bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Reduced TiO2 Prepared by Birch-Type Reduction
Authors: Phuong Dong Vu , Yoo Hoon
Published: April 2020

A simple and fast reduction method of TiO2 was developed by the Birch-type suspension reaction. The physicochemical properties of the reduced TiO2 (r-R-TiO2: reduced TiO2 in rutile phase; r-AR-TiO2: reduced TiO2 in mixed
phase of anatase and rutile) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectrum, Raman spectrum, high resolution TEM, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. The reduced TiO2 showed the characteristic features in the crystallinity, lattice pattern, surface
functional group and the biophysical properties of zeta potential and size. Under the reaction condition, the rutile phase of TiO2 (R-TiO2) was selectively reduced into r-RTiO2 under the reaction condition. Finally r-R-TiO2 showed photocatalytic
activity on visible-light illuminated YD-38 cancer cells with high cytotoxicity.
Epitope Peptide Amphiphile-Based Nanofiber as an Effective Vaccine for Viral Infectious Diseases
Authors: Kim Yu-Gyeong , Lee Yunsu , Jung Jong-Wha , Jin Hyo-Eon
Published: April 2020

Peptide-based vaccines are relatively safe but have weak immune responses even with an adjuvant. In order to overcome the limitations of peptide-based vaccines, we developed peptide amphiphile (PA)-based nanofibers to enhance the immune responses for preventing enterovirus 71 (EV71)
infectious disease (i.e., Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease). PAs are peptides conjugated with fatty acid alkyl chain and able to self-assemble into various structures including high-aspectratio nanofibers. We designed PAs by coupling EV71 virus particle 1 (VP1) epitope peptides and spacer-crosslinker
to the N-terminal of long-chain fatty acids (VP1-PA). PAs then self-assembled into nanofibers at physiological pH (pH 7.4). PA nanofibers were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). For the immunization studies, C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with recombinant
VP1 with adjuvant (alum), VP1 epitope peptide with or without adjuvant, VP1-PA nanofibers with or without adjuvant, and PBS. To assess the immunogenecity of the VP1-PA nanofibers on serum samples from the immunized mice was analyzed by Western blot for the evaluation of VP1-specific IgG. The
PA group showed a higher immune response than the peptide group. We expect that self-assembling VP1-PA based nanofibers as an immune stimulator could enhance immune responses effectively against EV71 infection and overcome the limitations of peptide-based vaccine.
Assessment of Inhibition of Biofilm Formation on TiO2 Nanotubes According to Non-Thermal Plasma Treatment Conditions and the Elapsed Time in the Atmosphere
Authors: Ji Min-Kyung , Moon Byung-Kwon , Kim Hee-Seon , Park Chan , Oh Gye-Jeong , Cho Hoonsung , Lim Hyun-Pil
Published: April 2020

Periimplantitis is an inflammation similar to periodontitis, and is caused by biofilms formed on the surface of dental implants. Application of plasma on biomaterials has been reported to decrease the initial adhesion of microorganism by causing chemical changes without changing the
surface morphology. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of inhibition of biofilm formation on the elapsed time after plasma treatment. Non thermal plasma generator (PGS-200 Plasma generator, Expantech Co., Korea) was applied to the specimens. The elapsed time in the atmosphere
was set to 5 immediately after treatment, after 30 minutes of treatment, after 60 minutes of treatment, after 90 minutes of treatment. Surface property change with the elapsed time in the atmosphere after plasma treatment were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle.
Inhibition of biofilm formation was evaluated by the fluorescent nucleic acid staining. It was confirmed that the chemical composition and bonding state of the surface changes as the elapsed time in the atmosphere increases after plasma treatment. The adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis
was the lowest immediately after plasma treatment, and increased again with increasing elapsed time in the atmosphere after plasma treatment. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that elapsed time in the atmosphere is a very important factor for inhibition of biofilm formation.
Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid/Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles Entrapping Glucose Oxidase and Magnetic Nanoparticles for Glucose Biosensing
Authors: Kim Hye Su , Lee Ji Sun , Kim Moon Il
Published: April 2020

We have developed hydrogel nanoparticles made of poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) and chitosan, which entraps both glucose oxidase (GOx) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) within the hydrogel matrix. The preparation of poly-γ-glutamic acid/chitosan hydrogel nanoparticles
(PGA/CS NPs) entrapping GOx and MNPs begins with the mixing of GOx and MNPs with PGA solution followed by their dropwise addition into chitosan solution to induce rapid ionic gelation. The glucose sensing relies on the generation of H2O2 through the entrapped GOx-mediated catalysis in the
presence of glucose, which consequently activates the peroxidase-like activity of MNPs to convert an employed chromogenic substrate, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), into a green colored product. Using this strategy, the target glucose was
successfully detected over a wide linear range, from 5 to 100 μM with a lower detection limit of 3 μM, which is sufficient to diagnose high level of glucose (hyperglycemia) in human blood. The hydrogel nanoparticle-based glucose biosensor also showed high stability with
magnetic reusability. Since any oxidative enzymes could be incorporated within the PGA/CS NPs, we expect that the hydrogelbased biosensor would be highly beneficial for the detection of various other clinically important target molecules.
Comparative Effectiveness of Surface Functionalized Poly-ε-Caprolactone Scaffold and β-TCP Mixed PCL Scaffold for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yang Dong-Hwan , Heo Gwang-Min , Park Hong-Ju , Oh Hee-Kyun , Kook Min-Suk
Published: April 2020

Physio-chemical surface properties to biomaterial has been attention in tissue engineering due to their properties on cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The object of this study is to evaluate the preosteoblast biological response on physio-chemical surface-layered 3D
PCL scaffold and 3D PCL/β-TCP scaffold. 3D scaffolds were fabricated by FDM 3D printing. Physio-chemical surface of 3D scaffolds were prepared by oxygen plasma and amine plasma-polymerization, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that amine plasma-treated 3D scaffold
on adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of the MC3T3-E1 was significantly increased compared to the other scaffolds.
Effect of Vanadium Doping on the Catalytic Activity of MoO2 Thin Films in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Kuru Cihan , Alaf Mirac , Simsek Yunus E.
Published: April 2020

Recently, Mo-based materials have emerged as promising candidates to replace Pt catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. Among these, MoO2 holds a great promise due to its metallic conductivity. Here, we investigate the effect of V doping on the hydrogen evolution reaction
activity of MoO2 thin films. V doped MoO2 thin films with different dopant concentrations were prepared on conductive Si substrates by co-sputtering followed by thermal sulfurization. The electrochemical measurements revealed that V doping has an adverse effect on the
hydrogen evolution reaction performance of MoO2 films, attributed to the p-type doping nature of V. This study gives insight into the effect of dopant type on the catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts and provides a hint for the correct selection of
dopant elements to enhance the activity of the existing catalyst materials.
Impact of Chain Length on Release Behavior of Modified Polyethylene Glycol Intercalated-Montmorillonite Nanocomposite
Authors: Al-Sahly Mosaed , El-Hamshary Hany , Al-Deyab Salem S.
Published: April 2020

A new drug delivery nanocomposite system was prepared from sodium montmorillonite (Na+Mt) intercalated with modified polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEGs of different molecular weights (400, 4000, and 8000) were modified with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) to provide
terminal quaternary ammonium sites capable for attaching with Mt or other materials through ion exchange. The modified PEG-GTMAC derivatives were reacted in excess amount with Na+Mt through ion exchange. The remaining quaternary sites were used for the attachment of sodium diclofenac
as a model drug. The structures of the prepared clay-modified PEG-diclofenac systems were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The release behavior
of diclofenac from the different nanocomposites was studied at different pH values. With regard to the PEG chain length, the drug release increased with increasing PEG molecular weight (GCDIII > GCD-III > GCDII > GCDI). The kinetics of the release models was discussed using Korsmeyer–Peppas,
Higuchi, and zero- and first-order models. The results of the kinetics study revealed that modified samples with PEG 400 and PEG 4000 (GCD-I and GCDII) exhibited non-Fickian diffusion (anomalous transport) while modified samples with PEG 8000 (GCDIII) exhibited super case-II transport.
Design and Characterization of a Cancer-Targeted Drug Co-Delivery System Composed of Liposomes and Selenium Nanoparticles
Authors: Xuan Guangshan , Zhang Min , Chen Yang , Huang Shan , Lee Imshik
Published: April 2020

A drug co-delivery system composed of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) has attracted increasing interest due to its ability to increase the anticancer efficacy against multidrug-resistant cancer cells. In this study, a cancer-targeted drug co-delivery system combining fluorescein-loaded
liposomes and SeNPs was designed and evaluated. The system was developed by coating SeNPs and fluorescein-loaded liposomes with folic acid-chitosan conjugates (FA-CS-SeNPs-Lips). Folic acid-chitosan conjugates (FA-CS) were synthesized by coupling folic acid (FA) with chitosan (CS), and the
structure was confirmed by performing Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the particle size, Zeta potential, and
morphology. The cytotoxicity of SeNPs coated with FA-CS conjugates (FA-CS-SeNPs) toward A549 cells and HeLa cells was examined using the MTT assay. The cancer-targeting ability and drug release behaviors were evaluated in vitro by measuring the cellular uptake of fluorescein and dialysis,
respectively. The FA-CS-SeNPs were uniform, spherical particles with a ~50 nm diameter and high positive Zeta potential (+57.7 mV). Based on the results of the MTT assay, FA-CS-SeNPs displayed a more significant increase in the anticancer efficacy in HeLa cells than CS-SeNPs. FA-CS-SeNPs-Lips
not only slowly released fluorescein but also specifically targeted HeLa cells through selective binding between folate and folate receptors to increase the cellular uptake of fluorescein.
Two-Phase Co–Cu Thin Films with Size Distribution of Ferromagnetic Nanostructures Optimum for Giant Magneto Resistance
Authors: Mebed A. M.
Published: April 2020

New thin-film microstructure, with a homogeneous distribution of a crystalized one phase Co-rich magnetic nanoparticles, embedded in a Cu-rich continuous paramagnetic matrix was obtained. This structure has many of the characteristics deemed optimal for Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR).
These characteristics are; mean free path of the electrons in the matrix, granules/matrix interface roughness, the ferromagnetic concentration of the magnetic granules, and most importantly, the size distribution of the granules. This microstructure was created in Co-93at%Cu thin film, through
spinodal decomposition after a short time of aging that reached equilibrium by a growth and coarsening process. Main goal of the present work was the enhancement of the microstructure in order to pinpoint the optimum microstructural and magnetic feature that improves the GMR sensitivity and
stability in granular materials. Accordingly, Structural evolution of the thin films was controlled by the annealing time and temperature. Four-probe-technique was utilized to measure the GMR properties. GMR curve for a sample annealed at 150 °C was found to be stable and saturated even
at low magnetic field (<5 kOe). Microstructural evolution and compositional analysis of the thin film was investigated using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXS).
Catechin Loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles: Characterization, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity Against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Turkoglu Burcu , Mansuroglu Banu
Published: April 2020

Here we evaluate the cytotoxic and antioxidant properties of Catechin (Cat) loaded nanoparticles (CatNps) on breast cancer cell lines. CatNps were prepared by the modified single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The structural, physical and chemical properties of the CatNps including
PLGA-Cat interactions, and surface characteristics, were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The average particle size of CatNps was 190.5±1.762 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 10% and zeta potential
value of 13.7±1.258 mV. The CatNps had reaction yield of 43.47±1.1% and loading capacity of 3.710±2.6% Treating MCF-7 cells with CatNps for 48 h led to a decrease in cell viability with an of IC50 22.59 μg/mL. The antioxidant behavior of CatNps was
evaluated by the DPPH method in various pH environments (pH 3-, 6-, 7.4-, 9- and 12). Despite the low encapsulation efficiency, CatNps showed significant antioxidant efficacy against DPPH radicals relative to Cat. Our results revealed that CatNps could be used as promising anti-cancer agents
due to their enhanced cytotoxic activity, increased bioavailability, and antioxidant properties.
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Effects of 4-Aminothiophenol on Au Nanoparticles with Different Shapes
Authors: Xu Xiaochuan , Liu Xiaofang , He Min , Liu Bin , Yang Jianhui
Published: April 2020

Au nanoparticles with different shapes (nanosphere, nanoplate and nanorod) have been synthesized and were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. We investigated the catalytic activity of
Au nanoparticles with different morphologies as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates for the conversion of p-aminothiophenol to p,p′-dimercaptoazobenzene. The experimental results indicated that the order of catalytic activity is nanorod> nanoplate> nanosphere
under 633 and 785 nm excitation. The current research provides some reliable insights and important references for exploration new catalysts and their catalytic activities from the perspectives of different sizes, morphology and crystal composition of nanomaterials.
Investigation of Photocatalytic Efficiency of Supported CuO Nanoparticles on Natural Zeolite Particles in Photodegradation of Methyl Orange
Authors: Koohestani Hassan , Mansouri Hamed , Pirmoradian Abbas , Hassanabadi Mohammad
Published: April 2020

In the current work, CuO nanoparticles were deposited on natural zeolite’s particles to resolve the drawbacks of zeolite catalysis. The synthesized composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, and DRS analyses. The results illustrated that in the 15% CuO composite, CuO nanoparticles
with a size of 21 nm are deposited on the surface of the zeolite particles. Deposition of CuO nanoparticles on zeolite’s particles decreased the specific surface area from 35 m2/g (pure zeolite) to 28 m2/g (20% CuO composite), and causes a red shift in the absorption
edge of the sample to 796 nm for 20% CuO composite. In order to compare the samples’ performances in eliminating water pollutants, methyl orange dye removal was investigated. The analyses indicated that the optimum efficiency (85% in 120 min) belongs to zeolite-15% CuO composite with
a band gap of 1.70 eV.
Rainfall Mechanisms for One of the Wettest Tropical Cyclones on Record in Australia—Oswald (2013)
Authors: Deng Difei , Ritchie Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2020

Tropical Cyclone Oswald (2013) is considered to be one of the highest-impact storms to make landfall in northern Australia even though it only reached a maximum category 1 intensity on the Australian category scale. After making landfall on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, Oswald turned southward, and persisted for more than 7 days moving parallel to the coastline as far south as 30°S. As one of the wettest tropical cyclones (TCs) in Australian history, the favorable configurations of a lower-latitude active monsoon trough and two consecutive midlatitude trough–jet systems generally contributed to the maintenance of the Oswald circulation over land and prolonged rainfall. As a result, Oswald produced widespread heavy rainfall along the east coast with three maximum centers near Weipa, Townsville, and Rockhampton, respectively. Using high-resolution WRF simulations, the mechanisms associated with TC Oswald’s rainfall are analyzed. The results show that the rainfall involved different rainfall mechanisms at each stage. The land–sea surface friction contrast, the vertical wind shear, and monsoon trough were mostly responsible for the intensity and location for the first heavy rainfall center on the Cape York Peninsula. The second torrential rainfall near Townsville was primarily a result of the local topography and land–sea frictional convergence in a conditionally unstable monsoonal environment with frictional convergence due to TC motion modulating some offshore rainfall. The third rainfall area was largely dominated by persistent high vertical wind shear forcing, favorable large-scale quasigeostrophic dynamic lifting from two midlatitude trough–jet systems, and mesoscale frontogenesis lifting.
Reform of embedded system experiment course based on engineering education accreditation
Authors: Luo Yong , Qin Shuai-Bing , Wang Dong-Shu
Published: April 2020

With the continuous development of engineering education accreditation in China, its concept has had a profound impact on the reform of various majors in higher education. Using the idea of engineering education accreditation, this paper discusses the main problems in the implementation of embedded experimental courses of electronic information majors and proposes related education reform programs. Taking the embedded system experiment course of the automation major and embedded system major of Zhengzhou University as examples, the course has carried out research on the aspects of teaching model, experimental course content, scientific assessment method, etc., and proposed corresponding improvement methods to achieve better effect. The practical operation result has proved that the embedded system experiment course of the automation major and embedded system major improved the students’ ability and met the requirements of professional accreditation.
Chinese Construction Companies and the Question of Labour Rights in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipaike Ronald , Marufu Eugenia
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on the question of labour rights in Chinese construction companies in Zimbabwe. Utilizing data collected from two companies through interviews with mainly artisans, the study established general discontentment with conditions of work in these companies by local workers. Concerns were raised over lack of adequate protective equipment/clothing, low salaries and poor communication systems among others. The government of Zimbabwe was urged (by respondents) to monitor the operations of Chinese companies in the sector and ensure that they follow the law in letter and spirit. The study established that Chinese business people exploit opportunities presented by high rates of unemployment in the country as well as Zimbabwe’s desperation as an internationally isolated state to their advantage. In such a situation, trade unions become the gap filler to improve the workers’ plight although the absence of total state support for them leaves workers exposed.
Association of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with atrial fibrillation: a nationwide population-based investigation
Authors: Hu Wei-Syun , Lin Cheng-Li
Published: April 2020

Objective:

We seek to characterize the association between atrial fibrillation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods:

We identify 11,642 cases (atrial fibrillation) and 46,487 sex-, age-, and index year–matched controls (non-atrial fibrillation) from Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Kaplan–Meier, Cox proportional hazards regression methods and competing risk analysis methods were used to assess the association of atrial fibrillation with outcome of irritable bowel syndrome.

Results:

After adjustment for gender, age, comorbidities and medications, patients with atrial fibrillation had a significant higher risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.12, p < 0.01) to develop irritable bowel syndrome than patients without atrial fibrillation. Compared to participants without atrial fibrillation, those with atrial fibrillation had 1.13-fold (p < 0.05) and 1.11-fold (p < 0.05) risk of irritable bowel syndrome in female and male subgroup, respectively. Among subjects aged ≥65 years, those with AF had 1.11-fold risk of irritable bowel syndrome than non-AF cohort (P < 0.01). Among participants with any one of the comorbidities, those with atrial fibrillation had 1.10-fold risk of irritable bowel syndrome than non-atrial fibrillation cohort (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

We report that the presence of atrial fibrillation is associated with greater incidence of irritable bowel syndrome and the association is stronger among female gender, age 65 years or above, and with comorbidities.
Etudier le point de vue des enfants : Questions épistémologiques, méthodologiques et éthiques en psychologie du développement
Authors: Rouyer Véronique , Constans Stéphanie , Ponce Corinne , Lucenet Joanna
Published: April 2020

Dès le début du XXème siècle, les premiers chercheurs en psychologie du développement ont été confrontés à la question de la méthodologie d’enquête auprès des enfants. Le premier objectif de cet article est d’examiner les questions épistémologiques et méthodologiques liées aux recherches centrées sur le point de vue de l’enfant et les conditions permettant à l’enfant d’exprimer celui-ci et aux chercheur.e.s de l’interpréter. Le second objectif de cet article vise à considérer les questionnements éthiques et déontologiques soulevés par la réalisation d’une étude auprès d’enfants, comme le consentement de participation, le respect de l’anonymat, la confidentialité des données recueillies, ou encore la restitution des résultats. Enfin, ces éléments de réflexion sont discutés au regard de l’évolution du statut de l’enfant dans la société, et de la question de sa participation, tant sur le plan de la recherche que sur le plan des pratiques de terrain dans différents contextes.
Design of hazard identification system for aircraft power supply system based on SIMPLORER and MATLAB co-simulation
Authors: Zhou Di , Zhuang Xiao , Huang Yan , Cai Jing , Zuo Hongfu
Published: April 2020

The aircraft power supply system provides power for all the electrical equipment on the aircraft. Its normal operation is the key to ensure the safe flight of the aircraft. So, identifying the hazards in aircraft power supply system is necessary and critically important. In this paper, a hazard identification system for APSS based on the combined simulation of SIMPLORER and MATLAB is proposed. First, the different main fault modes in the aircraft power supply system are set on the control interface. Then, through the simulation model established on SIMPLORER, the aircraft power supply system power supply logic simulation is realized in the set fault mode. Finally, the simulation result is sent to the MATLAB to complete an identification process by using support vector machine method. The final state of each component and the identification result are shown in the control interface. The hazard identification system proposed in this paper has strong data interactivity and it can be applied to online hazard identification.
Nuclear magnetic resonance–based targeted profiling of urinary acetate and citrate following cyclophosphamide therapy in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Ganguly Sujata , Kumar Umesh , Gupta Nikhil , Guleria Anupam , Majumdar Sanjukta , Phatak Sanat , Chaurasia Smriti , Kumar Sandeep , Aggarwal Amita , Kumar Dinesh , Misra Ramnath
Published: April 2020

Objective

Metabolomics, the study of global alterations in small metabolites, is a useful tool to look for novel biomarkers. Recently, we reported a reprogramming of the serum metabolomic profile by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy following treatment in lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to compare the urine excretory levels of citrate and acetate in patients with biopsy-proven LN before and six months after cyclophosphamide induction therapy and to evaluate their correlation with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2K (SLEDAI 2K) and renal SLEDAI.

Methods

Urine obtained from LN patients ( N = 18, 16 female) at diagnosis and six months following induction therapy with cyclophosphamide and healthy controls (HC; N = 18, median age = 35 years, all female) were stored at –80°C. Metabolomic profiling was done using high resolution 800 MHz 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy. The urinary ratio of metabolites was calculated as (metabolite×1000)/creatinine. Disease activity was measured using the SLEDAI. Metabolomic profiles were compared between groups and correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

Compared to HC, LN patients had significantly lower median urinary citrate/creatinine levels (LN = 18.26, range 12.80–27.62; HC = 107.7, range 65.39–138.4; p < 0.0001) which significantly increased after six months of cyclophosphamide treatment (51.05, range 11.51–170.2; p = 0.03). LN patients also differed from HC by having a higher mean urinary acetate/creatinine ratio (LN = 17.44, range 11.6–32.7; HC = 9.61, range 7.97–13.71; p = 0.054) with a non-significant fall in values after six months of treatment. The Area under curve for differentiating LN from HC for urinary citrate was 0.9136, and urinary acetate was 0.6883. The urinary acetate levels correlated with SLEDAI ( r = 0.337, p = 0.048). Urinary citrate levels correlated positively with C3 ( r = 0.362, p = 0.03) and negatively with urine protein/creatinine ( r = −0.346, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Urinary citrate, which reflects dampened aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, improved significantly and is a potential non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response in LN.
Cognitive Flexibility Matters: The Role of Multilevel Positive Affect and Cognitive Flexibility in Shaping Victims’ Cooperative and Uncooperative Behavioral Responses to Trust Violations
Authors: Williams Michele , Belkin Liuba Y. , Chen Chao C.
Published: April 2020

Despite a significant growth in the scholarly literature in the area of trust violations and repair in the last decade, extant work has largely ignored the complex and socially competent responses of the victims of these violations. Our framework integrates insights from affective events theory, the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, and theories of cognitive processing to suggest that cognitive flexibility is central to understanding how individuals respond to trust violations. Rather than viewing victims solely as gatekeepers to trust repair, we examine how victims’ cognitive processes are influenced by the affective context of those violations, which can, in turn, produce a spectrum of nuanced behavioral responses. We refer to this spectrum as the “swollen middle,” the range of behavior that resides between the extremes of impulsive revenge and forgiveness-based, communal cooperation. By integrating psychological theories of emotion and cognitive processing, we seek to highlight the central role of cognitive flexibility in the range of cooperative responses to trust violations. More broadly, we seek to contribute to the emergence of a new paradigm for studying interpersonal trust at work—a paradigm that explores trust-violating events as situated affect-laden experiences that interact with relevant organizational and interpersonal factors to influence employee behavior and trust dynamics in organizations.
The Rise of Online Grocery Shopping in China: Which Brands Will Benefit?
Authors: van Ewijk Bernadette J. , Steenkamp Jan-Benedict E.M. , Gijsbrechts Els
Published: April 2020

Online grocery in China is on the rise. With large differences in brands’ abilities to secure a portion of China’s online pie, a key question is what drives these differences. The authors derive how a brand’s total sales change as the online grocery share goes up, and they show that it depends on two indices: (1) the brand’s online index (brand’s online category share relative to its offline category share) and (2) the category’s online index (category’s grocery share online relative to its grocery share offline). The authors then identify brand and category factors that drive these indices. They estimate their model on 448 brands in 60 product categories in China using 2011–2015 data. Their analyses show that the brand online index mainly increases with higher levels of online availability, lower online-to-offline price ratios, and for “trusted,” less “fun” brands. As for the category online index, expensive, less frequently bought categories benefit from the shift toward the online channel, whereas the opposite holds for perishable and heavy categories.
A tracking error–based fully probabilistic control for stochastic discrete-time systems with multiplicative noise
Authors: Herzallah Randa , Zhou Yuyang
Published: April 2020

This article proposes the exploitation of the Kullback–Leibler divergence to characterise the uncertainty of the tracking error for general stochastic systems without constraints of certain distributions. The general solution to the fully probabilistic design of the tracking error control problem is first stated. Further development then focuses on the derivation of a randomised controller for a class of linear stochastic Gaussian systems that are affected by multiplicative noise. The derived control solution takes the multiplicative noise of the controlled system into consideration in the derivation of the randomised controller. The proposed fully probabilistic design of the tracking error of the system dynamics is a more legitimate approach than the conventional fully probabilistic design method. It directly characterises the main objective of system control. The efficiency of the proposed method is then demonstrated on a flexible beam example where the vibration quenching in flexible beams is shown to be effectively suppressed.
Clinical and economic impact of pharmacist interventions in an ambulatory hematology–oncology department
Authors: de Grégori Jonathan , Pistre Pauline , Boutet Meredith , Porcher Laura , Devaux Madeline , Pernot Corinne , L Chrétien Marie , Rossi Cédric , Manfredi Sylvain , Dalac Sophie , Gueneau Pauline , Boulin Mathieu
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate clinical and financial impact of pharmacist interventions in an ambulatory adult hematology–oncology department.

Methods

All cancer patients receiving a first injectable immuno- and/or chemotherapy regimen were included in this prospective study over a one-year period. The clinical impact of pharmacist interventions made by two clinical pharmacists was rated using the Clinical Economic and Organizational tool. Financial impact was calculated through cost savings and cost avoidance. Main results: Five hundred and fifty-eight patients were included. A total of 1970 pharmacist interventions were performed corresponding to a mean number of 3.5 pharmacist interventions/patient. The clinical impact of pharmacist interventions was classified as negative, null, minor, moderate, major and lethal in 0, 84 (4%), 1353 (68%), 385 (20%), 148 (8%) and 0 cases, respectively. The overall cost savings were €175,563. One hundred and nine (6%) of all pharmacist interventions concerned immuno- or chemotherapy regimen for cost savings of €148,032 (84% of the total amount of cost savings). The cost avoidance was €390,480. Cost avoidance results were robust to sensitivity analyses with cost of preventable adverse drug event as main driver of the model. When the cost of employing a pharmacist was subtracted from the average yearly cost savings plus cost avoidance per pharmacist, this yielded a net benefit of €223,021. The cost–benefit ratio of the clinical pharmacist was €3.7 for every €1 invested. Principal conclusions: To have two full-time clinical pharmacists in a 55-bed ambulatory adult hematology–oncology department is both clinically and financially beneficial.
Interfacial modified unidirectional wheat straw/polylactic acid composites
Authors: Li Wuzhou , Zheng Liangang , Teng Defang , Ge Dongsheng , Farha Farial I , Xu Fujun
Published: April 2020

Among the agricultural crops, wheat is one of the most important and broadly planted food crops. However, abundant wheat straw resources were used to incinerate, which was a great waste of fiber resources, and meanwhile caused great pollution to the ecological environment. In this work, a simple hot compress method that used intact wheat straw with different volume fractions (20% and 30%) as a filler to reinforce the polylactic acid resin was explored to prepare a biodegradable composite by thermal compression method. Initially, the compressed wheat straw exhibited excellent tensile strength (96.86 MPa), even higher than intact wheat straw (92.18 MPa). The surface modification treatment was carried out with 2% and 4% concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Then the tensile and bending strength of the modified wheat straw/polylactic acid composites were 32.41 MPa and 78.52 MPa, which were 22.16% and 22.44% higher than those of the untreated composites. The scanning electron microscopy images of the surface of modified wheat straw and fractured composite cross section revealed significantly rougher surface morphology and stronger interfacial bonding with the matrix. This work demonstrated the feasibility and good mechanical property of the composites reinforced with intact wheat straw by simple hot compression method, which provided a possible strategy to utilize the straw materials for multiple applications.
Sex differences in cardio-metabolic and cognitive parameters in rats with high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Shin You Kyoung , Hsieh Yu Shan , Han A Young , Kwon Soonho , Seol Geun Hee
Published: April 2020

Excessive dietary fat intake is related to metabolic dysfunction and enhances susceptibility to hypertension and cognitive impairment. Although there are sex differences in the prevalence and progression of these diseases, few studies have investigated sex differences in cardio-metabolic and cognitive parameters in rats with high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. To better reflect actual clinical conditions, sex-differences in rats with high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction were evaluated. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce metabolic dysfunction and intraperitoneally injected with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and scopolamine to model vulnerability to hypertension and cognitive impairment, respectively, whereas control rats were fed a regular diet and treated with distilled water and 0.9% saline. Male experimental rats showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure than female experimental animals. More importantly, acetylcholine-induced relaxation of carotid arteries was decreased only in the male experimental rats, revealing a significant difference compared with female experimental rats. These findings provide evidence for individualized sex-based management of patients with metabolic dysfunction and susceptibilities to hypertension and cognitive impairment.

Impact statement

Excessive dietary fat intake plays important roles in the process of metabolic dysfunction and increases susceptibilities to chronic diseases such as hypertension. Few previous studies, however, have accurately reflected real-world medical conditions. In addition, studies performed to date have not examined detailed sex-differences in cardio-metabolic and cognitive parameters, precluding the development of sex-tailored interventions for patients with metabolic dysfunction who are susceptible to hypertension and cognitive impairment. In this study, using rats with HFD-induced metabolic dysfunction that made them susceptible to hypertension and cognitive impairment, we demonstrate that male rats show greater impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation of the carotid artery and systolic blood pressure compared to female rats. These findings may provide a basis for the early detection of carotid artery dysfunction and systolic blood pressure increase, especially in males.
Chronic Posttraumatic Instability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint: Foveal Reattachment of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex With Dorsal Capsuloplasty and Extensor Retinaculum Imbrications
Authors: Neto Bernardo C. , Neto Junot H. S.
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this article is to describe the surgical technique used by the authors and the outcome in the treatment of chronic posttraumatic instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted analyzing the medical records of 11 patients with chronic posttraumatic instability of the DRUJ, treated by a foveal reattachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with dorsal capsular and extensor retinaculum imbrications between 2016 and 2017, with a follow-up evaluation of 1 year. Results: All patients reported pain relief and the absence of instability, returning to normal activities in 3 to 6 months. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire ranged from 2 to 25, resulting in a mean score of 9.5. Forearm rotation averaged 89° of pronation and 85° of supination. Conclusion: Foveal reattachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with dorsal capsular and extensor retinaculum imbrications is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of DRUJ chronic posttraumatic instability.
Motherhood, moral authority and the charismatic matriarch in the aftermath of lethal violence
Authors: Cook Elizabeth A
Published: April 2020

Images of maternal suffering are an evocative and powerful means of communication in a world where the private grief of victims has increasingly become subject to commodification and public consumption. This article looks at the influence of bereaved mothers as symbols of respect, peace and dignity in the aftermath of violence, and as a result their persuasive presence in family activism. Drawing upon two case studies, this article explores the importance of victims’ stories in public life and, in particular, the presence of the charismatic matriarch in creating communities of solidarity, raising awareness of harms that have previously gone unheard and prompting policy change. It considers the ‘canonical’ story of the mother in public life and concludes by arguing that more attention should be paid to victims’ stories and their influence on policy-making, politics and eventually in becoming public grievances.
Compliance and outcomes after implementation of an enhanced recovery surgical protocol in older women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery
Authors: Panza Joseph , Prescott Lauren , Sorabella Laura , Dumas Susan , Helou Christine , Adam Rony
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate compliance and outcomes with implementation of an enhanced recovery surgical protocol in older women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. This is a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery after implementation of the pathway over a 12-month period. Overall compliance was defined as a categorial variable requiring adherence to all of the selected bundle components in patients <65 years old compared to those ≥65. Intraoperative and 30-day postoperative complications were also compared and were reviewed by organ system, these were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo Classification system. There was no significant difference in overall compliance in patients <65 compared to ≥65. Factors that increased compliance in patients ≥65 include laparotomy, hysterectomy, hyperlipidaemia, time after implementation of the protocol and primary surgeon. There was an increase in compliance from 19% to 77% over the 12-month study period. Intra and postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. Enhanced recovery in older patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery is feasible with similar rates of compliance and complications compared to younger patients. Compliance with the protocol increases as time after implementation of the protocol increases in all patients.
Important perioperative factors, guidelines and outcomes in the management of hip fracture
Authors: Kyriacou Harry , Khan Wasim S
Published: April 2020

Hip fractures are common injuries in the elderly and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There are multiple perioperative factors that must be considered when managing these patients. These include analgesia, timing of surgery, choice of operation, type of anaesthesia, postoperative complications and comorbidities. Guidelines from The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the National Hip Fracture Database have been updated to reflect many of the above, but the importance of psychosocial factors is still emerging. This article focuses on the evidence for the key perioperative factors in hip fracture management and the tools available to predict hip fracture outcome.
D-mannose attenuates bone loss in mice via Treg cell proliferation and gut microbiota-dependent anti-inflammatory effects
Authors: Liu Hao , Gu Ranli , Zhu Yuan , Lian Xiaomin , Wang Siyi , Liu Xuenan , Ping Zhang , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

Background:

D-mannose exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties, but whether it has beneficial effects on preventing and treating osteoporosis remains unknown.

Methods:

Female, 12-month-old senile C57BL6/J mice (s-Man group) and 8-week-old ovariectomized C57BL6/J mice (OVX-Man group) were treated with D-mannose in drinking water for 2 months (six mice/group). Microcomputed tomography analysis and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to investigate the effect of D-mannose on attenuation of bone loss. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining of tissue sections, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and gut microbiome biodiversity tests were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

D-mannose-induced marked increases in cortical bone volume and trabecular bone microarchitecture in the s-Man and OVX-Man group compared with that in the s-CTRL (senile control) and OVX group, respectively. Moreover, D-mannose downregulated osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines in the bone marrow and expanded regulatory T cells in the spleen of mice. Furthermore, D-mannose reconstructed the gut microbiota and changed the metabolite composition.

Conclusion:

D-mannose attenuated bone loss induced by senility and estrogen deficiency in mice, and this effect may be mediated by D-mannose-induced proliferation of regulatory T cells and gut microbiota-dependent anti-inflammatory effects.
Feline cutaneous nodular and ocular Cryptococcus neoformans in Belgium
Authors: Nunes Rodrigues Tania C , Stroobants Laura R , Vandenabeele Sophie I
Published: April 2020

Case summary

An 11-year-old spayed female cat presented with a 6-month history of a progressive nodular skin disease with concurrent, ocular lesions, intermittent vomiting, halitosis and weight loss. The cat had received different topical treatments without success prior to referral to the Dermatology Department of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University. Several fine-needle aspirations of the lesions showed a vast number of macrophages with intra-cytoplasmic inclusions compatible with Cryptococcus species. Histopathological examination revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with capsulated yeast. Periodic acid–Schiff stain was positive. Latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test on serum was positive with a titre of >1/524,288. PCR and fungal culture identified Cryptococcus neoformans. The cat was treated with itraconazole 10 mg/kg PO q24h. After 10 months of therapy, there was a complete resolution of the lesions except for a small nodule on the ventral aspect of the tongue.

Relevance and novel information

As far as we are aware, this is the first feline case reported of cutaneous nodular cryptococcosis without nasal involvement in Belgium. Oral itraconazole therapy was well tolerated and appeared to give a good result and prognosis.
Cross-cultural translation and validation of the Chinese Oxford Knee Score and the Activity and Participation Questionnaire
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Weijun , Wu Hao , Gao Anqi , Qiu Yong , Weng Wenjie , Price Andrew
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To cross-culturally translate and validate the Chinese versions of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the Activity and Participation Questionnaire (APQ) in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who are also candidates for knee replacement.

Methods:

The Chinese version of the OKS and APQ was completed by standard forward–backward translation and adaption. The feasibility was validated by a pretest in 30 patients. The final version together with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), EQ-5D, and EQ visual analog scale were assessed in 150 patients, and the OKS and APQ were repeated in 30 patients after a 2-week interval. The psychometric properties of the OKS and APQ were evaluated for test–retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), internal consistency using Cronbach’s α, and construct validity using Spearman’s correlation analysis.

Results:

All patients were able to understand and complete both the OKS and APQ without difficulty (i.e. no missing data). The ICCs were 0.959 for the OKS, 0.956 for the APQ for total scores, and >0.7 for each item. Cronbach’s α was greater than 0.7, and the corrected item-total correlation was greater than 0.4 for each item of both questionnaires. The OKS and APQ showed better correlations with questions from the pain and function domains than with those from the mental status domains of the SF-36 and EQ-5D. No floor or ceiling effect was identified in either questionnaire.

Conclusions:

The Chinese versions of the OKS and APQ are easy to understand and complete and showed good reliability and validity. They can be used to assess patient-reported outcomes after undergoing knee replacement in mainland China.