bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Raman and HRTEM Study of Nanostructured GaN Nucleation Layers and Device Layers on Sapphire (0001)
Authors: Pant P. , Narayan J. , Wushuer A. , Manghnani M. H.
Published: April 2020

Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been used to study structural characteristics and strain distribution of the nanostructured GaN nucleation layer (NL) and the GaN device layer on (0001) sapphire substrates used for light-emitting
diodes and lasers. Raman peaks corresponding to the cubic and the hexagonal phase of GaN are observed in the Raman spectrum from 15 nm and 45 nm NLs. A comparison of the peak intensities for the cubic and hexagonal phases of GaN in the NLs suggests that the cubic phase is dominant in the 15
nm NL and the hexagonal phase in the 45 nm NL. An increase in the density of stacking faults in the metastable cubic GaN (c-GaN) phase with increasing growth time lowers the system energy as well as locally converts c-GaN phase into hexagonal GaN (h-GaN). It also explains the observation of
the more intense peaks of h-GaN in the 45 nm NL compared to c-GaN peaks. For the sample wherein an h-GaN device layer was grown at higher temperatures on the NL, narrow Raman peaks corresponding to only h-GaN were observed, confirming the high-quality of the films. The peak shift of the E2H(LO)
mode of h-GaN in the NLs and the h-GaN film suggests the presence of a tensile stress in the NL which is attributed to defects such as stacking faults and twins, and a compressive stress in high-temperature grown h-GaN film which is attributed to the thermal-expansion mismatch between the
film and the substrate. The peak shifts of the substrate also reveal that during the low temperature growth of the NL the substrate is under a compressive stress which is attributed to defects in the NL and during the high temperature growth of the device layer, there is a tensile strain in
the substrate as expected from differences in coefficients of thermal expansion of the film and the substrate during the cooling cycle.
Patterned Growth of ZnO Nanostructures Based on the Templation of Plant Cell Walls
Authors: Cheng Chung-Liang , Chen Chyi-Chuann , Lin Hsia-Yu , Chen Tzung-Te , Liou Sz-Chian , Chu Ming-Wen , Chen Reui-San , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: April 2020

A new and general approach based on vapor-phase transport technique using Au-coated plant cell walls has been developed to synthesize patterned ZnO nanostructures. Nanowires, nanodendrites and nanotowers were fabricated by adsorption of different metallic ions on plant cell walls. It
is shown that plant cell wall can serve as a well-defined template to grow patterned nanostructures. Using transmission electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy, the structural characteristic of the nanostructures were investigated, exhibiting good crystallinity and hexagonal symmetry of
the nanomaterials. Quite interestingly, the shape of the nanostructures can be controlled by the metallic ions adsorbed on plant cell walls. Without metallic ions, a homogeneous distribution of nanowires was obtained. On the other hand, with Ni+2 or Fe+3 ions, nanodendrites
and nanotowers were observed, respectively. Our approach provides a low cost method that opens up new possibilities for the growth of patterned nanomaterials with desired shapes.
Solution Grown Ultra-Violet Emitting Quasi-Aligned ZnO Nanotubes
Authors: Park Y. K. , Umar Ahmad , Kim S. H. , Hahn Yoon-Bong
Published: April 2020

Quasi-aligned ZnO nanotubes were grown in a high density on Si substrate via aqueous solution method at low temperature of 65 °C by using zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine. The detailed structural characterizations revealed that the as-synthesized nanotubes are single-crystalline
possessing a hexagonal phase and grown along the [0001] direction. Raman-scattering spectrum exhibits a strong and sharp optical-phonon E2 high-mode at 437 cm−1 again confirming the good crystal quality with hexagonal crystal structure for the as-synthesized nanotubes.
A strong ultraviolet (UV) emission with a weak and broad orange is observed from the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum which substantiates the good optical properties for the as-grown nanotubes. The detailed growth mechanism has also been proposed for the formation of as-grown
nanotubes based on chemical reactions involved and different crystallographic habits of wurtzite hexagonal ZnO.
Photocatalytic Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Over ZrO2, Cu/ZrO2 and Fe/ZrO2 Photocatalysts Synthesized by Sol Gel Method
Authors: Alvarez M. , López T. , Odriozola J. A. , Gonzalez R. D.
Published: April 2020

Photocatalytic oxidation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was performed over ZrO2, Cu/ZrO2 and Fe/ZrO2 catalysts prepared by the sol–gel method. The samples were annealed at 400 °C. Textural and electronic characterization was carried out
using BET and UV-Vis in order to establish the relationship between surface, pore volume and Eg with the photoactivity of the materials. The degradation of the acid was followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The disappearance of the herbicide in solution follows approximately pseudo-first
order kinetics. The apparent rate constants were calculated for the three catalysts. The results reveal that Fe/ZrO2 exhibits the best photoactivity for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.
Enhanced Absorption in a Reverse Saturable Absorbing Dye Blended with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Webster Scott , Reyes-Reyes Marisol , Williams Richard , Carroll David L.
Published: April 2020

Using nonlinear absorption at 532 nm in the nanosecond temporal regime, we have measured the low fluence nonlinear transmittance properties of the reverse saturable absorbing carbocyanine dye, 1,1′,3,3,3′,3′-hexamethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (HITCI), blended with
well dispersed carbon nanotubes. The nonlinear optical properties of the blends are strongly dependent on the ratio of dye to nanotubes in solution. In the case where the nanotubes per dye molecule ratio is large, we see a distinctive enhancement in optical fluence limiting properties of the
system, suggesting enhanced absorption of the excited states. However, when the nanotube to dye ratio decreases, the system's response is dominated by the behavior of the dye. We suggest that this can be understood as a two component system in which sensitized dye molecules associated with
the nanotubes have an effectively different optical cross-section from the dye molecules far from the nanotubes. From classical antennae considerations, this is expected.
Nanocrystalline CdSe Thin Films of Different Morphologies in Thermal Evaporation Process
Authors: Pal U. , Zaldivar M. Herrera , Sathyamoorthy R. , Manjuladevi V. , Sudhagar P. , Mohan S. Chandra , Senthilarasu S.
Published: April 2020

Cadmium selenide nanocrystalline thin films of quasi-spherical morphology are prepared by evaporating CdSe nanopowders on glass substrates. Slightly oval shaped CdSe particles of about 165 nm average size (in 2-D) could be assembled over glass substrates by controlling the film thickness.
Morphologies like assembly of particles, interconnected particles with mosaic-like structures and thin films of smooth surfaces could be prepared simply by controlling film thickness. A mechanism for such morphological variations is proposed. Observed variation of band gap energy in the films
is explained in terms of quantum confinement effect and substrate-film interface strain.
Low Temperature Photoluminescence Characteristics of Chemically Synthesized Indium Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Morales A. Escobedo , Aceves R. , Pal U. , Zhang J. Z.
Published: April 2020

Photoluminescence (PL) emission and excitation (EPL) spectra of un-doped and indium (1%) doped 1D zinc oxide nanostructures are studied at different temperatures. The nanostructures reveal a blue emission band attributed to localized donor states. Indium doping enhances the blue emission.
While at low temperatures (<50 K) PL spectra are dominated by the emission attributed to the recombination of excitons bound to neutral donors (D0,X), at higher temperatures (>100 K), defect related emissions in the visible range dominate over the excitonic emission. Temperature
dependence measurements on the doped sample reveal that (D0,X) emission energies obey the Varshni's formula with fitting constants α = 8.4±0.3 × 10−4 eV/K and β = 650±40 K. The (D0,X) emission intensity decays
exponentially with temperature.
Influence of Oxygen on the Optical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Rentería-Tapia V. M. , García-Macedo J.
Published: April 2020

Silver nanoparticles in sol–gel silica films were obtained by annealing in hydrogen atmosphere and subsequently in oxygen atmosphere. Their properties were measured by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electronic microscopy
(HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. Samples prepared in a reducing atmosphere exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) located at 399 nm. Silver nanoparticles in an oxidizing atmosphere exhibited a red shift and damping of the SPR. These optical properties were explained due to the
oxidation on the surface of silver nanoparticles to silver oxide yield in an oxygen atmosphere. Silver core–silver oxide shell nanostructures were observed by HRTEM. The average size of the metallic nanoparticles obtained by TEM was used for modeling the UV-vis spectra by using the Gans
theory. Good fits to the spectra under an oxidizing atmosphere were obtained considering variable refractive indexes coming from the silver oxide shells surrounding to the nanoparticles. Therefore, the interaction between oxygen and the metallic surface of the nanoparticles, sensitively alters
their optical properties.
Spectroscopic Studies of Solvothermally Derived LaF3:Nd Nanocrystals
Authors: Kumar G. A. , Chen C. W. , Riman R. E.
Published: April 2020

LaF3:Nd (0.5–10.7 mol%) nanocrystals were solvothermally synthesized and their optical properties were studied. Judd-Ofelt parameterization of the absorption spectra gave a radiative decay time of 846 μs for the 4F3/2 excited state to
the four emission channels. Measured fluorescence decay curves for 5 different Nd3+ concentrations were fit with double exponential functions. The decrease in fluorescence decay time shows that concentration quenching is appreciable as the Nd3+ concentration increases.
The 0.5 mol% Nd3+ concentration shows a decay time of 800 μs and a radiative quantum efficiency of 95%. For all dopant concentrations, heat-treatment (800 °C, 2 h) substantially increased the emission intensity by 2 to 3-orders of magnitude. This emission intensity
increase is attributed to reduction in hydroxyls and homogenization of the Nd3+ coordination environment through improved crystalline perfection of the LaF3:Nd lattice.
Synthesis of Carbon Dots via Hydrothermal Reaction for Selective Detection of Serotonin
Authors: Kim Yeji , Kim Jongsung
Published: April 2020

Serotonin (5-HT) is a significant neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, social behavior, depression, and other neurological activities. In this work, we synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots using naturally occurring amino acids such as L-aspartic acid and L-cysteine
by employing a one-step hydrothermal reaction. The amino acid-derived carbon dots (CDs) are called AACDs. The as-synthesized AACDs showed strong blue-color emission under UV light and photoluminescence (PL) emission maximum wavelength at 457 nm with an excitation wavelength of 344 nm. The
AACDs had superior aqueous solubility due to the carboxyl (–COOH) and amine (–NH2) functional groups on their surface. 5-HT could be detected by adding cobalt ions (Co2+) to the AACDs. The Co2+ ions facilitate cross-linking between free amino and
carboxylate groups. Fluorescence quenching by AACDs incorporating Co2+ ion was observed to be dependent on the concentration of serotonin. The limit of detection (LOD) of AACDs for 5-HT was 2.24 μM.
New Thermal Radical Inhibitors Based on a Triazene Metal Complex for Radical Polymerization
Authors: Jeong Jinwook , Yang Jingjie , Kang Seokwoo , Park Young Il , Noh Seung Man , Park Jongwook
Published: April 2020

New triazene based metal complexes such as Cu[1-(phenyldiazenyl)piperidine]2Br2 (BTACHCuBr2), Cu[1-(phenyldiazenyl)piperidine]2Cl2 (BTACH-CuCl2), Ni[1-(phenyldiazenyl)piperidine]2Cl2 (BTACH-NiCl2 · 6H2O),
Cu[2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenyldiazenyl)piperidine]2Cl2 (BTACM-SnCl2), Ti[2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-(phenyldiazenyl)piperidine]2Cl2 (BTACM-TiCl2) were synthesized. All of the five compounds did not absorb in the visible light wavelength region and it
does not have the color change disadvantage when using as an additive in polymerization. All materials also had thermal stability up to 245 °C. Among the synthesized compounds, BTACH-CuBr2 showed the best radical inhibitor property when n-hexyl acrylate monomer was polymerized
with the synthesized metal complexes at 150 °C isothermal condition. It exhibited more than 5 times of the polymerization delayed initiation compared to other synthesized metal complexes cases.
The Antioxidant and Tyrosinase-Inhibiting Activities of 4-Hydroxycinnamoyl-Malate from a Citrus junos Callus Extract
Authors: Park Dae Eung , Adhikari Deepak , Jha Surav Kumar , Kim Hyun Jung , Park Jin Woo
Published: April 2020

We evaluated the antioxidant and skin-lightening activities of 4-hydroxycinnamoyl-malate (4-HCM) in vitro; the material is a water-soluble component of Citrus junos callus. 4-HCM was waterextracted from callus grown on MS medium containing picloram to enhance growth. The antioxidant
activity of 4-HCM was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) free-radical-scavenging assays. 4-HCM-mediated inhibition of extracellular matrix protein glycation was assessed using the elastin and collagen glycation
assays. Inhibition of skin pigmentation was evaluated by measuring anti-tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in melanoma cells. 4-HCM was then incorporated into elastic nanoliposomes (ENLs) and delivered topically to enhance percutaneous absorption. At 5 mM, the free-radical-scavenging activity
of 4-HCM was 54.2±0.631% in the ABTS assay, comparable to that of 1 mM ascorbic acid (46.5± 0.17%). The IC50 value for inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation from elastin was 1.25±0.23 mM; collagen glycation was completely inhibited when the
4-HCM level was >5 mM. At 0.5 mM, the material afforded 49.2±3.09% inhibition of tyrosinase activity and, at 10 mM, reduced the melanocyte melanin content by 78% without significant cellular toxicity. Moreover, 4-HCM-loaded ENLs exhibited 569% enhanced permeation of 4-HCM across
the human epidermis, which may afford skin-lightening if included in cosmetic formulations.
Evaluation of Bioabsorbable Mg–Mn Alloy with Anodic Oxidation Treatment
Authors: Lee Seungyun , Lee Doyun , Lee Kyungmin , Park Chan , Lim Hyunphil , Park Sangwon , Kyungku Lee , Yun Kwidug
Published: April 2020

Magnesium alloys as biodegradable materials have been examined that may replace bone screws and plates in recent studies. But the velocity control of magnesium alloy is very difficult. Until now, the magnesium alloys degrade very fast, thus it couldn’t maintain the function in
clinical field. Thus the purpose of this study is to evaluate the degradability of anodized magnesium alloy for control the velocity. For this experiment, a Mg–xMn (x = 0, 0.5, 1 wt%) binary alloy was cast in argon gas (99.99%) atmosphere. The specimens of the surface treatment
group were anodized for 15 minutes at a voltage of 120 V at room temperature using calcium gluconate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium hydroxide electrolyte. For the mechanical test, SEM, roughness test, hardness test were examined. The degradation test was conducted to measure the hydrogen
gas formation volume. For biologic test, cell viability were tested. After anodic oxidation treatment, the surface showed the crater formation, the size of craters were about 200~300 nm. Among nonanodized group, the Mg–0.5Mn showed the highest Vickers hardness and cell viability. However
for biodegradability test, Mg–1Mn showed the lowest the hydrogen gas formation. For anodic oxidation treatment, anodic oxidation treatment makes rougher surface, higher hardness, good cell response and lower degradation rate. Overall, anodized Mg–1Mn showed the possibility for
clinical application in bone screw and bone plate.
Quartz Crystal Nanobalance-Dissipation Based Simulation Model as Pre-Clinical Modality for Blood Coagulation Behavior for Evaluation of the Risk of Thrombosis
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Hwang Tae In , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: April 2020

In search of ideal treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD), various types of stents for preventing closure or stenosis have been developed. In particular, drug-eluting stents (DES), the most recently introduced class of coronary stents, has significantly reduced the incidence of
restenosis by inhibiting hyperplasia of the intimal layer at the reperfusion site. On the other hand, recent studies reported the potential adverse effects of anti-proliferative drugs loaded on DES. For example, the patient group after DES use showed an increased incidence of late and very
late stent thrombosis (after 30 days from PCI) compared to traditional bare-metal stents. Stent thrombosis which means a formation of blood clots is a complication following a PCI procedure. While the incidence rate of the complication is relatively low, the mortality of the complication is
significant. Thus, the preclinical prediction model for arterial stenosis after deploying stents is required to reduce the adverse effect. Herein, we proposed a preclinical analytic method using QCN-D (Quartz Crystal Nanobalance-Dissipation) sensor for investigating the blood coagulation behavior
on the dynamic condition of the stent surfaces. The quartz crystals (QCs) were coated with nitinol, heparin, and anti-proliferative drug to simulate the hemodynamic conditions on the surface of stents. The results of QCN-D demonstrated the potentiality as a preclinical system for evaluating
the risks of stent thrombosis.
Electrochemical, Photophysical and Theoretical Studies of Novel Zinc Phthalocyanines
Authors: Kumar Rangaraju Satish , Mergu Naveen , Min Kyeong Su , Son Young-A
Published: April 2020

In this research, we successfully synthesized three novel zinc phthalocyanines and applied for electrochemical and photo physical properties. These phthalocyanines are naphthoxy derivatives with methyl, benzyl and butyl-benzyl, with halo substitution (PCME, PCBN and PCBBN) and poses
very good solubility in all industrial solvents. To check the preliminary results of LCD green color filter properties of these molecules, we taken the UV-Visible absorption and transmittance studies in Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and achieved around 90% of transmittance in the
region of 400–550 nm. Further understand the solubility of our phthalocyanines, we checked the aggregation property in PGMEA and we observed no any aggregation. All compounds showed very nice electro chemical properties with nice oxidation and reduction peaks. These phthalocyanines are
fit for LCD color filter applications. Finally to get insights of the electronic and UV-Visible properties of the new dyes, the DFT calculations were performed.
Peroxidase Mimic Activities of Copper Selenide (CuSe) Nanoplates for Sensing H2O2 and L-Cysteine
Authors: Maojuan Bai , Chengcheng Xu , Xuanye Huang , Yanan Liu , Jun Wan
Published: April 2020

Compared with natural enzymes, artificial mimic enzymes have been widely studied for their high stability and cost effectiveness. In this study, CuSe nanoplates as a simulated enzyme which does not contain precious metals, has peroxidase activity. CuSe nanoplates were prepared and characterized
by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Kinetic studies show that CuSe nanoplates exhibits a higher affinity for 3,3′,5,5′-teramethylbenzidine (TMB) than horseradish
peroxidase (HRP). The rapid colorimetric determination of H2O2 and L-cysteine were developed based on the catalytic efficiency. The linear range of detection for H2O2 is 5.0×10−6~8.0×10−5 M, and the detection
limit is 2.9×10−6 M, while the relative standard error is less than 5%. In addition, L-cysteine was detected with a detection limit of 0.2×10−6 M. The good selectivity of the determination to H2O2 and L-cysteine in aqueous
solution was also achieved. CuSe nanoplates as a simulated enzyme for sensor applications would be used in environmental monitoring and biomedical analysis.
Morphology-Dependent Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutant and Antibacterial Activity with CdS Nanostructures
Authors: Rajbongshi Himanshu , Kalita Dipjyoti
Published: April 2020

Efficient removal of organic pollutants from waste water by nanostructured photocatalysts has become an emerging research due to its importance in environmental remediation. Herein, CdS nanostructures with different morphologies i.e., spherical, nanopetal and rose-like have been synthesized
by wet chemical method using TEA as a structure directing agent. The morphology, crystal structure, composition, surface area and optical properties of the nanostructures are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX),
Brunauer-Emment-Teller (BET) analyser, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD patterns indicate the existence of hexagonal phase of CdS in all the three morphologies. The SEM images confirm the morphological transformation of spherical
CdS nanoparticles (NPs) to nanopetal and rose-like morphology with the increase in concentration of TEA in the synthesis process. UV-visible absorption spectra show that rose-like CdS nanostructure exhibits red-shift of absorption wavelength compared to spherical and nanopetal CdS nanostructures.
The increase in intensity of PL peak of rose-like CdS at 576.6 nm compared to that of spherical and nanopetal CdS, confirms the presence of more S vacancies or defect states. The BET specific surface areas of spherical, nanopetal and rose-like CdS nanostructures are determined to be 4.18,
6.64 and 8.93 m2/g, respectively. The EIS Nyquist plot confirms the higher electron transfer efficiency of rose-like CdS than that of spherical and nanopetal CdS. The photocatalytic activity of these three nanostructures are evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
in water solution under sunlight irradiation. Among the three structures, rose-like CdS nanostructure shows highest photocatalytic efficiency (96.5%) under sunlight irradiation within 120 min of sunlight irradiation. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized CdS nanostructures is performed
against two Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and rose-like CdS shows more activity against both types of bacteria than that of spherical and nanopetal CdS.
Authenticité et idéal-type de la vocation pastorale en milieu pentecôtiste réunionnais
Authors: Aubourg Valérie
Published: April 2020

Depuis les années 1980, l’île de La Réunion assiste à la multiplication d’assemblées néo-pentecôtistes indépendantes. Leurs dirigeants se présentent comme des « élus de Dieu » : non seulement leur vocation n’est pas légitimée par les autorités ecclésiales, mais elle ne s’appuie pas non plus sur leur motivation personnelle. Au contraire, ils se doivent même d’insister sur leur réticence a priori à l’exercice d’un tel ministère. Le caractère insensé du projet accrédite d’autant plus son authenticité. Ils produisent un discours se situant dans la logique et la rhétorique de l’authentique. Cependant, les modalités de ces élections paraissent suffisamment analogues pour être soulignées. L’analyse d’un corpus de vingt-trois récits oraux permet de décrire l’idéal type de ces virtuoses religieux.
‘Lions led by donkeys’? Britain’s war in Afghanistan, 2001–2014
Authors: Dixon Paul
Published: April 2020

This article argues that Theo Farrell’s book Unwinnable is a semi-official British Army history of the Afghan war and reflects the ‘dominant military narrative’. The book’s argument is contradictory, it suggests that NATO was ‘learning, adapting and winning’ the war but the politicians stabbed the military in the back by withdrawing just as a turning point had been reached in 2009-11. This was Farrell’s optimistic analysis when the war was ongoing. But Unwinnable also argues that the war was unwinnable from 2001. This implies that it was the military elite that blundered because of their enthusiasm for the escalation of Britain’s involvement in an unwinnable and, therefore, futile war. Unwinnable tries to rescue ‘counterinsurgency’ by trying to claim, implausibly, that it was only properly implement during 2009-11. Farrell champions the empowerment of the military elite and is unconcerned that the politicians struggled to exert democratic control over the military.
Regional Interdependence and the Role of the Lower Body in Elbow Injury in Baseball Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deal Matthew Jordan , Richey Bradley P. , Pumilia Cyrus Anthony , Zeini Ibrahim Mamdouh , Wolf Charles , Furman Todd , Osbahr Daryl Christopher
Published: April 2020

Background:

Elbow injuries are exceedingly common in baseball players. Previous studies have identified that upper extremity strength and range of motion deficits pose a risk for these injuries, but few studies have examined the effect of lower extremity deficits. Given the role of the lower extremity in the kinetic chain of the baseball throwing motion, lower body deficits may affect the kinematics of the upper extremity and play a role in the elbow injury of baseball players.

Purpose:

To systematically review the current literature investigating the association of trunk and lower extremity deficits with elbow pain or injury in baseball players.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify and analyze all previous studies focused on the association of elbow pain and/or injury with functional deficits of the trunk and lower extremities.

Results:

A total of 14 studies met inclusion criteria, examining a range of baseball players extending from youth to professional athletes. One of the 14 studies examined other types of overhead throwing athletes alongside baseball players. Lower extremity–related risk factors for elbow pain and injury in these athletes were found and stratified per level of play. Factors included specific hip range of motion, lower extremity injury or pain, balance, and foot arch posture. Associations were also found with lower extremity injury and noncompliance with primary prevention programs.

Conclusion:

Specific lower extremity deficits were found to be independent risk factors for elbow pain and injury in throwing athletes at certain levels of play. Additionally, prevention programs designed to correct deficits in identified risk factors were effective in reducing the incidence of elbow injury in youth athletes. These results highlight the potential of screening and subsequent intervention to reduce the incidence of elbow injury in certain subsets of baseball players.
Development of an automated assessment technology for detecting damage in body armour
Authors: Marks Ryan , Grigg Stephen , Crivelli Davide , Pearson Matthew , Eaton Mark , Llŷr Iestyn , McHugh Martin , Wotherspoon Tracy , Pullin Rhys
Published: April 2020

Hard ballistic body armour plates are designed to withstand the impact of a bullet and protect the wearer, if this happens the armour is clearly damaged and so is retired from service. Mishandling, however, such as dropping the armour, may cause minor and difficult to detect damage which compromises the effectiveness of the plate. Current methods of inspection involve shipping the plates to a central location, performing a thorough inspection and returning them to service if uncompromised; this is costly and requires redundancy of equipment for when not in service. Acousto-Ultrasonics is a method of structural health monitoring in which ultrasonic waves are excited in a structure by a transducer and receivers record the response, any deviation from a baseline measurement give an indication of damage within the structure. Within this paper the development and testing of a novel handheld prototype device is presented, which gives a simple yes/no answer to if there is damage on the plate. This inspection is quick and easy to perform by unskilled personnel. Low profile sensors have been utilised combined with a novel flexible circuitry with built in memory, which does not compromise the effectiveness of the armour.
Effects of acupuncture on anthropometric and serum metabolic parameters in premenopausal overweight and obese women: a randomized, patient- and assessor-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kim Koh-Woon , Shin Woo-Chul , Choi Min Sun , Cho Jae-Heung , Park Hi-Joon , Yoo Hye Hyun , Song Mi-Yeon
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture on obesity-related parameters with regard to metabolomics.

Methods:

This two-arm parallel, patient- and assessor-blind, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial included 120 obese participants. Participants were randomized into two groups. The treatment group received a combined intervention of manual acupuncture (MA) plus electroacupuncture (EA), while the control group received a combination of sham acupuncture interventions consisting of sham MA plus sham EA for 6 weeks. The serum lipid levels were measured as the primary outcome measure and anthropometric parameters and serum metabolic profiles including amino acids and carnitines were measured as secondary outcome measures.

Results:

The serum lipid levels and anthropometric measurements did not significantly differ between groups, while body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were improved within each group and the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased over time in the treatment group. There were no significant differences in amino acid levels between groups, while certain carnitine (C2, C4, C6, and l-carnitine) levels were significantly increased ( p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

In summary, 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment did not affect anthropometric and serum metabolic parameters, with the exception of certain carnitines, when compared to sham acupuncture. The observation of increased carnitine levels in the acupuncture group could result in potential long-term benefits to obese individuals. Additional studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of acupuncture on lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanism of action.

Trial registration number:

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02066090).
Stability of calcium levofolinate reconstituted in syringes and diluted in NaCl 0.9% and glucose 5% polyolefin/polyamide infusion bags
Authors: Sanogo Seydou , Silimbani Paolo , Gaggeri Raffaella , Masini Carla
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Calcium levofolinate (CaLev) for intravenous administration is commercially available as a powder that must be reconstituted for injection or reconstituted and then diluted before administration. The lack of stability data on CaLev solutions renders necessary extemporaneous manual preparation, preventing the use of automated/semi-automated systems, with a consequent loss in terms of quality and safety.

Methods

The present work assessed the chemical–physical and microbiological stability of CaLev prepared in sodium chloride 0.9%, glucose 5% and water for injections and stored in polyolefin/polyamide bags and polypropylene syringes at 2–8°C protected from light. For this purpose, we developed and validated a new rapid High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultra Violet Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-UV-DAD) method.

Results

The samples tested were stable for 14 days, retaining >95% of their initial concentration and showing no change in colour, turbidity or pH. Microbiological tests performed on the samples were negative.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the analytical stability of CaLev in NaCl 0.9%, glucose 5% and water for injection at concentrations used in clinical practice at our institute. This enables our centralized laboratory to organize the preparation of this drug in advance and the use of robots rather than manual preparation reduces the workload and the risk of preparation errors.
Beyond positivism: Toward a pluralistic approach to studying “real” teams
Authors: Nyein Kyi Phyu , Caylor Jesse R. , Duong Ngoc S. , Fry Trevor N. , Wildman Jessica L.
Published: April 2020

To conduct sound research on organizational teams while overcoming the difficulties inherent in studying teams in situ, it is essential for researchers to consider all possible methodologies at their disposal. However, in the science of teams, published research is primarily driven by a positivist paradigm and quantitative methodology. This research offers an important perspective but fails to capitalize on the wide array of paradigms and methodologies outside of this perspective. Accordingly, we advocate for a pluralistic approach to studying real-world teams that utilizes qualitative methodologies to complement and enhance quantitative findings. We summarize philosophical assumptions, research paradigms, and qualitative methodologies not commonly used in research on teams. We then highlight existing qualitative research within several exemplar topic areas (team conflict, membership change, team adaptation, shared leadership, and inclusion in teams) and offer propositions for how qualitative methodologies can be used to develop a better understanding of real teams in organizations.
Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibition in in vivo and in vitro models of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wilson Kathryn S. , Buist Hanna , Suveizdyte Kornelija , Liles John T. , Budas Grant R. , Hughes Colin , MacLean Margaret R. , Johnson Martin , Church Alistair C. , Peacock Andrew J. , Welsh David J.
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension, group 1 of the pulmonary hypertension disease family, involves pulmonary vascular remodelling, right ventricular dysfunction and cardiac failure. Oxidative stress, through activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases is implicated in these changes. Inhibition of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1, an apical mitogen‐activated protein kinase, prevented pulmonary arterial hypertension developing in rodent models. Here, we investigate apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension by examining the impact that its inhibition has on the molecular and cellular signalling in established disease. Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibition was investigated in in vivo pulmonary arterial hypertension and in vitro pulmonary hypertension models. In the in vivo model, male Sprague Dawley rats received a single subcutaneous injection of Sugen SU5416 (20 mg/kg) prior to two weeks of hypobaric hypoxia (380 mmHg) followed by three weeks normoxia (Sugen/hypoxic), then animals were either maintained for three weeks on control chow or one containing apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibitor (100 mg/kg/day). Cardiovascular measurements were carried out. In the in vitro model, primary cultures of rat pulmonary artery fibroblasts and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were maintained in hypoxia (5% O2) and investigated for proliferation, migration and molecular signalling in the presence or absence of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibitor. Sugen/hypoxic animals displayed significant pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to normoxic controls at eight weeks. Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibitor decreased right ventricular systolic pressure to control levels and reduced muscularised vessels in lung tissue. Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibition was found to prevent hypoxia‐induced proliferation, migration and cytokine release in rat pulmonary artery fibroblasts and also prevented rat pulmonary artery fibroblast‐induced rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 inhibition reversed pulmonary arterial hypertension in the Sugen/hypoxic rat model. These effects may be a result of intrinsic changes in the signalling of adventitial fibroblast.
Decision-making approaches to contracting out
Authors: Kolpakov Aleksey , Anguelov Lachezar G
Published: April 2020

This article compares and contrasts two classical decision-making approaches used in outsourcing specific public services. We perform content analysis of semi-structured interviews with public managers who are engaged in contracting for different public services, and find that incremental or small step-by-step decision-making is more likely to be observed in the outsourcing of “soft” or human services. Rational decision-making on the hand is more likely for “hard” services including janitorial services, public works, bridge design, street striping, parks maintenance, strategic planning, refrigeration experts, and food services. Our findings also indicate that some services can be outsourced using both decision-making approaches in certain cases. Using comparative analysis, we identify three factors associated with incremental decision-making across the organizations in our sample. All organizations that outsourced services using incremental models of decision-making had a for-profit business partner, experienced managers, and exhibited desire for cooperation and coordination.
Perioperative Anticoagulation Management in Spine Surgery: Initial Findings From the AO Spine Anticoagulation Global Survey
Authors: Louie Philip , Harada Garrett , Harrop James , Mroz Thomas , Al-Saleh Khalid , Brodano Giovanni Barbanti , Chapman Jens , Fehlings Michael , Hu Serena , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu , Mayer Michael , Menon Venugopal , Park Jong-Beom , Qureshi Sheeraz , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Valacco Marcelo , Vialle Luiz , Wang Jeffrey C. , Wiechert Karsten , Riew K. Daniel , Samartzis Dino
Published: April 2020

Study Design:

Cross-sectional, international survey.

Objectives:

This study addressed the global perspectives concerning perioperative use of pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis during spine surgery along with its risks and benefits.

Methods:

A questionnaire was designed and implemented by expert members in the AO Spine community. The survey was distributed to AO Spine’s spine surgeon members (N = 3805). Data included surgeon demographic information, type and region of practice, anticoagulation principles, different patient scenarios, and comorbidities.

Results:

A total of 316 (8.3% response rate) spine surgeons completed the survey, representing 64 different countries. Completed surveys were primarily from Europe (31.7%), South/Latin America (19.9%), and Asia (18.4%). Surgeons tended to be 35 to 44 years old (42.1%), fellowship-trained (74.7%), and orthopedic surgeons (65.5%) from academic institutions (39.6%). Most surgeons (70.3%) used routine anticoagulation risk stratification, irrespective of geographic location. However, significant differences were seen between continents with anticoagulation initiation and cessation methodology. Specifically, the length of a procedure ( P = .036) and patient body mass index ( P = .008) were perceived differently when deciding to begin anticoagulation, while the importance of medical clearance ( P < .001) and reference to literature ( P = .035) differed during cessation. For specific techniques, most providers noted use of mobilization, low-molecular-weight heparin, and mechanical prophylaxis beginning on postoperative 0 to 1 days. Conversely, bridging regimens were bimodal in distribution, with providers electing anticoagulant initiation on postoperative 0 to 1 days or days 5-6.

Conclusion:

This survey highlights the heterogeneity of spine care and accentuates geographical variations. Furthermore, it identifies the difficulty in providing consistent perioperative anticoagulation recommendations to patients, as there remains no widely accepted, definitive literature of evidence or guidelines.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Shortens Return to Play in National Football League Players With Acute Hamstring Injuries
Authors: Bradley James P. , Lawyer Tracye J. , Ruef Sonia , Towers Jeffrey D. , Arner Justin W.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Hamstring injuries are prevalent in professional athletes and can lead to significant time loss, with recurrent injury being common. The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for augmentation of nonoperative treatment of partial musculotendinous hamstring injuries is not well established.

Hypothesis:

The addition of PRP injections to nonoperative treatment for acute partial musculotendinous hamstring injuries will lead to a shortened return to play in National Football League (NFL) players.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

NFL players from a single team who sustained acute grade 2 hamstring injuries, as diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by a musculoskeletal radiologist from 2009 to 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Average days, practices, and games missed were recorded. Players who did and did not receive PRP (leukocyte-poor) injections were compared. Those who received PRP did so within 24 to 48 hours after injury.

Results:

A total of 108 NFL players had MRI evidence of a hamstring injury, and of those, 69 athletes sustained grade 2 injuries. Thirty players received augmented treatment with PRP injections and 39 players underwent nonoperative treatment alone. Average time missed in those treated with PRP injections was 22.5 days, 18.2 practices, and 1.3 games. In those who did not receive PRP injections, time missed was 25.7 days ( P = .81), 22.8 practices ( P = .68), and 2.9 games ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Augmentation with PRP injections for acute grade 2 hamstring injuries in NFL players showed no significant difference in days missed or time to return to practice but did allow for faster return to play, with a 1 game overall difference. Owing to the possible large financial impact of returning to play 1 game sooner, PRP injections for treatment of grade 2 hamstring injuries may be advantageous in professional athletes.
The effect of exacerbation history on outcomes in the IMPACT trial
Authors: Halpin David M.G. , Dransfield Mark T. , Han MeiLan K. , Jones C. Elaine , Kilbride Sally , Lange Peter , Lipson David A. , Lomas David A. , Martinez Fernando J. , Pascoe Steve , Singh Dave , Wise Robert , Criner Gerard J.
Published: April 2020

IMPACT, a 52-week, randomised, double-blind trial, assessed the efficacy and safety of fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) triple therapyversusFF/VI or UMEC/VI in patients with symptomatic COPD and a history of exacerbations.

Subgroup analyses assessed whether the efficacy of FF/UMEC/VIversusFF/VI or UMEC/VI and UMEC/VIversusFF/VI varies according to prior exacerbation history, and the combined effects of exacerbation history and blood eosinophil counts. Three subgroups were defined: single moderate (1 moderate/no severe; n=3056 (30%)), frequent moderate (≥2 moderate/no severe; n=4628 (45%)) and severe (≥1 severe/any moderate; n=2671 (26%)). End-points included annual on-treatment moderate/severe exacerbation rate (pre-specified), lung function and health status (both post-hoc).

Moderate/severe exacerbation rates (reduction % (95% CI)) were reduced in the FF/UMEC/VI groupversusFF/VI (single moderate 20% (10–29), frequent moderate 11% (2–19), severe 17% (7–26)) andversusUMEC/VI (single moderate 18% (5–29), frequent moderate 29% (21–37), severe 26% (14–35)). Moderate/severe exacerbation rates were reduced in the FF/VI groupversusUMEC/VI in the frequent moderate subgroup; a numerical reduction was observed in the severe subgroup (single moderate 2% (−12–18), frequent moderate 21% (11–29), severe 11% (−3–22)). Moderate/severe exacerbation rates were lower in the FF/VI group compared with UMEC/VI in patients with higher eosinophil counts. FF/UMEC/VI improved lung function and health statusversusboth dual therapies irrespective of exacerbation subgroup. UMEC/VI improved lung functionversusFF/VI in all subgroups.

Triple therapy was more effective than dual regardless of exacerbation history, consistent with results in the intent-to-treat population. Comparisons between dual therapies were influenced by prior exacerbation history and eosinophil counts.
Performance of immune-based and microbiological tests in children with tuberculosis meningitis in Europe: a multicentre Paediatric Tuberculosis Network European Trials Group (ptbnet) study
Authors: Basu Roy Robindra , Thee Stephanie , Blázquez-Gamero Daniel , Falcón-Neyra Lola , Neth Olaf , Noguera-Julian Antoni , Lillo Cristina , Galli Luisa , Venturini Elisabetta , Buonsenso Danilo , Götzinger Florian , Martinez-Alier Nuria , Velizarova Svetlana , Brinkmann Folke , Welch Steven B. , Tsolia Maria , Santiago-Garcia Begoña , Krüger Renate , Tebruegge Marc
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is often diagnostically challenging. Only limited data exist on the performance of interferon-γ release assays (IGRA) and molecular assays in children with TBM in routine clinical practice, particularly in the European setting.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective study involving 27 healthcare institutions providing care for children with tuberculosis (TB) in nine European countries.

Results

Of 118 children included, 54 (45.8%) had definite, 38 (32.2%) probable and 26 (22.0%) possible TBM; 39 (33.1%) had TBM grade 1, 68 (57.6%) grade 2 and 11 (9.3%) grade 3. Of 108 patients who underwent cranial imaging 90 (83.3%) had at least one abnormal finding consistent with TBM. At the 5-mm cut-off the tuberculin skin test had a sensitivity of 61.9% (95% CI 51.2–71.6%) and at the 10-mm cut-off 50.0% (95% CI 40.0–60.0%). The test sensitivities of QuantiFERON-TB and T-SPOT.TB assays were 71.7% (95% CI 58.4–82.1%) and 82.5% (95% CI 58.2–94.6%), respectively (p=0.53). Indeterminate results were common, occurring in 17.0% of QuantiFERON-TB assays performed. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were positive in 50.0% (95% CI 40.1–59.9%) of cases, and CSF PCR in 34.8% (95% CI 22.9–43.7%). In the subgroup of children who underwent tuberculin skin test, IGRA, CSF culture and CSF PCR simultaneously, 84.4% had at least one positive test result (95% CI 67.8%–93.6%).

Conclusions

Existing immunological and microbiological TB tests have suboptimal sensitivity in children with TBM, with each test producing false-negative results in a substantial proportion of patients. Combining immune-based tests with CSF culture and CSF PCR results in considerably higher positive diagnostic yields, and should therefore be standard clinical practice in high-resource settings.