bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Vitamin D Analogue on Rosuvastatin-Induced Myopathy in Wistar Rats
Authors: Chogtu Bharti , Ommurugan Balaji , Thomson Sereen R. , Kalthur Sneha G.
Published: March 2020

Objectives. Statin-induced myopathy is one of the major causes of poor adherence and discontinuation of this medication. There are contrary results regarding association of vitamin D insufficiency with statin-induced myopathy. This study was done to determine the effect of the vitamin D3 analogue alfacalcidol on Rosuvastatin-induced myopathy in rats. Methodology. Animals were divided into six groups with 6 rats in each group. Groups I and II acted as controls, Group III and Group IV were administered Rosuvastatin 120 mg/kg/day and 160 mg/kg/day, Groups V and VI were administered alfacalcidol 0.1 μg/kg/day in addition to Rosuvastatin 120 mg/kg/day and 160 mg/kg/day, respectively. All drugs were administered orally for 15 days. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels were estimated on day 10 and day 15. Animals were sacrificed and muscles were sent for histopathological examination. Results. On day 10, Groups V and VI showed a statistically significant increase in plasma CK levels as compared to the control (p<0.001) and were significantly lower (p<0.001) as compared to Groups III and IV, respectively. However, on day 15, plasma CK levels in Groups V and VI were comparable to those of control groups with a nonsignificant difference (p>0.05). On comparing the histology, Groups V and VI showed a significant difference as compared to statin-only groups (Groups III and IV) as there were signs of regeneration, less splitting, and fragmentation of muscle fibres. Conclusion. The present study shows that the vitamin D analogue alfacalcidol prevents statin-induced myopathy. The serum CK levels are comparable to the control group on day 15 of vitamin D administration.
Synthesis of Silica-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles by Microemulsion Method: Characterization and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Asab Goshu , Zereffa Enyew Amare , Abdo Seghne Teshome
Published: March 2020

Magnetite and silica-coated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion method from hydrated ferric nitrate, ferrous sulfate precursors and ammonia a precipitating agent with the assistance of Tween-80 and SDS surfactants. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analyzer, and infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction pattern of Fe3O4 showed that particles were phase pure with a cubic inverse spinel structure and FT-infrared spectra confirmed the presence of Fe-O bond in tetrahedral and octahedral interstitial sites. The crystallite size determined from powder XRD data with Scherer’s equation was in the range of 7.3 ± 0.05 nm–10.83 ± 0.02 nm for uncoated Fe3O4 and 16 ± 0.14 nm for silica-coated Fe3O4 NPs. The SEM micrographs of the uncoated Fe3O4 oxide revealed the agglomeration of the magnetite (Fe3O4) particles. But the silica-coated Fe3O4 oxide exhibited homogeneous distribution of particles with relatively less agglomerate of the particles. The particle size of Fe3O4 NPs slightly increased with the temperature and precursor concentration. The antimicrobial activities of Fe3O4 and silica-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. Both Fe3O4 and silica-coated Fe3O4 NPs demonstrated better antimicrobial activities.
Convolutional Neural Network for Seizure Detection of Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Pisano Fabio , Sias Giuliana , Fanni Alessandra , Cannas Barbara , Dourado António , Pisano Barbara , Teixeira Cesar A.
Published: March 2020

The Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (NFLE) is a form of epilepsy in which seizures occur predominantly during sleep. In other forms of epilepsy, the commonly used clinical approach mainly involves manual inspection of encephalography (EEG) signals, a laborious and time-consuming process which often requires the contribution of more than one experienced neurologist. In the last decades, numerous approaches to automate this detection have been proposed and, more recently, machine learning has shown very promising performance. In this paper, an original Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture is proposed to develop patient-specific seizure detection models for three patients affected by NFLE. The performances, in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, exceed by several percentage points those in the most recent literature. The capability of the patient-specific models has been also tested to compare the obtained seizure onset times with those provided by the neurologists, with encouraging results. Moreover, the same CNN architecture has been used to develop a cross-patient seizure detection system, resorting to the transfer-learning paradigm. Starting from a patient-specific model, few data from a new patient are enough to customize his model. This contribution aims to alleviate the task of neurologists, who may have a robust indication to corroborate their clinical conclusions.
A Pink Herring in the Colon: A Case Report of Eosinophilic Colitis Masking Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Colon
Authors: Milne David Malcolm , Rattan Jason , Muddeen Alyssa , Rambhajan Amrit A.
Published: March 2020

Eosinophilic colitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the colon becomes infiltrated by eosinophils which stain densely pink on microscopy. It is an uncommon clinical entity which has a long list of differential diagnoses. We present a case of a patient whose biopsy at colonoscopy revealed eosinophilic colitis which led to a delay in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of colon cancer. A 35-year-old male presented with a six-week history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain associated with diarrhoea and weight loss. Colonoscopy showed an inflamed cecum; computed tomography revealed a small ascitic fluid collection in the right iliac fossa. Biopsy showed eosinophilic colitis, and he was treated conservatively with albendazole and mesalamine. The patient failed to improve over the following month with continued weight loss. A repeat CT scan showed a right iliac fossa mass. A right hemicolectomy was performed with histopathology from the specimen showing mucinous adenocarcinoma. Eosinophilic colitis can mask colon cancer and should be considered a diagnosis of exclusion.
Elevated Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Independently Affects Age-Related Increases in Systolic Blood Pressure: A Nested Case-Control Study in a Prospective Korean Cohort
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Minjoo , Lee Sang-Hyun , Lee Jong Ho
Published: March 2020

Inflammatory markers are susceptible to changes over time. Thus, we observed changes in inflammatory markers correlating with age-related increases in blood pressure (BP) through a prospective study. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in inflammatory markers that correlate with age-related increases in BP. The study included 1,500 nondiabetic and normotensive healthy subjects at baseline. Of these, 121 individuals who developed hypertension (defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) after 2 years formed the hypertension group. For each incident hypertension case, 2 age- and sex-matched control subjects were selected among those who did not develop hypertension (control group, n = 242). After baseline adjustment, the hypertension group exhibited greater increases in body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic BP, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, Lp-PLA2 activity, and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) levels compared to the control group. In the hypertension group, changes in (Δ) systolic BP correlated positively with Δ Lp-PLA2 activity, which correlated positively with Δ low-density lipoprotein (LDL−) cholesterol and Δ urinary 8-epi-PGF2α levels. Moreover, multiple linear regression revealed baseline systolic BP and Δ Lp-PLA2 activity to be independent predictors of Δ systolic BP in the hypertension group. Our results suggest that age-related increases in systolic BP may correlate strongly with elevated Lp-PLA2 activity and that Lp-PLA2 can be considered a biomarker for systolic BP elevation.
Sources of Nitrogen Pollution in Upstream of Fenhe River Reservoir Based on the Nitrogen and Oxygen Stable Isotope
Authors: Zhao Ying , Dang Jinhua , Wang Fei
Published: March 2020

Identification of nitrate sources is important for the management of rivers. In this study, stable isotopes (δ15N and δ18O) and a Bayesian model (stable isotope analysis in R, SIAR) were applied to identify nitrate sources and estimate the proportional contributions of multiple nitrate sources in the upstream of Fenhe River Reservoir that serves as a source of drinking water in Shanxi Province of North China. The results showed that the 86.4% of total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in the water samples exceeded the guided values of the Chinese Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB 3838-2002). The influent of tributary and discharges of sewage caused the severe nitrogen pollution. SIAR was used to estimate the proportional contribution of three nitrate sources (sewage, inorganic fertilizer, and soil nitrogen). It was revealed that domestic sewage was the dominant nitrate source, and the contributions were 33%–41%. The contributions of inorganic fertilizer and soil to nitrogen load were 30%–31% and 31%–37%, respectively. Therefore, the pollution sources of nitrogen can be determined more accurately if the rules of sewage discharges are considered.
Are Invasive Procedures and a Longer Hospital Stay Increasing the Risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections among the Admitted Patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia?
Authors: Tolera Moti , Marami Dadi , Abate Degu , Dheresa Merga
Published: March 2020

Background. Healthcare-associated infection is a major public health problem, in terms of mortality, morbidity, and costs. Majorities of the cause of these infections were preventable. Understanding the potential risk factors is important to reduce the impact of these avoidable infections. The study was aimed to identify factors associated with healthcare-associated infections among patients admitted at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 433 patients over a period of five months at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from a patient admitted for 48 hours and above in the four wards (surgical, medical, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics) using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of healthcare-associated infections. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Fifty-four (13.7%) patients had a history of a previous admission. The median length of hospital stay was 6.1 days. Forty-six (11.7%) participants reported comorbid conditions. Ninety-six (24.4%) participants underwent surgical procedures. The overall prevalence of healthcare-associated infection was 29 (7.4%, 95% CI: 5.2–10.6). Cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI: 2.15–20.47), staying in the hospital for more than 4 days (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 2.31–6.15), and undergoing invasive procedures (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.11–7.52) increase the odds of acquiring healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion. The cumulative prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in this study was comparable with similar studies conducted in developing countries. Cigarette smoking, staying in the hospital for more than 4 days, and undergoing invasive procedures increase the odds of healthcare-associated infections. These factors should be considered in the infection prevention and control program of the hospital.
Special Staining of the Liquid-Based Cytopathology Test in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Nonneutropenic Patients
Authors: Hu Yue , Zheng Lin , Pan Deng , Shao Lei , Xu Xianfa , Yu Yiming , Zhuang Qidong , Deng Zaichun , Chen Zhongbo
Published: March 2020

In recent years, various biomarkers have been gradually applied on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The objective of this study is to assess the value of the liquid-based cytopathology test (LCT) for improving the identification of IPA in BAL fluid from possible IPA patients, following special staining with periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS) or Grocott’s methenamine silver (GMS). A total of 47 consecutive possible IPA patients who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL fluid from January 2017 to December 2018 were included. 45 people had a pair of BAL fluid specimens and 2 patients had two BAL fluid specimens. The 49 pairs of BAL fluid specimens were processed for culture, tuberculosis acid fast staining smear, direct microbial smear, and LCT with special staining (PAS and GMS), respectively. Then, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of PAS and GMS in BAL fluid in high-risk patients. Among 47 possible IPA patients, 25 patients had proven/probable IPA, and 11 patients had other invasive fungal diseases. The sensitivity of GMS was higher than that of PAS (92.11% versus 81.58%; P=0.175). The specificity of GMS was 81.82%, which was higher than that of PAS (81.82% versus 72.73%; P=0.611). The negative predictive value (NPV) for PAS and GMS were 53.33% and 75.00%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) for PAS and GMS were 91.18% and 94.59%, respectively. This study showed that special staining of LCT in BAL fluid may be a novel method for the diagnosis of IPA, and the GMS of LCT had higher sensitivity and specificity, which was superior to PAS.
A Case of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Related to Traumatic Papillary Muscle Rupture
Authors: Meel Ruchika , Ngutshane Bongane , Gonçalves Ricardo , Mogaladi Shungu
Published: March 2020

A 25-year-old male presented after a motor vehicle accident with tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation, due to a flail TV secondary to papillary muscle rupture. We highlight the importance of three-dimensional echocardiographic imaging of the tricuspid valve and its utility in aiding a successful surgical repair.
Selección de residentes en la formación de psiquiatría: ¿qué atributos buscan los docentes de un centro formador y por qué medios?
Authors: Pacheco Pacheco Bernardo Enrique , Valdés Rojic Francisca , Kobus Garín Valentina , Bedregal Paula
Published: March 2020

Introducción: la formación en Psiquiatría tiene como primer desafío elegir los candidatos ideales para desempeñarse óptimamente como residentes, alcanzando las competencias necesarias para un posterior ejercicio de la especialidad. En general, no se cuenta con instrumentos específicos de selección de residentes, utilizándose diversas estrategias de elección de candidatos a la especialidad. El objetivo del presente estudio es identificar los atributos y los medios de selección que un grupo de académicos consideran necesarios al momento de seleccionar a los candidatos a sus programas de residencia en Psiquiatría.

Metodología: se realizó una investigación cualitativa de tipo encuesta de percepción utilizando el Método Delphi. La encuesta se envió, por medio de una plataforma web, a todos los académicos del Departamento de Psiquiatría de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (n=39).

Resultados: los atributos mencionados fueron agrupados en 8 dominios. Las principales categorías identificadas por los encuestados fueron: profesionalismo (41%), motivación por la especialidad (33%), habilidades de comunicación (13%) y estabilidad psicológica (12%). El principal instrumento mencionado para evaluar los atributos de los postulantes fue la entrevista personal. Las publicaciones científicas, las notas de pregrado y las cartas de recomendación son mencionadas secundariamente.

Conclusiones: el actuar profesional en la acción médica, medido como profesionalismo, en este estudio es atributo esencial en un postulante a un programa de residencia en Psiquiatría. Aunque las entrevistas personales han demostrado poco valor predictivo con el rendimiento del residente durante su formación, siguen siendo un instrumento muy requerido en los procesos de selección de residentes.
Dieta cetogénica: mecanismos en el control de la epilepsia refractaria
Authors: Sanzana-Cuche Rodolfo , Labbé Atenas Tomás
Published: March 2020

Introducción

Existe un porcentaje de pacientes con epilepsia que son refractarios al tratamiento con fármacos anticonvulsivantes. Este cuadro se denomina como epilepsia refractaria (ER), y en ese escenario clínico la dieta cetogénica (DC) ha probado ser una alternativa efectiva. Existen diferentes versiones de la DC y ciertos componentes de esta que han mostrado ser más efectivos que otros. Por otra parte, diferentes autores han propuesto hipótesis de cómo la DC podría actuar a nivel molecular y celular para controlar estos episodios de convulsión. En la siguiente revisión profundizaremos en los conceptos generales de la DC y las hipótesis más investigadas.

Método y resultados

Se realizó una búsqueda avanzada en PubMed considerando los términos «refractory», «epilepsy», «ketogenic», «diet», incluidos en el título y el resumen. La búsqueda se centró en artículos originales disponibles en inglés, con énfasis en los útiles para comprender los conceptos generales de la DC, los componentes que podrían jugar un rol relevante al momento de controlar la ER y cuáles serían sus mecanismos de acción. Se seleccionaron 17 artículos de los cuales se rescataron los principales mecanismos asociados a la dieta cetogénica.

Conclusiones

La DC ha probado ser efectiva en el tratamiento de la ER, sin embargo, hay pacientes que no la toleran adecuadamente. Existen ciertos compuestos asociados la DC que han probado ser más efectivos que otro como es el caso de los triglicéridos de cadena mediana (TCM). Finalmente se han investigado numerosas hipótesis en relación al mecanismo de acción de la DC, donde destacan las hipótesis de los cuerpos cetónicos, la adenosina y la del cortocircuito GABA.
Condições de vida e saúde de idosos com transtornos mentais de acordo com o sexo
Authors: Freire Maria Cássia Corrêa Mazzi , Marin Maria José Sanches , Lazarini Carlos Alberto , Damaceno Daniela Garcia
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: analisar as condições de vida e saúde de idosos usuários de ambulatório de saúde mental de acordo com o sexo. Método: estudo transversal realizado em Ambulatório de Saúde Mental do interior paulista, Brasil, com 138 idosos, por meio de entrevistas. As análises inferenciais foram realizadas por meio do teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e da extensão do teste exato de Fisher. Resultados: as mulheres realizavam mais frequentemente prevenção de câncer, vacinação da gripe, uso de aparelhos auxiliares, quando necessários; apresentaram diagnósticos em saúde mental realizados na vida adulta, estado conjugal “vive só”, independência nas atividades de vida diária e transtornos de humor e de personalidade. Os homens tiveram diagnósticos em saúde mental mais tardios, uso pregresso de álcool e transtornos mentais e de comportamento decorrentes do uso de substâncias psicoativas. Conclusão: as condições de vida e saúde dos idosos com transtorno mental apresentaram características diferentes quando se comparou o sexo masculino com o feminino. Isto evidencia a necessidade da busca pelo conhecimento das diferenças, para quem os atende profissionalmente, considerando os contextos que acarretaram o adoecimento e as condições atuais de saúde.
‘Our Friends Don’t Understand Our Policies and Our Situation’: Informal U.S.-China Dialogues Following Tiananmen
Authors: Roberts Priscilla
Published: March 2020

During the 1980s, an interlocking complex of U.S. non-governmental organizations (the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Asia Society, and the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations) gradually built up contacts with Chinese elites. By mid-decade, the National Committee and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs began a series of “U.S.-China Dialogues” in which influential figures from both sides met alternately in Beijing and the United States, supposedly informally, to discuss the state of Sino-American relations. Though the outcome of the protests at Tiananmen in June 1989 shocked them, American China-watchers consciously decided that contacts and efforts at communication and understanding must continue. At the Fourth U.S.-China Dialogue meeting in Beijing in early 1990, the American and Chinese participants assumed radically different positions, with the Chinese complaining bitterly about U.S. interference in China’s internal affairs. However, as the meeting ended, both sides agreed that, while there had been little agreement, such contacts and dialogues were valuable and must continue.
Description of a new Peronia species (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Onchidiidae) from Iran, Persian Gulf
Authors: MANIEI FATEMEH , ESPELAND MARIANNE , MOVAHEDI MOHAMMAD , WÄGELE HEIKE
Published: March 2020

Peronia J. Fleming, 1822 is an eupulmonate slug genus with a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Currently, nine species are considered as valid. However, molecular data indicate cryptic speciation and more species involved. Here, we present results on a new species found in the Persian Gulf, a subtropical region with harsh conditions such as elevated salinity and high temperature compared to the Indian Ocean. Peronia persiae sp. nov. is described based on molecular, histological, anatomical, micro-computer tomography and scanning electron microscopy data. ABGD, GMYC and bPTP analyses based on 16S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences of Peronia confirm the delimitation of the new species. Moreover, our 14 specimens were carefully compared with available information of other described Peronia species. Peronia persiae sp. nov. is distinct in a combination of characters, including differences in the genital (ampulla, prostate, penial hooks, penial needle) and digestive systems (lack of pharyngeal wall teeth, tooth shape in radula, intestine of type II).
Annealing Characteristics of Nano-Grained Oxygen Free Copper Processed by Accumulative Roll-Bonding Process
Authors: Lee Seong-Hee , Lee Chung Hyo , Han Seung Zeon , Lim Cha Yong
Published: March 2020

Annealing characteristics of nano-grained oxygen free copper processed by accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) were studied. A nano-grained oxygen free copper fabricated by 8 cycles of the ARB was annealed at various temperatures ranging from 100 to 300 °C for 0.6 ks. TEM observation
revealed that the ultrafine grains still sustained up to 150 °C, however above 200 °C they were replaced by equiaxed and coarse grains due to an occurrence of the static recrystallization. The tensile strength of the copper decreased largely above 200 °C. These annealing characteristics
of the copper were compared with those of a commercially pure aluminum.
A Silicon-Based, Sequential Coat-and-Etch Process to Fabricate Nearly Perfect Substrate Surfaces
Authors: Mirkarimi P. B. , Spiller E. , Baker S. L. , Stearns D. G. , Robinson J. C. , Olynick D. L. , Salmassi F. , Liddle J. A. , Liang T. , Stivers A. R.
Published: March 2020

For many thin-film applications substrate imperfections such as particles, pits, scratches, and general roughness, can nucleate film defects which can severely detract from the coating's performance. Previously we developed a coat-and-etch process, termed the ion beam thin film planarization
process, to planarize substrate particles up to ∼70 nm in diameter. The process relied on normal incidence etching; however, such a process induces defects nucleated by substrate pits to grow much larger. We have since developed a coat-and-etch process to planarize ∼70 nm deep by 70
nm wide substrate pits; it relies on etching at an off-normal incidence angle, i.e., an angle of ∼70° from the substrate normal. However, a disadvantage of this pit smoothing process is that it induces defects nucleated by substrate particles to grow larger. Combining elements from
both processes we have been able to develop a silicon-based, coat-and-etch process to successfully planarize ∼70 nm substrate particles and pits simultaneously to at or below 1 nm in height; this value is important for applications such as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL)
masks. The coat-and-etch process has an added ability to significantly reduce high-spatial frequency roughness, rendering a nearly perfect substrate surface.
Static and Dynamic Properties of Single-Walled Boron Nitride Nanotubes
Authors: Li Chunyu , Chou Tsu-Wei
Published: March 2020

This paper reports the study of the static and dynamic properties of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes by using the molecular structural mechanics approach. The stiffness parameters of the boron–nitride bond are based on the DREIDING force field. The effects of tube diameter
and chirality are investigated. The computational results show that the Young's modulus and the shear modulus of boron nitride nanotubes increase monotonically with nanotube diameter and reach up to 0.9 TPa and 0.5 TPa, respectively, at large tube diameter. The nanotube chirality has only
slight effects on the moduli only when tube diameters are small. The fundamental frequencies of boron nitride nanotubes are found to be dependent not only on the nanotube aspect ratio but also on the tube diameter.
Imaging Nanometer Scale Optical Heterogeneities in Phospholipid Monolayers Deposited on Metal Island Films
Authors: Ianoul Anatoli , Strekal Natalia , Maskevich Sergei
Published: March 2020

Near-field scanning optical microscopy was applied to study the distribution of fluorescently labeled phospholipid monolayers deposited on the surface of gold island films by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. Nanometer scale (∼50 nm)optical heterogeneities were observed in near-field
fluorescence images of the monolayer deposited at 10 mN/m surface pressure. At higher surface pressure (30 mN/m)the heterogeneities became less pronounced. Overlaying of the near-field transmission and fluorescence images from the same area of the sample shows local transmission of gold island
film is at a minimum where the fluorescence of the lipid monolayer is at a maximum. It was concluded that coverage of the metal island film by the Langmuir-Blodgett phospholipid monolayer is incomplete, and lipid molecules are preferentially localized in crevices of the film.
Assembly of Hybrid Oligonucleotide Modified Gold (Au) and Alloy Nanoparticles Building Blocks
Authors: Kuo Yu-Ching , Jen Chun-Ping , Chen Yu-Hung , Su Chia-Hao , Tsai Shu-Hui , Yeh Chen-Sheng
Published: March 2020

The alloy-based hybrid materials with macroscopic network arrays were developed by AuAg/Au and AuAgPd/Au nanoparticle composites through oligonucleotides hybridization. AuAg/Au and AuAgPd/Au exhibited distinct organization. The morphology of AuAg/Au conjugation assembled mainly as compact
aggregates while AuAgPd/Au hybrid conjugated into the loosen network assemblies. The dehybridization temperatures were studied as a function of molar ratio of alloy/Au. It was found that higher alloy/gold molar ratio led to stronger hybridization for alloy/gold composite, accompanied with
increased melting temperature. These results could be interpreted in terms of more alloy nanoparticles bound to a Au particle when the molar ratio of alloy/gold increased. The thermal analysis also showed that AuAg/Au exhibited higher dehybridization temperature. A modified model describing
the dehybridization probability of an intact Au/alloy aggregate was performed to support the dehybridization temperature increased with increasing alloy/Au molar ratio. As to more oligonucleotides carried by AuAg (4.9 ± 1.9 nm) than by AuAgPd (4.4 ± 1.5 nm) due to larger size
in AuAg, the efficient hybridization could result in higher dehybridization temperature in AuAg/Au.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence of Y2O3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb, Dy) Porous Nanotubes Templated by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Liu Guixia , Hong Guangyan
Published: March 2020

Y2O3:RE3+ (RE = Eu, Tb, Dy) porous nanotubes were first synthesized using carbon nanotubes as template. The morphology of the coated precursors and porous Y2O3:Eu3+ nanotubes was determined by scanning electron Microscopy
(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the coating of precursors on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is continuous and the thickness is about 15 nm, after calcinated, the Y2O3:Eu3+ nanotubes are porous with the diameter size in the range
of 50–80 nm and the length in micrometer scale. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that the samples are cubic phase Y2O3 and the photoluminescence studies showed that the porous rare earth ions doped nanotubes possess characteristic emission of Eu3+,
Tb3+, and Dy3+. This method may also provide a novel approach to produce other inorganic porous nanotubes used in catalyst and sensors.
Soft-Template Synthesis of Single-Crystalline CdS Dendrites
Authors: Niu Haixia , Yang Qing , Tang Kaibin , Xie Yi , Zhu Yongchun
Published: March 2020

The single-crystalline CdS dendrites have been fabricated from the reaction of CdCl2 and thiourea at 180 °C, in which glycine was employed as a soft template. The obtained products were explored by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron
microscopy, and selected area electronic diffraction. The optical properties of CdS dendrites have been investigated by ultraviolet and visible light (UV-vis) and photoluminescence techniques. The investigations indicated that the dendrites were grown due to the anisotropic properties enhanced
by the use of Glycine in the route.
Preparation and Characterization of Colored Electronic Ink Nanoparticles by High Temperature-Assisted Dyeing for Electrophoretic Displays
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Ko Yoon Soo , Kwon Yong Ku
Published: March 2020

The charged polymer nanoparticles of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization and aminolysis. Coloring on the nanoparticles was achieved by high temperature-assisted disperse dyeing. In the presence
of a charge control and stabilizing agent, the colored PMMA nanoparticles showed the electrophoretic mobility because of the amine groups on their surfaces. The morphology and material characteristics of the colored polymeric nanospheres were also investigated.
Electron Transfer Behavior of Monolayer Protected Nanoclusters and Nanowires of Silver and Gold
Authors: Sharma Jadab , Vivek J. P. , Vijayamohanan Kunjukrishna P.
Published: March 2020

Understanding the electron transfer behavior of nanometer sized, both metallic and semiconducting particles and wires is important due to the fundamental interest in size and shape dependent electronic properties and also because of its applications in nano-electronic devices like single
electron transistors and molecular switches. Monolayer protected nanoclusters enable one simple and elegant method of synthesis of these types of metallic and semiconducting materials using interfacial chemistry as has been successfully used in several applications ranging from catalysis to
molecular electronics. The success of this type of nanostructured materials is due in part to the well known protecting/stabilizing action of the ligands (also known as surface passivating/capping agents), which facilitate the synthesis and processing of these hydrophobic colloids in solution
form. The present article discusses the electron transfer behavior of silver nanowires and nanoparticles with varied sizes. In particular, we have investigated the electrochemical properties of silver nanowires (diameter 70 nm, length several micrometers) and compared with the behavior of
similar relatively larger sized nanoparticles (size 40 nm). A critical analysis of the redox behavior of silver nanowires and nanoparticles is presented in aqueous medium under various electrolytic conditions along with a comparison of analogous properties of smaller sized (2–7 nm) silver
and gold nanoclusters.
A Study on Electric Conductivity of Phosphoric Acid Supported on Nano-Pore Rice Husk Silica in H2|Pt|H3PO4/RHS|Pt|O2 Fuel Cells
Authors: Hwang Moon Jin , Lee Soo Young , Han Chong Soo
Published: March 2020

PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) is widely considered as an energy conversion system from the chemical energy of hydrogen to electric energy. But, hydrogen fuel obtained from hydrocarbons has trace amount of carbon monoxide which is a potential poison for platinum electrode
at the cell operating temperature ∼100 °C and it becomes a huddle for the general usage of PEMFC. On the other hand PAFC (Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell) operates at a higher temperature and the platinum electrode oxidizes carbon monoxide poison while there is a leakage problem of the liquid
phase. To combine the advantages of two fuel cells, the electrolyte systems of phosphoric acid supported silica on ceramics are recently being tested. In this study, we investigated the nm pore rice husk silica as a support for phosphoric acid and tested the electric conductivity of the silica
plate and the characteristics of a prototype fuel cell H2|Pt|H3PO4/RHS|Pt|O2 at 100–200 °C. The conductivity of H3PO4/RHS was 8 mS cm −1 above 175 °C under 200 torr H2O. In the fuel
cell, the apparent conductance of the electrolyte from I−V characteristics was 2.45 mS/cm at 160 °C under 1 atm H2 and air at present.
A Facile Synthesis and Physical Properties of Nano-Sized Dendritic α,ε-Poly(L-lysine)s for the Delivery of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Eom Khee Dong , Kim Jin Sook , Park Sun Mi , Kim Myong Soo , Yu Rina , Jung Hae Man , Kim Saeng Gon , Yoo Hoon
Published: March 2020

A series of nano-sized dendritic α,ε-poly(L-lysine)s (DPL) were synthesized by the solid-phase peptide synthesis method, using a core ε-peptide structure consisting of eight lysine residues. Surface amines of dendritic α,ε-poly(L-lysine)
were characterized by comparing the retention times of a reverse phase HPLC with the electrophoretic mobilities of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and non-denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The elution times of α,ε-poly(L-lysine) in HPLC were well correlated
with the electrophoretic mobilities of CZE and PAGE. The separation was dependent on size, shape of molecule and the number of surface amine. The α,ε-poly(L-lysine) formed a complex with nucleic acids at various charge ratios and the degree of complex formation was size-
and structure-dependent. Atomic force microscopy of the complex visualized the size and morphology of α,ε-poly(L-lysine)/DNA complex as a nano-sized spherical shape. The small size in complex formation provides a promise for in vivo therapeutic application of dendritic
α,ε-poly(L-lysine)s or their derivatives in the delivery of gene or oligonucleotide.
DNA as a Support for Glucose Oxidase Immobilization at Prussian Blue-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode in Biosensor Preparation
Authors: Kafi A. K. M. , Lee Dong-Yun , Park Sang-Hyun , Kwon Young-Soo
Published: March 2020

An amperometric glucose biosensor has been developed using DNA as a matrix of Glucose oxidase (GOx) at Prussian-blue (PB)-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode. GC electrode was chemically modified by the PB. GOx was immobilized together with DNA at the working area of the PB-modified
electrode by placing a drop of the mixture of DNA and GOx. The response of the biosensor for glucose was evaluated amperometrically. Upon immobilization of glucose oxidase with DNA, the biosensor showed rapid response toward the glucose. On the other hand, no significant response was obtained
in the absence of DNA. Experimental conditions influencing the biosensor performance were optimized and assessed. This biosensor offered an excellent electrochemical response for glucose concentration in μ mol level with high sensitivity and selectivity and short response time. The
levels of the relative standard deviation (RSDs), (<4%) for the entire analyses reflected a highly reproducible sensor performance. Through the use of optimized conditions, a linear relationship between current and glucose concentration was obtained up to 4 × 10−4
M. In addition, this biosensor showed high reproducibility and stability.
Investigation of Adsorption Behavior of Bisphenol A on Well Fabricated Organic Surfaces Using Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Moon Jungwoo , Oh Seogil , Kang Taewook , Hong Surin , Yi Jongheop
Published: March 2020

Molecular adsorption of bisphenol A (BPA) on three types of self-assembled monolayers with different functionalities, such as –CH3, –SH, and –COOH, was examined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. BPA molecules in an aqueous solution were
easily adsorbed onto a hydrophobic surface compared to a hydrophilic surface. Sorption behavior of BPA into poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) layer, which is known as a biocompatible polymer, was also investigated. Sorption and desorption dynamics of BPA into PMEA were found to be very
rapid and quite reversible. The swelling of PMEA by sorption of BPA results in the change in SPR angle and allows one to quantify the BPA concentration below 100 ppm. In addition, the transport mechanism of BPA within the membrane of organ can be inferred by the experimental results.
Effect of Nanosized Gold Particle Addition to Supported Metal Oxide Catalyst in Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Kim Ki-Joong , You Young-Jae , Chung Min-Chul , Kang Chan-Soon , Chung Kyong-Hwan , Jeong Woon-Jo , Jeong Seung-Won , Ahn Ho-Geun
Published: March 2020

Gold has rarely been utilized as a catalytic component because of its poor affinity to chemical species. It is however known that nanosized gold particles promote the dissociation of oxygen or hydrogen. In this study, alumina-supported metal oxide catalysts were prepared by impregnation
method and applied to methanol oxidation. The dispersion form and size of the gold particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the results, the maximum catalytic activity was obtained over the ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst, and the optimum loading was 4
wt%. Furthermore, nanosized gold particles at various loadings were added to ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst by deposition method. The gold particles on Au/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst were well dispersed and the catalyst activity was remarkably increased compared to ZnO/Al2O3
catalyst. The role of gold particles in the increased catalytic activity is discussed and a possible mechanism is presented.
Fatal positional asphyxia following a fall in bathroom
Authors: Behera Chittaranjan , Krishna Karthik
Published: March 2020

A 27-year-old female student was found dead inside the bathroom of her university hostel. The body was in a prone position with her neck over-flexed on to her trunk. The medico-legal autopsy found features of asphyxia. Multiple lacerated wounds were present on the occipital region of scalp. The cause of death was opined as positional asphyxia following an accidental fall and blunt trauma to the head. In this case, concussion due to blunt trauma to the head may have precluded any self-rescue efforts by the victim from the floor leading to positional asphyxia.
Rethinking government and its economy with Giorgio Agamben: The homo sacer in alternative entrepreneurship
Authors: Redmalm David , Skoglund Annika
Published: March 2020

Giorgio Agamben argues in The Kingdom and the Glory (2011) that a theological remnant has survived since the medieval period that today makes it impossible to think of government and economy, or ethico-political questions and the administration of a society’s resources, separately. This conflation can be recognized in today’s growing trend of alternative entrepreneurial ventures that aim to merge social and economic value creation in response to shrinking welfare states. ‘Alternative entrepreneurship’ merges organizational goals and values with those of their members with the aim to increase innovation and productivity, and to spur social change. Rather than asking if and how alternative entrepreneurship can solve social problems, the present article contributes to a sociological understanding of the special kind of humanism embedded in these ventures. Drawing on Agamben’s work, this article theorizes the process that enables the conflation of personal and organizational values, and of ‘government and its economy’. The contribution is based on an ethnographic study of an IT company, founded in Hungary around 2010, and its engagement in the Budapest Pride Parade, in a Roma settlement, and in a mission to help Syrian refugees. Following Agamben, we think through these interventions as ‘zones of indistinction’ where organizational boundaries are dissolved, where contradictory values are conflated, and where the participants are positioned as homines sacri whose humanity is at stake. This article shows how the encounters within these zones enable a merging of idealism and economic gain, turning the company itself into a zone of indistinction.
Women in the Bahrain Financial Sector: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Choices
Authors: Sinha Chitra
Published: March 2020

The present article attempts to throw light on the social, cultural, institutional and economic influences on workforce participation of Bahraini women. It focusses on employment trends in the Bahrain financial sector, the cultural context of work, existing legal framework and work environment. Available empirical evidence suggests that while universities put great emphasis on financial education and a significant proportion of Bahraini women work in the financial sector, their career progression is distinctly slower than that of men due to a variety of socio-cultural constraints, perception bias, job requirements and policy choices. The article underscores the need for an enhanced understanding of opportunities and challenges faced by women in Bahrain’s financial sector. Using bank-level public disclosures and government statistics, the article analyses opportunities and constraints of women’s work participation in the financial sector. It also emphasises the need to monitor the trends in female representation in the formal workforce through quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Negotiated Agency amidst Overlapping Vulnerabilities of Women Migrant Workers in South Asia
Authors: Chakraborty Ananya
Published: March 2020

Marriage, family reunification, forced labour and trafficking are some of the most widely attributed causes of women’s migration within South Asia. This paper contributes to a small but growing literature about women’s migration within South Asia for employment amidst social, cultural and policy level barriers that hinder women’s mobility choices. It examines the experiences of 45 migrant women from economically poorer backgrounds comprising both cross-border, undocumented migrants from Nepal and Bangladesh and internal migrants from India working in informal jobs within India. This paper also explores similarities and differences between migration and labour market experiences of women migrants in South Asia showing how migration for employment can contribute towards agency formation but at the same time increase vulnerability by bringing about a reduction in well-being, security and dignity in the absence of secure policies that address challenges of women migrants in the region.
The Blurred Boundaries of Migration: Transnational Flows of Women Domestic Workers from Kerala to UAE
Authors: Pattadath Bindhulakshmi
Published: March 2020

Based on an ethnographic fieldwork conducted in the lives of women domestic workers who have migrated from Kerala to the United Arab Emirates, this article attempts to examine the broad institutional framework within which transnational migration is negotiated. The article focusses on the negotiating practices women adopt while moving between different legal systems within the institutional framework that defines their nature of migration. This article analyses the life-story narratives of women domestic workers and tries to understand the construction of their particular gendered subject positions within the transnational activities. The purpose is to move beyond the binary logic of legal and illegal migration to understand the grey areas of transnational migration. Is it possible to move beyond the state when state and non-state activities are not clearly demarcated and not mutually exclusive? How do we study the non-state activities which contribute to the construction of particular gendered subjects along with the state’s own production of gendered subjects and citizenship?
Book review: Annita Ranjan, MGNREGA and Women Empowerment
Authors: Parthasarathy Soma Kishore
Published: March 2020

Annita Ranjan, MGNREGA and Women Empowerment. Delhi, Ocean Books Pvt Ltd, 2016, 152 pp., ₹269, ISBN 9788184303780 (Paperback).
When I’m 75: College Students’ Self Perceptions of the Challenges of Aging
Authors: Hahn Sarah J. , M. Kinney Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Despite robust literature on people’s attitudes toward aging, far less is known about attitudes toward one’s own aging, especially among college students. We examined college students’ self-perceptions of the challenges of aging using essays from a “When I’m 75” assignment implemented at the beginning and end of the semester in an introductory gerontology course. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze 24 students’ perceptions of their own aging at age 75. The superordinate theme, challenges of aging, was identified along with five subordinate themes: deterioration, age-related impairments, mental health, loneliness and loss, and experiencing ageism. Findings suggest that after completing the course, students both demonstrated an understanding of realistic age-related changes and had (contradictory) stereotypical ideas of what it would be like to be 75. Findings have implications for research that continues to evaluate self-perceptions and contributes to the development of pedagogical strategies and tools that promote students’ optimal aging.
A Rare Nasopharyngeal Presentation of Amyloidosis
Authors: Crosetti Erika , Manca Andrea , Maldi Elena , Succo Giovanni
Published: March 2020

Amyloidosis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble proteins whose pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. The deposition of amyloid proteins can be systemic or localized, idiopathic or related to systemic diseases, mostly multiple myeloma or chronic inflammatory diseases. Localized head and neck amyloidosis is a rare entity, mainly involving the larynx. Given the rarity of the disease and the absence of a lasting follow-up protocol, there is no standard treatment defined for localized amyloidosis. We report a rare case of localized nasopharyngeal amyloidosis, treated with complete transoral resection and confirmed by histological examination.
Exploring the Perspectives of Middle-class African American Parents Who Are Charter School Skeptics
Authors: Knudson Paul T. , Ascolillo Crysta
Published: March 2020

The expansion of charter schools continues to be one of the most hotly debated topics in American K–12 education. Through the use of in-depth interviews, this article explores the perceptions of charter schools among middle-class African American parents in Albany, NY, who have largely chosen traditional, city public schools over city charter schools. Findings reveal that the majority of parents disliked charter schools in that they connected them with the corporate/business model of education visible in the trend toward neoliberalism. Their critiques centered on three broad categories: skepticism of their academic quality, political or philosophical objections to charter schools, and a dislike of charter schools’ policies. This article concludes with limitations of the data and suggestions for future research.