bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus plantarum
299v Supplementation Improves Vascular Endothelial Function and Reduces Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Malik Mobin , Suboc Tisha M. , Tyagi Sudhi , Salzman Nita , Wang Jingli , Ying Rong , Tanner Michael J. , Kakarla Mamatha , Baker John E. , Widlansky Michael E.
Published: October 2018

Rationale:

A strong association has emerged between the gut microbiome and atherosclerotic disease. Our recent data suggest
Lactobacillus
plantarum
299v (Lp299v) supplementation reduces infarct size in male rats. Limited human data are available on the impact of Lp299v on the vasculature.

Objective:

To determine whether oral Lp299v supplementation improves vascular endothelial function and reduces systemic inflammation in humans with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and Results:

Twenty men with stable CAD consumed a drink containing Lp299v (20 billion CFU) once daily for 6 weeks. After a 4-week washout, subjects were given an option of additionally participating in a 10-day study of oral liquid vancomycin (250 mg QID). Vascular endothelial function was measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Before and after Lp299v, plasma short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine oxide, and adipokine levels were measured. Additional plasma samples underwent unbiased metabolomic analyses using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to determine changes of the stool microbiome. Arterioles from patients with CAD were obtained, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation was measured by video microscopy after intraluminal incubation with plasma from Lp299v study subjects. Lp299v supplementation improved brachial flow-mediated dilation (
P
=0.008) without significant changes in plasma cholesterol profiles, fasting glucose, or body mass index. Vancomycin did not impact flow-mediated dilation. Lp299v supplementation decreased circulating levels of IL (interleukin)-8 (
P
=0.01), IL-12 (
P
=0.02), and leptin (
P
=0.0007) but did not significantly change plasma trimethylamine oxide concentrations (
P
=0.27). Plasma propionate (
P
=0.004) increased, whereas acetate levels decreased (
P
=0.03). Post-Lp299v plasma improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in resistance arteries from patients with CAD (
P
=0.02).16S rRNA analysis showed the
Lactobacillus
genus was enriched in postprobiotic stool samples without other changes.

Conclusions:

Lp299v improved vascular endothelial function and decreased systemic inflammation in men with CAD, independent of changes in traditional risk factors and trimethylamine oxide. Circulating gut-derived metabolites likely account for these improvements and merit further study.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01952834.
Are You Smarter Than a Cetacean?: Death Reminders and Concerns About Human Intelligence
Authors: Soenke Melissa , Cohen Florette , Greenberg Jeff , Lifshin Uri
Published: October 2018

Terror management theory and research indicate that humans cope with concerns about mortality by believing we are more than nonhuman animals. The current studies investigated whether this motivation plays a role in believing humans are more intelligent than other animals. Study 1 had participants think about mortality or another unpleasant topic. The study found that after the death reminder, participants had more negative reactions to a scientific article describing dolphins as smarter than humans, but not to an article that merely focused on dolphins’ intelligence. Study 2 had participants read an article about dolphins being smarter than humans or an article describing dolphin intelligence without a comparison to humans. Participants then completed a measure that assessed how close to consciousness thoughts of death were. Those who read that dolphins were smarter than humans exhibited higher levels of death-related thought. These results may have important implications for conserving intelligent animal species.
Rhythm and Existence
Authors: Schuback Marcia Sá Cavalcante
Published: October 2018

The present article proposes a reflection on the relation between music and language setting out from the experience of listening to words and listening to music. It relies to a certain extent upon an existential-phenomenological approach and develops the distinction between the sounding of sounds (sounding words) and the sound of sounding (musical sounds). From this distinction, a redefinition of rhythm is suggested based on the experience of listening and on the close listening to some pieces of music.
Corporatist Institutions and Militant Actions
Authors: Park Jinyoung
Published: October 2018

Drawing on data from archives and fieldwork in Myanmar, a country in political change from a five-decade authoritarian regime to a quasi-civilian one, this study explores the reasons for a prevalence of corporatist aspects at the early stage of reforms. The early introduction of corporatism in Myanmar diverges from other Asian countries that experienced transitions accompanied by labour militancy, and only later embraced corporatism when political power shifted to elected pro-labour parties. This article argues, first, that corporatism prevails in the rhetoric of the labour movement and in Myanmar’s industrial relations institutions, while labour militancy has simultaneously increased; second, corporatism in Myanmar has few historical precedents but has recently been promoted primarily by the International Labour Organisation (ILO); and third, while corporatism has failed to bring about industrial peace, the rhetoric and institutions of corporatism may limit the political potential of Myanmar’s labour movement by restricting unions’ activities to economic concerns.
Effects of pond structural complexity on the reproduction of Physalaemus ephippifer (Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Rodrigues Lenise Chagas , Correa Fabricio Simões , Juen Leandro , dos Santos-Costa Maria Cristina
Published: October 2018

Habitat structure is a factor that strongly affects the distribution of organisms. Habitats with high structural complexity provide a high number of microhabitats, allowing the coexistence of species with different behavioral, ecological and physiological requirements. We analyzed the effects of structural complexity of ponds on the number of males and foam nests of Physalaemus ephippifer, and the substrates to which individuals attach their foam nests. We sampled 41 ponds and recorded the number of individuals of P. ephippifer and environmental data (type of vegetation in, adjacent and around the pond; type of bottom substrate in the pond) to measure the degree of structural complexity of the ponds through an index ranging between 0 and 1. We found a positive influence of pond structural complexity on mean number of calling males, but not on number of foam nests. We found most foam nests attached to gramineans and herbaceous plants. Vegetation is an important component of habitats with high complexity, providing refuges for adults and tadpoles. The index was an efficient tool to measure habitat structural complexity, and may be used in further studies with other species.
The effect of olive (Olea europaea L.) phenolics and sugar on Drosophila melanogaster’s development
Authors: Güneş Eda , Danacıoğlu Derya Arslan
Published: October 2018

Olive leaves (Olea europaeaL.) contain phenolics that are used for various aims and can also be utilized as free radical scavengers and as a powerful antioxidant source. In this study, our aim was to observe the effects of olive phenolics on the survival rate, development, sex ratio, and adult longevity ofDrosophila melanogasterMeigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) fed with sugar and with a sugar-free diet. The amount of malondialdehyde and the activity of glutathione S-transferase were examined with UV-VIS spectrophotometry in third-stage larvae, pupae and adults. For this purpose, dried olive fruit and leaf extracts were added at different concentrations to the insect’s sugary diets. The results reveal that 12 mg/L phenolic fruit extract and 4 M sucrose had a negative impact on the development and survival of these insects. It was also found that phenolic leaf extract and low sugar concentrations changed the sex ratio, leading to fewer females and more males. The use of phenolic fruit and phenolic leaf extracts with increased sugar-based diets raised the amount of oxidation as well as the detoxification activity in this model organism. These results demonstrate that low amounts of sugar and olive phenolics may be used as an adjunct to adult nutrients to improve the insect’s adult characteristics.
Precipitation Forecast Experiments Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model at Gray-Zone Resolutions
Authors: Han Ji-Young , Hong Song-You
Published: October 2018

In the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) community, a standard model setup at a grid size smaller than 5 km excludes cumulus parameterization (CP), although it is unclear how to determine a cutoff grid size where convection permitting can be assumed adequate. Also, efforts to improve high-resolution precipitation forecasts in the range of 1–10 km (the so-called gray zone for parameterized precipitation physics) have recently been made. In this study, we attempt to statistically evaluate the skill of a gray-zone CP with a focus on the quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) in the summertime. A WRF Model simulation with the gray-zone simplified Arakawa–Schubert (GSAS) CP at 3-km spatial resolution over East Asia is evaluated for the summer of 2013 and compared with the results from a conventional setup without CP. A statistical evaluation of the 3-month simulations shows that the GSAS demonstrates a typical distribution of the QPF skill, with high (low) scores and bias in the light (heavy) precipitation category. The WRF without CP seriously suppresses light precipitation events, but its skill for heavier categories is better. Meanwhile, a new set of precipitation data, which is simply averaged precipitation from the two simulations, demonstrates the best skill in all precipitation categories. Bearing in mind that high-resolution QPF requires essential challenges in model components, along with complexity in precipitating convection mechanisms over geographically different regions, this proposed method can serve as an alternative for improving the QPF for practical usage.
Algorithm to Predict Which Children With Chronic Abdominal Pain Are Low Suspicion for Significant Endoscopic Findings
Authors: Mark Jacob A. , Campbell Kristen , Gao Dexiang , Kramer Robert E.
Published: October 2018

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a common and challenging problem in pediatric primary and specialty care. We developed a diagnostic algorithm to organize workup for gastrointestinal causes of CAP and improve identification of patients who are low suspicion (LS) or high suspicion (HS) to have significant intestinal pathology identified with endoscopy. We retrospectively used this algorithm to categorize 150 outpatients with CAP as LS (n = 99) or HS (n = 51) and examined subsequent endoscopic findings for all patients. There were 6% significant diagnoses in the LS group compared with 34% in the HS group ( P < .0001). The LS group had no patients with celiac or inflammatory bowel disease. These results can be used to help a clinician approach CAP, and discuss with families the likelihood of endoscopy finding a cause for CAP based on LS or HS designation.
Driver Vigilance in Automated Vehicles: Effects of Demands on Hazard Detection Performance
Authors: Greenlee Eric T. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Newton David C.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

The current study investigated driver vigilance in partially automated vehicles to determine whether increased task demands reduce a driver’s ability to monitor for automation failures and whether the vigilance decrement associated with hazard detections is due to driver overload.

Background:

Drivers of partially automated vehicles are expected to monitor for signs of automation failure. Previous research has shown that a driver’s ability to perform this duty declines over time. One possible explanation for this vigilance decrement is that the extreme demands of vigilance causes overload and leads to depletion of limited attentional resources required for vigilance.

Method:

Participants completed a 40-min drive in a simulated partially automated vehicle and were tasked with monitoring for hazards that represented potential automation failures. Two factors were manipulated to test the impact of monitoring demands on performance: Spatial uncertainty and event rate.

Results:

As predicted, hazard detection performance was poorer when monitoring demands were increased, and performance declined as a function of time on task. Subjective reports also indicated high workload and task-induced stress.

Conclusion:

Drivers of partially automated vehicles are impaired by the vigilance decrement and elevated task demands, meaning that safe operation becomes less likely when the demands associated with monitoring automation increase and as a drive extends in duration. This study also supports the notion that vigilance performance in partially automated vehicles is likely due to driver overload.

Application:

Developers of automation technologies should consider countermeasures that attenuate a driver’s cognitive load when tasked with monitoring automation.
Measuring the impact of plant breeding on sub-Saharan African staple crops
Authors: Eriksson Dennis , Akoroda Malachy , Azmach Girum , Labuschagne Maryke , Mahungu Nzola , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: October 2018

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are facing huge challenges regarding food insecurity, low agricultural output, and agriculturally incurred environmental degradation. A sustainable and increased crop productivity and diversity is essential to achieve food security in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way. Plant breeding is an important factor contributing to the increased crop productivity and diversity, giving farmers access to genetically improved cultivars that yield more, have better resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and meet consumer expectations. To motivate and encourage further investments, it is important to measure the actual impact of breeding. This review considers available research on the impact of breeding through yield gain and of food security, focusing on 10 important staple crops in SSA. The overall impression is that breeding produces a very high return on investment. Such investments remain centerpieces for meeting the challenges in this region. The discussion focuses on the most important future breeding priorities for each crop, the actors involved, and the importance of mechanisms for dissemination and farmer adoption, and concludes with some policy recommendations.
Modeling airborne nanoparticle filtration through a complete structure of non-woven material used in protective apparel
Authors: Vinches Ludwig , Tuduri Ludovic , Hallé Stéphane
Published: October 2018

Airborne nanoparticles represent a new danger in occupational health. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have been conducted on the efficiency of filtering media used for respiratory protection, but few have focused on media used for skin protective equipment. Indeed, a significant proportion of airborne nanoparticles can end up on the skin, causing local effects and eventually penetrating the human body. Following experimental data obtained with sodium chloride nanoparticles, the authors propose an empirical model to evaluate the penetration of airborne nanoparticles through medium used in disposable coveralls. This study presents an adaptation of the conventional filtration theory used for filtering media used in respirators. The authors' model is compared with Wang et al.'s and Brochot's models and demonstrates improvements in their descriptive ability. Moreover, a domain of validity of the proposed model was determined that will enable the evaluation of the efficiency of similar protective apparel material structures against airborne nanoparticles.
Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a life-threatening disorder in Asian men
Authors: Pannu Ashok Kumar , Sharma Navneet
Published: October 2018

Thyrotoxicosis can present as a sporadic form of hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. The condition is associated with massive intracellular shift of potassium, mainly in skeletal muscles. As the total body stores of potassium remain normal, overzealous potassium supplementation targeting serum potassium level results in a poor outcome. We present a fatal case of thyrotoxic hypokalaemic periodic paralysis.
Patterns of Physical Activity Adherence by Adolescents With Diabetes or Obesity Enrolled in a Personalized Community-Based Intervention
Authors: Michaliszyn Sara F. , Higgins Melinda , Faulkner Melissa Spezia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a personalized, 16-week community-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with diabetes or obesity and examine the weekly patterns of adherence to the intervention.

Methods

Physical activity adherence was evaluated throughout the intervention using accelerometers in 46 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (N = 22), type 2 diabetes (N = 12), or obesity (N = 12) (age, 14.4 ± 1.5 years; 56.5% female; 61% Hispanic). Of these, 39 completed the intervention, and 7 did not.

Results

There were no differences in baseline anthropometric characteristics or fitness between the completers versus noncompleters. Completers began above 1060 metabolic equivalent (MET) min/wk−1and stayed above 900 MET min/wk−1 for ~4 weeks and declined 39 MET min/wk−1 until end of study. Noncompleters began at 924 MET min/wk−1 yet dropped below 800 MET min/wk−1 by end of week 1 and declined an average of 151 MET min/wk−1. Interestingly, self-report of barriers to activity were higher in completers versus noncompleters.

Conclusions

Findings highlight that adolescents completing the intervention could sustain a prescribed level of personalized activity for at least 1 month but had steadfast declines in weekly activity. Even with individualized programs, factors other than barriers to activity need to be considered when designing approaches to physical activity adherence for adolescents with diabetes or obesity.
Strategic Deviation and Stock Return Synchronicity
Authors: Ye Kangtao , Guan Jenny Xinjiao , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2018

We examine the effect of strategic deviation on the relative amount of firm-specific information incorporated into stock prices, measured by stock return synchronicity. Strategic deviation is conceptualized as the extent to which the pattern of a firm’s resource allocation deviates from that of its industry peers. We find that strategic deviation is negatively associated with stock return synchronicity. Using a path analysis, we document that firms following deviant strategy issue more frequent managerial forecasts and have a higher level of block ownership than nondeviant firms, and that both managerial forecasts and block ownership partially mediate the relationship between strategic deviation and stock return synchronicity. Our study contributes to accounting and finance literature by documenting the role of firms’ strategic positioning in the stock price-formation process.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adolescent girls in selected Indian states
Authors: Jeyakumar Angeline , Shinde Vidhya
Published: October 2018

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency among adolescents is an emerging public health priority as adolescence marks a period of rapid growth and the onset of the reproductive phase. However, lack of national prevalence data and intervention strategies is of public health concern.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adolescent girls in selected Indian states.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was performed using three different search engines. The searches yielded nine eligible articles. Study quality was assessed for 10 different criteria. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adolescent girls and to assess the heterogeneity among selected studies.

Results:

A sample of n=1352 was used to study prevalence among adolescent girls. The random effects combined estimate for overall prevalence was 25.70% (95% CI 3.89–2137.9). High heterogeneity (tau2=1.71, I2=100%) was observed and seven out of nine studies showed low to moderate risk and two showed high risk of bias. The test for overall effect was observed to be Z=0.77 ( p=0.44).

Conclusions:

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adolescent girls identifies the need to introduce screening of adolescents and introduce proven public-health interventions such as fortification of foods to address deficiency.
The new method of manufacturing porous castings from styrene–acrylic dispersion
Authors: Palutkiewicz Paweł
Published: October 2018

This work presents an innovative method for producing porous castings from polymer dispersion with wood flour. The method described for forming porous castings from blends, in which the aqueous dispersions of polymers are binders, enables the manufacturing of wood-like products with a cork-like structure. The casting technology and selected properties of finished castings (density, compression strength) are presented. The structurual investigations of the obtained castings are also presented.
Waiting for the state: Gender, citizenship and everyday encounters with bureaucracy in India
Authors: Carswell Grace , Chambers Thomas , De Neve Geert
Published: October 2018

This article focuses on practices and meanings of time and waiting experienced by poor, low-class Dalits and Muslims in their routine encounters with the state in India. Drawing on ethnographic research from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, it presents experiences of waiting around queuing and applying for paperwork, cards, and welfare schemes, in order to examine the role of temporal processes in the production of citizenship and citizen agency. An analysis of various forms of waiting – ‘on the day’, ‘to and fro’, and ‘chronic’ waiting – reveals how temporal processes operate as mechanisms of power and control through which state actors and other mediators produce differentiated forms of citizenship and citizens. Temporal processes and their material outcomes, we argue, are shaped by class, caste and religion, while also drawing on – and reproducing – gendered identities and inequalities. However, rather than being ‘passive’ patients of the state, we show how ordinary people draw on money, patronage networks and various performative acts in an attempt to secure their rights as citizens of India.
Biomedical engineering undergraduate education: A Canadian perspective
Authors: Knowles Nikolas K , DeCoito Isha
Published: October 2018

Background

With an aging population and increasing demand on health care systems, biomedical engineering as an undergraduate program fits a growing societal need. As such, many Canadian universities have implemented biomedical engineering undergraduate programs. This provides a unique opportunity for core engineering faculty, engineering education researchers, and curriculum specialists to implement proven educational theories in the core curriculum of these programs to ensure exemplary and competent Canadian-trained biomedical engineering graduates.

Purpose

This paper discusses the need for biomedical engineering as a core undergraduate program in Canada, the historical context of educational theories as related to biomedical undergraduate engineering education, a framework for the implementation of proven strategies, and learner-centric methods that benefit the learner, mentor, and society as a whole. Scope/method: The historical context of curriculum theories related to biomedical engineering undergraduate education, evaluation of the intrinsic and extrinsic curriculum theories in current biomedical engineering undergraduate education, educating progressive learners and development of future biomedical engineering undergraduate education curriculum, is explored.

Conclusion

The integration of educational theories in the development of a biomedical engineering undergraduate engineering education is essential to ensure learners are provided with opportunities to experience cutting edge, quality engineering education. Empirical evidence demonstrates the successful implementation of applied methodologies such as model-electing activities, problem-based learning, and the flipped classroom. Providing biomedical engineering faculty with professional development opportunities around the successfully implementation of these tools aimed at culturally diverse, globalized 21st-century learners, can be catalytic in shifting to a new paradigm for engineering education in Canada and globally.
(Plebiscitary) leader democracy
Authors: Scott Alan
Published: October 2018

There is a revival of notions of leader democracy (LD) and plebiscitary leader democracy (PLD) both at the level of politics (e.g. the rhetoric of strong leadership) and in academic debate. This paper focuses largely on the latter, with occasional reference to real-world political developments. The paper (i) sketches changes in the nature of contemporary governance; (ii) argues that Weber’s and Schumpeter’s account of (plebiscitary) leader democracy ((P)LD) as a means of addressing the crisis of representation has marked affinities with current debates; (iii) discusses the possible implications of the re-emergence of a political language of (P)LD. The paper takes a sceptical view, arguing that an appeal to leadership is a symptom of, and contributor towards, the problems it purports to address. Two contemporary defences of (P)LD are discussed: that of the political scientist András Körösényi and that of the political theorist Jeffery Green.
Comparison of recent fiber orientation models in injection molding simulation of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Tseng Huan-Chang , Chang Rong-Yeu , Hsu Chia-Hsiang
Published: October 2018

In the structural analysis of automotive products made of lightweight fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRT), the primary mechanical requirement is their relation to the orientation states of fibers. The famous Folgar–Tucker equation of fiber orientation has hitherto been used to predict the skin–shell–core structure of fiber orientation patterns for injection-molded fiber composites. However, this model results in inaccurate predictions regarding the thinner core width. To enhance the reliability of fiber orientation predictions, Tucker and coworkers rigorously derived the reduced strain closure and anisotropic rotary diffusion (ARD) models in relation to the theoretical rheology of fiber suspension. More recently, the improved ARD and retarding principal rate model and the Moldflow rotational diffusion model were developed and made available in the industry dealing with the state-of-the-art software of injection molding simulation. A deep understanding of these fiber models is important for achieving successful FRT structural analysis. In this work, we therefore investigate the accuracy of these fiber orientation models, as well as the changes in fiber orientation distribution related to model parameters and model objectivity.
The effects of HNO3-surface treated carbon fiber and nano-CaCO3 inclusions on dynamic mechanical and heat properties of PA6/ABS-based composites
Authors: Malekzadeh Yaaghoub , Shelesh-Nezhad Karim
Published: October 2018

Carbon fibers (CFs) were surface treated using nitric acid (HNO3). Afterward, polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PA6/ABS)-based hybrid nanocomposites containing 10 wt% of HNO3-treated short CFs and 0, 2, 5, and 8 wt% of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles were produced using a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molding machine. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed the formation of strong interaction between surface-treated CFs and polymer matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal (DMTA) and thermoanalytical assessments were carried out. DMTA results indicated considerable improvements of storage modulus and viscose damping, in a wide range of temperature, by incorporating surface-treated CFs and CaCO3 nanoparticles. The glass transition temperatures of composites were noticeably greater than that of neat polymer because of the restriction effects of the fibers and nanoparticles on polymer chain mobility. Surface-treated CF and CaCO3 inclusions considerably elevated the heat of fusion and crystallinity. Results of thermogravimetric analyses indicated noticeable higher thermal stability against decomposition for composites as compared to the neat polymer. The adhesion of PA6/ABS polymer to surface-treated CFs and the presence of nanoparticles in polymer–fiber interphase were considered to be the key factors in determining the properties of composites.
A study on the kinetics and thermal properties of polystyrene/diatomite nanocomposites prepared via in situ ATRP
Authors: Khezri Khezrollah , Fazli Yousef
Published: October 2018

Pristine mesoporous diatomite was employed to prepare polystyrene/diatomite composites. Diatomite platelets were used for in situ polymerization of styrene by atom transfer radical polymerization to synthesize tailor-made polystyrene nanocomposites. X-Ray fluorescence spectrometer analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed for evaluating some inherent properties of pristine diatomite platelets. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm is applied to examine surface area and structural characteristics of the diatomite platelets. Evaluation of pore size distribution and morphological studies were also performed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Conversion and molecular weight determinations were carried out using gas and size exclusion chromatography, respectively. Linear increase of ln ( M0/M) with time for all the samples shows that polymerization proceeds in a living manner. Addition of 3 wt% pristine mesoporous diatomite leads to an increase of conversion from 72% to 89%. Molecular weight of polystyrene chains increases from 11,326 g mol−1 to 14134 g mol−1 with the addition of 3 wt% pristine mesoporous diatomite; however, polydispersity index values increases from 1.13 to 1.38. Increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by TGA. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an increase in glass transition temperature from 81.9°C to 87.1°C by adding 3 wt% of mesoporous diatomite platelets.
Flame-retardant behavior and mechanism of a DOPO-based phosphorus–nitrogen flame retardant in epoxy resin
Authors: Yan Yanan , Liang Bing
Published: October 2018

A novel flame-retardant additive, 6,6′,6″-((1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6 triyl) tris (azanediyl)) tris (dibenzo[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphinine 6-oxide) (DOPO-M), was synthesized from melamine and 9,10-dihy-dro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-oxide (DOPO). The structure of DOPO-M was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton (1H) and phosphorous (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS). DOPO-M was blended into epoxy resin (EP) to prepare flame-retardant EPs. The flame-retardant and thermal properties of EPs cured with triethylenetetramine (TETA) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the UL-94 test, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. The results revealed that the epoxy thermosets exhibited excellent flame retardancy and passed the V-0 rating of the UL-94 test with an LOI of 29.3% when the phosphorus content was 2.57 wt%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that DOPO-M in the EP/TETA system obviously accelerated the formation of a stronger, phosphorus-rich sealing char layer to improve the flame-retardant properties of the matrix during combustion.
Influences of ambient conditions on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell using various models
Authors: Khan Saad S , Shareef Hussain , Wahyudie Addy , Khalid SN , Sirjani Reza
Published: October 2018

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is an emerging renewable energy resource for transportation and power generation. Similar to other renewable resources, the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell is affected by ambient conditions. However, procedures for analyzing the influences of such conditions on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells are expensive and time-consuming. Moreover, the commonly used models have been developed on the basis of standard ambient conditions. Thus, these models are difficult to utilize under adverse ambient conditions. This study was performed to develop suitable proton exchange membrane fuel cell models that could reflect the effects of ambient conditions on the output voltage and current of the models. The first proposed model used the advantages of electrical and thermal relationships of a complex semiempirical model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. A simplified proton exchange membrane fuel cell model that used passive electrical components was then developed by central composite surface design. Both proposed models were simulated using various ambient temperatures, pressures, and load resistances by considering that the applied hydrogen pressure is known. Results showed that the output voltage of proton exchange membrane fuel cell decreased when ambient temperature increased and pressure decreased. This variation was dominant when the load resistance was reduced. Computation using the simplified model was remarkably faster than that using the first model. The proposed model can be beneficial, especially for aircraft applications and unusual ambient conditions.
Comparison of articular manifestations of mixed connective tissue disease and systemic lupus erythematosus on clinical examination and musculoskeletal ultrasound
Authors: Gunashekar S , Prakash M , Minz R W , Sharma A , Sharma S , Dhir V
Published: October 2018

Background

Polyarthritis is common to both mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Apart from being erosive and deforming in the former, we speculated that it was more common and the extent of joints involved would be higher in MCTD.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that included patients with MCTD aged 18–75 years fulfilling the Kasukawa criteria. An equal number of patients with SLE matched for disease duration and gender were included. Clinical manifestations were compared between patients with MCTD and with SLE. Examination of joints was done for the presence of tenderness or swelling and deformity. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was done on the non-dominant hand for detection of synovitis and tenosynovitis and radiographs of the hands were obtained. The use of methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritis was noted. Statistical tests used were non-parametric.

Results

Forty patients with MCTD and forty patients with SLE were included in this study, with patients being slightly older in MCTD than SLE (36 ± 10.2, 31.8 ± 13.3 years, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in disease duration (4.7 ± 3.1, 3.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.1) or gender (females = 38, 38). Nearly one-half of patients with MCTD had at least one swollen joint compared with only 15% of patients with SLE. Median (95% confidence interval) tender joint count (5 (4.8–10.4), 0 (1.3–7.2), p = 0.01) and swollen joint count (0 (0.9–2.6), 0 (0–1.2), p = 0.002) was significantly higher in patients with MCTD compared with SLE. More patients with MCTD than SLE had tender or swollen proximal interphalangeal joints (12, 4, p = 0.025). More patients with MCTD than SLE had received methotrexate (8,2, p = 0.04) and NSAIDs (39, 32, p = 0.03) for arthritis. There was no difference in the number of patients with MCTD or SLE who had evidence of synovitis or tenosynovitis on ultrasound. There was no difference in erosive disease on hand radiographs, but acro-osteolysis was higher among MCTD patients.

Conclusions

A higher proportion of patients with MCTD had at least one swollen and tender joint as compared with patients with SLE, as well as higher use of methotrexate and NSAIDs. However, there was no difference in ultrasound detected synovitis or tenosynovitis.
Tensions Living Out Professional Values for Physical Therapists Treating Injured Workers
Authors: Hudon Anne , Ehrmann Feldman Debbie , Hunt Matthew
Published: October 2018

Health care services provided by workers’ compensation systems aim to facilitate recovery for injured workers. However, some features of these systems pose barriers to high quality care and challenge health care professionals in their everyday work. We used interpretive description methodology to explore ethical tensions experienced by physical therapists caring for patients with musculoskeletal injuries compensated by Workers’ Compensation Boards. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 physical therapists and leaders in the physical therapy and workers’ compensation fields from three Canadian provinces and analyzed transcripts using concurrent and constant comparative techniques. Through our analysis, we developed inductive themes reflecting significant challenges experienced by participants in upholding three core professional values: equity, competence, and autonomy. These challenges illustrate multiple facets of physical therapists’ struggles to uphold moral commitments and preserve their sense of professional integrity while providing care to injured workers within a complex health service system.
What We Do: Povidone-Iodine Solution to Delineate the Cutaneous Roll
Authors: Morzycki Alexander , Gillis Joshua , Bezuhly Michael
Published: October 2018

Background:

Establishing continuity of the cutaneous roll is critical to cleft lip repair. Unfortunately, this landmark can be difficult to appreciate depending on the patient’s skin tone, surgical lighting, or preexisting scar.

Solution:

When applied to the lip, dilute povidone-iodine solution beads off the cutaneous roll and dry vermilion, clearly defining these structures.

What We Do:

We use dilute povidone-iodine solution not only to prep the lip but to delineate landmarks critical to cleft lip repair.
Theophylline and Caffeine as Alternatives During an Aminophylline Shortage
Authors: Singleton Emily L. , Le Nancy , Ness Genevieve Lynn
Published: October 2018

The latest aminophylline shortage has prompted a need for alternative reversal agents for pharmacological stress testing. Cardiac stress testing is common for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Options for pharmacological stress test agents include adenosine, regadenoson, dipyridamole, and dobutamine, whereas aminophylline is the recommended reversal agent. Adenosine and dobutamine can be used as alternatives to regadenoson and dipyridamole to decrease or eliminate the use of aminophylline. Alternatives to aminophylline include theophylline and caffeine. It is important to efficiently identify alternatives during a drug shortage to maintain optimal patient outcomes.
Modeling and design of a multidisciplinary simulator of the concept of operations for space mission pre-phase A studies
Authors: Chagas Ronan AJ , de Sousa Fabiano L , Louro Arcélio C , dos Santos Willer G
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, it is practically impossible to develop a complex project without the assistance of a comprehensive set of modeling and simulation tools. In space engineering, they are used throughout the product design cycle, from component up to the system level. In conceptual, pre-phase A studies of a space mission, these tools are essential to explore more broadly the design space, in the search for suitable candidate system solutions for the mission. They are also of prime importance in helping to reduce the design time in integrated concurrent design environments. Here, a multidisciplinary tool for concept of operation simulation, developed to be used in that kind of environments, is presented. FOrPlan has the main purpose of performing functional simulations of the satellite and associated ground segments, providing a dynamic verification of the mission designed operational concept. Through the use of suitable graphical interfaces, key parameters of the mission functional scenarios can be presented to the design team and other mission stakeholders, allowing them also a better understanding of the mission operational concept. The simulator presents high flexibility such that it can be quickly customized to different mission scenarios. It has been used successfully at the Space Missions Integrated Design Center (CPRIME) of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research. In this article, the structure of FOrPlan is presented, and its main features highlighted through results of concept of operation simulations performed for a scientific space mission study that was carried out recently at CPRIME.
New Biomarkers for Prediction of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro , Mambo Naomi , Ueda Takahiro , Nonaka Daisuke , Lee Lyang-Ja , Tanaka Kenji , Kotani Joji
Published: October 2018

Complication of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a determinant of the prognosis for patients with sepsis. The purpose of this study was to find DIC-related peptides in blood for prediction and early diagnosis of DIC in patients with sepsis. The participants were 20 patients with sepsis (age: 68.9 ± 11.4 years) and they were divided into 2 groups with (n = 8) and without (n = 12) a complication of DIC. Peptides in the serum of the patients were inclusively analyzed by a new method for peptidome analysis using a target plate, BLOTCHIP. By differential analysis of peptides in the blood from patients in the groups with and without DIC, we selected 13 mass spectrometry (MS) peaks as candidate marker peptides for prediction of DIC. By subsequent MS/MS structural analysis, 8 peptides were successfully identified as marker peptides for DIC in patients with sepsis. The peptides were fragments of serum amyloid A-2 protein, α2-HS-glycoprotein, fibrinogen α chain, fibrinogen β chain, serum albumin, collagen α1 (I) chain, collagen α1 (III) chain, and coagulation factor XIII A chain. In receiver–operating characteristic analysis for the relationships between the marker peptides and DIC, the area under the curve for each of these peptides was 0.594 to 0.760. We identified 8 blood marker peptides for prediction of DIC complication in patients with sepsis. Further studies by direct measurements of the serum peptide levels in larger numbers of patients with sepsis-induced DIC are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in an esophageal cancer patient on hemodialysis who was treated with a full-dose cisplatin-fluorouracil regimen: A case report
Authors: Amagai Hiroyuki , Murakami Kentaro , Sakata Haruhito , Uesato Masaya , Hayano Koichi , Kano Masayuki , Fujishiro Takeshi , Toyozumi Takeshi , Yoshihide Senba , Yamamoto Kohei , Hayashi Hideki , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis might be under-treated because the pharmacokinetics of anti-cancer drugs in such patients remain unknown and out of concern related to the potential development of severe adverse effects. However, patients with chemosensitive cancer, such as esophageal cancer, should receive chemotherapy at a dose that is sufficient to attain a favorable therapeutic effect. We herein present an interesting case involving an esophageal cancer patient who was successfully treated with subtotal thoracic esophagectomy, and adjuvant full-dose chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil while concomitantly undergoing hemodialysis. We carried out a pharmacokinetics analysis of cisplatin, and also conducted a systematic review on the dose and pharmacokinetics.

Case report

A 57-year-old male patient with esophageal cancer who was undergoing hemodialysis was referred to our hospital. He underwent subtotal thoracic esophagectomy. The pathological diagnosis was T1b, N2 (5/26), M0, ly2, v2, stage IIIA (Union for International Cancer Control, 8th edition). Because of the high degree of lymph node metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin was recommended. Cisplatin (80 mg/m2) was infused intravenously within 30 min on day 1, and 5-fluorouracil (800 mg/m2) was infused continuously on days 1–5 of a 28-day cycle. Thrombocytopenia (grade 3) occurred on day 16, leucopenia (grade 3) occurred on day 23, and anemia (grade 3) occurred on day 30. The onset of hematologic toxicities was prolonged in comparison to patients with a normal renal function.
Role of Exercise Activity in Alleviating Neuropathic Pain in Diabetes via Inhibition of the Pro-Inflammatory Signal Pathway
Authors: Ma Xiao-Qiu , Qin Jing , Li Hong-Yan , Yan Xiu-Li , Zhao Yong , Zhang Lian-Jie
Published: October 2018

Hyperalgesia and allodynia are commonly observed in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The treatment and management of painful peripheral neuropathy is important in these patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of exercise in modulating neuropathic pain induced by diabetes. Diabetes was induced in rats by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Control rats received saline injections. Groups included control rats without exercise (NT-control, n = 12), control rats with exercise (EX-control, n = 16), STZ rats without exercise (NT-STZ, n = 18), and STZ rats with exercise (EX-STZ, n = 22). Rats in EX groups ran on a treadmill 4 days/week for 5 weeks beginning from the week of STZ administration. Mechanical hypersensitivity (mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds [PWTs]) and glucose levels were tested weekly. Then, enzyme-linked immunoassay and Western blot analysis were used to determine the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and their receptors in sensory nerves. PWTs were significantly increased after 4–5 weeks of exercise in STZ rats ( p < .05 vs. NT-STZ rats). Inhibition of neuropathic pain by exercise in STZ rats was accompanied by decreases in interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and downregulated expression of their receptors. Furthermore, blocking individual PIC receptors elevated PWTs to a greater degree in STZ rats ( p < .05 vs. control rats). Overall, our data suggest that exercise can play a role in improving neuropathic pain induced by STZ and that PIC signaling is a part of the mechanism involved in this effect.
Acute sarcoidosis in a multiple sclerosis patient after alemtuzumab treatment
Authors: Graf Jonas , Ringelstein Marius , Lepka Klaudia , Schaller Jörg , Quack Helmut , Hartung Hans-Peter , Aktas Orhan , Albrecht Philipp
Published: October 2018

Background:

Understanding the long-term effect of alemtuzumab on the immune system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is crucial.

Objective:

To report a case of acute sarcoidosis (Löfgren’s syndrome) in a relapsing-remitting MS patient, 1.5 years after the second course of alemtuzumab treatment.

Case report:

Sarcoidosis was confirmed dermatohistologically, radiologically, and serologically. Analysis of the lymphocyte subpopulations showed a persistent effect of alemtuzumab treatment (CD4/CD8 ratio increased, absolute lymphocyte count of CD19-positive cells increased while CD3/4/8-positive cells were decreased).

Conclusion:

Our case highlights the profound effect of alemtuzumab on the immune system and its possible risk for autoimmune complications.