bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors for the sequelae and severity of Guillain‐Barré syndrome in children
Authors: Estrade Sophie , Guiomard Clara , Fabry Vincent , Baudou Eloise , Cances Claude , Chaix Yves , Cintas Pascal , Meyer Pierre , Cheuret Emmanuel
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis. Our aim in this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the long‐term sequelae of GBS in a French pediatric population.

Methods

In this multicenter, retrospective study we evaluated clinical signs, radiological examinations, laboratory tests, treatments, and outcomes.

Results

One hundred ten children were included in this investigation. These children presented with walking difficulties, muscle weakness, and cranial nerve impairment. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed 70% with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) and 16% with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). One hundred children received immunoglobulins. At follow‐up, 77% were cured, whereas 9% had sequelae, associated with an axonal form (P < .01) and a short interval between symptom onset and hospitalization (P < .01). The need for intubation was correlated with peripheral facial paralysis (P < .01) and dysautonomia (P < .01).

Discussion

Although AIDP and AMAN present in a similar way, the axonal form is associated with a worse outcome.
Community college students face barriers to success, including registration
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2019

Adult learners attending community colleges are overwhelmingly likely to report having a positive experience at their institution — but they also face multiple barriers to success, including those directly related to the college experience. That finding comes from a first‐of‐its‐kind survey conducted by the consulting firm Percontor, which reached out to more than 50,000 adult students at 10 community colleges during fall 2017 and fall 2018 regarding the challenges they face in earning a degree, and ways those challenges might be mitigated.
Nontraditional students flourish when fully integrated into campus
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2019

Columbia University's “nontraditional students” (its preferred term for adult learners) receive significant and tailored support as they acclimate to the demanding academic environment. But the dean of the school where they enroll believes these students’ integration into the overall university holds the key to maximizing their academic success.
The Arabidopsis thaliana gene annotated by the locus tag At3g08860 encodes alanine aminotransferase
Authors: Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Adams Lily E. , Savka Francisco C. , Hudson André O.
Published: September 2019

The aminotransferase gene family in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana consists of 44 genes, eight of which are suggested to be alanine aminotransferases. One of the putative alanine aminotransferases genes, At3g08860, was attributed the function of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase/β‐alanine:pyruvate aminotransferase based on the analysis of gene expression networks and homology to other β‐alanine aminotransferases in plants. It was earlier demonstrated that At3g08860 is specifically upregulated in response to osmotic stress, but not other stresses (β‐alanine is an osmoprotectant in plants). Furthermore, it was shown that the expression of At3g08860 is highly coordinated with the genes of the uracil degradation pathway leading to the non‐proteinogenic amino acid β‐alanine. These evidence were suggestive of the involvement of At3g08860 in β‐alanine metabolism. However, direct experimental evidence for the function of At3g08860 was lacking, and therefore, the goal of this study was to elucidate the function of the uncharacterized aminotransferase annotated by the locus tag At3g08860. The cDNA of At3g08860 was demonstrated to functionally complement two E. coli mutants auxotrophic for the amino acids, L‐alanine (proteinogenic) and β‐alanine (non‐proteinogenic). Enzyme activity using purified recombinant At3g08860 further demonstrated that the enzyme is endowed with L‐alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activity.
Human Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles Functionally Prepare Human Trophectoderm Model for Implantation: Understanding Bidirectional Maternal‐Embryo Communication
Authors: Evans Jemma , Rai Alin , Nguyen Hong P. T. , Poh Qi Hui , Elglass Kirstin , Simpson Richard J. , Salamonsen Lois A. , Greening David W.
Published: September 2019

Embryo implantation into maternal endometrium is critical for initiation and establishment of pregnancy, requiring developmental synchrony between endometrium and blastocyst. However, factors regulating human endometrial–embryo cross talk and facilitate implantation remain largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of this process. Here, a trophectoderm spheroid‐based in vitro model mimicking the pre‐implantation human embryo is used to recapitulate important functional aspects of blastocyst implantation. Functionally, human endometrial EVs, derived from hormonally treated cells synchronous with implantation, are readily internalized by trophectoderm cells, regulating adhesive and invasive capacity of human trophectoderm spheroids. To gain molecular insights into mechanisms underpinning endometrial EV‐mediated enhancement of implantation, quantitative proteomics reveal critical alterations in trophectoderm cellular adhesion networks (cell adhesion molecule binding, cell–cell adhesion mediator activity, and cell adherens junctions) and metabolic and gene expression networks, and the soluble secretome from human trophectodermal spheroids. Importantly, transfer of endometrial EV cargo proteins to trophectoderm to mediate changes in trophectoderm function is demonstrated. This is highlighted by correlation among endometrial EVs, the trophectodermal proteome following EV uptake, and EV‐mediated trophectodermal cellular proteome, important for implantation. This work provides an understanding into molecular mechanisms of endometrial EV‐mediated regulation of human trophectoderm functions—fundamental in understanding human endometrium–embryo signaling during implantation.
Pyruvate as a cell‐protective agent during cold atmospheric plasma treatment in vitro: Impact on basic research for selective killing of tumor cells
Authors: Bergemann Claudia , Rebl Henrike , Otto Anik , Matschke Svenja , Nebe Barbara
Published: September 2019

Promising investigations on the selective killing of tumor cells were reported using cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) in vitro. Pyruvate, a supplement in cell culture media, could protect cells against the action of reactive oxygen species. Here, we provide an overview of the in vitro studies concerning the selective killing of tumor cells by CAP with special emphasis on pyruvate concentration in the cell culture media. Several former studies were performed in media with different pyruvate content. Our cell experiments confirmed that pyruvate mitigates the action of the plasma‐activated medium on cells. Therefore, future in vitro studies should be done in media with similar pyruvate content.
Photoswitchable Fluorescent Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles and Their Inkjet‐Printed Patterns for Information Encrypting and Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Li Jie , Tian Meng , Xu Haifeng , Ding Xiaokang , Guo Jinbao
Published: September 2019

Liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) with desirable multifunctionality are catching increasing attention due to their promising applications in various fields. However, reversible photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs are not reported until now. Here, the first example of water‐dispersible, reversibly phototunable fluorescent LCNPs prepared through a miniemulsion polymerization technique is presented. The LCNPs mainly consist of an aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE)‐active dicyanodistyrylbenzene‐based monomer, a LC cross‐linking monomer, and a dithienylethene (DAE) derivative as a photochromic molecular switch. The fluorescence of the resultant LCNPs can be switched reversibly between bright (ON) and dark (OFF) states with a high contrast and excellent repeatability upon alternating irradiation of 365 nm UV light and visible light (λ > 450 nm). This observation could be attributed to ring‐opening/ring‐closing photoisomerization of the DAE structure on the basis of an intraparticle fluorescence resonance energy transfer process between the AIEE‐active monomer and DAE derivative. More importantly, the potential for aqueous dispersion of the photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs as a security ink for information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting is further demonstrated. The results demonstrate that the reversible photoswitchable fluorescent LCNPs as multifunctional nanomaterials exhibit promising applications in photonic fields.
Studies and Theoretical Optimization of CL‐20 : RDX Cocrystal
Authors: Viswanath Jalla Venkata , Shanigaram Balaiah , Vijayadarshan Panga , Chowadary T. Venkaiah , Gupta Amarnath , Bhanuprakash Kotamarthi , Niranjana Siddapura Ramachandrappa , Venkataraman Abbaraju
Published: September 2019

CL‐20 among other nitramines is highly energetic along with the high positive heat of formation, and is a green energetic material employed as solid propellant [1–3]. However, it suffers basically from mechanical sensitivity and cost of synthesis. Cocrystallization of CL‐20 with other suitable HEMs and LEMs is considered as the best crystal engineering technique to reduce its sensitivity [2, 4–6] as it masks crystal defects which in turn are responsible for mechanical sensitivity. The present investigation reports on the scale up process for the synthesis of Energy‐Energy Cocrystallization (EECC) of ϵ‐CL‐20 and RDX and focus on the process to optimize the structure and energetics of thus formed cocrystal (CRCC) through DFT study. In our study CL‐20 and RDX are taken in 1 : 1 molar ratio as suggested by Gui‐yun Hang [7]. We claim successful scale up of cocrystallization to the earlier report [4] employing a more user friendly solvent (acetone) in the present study and the cocrystal formed was through ultra centrifugation. During the course of the cocrystal formation a phase transition from ϵ‐ to α took place. The Trauzl lead block tests on CRCC support the better performance of the synthesised EECC. Introducing shock tube test as the parameter to claim the strength of HEMs enhances the comparability [8]. The present report envisages and collaborates the synthesised CRCC through the theoretical study in arriving at the spatial conformation leading to optimization in structure and energy of the synthesized EECC.
Experimental Two‐Way Communication with One Photon
Authors: Massa Francesco , Moqanaki Amir , Baumeler Ämin , Del Santo Flavio , Kettlewell Joshua A. , Dakić Borivoje , Walther Philip
Published: September 2019

Superposition of two or more states is one of the most fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and provides a basis for several advantages offered by quantum information processing. This work reports the experimental demonstration of two‐way communication between two distant parties that can exchange only a single particle once, an impossible task in classical physics. This is achieved through preparation of a single photon in a coherent superposition of the two parties' locations. Furthermore, it is shown that this concept allows the parties to perform secure and anonymous quantum communication employing one particle per transmitted bit. These important features can lead to the realization of new quantum communication schemes, which are simultaneously anonymous, secure, and resource‐efficient.
Evaluation of N‐Mustard Analogues of S‐Adenosyl‐L‐methionine with Eukaryotic DNA Methyltransferase 1
Authors: Sirasunthorn Nichanun , Jailwala Anuj , Gerber Anna , Comstock Lindsay R.
Published: September 2019

DNA methylation, which requires the universal methyl donor S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM), plays a pivotal role in eukaryotic gene regulation and when dysregulated, can result in severe alterations in cellular function. An emerging approach to further understand DNA methylation utilizes azide‐ and alkyne‐functionalized N‐mustard SAM analogues as biochemical tools to probe sites of DNA methylation. While the successful utility of these substituted analogues has been demonstrated with prokaryotic DNA methyltransferases, their utility with physiologically‐relevant eukaryotic DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is examined for the first time here. A fluorescence‐based magnetic bead assay was validated in initial experiments to measure the extent of DNA modification by the N‐mustard analogues using Spiroplasma methylase, M.SssI, a prokaryotic model of DNMT1. Subsequent analysis with DNMT1 revealed limited utility of the analogues, as added azide‐ and alkyne‐functionality appears to directly impact binding to DNMT1.
Solvent‐Exchange Strategy toward Aqueous Dispersible MoS2 Nanosheets and Their Nitrogen‐Rich Carbon Sphere Nanocomposites for Efficient Lithium/Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Wang Kai , Zhang Chao , Zhu Jixin , Xu Jingsan , Liu Tianxi
Published: September 2019

Major challenges in developing 2D transition‐metal disulfides (TMDs) as anode materials for lithium/sodium ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) lie in rational design and targeted synthesis of TMD‐based nanocomposite structures with precisely controlled ion and electron transport. Herein, a general and scalable solvent‐exchange strategy is presented for uniform dispersion of few‐layer MoS2 (f‐MoS2) from high‐boiling‐point solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N‐dimethyl formaldehyde (DMF), etc.) into low‐boiling‐point solvents (water, ethanol, etc.). The solvent‐exchange strategy dramatically simplifies high‐yield production of dispersible MoS2 nanosheets as well as facilitates subsequent decoration of MoS2 for various applications. As a demonstration, MoS2‐decorated nitrogen‐rich carbon spheres (MoS2‐NCS) are prepared via in situ growth of polypyrrole and subsequent pyrolysis. Benefiting from its ultrathin feature, largely exposed active surface, highly conductive framework and excellent structural integrity, the 2D core–shell architecture of MoS2‐NCS exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity and excellent cycling performance, achieving high initial discharge capacity of 1087.5 and 508.6 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, capacity retentions of 95.6% and 94.2% after 500 and 250 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1, for lithium/sodium ion storages, respectively.
Ultrahigh Energy Absorption Multifunctional Spinodal Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Guell Izard Anna , Bauer Jens , Crook Cameron , Turlo Vladyslav , Valdevit Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

Nanolattices are promoted as next‐generation multifunctional high‐performance materials, but their mechanical response is limited to extreme strength yet brittleness, or extreme deformability but low strength and stiffness. Ideal impact protection systems require high‐stress plateaus over long deformation ranges to maximize energy absorption. Here, glassy carbon nanospinodals, i.e., nanoarchitectures with spinodal shell topology, combining ultrahigh energy absorption and exceptional strength and stiffness at low weight are presented. Noncatastrophic deformation up to 80% strain, and energy absorption up to one order of magnitude higher than for other nano‐, micro‐, macro‐architectures and solids, and state‐of‐the‐art impact protection structures are shown. At the same time, the strength and stiffness are on par with the most advanced yet brittle nanolattices, demonstrating true multifunctionality. Finite element simulations show that optimized shell thickness‐to‐curvature‐radius ratios suppress catastrophic failure by impeding propagation of dangerously oriented cracks. In contrast to most micro‐ and nano‐architected materials, spinodal architectures may be easily manufacturable on an industrial scale, and may become the next generation of superior cellular materials for structural applications.
Quantity determination analysis of etodolac and thiocolchicoside combination with inverse phase‐liquid chromatography method in human plasma
Authors: Kucuk Tunca Aysel , Sirin Nese
Published: September 2019

In this study, an Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method was developed for the determination of the quantities of Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside active ingredients contained in the same tablet form (Etotio tablet). For this purpose; Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside in the pharmaceutical combination were determined simultaneously using Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method. This developed high‐performance liquid chromatography method was also used for the simultaneous in vitro quantity determination of Etodolac and Thiocolchicoside in human plasma. Plasma samples were analyzed with the Inverse Phase‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography method without any need for extraction process and very high recoveries were obtained with this chromatographic method. Method validity was tested by applying all the validation parameters for the data obtained from both studies (in solvent and plasma media). Results obtained in plasma media and solvent media were compared statistically with Anova test and it was found that there is no significant difference (at 95% possibility level) between the two methods from average and standard deviation aspects.
Consider printing diplomas in‐house to improve efficiency and save costs
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: September 2019

Until two years ago, printing student diplomas at the University of St. Thomas was done the traditional way. The names of candidates for graduation were compiled months in advance of commencement, and diplomas were ordered from an outside source. It would take from six to eight weeks for the diplomas to be delivered to the university, and in turn, it would mail the diplomas to the students.
Community college students face barriers to success, including registration
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2019

Adult learners attending community colleges are overwhelmingly likely to report having a positive experience at their institution — but they also face multiple barriers to success, including those directly related to the college experience. That finding comes from a first‐of‐its‐kind survey conducted by the consulting firm Percontor, which reached out to more than 50,000 adult students at 10 community colleges during fall 2017 and fall 2018 regarding the challenges they face in earning a degree, and ways that those challenges might be mitigated.
Single and multiple detections of foodborne pathogens by gold nanoparticle assays
Authors: Pissuwan Dakrong , Gazzana Camilla , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Cortie Michael B.
Published: September 2019

A late detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food and drinking water has a high potential to cause adverse health impacts in those who have ingested the pathogens. For this reason there is intense interest in developing precise, rapid and sensitive assays that can detect multiple foodborne pathogens. Such assays would be valuable components in the campaign to minimize foodborne illness. Here, we discuss the emerging types of assays based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for rapidly diagnosing single or multiple foodborne pathogen infections. Colorimetric and lateral flow assays based on GNPs may be read by the human eye. Refractometric sensors based on a shift in the position of a plasmon resonance absorption peak can be read by the new generation of inexpensive optical spectrometers. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and the quartz microbalance require slightly more sophisticated equipment but can be very sensitive. A wide range of electrochemical techniques are also under development. Given the range of options provided by GNPs, we confidently expect that some, or all, of these technologies will eventually enter routine use for detecting pathogens in food.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Seasonal changes in basking shark vertical space use in the north-east Atlantic
Authors: Doherty P. D. , Baxter J. M. , Godley B. J. , Graham R. T. , Hall G. , Hall J. , Hawkes L. A. , Henderson S. M. , Johnson L. , Speedie C. , Witt M. J.
Published: September 2019

Mobile marine species can exhibit vast movements both horizontally and vertically. Spatial analysis of vertical movements may help improve an understanding of the processes that influence space use. Previously, vertical space use of basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) in the north-east Atlantic described movements largely within waters of the continental shelf during summer and autumn months, with few records of detailed vertical behaviour during winter. We use archival satellite telemetry data from 32 basking sharks (12 females, 6 males, and 14 of unknown sex measuring 4–5 m (n = 6), 5–6 m (n = 10), 6–7 m (n = 7), 7–8 m (n = 8), and 8–9 m (n = 1) estimated total length) tracked over 4 years (2012–2015). The satellite tags provided depth and temperature data for a cumulative 4489 days (mean 140 ± 97 days per shark, range 10–292 days) to describe vertical space use and thermal range of basking sharks in the north-east Atlantic. Basking sharks exhibit seasonality in vertical space use, revealing repeated ‘yo-yo’ movement behaviour with periods of occupancy at depths greater than 1000 m in late winter/early spring. Describing seasonal vertical space use in marine megavertebrates can increase knowledge of movements throughout their environment including physiological and morphological constraints to movement, nutrient transfer, and overlap with anthropogenic threats to inform future conservation strategies.
The intra-tumoural stroma in patients with breast cancer increases with age
Authors: Vangangelt Kiki M. H. , Kramer Claire J. H. , Bastiaannet Esther , Putter Hein , Cohen Danielle , van Pelt Gabi W. , Rakha Emad A. , Green Andrew R. , Tollenaar Rob A. E. M. , Mesker Wilma E.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The tumour microenvironment in older patients is subject to changes. The tumour–stroma ratio (TSR) was evaluated in order to estimate the amount of intra-tumoural stroma and to evaluate the prognostic value of the TSR in older patients with breast cancer (≥ 70 years).

Methods

Two retrospective cohorts, the FOCUS study (N = 619) and the Nottingham Breast Cancer series (N = 1793), were used for assessment of the TSR on haematoxylin and eosin stained tissue slides.

Results

The intra-tumoural stroma increases with age in the FOCUS study and the Nottingham Breast Cancer series (B 0.031, 95% CI 0.006–0.057, p = 0.016 and B 0.034, 95% CI 0.015–0.054, p < 0.001, respectively). Fifty-one per cent of the patients from the Nottingham Breast Cancer series < 40 years had a stroma-high tumour compared to 73% of the patients of ≥ 90 years from the FOCUS study. The TSR did not validate as an independent prognostic parameter in patients ≥ 70 years.

Conclusions

The intra-tumoural stroma increases with age. This might be the result of an activated tumour microenvironment. The TSR did not validate as an independent prognostic parameter in patients ≥ 70 years in contrast to young women with breast cancer as published previously.
Sense of Abundance is Associated with Momentary Positive and Negative Affect: An Experience Sampling Study of Trait Gratitude in Daily Life
Authors: Simons Marianne , Lataster Johan , Peeters Sanne , Reijnders Jennifer , Janssens Mayke , Jacobs Nele
Published: September 2019

Results are reported from a study examining the association between subdimensions of trait gratitude (appreciation of others, sense of abundance, and simple appreciation, SGRAT, Thomas and Watkins 2003) and daily life affective processing, in order to respond to the acknowledged need for further research on how trait gratitude may contribute to our well-being. Using experience sampling methodology actual momentary experiences of positive and negative affect were measured on 7 consecutive days in a sample of 106 respondents (63 women and 43 men, varying in age from 18 to 65 years). Multilevel regression analyses revealed that only sense of abundance was significantly associated with momentary experiences of positive affect (positive association) and negative affect (negative association) in daily life. Our findings add to the theoretical understanding of the underlying pathway of the association between trait gratitude and well-being and provide a practical starting point for gratitude interventions.
Elgin on understanding: How does it involve know-how, endorsement and factivity?
Authors: Gordon Emma C.
Published: September 2019

In Chapter 3 ofTrue Enough, Elgin (2017) outlines her view of objectual understanding, focusing largely on its non-factive nature and the extent to which a certain kind of know-how is required for the “grasping” component of understanding. I will explore four central issues that feature in this chapter, concentrating on (1) the role of know-how, (2) the concept of endorsement, (3) Elgin’s critique of the factivity constraint on understanding, and (4) how we might use aspects of Elgin’s framework to inform related debates on the norm of assertion.
Predicting Intentions from Motion: The Subject-Adversarial Adaptation Approach
Authors: Zunino Andrea , Cavazza Jacopo , Volpi Riccardo , Morerio Pietro , Cavallo Andrea , Becchio Cristina , Murino Vittorio
Published: September 2019

This paper aims at investigating the action prediction problem from a pure kinematic perspective. Specifically, we address the problem of recognizing future actions, indeed human intentions, underlying a same initial (and apparently unrelated) motor act. This study is inspired by neuroscientific findings asserting that motor acts at the very onset are embedding information about the intention with which are performed, even when different intentions originate from a same class of movements. To demonstrate this claim in computational and empirical terms, we designed an ad hoc experiment and built a new 3D and 2D dataset where, in both training and testing, we analyze a same class of grasping movements underlying different intentions. We investigate how much the intention discriminants generalize across subjects, discovering that each subject tends to affect the prediction by his/her own bias. Inspired by the domain adaptation problem, we propose to interpret each subject as a domain, leading to a novel subject adversarial paradigm. The proposed approach favorably copes with our new problem, boosting the considered baseline features encoding 2D and 3D information and which do not exploit the subject information.
A presmooth estimator of unbiased distributions with length-biased data
Authors: Heidari Reza , Fakoor Vahid , Shariati Ali
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we propose a presmooth product-limit estimator to draw statistical inference on the unbiased distribution function representing the population of interest. The strong consistency of the estimator proposed is investigated. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimator is evaluated using simulation studies. It is observed that the proposed estimator exhibits greater efficiency in comparison with the alternative method in de Uña-Álvarez (Test 11(1):109–125, 2002).
The Effect of the Cause of Delivery on Neonatal Outcomes in Early Preterm Deliveries
Authors: Yılmaz Baran Şafak , TÖrer Birgin , Kalaycı Hakan , Doğan Durdağ Gülşen
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of causes of delivery on short-term neonatal morbidities and mortality in EPD (< 34 gestational weeks). We retrospectively analysed the deliveries occurring between 23 + 0 and 33 + 6th gestational weeks at our tertiary center during 2014–2018. A total of 290 deliveries were evaluated, and 369 newborns [singletons (56.4%), twins (36.6%) and triplets (7.1%)] were included in the study. The causes of deliveries were defined as spontaneously preterm birth (n = 107, 29%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (n = 131, 35.5%) or iatrogenic preterm birth (n = 131, 35.5%). The rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular haemorrhagia (IVH), necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, neonatal resuscitation, sepsis and death were similar between groups. However; neonatal RDS, BPD, IVH and sepsis were found to be higher in cases with chorioamnionitis, which could be considered as subcategory of PPROM. Preterm deliveries have an adverse effect on perinatal outcomes. Also, such causes of labor might be related to varied neonatal morbidities. However, splitting to early preterm deliveries into subgroups, according to cause of delivery, did not provide further information to predict such complications except chorioamnionitis.
Response Surface Methodology for the Evaluation of Magnetite Partitioning Behavior in Polyethylene Glycol-Based Aqueous Biphasic System
Authors: Shahrokhi Behnia , Pirdashti Mohsen , Managhebi Mozhgan
Published: September 2019

Response surface methodology in the framework of central composite design has successfully applied to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based aqueous two-phase system in order to evaluate its efficiency in extracting Fe from iron ores with respect to PEG molecular weight, PEG concentration and salt concentration factors. Furthermore, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis have provided a second-order polynomial equation that is highly capable of predicting the experimental results. The PEG molecular weight and weight percent of the salt in the feed had a major and minor effects on the iron ion partition coefficient, respectively.
Stone, Scissors, Paper: Thinking Through Things in Chinese History
Authors: Ko Dorothy
Published: September 2019

What would Chinese history look like with things taking the center stage? Our present understanding of this history is animated primarily by literate people in pursuit of examination degrees and sons, and often filtered through such modern social science categories as culture, ethnicity, and gender. In this introduction, I put the set of five articles in the special issue in conversation with recent research to identify new analytic categories and research strategies that accord agency to things, remap the parameters of Chinese history, and ponder the new directions afforded by the study of material cultures.
A population balance model for large eddy simulation of polydisperse droplet evolution
Authors: Aiyer A. K. , Yang D. , Chamecki M. , Meneveau C.
Published: September 2019

In the context of many applications of turbulent multi-phase flows, knowledge of the dispersed phase size distribution and its evolution is critical to predicting important macroscopic features. We develop a large eddy simulation (LES) model that can predict the turbulent transport and evolution of size distributions, for a specific subset of applications in which the dispersed phase can be assumed to consist of spherical droplets, and occurring at low volume fraction. We use a population dynamics model for polydisperse droplet distributions specifically adapted to a LES framework including a model for droplet breakup due to turbulence, neglecting coalescence consistent with the assumed small dispersed phase volume fractions. We model the number density fields using an Eulerian approach for each bin of the discretized droplet size distribution. Following earlier methods used in the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes framework, the droplet breakup due to turbulent fluctuations is modelled by treating droplet–eddy collisions as in kinetic theory of gases. Existing models assume the scale of droplet–eddy collision to be in the inertial range of turbulence. In order to also model smaller droplets comparable to or smaller than the Kolmogorov scale we extend the breakup kernels using a structure function model that smoothly transitions from the inertial to the viscous range. The model includes a dimensionless coefficient that is fitted by comparing predictions in a one-dimensional version of the model with a laboratory experiment of oil droplet breakup below breaking waves. After initial comparisons of the one-dimensional model to measurements of oil droplets in an axisymmetric jet, it is then applied in a three-dimensional LES of a jet in cross-flow with large oil droplets of a single size being released at the source of the jet. We model the concentration fields using $N_{d}=15$ bins of discrete droplet sizes and solve scalar transport equations for each bin. The resulting droplet size distributions are compared with published experimental data, and good agreement for the relative size distribution is obtained. The LES results also enable us to quantify size distribution variability. We find that the probability distribution functions of key quantities such as the total surface area and the Sauter mean diameter of oil droplets are highly variable, some displaying strong non-Gaussian intermittent behaviour.
A universal velocity profile for smooth wall pipe flow
Authors: Cantwell Brian J.
Published: September 2019

The most important unanswered questions in turbulence regard the nature of turbulent flow in the limit of infinite Reynolds number. The Princeton superpipe (PSP) data comprise 26 velocity profiles that cover three orders of magnitude in the Reynolds number from $Re=19\,639$, to $Re=20\,088\,000$ based on pipe radius and pipe centreline velocity. In this paper classical mixing length theory is combined with a new mixing length model of the turbulent shear stress to solve the streamwise momentum equation and the solution is used to approximate the PSP velocity profiles. The model velocity profile is uniformly valid from the wall to the pipe centreline and comprises five free parameters that are selected through a minimization process to provide an accurate approximation to each of the 26 profiles. The model profile is grounded in the momentum equation and allows the velocity derivative, Reynolds shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy production to be studied. The results support the conclusion that logarithmic velocity behaviour near the wall is not present in the data below a pipe Reynolds number somewhere between $Re=59\,872$, and $Re=87\,150$. Above $Re=87\,150$, the data show a very clear, nearly logarithmic, region. But even at the highest Reynolds numbers there is still a weak algebraic dependence of the intermediate portion of the velocity profile on both the near-wall and outer flow length scales. One of the five parameters in the model profile is equivalent to the well-known Kármán constant, $k$. The parameter $k$ increases almost monotonically from $k=0.4034$ at $Re=87\,150$ to $k=0.4190$ at $Re=20\,088\,000$, with an average value, $k=0.4092$. The variation of the remaining four model parameters is relatively small and, with all five parameters fixed at average values, the model profile reproduces the entire velocity data set and the wall friction reasonably well. With optimal values of the parameters used for each model profile, the fit to the PSP survey data is very good. Transforming the model velocity profile using the group, $u/u_{0}\rightarrow ku/u_{0}$, $y^{+}\rightarrow ky^{+}$ and $R_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}\rightarrow kR_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$ where $R_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$ is the friction Reynolds number, leads to a reduced expression for the velocity profile. When the reduced profile is cast in outer variables, the physical velocity profile is expressed in terms of $\ln (y/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF})$ and a new shape function $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}(y/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF})$. In the limit of infinite Reynolds number, the velocity profile asymptotes to plug flow with a vanishingly thin viscous wall layer and a continuous derivative everywhere. The shape function evaluated at the pipe centreline is used to produce a new friction law with an additive constant that depends on the Kármán constant and a wall damping length scale.
Numerical investigation of wake flow regimes behind a high-speed rotating circular cylinder in steady flow
Authors: Munir Adnan , Zhao Ming , Wu Helen , Lu Lin
Published: September 2019

Flow around a high-speed rotating circular cylinder for$Re\leqslant 500$is investigated numerically. The Reynolds number is defined as$UD/\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$with$U$,$D$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$being the free-stream flow velocity, the diameter of the cylinder and the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, respectively. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a high rotation rate on the wake flow for a range of Reynolds numbers. Simulations are performed for Reynolds numbers of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 and a wide range of rotation rates from 1.6 to 6 with an increment of 0.2. Rotation rate is the ratio of the rotational speed of the cylinder surface to the incoming fluid velocity. A systematic study is performed to investigate the effect of rotation rate on the flow transition to different flow regimes. It is found that there is a transition from a two-dimensional vortex shedding mode to no vortex shedding mode when the rotation rate is increased beyond a critical value for Reynolds numbers between 100 and 200. Further increase in rotation rate results in a transition to three-dimensional flow which is characterized by the presence of finger-shaped (FV) vortices that elongate in the wake of the cylinder and very weak ring-shaped vortices (RV) that wrap the surface of the cylinder. The no vortex shedding mode is not observed at Reynolds numbers greater than or equal to 250 since the flow remains three-dimensional. As the rotation rate is increased further, the occurrence frequency and size of the ring-shaped vortices increases and the flow is dominated by RVs. The RVs become bigger in size and the flow becomes chaotic with increasing rotation rate. A detailed analysis of the flow structures shows that the vortices always exist in pairs and the strength of separated shear layers increases with the increase of rotation rate. A map of flow regimes on a plane of Reynolds number and rotation rate is presented.
Thermal and Electrical Characterization of Power Mosfet Module Using Coupled Field Analysis
Authors: Cheng H.-C. , Wu C.-H. , Lin S.-Y.
Published: September 2019

Temperature resulting from the joule heating power and the turn-on and turn-off dissipation of high-power, high-frequency applications is the root cause of their thermal instability, electrical performance degradation, and even thermal-fatigue failure. Thus, the study presents thermal and electrical characterizations of the power MOSFET module packaged in SOT-227 under natural convection and forced convection through three-dimensional (3D) thermal-electric (TE) coupled field analysis. In addition, the influences of some key parameters like electric loads, ambient conditions, thermal management considerations (heat sink, heat spreader) and operation conditions (duty cycle and switching frequency) on the power loss and thermal performance of the power module are addressed. The study starts from a suitable estimation of the power losses, where the conduction losses are calculated using the temperature- and gate-voltage-dependent on-state resistance and drain current through the device, and the switching losses are predicted based on the ideal switching waveforms of the power MOSFETs applied. The effectiveness of the theoretical predictions in terms of device’s power losses and temperatures is demonstrated through comparison with the results of circuit simulation and thermal experiment.
VIRTUOUS ACCOMPLICES IN INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW
Authors: Jackson Miles
Published: September 2019

Humanitarian actors sometimes have to decide whether to render assistance in situations that put them at risk of liability for aiding and abetting under international criminal law. This is the problem of the virtuous accomplice—the idea that knowingly contributing to the wrongdoing of others might, exceptionally, be the right thing to do. This article explains why the problem arises and clarifies its scope, before turning to criminal law in England and Wales and Germany to assess potential solutions. It argues that the best approach is to accept a defence of necessity—of justified complicity—and shows that such an argument works in international criminal law.
The effect of spring grass availability and grazing rotation length on the production and quality of herbage and milk in early spring
Authors: Claffey A. , Delaby L. , Galvin N. , Boland T. M. , Egan M.
Published: September 2019

The importance of spring grass in the diet of early lactation dairy cows has been widely acknowledged. Numerous studies completed on a plot/paddock basis have identified methods of increasing herbage availability in spring, but little focus was placed on how this impacts animal production. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of opening farm cover (OFC; grass availability on farm at turnout in spring; 1036 (high), 748 (medium) and 544 (low) kg DM/ha) and spring rotation length (fast – 56 days and normal – 63 days) on animal performance in early lactation and herbage production and quality. Spring rotation length had little effect on animal performance, herbage variables or sward composition. High OFC increased pre-grazing herbage mass, allowing for increased daily herbage allowance (DHA) compared to medium and low OFC. There was a reduced proportion of leaf in the sward of the high OFC compared to the low OFC, resulting in lower organic matter digestibility. Despite the reduction in sward quality observed as a consequence of achieving high OFC in spring, the greater DHA available to animals increased milk production (+1.4 kg milk/cow/day). Additionally, animals grazing a medium or low OFC had a greater requirement for silage supplementation in spring (+1.3 kg DM/cow/day). The benefits of the higher DHA highlighted in the current study suggest that autumn grazing management must be adapted to increase herbage availability in spring. However, the benefits observed in milk production did not persist beyond the first grazing rotation.
The Primacy of Practice
Authors: Zalabardo José L.
Published: September 2019

I argue that our procedures for determining whether ascriptions of a predicate represent things as being a certain way are ultimately pragmatic. Pragmatic procedures are not subject to validation by the referential procedure – determining whether there is a property playing the role of its referent. Predicates can represent even if we can't provide an independent identification of its referent. For these predicates, the speakers’ knowledge of how they represent objects as being would have to be construed in terms of the ascription practices they associate with the predicates. The same approach can be applied to semantic predicates, such as ‘is representational’ or ‘refers to’. They can be treated as representational even if we can't provide an independent identification of their referents. The availability of this position undermines accounts of the referents of semantic predicates in naturalistic terms.
Microscopic Assessment of Dead Cell Ratio in Cryopreserved Chicken Primordial Germ Cells
Authors: Svoradová Andrea , Makarevich Alexander , Vašíček Jaromír , Olexiková Lucia , Dragin Sasa , Chrenek Peter
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to compare three methods of cell death assessment [trypan blue exclusion (TBE), propidium iodide viability assay (PIVA), and transmission electron microscopy] to evaluate fresh and frozen–thawed chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs). For this study, chicken PGCs were collected from ROSS 908 and Oravka breed hens, cryopreserved-thawed according to the protocol, and submitted for different cell death assessments. We observed significant differences between TBE and PIVA techniques in the detectable proportion of dead cells in fresh (14.14 ± 1.27 versus 7.16 ± 1.02%, respectively) and frozen–thawed (44.00 ± 2.11 versus 33.33 ± 1.67%, respectively) samples of the Oravka breed. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.05) between TBE and PIVA techniques in the detectable proportion of dead cells in fresh (9.20 ± 0.60 versus 5.37 ± 0.51%) samples of ROSS 908 breed were recorded. Differences may be due to methodological, sensitivity, and toxicity features of each technique tested, where TB stains cell cytoplasm of dead cells and PI penetrates and intercalates into DNA of dead cells. Therefore, we suggest using a more precise and sensitive PIVA for viability evaluation of PGCs. Further research is needed to apply various fluorochromes for more detailed cell viability evaluation.
Farbkodierte Duplexsonografie der Gefässe in der Praxis: Pitfalls
Authors: Rosenov Alexander , Hügel Ulrike , Baumgartner Iris , Thalhammer Christoph
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die farbkodierte Duplexsonografie (FKDS) stellt den Eckpfeiler der angiologischen Basisuntersuchungen dar. Nahezu alle arteriellen und venösen Gefässe des menschlichen Körpers sind dieser Untersuchungsmodalität zugänglich, sodass in den meisten angiologischen Fragestellungen die FKDS als primäre Bildgebung verwendet wird. Moderne Ultraschallgeräte bieten heutzutage ausgezeichnete technische Möglichkeiten, die Bildqualität der farbkodierten Duplexsonografie von Gefässen zu optimieren. Um eine möglichst gute Geräteeinstellung zu erhalten, müssen die relevanten Bildeinstellungen bekannt sein; diese sollen im Folgenden im Detail dargestellt werden. Im B-Mode ist auf Schallfrequenz, Verstärkung, Dynamikbereich und Fokus zu achten. Beim Farbdoppler ist eine genaue Kenntnis der Winkelabhängigkeit und deren praktischer Anwendung erforderlich. Dies gilt im besonderen Masse für die Messung von Flussgeschwindigkeiten, bei denen durch eine inkorrekte Winkelkorrektur Beurteilungsfehler entstehen können. Kardiale Erkrankungen mit veränderter Pumpfunktion können sowohl arterielle als auch venöse Dopplersignale verändern.
Intrakranielle Meningeome: ein neurochirurgisches Krankheitsbild?
Authors: Kogias Evangelos , Weyerbrock Astrid
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Meningeome sind die häufigsten intrakraniellen Tumoren. Entsprechend der WHO-Klassifikation werden sie in drei WHO-Grade eingeteilt. Die meisten Meningeome sind WHO I und mittels mikrochirurgischer Resektion komplett und kurativ behandelbar. Die bildgebende Diagnostik und die Nachkontrollen erfolgen mittels MRI. Asymptomatische Meningeome können kontrolliert werden. Symptomatische Meningeome und Meningeome mit Lagebeziehung zu neuralen und vaskulären Strukturen sollten mikrochirurgisch operiert werden unter Zuhilfenahme moderner Operationstechniken (Neuromonitoring, Navigation, minimal-invasive Verfahren). Die Rezidivrate wird durch das Ausmass der Resektion entsprechend der Simpson-Klassifikation und die histologische Dignität des Tumors bestimmt. Bei subtotaler Resektion, komplexen Tumoren, Rezidiven sowie höhergradigen Meningeomen sollte der Einsatz radiotherapeutischer und radiochirurgischer Massnahmen interdisziplinär diskutiert werden.
Von Spondyloarthritis bis Osteoporose – Beteiligung des Skelettsystems bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Schüle Solvey , Frey Diana , Biedermann Luc , Grueber Maude Martinho , Zeitz Jonas , Vavricka Stephan , Möller Burkhard , Rogler Gerhard , Misselwitz Benjamin
Published: September 2019

Zusammenfassung. Bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, IBD) können nicht-entzündliche Gelenkschmerzen und entzündliche Gelenkmanifestationen auftreten. Letztere gehören zur Gruppe der Spondyloarthritiden. Sie werden am Achsenskelett als entzündlicher Rückenschmerz mit nächtlichen Schmerzen, Morgensteifigkeit und Besserung unter Aktivität manifest. Einschränkungen der Gelenkfunktion sind ebenfalls möglich. Bei anderen Patienten stehen periphere Gelenkbeschwerden im Vordergrund. Als Schmerzmedikamente werden COX-2-selektive, nicht-steroidale Antirheumatika (NSAR) empfohlen, da unselektive NSAR die zugrundeliegende IBD verschlimmern können. Am Achsenskelett werden Physiotherapie und Tumornekrosefaktor(TNF)-Inhibitoren eingesetzt, während bei peripherem Gelenkbefall Steroidinjektionen, Sulfasalazin und TNF-Inhibitoren wirksam sind. Entzündung, Malabsorption und Steroide führen bei IBD-Patienten zu Osteopenie und Osteoporose. Bei langdauernder Krankheitsaktivität bzw. langer Steroidgabe ist ein Screening mit DXA-Scan indiziert. Therapeutisch sollten ausreichend Kalzium und Vitamin D sowie gegebenenfalls Bisphosphonate gegeben werden.