bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment ofBacillus cereusgroup brain abscesses with a combination of high-dose ciprofloxacin and vancomycin
Authors: Vidanaral Amila Heendeniya , Kasper Ken , Karlowsky James , Walkty Andrew
Published: September 2017

Central nervous system (CNS) infections (e.g., brain abscess, meningitis) caused by members of the Bacillus cereus group are rare, but the associated crude mortality is significant. The optimal antimicrobial regimen for patients with these infections remains poorly defined. This report describes a case of multiple brain abscesses in an immunocompromised patient caused by a member of the B. cereus group. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of high-dose ciprofloxacin and vancomycin, providing evidence for the clinical utility of this therapeutic regimen.
Dog Ownership, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Veterinary Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Corrigan Virginia K. , Pierce Bess J. , Hosig Kathy
Published: September 2017

The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity in veterinary students. The secondary objective was to gain an understanding of veterinary students' health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and whether dog ownership and/or physical activity were associated with HRQOL measures. Veterinary students were invited to complete surveys between September and November 2015. The primary outcome for multivariate analyses was self-reported physical activity. Bivariate analyses and descriptive statistics were performed to assess student HRQOL. The survey response rate was 33% (152/460). Self-efficacy to exercise (p<.001, OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.46–3.44) and dog ownership (p=.01, OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.31–8.71) independently predicted meeting physical activity guidelines when controlling for other variables. About two thirds of respondents met physical activity guidelines. Veterinary students had significantly worse self-reported mental health scores when compared to both national and state averages. Neither dog ownership nor meeting physical activity guidelines were significantly associated with measures of HRQOL. The poor mental health status of veterinary students remains a significant issue for the profession to address. Longitudinal studies are needed that examine the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes in this population.
Pure arterial malformations
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Cloft Harry J. , Flemming Kelly D. , Comelli Simone , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

Over the last half century, there have been isolated case reports of purely arterial malformations. In this study, the authors report a consecutive series of patients with pure arterial malformations, emphasizing the clinical and radiological features of these lesions.

METHODS

Pure arterial malformations were defined as dilated, overlapping, and tortuous arteries with a coil-like appearance and/or a mass of arterial loops without any associated venous component. Demographic characteristics of the patients, cardiovascular risk factors, presentation, radiological characteristics, and follow-up data were collected. Primary outcomes were new neurological symptoms including disability, stroke, and hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Twelve patients meeting the criteria were identified. Ten patients were female (83.3%) and 2 were male (16.6%). Their mean age at diagnosis was 26.2 ± 11.6 years. The most common imaging indication was headache (7 patients [58.3%]). In 3 cases the pure arterial malformation involved the anterior cerebral arteries (25.0%); in 4 cases the posterior communicating artery/posterior cerebral artery (33.3%); in 2 cases the middle cerebral artery (16.6%); and in 1 case each, the superior cerebellar artery, basilar artery/anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The mean maximum diameter of the malformations was 7.2 ± 5.0 mm (range 3–16 mm). Four lesions had focal aneurysms associated with the pure arterial malformation, and 5 were partially calcified. In no cases was there associated intracranial hemorrhage or infarction. One patient underwent treatment for the pure arterial malformation. All 12 patients had follow-up (mean 29 months, median 19 months), and there were no cases of disability, stroke, or hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Pure arterial malformations are rare lesions that are often detected incidentally and probably have a benign natural history. These lesions can affect any of the intracranial arteries and are likely best managed conservatively.
Geriatric comanagement reduces perioperative complications and shortens duration of hospital stay after lumbar spine surgery: a prospective single-institution experience
Authors: Adogwa Owoicho , Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Vuong Victoria D. , Moreno Jessica , Cheng Joseph , Karikari Isaac O. , Bagley Carlos A.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

Geriatric patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery have unique needs due to the physiological changes of aging. They are at risk for adverse outcomes such as delirium, infection, and iatrogenic complications, and these complications, in turn, contribute to the risk of functional decline, nursing home admission, and death. Whether preoperative and perioperative comanagement by a geriatrician reduces the incidence of in-hospital complications and length of in-hospital stay after elective lumbar spine surgery remains unknown.

METHODS

A unique model of comanagement for elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery was implemented at a major academic medical center. The Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health (POSH) program was launched with the aim of improving outcomes in elderly patients (> 65 years old) undergoing complex lumbar spine surgery. In this model, a geriatrician evaluates elderly patients preoperatively, in addition to performing routine preoperative anesthesia surgical screening, and comanages them daily throughout the course of their hospital stay to manage medical comorbid conditions and coordinate multidisciplinary rehabilitation along with the neurosurgical team. The first 100 cases were retrospectively reviewed after initiation of the POSH protocol and compared with the immediately preceding 25 cases to assess the incidence of perioperative complications and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-five patients undergoing lumbar decompression and fusion were enrolled in this pilot program. Baseline characteristics were similar between both cohorts. The mean length of in-hospital stay was 30% shorter in the POSH cohort (6.13 vs 8.72 days; p = 0.06). The mean duration of time between surgery and patient mobilization was significantly shorter in the POSH cohort compared with the non-POSH cohort (1.57 days vs 2.77 days; p = 0.02), and the number of steps ambulated on day of discharge was 2-fold higher in the POSH cohort (p = 0.04). Compared with the non-POSH cohort, the majority of patients in the POSH cohort were discharged to home (24% vs 54%; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Geriatric comanagement reduces the incidence of postoperative complications, shortens the duration of in-hospital stay, and contributes to improved perioperative functional status in elderly patients undergoing elective spinal surgery for the correction of adult degenerative scoliosis.
Systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma: a case of spontaneous regression of intramedullary spinal cord, cerebral, and cutaneous lesions
Authors: Morice Anne , Fraitag Sylvie , Miquel Catherine , Rose Christian Sainte , Puget Stéphanie
Published: September 2017

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare disease that belongs to the non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses. It presents a wide clinical spectrum, usually occurs before 5 years of age, and is commonly confined to the skin; however, it can affect multiple sites, including the nervous system, and can lead to severe disorders. Although JXG is a benign disease that usually regresses spontaneously, several curative treatments have been proposed in cases of organ involvement. Treatment options include corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, these can have severe, long-term adverse effects in children.

The authors here describe the first case of spontaneous resolution of an intramedullary spinal cord lesion of JXG associated with cerebral and cutaneous lesions in a young boy with 9 years of follow-up. The initial neurological symptoms resolved without any surgical or medical treatment. This case shows that extracutaneous lesions of JXG, including those with intramedullary spinal cord involvement, can regress without curative treatment—like cutaneous lesions—although both multidisciplinary care and close follow-up should be implemented.
Simulating the vibration increase of the transformer iron core due to the DC bias
Authors: Liu Chunming , Li Xiaohan , Li Xinjie
Published: September 2017

Transformers in the power systems are sometimes influenced by the DC bias and produce abnormal vibration or noise. This paper presents a method to simulate the transformer vibration increase due to the DC bias. A three-dimensional finite element model coupling the circuit – magnetic field – mechanical field is established for the simulating. Firstly, the 3D magnetic field in the iron core is calculated through combing the circuit equation and magnetic field equation. Secondly, the magnetostrictive force derived from the magnetic field is used to establish the transient structural force field model, so that the vibration displacement can be calculated. Based on the method, the vibration at different positions of the transformer iron core with different DC bias is investigated. The simulation shows that the vibration of the iron core is quite sensitive to the DC bias. The vibration amplitude significantly increases and the vibration waveform becomes asymmetrical and sharp with the increase of DC current. The odd frequency component, represented by 50 Hz and 150 Hz, appears and grows faster than the 100 Hz and 200 Hz component. The model and the simulation results can be used to guide the structural designing of transformers and promote the fault diagnosis method of transformers based on the vibration signal monitoring.
Numerical study on key parameters of ferrofluid seal with large gap and two magnetic sources
Authors: Chen Fan , Yang Xiaolong , Gao Shanghan , Chen Yanhui
Published: September 2017

In order to improve the pressure capacity of ferrofluid seal with large gap, ferrofluid sealing structure with two magnetic sources was designed. The magnetic field distributions in its sealing gap were analyzed by finite element method. The effects of sealing gap, ratio of permanent magnet length to its height, slot width and ratio of the pole piece height to the shaft radius on ferrofluid seal have been investigated. The results show that the pressure capacity of ferrofluid seal decreased significantly with the increase of the sealing gap. Its pressure capacity increases initially, then decreases and remains unchanged at last with the increase of the ratio of permanent magnet length to its height. Its pressure capacity decreases firstly and then increases with the increase of the slot width. Its pressure capacity increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of the ratio of the pole piece height to the shaft radius.
A comparison of sensor-based issuing policies in the perishables supply chain
Authors: Salinas Segura Alexander , Thiesse Frédéric
Published: September 2017

Wireless sensor technologies open up new possibilities for optimizing product quality and spoilage in the perishables supply chain. In particular, the processing of sensor data such as temperature information allows for the construction of novel issuing policies in retail distribution centres for fresh or frozen goods (e.g., meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, flowers). The objective of the present study is to investigate the potential of sensor-based issuing policies in comparison to classical policies based on identity and expiry information. In a simulation study, we consider a three-echelon supply chain model, including a manufacturer, a distribution centre, and a retail store. We investigate the impact of different combinations of issuing policies and customer withdrawal behaviours on the quality of sold goods and total spoilage. Our results show that sensor-based issuing policies may pose an effective complement to conventional issuing policies. However, they also indicate that wireless sensors are no one-size-fits-all solution and that important trade-offs must be taken into account in the selection of a specific policy.
Effects of the Cardio First AngelTM on chest compression performance
Authors: Guenther S.P.W. , Schirren M. , Boulesteix A.L. , Busen H. , Poettinger T. , Pichlmaier A.M. , Khaladj N. , Hagl C.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain poor. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for survival and feedback devices could improve its quality.

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated the quality of chest compression when using the Cardio First Angel[Formula: see text] (CFA) feedback device compared to standard basic life support (BLS). The analysis focused on laymen.

METHODS:

Laymen without ([Formula: see text] 43) and with ([Formula: see text] 96) explanation of the device, medical students ([Formula: see text] 128) and medical staff ([Formula: see text] 27) performed 60 seconds of standard versus assisted chest compression using the CFA on a resuscitation manikin. Compression frequency, depth and position were analyzed according to current guidelines.

RESULTS:

Laymen showed significantly better success rates regarding correct compression depth when using the CFA (23.3% vs. 55.8%, [Formula: see text] 0.004 and 25.0% vs. 52.1%, [Formula: see text] 0.001, laymen without and with explanation of the device, respectively). Medical students likewise improved (22.7% vs. 42.2%, [Formula: see text] 0.004). Hand positioning was 100% correct in all groups with the device. Improvement in frequency yielded by the CFA was more pronounced for probands with fears of contact ([Formula: see text] 0.02). The benefit of using the device did not differ significantly in laymen with or without explanation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Chest compression as performed by laymen was significantly improved with regard to compression depth when using the CFA for guidance and feedback. With the device, no cases of incorrect hand positioning occurred in any group.
Treatment of renal cell carcinoma: Current status and future directions
Authors: Barata Pedro C. , Rini Brian I.
Published: September 2017

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Over the past 12 years, medical treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has transitioned from a nonspecific immune approach (in the cytokine era), to targeted therapy against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and now to novel immunotherapy agents. Multiple agents—including molecules against vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor, and related receptors; inhibitors of other targets, such as the mammalian target of rapamycin and the MET and AXL tyrosine‐protein kinase receptors; and an immune‐checkpoint inhibitor—have been approved based on significant activity in patients with advanced RCC. Despite these advances, important questions remain regarding biomarkers of efficacy, patient selection, and the optimal combination and sequencing of agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize present management and future directions in the treatment of metastatic RCC. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:507‐524. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Design and Experimental Development of a Pneumatic Stiffness Adjustable Foot System for Biped Robots Adaptable to Bumps on the Ground
Authors: Zang Xizhe , Liu Yixiang , Li Wenyuan , Lin Zhenkun , Zhao Jie
Published: September 2017

Walking on rough terrains still remains a challenge that needs to be addressed for biped robots because the unevenness on the ground can easily disrupt the walking stability. This paper proposes a novel foot system with passively adjustable stiffness for biped robots which is adaptable to small-sized bumps on the ground. The robotic foot is developed by attaching eight pneumatic variable stiffness units to the sole separately and symmetrically. Each variable stiffness unit mainly consists of a pneumatic bladder and a mechanical reversing valve. When walking on rough ground, the pneumatic bladders in contact with bumps are compressed, and the corresponding reversing valves are triggered to expel out the air, enabling the pneumatic bladders to adapt to the bumps with low stiffness; while the other pneumatic bladders remain rigid and maintain stable contact with the ground, providing support to the biped robot. The performances of the proposed foot system, including the variable stiffness mechanism, the adaptability on the bumps of different heights, and the application on a biped robot prototype are demonstrated by various experiments.
The Effect of Magnetic Field on Thermal-Reaction Kinetics of a Paramagnetic Metal Hydride Storage Bed
Authors: Shafiee Shahin , McCay Mary , Kuravi Sarada
Published: September 2017

A safe and efficient method for storing hydrogen is solid state storage through a chemical reaction in metal hydrides. A good amount of research has been conducted on hydrogenation properties of metal hydrides and possible methods to improve them. Background research shows that heat transfer is one of the reaction rate controlling parameters in a metal hydride hydrogen storage system. Considering that some very well-known hydrides like lanthanum nickel (LaNi5) and magnesium hydride (MgH2) are paramagnetic materials, the effect of an external magnetic field on heat conduction and reaction kinetics in a metal hydride storage system with such materials needs to be studied. In the current paper, hydrogenation properties of lanthanum nickel under magnetism were studied. The properties which were under consideration include reaction kinetics, hydrogen absorption capacity, and hydrogenation time. Experimentation has proven the positive effect of applying magnetic fields on the heat conduction, reaction kinetics, and hydrogenation time of a lanthanum nickel bed. However, magnetism did not increase the hydrogenation capacity of lanthanum nickel, which is evidence to prove that elevated hydrogenation characteristics result from enhanced heat transfer in the bed.
Conductive Cotton Filters for Affordable and Efficient Water Purification
Authors: Li Fang , Xia Qin , Cheng Qianxun , Huang Mingzhi , Liu Yanbiao
Published: September 2017

It is highly desirable to develop affordable, energy-saving, and highly-effective technologies to alleviate the current water crisis. In this work, we reported a low-cost electrochemical filtration device composing of a conductive cotton filter anode and a Ti foil cathode. The device was operated by gravity feed. The conductive cotton filter anodes were fabricated by a facile dying method to incorporate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as fillers. The CNTs could serve as adsorbents for pollutants adsorption, as electrocatalysts for pollutants electrooxidation, and as conductive additives to render the cotton filters highly conductive. Cellulose-based cotton could serve as low-cost support to ‘host’ these CNTs. Upon application of external potential, the developed filtration device could not only achieve physically adsorption of organic compounds, but also chemically oxide these compounds on site. Three model organic compounds were employed to evaluate the oxidative capability of the device, i.e., ferrocyanide (a model single-electron-transfer electron donor), methyl orange (MO, a common recalcitrant azo-dye found in aqueous environments), and antibiotic tetracycline (TC, a common antibiotic released from the wastewater treatment plants). The devices exhibited a maximum electrooxidation flux of 0.37 mol/h/m2 for 5.0 mmol/L ferrocyanide, of 0.26 mol/h/m2 for 0.06 mmol/L MO, and of 0.9 mol/h/m2 for 0.2 mmol/L TC under given experimental conditions. The effects of several key operational parameters (e.g., total cell potential, CNT amount, and compound concentration) on the device performance were also studied. This study could shed some light on the good design of effective and affordable water purification devices for point-of-use applications.
How Can Elispot Add Information to Improve Knowledge on Tropical Diseases?
Authors: Lima-Junior Josué , Morgado Fernanda , Conceição-Silva Fátima
Published: September 2017

Elispot has been used as an important tool for detecting immune cells’ products and functions and has facilitated the understanding of host-pathogen interaction. Despite the incredible diversity of possibilities, two main approaches have been developed: the immunopathogenesis and diagnosis/prognosis of infectious diseases as well as cancer research. Much has been described on the topics of allergy, autoimmune diseases, and HIV-Aids, however, Elispot can also be applied to other infectious diseases, mainly leishmaniasis, malaria, some viruses, helminths and mycosis usually classified as tropical diseases. The comprehension of the function, concentration and diversity of the immune response in the infectious disease is pointed out as crucial to the development of infection or disease in humans and animals. In this review we will describe the knowledge already obtained using Elispot as a method for accessing the profile of immune response as well as the recent advances in information about host-pathogen interaction in order to better understand the clinical outcome of a group of tropical and neglected diseases.
Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Stemming from Castor Oil: Green Synthesis and Their Application in Wood Bonding
Authors: Li Shaolong , Xu Changlian , Yang Wenfeng , Tang Qingru
Published: September 2017

We report an efficient and green approach to synthesize a linear castor oil-based polyurethane (CPU) without using any solvent or catalyst. Diol monomers were first synthesized by the aminolysis reaction between castor oil and diamines; this was accomplished within 6 h at 130 °C. Polymerization of the diols and isocyanate was further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and gel permeation chromatography analyses. The resultant CPUs showed a good thermal stability with an initial degradation temperature higher than 300 °C, and their mechanical and wood bonding property can be modulated by the structures of diamine. In addition, the CPUs possessed a satisfying water resistance property with the water absorption amount lower than 2%. The green conversion of castor oil to thermoplastic polyurethane affords new opportunities in bio-based industries.
Prediction of the Corrosion Current Density in Reinforced Concrete Using a Self-Organizing Feature Map
Authors: Nikoo Mehdi , Sadowski Łukasz , Nikoo Mohammad
Published: September 2017

A disadvantage of using linear polarization resistance (LPR) in the measurement of corrosion current density is the need to partially destroy a concrete cover. In this article, a new technique of predicting the corrosion current density in reinforced concrete using a self-organizing feature map (SOFM) is presented. For this purpose, air temperature, and also the parameters determined by the resistivity four-probe method and galvanostatic resistivity measurements, were employed as input variables. The corrosion current density, predicted by the destructive LPR method, was employed as the output variable. The weights of the SOFM were optimized using the genetic algorithm (GA). To evaluate the accuracy of the SOFM, a comparison with the radial basis function (RBF) and linear regression (LR) was performed. The results indicate that the SOFM–GA model has a higher ability, flexibility, and accuracy than the RBF and LR.
Novel Electrodeposited Ni-B/Y2O3 Composite Coatings with Improved Properties
Authors: Shakoor Rana , Waware Umesh , Ali Kamran , Kahraman Ramazan , Popelka Anton , Yusuf Moinuddin , Hasan Anwarul
Published: September 2017

Ni-B/Y2O3 composite coatings were developed through an electrodeposition process to study the effect of addition of Y2O3 particles on structure, surface, thermal, mechanical, and anticorrosion properties of Ni-B coatings. It is revealed that parent crystal structure of Ni-B matrix is preserved by addition of Y2O3, however, a noticeable improvement in crystallinity is observed. The analysis of the surface exhibits formation of dense and nodular deposits in the two types of coatings, but incorporation of Y2O3 particles in Ni-B matrix has resulted in a noteworthy change in grain size and surface roughness. Thermal analysis of the surfaces indicates that Ni-B-Y2O3 composite coatings demonstrate superior thermal stability compared to Ni-B coatings. The nanoindentation analysis shows a significant enhancement in the mechanical characteristics of the Ni-B matrix by addition of Y2O3 particles. This may be contemplated as the result of grain refinement and dispersion hardening of the Ni-B matrix by the presence of hard Y2O3 particles. A decent improvement in the corrosion protection efficiency (73.6%) is also observed by addition of Y2O3 particles into Ni-B matrix. Simultaneous improvement of mechanical and anticorrosion properties suggests potential applications of Ni-B-Y2O3 coatings in oil and gas, automobile, and many other industries.
Atomistic Studies of Nanoindentation—A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Ruestes Carlos , Alhafez Iyad , Urbassek Herbert
Published: September 2017

This review covers areas where our understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanoindentation has been increased by atomistic studies of the nanoindentation process. While such studies have been performed now for more than 20 years, recent investigations have demonstrated that the peculiar features of nanoplasticity generated during indentation can be analyzed in considerable detail by this technique. Topics covered include: nucleation of dislocations in ideal crystals, effect of surface orientation, effect of crystallography (fcc, bcc, hcp), effect of surface and bulk damage on plasticity, nanocrystalline samples, and multiple (sequential) indentation. In addition we discuss related features, such as the influence of tip geometry on the indentation and the role of adhesive forces, and how pre-existing plasticity affects nanoindentation.
Evaluating the Irregularity of Natural Languages
Authors: Hernández-Gómez Candelario , Basurto-Flores Rogelio , Obregón-Quintana Bibiana , Guzmán-Vargas Lev
Published: September 2017

In the present work, we quantify the irregularity of different European languages belonging to four linguistic families (Romance, Germanic, Uralic and Slavic) and an artificial language (Esperanto). We modified a well-known method to calculate the approximate and sample entropy of written texts. We find differences in the degree of irregularity between the families and our method, which is based on the search of regularities in a sequence of symbols, and consistently distinguishes between natural and synthetic randomized texts. Moreover, we extended our study to the case where multiple scales are accounted for, such as the multiscale entropy analysis. Our results revealed that real texts have non-trivial structure compared to the ones obtained from randomization procedures.
Marine Renewable Energy in the Mediterranean Sea: Status and Perspectives
Authors: Soukissian Takvor , Denaxa Dimitra , Karathanasi Flora , Prospathopoulos Aristides , Sarantakos Konstantinos , Iona Athanasia , Georgantas Konstantinos , Mavrakos Spyridon
Published: September 2017

In this work, an extended overview of the marine renewable energy in the Mediterranean Sea is provided as regards current status, potential problems, challenges, and perspectives of development. An integrated and holistic approach is necessary for the economic viability and sustainability of marine renewable energy projects; this approach comprises three different frameworks, not always aligned, i.e., geotechnical/engineering, socio-economic, and environmental/ecological frameworks. In this context, the geomorphological, climatological, socio-economic, and environmental/ecological particularities of the Mediterranean basin are discussed, as they constitute key issues of the spatial context in which marine renewable energy projects are to be implemented. General guidelines for the sustainable development of marine renewable energy in the Mediterranean are also provided.
Falls and Fear of Falling among Persons Who Receive Housing Adaptations—Results from a Quasi-Experimental Study in Sweden
Authors: Carlsson Gunilla , Nilsson Maria , Ekstam Lisa , Chiatti Carlos , Malmgren Fänge Agneta
Published: September 2017

While health might deteriorate through the ageing and disablement process, the impacts of disability can be reduced by adapting the environment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of applying a standardized research-based strategy to housing adaptation as compared to ordinary practice with respect to falls and fear of falling. Another aim was to investigate the overall effects of housing adaptations on fall-related outcomes over time. In total, 196 clients were included at baseline, with follow-up at 3 and 6 months after the housing adaptation was implemented. The only significant difference between the two approaches was identified with respect to fear of falling at 3 months after the housing adaptation, but not after 6 months. The number of clients reporting actual falls increased over time in both sites, whereas the number of reported near-falls decreased most in the intervention site, but without significant differences. Thus, the patterns of differences between the sites are inconsistent, as are the patterns of change in fall-related outcomes. An overall conclusion is that if the goal is to improve fall-related outcomes, housing adaptation should be complemented with other interventions preventing falls and explicitly address the clients’ activity limitations. In addition, longer follow-up times are necessary.
The Mechanism of Inhomogeneous Grain Refinement in a NiTiFe Shape Memory Alloy Subjected to Single-Pass Equal-Channel Angular Extrusion
Authors: Zhang Yanqiu , Jiang Shuyong
Published: September 2017

Based on electron backscattered diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy observation, the mechanism of inhomogeneous grain refinement in a NiTiFe shape memory alloy (SMA) subjected to single-pass equal-channel angular extrusion (ECAE) was investigated. The results show that refined grains are mainly nucleated near grain boundaries and a small fraction of them emerges in the grain interior. The size of refined grains increases as deformation temperature increases, which indicates that a higher deformation temperature is adverse to grain refinement in the ECAE of NiTiFe SMAs. It is the accumulation and rearrangement of geometrically necessary dislocations as plastic strain increases that leads to the transition of lower angle subgrain boundaries, and finally higher angle subgrain boundaries are induced and finer grains are formed. Due to the limitation of slip systems, the mechanism of grain refinement in a NiTiFe SMA subjected to ECAE is different from that in face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic crystals. Dislocation cells and shear bands are two transition microstructures of grain refinement in the ECAE of NiTiFe SMAs. The nucleation of fine grains mainly occurs along shear bands or grain boundaries, which leads to the inhomogeneity of grain refinement.
Novel Recycling Method for Boron Removal from Silicon by Thermal Plasma Treatment Coupled with Steam and Hydrogen Gases
Authors: Baek Su-Hyun , Lee Hyunjae , Min Dong-Joon , Choi Su-Ji , Moon Byung-Moon , Jung Hyun-Do
Published: September 2017

Boron (B) separation from photovoltaic silicon (Si) remains a research challenge in the recycling field. In this study, a novel B-removal process was developed using thermal plasma treatment coupled with steam and hydrogen gases. Experiments were performed on artificially B-doped Si using various plasma conditions of mixed argon (Ar)/steam/hydrogen gases and varied refining time. The B concentration in all of the samples decreased with increasing refining time. The use of the plasma mixed with Ar/steam/hydrogen gases resulted in a significant improvement of the efficiency of B removal compared with the Ar/steam plasma refining. In addition, with increasing steam content in the plasma with mixed Ar/steam/hydrogen gases, the B-removal rates increased.
N-(4-bromophenethyl) Caffeamide Protects Skin from UVB-Induced Inflammation Through MAPK/IL-6/NF-κB-Dependent Signaling in Human Skin Fibroblasts and Hairless Mouse Skin
Authors: Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Wu Po-Yuan , Chen Chien-Wen , Lin Ping , Wen Kuo-Ching , Lin Chien-Yih , Chiang Hsiu-Mei
Published: September 2017

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes skin inflammation and aging. N-(4-bromophenethyl) caffeamide (K36H) possesses antioxidant and antimelanogenic properties. The present study investigated the effects of K36H on UVB-induced skin inflammation in human skin fibroblasts and hairless mice and evaluated the underlying mechanisms. The in vitro results indicated that K36H reduced UVB-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) expression. Furthermore, K36H treatment reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts by regulating IκB and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) expression. In the animal study, topically applied K36H markedly reduced inflammation and skin thickness and prevented photodamage to the skin of hairless mice. In addition, K36H inhibited the levels of UV-upregulated inflammation-related proteins levels such as IL-1, iNOS, and NF-κB in the dermis of hairless mice. Our findings demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of K36H in human skin fibroblasts and hairless mice. Therefore, K36H can be developed as an antiphotodamage and antiphotoinflammation agent.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Systems in Supramolecular Macrocyclic Chemistry
Authors: Lou Xin-Yue , Song Nan , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: September 2017

The fabrication of smart materials is gradually becoming a research focus in nanotechnology and materials science. An important criterion of smart materials is the capacity of stimuli-responsiveness, while another lies in selective recognition. Accordingly, supramolecular host-guest chemistry has proven a promising support for building intelligent, responsive systems; hence, synthetic macrocyclic hosts, such as calixarenes, cucurbiturils, cyclodextrins, and pillararenes, have been used as ideal building blocks. Meanwhile, manipulating and harnessing light artificially is always an intensive attempt for scientists in order to meet the urgent demands of technological developments. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), known as a well-studied luminescent activity and also a powerful tool in spectroscopic area, has been investigated from various facets, of which the application range has been broadly expanded. In this review, the innovative collaboration between FRET and supramolecular macrocyclic chemistry will be presented and depicted with typical examples. Facilitated by the dynamic features of supramolecular macrocyclic motifs, a large variety of FRET systems have been designed and organized, resulting in promising optical materials with potential for applications in protein assembly, enzyme assays, diagnosis, drug delivery monitoring, sensing, photosynthesis mimicking and chemical encryption.
Special Issue: Sulfonamides
Authors: Supuran Claudiu
Published: September 2017

The sulfonamides and their structurally related derivatives, such as the sulfamates and sulfamides, possess the general formula A-SO2NHR, in which the functional group is either directly bound to an aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic, or sugar scaffold (of type A), or appended to such a scaffold via a heteroatom, most frequently oxygen or nitrogen (leading thus to sulfamates and sulfamides, respectively) [...]
Ionic Liquid Confined in Mesoporous Polymer Membrane with Improved Stability for CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Tan Ming , Lu Jingting , Zhang Yang , Jiang Heqing
Published: September 2017

Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) have a promising prospect of application in flue gas separation, owing to its high permeability and selectivity of CO2. However, existing SILMs have the disadvantage of poor stability due to the loss of ionic liquid from the large pores of the macroporous support. In this study, a novel SILM with high stability was developed by confining ionic liquid in a mesoporous polymer membrane. First, a mesoporous polymer membrane derived from a soluble, low-molecular-weight phenolic resin precursor was deposited on a porous Al2O3 support, and then 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([emim][BF4]) was immobilized inside mesopores of phenolic resin, forming the SILM under vacuum. Effects of trans-membrane pressure difference on the SILM separation performance were investigated by measuring the permeances of CO2 and N2. The SILM exhibits a high ideal CO2/N2 selectivity of 40, and an actual selectivity of approximately 25 in a mixed gas (50% CO2 and 50% N2) at a trans-membrane pressure difference of 2.5 bar. Compared to [emim][BF4] supported by polyethersulfone membrane with a pore size of around 0.45 μm, the [emim][BF4] confined in a mesoporous polymer membrane exhibits an improved stability, and its separation performance remained stable for 40 h under a trans-membrane pressure difference of 1.5 bar in a mixed gas before the measurement was intentionally stopped.
Pro-Inflammatory versus Immunomodulatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles in the Lung: The Critical Role of Dose, Size and Surface Modification
Authors: Alessandrini Francesca , Vennemann Antje , Gschwendtner Silvia , Neumann Avidan , Rothballer Michael , Seher Tanja , Wimmer Maria , Kublik Susanne , Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Schloter Michael , Wiemann Martin , Schmidt-Weber Carsten
Published: September 2017

The growing use of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in consumer products raises concerns about their toxicological potential. The purpose of the study was to investigate the size- and coating-dependent pulmonary toxicity of Ag-NPs in vitro and in vivo, using an ovalbumin (OVA)-mouse allergy model. Supernatants from (5.6–45 µg/mL) Ag50-PVP, Ag200-PVP or Ag50-citrate-treated NR8383 alveolar macrophages were tested for lactate dehydrogenase and glucuronidase activity, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. For the in vivo study, NPs were intratracheally instilled in non-sensitized (NS) and OVA-sensitized (S) mice (1–50 µg/mouse) prior to OVA-challenge and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated five days after challenge. In vitro results showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity of Ag-NPs, which was highest for Ag50-polyvinilpyrrolidone (PVP), followed by Ag50-citrate, and lowest for Ag200-PVP. In vivo 10–50 µg Ag50-PVP triggered a dose-dependent pulmonary inflammatory milieu in NS and S mice, which was significantly higher in S mice and was dampened upon instillation of Ag200-PVP. Surprisingly, instillation of 1 µg Ag50-PVP significantly reduced OVA-induced inflammatory infiltrate in S mice and had no adverse effect in NS mice. Ag50-citrate showed similar beneficial effects at low concentrations and attenuated pro-inflammatory effects at high concentrations. The lung microbiome was altered by NPs instillation dependent on coating and/or mouse batch, showing the most pronounced effects upon instillation of 50 µg Ag50-citrate, which caused an increased abundance of operational taxonomic units assigned to Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. However, no correlation with the biphasic effect of low and high Ag-NPs dose was found. Altogether, both in vitro and in vivo data on the pulmonary effects of Ag-NPs suggest the critical role of the size, dose and surface functionalization of Ag-NPs, especially in susceptible allergic individuals. From the perspective of occupational health, care should be taken by the production of Ag-NPs-containing consumer products.
Graphene Quantum Dots Electrochemistry and Sensitive Electrocatalytic Glucose Sensor Development
Authors: Gupta Sanju , Smith Tyler , Banaszak Alexander , Boeckl John
Published: September 2017

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), derived from functionalized graphene precursors are graphene sheets a few nanometers in the lateral dimension having a several-layer thickness. They are zero-dimensional materials with quantum confinement and edge site effects. Intense research interest in GQDs is attributed to their unique physicochemical phenomena arising from the sp2-bonded carbon nanocore surrounded with edged plane functional moieties. In this work, GQDs are synthesized by both solvothermal and hydrothermal techniques, with the optimal size of 5 nm determined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, with additional UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing electronic band signatures in the blue-violet region. Their potential in fundamental (direct electron transfer) and applied (enzyme-based glucose biosensor) electrochemistry has been practically realized. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with GQDs and functionalized graphene (graphene oxide and reduced form). The cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used for characterizing the direct electron transfer kinetics and electrocatalytical biosensing. The well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks were observed under various electrochemical environment and conditions (pH, concentration, scan rate) to determine the diffusion coefficient (D) and first-order electron transfer rate (kET). The cyclic voltammetry curves showed homogeneous ion transport behavior for GQD and other graphene-based samples with D ranging between 8.45 × 10−9 m2 s−1 and 3 × 10−8 m2 s−1 following the order of GO < rGO < GQD < GQD (with FcMeOH as redox probe) < GOx/rGO < GOx/GO < HRP/GQDs < GOx/GQDs. The developed GOx-GQDs biosensor responds efficiently and linearly to the presence of glucose over concentrations ranging between 10 μM and 3 mM with a limit of detection of 1.35 μM and sensitivity of 0.00769 μA μM−1·cm−2 as compared with rGO (0.025 μA μM−1 cm−2, 4.16 μM) and GO (0.064 μA μM−1 cm−2, 4.82 μM) nanosheets. The relatively high performance and stability of GQDs is attributed to a sufficiently large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent biocompatibility, abundant hydrophilic edges, and a partially hydrophobic plane that favors GOx adsorption on the electrode surface and versatile architectures to ensure rapid charge transfer and electron/ion conduction (<10 ms). We also carried out similar studies with other enzymatic protein biomolecules on electrode surfaces prepared from GQD precursors for electrochemical comparison, thus opening up potential sensing applications in medicine as well as bio-nanotechnology.
Phytoestrogen Concentrations in Human Urine as Biomarkers for Dietary Phytoestrogen Intake in Mexican Women
Authors: Chávez-Suárez Karina , Ortega-Vélez María , Valenzuela-Quintanar Ana , Galván-Portillo Marcia , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , Esparza-Romero Julián , Saucedo-Tamayo María , Robles-Burgueño María , Palma-Durán Susana , Gutiérrez-Coronado María , Campa-Siqueiros Melissa , Grajeda-Cota Patricia , Caire-Juvera Graciela
Published: September 2017

There has been substantial interest in phytoestrogens, because of their potential effect in reducing cancer and heart disease risk. Measuring concentrations of phytoestrogens in urine is an alternative method for conducting epidemiological studies. Our objective was to evaluate the urinary excretion of phytoestrogens as biomarkers for dietary phytoestrogen intake in Mexican women. Participants were 100 healthy women from 25 to 80 years of age. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24 h recall were used to estimate habitual and recent intakes of isoflavones, lignans, flavonols, coumestrol, resveratrol, naringenin, and luteolin. Urinary concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) using the electrospray ionization interface (ESI) and diode array detector (DAD) (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate associations between dietary intake and urine concentrations. The habitual consumption (FFQ) of total phytoestrogens was 37.56 mg/day. In urine, the higher compounds were naringenin (60.1 µg/L) and enterolactone (41.7 µg/L). Recent intakes (24 h recall) of isoflavones (r = 0.460, p < 0.001), lignans (r = 0.550, p < 0.0001), flavonoids (r = 0.240, p < 0.05), and total phytoestrogens (r = 0.410, p < 0.001) were correlated to their urinary levels. Total phytoestrogen intakes estimated by the FFQ showed higher correlations to urinary levels (r = 0.730, p < 0.0001). Urinary phytoestrogens may be useful as biomarkers of phytoestrogen intake, and as a tool for evaluating the relationship of intake and disease risk in Mexican women.
Effects of Lateral and Terminal Chains of X-Shaped Bolapolyphiles with Oligo(phenylene ethynylene) Cores on Self-Assembly Behavior. Part 2: Domain Formation by Self-Assembly in Lipid Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Werner Stefan , Ebenhan Jan , Poppe Marco , Poppe Silvio , Ebert Helgard , Tschierske Carsten , Bacia Kirsten
Published: September 2017

Supramolecular self-assembly of membrane constituents within a phospholipid bilayer creates complex functional platforms in biological cells that operate in intracellular signaling, trafficking and membrane remodeling. Synthetic polyphilic compounds of macromolecular or small size can be incorporated into artificial phospholipid bilayers. Featuring three or four moieties of different philicities, they reach beyond ordinary amphiphilicity and open up avenues to new functions and interaction concepts. Here, we have incorporated a series of X-shaped bolapolyphiles into DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayers of giant unilamellar vesicles. The bolapolyphiles consist of a rod-like oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) core, hydrophilic glycerol-based headgroups with or without oligo(ethylene oxide) expansions at both ends and two lateral alkyl chains attached near the center of the OPE core. In the absence of DPPC and water, the compounds showed thermotropic liquid-crystalline behavior with a transition between polyphilic and amphiphilic assembly (see part 1 in this issue). In DPPC membranes, various trends in the domain morphologies were observed upon structure variations, which entailed branched alkyl chains of various sizes, alkyl chain semiperfluorination and size expansion of the headgroups. Observed effects on domain morphology are interpreted in the context of the bulk behavior (part 1) and of a model that was previously developed based on spectroscopic and physicochemical data.
Supported Ionic Liquid Silica as Curing Agent for Epoxy Composites with Improved Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Zhang Chongrui , Mi Xiaoqian , Tian Junyu , Zhang Junheng , Xu Tiwen
Published: September 2017

The present study aims to improve the mechanical properties of epoxy composite by incorporating supported ionic liquid silica (IL-silica). The IL-silica not only showed improved interfacial interaction and reinforcement, but also served as cure agent of epoxy composites. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that epoxy composites could be successfully cured with IL-silica without any routine curing agents. IL-silica/epoxy composites presented higher mechanical and thermal properties compared with epoxy composite containing un-functionalized silica (u-silica). The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of composites significantly increased with the addition of IL-silica in comparison to that with added u-silica, as well as the variation of Tg parameter. The incorporation of IL-silica simultaneously enhanced the tensile strength, toughness, and thermal stability of the epoxy composites. The considerable improvements in mechanical and thermal properties are ascribed to the improved dispersion of IL-silica and the enhanced interfacial interactions between epoxy matrix and IL-silica by strong covalent bonding, which results in an effective load transfer.