertainty in India (Bangladesh) only. Fifth, there is a statistically significant bidirectional causality between real and nominal uncertainties for at least half of the countries. Finally, there is an adverse effect of higher inflation on the output growth for Pakistan. We suggest that policymakers in these countries should pay more attention to expectations formation and should adopt dynamic monetary stabilization and inflation-targeting strategies, coupled with sustainable growth measures, for reducing macroeconomic volatilities.
A Short History of Table-Talk and Live-Action Role-Playing in Japan: Replays and the Horror Genre as Drivers of Popularity
Authors: Kamm Björn-Ole
Published: October 2019

Background. The history of larp, live-action role-play, in Japan may be rather short but documents exponential growth in the entertainment sector as well as in educational gaming. Following trends of related forms of analog role-playing games, the horror genre functions as a motor of increasing popularity.

Aim. This article explores the development of non-digital role-playing games in the Japanese context in light of the online video platform niconico popularizing horror role-playing and practical considerations of adopting the genre to live-action play.

Method. Cyberethnographic fieldwork including participant observation at larps between 2015 and 2018 forms the data basis for this article, followed by qualitative interviews with larp organizers, larp writers, and designers of analog games as well as observations online in respective webforums.

Results. Replays, novelized transcripts of play sessions, have been an entry point into analog role-playing in Japan since the 1980s. With the advent of video sharing sites, replays moved from the book to audio-visual records and a focus on horror games. Creating a fertile ground for this genre, the first indigenous Japanese larp rulebook built on this interest and the ease of access, namely that players do not need elaborate costumes or equipment to participate in modern horror.

Discussion. The dominant form of larps in Japan are one-room games, that work well with horror mysteries and function as a low threshold of accessibility. Furthermore, the emotional impact of horror larps, the affective interaction between players and their characters, allows for memorable experiences and so continues to draw in new players and organizers.
Persuasion Game: Cross Cultural Comparison
Authors: Ando Kaori , Sugiura Junkichi , Ohnuma Susumu , Tam Kim-Pong , Hübner Gundula , Adachi Nahoko
Published: October 2019

Background. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the “persuasion game” in changing environmental attitudes and behaviors in different cultural contexts. Personal communication has been identified as a key facilitator of environmental behaviors, but environmental communication in our daily lives is infrequent.

Intervention. This study tested the effects of the persuasion game in Germany, Hong Kong, and Japan. The game divides participants into two groups: persuaders and persuadees. The persuaders were given 10 minutes to persuade as many persuadees as they could to adopt energy-saving behaviors. Further, after 10 minutes, these participants were asked to switch their roles.

Method. The study employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design to examine changes in attitudes and behavioral intentions of the participants toward energy-saving before and after their participation in the persuasion game. Participants were university students in Germany (N = 116), Hong Kong (N = 65), and Japan (N = 92).

Results. In all three countries, playing the game was associated with increased intention to adopt energy-saving behaviors, perceived seriousness of environmental problems, descriptive norm, and subjective norm. The increase in subjective norm was especially high in Japan, where the increase in intention to adopt energy-saving behavior was particularly pronounced among those who had less environmental communication.

Discussion. The results indicate that this game can not only facilitate communication on environmental issues in different cultural contexts but also change how people perceive others’ interest in environmental issues.

Conclusion. This study showed that persuasion game can be played in countries other than Japan as well. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to communicate with others on environmental issues, which may contribute to promoting future environmental behaviors.