bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Biofuel Cell Using a Complex of Highly Oriented Immobilized His-Tagged Enzyme and Carbon Nanotube Surface Through a Pyrene Derivative
Authors: Sakamoto Hiroaki , Koto Ayako , Takamura Ei-Ichiro , Asakawa Hitoshi , Fukuma Takeshi , Satomura Takenori , Suye Shin-Ichiro
Published: February 2019

For increasing the output of biofuel cells, increasing the cooperation between enzyme reaction and electron transfer on the electrode surface is essential. Highly oriented immobilization of enzymes onto a carbon nanotube (CNT) with a large specific surface area and excellent conductivity
would increase the potential for their application as biosensors and biofuel cells, by utilizing the electron transfer between the electrode-molecular layer. In this study, we prepared a CNT-enzyme complex with highly oriented immobilization of enzyme onto the CNT surface. The complex showed
excellent electrical characteristics, and could be used to develop biodevices that enable efficient electron transfer. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were dispersed by pyrene butyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, and then N-(5-amino-1-carboxypentyl) iminodiacetic acid
(AB-NTA) and NiCl2 were added to modify the NTA-Ni2+ complex on the CNT surface. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) was immobilized on the CNT surface through a genetically introduced His-tag. Formation of the MWCNT-enzyme complex was
confirmed by monitoring the catalytic current electrochemically to indicate the enzymatic activity. PQQ-GDH was also immobilized onto a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surface using a similar process, and the enzyme monolayer was visualized by atomic force microscopy to confirm its structural
properties. A biofuel cell was constructed using the prepared CNT-enzyme complex and output evaluation was carried out. As a result, an output of 32 μW/cm2 could be obtained without mediators.
Response Surface Modeling of Drug-Loaded Micelles Prepared Through Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Evaporation Method Using Box-Behnken Experimental Design
Authors: Jiao Zhen , Zha Xianjun , Wang Ziyi , Wang Xiudong , Fan Wenjing
Published: February 2019

The nanoscale drug-loaded micelles can be prepared by the supercritical carbon dioxide evaporation method. Here, response surface methodology is used to optimize this process. The effects of pressure, ScCO2 release rate and the volume ratio of water against ScCO2
on the drug entrapment efficiency (EE) of the obtained micelles are discussed in detail. The obtained second-order polynomial equation can successfully predict the drug EE of the drug-loaded micelles. The maximum EE can reach 70.1% under optimal conditions in which the pressure is 12.27 MPa,
the release rate is 10 L min−1 and the volume ratio of water against ScCO2 is 3.67:1. The prepared micelles exhibit a narrow size distribution and relatively regularly spherical shape. In vitro drug release study reveals that the release of paclitaxel from
the micelles is slow and sustained.
Comparative Charge Transport Study of MEHPPV–TiO2 and P3HT–TiO2 Nanocomposites for Hybrid Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Sharma Shailesh Narian , Kumar Jitendra
Published: February 2019

TiO2 nanorods integrated with poly[2-methoxy,5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) matrixes were investigated for charge transport properties to evaluate their potential application in a hybrid solar cell device. An exhaustive
characterization was performed to identify the best hybrid nanocomposite among MEHPPV–TiO2 and P3HT–TiO2. The analysis involved optical and electrical characterization techniques such as the X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy
dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and I–V measurements. TiO2 nanorods exhibited excellent dispersion in both polymer
matrixes, thus significantly improving the photocurrent generation and net efficiency. Therefore, the overall device performance was improved. The findings of this study demonstrated that the P3HT–TiO2 photovoltaic device exhibited superior performance than the MEHPPV–TiO2
photovoltaic device. We believe that this evaluation would certainly contribute to the understanding of interfacial exciton dissociation in nanoscale morphology for the next-generation hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Composition Dependence of the β Phase Stability and Mechanical Properties of Ti–Nb Thin Films
Authors: Baatarsukh Munkhbayar , Bae Joohyeon , Huh Sunchul , Jeong Hyomin , Choi Byeongkeun , Cho Gyubong , Nam Taehyun , Noh Jungpil
Published: February 2019

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are commonly used for various applications, e.g., in the aerospace and automotive industries, robotics, and biomedical sciences. Although Ti–Ni SMAs are commercially available, the low biocompatibility of Ni has stimulated research into the development
of Ti–Nb based SMAs as potential replacements of Ti–Ni alloys in biomedical applications. Ti–Nb alloys have attracted attention because of their low stiffness and superelasticity. Superelastic thin films can be used in medical applications, including the fabrication of stents
for neurovascular blood vessels, which relies on a thin film and on the use of a Ti–Nb alloy coating for less biocompatible alloys. In this study, Ti–Nb thin films were prepared using magnetron sputtering. A Nb content in the range 12.2–35.9 at.% was used in the films, which
was determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction measurement was used to analyze the crystal structure of the thin films, and their mechanical properties were investigated using nanoindentation.
Formation and Properties of Zr/Ti Based Nano-Sized Non-Chromium Chemical Conversion Coating on AA 5083
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhao Yi , Li Liang , Feng Yafei , Fang Zhigang , Liu Haitao , Guan Yong
Published: February 2019

An environment-friendly non-chromium chemical conversion coating was obtained from fluozirconate/fluotitanate acidic solution for the corrosion protection of AA 5083. The surface morphology, composition, electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance of this coating were investigated.
The coating was found to be a homogeneous and dense layer consisting of nano-size particles, of which the major component was compound oxides consisted by Al, Mg, Zr, Ti, F and O. The results of electrochemical measurements, immersion and natural salt spray (NSS) tests demonstrated that the
corrosion resistance of the AA 5083 H-116 was improved by the nano-sized non-chromium chemical conversion coating considerably, which was most attributed to the great inhibitive action on the anodic dissolution by acting as a protective barrier layer.
Evidence of Tetrahedrally Coordinated Nickel Cations in Nanostructured NiFe2O4
Authors: Fabián Martin , Harničárová Marta , Valíček Jan , Da Silva Klebson L , Hahn Horst , Šepelák Vladimír , Lesňák Michal , Kušnerová Milena
Published: February 2019

Nanostructured nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) is prepared via high-energy ball milling of the bulk counterpart at ambient temperature. The structure of the as-prepared nanoferrite is characterized by Raman spectroscopy and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Due to the ability of these spectroscopic techniques to probe the local environment of ions, valuable complementary insight into the nature of the local structural disorder of nanosized NiFe2O4 is provided. For the first time, evidence is given of the tetrahedrally coordinated
nickel cations in the nanomaterial.
Pd/SiO2 Inorganic–Organic Composite Membrane Calcined Under N2 Atmosphere: Thermal Stability and H2/CO2 Separation
Authors: Yang Jing , Fan Wang-Qing , Mu Ruihua , Zhao Yamei
Published: February 2019

A novel Pd/SiO2 inorganic–organic composite material was developed for the selective separation of H2 from a mixture of H2 and CO2. Its thermal stability and microstructure calcined under N2 atmosphere were characterized by
X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N2 sorption–desorption measurements. Pd element in Pd/SiO2 gel material exists in PdCl2 form,
calcination at 350 °C can result in the complete transformation of Pd2+ to metallic Pd0. With the increase of calcination temperature, the hydrophobic Si–CH3 bands decreased in intensity. The residue of Pd/SiO2 material calcined at 800
°C was mainly composed of Si–O–Si, metallic Pd0, CSi4 and some elemental C0. The mean pore size, BET specific surface area and total pore volume of the as-prepared Pd/SiO2 material calcined at 350 °C was about 2.26 nm, 417.35
m2 g−1 and 0.288 m3 g−1, respectively. The mean H2 and CO2 permeances of the corresponding Pd/SiO2 membrane were 9.90×10−6 and 9.10×10−7 mol m−2
Pa−1 s−1, respectively, when operating at 200 °C and a pressure difference of 0.3 MPa. After the steam exposure at 200 °C for 168 h, the H2 permeance decreased by 3.23% while the H2/CO2 permselectivity increased by
2.50%.
Nanostructured Membrane Materials for CO2 Capture: A Critical Review
Authors: Han Yang , Zhang Zhien
Published: February 2019

To mitigate carbon emission from the combustion of fossil fuels, membrane is advantageous due to the fact that membrane is a thin interphase acting as a selective barrier separating two phases. This thinness, typically in the range of 100 nm to a few micrometers, provides an almost
natural platform to implement functional nanostructures. In this review, the recent progress in nanostructured membrane materials for CO2 capture will be discussed, including applications in flue gas decarbonizing (CO2/N2 separation) and syngas purification
(CO2/H2 separation). In addition, the fundamentals of membrane technologies are also introduced. The reviewed nanostructure formation is confined to solid state materials, including polymer with intrinsic microporosity, carbon-based membranes, zeolite, and metal organic
framework.
CO and CO2 Methanation Over Ni/γ-Al2O3 Prepared by Deposition-Precipitation Method
Authors: Le Thien An , Kang Jong Kyu , Lee Sae Ha , Park Eun Duck
Published: February 2019

Various Ni catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 were prepared by a wet impregnation (WI) method and deposition-precipitation (DP) method with different precipitants and applied to CO and CO2 methanation. The prepared catalysts were characterized by various
techniques including nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction with H2 (H2-TPR), H2 chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission
spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Irrespective of kinds of precipitant, the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts prepared with a DP method showed a remarkable enhanced catalytic performance in CO and CO2 methanation compared with the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst
prepared with a WI method owing to the higher catalytic active surface area (CASA). In the case of Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalysts prepared with a DP method, the high calcination temperatures are not favorable for the high catalytic activity due to the decreased reduction
degree of Ni oxide species and CASA. The reduction degree of Ni oxide species can be increased with reduction temperature. However, the higher reduction temperature above 500 °C is not desirable to achieve the high catalytic activity because of the decreased CASA. The selective CO methanation
was also accomplished at lower temperatures over the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst prepared with a DP method than over the Ni/γ-Al2O3 catalyst prepared with a WI method.
Carbon Dioxide Captured by Metal Organic Frameworks and Its Subsequent Resource Utilization Strategy: A Review and Prospect
Authors: Lian Xinbo , Xu Leilei , Chen Mindong , Wu Cai-e , Li Wenjing , Huang Bingbo , Cui Yan
Published: February 2019

The carbon dioxide (CO2) is notorious as the greenhouse gas, which could cause the global warming and climate change. Therefore, the reduction of the atmospheric CO2 emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities has become as an increasingly urgent
concern. In the recent years, CO2 capture and storage technologies have received a worldwide attention. Adsorption is considered as one of the efficient options for CO2 capture because of its cost advantage, low energy requirement and extensive applicability over a relatively
wide range of temperature and pressure. The metal organic frameworks (MOFs) show widely potential application prospects in CO2 capture and storage owing to their outstanding textural properties, such as the extraordinarily high specific surface area, tunable pore size, ultrahigh
porosity (up to 90%), high crystallinity, adjustable internal surface properties, and controllable structure. Herein, the most important research progress of MOFs materials on the CO2 capture and storage in recent years has been comprehensively reviewed. The extraordinary characteristics
and CO2 capture performance of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), Bio-metal organic frameworks (bio-MOFs), IL@MOFs and MOF-composite materials were highlighted. The promising strategies for improving the CO2 adsorption properties of MOFs materials, especially the
low-pressure adsorption performance under actual flue gas conditions, are also carefully summarized. Besides, CO2 is considered as an abundant, nontoxic, nonflammable, and renewable C1 resource for the synthesis of useful chemicals and fuels. The potential routes for resource utilization
of the captured CO2 are briefly proposed.
CO2 Adsorption Investigation on an Innovative Nanocomposite Material with Hierarchical Porosity
Authors: Candamano S , Policicchio A , Macario A , Conte G , Agostino R. G , Frontera P , Crea F
Published: February 2019

A NaX nanozeolite-geopolymer monolith, with hierarchical porosity, has been produced by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis using metakaolin as alluminosilicate source and a sodium silicate solution as activator. Its final composition, reported in terms of oxides, is 1.3–Na2O–3.0SiO2–1Al2O3–12H2O.
Its microstructural and chemical features and CO2 adsorption performance have been investigated. The microstructure of the composite is characterized by NaX zeolite nanocrystals glued by the geopolymeric binder to form a complex three-dimensional network of pores. Overall porosity
resulted ~23.5%, whereas compressive strength is 16±0.7 MPa. Monolith showed BET surface area of 350 m2/g, a micropore surface area of 280 m2/g and a mesopore volume, due to the geopolymeric binder, of 0.09 cm3/g. Its CO2 adsorption capacity
has been measured at the temperatures of 7, 25 and 42 °C up to 15 bar using an optimized Sievert-type (volumetric) apparatus. All the adsorption data were evaluated by Toth/Langmuir isotherm model and commercial pure NaX zeolite was used as reference. CO2 adsorption isotherms
show a maximum uptake value around 21 wt% at (~7 °C) that decrease to 18 wt% at high temperature (~42 °C) passing through 19 wt% at room temperature (~25 °C). The homogeneity grade of the surface, as obtained using Toth analysis performed on the adsorption isotherm, is close to
t ≅ 0.40, lower than the 0.61 obtained for pure commercial NaX zeolite, as a consequence of the binder formation. Monolith exhibits a notably higher K values and quicker saturation with respect to reference that can be ascribed to the presence of mesoporosity that provides an easier
and faster transport of CO2 in the NaX nanozeolite framework. The produced composite is a potential solid adsorbent candidate in industrial process.
Extratropical Forcing of Submonthly Variations of Rainfall in Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Bui Minh
Published: February 2019

An EOF analysis is applied to high-resolution Vietnam Gridded Precipitation anomalies to support the notion that the characteristics of intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) of rainfall in Vietnam are distinct from location to location and highly affected by topography. Power spectral analysis reveals that the ISO of rainfall in Vietnam is dominated by submonthly-scale ISO (SISO), which is most active in September–October. The rainfall SISO shows remarkable relationships with heavy rainfall days in the Red River Delta and Mid-Central and Central Highlands but relatively weak correlations with heavy rainfall days in the Northeast and Southern Plain. A composite technique applied to filtered OLR and ERA-Interim shows that the first four principal components (PCs) of the rainfall SISO involve four different processes that closely relate to extratropical systems. The rainfall SISO in the PC1 is governed by interaction between the pressure surge induced by the submonthly amplifications of the Siberian high and tropical depressions (TDs). Rainfall SISO in PC2 is modulated by the convergence of the southward excursion of the polar air mass and TD-type waves. Rainfall SISO in PC3 is generated by the quasigeostrophic lifting of the extratropical wave train associated with TD-type waves. The effect of upstream development of the wave train from the North Pacific and TD-type wave is the key process inducing the rainfall SISO in PC4.
Incorporation of the Rotor-Equivalent Wind Speed into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model’s Wind Farm Parameterization
Authors: Redfern Stephanie , Olson Joseph B. , Lundquist Julie K. , Clack Christopher T. M.
Published: February 2019

Wind power installations have been increasing in recent years. Because wind turbines can influence local wind speeds, temperatures, and surface fluxes, weather forecasting models should consider their effects. Wind farm parameterizations do currently exist for numerical weather prediction models. They generally consider two turbine impacts: elevated drag in the region of the wind turbine rotor disk and increased turbulent kinetic energy production. The wind farm parameterization available in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model calculates this drag and TKE as a function of hub-height wind speed. However, recent work has suggested that integrating momentum over the entire rotor disk [via a rotor-equivalent wind speed (REWS)] is more appropriate, especially for cases with high wind shear. In this study, we implement the REWS in the WRF wind farm parameterization and evaluate its impacts in an idealized environment, with varying amounts of wind speed shear and wind directional veer. Specifically, we evaluate three separate cases: neutral stability with low wind shear, high stability with high wind shear, and high stability with nonlinear wind shear. For most situations, use of the REWS with the wind farm parameterization has marginal impacts on model forecasts. However, for scenarios with highly nonlinear wind shear, the REWS can significantly affect results.
Proteolysis by MMP20 Prevents Aberrant Mineralization in Secretory Enamel
Authors: Yamazaki H. , Tran B. , Beniash E. , Kwak S.Y. , Margolis H.C.
Published: February 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) in regulating the initial formation of the enamel mineral structure during the secretory stage of amelogenesis, utilizing Mmp20-null mice that lack this essential protease. Ultrathin sagittal sections of maxillary incisors from 8-wk-old wild-type (WT), Mmp20-null (KO), and heterozygous (HET) littermates were prepared. Secretory-stage enamel ultrastructures from each genotype as a function of development were compared using transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and Raman microspectroscopy. Characteristic rod structures observed in WT enamel exhibited amorphous features in newly deposited enamel, which subsequently transformed into apatite-like crystals in older enamel. Surprisingly, initial mineral formation in KO enamel was found to proceed in the same manner as in the WT. However, soon after a rod structure began to form, large plate-like crystals appeared randomly within the developing KO enamel layer. As development continued, observed plate-like crystals became dominant and obscured the appearance of the enamel rod structure. Upon formation of these plate-like crystals, the KO enamel layer stopped growing in thickness, unlike WT and HET enamel layers that continued to grow at the same rate. Raman results indicated that Mmp20-KO enamel contains a significant portion of octacalcium phosphate, unlike WT enamel. Although normal in all other respects, large, randomly dispersed mineral crystals were observed in secretory HET enamel, although to a lesser extent than that seen in KO enamel, indicating that the level of MMP20 expression has a proportional effect on suppressing aberrant mineral formation. In conclusion, we found that proteolysis of extracellular enamel matrix proteins by MMP20 is not required for the initial development of the enamel rod structure during the early secretory stage of amelogenesis. Proteolysis by MMP20, however, is essential for the prevention of abnormal crystal formation during amelogenesis.
Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder Symptomology as a Risk Factor for Thin-Ideal Internalization: The Role of Self-Concept Clarity
Authors: Posavac Steven S. , Posavac Heidi D.
Published: February 2019

The study of when and how individuals compare themselves against standards has been an enduring focus for clinical and social psychology researchers in efforts to facilitate well-being and health. Our study focused on internalization of the societal thin-ideal standard for feminine attractiveness, a construct that has proven to be very important in women’s psychological health. Although multiple adverse consequences of thin-ideal internalization have been documented, the understanding of variability in the extent of thin-ideal internalization across women (e.g., why do some women strongly internalize thin-ideal standards when others do not?) is much less well developed. This research was conducted to explore the role of adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) symptomology and conceptions of the self in young women’s propensity to internalize the thin-ideal attractiveness standard. Results show that elevated ASAD symptoms are associated with greater thin-ideal internalization. A structural equations model demonstrates the reason for this association; young women with higher ASAD symptomology exhibit lower self-concept clarity, which drives greater thin-ideal internalization. This research makes novel practical and conceptual contributions by (a) delineating a new risk factor for the development of thin-ideal internalization, (b) highlighting a previously undocumented vulnerability of women who experience ASAD symptoms, and (c) documenting the relationship between ASAD and lower self-concept clarity. Implications for mental health practitioners are discussed.
Development of the correction procedure for High Volume Instrument elongation measurement
Authors: McCormick Kolby M , Morais João Paulo Saraiva , Hequet Eric , Kelly Brendan
Published: February 2019

Cotton spinning mills need high-quality fibers to maintain their manufacturing efficiency. Machinery throughput is increasing and it could translate into more processes with higher breaking stress. Consequently, more fibers are susceptible to breaking or damage. To face this problem, breeders must develop new varieties whose fibers can better withstand this mechanical stress. The main tool utilized in cotton breeding programs is the High Volume Instrument (HVI), which reports in a short time measurements such as micronaire, length, color, and strength. This instrument can also determine fiber elongation, but there is no current correction method for it. Both elongation and strength factor into the work-to-break of fibers, which plays a direct role in fiber breakage and spinning performance. The objective of this work was to develop cotton elongation standards, devise a correction procedure for HVI lines, evaluate measurement stability, and validate these results with a set of independent samples. Two commercial bales, one with low and one with high HVI elongation, were identified as potential elongation standards. The potential standards were produced and evaluated. After validation, they were used to correct HVI lines against Stelometer (STrength-ELOngation-METER) measurements. An independent set of samples was tested on corrected HVIs to confirm the effectiveness of the elongation corrected measurements. The HVI data were at least as good as the Stelometer data, with increased data acquisition speed and precision. This research can help cotton breeders to improve fiber elongation and strength at the same time, resulting in better fibers for yarn spinning.
The indispensability of the manifest image
Authors: De Caro Mario
Published: February 2019

It is very contentious whether the features of the manifest image have a place in the world as it is described by natural science. For the advocates of strict (or scientific) naturalism, this is a serious problem, which has been labelled ‘placement problem’. In this light, some of them try to show that those features are reducible to scientifically acceptable ones. Others, instead, argue that the features of the manifest image are mere illusions and, consequently, have to be eliminated from our ontology. In brief, the two options that are open to strict naturalists for solving the placement problem are ontological reductionism and eliminativism. Other advocates of naturalist philosophy, however, claim that both these strategies fail and, consequently, opt for ‘mysterianism’, the view according to which we cannot give up the recalcitrant features of the manifest image even if we are not able to understand the ways (which certainly exist) in which they could be reduced to the scientific features. Mysterianism has the merit of facing the difficulties that whoever wants to explain reductively, or explain away, the features of the manifest image encounters. It is also a defeatist philosophical view, though, since it considers the most important philosophical problems as unsolvable mysteries. For this reason, I argue that mysterianism can also be taken as a reductio of strict naturalism, given its presumption that all phenomena are either explainable by the natural sciences or to be rejected as illusory. In this article, it is argued that the failures of reductionism, eliminativism and mysterianism should teach us that both the scientific image and the manifest image of the world are essential and mutually irreducible but not incompatible with each other. To support this claim, in the second part of the article, the case of free will is discussed.
Industrial Relations and the Tragic Flaw
Authors: Joseph Jerome
Published: February 2019

Anyone familiar with Shakespeare and his tragedies would have heard about the ‘tragic flaw’ of his heroes. All his tragic heroes—Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet and Othello—catapulted towards their tragic end because of a tragic flaw: vaulting ambition in Macbeth, misplaced trust in King Lear, indecisiveness in Hamlet and green-eyed jealousy in Othello…. This article is an attempt to respond to the question of whether industrial relations practice is also characterized by a tragic flaw which significantly undermines its potency. The data for the article comes from published newspaper reports related to industrial relations incidents some of which involved avoidable workplace violence and tragic fatalities. The article analyses these industrial relations incidents in relation to previous studies and draws insights related to the root causes constituting a tragic flaw conceptualized as the ‘morphology of volatility’.
Long term veno-venous extracorporeal life support without intravenous anticoagulation for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
Authors: Galvagno Samuel M , Shah Nirav G , Cornachione Christopher R , Deatrick Kristopher B , Mazzeffi Michael A , Menaker Jay
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Diffuse alveolar damage is the histologic hallmark for the acute phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome and can occasionally present as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.

Case report:

We report a patient with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring veno-venous extracorporeal life support for 210 days, who was successfully treated for a period of 130 consecutive days without intravenous anticoagulation.

Discussion:

Although there are a few brief reports detailing long extracorporeal life support runs, the literature is largely devoid of data regarding long-term extracorporeal life support without full systemic anticoagulation. Regular inspection of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit is critical because externally visible thrombi may predict internal thrombus generation with the potential for systemic embolization or abrupt oxygenator failure. In our case, multiple circuit and oxygenators changes were required.

Conclusion:

We have demonstrated that a patient with a contraindication for systemic anticoagulation can safely have veno-venous extracorporeal life support for prolonged periods without catastrophic thrombotic complications.
Determination of Layer Modulus Master Curve for Steel Deck Pavement using Field-Measured Strain Data
Authors: Cheng Huailei , Liu Liping , Sun Lijun
Published: February 2019

Orthotropic steel deck (OSD) bridges have gained increasing popularity around the world during the past 20 years. The steel deck pavement is one of the major components of an OSD bridge and a well-designed pavement is essential to extend the service life of the bridge. To optimize the design method for OSD pavements, this study evaluated the strain responses and the layer moduli of a field OSD pavement under different loading conditions. Firstly, a series of field tests were conducted to measure the strain responses of the OSD pavement. The test results then were analyzed to evaluate the effects of loading speed and temperature on the strain values and response frequencies of the pavement. Secondly, a finite element model of the bridge-pavement system was established to back-calculate the layer moduli of the field OSD pavement from the measured strain data. Based on the back-calculation results, the master curves for the layer moduli of the pavement were determined and validated. These master curves can reflect the actual modulus properties of the field OSD pavement and be used to calculate strain-stress state in the OSD pavement at any temperature as well as loading speed. Thus the critical strain and stress within the pavement can be determined, which should provide the reference for the design of this type of pavement.
Novel Insights into MSK1 Phosphorylation by MRKβ in Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Gong Peipei , Jiang Rui , Yao Junzhong , Yao Qi , Xu Xide , Chen Jian , Shen Jianhong , Shi Wei
Published: February 2019

Neuronal apoptosis is regarded as one of the most important pathophysiological changes of intracerebral hemorrhagic (ICH) stroke—a major public health problem that leads to high mortality rates and functional dependency. Mitogen-and stress-activated kinase (MSK) 1 is implicated in various biological functions in different cell types, including proliferation, tumorigenesis and responses to stress. Our previous study showed that MSK1 phosphorylation (p-MSK1) is related to the regulation of LPS-induced astrocytic inflammation, and possibly acts as a negative regulator of inflammation. In this study, we identified a specific interaction between MSK1 and MRKβ (MLK-related kinase)—a member of the MAPK pathway—during neuronal apoptosis. In an ICH rat model, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both MRKβ and phosphorylation of MSK1 (p-MSK1 Ser376) were significantly upregulated in cells surrounding the hematoma. Triple-immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated the co-localization of MRKβ and p-MSK1 in neurons, but not astrocytes. Furthermore, MRKβ was partially transported into the nucleus, and interacted with p-MSK1 in hemin-treated neurons. Immunoprecipitation showed that MRKβ and p-MSK1 exhibited an enhanced interaction during the pathophysiology process. Utilizing small interfering RNAs to knockdown MRKβ or MSK1, we verified that MSK1 Ser376 is a phosphorylation site targeted by MRKβ. We also observed that the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 at Ser276 was mediated by the MRKβ-p-MSK1 complex. Furthermore, it was found that the neuronal apoptosis marker, active caspase-3, was co-localized with MRKβ and p-MSK1. In addition, flow cytometry analysis revealed that knockdown of MRKβ or MSK1 specifically resulted in increased neuronal apoptosis, which suggested that the MRKβ-p-MSK1 complex might exert a neuroprotective function against ICH-induced neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that MRKβ translocated into the nucleus and phosphorylated MSK1 to protect neurons via phosphorylation of p65—a subunit of nuclear factor κB.
Multiangle near infrared spectroscopy associated with common components and specific weights analysis for in line monitoring
Authors: Rey-Bayle M , Bendoula R , Caillol N , Roger J-M
Published: February 2019

Near infrared spectroscopy offers a number of important advantages for process monitoring. In addition to its numerous practical advantages, an important reason to use near infrared spectroscopy for process monitoring is its ability to supply versatile and multivariate information. However, in heterogeneous samples the interaction of light is complex and includes transmission, absorption, and scattering simultaneously which all affect spectra. The measurement of the signal at one point may be insufficient. A solution is to measure the medium at several points and to use specific multivariate analysis. In our study we propose to associate multipoint measurements with a common components and specific weight analysis. We monitored two media online by angular multipoint near infrared spectroscopy. For the first medium, in which only the scattering varies over time, the precipitation of silica was chosen to illustrate such a medium. For the second medium, both scattering and absorption vary, whereby microemulsions implemented for enhanced oil recovery illustrate this medium. The results showed, by combining multiangle measurements to common components and specific weight analysis, the interest of measuring at different angles. In the first case, two scattering regimes have been identified and it was possible to access the anisotropy coefficient during the silica precipitation reaction. In the second case study, on microemulsions, it was possible to identify the different phases and to separate the phenomena related to absorption and those related to diffusion. These encouraging results validate the interest of coupling multiangle measurements with multivariate multiblock analysis tools.
Supporting the socio-emotional aspects of the primary–secondary transition for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs: Affordances and constraints
Authors: Mowat Joan Gaynor
Published: February 2019

The primary–secondary transition presents both opportunities and challenges for children. For some, it may represent a ‘critical period’ which impacts their future mental health and well-being. This article focuses on identifying the affordances and constraints of a group-work approach to support children with social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEBN) across the transition with a specific focus on the socio-emotional aspects of transition. This evaluative, mixed-methods case study took place in six clusters of primary/secondary schools in Scotland involving 63 pupils who participated within support groups for around twenty 1-hour sessions. It focuses on the accounts of Support group Leaders, drawing from focus group discussions held within each cluster and a Likert-type scale questionnaire. A wide range of facilitators and barriers to implementation and to pupil progress were identified. Facilitators related principally to the quality of relationships and pedagogy which the support group afforded and the quality of support for the project. Barriers related principally to organisational and resource constraints and more general concerns around how behaviour support is perceived. The article argues that supporting the transition for pupils with SEBN is complex and there is no ‘magic bullet’. Building a supportive infrastructure from the outset is key to success.
Relationship Between Spasticity and Upper-Limb Movement Disorders in Individuals With Subacute Stroke Using Stochastic Spatiotemporal Modeling
Authors: Davidowitz Isgav , Parmet Yisrael , Frenkel-Toledo Silvi , Baniña Melanie C. , Soroker Nachum , Solomon John M. , Liebermann Dario G. , Levin Mindy F. , Berman Sigal
Published: February 2019

Background. Spasticity is common in patients with stroke, yet current quantification methods are insufficient for determining the relationship between spasticity and voluntary movement deficits. This is partly a result of the effects of spasticity on spatiotemporal characteristics of movement and the variability of voluntary movement. These can be captured by Gaussian mixture models (GMMs). Objectives. To determine the influence of spasticity on upper-limb voluntary motion, as assessed by the bidirectional Kullback-Liebler divergence (BKLD) between motion GMMs. Methods. A total of 16 individuals with subacute stroke and 13 healthy aged-equivalent controls reached to grasp 4 targets (near-center, contralateral, far-center, and ipsilateral). Two-dimensional GMMs (angle and time) were estimated for elbow extension motion. BKLD was computed for each individual and target, within the control group and between the control and stroke groups. Movement time, final elbow angle, average elbow velocity, and velocity smoothness were computed. Results. Between-group BKLDs were much larger than within control-group BKLDs. Between-group BKLDs for the near-center target were lower than those for the far-center and contralateral targets, but similar to that for the ipsilateral target. For those with stroke, the final angle was lower for the near-center target, and the average velocity was higher. Velocity smoothness was lower for the near-center than for the ipsilateral target. Elbow flexor and extensor passive muscle resistance (Modified Ashworth Scale) strongly explained BKLD values. Conclusions. Results support the view that individuals with poststroke spasticity have a velocity-dependent reduction in active elbow joint range and that BKLD can be used as an objective measure of the effects of spasticity on reaching kinematics.
Weighted-Ball Velocity Enhancement Programs for Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caldwell Jon-Michael E. , Alexander Frank J. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Weighted-implement training utilizing over- or underweight baseballs has increased in popularity at all levels in competitive baseball. However, there is no consensus on the efficacy or safety of these training methods.

Hypothesis:

This systematic review was intended to answer the following questions: Does weighted-ball training improve pitching velocity? Does weighted-ball training increase the risk of injury?

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Searches were conducted with MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ProQuest Physical Education Index. Articles were included if the study population consisted of adult, adolescent, or youth baseball pitchers training with under- or overweight baseballs, with velocity as a measured outcome. Articles were excluded if they were review articles, examined sports other than baseball, utilized weighted implements other than baseballs, or were not published in peer-reviewed journals. Included articles were at least level 4 evidence. Data extracted for qualitative analysis included training protocol parameters (such as ball weight, number of pitches, duration of training), velocity change, and injuries or complications reported.

Results:

A total of 4119 article titles were retrieved, of which 156 were selected for abstract review. After manual removal of duplicates, 128 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, 17 met the inclusion criteria, and the full text was obtained. After full-text review, 7 additional articles were excluded, leaving 10 articles that met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis.

Conclusion:

Weighted-implement training increased pitching velocity in the majority of the included studies. However, the quality of available evidence was determined to be very poor, and there was marked heterogeneity in training protocols, ball weights, and study populations. There was inadequate evidence reported to determine the risk of injury with this type of training.
C/EBPβ is a critical mediator of IFN-α–induced exhaustion of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Yokota Asumi , Hirai Hideyo , Sato Ryuichi , Adachi Hiroko , Sato Fumiko , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Sato Atsushi , Kamio Naoka , Miura Yasuo , Nakano Masakazu , . Tenen Daniel G , Kimura Shinya , Tashiro Kei , Maekawa Taira
Published: February 2019

Even in the era of ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, eradication of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem cells is necessary for complete cure of the disease. Interferon-α (IFN-α) has long been used for the treatment of chronic-phase CML, but its mechanisms of action against CML stem cells remain unclear. We found that IFN-α upregulated CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) in BCR-ABL–expressing mouse cells by activating STAT1 and STAT5, which were recruited to a newly identified 3′ distal enhancer of Cebpb that contains tandemly aligned IFN-γ–activated site elements. Suppression or deletion of the IFN-γ–activated site elements abrogated IFN-α–dependent upregulation of C/EBPβ. IFN-α induced differentiation and exhaustion of CML stem cells, both in vitro and in vivo, in a C/EBPβ-dependent manner. In addition, IFN-α upregulated C/EBPβ and induced exhaustion of lineage− CD34+ cells from CML patients. Collectively, these results clearly indicate that C/EBPβ is a critical mediator of IFN-α–induced differentiation and exhaustion of CML stem cells.
Génesis y primeros pasos determinantes del establecimiento de las relaciones diplomáticas entre México y Polonia (1921-1939)
Authors: Moloeznik Gruer Marcos Pablo Pablo
Published: February 2019

As the title of this work indicates, it is intended to carry out a review, description and analysis of the genesis and first steps determining the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Poland, for which the antecedents and historical evolution of these bilateral relations are discussed, its registration in 1928, as well as a brief description of the first diplomatic representatives of both States and the main obstacles of the initial bilateral relations.
The Dynamics of Online Consumers’ Response to Price Promotion
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Krishnan Ramayya
Published: February 2019

How does consumers’ price sensitivity at an online retailer change over time? And can we predict their response to price promotion by identifying the latent states of the online consumer–retailer relationship? Our quantification of transits across the consumer–retailer relationship states provides unique insights. For example, price promotion can strengthen consumers’ loyalty only for at least moderately loyal consumers whereas it is not effective at changing nonloyal consumers’ attitudes toward an online retailer (i.e., from nonloyal to loyal). Being opposed to the results from the off-line market, the consumers even in the strong relationship state are likely to seek more coupons as they increase their online shopping experience. The switching behavior observed even after online consumers reach the strong relationship state shows one aspect of the fierce price competition in the online market. Managers in online retailers pay attention to the recent change in a consumer’s buying behaviors rather than the long-term trend of the consumer’s purchase behavior. For instance, the increase of the recent purchase volume strengthens loyalty toward the retailer and/or the habit of buying without a coupon for the consumers in the strong relationship state.
Care for patients who have undergone one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Mahawar Kamal
Published: February 2019

Thousands of bariatric surgery procedures are performed in the UK each year, including gastric bypass surgery. The one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is increasingly performed in the UK, and nurses may find themselves providing care for patients who have undergone this procedure. This article outlines the anatomical and physiological changes associated with OAGB, routine care of these patients in the short and long term, and the identification and management of complications.
Effect of progressive muscle relaxation with analgesic on anxiety status and pain in surgical patients
Authors: Hasanpour-Dehkordi Ali , Solati Kamal , Tali Shahriar Salehi , Dayani Mohamad Ali
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

surgery is a stressful experience for patients and most surgical patients have some degree of anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a relaxation technique in addition to narcotic analgesic on health promotion in surgical patients.

Methods:

in this clinical trial, 70 patients who were candidates for elective upper and lower gastrointestinal system surgery were selected. They were randomly divided into two groups: case (morphine 0.15 mg/kg daily in divided doses and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)) and control (morphine 0.15 mg/kg daily in divided doses). In each patient, the PMR intervention would be performed for 20 minutes every 6 hours for 2 days until 2 hours before the operation. Vital signs and anxiety were evaluated in the two groups after surgery. Data were analysed by t-test, analysis of variance, and chi-square test.

Results:

a statistically significant difference was seen in vital signs, pain and anxiety between the two groups. However, there was also a significant difference between them in terms of economic status and insurance coverage, which could have had an effect on stress and anxiety.

Conclusion:

PMR could increase the pain threshold, stress and anxiety tolerance and adaptation level in surgical patients. Therefore, using this technique could be an appropriate way to reduce analgesic drug consumption.
Factors affecting quality of life in patients experiencing facial disfigurement due to surgery for head and neck cancer
Authors: Davidson Anna , Williams Julia
Published: February 2019

Aim:

to explore the factors affecting quality of life in patients who experience facial disfigurement resulting from surgical treatment for head and neck cancer.

Background:

the number of people diagnosed with head and neck cancers has been rising over the past 30 years. This, combined with the improved survivorship of cancer patients, has led to a need to understand how these patients adapt to the physical, social and emotional toll of cancer and facial disfigurement and how these affect quality of life.

Methodology:

a systematic search of four nursing and psychological-focused databases was undertaken using pertinent keywords.

Findings:

following a thematic analysis, four main themes and one subtheme emerged; changes within the self, social support; social reintegration; and help from healthcare professionals, which had the subtheme of information.

Conclusion:

facial disfigurement has a significant effect on patients' quality of life. Nurses are ideally placed to identify, inform and support patients and their family and friends.
The role of the NHS Constitution in balancing the care equation
Authors: Tingle John
Published: February 2019

John Tingle discusses some new publications on the NHS Constitution for England that provide context and advice on this important document, as well as its impact on patients and those who work for the NHS
Helping schools support children living with domestic abuse
Authors: Stafford Clare
Published: February 2019

It is vital that children and young people living with domestic abuse receive support from schools. School nurses can play a role in relaying advice on what school staff members should look out for and what they can do to help them.