bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximal Phalanx and Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon Biomechanics in Flexor to Extensor Tendon Transfer
Authors: DiPaolo Zachary J. , Ross Matthew S. , Laughlin Richard T. , Gould Greg , Flower Katie , Kiger Lorrie , Markert Ronald J.
Published: January 2015

Background:

The flexor to extensor transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon has been a relatively common operative procedure for the treatment of a flexible hammer toe deformity and chronic metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint dislocation. A possible complication of using the tunnel technique rather than the tendon splitting technique is iatrogenic fracture through the drilled tunnel site. The purpose of this investigation was to study the FDL tendon and proximal phalanx dimensions in the area of the transfer procedure in order to improve preoperative planning and minimize postoperative complications. Additionally, this study investigated the force necessary to create a fracture in a predrilled proximal phalanx and attempted to elucidate a relationship between that force and the percentage of bone remaining after the drilling process.

Methods:

The proximal phalanx and FDL tendon of the second, third, and fourth toes from both the right and the left foot of 14 fresh frozen cadavers were dissected, and the digit was amputated at the MTP joint. A total of 84 toes (42 right, 42 left) were obtained from 14 cadavers. The diameter of the FDL tendon was measured, and the circumference and volume were calculated. Fourteen proximal phalanges of either the right or the left foot were then drilled with a 3.5-mm drill, as is often done in a tendon transfer procedure. The 14 nondrilled bones from the contralateral foot were used as matched controls. Radiographs were then taken of the proximal phalanges, and the dimensions of the drill tunnel and remaining bone were calculated. These measurements were used to calculate the volume of the bone, the volume of the drill tunnel, and the percentage of bone remaining after the drilling process. The bones were then tested for load-to-failure using a biomechanical loading apparatus.

Results:

The average bone and tendon diameter measurements showed a gradual decrease in size from the second to the fourth digits. The bone removed by drilling the tunnel accounted for approximately 20% to 30% of the total volume of bone. Half of the bones fractured with forces between 100 and 200 N, and the majority of bones with a diameter of less than 6 mm fractured with a force of less than 100 N.

Conclusions:

The average proximal phalanx and FDL tendon size both showed an overall decrease from the second to the fourth digit, albeit not symmetrically. The proximal phalanx diameter appeared to be the most important factor in determining the strength of the structure.

Clinical Relevance:

Iatrogenic fracture may occur in proximal phalanges with a diameter of bone less than 6 mm, as there may not be adequate bone strength remaining to withstand postoperative forces.
Diagnosis and Characterization of DSM-5 Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Using the Clinician-Administered Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Index
Authors: Gratz Kim L. , Dixon-Gordon Katherine L. , Chapman Alexander L. , Tull Matthew T.
Published: January 2015

Despite the inclusion of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) in the DSM-5, research on NSSID is limited and no studies have examined the full set of DSM-5 NSSID diagnostic criteria. Thus, this study examined the reliability and validity of a new structured diagnostic interview for NSSID (the Clinician-Administered NSSI Disorder Index; CANDI) and provides information on the clinical characteristics and features of DSM-5 NSSID. Data on the interrater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the CANDI and associated characteristics of NSSID were collected in a community sample of young adults ( N = 107) with recent recurrent NSSI (≥10 lifetime episodes of NSSI, at least one episode in the past year). Participants completed self-report measures of NSSI characteristics, psychopathology, and emotion dysregulation, as well as diagnostic interviews of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and lifetime mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The CANDI demonstrated good interrater reliability and adequate internal consistency. Thirty-seven percent of participants met criteria for NSSID. NSSID was associated with greater clinical and diagnostic severity, including greater NSSI versatility, greater emotion dysregulation and psychopathology, and higher rates of BPD, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence. Findings provide support for the reliability, validity, and feasibility of the CANDI.
Evaluating Measurement Invariance Between Parents Using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
Authors: Chiorri Carlo , Hall James , Casely-Hayford Jeffrey , Malmberg Lars-Erik
Published: January 2015

Parent ratings of their children’s behavioral and emotional difficulties are commonly collected via the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). For the first time, this study addressed the issue of interparent agreement using a measurement invariance approach. Data from 695 English couples (mothers and fathers) who had rated the behavior of their 4.25-year-old child were used. Given the inconsistency of previous results about the SDQ factor structure, alternative measurement models were tested. A five-factor Exploratory Structural Equation Model allowing for nonzero cross-loadings fitted data best. Subsequent invariance analyses revealed that the SDQ factor structure is adequately invariant across parents, with interrater correlations ranging from .67 to .78. Fathers reported significantly higher levels of child conduct problems, hyperactivity, and emotional symptoms, and lower levels of prosocial behavior. This suggests that mothers and fathers each provide unique information across a range of their child’s behavioral and emotional problems.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Preconditioning Attenuates Myocardium Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Upregulation of Heme Oxygenase 1 Expression
Authors: Yin Xuesong , Wang Xiaofeng , Fan Zhixin , Peng Chenghai , Ren Zhongqiao , Huang Le , Liu Zhuang , Zhao Kan
Published: January 2015

Background:

With the rise of the burden of ischemic heart disease, both clinical and economic evidence show a desperate need to protect the heart against myocardium ischemia-reperfusion injury-related complications following cardiac surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there is no effective intervention for myocardium ischemia-reperfusion injury as yet.

Methods:

We pretreated mice with 4 daily 2.0 absolute atmosphere (ATA) hyperbaric oxygen, then observed its effects on heart function parameters and infarct size following in situ ischemia-reperfusion. Multiple oxidative and inflammation products were measured in the myocardium. Next, we investigated the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt) pathway, and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the presence of myocardium ischemia-reperfusion injury, hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning, and their inhibitors and their effects on heart function parameters.

Results:

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning ameliorated the cardiac function and histological alterations induced by myocardium ischemia-reperfusion injury, decreased oxidative products and proinflammatory cytokine. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning increased expression of HO-1, which was suppressed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002, Nrf2 knockout, and Akt inhibitor triciribine. The expression of Nrf2 was enhanced by hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning, but decreased by LY294002 and triciribine. The Akt was also activated by hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning but suppressed by LY294002. The hemodynamic assays showed that cardiac function was suppressed by LY294002, Nrf2 knockout, and triciribine.

Conclusion:

These data present a novel signaling mechanism by which hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning protects myocardium ischemia-reperfusion injury via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defensive system.
Chaos control and sensitivity analysis of a double pendulum arm excited by an RLC circuit based nonlinear shaker
Authors: Marcelo Tusset Angelo , Piccirillo Vinícius , Bueno Atila Madureira , Manoel Balthazar José , Sado Danuta , Felix Jorge Luis Palacios , Brasil Reyolando Manoel Lopes Rebello da Fonseca
Published: January 2015

In this paper the dynamical interactions of a double pendulum arm and an electromechanical shaker is investigated. The double pendulum is a three degree of freedom system coupled to an RLC circuit based nonlinear shaker through a magnetic field, and the capacitor voltage is a nonlinear function of the instantaneous electric charge. Numerical simulations show the existence of chaotic behavior for some regions in the parameter space and this behaviour is characterized by power spectral density and Lyapunov exponents. The bifurcation diagram is constructed to explore the qualitative behaviour of the system. This kind of electromechanical system is frequently found in robotic systems, and in order to suppress the chaotic motion, the State-Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) control and the Nonlinear Saturation control (NSC) techniques are analyzed. The robustness of these two controllers is tested by a sensitivity analysis to parametric uncertainties.
Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams “CW-FIT” Efficacy Trial Outcomes
Authors: Kamps Debra , Wills Howard , Dawson-Bannister Harriett , Heitzman-Powell Linda , Kottwitz Esther , Hansen Blake , Fleming Kandace
Published: January 2015

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of the Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) program for improving students’ on-task behavior, and increasing teacher recognition of appropriate behavior. The intervention is a group contingency classroom management program consisting of teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors (i.e., getting the teacher’s attention, following directions, and ignoring inappropriate behaviors of peers). Seventeen elementary schools, the majority in urban and culturally diverse communities, participated in a randomized trial with 86 teachers (classrooms) assigned to CW-FIT, and 73 teachers (classrooms) assigned to the comparison group. Class-wide student on-task behavior improved over baseline levels in the intervention classes. Teachers were able to implement the intervention with high fidelity overall, as observed in adherence to 96% of the fidelity criteria on average. Teacher praise and attention to appropriate behaviors increased, and reprimands decreased. These effects were replicated in new classrooms each of the 4 years of the study, and for all years combined.
You aren’t here
Authors: Edwards-Vandenhoek Samantha
Published: January 2015

Centred on the theorization, design and implications of the Sydney Graffiti Archive, this article considers how the virtual image archive intervenes in the experience of graffiti to shift negative perceptions about graffiti as damage to cultural heritage. As a parallel discursive arena (see Fraser, 1995; Hauser, 1998), the Sydney Graffiti Archive infiltrates and transgresses normative conceptions of place and cultural narratives through the formation and circulation of unofficial visual discourses embedded in graffiti photographs. This article evaluates the place of the archive as a heuristic device and heterotopic entity and encourages new ways of seeing illicit graffiti, and other everyday digital cultures of commemoration, in that it reshapes present relations to the past through photographic reframing, image digitization, interface design and user engagement. Essentially, this research is about hacking into, recovering and honouring graffiti’s discursive sites to reimagine graffiti’s place as digital heritage.
A psychoanalytic child psychotherapy contribution to generic assessments
Authors: Mees Peta
Published: January 2015

Psychoanalytically trained child and adolescent psychotherapists have applied psychodynamic thinking to family work, consultations and brief work for some time. Findings from a research project in which the author investigated the processes involved in generic assessments undertaken by herself and what actually takes place are presented. A description of some skills and techniques used by the author are also described.
The suburbs as sites of ‘within-planning’ power relations
Authors: Mace Alan
Published: January 2015

Despite a longstanding and varied body of literature on suburban difference, a simplified narrative of the suburbs persists that is represented by a city–suburb binary. This is damaging as it undermines our understanding of the social dynamics of the places in which, in the United Kingdom, the majority of the population live. This article looks at the reasons for the persistence of a city–suburb binary. It engages with suburban housing as a Bourdieuian field in order to show how simplified characterisations of the suburban serve the interest of particular groups, including within planning. Bourdieu’s field theory offers a powerful means to understand how judgements of the suburbs are naturalised and so become common-sense truths. As field theory indicates ‘within-planning’ power relations that support particular truths, it offers the possibility of challenging these by exposing the taken-for-granted norms of the city-suburb binary.
Comparison of H–Cr single layer and Ni–P/H–Cr duplex coating
Authors: Hadipour A. , Monirvaghefi S. M.
Published: January 2015

In this study, the Ni–P/H–Cr coating from substrate to surface was deposited on copper by electroless plating (Ni–P) and electrodeposition (H–Cr). The surface morphology and cross- section observations were analysed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The results showed that the use of Ni–P layer as an undercoat before H–Cr coating the surface morphology has changed from a non-smooth state to a smooth state. In addition, the microcracks on the surface layer of H–Cr can be reduced. The loss of mass diagram and the worn surfaces indicated that using an Ni–P layer underneath the H–Cr layer increased the wear resistance.
Simian immunodeficiency virus infection and immune responses in the pig-tailed macaque testis
Authors: Winnall Wendy R , Lloyd Sarah B , De Rose Robert , Alcantara Sheilajen , Amarasena Thakshila H , Hedger Mark P , Girling Jane E , Kent Stephen J
Published: January 2015

The testis is a site of immune privilege in rodents, and there is evidence that T cell responses are also suppressed in the primate testis. Local immunosuppression is a potential mechanism for HIV persistence in tissue reservoirs that few studies have examined. The response of the pig-tailed macaque testis to SIVmac239 infection was characterized to test this possibility. Testes were surgically removed during early-chronic (10 wk) and late-chronic (24–30 wk) SIV infection in 4 animals and compared with those from 7 uninfected animals. SIV infection caused only minor disruption to the seminiferous epithelium without marked evidence of inflammation or consistent changes in total intratesticular leukocyte numbers. Infection also led to an increase in the relative proportion of testicular effector memory CD8+ T cell numbers and a corresponding reduction in central memory CD4+ T cells. A decrease in the relative proportion of resident-type CD163+ macrophages and DCs was also observed. SIV-specific CD8+ T cells were detectable in the testis, 10–11 wk after infection by staining with SIV Gag-specific or Tat-specific MHC-I tetramers. However, testicular CD8+ T cells from the infected animals had suppressed cytokine responses to mitogen activation. These results support the possibility that local immunosuppression in the testis may be restricting the ability of T cells to respond to SIV or HIV infection. Local immunosuppression in the testis may be an underexplored mechanism allowing HIV persistence.
Safe Enough? A Building Code to Protect Our Cities and Our Lives
Authors: Porter Keith A.
Published: January 2015

Seminal works on earthquake engineering hold that greater seismic resistance of building stock is impractical; that the public is unwilling to pay for it; that the public has no proper role in setting code philosophy; and that current seismic provisions encode the proper performance goals. Recent projects undermine these conventionalities. In light of performance expectations for new buildings, the code seems to almost guarantee that a future large but not very rare earthquake will damage enough buildings to displace millions of people and hundreds of thousands of businesses from a major metropolitan area, producing a catastrophe more severe than Hurricane Katrina. A discussion with the public should take place in which we reconsider how to measure risk and how to balance risk and construction cost in code objectives.
RTOG 9804: A Prospective Randomized Trial for Good-Risk Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Comparing Radiotherapy With Observation
Authors: McCormick Beryl , Winter Kathryn , Hudis Clifford , Kuerer Henry Mark , Rakovitch Eileen , Smith Barbara L. , Sneige Nour , Moughan Jennifer , Shah Amit , Germain Isabelle , Hartford Alan C. , Rashtian Afshin , Walker Eleanor M. , Yuen Albert , Strom Eric A. , Wilcox Jeannette L. , Vallow Laura A. , Small William , Pu Anthony T. , Kerlin Kevin , White Julia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9804 study identified good-risk patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a breast cancer diagnosis found frequently in mammographically detected cancers, to test the benefit of radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery compared with observation.

Patients and Methods

This prospective randomized trial (1998 to 2006) in women with mammographically detected low- or intermediate-grade DCIS, measuring less than 2.5 cm with margins ≥ 3 mm, compared RT with observation after surgery. The study was designed for 1,790 patients but was closed early because of lower than projected accrual. Six hundred thirty-six patients from the United States and Canada were entered; tamoxifen use (62%) was optional. Ipsilateral local failure (LF) was the primary end point; LF and contralateral failure were estimated using cumulative incidence, and overall and disease-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Median follow-up time was 7.17 years (range, 0.01 to 11.33 years). Two LFs occurred in the RT arm, and 19 occurred in the observation arm. At 7 years, the LF rate was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.0% to 2.2%) in the RT arm versus 6.7% (95% CI, 3.2% to 9.6%) in the observation arm (hazard ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.47; P < .001). Grade 1 to 2 acute toxicities occurred in 30% and 76% of patients in the observation and RT arms, respectively; grade 3 or 4 toxicities occurred in 4.0% and 4.2% of patients, respectively. Late RT toxicity was grade 1 in 30%, grade 2 in 4.6%, and grade 3 in 0.7% of patients.

Conclusion

In this good-risk subset of patients with DCIS, with a median follow-up of 7 years, the LF rate was low with observation but was decreased significantly with the addition of RT. Longer follow-up is planned because the timeline for LF in this setting seems protracted.
Large Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy As a Predictor of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Disseminated Germ Cell Tumors Treated With Chemotherapy
Authors: Srikanthan Amirrtha , Tran Ben , Beausoleil Michel , Jewett Michael A.S. , Hamilton Robert J. , Sturgeon Jeremy F.G. , O'Malley Martin , Anson-Cartwright Lynn , Chung Peter W.M. , Warde Padraig R. , Winquist Eric , Moore Malcolm J. , Amir Eitan , Bedard Philippe L.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, a mainstay of treatment for disseminated germ cell tumors (GCTs), is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Many patients with disseminated GCTs have large retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN) metastases that may cause venous stasis and increase the risk of VTE development. We hypothesized that there was an association between large RPLN and chemotherapy-associated VTE risk.

Patients and Methods

The training cohort was composed of patients with disseminated GCT receiving first-line chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between January 2000 and December 2010. Large RPLN was defined as more than 5 cm in maximal axial diameter. The predictive and discriminatory accuracies of a model using large RPLN in predicting VTE were compared with high-risk Khorana score (≥ 3) using logistic regression and area under receiver operator characteristic curves (AUROCs). The model was externally validated in a cohort of patients treated at the London Health Sciences Centre.

Results

The training cohort comprised 216 patients, 21 (10%) of whom developed VTE during chemotherapy. VTE was associated with large RPLN (odds ratio [OR], 5.26; P = .001), high-risk Khorana score (OR, 11.8; P < .001), intermediate-/poor-risk disease (OR, 3.76; P = .005), and hospitalization during chemotherapy (OR, 4.24; P = .002). Large RPLN showed higher discriminatory accuracy than high-risk Khorana score (AUROC, 0.71 v 0.67, respectively). Superior discriminatory accuracy of large RPLN over high-risk Khorana score was validated in the London cohort (AUROC, 0.61 v 0.57, respectively).

Conclusion

Large RPLN is associated with VTE in patients with disseminated GCT and provides higher discriminatory accuracy than high-risk Khorana score. Results should be validated in larger, prospective studies. Prophylactic anticoagulation may be considered in high-risk patients.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Treatment in Patients With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update 2014
Authors: Lyman Gary H. , Bohlke Kari , Khorana Alok A. , Kuderer Nicole M. , Lee Agnes Y. , Arcelus Juan Ignacio , Balaban Edward P. , Clarke Jeffrey M. , Flowers Christopher R. , Francis Charles W. , Gates Leigh E. , Kakkar Ajay K. , Key Nigel S. , Levine Mark N. , Liebman Howard A. , Tempero Margaret A. , Wong Sandra L. , Somerfield Mark R. , Falanga Anna
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To provide current recommendations about the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines from November 2012 through July 2014. An update committee reviewed the identified abstracts.

Results

Of the 53 publications identified and reviewed, none prompted a change in the 2013 recommendations.

Recommendations

Most hospitalized patients with active cancer require thromboprophylaxis throughout hospitalization. Routine thromboprophylaxis is not recommended for patients with cancer in the outpatient setting. It may be considered for selected high-risk patients. Patients with multiple myeloma receiving antiangiogenesis agents with chemotherapy and/or dexamethasone should receive prophylaxis with either low–molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or low-dose aspirin. Patients undergoing major surgery should receive prophylaxis starting before surgery and continuing for at least 7 to 10 days. Extending prophylaxis up to 4 weeks should be considered in those undergoing major abdominal or pelvic surgery with high-risk features. LMWH is recommended for the initial 5 to 10 days of treatment for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as well as for long-term secondary prophylaxis (at least 6 months). Use of novel oral anticoagulants is not currently recommended for patients with malignancy and VTE because of limited data in patients with cancer. Anticoagulation should not be used to extend survival of patients with cancer in the absence of other indications. Patients with cancer should be periodically assessed for VTE risk. Oncology professionals should educate patients about the signs and symptoms of VTE.
Ammonia Synthesis Using Ti and Nb Nitride Nanoparticles Prepared by Mesoporous Graphitic C3N4
Authors: Kumagai Hiromu , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Kubota Jun , Domen Kazunari
Published: January 2015

TiN and NbN nanoparticles were synthesized from mesoporous graphitic C3N4 (mpg-C3N4) as a reactive template and used as the catalyst for ammonia synthesis. The obtained TiN and NbN nanoparticles possess high surface areas of 299 and 275 m2 g−1, respectively, making them attractive for use in catalysis and support. Although most of the TiN and NbN particles show no measurable activity for ammonia formation, the nanoparticles enabled an ammonia synthesis rate of 31 µmol h−1 g-cat−1 at 673 K and 0.1 MPa of synthesis gas (N2 + 3H2) for both TiN and NbN catalysts. It is evident that the formation of nanoparticles with high nitride surface area is essential for the materials to function as catalysts in ammonia synthesis. The addition of Fe to TiN enhanced the ammonia synthesis activity, whereas it had detrimental effects on the catalytic activity of NbN. The properties of these catalysts in ammonia synthesis are discussed.
Total Syntheses of (±)-Gephyrotoxin and (±)-Perhydrogephyrotoxin
Authors: Shirokane Kenji , Tanaka Yuya , Yoritate Makoto , Takayama Nobuaki , Sato Takaaki , Chida Noritaka
Published: January 2015

This article describes the full details of our total syntheses of gephyrotoxin and perhydrogephyrotoxin. Our central strategy toward the total synthesis is based on the use of an N-methoxy group as a reactivity control element. The N-methoxyamide group enabled unique transformations, involving i) the direct coupling reaction of the N-methoxyamide with an aldehyde, and ii) the amide-selective reductive allylation. These reactions were never accomplished without the assistance of the N-methoxy group. The amide-selective reductive allylation of the N-methoxyamide was especially practical, and excluded a number of extra steps including protecting group manipulations and redox reactions in the total syntheses.
TiO2 Supported on Quartz Wool for Photocatalytic Oxidation of Hydrogen Sulphide
Authors: Grześkowiak Magdalena , Wróbel Rafał J. , Moszyński Dariusz , Mozia Sylwia , Grzechulska-Damszel Joanna , Morawski Antoni W. , Przepiórski Jacek
Published: January 2015

A spacial system consisting of TiO2 on a fibrous support was prepared by hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide in the presence of quartz wool, followed by calcination. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption at 77 K, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The TiO2/support system was examined as a photocatalyst for UV-assisted oxidation of H2S in air. The results obtained confirmed a superior performance of the TiO2/support system over TiO2 powder. H2S underwent oxidation to elemental sulphur and/or S6+. The relative amounts of these species were influenced by humidity.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan/Kaolin/Fe3O4 Magnetic Microspheres and Their Application for the Removal of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Ma Wei , Dai Jiangdong , Dai Xiaohui , Yan Yongsheng
Published: January 2015

In this study, a magnetically separable adsorbent [chitosan (CTS)/kaolin/Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres] was prepared by emulsion crosslinking. The prepared microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized microspheres were used as adsorbents for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) from an aqueous solution. Adsorption of CIP from the aqueous solution was investigated in terms of adsorbent dose, initial pH (pH0) and initial concentration. The optimal pH0 for CIP adsorption was found to be 6. Highest adsorption capacity was achieved with an adsorbent dose of 15 mg. The adsorption kinetics were well described by the pseudo-second-order equation and the adsorption isotherms were fitted to the Langmuir model. Reusability experiments using CTS/kaolin/Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres showed that the adsorption capacity of these microspheres had no observable deterioration in performance even after four repeated cycles. Results of the adsorption–desorption experiments suggest that CTS/kaolin/Fe3O4 microspheres can be used as promising adsorbents for removing CIP from wastewater.
Breakthrough Curve Analysis for Fixed-Bed Adsorption of Azo Dyes Using Novel Pine Cone—Derived Active Carbon
Authors: Samarghandi Mohammad R. , Hadi Mahdi , McKay Gordon
Published: January 2015

A novel activated carbon has been produced from pine cone, a sustainable resource, by phosphoric activation at 900 °C. The BET surface area of the activated carbon was 869 m2/g and the methylene blue isotherm area was 734 m2/g. The adsorption of two single-component acid azo dyes, Acid Blue 113 (AB113) and Acid Black 1 (AB1), onto this activated carbon was studied using fixed-bed adsorption. Breakthrough curves and equilibrium isotherms were obtained for the adsorption of these two dyes onto the prepared active carbon. The highest adsorption capacities achieved for AB113 and AB1 were 485 and 286 mg dye/g carbon, respectively. Two-column breakthrough curve models were applied to correlate the experimental adsorption breakthrough curves for each dye: the Thomas model, based on solid-phase internal diffusion, has been applied with considerable success; and the saturation isotherm model approach of Michaels was used with a reasonable degree of success.
Adsorption—Desorption Dynamics of Alcohols on H-Beta and H-CMK Zeolites Nanocrystallites Studied by Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method
Authors: Filippov A.P. , Strizhak P.E. , Vlasenko N.V. , Kochkin Yu.N. , Serebrii T.G.
Published: January 2015

The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method was used to study the adsorption–desorption dynamics of alcohols on the zeolite nanocrystallites (diameter, 200 nm). The mass transfer of C1–C4 alcohols on zeolites H-Beta and H-CMK nanocrystallites in the pulse and steady-flow modes at 100 °C and p/ps < 0.04 was studied with the QCM method. Experimental results show that the adsorption–desorption dynamics of various alcohols on the nanocrystallites is governed by diffusion in micropores, which is characterized by effective diffusion coefficients Defmicro = 10−13 to 10−15 cm2 s−1. Slow mass transfer of alcohols in the micropores of zeolites indicates natural limitations on the rate of the acid–base heterogeneously catalytic reactions over these solids.
Human Islet Morphology Revisited
Authors: Bonner-Weir Susan , Sullivan Brooke A. , Weir Gordon C.
Published: January 2015

There has been great interest in understanding how human islets differ from rodent islets. Three major issues about human islet morphology have remained controversial over recent decades: 1) the proportion of the islet made up of β-cells; 2) whether islet cell types have a non-random mantle-core pattern, as seen in rodents, or are randomly scattered throughout the islet; 3) the relation of the different cell types to the blood vessels within the islet, which has implications for intraislet function. We re-examined these issues on immunostained sections of non-diabetic adult human pancreas. The composition of the islets can vary by the analysis method (number vs volume) and by the sampling of islets by size. The majority of adult human islets have clear, non-random clustering of β-cells and blood vessels that penetrate into the β-cell cores. We conclude that although there is far more variability in islet composition both within each human pancreas and among different human pancreas than in rodent pancreas, the islet architecture is not so different between the species. The intrapancreatic variability raises important questions about how islets evolve and function throughout life and how this might relate to the pathogenesis of diabetes.
La pedagogía y la epistemología sometidas a examen. El inesperado potencial de la pedagogía «liberal» de John Elliott para la enseñanza de contenidos en las ciencias sociales y humanas
Authors: Villacañas De Castro Luis S.
Published: January 2015

En un intento por analizar en profundidad la contribución de John Elliott al campo de los estudios curriculares, el siguiente artículo comienza situando el trabajo de este pedagogo en el contexto de los debates ideológicos fundamentales del siglo XX, cuyas consecuencias determinaron el campo de las ciencias humanas y sociales. El posicionamiento de Elliott en esta encrucijada ideológica se define como «liberal», a causa de la manera en la que conectó su propia filosofía de la educación con la esfera de la ética y de los medios de la educación, en oposición a perspectivas finalistas de la educación, como la consolidación de conocimientos objetivos. La segunda parte de este trabajo explora la pedagogía de Elliott desde el punto de vista del potencial que ésta pueda tener para sugerir un enfoque curricular que, en contra de su propia perspectiva, defienda la objetividad de las ciencias sociales y humanas, así como la necesidad de que los estudiantes aprendan ciertos contenidos. En contraste con las intenciones del propio Elliott, el artículo llega a la conclusión de que el hecho de que los estudiantes participen en la misma realidad social que deben llegar a comprender, plantea obstáculos pedagógicos (emocionales y de interacción), de cara a cuya superación los principios de Elliott se revelarían particularmente efectivos.
Nachrichtenmedien im digitalen Wandel
Authors: Hagenah Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Für die IFLA Newspapers Section (künftig: News Media Section) hat sich mit der Retrodigitalisierung und der Entwicklung neuer digitaler Nachrichtenmedien das thematische Spektrum erheblich ausgeweitet. Fachtagungen 2014 behandelten u. a. digitale Pflichtexemplarsammlungen und neue Aufgaben der Bibliotheken bei Nachrichtenmedien, die Digitalisierung von Zeitungen, insbesondere das Europeana Newspapers Project, Nutzungsszenarien und Aktivitäten von Bibliotheken für attraktive, nutzerfreundliche Zugänge zu historischem Zeitungsmaterial. U. a. werden OCR-Verbesserung, Named Entity Recognition und automatisierte Linking-Verfahren als Wege zur Recherche-Optimierung für Zeitungen behandelt.
Complexity issues for the symmetric interval eigenvalue problem
Authors: Hladík Milan
Published: January 2015

We study the problem of computing the maximal and minimal possible eigenvalues of a symmetric matrix
when the matrix entries vary within compact intervals. In particular, we focus on computational complexity of
determining these extremal eigenvalues with some approximation error. Besides the classical absolute and relative
approximation errors, which turn out not to be suitable for this problem, we adapt a less known one related to
the relative error, and also propose a novel approximation error. We show in which error factors the problem is
polynomially solvable and in which factors it becomes NP-hard.
Vietoris topology on spaces dominated
by second countable ones
Authors: Islas Carlos , Jardon Daniel
Published: January 2015

For a given space X let C(X) be the family of all compact subsets of X. A space X is dominated by a space
M if X has an M-ordered compact cover, this means that there exists a family F = {FK : K ∈ C(M)} ⊂ C(X)
such that ∪ F = X and K ⊂ L implies that FK ⊂ FL for any K;L ∈ C(M). A space X is strongly dominated
by a space M if there exists an M-ordered compact cover F such that for any compact K ⊂ X there is F ∈ F
such that K ⊂ F . Let K(X) D C(X)\{Ø} be the set of all nonempty compact subsets of a space X endowed with
the Vietoris topology. We prove that a space X is strongly dominated by a space M if and only if K(X) is strongly
dominated by M and an example is given of a σ-compact space X such that K(X) is not Lindelöf. It is stablished
that if the weight of a scattered compact space X is not less than c, then the spaces Cp(K(X)) and K(Cp(X)) are
not Lindelöf Σ. We show that if X is the one-point compactification of a discrete space, then the hyperspace K(X)
is semi-Eberlein compact.
Reporting for China: Cosmopolitan Attitudes and the “Chinese Perspective” among Chinese Correspondents Abroad
Authors: Nyíri Pál
Published: January 2015

Western scholars’ and policy analysts’ attention to the expansion of China’s media abroad has focused on the state’s strategy of soft power behind the global spread of institutions such as Xinhua and China Central Television, on the propagandistic image of China that these institutions seek to project in their foreign-language programming, and on the potential damage to media freedom in Africa and elsewhere. No attention has been paid to the reverse: how the emergence of a global network of Chinese correspondents impacts dominant Chinese views of the world and China’s place in it. The ethnographic research project on which this article is based reverses this lens, seeking to understand how Chinese journalists who report for PRC media from abroad see their work, what stories about the world they want to tell Chinese audiences about the world and how their choices are shaped by state policies, institutional pressures and individual preferences. Its preliminary conclusion is that while the lifestyles of the new generation of correspondents are increasingly cosmopolitan, this does not necessarily translate into more innovative or reflexive reporting.
New Public Diplomacy Meets Old Public Diplomacy – the Case of China and Its Confucius Institutes
Authors: Hartig Falk
Published: January 2015

The idea of soft power – the ability to attract others by means of culture, political values and policies – is broadly debated in the context of the re-emergence of China. Less attention has been given to public diplomacy, the actual instrument governments use to mobilize these soft power resources. This paper goes beyond the literature on China’s soft power and focuses on the instrument of public diplomacy. The two paradigms of old and new public diplomacy help to tackle the idea that China is an undifferentiated, monolithic entity acting with a single, unitary logic across cultural domains. Confucius Institutes (CIs), as one important tool of China’s public diplomacy, illustrate this as they include non-Chinese non-state actors into China’s external communication efforts. This approach requires and encourages more dialogue and greater exchange between the stakeholders which co-create messages about China for foreign audiences. Nevertheless, the paper argues that CIs at the same time also illustrate that China’s public diplomacy system largely remains state-centric which limits its influence to shape China’s image and project its soft power.
Projecting the Good Life at Home and Abroad: Lineages of the Chinese National Image from 1949 to the Present
Authors: Hulme Alison
Published: January 2015

Both post-1949 Maoist China and post-1978 reform China have seen a national image of “the good life” imprinted on the domestic public imagination. In both cases such images seek to mobilize the Chinese people towards a vision of a better life. In both, the idea of “industriousness” is present, but the vision of what constitutes “the good life” has changed significantly, becoming more determinedly modernist and outward-looking. With the Beijing Olympics of 2008 and the Shanghai World Expo of 2010, suddenly the vision of the good life was not only a national call to arms for industriousness, but also a vision of China projected globally, yet in a way that, domestically, served to maintain the continuity of the communist party in a fast-changing socio-political landscape. So, while the desire for “the good life” remains a national call to arms, the projected images of it may well now depict a drastically different vision of what it actually consists of. Comparison between 1950s Mao propaganda posters and those from other eras will be used in this article to explore the continuity of political rhetoric surrounding “the good life” in contemporary China.
The Politics of Affect in Confucius Institutes: Re-orienting Foreigners towards the PRC
Authors: Schmidt Heather
Published: January 2015

This article examines the use of material objects and interactive technologies in Confucius Institutes (CIs) as a means of affectively engaging foreign audiences. By asking for an emotional investment in Chinese culture on the part of foreigners, CIs work to re-orient audiences outside China towards the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in positive ways. In particular, I examine a museum-like exhibit space in CI headquarters titled the China Exploratorium. While the exhibit ostensibly is meant to provide a brief overview of China, its culture and history, the space is less about cognitive learning and more about experiential learning. The Exploratorium invites bodily engagement with interactive displays as a means of getting foreign visitors to “feel” Chinese culture. This article explores three techniques used in the exhibit whereby affect is potentially produced (interactive displays, insertion of the self into the exhibit, and touristic devices). These techniques aim to make Chinese culture fun, entertaining and enjoyable, and the PRC a happy (and thus benign) place by association.
The effect of hybrid nanoparticle with silica sol as the supporter on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Li Juan , Qin Shuhao , He Wentao , Xiang Yushu , Zhang Qin , Zhang Kai , Zhang Minmin , Zhou Ying , Yu Jie
Published: January 2015

Colloidal dispersions of hybrid nanoparticles with silica sol as the supporter (PKSol) were prepared by supporting aromatic phosphate on silica sol via a chemical action with γ-aminopropyltrimethylsilane (KH550) as a linker in wet process for the first time. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated that hybrid nanoparticles with an average size of about 200 nm were formed and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of the ultrafine silica sols within the hybrid particles, which exhibited “currant-bun” particle morphologies, rather than typical “core-shell” structures for most polymer-encapsulated silica particles. Compared to aromatic phosphate alone and silane-modified silica sol, the effect of PKSol on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) was investigated using a polarized optical microscope (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results demonstrated that PKSol showed superior nucleating ability on iPP than the other two. After adding 0.2 wt% PKSol, the crystallization peak temperature of iPP increased from 116.35°C to 120.81°C and the crystallinity increased from 39.6% to 50%. Correspondingly, the haze decreased from 37.6% to 23.3% and mechanical properties were improved.
The crystal structure of the compound Pb6Cu+(AsO3)2Cl7 discovered in the ancient slags of Lavrion, Greece
Authors: Zubkova Natalia V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Pekov Igor V. , Van Konstantin V. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu. , Katerinopoulos Athanassios , Voudouris Panagiotis , Magganas Andreas
Published: January 2015

Lead and copper(I) chloride arsenite was found in the ancient metallurgic slag from the Vrissaki area, Lavrion district, Attikí Peninsula, Greece. Its chemical composition corresponds to the idealized formula Pb6Cu+(AsO3)2Cl7. The IR spectrum shows the presence of

A
s

O
3

3
−

$AsO_3^{3 - }$

anions and only a trace amount of O–H bonds. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R(F) = 0.0304 based on 1778 unique reflections with I > 2σ(I). The compound is trigonal (rhombohedral), R3̅, a = 9.8691(2), c = 34.2028(13) Å, V = 2885.01(14) Å3, Z = 6. Two crystallographically non-equivalent As3+ cations occupy apexes of the AsO3 pyramids. Cu+ cation occupies an apex of the CuCl3 pyramid. The group [Cl3Cu–AsO3] is arranged along the c axis. Pb cations occupy two sites with seven- and eight-fold coordination. The crystal-chemical formula of the compound is Pb6(Cu+Cl3)(As3+O3)2Cl4.
The importance of T⋯T⋯T angles in the feasibility of zeolites
Authors: Liu Xuehua , Valero Soledad , Argente Estefania , Botti Vicente , Sastre German
Published: January 2015

The database of prospective zeolites (www.hypotheticalzeolites.net) has been screened in search of feasible zeolites. Previous criteria of zeolite feasibility have been reviewed, based on descriptors such as energy, density, average and distribution of ring sizes, and more importantly that of Li et al. (LID criteria) presented recently [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
2013, 52, 1673], based on Si–O, O⋯O, and Si⋯Si distances of SLC-minimised structures. In spite of the still large number of feasible zeolites according to this and other criteria, a number of researchers wonder why there are so many feasible and so few synthesised zeolites. Without answering this difficult question, a new criteria is proposed in this study based on the fact that T⋯T⋯T angles (T is tetrahedral atom) show specific ranges of values depending on the ring size to which they belong. Based on improved definitions to count and enumerate rings in zeolites, and with data from the IZA database, we introduce the TTT criteria, which we propose to use after the LID criteria, to further narrow the space of feasible zeolites.
Ultra-High-Performance-Concrete Advancements and Industrialization—The Need for Standard Testing
Authors: Perry V. H.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an historical perspective of the development and current testing procedures of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) in North America, and explores the need for specific standardized tests for UHPC. A review of the applications utilizing the UHPC technology, projects completed over the past 20 years and promising applications, such as precast bridge deck elements, field-cast UHPC connections for accelerated bridge construction, underground utility systems, architectural building components, urban furniture, security, and others, are covered. The fundamentals of the technology, material properties of UHPC, design details, project profiles, and testing methods for UHPC are included. By utilizing the UHPC material’s unique combination of superior properties including strength, durability, ductility, workability, and aesthetics in conjunction with precast elements and field-cast methodologies, the built infrastructure performance is advanced, accelerated, and improved. Benefits include: simplified construction techniques, speed of construction, improved durability, reduced maintenance, reduced out-of-service, minimum interruption, reduced element size and complexity, extended usage life, and improved resiliency.
Ultra-High Performance Concrete History and Usage by the Corps of Engineers
Authors: Green Brian H. , Moser Robert D. , Scott Dylan A. , Long Wendy R.
Published: January 2015

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has conducted research on ultra-high performance concretes (UHPCs) since the late 1980 s. The primary focus has been on military and civil works infrastructure applications. The research included the development of a UHPC material called Cor-Tuf Baseline, which includes several derivatives including a patented material. This paper presents the ERDC's historical experience with UHPCs, including constituent materials, laboratory-scale production, and heat treatment, typical microstructure, and pathways for scaling up production. Case studies are also presented on ongoing research focused on the use of fiber-reinforced UHPCs for repair and retrofit of armor plate systems in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) inland navigation civil works infrastructure and ongoing long-term field durability testing at the Treat Island Natural Weathering Station near Eastport, ME.