bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, Characterizations and Oxidation Stability of Polyethylene Coated Nanocrystalline VO2 Particles and the Thermo-Chromic Performance of EVA/VO2@PE Composite Film
Authors: Srirodpai Onruthai , Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Nawalertpanya Saiwan
Published: February 2019

In this study, an alternative approach is presented for developing thermo-chromic film, based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and vanadium dioxide (VO2) composite, with enhanced oxidation stability and compatibility. The neat monoclinic nanocrystalline VO2
particles were firstly prepared via a hydrothermal process, using citric acid as a reducing agent. After that, the synthesized VO2 particles were characterized, prior to mixing with maleic anhydride grafted PE. The crystalline structure, morphology and thermochromic performance
of the polyethylene coated vanadium dioxide (VO2@PE) particles were then verified by SEM, TEM, DSC, XRD, FTIR techniques. After coating, a better oxidation stability of the VO2 particles was noted while the thermo-chromic performance of the VO2@PE was also
maintained. After mixing with EVA, the percentage strain and tensile toughness of the VO2@PE based EVA films was the highest, followed by those of the uncoated VO2-based EVA films and the neat EVA, respectively. The VO2@PE-based films also maintained the thermochromic
behavior of the monoclinic VO2. The above improvements were achieved at the expense of percentages of visible light transmittance and gel content of the EVA. This is the first report of the EVA/VO2-based thermo-chromic film, which is tougher and more stable toward oxidation
than the prior state of the art. This composite film has the potential to be used as a kind of a specialty lamination material for smart windows and energy efficiency in buildings.
Dielectric Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-Based Composites with Graphite Nanosheet and Nickel Particle
Authors: Wu Lirong , Yang Dandan
Published: February 2019

The nickel (Ni) particles and graphite nanosheet (GNS) filled poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites were prepared by solution blending and hot-press processing in the magnetic field. The influence of Ni particles and GNS fillers for the structure, morphology, AC conductivity,
dielectric properties and thermal conductivity of composites was investigated. The results showed that the β-phase crystals of PVDF matrix was increased obviously. The AC conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of PVDF/Ni/GNS composite reached to 10−9
s/cm, 62 and 0.39 when the filler loading was 11 wt.% at 102 Hz, respectively. At the ratio of 15 wt.% filler, the AC conductivity of PVDF/Ni/GNS composite was vastly improved to 10−6 s/cm, however, the dielectric constant increased to ~80 and dielectric loss was over 600
at 102 Hz. By comparing the dielectric performance of PVDF/Ni/GNS, PVDF/Ni and PVDF/GNS composites, it is found that the parallel arrangement of the filler conduces to improve the dielectric properties of the composites. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of PVDF/Ni/GNS composites
increased with the increase of Ni and GNS contents and the value raised to over 0.5 W/mK when filler loading was 15 wt.%.
A Magnetic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Nanohybrid for Fast and Efficient Extraction of Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, and Thiacloprid in Water
Authors: Qi Yan , Cao Xiaolin , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Ma Cong , Li Hui , Jiang Zejun , She Yongxin , Wang Shanshan , Wang Jing , Yang Shaoxiang
Published: February 2019

A magnetic zeolitic imidazolate framework nanohybrid (Fe3O4/ZIF-8) was synthesized and applied as an efficient magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent for fast adsorption and separation of clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid from various
water samples. Fe3O4 and ZIF-8 were combined via a simple modified in situ method and the obtained nanohybrid (Fe3O4/ZIF-8) showed both excellent adsorption capacity and convenient magnetic property. ZIF-8 was found to play a dominant role
in adsorbing the analytes and π–π interaction was found to be the main adsorption mechanism of analytes by Fe3O4/ZIF-8. Parameters affecting the MSPE efficiency, such as the Fe3O4 amount loaded onto the ZIF-8, salt and pH of the sample
solution, extraction time, and the type and volume of desorption solvent, were systematically evaluated. Under the optimum conditions, the developed MSPE coupled with LC-MS/MS achieved good linearities (R2 > 0.9940) in the range of 10–800 μg L−1 with
low limits of detection (0.03–0.3 μg L−1) and satisfactory recoveries of 79.5–108.2% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) <10%. The method was successfully applied to monitor various water samples and conclusively highlighted the excellent flexibility
and practicability of Fe3O4/ZIF-8 for analyzing emerging environmental contaminants in various types of water samples.
Imine Bond- and Coordinate Bond-Linked pH-Sensitive Cisplatin Complex Nanoparticles for Active Targeting to Tumor Cells
Authors: Cheng Cui , Meng Yabin , Zhang Zhihong , Chen Jingdi , Zhang Qiqing
Published: February 2019

Aldehyde hyaluronic acid-cisplatin (A-HA-CDDP) complex nanoparticles were readily prepared, and CDDP was stably loaded into the core of the NPs through imine bond and coordinate bond linkages. The results show that the NPs were prepared successfully by a chemical complexation reaction
rather than by physical mixing. Compared to many CDDP and HA complex nanoparticles evaluated in other studies, A-HA-CDDP NPs with imine and coordinate bonds between the A-HA and CDDP displayed better sustained release behavior and pH sensitivity. Therefore, the acidic tumor environment could
accelerate the release of CDDP from the NPs. MTT and AO/EB staining assays showed that A-HA-CDDP NPs had comparable cell inhibition with CDDP in HeLa cells as well as little toxicity to NIH3T3 cells. This result indicates that the chemical reaction between A-HA and CDDP had little effect on
the antitumor activity of CDDP and that the NPs actively targeted CD44-rich tumor cells. Both a hemolysis test and a protein adsorption assay demonstrated that A-HA-CDDP NPs had good biocompatibility and blood circulation in vivo. Therefore, the NPs have the potential to be used for
targeted CDDP delivery in vivo. A subsequent publication will describe the circulation, targeting and tumor inhibition experiments of these NPs in vivo.
A Critical Perspective on CO2 Conversions into Chemicals and Fuels
Authors: Sun Yong , Lin Zhipeng , Peng Shao Hong , Sage Valérie , Sun Zhi
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we aim to focus on the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock for synthetic applications in chemical and fuel industries, through catalytic carboxylation and reduction reactions. Thermal catalytic conversion as well as non-thermal plasma assisted
and photocatalytic conversion CO2 into fuels such as methane, methanol, and long-chain hydrocarbons using different catalyst especially nano catalyst are also thoroughly compared and reviewed in this paper. Among currently available technical routes, the thermal catalytic conversion
of CO2 via the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis using nanoscale catalyst offers the most feasible, practical and mature alternative for industrial-scale applications on the short term basis, converting gigantic quantity of CO2 captured from power plants into hydrocarbons.
Pt/UiO-66 Nanocomposites as Catalysts for CO2 Methanation Process
Authors: Mihet Maria , Blanita Gabriela , Dan Monica , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Lazar Mihaela D
Published: February 2019

Pt/UiO-66 nanocomposites with platinum target concentration of 3 wt.% were prepared by 3 preparation methods, characterized and tested in the CO2 methanation process. Choice of the microporous UiO-66 metal-organic framework (Zr6O4(OH)4 with
1,4-benzene-dicarboxylate ligand) as catalytic support was motivated by the CO2 chemisorption capacity (proven by CO2-TPD profiles), large specific surface area (1477 m2/g) which favors a high dispersion of metal nanoparticles and good thermal stability. The
preparation methods for the Pt/UiO-66 nanocomposites are: (1) wetimpregnation followed by reduction in H2 at 200 °C for 2 h; (2) wet-impregnation followed by reduction with an aqueous solution of NaBH4; and (3) “double-solvent” method, followed by reduction
with NaBH4. The UiO-66 based nanocomposites were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption (BET method), XRD, and SEM/TEM. The Pt/UiO-66 catalyst prepared by method 3 was chosen for catalytic testing due to its highest surface area, smallest platinum nanoparticles
(PtNPs) size, the localization of PtNPs both on the grain’s internal and external surface and best thermal stability in the desired temperature range. Its capacity to adsorb and activate CO2 and H2 was evaluated in thermo-programmed desorption experiments (H2-TPD
and CO2-TPD). Hydrogen is molecularly adsorbed, while CO2 is adsorbed both molecularly and dissociatively. The catalytic performance in the CO2 methanation process was evaluated by Temperature Programmed Reactions (TPRea, 2 °C/min, 30–350 °C),
at atmospheric pressure. The best results were obtained at 350 °C, CO2:H2 molar ratio of 1:5.2 and GHSV ═ 1650 h−1. In these conditions CO2 conversion is almost 50% and CH4 selectivity is 36%, the rest of the converted CO2
being transformed in CO.
Synergy of Pore Size and Specific Surface Area on the CO2 Sorption Performance of Nano CaO-Based Sorbents
Authors: Lu Shangqing , Lin Qirui , Wu Sufang
Published: February 2019

This study focuses on the synergy effect of pore size and specific surface area (SSA) on the carbon dioxide sorption performance. Nano CaO-based CO2 sorbents with various pore size (15–55 nm) under similar SSA, and different SSA (14.50–48.90 m2/g) under
similar pore size are prepared using selected organic templates. Results indicate that increasing the proportion of macropore in 47–96 nm could significantly improve sorbent’s sorption rate and corresponding sorption capacity. Besides, sorption capacity could be also by SSA. Moreover,
partial correlation analysis reveals that sorption capacity is slightly more dependent on average pore size than SSA.
β-Cyclodextrin/Quaternary Ammonium Salt as an Efficient Catalyst System for Chemical Fixation of CO2
Authors: Wang Sheng , Peng Jing , Yang Hai-Jian , Ban Binru , Wang Lihua , Lei Bo , Guo Cun-Yue , Hu Juncheng , Zhu Junjiang , Han Buxing
Published: February 2019

The environmental friendly biomaterial β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was used for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 with epoxides in the presence of quaternary ammonium salts as co-catalyst. The factors affecting the activity of this binary catalyst system, such
as reaction temperature, time, CO2 pressure and the mole ratio of reactants, were investigated systematically. The excellent yield of cyclic carbonate (100%) was obtained at 130 °C, 3 MPa after 5 h with the catalyst system of β-CD/tetrabutylammonium bromine (TBABr). The
catalyst system of β-CD/TBABr can also be applied to a wide substrates of epoxides with good to excellent yield and high selectivity (>99%). Recyclable ability of β-CD/TBABr can also be detected and there was no significant decline in activity after five recycles. Finally, reaction
mechanism was proposed based on the reaction results and literatures.
Designing Nanostructured Metal-Based CO2 Reduction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Feng Da-Ming , Sun Ying , Liu Zhao-Qing , Zhu Yun-Pei , Ma Tian-Yi
Published: February 2019

Capture and conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels is one of the most sought-after hot points at the scientific frontier. Driven by renewable energy derived electricity, the heterogeneous electrocatalyic CO2 reduction has attracted intensive interests
because of the easy manipulation and high-energy-density fuels supply. Metals with general abundance and robust ability for activating CO2 have been adopted as the core-atom for developing advanced CO2 reduction electrocatalysts. As the dramatic development of nano-technology,
the nanostructured metal-based materials become promising candidates for various catalytic systems. In this Review article, a general introduction and principles applied in CO2 electroreduction are summarized and discussed. Then the proposed reaction pathways of the CO2
reduction were classified and elaborated depending on the products. The state of the art advances related to the nanostructured metallic electrocatalysts are addressed as well. At last, the remaining challenges and further prospects for the construction of new nanostructured electrocatalysts
for CO2 reduction and improvement of existing ones have been presented.
Silver-Doped Antimony Trioxide Nanocomposites for the Photocatalytic Reduction of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Al-Namshah Khadijah S , Mohamed Reda M
Published: February 2019

A sol–gel technique was used to synthesize silver-doped antimony trioxide nanocomposites. Antimony trioxide and silver-doped antimony trioxide samples were characterized by multiple techniques. The TEM images reveal that antimony trioxide and silver-doped antimony trioxide nanocomposites
have nanoparticle shapes. Antimony trioxide has a wide band gap that can be controlled by the doping of silver, and the content of doped silver plays a vital role controlling the band gap energy. The photocatalytic performance of antimony trioxide and silver-doped antimony trioxide nanocomposites
was investigated via aniline preparation from the photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene. The XPS results reveal that the silver is found in the metallic silver state. Silver doping improves the photocatalytic activity of antimony trioxide for the preparation of aniline. This effect can
be ascribed to the narrowing of the band gap and the elongation of the lifetime for electron–hole recombination of antimony trioxide photocatalyst by silver doping. Thus, a photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic activity, limited band gap and improved e–h recombination
rate was synthesized by a facile sol–gel process method.
Partitioning Uncertainty Components of an Incomplete Ensemble of Climate Projections Using Data Augmentation
Authors: Evin Guillaume , Hingray Benoit , Blanchet Juliette , Eckert Nicolas , Morin Samuel , Verfaillie Deborah
Published: February 2019

The quantification of uncertainty sources in ensembles of climate projections obtained from combinations of different scenarios and climate and impact models is a key issue in climate impact studies. The small size of the ensembles of simulation chains and their incomplete sampling of scenario and climate model combinations makes the analysis difficult. In the popular single-time ANOVA approach for instance, a precise estimate of internal variability requires multiple members for each simulation chain (e.g., each emission scenario–climate model combination), but multiple members are typically available for a few chains only. In most ensembles also, a precise partition of model uncertainty components is not possible because the matrix of available scenario/models combinations is incomplete (i.e., projections are missing for many scenario–model combinations). The method we present here, based on data augmentation and Bayesian techniques, overcomes such limitations and makes the statistical analysis possible for single-member and incomplete ensembles. It provides unbiased estimates of climate change responses of all simulation chains and of all uncertainty variables. It additionally propagates uncertainty due to missing information in the estimates. This approach is illustrated for projections of regional precipitation and temperature for four mountain massifs in France. It is applicable for any kind of ensemble of climate projections, including those produced from ad hoc impact models.
Evolution of Dynamic and Thermodynamic Structures before and during Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones: Sensitivity to Vertical Wind Shear
Authors: Tao Dandan , Zhang Fuqing
Published: February 2019

This study explores the spatial and temporal changes in tropical cyclone (TC) thermodynamic and dynamic structures before, near, and during rapid intensification (RI) under different vertical wind shear conditions through four sets of convection-permitting ensemble simulations. A composite analysis of TC structural evolution is performed by matching the RI onset time of each member. Without background flow, the axisymmetric TC undergoes a gradual strengthening of the inner-core vorticity and warm core throughout the simulation. In the presence of moderate environmental shear (5–6 m s−1), both the location and magnitude of the asymmetries in boundary layer radial flow, relative humidity, and vertical motion evolve with the tilt vector throughout the simulation. A budget analysis indicates that tilting is crucial to maintaining the midlevel vortex while stretching and vertical advection are responsible for the upper-level vorticity generation before RI when strong asymmetries arise. Two warm anomalies are observed before the RI onset when the vortex column is tilted. When approaching the RI onset, these two warm anomalies gradually merge into one. Overall, the most symmetric vortex structure is found near the RI onset. Moderately sheared TCs experience an adjustment period from a highly asymmetric structure with updrafts concentrated at the down-tilt side before RI to a more axisymmetric structure during RI as the eyewall updrafts develop. This adjustment period near the RI onset, however, is found to be the least active period for deep convection. TC development under a smaller environmental shear (2.5 m s−1) condition displays an intermediate evolution between ensemble experiments with no background flow and with moderate shear (5–6 m s−1).
A novel application of ALO-based fractional order fuzzy PID controller for AGC of power system with diverse sources of generation
Authors: Patel Nimai Charan , Sahu Binod Kumar , Bagarty Durgesh Prasad , Das Pranati , Debnath Manoj Kumar
Published: February 2019

The operation and control of the modern power system has become complex and difficult due to the incessant penetration of nonconventional energy sources integrated to the power grid and the structural variation of power system with continuing escalation of power demand in recent years. This entails the implementation of intelligent control strategy for satisfactory operation of the power system. Hence, a fractional order fuzzy proportional integral derivative (FOFPID) controller is suggested in this article for automatic generation control of two unequal area interconnected power system with diverse generating units such as thermal, hydro, diesel and wind power plants. The dynamic performance of the system is investigated by using proportional integral derivative (PID), fractional order PID (FOPID), fuzzy PID (FPID) and fractional order fuzzy PID (FOFPID) controllers separately. The parameters of these controllers are optimised by using ant lion optimiser algorithm with integral time absolute error as the objective function. The supremacy of the proposed controller is established by contrasting the results with FPID, FOPID and PID controllers. It is also observed that FPID controller gives superior result than PID and FOPID controllers. Further it is found that the result of FOPID controller is better than the integer order PID controller. Finally robustness analysis is performed to confirm the robustness of the proposed controller against parametric variations and random loading of the system.
Young Soccer Players With Higher Tactical Knowledge Display Lower Cognitive Effort
Authors: Cardoso Felippe da S. L. , González-Víllora Sixto , Guilherme José , Teoldo Israel
Published: February 2019

The present study aimed to investigate whether the form and amount of declarative tactical knowledge (DTK) and procedural tactical knowledge (PTK) influence cognitive effort during soccer performance among young players. We assessed 36 male players from a Brazilian first-division soccer club; participants averaged 14.89 ( SD = 1.42) years of age. We evaluated DTK from video simulation tests and PTK through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer. We assessed cognitive effort by measures of pupil diameter using Mobile Eye Tracking-XG while players viewed soccer video scenes and made game-related play decisions. After the assessment of tactical knowledge, we categorized the sample according to players’ tactical knowledge into participants with higher and lower PTK and higher and lower DTK. Subsequently, we examined the both PTK and DTK groups on cognitive effort. Our results suggest that tactical knowledge influences cognitive effort in that players with higher PTK and DTK displayed less cognitive effort during soccer performance tasks. In conclusion, we observed that PTK and DTK influenced the cognitive effort younger soccer players expended while viewing soccer scenes and making soccer performance decisions.
Endovascular Embolization in the Treatment of Epistaxis
Authors: Huyett Phillip , Jankowitz Brian T. , Wang Eric W. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The cost‐effectiveness of endovascular embolization (EE) for intractable epistaxis has been questioned, especially as endoscopic surgical techniques have become standard of care at many institutions. Our objectives were to review the safety profile and effectiveness of EE for epistaxis.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects

There were 54 patients and 64 unique encounters. Patients were 66.7% male, with a mean age of 64.5 years. Bleeding disorders were present in 18.8%, hypertension was present in 71.7%, and 61.1% were on anticoagulant/platelet drugs.

Methods

Charts of patients undergoing EE for epistaxis between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The immediate bleeding control rate was 92.6%. Three patients died within 1 week of EE and were excluded from further analysis. Overall, 64.7% of the remaining patients had no further episodes of epistaxis. Thirteen patients (25.4%) rebled within 1 week, 11 of whom required repeat EE or operative control. Five patients (9.8%) rebled more than 1 week following the procedure with 4 requiring repeat EE or operative control. The major complication rate was 7.4% and included transient stroke, diplopia, facial skin necrosis, and extraperitoneal hemorrhage.

Conclusion

While the immediate success rate of EE for epistaxis was comparable to the literature, the overall short‐ and long‐term rebleed rate was high in this selected population. The results suggest that patients who are referred for EE represent a high‐risk group with increased risk of repeat hemorrhage and morbidity. Patients who undergo EE for epistaxis should be carefully monitored for complications, including repeat hemorrhage.
Antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta
Authors: Fujii Kosuke , Saga Toshihiko , Onoe Masahiko , Nakamoto Susumu , Kaneda Toshio , Imura Masato , Nishino Takako , Yukami Shintaro , Miyashita Naoya , Hamada Ryusuke
Published: February 2019

Purpose

We performed antegrade thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta in selected high-risk patients scheduled for open surgery, in whom an iliofemoral or abdominal aortic approach was not feasible. We present our initial experience with this approach.

Methods

Of 16 consecutive patients who underwent antegrade endovascular aneurysm repair via the ascending aorta at our institution, 3 had an emergency intervention for rupture and 3 had an urgent intervention for impending rupture or complicated aortic dissection. The procedure was scheduled in 10 patients. The median patient age was 77 years. In 13 patients, one or more concomitant procedures were performed. In 6 patients, vascular access for endovascular aneurysm repair was obtained via a branch of the replacement graft. In 10 patients, direct cannulation of the ascending aorta was carried out using 2 pursestring sutures.

Results

The initial success rate was 100%. Early mortality occurred in 2 (12.5%) patients because of multiple organ failure in one and heart failure in the other. No patient required a second intervention during follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 19 months.

Conclusion

The antegrade approach is a useful alternative in patients with no access suitable for endovascular aneurysm repair and who are not appropriate candidates for open conventional thoracic aortic surgery. This approach is applicable to selected patients.
Using Thinking Actively in a Social Context and Spirals in Living Theory research in explanations of educational influences in a global social movement
Authors: Mounter Joy , Huxtable Marie , Whitehead Jack
Published: February 2019

The article’s authors continually ask and attempt to answer questions, such as, ‘How do I improve what I am doing?’ and ‘How do we improve what we are doing?’ by researching their practice and making public what knowledge they create along the way. Here they describe Living Theory research and explain why this has enabled them to improve their practice and hold themselves to account to others and themselves to give expression in practice to their values that contribute to the flourishing of humanity. Drawing on Thinking Actively in a Social Context (TASC), the integration of research and practice is exemplified. They finally illustrate how educational professionals in diverse fields and contexts of practice have contributed to the growth of a global educational knowledge base comprising the valid values-based explanations of educational-practitioners of their educational influences in their own learning, the learning of others and the learning of the social formations they live and work in.
The prevalence of primary headache disorders in the adult population of Estonia
Authors: Toom Kati , Raidvee Aire , Allas Katri-Helena , Floria Elina , Juhkami Kristiina , Klimušev Gustav , Leping Maria , Liidemann Margot , Milovidov Alexander , Liivak Karita , Paiste Siiri , Paju Gerli , Uhs Karel , Vaikjärv Marge , Veetõusme Kristiina , Välja Priit , Braschinsky Mark
Published: February 2019

Objective

To estimate the one-year prevalence of primary headaches, most importantly migraine and tension type headache, but also other primary headaches, in Estonia.

Methods

A population-based random sample of 2162 subjects in Tartu City and Tartu County were interviewed by telephone or face to face using a previously validated questionnaire.

Results

Of the 2162 contacted participants, 1215 (56%) fully completed the study. Of these, 502 (41.3%) reported headache during the previous year. The prevalences adjusted by weighting by age, gender, education, marital status and habitat were the following: All headaches 41.0%, all migraine 17.7%, all tension-type headache 18.0%, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias 0.4%, other primary headaches 2.5%, and chronic headaches 2.7%.

Conclusion

The 1-year prevalences of primary headache disorders in Estonia are comparable to the previous findings in other European countries.
Expansion of mouse hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in three-dimensional cocultures on growth-suppressed stromal cell layer
Authors: Miyoshi Hirotoshi , Sato Chiaki , Shimizu Yuichiro , Morita Misa
Published: February 2019

With the aim of establishing an effective method to expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells for application in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we performed ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from mouse fetal liver cells in three-dimensional cocultures with stromal cells. In these cocultures, stromal cells were first cultured within three-dimensional scaffolds to form stromal layers and then fetal liver cells containing hematopoietic cells were seeded on these scaffolds to expand the hematopoietic cells over the 2 weeks of coculture in a serum-containing medium without the addition of cytokines. Prior to coculture, stromal cell growth was suppressed by treatment with the DNA synthesis inhibitor mitomycin C, and its effect on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell expansion was compared with that in control cocultures in which fetal liver cells were cocultured with three-dimensional freeze-thawed stromal cells. After coculture with mitomycin C-treated stromal cells, we achieved a several-fold expansion of the primitive hematopoietic cells (c-kit+ hematopoietic progenitor cells >7.8-fold, and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells >3.5-fold). Compared with control cocultures, expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells tended to be lower, although that of hematopoietic progenitor cells was comparable. Thus, our results suggest that three-dimensional freeze-thawed stromal cells have higher potential to expand hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells compared with mitomycin C-treated stromal cells.
Long-Term Efficacy of Oral Vancomycin Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile Recurrence
Authors: Knight Emmanuel M. , Schiller Daryl S. , Fulman Magda K. , Rastogi Rupangi
Published: February 2019

Background:

Limited evidence suggests that prophylactic oral vancomycin may be beneficial in preventing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) recurrence, but long-term efficacy is unknown.

Objective:

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) in preventing CDI recurrence in subjects who require subsequent antibiotic exposure.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a community hospital. A total of 91 subjects with a history of CDI between January 2013 and December 2015 who had a subsequent hospitalization requiring systemic antibiotics within 12 months were evaluated. Thirty-two subjects who received prophylaxis with oral vancomycin were compared to 59 subjects who did not receive prophylaxis.

Results:

CDI recurrence within 12 months was significantly lower in subjects receiving OVP compared to those who did not receive OVP (6.3% vs 28.8%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.77; P = .011) including patients whose previous CDI was an initial episode (3.7% [1/27] vs 28.3% [15/53]; OR: 10.3; 95% CI: 1.28-82.6; P = .009).

Conclusion:

Use of OVP in subjects with a history of CDI up to 12 months prior to subsequent antibiotic exposure appears to reduce the risk of CDI recurrence for up to 12 months.
Utility of osteopontin in cerebrospinal fluid as a diagnostic marker for neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kitagori K , Yoshifuji H , Oku T , Ayaki T , Kuzuya A , Nakajima T , Akizuki S , Nakashima R , Murakami K , Ohmura K , Hirayama Y , Takahashi R , Mimori T
Published: February 2019

The whole protein of osteopontin (OPN full) and its cleaved form (OPN N-half) are involved in the immune response and the migration of immune cells to an inflammatory lesion. We have reported that serum OPN full and urine OPN N-half are elevated in lupus nephritis (LN). Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a refractory complication of SLE. To investigate whether OPN full and OPN N-half could serve as diagnostic markers for NPSLE, and to elucidate their role in NPSLE pathogenesis, the concentrations of OPN full and OPN N-half in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured in NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients. We found that the concentration of OPN full in the CSF was significantly higher in NPSLE than in non-NPSLE, and it decreased after treatment. When the cutoff value of OPN full in CSF was set to 963.4 ng/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of NPSLE were 70% and 100%, respectively. The correlation analysis of OPN full, OPN N-half and various cytokines/chemokines suggested that the cytokines/chemokines could be divided into two clusters: cluster A, which contains OPN full and cluster B, which contains interleukin-6. OPN full in CSF could be a novel diagnostic marker for NPSLE.
Bayesian semiparametric growth models for measurement error and missing data in CD4/CD8 ratio: Application to AIDS Study
Authors: Dagne Getachew A
Published: February 2019

In clinical research and practice, there is often an interest in assessing the effect of time varying predictors, such as CD4/CD8 ratio, on immune recovery following antiretroviral therapy. Such predictors are measured with errors, and ignoring those measurement errors during data analysis may lead to biased results. Though parametric methods have been used for reducing biases, they usually depend on untestable assumptions. To relax those assumptions, this paper presents semiparametric mixed-effect models which deal with predictors having measurement errors and missing values. We develop a fully Bayesian approach for fitting these models and discriminating between patients who are potentially progressors or nonprogressors to severe disease condition (AIDS). The proposed methods are demonstrated using real data from an AIDS clinical study.
Mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic properties of hybrid graphene/glass fiber/epoxy composite
Authors: Kunrath Kamila , Kerche Eduardo Fischer , Rezende Mirabel Cerqueira , Amico Sandro Campos
Published: February 2019

This study presents the development of a novel three-component composite based on glass fiber/epoxy resin/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) aiming to obtain radar absorbing material (RAM). The composite was produced by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding and characterized under tensile and flexural testing, reflectivity, and electrical conductivity analyses. The mechanical properties were not significantly affected by the incorporation of GNP nanofiller. However, electrical conductivity of the three-component composites increased sharply and the percolation threshold was reached with around 3 wt% GNP (surface conductivity) and 4 wt% GNP (volumetric conductivity). Furthermore, reflectivity showed excellent attenuation (up to 99.99%) in the 8.2–12.4 GHz frequency range. These attenuation levels were obtained even at low concentrations (0.1 wt%) of GNP nanofiller, indicating the possibility of producing composites with low cost and easy processing for advanced applications as RAMs.
Profiles of Diagnosed and Undiagnosed College Students Meeting ADHD Symptom Criteria
Authors: Wood Whitney L. M. , Lewandowski Lawrence J. , Lovett Benjamin J.
Published: February 2019

Objective: This study compared the psychological profiles of college students who self-reported an ADHD diagnosis in contrast to students without a diagnosis who reported above-threshold ADHD symptoms. Method: A large sample of college students yielded four subgroups: students with a self-reported diagnosis who met symptom criteria (Diagnosed, n = 40), students with a self-reported diagnosis who did not meet symptom criteria (Low Symptoms, n = 47), students who had no diagnosis and did not meet symptom criteria (Controls, n = 87), and students who had no diagnosis yet met symptom criteria (Undiagnosed, n = 38). All participants completed a battery of self-report rating scales assessing a variety of symptom and impairment domains. Results: The Diagnosed and Undiagnosed groups differed significantly from Controls on all domains, while the Low Symptom group did not differ significantly from Controls in any domain. Conclusion: Implications for engaging with reported diagnosis of ADHD in the college population are discussed.
Lingual Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma in a 1-Year-Old Infant: Youngest Reported Case With Characteristic ASPSCR1-TFE3 Fusion
Authors: Ruffle Amy , Cameron Malcolm , Jonas Nicolaas , Levine Samantha , Mills Caroline , Hook C Elizabeth , Murray Matthew J
Published: February 2019

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an exceptionally rare non-rhabdomyosarcomatous soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS), characterized by the translocation t(X;17) p(11.2;q25). This translocation results in the chimeric ASPSCR1-TFE3 transcription factor which drives tumorigenesis. Complete surgical resection is crucial in allowing a successful outcome in these cases. Here, we describe an 11-month-old female infant who presented with a well-circumscribed lesion of the tongue, with the clinical and radiologic appearances of an infantile hemangioma. This led to an initial plan for surveillance management. However, the mass continued to enlarge and the lesion was therefore biopsied when the infant was 17 months old. Histology showed plump epithelioid tumor cells, in many places lining pseudoalveolar spaces. Occasional Pas-D inclusions were present in the cytoplasm. Immunostaining showed nuclear positivity for TFE-3. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed the presence of ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion transcripts, characteristic of the translocation t(X;17) p(11.2;q25) observed in ASPS. This represents the youngest reported ASPS case with a confirmed molecular diagnosis. Complete surgical resection was undertaken and a surveillance imaging schedule implemented. This case highlights the need for regular review of the initial diagnosis and the importance of multidisciplinary discussion and early biopsy where the clinical course does not follow that expected for the putative (nonhistologically confirmed) diagnosis.
Correlation Patterns Between DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Spainhour John CG , Lim Hong Seo , Yi Soojin V , Qiu Peng
Published: February 2019

Background:

DNA methylation is a form of epigenetic modification that has been shown to play a significant role in gene regulation. In cancer, DNA methylation plays an important role by regulating the expression of oncogenes. The role of DNA methylation in the onset and progression of various cancer types is now being elucidated as more large-scale data become available. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides a wealth of information for the analysis of various molecular aspects of cancer genetics. Gene expression data and DNA methylation data from TCGA have been used for a variety of studies. A traditional understanding of the effects of DNA methylation on gene expression has linked methylation of CpG sites in the gene promoter region with the decrease in gene expression. Recent studies have begun to expand this traditional role of DNA methylation.

Results:

Here we present a pan-cancer analysis of correlation patterns between CpG methylation and gene expression. Using matching patient data from TCGA, 33 cancer-specific correlations were calculated for each CpG site and the expression level of its corresponding gene. These correlations were used to identify patterns on a per-site basis as well as patterns of methylation across the gene body. Using these identified patterns, we found genes that contain conflicting methylation signals beyond the commonly accepted association between the promoter region methylation and silencing of gene expression. Beyond gene body methylation in whole, we examined individual CpG sites and show that, even in the same gene body, some sites can have a contradictory effect on gene expression in cancers.

Conclusions:

We observed that within promoter regions there was a substantial amount of positive correlation between methylation and gene expression, which contradicts the commonly accepted association. We observed that the correlation between CpG methylation and gene expression does not exhibit in a tissue-specific manner, suggesting that the effects of methylation on gene expression are largely tissue independent. The analysis of correlation associated with the location of the CpG site in the gene body has led to the identification of several different methylation patterns that affect gene expression, and several examples of methylation activating gene expression were observed. Distinctly opposing or conflicting effects were seen in close proximity on the gene body, where negative and positive correlations were seen at the neighboring CpG sites.
S.N. Eisenstadt’s theory of culture
Authors: Silber Ilana F.
Published: February 2019

S.N. Eisenstadt’s theory of culture has remained little examined as such. This article starts by assessing the place given to theorizing culture in the vast corpus of his writings, and the part played by successive theoretical influences, as well as shifting research priorities in that regard. The following section delineates the core arguments or ‘key ideas’ that arise from his most explicit theoretical writings with respect to culture. The article ends by positioning Eisenstadt’s approach relative to some major trends and issues in contemporary cultural sociology at large and drawing some implications for the further elaboration of a ‘strong’, modular and multi-level approach to culture.
Aerobic Exercise Therapy in Ambulatory Patients With ALS: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van Groenestijn Annerieke C. , Schröder Carin D. , van Eijk Ruben P. A. , Veldink Jan H. , Kruitwagen-van Reenen Esther T. , Groothuis Jan T. , Grupstra Hepke F. , Tepper Marga , van Vliet Reinout O. , Visser-Meily Johanna M. A. , van den Berg Leonard H.
Published: February 2019

Background: Weakness caused by motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may result in avoidance of physical activity, resulting in deconditioning and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective: To study the effectiveness of aerobic exercise therapy (AET) on disease-specific and generic HRQoL in ambulatory patients with ALS. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Using a biphasic randomization model, ambulatory ALS patients were assigned (1:1) to AET+usual care (UC), or UC. AET consisted of a 16-week aerobic cycling exercise program. Primary outcome measures were the 40-item ALS assessment questionnaire (ALSAQ-40), and the mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores of the short-form survey (SF-36), using linear mixed effects models. Per-protocol (PP) analysis was performed for those patients who attended ≥75% of the training sessions; controls were matched (1:1) by propensity score matching. Results: Of 325 screened patients, 57 were randomized: 27 to AET+UC and 30 to UC. No significant mean slope differences between groups were observed for ALSAQ-40 (-1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.6 to 0.5, P=0.172) nor for SF-36 MCS (0.24; -0.7 to 1.1, P=0.576) or PCS (-0.51; -1.4 to 0.38, P=0.263). There were no adverse events related to the AET. PP-analyses showed significantly less deterioration in ALSAQ-40 (-1.88, -3.8 to 0.0, P=0.046) in AET+UC compared to UC. Conclusions: AET+UC was not superior to UC alone in preserving HRQoL in ambulatory ALS patient. However, the study was unfortunately underpowered, because only 10 patients completed the protocol. AET+UC may preserve disease-specific HRQoL in slow progressors. Clinical trial registration number: Netherlands National Trial Register (NTR): 1616.
Using Vision to Study Poststroke Recovery and Test Hypotheses About Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Busza Ania , Schneider Colleen L. , Williams Zoë R. , Mahon Bradford Z. , Sahin Bogachan
Published: February 2019

Approximately one-third of stroke patients suffer visual field impairment as a result of their strokes. However, studies using the visual pathway as a paradigm for studying poststroke recovery are limited. In this article, we propose that the visual pathway has many features that make it an excellent model system for studying poststroke neuroplasticity and assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. First, the functional anatomy of the visual pathway is well characterized, which makes it well suited for functional neuroimaging studies of poststroke recovery. Second, there are multiple highly standardized and clinically available diagnostic tools and outcome measures that can be used to assess visual function in stroke patients. Finally, as a sensory modality, the assessment of vision is arguably less likely to be affected by confounding factors such as functional compensation and patient motivation. Given these advantages, and the general similarities between poststroke visual field recovery and recovery in other functional domains, future neurorehabilitation studies should consider using the visual pathway to better understand the physiology of neurorecovery and test potential therapeutics.
“Take a Spoonful of Concrete and Harden the **** up!”: How British Men in Hong Kong Talk About Health and Illness
Authors: Rochelle Tina L.
Published: February 2019

The present study draws on semistructured focus group discussions conducted with British men living in Hong Kong to examine how men’s constructions of masculinity influence health behavior and attitudes. Twenty-eight men aged 21–51 years were divided into groups based on age (≤35 years and ≥36 years); length of residence ranged from 2 to 20 years. Discussions were analyzed using open-ended thematic analysis. Following intensive analysis of the transcripts, four subthemes were identified and analyzed in greater detail: (a) health talk; (b) help-seeking behavior; (c) health risk; and (d) health motivations. Findings suggest a widespread endorsement of a hegemonic view of masculinity among men in the present study. Men expressed reluctance in seeking help for illness, regardless of age, particularly when experiencing symptoms of ill-health that were deemed to be “minor.” However, help seeking was embraced when it was perceived to impact masculinity, for example, when potentially related to sexual performance or function. While men in the present study were sometimes dismissive of health advice provided by family, they were more open and responsive to seeking help upon the advice of male friends. Findings are further discussed with reference to the relationships between masculinities and health; implications for health are discussed.
Enhanced tube performance evaluation and economic analysis for small diameter tube replacement
Authors: Lu Yang , Liu Jinhua , Zhang Liang , Liu Xiaode , Qiu Yuhao
Published: February 2019

In this article, eight enhanced single tubes and two smooth single tubes are selected for condensing and evaporating experiments with R134a. Heat transfer performance is compared under different test conditions. The heat transfer coefficients of small diameter enhanced tube are greater than those of large diameter tube in condensing test, while in evaporating test, the coefficients are approximately the same. The pressure drop of small diameter enhanced tube is greater than that of large diameter enhanced tube under same water flow velocity inside tube. Based on the experimental study result, a simulation model is proposed to evaluate small diameter tube replacement. The limit values of the theoretical simulation of STRPE (small tube replacement performance evaluation) are 1.257, 1.304, 1.286, 1.292 and 1.295 for tubes 1#, 2#, 3#, 4#, and 5#, respectively, for which replacement by a small diameter tube with the same enhanced fin configuration yields the same pressure drop and material consumption. According to the simulation model, the material reduction can be achieved directly for selected tubes. The study provides a reference for heat exchanger design in terms of cost reduction.